The Leader • Saturday, March 9, 2019 • Page 1B
Primary care physicians play primary roles in patient care Houston Methodist Hospital for The Leader The nation’s leading cause of death and disability is chronic disease. According to the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, six in 10 adults in the United States have at least one chronic disease. Many of these conditions, including certain types of cancer, heart disease, and emphysema, are completely preventable. How can this disease trend be reversed? The answer starts with preventive care administered by a crucial member of your health care team — a primary care provider (PCP). Dr. Megan Belcher (family medicine), Dr. Owen McCormack (family medicine) and Dr. Therese Sison (internal medicine) are your neighborhood primary care doctors located at Houston Methodist Primary Care Group in the Heights. Focus on prevention PCPs are the main points of contact for managing general health. From routine childhood vaccinations to chronic disease management, providing preventive care is also a key role that a PCP is specially trained to fulfill. Early detection allows accurate treatment and improved results for patients. Regularly monitoring one’s health is crucial. Yearly physicals are geared toward reviewing age-appropriate cancer screenings, vaccinations and laboratory testing while also reviewing and incorporating current medical problems and family history. This includes routine vaccinations, such as a flu vaccine as well as Pap tests. PCPs also arrange colonoscopies for colon cancer screening and cardiac stress tests, if needed. Personalized care Establishing care with a primary care doctor allows patients to foster a relationship with a doctor with whom they build trust over time. Having a meaningful and trusting doctorpatient relationship helps doctors provide the high quality, individualized care. This can hinge
Northwest ChiropraCtiC George G. Junkin, D.C. D.A.C.B.N. Nutritionist 11500 NW Frwy - Suite 201 Houston, Texas 77092 Tel: 713-686-0828 www.drjunkin.com
internal Medicine/Pediatrics Nutrition/ Weight Loss
CONCIERGE MEDICINE
Dr. Ana M. Torres Houston Methodist Primary Care Group, located at 1001 Studewood St., brings patient-centered care to residents and communities throughout the Heights. From left to right are Dr. Therese Sison, internist; Dr. Megan Belcher, family doctor; and Dr. Owen McCormack, family doctor.
“I am an evidence-based, full scope of practice family physician with proficient knowledge in adults, pediatrics, well-woman care, chronic disease management, and office-based procedures. I strive to educate my patients regarding disease processes so they are empowered to manage their health.”
on countless variables including age, lifestyle, resources and cultural or religious beliefs. A good PCP should guide every patient’s care in the direction that is right for each individual’s goals and needs. A long-term plan for health and wellness should be beneficial and also feasible for the patient individually. Comprehensive and coordinated For patients who need comprehensive, long-term care involving multiple specialists an ancillary services, such as imaging, PCPs play a central role in coordinating care. With more than 120 doctors at 23 locations throughout the Greater Houston area, Houston Methodist Primary Care Group is committed to quality, patientcentered care with access to the nationally recognized specialty care and hospital services across the Houston Methodist system. Visit houstonmethodist.org/ pcg to learn more and choose a primary care doctor.
• Dr. Megan Belcher •
“My clinical approach involves listening and helping my patients make informed decisions about their health. I practice the full scope of family medicine, including the treatment of acute and chronic problems, wellness and prevention. My special interests include the prevention, management, counseling and treatment of HIV infection.” • Dr. Owen McCormack • “I am a board-certified internist proficient in both the acute and chronic care of young adults, adults and the elderly. I emphasize preventive care and strive to provide holistic treatment and health education to all of my patients and their families. My goal is to treat the entire patient — not just the symptoms.”
Researchers at the UT Southwestern Medical Center recently came out with a study calculating life expectancy down to both zip code and county levels throughout the state. One local neighborhood stood out among the rest in the area. The study, based on records from 2005-14, showed the Heights and Washington Heights (77008 and 77007 zip codes) displaying favorable expectancy trends relative to Harris County. The only Houston zip code with a greater life expectancy was 77073, which is the Westfield area. Life expectancy was below the countywide average in all other area zip codes. The study also found women were bound to live longer than men. See the accompanying graphic for a breakdown of life expectancy throughout the area.
Internal Medicine & Pediatrics 713-863-9200 427 W. 20th St. Ste. 503 Ana M. Torres, , P.A. Houston, TXM.D. 77008 713.863.9200 WWW.THETORRESCENTER.COM 427 W. 20th St. Ste #503 Houston, TX 77008 www.Thetorrescenter.com
ophthalmology
Dora Cantú, M.D. 713.864.8652 1740 W. 27th St. Suite 180 Houston, TX 77008 www.opiavisioncenter.com
obstetrics / Gynecology
• Dr. Therese Sison •
By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com
Send your story of interest news@theleadernews.com
Directory chiropractic care
Life expectancy higher in Heights area HOW LONG WE LIVE
Local business is our business.
Preferred Health
Average life expectancy, in years, from 2005-14
Dr. Stephanie Fulton Stephanie Fulton, M.D.
1740 W. 27 St. Suite 301 Houston, TX 77008 713-880-2727 www.fultonobgyn.com
Major Hospitals
Texas: 78.5
(81.1 female, 75.9 male)
Memorial Hermann Greater Heights
Harris County: 78.9 (81.2 female, 76.4 male)
Houston’s Highest (77073): 89.7 (90.9 female, 88.7 male)
77007: 89.1 (90.6 female, 88.1 male) 77008: 80.9 (83.3 female, 77.6 male) 77009: 76.9 (81.0 female, 73.0 male) 77018: 77.1 (80.2 female, 73.9 male) 77091: 73.0 (76.6 female, 69.0 male) 77092: 77.5 (80.9 female, 74.0 male)
1635 North Loop West Houston, Texas 77008 Tel: 713-867-2000 memorialhermann.org Physician Referral 713.222.CARE
St. Joseph Medical Center
Source: texashealthmaps.com Graphic design by Martha Buhler
MORE THAN A HOSPITAL
One-Stop Access for All Your Health Care Needs Houston Methodist in the Texas Medical Center is more than just a hospital. We offer a full spectrum of care — tailored to your unique needs, including: • Specialty physician offices, imaging and labs • Teams of experts using the newest technologies • Six centers of excellence in cancer, cardiology, gastroenterology, neurology, orthopedics and sports medicine, and transplant
To find a doctor, visit houstonmethodist.org/more or call 713.790.3333.
in The Heights 1917 Ashland Street Houston, Texas 77008 Tel: 713-757-1000 Physician Referral 713-757-7575
Page 2B • Saturday, March 9, 2019 • The Leader
When is it more than just a ‘bump on the head?’ Memorial Hermann Greater Heights For The Leader It starts with a bang or a blow. A clash, crash or smash. One minute someone’s brain is clicking along just fine, and then a sudden impact or trauma changes everything. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) -- sudden damage to the brain caused by a blow or jolt that disrupts normal brain activity -- can produce symptoms ranging from momentary dizziness to significant long-term loss of function. About 200,000 cases of TBI are reported each year in the United States. The most common symptoms of TBI are confusion, irritability or other mood or behavioral changes, difficulty concentrating, blurry vision, dizziness, headache and nausea, according to Dr. Richard Huang, a TIRR Memorial Hermann Greater Heights-affiliated specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation. Patients may suffer from disrupted sleep patterns, including trouble falling asleep, sleeplessness or sleeping too much. Anxiety, difficulty concentrating, tiredness and balance problems may also occur. While people who have experienced TBI may have seemingly intact language skills, conversation may be affected. For example, they may interrupt frequently during a conversation, or they may not respond appropriately to humor, irony or sarcasm as they did before the TBI. Dr. Huang says that TBI falls into three classifications: 1) mild (including concussions), 2) moderate and 3) severe.
Photo supplied Did you know March is National Brain Injury Awareness Month? Learn from Dr. Richard Huang how to spot symptoms in those around you.
It’s mild TBI – trauma that may result in losing consciousness for up to 30 minutes and/or confusion and disorientation for up to a day – that Dr. Huang wants people to know about. Because these incidents may not always involve loss of consciousness, mild TBI can go undiagnosed and untreated. Most patients who suffer from moderate to severe TBI, on the other hand, are hospitalized and undergo comprehensive diagnosis and work-up. Severe TBI, which involves bruising, torn tissue and other damage
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to the brain, can cause severe, long-term damage: problems with memory, problem-solving and decision-making as well as cognitive, social, behavioral, emotional and sensory impairment. TBI can also alter senses, including taste, smell and hearing. Sometimes symptoms of TBI are present immediately; sometimes they can take days, or even weeks, after the impact to appear. For some people, symptoms may resolve themselves within 2-4 weeks, but if they don’t, Dr. Huang strongly advises seeing either a primary care
physician or a specialist in brain injury medicine. In cases where the symptoms occur immediately, an emergency room visit is safest course of action. In cases of mild TBI, the simplest treatment is a vacation for the brain. “It’s important to give the brain a rest,� Dr. Huang says. “It’s like a muscle that needs to recover, so after a concussion, it’s best to avoid anything that’s mentally or physically taxing.� That can range from solving Sunday crossword puzzles to performing complicated mental gymnastics.
Car and motorcycle accidents are also common causes of TBI Some simple precautions, however, can help lower the risk of TBI. Making home modifications to avoid falls; using seat belts and child seats in the car; wearing helmets when riding bicycles, motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles; and being cautious when playing sports all can go a long way to ward off the bang, blow, crash or smash that can change a life in an instant. To schedule a therapy appointment with TIRR Memorial Hermann, call 1-800-44-REHAB. To schedule an appointment with a physician, visit them online at www.memorialhermann.org.
Women’s Health Directory Directory of local female health service professionals. Dr. Dr.Stephanie StephanieFulton Fulton Dr. Dr. Fulton Fulton isiscertified certiďŹ ed bybythe the American BoardofofObstetrics Obstetrics American Board and and Gynecology. Her practice Gynecology. Her practice consists consists of obstetrics, gynecolof obstetrics, gynecology, and cosogy, and cosmetic procedures meticasprocedures as laser hair such laser hairsuch removal. removal. She is a graduate of the UniShe is graduate of the Univerversity of aTexas and completsityresidency of Texas and completed resied at St. Vincent’s dency at Center St. Vincent’s Medical CenMedical where she was where Resident. she was a Chief aterChief Dr. Resident. Fulton Dr. Fulton volunteers part of the volunteers as part ofasthe health team of herofchurch. healthministry team ministry her church. 1740W. W. 27 27 St. St. Suite TXTX 77008 1740 Suite301 301• •Houston, Houston, 77008 713-880-2727 713-880-2727 www.fultonobgyn.com www.fultonobgyn.com
Dr. Ana M. Torres, M.D. Dr. Dora E. Cantu
Dr.Rosemary Julia Kovacs Dr. Buckle Dr.Dr.Julia Kovacs Buckle has more than Rosemary special20izes years of experience practicing in knee and hip joint replaceprimary care andtreatment internal medicine ment surgery, of adult inand Houston. focusesand on treatprepediatricShe fractures, ventive medicine the management of sports and injuries. She is a ment of chronic diseases native Houstonian andincluding a comdiabetes, thyroidand disorders, petitive athlete relates to HIV her and hypertension, others. patients in a way among that brings her She graduated from the University advanced medical knowledge to oflife. Arizona College She has overof20Medicine years ofand ordid her internship residencyusat thopedic surgeryand experience Baylor of Medicine. ing a College wide range of technologies. Board CertiďŹ ed Internist Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon 427 W. 20th St., Ste. 303 Houston,TXTX 77008 427 W. 20th St., Ste. 303 ••Houston, 77008 713-231-1880 713-756-5546 www.sjmcphysicians.com www.houstonsportsandortho.com
Dr. Attiya S. Khan
www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC
1415 N Loop W Suite 610 Houston, TX 77008
713-863-1241
Dr.Board TorresCertified is a Board OphthalmoloCertified Physician gist. specializing in Primary Care for both children and adults. Her specialty is Internal Medicine Dr. Cantu has been practicing and Pediatrics. She for has over been practicing ophthalmology 25 years.in the Heights area for almost 20 years. She sees patients daily for ocular She recently transitioned her practice to problems including a Concierge model to better glaucoma, serve her padiabetes, macular degeneration, tients. She focuses on disease prevention and management of chronic diseases and ocular infections. Her such pas-as Diabetes, Hyperlipidemia and sion isHypertension, cataract and pterygium Asthma. She is able to do home visits as well. surgery. Dr. Cantu has been reShe is a native Houstonian and graduate namedof The Leader’s best ofcently the University Houston. She received ophthalmologist! her medical degree from The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.
1740 W. 27th St. Suite 180 • Houston, TX 77008 427 W. 20th St.713-864-8652 Ste. 503, Houston, TX 77008 713-863-9200 www.opiavisioncenter.com WWW.THETORRESCENTER.COM
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Rosemary specialDr.Dr.Julia Kovacs Buckle has more than in ofknee and hippracticing joint re20izes years experience placement surgery, primary care and internal treatment medicine of adult and pediatric in Houston. She focuses onfractures, prevenand treatment injuries. tive medicine andofthesports management is a native Houstonian ofShe chronic diseases includingand dia-a competitive and HIV relates betes, thyroid athlete disorders, andto her patients among in a wayothers. that brings hypertension, She her advanced knowledge graduated from medical the University of to life. College She hasofover 20 years Arizona Medicine andof surgery didorthopedic her internship andexperience residency usat ing aCollege wide range of technologies. Baylor of Medicine. Board CertiďŹ ed Orthopedic Board Certified InternistSurgeon 427 W. 20th St., Ste. 303 • Houston, 77008 427 W. 20th St., Ste. 303 • Houston, TXTX 77008 713-756-5546 713-231-1880 www.houstonsportsandortho.com www.sjmcphysicians.com
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“Anything that increases the symptoms is a warning sign that someone’s overdoing it,� he warns. It is also important to avoid any activities that would increase the risk of sustaining another TBI. Treatment options can also include addressing the symptoms – with sleep medication or headache relief, for instance. While treating symptoms, the physician will also rule out other conditions that might be causing them. The people most at risk for TBI, Dr. Huang says, are young children (newborn to about age 4), athletes, and the elderly. Both the very young and the elderly are susceptible to falls that can cause TBI, while athletes in many sports risk head trauma from falls or hard contact with other players. “In the case of a sports injury,� Dr. Huang cautions, “the person should be examined immediately on the sidelines by a physician or qualified sports trainer to determine if it’s safe to return to play.�
Louisiana (337) 291-1191
Dr. Khan focuses on the Board CertifiedofInternal prevention heartMedicine disease Dr. Jaclyn Harrison is a board certhrough early diagnosis and provides latest physician interventified internalthe medicine tionala new techniques to treat coropening primary care/internal onarypractice, and peripheral vascular medicine White Oak Medical diseases. Associates in the Heights. She Shepatients is one of the few female believes deserve their doccardiologists tor’sinterventional focused attention, personalizedin available to perform care,Houston and is devoted to compassionangioplasties ate,emergency effective treatment for her and pastents for patients who are extients. Extended hours are available. periencing a heart attack. 1631 North Loop West, Ste. 220 • Houston TX 77008 1900 North Loop W, 713-365-0786 Suite 580 • Houston, TX 77018 713-714-5376 www.nwcardiology.net Whiteoakmedicalassociates.com
Dr. Khan focuses on the prevention of heart disease through early diagnosis and provides the latest interventional techniques to treat coronary and peripheral vascular diseases. She is one of the few female interventional cardiologists in Houston available to perform emergency angioplasties and stents for patients who are experiencing a heart attack. 1631 North Loop West, Ste. 220 • Houston TX 77008 713-365-0786 www.nwcardiology.net
DoraJ.E. Cantu Dr.Dr. Becky Fredrickson Board ed OphthalBoard Certifi Certified Ophthalmologist. mologist. Dr. has beenhas practicDr.Cantu Fredrickson been ing ophthalmology for practicing ophthalmologyover for 25over years. She sees 12 years. She patients routinely daily ocular problems insees for patients for diabetes, cluding glaucoma, glaucoma, macular diabetes, degeneramacular degeneration, tion, and ocular infections.and She ocular infections. Her passion specializes in surgical proceisdures cataract andcataract, pterygium including eyesurgery. Dr. Cantu lid lifts, eyelid cysts, has Botoxbeen and recently named The Leader’s Juvederm, and pterygia. best ophthalmologist! 1415 Loop, 400 •180 427•W. 20th St. Ste 1740 W.N.27th St.Ste Suite Houston, TX 100 77008 Houston, TX 77008 713-864-8652 713-668-6828 • www.houstoneye.com www.opiavisioncenter.com
Dr. Becky J. Fredrickson Board Certified OphthalInterested mologist. in Dr. Fredrickson has been practicing in ophthalmology for advertising over 12 years. She routinely sees patients for diabetes, this directory? glaucoma, macular degenera-
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The Leader • Saturday, March 9, 2019 • Page 3B
Dear Community, As an institution, we are charged with not only meeting the workforce demands of today, but the demands of the future. The charge calls for us to be innovative and forward-thinking, while constantly seeking ways that we can improve the College to more effectively support our students and the needs of the community. As we examined plans for HCC and our future direction, we embarked upon a study to identify the best way we could serve students in the communities surrounding Pinemont Center. The study revealed many factors, including a changing population as well as a trend of decreasing enrollment at Pinemont Center. It became evident that reallocating resources in a different way could provide better options for students in the community. After careful consideration and upon the recommendation of the recent study, the Houston Community College Board of Trustees voted to close Pinemont Center. While this was certainly a tough decision, we believe that it is in the best interest of the students and communities we serve. The current timeline calls for the Pinemont Campus to close when the lease on the building expires in August 2019. What is known as a Teach-Out Plan, which details the closure process, was approved by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools; the regional accreditation organization that oversees HCC. With being said, we are committed to a smooth transition for students, faculty, staff and the community, and we will meet that commitment with communication and transparency. HCC has been an active and engaged partner in the communities surrounding Pinemont Center for numerous years beginning in the early days of classes being offered at area schools including Waltrip, Booker T. Washington, and Scarborough high schools. As time progressed, our commitment to the community has continued to grow. Since the inception of Pinemont Center, thousands have relied on the campus for an array of educational needs. Whether they were seeking classes for ESL and GED or desiring VQ EQORNGVG EQWTUGU VQYCTF C EGTVKĆ‚ECVG QT FGITGG *%% 2KPGOQPV %GPVGT JCU DGGP C beacon in the community. We are also proud to offer dual credit courses for area students and have partnered with the Houston Independent School District to ensure that students can earn college credit while attending high school. HCC will continue its relationships with area high schools and we will remain engaged in the community. We value our relationships with area community leaders, businesses and community-based organizations and we are committed to growing partnerships for education. Closing Pinemont Center does not mean that we are scaling back our services to the community. In fact, we are investing resources in a more innovative way to yield the best experience for those we serve. Residents and current students in the Pinemont area will have options to attend class at newer and more technologically advanced campuses that are a short commute away. The new Northline and Acres Homes campuses are within a 10-minute drive and we encourage students to explore the options available at these two campuses. We thank you for making HCC your choice and look forward to continuing to serve you. For more information regarding the campus closure, visit hccs.edu/pinemontclosure or call 713.718.8010.
Cesar Maldonado, Ph.D., P.E. Chancellor, Houston, Community College
Dr. Destry Dokes Interim President, HCC Northeast College
Page 4B • Saturday, March 9, 2019 • The Leader
Five steps to healthy gut microbiome By Shana Tatum statum@wellness-collaborative.com
Would you believe that bacteria in your gut signals your brain to make neurotransmitters, or that bacteria can manufacture Vitamin K, a necessary co-factor for blood clotting? It has even been shown that bacteria in the gut modulate the immune system, either allowing us to be stronger and fight off the common cold or tip in the other direction, picking up every virus that comes along. More often, it has a very beneficial effect on the body and its communication systems. The large-scale NIH Human Microbiome Project has revealed most physiological functions are in tandem with the microbiome. Some researchers report that bacteria DNA outnumber human DNA by two to three times. Because a well-balanced microbial community in the gut contributes to regular bowel movements, optimal digestion, vitamin production, hormonal regulation and fatigue and pain control, wouldn’t you want your microbiome to be in tip-top shape? These five lifestyle steps can help to keep your gut health in check: • Enjoy a wide range of foods. It’s easy to get stuck with the same meal plan week after week, just ask my family! A report on agrobiodiversity by the Food and Agriculture Organization noted that 75 percent of the world’s food is generated from 12 different plants and five animal species. By rotating many different fruits and vegetables as well
as healthy proteins, we provide different fibers, minerals and vitamins for the bacterial colonies in our bodies. Visit a local farmer’s market like Eleanora’s Market or The Farmstand in Garden Oaks on Saturday mornings and find a new vegetable or fruit to try. Having diversity on our plate contributes to diversity in our gut. Research shows a loss of specimen diversity contributes to disease. • Get enough prebiotic foods in your diet. By following step one you are closer to step two! Our gut bacteria need food to thrive. This consists of insoluble fiber that comes from plants. Examples include oligofructose, inulin and pectin. These indigestible fibers that you can find by eating apples, oats, nuts, onions, bananas and beans provide the fuel for the microbiome to survive. The recommended daily allowance for fiber is 2430 grams for adults and 11-13 grams for children, with the bulk of this fiber coming from insoluble sources. • Limit alcohol. Dysbiosis, an imbalance of gut bacteria, can result from over consumption of alcohol. It has been shown to contribute to endotoxemia, systemic inflammation and tissue damage.
Other studies looked at types of alcohol with regard to the gut microbiome. Comparing effects of gin and red wine, it was observed that gin negatively affected the bacteria, while red wine, when consumed in moderation, improved the beneficial bacteria. The researchers concluded this might be due to the polyphenol content of the grapes in the red wine. While this study is not a reason to begin drinking red wine, if you do consume, follow the dietary guidelines of no more than one drink (4 ounces of wine) per day for women and two drinks per day for men. • Good sleep hygiene. A good sleep routine of 6-9 hours per night is recommended to keep not only a strong gut microbiome but to avoid heart disease and obesity. When researchers put subjects on a short term partial sleep deprivation, they observed that after only two days a change occurred in the diversity and balance of bacteria. An increase in Firmicutes: Bacteriodetes and higher families of Coriobacteriaceae and Erysipelotrichaceae caused distress in human health such as insulin resistance. • Daily movement. How many times have you heard the health benefits of exercise? We know a sedentary lifestyle contributes to chronic disease such as diabetes and cancer. Daily movement can lift mood and improve depression, help maintain muscle mass in the aging and improve immunity by activating the lymph system. Without exercise, it puts the gut flora at a disadvantage. In a 2017 study published
Autoimmune diseases rise By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com
March is National Autoimmune Disease Awareness Month, but the one in five people who have been diagnosed with one need no reminder. It’s a series of clubs that no one wants to join. Recently, actress Selma Blair showed the world what it’s like to live with Multiple Sclerosis, one of more than 100 autoimmune diseases. The goal of the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association is to increase research by scientists for better advancements in the autoimmunity field and to increase awareness of autoimmune diseases themselves, so that diagnoses are made quicker. An autoimmune disease begins when in response to an unknown trigger, the immune system may begin producing antibodies that instead of fighting infections, attack the body’s own tissues. Treatment for autoimmune diseases generally focuses on reducing immune system activity. Examples of more common autoimmune diseases include: • Rheumatoid arthritis, in which the immune system produces antibodies that attach to the linings of joints. Immune system cells then at-
tack the joints, causing inflammation, swelling and pain. • Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus), in which people with lupus develop autoimmune antibodies that can attach to tissues throughout the body. The joints, lungs, blood cells, nerves and kidneys are commonly affected in lupus. • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), in which the immune system attacks the lining of the intestines, causing episodes of diarrhea, rectal bleeding, urgent bowel movements, abdominal pain, fever and weight loss. • Multiple Sclerosis (MS), in which the immune system attacks nerve cells, causing symptoms that include pain, blindness, weakness, poor coordination and muscle spasms. • Type 1 diabetes mellitus, in which immune system antibodies attack and destroy insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. • Psoriasis, in which overactive immune system blood cells called T-cells collect in the skin. The immune system activity stimulates skin cells to reproduce rapidly, producing silvery, scaly plaques on the skin. • Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, in which antibodies produced by the immune system attack the thyroid gland, slowly destroy-
ing the cells that produce thyroid hormone. Dr. Andrew Weil says while the prevalence of autoimmune diseases and allergies has been increasing in developed countries since the 1950s, the occurrence of many infectious diseases has been declining in the same countries because of vaccines, antibiotics, improved hygiene and rising socioeconomic conditions. He said some researchers believe the decrease in acquiring natural infections has caused the increase in allergies and autoimmune disorders. This is the “hygiene hypothesis,” which asserts that exposure to infections, especially in early life, strengthens or programs the immune system to make it less likely to overreact to ragweed pollen, pet dander or peanuts or to attack the body’s own tissues. Autoimmune diseases and allergies are less common among those of low socioeconomic status. In Germany, asthma rates are higher among residents of West Germany, which is more developed than the former East Germany. “At present, the hygiene hypothesis is just that – an unproved theory,” Weil said. For more information about autoimmune diseases, visit https://www.aarda.org/.
in PLOS One, scientists asked if the gut microbiota was a target for the therapeutic effect of exercise by comparing women who exercised against those who did not. Results showed gut flora of a higher population of Bifidobacterium and Akkermansia in those participating in exercise. With these five steps, you can see how to improve the microbiome of your gut. By keeping a wide range of foods in your diet, filling your plate with fiber-rich foods, when consuming alcohol doing so in moderation, consistently having a good night’s sleep and making daily movement a priority, you will reap the benefits that bacteria in balance have to give.
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