This month brought some developments on a variety of interesting topics that are related to MTHFR, epigenetics and thyroid health. I’d like to take this opportunity to remind our readers to please not post questions about personal health in the comments section of the posts on this blog. While I really do want to help everyone, I don’t always have the answers. This is why I created the discussion forums for these questions so others may also assist. I also cannot answer questions related to your personal health matters via private email as I am not a doctor or health practitioner. Please post all questions in the discussion forums – this way if I cannot answer them, perhaps another member can. Thank you for your understanding!
New Discoveries
Results of a new study demonstrated that one in four human tumors have genetic polymorphisms associated with an increased risk of cancer that cause epigenetic changes that modify the expression of neighboring genes (Medical Xpress). This means that the gene was switched off as opposed to there being a change in the base pairs of the nucleic acid sequence. PET scans have shown that patients with chronic fatigue syndrome have higher levels of nervous system inflammation than healthy people (Red Orbit). Arsenic (often found in the water supply) has been shown to lower the IQs of schoolchildren in Maine (Columbia University).
Lyme Warning
The unusually cold winter has prompted many to project very hot temperatures ahead. Health experts are warning that this weather pattern could bring a rise to the incidence of Lyme disease this season as the snow allowed ticks to survive the winter (Riverhead Local, CBS and other sources). A study lead by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) found that Lyme disease is 10 times more widespread than previously reported, with some 300,000 new cases per year in the United States (Tech Times). No kidding.
Thyroid Disorders
While further research is needed to explore the correlation, untreated thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy has been linked to a slightly higher incidence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or ADHD (Autism Daily Newscast). If you want to learn more about thyroid problems and how they impact health, be sure to sign up for next week’s free online event, The Thyroid Sessions, featuring an amazing lineup of health practitioners and experts in the field (yes, I am an affiliate of this event).
Treatments, Both Helpful and Harmful
The helpful: Marijuana has been found to be the most effective treatment for fibromyalgia symptoms according to a survey conducted by the National Pain Foundation. And before you start taking (or prescribing) testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), an evaluation of oxidative stress should be in order. According to researchers at the North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, giving TRT to patients with high levels of oxidative stress (as measured by homocysteine) can cause cognitive damage (Medscape).
The harmful: Now that I know I’m a victim of being floxed, my eyes are open to articles on fluoroquinolone antibiotics. Two pieces of news this month bring to light another problem caused by the over-prescription of these dangerous antibiotics: bacterial drug resistance. Researchers at Columbia University have pointed out the fluoroquinolone antibiotic over-usage is a likely cause of the spread of USA300, a strain of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria (Drug Topics). A new report by the CDC has also tied Ciprofloxacin resistance to the rise in cases of gonorrhea (Doctors Lounge).
Are you aware of any important news that I missed this month?
