The Best Standing Desk - All you wanted to know

All you wanted to know about Standing Desks

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Chronic Fatigue Linked to Gut Bacteria, Study Says

Chronic Fatigue Linked to Gut Bacteria, Study Says

Fri, 07/01/2016 - 11:30am

by  Anna Spiewak, Editor, RandDMagazine

Those affected with chronic fatigue syndrome can now be diagnosed quicker and with greater accuracy that could lead to better understanding of the mysterious illness, according to researchers.

In the new study, scientists at Cornell University used biological markers for both diversity in gut bacteria and blood-based inflammatory markers—such as lipopolysaccharides and C-reactive protein—to diagnose the presence or absence of the debilitating illness also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis, in 87 patients. 

This technique can be used to diagnose ME/CFS in more than 80 percent of patients tested, according to the study.

Out of the group, 48 had ME/CFS, and 39 were healthy controls - and just by looking at their biological markers, the team could predict which was which with an 83 percent accuracy rate. Not only is that progress in terms of future diagnostic tests, but it also suggests a link between gut bacteria health and ME/CFS.

"Our work demonstrates that the gut bacterial microbiome in chronic fatigue syndrome patients isn't normal, perhaps leading to gastrointestinal and inflammatory symptoms in victims of the disease," said Maureen Hanson, the paper’s senior author, in a statement. “Furthermore, our detection of a biological abnormality provides further evidence against the ridiculous concept that the disease is psychological in origin.”

For the longest time, the debilitating illness has mystified doctors and has been one of great debate among sceptics, who’ve claimed it is more in your mind than in your health and that it’s just regular exhaustion.

CFS is classified by normal exertion leading to powerful fatigue that isn’t alleviated by rest. There are no known causes and diagnosis requires lengthy tests administered by an expert.

The scientists also have evidence that an overactive immune system plays a role in chronic fatigue. Symptoms include fatigue even after sleep, muscle and joint pain and gastrointestinal distress.

The researchers, however, found that ME/CFS patients had less diversity in their gut bacteria than the control group - specifically, fewer bacterial species that were anti-inflammatory and more which were pro-inflammatory.

They could also identify changes and specific markers of inflammation in the blood, which the researchers think could be due to intestinal problems leaking bacteria into the blood – which triggers an immune response, and might worsen symptoms in patients, according to Science Alert.

Further research is still needed to be sure if this change in gut bacteria is one of the causes of ME/CFS or if it’s a symptom.

The more researchers understand about this disease, the more likely they’ll be able to find a way to treat it.

This study was published in Microbiome

NECK, BACK AND SHOULDER PAIN

NECK, BACK AND SHOULDER PAIN

If you do not have easy access to good medical treatment for low back pain or cervical pain/pain in the neck and shoulders/pain in the wrist or hand  or find it too expensive to get treatment (as it happened to me in the USA), you may try some of the home use devices as I did but at your risk if any!

Please see the attachment with this e-mail for information on Home Treatment for Lower Back Pain/Cervical Pain using Electro-therapy, Ultra Sound Equipment and Electric Heating pads. These are simple to use devices/equipment for use at home to get relief from pain. Can be easily ordered online based on information provided in the attachment.

I have found that lasting treatment in severe cases definitely requires traction in a well equipped physiotherapy center in addition to Ultrasound therapy, Diathermy, Electro-therapy, Use of Heating Pads, if accessible to you. However, one needs to get well enough to even go for Physiotherapy and in most Orthopedic doctors  and even some Physiotherapists are not familiar with the usefulness of this treatment.

What I have stated above is based on my personal experience over the last 20 years. I had to literally tell my doctor too many times that I do not want prescription of pain killers which may give only temporary relief, what I want is referring me to Physio Therapy department.

Please remember to avoid pain killers, they may damage your liver!

Pain management also requires regular exercise some information is provided below which may be useful for low back pain:

Natural ways to treat pain in the back muscles and low back pain:

• Alternate heat with stretching

There are thousands of people with chronic back pain. Stiff or tight muscles and sore joints can be treated with heat. You can choose a topical lotion, hot shower or bath, or heating pad. The warmth eases pain by relaxing muscles and increasing blood flow. Stretch thoroughly after using heat therapy to further relax and lengthen tight tissues. Do not use heat for 48 hours following an acute injury.

• Avoid harmful activities

We perform several daily activities that can be harmful to our back. Avoid shoveling as this involves twisting your body to lift the weight of the shovel. Reaching for the backseat of the car to load or unload can stress your back. Avoid picking up children, taking wet clothes from the washer, and other such activities.

• Massage

It’s important to eliminate waste products from your muscles for them to work efficiently, formation of waste in muscles can cause pain. A gentle back massage will increase blood flow, open blood vessels, relax nerves and muscles, and reduce stiffness and pain.

• Practice good posture

Practice good posture while sitting and standing. If you are sitting try not to slump or slouch. Slouching can put a lot of stress on your muscles, ligaments, and discs while increasing back pain and creating hurdles to the healing process. Try to keep the curves of your back aligned, roll up a towel to the size of your forearm and place it in the small of your back to support the curve of your lower back while seated. Support your neck as well.

• Keep moving

Too much rest can make your back pain worse, keep moving and stretching your muscles every 15-30 minutes of sitting, when traveling try to walk a little every hour. If your job includes sitting for extended periods, get up and take a walk around your office space, go outside if possible. Keep your muscles moving and relaxed.

Who is prone to back pain?

1. Back pain is more common as you age, it usually starts in your 30s.

2. Those who are out of shape and/or have poor health are more prone to back pain.

3. Extra pounds and obesity lead to back pain. Avoid diets high in calories and saturated fat, the extra pounds put stress on your back and cause pain.

4. Heredity is one factor in back pain, ankylosing spondylitis, a form of arthritis, scoliosis, and lordosis are often hereditary.

5. If you smoke your body cannot send enough nutrients to the discs in your back which can make it weak and cause pain. A smoker’s cough can also cause back pain, smokers take longer to heal so that injuries last longer.

6. Your job can be your enemy. If your job includes pulling, pushing, lifting, or twisting your spine you are at high risk for back pain. If your job includes sitting for extended periods and you have poor posture this may also cause back pain.