Depression is a mood disorder that affects over 17 million adults in the United States alone. However, the actual number is thought to be much higher, as many people with depression dont seek treatment for various reasons (1, 2).

Below are the five classifications of depressive disorders, which share features like sadness, irritable mood, a feeling of emptiness, and cognitive changes that affect functioning (2):

Depressive disorders are treated with medication and psychotherapy. Lifestyle modifications, including making dietary changes and taking certain supplements, may also help people with depression.

For example, research shows that specific vitamins, minerals, herbs, and other compounds may be particularly effective at improving depressive symptoms.

This article lists 11 supplements that may benefit people with depression.

Omega-3 fats are essential fats, meaning you need to get them from your diet. Some studies show that omega-3 supplements may help treat depression.

A 2020 analysis of randomized control trials including 638 women found that omega-3 fatty acid supplements significantly improved depressive symptoms in pregnant and postpartum women (3).

In the study, supplements with a higher ratio of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) to docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) were particularly effective. EPA and DHA are two types of omega-3 fatty acids, both of which are common in seafood (3).

Another review of 26 studies including 2,160 participants found that omega-3 supplements exerted an overall positive effect on the treatment of depressive symptoms.

Specifically, researchers concluded that omega-3 formulations that contained 60% or more EPA in a dose of 1 gram or less per day were most effective (4).

While these findings are promising, other studies have observed mixed results. For example, a 2019 study found that omega-3 supplements didnt reduce depressive symptoms in children and adolescents with MDD (5).

Overall, omega-3 supplements are well tolerated and a healthy addition to your diet if it lacks fatty fish. They may also help treat depression in certain populations. However, more research is needed.

Omega-3 supplements may help treat depression in certain populations, but more research is needed.

NAC is a precursor to the amino acids L-cysteine and glutathione. Glutathione is considered one of the most important antioxidants in your body and critical for regulating inflammation and protecting cells against oxidative damage (6).

Taking NAC has been shown to offer several health benefits, including boosting your bodys glutathione levels (7).

Research shows that people with depression are more likely to have higher levels of inflammatory cytokines like C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Taking NAC may help reduce inflammation and ease depressive symptoms (8).

Whats more, NAC may improve neurotransmitter dysregulation in those with psychiatric disorders. The dysregulation of neurotransmitters like dopamine and glutamate may be associated with mood disorders and schizophrenia, among other conditions (8).

Finally, a 2016 review of five studies concluded that treatment with NAC significantly reduced depressive symptoms and improved functioning in people with depression compared with placebo treatments. Plus, the NAC supplements were safe and well tolerated (9).

Doses of 22.4 grams per day are thought to help treat psychiatric disorders like depression (8).

NAC supplements may reduce depressive symptoms and improve functioning in people with depression.

Saffron is a brightly colored spice thats packed with antioxidant compounds, including the carotenoids crocin and crocetin. Interestingly, saffron has shown promise as a natural treatment for depression (10).

Studies have observed that it increases levels of the mood-boosting neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain. While its unknown exactly how this process works, its thought that saffron inhibits serotonin reuptake, thereby keeping it in the brain longer (10).

An analysis of five randomized controlled trials found that supplementing with saffron significantly reduced depressive symptoms in adults with MDD compared with placebo treatments (10).

Whats more, the review found that saffron supplements were similarly effective at reducing depressive symptoms as antidepressant medication (10).

However, the researchers acknowledged that larger trials with longer follow-up periods were needed to better assess saffrons ability to help treat depression (10).

Saffron supplements show promise as a natural treatment for depression. However, research is ongoing, and larger, longer studies are needed before strong concussions can be made.

Vitamin D is a critical nutrient that plays numerous essential roles in your body. Unfortunately, many people dont have sufficient vitamin D levels, including people with depression.

Research shows that people with depression are more likely to be low or deficient in vitamin D. Those with the condition tend to have lower vitamin D levels than the general population, and people with the lowest levels tend to have the most significant depressive symptoms (11).

Vitamin D may fight depression through several mechanisms, including reducing inflammation, regulating mood, and protecting against neurocognitive dysfunction (11).

A 2019 review of four randomized controlled trials found that vitamin D supplements led to clinical benefits in people with major depression (12).

Additionally, a 2020 study in people with depression who were deficient in vitamin D found that receiving a single injection of 300,000 IU of vitamin D along with their usual treatment significantly improved depressive symptoms, quality of life, and illness severity (13).

However, a 2020 review of 61 studies concluded that although vitamin D levels are related to depressive symptoms and supplements may help, more evidence is needed before vitamin D can be recommended as a universal treatment for depression (11).

Studies show that vitamin D supplements may benefit people with depression. However, more research is needed before it can be prescribed as a standard treatment for depression.

Rhodiola is an herb linked to a variety of potential health benefits when taken in supplement form. These include reduced depressive symptoms and an improved stress response, which can help your body adapt to stressful situations.

The herb may exert antidepressant effects via its ability to enhance nerve cell communication and reduce overactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis.

The HPA axis is a complex system that regulates your bodys stress response. Research suggests overactivity of the HPA axis may be associated with major depression (14, 15).

Some studies show that supplementing with rhodiola may benefit those with depression.

For example, a study in 57 people with depression found that treatment with 340 mg of rhodiola extract per day for 12 weeks led to clinically meaningful reductions in depressive symptoms (16).

Whats more, while rhodiola treatment was less effective than the antidepressant medication Sertraline, it caused much fewer side effects (16).

Another study found that a supplement composed of rhodiola and saffron significantly reduced depression and anxiety symptoms in adults with mild to moderate depression after 6 weeks (17)

Rhodiola may reduce depressive symptoms when used on its own or combined with saffron.

B vitamins play important roles in neurological function and mood regulation. B vitamins, including folate, B12, and B6, are needed for the production and regulation of neurotransmitters like serotonin, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and dopamine (18).

Research shows that deficiencies in vitamin B12 and folate may increase the risk of depression, and supplementing with these nutrients may help reduce depressive symptoms in certain populations (19).

For example, folate supplements may reduce symptoms of treatment-resistant depression in children and adults who have a genetic mutation that affects folate metabolism (20, 21, 22).

Supplementing with vitamin B12 has also been shown to reduce depressive symptoms in people with MDD when used alongside antidepressant medication (23).

A 2020 review similarly suggested that taking vitamin B12 supplements early may delay the onset of depression and improve the effects of antidepressant medications (24).

Vitamin B6 has also been found to improve depressive symptoms when used in combination with other nutrients, including tryptophan and a form of vitamin B3 called nicotinamide (25)

B vitamin deficiencies are linked to an increased risk of depression. B vitamins, such as folate and vitamins B6 and B12, may help treat depression.

Zinc is a mineral thats critical to brain health and the regulation of neurotransmitter pathways. It also boasts antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties (26).

Zinc deficiency is strongly linked to an increased risk of depression and depression symptom severity (26).

One analysis of 17 observational studies found that blood zinc levels were around 0.12 g/mL lower in people with depression than in those without the condition. The study also associated greater zinc deficiency with greater depressive symptoms (27).

Similarly, a review that included four randomized control studies found that when participants took zinc supplements alongside their antidepressant medications, they experienced significantly lowered depressive symptoms (28).

Zinc is essential to brain function, and a deficiency in this nutrient may increase the risk of depression. Whats more, supplementing with zinc may reduce depressive symptoms when used alongside antidepressant medications.

In addition to the supplements above, research shows that the following may benefit those with depression.

SAMe is a sulfur-containing compound thats shown promise in the treatment of depression. Its found naturally in your body and plays important roles in brain functioning.

A 2020 review of 8 studies found that SAMe, when used alone or with antidepressant medications, improved depressive symptoms in people with MDD. The daily doses ranged from 2003,200 mg, while the treatment time ranged from 212 weeks (29).

St. Johns Wort is a popular herb that has shown promise in reducing symptoms in people with depression.

A 2016 review of 35 studies found that treatment with St. Johns Wort reduced symptoms in people with mild to moderate depression. However, the supplement has not been proven effective for treating severe depression (30, 31).

Like many other herbs, St. Johns Wort has the potential to interact with commonly used medications. Importantly, the herb can interact severely with some antidepressant medications, leading to potentially life threatening side effects (32).

Magnesium is an important mineral that may benefit those with depression. Magnesium deficiency is common among people with depression, and research shows that supplementing with it may reduce depressive symptoms (33).

A randomized study in 126 people with mild to moderate depression found that taking 248 mg of magnesium per day for 6 weeks significantly improved depressive symptoms compared with a placebo (34).

Creatine is an organic acid that plays an important role in maintaining brain energy, among other functions. Altered brain energy levels are thought to be involved in the development of depression (35).

Some studies suggest that supplementing with 210 grams of creatine per day may reduce symptoms in people with MDD (36).

SAMe, St. Johns Wort, magnesium, and creatine may help reduce depressive symptoms, but more research is needed.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:

While you wait for help to arrive, stay with someone and remove any weapons or substances that can cause harm. You are not alone.

Depression is a mental health disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Although depression is typically treated with medication and therapy, some people may want to try other safe methods like dietary modifications or supplements to reduce their symptoms.

The supplements in this article have been studied for their potential to reduce depressive symptoms and may be appropriate for some people with depression.

However, its essential to discuss any supplement with your healthcare provider to ensure that its safe for you and fits your needs.

Follow this link:
11 Herbs and Supplements to Help Fight Depression - Healthline

There is no incorrect time of day to take fish oil supplements. However, some evidence suggests that people absorb omega-3 fatty acids more effectively when they take them with a meal that contains dietary fat.

This comes from a study in Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care.

Fish oil is a major source of omega-3 fatty acids, which may have a number of health benefits.

In this article, we will discuss when people should take fish oil, how to take it, dosage, and any health benefits and side effects.

There is no significant benefit to taking fish oil at a specific time of day. However, people may wish to take fish oil with a meal that contains dietary fat.

A 2019 study on omega-3 found that taking an omega-3 concentrate with food that contains fat increased bioavailability, making it easier for the body to absorb.

Additionally, an older 2015 study found that taking omega-3 fatty acids with a low fat meal reduced absorption.

Both of these studies looked at omega-3 fatty acids specifically, so the results may not apply to people taking fish oil. Additionally, the amount of omega-3 in fish oil can vary, depending on factors such as the type of fish, and the brand.

People can take fish oil capsules with water during a meal. If a person typically does not eat much fat at breakfast, they may wish to wait until lunch or their evening meal before taking it.

Some people experience gastrointestinal side effects when taking fish oil. If a person experiences this side effect, they may find it helpful to split their fish oil into two doses and take them at different times of the day.

People who split their dose in half may need to take each one at different mealtimes.

Researchers have found it difficult to define an optimal amount of omega-3 fatty acids to get per day.

The American Heart Association (AHA) recommend adults take between 5001,000 milligrams of omega-3 per day. However, other countries and organizations recommend different doses.

The Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) note that while some types of omega-3 have no official recommended dose, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is an exception. This table shows the recommended daily amounts by age and sex:

The amount of ALA in omega-3 supplements can depend on the type of supplement and the manufacturer. Read the product label to determine how much a supplement contains.

Omega-3 fatty acids may have a positive effect on human health in a number of ways. Research into its benefits is ongoing, but there is evidence that it may:

However, many studies on omega-3s health benefits focus on getting these fatty acids from fish and seafood, rather than from fish oil capsules. If a person is thinking of taking fish oil for a health condition, they should speak with a doctor first.

Some specific conditions that may benefit from a higher intake of omega-3 include:

According to a 2015 review, there is some evidence that consuming omega-3 fatty acids may help prevent or manage cardiovascular conditions. Omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce triglyceride levels in the blood and reduce the risk of cardiovascular death.

Omega-3 fatty acids may also have antiarrhythmic effects, which means they help a persons heart beat in a regular pattern. The effect that omega-3 fatty acids have on arrhythmia may significantly reduce the risk of fatal ventricular arrhythmias.

However, more recent studies show that there may not be a clear benefit to taking omega-3 to prevent adverse effects of cardiovascular conditions. There is also some evidence that taking statins at the same time as omega-3 fatty acid supplements may reduce their protective effect on cardiovascular conditions.

Scientists need to carry out more research on omega-3 and its relationship with preventing or managing cardiovascular diseases.

Some studies have shown that a high omega-3 intake can reduce the risk of inflammatory disease mortality.

Some have also found that omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for people with Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis, two types of inflammatory bowel disease.

However, there is no clinically significant evidence on whether omega-3 fatty acids help prevent relapses for people with these conditions.

Several in vitro studies show that omega-3 fatty acids have an effect on colorectal cancer stem cells (CCSC). CCSC have a long lifespan and can self-renew, leading to colon tumors.

CCSC can lead to cancer relapse and chemotherapy resistance. Omega-3 fatty acids may stop CCSC from growing and may reduce chemotherapy resistance.

Omega-3 fatty acids may have several positive effects with regards to prostate cancer, although research on this is mixed.

Several studies have found that consuming fish or omega-3 fatty acids reduces the risk of developing prostate cancer, including aggressive forms.

However, other studies suggest that there is no clear benefit to consuming omega-3 fatty acids to prevent prostate cancer.

Side effects of fish oil supplements are usually mild. They include:

Additionally, omega-3 supplements can have an adverse interaction with drugs that affect blood clotting.

People should contact their healthcare provider to ensure it is safe for them to take a supplement before trying it.

Some evidence suggests that taking supplements that contain omega-3 with a meal that contains fat can increase absorption. As a result, people may wish to take fish oil at breakfast, lunch, or dinner. However, there is no correct or incorrect time to take it.

Always speak with a doctor before starting a new supplement. If a person experiences side effects, they may benefit from splitting their dose in two.

Original post:
When to take fish oil: Timing, dosages and side effects - Medical News Today

As COVID-19 vaccines continue to be administered and hospitalizations decrease, people like LaGesse and Scarpino are wondering if and when they can begin to safely return to having small gatherings such as family get-togethers, birthday parties, and garden club meetings.

Is it really safe to do this again?

Every infectious disease expert interviewed by Healthline for this story had the same answer to this question:

No.

They said now is definitely not the time to stop being vigilant, despite how things may seem to be trending.

In Los Angeles County, for example, the number of new patients hospitalized with COVID-19 daily is about 500 a day. Earlier this month, it was 800 a day, according to the Los Angeles Times.

The decreasing population of people in hospital intensive care units across the country make it seem like things are getting better.

But scientists said that beneath the surface of these developments there are concerns.

Making any decision about viral pandemics requires a look at whats likely to come not tomorrow, they said, but weeks and even months from now.

Things will only get worse if people let their guard down now, said Dr. Robert Turner Schooley, an infectious disease physician and senior director of international initiatives at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine.

He told Healthline that the danger is actually rising again because of the COVID-19 variants that have already landed in the United States.

Schooley said this is now a race between the vaccines and the variants.

But hes optimistic.

While the timeline on the vaccine rollout was held up because of poor planning and not enough vaccines, Schooley said, the drug companies and federal government are now getting things up to speed.

Both the Johnson & Johnson and Novavax vaccines may soon join the Moderna and Pfizer shots, too.

We can roll out these vaccines much more aggressively in the second quarter of this year, Schooley said. Until then, it would be unwise to mix and mingle. It just gives this virus more chances to replicate.

Schooley said he understands that virus fatigue is a factor in the United States and around the world.

But he warns that if people are less diligent now, there will be even more cases than we saw in the most recent surge.

With the current lifting of controls, we will see surges that, based on our projections, will be least 50 to 75 percent worse than it was a few weeks ago when it was so bad, he said.

Schooley said well see this happen in a month to 45 days if the country doesnt continue to follow COVID-19 safety protocols.

The U.K. variant is already here in San Diego, and the experience in the U.K. and Israel shows that it replaces the currently circulating virus within 4 to 6 weeks. The epidemic takes off again, unless you change isolation activities, he said.

New studies suggest that while the vaccines do appear to be effective against these new variants, the new strains are more contagious.

And in some cases, reinfections are more likely with these variants.

Last April, COVID-19 hit the city of Manaus, Brazil, hard.

Researchers estimated that the number of people who contracted the disease was so high that the city could have actually reached a theoretical herd immunity threshold.

But now the city is suffering a second surge from a variant of the original virus.

The variant is potentially more infectious and reportedly could be more adept at fighting the vaccines.

Dr. Deborah Lehman is an assistant professor of pediatric infectious diseases at the University of California Los Angeles.

The main focus of her research has been on the epidemiology and prevention of infectious diseases.

She told Healthline that while the general public was taken by surprise by the presence of these variants, scientists anticipated them.

No one who studies this is surprised that there are variants. This is what viruses do, she said. This is also what bacteria does to evade antibiotics.

Lehman said a variant can be more contagious than the original virus.

So, we need to be vigilant with distancing and masking. A variant can make a face mask ineffective, she said. Can a few particles stay in the air longer? Possibly.

Lehman said the good news is that the vaccines work well.

The Pfizer vaccine appeared to lose only a small bit of its effectiveness against the variant first detected in South Africa during a laboratory study conducted by the company.

In that study, Pfizer and scientists from the University of Texas Medical Branch determined there was a less than two-fold reduction in antibody titer levels.

Although the research hasnt been peer-reviewed, the scientists suggest that the vaccine would likely be effective in neutralizing a virus with the so-called E484K and N501Y mutations found in South Africa.

If the variants reduce that a bit, you are still getting a very effective vaccine, Lehman said.

Vaccines work by training our immune systems to create proteins known as antibodies that fight disease.

It does other things that assist your immune system as well, some of which we cannot even test for, Lehman said.

Lehman said scientists face a difficult task ahead in addressing the publics reluctance to get vaccinated.

But it must be done, she said.

How long will these COVID-19 vaccines remain effective in the body?

We are hoping for longer than a year, Lehman said. But if it is a year, this is nothing new. We require a vaccine every year for influenza. It would be great to see this virus die off. But might we have to keep vaccinating like the flu? Its a possibility.

Lehman said vaccines trick our bodies into believing they have seen the pathogen before. In the meantime, the immune system sends out its troops and helps develop immunity.

Experts said the vaccines prevent you from getting seriously ill, although they may prevent infection from the virus.

The hope is that it will also prevent the infection, Lehman said. Even if the vaccine in the end just prevents you from having to go to the hospital and the ICU, that turns a disease into something more like a bad cold.

Healthline asked people in every region of the United States to share their thoughts about when theyll feel safe venturing out again and attending small gatherings.

Larry Shuler, who lives in San Diego County, said that for the foreseeable future hell only attend small gatherings in which attendants show proof of vaccination.

I personally think that by June or July, with most people vaccinated, we will be able to have get-togethers again, he told Healthline.

However, it should only be for those that have proof they have been vaccinated. This will also be the case for restaurants and bars, who will allow people in with legitimate proof of being vaccinated and COVID free, Shuler said.

Dorie Griggs, a hospital-based chaplain from Roswell, Georgia, has received both doses of the Pfizer vaccine.

But her husband hasnt.

He is not in a high-risk group, so it may be a while before he can get the vaccine, Griggs told Healthline.

She and her husband limit their exposure by avoiding going out in general as well as wearing masks and physical distancing when they do go out.

I dont anticipate being able to get together in small groups until more people are immunized. If all in my small group are immunized I would gather with them, but really only about two additional couples, she said.

Justin Reilly, an attorney, activist and film producer from New York City, said he wont feel safe for a long time.

I wont do anything inside until everyone who wants to get vaccinated actually does and only if we do see huge reductions in transmission, he told Healthline.

I will still social distance and mask and wont actually feel safe, but I will be willing to take some more risks despite the danger. But I am quite concerned that people will let their guard down too soon, he said.

Jaime Cunningham, who also lives in New York City, said hes gotten a few friends together while masked and physically distanced.

But only outside. Never indoors, he told Healthline.

Cunningham thinks this process is going to be slow.

It will take another year until we can loosen up, maybe February or March of next year, he predicted. Next winter will be very telling as far as how good the vaccine really is, I think. We will forgo any international travel until into next year.

Ginny Blum, who lives in Montgomery County, Maryland, said: My nanny county will decide for me. I expect restrictions through this year. There will continue to be little fires of virus breaking out for some time.

Blum told Healthline that her county has been very active in fighting the pandemic: quick to close, slow to reopen, mask mandate in April, offering in-home testing if you need it. Not a place that left it up to individuals to decide what the right thing to do should be.

Cindy A. Roush-Hahn, who lives in Scottsdale, Arizona, said she and her husband have scheduled their vaccine appointment for Feb. 22.

We gather with friends now, outside when possible, and practice social distancing. I walk 3 miles outdoors with two neighbor gals every day. No masks, she told Healthline.

We wear masks to the grocery store and any other place they are required, she added. I have sanitizer in my car and purse. We eat in a restaurant weekly for lunch. We are the first customers in the restaurant and I clean off our table with wipes.

We will feel more comfortable getting together in larger groups other than our neighbors by summer, Roush-Hahn noted.

Several people told Healthline that theyre simply going to heed the advice of Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and chief medical adviser to President Joe Biden, and let science be their guide.

I trust Dr. Fauci completely. He is on top of this pandemic, said Suzanne McMullen Schafer. President Biden knew this also. Thats why Dr. Fauci is in the job he now has.

Tom Conroy, who lives in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, said: Ill feel safe exactly when Fauci says its safe. Not a moment sooner.

Kaaren Kozlow, a teachers assistant from Columbia, Maryland, said shell be ready for a social setting once the people in her circle are vaccinated.

Im going back to school without benefit of vaccination because our governor says that the benefits of a vaccine are marginal in a school setting. Im livid, but I will wear a mask on top of an N95 and a face shield, she told Healthline.

Kozlow calls this a lose/lose situation.

Im petrified, she said. But really what choice do I have? The board of education and governor are sending me back with threats of termination if I dont. I will go, heavily masked.

Rebecca Soliday, who works for a hospice in Minneapolis, Minnesota, received her first vaccine on Friday, Jan. 29.

After Ive had the second vaccination, I will feel better as far as contracting it myself, she told Healthline.

But I wont feel completely better until everyone in my household has been vaccinated and I wont venture out much more until its under more control and more people are vaccinated, she added.

Randy DePhillips, a retired police officer whos married with a family in Des Moines, Iowa, said he wont attend any social gatherings until 80 percent of the public is vaccinated.

But even then, I wouldnt feel totally safe. I think the days of a hug and/or handshake arent in the future for some time, he told Healthline.

Ralph Parrot, 80, who lives in Fairfax Station, Virginia, said he and his wife were vaccinated with their first shot on Wednesday.

Parrot said he and his wifes dream is to be able to have the familys normal week at the beach this year in mid-August with all 20-plus people being able to attend.

Ever the optimists, we have rented a big house down at Sandbridge, Virginia, to accommodate everyone, he told Healthline. This will be our 28th consecutive year. Even though last year was sparsely attended, we still had it.

Debbie Brooks Clouse, a Las Vegas, Nevada, resident, said shell be ready to attend small gatherings with friends in 2025.

And shes only half-kidding.

I live in Vegas and the system they are using isnt working to get people the vaccine, she told Healthline.

They are closing centers and canceling appointments daily and they are only giving them to ages 70-plus right now, but they are adding teachers to the approved list, Clouse said.

Steve Ruderman and his family just returned to their Southern California home after spending a month on the Hawaiian island of Maui.

The COVID numbers there were so much lower than California that we felt much safer there, said Ruderman, whos not eligible yet for a vaccine but did get tested to travel to Maui.

They are very good on wearing masks everywhere and you can find so many places on the island where there were no people or very small crowds, he told Healthline. The restaurants on Maui are running at 30 percent and outdoor dining so again feeling much safer.

Ruderman said that being back on the mainland, we are comfortable eating outdoors but wary of indoor dining and any kind of large crowds.

Sue Kelson, a wedding planner from Dallas, Texas, has received the first dose of vaccine and planned to attend a very, very small birthday party this weekend.

I will still wear a mask and will socially distance and the party will be COVID responsible as well, she told Healthline. This will be my first outing since March 9, 2020, outside of work,

Jay Reece, whos from Bolger, Texas, and now lives in California, said he never really stopped dining out during this pandemic.

We knew where to dine and have drinks the entire time throughout Southern California, he told Healthline.

Reece said the restaurants hes been going to are modern-day speakeasies that you enter through the back door.

He found out about these places through word of mouth.

They sure did need support and still do, he said. After 30 days of the heavy lockdown that started in March, I lost it. I had to go somewhere.

Reece said that at first it was only takeout, which we dont normally do.

Originally posted here:
COVID-19 Vaccines and Safety of Small Gatherings - Healthline

SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU-TV) We often see stories in winter of people who are homeless struggling to stay safe and warm. A local nonprofit called Community Intervention Center provides those individuals with shelter, but goes well beyond that.

This center had some humble beginnings in 1972 when it was called The Rap House for people in crisis to come off the streets. Since then, Community Intervention Center has evolved into so much more.

Sitting behind one of four public computers at Community Intervention Center is Theresa, a 65-year-old consumer of the centers services.

And I was having problems with my Social Security, Theresa said.

Problems that have since been resolved thanks to free access to the internet and what she calls a very helpful Community Intervention Center staff.

These people are instrumental. I mean, they are fabulous. Everything everybody needs is handled here. Ive never seen such an amazing situation in my life, she said.

While typical day shelters provide escape from the weather and a free meal, this one goes above and beyond.

We like to say were a stepping stone, said Kim Cadugan, executive director of Community Intervention Center.

While it might be something relatively simple like helping their consumers apply for benefits, for other the center is a real lifeline.

We help people in crisis and send them to the right referrals, drug and alcohol treatment, mental health, all of the above. We cover the whole gamut of social services, said Cadugan.

The center offers a place for our communitys most vulnerable individuals to clean their clothes or take a hot shower. If they need clothes, theres some new clothing available for free thanks to donations.

And with all this support comes success. Jason Griffiths, case manager/social worker at Community Intervention Center, says the center has managed to get more than two dozen people off the streets and into permanent housing.

Were just a triage. You come in here with a problem, we fix it or try to, and then, you know, try to get you back into society as best we can, Griffiths said.

Community Intervention Center couldnt do it alone. It relies on that community support. You can get involved at communityinterventioncenter.net or by calling 570-342-4298.

See the original post here:
Scranton Community Intervention Center offers more for homeless than a meal and shelter - PAHomePage.com

The following is information about the City of San Joss response to slow and reduce the spread of COVID-19 and support our most at-risk communities.

SOURCE: City of San JosEmergency Operations Center

Contact:Carolina Camarena/Colin Heyne, City of San Jos Media Line: 408-535-7777 City of San Jos Customer Contact Center: 3-1-1 or 408-535-3500

Email: News/Media: EOC_PIO@sanjoseca.govResidents: 311@sanjoseca.govBusinesses: covid19sjbusiness@sanjoseca.govNon-Profits: covid19sjcbo@sanjoseca.gov

City Manager Update to Council: City Manager Dave Sykes presented an update to the City Council during Item 3.1 yesterday, Feb. 2, regarding the Citys response to COVID-19. Dave and officials from the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) provided information on the status of vaccine distribution, housing vulnerable residents, future federal COVID-19 response funding, and the Citys response to last weeks storm. The full City Council meeting can be watched on the Citys YouTube Channel.

Updates on City of San Jos Services and/or Operations

COVID-19 Testing, Tracing, and Support ServicesIf you need a COVID-19 test, dont wait! A high rate of testing helps identify and stop the spread of COVID-19 cases, and is one of the factors that is helping our county reopen under State regulations. Some testing sites are listed below, but there are many more throughout the county. For a full list of COVID-19 testing sites in Santa Clara County, go towww.sccfreetest.orgor call 2-1-1.

The County offers support options for people who test positive or have been in contact with someone who is COVID-19 positive. If you need help with food, bills, or a place to stay while you isolate or quarantine, please call 408-808-7770 to learn about support services from the County of Santa Clara.

OptumServe Mobile Testing Bus at Costco Business Center2376 S Evergreen Loop, San Jose, 95122Friday, Feb. 5, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Updates from the County of Santa Clara

Subscribe toNews Releases eNotificationsto receive City of San Jos Flash Reports, and follow us at sanjoseca.gov and @CityofSanJose on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and">Nextdoor

Esta informacin est disponible en espaol enwww.sanjoseca.gov.">

Thng tin ny c sn bng Ting Vit trn trang:www.sanjoseca.gov.

http://www.sanjoseca.gov

A persons risk for COVID-19 is not related to race, ethnicity or culture. City employees must abide by the Discrimination and Harassment policy, and treat colleagues and members of the public with courtesy and respect. Discrimination and/or Harassment of any kind is a violation of the policies and will not be tolerated.

###

Follow this link:
FLASH REPORT #146 - COVID-19 Response and Recovery | News - City of San Jose, CA

Barbara Augsdorfer|Savannah Morning News

The Savannah-Chatham County school board voted at its regular meeting on Wednesday to implement a three-day/two-day amended hybrid model to return students to the classroom during this current semester. The resolution passed 7-2-0 with the "no" votes coming from Tonia Howard-Hall, District 8 representative, and David Bringman, District 6 representative.

No date was determined for returning the students to the classroom. Students will remain in virtual learning for now.

In her opposition to the proposal, Howard-Hall said, "I am not able to support it in its current form [because] it removes the metric of when to close and when to reopen a school." She proposed an amendment to the resolution reinstating that clarity and approved the amendment, which was also approved by the board, but Howard-Hall remained a "no" vote.

Two board members offered lukewarm support for the resolution. "I am supporting this resolution but Im not in love with it," said Dionne Hoskins-Brown, District 2 representative. "Weve heard from Dr. Davis. The data is incomplete."

"I would like to see a five-day-a-week return to school with a return to the former bell schedule. Five-day-a-week learning is the best, but with the proper mitigation strategies, it can mitigate the spread," offered Michael Johnson, District 7 board member. "I will continue to be an advocate for five days a week. This resolution is the best compromise."

The date to be determined is to be "operationally feasible,"meaning that Superintendent Ann Levett will set a start date that works with teachers, support staff, nutrition workers, bus drivers, and parents. She said that when a date is determined, based on the latest Centers for Disease Prevention and Control guidelines, there will be at least a two-week window for parents and staff to plan for the change.

The proposed 3/2 hybrid schedule can be seen on the district website at sccpss.com.

Shawn Kachmar, District 4 representative, expressed cautious optimism about the proposal. "This is not opening the school doors wide open; [the] best success will be contingent on strict mitigation policies." The resolution also gives individual schools flexibility to increase school days up to five days a week if families want it, space allows, and is aligned with other district departments such as transportation and nutrition.

The board also passed a resolution urging Gov. Brian Kemp to move teachers and school personnel to the "front of the line" for the COVID vaccine. While the district hopes that all or most personnel who are now eligible will get the vaccine, waiting for the next phase will not determine the return to the classroom.

"I know there is some acute need for young people to be in the buildings," Levett said. "If I wait on the vaccine, Im not hopeful that it will be in place by May 15 [the last day of school]."

More: Dr. Lawton Davis updates Savannah-Chatham school board on returning students to the classroom

Additionally, Levett would like to see all students returned to in-person learning the first day of school in the 2021-22 school year.Many moving parts must be aligned in near perfection within the next six months in order for that to happen.

Board President Joe Buck reiterated the resolution's call for a "robust summer school" program leading into the next school year. "I would love to have five days a week [now], but I know thats not going to happen . We should make summer school as attractive as possible with as many kids as possible that you can put in a building safely."

More: To go back to school safely and quickly, move teachers to front of COVID-19 vaccination line

Barbara Augsdorfer is the education reporter for the Savannah Morning News. Reach her at BAugsdorfer@gannett.com or on Twitter @Babs7983.

More here:
Savannah-Chatham school board votes to resume in-person learning this semester - Savannah Morning News

EXPLAINER: As Medsafe provisionally approves the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine for use in New Zealand, the medical community is increasingly concerned about misinformation and scaremongering circulating online.

From fears the vaccine could give you the disease itself to claims it contains a microchip linking to cell towers via 5G technology for population surveillance, theories abound.

There are also more common fears, such as worrying that the Covid-19 vaccine development and approval for use was rushed and could be unsafe.

Chris McKeen/Stuff

Auckland University vaccinologist Dr Helen Petousis-Harris, one of New Zealands leading voices about everything to do with vaccines, has been doing immunisation-related research since 1998.

Its fair enough to be concerned when you cant avoid hearing these things and you might not have seen all the relevant information, Auckland University associate professor and vaccinologist Dr Helen Petousis-Harris said.

READ MORE:* Covid-19: PM says government approval for Pfizer vaccine possible next week* Covid-19: NZ's Medsafe in touch with Europe after handful of vaccine-linked deaths among frailest patients* Covid-19: How the vaccine rollout will work

But vaccine hesitancy could prevent the country from reaching a critical mass of immunised people where it is safe to re-open the borders, or lead to more deaths when we do.

Petousis-Harris answered the main questions and fears that have come up recently. Her responses are edited for clarity.

ROB KITCHIN/STUFF

Medsafe group manager Chris James outlines the vaccine approval process.

Will I be forced to get vaccinated against Covid-19?

No.

Wasnt the development of Covid-19 vaccines rushed? I would feel safer waiting a bit longer.

Normally, big pharmaceutical companies develop vaccines slowly and carefully from one phase to the next because they invest billions of dollars, and they want to make sure their product will have the better chance of success. Regulatory agencies are a real hurdle as well and people dont necessarily collaborate.

Whats happened this time is that all these barriers were removed. Different pharma companies worked together, which is unheard of.

David Goldman/AP

Vaccine hesitancy could prevent the country from reaching a critical mass of immunisation where it is safe to re-open the borders, medical professionals fear.

Massive funding came from many places. Authorities fast-tracked processes, without skipping any steps.

The clinical trials are as big, if not bigger than usual, and are progressing quickly because there is so much disease.

The technologies were already there because of what we learned from the previous MERS and SARS outbreaks. It just goes to show what can happen when you throw lots of money and motivation at something.

1 NEWS

Frontline border staff will be first in line for the Pfizer vaccine, the first approved for use in NZ.

What about the approval process? Was it thorough?

Unlike other countries, New Zealand did not have an emergency authorisation process for Covid-19 vaccines. Medsafe streamlined its processes to prioritise their evaluation.

Normally, drug companies submit thousands of pages of information at once and then Medsafe starts looking at it. With the Covid-19 vaccines, Pfizer and other candidates have been feeding information to Medsafe right from the beginning.

It has been a rolling process for months and now we have reached the stage where there is enough information for approval.

Oded Balilty/AP

A healthcare professional prepares a Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine in Israel, where mass vaccinations are under way.

I heard the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine (which was given provisional approval by Medsafe on Wednesday) might be associated with an increased death rate for frail, elderly people. Is this true?

A small number of deaths in frail older people who received a Covid-19 Pfizer-BioNTec vaccination were reported in Norway. Following initial concerns, a World Health Organisation vaccine safety review found that the frail and elderly who had received the Pfizer vaccine did not have a higher than expected death rate.

Every day, people get sick and die. When you go and vaccinate a lot of people all at once, of course by chance you are going to see a lot of things happen. Most countries will follow this very closely, and we have the benefit of their experience.

TVNZ

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announces the approval of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine for use in New Zealand.

Will the vaccines be effective against the UK and South African strains?

The Pfizer vaccine looks likely to be good against the UK strain. It might be less effective against the South African strain. It might have to be updated in future but can already offer good protection against Covid-19.

Why are we rushing to vaccinate New Zealands entire population when there is no community transmission here?

We are pretty keen to open up the borders and get back to normal.

We cannot do that unless most of us are immune.

But wouldnt I be better off increasing my immunity through vitamins, exercise and diet? I fear getting vaccinated will decrease my immunity.

It is always ideal to eat a healthy diet and do all of those things that optimise your immune system. But healthy people get infected as well.

Vaccines dont weaken your immune system, they strengthen it. People think that the injection will overwhelm the immune system but it only provokes an immune response.

Some vaccines, such as the measles vaccine, can even improve your immunity and stop you getting other diseases as well.

Chris McKeen/Stuff

Petousis-Harris says the approval process for Covid-19 is thorough.

Could a microchip be inserted through a vaccine?

You need a much bigger needle to include a microchip they are huge. Whoever you think is trying to control the population through the vaccine could use much cheaper and easier ways to do it such as cell phones.

I heard the flu vaccine makes some people unwell. What if the Covid-19 vaccine makes me sick?

Some people feel a bit crook after a jab but it is not because they have an infection. Those are the symptoms when your body makes an immune response.

They might last a day or so and are usually very mild. Most people don't have any symptoms but a few might feel a bit off for a day or two.

A small minority of people might have a high fever and feel unwell and that is not desirable but that does not last for long.

I am young and healthy. Is it worth taking the risk of getting vaccinated when my chances of complications and dying from Covid-19 are so low?

Actually a lot of young people do end up being hospitalised with Covid-19 and some even die. Those risks are much higher than getting vaccinated, which is safe.

We should not underplay the problems some young and healthy people are facing long after having Covid-19.

The long-haul Covid-19 effects are quite scary [symptoms include crippling fatigue and brain fog, severe breathlessness, heart palpitations, chest pain and badly aching muscles or joints].

View original post here:
Covid-19 vaccine: Was it rushed? Is it safe? Could it be used to spy on the population? An expert addresses key questions and fears - Stuff.co.nz

Sure, you may not have legions of fans or Mark Walhberg cheering you on, but you can be inspired by the weight-loss success stories of these famous musicians, who all recently cleaned up their diets to drop pounds and get into better shape. Whether it's quitting alcohol, cutting back on carbs, or ditching processed foods, each of these male musicians found a slimming strategy that works for them. Read on to see how you can adopt these healthy eating changes into your own lifestyle rockstar status or not. And for more, make sure to check out these 15 Underrated Weight Loss Tips That Actually Work.

After gaining weight on tour from post-show wine and wings, Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran cut back on alcohol and started exercising regularly, enabling him to shed an impressive 50 pounds. He also quit smoking and started running in an effort to clean up his lungs along with his diet.

Can't totally give up wine? Check out these low-carb and less sugary options.

Tim McGraw's 40-pound weight loss didn't happen overnightit's been a decade-long process, which he opens up about in his new book, Grit & Grace: Train the Mind, Train the Body, Own Your Life.

Like Sheeran, alcohol became a stapleand a crutchfor McGraw to get through shows. So, he quit drinkinga smart move, since studies show how much alcohol contributes to weight gain. The country star also copped to cutting out burgers and other "truck-stop foods" and upping his workouts majorly: aiming for two hours in the morning and two hours in the afternoon. "There's such a feeling of accomplishment that comes from being my age and still being at the top of my game," McGraw, 52, said in an interview.

Craving a burger? Try these 13 Hacks To Make Your Burger Healthier.

DJ Khaled kickstarted his weight-loss journey by partnering with WW (formerly Weight Watchers) back in 2017. In doing so, he lost 43 pounds and changed his approach to food. His new philosophy? Moderation. Kaled cut back on white rice and bread, replaced sugar in his cappuccinos with stevia (a plant-derived, zero-calorie sweetener), and started eating more fish and salads. He reportedly still indulges in his favorite sweets (like pumpkin pie), only now, he does so sparingly and treats it like a celebration.

In a salad rut? Here are 35+ Non-Boring Salad Recipes for Weight Loss.

Earlier in his career, Eminem ballooned to almost 230 pounds by "constantly eatingand eating badly," he said in an interview with Men's Journal. "When I got out of rehab, I needed to lose weight, but I also needed to figure out a way to function sober." He started running, but got compulsive about how many calories he was burning each day. He's since found more balance, mixing up his at-home workouts (favoring P90X and Body Beast). In April 2020, he celebrated 12 years of addiction recovery.

Country crooner Kenny Chesney has one simple rule for keeping up his fit physique: "No carbs after 5 pm. That's no potatoes, no rice, no pasta, nothing," Chesney told CMT's Cody Alan. To make up for any carb cravings, he eats more protein and doubles up on vegetables, so he can "wake up feeling leaner." Low- carb diets have long been linked with weight loss, and Chesney's rule offers a manageable way to reduce carbs.

At age 48, rapper Busta Rhymes proudly claims that he's in the best shape of his life. Rhymes experienced a major turning point after an emergency surgery in 2019 forced him to take his health into his own hands. He told Men's Health, "I had to steer things in a different direction. I was too young to be on all of these blood-pressure medications and acid-reflux medications." He hired a trainer and completely overhauled his dietprioritizing whole, real foods like oatmeal and eggs at breakfast, salads for lunch, and fish or steak with lots of veggies for dinner.

Wanna up your veggie game? Here are 18 Healthy Vegetable Side Dishes that will add color, flavor, and great nutrients to your diet.

For the lead singer of Imagine Dragons, weight loss was a side effect of a much more serious health endeavor. Reynolds has a rare autoimmune disease called Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS),which has caused him constant agony for years. In order to manage his pain, Reynolds overhauled his diet and exercise routine and now, he's "ache-free and happier than ever," according to Men's Health.Oh, and he's also completely shredded. He sticks to a clean, anti-inflammatory diet full of nutrient-rich fruit and veggies and complex carbs: Oatmeal, berries, bananas, salads, sweet potatoes, brown rice, chicken, lamb, and lots of olive oil.

After a hypertension diagnosis, rapper (and chicken-wing devotee who owns 25 Wingstop franchises) Rick Ross dropped a staggering 100 pounds. How'd he do it? "It's all about the balance to me," Ross told ABC News, adding that he has healthy snacks between meals and slows down eating heavy meals later in the day. Per his doctor's orders, he also cut out soda, which research shows is linked to weight gain.

For more celeb weight loss news, check out these 6 Celeb Weight-Loss Tricks You Can Steal Right Now.

Read more from the original source:
8 Rockstars Who Lost a Ton of Weight By Cleaning Up Their Diets | Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That

Ready to break away from diet culture, but want some structure to change up your eating habits? Intermittent fasting (IF) isnt like other fad diets that restrict what you can and cant eat. Instead, it focuses on when food *should* be eaten to reap certain benefits.

Heres what you need to know before you start intermittent fasting and how to choose the right plan.

Back in the day, refrigerators and grocery stores were nonexistent. This led our hunter-gatherer ancestors to unintentionally fast until they were able to find their next source of food.

To sum things up, IF is a way of eating where you flip flop between periods of time when youre chowing down and when youre not.

Since humans were capable of functioning without food for long periods of time, fasting now and again may be more natural than eating three to four-plus meals a day.

You may even see fasting done for religious or spiritual reasons in Islam, Christianity, Judaism, and Buddhism.

Take your pick from the handful of IF options some more extreme than others.

This method is good for beginners to give a whirl. Fast for 12 hours each day, which can include when you snooze. Once your evening meal is over and you tuck in at night, your body fasts until breakfast arrives.

The easiest way to do the 12-hour fast is to include your sleeping time into your fasting window. For example, stop eating at 8 p.m. and wait until 8 a.m. to have breakfast.

You might even already be doing the 12-hour fast without even knowing!

Similar to the 12/12 method, the 16/8 method extends your fasting period to 16 hours.

This method could be a bit difficult for breakfast lovers. But people who tend to skip breakfast may already (though unintentionally) fast this long. Depending on how late you eat in the evening, or how early you eat lunch, skipping breakfast alone may give you a 16-hour fasting period.

One perk is that youre able to drink a cup of coffee (without sugar or cream), water, or other zero-calorie beverages during your fasting period.

If you opt for the 5:2 fasting method, youll eat normally 5 days per week and then reduce your calories for the other 2 days.

On reduced days, men usually consume around 600 calories and women eat 500 calories. Most people choose to separate their modified fasting days so there is always a nonfasting day in between. For example, you could choose to fast on Monday and Thursday.

There has been a lot more research on this method compared to other forms of IF. A 2020 randomized controlled study found that its a beneficial method for weight loss without the addition of exercise.

This large, yearlong study also found that the 5:2 method of IF can be as effective as traditional dieting for weight loss.

This IF method requires a full 24-hour fast one or two times per week. An example is to stop eating at 7 p.m. on Monday and then fast until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, completing the full 24-hour cycle. Youre also allowed zero-calorie beverages during the fasting period.

Fasting for a full 24 hours can be difficult for many people, leading to the inability to stick with this eating style. The best option is to start with a fast that lasts 12 to 16 hours and work your way up.

This option is one step further than eat-stop-eat and includes a 24-hour fast every other day.

There are different versions of this method, with some sticking to strict no solid foods for 36-hours and others allowing around 500 calories on fasting days.

True alternate-day fasting leads to fasts of about 36 hours because youre not eating for a full calendar day so youre fasting overnight, all day, and overnight again.

Again, this method is pretty extreme and can be difficult to continue long term. Any fasting beginners or individuals with certain medical conditions should also skip this method.

Research has also shown it may not even be necessary to fast this strictly to reap benefits. A 2017 study found that weight loss, weight maintenance, cardiovascular protection, and adherence was not better with alternate-day fasting compared to calorie restriction (75 percent of energy needs every day).

Also referred to as The Warrior Diet, this form of fasting isnt for beginners since it can be quite extreme (but still not as bad as true alternate-day fasting).

Basically, you fast for 20 hours in the day, with the option to eat small amounts of fruits and vegetables, then have one large meal within a 4-hour window in the evening.

Supporters of this method claim humans are natural nocturnal eaters. Its not for everyone though. People may struggle with eating such a large meal close to bedtime or even sticking to the strict guidelines.

Fasting makes your body go through changes on both a cellular and molecular level. Some specific changes may include:

Our pituitary gland releases HGH which is beneficial for regulating body fluids, bone and muscle growth, fat and sugar metabolism, and even heart function. This hormone naturally decreases as we age and can be unnaturally low due to certain medical conditions.

A 2012 study found that a 24-hour fast increases total growth hormone levels in young, healthy adults.

The downsides? Continuously high HGH levels can cause bone weakness, fatigue, or decline in muscle mass.

This hormone regulates the amount of glucose (aka sugar) found in our blood by helping it enter our cells for fuel. When our body is resistant to insulin, glucose cant get into the cells as easily, causing a buildup of glucose in our bloodstream and potentially leading to type 2 diabetes.

A 2019 study discusses the effectiveness of IF on insulin resistance due to its ability to reduce BMI. Individuals taking insulin or medication for type 2 diabetes should be wary of fasting as it can lead to low blood sugar.

If youre taking these medications or have diabetes, its a good idea to chat with your medical provider before fasting.

Sometimes there are old and dysfunctional proteins hanging around in cells that our body digests and removes in a process called autophagy.

A 2018 article discusses the ability of intermittent fasting to activate autophagy in organs and cultured cells, beneficial for enhancing cancer treatments.

Unfortunately, autophagy can be a double-edged sword. The same article discusses that autophagy can be beneficial for suppressing some tumors but can also promote them depending on the stage and type of tumor.

Our genes or DNA hold instructions to create protein or other molecules and are responsible for most of what goes on in our body. Intermittent fasting can alter whether certain genes are stimulated or suppressed.

A 2020 study found that 30 days of a 14+ hour daily fast resulted in changes to genes that could promote health and longevity. For example, the APP gene was reduced, which creates amyloid plaques often seen in Alzheimers disease.

Much of this research is short term, with more long-term research needed.

If youre looking into IF to help you shed a few pounds, youre likely to see a drop on the scale due to the decreased number of calories eaten over the week. This is only true if you dont overeat during the eating periods to compensate for the fasting periods.

A 2018 systematic review and meta-analysis examined how effective intermittent fasting was for adults with overweight or obesity trying to lose weight. The various IF methods researched included alternate-day fasting and fasting for 2 to 4 days per week.

The results found that intermittent fasting results were effective, but comparable to groups doing a continuous energy restriction (decrease of about 25 percent of recommended energy intake each day).

Therefore, the overall reduction of calories is what promotes weight loss, not limiting your eating timeframe.

In the end, there is no one weight loss diet that works for everyone. A 2020 review discusses how intermittent fasting is a recommended option to promote weight loss, but only if youre able to stick with it long-term. Do what works for you!

Beyond the promotion of weight loss, what else does intermittent fasting have to offer? Research has shown other benefits may include:

Inflammation is normal, but too much inflammation can lead to conditions like cancer and heart disease. C-reactive protein (CRP) elevates when inflammation is lingering somewhere in our body.

A 2019 study found that men completing a 16:8 fasting eating pattern for 29 consecutive days led to a significant decrease in CRP levels which is associated with less inflammation.

Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 cause of death across the world, with most deaths coming from heart attacks and strokes. Intermittent fasting can actually limit a lot of the risk factors that lead to the development of cardiovascular disease.

IF may reduce plaque buildup, prevent high blood pressure, and limit cardiac hypertrophy (enlargement or thickening of the heart muscle) according to a 2019 overview.

The second leading cause of death, cancer, is typically treated by either chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery. A 2016 review concludes that periodic fasting and fasting-mimicking diets without calorie restriction may promote disease prevention and enhance disease treatment when it comes to cancer.

A fair warning from a 2019 article is that intermittent fasting should be taken with extreme caution in the oncology world. Thats because up to 80 percent of people with cancer may be dealing with malnutrition, and the unintentional restriction of calories or other important macronutrients may create further issues.

Our brain is one complicated organ, controlling pretty much our every move. When it comes to fasting, a 2017 study found that a small group of women fasting during Ramadan had increased levels of serotonin, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and nerve growth factor.

These are all essential in brain health by helping grow and maintain certain neurons and keeping our memory sharp.

Many wonder whether intermittent fasting may add a few more years to your life. A 2014 review found a 30 percent dietary restriction increased the lifespan of rodents mainly due to delaying the onset of chronic diseases.

The problem here? These studies are animal-based which can provide very different results compared to human studies.

Give us more research

Dont get your hopes up and expect all of these benefits by starting IF. More long-term human studies need to be done to confirm conclusions from current short-term and animal studies.

Intermittent fasting has a good safety record. As long as youre not severely undereating and choosing nutrient-rich foods, intermittent fasting can be totally safe.

But intermittent fasting can be more harmful than helpful for certain groups of people.

If youre underweight or have a history of disordered eating, schedule an appointment with a health professional before starting up a fasting diet. The restrictions that come along with IF can trigger harmful eating patterns.

IF may also affect women and men differently. Calorie restriction can disrupt important hormones in female bodies.

A 2014 review found that certain hormones cant communicate with the ovaries if calorie intake is too low, resulting in irregular periods, infertility, poor bone health, and other negative effects.

Women may want to opt for a modified approach to intermittent fasting, like shorter fasting periods and fewer fasting days.

Play IF safe

Chat with your doc before you start IF, since certain medical conditions can be negatively impacted by the change. This especially true if you:

Slow and steady wins the race! If youre new to the fasting game, start with a beginner approach by fasting for 12 or 16 hours.

If you find this method is easy and you want to advance, start up a 24-hour fast 1 or 2 times per week (eat-stop-eat) or restricting calories 1 to 2 times per week (5:2).

There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Try different methods and see what feels best for you.

See more here:
Intermittent Fasting: Methods and Plans - Greatist

While you may worry about the effects your diet has on your waistline or energy level, there's a surprising body part your food and drink choices may be having a profound effect upon without you even realizing it: your liver. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4.5 million Americans have been diagnosed with liver disease, and up to 20 percent of Americans have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a type of liver damage that stems from sources other than alcohol.

If you want to protect your liver and avoid a lifetime of health problems, read on to discover which foods can do serious harm to your liver, according to experts. And if you want to slim down and improve your liver health, check out these 15 Underrated Weight Loss Tips That Actually Work.

Alcohol isn't the only drink that can wreak havoc on your liver health. According to physician Ian Braithwaite, MBBS, co-founder of Habitual, sweetened beverages can do a number on your liver, as well.

"In low doses, fructose is handled by the small intestine, however in high doses recent research has shown it to lead to liver toxicity. The foods that deliver the highest doses of fructose are those which contain highly refined sugars, [like] soda," says Braithwaite. Wondering why booze is such a common culprit in liver ailments? Here's What Happens to Your Liver When You Drink Alcohol.

It's not just the obvious sources of sugar in your diet that could be causing serious damage to your liver.

"Often the more dangerous sources of fructose are those in which the sugar content is less obvious, such as ketchup [and] salad dressings," says Braithwaite.

Get more healthy tips delivered straight to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter!

Those French fries are doing more than just adding a boatload of calories to your dietthey could be harming your liver, too.

"French fries are high in saturated fats. Diets high in saturated fats lead to increased liver fat and insulin resistance," explains physician Leann Poston, MD, of Invigor Medical.

Not all oils are created equal when it comes to your liver health. "Vegetable oil, containing omega-6, becomes oxidized more quickly with cooking and contributes to liver damage by way of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease," explains nurse practitioner Kelly Cole, MS, CRNP-PC, founder of Energy to Thrive Tribe.

However, this doesn't mean you have to resign yourself to a future of oil-free cooking to protect your liver health. "Coconut oil will not cause this damage to the liver," says Cole.

If you're worried about your liver health, you might want to think twice before picking up that deli meat sandwich.

"Deli meat is a hidden source of sodium in the American diet," says certified nutrition counselor John Fawkes, NSCA, CPT. Fawkes explains that excessive sodium intake can cause an imbalance in your body's fluid ratios, which "makes it harder for the liver to carry out efficient filtering," and may cause more severe liver trouble down the line.

Related:7 Dangerous Side Effects of Eating Deli Meats, According to Experts

Unfortunately, the bread you're serving that sandwich meat on may not be much better when it comes to your liver health.

"Refined carbohydrates lack the fiber of their whole-grain cousins. This leads to glucose surges in the blood, then insulin release, followed by deposits of fat on and around the liver," says Fawkes. While you can include whole grain bread in your diet in moderation, you should definitely avoid9 Breads to Always Leave on Grocery Store Shelves.

Go here to read the rest:
Popular Foods That Cause Liver Damage, Experts Say | Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That