Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection caused by the reactivation of the Varicella Zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox. After a person has chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the body, hiding in nerve tissues near the spine and brain. Shingles occur when this virus is reactivated, most often in older adults or individuals with weakened immune systems.
Epigenetic marks play a crucial role in maintaining health throughout life by regulating biological processes and predisposition to diseases. Understanding when and how these marks can change opens new opportunities for the prevention of chronic diseases and improving quality of life. In the first part of the article, we examined the theoretical aspects of epigenetics, how and when these changes occur, and their impact on health. In the second part, we will focus on practical approaches: how to influence epigenetics through nutrition, lifestyle, and other available strategies. Particular attention will be given to critical periods such as pre-pregnancy preparation, childhood, adolescence, and aging when external factors can have the most significant long-term effects on health.
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects apocrine glands, which are located in specific areas of the body. These glands secrete a special fluid and are found only in certain regions such as the armpits, groin, around the anus, genitals, buttocks, and under the breasts.
Due to skin folds in these areas, apocrine glands often lack oxygen, leading to blocked secretions and encouraging the growth of pathogenic anaerobic bacteria. If the apocrine glands become clogged and inflamed, this can result in painful nodules and abscesses, which may merge and form tunnels under the skin.
In the first part of the article, we discussed the causes and diagnosis of endometriosis. Now, we will explore the possible treatment options for this condition.
As you might guess, anything that leads to hormonal imbalance in the body can have an impact. In our world, there are quite a few such issues.
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) is a chronic condition in which mast cells in the body become excessively activated. This leads to the release of numerous chemical substances that can cause diverse symptoms affecting various systems of the body.
In the first part, we discussed therapies that can assist in treating pathogenic biofilms, most of which should be conducted in a specially equipped office and administered by a competent specialist. In the second part, we will consider therapies that can be performed at home, although they often involve prescription medications.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common conditions affecting women and men, with acute and chronic forms characterized by various causes and risk factors. Acute cystitis and urethritis are typical examples of quickly treatable infections requiring timely antibiotic intervention. In contrast, chronic infections like chronic cystitis and prostatitis can cause significant discomfort for patients and necessitate prolonged treatment. Biofilms often play a role in the development of such chronic infections.
Depression is a serious mental disorder characterized by a prolonged period of low mood, loss of interest in favorite activities, changes in energy balance, and a decreased sense of satisfaction with life. It affects overall physical and emotional well-being, the ability to function in daily life, and the quality of interpersonal relationships.
Depression can have different degrees of severity, and without timely treatment, it can become chronic and negatively impact the quality of life. However, depression can also be a symptom of other medical or psychological conditions. Distinguishing between depression as a symptom and depression as a standalone condition is usually based on the duration, frequency, severity of symptoms, and their impact on daily life.
There are cases where patients experiencing symptoms potentially related to thyroid dysfunction undergo standard testing for TSH hormone levels, and the results fall within the normal range. This often concludes the examination.
It is possible that, for this reason, many individuals in the Canadian province of BC remain undiagnosed for many years. They exhibit symptoms of thyroid dysfunction, yet specialists assure them that everything is fine, relying on the fact that thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels are within the normal range.
Rapid changes in the fields of physical activity, sports, and medicine over the past decades have led to an increased interest in medicinal and anabolic steroids. Chemical compounds originally developed for medical purposes have become in demand to increase muscle mass.
However, behind this popularity, there are numerous questions: How do steroids affect the body? What are the medical indications and contraindications for their use? What are the risks associated with their usage?
