This article is for informational purposes only. The current coronavirus outbreak is an ongoing event and certain details may change as new information comes to light. No effective or FDA-approved products are currently available for the treatment of the new coronavirus. Overall, the best preventive measures you can take against COVID-19 are basic standard precautions, including social distancing, hand washing, and avoiding touching your face.

Does Marshmallow Have a Role in the COVID-19 Pandemic?

Not to be confused with the confectionery treat, the marshmallow plant (Althaea officinalis) has been used as a traditional herbal medicine since ancient times [R].

Fun fact: the confectionery form used to be made from the marshmallow plant, although today’s marshmallow treats no longer contain any trace of the plant.

Extracts from the marshmallow plant are purported to help with several conditions, such as constipation, ulcers, and inflammation.

There is also some evidence that marshmallow may help with cough, reduce lung inflammation, and have antimicrobial effects, which makes this plant an exciting candidate for future research on respiratory conditions.

That said, there is no evidence yet that marshmallow can treat or prevent the COVID-19 pandemic.

In this article, we’ll go over how marshmallow extracts may interact with the immune system and lung health.

How Can Marshmallow Help?

Cough

Clinical studies suggest that marshmallow plant extracts may reduce the severity and duration of dry cough, a common symptom of COVID-19 [R].

For instance, one study of 822 patients with dry cough due to throat irritation found that marshmallow lozenges and syrup helped improve cough symptoms within 10 minutes [R, R].

In another study looking at 313 children, a marshmallow extract syrup reduced the intensity and frequency of dry coughing associated with throat irritation [R, R].

Several other clinical studies have found similar results in adults and children [R, R].

How exactly does the marshmallow plant help suppress coughing?

According to some scientists, certain compounds inside marshmallow may interact with serotonin receptors, which play a role in the body’s cough reflex [R].

Lung Inflammation

There is evidence that certain compounds inside marshmallow (including polysaccharides and flavonoids) have anti-inflammatory effects [R, R].

One rat study examined the

The post Can Marshmallow Help with Coronavirus (COVID-19)? appeared first on SelfHacked.

What Is Marshmallow?

Overview

Not to be confused with the sweet confectionery treat, the marshmallow plant (Althaea officinalis) has been used as traditional herbal medicine since ancient times [R].

Did you know? The marshmallow treat used to be made from the marshmallow plant, although today’s marshmallow treats no longer contain any trace of the plant.

Extracts from the roots, leaves, and flowers of the plant have several purported benefits and are used to treat various ailments, such as sore throat, cough, and ulcers [R].

According to research, the compounds inside marshmallow may indeed have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and cough-suppressing properties [R, R, R].

However, there are few studies performed in humans. More clinical research is needed to fully evaluate the potential health benefits of the marshmallow plant.

Components

The marshmallow plant contains several compounds that have significant biological activity, including [R]:

• Mucilage polysaccharides
• Pectins
• Flavonoids
• Phytosterols
• Tannins

The biological activity of these compounds may, in part, be responsible for the health benefits of marshmallow.

For example, mucilage polysaccharides have demonstrated potent cough-suppressing properties in animal studies [R].

Snapshot

Proponents

• May help suppress coughing
• May promote skin lesion healing
• May improve breast engorgement
• May have anti-inflammatory effects
• May have antimicrobial effects
• May help prevent ulcers

Skeptics

• Lack of clinical research
• Studies are based on different formulations
• Supplements are not standardized

Purported Health Benefits of Marshmallow

Insufficient Evidence For:

The following purported benefits of marshmallow are only supported by limited, low-quality clinical studies. There is insufficient evidence to support the use of marshmallow for any of the uses listed below. Remember to speak with a doctor before taking marshmallow. It should never be used as a replacement for approved medical therapies.

1) Cough

Clinical studies suggest that marshmallow plant extracts may reduce the severity and duration of cough [R].

For instance, one study of 822 patients with dry cough due to throat irritation found that marshmallow lozenges and syrup helped improve cough symptoms within 10 minutes [R,

The post 6 Health Benefits of Marshmallow + Dosage & Side Effects appeared first on SelfHacked.

This article is for informational purposes only. The current coronavirus outbreak is an ongoing event and certain details may change as new information comes to light. Overall, the best preventive measures you can take against COVID-19 are basic standard precautions, including social distancing, hand washing, and avoiding touching your face.

Do Omega-3 Fatty Acids Have a Role in the COVID-19 Pandemic?

Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat that have important anti-inflammatory effects.

Examples include EPA and DHA, which are commonly found in fish oils, and ALA, which is found in plant oils [R].

Omega-3 fatty acids have many purported health benefits. With the current coronavirus outbreak, their potential ability to help fight infections and improve lung function are of particular interest [R, R].

There is no evidence yet that omega-3 fatty acids can treat or prevent the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, there are studies that suggest these fatty acids may be beneficial for some types of infection, while they may be detrimental in others.

In this article, we’ll go over exactly how omega-3 fatty acids interact with the immune system and lung health. For more information on their other health benefits, check out our article here.

How Can Omega-3 Fatty Acids Help?

Omega-3 fatty acids are known for their anti-inflammatory effects. They can influence inflammation through several mechanisms, such as [R]:

• Reducing the gene expression of inflammatory compounds
• Altering the concentration of proteins and hormones that affect inflammation
• Helping produce resolvins, an anti-inflammatory compound

There’s also some evidence that the fatty acids EPA and DHA may stimulate the immune system to better fight infections [R].

In addition, some of the compounds that EPA and DHA help to produce, such as resolvins and protectins, have antibacterial and antiviral properties [R].

Omega-3 Fatty Acids & Infections

Research suggests that the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects of omega-3 fatty acids may help fight off certain infections [R, R].

The omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA may limit tissue injury and help fight infections caused by the following bacteria [R, R]:

• P. aeruginosa
• S.

The post Can Omega-3 Fatty Acids Help With Coronavirus (COVID-19)? appeared first on SelfHacked.

This article is for informational purposes only. The current coronavirus outbreak is an ongoing event and certain details may change as new information comes to light. Overall, the best preventive measures you can take against COVID-19 are basic standard precautions, including social distancing, hand washing, and avoiding touching your face.

Does Licorice Have a Role in the COVID-19 Pandemic?

Licorice, or liquorice, refers to the root of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant which is often used for its sweet flavor.

This plant root is also used in many traditional herbal medicines, where it is believed to help with digestive issues, cough, menopausal symptoms, and infections [R].

According to research, there may be some validity to these claims as researchers have found that the active compounds inside licorice may have antiviral properties [R].

Make no mistake, there is no evidence that licorice can help prevent or treat the ongoing outbreak of COVID-19.

However, studies do show that licorice may have antiviral activity against viruses that are closely related to the new coronavirus, which makes it an interesting candidate for future research [R].

This article will focus on the link between licorice and the immune system. Check out this article for a more comprehensive look at licorice.

How Does Licorice Help the Immune System?

One of the main active compounds inside licorice is glycyrrhizin, which has a variety of effects in the body, including antiviral properties [R].

According to research, glycyrrhizin may help fight infections through several mechanisms, including [R]:

• Interfering with the ability of viruses to release from infected cells
• Inhibiting virus gene expression
• Activating the development of T-cells

Licorice contains many other biologically active compounds that may also have antimicrobial properties, such as licochalcone A, liquiritigenin, and glabridin [R].

Glycyrrhizin Toxicity

While glycyrrhizin is responsible for many of the antiviral effects of licorice, this compound is also associated with several side effects and safety concerns.

Consuming large amounts of licorice or long term use can cause high blood pressure and low potassium levels, which can result in heart and muscle issues [R].

There’s also some evidence that consuming licorice root during pregnancy may lead to developmental issues in children

The post Can Licorice Help Fight Coronavirus (COVID-19)? appeared first on SelfHacked.

This article is for informational purposes only. The current coronavirus outbreak is an ongoing event and certain details may change as new information comes to light. Overall, the best preventive measures you can take against COVID-19 are basic standard precautions, including social distancing, hand washing, and avoiding touching your face.

Does Astragalus Have a Role in the COVID-19 Pandemic?

Astragalus root is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine, where it is known as Huang Qi.

Supplementation with astragalus is purported to help with a number of health conditions, although high-quality research to support these claims is limited [R].

Astragalus has received more attention recently due to its potential to boost the immune system, help fight certain infections, and improve lung function according to some studies [R].

In fact, it’s been one of the most commonly recommended herbs for COVID-19 in Traditional Chinese Medicine [R].

To be clear, there is currently no evidence that astragalus has any effect on the new coronavirus.

However, astragalus has been studied in other types of respiratory infections, which may help guide future research efforts into the COVID-19 pandemic [R, R].

This article will explore the effect of astragalus on the immune system and infections. Check out this article for a more comprehensive look at astragalus.

How Does Astragalus Help the Immune System?

Astragalus contains several active compounds that are likely responsible for its health benefits.

Polysaccharides are the most important compounds in astragalus and are responsible for the antiviral and anti-inflammatory capabilities of this herb [R, R, R].

These polysaccharides have many effects, such as reducing inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8 [R].

Other active compounds found in astragalus include saponins, which may lower cholesterol and boost the immune system, as well as flavonoids, which have antioxidative properties [R, R].

Astragalus as a Natural Antiviral

Respiratory Infections

Several studies suggest that the components inside astragalus may have antiviral effects against respiratory infections, which affect the sinuses, throat, airways or lungs [R].

For instance, a scientific review of two studies concluded that astragalus may decrease the incidence of respiratory tract infections in

The post Can Astragalus Help With Coronavirus? appeared first on SelfHacked.

Does Cordyceps Have a Role in the COVID-19 Pandemic?

This article is for informational purposes only. The current coronavirus outbreak is an ongoing event and certain details may change as new information comes to light. No effective or FDA-approved products are currently available for the treatment of the new coronavirus (also known as SARS-CoV-2 or 2019-nCoV), although research is still ongoing. For now, the best preventive measures you can take against COVID-19 are standard precautions, including social distancing, hand washing, and avoiding touching your face.

During these uncertain times, many people are looking to alternative medicines to possibly treat or protect against the new coronavirus.

One such example is cordyceps, a group of fungi commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine.

Earlier studies do suggest that cordyceps may boost immune function and protect the lungs, but this is primarily based on animal research and the results are far from conclusive [R, R, R].

However, there is no evidence that cordyceps supplements or products can prevent or treat the new coronavirus.

What is Cordyceps?

Cordyceps is the name for a group (genus) of fungi, all of which are parasites of various insects or other fungi.

Tinctures and teas from the fungus are used in traditional Chinese medicine for a variety of ailments [R].

When referring to cordyceps, there are mainly two species which are used and researched — C. sinensis and C. militaris [R].

Check out our cordyceps article for more information.

How Does Cordyceps Affect the Immune System?

According to research, cordyceps can influence the immune system in two main ways [R].

On the one hand, cordyceps may be able to stimulate the immune system through several processes, such as [R]:

• Increasing the activity of macrophages, a type of white blood cell
• Increasing the activity of natural killer cells
• Stimulating T-cells
• Increasing the numbers of CD4+ and CD8+ cells
• Increasing the production of IFN-γ

On the other hand, cordyceps may also suppress immune system activity. Although this may seem contradictory, this suppression can have beneficial anti-inflammatory effects, including [R]:

• Inhibition of NF-κB
• Inhibition of TNF-α and IL-β

The post Can Cordyceps Help With Coronavirus? appeared first on SelfHacked.

This article is for informational purposes only. The current coronavirus outbreak is an ongoing event and certain details may change as new information comes to light.

Do B Vitamins Have a Role in the COVID-19 Pandemic?

The various B vitamins play many important roles in the body, including several key effects in the immune system. This has led some researchers to evaluate their impact on infections [R, R].

However, there is currently no evidence that B vitamins can treat or prevent the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Previous research has shown that the different B vitamins may stimulate the immune system and help protect against certain infections, but the evidence has mostly been inconclusive [R, R, R].

Overall, the best preventive measures you can take against COVID-19 are basic standard precautions, including social distancing, hand washing, and avoiding touching your face.

Why Your Immune System Needs B Vitamins

There are many types of vitamin B, which all have unique functions in the body. Some of the B vitamins that may have important effects on the immune system include:

• Vitamin B1 (thiamine) [R]
• Vitamin B3 (niacin, nicotinamide) [R, R, R]
• Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) [R, R]
• Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine, pyridoxal) [R, R]
• Vitamin B9 (folate, folic acid) [R]
• Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin, methylcobalamin) [R, R]

Research suggests that B vitamins affect the immune system in several ways, such as:

• Increasing the number of T cells [R]
• Promoting the activity of macrophages, a type of white blood cell [R]
• Activating antimicrobial peptides [R]
• Helping the immune system recognize bacteria [R]
• Maintaining the effectiveness of natural killer cells [R]

Research on B Vitamins & Infections

Research on B vitamins and their effect on infections is limited, but there are a few studies that may give us some insight.

For example, a study looking at almost 2,500 Indian children found that the group with the lowest vitamin

The post Can B Vitamins Help Fight Coronavirus (COVID-19)? appeared first on SelfHacked.

The Potential Role of Vitamin D in the COVID-19 Pandemic

First off, there is currently no evidence that vitamin D can treat or prevent the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Because the new coronavirus (also known as SARS-CoV-2 or 2019-nCoV) is so new, there is a lack of published studies on possible treatments or prevention strategies.

However, previous research does show that vitamin D plays a critical role in the immune system [R, R, R].

In fact, vitamin D deficiency may increase the risk of developing several types of bacterial and viral infections [R, R, R].

A number of studies have also found that supplementation with vitamin D may have protective effects against respiratory tract infections, although it’s unknown if this applies to 2019-nCoV as well [R, R, R].

While researchers work to identify treatments against 2019-nCoV, the best protective measures you can take are still social distancing, hand washing, and avoiding touching your face.

Why Your Immune System Needs Vitamin D

Vitamin D is probably most known for its role in calcium and its importance to bone health.

But research is finding more and more that vitamin D has important effects on the immune system [R].

For example, vitamin D can promote the development of certain proteins, such as cathelicidin and beta defensin 4, that have antimicrobial activity [R].

A deficiency of vitamin D can weaken the immune system, potentially increasing the body’s susceptibility to infectious diseases such as coronavirus [R, R, R].

Vitamin D Deficiency

Unfortunately, vitamin D deficiency is very common. According to some estimates, almost 50% of people worldwide do not get enough vitamin D [R].

The primary source of vitamin D is sunlight exposure, which causes a chemical reaction in your skin that produces vitamin D. Other sources include supplements and some types of food [R].

For this reason, people who do not get enough sun exposure are at risk for vitamin D deficiency. Some other risk factors include obesity, dark skin, and older age [R].

Check out this article for information on the best sources of vitamin D and how much

The post Can Vitamin D Help Fight Coronavirus (COVID-19)? appeared first on SelfHacked.

None of the information here should be taken as medical advice. If you suspect you may have any kind of infection, seek medical help immediately.

This article will focus on genetic factors that may affect the body’s response to COVID-19. For more information on the disease, including symptoms and prevention, check out these resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

The current outbreak of coronavirus disease, better known as COVID-19, is a disease caused by an infection of a virus called SARS-CoV-2 (formerly known as 2019-nCoV) [R].

Generally speaking, the large majority of COVID-19 cases are mild and involve cold-like symptoms [R].

However, about 14% of cases are considered severe and 5% of cases result in critical illness, according to preliminary data from Chinese centers [R].

The World Health Organization estimates that about 3.4% of COVID-19 cases have resulted in death globally [R].

While these numbers will likely change as we learn more about the disease, it appears that COVID-19 may affect certain groups of people differently.

Initial research suggests that age, gender, geographic location, and underlying health conditions may all influence the severity and susceptibility to COVID-19 [R, R].

Interestingly enough, there is some evidence that genetics may also play a role in disease severity. More specifically, the ACE2 gene may have important interactions with the coronavirus [R, R].

Coronavirus and ACE2

Coronavirus actually refers to a group of viruses, including SARS, MERS, and SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that is responsible for the current outbreak of COVID-19) [R].

Viruses, in general, work by invading the body’s own cells and using the components inside to help replicate and spread.

The SARS-CoV-2 virus, in particular, appears to enter human cells by attaching to the ACE2 receptor, which serves as an entry point for the virus [R].

Normally, the ACE2 receptor plays an important role in regulating the body’s blood pressure and fluid balance [R].

ACE2 receptors can be found in the body’s airways, making them a target for several types of viruses [R].

How Do Genetics Affect Coronavirus?

One recent study suggests there may be a connection between genetics and the body’s response or susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 [R

The post Coronavirus: A Potential Genetic Link appeared first on SelfHacked.

What is Lithium?

An Essential Micronutrient

Lithium is an alkali metal. Trace amounts of it are naturally present in various minerals, water, soil, fruits, vegetables, and other plants that are grown in lithium-rich soil [R].

Lithium is classified as an essential micronutrient, which means that all humans require it in small doses for good health [R].

This comes as a surprise to most people. Some scientists think that lithium is an unfairly-overlooked nutrient, in large part because it is associated with high-dose prescription formulations used by doctors to treat bipolar disorder. At high doses, lithium can cause a long list of side effects [R].

We humans have adapted to getting trace amounts of lithium from food and water, and some evidence suggests that getting a bit more can make people more friendly and peaceful. Popular blogs claim that low doses of certain forms of lithium may have a number of potential benefits unrelated to its use as a high-dose pharmaceutical. But what does the science say?

Despite the hype, there is insufficient evidence to determine the effectiveness of lower lithium doses. However, early research shows some promise.

Basic biology suggests that many enzymes, hormones, vitamins, and growth factors require lithium to work. Lithium also appears to support the immune and nervous systems. Additionally, some scientists are currently investigating whether it promotes the regeneration of cells. Some suspect that it might even protect telomeres and prolong lifespan — but this hypothesis remains unproven [R].

Focus on Lithium Orotate

The modern boom of lithium supplements started with lithium orotate.

Currently, lithium orotate is poorly-researched, and its overall safety in human users has not been determined.

Additionally, lithium orotate supplements have not been officially approved by the FDA for any medical use or other health application. Supplements generally lack solid clinical research. Regulations set manufacturing standards for them, but don’t guarantee that they’re safe or effective. Always make sure to speak with your doctor before supplementing with any new compounds.

Availability in the Brain

Some early low-quality studies on lithium orotate suggested that this form of lithium may be better at penetrating the blood-brain barrier, theoretically allowing it to reach higher levels in the

The post What is Lithium Orotate & Is it Safe? Dosage + Side Effects appeared first on SelfHacked.

What Are Fatty Acids?

Fatty acids are a group of chemical compounds that have a long chain-like structure. They can be used to form other compounds, such as triglycerides and cholesterol [R].

There are many different types of fatty acids and they can be classified in several ways.

For example, fatty acids can be grouped based on how long their structure is, such as short-chain, medium-chain, and long-chain fatty acids [R].

Saturated vs Unsaturated Fatty Acids

Another important way to categorize fatty acids is whether they are saturated or unsaturated.

Saturated fatty acids have no double bonds in their chemical structure. Because of this structure, saturated fats tend to be solid at room temperature [R].

Some examples of saturated fatty acids include [R]:

• Lauric acid
• Stearic acid
• Caprylic acid

Unsaturated fatty acids have one or more double bonds in their chemical structure. This type of fat is usually liquid at room temperature (as seen in cooking oils) [R].

Some examples of unsaturated fatty acids include [R]:

• Oleic acid
• Linoleic acid
• Arachidonic acid
• Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
• Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)

Unsaturated fatty acids can be further classified by the number of double bonds in their chemical structure.

Monounsaturated fatty acids contain exactly one double bond in their structure [R].

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) contain more than one double bond [R].

All of these slight differences in chemical structure have important implications for the function and effects of these fatty acids [R].

The post What Are Fatty Acids? appeared first on SelfHacked.

What is Cardiolipin?

Cardiolipin is an important component found in mitochondria. Mitochondria are special structures found in the body’s cells that are responsible for producing energy [R].

More specifically, cardiolipin is a phospholipid (a type of fat) that helps form the inner wall (otherwise known as the membrane) of the mitochondria structure [R].

As a part of the membrane of mitochondria, cardiolipin has several functions, including regulating various proteins and triggering apoptosis, which is the process that eliminates and recycles old and damaged cells [R, R].

Structure of Cardiolipin

Many of the effects of cardiolipin are due to its unique structure.

For example, cardiolipin contains more fatty acids than most other phospholipids. The fatty acids make cardiolipin cone-shaped, allowing it to interact with many proteins [R].

The structure of cardiolipin is also able to change, allowing it to adapt into different shapes [R].

Cardiolipin Antibodies

Sometimes, the immune system may produce antibodies that mistakenly attack the body’s own cardiolipins. These cardiolipin antibodies may cause several negative health effects, including increased risk for blood clots and pregnancy complications [R].

Cardiolipin antibodies (also known as anticardiolipin antibodies) are associated with a number of health conditions, some of which include [R]:

• Syphilis
• Antiphospholipid syndrome
• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Behçet’s disease

However, the presence of cardiolipin antibodies in the blood does not necessarily indicate a problem. According to some estimates, cardiolipin antibodies can be detected in about 1% to 5% of healthy people [R].

Cardiolipin Antibody Testing

A cardiolipin antibody test detects cardiolipin antibodies in the blood. The test requires a blood sample that is usually taken from a vein in the arm.

This test is typically performed when a patient experiences unexplained blood clots, recurrent miscarriages, or autoimmune disease symptoms [R].

There are actually three types of cardiolipin antibodies — IgG, IgM, and IgA [R].

The types most commonly tested for are IgG and IgM as those two are the most strongly associated with autoimmune diseases. IgA may be tested if results for the other two types are negative, but there is still a clinical suspicion that cardiolipin antibodies are involved [R].

Cardiolipin antibodies may be transient, meaning they may be detectable at one point, but

The post Cardiolipin Antibody Test: Normal Range + Test Results appeared first on SelfHacked.

What is T3?

T3, short for triiodothyronine, is a hormone that is produced by the thyroid. It has a variety of functions in the body, such as regulating heart rate, body temperature, and metabolism [R].

The other main hormone made by the thyroid is T4, which acts as a precursor to T3. Cells can convert T4 into T3 as needed. While T4 does have some biological activity, T3 is about four times more active and does most of the work in the body [R].

High T3 levels are usually a sign of hyperthyroidism, a condition where the thyroid produces too much thyroid hormone. In this article, we’ll list out some of the major causes of high T3 and the health risks associated with them [R].

You can also learn much more about T3 and T4 in our thyroid hormone article here.

Causes of High T3

In the section below, we’ll list out some potential causes of high T3 levels. This is not a comprehensive list. If you suspect you may have an imbalance in thyroid hormones, speak to your doctor.

1) Graves’ Disease

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder where the body mistakenly produces antibodies that can bind to the TSH receptor. This binding will stimulate the TSH receptor, leading to an overproduction of thyroid hormones. In the U.S., Graves’ disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism, accounting for about 50-80% of cases [R].

The symptoms of Graves’ disease are similar to other hyperthyroidism conditions and can include hand tremors, trouble sleeping, intolerance to heat, and weight loss. Graves’ disease can also cause Graves’ ophthalmopathy, an eye disease that causes eye-bulging and lid retraction [R].

Treatment of this condition usually involves antithyroid drugs (like methimazole), radioactive iodine, or surgery to remove all or parts of the thyroid. Eye symptoms are usually treated with eye drops or surgery in severe cases [R].

2) Thyroid Tumors

Thyroid tumors (also known as thyroid adenomas) are benign tumors of the thyroid gland. They are often described as “hot” or “cold”. A “cold” thyroid tumor is inactive and does not produce any thyroid hormone. On the other hand, a “hot” tumor is active and produces T3 and

The post Causes & Health Risks Associated With High T3 Levels appeared first on SelfHacked.

What is Thyroglobulin Antibody?

In order to understand what thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb) are, we first have to talk about thyroglobulin (Tg) itself.

Thyroglobulin is a protein the thyroid gland uses to create T3 and T4 or thyroid hormones. Doctors often check thyroglobulin levels in people who received thyroid cancer treatment [R].

The immune system may mistakenly identify thyroglobulin as a harmful substance. In turn, it produces antibodies to attack thyroglobulin, otherwise known as TgAb [R].

According to some estimates, about 10% of the general population produces at least some TgAb. This rate goes up to 80% in those with thyroid disorders, such as in Hashimoto’s or Graves’ disease. That’s why TgAb are used as a marker of autoimmune thyroid problems [R, R, R].

Thyroglobulin antibodies can bind to thyroid cells, but it’s not entirely clear if they cause damage. These antibodies mostly become a problem when trying to measure thyroglobulin, as they skew thyroglobulin test results [R, R, R, R].

Thyroglobulin Antibody Test

Why is it Ordered?

Detecting Autoimmune Thyroid Disorders

The TgAb test can help pinpoint autoimmune thyroid disorders, such as Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. Your doctor may order the test if you have signs or symptoms of a thyroid disorder. Some symptoms of hypo- and hyperthyroidism may overlap. For example, both can cause thyroid gland enlargement and neck swelling [R, R, R].

The following symptoms point to an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) [R]:

• Weight gain
• Fatigue and lethargy
• Depression
• Dry skin
• Cold intolerance

On the other hand, typical symptoms of an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) include [R]:

• Weight loss
• Anxiety or nervousness
• Increased sweating
• Diarrhea
• Heart palpitations
• Muscle weakness
• Heat intolerance

The TgAb test requires a blood sample. Results are reported as a number in units of IU/mL.

Monitoring Thyroid Cancer

Thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) tests are usually performed alongside thyroglobulin tests

The post Thyroglobulin Antibody Normal Range + High Levels appeared first on SelfHacked.

Disclaimer: The contents of this post are solely informational. Our goal is to outline the information available in the clinical and scientific literature. Please discuss your health concerns and medications with your doctor.

What is Clindamycin?

Overview

Clindamycin is an antibiotic approved for treating certain serious bacterial infections of the skin, muscles, lungs, and female reproductive system [R].

Clindamycin was developed in 1966 and has been commonly prescribed ever since. However, because of recent bacterial resistance and severe colitis associated with clindamycin use, other antibiotics are favorable for less serious infections [R].

Research suggests that clindamycin works by blocking the production of important proteins in bacteria, which stops their growth and spreading [R].

The most common side effect is diarrhea. Clindamycin is linked to a serious form of diarrhea that can lead to colon inflammation (colitis) and require special treatment. Severe colitis may be fatal [R].

The yeast probiotic S. Boulardii is likely effective for helping prevent or reduce diarrhea from antibiotics like clindamycin, according to the available evidence [R, R].

Clindamycin comes in many forms, including capsules, liquid, creams, gels, lotions, vaginal suppositories, and IV injections.

Some common band names are Cleocin, Dalacin, Clindagel, Clindamax, Acanya, and Duac.

Mechanism of Action

Clindamycin and penicillins fight many of the same types of bacteria. Clindamycin is especially effective against bacteria that live and grow in places where there is little oxygen, such as the gut and under the skin. These pathogens are collectively known as anaerobic bacteria [R].

Research suggests that clindamycin works by binding to and blocking protein-making structures inside the bacteria. Lacking essential proteins, the bacteria can’t reproduce or release toxins. Scientists believe that this stops the infection from spreading and allows the immune system to destroy the remaining bacteria [R].

Clindamycin also likely kills parasites through the same mechanism. Although it was considered useful in treating malaria and other parasitic infections, other antimalarials are currently considered more effective [R, R].

One reason is that clindamycin clears parasites very slowly (in about 4 – 6 days). Sometimes, clindamycin is combined with other faster-acting malaria-fighting drugs However, this approach is not mentioned on clindamycin’s list of FDA-approved indications [R

The post Clindamycin (Cleocin) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage appeared first on SelfHacked.

Why Does Acne Form?

The skin contains oil glands that produce an oily substance called sebum as well as hair follicles from where hair grows out of.

Acne occurs when these hair follicles on the skin become plugged with oil (sebum) and dead skin cells. This blockage creates an environment that is prone to bacterial infection, which can cause further inflammation [R].

The face, neck, chest, back and shoulder areas are most commonly affected [R].

Who is at Risk for Acne?

Acne is most common in teenagers and young adults, but people of all ages can be affected.

According to some estimates, about 80% of people have experienced acne at some point in their life [R].

Acne appears to be more common in Western societies and in more urban environments [R].

A number of factors can contribute to acne, some of which include [R]:

• Increased oil production, which can be caused by hormonal changes, increased CRH, increased IGF-1, and lack of Vitamin-D [R]
• Bacterial infection, especially by the species Cutibacterium acnes (formerly known as Propionibacterium acnes)
• Inflammation, caused by the body’s inflammatory response to bacterial infection, which contributes to redness and swelling
• Genetics, a family history of acne can increase the risk of having acne [R]
• Diet may contribute to acne, foods that are associated with acne include dairy milk and foods high in carbohydrates [R]
• Smoking seems to reduce the incidence of severe acne [R]
• Certain medications can cause acne, such as testosterone, corticosteroids, and lithium
• Pressure on the skin can worsen acne, such as wearing hats, helmets, and backpacks
• Contact with oily or greasy substances, such as from working in kitchens or using greasy skin products

Stress is often believed to cause or worsen stress, but clinical research has revealed conflicting results. It’s not entirely clear how much stress contributes to acne [R].

Treatments for Acne

If you suffer from persistent or severe acne, you may want to talk to your doctor about your options. Many of the medications used for acne require a prescription from a doctor.

The post 10 Potential Natural Remedies for Acne + Risk Factors and Conventional Treatments appeared first on SelfHacked.

Natural ACE Inhibitors

Please note: remember to speak with your physician before taking any supplements and let them know about all the supplements and over-the-counter drugs you are currently taking. They’re not meant to replace your medical treatment and may interact with certain drugs.

Preliminary research has identified different natural substances that may act as ACE inhibitors, but it doesn’t mean they are effective at reducing blood pressure. Further trials are needed to investigate their health effects.

Research is constantly discovering natural compounds that show promise in inhibiting angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), the same way that lisinopril and some other blood pressure-lowering meds work [R].

There is a database of potential natural ACE-inhibiting compounds that includes close to 6,000 entries. These compounds come from a huge variety of sources, like fish, mushrooms, dairy products, meat, and plants, to name a few [R].

The thing is, most of these natural compounds have not been studied in animals, let alone in humans and hence can’t be recommended for any health condition [R].

The following list includes the natural alternatives that have been best studied in clinical trials. Many of the studies focus on their effects on blood pressure.

1) Garlic

Research in cells and animals suggests that garlic may act as an ACE inhibitor, similar to lisinopril [R, R].

Garlic also acts as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and increases nitric oxide, all of which may help with heart health [R, R, R].

A recent review of 7 clinical trials analyzed garlic’s effect on blood pressure. They found that garlic, on average, reduces both systolic blood pressure (SBP – top number) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP – bottom number) by about 7 points [R].

Besides lowering blood pressure, research has uncovered additional heart-protective effects, including [R, R, R, R]:

• Reducing inflammation
• Improving arterial stiffness
• Lowering cholesterol
• Preventing plaque buildup in arteries (atherosclerosis)

Did you know? Cooking garlic can inactive the beneficial compounds. This means raw garlic is more potent [R].

Also, the type of garlic can matter. Aged black garlic has stronger antioxidant effects compared to fresh,

The post 5 Natural ACE Inhibitors: Health Effects & Limitations appeared first on SelfHacked.

Disclaimer: The contents of this post are solely informational. Our goal is to outline the information available in the clinical and scientific literature. Please discuss your health concerns and medications with your doctor.

What is IVIg?

Overview

Intravenous immune globulin (IVIg) is a mixture of antibodies that is used to treat a variety of immune system disorders. It is made by gathering blood from thousands of donors to create a concentrated collection of antibodies.

Some people may need IVIg because their body does not make enough antibodies on its own. In this case, IVIg provides new antibodies for the immune system to help fight infections.

Another reason why people may use IVIg is if their immune systems have begun attacking their body’s own cells. The components inside IVIg can stop the immune system from thinking that normal, healthy cells are a threat.

IVIg is used in many conditions including genetic disorders, autoimmune diseases, and infections [R].

The mechanism behind how IVIg works is still not fully understood. Nonetheless, the use of IVIg is growing in many countries despite its very high cost [R+].

The World Health Organization has placed IVIg on its List of Essential Medicines. This list details the most effective and safe medications needed for basic healthcare systems.

How IVIg Is Produced

IVIg is created from the blood of between 1,000 to 15,000 individual donors. Depending on the manufacturer, different amounts of donors are used [R].

All IVIg products contain mostly IgG antibodies. This mirrors the human immune system where IgG is the most common antibody [R].

Some products may also contain trace amounts of IgA and IgM. These types of antibodies are less desirable than IgG because they are less effective. In addition, some people may experience a severe allergic reaction to IgA [R].

Various cells and proteins that are a part of the immune system can also be present in IVIg [R].

Once the use of IVIg became widespread, the World Health Organization published standards on how IVIg should be manufactured. These requirements include [R]:

• Use at least 1,000 individual donors
• Minimize the presence of IgA
• Do not include harmful preservatives
• Do not modify IgG molecules

The post IVIG Infusion Treatment, Side Effects, Dosage, Costs appeared first on SelfHacked.

What is Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH)?

Lactate dehydrogenase (also known as lactic acid dehydrogenase, LDH, or LD) is an enzyme found in almost all living things. It plays an important role in energy production in the body [R].

More specifically, LDH helps convert lactate to pyruvate or pyruvate to lactate. This, in turn, leads to more conversion between NAD+ and NADH, which store energy. NADH is used to create ATP, the energy currency of the cells [R].

LDH is found in most tissues of the body. Whenever your cells are damaged or destroyed, the LDH inside them can leak into the bloodstream [R].

This makes LDH a useful tool for identifying tissue damage due to injury or disease.

However, LDH is not very specific as a disease marker: it can’t be used to determine the exact cause of tissue damage, and that’s why doctors use it in conjunction with other tests [R, R].

Lactate Dehydrogenase Test

Only a small amount of LDH can be normally found in the blood. However, LDL levels increase when there’s tissue damage somewhere in the body.

Your doctor may order an LDH test, usually in conjunction with other tests, to [R]:

• Check for tissue damage
• Monitor disorders and disease that cause tissue damage, such as severe infections, hemolytic anemia (abnormal destruction of red blood cells), and liver disease
• Evaluate some types of cancer or to check if chemotherapy for certain cancers is working

Procedure

A blood sample is required for the test. In special cases like meningitis or Kawasaki disease, samples may need to be taken from the spinal fluid or urine [R, R].

Results are reported in units per liter (U/L) or international units per liter (IU/L), where a unit is an arbitrary amount that scientists have made the standard. This value reflects the amount of LDH that has been released into the bloodstream from damaged tissues.

Normal Range of LDH

In general, normal levels for adults can range from 100 to 250 U/L [R, R].

Ranges may slightly vary from lab to lab,

The post Lactate Dehydrogenase Test: Normal Range + High Levels appeared first on SelfHacked.

Is Lithium Deficiency A Thing?

When it comes to nutrients, generally you will only experience deficiency if a certain nutrient is essential. That means that it should play an important role in the body, which is why a deficiency will lead to health problems.

Fact is, lithium is not officially considered to be a micronutrient, because studies still can’t agree on the subject. Micronutrients, also called trace elements, are dietary minerals that are needed in very small amounts for the proper growth, development, and function of our bodies [R, R]

Several studies have shown that microdoses of lithium (e.g., lithium in drinking water) may have anti-aging, anti-dementia, and anti-suicidal effects, but the evidence is inconclusive [R].

Bottom line is that further studies are needed to establish beyond a doubt [R]:

• whether lithium is a trace element and
• what levels are required to maintain good health

The Curious History of Lithium

Let’s take a step back and first talk about what lithium is. The story about lithium is anything but ordinary.

Lithium is a chemical element naturally found in minerals, rocks, and bodies of water. It is one of the three elements created in the Big Bang. We humans have adapted to getting some lithium from water and food. We weren’t really aware of this until recently, though [R].

“Crazy Waters”

Many mineral springs contain lithium. Some of them, such as Mineral Wells in Texas, have long-held reputations as “crazy waters.” Texas was well known for its mineral water resorts back in the 19th century. Thousands of “crazy” people and those with various chronic health problems used to gush to these springs to enjoy the healing benefits of lithium [R].

Medical Discoveries

The potential health benefits of lithium were first discovered in 1847. Back then, a London-based physician named Alfred Baring Garrod started using lithium to treat gout – including “brain gout.” By the 1930s, lithium became a widely-available drug [R].

Around that time, French physician Dr. Reyss-Brion remembers that a preparation called “Dr. Gustin’s Lithium”

The post Is Lithium Deficiency Real? Health Effects of Low Lithium appeared first on SelfHacked.

What is Epinephrine?

Epinephrine, also called adrenaline, is a hormone and neurotransmitter. It plays an important role in the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body’s “fight or flight” response [R].

The effects of epinephrine include increased heart rate, breathing rate, and blood flow to the muscles, to name a few. For this reason, it is also used as a medication for several conditions, such as cardiac arrest, serious allergic reactions, and asthma [R, R, R, R].

Epinephrine belongs to a group of neurotransmitters called catecholamines, which also includes norepinephrine and dopamine [R].

The adrenal glands make most of the epinephrine in the body, but small amounts are also produced in other tissues, like some neurons and the kidneys [R].

Epinephrine Urine Test

You can have your epinephrine levels checked by performing a urine test. Doctors will typically check the levels of all your catecholamines (epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine) in the same test [R].

Diagnosing Rare Tumors

This test is primarily used to help diagnose pheochromocytoma and neuroblastoma, two rare types of cancerous tumors. These tumors affect the adrenal gland, causing it to release too many catecholamines [R, R].

There are two ways to perform an epinephrine urine test.

In the 24-hour urine test, you must collect all the urine produced over a 24 hour period. This is the test normally used to diagnose tumors [R].

The second method is called a “spot” or “random” urine test. This kind of test uses a single urine sample that is obtained at a specific time [R].

Results for the 24-hour test are reported back as a number in units of mcg/24h (micrograms in a twenty-four-hour period or ug/24h).

The random urine test is reported in units of mcg/g crt (micrograms per gram of creatinine, a waste product used to measure kidney function). These values reflect the amount of epinephrine detected in the urine.

Other Reasons for Testing

Some people believe that epinephrine urine tests can help identify certain adrenal conditions like chronic stress and adrenal fatigue [

The post Epinephrine Urine Test: High and Low Levels + Normal Range appeared first on SelfHacked.

What is Estrone?

Overview of Estrogens

You’re probably familiar with estrogen, the primary sex hormone found in women (and in much lower amounts in men) [R].

But did you know that estrogen is actually a broad term that covers several hormones?

There are 3 major estrogens, all of which act on the estrogen receptor. What differentiates them is how potent they are and where they are produced in the body [R].

• Estradiol (E2) is the strongest estrogen. It is responsible for most of the effects we associate with estrogen, such as sexual development in girls and young women [R].
• Estrone (E1) stimulates the estrogen receptor about ten times more weakly than E2. Estrone is produced in the ovaries (similar to other estrogens) but also in fat tissue [R].
• Estriol (E3) is even weaker than estrone. Levels of estriol are very low in women unless they are pregnant [R].

What Does Estrone Do?

Estrone mostly acts as a precursor to estradiol. Then the body is able to convert estrone into estradiol when needed [R].

This conversion is especially important in postmenopausal women. Before menopause, estradiol is the most common estrogen. Once menopause occurs, the body stops producing estradiol. This leaves estrone as the only major estrogen (and the only potential source of estradiol) found in postmenopausal women [R].

Estrone Testing

Your doctor may order an estrone test if you are experiencing menopausal symptoms or infertility problems. Your estradiol levels may also be checked simply to get a full picture of your estrogen production [R].

An estrone test will usually require a blood sample, but tests that use a saliva sample are also available. Saliva tests can be easier to do because they don’t require needles, and people can collect their own samples at home if necessary. The trade-off is that the results can be inaccurate if the sample is not properly collected [R].

Test results are reported as a numerical value in units of picograms per milliliter (pg/mL). This value reflects the amount of estrone in the blood (or saliva depending on the

The post Estrone Test: High & Low Levels + Normal Range appeared first on SelfHacked.

What is Lithium?

Lithium is a chemical element and alkali, lightweight, silvery metal [R].

It is found at very low levels in the body. Some considered it an essential micronutrient because it’s beneficial for overall health [R, R, R].

Sources of dietary lithium include fruits, vegetables, grains (oats), and seafood (shrimp, scallops). In some areas, lithium is also found at significant levels in drinking water [R].

Lithium As Medication

Doctors have long known that lithium is a mood stabilizer. It is one of the oldest drugs for treating bipolar disorder – and is still the preferred treatment to this day [R, R].

It is also used in other conditions, including depression and certain psychiatric disorders, when first-line drugs don’t work [R].

Prescription lithium has a narrow therapeutic window, meaning its blood concentrations need to be within an extremely tight range for it to be effective and safe [R].

Even slightly higher levels can cause side effects. On the other hand, if lithium levels dip too low then bipolar symptoms may reemerge. This is why anyone taking lithium medications requires regular testing [R, R].

Lithium Blood Test

When It Is Ordered

People who take prescription lithium need to have their levels checked routinely.

Testing is especially important if you’re just starting the medication or if your doctor is changing the dose. Lithium levels are usually checked about 5-7 days after starting a new dose to allow blood levels to stabilize [R, R].

If you are on a stable dose of lithium, testing intervals can vary, depending on your doctor’s discretion. Monitoring can range from checks every month to checks every 3 months if you’re not experiencing side effects [R, R].

Your doctor may also test your lithium levels if you start taking other meds that can interfere with lithium.

Your doctor won’t check your levels if you’re not taking lithium medication, unless he or she suspects you’ve been exposed to too much lithium in your environment.

Procedure

Lithium testing requires a blood sample. Ideally,

The post Lithium Test: What are Normal & Therapeutic Levels? appeared first on SelfHacked.

What is Baclofen?

Baclofen (brand name Lioresal) is a prescription medication used to treat muscle spasms or stiffness, especially in people with multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injuries [R].

Baclofen was first synthesized in the 1960s in the search for an anti-seizure drug. It was not effective for treating seizures, but researchers soon found that baclofen could be used to treat muscle spasticity, a condition that causes muscle spasms and stiffness [R].

Baclofen is used off-label for a number of other conditions, including helping manage alcohol dependence and acid reflux [R].

There are 3 ways baclofen can be administered [R]:

• As a cream, where it is absorbed through the skin
• As oral tablets
• As injections directly into the spinal fluid (intrathecally), using an implanted pump

Is Baclofen a Narcotic?

Narcotics typically refer to opioid drugs, which baclofen is not. Baclofen does, however, fall under the broader category of ‘Central Nervous System Depressants’, drugs that can cause sedation and have a potential for abuse [R, R].

Mechanism of Action

Baclofen has a structure and function similar to the neurotransmitter GABA. Normally, GABA acts to reduce activity in the brain, which is why it’s sometimes known as a “calming” substance [R, R].

Baclofen specifically activates GABA-B receptors, which may play a role in many psychiatric and brain disorders as well as pain [R, R].

All GABA activity in the brain and nerves is “inhibitory”, meaning it blocks the release of other neurotransmitters brain cells use to communicate. By acting on GABA receptors, baclofen blocks the overactivation of nerves that may trigger muscle spasms, pain, brain damage, and mood changes [R, R].

Much more is known about the effects of baclofen on pain and muscle spasms than on mood and addictive behavior [R].

What is Baclofen Used for?

FDA-Approved Uses

1) Muscle Spasticity

Muscle spasticity occurs when the muscles continuously contract, causing spasms, tightness, and stiffness, which can interfere with everyday life. This condition is usually caused by damage to the nervous system [R].

Baclofen is a muscle relaxant that is FDA-approved

The post 6 Baclofen (Lioresal) Uses + Side Effects, Risks & Dosage appeared first on SelfHacked.