Health
Best Health Products 2023: 50 Items That Will Make Your Life So Much Better
Published
2 years agoon
By
Terry Power
Each person has hopes and dreams they want to fulfill. Healthy living and a well-balanced lifestyle are two essentials that will help you get your desired results. With the best health products listed below, you will be well on your way to becoming the best version of yourself.
1. Supplements For Improved Blood Flow And Liver Health
For individuals who don’t have a balanced diet, taking supplements is essential for maintaining good health. These supplements from 120/Life support healthy blood pressure and improve blood flow while supporting liver health. They are rich in antioxidants, which help promote muscle recovery, especially for those who work out regularly.
2. Locally Sourced CBD Honey And Cinnamon Tincture
This Sweet ‘n’ Spicy Bundle from 4 Corners Cannabis includes two must-try CBD products: CBD Honey and Cinnamon CBD Tincture. The Oral Tincture helps alleviate chronic symptoms and reduce stress. It also uses a glycerin base to make the product safe for those with coconut or avocado allergies. Meanwhile, CBD Honey’s antifungal and antioxidant features help heal wounds, alleviate digestive issues and soothe sore throats.
Get the Honey Cinnamon Bundle.
3. Makeup Set For Busy Bees
Looking pretty on the go is possible with this makeup set that includes all the essentials. The bundle has an award-winning Multi-Tasker 4-in-1 makeup brush, which you can use with Alleyoop’s bestselling Pen Pal 4-in-1 touchup pen. The 11th Hour cream eyeshadow and a liner stick will help you touch up at the airport or other places while traveling.
4. Prenatal Supplements For Men’s Wellness
This prenatal multivitamin supplement for men includes all the right nutrients to help reproductive and sperm health. Beli’s formulated supplements protect sperm as they grow to improve their quality and help with egg penetration. More than that, Beli’s supplements also provide additional benefits, such as more energy and better overall wellness.
5. A Heart-Healthy Source Of Fiber
Fiber is one of the pillars of health. This source of fiber helps you regulate your poop schedule and relieve that feeling of bloating that comes with an irregular bowel movement. Regularly taking the supplement from Bellway 1-3 times a day also helps with heart health. This product can be taken even if you’re on other medication, as long as you take it at least 2 hours before or after your other medicines to avoid interfering with absorption.
6. This Bidet With Built-in UV Sterilization
Bidets help save on toilet paper use, but with the wrong product, you may be dealing with a toilet attachment that accumulates germs. Bio Bidet’s toilet attachment understands that the bathroom is one of the dirtiest places in the house, which is why its bidet self-cleans through a built-in UV sterilizer. You can rest assured that the nozzle gets cleaned after every use.
7. This At-Home Dental Impression Kit
Before your dentist can recommend aligners for your teeth, you need to get a dental impression. With Byte, this step, often done in the clinic, can now be done in the comfort of your home. This impression kit kicks off your journey to better teeth without booking another visit. After sending your dental impression to your dentist, you can get your aligners in 5-7 weeks.
8. This Science-Backed Routine For Better Skin
Sometimes, using skincare products can feel like trial and error. You don’t need to go through all the trouble if you can find a routine that is backed by science. Caldera + Lab’s The Regimen is a routine you can follow twice a day to see results within 60 days. Backed by clinical trials, it’s a simple yet effective system that can balance oils and nourish dry skin.
9. Non-GMO Cookies You Can Enjoy Guilt Free
Let’s admit it. Some of the most delicious products are also the most unhealthy. This sets you up to fail on your road to healthy living because it means limiting your options. Not anymore, thanks to Eat Me Guilt Free’s cookies, which have the highest protein-to-carb ratio compared to other brands available on the market. This means you get to eat something delicious – and healthy too.
Order your protein brownies today.
10. This Vanilla-Flavored Mood Regulating Drops
Daily living comes with exposure to a lot of stressors. EQ’s products offer a way to regulate your mood in response to such stressors, including limited-edition Birthday Cake Daily Drops that provide that decadent flavor of the beloved vanilla birthday cake with creamy buttercream. One drop before bed can increase relaxation. Taking one during the day can also manage discomfort and improve concentration.
Get the Birthday Cake Daily Drops here.
11. These 15-Minute Dinner Kits
Beginners in the kitchen will feel daunted when faced with a complicated recipe that takes hours to prepare. Gobble’s meal delivery kit lets you pick your meals from its diverse menu that changes quickly – all of which can be cooked in 15 minutes. Everything is pre-portioned and measured, so all you have to do is the actual cooking process – and spend more time eating.
12. The Best Low Maintenance Skincare For Men
Men need to care for their skin too. With this low-maintenance skincare routine from Lumin, you can reduce signs of aging in three easy steps. Prevent breakouts, fade acne scars, clean, hydrate, exfoliate and even out your skin tone using an expertly curated system that is easy to commit to.
Get the Classic Maintenance Set.
13. Nutrition And Exercise Lessons At Your Speed
Noom’s personalized lessons can be scheduled according to how much time you are willing to devote to your health. It offers daily lessons that help you gain practical knowledge. It also provides one-on-one coaching and support groups to help you gain confidence. With these self-paced lessons, you feel more empowered to reach your goals because no peer pressure is involved.
14. The Perfect Wellness Routine In A Small Capsule
Rae Wellness’ Skin Essentials Set removes the guesswork from your wellness journey. With an ingestible routine that includes pre and probiotics, vegan collagen boost, and daily cleanse capsules, you are helping your body become a well-functioning system. The Skin Essentials Set helps avoid imbalances in any area that sometimes lead to problems elsewhere. Take the supplements daily for better gut health and a natural glow that will make you more confident.
15. Your Hygienic Copper-Infused Sleep Companion
Ever since memory foam got invented, its applications have been endless. For your mattress topper, memory foam ensures better comfort, especially if you get a 100% copper-infused one. This product from Sleepyhead USA offers advanced hygiene and wellness benefits because of its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which help you sleep faster and better. The Copper Topper also has odor-eliminating properties and draws out excess heat to keep you comfortable while sleeping.
Order the Sleepyhead Copper Topper here.
16. Whitening Kit For Sensitive Teeth And Gums
At-home teeth whitening kits have existed for a while, but while many may be effective, some cause pain for those with sensitive teeth and gums. This prompted SmileDirectClub US to offer whitening products for those with tooth sensitivity. With its Sensitivity-Free Whitening Gel, you get a powerful but gentle way to make teeth up to 7 shades lighter in just 1 week.
Get the Ultra-Gentle Sensitivity-Free Teeth Whitening Kit with LED Light.
17. Customizable Meal Plans For Any Diet Restriction
If you’ve tried meal plans before but have found the meal options repetitive, try Splendid Spoon. It has over 65 ready-made meals each week, and on top of that, you can select your plan size and customize your box at any time. You can also point out the ingredients you want to avoid so you don’t have to see them when you receive your meals.
18. Natural Supplements To Sooth Symptoms Of Stress
Mental health, stress and tension are all interconnected. To care for your mental health, you want to make sure your body graciously responds to stressors to live healthier. To this end, Terra Origin’s natural supplements harness the healing and natural stress-reducing properties of herbs and adaptogens in improving your well-being.
19. This Green Formulation That Nourishes The Scalp
Your scalp is also a part of your skin. Your scalp has the highest density of pores. A healthy scalp translates to healthy hair. But what product can benefit the scalp as much as the skin? The Detox Market has this high-performance green formula developed by skincare experts for over 12 years to treat you to your healthiest hair yet.
20. This Product Activates Skin Renewal In 1 Minute
While many products promise to improve skin, some go the longer route. The Outset’s 1-Minute Facial and Eye Set does the opposite by gently resurfacing a younger complexion and activating your skin’s natural cell renewal. With the Micro Polish’s active ingredients, including white tea and caffeine, you get brighter, plumper and younger-looking skin.
21. Easy-To-Use Tools For Weight Management
Summer is just around the corner. Soon, you’ll want to work on your beach body. Even if you are not aiming for a beach body, weight management can help prevent illnesses and improve your energy levels. WeightWatchers’ plan is a science-backed way of reaching your goals through a combination of tracking, meal planning and coaching to build healthy habits – all done through the app.
22. Fruit-Infused Drinks That Unlock Your Best Self
A lot of factors affect your energy levels. When you need to perform at your best every day, Zolt should be part of your daily regimen. These performance-blend mixie sticks come in easy-to-carry packaging; you can take them daily or even on your trips. Choose from options that give you a nightly reboot, everyday equilibrium, or immunity supercharge with a collagen boost.
23. This Bestseller Set For New Wine Lovers
If you want to know more about wine without spending time choosing among thousands of options, The Intro Set from DrinkAvaline.com is the best option. It offers a seven-bottle set composed of 2 reds, 2 rosé wines, 1 white wine, 1 cabernet and 1 sparkling wine – to introduce you to the different tastes, bodies and textures to expect from the world of wine.
24. A Massage Oil That Moisturizes And Absorbs Easily
Good massage hinges on the quality of the massage oil used. This Hemp Seed Edible Massage Oil from Beauty Care Choices is not just absorbed easily by the skin to provide deep moisturization; it is also edible and safe for tasting or licking off skin – perfect for massages in a more intimate setting.
25. Activewear Pieces You Can Mix And Match
Be more motivated to move and get active by choosing activewear that is both functional and beautiful. Ellie’s activewear options can be mixed and matched to help you build your wardrobe or even wear them with items you already own. Ellie’s items can stand the test of yoga poses and power pedaling. They are also comfortable as loungewear.
26. A Time-Release Product To Revive The Eye Area
When it comes to skincare, you will benefit from breakthroughs in science. Decorte Cosmetics, in particular, creates products inspired by 39 years of Liposome research. One of its products is this capsule that time-releases moisture and helps to improve the appearance of fine wrinkles and dullness around the eyes. With its proprietary multilamellar bio-liposomes, it can also make the skin look smoother and firmer.
27. Tried And Tested Skincare For Oft-Neglected Areas
You know the steps to keep your facial skin healthy and younger-looking, but do you include your jaw and neck in your skincare routine? No matter how young your facial skin looks, if your neck shows signs of aging, it will still give away your age. With Dermelect’s tried and tested skincare for the neck area, you can restore, streamline and nourish one of the most delicate areas of your body.
28. Plant-Based Derma-Tested Compostable Diapers
Conscious consumers want the best products while being mindful of their contribution to waste. For mothers, one of the most prolific sources of waste is diapers for the newborn — which is why Ecoriginals’ compostable diapers are a lifesaver. The diapers are made of plant-based materials that provide 12+ leak-free hours. They are also dry to the touch, ensuring the baby’s comfort. The pack also comes with 100% bamboo biodegradable wipes to ensure the baby’s hygiene without impacting the environment.
29. Nutrient Source For You And Your Baby
Nurturing a life requires taking in all the nutrients for you and the life growing inside you. For busy mothers-to-be, this Complete Prenatal Multivitamin with Omega-3 from iwi life provides the nutrients to help babies develop healthily. The supplements include folate and DHA, along with non-constipating iron.
30. This Balm For Younger-Looking Eyes In 4 Weeks
Elemis US’s Ultra Smart Pro-Collagen Eye Treatment Duo provides eye-opening results through the Morning Eye Balm and the Evening Eye Cream. The two products work together to visibly brighten dark circles, reduce puffiness and smoothen deep set lines, resulting in younger-looking eyes in just four weeks. The Eye Balm’s light texture also provides a seal that protects the skin before you layer on makeup.
31. This Pre-Workout Massager To Release Tension
Recovery is one of the most important factors to consider when you work out regularly. You need to give your body enough recovery time to avoid serious injuries. This massager helps in that regard, offering deep tissue massage that relieves muscle soreness while you warm up or post-workout. It helps release tension, improve circulation and break up the scar tissue so that you can work out on schedule.
32. Boxing Gear Even Professionals Trust
Everlast is the world’s leading manufacturer of workout equipment, particularly boxing essentials. It has a plethora of punching bags you can buy and install at home or in your gym. Trusted by professionals in the boxing and MMA industry, its items will make your workouts more effective and safer.
33. This Comfy Shirt Made Of Certified Organic Cotton
Felina Intimates wanted to do one thing and do it well – that resulted in the creation of the perfect T-shirt. Its comfortable crew neck shirt is made of certified organic cotton, making it ultra-soft, lightweight and breathable. Sizes range from XS to XL, ensuring a perfect fit. The T-shirts are also made with vegetable dyes to minimize harm to the environment.
34. This Meal Plan Provider Catering To Various Diets
When it comes to meal plans, you need an option that perfectly suits your dietary preferences. Fresh Meal Plan’s Flexible Plans do just that, fitting in with your lifestyle no matter your situation. You can customize a plan made just for you, keeping in mind your dietary preference. The company caters to traditional, keto, paleo, vegan, lean & mean, dairy-free and gluten-free diets. You also have the option to mix and match.
Order your Fresh Meal Plan now.
35. This Moisture-Wicking Bra With 4-Way Stretch
Your bra should provide support and help you move around freely without worrying about sweat. JunoActive’s moisture-wicking bra evaporates sweat easily, reducing moisture on the skin, which aids in regulating your body temperature even in colder months. This bra does not wrinkle and can be machine or hand washed. Its four-way stretch makes it feel like it’s barely there since it moves around with you as you do your daily activities.
36. This Custom Haircare To Match Your Unique Needs
No two persons are the same. Your needs vary, down to your health and skincare requirements. Everyone deserves haircare that is customized to fit them perfectly. Function of Beauty believes in this principle, so it developed a series of tailor-made products for different hair types, goals, needs and preferences. Its hair quiz helps determine your hair type, allowing the company to create a product with just the perfect mix of ingredients for you.
37. This Rehydrating Drink That Is Better Than Water
They say drinking 8 glasses of water a day is all you need to get great skin, but you can do so much better than that. Greater Than offers a rehydrating drink that is better than water due to the presence of electrolytes, which your body needs to replenish salt and potassium lost when you sweat. While this functional sports drink can be helpful post-workout, it can also be your beverage whenever you feel thirsty.
38. These Cold-Weather Essentials To Stay Warm
Heat Holders are the perfect spring accessory to help you stay comfortable at night. Their range of Ultra Lite socks and thermal base layers are must-haves, along with their weight jackets and vests. What makes Heat Holders the best choice is the research that went into developing socks that will be warm and comfortable but, at the same time, practical as everyday wear.
39. Eyeglass Frames Made From Recycled Materials
Look Optic’s Muse, introduced by Venus Williams herself, is a collaboration with EleVen to launch the company’s first-ever metal frame made from 100% recycled materials. This eyeglass frame dons a vintage-inspired style, taking inspiration from Venus’ personal favorites. The attention to detail is a testament to the quality of the half-rim frame, which blends fashion and function.
40. This Fuel For The Body And Motivation
Pre-workout supplements help you reach your workout goals. GAT Sport’s Nitraflex supplements are tried and tested by professional athletes. Nitraflex fuels the body and increases your motivation to help you finish your workout, whether you’re doing it at the gym, at work, or home. This motivation boost could also help you succeed in life, in general.
41. A Produce Provider That Builds Healthy Communities
Creating a healthy diet requires variety. When you’re doing your shopping on your own, you might tend to go for the familiar. Hungry Harvest introduces you to produce you’ve never tried before and encourages you to create a better food system using every part of every plant. This mindset helps create a better food system for you and a healthier community that will be one step closer to a waste-free future. With Hungry Harvest, you can choose produce boxes delivered to your doorstep – all while making a difference in eliminating food waste.
42. On-Demand 3D Printed Custom Shoe Soles
The average U.S. worker spends most of their workday either standing or walking. Over time, this results in foot or back pain or a combination of both. This pain prevents many from exercising. FitMyFoot has a revolutionary way to solve this by delivering custom footwear at an accessible price. The process starts with submitting photos on its app, which will be turned into 3D models of your feet that will help the company 3D-print footwear that fits you perfectly.
43. Eye Cream For Reduced Fine Lines And Wrinkles
HydroPeptide’s Eye Authority helps reduce dark circles, puffiness and fine lines and brightens the eye area with its formulation of crushed pearl powder, peptides and plankton extract. Perfect for all skin types, this product comes with a gentle but effective formula that penetrates the surface of the skin to deliver the best results.
44. Oral Care Products For Cleaning At Home
Livfresh’s oral care products are carefully developed by experts to ensure that the formulation fights plaque on a molecular level. They provide you with a professional cleaning every time you brush your team. The products do not have any abrasives, parabens, gluten, sugar, antimicrobials, triclosan and SLS.
45. Vibration Plates For The Best Workout Ever
Bluefin Fitness’ 4D vibration plate has three silent drive motors to deliver vibration, oscillation and micro-vibration. The settings allow the drives to work separately or in combination, giving you a workout like no other. With its intuitive and ultra-bright LEDs, the 4D vibration plate signals the intensity of your workout. Program options and manual combinations are available to cater to your unique workout needs.
46. Elliptical For Low-Impact In-Home Exercise
Fitness is in this 2023, and with LegXercise’s new model of seated motorized elliptical, you can enjoy regular exercise without leaving the house. The elliptical strengthens and tones your legs while increasing your mobility, stimulating leg circulation, and reducing leg swelling. Perfect for relaxing and soothing your muscles, this equipment has a larger rotational diameter than other ellipticals for a better range of motion and super low impact.
47. Soap For Your Most Sensitive Area
Say goodbye to vaginal yeast infection with Aidance Scientific’s femmesil Vaginal Cleansing Soap Bar. It is made of high-quality, natural skin conditioning ingredients such as shea butter and coconut oil. Its active ingredient Thuja, a fungus-fighting agent, helps relieve symptoms of vaginal yeast infection while providing a nourishing cleanse to your sensitive vaginal area.
48. Plant Protein Source With Collagen
Daily nutrition is important in building better habits. With Orgain’s Plant Protein plus Collagen, you get a 3-in-1 solution for your daily nutrition needs – in a sip. One serving will provide you with 15g of organic plant protein and 10g of grass-fed collagen. It also contains one billion probiotics. Made with 0g sugar and without gluten, dairy, soy, or GMOs, it can be a part of anyone’s diet.
Get your Orgain Plant Protein here.
49. Your New Bathtime Bestie
Miracle Brand’s Miracle Made® Towel products are infused with silver, allowing them to prevent up to 99.7% of bacteria growth. This means your towels will retain fewer odors and require up to 3x less laundry – all while providing you with a soft luxurious cotton towel for every bath.
Upgrade to more hygienic towels today.
50. Teabags With An Indulgent Cake Flavor
Tea never gets boring with the options from Adagio. One of its latest flavored teas is the almond cardamom cake, which includes the richness of toasted almond balanced with uplifting notes of cardamom — guaranteed to lift your mood. This indulgent combination also has hints of sweet cinnamon — perfect for those relaxing afternoons or as a Sunday starter.
Order the Almond Cardamom Cake Tea.
Published by Medicaldaily.com
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Health
Feeling Tired All The Time? Possible Causes And Solutions
Published
1 year agoon
22 June 2023By
Terry Power
Long days of work, lack of sleep, and stress at the office can be the most common factors that make you feel tired. However, feeling “tired all the time” (TATT) without known reasons can be an indication of an underlying health issue that needs immediate attention.
Finding the exact cause of the lingering tiredness can be the first step toward solving the symptom.
Health conditions that cause fatigue:
1. Anemia – Anemia is one of the most common causes of fatigue. A person who has anemia does not have enough red blood cells in the body, causing symptoms such as tiredness, dizziness, feeling cold and crankiness.
Most often, anemia is caused by iron deficiency. Hence, the condition can be best resolved by including iron-rich foods in the diet and use of iron supplements.
2. Sleep Apnea – It causes the body to stop breathing momentarily during sleep. The condition can affect the quality of sleep and hence make you feel fatigued.
For milder cases of sleep apnea, lifestyle changes such as losing weight or quitting smoking can help solve the sleep disorder. In more severe cases where there is an obstruction in breathing, surgeries and therapies can help.
3. Diabetes – A person who has diabetes has changes in blood sugar level, which can cause fatigue. A patient who is already on diabetic medication can also experience tiredness as a side effect of the medication.
Early identification and taking the correct treatment is the key to managing diabetes. Losing extra weight and having a healthy diet also help in the treatment.
4. Thyroid – Thyroid diseases can be due to an overactive or an underactive thyroid gland. In people who have an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), the metabolism slows down leading to symptoms such as lethargy and fatigue. In people with an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), the metabolism speeds up leading to fatigue and difficulty sleeping.
Right diet and lifestyle choices, along with medications, can help in thyroid management.
5. Infections – A person can show symptoms of fatigue when the body is fighting a viral or bacterial infection. Infections ranging from the flu to HIV can cause tiredness.
Along with fatigue, other symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, shortness of breath and appetite loss can also accompany the infection. Treating the symptoms and taking adequate rest helps in faster recovery.
6. Food allergies – Fatigue may be an early warning sign of hidden food allergies and autoimmune disorders such as celiac disease. Identifying the allergen using a food allergy test or through an elimination diet can help in allergy treatment.
7. Heart disease – If you feel exhausted from an activity that used to be easy, then it is good to check your heart health, as fatigue can be an indication of underlying heart disease.
8. Depression/ anxiety – Fatigue can also be an indicator of a mental health disorder such as depression or anxiety. A combination of medication and psychotherapy can help relieve symptoms.
Lifestyle causes
Apart from serious health conditions, certain lifestyle habits such as dehydration, poor diet, stress and insufficient sleep can cause exhaustion. Having a well-balanced diet, regular exercise and routine sleep can help solve fatigue caused by lifestyle habits.
Published by Medicaldaily.com
Health
How To Overcome Your Sleep Debt And Reclaim Energy
Published
1 year agoon
22 June 2023By
Terry Power
Picture this: you’re burning the midnight oil, studying or binge-watching your favorite shows, all at the expense of a good night’s sleep. Have you ever stopped to think about the toll it takes on your body and mind? The consequences can be more serious than you might realize.
Not getting enough sleep can translate into a multitude of issues, including weight gain, lack of focus, tiredness, a haze of confusion, and even depression. If you too are encountering similar issues lately then chances are you have a sleep debt.
Wondering what is sleep debt?
People from 13-18 years of age need 8 hours of sleep, whilst adults beyond that age will require at least 7 hours of snooze.
Sleep debt is a collection of the total hours you haven’t slept or traded your sleep for something else. Sleep debt keeps piling up as a person falls short of the total hours of sleep recommended for an adult, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
And when you keep letting go of your sleep for other activities, the body adapts to the new normal and effects start to reflect on the energy levels, which deplete.
“However, like every other debt out there, this too has a repayment option,” Dr. Kunal Kumar, medical director of the Sleep Center at Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia, told Livestrong.
Below are some expert-vetted ways you can pay back the sleep debt. (Courtesy: Livestrong and Sleepfoundation)
Just like financial debt, imagine sleep debt as a debt you owe to your body. It needs to be repaid. The good news is that catching up on sleep is indeed possible.
- Maintain a set sleep schedule: Overhauling the sleep schedule is a pretty difficult task to achieve, and it’s best to do that gradually. Create a set sleep schedule by making some small changes to your routine. Instead of making abrupt shifts in your bedtime or wake-up time, adjust them gradually by 15 to 30-minute increments.
- Minimize your gadget usage: Wind down activities and minimize electronic usage before bed to promote better sleep. Relax and prepare for quality sleep by dimming the lights and setting an alarm for 30 minutes to an hour before bed.
- Reshuffle your sleeping arrangements: Are you finding it hard to get a good night’s sleep due to excessive sweating? Well, here’s a handy solution: consider upgrading to a cooling mattress or opting for cooling sheets. These innovative sleep essentials can help regulate your body temperature, and keep you comfortably cool throughout the night, ensuring a more blissful slumber. Memory foam pillows can work wonders in relieving neck and back discomfort in case you are struggling with backache.
- Improve the bedroom environment: Create a sleep-friendly bedroom environment by adjusting the temperature for comfort, and blocking out disruptive lights, or noises that might disturb your restful slumber. And if your mattress, pillow, or sheets are worn out or no longer providing the support you need, consider treating yourself to new ones.
Published by Medicaldaily.com
Health
Omega-3 Fatty Acids Slow The Progression Of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Study
Published
1 year agoon
22 June 2023By
Terry Power
Omega-3 fatty acids are known for a range of health benefits, from promoting brain and heart health to reducing inflammation and protection against several chronic conditions.
In a new study, researchers found that omega-3 acids, especially the type found in foods like flaxseeds, walnuts, chia seeds, canola oil and soybean oil, can slow down the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
It is a debilitating nervous system disease that gradually worsens over time and can be fatal. The condition results in a loss of muscle control and affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. It is also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease after the baseball player who was diagnosed with it.
The initial symptoms of the disease include muscle weakness, difficulty in walking and hand movements. The symptoms can slowly progress to difficulties with chewing, swallowing, speaking and breathing.
The exact cause of ALS is not known. However, around 10% of people get it from a risk gene passed down from a family member. It is estimated that more than 32,000 people in the U.S. live with the condition.
In the latest study, researchers from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Massachusetts evaluated 449 people living with ALS in a clinical trial. The team assessed the severity of their symptoms, the progression of their disease, along with the levels of omega-3 fatty acids in their blood, for 18 months.
The study suggested that alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of omega-3 found in plants, is particularly beneficial in slowing the progression of ALS. The participants with the highest levels of ALA had a 50% reduced risk of death during the study period compared to those with the lowest levels of ALA.
Researchers also found a reduction in death risk in participants who had eicosapentaenoic acid, the type of omega-3 fatty acid found in fatty fish and fish oil, and linoleic acid found in vegetable oils, nuts and seeds.
A previous study conducted by the same team suggested that a diet high in ALA and higher blood levels of the nutrient could reduce the risk of developing the condition.
“In this study, we found that among people living with ALS, higher blood levels of ALA were also associated with a slower disease progression and a lower risk of death within the study period. These findings, along with our previous research suggest that this fatty acid may have neuroprotective effects that could benefit people with ALS,” said Kjetil Bjornevik, the lead author of the study.
Published by Medicaldaily.com