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Influenza 2025

The sore throat, runny nose and cough! Feeling like this, is due to the common cold, especially if the onset is gradual and the symptoms quite mild. But with winter approaching, is flu something we really need to worry about?

While more than 100 different viruses can cause a cold, influenza is caused by one of four viruses, namely types A, B, C and D, with the circulation of Influenza A and B causing seasonal outbreaks of the disease?

Flu is characterised by an abrupt onset which could include chills, fever, headache, fatigue, weakness along with chest discomfort and coughing, as well as sometimes a blocked or runny nose and sore throat.

An increased incidence of flu is generally associated with autumn and winter. This is because the flu virus lives longer indoors and thrives in less humid conditions. The colder months also sees people spend more time indoors and in closer contact with others, which leads to more inhalation of the virus, or contracting it through the eyes, nose or mouth.

Most people who get flu will recover in a time period of between a few days and two weeks. The danger of flu is that some people may develop complications such as pneumonia, which can be life-threatening. 

The highest rates of hospitalisation being in those 65 years and older, those with HIV and children less than five years of age. Pregnant women are also at an increased risk of hospitalisation and death from flu infections. Those with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, lung disease, tuberculosis and heart disease are also at increased risk of being hospitalised as a result of flu.

An annual flu vaccination is recommended especially for those more at risk of flu complications, including pregnant women, children aged 6 months to 5 years of age, people over the age of 65, people with chronic medical conditions and health workers.

Even for those people who are not at an increased risk of complications, an annual flu vaccination can prevent severe illness, reduce time off work or school, and can help limit the spread of flu to loved ones and colleagues . 

The flu vaccine works by stimulating the immune system to produce its own antibodies against the disease. Contrary to what some people may believe, none of the ingredients in the vaccine can cause actual flu?

Although the timing of the flu season varies from year to year in South Africa, it is generally most severe during the winter months of May to August, but can start as early as April or as late as July, with the average duration of the flu season lasting 19 weeks.

The best time to get your flu vaccine is before the season starts, ideally as early as March, but getting it later will protect you during the remainder of the season?

Flu vaccinations are currently available at most healthcare providers, pharmacies and clinics in South Africa.

One option available includes an innovative smart syringe which is designed for precise dosing and injection site comfort, especially helpful when administering to children or those who may be a little nervous of the needle.

Generative AI could boost productivity in healthcare

Generative AI could boost productivity in healthcare

Prebiotic, Probiotic and Postbiotic Supplementation

Despite their widespread use, there is significant confusion about what they are, where to find the best ones, and what they can and can’t do. Regardless, experts say the most powerful and beneficial sources for all your biotic needs are often overlooked (hint: they are in your refrigerator).

Within our bodies, there exists a bustling community that often goes unnoticed but plays a pivotal role in our well-being—the microbiome. Understanding the impact of the microbiome on our health is not just a scientific curiosity, it’s a crucial aspect of our health that underscores our body’s complex equilibrium. Through continuous negotiations, our body and microbiome engage in a symbiotic relationship—a dynamic exchange where we provide our microbiome with nourishment and “good” inhabitants, and in return, it synthesizes beneficial compounds to support our health.

“We are, in essence, walking ecosystems. Our health is intimately connected to the trillions of bacteria, viruses, and fungi that make up this community,” says Sean Spencer, MD, PhD, Gastroenterologist and Physician Scientist at Stanford University.

The microbiome actively participates in various bodily functions, from aiding digestion and nutrient absorption to eliminating toxins and synthesizing vitamins and amino acids.

“The influence of our microbiome extends far beyond the confines of the digestive system, reaching major body systems like the immune system, metabolism, and the central nervous system,” states Rachele Pojednic, PhD, Stanford University  nutrition and exercise scientist.

While the definition of a healthy microbiome remains unclear, the majority of studies find that high microbiome diversity is linked to better health outcomes. “A healthy microbiome is one that is equipped to process a diverse array of dietary fiber to produce  health-promoting compounds for our body,” states Dr. Spencer. “Low microbiome diversity is linked to various health conditions, including diabetes and obesity and likely has reduced fiber-degrading potential and lower production of health promoting compounds.”

A recent study revealed that the average Californian has a microbiome that contains 277 microbial species, a stark contrast to the average of 730 found in non-industrialized populations. This finding aligns with a mounting body of evidence suggesting that modern lifestyles and Westernized diets have significantly depleted the essential diversity of our gut microbiome.

Therefore, many individuals have sought ways to manipulate their microbiome and increase its diversity via supplementation. Commonly referred to as probiotics and prebiotics, these supplements have surged in popularity, achieving sales of $35 billion in 2015 and projected to reach $65 billion by the end of 2024.

Despite their widespread use, there is significant confusion about what they are, where to find the best ones, and what they can and can’t do. Regardless, experts say the most powerful and beneficial sources for all your biotic needs are often overlooked (hint: they are in your refrigerator).

What Are Probiotics and Why are They Important?

Probiotics are live microorganisms that are consumed for health benefits and typically found in fermented foods like yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut. They play a crucial role in supporting our gut by introducing beneficial bacteria to our microbiome community. Simultaneously, they reduce the proliferation of harmful bacteria by constraining their available space for growth.

Upon hearing the term “probiotics,” many individuals associate it with the supplement pills that have long been advertised to improve digestive health. However, these supplements are not recommended over food, as they can displace favorable microbial residentsin the gut.

“The doses of microbes found in supplements are overly potent, with billions to trillions of microbes, far exceeding the amounts in fermented foods, which contain hundreds of thousands to millions,” states Dr. Pojednic. “In this context, more is not better; natural sources provide a gentler, more physiologically effective way to support your microbiome.”

Another problem with probiotic supplements is they are created under the assumptions that the same bacteria strains are beneficial to everyone. But research indicates that microbiota composition and function varies significantly among individuals. What benefits one person may not necessarily work for another, and the scientific community is yet to develop the means to tailor probiotic prescriptions on an individual basis. Moreover, most beneficial gut bacteria that promote health are not yet available in probiotic supplement form.

“While healthy microbiomes may display certain shared characteristics, such as diversity, the specific types of bacteria that truly confer benefits remain unclear. Therefore, the limited selection of bacterial strains found in probiotic supplements may not be what your gut needs,” states Dr. Spencer.

Rather than taking probiotic supplements, Spencer and Pojednic recommend increasing the intake of probiotics by consuming fermented foods. Furthermore, fermented foods contain metabolic byproducts and other signaling molecules that probiotic supplements alone do not. Growing evidence suggests these metabolites confer additional health benefits and may aid the colonization of beneficial bacteria in our gut.

Fermented foods have been associated with enhancing microbiome diversity and overall health in several studies. A notable study was conducted at Stanford University, where participants adhered to a diet rich in fermented foods. Following a ten-week regimen of daily intake of five servings of fermented foods, participants demonstrated increased microbiota diversity and a notable reduction in inflammation in the body.

Dr. Spencer highlights this intriguing correlation, stating, “As the diversity of participants’ gut microbiome increased, there was a simultaneous decrease in various markers of inflammation, emphasizing the beneficial impact of fermented foods on overall health.”

“It’s important to remember that not all fermented foods have probiotic properties. When identifying probiotic foods, look on the labels for terms like ‘live cultures’ or ‘active cultures.’ Additionally, look for foods in the refrigerated section of the grocery store,” states Dr. Pojednic.

Should I Take Probiotics After Antibiotics?

A popular strategy to mitigate the depletion of one’s microbiota following antibiotics is to take probiotic supplements. However, a studyrevealed that probiotic supplements could unintentionally impede the normal recovery of the microbiota by displacing beneficial microbes in the gut. Participants who received the probiotic supplement took more than five months for their microbiome to recover, in contrast to those who received a placebo, whose microbiome returned to normal within three weeks. These findings suggest that taking probiotic supplements after antibiotic treatment did not help balance the microbiome; in fact, these supplements impaired its recovery.

“When this trial came out a few years ago, it created a paradigm shift in the field by showing that taking probiotics after antibiotics may actually delay the recovery of your microbiome,” states Dr. Spencer. “Now, I spend a lot of my time in GI clinics convincing people not to take probiotic supplements after antibiotics.”

While probiotic supplements are often used to alleviate symptoms linked to gastrointestinal conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome and diarrhea, the American Gastroenterological Association does not recommend probiotics for the treatment of any adult gastrointestinal conditions outside of pouchitis. In any case, it’s advisable to consult with a physician before incorporating a probiotic supplement into one’s routine.

“As of now, there are very few probiotic supplements that have strong evidence of their beneficial effect in treating gastrointestinal disease,” states Dr. Spencer. “Nevertheless, this landscape is evolving quickly with ongoing research and advancements in probiotics. I’m hopeful that the next generation of probiotics will target GI disease more effectively.”

What Are Prebiotics and Why are They Important?

After establishing a diverse and healthy microbiome (by consuming a variety of probiotic foods), it becomes crucial to actively sustain it. What you eat directly fuels your microbiome community and determines which microbes will flourish and which will parish in the competitive landscape of your gut.

Prebiotics are nutrients that foster the growth and proliferation of beneficial bacteria in the gut, ultimately contributing to overall gut health. The main prebiotics our microbiome thrives on are known as microbiota-accessible carbohydrates (MACs), commonly referred to as dietary fiber. These complex carbohydrates, found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and other plant materials, resist our body’s degradation and absorption processes. This digestive resistance allows them to reach the colon still intact, providing a feast for our gut bacteria.

For individuals consuming diets high in sugar, fat, and protein, but lacking in dietary fiber, these macronutrients will break down and enter the bloodstream before reaching our colons. As a result, the typically diverse microbial community found in our colons will starve. Over time, the microbiome, in its quest for sustenance, may resort to consuming the gut’s protective mucus layer. This degradation can lead to a cascade of adverse effects, including inflammation within the gastrointestinal tract.

“Without the nourishment provided by fiber, the microbiome is left to fend for itself, potentially resulting in detrimental consequences for both its composition and the overall health of the gut,” states Dr. Spencer. “Eating prebiotic-containing foods is critical to sustain a healthy microbiome.”

In recent years, prebiotic supplements have gained popularity, however, our experts advise opting for fibrous foods over supplements to meet your microbiome’s probiotic requirements. This preference is rooted in the fact that foods offer a diverse array of fiber types, whereas supplements commonly feature a single type. The consumption of a singular fiber type restricts the nutritional support available to our microbiome, and can limit overall diversity that is crucial for a healthy microbiome. Moreover, fiber-rich foods offer various nutritional health benefits not found in supplements. Dr. Spencer suggests that if occasional supplement use is preferred to meet prebiotic needs, choosing supplements with a mix of fiber types is advisable. Nevertheless, opting for fiber-rich foods proves to be a more dependable and cost-effective source.

While more research is needed to fully understand the microbiome and how probiotics and prebiotics work in harmony, it’s reasonable to infer that the presence of one may enhance the function of the others. To promote microbiome diversity and a healthy gut, it’s essential for one’s diet to be a balanced combination of fermented foods (probiotics) and dietary fiber (prebiotics).

“My favorite breakfast is yogurt (a probiotic food) topped with berries and whole-grain granola (which are prebiotic foods). In one delicious meal, I fulfill all my biotic needs,” states Dr. Pojednic.

What Are Postbiotics and Why are They Important?

While many have heard of probiotics and prebiotics, the term postbiotics is relatively new. Postbiotics are the byproduct of probiotic and prebiotic activity. Essentially, they are the waste products left behind by the breakdown of fiber by the bacteria  in your microbiome.

These byproducts can be both beneficial and harmful to your health. The breakdown of fiber yields a treasure trove of beneficial postbiotics. Among these are essential elements such as vitamins, enzymes, amino acids, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). One standout SCFA is butyrate, a superpower molecule throughout the body that plays a pivotal role in various aspects of health. Linked to a reduced risk of chronic diseases, butyrate also exhibits anti-inflammatory propertiessupports brain health, and has beneficial metabolic effects.

Conversely, the breakdown of meat in the digestive process yields molecular byproducts such as choline and L-carnitine. In the microbiome, these compounds get broken down further into trimethylamine (TMA), which is subsequently absorbed by the circulatory system and oxidized in the liver to form trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO). Elevated levels of TMAO have been associated with an increased risk of clot-related cardiovascular events. Intriguingly, a study conducted at Stanford suggests that refraining from meat consumption for eight weeks could potentially suppress the “bad” bacteria associated with TMA production when reintroducing meat into the diet, however, additional research is required to validate this hypothesis.

Postbiotic Supplements

While the concept of postbiotics is relatively new, the popularity of postbiotic supplements is on the rise. Butyrate supplements, for instance, are becoming increasingly common. It is essential to recognize that a deficiency in Butyrate might signify an underlying issue with one’s diet and digestive system, which a supplement alone may not rectify. The most effective strategy for boosting postbiotics involves embracing a diet rich in fermented food and fiber.

Take Home Message: Food is Better than Supplements

Compared to supplements, fermented and fibrous foods provide a diverse array of microorganisms that benefit your microbiome. Moreover, supplements miss out on the synergistic biotic combination of components found in whole meals. Research consistently underscores the pivotal role of diet in shaping the composition and function of a healthy gut microbiome, serving as the most comprehensive and research-backed biotic source.

“We have abundant data to demonstrate that food affects the microbiome. And while supplements certainly have their place–to address nutrient deficiencies and improve specific health outcomes–the evidence for the supplements widely marketed for benefiting the gut are limited at best,” states Dr. Pojednic. “To ensure your microbiome is getting the sustenance it needs, it is best to get your probiotics from fermented foods and prebiotics from high-fiber foods, which have the added bonus of numerous other health benefits.”

Another thing to consider is safety and efficacy of the supplements. Most supplements are loosely regulated by the FDA, meaning manufacturers don’t need to prove safety and efficacy. For this reason, it’s always better to get a nutrient or biotic source from food over supplementation unless it has been recommended by your physician or dietitian.

Most importantly, relying on biotic supplements cannot remedy the consequences of a poor diet. Long-term dietary habits play a pivotal role in the adaptability of the gut microbiome, with the consumption of diverse fermented and high-fiber foods being paramount. As our dietary habits evolve, so does the microbiome, adapting and diversifying to create a resilient and well-balanced ecosystem. In essence, the journey to a healthier gut extends beyond the allure of quick-fix supplements.

“While there is some regulation on manufacturing and marketing of supplements, enforcement is rare unless there is a well-documented negative health effect. Third party testing is key to ensuring you are consuming a safe product. Otherwise, you can fall prey to deceptive claims, mislabeled ingredients or possible contamination,” states Dr. Pojednic. “Safe, well studied supplements have their place, but we just aren’t there yet with these products.”

With ongoing advances in microbiome research, the future may hold more precise probiotic, prebiotic, and postbiotic interventions, potentially enhancing the effectiveness of supplements. However, the foundation of gut health remains deeply rooted in dietary habits, emphasizing the enduring value of natural, food-based approaches over supplementation.

Key Takeaways:

  • Probiotic and prebiotic supplements lack substantial scientific evidence that they promote microbiome health. 
  • Rather than taking supplements, experts recommend eating fermented foods (probiotics) to promote microbiome diversity and fibrous foods (prebiotics) to feed and sustain “good” bacteria in the gut.  
  • Recommended fermented foods (probiotics):
    • Fermented vegetables: kimchi, sauerkraut, and certain pickled vegetables
    • Fermented dairy: yogurt, cottage cheese, kefir, and certain cheeses
    • Fermented soy: tempeh and miso
  • Recommended high-fiber foods (prebiotics):
    • Legumes: lentils, chickpeas, black beans, and kidney beans
    • Seeds: chia seeds, flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds
    • Whole grains: quinoa, brown rice, oats, and barley
    • Nuts: almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and pecans
    • Vegetables: broccoli, Brussels sprouts, artichokes, carrots, and sweet potatoes
    • Fruits: apples, pears, berries (raspberries, blueberries, strawberries), and bananas
  • Postbiotics, the byproduct of probiotic and prebiotic activity, not only reduce the risk of chronic diseases and support brain health, but also offer anti-inflammatory and beneficial metabolic effects.

Cancer cells transformed into healthy cells

Recent technological developments have made it possible to detect Oxygen Consumption Rate OCR in living cells during the course of an experiment in a long-term, high-throughput manner. This ability can offer fresh perspectives on how cells divide, metabolise, differentiate, and react to stress in dynamic environments.

This white paper offers a thorough overview of OCR normalisation techniques, including as flow cytometry, protein-based, DNA content, and microscopy methods. In order to account for factors and uncover significant differences from your data, it discusses both internal and external normalisation strategies. Your lab can improve the accuracy of OCR measurements and gain a better understanding of mitochondrial function and its role in both health and illness.

VITAMIN K PRECURSOR MENADIONE COULD REDUCE PROSTATE CANCER

A study from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory suggests that a vitamin K precursor, menadione, may offer a highly targeted way to kill prostate cancer cells.

Unlike traditional treatments that push cancer into dormancy, menadione acts as a pro-oxidant, disrupting a key lipid called PI(3)P. This lipid helps cells manage waste, and without it, cancer cells become overwhelmed and ultimately burst.

The study, published in Science, demonstrated significant tumor suppression in both mice and human cancer cells. Researchers believe this method could offer a safer and more definitive resolution for prostate cancer while minimizing the risk of resistance.

Beyond cancer, menadione also shows promise in treating X-linked myotubular myopathy, a severe genetic muscle disorder. Importantly, menadione’s safety profile appears favorable, as it is commonly used in animal feed to support vitamin K production.

The findings suggest that menadione could be especially beneficial for prostate cancer patients under active surveillance, potentially delaying or even preventing progression.

With low side effects and a highly selective approach, this research offers new hope for effective, minimally invasive cancer treatment options.

Detect Alzheimer’s Disease

Scientists have discovered a new way to detect Alzheimer’s disease by studying how the brain’s oxygen supply and nerve activity interact.

A study found that people with Alzheimer’s have a significantly higher resting breathing rate—about 17 breaths per minute compared to 13 in healthy individuals. This surprising discovery suggests that breathing patterns could serve as an early warning sign of the disease, possibly linked to brain inflammation.

Led by researchers at Lancaster University, the study focused on the neurovascular unit (NVU), a system that ensures the brain gets enough oxygen and nutrients. The NVU consists of blood vessels, brain cells called astrocytes, and neurons working together to maintain brain function. To analyze how this system is affected by Alzheimer’s, researchers used a non-invasive approach, measuring brain electrical activity, blood oxygen levels, heart rate, and breathing patterns. Participants wore electrical and optical probes on their scalp, an ECG measured heart activity, and a chest belt monitored breathing.

By studying these physiological rhythms, researchers discovered that Alzheimer’s patients showed weaker coordination between brain signals and oxygen flow, indicating poor blood supply regulation. This breakdown in neurovascular function could contribute to brain degeneration seen in Alzheimer’s. Using mathematical models, scientists analyzed the “power” and “phase coherence” of these biological rhythms, revealing clear differences between healthy individuals and those with Alzheimer’s.

The study suggests that Alzheimer’s may not just be a brain disorder but also a vascular one, where blood flow issues play a key role in disease progression. Since drug trials targeting brain proteins have shown limited success, scientists believe focusing on the vascular system and NVU could lead to more effective treatments.

This method is simple, inexpensive, and non-invasive, making it a promising tool for early detection. Researchers are now exploring ways to turn these findings into a widely available test, possibly through a spin-off company. If further studies confirm these results, monitoring breathing patterns and neurovascular function could revolutionize Alzheimer’s diagnosis and treatment.

Mediterranean diet

The Mediterranean diet holds an eight-year streak of being the healthiest diet per doctors and dietitians.

Along with similar diets like DASH, it’s rich in whole, plant-based foods like legumes and veggies.

Weight loss drugs have shaken up the diet industry, but healthy eating is still key for longevity

The Mediterranean diet has been named the healthiest way to eat for the eighth year in a row.

Based on traditions in countries like Italy, Greece, and Turkey, the eating style swept the top spot in 12 categories (out of 21 total) for healthy eating in 2025, including Best Diet Overall, according to annual rankings from US News & World Report.

The Mediterranean diet earned a 4.8 rating out of 5 in the rankings.

How healthy and tasty are the new frozen ‘Ozempic meals’?

It’s rich in foods like whole grains, legumes, and leafy greens with fewer processed foods and refined sugars and a flexible approach to eating.

Rounding out the top four, the DASH diet, flexitarian diet, and MIND diet offer a similarly relaxed approach to eating nutrient-dense whole foods. 

They also align with simple, affordable ways to eat for a longer life, research suggests.

While it’s not news that eating more veggies is good for us, the new insights offer a road map on using the latest research to find the diet that might work best for you — and how to avoid pitfalls in the diet industry, even as popular meds like Ozempic have shaken up how we think about eating and weight loss.

Healthy diets that are easy to follow

The top diets for healthy eating focus on whole, unprocessed foods, typically plenty of plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, and grains, along with some seafood and lean proteins. They also don’t follow a strict meal plan or rules, offering a lot of options and flexibility, although they discourage generally ultra-processed foods with a lot of added sugar, salt, and fat.

Related stories

These were the top picks from the experts, listed in order from highest-rated to fourth place overall:

The Mediterranean diet is known for flavorful dishes full of herbs and olive oil, along with whole grains like farro, lots of legumes like chickpeas and beans, and fatty fish such as salmon and sardines. It’s similar to eating habits in Blue Zones where people live longer, healthier lives on average.

The DASH diet is short for “dietary approaches to stop hypertension” and ranked number one for heart health. It’s designed to reduce blood pressure and lower heart disease risk through eating more produce, whole grains, and lean proteins, and less saturated fat, salt, sugar, and alcohol without cutting out foods completely.

The Flexitarian diet is mostly plant-based with room for some lean meats, low-fat dairy, and eggs in moderation. It aims to make whole foods like veggies, grains, beans, nuts, and seeds the main focus of meals and snacks.

The MIND diet was developed with the help of Harvard researchers to incorporate elements of Mediterranean and DASH eating specifically for brain health. It focuses on incorporating more servings of berries, nuts, and whole grains to your diet while cutting back on red meat, fried food, and sweets.

Diets to avoid

While there was no single worst diet across all categories, short-term or quick-fix plans ranked lower along with more restrictive eating plans that eliminate many food options, as did plans with big claims not backed by strong scientificevidence.

Diets that ranked low on the list were:

The Body Reset diet is a 15-day plan from a celebrity trainer. It includes three phases, a lot of smoothies, and major calorie restriction.

The Autoimmune Protocol diet is an elimination plan that involves avoiding foods that might cause irritation. However, it can be tough to follow because of the long list of foods to restrict, which includes cutting out tomatoes, beans, potatoes, grains, nuts, seeds, dairy, eggs, and caffeine.

The SlimFast diet is a weight loss program based on meal-replacement shakes and bars, which can be expensive, restrictive, and difficult to maintain.

The Optavia diet is a low-carbohydrate weight loss program based on pre-packaged foods, which may be helpful short-term but can be hard to follow over time since it relies on specific products and cuts out many foods.

How to find the best diet for you

To compile the rankings, a panel of medical doctors, registered dietitians, and researchers evaluated 38 diets on factors like sustainability, nutritional completeness, and potential health benefits and risks.

This year’s report rated each diet from 0 (worst) to 5 (best) across a range of categories, from overall best diet to best diets for gut health or mental health, and for managing specific conditions such as menopause, inflammation, high cholesterol, and IBS.

A key point is that none of the diets achieved a perfect score — not even the Mediterranean diet.

That’s because personal details play a huge role in how well a diet can work.

“There’s no one-size-fits-all,” she said. “You have to consider lifestyle and preferences.”

Factors to consider include:

which grocery staples you can reliably access on your budget

how much time you have to cook

which cooking skills you can realistically use on a regular basis

foods that you and your family enjoy eating

“At the end of the day, it’s about ‘can I do this in the long term.” 

URIC ACID EXCESS

▪️Too much uric acid in your blood can cause a range of issues from gout to kidney stones. Uric acid forms in the body when the body breaks down purines in foods and drinks. While kidneys usually flush it out, but too much of it can stay in blood and cause a condition called hyperuricemia. 

The excess uric acid can form crystals and settle in your joints causing gout, a form of arthritis. Intense pain in your joints in the night, especially big toe is a telltale sign of gout. Slightly high uric acids do not show any symptoms but over the time it can build up and cause pain and other damage in the body. 

Hyperuricemia not only damages joints, bones, tendons and ligaments but also lead to other health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease, and fatty liver disease. 

▪️High uric acid can be managed with a series of lifestyle changes like intake of more water and making certain changes in the diet.

An overall healthy lifestyle is crucial to preventing high uric acid levels.

Daily routines such as exercise, a nutritious diet, and getting enough sleep can help your body fight inflammation and in turn prevent high levels of uric acid from building up in your body. 

DO drink plenty of water, elevate and apply ice to the affected joint, reduce stress, and take over-the-counter pain relief such as ibuprofen.

▪️ It’s also helpful to avoid 

  • caffeine late in the day 
  • moderate your alcohol intake
  • AVOID Foods high in Purine:

•Vegetables: asparagus, cauliflower, dried lentils, peans & beans, green peas, mushrooms, spinach.

•Whole Grains: oats, wheat bran.

•Meats: 

anchovies, 

bacon, 

organ meats, 

red meats, 

•Fish

sardines, 

Scallops, kam mossel, saltwater clam , Pecten sulcicostatus, marine bivalve mollusk – Agulhas Bank and 

tuna

▪️7 morning foods 

lower uric acid levels, prevent gout and kidney issues

From hibiscus to banana, manage your high uric acid levels by consuming these amazing foods in morning.

7 herbs to reduce uric acid levels. However, it is always advised to consult your doctor before trying any of the remedies.

1. Hibiscus: Dried hibiscus or hibiscus tea can help in excretion of uric acid through urine and could be effective in lowering uric acid levels. Steep in hot water for 5 minutes before drinking.

2 Dandelion: Another tea that you can have in the morning to lower your uric acid levels in dandelion tea. Evidence supports Dandelion tea found in grocery stores or a dandelion extract can help reduce uric acid levels.

3. Celery: Grown and trusted since ancient times, celery is rich in various antioxidants and possesses anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-viral properties. Antioxidants found in celery can also help to reduce inflammation associated with gout.

4. Ginger: Ginger tea or cooking food with ginger can also help reduce inflammation. Boil a tbsp of grated ginger, soak a cloth in this and apply to affected joint once it cools down. Do it for 30 minutes daily to see the improvement.

5. Banana: A banana a day can be useful in controlling uric acid levels. They contain enough potassium for the organs to function properly. Also, the fibre content in it may help remove uric acid from body.

6. Magnesium: Consistently taking magnesium can help reduce uric acid flairs in future. Nuts like almonds, cashews, and veggies like spinach and pumpkin are rich in magnesium.

7. Apple cider vinegar: It is beneficial for overall health and is believed to reduce uric acid levels too.

GOUT

Doctors usually diagnose gout based on your symptoms and the appearance of the affected joint.

Tests to help diagnose gout may include:

  • Joint fluid test. Your doctor may use a needle to draw fluid from your affected joint. Urate crystals may be visible when the fluid is examined under a microscope.
  • Blood test. Your doctor may recommend a blood test to measure the levels of uric acid in your blood. Blood test results can be misleading, though. Some people have high uric acid levels, but never experience gout. And some people have signs and symptoms of gout, but don’t have unusual levels of uric acid in their blood.
  • X-ray imaging. Joint X-rays can be helpful to rule out other causes of joint inflammation.
  • Ultrasound. This test uses sound waves to detect urate crystals in joints or in tophi.
  • Dual-energy computerized tomography (DECT). This test combines X-ray images taken from many different angles to visualize urate crystals in joints.

—————————————————————-

Treatment

Gout medications are available in two types and focus on two different problems. The first type helps reduce the inflammation and pain associated with gout attacks. The second type works to prevent gout complications by lowering the amount of uric acid in your blood.

Which type of medication is right for you depends on the frequency and severity of your symptoms, along with any other health problems you may have.

Medications to treat gout attacks

Drugs used to treat gout flares and prevent future attacks include:

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs include over-the-counter options such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve), as well as more-powerful prescription NSAIDs such as indomethacin (Indocin, Tivorbex) or celecoxib (Celebrex). NSAIDs carry risks of stomach pain, bleeding and ulcers.
  • Colchicine. Your doctor may recommend colchicine (Colcrys, Gloperba, Mitigare), an anti-inflammatory drug that effectively reduces gout pain. The drug’s effectiveness may be offset, however, by side effects such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
  • Corticosteroids. Corticosteroid medications, such as prednisone, may control gout inflammation and pain. Corticosteroids may be in pill form, or they can be injected into your joint. Side effects of corticosteroids may include mood changes, increased blood sugar levels and elevated blood pressure.

Medications to prevent gout complications

If you experience several gout attacks each year, or if your gout attacks are less frequent but particularly painful, your doctor may recommend medication to reduce your risk of gout-related complications. If you already have evidence of damage from gout on joint X-rays, or you have tophi, chronic kidney disease or kidney stones, medications to lower your body’s level of uric acid may be recommended.

  • Medications that block uric acid production. Drugs such as allopurinol (Aloprim, Lopurin, Zyloprim) and febuxostat (Uloric) help limit the amount of uric acid your body makes. Side effects of allopurinol include fever, rash, hepatitis and kidney problems. Febuxostat side effects include rash, nausea and reduced liver function. Febuxostat also may increase the risk of heart-related death.
  • Medications that improve uric acid removal. Drugs such as probenecid (Probalan) help improve your kidneys’ ability to remove uric acid from your body. Side effects include a rash, stomach pain and kidney stones.

Brain Fog

Brain Fog is a type of cognitive dysfunction, characterized by confusion, memory issues, and lack of focus. It’s not its own diagnosis but a symptom of an underlying medical condition.

What is brain fog?

Brain fog itself is not a medical condition but instead a symptom of other medical conditions. It’s a type of cognitive dysfunction involving:

memory problems

a lack of mental clarity

poor concentration

an inability to focus

Some people also describe it as mental fatigue. Depending on the severity of brain fog, it can interfere with your work, school, or other daily tasks. 

But it does not have to be a permanent fixture in your life.

What are the causes of brain fog?

Here are six possible causes:

1. Stress

Chronic stress can increase blood pressure, weaken the immune system, and trigger depression. It can also cause mental fatigue. When your brain is exhausted, it becomes harder to think, reason, and focus.

2. Lack of sleep

Poor sleep quality can interfere with how well your brain function. The goal is to usually aim for 8–9 hours of sleep every night. Sleeping too little can lead to poor concentration and cloudy thoughts.

3. Hormonal changes

can also cause brain fog.

Levels of the hormones progesterone and estrogen increase during pregnancy. This change can affect memory and cause short-term cognitive impairment. 

Similarly, a drop in estrogen levels during menopause can cause forgetfulness, poor concentration, and cloudy thinking.

4. Diet

Diet can also play a role in brain fog.

Vitamin B12 supports healthy brain functioning . Vitamin B12 deficiency can affect cognitive function and bring about brain fog.

If you have food allergies or sensitivities, brain fog may develop after eating certain foods. These include:

aspartame

peanuts

dairy

Removing trigger foods from your diet may improve symptoms.

Avocado oil may help you fight free radicals and address oxidative stress in the body. 

The oil contains 99.99% pure, sublimated C60 (never exposed to solvents), and delivers 22 mg of active carbon 60 (C60) per ounce. 

This product has been third-party tested for safety, quality, and purity.

5. Medications

If you notice brain fog while taking medication, talk with your doctor. Brain fog is a known side effect of certain medications, such as certain sleep and pain medications. Lowering your dosage or switching to another drug may improve your symptoms.

Brain fog can also occur after cancer treatments. This is referred to as chemo brain.

6. Medical conditions

Medical conditions associated with inflammation, fatigue, or changes in blood glucose levels can also cause mental fatigue.

For example, brain fog is a symptom of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), which involves persistent fatigue for a prolonged period of time.

People who have fibromyalgia may experience similar fogginess on a daily basis. 

Other conditions that may cause brain fog include:

anemia

depression

diabetes

migraine

hypothyroidism

autoimmune diseases, 

like lupus

rheumatoid arthritis

Sjögren’s syndrome

multiple sclerosis and

dehydration

Viral infections like COVID-19

How it’s diagnosed

A single test cannot be used to diagnose brain fog. Brain fog may signal an underlying issue, so healthcare professionals will conduct a physical examination and ask about your:

mental health

diet

level of physical activity

current medications or supplements

You should let a doctor know about other symptoms you might have. 

Blood work can help your doctor identify the cause of your brain fog

A blood test can detect the following:

irregular glucose levels

poor liver, kidney, and thyroid functions

nutritional deficiencies

infections

inflammatory diseases

Based on the results, your doctor will determine whether to run further tests. 

Other diagnostic tools may include imaging tests to look inside the body, like 

X-rays

magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or 

computerized tomography (CT) scans

Your doctor may also conduct allergy testing to check for allergies or a sleep study to rule out a sleep disorder.

Keeping a food journal can help you determine if your diet contributes to brain fog.

Treating brain fog

Brain fog treatment depends on the cause. 

For example, if you have anemia, iron supplements may increase your production of red blood cells and reduce your brain fog.

If you’re diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, a doctor may recommend

corticosteroid or other medication to reduce inflammation or suppress the immune system.

Sometimes, relieving brain fog is a matter of correcting a nutritional deficiency, switching medications, or improving the quality of your sleep.

You can try these strategies at home to relieve brain fog:

Get at least 8–9 hours of sleep every night.

Manage your stress levels, knowing your limitations. Find activities you enjoy doing and try to make time for them. 

Avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine.

Exercise regularly, but not too close to bedtime. 

Strengthen your thinking abilities — you can try volunteering or solving brain puzzles. 

Increase your intake of protein, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats. 

Once the underlying cause is addressed, your mental clarity can improve.

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