These may be the 3 most effective non-drug ways to treat knee arthritis
A knee brace appears to be one of the more effective ways to treat the pain — as well as improve function and stiffness — from osteoarthritis, the common degenerative process where the cartilage cushioning the joint deteriorates over time.
Researchers in China ranked the relative effectiveness of a dozen treatments, ranging from laser and ultrasound therapy to wedged insoles and kinesiology tape, studied in 139 randomized controlled trials.
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Yahoo
43 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Science recap: This week's discoveries include new clues from the fossil skull of a mysterious human species
Editor's note: A version of this story appeared in CNN's Wonder Theory science newsletter. To get it in your inbox, sign up for free here. Tens of thousands of years ago, our species — Homo sapiens — mingled and interbred with other prehistoric humans: our distant cousins, the Neanderthals and Denisovans. Hundreds of Neanderthal fossils give us a good idea of their appearance, lives and relationships, but so little is known about Denisovans that they still don't have an official scientific name. Evidence of their existence has surfaced in faint traces, mapped by DNA markers that lurk in our own genetic makeup and confirmed by only a few fossil fragments. This week, however, a 146,000-year-old skull dredged out of a well in China in 2018 may just be a key missing piece to this cryptic evolutionary puzzle. The nearly complete skull did not match any previously known species of prehistoric human. But two new studies — which researchers say are among the biggest paleoanthropology papers of the year — detail how scientists were able to extract genetic material from the fossil and help unravel this biological mystery. The DNA sample taken from 'Dragon Man,' as the specimen is called, revealed that he was in fact related to Denisovans, early humans who are thought to have lived between roughly 500,000 and 30,000 years ago. The finding could be monumental, helping to paint a fuller picture of a time when our own species coexisted with other prehistoric humans. Astronomers have long grappled with the quandary of 'dark matter,' but plenty of enigmas surround regular matter as well. The proton-and-neutron-based atoms that we're familiar with are called baryonic matter. And this material is strewn between galaxies like intergalactic fog, making it extremely difficult to measure. Perhaps, that is, until now. A new study explains how scientists were able to observe the baryonic matter using the flashing of fast radio bursts. In a rare encounter, scientists have captured the first-ever footage of an elusive 3-foot-long squid alive in its deep-sea habitat. Fruit, flowers, birds and musical instruments decorated the walls of a luxury villa — part of a site the excavation team dubbed the 'Beverly Hills' of Roman Britain — before the building was razed roughly 1,800 years ago. The frescoes were painstakingly pieced together by experts from the Museum of London Archaeology. Han Li, senior building material specialist at MOLA, described the effort as a 'once in a lifetime' opportunity. Romans invaded modern-day Britain in AD 43 and established Londinium, the precursor to modern London. The occupation lasted for almost 400 years. Under the life-affirming glow of the sun, methane is a dangerous gas to be avoided. A heat-trapping chemical pollutant in Earth's atmosphere, methane exacerbates the climate crisis. But within the planet's deep recesses — thousands of feet below the ocean's surface off the US West Coast — the gas can be transformed into a nutritious meal. At least for spiders. Scientists say they've discovered three previously unknown species of sea spider living around methane seeps. In these marine habitats where sunlight can't reach, gas escapes through cracks in the seafloor and feeds bacteria that latch on to the spiders' exoskeletons. The bacteria convert carbon-rich methane and oxygen into sugars and fats the spiders can eat, according to a new study. The newfound Sericosura sea spiders may pass methane-fueled bacteria to their hatchlings as an easy source of food, the researchers suggest. Check out these other must-read science stories from the week: — A SpaceX Starship rocket exploded during a routine ground test on Wednesday. Explore how this and other recent setbacks may affect the company's Mars ambitions. — A tiny brown moth in Australia migrates some 600 miles at night using the stars for navigation — something only humans and birds were known to do before. — A hunt for ghostly cosmic particles found anomalous signals coming from Antarctic ice. A new detector could help scientists explain what they are. — Researchers used DNA to reconstruct the face of a prehistoric woman who lived around 10,500 years ago in what's now Belgium, suggesting that skin color already varied considerably among different populations. Like what you've read? Oh, but there's more. Sign up here to receive in your inbox the next edition of Wonder Theory, brought to you by CNN Space and Science writers Ashley Strickland, Katie Hunt and Jackie Wattles. They find wonder in planets beyond our solar system and discoveries from the ancient world.
Health Line
an hour ago
- Health Line
What Happens if You Don't Treat Hypothyroidism?
Untreated hypothyroidism can cause persistent symptoms like fatigue, dry skin, constipation, and weight gain. It can also lead to potentially serious complications. Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland makes too little thyroid hormone. It's treated by taking medication that replaces the missing thyroid hormone. While hypothyroidism can be effectively managed, researchers found that between 2009 and 2019, an estimated 14.4% of people in the United States with a hypothyroidism diagnosis weren't receiving treatment. Untreated hypothyroidism can lead to potentially serious complications. This article looks at what exactly happens if you don't treat hypothyroidism. What are the immediate symptoms of untreated hypothyroidism? Thyroid hormone is important for a variety of processes in your body, especially managing your metabolism, which is how your body uses energy. It's also involved in things like heart rate, brain health, and fertility (just to name a few). In hypothyroidism, your thyroid gland isn't making enough thyroid hormone to properly maintain these processes. This means that many of the processes start to slow down. As such, untreated hypothyroidism can have several immediate symptoms. These include: fatigue unintended weight gain cold intolerance constipation voice changes dry skin dry, thinning hair facial puffiness reduced sweating muscle and joint pain brain fog (trouble thinking clearly or concentrating) depression heavier or more irregular menstrual periods slow heart rate The exact symptoms of untreated hypothyroidism can vary from person to person. However, if you're regularly experiencing any of the symptoms on this list, it's a good idea to make an appointment with a doctor or medical professional to discuss. What are the potential complications of untreated hypothyroidism? If hypothyroidism remains untreated, it can lead to several potentially serious complications. Some research has also suggested that untreated hypothyroidism is associated with an increased risk of death from any cause. The following sections review the potential complications of untreated hypothyroidism. High cholesterol and heart disease Thyroid hormones are involved in the metabolism of lipids (fats) in your body. Because of this, thyroid dysfunction can alter lipid levels. Hypothyroidism is associated with dyslipidemia, a condition where levels of one or more types of lipid are higher than normal. Specifically, hypothyroidism can increase total cholesterol, LDL ('bad') cholesterol, and triglycerides. High cholesterol can boost the risk of heart disease. Further, hypothyroidism can weaken the ability of the heart to pump and slow the heart rate, which can also raise your risk of heart disease. Research has found that treatment for hypothyroidism can improve lipid levels and help to potentially reverse the effects of low thyroid hormone on the heart and blood vessels, lowering the risk of heart problems. Infertility and pregnancy complications Hypothyroidism is known to be linked to infertility. This is mostly due to disturbances in ovulation. Ovulation is when an egg is released from the ovaries and becomes available to be fertilized. Problems with ovulation are one of the most common causes of infertility. Having hypothyroidism during pregnancy can also lead to complications like: anemia preeclampsia miscarriage stillbirth low birth weight cognitive and developmental issues in infants Managing hypothyroidism can help prevent infertility and pregnancy complications. Developmental issues in children Congenital hypothyroidism is when low thyroid hormone is present from birth. It's estimated to affect 1 in 3,000 to 4,000 infants. In the United States and many other countries, newborns are tested for this condition right after birth. If left untreated, hypothyroidism in infants can lead to intellectual disabilities. However, neonatal screening followed by prompt treatment has been shown to help improve developmental outcomes. Myxedema coma Myxedema coma is a serious complication that's caused by severe untreated hypothyroidism. When thyroid hormone levels get very low, the body's processes can slow down in a dangerous way. While myxedema coma is rare, it's a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. Treatment involves giving replacement thyroid hormones as well as supportive care. How is hypothyroidism treated? Hypothyroidism is treated using a medication called levothyroxine. This medication is a lab-made version of the thyroid hormone your body makes naturally. As such, levothyroxine helps to replace missing thyroid hormone. You take levothyroxine once each day, typically in the morning prior to eating. It's often taken in the form of a pill, but is also available as a gel capsule or as a liquid. After you've been taking levothyroxine for a few weeks, your doctor will test your levels of thyroid hormone. This is to see if your levothyroxine dose has restored your thyroid hormone levels to a healthy range. If the test results show that thyroid hormone levels are too low or too high, your doctor will adjust your daily dose of levothyroxine. They'll then repeat the test in a few weeks. Be sure to talk with your doctor if you continue to have symptoms or if you have any additional questions about your thyroid or your thyroid medication. Takeaway Some people with hypothyroidism remain untreated. Untreated hypothyroidism can lead to the persistence of symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, constipation, and dry skin. Over time, untreated hypothyroidism can also cause potentially serious complications. These include high cholesterol, infertility, pregnancy complications, and the life threatening condition myxedema coma.
Health Line
an hour ago
- Health Line
What Vitamins, Foods, and Drinks Should You Avoid with Hypothyroidism?
Certain supplements, foods, and beverages may affect thyroid function or interfere with the absorption of thyroid medication. Hypothyroidism, or low thyroid hormone, affects an estimated 11.7% of people in the United States. It's treated by using a medication called levothyroxine to replace the missing thyroid hormone. If you've been diagnosed with hypothyroidism, your doctor may also recommend certain dietary adjustments. These can include reducing your consumption (or the timing of your consumption) of certain vitamins, supplements, and foods. This article reviews the foods, vitamins, and supplements to be mindful of with hypothyroidism, and how to reduce your risk of potential interactions when taking your thyroid medication. Vitamins and supplements that may affect thyroid function or interfere with medication absorption If you're being treated for hypothyroidism, use caution when it comes to the following supplements, as they can interfere with the absorption of your thyroid medication: calcium iron iodine Calcium and iron supplements Proper absorption of your thyroid medication (levothyroxine) is needed in order for it to work effectively. When it isn't absorbed well, it is less effective at restoring your thyroid hormone levels. If you need to take iron or calcium supplements, talk with your doctor about the best time to do so. It's generally recommended to take iron supplements at least 4 hours before or after taking levothyroxine. Alternatively, you can ask your doctor about switching to liquid levothyroxine. It's primarily absorbed in the small intestine, and this may help decrease the risk of absorption problems caused by these interactions. Iodine supplements While iodine is important for making thyroid hormones, most people in the United States already get enough through iodized salt and common foods. Taking too much iodine, especially without a proven deficiency, can make thyroid problems worse, especially in people with autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto's thyroiditis. For example, research shows that too much iodine is toxic to thyroid cells. In people who are more prone to thyroid disease, this may trigger or worsen inflammation that may lead to Hashimoto's thyroiditis, a type of hypothyroidism caused by an autoimmune reaction. Due to this, talk with a healthcare professional before taking iodine supplements if you've been diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Foods and beverages that may affect thyroid function or interfere with medication absorption Similar to iron and calcium supplements, some evidence suggests that certain foods and beverages may interfere with the absorption of levothyroxine. These include: high-fiber foods soy products milk coffee certain fruit juices, such as grapefruit juice and orange juice papaya It's important to point out that the evidence for some of these is rather limited or conflicting. For example, some studies have found that soy has little clinical impact on levothyroxine absorption, and avoiding it has few proven benefits. Nevertheless, if you'd like to prevent interactions with these foods, you can do so by putting enough space between when you take your levothyroxine and when you eat. Doctors typically recommend taking your medication on an empty stomach with water, 30 to 60 minutes before eating, or at bedtime, at least two hours after the last meal. This gives your medication ample opportunity to absorb properly. Is it ok to drink alcohol with hypothyroidism? While moderate alcohol use may be OK, it's important to be mindful of the potential effects of alcohol on thyroid function. Alcohol can interfere with the absorption of essential nutrients, such as iodine, which is needed for thyroid function. Alcohol can also damage the liver, which plays a role in hormone regulation. Goitrogens A goitrogen is a substance found in certain foods, such as cruciferous vegetables like kale, broccoli, and cabbage. When eaten in moderate amounts, these vegetables are nutritious additions to your diet, especially if cooked. However, if consumed in excess, goitrogens can interfere with thyroid function by: Blocking iodine: Goitrogens may prevent iodine from entering the thyroid gland, which is needed to produce thyroid hormones. Interfering with TPO: The thyroid peroxidase (TPO) enzyme attaches iodine to the amino acid tyrosine, which together form the basis of thyroid hormones. Reducing TSH: Goitrogens may interfere with thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), which helps the thyroid gland produce hormones. Getting enough iodine and selenium in your diet can also help limit the effects of goitrogens on your thyroid function. In addition, some research has cast doubt on the idea that goitrogen-containing vegetables have a negative effect on the thyroid gland. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about your diet and how it may affect your thyroid function. Foods high in iodine Similar to the iodine supplements, it's a good rule of thumb to be mindful when consuming foods that are high in iodine, as too much iodine can make thyroid problems worse, especially if you have Hashimoto's thyroiditis. However, it's worth noting that these foods should not be avoided unless a doctor gives specific instructions. They are part of a healthy diet and are not harmful for most people with hypothyroidism. Examples of foods that are naturally rich in iodine include: seaweed seafood like cod, oysters, and shrimp dairy products like milk and yogurt eggs It's also important to point out that some foods, such as breads and pastas, are iodine-enriched. Many table salts are also iodized. As such, be sure to check food labels while shopping. How to reduce interactions with your thyroid medication A 2015 survey of 925 people taking levothyroxine found that high percentages of respondents reported consuming medications, supplements, or foods that could interfere with levothyroxine. Just over 13% of respondents to the survey also reported difficulty managing their hypothyroidism. This underlines the importance of taking steps to reduce interactions with your thyroid medication. When to take your thyroid medication Your doctor will typically suggest taking levothyroxine in the morning before breakfast To maximize absorption and prevent interactions, it's recommended to take levothyroxine: on an empty stomach, 30 to 60 minutes before eating breakfast four hours before or after taking medications or supplements that can affect absorption Other medications that can affect levothyroxine absorption Some examples of medications and supplements that can affect levothyroxine absorption include: antacids proton pump inhibitors bile acid sequestrants, a type of cholesterol-lowering medication sodium polystyrene sulfonate, a potassium-binding medication sevelamer, a phosphate-lowering medication orlistat, a weight loss drug iron and calcium supplements If you ever have any questions or concerns about how to take levothyroxine, it's always a good rule of thumb to ask your doctor for advice. Takeaway If you're being treated for hypothyroidism, there are certain supplements, foods, and beverages that you may want to limit or avoid. Some may interfere with your thyroid medication, while others may affect your thyroid function. For example, iron and calcium supplements, high fiber foods, and soy products may interfere with your body's absorption of levothyroxine. Meanwhile, consuming excess iodine or foods containing goitrogens could affect your thyroid function.
