Wellness Articles

Using data from 66 patients followed for up to 20 years, researchers developed a mathematical model to simulate the biological processes involved in the disease of multiple sclerosis, a chronic autoimmune disease leading to damage to nerve fibers in the brain with variable clinical presentation rates and symptoms and leading to blurred vision, memory problems, weakness, and more.

Using data from a second group of 120 patients with multiple sclerosis, they validated the model to predict different disease courses seen in these patients with the same underlying biological process, a concept which has profound implications for therapeutic development.

Although previously multiple sclerosis may be viewed as two or more diseases given its multiple clinical presentations, this mathematical model suggests that it is a single disease with a common underlying pathological process.

Kotelnikova E, Kiani NA, Abad E, et al. Dynamics and heterogeneity of brain damage in multiple sclerosis. PLoS Comput Biol. 2017;13:e1005757. doi: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1005757.

Avoiding red meat and other risk factors may prevent up to half of diverticulitis cases, according to a study published in The American Journal of Gastroenterology.

Researchers assessed outcomes from red meat intake, low fiber intake, obesity, minimal physical activity, and smoking in 51,529 men from the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study. Results showed a 73 percent decreased risk for diverticulitis among men who ate more fiber, exercised, and ate less than one serving of red meat per day, compared with men who did not avoid any risk factors observed. The authors recommend clinicians incorporate lifestyle interventions into preventive strategies for disease prevention.

Liu PH, Cao Y, Keeley BR, et al. Adherence to a healthy lifestyle is associated with a lower risk of diverticulitis among men. Am J Gastroenterol. Published online November 7, 2017.

Reducing saturated fat and trans fat intake reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease in children and adolescents, according to a review and meta-analysis published in PLoS One. Researchers analyzed results and outcome measures for randomized controlled trials and cohort studies focused on dietary interventions to reduce saturated and trans fat intake in those between the ages of 2 and 19. Reductions of saturated and trans fats intake lowered blood pressure, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol, compared with control diets that did not reduce fat intake. Results showed no detrimental effects to growth or development due to lower fat intake. These conclusions suggest that low-fat dietary interventions effectively reduce cardiovascular disease risk factors in children and adolescents and may reduce the disease burden later in life.

Te Morenga L, Montez JM. Health effects of saturated and trans-fatty acid intake in children and adolescents: Systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2017;12: e0186672.

Researchers compared five different diets among 15,569 participants without previously diagnosed heart disease or heart failure from the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study and tracked heart failure incidence rates. Those who followed a plant-based diet that included dark, leafy green vegetables, beans, and whole grains and excluded processed meats lowered their risk for heart failure by 42 percent. Other diets analyzed included red meat, saturated fats, eggs, and sugar-sweetened beverages.

Plant-based diets lower risk for developing heart failure, according to data presented at this year’s American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions in Anaheim, California

Lara K, Levitan EB, Gutierrez OM, et al. Plant based diet associated with less heart failure risk. Poster presented at: American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2017; November 11-15, 2017; Anaheim, CA.

I will help you learn how to eat healthy, plant based, and make the changes you desire to live healthy and happy.

In peace and in love,  LisaMarie