Hidden health risk of junk food snacks

Hong Kong’s Consumer Council revealed yesterday that eating too many chips and French fries may carry hidden health risks. 

The watchdog’s study tested 39 samples of pre-packaged and freshly fried potato snacks from restaurants and found that 30% of the
39 samples contained levels of a cancer-causing agent called acrylamide which exceeded EU standards. Out of 77 samples of crispy snacks that were also tested in Hong Kong, 70 were found to contain acrylamide.
Among the brands tested, Japanese brand Topvalu’s Best Price Potato Chips Salt Flavour was found to have 2,614 micrograms of acrylamide per kg. This is nearly 3.5 times the EU standard of 750mcg/kg.

French fries from fast-food chain Five Guys, waffle fries from Ikea and Spaghetti House’s hash browns were among those found to have exceedingly high levels of acrylamide. In a response to the council, Five Guys said it would reduce acrylamide in its products by monitoring the quality of potatoes and create guidelines for changing cooking oils.

Currently, Hong Kong has no safety standards regarding the level of acrylamide in food. In the EU, food business operators are required to limit the amount of the substance during production.

So, what about the healthier chip alternatives? Commercially sold prawn, corn and quinoa chips typically contain less acrylamide and fat, but they are high in sodium. 

Try some healthier snacks below.

HEALTHY SNACK ALTERNATIVES

  1. Do you like crispy or crunchy foods? Try making sweet potato/ yam or lotus root chips. Slice the raw vegetable, soak the slices in water for 15 to 30 minutes before baking or air-frying them until crisp. Soaking them first in water can reduce acrylamide formation while cooking.
  2. Enjoy a handful of nuts. Researchers at the Imperial College of London and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology found that people who eat 20g (around a handful) of nuts on a daily basis have a lower risk of heart disease and cancer, as well as respiratory conditions, diabetes and infections. Click here to read more about the benefits of nuts.
  3. fruits-82524_1920Fruits are a healthy, refreshing snack. Berries, papaya, avocado, pomegranate and seasonal fruits are great choices. Apple slices with nut butter are also healthy and satisfying.
  4. Chia seed pudding made with almond milk and topped with berries and pumpkin seeds makes a nutritious and delicious snack.
  5. Try baby carrots or celery sticks with hummus or tahini.

 

COVID-19: How to care for dry hands

Frequent handwashing and alcohol-based hand sanitizer gels can often lead to dry, cracked skin. When we wash our hands, the suds created by soap remove not only dirt and germs but also the natural, protective oils from our skin. This leads to dryness, flaking, irritation and in severe cases, cracks in the skin which can increase your risk of contracting infections.

How to care for dry hands:

  1. Use lukewarm (not hot) water to wash your hands.
  2. After washing your hands, gently pat your hands dry instead of rubbing them.
  3. Remember to moisturize your hands with hand creams or ointments after washing your hands. These are more nourishing than lotions.
  4. Choose hands soaps that contain natural plant oils like coconut oil, jojoba, shea butter and/ or glycerin- without the added fragrances, synthetic colours or sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS).
  5. Hand sanitizers with a moisturizing base are less harsh on the skin, but know that they will not be as effective in killing germs.
  6. Apply thick “recovery” hand creams or balms before going to bed. Cover your
    hands with gloves overnight for better absorption while you sleep.

 

Tackling high blood pressure and high LDL (bad) cholesterol

High blood pressure (also referred to as HBP or hypertension) is a condition in which your blood pressure, the force of blood flowing through your blood vessels, is consistently too high. Under the new guidelines in 2017 from the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology, anyone with a blood pressure of 130/80 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or higher meets the criteria of stage 1 hypertension. If left undetected or uncontrolled, high blood pressure can lead to heart attack, stroke, heart failure, kidney disease, vision loss and sexual dysfunction.

 

LDL (low-density lipoprotein) is sometimes called the “bad” cholesterol because high LDL levels lead to a buildup of plaque in your arteries (also known as atherosclerosis), which increases your risk of stroke and heart attack.

To tackle high blood pressure and high LDL cholesterol levels, doctors typically encourage lifestyle modifications first before trying pharmaceutical medications. Always work with your doctor to develop a plan that works best for you and your health. Here are a few easy lifestyle changes to combat high blood pressure and high LDL cholesterol:

  1. weight3LOSE WEIGHT. If you are overweight or obese, losing weight can help to lower blood pressure. For every 20 pounds you lose, you can drop 5-20 points in systolic pressure (first/ top number of the blood pressure reading). Have difficulty losing weight? Click here to learn the top 5 reasons why you can’t lose weight.
  2. ARE YOUR GENES TO BLAME? An MTHFR gene mutation or variation may change the way you metabolise and convert nutrients from your diet into active vitamins, minerals and proteins. An MTHFR mutation or variation can cause elevated homocysteine in the blood, which is linked to increased LDL cholesterol and atherosclerosis. Dr. Yik offers MTHFR gene testing in her practice. Click here to read more about MTHFR.
  3. REDUCE SODIUM INTAKE. Cut back on the salt. Check the food labels. The ideal amount of sodium intake per day, particularly if you have high blood pressure, is no more than 1,500 mg per day for adults, according to the American Heart Association. Even cutting back by 1,000 mg a day can improve blood pressure and heart health. Beware of what the American Heart Association has dubbed the “salty six,” foods where high amounts of sodium may be lurking: breads and rolls, pizza, soup, sandwiches, poultry and cold cuts/ cured meats.
  4. EXERCISE. Cardiovascular/ aerobic exercise can help lower your blood pressure and make your heart stronger. Examples include brisk walking, jogging, jumping rope, cycling (stationary or outdoor), swimming, cross-country skiing, skating and rowing. Aim for at least 30 minutes 5 times a week.
  5. LIMIT ALCOHOL INTAKE AND STOP SMOKING. A 2018 study published in the prestigious journal Lancet looked at how much alcohol is too much. Click here to read more about the study’s findings.
  6. doctor2REDUCE (negative) STRESS. Meditate. Journal. Do deep breathing exercises. Listen to calming, soothing music. Spend time in nature. In 2018, “nature prescriptions” such as nature walks started being prescribed by doctors to patients in Scotland’s Shetland Islands as part of treatments for chronic illnesses. According to the National Health Service Shetland, these “nature prescriptions” help treat a range of afflictions, including high blood pressure, anxiety and depression. Calming nature sounds and even outdoor silence can lower blood pressure as well as levels of the stress hormone cortisol, calming the body’s fight-or-flight response. The visual aspects of nature can also have a soothing effect, according to Dr. Jason Strauss, director of geriatric psychiatry at Harvard-affiliated Cambridge Health Alliance. “Having something pleasant to focus on like trees and greenery helps distract your mind from negative thinking, so your thoughts become less filled with worry.” Click here to learn more about how nature can help.

If you are currently on pharmaceutical medication for high blood pressure and/ or high cholesterol, don’t suddenly stop taking the drugs. Discuss lifestyle changes with your doctor and work together. This can ultimately lead to lower drug dosages and/ or fewer pharmaceutical interventions.

SOURCES:

https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/the-facts-about-high-blood-pressure

Abdominal pain and diarrhea? Bloated or excessive burping? You may have SIBO.

What is SIBO?sad

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is a condition affecting the small intestine. SIBO is caused when bacteria that normally grow in other parts of the gut start growing in the small intestine. It typically causes pain and diarrhea. Experts estimate that up to 80% of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) sufferers may actually have SIBO. Some people with inflammatory bowel disease may also have SIBO. Here are some common symptoms of SIBO:

  • Bloating
  • Cramping and pain
  • Cramps after eating, indigestion
  • Diarrhea
  • Alternating diarrhea and constipation
  • Food sensitivities
  • Regular feeling of fullness
  • Nutrient deficiencies
  • Consuming grains, fibre, starches, legumes may make symptoms worse

Instead of allowing the villi and microvilli to absorb nutrients from the food in the small intestine, the bacteria digest it instead, causing it to ferment. Not only that, but SIBO can also lead to damage to the villi and microvilli. This can lead to malabsorption of a variety of nutrients, especially B12, folic acid, magnesium, iron and calcium. 

These gases cause a variety of symptoms such as bloating, wind, cramping, diarrhea, burping and constipation. Foods containing fermentable fibre, starch, lactose and fructose can make SIBO symptoms worse, as do gluten, grains, starches like potatoes, legumes and pulses, fruits and some vegetables. 

It is difficult to treat other digestive problems if SIBO is present, and the longer it remains in the small intestine, the more damage it can cause.
What causes SIBO?
SIBO may be caused or exacerbated by the following conditions:
  • Food poisoning
  • Gastroenteritis
  • Antibiotic use
  • Acid blockers
  • Fungus overgrowth
  • Surgical intervention and operations to the abdomen (e.g. appendectomy)
  • A dysfunctional ileocecal valve
  • Oral contraceptive (birth control) pill
  • Overconsumption of simple carbohydrates
  • Stress causing changes to the acidity levels in the stomach and motility of the small intestines
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Diabetes
  • Initial colonization of bad bacteria due to Caesarian birth and/or lack of breast feeding
How do I test for SIBO?
A breath test is a common test for diagnosing SIBO. The test detects methane and/or hydrogen gas, which are byproducts of the bacteria’s digestion only produced by the bacteria and not our bodies. Dr. Yik at IMI clinic offers SIBO testing. 

COVID-19: practical ways to cope with stress and anxiety

img_1188.jpgHong Kong endured nearly 8 months of social unrest before COVID-19 hit the city in January 2020. Citizens were already facing a major mental health burden, with the medical journal The Lancet reporting that almost 2 million people in Hong Kong- about 1 in 3 adults in the city- experienced symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) one time or another during that period. The current global pandemic only adds more worries and anxiety as people are thrusted into a “new normal”. Social distancing, economic or financial uncertainty, school closures, home learning, information overload- not to mention you, loved ones or friends getting sick or succumbing to COVID-19… The impact of this coronavirus outbreak can be overwhelming.

The following self-care strategies can help you cope.

  1. Take care of your physical health. 
    1. Get enough sleep. Go to bed and get up at the same time each day. Try to stick to your typical daily schedule as much as possible. 
    2. Consume a healthful diet. salmon-fish-grilled-fish-grill-730914.jpegEat more colourful vegetables and fruits such as dark greens, carrots, and berries, which contain a lot of nutrients and antioxidants. Click here to find the top healthful foods. Ensure adequate protein intake. Consume more good fats. Avoid sugary foods/ drinks and processed foods.
    3. Avoid excessive refined sugar and junk food. Limit caffeine intake as it can aggravate stress and anxiety. Click here to learn how to avoid overeating if you are staying home during the COVID-19 pandemic.
    4. Keep active. Daily physical activity and exercise can help reduce anxiety and improve mood. Even 30 minutes a day can help keep you fit and lift your mood.
    5. Avoid alcohol, drugs and smoking. If you smoke tobacco or if you vape, you are already at a higher risk of lung disease. COVID-19 affects the lungs, so your risk increases even more. Drinking alcohol reduces your coping skills and can make matters worse, not to mention it can increase your risk for pneumonia. Read more here.
  2. Avoid constant exposure to media. Constant news about COVID-19 from all types of media can fuel anxiety and fear. Get your news from a reliable source and limit your news reading or watching to once or twice a day.
  3. Focus on positive thoughts. Start each day by listing 3 or more things you are thankful for. Some people find it helpful to draw on their faith or religion to maintain a sense of hope and purpose during difficult times.
  4. Recharge by setting aside time for yourself. Some people benefit from practices such as journalling, deep breathing or meditation. Listening to nature sounds or relaxing music, reading a book or doing something you enjoy can help you relax.
  5. Build support and strengthen relationships. Stay connected with others by email, text messages, FaceTime or phone. Check in on your family members, friends and neighbours. If you can, help those who are in need. Find purpose in helping others.
  6. Get help when you need it. If you notice persistent feelings of helplessness, sadness, fear, anger or anxiety OR if you are struggling to do routine chores, having trouble concentrating or experiencing body aches/ pains/ insomnia, it is time to ask for help.

Everyone reacts differently to challenging situations, and it’s normal to feel worried, lonely or stressed. But if you feel persistently overwhelmed, reach out to someone and seek professional help.

 

SOURCES: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(19)33160-5/fulltext

How to delay memory loss and cognitive aging

Everyone ages, but have you noticed that no two people age in the same way? Some people experience dramatic memory loss as they grow older, while others remain cognitively fit. Some experts say that diet is key, while others emphasise exercise and keeping active. Both factors have an impact on how your brain will age, but you may ask, which is more important to keep your brain healthy? Well, it turns out it depends on your genetic makeup.

Researchers from Kings College, London in the United Kingdom recently found that changes in lifestyle such as diet and exercise can “delay a decline in memory and thinking but that the effectiveness of these approaches will depend on the genetic makeup of each person.” In a study they published earlier this month, people with a particular genetic variant of GRB10 were found to benefit from consuming a Mediterranean diet, while those with variations in gene SIRT1 benefited more from physical exercise.

You may talk to your doctor about getting your DNA tested to know which- diet or exercise- will have more impact on your aging process. But regardless, here are some ways to help keep your brain healthy:

  1. Consume a Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, olives/ olive oil and fish such as sardines, salmon and mackerel, and nuts (almonds, walnuts, cashews, pistachios, Brazil nuts, macadamia nuts, etc. Click here to read more about the benefits of nuts.).
  2. Exercise regularly. According to Heidi Godman, Executive Editor of Harvard Health Letter, “exercise changes the brain in ways that protect memory and thinking skills.” According to a study done at the University of British Columbia, regular aerobic exercise appears to boost the size of the hippocampus, the brain area involved in verbal memory and learning. Interestingly, resistance training, balance and muscle toning exercises did not yield the same results. “… Engaging in a program of regular exercise of moderate intensity over six months or a year is associated with an increase in the volume of selected brain regions,” says Dr. Scott McGinnis, a neurologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and an instructor in neurology at Harvard Medical School. Regular exercise can reduce insulin resistance as well as inflammation, both of which have been linked to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Staying active also improves mood and sleep while reducing stress and anxiety. Problems in these areas commonly cause or contribute to cognitive impairment.
  3. If you are experiencing memory loss, mental decline or cognitive impairment, find a healthcare practitioner who will work with you in addressing your concerns. According to Dr. Dale Bredesen, professor of neurology at University of California, Los Angeles, Alzheimer’s disease is a result of what happens when the brain tries to protect itself from inflammation (from infection, diet, stress, etc), a shortage or decline of supportive nutrients and hormones and/ or toxic substances such as metals or moulds.
    He suggests testing for insulin resistance, certain nutrient deficiencies, inflammation, heavy metal toxicity, food sensitivities/ intolerances and genetic status particularly for APO E4 (*see below), all of which are risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Bredesen believes that by correcting and rebalancing these factors, the cognitive decline of early Alzheimer’s can be prevented and even reversed in some cases. Dr. Ardyce Yik offers such testing in her clinic.
  4. Get enough sleep! Sleep plays a vital role in brain function and helps you consolidate your memories. Aim to get at least 7 hours of sleep each night. If you have trouble falling asleep or wake up in the middle of the night, seek a healthcare practitioner who will address the cause and not just give you a quick fix. Sleeping pills can compromise cognitive function. Click here to read more on how to get a good night’s rest.

*Genetics may affect your risk for Alzheimer’s disease but it doesn’t mean you will necessarily have the condition. Increasing evidence is showing that environmental and lifestyle factors (i.e. epigenetic changes) can affect whether that gene is turned “on” or “off”. You are in control of your own fate much more than you realize.

SOURCES:

https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-020-0844-1

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/regular-exercise-changes-brain-improve-memory-thinking-skills-201404097110

https://academic.oup.com/psychsocgerontology/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/geronb/gby112/5133324?redirectedFrom=fulltext

Bredesen, D. (2017) The End of Alzheimer’s: The First Programme to Prevent and Reverse the Cognitive Decline of Dementia. UK: Penguin Random House.

 

2020’s “Dirty Dozen”: What are the most pesticide-laden foods?

strawberry-1180048_1920The 2020 Dirty Dozen™ List is out! Here is the list of foods that contain the most pesticide residues:

  1. Strawberries
  2. Spinach
  3. Kale
  4. Nectarines
  5. Apples
  6. Grapes
  7. Peaches
  8. Cherries
  9. Pears
  10. Tomatoes
  11. Celery
  12. Potatoes

The list is released each year by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a nonprofit consumer advocacy organization which uses more than 40,000 produce samples tested by the Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

WHAT’S SO BAD ABOUT PESTICIDES?

Childhood cancer, brain disorders such as ADHD/ autism/ dyslexia and infertility have all been linked to pesticide exposure. The pesticide industry and chemical agriculture insist that pesticides on produce are nothing to worry about, but doctors and scientists strongly disagree.

Dr. Philippe Grandjean, adjunct professor of environmental health at Harvard and lead author of a 2014 study linking synthetic chemicals to brain disorders, is concerned because even ordinary (undiagnosed) children are often affected. In the study, he found that certain types of pesticides may cause cognitive delays. “The greatest concern is the large numbers of children who are affected by toxic damage to brain development in the absence of a formal diagnosis… They suffer reduced attention span, delayed development, and poor school performance. Industrial chemicals are now emerging as likely causes.”

“Even low levels of pesticide exposure can be harmful to infants, babies and young children, so when possible, parents and caregivers should take steps to lower children’s exposures to pesticides while still feeding them diets rich in healthy fruits and vegetables,” said Dr. Philip Landrigan of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine.

SOURCE: https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/dirty-dozen.php, https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2014/02/toxic-chemicals-linked-to-brain-disorders-in-children/

Coronavirus COVID-19: Scottish government advises people to take vitamin D

As part of the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic guidance, the Scottish government has recommended that people start getting a daily dose of vitamin D. The government statement published last week says: “Since it’s difficult for people to get enough vitamin D from food alone, everyone (including children and pregnant and breastfeeding women) should consider taking a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D. This advice is especially important for people who are indoors all of the time.”

Our body creates vitamin D from direct sunlight on our skin when we’re outdoors. For those who are able to go outside, or crack open a window to sunbathe, up to 15 minutes of sun exposure per day is recommended, but sun exposure only counts when you don’t use sunscreen.

An Irish study found that vitamin D helps prevent respiratory illness and enhances the immune system. Conducted by Trinity College Dublin, the findings suggest that vitamin D can help prevent the disease from reaching a critical stage. Professor Rose Anne Kenny, concluded, “We have evidence to support a role for vitamin D in the prevention of chest infections, particularly in older adults who have low levels. In one study, vitamin D reduced the risk of chest infections to half in people who took supplements… Though we do not know specifically of the role of vitamin D in COVID-19 infections, given its wider implications for improving immune responses and clear evidence for bone and muscle health, those cocooning and other at-risk cohorts should ensure they have an adequate intake of vitamin D.”

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Another study found that among 800 military men in Finland, those with lower vitamin D levels took significantly more days from active duty to recover from upper respiratory infections than recruits with higher vitamin D levels (above 40nmol). In Japan, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial compared vitamin D3 supplements (1200 IU/day) with placebo in school-aged children. Researchers found that the children receiving the sunshine vitamin had a 42% reduction in getting influenza A compared to those not receiving it. The study also found that the group not getting the vitamin D had six times more asthma attacks.

Vitamin D is a crucial vitamin that ensures your immune system is functioning well. Those living in the northern hemisphere, such as in Scotland, can follow the government’s guidelines of taking 10 micrograms (or 400IU) of vitamin D every day. In Dr. Yik’s practice, she finds that many adults and children in Hong Kong are deficient in vitamin D, regardless of how much sunshine they get. She advises getting your vitamin D level checked before taking a daily supplement, so you can supplement at the correct dosage. Too much vitamin D puts you at a higher risk for kidney stones.

Click here to read more practical tips to protect your health.

SOURCES: https://www.edinburghlive.co.uk/news/edinburgh-news/take-vitamin-d-says-government-18072572, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3166406/, https://www.gov.scot/publications/vitamin-d-advice-for-all-age-groups/

Staying home during COVID-19 pandemic: how to avoid overeating

Are you among the millions staying at home during this pandemic? You may have seen the “COVID-19” memes about gaining 19 pounds during self-isolation at home. It’s easy for some people to overeat on a normal day, not to mention now, as we face unprecedented and unpredictable times. Have you been craving high-calorie and high-sugar foods lately? When faced with crisis, we tend to reach for these foods as they provide short-term bursts of energy. Elevated cortisol levels triggered by stress can also increase appetite, while sugary foods generate dopamine, the neurotransmitter associated with motivation and reward. Boredom and anxiety may also lead people to emotional overeating. While “comfort eating” can feel good in the short term and provide initial comfort, this feeling doesn’t last and it is often followed by guilt (and weight gain), which in turn increases distress.

If you find that you’re reaching for (unhealthy) snacks more often than not, here are some coping strategies that can help in the long-run:

  1. Plan your meals and meal portions ahead of time. Meals should be balanced and healthful, with plenty of vegetables, adequate protein and good fats. Plan your portions, i.e. how much you will eat, before you start eating.
  2. Instead of buying an extra bag of potato chips or a box of chocolates, opt for healthier snacks like mixed nuts, kale chips or Greek yogurt with berries. Don’t buy or keep unhealthy snacks at home. When unhealthy snacks are “out of sight”, they will be “out of mind” as well.
  3. Eat around the same time every day and recognise when you are hungry. If you wait too long before the next meal, you may feel so hungry that you eat too quickly or too much.
  4. Eat slower. “Stretch receptors in the stomach are activated as it fills with food or water; these signal the brain directly through the vagus nerve that connects gut and brainstem. Hormonal signals are released as partially digested food enters the small intestine,” explains Ann MacDonald, a contributor to Harvard Health.  This process of sending signals from your gut to your brain can take anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes, so it’s important to take your time to eat. Chew your food thoroughly and enjoy your meal.
  5. Before you reach for another snack, ask yourself if you’re really hungry. If you’re not hungry, think about how you’ll feel after you eat too much. Or, another tactic is to think about how you’ll feel if you don’t eat that food i.e. you will feel happy and proud that you didn’t indulge unnecessarily.
  6. fat tummyWhen you’re not hungry but find yourself grabbing food, ask yourself why. Are you bored? Are you stressed? Are there other ways to manage how you’re feeling, like connecting with a friend? Journalling? Uploading a funny video to TikTok? Exercising?
  7. Stay active! Exercise stimulates the release of endorphins, dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. These brain chemicals play an important part in regulating your mood and keeping you happy. If you are stuck indoors, there are plenty of online videos you can watch and follow to get your body moving. 

Click here to read more about Dr. Yik’s “Be Your Best” weight loss program. Remember to practice physical distancing, wash your hands often and do your part in this outbreak crisis. Together, we can get through these turbulent times.

SOURCE: http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/why-eating-slowly-may-help-you-feel-full-faster-20101019605

Coronavirus COVID-19: virus can survive on surfaces for up to 17 days and ‘digestive symptoms are common’

The coronavirus survived for up to 17 days aboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship, living much longer on surfaces than previous research has shown, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States. Traces of the coronavirus were found on surfaces in cruise-ship cabins for as many as 17 days after passengers left, researchers noted, but they were not able to determine whether the virus caused any infections. The study looked at the Japanese and U.S. government efforts to contain the COVID-19 outbreaks on the Carnival-owned Diamond Princess ship in Japan and the Grand Princess ship in California.

It was previously reported that the virus can last up to three days on plastic and stainless steel. That study also found that the amount of the virus left on those surfaces decreased over time.

On a separate note, a new study which analysed 204 people who received medical care for COVID-19 in January and February of 2020 has found that 48.5% of the patients experienced digestive symptoms. 7 of the 204 patients with COVID-19 had no respiratory symptoms at all but presented with digestive ailments. The researchers of the study, published in The American Journal of Gastroenterology, found that the main digestive complaints were a lack of appetite, in 83 individuals, and diarrhea, in 29.

Other symptoms included vomiting, in 8 individuals, and abdominal pain, in 4 people. Those without any digestive symptoms appeared more likely to recover from COVID-19 and be discharged from the hospital sooner than those with digestive symptoms.

Given these findings, the authors advise that suspicion levels should be raised for “at-risk patients presenting with digestive symptoms, rather than waiting for respiratory symptoms to emerge.”

The study authors also note that 7 of the 204 patients with COVID-19 had no respiratory symptoms but did experience digestive symptoms.

Click here to read more on what you can do to protect your health.

 

SOURCES: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6912e3.htm?s_cid=mm6912e3_w

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-03-23/coronavirus-traces-lingered-in-vacated-cruise-cabins-for-17-days

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/covid-19-digestive-symptoms-are-common#Digestive-symptoms-in-48.5%-of-patients