Health Alert: MAFLD?
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition that occurs when fat accumulates in the liver from causes other than excessive alcohol consumption. In a recent article, researchers suggested changing the name for this condition to metabolic (dysfunction) associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) in order to better highlight the underlying causes of the disease such as insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, abnormal blood lipid levels, being overweight, and having a large waist circumference.
Liver International, April 2020
Diet: Special Diet Key to Managing Asthma.
The ketogenic diet triggers ketosis, which is a metabolic process that breaks down fats and proteins and transforms them into energy for the body. In a recent experiment, researchers observed that when asthmatic mice consumed a ketogenic diet, they experienced a reduction in asthma symptoms. Researcher Dr. Christoph Wilhelm writes, “The prevalence of asthma has increased dramatically over the last few decades. Perhaps this is also related to an increasingly common high-sugar and high-fat diet.” The research team now plans to investigate whether a ketogenic diet can benefit humans with asthma.
Immunity, April 2020
Exercise: Exercise for Osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by low bone mineral density, which can increase the risk for fracture in the event of a fall. The current research suggests that individuals with osteoporosis or those who are at risk for the condition should engage in resistance training to improve bone mineral density and posture/balance training to reduce the risk for falls.
Journal of Clinical Neuroscience, April 2020
Chiropractic: Smartphone Use and Chronic Neck Pain.
Among a group of 2,438 young adults with chronic neck pain, researchers observed an association between excessive smartphone use and increased evidence of cervical disk degeneration. The findings suggest that the poor posture individuals often adopt when using their electronic devices may elevate the risk for cervical spondylosis. Doctors of chiropractic often use a combination of manual therapies and specific exercises to reduce pain and improve function and posture in patients with chronic neck pain associated with excessive smartphone use.
Journal of Orthopaedic Science, March 2020
Mental Attitude: Diabetics Have Elevated Anxiety Risk.
According to a new study that looked at nationwide data from Taiwan’s national healthcare system, individuals with type 2 diabetes may be up to two times more likely to report anxiety disorder within a ten-year timeframe.
Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry, April 2020
Wellness/Prevention: Prevention Tips for a Healthy Future.
Heart disease, diabetes, and cancer are common chronic diseases that are often preventable with regular screening and lifestyle changes. UnityPoint Clinic offers these tips for a healthier life: take regular walks, eat a healthy diet rich in antioxidants, wash your hands frequently, use sunscreen, get plenty of calcium and vitamin D for healthy bones, and get regular cancer screenings.
Unity Point Health, March 2020
