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The modern world keeps us perpetually busy, often sidelining our fitness goals. But imagine a world where exercise fits seamlessly into your schedule, like a snack between meetings. Introducing "Exercise Snacking," the efficient approach to fitness for those always in a rush. Read on to discover how these short bursts of activity might be the game-changer you've been looking for.
Did You Know? Your ancestry test DNA data includes 700,000 markers, which can be used to learn everything about fitness, from optimal workout for your body and ideal recovery period to ligament and tend strength and injury risk. Learn more.
If you thought exercise snacking was a form of snacking, you are not alone!
Exercise snacking is a method of structuring small, bite-sized bouts of workouts into your daily routine to help increase your health and fitness.
Think of it as snacking on exercise during the day by breaking your longer workouts into smaller portions.
The exercises performed as part of ‘snacking’ are safe to perform at home or work and do not require extensive warm-up, sports clothing, or equipment.
It is similar to the concept behind high-intensity interval training (HIIT), which is based on short bouts of intense movement followed by a short rest period.
However, with exercise snacking, the workout lasts around two minutes with a longer or more extended rest period.
A few simple examples are:
A lack of time is one of the most significant barriers people face in maintaining their exercise routine.
It is an excellent way to overcome this barrier and stay fit.
Though more research is required to understand how exercise snacking can benefit your health and fitness, here are a few potential ones:
You must remember that occasional exercise snacking does not significantly move the needle.
Just like a regular exercise routine, exercise snacking also requires consistency.
There is a lot of excitement around this type of workout, including its potential weight loss benefits.
Carrying extra weight around the middle of the body can increase your risk for conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity.
Losing this weight can improve these parameters and reduce complications like heart disease and stroke.
Starting on a 3x5 routine every day may help in weight loss.
(5 minutes of exercise 3 times a day)
While the 3x5 routine is popular, it is not a rule. You can exercise snack based on the amount of time you have:
If you have 1 to 5 minutes, here are some ways to grab your bite-sized exercise opportunity:
If you can find slightly more time, around 5 to 7 minutes a few times during the day, here are some exercises you can try:
Repeat this routine for 5 to 7 minutes
Repeat this routine for 5 to 7 minutes.
If you can squeeze in 10 minutes of exercise, here are some exercises to include:
Preliminary research around exercise snacking has shown that short bursts of exercises improve metabolic health, build endurance, and improve muscle health.
However, it is an adjunct to regular exercises to help you get your daily 30 minutes of aerobic exercise, especially if you are running on a tight or hectic schedule.
There is currently no proof that exercise snacking is better than regular exercise.
Everyone must get their daily dose of aerobic exercise or 150 minutes over the week to stay healthy and fit.
The US Department of Health and Human Services recommends seniors try to exercise up to 300 minutes per week.
This amounts to around 60 minutes of exercise daily, five days a week.
The CDC recommends seniors get at least 150 minutes of exercise per week or 30 minutes per day, five days a week.
Seniors who have been sedentary for a long must take exercise snacks one bite at a time.
Doing a small chore at home, cooking a meal, or anything that gets you to move is considered an exercise snack.
Rather than focusing on a full hour of workout, seniors can start small with exercise snacks of 5 to 10 minutes and get moving.
Seniors must always check with their physician before starting any new form of workout or exercise.
If you are wondering how to begin exercise snacking, here are five tips that may be useful:
Red meat is one of the staple food sources in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more Americans are getting allergic to red meat thanks to a particular species of tick bite. As many as 450,000 Americans could be affected by this syndrome. The lone star is a species of tick native to parts of the USA and Mexico. Being bitten by this tick may surprisingly make a person allergic to red and processed meat! Keep reading to learn more about this tick-induced red meat allergy and the possible treatments.
Did You Know? Your ancestry test DNA data includes 700,000 markers, which can be used to learn your risk for various seasonal, environmental, food, and drug allergies. Learn more.
Alpha-gal is a sugar molecule present in most mammals.
It is found in red meat (beef, venison, pork, lamb) and animal products like dairy, gelatin, and food cooked in animal fat.
This sugar molecule isn’t found in poultry or seafood.
The alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is a life-threatening allergic reaction to red meat or other food products containing the alpha-gal molecule.
The lone star is a species of tick found prominently in the Southeastern and Eastern United States and parts of Mexico.
This species is also called the Northeastern water tick or the turkey tick.
The tick is identified by the single star-shaped mark on its back.
Lone star tick bites may cause various conditions, including the following:
CDC confirms that the tick bite may also lead to AGS.
In people with AGS, the IgE antibodies get triggered by the red meat's alpha-gal molecules and start reacting.
The body experiences anaphylaxis-like allergy symptoms, which can become life-threatening unless treated quickly.
Unusual Symptoms
Some of the symptoms of AGS are:
Genetics Of Food Intolerance and Food Allergy
The lone star tick is found in dense woodlands and, according to experts, are aggressive biters.
They can crawl quickly into the furs of pet animals, cattle, or deer.
These lone star ticks move fast and can also crawl from the foot level onto human skin.
The two most significant risk factors for lone star tick bite are living around woodlands or exposure to woods and having pets/cattle herds that get infected with lone star ticks.
Apart from these, the following factors may also affect the risks of developing AGS.
When ticks bite humans, alpha-gal molecules in their saliva get transferred to the bloodstream.
The body considers the alpha-gal molecules dangerous, and the immune system kicks into action.
The lymphocyte cells release anti-alpha-gal IgE cells in response.
Now, the person develops an antibody response to the alpha-gal molecules.
Red meat like beef, venison, lamb, and pork contains alpha-gal.
Some cuts of meat, especially the organs, contain very high levels of alpha-gal.
When a person whose body has alpha-gal antibodies consume red meat, there may be an allergic reaction triggered.
Understand the root cause of your allergies with a DNA-based report. Identify genetic risk factors & get personalized recommendations for relief and management.
One complication with red meat allergy is the low awareness about AGS in the United States.
CDC surveyed 1500 medical practitioners nationwide, and over 50% hadn’t heard of AGS.
Of those aware of the problem, one-third weren’t confident in treating patients.
Red meat allergy could become a public health problem, with lifetime effects in a few patients.
More than 90% of Americans consume meat.
The overall consumption of red and processed meat in the United States is about 73.6%.
In some people, antibodies may reduce over time, and they can start including red meat like before.
In others, this could be a long-long condition, preventing them from consuming red meat.
Acquired red meat allergy develops after a lone star tick bite.
It is scarce for someone to inherit red meat allergy. However, it isn’t entirely impossible.
According to studies, people with the B or AB blood type were five times less likely to develop AGS.
The alpha-gal molecules and the B antigen both have similar structures. As a result, the immune system may ignore the molecules and not trigger a reaction.
A simple blood work will help check the amount of alpha-gal antibodies in the body.
This is a clear indicator of red meat allergy.
In some cases, your doctor may request a skin test.
A small portion of the skin is pricked and exposed to substances extracted from red meat.
The lab technician then checks for allergic reactions.
In most cases, allergy medications are prescribed to handle rashes, hives, and swelling.
Doctors may offer a shot of epinephrine in more severe cases to handle the allergic breakouts.
If you experience any signs of an allergic reaction, please visit your nearest Emergency Care immediately.
The Allergy and Drug Sensitivity panel of Xcode Life includes 45 important allergy aspects, including vital information on 6 food allergies. If you have done an ancestry genetic test with companies like 23andMe, AncestryDNA, MyHeritage, etc., you can learn your allergy status in just 3 steps.
Not yet tested?
If you're new to the world of genetic testing, we've got you covered! You can now get your ancestry DNA kits at an additional discount!
Purchase a DNA kit at 10% OFF (the discount will be reflected when you add the product).
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For people who have recovered from red meat allergy, staying away from red and processed meat for a couple of years is essential.
It helps prevent future allergic triggers.
Other food products in the market may also contain traces of alpha-gal.
Please talk to your doctor and get a list of food sources to avoid.
These individuals can get their blood work done after 1-2 years to check the level of alpha-gal antibodies in the blood.
People who get a clear report may gradually start including smaller portions of red meat.
https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/alpha-gal/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2023/p0727-emerging-tick-bites.html
https://parasitesandvectors.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13071-019-3413-z
https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/alpha-gal/products.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7796493/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6488443/
Waking up refreshed is the hallmark of a good night's sleep. However, for many, mornings begin with an unwelcome headache. The burning question arises: what's causing this discomfort during what should be hours of rejuvenation? Is it the quality of sleep, an undiagnosed health condition, or external factors we might overlook? We've researched and compiled the potential reasons and remedies for your headache after waking up.
Did You Know? Many aspects of sleep, like deep sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, snoring risk, the tendency to be an insomniac, etc, are highly influenced by genes. Your ancestry test DNA data includes 700,000 markers, which can be used to learn everything about sleep. Learn more.
The association between headaches and sleep disorders was recognized well over a century ago.
But the relationship between them is a classic chicken-or-egg situation.
Inadequate or irregular sleep often sets the stage for headaches, exacerbating their intensity or frequency.
The disruption of the body's internal circadian rhythm, responsible for regulating our sleep-wake cycle, can cause alterations in neurotransmitter levels.
These changes, coupled with the release of stress hormones due to sleep deprivation, can provoke or intensify headaches.
Conversely, chronic headaches can disrupt sleep, leading to a cyclical relationship where poor sleep worsens headaches, which in turn affects sleep quality further.
Hence, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and ensuring a sleep duration of 7-9 hours nightly is essential.
Recognizing and acting upon this relationship can significantly improve overall health and well-being.
Approximately 1 out of every 13 people experiences morning headaches.
They affect women (and those assigned females at birth) more than men (and those assigned males at birth).
Those between the ages of 45 and 64 are more prone to it.
When we wake up, during the transition period between sleep and wakefulness, the brain is more sensitive to changes in the body and may be more susceptible to pain.
Due to sleep deprivation and changes in sleep patterns, people with insomnia are at a high risk of experiencing morning headaches and migraines.
Insomnia can interfere with sleep by:
Characterized by disrupted breathing during sleep, apnea can result in pressing pain on both sides of the head in the mornings.
Snoring is the most common symptom of sleep apnea.
A brain chemical called serotonin signals your brain when it is time to wake up. Continuing to sleep after this can result in dehydration and other kinds of strain on your body. This can make you more prone to experiencing a headache after waking up.
Also called sleep bruxism, this is a tension-related disorder that causes a person to grind or clench their teeth during nighttime. The person may not even realize that they are doing this.
It can affect jaw joints and contribute to Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders, a painful jaw condition. Studies have established a connection between sleep bruxism and morning headaches.
Not just morning headaches, but dehydration is a common cause of all headaches in general. While inadequate water intake results in dehydration, it can also be caused due to excessive sweating, diarrhea, vomiting, etc.
Not having enough water during the day and before bedtime can result in dehydration while asleep and a subsequent headache after waking up.
Muscle soreness and pain during physical activity are caused due to lactic acid buildup. Similarly, sleeping in the wrong position or on an uncomfortable pillow can cause muscle contraction, limiting blood flow.
This results in the buildup of lactic acid, carbon-di-oxide, and water. They can contribute to morning headaches.
Brain chemicals linked to sleep also play a role in pain, as seen before. Additionally, they also play a role in mood regulation.
This is why anxiety and depression are more commonly seen in people with migraines and sleep disorders.
If your morning headaches happen rarely and are more of a one-off situation, then it may not be a cause of concern.
But if it happens frequently, talk to your healthcare provider to explore the cause behind the headaches.
Pillows play a crucial role in ensuring that your neck and spine are adequately supported during sleep.
The pillow should align your neck & head as though you're standing upright.
Pillows that are too soft might not provide enough neck and spine support, whereas overly firm pillows can force your body into an unnatural angle.
Both of these can result in morning headaches.
It's essential to regularly assess and replace your pillow to maintain the right sleep posture.
A cold room can cause constriction of blood vessels, affecting blood flow.
This can result in waking up with body aches, including a headache.
B vitamins are important for converting a harmful amino acid called homocysteine into a safe form. Any B vitamin deficiency can cause a homocysteine build-up, leading to headaches.
Vitamin D deficiency is also associated with frequent headaches.
Magnesium plays an important role in several body functions, like regulating blood pressure and glucose levels, muscle and nerve function, etc. Therefore, a deficiency in this mineral can contribute to migraines.
Headache pain behind the eyes can be severe or mild, sharp or dull, or a feeling of pressure.
Headache behind the eyes can happen due to several reasons like tension headaches, eyestrain, sinusitis, eye strain, untreated myopia or hypermetropia, etc.
The Gene Sleep panel of Xcode Life includes 16 important health aspects, covering important traits like sleep apnea risk, snoring tendency, deep sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, etc.
If you have done an ancestry genetic test with companies like 23andMe, AncestryDNA, MyHeritage, etc., you can learn about your sleep health in just 3 steps.
Not yet tested?
If you're new to the world of genetic testing, we've got you covered!
You can now get your ancestry DNA kits at an additional discount!
By following the link provided in this article, you can purchase a DNA kit at 10% OFF (the discount will be reflected when you add the product).
This will ensure that you have everything you need to embark on your genetic journey.
Once you receive your kits, you can follow the instructions given by the respective service providers to collect your sample and ship it.
After you receive your DNA test results from the kit, you can upload your DNA data to our secure platform.
If you are experiencing morning headaches daily or frequently, it is important to dig deep into what’s causing them.
Once you identify that, your doctor can provide appropriate measures to prevent them.
Headaches due to sleep disorders
Sleep disorders like apnea, insomnia, or bruxism have specific management strategies.
Severe apnea is commonly treated using CPAP machines.
Mild insomnia can be fixed through lifestyle interventions, while moderate to severe insomnia may require medications or cognitive behavioral therapy.
A common and effective measure to manage bruxism is getting a custom-made mouthguard.
Headaches due to sleep position or pillows
Side and back sleeping helps with favorable spine alignment and thus can help prevent headaches.
Research suggests latex pillows are superior to others when it comes to preventing headaches after waking up.
Headaches due to improper nutrition
Depending on your activity levels and lifestyle, it is crucial to consume 2-5 liters of water daily. Dehydration is a common cause of headache.
A well-rounded diet that helps meet all vitamin and mineral requirements can also help prevent headaches caused due to nutritional deficiencies. If required, contact your medical practitioner for appropriate supplementation.
Maintain a regular sleep schedule
One of the most well-documented ways to prevent morning headaches is by getting adequate and consistent sleep.
Limit alcohol and caffeine intake
Manage stress
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/216451
https://headachejournal.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/head.13816
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4310076/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3004642/
A simple change in two letters of your DNA can lead to red hair. Two common genetic variants, rs1805007 and rs1805008, are strongly associated with the red hair phenotype in humans. This article will dive into the science behind these variants and explore their role in determining hair color.
Did You Know? Your ancestry test DNA data includes 700,000 markers, which can be used to learn everything from disease risk and drug sensitivities to nutritional requirements and skin health. Learn more.
The MC1R gene is the most studied human hair color gene on chromosome 16.
It contains instructions to produce a protein called the melanocortin-1 receptor, primarily located on the surface of melanocytes.
Melanocytes are highly differentiated cells that produce a pigment called melanin.
The melanocortin-1 receptor is involved in the pathway that produces melanin.
It controls which kind of melanin is made by melanocytes - eumelanin or pheomelanin.
When the MC1R gene is mutated, it reduces the ability of the melanocortin-1 receptor to stimulate eumelanin production.
This causes melanocytes to make high levels of pheomelanin.
Because they produce more pheomelanin, people are more likely to develop red hair.
Red hair is closely linked with two changes in the MC1R gene, denoted as rs1805007 and rs1805008.
The rs1805007 and rs1805008 are the two highly prevalent variants of the MC1R gene.
These variants have been nicknamed ‘R’ alleles to denote their strong association with the red hair color.
The rs1805007 and rs1805008 variants are also known as R151C and R160W, respectively.
The amino acid changes in these variants are Arg151Cys and Arg160Trp.
They make up 22% of the MC1R gene and account for 60% of all cases of red hair.
rs1805007
| Genotype | Effect |
| CC | Normal risk for melanoma |
| CT | Carrier of a red hair-associated variant; higher risk of melanoma |
| TT | Increased response to anesthetics; 13-20x higher likelihood of red hair; increased risk of melanoma |
Source: SNPedia
The rs1805007 has been linked to being more responsive to the analgesics pentazocine, nalbuphine, and butorphanol, often used by dentists.
However, redheads carrying this mutation have also demonstrated decreased responsiveness to inhaled general anesthesia desflurane.
rs1805008
| Genotype | Effect |
| CC | Normal risk for melanoma |
| CT | Red hair carrier, higher risk of melanoma |
| TT | ~7-10x higher likelihood of red hair; higher risk of melanoma |
Source: SNPedia
The genetic variants rs1805007 and rs1805008 are strongly associated with the characteristic red hair color.
These variants impact the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for hair color, and result in the distinctive coloration seen in redheads.
Beyond hair color, these variants have also been linked to other physical traits and health conditions, like melanoma.
While having red hair may not confer any particular advantages or disadvantages in modern society, studying the genetics behind hair color can help us better understand the complex interplay between genetics and physical traits.
As research in this field continues to expand, we may uncover even more insights into the complex genetic landscape of human diversity.
Did you know that glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide? Unfortunately, many people don't realize they have glaucoma until the disease has progressed to a later stage. That's why it's crucial to know the early signs of glaucoma to get prompt treatment and protect your vision. In this article, we'll discuss five early signs of glaucoma that you need to know.
Did You Know? Your ancestry test DNA data includes 700,000 markers, which can be used to learn everything from disease risk and drug sensitivities to nutritional requirements and fitness parameters. Learn more.
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve.
More than 12 million Americans are blind from glaucoma.
The damage to the optic nerve is usually a result of increased pressure in the eye, called intraocular pressure (IOP).
Aqueous humor, the fluid within your eye, drains through the angle at which the iris and cornea meet.
When this fluid cannot drain, the pressure in your eye rises, harming your eyes.
However, there are a few types of glaucoma where damage can happen without the rise in IOP.
Open-angle glaucoma and angle-closure glaucoma are the two main types of glaucoma.
It is one of the leading causes of blindness.
This condition occurs when fluid buildup in your eye due to clogging of the drainage system.
It usually shows no signs but can manifest as blind spots in your side vision in later stages.
Gradually, your central vision may also be affected.
In this condition, the drainage canals are partially blocked.
Here the iris can end up blocking your eye's drainage canals.
It can manifest as sudden blurry vision, nausea, and rainbow-colored rings or halos around lights in your eye.
When your drainage system is completely damaged, it is called acute angle closure glaucoma.
It is a medical emergency and should be treated immediately.
This condition can gradually lead to vision loss.
Anyone above 60 years of age is more prone to developing this condition.
However, children and infants can also suffer from glaucoma.
If any of your close family members had glaucoma, you are at an increased risk of developing the condition.
Glaucoma can occur at any age but is more common in older adults aged 60 or above.
It is one of the leading causes of blindness among the aged population.
The earlier you identify the signs of glaucoma, the better your chances of managing this disease.
Here are five signs to look out for if you are prone to develop this condition.
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of vision loss.
Therefore, blurry vision is one of the first signs of glaucoma.
You might have blind spots in your vision or have an affected side vision.
Gradually your central vision may also be affected.
Glaucoma is a condition where the pressure inside your eyes increases. That is why it is common to experience eye pain if you are suffering from glaucoma. In addition, it may be accompanied by a headache.
Eye redness can be a result of many diseases like conjunctivitis.
It can also be due to a foreign particle that has entered your eye.
However, it can also be a symptom of glaucoma.
It is a common symptom of angle-closure glaucoma.
Seeing halos around lights is also a common symptom of many eye problems.
You should see your eye doctor immediately if you see a rainbow-like circle around a light.
Some people can't look at light sources, another severe symptom of glaucoma that has progressed.
The usual eye-related symptoms are often accompanied by nausea and vomiting in glaucoma.
You might feel nauseous all day and tend to throw up constantly.
Glaucoma is a disease that usually shows no symptoms until in the later stages.
It is crucial to identify symptoms since you can get them yourself as soon as possible.
Loss of peripheral vision is often the first warning sign of glaucoma.
You might suffer from glaucoma if you have severe bouts of nausea, vomiting, and intense eye pain.
You might experience eye redness or sudden vision loss due to acute glaucoma.
A cloudy cornea is a common sign of childhood glaucoma.
Tunnel vision, eye pain, and seeing halos around lights could also be due to glaucoma.
Your ophthalmologist may perform specific tests to diagnose you with glaucoma.
Glaucoma has no cure, but vision loss can be prevented or slowed down if detected early.
Here is a list of things you can do to safeguard yourself against glaucoma:
You should get your eye checked every 5-10 years if you are younger than 40 and more frequently once you get older.
Know your family's eye health history, and get yourself checked often if any of your close relatives have glaucoma.
If you are playing a sport or doing an activity where there is a possibility of suffering from an eye injury, wear protective gear.
Glaucoma does not have a cure yet.
But if detected early, the condition can be manageable.
Your doctor might prescribe you medications and eye drops, which, if taken regularly, will prevent vision loss.
Glaucoma is an eye condition that develops due to pressure buildup within the eye.
It is one of the leading causes of blindness.
Glaucoma can be of different types and usually does not show symptoms until later stages.
However, it can manifest as eye redness, blurred vision, and eye pain.
Treatment includes regular eye tests and medication to make the condition more manageable.
Motherhood, often lauded as one of life's most transformative experiences, can be a whirlwind of emotions. Amidst these fluctuations, many mothers grapple with an often under-discussed concern: postpartum depression. Though it remains a silent struggle for many, the medical community has been hard at work searching for effective treatments. In this ongoing journey, the FDA's recent approval of Zurzuvae, a postpartum depression pill, marks a significant milestone in female health and well-being, especially in the postnatal period.
Postpartum depression (PPD) has gained attention due to its growing prevalence.
Based on research conducted by CDC, 1 in every 8 moms goes through symptoms of PPD.
Additionally, more mothers are being diagnosed with depression after childbirth. It was 7 times higher in 2015 than it had been in 2000.
Afterward, the outbreak of COVID-19 had another negative effect.
A recent study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research found increased symptoms of PPD among new mothers during the first year of the pandemic.
This trend then escalated, reaching a peak of 7.7% between December 2020 and March 2021.
Indeed, here are the 5 key things you should know about this new postpartum depression pill.
It is best to have it in the evening with a fatty meal. Avoid driving or handling heavy items for at least 12 hours after taking this pill.
If you're considering having a baby, use extra protection while taking Zurzuvae for a week afterward.
After that, you'll be able to find it on the shelves this year. The cost has yet to be disclosed.
The Zurzuvae makers, Sage Therapeutics and Biogen, have chosen to keep it confidential.
These extensive trials showed that it effectively alleviated symptoms of PPD in women for 45 days after taking it.
It requires a continuous intravenous (IV) infusion over 60 hours for approximately 2.5 days.
Unfortunately, it can be quite costly, ranging from $20,000 to $35,000 per treatment.
It's like a gentle nudge to help you return to feeling like yourself.
When a woman suffers from PPD, she frequently has a problem with gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a type of brain chemical.
In conditions like postpartum depression, GABA levels are reduced, and it doesn’t perform the functions it’s supposed to.
Zurzuvae is designed to work on this particular brain chemical (the reason why this drug is specific to PPD).
It is a manmade version of a hormone called allopregnanolone. Ideally, when this hormone is present at normal levels, it supports GABA activity and keeps feelings of depression at bay.
However, in those with PPD, allopregnanolone levels drop.
Zurzuvae acts as a replacement for this, bringing GABA levels back to normal.
Zurzuvae has the advantage of being a once-a-day pill, making it a more convenient option than its predecessor, Zulresso, which requires an injection.
The randomized clinical trials (NCT04442503) were conducted to test Zurzuvae's effectiveness.
The trials were meticulously organized to be double-blind, implying that neither the participants nor the researchers knew who received the real medication.
195 women with PPD were split into two groups and underwent analysis.
One group (n=98) received 50mg Zurzuvae, while the other group (n=97) was given a placebo (a dummy pill with no effect).
The outcomes of the study were promising.
Women who took a daily dose of 50mg Zurzuvae for two weeks observed a noticeable reduction in their PPD symptoms on Day 15.
Specifically, their symptoms scored -15.6 on the measurement scale.
In comparison, the placebo group scored -11.6 points on the same scale.
This indicates a notable difference of -4.0 points.
These results were evaluated using a specialized depression measurement tool, the 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale (HAMD-17).
The encouraging news is that improvements began as early as day 3 and remained till day 45.
Note: Under the brand name Zurzuvae, Zuranolone is sold.
If you're considering using a postpartum depression pill, it's important to be aware of possible side effects.
Here's what you should know:
Important points to remember:
Zurzuvae is the first FDA-approved postpartum depression pill to alleviate symptoms of PPD in women.
It brings a ray of hope with some solid proof from tests that show it can help women feel better mentally.
Zurzuvae offers a simpler way to take it (just once a day), with solid results from clinical trials backing it up.
The numbers don't lie – PPD is rising, and the pandemic has toughed things.
With Zurzuvae, the path to the early days of motherhood seems brighter and more hopeful.
It is essential to take your doctor's advice before considering this postpartum depression pill.
https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/features/maternal-depression/index.html
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S002239562200214X
https://www.drugs.com/zurzuvae.html
https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04442503?term=217-PPD-301&draw=2&rank=1
