A Gut Makeover for the New Year - The New York Times

Continuam os estudos do microbioma intestinal ("bicharada" no intestino) e pistas que indiciam que podemos alterá-lo com a alimentação (beneficiando a nossa saúde):

A Gut Makeover for the New Year - The New York Times

Citando:
"If you’re making resolutions for a healthier new year, consider a gut makeover. Refashioning the community of bacteria and other microbes living in your intestinal tract, collectively known as the gut microbiome, could be a good long-term investment in your health.

Trillions of microbial cells inhabit the human body, outnumbering human cells by 10 to one according to some estimates, and growing evidence suggests that the rich array of intestinal microbiota helps us process nutrients in the foods we eat, bolsters the immune system and does all sorts of odd jobs that promote sound health. A diminished microbial ecosystem, on the other hand, is believed to have consequences that extend far beyond the intestinal tract, affecting everything from allergies and inflammation, metabolic diseases like diabetes and obesity, even mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.

Much of the composition of the microbiome is established early in life, shaped by forces like your genetics and whether you were breast-fed or bottle-fed. Microbial diversity may be further undermined by the typical high-calorie American diet, rich in sugar, meats and processed foods. But a new study in mice and people adds to evidence that suggests you can take steps to enrich your gut microbiota. Changing your diet to one containing a variety of plant-based foods, the new research suggests, may be crucial to achieving a healthier microbiome."

PS. Mais vale seguir esta recomendação do que optar pelas alternativas que se começam a falar: Os transplantes de... matéria fecal (arghhh).

Linhas orientadoras de consumo de álcool no RU explicadas

A percepção dos efeitos do álcool mudou muito em 20 anos e o RU alterou radicalmente as suas linha orientadoras de consumo (em Janeiro de 2016) para 14 volumes de álcool por semana, uma das mais restritivas na Europa. Detalhes da decisão e das quantidades recomendadas:
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-35252650
Citando:
"The review found that the benefits of alcohol for heart health only apply for women aged 55 and over - and even then it's in very small amounts, around five units a week.
The guidelines say: "There is no justification for recommending drinking on health grounds - nor for starting drinking for health reasons."
It also says that evidence in support for drinking alcohol in small amounts to maintain good health was "weaker than it was at the time of 1995"."
(...)

Is there a safe drinking level?


No. The new recommendations are at pains to point out that these guidelines are not for "safe" drinking, but rather just at minimising risk of illness.
All alcohol consumption carries some risk, the guidance says.
"The vast majority of the population can reduce health risks further if they reduce drinking below the guideline levels, or do not drink at all," the guidance says.
Drinking above the new recommended 14 units a week is the point at which a person's risk of an early death increases by 1% - the equivalent amount of risk as driving a car."




PS. Muito interessante a tabela com os limites de diversos países (Espanha, 38; RU, 14). Se a ciência e investigação é a mesma, porque é que não há consenso nos limites, nem sequer na Europa?

Prós e contras do leite não pasteurizado explicados

Beneficios (e riscos) do leite não pasteurizado:

Raw Milk: Health Benefits And Safety Concerns Explained | The Huffington Post


Resumidamente se não se ferver (pasteurização é ferver por algumas horas o leite) o leite tem mais propriedades boas (vitaminas e não só). Mas tem um tempo de vida muito curto e pode estar contaminado com E. Coli e outras bactérias nocivas para a saúde. Detalhes completos no artigo acima.

Síndrome do Coração Partido (takotsubo)?

Mãe da princesa Leya do Star Wars, poderá ter morrido de Síndroma do coração partido:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/ap/article-4076448/Did-Debbie-Reynolds-die-broken-heart-syndrome.html
Citando:
"Broken-heart syndrome is when a surge of stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, cause arteries to seize, limiting blood flow to the heart. The experience — and diagnosis — is often confused with heart attack, Creager said.
Both conditions look the same on an electrocardiogram, said cardiologist Dr. Holly Andersen, director of education for the heart institute at New York Presbyterian Hospital and scientific adviser for the Women's Heart Alliance. But where heart attacks are caused by blocked arteries, there are no such blockages in "broken" hearts.
The condition can be treated, and even heal untreated, she said, but it can also cause heart arrhythmias and sudden death.
Japanese researchers were the first to describe broken-heart syndrome in 1990. They named it takotsubo, which means "octopus pot," for the way the malfunctioning heart appears in imaging studies."

O efeito da alimentação numa série de coisas como os gases e o hálito (e porquê)

Uma série de substâncias existentes espargos, alho, têm efeitos muito visíveis (entre aspas) em nós. Algumas curiosidades (e quais as substâncias concretas responsáveis) aqui:

• Why does asparagus make your pee smell and six other fascinating facts about food's effect on your body

Evitar medicar crianças com febre moderada?

Deve evitar-se medicar crianças com febre moderada? Aparentemente, sim. 

"Parents should not give children with a mild fever regular spoonfuls of paracetamol and ibuprofen, doctors advise today":

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/health/news/8351085/Parents-warned-against-giving-paracetamol-and-ibuprofen-for-mild-fever.html

Imunoterapia com resultados promissores em tumores no cérebro...

... Num doente em que todas as outras opções de tratamento estavam esgotadas:
http://time.com/4618566/brain-cancer-treatment-immunotherapy/

A ciência à volta dos... peidos, perdão, gases!

Há todo o tipo de ciência. A boa e a má. E há até a ciência dos peidos: Porque é que alguns cheiram mal que tresandam (e o que é que se pode fazer para minimizar o mau cheiro).
Isto é boa ciência, a bem dos teus amigos e companheiros(as):

This is why some of your farts smell MUCH worse than others - and how to make them less pongy

Citando:
"Thankfully there is a way to counteract the effects of cysteine, to an extent.
According to gastroenterology, nutrition and dietetics expert Chu Yao at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, starchy foods act as a resistant to hydrogen sulphide gas.

They can reduce the production of it by up to 75 per cent, so even if you’ve a protein-rich diet, you should be able to limit the active sulphide gases in your stomach.

Starch-rich foods that are resistant to hydrogen sulphide gas include potatoes, bananas, cereals and artichokes.

Foods that are resistant to hydrogen sulphide gas (starchy foods):
Potatoes [in PT: Batatas]
Bananas
Legumes
Cereals
Artichokes [alcachofra]
Asparagus [aspargos]
Fructans (found in wheat) [frutano]

These foods are broken down before the proteins as they are highly fermentable, meaning “the focus is taken away from the protein, so hydrogen sulphide is not produced”, according to Yao, who presented the group’s findings at at a Gastroenterological Society of Australia conference in Adelaide."

(...)

Researchers found that the reason some farts are eye-wateringly foul is because the gas contains cysteine, a component present in meat, dairy, eggs and other types of protein.

When you eat the foods containing cysteine, it multiplies the amount of hydrogen sulphide gas – the odour ogre – in your tummy by seven."

RECURSO: http://www.medicaldaily.com/

Portal com informação médica, FFR:
http://www.medicaldaily.com/

RECURSO: Examine.com | Independent Analysis on Supplements & Nutrition

Independent Analysis on Supplements & Nutrition | Examine.com


Citando:

"What is Examine.com? We were frustrated.
There was no place we could turn to in order to get unbiased information on supplements. Sure, there was Wikipedia, but it wasn’t getting deep into the science. Everyone else? Had an agenda. Supplement companies misrepresenting science. Media sensationalizing headlines. Companies and individuals pushing unneeded supplements and other products onto you.

That’s why Examine.com started in 2011. Fully independent from the start, we’ve never sold any supplements. Or done any coaching or consulting. Or any kind of advertising or sponsorship.
Our goal from day 1 has always been: read the research, make sense of it, and put it online. We’re an education company that looks at the research — nothing more, nothing less.

And that’s why we’re the trusted brand. We have an entire team, from medical doctors to researchers to professors to pharmacists. Collectively, we come to a consensus that you can trust.

That’s why we’re here. We do the hard work for you."

Livro "Live Long Enough to Live Forever" (e outros livros sobre longevidade)

A longevidade está relacionada com alimentação saudável, o ambiente, o teu ADN e a tua atitude.
Há livros inteiros sobre o tema, este é mais um exemplo:

• Fantastic Voyage: Live Long Enough to Live Forever by Ray Kurzweil — Reviews, Discussion, Bookclubs, Lists (by Ray Kurzweil, Terry Grossman) 

Citando: 

“REPROGRAMMING MY BIOCHEMISTRY A common attitude is that taking substances other than food, such as supplements and medications, should be a last resort, something one takes only to address overt problems. Terry and I believe strongly that this is a bad strategy, particularly as one approaches middle age and beyond. Our philosophy is to embrace the unique opportunity we have at this time and place to expand our longevity and human potential. In keeping with this health philosophy, I am very active in reprogramming my biochemistry. Overall, I am quite satisfied with the dozens of blood levels I routinely test. My biochemical profile has steadily improved during the years that I have done this. For boosting antioxidant levels and for general health, I take a comprehensive vitamin-and-mineral combination, alpha lipoic acid, coenzyme Q10, grapeseed extract, resveratrol, bilberry extract, lycopene, silymarin (milk thistle), conjugated linoleic acid, lecithin, evening primrose oil (omega-6 essential fatty acids), n-acetyl-cysteine, ginger, garlic, l-carnitine, pyridoxal-5-phosphate, and echinacea. I also take Chinese herbs prescribed by Dr. Glenn Rothfeld. For reducing insulin resistance and overcoming my type 2 diabetes, I take chromium, metformin (a powerful anti-aging medication that decreases insulin resistance and which we recommend everyone over 50 consider taking), and gymnema sylvestra. To improve LDL and HDL cholesterol levels, I take policosanol, gugulipid, plant sterols, niacin, oat bran, grapefruit powder, psyllium, lecithin, and Lipitor. To improve blood vessel health, I take arginine, trimethylglycine, and choline. To decrease blood viscosity, I take a daily baby aspirin and lumbrokinase, a natural anti-fibrinolytic agent. Although my CRP (the screening test for inflammation in the body) is very low, I reduce inflammation by taking EPA/DHA (omega-3 essential fatty acids) and curcumin. I have dramatically reduced my homocysteine level by taking folic acid, B6, and trimethylglycine (TMG), and intrinsic factor to improve methylation. I have a B12 shot once a week and take a daily B12 sublingual. Several of my intravenous therapies improve my body’s detoxification: weekly EDTA (for chelating heavy metals, a major source of aging) and monthly DMPS (to chelate mercury). I also take n-acetyl-l-carnitine orally. I take weekly intravenous vitamins and alpha lipoic acid to boost antioxidants. I do a weekly glutathione IV to boost liver health. Perhaps the most important intravenous therapy I do is a weekly phosphatidylcholine (PtC) IV, which rejuvenates all of the body’s tissues by restoring youthful cell membranes. I also take PtC orally each day, and I supplement my hormone levels with DHEA and testosterone. I take I-3-C (indole-3-carbinol), chrysin, nettle, ginger, and herbs to reduce conversion of testosterone into estrogen. I take a saw palmetto complex for prostate health. For stress management, I take l-theonine (the calming substance in green tea), beta sitosterol, phosphatidylserine, and green tea supplements, in addition to drinking 8 to 10 cups of green tea itself. At bedtime, to aid with sleep, I take GABA (a gentle, calming neuro-transmitter) and sublingual melatonin. For brain health, I take acetyl-l-carnitine, vinpocetine, phosphatidylserine, ginkgo biloba, glycerylphosphorylcholine, nextrutine, and quercetin. For eye health, I take lutein and bilberry extract. For skin health, I use an antioxidant skin cream on my face, neck, and hands each day. For digestive health, I take betaine HCL, pepsin, gentian root, peppermint, acidophilus bifodobacter, fructooligosaccharides, fish proteins, l-glutamine, and n-acetyl-d-glucosamine. To inhibit the creation of advanced glycosylated end products (AGEs), a key aging process, I take n-acetyl-carnitine, carnosine, alpha lipoic acid, and quercetin. MAINTAINING A POSITIVE “HEALTH SLOPE” [is also] Most important (...).” 

Prevenção de Gonorreia (DST) tão simples como... Bochechar com desinfectante bocal

Na época Natalícia, nada como sabermos de um estudo diz que uma forma de impedir DST (nomeadamente a Gonorreia) é bochechar com... Listerine (elixir bucal, o tal que alega que mata 99,x% das bactérias), passe a publicidade:

Gonorrhoea NEWS: Listerine mouthwash could stop spread of STI | Health | Life & Style | Daily Express

Citando:

""Listerine mouthwash is a cheap, easy to use and effective agent that inhibits gonorrhoea growth and requires further careful consideration and study."
Researchers are now conducting a larger trial to confirm the results and see whether the use of mouthwash could curb the spread of gonorrhoea.
They must also establish if the apparent effects of using the mouthwash were only short-lived, given the brief monitoring time in the study. "

Tècnica que pode ajudar a prevenir a "depressão Natalícia" (família não se escolhe)

A depressão Natalícia por problemas de relação com a família (e outras de natureza confrontacional), pode aparentemente ser combatida (ou a resiliência a esses eventos pode ser aumentada) com uma técnica simples de revisão do que foi visto, ouvido, sentido e cheirado durante o evento stressante (e o que aconteceu em sequência), técnica essa que supera a consulta com um médico:

Artigo completo:
http://www.shropshirestar.com/news/uk-news/2016/12/26/depression-symptoms-eased-by-mentally-reviewing-quarrels/#LWGuVtdY8AhzMZWT.99


Detalhes do estudo (citação):
"The research involved a six-week trial with patients suffering from clinical depression, during which they were trained to spot warning signs for stress, and then review stressful situations they had been in, focusing particularly on what could be seen, heard, felt, smelled and the sequence of what happened.
Results showed it reduced symptoms of depression, outperforming the usual treatment from the GP alone, the psychologists said.
Prof Watkins added: "We have found in the lab that when people train themselves to think about the specific sensory details, context and sequence of an emotional event, including how it unfolded, they were more emotionally resilient to an unexpected stressor than those who thought about the meaning and implications of emotional events."

Edição genética para prevenir doenças pode não ter só vantagens

... E Darwin sabia-o. A China e os EUA já pensam nisso BTW:
http://www.express.co.uk/news/world/747382/SCIENCE-WARNING-Messing-genes-WIPE-OUT-geniuses-earth


Citando:
"Dr Kozubek said: “Before we begin modifying our genes with gene editing tools such as Crispr-Cas9, we’d be smart to recall that genetic variants that contribute to psychiatric conditions may even be beneficial depending on the environment or genetic background.""

Vacina para o Ébola?

Para os críticos da medicina ocidental, são notícias como estas que - a serem confirmad os fazem pensar duas vezes (relembrando que o vírus do Ébola é algo que provoca uma morte terrível em dias, mas que o faz "lá longe", em África):
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/ebola-vaccine-protection-against-virus-guinea-who-trials-a7492931.html

Vinho Tinto (Resveratrol) pode ajudar a tratar o acne

https://www.thesun.co.uk/living/2480074/this-alcoholic-drink-could-help-cure-acne-experts-reveal/
Citando:
"In the study, the experts discovered incredible results when the antioxidant resveratrol was combined with benzoyl peroxide, a common acne treatment.
Acne is incredibly common.
According to the study, entitled Resveratrol Demonstrates Antimicrobial Effects Against Propionibacterium Acnes In Vitro, it affects 85% of adolescents.
Although the percentage of adults that suffer from acne is significantly less than adolescents, 10% of adults are still said to be affected.
Red wine could help solve the problem once and for all."

Efeitos do consumo exagerado de álcool no corpo

Alguns efeitos recordados (sono, pele, fígado, cérebro, ...) e informação sobre o processamento do álcool pelo fígado (1 volume por hora aprox.; 1 garrafa vinho tem aprox. 10 volumes/units):
http://www.cosmopolitan.co.uk/body/health/news/a48302/what-happens-to-body-heavy-drinking/
Citando:
"But here are the downsides: you end up getting drunk quicker, and it just masks the hangover, it doesn't take it away.
"It takes us an hour to metabolise one unit of alcohol," the doctor reminds us. So if you were drinking until 2am and had along the lines of a bottle and a half of wine - roughly 15 units - that will take 15 hours to completely remove itself from your system. If you start drinking again the next day, your body hasn't even finished metabolising last night's alcohol before it can start on the new influx, so you get drunk quicker.
"Your body is feeling bad for a reason. Listen to your body," says Dr O'Brien. Words of wisdom."

Nova doença genética descoberta...

... E pode ter papel em doenças degenerativas (Alzheimer, Parkinson e até o envelhecimento):
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/dementia-alzheimers-parkinsons-disease-genetic-condition-ageing-a7489111.html

Carnes processadas com efeitos em... Asma?

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4053674/Eating-ham-sausages-four-times-week-worsen-asthma-processed-meat-trigger-inflammation-airways.html


O estudo é Francês e está aqui a review do NHS Choices à cobertura mediática do mesmo no Reino Unido (não muito favorável):
http://www.nhs.uk/news/2016/12December/Pages/Diet-rich-in-processed-meat-may-worsen-asthma-symptoms.aspx


Histórico:
@2016-12-23: adicionado NHS choices review.

Genes associados a distúrbios de sono e doenças a eles aparentemente relacionados

Mais (des)culpas genéticas:
http://www.medicaldaily.com/sleep-disorders-genetics-link-disturbance-restless-leg-syndrome-schizophrenia-406795