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Intermittent fasting (IF) is an eating pattern that cycles between periods of fasting and eating. There are many different IF regimens, but they all involve restricting calorie intake for a certain number of hours each day or week. IF has been shown to have a number of health benefits, including weight loss, improved blood sugar control, and reduced risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease. How Does IF Work? When you fast, your body goes into a state of ketosis. Ketosis is a metabolic state in which your body burns fat for energy instead of glucose. This can lead to weight loss and other health benefits. IF also appears to have beneficial effects on insulin sensitivity and inflammation. Insulin is a hormone that helps your body use glucose for energy. When you are insulin resistant, your body does not respond normally to insulin, which can lead to high blood sugar levels. Inflammation is a natural immune response, but chronic inflammation can...

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, representing 24 and 13 percent of all deaths, respectively. Aspirin produces significant reductions in CVD morbidity and mortality among survivors of a wide range of occlusive CVD events, including subsequent coronary heart disease, especially myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke.  In secondary prevention, the absolute benefits of occlusive events are far greater than the absolute risks of major bleeding. In primary prevention, however, among apparently healthy people, the benefit-to-harm ratio is less clear.  Although the benefits of Aspirin on CVD have been known for decades, more recent evidence from randomized trials has suggested a benefit on colorectal cancer. These findings may impact the threshold for the prescription of aspirin by health care professionals and the wishes of healthy people considering aspirin use. Possible Benefit's All-cause mortality or cardiovascul...

A measles outbreak is currently underway in the Middle East. As of March 8, 2023, there have been over 10,000 cases reported in the region, with the majority of cases in Yemen, Iraq, and Syria. The outbreak is being driven by low vaccination rates, conflict, and displacement. Measles is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can cause serious complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis, and death. The measles vaccine is safe and effective, and it is the best way to protect children from this disease. If you are traveling to the Middle East, it is important to make sure that you are up-to-date on your measles vaccination. You can also help to protect yourself and others by washing your hands frequently and avoiding close contact with people who are sick. Here is some additional information about the measles outbreak in the Middle East: The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the outbreak a "public health emergency of international concern." The Unit...

Fatigue is a common, nonspecific symptom that can be caused by a variety of factors, including medical conditions, lifestyle choices, and psychological factors. It is important to evaluate the patient carefully to determine the underlying cause of the fatigue and to develop an appropriate treatment plan. Definition The term “fatigue” can be used to describe difficulty or inability to initiate activity (subjective sense of weakness); reduced capacity to maintain activity (easy fatigability); or difficulty with concentration, memory, and emotional stability (mental fatigue). When some patients use the word “fatigue,” careful history reveals that they are referring to sleepiness or an uncontrollable need to sleep. Patients may report one or a combination of these symptoms, and they may occur alone or in conjunction with localized complaints.  Acute fatigue is defined as lasting one month or less, subacute fatigue as lasting between one and six months, and chronic fatigue as lasting ov...

The Mediterranean diet is a healthy eating pattern that has been associated with a number of health benefits, including a reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer. It is also a good way to maintain a healthy weight and improve overall health and well-being. The Mediterranean diet is based on the traditional eating patterns of people living in countries around the Mediterranean Sea. It is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, and seeds, and it includes moderate amounts of fish, poultry, and dairy products. It limits red meat and processed foods. The key features of the Mediterranean diet: Abundant fruits and vegetables: The Mediterranean diet emphasizes eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, which are low in calories and high in nutrients. Fruits and vegetables provide vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants that are important for good health. Whole grains: The Mediterranean diet includes whole grains, such as whole-...

Intestinal malabsorption refers to the impaired absorption of nutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals, in the small intestine. This condition can result from a wide range of etiologies, including structural abnormalities, functional disorders, and enzyme deficiencies. Patients with intestinal malabsorption may present with various symptoms related to nutritional deficiencies. Causes of Intestinal Malabsorption: Structural Abnormalities: Structural abnormalities, such as Crohn's disease (chronic inflammatory bowel disease), Celiac disease (Autoimmune disorder that damages the small intestine), Intestinal obstruction, and surgical resections, can disrupt the normal absorption of nutrients in the small intestine. Functional Disorders: Functional disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), can interfere with the absorption process. Enzyme Deficiencies: Deficiencies of digestive enzymes, such as l...