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5 Health Benefits of White Tea: Lower Risk of Insulin Resistance – The Beet
If you ever want to figure out which tea to drink for the most health benefits, the answer may surprise you: Out of the five major tea types Black, Green, Oolong, White, and Pu-erh white teais the most minimally processed,involving only harvesting (picking the leaves by hand), withering in direct sunlight, and drying the leaves. That means it has the potential to deliver the most antioxidants in their least altered form.
Made only from the buds and young tea leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant, white tea contains flavonoids and polyphenols, which makes it even more potent against oxidative stress than green tea, which is prepared from the matured tea leaves.
White tea delivers the most antioxidants of any tea due to its natural preparation method, andresearchhave shown it protects against diseases such as heart disease, neurodegenerative disorders, obesity and may even "play an important role in the prevention of cancer," according to one reviewstudypublished in theInternational Journal of Food Science, Nutrition and Dietetics (IJFS).
Thereview lists the impressive benefits of white tea, which reads like a list of the most important health concerns anyone can face, from heart disease to cancer. According to the research, the health benefits of white tea include:
1. Cardioprotective effects2. Antidiabetic potential3. Anticarcinogenic and antimutagenic activities4. Neuroprotective activity5. Antimicrobial properties6. Cardioprotective effects7. Anti-obesity potential
The health benefits of white tea also include protecting against bone loss and skin damage caused by the sun, as well as lowering your risk of insulin resistance and inflammation, which in turn protects the bodyfrom several life-threatening diseases. The tea has also beenshownto help boost your metabolism by 5 percent, which helps to promote natural weight loss.
Whitetea is sipped all around the world, but the plant is native to China, and when it's harvested the leaves are covered in tiny white hairs, hence its name. The drying process is also the leastdetrimental to the plant, compared to the process of other teas,which is why white tea is known as a delicacy.
Today, white tea is everywhere: You can find it as the main ingredient in skincare products including natural cleaners, facemasks, hand soap, lotions, and deodorant, added for its protection against skin damage benefits, as well as fragrances like perfumes and candles for its soft, floral scent. However, if you want to get the most from white tea, drinking it regularly hasbeenscientifically linked tonumerous health benefits.
Regular consumption of white tea has a protective effect against bone loss, according to a studythat involved postmenopausal women who are at a higher risk of bone fracture. Researchers set out to investigate the potential health benefits of white tea on female rats whose ovaries had been removed. After twelve weeks, theresearchers measured bone mineral densityand found that white tea reduced bone loss and increased a protein hormone calledosteocalcinthat helps build bone strength and reduce the incidence of fracture.
The extract in white tea may boost collagen and protect against skin damage, according to a study. Researchers tested white tea, rose, and witch hazel extract and formulations in a lab and the data showed white teahas a "protective effect on fibroblast cells" in the skin, against hydrogen peroxide-induced damage, supporting wound healing and healthier skin in general.
In a different study, researchers determined whether green tea or white tea extracts would prevent skin damage caused by the sun and found that both types of tea offered protection against the effects of UV skin damage.
A study investigated the effects of white tea extract on young diabetic rats for four weeks and found thatthe mice given the tea showed a decrease in blood glucose concentrations and LDL cholesterol (also known as bad cholesterol). The mice given the white tea extract also showed an increase in glucose tolerance compared to the mice not given the white tea extract. The researchers concluded: "White tea iseffective to reduce most of the diabetes-associated abnormalities in a streptozotocin-induced diabetes model of rats."
In Ancient China, people combined peppermint tea and white tea to detoxify their bodies, also known today as the anti-inflammation effect. Researchers in onestudy examined the two teas mixed together and found that the combined formula was associated with enhancingantibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Chronic inflammation has been linked to heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and certain cancers, along with other health-related illnesses, according to a recentstudy.
White tea may increase your energy expenditure as you lose weight, as well asboost the body's natural ability to burn fat, according to a study.White tea and green tea may "increase energy expenditure (4 to 5 percent), fat oxidation (10 to 16 percent) and have been proposed to counteract the decrease in metabolic rate that is present during weight loss," according to the study. "Daily increases in thermogenesis of approximately 300 to 400 calories can eventually lead to substantial weight loss," it concluded.
Therefore, researchers suggest thatwhite teamay be a helpful strategy for healthy weight loss or long-term weight maintenance.
It has been shown to help lower LDL cholesterol, help fight oxidative stress in the body,fight chronic inflammation and help protect against bone loss, and sun-related skin damage, White tea appears to lower insulin resistance and may help you lose weight, according to studies.
For more great content like this, read The Beet's Health & Nutrition articles.
Here are the best foods to eat on repeat, to boost immunity and fight inflammation. And stay off the red meat.
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5 Health Benefits of White Tea: Lower Risk of Insulin Resistance - The Beet
Can GFR Be Improved? Lifestyle Changes That May Help – Healthline
Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a measure your doctor can take of how well your kidneys are working. You can improve your GFR and your kidney function by looking at your lifestyle, diet, and medications, and making certain changes.
Your kidneys are your bodys filtration system. They pull the water and nutrients you need from your blood, and send waste products, toxins, and extra fluid to the bladder to be released as urine. Your kidneys play a crucial role in regulating your bodys fluid and electrolyte balance, which can impact things like your heart rate and blood pressure.
When this filter isnt working well, or if youve been diagnosed with kidney disease, you need to monitor your kidney health carefully. Thats because any imbalance in this system can affect the entire body. Keep reading to learn what you can do to improve your GFR and protect, or restore, your kidney health.
The glomerular filtration rate measurement comes from the name of the filtering units inside your kidneys, called the glomeruli.
Glomeruli are complex structures made of tiny blood vessels called capillaries, along with protein mesh and layers of tissue that continuously filter your plasma. Each glomerulus is housed within a structure called a Bowmans capsule. Based on 2020 research, between your 2 kidneys, you have about 2 million glomeruli.
A number of formulas are used by groups like the National Kidney Foundation to calculate GFR. But the measurement essentially takes into consideration your gender, age, body size, and your blood creatinine level.
Creatinine is a waste product that your body creates as muscle breaks down. Everyone has some creatinine in their blood. Average levels range from:
These levels can vary. For example, in a 2009 research review, creatinine levels fell by an average of 0.4 milligrams per deciliter in pregnant women.
Because they can change with age and size, creatinine levels alone are not good indicators of kidney health. The GFR takes these other elements into account.
Most GFR results simply provide you with a measurement of 60 or higher, since you can have stage 1 or 2 kidney disease, but still have normal kidney function. This changes when your GFR drops below 60. Under 60, you begin to have some loss in function.
The National Kidney Foundation lists the following GFR scores and kidney disease stages, and what to expect in each:
As you advance through the stages of kidney disease, you will notice more and more symptoms, and your treatments may need to become more intense.
Hemodialysis is a treatment where an artificial kidney filters and circulates your blood when your kidneys can no longer do their job. Its a common method for managing end-stage kidney disease and kidney failure. However, with early diagnosis and careful management, you may be able to at least slow down the progression of your kidney disease.
In most cases, kidney disease is a chronic and gradually progressing disease. While its possible to improve your GFR, youre more likely to do so with acute kidney injuries rather than with chronic kidney disease. For most people with chronic disease, positive lifestyle changes may help slow the loss of kidney function.
Some studies have shown that GFR may increase over time in people at all stages of kidney disease by:
Here are other things you can do to help reduce further damage to your kidneys.
A balanced diet can go a long way in protecting your kidneys. Some foods put more strain on the kidneys and are best avoided, especially if you have known kidney damage. These include foods high in potassium, phosphorous, and sodium, like:
Getting regular exercise and keeping your blood pressure in check can help protect your kidneys. High blood pressure can damage the delicate structures in your kidneys.
Controlling your blood sugar is key to avoiding kidney damage. This is especially true if you have diabetes. People with kidney disease who have diabetes are more likely to have severe complications or a quicker decline in kidney health than those with kidney disease who dont have diabetes.
Drinking enough water is good advice for anyone, but it can also help your kidney health. Staying hydrated can improve your kidneys ability to filter toxins. Kidney experts recommend that you drink enough water to make around 2 liters of urine per day. If youre wondering how much water that is, itll vary from person to person.
Dehydration concentrates your urine, which can cause damage. Exactly how much water you should drink is up for debate, and clinical studies are still investigating just how much water it would take to help your kidneys. They have shown that any benefit is only seen with plain water, not sweetened drinks.
There are other cases where you may need to limit how much water you drink. If you have severe kidney disease, your doctor may place you on a fluid restriction. This is because your kidneys are less effective at removing extra water from your body. The extra fluid can lead to swelling and edema, and may need to be removed by other means, like hemodialysis.
If your kidneys arent working well, or if youve been diagnosed with kidney disease, its important to talk with your doctor about any medications youre taking. A number of medications can impair or cause damage to the kidneys. Your doctor can determine the best course of action in terms of stopping these medications or replacing them with a different kind of medication.
Medications that can cause problems with your kidneys called nephrotoxins include:
People with kidney disease should also avoid using drugs including:
As for natural supplements, talk with your doctor before taking any herbal remedies or vitamins.
Kidney disease can develop slowly over time, but some symptoms may be a sign that something is wrong. These include:
Talk with your doctor about your risks for kidney disease, or any family history of kidney problems. Many times, people are diagnosed with kidney disease when routine lab work is done for another reason.
If youve been diagnosed with kidney disease, you can also talk with your doctor about any medications or supplements youre currently taking, as well as your diet. Your doctor may ask you to make some changes to support your kidney health.
While few medications can help treat kidney disease, managing conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes can go a long way in extending the life of your kidneys.
Improving your GFR isnt easy, but it can happen. To increase your GFR and your kidney function, talk with your doctor about changes you can make to your lifestyle and diet. You can also discuss any new medications or supplements youre taking to increase kidney function.
The best thing you can do to protect your kidneys is to try to avoid damaging them in the first place. Avoid medications that are toxic to your kidneys, eat well, stay hydrated, and keep your blood sugar and blood pressure in control.
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Can GFR Be Improved? Lifestyle Changes That May Help - Healthline
How To Spot The Difference Between Chronic and Acute Inflammation – GoodHousekeeping.com
The I word is a biggie in the health world: inflammation. And it has somewhat of a split personality. Inflammation occurs naturally in the body and plays a key role in helping you recover from injury, trauma, and even a simple cut. Thats good. But its also at the root of a whole slew of serious health conditions and diseases. Not so good. On one hand, inflammation can help you heal, and on the other, it can make you sick.
Types of Inflammation
There are two main forms of inflammation: acute and chronic. Acute inflammation is how your body helps you heal short-term from something like an infection (you get a cold and dont feel great for a week while your body works to rehab itself) or trauma (you bumped your knee and it swells as your body goes into repair mode). Most of the time, this inflammation is positive. Chronic inflammation happens when inflammation builds up inside your body and hangs around longer than it needs to (from stress, diet, or disease, for example)and that can have negative effects on your health. Research suggests that chronic inflammation plays a role in everything from heart disease and arthritis to diabetes and cancer.
And just to complicate things, acute inflammation isnt always benign. In the case of acute joint pain, for example, theres a risk of infection or trauma, meaning that sometimes acute inflammation can be just as problematic as the chronic kind.
Phew. All of this brings us here: Its important to be able to identify between the two different types of inflammation, but its also important to know when you might need to consult a doctor. Heres how to figure out what type of inflammation youre dealing with and what to do about it.
If your inflammation is widespread: It might be chronic
Generally speaking, systemic inflammationinflammation that impacts a lot of different parts of your bodypoints to a chronic health issue, says Julie Chen, M.D., a nationally recognized integrative medicine doctor based in San Jose, CA. If you have chronic inflammation, you might describe your pain as more of an all over feeling or just generally feel pain in a lot of different places. Symptoms such as fatigue and achiness can be signs of chronic inflammation.
What to do: Depending on your symptoms, talk to your doctor about what kind of tests they may be able to do. Different blood tests or other diagnostic tests can measure biomarkers of inflammation that give clues into what could be going on. There are also many lifestyle interventions that can help you feel better. Take weight loss: Research shows that in people with psoriatic arthritis, a type of arthritis caused by chronic inflammation, weight loss on its own can significantly improve peoples disease and lower their levels of inflammation. If your symptoms are getting in the way of your day-to-day, talk to your doctor.
Ponchai Soda / EyeEmGetty Images
If your inflammation seems to be in one spot: Its probably acutebut it depends
Localized swelling and painsay, around your shoulder or your kneecould be acute inflammation. But chronic inflammation can sometimes show up in one area, too (and stick around for weeks or months). For many chronic inflammatory skin diseases, inflammation tends to occur in the same locations, says dermatologist April Armstrong, M.D., chair of the National Psoriasis Foundation Medical Board, and associate dean for clinical research at Keck School of Medicine at University of Southern California. To figure it out, your doctor may ask questions about how long the pain has been lingering.
What to do: That depends; dont write off localized inflammation (say, a swollen wrist or puffy feet) just because its in one spot. Always seek out medical attention if youre in pain or worried about it, since acute joint pain can require a medical professional to check for infection or trauma, says Anca D. Askanase, M.D., M.P.H., a professor of medicine in the division of rheumatology at Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons.
Otherwise, noting how long a rash has been at a certain location, for example, can shed light on acute versus chronic inflammation, and help you decide whether to get it checked out.
If your inflammation has been around 6+weeks: Its probably chronic
Whether youre talking about your skin, your joints, or both, keeping track of how long youve had symptoms is a good idea. Chronic inflammation of the skin can last for months or even years, explains Dr. Armstrong, while acute inflammation typically clears up in a few days or weeks. As for your joints? Chronic inflammation in the joints lasts longer than six weeks and defines chronic arthritis, says Dr. Askanase.
What to do: Theres no need to wait a certain amount of time before you seek help; you should always see your doctor if youre in pain, says Dr. Chen. And if pain and inflammation have been present for longer than six weeks, you definitely need to book an appointment with your health professional STAT.
If over-the-counter (OTC) or at-home remedies help you feel better: It depends
The majority of acute joint pain responds to traditional measures of rest, ice, elevation, and OTC anti-inflammatory drugs (think: ibuprofen). But that doesnt automatically mean that inflammation tamed by more conservative measures is acute. Pain from mild, chronic inflammation can respond to OTC medications just as easily as acute inflammation can, points out Dr. Chen. Alternatively? If acute inflammation is severe, then these medications won't help, but that doesn't mean that your pain is chronic, she says.
What to do: Monitor your pain and keep an eye on whether it returns, and how long it lasts. But regardless of duration, if youre in serious pain or have symptoms such as a fever (a potential sign of infection), always check in with your doctor.
If you cant stop itching your skin and now it looks thick and leathery: Its could be chronic
Notice raised areas of inflamed skin or scales or wrinkles that have built up on top the skin? That could be pointing toward a skin condition caused by chronic inflammation, explains Dr. Armstrong. Sometimes the body's natural response to chronic inflammation in an area is to grow thicker skin. Doctors use the term lichenification to describe the bark-like appearance of this skin. You dont usually see this kind of a reaction with acute inflammation, which tends to be more short-lived, says Dr. Armstrong.
What to do: Make an appointment with a dermatologist or a rheumatologist, who can help you identify what might be going on. And do your best to not scratch at the area in the meantime.
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How To Spot The Difference Between Chronic and Acute Inflammation - GoodHousekeeping.com
Should Men Eat Peanuts? Nutrients and Benefits – Healthline
Known for its salty, savory flavor, the peanut is a popular snack and versatile ingredient used to make peanut butter, baked goods, smoothies, sauces, and more.
Its also incredibly nutritious, boasting a hearty dose of magnesium, folate, and vitamin E in every serving (1).
However, despite its impressive nutrient profile, many may wonder whether this salty staple can help or harm health, especially for people assigned male at birth (AMAB).
This article takes a closer look at the research to determine whether AMAB people should eat peanuts.
Peanuts are a great source of protein, packing more than 7 grams into each 1-ounce (28-gram) serving (1).
Protein is important for growth and development, as well as for wound healing, tissue repair, immune function, and more (2).,
Its also crucial for increasing strength and supporting muscle growth, especially when paired with resistance training (3).
According to one study, taking a peanut powder supplement increased muscle mass and strength among older adults when combined with resistance training (4).
Another study including 65 men with overweight and obesity found that consuming peanuts as part of a low calorie diet increased fat burning and decreased body (5).
Peanuts are high in protein, which can increase muscle mass and improve body composition.
Heart disease is a serious issue thats especially common among men (6, 7).
Diet plays a key role in heart health, and certain foods, including peanuts, have been shown to decrease several risk factors for heart disease (8).
Peanuts are rich in polyunsaturated fats like linoleic acid. Studies show that replacing carbohydrates or saturated fats in your diet with polyunsaturated fats may reduce your risk of developing heart disease (9).
One review found that eating peanuts and tree nuts at least twice per week was associated with a 13% lower risk of heart disease (10).
Other studies show that peanut consumption may increase levels of HDL (good) cholesterol, which may also benefit heart health (11).
Peanuts are high in polyunsaturated fats and may be linked to a lower risk of heart disease, which may be especially beneficial for men and others assigned male at birth.
Peanuts are loaded with arginine, an amino acid thats converted into nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is a compound that helps dilate the blood vessels to improve blood flow and circulation (12, 13).
Studies show that arginine supplements may help treat mild to moderate erectile dysfunction (14, 15).
Other test-tube and animal studies have found that arginine could improve semen quality, enhance libido, and increase testosterone levels (16, 17, 18, 19).
Peanuts are also a good source of resveratrol, an antioxidant that has also been shown to support sexual health in men (12).
According to some human and animal studies, resveratrol may likewise improve sperm quality and erectile function (20, 21, 22, 23).
Still, because most studies focus on the individual compounds found in peanuts, more research is needed to determine whether peanuts affect sexual function specifically.
Peanuts are high in arginine and resveratrol, two compounds that may support several aspects of sexual function.
Peanuts are delicious, versatile, and jam-packed with a long list of important nutrients.
They may also offer several benefits specifically for AMAB people and could help promote muscle growth, support heart health, and enhance sexual function.
Therefore, all genders can enjoy peanuts as part of a healthy, well-rounded diet.
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Should Men Eat Peanuts? Nutrients and Benefits - Healthline
Wegovy, the newest weight loss drug, comes with a high cost – Los Angeles Times
Ads for the latest drugs to treat Type 2 diabetes sometimes include an unusual warning: They might cause weight loss. That side effect is one that many people especially those with Type 2 diabetes, which is associated with obesity may desperately want.
Now some of the same drugs are being reformulated and renamed by manufacturers as a new obesity treatment. Last month, the Food and Drug Administration approved one of the first: Novo Nordisks Wegovy, a higher-dose version of the companys injectable diabetes drug, Ozempic.
Wegovys monthly wholesale price set at $1,349 is about 58% more than Ozempics already high monthly cost, although, the company points out, Wegovys injector pens contain more than twice as much of the active ingredient. That it also probably needs to be taken long term adds to the dilemma facing employers and insurers, who must now dive into a cost-benefit analysis.
Its too early to know yet how many employers will cover Wegovy, although about 40% currently offer a similarly priced, but less effective, weight-loss injectable drug also made by Novo Nordisk. Wegovys effectiveness may also put pressure on the Medicare program, which bars coverage for obesity medications or others used for anorexia, weight loss or weight gain, although it does pay for bariatric surgery.
Clinical trials showed using Wegovy led to significant weight loss for many patients.
People who go on this medication lose more weight than with any drug weve seen, ever, said Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, an obesity medicine specialist at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School who was not involved with any of the clinical trials.
Studies so far show that patients may need to take it indefinitely to maintain weight loss, translating to a tab that could top $323,000 over 20 years at the current price.
The arrival of this new class of weight loss drugs one from Lilly may soon follow has created a thicket of issues for those who will pay for them. But its an attractive market for drugmakers: Type 2 diabetes affects about 10% of Americans, but obesity affects 42% of adults.
Maryland resident Phylander Pannell said she lost 65 pounds in a clinical trial of Wegovy. That study gave the drug to all participants for the first 20 weeks, then randomly assigned patients to receive either the drug or a placebo for the next 48 weeks to determine what happened when the medication was stopped. Only after the trial ended did Pannell find out she was in the treatment group the entire time.
Her weight fell slowly at first, then ramped up, eventually bringing her 190-pound frame down to about 125. Pains in her joints eased; she felt better all around.
I definitely feel the drug was it for me, said Pannell, 49, who also followed the trials guidance on diet and exercise. The study found that both groups lost weight in the initial 20 weeks, but those who continued to get the drug lost an additional average of 7.9% of their body weight. Those who got a placebo gained back nearly 7%.
After the trial ended, and the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Pannell regained some weight, and is now at 155. She is eager to get back on the medication and hopes her job-based insurance will cover it.
Many employers do cover obesity drugs. For example, about 40% of private employer plans include Novo Nordisks once-daily injection called Saxenda on their health plans, said Michael Bachner, Novo Nordisks director of media relations.
A cycling team holds a meet and green in London on Wednesday. The team, made up of riders who have diabetes, is sponsored by Novo Nordisk, whose diabetes drug is being repurposed for weight loss.
(Jack Thomas / Getty Images)
He said the $1,349-a-month wholesale acquisition price of Wegovy was determined by making it equivalent to Saxenda, which is less effective.
Still, that is more than the $851 monthly wholesale price of Ozempic. But, he points out, the recommended dosage of Wegovy is more than twice that of Ozempic. Four milligrams come in the Ozempic injector pens for the month, while Wegovy has 9.6.
Theres more drug in the pen, Bachner said. That drives the price up.
He added: This is not a 20-year-old drug that we now have a new indication for and are pricing it higher. Its a whole different clinical program, which required new trials.
As employers and their health plans consider whether to pay for Wegovy and other weight management drugs, the decision is complicated by many unknowables concerning their long-term use and whether competition might eventually lower the price.
The metric we try to use is value, said James Gelfand, senior vice president for health policy at the ERISA Industry Committee, which represents large, self-insured employers. If we pay for this drug, how much is this going to cost, and how much value will it provide to the beneficiaries?
Private insurers will have to consider a cost-benefit analysis of adding Wegovy to their list of covered treatments, either broadly or with limits. Obesity was first recognized as a disease by the American Medical Assn., easing the path for insurance coverage, in 2013.
Employers are going to have a bit of a challenge deciding whether to add the benefit to insurance offerings, said Steve Pearson, founder and president of the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review, which provides cost-benefit analyses of medical treatments but has not yet looked at Wegovy.
Weight loss treatments have had a lackluster past, producing only modest results. Many employers and insurers probably remember Fen-Phen, a combination of fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine that was pulled from the market in the late 1990s for causing heart valve problems.
That Wegovy, and possibly others that follow it, appear more effective but are also pricier than the small number of previous weight loss medications will add more fuel to that debate.
Past treatments were shown to prompt weight loss in the range of 5% to 10% of body weight. But many had relatively serious or unpleasant side effects.
Wegovy, however, helped patients lose an average of 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks in the main clinical trial that led to its approval.
A comparison group whose members received placebo injections lost an average of 2.5% over the same period. On the high end, nearly a third of patients in the treatment group lost 20% or more. Both groups had counseling on diet and exercise.
Side effects, generally considered mild, included nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and constipation. A few patients developed pancreatitis, a serious inflammation of the pancreas. Like the diabetes medication, the drug carries a warning about a potential risk of a type of thyroid cancer.
Weight loss in those taking Wegovy puts the drug close to the 20% to 25% losses seen with bariatric surgery, said Stanford at Mass General, and well above the 3% to 4% seen with diet and other lifestyle changes alone.
Participants also saw reductions in their waistlines and improvements in their blood pressure as well as their blood sugar levels, which may mean they wont develop diabetes, said Dr. Sean Wharton, an internal medicine specialist and adjunct professor at York University in Toronto who was among the coauthors of the report outlining the results of the first clinical trial of Wegovy.
Since weight loss is known to reduce the risk of heart attack, high blood pressure and diabetes, might the new drug type be worth it?
Covering such treatment would be a sea change for Medicare.
Pharmaceutical companies, patient advocates and some medical professionals are backing proposed federal legislation to allow coverage. But the legislation, the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act, has not made progress despite being reintroduced every year since 2012, and sponsors are now asking federal officials instead to rewrite existing rules.
Earlier estimates some commissioned by Novo Nordisk of the potential cost of adding an obesity drug benefit to Medicare showed an overall reduction in spending when better health from the resulting weight loss was factored in. Still, those estimates considered much less expensive drugs, including a range of generic and branded drugs costing $7 a month to more than $300, a small fraction of Wegovys cost.
Appleby writes for Kaiser Health News, an editorially independent publication of the Kaiser Family Foundation.
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Wegovy, the newest weight loss drug, comes with a high cost - Los Angeles Times
TYH Eating & Weight loss – CKPGToday.ca
Health Canada
By Randi-Marie Adams
Aug 3, 2021 | 3:46 PM
PRINCE GEORGE Its easy to get caught up in the million and one fad diets that are out there right now, one super popular one at the moment is Keto. Ketogenic is a term for a low-carb diet. The idea is for you to get more calories from protein and fat and less from carbohydrates.
When it comes to fad diet, I mean there are so many out there and they are always changing, even as a dietitian its hard to keep on top of whats going on in the fad diet world, says Angela Hubbard, Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator But, really the research is showing that pretty much any diet that you follow can get you results. Now the problem here is consistency and so when we are talking about something like keto, for example, its really hard. I dont care what anyone tells you. You know I have worked with people, who say hey, half my office is getting results with keto and that may be true, but is it going to be long-term.
Also, there are many people who use diet or food tracking apps. Angela says those are number-based and not flexible for the individual. Finally, THROW YOUR SCALE AWAY. Dont let it define your weight loss journey. Angela says, there are other things to focus on when trying to lose weight.
So, these tracking apps, there are some really great ones, but we have to pay attention to the fact that these apps are very numbers-based, and that sets us up for just paying attention to just the number on the scale, which doesnt mean health.
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TYH Eating & Weight loss - CKPGToday.ca
ReShape Lifesciences(TM) CEO Bart Bandy Featured on the Big Biz Show – Yahoo Finance
SAN CLEMENTE, CA / ACCESSWIRE / August 3, 2021 / ReShape Lifesciences Inc. (NASDAQ:RSLS), the premier physician-led weight loss solutions company, today announced CEO Bart Bandy's featured interview on the Big Biz Show, a local-San Diego business talk show.
"We are grateful for the opportunity to talk with the hosts of the Big Biz Show, a program focused on giving a platform to businesses on a serial growth path. Over the past few months, we have achieved some significant milestones that optimally position the Company for continued success, and we were pleased to share our progress and current focus with Sully and Russ," commented Bart Bandy, President and Chief Executive Officer at ReShape Lifesciences.
The Big Biz Show interview can be viewed via the following link:
ABOUT RESHAPE LIFESCIENCES INC.
ReShape Lifesciences is America's premier weight loss and metabolic health-solutions company, offering an integrated portfolio of proven products and services that manage and treat obesity and metabolic disease. The FDA-approved Lap-Band Program provides minimally invasive, long-term treatment of obesity and is an alternative to more invasive surgical stapling procedures such as the gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy. The ReShape Vest System is an investigational (outside the U.S.) minimally invasive, laparoscopically implanted medical device that wraps around the stomach, emulating the gastric volume reduction effect of conventional weight-loss surgery. It helps enable rapid weight loss in obese and morbidly obese patients without permanently changing patient anatomy. reshapecare is a virtual weight-management program that supports lifestyle changes for all weight-loss patients led by board certified health coaches to help them keep the weight off over time. The recently launched ReShape Marketplace is an online collection of quality wellness products curated for all consumers to help them achieve their health goals.
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Forward-Looking Safe Harbor Statement:
This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of words such as "expect," "plan," "anticipate," "could," "may," "intend," "will," "continue," "future," other words of similar meaning and the use of future dates. Forward-looking statements in this press release include statements about our commitment to establishing ReShape Lifesciences as the predominant access source for best-in-class weight loss pathways, products and services. These forward-looking statements are based on the current expectations of our management and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause our actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties are described more fully in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, particularly those factors identified as "risk factors" in our annual report on Form 10-K filed March 11, 2021. We are providing this information as of the date of this press release and do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this document as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
CONTACTS:
ReShape Lifesciences Investor Contact: Thomas StankovichChief Financial Officer949-276-6042ir@ReShapeLifesci.com
Investor Contacts:James Salierno/Daniel Kontoh-BoatengVice PresidentThe Ruth Group646-536-7028/7019jsalierno@theruthgroup.comdboateng@theruthgroup.com
SOURCE: ReShape Lifesciences Inc.
View source version on accesswire.com: https://www.accesswire.com/658063/ReShape-LifesciencesTM-CEO-Bart-Bandy-Featured-on-the-Big-Biz-Show
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ReShape Lifesciences(TM) CEO Bart Bandy Featured on the Big Biz Show - Yahoo Finance
Pardee UNC Health Care accredited as Comprehensive Center of Excellence by the MBASQQIP – Pardee Hospital
Pardee Bariatrics and Weight Loss meets all criteria as a MBSAQIP-Accredited Center, according to national quality standards established to deliver safe, high quality metabolic and bariatric patient care
Pardee UNC Health Care Bariatric and Weight Loss has received Comprehensive Center of Excellence accreditation from the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program(MBSAQIP). The national accreditation is reserved for bariatric care programs that meet the highest standards for patient safety and quality of care.
The MBSAQIP is a joint Quality Program of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). As an MBSAQIP accredited center, Pardee ensures bariatric surgery patients receive a multidisciplinary program, which improves patient outcomes and long-term success. Additionally, Pardee offers preoperative and postoperative care designed specifically for their severely obese patients.
Pardee is committed to providing the high-quality care for our patients, said Chris Edwards, M.D., FACS, a board-certified and fellowship-trained bariatric surgeon, and medical director of Pardee Bariatrics and Weight Loss. Certification by MBSAQIP is one of the ways that we ensure we maintain the highest standards and achieve the best possible results for individuals suffering from obesity.
Pardees commitment to quality care begins with expertly trained staff and the leadership of an experienced bariatric surgeon. The program is tasked with continuous review of surgical data to continue improving the structure and outcomes expertise necessary to provide safe, efficacious, and high-quality care to all metabolic and bariatric patients.
To earn MBSAQIP Accreditation, Pardee met essential criteria for staffing, training, facility infrastructure and patient care pathways, ensuring its ability to support patients with obesity. The center also participates in a national data registry that yields semiannual reports on the quality of its surgical outcomes and identifying opportunities for quality improvement. The MBSAQIP Standards, Optimal Resources for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, are published by the ACS and the ASMBS.
After applying for MBSAQIP Accreditation, centers undergo an extensive site visit by an experienced bariatric surgeon who reviews the center's structure, processes, and clinical outcomes data. Centers that earn accreditation are awarded a specific designation level, depending on how many patients it serves annually, critical care capabilities, the types of procedures provided, and whether it provides care to patients under the age of 18.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates about 93 million adults in the United States are affected by obesity and that number continues to increase. The disease of obesity increases the risks of morbidity and mortality because of the diseases and conditions that are commonly associated with it, such as type II diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and cancer, among other health risks. Metabolic and bariatric surgery has proven to be effective in the reduction of comorbid conditions related to obesity.* Working together, the ACS and the ASMBS have developed accreditation standards for metabolic and bariatric surgery to assist patients with obesity in identifying centers that provide optimal patient care.
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*Buchwald H, Avidor Y, Braunwald E, et al. Bariatric Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA. 2004;292(14):1724-1737. DOI:10.1001/jama.292.14.1724.
About the American College of Surgeons
The American College of Surgeons (ACS) is a scientific and educational organization of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to raise the standards of surgical education and practice and to improve the quality of care for surgical patients. Its achievements have placed it at the forefront of American surgery and have made the College an important advocate for all surgical patients. The College has more than 82,000 members and is the largest organization of surgeons in the world.
About the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) is the largest organization for metabolic and bariatric surgeons in the world, with more than 4,200 members. It is a not-for-profit organization that works to advance the science of metabolic and bariatric surgery. The ASMBS is committed to educating medical professionals and the lay public about metabolic and bariatric surgery, including the associated risks and benefits, as a treatment option for obesity.
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Pardee UNC Health Care accredited as Comprehensive Center of Excellence by the MBASQQIP - Pardee Hospital
Mix of Omega-3s in Supplements May Blunt Heart Benefits – Everyday Health
In our health-conscious and supplement-laden world, its not uncommon for people to swallow a handful of different capsules with their breakfast. Some of the most commonly taken supplements have been shown to have some real health benefits.
But a new study has called one of the most popular dietary supplements, and one many folks have been taking for years to lower cholesterol and boost heart health, into question. Omega-3s, it turns out, might not be all theyre cracked up to be for cardiovascular health at least not ones that are formulated in a certain way.
Omega-3s have been a supplement mainstay because of the key role these fatty acids are known to play in our heart and brain health. Since your body doesnt produce these nutrients on its own, the only way to obtain them is through outside sources.
Seafood particularly oily fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and tuna is a rich natural source of omega-3 fatty acids. A wealth of evidence suggests that individuals who eat seafood at least twice a week have a lower risk of dying of heart disease.
Many people take supplements that contain omega-3 fatty acids in the belief that these will also help protect them against cardiovascular disease. And some research has found that omega-3 fatty acid supplements significantly reduced the odds of heart attack.
But a research team at the Intermountain Heart Institute in Utah says that if taken a certain way, omega-3s dont do much for your heart, and in some cases may even be harmful.
RELATED: Everything You Need to Know About Omega-3s
There are two types of omega-3 fatty acids commonly found in supplements: DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). EPA and DHA are found naturally in fatty fish like salmon and mackerel and are widely available over-the-counter in oil and capsule form, usually in combination with one another as opposed to each on their own.
And its this combination that researchers say is the problem.
"The advice to take omega-3s for the good of your heart is pervasive, but previous studies have shown that science doesn't really back this up for every single omega-3," says Viet T. Le, the principal study researcher and a cardiovascular physician assistant at the Intermountain Heart Institute. "Our findings show that not all omega-3s are alike and that EPA and DHA combined together, as they often are in supplements, may void the benefits that patients and their doctors hope to achieve."
For the study, which was presented at the virtual 2021 conference of the American College of Cardiology, researchers combed the Intermountain database, called INSPIRE, which is home to more than 35,000 blood samples from more than 25,000 patients dating back to 1993.
In the database, researchers found 987 patients who had undergone coronary angiographic studies. An angiogram is a type of X-ray that uses dye inserted into the coronary arteries to give physicians a visual overview of how well blood is flowing through those vessels and allows for the identification of blockages and buildup along arterial walls.
These nearly 1,000 patients had undergone their first angiographic study at Intermountain Healthcare between 1994 and 2012. From those blood samples, the circulating levels of EPA and DHA in their blood were measured.
Researchers then tracked those patients for 10 years, looking for major cardiac problems, including heart attack, stroke, heart failure requiring hospitalization, or death.
Unsurprisingly, patients with the highest levels of EPA in their blood experienced fewer major cardiac events, but when researchers compared levels of EPA with levels of DHA, the story changed a little.
They discovered that patients with higher levels of DHA showed fewer positive effects of EPA, and patients whose circulating DHA was higher than EPA were at greater risk than the other groups examined.
These findings contradict the commonly held view that all omega-3s are heart-healthy and that combination supplements are the best way to capitalize on their purported benefits.
Based on these and other findings, we can still tell our patients to eat omega-3 rich foods, but we should not be recommending them in pill form as supplements or even as combined (EPA plus DHA) prescription products," Le says. "Our data adds further strength to the findings of the recent REDUCE-IT (2018) study, that EPA-only prescription products reduce heart disease events."
While omega-3 combination supplements are now being called into question, there are several other proven ways to improve heart health. The American Heart Association providesseven simple ways to boost your heart health and decrease your risk of heart trouble down the line.
Exercise.Your heart is a muscle, and like any other muscle in your body, it needs a good workout to stay fit. Walking even 10 minutes a day can improve your heart health and lessen your risk of major cardiac events.
Eat a heart-healthy diet. Limit portion sizes and eat plenty of fruits and veggies, whole grains (such as whole-grain bread, steel-cut oatmeal, and high fiber cereals) and lean proteins like chicken and fish. Also use healthy fats, like olive or avocado oil, and trim fat from red meat before cooking.
If you smoke, quit. Smoking causes myriad well-documented health problems, including increasing your risk of developing atherosclerosis, the deposit of fatty buildup on arterial walls.
Keep your blood pressure in check. Elevated blood pressure can cause your arteries to lose the elasticity thats vital to the efficient movement of blood throughout the body. This loss of elasticity can result in decreased blood flow to your heart itself and increase your risk of heart disease.
Maintain a healthy weight. Carrying extra weight means your heart needs to work harder to pump blood, which puts you at increased risk of developing high blood pressure.
Watch your cholesterol. Limit your intake of foods that are high in saturated fat andtrans fat, and have your blood cholesterol measured on a regular basis.
Maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Long-term high blood sugar can damage the blood vessels and nerves that supply the heart, making your risk of developing heart problems or experiencing a major cardiac event higher. To reduce blood sugar levels, limit sugary foods and beverages, stay active, and maintain a healthy weight.
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Mix of Omega-3s in Supplements May Blunt Heart Benefits - Everyday Health
Glyscend Therapeutics Announces Preclinical Data at ADA 2021 on the Metabolic Benefits of its Oral Polymer-based Duodenal Exclusion Therapy – Business…
BALTIMORE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Glyscend Inc presented data during the American Diabetes Association 80th Scientific Sessions virtual meeting, June 25-29, 2021, from a study of its proprietary oral polymer duodenal exclusion therapy. The positive data were presented ahead of Glyscends phase I clinical trials, which have commenced recruiting healthy subjects in South Australia.
Glyscend is developing a new class of oral gut-restricted therapies targeting mechanisms underlying bariatric surgery and validated by endoscopic approaches, which have shown to be beneficial in type 2 diabetes (T2D). Glyscends therapy is intended to temporarily augment the natural mucus barrier lining in specific portions of the GI tract and affect hormonal signaling via the gut-liver-brain axis. The novel synthetic polymers are inert, non-absorbed, and naturally eliminated through the GI tract within 24 hours.
The study evaluated the metabolic effects of its therapeutic (GLY-POL) in a non-obese T2D Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rat model, compared to control. Eight weeks of administering GLY-POL once daily resulted in a robust reduction in fasting plasma glucose and post-prandial glucose (PPG) as well as insulin resistance. Oral glucose tolerance testing performed after chronic GLY-POL therapy resulted in a profound reduction of PPG (incremental area under curve (iAUC) = 60 70%) compared to control, with the reduction amplified with duration of therapy. Similar reduction in PPG iAUC was evident during mixed meal tolerance testing (iAUC > 55%), suggesting that oral, polymer-based duodenal exclusion therapy is a viable method of improving glucose homeostasis. The GLY-POL therapy, when given once a day, resulted in a 6% weight loss compared to control (p<0.005), without a difference in food intake between the groups.
The technology we have developed was inspired by the remarkable efficacy of gastric bypass surgery in correcting the metabolic alterations associated with type 2 diabetes. However, these procedures will likely never scale to meet the burgeoning T2D epidemic, due to surgical risks, invasiveness, access, and high cost, stated Ashish Nimgaonkar, MD, President and CEO of Glyscend, and a gastroenterologist at The Johns Hopkins Hospital.
Our goal is to develop an oral medication that works locally in the gastrointestinal tract to provide the benefits of gastric bypass surgery while greatly reducing the costs, as well as the potential risks and complications, according to Dr. Nimgaonkar.
Thomas Jozefiak, PhD, Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Glyscend noted that While the data confirm a key role for chronic duodenal exclusion in restoring glucose homeostasis, ongoing research and development continue to provide further understanding of the impact that polymer science can play in shaping future therapies in the metabolic disease space.
Glyscend is set to initiate the first-in-human trials to test the safety of its lead compound (GLY-200). The recruitment of healthy participants as part of the phase I study has initiated in Adelaide, South Australia.
Additional data will be presented as an oral presentation at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) annual meeting in September, 2021.
In June 2020, Glyscend Therapeutics received US$20.5M Series A investment in a funding round led by Sant Ventures and Australias Brandon Capital through its Medical Research Commercialization Fund (MRCF) with support from Breakout Labs, a fund in the Thiel Foundation.
About Glyscend, Inc.
Glyscend Therapeutics is a venture-backed biopharmaceutical company developing novel orally-delivered compounds that work on targets inside the GI tract to treat a variety of metabolic disorders, including T2D. Glyscends polymer technology platform evolved from research at Johns Hopkins University, where scientists were evaluating the mechanisms that result in significantly improved glucose and metabolic regulation following certain types of bariatric surgery. Glyscends technology was invented through research that originated at Johns Hopkins University and was licensed from the University. The company is headquartered in Baltimore, MD, and performs materials science R&D at JLABS @ M2D2 in Lowell, MA. For more information, please visit http://www.glyscend.com.
About Glyscends Polymer-based Therapy
Glyscends patient-friendly, orally administered polymer therapy is intended to work locally in the GI tract by temporarily augmenting the natural mucus barrier lining in specific portions of the intestine. This barrier would alter food uptake in those portions of intestine to induce dramatic changes in hormonal signaling via the gut-liver-brain axis. Glyscend aims to replicate the beneficial effects of bariatric surgery via the duodenal exclusion mechanism, without the need for surgery. The duodenal exclusion mechanism has been well validated via other invasive endoscopic approaches. Bariatric surgery has been shown to have immediate and profound effects on improving blood glucose while reducing body weight and reducing long-term micro- and macro-vascular complications related to T2D. Glyscends technology could enable, not just the treatment but potentially a reversal of T2D. Glyscends novel synthetic polymers are inert, non-absorbed, and naturally eliminated through the GI tract within 24 hours. Polymer-based therapies are a proven unique class of therapeutics with more than three decades of clinical experience in a wide range of applications. Ongoing research and development continue to provide further understanding of the impact that polymer science can play in shaping future therapies in the metabolic disease space.