There is a disconnect with the actual nature of medication and the reality of their actions and side effects. We tend to think that drugs are safer than they really are, and we tend to think that they are more effective than they really are. According to a report from MSNBC, based on NIH figures,
Sjogren’s (SHOW-grins) syndrome is an autoimmune disease identified by its two most common symptoms — dry eyes and a dry mouth. It often accompanies other immune-system disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. In Sjogren’s syndrome, the mucous membranes and moisture-secreting glands of your eyes and mouth are usually affected first — resulting in decreased
A study that appeared in the American Journal of Ophthalmology (Epublshed ahead of print July 20, 2012) looked at the relationship between diet and glaucoma. The cross-sectional study looked at 584 African American Women, 77 of whom were diagnosed with glaucoma in at least one eye. Researchers found that a high intake of foods that
Carotenoids are oil-soluble plant pigments that the body can convert to vitamin A. They are responsible for the bright colors of produce. The best known carotenoid is beta-carotene. Beta carotene also has the most vitamin A activity of all of the carotenoids. Other carotenoids include alpha carotene, lycopene, lutein, astaxanthin, beta crpytoxanthin, and zeaxanthin. A
There is a disconnect with the actual nature of medication and the reality of their actions and side effects. We tend to think that drugs are safer than they really are, and we tend to think that they are more effective than they really are. Heath Ledger had problems with anxiety and sleeping, for which
Bush babies are also known as galagos or nagapies (nagapies means “little night monkeys” in Afrikaans). They are small, nocturnal primates native to continental Africa. According to some accounts, the name bush baby comes from either the animal’s cries or appearance. The South African name nagapie comes from the fact they are almost exclusively seen
Research that appeared in the American Heart Journal (June 1993;125:1645-1649) looked at the effect IV magnesium sulfate had on patients with congestive heart failure. Magnesium was given intravenously to patients with congestive heart failure, arrhythmia and with serum magnesium levels lower than 2.0 mg/dl. The patients all had at least 10 premature ventricular depolarizations per
Research appearing in the Journal of Applied Physiology (August 1, 2012 113:479-486) looked at mice treated with statin (cholesterol-lowering) medication. The mice were given the cholesterol medication and examined for physical performance mitochondrial function (mitochondria are parts of the cell that produce energy–they are damaged by statin medication), and the CoQ10 content of the muscle
Lutein (luteus means”yellow” in Latin) is a xanthophylls and one of 600 known naturally occurring carotenoids. Lutein is synthesized only by plants and like other xanthophylls is found in high quantities in green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale. Zeaxanthin is one of the most common carotenoid alcohols found in nature. Synthesized in plants
Vitamin D status may be related to the tendency to develop diabetes during pregnancy, according to a study published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecologic and Neonatal Nursing (volume 41, Issue 3, pages 328–338, May/June 2012). This was a meta-analysis that looked at six studies performed between 1999 and 2011. Five of the studies