MNT weekly newsletter - December 12, 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
Diabetes: Are you over-monitoring your blood sugar?
New evidence shows that many people with type 2 diabetes test their blood sugar levels too often, which costs hundreds of dollars a year.
A new blood test could help diagnose Alzheimer's
New research focuses on an accurate blood test for Alzheimer's disease. If scientists replicate the study's promising results, it may be a breakthrough.
Diabetes: Fasting before a blood test might actually be harmful
Is it actually a good idea for people with diabetes to fast before having a blood cholesterol test? A new study suggests this may do more harm than good.


Bones / Orthopedics
Sunken fontanel: Everything you need to know
Babies are born with fontanels to allow the skull to be flexible enough to pass through the birth canal. Sometimes, these fontanels may appear sunken and require medical treatment.


Breast Cancer
What to know about fibroadenomas of the breast
A fibroadenoma is a noncancerous lump that can develop in the breast. Learn about the causes, diagnosis, complications, and possible treatment of fibroadenomas in this article.


GastroIntestinal / Gastroenterology
What causes pelvic pain?
A wide range of infections and underlying conditions can cause pelvic pain, most of which are treatable. Learn about the possible causes of pelvic pain here, as well as when to see a doctor.
What is appendix cancer?
Appendix cancer is very rare, and many people experience no symptoms in the early stages. Doctors often diagnose this cancer when it spreads to other organs or after they remove a person's appendix due to appendicitis. Learn more here.
Can marijuana ease symptoms of Crohn's disease?
In regions where it is legal, many doctors are prescribing medical marijuana to treat certain conditions. Some small studies suggest that marijuana may also have the potential to relieve symptoms of Crohn's disease. However, more research is necessary to confirm these findings. Learn more here.
Crohn's disease and pregnancy
Crohn's disease and pregnancy can affect each other. However, most women who conceive while their Crohn's disease is in remission can have a normal pregnancy and healthy baby. Learn more here.
How safe are probiotics?
Products that contain probiotics are more popular than ever. A recent article asks if they are safe and whether the evidence backs up their claims.
Parkinson's: Dietary compound moves toxic protein from gut to brain
A new study describes how low levels of herbicide mixed with a common dietary compound can transport toxic proteins to the brain, causing Parkinsonism.


Hypertension
What to know about high blood pressure during pregnancy
A doctor should monitor high blood pressure (hypertension) during pregnancy to prevent complications for the mother, such as preeclampsia, and the baby. High blood pressure is usually treatable and preventable. Learn about the types, causes, and treatments of high blood pressure during pregnancy here.


Lymphoma
What to know about stage 4 lymphoma
The symptoms, treatment, and survival rates of stage 4 lymphoma depend on the type of lymphoma and the risk factors that the individual has. Learn more here.


Men's Health
Prostate cancer and back pain
Back pain is a common complaint with many possible causes. In some cases, chronic, unexplained back pain can occur with advanced prostate cancer. Learn more here.
10 ways to boost libido
Sex drive, or libido, naturally varies between people. If a person wants to boost their libido, there are many methods they can try, including lifestyle, diet, remedies, and sex tips. Here, we look at ways to boost libido in both males and females.


Neurology / Neuroscience
How brain waves enable creative thinking
A new study finds that higher levels of alpha brain waves in a specific brain area enable us to think of unexpected associations that signal creativity.
Does problem-solving stave off mental decline?
Is it true that by training your brain with problem-solving tasks, you can keep mental decline at bay later in life? A new study delves into the details.
Future of Alzheimer's therapy: What is the best approach?
A new comprehensive review assesses current clinical trials for Alzheimer's drugs and advises on the best therapeutic approach going forward.
Parkinson's: Dietary compound moves toxic protein from gut to brain
A new study describes how low levels of herbicide mixed with a common dietary compound can transport toxic proteins to the brain, causing Parkinsonism.
This form of brain training may help treat severe schizophrenia
New research finds that targeted cognitive training improves verbal and auditory outcomes in people with treatment-resistant schizophrenia.
Is it possible to reverse 'chemo brain?'
'Chemo brain' affects many people who have undergone cancer treatment. What happens in the brain, and how can we reverse this effect?
A new blood test could help diagnose Alzheimer's
New research focuses on an accurate blood test for Alzheimer's disease. If scientists replicate the study's promising results, it may be a breakthrough.
Just one workout offers long-lasting metabolic benefits
New research suggests that we may need less physical activity than we thought to reap the benefits of exercise for our metabolism.
OCD: Brain mechanism explains symptoms
The largest study of its kind examines the brains of people living with obsessive-compulsive disorder and offers new insights into the condition.


Nutrition / Diet
What is the military diet and does it work?
People following the military diet spend 3 days restricting their calorie intake and then have 4 days of regular eating. Supporters of the diet believe that it can help people lose weight quickly, but a lack of variety could mean that people miss out on some nutrients. Learn more about this diet here.
What are the best foods to eat for energy?
Foods and drinks fuel the body. Energy-boosting examples include bananas, avocados, apples, and coffee. Learn more about the best things to eat and drink for energy here.
What are the benefits of seaweed?
Seaweed contains many nutrients and vitamins. Adding it to the diet can help people with thyroid function, diabetes, and weight loss. Learn more here.
What foods protect the liver?
Some foods and drinks can help protect liver health. These include coffee, oatmeal, grapes, nuts, and fatty fish, among others. Learn more about the foods and drinks that are good for liver health here.
What is a pescatarian diet?
A pescatarian diet involves eating fish, as a main source of protein, alongside vegetables and other plant-based foods. Learn more about the health benefits of this diet, its environmental impact, and potential risks. We also highlight the best types of fish to eat, and how a pescatarian diet may improve health.
What are the benefits of bone broth?
Bone broth has a high vitamin and mineral content. The benefits of consuming bone broth include better joint protection, reduced inflammation, and better sleep. Learn more about the benefits of bone broth here.


Pain / Anesthetics
Bowel endometriosis: What to know
Bowel endometriosis is when tissue similar to endometrial tissue develops on the bowel, causing a range of symptoms. In this article, learn about the causes and treatments.
What to know about marijuana and multiple sclerosis
Marijuana has many potential uses, which includes the treatment of specific symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Learn more about the possible benefits of marijuana for people with MS here.
Can marijuana ease symptoms of Crohn's disease?
In regions where it is legal, many doctors are prescribing medical marijuana to treat certain conditions. Some small studies suggest that marijuana may also have the potential to relieve symptoms of Crohn's disease. However, more research is necessary to confirm these findings. Learn more here.


Prostate / Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer and back pain
Back pain is a common complaint with many possible causes. In some cases, chronic, unexplained back pain can occur with advanced prostate cancer. Learn more here.


Respiratory
Weight may affect the risk of flu hospitalization
Hospitalization due to flu or flu-like viruses is more likely in underweight adults or those with obesity in the morbid range or higher, says a new study.


Sexual Health / STDs
What causes pelvic pain?
A wide range of infections and underlying conditions can cause pelvic pain, most of which are treatable. Learn about the possible causes of pelvic pain here, as well as when to see a doctor.
What is female ejaculation?
Female ejaculation is when a woman's urethra expels fluid during orgasm or sexual arousal. This ejaculation is perfectly normal, and research suggests that it is common but that people do not often talk about it. Learn more here.
What is the link between HPV and HIV?
HPV and HIV are both sexually transmitted infections caused by viruses. They are separate conditions with different symptoms, treatments, and preventions. A person with HIV may be more prone to contracting HPV and experience worse complications. Learn more here.
What to know about genital herpes
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection. It can cause blisters and sores around the genitals and anus, but it may cause no symptoms. This article provides an overview of the symptoms, causes, and treatments for genital herpes.
Herpes simplex: Everything you need to know
Herpes simplex is a very common virus that affects billions of people globally. It can cause sores around the mouth or on the genitals and surrounding areas. Learn more about herpes simplex here.
Pictures and symptoms of common STDs
Understanding the symptoms of common STDs can help people notice any changes in their bodies, so that they can identify the signs and get the right treatment. In this article, we provide a visual guide to common STDs with pictures, symptoms, and treatments.
10 ways to boost libido
Sex drive, or libido, naturally varies between people. If a person wants to boost their libido, there are many methods they can try, including lifestyle, diet, remedies, and sex tips. Here, we look at ways to boost libido in both males and females.


Stroke
Statins: Risk of side effects is low, say experts
For most people at risk of heart attack and stroke, using statins to lower cholesterol brings more benefits than risks, say the American Heart Association.
Excess belly fat common in those with high heart risk
A European study of cardiovascular disease prevention finds that nearly two-thirds of those with high heart disease and stroke risk have excess waist fat.


Urology / Nephrology
What is the normal pH range for urine?
The acidity of urine varies greatly depending on a person's diet and any medical conditions they may have. In this article, we discuss the normal pH range for urine, and what abnormal test results might mean.
Can D-mannose treat a UTI?
D-mannose is a type of sugar that researchers believe may help treat urinary tract infections (UTIs). Learn more about the studies, conclusions, and possible dosage here.


Women's Health / Gynecology
Bowel endometriosis: What to know
Bowel endometriosis is when tissue similar to endometrial tissue develops on the bowel, causing a range of symptoms. In this article, learn about the causes and treatments.
What is female ejaculation?
Female ejaculation is when a woman's urethra expels fluid during orgasm or sexual arousal. This ejaculation is perfectly normal, and research suggests that it is common but that people do not often talk about it. Learn more here.
What to know about fibroadenomas of the breast
A fibroadenoma is a noncancerous lump that can develop in the breast. Learn about the causes, diagnosis, complications, and possible treatment of fibroadenomas in this article.
Crohn's disease and pregnancy
Crohn's disease and pregnancy can affect each other. However, most women who conceive while their Crohn's disease is in remission can have a normal pregnancy and healthy baby. Learn more here.
Can D-mannose treat a UTI?
D-mannose is a type of sugar that researchers believe may help treat urinary tract infections (UTIs). Learn more about the studies, conclusions, and possible dosage here.
5 natural ways to reduce breast size
Breast tissue is largely made up of fatty materials. Losing body fat is one effective way to reduce breast size naturally. In this article, we look at five methods people can use to reduce breast size, or the appearance of breasts.
10 ways to boost libido
Sex drive, or libido, naturally varies between people. If a person wants to boost their libido, there are many methods they can try, including lifestyle, diet, remedies, and sex tips. Here, we look at ways to boost libido in both males and females.


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