Returning guest, Dr. Bruce Sands, MD, MS, Chief of the Dr. Henry D. Janowitz Division of Gastroenterology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and the Mount Sinai Hospital discusses findings from the Phase 2 GALAXI-1 trial which showed that the majority of adults with moderately to severely active CD maintained clinical remission and corticosteroid-free remission through 48 weeks with TREMFYA ® (guselkumab). These data were presented at the 17th Congress of the European Crohn’s and Colitis Organisation (ECCO) 2022
INTERVIEWS
ECCO 2022 – New, First-of-its-Kind Combination Therapy Data in Ulcerative Colitis for Guselkumab and Golimumab
Returning guest, Dr. Bruce Sands, MD, MS, Chief of the Dr. Henry D. Janowitz Division of Gastroenterology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and the Mount Sinai Hospital and lead study investigator on the VEGA Phase 2a proof-of-concept study discusses data that showed 83.1 percent of patients who received guselkumab and golimumab combination therapy achieved the primary endpoint of clinical response and 36.6 percent of patients achieved clinical remission at week 12. These data were presented at the Congress of the European Crohn’s and Colitis Organisation (ECCO) 2022.
Infant Anaphylaxis – Signs, Symptoms, Treatment Landscape
Dr. Vivian Hernandez-Trujillo, a leading pediatric allergist at the Allergy and Immunology Care Center of South Florida discusses guidelines by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) that recommend parents and caregivers introduce peanut-containing foods to infants as young as four to six months, to potentially reduce the risk of developing a peanut allergy by up to 80%. She also talks about how infants and toddlers often respond differently to allergens than older children and adults, and the importance of recognizing the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis, as well as developing an anaphylaxis preparedness plan and carrying an epinephrine auto-injector.
Organon – Paid Day Off on International Women’s Day
Barbara J. Stegmann, Clinical Lead, Women’s Health at Organon and OB/GYN, discusses the company’s efforts to recognize the growing women’s health inequities exacerbated by the pandemic, including Organon’s decision to declare International Women’s Day (IWD) a paid day off for its employees to focus on their own health. She addresses the major inequities plaguing women’s health today and how healthcare providers can help to close these gaps and ensure women are prioritizing their health.
ASH 2021 – Hematological Adverse Event Management
Dr. Jerome Goldschmidt, MD, an oncologist at Blue Ridge Cancer Care discusses his poster presentation from the American Society of Hematology (ASH) 2021 Annual Meeting titled “Understanding Hematological Adverse Event Management through Health Care Resource Utilization, Costs, and Treatment Patterns of Patients with Extensive-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer Treated in the Community Oncology Setting”
How Real-World Data is Tackling Huge Historical Clinical Trial Pain Points
For patients suffering from rare diseases, the limited number of breakthrough treatments has hindered improvements to their quality of life. While most clinical trials have recruitment and retention challenges, rare disease trials encounter these in addition to unique challenges such as inherently small and geographically dispersed patient populations, more heterogeneity in diagnosis and treatment approaches, patient’s age and impact on the entire family, and other factors. Leanne Larson, SVP, Real-World Evidence and Access at Parexel, and Matthew Gordon, VP, Real-World Evidence Strategy at Parexel, discuss how real-world data/evidence and external control arms provide new hope for patients and developers. For example, with external control arms, researchers are now able to use real-world evidence (RWE) from existing medical records, databases, clinical trial data, etc. to speed up recruitment, an often time-consuming process to drug development. They also discuss the implications and opportunities from the FDA’s planned guidance on the use of RWE in clinical research and what this means for the industry and the rare disease community.
How Is Alzheimer’s Disease Treated?
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, degenerative brain disorder that gradually destroys memory and thinking skills. There is not yet a cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but there are treatments that can help people with the condition live longer and feel better. Keep reading to learn what causes Alzheimer’s and how it’s managed.
The Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 60 to 80 percent of all cases. The cause of Alzheimer’s disease is unknown, but it may be related to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. There is also no known cure for Alzheimer’s disease. However, there are treatments available that can help improve symptoms. The diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms, medical history, and neurological examination. No single test can definitively diagnose the disease, but various tests can be used to rule out other causes of dementia. These tests include a CT scan or MRI of the brain, a blood test for markers of inflammation and infection, and a spinal tap to measure the level of proteins in the spinal fluid.
Managing Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms
Behavioral and psychological symptoms of Alzheimer’s are common in people with the condition and can be very challenging for caregivers to manage. These symptoms can include agitation, aggression, anxiety, depression, disorientation, hallucinations, and sleep disturbances. There are several things caregivers or family members can do to help manage these symptoms. First, it’s vital to understand the underlying causes of the behaviors. For example, agitation may be caused by boredom, frustration, or insecurity. Aggression may result from the person feeling threatened or like they need to protect themselves. Once you understand the cause of the behavior, you can try to find ways to address it. For example, if the person is agitated because they are bored, you can provide them with more activities to keep them occupied. You can provide reassurance and support if the person is agitated because they are feeling insecure.
Creating a safe and supportive environment for the person with Alzheimer’s is also important. This includes creating a calm and peaceful environment, avoiding triggers, and providing consistent and predictable routines. Caregivers can also use positive reinforcement to help manage their behavioral and psychological symptoms. For example, you can reward the person for positive behaviors, such as sitting calmly or following a routine. If you are finding it difficult to manage these symptoms, it is important to seek help from a professional. There are a number of therapies and medications that can help manage these symptoms.
Prescription Medication
While no medicine can cure Alzheimer’s disease, there are ways to use prescription drugs to ease symptoms and improve quality of life. The most common medication used to treat Alzheimer’s is called a cholinesterase inhibitor. These drugs prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, a chemical in the brain that helps nerve cells communicate with each other. Some cholinesterase inhibitors also have mild anti-inflammatory effects. Other types of medications may also be prescribed to manage specific symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, such as agitation or aggression, depression, sleep problems, or urinary incontinence.
Non-Drug Therapies
Non-drug therapies such as cognitive stimulation therapy and occupational therapy can also help manage the symptoms of Alzheimer’s. There are a number of therapies that are helpful for people with Alzheimer’s disease. One of the most common non-drug therapies is cognitive stimulation. This therapy involves engaging the person with Alzheimer’s disease in activities that challenge their thinking and memory. This can help keep the person’s mind active and improve their cognitive function.
Another common non-drug therapy is music therapy. Music has been shown to have a number of benefits for people with Alzheimer’s disease, including improved mood, communication, and quality of life. Music therapy can be individualized to meet the needs of each person. Art therapy can help improve mood, cognitive function, and communication. It can also help provide an outlet for emotions and feelings. Many other non-drug therapies can be helpful for people with Alzheimer’s disease, like pet therapy, aromatherapy, and massage therapy.
Dietary Interventions
Some dietary interventions may be beneficial for those with Alzheimer’s. These changes include increasing intake of omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and B vitamins, eating foods that are low in saturated fat and cholesterol, and drinking plenty of water. Additionally, people with Alzheimer’s need to stay physically active and socialize as much as possible, as both of these activities have been shown to improve cognitive function.
Overall, it is important to understand how Alzheimer’s disease is treated to provide the best possible care for those affected by it. While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, available treatments can help improve the quality of life for those who suffer from it.
How To Boost Immune System Naturally With Food
Your immune system is a complex concert of organs, cells, tissue and proteins with the sole purpose of protecting your body from dangerous viruses, bacteria, and foreign bodies that cause infection or disease.
Learning how to boost your immune system naturally is a vital health factor that can significantly impact your wellbeing. While certain environmental and genetic factors will undoubtedly affect your natural immune system, incorporating immune-boosting and nutrient food into your diet can effectively strengthen your immune system.
While this list is in no shape or form exhaustive, it’s a fantastic way to start your journey towards a more robust immune system. Discover the best foods for your immune system for a healthier and happier you.
Understanding The Immune System
Before we begin, let’s embark on an immune-system crash course. A large portion of your immune system exists in your gut or microbiome. Home to approximately 100 trillion microorganisms, your microbiome performs vital functions like fermenting Dietary Fibre, producing Vitamins and helping to absorb minerals like Calcium and Iron by releasing enzymes.
The nutrients in our food significantly impact the performance of your immune system and your gut health. A diet with low nutritional value can result in a low level of microbiome diversity, a common characteristic of those with diseases like inflammatory bowel disease, some forms of arthritis, diabetes, eczema and obesity.
Beyond nutrient-rich food, probiotics are another vital factor in immune health. These microorganisms provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts, supporting the
body’s natural functions by directly interacting with the person or optimising their intestinal microbiome’s composition and/or activity.
To properly boost your immune system, your diet needs a balance of nutrients, including probiotic-rich foods.
Keep reading to learn more about natural foods to boost the immune system.
Dairy
Milk
Cow’s milk is undoubtedly one of the most popular drinks globally. An excellent source of protein, full of Vitamins A, D, B12 and Riboflavin, milk is also rich in minerals such as Calcium, Phosphorus, Zinc and Iodine. Even humans rely heavily on milk foods to increase immunity in children naturally. However, because mainstream milk contains both the A1 and A2 protein, it can often lead to gastrointestinal discomfort.
Read on to discover how you can avoid lactose induced discomfort.
Yoghurt
Yoghurt is made by fermenting milk. Fermentation allows bacteria (Lactobacillus) to convert the sugar in milk, or lactose, into lactic acid, which causes the milk to coagulate and set into yoghurt. The bacteria or live yoghurt culture are associated with probiotics, positively impacting immune health.
Unlike mainstream milk, yoghurt is easier to digest, and may even improve lactose tolerance and digestion, thanks to live yogurt cultures that can process the lactose in other dairy products.
NATUREDAY A2+ Powdered Milk
NATUREDAY A2+ milk powder contains two patented probiotics that improve gut health and optimise nutrient absorption. A2+ milk comes from genetically verified New Zealand cows that only produce the A2 β-casein protein, which benefits digestive health. Going far beyond a standard glass of A2 milk, NATUREDAY is all about Dairy Plus.
Each glass of NATUREDAY A2+ Powdered Milk contains 8.4g of protein (equal to 1.4 eggs). Double the Calcium of standard A2 milk. And a healthy dose of Vitamin A, C, D and E for superior nutrition with better absorption and improved health benefits that the whole family can enjoy.
In short, NATUREDAY A2+ milk powder is the most efficient way to drink milk and boost your natural immune system.
Fruit & Vegetables
Citrus Fruits
Packed full of Vitamin C, citrus fruits like grapefruit, oranges, tangerines, lemons and limes are heralded as cold defenders. That’s because Vitamin C is an essential building block for the strength of your immune system. Citrus fruits, considered one of the best foods for your immune system, release a ton of Vitamin C, assisting the production of white blood cells, an integral component to fighting off disease and infections.
According to the Australian government, the Recommended Dietary Intake (RDI) for Vitamin C is around 45mg for adults, roughly half an orange or a cup of strawberries. For children, the RDI varies from as low as 35mg a day for those aged 1 to 8 years old to 40mg for adolescents. Infants below the age of 6 months have an RDI of 25mg a day.
Papaya
Much like citrus fruits, Papaya is a fantastic source of Vitamin C, offering double the RDI for adults, alongside a healthy dose of Potassium, Magnesium and Folate. Plus, their digestive enzymes, known as Papain, provide anti-inflammatory benefits.
Kiwi
In addition to essential nutrients like Folate, Potassium and Vitamin C, Kiwis contain Vitamin K. Used by the body to produce prothrombin Vitamin A plays a vital role in blood clotting, bone metabolism, and regulating blood calcium levels.
Capsicum (Red Bell Peppers)
Fun fact, capsicums or red bell peppers have roughly 3x the amount of Vitamin C as an orange. Single red capsicum can contain as much as 127mg of Vitamin C versus the measly 45mg in the juiciest oranges. They also contain high amounts of Beta Carotene, which your body converts into Vitamin A, an essential vitamin for eye health. And a benefit that has become synonymous with our next vegetable.
Carrot
During World War II, the British managed to fool Nazi Germany into believing their airforce pilots were able to see in the dark thanks to a hefty diet of carrots. Why carrots? These orange vegetables are packed full of Vitamin A in the form of Beta Carotene, a red-orange pigment with links to improved eye health.
Through a careful campaign of carrot propaganda, the British were able to hide the development of a new, secret radar technology, which enabled them to repel the German fighters during nighttime Blitzkrieg air-raids by the German Luftwaffe in 1940.
One poster from the war recommended eating carrots and leafy greens or yellow vegetables, “…rich in Vitamin A,” they were “essential for night sight.” Another said, “CARROTS keep you healthy and help you to see in the blackout”.
While there’s no way of knowing whether Nazi Germany bought the propaganda, the Western world certainly did, with this pervasive myth transforming an undoubtedly nutritious vegetable into a so-called superhero food.
Although carrots won’t directly improve night sight, beta carotene is an essential nutrient for eye health.
Broccoli
These miniature trees, often pushed aside by fussy eaters, are supercharged with immunity-boosting vitamins and minerals. Containing Vitamin A, C, and E, alongside plenty of much-needed fibre and many antioxidants, Broccoli is arguably one of the healthiest vegetables you can eat.
Garlic
Much like its close family members, the onion, garlic is a common ingredient in practically every worldwide cuisine. Used in fiction to ward off Vampires, garlic is used to stave off the common cold and the flu in the real world. Moreover, eating garlic may provide a wide variety of health benefits, like reducing the risk of heart disease, improving cognitive health, and decreasing the risk of certain cancer types.
Its immune properties are where garlic really shines. Containing a compound called Alliin, when garlic is crushed or chewed, the Alliin is converted into Allicin, which also contains sulphur, a leading contributor to garlic’s distinctive taste and smell.
This sulphur-containing compound benefits our immune system as it has been shown to boost the disease-fighting response of white blood cells, making it ideal for reducing cold-like symptoms.
Spinach
There’s a reason Popeye ate spinach to deal with challenging situations. Rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin A and numerous antioxidants and Beta Carotene. To get the most out of your spinach, eat it fresh or up the nutrition by cooking it lightly. Cooking spinach releases nutrients from Oxalic Acid, an antinutrient, making it easier to absorb.
Nuts, Plants, Roots & Seeds
Ginger
A remedy as old as time, ginger has long been used to treat common colds and ailments. Able to decrease inflammation and nausea, ginger is a prevalent solution for sore throats.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a bitter spice with a bright yellow colour, popular in curries and used as a natural anti-inflammatory, thanks to its high concentration of curcumin. This yellow pigment colours turmeric, but it can also decrease exercise-induced muscle damage.
Almonds
Almonds are a fantastic source of Vitamin E and are an often forgotten nutrient in the immune-boosting category. Since Vitamin C tends to hog the spotlight on immune protection, we won’t blame you if you weren’t aware of how important Vitamin E is to a healthy immune system.
Sunflower Seeds
Love munching on sunflower seeds? Then you’ll be happy to learn they’re packed full of immune-boosting nutrients like Phosphorus, Magnesium, alongside a bevy of Vitamin B-6 and Vitamin E.
Green Tea
Tea is packed with antioxidants known as flavonoids which have been shown to enhance immune function. Green tea, for example, has high levels of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), along with the amino acid L-theanine, which is linked to the production of germ-fighting compounds.
Boost Your Immune System Naturally
With so many natural foods to boost your immunity, it might be hard to know where to start. While eating a healthy and balanced diet is one way to boost your immune system, the most straightforward path towards a happier and healthier you is by drinking NATUREDAY A2+ Probiotics Formulated Full Cream Milk Powder.
An enjoyable formulated full cream family milk that’s authentic, delicious and cutting-edge. It’s Absorption PLUS.
Taking Control of Menopause
Monica Molenaar, co-founder and co-CEO, and Dr. Sharon Malone, certified national menopause practitioner and Medical Director from Alloy Women’s Health, Inc. discuss menopause and the health issues surrounding menopausal and post-menopausal women. They recommend a three-pronged approach that will offer women the best ways to make informed decisions to address their individual concerns about menopause and take back control of their health.
Rare Disease Documentary on Acute Hepatic Porphyria (AHP)
Dr. Peter Emanuel, a hematologist/oncologist in Little Rock, Arkansas discusses acute hepatic porphyria (AHP), a debilitating, rare genetic disease, and a new film called “Two of Me: Living with Porphyria” that features personal interviews with AHP patients. He is joined by his patient, Megan, who is featured in the film and shares her personal journey.