Could baby poop hold the key to a healthy gut? A new study suggests that might be the case. An analysis of fecal samples collected from the diapers of 34 healthy infants identified 10 strains of gut bacteria that may boost the body’s production of short-chain fatty acids. “Short-chain fatty acids are a key component… read on >
One sleepless night might tip the body’s metabolism toward storing fat while depleting muscle, new research suggests. Many studies have linked poor sleep — whether from insomnia or working the night shift — to weight gain and health conditions like type 2 diabetes. But that type of research leaves open the question of whether sleep… read on >
Alcohol contributes to 2.8 million deaths a year worldwide, and there is no safe level of alcohol consumption, researchers say. The new analysis of hundreds of studies conducted between 1990 and 2016 found that one in three people worldwide (2.4 billion people) drink alcohol, and that 6.8 percent of men and 2.2 percent of women… read on >
Pinworms are thin and white and typically measure 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch in length. Female pinworms lay thousands of eggs while the infected person sleeps. They can cause anal itching or have no virtually no symptoms, the Mayo Foundation says. An infection, which can be treated with an antibiotic, typically occurs among school-age children.… read on >
Regular exercise is a mainstay of healthy lifestyle. But a compulsive need to exercise actually may be harmful. When bad weather, illness or injury don’t afford a day of rest, you may have a compulsive exercise disorder. Compulsive exercise can lead to worsening injury, loss of too much weight, social isolation, anxiety and depression, experts… read on >
It’s an age-old question, whether it’s better to exercise before or after eating. Research done in the United Kingdom might provide the impetus for some people: According to a small study, exercise burns more body fat when you do it on an empty stomach. The research compared the effects of exercising after eating breakfast to… read on >
A new subtype of multiple sclerosis (MS) has been identified by researchers, and the discovery changes understanding of the disease. MS has long been considered a disease of the brain’s white matter, where immune cells destroy the fatty protective covering (myelin) on nerve cells. The destruction of myelin (demyelination) is linked to nerve cell death… read on >
A combination of two drugs that work with the immune system can help beat back melanoma that has moved to the brain, an early clinical trial has found. The study included 94 patients with advanced melanoma that had invaded the brain. All were treated with two “immunotherapy” drugs — Opdivo (nivolumab) and Yervoy (ipilimumab) —… read on >
Three-year-old children may be among the most difficult to manage as they become more independent and talkative. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests these ways to manage the sometimes terrible 3’s: Be positive, and try to yell less often. Be aware of your child’s needs. Give the child your full attention in frequent, small doses.… read on >
A well-planned vegetarian diet is healthy for an infant or toddler, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics says. But it’s crucial to make sure that the young child gets all necessary nutrients, the academy says. These nutrients include: Vitamin B12 — This vitamin can be obtained by consuming dairy products and eggs. Vegans may opt… read on >
