MNT weekly newsletter - September 19, 2018

Medical News Today

Dear Kuk,

Welcome to this week's Medical News Today newsletter, containing the headlines from the past week, across your chosen news categories.


Blood / Hematology
Leukemia rash pictures
Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects white blood cells. Symptoms may include petechiae, which are tiny red, brown, or purple spots on the skin that resemble a rash. Rashes and other skin conditions are common and are not usually signs of cancer. Learn what a leukemia rash looks like and when to see a doctor here.
Is it safe for a person with diabetes to eat sweets?
People with diabetes need to know how the food and drink they consume affects their blood sugar levels. However, it is a common misconception that they must avoid all sweets or sugary foods. A person with diabetes can still have sweets, as part of a healthful meal plan, or if combined with exercise. Learn more here.
What does it mean if your ESR is high?
The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) test is a blood test that can reveal inflammation in the body. A high or low result may signify an underlying condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis or cancer. Additional tests are necessary to confirm a diagnosis. The ESR test poses few risks. Learn more about it here.


Bones / Orthopedics
Osteoarthritis: Can an antioxidant offer protection?
A new study investigates the role of an antioxidant in the progression of osteoarthritis. The findings offer a new insight into the mechanisms involved.


Breast Cancer
Foods with low nutritional quality tied to higher cancer risk
A large multinational cohort study finds that eating foods with a low nutritional quality on a regular basis is linked with a heightened risk of cancer.
Double mastectomy recovery: What to know
It can be difficult to know what to expect after a double mastectomy. In this article, we discuss the physical and emotional side effects of surgery and provide tips to aid recovery at home. We also cover how to prepare for the procedure and the length of the recovery time.


Colorectal Cancer
Foods with low nutritional quality tied to higher cancer risk
A large multinational cohort study finds that eating foods with a low nutritional quality on a regular basis is linked with a heightened risk of cancer.


GastroIntestinal / Gastroenterology
What are the best foods to avoid during a Crohn's disease flare-up?
The symptoms of Crohn's disease can worsen after eating certain foods, while other foods can help improve symptoms. The best foods to eat and avoid differ during a flare-up, however. We look at foods that people with Crohn's should avoid during a flare-up, along with other diet tips for managing the disease.
Can eating this type of sugar prevent weight gain?
Newly published research finds that mannose, a type of sugar, has surprising effects on metabolism, weight gain, and the gut's microbiome.
Weight loss surgery: How taste influences success
How does a person's taste in foods following weight loss surgery influence how successful the procedure is? A new study may have answered this question.
What to know about Ally's Law
Ally's Law, or the Restroom Access Act, allows people with certain medical conditions to access a restroom if they have an urgent need to use one. These conditions include types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as Crohn's disease. Learn more about the history of Ally's Law, where it applies, and how to use it.
Can apple cider vinegar help relieve constipation?
Apple cider vinegar is a popular home remedy for various health issues. Some people believe that it can act as a laxative, helping to relieve constipation and bloating. In this article, we discuss how effective and safe it is to consume apple cider vinegar. We also cover other natural remedies for constipation.
Is there a cure for Crohn's disease?
Crohn's disease is a chronic disease for which there is currently no cure. Researchers are looking into specific bacteria, the microbiome, and inflammation to try to find a cure. For now, the goal of treatment is to relieve and reduce symptoms. Learn more about the latest developments in Crohn's disease treatment here.
Do bacteria cause stomach cancer?
Infections with one type of bacteria increase the risk for stomach cancer. Now, specialists have identified exactly which bacterial strain may be at fault.
Scientists find that hundreds of gut bacteria are electric
A new study has made a surprising discovery: numerous gut bacteria of many kinds are able to generate electricity. This may open up novel research avenues.


Hypertension
High blood pressure breakthrough: Over 500 genes uncovered
The world's largest genetic study of hypertension finds that the number of genetic loci involved is three times larger than previously thought.
Inhaled blood pressure drug could prevent panic attacks
New research suggests that a drug commonly used for hypertension could be used as a quick-acting nasal spray to prevent anxiety attacks.


Men's Health
Typical testosterone levels in males and females
Testosterone levels vary depending on a person's sex, age, and physical activity levels. Testosterone levels that are too high or too low may cause a range of potential complications including infertility and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Learn more about testosterone levels here.
How body fat affects men's and women's health differently
New research in rodents helps us understand why women are better protected against the harmful effects of excessive body fat than men.


Neurology / Neuroscience
Schizophrenia: 'Resyncing' brain circuits could halt symptoms
'Resyncing' brain circuits in an adult mouse model of schizophrenia eliminated some neural and behavioral symptoms of the disorder, a new study found.
MS: Is a 'rogue' brain and lymph node interaction to blame?
New research suggests that the brain sends a 'rogue' signal to the immune system through lymphatic vessels, thus triggering multiple sclerosis mechanisms.
Eating fiber can delay brain aging
New research shows that eating fiber releases butyrate, a fatty acid that prevents brain inflammation and improves memory in aging mice.
Brain cell identified as 'mediator of disease'
The findings could help us devise new treatments for a range of diseases that affect the central nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis.
Lucid dreaming: Controlling the stories of sleep
In this Spotlight, we explore the phenomenon that is lucid dreaming. We explain what it is, what to do to achieve it, and whether it brings any risks.


Nutrition / Diet
Foods with low nutritional quality tied to higher cancer risk
A large multinational cohort study finds that eating foods with a low nutritional quality on a regular basis is linked with a heightened risk of cancer.
What are the best foods to avoid during a Crohn's disease flare-up?
The symptoms of Crohn's disease can worsen after eating certain foods, while other foods can help improve symptoms. The best foods to eat and avoid differ during a flare-up, however. We look at foods that people with Crohn's should avoid during a flare-up, along with other diet tips for managing the disease.
What are the benefits of protein powder?
People can use protein powder to supplement their protein intake, help build muscle, aid muscle recovery, and encourage healthy weight loss. In this article, learn about these and other health benefits of protein powder. We also cover the different types of protein powder and when and how to use them.
Can eating this type of sugar prevent weight gain?
Newly published research finds that mannose, a type of sugar, has surprising effects on metabolism, weight gain, and the gut's microbiome.
Probiotics may help battle antibiotic resistance
Probiotics are known to reduce the risk of certain infections. The latest study finds that they may also reduce the need for antibiotics.
Weight loss surgery: How taste influences success
How does a person's taste in foods following weight loss surgery influence how successful the procedure is? A new study may have answered this question.
Is it safe for a person with diabetes to eat sweets?
People with diabetes need to know how the food and drink they consume affects their blood sugar levels. However, it is a common misconception that they must avoid all sweets or sugary foods. A person with diabetes can still have sweets, as part of a healthful meal plan, or if combined with exercise. Learn more here.
Eating fiber can delay brain aging
New research shows that eating fiber releases butyrate, a fatty acid that prevents brain inflammation and improves memory in aging mice.
Three daily servings of dairy may keep your heart healthy
New research rehabilitates the heart-healthy role of whole-fat dairy products, as a high intake is found to lower the risk of cardiovascular mortality.
What to know about chicken allergies
While fish and seafood often cause allergies, chicken meat allergies are less common. The symptoms can vary from mild to very severe. In some cases, chicken allergies are related to bird egg allergies, though they can also exist separately. Chicken allergies may be linked to other bird allergies. Learn more here.
Can people be allergic to strawberries?
Strawberry allergies are less common than other allergies, but they do occur. Most allergic reactions to strawberries are mild, but they can occasionally be life-threatening for some people. In this article, we look at the symptoms of this allergy as well as the risk factors and diagnosis. We also cover foods to avoid.
How body fat affects men's and women's health differently
New research in rodents helps us understand why women are better protected against the harmful effects of excessive body fat than men.


Pain / Anesthetics
Thumb arthritis: What to know
Thumb arthritis, or basal joint arthritis, affects the joint at the base of the thumb. It can cause pain and limit the thumb's range of movement. Thumb arthritis is usually a type of osteoarthritis, meaning it develops due to wear and tear. Learn about the symptoms, risk factors, and treatment here.
Double mastectomy recovery: What to know
It can be difficult to know what to expect after a double mastectomy. In this article, we discuss the physical and emotional side effects of surgery and provide tips to aid recovery at home. We also cover how to prepare for the procedure and the length of the recovery time.
How does RA affect different parts of the body?
The hallmark of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is pain in the joints, but it can also affect many other body parts. In this article, we look at the diverse systemic and long-term effects of RA.
What to know about rheumatoid arthritis during pregnancy
Many women with rheumatoid arthritis experience a reduction in symptoms during pregnancy. However, this is not always the case, and some women may experience a flare shortly after childbirth. In this article, learn how rheumatoid arthritis affects pregnancy, including the possible risks and impact on symptoms.
Chronic pain and the power of placebo
The placebo effect is stronger in some people than in others. A new study unlocks the psychological and neuroanatomical differences between these people.
What is the link between lupus and arthritis?
Lupus and arthritis are separate conditions. However, arthritis is one of the most common symptoms of lupus. There may also be a genetic link between rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. In this article, we look at the connection between lupus and arthritis, along with the causes, symptoms, and treatment of the conditions.
How does rheumatoid arthritis affect the wrists?
The wrist is one of the areas most commonly affected by rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA can cause symptoms such as inflammation, pain, and stiffness in the joints. Over time, it can cause permanent damage. People often benefit from RA treatments, including wrist exercises, medication, and in extreme cases, surgery.


Prostate / Prostate Cancer
What can make urination painful?
There are many possible causes of painful urination, or dysuria, including bacterial infections and health conditions that place extra pressure on the bladder. Fortunately, most of these potential causes are highly treatable. Learn more about 10 causes of dysuria here, as well as when to see a doctor.


Respiratory
How to cope with COPD fatigue
Chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) makes breathing difficult, which can impact on a person's energy levels and lead to fatigue. People with COPD can improve how much energy they have and reduce fatigue with lifestyle changes, including breathing exercises, eating well, and exercising regularly. Learn more here.


Sexual Health / STDs
What can make urination painful?
There are many possible causes of painful urination, or dysuria, including bacterial infections and health conditions that place extra pressure on the bladder. Fortunately, most of these potential causes are highly treatable. Learn more about 10 causes of dysuria here, as well as when to see a doctor.
Safest condoms and methods of use
Most condom brands are safe, but people should still check the labels to make sure they are effective against pregnancy and STIs. Novelty and natural condoms may not be as safe as others. Male and female condoms have slightly different safety levels. In this article, we look at the safest condoms and how to use them.
Typical testosterone levels in males and females
Testosterone levels vary depending on a person's sex, age, and physical activity levels. Testosterone levels that are too high or too low may cause a range of potential complications including infertility and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Learn more about testosterone levels here.


Surgery
Thumb arthritis: What to know
Thumb arthritis, or basal joint arthritis, affects the joint at the base of the thumb. It can cause pain and limit the thumb's range of movement. Thumb arthritis is usually a type of osteoarthritis, meaning it develops due to wear and tear. Learn about the symptoms, risk factors, and treatment here.


Urology / Nephrology
What can make urination painful?
There are many possible causes of painful urination, or dysuria, including bacterial infections and health conditions that place extra pressure on the bladder. Fortunately, most of these potential causes are highly treatable. Learn more about 10 causes of dysuria here, as well as when to see a doctor.
Study overturns what we know about kidney stones
New research uses cutting-edge technology to study kidney stones. The findings change what we know about their nature, composition, and behavior.


Women's Health / Gynecology
Different baby positions during pregnancy: What to know
During pregnancy, the fetus changes position often, but some positions are safer than others just before childbirth. In this article, learn about baby positions in the womb, including anterior, posterior, transverse lie, and three types of breech position.
Double mastectomy recovery: What to know
It can be difficult to know what to expect after a double mastectomy. In this article, we discuss the physical and emotional side effects of surgery and provide tips to aid recovery at home. We also cover how to prepare for the procedure and the length of the recovery time.
What to know about rheumatoid arthritis during pregnancy
Many women with rheumatoid arthritis experience a reduction in symptoms during pregnancy. However, this is not always the case, and some women may experience a flare shortly after childbirth. In this article, learn how rheumatoid arthritis affects pregnancy, including the possible risks and impact on symptoms.
Typical testosterone levels in males and females
Testosterone levels vary depending on a person's sex, age, and physical activity levels. Testosterone levels that are too high or too low may cause a range of potential complications including infertility and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Learn more about testosterone levels here.
How body fat affects men's and women's health differently
New research in rodents helps us understand why women are better protected against the harmful effects of excessive body fat than men.
Is it safe to use Pepto-Bismol while breastfeeding?
Although researchers are still unsure whether Pepto-Bismol passes into a woman's breast milk, most health authorities recommend avoiding it while breastfeeding. In this article, learn about the safety and risks of taking Pepto-Bismol while breastfeeding. Also, find out about safe alternatives.


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