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HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

Pooping More Than This (or Less) Could Raise Disease Risk

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Irregular bowel movements could lead to bigger health issues over time, according to a new study of bowel frequency among 1,400 healthy adults.

The study found that people who defecate one to two times per day may have healthier gut bacteria than those who go more or less often. Meanwhile, participants with greater or lesser bowel frequency – those with constipation or diarrhea — had higher levels of blood markers associated with kidney, liver, and neurodegenerative diseases…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

 

“We’re arguing that over time, exposure to these molecules at higher levels in the blood is a danger,” said study author Sean Gibbons, PhD, a microbiome researcher and associate professor at the Institute for Systems Biology, a nonprofit biomedical research organization in Seattle. “People should manage bowel movement frequency to be in a more normal range to avoid chronic exposure that could predispose them to some of these chronic diseases.”

That’s because if waste takes too long, or not long enough, to travel through the gut, the timing can impact the way the gut microbiome – the community of microbes that lives in your intestines – uses nutrients from your food, leading to byproducts that can be detrimental to health.

“The metabolism associated with our gut microbiome, we’re coming to realize, is one of the major ways the microbiome communicates with the rest of our body,” said Christopher J. Damman, MD, a clinical associate professor of gastroenterology at University of Washington Medicine, who was not involved with the study.

Previous studies have suggested that the way gut microbes break down food — and the molecules, or metabolites, they produce in the process — can influence a person’s risk of heart disease, diabetes, liver disease, high blood pressure, and insulin resistance.

“This is a growing theme within microbiome science,” Damman said, “and actually helps connect the dots, figuratively and literally, between how an ecosystem of microbial organisms in the gut could have so many far-reaching consequences.”

Why Poop Patterns Matter

Your gut microbiome helps you more fully make use of the energy from food. It can digest fiber, for example, making it available to us when we otherwise could not access it on our own.

Microbes use that fiber to create short chain fatty acids, which are healthy for you because they reduce inflammation. But if the waste travels too fast or too slow, the microbes can’t do their job.

On the slow end of the spectrum are people with constipation, defined in the study as one or two bowel movements a week. These participants had higher blood levels of p-cresol-sulfate and indoxyl sulfate — substances linked to kidney damage — than those who defecated more often.

“If poop takes too long to make it through the gut, you sort of exhaust all of those fibers, and the microbes switch to fermenting protein,” said Gibbons. When microbes ferment protein, “they start to produce these toxins like p-cresol sulfate or indoxyl sulfate.”

These toxins have previously been linked to chronic kidney disease as well as neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. In study participants, elevated indoxyl sulfate was associated with reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate, a marker of the kidneys’ ability to filter waste.

Gut bacteria deprived of fiber may also feed on the layer of mucus that lines the gut, eroding it and allowing bacteria and toxic metabolites to pass through to other organs.

When waste moves too fast — as with diarrhea — loose stools wash out your colon before the bacteria can finish breaking down fiber into protective short-chain fatty acids, potentially leading to inflammation. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

People in the study who went four or more times per day had higher blood levels of markers associated with liver disease risk, including bilirubin, the yellowish pigment produced when your liver breaks down red blood cells. High bilirubin levels in blood can be a sign of liver or bile duct dysfunction, Gibbons said.

What You Can Do to Balance Your Gut

If you have fewer than three bowel movements per week or more than three per day, talk to your doctor about strategies to get regular, the researchers recommended.

“I think that clinicians should take bowel movement frequency more seriously as a clinical factor that needs to be managed actively,” said Gibbons.
A simple place to start is the produce aisle.

“Eating more vegetables and more fruit — whole foods – that was associated with having a more normal range of bowel movement frequency,” said Gibbons.

These foods are rich in fiber, which regulates bowel habits, and polyphenols, which nourish the helpful gut bacteria. The U.S. government’s dietary guidelines recommend eating 14 grams of fiber for every 1,000 calories, or about 28 grams per day. Any fruits and vegetables can help: An avocado has 9 grams of fiber, a cup of raspberries has 8 grams, a banana has up to 5 grams, and a cup of broccoli has 2 grams.

Keep in mind that when you start eating more fiber, symptoms like gas and diarrhea might temporarily get worse as your gut bacteria adjust. “In some cases, it’s just a matter of calibration,” Damman said.

But if problems persist or you experience a sudden, unexplained shift in bathroom habits, talk to your health care provider, said Damman.

One reason Gibbons began studying this subject is because he and a colleague each had a relative who’d been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease after years of chronic constipation.

“Our families’ experience is that both of these people experienced decades-long chronic constipation before they ever had any symptoms of neurodegeneration,” Gibbons said. “This is well known in the literature … people who end up with Parkinson’s are much more likely to have had chronic constipation.”

However, those studies can’t prove that chronic constipation actually causes Parkinson’s – they can only demonstrate a link.

“Maybe the disease itself can affect bowel motility,” Gibbons speculated. “A lot of neurotransmitter stuff can affect how fast you poop. But we suspected that even in a healthy population, the microbial metabolism that could be driving some of this organ damage is in a forward direction actually causally affecting the body.”

Next, Gibbons hopes to obtain funding for more research to monitor how people respond to interventions to manage irregular bowel patterns.

 

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HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

These Mistakes Rapidly Increase Uric Acid: Avoid Them Today

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Uric acid is a waste product that is naturally present in the blood, formed from the breakdown of purines, substances found in certain foods and produced by the body. Normally, uric acid is filtered out of the blood by the kidneys and excreted through urine. However, when uric acid levels become elevated, it can lead to various health issues, including joint pain and more severe conditions such as gout. Managing uric acid levels effectively is crucial for maintaining overall health…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

Understanding Uric Acid and Its Impact
Uric acid levels typically range from 3.5 to 7.2 mg/dL, though these values can vary between individuals. When the body produces excessive uric acid or the kidneys are unable to eliminate it efficiently, uric acid can accumulate in the bloodstream, leading to a condition known as hyperuricemia. This condition often results in symptoms like severe pain in the joints, particularly in the fingers and toes, redness in the soles of the feet, increased thirst, and sometimes even fever.

Common Dietary Mistakes Leading to Elevated Uric Acid Levels
Excessive Consumption of Oil and Spices: In many diets, especially in certain cuisines, oil and spices are used liberally. Excessive intake of these ingredients can contribute to higher uric acid levels. For instance, dishes that are deep-fried or heavily spiced can elevate uric acid, leading to health complications. Preserved foods, which are often high in additives and oils, can also contribute to increased uric acid levels.

High Protein Foods: Foods high in protein, such as legumes, are known to raise uric acid levels. While legumes are a valuable source of protein, overconsumption or improperly stored legumes (e.g., those left out at room temperature for extended periods) can exacerbate uric acid issues. It is crucial to store legumes properly, preferably in the refrigerator if they are not consumed immediately, to prevent a rapid increase in uric acid.

Consumption of Sour Foods: Certain sour foods, including amchur (dried mango powder), tamarind, raw tomatoes, and raw mango drinks, can increase uric acid levels. While these foods add flavor, they can exacerbate uric acid problems, particularly if consumed in large amounts. Opting for alternatives like lemon or amla (Indian gooseberry) can be beneficial, as these can help in reducing elevated uric acid levels.

Eating Outside Food: Many people enjoy eating out, but external food items such as kachoris, samosas, and non-vegetarian dishes often contain excessive amounts of oil and spices. These can lead to an increase in uric acid levels. Furthermore, non-vegetarian dishes often contain higher levels of purines, which can further contribute to elevated uric acid. Limiting the intake of such foods and focusing on homemade, balanced meals can help in managing uric acid levels. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

Lifestyle Changes to Manage Uric Acid Levels
Adopt a Physically Active Lifestyle: Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining overall health and managing uric acid levels. Incorporate activities such as walking, jogging, or other forms of exercise into your daily routine. Physical activity helps in maintaining a healthy weight and supports the effective elimination of uric acid from the body.

Balanced Diet: Include fiber-rich foods in your diet, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Opt for low-fat dairy products like yogurt and buttermilk, which can aid in managing uric acid levels. Eating balanced meals at regular intervals helps in maintaining metabolic stability and preventing excessive uric acid buildup.

Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is crucial. Water helps in flushing out excess uric acid through urine and prevents dehydration, which can worsen uric acid levels. Aim to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water daily.

Avoid Irregular Eating Patterns: Stick to a regular eating schedule and avoid overeating or skipping meals. Irregular eating habits can disrupt metabolic processes and contribute to increased uric acid levels.

Managing uric acid levels requires a combination of dietary awareness and lifestyle modifications. By avoiding common dietary mistakes, such as excessive consumption of high-protein foods, sour foods, and external food items, and adopting a healthy lifestyle, individuals can effectively control their uric acid levels and reduce the risk of associated health issues. Making these changes today can lead to long-term health benefits and improved quality of life.

 

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HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

4 Fruits To Eat To Make Blood Flow Very Well In Your Body

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These 4 Fruits to Improve Your Circulation Today!

The first step in ensuring that sufficient blood is able to circulate throughout your body is to ensure that your blood arteries are not blocked. As a direct consequence of this, the elasticity and suppleness of your blood vessels will be restored.

Because the blood arteries are going to be freed up, the blood flow is going to become more unrestricted. According to Healthline, the heart does not need to work particularly hard in order for blood to be pumped through the veins…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

 

The body can clean out its arteries by utilizing certain fruit components, which can be found in fruits. As a direct consequence of receiving this treatment, the blood vessels will not grow inflamed, brittle, or burst.

Both the unclogging and strengthening of blood vessels can be helped along by the use of specific minerals, nutrients that are present in plants (called phytonutrients), and proteolytic enzymes. The results of your hard work are presented in the following list.

Rutin is a type of bioflavonoid that can be found in citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruits, and tangerines. Taking these bioflavonoids regularly can assist in the strengthening of your blood vessels.

Rutin is frequently isolated by scientists and included into various dietary supplements. When peeling an orange, you should take care to remove only the outer layer of skin that is green or yellow. Consume the entire orange, including the white covering that sits on top of it. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

Rutin, which has medicinal properties that strengthen your blood vessels, can be tasted, despite the fact that the bitterness is highly medicinal and helpful to both your health and your health specifically.

If you haven’t done so already, peel the pineapple. There is something in the core of your pineapple that you should look for. This is a challenging part of the process to go through. There is a particular region of the pineapple that is particularly rich in bromelin. If you consume it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, it may help unclog your arteries and protect you from developing heart disease.

Another trace element that helps strengthen the blood arteries is copper, which can be found in bananas and avocados.

Copper is required in our diets in only trace amounts; yet, over consumption of this mineral can be detrimental to the health of our blood vessels.

Your delicate blood arteries will not burst into an aneurysm, and you will not have any internal bleeding as a result of this.

Getting your hands on an unripe pawpaw is the fourth possible course of action. Peel it and eat it in this form first thing in the morning when your stomach is empty. This dish has a significant amount of papain, which is an effective enzyme for cleaning out the arteries.

The proteolytic enzyme found in pawpaw contributes to the unclogging of blood vessels, which in turn improves the flow of blood to the organs in the body.

 

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HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

What typically Happens To Your Body if You Have Not Eaten For a While

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Not eaten for a week can have significant effect on your body. The body Will initially rely on glycogen store for energy, but after 24 to 48 hours, it begins to break down fat and muscle tissue for fuel.

1. Muscles loss: Since the body needs protein for a certain essential functions, prolonged fasting can lead to muscles breakdown as protein is used as alternative energy source…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

 

2. Energy depletion: Glycogen, the stored form of glucose in the liver and muscles, get depleted within the first 24 to 48 hours. The body starts using fat stores for energy through a process called ketosis.

3. Immune system and Suppression: A lack of nutrients over time can weaken the immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off infections.

4. Metal and emotional changes: As energy reserves deplete, metal clarity and mood can be affected, potentially leading to irritability, confusion or mood swings. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

5. Dehydration risk: Since food contains water, not eating can increase the risk of dehydration which can worsen the symptoms of weakness and fatigue.

6. Fatigue and weakness: Without food, blood sugar levels drop, leading to extreme fatigue, dizziness and difficult Concentrating.

 

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