Elderly adults who start on a statin may see an even bigger drop in their “bad” cholesterol levels than their younger counterparts do, a new study suggests. The study, of nearly 84,000 Danish patients, found that those age 75 and up typically showed a stronger response after starting a low- to moderate-dose statin: Compared with… read on > read on >
One dose of the hallucinogenic ingredient in “magic mushrooms” may help some people with anorexia move past their preoccupation with body image, an early study suggests. The study, of just 10 women with anorexia, tested the effects of a single dose of psilocybin plus psychological counseling sessions. Researchers found that the treatment appeared safe, with… read on > read on >
Kombucha is a fermented tea that many folks believe offers numerous health benefits — and new research suggests they may be right. Though the study was small — 12 participants — it found that kombucha may help lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Fermented with bacteria and yeasts, the drink has… read on > read on >
Children who have a chronic immune system disease that can prevent them from eating may eventually have a new treatment, decades after the condition was first identified. “Parents and doctors may not be aware of this, but this is a very prominent and serious disease in the pediatric population, and it is increasing in number… read on > read on >
A micronutrient in human breast milk may provide significant benefit to developing newborn brains, according to new research that sheds light on the link between nutrition and brain health. Scientists looked at this sugar molecule in rodents and in human neurons. They said the micronutrient, called myo-inositol, may lead to improved infant formulas. “The current… read on > read on >
Some medications may not treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) as effectively if patients carry a lot of excess belly fat, , new research shows. IBD includes illnesses such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Researchers say using the wrong anti-inflammatory drug for these patients could mean lower rates of remission. “Even though biologic medications have… read on > read on >
Too little fiber in Mom’s diet during pregnancy may slow a baby’s mental development, Japanese research suggests. Animal studies have found that a low-fiber diet during pregnancy slows brain nerve function in offspring. The new study, published July 27 in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition, shows the same effect in humans. “Most pregnant women in… read on > read on >
Tick bites can cause crippling infections like Lyme disease in humans, but new research suggests they can also trigger a serious meat allergy in far more Americans than thought. Called alpha-gal syndrome, the condition may affect hundreds of thousands of Americans, U.S. health officials announced Thursday, but many doctors are not familiar with the condition,… read on > read on >
As more people are advised to shun meat, a new study from Australia adds to evidence that a vegetarian diet can help improve heart health. A review of 20 prior investigations found that folks who followed a vegetarian diet for six months, on average, saw improvements in cholesterol, blood sugar and body weight. The study… read on > read on >
Patients who get treatment for multiple sclerosis at the earliest signs of disease may have a lower risk of disability later, new research suggests. Among nearly 600 patients, there were lower odds of disability and progression among people diagnosed and treated within six months of symptoms onset, researchers report in their new study, published recently… read on > read on >
