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  • A Functional Medicine Guide to Weight Loss and Long-Term Vitality

    A Functional Medicine Guide to Weight Loss and Long-Term Vitality

    Dani Conway

    As women enter their 40s, hormone shifts can turn simple weight‑loss tactics into frustrating plateaus. In this guide, Board Certified Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner Dani Conway outlines her science‑backed strategies—rooted in advanced functional testing and bloodwork, bioindividual nutrition and cutting‑edge protocols—to optimize metabolic health, rebalance hormones, and support lasting vitality.

    The Hormone Cascade: Why Weight Loss Changes After 40

    During perimenopause and menopause, declining estrogen and progesterone levels can alter fat distribution and insulin sensitivity. Reduced estrogen often drives abdominal fat and carbohydrate intolerance, while low progesterone contributes to mood swings and poor exercise recovery. Meanwhile, shifts in cortisol, insulin and leptin further complicate metabolism:

    • Cortisol: Chronic stress or under‑eating can dysregulate the body’s stress response, spiking cortisol and sabotaging fat‑burning.
    • Insulin resistance: A common midlife challenge that impairs glucose metabolism and promotes fat storage.
    • Leptin resistance: When satiety signals weaken, overeating and metabolic slowdown often follow.

    Understanding these changes is key. Simply cutting calories or increasing cardio rarely works without addressing underlying hormone dysfunction using a test, don’t guessapproach.

    Dani Conway

    Functional Medicine and Root‑Cause Testing

    Rather than mask symptoms, functional medicine pinpoints imbalances through advanced lab work. Dani Conway emphasizes comprehensive testing—including functional bloodwork, urinary panels for hormones and nutrient deficiency, along with gut‑health evaluation—always assessing for optimal ranges, not standard norms. Key markers include:

    • Fasting insulin and glucose for metabolic health
    • Hemoglobin A1c to assess long‑term glycemic control
    • Sex hormones (estradiol, progesterone, testosterone – both total and free!) for balance
    • DHEA and cortisol patterns to monitor stress resilience
    • Micronutrients (B12, iron, magnesium, zinc) that support hormone production
    • Gut‑dysbiosis markers to restore microbiome integrity
    • Liver detoxification markers to evaluate hormone clearance, fat loss capability and more!

    Interpreting these data areas allows for targeted protocols that correct hidden underlying imbalances, restore metabolic flexibility and support sustainable weight loss.

    Dani Conway

    Fueling Before Fasting: The Cycle‑Sensitive UNdiet Method

    Intermittent fasting can have hormetic benefits—but only when tailored for women over 40 based on biochemical individuality. Unprepared fasting windows may trigger cortisol spikes and menstrual irregularities. Dani’s Fuel‑First Formula prioritizes metabolic readiness:

    1. Balanced macros: A fine‑tuned mix of high‑quality protein, good fats and personalized levels of carbohydrates ensures stable energy and hormone support.
    2. Cycle‑aligned timing: Fasting windows (like 16:8) are introduced only after metabolic fueling is customized and adjusted to the client’s hormone cycle.
    3. Strategic meal timing: Meals are timed to support training and recovery, preserving lean muscle and preventing under‑fueling.

    This UNdiet approach flips the fasting narrative: you fuel before you fast, optimizing blood sugar, preserving muscle mass, and enhancing metabolic flexibility.

    Precision Nutrition, Not One‑Size‑Fits‑All

    Every woman has a unique hormonal fingerprint. Dani Conway’s bioindividual nutrition model customizes macronutrient ratios, meal timing and lifestyle interventions based on unique metabolic needs as well as individual lab data. This personalized framework addresses not only weight loss and fat loss, but also long‑term energy, mood regulation and sleep quality.

    Unlike cookie‑cutter programs, this method integrates science‑backed strategies for true root‑cause healing, aligning with Dani’s mantra: Ditch the diet mentality—stop starving and start living!

    Dani Conway

    Lifestyle Strategies for Lasting Hormone Balance

    Nutrition protocols and lab data are only part of the picture! Long term hormone health and vitality both also rely on everyday habits:

    1. Prioritize restorative sleep: Aim for 7–9 hours nightly, maintain consistent bedtimes and reduce evening blue light. Exposure to both sunrise and sunset will help reset hormones! Consider magnesium for relaxation as well.
    2. Strength training over cardio overload: Resistance work preserves muscle mass, boosts insulin sensitivity and supports long‑term fat loss.
    3. Stress‑management practices: Techniques like breathwork, meditation and time outdoors helps balance cortisol and protect hormone health.
    4. Cycle tracking: Even during perimenopause, tracking symptoms and energy levels will guide training, nutrition and fasting decisions.

    Summary and Next Steps

    For women over 40, the path to weight loss, fat loss and vitality lies in understanding and addressing hormone shifts at the root, which is why rebalancing the body from the inside-out is key. Dani Conway’s innovative protocols—anchored by advanced functional testing, bioindividual nutrition, the Fuel‑First Formula and lifestyle support—offer a sustainable roadmap to balanced hormones, optimized metabolism and long‑term energy.

    Ready to transform your health? Explore the Wellness Collective for ongoing community support or join the Weight Loss Accelerator Program for an intensive, guided experience.

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  • What are the different ways a genetic condition can be inherited?: MedlinePlus Genetics

    What are the different ways a genetic condition can be inherited?: MedlinePlus Genetics

    Some genetic conditions are caused by variants (also known as mutations) in a single gene. These conditions are usually inherited in one of several patterns, depending on the gene involved:

    Patterns of inheritance

    Inheritance pattern

    Description

    Examples

    Autosomal dominant

    One altered copy of the gene in each cell is sufficient for a person to be affected by an autosomal dominant disorder. In some cases, an affected person inherits the condition from an affected parent. In others, the condition may result from a new variant in the gene and occur in people with no history of the disorder in their family.

    Huntington’s disease, Marfan syndrome

    Autosomal recessive

    In autosomal recessive inheritance, variants occur in both copies of the gene in each cell. The parents of an individual with an autosomal recessive condition each carry one copy of the altered gene, but they typically do not show signs and symptoms of the condition. Autosomal recessive disorders are typically not seen in every generation of an affected family.

    cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease

    X-linked dominant

    X-linked dominant disorders are caused by variants in genes on the X chromosome. In males (who have only one X chromosome), a variant in the only copy of the gene in each cell causes the disorder. In females (who have two X chromosomes), a variant in one of the two copies of the gene in each cell is sufficient to cause the disorder. Females may experience less severe symptoms of the disorder than males. A characteristic of X-linked inheritance is that fathers cannot pass X-linked traits to their sons (no male-to-male transmission).

    fragile X syndrome

    X-linked recessive

    X-linked recessive disorders are also caused by variants in genes on the X chromosome. In males (who have only one X chromosome), one altered copy of the gene in each cell is sufficient to cause the condition. In females (who have two X chromosomes), a variant would have to occur in both copies of the gene to cause the disorder. Because it is unlikely that females will have two altered copies of this gene, males are affected by X-linked recessive disorders much more frequently than females. A characteristic of X-linked inheritance is that fathers cannot pass X-linked traits to their sons (no male-to-male transmission).

    hemophilia

    X-linked

    Because the inheritance pattern of many X-linked disorders is not clearly dominant or recessive, some experts suggest that conditions be considered X-linked rather than X-linked dominant or X-linked recessive. X-linked disorders are caused by variants in genes on the X chromosome, one of the
    two sex chromosomes in each cell. In males (who have only one X chromosome), an alteration in the only copy of the gene in each cell is sufficient to cause the condition. In females (who have two X chromosomes), one altered copy of the gene usually leads to less severe health problems than those in affected males, or it may cause no signs or symptoms at all. A characteristic of X-linked inheritance is that fathers cannot pass X-linked traits to their sons (no male-to-male transmission).

    glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase-deficiency, X-linked thrombocytopenia

    Y-linked

    A condition is considered Y-linked if the altered gene that causes the disorder is located on the Y chromosome, one of the two sex chromosomes in each of a male’s cells. Because only males have a Y chromosome, in Y-linked inheritance, a variant can only be passed from father to son.

    Y chromosome infertility, some cases of Swyer syndrome

    Codominant

    In codominant inheritance, two different versions (alleles) of a gene are expressed, and each version makes a slightly different protein. Both alleles influence the genetic trait or determine the characteristics of the genetic condition.

    ABO blood group, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency

    Mitochondrial

    Mitochondrial inheritance, also known as maternal inheritance, applies to genes in mitochondrial DNA. Mitochondria, which are structures in each cell that convert molecules into energy, each contain a small amount of DNA. Because only egg cells contribute mitochondria to the developing embryo, only females can pass on mitochondrial variants to their children. Conditions resulting from variants in mitochondrial DNA can appear in every generation of a family and can affect both males and females, but fathers do not pass these disorders to their daughters or sons.

    Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON)

    Many health conditions are caused by the combined effects of multiple genes (described as polygenic) or by interactions between genes and the environment. Such disorders usually do not follow the patterns of inheritance listed above. Examples of conditions caused by variants in multiple genes or gene/environment interactions include heart disease, type 2 diabetes, schizophrenia, and certain types of cancer. For more information, please see What are complex or multifactorial disorders?

    Disorders caused by changes in the number or structure of chromosomes also do not follow the straightforward patterns of inheritance listed above. To read about how chromosomal conditions occur, please see Are chromosomal disorders inherited?

    Other genetic factors sometimes influence how a disorder is inherited. For an example, please see What are genomic imprinting and uniparental disomy?

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  • White House Finally Addresses Trump’s Mysterious Bruising and Swollen Ankles

    White House Finally Addresses Trump’s Mysterious Bruising and Swollen Ankles

    The White House released new medical information Thursday about President Donald Trump following increasing speculation into a persistent hand bruise and noticeably swollen ankles.

    Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that the 79-year-old president recently underwent diagnostic testing, including vascular studies and a leg ultrasound, which revealed he has chronic venous insufficiency — a common condition affecting blood flow in the legs.

    Leavitt emphasized that Trump shows no signs of deep vein thrombosis, arterial disease, heart failure, renal impairment or any systemic illness. An echocardiogram showed normal heart function, and routine lab tests were all within normal limits.


    As for the bruising on the back of Trump’s hands — a topic that has fueled social media rumors — Leavitt attributed it to minor soft tissue irritation caused by frequent handshaking and daily aspirin use, which the president takes as part of his preventative cardiac care.

    She stressed that Trump remains in excellent health and is experiencing no discomfort from the condition.

    Chronic venous insufficiency affects about 1 in 20 adults and is typically managed through lifestyle adjustments and circulation support. The condition occurs when leg veins struggle to return blood efficiently to the heart, often due to weakened valves.

    Originally published on Latin Times



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  • Home Sweet Staycation: How to Turn Your Current City into a Mini Vacation

    Home Sweet Staycation: How to Turn Your Current City into a Mini Vacation

    Introduction

    Are you tired of the same old routine and craving a break from the daily grind? Do you think that taking a vacation means traveling to a far-off destination? Think again! A staycation is a great way to take a break without breaking the bank or leaving your current city. In this article, we’ll explore the concept of a staycation and provide you with tips and ideas on how to turn your current city into a mini vacation.

    What is a Staycation?

    A staycation is a vacation where you stay in your own city or hometown, rather than traveling to a different location. It’s a great way to explore your local area, try new things, and relax without the hassle and expense of traveling. Staycations can be just as enjoyable as traditional vacations, and they offer a unique opportunity to discover hidden gems and experience the best of what your city has to offer.

    Benefits of a Staycation

    There are many benefits to taking a staycation, including:

    • Saving money: Staycations are often less expensive than traditional vacations, since you don’t have to pay for transportation or accommodation.

    • Reducing stress: Staycations can be less stressful than traditional vacations, since you don’t have to worry about traveling or navigating unfamiliar places.

    • Increasing flexibility: Staycations can be tailored to fit your schedule and preferences, so you can stay for as long or as short as you like.

    • Supporting local businesses: Staycations are a great way to support local businesses and contribute to your community’s economy.

    Planning Your Staycation

    To make the most of your staycation, it’s a good idea to plan ahead. Here are some tips to help you get started:

    • Research local attractions: Look for museums, parks, landmarks, and other attractions that you may have missed or overlooked.

    • Try new restaurants: Staycations are a great opportunity to try new restaurants and cuisines that you may not have had a chance to experience before.

    • Take a tour: Consider taking a guided tour of your city to learn more about its history, culture, and hidden gems.

    • Get outdoors: Staycations are a great chance to get outside and enjoy nature, whether that means hiking, biking, or simply taking a walk in a nearby park.

    Ideas for Your Staycation

    Here are some ideas to get you started:

    • Visit a local museum or art gallery: Many cities have museums and art galleries that offer free or discounted admission on certain days of the week or month.

    • Take a cooking class: Cooking classes are a fun and interactive way to learn about new cuisines and cooking techniques.

    • Go on a hike: If you live near a park or nature reserve, consider going on a hike to get some exercise and enjoy the scenery.

    • Attend a local event: Check out local event listings to see what’s happening in your city, from concerts and festivals to markets and street fairs.

    Making the Most of Your Staycation

    To make the most of your staycation, it’s a good idea to approach it with a tourist mindset. Here are some tips to help you do just that:

    • Be open-minded: Be willing to try new things and explore new places, even if they’re not typically on your radar.

    • Take your time: Staycations are a chance to slow down and enjoy the moment, so be sure to take your time and savor the experience.

    • Get off the beaten path: Consider exploring neighborhoods or areas that you may not have visited before, to discover new hidden gems and unexpected delights.

    • Take plenty of photos: Staycations are a great opportunity to capture memories and create a sense of nostalgia, so be sure to take plenty of photos along the way.

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, a staycation is a great way to take a break from the daily grind and explore your local area. By planning ahead, being open-minded, and approaching your staycation with a tourist mindset, you can make the most of your time and create lasting memories. Whether you’re looking to save money, reduce stress, or simply try something new, a staycation is a great option to consider. So why not give it a try? Start exploring your city today and see what hidden gems you can discover!

    FAQs

    Q: What is a staycation?
    A: A staycation is a vacation where you stay in your own city or hometown, rather than traveling to a different location.
    Q: How can I plan a staycation?
    A: To plan a staycation, research local attractions, try new restaurants, take a tour, and get outdoors. You can also consider taking a cooking class, attending a local event, or visiting a local museum or art gallery.
    Q: What are the benefits of a staycation?
    A: The benefits of a staycation include saving money, reducing stress, increasing flexibility, and supporting local businesses.
    Q: How can I make the most of my staycation?
    A: To make the most of your staycation, approach it with a tourist mindset, be open-minded, take your time, get off the beaten path, and take plenty of photos.
    Q: Can I take a staycation alone?
    A: Yes, you can take a staycation alone. In fact, staycations can be a great way to spend quality time with yourself and recharge your batteries.
    Q: How long should a staycation be?
    A: A! staycation can be as long or as short as you like, depending on your schedule and preferences. You can take a staycation for a weekend, a week, or even just a day.
    Q: Can I take a staycation with my family?
    A: Yes, you can take a staycation with your family. Staycations can be a great way to spend quality time with your loved ones and create lasting memories.
    Q: What if I’ve already explored my city?
    A: Even if you think you’ve already explored your city, there’s always something new to discover. Consider trying a new restaurant, taking a different tour, or exploring a new neighborhood to find hidden gems and unexpected delights.
    Q: Can I take a staycation on a budget?
    A: Yes, you can take a staycation on a budget. Look for free or low-cost activities, consider taking a picnic instead of eating out, and take advantage of discounts and promotions to make the most of your staycation.

  • Mindful Movement: How to Boost Fitness Results with Meditation and Awareness (Target keywords: mindfulness, fitness, meditation)

    Mindful Movement: How to Boost Fitness Results with Meditation and Awareness (Target keywords: mindfulness, fitness, meditation)

    As the world becomes increasingly fast-paced, people are looking for ways to improve their physical and mental well-being. One approach that has gained significant attention in recent years is mindful movement, which combines the principles of mindfulness, fitness, and meditation to achieve better health outcomes. By incorporating mindfulness and meditation into their fitness routine, individuals can experience a range of benefits, from enhanced physical performance to improved mental clarity and reduced stress levels.

    The Power of Mindfulness in Fitness

    Mindfulness, at its core, is about being present in the moment and paying attention to one’s thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations without judgment. When applied to fitness, mindfulness can help individuals develop a greater awareness of their body and its movements, allowing them to optimize their exercise routine and achieve better results. By focusing on the present moment and letting go of distractions, individuals can tap into their inner strength and motivation, leading to a more enjoyable and effective workout experience.

    One of the key benefits of mindfulness in fitness is its ability to enhance physical performance. When individuals are fully engaged in their workout, they are able to tap into their full potential, resulting in improved strength, flexibility, and endurance. Mindfulness also helps individuals develop a greater sense of body awareness, allowing them to move with greater precision and control, reducing the risk of injury and improving overall technique.

    The Role of Meditation in Mindful Movement

    Meditation plays a crucial role in mindful movement, as it helps individuals cultivate a greater sense of awareness and calm, both on and off the mat. By incorporating meditation into their fitness routine, individuals can experience a range of benefits, from reduced stress and anxiety to improved focus and concentration. Meditation also helps individuals develop a greater sense of self-awareness, allowing them to tune into their body’s needs and respond accordingly, whether that means taking a rest day or pushing through a challenging workout.

    There are many different types of meditation that can be incorporated into a mindful movement practice, including loving-kindness meditation, transcendental meditation, and guided meditation. Loving-kindness meditation, for example, involves focusing on sending kindness and compassion to oneself and others, helping to cultivate a greater sense of empathy and understanding. Guided meditation, on the other hand, involves following a guided audio or visualization, helping individuals to relax and focus their mind.

    How to Incorporate Mindfulness and Meditation into Your Fitness Routine

    Incorporating mindfulness and meditation into your fitness routine is easier than you might think. Here are a few tips to get you started:

    • Start small: Begin by incorporating short periods of mindfulness and meditation into your daily routine, such as taking a few deep breaths before a workout or practicing a quick meditation session after a run.

    • Focus on your breath: Bring your attention to your breath, noticing the sensation of the air moving in and out of your body. This can help you stay present and focused, even in the midst of a challenging workout.

    • Listen to your body: Pay attention to your physical sensations, noticing areas of tension or discomfort. This can help you adjust your workout routine and avoid injury.

    • Practice mindfulness in daily activities: Mindfulness isn’t just limited to the gym or meditation cushion. Practice mindfulness in daily activities, such as eating, walking, or even doing the dishes.

    The Benefits of Mindful Movement

    The benefits of mindful movement are numerous, ranging from improved physical health to enhanced mental well-being. Some of the key benefits include:

    • Improved physical performance: Mindful movement can help individuals develop greater strength, flexibility, and endurance, leading to improved overall fitness.

    • Reduced stress and anxiety: Mindfulness and meditation can help individuals reduce stress and anxiety, leading to a greater sense of calm and well-being.

    • Improved focus and concentration: Mindful movement can help individuals develop greater focus and concentration, leading to improved performance in all areas of life.

    • Enhanced self-awareness: Mindfulness and meditation can help individuals develop a greater sense of self-awareness, allowing them to tune into their body’s needs and respond accordingly.

    Common Mindful Movement Practices

    There are many different types of mindful movement practices, each with its own unique benefits and advantages. Some of the most common practices include:

    • Yoga: A physical practice that combines movement, breath, and meditation to promote flexibility, strength, and relaxation.

    • Tai chi: A slow, flowing practice that combines movement, breath, and meditation to promote balance, flexibility, and relaxation.

    • Pilates: A physical practice that combines movement, breath, and meditation to promote core strength, flexibility, and body awareness.

    • Walking: A simple yet powerful practice that involves paying attention to the sensation of your feet touching the ground, promoting relaxation and reducing stress.

    Conclusion

    Mindful movement is a powerful approach to fitness that combines the principles of mindfulness, fitness, and meditation to achieve better health outcomes. By incorporating mindfulness and meditation into their fitness routine, individuals can experience a range of benefits, from enhanced physical performance to improved mental clarity and reduced stress levels. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting out on your fitness journey, mindful movement can help you achieve your goals and cultivate a greater sense of overall well-being.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Q: What is mindful movement?
    A: Mindful movement is an approach to fitness that combines the principles of mindfulness, fitness, and meditation to achieve better health outcomes.

    Q: How do I incorporate mindfulness and meditation into my fitness routine?
    A: Start by incorporating short periods of mindfulness and meditation into your daily routine, focusing on your breath, and listening to your body.

    Q: What are the benefits of mindful movement?
    A: The benefits of mindful movement include improved physical performance, reduced stress and anxiety, improved focus and concentration, and enhanced self-awareness.

    Q: What are some common mindful movement practices?
    A: Common mindful movement practices include yoga, tai chi, Pilates, and walking.

    Q: Do I need to be flexible or have prior experience with mindfulness and meditation to practice mindful movement?
    A: No, mindful movement is accessible to everyone, regardless of age, ability, or experience level. Start slow, be gentle with yourself, and have fun!

    Q: Can I practice mindful movement at home?
    A: Yes, mindful movement can be practiced anywhere, at any time. Find a quiet space, put on some calming music, and get started with some simple stretches or movements.

    Q: How often should I practice mindful movement?
    A: Aim to practice mindful movement at least 2-3 times per week, ideally daily if possible. Consistency is key to experiencing the benefits of mindful movement.

    mindful-movement-how-to-boost-fitness-results-with-meditation-and-awareness-target-keywords-mindfulness-fitness-meditation

  • Safe Use of Aspirin

    Safe Use of Aspirin

    Source: Food and Drug Administration
    Related MedlinePlus Pages: Stroke

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  • Doctor Promotes Vasectomies With Promise to ‘Trip Out’ While High on Laughing Gas. Women Are Outraged

    Doctor Promotes Vasectomies With Promise to ‘Trip Out’ While High on Laughing Gas. Women Are Outraged

    An Idaho urologist’s viral TikTok marketing a vasectomy procedure that includes “tripping out” on pain medication while wearing virtual reality goggles has women asking why no one has made their reproductive healthcare experience more enticing.

    Dr. Austen Slade’s video, touted as “genius marketing” by men in the comments, makes having a vasectomy look fun.

    “Do you wanna have a legal excuse to trip out to some virtual reality content while high on nitrous oxide?” he asks viewers. “See me for your vasectomy and sign up for the ultimate relaxation package.”



    While praise rolled in for the innovative and patient-centered approach to a typically minor outpatient procedure, the comment section became a forum for women expressing long-standing frustration over pain management disparities in reproductive healthcare.

    Responses ranged from disbelief to anger. Dozens of women reported being offered only ibuprofen—or nothing at all—for procedures described as excruciating.

    “Damn, I passed out and threw up when I got my IUD and went back to work after,” one wrote.

    “Dang when we get IUDs we get ibuprofen and denied PTO requests 😪,” said another.

    Some women shared harrowing experiences of undergoing intrauterine device (IUD) insertions, cervical biopsies, and even abdominal surgeries with minimal or no pain relief.

    One user, @momo_vs_endo, recalled a gynecologist brushing off her pain during an IUD placement despite her crying. “She grabbed my shoulders and looked me in the eyes to say ‘You’re going to be fine,’ then walked out.”

    Another, @Introvertebrate32, described withstanding an unanesthetized cervical biopsy as she battled cancer: “No numbing, no pain management at all while I cried and almost loss consciousness due to the extreme pain.”

    “They make women endure colposcopies, uterine biopsies, and IUD placement with ZERO pain management and offer this to men for something they get completely numbed for?!” a woman said. “They wouldn’t even let my husband stay and hold my hand for my biopsy!!”

    A mother of five completely rejected the concept of cushioning the vasectomy experience, admitting: “Had I known this was an option prior to my husband getting his vasectomy I would have made sure he never found out about it.”

    But most women just wanted the same consideration. “I’m happy for them, but this made me irrationally ANGRY with what women have to go through,” one wrote, with another quipping, “PLEASE put this on my OBGYN’s FYP (for you page) not mine LMAO.”

    Dr. Slade weighed in on the tide of outrage from female patients, writing, “That just isn’t right,” in reply to one woman who noted the disparity in pain management.

    He also responded to a user who questioned why he wasn’t “liking” many comments from women. “Feels weird liking stories about being poorly treated,” Slade wrote. “I’ve let several gynecologists know about the comments I’m receiving.”

    The 11 second TikTok achieved its desired effect — the video racked up nearly one million views, got a lot of laughs, and had dozens of commenters announcing their willingness to book the procedure. It also unintentionally sparked conversation about inequity in pain management and calls for a reassessment of how healthcare systems approach procedures for women.

    As one commenter summed up: “Like. Yes. This is good. But also do this for women. Hear that OBGYNs???”

    Originally published on Latin Times

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  • IBD and Cannabis 

    IBD and Cannabis 

    Smoking cannabis may help with symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in the short term, but it may make the long-term prognosis worse.

    As this study asks, “Medical Marijuana: A Panacea or Scourge?” For 5,000 years, cannabis “has been used throughout the world medically, recreationally, and spiritually.” It was even prescribed by American physicians “for a plethora of indications” from the mid-19th century to the 1930s, a fact that’s often used by medical marijuana proponents as evidence justifying the modern medical applications.” But the field of old-timey medicine is “fraught with potions and herbal remedies,” not to mention bloodletting and other questionable and harmful remedies.

    Skeptics criticize the medical marijuana movement as the “‘medical excuse marijuana’ movement,” insinuating that children with epilepsy and the terminally ill are being “used as a ‘Trojan horse’ for the legalization of recreational cannabis use” or to peddle “outlandish claims” about “miracle cancer cures,” frustrating researchers in the field who just want to get at the science.

    For example, what about the therapeutic use of cannabis for inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis? Conventional therapies work mainly by suppressing the immune system to try to tamp down inflammation. “Given the limited therapy options and known adverse side effects with chronic use” from these drugs, people suffering from these diseases often need to have inflamed sections of their bowels removed surgically, so it’s clear why there’s so much interest in alternative approaches.

    About one in six IBD patients who use marijuana say it helps with their symptoms, so researchers decided to put it to the test. Thirteen patients with IBD were given a third of a pound of marijuana to smoke at their leisure over a period of three months, and they reported feeling significantly better with “reported improvement in general health perception, social functioning, ability to work, physical pain, and depression.” There wasn’t a control group, so it’s unknown if they would have improved anyway or what role the placebo effect may have played. It’s like some of the studies of cannabis used for pediatric epilepsy that had response rates exceeding 30 percent and a frequency cut in half in a third of the kids. Amazing results until you realize you can sometimes get similarly amazing responses from giving kids nothing but a sugar pill placebo, as seen below and at 2:21 in my video Friday Favorites: Cannabis for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). That’s why it’s critical to do randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, but there weren’t any on cannabis and IBD until 2013. 

    For 21 patients with Crohn’s disease, nothing seemed to help. So researchers randomized them to either smoke two joints a day of marijuana or a look-alike placebo. The results? Ninety percent of those in the cannabis group got better, compared to only 40 percent in the placebo group. Shown below and at 3:11 in my video is a graph of their symptom scores. As you can see, there was no big change in the placebo group over the two-month study, but the cannabis group cut their symptoms by about half. 

    The researchers acknowledge that long-term cannabis use is not without risks, but it may be a cakewalk compared to the potential adverse—and even life-threatening—side effects of some of the more powerful conventional therapies, so the study was heralded in a paper entitled “High Hope for Medical Marijuana in Digestive Disorders.”

    The study was funded by a medical marijuana advocacy organization, the main supplier in the country, in fact. So, expectations may have been placed on the participants about how much better they would feel—in other words, they may have been primed for the placebo effect. But the researchers controlled for that, right? Those getting the real cannabis did significantly better than those randomized to get the placebo. But the point of a placebo is that it is indistinguishable from the real thing, so the participants don’t know which group they’re in—the control group or the treatment group. How can that be accomplished with a psychoactive drug? It can’t, which is the problem. The researchers tried to hide which group participants were in by only recruiting patients who had never tried cannabis before in the hopes that they wouldn’t notice placebo pot, but, unsurprisingly, most of them did. So, we’re basically left with another unblinded study. The researchers asked a bunch of subjective questions, like “How are you feeling?” and those who pretty much knew they were taking the drug said they were feeling better.

    There were no significant changes in objective lab values, like CRP, a sign of inflammation, so perhaps the “cannabis may simply be masking symptoms without affecting intestinal inflammation.” Another indicator that it may not be affecting the course of the disease itself is how quickly the symptoms rebound. Two weeks after the study ended, those in the cannabis group were right back to where they started, as shown here (see week 10) and at 5:05 in my video. 

    So, “there was no difference in objective inflammatory markers to indicate disease modification. Given the rapid rebound…to pretreatment levels after the 2-week washout period, it seems more plausible that cannabis ameliorated the symptoms of Crohn’s disease, rather than actually modulating the disease.” That may be, but the symptoms are terrible. A reduction in pain is a reduction in pain. Indeed, “from the point of view of the patients, a marked symptomatic improvement and ability to resume normal life is not trivial, even if inflammation persists.” Of course, what if cannabis somehow makes the disease worse in the long run?

    A survey study published the following year found that cannabis provided the same immediate symptomatic relief but was associated with a worse disease prognosis over time. Patients with IBD reported that cannabis improved their pain, cramping, and diarrhea, but use for more than six months by Crohn’s patients appeared to be a strong predictor of them ending up in surgery; they had five times the odds of going under the knife. There are two possible explanations for this: It’s quite possible that the increased disease severity led to the cannabis use and not the other way around. The alternative explanation: “Cannabis use may worsen the prognosis of IBD, leading to greater surgeries and hospitalizations.”

    This is why we need prospective clinical trials where people are followed over time to see which came first. Until then, perhaps we should consider cannabis use for IBD as “potentially harmful.” Not just to err on the side of caution, but because there was a study on hepatitis C patients that found that daily cannabis use was associated with nearly seven times the odds of worse liver fibrosis, which is like scar tissue. If cannabis really does make fibrosis worse, that may explain why cannabis users with IBD may be more likely to require surgery. 

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  • ‘But His Physical Was ‘Perfect’?’

    ‘But His Physical Was ‘Perfect’?’

    Social media users are accusing White House officials of lying about President Donald Trump‘s health after the 47th president was diagnosed with a vein condition which caused swelling in his legs months after a reportedly “perfect” physical exam.

    President Trump recently underwent medical testing in order to investigate a mysterious swelling in his legs, reported White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. The tests, which included diagnostic vascular studies and an ultrasound of his legs, revealed that the President suffers from chronic venous insufficiency, a common condition which affects about 1 in 20 adults.

    “No signs of heart failure, renal impairment or systemic illness were identified,” Leavitt said.

    However, in April of this year, the White House released a memo detailing Trump’s physical condition following an annual physical exam conducted at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

    The White House stated that Trump was in perfect physical condition after the assessment.

    “I have never felt better, but nevertheless, these things must be done!” Trump said at the time.

    Now, social media users are accusing the Trump administration of having lied about the President’s health results from April considering the new information about his vein condition.

    “And the physical exam was ‘perfect’?????” exclaimed one user.


    “Oh but he was completely “heslthy” [sic] at his physical? More lies,” noted another.


    “I bet it is at least three times worse than what they’re telling us,” said a third.


    “Wait, thought he was in excellent health. The healthiest president, ever,” joked a fourth.


    Leavitt further revealed that the President demonstrated no indications of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease, which are potential complications of chronic venous insufficiency.

    She added that the bruising on the back of Trump’s hand was evaluated and determined to be minor irritation from frequent hand shaking, noting that the President was experiencing “no discomfort” and demonstrated excellent health.

    Originally published on Latin Times



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