Showing posts with label zinc. Show all posts
Showing posts with label zinc. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 1, 2024

Five health supplements may help skin rash?

 It is important to remember that supplements are not a one-size-fits-all solution and what works for one person may not work for another. In fact, some supplements could even worsen the rash.

The best course of action is always to consult a doctor or dermatologist to diagnose the cause of the rash and recommend the appropriate treatment. They can also advise us on whether any supplements might be beneficial in our specific case.

However, some general dietary and lifestyle changes can help improve skin health and potentially reduce the appearance of rashes. These include:

  • Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
  • Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
  • Getting enough sleep.
  • Managing stress.
  • Avoiding triggers that worsen the rash, such as certain foods, soaps, or fabrics.

Here are a few supplements that have been shown to have some benefit for skin health in general, but again, talk to a doctor before starting any new supplements:

  1. Omega-3 fatty acids: These have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce redness and swelling associated with rashes. However, more studies are needed to support this argument.
  2. Probiotics: These can help improve gut health, which may indirectly improve skin health.
  3. Vitamin E: This is an antioxidant that may help protect the skin from damage. But, more studies are needed to support this argument.
  4. Vitamin C: This is another antioxidant that may help improve skin health.
  5. Zinc: This mineral is important for wound healing and may help reduce inflammation.

Remember, these are just general recommendations, and the best way to find out if supplements are right for us is to talk to our doctor.

Reference

Tjaša Hertiš Petek et al, Emerging Links between Microbiome Composition and Skin Immunology in Diaper Dermatitis: A Narrative Review, Children (Basel). 2022 Jan 15;9(1):112.

Asim Haider et al, A Reversible Cause of Cutaneous Rash in a Patient With Alcohol Consumption, Cureus. 2023 Feb 15;15(2):e35011.

Yoon Soo Bae et al, Innovative uses for zinc in dermatology, Dermatol Clin. 2010 Jul;28(3):587-97.

Five health supplements that have shown some promise on COVID-19

While there's been much interest in using supplements to combat COVID-19, it's crucial to understand that there is no magic bullet and supplements should not be considered a treatment or prevention method.

However, some research suggests certain nutrients may support overall immune health, which could potentially play a role in your body's response to the virus. Here are 5 supplements that have shown some promise, but remember:

  1. Vitamin D: Deficiency is linked to increased susceptibility to infections. Studies suggest adequate Vitamin D levels might be associated with milder COVID-19 cases. However, more research is needed. (1)
  2. Vitamin C: An antioxidant supporting immune function. While high doses haven't proven effective in treating COVID-19, ensuring adequate intake through diet or moderate supplementation might be beneficial. (2)
  3. Zinc: Crucial for immune response and cell division. Studies suggest zinc deficiency might be linked to severe COVID-19 cases. However, excessive intake can be harmful, so consult a doctor before supplementing. (3)
  4. Elderberry: Early research indicates potential antiviral properties against influenza and respiratory infections. Some studies suggest elderberry might shorten COVID-19 symptom duration, but more research is needed. (4)
  5. Melatonin: This hormone regulates sleep and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Some studies suggest melatonin might improve symptoms and reduce the risk of severe COVID-19, but more research is needed. (5)
  • Always consult your doctor before starting any new supplement


Reference

1.     Fatemeh Hadizadeh, Supplementation with vitamin D in the COVID-19 pandemic? Nutr. Rev. 2021 Jan 9;79(2):200-208.

2.     Cerullo G et al, The Long History of Vitamin C: From Prevention of the Common Cold to Potential Aid in the Treatment of COVID-19. Front Immunol. 2020 Oct 28;11: 574029.

3.     Inga Wessels et al, The Potential Impact of Zinc Supplementation on COVID-19 Pathogenesis, Front Immunol. 2020 Jul 10:11:1712.

4.     Joseph Festa et al, Elderberries as a potential supplement to improve vascular function in a SARS-CoV-2 environment, J Food Biochem. 2022 Nov;46(11): e14091.

5.     Muhammad Mubashshir et al, Therapeutic Benefits of Melatonin against COVID-19. Neuroimmunomodulation. 2023;30(1): 196-205.

5 Health Supplements good for Liver Inflammation

 When it comes to liver health and inflammation, there are several supplements that may offer potential benefits. Remember to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplements, especially if you have existing health conditions. Here are some options:


Milk Thistle (Silymarin): Silybum marianum L. (milk thistle) is a popular herbal remedy known for its potential anti-inflammatory properties. Milk Thistle has been used for treating different complications such as jaundice, hepatitis, and cancers. It has also been shown that silymarin, a flavonolignan extract of the plant, demonstrates chemo-preventive effects against cancers. (1)

Turmeric (Curcumin): Turmeric contains curcumin, which has both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities. It may help reduce liver inflammation and support overall liver health. Pathological progression often develops from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to liver fibrosis (LF) then finally to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In 52 studies of animals, curcumin demonstrates a significant improvement in key indicators across the stages of NAFLD, liver fibrosis, and HCC. Researchers then conducted a detailed analysis of common inflammatory markers IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, which traverse the entire disease process. (2) 

Zinc: Zinc (Zn) is an essential mineral that plays a role in various bodily functions, including liver health. Some studies suggest that zinc supplementation may help prevent liver damage from infections and toxins.  A study shows the serum Zn and Se levels were significantly associated with serum albumin levels, and inversely associated with the stages of hepatic fibrosis. Furthermore, serum Zn levels were inversely correlated with the grades of hepatic steatosis in patients with hepatitis C virus-related CLD, (3)

Licorice Root Extract: Licorice root has been studied for its potential anti-inflammatory effects. It may help protect the liver and reduce inflammation. In an animal study, isoliquiritigenin and liquorice roots aqueous extract reduced high-fat diet-induced hyperglycaemia, (4) 

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Consuming fatty fish or fish oil supplements rich in omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce inflammation associated with liver conditions like nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Omega-3s are also beneficial for overall health.

Remember that individual responses to supplements can vary, and it’s essential to maintain a balanced diet, stay hydrated, and avoid excessive alcohol consumption. Always consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best approach for your specific situation.

REFERENCE

1. Seyyed Amir Emadi et al, A review of therapeutic potentials of milk thistle (Silybum marianum L.) and its main constituent, silymarin, on cancer, and their related patents, Iran J Basic Med Sci. 2022 Oct;25(10):1166-1176.

2. Yubing Li et al, Protective role of curcumin in disease progression from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease to hepatocellular carcinoma: a meta-analysis, Front Pharmacol. 2024 Jan 19:15:1343193. 
3. Takashi Himoto et al, Involvement of essential trace elements in the pathogenesis of hepatitis C virus‑related chronic liver disease and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, Exp Ther Med. 2023 Nov 17;27(1):19.

4. Mohammed Abdo Yahya et al, Liquorice root extract and isoliquiritigenin attenuate high-fat diet-induced hepatic steatosis and damage in rats by regulating AMPK, Arch Physiol Biochem. 2022 Sep 19:1-16.

5. Hao Liu et al, Protectin D1 inhibits TLR4 signaling pathway to alleviate non-alcoholic steatohepatitis via upregulating IRAK-M, Free Radic Biol Med. 2024 Jan:210: 42-53.

Review: Melatonin Health Benefits and Side Effects

INTRODUCTION Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine [7]) is a lipophilic hormone, mainly produced and secreted at night by the  pineal glan...