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: News Update
Recurrent miscarriage, other ailments may be linked to MTHFR gene mutation
Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR for short) is an enzyme that is responsible for the process of methylation in every cell in your body. Methylation is a core process that occurs in all cells. People with a genetic defect in the MTHFR gene may be at an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, several types of cancer, chemicalContinue reading “Recurrent miscarriage, other ailments may be linked to MTHFR gene mutation”
Is brain health linked to gut bacteria?
There is now strong evidence that links conditions such as autism, ADHD 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 inContinue reading “Is 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?”
Sleeping pills and anti-anxiety drugs linked to Alzheimer’s disease
A study published last week in the British Medical Journal has found that people who take benzodiazepines are at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, a neurodegenerative disorder marked by progressive cognitive impairment and memory loss. People who used benzodiazepines for 3 months or longer had up to a 51% higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s comparedContinue reading “Sleeping pills and anti-anxiety drugs linked to Alzheimer’s disease”
Women on birth control pills have lower measures of ovarian reserve than non-users
A recent study from the Copenhagen University Hospital in Denmark shows that oral contraceptives (“the Pill”) have a suppressive effect on two markers of ovarian reserve, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and antral follicle count (AFC). The AMH test helps to estimate ovarian reserve by measuring the number of follicles developing in the ovary at a particular time. The AFC isContinue reading “Women on birth control pills have lower measures of ovarian reserve than non-users”
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.)”
Five worst ingredients in food
Buying processed food may be more convenient than making wholesome meals from scratch, but are you aware of the hidden ingredients lurking in foods that may wreak havoc on your health? There are literally thousands of food additives out there, and a lot of them are at the root of many health problems. Here areContinue reading “Five worst ingredients in food”
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?”
Happy new year? Understanding depression and what you can do about it
The promise of a new year brings optimism and hope to many, but throws others into abject misery. Whether or not you’re aware, someone you know is suffering from depression. Depression is a common but serious illness. People with depression (also known as clinical depression, major depression or major depressive disorder) find that their state interferes with daily life. DepressedContinue reading “Happy new year? Understanding depression and what you can do about it”
Dr. Ardyce Yik ND 