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Many people may be unaware of its impact on the eyes regarding Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a rare genetic disorder affecting the body's connective tissues.
However, eye problems can be severe and sometimes life-changing for EDS patients. From vision loss to dislocated lenses, let's take a closer look at the link between EDS and the eyes.
EDS is a group of heritable disorders that affect connective tissues like the skin, ligaments, bones, blood vessels, and other tissues and organs.
There are 13 types of EDS, characterized by the following:
In some people, ocular manifestations of EDS have been identified.
1 in 5000 people is affected by EDS, and the hypermobile and classical forms of the condition are more common.
Abnormal changes (called mutations) in at least 20 genes have been identified to cause EDS.
Mutations in the COL5A1, COL5A2, and rarely COL1A1 cause the classical type of EDS.
The genes associated with EDS, such as COL1A1, COL1A2, COL3A1, COL5A1, and COL5A2, provide instructions for making different types of collagen.
Mutations in these genes, therefore, disrupt the production, processing, and assembly of normal collagen.
As a result, the individual has weakened connective tissues, which is characteristic of EDS.
The inheritance pattern of EDS varies based on the type.
The classical, vascular, arthrochalasia, and periodontal EDS have an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern.
This means having just one gene copy in each cell is sufficient to cause the condition.
Other forms likely show an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern, meaning both copies of the defective gene are needed to cause the condition.
An ophthalmologist must evaluate people with EDS to detect any eye abnormalities.
The ophthalmologist will usually perform a dilated eye exam to increase pupil size.
This enables them to examine the structures at the back of the eye, including the retina, blood vessels, and the optic nerve, for abnormalities.
If retinal abnormalities are detected, the individual should undergo eye checkups every three to six months.
Frequent eye examinations may be required if the individual sees floating structures or spots that interfere with their vision.
Individuals with kyphoscoliotic EDS tend to have eye and vision problems that can be rectified using corrective glasses.
Some studies indicate that vision problems may also be found across other types of EDS.
In EDS, collagen production is disrupted, resulting in abnormal collagen fibrils and improper assembly.
Mutations primarily cause this in the COL5A1 and COL5A2 genes.
Two other genes, ZNF469 and PRMD5, have been implicated in brittle cornea syndrome, a condition characterized by progressive cornea thinning.
Common vision problem in EDS: A Study
A study compared healthy volunteers with 50 individuals with classical EDS.
The analysis revealed structural changes in the corneas of EDS patients, resulting in symptoms like:
In rare cases, the sclera of EDS patients may turn blue.
The sclera, or the white of the eye, and the cornea (which covers the eye) comprise collagen.
Some functions of collagen in the eyes are
While collagen has an inherent capacity to stretch and regain shape, in people with EDS, collagen loses this elasticity.
Abnormal collagen production can result in many eye conditions and vision problems.
While some symptoms, like dry eyes, are manageable, others may require additional treatment.
A few severe eye conditions resulting from compromised collagen include
When retinal blood vessels leak or break, it is called wet macular degeneration.
It is called dry macular degeneration, when the retina deteriorates or wears out.
Both wet and dry macular degeneration leads to vision loss.
This gives rise to a sensation of a foreign substance in the eye and pain.
A few common ocular signs of EDS include:
Due to corneal changes in EDS, most patients with this condition complain of dry eyes.
Treatment for eye problems in people with EDS is similar to those with similar vision problems without EDS.
The ophthalmologist will treat structural issues with lens replacement, corneal replacement, or other surgical techniques wherever required.
However, surgery may not always be the first treatment choice for people with EDS.
Artificial tears or steroid eye drops may be prescribed to relieve dry eye symptoms.
Treatment and recovery times may be longer for people with EDS.
G6PD deficiency affects the body's ability to produce an enzyme essential for red blood cell function.
Vaccines are designed to stimulate the immune system and protect against infectious diseases.
For G6PD-deficient individuals, a common question is whether they should avoid any particular vaccination.
In this article, we aim to answer this question in detail.
G6PD deficiency disorder is a hereditary blood disorder.
It occurs when the body does not produce enough glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase enzyme.
As a result, red blood cells are destroyed earlier than their expected lifespan.
This premature death of RBCs causes hemolytic anemia.
It can also cause other symptoms like jaundice and shortness of breath.
Avoiding certain foods and medications might make this condition more manageable.
G6PD deficiency can manifest in various ways:
In dark-skinned people, paleness might not be very evident.
But it can manifest around the mouth and lips, indicating the presence of this condition.
It might make a person feel extremely tired most of the time.
However, nausea and dizziness also indicate lowered oxygen supply in the body.
The spleen’s function is to remove dead RBCs from the bloodstream.
When RBCs are getting destroyed at an abnormally high rate, the spleen is overloaded and can become enlarged.
It might be either due to the presence of RBCs in the urine or excess bilirubin resulting from hemolytic anemia.
G6PD deficiency disorder can be inherited from either one or both parents.
Men who have the defective gene causing this disorder show symptoms.
Women can become carriers of this disorder if they inherit the faulty gene.
If either or both parents pass this gene to their son, he will likely suffer from the disorder.
However, if they pass it on to their daughter, she will likely become a carrier of this disease.
Vaccines can immunize G6PD-deficient patients against several microbes.
They can be safely administered without the additional need to monitor the patient.
G6PD-deficient individuals are more susceptible to coronavirus infection.
They can have an altered immune response to viral infections.
People living with G6PD deficiency can be safely administered Covid-19 vaccines.
Clinical trials and research have shown that vaccines do not fall under G6PD deficiency medications to avoid.
There are no specific vaccine brands to choose from if someone suffers from G6PD deficiency.
Research hasn’t identified any vaccines as medication to be avoided. So, people deficient in G6PD can go ahead with recommended vaccinations.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. The content of this article should not be taken as medical advice. Consult a qualified practitioner for any advice regarding G6PD deficiency.
Most people with G6PD symptoms can lead healthy lives if they avoid certain foods and medications.
They can cause a faster breakdown of red blood cells in the body, which can be dangerous for people with this condition.
Here is a G6PD allergy list to avoid:
Some G6PD deficiency antibiotics to avoid are sulfa drugs, like Bactrim and Septra.
They are commonly used to treat Urinary Tract Infections or skin infections.
Quinolone antibiotics like Cipro and levofloxacin used to treat pneumonia should also be avoided.
Other common drugs like Nitrofurantoin and dapsone should also be avoided.
Thus, testing the patient for G6PD deficiency before administering this drug is recommended.
G6PD-deficient patients can, however, tolerate many other malaria medications.
However, it can also cause a hemolytic crisis in the body.
Therefore, a patient should constantly undergo screening before administering this drug.
However, it can cause an allergy in patients with G6PD deficiency.
Common over-the-crowd drugs like Pepto-Bismol and Ecodrin also contain this drug.
G6PD-deficient patients can instead use Ibuprofen as a pain medication.
This chemical can trigger hemolysis in the body when inhaled or ingested.
The above list can be used as a G6PD allergy list.
Additionally, here are a few other things that can trigger a reaction in the body for G6PD deficient patients.
Favism is another name for G6PD deficiency.
Other legumes like lentils and peanuts can also potentially cause allergies.
However, it can cause a severe allergic reaction in G6PD-deficient patients.
Caffeine in coffee can interfere with and inhibit G6PD secretion in the body.
In addition, caffeine competitively inhibits G6PD’s binding ability with its coenzyme, NADP.
It can cause a hemolytic crisis (large numbers of blood cells are destroyed quickly) in the body.
So, for G6PD-deficient people, it is better to avoid coffee.
G6PD deficiency is a hereditary disorder that usually affects men.
Due to the under-secretion of G6PD in the body, the person can suffer from hemolytic anemia.
This condition can be managed by avoiding certain foods and common medications.
No vaccination has proven to be dangerous for those with G6PD deficiency.
These include coffee, fava beans, and antibiotics used to treat UTIs.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9571732/
Love seafood? Here is one more reason to celebrate your pescatarian diet.
A 2023 study reports that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids derived from fish may help lower the risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Fish and other seafood have always been associated with health benefits like decreased cardiovascular conditions, improved brain health, and a lowered risk of stroke.
This article will discuss this research report's findings and list the best food sources for omega-3s.
Omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 fatty acids) are essential fats the body cannot make.
They need to be gotten from one’s diet.
These are also called good fats.
There are three types of n-3 fatty acids found in foods.
The health effects of omega-3 fatty acids come only from EPA and DHA.
ALA needs to be converted into EPA and DHA in the body before it can be used.
Omega-3 fatty acids control the cell receptors and are integral to every cell in the body.
Inflammation is the body’s way of fighting an infection or an injury. Chronic inflammation can cause conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, or Ulcerative colitis.
Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids help reduce inflammation in the body and can reduce the risk of developing inflammatory diseases.
Omega-3 fatty acids can stabilize cardiovascular risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and high triglyceride levels. As a result, it can reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
DHA is an integral part of the eye’s structure. When you don’t get enough omega-3 fatty acids from your diet, this may cause vision problems.
Omega-3 fatty acids are necessary for fetuses' brain growth and cognitive development. That’s why women are advised to include foods rich in omega-3 when they are pregnant.
Lack of sleep can be the starting point for various health conditions. A 2014 controlled trial study concludes that DHA supplementation in children with sleep problems helped them get more sleep and experience fewer waking episodes at night.
Chronic Kidney Disease is a condition caused by gradual kidney damage.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 15% of American adults have CKD. Among these, 9 out of 10 individuals don’t know they have the condition.
Individuals with the following health conditions are at a higher risk of developing CKD.
In January 2023, a study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) explored the relationship between omega-3 fatty acid consumption and the risk of CKD.
This analysis combined the results of 19 studies done in 12 different countries.
Participants details
The participants belonged to the following 12 countries.
Out of the 25,570 individuals, 19.1% (4944) had developed CKD in the median follow-up period of 11.3 years.
The study found that people who consumed higher quantities of seafood had an 8% lower risk of CKD.
The study also mentions that the beneficial effects of omega-3 fatty acids were limited only to DHAs and EPAs. Plant-based omega-3s (ALAs) did not lower the risk of CKD.
According to this study, regularly consuming seafood-derived omega-3s (DHAs and EPAs) may help reduce the risk of Chronic Kidney Disease.
While the body may convert some parts of plant-derived omega-3s (ALAs) into DHAs and EPAs, they aren't enough to protect against kidney diseases.
Two primary sources of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids are marine algae and phytoplankton (microscopic plants found in oceans and freshwater).
The fish and other sea creatures that consume these algae and phytoplankton accumulate DHAs and EPAs in their body.
When humans consume these fish, they receive the omega-3s in turn.
Some food sources rich in DHA and EPA omega-3 fatty acids are
With the constant bombardment of fad diets and weight loss tips, it can be challenging to decipher what will truly help shed those extra pounds. One of the most debated questions is whether it's better to eat less or eat less frequently, i.e., skip a meal. This article will explore the science behind these two strategies and discuss which might be better suited for your weight loss goals.
The fundamental principle of weight loss is simple - burn more calories than you consume.
Therefore, restricting calorie intake is often the primary approach to weight loss.
The science behind calorie restriction is based on the concept of energy balance.
Energy balance is the relationship between the calories you consume and the calories your body burns.
When you consume more calories than you burn, the excess calories are stored as fat, which can lead to weight gain.
Conversely, when you consume fewer calories than you burn, your body will burn stored fat, leading to weight loss.
Several studies have demonstrated that calorie restriction is an effective weight loss strategy.
However, it's worth noting that calorie restriction can be challenging to maintain long-term, and extreme calorie restriction can be dangerous and adversely affect health.
Therefore, finding a balance that works for you and your body is crucial to achieving sustainable weight loss.
Intermittent fasting, a popular form of meal skipping, has recently gained popularity as a weight loss tool.
The science behind it is that skipping meals creates a calorie deficit, leading to weight loss.
Short-time fasting results in ketosis, where the body doesn't have enough glucose to burn for energy production, so it uses stored fat instead.
This leads to the production of ketones overall, resulting in weight loss.
Studies have also shown that intermittent fasting can improve insulin sensitivity, which is crucial in weight loss.
However, it's important to note that meal skipping may not be a sustainable long-term solution for weight loss for all.
It can be challenging to maintain, and many regain weight once they stop fasting.
Speaking to a healthcare professional is recommended before embarking on any form of meal skipping.
New research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association evaluated the association between time from the first meal to the last meal with weight change.
The study was conducted on nearly 550 adults from 3 different health centers.
Participant details
| Race | 80% self-identified as white adults, 12% as black adults, and about 3% as Asian adults |
| Mean age | 51 years |
| Average BMI | 30.8 |
| Education level | College or higher (most participants) |
| Average follow-up time | 6.3 years |
The Daily24 App
The team created a mobile app called Daily 24 for participants to input real-time sleeping, eating, and wake-up timings for every 24-hour window.
The app was powered with in-app notifications, encouraging participants to use it as much as possible during the study period.
The app enables the researchers to measure the following:
Those with higher BMI were more likely to:
compared to those with lower BMI.
The analysis of the 6-year data found:
According to the lead author, “although the study found that meal frequency and total calorie intake were stronger risk factors for weight change than meal timing, the findings could not prove direct cause and effect.”
The researchers also point out that they did not evaluate the complex interactions of timings and frequency of eating.
They also could not rule out any preexisting health conditions in the participants.
Further, the majority of the study participants were well-educated white women; further studies should aim to cover a more diverse population.
Intermittent fasting has recently gained popularity, and it's not just because of weight loss.
There are several benefits associated with intermittent fasting.
It's essential to note that more research is needed to confirm these benefits, and intermittent fasting may not be appropriate for everyone.
Therefore, speaking to a healthcare professional before starting any new diet or weight loss program is crucial.
Calorie restriction must be done safely and healthily to avoid adverse effects on the body.
Here are some tips for restricting calorie intake safely:
Calorie restriction is a widely-accepted, fundamental principle of weight loss, which involves consuming lesser calories than expending.
Skipping meals (popularly called intermittent fasting) has gained popularity recently, owing to several benefits outside weight loss.
A recent study that examined the effect of meal timings on weight loss reported that the timings at which we eat don’t have any effect on body weight; further, it found out that eating less frequent smaller meals (<500 calories) can help with weight loss.
Food allergies are abnormal immune responses to certain foods.
In food allergies, upon consuming the trigger food, the immune system mistakenly identifies it as harmful and starts attacking it.
It tries to protect the body against it by releasing histamine and other chemicals.
This can cause a range of symptoms, including
Some common foods that can cause allergies include milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soy, and wheat. Food allergies can develop at any age and can be lifelong.
Is food allergy a genetic condition?
The role of genetics in food allergies is complex and not fully understood.
However, research has shown that there is a genetic component to food allergies.
A family history of allergies, such as hay fever or eczema, is a strong risk factor for developing a food allergy.
Studies have also shown an increased risk in children with a parent/sibling with a food allergy.
Several genetic factors have been identified that may increase the risk of developing a food allergy.
For example, variations in certain genes involved in the immune system, such as the HLA gene complex, have been associated with food allergies.
Other genes, such as the FcεRI gene, involved in histamine release regulation, have also been linked to food allergies.
Research has also identified specific genetic changes that may increase the risk of developing a food allergy to certain foods.
For example, a change in the DLX2 gene, denoted as rs115218289, has been associated with an increased risk of peanut allergy.
Another example is gluten intolerance.
2 specific types of HLA-DQ gene, HLA-DQ2, and HLA-DQ8, are associated with increased risk for this condition.
Many types of genetic testing can be used to identify individuals who are at a higher risk of developing a food allergy.
This can be done by analyzing specific genes associated with food allergies, such as those involved in the immune response.
Genetic testing can also identify individuals with a specific genetic variant that increases food allergy risk.
The results help identify a food allergy before an individual exhibits symptoms.
The information provided by genetic testing can be used to help individuals and their doctors make informed decisions about their diet.
For example, say an individual is found to have a genetic variant that increases the risk of peanut allergy.
Then they may avoid peanuts or other related foods, such as tree nuts until further testing can be done.
Disclaimer
It's important to note that genetic testing is not a diagnostic test for food allergies.
A positive result from a genetic test does not mean that the individual definitely has a food allergy.
It only indicates that they may be at a higher risk.
Only a food allergy test can confirm if an individual has a food allergy.
Additionally, genetic testing is not a definitive way of predicting who will develop a food allergy.
Environmental factors also play a crucial role in the development of food allergies.
Overall, genetic testing can be useful for identifying individuals at a higher risk of developing a food allergy.
However, it should be used with other diagnostic tools and not as a definitive diagnosis.
Several environmental factors may contribute to the development of food allergies. These include:
Diagnosis and treatment of food allergies can be a complex process.
The following are some standard methods used to diagnose and treat food allergies:
Treatment of food allergies typically involves avoidance of the allergen. This means identifying the specific food causing the allergy and eliminating it from the diet.
It's important to note that food allergies can be life-threatening and should be taken seriously.
The role of genetics in food allergies is complex and not fully understood. However, research has shown that there is a genetic component to food allergies. A family history of allergies, such as hay fever or eczema, is a strong risk factor for developing a food allergy.
Several genetic factors have been identified that may increase the risk of developing a food allergy. Genetic testing can be used to identify individuals who are at a higher risk of developing a food allergy. However, it should be used with other diagnostic tools and not as a definitive diagnosis. Understanding the genetic factors contributing to food allergies can help develop new diagnostic tools and treatments.
In a recent study, scientists have found that oleuropein, a compound found in olive leaf extracts, can help treat endometriosis.
According to this 2022 study, when introduced to mice with endometriosis, olive leaf extracts improved their fertility rate.
Endometriosis is a condition where tissues similar to that growing inside the uterus grow outside the uterus.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 10% of women their reproductive age develop endometriosis. That is almost 190 million cases worldwide.
The tissues that develop outside the uterus may behave like typical uterus linings and shed and bleed every month.
Since the tissues grow outside the uterus, there is no easy path for them to leave the body. This causes cramps and pain.
Also, the tissue growths can block the fallopian tube and form cysts. They can also push into the bladder or the intestines, causing organ damage.
Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent inflammatory condition affected by estrogen levels in the body.
Estrogen is a major female sex hormone that controls the functioning of the reproductive system.
One type of estrogen, called estradiol, is especially important for forming the tissues inside the uterus.
Estrogen receptors ER-alpha and ER-beta control the effect of estradiol on the uterine tissues.
A 2019 study reports that ER-beta plays a more critical role in the progression of endometriosis.
Olive leaves contain oleuropein, which a 2022 study suggests may be effective in treating endometriosis.
In this study, a group of mice was chosen and induced endometriosis surgically. A part of the group was treated orally with oleuropein.
The study reported that the mice treated with oleuropein had lesser endometrial lesions than the other group. The drug also improved fertility rates in these mice.
Additionally, the study mentions that the drug did not cause liver toxicity and was safer for the mice.
Oleuropein is a major component in olive leaves (19% weight to weight). As a result, this study concludes that olive leaves could be used to treat endometriosis naturally by inhibiting ER-beta.
Here are other effective ways to manage endometriosis.
Hormonal contraceptives like birth control pills and vaginal rings can reduce estrogen levels and manage endometrial tissue growth.
Individuals with endometriosis may be prescribed hormonal contraceptives to help manage the symptoms.
Certain foods and diets may reduce estrogen levels in the body and help control symptoms of endometriosis.
Mediterranean Lifestyle - The Mediterranean diet, which is rich in whole grains, good fat, vegetables, and fruits, may help lower estrogen levels.
Limiting refined carbohydrates - Refined carbohydrates can quickly spike blood sugar levels, increasing estrogen levels. Limiting refined carbohydrates can help regulate estrogen and make endometriosis manageable.
High fiber diet - A diet high in fiber may help push out excess estrogen through fecal excretion. This can help manage endometriosis.
Excessive body fat promotes the production of estrogen. By losing weight, estrogen circulation is better, and this can bring down the severity of endometriosis.
Multiple studies prove a positive relationship between alcohol intake and increased estrogen levels in females. Reducing alcohol intake, especially during the luteal phase (second half) of the menstrual cycle, can help reduce the symptoms of endometriosis.
