Asthma symptoms could worsen with processed meat diet. Eating four or more portions of processed meats a week may worsen symptoms like wheezing, says a study. However, this does not amount to an asthma attack, it adds, pointing out that an asthma attack is a debilitating and sudden loss of normal lung function that may require emergency treatment. According to the researchers, compounds called nitrites, which are used to preserve meat, might be the culprits, as they have been linked to inflammation in the airways. Some of the effect may also be influenced by obesity.
Difference in sensory processing in Dyslexics
Typically, the brain adapts rapidly to sensory input, such as the sound of a person’s voice or images of faces and objects, to make processing more efficient. Neuroscientists have now discovered that a basic mechanism underlying sensory perception is deficient in individuals with dyslexia. They found that adaptation was, on average, about half that of those without the disorder. This difference may explain some of the challenges people with dyslexia experience, such as discerning speech in a noisy environment and learning to read.
Phubbing…?
A study, which explored the detrimental effects of smartphones on relationships, has resulted in the coining of a new term, ‘phubbing’, which is described as a fusion of ‘phone’ and ‘snubbing’. Phubbing is seen as a source of conflict – how often a partner in a relationship gets distracted by his or her smartphone acts as an indicator. The study, which was done through a survey method, found that smartphones are real relationship breakers. It revealed that using a smartphone in the presence of a romantic partner undermined the quality of the relationship.
Tolerance to pain could be a ‘silent’ risk
People who are less sensitive to pain may be at an increased risk of having a ‘silent’ heart attack, states a study, which looked at unusual symptoms, including upper back or jaw pain, shortness of breath and nausea. Researchers found that people who had a silent heart attack in the past generally had a higher pain tolerance than people who had sought treatment for heart attack symptoms. This connection appeared to be stronger in women than men. In contrast, they found that people who had a silent attack had, on average, greater pain tolerance.
Running is good for the knees
Good news for runners. There is no danger to the knees as a result of all that regular running. According to a study, running appears to reduce inflammation in the knee joint and not increase it, as was commonly believed. Running, say researchers, may actually protect knees down the road, and safeguard against degenerative diseases like osteoarthritis. They found that levels of both proteins went down after 30 minutes of running, suggesting a decrease in overall inflammation in the joint. To rule out other factors that may have contributed to the drop, the researchers also performed a ‘control’ test, taking fluid samples before and after a 30-minute seated rest.
Food for memory
A study has found that eating foods rich in lutein (for example: leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables) will help promote a healthy ageing brain. Lutein is a plant pigment humans consume through diet. According to previous studies, foods found to have the highest levels of lutein include corn, egg yolk, kiwi, pumpkin, zucchini squash and spinach. Although the new study did not specify the amount of lutein that is needed for ultimate brain protection, it did conclude that more levels of the vitamin meant a better chance at brain health preservation.
Chemotherapy less effective if depressed
Patients dealing with depression while fighting a cancer diagnosis may be less receptive to chemotherapy treatments, suggests a new research. It found that these patients are less responsive to cancer drugs and also struggle more with the side effects of treatment. Researchers believe these findings will help shed light on mental health woes faced by cancer patients so as make their drug therapy more potent. They found that patients who saw their cancer spread to other organs in the body were the most depressed of the group.
Painkillers cause hearing loss?
Long-term use of painkillers has been linked to hearing loss in women. A study found that women who take paracetamol or ibuprofen just twice a week could be damaging their hearing permanently. These drugs are thought to damage the ear by removing protection from the inner ear, reducing blood supply, and damaging the tiny hairs that register sound. The link between paracetamol and hearing loss was only found when women had taken the painkiller for six years or more. This is why painkillers are not sold over-thecounter and people are advised to take only when recommended by their doctor at no more than the recommended dose.
