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  • History Of Eating Disorders, Pre-Pregnancy Obesity Raises Offspring’s Risk Of Mental Health Diagnosis

    History Of Eating Disorders, Pre-Pregnancy Obesity Raises Offspring’s Risk Of Mental Health Diagnosis

    Children whose mothers have a history of eating disorders and obesity before pregnancy are at a greater risk of mental health diagnosis, a recent study revealed.

    The results of the latest study involving a Finnish population of nearly 400,000 mothers and around 650,000 offspring revealed significant links between maternal health and the mental well-being of their children.

    The research suggests associations between a mother’s history of eating disorders and pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) higher than the normal weight range to most of the nine psychiatric diagnoses examined in the offspring.

    The psychiatric diagnoses involved in the study include mood and anxiety disorders, sleep disorders, intellectual disabilities, specific developmental disorders, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, conduct disorders, social functioning and tic disorders (like selective mutism and Tourette syndrome), as well as feeding disorders in infancy and childhood.

    The results showed that around 53% had pre-pregnancy overweight or obesity, nearly 6% had underweight, and 1.6% had a history of an eating disorder.

    When comparing differences in the impact of maternal eating disorders and higher BMI on children’s mental health diagnoses, the study found generally stronger associations with maternal eating disorders than those linked to maternal BMI.

    “The largest effect sizes were observed for maternal eating disorders not otherwise specified in association with offspring sleep disorders and social functioning and tic disorders, while for maternal severe pre-pregnancy obesity, offspring intellectual disabilities had the largest effect size,” the researchers wrote in the study published in Jama Network.

    Eating disorders not otherwise specified (EDNOS) refer to a category of eating disorders that do not fit the specific criteria for more commonly recognized disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. Some examples of EDNOS include behaviors such as pica, which involves cravings for and consumption of non-food items, or night eating syndrome, characterized by binge eating during the evening hours.

    “The study confirms previously published associations between maternal eating disorders and BMI and offspring psychiatric disorder, but also reports new associations,” Ida Nilsson, a study author told MedPage Today.

    “The findings underline the importance of considering maternal eating disorders and BMI in maternity care, aiming to reduce the number of offspring with neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. The findings also strengthen the importance of the nutrition of pregnant women,” Nilsson said.

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  • Getting Tested for STDs (for Teens)

    Getting Tested for STDs (for Teens)

    If you and your partner are planning to have sex, or if you’ve already had it, it’s important to get tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). These infections spread from person to person during vaginal, oral, or anal sex; using fingers (“fingering”); or by other sexual contact.

    What kinds of STD tests you get depends on what symptoms you have (if any), and your medical and sexual history. In general, you’ll first talk with the doctor before the testing is done.

    What Will I Talk About With the Doctor?

    Doctors will ask about your general health and sexual experience; for example, if you’ve had any STDs before and how many partners you’ve had. They’ll also ask about any symptoms (like sores, discharge, or pain). But STDs don’t always cause any symptoms so people can have one and not know it.

    What Kind of STD Exam Will I Need?

    The doctor will examine your genitals (the sexual or reproductive organs on the outside of the body). For females who have symptoms of STDs, this might include a pelvic exam. Those who don’t have symptoms and are just getting screened for STDs as part of a routine checkup probably won’t need a pelvic exam.

    Based on what doctors learn from the talk and exam, they may take one or more of these samples:

    • a blood sample (from either a blood draw or a finger prick)
    • a urine (pee) sample
    • a swab of the inside of the mouth
    • a swab from the cervix in females
    • a swab of any discharge or sores

    When Will I Get the STD Test Results?

    Sometimes the sample can be tested in the doctor’s office. Other times, the sample is sent to a lab and the results come back later. It depends on the office and the type of STD the doctor tested for.

    What Else Should I Know?

    If you’re not comfortable going to your doctor for STD testing, visit a health clinic instead. And if you need some support, ask a parent, another trusted adult, or a friend to go with you. You also can find support and more information online at Planned Parenthood.

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  • Treat Type 1 Diabetes with a Plant-Based Diet? 

    Treat Type 1 Diabetes with a Plant-Based Diet? 

    Is it possible to reverse type 1 diabetes if caught early enough?

    The International Journal of Disease Reversal and Prevention has already had its share of miraculous disease reversals with a plant-based diet. For instance, one patient began following a whole food, plant-based diet after having two heart attacks in two months. Within months, he experienced no more chest pain, controlled his cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugars, and also lost 50 pounds as a nice bonus. Yet, the numbers “do not capture the patient’s transformation from feeling like a ‘dead man walking’ to being in command of his health with a new future and life.” 

    I’ve previously discussed cases of reversing the autoimmune inflammatory disease psoriasis and also talked about lupus nephritis (kidney inflammation). What about type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease we didn’t think we could do anything about? In contrast to type 2 diabetes, which is a lifestyle disease that can be prevented and reversed with a healthy enough diet and lifestyle, type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which our body attacks our pancreas, killing off our insulin-producing cells and condemning us to a life of insulin injections—unless, perhaps, it’s caught early enough. If a healthy enough diet is started early enough, might we be able to reverse the course of type 1 diabetes by blunting that autoimmune inflammation?

    As I discuss in my video Type 1 Diabetes Treatment: A Plant-Based Diet, we know that patients with type 1 diabetes “may be able to reduce insulin requirements and achieve better glycemic [blood sugar] control” with healthier diets. For example, children and teens were randomized to a nutritional intervention in which they increased the whole plant food density of their diet—meaning they ate more whole grains, whole fruits, vegetables, legumes (beans, split peas, chickpeas, and lentils), nuts, and seeds. Researchers found that the more whole plant foods, the better the blood sugar control.

    The fact that more whole fruits were associated “with better glycemic [blood sugar] control has important clinical implications for nutrition education” in those with type 1 diabetes. We should be “educating them on the benefits of fruit intake, and allaying erroneous concerns that fruit may adversely affect blood sugar.”

    The case series in the IJDRP, however, went beyond proposing better control of just their high blood sugars, the symptom of diabetes, but better control of the disease itself, suggesting the anti-inflammatory effects of whole healthy plant foods “may slow or prevent further destruction of the beta cells”—the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas—“if dietary intervention is initiated early enough.” Where did this concept come from?

    A young patient. Immediately following diagnosis of type 1 diabetes at age three, a patient began a vegetable-rich diet and, three years later, “has not yet required insulin therapy…and has experienced a steady decline in autoantibody levels,” which are markers of insulin cell destruction. Another child, who also started eating a healthier diet, but not until several months after diagnosis, maintains a low dose of insulin with good control. And, even if their insulin-producing cells have been utterly destroyed, individuals with type 1 diabetes can still enjoy “dramatically reduced insulin requirements,” reduced inflammation, and reduced cardiovascular risk, which is their number one cause of death over the age of 30. People with type 1 diabetes have 11 to 14 times the risk of death from cardiovascular disease compared to the general population, and it’s already the top killer among the public, so it’s closer to 11 to 14 times more important for those with type 1 diabetes to be on the only diet and lifestyle program ever proven to reverse heart disease in the majority of patients—one centered around whole plant foods. The fact it may also help control the disease itself is just sugar-free icing on the cake.

    All this exciting new research was presented in the first issue of The International Journal of Disease Reversal and Prevention. As a bonus, there’s a companion publication called the Disease Reversal and Prevention Digest. These are for the lay public and are developed with the belief I wholeheartedly share that “everyone has a right to understand the science that could impact their health.” You can go behind the scenes and hear directly from the author of the lupus series, read interviews from luminaries like Dean Ornish, see practical tips from dietitians on making the transition towards a healthier diet, and enjoy recipes. 

    The second issue includes more practical tips, such as how to eat plant-based on a budget, and gives updates on what Dr. Klaper is doing to educate medical students, what Audrey Sanchez from Balanced is doing to help change school lunches, and how Dr. Ostfeld got healthy foods served in a hospital. (What a concept!) And what magazine would be complete without an article to improve your sex life? 

    The journal is free, downloadable at IJDRP.org, and its companion digest, available at diseasereversaldigest.com, carries a subscription fee. I am a proud subscriber.

    Want to learn more about preventing type 1 diabetes in the first place? See the related posts below.



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  • NeuralExcellence – A new frontier in cognitive abilities.

    NeuralExcellence – A new frontier in cognitive abilities.

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  • Vitamin D Deficiency In Kids Raises Risk Of Auto-Immune Disorders: Study Explains How

    Vitamin D Deficiency In Kids Raises Risk Of Auto-Immune Disorders: Study Explains How

    Ensure your child is getting adequate sunshine vitamins. Beyond the role of calcium absorption and bone strengthening, researchers have discovered more about its connection to the immune system. A recent study revealed how a deficiency of vitamin D in young children can raise the risk of developing autoimmune disorders.

    According to the latest study published in the journal Science Advances, the deficiency of vitamin D in kids is linked to premature aging of the thymus gland. The thymus is a small lymph gland that makes and trains T-cells that are crucial for the immune system, defending the body against infections and diseases. While most of these vital cells are produced before birth, the remainder are generated during childhood, and by puberty, individuals would have developed the complete T cells for their lifetime.

    “An aging thymus leads to a ‘leaky’ immune system. This means the thymus becomes less effective at filtering out immune cells that could mistakenly attack healthy tissues, increasing the risk of autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes,” said the lead author of the study John White in a news release.

    Studies have shown that vitamin D is essential for immunity but according to White, the recent study findings “bring new clarity to this connection and could lead to new strategies for preventing autoimmune diseases.”

    During the trial, researchers examined mice that could not produce vitamin D to assess how this deficiency affected their thymus glands. They then conducted cell analyses and gene sequencing to understand the impact of vitamin D deficiency on the immune system. The researchers expect similar findings in humans as the thymus functions similarly in both species.

    Based on the study findings, researchers suggest that young children should get adequate vitamin D, either through natural sources such as fortified food and sunlight or through supplementation.

    “If you have a young child, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider to ensure they’re getting enough,” said White.

    Earlier research conducted by the same team in 2021, which followed up more than 10,000 children showed that early vitamin D supplementation can reduce the risk of developing type 1 diabetes by up to five-fold.

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  • 12 Minute Meditation: A Guided Practice to Focus the Mind

    12 Minute Meditation: A Guided Practice to Focus the Mind

    Meditation practice often feels like something to get through, something good for us, like medicine. But as we become more familiar with practicing mindfulness, we can begin to enjoy it as an opportunity to simply be—to inhabit our body and focus the mind on being wherever we are, without having to do anything in particular.

    Obviously there’s nothing wrong with “doing” things—we have to do things. Doing things is great, but doing things is also challenging. Having some time when we can just be is refreshing.

    No question that simply being is equally as challenging because some scary thoughts might crop up. But as we become more familiar with the process, we realize we can focus the mind and we don’t have to fully engage those thoughts or get caught up in them.

    If it’s a particularly painful time, the meditation practice will be about being with that pain. We can allow it to be a bit “discontinuous,” that is, we see little gaps in the pain where bits of relaxation, and joy even, can poke through.

    So, in this longer meditation practice, let’s take the time to enjoy being here.

    A Guided Meditation to Focus the Mind

    12 Minute Meditation: A Meditation to Focus the Mind with Barry Boyce

    1. The first place to start is with spending a short period of time, in a relaxed way, on the posture. We begin with our seat. The point about our seat and our legs is just to have a base, to be supported. Nothing special about it.
    • If you’re on a chair: bottoms of the feet are touching the ground.
    • If you’re on a cushion: Legs can be simply crossed in front of you or they could be in a lotus posture or half-lotus posture.
    • The upper body is upright but not stiff.
    • Our hands can rest on our thighs in front of us with our upper arms parallel to our upper body.
    • Our eyes can be open or closed, and our gaze is slightly down. Just a slight feeling of humbleness about that. And with the gaze down we’re slightly focussed inward. Our mouth can be just slightly open or closed.

    That’s a practice in itself: just taking the time, taking the luxury, to establish our posture. If you have various bodily issues you just need to make adjustments for those.

    That’s a practice in itself: just taking the time, taking the luxury, to establish our posture

    2. Now, simply pay attention to your breathing. Now we pay attention to the breath as it comes in and goes out. The nice thing about the breath is that it’s reliable. It’s always going to be there if we’re alive. Sharon Salzberg talks about the importance of faith, and many people talk about trust. It’s a very simple type of faith or trust that something is going to continue to be there. As you find yourself lost in thought and you notice that because you have trust in the breath, you know that it will be there when you bounce off that thought and come back to the breath.

    3. Pay attention to body and breath together. As we come back to and notice our breath, we’re also noticing our body, so it’s a kind of a whole body experience, resting our attention on the breath. We can also feel the temperature in the room and appreciate our ability to sense the world—that we are a sensory mechanism. The world touches us. We have an interplay going on with the world. That’s something we can appreciate. Pleasure and pain come from that sensing of the world.

    4. For a little while, practice returning to the breath when the mind wanders. We’re taking time to simply be present and to develop presence. Presence meaning: able to be present for whatever comes up—up or down, could be very intense thoughts. How did the world begin. Why are we still driving so many cars? Who invented the car anyway? How do cars work? Can be cognitive, random thoughts like that. Or, could be intense emotional thoughts. Emotional thoughts carry with them a lot of “color,” and a lot of energy, and a lot of feeling of movement in the body: “I hate that,” ” love that,”—lots feeling tone to those thoughts. They can be persistent. They keep coming up, no matter how many times we go back to the breath. Or, thoughts could be just about simple sensation it’s an itch in your toe.

    5. Mindfulness is an equal opportunity process: whatever comes up, we just notice it and come back. If it comes up again in another shape or form, you know to sit and come back. There’s a certain amount of simplicity and dullness about that, but over time that dullness becomes natural relaxation. There’s a feeling of strength that comes from being able to be present with whatever arises and not being so inclined to run from it.

    6. Some people like to use the slogan “The present is pleasant,” but that’s not really true, necessarily. The present can contain whatever is present in that moment. If a family member has just died, it’s not going to be particularly pleasant. Taking a moment to meditate and focus the mind will be about being with that, not trying to create a pleasant experience for yourself. Usually, we’re trying to get something out of an experience. In this case, paradoxically, we are just trying to be with, rather than trying to get something out of it.

    7. As we notice thoughts again and again in meditation practice, the thoughts begin to have less solid substance to them. They can feel less like something we have to fight with. We can have an appreciation that they are not facts, they’re just formulations that emerge in the mind and that beneath them is some kind of presence and awareness that continues, whatever thoughts may arise and dwell for a while and then go.



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  • Unlock the Power of Greens: The Surprising Benefits of a Plant-Based Diet

    Unlock the Power of Greens: The Surprising Benefits of a Plant-Based Diet

    Unlock the Power of Greens: The Surprising Benefits of a Plant-Based Diet

    The Science Behind a Plant-Based Diet

    In recent years, the importance of a plant-based diet has gained significant attention in the health and wellness community. More than just a fad, a plant-based diet has been proven to offer numerous health benefits, from weight management to disease prevention. In this article, we’ll delve into the science behind a plant-based diet and explore the surprising benefits that await those who make the switch.

    Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases

    A plant-based diet has been shown to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. This is largely due to the rich influx of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals found in plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. In particular, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by up to 42% (1).

    Weight Loss and Management

    A plant-based diet is often associated with weight loss, and for good reason. Plant-based foods tend to be naturally lower in calories and higher in fiber, making it easier to feel full and satisfied. Additionally, a plant-based diet reduces the likelihood of overconsumption of saturated fats and added sugars, common culprits of weight gain. In a study published in the International Journal of Obesity, participants who adopted a plant-based diet saw a significant reduction in body mass index (BMI) over a period of six months (2).

    Better Gut Health

    A healthy gut is essential for overall well-being, and a plant-based diet can play a significant role in maintaining a balanced gut microbiome. Plant-based foods are rich in prebiotic fibers, which act as fuel for beneficial bacteria in the gut, promoting a diverse and thriving ecosystem. This can lead to improved immune function, reduced inflammation, and even mental health benefits. In a study published in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, researchers discovered that a plant-based diet was associated with improved gut health in individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (3).

    Increased Energy and Cognitive Function

    A plant-based diet is not only good for the body but also for the mind. Plant-based foods are rich in B vitamins, which play a critical role in energy metabolism and cognitive function. In a study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, researchers found that a diet rich in B vitamins can help reduce the risk of cognitive decline and age-related dementia (4).

    The Environmental Benefits

    A plant-based diet is not only good for human health, but it also has a significant impact on the environment. Animal agriculture is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water pollution. By adopting a plant-based diet, individuals can reduce their carbon footprint and support sustainable agriculture practices. In a study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, researchers estimated that a plant-based diet can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 50% (5).

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, a plant-based diet offers a plethora of benefits, from improved health outcomes to environmental sustainability. It’s time to unlock the power of greens and make the switch to a more plant-based diet. With the numerous benefits outlined above, it’s clear that adopting a plant-based lifestyle is a vital step towards achieving overall well-being and contributing to a healthier planet.

    FAQs

    Q: What does a plant-based diet look like?
    A: A plant-based diet focuses on whole, minimally processed foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts. It’s important to note that a plant-based diet is not the same as a vegan diet, as the former can include small amounts of animal products.

    Q: How do I get started with a plant-based diet?
    A: Start by incorporating small changes, such as replacing one meal with a plant-based option or trying new recipes. Gradually make changes to your diet and consult with a registered dietitian or healthcare professional for personalized guidance.

    Q: Are plant-based diets suitable for everyone?
    A: While a plant-based diet can be beneficial for many, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes, particularly for individuals with certain health conditions or dietary restrictions.

    Q: Can I still eat animal products if I follow a plant-based diet?
    A: While a plant-based diet emphasizes whole, plant-based foods, it’s not necessary to eliminate animal products entirely. Incorporating small amounts of animal products, such as dairy or eggs, can be part of a balanced plant-based diet.

    Q: How do I find plant-based recipes and resources?
    A: There are numerous resources available, including cookbooks, online blogs, and social media platforms. Some popular resources include Plant-Based Magazine, Oh My Veggies, and Forks Over Knives.

    As we’ve seen, a plant-based diet is more than just a fad – it’s a lifestyle that offers numerous benefits for human health, the environment, and the planet. With the right information and guidance, anyone can unlock the power of greens and start their journey towards a healthier, more sustainable future.

  • Before a Workout

    Before a Workout

    Before a Workout: Get Ready to Sweat

    Before diving into a workout, it’s essential to prepare yourself mentally and physically. A well-planned pre-workout routine can make a significant difference in your performance, reducing the risk of injury, and ensuring you get the most out of your exercise. In this article, we’ll explore the best practices for pre-workout preparation, from hydration to nutrition, and everything in between.

    Hydration: The Foundation of a Good Workout

    Staying hydrated is crucial for any workout, especially high-intensity or long sessions. Dehydration can cause dizziness, fatigue, and even lead to more significant complications like heatstroke. To avoid these issues, make sure to drink plenty of water in the hours leading up to your workout.

    The American College of Sports Medicine recommends drinking 17-20 ounces of water 2-3 hours before exercise, and 7-10 ounces every 10-15 minutes during activity. Additionally, consider increasing your sodium intake through foods or supplements to help replenish lost electrolytes.

    Fuel for the Fire: Nutrition and Pre-Workout Snacks

    A well-timed snack can provide energy, support muscle function, and aid in recovery. Opt for complex carbohydrates, such as whole grain toast with avocado, or fruits like bananas or berries. These snacks will provide sustained energy and help reduce blood sugar spikes.

    Avoid heavy, greasy, or high-sugar foods, which can cause digestive discomfort and hinder performance. Instead, focus on balanced, easily digestible options like:

    • Overnight oats with nuts and seeds

    • Greek yogurt with honey and berries

    • Apple slices with almond butter

    • Hard-boiled eggs and whole grain crackers

    Getting Familiar with Your Gear: Equipment and Clothing

    Dressing for success involves more than just style; it’s about comfort, flexibility, and the right gear. Make sure you have the following items within reach:

    • Comfortable, well-fitting workout clothes

    • A water bottle or hydration pack

    • A towel or sweat-resistant products for wiping down equipment

    • A phone and headphones (if you prefer listening to music)

    • A small bag or backpack to carry essentials like keys, wallet, and ID

    Mental Preparation: Set Your Intentions and Dispose of Distractions

    Before diving into your workout, take a few moments to mental prepare. This can include:

    • Setting clear goals for your workout (e.g., specific exercises, sets, and reps)

    • Visualizing your success and overcoming challenges

    • Removing distractions, such as turning off your phone or finding a quiet spot

    • Arriving at the gym at least 10-15 minutes before your scheduled workout to get settled and calm your mind

    Warming Up: The Key to Injury Prevention

    A proper warm-up is crucial for preventing injuries, improving performance, and reducing muscle soreness. Aim for a 5-10 minute dynamic warm-up consisting of:

    • Light cardio (jogging, jumping jacks, etc.)

    • Mobility exercises (leg swings, arm circles, etc.)

    • Specific exercises mimicking the movements of your actual workout (e.g., squats, lunges, etc.)

    Cooling Down: The Forgotten Step

    Adequate cool-downs are just as essential as warm-ups, yet often overlooked. A 5-10 minute cool-down can help:

    • Reduce muscle soreness and inflammation

    • Gradually bring your heart rate back to normal

    • Aid in the removal of lactic acid buildup

    • Prepare your body for post-workout nutrition and recovery

    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. How far in advance should I start preparing for my workout?

    Aim to start getting ready 45-60 minutes before your workout. This will give you enough time to change, hydrate, fuel, and mentally prepare. Adjust according to your individual needs and schedule.

    1. Can I still work out if I’m feeling dehydrated?

    No, it’s generally not recommended. Dehydration can lead to serious complications, so prioritize hydration and adjust your workout plan accordingly.

    1. What if I have a minor injury? Should I still work out?

    Consult with a medical professional or fitness expert to determine the best course of action. In many cases, modifying your workout or incorporating alternative exercises can still be beneficial.

    1. How important is music for my workout?

    Music can significantly impact your performance and enjoyment. Experiment with different playlists to find what works best for you, but don’t rely solely on music for motivation.

    In conclusion, a well-prepared workout routine is a vital component of overall fitness success. By incorporating the tips and tricks outlined in this article, you’ll be better equipped to tackle your exercise routine with confidence, reduce the risk of injury, and achieve your fitness goals. Remember, a solid pre-workout routine sets the stage for a successful workout, so make it a priority, and get ready to sweat!

    before-a-workout

  • Generalized Pustular Psoriasis Condition, Treatments and Pictures for Adults

    Generalized Pustular Psoriasis Condition, Treatments and Pictures for Adults

    Who’s At Risk?

    GPP can affect people of any age, but it is most common in middle-aged adults, and it is more common in women.

    Signs & Symptoms

    GPP commonly appears as many similarly sized pustules covering large areas of skin, such as the trunk and arms and legs. Individual pustules may begin to merge into larger collections, sometimes referred to as “lakes of pus.” Pustules are often within red patches (flat areas of skin larger than a thumbnail) and may be more prominent around the edges of redness. The redness may be difficult to see in darker skin colors, where the patches may appear more purple, gray, or darker brown. The lining of the mouth can also be affected in GPP.

    GPP differs from other types of localized pustular psoriasis, such as palmoplantar pustulosis. Nevertheless, people with GPP may have a personal history of plaque psoriasis. In this case, there may be pustules along with plaques (raised areas of skin larger than a thumbnail) covered by silvery scales, especially on the scalp, trunk, buttocks, genitals, elbows, or knees.

    The lesions of GPP can become infected, and this condition may affect other organs in the body, such as the liver, joints, lungs, and kidneys.

    Self-Care Guidelines

    GPP is a severe type of psoriasis that can lead to serious complications if inadequately managed or treated. For this reason, there are no self-care measures that are adequate for treating GPP.

    The National Psoriasis Foundation is an excellent resource for individuals with psoriasis, including GPP. Additional disease information can be found on their website at https://www.psoriasis.org/.

    Treatments

    The widespread redness and pus-filled bumps of GPP may mimic or resemble other pustular conditions or infections. Your medical provider may do a biopsy and skin culture along with some blood tests to rule out these similar conditions.

    If you have severe GPP, your medical professional may recommend hospitalization to ensure appropriate care, including hydration, nutrition, temperature regulation, and treatment of any infection.

    Initial management and general care from your medical professional may include:

    • Topical steroids applied to the skin with damp dressings.
    • Fluid replacement.
    • Screening for infection.
    • Other laboratory blood tests.
    • Medications for pain management.

    For ongoing care, your medical professional may prescribe the following:

    • There is only one FDA-approved medication for GPP: spesolimab (Spevigo), which is an intravenous (IV) medication given for flares of GPP.

    Other treatment considerations may include:

    • Biologic medications such as infliximab (eg, Remicade), ustekinumab (Stelara), secukinumab (Cosentyx), ixekizumab (Taltz), brodalumab (Siliq), guselkumab (Tremfya), or risankizumab (Skyrizi).
    • Retinoid medications such as acitretin (eg, Soriatane).
    • Immunosuppressant medications such as methotrexate (eg, Trexall) or cyclosporine (eg, Neoral).
    • Ultraviolet therapy, also known as phototherapy.

    If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should discuss appropriate treatments for your GPP with a medical professional.

    Visit Urgency

    Concerning skin changes include widespread inflamed areas of skin and/or pus-filled lesions over patches of red skin or skin color changes. It is important to visit a dermatologist or seek urgent medical attention if you suspect you may have GPP.

    References

    Bolognia J, Schaffer JV, Cerroni L. Dermatology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018.

    James WD, Elston D, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA. Andrew’s Diseases of the Skin. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019.

    Kang S, Amagai M, Bruckner AL, et al. Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology. 9th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education; 2019.

    Last modified on June 13th, 2024 at 11:22 am

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  • The Largest Study on Fasting in the World 

    The Largest Study on Fasting in the World 

    The Buchinger-modified fasting program is put to the test.

    A century ago, fasting—“starvation, as a therapeutic measure”—was described as “the ideal measure for the human hog…” (Fat shaming is not a new invention in the medical literature.) I’ve covered fasting for weight loss extensively in a nine-video series, but what about all the other purported benefits? I also have a video series on fasting for hypertension, but what about psoriasis, eczema, type 2 diabetes, lupus, metabolic disorder, rheumatoid arthritis, other autoimmune disorders, depression, and anxiety? Why hasn’t it been tested more?

    One difficulty with fasting research is: What do you mean by fasting? When I think of fasting, I think of water-only fasting, but, in Europe, they tend to practice “modified therapeutic fasting,” also known as Buchinger fasting, which is more like a very low-calorie juice fasting with some vegetable broth. Some forms of fasting may not even cut calories at all. As you can see below and at 1:09 in my video The World’s Largest Fasting Study, Ramadan fasting, for example, is when devout Muslims abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset, yet, interestingly, they end up eating the same amount—or even more food—overall.

    The largest study on fasting to date was published in 2019. More than a thousand individuals were put through a modified fast, cutting daily intake down to about ten cups of water, a cup of fruit juice, and a cup of vegetable soup. They reported very few side effects. In contrast, the latest water-only fasting data from a study that involved half as many people reported nearly 6,000 adverse effects. Now, the modified fasting study did seem to try to undercount adverse effects by only counting reported symptoms if they were repeated three times. However, adverse effects like nausea, feeling faint, upset stomach, vomiting, or palpitations were “observed only in single cases,” whereas the water-only fasting study reported about 100 to 200 of each, as you can see below and at 2:05 in my video. What about the benefits though?

    In the modified fasting study, participants self-reported improvements in physical and emotional well-being, along with a surprising lack of hunger. What’s more, the vast majority of those who came in with a pre-existing health complaint reported feeling better, with less than 10 percent stating that their condition worsened, as you can see in the graph below and at 2:24 in my video. 

    However, the study participants didn’t just fast; they also engaged in a lifestyle program, which included being on a plant-based diet before and after the modified fast. If only the researchers had had some study participants follow the healthier, plant-based diet without the fast to tease out fasting’s effects. Oh, but they did! About a thousand individuals fasted for a week on the same juice and vegetable soup regimen and others followed a normocaloric (normal calorie) vegetarian diet.

    As you can see below and at 2:54 in my video, both groups experienced significant increases in both physical and mental quality of life, and, interestingly, there was no significant difference between the groups.

    In terms of their major health complaints—including rheumatoid arthritis; chronic pain syndromes, like osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and back pain; inflammatory and irritable bowel disease; chronic pulmonary diseases; and migraine and chronic tension-type headaches—the fasting group appeared to have an edge, but both groups did well, with about 80 percent reporting improvements in their condition and only about 4 percent reporting feeling worse, as you can see below and at 3:25 in my video. 

    Now, this was not a randomized study; people chose which treatment they wanted to follow. So, maybe, for example, those choosing fasting were sicker or something. Also, the improvements in quality of life and disease status were all subjective self-reporting, which is ripe for placebo effects. There was no do-nothing control group, and the response rates to the follow-up quality of life surveys were only about 60 to 70 percent, which also could have biased the results. But extended benefits are certainly possible, given they all tended to improve their diets, as you can see below and at 4:00 in my video.

    They ate more fruits and vegetables, and less meats and sweets, and therein may lie the secret. “Principally, the experience of fasting may support motivation for lifestyle change. Most fasters experience clarity of mind and feel a ‘letting go’ of past actions and experiences and thus may develop a more positive attitude toward the future.”

    As a consensus panel of fasting experts concluded, “Nutritional therapy (theory and practice) is a vital and integral component of fasting. After the fasting therapy and refeeding period, nutrition should follow the recommendations/concepts of a…plant-based whole-food diet…”

    If you missed the previous video, check out The Benefits of Fasting for Healing.



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