What is Lactoferrin? Lactoferrin is a naturally occurring iron-binding protein found in the milk of mammals, with the highest concentrations present in colostrum and breast milk. It is also found in saliva, tears, and other bodily fluids and is produced by immune cells throughout the body, where it plays an important role in the body’s natural defense system. Its ability to bind iron is responsible for many of its actions. Because of its wide range of biological functions

Did you know a human body weighing 110 pounds contains the equivalent of 40 teaspoons of sodium chloride, or salt? (1) Our bodies maintain a narrow window of “normal” when it comes to sodium levels. Health problems can arise when sodium levels become lower or higher than the normal range. Older adults sometimes have health conditions that can cause difficulty maintaining a normal sodium blood level. Figure 1. Saltshaker spilling salt on a table. (1) What Is Hyponatremia

You cannot directly "add" synovial fluid from the outside, but you can improve its quality, quantity, and lubricating function through movement, nutrition, and supporting the physiological healing of the synovium. [1] Keep the Joints Moving Why is Movement Important for Joints? Synoviocytes constantly produce synovial fluid in response to joint mechanical loading, which can arise from compression and shear forces. Synovial joints work on a pumping mechanism; every time the jo

Although, easier said than done, running provides many benefits. It improves coordination and exercises your heart. Which is often overlooked because many forget it even is a muscle just because one can't visibly see it. As they would with their arms or maybe even their legs or glutes. However, running strengthens not only your skeletal muscles but also your heart, making it more efficient at pumping blood and supporting long-term cardiovascular health But what are some ways

By : Linda Boone BSN, RN You’ve started your weight-loss journey. Your stomach has finally settled, the constant cravings have quieted, your waistline is shrinking, and the number on the scale keeps moving in the right direction. Everything seems to be going exactly as planned-until you notice something unexpected. The hairbrush is fuller, the shower drain is collecting more strands than usual, and your once-thick ponytail feels noticeably thinner. Now, instead of celebratin

A pile of plastic trash; picture courtesy of Unsplash Microplastics have been found in varying amounts within many tissues and organs of the human body. There are many theories detailing the possible link between microplastics exposure and the development of inflammation, hormone disturbances, and increased risk of chronic illnesses. Understanding the effects of microplastics exposure and its possible effects on the human body are critical in assisting people in making choic

Postprandial somnolence, commonly referred to as a "food coma" or the "post-lunch dip," is the transient state of drowsiness and lethargy that occurs following a meal. This physiological response is characterized by a measurable increase in sleepiness, which typically peaks one to two hours after eating. The intensity of this effect correlates positively with meal size and caloric density; larger, energy-rich meals tend to produce more pronounced somnolence.

Image by Kampus on Magnific Vitamin D: What is it and why do we need it? Vitamin D is a vital nutrient needed by your body for maintaining good health. It helps your body absorb calcium and keeps your bones strong. The combination of calcium and vitamin D is important to prevent osteoporosis, a condition that thins and weakens the bones making them more likely to break. Vitamin D is also important for nerve function and strong immunity. What are the sources of Vitamin D? Ther

Type 2 diabetes often develops gradually, with changes in the body occurring years before blood sugar levels reach the threshold for diagnosis. One of the earliest and most significant of these changes is insulin resistance, a condition in which the body's cells become less responsive to insulin, the hormone responsible for helping glucose move from the bloodstream into cells for energy. As a result, the pancreas must produce increasing amounts of insulin to keep blood sugar

By: Jonique George Introduction There’s a popular saying: “you are what you eat”. In many ways, this saying rings true. It’s been well established that a healthy diet can aid in the circumvention of various diseases. But wouldn’t it be nice if our diets could have a positive impact on mental health as well? Sure, eating a chocolate chip cookie when you’re sad usually makes the day seem a little brighter, but scientists are now investigating whether certain foods can actually

Water makes up 50–70% of human body weight and is essential for every bodily function. This paper reviews the potential health benefits of distributing water consumption evenly throughout the day, based on current physiological evidence and reliable medical guidelines. Contrary to popular claims, there is no conclusive evidence proving that drinking water “every hour” is superior to drinking when thirsty in healthy individuals. However, adopting a regular schedule can be bene

Intermittent fasting has gained more and more popularity over the last decade as a tool to become healthier. However, new research has shown that intermittent fasting may not have as many benefits as we think it does. What is Intermittent Fasting? Intermittent fasting has many different types. Typically, it refers to fasting in one time period and eating normally in another. The most popular type is the 16:8 window. This is when you fast for 16 hours and eat normally in the

Biologically speaking, humans are omnivores. This means they have the digestive and metabolic ability to absorb nutrients from foods derived from both plants and animals. Despite our evolutionary history as omnivores, many people don’t choose to live as such. Some individuals choose to only eat animal-derived products and eliminate plants, known as the carnivore diet. Others choose to only eat plant-derived foods and exclude all animal products, referred to as a plant-based

Vibrio Parahaemolyticus gram stain, Retrieved by: https://www.britannica.com/science/Vibrio-parahaemolyticus Pensacola, a city located on the Florida panhandle in the United States. Given that it's the only city in Escambia County, Pensacola attracts a large number of tourists during the warmer months. One of these tourists includes Dallas native, Rodney Jackson, who joined roughly 80,000 illnesses and 100 deaths annually in the United States; unfortunately passing in 2022 af

Where Do We Go From Here? A series of MedReport articles exploring the botanical origins of the medicines we use every day, by B. Kristine Burneko, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, APHN-BC. Fig. 1 /Herbal Apothecary Tools. From Wix [photograph] (educational use.) This article is a continuation of the series, "Nature's Medicine Cabinet: The Surprising Plant Origins of Common Medicines" available by this author on the MedReport website. The Future of Plant-Based Medicine Long before the

Celiac disease is managed through a strict gluten-free diet. However, because gluten-free processed foods rely heavily on rice, patients face an unintended risk: rice efficiently absorbs heavy metals from flooded soil. Studies show that individuals on a gluten-free diet have significantly higher levels of arsenic, mercury, lead, and cadmium, which can lead to long-term health issues. To minimize this risk, patients should diversify their diets with alternative grains like qui

Memory, learning, and thought processing are all important functions of the brain. However, as individuals get older, the ability of the brain to carry out these functions may decrease. This can negatively affect their quality of life. Between 2000 and 2050, it is expected that the number of people over the age of 60 will double as the human life span gradually increases. With the increasingly aging population, it is important to examine ways to support the brain that keep it

When my husband saw me giving a quick rinse to a bowl of berries the other day, he paused and asked if I was just wasting my time. His question made me stop and think. I’ve always washed fruits and vegetables out of habit, but I realized I didn’t actually know how much that quick rinse mattered. So I took a closer look at what the research and national food‑safety experts have to say. As it turns out, proper washing and storage aren’t just “nice to do” — they play a real role

By Kat Pachas BSN, RN GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy have become popular recently because they help with weight loss.[1] About 1 in 8 American adults has tried these medications. Most GLP-1 drugs are given as injections just under the skin, usually in the upper arm, thigh, or belly. These drugs mimic a natural hormone that helps control blood sugar and appetite. They slow down how quickly food leaves the stomach and signal the brain to help you feel full. While many peop

For millions of people around the world, drinking tea is a common daily ritual that helps to promote health, relaxation, and comfort. Tea may be steeped as loose leaves in hot water, then poured through a kitchen strainer directly into a mug. However, more companies now resort to packaging tea in nylon or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic tea bags. This current technology has raised another emerging concern within many of these tea bags: hidden microplastics. Micropla