Researchers at Duke University have discovered a new and important function for the appendix. It turns out that the appendix contains special “nurturing” immune cells that protect the healthy gut bacteria. Thus, when people suffer severe diarrheal illness the “sheltered bacteria” can be a healthy source to repopulate the colon.
Not to be outdone by Duke, scientists at Emory have discovered two beneficial aspects of a protein in fire ant venom: solenopsin. This protein helps human skin maintain its resilient barrier function and may be useful in people experiencing thinning and easy bruisability of the skin. Solenopsin also seems to have anti-cancer properties and may provide a mechanism to lessen skin cancers.
If you were prescribed a PPI for chronic reflux-induced-cough, but aren’t seeing any results, be patient. PPI’s will alleviate heartburn sensation within a few days, but they can take up to a month to do the same for a cough. This is because your throat takes time to heal and repair itself from the acid injury. So, don’t start looking for another cause of your cough until at least a month has elapsed.
Speaking of reflux, the New England Journal of Medicine just published a research project on people with “refractory” heart burn. The patients studied were people with severe reflux that weren’t adequately controlled using PPI’s. One group was given a second medicine: Baclofen, a muscle relaxer, the other group had laparoscopic surgery called fundoplication. The surgical group had a much better resolution of their symptoms.
By: Sasha Klemawesch, MD Like many Americans, I go on and off “health kicks”. You know, periods of time when you’re exercising, eating right and “doing everything you’re supposed to”. On my most recent one, I decided I should start supplementing my diet with vitamins, calcium, iron, etc. The problem is, they make those dang gummies so tasty! For several weeks I was taking 2-3 times the recommended amount every day, and I couldn’t figure out why I had…
The New England Journal of Medicine recently published research regarding triclosan and its effect on bacteria. Triclosan is a poly-chlorinated aromatic compound that targets fatty acid synthesis. It is found in household items such as some toothpastes, deodorants, and shaving creams. It is added to these products because of its antimicrobial properties. Measurable levels of triclosan can be found in the urine of 10% of Americans. Unfortunately, chronic low-level exposure to triclosan can lead to bacteria becoming resistant to medicinal…
By: Sasha Klemawesch, MD If you are a dairy lover who is also unfortunately lactose intolerant (and therefore, dependent on taking Lactaid capsules every time you want to eat some cheese or drink a milkshake), good news! You may be able to scrap those pills! Studies have shown that lactose intolerant patients who have regularly consumed dairy products (aided by Lactaid capsules), are often able to stop the pills after a few years. Because they were partaking in dairy on…
By: Sasha Klemawesch, MD If the previous article freaked you out about taking supplements, here is a list of common things people often take in pill form and corresponding foods which they could instead be eating to reap the same (or better) benefits. Every registered dietitian I’ve ever encountered says the same thing; “save your money”! You don’t need oodles of vitamins and mineral tablets if you are eating a healthy balanced diet. And the majority of the ingredients you…
I read about a vaccine given to cats to make them less allergenic. Is that true? Not only is it true, but it works. Swiss scientists coupled cat feline protein number one (the cause of most human cat allergy) to a cucumber mosaic virus and vaccinated cats. The vaccine was safe for the cats and led to a marked reduction in their feline protein number one. This research could provide a revolutionary new approach to humans with cat allergy: making…
Patients with COPD can have an exacerbation of their breathing problem for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it is due to infection, but not always. The New England Journal of Medicine just published research that indicated a very simple test that can determine if the exacerbation is due to infection (and therefore should be treated with antibiotics) is to measure a C-reactive protein (CRP). If it is elevated, it indicates infection.