Daily Health News Blog

Leaky gut syndrome in conjunction with autism is still being researched; a number of studies and research are under way to better understand how the syndrome starts, why it can be prevalent in autistic children, and how to treat it. Simply, leaky guy syndrome is the inability of the intestinal wall to keep out large, unwanted molecules. This symptom of autism most often signifies that the intestinal wall has been altered to become permeable. Leaky gut syndrome in autistic children may occur because of increased sensitivity or allergies. Leaky gut syndrome is problematic for one's health because it allows molecules and substances (such as proteins) that are normally filtered out of the intestinal tract into the intestines. Because these molecules are not usually allowed inside the gut, the body misinterprets these non-harmful substances as a virus or infection and begins to produce antibodies to attack them. In turn, this creates a process where one's body recognizes certai

Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease where white blood cells suddenly attack healthy tissues, specifically joints and cartilage. There are a few ways to help ease the symptoms, depending on which stage of the disease you are in. If you are in the early stages of rheumatoid arthritis there is a new disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) which has done an excellent job in controlling symptoms. It works best in the initial stages, so if you suspect you may have rheumatoid arthritis, see your doctor as soon as possible. There are other options if you are in later stages of rheumatoid arthritis. These are also helpful if you are still in early stages. One is to use anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. This does a great job reducing pain and inflammation. However, these have side effects including heart problems and gastrointestinal bleeding. You can also use acetaminophen for your rheumatoid arthritis, which does not have these side effects.

As with anyone with a physical or mental disorder, autistic people deal with a wide range of reactions from others, from full support to uncaring ignorance. Unfortunately, even those who support autistic family members, co-workers, and friends may not understand autism very well. This leads to stereotypes, which can result in hatred, embarrassment, or other unhappy situations. By becoming educated about autism, you can help others in your community cope with this disorder. It is most important to note that not all autistic people are the same. Other diseases and disorders have their own sets of rules, but autism is such a complex medical condition, that everyone reacts differently to it. Autistic people are usually rated on a functional scale, with high-functioning people being able to hold jobs and low-functioning people needing 24-hour-a-day care. Symptoms include behavioral challenges, uncontrollable movements, speech and communication difficulties, and emotional inadequacies. So

Depression is a common problem, affecting about one in six adults in their lifetime. But what if you also feel excessively anxious? If so, you may be one of the many people who experience an anxiety disorder at the same time as depression. A study from Harvard found that among people with depression, nearly two-thirds also had generalized anxiety disorder. The rates of co-occurring related anxiety disorders -- social phobia, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, specific phobias and obsessive-compulsive disorder -- in depressed people were also all greater than 40 percent.   Treating with antidepressants.   Having an anxiety disorder at the same time as depression can make it harder to find a treatment that works, according to guidelines from the American Psychiatric Association, but not impossible. Antidepressants are often effective for symptoms of both depression and anxiety. You should be aware, however, that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such

Do people who are religious or who have a nonreligious set of spiritual beliefs that guide them in their daily life have an advantage over those who don't when it comes to mental and physical well-being? A growing body of research suggests that religion and spirituality may help some people better cope with illness, depression and stress.  Although religion and spirituality may not cure illness, they can have a positive effect on your health. Several medical studies show a connection between religious beliefs or practices and a decreased risk of self-destructive behaviors such as smoking, substance abuse and suicide. Other studies suggest that people who have regular religious practices tend to live longer and may be better able to enjoy life despite health issues like chronic pain. Several recent studies (which focus on spirituality in a religious context) suggest that spirituality has the potential to: Prevent depression.  In a study of more than 92,500 postmenopausal w

Magnesium has never been a nutritional superstar, but in recent years, research has confirmed its many crucial roles in the body and uncovered new potential benefits. Notably, it’s involved in energy production, cell growth, blood pressure, bone health and the functioning of the heart, nerves and muscles. There’s no doubt that magnesium-rich foods are some of the best choices around—but supplements are another matter. Heart and blood pressure Insufficient magnesium intake increases cardiovascular risk. Magnesium is essential for the activity of the heart muscle and the nerves that initiate the heartbeat, and it helps regulate blood pressure. An adequate intake helps prevent arrhythmias, reduce cardiac damage from oxidative stress, keep blood vessels healthy, prevent spasms of coronary arteries that can cause angina, and boost HDL (“good”) cholesterol levels. So it makes sense that many observational studies have found that people with a high dietary intake of magnesium have a l

Ads for Ensure Muscle Health claim that this nutrition beverage helps counter the natural muscle loss that occurs with aging. Its trademark “Revigor” ingredient is hydroxymethylbutyrate (HMB), derived from the amino acid leucine. An eight-ounce bottle also contains 13 grams of protein, along with 24 vitamins and minerals. For best results, you’re supposed to drink two bottles a day, in combination with exercise. A few studies have shown that HMB increases lean muscle mass in healthy adults—both young and old—when they strength train, with those who are less fit seeming to do best. Some research also suggests that HMB may reduce exercise-induced muscle soreness and muscle dam­age. In theory at least, it may help for conditions where there is muscle wasting, such as in AIDS, cancer or long bed rest. There’s much conflicting evidence, however, and a number of studies show little or no benefit from HMB. A review of data from nine studies, in the  Journal of Strength and Condition