This season, the flu virus strain H3N2 is getting lots of media attention. Just like other H3N2-dominant seasons in the past, there are more hospitalizations and deaths, especially among the elderly, the very young and those who are immunocompromised. A mismatch of the vaccine this season means that those who were vaccinated are not getting the protection they hopedContinue reading “How to boost your immune system to avoid the flu”
Category Archives: Immunity
Autism, depression, brain health- linked to gut bacteria
There is now strong evidence that links conditions such as autism and depression to the the gut microbiome, i.e. the microorganisms that live in the gut. Recently, neuroscientists presented evidence for this link in a symposium at the Society for Neuroscience meeting in Washington DC called “Gut Microbes and the Brain: Paradigm Shift in Neuroscience”. Earlier this year, Dr.Continue reading “Autism, depression, brain health- linked to gut bacteria”
Cough medicines- a waste of money. Now what?
UK’s Royal College of General Practitioners’ vice chair, Dr. Tim Ballard, has warned that cough medicines are a waste of money. “The medical evidence behind cough medicines is weak,” he stated. “And there is no evidence to say that they will reduce the duration of illnesses – as such, GPs are unlikely to prescribe them.”Continue reading “Cough medicines- a waste of money. Now what?”
Harvard: environmental chemicals linked to brain disorders (ADHD, autism, dyslexia, etc.)
The recent increase in childhood neurodevelopmental delays and disabilities may be triggered by toxic chemicals in our environment, according to a new study released by Harvard School of Public Health and Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. The study, released a few weeks ago online in Lancet Neurology, indicates that children’s exposure to certain chemicals, includingContinue reading “Harvard: environmental chemicals linked to brain disorders (ADHD, autism, dyslexia, etc.)”
Autism (and other health conditions) linked to the gut?
New research published in December 2013’s Cell has revealed a possible link between the symptoms of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and the gut. Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition often marked by decreased social interaction or impaired social skills. Researchers have found that changes in gut bacteria affected autism-like behaviour in mice. Many of the behavioural abnormalities, including anxiety-likeContinue reading “Autism (and other health conditions) linked to the gut?”
Bad breath? Bloated? Gassy? Time to heal your gut.
Many people take breath mints regularly in hopes to cover foul breath. Others experience bloating and discomfort after meals, but never wonder why their body is sending them this message. Loose or unformed stool (diarrhea) alternating with periods of constipation is rather common for busy people living in Hong Kong and other metropolitan cities. IfContinue reading “Bad breath? Bloated? Gassy? Time to heal your gut.”
Link between H1N1 vaccine and narcolepsy in children
Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder that causes excessive sleepiness and frequent daytime sleep attacks. In 2009, the H1N1 swine flu triggered the development of new vaccines, which were speedily introduced and given to many at the height of the pandemic. In 2010, researchers from Sweden and Finland reported a link between narcolepsy and a H1N1Continue reading “Link between H1N1 vaccine and narcolepsy in children”
Fevers: when (and when not) to be alarmed
When your child’s temperature rises, your stress levels may rise as well. A fever is not an illness, but rather a signal from the body that something is not right. Experts say that in healthy kids, fevers usually don’t indicate anything serious. In fact, a fever is a good thing in a way- This spike inContinue reading “Fevers: when (and when not) to be alarmed”
Rebuild your immunity- naturally
Getting sick again and again? Had one too many cold sores lately? Frustrated that your child is catching every bug at school? Here are some ways to strengthen and rebuild your immune system: 1) First things first. Make sure you are getting adequate rest and adequate nutrients. Eat balanced meals with a variety of foods includingContinue reading “Rebuild your immunity- naturally”
Dr. Ardyce Yik ND 