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[ { "answer_id": 82, "author": "michaelpri", "author_id": 26, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/26", "pm_score": 3, "selected": false, "text": "<p>Overloading on vitamin C won't cause death. At around 1000 mg, you will probably have nausea, diarrhea, and stomach aches. 2000 mg is the daily limit, and if you get that high, you will experience more severe side-affects such as severe headaches, vomiting, heartburn, insomnia, and even kidney stones. You probably shouldn't have that much vitamin C, so if you have to take multiple 1000 mg doses everyday, you should talk to your doctor.</p>\n\n<p>In conclusion, taking that much vitamin C is not necessarily \"dangerous\", but it can lead to major discomfort and could possible put you in the hospital.</p>\n\n<hr>\n\n<p>^{<a href=\"http://www.medicaldaily.com/vitamin-overdose-taking-too-many-vitamins-can-be-bad-your-health-how-many-would-it-315426\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Vitamin Overdose: Taking Too Many Vitamins Can Be Bad For Your Health, But How Many Would It Take To Kill You?</a>}</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 96, "author": "Miati", "author_id": 90, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/90", "pm_score": 3, "selected": false, "text": "<p>There are two important types of vitamins.</p>\n<p><strong>Fat soluble and Water Soluble.</strong></p>\n<p>Your body will store fat soluble vitamins but will discard excess water soluble vitamins in your urine. Because of this fat soluble vitamins carry a greater risk of toxicity while water soluble carry a greater risk of deficiency.</p>\n<p>Some examples of fat soluble <a href=\"http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/foodnut/09315.html\" rel=\"noreferrer\">¹</a>\n<strong>A, D, E, K</strong></p>\n<p>and water soluble <a href=\"http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/foodnut/09312.html\" rel=\"noreferrer\">²</a>\n<strong>B, C</strong></p>\n<p>You're fine with taking 1k of C everyday but it's unlikely to benefit you anymore once the body absorbs the 90mg it needs. Splitting a pill up into quarters (250mg) and consuming it with food (to increase chance of absorption) could work too.</p>\n<p>As for the dangerous part, yes. Despite what it may seem, more does not equal better. Balance and moderation is key. Anything is dangerous if overdosed, including water, oxygen, or ____</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 227, "author": "kenorb", "author_id": 114, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/114", "pm_score": 4, "selected": true, "text": "<p>Vitamin C (ascorbic acid - an antioxidant and reducing agent) is water soluble (so dietary excesses not absorbed), and excesses in the blood rapidly excreted in the urine. It exhibits remarkably low toxicity , however LD₅₀ in humans remains unknown given lack of any accidental or intentional poisoning death data.</p>\n\n<p>Government recommended intake:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><p>United States vitamin C dose recommendations:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>Recommended Dietary Allowance (adult male): 90 mg per day</li>\n<li>Recommended Dietary Allowance (adult female): 75 mg per day</li>\n<li>Tolerable Upper Intake Level (adult male): 2,000 mg per day</li>\n<li>Tolerable Upper Intake Level (adult female): 2,000 mg per day</li>\n</ul></li>\n<li>40 milligrams per day or 280 milligrams per week taken all at once: the United Kingdom's Food Standards Agency,</li>\n<li>45 milligrams per day 300 milligrams per week: the World Health Organization,</li>\n<li>80 milligrams per day: the European Commission's Council on nutrition labeling,</li>\n<li>90 mg/day (males) and 75 mg/day (females): Health Canada 2007,</li>\n<li>60–95 milligrams per day: United States' National Academy of Sciences,</li>\n<li>100 milligrams per day: Japan's National Institute of Health and Nutrition, however the NIHN did not set a Tolerable Upper Intake Level.</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Based on US upper level recommendations taking up to 1g per day is still fine, however it depends on your body tolerance and previous intake (as for some 5-10g could be still normal), especially if your body needs it for optimum health and to meet stresses or infections. Although the body's maximal store of vitamin C is largely determined by the renal threshold for blood.</p>\n\n<p>However if you exceed the upper limits of your body/bowel tolerance, in general any drug overdose is dangerous causing some side effects. Relatively large doses of ascorbic acid may cause indigestion, particularly when taken on an empty stomach and it can case diarrhoea. In one trial in 1936 (6g doses) toxic manifestations were observed in 5/29 adults and 4/93. Symptoms of Vitamin C overdose could include: skin rashes, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, facial flushing, headache, fatigue and disturbed sleep. As well as itchy skin (prurutis), dizziness and abdominal pain.</p>\n\n<p>It's usually advised to take smaller doses more frequently (e.g. ever hour), than larger doses in short amount of time in order to simulate endogenous production and increase your tolerance threshold. On the other hand your body would \"learn\" daily intake and it will expect similar doses on daily basis.</p>\n\n<p>Source: <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitamin_C\">Vitamin C</a></p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 1841, "author": "Omar Elfada", "author_id": 1272, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/1272", "pm_score": -1, "selected": false, "text": "<p>According to <a href=\"http://www.doctoryourself.com/titration.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">Dr. Cathcart's data</a> (10 years, 9,000 patients) a normal person can tolerate 4 to 15 grams of vitamin C divided into 4 to 6 doses over a period of 24 hours without having diarrhea.</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 1857, "author": "Count Iblis", "author_id": 856, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/856", "pm_score": 0, "selected": false, "text": "<p>While taking 1 gram or even more may not be acutely toxic as pointed out in the other answers, you should consider the question of why humans or other animals have not evolved to rid themselves of free radicals to the same degree as when one takes 1 gram or more of vitamin C. So, one can question if the naive picture of free radicals is actually correct, some recent research results suggest it may not be, <a href=\"http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/87/1/142.full\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">see e.g. here</a>:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>It is important to consider that free radicals are not always damaging to cells; in many cases, they serve as signals to adapt muscle cells to exercise via modulation of gene expression (9, 33). We have found that training causes an increase in 2 major antioxidant enzymes (Mn-SOD and GPx) in skeletal muscle. We were surprised to see that vitamin C prevents these beneficial effects of training. On the basis of the paradigm that enzymatic antioxidant systems such as Mn-SOD and GPx provide a first-line defense against ROS, it is expected that exercise may induce these protective mechanisms. Moderate exercise increases life span and decreases disability in rats (12) and humans (15). We report here that exercise training causes an increase in the expression of antioxidant enzymes, which is prevented by the administration of vitamin C.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>So, it is likely harmful and you should not use it. You can also take this perspective. We don't know all the relevant facts about free radicals, the way the human body gets rid of them, all the self repair mechanisms that the body does in addition to removing the free radicals, any use of free radicals in the immune system etc. etc. The simplistic idea to just flood the body with vitamin C is not based on a deep understanding of how the body actually works. The relevant mechanisms have evolved over more than 600 million years.</p>\n\n<p>Now, we know that vitamin C is produced by animals themselves who don't get it in their diet. Only when the diet contains sufficient amounts of vitamin C will the production of vitamin C have stopped. But this implies that more vitamin C is not better, because otherwise our bodies would just produce vitamin C itself in addition to what we get from food. In fact, the more we get from food the harder the body will work to remove it, but that takes a bit of time and with 1 gram per day you are going to get an equilibrium situation where there is just too much vitamin C in the body.</p>\n\n<p>Any theoretical argument why 1 gram per day is good should be based on a deep knowledge of the relevant facts which has never been presented. To the contrary, there are only good arguments why it is harmful (in the sense of not optimal for health). But of course, one can always do clinical trials, but those that have been conducted point to harmful effects consistent with the theoretical arguments.</p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/45", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/55/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 77, "author": "TheEnvironmentalist", "author_id": 11, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/11", "pm_score": 5, "selected": true, "text": "<h3>Introduction</h3>\n<p>There have been numerous studies on this topic, and there are a number of artificial sweeteners, so the following is a discussion of three of the most important, saccharin, cyclamate and aspartame, as well as three more which are currently approved for use in food by the FDA, acesulfame potassium, sucralose, and neotame, in less detail.</p>\n<h3>Saccharin</h3>\n<p>There have been over 50 studies discussing saccharin, specifically its effects on rats, especially regarding cancer. About 20 of these involved rats consuming saccharin for over 1.5 years, nineteen of which found no significant differences between rats fed saccharin and rats not fed saccharin.<a href=\"http://annonc.oxfordjournals.org/content/15/10/1460.full\" rel=\"noreferrer\">¹</a> The cancer-positive study did find a link between saccharin and bladder cancer, but used a type of rat susceptible to bladder cancer.<a href=\"http://annonc.oxfordjournals.org/content/15/10/1460.full#ref-5\" rel=\"noreferrer\">²</a> <a href=\"http://annonc.oxfordjournals.org/content/15/10/1460.full#ref-6\" rel=\"noreferrer\">³</a></p>\n<p>There have also been multi-generational studies in which saccharin was fed to rats and their offspring, and found that male, second-generation rats fed saccharin were more at risk for bladder cancer than male, second-generation rats not fed saccharin.<a href=\"http://annonc.oxfordjournals.org/content/15/10/1460.full#ref-7\" rel=\"noreferrer\">⁴</a> <a href=\"http://annonc.oxfordjournals.org/content/15/10/1460.full#ref-8\" rel=\"noreferrer\">⁵</a> However, the same link could not be found in humans, as studies have found that cancer in rats is not a good predictor of cancer in humans. For example, low doses of Vitamin C cause cancer in rats.<a href=\"http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:PTYDMGWHhfwJ:foodbiology.org/index.php/foodbio/article/download/16465/8560%20&amp;cd=2&amp;hl=en&amp;ct=clnk&amp;gl=us\" rel=\"noreferrer\">⁶</a> With no conclusive evidence linking saccharin to human health risk, bans on saccharin were lifted, at least in the United States.<a href=\"http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/WhatWeDo/History/ThisWeek/ucm117714.htmhttp://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/WhatWeDo/History/ThisWeek/ucm117714.htm\" rel=\"noreferrer\">⁷</a></p>\n<h3>Cyclamate</h3>\n<p>After being approved by the FDA for use in food in 1951, cyclamate became a common artificial sweetener in American households. After a study in 1969 found links between cyclamate and bladder cancer in rats,<a href=\"http://www.sciencemag.org/content/168/3939/1605.1.full.pdf?ijkey=16a7af61bde2e72ab732c0609872f62949fa6051&amp;keytype2=tf_ipsecsha\" rel=\"noreferrer\">⁸</a> the FDA banned cyclamate in food.</p>\n<p>Later, a long-term study was conducted in which monkeys were fed cyclamate every day for 24 years. One group was fed cyclamate at dosages equivalent to 6 cans of diet soda a day, another at dosages equivalent to 30 cans of diet soda a day. The study concluded that there is no significant link between cyclamate and cancer in monkeys.<a href=\"http://toxsci.oxfordjournals.org/content/53/1/33.full.pdf\" rel=\"noreferrer\">⁹</a> While a petition has been filed with the FDA for the lifting of the cyclamate ban, however, the petition is not being actively considered for reasons unrelated to cancer.<a href=\"http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/causes-prevention/risk/diet/artificial-sweeteners-fact-sheet\" rel=\"noreferrer\">¹⁰</a></p>\n<h3>Aspartame</h3>\n<p>Approved for use in food by the FDA in 1981, a 1996 study posited a possible link between a general increase in brain tumor incidence and aspartame.<a href=\"http://www.whilesciencesleeps.com/pdf/329.pdf\" rel=\"noreferrer\">¹¹</a> A multitude of studies followed, among the largest of which found no link between aspartame consumption and brain tumors,<a href=\"http://cebp.aacrjournals.org/content/15/9/1654.full.pdf\" rel=\"noreferrer\">¹²</a> and no link between aspartame consumption and changes in brain function.<a href=\"http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/68/3/531.full.pdf\" rel=\"noreferrer\">¹³</a></p>\n<p>At one point, an editorial intended to directly address the 1996 study revealed that the conclusion was largely the result of ecological fallacy, essentially blind assumption.<a href=\"http://annonc.oxfordjournals.org/content/15/10/1460.full\" rel=\"noreferrer\">¹⁴</a> Of course, this is a small sample of the large numbers of studies conducted, including a human study that found little evidence that aspartame is likely to act as a human brain carcinogen.<a href=\"http://jnci.oxfordjournals.org/content/89/14/1072.full.pdf\" rel=\"noreferrer\">¹⁵</a></p>\n<p>Eventually, the FDA released a statement citing a press release by the European Food Safety Authority. The statement, in addition to declaring its intent to better study aspartame, stated that the FDA has not been presented with scientific information that would support a change in its conclusions about the safety of aspartame.<a href=\"http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/2006/ucm108650.htm\" rel=\"noreferrer\">¹⁶</a></p>\n<h3>Acesulfame potassium, Sucralose and Neotame</h3>\n<p>Acesulfame potassium was approved by the FDA for use in food in 1988. Sucralose was approved by the FDA for use in food in 1998. Neotame was approved by the FDA for use in food in 2002.</p>\n<p>The FDA states that it reviewed more than 100 safety studies before approving these sweeteners, and that the results of these studies showed no evidence that these sweeteners cause cancer or pose any other threat to human health.<a href=\"http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/causes-prevention/risk/diet/artificial-sweeteners-fact-sheet\" rel=\"noreferrer\">¹⁷</a></p>\n<h3>In Short</h3>\n<p>There have been a number of studies reviewing the safety of common artificial sweeteners, with mixed results. However, the quorum conclusion appears to be that even in very high doses, these substances are safe for human consumption. Note, however, that a number of artificial sweeteners were not discussed above, some of which may pose health risks.</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 539, "author": "kenorb", "author_id": 114, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/114", "pm_score": -1, "selected": false, "text": "<h2>Aspartame</h2>\n\n<p>^{Also known as: NutraSweet, Equal, Equal-Measure, Indulge, Spoonful, Canderel, E951, APM, etc.}</p>\n\n<h3>Safety concerns and health effects</h3>\n\n<p>There are over 90 health symptoms attributed to aspartame which were submitted to the FDA.</p>\n\n<p><img src=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/6slyp.gif\" alt=\"Symptoms attributed to aspartame in complaints submitted to the FDA\"></p>\n\n<p>This include decreased cancer, tumors, vision impairment or even blindness (<a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methanol#Toxicity\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">methanol toxicity</a>), hearing impairment, neurologic, psychological, psychiatric, chest, gastrointestinal, skin and allergies, endocrine and metabolic problems and many other.</p>\n\n<p>In addition, the symptoms of Aspartame Toxicity include: brain damage, birth defects, peptic ulcers, etc.</p>\n\n<p>Headaches are the most common symptom reported by consumers^{<a href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17828671\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">2007</a>}.</p>\n\n<p>^{Source: <a href=\"http://www.sweetpoison.com/aspartame-side-effects.html\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Aspartame Side Effects at Sweet Poison</a>}</p>\n\n<p>However FDA analyzed 251 reports of seizure anecdotally associated with aspartame consumption (received through ARMS from 1986–1990) and concluded that approximately half were highly unlikely to be related to aspartame^{1992, <a href=\"http://www.mpwhi.com/rtp_aspartame_report.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">2002</a>}.</p>\n\n<h3>Controversy</h3>\n\n<p>The safety of aspartame has been the subject of several political and medical controversies since its initial approval by the FDA since 1974.</p>\n\n<p>In Nov 1996 John W. Olney, M.D, reported that brain tumor rates had risen for 17 years with a sudden 10% increase three years after aspartame was introduced. Olney linked aspartame's mutagenicity to the function of aspartate as an excitotoxic neurotransmitter.</p>\n\n<p>In 1999 Dr. Ralph Walton declared that NutraSweet-funded studies showed in general safety in comparison to 83 of 90 independent studies which showed it harmful^{<a href=\"http://www.mpwhi.com/answering_monsantos_denial.htm\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">1999</a>}.</p>\n\n<p>In <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1392232/\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">study from 2006</a> reported multiple tumors of different types and sites.</p>\n\n<p>Another <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17805418\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">study from 2007</a> showed multipotential carcinogenicity at a dose level close to the acceptable daily intake for humans and its carcinogenic effects are increased.</p>\n\n<p>Another independent self-funded 2,5-year study found huge tumors as result of putting aspartame in the form of packets of NutraSweet in the drinking water of 60 rats (a dose equivalent to that of 14 cans of diet — a number considered ‘reasonable’ by the FDA - a 50mg per kilogram ratio):</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Of the 30 females in the aspartame group, 20 or 67% developed tumors the size of golf balls or greater. Seven males from the aspartame group developed visible tumors -- 23% of all males on aspartame.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>This experiment resulted in the book: <a href=\"http://rads.stackoverflow.com/amzn/click/1439210462\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">My Aspartame Experiment: Report from a Private Citizen</a> as well as the shorter summary version <a href=\"http://rads.stackoverflow.com/amzn/click/1456377736\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Are Your Diet Sodas Killing You? Results from My Aspartame Experiment</a>.</p>\n\n<p>^{Source: <a href=\"http://myaspartameexperiment.net/summary.html\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">My Aspartame Experiment</a> (<a href=\"https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&amp;rct=j&amp;q=&amp;esrc=s&amp;source=web&amp;cd=2&amp;ved=0CCsQFjAB&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mpwhi.com%2Faspartame_study_female_rats_developed_visible_tumors.doc&amp;ei=JMIvVajvOcr5asR7&amp;usg=AFQjCNFgjhFcawMNUk0tpScPewUQ5QOOkQ&amp;sig2=tkAezw_M4ZTo2BTp3PUKXw\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">DOC</a>)}</p>\n\n<p>Aspartame researcher Dr. Soffritti did a similar pair of studies to Innes-Brown’s and his first study found that consumption of the equivalent of 4 to 5 bottles of diet soda per day yielded high rates of cancerous growths among many of his subjects.</p>\n\n<p>Such studies have indicated that aspartame can yield other more dangerous chemicals such as methanol and <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formaldehyde\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">formaldehyde</a>.</p>\n\n<p>See also:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aspartame#Safety_and_health_effects\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Aspartame: Safety</a> &amp; <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aspartame_controversy\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Aspartame controversy</a> at Wikipedia</li>\n<li><a href=\"http://www.sweetpoison.com/\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Sweet Poison - Aspartame Dangers</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"http://www.md-health.com/Aspartame-Poisoning.html\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Aspartame Poisoning</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"http://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/dailys/03/jan03/012203/02p-0317_emc-000199.txt\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Reported Aspartame Toxicity Effects</a> at FDA</li>\n<li>Documentary: <a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usGh-SRUWBQ\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Aspartame Sweet Misery, A Poisoned World</a> (<a href=\"http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0454639/\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">IMDb</a>)</li>\n<li><a href=\"http://naturalsociety.com/revealing-cancerous-truth-aspartame-artificial-sweetener/\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">The Deathly Icing On The Cake: Revealing The Cancerous Truth About Aspartame</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"http://myaspartameexperiment.net/cat7.html\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Get Support and Learn More About Aspartame</a></li>\n</ul>\n\n<hr>\n\n<h3>Method of action</h3>\n\n<p>Upon ingestion, aspartame breaks down into 3 main components^{<a href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15061638\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">2004</a>}:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>aspartic acid,</li>\n<li>phenylalanine,</li>\n<li>methanol (highly toxic, see: <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methanol#Toxicity\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">methanol poisoning</a>).</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>However according to studies the methanol from aspartame is unlikely to be a safety concern^{<a href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17828671\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">2007</a>}.</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>The weight of existing evidence is that aspartame is safe at current levels of consumption as a nonnutritive sweetener.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<h3>Conclusion</h3>\n\n<p>Aspartame has been found to be safe for human consumption by more than ninety countries worldwide with with FDA officials describing aspartame as \"one of the most thoroughly tested and studied food additives the agency has ever approved\"^{<a href=\"http://web.archive.org/web/20071214170430/www.fda.gov/fdac/features/1999/699_sugar.html\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">1999</a>}.</p>\n\n<p>The agency says the more than 100 toxicological and clinical studies it has reviewed confirm that aspartame is safe for the general population.</p>\n\n<p>Although <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NutraSweet\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">NutraSweet Co.</a> said it has plans to exit the aspartame manufacturing business to focus on more profitable lines of sugar substitutes, which will result in the closing of a plant by the end of the year^{<a href=\"http://www.marketwatch.com/story/nutrasweet-to-exit-aspartame-business-2014-09-24-17103036\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">MW</a>}.</p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/46", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/59/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 60, "author": "michaelpri", "author_id": 26, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/26", "pm_score": 5, "selected": false, "text": "<p>High consumption of sugar can up the risk of diabetes, but it is not the only contributing factor. There have been studies that have shown that sugar-sweetened drinks (mainly soda) have increased the probability of type 2 diabetes.<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23620057\">¹</a> There is a less subtle way that sugar can cause diabetes, which is by weight gain.<a href=\"http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/76/5/911.full.pdf+html\">²</a> Obesity has been shown to cause diabetes<a href=\"http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=39840\">³</a> and too much sugar can cause obesity, so technically sugar can cause obesity.</p>\n\n<p>In conclusion, sugar is fine in moderation (as most things are) and usually it won't cause diabetes. There are some links between the two though.</p>\n\n<hr>\n\n<p>^{[<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23620057\">1</a>] <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23620057\">Consumption of sweet beverages and type 2 diabetes incidence in European adults: results from EPIC-InterAct.</a>}</p>\n\n<p>^{[<a href=\"http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/76/5/911.full.pdf+html\">2</a>] <a href=\"http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/76/5/911.full.pdf+html\">Fructose, weight gain, and the insulin resistance syndrome</a>}</p>\n\n<p>^{[<a href=\"http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=39840\">3</a>] <a href=\"http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=39840\">Why Does Obesity Causes Diabetes?</a>}</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 12754, "author": "Lilibete", "author_id": 3378, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/3378", "pm_score": 2, "selected": false, "text": "<p>Consumption of carbohydrates is necessary to sustain life and mental health. Eating or drinking carbs stresses the body both when consuming too much or too little. Today's diabetic diet do include carbohydrates. </p>\n\n<p>For a little background, the pancreas serves two functional purposes. It provides the endocrine hormones that balance the sugar available in the blood stream. For the endocrine function, it produces insulin and glucagon from the Beta cells. Insulin is the catalyst for cells to pull in sugar from the blood. Glucagon tells the liver to dump glycogen to raise up blood sugar. The glucagon is dumped when the pituitary signals the adrenal glands to go into fight-or-flight mode. It boosts the available energy. Drinking simple sugars like the ones in soft drinks is an easily metabolized sugar, and it makes the pancreas work extra hard. At the same time, if the person has insulin resistance, the pancreas has to pump out even more to get the sugar from the blood into cells. Eventually the pancreas just stops functioning when it is worked too hard.</p>\n\n<p>The second function of the pancreas is exocrine, and it produces enzymes to help the body digest food and absorb vitamins. One of the enzymes also aids in the digestion of carbohydrates. </p>\n\n<p>So to make a long story short, yes, consuming high amounts of sugar may increase your risk of diabetes, especially type 2. However, the bigger risks factors, for diabetes and the potential of pancreatic cancer, are stress, alcohol consumption and eating red meats. </p>\n\n<p>Here is a link to the American Diabetes Association answering your very <a href=\"http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/myths/?loc=db-slabnav\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">question</a>. Here is more information about how to treat your pancreas with <a href=\"https://www.pancan.org/facing-pancreatic-cancer/diet-and-nutrition/diabetes-and-pancreatic-cancer/\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">respect</a>. The pancreas will demand respect eventually, and working with it helps to ease many complications of disease.</p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/51", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/52/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 85, "author": "michaelpri", "author_id": 26, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/26", "pm_score": 7, "selected": true, "text": "<h3>20-20-20 Rule</h3>\n<p>Every 20 minutes of looking at the screen, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Also, try to blink a lot.</p>\n<h3>Adjusting settings</h3>\n<p>Using a larger font to read helps to reduce eye strain. Adjusting your brightness helps, usually brighter screens are better in brighter rooms, dimmer screens are better in dark rooms.</p>\n<p>Also, try to make your computer screen lower than your eyes; more of your eye is covered by your eyelid when you look down, so there will be more lubrication and you will subconsciously blink more.</p>\n<h3>Eating</h3>\n<p>Eat foods with vitamin A, which helps with the health of your eyes. See <a href=\"https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/79/do-carrots-actually-improve-eyesight\">this question</a> for more.</p>\n<hr />\n<p><a href=\"http://visianinfo.com/the-20-20-20-rule-preventing-digital-eye-strain/\" rel=\"noreferrer\">^{The 20-20-20 Rule: Preventing Digital Eye Strain}</a><br />\n_{<a href=\"http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1475-1313.2011.00834.x/full\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Computer vision syndrome: a review of ocular causes and potential treatments</a>}<br />\n_{<a href=\"http://commons.erau.edu/jaaer/vol24/iss2/5/?utm_source=commons.erau.edu%2Fjaaer%2Fvol24%2Fiss2%2F5&amp;utm_medium=PDF&amp;utm_campaign=PDFCoverPages\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Assessing Computer Vision Syndrome Risk for Pilots</a>}<br />\n_{<a href=\"http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/eyestrain/basics/prevention/con-20032649\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Eyestrain</a>}</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 235, "author": "kenorb", "author_id": 114, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/114", "pm_score": 3, "selected": false, "text": "<p>The health of your eyesight when using computer it really depends what kind of screen you're using and many other factors (DNA, diet, etc.), but in general, modern monitors (such as <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liquid_crystal_display\" rel=\"nofollow\">LCD</a>, <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LED-backlit_LCD_display\" rel=\"nofollow\">LED-backlit</a>, <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LED_display\" rel=\"nofollow\">white-LED</a>, <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OLED#Disadvantages\" rel=\"nofollow\">OLED</a>) does nothing to the health of your eyes, unless you're still using <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cathode_ray_tube\" rel=\"nofollow\">CRT</a> monitor. The bigger issue is rather neck and back if you don't site properly.</p>\n\n<p>Remember, if you feel your eyes are not comfortable, you may adjust the brightness and contrast of your screen.</p>\n\n<p>If you're using computer for too long, it's completely normal that your eyes would be tired and it really depends on the person (professionals can spent 8-12 everyday for years and their eyesight is perfect, for other 1h is enough). </p>\n\n<p>In this case, you simply need a rest. It's usually advice to do short breaks and take a fresh air. You may also consider to train your eye muscles as a number of <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ophthalmology\" rel=\"nofollow\">ophthalmologists</a> believe that an exercise programme based on something called the <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bates_method\" rel=\"nofollow\">Bates Method</a> may keep eyes in better shape.</p>\n\n<p>See: <a href=\"http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/can-you-really-train-your-eyes-to-see-better-1240390.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">Can you really train your eyes to see better?</a> where we can read:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Some of the principles of the Bates Method are already accepted by mainstream eye care.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<hr>\n\n<p>More information about older monitors:</p>\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cathode_ray_tube\" rel=\"nofollow\">CRT</a></strong></p>\n\n<p>If you're using CRT most people experience mild discomfort unless the <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Refresh_rate\" rel=\"nofollow\">refresh rate</a> is set to 72 Hz or higher. A rate of 100 Hz is comfortable at almost any size. It's usually advice to have a screen protector. However CRT are long lost technologies and this doesn't apply anymore to LCD monitors. </p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 468, "author": "Joe W", "author_id": 38, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/38", "pm_score": 5, "selected": false, "text": "<p>There are some options you have to reduce eye strain.</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><p>You can get an anti glare cover for your monitor</p></li>\n<li><p>You can also adjust lighting of your work area (not always possible) \nby lowering internal lighting and blocking external lighting.</p></li>\n<li><p>You can adjust the setting of your monitor to make the brightness<br>\nsimilar to your surroundings which will help with strain</p></li>\n<li><p>You can blink more often to keep your eyes from drying out You can \ntake breaks both by leaving your computer or by moving your eyes<br>\naround the room/desk and avoiding your computer every once in a<br>\nwhile.</p></li>\n<li><p>You can set up your desk to make sure printed material is in easy eye\nreach and lighted similarly</p></li>\n<li><p>You can look into getting specialized gaming/computer glasses which<br>\nare designed to reduce eye strain and fatigue</p></li>\n</ul>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.allaboutvision.com/cvs/irritated.htm\">http://www.allaboutvision.com/cvs/irritated.htm</a></p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 907, "author": "Youssef11", "author_id": 445, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/445", "pm_score": 4, "selected": false, "text": "<p>You can also use <a href=\"https://justgetflux.com/\" rel=\"noreferrer\">f.lux</a>, it is a software that adjusts automatically and according to your location the brightness and contrast of your monitor. It lowers UV light during day, and lowers IR light during night.</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 1104, "author": "Jason C", "author_id": 21, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/21", "pm_score": 5, "selected": false, "text": "<p>The primary risk is what is called Computer Vision Syndrome (<a href=\"http://www.webmd.com/eye-health/computer-vision-syndrome\">ref</a>, <a href=\"http://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/caring-for-your-vision/protecting-your-vision/computer-vision-syndrome?sso=y\">ref</a>, <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_vision_syndrome\">ref</a>).</p>\n\n<p>The American Optometric Association (referenced above) recommends the following changes in viewing habits to alleviate symptoms:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Some important factors in preventing or reducing the symptoms of CVS\n have to do with the computer and how it is used. This includes\n lighting conditions, chair comfort, location of reference materials,\n position of the monitor, and the use of rest breaks.</p>\n \n <ul>\n <li><strong>Location of computer screen</strong> - Most people find it more comfortable to\n view a computer when the eyes are looking downward. Optimally, the\n computer screen should be 15 to 20 degrees below eye level (about 4 or\n 5 inches) as measured from the center of the screen and 20 to 28\n inches from the eyes. </li>\n <li><strong>Reference materials</strong> - These materials should be\n located above the keyboard and below the monitor. If this is not\n possible, a document holder can be used beside the monitor. The goal\n is to position the documents so you do not need to move your head to\n look from the document to the screen.</li>\n <li><strong>Lighting</strong> - Position the computer\n screen to avoid glare, particularly from overhead lighting or windows.\n Use blinds or drapes on windows and replace the light bulbs in desk\n lamps with bulbs of lower wattage. </li>\n <li><strong>Anti-glare screens</strong> - If there is no\n way to minimize glare from light sources, consider using a screen\n glare filter. These filters decrease the amount of light reflected\n from the screen.</li>\n <li><strong>Seating position</strong> - Chairs should be comfortably\n padded and conform to the body. Chair height should be adjusted so\n your feet rest flat on the floor. If your chair has arms, they should\n be adjusted to provide arm support while you are typing. Your wrists\n shouldn't rest on the keyboard when typing.</li>\n <li><strong>Rest breaks</strong> - To prevent\n eyestrain, try to rest your eyes when using the computer for long\n periods. Rest your eyes for 15 minutes after two hours of continuous\n computer use. Also, for every 20 minutes of computer viewing, look\n into the distance for 20 seconds to allow your eyes a chance to\n refocus. </li>\n <li><strong>Blinking</strong> - To minimize your chances of developing dry eye\n when using a computer, make an effort to blink frequently. Blinking\n keeps the front surface of your eye moist.</li>\n </ul>\n \n <p>Regular eye examinations and proper viewing habits can help to prevent\n or reduce the development of the symptoms associated with Computer\n Vision Syndrome.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>Also, from WebMD:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <ul>\n <li><strong>Tweak your computer settings.</strong> You don't have to live with the factory-installed settings on your computer if you're uncomfortable. Adjust the brightness, contrast, and font size until you find the best settings for your vision.</li>\n </ul>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>Gunnar glasses: Studies have shown <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gunnar_Optiks\">some short term relief</a> but generally no evidence has yet surfaced to support benefits of these glasses for long term health.</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 11235, "author": "kenorb", "author_id": 114, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/114", "pm_score": 3, "selected": false, "text": "<p><a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Vision_Council\" rel=\"noreferrer\">The Vision Council</a>, which represents the manufacturers and suppliers of the optical industry, suggests the following tips to prevent and lessen digital eye strain:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>Adjust the brightness of your device. Consider changing your background color from bright white to cool gray.\nAttach a glare reduction filter to your computer screen.</li>\n<li>Frequently dust and wipe digital screens to help reduce glare.</li>\n<li>Adjust your screen so that it is directly in front of your face and slightly below eye level. Do not tilt a computer\nmonitor.</li>\n<li>Position yourself or your device so there is sufficient distance between your eyes and the screen.</li>\n<li>Lessen the amount of overhead and surrounding light that is competing with your device’s screen.</li>\n<li>When using a computer, first sit in your chair and extend your arm. Your palm should rest comfortably on the\nmonitor (as if you’re high-fiving the screen).</li>\n<li>Keep handheld devices a safe distance from your eyes and just below eye level.</li>\n<li>Increase text size to better define the content on your screen. Use the settings control to make adjustments that\nfeel comfortable to your eyes.</li>\n<li>Remind yourself to blink more often. Staring at a digital screen can affect the number of times you blink, causing\neyes to dry.</li>\n<li>Take a 20-20-20 break: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away.</li>\n<li>Parents should limit the amount of screen time for children, and reduce their screen time in front of children so as\nto set healthy standards in the home.</li>\n<li>Blink. Breathe. Break.</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Also check the following image as a guidance:</p>\n\n<p><a href=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/zhAW3.jpg\" rel=\"noreferrer\"><img src=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/zhAW3.jpg\" alt=\"Computer Eye-gonomics - tips to prevent and lessen digital eye strain\"></a></p>\n\n<p>Source: <a href=\"https://www.thevisioncouncil.org/sites/default/files/TVCDigitEYEzedReport2013.pdf\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Digiteyezed - The daily impack of digital screens on the eye health of Americans</a></p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/52", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/59/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 62, "author": "msouth", "author_id": 53, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/53", "pm_score": 4, "selected": false, "text": "<p>If <strong>you</strong> are immunized, there is of course less risk of you contracting a given disease through contagion from an of an unvaccinated carrier. However, <strong>if your child is young enough (e.g. &lt; 6 months old as in the question here), your child is unlikely to have had the full range of recommended vaccinations yet</strong>. (The American Academy of Pediatrics has a <a href=\"http://www2.aap.org/immunization/izschedule.html\">list</a> online with the recommended schedule.)</p>\n\n<p>Common sense tells me that this is a real risk that is worth consulting with a doctor about. Keep in mind that you also need to find out about the vaccination status of the environments that you might choose as alternatives, like a baby sitter or day care.</p>\n\n<p>I think you should find out from a doctor what the specific risk of contagion is like for the diseases covered by MMR, for example (that is one that is later in the schedule than the age of your child). Is it ok as long as no students handle the baby, or is the risk airborne or transferrable from them to you by skin contact (which could be a part of the instruction in either dance or martial arts)?</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 63, "author": "Nate Barbettini", "author_id": 59, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/59", "pm_score": 4, "selected": false, "text": "<p>There seems to be a link (as one would expect) between areas with a higher concentration of unvaccinated individuals and disease outbreaks (see <a href=\"http://www.theverge.com/2014/1/21/5329478/vaccine-preventable-disease-outbreaks-show-anti-vaccine-movement-influence\">this article</a> and the <a href=\"http://www.cfr.org/interactives/GH_Vaccine_Map/#map\">source data map</a>).</p>\n\n<p>The recent (2015) measles outbreaks in California are a good example: at least 70-80% of those infected were unvaccinated (including a number of newborns too young to be vaccinated).</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>State officials say that 28 were not vaccinated at all, one was partially vaccinated and five were fully vaccinated. Six of the unvaccinated were babies, too young to be vaccinated.\n (<a href=\"http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2015/01/22/379072061/disneyland-measles-outbreak-hits-59-cases-and-counting\">source</a>)</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>Simply put, unvaccinated individuals are more likely to be carrying a vaccine-preventable disease compared to the rest of the population. If your newborn is not vaccinated yet he or she is at risk. In the case of measles or whooping cough, an infection could turn deadly, as can many others.</p>\n\n<p>I'm not an expert in pathology, nor am I a parent, but I would at the very least <strong>not</strong> let these individuals hold or come near your newborn, and would preferably keep my newborn completely away from them until a later time.</p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/56", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/64/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 234, "author": "kenorb", "author_id": 114, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/114", "pm_score": -1, "selected": false, "text": "<p>It seems you're expecting yes or no answer, but it's not possible as different warts are caused by different factors (e.g. often by <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_papillomavirus\" rel=\"nofollow\">HPV</a> and 35 other which can result in potassium deficiency) and it also should be not confused with moles which can look similar or some warts can turn into cancerous tumors.</p>\n\n<p>Wart removal rarely involves anything more complicated than an at-home remedy and usually over-the-counter medicines can help (liquid, cream, or bandage forms) by applying them directly to the wart. Other traditional methods include freezing or placing a small piece of duct tape.</p>\n\n<p>Though a potassium deficiency is not directly responsible for causing warts, it can be a contributing factor to outbreaks. So warts are the effects of being low in potassium, so it's likely that banana peels would help in this case as it's rich in potassium (as well as potato peels and Apple Cider Vinegar). And increasing your intake of potassium will limit the chances of your warts coming back. Bananas are considered safe to use as there are no side effects.</p>\n\n<p>So I'd say it's worth to try.</p>\n\n<p>See also:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http://www.naturalremedies.org/warts/\" rel=\"nofollow\">Warts at Natural Remedies</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"http://lacetoleather.com/warts.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">Natural Cures for Warts - More Than Home Remedies</a></li>\n<li><p><a href=\"http://www.herballegacy.com/Warts_&amp;_Moles.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">Warts &amp; Moles</a> at Herbal Legacy</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Warts and moles are usually the result of a nutritional deficiency and they should be treated internally, as well as externally.</p>\n \n <p>Potassium Deficiency for Warts and Moles: When cysts or tumors grow in places where they can be seen outside the body, often we react by having them cut out. This defeats healing by working on the effect instead of the cause. You can cut cysts out, tumors off, and burn warts off (which are also a potassium deficiency), or get rid of as many moles as you wish, but unless you go to the cause, they will grow back again, and you may end up with as many or more cysts, tumors, moles as before. Different signs of potassium deficiency will keep popping out on the body because the condition that needs correcting is on the inside. You have to go into the cause, Dr. Christopher always insisted, which is the way we have been eating. [EWH p.125] Potassium sources: There are several ways to receive your potassium. Dr. Bernard Jensen sells a potassium broth made from dehydrated vegetables. Dr. Bronner makes a similar, excellent product. You can also make your own potassium broth by simmering equal parts of red potatoes, celery, carrots, onions, and herbs to taste. Raw vegetable and fruit juices also flood the system with potassium. [EWH p.125]</p>\n</blockquote></li>\n<li><p>Tips, Tips and More Tips by Anne J.B. Skinner (p. 103, 113)</p></li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>There are very few studies that directly tie diet and mineral deficiencies to immune system function. So it's likely there is no scientific evidence that banana peels or <a href=\"http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/06/02/apple-cider-vinegar-hype.aspx\" rel=\"nofollow\">vinegar</a> (ACV) is an effective treatment for wart removal.</p>\n\n<p>Here is one which I've found close enough: <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3312655/\" rel=\"nofollow\">Evaluation of Topical Potassium Hydroxide Solution for Treatment of Plane Warts</a> and the conclusion was:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Topical <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potassium_hydroxide\" rel=\"nofollow\">KOH</a> solution is proved to be an effective and safe treatment of plane warts in both concentrations (5% and 10%) with no important side effects.</p>\n</blockquote>\n" }, { "answer_id": 14108, "author": "veritessa", "author_id": 9862, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/9862", "pm_score": 1, "selected": false, "text": "<p>Based on my medical knowledge and a literature search, I cannot find evidence to suggest that banana peels are a superior treatment for warts. I saw only one nearly 40-year-old study on PubMed, Warzawer-Schwarcz L. \"Treatment of plantar warts with banana skin.\" Plast Reconstr Surg. 1981 Dec;68(6):975-6. <a href=\"http://journals.lww.com/plasreconsurg/Citation/1981/12000/Treatment_of_Plantar_Warts_With_Banana_Skin.35.aspx\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">http://journals.lww.com/plasreconsurg/Citation/1981/12000/Treatment_of_Plantar_Warts_With_Banana_Skin.35.aspx</a>\nThis study involved taping fresh banana peel every day to the wart using surgical tape, and then scraping chunks out of the softened wart repeatedly. It seems like the primary function of the banana peel was to make the skin damp and soft for scraping. I actually think using just duct tape instead could accomplish a similar function (keeping skin damp), with the advantage that the tape can naturally pull off chunks of wart when you rip it off. Another study found that duct tape actually can be effective for wart removal; researchers theorize this is because the duct tape may be stimulating the immune system (see here: <a href=\"https://www.webmd.com/men/news/20021015/duct-tape-gets-rid-of-warts\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">https://www.webmd.com/men/news/20021015/duct-tape-gets-rid-of-warts</a>). Also, personal story, when I was a kid I got rid of a wart on my hand using the duct tape method. </p>\n\n<p>My main recommendation, though, would be to try freezing it off again, or getting it cut out. I don't know how many times you've tried freezing it, but warts can be fairly determined and may require multiple freezings to disappear. You may also want to try a different dermatologist - perhaps your current dermatologist doesn't have good freezing technique. You can also have the wart cut out, though that will have longer recovery time. </p>\n\n<p>I think you've got a lot of options - don't give up! Sometimes a combination of therapies can be effective. For example, I once also got rid of a wart on my foot using drug store salicylic acid stickers, repeated scraping to remove dead skin and dead wart tissue, followed by freezing. </p>\n\n<p>Additional information: Warts are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV16 and HPV18 cause cervical cancer; HPV6 and HPV11 cause genital warts and laryngeal papillomatosis; but there are also many types of HPV that are not sexually transmitted and merely cause skin warts (see the Wikipedia article <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_papillomavirus_infection\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_papillomavirus_infection</a>). </p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/57", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/62/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 76, "author": "michaelpri", "author_id": 26, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/26", "pm_score": 5, "selected": true, "text": "<p>Caffeine metabolism has to do with your genetic makeup. The slower you metabolize caffeine, the more effect it will have on you. The cause for the differences that people have in how fast they metabolize caffeine has to depend on the CYP1A2 gene. Variants of this gene can cause you to metabolize faster or slower. The C allele variant in the AHR gene, which controls the turning on and off the the CYP1A2 gene, is common in people who have a high metabolism for caffeine. You probably do not have this variant. That with a few other factors that depend on variants in your DNA are the reason that caffeine has a strong effect on you.</p>\n\n<hr>\n\n<p>^{<a href=\"http://www.gbhealthwatch.com/Trait-Caffeine-Consumption.php\">Caffeine Consumption</a>}</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 231, "author": "kenorb", "author_id": 114, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/114", "pm_score": 3, "selected": false, "text": "<p>All caffeinated beverages like coffee (even decaffeinated) and soft drinks give short bursts of energy, temporarily raise blood pressure, and reduces blood flow to inactive limbs.</p>\n\n<p>Soon after you drink coffee (containing caffeine), it’s absorbed through the small intestine and dissolved into the bloodstream and it’s able to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and enter the brain.</p>\n\n<p>Your sensitivity really depends on your body tolerance threshold (e.g. renal threshold for blood) and your average daily intake, in other words it's determined by the efficiency of the human body to process and metabolize caffeine. It's usually to do with person’s unique DNA which determines to what degree a given amount of caffeine will affect a person (as described in the other answer).</p>\n\n<p>See also: <a href=\"https://coffee.stackexchange.com/questions/464/what-are-the-side-effects-of-drinking-too-much-coffee\">What are the side effects of drinking too much coffee?</a></p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/65", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/59/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 273, "author": "anongoodnurse", "author_id": 169, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/169", "pm_score": 3, "selected": false, "text": "<p>It greatly depends on the wound: is it clean or infected? A cut on an abrasion? Acute or chronic. Associated with disease (diabetes), immobility (pressure) or other? Is it a burn?</p>\n\n<p>Honey is often overlooked. It is an antibacterial and a humectant, both helping wounds to heal better. Epidermal growth factor also helps but is not easy to get. Silver is preferred for burns (nanosilver is making an appearance). Collagen gels and other topicals are helpful. The body of literature is huge.</p>\n\n<p>I like an ointment with lanolin and allantoin, both of which promote healing.</p>\n\n<p>_{<a href=\"http://journals.lww.com/jwocnonline/Abstract/2002/11000/Honey__A_Potent_Agent_for_Wound_Healing_.8.aspx\">Honey: A Potent Agent for Wound Healing?</a>}<br>\n_{<a href=\"http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jps.21210/full\">Wound healing dressings and drug delivery systems: A review</a>}<br>\n_{<a href=\"http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0190962206008279\">Topical treatments for hypertrophic scars</a>}<br>\n_{<a href=\"http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6882/1/2\">Systematic review of the use of honey as a wound dressing</a>}</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 290, "author": "kenorb", "author_id": 114, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/114", "pm_score": -1, "selected": false, "text": "<p>There are many treatments that claim to reduce and improve the look of scars, however if they work, it's another thing.</p>\n\n<p>You may find here <a href=\"http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1319735/How-make-scar-vanish-There-host-treatments-work.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">Daily Mail reviews of various treatments</a>, however remember, you should always talk to your surgeon or doctor before starting a treatment.</p>\n\n<hr>\n\n<p>Here are my cherry picks:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Silicone patches</strong> are effective over a wound which seems to help a scar to heal better.</li>\n<li><strong>Aloe vera gel</strong> on the skin and Vitamin E cream as you suggested.</li>\n</ul>\n\n<hr>\n\n<h3>Alternative medicine.</h3>\n\n<p>Please don't expect any miracles here.</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><p><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Therapeutic_ultrasound\" rel=\"nofollow\">therapeutic ultrasound</a></p>\n\n<p>There are three primary benefits to ultrasound:</p>\n\n<ol>\n<li>Speeding up of the healing process from the increase in blood flow in the treated area.</li>\n<li>Decrease in pain from the reduction of swelling and edema.</li>\n<li>Gentle massage of muscles tendons and/ or ligaments in the treated area because no strain is added and any scar tissue is softened.</li>\n</ol>\n\n<p>If the scar is old, it may trigger natural healing by increasing local blood flow.</p></li>\n<li><p><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infrared_sauna\" rel=\"nofollow\">infrared sauna</a> (alternative to Sun)</p>\n\n<p>This therapy which can assist with wound healing by deep penetrating heat human tissue and increased blood delivery to the surface of the skin which can speed up healing.</p></li>\n<li><p>dermatological roller</p>\n\n<p>You may also try dermatological roller which simply is damaging old skin tissue in order to re-heal.</p></li>\n<li><p>C60/EVOO (C60 in Extra Virgin Olive Oil)</p>\n\n<p>C60/EVOO is an strong anti-oxidant at intracellular level which results in better functioning mitochondria.</p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.researchgate.net/publication/24021223_Fullerene_nanomaterials_potentiate_hair_g%20rowth/links/0c960528b84a79db7e000000.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow\">Studies</a> in 2009 showed that fullerene nanomaterials potentiate hair growth:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>In SKH-1hairless mice fullerene derivatives given <strong>topically</strong> or subdermally markedly increased hair growth. This was paralleled by a significant increase in the number of hair follicles in fullerene-treated mice as compared with those mice treated with vehicle only. The fullerenes also <strong>increased hair growth in human skin sections</strong> maintained in culture. These studies have wide-ranging implications for those conditions leading to hair loss, including alopecia, chemotherapy, and reactions to various chemicals.</p>\n \n <p>[...] <strong>We report that fullerene derivatives accelerate the growth of hair in mice and human skin.</strong> [...]</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>Dr. Moussa has studied the effects of C60 on animals for 18 years and claim C60 in olive oil is safe and anti-toxic (has no toxicity effects).</p>\n\n<p>One <a href=\"http://www.longecity.org/forum/user/19769-turnbuckle/\" rel=\"nofollow\">researcher</a> who was/is taking C60-EVOO orally/topically for over 3 years, claims:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>More youthful skin. Skin pinch test went from 1-2 seconds to 0 seconds. (I had very youthful skin to begin with).\n Two small scars from 8 years ago have disappeared. Two similar scars of much older vintage did not.\n Strengthening of nails, hair regrowth, and the disappearance of small scars that I have observed from my own use could be the result of stem cell action.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>However based on my experience, it could work differently on different people, but it's worth to try just topically (e.g. before dermarolling skin).</p></li>\n</ul>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/66", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/69/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 149, "author": "kenorb", "author_id": 114, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/114", "pm_score": 3, "selected": false, "text": "<p>You can't reverse the skin damage, but you can treat wounds and burns, so your skin cell can regenerate faster.</p>\n\n<p>Eating food full of antioxidants and vitamin C, such as blueberries, tomatoes, and cherries can reduce the body’s need for fluids, lowering only the risk for dehydration ^{(<a href=\"http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/burns\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">study</a>)}.</p>\n\n<p>If you have a skin sunburn, here are few advices:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>Do not pick, poke, scratch or peel your sunburn. It can cause even more irritation.</li>\n<li>Apply moisturizer, or low-dose hydrocortisone cream, which may provide relief in some cases.</li>\n<li><p>Apply Aloe vera lotion or gel.</p>\n\n<p>Used in traditional medicine by applying the clear gel from the Aloe plant and rubbing on the skin as ointment ^{(<a href=\"http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/ntp/htdocs/lt_rpts/tr553.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">safety study</a>)}.</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>A 2007 review of aloe vera's use in burns concluded, \"cumulative evidence tends to support that aloe vera might be an effective interventions used in burn wound healing for first- to second-degree burns. Further, well-designed trials with sufficient details of the contents of aloe vera products should be carried out to determine the effectiveness of aloe vera.\".^{(<a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aloe_vera#Research_into_medical_uses\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">wiki</a>)}</p>\n</blockquote></li>\n<li><p>Consider cortisone cream.</p></li>\n<li>Watch for signs of infection.</li>\n<li>Don't put ice on them, as it can damage your skin further. Instead have a cool bath or gentle shower, which may be soothing. Or apply a clean towel dampened with cool tap water.</li>\n<li>Apply a cold wet compress.</li>\n<li>Take an over-the-counter pain reliever or some topical pain reliever.</li>\n<li>Wear loose cotton clothing over sunburned areas.</li>\n<li>Don't break small blisters. See: <a href=\"https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/6/should-blisters-be-removed\">Should blisters be removed?</a></li>\n<li>Pay close attention to any medications (herbal remedies or essential oils) that list an increased sensitivity to sunlight as a side effect.</li>\n<li>Call emergency services for third-degree burns.</li>\n</ul>\n\n<hr>\n\n<p>If you've signs of heatstroke or dehydration such as weak, faint, dizzy, rapid breathing, your eyes hurt, vomiting/diarrhea or something similar - call a doctor.</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 394, "author": "Tom Medley", "author_id": 200, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/200", "pm_score": 3, "selected": false, "text": "<h1>No</h1>\n<p>Skin damage is irreversible. The only thing you can do is make sure your skin is not damaged in the first place.</p>\n<hr>\n<p>Skin damage is caused by a variety of factors, but by far the most important one for most people is UV exposure. The primary source of UV is the Sun, but tanning booths may be a significant factor for some people.</p>\n<p>While sun burn causes an extreme amount of damage, all sun exposure will have an effect. If you are in the sun often, cover your skin, and wear high-factor sun cream on any exposed areas.</p>\n<p>Skin is made up of layers:</p>\n<p><img src=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/p5tzD.jpg\" alt=\"enter image description here\" />\n_{<em>Image source: nih.gov</em>}</p>\n<p>Skin damage from UV occurs when the rays reach and burn the dermis. This damage <strong>changes the cells' DNA</strong>, by creating <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radical_%28chemistry%29\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">free radicals</a>. For this reason, although the cells are replaced every 21 days, the new cells inherit the same damage. This same mechanism is what causes tattoos to be present even in new skin cells - they 'inherit' the ink from the source cells in the dermis.</p>\n<p>There is currently no therapy or treatment for this kind of cell damage.</p>\n<p>For cells that have metastasised into melanoma, if they are caught soon enough, they are removed entirely, leaving a scar.</p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/75", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/71/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 84, "author": "Mike Pennington", "author_id": 82, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/82", "pm_score": 2, "selected": false, "text": "<blockquote>\n <p>I ask about natural options only to kill bacteria in acne; these options should replace only antibiotics.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>Use raw, organic, unfiltered, and unpasteurized <a href=\"http://www.webmd.com/diet/apple-cider-vinegar-and-health?page=1\" rel=\"nofollow\" title=\"Apple Cider Vinegar - ACV\">apple cider vinegar</a>, but dilute it (4 parts water, 1 part vinegar, that's 1/4 cup of vinegar in 1 cup of water)^{Note 1}.</p>\n\n<p>Now swab it on your face with a rag or cotton balls; it:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vinegar#Antimicrobial_and_medicinal\" rel=\"nofollow\">kills bacteria</a></li>\n<li>is a <a href=\"http://www.cosmeticsandtoiletries.com/formulating/category/skincare/premium-Keratolytic-Treatments-for-Acne-A-Review-208733901.html\" rel=\"nofollow\" title=\"Keratolytic Agents loosen dead skin\">keratolytic agent</a>, which helps loosen dead skin cells and opens your pores</li>\n<li>Removes excess <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sebaceous_gland#Acne\" rel=\"nofollow\" title=\"Excess sebum oil clogs pores and produces acne\">sebum oils</a> from your skin</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Downsides: It smells to high heaven until it dries or you rinse it off, but if you do this at night nobody but your spouse will care. It's safe to rinse off after about five minutes.</p>\n\n<hr>\n\n<p>^{Note 1} You can get <a href=\"http://www.acne.org/messageboard/topic/153848-apple-cider-vinegar-burned-my-skin-help/\" rel=\"nofollow\" title=\"straight ACV will burn your skin\">chemical burns</a> from undiluted apple cider vinegar, so be sure to dilute it. Also some people with extra-sensitive skin might react to it, so be sure to test it on a small area of your face first (such as under your chin). If you have a reaction, you can try to dilute it more.</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 1127, "author": "Lucky", "author_id": 613, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/613", "pm_score": 3, "selected": false, "text": "<p>Before I answer, I have to say that I disagree with several claims stated/implied in your question:</p>\n<ul>\n<li><p>antibiotics or any treatment cannot be simply replaced by another; many factors have to be taken into account, such as the type and severity of acne, the microorganism(s) (bacteria) causing the problem and many others</p>\n</li>\n<li><p>topical use of antibiotics definitely doesn't cause antibiotic resistance <em>per se</em>, but &quot;The <strong>inappropriate use</strong> of antimicrobial drugs, including in animal husbandry, favours the emergence and selection of resistant strains, and poor infection prevention and control practices contribute to further emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance.&quot; (<a href=\"http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs194/en/\" rel=\"noreferrer\">WHO</a>)</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n<p>As for the side effects and potential risks of certain therapeutic options - no one can absolutely guarantee that every possible outcome is predicted, but if there is evidence that potential risks outweigh the benefits, the substance/product will not be approved by regulatory agencies.</p>\n<hr />\n<p>That being said, there are natural (herbal based) therapeutic options for acne. One of them is:</p>\n<h2>Tea tree oil</h2>\n<p><em>Melaleuca alternifolia</em> (Maiden and Betch) Cheel, <em>Myrtaceae</em> aetheroleum</p>\n<p>According to <a href=\"http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Herbal_-_Community_herbal_monograph/2015/04/WC500185282.pdf\" rel=\"noreferrer\">EMeA's herbal monograph</a> one of its therapeutic indications is:</p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>Indication 2</p>\n<p>Traditional herbal medicinal product for treatment of small boils (furuncles and mild acne)</p>\n</blockquote>\n<p>The form in which it is used:</p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>Herbal preparation in liquid and semi-solid dosage forms for cutaneous use\n(indication 1-3)</p>\n</blockquote>\n<p>The same document contains precautions, side effects, contraindications, posology etc.</p>\n<p>Antimicrobial activity of tea tree oil (TTO) has been confirmed:</p>\n<ul>\n<li><em>in vitro</em> in various studies</li>\n</ul>\n<p>Since you are interested in antibiotic resistance, this part might be the most interesting for you:</p>\n<blockquote>\n<p><em>The activity of TTO against antibiotic-resistant bacteria has attracted considerable interest, with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) receiving the most attention thus far. Since the potential to use TTO against MRSA was first hypothesized (153), several groups have evaluated the activity of TTO against MRSA, beginning with Carson et al. (31), who examined 64 MRSA isolates from Australia and the United Kingdom, including 33 mupirocin-resistant isolates. The MICs and minimal bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) for the Australian isolates were 0.25% and 0.5%, respectively, while those for the United Kingdom isolates were 0.312% and 0.625%, respectively. Subsequent reports on the susceptibility of MRSA to TTO have similarly not shown great differences compared to antibiotic-sensitive organisms (39, 58, 68, 106, 115).</em></p>\n</blockquote>\n<p>from: <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1360273/\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil: a Review of Antimicrobial and Other Medicinal Properties</a> C. F. Carson,1 K. A. Hammer,1 and T. V. Riley1,2,*, Clin Microbiol Rev. 2006 Jan; 19(1): 50–62.</p>\n<ul>\n<li><em>in vivo</em> - clinical efficcacy in at least one study</li>\n</ul>\n<p>By the same source:</p>\n<blockquote>\n<p><em>One of the first rigorous clinical studies assessed the efficacy of 5% TTO in the treatment of acne by comparing it to 5% benzoyl peroxide (BP) (14). The study found that both treatments reduced the numbers of inflamed lesions, although BP performed significantly better than TTO. The BP group showed significantly less oiliness than the TTO group, whereas the TTO group showed significantly less scaling, pruritis, and dryness. Significantly fewer overall side effects were reported by the TTO group (27 of 61 patients) than by the BP group (50 of 63 patients).</em></p>\n</blockquote>\n<p>Whether the effect will be bactericidal (killing bacteria) or bacteriostatic (stopping their reproduction) depends on the concentration:</p>\n<blockquote>\n<p><em>TTO is for the most part bactericidal in nature, although it may be bacteriostatic at lower concentrations.</em></p>\n</blockquote>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/78", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/-1/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 81, "author": "msouth", "author_id": 53, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/53", "pm_score": 5, "selected": true, "text": "<p>This is debunked with little reference on <a href=\"http://www.snopes.com/food/ingredient/carrots.asp\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Snopes</a>. It is claimed there that the origin of the myth was deliberate misinformation to hide the use of a game-changing technology used by the RAF to shoot down German planes. This claim regarding the propaganda origin is sourced a bit better at the <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=John_Cunningham_(RAF_officer)&amp;oldid=651180263#Propaganda\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Wikipedia article on one of the officers</a>.</p>\n\n<p>The grain-of-truth (which probably helps perpetuate the myth) is mentioned in the Snopes article as well and partially backed up at the (archived) <a href=\"https://web.archive.org/web/20070421214532/http://www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov/month/carrot.html\" rel=\"noreferrer\">CDC article on carrots</a> that they link to:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Beta-carotene, which is found in the vegetable, may help reduce the risk of cataract and macular degeneration. However, it needs be pointed out that studies which have posited this link used doses of Vitamin A or beta-carotene that were higher than what is found in the standard diet. It would be quite difficult to eat the requisite number of carrots to match this level of intake. Also, among those who suffer a Vitamin A deficiency, nyctanopia (also known as nyctalopia or night blindness; the inability to see well in poor light) can be at least somewhat helped by adding carrots to the sufferer's diet.</p>\n</blockquote>\n" }, { "answer_id": 431, "author": "Sue Saddest Farewell TGO GL", "author_id": 162, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/162", "pm_score": 3, "selected": false, "text": "<p>This page on <a href=\"http://www.webmd.com/eye-health/fact-fiction-myths-about-eyes#0\" rel=\"noreferrer\">WebMd</a>\nhas an interesting section entitled &quot;Myths About Your Eyes and Vision.&quot;</p>\n<p>The relevant portion:</p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>Eating Carrots Will Improve Your Vision</p>\n<p>Fact: Carrots are high in vitamin A, a nutrient essential for good vision. Eating carrots will provide you with the small amount of vitamin A needed for good vision, but vitamin A isn't limited to rabbit food; it can also be found in milk, cheese, egg yolk, and liver.</p>\n</blockquote>\n<p>While the explanation is not as in-depth as the CDC article cited by @msouth, it appears to be a decent corroboration.</p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/79", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/26/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 337, "author": "Susan", "author_id": 165, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/165", "pm_score": 4, "selected": true, "text": "<p>The Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) is a measure of severity in <a href=\"http://www.aasmnet.org/resources/factsheets/sleepapnea.pdf\">obstructive sleep apnea</a>. It is calculated as the number of times per hour that the airway partially or completely collapses, associated with a drop in oxygen levels. Partial collapse is labeled a hypopnea, whereas complete collapse is labeled an apnea. CPAP treatment uses air pressure delivered through a mask to stent open the airway. <em>If there continues to be partial or complete collapse despite CPAP, the basic idea, in theory, is that the pressure is inadequate.</em></p>\n\n<p><strong>The major caveat</strong>: \nWhere are you getting this AHI? Most likely, you’re reading it off a PAP machine. The upshot of this answer is that, as much as we all love numbers, such readings should not be trusted.</p>\n\n<p>The AHI was initially validated in the setting of overnight polysomnography, i.e. a sleep lab. There a technician watches the tracings generated from a nasal pressure transducer, chest/abdomen effort belts, and continuous pulse oximetry. There are specific criteria for scoring apneas and hypopneas. The recommended <a href=\"http://www.aasmnet.org/articles.aspx?id=4203\">criteria from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine</a> for a hypopnea are now:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>a. The peak signal excursions drop by ≥30% of pre-event baseline using nasal pressure...</p>\n \n <p>b. The duration of the ≥30% drop in signal excursion is ≥10 seconds.</p>\n \n <p>c. There is a ≥3% oxygen desaturation from pre-event baseline and/or the event is associated with an arousal.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>There has been <strong>a lot</strong> of controversy in recent years as to whether that number in the c criterion should be 3% or 4% drop in pulse oximetry. <strong>Why should we care?</strong> </p>\n\n<p>The number you’re getting off your PAP machine has no pulse oximetry to correlate with. They must therefore be using some <em>other</em> non-standard metric. How do they calculate this? This, unfortunately, is proprietary information known only to the PAP manufacturers. Occasionally there are validation studies of varying quality published, but there is no uniformity in the industry as to what algorithm is used, and there is very little transparency about where these numbers are coming from. </p>\n\n<p><strong>What, then?</strong><br>\nMonitoring of sleep apnea treatment is symptom-based. If symptoms improve, good enough, keep with it. If there is inadequate improvement or recurrence of symptoms after improvement, things should be re-evaluated. Generally this involves one or more of the following: </p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><p>assessing the interface (Is the mask leaking? That will cause inadequate pressure delivered to the airway.)</p></li>\n<li><p>home overnight pulse oximetry </p></li>\n<li><p>adjustment of the settings on an auto-titrating machine to allow for higher pressures </p></li>\n<li><p>empirically increasing the pressure on a fixed-pressure CPAP </p></li>\n<li><p>a repeat sleep study while using PAP, adjusting the pressure settings (i.e. a titration study)</p></li>\n</ul>\n\n<p><strong>Conclusion</strong>: Most likely, in the next few years these technologies will get better, and hopefully transparency and uniformity will improve. In the meantime, take the AHI number on your CPAP machine with a grain of salt.</p>\n\n<hr>\n\n<p>_{\nKryger, Roth, Dement. <em>Principles and Practice of Sleep Medicine.</em> Chapter 107: Positive Airway, Pressure Treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea-Hypopnea Syndrome. pp 1219-1232.\n} </p>\n\n<p>_{\nEpstein, LJE, et al. <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19960649\"><em>Clinical guideline for the evaluation, management and long-term care of obstructive sleep apnea in adults.</em></a>. J Clin Sleep Med. 2009 Jun 15;5(3):263-76.\n} </p>\n\n<p>_{\n<em>Caveat lector</em>: In addition to the afore mentioned references, this answer contains my own impressions gleaned from training in the area.\n}</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 10249, "author": "gatorback", "author_id": 7446, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/7446", "pm_score": 2, "selected": false, "text": "<p>As a patient, Mayo Clinic physicians have indicated to me, as a patient, that weight loss can improve your position (reduce / eliminate apnea+hypoxia events) and reduce the need and possibly eliminate the need for CPAP therapy. </p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/80", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/38/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 207, "author": "Maulik V", "author_id": 149, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/149", "pm_score": 3, "selected": false, "text": "<p>As you mentioned, whooping cough is caused by Bordetella pertussis. It proves to be a very stubborn diseases especially in children. </p>\n\n<p><strong>Why this cough lasts so long?</strong></p>\n\n<p>There could be many reasons. </p>\n\n<p>Firstly, the bacteria attach themselves to the cells lining the airways and then gradually spread all over. The area of lungs and airway is quite large and it gives them all playground to multiple and have greater impact. </p>\n\n<p>Secondly, it is a specialty of this bacterium that <strong>even if it is treated and terminated</strong>, the coughing remains for long term. </p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.patient.co.uk/health/whooping-cough-leaflet\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Patient.co.uk writes:</a></p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Bordetella pertussis bacteria affect the lining of the airways in some way to cause symptoms (mainly a cough) to continue for a long time <strong><em>after the bacteria have gone.</em></strong></p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>This could be due to the damage they made and the healing time our body requires. I may not deny the theory that affected area might have some residuals of the microorganisms that might be causing 'irritation' to the throat that ultimately produces coughing. </p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 614, "author": "Fomite", "author_id": 206, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/206", "pm_score": 4, "selected": true, "text": "<p>As you have noted, the \"paroxysmal\" stage of a clinical case of pertussis, which involves the rapid, exhausting coughing fits and the characteristic \"whoop\" at the end can often be extremely long. <a href=\"http://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/clinical/features.html\">While it usually lasts 1-6 weeks, it can persist for up to 10 weeks</a>, followed by a convalescent period.</p>\n\n<p>One reason for the long duration of the cough is that by the time one has reached that phase of disease, they are largely beyond the help of antibiotics, which <a href=\"http://www.prrjournal.com/article/S1526-0542(08)00041-9/abstract\">will not shorten the clinical course of the disease in infected patients</a>, but are intended to prevent its transmission to others.</p>\n\n<p>Additionally, the actual mechanism of action for pertussis helps making the coughing longer. <em>Bordetalla pertussis</em> infect the upper respiratory system and <a href=\"http://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/about/causes-transmission.html\">bind to the lining of your respiratory system</a>, decreasing the movement of your cilia, which serve to help clear mucous from your lungs. They also produce toxins which can cause inflammation and damage the cilia. As a result, even once the bacteria are dead, there is lingering damage to your respiratory system that will result in continued coughing.</p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/83", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/83/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 92, "author": "michaelpri", "author_id": 26, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/26", "pm_score": 3, "selected": false, "text": "<p>Meat mostly provides you with protein and fat, so you'll have to make up for this. This will be easier for an ovo-lacto vegetarian.</p>\n<h3>Sources of fat</h3>\n<p>Nuts, nut butters (peanut butter, almond butter, etc.), oils, avocados</p>\n<h3>Sources of protein</h3>\n<p>Nuts, nut butters, eggs, dairy, soy foods (tofu, soy milk)</p>\n<h3>Vitamin B12</h3>\n<p>Cow milk, soy milk, eggs, fortified cereals (Multi-Grain Cheerios, Corn Flakes, Special K)</p>\n<hr />\n<p>^{<a href=\"http://youngwomenshealth.org/2013/12/05/vegetarian-diet/\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">How to Be a Healthy Vegetarian</a>}</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 94, "author": "JohnP", "author_id": 64, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/64", "pm_score": 5, "selected": true, "text": "<p>There are a few considerations when looking at a healthy lacto-ovo vegetarian diet.</p>\n\n<p><strong>Complete Proteins</strong></p>\n\n<p>This is fairly easy in this type of diet, as eggs contain complete proteins. There are also a few plant sources (such as quinoa, buckwheat and hempseed) that contain either a complete protein profile or the 9 essential amino acids in good amounts. Hempseed also contains Omega-3 fatty acids which can be difficult to get without seafood.</p>\n\n<p><strong>Healthy Fats</strong></p>\n\n<p>One of the main reasons for healthy fats in the diet is for the proper transport of fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) into the body. Nuts and avocados are examples of healthy fats, as are olives and olive oils. If possible, for olive oils get extra virgin and as fresh as possible, as this will ensure the highest levels of polyphenols.</p>\n\n<p>Along with the basic considerations, you need to be aware of possible deficiencies due to age, sex, things of this nature. For example, <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15570032\" rel=\"noreferrer\">this study</a> suggests that B-12 deficiency can be a problem in pregnant lacto-ovo vegetarians. High soy intake can possibly impact estrogen levels in both men and women, and possibly delay maturation/height in maturing individuals, although this is only a precaution (most of what I've read suggests further studies are needed).</p>\n\n<p>I would talk with a nutritionist and/or doctor about the diet, and why you want to follow it. There's no reason you can't be healthy and safe about whatever diet plan you choose.</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 123, "author": "Attilio", "author_id": 120, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/120", "pm_score": 4, "selected": false, "text": "<p>NOTE: this answer only focuses on proteins.</p>\n\n<h2>Short answer</h2>\n\n<p>With beans (beans, chickpeas, lentils, etc.) and cereals.</p>\n\n<h2>Long answer</h2>\n\n<p>There are proteins in many vegetable foods, the difference with meat is the percentage of protein. Here you have a table of protein content of most protein-rich plant foods, plus beef meat for comparison (values are g of protein per 100 g of uncooked product):</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>beef meat 22</li>\n<li>beans 24</li>\n<li>chickpeas 21</li>\n<li>lentils 23</li>\n<li>wheat (bread, pasta, etc.) 10-13</li>\n<li>corn 10</li>\n<li>rice 6-8</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>In a omnivore diet, meat is just one source of proteins among others, and provides just a part of total protein intake. It's perfectly possible to get enough proteins without meat. Actually our society is suffering from diseases that are caused by excess, not lack, of proteins [3,4].</p>\n\n<h2>Essential amino acids</h2>\n\n<p>Every protein we eat through the diet is made of amino acids. There are some amino acids we need to eat in order to satisfy our requirements, these are called <em>essential amino acids</em>. </p>\n\n<p>While meat contains all essential amino acids, common vegetable foods -individually- lack some essential amino acid. The essential amino acids that are not found in some vegetable foods can be found in other vegetable foods, for this reason it's important to eat variedly. If focusing on one type of bean, like soy, can lead to deficiencies, we avoid them by rotating the consumption of beans and cereals over the week. Some examples can be found on the web[<a href=\"http://www.bastyr.edu/news/health-tips/2011/09/what-are-complementary-proteins-and-how-do-we-get-them\" rel=\"noreferrer\">1</a>].</p>\n\n<h2>Vegan diets</h2>\n\n<p>What was said until now is also valid for vegan diets: diets that exclude any animal product as meat, fish, milk, dairy, eggs, honey.</p>\n\n<p>With diets based on vegetable foods it's perfectly possible to satisfy all nutritional needs '<em>during all stages of the life cycle, including pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, and adolescence, and for athletes</em>', as stated by the American Dietetic Association in 2009[<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19562864\" rel=\"noreferrer\">2</a>]. You just have to eat enough beans, cereals and vegetables (they contain proteins too).</p>\n\n<h2>References</h2>\n\n<p>[3] Report of a Joint WHO / FAO Expert Consultation. (2003). Diet, nutrition and the prevention of chronic diseases. World Health Organization technical report series (Vol. 916). doi:ISBN 92 4 120916 X ISSN 0512-3054 (NLM classification: QU 145)</p>\n\n<p>[4] World Cancer Research Fund, &amp; American Institute for Cancer Research. (2007). Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity, and the Prevention of Cancer: a Global Perspective. Cancer Research.</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 1381, "author": "Ruchir", "author_id": 861, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/861", "pm_score": 0, "selected": false, "text": "<p>In addition to including nutrients in your diet, you can consider natural supplements in your diet as well. </p>\n\n<p>This is because these days fruits and veggies are not as pure as they used to be, due to usage of fertilizers, insecticides etc. To get right nutrition, one option is to eat organic products but then they can be expensive. That's why I do not find harm in taking natural supplements. One such supplement is <strong>spirulina</strong> (which @JohnP mentioned as well). Spirulina is considered as super food and is shown to have a lot of health benefits:</p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.livescience.com/48853-spirulina-supplement-facts.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.livescience.com/48853-spirulina-supplement-facts.html</a></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/09/29/spirulina-benefits.aspx\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/09/29/spirulina-benefits.aspx</a></p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/88", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/87/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 269, "author": "anongoodnurse", "author_id": 169, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/169", "pm_score": 3, "selected": false, "text": "<p>When you say</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>In one of my most recent blood panels (for a medical study group) came back with HbA1c levels that indicated I was prediabetic, but again, follow up studies were negative.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>What was the HbA1C level, and what follow-up study was negative?</p>\n\n<p>In the <a href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17614026\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Lippi study</a>, HbA1c values between sedentary individuals and professional cyclists were 5.2 +/- 0.3% versus 5.4 +/- 0.2% respectively. That's really fairly marginal. Normal levels are below 5.7 percent. </p>\n\n<p>HbA1C levels are indeed valid concerns for athletes, as valid as for anyone else. The risk of heart disease, however, is lower in this group <strong>in spite</strong> of the elevated A1C because of fitness levels.</p>\n\n<p>Glucose molecules don't respect elite cyclists more than couch potatoes. End-organ damage (through glycosylation) is the primary concern here. Your kidneys and eyes (among other things) aren't helped by your exercise, but they are damaged by diabetes.</p>\n\n<p>_{<a href=\"http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-2-diabetes/basics/tests-diagnosis/con-20031902\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Type 2 diabetes Mayo Clinic</a>} </p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 3366, "author": "Debbie", "author_id": 1772, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/1772", "pm_score": 2, "selected": false, "text": "<p>Yes, high blood sugar levels can cause damage in the body---but it is SUSTAINED high blood sugar levels that are dangerous. Here is another interesting article on A1c and athletes: <a href=\"http://fitafter40vancouver.blogspot.com/2010/12/hba1c-and-athletes.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://fitafter40vancouver.blogspot.com/2010/12/hba1c-and-athletes.html</a></p>\n\n<p>Athletes may have short bursts of higher glucose in their blood stream after exercise and not prolonged high levels.</p>\n\n<p>I, too, am an endurance athlete (ultra-marathon runner) who tends to have borderline high A1c results. My last results was 5.7.</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 18693, "author": "LаngLаngС", "author_id": 11231, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/11231", "pm_score": 1, "selected": false, "text": "<p>The expert opinion of the study author Lippi appears now to be just the opposite from the possible conclusion drawn in the question:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Hyperglycemia has been the leading diagnostic criterion for diagnosing diabetes since the development of blood glucose assays 100 years ago (25). The ADA has recently advocated using HbA1c for the diagnosis of diabetes and the identification of those at high-risk of developing diabetes. However, at present no other organizations or scientific societies, including the IFCC and the European Federation of Clinical Chemistry (EFCC), have officially endorsed this recommendation. Although a clinical role might exist for screening (i.e., by using a HbA1c cut-off between 6.5% and 7.0%), it seems premature to conclude that HbA1c measurement, at least alone, might be sufficiently accurate to allow wide-spread implementation for the diagnosis of diabetes. At present, its diagnostic role should be limited to those patients with no comorbidities or patho-physiological conditions that might reduce the diagnostic efficiency of this test (Table 2). Whether the old dogma of HbA1c testing for monitoring overall glycemic exposure will translate into a valuable tool for the diagnosis of diabetes, only the future and analysis of its cost effectiveness will determine this role. The article from the GLAD Working Group published in this issue of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, which is aimed at promoting a coordinated plan for implementing the standardization of HbA1c measurement in Italy, represents a foremost contribution for further investigations on this topic.</p>\n \n <p>Giuseppe Lippi &amp; Giovanni Targher: \"<a href=\"https://www.degruyter.com/view/j/cclm.2010.48.issue-5/cclm.2010.144/cclm.2010.144.xml\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c): old dogmas, a new perspective?</a>\", Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48(5):609–614. DOI:10.1515/CCLM.2010.144 </p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>And very recently</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>The results of our study, which is based on a larger sample size than previous investigations, show that the concentration of plasma glucose is significantly decreased from 3 to 24hours after endurance running. Unlike plasma glucose, <strong>HbA1c values were almost unchanged up to 24hours after a half-marathon run, thus suggesting that this parameter <em>may be more reliable</em> than FPG or RPG for diagnosing diabetes in physically active subjects, regularly engaged in recreational or competitive endurance activity.</strong></p>\n \n <p>Giuseppe Lippi et al.: \"<a href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29884709\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Challenges of diagnosing diabetes in endurance athletes</a>\", J Clin Pathol 2018;71:944–945. doi:10.1136/jclinpath-2018-205043</p>\n</blockquote>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/91", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/64/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 117, "author": "JMP", "author_id": 97, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/97", "pm_score": 3, "selected": false, "text": "<p>The anti-biotic could possibly be having an antidiuretic effect. This reduces the amount of water in urine, and so the natural yellow hue is intensified.</p>\n\n<p>There is a definition of an <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antidiuretic\" rel=\"nofollow\">antidiuretic at Wikipedia</a>. The key element of the body's natural ability to retain urine is <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vasopressin\" rel=\"nofollow\">Vasopressin</a>.</p>\n\n<p>There are natural remedies for both urine retention and lack of urine retention. Try:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>LiveStrong : <a href=\"http://www.livestrong.com/article/195020-natural-antidiuretic-herbs/\" rel=\"nofollow\">Antidiuretic</a></li>\n<li>LiveStrong : <a href=\"http://www.livestrong.com/article/293172-list-of-natural-diuretics/\" rel=\"nofollow\">Diuretic</a></li>\n</ul>\n" }, { "answer_id": 145, "author": "kenorb", "author_id": 114, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/114", "pm_score": 4, "selected": false, "text": "<p>The color, odor and consistency of urine can be differ and can reveal what you've been eating, how much drinking and what diseases you have, so change of the color is usually something completely normal. All substances circulating in your body (including bacteria, yeast, excess protein/sugar can make their way there. It's an important part of your body's disposal process and it's useful tool of diagnosis.</p>\n\n<p>Tomas Griebling, MD, MPH (vice chair of the urology department at the University of Kansas) says:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>From a historical view, urinalysis was one of the original windows into what's happening in the body.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>Anthony Smith, MD (professor and chief of urology at the University of New Mexico) says:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>The urine is there primarily to get rid of toxins or things that would otherwise build up in the body that would be bad for the body.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<hr>\n\n<p>Urine gets it color from the <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urobilin\" rel=\"noreferrer\">urochrome pigment</a> and it ranges between light straw/yellow and dark/deep amber (honey). Darker color is normally when you're urinating first in the morning (this indicates your liver was busy at night to get rid of toxins). During day or evening can indicate <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dehydration\" rel=\"noreferrer\">dehydration</a>, so you should drink more water.</p>\n\n<p>These are some of the medicines and vitamins that can change the colour of urine:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>Yellow or yellow-green: cascara, sulfasalazine, the B vitamins.</li>\n<li>Orange: rifampicin, sulfasalazine, the B vitamins, vitamin C.</li>\n<li>Pink or red: phenolphthalein, propofol, rifampicin, laxatives containing senna.</li>\n<li>Green or blue: amitriptyline, cimetidine, indomethacin, promethazine, propofol, triamterene, several multi-vitamins.</li>\n<li>Brown or brownish-black: levodopa, metronidazole, nitrofurantoin, some anti-malarial agents, methyldopa, laxatives containing cascara or senna.</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>^{Source: <a href=\"http://www.webmd.boots.com/urinary-incontinence/urine-colour-changes\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Urinary Incontinence health centre</a>}</p>\n\n<hr>\n\n<p>If you worry about your urine color (apart of contacting your doctor of course), you may purchase <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urine_test_strip\" rel=\"noreferrer\">urine test strips</a> for determination of leukocytes, nitrite, urobilinogen, protein, pH, blood, specific gravity, ketone, bilirubin and glucose in urine. You can easily check if your infection is gone or not.</p>\n\n<hr>\n\n<p>See the following chart (The Color of Pee) found at <a href=\"http://health.clevelandclinic.org/2013/10/what-the-color-of-your-urine-says-about-you-infographic/\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Cleveland Clinic</a>:</p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://healthhub.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/13-HHB-1407-The-Color-of-Pee-Infographic_FNL-finalnm.pdf\" rel=\"noreferrer\"><img src=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/wnF9a.jpg\" alt=\"The Color of Pee: Pale straw, Transparent Yellow, Dark yellow, Amber of honey, Syrup, Pink, Orange, Blue, Green, Foaming or fizzing\"></a></p>\n\n<p>^{See also <a href=\"http://healthhub.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/13-HHB-1407-The-Color-of-Pee-Infographic_FNL-finalnm.pdf\" rel=\"noreferrer\">PDF version</a> of it.}</p>\n\n<p>See also:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http://www.webmd.com/urinary-incontinence-oab/features/the-truth-about-urine\" rel=\"noreferrer\">What do urine color and odor changes mean?</a> at WebMD</li>\n</ul>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/99", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/94/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 115, "author": "JMP", "author_id": 97, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/97", "pm_score": 3, "selected": false, "text": "<p>Although stretching is not the only answer, you should certainly do some pre-exercising. In a state of inaction, your muscles contract and tighten, and also lose heat. This makes them brittle and inert. Going straight into heavy exercise can cause significant damage, and so in going from inactive to fully active, you should ideally 'warm-up' with a more moderate set of exercises. This can include stretching, and should address all the muscle groups your main activity uses.</p>\n\n<p>Here are some references that agree with me:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http://www.ausport.gov.au/participating/coaches/tools/the_training_session/Warmup-Cooldown\" rel=\"nofollow\">Australian Sports Commission</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/sports-specific/warm-up-cool-down\" rel=\"nofollow\">Sports Injury Clinic</a></li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>With running you can combine the warm-up into the run by starting off by almost walking.</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 143, "author": "JohnP", "author_id": 64, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/64", "pm_score": 5, "selected": true, "text": "<p>There are three main types of stretching that the general layman will be familiar with. There are a couple of others, but they are extreme techniques, and generally not used by the everyday athlete.</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>Ballistic - The \"lean and bounce\" method, where you repeatedly bob back and forth in the stretch</li>\n<li>Dynamic - Mimics the motion of the activity in increasing amplitude</li>\n<li>Static - Traditional \"lean and hold\" type of stretching.</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Ballistic is old fashioned, and has been contraindicated for quite a while. One of the big risks is activating the stretch reflex in the tendon (This is what causes your knee to jerk when the doctor whacks you with the hammer), and this causes your muscle to try and tighten (shorten) at the same time you are actively lengthening it. This can produce tears, avulsions or tendon ruptures.</p>\n\n<p>Dynamic is recommended before activity, especially if you are doing an activity that requires great extremes of motion (Such as martial arts or gymnastics). This is simply doing the motions of the sport starting with slow, short movements and gradually increasing the range and power. Skips into bounds before running is one example of this. As evidenced <a href=\"http://journals.lww.com/nsca-jscr/Abstract/2008/11000/The_Acute_Effects_of_Dynamic_and_Ballistic.18.aspx\" rel=\"noreferrer\">by this study</a>, dynamic stretching before activity showed greater gains in jump power, where ballistic and static stretching did not show the same gains.</p>\n\n<p>Static should be done after activity if it is done. Several studies have shown that static stretching before activity (especially in power based activities) actually decreases performance. The main purpose of static stretching is to increase range of motion (ROM) in the area being stretched. <a href=\"http://saudeemovimento.net.br/wp-content/uploads/bsk-pdf-manager/402_EFFECT_OF_STATIC_AND_BALLISTIC_STRETCHING_ON.PDF\" rel=\"noreferrer\">This study</a> shows a decreased resistance to passive resistive torque (How far the joint can move before resistance begins), i.e. gains in flexibility with static where ballistic did not show the improvement. Ballistic did, however, reduce stiffness in the studied tendon (Achilles).</p>\n\n<p>There is currently no evidence that stretching will alleviate muscle pain, and while it is popular to do, not much evidence that it helps alleviate cramps, either. Static stretching (contrary to popular belief) has also not been proven to reduce injury rates (<a href=\"http://www.gytk.sote.hu/gyki/Oktatok/Horpet/Bozot_suggested_article.pdf\" rel=\"noreferrer\">As shown by this review article of the literature</a>) or assist with such things as delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), \"flush\" lactate out of the muscles, or anything. If it helps relax you, or if you need extreme ranges of motion for a specific sport, it can help, but other than that, there isn't much evidence for it to support performance increases.</p>\n\n<p>Also, since you mention that you play baseball, there is some evidence (Although I can't find the study at the moment) that preswing warmups should be done with a lightweight bat rather than a weighted bat, as it helps increase the following swing speeds.</p>\n\n<p>Addition: While reading through references, I did find some notations that ballistic stretching post exercise could possibly produce greater gains in flexibility, at the cost of a higher injury risk.</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 189, "author": "Community", "author_id": -1, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/-1", "pm_score": 3, "selected": false, "text": "<p>Here is my <a href=\"https://biology.stackexchange.com/a/30957/12909\">answer</a> from yesterday on Biology.SE. There is probably some overlap but I have linked articles with data available with my answer that may be of interest. As a note, the question on Bio was about warm showering to prepare for a sporting event. I am leaving the post as is since the information is still relevant and useful.</p>\n\n<hr>\n\n<p>I am going to address only the stretching portion of the question since some misinformation is out there. When you say stretching, I hope you mean dynamic as opposed to static stretching especially if you are about to compete in a sport. If you are referring to static stretching, taking a shower may be a better option then, but if you mean dynamic stretching, a shower will not provide a greater benefit.</p>\n\n<p>For peak performance, athletes or weekend warriors should use dynamic stretching prior to an event.</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>In previous research it has been recommended to use dynamic stretching as the primary method of stretching pre-event warm-up before high speed, and power activities (Little &amp; Williams, 2004). The findings of this study agree with that recommendation for agility activities as well. This study supported the use of dynamic stretching in eliciting the greatest performance in agility movements by decreased T-Drill time. The findings\n of the current study are consistent with those of Fletcher and Jones (2004), and Young and Behm (2003) who determined that dynamic stretching elicits the best performance in power and high-speed activities <a href=\"http://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1691&amp;context=etd\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">[1]</a>. </p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>However, static stretching does not improve performance and can actually lead to injury.</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>The current study found static stretching to have a negative effect on agility, and acceleration (Fletcher &amp; Jones, 2004; Nelson et al., 2005). As acceleration is a component of agility, these findings support those of Fletcher and Jones (2004) and Nelson et al. (2005). Agility also involves components of braking, and change of direction. Static stretching prior to agility activities was found to have a negative effect on agility performance <a href=\"http://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1691&amp;context=etd\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">[1]</a>. </p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>To read up on dynamic and static stretching as well as other types of stretching, I would recommend MIT's <a href=\"http://web.mit.edu/tkd/stretch/stretching_4.html\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Types of Stretching</a> page.</p>\n\n<p>Additionally, the references to my reference one provides many more useful articles to look into.</p>\n\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"http://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1691&amp;context=etd\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Static versus dynamic stretching effect on agility and performance</a></li>\n</ol>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/101", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/108/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 141, "author": "kenorb", "author_id": 114, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/114", "pm_score": 2, "selected": false, "text": "<p>The migraine is a chronic neurological disease. Its main symptom is usually an intense headache that occurs at the front or on one side of the head and the pain could gets worse when you move and prevents you from carrying out normal activities.</p>\n\n<p>The symptoms of a migraine can usually last for few hours or few days. Other common symptoms could include: nausea, vomiting and increased sensitivity to light and sound, however not everyone experiences these additional symptoms. Some other could include sweating, poor concentration, feeling very hot or very cold, abdominal (tummy) pain and diarrhoea. Migraine headaches are often undiagnosed and untreated.</p>\n\n<p>There are several types of migraine how it's categorised, such as^{<a href=\"http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/migraine/Pages/Introduction.aspx\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">NHS</a>}:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><p>migraine with aura,</p>\n\n<p>This is when there are warning sings before migraine starts (such as flashing lights).</p></li>\n<li><p>migraine without aura,</p>\n\n<p>Where migraine occurs without warning sings.</p></li>\n<li><p>migraine aura without headache.</p>\n\n<p>Where other symptoms are experienced (such as aura), but without headache. </p></li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>And the main stages of a migraine (although not everyone goes through all of these) are^{<a href=\"http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/migraine/Pages/symptoms.aspx\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">NHS</a>}:</p>\n\n<ol>\n<li><p><strong>'<a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prodrome\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Prodromal</a>' (pre-headache) stage</strong></p>\n\n<p>This early symptom can indicate the start of a disease. For example changes in mood, energy levels, behaviour and appetite can occur several hours or days before an attack. </p></li>\n<li><p><strong><a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aura_(symptom)\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Aura</a></strong></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retinal_migraine\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Retinal migraine</a> (visual migraine) can be accompanied by visual disturbances such as flashes of light or blind spots, which can last for five minutes to an hour or even temporary blindness in one eye.</p>\n\n<p>It vary by individual experience (smells, lights, or hallucinations).</p></li>\n<li><p><strong>Headache stage</strong></p>\n\n<p>Throbbing or pulsatile pain on one side or both sides of the head lasting for few hours to 72 hours. Often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and/or extreme sensitivity to bright light and loud sounds.</p></li>\n<li><p><strong><a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Postdrome\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Postdrome</a></strong> (Resolution stage)</p>\n\n<p>When symptoms gradually fade away, you may till feel tired for a few days afterwards. During this time you may feel drained and washed out, some other people report feeling mildly euphoric.</p></li>\n</ol>\n\n<p>See also:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https://health.stackexchange.com/q/103/114\">What are the general causes of migraine and how can it be treated?</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tension_headache\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Tension headache</a> at Wikipedia</li>\n<li><a href=\"http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/migraine-headache/basics/symptoms/con-20026358\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Migraine Symptoms</a> by Mayo Clinic Staff</li>\n</ul>\n" }, { "answer_id": 714, "author": "Zaralynda", "author_id": 62, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/62", "pm_score": 3, "selected": true, "text": "<h2>How to identify migraine</h2>\n\n<p>Traditionally, if you had headaches you would discuss your symptoms with a doctor who would then classify the type of headache you had based on what you reported. If you didn't think of something to report, or didn't think (for example) that your nausea was related to your headaches (and so didn't report it), then your headache type may be misdiagnosed. Personally, I received several different \"headache diagnoses\" over the years, depending on how I reported my symptoms and the doctor I was seeing at the time.</p>\n\n<p>In 2003, a group of researchers published a study (Lipton) where they determined the ID Migraine test was a reliable screening test for determining whether a patient had migraine. This test was further validated by additional studies in 2011 (Cousins), and has since been translated into additional languages and studied further (Karli). </p>\n\n<p><strong>ID Migraine Test</strong></p>\n\n<p>The ID Migraine test is considered positive for migraine if the patient answers yes to 2 or more of the following 3 questions:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>Has a headache limited your activities for a day or more in the last three months?</li>\n<li>Are you nauseated or sick to your stomach when you have a headache?</li>\n<li>Does light bother you when you have a headache?</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p><strong>Migraine Symptoms</strong> </p>\n\n<p>More generally, the <a href=\"http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/migraine-headache/basics/symptoms/con-20026358\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">symptoms of migraine</a> may include:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>Pain on one side or both sides of your head</li>\n<li>Pain that has a pulsating, throbbing quality</li>\n<li>Sensitivity to light, sounds and sometimes smells</li>\n<li>Nausea and vomiting</li>\n<li>Blurred vision</li>\n<li>Lightheadedness, sometimes followed by fainting</li>\n<li>Aura \n\n<ul>\n<li>Visual phenomena, such as seeing various shapes, bright spots or flashes of light</li>\n<li>Vision loss</li>\n<li>Pins and needles sensations in an arm or leg</li>\n<li>Speech or language problems (aphasia)</li>\n</ul></li>\n</ul>\n\n<h2>How to classify severity of migraine</h2>\n\n<p>Severity of migraine is usually judged based on how the symptoms affect the patient's ability to conduct daily activities. There are several scales available to test this, but the two most popular seem to be the Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) and the Headache Impact Test (HIT).</p>\n\n<p><strong>MIDAS</strong></p>\n\n<p>MIDAS was developed in 2001 (Steward) and is based on asking the patient to count the number of days they have been impacted by their headaches (specifically addressing work, household, and social activities). The more days a person is impacted, the more severe their migraine is considered. MIDAS can be <a href=\"http://www.achenet.org/midas/\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">found online</a> at the American Headache Society.</p>\n\n<p><strong>HIT</strong></p>\n\n<p>HIT is a newer test, developed in 2011 (Yang). It asks the patient to consider the impact of migraine on their activities in the past 4 weeks, on a five point scale that progresses from \"Never\" to \"Always\". Having more responses on the positive end of the scale (Sometimes/Very Often/Always) will indicate that a person is more severely affected by migraine. The HIT can be <a href=\"http://www.headaches.org/sites/default/files/uploaded_files/pdf/HIT-6.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">found online</a> on the National Headaches Foundation.</p>\n\n<h2>References</h2>\n\n<p>Cousins G1, Hijazze S, Van de Laar FA, Fahey T. <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21649653\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Diagnostic accuracy of the ID Migraine: a systematic review and meta-analysis.</a> \nHeadache. 2011 Jul-Aug;51(7):1140-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1526-4610.2011.01916.x. Epub 2011 Jun 7.</p>\n\n<p>Karli, N, Mustafa Ertas, Betül Baykan, Ozlem Uzunkaya, Sabahattin Saip, Mehmet Zarifoglu, Aksel Siva, and MIRA study group. <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3451667/\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">The validation of ID migraine™ screener in neurology outpatient clinics in Turkey.</a> J Headache Pain. 2007 Sep; 8(4): 217–223. Published online 2007 Sep 24. doi: 10.1007/s10194-007-0397-4</p>\n\n<p>Lipton RB, Dodick D, Sadovsky R, Kolodner K, Endicott J, Hettiarachchi J, Harrison W; <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12913201\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">A self-administered screener for migraine in primary care: The ID Migraine validation study.</a> Neurology. 2003 Aug 12;61(3):375-82.</p>\n\n<p>Stewart WF, Lipton RB, Dowson AJ, Sawyer J. <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11294956\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Development and testing of the Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) Questionnaire to assess headache-related disability.</a> Neurology. 2001;56(6 Suppl 1):S20-8.</p>\n\n<p>Yang M, Rendas-Baum R, Varon SF, Kosinski M. <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3057423/\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Validation of the Headache Impact Test (HIT-6TM) across episodic and chronic migraine.</a> Cephalalgia. 2011;31(3):357-367. doi:10.1177/0333102410379890.</p>\n\n<p>A prospective study on osmophobia in migraine versus tension-type headache in a large series of attacks\nTerrin A, Mainardi F, Lisotto C, Mampreso E, Fuccaro M, Maggioni F, Zanchin G. <a href=\"https://doi.org/10.1177/0333102419877661\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">A prospective study on osmophobia in migraine versus tension-type headache in a large series of attacks</a>Cephalalgia. 2019 <a href=\"https://doi.org/10.1177/0333102419877661\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">https://doi.org/10.1177/0333102419877661</a></p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/102", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/110/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 139, "author": "kenorb", "author_id": 114, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/114", "pm_score": -1, "selected": false, "text": "<p><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nosebleed\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Nosebleed</a> (medical term: epistaxis) can be caused by number of factors and its cause is not always determined. You could have either anterior (inside your nostrils) or posterior nosebleed (at the back of your nose). If the <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mucous_membrane\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">mucous membrane</a> becomes inflamed or cracked, it's more likely to bleed if it is disturbed.</p>\n\n<p>It can be caused by an infection, changes in humidity or temperature (such as cold weather). </p>\n\n<p>During cold winter seasons nose bleeding is associated with low <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Relative_humidity\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">relative humidity</a> of inhaled air, so you could try some air room humidifiers and see if <a href=\"https://lifehacks.stackexchange.com/questions/3997/how-to-increase-humidity-indoors\">increasing humidity</a> will make any difference.</p>\n\n<p>Nosebleeds aren't usually serious, however if node bleeding happens quite often or lasts for too long, you should seek for medical help or contact <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Otorhinolaryngology\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">otolaryngologist</a> so it can be assessed and the exact cause can be determined.</p>\n\n<p>Nosebleeds can be stopped without the need for medical attention. To do that you may firmly pinch the soft part of your nose (just above your nostrils) for 10-15 minutes, lean forward and breathe through your month to drain blood down your nose, instead of down the back of your throat. You can also place an ice pack covered by a a tower on the bridge of your nose. And staying upright would reduce the blood pressure.^{<a href=\"http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Nosebleed/Pages/Treatment.aspx\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">NHS</a>}</p>\n\n<p>When you nose has stopped bleeding, you can reduce the risk of your nose bleeding again by following the advice below:^{<a href=\"http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Nosebleed/Pages/Treatment.aspx\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">NHS</a>}</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>avoid blowing or picking your nose,</li>\n<li>avoid heavy lifting or intensive exercise,</li>\n<li>don't remove any crusts as they're useful part of the healing process,</li>\n<li>sneeze with open mouth to reduce the pressure inside your nose,</li>\n<li>avoid people with coughs and colds.</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n\n" }, { "answer_id": 660, "author": "anongoodnurse", "author_id": 169, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/169", "pm_score": 2, "selected": false, "text": "<p>I can't address how you can avoid your body temperature rising with certain foods like almonds or raisins, as I'm unfamiliar with that issue. Soups can be eaten cold or at room temperature, and you can lower your body temperature slightly with iced drinks, quick sponge baths, etc.</p>\n\n<p>But controlling the most frequent causes of nosebleeds might help you reduce their occurrance.</p>\n\n<p>The vast majority of bloody noses in healthy individuals (by that, I mean people without specific diseases of the blood or mucous membranes, etc.) arise from one specific area in the nose (on either side):</p>\n\n<p><img src=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/tDxYJ.gif\" alt=\"enter image description here\"></p>\n\n<p>In the mucosa of the nasal septum (the cartilagenous structure separating the nose into two sides), there is an area where several arteries \"meet\", giving it an exceptionally rich vascular supply, called Kiesselbach's plexus. It is on the anterior surface, and exposed to dry air and trauma (even such as might be sustained by a bad cold). People often get nosebleeds from nasal mucosal irritation due to upper respiratory infections. Bleeding typically occurs when the mucosa erodes for any reason, and the capillaries and venules (and sometimes arterioles) become exposed and subsequently break. The result is the familiar bloody dripping of a nosebleed.</p>\n\n<p>The most common treatment is <em>direct pressure</em> (squeezing the sides of the nose together) for 5-10 minutes. This works because putting direct pressure on any bleed stops the blood flow long enough for a clot to form and the arteriole to close down. If needed, more aggressive control can be achieved by a professional.</p>\n\n<p>Besides the immediate treatment of bloody noses, anything that helps with the integrity of the nasal mucosa is going to help reduce nosebleeds. One can </p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>run a humidifier in dry weather</li>\n<li>avoid irritating by touching the nose or blowing nose too often</li>\n<li>apply a very light layer of petrolatum or Bacitracin ointment to the inside of the nose covering Kiesselbach's plexus at night so the nose-breathing doesn't dry out your nose</li>\n<li>use nasal saline spray to moisten and soothe the nasal membranes (don't rub the tip of the spray bottle against the nasal membranes, though) </li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>*more serious or recurrent bleeding needs medical attention to rule out other conditions that are associated with frequent nose bleeds.</p>\n\n<p>Edited to reflect additional information.</p>\n\n<p>_{<a href=\"http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/863220-overview\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Epistaxis</a>}</p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/106", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/105/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 112, "author": "kenorb", "author_id": 114, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/114", "pm_score": 3, "selected": false, "text": "<h3>What is Aloe vera?</h3>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aloe_vera\" rel=\"nofollow\">Aloe vera</a> is the common name of one particular species of the genus Aloe (member of the Xanthorrhoeaceae family). There are over 420 different plant species and the most commonly used in consumer products. Most commonly used is Aloe barbadensis, Aloe barbadensis (Mill.) or (Miller) or Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f. (scientific name).</p>\n\n<h3>Processing</h3>\n\n<p>The primary component of the plant used in most products is the leaf, which can be processed in two ways to make aloe vera juice, powder or concentrate.</p>\n\n<p>The other substance found within the leaf that has been used in commerce, primarily as an OTC laxative drug, is the aloe latex. </p>\n\n<p>For oral consumption Aloe vera needs to be carefully filtered by different processing procedures:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><p>Aloe vera leaf juice</p>\n\n<p>A charcoal filtration process which decolorize and remove some of the components (including <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthraquinone\" rel=\"nofollow\">anthraquinone</a> which acts as <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laxative\" rel=\"nofollow\">laxative</a>) as some studies shown to be carcinogenic on rats, but not on mice (see <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aloe_vera#Toxicity\" rel=\"nofollow\">Toxicity</a>). NTP did not conduct studies of the Aloe vera gel (decolorized whole leaf extracts).</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Aloe vera leaf juice is made by taking entire aloe vera leaves and grinding them up via some type of maceration. Typically some enzymatic treatment is used (such as cellulase) to break down the rind and heavier-weight materials, and then the resulting slurry is filtered, usually with charcoal filtration, to remove any other unwanted materials such as the aloe latex (yellow, bitter tasting exudate that is a powerful laxative). The remainder is aloe vera leaf juice.</p>\n</blockquote></li>\n<li><p>Aloe vera inner leaf juice</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Aloe vera inner leaf juice is made by removing the rind prior to processing, either by machine or by hand, and then rinsing away the aloe latex. The remaining, gelatinous inner-leaf material is then ground/crushed into aloe vera inner leaf juice.</p>\n</blockquote></li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>In some other countries Aloe vera juice is produced using the patented <a href=\"http://www.aloecorp.com/production\" rel=\"nofollow\">TTS (Time, Temperature, Sanitation)</a> method.</p>\n\n<p>Once Aloe vera gel is filtered out for consumption, then it's considered safe, because without filtration it can be harmful causing potential toxicity when swallowed. </p>\n\n<p>Aloe vera that contains <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aloin\" rel=\"nofollow\">aloin</a> (however it's not for sure) in excess amounts may induce side effects, but there is very little data about what levels of aloin are in most liquid products (according to one research, it's less than 1ppm), however in solid/semi-solid products it could be 10-100 times higher. If aloin is the cause of the tumors in rats, then the lower the concentration of aloin, then it's less harmful. However more research is needed to answer these questions.</p>\n\n<h3>Is Aloe vera regulated?</h3>\n\n<p>In US Aloe vera is a dietary supplement and it's not regulated drug, so there is no guarantee of strength, purity, or safety of these products. Currently Aloe vera is approved by FDA as a food addictive for flavor.</p>\n\n<p>In the UK, European Union, China, and Korea content and purity of Aloe is regulated by <a href=\"http://www.iasc.org/\" rel=\"nofollow\">IASC</a> (International Aloe Science Council Seal of Approval) which established standards to define what is (and what is not) \"aloe vera\" in finished products. The IASC standard states that only products containing acemannan, or the beta 1-4 acetylated glucomannans, can be accurately labeled as aloe vera. Acemannan is a naturally occurring polysaccharide that is present in aloe vera and is used as an identifier of the botanical by analytical means. Products that do not contain acemannan are not considered to be true aloe vera based on this standard.</p>\n\n<h3>How can I tell if a product truly contains Aloe vera?</h3>\n\n<p>In countries where Aloe vera is regulated, you should check the label for seal-based certification (see: <a href=\"http://www.iasc.org/pdfs/10_0405_IASC_Labeling_Guidance_Definitions.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow\">labeling guidance</a>). You may also check the <a href=\"http://www.iasc.org/complete.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">certified products list on IASC website</a>. Also make sure that <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aloin\" rel=\"nofollow\">Aloin</a> content has been removed.</p>\n\n<h3>Health benefits</h3>\n\n<p>Potential health benefits of drinking Aloe vera juice includes:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><p>support the digestive system and relieve constipation,</p>\n\n<p>For example mixing Aloe with different oils and lemon juice can reach the entire gastrointestinal track to the colon. Oil blocks absorption of two other ingredients too soon so lemon juice can dissolve deposits in GI tract, gall bladder and pancreatic ducts, and after absorption, in the kidneys. Aloe can also heal infection such as erosions in the lining of the digestive track. ^{(<a href=\"http://merlin.pl/Zdrowie-na-wlasne-zyczenie-1-Oczyszczenie_Jozef-Slonecki/browse/product/1,475683.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">book source</a>)}</p></li>\n<li><p>enhance natural immunity,</p></li>\n<li>improve skin condition and health,</li>\n<li><p>naturally contains <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polysaccharide\" rel=\"nofollow\">polysaccharides</a> which provide many benefits to the body such as:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>healthy blood sugar levels,</li>\n<li>liver function,</li>\n<li>intestinal health: helping to reduce colon cancer,</li>\n<li>reduce serum cholesterol levels,</li>\n<li>exhibit immunomodulatory, antitumor, antithrombotic, anticoagulant, anti-mutagenic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiviral activities including anti-HIV infection, herpes, and hepatitis viruses^{<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22909979\" rel=\"nofollow\">study</a>},</li>\n</ul></li>\n<li>some other benefits include: hair loss, Helicobacter, atherosclerosis, sensitization, overweight, mycosis, neuroses, sepsis, cancer.</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Aloe vera gel is also used as traditional medicine (especially in Asia) for multipurpose skin treatment.</p>\n\n<p>However relatively few studies about possible benefits of Aloe gel taken internally have been conducted.</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>If you've any concerns or medical conditions, you should speak with your physician before altering any existing treatments.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<hr>\n\n<p>See:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/materials/aloe_vera_508.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow\">National Toxicology Program - Aloe Vera (PDF)</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"http://www.iasc.org/faq.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">IASC Aloe Vera FAQ</a></li>\n</ul>\n" }, { "answer_id": 19577, "author": "Jan", "author_id": 3002, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/3002", "pm_score": 2, "selected": false, "text": "<p><strong>Possible health benefits</strong></p>\n\n<p>Aloe vera by mouth is possibly effective for:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>relieving constipation</li>\n<li>reducing blood sugar and HbA1c in people with type 2 diabetes</li>\n<li>healing peptic ulcers (inconsistent evidence)</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p><strong>Possible side effects</strong></p>\n\n<p>Aloe vera latex by mouth may:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>trigger diarrhea</li>\n<li>increase the risk of cancer (insufficient evidence)</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Sources:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-607/aloe\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-aloe/art-20362267\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Mayo Clinic</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"https://nccih.nih.gov/health/aloevera\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92765/\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4557234/\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Pharmacognosy Review</a></li>\n</ul>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/108", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/113/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 321, "author": "kenorb", "author_id": 114, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/114", "pm_score": 4, "selected": true, "text": "<p>How to stop or delay hair loss, it mainly depends on your cause and there many reasons of <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hair_loss\" rel=\"noreferrer\">hair loss</a> (alopecia) as this can be caused by oxidative stress, alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder, fungal infection, traumatic damage, iron deficiency and many more and it can occur anywhere and at any age.</p>\n<p>In general nutrients and antioxidants in food play an key role in body defence mechanism including hair growth. Antioxidants help to neutralize certain free radicals which have the potential to damage human cells and genetic material. They basically halting the oxidation reaction.</p>\n\n<h3>Antioxidants</h3>\n<ul>\n<li><p>Vitamin C &amp; E</p>\n<p>Is a potent antioxidant that help in maintaining healthy hair. It help to increase scalp circulation and oxygenation.</p>\n</li>\n<li><p>Polyphenol antioxidants^{<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2569505/\" rel=\"noreferrer\">2005</a>}</p>\n<p>Polyphenols have many health benefits and their antioxidant properties promote hair growth. They're also photoprotective, radioprotective, anti-inflammatory and highly antioxidant.</p>\n<p>See also: <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antioxidant_effect_of_polyphenols_and_natural_phenols\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Antioxidant effect of polyphenols and natural phenols</a></p>\n</li>\n<li><p>C60/EVOO (C60 dissolved in Extra Virgin Olive Oil)</p>\n<p>C60/EVOO is an strong anti-oxidant at intracellular level which results in better functioning mitochondria.</p>\n<p><a href=\"http://www.researchgate.net/publication/24021223_Fullerene_nanomaterials_potentiate_hair_g%20rowth/links/0c960528b84a79db7e000000.pdf\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Studies</a> in 2009 showed that fullerene nanomaterials potentiate hair growth:</p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>In SKH-1hairless mice fullerene derivatives given <strong>topically</strong> or subdermally markedly increased hair growth.</p>\n<p>The fullerenes also <strong>increased hair growth in human skin sections</strong> maintained in culture. These studies have wide-ranging implications for those conditions leading to hair loss, including alopecia, chemotherapy, and reactions to various chemicals.</p>\n<p>[...] <strong>We report that fullerene derivatives accelerate the growth of hair in mice and human skin.</strong> [...]</p>\n</blockquote>\n<p>Quote from Luna <a href=\"http://www.google.com.tr/patents/US20110003773\" rel=\"noreferrer\">US20110003773</a> patent:</p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>Using fullerenes to enhance and stimulate hair growth</p>\n<p>It has been discovered that <strong>fullerenes can stimulate hair growth</strong>, restore hair growth in areas of hair loss, and induce the formation of new hair follicles.</p>\n</blockquote>\n<p>Dr. Moussa has <a href=\"http://www.owndoc.com/pdf/C60-Fullerene.pdf\" rel=\"noreferrer\">studied</a> the effects of C60 on animals for 18 years and claim C60 in olive oil is safe and anti-toxic (has no toxicity effects).</p>\n<p>Quote from one <a href=\"http://www.longecity.org/forum/user/19769-turnbuckle/\" rel=\"noreferrer\">researcher</a> who was/is taking C60-EVOO orally/topically for over 3 years:</p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>Hair regrowth that filled in a patch in the back that had been thinning for thirty years and was bare in a spot about as big as my palm. (A Norwood 4 in the back and a 1.5 in the front).</p>\n<p>I have now seen further improvement by applying a small amount dissolved in 91% rubbing alcohol, applying it with a dropper to the scalp for a few days. So topical treatment may be better than oral for hair regrowth.</p>\n</blockquote>\n</li>\n</ul>\n" }, { "answer_id": 11631, "author": "Unknown Coder", "author_id": 2083, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/2083", "pm_score": -1, "selected": false, "text": "<p>I know that everyone is different, but when I was much younger, I read an article on hair loss and was sold on the notion that DHT is the primary cause. It might also be the cause for you since that \"shine\" is a direct result of the oily sebum where DHT thrives. So I am now 40 with minimal hair loss and I have always focused on using DHT reducing shampoos. For a long time I used a DHT-reducing shampoo made by Aveeda but it can be prohibitively expensive. </p>\n\n<p>So I did my research and found that Head &amp; Shoulders had the same active ingredients that also reduce DHT. I have been using Head &amp; Shoulders for multiple decades now and I attribute that as being the main cause of being able to have a full head of hair at 40 years old.</p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/109", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/115/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 131, "author": "Attilio", "author_id": 120, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/120", "pm_score": 4, "selected": false, "text": "<p>These are some reasons:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>Free sugars contribute to the overall energy density of diets. [<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12768890\">1</a>]</li>\n<li>Free sugars promote a positive energy balance. (= excess of energy intake) [<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12768890\">1</a>]</li>\n<li>Drinks that are rich in free sugars increase overall energy intake by\nreducing appetite control. [<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12768890\">1</a>]</li>\n<li>Fruit sugar is less cariogenic than refined sugar [<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12768890\">1</a>]</li>\n<li>Some sources talk about the potential damages of substances involved during refining of sugar: phosphoric acid [<a href=\"http://www.sugaraustralia.com.au/Industry.aspx?content=RefiningBusiness\">2</a>], calcium hydroxide [<a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sugarcane\">3</a>] and sulfur dioxide [<a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sugarcane\">3</a>]</li>\n<li>Finally free sugars and sweetened foods have higher glycemic index than naturally sweetened foods [<a href=\"http://www.health.harvard.edu/healthy-eating/glycemic_index_and_glycemic_load_for_100_foods\">4</a>]</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>One more note in terms of <em>health</em>: free sugars have no minerals, vitamins nor fiber, that are usually contained in fruits and fruit juices.</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 16362, "author": "juhraffe", "author_id": 13831, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/13831", "pm_score": 4, "selected": true, "text": "<p>To directly answer your question: it is not. &quot;Natural&quot; sugar is no healthier than &quot;refined&quot; sugar, and sugar in fruits is no healthier than sugar in juice. Sugar molecules are sugar molecules, regardless of whether they are &quot;natural&quot; or &quot;refined.&quot; There is no difference.</p>\n<p>However, I believe the real question here is why the WHO is recommending one type of food over another, so I'll attempt to address this.</p>\n<p>The sugar is the same, but (1) the rest of the food that you eat with the sugar is different, so (2) your overall diet is different, (3) which leads to different health effects.</p>\n<p>(1) When you eat refined sugar you are typically not consuming nutrient-dense foods. A simple example is oranges vs. orange juice. Have you ever tried to eat three oranges? It's not easy. You have to chew a lot of pulp, which fills you up, and later on you may have bowel issues due to the large amount of fiber. These are natural mechanisms that help to prevent you from over-consuming oranges. However, if you instead squeeze these oranges, you get a glass of orange juice, which is easy to drink, and due to the lack of pulp it is easy to digest and does not fill you up.</p>\n<p>(2) A healthy diet has carbs, protein, fats, fiber, water, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, and if you eat a balanced mix of fruits, vegetables, meats, grains, nuts, and/or other &quot;natural&quot; foods, you can get a pretty good mix of these. If you consume a large quantity of refined foods, you'll get a lot of sugar, salt, and fat, but not much else, so you get a lot of calories but don't make much progress in your overall nutrient needs. This has the dual effects of excess calories and nutrient deficiency. You're starving (for nutrients) and over-consuming (sugar, salt, and fat) at the same time.</p>\n<p>(3) This unbalanced diet (heavy in sugar) leads to some health effects such as (a) excess weight gain, and (b) decreased insulin sensitivity.</p>\n<p>(3a) Fructose is generally processed by the liver, and it does not trigger the &quot;fullness&quot; feeling like glucose and other foods, leading to excess calorie consumption and weight gain. This extra body fat is associated with negative health effects.</p>\n<p>(3b) Insulin helps regulate blood sugar, but it can lose effectiveness, especially when blood sugar quickly and repeatedly rises to high levels. This is not just due to sugar, but starch and high glycemic index foods that easily break down into glucose. The amount matters, too. It's not just how fast the food gets converted to glucose but how much of it there is.</p>\n<p>Table sugar (sucrose) and corn syrup (including high fructose corn syrup) have both glucose and fructose, so you'll probably see both effects if you include enough refined foods in your diet.</p>\n<p>So, bottom line: refined foods have the same sugar chemicals, but the overall composition of the foods is skewed away from nutrients and toward sugar, which means the overall diet is out of balance, leading to over-consumption of calories, weight gain, and insulin resistance, which are associated with a number of health problems.</p>\n<p>References:<BR>\n[1] Maria Gadoy, &quot;What's More Nutritious, Orange Juice Or An Orange? It's Complicated&quot;, January 22, 2015, NPR, <a href=\"https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2015/01/22/378920980/for-more-nutrients-drink-oj-or-eat-an-orange-it-s-not-so-clear-cut\" rel=\"noreferrer\">https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2015/01/22/378920980/for-more-nutrients-drink-oj-or-eat-an-orange-it-s-not-so-clear-cut</a></p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>Interesting discussion about pros and cons of oranges vs. juice. Bottom line: cooking (pasteurizing) can release some nutrients better than fresh oranges, but juice has no fiber and does not fill you up.</p>\n</blockquote>\n<p>[2] DiNicolantonio JJ, Berger A. Added sugars drive nutrient and energy deficit in obesity: a new paradigm. Open Heart 2016;3:e000469. doi: 10.1136/openhrt-2016-000469\n<a href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4975866/\" rel=\"noreferrer\">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4975866/</a></p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>&quot;Not only do added sugars displace nutritionally superior foods in the diet, but they may also deplete nutrients from other foods that have been consumed, as well as from body stores, in order to enable their proper oxidation and liberate their calories as energy.&quot;<br></p>\n<p>&quot;Although edible, added sugars cannot be considered a ‘food’, nor can their consumption be equated to eating foods that contain natural amounts of sugar, but which also provide fibre, vitamins, minerals and other phytonutrients that combat oxidative stress produced by the small amounts of fructose present.&quot;</p>\n</blockquote>\n<p>[3] George A Bray; How bad is fructose?, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 86, Issue 4, 1 October 2007, Pages 895–896, <a href=\"https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/86.4.895\" rel=\"noreferrer\">https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/86.4.895</a><br></p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>&quot;When ingested by itself, fructose is poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, and it is almost entirely cleared by the liver&quot;<br></p>\n<p>&quot;Glucose stimulates insulin release from the isolated pancreas, but fructose does not.&quot;<br></p>\n<p>&quot;Fructose is metabolized, primarily in the liver, by phosphorylation on the 1-position, a process that bypasses the rate-limiting phosphofructokinase step (4). Hepatic metabolism of fructose thus favors lipogenesis, and it is not surprising that several studies have found changes in circulating lipids when subjects eat high-fructose diets&quot;</p>\n</blockquote>\n<p>[4] Peter J. Havel; Dietary Fructose: Implications for Dysregulation of Energy Homeostasis and Lipid/Carbohydrate Metabolism, Nutrition Reviews, Volume 63, Issue 5, 1 May 2005, Pages 133–157, <a href=\"https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1753-4887.2005.tb00132.x\" rel=\"noreferrer\">https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1753-4887.2005.tb00132.x</a></p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>&quot;Compared with glucose, the hepatic metabolism of fructose favors lipogenesis, which may contribute to hyperlipidemia and obesity. Fructose does not increase insulin and leptin or suppress ghrelin, which suggests an endocrine mechanism by which it induces a positive energy balance.&quot;</p>\n</blockquote>\n<p>[5] Boyd Swinburn, Gary Sacks, Eric Ravussin; Increased food energy supply is more than sufficient to explain the US epidemic of obesity, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 90, Issue 6, 1 December 2009, Pages 1453–1456, <a href=\"https://doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.2009.28595\" rel=\"noreferrer\">https://doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.2009.28595</a></p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>&quot;Increased energy intake appears to be more than sufficient to explain weight gain in the US population.&quot;</p>\n</blockquote>\n<p>[6] Sam Z. Sun, Mark W. Empie; Fructose metabolism in humans – what isotopic tracer studies tell us, Nutrition &amp; Metabolism 2012 9:89, October 2012.\n<a href=\"https://doi.org/10.1186/1743-7075-9-89\" rel=\"noreferrer\">https://doi.org/10.1186/1743-7075-9-89</a></p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>Detailed account of fructose metabolism.</p>\n</blockquote>\n<p>[7] Prediabetes &amp; Insulin Resistance, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, NIH. <a href=\"https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/what-is-diabetes/prediabetes-insulin-resistance\" rel=\"noreferrer\">https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/what-is-diabetes/prediabetes-insulin-resistance</a></p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>&quot;Although the exact causes of insulin resistance are not completely understood, scientists think the major contributors to insulin resistance are excess weight and physical inactivity.&quot;</p>\n</blockquote>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/116", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/113/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 151, "author": "umesh krishna", "author_id": 129, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/129", "pm_score": 3, "selected": false, "text": "<p>This is a very good question.</p>\n\n<p>Simply put: among doctors we call them <em>wonder drugs</em> or <em>life saving drugs</em>. In a number of emergencies, such as severe drug reactions, life-threatening asthma or allergies, or inflammatory conditions (such as your example of arthritis), no other drugs act like steroids. They act quickly and effectively, reducing inflammation and decreasing allergic responses, opening swollen airways, etc. They are used because they are so effective.</p>\n\n<p>Steroids do have side effects; they can cause kidney stones, decrease bone density, may cause diabetes, nervous system related diseases and many more, but only when used continuously for more than 3 to 6 months or so. Usually, however, steroids are only used until the patient is out of danger or experiences relief of their sudden severe pain. </p>\n\n<p>Steroids are not alien to our bodies; they are naturally produced by the adrenal gland, which lies above kidney. Therefore they are unlike paracetamol (which we take for fever) and other drugs which are synthetic (not natural). By giving steroids to patients, we are just strengthening a natural response our bodies attempt to mount. </p>\n\n<p>I suggest you not take any steroid for more than 3 months, and only under a doctor's supervision. Your doctor can advise you of any alternatives to steroids if available.</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 190, "author": "Community", "author_id": -1, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/-1", "pm_score": 2, "selected": false, "text": "<p>The reason drugs with adverse side effects are prescribed are </p>\n\n<ol>\n<li>Generally the benefits outweigh the risk,</li>\n<li>Every side effect that was discovered during trials, no matter how rare, must be listed, and</li>\n<li>Hopefully the FDA in the US or the similar administration in the other countries did their due diligence in order to protect consumers from drug companies.</li>\n</ol>\n\n<p>Doctors only prescribe untested drugs to terminal ill patients who sign numerous waivers in order to take them. So on average, a patient should only rarely experience the side effects and usually the milder ones will present; however, some people will present with the more serious adverse reactions. </p>\n\n<p>Additionally, if any side effect does present itself, the patient should consult their physician since alternatives may be available.</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 307, "author": "Susan", "author_id": 165, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/165", "pm_score": 6, "selected": true, "text": "<p>I think a missing bit of information that might help you get a better sense of this practice is: <strong>steroids are miracle drugs.</strong> </p>\n\n<p>OK, that was in jest - no miracles here. Truth be told, though, if there is a single class of drugs that has added more <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quality-adjusted_life_year\">quality-adjusted life-years</a> to human history than any other, steroids must be competing with just a few antibiotic classes for that title.</p>\n\n<p>To make clear what we’re talking about, the term “steroid” as a label for drugs generally refers to <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glucocorticoid\">glucocorticoids</a> (GCs) - drugs that act like cortisol, an endogenous steroid hormone. Commonly used GCs include:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Short acting</strong>: hydrocortisone, cortisone</li>\n<li><strong>Intermediate-acting</strong>: prednisone, prednisolone, mehthylprednisolone, triamcinolone</li>\n<li><strong>Long-acting</strong>: betamethasone, dexamethasone, paramethasone</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Your question poses a specific example of one indication for steroids but seems to be asking about the use of these drugs more generally. As others have brought up, any decision about drug treatment involves weighing the <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Risk%E2%80%93benefit_ratio\"><strong>risk-benefit ratio</strong></a>.</p>\n\n<h2>Benefits</h2>\n\n<p>Although going through the efficacy data for various conditions is beyond the scope of this answer, I list a sampling of the common indications for GC treatment, and in the concluding paragraph I will provide specific efficacy data for arthritis. </p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><p><strong>Replacement therapy</strong>: due to either primary adrenal insufficiency (<a href=\"http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/addisons-disease/basics/definition/con-20021340\">Addison’s disease</a>) or secondary/tertiary insufficiency (at the level of the hypothalamus or pituitary. </p></li>\n<li><p><strong>Inflammatory conditions</strong> (deep breath in): asthma, eczema, inflammatory bowel disease, allergic rhinitis/sinusitis, eosinophilic anything, inflammatory arthritis, anaphylaxis, septic shock (in very specific circumstances), polymyalgia rheumatica, polyarteritis nodosa, temporal arteritis, minimal change glomerulonephritis, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, urticaria, autoimmune hepatitis</p></li>\n<li><p><strong>Other things that aren’t (necessarily) obviously inflammatory</strong>: increased intracranial pressure, intractable nausea, acute leukemia, sarcoidosis, cluster headaches, dermatomyositis</p></li>\n</ul>\n\n<h2>Risks</h2>\n\n<p>First, please note that a few of the indications for GC require only a very brief burst of high-dose GC. In this time course, these drugs actually very few serious side effects (psychiatric effects and hyperglycemia are exceptions, but rarely outweigh the benefit). Over the longer term, however, supra-physiologic doses of GC have an array of adverse effects that fall into a few categories:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><p><strong>Suppression of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis</strong>: Exogenous GCs suppress the hypothalamic pathway that stimulates the adrenal gland, resulting in adrenal atrophy. This means that if the exogenous GC is abruptly discontinued, <a href=\"http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000357.htm\">adrenal crisis</a> can ensue. The rule of thumb I learned was that >3 weeks treatment with >10 mg prednisone (or equivalent) can cause HPA suppression. As a result, GC treatment that meets these criteria is generally ended with a taper, allowing the adrenal to regenerate, whereupon it can resume normal function.<br><br>\nThis side effect is usually a non-issue if the medication is tapered correctly. Therefore, the benefits of treatment will generally outweigh the risks.</p></li>\n<li><p><strong>Cushing’s syndrome</strong>: This term is generally applied to the constellation of symptoms occuring with chronic administration of supra-physiologic doses of GC. <br> </p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>Hyperglycemia </li>\n<li>Hypertension </li>\n<li>Psychiatric effects: insomnia, precipitation of mania or psychosis in susceptible individuals</li>\n<li>Salt retention¹</li>\n<li>Decreased bone mineral density</li>\n<li>Weight gain: generally in a pattern characterized by central adiposity and peripheral muscle atrophy</li>\n<li>Increased intra-ocular pressure</li>\n</ul></li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>So, after all that:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Why do doctors prescribe steroid tablets though they knew the side effect?</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>Because the benefit outweighs the risk.² For the example you gave &mdash; arthritis³ &mdash; the best paper I found was a <a href=\"http://rheumatology.oxfordjournals.org/content/48/7/807.long\">meta-analysis</a> that used a statistical method that compares the <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Number_needed_to_treat\">number needed to treat</a> (NNT) with the <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Number_needed_to_harm\">number needed to harm</a> (NNH) for long-term (>1 year) treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The ratio there NNH/NNT was 0.25, which is considered “good.” I’ll let you read their methods if you’d like the details. For further reading on this methodology and insights into how we quantitatively assess the comparison between risks and benefits, <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=20412543\">this article by Guo et al.</a> provides some good bedtime reading.</p>\n\n<hr>\n\n<p>_{\n<strong>Notes</strong>:\n}<br>\n_{\n1. This is actually a mineralocoricoid rather than a GC effect, only present for those GCs whose receptor specificity overlaps, most prominently the short-acting agents hydrocortisone and cortisone.\n} </p>\n\n<p>_{\n2. Usually. Steroids are probably over-used in some settings because most people know that steroids tend to “make everybody feel better.” They can be an easy way to make patients happy if the side effects aren’t fully appreciated. Thus (in case you needed me to tell you!), your question is a valid one.\n}<br><br>\n_{\n3. I’m assuming here rheumatoid arthritis, because this is the most common type of arthritis for which steroids are appropriate. For the more common osteo-“arthritis” &mdash; a.k.a. degenerative joint disease &mdash; I’m sure steroids would make patients feel better, but the benefit there <em>rarely</em> outweighs the risk.</p>\n\n<h2>}</h2>\n\n<p>_{\n<strong>References:</strong>\n} <br>\n_{\nGuo JJ, Pandey S, Doyle J, Bian B, Lis Y, Raisch DW. <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=20412543\"><em>A review of quantitative risk-benefit methodologies for assessing drug safety and efficacy-report of the ISPOR risk-benefit management working group.</em></a> Value Health. 2010 Aug;13(5):657-66.\n} </p>\n\n<p>_{\nLiu D, Ahmet A, Ward L, Krishnamoorthy P, Mandelcorn ED, Leigh R, Brown JP, Cohen A, Kim H. <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=A+practical+guide+to+the+monitoring+and+management+of+the+complications+of+systemic+corticosteroid+therapy\"><em>A practical guide to the monitoring and management of the complications of systemic corticosteroid therapy.</em></a> Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol. 2013 Aug 15;9(1):30.\n} </p>\n\n<p>_{\nMycek RJ, Harvey RA, Champe PC. <em>Pharmacology</em>. Lippincotts’s Illustrated Reviews, 2nd Ed. Lippincott, 1997: 272-276.\n} </p>\n\n<p>_{\nRavindran V, Rachapalli S, Choy EH.Rheumatology (Oxford). <a href=\"http://rheumatology.oxfordjournals.org/content/48/7/807.long\">Safety of medium- to long-term glucocorticoid therapy in rheumatoid arthritis: a meta-analysis.</a> 2009 Jul;48(7):807-11.\n}</p>\n\n<hr>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/120", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/91/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 138, "author": "Shlublu", "author_id": 102, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/102", "pm_score": 6, "selected": true, "text": "<p>In short, and according to <a href=\"http://healthysleep.med.harvard.edu/healthy/about\">the WGBH Educational Foundation and the Harvard Medical School Division of Sleep Medicine</a>:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><p>Lack of sleep can, in the short term, \"affect judgment, mood, ability to learn and retain information, and may increase the risk of serious accidents and injury\"</p></li>\n<li><p>In the long term, it may \"lead to a host of health problems including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even early mortality\". (We are speaking about an actual sleep deprivation here)</p></li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>They have published a complete set of articles about that, <a href=\"http://healthysleep.med.harvard.edu/healthy/matters/consequences\">the entry point is here</a>.</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 332, "author": "highline7AM", "author_id": 179, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/179", "pm_score": 4, "selected": false, "text": "<p>I would also add that if you're consistently getting 4-5 hours of sleep (instead of about 8) then it's counterproductive for studying. Aside from affecting your ability to concentrate, there's also the effect on memory, especially memory consolidation for instance. </p>\n\n<p>As a grad student, I know that it's a constant challenge balancing sleep and studying, but I would still urge you to consider this.</p>\n\n<p>See a review here for example</p>\n\n<p>Rasch, Björn and Jan Born. <a href=\"http://physrev.physiology.org/content/93/2/681\">About Sleep's Role in Memory.</a> Physiol Rev. 2013 Apr; 93(2): 681–766.\ndoi: 10.1152/physrev.00032.2012</p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/122", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/121/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 137, "author": "kathy", "author_id": 94, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/94", "pm_score": 2, "selected": false, "text": "<p>Sitting for long periods of time is unhealthy because you do not get good blood circulation. Most of your muscles are not moving. Passengers are recommended to get up and walk around on a long haul flight every few hours for the same reason.</p>\n\n<p>In serious cases, the blood may clot in the legs. This is known as <em>deep vein thrombosis</em>. I have heard people who, after a long flight, fainted as they get up after landing. This is because there was insufficient blood pressure to carry nutrition to the brain.</p>\n\n<p>If you use a bad sit posture, it may lead to back pains as well.</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 152, "author": "Miati", "author_id": 90, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/90", "pm_score": 5, "selected": true, "text": "<p>Your body uses motion in several ways to maintain function.\nOne of them is called muscle milking\nMuscle Milking is the process where blood is pushed back up to your heart by your muscles compressing on the veins. Since the veins have valves to ensure one-way direction, compression (usage) of the muscles causes it to move up, against gravity.</p>\n\n<p>Lymph also piggybacks on this process to push fluid upwards, otherwise occasionally resulting in edema.</p>\n\n<p>Movement of blood is incredibly important. It transports white blood cells to fight various infections in your body, platelets have a tendency to start clotting when blood is moving too slow for a extended period of time (however are extremely important in injuries), nutrients are carried from your intestines, oxygen is carried to cells and carbon dioxide is carried away, filtering by the kidney's, etc.</p>\n\n<p>Another component is the the body's powerful ability to adapt. It doesn't like spending energy when it doesn't have to. Sitting for extended periods of time frequently means your heart doesn't need to be very strong. Should at some point you do need it to do more (like when you're standing or exercising) it must quickly work overtime to keep up. This invites high blood pressure, dizziness and general fatigue.</p>\n\n<p>To push the point, imagine someone who has been bed-ridden for several weeks due to surgery, illness, etc. While in supine (lying on your back) the person may feel fine. However when sitting up the person experiences dizziness, light-headedness and occasionally nausea. Overtime, especially following exercises, the symptoms fade as the body adjusts to being in a sitting position. The same occurs when standing</p>\n\n<p><strong>What to do</strong></p>\n\n<p>The solution is simple. Move. Work out so that periods of inactivity are the exception and not the norm. A strong heart can handle higher level exercises and inactivity. A weak heart will have trouble with the former.</p>\n\n<p>Also, it's the inactivity with sitting that is unhealthy. You can stand and be inactive just as well (standing desk). </p>\n\n<p>@kevin</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>I have heard people who, after a long flight, fainted as they get up after landing.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>The blood vessels constantly vaso dilate (get wider) and vaso constrict as needed.\nFollowing a nights sleep, you may feel dizzy if you quickly stand up. This is because over the course of the night you were likely sitting in supine. Since only minimal pressure is needed to maintain flow in supine, the vessels can vaso dilate. </p>\n\n<p>Upon standing or sitting, the situation changes quickly and the body is not quick enough to respond. Since the body cannot get blood to the highest point (brain) fast enough, it cannot function. Luckily, when people faint they go into a horizontal posture, rapidly providing blood to the brain again.</p>\n\n<p>The above invites trauma of course, but the risk of trauma is less of a issue then the lack of nutrients to the brain.</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 3491, "author": "user1869", "author_id": 1869, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/1869", "pm_score": 0, "selected": false, "text": "<p>Not moving your joints can increase pain in bones and arthritis.\nIt also has an effect on your mental state. Without any change in your surroundings and staying in the same environment can cause depression, increase stress and anxiety. </p>\n\n<p>It can also increase tiredness and feeling sluggish, so if you're at work it can have an effect on your work and the overall workplace.</p>\n\n<p>And the biggest is weight gain!</p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/124", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/59/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 200, "author": "michaelpri", "author_id": 26, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/26", "pm_score": 3, "selected": false, "text": "<p>Dairy products are not the best source of calcium for many reasons.</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><h3>Lactose Intolerance</h3>\n\n<ul>\n<li>Lactose intolerant people can't have dairy products as they will usually cause various symptoms like diarrhea or cramping</li>\n</ul></li>\n<li><h3>High Saturated Fat Content</h3>\n\n<ul>\n<li>Most dairy products are high in saturated fat, which can be a risk factor for heart disease</li>\n<li>Milk has been able to cut down on this with reduced fat and fat-free options, but other dairy products, like cheese and ice cream are still very high in fat</li>\n</ul></li>\n<li><h3>Cancer Risk</h3>\n\n<ul>\n<li><p>Ovarian Cancer - Studies have shown that high intakes of lactose (equal to 2-3 servings of milk) can increase the risk of ovarian cancer¹</p></li>\n<li><p>Prostate Cancer - Studies showed inconclusive evidence that some men with a higher calcium intake might have a higher risk of prostate cancer; <strong>Evidence was not conclusive</strong>; Could also be linked to just calcium rather than dairy products²</p></li>\n</ul></li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Though dairy products are a convenient source, and they are high in protein and vitamins A and D, they are not the best source for calcium. In small amounts, dairy is fine, but there are good alternative sources.</p>\n\n<h3>Other sources</h3>\n\n<ul>\n<li>Leafy green vegetables - kale, spinach, lettuce</li>\n<li>Beans, legumes, and almonds</li>\n<li>Calcium supplements</li>\n</ul>\n\n<hr>\n\n<p>_{[1] <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16492930?dopt=Citation\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Dairy products and ovarian cancer</a>}</p>\n\n<p>_{[2] <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2360740/\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Dairy products, calcium and prostate cancer risk\n</a>}</p>\n\n<p>_{<a href=\"http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/calcium-full-story/#calcium-from-milk\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Should You Get Calcium from Milk?</a>}</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 401, "author": "kenorb", "author_id": 114, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/114", "pm_score": 3, "selected": false, "text": "<p>The issue whether “excess” dietary protein intake adversely affects bone in humans is a subject of current controversy in nutrition^(1),(2),(3) with one group concluding that “excess protein will not harm the skeleton if the calcium intake is adequate”⁽³⁾ and group that “excessive dietary protein from foods with high potential renal acid load (e.g., animal foods) adversely affects bone, unless buffered by the consumption of alkali-rich foods (e.g. vegetable foods)”⁽¹⁾ (quoted by Frassetto 2000).</p>\n\n<p>Other studies reporting better bone health in women with greater protein intakes^(4),(5) (high protein intake prevents BMD decrease). Further, the Munger study reported that higher intakes of animal sources of dietary protein were associated with a 70% reduction in hip fracture, even after controlling for major confounding variables (Hannan 2000).</p>\n\n<p>Read more: <a href=\"https://scienceandveganism.wordpress.com/topics/calcium-bmd-osteoporosis/\" rel=\"nofollow\">Calcium, BMD and Osteoporosis</a></p>\n\n<p>In overall it's difficult to say whether calcium intake has positive or negative effect from the consumption of dairy products on our bones, based on the sample size and subject characteristics of the studies, so more studies needs to be conducted.</p>\n\n<hr>\n\n<p>References:</p>\n\n<ol>\n<li>Barzel US, Massey LK. Excess dietary protein can adversely affect bone. J Nutr. 1998;128:1051–1053.</li>\n<li>Massey LK. Does excess dietary protein adversely affect bone? Symposium overview. J Nutr. 1998;128:1048–1050.</li>\n<li>Heaney RP. Excess dietary protein may not adversely affect bone. J Nutr. 1998;128:1054–1057.</li>\n<li>Freudenheim et al.(46, Freudenheim JL, Johnson NE, Smith EL 1986</li>\n<li>47, Munger Cerhan JR, Chiu BC 1999 Prospective study of dietary protein intake and risk of hip fracture in postmenopausal women.</li>\n</ol>\n" }, { "answer_id": 13747, "author": "cbeleites unhappy with SX", "author_id": 11479, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/11479", "pm_score": 2, "selected": false, "text": "<p>First of all, I'm not sure whether the question is answerable at all without a more detailed scenario.</p>\n\n<p>So we have:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><p>Ca²⁺ excretion increasing with excess protein<br>\nThis seems to be linked to elimination of excess acids rather than directly to protein according to <a href=\"http://jn.nutrition.org/content/141/3/391.long\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">http://jn.nutrition.org/content/141/3/391.long</a>.<br>\n <a href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15546911\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15546911</a> finds the additional excretion coming from the increased intake under high protein diet.</p></li>\n<li><p>Ca²⁺ uptake/loss in bones (which is typically the main point of the Ca uptake/loss discussion, and bone is a large researvoir of Ca in the human body):<br>\nbone (re)building needs:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>Ca²⁺</li>\n<li>protein<br>\n(we're talking here high/excess protein diets, so let's assume this is not a limiting factor) </li>\n<li>mechanical stimulation (excercise)</li>\n</ul></li>\n<li><p>if you are in a situation with (primarily) net loss of bone because of <em>any</em> of the 3 ingredients to bone growth above (e.g. lack of excercise even though Ca and protein are available), you'll observe a net Ca loss, because Ca released from the bone that (naturally) broken down is excreted.</p></li>\n<li><p>Ca²⁺ uptake from food depends on</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>bioavailablility, which depends on presence/absence of other substances.</li>\n<li>e.g. oxalate will precipitate Ca as insoluble and bioinavailable Ca-oxalate (in 1:1 mol ratio). </li>\n<li>there are studies indicating that high-protein food increases Ca uptake, see e.g. <a href=\"http://jn.nutrition.org/content/141/3/391.long\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">http://jn.nutrition.org/content/141/3/391.long</a> </li>\n<li><p>vitamin D status of the recipient: vitamin D is needed to transport Ca²⁺, and <a href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24335055\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">roughly, the higher the vitamin D level, the higher the Ca uptake</a><br>\nNot only rachitis in children but also osteoporosis in old people is correlated with vitamin D deficiency. </p></li>\n<li><p><a href=\"http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/75/4/609.full\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/75/4/609.full</a> outlines a mechanism how urinary Ca loss may trigger increased Ca uptake.</p></li>\n</ul></li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Taking those points together, we may construct 2 extreme lifestyles that would react quite opposite to the linked intake of protein + calcium in milk: </p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><p>On the one hand, imagine a sedentary indoors couch potato. No sun (low vitamin D), no excercise (no bone growth stimulus). Without adequate vitamin D levels, the Ca in the milk (although in principle bioavailable) is not even absorbed in the gut. Even if it were (or: even the little that is) is not used for net new bone growth as the excercise stimulus is missing. With a high protein diet (or, a diet causing excess acid urinary excretion), Ca is lost. It may have been lost even without a high protein diet because of bone loss due to lack of excercise. Or, with a low excess acid diet, bone would have been maintained even with the low level of excercise. </p></li>\n<li><p>On the other hand, consider a physically active outdoors person. Excercise gives a bone growth stimulus, sunlight does its share in supplying vitamin D. In that scenario, milk gives the protein as well as the Ca to actually grow bone. Result is a net gain in Ca, even though some Ca is excreted via urine.</p></li>\n</ul>\n\n<p><em>Slightly off topic: this whole scenario feels a bit like a 101 in how to lie with statistics without actually lying: we have at least 4-5 factors that need to be at the right setting (and for 4 of them it is comparatively easy to be off) in order to achieve bone growth/net Ca gain. Now any study looking at a single factor will not find an effect unless they make sure all other factors are right. And if one factor is worse with the treatment group than the controls, a study may even seem to observe the opposite of what is really going on.</em></p>\n\n<hr>\n\n<p>I tried to find numbers for Ca²⁺ excretion per gram of protein. A rough guesstimate based on <a href=\"http://jn.nutrition.org/content/128/6/1051.full\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">http://jn.nutrition.org/content/128/6/1051.full</a> would be up to 200 mg Ca²⁺ urinary excretion for 150 g of protein consumption. Based on that rough guesstimate, food with a ratio > 1.33 mg Ca/g of protein would be considered as \"gaining Ca²⁺\". </p>\n\n<p><a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milk#Nutrition_and_health\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milk#Nutrition_and_health</a> gives cow milk with 30 - 35 g protein / l and 1200 mg Ca²⁺/l, yielding a Ca : protein ratio of > 30 mg Ca/g of protein. Even assuming just the average absorption rate for Ca in food of 30 % (<a href=\"http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/35/4/783.extract\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/35/4/783.extract</a> - didn't find numbers for milk, though it is frequently cited as highly bioavailable - but then it will also depend on other factors) that leaves almost an order of magnitude to the side of more Ca uptake than increase in excretion. </p>\n\n<p>So overall, this <strong>back-of-the-envelope calculation is in favor of milk being a net source of Ca</strong>. Note however, that not all dairy products have the same Ca:protein ratio as milk. E.g. <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whey\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Whey</a> has even more Ca:protein, and consequently the cheese of which whey is a leftover/side product has a somewhat lower Ca:protein ratio. </p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/154", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/120/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 238, "author": "JohnP", "author_id": 64, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/64", "pm_score": 4, "selected": false, "text": "<p>There is some research that has been done on this, as well as some more anecdotal/lifestyle based evidence.</p>\n\n<p>There is a study done in 1914, published in the <a href=\"http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&amp;lr=&amp;id=GPYEAAAAYAAJ&amp;oi=fnd&amp;pg=PA114&amp;dq=eating%20sitting%20position%20standing%20reclining&amp;ots=dp30D7yrn_&amp;sig=BRynH9whTS71gD5KAij8alhwfVs#v=onepage&amp;q&amp;f=false\">American Journal of Physiology</a>, where they examined the carbon dioxide tension of the blood after eating. CO2 tension is a byproduct of food metabolism, and in high amounts can cause dyspnea, acidosis and possibly altered consciousness. The findings showed that standing, then sitting, then lying each produced higher CO2 tension than the previous position. Trendelenburg (Lying with head lower than legs) produced less than lying, approximating the sitting position. Sitting erect also had lower tension than sitting reclined.</p>\n\n<p>More anecdotally, <a href=\"http://www.thehealthsite.com/diseases-conditions/why-you-should-sit-on-the-floor-while-eating/\">this website posting</a> looks at the traditional Indian position of sitting on the floor while eating, which promotes a more erect sitting stance than sitting on a chair/couch or reclining while eating. While not backed up with studies, it also claims that the vagus nerve response is enhanced in this position, resulting in quicker time to satiety (You eat less as a result). Many Middle Eastern cultures eat this way, as do more traditional Asian homes where the seats are merely cushions on a floor around a short table. There are many other benefits listed in the article, but for brevity and provability I won't cite them all here.</p>\n\n<p>I also ran across references (But was unable to find the actual study) to a 2007 study involving women published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, that found people standing up tended to pay less attention to the food, and as a result ate faster and more. It's fairly well established that the vagus nerve response to feel full is in the neighborhood of 20 minutes to take effect, so if you eat slower (as promoted by sitting down) you will also tend to eat less overall. It's also been shown that eating without distractions such as television and reading promotes lower consumption overall.</p>\n\n<p>So in effect, it appears that sitting in an erect position is possibly the best happy medium, and if possible, eating without distractions to be able to concentrate on the food. Especially if you suffer from acid upsets or other related ailments, the more erect you are the more you may ease your symptoms.</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 400, "author": "kenorb", "author_id": 114, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/114", "pm_score": 3, "selected": false, "text": "<p>When we sit we eat slower and digest the food more properly, because we're more calm. When standing we do things faster, hence we are less focused what we eat and not chew food properly by adding saliva and its digestive enzymes which helps to digest and metabolise your food more efficiently. More stress could also have negative effect on your esophagus. However studies from <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8194499\" rel=\"noreferrer\">1994</a> and <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19160046\" rel=\"noreferrer\">2010</a> found no relationship with the frequency of indigestion.</p>\n\n<p>People with <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gastroesophageal_reflux_disease\" rel=\"noreferrer\">reflux</a> symptoms are advised to remain upright during and after eating which can keep the acid down in the stomach where it belongs (so doesn't comes back up into the oesophagus).</p>\n\n<p>People who have weakness of the muscles around the mouth, they should seek advice from a speech and language therapist concerning the best sitting position for safe swallowing.^{<a href=\"http://www.nhs.uk/ipgmedia/national/multiple%20sclerosis%20trust/assets/areyousittingcomfortably.pdf\" rel=\"noreferrer\">(NHS)</a>}</p>\n\n<p>So as long as you're healthy and chew food properly in non-stressful environment, there doesn’t seem to be any harm in what position do you eat and how fast.</p>\n\n<p>See also:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20130502-is-eating-on-the-run-bad-for-you\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Does eating standing up give you indigestion?</a> at BBC</li>\n</ul>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/155", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/43/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 217, "author": "arkiaamu", "author_id": 153, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/153", "pm_score": 2, "selected": false, "text": "<p>Effects of cortisone ie. glucocorticoids (GCs) are very variable.</p>\n\n<p>One effect of GC is the inhibition of collagen formation. Collagen is the main ingredient of tendons. Collagen units form the backbone for tendons and makes them as strong as they are. As every tissue in human reproduces all the time so do tendons by forming new collagen as the old molecules deteriorate. If collagen formation is blocked this naturally leads to possible rupture of tendon.</p>\n\n<p>It is also important to note that GCs should never be injected IN tendon. Instead injection should be put as peritendinous to avoid imminent rupture. Of course in long run repeated peritendinous injections may lead to rupture.</p>\n\n<hr>\n\n<p>peritendinous = surrounding the tendon.</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 402, "author": "kenorb", "author_id": 114, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/114", "pm_score": 3, "selected": false, "text": "<p>One study <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8894337\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">published in 1996 in the Clinical Journal of Sport Medicince</a> said that there are insufficient published data to determine the comparative risks and benefits of corticosteroid injections. Most side effects are temporary, but skin atrophy and depigmentation can be permanent.</p>\n<p>In a further study <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12512406\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">published in 2002 in Foot and Ankle Clinics</a> we read:</p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>Intimidation with adverse effects of peritendinous corticosteroid injections is based on case reports only rather than convincing data from controlled clinical studies.</p>\n<p><strong>Although a complete tendon rupture with loading after steroid injection has been reported, no reliable proof exists of the deleterious effects of peritendinous injections</strong>; conclusions in literature are based mainly on uncontrolled case reports that fail under scientific scrutiny, whereas scientifically rigorous studies have not been performed.</p>\n<p>Although corticosteroid injections are one of the most commonly used treatment modalities for chronic tendon disorders, there is an obvious lack of good trials defining the indications for and efficacy of such injections, and subsequently, many of the recommendations for the use of local corticosteroid injections do not rely on sound scientific basis. Thus, <strong>there is an obvious need for high-quality basic science studies and controlled clinical trials in examining the effects corticosteroids on various tendon disorders</strong>.</p>\n</blockquote>\n<p>Based on above studies, the effect of local corticosteroid injection(s) for tendon disorders is unknown. The extent of the tendon problem, the duration of the symptoms, and the phase of healing at the time of injection are factors that may modify the efficacy and side effect profile of this procedure. More studies need to be conducted to determine how these factors influence outcomes.</p>\n<p><a href=\"http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Tendonitis/Pages/Treatment.aspx\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">NHS</a> has provided the following advice about corticosteroid injections:</p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>Corticosteroids can be injected around injured tendons to reduce pain\nand inflammation.</p>\n<p>While these injections can help reduce pain, they aren't effective for\neveryone and the effect sometimes only lasts a few weeks.</p>\n<p>The injections can be repeated if they help, but a gap of at least six\nweeks between treatments, and a maximum of three injections into one\narea, is usually recommended because frequent injections can cause\nside effects. Possible side effects include the weakening of the\ntendon (which can increase the risk of rupturing or tearing), and\nthinning and lightening of the skin.</p>\n</blockquote>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/170", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/43/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 203, "author": "michaelpri", "author_id": 26, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/26", "pm_score": 4, "selected": true, "text": "<p>There are actually a few ways that moles are removed.</p>\n<h3>Cutting it off</h3>\n<p>Sometimes moles can be &quot;shaved&quot; off if the cells don't go very deep. Other times, the mole cells will be deeper in your skin, so the doctor will have to make a deeper cut to prevent it from coming back (like taking a weed out by its roots). The deeper cuts will usually require stitches. This process is called 'excision'.</p>\n<p>In cases where the mole is suspected to be cancerous, this is always the method used - usually a full excision is performed to make sure no potentially-cancerous cells are left behind.</p>\n<h3>Freezing it off with liquid nitrogen</h3>\n<p>A small amount of liquid nitrogen (which is extremely cold) will be placed on the mole. A small blister might form, but it will heal by itself.</p>\n<h3>Burning it off</h3>\n<p>An electric current is passed through a wire which will burn off the upper layers of the skin (where the mole is) off. Can require multiple treatments.</p>\n<hr />\n<p><a href=\"http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/tc/removing-moles-and-skin-tags-topic-overview\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">^{WebMD - Removing Moles and Skin Tags}</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"http://www.wisegeekhealth.com/how-do-doctors-remove-moles.htm\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">^{How Do Doctors Remove Moles?}</a></p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 219, "author": "arkiaamu", "author_id": 153, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/153", "pm_score": 2, "selected": false, "text": "<p>Treatment of moles is very dependable to whom you refer for treatment. Dermatologist have more sophisticated methods for mole treatment compared to a general practitioner or a general surgeon.</p>\n\n<p>Major factor influencing to treatment of moles is the possibility of <em>melanoma</em>.</p>\n\n<p>Melanoma should be suspected as follows <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melanoma\" rel=\"nofollow\">1</a>:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>Asymmetry </li>\n<li>Borders (irregular)</li>\n<li>Color (variegated)</li>\n<li>Diameter (greater\nthan 6 mm (0.24 in)</li>\n<li>Evolving over\ntime</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Melanoma or a suspected melanoma should ALWAYS be treated by surgical incision and removal. Futhermore, the removed skin sample should be sent to pathologist. Of course if mole are treated with laser or other non-invasive methods, adequate histological diagnosis can not be done.</p>\n\n<p>Current medical literature does not describe many proven method for prevention of scars. Whether large scar or even celoid will develop is very patient spesific. Some patients will develop large, very ugly scars and some will have total healing within months. </p>\n\n<p>Silicon containing bands and bandages can be used to treat scar celoid, but the effectiveness of prevention remains unknown. </p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/171", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/140/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 254, "author": "michaelpri", "author_id": 26, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/26", "pm_score": 2, "selected": false, "text": "<p>We ice injuries like tendinitis because they reduce the pain and inflammation. Ice does not actually fix your tendinitis, it just makes it easier to deal with. The reason it is recommended that you ice immediately after you see symptoms of tendinitis is so you can relieve the pain quicker. Icing after a few days will probably be little less effective (the tendon will have also healed a bit naturally, so the difference will be less), but if you can get rid of the pain and reduce the inflammation earlier, why wouldn't you? This is more of logic thing rather than a scientific study. </p>\n\n<p>Also, if you do wait a few days before doing anything, apply heat as it will increase blood flow to the injury, allowing it to heal faster.</p>\n\n<hr>\n\n<p><a href=\"https://www.painscience.com/articles/icing.php\" rel=\"nofollow\">^{Pain Science - Icing for Injuries, Tendinitis, and Inflammation}</a></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tendinitis/expert-answers/tendinitis/faq-20057872\" rel=\"nofollow\">^{Mayo Clinic - Which is better for relieving tendinitis pain — ice or heat? (Expert Answer)}</a></p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 486, "author": "kenorb", "author_id": 114, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/114", "pm_score": 2, "selected": false, "text": "<p>Clinical studies indicate that icing is helpful and offer symptomatic relief for tendinopathies even though the reason of its action is not yet fully understood. It is thought that ice causes vasoconstriction and address the abnormal neovascularization of the tendon tissue^{<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20086639\" rel=\"nofollow\">2000</a>, <a href=\"http://www.massagebyjoel.com/downloads/OveruseTendinosis-PhysSptsmed.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow\">PDF</a>}.</p>\n\n<p>Usually it's advised to use ice for 15–20 minutes several times a day (allowing for at least 45 minutes in between icing session), and after engaging in activities that utilize the tendon^{<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2505250/\" rel=\"nofollow\">2008</a>}. However it's hard to say if ice has any long-term beneficial effect on tendinosis, but it's an excellent form of pain control (as long you won't \"ice burn\" from too much ice).</p>\n\n<p>Icing is most effective shortly after symptoms appear in the immediate period following an injury, because it reduces the blood flow and provide temporary pain relief (similar to ice massage therapy). It can also help to reduce swelling and inflammation.</p>\n\n<p>See also:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http://www.tendinosis.org/current.shtml\" rel=\"nofollow\">Current Treatments for tendinosis (ISTS 2012)</a> at Tendinosis</li>\n<li><a href=\"http://orthopedics.about.com/cs/sprainsstrains/ht/iceinjury.htm\" rel=\"nofollow\">How To Ice An Injury</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3312643/\" rel=\"nofollow\">Tendinopathy: Why the Difference Between Tendinitis and Tendinosis Matters</a></li>\n</ul>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/172", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/43/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 180, "author": "michaelpri", "author_id": 26, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/26", "pm_score": 6, "selected": true, "text": "<p>Obviously some spicy foods are better for you than others, but I am assuming you want an answer about spicy foods in general. </p>\n\n<p>One of the biggest benefits of eating spicy foods, especially chili peppers, is that it helps you lose weight. Spicy foods help to raise your metabolic rate, which will slow down your weight gain. If you eat spicy foods often, the effects add up.¹</p>\n\n<p>A 2007 study by Nottingham University² found that spicy foods can help kill cancer cells. Capsaicin, which is what makes many foods spicy, attacks the mitochondria of the cancer cells, triggering their death. </p>\n\n<p>Spicy foods have also been found to help decongest your sinuses. A 1998 study³ found that a capsaicin nasal spray helped to clear the sinuses of people. Eating spicy foods has been known to have a similar effect.⁴</p>\n\n<hr>\n\n<p>Now for some risks of eating spicy food.</p>\n\n<p>When you are eating spicy foods, there are only a few risks to watch out for. Spicy foods have been known as foods that can trigger heartburn, so anyone with heartburn should avoid them.⁵ Some spicy foods that don't contain capsaicin, like horseradish, can sometimes damage tissue.⁶</p>\n\n<p>There are usually more risks when handling spicy foods, especially peppers. If pepper juice gets in your eye, it will cause pain and possibly swelling. If this ever happens, there are ways to flush out your eyes.⁷ Handling peppers and sometimes horseradish before eating can cause pain, swelling, redness, and irritation in your hand. To avoid this, wear gloves when cutting peppers and wash your hands thoroughly after (washing with milk will help).⁶</p>\n\n<hr>\n\n<p>^{[1] <a href=\"http://www.medicaldaily.com/chili-peppers-may-solve-obesity-epidemic-spice-your-weight-loss-these-3-recipes-321370\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Chili Peppers May Solve Obesity Epidemic</a>}</p>\n\n<p>^{[2] <a href=\"http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/6244715.stm\" rel=\"noreferrer\">How spicy foods can kill cancers</a>}</p>\n\n<p>^{[3] <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9824407\" rel=\"noreferrer\">The long-term effects of capsaicin aqueous spray on the nasal mucosa</a>}</p>\n\n<p>^{[4] <a href=\"http://books.google.com/books?id=Ht4J6mvKTwMC&amp;pg=PA230&amp;dq=spicy+food+sinuses&amp;hl=en&amp;ei=LNFBTuucJK_WiALql92nBQ&amp;sa=X&amp;oi=book_result&amp;ct=result&amp;resnum=3&amp;ved=0CDUQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&amp;q=spicy%20food%20sinuses&amp;f=false\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Diseases of the Sinuses: A Comprehensive Textbook of Diagnosis and Treatment</a>}</p>\n\n<p>^{[5] <a href=\"http://www.webmd.com/heartburn-gerd/america-asks-9/spicy-foods\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Heartburn Prevention Tips for Spicy Food Lovers</a>}</p>\n\n<p>^{[6] <a href=\"http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/can-eating-extremely-spicy-food-harmful-health-2660.html\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Can Eating Extremely Spicy Food Be Harmful to Your Health?</a>}</p>\n\n<p>^{[7] <a href=\"https://lifehacks.stackexchange.com/questions/5656/removing-pepper-juice-from-eyes/5658#5658\">Removing Pepper Juice From Eyes</a>}</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 403, "author": "kenorb", "author_id": 114, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/114", "pm_score": 4, "selected": false, "text": "<p>The chilli pepper is usually referred to plants from the genus Capsicum and the substances that give chili peppers their intensity when ingested or applied topically are <a href=\"http://capsaicin\" rel=\"noreferrer\">capsaicin</a> and several related (called as <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capsaicin#Capsaicinoids\" rel=\"noreferrer\">capsaicinoids</a>).</p>\n<p>Health benefits of eating chilli peppers can include:</p>\n<ul>\n<li><p><a href=\"http://www.nhs.uk/news/2010/04april/pages/chilli-peppers-fat-burning-and-appetite.aspx\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Chilli peppers 'help to burn fat'</a> (<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21093467\" rel=\"noreferrer\">study</a>)</p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>The effects of capsaicin, the chemical that makes peppers and chillies hot, have been studied again in a small trial investigating what effects hot red (cayenne) pepper has on energy expenditure, body temperature and appetite.</p>\n</blockquote>\n</li>\n</ul>\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http://www.nhs.uk/news/2010/08august/pages/chilli-blood-pressure-link.aspx\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Chillies lower blood pressure.</a>^{<a href=\"http://www.cell.com/cell-metabolism/abstract/S1550-4131(10)00228-7\" rel=\"noreferrer\">2010</a>}</li>\n<li>Effects on gastric emptying and intestinal transit^{<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1543869\" rel=\"noreferrer\">1992</a>}.</li>\n</ul>\n<p>Nutritional value (per 1 pepper ~45g):</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Vitamin C: 181%</li>\n<li>Vitamin A: 10%</li>\n<li>Vitamin B-6: 5%</li>\n<li>Iron: 2%</li>\n<li>Magnesium: 2%</li>\n</ul>\n<p>Yellow and green chilies (which are essentially unripe fruit) contain lower amount of carotene and vitamin C substances.</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 5008, "author": "omi", "author_id": 3087, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/3087", "pm_score": 4, "selected": false, "text": "<p>Red chilies contain large amounts of vitamin C and small amounts of carotene (provitamin A). Yellow and especially green chilies (which are essentially unripe fruit) contain a considerably lower amount of both substances. In addition, peppers are a good source of most B vitamins, and vitamin B6 in particular. They are very high in potassium, magnesium, and iron. Their very high vitamin C content can also substantially increase the uptake of non-heme iron from other ingredients in a meal, such as beans and grains.</p>\n\n<p>A very large study published by the British Medical Journal found some indications that humans who consume spicy foods, especially fresh chili peppers, were less likely to die of cancer or diabetes</p>\n\n<p><strong>Sources:</strong> </p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chili_pepper\" rel=\"noreferrer\">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chili_pepper</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"http://peerh.com\" rel=\"noreferrer\">peerh.com</a></li>\n</ul>\n" }, { "answer_id": 15118, "author": "Lilibete", "author_id": 3378, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/3378", "pm_score": 2, "selected": false, "text": "<p>There is one exception that has not been mentioned. There is a condition called Cholinergic Urticaria, which is hives due to excess heat and sweat. It is in the category of physical allergies, and more information can be found here: <a href=\"https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1049978-overview?pa=g61D7%2BA62wCW%2FjnI7GiLspM9NWt99zm7nLfIhufvNaPVs%2Fv900arF62zFPcN7%2Fy5%2FFT7vVL%2FlyCPnaUOM57xWkj41%2F3Xq%2FwkYYScwkptsbo%3D\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Medscape Cholinergic Urticaria</a>. One of the triggers is spicy food. This <a href=\"https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1049978-treatment\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">article</a> explains that dietary changes that remove foods that elevate the body temperature help tame the symptoms. Removing capsaicin foods eliminates a trigger for these reactions.</p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/178", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/115/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 197, "author": "Shimmy Weitzhandler", "author_id": 115, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/115", "pm_score": 3, "selected": true, "text": "<p>After experimenting different motions with my mouse for some while, I'm now certain it has to do with the effort spent in mouse-movement.</p>\n\n<p>I feel that it's the hand-movement that causes the pain rather than the clicks.<br>\nAnyway my system (Win8.1) is configured with max speed, but I believe this already fits in <a href=\"https://superuser.com/questions/211410/increase-mouse-pointer-speed\" title=\"Increase mouse pointer speed\">another scope</a>.</p>\n\n<p>Which led me to the following conclusions about the mouse environment, which I'm sure when addressed, will solve my hand-pain issues.</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>Wired mouse (as opposed to wireless) not only slows down the mouse but also restrains the mouse and forces the hand with having to extra-pull the mouse</li>\n<li>A smooth and clean mouse pad - to avoid mouse obstacles and smooth moving of it</li>\n<li>A clean mouse bottom</li>\n<li>A light mouse</li>\n<li>Led of mouse that responds very efficiently</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>I wish there would be a hovering mouse. That would surely solve lots of problems.</p>\n\n<p>Will keep on updating after I fix up my environment. It might take a while until I go shopping but I sure will update once I have news.</p>\n\n<p><strong>UPDATE</strong></p>\n\n<p>As some suggested here, I started using the mouse with my left hand, which is also a great solution. Indeed a big challenge at first, but the advantages are not only health and no-pain, but I think it also develops the sensitivity of the left hand, wrist and fingers.</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 236, "author": "Miati", "author_id": 90, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/90", "pm_score": 2, "selected": false, "text": "<p>The image you drew to image the pain is almost perfectly aligned with your wrist muscles, specifically: <a href=\"http://www.coursesmart.com/clinical-kinesiology-and-anatomy-5th-edition/lippert-lynn/dp/9780803626324\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">^Book</a></p>\n<ul>\n<li>Extensor Carpi Radialis Longus</li>\n<li>Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis</li>\n<li>Extensor Carpi Ulnaris</li>\n</ul>\n<p>Do you feel the pain on the palm <em>(anterior)</em> side too?\nThe above muscles work with: <a href=\"http://www.coursesmart.com/clinical-kinesiology-and-anatomy-5th-edition/lippert-lynn/dp/9780803626324\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">^Book</a></p>\n<ul>\n<li>Flexor Carpi Radialis</li>\n<li>Flexor Carpi Ulnaris</li>\n</ul>\n<p>to create a ulnar <em>(towards pinky)</em> and radial <em>(towards thumb)</em> deviation <em>(movement)</em> of the wrist</p>\n<p>If during your 5-18 hour's daily you make extensive use of the mouse, wrist pain makes sense.\nThe best thing to do is to rest the hand from making these movements which means stop using the mouse.</p>\n<p>You say you use Windows, but if you are dealing heavily with text I would actually suggest using Vi or Vim. Vi is designed around not using the mouse and using keyboard shortcuts for everything. I'm fairly sure Vi is available for windows ^{<a href=\"https://duckduckgo.com/?q=Vi+for+windows&amp;t=lm\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Search</a>}</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 949, "author": "P i", "author_id": 476, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/476", "pm_score": 2, "selected": false, "text": "<p>I have suffered acutely from this phenomenon, and tried every single item in the list given in the accepted answer (as well as many others).</p>\n\n<p>The most important thing I found is separating the click from the move. So one hand moves and the other clicks.</p>\n\n<p>I've mapped the \"Fn\" key on the bottom left of my Apple wireless keyboard to the left mouse button using \"Karabiner\".</p>\n\n<p>I use a gel mousepad and hold the mouse between the thumb and third finger.</p>\n\n<p>What I have noticed is that typical mouse movement requires you to clamp the position of the mouse while you click, so that it doesn't move even by one pixel.</p>\n\n<p>If you observe children attempting to use the mouse, you'll see that initially they have difficulty clicking, the click smears and turns into a drag. If you try using the mouse with your other hand, you will become aware of this.</p>\n\n<p>And I think it is the movement of a tendon through the wrist and arm in this state of tension that causes the pain.</p>\n\n<p>Previously I have used a footpedal to perform the click. I rigged it up so that it is beneath my heel, and lifting creates the mouse-down. So that the foot is naturally in a relaxed position. Initially I was using this together with a head-pointing device, but as my health improved the path of least resistance returned (over several years) to being a conventional mouse.</p>\n\n<p>Also alternating hands for the mouse is a good idea. Train yourself to use both hands.</p>\n\n<p>Using speech recognition is essential also to take load off the hands. I wouldn't be able to function without it now. On OS X this is now excellent -- I don't even need an external microphone.</p>\n\n<p>Additionally I have got myself a standing workspace. I'm currently working on workspace that supports both standing and sitting.</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 3691, "author": "Sympa", "author_id": 1309, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/1309", "pm_score": 2, "selected": false, "text": "<p>I have a very easy solution that will work great for you. I had similar problem. I was developing potentially impairing carpal tunnel syndrome on my right hand. I simply taught myself to use the mouse with my left hand. It is actually really easy. You really do not need to be ambidextrous. Within 5 to 10 minutes, you probably will forget you are using the mouse with your non-dominant hand. As you do that, your problems will go away with your right hand. You may notice over time that those problems may surface on the other hand. And, when that occurs you simply shift back to the other hand until the left hand is rested. And, then shift back again. </p>\n\n<p>I also have maintained a regime whereby I use my left hand at work, where I do most of my mousing. But, when I am home I shift back to my right hand. I have done that successfully for years with no more major issues on either side. You may try a version of this. </p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/191", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/115/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 205, "author": "Maulik V", "author_id": 149, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/149", "pm_score": -1, "selected": true, "text": "<p>Slight discomfort or little pain is <em>quite obvious</em> when you use computers for more than 5 hrs a day, that too for many months/years. </p>\n\n<p>But then, such situation is all set to bring in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. As a medical professional, I think the most important symptoms you should check/watch for include</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>tingling sensation and numbness (emptiness)</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>These are the symptoms that are alarming signs of CTS. At times, these are associated with weakness.</p>\n\n<p><strong>When to count it seriously?</strong></p>\n\n<p>I think the time is when it disturbs your <em>routine works</em> or wakes you up in the nights. </p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 242, "author": "arkiaamu", "author_id": 153, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/153", "pm_score": 1, "selected": false, "text": "<p>Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is very common disease and the prevalance of CTS has increased in modern times due to increased time spent on computer.</p>\n\n<p>I should point out that CTS is NOT a dangerous disease. It may be life disturbing but it is very easy to manage operatively.</p>\n\n<p>Most important symptoms associated to CTS include:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>numbness and tingling in fingers 1-3, rarely 4 but NEVER finger 5</li>\n<li>symptoms are most disturbing at night or at the time of awakening</li>\n<li>clumsiness while opening a door with key or while holding a mug</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Regardless of the reason for any hand or finger related symptoms, one could try to use a wrist brace at nights. If that helps, it is a very good indicator of stress or ergonomy related issue or CTS.</p>\n\n<p>If any progression in the symptoms occur you should refer to your GP.</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 244, "author": "Miati", "author_id": 90, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/90", "pm_score": 2, "selected": false, "text": "<p>Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is compression of the median nerve. </p>\n\n<p>You have several muscles that go through a band (tunnel) which your median nerve uses as well. For whatever reason, if for overuse causing inflammation, structural damage, etc, the median nerve gets compressed you will start to feel tingling sensations.</p>\n\n<p>There are a few tests including Tinel's sign^{<a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tinel%27s_sign\" rel=\"nofollow\">1</a>}, Phalens test^{<a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phalen_maneuver\" rel=\"nofollow\">2</a>}</p>\n\n<p>Overuse can lead to pain as well. The solution here is simple, stop using it. Let it rest. Do activities with the hand that aren't repetitive motions.</p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/202", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/-1/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 222, "author": "umesh krishna", "author_id": 129, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/129", "pm_score": 4, "selected": true, "text": "<p>Post-operative complications include the following:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>Visually significant wrinkles or striae in the flap (1%)</li>\n<li>Dislocated flap (early postoperative period)</li>\n<li>Infection (early postoperative period; very rare; &lt; 0.02%)</li>\n<li>Diffuse intralamellar keratitis (&lt; 0.1%)</li>\n<li>Epithelial ingrowth (early to late postoperative; 1-2%)</li>\n<li>Under/overcorrection (see results)</li>\n<li>Ectasia (incidence unknown; &lt; 0.01%)</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>In general, LASIK results are better for patients with low myopia (between 1-6 D) and low astigmatism (&lt; 1 D). Stability has been reported to be good with little or no change noted in most patients between 3 months and 1 year postoperative. Other factors that can affect results include the type of laser and microkeratome used and surgeon experience.</p>\n\n<p>But:</p>\n\n<ol>\n<li>But personally I have heard from some of my colleges that it can recur again after 10yr or so.</li>\n<li>The procedure is nothing but to reduce cornea part of eye, so in future at old age if you develop cataract (which has incidence of above 70%among old age people), cataract surgery options gets limited because we have lost considerable amount of cornea for this LASIK. </li>\n<li>My old Opthalmology professor, denied me to go for LASIK (I am too myopic - wear glass). He gave me 5 min lecture on that day telling about complication (I miss him now though). This conversation happened 2 yr back. Not ages old.</li>\n<li>He just told \"don't waste your cornea\" </li>\n</ol>\n" }, { "answer_id": 377, "author": "kenorb", "author_id": 114, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/114", "pm_score": 1, "selected": false, "text": "<p>Risks of LASIK (Laser-Assisted in situ Keratomileusis) can include:</p>\n\n<p><ul>\n<li><p><a href=\"http://www.webmd.com/eye-health/news/20061010/lasik-surgery-safer-than-contacts\" rel=\"nofollow\">Vision loss due to infection</a>,</p></p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>The researchers calculated the risk of significant vision loss consequence of LASIK surgery to be closer to 1-in-10,000 cases.</p>\n</blockquote></li>\n<li><p>Higher-order aberrations,</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>These aberrations include 'starbursts', 'ghosting', 'halos' and others.</p>\n</blockquote></li>\n<li><p>Dry eyes,</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Although it is usually temporary it can develop into <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keratoconjunctivitis_sicca\" rel=\"nofollow\">dry eye syndrome</a>.</p>\n</blockquote></li>\n<li><p>Halos,</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Some post-LASIK patients see halos and starbursts around bright lights at night.</p>\n</blockquote></li>\n<li><p>Other complications include:</p>\n\n<p><ul>\n<li>flap complications (0.244%),</li>\n<li>\"slipped flap\",</li>\n<li>\"Flap interface particles\",</li>\n<li><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diffuse_lamellar_keratitis\" rel=\"nofollow\">Diffuse lamellar keratitis (or DLK)</a>,</li>\n<li>Infection (0.4%),</li>\n<li><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Post-LASIK_ectasia\" rel=\"nofollow\">Post-LASIK corneal ectasia</a> (similar to keratoconus),</li>\n<li>subconjunctival hemorrhage (10.5%),</li>\n<li>Corneal scarring,</li>\n<li>epithelial ingrowth (0.1%)</li>\n<li>traumatic flap dislocations,</li>\n<li><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glaucoma\" rel=\"nofollow\">Glaucoma</a>,</li>\n<li><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retinal_detachment\" rel=\"nofollow\">Retinal detachment</a> (0.36%),</li>\n<li><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Choroidal_neovascularization\" rel=\"nofollow\">Choroidal neovascularization</a> (0.33%),</li>\n<li><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uveitis\" rel=\"nofollow\">Uveitis</a> (0.18%),</li>\n<li><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corneal_keratocyte\" rel=\"nofollow\">corneal keratocytes</a></li>\n<li>Late postoperative complications</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>A large body of evidence on the chances of long-term complications is not yet established and may be changing due to advances in operator experience, instruments and techniques.</li>\n </ul></p>\n</blockquote></li>\n</ul>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Some people with poor outcomes from LASIK surgical procedures report a significantly reduced quality of life because of vision problems or physical pain associated with the surgery. A small percentage of patients may need to have another surgery because their condition is over-corrected or under-corrected.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>Source: <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LASIK#Risks\" rel=\"nofollow\">LASIK - Risks</a> at Wikipedia</p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/218", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/92/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 297, "author": "michaelpri", "author_id": 26, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/26", "pm_score": 4, "selected": true, "text": "<p>In most cases, swimming is good exercise. Light swimming is also a therapy for people with joint and back pain. The breaststroke is not usually the recommended stroke for therapy because, if done incorrectly, it can be harmful. </p>\n\n<p>Because you have to keep bringing your head up to breath, the joints in your upper back and neck get extended, and have to deal with a lot of stress from repetitive movement. This can cause a lot pain, especially to those who have experienced back problems before. Having your head up and looking forward can also cause your hips to drop, which puts extra strain on the lower back. This can lead to extra back problems, such as <a href=\"http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/hyperextension\" rel=\"nofollow\">hyperextension</a>.</p>\n\n<p>There are some tips to help you avoid back pain when swimming the backstroke.</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><p>Keep your head underwater as long as possible; wearing goggles helps with this</p></li>\n<li><p>Try to keep your head looking down instead of towards the end of the pool</p></li>\n<li><p>Get swimming lessons - swimming instructors can be found everywhere, and if you really want to swim the breaststroke without any pain, then it would be a good thing to considers</p></li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Overall, there is some middle ground between the things you have heard, but the second thing that you mentioned is probably more accurate. Done correctly, you will be fine, but done incorrectly, you could injure your back.</p>\n\n<hr>\n\n<p>^{<a href=\"http://www.spine-health.com/conditions/sports-and-spine-injuries/swimming-and-back-pain\" rel=\"nofollow\">Swimming and Back Pain</a>}</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 376, "author": "kenorb", "author_id": 114, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/114", "pm_score": 1, "selected": false, "text": "<p>In general hydrotherapy is advised and can improve mobility and help relieve discomford and promote recovery from injury.</p>\n\n<p>If you've neck or back problems, you may find that breaststroke aggravates your condition rather than improves it, but it could simply be down to poor technique. ^{<a href=\"http://www.nhs.uk/ipgmedia/National/Arthritis%20Research%20UK/assets/Keepmoving.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow\">Keep moving</a>}</p>\n\n<hr>\n\n<p>In <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2953356\" rel=\"nofollow\">Prevention and Treatment of Swimmer's Shoulder (2006)</a> study we can read:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Movement at the shoulder during breaststroke can vary, with more motion occurring below the surface of the water than any other stroke. Like the butterfly, the arms are moved simultaneously through a motion that starts in full flexion with internal rotation. However, the elbows remain flexed during the pull-through until the humerus is fully adducted and brought into horizontal adduction with forearms touching each other. Unlike the other strokes, the hands never move below the hips so the tensile forces on the rotator cuff that occurs during the other strokes at the end of pull-thorough does not occur during breaststroke¹.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>References:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>[1]: Shapiro C. Swimming. In Shamus E, Shamus J, editors. (eds)Sports injury prevention and rehabilitation. New York: McGraw-Hill;2001:103–154</li>\n</ul>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/220", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/102/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 324, "author": "Damian Nikodem", "author_id": 66, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/66", "pm_score": -1, "selected": false, "text": "<p>I do not believe that you will be able to find a decent article which swings one way or the other due to the fact that this particular form of smoking is still in its relative infancy. </p>\n\n<p>On top of this it is a fairly broad statement to declare something unsafe where individual methods may vary greatly. ( someone who works in a lab running elisa tests all day is going to take a little bit more care than your average high-school dropout. ) and on the flip-side of that coin I somehow doubt that the majority of manufacturers are properly sterilizing everything which comes into contact with the product and then following a complete clean-room protocol. I would guess that the standard of cleanliness is more in line with food preparation as opposed to pharmaceutical production.</p>\n\n<p>The liquid itself would most likely provide a really nice environment for bacterial growth if it is stored at a appropriate temperature.</p>\n\n<p>As far as I understand the majority of e-cigarettes use a wick which absorbs the liquid which runs out of the chamber and into a separate coil, which should filter the majority of non-liquid particles out of it. </p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 15107, "author": "Noah Wood", "author_id": 8198, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/8198", "pm_score": -1, "selected": false, "text": "<p>Dust shouldn't be too big an issue as they're not inhaling a mist, they're inhaling the evaporated fumes.</p>\n\n<p>As far as health goes, it would depend much more on the quality of ingredients they're getting. I'm not talking about microbiologic or viral issues either, I'm talking like the ppm of heavy metals contained in the syrup. Lab cleanliness certainly is important, but not as important as the purity of the starting ingredients.</p>\n\n<p>Almost all e-juice on the market is USP grade. If you were worried about contaminants, just by using reagent grade or higher and a cheap DIY glove box with basic sterilizing equipment, you've already exceeded the cleanliness of every commercial e-juice on the market that I've seen. After that it's just a matter of following proper ISO protocols in regard to laboratory cleanliness and how much money you want to spend. Cheapest option for a sterile e-juice would be to build a large positive pressure glove box and use only sterile pre packaged tools and sterilization and depyrogenation of beakers/etc. all of which are far, far beyond necessary for making a liquid you're are then going to deliver by dumping into an open-air vial and then super heating to the point of vaporization + inhaling.</p>\n\n<p>More than necessary, but not, in anyway, unobtainable for a home laboratory.</p>\n\n<p>So the answer is \"It depends\". Are all DIYers going to be cleaner than all manufacturers? No. Are all manufacturers going to be cleaner than all DIYers? Also no. Is your friend's DIY juice 'good enough' to use? I would ask to watch him while he makes it, take note of his lab practices and chemical purity levels, and then make my decision based on how much his lab resembles the cleanliness standards of your average meth lab.</p>\n\n<p>Really though, if he's at least following basic food safety protocols, and not using some below-food-grade chemicals to make his e-juice you're probably not going to die if you take a hit.</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 15147, "author": "Chris Rogers", "author_id": 7951, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/7951", "pm_score": 1, "selected": false, "text": "<p><strong>NOTE: I have no affiliation to any companies mentioned below and I am not advocating one company over another for any particular product.</strong></p>\n\n<p><strong>Links to products on sale are for examples only</strong></p>\n\n<p>There are many places including <a href=\"https://www.totallywicked-eliquid.co.uk/nico-ice-mixing-kit.html\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Totally Wicked</a>, where you can buy kits to make your own e-liquid.</p>\n\n<p>As long as you </p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>use flavourings which are made for e-liquids <strong>not food flavourings</strong></li>\n<li>use <strong>pharmaceutical grade</strong> ingredients such as those provided in Totally Wicked's kit</li>\n<li><strong>do not</strong> use ingredients containing <a href=\"https://thecleanvape.com/blogs/the-clean-vape/diacetyl-acetyl-propionyl-acetoin-and-vaping\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Diacetyl, Acetoin or Acetyl Propionyl</a>, and</li>\n<li>correctly mix the liquids in the correct ratios - maybe with the help of <a href=\"https://www.vampirevape.co.uk/advanced-mixing-calculator\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">mixing calculators</a></li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>you are then doing everything you can to be as safe as possible.</p>\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https://www.nhs.uk/news/heart-and-lungs/flavouring-found-in-e-cigarettes-linked-to-popcorn-lung/\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Diacetyl was banned in eliquids in the UK in 2016</a></strong> under the EU Tobacco Products Directive as it was <strong><a href=\"https://vaping.com/blog/comment/diacetyl-now-officially-banned-eliquids-uk/\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">attributed to the cause</a> of <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bronchiolitis_obliterans\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">popcorn lung (also known as Bronchiolitis obliterans)</a></strong>. The thing is, <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acetylpropionyl\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Acetyl Propionyl</a> and <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acetoin\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Acetoin</a> are chemically similar to <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diacetyl\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Diacetyl</a> and therefore it is considered wise to avoid them too.</p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/223", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/102/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 245, "author": "Toon Krijthe", "author_id": 136, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/136", "pm_score": 3, "selected": false, "text": "<p>It takes energy (and blood) to digest the food. So when you eat shortly before exercising, you need the energy at two places (digestion and muscles) and the muscles win.</p>\n\n<p>This does not mean it is bad to eat before (or during) exercise. Some exercises (like running a marathon) requires you to replenish the energy (and the food) but you can't eat anything. You need to time your consumption. (Heavy foods take longer to digest so the time gap needs to be longer). </p>\n\n<p>I have most of this information from a book on sport injuries. But I have found a <a href=\"http://dailyburn.com/life/health/pre-workout-fuel/\">reasonable reference</a>.</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 249, "author": "Miati", "author_id": 90, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/90", "pm_score": 5, "selected": true, "text": "<p>You have two main nervous systems when it comes to energy usage / conservation.</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><p><strong>Sympathetic</strong></p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>Increased Heart Rate </li>\n<li>Dilation of bronchioles [increased intake /\nexhalation of air] </li>\n<li>Dilation of Pupils </li>\n<li><p>Vaso constriction in skin [tightening of blood vessels near skin]</p></li>\n<li><p>Vaso dilation in skeletal muscles [widening of blood vessels near\nmuscles]</p></li>\n<li>Slowing of peristalsis conversion of glycogen to glucose in liver\nsecretion of epinephrine and norephinephrine [ hormones to\nincrease heart rate]</li>\n</ul></li>\n<li><strong>Parasympathetic</strong>\n<ul>\n<li>Constriction of pupil</li>\n<li>Constriction of bronchioles</li>\n<li>Slowing of heart rate</li>\n<li>Increase secretion of digestive glands</li>\n</ul></li>\n</ul>\n\n<p><em>^{Tabers Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary (21)}</em></p>\n\n<p>When you decide to eat, the parasympatheic nervous system begins conserving energy so that more of it goes to digesting food and other bodily functions.</p>\n\n<p>When you decide to exercise, the sympathic nervous system begins expending energy so that you can do exercise x.</p>\n\n<p>In both of these, the other nervous system is reduced, permitting more energy to be given as needed.</p>\n\n<p>When you both consume food and exercise the body is placed in a tricky position. It can't say no to digesting food, it will begin to rot (gas anyone?) and it needs that food to generate more energy later on. But it can't say no to exercise, that could very realistically kill you in a survival situation.</p>\n\n<p>So it does a compromise, both will function at decreased levels.</p>\n\n<p>This doesn't mean you can't eat food while exercising. As otherwise mentioned, marathoners do consume food. But it's unlikely they will eat complex foods like fat or protein and go straight to simple foods like carbohydrates since it is easier for the body to break it down. Despite simple foods, energy must be used to digest so it makes exercising harder. But the benefit of the energy is more quickly greater then not consuming it. Consuming too much can override this though. ^{<a href=\"http://antranik.org/the-catabolism-of-fats-and-proteins-for-energy/\">1</a>} There aren't any long term marathoners I know of that eat a thanksgiving dinner prior and expect to make it very far.</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 370, "author": "kenorb", "author_id": 114, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/114", "pm_score": 0, "selected": false, "text": "<p>Your body needs time to digest (which depends on how much you've eaten) as it takes a lot of energy. Too much fat or protein can only slow down the movement of foods from the stomach making you feel uncomfortable^{<a href=\"http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Goodfood/Pages/Sport.aspx\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">NHS</a>}. It's also important to be well hydrated when exercise, and when digesting food the water is important as part of the digestion process to break down the fat molecules, so you can be more easily dehydrated.</p>\n\n<p>During the digestion process, your body produces more <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digestive_enzyme\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">digestive enzymes</a> (stomach acid) and if you'd change your body position during the exercises, you put more pressure on your LES (<a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stomach\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">lower esophageal sphincter</a>). In normal condition it holds the top of the stomach closed, however if you've a weak <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sphincter\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">sphincter</a> or you're pre-disposed to develop GERD (<a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sphincter\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">acid reflux disease</a>), the changes in the barrier can cause stomach acids coming up from the stomach into the esophagus (see <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gastroesophageal_reflux_disease\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">reflux disease</a>).</p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heartburn\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Heartburn</a> is usually associated with <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regurgitation_(digestion)\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">regurgitation</a> of gastric acid (gastric reflux) which is the major symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Especially after eating spices, high fat or high acid food.</p>\n\n<p>If you're young and healthy, it is fine, but it all depends on your health condition (GERD predispositions and risk of disease).</p>\n\n<p>Therefore if you're planning an exercise, consider limit your meal or aim for a snack.</p>\n\n<p>See also:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https://health.stackexchange.com/q/408/114\">Is eating one's dinner right before going to sleep bad for health?</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"https://health.stackexchange.com/q/155/114\">What are the health tradeoffs between eating while standing vs. sitting vs. in reclining position?</a></li>\n</ul>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/224", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/121/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 280, "author": "Community", "author_id": -1, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/-1", "pm_score": 4, "selected": true, "text": "<p>Probably some of the more common causes would be poor diet and lack exercise. Not everyone who eats poorly and doesn't exercise will be over weight since genetics plays a role. That is, a young adult can appear to be healthy but be internally suffering. Another question would be is this otherwise health individual a smoker?</p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>Two recent studies confirm the blood pressure benefits of maintaining a healthy diet. First is the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) clinical study, which tested the effects of food nutrients on blood pressure. It emphasizes consumption of fruits, vegetables, and lowfat dairy foods, whole grains, poultry, fish, and nuts, and stresses reduction of fats, red meats, sweets, and sugared beverages.</p>\n<p>Second is the DASH-sodium study, which demonstrates the importance of lowering sodium (salt) intake. Most Americans consume far more than the current, daily recommendation of 2,400 milligrams (mg) of sodium—about a teaspoon of table salt—or less. This includes all salt and sodium consumed, not just at the table, but also in cooking. For those with high blood pressure, consuming even less may be advisable, since the DASH-sodium study revealed that diets containing no more than 1,500 mg of sodium per day had still greater pressure-lowering effects.</p>\n<p>Regular physical activity is another good step toward controlling or even preventing high blood pressure. Start with 30 minutes of moderate-level activity, such as brisk walking, bicycling or gardening on most—preferably all—days of the week. The activity even may be divided into three, 10-minute periods each. For added benefit, these moderate half-hours may be increased or supplanted by regular, vigorous exercise. Of course, prior to upping the activity level, people should check with their physicians, especially if they have had heart trouble or a previous heart attack, a family history of heart disease at an early age, or other serious health problems.</p>\n<p>Another healthy move is to limit alcohol intake. Excess alcohol can raise blood pressure as well as damage the liver, heart, and brain. Drinks should be kept to a maximum of one per day for women, and two for men. (One drink equals 12 ounces of beer or five ounces of wine.)</p>\n<p>Finally, quit smoking. Among other things, smoking damages blood vessel walls and speeds hardening of the arteries. Ceasing smoking reduces the risk of heart attack in just one year <a href=\"http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/magazine/issues/fall11/articles/fall11pg10-11.html\" rel=\"noreferrer\">[1]</a>.</p>\n</blockquote>\n<p>I would say this would probably be the most common causes of a young, health adult presenting with asymptomatic hypertension; however, there can be other reasons as well. For instance, another cause could be <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paraganglioma\" rel=\"noreferrer\">paraganglioma</a>. The NIH presented a case of a 19 year old female with asymptomatic severe hypertension in 2010. The woman had a BP of 220/140 mmHg. Her lab results showed elevated plasma norepinephrine, 1807 pg/ml, and 24h urinary free catecholamines, 483 ug/24h. After resection of the tumor, the patients BP was normal during followup. You can read the entire article <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3031332/\" rel=\"noreferrer\">here</a> which is rather interesting.</p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3031332/\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Paraganglioma in a young patient with asymptomatic severe hypertension: a case report and review of the literature</a></li>\n</ul>\n<p>Whoever is experience high blood pressure should definitely consult a physician since untreated high blood pressure can result in organ damage <a href=\"http://www.aafp.org/afp/2010/0215/p470.html\" rel=\"noreferrer\">[2]</a>, <a href=\"http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/in-depth/high-blood-pressure/art-20045868\" rel=\"noreferrer\">[3]</a></p>\n<p>Additionally reading on paraganalioma.</p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/pheochromocytoma/Patient/page1\" rel=\"noreferrer\">http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/pheochromocytoma/Patient/page1</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/nonsyndromic-paraganglioma\" rel=\"noreferrer\">http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/nonsyndromic-paraganglioma</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/hereditary-paraganglioma-pheochromocytoma\" rel=\"noreferrer\">http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/hereditary-paraganglioma-pheochromocytoma</a></li>\n</ul>\n" }, { "answer_id": 375, "author": "kenorb", "author_id": 114, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/114", "pm_score": -1, "selected": false, "text": "<p>In most cases there is no definite cause, but here are factors which potentially can contribute to raised blood pressure:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>smoking or too much drinking alcohol,</li>\n<li>lack of physical activity,</li>\n<li>being overweight,</li>\n<li>having too much salt in your diet,</li>\n<li>not eating enough fruit and vegetables,</li>\n<li>stress.</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>It can also relate to low levels of <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nitric_oxide\" rel=\"nofollow\">nitric oxide</a> which plays a leading role in blood flow and it is an essential molecule involved in key functions in our body. It acts as <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vasodilation\" rel=\"nofollow\">vasodilator</a> (dilates the blood vessels to allow blood to flow), so low levels could have considerable health implications. Enough levels improved blood flow and avoidance of dangerous cardiovascular conditions. As we age, the level of nitric oxide declines. By eliminating a nitric oxide deficiency, you can improve blood flow and balances blood pressure by helping arteries to expand and blood to flow more freely.</p>\n\n<p>^{Source: <a href=\"http://www.antiaging-systems.com/234-neo40-test-strips\" rel=\"nofollow\">What is nitric oxide and why test nitric oxide levels in the body?</a>}</p>\n\n<p>Nitrate-rich vegetables, in particular leafy greens, such as spinach and arugula, and beetroot, have been shown to increase cardioprotective levels of nitric oxide with a corresponding reduction in blood pressure in pre-hypertensive persons.^{<a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nitric_oxide#Biological_functions\" rel=\"nofollow\">wiki</a>} Monitoring nitric oxide status can be achieved by saliva testing.</p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/225", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/83/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 258, "author": "michaelpri", "author_id": 26, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/26", "pm_score": 5, "selected": true, "text": "<ul>\n<li><h3>Walking</h3>\n\n<ul>\n<li>Several studies have been done on the effects of walking and high blood pressure</li>\n<li>One Korean study<a href=\"http://synapse.koreamed.org/DOIx.php?id=10.15384/kjhp.2014.14.2.67\">¹</a> had 23 men with hypertension; they found that taking a 40 minute walk helped to reduce the blood pressure in the test subjects</li>\n</ul></li>\n<li><h3>Eating<a href=\"http://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/high-blood-pressure-diet\">²</a></h3>\n\n<ul>\n<li>Avoid salt (sodium) because it puts higher strain on your blood vessels, which raises your blood pressure</li>\n<li>Eat fruits and vegetables (apples, bananas, grapes, broccoli, carrots) because they contain potassium, magnesium, and fiber, which all help to control blood pressure, and they are also low in sodium</li>\n<li>Other good foods to eat are nuts, legumes, and poultry</li>\n</ul></li>\n<li><h3>Relaxation<a href=\"http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HighBloodPressure/PreventionTreatmentofHighBloodPressure/Stress-and-Blood-Pressure_UCM_301883_Article.jsp\">³</a></h3>\n\n<ul>\n<li>Stress is an indirect cause of high blood pressure; sometimes people cope with stress by doing unhealthy things like smoking or eating junk food, which can raise blood pressure</li>\n<li>Meditation is a great way to reduce stress</li>\n<li>Get more sleep</li>\n</ul></li>\n</ul>\n\n<hr>\n\n<p>^{[<a href=\"http://synapse.koreamed.org/DOIx.php?id=10.15384/kjhp.2014.14.2.67\">1</a>] <a href=\"http://synapse.koreamed.org/DOIx.php?id=10.15384/kjhp.2014.14.2.67\">The Effect Size Analysis of Exercise on Body Composition, Blood Pressure, and Physical Fitness in Korean Adults</a>}</p>\n\n<p>^{[<a href=\"http://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/high-blood-pressure-diet\">2</a>] <a href=\"http://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/high-blood-pressure-diet\">WebMD - High Blood Pressure Diet</a>}</p>\n\n<p>^{[<a href=\"http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HighBloodPressure/PreventionTreatmentofHighBloodPressure/Stress-and-Blood-Pressure_UCM_301883_Article.jsp\">3</a>] <a href=\"http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HighBloodPressure/PreventionTreatmentofHighBloodPressure/Stress-and-Blood-Pressure_UCM_301883_Article.jsp\">American Heart Association - Stress and Blood Pressure</a>}</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 8779, "author": "John", "author_id": 5266, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/5266", "pm_score": 1, "selected": false, "text": "<p>There are only currently two main supplements you can take to help reduce blood pressure, beyond the advice of just <strong>exercising more</strong>, <strong>eating healthy</strong> and <strong>relaxing</strong>.</p>\n<h1><a href=\"https://examine.com/supplements/hibiscus-sabdariffa/#hem-blood-pressure\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Hibiscus Sabdariffa</a></h1>\n<p>Hibiscus Sabdariffa (Roselle or Sour Tea) is a tea where the usually dark colored flowers are used to brew. It appears to inhibit carbohydrate absorption to a degree and appears to be effective in reducing blood pressure.</p>\n<p>Dosage: 10mg</p>\n<p>The 10mg is in reference to the total anthocyanin content, which appears to be the active ingredient; the exact quantity of anthocyanins should be listed on the label, or can be achieved with 5-10g of the flower's calyx steeped in tea. Tea can be used in lieu of supplementation, and should be similarly effective.</p>\n<h1><a href=\"https://examine.com/supplements/garlic/#hem-blood-pressure\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Garlic</a></h1>\n<p>Garlic (Allium sativum) is a food product that can improve immunity and cardiovascular health. Garlic supplementation appears to reduce blood pressure, and the magnitude is quite respectable in persons with hypertension (around 10 points systolic or 8-10%) whereas there is a smaller but present reduction in persons with normal blood pressure.</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 9093, "author": "Zero", "author_id": 6687, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/6687", "pm_score": -1, "selected": false, "text": "<p>Most Important Thing to deal with Essential Hypertension: If you are not in the recommended BMI range, lose weight. Try to get to the lower end of the normal / healthy BMI range.</p>\n\n<p>Eating well, exercise, sleep, relaxation etc. are all essential, but your focus should be on weight loss.</p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/226", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/83/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 292, "author": "Poik", "author_id": 157, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/157", "pm_score": 2, "selected": true, "text": "<p><a href=\"http://www.diet.com/g/molybdenum\" rel=\"nofollow\">Diet.com</a> suggests that molybdenum sources in food are between 57% and 88% efficient in absorption rates nutritionally, and additionally lists milk content as 4.9 μg per cup, which is much lower than the suggestions elsewhere. This may be a good lower bound for calculation. However, remember that the <a href=\"http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/1136.htm\" rel=\"nofollow\">tolerable upper limit for adults is considered to be 0.6 mg of molybdenum</a>, according to the European Food Safety Authority as of 2000. Alternatively, Diet.com listed it as 2 mg.</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 369, "author": "kenorb", "author_id": 114, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/114", "pm_score": 2, "selected": false, "text": "<p>In <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK222301/\" rel=\"nofollow\">Dietary Reference Intakes</a> by Institute of Medicine (US) Panel on Micronutrients we can read that RDA for adult men and women is 45 μg/day. The average dietary intake of molybdenum by adult men and women is 109 and 76 μg/day, respectively.</p>\n\n<p>Biego and his coworkers^{<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK222301/\" rel=\"nofollow\">1</a>} in 1998 reported an average molybdenum concentration of 4 μg/L in human milk with stage of lactation not reported and much higher concentrations of molybdenum in cow's milk (50 μg/L, as does soymilk) and infant formula, however as you suggested - the data on the bioavailability of molybdenum in cow milk and infant formulas are not available.</p>\n\n<p>How much it's per cup of milk - it can really vary on milk, however <a href=\"http://www.diet.com/g/molybdenum\" rel=\"nofollow\">Diet.com</a> suggest it's around 4.9μg.</p>\n\n<hr>\n\n<p>References:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK222301/\" rel=\"nofollow\">1</a>: Biego GH, Joyeux M, Hartemann P and Debry G, 1998. <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10211184\" rel=\"nofollow\">Determination of mineral contents in different kinds of milk and estimation of dietary intake in infants.</a> Food Additives and Contaminants, 15, 775-781.</li>\n</ul>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/233", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/157/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 326, "author": "michaelpri", "author_id": 26, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/26", "pm_score": 4, "selected": true, "text": "<p>From the picture and the symptoms you mentioned, especially the itchiness, it seems that you are right about it being that being eczema. Also, eczema is common behind the knees. From that picture though, it does not seem like that eczema is very bad. There are a lot of <a href=\"http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/eczema/eczema-causes\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">worse cases</a>. Though there is still some dispute in the medical world, one study<a href=\"http://nationaleczema.org/study-reveals-eczema/\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">¹</a> says that the cause of eczema is a bacteria that lives on the skin. This bacteria blocks the sweat ducts, which causes a reaction in the immune system that causes irritation, itchiness, and rashes.</p>\n<p>WebMD<a href=\"http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/eczema/eczema-causes\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">²</a> says that it is likely that the immune system causes the reaction, but they also provide some other possible causes, such as genetics (eczema is usually common in families), certains environments you may be, and skin irritants like chlorine, makeup, and even some soaps and cleansers. It is likely that these skin irritants cause the bacteria mentioned above to react, which in turn cause the immune system to create rashes and irritation on certain parts of the skin.</p>\n<p><strong>Tips for treating eczema</strong></p>\n<p>Other than drugs that can be prescribed by your doctor, there are a few things you can do to help treat eczema.</p>\n<ul>\n<li><p>Use more mild soap - some soaps can cause dry skin; these are the types of soap that tend to irritate eczema; try to get soaps that won't make your skin dry (usually your doctor can recommend a brand)</p>\n</li>\n<li><p>Showering - taking long, hot showers can also cause your skin to dry up; instead take shorter, <strong>warm</strong> (not hot) showers</p>\n</li>\n<li><p>Reduce stress - stress can be a factor for an irritation in your body; just relax sometimes; also, try to get more sleep</p>\n</li>\n<li><p>Petroleum jelly - using petroleum jelly on the spot of the eczema can help relieve the need to scratch</p>\n</li>\n<li><p>Moisturize your skin - dry skin is a side effect of eczema, so moisturizing your skin is important</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n<hr />\n<p>^{[<a href=\"http://nationaleczema.org/study-reveals-eczema/\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">1</a>] <a href=\"http://nationaleczema.org/study-reveals-eczema/\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">National Eczema Association - Study Reveals the Cause of Eczema</a>}</p>\n<p>^{[<a href=\"http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/eczema/eczema-causes\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">2</a>] <a href=\"http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/eczema/eczema-causes\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">WebMD - Eczema Health Center</a>}</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 8736, "author": "BoeingSkunkWorks", "author_id": 6444, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/6444", "pm_score": 1, "selected": false, "text": "<p>I have had this behind only one knee since shortly after I had 4x CABG at the age of 48. The doctor said is could be caused from a reaction to the cardiac meds I take. I take 25mg Metoprolol, 25mg, of Losartan Potassium, and 40mg of Simvastatin.</p>\n\n<p>The doctor, though not a dermatologist said that is the likely cause. I can't really stop taking the drugs to see if it goes away.</p>\n\n<p>I use Cortaid 10% and if I use it regularly it keeps the itching down which causes all of the problems to begin with. Sometimes the itching is so intense I scratch until the little bumps bleed.</p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/247", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/8/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 261, "author": "Community", "author_id": -1, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/-1", "pm_score": 4, "selected": true, "text": "<p>Paresthesia can be caused by inactivity, sustained pressure on the nerve, neurological disorder, or nerve damage. </p>\n\n<p>If the causes is from pressure, the user <a href=\"https://biology.stackexchange.com/users/5694/v-ix\">V_ix</a> on Biology gave the following answer <a href=\"https://biology.stackexchange.com/a/16082/12909\">here</a> which I have quoted:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Underneath the superficial layers of your skin there are receptors which sense pressure, temperature and pain. These receptors are part of the peripheral nervous system which senses stimuli and they take the message conveying details about the stimulus to the somatosensory cortex of the brain. Here is where the perception of pain, burning, pressure etc is ultimately made. To take the simplest example, if you stop blood flow for a short amount of time in a limb, these receptors are activated, and will send signals to the brain that are interpreted as tingling or numbness. With more severe pain, different receptors are activated which , again, project to the same brain area but a different message is read out. If the pressure from one limb is removed, the receptors will go back to normal function as blood flow is restored.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>If what you experience is chronic, you may need to see your healthcare provider in order to rule out a neurological disorder or nerve damage. You can find more information on paresthesia from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke as well as clinical trials if you are really concerned about this on their site:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/paresthesia/paresthesia.htm\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/paresthesia/paresthesia.htm</a></li>\n</ul>\n" }, { "answer_id": 265, "author": "Maulik V", "author_id": 149, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/149", "pm_score": -1, "selected": false, "text": "<p>While dustin has explained it in a modern way, I'll have my two cents talking about this problem in Ayurveda, the traditional Indian medicine. </p>\n\n<p>Ayurveda describes that there is a poor blood circulation and vitiation of <em><a href=\"http://www.chopra.com/vata-dosha\" rel=\"nofollow\">vata dosha</a></em>. The body cells require oxygen constantly, and in certain quantity. For some or the other reason, if they don't get sufficient 'food' (i.e. oxygen), they start behaving abnormally and one of their characteristic of being abnormal is causing weakness, tingling or emptiness. Modern science considers 'neuropathy' as one of the causes and in <em>most of the cases</em>, the patients are prescribed with vitamin pills especially containing <em>methylcobalamin</em>.</p>\n\n<p>But in Ayurveda, improving blood circulation (and so taking oxygen to every peripheral tissue) comes with good massage. The therapy can be augmented with medicated oil that has <em>anti-vata</em> properties. Some physiotherapy, massage, yoga etc. can help you get rid of this problem. Take a note that <strong>alternative medicines are never considered as a first line treatment</strong>. That's why they are alternative. So, what I suggested is beneficial in reducing/preventing it but it's not the primary treatment. </p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/259", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/26/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 264, "author": "Maulik V", "author_id": 149, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/149", "pm_score": 1, "selected": false, "text": "<p>The immediate issue comes to my mind is appendix. However, you have defined a larger area whereas this pain is somewhere around McBurney's point. But then you say that it's a normal USG!</p>\n\n<p>The area you are defining is typical for appendicitis. And if this is not the problem, the causes may range from pelvic inflammatory conditions (radiating there) to constipation and UIT to salpingitis. But who are you? A man or a woman? </p>\n\n<p>Also, it depends on other symptoms and not just pain. Because 'pain' is very general (if I do workout after a week or so, I'll have pain wherever I focused during workout). And that is the reason, the pain is <strong>always</strong> considered with <strong>other</strong> symptoms or associated problems. What is the consistency of your stools, urine report, or whether it's just muscular pain etc. </p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 268, "author": "anongoodnurse", "author_id": 169, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/169", "pm_score": 3, "selected": true, "text": "<p>Right lower quadrant pain is typically appendiceal or ovarian. It can also be salpingitis - which does last longer, or PCOS, depending on the duration of the symptoms, or cystic Lymphangioma. Finally, it could be a stone at the junction of the ureter and bladder.</p>\n\n<p>Generally when a patient (or person) is asking about a symptom, they should be able to answer nine questions (O/S/Q/L/T/A/P/P/C):</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <ul>\n <li>Onset</li>\n <li>Severity</li>\n <li>Quality</li>\n <li>Location</li>\n <li>Timing</li>\n <li>Associated sx</li>\n <li>Palliatiated by</li>\n <li>Precipitated by</li>\n <li>Course.</li>\n </ul>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>A normal ultrasound would not rule out all of these, but would be a good start.</p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/262", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/83/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 270, "author": "Damian Nikodem", "author_id": 66, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/66", "pm_score": -1, "selected": true, "text": "<p>Oxytocin is typically produced by the body and brain during childbirth. It assists with the mother's pain relief, initial bonding with her child, and forces the body to perform contractions.</p>\n\n<p>It has difficulty crossing the blood/brain barrier when administered intravenously, therefore the pain relief and other mental effects are significantly less pronounced. (When produced naturally during childbirth it is secreted by the hypothalamus, placenta, and ovaries.) </p>\n\n<p>Synthetic oxytocin (it usually has the trade names Pitocin or Syntocinon) is typically administered to induce regular contractions. Its standard use during labour is rather controversial outside of the USA, due to a direct statistical correlation with unnecessary C-Sections and other complications for both mother and child.</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 3963, "author": "YviDe", "author_id": 1830, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/1830", "pm_score": 3, "selected": false, "text": "<p>Oxytocin is mainly produced by the body in the following situations:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>contractions </li>\n<li>sex </li>\n<li>breastfeeding </li>\n<li>social interaction </li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>It is primarily produced in the hypothalamus of the brain. In pregnant women, it is also produced in the placenta. Synthetic oxytocin is bioidentical, but for obvious reasons not administered in the brain. </p>\n\n<p><strong>Treatment</strong></p>\n\n<p>Synthesized oxytocin is mainly used to induce contractions in women. However, promising studies have been done on patients with schizophrenia:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>The results revealed that intranasal oxytocin (40 international units twice a day), administered as an adjunct to subjects’ antipsychotic drugs for 3 weeks improved positive and negative symptoms significantly more than placebo </p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>In other studies, the same treatment showed no effect:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Two small studies failed to detect any functional improvement from the use of intranasal oxytocin (multiple brands) in patients with schizophrenia, even when coupled with social skills training, research presented here indicates.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>Other studies have been done in patients with autism:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Compared with placebo, oxytocin led to significant improvements on the primary outcome of caregiver-rated social responsiveness. </p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>As of yet, oxytocin is only used for these conditions in studies. All of the studies so far have been done with small sample sizes. </p>\n\n<p><strong>Side effects</strong></p>\n\n<p>So far, side effects of the nasal spray used in the schizophrenia and autism studies appear to be mild:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Overall, nasal spray was well tolerated, and the most common reported adverse events were thirst, urination and constipation</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>From another source:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>The evidence shows that intranasal oxytocin: (1) produces no detectable subjective changes in recipients, (2) produces no reliable side-effects, and (3) is not associated with adverse outcomes when delivered in doses of 18–40 IU for short term use in controlled research settings. Future research directions should include a focus on the dosage and duration of use, and application with younger age groups, vulnerable populations, and with females.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>As for the side effects of intravenously administered synthetic oxytocin during labor, there is a lot of information about it on the internet, and very few of it is sourced. Studies are hard to interpret because by design, the groups \"no labor induction\" and \"labor induced\" differ in more than the administration of oxytocin. </p>\n\n<p>The Cochrane review on the topic concludes:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>For women making slow progress in spontaneous labour, treatment with oxytocin as compared with no treatment or delayed oxytocin treatment did not result in any discernable difference in the number of caesarean sections performed. In addition there were no detectable adverse effects for mother or baby. The use of oxytocin was associated with a reduction in the time to delivery of approximately two hours which might be important to some women. </p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p><strong>Summary</strong></p>\n\n<p>Synthesized oxytocin probably has no major side effects - however, it is not yet used regularly for any other medical reason than inducing labor. </p>\n\n<p><strong>Sources</strong></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3947469/\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Beyond Labor: The role of natural and synthetic oxytocin in the transition to motherhood</a></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.nature.com/npp/journal/v37/n1/full/npp2011184a.html\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Oxytocin as a Potential Therapeutic Target for Schizophrenia and Other Neuropsychiatric Conditions</a></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/850411\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Oxytocin Shows No Effect in Schizophrenia</a></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.nature.com/mp/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/mp2015162a.html\" rel=\"noreferrer\">The effect of oxytocin nasal spray on social interaction deficits observed in young children with autism: a randomized clinical crossover trial</a></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306453011000862\" rel=\"noreferrer\">A review of safety, side-effects and subjective reactions to intranasal oxytocin in human research</a></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD007123.pub3/full\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Oxytocin versus no treatment or delayed treatment for slow progress in the first stage of spontaneous labour</a></p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/263", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/92/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 277, "author": "Nate Barbettini", "author_id": 59, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/59", "pm_score": 4, "selected": true, "text": "<p>Nuts and legumes are an excellent source of fiber.^{<a href=\"http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/high-fiber-foods/art-20050948\">1</a>} ^{<a href=\"http://www.webmd.com/diet/top-10-sources-of-fiber\">2</a>} If you're looking for the highest fiber content, here are the top candidates ranked by total grams of fiber (insoluble and soluble) per ounce^{<a href=\"https://www.prebiotin.com/resources/fiber-content-of-foods/\">3</a>}:</p>\n\n<p><strong>Almonds</strong>: 2 g/oz</p>\n\n<p><strong>Lentils</strong> (dried): 1.95 g/oz</p>\n\n<p><strong>Pine nuts</strong>: 1.8 g/oz</p>\n\n<p><strong>Pistachios</strong>: 1.7 g/oz</p>\n\n<p><strong>Peanuts</strong>: 1.7 g/oz</p>\n\n<p><strong>Beans</strong> (lima, kidney, soy etc.) 1.2 - 1.7 g/oz</p>\n\n<p><strong>Pecans</strong>: 1 g/oz</p>\n\n<p><strong>Walnuts</strong>: 0.7 g/oz</p>\n\n<p>A \"mixed nut\" product that includes almonds, peanuts, pecans, and walnuts would be a great way to get an assortment of the highest-fiber nuts (plus a lot of other great nutrients and healthy fats).</p>\n\n<p>Grains such as amaranth and barley are also good sources, as are sunflower seeds. Many fruits (apples, pears, coconut, bananas, strawberries, raspberries) are high in fiber as well.</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 279, "author": "JohnP", "author_id": 64, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/64", "pm_score": 3, "selected": false, "text": "<p>As already pointed out, nuts and legumes make very good snacks. My only caution with the nuts is that they are also very calorie dense, so to have a filling snack you may add more calories than you would want. You can combine them with fruit, yogurt or other similar foods to make a healthy snack that isn't as high in calories per serving.</p>\n\n<p>If you want to maintain a high fiber diet, there are many alternatives that you can mix in either as snacks or as meal focuses:</p>\n\n<p>As a comparison, 1 cup of almonds has 11 grams of fiber, 526 calories.</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>Raspberries - 8 grams per cup, 65 calories.</li>\n<li>Avocados - (1/2 avocado) - 7 grams, 160 calories</li>\n<li>Blackberries - same as Raspberries</li>\n<li>Pears - 4 grams, 80 calories per cup.</li>\n<li>Split peas - 16 grams per cup (cooked), 231 calories</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Other things you can do include:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>Add a tablespoon of ground flaxseed to smoothies or similar - nearly 4 grams of fiber and about 30 calories. (Also adds Omega-3 fatty acids)</li>\n<li>Chia seeds - 5.5 grams per tablespoon, 65 calories</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p><a href=\"https://fullplateliving.org/high-fiber-foods/list\" rel=\"nofollow\">https://fullplateliving.org/high-fiber-foods/list</a></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/high-fiber-foods/art-20050948\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/high-fiber-foods/art-20050948</a></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flax#Flax_seeds\" rel=\"nofollow\">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flax#Flax_seeds</a></p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/271", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/8/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 284, "author": "Community", "author_id": -1, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/-1", "pm_score": 4, "selected": false, "text": "<p>The reason why you should see a doctor right away is because some causes of sudden hearing loss need to be treated right away. Common causes of sudden hearing loss are <a href=\"http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing/pages/sudden.aspx\">[1]</a></p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>infectious disease</li>\n<li>trauma such as head injury</li>\n<li>autoimmune disease such as Cogan's syndrome</li>\n<li>ototoxic drugs</li>\n<li>blood circulation problems</li>\n<li>a tumor on the nerve that connects the brain to the ear</li>\n<li>neurology disease and disorders such as multipe sclerosis</li>\n<li>disorders of the inner ear such as Meniere's disease</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Having to see a doctor right away does not imply the hearing loss will be permanent, but since some of the causes of sudden hearing loss can be serious, the need to see a specialist sooner rather than later is paramount.</p>\n\n<p>Additionally, \"treatment is directed at any known cause of the sudden deafness. When the cause is unknown, many doctors try giving corticosteroids along with antiviral drugs effective against herpes simplex (such as valacyclovir or famciclovir). <a href=\"http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/ear_nose_and_throat_disorders/hearing_loss_and_deafness/sudden_deafness.html\">[2]</a>\"</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 285, "author": "Shlublu", "author_id": 102, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/102", "pm_score": 3, "selected": false, "text": "<p>According to the <a href=\"http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing/pages/sudden.aspx\" rel=\"noreferrer\">U.S. Department of Health &amp; Human Services</a>, a sudden hearing loss (Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss) is considered as a medical emergency as the treatment is more efficient if given as soon as possible:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>[...] delaying SSHL diagnosis and treatment may decrease the effectiveness\n of treatment.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>This appears in the section 1 of the linked document. </p>\n\n<p>This only answers your main question though, not the secondaries, as no further detail is given regarding why the treatment could be less efficient over the time. But the diagnosis and the treatment are both explained.</p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/281", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/49/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 291, "author": "michaelpri", "author_id": 26, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/26", "pm_score": 2, "selected": false, "text": "<p>There are a lot of different sources in food products that are added sugar.</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>High Fructose Corn Syrup - you already mentioned, but this is probably the most common added sugar</li>\n<li>Glucose - also very common</li>\n<li>Honey</li>\n<li>Sucrose</li>\n<li>Lactose</li>\n</ul>\n\n<h3>How to avoid added sugars</h3>\n\n<ul>\n<li><p>Limit yourself when eating sweets</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>Chocolate is the biggest offender; try dark chocolate instead of plain chocolate or even better, a banana</li>\n</ul></li>\n<li><p>Drink less soda and juice</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>Many sodas (especially Coca-Cola) and fruit juices are very high in added sugar; you can usually buy less sugary juice</li>\n</ul></li>\n<li><p>Less dairy products - dairy products have a lot of lactose and they have <a href=\"https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/154/are-dairy-products-effective-sources-of-calcium/200#200\">some risks too</a>; milk is usually fine, but ice cream and yogurt are usually high in other types of sugar too</p></li>\n</ul>\n\n<hr>\n\n<p>^{<a href=\"http://www.nhs.uk/livewell/goodfood/pages/top-sources-of-added-sugar-in-our-diet.aspx\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Top sources of added sugar in our diet</a>}</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 317, "author": "Zaralynda", "author_id": 62, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/62", "pm_score": 4, "selected": true, "text": "<p>The best way to avoid added sugars is to look at the ingredients list for the following items. This list is not complete, but I've organized it into categories to make it easier to remember and draw conclusions about unnamed ingredients.</p>\n\n<p>Obviously, anything labeled \"sugar\", such as:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>brown sugar [<a href=\"http://www.choosemyplate.gov/weight-management-calories/calories/added-sugars.html\">1</a>] [<a href=\"http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/carbohydrates/added-sugar-in-the-diet/\">2</a>]</li>\n<li>confectioner's powdered sugar [<a href=\"http://www.choosemyplate.gov/weight-management-calories/calories/added-sugars.html\">1</a>]</li>\n<li>invert sugar [<a href=\"http://www.choosemyplate.gov/weight-management-calories/calories/added-sugars.html\">1</a>] [<a href=\"http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/carbohydrates/added-sugar-in-the-diet/\">2</a>]</li>\n<li>raw sugar [<a href=\"http://www.choosemyplate.gov/weight-management-calories/calories/added-sugars.html\">1</a>] [<a href=\"http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/carbohydrates/added-sugar-in-the-diet/\">2</a>]</li>\n<li>sugar [<a href=\"http://www.choosemyplate.gov/weight-management-calories/calories/added-sugars.html\">1</a>]</li>\n<li>white granulated sugar [<a href=\"http://www.choosemyplate.gov/weight-management-calories/calories/added-sugars.html\">1</a>]</li>\n<li>cane sugar [<a href=\"http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/carbohydrates/added-sugar-in-the-diet/\">2</a>]</li>\n<li>date sugar [<a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Date_sugar\">4</a>]</li>\n<li>sugar beet/beet sugar [<a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sugar_beet\">5</a>]</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Many things labeled as \"syrup\"</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>corn syrup/corn syrup solids [<a href=\"http://www.choosemyplate.gov/weight-management-calories/calories/added-sugars.html\">1</a>] [<a href=\"http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/carbohydrates/added-sugar-in-the-diet/\">2</a>]</li>\n<li>high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) [<a href=\"http://www.choosemyplate.gov/weight-management-calories/calories/added-sugars.html\">1</a>] [<a href=\"http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/carbohydrates/added-sugar-in-the-diet/\">2</a>]</li>\n<li>malt syrup [<a href=\"http://www.choosemyplate.gov/weight-management-calories/calories/added-sugars.html\">1</a>] [<a href=\"http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/carbohydrates/added-sugar-in-the-diet/\">2</a>]</li>\n<li>maple syrup [<a href=\"http://www.choosemyplate.gov/weight-management-calories/calories/added-sugars.html\">1</a>] [<a href=\"http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/carbohydrates/added-sugar-in-the-diet/\">2</a>]</li>\n<li>pancake syrup [<a href=\"http://www.choosemyplate.gov/weight-management-calories/calories/added-sugars.html\">1</a>]</li>\n<li>honey syrup [<a href=\"http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/carbohydrates/added-sugar-in-the-diet/\">2</a>]</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Many things labeled as \"juice\"</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>Evaporated cane juice [<a href=\"http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/carbohydrates/added-sugar-in-the-diet/\">2</a>] (may be listed as 'cane juice', 'cane juice solids', 'cane juice crystals' or dehydrated cane juice)</li>\n<li>Fruit juice concentrates [<a href=\"http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/carbohydrates/added-sugar-in-the-diet/\">2</a>] (or listed as a specific fruit)</li>\n<li>Fruit juice (or listed as a specific fruit)</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>In chemistry, sugar names end in -ose</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>dextrose [<a href=\"http://www.choosemyplate.gov/weight-management-calories/calories/added-sugars.html\">1</a>] [<a href=\"http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/carbohydrates/added-sugar-in-the-diet/\">2</a>] (also anhydrous dextrose [<a href=\"http://www.choosemyplate.gov/weight-management-calories/calories/added-sugars.html\">1</a>])</li>\n<li>fructose [<a href=\"http://www.choosemyplate.gov/weight-management-calories/calories/added-sugars.html\">1</a>] [<a href=\"http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/carbohydrates/added-sugar-in-the-diet/\">2</a>] (also crystalline fructose [<a href=\"http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/carbohydrates/added-sugar-in-the-diet/\">2</a>])</li>\n<li>lactose [<a href=\"http://www.choosemyplate.gov/weight-management-calories/calories/added-sugars.html\">1</a>]</li>\n<li>maltose [<a href=\"http://www.choosemyplate.gov/weight-management-calories/calories/added-sugars.html\">1</a>] [<a href=\"http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/carbohydrates/added-sugar-in-the-diet/\">2</a>]</li>\n<li>sucrose [<a href=\"http://www.choosemyplate.gov/weight-management-calories/calories/added-sugars.html\">1</a>] [<a href=\"http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/carbohydrates/added-sugar-in-the-diet/\">2</a>]</li>\n<li>glucose [<a href=\"http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/carbohydrates/added-sugar-in-the-diet/\">2</a>]</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>And some ingredients that you might find in your own kitchen </p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>honey [<a href=\"http://www.choosemyplate.gov/weight-management-calories/calories/added-sugars.html\">1</a>]</li>\n<li>molasses [<a href=\"http://www.choosemyplate.gov/weight-management-calories/calories/added-sugars.html\">1</a>] [<a href=\"http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/carbohydrates/added-sugar-in-the-diet/\">2</a>]</li>\n<li>nectars (e.g., peach nectar, pear nectar) [<a href=\"http://www.choosemyplate.gov/weight-management-calories/calories/added-sugars.html\">1</a>]</li>\n<li>Agave nectar [<a href=\"http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/carbohydrates/added-sugar-in-the-diet/\">2</a>]</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Miscellaneous other ingredients that can signal sugars:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>cane crystals [<a href=\"http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/carbohydrates/added-sugar-in-the-diet/\">2</a>]</li>\n<li>corn sweetener [<a href=\"http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/carbohydrates/added-sugar-in-the-diet/\">2</a>]</li>\n<li>Maltodextrin [<a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maltodextrin\">3</a>] </li>\n</ul>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/282", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/64/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 311, "author": "michaelpri", "author_id": 26, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/26", "pm_score": 5, "selected": true, "text": "<p>There are many factors in determining how much coffee one can drink in a day. Caffeine metabolism¹ is a big one. People who metabolize caffeine slow, probably shouldn't have more than 100mg of caffeine (about a cup) a day. Fast metabolizers of caffeine can usually have between 400-500mg (about 5 cups) a day.² For the general population, 400mg (about 4 cups) should be the limit. Going over this may cause several side effects such as insomnia, restlessness, headaches, and upset stomach.³ It usually isn't very hard to know your limit of drinking coffee. If coffee has a strong effect on you right away, drink less coffee, or consider drinking tea. If coffee has a weak effect on you, then you can drink more. Most people will fall somewhere in between.</p>\n\n<hr>\n\n<p>^{[1] <a href=\"https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/65/why-do-i-feel-shaky-after-only-a-small-amount-of-caffeine/76#76\">Why do I feel shaky after only a small amount of caffeine?</a>}</p>\n\n<p>^{[2] <a href=\"http://www.gbhealthwatch.com/Trait-Caffeine-Consumption.php\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Caffeine Consumption</a>}</p>\n\n<p>^{[3] <a href=\"http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/caffeine/art-20045678?pg=1\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Caffeine: How much is too much?</a>}</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 319, "author": "Turion", "author_id": 134, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/134", "pm_score": 3, "selected": false, "text": "<p>While this is not a complete answer, I'm pointing out here that <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffee#Health_and_pharmacology\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">coffee intake is adverse to iron absorption</a>. Caffeine does play a role here, although I don't know to what extent other substances in coffee do. I have asked a <a href=\"https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/318/does-decaffeinated-coffee-inhibit-iron-intake-as-well\">separate question here</a>.</p>\n\n<p>For this reason, it is recommended not to drink coffee together with, or directly after iron-rich meals (say, a breakfast with oatmeal and fruits) since the intake and the benefits of the iron would be inhibited. This applies especially to people who have low haemoglobin levels, but also to healthy adults who want to keep their iron levels up. Pregnant women should be especially careful and best avoid coffee completely since <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3414579\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">coffee consumption is linked to iron deficiency anemia in their infants</a>.</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 320, "author": "kenorb", "author_id": 114, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/114", "pm_score": 3, "selected": false, "text": "<p>It really depends on the coffee which its caffeine content (its main psychoactive substance) can vary by size, bean origin, roast method and other factors.</p>\n<p>Up to 400 milligrams (mg) of caffeine a day appears to be safe for most healthy adults. That's roughly the amount of caffeine in four cups of brewed coffee, 10 cans of cola or two &quot;energy shot&quot; drinks. Although caffeine use may be safe for adults, it's not a good idea for children. See: Caffeine: <a href=\"http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/caffeine/art-20045678\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">How much is too much? at Mayo Clinic</a></p>\n<p>Higher consumption of 1000–1500 mg per day is associated with a condition known as caffeinism.</p>\n<hr />\n<p>Caffeinated beverages like coffee and soft drinks give short bursts of energy, but can actually cause fluid loss. Caffeine has been shown to temporarily raise blood pressure, and reduces blood flow to inactive limbs.</p>\n<p>Like many drugs, caffeine is <a href=\"http://www.nytimes.com/1994/10/05/us/yes-people-are-right-caffeine-is-addictive.html\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">chemically addictive</a> and recent publication of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), caffeine withdrawal was finally included as a mental disorder for the first time.</p>\n<p>Soon after you drink coffee (containing caffeine), it’s absorbed through the small intestine and dissolved into the bloodstream and it’s able to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and enter the brain.</p>\n<p>Regular ingestion of the drug (i.e. coffee/tea, soda or energy drinks) alters your brain’s chemistry and physical characteristics actually change over time, leading to fatigue, headaches and nausea if you try to quit. However, compared to many drug addictions, the effects are relatively short-term.</p>\n<p>Few quotes from <a href=\"http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2792690/sales-sugar-caffeine-laden-energy-drinks-restricted.html\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Daily Mail</a>:</p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>Large amounts of <strong>caffeine can cause heart palpitations, fits and even death</strong>, as well as raising the risk of Type 2 diabetes.</p>\n<p>Heavy consumption has also been linked to <strong>a greater risk of depression, addiction and alcohol dependency</strong>.</p>\n<p>Energy drinks could be more likely to cause a caffeine overdose because they can be drunk quickly, unlike hot drinks like tea or coffee, the Energy Drink Consumption in Europe study said.</p>\n<p>Several deaths worldwide have been linked to excessive consumption of energy drinks, although scientists say more research is needed to prove a link.</p>\n<p>Recommended maximum caffeine intake is about 400mg per day – equivalent to around five cups of filter coffee.</p>\n</blockquote>\n<p>'Reproductive-aged women (⩽ 300 mg caffeine per day) and children are ‘at risk’ subgroups who may require specific advice on moderating their caffeine intake', <a href=\"http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/content%7Edb=all%7Econtent=a713811152?waited=0\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">study</a> said.</p>\n<p>On <a href=\"http://www.livescience.com/34765-coffee-drinking-is-mental-disorder-dsm.html\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Live Science</a> we can read:</p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>Coffee drinking could lead to a mental disorder. If you experience\nfive or more symptoms, such as red face, nervousness and restlessness,\nduring or right after your cup of Joe, you may be diagnosed with\ncoffee intoxication.</p>\n</blockquote>\n<p>According to a new edition of the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), excessive caffeine intake can lead to a condition known as “caffeine intoxication,”.</p>\n<p>In other words, <strong>caffeine withdrawal is now a recognized disorder, and is listed in the <a href=\"http://www.dsm5.org/\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">DSM-5</a>.</strong></p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>“<strong>Caffeine is a drug, a mild stimulant</strong>, which is used by almost\neverybody on a daily basis,” said Dr. Charles O’Brien, who chairs the\nSubstance-Related Disorder Work Group for DSM-5 (via New York Post).\n“But it does have a letdown afterwards. If you drink a lot of coffee,\nat least two or three [236 ml] cups at a time, there will be a rebound\nor withdrawal effect.”</p>\n</blockquote>\n<p>Here are <a href=\"http://www.caffeineinformer.com/caffeine-withdrawal-symptoms-top-ten\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">top 10 caffeine withdrawal symptoms</a>:</p>\n<ol>\n<li>Headache</li>\n<li>Sleepiness</li>\n<li>Irritability</li>\n<li>Lethargy</li>\n<li>Constipation</li>\n<li>Depression</li>\n<li>Muscle Pain/Stiffness</li>\n<li>Lack of Concentration</li>\n<li>Flu-like symptoms</li>\n<li>Insomnia</li>\n</ol>\n<p><strong>In rare cases when consumed at high enough doses, caffeine can kill.</strong></p>\n<p><img src=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/hPa5n.jpg\" alt=\"caffeine curve\" /></p>\n<hr />\n<p>Related:</p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health_effects_of_caffeine\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Health effects of caffeine</a> at Wikipedia</li>\n<li><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Effect_of_caffeine_on_memory\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Effect of caffeine on memory</a> at Wikipedia</li>\n<li>(article) <a href=\"http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2792690/sales-sugar-caffeine-laden-energy-drinks-restricted.html\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Sales of sugar and caffeine laden energy drinks should be restricted as they 'pose a danger' to children</a> at Daily Mail</li>\n<li><a href=\"https://coffee.stackexchange.com/questions/479/whats-the-minimum-recommended-age-for-drinking-a-coffee\">What's the minimum recommended age for drinking a coffee?</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"http://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/this-is-how-your-brain-becomes-addicted-to-caffeine-26861037\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">This Is How Your Brain Becomes Addicted to Caffeine</a> at Smithsonian</li>\n<li><a href=\"http://lifehacker.com/5585217/what-caffeine-actually-does-to-your-brain\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">What Caffeine Actually Does to Your Brain</a> at Life Hacker</li>\n<li>(study) <a href=\"http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/content%7Edb=all%7Econtent=a713811152?waited=0\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Effects of Caffeine on Human Health</a>, P. Nawrot, S. Jordan, J. Eastwood, J. Rotstein, A. Hugenholtz and M. Feeley, Food Additives and Contaminants, 2003, Vol. 20, No. 1, pg. 1-30.</li>\n<li>(study) <a href=\"http://pharmrev.aspetjournals.org/content/51/1/83.long\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Actions of Caffeine in the Brain with Special Reference to Factors That Contribute to Its Widespread Use</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"http://newsfeed.time.com/2013/05/31/caffeine-withdrawal-is-now-a-mental-disorder/\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Caffeine Withdrawal Is Now a Mental Disorder</a> at Time</li>\n<li>(book) Buzz: The Science and Lore of Alcohol and Caffeine by Stephen Braun</li>\n</ul>\n" }, { "answer_id": 15753, "author": "geizio", "author_id": 13279, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/13279", "pm_score": -1, "selected": false, "text": "<p>I recently read a fantastic article in the first issue of <a href=\"https://www.nationalgeographic.com\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">National Geographic</a> Science. To sum it up for you, coffee is actually great for you. 3 cups a day can decrease mortality by 12%. Right now I do not have the magazine on me but <a href=\"http://www.nationalgeographic.com.au/science/coffee-is-good-for-you.aspx\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">here</a> is a shorter version. My only concern is caffeine.</p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/309", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/121/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 490, "author": "kenorb", "author_id": 114, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/114", "pm_score": 5, "selected": true, "text": "<p>Using headphones at a sufficiently high volume level may cause cause trauma to cochlear structure in the inner ear which gives rise to temporary or permanent hearing impairment or <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hearing_loss\" rel=\"noreferrer\">deafness</a>.</p>\n\n<p>Sound pressure is measured in <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decibel\" rel=\"noreferrer\">decibels</a> and exposure to 75dB (even after long exposure) are usually safe. However, long or repeated to sounds at above 85dB can cause hearing loss. <strong>The louder the sound, the shorter the amount of time it takes for NIHL to happen.</strong></p>\n\n<p>The risk is higher especially in loud places as volume often needs to compete with the background noise. For example, the average sound level on a busy street is about 80dB. In the Airo study, when the outdoor noise was a mere 65dB, listeners raised headphone volume levels to over 80dB^{<a href=\"http://web.archive.org/web/19991117210432/http://hearnet.com/text/mainframe.html\" rel=\"noreferrer\">1997</a>}.</p>\n\n<p>This figure shows the average chosen listening levels for our subjects across the different background noise levels^{<a href=\"http://web.archive.org/web/20080807140756/http://www.hearingconservation.org/docs/virtualPressRoom/FligorIves.pdf\" rel=\"noreferrer\">2006</a>}:</p>\n\n<p><img src=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/psOnGl.png\" alt=\"Average chosen listening level\"></p>\n\n<p>When we experience sound in our environment (TV, radio, traffic), normally these sounds are at safe levels, however long period of exposure to high sound pressure levels at high volume can be damaging to sensitive structures in the inner ear and cause noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).</p>\n\n<p>The anatomy of hearing loss (simplified view):</p>\n\n<p><img src=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/HGCCX.gif\" alt=\"Simplified View of Ear Structure\"></p>\n\n<p>Image credits: <a href=\"http://headwize.com/?page_id=266\" rel=\"noreferrer\">HeadWise</a></p>\n\n<p>Hearing damage from headphones is probably more common than from loudspeakers, even at comparable volumes, due to the close coupling of the transducers to the ears.</p>\n\n<p>Symptoms of hearing damage:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>Ringing or buzzing in the ears.</li>\n<li>Difficulty in understanding speech.</li>\n<li>Slight muffling of sounds.</li>\n<li>Difficulty understanding speech in noisy places or places with poor acoustics.</li>\n</ul>\n\n<h3>Recommendations</h3>\n\n<p>The WHO recommends that young people limit the use of personal audio player to one hour a day in an effort to limit exposure to noise.</p>\n\n<p>NIOSH recommends a safe headphone listening volume of 85dB. Although headphones are not sold with SPL meters, they can be purchased separately.</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>One could note of the volume control setting that pumps out 85dB, any music recorded at a higher level would still play back at dangerous levels. The headphones would have to be recalibrated whenever the music changed.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>While in-the-ear earphones can produce higher sound levels than over-the-ear earphones, they are not necessarily used at higher levels.</p>\n\n<p><img src=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/lrNwl.jpg\" alt=\"Maximum listening time per day using NIOSH damage-risk criteria.\"></p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>The table above shows NIOSH recommended maximum listening time per day, depending on the style of earphones used and the volume control settings on the player. On this chart, the “Isolator” style refers to earphones that have been reported to block out background noise, and “Supra-Aural” style refers to earphones that sit on top of the ear. The final column shows our measurements for the iPod, using the stock earbuds from Apple.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<hr>\n\n<p>Here are the average decibel ratings of some familiar sounds:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><p>45dB</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>The humming of a refrigerator.</li>\n</ul></li>\n<li><p>60dB</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>Normal everyday conversation.</li>\n<li>Ringing telephone.</li>\n<li>Normal piano practice.</li>\n</ul></li>\n<li><p>70dB</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>Restaurant.</li>\n</ul></li>\n<li><p>80-85dB</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>Heavy city traffic, alarm clock at 2 feet, factory noise, vacuum cleaner, garbage disposal.</li>\n</ul></li>\n<li><p>90-95dB</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>Motorcyles.</li>\n<li>Subway trains, motorcycle, workshop tools, lawn mower.</li>\n</ul></li>\n<li><p>100-110dB</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>An MP3 player at maximum volume.</li>\n<li>Dance club.</li>\n<li>Chain saw, pneumatic drill.</li>\n<li>Timpani &amp; bass drum rolls.</li>\n</ul></li>\n<li><p>120dB</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>Sirens.</li>\n<li>Symphonic music peak. Rock concert speaker sound, sandblasting, thunderclap.</li>\n</ul></li>\n<li><p>130dB</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>Jet take off.</li>\n<li>Gunfire.</li>\n</ul></li>\n<li><p>150dB</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>Firecrackers and firearms.</li>\n<li>Rock music peak.</li>\n</ul></li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>The distance from the source of the sound and period of time are also important factors in protecting your hearing.</p>\n\n<hr>\n\n<p>Read also:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><p><a href=\"http://www.who.int/pbd/deafness/activities/IECD_2015_Press_Release_EN.pdf\" rel=\"noreferrer\">1.1 billion people at risk of hearing loss - WHO highlights serious threat posed by exposure to recreational noise</a></p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Data from studies in middle- and high-income countries analysed by WHO indicate that among teenagers and young adults aged 12-35 years, nearly 50% are exposed to unsafe levels of sound from the use of personal audio devices and around 40% are exposed to potentially damaging levels of sound at entertainment venues. Unsafe levels of sounds can be, for example, exposure to in excess of 85 decibels (dB) for eight hours or 100 dB for 15 minutes. </p>\n \n <p>Teenagers and young people can better protect their hearing by keeping the volume down on personal audio devices, wearing earplugs when visiting noisy venues, and using carefully fitted, and, if possible, noise-cancelling earphones/headphones. They can also limit the time spent engaged in noisy activities by taking short listening breaks and restricting the daily use of personal audio devices to less than one hour. With the help of smartphone apps, they can monitor safe listening levels</p>\n</blockquote></li>\n<li><p><a href=\"http://www.asha.org/public/hearing/disorders/causes_adults.htm\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Causes of Hearing Loss in Adults</a> at ASHA</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Very loud noise can cause permanent hearing loss. This is called noise-induced hearing loss. Listening to loud noise for long periods of time can damage the hair cells in the inner ear. Noise-induced hearing loss usually develops gradually and painlessly. A single exposure to an extremely loud sound such as an explosion can cause a sudden loss of hearing. This is called acoustic trauma.</p>\n</blockquote></li>\n<li><p><a href=\"http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing/pages/noise.aspx\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Noise-Induced Hearing Loss</a> at NIDCD</p></li>\n<li><a href=\"http://headwize.com/?page_id=266\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Preventing Hearing Damage When Listening With Headphones</a> <a href=\"http://media.paisley.ac.uk/~campbell/ASP/Preventing%20Hearing%20Damage%20When%20Listening%20With%20Headphones.doc\" rel=\"noreferrer\">(DOC)</a> at HeadWise</li>\n<li><a href=\"http://hearinglossweb.com/\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Hearing Loss Web</a> site</li>\n<li><a href=\"http://web.archive.org/web/20080807140756/http://www.hearingconservation.org/docs/virtualPressRoom/FligorIves.pdf\" rel=\"noreferrer\">(PDF) \"Does earphone type affect risk for recreational noise-induced hearing loss?\"</a> Brian J. Fligor, Sc.D., CCC-A and Terri Ives, Sc.D, 2006</li>\n<li><a href=\"http://web.archive.org/web/20080726181956/http://www.hearingconservation.org/docs/virtualPressRoom/portnuff.htm\" rel=\"noreferrer\">\"Sound Output Levels of the iPod and Other MP3 Players: Is There Potential Risk to Hearing?\"</a> Cory D. F. Portnuff and Brian J. Fligor, Sc.D., CCC-A, 2006</li>\n<li><p><a href=\"https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=standards&amp;p_id=9735\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Occupational noise exposure</a> at OSHA</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>When the daily noise exposure is composed of two or more periods of noise exposure of different levels, their combined effect should be considered, rather than the individual effect of each.</p>\n</blockquote></li>\n<li><p><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fletcher%E2%80%93Munson_curves\" rel=\"noreferrer\">The Fletcher–Munson curves</a> at Wikipedia</p></li>\n</ul>\n" }, { "answer_id": 7574, "author": "StrongBad", "author_id": 55, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/55", "pm_score": 2, "selected": false, "text": "<p>The answer to this is really not known. The field of audiology now talks about \"hidden hearing loss\". This is hearing loss than does not show up in clinical tests. <a href=\"http://www.jneurosci.org/content/29/45/14077.full\" rel=\"nofollow\">Kujawa and Liberman (2009)</a> found in animal models that sound exposure that has only a temporary affect on the ability of the animal to detect quick sounds, can do permanent damage.</p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://journals.lww.com/ear-hearing/Abstract/2012/11000/Digital_Music_Exposure_Reliably_Induces_Temporary.10.aspx\" rel=\"nofollow\">Le Prell et al.</a> looked at this in humans. These are difficult studies to do since you do not want to harm otherwise healthy research subjects. She had subjects listen to music at 94, 99, and 101 dB A for 4 hours. For the 94 dB A group, there was no statistically reliable effects on hearing 15 minutes after stopping the music (ask quick as they could measure anything). For 101 dB A, the effect lasted over a day, but less than a week. It is thought that the 101-dB A 4-hr exposure is safe, but know one really knows yet. Further, the effect of repeated exposures (either before or after recovery) is not known.</p>\n\n<p>What is known is that there is no way to reverse hearing loss. There is no pill you can take. While hearing aids do restore some level of hearing, you should take care of your ears.</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 7581, "author": "Biswajit Sadangi", "author_id": 5343, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/5343", "pm_score": -1, "selected": false, "text": "<p>Simple answer is, standard says safe exposure of lodness of 85dBSPL is 8 hours. Now the question is how will you measure how loud is safe. While listening with earphone, ask someone to speak to you. If you can't hear them, turn volume down until you can hear them and that's your safety zone. Enjoy your music. </p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/312", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/121/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 336, "author": "Toon Krijthe", "author_id": 136, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/136", "pm_score": 3, "selected": false, "text": "<p>In Europe we use 30/2 for adults and 15/2 for children. </p>\n\n<p>For children heart problems are rare, so the focus lies on breathing (we also start with 5 breaths). With adults the focus lies on chest compressions, hence the double amount.</p>\n\n<p>There is a lot of research going on and as a result of the research, the guidelines are changed, each 5 years. (Last time the dept of the compression increased and the frequency went up.) We hope to receive the new guidelines in 2016.</p>\n\n<p>All ERC (European Resuscitation Council) trained instructors should use the same guidelines in their courses.</p>\n\n<p>The actual survival chance has increased a lot the last 20 years (if CPR is started with 6 minutes). Two pieces of equipment have helped. First the mobile phone (no delay in finding a phone so professional help can be summoned as soon as possible). And the use of the AED.</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 563, "author": "JohnP", "author_id": 64, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/64", "pm_score": 4, "selected": true, "text": "<p>Note: The following is excerpted from an article written in 2005. For lay (Non trained) people, there are more updated recommendations. The following is an example of the process, not the current recommendations.</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>To be effective, CPR must restore adequate coronary and cerebral blood flow. Interruptions in chest compressions lower coronary perfusion pressure and decrease rates of survival from cardiac arrest. In the first minutes of VF SCA, ventilation does not appear to be as important as chest compressions, but it does appear to contribute to survival from prolonged and asphyxial arrest. Certainly the ventilation rate needed to maintain a normal ventilation-perfusion ratio during CPR is much smaller than normal because pulmonary blood flow is low.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>That is one of the opening paragraphs <a href=\"http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/112/24_suppl/IV-206.full\">from this article</a> published on the American Heart Association (AHA) website from 2005, regarding CPR evaluation and recommended changes. (VF SCA = Ventricular Fibrillation Sudden Cardiac Arrest)</p>\n\n<p>As a summation, a group of scientists and heart experts (281 experts over 36 months) gathered to review all the study and epidemiological data regarding survival rate in witnessed SCA. They reviewed the (then) current survival rates, sequence and priorities in CPR to see how differences affected the survival rate. There are 57 articles cited throughout the article that are all listed with links.</p>\n\n<p>One of the biggest factors was that few people received early CPR, and those that did, it wasn't always effective CPR. Some of the factors that they found were that chest compressions were inadequately performed, slow, and often interrupted for too long for rescue breaths, especially among lay CPR performers (Non EMS trained). This resulted in inadequate cerebral blood flow and cardiac output.</p>\n\n<p>Once they determined that, the following excerpt explains how they evaluated the recommended changes (at that time, this is a 2005 publication.)</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Mathematical and animal models showed that matching of pulmonary blood flow and ventilation might be more appropriate at compression-ventilation ratios higher than 15:2. There was concern, however, particularly among pediatric experts, that inadequate ventilation rates could reduce survival from pediatric and asphyxial (eg, drowning) arrest. To achieve optimal compression rates and reduce the frequency of interruptions in compressions, a universal compression-ventilation ratio of 30:2 for all lone rescuers of victims from infancy (excluding newborns) through adulthood is recommended by consensus, based on integration of the best human, animal, manikin, and theoretical data available. The 30:2 ratio is recommended to simplify training in 1-rescuer or 2-rescuer CPR for adults and all lay rescuer resuscitation. A compression-ventilation ratio of 15:2 is recommended for 2-rescuer CPR (a skill taught chiefly to healthcare providers and lifeguards) for infants and children (to the onset of puberty). This recommendation will result in the delivery of more rescue breaths per minute of CPR to victims with a high prevalence of asphyxial arrest. </p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>So basically, a panel of experts gets together and reviews current literature and reports on survival from both field and hospital based sources. Along with that they review changes and practices that have been implemented (There is reference to early Automatic External Defibrillator {AED} devices being a key factor in survival rates) since the last recommendation. They pair this with animal and computer modeling to determine what should used for compression rates and compression/breath ratios.</p>\n\n<p>As far as the differences, I do not know how to account for those other than people using outdated information, or not following guidelines. Here in the United States, (as far as I know), all CPR certification falls under the guidelines of the AHA.</p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/315", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/15/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 429, "author": "Rana Prathap", "author_id": 37, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/37", "pm_score": -1, "selected": false, "text": "<p>I can think of multiple ways.</p>\n\n<ol>\n<li>One of the important manifestaions of hair loss is development of baldness. So if there is such a manifestation, (such as development of male pattern baldness or any growing bald spot), the area of it can be successfully measured, and the rate of growth of area can be a measure of hair loss.</li>\n<li>If that kind of thing is absolutely necessary, the person can wear a cap around his head all day long. By measuring the amount of hair inside that cap, a rough measure can be made. (this can be done on a bath to bath 24 hour basis). </li>\n</ol>\n\n<p>Even after doing all these, there will always be the question of how useful that will be, because absolute hair loss depends on a large number of factors. And there may not even be a large or measurable difference pre or post treatment.</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 437, "author": "JorgeArtware", "author_id": 174, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/174", "pm_score": 3, "selected": true, "text": "<p>The absolute key to know if <strong>ANY</strong> treatment is working would be to find out that things get better after such treatment started, in this particular case, you want hair-loss to <strong>decelerate</strong>. </p>\n\n<p>In order to register a change, you need to first register the previous state of affairs, so you'd have to <strong>calculate</strong> hair-loss rate both before and after the treatment was started.<br>\n<strong><em>First of all</em></strong> you wanna be sure it is actually a problem or if it isn't at all.<br>\nIf the rate of hair loss is not accelerating in a way that indicates some pathological problem, then there wouldn't be anything to worry about because humans normally lose some hair and grow some new.<br>\n<strong><em>Otherwise</em></strong>, if the hair is falling in an accelerating manner and the amount of new hair does not correlate, then a diagnose of the <em>cause</em> and a treatment may be necessary. </p>\n\n<p>The <em>cause</em> is beyond the scope of this question so <strong>I'll stay on topic by elaborating on measurement and calculations</strong>.</p>\n\n<p>This calculations shouldn't be done by means of human perception (e.g. photographs or simple observation) you want a method that's less fallible, there are other suggested \"practical\" methods like wearing a cap all day and then count the amount of hair that stays on the cap when you take the cap off and when you take a bath, this kind of methods are messy and there are multiple chances where mistakes can be made, so I'd say error-prone methods like this are useless. Not to mention, wearing a cap at all times is not practical and may even make things worse. </p>\n\n<p>I found some very interesting articles licensed under <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/\" rel=\"nofollow\">Creative Commons</a> in the National Library of Medicine.\n<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2938572/\" rel=\"nofollow\">The first one</a> describe a variety of methods, ranging from non-invasive to semi-invasive to invasive.</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Non-invasive methods</p>\n \n <p>e.g., Questionnaire, daily hair counts, standardized wash test, 60-s\n hair count, global photographs, dermoscopy, hair weight, contrasting\n felt examination, hair feathering test, phototrichogram and\n TrichoScan.</p>\n \n <p>Semi-invasive methods</p>\n \n <p>e.g., Trichogram and unit area trichogram (UAT).</p>\n \n <p>Invasive methods</p>\n \n <p>e.g., Scalp biopsy.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>A scalp biopsy seems way to invasive and not suitable to be doing it frequently in order to calculate a rate of acceleration/deceleration, so I investigated further on the Thrichogram option; it turns that method has been used and approached from different angles <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2688520\" rel=\"nofollow\">since the 80s</a>:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>This personal technical adaptation gives an easily obtainable definition of five <strong>quantitative parameters</strong> analysing the hair on a given area of the scalp: density of implantation, telogen percentage, growth rate, mean anagen diameter and percentage of fine hair less than 40 mu in diameter. In the normal male adult our measurements gave the following results on the vertex: density 204 +/- 10 hair per square centimeter, telogen percentage 17.8 +/- 2.8 p. 100, growth rate 0.35 +/- 0.03 mm p. day, mean anagen diameter 76 +/- 5 mu, percentage of fine hair 9.2 +/- 1.8</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>And there seems to have been <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3681107/\" rel=\"nofollow\">some progress recently</a> in the development of <strong><em>instruments</em></strong> to aid in such methods:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>To properly assess the progression and treatment response of alopecia, one must measure the changes in hair mass, which is influenced by both the density and diameter of hair. Unfortunately, a convenient device for hair mass evaluation had not been available to dermatologists until the recent introduction of the <strong><em>cross-section trichometer</em></strong>, which directly measures the cross-sectional area of an isolated bundle of hair.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>The article mentions one particular trademarked device but there must be others. So there you have it, I'll venture to state with some confidence that the best approach is to use some device like that one and measure your scalp at least one time a day. And for security sake and professionalism sake, I'd recommend some expert assistance from a dermatologist. But if you have a <strong>Scientific Mind and a Hacker Spirit</strong>, do it yourself, why not.<br>\n(Just the measurement part, don't diagnose yourself.)</p>\n\n<p>So in this particular case, if vitamins don't decelerate your hair loss rate, then to hell with vitamins, you may need something else, so go to a doctor and get properly diagnosed.</p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/338", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/174/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 385, "author": "Dave Liu", "author_id": 140, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/140", "pm_score": 6, "selected": true, "text": "<p><strong>TL;DR</strong> - Organic foods don't seem to have a significant difference as of what studies can prove, which is why conventional or organic, people should make sure they're getting the proper nutrients that their bodies need.</p>\n\n<hr>\n\n<p><strong>Brief History of Pesticide Usage</strong></p>\n\n<p>The first recorded use of insecticides is about 4500 years ago by Sumerians who used sulphur compounds to control insects and mites, whilst about 3200 years ago the Chinese were using mercury and arsenical compounds for controlling body lice. In the 1920s there were even cases of using arsenic, which was replaced by DDT usage until the new chemical was discovered to have severe consequences (harm to <a href=\"http://www.fws.gov/contaminants/Info/DDT.html\">non-target plants and animals</a> as well as problems with <a href=\"http://www.idosi.org/ejas/4(2)12/2.pdf\">residues</a>). DDT is linked with cancer, endocrine disruption, and reproductive and developmental effects. Over time, people began to switch to organic pesticides to get away from the health scares (or threats) of these synthetic chemicals.</p>\n\n<p>To address the question, we should first be clear about what organic means.</p>\n\n<p><strong>Regarding produce:</strong></p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Contrary to what most people believe, \"organic\" does not automatically mean \"pesticide-free\" or \"chemical-free\" ... it means that these pesticides, if used, must be derived from natural sources, not synthetically manufactured.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p><strong>Regarding Farmed Meats (some of the key requirements):</strong></p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>Must be raised organically on certified organic land</li>\n<li>Must be fed certified organic feed</li>\n<li>No antibiotics or added growth hormones are allowed*</li>\n<li>Must have outdoor access</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Organic food covers a wide variety of techniques and different types of foods that all have their own types of legal loop-holes, or possible work-around strategies.</p>\n\n<p>There are many pesticides that are naturally produced by plants which farmers use, but that doesn't mean they aren't dangerous. In contrast, just because a pesticide is synthetic doesn't immediately indicate that it's more dangerous than natural products. Some pesticides that are approved by the government may be harmless in small quantities, but when organic producers attempt to refuse these, they may turn to alternatives that are even more dangerous, just to keep the label \"organic\".</p>\n\n<p>In another case, farmers could claim \"natural methods are insufficient to address critical issues of production\", and then treat their animals with antibiotics while still calling the meat organic.</p>\n\n<p>On the other side of this issue, some people argue that the less chemicals we consume in general, the better. Even if they might be government approved, that doesn't prove they're completely non-toxic.</p>\n\n<p>The Stanford paper claim that there just isn't enough evidence to prove a significant difference in health benefits/risks. They don't necessarily have more nutrients, decrease the risk of any diseases, or have higher nutritional content except for phosphorus, which most people get enough of anyways. However, the study <em>does</em> suggest organic foods contain less pesticides. The health risks of consuming less pesticides though, <strong>are still contested</strong>. \"Additionally, organic chicken and pork appeared to reduce exposure to antibiotic-resistant bacteria, <strong>but the clinical significance of this is also unclear</strong>.\"</p>\n\n<p><strong>Well what about taste?</strong></p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Taste is to a large extent subjective. Add to that\n different varieties, different weather conditions, different soil\n types and different soil management practices...</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.mofga.org/Publications/MaineOrganicFarmerGardener/Summer2003/Taste/tabid/1484/Default.aspx\"> - Does Organically Grown Food Taste Better?</a></p>\n\n<p>It's nearly impossible to give a definitive answer of which tastes better. To pile onto the confusion, it's possible that the taste differences touted by some may simply derive from a <a href=\"http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0950329313000141\">\"health halo\"</a>.</p>\n\n<p><strong>Genetically Modified Organisms</strong></p>\n\n<p>In response to the scares involved with pesticides in general, people began to research methods to minimize the amount of pesticide used. Basically, DNA from an external source is inserted into a plant so that the plant inherits some desirable traits. This allowed plants to develop natural immunities to certain bacteria and produce more or bigger produce. Over time, people became scared of GMOs as too good to be true. For the most part, scientists agree that GMOs pose no greater risk than conventional food (<a href=\"http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306919210000254\">Expert evaluations from Europe found no verifiable toxic or deleterious effects from GM foods and crops</a>). There are still legitimate concerns about using GMOs, such as allergy development in humans, toxicity levels of naturally produced pesticides in the plant, and <a href=\"http://civileats.com/2015/03/24/study-links-widely-used-pesticides-to-antibiotic-resistance/\">antibiotic resistance</a> of bacteria, but for the most part these are tested before distribution. Public wariness may be influenced by <a href=\"http://www.aaas.org/news/aaas-board-directors-legally-mandating-gm-food-labels-could-%E2%80%9Cmislead-and-falsely-alarm\">labels and commercialism.</a></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.fao.org/organicag/oa-faq/oa-faq6/en/\"><strong>Secondary Effects of Organic Farming</strong></a></p>\n\n<p>Organic farming is good for the environment in the sense that it often leads to less pollution. Pesticides on crops often run-off into streams and rivers, interfering and even hurting local wildlife, but with organic pesticides, the chemicals decompose faster before they can cause massive change to their environment. There may be other potential benefits, but to feed the immense population that exists on earth, many debate whether organic farming is truly sustainable. </p>\n\n<p><strong>\"Healthier\" depends on the context of the food:</strong> </p>\n\n<p>How much pesticide is being used? How much exposure becomes a detriment? Does it have long-term consequences? What are the loopholes that producers are using?</p>\n\n<p>So when you say \"organic\" and \"conventional\" it really depends on the process, producer, and product- all of which need to be studied in more detail to develop solid claims. </p>\n\n<p><strong>Citations:</strong></p>\n\n<p>History of Pesticides:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><p><a href=\"http://agrochemicals.iupac.org/index.php?option=com_sobi2&amp;sobi2Task=sobi2Details&amp;catid=3&amp;sobi2Id=31\">IUPAC - History of Pesticide Use</a></p></li>\n<li><p><a href=\"http://people.oregonstate.edu/~muirp/pesthist.htm\">Oregon State - History of Pesticide Use</a></p></li>\n<li><p><a href=\"http://ipm.ncsu.edu/safety/factsheets/pestuse.pdf\">Pesticide Usage in the United States: History, Benefits, Risks, and Trends</a></p></li>\n<li><p><a href=\"http://www.toxipedia.org/display/toxipedia/DDT\">Toxipedia - DDT</a></p></li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>GMOs</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetically_modified_organism\">Wikipedia - Genetically Modified Organism</a></li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Secondary Effects of Organic Farming:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http://www.fao.org/organicag/oa-faq/oa-faq6/en/\">FAO - What are the environmental benefits of organic agriculture?</a></li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Modern Pesticide Usage:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><p><a href=\"http://annals.org/article.aspx?articleid=1355685\">Stanford Researchers - Are Organic Foods Safer or Healthier Than Conventional Alternatives?: A Systematic Review</a></p></li>\n<li><p><a href=\"http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/organic-food-no-more-nutritious-than-conventionally-grown-food-201209055264\">Harvard - Organic food no more nutritious than conventionally grown food</a></p></li>\n<li><p><a href=\"http://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2012/09/little-evidence-of-health-benefits-from-organic-foods-study-finds.html\">Stanford - Little evidence of health benefits from organic foods, study finds</a></p></li>\n<li><p><a href=\"http://www.safefruitsandveggies.com/sites/default/files/organic-report.pdf\">Pesticide Use Regulations on ORGANIC Fruit and Vegetable Farms</a></p></li>\n<li><p><a href=\"http://freakonomics.com/2010/10/20/pesticide-politics/\">Pesticide Politics</a></p></li>\n<li><p><a href=\"http://www.science20.com/agricultural_realism/muddled_debate_about_pesticide_and_gm_crops-101857\">Science 20 - The Muddled Debate About Pesticide and GM Crops</a></p></li>\n</ul>\n" }, { "answer_id": 573, "author": "Attilio", "author_id": 120, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/120", "pm_score": -1, "selected": false, "text": "<p>Short answer: <strong>YES</strong>, and there's a quite strong scientific evidence about it.</p>\n\n<h1>Detailed answer</h1>\n\n<h2>The importance of review articles</h2>\n\n<p>In order to avoid <a href=\"https://health.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/150/how-can-we-prevent-users-from-cherry-picking-references\">cherry-picking</a> of studies supporting one opinion I have only quoted the review articles (= publications that summarize the conclusions of hundreds of other studies).</p>\n\n<h2>Healthy nutrients</h2>\n\n<ul>\n<li>Organic crops have more minerals, like iron (<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11327522\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">1</a>), magnesium (<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11327522\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">1</a>), and phosphorus (<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11327522\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">1</a>, <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19640946\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">4</a>, <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22944875\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">6</a>). Individual studies show differing levels of some minerals, and differences are dependent upon the particular fruit, leafy vegetable, or root crop. (<a href=\"http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jf202385x\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">2</a>).</li>\n<li>Organic crops have more antioxidants (<a href=\"http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jf202385x\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">2</a>, <a href=\"http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/07352689.2011.554417#.VTOvXiG8PGc\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">5</a>), like (poly)phenolics and flavonoids (<a href=\"http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&amp;aid=9325471&amp;fileId=S0007114514001366\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">3</a>).</li>\n<li>Organic crops have more vitamins, like vitamin C (<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11327522\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">1</a>, <a href=\"http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jf202385x\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">2</a>, <a href=\"http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/07352689.2011.554417#.VTOvXiG8PGc\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">5</a>), and carotenoids (<a href=\"http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&amp;aid=9325471&amp;fileId=S0007114514001366\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">3</a>)</li>\n<li>Organic crops have better proteins, content of amino acids is more balanced (<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11327522\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">1</a>) </li>\n</ul>\n\n<h2>Toxic and potentially dangerous compounds</h2>\n\n<ul>\n<li>Organic crops have less pesticide residues (<a href=\"http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&amp;aid=9325471&amp;fileId=S0007114514001366\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">3</a>, <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22944875\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">6</a>)</li>\n<li>Organic crops have less nitrates (<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11327522\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">1</a>, <a href=\"http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jf202385x\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">2</a>)</li>\n<li>Organic crops have less heavy metals, like cadmium (<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11327522\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">1</a>, <a href=\"http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&amp;aid=9325471&amp;fileId=S0007114514001366\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">3</a>), lead (<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11327522\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">1</a>), mercury (<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11327522\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">1</a>) and aluminium (<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11327522\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">1</a>).</li>\n</ul>\n\n<h2>Other findings</h2>\n\n<ul>\n<li>Organic crops have less proteins (<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11327522\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">1</a>, <a href=\"http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jf202385x\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">2</a>) and vitamin E (<a href=\"http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&amp;aid=9325471&amp;fileId=S0007114514001366\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">3</a>)</li>\n<li>There are no significant differences about contents of As and Pb (<a href=\"http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&amp;aid=9325471&amp;fileId=S0007114514001366\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">3</a>)</li>\n<li>Lester and Saftner (<a href=\"http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jf202385x\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">2</a>) in their review address the aspect of <strong>taste evaluation</strong>: \"<em>Few organically versus conventionally grown produce comparison studies include consumer or trained sensory tests. Consumer sensory tests generally consist of nontrained panelists with no prior knowledge of the objectives of the sensory test</em>\" and conclude that more scientific studies with more standardized evaluation methods are required to conclusively assess about the issue.</li>\n</ul>\n\n<h2>Discrepancies</h2>\n\n<p>Some studies have concluded that there's \"<em>no evidence of a difference in nutrient quality between organically and conventionally produced foodstuffs</em>\" (<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19640946\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">4</a>). Probably this is due to the smaller base of evidence, as stated by Baranski et al. 2014 (<a href=\"http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&amp;aid=9325471&amp;fileId=S0007114514001366\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">3</a>) that relies on 343 publications.</p>\n\n<p>Dangour et al. 2009, that relies on 55 studies, agrees on higher phosphorus content of organic crops, but doesn't detect any difference in the other nutrient categories. (<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19640946\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">4</a>)</p>\n\n<p>Lester-Saftner 2011 doesn't explicitly mention the number of articles it relies on; the \"references\" section is made of 66 articles. It shares most of the findings with other studies, except for heavy metals and B-complex vitamins. (<a href=\"http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jf202385x\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">2</a>)</p>\n\n<p>Smith-Spangler 2012, based on 223 studies, identifies some evidence for the superiority of organic foods, but considers it limited, not robust enough. (<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22944875\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">6</a>)</p>\n\n<h2>Notes about GMOs and environmental sustainability</h2>\n\n<p>The field of study is very wide, consensus is not reached and a correct answer would require a separate thread only dedicated to this topic. As you ask in your question about this topic, I shortly list some notes catched from a good study (<a href=\"http://www.grain.org/fr/article/entries/1090-la-soja-transgenica-en-america-latina-una-maquinaria-de-hambre-deforestacion-y-devastacion-socioecologica\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">7</a>) that can be used to get a <strong>quick idea</strong> about the issue:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>GMOs increase the risk of exposure to herbicide residues, that are found to be toxic, and their toxicity may increase based on interaction among individual compounds;</li>\n<li>GMOs might cause allergic reactions;</li>\n<li>GMOs might be poorer of micronutrients due to increased yields and diluition effect;</li>\n<li>GMOs are related to deforestation and desertification, but this is more related to development policies and economics than biology;</li>\n<li>some GMOs might be related to death of nontarget insects, like bees that are essential to plant reproduction;</li>\n<li>GMOs affect food sovereignty and small scale producers survival due to intellectual property rights issues.</li>\n</ul>\n\n<h1>References</h1>\n\n<ul>\n<li>(<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11327522\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">1</a>) Worthington, V. (2001). Nutritional quality of organic versus conventional fruits, vegetables, and grains. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (New York, N.Y.), 7(2), 161–73. doi:10.1089/107628001300303691</li>\n<li>(<a href=\"http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jf202385x\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">2</a>) Lester, G. E., &amp; Saftner, R. A. (2011). Organically versus conventionally grown produce: common production inputs, nutritional quality, and nitrogen delivery between the two systems. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 59(19), 10401–6. doi:10.1021/jf202385x</li>\n<li>(<a href=\"http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&amp;aid=9325471&amp;fileId=S0007114514001366\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">3</a>) Barański et al. (2014). Higher antioxidant and lower cadmium\nconcentrations and lower incidence of pesticide residues in\norganically grown crops: a systematic literature review and\nmeta-analyses. The British Journal of Nutrition, 112(05), 1–18.\ndoi:10.1017/S0007114514001366</li>\n<li>(<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19640946\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">4</a>) Dangour et al. (2009). Nutritional quality of organic foods: a systematic review. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 90(3), 680–5. doi:10.3945/ajcn.2009.28041</li>\n<li>(<a href=\"http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/07352689.2011.554417#.VTOvXiG8PGc\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">5</a>) Brandt, K., Leifert, C., Sanderson, R., &amp; Seal, C. J. (2011). Agroecosystem Management and Nutritional Quality of Plant Foods: The Case of Organic Fruits and Vegetables. Critical Reviews in Plant Sciences, 30(1-2), 177–197. doi:10.1080/07352689.2011.554417</li>\n<li>(<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22944875\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">6</a>) Smith-Spangler, C., Brandeau, M. L., Hunter, G. E., Bavinger, J. C., Pearson, M., Eschbach, P. J., … Bravata, D. M. (2012). Are organic foods safer or healthier than conventional alternatives?: a systematic review. Annals of Internal Medicine, 157(5), 348–66. doi:10.7326/0003-4819-157-5-201209040-00007</li>\n<li>(<a href=\"http://www.grain.org/fr/article/entries/1090-la-soja-transgenica-en-america-latina-una-maquinaria-de-hambre-deforestacion-y-devastacion-socioecologica\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">7</a>) Altieri, M. A., &amp; Pengue, W. A. (2006). La soja transgénica en América Latina. Biodiversidad, 47, 14–19.</li>\n</ul>\n" }, { "answer_id": 591, "author": "kenorb", "author_id": 114, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/114", "pm_score": 2, "selected": false, "text": "<p>The more healthy can be defined in terms of nutritional value, sensory quality, and food safety.</p>\n\n<p>As we know the potential long-term health effects of exposure to pesticides can include: cancer, neurotoxic effects and many more^{<a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health_effects_of_pesticides#Long-term_effects\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">wiki</a>}, because the pesticides needs to be toxic to kill pests. However under the FQPA, EPA has the authority to ensure that all pesticides meet the safety standards by setting permittable <em>tolerance</em> levels and it's testing carcinogenicity of chemicals as part of <a href=\"http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cpdb/index.html\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">the Carcinogenic Potency Project</a>.</p>\n\n<p>Washing and peeling conventional fruits and vegetables has only limited effect by reducing the levels of pesticides only from the surface as per USDA test data^{<a href=\"http://envirocancer.cornell.edu/FactSheet/Pesticide/fs24.consumer.cfm\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">1999</a>}, but some plants can absorb pesticides systemically^{<a href=\"http://www.ewg.org/foodnews/faq.php#question_9\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">EWG</a>}.</p>\n\n<p>Older studies comparing different type of foods were inconsistent. For example <a href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11833635\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">study from 2002</a> showed no strong evidence that organic and conventional foods differ in concentrations of various nutrients and microbiological contamination.</p>\n\n<p>The more recent study from 2006 of comparison of chemical composition and nutritional value of organically and conventionally grown plant showed that <strong>organic crops contain a significantly higher amount of certain antioxidants</strong> (vitamin C, polyphenols and flavonoids), higher dry matter content and minerals with lower level of pesticide residues, nitrate and some heavy metal contaminations. Therefore there is is a relationship between these two plant production systems and the nutritional composition of crops^{<a href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17297755\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">2006</a>}.</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Consequently, it can be concluded that organically produced plant derived food products have <strong>a higher nutritional value, including antioxidants than conventional ones</strong>. Furthermore, due to the fact that there is a <strong>lower level of contamination</strong> in organic crops, the risk of diseases caused by contaminated food is significantly reduced.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>This was confirmed by <a href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24968103\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">meta-analysis of 343 studies in 2014</a>.</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>In conclusion, <strong>organic crops, on average, have higher concentrations of antioxidants, lower concentrations of Cd and a lower incidence of pesticide residues</strong> than the non-organic comparators across regions and production seasons.</p>\n \n <p>Additionally, the frequency of occurrence of pesticide residues was found to be four times higher in conventional crops, which also contained significantly higher concentrations of the toxic metal Cd.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>The summary of this meta-study and antioxidant activity in ORG/CONV food can be shown in the following figures:</p>\n\n<p><img src=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/4IfZH.jpg\" alt=\"Results of the standard unweighted and weighted meta-analyses for antioxidant activity\"></p>\n\n<p><img src=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/Q5c9El.jpg\" alt=\"Results of the standard unweighted and weighted meta-analyses for different crop types/products for antioxidant activity\"></p>\n\n<p>^{Image source: Br J Nutr. 2014 Sep 14; 112(5): 794–811, <a href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4141693/figure/fig3/\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Fig. 3</a> &amp; <a href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4141693/figure/fig4/\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Fig. 4</a>}</p>\n\n<hr>\n\n<p>Based on above we can say that organic foods are more healthy than the conventional ones, because of:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><p>significant differences of minerals and vitamins:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>a higher nutritional value,</li>\n<li>higher antioxidant concentrations (vitamin C, polyphenols and flavonoids),</li>\n</ul></li>\n<li>lower incidence of pesticide residues,</li>\n<li>lower concentration of toxic/heavy metals (around 4 times less).</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>However it can vary on agronomic practices/protocols and <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soil_contamination\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">soil pollution</a> which can affect crop composition.</p>\n\n<p>^{See also: <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organic_food#Chemical_composition\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Organic food: Chemical composition</a> &amp; <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pesticide_residue\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Pesticide residue</a> at Wikipedia}</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 609, "author": "Community", "author_id": -1, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/-1", "pm_score": 3, "selected": false, "text": "<p>In Mathematics, the <em>Annals of Mathematics</em> is the most sought after journal to have your research accept to. The article of research on this topic I am presenting was published in the <em>Annals of Internal Medicine</em>. However, I don't know if it carries the same weight. If it does, then we can rest assure that this research was meticulously scrutinized and still was able to earn a spot in the journal.</p>\n\n<p>Dr.s Crystal Smith-Spangler, Margaret L. Brandeau, Hau Lui, Patricia Schirmer, Ingram Olkin, and Dean Bravata along with Grace E. Hunter, Clay Bavinger, Maren Pearson, Vandana Sundaram, and Christopher came to the conclusion that </p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Published literature lacks strong evidence that organic foods are significantly more nutritious than conventional foods. Consumption of organic foods may reduce exposure to pesticides residues and antibiotic-resistant bacteria [<a href=\"https://wikis.uit.tufts.edu/confluence/download/attachments/51457571/Are+Organic+Foods+Safer+or+Healthier+Than+Conventional+Alternatives.pdf\">1</a>].</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>in Are Organic Foods Safer or Healthier Than Conventional Alternatives? A Systematic Review. </p>\n\n<p>This was a non-funded study so sponsorship bias shouldn't play a role in the outcome of their work. The researchers collected data from MEDLINE, EMBASE, CAD Direct, Agricola, TOXNET, Cochrane Library, and bibliographies of retrieved articles from 1966 to 2011.</p>\n\n<p>The studies findings on Vitamin and Nutrient Levels by Food Origin:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>Vitamins\n<ul>\n<li>They did not find significant differences in the vitamin content of organic and conventional plant of animal products</li>\n</ul></li>\n<li>Nutrients\n<ul>\n<li>Out of the 11 nutrients reported only 2 were significantly higher in organic compared to conventional.\n<ul>\n<li>Phosphorous but the removal of one study rendered the effect size insignificant.</li>\n<li>Omega-3 fatty acids in milk and chicken</li>\n</ul></li>\n</ul></li>\n</ul>\n\n<hr>\n\n<ul>\n<li>Contaminants\n<ul>\n<li>Pesticides: detectable pesticides residues were found in 7% of organic produces and 38% of conventional produces. Organic was 30% less likely to have pesticide residue but the results statistically heterogeneous due variable levels of detection in the studies. Additionally, only three studies reported contamination exceeding maximum allowed limits.</li>\n<li>Bacterial\n<ul>\n<li>E. Coli: 7% organic; 6% conventional which is not a statistically significant difference</li>\n<li>Campylobacter in chicken: 67% organic; 64% conventional</li>\n<li>Salmonella in chicken: 35% organic; 34% conventional</li>\n<li>E. Coli in pork: 65% organic; 49% conventional</li>\n<li>Listeria monocytogenes: 3% organic; 4% conventional</li>\n</ul></li>\n</ul></li>\n<li>Antibiotic Resistance: the risk of isolating bacteria resistant to three or more antibiotics was 33% higher in conventional chicken and pork. Bacteria from retail chicken and pork had a 35% lower risk of resistance to ampicillin but the removal of one study rendered it statistically insignificant. However, of the remaining bacteria, greater resistance among bacteria from conventional methods was statistically insignificant.</li>\n<li>Fungal Toxin and Heavy Metal\n<ul>\n<li>Ochratoxin: no difference</li>\n<li>Deoxynivalenol: lower risk in organic</li>\n<li>Cadmium or lead: no difference</li>\n</ul></li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Moreover, the researchers found publication bias in many of the articles over the 45 year period. In the discussion, the researchers write:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Consumers purchase organic foods for many reasons. Despite the widespread perception that organically produced foods are more nutritious than conventional alternatives, we did not find robust evidence to support this perception. Only phosphorous demonstrated superiority in organic foods... although it is unlikely to be clinically significant because near-total starvation is needed to produce dietary phosphorous deficiency.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>The researchers also admit to their own publication bias:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Studies were heterogeneous and limited in number, and publication bias may be present. </p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>Finally, the Mayo Clinic appears to stand by the research given in this article [<a href=\"https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/organic-food/art-20043880?reDate=20042015&amp;pg=1\">2</a>].</p>\n\n<h2>Definitions</h2>\n\n<ol>\n<li>Statistically heterogeneous: the ideals were not fully met</li>\n</ol>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/343", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/59/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 349, "author": "arkiaamu", "author_id": 153, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/153", "pm_score": 2, "selected": false, "text": "<p>I am sensing some mix up here. </p>\n\n<p>Your are asking about artificial tendons but your quote is stating about joint replacements.</p>\n\n<p>Basically your equating apples and oranges.</p>\n\n<p>Joint replacements or joint arthroplasties are used to treat severely destructed joints. In four cases of five the reason for joint destruction is osteoarthrosis in which the joint cartilage has worn off resulting to pure bone to bone contact which is very painful and disabling. </p>\n\n<p>During joint replacement surgery the severely damages joint surfaces are sawed off and they are replaced with identically shaped components. These component usually have two options for fixation. They can be cemented, in which polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is put in both components. Then components is compressed to molded end of the bone and cement penetrates to porous bone tissue. The better and deeper the cement penetration, the firmer is the fixation. Another option is to use hydroxyaphatite (HA) coated components. Component is again compressed against bone, but the fixation is achieved by bone ingrowth to to HA coating.</p>\n\n<p>Bearing material is also important aspect in joint replacements. Knee and hip are by far the most commonly replaced joint. In hips there is usuallu metallic head bearing agains cup made from polyethylene (PE). In knee both komponents are usually metallic but there is an <em>insert</em> made from PE between components to reduce friction.</p>\n\n<p>Fixation and bearing materials are the weak links in joint replacements. Weight lifting or heavy exercises are not recommended in patients with replaced joint. Most importantly wear is always present in each and every joint replacement, current medicine does not know a bearing material which does not wear. Wear of PE correlates with use. The more you put weight or strain to your hip/knee replacement the more it wears and more likely it will result to complications associated to increased release of PE particle. </p>\n\n<p>Intense repetitive movement in the joint can also cause cement debonding or breakage in the bone-HA interface and to loosening of the components. </p>\n\n<p>Hip or knee are so complex mechanical systems that each and every movement or momentum can not be handled with current knowledge regarding mechanical aspects joint replacements. At this time joint replacements tolerate very well walking, daily activities and light weight training. </p>\n\n<p>Of course nowadays we can use all ceramic or all metallic bearings but I won´t dig in to those. Use of PE is so common and traditional in joint replacements that these restriction quoted by OP are important to >90% of patients. Tour de France winner <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Floyd_Landis#Hip_ailment\" rel=\"nofollow\">Floyd Landis</a> for example has all metallic hip replacement.</p>\n\n<p>Artificial tendons are another thing. Treatment of ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is very common procedure these days. Most commonly ACL is replaced with autograft. That means a tissue retrieved from another site in the SAME patient. </p>\n\n<p>In ACL reconstruction common site for tendon autograft is hamstring or gracilis tendon graft. This graft is retrieved with special instruments, cut to required length ja then fixed with bioabsorbable screws to femur and tibia. With time the tendon provides perfect ingrowth to the bone since the tendon is retrieved from same patient and there is no issue regarding tissue rejection. </p>\n\n<p>Usually young patient with ACL rupture can return to heavy exercise without any restrictions after successful ACL reconstruction.</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 493, "author": "kenorb", "author_id": 114, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/114", "pm_score": 1, "selected": false, "text": "<p>The cite relates to <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joint_replacement\" rel=\"nofollow\">joint replacement</a>, a procedure of removing the painful joint surfaces and replacing them with an artificial joint (usually made of a soft synthetic material) which are placed in the ends of the bone – re-creating the joint that has been removed. The artificial surfaces of the joint replacement are shaped in such a way as to allow joint movement similar to that of a healthy and natural joint.</p>\n\n<p>Sports or occupations requiring repetitive overhead motion or heavy lifting can place a significant strain on rotator cuff muscles and tendons. Over time, as a function of aging, tendons become weaker and degenerate which can lead to complete tears of both muscles and tendons^{<a href=\"http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Shoulder_Problems/default.asp\" rel=\"nofollow\">NIH</a>}. </p>\n\n<p>Other risk of heavy lifting (sudden trauma on the joint) can include <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joint_dislocation\" rel=\"nofollow\">shoulder dislocation</a> as the result of loosening of the components (between the bone and the components) and weakening the muscles around the joint causing the ball of the prosthesis come out of its socket. In most cases, the hip can be corrected without surgery^{<a href=\"http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Joint_Replacement/default.asp\" rel=\"nofollow\">NIH</a>, <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joint_dislocation\" rel=\"nofollow\">wiki</a>}.</p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/344", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/43/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 348, "author": "arkiaamu", "author_id": 153, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/153", "pm_score": 2, "selected": false, "text": "<p>This question can be approached from many levels. There are many physiological factors having influence to sleeping of which circadian rhytm is one of the most important. Messing with your circadian rhytm would take guru's strength of mind.</p>\n\n<p>In a population level I would say it is not possible. I have two aspects for this.</p>\n\n<p>1) In year 2015 we are able to teleport photons and each person on Earth carries thousands times more sophisticated computer chips in their pockets than it took to land on Moon. However we still dont know exactly WHY we have to sleep. Of course there is increasing knowledge regarding those physiological activies which happen during sleep but the very basic reason for sleep is unknown. As so, in my opinion we should thoroughly establish the very basic ideology in sleep in order to reduce itś duration from the average 7-8 hours a day</p>\n\n<p>2) Millions of years of evolution has brought us here. Some few ten thousands of years ago it was dangerous to sleep. You had to minimize your sleep time since all that time you were vulnerable to your fellow primitive humans and wild animals. Whether humans slept less in those days or not, I can´t say. However is not influecing today's humans when obviously we are living quite different times. But I think that if it was possible to reduce sleep hours from 7-8 to, say, 4-5 hours a day this ability would have developed during evolution. This ability may also have diminished during evolution, but again that would have happened due to changing enviroment we are living and reduced sleep for modern human would be nearly impossible in population level.</p>\n\n<p>Of course if we are looking from individual level, sure it could be possible to sleep less. You can start reducing your sleeping time and see the effects. Some of us can run 100m in less than 9.80 seconds, someone can run a marathon in less than 2:10 and someone can benchpress over 300kgs. But in population level I would say it is not possible to permanently reduced sleeping time.</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 358, "author": "Maulik V", "author_id": 149, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/149", "pm_score": 4, "selected": true, "text": "<h2>Modern Science</h2>\n<p>According to the <a href=\"http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/sdd/why\" rel=\"noreferrer\">National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute</a>, sleep is certainly needed, that too quality sleep for certain hours. 4-5 hours seems less to me.</p>\n<p>It says --</p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>Studies show that a good night's sleep improves learning. Whether you're learning math, how to play the piano, how to perfect your golf swing, or how to drive a car, sleep helps enhance your learning and problem-solving skills. Sleep also helps you pay attention, make decisions, and be creative.</p>\n<p>Studies also show that sleep deficiency alters activity in some parts of the brain. If you're sleep deficient, you may have trouble making decisions, solving problems, controlling your emotions and behavior, and coping with change. Sleep deficiency also has been linked to depression, suicide, and risk-taking behavior.</p>\n</blockquote>\n<p>Furthermore,</p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>Sleep plays an important role in your physical health. For example, sleep is involved in healing and repair of your heart and blood vessels. Ongoing sleep deficiency is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke.</p>\n<p>Sleep deficiency also increases the risk of obesity. For example, one study of teenagers showed that with each hour of sleep lost, the odds of becoming obese went up. Sleep deficiency increases the risk of obesity in other age groups as well.</p>\n</blockquote>\n<p><a href=\"http://www.theguardian.com/science/2013/feb/25/sleeping-six-hours-night-activity-genes\" rel=\"noreferrer\">The Guardian</a> reports that <em><strong>less than six hours</strong></em> of sleep affect the genes. And, there are many drawbacks as well.</p>\n<p>About celebs or known personalities sleeping <strong>4 hours</strong> and working perfectly okay is considered as a <strong>myth</strong>!</p>\n<p>WebMD, in its <a href=\"http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/features/7-myths-about-sleep\" rel=\"noreferrer\">&quot;7 Myths About Sleep&quot;</a> mentions...</p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>Legendary short sleepers — including Bill Clinton, Madonna, and Margaret Thatcher — don't necessarily do better on fewer Zs. &quot;They're just not aware of how sleepy they are,&quot; says Thomas Roth, Ph.D., sleep researcher at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. Too little sleep is bad for your health and your image: It can make you ineffective (it impairs performance, judgment, and the ability to pay attention), sick (it weakens your immune system), and overweight. In fact, women who slept five hours or less a night were a third more likely to gain 33 pounds or more over 16 years than women who slept seven hours, according to a Harvard Nurses' Health Study. Oddly, cutting too much sleep and getting less than six hours is associated with the same problems as sleeping too long: a higher risk of heart problems and death. And, of course, cheating on sleep hurts you behind the wheel: &quot;Wakefulness for 18 hours makes you perform almost as though you're legally drunk,&quot; says Walsleben.</p>\n</blockquote>\n<p>In an article on <a href=\"http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2157461/Less-6-hours-sleep-significantly-increases-risk-stroke-fit-healthy.html\" rel=\"noreferrer\">DailyMail.co.uk,</a> it says that less than 6 hr of sleep increases the risks of having stroke <strong>even if you are fit and healthy</strong>. That said, those sleeping for less hours <em>might look fit</em>, but they are at the risks of something fatal.</p>\n<p>[For those who believe <em>only</em> in evidences, the answer <strong>ends</strong> here]</p>\n<hr />\n<p>[For those who believe more in traditional medicines, folk medicines and alternative medicines than researches, Ayurveda has an explanation]</p>\n<h2>Ayurvedic Aspect</h2>\n<p>There's something called 'satmya (saa-t-m-ya)'. In Ayurveda, it's described that if you start 'practicing' something with your body, your body 'gets adjusted' and it does not suffer the way others suffer with 'that practice'. In other words, I have been eating potatoes both the times for past 35 years <strong>AND</strong> it does not cause <em>any harm</em> to my body. It <strong>has become</strong> an integral part of my life and my body <strong>considers</strong> it as 'natural thing'.</p>\n<p>Said that, if someone, right from his/her childhood or early adulthood has started practicing sleeping for a few hours, the body adjusts to it, and they find <strong>no</strong> problem with sleeping less <strong>as compared to</strong> those sleeping for 8 hrs regularly (from their childhood/early adulthood).</p>\n<p>In my practice, I've seen people with more than 140 sugar, or 140/100 mmHg blood pressure <strong>with absolutely no signs</strong> of deteriorated health. While modern science finds it difficult to answer, Ayurveda says that the body has adjusted to whatsoever conditions it's living in.</p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/346", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/-1/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 361, "author": "michaelpri", "author_id": 26, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/26", "pm_score": 7, "selected": true, "text": "<p>This has been a controversial dispute for a long time and it can involve a lot of personal opinion, but I will try to answer this as scientifically as possible.</p>\n<p>There hasn't been any viable evidence that vaccines do cause autism. Several different theories have been proposed on why vaccines could cause autism, such as the ingredient in some vaccines thimerosal being harmful, but these have all been disproved by many different experiments.</p>\n<p>Many reliable sources such as the <a href=\"http://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/concerns/autism/\" rel=\"noreferrer\">CDC¹</a> says that there is no link between autism an vaccines. A <a href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK190024/\" rel=\"noreferrer\">2011 report²</a> from the Institute of Medicine that tested 8 different vaccines on both adults and children showed that the vaccines are very safe.</p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>A <a href=\"http://www.jpeds.com/article/S0022-3476(13)00144-3/pdf\" rel=\"noreferrer\">2013 CDC study³</a> added to the research showing that vaccines do not cause ASD. The study looked at the number of antigens (substances in vaccines that cause the body’s immune system to produce disease-fighting antibodies) from vaccines during the first two years of life. The results showed that the total amount of antigen from vaccines received was the same between children with ASD and those that did not have ASD.</p>\n</blockquote>\n<p>The CDC has also funded many other studies on vaccine ingredients and their links to autism, especially <a href=\"http://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/Concerns/thimerosal/thimerosal_faqs.html\" rel=\"noreferrer\">thimerosal⁴</a>, a mercury-based ingredient used in some vaccines. These studies have shown &quot;no link between thimerosal-containing vaccines and ASD, as well as no link between the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine and ASD in children.&quot;</p>\n<p><a href=\"http://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/00_pdf/CDCStudiesonVaccinesandAutism.pdf\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Full list of CDC studies on the link between vaccines and autism⁵</a></p>\n<p>These are pretty convincing, but you can't just rely on one source, right?</p>\n<hr />\n<p><a href=\"http://cid.oxfordjournals.org/content/48/4/456.full\" rel=\"noreferrer\">An issue in the Oxford Journal⁶</a> also shows how even though there have been many claims that vaccines do cause autism, there aren't any studies that help support this claim.</p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>A worldwide increase in the rate of autism diagnoses—likely driven by broadened diagnostic criteria and increased awareness—has fueled concerns that an environmental exposure like vaccines might cause autism. Theories for this putative association have centered on the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, thimerosal, and the large number of vaccines currently administered. However, both epidemiological and biological studies fail to support these claims.</p>\n</blockquote>\n<p><a href=\"http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(99)01239-8/abstract\" rel=\"noreferrer\">One study that took place in the UK from 1979-1992⁷</a> found that even though there was an increase in cases of autism, there was no jump in the amount of cases when the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, another controversial vaccine, was introduced in 1988.</p>\n<p><a href=\"http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/113/2/259.abstract?ijkey=dc1d00324fa8cd6bb885c9cb3ab0e919d0b62a53&amp;keytype2=tf_ipsecsha\" rel=\"noreferrer\">A 2003 study in metropolitan Atlanta⁸</a>, Georgia compared the ages that the MMR vaccine was given in children with autism against the age that children without autism received it. The results were that the proportion of time that children were vaccinated in both control groups was similar.</p>\n<p>The Oxford Journal entry mentioned many other studies that tested the link between MMR vaccines and autism and there has been no plausible evidence.</p>\n<p>The other vaccine ingredient that is also said to cause autism is thimerosal, which I mentioned before. The Oxford Journal issue also shows studies about this link.</p>\n<p><a href=\"http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/112/3/604.abstract?ijkey=e453250183c05a382ba493c5ffcfbd44ed3fac79&amp;keytype2=tf_ipsecsha\" rel=\"noreferrer\">A study in Finland⁹</a> helped show that there wasn't a link between thimerosal and autism. In fact, cases of autism increased in 1992 after thimerosal-containing vaccines were discontinued.</p>\n<p><a href=\"http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/114/3/577.abstract?ijkey=02f2f424eae1686eeaa627cd2e939a39a0bbf3b4&amp;keytype2=tf_ipsecsha\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Another study in the UK¹⁰</a> also disproved the theory that thimerosal causes autism. They actually found that thimerosal-containing vaccines might even have a beneficial effect in children.</p>\n<p>There have also been many other studies that invalidate the link between thimerosal and autism.</p>\n<p>One last theory that has been proposed is that multiple vaccines being administered to a child simultaneously can weaken their immune system and cause autism. This theory is flawed for several reasons.</p>\n<p><a href=\"http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/109/1/124.full#sec-16\" rel=\"noreferrer\">This article¹¹</a> used data from many studies and found that vaccines do not overwhelm and weaken an infant's immune system. Infants are able to respond well to the many vaccines that are given to them.</p>\n<p><a href=\"http://archpedi.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=515726\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Another study¹²</a> found that vaccines did not weaken the immune system to any diseases. They were unable to find consistent relationship between infectious diseases and immunization.</p>\n<hr />\n<p>All of this scientific evidence leaves one question left to be answered.</p>\n<p><strong>Why do any people believe that vaccines cause autism?</strong> (this part will get some more opinion then you may like, but it is necessary)</p>\n<p><a href=\"http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(97)11096-0/abstract\" rel=\"noreferrer\">A fraudulent 1998 study¹³</a> by Andrew Wakefield and colleagues was one of the main reasons that this controversy over vaccines and autism began. It <a href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3136032/\" rel=\"noreferrer\">used falsified data¹⁴</a> to support their claim that the MMR vaccine caused developmental problems and other autism symptoms. This study has since been retracted as it was demonstrated to be false. Dr. Wakefield, a physician in the UK, was struck off the Medical Registry due to his participation in this fraud.</p>\n<p><a href=\"http://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/searching-for-answers/vaccines-autism\" rel=\"noreferrer\">WebMD¹⁵</a> also talks about why there are still some people that believe that vaccines are the cause of autism.</p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>And when something bad happens to a child, people demand to know what or whom is to blame. &quot;Parents are clamoring for a cause,&quot; says David Tayloe, MD, a pediatrician in Greensboro, N.C., and president-elect of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).</p>\n<p>&quot;It's a terrible condition. It upsets families, and it upsets me.&quot; But all the fear and anger about vaccines is misplaced, he says. &quot;There's just nothing there.&quot;</p>\n</blockquote>\n<p>It seems most people who claim that vaccines cause autism are just looking for something to blame for what is happening to children. Many parents may become angry when they find out their child has autism, and they put that anger against vaccines.</p>\n<p>There are some logical arguments that people may present, such as changing of their child's behavior after receiving vaccines. This is mostly coincidence, as most children are vaccinated around the same time autism symptoms begin to appear (usually 12-18 months)^{<a href=\"https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/autism/conditioninfo/Pages/symptoms-appear.aspx\" rel=\"noreferrer\">16</a>}. Other than this and some of the arguments mentioned earlier, there is almost no reason to believe that vaccines cause autism.</p>\n<hr />\n<p>^{[<a href=\"http://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/concerns/autism/\" rel=\"noreferrer\">1</a>] <a href=\"http://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/concerns/autism/\" rel=\"noreferrer\">CDC - Vaccines Do Not Cause Autism</a>}</p>\n<p>^{[<a href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK190024/\" rel=\"noreferrer\">2</a>] <a href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK190024/\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Adverse Effects of Vaccines: Evidence and Causality</a>}</p>\n<p>^{[<a href=\"http://www.jpeds.com/article/S0022-3476(13)00144-3/pdf\" rel=\"noreferrer\">3</a>] <a href=\"http://www.jpeds.com/article/S0022-3476(13)00144-3/pdf\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Increasing Exposure to Antibody-Stimulating Proteins and Polysaccharides in Vaccines Is Not Associated with Risk of Autism</a>}</p>\n<p>^{[<a href=\"http://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/Concerns/thimerosal/thimerosal_faqs.html\" rel=\"noreferrer\">4</a>] <a href=\"http://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/Concerns/thimerosal/thimerosal_faqs.html\" rel=\"noreferrer\">CDC - Frequently Asked Questions About Thimerosal</a>}</p>\n<p>^{[<a href=\"http://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/00_pdf/CDCStudiesonVaccinesandAutism.pdf\" rel=\"noreferrer\">5</a>] <a href=\"http://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/00_pdf/CDCStudiesonVaccinesandAutism.pdf\" rel=\"noreferrer\">CDC - Vaccines and Autism: A Summary of CDC Conducted or Sponsored Studies</a>}</p>\n<p>^{[<a href=\"http://cid.oxfordjournals.org/content/48/4/456.full\" rel=\"noreferrer\">6</a>] <a href=\"http://cid.oxfordjournals.org/content/48/4/456.full\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Vaccines and Autism: A Tale of Shifting Hypotheses</a>}</p>\n<p>^{[<a href=\"http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(99)01239-8/abstract\" rel=\"noreferrer\">7</a>] <a href=\"http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(99)01239-8/abstract\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Autism and measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine: no epidemiological evidence for a causal association</a>}</p>\n<p>^{[<a href=\"http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/113/2/259.abstract?ijkey=dc1d00324fa8cd6bb885c9cb3ab0e919d0b62a53&amp;keytype2=tf_ipsecsha\" rel=\"noreferrer\">8</a>] <a href=\"http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/113/2/259.abstract?ijkey=dc1d00324fa8cd6bb885c9cb3ab0e919d0b62a53&amp;keytype2=tf_ipsecsha\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Age at First Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccination in Children With Autism and School-Matched Control Subjects: A Population-Based Study in Metropolitan Atlanta</a>}</p>\n<p>^{[<a href=\"http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/112/3/604.abstract?ijkey=e453250183c05a382ba493c5ffcfbd44ed3fac79&amp;keytype2=tf_ipsecsha\" rel=\"noreferrer\">9</a>] <a href=\"http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/112/3/604.abstract?ijkey=e453250183c05a382ba493c5ffcfbd44ed3fac79&amp;keytype2=tf_ipsecsha\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Thimerosal and the Occurrence of Autism: Negative Ecological Evidence From Danish Population-Based Data</a>}</p>\n<p>^{[<a href=\"http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/114/3/577.abstract?ijkey=02f2f424eae1686eeaa627cd2e939a39a0bbf3b4&amp;keytype2=tf_ipsecsha\" rel=\"noreferrer\">10</a>] <a href=\"http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/114/3/577.abstract?ijkey=02f2f424eae1686eeaa627cd2e939a39a0bbf3b4&amp;keytype2=tf_ipsecsha\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Thimerosal Exposure in Infants and Developmental Disorders: A Prospective Cohort Study in the United Kingdom Does Not Support a Causal Association</a>}</p>\n<p>^{[<a href=\"http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/109/1/124.full#sec-16\" rel=\"noreferrer\">11</a>] <a href=\"http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/109/1/124.full#sec-16\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Addressing Parents’ Concerns: Do Multiple Vaccines Overwhelm or Weaken the Infant’s Immune System?</a>}</p>\n<p>^{[<a href=\"http://archpedi.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=515726\" rel=\"noreferrer\">12</a>] <a href=\"http://archpedi.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=515726\" rel=\"noreferrer\">DTP Immunization and Susceptibility to Infectious Diseases</a>}</p>\n<p>^{[<a href=\"http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(97)11096-0/abstract\" rel=\"noreferrer\">13</a>] <a href=\"http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(97)11096-0/abstract\" rel=\"noreferrer\">RETRACTED: Ileal-lymphoid-nodular hyperplasia, non-specific colitis, and pervasive developmental disorder in children</a>}</p>\n<p>^{[<a href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3136032/\" rel=\"noreferrer\">14</a>] <a href=\"http://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/searching-for-answers/vaccines-autism\" rel=\"noreferrer\">The MMR vaccine and autism: Sensation, refutation, retraction, and fraud</a>}</p>\n<p>^{[<a href=\"http://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/searching-for-answers/vaccines-autism\" rel=\"noreferrer\">15</a>] <a href=\"http://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/searching-for-answers/vaccines-autism\" rel=\"noreferrer\">WebMD - Autism-Vaccine Link: Evidence Doesn't Dispel Doubts</a>}</p>\n<p>^{[<a href=\"https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/autism/conditioninfo/Pages/symptoms-appear.aspx\" rel=\"noreferrer\">16</a>] <a href=\"https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/autism/conditioninfo/Pages/symptoms-appear.aspx\" rel=\"noreferrer\">When do children usually show symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD)?</a>}</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 565, "author": "Fomite", "author_id": 206, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/206", "pm_score": 5, "selected": false, "text": "<p>You have already gotten an excellent answer on the scientific evidence for the autism-vaccination link (namely, that there isn't one). I would however like to address this part of your question directly, as an academic epidemiologist:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Could there be a conspiracy in the pharmaceutical industry to cover up\n a link?</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>No.</p>\n\n<p>It is a relatively common tactic in the various denial communities (vaccines, HIV, climate change, etc.) to posit that a major conspiracy exists to hide the truth, and thus explain away the utter lack of evidence for their position. But one should consider what that kind of conspiracy would actually entail.</p>\n\n<p>First, a number of researchers into vaccine safety are <em>not</em> paid by pharmaceutical companies. Which means they don't particularly have any financial incentive to play along.</p>\n\n<p>Second, some of the scientific evidence for the lack of a link between autism and vaccines emerges from birth cohorts in countries with a national health registry, <a href=\"http://archpedi.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1919642#Results\">such as this study</a>. The authors report no pharmaceutical funding (nor would they need it for a registry study), so for this study a conspiracy would not only have to involve researchers who are not compensated, but the suborning of an entire national health registry.</p>\n\n<p>Finally, even absent financial incentives, a conspiracy to hide the truth is actively counter to the incentives that researchers <em>do</em> have. Null results, like \"nope, vaccines still not associated with autism...\" are not exactly amazing results. Controversial ideas that turn out to be true, like the link between HPV and cancer, even if they're an uphill battle, win people <a href=\"https://www.vch.ca/media/public_health_nobel_winning_hpv.pdf\">Nobel Prizes</a>. Actually figuring out the causal mechanism of autism? That's a potentially career changing result. Getting an entire <em>field</em> and the healthcare systems of entire countries to take a pass in favor of pharmaceutical profits that those researchers don't get a share in? That's well outside the realm of possibility.</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 15728, "author": "Graham Chiu", "author_id": 3414, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/3414", "pm_score": 4, "selected": false, "text": "<p>Perhaps the question should be asked, <strong><em>can vaccines prevent autism?</em></strong></p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>One fact of note is that postnatal infections with the vaccine-targeted infectious agents, including measles, mumps, and rubella, are not known to cause autism, although autistic features have been reported in children with congenital rubella syndrome (Chess, 1971); one study reported the use of mathematical modeling and epidemiological data to conclude that MMR immunization had been associated with prevention of substantial numbers of cases of congenital rubella syndrome and associated autism in the period 2001–2010 in the United States (Berger et al., 2011). </p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p><em>Adverse Effects of Vaccines: Evidence and Causality.</em> <a href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK190017/\" rel=\"noreferrer\">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK190017/</a></p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/357", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/59/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 368, "author": "anongoodnurse", "author_id": 169, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/169", "pm_score": 3, "selected": false, "text": "<p>How refreshing to see someone with this attitude! Kudos.</p>\n\n<p>Doctors have been so long accustomed - and accosted - to prescribe unnecessary antibiotics (you wouldn't believe some of my experiences^***) that sometimes on a borderline case, they'll just write out the script. What a welcome question this would be:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Doctor, I'd like to avoid antibiotics if it's safe to do so. Is there an alternative, or do you think it's better to be on one? </p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>No decent doctor will be dissuaded by this question from prescribing a necessary antibiotic (if they're not decent, you shouldn't be seeing them!)</p>\n\n<p>I doubt you would ever pressure a doctor to give you an antibiotic if they don't think you need one. For anyone else reading this: <strong>please don't</strong>.</p>\n\n<p>The following pertains to all members of your family.</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <ul>\n <li>Never save the last few pills \"in case you get sick again\".</li>\n <li>Don't take anyone else's antibiotics \"'til you have a chance to see a doctor\".</li>\n <li>Better a higher dose for a shorter time than a lower dose for a longer time.</li>\n <li>Ask if a narrow-spectrum antibiotic would treat your illness as well as a broad spectrum antibiotic.</li>\n <li>Get all your recommended vaccines! Some of them are for common bacteria now. </li>\n <li>Don't ask for an antibiotic over the phone because \"this is exactly like what I had last time\". </li>\n <li>Read about when antibiotics (and doctor visits) are and aren't necessary, e.g. at the CDC's <em>Get Smart: Know When Antibiotics Work</em>, etc. (See links) </li>\n <li>Take and finish your antibiotics as prescribed.</li>\n </ul>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>In terms of home and personal hygiene, don't be afraid of germs; there are more harmless ones out there than dangerous ones.</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <ul>\n <li>Don't try to sanitize your house. Water and mild detergent is good enough for cleaning.</li>\n <li>Use a mild soap for bathing, something without anti-bacterials.</li>\n </ul>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>***_{I once saw a patient who presented with \"sinusitis\" since \"this morning\". He wanted antibiotics. On reviewing his symptoms (and clinical exam), he had no evidence of sinusitis. I gently refused, explaining the common risks of unnecessary antibiotics. He persisted. I went further, explaining to him the uncommon but much more serious risks, e.g. Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea (aka <em>C. diff</em>). He persisted. I went even further, explaining the <em>really serious - but possible - risks</em> and discussed the risk-to-benefit ratio. He called me ridiculous and left in a huff. Two days later, I got a call from the Hospital Administrator's office (my employer's boss). Turned out that the patient was a golfing buddy of his. The <em>Hospital Administrator</em> (not a physician, but a businessman) told me in no uncertain terms that he expected me to give patients antibiotics when they asked for them! (I'll spare you the details of the rest of the story.)}</p>\n\n<p>_{<a href=\"http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2014/01/28/peds.2013-4016.full.pdf\">Reducing Unnecessary Antibiotics Prescribed to\nChildren: What Next?</a>}<br>\n_{<a href=\"http://www.cdc.gov/getsmart/community/\">Get Smart: Know When Antibiotics Work</a>}<br>\n_{<a href=\"http://www.aafp.org/about/initiatives/choosing-wisely.html\">Choosing Wisely</a>}<br>\n_{<a href=\"http://www.aafp.org/afp/2001/0915/p999.html\">Appropriate Antimicrobial Prescribing: Approaches that Limit Antibiotic Resistance</a>}</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 9686, "author": "Sun", "author_id": 7081, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/7081", "pm_score": 0, "selected": false, "text": "<p>I agree humans are over prescribed antibiotics. I think doctors should be more scientific. Take a culture and wait three days for sensitivities to grow (if any). Then and only then prescribe the best antibiotic.</p>\n\n<p>The real issue to me though is the use of antibiotics in livestock to promote growth more than as a prophylactic. One study in Arizona took bacterial samples from chicken, turkey, and pork from local supermarkets. They sequenced the bacterial DNA and compared them against bacterial strains from hospitalized patients. There were many matches which suggest improperly handled meat can spread antibiotic resistant bacteria that are a result from overuse in there meat industry.</p>\n\n<p>Source: http:/:www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/film/trouble-with-antibiotics/transcript/</p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/359", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/190/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 390, "author": "michaelpri", "author_id": 26, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/26", "pm_score": 2, "selected": false, "text": "<p>Drinking alcohol can have some detrimental effects. While someone is pregnant, binge drinking of alcohol is very dangerous, while mild-to-moderate is more safe, but still not advised.</p>\n\n<p>\"When a pregnant woman drinks alcohol, so does her baby.\"^{<a href=\"http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/fasd/alcohol-use.html\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">1</a>} Drinking alcohol during pregnancy raises the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, and some physical and mental disabilites known as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs). Children that develop FASDs are at risk for a variety of problems, such as facial defects, smaller body size, intellectual/learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and some problems in the body (vision, hearing, and organ problems). </p>\n\n<p>A meta-analysis of over 30 studies on this topic found that binge drinking causes a higher risk of FASDs in children. Moderate drinking can also be dangerous, though, and it is recommended that pregnant mothers don't drink any alcohol. \"The results of this review highlight the importance of abstaining from binge drinking during pregnancy and provide evidence that there is no known safe amount of alcohol to consume while pregnant.\"^{<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23905882\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">2</a>}</p>\n\n<p>It is recommended that mothers abstain from drinking while pregnant, even mild drinking. Why take the risk?</p>\n\n<p>Also see <a href=\"https://health.stackexchange.com/a/373/26\">this related answer</a>.</p>\n\n<hr>\n\n<p>^{[<a href=\"http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/fasd/alcohol-use.html\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">1</a>] <a href=\"http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/fasd/alcohol-use.html\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">CDC - Alcohol Use in Pregnancy</a>}</p>\n\n<p>^{[<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23905882\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">2</a>] <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23905882\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">The association of mild, moderate, and binge prenatal alcohol exposure and child neuropsychological outcomes: a meta-analysis</a>}</p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.today.com/parents/new-study-shows-no-harm-moderate-drinking-pregnancy-experts-urge-2D11849699\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">^{New study shows no harm from moderate drinking in pregnancy, but experts urge caution}</a></p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 446, "author": "kenorb", "author_id": 114, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/114", "pm_score": 4, "selected": true, "text": "<p>High levels of alcohol consumption during pregnancy can be harmful which can develop physical and mental defects in a fetus.</p>\n\n<p>When you drink, alcohol passes from your blood through <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Placenta\" rel=\"noreferrer\">placenta</a> to a baby and can stunt fetal growth, facial deformities, damage neurons and brain structures which can result in intellectual disability and also cause other physical damage. A baby's liver is one of the last organs to develop fully and doesn't mature until the latter stages of pregnancy, so cannot process alcohol. So if you drink at any time during your pregnancy, the alcohol can affect your baby.</p>\n\n<p>While the effects attributed to alcohol are still more common in heavier drinkers, they seem to happen at much lower drinking levels than seen in those with FAS.</p>\n\n<p>The most severe of the alcohol-related conditions (due to heavy drinking) is <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fetal_alcohol_syndrome\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)</a>. It causes: </p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>Problems with physical and emotional development.</li>\n<li>Hyperactivity and poor attention span.</li>\n<li>Poor short-term memory.</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Baby with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome:</p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Photo_of_baby_with_FAS.jpg\" rel=\"noreferrer\"><img src=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/PHRPim.jpg\" alt=\"Baby with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome\"></a></p>\n\n<p>^{Image credits: <a href=\"http://www.fasstar.com/\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Wiki / Teresa Kellerman</a>}</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Children with FAS have distinct facial features including: small and narrow eyes, a small head, a smooth area between the nose and the lips and a thin upper lip.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>They also show the following symptoms:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>Hearing and ear problems.</li>\n<li>Mouth, teeth and facial problems.</li>\n<li>Weak immune system.</li>\n<li>Epilepsy.</li>\n<li>Liver damage.</li>\n<li>Kidney and heart defects.</li>\n<li>Cerebral palsy and other muscular problems.</li>\n<li>Height and weight issues.</li>\n<li>Hormonal disorders.</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>^{Source: <a href=\"https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/check-the-facts/health-effects-of-alcohol/fertility-and-pregnancy/foetal-alcohol-syndrome-(fas)/\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Drinkaware</a>}</p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fetal_alcohol_spectrum_disorder\" rel=\"noreferrer\">FASD</a> (Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders) is the umbrella term used to describe the conditions that occur in people who have been diagnosed with some, but not all, of the symptoms of FAS. It is more difficult for a specialist to diagnose FASD than it is FAS, because children with FASD may not have facial deformities. However the following symptoms can show up:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>Learning difficulties.</li>\n<li>Problems with language.</li>\n<li>Lack of appropriate social boundaries (such as over friendliness with strangers).</li>\n<li>Poor short term memory.</li>\n<li>Inability to grasp instructions.</li>\n<li>Failure to learn from the consequences of their actions.</li>\n<li>Egocentricity.</li>\n<li>Mixing reality and fiction.</li>\n<li>Difficulty with group social interaction.</li>\n<li>Poor problem solving and planning.</li>\n<li>Hyperactivity and poor attention.</li>\n<li>Poor coordination.</li>\n</ul>\n\n<hr>\n\n<p>The UK's Department of Health recommends that if you're pregnant you should avoid alcohol altogether.</p>\n\n<p>The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), which advises healthcare professionals (GPs and nurses), advice pregnant women to:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>not to drink alcohol in the first three months of pregnancy, because there may be an increased risk of miscarriage,</li>\n<li>if they choose to drink alcohol while they are pregnant, they should drink no more than one or two units of alcohol, once or twice a week as there is uncertainty about how much alcohol is safe to drink in pregnancy, but if a low level is consumed there is no evidence of harm to an unborn baby,</li>\n<li>if women want to avoid all possible alcohol-related risks, they should not drink alcohol during pregnancy, as the evidence on this is limited.</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>See also:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http://www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/2270.aspx?CategoryID=54\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Can I drink alcohol if I’m pregnant?</a> at NHS</li>\n<li><a href=\"http://www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/958.aspx\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Is it safe to drink alcohol while breastfeeding?</a> at NHS</li>\n<li><a href=\"http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/pages/alcohol-medicines-drugs-pregnant.aspx\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Alcohol in pregnancy</a> at NHS</li>\n<li><a href=\"https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/check-the-facts/health-effects-of-alcohol/fertility-and-pregnancy/foetal-alcohol-syndrome-(fas)/\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)</a> at Drinkaware</li>\n<li><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fetal_alcohol_syndrome\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Fetal alcohol syndrome</a> (FAS) at Wikipedia</li>\n<li><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fetal_alcohol_spectrum_disorder\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder</a> (FASD) at Wikipedia</li>\n<li><a href=\"http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/alcohol-misuse/Pages/Introduction.aspx\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Alcohol misuse</a> at NHS</li>\n<li><a href=\"http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/pages/alcohol-medicines-drugs-pregnant.aspx#close\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Alcohol and drugs during pregnancy</a> at NHS</li>\n</ul>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/360", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/92/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 373, "author": "michaelpri", "author_id": 26, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/26", "pm_score": 4, "selected": true, "text": "<p>Smoking during pregnancy is bad. <strong><em>Really bad</em></strong>. It will be damaging to the baby, and possibly even to the mother.</p>\n\n<p>Firstly, smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriages. It can also cause premature birth, which can lead to many health complications, such as low weight, feeding difficulties, and breathing problems. A mother who smokes while pregnant is also twice as likely to have abnormal bleeding during both pregnancy and delivery. This is dangerous for both the birth mother and the baby. Smoking can also cause some birth defects and puts the baby at a higher risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The child also has a higher chance of having Cerebral Palsy (CP). When a child of a mother who smoked during pregnancy grows older, they might have lung and brain damage as they grow older.</p>\n\n<p>If a mother is exposed to secondhand smoke during pregnancy, there is still a risk of many of the complications stated above. So, whether you are a pregnant mother or the husband of one or anyone else living or spending a lot of time with a pregnant mother, don't smoke. <strong>It's not worth it.</strong></p>\n\n<p>Also see <a href=\"https://health.stackexchange.com/a/390/26\">this related answer.</a></p>\n\n<hr>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/diseases/pregnancy.html#how-baby\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">^{CDC - Smoking, Pregnancy, and Babies}</a></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.webmd.com/baby/smoking-during-pregnancy\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">^{WebMD - Smoking During Pregnancy}</a></p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 444, "author": "kenorb", "author_id": 114, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/114", "pm_score": 3, "selected": false, "text": "<p>Smoking during pregnancy is related to many effects on health and it increases the risk in children as well. Even if the mother doesn't smoke, the risk increases significantly with higher amount of <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passive_smoking\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">passive/secondhand smoking</a>.</p>\n\n<p>These health risks include:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>on ongoing pregnancy:\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Premature_rupture_of_membranes#Risk_factors\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">premature rupture of membranes</a>,</li>\n<li><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Placental_abruption\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">placental abruption</a> (the fetus can be put in distress, and can even die),</li>\n<li><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Placenta_praevia\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">placenta previa</a>,</li>\n<li>premature birth (~1%),</li>\n<li>implications for the umbilical cord (can result in heavy bleeding during delivery that can endanger mother and baby, although cesarean delivery can prevent most deaths),</li>\n</ul></li>\n<li>effects on the child after birth:\n\n<ul>\n<li>low birth weight,</li>\n<li>sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)^{<a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sudden_infant_death_syndrome\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">wiki</a>, <a href=\"http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Sudden-infant-death-syndrome/Pages/Introduction.aspx\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">NHS</a>},</li>\n<li>future obesity^{<a href=\"http://web.archive.org/web/20100728080358/http://www.montrealgazette.com/health/Teen+obesity+linked+birth+tobacco+exposure+Study/2956850/story.html\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">2010</a>},</li>\n<li>future smoking habits,</li>\n<li>damage to children's carotid arteries at birth and at age 5^{<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22201150\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">2012</a>},</li>\n<li>lung infections^{<a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Placenta_praevia\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">1999</a>, <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22201150\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">2003</a>, <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20085532\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">2003</a>, <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15060193\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">2004</a>}</li>\n<li>higher risks of delivering a child with congenital abnormalities, longer lengths, smaller head circumferences, and low birth weight^{<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20085532\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">2010</a>},</li>\n<li>babies are exposed to the harmful effects of nicotine through breast milk, however benefits of breastfeeding outweigh the risks of nicotine exposure^{<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17766521\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">2007</a>},</li>\n<li>other birth defects such as reduced birth circumference, altered brainstem development, altered lung structure, and cerebral palsy, etc.</li>\n</ul></li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Quitting smoking at any point during pregnancy is more beneficial than continuing to smoke, especially if it's within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.</p>\n\n<p><img src=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/4ZL1xl.png\" alt=\"Risks from Smoking\"></p>\n\n<p>^{Image credits: <a href=\"http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Risks_form_smoking-smoking_can_damage_every_part_of_the_body.png\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">CDC</a>}</p>\n\n<p>See also:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoking_and_pregnancy\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Smoking and pregnancy</a> at Wikipedia</li>\n<li><a href=\"https://health.stackexchange.com/a/443/114\">Effects on children who breathe in secondhand smoke</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health_effects_of_tobacco\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Health effects of tobacco</a> at Wikipedia</li>\n<li><a href=\"http://www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/2023.aspx\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Why should I stop smoking if I’m pregnant?</a> at NHS</li>\n</ul>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/364", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/92/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 366, "author": "Dave Liu", "author_id": 140, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/140", "pm_score": 4, "selected": true, "text": "<p>There are lots of things you can do to be a responsible and considerate individual. Props for even asking this question!</p>\n\n<ol>\n<li><p>Cover your cough to prevent air-borne transmission with the inner part of your arm or your shoulder- whichever come into contact with other people less.</p></li>\n<li><p>Wash your hands with water and soap regularly for at least 20 seconds. That means before every meal and bathroom trip at least! Try as hot as you can bare so that it kills the bacteria. Carry hand sanitizer or some antibiotic wipes in case you don't have access to a sink or water.</p></li>\n<li><p>Rest and recovery (refer to anongoodnurse below) will build up antibodies. Try to get some sleep on your own and hold back on curling up with another person to avoid getting them sick too. <a href=\"http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/features/healing-power-sleep\" rel=\"nofollow\">Be sure to change your sheets regularly as well</a>.</p></li>\n<li><p>Don't touch your face. Take caution to avoid eyes, nose, mouth, particularly.</p></li>\n<li><p>Use and carry tissues or napkins. Discard after use, wipe, or even just dabs. If you keep dabbing and leaving them on a surface, you'll risk contamination.</p></li>\n<li><p>Take a hot shower after you get home everyday. Doing so minimizes any other threatening particles that you may have acquired throughout the day.</p></li>\n<li><p>Don't share food or drinks with anyone. Anything your mouth touches will be contaminated and may sicken others.</p></li>\n<li><p>If you play a woodwind, try a decongestant so that you don't accidentally sneeze on a fellow band member and so that you can properly channel your breath.</p></li>\n</ol>\n\n<p>Side notes- \nIf the hot water starts drying out your skin, use a moisturizer.</p>\n\n<p>Feel better soon!</p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/infectious-diseases\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/infectious-diseases</a></p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 367, "author": "kenorb", "author_id": 114, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/114", "pm_score": 2, "selected": false, "text": "<p>A cold can be spread through:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>direct contact (via airborne droplets) – if you sneeze or cough, tiny droplets of fluid containing the cold virus are launched into the air and can be breathed in by others</li>\n<li>indirect contact – if you sneeze onto a door handle and someone else touches the handle a few minutes later, they may catch the cold virus if they then touch their mouth or nose.</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>These things can help you to prevent it from spreading:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>wash your hands regularly</strong> and properly, particularly after touching your nose or mouth and before handling food,</li>\n<li><strong>always sneeze and cough into tissues</strong> as this will help to prevent the virus-containing droplets from your nose and mouth entering the air where they can infect others; throw away used tissues immediately and wash your hands,</li>\n<li><strong>clean surfaces regularly</strong> to keep them free of germs,</li>\n<li><strong>use your own cup</strong>, plates, cutlery and kitchen utensils,</li>\n<li><strong>use disposable paper towels</strong> to dry your hands and face, rather than shared towels and always dispose of the paper towels after you have finished using them,</li>\n<li>use disposable devices that <strong>cover your mouth</strong> and nose with scarf, veil, face shields or surgical mask while sitting with people which will provide minimal protection from viruses for other people around.</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>^{Source: <a href=\"http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Cold-common/Pages/Introduction.aspx\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Cold, common: Introduction</a> and <a href=\"http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cold-common/pages/prevention-old.aspx\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Preventing a common cold</a> at NHS}</p>\n\n<p>See also:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https://health.stackexchange.com/q/417/114\">How long is someone infectious after a cold?</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"https://health.stackexchange.com/q/452/114\">Effect of the common cold on the immune system</a></li>\n</ul>\n" }, { "answer_id": 449, "author": "JorgeArtware", "author_id": 174, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/174", "pm_score": 3, "selected": false, "text": "<p>I'd like to offer a different perspective.</p>\n\n<p><strong>DaveL's answer is helpful if</strong> you absolutely have to carry on being a \"productive\" person and attend critical events for your career or life in general, all those recommendations DaveL offered will <em>reduce</em> the amount of people you'll infect, but chances are <em>you'll infect people anyway</em> because many diseases are infectious since before you show symptoms and you don't need to sneeze to spread it, talking can spread some viruses too, (e.g. the seasonal influenza is contagious since before you even know you are infected<a href=\"http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/spread.htm\" rel=\"noreferrer\">⁽¹⁾</a>). </p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>[...] flu viruses are spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze <strong>or talk</strong>.\n [...] Most healthy adults may be able to infect other people beginning <strong>1 day before symptoms develop</strong> and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick. Children may pass the virus for longer than 7 days. Symptoms start 1 to 4 days after the virus enters the body. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. <strong>Some people can be infected with the flu virus but have no symptoms</strong>. During this time, those persons may still spread the virus to others.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>The <strong>social aspect</strong> is why people are <em>thanking you for even asking</em>. So from a social perspective, DaveL's recommendations are also helpful if you want others to <em>perceive</em> you're <em>trying</em> not to get them infected, but in reality some people will know you should have stayed home because many people around you <em>will</em> get infected<a href=\"http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/spread.htm\" rel=\"noreferrer\">⁽¹⁾</a> (but most importantly, you should stay home to get better). </p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>People with flu can spread it to others up to about 6 feet away.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<h3>First of all, you need the assistance of a professional to get properly diagnosed.</h3>\n\n<p>You need to know why you have this \"common cold\" symptoms, so your treatment is adequate for just having a common cold or something a bit more serious or a lot more dangerous, many illnesses display symptoms of the common cold (e.g. the flu, but the list is big).<a href=\"http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/cold-guide/flu-cold-symptoms\" rel=\"noreferrer\">⁽²⁾</a></p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Several hundred different viruses may cause your cold symptoms.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>In the mean time and while you get properly diagnosed, IMHO any disease that has the potential to be airborne infectious can be somewhat mitigated and contained following the procedures, precautions and advice given by CDC to contain and deal with the flu. So I will elaborate on that particular case (again, I can't stress this enough, <strong>ask for professional advice</strong>, this answer should only broaden your general sense of how to avoid contagion for you and for others to some degree).</p>\n\n<h3>Stay home if sick, or get vaccinated every season before you get sick (flu only).</h3>\n\n<ol>\n<li>People will appreciate that you stood home <strong>better</strong> than sneezing or coughing \"with the inner part of your arm\" (which by the way is more ritual than safe practice, it is better to fully cover your mouth and nose<a href=\"http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/covercough.htm\" rel=\"noreferrer\">⁽³⁾</a>). </li>\n<li>If you are the type of person who can't afford to stay home if you catch the flu, then <strong>the more reason</strong> you should get vaccinated every season<a href=\"http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/vaccine/index.htm\" rel=\"noreferrer\">⁽⁴⁾</a> (Getting vaccinated won't protect you against anything and everything but it will protect you from a broad range of flu type viruses). </li>\n</ol>\n\n<h3>1. About Staying home.<a href=\"http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/stopgerms.htm\" rel=\"noreferrer\">⁽⁵⁾</a></h3>\n\n<p>You don't <strong>\"have to\"</strong> attend anything that's not critical, attend your health and well being, that is critical. Staying home will dramatically reduce the amount of possible subjects to be infected, in this case your family, so stay home and follow all hygienic recommendations.</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>Ventilate your house and specially your room, if you have a window to\nthe street, open that (unless it is raining outside).</li>\n<li>Change your sheets and blankets as regular as possible (every 2-3\ndays until 5 days after you recovered, 7 days for children). Do it\nwhen you're alone and everyone else went to work/school. If you have\nboth washing and drying machines, great, if not, at least take them\nout to the sun, <em>do not</em> keep infected used blankets inside your\nhome.</li>\n</ul>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<h3>2. About Getting Vaccinated.<a href=\"http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm\" rel=\"noreferrer\">⁽⁶⁾</a> (flu only)</h3>\n\n<p>The best prevention is not to get sick at all.\nIf you're not sick then you're not contagious.</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>The single best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccine each season. The seasonal flu vaccine protects against the influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the upcoming season. There are several flu vaccine options for the 2014-2015 flu season. </p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<h3>Some additional info.</h3>\n\n<p>Virus that are so commonly transmitted like the flu are not going away anytime soon. Unless all potential hots/carriers get vaccinated at the same time repeatedly season after season until all types (A, B &amp; C types)<a href=\"http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/viruses/types.htm\" rel=\"noreferrer\">⁽⁷⁾</a> of influenza viruses die with no viable hosts to replicate and evolve on. </p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>There are three types of influenza viruses: A, B and C. Human influenza A and B viruses cause seasonal epidemics of disease almost every winter in the United States. The emergence of a new and very different influenza virus to infect people can cause an influenza pandemic. Influenza type C infections cause a mild respiratory illness and are not thought to cause epidemics.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>Those viable hosts include more than 7 billion human beings and who knows how many animals that can carry along the virus and help it keep evolving<a href=\"http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/viruses/transmission.htm\" rel=\"noreferrer\">⁽⁸⁾</a></p>\n\n<p><img src=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/prX5d.png\" alt=\"a graphic table depicting the kind of animals affected by different strands of influenza; which include humans, poultry, pigs, and to less degree other animals including bats \"></p>\n\n<h3>And most importantly, consult your GP.</h3>\n\nReference index.\n\n<p>_{\n1. <a href=\"http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/spread.htm\" rel=\"noreferrer\">How Flu Spreads</a>\n2. <a href=\"http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/cold-guide/flu-cold-symptoms\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Flu or Cold Symptoms?</a>\n3. <a href=\"http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/covercough.htm\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Cover Your Cough</a>\n4. <a href=\"http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/vaccine/index.htm\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Preventing Seasonal Flu With Vaccination</a>\n5. <a href=\"http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/stopgerms.htm\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Stopping the Spread of Germs at Home, Work &amp; School</a>\n6. <a href=\"http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Key Facts About Seasonal Flu Vaccine</a>\n7. <a href=\"http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/viruses/types.htm\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Types of Influenza Viruses</a>\n8. <a href=\"http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/viruses/transmission.htm\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Transmission of Influenza Viruses from Animals to People</a>\n}</p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/365", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/121/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 389, "author": "JohnP", "author_id": 64, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/64", "pm_score": 3, "selected": false, "text": "<p>As an approximation, there exist several different equations for calculating a basal/resting metabolic rate. These are:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>Harris-Benedict</li>\n<li>Harris-Benedict revised</li>\n<li>Cunningham</li>\n<li>Katch-McCardle</li>\n<li>Mifflin St. Jeor</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Each of these takes various factors such as age, lean body mass, sex into account in varying emphases to come up with a basal, or resting metabolic rate. This rate is basically how many calories you would need on a daily basis to simply breathe in and out all day long. If you run through all of them and then average, you should come pretty close to your basic needs. There are many calculators already programmed on the internet with these formulas, or you can get them <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basal_metabolic_rate\">here at the wiki link</a>.</p>\n\n<p>Once you have that, then you can take a look at the various sites on the internet that have calorie expenditures for various activities such as housework, office work, weightlifting, running, really just about any activity. Most of these are again approximations, the best charts will account for height/weight/age/sex. Add those to your BMR, and you should be pretty close to a daily intake need.</p>\n\n<p>Really, though, all you need to do is track your weight. Take note of any long term trends on the scale, and if you are gaining weight, cut back on calorie intake or food makeup (healthier vs. unhealthy). If you are losing too much weight, eat more. Don't be alarmed by daily fluctuations, you can vary quite a bit during a day. Best bet is to weigh yourself under the same conditions daily.</p>\n\n<p>If you are lucky enough to have a college lab or similar that supports general testing for the public (You can occasionally get in on a kinesiology class testing phase where they need subjects), you can get exhaled gas analysis, and this can give you a very close estimate of calories burned during a specific activity. This is somewhat rare and/or costly to have done.</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 391, "author": "Rana Prathap", "author_id": 37, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/37", "pm_score": 2, "selected": false, "text": "<p>JohnP has already given the right answer for it, but here is a quick solution if you are not so much into all those calculations.</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Amount of calories you should take everyday = Basal metabolic Rate\n over 24 hours X Physical Activity Level</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>Physical activity level for most people with sedentary lifestyle can be safely assumed to be 1.53 (a gross generalisation). So using 1.53 in the above formula, the caloric requirement comes down to</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p><strong>daily requirement in kcal/kg = (24 X 1.53 X wt in kg)</strong></p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>So for a 72 kg male, with no other co-morbidities with sedentary lifestyle who looks to maintain wait, the caloric requirement is 2644 kcals per day. If you have an active lifestyle, then replace 1.53 with 1.8 and then the formula becomes </p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p><strong>daily requirement in kcal/kg = (24 X 1.8 X wt in kg)</strong></p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>Since PAL(physical activity level) varies from individual to individual, giving the same formula to everyone is not right. However, these are safe approximations. This page gives a table of approximate PALs. </p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.ivyroses.com/HumanBiology/Nutrition/Physical-Activity-Level.php\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.ivyroses.com/HumanBiology/Nutrition/Physical-Activity-Level.php</a></p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/382", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/121/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 415, "author": "Tom Medley", "author_id": 200, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/200", "pm_score": 3, "selected": false, "text": "<p>No, there isn't, not in any meaningful way.</p>\n\n<p>\"The placebo effect\" is an umbrella term, used primarily in the media/pop science. That isn't to say it isn't real or valid, but it covers outcomes from a great many different studies.</p>\n\n<p>In drug trials, the effects of a drug are often compared to a placebo - a sugar pill/saline injection - even placebo <em>surgery</em>.</p>\n\n<p>The placebo \"effect\" is what happens when you compare a placebo to nothing at all, and the patients on the placebo have statistically better outcomes.</p>\n\n<p>The key points here are:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><p>The placebo effect is a feature of large studies. You can't perform a large study on a single patient. In individual cases, there is simply too much variability - you can never know if a difference in outcome was due to \"the placebo effect\" or some other variable.</p></li>\n<li><p>You cannot perform the two halves of the study (placebo/nothing at all) yourself. You would have to run them sequentially, i.e. on different instances of cold/flu. This adds more variables.</p></li>\n<li><p>The placebo effect requires you to not know you're taking a placebo (patients in these studies are not told what it is about, they're just given pills/injections etc.) I can't think of a way you could feasibly set up a scenario where you were A) testing yourself for \"the placebo effect\", and B) not aware you are being given a placebo.</p></li>\n</ul>\n" }, { "answer_id": 494, "author": "TheEnvironmentalist", "author_id": 11, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/11", "pm_score": 2, "selected": false, "text": "<h3>Introduction</h3>\n<p>The placebo effect is a very interesting thing to study. To keep this scientific, though, let's divide your question into three addressable points:</p>\n<ol>\n<li>Does the placebo effect work?</li>\n<li>Does the placebo effect work on you?</li>\n<li>Can the placebo effect be scientifically tested?</li>\n</ol>\n<p>If each of these points can be resolved as true, then it would be fair to call the question answered. Also, at the bottom you'll find some suggestions for a placebo self-test.</p>\n<h3>What is a Placebo, What is the Placebo Effect?</h3>\n<p>A placebo is a treatment that looks like a regular treatment, but is actually an inactive look-alike, and not a medicine. Placebos are used in medicine to evaluate the effectiveness of treatments, as often some of the benefit from a treatment will actually be due to the placebo effect. In a controlled trial, some trial subjects are given the treatment being tested, and some are given placebos. Ideally, the subjects can't tell the difference, and at the end of the study, the effectiveness of the drug can be compared to that of the placebo.<a href=\"http://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatmentsandsideeffects/treatmenttypes/placebo-effect\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">¹</a></p>\n<p>In practice, this often means sugar or cornstarch pills, but can extend to other treatments as well. In fact, even surgical procedures can be placebos. Known as sham surgeries, surgical placebos often involve the administration of anesthesia followed by several incisions similar to those that would be made during typical surgery.<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1422430/\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">²</a></p>\n<p>What is the placebo effect that makes all of this necessary? The placebo effect is the improvement in a medical condition resulting from the <em>belief</em> that one is being treated, rather than the effectiveness of the treatment itself.<a href=\"http://www.nhs.uk/livewell/complementary-alternative-medicine/pages/placebo-effect.aspx\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">³</a> Because patients tend to believe they are being given an effective treatment, this belief itself contributes to improvement in condition.<a href=\"https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/brain-sense/201201/the-placebo-effect-how-it-works\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">⁴</a></p>\n<h3>Does the Placebo Effect Work?</h3>\n<p>A number of examples can be used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the placebo effect. Several of them conclude that not only is the placebo effect powerful, it is sometimes more powerful than the medication alternatives.<a href=\"http://blogs.nature.com/spoonful/2014/01/migraine-study-attributes-more-than-half-a-drugs-benefit-to-placebo-effect.html\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">⁵</a></p>\n<p>A migraine study conducted in 2014 compared the effect of the migraine treatment rizatriptan (sold by Merck Pharmaceuticals as Maxalt) to a placebo, by administering envelopes with drugs in them to migraine sufferers. The subjects were instructed to take the medication in case of migraine. The envelopes came in pairs labeled 'Placebo', 'Maxalt' or 'Placebo or Maxalt', however, each pair actually had one placebo envelope and one Maxalt envelope. Yet, subjects reported the same level of pain relief from placebo labeled Maxalt as from Maxalt labeled placebo, suggesting that placebos are sometimes as effective as actual medication. Patients also reported pain relief from the placebo labeled placebo, suggesting that even one who knowingly takes a placebo can still be subject to the effect.<a href=\"http://blogs.nature.com/spoonful/2014/01/migraine-study-attributes-more-than-half-a-drugs-benefit-to-placebo-effect.html\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">⁶</a></p>\n<p>A study specifically designed to evaluate the placebo effect compared fake acupuncture to fake pills, a comparison of two placebos. Subjects suffering from arm pain were either prescribed acupuncture or pain medication, but the pain medication was cornstarch pills, and the acupuncture used needles with tips that retract into themselves upon touching skin, like stage knives. The subjects were warned about possible side effects of the treatment, with the side effects mentioned taken from actual side effects of either real treatment. Interestingly, one third of patients reported the exact side effects they were warned about, including excessive drowsiness in the pill group, and redness and inflammation in the acupuncture group, even though the skin wasn't actually pierced. Some patients in both groups reported extreme pain, but more interestingly, most of the subjects reported extreme pain relief.<a href=\"http://harvardmagazine.com/2013/01/the-placebo-phenomenon\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">⁷</a></p>\n<h3>Does the Placebo Effect Work on You?</h3>\n<p>An effective method of proving widespread viability of the placebo effect is showcasing its virality, quite literally. When one believes he is sick, and starts developing actual symptoms as a result, the medical community refers to this condition as 'psychogenic illness,' or actual illness spawned from the belief of illness. When this believed illness is believed to be contagious, anyone who hears about it can himself become ill, experiencing the full range of purported symptoms. This is known as 'sociogenic illness', and it is potentially the most infectious category of illness in existence. This is because it &quot;infects&quot; through information, making mass media often the single greatest transmission vector. Most worryingly, the current medical opinion is that there is no particular predisposition to mass sociogenic illness and it is a behavioral condition that anyone can show in the right circumstances.<a href=\"http://bjp.rcpsych.org/content/180/4/300.full\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">⁸</a></p>\n<p>A 2006 study testing individual sensitivity to GSM cellphone signals found no evidence that people with self-reported sensitivity to mobile phone signals are able to detect such signals or that they react to them with increased symptom severity. As sham exposure was sufficient to trigger severe symptoms in some participants, this condition was most likely sociogenic illness.<a href=\"http://www.bmj.com/content/332/7546/886?view=long&amp;pmid=16520326\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">⁹</a></p>\n<p>A 2012 study testing whether media coverage of people sensitive to WiFi signal contributed to reports of WiFi sensitivity concluded that media reports about the adverse effects of supposedly hazardous substances can increase the likelihood of experiencing symptoms following sham exposure and developing an apparent sensitivity to it.<a href=\"http://www.jpsychores.com/article/S0022-3999(12)00335-2/fulltext\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">¹⁰</a></p>\n<p>A case study about mass illness attributed to toxic exposure at a high school had features of mass psychogenic illness. Notably, widespread subjective symptoms thought to be associated with environmental exposure to a toxic substance persisted in the absence of objective evidence of an environmental cause.<a href=\"http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJM200001133420206\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">¹¹</a></p>\n<p>In other words, sociogenic and psychogenic illness exist, there is no particular predisposition to mass sociogenic illness and it is a behavioral condition that anyone can show in the right circumstances.<a href=\"http://bjp.rcpsych.org/content/180/4/300.full\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">¹²</a></p>\n<h3>Can the Placebo Effect be Scientifically Tested?</h3>\n<p>All of the previous studies seem to indicate that yes, the placebo effect can be scientifically tested, but as a final confirmation, a study conducted on subjects with Alzheimer's disease showed that these subjects got less pain relief from pain medications. They required higher doses, possibly because they had forgotten that they were getting the drugs, or they forgot that the pain medicines had worked for them before.<a href=\"http://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatmentsandsideeffects/treatmenttypes/placebo-effect\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">¹³</a></p>\n<p>In other words, Alzheimer's disease seems to allow the comparison of placebo effect and the lack thereof. Because Alzheimer's disease patients do not remember taking their medication, they receive far less benefit from it due to the lost contributions from the placebo effect.</p>\n<h3>A Suggestion of Methods</h3>\n<p>Now that we've scientifically proven that the placebo effect works, it is powerful, and it by all means should work for you, even if you know you are or may be taking a placebo, we may devise some methods.</p>\n<p>You will likely need an external source of entropy, and should most likely not use a placebo in place of actual necessary treatment. This would mean that you will want a medication that does not cure any particular disease, though maybe alleviating symptoms is a better bet. I assume that this is why the studies above tend to stick with pain relief for evaluating placebos. Pain relief is easy to judge and quantify on a personal level, and the lack thereof does not threaten anyone's life. If you are injured and in pain, there is your test.</p>\n<p>If you are not injured, however, and have no desire to be,<a href=\"http://guides.library.jhu.edu/c.php?g=202502&amp;p=1335759\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">¹⁴</a> you may want to try medication that causes noticeable benefit rather than treatment. For example, caffeine. Find two coffees, one caffeinated, one decaffeinated, that you can't tell tell apart with taste alone. Ideally, add something with a strong taste masking ability to each to help prevent differentiation. Have a friend divide up the two coffees into numbered plastic bags, one bag for each day of the experiment, without you knowing which bags are which. Also, it is important to prevent bias that you not be able to connect different days of the experiment, so no evens and odds. Your friend's numbering system should be sufficiently random that you can't figure out which bags are which. When you are ready, begin the experiment, using a bag of your choice for each day of the experiment. Chart, on an hourly basis, the amount of &quot;buzz&quot; you experience from that coffee number, and after maybe a month try to take a guess using the chart at which bag numbers were caffeinated and which were decaffeinated. Then, ask for your friend's table of which were which, and evaluate.</p>\n<p>This was just a suggestion, but this and similar study designs should by all means allow you to test the placebo effect on yourself. Feel free to experiment, that's how science progresses.</p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/384", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/174/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 409, "author": "JohnP", "author_id": 64, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/64", "pm_score": 5, "selected": true, "text": "<p>The quoted \"1-2\" pounds per week (or approximately 0.5 - 1 kilo) is based on the traditional 3500 calories burned = 1 pound of fat. Now, while the exact figure of 3500 calories is somewhat open to debate, that is the rationale. 500 calories a day = 1 pound of loss per week.</p>\n\n<p>The problem with crash dieting is twofold. One, the majority of the weight lost is water weight, and will rapidly return once the person hydrates themselves. The second problem is that in an effort to lose large amounts of weight in a short time is that people will essentially starve themselves, and possibly do so while adding in exercise.</p>\n\n<p>In the very short term, this may not pose any problems for a healthy person, but if the dieter is compromised in any way health wise, or the practice is continued for a longer period then nutrient deficiencies can start arising, which can introduce a long litany of health problems.</p>\n\n<p>Another problem is that people that lose large amounts of weight in a short time tend to binge eat once the diet period is over, and regain most if not all the weight. Many even end up weighing more than they did before they did the extreme dieting.</p>\n\n<p>There have been studies comparing many of the popular diets such as Atkins, South Beach, China Study, Paleo, and on and on. They have all shown that weight loss is a simple factor of calorie reduction. Eat less calories than you expend, and you will lose weight. Period. (And \"starvation mode\" is a myth.) When you first start dieting, you may lose more than the 1-2 pounds a week, which is normal. After a bit, your body will readjust and the weight loss will slow down, however if you maintain the calorie deficit, you will eventually lose the weight.</p>\n\n<p>As requested:</p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/nejmoa0804748\">New England Journal of Medicine</a></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://annals.org/article.aspx?articleid=668717\">Annals of Internal Medicine</a> (Short abstract)</p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002822398000935\">Journal of the American Dietetic Assn.</a></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0140673604169869\">The Lancet</a> (Not a study, but references two studies)</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>A systematic review of low-carbohydrate diets found that the <strong>weight loss achieved is associated with the duration of the diet and restriction of energy intake</strong>, but not with restriction of carbohydrates. Two groups have reported longer-term randomised studies that compared instruction in the low-carbohydrate diet with a low-fat calorie-reduced diet in obese patients (N Engl J Med 2003; 348: 2082–90; Ann Intern Med 2004; 140: 778–85). <strong>Both trials showed better weight loss on the low-carbohydrate diet after 6 months, but no difference after 12 months.</strong></p>\n</blockquote>\n" }, { "answer_id": 4131, "author": "YviDe", "author_id": 1830, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/1830", "pm_score": 2, "selected": false, "text": "<p>I want to add an answer focusing on the second part of your question </p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>in what way is losing weight faster than this unhealthy</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>There's a few unhealthy things that can happen to people who lose a lot of weight quickly. It's of course subjective what rapid is. The most severe effects can be seen in people on very low calorie diets (VLCD). </p>\n\n<p>Gallstones develop significantly more often in people losing weight rapidly, often requiring surgery. Thus is linked to not getting enough fat from food. </p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>In an early study, gallstones developed in 25% of patients during 8 weeks of VLCD, and 6% of patients eventually required cholecystectomy (19). In a second trial, asymptomatic gallstones occurred in ∼12% of patients within 6 months of starting a VLCD, and approximately one-half of these individuals eventually became symptomatic, requiring cholecystectomy</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>Another risk is \"simple\" malnutrition. Not getting enough food leads to not getting enough nutrients. </p>\n\n<p>There can be cardiac complications, hairloss, dizziness, constipation, and muscle cramps. </p>\n\n<p>Very low calorie diets are of course far from the normal way people diet. But they show what <em>can</em> happen. </p>\n\n<p>Source: <a href=\"http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1038/oby.2006.146/full\" rel=\"nofollow\">The Evolution of Very-Low-Calorie Diets: An Update and Meta-analysis</a></p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/406", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/207/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 497, "author": "Fomite", "author_id": 206, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/206", "pm_score": 3, "selected": false, "text": "<p>There are some downsides to eating whole-grain rice, primarily that brown rice has <a href=\"http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/es702212p\">consistently higher levels of inorganic arsenic in it</a> <a href=\"http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine/2012/11/arsenic-in-your-food/index.htm\">including rice found in the U.S.</a>. The EPA's maximum contaminant level for arsenic is <a href=\"http://www.epa.gov/teach/chem_summ/Arsenic_summary.pdf\">10 micrograms/L in water</a>, and there's <a href=\"http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0269749108001759\">some suggestion</a> that the level of arsenic contamination in brown rice could be pushing up against that threshold.</p>\n\n<p>As far as I'm aware though, there haven't been any definitive studies on health outcomes for people consuming brown vs. white rice.</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 554, "author": "kenorb", "author_id": 114, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/114", "pm_score": 3, "selected": false, "text": "<h3>Nutrients</h3>\n\n<p>A detailed analysis of nutrient content of rice suggests that the nutrition value of rice varies based on a number of factors (depends on the strain of rice and its color). Comparative nutrition studies on varieties of rice suggest that highly colored rice strains have more antioxidant properties^{<a href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19138081\" rel=\"noreferrer\">2009</a>}.</p>\n\n<p>Red or black rice consumption was found (in mammals) to reduce the progression of atherosclerotic plaque development, however white rice consumption offered no similar benefits which can suggest may be due in in a lack of antioxidants found in other varieties of rice^{<a href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11340093\" rel=\"noreferrer\">2001</a>}.</p>\n\n<p>In comparison to whole grain, the <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_rice\" rel=\"noreferrer\">white rice</a> is milled rice that has had its husk, bran, and germ removed.</p>\n\n<p>For full comparison table of nutrient content, please check: <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rice#Comparison_of_rice_to_other_major_staple_foods\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Comparison of rice to other major staple foods at Wikipedia</a>.</p>\n\n<h3>Inorganic Arsenic in Rice</h3>\n\n<p>The downside of eating different type of rice can be amount of arsenic (naturally occurring element in air, soil, water and foods). It has been found that rice is susceptible to accumulation of arsenic from soil^{<a href=\"http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/2011/12/08/you-need-worry-about-arsenic-rice/KGsMAwBoe0NnYupiC68v9N/story.html\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Boston Globe</a>}.</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Arsenic exposure during pregnancy is a public health concern due to potential health risks to the fetus^{<a href=\"http://medicalxpress.com/news/2011-12-rice-source-arsenic-exposure.html\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Medical Xpress</a>}.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>Summary table of Inorganic Arsenic in Rice and Rice Products:</p>\n\n<p><img src=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/iFifr.png\" alt=\"FDA - Inorganic Arsenic in Rice and Rice Products\"></p>\n\n<p>^{Source: <a href=\"http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Food/FoodborneIllnessContaminants/Metals/UCM352467.pdf\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Inorganic Arsenic in Rice and Rice Products</a> and <a href=\"http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodborneIllnessContaminants/Metals/ucm319916.htm\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Full Analytical Results</a> at FDA}</p>\n\n<p>The FDA, the agency responsible for overseeing the safety of our food supply, has been monitoring arsenic content for more than 20 years, however not indicated that the average daily intake of arsenic is unsafe and not established standards the acceptable limit standards of arsenic in food.</p>\n\n<p>^{\nRead more:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arsenic_poisoning#Food\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Arsenic poisoning: Food</a> &amp; <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rice#Arsenic_concerns\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Rice: Arsenic concerns</a> at Wikipedia</li>\n<li><a href=\"http://medicalxpress.com/news/2011-12-rice-source-arsenic-exposure.html\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Rice as a source of arsenic exposure</a> at Medical Xpress</li>\n<li><a href=\"http://www.speciation.net/News/Surprisingly-high-concentrations-of-toxic-arsenic-species-found-in-US-rice-;~/2005/08/03/1561.html\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Surprisingly high concentrations of toxic arsenic species found in U.S. rice</a> at Evisa</li>\n<li><a href=\"http://www.speciation.net/News/China-Inorganic-Arsenic-in-Rice--An-Underestimated-Health-Threat--;~/2010/05/19/5027.html\" rel=\"noreferrer\">China: Inorganic Arsenic in Rice - An Underestimated Health Threat?</a> at Evisa</li>\n<li><a href=\"http://www.epa.gov/airtoxics/hlthef/arsenic.html\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Arsenic Compounds</a> at EPA</li>\n<li><a href=\"http://www.epa.gov/ordntrnt/ORD/priorities/docs/Arsenic_in_Food_FS.pdf\" rel=\"noreferrer\">EPA Computer Models Predict Exposures to Arsenic that Echo Reality (PDF)</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"ftp://ftp.fao.org/codex/meetings/cccf/cccf5/cf05_10e.pdf\" rel=\"noreferrer\">\"Discussion Paper on Arsenic in Rice\" (2011) (PDF)</a>\n}</li>\n<li>Book: <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9789400729469\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Andrew A. Meharg and Fang-Jie Zhao, Arsenic &amp; Rice</a></li>\n</ul>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/407", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/43/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 413, "author": "michaelpri", "author_id": 26, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/26", "pm_score": 5, "selected": true, "text": "<p>Overall, there has been inconsistent data on the effects of using zinc lozenges to treat the common cold. Most studies have also been done on children, which may lead to more uncertainty about its effects on adults, but some of the studies I will mention have been tested on adults. </p>\n\n<p>One study showed the effects of using zinc to prevent the common cold in schoolchildren. They found that between the two groups they studied (one took zinc sulfate tablets, the other placebos) that the zinc-supplemented group had less of a chance of getting the cold. They concluded that zinc supplements have a beneficial effect on children.^{<a href=\"http://ijp.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijp/article/viewArticle/928\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">1</a>}</p>\n\n<p>Another study (done by the same researchers as the second study I linked to) tested the effects of zinc lozenges on treating cold symptoms. They found that taking zinc lozenges within 24 hours of first getting cold symptoms may reduce the length of the cold. They do not give any firm recommendation though, because of insufficient data. They also mention the same side-effects as above.^{<a href=\"http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD001364.pub4/abstract\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">2</a>} This study is also backed up by other similar study which found that zinc lozenges reduced the duration of colds by about 7 days, again with only minor side effects such as bad taste and mouth irritation.^{<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6367635\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">3</a>} Other similar reports' results showed that zinc lozenges not only reduce the duration of colds, but also the severity.^{<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18279051?dopt=Abstract\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">4</a>, <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15496046?dopt=Abstract\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">5</a>}</p>\n\n<p>Some studies say that zinc lozenges do not have any noteworthy therapeutic effect in treating the common cold.^{<a href=\"http://aac.asm.org/content/31/8/1183.abstract?ijkey=c54e7d9e7cfc347b5eb4aca02fe68276ebe7863b&amp;keytype2=tf_ipsecsha\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">6</a>, <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11073753?dopt=Abstract\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">7</a>}</p>\n\n<p><strong>Should you take zinc lozenges?</strong></p>\n\n<p>No studies have provided sufficient information to prove or disprove beneficial effects of taking zinc lozenges to prevent and treat the common cold. The consumption of zinc lozenges doesn't present any dangerous or deadly effects, unless you consider bad taste and nausea deadly. As of now, experts recommend talking to your doctor to decide if taking zinc \nlozenges is right for you.^{<a href=\"http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/expert-answers/zinc-for-colds/faq-20057769\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">8</a>}</p>\n\n<p><strong>What is the best type of zinc lozenge to take?</strong></p>\n\n<p>Well first, as I said above, there is no conclusive evidence. There is also no definite best type of zinc lozenge to take. Of the studies that showed positive results, zinc gluconate was used the most, but zinc sulfate and zinc acetate were also shown to be effective. Of the trials that showed no noteworthy effect, zinc gluconate was also the most tested type, but zinc acetate also showed no effect. According to <a href=\"http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/cold-guide/zinc-lozenges-cold-remedy#2\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">WebMD</a>, researchers are still trying to figure out which type of zinc lozenge is the best.</p>\n\n<p><strong>Risks of taking zinc supplements</strong></p>\n\n<p>Taking zinc lozenges hasn't been shown to produce any major side-effects. Sometimes, people taking them may experience bad taste in their mouth and possibly nausea. Nasal spray, as you mentioned is also not good. It may even cause loss of smell.</p>\n\n\n\n<hr>\n\n<p>^{[<a href=\"http://ijp.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijp/article/viewArticle/928\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">1</a>] <a href=\"http://ijp.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijp/article/viewArticle/928\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Effects of Zinc Supplementation in Occurrence and Duration of Common Cold in School Aged Children during Cold Season: a Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial</a>}</p>\n\n<p>^{[<a href=\"http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD001364.pub4/abstract\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">2</a>] <a href=\"http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD001364.pub4/abstract\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Zinc for the common cold</a>}</p>\n\n<p>^{[<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6367635\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">3</a>] <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6367635\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Reduction in duration of common colds by zinc gluconate lozenges in a double-blind study</a>}</p>\n\n<p>^{[<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18279051?dopt=Abstract\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">4</a>] <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18279051?dopt=Abstract\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Duration and severity of symptoms and levels of plasma interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor, and adhesion molecules in patients with common cold treated with zinc acetate.</a>}</p>\n\n<p>^{[<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15496046?dopt=Abstract\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">5</a>] <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15496046?dopt=Abstract\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Efficacy of zinc against common cold viruses: an overview.</a>}</p>\n\n<p>^{[<a href=\"http://aac.asm.org/content/31/8/1183.abstract?ijkey=c54e7d9e7cfc347b5eb4aca02fe68276ebe7863b&amp;keytype2=tf_ipsecsha\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">6</a>] <a href=\"http://aac.asm.org/content/31/8/1183.abstract?ijkey=c54e7d9e7cfc347b5eb4aca02fe68276ebe7863b&amp;keytype2=tf_ipsecsha\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Two randomized controlled trials of zinc gluconate lozenge therapy of experimentally induced rhinovirus colds.</a>}</p>\n\n<p>^{[<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11073753?dopt=Abstract\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">7</a>] <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11073753?dopt=Abstract\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Effect of treatment with zinc gluconate or zinc acetate on experimental and natural colds.</a>}</p>\n\n<p>^{[<a href=\"http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/expert-answers/zinc-for-colds/faq-20057769\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">8</a>] <a href=\"http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/expert-answers/zinc-for-colds/faq-20057769\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Will taking zinc for colds make my colds go away faster?</a>}</p>\n\n<p>^{<a href=\"http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/cold-guide/zinc-lozenges-cold-remedy#2\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">WebMD - Zinc for Colds: Lozenges &amp; Nasal Sprays</a>}</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 724, "author": "Iron Pillow", "author_id": 332, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/332", "pm_score": 2, "selected": false, "text": "<p>I put a lot of trust in the <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23775705\" rel=\"nofollow\">Cochrane Collaboration's answer</a> for just about any question they answer. @michaelpri cited their answer to this question, and I think it is worth posting as a separate answer:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Zinc administered within 24 hours of onset of symptoms reduces the duration of common cold symptoms in healthy people but some caution is needed due to the heterogeneity of the data. As the zinc lozenges formulation has been widely studied and there is a significant reduction in the duration of cold at a dose of ≥ 75 mg/day, for those considering using zinc it would be best to use it at this dose throughout the cold. Regarding prophylactic zinc supplementation, currently no firm recommendation can be made because of insufficient data. When using zinc lozenges (not as syrup or tablets) the likely benefit has to be balanced against side effects, notably a bad taste and nausea.</p>\n</blockquote>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/410", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/169/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 421, "author": "Tim", "author_id": 163, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/163", "pm_score": 2, "selected": false, "text": "<p>First, what is radiation?</p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/radiation\" rel=\"nofollow\">Oxford Dictionaries</a></p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>the emission of energy as electromagnetic waves or as moving subatomic particles, especially high-energy particles which cause ionization.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>okay, so do mobile phone towers use this?</p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancercauses/othercarcinogens/athome/cellular-phone-towers\" rel=\"nofollow\">American Cancer Society</a></p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Cell phones communicate with wave in the electromagnetic spectrum, with a slightly higher wavelength than, but less than microwaves.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>So they do, but...</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Like FM radio waves, they are forms of non-ionizing radiation. This means <strong>they cannot cause cancer by directly damaging DNA</strong>.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>Hmm, so they don't cause cancer. What other health issues?</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>At ground level near typical cellular base stations, the amount of energy is thousands of times less than the limits for safe exposure set by the regulatory authorities. It is very unlikely that a person could be exposed to RF levels in excess of these limits just by being near a cell phone tower.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>So not only is it not a huge amount (most goes over your head), the radiation is pretty safe.</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 779, "author": "Dave Liu", "author_id": 140, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/140", "pm_score": 3, "selected": true, "text": "<p>Many countries have done studies that seem to indicate short-term exposure to the radiation does not increase risk of cancer.</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>(German) <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16443797\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16443797</a></li>\n<li>(Danish) <a href=\"http://jnci.oxfordjournals.org/content/98/23/1707.abstract\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://jnci.oxfordjournals.org/content/98/23/1707.abstract</a></li>\n<li>(Swedish) <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15746469\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15746469</a></li>\n<li>(US) <a href=\"http://www.cancer.gov/newscenter/newsfromnci/2012/GliomaCellPhoneUse\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.cancer.gov/newscenter/newsfromnci/2012/GliomaCellPhoneUse</a></li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>However, some countries are still uncertain about this, and have requested companies move their towers away from people by at least 100 meters.</p>\n\n<p>An Italian court even acknowledged a \"causal\" link:\n<a href=\"http://www.prlog.org/12004383-italian-supreme-court-rules-cell-phones-can-cause-cancer.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.prlog.org/12004383-italian-supreme-court-rules-cell-phones-can-cause-cancer.html</a>\nbut this has been deeply criticized by public health leaders in places like the US.</p>\n\n<p>For the most part, there hasn't been substantial evidence to say that the towers cause harm to humans more than 100 meters away. Particularly in the case of short-distance exposure, there hasn't been much data because many times base stations are not turned off during maintenance, but the power being sent through to the antennas is cut off, so that the workers do not have to work near live antennas, but a study over around 50 years of people exposed to Radio Frequency (RF) waves indicates no significant negative consequences. In the conclusion the author notes a well-worded disclaimer:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>The controversy about cell phones and cancer is likely to\n continue either until clear-cut evidence of a hazard is established or\n until the public (including politicians, businessmen, lawyers and\n journalists) concludes that there is little likelihood of a real and\n significant hazard. Perhaps the greatest contribution that scientists\n can make to this debate is to help educate the public (and other\n scientists) about the uncertain nature of risk assessment, and about the\n breadth of disciplines and rigor of analysis that must be brought to\n bear if high-quality risk assessment is to be accomplished.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>Comes from the following article (same one, two different links):\n<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10319725?dopt=AbstractPlus\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10319725?dopt=AbstractPlus</a>\n<a href=\"http://www.jstor.org/stable/3580028?origin=crossref&amp;seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.jstor.org/stable/3580028?origin=crossref&amp;seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents</a></p>\n\n<p>There have been studies done on animals with respect to RF exposure with possible consequences that you can read about on wikipedia:\n<a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_phone_radiation_and_health#cite_note-95\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_phone_radiation_and_health#cite_note-95</a></p>\n\n<p>but when we're talking about these levels of radiation, you would have to be extremely close for an extended period of time, which is why we haven't yet found results in humans. For the most part, we don't stay close enough to have measurable results and those who do take precautions and avoid long-term exposure.</p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/412", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/92/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 420, "author": "Shlublu", "author_id": 102, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/102", "pm_score": 3, "selected": false, "text": "<p>According to <a href=\"http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcsite.nsf/pages/bhc_aboutus?open\" rel=\"noreferrer\">The Better Health Channel</a> (independant of any business, funded by the State Government of Victoria, Australia), passive smokers are exposed to many health risks that include long-term effects.</p>\n<p>To make it short:</p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>Second-hand smoke is a danger to everyone, but children, pregnant women and the partners of people who smoke are most vulnerable. Passive smoking increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS or cot death), middle ear disease, asthma, respiratory illnesses, lung cancer and coronary heart disease.</p>\n<p>People who have never smoked who live with people who do smoke are at increased risk of a range of tobacco-related diseases, including lung cancer, heart disease and stroke.</p>\n</blockquote>\n<p>The full explanation (and list of risks depending on subjects) is available <a href=\"http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/passive_smoking\" rel=\"noreferrer\">here on the BHC website</a>.</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 443, "author": "kenorb", "author_id": 114, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/114", "pm_score": 4, "selected": true, "text": "<p><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passive_smoking\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Passive (or secondhand) smoking</a> can increase your risk of cancer and other health problems. Inhaled smoke is a mixture of smoke from the burning end of a cigarette or cigar and the smoke exhaled from the lungs of smokers. It is harmful and may cause a wide range of adverse health effects, particularly harmful for children.</p>\n\n<p>Studies show that non-smokers exposed to second-hand smoke are at risk for many of the health problems associated with direct smoking.</p>\n\n<p>Children who breathe in secondhand smoke have an increased risk of:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>cot death (sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS) – this is twice as likely in babies whose mothers smoke^{<a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sudden_infant_death_syndrome\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">wiki</a>, <a href=\"http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Sudden-infant-death-syndrome/Pages/Introduction.aspx\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">NHS</a>},</li>\n<li>lung infections^{<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10333302\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">1999</a>, <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12818898\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">2003</a>, <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14586058\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">2003</a>, <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15060193\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">2004</a>},</li>\n<li>impaired respiratory function and slowed lung growth^{<a href=\"http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/publications/factsheets/prevention/pdf/smoking.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">2007</a>},</li>\n<li>developing asthma – smoking can also trigger asthma attacks in children who already have the condition^{<a href=\"http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/asthma/Pages/Introduction.aspx\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">NHS</a>},</li>\n<li>allergies,</li>\n<li>Crohn's disease^{<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17206676\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">2007</a>},</li>\n<li>serious respiratory (breathing) conditions such as <a href=\"http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bronchitis/pages/introduction.aspx\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">bronchitis</a> and <a href=\"http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Pneumonia/Pages/Introduction.aspx\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">pneumonia</a> – younger children are also much more likely to be admitted to hospital for a serious respiratory infection,</li>\n<li><a href=\"http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis/pages/introduction.aspx\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">meningitis</a>,</li>\n<li><a href=\"http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cough/pages/introduction.aspx\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">coughs</a> and <a href=\"http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cold-common/pages/introduction.aspx\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">colds</a>,</li>\n<li><a href=\"http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Otitis-media/Pages/Introduction.aspx\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">a middle ear infection</a> (<a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Otitis_media\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">otitis media</a>), which can cause <a href=\"http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hearing-impairment/pages/introduction.aspx\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">hearing loss</a>^{<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18484936\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">2008</a>},</li>\n<li>learning difficulties, developmental delays, and neurobehavioral effects^{<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8619139\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">1996</a>, <a href=\"http://web.archive.org/web/20090327101820/http://www.iceh.org/pdfs/LDDI/LDDIStatement.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">2008</a>},</li>\n<li>an increase in tooth decay^{<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18672230\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">2008</a>}.</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>^{Source: <a href=\"http://www.nhs.uk/chq/pages/2289.aspx?categoryid=53\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Is passive smoking harmful?</a> at NHS and <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passive_smoking\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Wikipedia</a>}</p>\n\n<p>For adults this includes:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>cancer,\n\n<ul>\n<li>lung cancer,</li>\n<li>breast cancer,</li>\n<li>brain tumor,</li>\n</ul></li>\n<li>risk of ear infections,</li>\n<li>cardiovascular disease:\n\n<ul>\n<li>risk of heart disease,</li>\n<li>reduced heart rate variability,</li>\n<li>higher heart rate,</li>\n<li>increased risk of atherosclerosis^{<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19302752\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">2009</a>},</li>\n</ul></li>\n<li>respiratory disease such as lung problems and risk of asthma,</li>\n<li>cognitive impairment and dementia,</li>\n<li>during pregnancy can cause:\n\n<ul>\n<li>low birth weight,</li>\n<li>premature birth,</li>\n<li>damage to children's carotid arteries at birth and at age 5^{<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22201150\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">2012</a>},</li>\n<li>higher risks of delivering a child with congenital abnormalities, longer lengths, smaller head circumferences, and low birth weight^{<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20085532\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">2010</a>},</li>\n</ul></li>\n<li>skin disorders (such as Atopic dermatitis)^{<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3062947/\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">2011</a>},</li>\n<li>worsening of asthma, allergies, and other conditions^{<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15137524\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">2004</a>},</li>\n<li>increased risk of death^{<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1984876\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">1991</a>, <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1638735\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">1992</a>}.</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>In 2003, IARC and WHO reviewed all significant published evidence related to tobacco smoking and cancer and concluded:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>These meta-analyses show that there is a statistically significant and consistent association between lung cancer risk in spouses of smokers and exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke from the spouse who smokes. The excess risk is of the order of 20% for women and 30% for men and remains after controlling for some potential sources of bias and confounding.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>Other studies confirmed these findings, such as <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17267733\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">study from 2007</a> by American Journal of Public Health which claim^{<a href=\"http://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Monographs/vol83/index.php\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">2004</a>, <a href=\"http://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Monographs/vol83/mono83.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">PDF</a>}:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>A strong relationship was observed between lung cancer and duration of exposure to environmental tobacco smoke. The findings provide the strongest evidence to date that exposure to environmental tobacco smoke in the workplace is associated with <strong>an increased risk of lung cancer</strong>.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p><img src=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/vVC2m.png\" alt=\"Risks from Smoking\"></p>\n\n<p>^{Image credits: <a href=\"http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Risks_form_smoking-smoking_can_damage_every_part_of_the_body.png\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">CDC</a>}</p>\n\n<p>See also:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passive_smoking#Effects\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Passive smoking: Effects</a> at Wikipedia</li>\n<li><a href=\"https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/364/smoking-during-pregnancy\">Health effects of smoking during pregnancy</a></li>\n</ul>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/416", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/92/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 419, "author": "Nate Barbettini", "author_id": 59, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/59", "pm_score": 5, "selected": true, "text": "<p><strong>Tl;dr</strong> - More contagious at the beginning, much less at the end.</p>\n\n<p>The \"common cold\" (or upper respiratory infection) is associated with over 200 different viral types^{<a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_cold#Virology\">1</a>}, and many times more than one virus is present. Because of this, there's probably no <em>completely</em> specific answer to this question, but it can be answered generally.</p>\n\n<p>Rhinovirus-caused colds (which are a large majority of \"common\" colds) are typically contagious at the beginning, and are much less contagious after a few days^{<a href=\"http://cid.oxfordjournals.org/content/23/6/1287\">2</a>}. You are most at risk of transmitting the virus to someone else for the 4-5 days after being <em>exposed</em> yourself^{<a href=\"http://goaskalice.columbia.edu/when-are-colds-contagious\">3</a>} - not necessarily when symptoms appear.</p>\n\n<p>In other words, you can definitely be asymptomatic and still contagious. On the other hand, if you still feel symptoms after a week, the chances are much lower that you're actually still contagious.</p>\n\n<hr>\n\n<p>References:</p>\n\n<p>1: <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_cold#Virology\">Common Cold: Virology (wikipedia)</a></p>\n\n<p>2: <a href=\"http://cid.oxfordjournals.org/content/23/6/1287\">Incubation Periods of Experimental Rhinovirus Infection and Illness</a></p>\n\n<p>3: <a href=\"http://goaskalice.columbia.edu/when-are-colds-contagious\">When are colds contagious?</a></p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 458, "author": "kenorb", "author_id": 114, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/114", "pm_score": -1, "selected": false, "text": "<p>In general, a person first becomes contagious two to three days before their symptoms begin, and they remain contagious until all their symptoms have gone. So most people will be contagious for around two weeks.</p>\n\n<p>Symptoms include coughing, sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, and fever which usually resolve in seven to ten days, with some symptoms lasting up to three weeks as the body fights off the infection.</p>\n\n<p>Colds in younger children can last up to two weeks.</p>\n\n<p>You should see your GP if your symptoms persist for more than three weeks.</p>\n\n<p>Most colds get better on their own without treatment.</p>\n\n<p>Sources:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Cold-common/Pages/Introduction.aspx\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Cold, common</a> at NHS</li>\n<li><a href=\"http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Cold-common/Pages/Commoncoldinchildren.aspx\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Common cold in children</a> at NHS</li>\n<li><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_cold\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Common cold</a> at Wikipedia</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>See also:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https://health.stackexchange.com/q/452/114\">Effect of the common cold on the immune system</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"https://health.stackexchange.com/q/365/114\">How can I prevent a cold from spreading to the people around me?</a></li>\n</ul>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/417", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/121/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 422, "author": "anongoodnurse", "author_id": 169, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/169", "pm_score": 4, "selected": true, "text": "<p>Mostly it depends on the cause of the pneumonia. </p>\n\n<p>Pneumonia is the name for infection or inflammation of the lungs. It can be primary or secondary. A good example of the difference is pneumonia caused by the influenza virus.</p>\n\n<p>Influenza affects the lungs directly. That's a primary pneumonia, and yes, this is contagious, as the air one coughs out contains droplets carrying the virus. Pneumonia caused by viruses is more common in children and young adults (except for influenza, which affects all age groups), and is therefore contagious to people who have never been exposed to the virus - usually other children/young adults. In general, primary pneumonia tends to be more contagious, and besides viruses, it can be caused by mycoplasma and tuberculosis. These are contagious.</p>\n\n<p>The damage done by the influenza virus in the lungs leaves the person susceptible to attack by bacteria that would not normally gain a foothold in the lung. This is secondary pneumonia, and because <em>your</em> lungs are not damaged - and you already have the same bacteria in your mouth and throat as someone with secondary pneumonia but are not ill - you are much less likely to get sick from being exposed to bacterial pneumonia than from someone with viral pneumonia.</p>\n\n<p>Similarly, pneumonia is more common in smokers with damaged lungs, or in people with some degree of decreased immunocompetence. Alcohol, other drugs, and people with swallowing disorders can aspirate leading to pneumonia; surgery or chest injuries where deep breathing hurts can also lead to pneumonia. These pneumonias aren't likely to be contagious. Finally, some pneumonias are caused by exposure to chemicals. Since there's no infectious agent involved, you can't be affected.</p>\n\n<p>There are now vaccines against some of the bacterial pneumonias, so vaccines against influenza and others help.</p>\n\n<p>Since you might not know what kind of pneumonia someone has, practicing good hygiene is always a good idea.</p>\n\n<p>_{<a href=\"http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pneumonia/basics/definition/con-20020032\" rel=\"nofollow\">Pneumonia Mayo Clinic</a>}<br>\n_{<a href=\"http://www.aafp.org/afp/topicModules/viewTopicModule.htm?topicModuleId=22\" rel=\"nofollow\">Pneumonia</a>}</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 7319, "author": "Anita Cote", "author_id": 5140, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/5140", "pm_score": 1, "selected": false, "text": "<p>Pneumonia may be contagious if it is caused by an infectious microbe. But if pneumonia is caused by chemical fumes or other poisons, then it is not contagious.</p>\n\n<p>If treatment for pneumonia is administered early on, then the time pneumonia is contagious for is shorter. For example, a person with bacterial pneumonia will stop being contagious within two days of taking antibiotics. For other types of pneumonia – like the one that can cause tuberculosis – the treatment may have to be administered for at least two weeks before a person is no longer contagious.</p>\n\n<p>On the other hand, individuals with viral pneumonia are less contagious after symptoms have subsided. The key is to reduce your ability to contaminate others by utilizing proper hygiene and avoiding others as best as possible.</p>\n\n<p><strong>Bacterial pneumonia</strong> can be caused by different types of bacteria, including streptococcal pneumonia (most common in adults), chlamydophila pneumonia, and H. influenza type B pneumonia (most common in children).</p>\n\n<p>The common signs and symptoms of bacterial pneumonia include high fever, cough with phlegm, chills, chest pain when breathing or coughing, rapid breathing, shortness of breath, and loss of appetite.</p>\n\n<p>Bacterial pneumonia is very contagious, so beginning antibiotic treatment right away can reduce your contagiousness.</p>\n\n<p><strong>Viral pneumonia</strong> is caused by a virus and commonly affects children. Viral pneumonia may clear up within three weeks, but does increase the risk of bacterial pneumonia. Symptoms of viral pneumonia are similar to the flu with fever, aches, and cough. Symptoms may worsen within the first two days, then proceed to improve.</p>\n\n<p>Viral pneumonia is highly contagious and can actually spread quicker than bacterial or fungal pneumonia.</p>\n\n<p>There are three subtypes of <strong>fungal pneumonia</strong>: coccidioides, histoplasma, and cryptococcus. If a person with a weakened immune system inhales a fungus that’s how they can become sick. Symptoms include fever, dry cough, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Unlike other types, fungal pneumonia is not contagious, but symptoms may appear worse in those with weaker immune systems.</p>\n\n<p>Aspiration pneumonia occurs when a person inhales food or other objects into their lungs. Although not contagious, aspiration pneumonia can be life-threatening, so immediate medical attention is required.</p>\n\n<p><strong>Walking pneumonia</strong> is a milder form of pneumonia that presents symptoms similar to a cold. Those symptoms include low-grade fever, persistent dry cough, fatigue and tiredness, shortness of breath, chest pain, and loss of appetite. Walking pneumonia is less severe than full-blown pneumonia, yet it can still be transmitted through droplet infection. Steering clear of others can help reduce transmission, along with covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.</p>\n\n<p>Source: <a href=\"http://www.belmarrahealth.com/is-pneumonia-contagious-types-and-symptoms-of-pneumonia/\" rel=\"nofollow\">Is pneumonia contagious?</a></p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/418", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/121/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 448, "author": "Susan", "author_id": 165, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/165", "pm_score": 4, "selected": true, "text": "<p>Short answer: Yes. </p>\n\n<p><strong>Fused leaflets?</strong><br>\nThe condition you’re referring to is known as Congenital <a href=\"http://my.clevelandclinic.org/services/heart/disorders/valve/bicuspid_aortic_valve_disease\" rel=\"nofollow\">bicuspid aortic valve</a> (BAV). It is the most common congenital heart valve abnormality, present in 1-2% of live births. Normally there are three leaflets (a.k.a. cusps) comprising the aortic valve. BAV refers to the situation when there are only two cusps, a hemodynamically less favorable scenario. </p>\n\n<p>Although generally benign in itself, BAV has been associated with an increased risk of several serious complications. In particular, <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aortic_stenosis\" rel=\"nofollow\">aortic stenosis</a>, a condition in which the blood flow exiting the heart is limited by a narrowed valve, is more common in individuals with BAV and often occurs at a younger age. Aortic stenosis in BAV patients is also frequently accompanied by <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aortic_insufficiency\" rel=\"nofollow\">aortic insufficiency</a>, back flow through the valve. Both properties reflect the anatomic descriptor you give: <strong>ugly</strong>.</p>\n\n<p><strong>Is BAV hereditary?</strong><br>\nYes. This can be demonstrated by looking at familial clustering of the condition. <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9385911\" rel=\"nofollow\">In one study</a>, the researchers started with thirty patients diagnosed by echocardiography with congenital BAV.* All first-degree relatives were contacted, and 90% of them agreed to undergo echocardiography. Of those, 9% were found to have BAV. This is significantly higher than the baseline population risk (~1%). The distribution was compatible with an <a href=\"http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002049.htm\" rel=\"nofollow\">autosomal dominant</a> inheritance pattern with incomplete <a href=\"http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/glossary=penetrance\" rel=\"nofollow\">penetrance</a>.</p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15234422\" rel=\"nofollow\">A more recent study</a> used fancy math to determine the <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heritability\" rel=\"nofollow\">heritability</a> of BAV.** They found that 89% of the risk for BAV is due to heritable factors. </p>\n\n<hr>\n\n<p>_{\n*This paper is available in full for free and provides a nice review of the background (summarized here) as well as the findings I presented: \n} </p>\n\n<p>_{\nHuntington K, Hunter AG, Chan KL. <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9385911\" rel=\"nofollow\"><em>A prospective study to assess the frequency of familial clustering of congenital bicuspid aortic valve.</em></a> J Am Coll Cardiol. 1997 Dec;30(7):1809-12.\n} </p>\n\n<p>_{\n**Cripe L, Andelfinger G, Martin LJ, Shooner K, Benson DW. <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15234422\" rel=\"nofollow\"><em>Bicuspid aortic valve is heritable.</em></a> J Am Coll Cardiol. 2004 Jul 7;44(1):138-43.\n}</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 1559, "author": "rnso", "author_id": 1043, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/1043", "pm_score": 2, "selected": false, "text": "<p>I would just like to add one point. There are 3 important causes of aortic valve stenosis: congenitally bicuspid aortic valve, senile calcific aortic stenosis and rheumatic heart disease. In advanced stages of all 3 conditions, the morphology of aortic valve looks equally bad and it may difficult to ascertain the original pathology. Fusion of leaflets may occur in all 3 conditions. Senile degenerative aortic stenosis occurs mostly in the elderly, hence if the age of this patient is advanced, that is a very likely possibility and that condition is not familial or hereditary. Rheumatic heart disease is common in developing parts of the world and is most commonly associated with involvement of mitral valve also. Isolated aortic involvement is much less common in rheumatic heart disease. </p>\n\n<p>Not all patients with bicuspid aortic valve will progress to narrowing or regurgitation. Stenosis/regurgiation may occur after many years or may not occur at all. Also, milder degrees of valve dysfunction do not cause any symptoms and do not need surgery. </p>\n\n<p>Hope this helps.</p>\n\n<p>References:</p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196%2812%2961880-1/abstract?cc=y=\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196%2812%2961880-1/abstract?cc=y=</a></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/004681779390267K\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/004681779390267K</a></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/95/9/2262.short\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/95/9/2262.short</a></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/106/8/900.short\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/106/8/900.short</a></p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/425", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/53/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 438, "author": "JorgeArtware", "author_id": 174, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/174", "pm_score": 3, "selected": false, "text": "<p>Your question sounds like it generalizes about all sunscreen products. But not all sunscreen products are created equal.</p>\n\n<p>I understand your concern because according to <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25671455\">this report from the National Institute of Health</a></p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Recent reports about sunscreen safety have received widespread media\n attention</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>Media attention will lead to opinion based questions. So here's my recollection of opinions + facts: </p>\n\n<p>Remember that anything that damages your DNA has the potential to cause cancer, excess and misuse of sunscreen can cause cancer. </p>\n\n<p>After reading a bit from experts on the topic my non-expert recommendation would be:</p>\n\n<ol>\n<li>Use it in moderation. Use sunscreen only when you are going to be\nexposed directly to the sun for more than a few minutes on peak sun\nhours (10 am to 2 pm). Or if you are going to be exposed for several\nhours regardless of peak hours.</li>\n<li>Use it in the form of ointment/gel/liquid/unguent. Don't use sprays\nbecause you should never be breathing that stuff. Use it in the skin\nonly. Don't use it in sensible areas that could absorb it faster,\nlike areas where there are mucous tissue (eyes, mouth, genitals,\netc). You should never be eating that stuff.</li>\n<li>Use inorganic sunscreen because organic has a higher potential to\ncause allergies and/or disrupt your hormones.</li>\n</ol>\n\n<p>Disclaimer: My informed opinion is no substitute for professional advice. Consult your physician or GP.</p>\n\n<p><strong>References</strong> obtained from pubmed, and there's some expert's opinion you can read in the following article (it is <strong><em>not licensed under creative commons</em></strong> so that's why I paraphrased it), the article is also <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25671455\">directly referenced by the National Institute of Health</a> so I'd say is somewhat reliable:</p>\n\n<p>Direct link:<br>\n<a href=\"http://www.cutis.com/?id=27148&amp;tx_ttnews[tt_news]=372913&amp;cHash=2f78ef616315bff3cc04ef761a0611bd\">http://www.cutis.com/?id=27148&amp;tx_ttnews[tt_news]=372913&amp;cHash=2f78ef616315bff3cc04ef761a0611bd</a></p>\n\n<p>If the direct link doesn't work enter: </p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http://www.cutis.com/\">http://www.cutis.com/</a></li>\n<li>And search for \"sunscreens-causing-cancer-the-facts\"</li>\n</ul>\n" }, { "answer_id": 440, "author": "kenorb", "author_id": 114, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/114", "pm_score": 5, "selected": true, "text": "<p>The <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potential_health_risks_of_sunscreen\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">potential health risks of sunscreen</a> include:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>The absence of UVA filters combined with a longer exposure time of the sunscreen user^{<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7790106\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">1995</a>, <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16086753\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">2005</a>, <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17415716\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">2007</a>, <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18022535\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">2007</a>}.</li>\n<li>Suppression of the skin's production of melanin, a natural broad-spectrum photoprotectant^{<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7790106\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">1995</a>, <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15068035\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">2004</a>}.</li>\n<li>Skin penetration (free radical generation) by sunscreen chemicals^{<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8860435\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">1996</a>, <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9310609\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">1997</a>, <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17015167\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">2006</a>, <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17617675\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">2007</a>}.</li>\n<li><p>Cytotoxic and carcinogenic effects of nanoparticles (zinc oxide (ZnO) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) toxicity) ^{<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10564183\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">1999</a>}.</p>\n\n<p>However <a href=\"http://web.archive.org/web/20110422105411/http://www.tga.gov.au/npmeds/sunscreen-zotd.htm\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">TGA study from 2006</a> (<a href=\"http://web.archive.org/web/20110406145019/http://www.tga.gov.au///npmeds/sunscreen-zotd.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">PDF</a>) concluded:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>There is evidence from isolated cell experiments that zinc oxide and titanium dioxide can induce free radical formation in the presence of light and that this may damage these cells (photo-mutagenicity with zinc oxide). However, this would only be of concern in people using sunscreens if the zinc oxide and titanium dioxide penetrated into viable skin cells. The weight of current evidence is that they remain on the surface of the skin and in the outer dead layer (stratum corneum) of the skin.</p>\n</blockquote></li>\n<li><p>DNA damage causing skin cancer (carcinogenic effects of sunscreen ingredients related to vitamin A)^{<a href=\"http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/results/pubs/longterm/reports/longterm/tr500580/listedreports/tr568/index.html\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">2012</a>}. Read below.</p></li>\n<li><p>Vitamin D deficiency^{<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11920550\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">2002</a>, <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1495109/\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">2002</a>, <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17634462\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">2007</a>}.</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>The strong promotion of limiting sunlight exposure because of increased risk of skin cancer has resulted in the widespread use of sunscreens. Although sunscreens are very beneficial in reducing skin damage to excessive exposure to sunlight, they also can markedly reduce the photosynthesis of vitamin D3 in the skin.</p>\n \n <p><strong>When used properly a sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 8 reduces the skin's ability to produce vitamin D3 by 97.5%</strong>^{Holick 2002}.</p>\n</blockquote></li>\n<li><p><a href=\"http://www.ewg.org/research/cdc-americans-carry-body-burden-toxic-sunscreen-chemical\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Oxybenzone (benzophenone-3) toxicity concerns</a>.</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>The CDC study from 2008 reveals that 97% of Americans are contaminated with a widely-used sunscreen ingredient called oxybenzone that has been linked to allergies, hormone disruption, and cell damage.</p>\n \n <p>EWG research shows that 84% of 910 name-brand sunscreen products offer inadequate protection from the sun, or contain ingredients, like oxybenzone, with significant safety concerns. Although oxybenzone is most common in sunscreen, companies also use the chemical in at least >500 other personal care products.</p>\n \n <p>Chemical was detected in the urine of nearly every study participant. Typically, women and girls had higher levels of oxybenzone in their bodies than men and boys, likely a result of differences in use of body care products including sunscreens.</p>\n \n <p>A companion study released a day earlier revealed that mothers with high levels of oxybenzone in their bodies were more likely to give birth to underweight baby girls (Wolff 2008).</p>\n</blockquote></li>\n</ul>\n\n<h3>Retinyl palmitate (vitamin A palmitate) controversy</h3>\n\n<p>The <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Center_for_Toxicological_Research\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">FDA's NCTR</a> and <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Toxicology_Program\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">NTP</a> in 2009 posted on the NTP website data from FDA’s long-term photocarcinogenicity tests of retinyl palmitate on UV-exposed laboratory animals. In the studies, high doses of topical <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retinyl_palmitate\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">retinyl palmitate</a> (a form of vitamin A) were shown to accelerate cancer (skin tumors or lesions) in lab animals that grew significantly faster than mice treated with vitamin-free cream (NTP 2009).</p>\n\n<p><img src=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/dFPlUm.png\" alt=\"Low doses of Vitamin A (retinyl palmitate) significantly speed growth of skin tumors and lesions in lab animals - chart\"></p>\n\n<p>^{Source: EWG analysis of data from FDA photocarcinogenicity study of retinyl palmitate (NTP 2009). Percent decreases in time to development of a significant tumor or lesion (for animals exposed to cream laced with retinyl palmitate) are relative to that for animals exposed to cream free of the compound.}</p>\n\n<p>Scientists have known for some time that retinyl palmitate can spur excess skin growth (hyperplasia), and that in sunlight it can form free radicals that damage DNA (NTP 2000).</p>\n\n<p>Previous data were preliminary, however in 2011 the link between <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retinyl_palmitate\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">retinyl palmitate</a> (RP), sunlight and the increased risk of cancer has been confirmed by the National Toxicology Program after a year long <a href=\"http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/ntp/about_ntp/trpanel/2011/january/drafttr568.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">study on mice</a>.</p>\n\n<p>The <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_Working_Group\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">EWG</a> and and New York Senator Chuck Schumer have called attention to the fact that high doses of topical retinyl palmitate were shown to accelerate cancer in lab animals and <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_Working_Group\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">EWG</a> published the following <a href=\"http://www.ewg.org/news/news-releases/2011/01/26/nih-panel-links-vitamin-sunscreen-skin-tumors\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">statement</a> (which was scheduled for immediate release):</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>A key independent science advisory panel has voted to confirm federal researchers' conclusion that retinyl palmitate, a form of vitamin A found in two-fifths of U.S. sunscreens, speeds the development of skin tumors and lesions when applied to the skin in the presence of sunlight.</p>\n \n <p>\"A compound that causes skin damage and tumors on sun-exposed skin has no place in sunscreens or other daytime skin products,\" said Jane Houlihan, EWG senior vice president for research.</p>\n \n <p>More than 200 sunscreens from 44 companies listed vitamin A or retinyl palmitate on their labels in 2010, according to EWG's analysis of beach and sport sunscreens with SPF ratings of 15 or higher.</p>\n \n <p>In light of those findings, EWG recommends that manufacturers of cosmetics, sunscreens and other personal care products remove retinyl palmitate from all products to be used on sun-exposed skin and that consumers avoid buying products that contain this chemical.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>Despite of that <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potential_health_risks_of_sunscreen\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">sunscreen controversy</a>, another study from 2010 by JAAD determined that \"there is no convincing evidence to support the notion that [retinyl palmitate] in sunscreens is carcinogenic.\". Therefore EWG has since refuted this analysis directly^{<a href=\"http://www.ewg.org/research/what-scientists-say-about-vitamin-sunscreen\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">(2011)</a>}.</p>\n\n<p>A panel of independent scientists convened by the NTP in January 2011 unanimously <strong>confirmed the study’s conclusion that retinyl palmitate “enhanced the photocarcinogenic activity” of sunlight</strong> (NTP 2011).</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>The strong scientific consensus that has formed around the NTP-FDA vitamin A study has afforded the FDA an exceptional opportunity to take a bold public health stand on a cosmetic ingredient that has proven harmful in multiple studies^{<a href=\"http://www.ewg.org/research/what-scientists-say-about-vitamin-sunscreen\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">(2011)</a>}.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>Since then the FDA has set a minimum performance standard for sunscreens that use the term “broad spectrum” to denote that they provide a measure of protection from ultraviolet-A rays.</p>\n\n<p>The most recent government scientific study from August 2012 by NTP has demonstrated that <strong>retinyl palmitate speeds photo-carcinogenic effects on test animals</strong> and concluded that diisopropyl adipate increased incidence of skin tumors in mice, and the addition of either retinoic acid or retinyl palmitate both exacerbated the rate and frequency of tumors^{<a href=\"http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/results/pubs/longterm/reports/longterm/tr500580/listedreports/tr568/index.html\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">(2012)</a>,<a href=\"http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/ntp/htdocs/lt_rpts/tr568_508.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">(PDF)</a>}. The study (Photococarcinogenesis Study Of Retinoic Acid And Retinyl Palmitate) was conducted at a federal research center co-hosted by the FDA and NTP, found that mice treated with <strong>small doses of retinyl palmitate and ultraviolet light developed skin tumors faster than untreated</strong>, light-exposed mice or those treated only with a control cream. There were <strong>more numerous tumors on every animal treated with retinyl palmitate</strong>.</p>\n\n<p>And the conclusion was:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Under the conditions of these studies, the topical treatment of SKH-1 mice with the control cream resulted in earlier onsets of in-life skin lesions and higher incidences and multiplicities of in-life skin lesions, when compared to untreated controls, in the absence and presence of SSL.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p><img src=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/RMiHv.png\" alt=\"Retinyl palmitate and light cause animals to develop skin tumors faster - chart - NTP\"></p>\n\n<p>^{This graphic presents skin tumor onset data for female and male mice exposed to the amount of UV light equivalent to 30 percent of the UV dose that causes sunburn in people. The bottom axis indicates weeks of retinyl palmitate + light treatment. (NTP 2010).}</p>\n\n<p>The sunscreen industry and its paid consultants have rejected the NTP findings.</p>\n\n<p>Whether RP in sunscreens is carcinogenic is a controversial issue for the cosmetics industry and FDA is reviewing data from several studies since July 2009. Nearly 33 years after it began considering regulation of sunscreen products, the FDA has yet to review or certify the safety of chemicals formulated into sunscreen products.</p>\n\n<p>EWG supports FDA’s proposal for further testing to determine the potential phototoxicity and/or photocarcinogenicity of diisopropyl adipate. However, more tests are likely to take some years with detailed toxicity testing with action to remove harmful ingredients from body care products. And until the government takes decisive action, consumers can have no confidence that the regulatory system for sunscreens and cosmetics is screening out suspect ingredients.</p>\n\n<p>See also:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http://www.ewg.org/research/what-scientists-say-about-vitamin-sunscreen\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">What scientists say about Vitamin A in sunscreen</a> at EWG</li>\n<li><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potential_health_risks_of_sunscreen\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Potential health risks of sunscreen</a> at Wikipedia</li>\n<li><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retinyl_palmitate\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Retinyl palmitate (vitamin A palmitate)</a> at Wikipedia</li>\n<li><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunscreen#Potential_risks\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Sunscreen: Potential risks</a> at Wikipedia</li>\n<li><a href=\"https://skeptics.stackexchange.com/questions/12411/does-sun-screen-cause-cancer\">Does sun screen cause cancer?</a> at Skeptics SE</li>\n<li><a href=\"https://skeptics.stackexchange.com/questions/7962/is-there-a-health-risk-from-nanoparticles-in-sunscreens\">Is there a health risk from nanoparticles in sunscreens?</a> at Skeptics SE</li>\n<li>2010: <a href=\"http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/health/link-ingredient-sunscreen-skin-cancer-schumer-article-1.179345\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Possible link between ingredient in sunscreen and skin cancer: Schumer</a> at NY Daily</li>\n<li>2010 article: <a href=\"https://www.truthinaging.com/review/retinyl-palmitate-sunscreen-and-skin-safety\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Retinyl palmitate sunscreen and skin safety</a></li>\n<li>2011 article: <a href=\"https://www.truthinaging.com/review/new-study-links-retinyl-palmitate-to-cancer\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">New study links retinyl palmitate to cancer</a></li>\n</ul>\n" }, { "answer_id": 488, "author": "Tom Medley", "author_id": 200, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/200", "pm_score": 3, "selected": false, "text": "<h1>Wearing sunscreen while out in the sun cuts your risk of skin cancer.</h1>\n<p>As others have pointed out, there are some potential risks associated with wearing sun screen. However, if you are out in the sun, these risks are <em>far</em> outweighed by the risk of UV exposure.</p>\n<p><a href=\"https://skeptics.stackexchange.com/a/14269\">This Skeptics.SE answer</a> has a very comprehensive overview of the facts, in particular citing a recent <a href=\"http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1600-0781.2011.00557.x/full\" rel=\"noreferrer\">critical review</a> that assessed <em>all</em> studies related to sun screen to date. This was the conclusion:</p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>Given sunscreens prevent Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and sunburn (although this study claims it is inconclusive in preventing melanomas and and basal cell carcinoma (BCC)), their use seems justified despite the fears.</p>\n</blockquote>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/435", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/92/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 441, "author": "kenorb", "author_id": 114, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/114", "pm_score": 4, "selected": true, "text": "<p>GM food topic is controversial and it's subject of protests, vandalism, referenda, legislation, court action and scientific disputes and this involve consumers, biotechnology companies, governmental regulators, non-governmental organizations and scientists.</p>\n\n<p>The main concerns about GM (genetic modified) <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetically_modified_food\" rel=\"nofollow\">food</a> and <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetically_modified_crops\" rel=\"nofollow\">crops</a> is whether they have any negative effects on our health and the environment. And before implementation of these new GM strategies, we should take a full risk assessment which is necessary to understand the possible impacts.</p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transgenesis\" rel=\"nofollow\">Transgenesis</a> of food organisms is likely to grow further and used in the world food supply.</p>\n\n<p>Genetic engineering and breeding has aim of building plants that are superior (\"superweeds\" and \"superbugs\") which holds great promise.</p>\n\n<p>GM crops (such as corn, soybean, rapeseed and cotton) already been produced a range of GM characters such as:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>resistance to certain viral pathogens (cucumber mosaic virus), insect, pests, diseases (citrus greening disease) or environmental conditions,</li>\n<li>reduction of spoilage,</li>\n<li>resistance to chemical treatments (e.g. herbicide),</li>\n<li>enhancing yields or improved nutritional value,</li>\n<li>modification of enzymes involved in bioprocessing^{2006, 2007},</li>\n<li>altering oil content,</li>\n<li>tomato - delayed fruit ripening,</li>\n<li>alfalfa - aimed at the reduction of lignin content^{<a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfalfa#Genetically_modified_alfalfa\" rel=\"nofollow\">wiki</a>},</li>\n<li>and many more</li>\n</ul>\n\n<h3>Health concerns</h3>\n\n<p>However some health groups claim that there is potential long-term impact on human health have not been adequately assessed^{<a href=\"http://www.argenbio.org/adc/uploads/pdf/bma.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow\">2004</a>,<a href=\"http://www.phaa.net.au/documents/policy/GMFood.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow\">2007</a>}, however the broad scientific consensus is that food on the market derived from GM crops poses no greater risk than conventional food^{<a href=\"http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306919210000254\" rel=\"nofollow\">2010</a>, <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3120150/\" rel=\"nofollow\">2011</a>, <a href=\"http://www.aaas.org/news/aaas-board-directors-legally-mandating-gm-food-labels-could-%E2%80%9Cmislead-and-falsely-alarm\" rel=\"nofollow\">2012</a>}.</p>\n\n<p>In general those who create genetically engineered seeds argue the seeds are safe and critics say that FDA has relied on studies the industry paid for in comparison with overseas studies which show increasing signs of concern (e.g. increasing the size of organs in mice).</p>\n\n<p>The main concerns raised by <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Medical_Association\" rel=\"nofollow\">BMA</a> (<a href=\"http://www.argenbio.org/adc/uploads/pdf/bma.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow\">PDF</a>) in 2004 are:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><p>Allergens.</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><p>Possible effects of GM foods on allergic responses.</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>It\n remains possible that any new food products could elicit new allergies.</p>\n \n <p>There is evidence that the food matrix can affect the release of other\n nutrients during digestion and it seems likely that it can also influence the release and digestion of\n allergens in the digestive tract.</p>\n \n <p>With regard to sensitisation it is still not known whether other\n components in the food matrix can have an adjuvant effect on the development of IgE responses in\n susceptible individuals.</p>\n \n <p>The concerns are that they may contain allergenic substances due to introduction of new genes into crops^{<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12746139\" rel=\"nofollow\">2003</a>}.</p>\n</blockquote></li>\n</ul></li>\n<li><p>Nutritional status^{<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12746139\" rel=\"nofollow\">2003</a>}.</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>It is possible that GM technology could lead to unpredicted harmful\n changes in the nutritional status of foods^{MRC 2000}.</p>\n \n <p>GM foods could conceivably have different effects on those of poor nutritional status and/or those belonging to ‘vulnerable groups’ (notably the foetus, infants, children, pregnant and lactating women, the elderly and those with chronic disease) when compared with healthy individuals.</p>\n</blockquote></li>\n<li><p>Genetic transfer.</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><p>The fate of GM plant DNA in the digestive system.</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>While gene transfer has been observed in the gastrointestinal tract of some mammals ^{<a href=\"http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.3109/08910609109140149\" rel=\"nofollow\">1991</a>, <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8111532\" rel=\"nofollow\">1993</a>} and birds ^{<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC91691/\" rel=\"nofollow\">1999</a>} there is still great uncertainty as to the extent and the consequences of this transfer ^{<a href=\"http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg17523530.400-does-it-matter-if-genes-can-jump-from-gm-food-to-bugs-in-human-gut.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">2002</a>}.</p>\n</blockquote></li>\n<li><p>Potential effects on human health resulting from the use of viral DNA in plants.</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Plant viral DNA sequences are commonly used in the construction of the genes inserted into GM plants.</p>\n \n <p>The concern is that genetic engineering often involves the use of antibiotic-resistance genes as \"selectable markers\" and this could lead to production of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains that are resistant to available antibiotics. This would create a serious public health problem.^{<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12746139\" rel=\"nofollow\">2003</a>}</p>\n</blockquote></li>\n</ul></li>\n<li><p>Environmental impact.</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Recent UK Farm Scale Evaluations of GM herbicide-tolerant\n crops (GMHT)^{<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1693271/\" rel=\"nofollow\">2003</a>} indicate that if GMHT beet and spring oilseed rape were introduced and managed as they were in the trial, a significant reduction would be expected in weed biomass and weed seed return. This would result in fewer nectar resources for pollinators and fewer weed seed resources for granivorous birds.</p>\n \n <p>Canadian farmers found that their fields filled with stray GM crop plants known as ‘volunteers’. These were resistant, not only to the substance against which the main crop was engineered, but to the other two herbicides used as well.^{<a href=\"http://www.economist.com/node/975762\" rel=\"nofollow\">2002</a>} </p>\n \n <p>The potential impact of GM crops on the environment and biological diversity is the issue that has given rise to most concern and it remains in doubt^{<a href=\"http://tna.europarchive.org/20120605160537/http://www.food.gov.uk/gmdebate/?view=GM%20Microsite\" rel=\"nofollow\">2003</a>}.</p>\n</blockquote></li>\n<li><p>Experimental design.</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Research into the possible health effects of GM foods in this country has been limited to date by the lack of firm hypotheses regarding such effects, difficulties of defining individual consumption, and the generally low levels of consumption of GM foods.</p>\n</blockquote></li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Some other groups such as Greenpeace and WWF have concerns that risks of GM food have not been adequately identified and managed.</p>\n\n<p>One cellular biologist, David Williams, says that anyone in this field knows that genome is not a static environment and can be transformed by several different means, and it can happen generations later which can result in potentially toxic plants slipping through testing^{<a href=\"http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-truth-about-genetically-modified-food/\" rel=\"nofollow\">D. Williams</a>}.</p>\n\n<p>Some other studies indicated that there may be specific health risks associated with consumption of GM foods, such as:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><p><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16119037\" rel=\"nofollow\">The 2005 study by Allergy Asthma Proc.</a> toward assessing the allergenic potential of GMO food.</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>The skin test results of 49 patients showed 13 positive results to wild soybeans and 8 positive results to GMO soybeans. One patient had a positive skin test result to GMO soybeans only.</p>\n</blockquote></li>\n<li><p><a href=\"http://gmopundit.blogspot.co.uk/2008/11/full-report-of-austrian-study-on-gm.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">The 2008 study of biological effects of transgenic maize NK603xMON810 fed in long term reproduction studies in mice.</a></p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>The RACB trial showed time related negative reproductive effects of the GM maize under the given experimental conditions. The outcome of this study suggests that future studies on the safety of GM feed and food should include reproduction studies.</p>\n</blockquote></li>\n<li><p>Study in 2007 &amp; 2009 found that <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MON_810\" rel=\"nofollow\">MON810’s transgene structure in GM maize</a> used around the world caused liver, kidney, and heart damage in rats, however EFSA reviewed and concluded that the differences observed were within a normal range for control rats and deemed the statistical methods used inappropriate.</p></li>\n</ul>\n\n<hr>\n\n<h3>Other concerns</h3>\n\n<p>People questioning this new technology and activists around the world demonstrate to express their concerns while food industries trying to push this technology forward.</p>\n\n<p>There are common claims from opponents that consumption of GM can cause cancer or birth defects, however there currently is no evidence to support this claim.</p>\n\n<p>Currently labeling of GMO products in the marketplace is required over 60 countries^{<a href=\"http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/news/politics/2014/04/27/gmo-labeling-came-pass-vermont/8166519/\" rel=\"nofollow\">2014</a>}, the US does not require this.</p>\n\n<hr>\n\n<h3>Conclusion</h3>\n\n<p>Based on above, many unanswered questions remain, especially with potential long-term impact of GM foods on animal and human health and the environment and it currently. The GM foods are very complex and currently there is a lack of evidence-based research with regard to medium/long-effects on health and it remains as a matter of great public concern. Further research is required on how best to carry the experiments (modern profiling techniques and define the 'normal' compositions of conventional plants), risk assessments and surveillance studies with respect to GM crops and foods.</p>\n\n<p>The Royal Society in their <a href=\"https://royalsociety.org/~/media/royal_society_content/policy/publications/2002/9960.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow\">2002 report</a> saying there is at present no evidence that GM foods cause allergic reactions, use of\nspecific viral DNA sequences in GM plants are negligible and conclude that consumption poses no significant risk to human health, and that ingestion of GM DNA has no effect.</p>\n\n<p>Study from <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12746139\" rel=\"nofollow\">2003 by J Toxicol Environ Health</a> summarise it:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>The review of available literature indicates that the genetically modified crops available in the market that are intended for human consumption are generally safe; their consumption is not associated with serious health problems. However, because of potential for exposure of a large segment of human population to genetically modified foods, more research is needed to ensure that the genetically modified foods are safe for human consumption.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>Currently the broad scientific consensus states that food on the market derived from GM crops poses no greater risk to human health than conventional food^{<a href=\"http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306919210000254\" rel=\"nofollow\">2010</a>, <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21546547\" rel=\"nofollow\">2011</a>, <a href=\"http://www.aaas.org/news/aaas-board-directors-legally-mandating-gm-food-labels-could-%E2%80%9Cmislead-and-falsely-alarm\" rel=\"nofollow\">2012</a>}.</p>\n\n<hr>\n\n<p>Further readings:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><p>Wikipedia</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetically_modified_food\" rel=\"nofollow\">Genetically modified food</a> (GM food)</li>\n<li><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetically_modified_crops\" rel=\"nofollow\">Genetically modified crops</a> (GMOs, biotech crops, transgenic plants)</li>\n<li><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetically_modified_organism\" rel=\"nofollow\">Genetically modified organism</a> (GMO)</li>\n<li><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetically_modified_food_controversies\" rel=\"nofollow\">Genetically modified food controversies</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetic_engineering\" rel=\"nofollow\">Genetic engineering</a> (<a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transgenesis\" rel=\"nofollow\">Transgenesis</a>, <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cisgenesis\" rel=\"nofollow\">Cisgenesis</a>, Subgenic)</li>\n<li><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plant_breeding#Genetic_modification\" rel=\"nofollow\">Plant breeding: Genetic modification</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detection_of_genetically_modified_organisms\" rel=\"nofollow\">Detection of genetically modified organisms</a></li>\n<li><p><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Genetically_modified_organisms_in_agriculture\" rel=\"nofollow\">GM organisms in agriculture</a>:</p></li>\n<li><p><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetically_modified_soybean\" rel=\"nofollow\">GM soybean</a> (controversies: safety),</p></li>\n<li><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetically_modified_tomato\" rel=\"nofollow\">GM tomato</a>,</li>\n<li><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetically_modified_wheat\" rel=\"nofollow\">GM wheat</a> (controversies: safety, ecological, intellectual property law, contamination of the non-GM, etc.),</li>\n<li><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetically_modified_rice\" rel=\"nofollow\">GM rice</a> (controversies: safety, should be labeled, intellectual property, contamination of the non-GM, etc.)</li>\n<li><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfalfa#Genetically_modified_alfalfa\" rel=\"nofollow\">GM alfalfa</a> (and legal issues in the UK),\n\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Growers can spray fields of Roundup Ready alfalfa with the glyphosate herbicide and kill the weeds without harming the alfalfa crop.</li>\n <li><p><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AquAdvantage_salmon\" rel=\"nofollow\">AquAdvantage salmon</a> (trade name for GM Atlantic salmon)</p></p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>Concerns: survival, rate of growth, smoltification, allergenicity, muscle fibers, lack of fertilization, swimming capabilities, decreased sperm velocity</p></li>\n<li><p><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetically_modified_canola\" rel=\"nofollow\">GM canola</a></p></li>\n<li><a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetically_modified_maize\" rel=\"nofollow\">GM maize</a> (Effects on nontarget insects, Gene flow, corn recalls)</li>\n</ul></li>\n<li><p><a href=\"http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-truth-about-genetically-modified-food/\" rel=\"nofollow\">The Truth about Genetically Modified Food</a> at Scientific American</p></li>\n<li><p><a href=\"http://www.innerself.com/Health/frankenfood.htm\" rel=\"nofollow\">Are You Eating Frankenfood?</a> article by Martin Teitel, Ph.D.\nand Kimberly A. Wilson</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Results coming in from the first objective tests are not encouraging. Scientists issue cautionary statements almost weekly, ranging from problems with monarch butterflies dying from genetically modified corn pollen to the danger of violent allergic reactions to genes introduced into soy products, as well as experiments showing a variety of actual and suspected health problems for cows fed genetically engineered hormones and the humans who drink their milk. And this doesn't even consider slow-acting problems that might not show up for years or decades. Who decided this was an acceptable risk?</p>\n</blockquote></li>\n</ul>\n" }, { "answer_id": 453, "author": "Community", "author_id": -1, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/-1", "pm_score": 4, "selected": false, "text": "<p><a href=\"http://www.who.int/foodsafety/areas_work/food-technology/faq-genetically-modified-food/en/\">The WHO considers the genetically modified food currently on the market to be safe</a></p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p><strong>8. Are GM foods safe?</strong></p>\n \n <p>Different GM organisms include different genes inserted in different\n ways. This means that individual GM foods and their safety should be\n assessed on a case-by-case basis and that it is not possible to make\n general statements on the safety of all GM foods.</p>\n \n <p>GM foods currently available on the international market have passed\n safety assessments and are not likely to present risks for human\n health. In addition, no effects on human health have been shown as a\n result of the consumption of such foods by the general population in\n the countries where they have been approved. Continuous application of\n safety assessments based on the Codex Alimentarius principles and,\n where appropriate, adequate post market monitoring, should form the\n basis for ensuring the safety of GM foods.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodScienceResearch/Biotechnology/ucm346030.htm\">The FDA also considers them safe</a></p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p><strong>3. Are foods from genetically engineered plants safe?</strong></p>\n \n <p>Foods from genetically engineered plants must meet the same\n requirements, including safety requirements, as foods from\n traditionally bred plants. FDA has a consultation process that\n encourages developers of genetically engineered plants to consult with\n FDA before marketing their products. This process helps developers\n determine the necessary steps to ensure their food products are safe\n and lawful. The goal of the consultation process is to ensure that any\n safety or other regulatory issues related to a food product are\n resolved before commercial distribution. Foods from genetically\n engineered plants intended to be grown in the United States that have\n been evaluated by FDA through the consultation process have not gone\n on the market until the FDA’s questions about the safety of such\n products have been resolved.</p>\n \n <p><strong>8. Are foods from genetically engineered plants more likely to (1) cause an allergic reaction or (2) be toxic?</strong></p>\n \n <p>The foods we have evaluated through the consultation process have not\n been more likely to cause an allergic or toxic reaction than foods\n from traditionally bred plants. When new genetic traits are introduced\n into plants, the developer evaluates whether any new material could be\n (1) allergenic or (2) toxic if consumed in foods made from the\n genetically engineered plants or from ingredients derived from these\n plants.</p>\n \n <p><strong>10. Are there long-term health effects of foods from genetically engineered plants?</strong></p>\n \n <p>When evaluating the safety of food from genetically engineered plants,\n scientists with experience in assessing the long-term safety of food\n and food ingredients consider several factors, such as information\n about the long-term safety of the food from traditionally bred crops\n in combination with information on the food safety of the newly\n introduced traits. Foods from genetically engineered plants that have\n been evaluated by FDA through the consultation process have not gone\n on the market until the FDA’s questions about the safety of such\n products have been resolved.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.aaas.org/sites/default/files/AAAS_GM_statement.pdf\">The AAAS also declared that eating Genetically modified food is safe</a>:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>The World Health Organization, the American Medical Association, the\n U.S. National Academy of Sciences, the British Royal Society, and\n every other respected organization that has examined the evidence has\n come to the same conclusion: consuming foods containing ingredients\n derived from GM crops is no riskier than consuming the same foods\n containing ingredients from crop plants modified by conventional plant\n improvement techniques.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>There is a broad scientific consensus that the genetically modified crops on the market are safe. There is also quite rigorous testing of any new GM crop before they are approved.</p>\n\n<p>There are real concerns like allergies, as genetically modified organisms typically add a protein that wasn't present before in those organisms. Any protein can potentially be allergenic, because of this the allergenicity is tested before the modified crop is approved.</p>\n\n<p>There are a few studies that showed negative effects of GMOs on rats, but most of them were from a single research group lead by Gilles-Éric Séralini and have been widely criticized (<a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C3%A9ralini_affair\">summary of the Séralini results and the criticism on Wikipedia</a>, <a href=\"https://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/the-seralini-gmo-study-retraction-and-response-to-critics/\">Blog post on Science Based Medicine</a>). <a href=\"http://www.elsevier.com/about/press-releases/research-and-journals/elsevier-announces-article-retraction-from-journal-food-and-chemical-toxicology\">The 2012 study from Séralini was also retracted by the publisher</a> and they stated that no conclusions could be reached from the experiments, mostly because the sample size was too small.</p>\n\n<p>There is a vast consensus among scientists and regulatory agencies that genetically modified food is safe. </p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/436", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/92/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 897, "author": "azam", "author_id": 747, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/747", "pm_score": -1, "selected": false, "text": "<p>When you get infected your immune system gets damaged a little because it is already being engaged in fighting the existing disease. Its priority will be to fight the disease completely but not maintain a good level.</p>\n\n<p>So, a little extra amount of work is required to increase the optimum immunity level in your body. That is why people say, you need to be safe from falling prone to attract new diseases when already infected (like don't have cool drinks etc).</p>\n\n<p>Keeping immunity levels to the peak <strong>always</strong> is the best advice and it has to be done constantly not only being conscious when you're affected.</p>\n\n<p>Apart from only having foods which have positive effects on immunity e.g. essential Vitamins like C, A, D etc. our daily lifestyle also matters a lot.</p>\n\n<p>Anyways to answer your specific question, \"what to do when you're ill?\", WebMD has drafted a good article and check list which has to be made sure we follow always. \"<a href=\"http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/10-immune-system-busters-boosters\" rel=\"nofollow\">6 Immune System Busters &amp; Boosters</a>\"</p>\n\n<p>To summarize,</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n<pre><code>1. You're short on sleep.\n2. You don't exercise.\n3. Your diet is off.\n4. You're always stressed.\n5. You're too isolated.\n6. You've lost your sense of humor.\n</code></pre>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>Cutting down each one of the culprits should help. Please follow the link for more details.</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 5048, "author": "Atl LED", "author_id": 601, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/601", "pm_score": 4, "selected": true, "text": "<p>I've written on this subject a few times, but the most <a href=\"https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/4456/in-a-viral-infection-which-symptoms-are-caused-by-the-virus-itself-and-which-s/4528#4528\">relevant question</a> ended up being closed, and the other is on <a href=\"https://biology.stackexchange.com/questions/21507/why-dont-we-develop-immunity-against-common-cold/21802#21802\">Bio.SE</a>, so I will mostly focus on tailoring the information there to the specifics of this question.</p>\n\n<p>If you look at ether of my previous answers, you will note the first thing we need to establish is what is causing the common cold. From the body of evidence coming from the <a href=\"http://www.hindawi.com/journals/jrm/2014/469393/\" rel=\"noreferrer\">US</a> and <a href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22321179\" rel=\"noreferrer\">China</a> I believe the answer to that is <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhinovirus\" rel=\"noreferrer\">HRV</a> followed by <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_respiratory_syncytial_virus\" rel=\"noreferrer\">RSV</a>.</p>\n\n<p>Your immune system is actually <a href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26557722\" rel=\"noreferrer\">directly attacked</a> by two of the proteins RSV makes when it infects cells (NS1 and NS2). This knowledge is actually linked to a pretty cool <a href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25249281\" rel=\"noreferrer\">vaccine idea</a> for RSV. Thus I think it quite appropriate to think that active RSV infections weaken your immune system.</p>\n\n<p>Looking at the very good epidemiology data coming from China (<a href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3750056/\" rel=\"noreferrer\">here's another example</a> in addition to the first), it seems that the rate of co-infection, that is something else besides these two viruses infecting the patient, is quite high, particularity with RSV. This would imply that other pathogens take advantaged of a \"weakened\" immune system in an RSV infection.</p>\n\n<p>It's less clear with HRV, but that might just be because of how amazingly common HRV infections are. It <a href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23806456\" rel=\"noreferrer\">seems</a> as though HRV induces a good <a href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24767874\" rel=\"noreferrer\">immune response</a>, in <a href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26122508\" rel=\"noreferrer\">healthy patients</a>, but it was still commonly found with other pathogens present (though not in rates as high as RSV). There is not a clear mechanism for HRV if it is in fact weakening the immune system (which actually might be better described as a \"distracted\" immune system in this case).</p>\n\n<p>As for what you can do? Not a whole lot once symptoms show up. Contrary to whatever ads you may see, even some <a href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10543583\" rel=\"noreferrer\">poor un-blinded trials</a>, taking vitamin C is <a href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25010554\" rel=\"noreferrer\">not going to help</a> after you <a href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23440782\" rel=\"noreferrer\">already have the cold</a>. Even the <a href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17636648\" rel=\"noreferrer\">prophylactic benefit</a> seems to only be in certain cases, and I want to strongly discourage megadosing vitamin C, which in most cases does nothing helpful (and can <a href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7008359\" rel=\"noreferrer\">cause problems</a> of it's own).</p>\n\n<p>Staying hydrated is always a good option, as is washing your hands and coughing/sneezing into your elbow to prevent infecting others. Other than that, you can hope for any of the vaccine candidates currently be researched to actually work, or that one of the small molecule inhibitors (anti-viral drugs) to actually be safe.</p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/452", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/92/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 460, "author": "kenorb", "author_id": 114, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/114", "pm_score": 4, "selected": false, "text": "<p>Heat in a microwave oven is generated by the rotation of water molecules by bombarding them with electromagnetic radiation in the microwave spectrum (non-ionizing electromagnetic waves between common radio waves and infrared frequencies) causing polarized molecules in the food to rotate or collide and subsequently thermal energy is built up (<a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dielectric_heating\">dielectric heating</a>).</p>\n\n<h3>Heat-sensitive vitamins and nutrients</h3>\n\n<p>One 1998 study shown that microwaving food can lead to faster breakdown of vitamin B₁₂^{<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10554220\">1998</a>}. This is because microwaved food can get locally hotter than the boiling point of water (100°C/212°F).</p>\n\n<p>Another <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17979232\">study from 2007 by J. Agric. Food Chem.</a> show a general decrease in the levels of all the studied compounds except for mineral nutrients which were stable under all cooking conditions:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Vitamin C showed the greatest losses mainly because of degradation and leaching, whereas losses for phenolic compounds and glucosinolates were mainly due to leaching into water. In general, the longest microwave cooking time and the higher volume of cooking water should be avoided to minimize losses of nutrients.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>So it seems that the most heat-sensitive nutrients such as folic acid, vitamins B and C (mainly water-soluble vitamins)are the most affected when microwaving food.</p>\n\n<h3>Broccoli</h3>\n\n<p>One study published in The Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture in 2003 found that microwave cooking destroyed more flavonoids than other methods. When steamed or cooked without water, the broccoli retained most of its nutrients and antioxidants.</p>\n\n<p>Loss of flavonoids in Broccoli Study:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>Microwaved: 97%</li>\n<li>Boiled :66%</li>\n<li>Pressure Cooked: 47%</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>According to Dr Cristina García-Viguera, leader of the study:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>During microwave heating they leach into the cooking water, removing their nutritional benefits from the foodstuff.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>However other studies didn't show a high loss of nutrients with microwave cooking, in fact two studies indicate that microwave cooking helps retain flavonoids better than other methods.</p>\n\n<p>^{Source: <a href=\"http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art52758.asp\">Healthy Microwave Cooking of Vegetables</a>}</p>\n\n<h3>Tomatoes</h3>\n\n<p>Loss of flavonoids from Tomatoes:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>Microwaved 65%</li>\n<li>Boiled 82%</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>^{Source: <a href=\"http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art52758.asp\">Healthy Microwave Cooking of Vegetables</a>}</p>\n\n<h3>Potatoes</h3>\n\n<p>Loss of flavonoids from Potatoes:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>Microwaved 45%</li>\n<li>Boiled 60%</li>\n<li>Baked 100%\n^{Source: <a href=\"http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art52758.asp\">Healthy Microwave Cooking of Vegetables</a>}</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>To minimize phenolic losses in potatoes, microwaving should be done at 500W^{<a href=\"http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0023643808000509\">2008</a>}.</p>\n\n<h3>Spinach</h3>\n\n<p>Study at Cornell University showed that spinach retains nearly all its folate when cooked in a microwave^{<a href=\"http://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/17/health/17real.html\">NYT</a>}.</p>\n\n<h3>Bacon</h3>\n\n<p>Study at Cornell University found that bacon cooked by microwave has significantly lower levels of cancer-causing nitrosamines than conventionally cooked bacon^{<a href=\"http://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/17/health/17real.html\">NYT</a>}.</p>\n\n<h3>Acrylamide health risks</h3>\n\n<p>Acrylamide is considered a potential occupational carcinogen by U.S. government agencies^{<a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acrylamide\">wiki</a>} and it can be found in starchy foods, such as potato chips/crisps, French fries and bread that had been heated higher than 120°C (248°F)^{<a href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12166997\">2002</a>}. Acrylamide levels appear to rise as food is heated for longer periods of time.</p>\n\n<p>Unlike frying and baking, based on FDA studies^{<a href=\"http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodborneIllnessContaminants/ChemicalContaminants/ucm151000.htm\">2008</a>}, microwaving whole potatoes with skin on to make “microwaved baked potatoes” does not produce acrylamide, although unlike deep-frying, it has limited effectiveness in reducing glycoalkaloid (i.e. solanine) levels^{<a href=\"http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/ntp/htdocs/chem_background/exsumpdf/picoline_508.pdf\">1999</a>}.</p>\n\n<p>However acrylamide can been found in other microwaved products such as popcorn.</p>\n\n<h3>Foodborne illness</h3>\n\n<p>Microwave ovens are frequently used for reheating leftover food, and bacterial contamination may not be repressed if the safe temperature is not reached, resulting in <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foodborne_illness\">foodborne illness</a>.</p>\n\n<h3>Radiation</h3>\n\n<p>The radiation produced by a microwave oven is non-ionizing (in comparison to X-rays and high-energy particles which are associated with the cancer risks).</p>\n\n<p>Long-term studies to assess cancer risk have so far failed to identify any carcinogenicity microwave radiation (2.45GHz) even with chronic exposure levels^{<a href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9806599\">1998</a>, <a href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9453703\">1998</a>}.</p>\n\n<p>However, with the oven door open, the radiation may cause damage by heating, although the modern design of microwave ovens is equipped with safety switches that turn off the radiation when the door is open and ovens are sufficiently insulated to allow only \"minimal leakage\" when the oven is working.</p>\n\n<h3>Conclusion</h3>\n\n<p>Any form of cooking will destroy vitamins and other nutrients in food, but it depends how much water is used in the cooking, how long the food is cooked and at what temperature^{<a href=\"http://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/17/health/17real.html\">2006</a>}.</p>\n\n<p>However comparative cooking method studies generally find that, if properly used, microwave cooking does not affect the nutrient content of foods to a larger extent than conventional heating^{<a href=\"http://www.emeraldinsight.com/doi/abs/10.1108/00346659510088654\">1995</a>}.</p>\n\n<p>See also:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microwave_oven#Effects_on_food_and_nutrients\">Microwave: Effects on food and nutrients</a> at Wikipedia</li>\n<li><a href=\"http://www.cfs.gov.hk/english/programme/programme_rafs/files/microwave_ra_e.pdf\">Microwave cooking and food safety</a> at CFS</li>\n</ul>\n" }, { "answer_id": 477, "author": "Nate Barbettini", "author_id": 59, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/59", "pm_score": 6, "selected": true, "text": "<p><strong>TL;DR</strong>: No, food cooked via a microwave oven is generally not less healthy than food cooked by other methods. </p>\n\n<hr>\n\n<p>In general, cooking by any method destroys or reduces nutrient value^{<a href=\"http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/cooking-food-reduce-vitamin-content-5164.html\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\" title=\"Does Cooking Food Reduce the Vitamin Content?\">1</a>,<a href=\"http://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/17/health/17real.html?_r=0\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\" title=\"The Claim: Microwave Ovens Kill Nutrients in Food\">4</a>}. This is due to a number of factors:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><p>Solubility. Water-soluble nutrients (like Vitamin B, C) are highly prone to leach out if cooking in water^{<a href=\"http://recipes.howstuffworks.com/fresh-ideas/dinner-food-facts/does-cooking-vegetables-diminish-their-nutrients.htm\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\" title=\"Does cooking vegetables diminish their nutrients?\">2</a>} (boiling, for example). Fat-soluble nutrients are at a similar risk when cooking in a fat medium or when the fat is lost in the process (e.g., frying, grilling)^{<a href=\"http://www.eufic.org/article/en/expid/cooking-review-eufic/\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\" title=\"The Why, How and Consequences of cooking our food\">5</a>}.</p></li>\n<li><p>Heat. Both fat- and water-soluble nutrients are susceptible to heat from any cooking source, while mineral nutrients are less so^{<a href=\"http://www.eufic.org/article/en/expid/cooking-review-eufic/\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\" title=\"The Why, How and Consequences of cooking our food\">5</a>}. </p></li>\n<li><p>Duration. Methods with shorter cook times (e.g., stir-frying, blanching, microwaving) reduce the effects of heat degradation because the food is not exposed to heat for as long^{<a href=\"http://www.eufic.org/article/en/expid/cooking-review-eufic/\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\" title=\"The Why, How and Consequences of cooking our food\">5</a>}.</p></li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>(It's not even always a loss: some nutrients are <em>more</em> available after cooking, because heat breaks down thick cell walls that our digestive system has trouble with, which means that the nutrients are easier for our bodies to uptake^{<a href=\"http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/raw-veggies-are-healthier/\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\" title=\"Fact or Fiction: Raw veggies are healthier than cooked ones\">3</a>}.)</p>\n\n<p>Each cooking method has a <strong>different combination</strong> of the above factors, and so has different effects on nutrients in food. Microwave cooking has the advantage of not cooking in water, and being able to reach a higher heat in a shorter time. Depending on the food, this means that microwaving is sometimes <em>better</em> at preserving nutrients. For example, boiling spinach causes a much higher loss (77% vs. almost none) of <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Folic_acid\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">folate</a> compared to microwaving^{<a href=\"http://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/17/health/17real.html?_r=0\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\" title=\"The Claim: Microwave Ovens Kill Nutrients in Food\">4</a>}.</p>\n\n<p>Of course, when people make claims about microwaved food being less healthy, they are <em>usually</em> referring to a fear that the act of microwave heating (<a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dielectric_heating#Microwave_heating\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">dielectric heating</a>) is 'unnatural' in some way, or is subjecting the food to dangerous radiation (which may then be ingested). This is simply not supported^{<a href=\"http://www.fda.gov/radiation-emittingproducts/resourcesforyouradiationemittingproducts/ucm252762.htm\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\" title=\"Microwave Oven Radiation\">9</a>} by scientific literature, which indicates that microwave ovens, when used properly, are safe and effective -- with <strong>two caveats</strong>:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><p>Human milk. The CDC^{<a href=\"http://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/recommendations/handling_breastmilk.htm\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\" title=\"Proper Handling and Storage of Human Milk\">6</a>} does not recommend heating human milk in the microwave, because of the risk of uneven heating of the liquid (which could scald a baby), and because there is some evidence^{<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1557249\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\" title=\"Effects of microwave radiation on anti-infective factors in human milk\">7</a>} that it decreases its anti-infective properties.</p></li>\n<li><p>Superheating of liquids. If water is heated in a microwave in a smooth container, it can pose a risk of scalding due to superheating^{<a href=\"http://www.fda.gov/radiation-emittingproducts/resourcesforyouradiationemittingproducts/ucm252762.htm\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\" title=\"Microwave Oven Radiation\">9</a>}. From <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superheating#Occurrence_via_microwave_oven\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\" title=\"Superheating: Occurrence via microwave oven\">wikipedia</a>:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Superheating can occur when an undisturbed container of water is heated in a microwave oven. When the container is removed, the water still appears to be below the boiling point. However, once the water is disturbed, some of it violently flashes to steam, potentially spraying boiling water out of the container. [...] There are ways to prevent superheating in a microwave oven, such as putting a popsicle stick in the glass or using a scratched container.</p>\n</blockquote></li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>In conclusion, microwaving food is a safe alternative to cooking via other methods^{<a href=\"http://www.fda.gov/radiation-emittingproducts/resourcesforyouradiationemittingproducts/ucm252762.htm\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\" title=\"Microwave Oven Radiation\">9</a>}. Any cooking method will decrease the nutritional value of food, but this is usually an acceptable tradeoff because of the benefits gained from cooking^{<a href=\"http://www.eufic.org/article/en/expid/cooking-review-eufic/\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\" title=\"The Why, How and Consequences of cooking our food\">5</a>}. Microwaves do not cause food to be radioactive or acutely dangerous in any way.</p>\n\n<h3>References</h3>\n\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/cooking-food-reduce-vitamin-content-5164.html\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\" title=\"Does Cooking Food Reduce the Vitamin Content?\">Does Cooking Food Reduce the Vitamin Content?</a> - SFGate</li>\n<li><a href=\"http://recipes.howstuffworks.com/fresh-ideas/dinner-food-facts/does-cooking-vegetables-diminish-their-nutrients.htm\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\" title=\"Does cooking vegetables diminish their nutrients?\">Does cooking vegetables diminish their nutrients?</a> - HowStuffWorks</li>\n<li><a href=\"http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/raw-veggies-are-healthier/\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\" title=\"Fact or Fiction: Raw veggies are healthier than cooked ones\">Fact or Fiction: Raw veggies are healthier than cooked ones</a> - Scientific American</li>\n<li><a href=\"http://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/17/health/17real.html?_r=0\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\" title=\"The Claim: Microwave Ovens Kill Nutrients in Food\">The Claim: Microwave Ovens Kill Nutrients in Food</a> - New York Times</li>\n<li><a href=\"http://www.eufic.org/article/en/expid/cooking-review-eufic/\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\" title=\"The Why, How and Consequences of cooking our food\">The Why, How and Consequences of cooking our food</a> - European Food Information Council</li>\n<li><a href=\"http://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/recommendations/handling_breastmilk.htm\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\" title=\"Proper Handling and Storage of Human Milk\">Proper Handling and Storage of Human Milk</a> - Centers for Disease Control</li>\n<li><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1557249\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\" title=\"Effects of microwave radiation on anti-infective factors in human milk\">Effects of microwave radiation on anti-infective factors in human milk</a> - Quan R, Yang C, Rubinstein S, Lewiston NJ, Sunshine P, Stevenson DK, Kerner JA Jr. Pediatrics. 1992 Apr;89(4 Pt 1):667-9.</li>\n<li><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superheating#Occurrence_via_microwave_oven\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\" title=\"Superheating: Occurrence via microwave oven\">Superheating: Occurrence via microwave oven</a> - Wikipedia</li>\n<li><a href=\"http://www.fda.gov/radiation-emittingproducts/resourcesforyouradiationemittingproducts/ucm252762.htm\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\" title=\"Microwave Oven Radiation\">Microwave Oven Radiation</a> - U.S. Food and Drug Administration</li>\n</ol>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/456", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/113/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 472, "author": "arkiaamu", "author_id": 153, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/153", "pm_score": -1, "selected": false, "text": "<p>There is some discrepancies in your question. \"I hurt the base...\" and then you talk about tendonitis. For me as a medical professional <em>hurting</em> means something like you tripped and your thumb overextended agains ground or you got your thumb crushed in someting. Acute or chronic tendinitis or tendinopathy is usullay assocciated to something repetitive and long lasting movements. </p>\n\n<p>Therefore if you really <em>hurted</em> your thenar area I would make sure there is not any ligament tears present in your thumb. For example a rupture of ulnar collateral ligamenti of thumb, ie. gamekeeper's thumb or skiier's thumb is quite common injury which, if unsuccesfully treated initially, requires surgical repair later to \"re-heal\". Base of thumb is quite vague term, if your pain and clicking is near first metacarpophalangeal joint, I would be conserned about this injury. If your symptoms are present more proximally injury of carpar ligaments may be present still and those should be ruled out. Clicking is a symptom which usually originates from anatomical reasons, for example a torn supportive ligaments which predisposes to tendon subluxations. </p>\n\n<p>However if you meant that <em>hurting</em> is something repetitive and long standing you may indeed have chronic tenditis in some tendon responsible for thumb extension or adduction. Chronic tenditinis can be really disturbing condition. Curative treatment is hard to obtain and really the only help is immobilisation, avoidance of aggrevating movements and repeated courses of NSAIDs. Bascially I would recommend ANYTHING which even one person have found helpful for chronic wrist or thumb tendinitis. </p>\n\n<p>Chronic tendinitis is also really unsatisfactory for medical professionals since there is so little one can do for the patient, especially if he/she can´t change the working enviroment. In some cases if the condition really persists for a long some kind of tendon surgery may be helpful but results are very controversial.</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 487, "author": "anongoodnurse", "author_id": 169, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/169", "pm_score": 4, "selected": true, "text": "<p>\"Gamekeeper's thumb\" - named because of the <em>chronic</em> injury incurred when rabbit keepers broke rabbits' necks between the base of the thumb and index finger - has more recently been referred to as \"skier's thumb\", now the most common <em>acute</em> mechanism of the injury. <em>If</em> you fell on an outstretched hand hyperextending your thumb (did it feel as if the thumb was stressed beyond its normal range of motion?) <em>and</em> your doctor was correct, you injured the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ) of the thumb. This would cause significant pain and swelling at the base of the thumb in the \"web space\" between thumb and index finger.</p>\n\n<p><img src=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/EHrj3.jpg\" alt=\"enter image description here\"> <img src=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/GEnMa.jpg\" alt=\"enter image description here\"></p>\n\n<p>As you can see in the picture on the right, the UCL appears partially torn. If it does not heal completely, it can result in an insufficiency of that ligament. In this case, the condition not uncommonly becomes chronic because of repeated injury to the already weakened UCL. It causes varying degrees of instability of that joint with pain and weakness of the pincer grasp (imagine squeezing an m&amp;m between your thumb and your index finger.)</p>\n\n<p>Initial treatment to optimize ligament healing is immobilization.</p>\n\n<p>What can you do now? If you think you re-injured it, you can apply a cold pack (e.g. a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a dry washcloth) to the thumb as tolerated for ~20 minutes, up to four times per day. </p>\n\n<p>Immobilizing the thumb with a bulky, loose ACE wrap or a commercially available thumb brace in the neutral position will help lessen the pain.\nYou can take acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain relief if you have no contraindications*.</p>\n\n<p>The best thing you can do is see a doctor (perhaps an orthopedist or a hand specialist would be wise), since chronic pain and instability of the thumb is not insignificant. They can do a thorough evaluation of your thumb\nand either splint/cast your thumb, give you rehabilitative exercises to help you strengthen your thumb, or recommend surgery if necessary.</p>\n\n<p>*_{Contraindication = any reason you shouldn't take it.}<br>\n_{Always keep a cloth between your skin and the ice pack, and press firmly against all the curves of the affected area. Remove the ice pack if it causes pain, and don't fall asleep with the pack in place.}</p>\n\n<p>_{<a href=\"http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/97679-overview#a0199\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Gamekeeper's Thumb</a>}<br>\n_{<a href=\"http://www.wheelessonline.com/ortho/gamekeepers_thumb\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Gamekeeper's Thumb: Wheeless' Textbook of Orthopaedics</a>}</p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/457", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/25/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 495, "author": "kenorb", "author_id": 114, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/114", "pm_score": 6, "selected": true, "text": "<p>The best long-term perfect posture is subjective due to the variety of body types, incorrect posture differs from person to person and person's proper posture can be incorrect posture for someone else and vice versa.</p>\n\n<p>Usually the good sitting posture can be determined by the following methods:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>Support your back to avoid back pain.</li>\n<li>Adjust your chair.</li>\n<li>Rest your feet on floor.</li>\n<li>If you're using computer, then:\n\n<ul>\n<li>place your screen at eye level,</li>\n<li>place your keyboard in front of you when typing,</li>\n<li>position and use the mouse as close to you as possible,</li>\n<li>avoid screen reflection,</li>\n<li>if using spectacles, it's important to see the screen easily without having to raise or lower your head.</li>\n</ul></li>\n<li>Make frequently used objects accessible (such as telephone, stapler),\nso you can avoid repeated stretching or twisting to reach things.</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>^{Source: <a href=\"http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/workplacehealth/Pages/howtositcorrectly.aspx\" rel=\"noreferrer\">How to sit correctly</a> at NHS}</p>\n\n<p>The common mistakes involve:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><p>Hunched back and 'text neck'.</p>\n\n<p><img src=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/g0w2h.jpg\" alt=\"Hunched back and &#39;text neck&#39;.\"></p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>When hunching over a computer, your head may tend to lean forward, which can cause stiffness and pain in the neck.</p>\n \n <p>Over time, this type of posture can contribute to you developing a rounded upper back, a condition called kyphosis, which can cause shoulder and upper back stiffness and pain.</p>\n</blockquote></li>\n<li><p>Poking your chin.</p>\n\n<p><img src=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/PZqlp.jpg\" alt=\"Poking your chin.\"></p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>The poking chin posture is often caused by sitting too low, a screen set too high, a hunched back or a combination of all three.</p>\n \n <p>A poking chin posture can lead to muscle weakness around the neck, compressing the neck joints, which over time can lead to stiffness and pain in the neck, shoulders and upper back and cause headaches.</p>\n</blockquote></li>\n<li><p>Rounded shoulders.</p>\n\n<p><img src=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/0z2TC.jpg\" alt=\"Rounded shoulders.\"></p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Rounded shoulders are typically caused by poor posture habits, muscle imbalances and an uneven exercise regimen, such as too much focus on chest strength and neglecting the upper back.</p>\n \n <p>Over time, these muscle imbalances will result in poor positioning of your shoulders, which can lead to shoulder and neck stiffness and pain.</p>\n</blockquote></li>\n<li><p>Sitting cross legged.</p>\n\n<p><img src=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/CG2ic.jpg\" alt=\"Sitting cross legged.\"></p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Over time you may develop muscle imbalances in your hips, which can cause stiffness and pain in the hips and lower back.</p>\n</blockquote></li>\n<li><p>Cradling your phone.</p>\n\n<p><img src=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/gMjCJ.jpg\" alt=\"Cradling your phone.\"></p></li>\n<li><p>Slouching in a chair.</p>\n\n<p><img src=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/E40ZE.jpg\" alt=\"Slouching in a chair.\"></p></li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>^{<a href=\"http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Backpain/Pages/back-pain-and-common-posture-mistakes.aspx\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Common posture mistakes and fixes</a> at NHS}</p>\n\n<p><a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poor_posture\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Wikipedia</a> summarise that in the following way:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><p>rounded and elevated shoulders and a pushed-forward head position,</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>This position places stress on the spine between the top of the neck and skull and the base of the neck and upper shoulders.</p>\n</blockquote></li>\n<li><p>a forward tilting of the hips which is increasing the curve of the lumbar spine, and a protruding stomach</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>This position places stress over both the hip joints and lower back.</p>\n</blockquote></li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Poor posture can result in musculoskeletal distortion in the neck, and lower and upper back, it can also impede the ability of the lungs to expand and many other injuries.</p>\n\n<p>When the posture is correct, it allows your body muscles to breathe at optimum capacity.</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 5659, "author": "nilon", "author_id": 3552, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/3552", "pm_score": 3, "selected": false, "text": "<p>Short answer: <em>there is <strong>no best long-term sitting</strong> posture</em>. If there is any, <em><strong>take care of posture</strong> (I'd risk to say <strong>upright</strong> is best)</em>, and move every certain amount of time in the chair and/or around.</p>\n\n<p>I'm for positive responses so let me elaborate a bit more. All cautious considerations, as <code>kenorb</code> properly states, are ok. However, even if some of those considerations attend to the actual question, which was <em>what should I DO when sitting?</em> (notice the question was not pointed so much as to what NOT doing). What follows is an intent to give further argumentation in how to achieve the goal of sitting in a way that can take care of good posture in general, how and mostly why.</p>\n\n<p>Rather move around once in a while, and shift between different subtle positions. When you are sitting for long, you don't want to atrofiate your muscles, nor your posture. Hence several considerations: </p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><p>Check the post <a href=\"http://health.stackexchange.com/questions/124/why-is-sitting-for-long-periods-unhealthy?rq=1\">sitting is the new smoking</a>, and the main answer: <em>The solution is simple. Move.</em></p></li>\n<li><p>Consider that <strong>what you need to take care of</strong> when sitting <strong>is your whole body/organism</strong>, and not just a part.</p></li>\n<li><p>When sitting backwards you can alleviate your lower back for a while, but doing so as a norm can weaken that area as well.</p></li>\n<li><p>Remember that the human posture, standing or sitting or moving, has a certain balance. We have anterior and posterior muscles surrounding our body to make this balance possible. This is why I would infer that if one has <em>bad posture</em> (not necesarily back problems) along the day...reclining can be more easy going. But in the same coin, in the long run this may not favor good posture and a distributed and balanced muscle development.</p></li>\n<li><p>The study you mention says that <em>the 135-degree posture, suggesting less strain is placed on the spinal disks</em>. Of course this may be true, but to conclude from that that it'd be best to not sit at 90º is rather far fetched. I figure in some way that the article suggests that maximum relaxation can always be best. But in reality: (<em>if we assume not to be jello floating in a liquid environment</em>) <strong>we do need a certain amount of tension</strong> to function properly. Remember the fat moveless couch potatoes from the movie <a href=\"http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0910970/\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Wall-E</a> that underdevelop muscles and even bone-structure.</p></li>\n<li><p>Again, the reference you take mentions volunteers with <em>healthy backs</em>, this ussualy means that they'd have no problems in that area, but I'd argue that not many people reach a full healthy posture in a broader sense.</p></li>\n<li><p>See what kind of chair you have available. Some may favor a certain way of sitting or several.</p></li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Also, <a href=\"http://www.bodyconsciousdesign.com/uploads/interview_galen_cranz_portland.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Galen Cranz's been researching <strong>chairs</strong>: here interview and book reference</a>.</p>\n\n<hr>\n\n<p>Since many people don't only sit, but also are <em>in front of a pc</em> let me add:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><p>If you can use a keyboard near your lap, this can be better than having it a higher level. I find the latter to thrust your elbows, shoulders, upper-back and neck upwards.</p></li>\n<li><p>Consider, like apple co-creator Oz Wozniak did: <a href=\"https://tex.stackexchange.com/a/310958/93818\">Dvorak</a>'s effort and resulting keyboard configuration. The main aim there is not for speed but for comfort, and avoiding carpal tunnel syndrome. </p></li>\n</ul>\n" }, { "answer_id": 12849, "author": "MoonMind", "author_id": 815, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/815", "pm_score": 1, "selected": false, "text": "<p>From my experience, it is better to change postures while you sit long. </p>\n\n<p>Most often, I sit in a posture similar to below yoga posture 'Padmasana' in my chair, but not for so long, just for 5 or 10 minutes. It really helps to reduce the tension on the back. </p>\n\n<p>Actually, it need not be in exactly this position, just cross your legs as you can. After 5 or 10 minutes you can go back to your normal sitting posture as suggested in above answers. Whenever you feel tension on the back just try this posture for a few minutes.</p>\n\n<p>Try this out and see how it goes.</p>\n\n<p><a href=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/c12R2.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\"><img src=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/c12R2.jpg\" alt=\"enter image description here\"></a></p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/463", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/8/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 495, "author": "kenorb", "author_id": 114, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/114", "pm_score": 6, "selected": true, "text": "<p>The best long-term perfect posture is subjective due to the variety of body types, incorrect posture differs from person to person and person's proper posture can be incorrect posture for someone else and vice versa.</p>\n\n<p>Usually the good sitting posture can be determined by the following methods:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>Support your back to avoid back pain.</li>\n<li>Adjust your chair.</li>\n<li>Rest your feet on floor.</li>\n<li>If you're using computer, then:\n\n<ul>\n<li>place your screen at eye level,</li>\n<li>place your keyboard in front of you when typing,</li>\n<li>position and use the mouse as close to you as possible,</li>\n<li>avoid screen reflection,</li>\n<li>if using spectacles, it's important to see the screen easily without having to raise or lower your head.</li>\n</ul></li>\n<li>Make frequently used objects accessible (such as telephone, stapler),\nso you can avoid repeated stretching or twisting to reach things.</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>^{Source: <a href=\"http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/workplacehealth/Pages/howtositcorrectly.aspx\" rel=\"noreferrer\">How to sit correctly</a> at NHS}</p>\n\n<p>The common mistakes involve:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><p>Hunched back and 'text neck'.</p>\n\n<p><img src=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/g0w2h.jpg\" alt=\"Hunched back and &#39;text neck&#39;.\"></p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>When hunching over a computer, your head may tend to lean forward, which can cause stiffness and pain in the neck.</p>\n \n <p>Over time, this type of posture can contribute to you developing a rounded upper back, a condition called kyphosis, which can cause shoulder and upper back stiffness and pain.</p>\n</blockquote></li>\n<li><p>Poking your chin.</p>\n\n<p><img src=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/PZqlp.jpg\" alt=\"Poking your chin.\"></p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>The poking chin posture is often caused by sitting too low, a screen set too high, a hunched back or a combination of all three.</p>\n \n <p>A poking chin posture can lead to muscle weakness around the neck, compressing the neck joints, which over time can lead to stiffness and pain in the neck, shoulders and upper back and cause headaches.</p>\n</blockquote></li>\n<li><p>Rounded shoulders.</p>\n\n<p><img src=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/0z2TC.jpg\" alt=\"Rounded shoulders.\"></p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Rounded shoulders are typically caused by poor posture habits, muscle imbalances and an uneven exercise regimen, such as too much focus on chest strength and neglecting the upper back.</p>\n \n <p>Over time, these muscle imbalances will result in poor positioning of your shoulders, which can lead to shoulder and neck stiffness and pain.</p>\n</blockquote></li>\n<li><p>Sitting cross legged.</p>\n\n<p><img src=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/CG2ic.jpg\" alt=\"Sitting cross legged.\"></p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Over time you may develop muscle imbalances in your hips, which can cause stiffness and pain in the hips and lower back.</p>\n</blockquote></li>\n<li><p>Cradling your phone.</p>\n\n<p><img src=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/gMjCJ.jpg\" alt=\"Cradling your phone.\"></p></li>\n<li><p>Slouching in a chair.</p>\n\n<p><img src=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/E40ZE.jpg\" alt=\"Slouching in a chair.\"></p></li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>^{<a href=\"http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Backpain/Pages/back-pain-and-common-posture-mistakes.aspx\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Common posture mistakes and fixes</a> at NHS}</p>\n\n<p><a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poor_posture\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Wikipedia</a> summarise that in the following way:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><p>rounded and elevated shoulders and a pushed-forward head position,</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>This position places stress on the spine between the top of the neck and skull and the base of the neck and upper shoulders.</p>\n</blockquote></li>\n<li><p>a forward tilting of the hips which is increasing the curve of the lumbar spine, and a protruding stomach</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>This position places stress over both the hip joints and lower back.</p>\n</blockquote></li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Poor posture can result in musculoskeletal distortion in the neck, and lower and upper back, it can also impede the ability of the lungs to expand and many other injuries.</p>\n\n<p>When the posture is correct, it allows your body muscles to breathe at optimum capacity.</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 5659, "author": "nilon", "author_id": 3552, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/3552", "pm_score": 3, "selected": false, "text": "<p>Short answer: <em>there is <strong>no best long-term sitting</strong> posture</em>. If there is any, <em><strong>take care of posture</strong> (I'd risk to say <strong>upright</strong> is best)</em>, and move every certain amount of time in the chair and/or around.</p>\n\n<p>I'm for positive responses so let me elaborate a bit more. All cautious considerations, as <code>kenorb</code> properly states, are ok. However, even if some of those considerations attend to the actual question, which was <em>what should I DO when sitting?</em> (notice the question was not pointed so much as to what NOT doing). What follows is an intent to give further argumentation in how to achieve the goal of sitting in a way that can take care of good posture in general, how and mostly why.</p>\n\n<p>Rather move around once in a while, and shift between different subtle positions. When you are sitting for long, you don't want to atrofiate your muscles, nor your posture. Hence several considerations: </p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><p>Check the post <a href=\"http://health.stackexchange.com/questions/124/why-is-sitting-for-long-periods-unhealthy?rq=1\">sitting is the new smoking</a>, and the main answer: <em>The solution is simple. Move.</em></p></li>\n<li><p>Consider that <strong>what you need to take care of</strong> when sitting <strong>is your whole body/organism</strong>, and not just a part.</p></li>\n<li><p>When sitting backwards you can alleviate your lower back for a while, but doing so as a norm can weaken that area as well.</p></li>\n<li><p>Remember that the human posture, standing or sitting or moving, has a certain balance. We have anterior and posterior muscles surrounding our body to make this balance possible. This is why I would infer that if one has <em>bad posture</em> (not necesarily back problems) along the day...reclining can be more easy going. But in the same coin, in the long run this may not favor good posture and a distributed and balanced muscle development.</p></li>\n<li><p>The study you mention says that <em>the 135-degree posture, suggesting less strain is placed on the spinal disks</em>. Of course this may be true, but to conclude from that that it'd be best to not sit at 90º is rather far fetched. I figure in some way that the article suggests that maximum relaxation can always be best. But in reality: (<em>if we assume not to be jello floating in a liquid environment</em>) <strong>we do need a certain amount of tension</strong> to function properly. Remember the fat moveless couch potatoes from the movie <a href=\"http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0910970/\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Wall-E</a> that underdevelop muscles and even bone-structure.</p></li>\n<li><p>Again, the reference you take mentions volunteers with <em>healthy backs</em>, this ussualy means that they'd have no problems in that area, but I'd argue that not many people reach a full healthy posture in a broader sense.</p></li>\n<li><p>See what kind of chair you have available. Some may favor a certain way of sitting or several.</p></li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Also, <a href=\"http://www.bodyconsciousdesign.com/uploads/interview_galen_cranz_portland.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Galen Cranz's been researching <strong>chairs</strong>: here interview and book reference</a>.</p>\n\n<hr>\n\n<p>Since many people don't only sit, but also are <em>in front of a pc</em> let me add:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><p>If you can use a keyboard near your lap, this can be better than having it a higher level. I find the latter to thrust your elbows, shoulders, upper-back and neck upwards.</p></li>\n<li><p>Consider, like apple co-creator Oz Wozniak did: <a href=\"https://tex.stackexchange.com/a/310958/93818\">Dvorak</a>'s effort and resulting keyboard configuration. The main aim there is not for speed but for comfort, and avoiding carpal tunnel syndrome. </p></li>\n</ul>\n" }, { "answer_id": 12849, "author": "MoonMind", "author_id": 815, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/815", "pm_score": 1, "selected": false, "text": "<p>From my experience, it is better to change postures while you sit long. </p>\n\n<p>Most often, I sit in a posture similar to below yoga posture 'Padmasana' in my chair, but not for so long, just for 5 or 10 minutes. It really helps to reduce the tension on the back. </p>\n\n<p>Actually, it need not be in exactly this position, just cross your legs as you can. After 5 or 10 minutes you can go back to your normal sitting posture as suggested in above answers. Whenever you feel tension on the back just try this posture for a few minutes.</p>\n\n<p>Try this out and see how it goes.</p>\n\n<p><a href=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/c12R2.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\"><img src=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/c12R2.jpg\" alt=\"enter image description here\"></a></p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/473", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/-1/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 524, "author": "kenorb", "author_id": 114, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/114", "pm_score": 3, "selected": false, "text": "<h2>How to boost immune system</h2>\n\n<h3>Sleep boosts immunity</h3>\n\n<p>Sleep is very important for our health and lack of sleep can affect our whole immune system.</p>\n\n<p>That's because our body's biological clock is set for 24-hour rhythm and certain periods of light and darkness (<a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circadian_rhythm\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">a circadian rhythm</a>), and when it's thrown off, so is the immune system. </p>\n\n<p><img src=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/Wkoqt.png\" alt=\"Biological clock human\"></p>\n\n<p>^{Image credits: <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circadian_rhythm\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">A circadian rhythm</a> at Wikipedia}</p>\n\n<p>Regular poor sleep or prolonged lack of sleep can disrupt your body's natural immune system and can lead to many illnesses such as infections (such as cold/flu^{<a href=\"http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/excessive-sleepiness-10/immune-system-lack-of-sleep\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">webmd</a>}) and increasing risk of serious medical conditions such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes as well as it can shortens your life expectancy.</p>\n\n<p>So every time when you catch cold and flu, you could blame your bedtime.</p>\n\n<p>Therefore when planning your activities and rest, you should consider around 8 hours of good quality sleep a night to function properly (some of us need more or less time).</p>\n\n<p>^{Source: <a href=\"http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/tiredness-and-fatigue/Pages/lack-of-sleep-health-risks.aspx\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Why lack of sleep is bad for your health</a> at NHS}</p>\n\n<p>If you have a disturbed sleep patterns you can have [a power nap] during the day when you get tired, it helps a lot. The benefits of napping could be best obtained by training the body and mind to awaken after a short nap. Naps of fewer than 30 minutes restore wakefulness and promotes performance and learning^{<a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circadian_rhythm\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">2007</a>, <a href=\"http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/excessive-sleepiness-10/immune-system-lack-of-sleep\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">2008</a>}.</p>\n\n<p>See also:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/08/sleep-immune-system-body-clock_n_4235943.html\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">ScienceNOW: Sleep's Effects On Your Immune System Revealed In New 'Body Clock' Study</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"https://health.stackexchange.com/q/506/114\">How to avoid fatigue if I foresee irregular sleeping time?</a></li>\n</ul>\n\n<h3>Reduce stress to boost energy</h3>\n\n<p>Stress uses a lot of energy and introducing relaxing activities into your day can improve your energy. This can include deep muscle relaxation, physical exercises (yoga, tai chi or vigorous physical activity at gym), relaxed breathing (yoga, medication), spa, listen to music or sound effects, spending some time with friends and anything else that relaxes you.</p>\n\n<p>Relaxation can help you to relieve symptoms of stress and calm you down</p>\n\n<p>See: <a href=\"http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/Pages/ways-relieve-stress.aspx\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Relaxation tips to relieve stress</a> at NHS</p>\n\n<h3><a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nutrition\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Nutrition</a> and <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diet_(nutrition)\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">diet</a></h3>\n\n<p>Our immune system requires ingestion and absorption of vitamins, minerals, and food energy in the form of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. </p>\n\n<p>Foods rich in certain fatty acids (such as <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conjugated_linoleic_acid\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">conjugated linoleic acid</a>, catalpic acid, eleostearic acid and <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punicic_acid\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">punicic acid</a>) may boost your healthy immune system by providing additional energy.</p>\n\n<p>The amount and type of carbohydrates consumed is also important so intake isn't too much (<a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overnutrition\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">overnutrition</a>) or too less (<a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malnutrition\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">malnutrition</a>).</p>\n\n<h3>Drink less alcohol</h3>\n\n<p>Regular drinking can affect your immune system and heavy drinkers tend to catch more infectious diseases.</p>\n\n<p>If you cut down on alcohol before bedtime, you'll get a better night's rest and have more energy next day.</p>\n\n<p>See:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/alcohol/Pages/Tipsoncuttingdown.aspx\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Tips on cutting down</a> at NHS</li>\n<li><a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long-term_effects_of_alcohol_consumption#Immune_system\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Long-term effects of alcohol consumption - Immune system</a> at Wikipedia</li>\n</ul>\n\n<h3>Cut out caffeine</h3>\n\n<p>If you find that not consuming caffeine gives you headaches, you should cut down on the amount of caffeine.</p>\n\n<p>The Royal College of Psychiatrists recommends that anyone feeling tired should cut out caffeine.</p>\n\n<p>^{Source: <a href=\"http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/tiredness-and-fatigue/Pages/self-help-energy-tips.aspx\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Self-help tips to fight fatigue</a> at NHS}</p>\n\n<h3>Drink more water for better energy</h3>\n\n<p>Sometimes we feel tired, because we're mildly dehydrated, so glass of water can help (especially after exercise).</p>\n\n<p>^{Source: <a href=\"http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/tiredness-and-fatigue/Pages/self-help-energy-tips.aspx\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Self-help tips to fight fatigue</a> at NHS}</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 525, "author": "rumtscho", "author_id": 193, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/193", "pm_score": 5, "selected": true, "text": "<p>As far as I am aware, the immune system does not have a \"boosted\" state. There is a medical doctor, Mark Crislip, who wrote a post about this on <a href=\"https://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/boost-your-immune-system/\">Science-based medicine</a>, and I'll cite here the most pertinent lines. Even though he takes a very one-sided position, I personally find his writing convincing, and the whole article is worth reading. It makes many more points I'm leaving out here. </p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>What does that mean: boost the immune system? Most people apparently think that the immune system is like a muscle, and by working it, giving it supplements and vitamins, the immune system will become stronger. [...] The other popular phrase is “support”. </p>\n \n <p>The immune system, if you are otherwise healthy, cannot be boosted</p>\n \n <p>If you google the phrase “boost the immune system” you will find over 288,000 pages that give advice on how to give that old immune system a lift. Curiously, a Pubmed search with the same phase yields 1100 references, most concerning vaccination. If you Pubmed ‘enhanced immune system’ you get 41,000 references mostly concerning immunology. None of the references concern taking a normal person and making the immune system work better than its baseline to prevent or treat infection</p>\n \n <p>Those who say that that their product, for example probiotics, boost the immune system, point to studies such as these that show that in response to bacteria, cells of the immune system are activated [...] They call it boosting. I call it the inflammatory response.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>The article then goes on to cite several studies which found that being constantly subject to inflammatory response has several ill effects on health. </p>\n\n<p>He does admit that you need to be otherwise healthy (by following what he calls \"kindergarten advice\" of eating healthy, getting enough sleep and exercise) to have an immune system working at its baseline. So maybe you could say that, if your immune system is running at reduced \"strength\" due to increased stress, you could \"boost\" it by reducing your stressors. But this does not mean that, if you are stressed and consume probiotics or other presumably boosting products, you'll somehow get to the baseline. Also, I share Crislip's view here: it would be misleading to call it boosting when it's simply being returned to its standard state. </p>\n\n<hr>\n\n<p>There is another possible meaning of \"boost the immune system\" which does have a basis in fact. If you get a vaccine against a certain disease, you are not exposed to a constant inflammatory response, but you will be able to fight off this one disease better. I was not going to post it here, as this is not the sense usually meant in marketing materials. But the first tip in the first link you gave said \"get a flu vaccine\", so I thought it's worth mentioning. It will not have any effect on other aspects of your health. </p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/474", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/59/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 540, "author": "kenorb", "author_id": 114, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/114", "pm_score": 4, "selected": true, "text": "<h1>Shampooing</h1>\n<p>The first synthetic shampoos were introduced in the 1930's and by '70s and '80s, daily shampooing became norm in the US. So shampooing in the modern sense (water to produce a soapy lather) is only about 100 years old.</p>\n<p>Our modern shampoos are a combination of <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surfactant\" rel=\"noreferrer\">surfactants</a> (such as <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodium_dodecyl_sulfate\" rel=\"noreferrer\">SLS</a>) which dissolve natural oils (<a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sebaceous_gland\" rel=\"noreferrer\">sebum</a>) and remove dirt particles. As result, it reduces the natural oils in your hair and scalp making it drier than usual, causing the scalp to produce more oil to compensate.</p>\n<p>According to some dermatologists, a gradual reduction in shampoo causes <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sebaceous_gland\" rel=\"noreferrer\">sebaceous glands</a> to produce sebum at a slower rate resulting in less oil on the scalp and in the hair^{<a href=\"http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=102062969\" rel=\"noreferrer\">2009</a>}.</p>\n<p>Michelle Hanjani, a dermatologist at Columbia University explains:</p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>If you wash your hair every day, you're removing the sebum, then the oil glands compensate by producing more oil&quot;</p>\n</blockquote>\n<p>She recommends that patients wash their hair no more than two or three times a week.</p>\n<p>In the 2010 book Packing for Mars, Soviet research said^{<a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9780393068474\" rel=\"noreferrer\">2010</a>}:</p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>the skin halts its production of sebum—after five to seven days of not bathing</p>\n</blockquote>\n<p>However this could vary greatly from person to person, as some people could respond better to some products with different concentrations of surfactants.</p>\n<p>For example if you have &quot;oily hair&quot; you need a higher concentration of SLS to help dissolve the oils, when you have &quot;dry and frizzy hair&quot;, it would exacerbate the problem.</p>\n<p>In 2007 radio audition, Australian <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Glover_(radio_presenter)\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Richard Glover</a> decided to challenge his audience to go without shampoo for six weeks. 86 percent of those who 500 people who participated reported that &quot;their hair was either better or the same&quot;^{<a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No_poo\" rel=\"noreferrer\">wiki</a>}.</p>\n<h3>Studies</h3>\n<p>A <a href=\"http://journal.scconline.org/pdf/cc1997/cc048n02/p00117-p00121.pdf\" rel=\"noreferrer\">study from 1997</a> showed a link between excessive oil production and anti-dandruff shampoos containing selenium sulfide.</p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>Study was conducted in 120 men in order to quantify the effect of eight proprietary antidandruff shampoos on sebum flow dynamic.</p>\n<p>Two shampoos exhibited a significant effect upon the sebum follicular reservoir, steadily increasing the sebum excretion rate in time. One other product induced a significant decrease in sebum output.</p>\n<p>Only a few topical products are known to decrease the sebum output at the skin surface:</p>\n<p>Among them, the effect of progesterone, astringents, erythromycin-zinc complex, corticosteroids, and elubiol have been documented.</p>\n</blockquote>\n<p>For older studies, see: <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/4177572\" rel=\"noreferrer\">1968</a>, <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6580909\" rel=\"noreferrer\">1983</a></p>\n<p>In 2013, the FDA announced that triclosan was found to affect hormone levels in animals^{<a href=\"http://www.fda.gov/forconsumers/consumerupdates/ucm205999.htm\" rel=\"noreferrer\">FDA</a>}.</p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>Animal studies have shown that triclosan alters hormone regulation. However, data showing effects in animals don’t always predict effects in humans.</p>\n</blockquote>\n<p>A recent study from 2014 showed that shampooing impact on cortisol levels in human hair:</p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>Chemical processing and frequent shampooing affect cortisol levels measured in hair. Chemically processed or excessively shampooed hair should be avoided when recruiting subjects for hair cortisol studies.</p>\n</blockquote>\n<p>Based on above it seems that chemical properties in modern shampoos can affect our hormones, however more studies needs to be conducted to see how exactly it affects our natural oil production (<a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sebaceous_gland\" rel=\"noreferrer\">sebum</a>).</p>\n<p>Read more:</p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http://www.nbcnews.com/id/30337386/ns/health-skin_and_beauty/t/ditching-shampoo-dirty-little-beauty-secret/#.VS_UjJTF9v1\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Ditching shampoo a dirty little beauty secret</a> at NBC</li>\n<li><a href=\"http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=102062969\" rel=\"noreferrer\">When It Comes To Shampoo, Less Is More</a> at NPR</li>\n<li><a href=\"http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/21/fashion/21SKINOne.html\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Of Course I Washed My Hair Last Year</a></li>\n<li>Curly Girl by Michele Bender (2002)</li>\n<li><a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No_poo\" rel=\"noreferrer\">No poo</a> (<strong>no</strong> sham<strong>poo</strong>) at Wikipedia</li>\n</ul>\n" }, { "answer_id": 1204, "author": "Ooker", "author_id": 99, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/99", "pm_score": 2, "selected": false, "text": "<p>_{To complete the answer of kenorb, I would like to add the second part}</p>\n<h1>Soaping</h1>\n<p>According to the <a href=\"https://www.aad.org/dermatology-a-to-z/health-and-beauty/general-skin-care/dry-skin-tips\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">America Academy of Dermatology</a>, the number one tip to prevent dry skin is:</p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>Prevent baths and showers</p>\n</blockquote>\n<p><a href=\"http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/31/fashion/31Unwashed.html?_r=3&amp;pagewanted=1&amp;ref=fashion\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">The Great Unwashed</a>, The New York Times explains further:</p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>[...] researchers have discovered that just as the gut contains good bacteria that help it run more efficiently, so does our skin brim with beneficial germs that we might not want to wash down the drain. “Good bacteria are educating your own skin cells to make your own antibiotics,” said Dr. Richard Gallo, chief of the dermatology division at the University of California, San Diego, and “they produce their own antibiotics that kills off bad bacteria.”</p>\n<p>Some people have long complained that showering too much makes their skin drier or more prone to flare-ups of, say, eczema, and Dr. Gallo said that scientists are just beginning to understand why. “<strong>It’s not just removing the lipids and oils on your skin that’s drying it out,</strong>” he said. <strong>It could be “removing some of the good bacteria that help maintain a healthy balance of skin.&quot;</strong></p>\n</blockquote>\n<p>There is a note:</p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>But Elaine Larson, a professor at the Columbia University School of Nursing with a Ph.D. in epidemiology, cautioned that subway riders, gymgoers and others who come into <strong>contact with many strangers</strong> should consider soaping up. “If it’s cold and flu season, you want to get rid of the stuff that isn’t a part of your own normal germs,” she said.</p>\n</blockquote>\n<h1>However</h1>\n<p>If you are about to think that not shower/bath because it's make your skin dry, there are other reasons to reconsider. According to <a href=\"http://www.medicaldaily.com/benefits-cold-showers-7-reasons-why-taking-cool-showers-good-your-health-289524\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Medical Daily</a>, there is 7 reasons to take a <strong>cool</strong> shower:</p>\n<ol>\n<li>Increases Alertness</li>\n<li>“Seal” the pores in the skin and scalp</li>\n<li>Improves Immunity and Circulation</li>\n<li>Stimulates Weight Loss</li>\n<li>Speeds Up Muscle Soreness and Recovery</li>\n<li>Eases Stress</li>\n</ol>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/484", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/140/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 526, "author": "Zaralynda", "author_id": 62, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/62", "pm_score": 5, "selected": true, "text": "<p><strong>tl;dr</strong></p>\n\n<p>Current research seems to indicate that the brain is responding to anticipation or visual stimulus of needles being inserted, not that any of the theories supporting acupuncture are correct.</p>\n\n<hr>\n\n<p>Steven Novella <a href=\"http://theness.com/neurologicablog/index.php/phantom-acupuncture/\">reviewed the following article</a>:</p>\n\n<p>Chae Y, Lee IS, Jung WM, Park K, Park HJ, Wallraven C. <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25681621\">Psychophysical and neurophysiological responses to acupuncture stimulation to incorporated rubber hand.</a> Neurosci Lett. 2015 Feb 11;591C:48-52. doi: 10.1016/j.neulet.2015.02.025. </p>\n\n<p>I'm going to quote from Novella's review because it's easier for a lay person to read/understand, and I don't have full access to the paper.</p>\n\n<p>As background, he states:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>There have been in total several thousand clinical studies looking at the apparent effects of acupuncture. These have failed to convincingly reject the null hypothesis, meaning that they have not demonstrated a clear biological response to acupuncture for any indication. The better controlled studies consistently show that needle location does not matter (sham acupuncture), and that needle insertion does not matter (placebo acupuncture). You can literally have a non-acupuncturist randomly poke someone with toothpicks and get the same response as the full acupuncture treatment.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>And described the current paper:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>A recent study looked at performing acupuncture on a phantom limb.\n They used a now well-established technique of tricking the brain into\n incorporating a dummy body part as if it were real. They placed\n subjects in front of a table so that one of their arms was below the\n table, with a rubber arm above the table placed in such a way that\n visually the rubber arm looked like their own arm. They then stroke\n the rubber arm and the subjects real arm simultaneously. The brain\n sees and feels the rubber arm being stroked, and this sensory feedback\n is often enough for the brain to create the sensation of ownership\n over the rubber arm.</p>\n \n <p>The researchers then placed acupuncture needles into the rubber arm\n that subjects had incorporated as their own. Obviously there is no\n possibility of any physiological response from the needle penetrating\n the rubber arm. I further think it is reasonable to conclude that\n placing a needle into a rubber arm cannot activate acupuncture points\n (if they existed) or alter Qi (if it existed). This experiment nicely\n eliminates local physiological responses and any Qi responses to the\n needles.</p>\n \n <p>The researchers performed functional MRI scanning (fMRI) on subjects\n while needles were placed in their phantom rubber limbs. Keep in mind\n that fMRI research involves collecting lots of data and aggregating\n it. So the researchers are not looking at brain reactions in real\n time, just the aggregate brain activity of many subjects over many\n trials. They then look for statistical associations in the activity.</p>\n \n <p>What they found was the same brain activation that previous studies\n have found with acupuncture of real limbs.</p>\n \n <blockquote>\n <p>When the rubber hand was fully incorporated with the real body,\n acupuncture stimulation to the rubber hand resulted in the experience\n of the DeQi sensation as well as brain activations in the dorsolateral\n prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), insula, secondary somatosensory cortex\n (SII), and medial temporal (MT) visual area. The insular activation\n was associated with the DeQi sensation from the rubber hand.</p>\n </blockquote>\n \n <p>If these results hold up, this implies that the brain is simply\n responding to the expectation and visualization of the needle\n penetration. Actual needle penetration is unnecessary. The most\n parsimonious interpretation of this data is that acupuncture is all in\n the mind. There is no need to hypothesize the existence of Qi,\n acupuncture points, or a specific physiological mechanism for\n acupuncture.</p>\n \n <p>There are plenty of studies that show that the perception of pain is\n easily manipulated by simple things such as distraction. Swearing,\n distorting body image, and crossing your arms while one of them is\n pricked will all reduce pain perception. Pain perception is closely\n tied to attention, and so simple distraction is effective. It’s no\n surprise, therefore, that the brain responds to phantom stimulation.</p>\n \n <p>At the very least this study demonstrates that all prior studies\n looking at fMRI responses to acupuncture needle insertion were likely\n simply showing a non-specific brain response to the expectation and/or\n visualization of needle insertion, without the need to invoke any\n specific physiological responses.</p>\n</blockquote>\n" }, { "answer_id": 632, "author": "kenorb", "author_id": 114, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/114", "pm_score": 2, "selected": false, "text": "<p>Acupuncture is often used to treat pain conditions such as headache, lower back and osteoarthritis. It is based on scientific evidence that treatment can stimulate nerves under the skin and in muscle tissue and as result body is producing pain-relieving substances (such as endorphins)^{<a href=\"http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/acupuncture/pages/introduction.aspx\" rel=\"nofollow\">NHS</a>}.</p>\n\n<p>NICE recommends acupuncture only as a treatment option for chronic lower back pain, chronic tension-type headaches and migraines which are based on the scientific evidence.</p>\n\n<p>However more research is needed to established whatever acupuncture should be used for other pain remedies.</p>\n\n<p>^{Source: <a href=\"http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Acupuncture/Pages/Evidence.aspx\" rel=\"nofollow\">Acupuncture - Evidence at NHS</a>}</p>\n\n<p>Read more about evidence at: <a href=\"https://www.evidence.nhs.uk/Search?q=acupuncture+pain\" rel=\"nofollow\">Evidence Search at NICE</a> and <a href=\"http://www.cochranelibrary.com/\" rel=\"nofollow\">Cochrane Library</a>.</p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/489", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/15/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 503, "author": "Nate Barbettini", "author_id": 59, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/59", "pm_score": 6, "selected": true, "text": "<p><strong>Surprisingly, no</strong>. Hot water does kill bacteria, but what's comfortable for your hands is also pretty comfortable for bacteria. Most pathogens start to die off around 60°C to 70°C (140°F to 158°F)^{<a href=\"http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2014/chapter-2-the-pre-travel-consultation/water-disinfection-for-travelers\">1</a>}, but water from the \"hot\" tap in a sink is typically below that (40° to 55°C or 104° to 131°F)^{<a href=\"http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/energy/2013/12/131213-washing-hands-hot-water-wastes-energy-health/\">2</a>}. In order to kill bacteria, the water would have to be way too hot for you to tolerate.</p>\n\n<p>According to National Geographic, in <a href=\"http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/energy/2013/12/131213-washing-hands-hot-water-wastes-energy-health/\">Washing Hands in Hot Water Wastes Energy</a>:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Carrico said that after a review of the scientific literature, her team found \"no evidence that using hot water that a person could stand would have any benefit in killing bacteria.\" Even water as cold as 40°F (4.4°C) appeared to reduce bacteria as well as hotter water, if hands were scrubbed, rinsed, and dried properly.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>This agrees with the World Health Organization's conclusion^{<a href=\"http://whqlibdoc.who.int/publications/2009/9789241597906_eng.pdf\">3</a>}:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p><strong>Water temperature</strong> -\n Apart from the issue of skin tolerance and level of comfort,\n water temperature does not appear to be a critical factor for\n microbial removal from hands being washed. In contrast, in a\n study comparing water temperatures of 4 °C, 20 °C and 40 °C,\n warmer temperatures have been shown to be very significantly\n associated with skin irritation. The use of very hot water for\n handwashing should therefore be avoided as it increases the\n likelihood of skin damage.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>There are a number of studies that have looked into water temperature and handwashing and concluded that there is little to no added benefit to washing with hotter water, for example:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><p><a href=\"http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1046/j.1471-5740.2002.00043.x/full\">Water temperature as a factor in handwashing efficacy.</a>. Michaels, B., Gangar, V., Schultz, A., Arenas, M., Curiale, M., Ayers, T. and Paulson, D. (2002), Food Service Technology, 2: 139–149</p></li>\n<li><p><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23814480\">The Environmental Cost of Misinformation: Why the Recommendation to Use Elevated Temperatures for Handwashing is Problematic.</a>\nCarrico AR, Spoden M, Wallston KA, Vandenbergh MP.\nInt J Consum Stud. 2013 Jul 1;37(4):433-441. (This study examines <em>beliefs</em> about handwashing and unintended economic or climate effects, rather than water temperature directly.)</p></li>\n</ul>\n\n<h2>It's all about the technique</h2>\n\n<p>The CDC recommends <strong>using soap</strong>, <strong>scrubbing</strong> for at least 20 seconds, and <strong>rinsing</strong> under running water^{<a href=\"http://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/show-me-the-science-handwashing.html\">4</a>}. Based on the currently available scientific literature, it does not recommend using hotter water, as it does not seem to have an effect.</p>\n\n<p>In short, scrubbing and using soap are far more effective for hand-washing than using hot water is.</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 23011, "author": "N. J. P.", "author_id": 19188, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/19188", "pm_score": 2, "selected": false, "text": "<p>They weren't entirely wrong. Saying that warm water kills germs better isn't true, but warm water is good for getting rid of dirt, grime, and oils. It works in the same way as dissolving sugar in water. Heat causes partials to move faster which increases the chance of a collision and therefore the rate at which molecules bond. So in the end, warm water is still the better option even if it doesn't kill germs.\n<a href=\"https://www.chemguide.co.uk/physical/basicrates/introduction.html#top\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">https://www.chemguide.co.uk/physical/basicrates/introduction.html#top</a>\n<a href=\"https://www.chemguide.co.uk/physical/basicrates/temperature.html\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">https://www.chemguide.co.uk/physical/basicrates/temperature.html</a></p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/500", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/26/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 505, "author": "JohnP", "author_id": 64, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/64", "pm_score": 3, "selected": false, "text": "<p>Yes, SpO2 levels can be depressed in smokers, but the body will compensate for some of the effects which can explain why you may have had normal saturation levels. There are also age considerations, as well as how much a person smokes.</p>\n\n<p>One of the culprits in cigarette smoke is CO, or Carbon Monoxide. CO shares the same binding sites as O2 in blood hemoglobin (Hg), and actually has 200 times greater affinity than O2. So when you smoke, the CO travels across and prevents some Hg from picking up oxygen. The net result is that your heart starts working harder to get more blood around, which can keep up your sat levels. There is a decent <a href=\"http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/drugs-alcohol/smoking-starve-the-heart-of-oxygen1.htm\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">plain English explanation here</a>.</p>\n\n<p>In addition to this, there are other changes that can occur in longtime smokers. <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC459657/?page=3\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">This study</a> from 1983 found that in females and smokers over 50 have associated increases in red cell volume and reduced plasma volume. This suggests that the body adapts to the decreased O2 count by producing more RBC's. While this sounds like a great adaptation, it also means that with the reduced plasma volume, the blood is \"thicker\", which means that the heart has to work harder to push it around.</p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/bloodjournal/41/6/845.full.pdf?sso-checked=true\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">This article</a> also notes decreased plasma volume and greater RBC counts in long time CO exposure subjects as well as other significant blood composition changes.</p>\n\n<p>TL;DR: Yes, O2 saturation is impaired by continued exposure to CO as a long term effect. However, the good news is that the body is remarkably resilient, and depending on length of time a person smokes, the body will start reversing the effects of smoking within a week or two. Shameless self promotion: <a href=\"https://fitness.stackexchange.com/questions/7990/how-long-does-it-take-lungs-to-recover-after-quitting-smoking/7992#7992\">Reversing effects of smoking.</a></p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 512, "author": "Susan", "author_id": 165, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/165", "pm_score": 5, "selected": true, "text": "<p>The OP observes:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>When I was a smoker, my own SpO2 was usually 100%.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>Although <em>long-term</em> smoking often does lead to changes in the lungs that cause hypoxemia (low peripheral O₂ Saturation, a.k.a. SpO₂), these effects are not immediate. In fact, in the short term, SpO₂ may even be spuriously <strong>high</strong>, consistent with your observation. We should distinguish between the factors that drive changes in O₂ saturation in long-term when compared to short-term smoking.*</p>\n\n<h2>Short term</h2>\n\n<p><a href=\"https://health.stackexchange.com/a/505/165\">Another answer</a> discussed the increased carbon monoxide (CO) levels in smokers, which <em>is</em> <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20739872\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">an immediate effect of the inhaled cigarette smoke that is dose-dependent</a> (i.e. heavy smokers will inhale more CO than light smokers). </p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/test_procedures/pulmonary/oximetry_92,p07754/\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">A pulse oximeter</a> measures the percentage of circulating hemoglobin to which oxygen is bound. By standard pulse oximetry, <a href=\"http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/injuries-poisoning/poisoning/carbon-monoxide-poisoning\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">carboxy-hemoglobin is indistinguishable from oxyhemoglobin</a>. Also, carbon monoxide causes a left-shift of the <a href=\"http://www.ventworld.com/resources/oxydisso/dissoc.html\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve</a>. This means the hemoglobin is holding onto the oxygen more tightly, resulting in a higher saturation of hemoglobin. It is for both of these reasons that students are often taught about the <a href=\"http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Carbon+Monoxide+Poisoning\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">“cherry red” appearance of skin</a> and mucous membranes in carbon monoxide poisoning.** In contrast to hypoxemia (low SpO₂) when mucous membranes tend to turn blue due to low oxygen saturation, the hemoglobin saturation in carbon monoxide poisoning will be seen (both by our eyes and by pulse oximetry) as high. <strong><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=buckley+pulse+oximetry+gap\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Pulse oximetry may be spuriously high</a> in smokers due to the presence of carboxyhemoglobin.</strong> </p>\n\n<p>In most young, healthy people, oxygen saturation is 98-100% anyway, so this difference is usually negligible. However, the point remains that the OP’s observation is fully consistent with the effects of short-term smoking.</p>\n\n<h2>Long-term</h2>\n\n<p>Long-term smokers frequently do have low oxygen saturation <em>despite</em> the spurious elevation due to carbon monoxide. A full explanation of the mechanism would require a textbook of respiratory physiology. The basic idea is that the toxins in cigarette smoke lead to inflammation and remodeling in the lung that cause both <a href=\"http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/copd\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">obstructive pulmonary disease</a> and <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DLCO\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">decreased alveolar diffusing capacity</a>. </p>\n\n<p>It has been shown that <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=24307008\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">early inflammatory changes are present even in young smokers with normal pulmonary function tests</a>. These microscopic changes in the lung do not cause measurable changes in oxygen saturation or pulmonary function tests. However, evidence like this should reinforce to the OP (and any other former smokers around) how absolutely <strong>fabulous</strong> it is that you quit smoking.</p>\n\n<hr>\n\n<p>_\nNotes\n</p>\n\n<p>_{\n*The exact time period (more precisely, number of <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pack-year\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">pack-years</a>) after which the long-term effects begin to dominate the acute effects has substantial inter-individual variability.\n}<br>\n_{\n**This is rarely seen in real life, and it would only be present in those with higher doses of CO than that incurred from normal cigarette smoking. The theoretical point remains.\n}</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 14927, "author": "Fredrik Eich", "author_id": 12429, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/12429", "pm_score": -1, "selected": false, "text": "<h2>Yes, smokers probably function with less oxygen, but is this really a bad thing?</h2>\n<p>My comments are strictly for the open minded!</p>\n<p>I am a 50 year old chronic cigarette smoker and my readings are usually in the range of 97 - 100 when my hands are warm. I have had readings of 100+ on a few occasions which I assume to be a fault of the machine!</p>\n<p>I think it is highly plausible that smokers have less oxygen running around the blood stream and as JohnP points out CO has very pointy elbows\nin a queue to get on the bus! But where I differ is that this is not neccessarily a bad thing! It could actually be theraputic for certain conditions where a there is less oxygen in the blood stream than is desirable. Take for example emphysema.</p>\n<p>In <a href=\"http://www.ausstats.abs.gov.au/ausstats/free.nsf/0/D17F9B5EDB4DFC26CA257225000495E0/$File/43660_8990.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">this study from the Australian Bureau of Statistics</a>, where the study subjects were <strong>picked at random from the general population</strong> and asked to self report on their health and smoking status.It showed that never smokers have a higher percentage of pretty much all diseases (including cancers and hypertension etc) with the exception of bronchitis and emphysema which is consistent with a causal hypothesis for smoking.</p>\n<p>For persons over the age of 45 the percentages are for bronchitis and emphysema:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>smokers 7.8%</li>\n<li>former smokers 7.6%</li>\n<li>never smokers 3.4%</li>\n</ul>\n<p>So smokers have double the risk for bronchitis and emphysema compared to never smokers and although this risk is not as great as many figures that the anti-smoking industry alludes to , it is however a significantly larger risk. And as this study is <strong>randomised</strong> it is likely to be a fair\nreflection of reality.</p>\n<p>See above figures in table below.</p>\n<p><a href=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/3fuZA.png\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\"><img src=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/3fuZA.png\" alt=\"Austrailian Bureau of Statistics: 1989-90 National Lifestyle and HealthAustrailia\" /></a></p>\n<p>Both smokers and former smokers have roughly double the rate of bronchitis and emphysema which is consistent with the hypothosis that\nsmoking caused these conditions through some unknown mechanism. But it could also be that smokers are choosing to smoke because they feel an immediate therapeutic effect from smoking. And stopping smoking did not significantly reduce the number of former smokers that got the disease (7.8% vs 7.6%) which suggests that smoking may not be causal and could be merely therapeutic.</p>\n<p>Paracetamol has an immediate therapeutic effect for people but we don't just assume that it causes every disease known to human kind just because\npeople that use it have diseases. We know that it is an analgesic and people use it for pain relief. If tobacco were paracetamol, the anti-smoking industry could plausibly claim that it causes all known diseases but without supporting evidence it would be foolish to believe it.</p>\n<p>If it is true that healthy smokers go about their day to day business with significantly less oxygen than their never smoking friends then this is another way of saying <strong>smokers can function with less oxygen</strong>. It is as if smokers are just permanently altitude training. When never smokers do their daily business at sea level smokers are doing the same but a few thousand feet further up. This is all quite rational I think.</p>\n<p>But is there evidence that smoking has an immediate therapeutic effect for oxygen starved people?</p>\n<p>I can find anecdotal evidence from mountain climbers here is a quote from a Mount Everest expedition in 1922. <a href=\"https://www.theguardian.com/books/2007/oct/17/sportandleisure.sport\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Source the Guardian</a></p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>Cigarettes as an aid to climbing Report, November 21 1922</p>\n<p>Captain GJ Finch, who took part in the Mount Everest expedition, speaking at a meeting of the Royal Geographical Society, London, last evening on the equipment for high climbing, testified to the comfort of cigarette smoking at very high altitude. He said that he and two other members of the expedition camped at 25,000ft for over 26 hours and all that time they used no oxygen.</p>\n<p>About half an hour after arrival he noticed in a very marked fashion that unless he kept his mind on the question of breathing, making it a voluntary process instead of an involuntary one, he suffered from lack of air. He had 30 cigarettes with him, and as a measure of desperation he lit one. After deeply inhaling the smoke he and his companions found <strong>they could take their mind off the question of breathing altogether</strong> ... The effect of a cigarette lasted at least three hours, and when the supply of cigarettes was exhausted they had recourse to oxygen, which enabled them to have their first sleep at this great altitude.</p>\n</blockquote>\n<p>Take this study of coal miners <a href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2523477\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2523477</a> it could be that smoking contributed towards their condition but it is also equally rational that many smokers just felt an immediate therapeutic effect as our mountaineering friends said.</p>\n<p>The important point here is not whether smoking helped them, our mountaineering friends, to cope with less oxygen, although it may well have done as they clearly thought it did, the point is that they felt it did, hence possibly explaining the roughly double risk for bronchitis and emphysema for smokers in the above study.</p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/501", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/102/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 505, "author": "JohnP", "author_id": 64, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/64", "pm_score": 3, "selected": false, "text": "<p>Yes, SpO2 levels can be depressed in smokers, but the body will compensate for some of the effects which can explain why you may have had normal saturation levels. There are also age considerations, as well as how much a person smokes.</p>\n\n<p>One of the culprits in cigarette smoke is CO, or Carbon Monoxide. CO shares the same binding sites as O2 in blood hemoglobin (Hg), and actually has 200 times greater affinity than O2. So when you smoke, the CO travels across and prevents some Hg from picking up oxygen. The net result is that your heart starts working harder to get more blood around, which can keep up your sat levels. There is a decent <a href=\"http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/drugs-alcohol/smoking-starve-the-heart-of-oxygen1.htm\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">plain English explanation here</a>.</p>\n\n<p>In addition to this, there are other changes that can occur in longtime smokers. <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC459657/?page=3\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">This study</a> from 1983 found that in females and smokers over 50 have associated increases in red cell volume and reduced plasma volume. This suggests that the body adapts to the decreased O2 count by producing more RBC's. While this sounds like a great adaptation, it also means that with the reduced plasma volume, the blood is \"thicker\", which means that the heart has to work harder to push it around.</p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/bloodjournal/41/6/845.full.pdf?sso-checked=true\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">This article</a> also notes decreased plasma volume and greater RBC counts in long time CO exposure subjects as well as other significant blood composition changes.</p>\n\n<p>TL;DR: Yes, O2 saturation is impaired by continued exposure to CO as a long term effect. However, the good news is that the body is remarkably resilient, and depending on length of time a person smokes, the body will start reversing the effects of smoking within a week or two. Shameless self promotion: <a href=\"https://fitness.stackexchange.com/questions/7990/how-long-does-it-take-lungs-to-recover-after-quitting-smoking/7992#7992\">Reversing effects of smoking.</a></p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 512, "author": "Susan", "author_id": 165, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/165", "pm_score": 5, "selected": true, "text": "<p>The OP observes:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>When I was a smoker, my own SpO2 was usually 100%.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>Although <em>long-term</em> smoking often does lead to changes in the lungs that cause hypoxemia (low peripheral O₂ Saturation, a.k.a. SpO₂), these effects are not immediate. In fact, in the short term, SpO₂ may even be spuriously <strong>high</strong>, consistent with your observation. We should distinguish between the factors that drive changes in O₂ saturation in long-term when compared to short-term smoking.*</p>\n\n<h2>Short term</h2>\n\n<p><a href=\"https://health.stackexchange.com/a/505/165\">Another answer</a> discussed the increased carbon monoxide (CO) levels in smokers, which <em>is</em> <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20739872\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">an immediate effect of the inhaled cigarette smoke that is dose-dependent</a> (i.e. heavy smokers will inhale more CO than light smokers). </p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/test_procedures/pulmonary/oximetry_92,p07754/\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">A pulse oximeter</a> measures the percentage of circulating hemoglobin to which oxygen is bound. By standard pulse oximetry, <a href=\"http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/injuries-poisoning/poisoning/carbon-monoxide-poisoning\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">carboxy-hemoglobin is indistinguishable from oxyhemoglobin</a>. Also, carbon monoxide causes a left-shift of the <a href=\"http://www.ventworld.com/resources/oxydisso/dissoc.html\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve</a>. This means the hemoglobin is holding onto the oxygen more tightly, resulting in a higher saturation of hemoglobin. It is for both of these reasons that students are often taught about the <a href=\"http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Carbon+Monoxide+Poisoning\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">“cherry red” appearance of skin</a> and mucous membranes in carbon monoxide poisoning.** In contrast to hypoxemia (low SpO₂) when mucous membranes tend to turn blue due to low oxygen saturation, the hemoglobin saturation in carbon monoxide poisoning will be seen (both by our eyes and by pulse oximetry) as high. <strong><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=buckley+pulse+oximetry+gap\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Pulse oximetry may be spuriously high</a> in smokers due to the presence of carboxyhemoglobin.</strong> </p>\n\n<p>In most young, healthy people, oxygen saturation is 98-100% anyway, so this difference is usually negligible. However, the point remains that the OP’s observation is fully consistent with the effects of short-term smoking.</p>\n\n<h2>Long-term</h2>\n\n<p>Long-term smokers frequently do have low oxygen saturation <em>despite</em> the spurious elevation due to carbon monoxide. A full explanation of the mechanism would require a textbook of respiratory physiology. The basic idea is that the toxins in cigarette smoke lead to inflammation and remodeling in the lung that cause both <a href=\"http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/copd\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">obstructive pulmonary disease</a> and <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DLCO\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">decreased alveolar diffusing capacity</a>. </p>\n\n<p>It has been shown that <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=24307008\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">early inflammatory changes are present even in young smokers with normal pulmonary function tests</a>. These microscopic changes in the lung do not cause measurable changes in oxygen saturation or pulmonary function tests. However, evidence like this should reinforce to the OP (and any other former smokers around) how absolutely <strong>fabulous</strong> it is that you quit smoking.</p>\n\n<hr>\n\n<p>_\nNotes\n</p>\n\n<p>_{\n*The exact time period (more precisely, number of <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pack-year\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">pack-years</a>) after which the long-term effects begin to dominate the acute effects has substantial inter-individual variability.\n}<br>\n_{\n**This is rarely seen in real life, and it would only be present in those with higher doses of CO than that incurred from normal cigarette smoking. The theoretical point remains.\n}</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 14927, "author": "Fredrik Eich", "author_id": 12429, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/12429", "pm_score": -1, "selected": false, "text": "<h2>Yes, smokers probably function with less oxygen, but is this really a bad thing?</h2>\n<p>My comments are strictly for the open minded!</p>\n<p>I am a 50 year old chronic cigarette smoker and my readings are usually in the range of 97 - 100 when my hands are warm. I have had readings of 100+ on a few occasions which I assume to be a fault of the machine!</p>\n<p>I think it is highly plausible that smokers have less oxygen running around the blood stream and as JohnP points out CO has very pointy elbows\nin a queue to get on the bus! But where I differ is that this is not neccessarily a bad thing! It could actually be theraputic for certain conditions where a there is less oxygen in the blood stream than is desirable. Take for example emphysema.</p>\n<p>In <a href=\"http://www.ausstats.abs.gov.au/ausstats/free.nsf/0/D17F9B5EDB4DFC26CA257225000495E0/$File/43660_8990.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">this study from the Australian Bureau of Statistics</a>, where the study subjects were <strong>picked at random from the general population</strong> and asked to self report on their health and smoking status.It showed that never smokers have a higher percentage of pretty much all diseases (including cancers and hypertension etc) with the exception of bronchitis and emphysema which is consistent with a causal hypothesis for smoking.</p>\n<p>For persons over the age of 45 the percentages are for bronchitis and emphysema:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>smokers 7.8%</li>\n<li>former smokers 7.6%</li>\n<li>never smokers 3.4%</li>\n</ul>\n<p>So smokers have double the risk for bronchitis and emphysema compared to never smokers and although this risk is not as great as many figures that the anti-smoking industry alludes to , it is however a significantly larger risk. And as this study is <strong>randomised</strong> it is likely to be a fair\nreflection of reality.</p>\n<p>See above figures in table below.</p>\n<p><a href=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/3fuZA.png\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\"><img src=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/3fuZA.png\" alt=\"Austrailian Bureau of Statistics: 1989-90 National Lifestyle and HealthAustrailia\" /></a></p>\n<p>Both smokers and former smokers have roughly double the rate of bronchitis and emphysema which is consistent with the hypothosis that\nsmoking caused these conditions through some unknown mechanism. But it could also be that smokers are choosing to smoke because they feel an immediate therapeutic effect from smoking. And stopping smoking did not significantly reduce the number of former smokers that got the disease (7.8% vs 7.6%) which suggests that smoking may not be causal and could be merely therapeutic.</p>\n<p>Paracetamol has an immediate therapeutic effect for people but we don't just assume that it causes every disease known to human kind just because\npeople that use it have diseases. We know that it is an analgesic and people use it for pain relief. If tobacco were paracetamol, the anti-smoking industry could plausibly claim that it causes all known diseases but without supporting evidence it would be foolish to believe it.</p>\n<p>If it is true that healthy smokers go about their day to day business with significantly less oxygen than their never smoking friends then this is another way of saying <strong>smokers can function with less oxygen</strong>. It is as if smokers are just permanently altitude training. When never smokers do their daily business at sea level smokers are doing the same but a few thousand feet further up. This is all quite rational I think.</p>\n<p>But is there evidence that smoking has an immediate therapeutic effect for oxygen starved people?</p>\n<p>I can find anecdotal evidence from mountain climbers here is a quote from a Mount Everest expedition in 1922. <a href=\"https://www.theguardian.com/books/2007/oct/17/sportandleisure.sport\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Source the Guardian</a></p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>Cigarettes as an aid to climbing Report, November 21 1922</p>\n<p>Captain GJ Finch, who took part in the Mount Everest expedition, speaking at a meeting of the Royal Geographical Society, London, last evening on the equipment for high climbing, testified to the comfort of cigarette smoking at very high altitude. He said that he and two other members of the expedition camped at 25,000ft for over 26 hours and all that time they used no oxygen.</p>\n<p>About half an hour after arrival he noticed in a very marked fashion that unless he kept his mind on the question of breathing, making it a voluntary process instead of an involuntary one, he suffered from lack of air. He had 30 cigarettes with him, and as a measure of desperation he lit one. After deeply inhaling the smoke he and his companions found <strong>they could take their mind off the question of breathing altogether</strong> ... The effect of a cigarette lasted at least three hours, and when the supply of cigarettes was exhausted they had recourse to oxygen, which enabled them to have their first sleep at this great altitude.</p>\n</blockquote>\n<p>Take this study of coal miners <a href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2523477\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2523477</a> it could be that smoking contributed towards their condition but it is also equally rational that many smokers just felt an immediate therapeutic effect as our mountaineering friends said.</p>\n<p>The important point here is not whether smoking helped them, our mountaineering friends, to cope with less oxygen, although it may well have done as they clearly thought it did, the point is that they felt it did, hence possibly explaining the roughly double risk for bronchitis and emphysema for smokers in the above study.</p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/502", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/249/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 510, "author": "kenorb", "author_id": 114, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/114", "pm_score": 3, "selected": false, "text": "<h3>Body's biological clock</h3>\n\n<p><img src=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/Wkoqt.png\" alt=\"Biological clock human\"></p>\n\n<p>^{Credits: <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circadian_rhythm\" rel=\"noreferrer\">A circadian rhythm</a> at Wikipedia}</p>\n\n<p>There are two main hormones which plays important role in sleep.</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><p>Melatonin (also called a youth hormone) which is produced at night which plays a fundamental role in your body's biological clock (it governs the entire sleep and wake cycle).</p></li>\n<li><p>Serotonin (“feel good” hormone) which affects wakefulness and our mood. Low levels (depression, fatigue).</p></li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>When you are going sleep, your serotonin levels are converted into sleep-promoting melatonin by the body.</p>\n\n<p>Usually body adjust to irregular sleep patterns (such as changing time zones) naturally, but it takes some time.</p>\n\n<p>However if your body has a problem of adjusting to new pattern, you may considering regulating your biological clock.</p>\n\n<p>Either by:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>consider taking a melatonin (1mg or 3mg, usually sold freely over-the-counter) which in general it is considered to be effective and safe (as it's naturally occurring hormone) for short term use and long-term use of up to 12 months^{<a href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23044640\" rel=\"noreferrer\">2012</a>},</li>\n<li>learn how to fall asleep naturally by reprogramming your brain and internal body clock to the new routine.</li>\n</ul>\n\n<h3>Sleep well</h3>\n\n<p>Sleep is important for our health and lack of sleep can put give you tiredness, fatigue and you're also increasing risk of serious medical conditions.</p>\n\n<p>When planning your activities and rest, you should consider around 8 hours of good quality sleep a night to function properly (some of us need more or less time).</p>\n\n<h3>Take a nap</h3>\n\n<p>If you have a disturbed sleep patterns (such as irregular work times, night shifts) and you can't afford a good quality sleep, you can have a nap (<a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_nap\" rel=\"noreferrer\">a power nap</a>) during the day when you get tired, it helps a lot. The benefits of napping could be best obtained by training the body and mind to awaken after a short nap. Naps of fewer than 30 minutes restore wakefulness and promotes performance and learning^{<a href=\"http://www.co-internalmedicine.com/pt/re/cointernalmed/abstract.00132980-200702000-00014.htm\" rel=\"noreferrer\">2007</a>, <a href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18275549\" rel=\"noreferrer\">2008</a>}.</p>\n\n<h3>Relax your mind and body</h3>\n\n<p>Before going sleep, it's important to create an environment which can help you to sleep by relaxing your mind and body, and everyone have their own way, so here are some suggestions:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>try to avoid TV, radio, using mobile or reading a book which can distract your mind,</li>\n<li>turn of the light, draw the curtains, limit exposure to artificial light (it suppresses production of melatonin)^{<a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light_effects_on_circadian_rhythm\" rel=\"noreferrer\">wiki</a>},</li>\n<li>take a warm bath (it'll reach a temperature that's ideal for rest),</li>\n<li>do some physical exercises:\n\n<ul>\n<li>relaxation exercises to relax your muscles (such as yoga),</li>\n<li>vigorous physical activity (sex makes us sleepy as well),</li>\n</ul></li>\n<li>try to listen to hypnotic music and sound effects to relax,</li>\n<li>medication can help with sleeping problems,</li>\n<li>write \"to do\" list for the next day to clear your mind of any distractions.</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>^{Source: <a href=\"http://www.nhs.uk/livewell/insomnia/pages/bedtimeritual.aspx\" rel=\"noreferrer\">How to get to sleep</a> at NHS}</p>\n\n<p>Read more:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http://www.nhs.uk/livewell/sleep/pages/sleep-home.aspx\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Better sleep: How to get to sleep</a> at NHS</li>\n<li><a href=\"http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/tiredness-and-fatigue/Pages/self-help-energy-tips.aspx\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Self-help tips to fight fatigue</a> at NHS</li>\n</ul>\n" }, { "answer_id": 562, "author": "Susan", "author_id": 165, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/165", "pm_score": 5, "selected": true, "text": "<p>Although the <a href=\"https://health.stackexchange.com/a/510/165\">other answer</a> provided some general tips about sleep hygiene and noted that melatonin might be helpful, your question actually touches on an aspect of circadian biology that has been very well worked out, and a more specific answer is available.</p>\n\n<p>The question boils down to: <strong>How can I advance my circadian phase by 3 hours?</strong></p>\n\n<p>This is a question relevant for Eastward travel. It also comes into play during the spring time change for those who live where DST is observed as well as in the shift from weekend/holiday to weekday sleep patterns for many.</p>\n\n<p>Begin by thinking of your body’s circadian pattern on an X,Y graph¹ where:</p>\n\n<p><code>x</code>= time<br>\n<code>y</code>= activity<br>\n<img src=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/DdHzb.png\" alt=\"graph\"></p>\n\n<p>Your goal (“phase advance”) is to shift this curve leftward by three hours along the <code>x</code> axis. </p>\n\n<p>When attempting to manipulate circadian phase, the key is to understand your body’s <a href=\"http://www.circadian.org/dictionary.html#zeitgeber\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Zeitgebers</a>.Your body intrinsically has circadian oscillators that confer the cycle and determine the period; Zeitgebers are external agents that <em>entrain</em> this oscillation by maintaining or shifting it along the <code>x</code> axis. The most powerful Zeitgeber, hands down, is <strong>light</strong>.</p>\n\n<p>Now the question is: what is the relationship between light and this curve? That turns out to be slightly complex in that the answer depends on the time in the circadian cycle during which the stimulus is applied. The relationship has been very well worked out in some <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2717723/\" rel=\"noreferrer\">very cool experimental protocols</a>. Here it is:²</p>\n\n<p><img src=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/ex2zN.png\" alt=\"enter image description here\"></p>\n\n<p>Your goal is to achieve <code>y= +3</code> (which corresponds to <code>Δ= -3</code> along the <code>x</code> axis on the first graph). You can see here that an optimal light stimulus perfectly timed is able to achieve almost a 3-hour shift in a single cycle. The optimal stimulus is going to be bright light in the blue frequency range, and the optimal timing is going to be about 2 hours before your habitual wake time. (About 45 min duration is probably just as good as a longer duration.) </p>\n\n<p>Practically, a good tip is: for two days prior to leaving, set your alarm an hour early and expose yourself to bright light (either broad-spectrum sunlight or blue light from a lightbox) for 30-45 min immediately upon waking. Each day’s exposure can be expected to achieve a 1-1.5 hour phase advance, and this protocol can be remarkably effective for mitigating the jet lag on the following day when you need to get up 3 hours prior to your habitual wake time.</p>\n\n<p><a href=\"https://health.stackexchange.com/a/510/165\">The other answer</a> mentioned melatonin. Administered exogenously, this is indeed another Zeitgeber, although much less powerful than light. Melatonin also has a phase response curve that turns out to be basically 180&#186; shifted relative to the light PRC. That is, if the optimal timing for light to phase advance is around 2 hours prior to the habitual wake time, the optimal timing for melatonin administration will be 12 hours prior to that. For most people that corresponds to 4-6 hours prior to their habitual bedtime.</p>\n\n<p>Eating and exercise are both fairly weak Zeitgebers, and I wouldn’t worry about them too much. As usual in circadian biology, <strong>it’s all about light!</strong>³ </p>\n\n<hr>\n\n<p>_{\n1. Image from: <a href=\"http://www.aasmnet.org/Resources/PracticeReviews/cpr_Actigraphy.pdf\" rel=\"noreferrer\">http://www.aasmnet.org/Resources/PracticeReviews/cpr_Actigraphy.pdf</a><br>\nAncoli-Israel et al. <em>The Role of Actigraphy in the Study of Sleep and Circadian Rhythms</em> SLEEP 2003;26(3):342-92.<br>\nThis sort of graph is obtained by plotting a cosine curve with a period of 24h using least-squares from data derived from wrist actigraphs that measure movement.\n}<br><br>\n_{\n2. Image from: <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phase_response_curve\" rel=\"noreferrer\">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phase_response_curve</a>\n}<br><br>\n_{\n3. All of this can be found in any introduction to circadian biology and/or sleep medicine. My own textbook is:<br>\n}\n_{\n<em>Kryger MH, Roth T, Dement WC. Principles and practice of sleep medicine. 5th ed. 2011: Saunders. St. Louis, MO.</em><br>\n}\n_{\nThe review of experimental protocols from Dr. Czeisler’s lab is also excellent and is freely available from PMC: <br>\n}\n_{\nDuffy, JF. Czeisler, CA. <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2717723/\" rel=\"noreferrer\"><em>Effect of Light on Human Circadian Physiology</em></a> Sleep Med Clin. 2009 Jun; 4(2): 165–177.\n}</p>\n\n<hr>\n\n<p>_{\nN.B. ! Melatonin or light administered at the wrong time does the exact opposite. Although a three-hour phase shift is fairly easy to manage by predicting the phase of the PRC based on prior sleep habits, this starts to become more complicated in larger shifts. This is especially problematic in the case of Eastward travel >5h, when morning light at the destination ends up falling within the <em>negative</em> phase of the PRC and therefore <em>delays</em> the circadian curve. This is the <strong>wrong thing</strong> in this setting and is a common reason for protracted jet lag. Here, it is actually avoidance of morning light that is desired. This is complicated!\n}</p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/506", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/94/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 511, "author": "Community", "author_id": -1, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/-1", "pm_score": 5, "selected": true, "text": "<p>According to the Mayo Clininc, <strong>no</strong>. They write in their eye myths and facts section:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p><strong>Myth: Wearing eyeglasses will weaken the eyes:</strong> The eyeglasses worn to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, or presbyopia will not weaken the eyes any more than they will permanently \"cure\" these kinds of vision problems. Glasses are simply external optical aids that provide vision to people with blurred vision caused by refractive errors. Exceptions are the kinds of glasses given to children with crossed eyes (strabismus) or lazy eye (amblyopia). These glasses are used temporarily to help straighten the eyes or improve vision. Not wearing such glasses may lead to permanently defective vision <a href=\"http://mayoclinichealthsystem.org/locations/la-crosse/medical-services/ophthalmology/myths-and-facts\" rel=\"noreferrer\">[1]</a>.</p>\n</blockquote>\n" }, { "answer_id": 538, "author": "chbrown", "author_id": 141, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/141", "pm_score": 2, "selected": false, "text": "<p>Another explanation for the eye mis-focusing is that the problem is \"habitual strain,\" not the shape of the eye, and that glasses do nothing but exacerbate this strain. Instead, the cure is relaxation and exercises, via the <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bates_method\" rel=\"nofollow\">Bates Method</a>. This explanation is still alive, despite a lack of scientific evidence that it works; Bates's seminal <a href=\"http://rads.stackoverflow.com/amzn/click/1484061748\" rel=\"nofollow\">Perfect Sight Without Glasses</a>, first published in 1920, is now in its 6th edition (2013).</p>\n\n<p>Anecdotally, though, glasses may cause the wearer to realize how bad their vision was before. And as with any impoverished sense, the brain will have learned to fill in the perceptual gaps automatically. New glasses-wearers may find their vision \"degrading\" as they lose their internalized accommodations, which are no longer needed.</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 1173, "author": "Ike Eazy", "author_id": 540, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/540", "pm_score": 1, "selected": false, "text": "<p>Essentially there are 3 eye conditions:</p>\n\n<ol>\n<li>Myopia (also called shortsightedness or nearsightedness). People with this condition struggle to see far things clearly.</li>\n<li>Hypermetropia (also know as longsightedness or farsightedness). People with this condition often - but not always - struggle to see close objects clearly.</li>\n<li>Astigmatism: where the eye is shaped like a rugby ball and the vision can be blurry at distance and near. </li>\n</ol>\n\n<p>(A fourth condition, Presbyopia, tends to affect older adults but isn't relevant in a discussion about glasses weakening the eyes).</p>\n\n<p>The only situation where wearing glasses may weaken the eyes is in the case of some young children who wear glasses to correct only small amounts of longsightedness. \nIf done at the right time and in the right manner by an Optometrist or other eye care professional these children can often gradually be weaned off their glasses with absolutely no adverse effects whereas if they are left alone and this is not done they may remain dependent on their glasses into adulthood. </p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/507", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/59/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 3893, "author": "YviDe", "author_id": 1830, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/1830", "pm_score": 3, "selected": false, "text": "<p>I would recommend keeping those old results around for at least a few years, since it isn't usually a big problem to do so. Having old records around to compare results to <em>might</em> be beneficial. </p>\n\n<p>In many countries, medical professionals or labs might be required by law to keep your records around and hand those results over to you or any doctor you authorize for a number of years. For example, here in Germany, they need to keep normal laboratory results for ten years, for some other items this can be up to 30 years. Similar laws exist <a href=\"http://m.bma.org.uk/support-at-work/ethics/retention-of-health-records\" rel=\"noreferrer\">in the UK</a> and <a href=\"https://www.rmf.harvard.edu/Clinician-Resources/FAQ-Category/Medical-Records\" rel=\"noreferrer\">the US</a> (where the exact legislation is state-specific, as far as I can tell). Since it can be a hassle getting them when you, for example, move, I'd also keep copies myself, though. </p>\n\n<p>The point of keeping old non-significant test results around can be:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>to see that a significant result later is a new addition. As such, if a later test shows elevated blood sugar / hemoglobin, a doctor at least has an estimate of when this problem started. </li>\n<li>to reveal a trend, for example decreasing Vitamin D levels making supplementation desirable, or slowly increasing TSH levels pointing to a beginning hypothyroidism. More tests can then be ordered if necessary. </li>\n<li>since \"normal ranges\" are just normal for a population, and not necessarily for you (see <a href=\"http://ucsdlabmed.wikidot.com/chapter-1\" rel=\"noreferrer\">How reference ranges are established</a>), even a value that is marked as non-significant might not actually be normal for you. Having many values from the past can show an outlier that would be within the reference range, but is a significant result for you. </li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>One example where a trend within \"normal\" levels could be of diagnostic value is hemoglobin:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Paying close attention to routine blood test results can be an effective screening system for colon cancer which, when diagnosed early enough, can be treated effectively. A new study shows that most patients with colon cancer have a history of consistently declining hemoglobin levels up to four years before being diagnosed with the disease</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100803152837.htm\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Is your hemoglobin 'trending'? Routine blood tests may provide early warning for colorectal cancer</a></p>\n\n<p>Since for most people this would just amount to asking for a copy at a doctor's visit and then putting it in a folder when coming home, keeping the records doesn't appear too difficult to not do it. </p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 18160, "author": "einpoklum", "author_id": 8418, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/8418", "pm_score": 2, "selected": false, "text": "<h2>Keep them throughout your life and bequeath them to your children.</h2>\n\n<p>This answer is not as extreme as it sounds, since it's a cost/benefit analysis.</p>\n\n<h3>The cost side</h3>\n\n<p>When you get blood test results - if it's in writing, scan them (these days you can even do this with your phone and apps like camScanner) and save them as a file per page. If you get them online - save the results. At this point, the cost of keeping them is quite negligible - a few megabytes over your entire lifetime. There's extra cost in <em>consolidating</em> them, i.e. putting everything into a nice table of result by specific test and date of test, but you can avoid that unless/until you actually need to.</p>\n\n<h3>The benefit side</h3>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>I expect any doctor interested in blood test results would just order a new test. </p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>Maybe so, maybe no. If a doctor is considering whether to administer some treatment, they could well use older blood tests - because those could indicate situations you <em>might</em> get into, or conditions you might be prone to. Plus, old blood test results are available immediately (assuming you kept them available), while new blood tests require some time. In my personal experience (with the Maccabi HMO in Israel), some blood tests are only guaranteed to return results after 6 days.</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Is there any real chance they would want to look at old results, too?</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>Sure there is:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>To examine changes over time.</li>\n<li>To relate your result ranges when you're healthy to results while you're experiencing some ailment.</li>\n<li>To relate your results to those of your siblings, children or other family members.</li>\n<li>For statistical research involving many people (if you agree to participate in it).</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>_{<em>Caveat</em>: I'm not a Doctor. Or rather, not a Medical Doctor.}</p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/522", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/255/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 550, "author": "JohnP", "author_id": 64, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/64", "pm_score": 5, "selected": true, "text": "<p>These are the steps that you want to take:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>If you can see the snake, be prepared to describe it. <strong>DO NOT</strong> attempt to catch it. If you can get a quick picture with a camera/cell phone, do so.</li>\n<li>Get the person out of biting distance of the snake. (Avoid getting bitten yourself)</li>\n<li>Keep the person calm, with the wound below the level of the heart, preferably lying down.</li>\n<li>Cover the wound with a loose sterile bandage.</li>\n<li>Call Emergency Medical or take the victim to an ER. Even if the person appears healthy, toxin effects can take several hours to appear, and early intervention is always better.</li>\n<li>If there is inflammation or swelling, trace around it with a pen. This can give an indication of reaction progression.</li>\n<li>Removed jewelry/rings/watches as swelling can prevent removal later. (Thanks to Shublu, I had forgotten this one).</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>If you are not near a civilized area (Such as hiking, backpacking, camping), several \"tried and true\" methods are not actually effective:</p>\n\n<p><strong>DO NOT</strong></p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>Cut and suck: You can introduce venom into yourself, the cutting can spread the venom further, and you risk damaging underlying muscle/organs.</li>\n<li>Use ice: It doesn't prevent the spread of venom, and can cause frostbite if applied for too long</li>\n<li>Electrical shocks - Ineffective and can cause burns and/or stop the heart.</li>\n<li>Use alcohol - It may deaden pain, but will cause blood vessels to expand, increasing the spread of venom.</li>\n<li>Use a tourniquet/constriction band - Have not proven effective, and can cause more tissue damage and possibly cause limb loss if left on too long.</li>\n<li>Give aspirin - Aspirin is a blood thinner and can cause increase bleeding/spread.</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Again, that is a list of <strong>^^^WHAT NOT TO DO^^^</strong>.</p>\n\n<p>The good thing about snake bites is that many bites do not actually envenom the victim, and of those that do, it may not be a full dose. Keeping calm and keeping the bite victim calm are going to be the best things you can do, as panic can cause other symptoms that may be mistakenly attributed to the snakebite.</p>\n\n<p>Remember that children and small people are at a higher risk because of body size, as are people that are already compromised in some way health wise. Keep calm, make the victim comfortable and contact EMS or get to an ER.</p>\n\n<p>Here is a <a href=\"http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000031.htm\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">fairly comprehensive review</a> as published by the NIH (National Institute of Health, US-based entity) of the steps to take, as well as the listing of common venomous creatures encountered. My only contention is that if a person is exhibiting shock signs it recommends elevating the legs, but very often the leg is where the bite is. I would (personally, anyway) maintain a lying, neutral position in those cases.</p>\n\n<p>However, while it recommends the use of a venom kit (Sawyer makes a very popular model) it has been <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14747805\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">shown in a study</a> that such kits failed to remove any \"venom\" from the test site. (Further discussion at the <a href=\"http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB124208165196508345\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Wall Street Journal</a>).</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 551, "author": "Shlublu", "author_id": 102, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/102", "pm_score": 3, "selected": false, "text": "<p>In the case of snake bite, the protocol to apply varies slightly depending on the country. What follows is based on the guidelines provided by the <a href=\"http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/thenhs/about/Pages/overview.aspx\" rel=\"nofollow\">National Health Service of England</a>, the <a href=\"http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/aboutmedlineplus.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">National Institutes of Health of the United States</a> and the <a href=\"http://www.interieur.gouv.fr/content/download/36656/277162/file/PSE2.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow\">Ministry of Interior of France</a> (this last document is the national team first-aid guidelines applied by firemen and certified volunteers. It is not translated in English, sorry about that).</p>\n\n<p>A few contradictions exist between these sources regarding the position of the victim, the bandage to apply and the use of a pump suction device. I highlighted these contradictions in the protocol below. As I am certified in France, this protocol might be little \"french oriented\" though.</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><p><strong>Don't hunt the snake</strong> (don't risk another bite). <a href=\"http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bites-snake/pages/treatment.aspx\" rel=\"nofollow\">Try to remember the snake's color and aspect</a> as this will be useful information for the medical assistance. </p></li>\n<li><p><strong>Keep the victim calm</strong>, <a href=\"http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000031.htm\" rel=\"nofollow\">reassure that snake bites can actually be handled at the hospital.</a> </p></li>\n<li><p><strong>Only if the area is not safe and cannot be secured, reach the nearest safe area</strong>. <a href=\"http://www.firstaidanywhere.com/snake-bite-first-aid.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">Movements should be minimized as much as possible</a>.</p></li>\n<li><p><a href=\"http://www.interieur.gouv.fr/content/download/36656/277162/file/PSE2.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow\"><strong>Make the victim lie down on the ground</strong></a>. \n<br />(<em>This is the French guideline. The American guideline instructs to <a href=\"http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000031.htm\" rel=\"nofollow\">keep the affected area below heart level unless there is a sign of shock</a>, and the British guideline just say the bitten body part must stay <a href=\"http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bites-snake/pages/treatment.aspx\" rel=\"nofollow\">as still as possible</a></em>)</p></li>\n<li><p><a href=\"http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000031.htm\" rel=\"nofollow\"><strong>Remove any jewelry or watches</strong></a> from the bitten limb as the affected area may swell.</p></li>\n<li><p><a href=\"http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bites-snake/pages/treatment.aspx\" rel=\"nofollow\"><strong>Loosen clothing</strong></a> if possible, but do not remove clothes.</p></li>\n<li><p>(US) <a href=\"http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000031.htm\" rel=\"nofollow\">Use a pump suction device</a> should you have one \n<br />(<em>This is the American guideline. The French and English guidelines instruct <strong>NOT</strong> to use such a device, the word 'forbidden' is even used in the french guideline. It was really hard for me to write this bullet point as I would NEVER use a pump, personally</em>)</p></li>\n<li><p>Should you be able to do so, <a href=\"http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000031.htm\" rel=\"nofollow\"><strong>monitor the victim's temperature, pulse, the rate of breathing</strong>, and blood pressure</a>. Try do detect any signs of shock.</p></li>\n<li><p><strong>Contact the medical assistance right away, even if the wound looks clean and is not painful</strong> as venom can take effect after hours. <a href=\"http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bites-snake/pages/treatment.aspx\" rel=\"nofollow\"><strong>You should assume this is a medical emergency</strong></a>. So, without hurrying (very important! Being calm is gaining time):</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>Tell your name, phone number, current location,</li>\n<li>Tell this is for a snake bite and tell the victim's gender and age</li>\n<li>Describe the circumstances of the bite, including the snake's aspect, color and size. </li>\n<li>Should you have monitored the victim's vital parameter above, list them.</li>\n<li>Describe all that you did to the victim.</li>\n<li>They will guide you in accordance with the protocol applicable in your country. This will certainly include an immobilization of the wounded limb and maybe a compression bandage. <strong>What they will tell you prevails on all what follows</strong>.</li>\n<li>Do <strong>NOT</strong> hang up the phone until instructed to do so</li>\n</ul></li>\n<li><p>(FR) If possible, <strong>apply a <a href=\"http://www.interieur.gouv.fr/content/download/36656/277162/file/PSE2.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow\">compression bandage</a></strong> to the wound. <strong>It should not stop the blood circulation</strong> (tip: you should be able to insert a finger under the bandage). \n<br />(<em>This is the French guideline. American and English guidelines instruct <strong>NOT</strong> to compress the wound</em>)</p></li>\n<li><p><strong>Immobilize the wounded limb as instructed</strong>. It can be either a sling (<a href=\"http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bites-snake/pages/treatment.aspx\" rel=\"nofollow\">UK</a>, <a href=\"http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000031.htm\" rel=\"nofollow\">US</a>), or a splint using a rigid support (<a href=\"http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bites-snake/pages/treatment.aspx\" rel=\"nofollow\">UK</a>, <a href=\"http://www.interieur.gouv.fr/content/download/36656/277162/file/PSE2.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow\">FR</a>)</p></li>\n<li><p><strong>Watch over the victim</strong> while awaiting the ambulance</p></li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>There are also things <strong>NOT</strong> to do:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>Do not leave the victim on his/her own</li>\n<li>Do not cut the bite to extract the venom</li>\n<li>Do not suck the venom out of the bite</li>\n<li>Do not raise the wounded limb above the heart level</li>\n<li>Do not apply a tourniquet (<strong>Never</strong>. This may have terrible consequences!)</li>\n<li>Do not apply cold</li>\n<li>Do not give any medication</li>\n<li>Do not give anything by mouth, not even water</li>\n<li>Do not use any pump suction device \n<br />(<em>These are the French and English guidelines. American guidelines allow using such pumps, as seen above</em>)</li>\n<li>Do not apply any compressive bandage \n<br />(<em>These are the English and American guidelines. French guidelines <strong>do recommend</strong> to apply such a bandage, see above</em>)</li>\n</ul>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/545", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/92/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 1702, "author": "rnso", "author_id": 1043, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/1043", "pm_score": 4, "selected": true, "text": "<p>I am focusing on one important health issue with respect to sleep position. Obstructive sleep apnea or apnoea (OSA) is a common condition where person has excessive snoring and disturbed sleep at night. These persons may also have headaches in the morning, daytime sleepiness, chronic fatigue or exhaustion, impaired functioning and emotional disturbances. Many expensive therapies are available but adjusting sleep position is an inexpensive method that may help greatly. Sleeping on the side (and not on the back) is recommended for this. Sleeping on the back causes the tongue to fall back and obstruct the airway, producing snoring and other features of sleep apnea syndrome. Extra pillows, as a pillow between the knees, may be used to get comfortable in this position. </p>\n\n<p>References:</p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6740055\">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6740055</a></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://umm.edu/health/medical/reports/articles/obstructive-sleep-apnea\">http://umm.edu/health/medical/reports/articles/obstructive-sleep-apnea</a></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.britishsnoring.co.uk/why_do_i_snore/sleeping_position.php\">http://www.britishsnoring.co.uk/why_do_i_snore/sleeping_position.php</a></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/features/sleep-position-and-sleep-quality\">http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/features/sleep-position-and-sleep-quality</a></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://sleepapneadisorder.info/2011/08/18/the-best-sleeping-positions/\">http://sleepapneadisorder.info/2011/08/18/the-best-sleeping-positions/</a></p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 5695, "author": "user3410", "author_id": 3410, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/3410", "pm_score": 0, "selected": false, "text": "<p>YES, your sleeping position can directly affect your health. While the best sleeping posture is generally considered to be sleeping on your back with your arms by your sides and it’s good for your neck, too, as long as you don’t use too many pillows. It observe that back sleepers tend to snore more than those in any other position.</p>\n\n<p>Regards\nMaria Bertinelli\nSenior Associate at Asonor</p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/582", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/92/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 592, "author": "Community", "author_id": -1, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/-1", "pm_score": 3, "selected": false, "text": "<p>With many of the studies on alcohol consumption and heart health, they look at people who drink moderately, generally a glass of red wine (resveratrol). Some researchers hypothesis that it is the resveratrol that leads to reduce atherosclerosis. This thought comes from the French paradox or the resveratrol paradox [<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3398412/\">1</a>]. The paradox is why do the French live so long with a diet high in saturated fats while they also consume a lot of red wine (since alcohol is a poison).</p>\n\n<p>However, correlation doesn't equal causation, i.e, there can be third a factor. Researchers from Harvard found that being stressed and unhappy can have lasting negative effects on the body [<a href=\"http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/magazine/happiness-stress-heart-disease/\">2</a>]:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>A vast scientific literature has detailed how negative emotions harm the body. Serious, sustained stress or fear can alter biological systems in a way that, over time, adds up to “wear and tear” and, eventually, illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Chronic anger and anxiety can disrupt cardiac function by changing the heart’s electrical stability, hastening atherosclerosis, and increasing systemic inflammation.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>How does this relate to moderating drinking? It relates to moderate drinking through research on social circles and prolonged life spans. A team of Australian researchers found that individuals with stronger and bigger social circles have a longer life span [<a href=\"http://jech.bmj.com/content/59/7/574.abstract\">3</a>].</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Survival time may be enhanced by strong social networks. Among older Australians, these may be important in lengthening survival.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>How do we parse this information? Many who drink moderately tend to go out for that glass of wine and when they go out there is a social aspect to the setting. Husband/wife, children, dinner with other couples, etc. That is, there is a continual social bound occurring. So is it alcohol that is benefit or social circle? Does a positive social circle have an effect on stress and longevity? Luckily <a href=\"http://www.ppc.sas.upenn.edu/bio.htm\">Dr. Martin Seligman</a> from the University of Pennsylvania has already done the research. His work as well as many other researchers on the subject are cited, quoted, and expanding on in <em>Perceptions of Longevity and Successful Aging in Very Old Adults</em> by Katie E. Cherry, Loren D. Marks, Tim Benedetto, Marisa C. Sullivan, and Alyse Barker:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Ample experimental evidence documents the association between religious participation and mortality, where religious individuals live longer than do their non-religious counterparts (e.g., McCullough, Friedman, Enders, &amp; Martin, 2009). For example, Hummer, Rogers, Nam, and Ellison (1999) have shown that Americans who attend worship services twice a week live an average of 7.6 years longer than their non-attending counterparts (a figure that nearly doubles to 13.7 years among African Americans; see Marks et al., 2005). Hummer et al.’s study was based on a national sample of 20,000+ that included a variety of faiths (Christian and non-Christian) and received the highest possible rating (‘10’) for methodological rigor (Koenig et. al., 2001, p. 562). The “key” to this longevity difference in Hummer et al. appeared to be frequency of worship service attendance, not world faith or denomination (see also Gillum, King, Obisesan, &amp; Koenig, 2008; Hill, Angel, Ellison, &amp; Angel, 2005; Musick, House, &amp; Williams, 2004) [<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3864892/\">4</a>].</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>Hummer et al. noted that the key to longevity was the frequency of attending a social event in this case church, but if you read the entire pub med paper in [<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3864892/\">4</a>], you will see this extends to non-church social event frequency as well.</p>\n\n<p>So researchers have shown that social circles lower stress, keep people happy, and promote longevity. Many of the researchers who look at moderator drinkers don't look at the social aspect of the group just the fact that they (A) consume moderate amount of alcohol and (B) haven't died of a heart attack. Therefore, they conclude A causes B but A could be causing more social get togethers where the moderate consumption of alcohol occurs and these social settings will help reduce stress, promote community, and belonging which promotes longevity which leads to lower rates of atherosclerosis.</p>\n\n<p>From the American Red Cross circulation <em>Red Wine and your Heart</em> [<a href=\"http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/111/2/e10.full\">5</a>]:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Despite considerable data from epidemiological studies and strong suggestions from experimental research, the evidence is still insufficient to encourage patients who do not drink to start consuming red wine as part of a strategy to protect against atherosclerosis. Too much alcohol consumption has been shown repeatedly to contribute to cardiovascular disorders such as alcoholic cardiomyopathy (which develops when the heart muscle becomes too weak to pump blood effectively), high blood pressure, and certain electrical disturbances of the heartbeat. Excessive alcohol use can lead to liver cirrhosis, cancers, pancreatitis, neurological disorders, motor vehicle accidents, and addiction. Individuals with a personal or family history of alcohol abuse or liver disease should avoid drinking alcohol. Nevertheless, many medical societies view light use of ethanol as potentially beneficial to the cardiovascular system, although no formal recommendations for light alcohol consumption have been made.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>That is, alcohol has no formal recommendation and light consumption may be <em>beneficial</em>, but again there is no mention of environment. Moreover, the Mayo Clinic makes the same statement but never analyzed the persons environment as well [<a href=\"http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/in-depth/red-wine/art-20048281?pg=2\">6</a>]. </p>\n\n<p>Until more studies start to look at social environmental factors and not just the consumption point of view, I don't think ingesting a poison to maximize life expectancy is the way to go since there is no medical recommendation on doing so; hence, it is still called the Resveratrol paradox and not a theory or fact.</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 603, "author": "Susan", "author_id": 165, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/165", "pm_score": 5, "selected": true, "text": "<p><a href=\"https://health.stackexchange.com/a/592/165\">Another answer</a> did a great job laying out some of the difficulties plaguing research on this topic. Observational data in the area are (hopelessly?) confounded. I would like to point out two alternative lines of research that may leave the reader with some hope that we’ll eventually have a good answer to this question.</p>\n\n<ol>\n<li><p><strong>Surrogate markers</strong>: A major difficulty with research in this area is that it’s not practical to randomize an adequate number of people to alcohol vs no alcohol¹ for a long enough period of time to see statistically significant differences in outcomes like heart attacks, strokes, and death. However, in many areas &mdash; most prominently cardiovascular disease &mdash; researchers have used <a href=\"http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/109/25_suppl_1/IV-20.long\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">surrogate markers</a> that tend to evolve more quickly and have been shown to correlate with the <em>real</em> endpoint that we are interested in. This approach allows us to:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>Acquire <strong>randomized</strong> data due to the shorter duration of study required, avoiding all of the mess of observational confounds or; </li>\n<li>(Less optimal but still something): use observational methods but analyze endpoints that are less likely to be confounded. </li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>I include two papers that review interventional data suggesting a benefit of alcohol on surrogate endpoints: </p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.bmj.com/content/342/bmj.d636\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Effect of alcohol consumption on biological markers associated with risk of coronary heart disease: systematic review and meta-analysis of interventional studies.</a>²</p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25805864\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">The Effect of Alcohol Consumption on Insulin Sensitivity and Glycemic Status: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Intervention Studies.</a>³ </p>\n\n<p>Despite the feasibility benefits of surrogate endpoints, these <a href=\"http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/109/25_suppl_1/IV-20.long\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">“markers of malign” carry certain caveats</a> and can not be regarded as providing a definitive answer about whether alcohol should be recommended to reduce the risk of chronic diseases.</p></li>\n<li><p><strong>Randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trials</strong> (with real endpoints) <strong>in the making</strong>: \nThis is what we want. There is an <a href=\"http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/ac_search_results.htm?text_curr=U34&amp;Search_Type=Activity\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">NIH U34</a> active for planning a multi-center <a href=\"https://www.collectiveip.com/grants/NIH:8757476\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">long-term randomized controlled trial to investigate the effect of alcohol on the development of chronic diseases.</a> You may be wondering how you randomize and blind people to alcohol consumption. Although the methodology of that large trial is not yet published (to my knowledge), the Mukamal lab has a history of <a href=\"https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00786279?term=mukamal&amp;rank=1\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">putting tasteless grain alcohol in Crystal Light</a> (see also, <a href=\"http://blogs.wsj.com/health/2009/05/06/grain-alcohol-and-crystal-light-its-for-science/\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">WallStreet Journal blog piece</a>). That feasibility study was completed; I look forward to updating this answer in a few years when the data from the large RCT are published.</p></li>\n</ol>\n\n<hr>\n\n<p>_{\n1. Note that although resveratrol, a component of red wine, has been publicized as the possibly beneficial agent (partly because it can be put in supplements and sold...), many researchers in the field consider ethanol itself to be of more interest. The data in this answer all investigate ethanol rather than other components of wine or beer, several of which may carry additional benefits.\n} </p>\n\n<p>_{\n2. Brien, SE et al. BMJ.2011;342:d636\n} </p>\n\n<p>_{\n3. Schrieks IC et al. 2015 Apr;38(4):723-732.\n}</p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/585", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/83/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 589, "author": "kenorb", "author_id": 114, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/114", "pm_score": 3, "selected": false, "text": "<p>Consumption of large quantities of sugar has been shown to cause a state of addiction^{<a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sugar_addiction\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">wiki</a>}.</p>\n\n<p><a href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12055324/\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Study from 2002</a> shown that excessive intake of sugar can cause signs of opioid dependence, because this kind of food stimulates our neural systems.</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Repeated, excessive intake of sugar created a state in which an opioid antagonist caused behavioral and neurochemical signs of opioid withdrawal. The indices of anxiety and DA/ACh imbalance were qualitatively similar to withdrawal from morphine or nicotine, suggesting that the rats had become sugar-dependent.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>This was confirmed by another study from <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17617461\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">2008</a> that suggest sugar releases opioids and dopamine, therefore it might be expected to have addictive potential.</p>\n\n<p>This has been proven in animal model, so it may translate to some human conditions as well causing eating disorders and obesity.</p>\n\n<p>^{See also: <a href=\"https://health.stackexchange.com/q/584/114\">Does having too much sugary things cause headaches?</a>}</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 1137, "author": "Attilio", "author_id": 120, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/120", "pm_score": 2, "selected": false, "text": "<p>Most of the studies study food addiction as a whole, because most of the biochemical mechanisms of food addiction are similar for the consumptions of sugar, refined flour, fats, caffeine and other substances. Also, addiction has been studied in relation of people's habit of eating food that is prepared with a combination of ingredients, as donuts or french fries, not separated ingredients. There are many studies that <strong>address the issue of excessive consumption of food as a real addiction</strong>, similar to that caused by drugs such as cocaine, heroin, alcohol and tobacco (Blumenthal &amp; Gold, 2010; Moreno &amp; Tandon, 2011).</p>\n\n<p>Dr. Ifland identifies the <strong>refined products (sweeteners, carbohydrates, fat, salt and caffeine) as the substances that have the greatest potential to cause addiction</strong>. Our body is programmed to recognize sugars and fatty substances as fundamental for life and health: they're energy reserves and address us toward the consumption of fruit, rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals. With the refining of foods we have an exaggerated concentration of sugars and fats, and this disrupts our evolutionary adaptation (Ifland et al., 2009).</p>\n\n<p>In the <strong>explanation of the mechanisms</strong> of addiction, there are at least three factors that contribute to the excessive consumption of foods. In the case of sugar and refined flour, part of the explanation goes through the concept of glycemic index: foods with <strong>high glycemic index</strong> - and load - cause a rise in blood sugar, which leads to an increase of insulinemia and subsequent hypoglycemia that is felt as hunger (Lennerz et al., 2013; Ludwig, 2002). Other explanations rely on the production of <strong>endogenous opioids</strong> caused by sugars that then would act as stimulants (Drewnowski, Krahn, Demitrack, Nairn, &amp; Gosnell, 1992, 1995), and the lower efficiency of <strong>dopamine receptors</strong>, which would lead to increased consumption of food to achieve the same satisfaction (Wang et al., 2001; Wang, Volkow, Thanos, &amp; Fowler, 2004). Lastly, a final interpretation refers to the fact that a high consumption of carbohydrates leads to increased levels of <strong>serotonin</strong>, which is perceived as a pleasant sensation (Wurtman, 1988).</p>\n\n<h2>References</h2>\n\n<p>Blumenthal, D. M., &amp; Gold, M. S. (2010). Neurobiology of food addiction. Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care, 13(4), 359–65. doi:10.1097/MCO.0b013e32833ad4d4</p>\n\n<p>Drewnowski, A., Krahn, D., Demitrack, M., Nairn, K., &amp; Gosnell, B. (1992). Taste responses and preferences for sweet high-fat foods: Evidence for opioid involvement. Physiology &amp; Behavior, 51(2), 371–379. doi:10.1016/0031-9384(92)90155-U</p>\n\n<p>Drewnowski, A., Krahn, D., Demitrack, M., Nairn, K., &amp; Gosnell, B. (1995). Naloxone, an opiate blocker, reduces the consumption of sweet high-fat foods in obese and lean female binge eaters. Am J Clin Nutr, 61(6), 1206–1212. Retrieved from <a href=\"http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/61/6/1206.short\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/61/6/1206.short</a></p>\n\n<p>Ifland, J. R., Preuss, H. G., Marcus, M. T., Rourke, K. M., Taylor, W. C., Burau, K., … Manso, G. (2009). Refined food addiction: a classic substance use disorder. Medical Hypotheses, 72(5), 518–26. doi:10.1016/j.mehy.2008.11.035</p>\n\n<p>Lennerz, B. S., Alsop, D. C., Holsen, L. M., Stern, E., Rojas, R., Ebbeling, C. B., … Ludwig, D. S. (2013). Effects of dietary glycemic index on brain regions related to reward and craving in men. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 98(3), 641–7. doi:10.3945/ajcn.113.064113</p>\n\n<p>Ludwig, D. S. (2002). The Glycemic Index. JAMA, 287(18), 2414. doi:10.1001/jama.287.18.2414</p>\n\n<p>Moreno, C., &amp; Tandon, R. (2011). Should overeating and obesity be classified as an addictive disorder in DSM-5? Current Pharmaceutical Design, 17(12), 1128–31. Retrieved from <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21492085\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21492085</a></p>\n\n<p>Wang, G.-J., Volkow, N. D., Logan, J., Pappas, N. R., Wong, C. T., Zhu, W., … Fowler, J. S. (2001). Brain dopamine and obesity. The Lancet, 357(9253), 354–357. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(00)03643-6</p>\n\n<p>Wang, G.-J., Volkow, N. D., Thanos, P. K., &amp; Fowler, J. S. (2004). Similarity between obesity and drug addiction as assessed by neurofunctional imaging: a concept review. Journal of Addictive Diseases, 23(3), 39–53. doi:10.1300/J069v23n03_04</p>\n\n<p>Wurtman, J. J. (1988). Carbohydrate craving, mood changes, and obesity. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 49 Suppl, 37–9. Retrieved from <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3045110\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3045110</a></p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/586", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/120/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 618, "author": "Fomite", "author_id": 206, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/206", "pm_score": 5, "selected": true, "text": "<p>There are a couple concerns with eating food with mold on it:</p>\n\n<ol>\n<li>The growth of mold implies that microbial contaminants can grow on the food, which means there is a potential for spoilage even if the mold itself isn't pathogenic.</li>\n<li>The mold itself can cause health problems. The <a href=\"http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/food-safety-education/get-answers/food-safety-fact-sheets/safe-food-handling/molds-on-food-are-they-dangerous_/\">USDA</a> recommends discarding molded bread, as a \"bit of mold\" that is visible likely means a much greater penetration of mold in sub-visible amounts throughout the bread as a whole.</li>\n</ol>\n\n<p>The most common health threats from the mold itself are likely exposure to <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aflatoxin\">mycotoxins</a> or allergic reactions - consider, for example, that penicillin is a mold that can grow on bread, and also causes fairly serious allergic reactions.</p>\n\n<p>While the risk is likely small (you are exposed to tremendous numbers of molds in the process of going about your life), it's also fairly avoidable.</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 630, "author": "kenorb", "author_id": 114, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/114", "pm_score": 2, "selected": false, "text": "<p>Molds, fungus and yeasts produce <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mycotoxin\" rel=\"nofollow\">mycotoxin</a>, a toxic chemical which can cause both acute and chronic health effects via ingestion, skin contact or inhalation^{<a href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22749975\" rel=\"nofollow\">2012</a>}. The danger associated with exposure depends on the type of mycotoxin, concentration and length of exposure as well as exposed individual (age, health and sex)^{<a href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12857779\" rel=\"nofollow\">2003</a>}. In same rare cases can be even deadly (<a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aflatoxin\" rel=\"nofollow\">aflatoxins</a>)^{<a href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16330360\" rel=\"nofollow\">2005</a>}.</p>\n\n<p>In comparison, molds such as found on <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_cheese\" rel=\"nofollow\">blue cheese</a> are harmless, because they contain specially cultivated bacteria and they're considered safe to eat.</p>\n\n<p>Therefore if you're not sure what kind of mold it is, for your own health your should limit your exposure to all kinds of molds, fungus and yeasts.</p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/616", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/59/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 3332, "author": "StructuralEquationModel", "author_id": 1733, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/1733", "pm_score": 4, "selected": true, "text": "<p>While I cannot comment on the issue of laying on your back causing acne, I hope my answer helps with your concern for prevention. </p>\n\n<p>There is some evidence that glycemic index (GI) is related to more severe acne. One study examining the diets of 287 people from ages 18-25 with no, mild or severe acne, found that those with worse acne had greater dietary (glycemic index). The foods which were significantly different among groups included servings of:</p>\n\n<ol>\n<li>Sugar</li>\n<li>Milk (with non-fat milk having more of an effect than whole milk)</li>\n<li>Saturated fat</li>\n<li>Trans Fat</li>\n<li>Fish (indicating higher fish consumption in those with no or less severe acne)</li>\n<li>Fruit and fruit juice equivalents (presumably because fruit juice has added sugar making them high GI foods)</li>\n</ol>\n\n<p>The authors propose that GI is related to acne development because of the effect on Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 or (IGF-1), but also highlight conflicting evidence. I will avoid further biological discussion of how this is thought to happen in the body because that is not your question.</p>\n\n<p>The authors do propose that milk may be related to worse acne because it contains IGF-1 and its insulinemic response is much higher than would be expected because of its glycemic load alone so they hypothesize that the IGF-1 leads to (with a few steps omitted) greater sebaceous lipogenesis and sebum output, leading to acne.</p>\n\n<p>The authors also comment on the negative relationship between fish consumption and hypothesize that n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 fatty acids) have a protective effect against acne.</p>\n\n<p>Study limitations include that the data are self-reported as was the acne severity. </p>\n\n<p>A recent review of the dietary and acne literature indicated that there haven't been any randomized controlled trials that can conclude causally that high glycemic load, dairy and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have an effect on acne. The evidence is more convincing for glycemic load, and less robust or conclusive for milk and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids.</p>\n\n<p>The aforementioned data are inconclusive but worth taking note to see if reduction of these foods benefit your acne. See <a href=\"https://www.dovepress.com/linking-diet-to-acne-metabolomics-inflammation-and-comedogenesis-an-up-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-CCID#ref156\">this</a> for a in-depth discussion of the above issues.</p>\n\n<p><strong>References</strong> </p></p>\n\n<ol>\n<li><p>Burris, J., Rietkerk, W., &amp; Woolf, K. (2013). Acne: the role of medical nutrition therapy. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 113(3), 416–430. </p></p></li>\n<li><p>Burris, J., Rietkerk, W., &amp; Woolf, K. (2014). Relationships of self-reported dietary factors and perceived acne severity in a cohort of New York young adults. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 114(3), 384–392. </p></li>\n</ol>\n" }, { "answer_id": 9074, "author": "Jan", "author_id": 3002, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/3002", "pm_score": 1, "selected": false, "text": "<p>Pimples on the back can be either acne or staphylococcal folliculitis, that is a bacterial infection of the hair follicles, which can look very similar to acne - some <a href=\"https://www.google.com/search?q=staphylococcal%20folliculitis&amp;num=100&amp;newwindow=1&amp;biw=1366&amp;bih=643&amp;source=lnms&amp;tbm=isch&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiHhqSO0u3OAhWFdCwKHUmZDeoQ_AUICCgB\" rel=\"nofollow\">pictures here</a>. Staph folliculitis would heal on its own in few weeks or quicker with an antibiotic ointment, while acne are usually more persistent.</p>\n\n<p>Pressure upon the back skin might trigger back acne, but pressure on the cheeks when lying face down could then trigger facial acne. So...</p>\n\n<p>One proposed mechanism of acne development is increased activity of the androgen hormones <em>in the skin</em> (this does not necessary mean increased <em>blood</em> levels of the androgen hormones), triggered by:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>Psychological/emotional stress (<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12873885\" rel=\"nofollow\">PubMed</a>) </li>\n<li>High intake of \"quick carbohydrates\" that is sugar and starch from sweets, fruit juices, soda, white bread and white rice, which results in frequent and high raises of blood glucose levels (glycemic load) (<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4106357/\" rel=\"nofollow\">PubMed Central</a>, <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17448569\" rel=\"nofollow\">PubMed</a>)</li>\n<li>Dairy products (milk, ice cream, cheese), supposedly due to presence of bovine androgen hormones in milk (<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4391699/\" rel=\"nofollow\">PubMed</a>, <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4106357/\" rel=\"nofollow\">PubMed Central</a>)</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>There is less evidence about high intake of saturated and trans fats as cause of acne. Fish oil supplements probably do not help to reduce acne (<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3543297/\" rel=\"nofollow\">PubMed Central</a>, <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20338665/\" rel=\"nofollow\">PubMed</a>)</p>\n\n<p>A comprehensive review of acne causes and treatment (<a href=\"http://www.ehealthstar.com/conditions/acne-vulgaris\" rel=\"nofollow\">EhealthStar</a>)</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 10465, "author": "Omu", "author_id": 7630, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/7630", "pm_score": -1, "selected": false, "text": "<p>for me <strong>cabbage juice</strong> cleans my forehead almost overnight, I drink it in the evening, almost before bed</p>\n\n<p>I usualy juice half of a <strong>red cabbage</strong> with 3 carrots and 1 lemon,</p>\n\n<p>and also I use a slow juicer/ horizontal single auger juicer</p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/617", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/140/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 708, "author": "Toon Krijthe", "author_id": 136, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/136", "pm_score": 3, "selected": false, "text": "<p>Adult pads have a larger area. And they provide more energy. The higher energy is needed because most adults have more body mass than children. </p>\n\n<p>Lower energy is more suitable for children. <a href=\"http://www.aedbrands.com/blog/2012/07/30/do-you-really-need-pediatric-pads/\">Source</a></p>\n\n<p>I teach CPR according to the European standards (ERC). You can use an AED with adult pads on a child, but you should put one pad on the front and the other on the back (both sides of the heart). So they can't touch.</p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.aedbrands.com/blog/2012/07/30/do-you-really-need-pediatric-pads/\">http://www.aedbrands.com/blog/2012/07/30/do-you-really-need-pediatric-pads/</a></p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 23633, "author": "Dr. Mehran Khorsandi", "author_id": 19632, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/19632", "pm_score": -1, "selected": false, "text": "<p>Depending on the size mismatch, the delivery of energy may be effected. In the case that the two pads touch there is clearly the risk of electrical shorting. </p>\n\n<p>It’s a matter of physics (energy delivered the a surface, vector, etc) and what needs to happen for successful defibrillation.</p>\n\n<p>Although it is not recommended to use adult pads on children, it is possible apply them differently than shown on the pads: apply one on the front of the chest, the other on the back, so they do not touch.</p>\n\n<p>Off label use of adult pads in children would not have a randomized study. It would be anecdotal reports without properly controlling any variable. </p>\n\n<p>Sources: </p>\n\n<p><a href=\"https://cacvi.org\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Center for Advanced Cardiac &amp; Vascular Interventions</a> </p>\n\n<p><a href=\"https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/injuries-emergencies/Pages/Using-an-AED.aspx\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/injuries-emergencies/Pages/Using-an-AED.aspx</a></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"https://nhcps.com/lesson/bls-automated-external-defibrillator-aed-infants-children/\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">https://nhcps.com/lesson/bls-automated-external-defibrillator-aed-infants-children/</a></p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/631", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/102/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 638, "author": "anongoodnurse", "author_id": 169, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/169", "pm_score": 3, "selected": false, "text": "<p>Detoxification is one of the primary functions of the liver. When you ingest something, if it is absorbed, it enters the portal vein which delivers the blood directly to the liver. There, the liver metabolizes, \"detoxifies\", excretes, synthesizes, and stores.</p>\n\n<p><strong>What needs to be stored</strong></p>\n\n<p>The liver stores excess glucose in the form of glycogen, fat-soluable vitamins A, D, K, iron used for the synthesis of red blood cells, copper (used as an integral part of enzymes), fat, B12, and some other substances. (This is why eating polar bear liver results in hypervitaminosis A.) It does not store toxins.</p>\n\n<p><strong>How the liver \"detoxifies\"</strong></p>\n\n<p>The liver has a staggering number of metabolic pathways involving a series of enzymatic reactions that neutralize and solubilize toxins for excretion by the liver or kidney. It should be noted that some of the same enzymes are used to render \"pro-drugs\" into active drugs, and that delivery of absorbed molecules directly to the liver (where they may be converted or removed, called \"first pass\" metabolism) is the reason that some drugs simply are less effective or ineffective if taken by mouth. (The gut also is responsible for some metabolism.) This is so much a feature of the liver that first-pass metabolism of medications must be taken into consideration to determine the right dose of a drug.</p>\n\n<p>Generally lipid soluble toxins are first made water soluble by any of a group of enzymes called the CYPs, e.g. cytochrome P450. Each of these enzymes has the potential to alter very many different toxins. Liver enzymes then add another water soluble molecule (called conjugation) to the toxin which renders it less toxic and water-soluable enough to be transported for excretion by the liver (with bile, which is excreted into the intestines and carried out of the GI Tract) or the kidneys (in urine).</p>\n\n<p>Toxins can kill the host, injure a specific tissue (for example, an overdose of acetaminophen can cause enough liver damage to shut down detoxification leading to death), act as carcinogens altering DNA, be metabolized and excreted, sometimes be stored in adipose tissue (fat), or take other routes through the body. I personally know of no toxin (nor could I find one) that can bypass these things and be stored in the liver.</p>\n\n<p>There are toxins that damage the liver: alcohol for example. Yet that doesn't get stored in even a damaged liver.</p>\n\n<p>Clearly there are toxins everywhere that we don't even know about, but if drugs and toxins* studied are metabolized and excreted by the liver (or follow other routes), it stands to reason that the ones we don't know about are probably being handled similarly.</p>\n\n<p>*Disclaimer: Heavy metals are handled differently. Also, this answer doesn't deal with concentration of toxins in other tissues, e.g. fat. (Some toxins are stored in fat cells, and become mobilized again on weight loss.) </p>\n\n<p>_{<a href=\"http://www.lef.org/Protocols/Metabolic-Health/Metabolic-Detoxification/Page-02?checked=1\" rel=\"nofollow\">Metabolic Detoxification</a>}<br>\n_{<a href=\"http://nlfindia.com/liverZone/functions.asp\" rel=\"nofollow\">FUNCTIONS OF THE LIVER</a>}<br>\n_{<a href=\"http://faculty.ksu.edu.sa/15218/Medical%20Books/Medical%20Physiology%202nd%202003%20Rhoades/Medical%20Physiology%202nd%202003%20Rhoades/smch28.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow\">The Physiology of the Liver</a>}<br>\n_{<a href=\"http://ajpgi.physiology.org/content/288/2/G292\" rel=\"nofollow\">Effects of yo-yo diet, caloric restriction, and olestra on tissue distribution of hexachlorobenzene</a>}</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 655, "author": "MysteriousWhisper", "author_id": 288, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/288", "pm_score": 2, "selected": false, "text": "<p>No, these claims do not hold any validity. As you have said, the claims are vague, often saying that these \"toxins\" (not specified) are the cause of a catch-all list of symptoms. Unsurprisingly, they are usually associated with some sort of \"detox\" product or program. After all, the premise of \"toxins accumulate\" goes hand-in-hand with \"therefore we need to detox.\"</p>\n\n<p>There is no medical standard for this type of \"detox.\" There is no consistency in the ingredients of these products. There is no scientific evidence that these things help your health. There are \"success stories.\" Some people may feel better after treatment. But those that feel worse are often told that this is part of the process, that they will feel worse before they feel better. (In other words, there is no chance of not being a success.)</p>\n\n<p>Certainly, there are <em>specific</em> substances with <em>specific</em> effects that have <em>specific</em> treatments, all scientifically validated. It is true, for example, that arsenic in drinking water over time at high enough levels can cause chronic toxicity. This is a poisoning. It has characteristic symptoms and standards for treatment. There are methods to confirm or to rule out the diagnosis. The claims you cited aren't talking about poisonings, though; they are much too nebulous.</p>\n\n<p>I recommend this article on Science-Based Medicine, which goes into more detail about this type of claim:\n<a href=\"https://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/detox-what-they-dont-want-you-to-know/\" rel=\"nofollow\">https://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/detox-what-they-dont-want-you-to-know/</a></p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/633", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/59/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 653, "author": "JohnP", "author_id": 64, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/64", "pm_score": 3, "selected": false, "text": "<p>It's much the same as any other traumatic impact, it's a collection of blood from ruptured vessels. In the skin, it appears as a bruise. When under the nail, it appears as a black shape, usually a crescent.</p>\n\n<p>If the amount of blood is significant, or if the pressure of it causes pain, you should have it checked out by a podiatrist. It is also possible that if the trauma was severe, that there can be a risk of infection.</p>\n\n<p>It will last quite a long time, as the nails (both fingers and toes) are relatively slow growing (average 3mm/month). It is possible that you will lose the nail, although after a month that is less likely. It is also possible that the nail will not grow back in a normal shape, as you may have caused trauma to the nail bed. The black shape (old, clotted blood, actually) will move out with the growth, and may possibly cause nail splitting and separation from the bed in the affected area. Eventually it will reach the end of the nail and can be removed.</p>\n\n<p>While not urgent after a month, there are possibilities of complications, so if you notice any pain, further discolorations or odors, have it checked by a professional.</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 664, "author": "anongoodnurse", "author_id": 169, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/169", "pm_score": 4, "selected": true, "text": "<p>What you have is called a subungual hematoma; that's just a fancy way of saying <em>a collection of blood under the nail</em>. It may happen with any kind of direct trauma, including (perhaps the worst?) a broken toe. It is similar to any other injury causing bleeding; the major difference is you can actually see the dark blood because the nail is transparent.</p>\n\n<p>Yes, it will disappear by itself, but as already noted by @JohnP, it will take a long time, as the clotted, thickened blood residue will be pulled towards the tip of the toe at the same rate that your toenail grows. </p>\n\n<p>This is a picture of a subungual hematoma (SUH) after six months of growth:</p>\n\n<p><img src=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/qacCU.jpg\" alt=\"enter image description here\"> </p>\n\n<p>As you can see, there is a nice, normal nail growing out. I will hazard a guess that this particular injury was a lot like yours by the ridge formed across the top of the new nail. This indicates that the nail was lifted slightly off the nail plate. Also, this is a <em>very</em> slow growing nail.</p>\n\n<p>Your SUH needs no treatment this far out. </p>\n\n<p>As @JohnP noted, if there was significant injury to the growth plate, your nail may be permanently changed: it may be thicker, ridged, shorter, etc. But often this grows out without any problem.</p>\n\n<p>Acute care includes ice and elevation. If very painful, most doctors are capable of trephining the SH under sterile conditions (burning a small hole in the nail through which the blood may escape.) This sounds much worse than it is; in actuality, it provides immediate relief.</p>\n\n<p>_{Because this was associated with trauma, it is a SUH. However, if it was not associated with trauma, one would need to consider a subungual melanoma, meaning a skin cancer under the nail. These can spread into adjacent soft tissue. Keep it in mind as it grows out; it should be replaced by fresh, unaffected nail.} </p>\n\n<p>_{<a href=\"https://www.flickr.com/photos/poslfit/14094821/\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Photo courtesy of John Chew via Flikr</a>}<br>\n_{<a href=\"http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/82926-overview\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Subungual Hematoma Drainage</a>}<br>\n_{<a href=\"http://journals.lww.com/em-news/Fulltext/2003/08000/Evaluation_and_Treatment_of_Subungual_Hematoma.12.aspx\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Evaluation and Treatment of Subungual Hematoma</a>} </p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/647", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/123/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 3352, "author": "rncardio", "author_id": 1477, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/1477", "pm_score": 2, "selected": false, "text": "<p>The worst components of fats and oils from health point of view are <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trans_fat\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">\"trans fats\"</a>. These are unsaturated fatty acids with one or more trans configuration double bonds. MUFA (monounsaturated fatty acids) and PUFA (polyunsaturated fatty acids), on the other hand, are good types of fat and oil components.^{<a href=\"http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/mufas/faq-20057775\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Mayo Clinic</a>}</p>\n\n<p>Repeated reusing and heating oils to high temperature lead to formation of trans fats hence this should be avoided. See: <a href=\"http://www.livestrong.com/article/446570-does-overheating-olive-oil-turn-it-to-trans-fat/\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Does Overheating Olive Oil Turn it to Trans Fat?</a></p>\n\n<p>Trans fats increase the risk of atherosclerosis (plaque formation in the walls of arteries) that limit flow of blood in vital organs like heart and brain (see: <a href=\"http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMra054035\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Trans Fatty Acids and Cardiovascular Disease</a>). Trans fats are thought to be even worse than saturated fats for their propensity to cause atherosclerosis.</p>\n\n<p>This leads to life-threatening conditions like myocardial infarction (heart attack), brain stroke and limb gangrene. Harmful health effects may also extend to other organs and diseases, e.g. Diabetes and Alzheimer.\n See: <a href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12580703\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Dietary fats and the risk of incident Alzheimer disease</a>. </p>\n\n<p>Studies show that it is possible to completely <a href=\"http://wayback.archive.org/web/20070225021532/http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/nutrition/gras-trans-fats/tf-ge/tf-gt_app9iii_e.html\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">eliminate trans fats from foods</a>. As a result there are limitation in many parts of world on use of trans fats (see <a href=\"http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/706222\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Trans fat ban in NYC</a> and <a href=\"http://web.archive.org/web/20150120014755/http://www.nyc.gov:80/html/doh/html/living/nyc-transfat.shtml\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">this</a>). </p>\n\n<p>FDA has made 2018 the year by which trans fat should be completely eliminated from food supply.^{<a href=\"http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/17/health/fda-gives-food-industry-three-years-eliminate-trans-fats.html\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">NY Times</a>}</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 3354, "author": "freethinker36", "author_id": 1759, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/1759", "pm_score": 2, "selected": false, "text": "<p>It seems to be that the health danger of frying past a smoking point is absorbing cancer-causing chemicals from the fumes the oil produces or from ingesting the oil itself. </p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>... it is believed that fats that have gone past their smoke points contain a large quantity of free radicals which contibute to (sic) risk of cancer.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>Source: <a href=\"http://www.cookingforengineers.com/article/50/Smoke-Points-of-Various-Fats\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.cookingforengineers.com/article/50/Smoke-Points-of-Various-Fats</a> </p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>When an oil is heated past its smoke point, it generates toxic fumes and free radicals which are extremely harmful to your body.\n When the smoke point is reached, you’ll begin to see the gaseous vapors from heating, a marker that the oil has started to decompose.\n Decomposition involves chemical changes that ...also create cancer-causing compounds that are harmful when consumed and/or inhaled.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>Source: <a href=\"http://www.business2community.com/health-wellness/the-danger-of-cooking-with-healthy-oils-past-their-smoke-point-0418150#jdc5hpj08paDzWEE.99\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.business2community.com/health-wellness/the-danger-of-cooking-with-healthy-oils-past-their-smoke-point-0418150#jdc5hpj08paDzWEE.99</a> </p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Oxidative DNA damage was associated with exposure of Chinese restaurant workers to cooking oil fumes.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>Source: <a href=\"http://cebp.aacrjournals.org/content/17/12/3351.short\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://cebp.aacrjournals.org/content/17/12/3351.short</a></p>\n\n<p>As side notes,</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>...the reuse of oils is one of the main reasons why eating at restaurants is discouraged,...\"; \"canola oil is always the worst choice, because it becomes toxic long before it reaches its smoke point. The high rates of lung cancer in China are largely due to the use of canola oil and rapeseed oil,...</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>Source: <a href=\"http://healthwyze.org/index.php/component/content/article/539-why-rancid-healthy-oils-are-more-dangerous-than-the-bad-oils.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://healthwyze.org/index.php/component/content/article/539-why-rancid-healthy-oils-are-more-dangerous-than-the-bad-oils.html</a></p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/652", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/114/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 670, "author": "Community", "author_id": -1, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/-1", "pm_score": 4, "selected": true, "text": "<p>Judging from your description, you're most probably doing everything correctly.</p>\n\n<p>But ok, if you wanted to be absolutely sure, you really would have to precisely measure your calorie intake vs calorie expenditure (with a tool like cronometer or sth).</p>\n\n<p>And as far as gaining 100 grams in 2 days goes, that's just jumping to conclusions and easily falls within normal day-to-day weight fluctuations.</p>\n\n<p>I have personally lost almost 20 pounds in just 24 hours in a weight loss experiment - just to prove how much water weight can be lost (without burning off almost no body fat). And guess what...all that lost weight came back after just 2 days on my normal diet.</p>\n\n<p>In other words, those 100 grams could easily mean you drank 1 extra dl of water, or that you didn't visit the toilet before weighing, or something similarly insignificant.</p>\n\n<p>The only way to be sure whether or not you're gaining/losing actual body fat would be if you actually measured your body fat percentage...but even in this case, the measurements would not be precise enough to confirm what's actually happening if your weight changes by mere 100 grams.</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 5702, "author": "roserogue", "author_id": 3606, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/3606", "pm_score": -1, "selected": false, "text": "<p>According to <a href=\"http://www.beachbody.com/beachbodyblog/fitness/ask-the-expert-why-do-you-gain-weight-when-you-start-working-out\" rel=\"nofollow\">Beachbody</a></p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Odds are that it’s not fat, but rather temporary water weight due to inflammation</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>When you work out your body undergoes a process called adaption where you cause microtears which heal and make your muscles stronger. As your body heals you it releases substances</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>inflammatory mediators that swarm the area and perform triage, bringing in healing white blood cells and opening up blood vessels to flush out debris and toxins. There’s so much going on that the area swells up, or inflames.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>It's normal and only temporary, you should notice a change in a few weeks if you stick with it :). Keep eating right and getting enough rest and your body will adapt.</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Another less-likely reason you’re gaining weight is that you’re\n building muscle faster than you’re shedding fat.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>This is also fine, just be patient and you should see results.</p>\n\n<p>If you are still worried I reccommend using a food tracker like myFitnessPal to make sure you are intaking the right amount of calories and a good ratio of fats, proteins and carbohydrate. Sometimes you may think you are eating really healthily but the reality is that you are not striking as good a balance as you thought. </p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/668", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/298/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 717, "author": "arkiaamu", "author_id": 153, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/153", "pm_score": 2, "selected": false, "text": "<p>If your abdomen pain in the upper right quadrant have been diagnosed as gall bladder stones and you are awaiting for surgery, I am very puzzled that you have not received a prescription for appropriate pain relief medication.</p>\n\n<p>In Finland the drug of choice is Litalgin, which contains metamizole and pitophenone. The former is a pain killer and the latter is muscle relaxant which affects directly to smooth muscle tissues located in GI and urinary tract. It is also very good medication for kidney stones.</p>\n\n<p>Another good medication for gallbladder stones is any fast acting NSAID.</p>\n\n<p>You should contact your GP or treating surgeon for appropriate medication.</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 8702, "author": "claire20", "author_id": 1247, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/1247", "pm_score": -1, "selected": false, "text": "<p>Use a heat pack or heating pad. For immediate relief, apply a hot water bottle, heating pad, or other heat pack to your stomach, directly over the gallbladder. The heat should help soothe the pain.\nIf you do not have a heating pad or hot pack, you could also try soaking in a hot bath.</p>\n\n<p>A pain reliever with anti-inflammatory properties will be best since it can ease your pain while also restricting the amount of inflammation your gallbladder experiences</p>\n\n<p>Drink apple cider vinegar in water or apple juice to help relieve pain due to an attack. Apple cider vinegar also reduces cholesterol produced by the liver.</p>\n\n<p>Drink vegetable juice – not the premixed cocktail versions, but pure juice from vegetables.</p>\n\n<p>Rub castor oil over your abdomen, especially where your gallbladder is located.</p>\n\n<p>Drink salt water. Mix coarse salt into a glass of warm water and drink the water before going to sleep to help loosen painful buildup in your gallbladder.</p>\n\n<p>You can get more info here: \n<a href=\"http://www.wikihow.com/Ease-Gallbladder-Pain\" rel=\"nofollow\">Home Treatment for Gallbladder Pain</a>\n<a href=\"http://www.belmarrahealth.com/gallstones-cholelithiasis-risk-increases-with-high-bmi-rapid-weight-loss/\" rel=\"nofollow\">Home remedies and diet for gallstones</a></p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/669", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/106/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 690, "author": "michaelpri", "author_id": 26, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/26", "pm_score": 4, "selected": true, "text": "<p>There has been a lot of debate over the topic of artificial sweeteners and weight loss. Some studies say that artificial sweeteners do promote weight loss, while others argue the complete opposite, that artificial sweeteners cause weight gain. </p>\n\n<p><strong>Do artificial sweeteners in diet products affect weight loss?</strong></p>\n\n<p>Most diet products use artificial sweeteners because they provide the sweetness of sugar without adding any extra calories. How this affects weight loss is uncertain. Several studies, both long term and short term, favor each side of the debate.</p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3190220?dopt=Abstract&amp;holding=npg\">A 1988 study¹</a> had two groups of obese men and women. Both groups were placed on the same diet, except that one group had aspartame, an artificial sweetener used in some diet products, added to the diet. Both groups also had regular exercise instruction. The men in both groups lost a significant amount of weight in the 12 week period, while the women, who also had good results, had more of a difference in the two groups, with the group whose diet was supplemented with aspartame losing about four more pounds on average. This showed that artificial sweeteners can help weight loss, but because the group was small (59), no firm conclusions could be drawn. </p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9022524?dopt=Abstract&amp;holding=npg\">Another similar study²</a> also showed positive results in taking aspartame. In a group of 163 obese women, some of them assigned to have products with aspartame and some assigned to abstain from it, it was shown that having aspartame promoted more weight loss and allowed more weight control during a follow-up period. This study had more conclusive evidence than the previous study, but still not enough to be considered definite.</p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2349932?dopt=Abstract&amp;holding=npg\">One more study³</a> whose results leaned towards artificial sweeteners promoting weight loss (but still inconclusive) tested beverages with aspartame or high-fructose corn syrup (which I won't talk about because it's usually not used in diet products) on normal-weight men and women. The beverages with aspartame did appear, relative to when no beverages were given, to reduce weight in male subjects, but did not have a noticeable effect on females. Once again, this leaves us with an unsatisfactory result.</p>\n\n<p>As I mentioned earlier, there are some studies that say artificial sweeteners don't have any significant effect on weight or sometimes even promote weight gain. </p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1038/oby.2008.284/full\">A long-term study in San Antonio⁴</a> studied a few thousand people and asked them how often they drank beverages with artificial sweeteners. The amount of total consumption of artificial sweeteners was then estimated. About 7 or 8 years later, the subjects were re-examined and it was found that higher consumption of artificial sweeteners may be linked with a higher body mass index (BMI) and weight gain. There are many other factors that could've changed this result, and they were handled as well as they could, but still not perfectly. Because of this, the result is once again inconclusive. The study article even says, \"There may be no causal relationship between [artificial sweetener] use and weight gain.\"</p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3714671\">One last study⁵</a> also says that there is no evidence that artificial sweetener consumption \"helps weight loss or prevents weight gain.\" It showed no significant link between weight loss or gain and the amount of artificial sweeteners consumed. Of course, this study has many variables that were handled as adequately as possible, but still this leads to the real result of the experiment being inconclusive. </p>\n\n<p>As we can see, it is nearly impossible to tell how artificial sweeteners affect weight loss. They're not really bad for your health, so it is fine to have them. It does seem that the studies that showed weight loss from artificial sweetener consumption had a higher percentage of weight difference than the studies that showed other results. From this you may conclude that the benefits outweigh the risks. The only thing I can recommend is to have artificial sweeteners in moderation, just like anything else.</p>\n\n<p><strong>Is there any benefit to choosing \"diet\" products instead over plain water?</strong></p>\n\n<p>This can also be a controversial subject, but there are also studies on it. Sadly, they are inconclusive.</p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oby.20737/full\">This study⁶</a> tested men and women with two groups, one was an artificial sweetener beverage group and the other was a water group. Both groups also took part in a behavioral weight loss treatment program. The results showed that the artificial sweetener group lost more weight on average than the water group. Still, this study was not large enough and did not have sufficient enough evidence to be considered conclusive.</p>\n\n<p>Whether diet products are better than water can still depend. You can argue the same as above that the benefits of artificial beverages outweigh the risks, but you could also say that water is a safe enough choice. This is usually up to whoever is debating between diet products and water, but your doctor can be contacted if the need is really felt. </p>\n\n<hr>\n\n<p>^{[<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3190220?dopt=Abstract&amp;holding=npg\">1</a>] <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3190220?dopt=Abstract&amp;holding=npg\">An evaluation of the effect of aspartame on weight loss.</a>}</p>\n\n<p>^{[<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9022524?dopt=Abstract&amp;holding=npg\">2</a>] <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9022524?dopt=Abstract&amp;holding=npg\">The effect of aspartame as part of a multidisciplinary weight-control program on short- and long-term control of body weight</a>}</p>\n\n<p>^{[<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2349932?dopt=Abstract&amp;holding=npg\">3</a>] <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2349932?dopt=Abstract&amp;holding=npg\">Effect of drinking soda sweetened with aspartame or high-fructose corn syrup on food intake and body weight</a>}</p>\n\n<p>^{[<a href=\"http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1038/oby.2008.284/full\">4</a>] <a href=\"http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1038/oby.2008.284/full\">Fueling the Obesity Epidemic? Artificially Sweetened Beverage Use and Long-term Weight Gain</a>}</p>\n\n<p>^{[<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3714671\">5</a>] <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3714671\">Artificial sweetener use and one-year weight change among women</a>}</p>\n\n<p>^{[<a href=\"http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oby.20737/full\">6</a>] <a href=\"http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oby.20737/full\">The effects of water and non-nutritive sweetened beverages on weight loss during a 12-week weight loss treatment program</a>}</p>\n\n<p>^{<a href=\"http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/healthy-drinks/artificial-sweeteners/\">Harvard - Artificial Sweeteners</a>}</p>\n\n<p>^{<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2892765/\">Gain weight by “going diet?” Artificial sweeteners and the neurobiology of sugar cravings</a>}</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 4314, "author": "SPRBRN", "author_id": 1218, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/1218", "pm_score": -1, "selected": false, "text": "<p>Where I live, diet products are mostly called \"light\". In the US you have Diet Coke, we call it Coca Cola Light. This goes for chips (like Lays) as well. Light chips have 30% less fat. However, it turns out that the law here says that to qualify for the \"light\" label, the product needs to have at least 30% less for one of fat, sugar or calories. So if your favorite chips have 30% less fat, they qualify as \"light\". But the law doesn't say that the other two (sugar and calories) should stay as they are. So Lays is free to add more sugar to it (or salt), thus compensating for the taste loss of the removed fat. I don't know how this works for Coke, where less sugar is probably not compensated with fat. </p>\n\n<p>All in all, in products where fat is replaced with sugar (and salt), I guess there is no health benefit. I would think sugar and salt is even worse than non saturated fat. This reasoning won't work for all products, but \"light\" and \"diet\" are more about marketing than about health. </p>\n\n<hr>\n\n<p>EDIT</p>\n\n<p>Well, as I seem to get downvotes and no comments on why, it means to me that you (the downvoters) can't handle the facts. See <a href=\"https://www.webmd.com/diet/guide/low-fat-diet#1\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">this article on webmd</a> about this. Apparently this applies to the US as well. A quote:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Sometimes \"fat-free\" is also, well, taste-free. And to make up for that, food makers tend to pour other ingredients -- especially sugar, flour, thickeners, and salt -- into the products. That can add calories.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>For EU: <a href=\"https://ec.europa.eu/food/safety/labelling_nutrition/claims/nutrition_claims_en\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Nutrition claims</a></p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 10375, "author": "Kate Forsyth", "author_id": 7478, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/7478", "pm_score": 0, "selected": false, "text": "<p>You should avoid products that contain artificial sweeteners because it will only promote fat storage and weight gain according to <a href=\"http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/12/23/artificial-sweeteners-confuse-body.aspx\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Dr. Mercola</a>, it also promotes health problems associated with excessive sugar consumption, including Cardiovascular disease and stroke, Alzheimer's disease and artificial sweeteners stimulate appetite, increase cravings for carbs why? simply because your body are being fooled by artificial sweeteners by sweet taste but in reality, it has no calories inside. When we eat something sweet, our brain releases dopamine which activates our brain's reward center. The appetite-regulating hormone leptin that will inform your brain that you are \"full\" if a number of calories have been ingested. However, if we consume something that tastes sweet but doesn't contain any calories, our brain are still activated by these artificial sweeteners that we get sugar (calories), but when the sugar are not present, our body will still continue to give signal that we need more that will results in carb cravings so in short we are tricked by this artificial sweeteners. The study shows that it also worsen any insulin sensitivity and are promoting weight gain. Artificial sweeteners played a role in worsening the obesity and diabetes epidemics since their emergence in our food supply and these are added to about 6,000 different beverages, snacks, and food products, making label-reading an ever pressing necessity. Disturbingly, food industry groups are now trying to hide the presence of artificial sweeteners in certain foods.</p>\n\n<p>For a safer sweetener options, I suggest using stevia or Luo Han, both of them are safe natural sweeteners. Just keep in mind however that if you struggle with hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, or overweight, then you have insulin sensitivity issues and would probably benefit from avoiding \"ALL sweeteners\".</p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/679", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/62/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 722, "author": "Iron Pillow", "author_id": 332, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/332", "pm_score": 3, "selected": false, "text": "<p>The answer is \"of course,\" but one must be careful about defining terms.</p>\n\n<p>Certainly the infection can persist for years in untreated patients. That qualifies as \"chronic.\" There is no question that chronic Lyme disease exists as part of the natural history of Lyme disease.</p>\n\n<p>If you're asking whether the infectious agent can persist after what is normally a curative dose of antibiotics, the answer is also \"of course.\" A \"normally curative dose\" isn't going to be the right dose for everyone. Some people will need more, or some people will have infection in an immunologically privileged area of their body. It only takes one failure of the normally curative dose to make the answer to this scenario \"yes,\" so certainly that has happened at some point. How often is another question entirely.</p>\n\n<p>If you are asking whether ill effects of the initial infection can persist after treatment eradicates the organism, the answer is still yes. Many infections continue to exert ill effects after eradication of the infectious agent because they have incited an autoimmune response from the body. Antibiotics don't help autoimmune disorders. But again, the right question is: how often does this happen?</p>\n\n<p>If you're asking whether people who get normally curative doses of antibiotics can continue to have wacky symptoms with no trace of the infectious agent nor objectively demonstrable pathology -- well, the answer is again \"of course,\" but ... it is not (and cannot) be proven that their symptoms are due to the Lyme infection because, as noted, there is no objectively demonstrable pathology. Maybe they were going to get those symptoms anyway. Maybe their symptoms of physical illness are really symptoms of a mental illness. There is also a big problem around the term \"objectively demonstrable\" -- it depends on how thoroughly the search is made.</p>\n\n<p>Ask a simple question, get a complicated answer. :-)</p>\n\n<p>For people who want to read more:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2430045/\" rel=\"nofollow\">Chronic Lyme Disease: An appraisal</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMra072023\" rel=\"nofollow\">A Critical Appraisal of “Chronic Lyme Disease”</a></li>\n</ul>\n" }, { "answer_id": 4532, "author": "Thomas Grier", "author_id": 2752, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/2752", "pm_score": 3, "selected": true, "text": "<p><strong>Does chronic Lyme disease really exist ?</strong> Let me rewrite that question: \"Does infection with Borrelia species persist in patients treated aggressively with antibiotics? (Treated beyond the IDSA Guidelines) </p>\n\n<p>Yes, just so you know I recently posted well over 100 references supporting this position on my Facebook page Thomas Grier: and here are some to consider: <a href=\"http://www.miklossy.ch/\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Dr. Judith Miklossey</a> both photographed Borrelia in the brains of dementia patients 20 years ago, but she cultured Borrelia burgdorferi and used that strain to create a Rat Brain Model of Lyme disease. </p>\n\n<p>Alan MacDonald identified both Bb and Borrelia miyamotoi in the brain of a lumberjack from Twig MN who had been treated aggressively with 7 years of antibiotics. Green is B burgdorferi, Red is B miyamotoi <a href=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/cFAHO.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\"><img src=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/cFAHO.jpg\" alt=\"enter image description here\"></a></p>\n\n<p>Cimmino MA, Azzolini A, Tobia F, Pesce CM. Spirochetes in the spleen of a patient with chronic Lyme disease. Amer J Clin Pathol 1989;91:95-7</p>\n\n<p>Cleveland CP, Dennler PS, Durray PH. Recurrence of Lyme disease presenting as a chest wall mass: Borrelia burgdorferi was present despite five months of IV ceftriaxone 2g, and three months of oral cefixime 400 mg BID. Poster presentation LDF International Conference on Lyme Disease research, Stamford, CT, April 1992 *</p>\n\n<p>Diringer MN, Halperin JJ, Dattwyler RJ. Lyme meningoencephalitis: A report of a severe, penicillin resistant Borrelia encephalitis responding to cefotaxime.<br>\nArthritis and Rheum 1987;30:705-708</p>\n\n<p>Drulle John MD. Persisting Lyme disease: Chronic infection or immune phenomena? Lecture Handout 1992 *</p>\n\n<p>Fried Martin D, Durray P. Gastrointestinal Disease in Children with Persistent Lyme Disease: Spirochetes isolated from the G.I. tract despite antibiotic therapy. 1996 LDF Lyme Conference Boston, MA, Abstract*</p>\n\n<p>Fraser DD, Kong LI, &amp; Miller FW. Molecular detection of persistent Borrelia burgdorferi in a man with dermatomyosistis. Clin and Exp Rheum 1992;10:387-390</p>\n\n<p>Georgilis K, Peacocke M, and Klempner MS. Fibroblasts protect the Lyme Disease spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi from ceftriaxone in vitro. J. Infect Dis 1992;166:440-444</p>\n\n<p>Hassler D, Riedel K, Zorn J, and Preac-Mursic V. Pulsed high dosed cefotaxime therapy in refractory Lyme Borreliosis (Letter to Editor) Lancet 1991;338:193</p>\n\n<p>Haupl TH, Krause A, Bittig M. Persistence of Borrelia burgdorferi in chronic Lyme Disease: altered immune regulation or evasion into immunologically privileged sites? Abstract 149 Fifth International Conference on Lyme Borreliosis, Arlington, VA, 1992 *</p>\n\n<p>Haupl T, Hahn G, Rittig M, Krause A, Schoerner C, Schonnherr U, Kalden JR and Burmester GR: Persistence of Borrelia burgdorferi in ligamentous tissue from a patient with chronic Lyme Borreliosis. Arthritis and Rheum 1993;36:1621-1626 </p>\n\n<p>Lawrence C, Lipton RB, Lowy FD, and Coyle PK. Seronegative Chronic Relapsing Neuroborreliosis. European Neurology. 1995;35(2):113-117</p>\n\n<p>Liegner KB. Lyme Disease: A persistent problem. A Guest editorial JAMA 31(8):1961-63</p>\n\n<p>Liegner KB. Lyme disease: The sensible pursuit of answers (Commentary). J. Clin Microbiol 1993;31:1961-1963</p>\n\n<p>Liegner KB. Spectrum of antibiotic-responsive meningoencephalmyelitides: A fatal case of CMEM. Poster presentation 1992 LDF Lyme Conference, Stamford, CT April 1992 *</p>\n\n<p>Liegner Kenneth B MD. Chronic persistent infection and chronic persistent denial of chronic persistent infection in Lyme Disease. A position paper presented at the 6th Annual International Conference on Lyme Disease and other tick-borne illnesses, Atlantic City, NJ, May 5-6, 1993 *</p>\n\n<p>Preac-Mursic V, Wilske B, Schierz G, et al. Repeated isolation of spirochetes from the cerebrospinal fluid of a patient with meningoradiculitis Bannwarth’ Syndrome. \nEur J Clin Microbiol 1984;3:564-565</p>\n\n<p>Preac-Mursic V, Weber K, Pfister HW, Wilske B, Gross B, Baumann A, and Prokop J. Survival of Borrelia burgdorferi in antibiotically treated patients with Lyme Borreliosis Infection 1989;17:335-339</p>\n\n<p>Schmidli J, Hunzicker T, Moesli P, et al, Cultivation of Bb from joint fluid three months after treatment of facial palsy due to Lyme Borreliosis. J Infect Dis 1988;158:905-906</p>\n\n<p>Waniek C, Prohocnik I, Haufman MA. Rapid progressive frontal type dementia and subcortical degeneration associated with Lyme disease. Poster presentation and abstract presented at the 1993 LDF State of the Art Research Symposia on Lyme Disease, Stanford, CT, April 1993 (212) 960-5872 - NY State Psychiatric Institute *</p>\n\n<p>Wokke JHJ, vanGijn J, Eldersom A, Stanek G. Chronic forms of Borrelia burgdorferi infection of the central nervous system. Neurology 1987;37:1031-1034</p>\n" } ]

[ "https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/713", "https://health.stackexchange.com", "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/325/" ]

[ { "answer_id": 716, "author": "arkiaamu", "author_id": 153, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/153", "pm_score": 3, "selected": false, "text": "<p>As a medical professional I find this very important question. No, OTC drugs are not any safer than drugs needing prescriptions. They are more dangerous.</p>\n\n<p>The rationale for this statement is that always when patients are given a prescription, a detailed dosing guidelines are given to patient. Also physicians make sure that the prescripted drug is suitable to use with existing medication without any adverse interactions.</p>\n\n<p>In contrary, people can buy OTC drug as much they can and use them how ever they feel it is possible. Of course, majority of patients ask or seek for guidance, but in population level there will always be the minotiry who use OTC drugs with high doses and experience adverse events. </p>\n\n<p>They reason why paracetamol/ibuprofen/aspirin are OTC drugs is that these drugs have quite a few interactions with other drugs. Paracetamol is the safest minding the correct dosing. Daily dosage exceeding 4g are associated to liver damage. Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs cannot be used with warfarin, which is pretty much the only major interaction. Adverse effects include GE tract bleeding and kidney injury if daily dosage is high or there is pre-existing condition.</p>\n\n<p>The rest of the drugs You mention are highly spesific drugs with complex mechanism of actions and they have many significant interactions and contra-indications. Proper assessment must done by a professinal and not by common people. </p>\n\n<p>It varies from country to country and depends on local regulation which drugs are OTC. Usually the safest one are, like those you mention and for example antihistamins and some proton-pump inhibitioners. There must be an equilibrium which drugs are OTC and which are not. Certain drugs must be OTC so people can buy those freely and does not need to see a doctor every time they need paracetamol. That would pose a significant burden for health care system. Also, not all drugs should be OTC, most importantly those which have many major interactions and those which are suitable for abuse. Moreover, majority of drugs are used for treatment of chronic diseases so when people run out of prescription they must meet their doctor and thus the status of any illness can be assessed.</p>\n" }, { "answer_id": 738, "author": "anongoodnurse", "author_id": 169, "author_profile": "https://health.stackexchange.com/users/169", "pm_score": 2, "selected": false, "text": "<p>Generally, I'd say no, OTC medications are not safer than prescribed medications. However, I disagree with the opinion that they are more dangerous. Primarily I'd like to address a misconception people have about OTC medications (meds). (I will not discuss dietary supplements - also potentially very harmful - because the FDA does not regulate these.)</p>\n\n<p>Many people think that OTC meds are safe because \"the government wouldn't let a dangerous medication be sold over the counter, would they?\" In the US, the \"government\" usually is a reference to the Food &amp; Drug Administration. The answer is:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Yes, the FDA <strong>does</strong> allow dangerous medications be sold over the counter.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>Just look at acetaminophen/paracetamol (ACAP). Before blister-packs were mandated for ACAP, it was the drug of choice for suicide in the UK.</p>\n\n<p>While it is true that the FDA must approve both OTC and prescription drugs, they are assessed for safety, efficacy, possible drug interactions, and <strong>appropriate dosages</strong>. ACAP is OTC because <em>used as directed</em>, the benefits significantly outweigh the risks. This does not address OTC meds that were once FDA approved but have lost approval because of poor labeling practices¹</p>\n\n<p>Are prescription medications safer because they are \"prescribed\"? Not really, because many patients (in many studies, up to 50-60%, which is believed to be an underestimate) don't take their medication as prescribed. This poses a significant burden to health care costs and utilization. </p>\n\n<p>Clearly not all medications eventually become OTC - I don't expect to ever see chemotherapy drugs go OTC, for instance. But many do. This has something to do with patent expiration, being beneficial to patients who can't afford a physician for treatment of common illnesses, e.g. gastric reflux or (in days bygone) gastric ulcers. Allergy medications usually become OTC, antibiotics (in Mexico and other countries), etc.</p>\n\n<p>Drugs are drugs, inherently dangerous when the risk outweighs the benefit or when used improperly. So is water. Too much or too little will kill you; it doesn't mean bottled water is safer than tap water in that instance.</p>\n\n<p>_{<a href=\"http://journal.publications.chestnet.org\" rel=\"nofollow\">1 Unapproved Prescription Cough, Cold, and Allergy Drug Products: Recent US Food and Drug Administration Regulatory Action on Unapproved Cough, Cold, and Allergy Medications</a>}<br>\n_{<a href=\"http://www.jrheum.org/content/32/11/2218.short\" rel=\"nofollow\">Patterns of use and public perception of over-the-counter pain relievers: focus on nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs</a>}<br>\n_{<a href=\"http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=195142\" rel=\"nofollow\">Long-term Persistence in Use of Statin Therapy in Elderly Patients</a>}<br>\n_{<a href=\"http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-1-4419-5866-2_4#page-1\" rel=\"nofollow\">Medication adherence</a>}</p>\n" } ]

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