Health News

The “Man Flu” Myth: Do Men Really Get Sicker Than Women?

In general, men are often perceived as being the physically stronger (and thus possibly healthier) gender. However, their response to infectious illness appears to be an exception to the rule. Many people over time have noted that men subjectively report worse symptoms from colds, cases of the flu and other illnesses. The same illness that most women will work through can leave men bed-ridden for days. Is there a difference in the immune systems of the sexes? A new study has weighed in on the man flu and appears to have surprising results.

Do Men Really Get Sicker?

Many sitcom episodes have been written about the different response that men and women have on average to colds and illnesses. However, it is not humorous for many couples. This is a very real source of tension for many couples, particularly when both are ill and the woman is left with the majority of household duties while the man stays in bed. Dr. Kyle Sue decided to look at this issue more closely to determine if there is a biological cause.

Dr. Sue found several studies indicating a difference in the immune systems of men and women. Women have a greater response to the flu shot and report more side effects, which suggests a stronger immune system. They also are less likely to be hospitalized for influenza and other infectious diseases according to a study in Hong Kong. Last, men subjectively report worse symptoms than women—which is unsurprising to many. The study’s authors concluded rather controversially that many men simply need more care and nurturing when they are ill.

Differences in the Male and Female Immune System

Although this study has been a source of amusement for many people, there appear to be very real differences between male and female immune systems. Studies on mice have found that female immune systems are indeed more responsive than male ones. While this leaves women at a higher risk of autoimmune disease, it also can give them additional protection against bacteria and viruses.

In addition, testosterone appears to work to suppress the immune system. Men with higher testosterone levels overall have less immunity after vaccinations. Testosterone is the primary hormone associated with male traits, so this factor alone may have a significant impact on how often men get sick as well as the severity of their symptoms. In addition, estradiol, an equivalent female hormone, appears to act instead to stimulate the immune system and keep women from getting sick as often.

Is the Man Flu a Myth?

Dr. Sue of the recent study on male immunity feels that men’s notorious behavior when ill may have an evolutionary origin. Because men traditionally hunted, being even mildly ill could be life-threatening. Staying in bed and seeking pampering and care from one’s partner might have saved many lives. He argues that men need this nurturing so they can heal and get back to their duties more quickly.

Although many women obviously feel that the man cold or flu is a myth, there is nothing wrong with providing loving care for a partner when they are ill. If men can also take the time to pamper sick girlfriends and wives, many couples will be happier indeed. More studies will need to be performed to determine if there are truly meaningful differences in female and male immune systems, but the current research is interesting indeed.

Keeping High Immunity in Cold and Flu Season

Regardless of your gender, there are several ways that you can prevent illness this winter. Consider incorporating the following habits into your life:

Wash hands often to keep germs on surfaces from causing illness.
Avoid putting your hands near your face where germs can easily enter the body.
Take a multivitamin to help keep your immune system running in peak form.
Avoid sick people and extremely crowded places where contact with viruses may be inevitable.
Spend more time outside to avoid the high concentration of germs in indoor spaces during cold weather months.
Consider taking vitamin C, zinc, and other supplements associated with immunity if you have been exposed to an illness or are feeling under weather.
Stay home when you are sick or wear a face mask to avoid spreading your own illnesses.
Get plenty of restorative sleep.

There is no way to know if men truly are hit harder by infectious illnesses than the women in their lives. However, both sexes should make it a priority to prevent illness and to nurture each other through them. While many men probably could be more functional when they are sick, staying in bed and nurturing yourself is actually the best way to handle a cold or flu.

Gut Flora Influence Allergies and Immune System Health

Dec 19 by Ewcopywriting Leave a Comment

Have you ever talked about having a “gut feeling” about something? Your gut, particularly the bacteria that live there, may be more important to your health than most people realize. A lot has been written lately about probiotics and their impact on health. A surprising range of diseases, from depression to certain types of cancer, have been linked to imbalances of gastrointestinal bacteria. According to several recent studies on how gut flora influence allergies, the bacteria in our bowels may even have a sizable effect on our immune systems.

The Importance of Healthy Gut Flora

Our gastrointestinal tracts are full of millions of bacteria. These bacteria play a huge role in digestion, breaking foods down into small enough pieces to be absorbed. They also appear to be important in maintaining a barrier between the inside of our intestines and the rest of our body, protecting against serious infections and illnesses. An imbalance of this gut bacteria can cause gastrointestinal disorders as well as contribute to a wide range of illnesses.

This may not be good news for many Westerners and people living in industrialized nations. The Western diet, which is low in roughage and foods rich in healthy bacteria, does not support a healthy microbiome. Because of this, an increasing number of people are beginning to take probiotic supplements as well as prebiotics, which are types of fiber that feed healthy gut flora. How important could your probiotic supplement be to your whole body health? According to new research, keeping your gastrointestinal (GI) tract populated with healthy bacteria may even influence your immune system and your chance of developing allergies.

How Gut Flora Influence Allergies

Allergies are a growing problem in the United States. In fact, rates have increased by around 50 percent in less than two decades. According to studies, this may be due to low amounts of bacteria of the Clostridia species. In one particular study, mice were raised in a sterile environment and given antibiotics to ensure an absence of gut flora were exposed to allergens to assess their response. These mice had a sharp increase in allergic reactions over those with a healthy GI tract. Different kinds of bacteria were introduced to assess how these affect their immune system. Those who were exposed to Clostridia bacteria saw a decline in allergies.

Similarly, humans given fermented milk products containing a different bacterial species have been shown to have a decrease in allergic reactions. In fact, researchers have theorized that we may soon be able to treat allergies with probiotic supplements containing certain types of bacteria. There appears to be an important interaction between the human immune system and the GI flora that line our guts.

Are Probiotics Key to a Healthy Immune System?

How can gut flora affect allergies and the immune system? Researchers are still looking for root causes, but a few findings have solved part of the puzzle. Gut bacteria act as the first line of defense against any dangerous things we may ingest. They maintain an environment where allergens are less likely to pass into the bloodstream. In addition, healthy bacteria crowd out unhealthy bacteria which can cause immune reactions, inflammation and even increase the chance of developing colon cancer.

Some bacteria also appear to stimulate the production of IgE, the immune molecule that underlies anaphylaxis and other potentially deadly allergic reactions. Other bacteria appear to suppress IgE production. This may be a major contributor to the rising rates of serious food allergies as well as autoimmune diseases such as Crohn’s disease.

Maintaining Your GI Biome for Good Health

Although the interaction between gut flora and the immune system is still being studied, gastrointestinal bacteria appear to be crucial to whole body health. How can you maintain a healthy set of gut flora? Consider the following lifestyle changes:

Avoid taking antibiotics except when absolutely medically necessary.
Eat a diet with a wide range of fiber, especially whole grains, vegetables and fruits.
Choose fermented foods such as yogurt and sauerkraut, which are rich in healthy bacteria.
Avoid using antibacterial products to clean your home and office.
Consider taking a probiotic supplement and even a prebiotic to continue colonizing your gut with the healthy bacteria it needs.

Although the modern Western diet does not support a healthy GI tract, simple changes such as these can help to compensate. As a side benefit, these changes can have positive benefits for health in a variety of other ways. There are currently no known side effects to taking probiotic supplements or otherwise ingesting healthy gut bacteria.

Much of human disease may not be all in our heads, but rather all in our stomachs. Keeping a healthy GI tract will protect your body and help to maintain good health in a variety of ways. Although there is still much to be studied in this area, there is a good chance that we may someday have targeted probiotic supplements to heal a variety of uncomfortable and dangerous conditions.

Eating Cheese Protects Heart Health, Says New Study

Dec 14 by Ewcopywriting Leave a Comment

Cheese is one of the world’s favorite foods, whether toasted, melted or plain. Most people eat it in spite of its potential unhealthiness due to its high calorie, fat and cholesterol content. However, eating cheese may not be the poor choice that we have previously believed. A new study has found that cheese may actually have surprising benefits. In fact, eating cheese protects heart health and may lower your risk of deadly cardiovascular disease.

Cholesterol and Heart Health

There are several solid reasons that cheese is often perceived as a negative health choice. First, it is high in calories and absolutely delicious. It is easy to gain weight eating a pleasing food that also is rich in nutrients. Because being overweight is a contributor to many diseases common in developed countries, many people are forgoing this and other calorically dense foods with good reason.

However, the main reason that many people avoid eating cheese is the high cholesterol content. It is well known that having high cholesterol can contribute to poor cardiovascular health in a variety of ways. It can increase the rate of serious diseases such as heart attack and stroke. While diet is not the only contributor to cholesterol levels, it can have a measurable impact. As a result, many people, especially those at risk of cardiovascular conditions, eat less cholesterol and less cheese.

Eating Cheese Protects Heart Health: Could it be True?

According to new research, cheese may not be bad for your health. In fact, it may produce a net benefit. This is good news for Americans particularly, who consume over 37 pounds of it every year.

A recent study compared the health of people who consume cheese on a regular basis as well as those who do not. This was not a small study, but rather a comparison of 200,000 people over 10 years. Surprisingly, eating cheese, around 40 grams a day, appears to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. In fact, people who eat cheese lower their risk of cardiovascular disease by a whopping 18 percent as well as a 14 percent lower risk of congestive heart disease and a 10 percent lower risk of stroke.

How Can Cheese Lower Heart Disease Risk?

It seems counter-intuitive that eating a high fat, high cholesterol food could lower cardiovascular disease risk. However, cheese is not only made of fat and cholesterol. It also is a rich source of nutrients that are often lacking in the modern diet. Cheese is a rich source of calcium and magnesium, two minerals that contribute to both bone strength and the activity of transmitters that are crucial to cardiovascular function. In addition, it is rich in CoQ10, an enzyme that acts as an antioxidant to help cells repair from daily insults. Cheese also contains B vitamins, lycopene, nattokinase and certain amino acids, all of which have been found to be important to cell health in general as well as good cardiovascular health.

When eaten in moderation, the benefits of cheese can outweigh the negative effects of cholesterol, fat and calories. While this is not permission to raid the cheese tray at your next holiday party, getting around 40 grams every day appears to be a very healthy and beneficial decision. As in many health matters, moderation appears to be crucial to getting the health effects of cheese without the downsides.

Heart Health Without the Cheese

While many Americans love cheese, others simply do not. In addition, many have given up cheese for special diets with other health effects. However, there are ways to get the benefits without the downfalls. Many supplements can give people the nutrients present in cheese without the downsides. In addition, people can seek out foods that are rich in these nutrients without the fat and cholesterol. Although we are not sure why cheese has such astounding health benefits, the nutrients are likely the answer. Here are a few ways to get the heart-healthy nutrients that you need:

Be careful about portions. Portion size is crucial in getting the positives of certain foods without the negatives.
Consider a heart health supplement. In many cases, supplements can deliver therapeutic amounts of nutrients without the downsides of the foods themselves, such as cholesterol and saturated fat.
Eat a wide variety of foods. This will ensure a variety of nutrients that support good health.
Select less-processed foods. Processed foods often have more fats and sugars yet a lower amount of healthy nutrients.
Be careful about calories. While it is important to take in a variety of nutrients, being overweight is a greater health risk that should be avoided.
Choose healthy fats. We all need fats to survive and to feel satiated after meals, but plant fats and fish oils can be healthy where animal fats are not.

Although eating too much saturated fat and cholesterol is never a good choice, eating high-fat animal foods such as cheese may an important part of reducing disease risk. In addition, people can choose to take a supplement or otherwise get the benefits of heart-healthy nutrients without the calories and other drawbacks.

Phytoestrogens for Men Support Healthy Hormones, Prostate, Heart and More

Dec 12 by Ewcopywriting Leave a Comment

Phytoestrogens for men? According to numerous scientists and medical professionals, phytoestrogens—plant compounds that mimic the female hormone estrogen in the body—may play an important role in men’s health. This article describes phytoestrogens, the benefits men might reap from incorporating them into their health regiment and attempts to dispel misconceptions about certain side effects men might experience resulting from exposure to phytoestrogens.

What Are Phytoestrogens?

Phytoestrogens are a subgrouping of what is medically referred to as phytohormones. Typically, these substances are produced by and found in plants, most notably in many of the fruits and vegetables people consume as part of their diets. Examples include produce like garlic, parsley, soybeans and soy products, carrots, kale, broccoli, potatoes, dates, cherries, apples, pomegranates, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, grain products and coffee beans. Among the two most studied and well-known types of phytoestrogens are isoflavones and lignans.

Though phytoestrogens are not thought to be as potent as the hormone estrogen, which is among the chief female reproductive hormones, those in the medical community have expressed confidence in their ability to precipitate many positive dietary and overall bodily health impacts. What is of even greater significance is that phytoestrogens are also believed to offer men many important health benefits.

Phytoestrogens for Men May Reduce the Risk of Prostate Cancer

Isoflavones, the phytoestrogens commonly found in soy and soy byproducts, may help reduce a man’s chances of being stricken with prostate and other hormone-related malignancies. No place has this fact been more evident than in Japan where the incidence of the disease is five times less likely than in the United States and other Western nations. Testosterone, the main male reproductive hormone, is known to serve as fuel for prostatic cancer cells and cause this specific type of cancer to grow and spread. Several therapeutic regiments are geared towards limiting or, in more severe cases, eliminating a man’s ability to produce testosterone. Scientific research has also shown soy might be effective in prohibiting the growth of prostate cells in men suffering from prostate cancer. Researchers think the correlation might be related to the diet of the average Japanese man, which is much higher in soy than of men in the United States and other western nations.

Exploring Additional Health Benefits of Phytoestrogens for Men

It is suggested that isoflavones may play a part in helping men maintain healthy levels of LDL, aka “bad” cholesterol in their bloodstreams. This type of cholesterol is responsible for precipitating cardiovascular problems such as coronary artery disease, strokes and peripheral artery afflictions. Studies conducted on Asian men, all of whom consume diets rich in soy products, revealed they experienced less incidence of heart disease. Prominent American health organizations, such as the Food and Drug Administration and the American Heart Association, have stamped soy as a heart-healthy product and recommends men include more edible items containing the nutrient in their diets.

Scientists and nutritionists have discovered many men, especially those of advanced ages, consume diets lacking protein. For the most part, foods rich in soy are thought to be healthy but also contain enough protein to help those deficient in the critical dietary component meet—at a minimum—the nutrient’s recommended daily allowances.

Lignans: The Other Phytoestrogen for Men’s Health

Like isoflavones, the phytoestrogens known as lignans are thought to provide added protection in the fight against various forms of cancer, as well as aid in the reduction of cholesterol levels. However, scientists believe these chemicals possess several health-boosting attributes, including:

Preventing Hair Loss

Lignans are said to block the body’s ability to synthesize testosterone into the hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT collects in the hair follicles and can contribute to male hair loss or possibly even complete baldness.

Strengthening the Immune System

Lignans contain numerous antioxidants. Antioxidants are substances that prevent or lessen inflammation in the body’s cells and tissues. The reduction and/or elimination of inflammation boosts the body’s immune system.

Helping to Maintain Healthy Hormone Balance

The similarity of phytoestrogenic lignans to sex hormones enables them to dock at certain hormone receptor sites, enabling them to contribute to promoting a healthy balance of hormones, especially during andropause.

Contrary to the belief of some, phytoestrogens in men do not cause feminization or bring about certain physiological changes. In the recent past, rumors have circulated that consuming a diet plentiful in phytoestrogens, particularly those containing soy, can lead to men developing excess breast tissue (a medical condition known as gynecomastia). That said, there are many in the scientific community who believe this theory is more of an “old wives tale” with little factual evidence. Studies conducted have shown that, if eaten in moderation and as part of an otherwise balanced diet, soy-based phytoestrogens like isoflavones will not result in a man developing breasts or experience any other form of “feminization.”

While research is still ongoing, the studies that have been completed suggest phytoestrogens may play a role in men improving their overall health and quality of life.

Using Probiotics for Eczema Can Help Heal Your Skin

Nov 29 by Ewcopywriting Leave a Comment

Eczema is a bothersome and often uncomfortable inflammatory skin disease, also known as dermatitis. There are several different types of eczema, but the most common type is atopic dermatitis. An estimated 31.6 million people in the United States alone suffer from eczema. The condition is more common in children; in fact, up to 15 percent of all children will experience temporary eczema. However, eczema can also be a chronic condition that may last a lifetime.

Atopic dermatitis is characterized by areas of skin that are dry, red, itchy and scaly. In severe cases, skin may be become crusty, cracked and bleeding. In such cases, the skin becomes much more prone to infections and complications may arise as a result of this. Eczema can have a negative impact on a person’s quality of life due to physical discomfort, impact on self-image, money spent on treatments and time spent treating the disease. It is estimated that one-third of people with eczema spend between one and three hours a day treating it.

This skin condition is not completely understood by science. Symptoms are made worse by environmental factors such as heat and external irritants like harsh laundry detergents. However, neither of these things are the underlying cause of eczema. Current research points to eczema being an abnormal immune system reaction. There seems to be a genetic component to the condition. Some of the most recent studies have also discovered that eczema is linked to bacterial imbalances both inside and outside the body.

What Exactly Are Probiotics?

The human body is teeming with other life—microorganisms inside and outside the body outnumber our one cells 10-to-one. The digestive tract, in particular, is home to a complex ecosystem of bacteria. The gut microbiome, as it is often called, has been the subject of much pioneering research since the turn of the 21st century. Such research has been done with the aid of new DNA sequencing methods that allow researchers to detect microorganism species that would otherwise remain in hiding in our digestive tracts, unable to be cultured in a petri dish for identification.

The gut microbiome consists of bacterial and fungal species that are beneficial to our health, as well as species that are harmful. The balance of beneficial versus harmful species characterizes whether a person’s gut flora is healthy or unhealthy. Scientists have discovered that many different aspects of health are linked to the balance of gut bacteria, including immunity, child development, obesity, digestive efficiency and mood.

Though more research is needed, there is increasing evidence that adding more beneficial bacteria to the body can improve the health of your gut microbiome and therefore improve certain aspects of health. When you add to the populations of healthy bacteria, you also decrease the populations of harmful bacteria.

Food or supplements containing beneficial microorganisms are known as probiotics. There are many probiotic supplements products on the market that consist of healthful bacteria inside a capsule to be swallowed. There are also many probiotic foods, including:

apple cider vinegar
kefir
kombucha
miso
raw cheese
sauerkraut
tempeh
yogurt

Probiotic consumption can have many benefits including a better immune system, better digestion and decreased symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders. Preliminary research even suggests that probiotics could be useful for treating stomach ulcers, respiratory infections and urinary tract infections. Since the gut microbiome has been linked to immune function, and eczema is an immune condition, it comes as no surprise that the latest research supports the use of probiotics for preventing and relieving eczema.

Probiotics for Eczema: An Effective Route?

There is a well-established link between the microbiome and eczema. Research has found that people with eczema have an abnormal bacteria balance, including unusually high populations of harmful species. Research suggests that probiotics can help prevent the formation of eczema in the first place—the children of mothers who take probiotics during the last few weeks of pregnancy, or while breastfeeding, have a lower rate of eczema. The mother’s microbiome affects the newborn child’s microbiome because the latter develops from the former; gut flora are essentially given to the child by the mother through several processes.

Preliminary research suggests that taking probiotics can also help reduce the severity of eczema that already exists. In one study, 118 children with eczema were given a probiotic twice a day for 12 weeks, or a placebo. The children who took the probiotic experienced relief from eczema, compared to the children in the placebo group.

The bottom line? There has not yet been enough research to support the idea that eczema can be treated solely with probiotics; nor is the use of probiotics a guarantee of relief. Probiotics are better thought of as a supplemental treatment in a comprehensive eczema treatment plan, which should also include things like:

antihistamines to relieve itching
avoiding foods that seem to promote flare-ups
avoiding fragrance in soap, detergent, and lotions
keeping the environment cool
moisturizing the skin daily
topical corticosteroids to reduce irritation
using bandages in case of cracking/bleeding
wearing natural fabrics

Further studies may help answer important questions about using probiotics to treat eczema, such as which species should be used, what the best dosage is, and who probiotics are most effective and appropriate for. Until this research takes place, using probiotics if you find it helps to relieve your eczema will most likely not do any harm.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): How Changing Seasons Can Change Your Mood

Nov 27 by Ewcopywriting Leave a Comment

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that comes and goes with the seasons. The most typical pattern for SAD is that symptoms start in the late fall or early winter and go away with the arrival of spring. It is also possible for someone to experience seasonal affective disorder in a summer pattern, though this is quite rare.

In previous decades, seasonal affective disorder was considered a completely separate condition than major depressive disorder. However, professionals now consider it to simply be a subset of major depressive disorder, with a seasonal aspect attached.

In order to be diagnosed with SAD, you have to meet the full criteria for clinical depression, you must only experience the depression during a particular season and it must occur for a minimum of two years. If you are experiencing several of the following symptoms, you may meet the diagnostic criteria for a major depressive episode:

anxiety
changes in appetite or weight
difficulty concentrating
feeling hopeless
feeling sad
feeling worthless
feelings of guilt
irritability
lack of energy
lethargy or sluggishness
losing interest in activities you once enjoyed
sleep disturbances
thoughts of death or suicide
symptoms must be present across most days and situations

There are certain risk factors for seasonal affective disorder. Women are four times as likely to be diagnosed with seasonal affective disorder. Those who live far from the equator—whether far north or far south—are many times more likely to suffer from this condition. For example, whereas only 1 percent of Florida residents experience seasonal affective disorder, 9 percent of Alaska residents do. Seasonal affective disorder is most commonly diagnosed in adolescents and young adults, which may indicate that younger age is a risk factor, though it may also be that older adults are less likely to seek out diagnosis and help for this disorder. Lastly, a family history of seasonal affective disorder, major depression and possibly other psychiatric illnesses may raise your risk of developing seasonal affective disorder yourself.

Why Does SAD Occur?

There are several factors that contribute to depression in the darker months of the year (the causes of summertime depression are much less understood). Serotonin is a neurotransmitter highly responsible for maintaining a normal mood; production of this chemical is partly triggered by sunlight exposure. Since there is much less sunlight during the fall and winter, serotonin levels can plummet. Less sunlight also means less vitamin D production; a lack of this nutrient has been highly linked to depression and mood.

Melatonin is another neurotransmitter—its presence promotes mental and physical sleepiness, which is important for falling asleep at night. Melatonin begins to be secreted once the sun goes down; its release is triggered by darkness. When the world around you is dark all the time, melatonin may be released at inappropriate times, leading to lethargy and lack of concentration, which are integral symptoms of depression for many people.

In the fall and winter, the generalized darkness of the outside world can have a negative effect on brain chemistry, causing depression. The cold and gloomy weather can also drive many people to stay inside. Though it may feel cozy to stay at home in the winter, the downside of this is that it could lead to social isolation. Social isolation may be a contributing factor for wintertime depression for some sufferers.

How Can SAD Be Treated?

There are many possible angles to take when it comes to treating seasonal depression. The mainstays of treatment are medication to help re-balance brain chemistry, and specialized psychotherapy for seasonal depression. Therapy is great for helping the patient learn to identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors that perpetuate depression, learn healthy ways to cope with depression and learn how to manage stress.

The principal aspect of treating seasonal affective disorder, that isn’t used to treat conventional depression, is light therapy. The purpose of light therapy is to mimic natural outdoor light to replace the sunlight lost during winter. This treatment has been used for seasonal depression since the 1980s. Traditional light therapy consists of sitting in front of a specially-made bright light for 20 to 60 minutes, usually within the first hour of waking up in the morning.

A common complaint of people who use light therapy is that they do not always have time to sit in front of the light every single morning. To make light therapy more flexible and convenient, a number of companies have developed special light-emitting glasses. With these special glasses, the wearer can continue to carry out everyday tasks while receiving therapeutical doses of light that does not affect the quality of vision.

In addition to these treatments, another great addition to a seasonal depression treatment plan is taking a supplement that contains vitamin D, which has been shown in research to help relieve depressive symptoms. Lastly, an important habit for sufferers of any type of depression to develop is exercise. Research shows that regular exercise can be as effective as medication or psychotherapy. Even just 30 minutes of aerobic exercise three times a week can make a big difference. Exercise relieves depression because it releases endorphins, regulates the circadian rhythm, reduces stress, increases light exposure if done outside and can help improve self-esteem.