RHOBH's star Brandi Glanville is rushed to hospital amid her mystery facial parasite battle
dashes to the ER during her ongoing battle with a mysterious illness that's caused her to have a striking facial disfigurement.
The former Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills star, 52, revealed she called 911 on Wednesday after being unable to move her head and neck for hours, preventing her from getting out of bed.
Following her belief that the skin condition that has left her disfigured was caused by a parasite, she also posted photos from hospital while she was hooked up to IVs.
SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO
Brandi wrote on X: 'My head and neck would not move for four hours this morning. I could not get out of my bed.
'I called 911 and had a lovely trip in the ambulance, now I am at this amazing place after sitting in a wheelchair in the waiting room for four hours.'
Last week, Glanville updated her social media followers that she has seen no improvement in her battle with the facial disfigurement.
Brandi shared a photo of a tub filled with brown liquid, explaining it was drainage from her face that's causing various health issues.
In March, she wrote: 'The clear plaque sitting on top like oily wax is produced all day by my face.
'It drains down, eroding my teeth. I can't see and have two 2 hard lumps under my left cheekbone - one on the back of the neck and jawbone. I need an infectious disease doctor who specializes in fungal infections? HELP!'
Brandi, who's said to have spent over $70,000 trying to get better, also complained of having 'chills' and added that 'all of my lymph nodes in head [and] neck are swollen'.
At the time she wrote: 'Doctors at Kaiser [Permanente] say I'm fine.'
Updates: She used social media to keep her followers informed from her hospital bed
Days prior, Brandi revealed she'd been 'faking it' with her seemingly happy demeanor and she's actually been 'f***ing miserable'.
She tweeted: 'My face is worse than ever. It's literally melted away.
'When doctors at [Cedars-Sinai Medical Center] put me on IV antibiotics [and] fungal medication I was getting better. I looked normal, but I couldn't afford to stay on them. I was forced to see doctors outside my insurance because the doctors at Kaiser had no clue. I need my life to change. That is my real-life health update.'
Mysterious: She suffered from symptoms of swelling and 'painful lumps'
Late last year, Brandi admitted on Page Six's Virtual Reali-Tea podcast that she's been suffering from 'deep depression' amid her battle with the mysterious skin condition.
She said: 'The pain is more mental than anything, because I have been hiding and going through a deep, deep depression. Even if I could work now, at this point, I couldn't. So it's just been a really rough two years for me.'
She added at the time that she was also on antibiotics, which she had briefly stopped and caused the skin on her face to 'sink in'.
Woes: Her facial battle began in 2023 when she was hospitalized for a stress-induced condition that causes deep layers of skin to swell up after becoming engorged with fluid (seen in 2023)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
27-05-2025
- The Sun
Boosting your sex drive, great gnashers and six other surprising health benefits from your daily cup of tea
PUT the kettle on, it is time to raise a toast to the humble cuppa. More than 100million cups of char are consumed daily in the UK, but new research shows four out of five of us are unaware of the health benefits contained in our mugs. 5 5 Here, dietitian Dr Carrie Ruxton, from the Tea Advisory Panel ( reveals the often surprising health benefits in a typical brew. HEART HEALTH: Regular cups of Rosie Lee are great for your ticker and could add years to your life expectancy. Proven cardiovascular benefits include lower blood pressure – while having a daily cuppa for seven or more years, with or without milk, could cut your risk of stroke or heart attack by up to 19 per cent compared to other beverages. Dr Ruxton says: 'Natural compounds in tea, called polyphenols, help to lower blood pressure by relaxing our blood vessels. The sweet spot is four cups a day. "Regular black tea is the best option but remember to steep it for one to two minutes to maximise the benefits.' IMPROVED ZZZs: Most of us (87 per cent) are not aware a good brew could help us have a better night's kip but studies have linked sipping tea to sweeter dreams. Dr Ruxton says: 'People are often surprised when I say that a night-time cuppa is a great way to nod off. 'A recent review found just one or two cups of tea a day could help promote sleep quality and relaxation. "Try either a traditional cuppa or chamomile, lavender or valerian root tea before bed to support your sleep.' GOOD BONES: Research involving more than 48,000 postmenopausal women found that drinking cuppas resulted in higher bone mineral density around the hips. The brew also lowered the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Polyphenols, found in black and green tea, are believed to be behind this. Dr Ruxton says: 'We still don't know whether tea has a specific effect on bones or just helps the body to absorb minerals. 'It may even be that tea drinkers get more calcium in the form of milk in their cup'. LESS STRESS: Brewing up regularly could contribute to better mental health by decreasing levels of stress, anxiety or symptoms of low mood. Compounds in tea contributing to inner calm include the amino acid L-theanine, and neurotransmitter GABA. One study by University College London also proved a strong mug of builder's can lower cortisol levels after a shock or stressful event. GREAT GNASHERS: Enjoy a cuppa and you may reap rewards at the dentist. Dr Ruxton says: 'Tea polyphenols act as an anti-bacterial. Bad breath is caused by a build-up of bacteria in the mouth meaning drinking a cuppa can help banish this. In one study, rinsing the mouth with sugar-free tea was as effective as a regular mouthwash.' STAY SHARP: Brew up for a brain boost. One study of more than 4,000 people found that regular tea-drinking was significantly associated with a lowered chance of impairments such as declining memory or problem solving in middle age and older age. Dr Ruxton says: 'Experts concluded that drinking tea, especially black tea, can have a positive effect on cognitive function. "Just one or two cups a day provided some benefits'. TOP TUMMIES: Polyphenols in tea can have a positive effect on your gut bacteria, known as the microbiome. Dr Ruxton says: 'These millions of tiny bugs help us to stay healthy. "A study from Japan found three cups of regular tea daily for three months boosted 'friendly' species of bacteria in the gut and reduced respiratory infections, like colds.' Herbal teas, especially peppermint, ginger and chamomile also ease nausea, bloating and wind. 5 One study found black tea can elevate testosterone, which has been shown to increase libido levels in men and women. And many herbal teas are said to have aphrodisiac qualities, particularly ginseng.
Telegraph
22-05-2025
- Telegraph
The eight health benefits of your daily cup of tea
It's true that us Britons are – and always have been – a nation of tea drinkers. In fact, a third of us imbibe between four to five cups a day. Tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant and is often blended with other plants for different flavours, such as Earl Grey or chai. Whatever blend you choose, these are some of the surprising health benefits found in your humble cup of tea: Health benefits of tea 1. Antioxidant properties 'Tea is rich in polyphenols – natural bioactive plant compounds – that have antioxidant effects in the body,' says Dr Carrie Ruxton, a dietician from the Tea Advisory Panel. 'Getting enough antioxidants in the diet from fruit, vegetables, wholegrains and drinks is important for fighting the effects of ageing and modern lifestyles which cause damage to cells (via oxidation of cell membranes).' Green or black tea – containing antioxidants and compounds that may help reduce inflammation in the body – is commonly seen as superior for our health, but don't worry if you can't bear it without a drop of the white stuff. 'It is a health myth that adding milk to tea reduces the health effects of a cup of tea,' says Dr Ruxton. 'Research studies have found inconsistent results for aspects like antioxidant effects or polyphenol levels in the blood. This is because polyphenols in tea are not absorbed in the small intestine but are acted on by gut bacteria in the colon. As a result, there is no evidence that adding milk has a negative impact on the health benefits of tea. In fact, for women, adding milk to your tea provides other health benefits as it will add to calcium intakes which protect bone density'. 2. Supports heart health 'Tea is good for the heart on a couple of levels,' says Ruxton. 'The polyphenols, specifically flavan-3-ols – part of the flavonoid family – have positive effects on vascular function, which helps blood flow more easily through blood vessels, making them more elastic and reducing blood pressure. A lower blood pressure helps to reduce our risk of stroke and heart attack (myocardial infarction).' Gunter Kuhnle is a professor of nutrition and food science at the University of Reading. He says that the flavanols, found in tea, have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease so much that there is even a recommendation by the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to consume 400-600 mg per day. 'We tried to convert this into normal foods – and that's roughly three cups of green or eight cups of black tea a day,' says Prof Kuhnle. Drinking three cups of black tea a day for six months significantly lowered blood pressure by 2-3 mmHg, it was found in a clinical trial. This is the equivalent effect on blood pressure of losing 2-3 kilos of weight. Ruxton says the polyphenols may also aid heart health by helping to lower 'bad' LDL cholesterol, and when Harvard University carried out a large survey on tea drinkers, it found that people who have at least 3-4 cups a day are less likely to have a heart attack. 3. May improve gut health We've all become increasingly aware of the importance of gut health – but not all of us fancy drinking kefir or kombucha. Happily, a tea bag is much cheaper and will also bring some benefits to our bellies. Several natural foods are prebiotic, meaning they promote healthier species of bacteria in the gut, says Ruxton, and tea – both green and black – is one of these special foods. 'Having a healthy gut microbiota has been linked with a lower risk of constipation, inflammatory bowel disease and respiratory infections, as well as a more balanced immune system.' She explains this is because the polyphenols in tea are mostly not digested in the upper intestine, they instead pass through to the colon (large intestine) where they are broken down by the gut bacteria for food. 'The 'friendly' bacteria in the gut tend to be the ones that prefer to use polyphenols, and so regular tea drinking promotes these species.' 4. Lowers blood sugar Daily consumption of tea has been linked with a lower risk of Type 2 diabetes. A study in Nutrition Research reported that people drinking more than four cups daily had a 17 per cent reduced risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. The effects of tea may be due to the polyphenols which promote the uptake of glucose by cells and have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects.' 5. May reduce the risk of cancer There are more than 100 different types of cancer, and of course some are not preventable. But even so, the polyphenols found in black tea may help slow the development of certain types of cancer and promote cancer cell death. 'Large observational studies suggest that people who regularly consume green or black tea have a lower risk of cancer, particularly bowel cancer,' says Ruxton. There are no clinical trials in humans to prove a causal effect, she admits, so we can't tell whether tea drinkers have healthier lifestyles (for instance they drink less alcohol and more fruit and vegetables) or 'whether tea is having anti-cancer effects which have been suggested in animal and cell studies'. But tea drinking has also been linked in studies with a lower risk of oral cancer, and cancers of the breast, ovaries, lungs, and thyroid. Interestingly, a study found that those drinking the highest amounts of green tea specifically had a 22 per cent reduced risk of endometrial cancer. 6. Helps us concentrate When we need to focus and feel more alert, coffee is normally our go-to beverage. But don't overlook the boost tea offers – and it is less likely to give you the jitters. 'Tea contains around 40-50mg of caffeine, which is half the amount found in coffee,' says Ruxton. 'Caffeine is well known for promoting memory, alertness and concentration. However, tea is uniquely high in an amino acid called 'L-theanine' which works in combination with caffeine to produce a feeling of 'calm concentration'. 'This has been proven by studies which have found that L-theanine lowers stress and improves mental focus under challenging working conditions'. 7. Can improve sleep Herbal tea infusions containing camomile have long been linked to a good night's sleep, but interestingly, studies by the Tea Advisory Panel (TAP) found that two cups of even regular tea can aid sleep quality – perhaps because the ritual of drinking it relieves stress. The active compounds in tea that could help send us to the Land of Nod include polyphenols, L-theanine, theaflavins, thearubigins and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Both L-theanine, an amino acid, and GABA have direct effects on the brain, helping to activate pathways that lower stress and create calm and relaxation. 8. Promotes mental wellbeing 'Flavanols have been shown to improve cognitive function, and there is some data from a larger study that support this,' says Prof Kuhnle. But in terms of improving mental health, he suspects that the social aspect of making tea and sitting together to drink is probably the biggest thing at play here – which is certainly important for our emotional wellbeing and mood. It's been proven many times, after all, that happier people live longer. Black tea vs green tea Black and green tea are processed in slightly different ways – with the former being rolled and then oxidised (exposed to air), and the latter not being oxidised. This means black tea leaves tend to turn dark brown whilst green tea leaves remain green. They are subtly different in their caffeine and antioxidant content, however one isn't significantly healthier than the other. Green tea contains slightly less caffeine than black tea (about 29mg per cup compared to 47mg) and slightly more L-theanine which means it may be better for relaxation. It also contains more antioxidants, including the potent epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which is responsible for many of its health benefits. A 2022 study in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences found its presence in green tea drives its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. Meanwhile, black tea contains a group of polyphenols called theaflavins which offer many health benefits related to their antioxidant ability. They can protect fat cells from damage, whilst one 2022 review found they can also lower blood sugar and are beneficial for gut bacteria. Black tea's higher caffeine content means it may be more beneficial for those needing an energy boost.
The Sun
03-05-2025
- The Sun
Scientist bitten by deadly snakes 200 TIMES helps create ‘unparalleled' anti-venom to save thousands of lives
A WACKY scientist has allowed the world's deadliest snakes to bite him over 200 times to help create an "unparalleled" anti-venom. Tim Friede has been injected by snake toxins over 850 times across his 18-year career and once even fell into a coma due to two cobra bites. 6 6 6 Snake venom kills up to 140,000 people each year and can leave over 420,000 people needing life altering amputations. The cases remain so high due to their being no universal antivenom against all snakebites. But after nearly two decades of death-defying work, Tim's research may have finally paid off. His fearless antibodies have been shown to protect against fatal doses from a wide range of dangerous species in recent animal tests. The American initially allowed himself to be bitten to help further his career on YouTube where he handled a range of snakes. He believed it would help him build up an immunity to protect himself when finding some of the world's worst snakes. His bizarre plan once left the former truck mechanic fighting for his life after two Egyptian cobra bites in quick succession left him in a coma for days. Tim told the BBC he "didn't want to die" and so when he awoke and was back to full health he used his second chance at life to help others survive. He explained: "It just became a lifestyle and I just kept pushing and pushing and pushing as hard as I could push for the people who are 8,000 miles away from me who die from snakebites." His brave work was soon noticed by research teams who got in contact and asked to examine his blood. The team of scientists were searching for a type of immune defence which had neutralised antibodies - something they believed Tim may have developed. Dr Jacob Glanville, chief executive of biotech company Centivax, reached out to him and asked if they could take a blood sample for testing. Tim soon agreed after he was told his body has been able to repel venom which would "normally kill a horse", according to Dr Glanville. The research focused on two families of venomous snakes which included coral snakes, mambas, cobras, taipans and kraits. These reptiles use neurotoxins in their venom to paralyse their victim to the point where their muscles can no longer supply the body with enough oxygen. Researchers handpicked 19 of these creatures which are considered as being among the deadliest snakes on the planet. Soon after analysing Tim's blood they uncovered two broadly neutralising antibodies that target neurotoxins, according to their work which is detailed in the journal Cell. A third drug was later added to the antivenom cocktail before it was used on mice. 6 6 Out of 19 test subjects, 13 survived lethal doses of snake venom. The remaining six were found to have partial protection against the poison. Dr Glanville described the results as "unparalleled" in the current world of antivenom research. He also believes this means the cocktail will likely cover a whole range of other snakes. The team is now trying to see if they can add a fourth component to the drug mixture in order to offer full protection to venom. Currently, testing has only been done on elapid snake venom which covers the two most common families of deadly snakes. The other major snake types which contribute to global death rates are vipers. Tim's antibodies are really quite extraordinary - he taught his immune system to get this very, very broad recognition Professor Peter KwongColumbia University They use haemotoxins to attack blood cells rather than neurotoxins which target muscles - a key difference to elapids. But Professor Peter Kwong, a researcher at Columbia University, believes the initial results prove that one day a complete antivenom will be discovered. He said: "I think in the next 10 or 15 years we'll have something effective against each one of those toxin classes." The ultimate goal is to create a single antivenom or discover two injections which cover elapids and vipers. And Tim is planning on helping out for as long as he can. He said: "I'm doing something good for humanity and that was very important to me. I'm proud of it. It's pretty cool." Prof Kwong says his team owes Tim and the world a huge thank you for what he has put his body through for science. "Tim's antibodies are really quite extraordinary - he taught his immune system to get this very, very broad recognition," he said. The team are now preparing to test its antivenom cocktail in Australia on dogs who have been bitten by a snake. 6
