Latest news with #Crohn
Time of India
4 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
How to identify lactose intolerance: Symptoms, causes, and tips to manage
Lactose intolerance is a common digestive order that affects millions of people worldwide. It is caused by the body's inability to produce enough lactase enzymes to break down lactose found in milk and dairy products. When lactose isn't properly digested, it can lead to uncomfortable symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, gas, and stomach cramps. Many people experience lactose intolerance after consuming dairy products, making it essential to recognise these signs early. By adopting lactose-free diets, using lactase supplements, and choosing dairy alternatives, individuals can manage lactose intolerance and improve their overall well-being. What is lactose intolerance Lactose intolerance is the ability to digest lactose due to low levels of lactase, an enzyme produced in the small intestine. Lactase breaks down lactose into glucose and galactose, which the body can absorb. When lactase is insufficient, lactose remains undigested and ferments in the colon, causing symptoms. Signs that you might be lactose intolerant Symptoms typically appear within 30 minutes to 2 hours after consuming lactose-containing foods or drinks. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Turn Nervous Into Natural – Book a Free Demo Today Planet Spark Book Now Undo Key symptoms include: Bloating and abdominal pain: Excess gas from fermentation causes bloating and cramps. Diarrhea: Undigested lactose draws water into the colon, leading to loose stools. Gas and flatulence: Fermentation produces gas, causing discomfort and flatulence. Nausea: Some individuals feel nauseous after eating dairy. The severity of symptoms varies depending on how much lactose a person can tolerate. Other possible symptoms According to healthline, some case studies have reported additional symptoms linked to lactose intolerance, including: Constipation Headaches Loss of concentration Muscle and joint pain Mouth ulcers Urinary problems Eczema Causes and risk factors that contribute to lactose intolerance Primary lactose intolerance: The most common type, where lactase production decreases naturally with age. Secondary lactose intolerance: Caused by illness or injury to the small intestine (e.g., celiac disease, Crohn's disease). Congenital lactose intolerance: A rare genetic condition where babies are born without the ability to produce lactase. Ethnicity: Lactose intolerance is more prevalent in certain ethnic groups, including African, Asian, Hispanic, and Native American populations. Ways to manage lactose intolerance Though lactose intolerance is not curable, it can be managed effectively: Dietary adjustments: Limit or avoid high-lactose foods like milk, soft cheeses, and ice cream. Lactase supplements: Enzyme pills taken before consuming dairy help digest lactose. Lactose-free products: Many dairy alternatives and lactose-free milk options are available. Calcium intake: Ensure sufficient calcium from non-dairy sources like leafy greens, fortified plant milks, and supplements Also read | A woman's brain tumour was mistaken for heatstroke: What you need to know about gliomas, its symptoms and causes
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Is Johnson & Johnson a Good Dividend Stock to Buy Now?
Key Points Johnson & Johnson reported second-quarter results on July 16. Sales of pharmaceuticals have been muted due to a loss of market exclusivity for Stelara. A strong medical technology segment and an expanding pharmaceutical business could keep pushing the dividend higher despite patent expirations. 10 stocks we like better than Johnson & Johnson › For decades, Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) stock was favored by investors seeking steady gains. Looking at its post-COVID-19 performance, though, steady gains aren't what investors received. When the market closed on Tuesday, July 15, shares of Johnson & Johnson or J&J, were down 7.5% in the year to date and about 17% below the all-time high the stock set back in 2022. Recent stock price movements don't jibe with the company's performance. When reporting second-quarter results before the market opened on July 16, management raised its sales outlook for the year. J&J's stock price is down from its 2022 peak, but it's performed better than you might think by simply looking at its chart. In 2023, shareholders received new shares of Kenvue, which used to be the conglomerate's consumer health division. Plus, this April, it raised its dividend payout for the 63rd year in a row. Let's take a closer look at J&J's performance through the first half of 2025 to see if it's still a good dividend stock to buy now. Reasons to buy Johnson & Johnson stock now The healthcare conglomerate's latest dividend increase of 4.8% raised the quarterly payout to $1.30 per share. At recent prices, that works out to a 3.3% yield. Sales of Listerine and Q-tips were reliable, but they didn't grow very fast. Now that J&J is a two-segment business focused on drugs and medical technology, overall sales growth at a mid-to-high single-digit percentage over the long run seems likely. Despite recently losing patent-protected market exclusivity for Stelara, a blockbuster treatment for psoriasis and Crohn's disease, J&J reported second-quarter pharmaceutical sales that rose by 4.9% year over year. Now that Stelara is responsible for less than 7% of total revenue, continued losses to biosimilar competition will be much easier to overcome with growing sales of newer products. There are more than enough new products in J&J's product lineup to overcome Stelara losses and continue growing earnings. For example, the FDA approved Spravato for treatment-resistant depression last year. In the first half of 2025, sales of the drug bounded 48% higher year over year to an annualized $1.5 billion. Caplyta, a treatment for schizophrenia and bipolar depression that J&J acquired in April, could surge in 2026. Earlier this month, J&J submitted an application that could make it a popular treatment for preventing relapses of schizophrenia. In a clinical trial supporting the application, treatment with Caplyta reduced the risk of relapse by 63% compared to the placebo group. The intellectual property protecting sales of medical technology lasts a lot longer than drug patents. With a new robotic surgical system on the way, J&J could have a powerful growth driver that boosts profits for decades. In April, surgeons completed the first cases in a clinical trial for the Ottava Robotic Surgical System. Competing with Intuitive Surgical won't be easy. With heaps of resources, J&J has a chance to gain a significant share of the lucrative surgical robotics space. Even without any contribution from Ottava, second-quarter MedTech sales rose by 7.3% year over year. Aging populations in developed nations will need plenty of cardiovascular interventions and hip replacements in the decades ahead. As a leader in these niches, continued growth at the present pace is a reasonable expectation. Don't expect huge gains With intellectual property that doesn't last long, pharmaceutical businesses are made of many pieces moving in opposite directions. Stelara accounted for about 11.7% of total revenue in 2024, making it the biggest patent cliff the company has to deal with at the moment. Multiple myeloma treatment Darzalex is currently responsible for 14.9% of total revenue. The main patents protecting U.S. market exclusivity for Darzalex expire in 2029. Stelara losses in the present and Darzalex losses several years from now mean we aren't likely to see overall sales growth at a double-digit percentage over the long run. That said, we can reasonably expect forward movement at a high-single-digit annual percentage. In the second quarter alone, J&J reported successful clinical trial results for over a dozen compounds that could support new drug approvals or expansions of addressable patient populations for existing treatments. If you're interested in a dividend payout that grows steadily, this is the stock for you. If rapid principle appreciation is what you're after, though, it's probably best to keep looking. Should you invest $1,000 in Johnson & Johnson right now? Before you buy stock in Johnson & Johnson, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the for investors to buy now… and Johnson & Johnson wasn't one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $679,653!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $1,046,308!* Now, it's worth noting Stock Advisor's total average return is 1,060% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 179% for the S&P 500. Don't miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join Stock Advisor. See the 10 stocks » *Stock Advisor returns as of July 15, 2025 Cory Renauer has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Intuitive Surgical and Kenvue. The Motley Fool recommends Johnson & Johnson and recommends the following options: long January 2026 $13 calls on Kenvue. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Is Johnson & Johnson a Good Dividend Stock to Buy Now? was originally published by The Motley Fool Sign in to access your portfolio
Time of India
6 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
How often should you poop in a day? The answer might surprise you
We all have our rhythms, some go multiple times a day, others only once a week. No two people are the same, and that's okay. But when what's 'normal' changes suddenly, or discomfort sets in, your gut may be signalling you to pay attention. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now According to Medical News Today, healthy bowel frequency ranges widely—from as few as three times a week to as often as three times a day—and it's your consistency that matters most. That means if you regularly go once every other day without pain or strain, that can be perfectly healthy. But if you suddenly shift to daily diarrhoea or long gaps with hard stools—those are red flags. Understanding the balance between 'normal' and 'concerning' can help you avoid problems like constipation, dehydration, haemorrhoids, or more serious conditions. How many times a day should you poop There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer. Based on a 2023 US survey of over 14,500 adults: 3.3% go 1–2 times a week 12.1% go 3–6 times a week 53% go 7 times a week (once daily) 30.4% go 8–21 times a week (up to three times daily) 1.2% go more than 21 times a week This wide range shows how variable 'normal' can be—and highlights that frequent pooping isn't abnormal if it's consistent and comfortable for you. What's abnormal and why it matters Medical News Today defines concerning bowel issues like this: Diarrhoea : Loose, watery stools more than three times daily for over two weeks. This can cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and infections like IBS or Crohn's. : Loose, watery stools more than three times daily for over two weeks. This can cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and infections like IBS or Crohn's. Constipation: Fewer than three bowel movements a week, often with hard, pellet-like stools that strain, leading to haemorrhoids, anal fissures, or pelvic floor damage. But frequency isn't everything. Pain, bleeding, sudden changes—those are equally important signals that your body may be struggling. What factors affect bowel movements Your toilet habits are influenced by numerous factors. Medical News Today outlines these key factors: Fluid intake : Not drinking enough leads to harder stools because the colon absorbs more water in dehydrated bodies. Sip fluids regularly — especially if digestion feels sluggish. : Not drinking enough leads to harder stools because the colon absorbs more water in dehydrated bodies. Sip fluids regularly — especially if digestion feels sluggish. Diet (especially fibre) : Fibre increases stool bulk and speed. Without enough, you risk constipation—so aim to include fruits, veggies, whole grains, and legumes daily. : Fibre increases stool bulk and speed. Without enough, you risk constipation—so aim to include fruits, veggies, whole grains, and legumes daily. Physical activity : Activity stimulates bowel movements. A desk-bound life or recovery period can slow digestion. Simple daily walks can make a difference. : Activity stimulates bowel movements. A desk-bound life or recovery period can slow digestion. Simple daily walks can make a difference. Age and medications : Ageing slows the gut, and medications (like painkillers, iron) can worsen constipation. : Ageing slows the gut, and medications (like painkillers, iron) can worsen constipation. Medical conditions : Health issues like IBD, IBS, celiac disease, lactose intolerance, hypothyroidism, and diabetes affect digestion and stool frequency. : Health issues like IBD, IBS, celiac disease, lactose intolerance, hypothyroidism, and diabetes affect digestion and stool frequency. Hormones and menstrual cycle : Women may experience shifts in bowel habits during their cycle; oestrous hormones affect gut motility. : Women may experience shifts in bowel habits during their cycle; oestrous hormones affect gut motility. Stress and environment: Stress can freeze your system. And many people suppress urges at work or elsewhere, which can create lasting problems. When to contact a doctor Medical News Today urges you to seek professional advice if: Changes last more than three weeks despite home remedies You have blood in stool, dark tarry stool, or persistent bleeding You're experiencing severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood, or fever and weight loss. These symptoms could signal serious conditions like IBS, IBD, colon polyps, or even cancer, and should never be ignored. How to support healthy pooping habits Most people can improve gut health with a few adjustments: Hydrate well : Aim for 2–3 litres a day to keep stool soft. : Aim for 2–3 litres a day to keep stool soft. Eat fibre : 25–30g daily (fruits, veggies, whole grains, beans). : 25–30g daily (fruits, veggies, whole grains, beans). Keep moving : At least 30 minutes of activity helps gut motility. : At least 30 minutes of activity helps gut motility. Honour the urge : Don't delay poop; suppressing it makes constipation worse. : Don't delay poop; suppressing it makes constipation worse. Watch processed foods and alcohol: They can disrupt hydration and digestion. Always avoid self-medicating with laxatives long-term—talk to your doctor first. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now FAQs about bowel frequency and gut health 1. Can someone poop too often? Only if it's loose or urgent (diarrhoea). Otherwise, frequent but formed stools can still be normal. 2. Is going once a week okay? Yes, but if less than three times weekly and accompanied by straining or hard stools, that might be constipation. 3. How long can you go without pooping? A few days may be fine if stools are soft. But consistently fewer than three times weekly or with difficulty warrants attention. 4. What's a healthy stool? Soft, sausage-like, easy-to-pass like a smooth log. That's ideal. 5. When should I worry about a toilet habit change? If it lasts more than two weeks—or comes with pain, blood, fever, or weight loss, see your doctor. Also read | Bowel cancer warning for young adults: Red meat and sugar may be to blame
Cision Canada
15-07-2025
- Health
- Cision Canada
Health Canada Approves Lilly's Omvoh® (mirikizumab) for Crohn's Disease; New Citrate-Free Formulation Français
Omvoh ® is now indicated for both major forms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) – ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) In VIVID-1, Omvoh ® showed statistically significant and clinically meaningful efficacy across multiple endpoints compared with placebo in patients with moderately to severely active CD, meeting the coprimary composite endpoints and all major secondary endpoints. 3 Health Canada has also approved a new citrate-free formulation of Omvoh ® for subcutaneous injection, which contains the same active ingredients as the original Omvoh ®. TORONTO, July 15, 2025 /CNW/ - Eli Lilly Canada Inc. (Lilly Canada) announced today that Health Canada has approved Omvoh ® (mirikizumab) for CD, which will soon be available to patients in Canada. Omvoh ® is an interleukin-23p19 antagonist for the treatment of adult patients with moderately to severely active CD who have had an inadequate response, loss of response, or were intolerant to either conventional therapy or a biologic treatment. 1 Health Canada has also approved a new citrate-free formulation of Omvoh ® for subcutaneous injection, for the existing UC indication, as well as the new CD indication. "We are pleased to see that Omvoh ® will now be able to provide people living with moderately to severely active CD an effective and safe option for treatment," said Mathilde Merlet, President and General Manager of Lilly Canada. "With this additional indication, we are reinforcing our commitment to helping more of the IBD community. Additionally, we are proud to be able to introduce a new citrate-free formulation, which we hope will improve the patient experience, while offering the same quality, efficacy, and safety that patients are accustomed to." The authorization of Omvoh ® for CD was based on results from the VIVID-1 clinical study, which included over 1,000 adults. In VIVID-1, mirikizumab showed statistically significant and clinically meaningful efficacy across multiple endpoints compared with placebo in patients with moderately-to-severely active CD, meeting the coprimary composite endpoints and all major secondary endpoints. The coprimary composite endpoints included patient-reported outcome (PRO) clinical response at week 12 and endoscopic response at week 52 (endoscopic response-composite), and PRO clinical response at week 12 and Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI) clinical remission at week 52 (CDAI clinical remission-composite). Endoscopic response-composite was reached in 220 (38%) of 579 patients on mirikizumab versus 18 (9%) of 199 patients on placebo; CDAI clinical remission-composite was reached in 263 (45%) of 579 patients on mirikizumab versus 39 (20%) of 199 patients on placebo. Statistical significance was also observed in subgroups with and without failure to biological therapies for coprimary endpoints and most major secondary endpoints. 3 The Community Reacts: Sylvain Chiasson, Interim President & CEO of Crohn's and Colitis Canada: "Crohn's and Colitis Canada always welcomes new treatments for people with CD in Canada. CD is a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the gastrointestinal system. CD is a complex disease that is debilitating, leads to hospitalizations and surgeries, and has a tremendous impact on the quality of life for the approximately 162,000 Canadians living with this disease. Because of the disease's complexity, not all people with CD respond in the same way to the available treatments. So, it is welcome news for Crohn's and Colitis Canada when there is a new therapy available for people with CD." Gail Attara, Chief Executive Officer of the Gastrointestinal Society ( "We are so pleased to learn that Health Canada has approved a CD indication for Omvoh (mirikizumab). Compared to other inflammatory conditions, CD has very few medications, so the introduction of Omvoh's expanded use as a new option is excellent news for the IBD community." Dr. John Marshall, Professor of Medicine, and Director of the Division of Gastroenterology at McMaster University: "It is exciting to see a new and highly effective therapy being made available for people living with CD. Clinical trials have shown mirikizumab to be both safe and effective, and this will be an appealing treatment option for patients who are new to biologic therapies, or those who have not responded adequately to previous advanced therapies." About the VIVID-1 Clinical Trial Program VIVID-1 was a Phase 3, randomized, double-blind, treat-through study that evaluated the safety and efficacy of mirikizumab compared with placebo and an active control (ustekinumab) in adults with moderately to severely active CD. Patients randomized to mirikizumab were administered 900 mg of mirikizumab intravenously every four weeks from Weeks 0-8, then 300 mg subcutaneously every four weeks from Weeks 12-52. In this study, 49% of patients treated with mirikizumab or placebo had experienced a prior biologic failure. 2 The overall safety profile of mirikizumab in patients with moderately to severely active CD was consistent with the known safety profile in patients with UC. The frequency of serious adverse events was greater in placebo than mirikizumab. The most common adverse events were upper respiratory tract infections, injection site reactions, headache, and rash. 1 About Omvoh ® Omvoh ® (mirikizumab) is an interleukin-23p19 (IL-23) antagonist indicated for the treatment of moderately to severely active UC and CD in adults. Omvoh ® selectively targets the p19 subunit of IL-23 and inhibits the IL-23 pathway. Inflammation due to overactivation of the IL-23 pathway plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of CD, a chronic, IBD associated with progressive bowel damage, disability and decreased health-related quality of life. For more information about Omvoh ®, please refer to the product monograph on About Lilly Lilly is a medicine company turning science into healing to make life better for people around the world. Lilly has been pioneering life-changing discoveries for nearly 150 years, and today our medicines help more than 51 million people across the globe. Lilly's Canadian Affiliate, Eli Lilly Canada Inc. was established in 1938, the result of a research collaboration with scientists at the University of Toronto which eventually produced the world's first commercially available insulin. Harnessing the power of biotechnology, chemistry and genetic medicine, our scientists are urgently advancing new discoveries to solve some of the world's most significant health challenges: redefining diabetes care; treating obesity and curtailing its most devastating long-term effects; advancing the fight against Alzheimer's disease; providing solutions to some of the most debilitating immune system disorders; and transforming the most difficult-to-treat cancers into manageable diseases. With each step toward a healthier world, we're motivated by one thing: making life better for millions more people. That includes delivering innovative clinical trials that reflect the diversity of our world and working to ensure our medicines are accessible and affordable. To learn more about Lilly Canada, visit or follow us on LinkedIn. Omvoh ® and its delivery device base are trademarks owned or licensed by Eli Lilly and Company, its subsidiaries, or affiliates.
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
What are the main causes of kidney stones and early signs that may indicate small stones
Kidney stones are fairly common now, regardless of age or gender. Kidney stones are the formation of hard mineral deposits that produce both pain and discomfort. Let's take a closer look at the main causes of kidney stones, and early signs that you have them. .. What Are Kidney Stones Kidney stones are a hard mass formed in the kidneys, typically consisting of insoluble calcium compounds. The size of kidney stones ranges from grain-like, to a golf ball! While in some cases, kidney stones can cause pain, in most cases, it can remain asymptomatic, sometimes over years. Main Causes of Kidney Stones Several factors contribute to the development of kidney stones. Genetic, poor dietary choices, and certain lifestyle conditions make people more prone to developing these stones. The main reasons for kidney stone development include the following factors: Not Drinking Enough Water Water deficiency is one of the main reasons behind the development of kidney stones. When water consumption remains low, your urine concentration increases. When minerals and salts are exposed to higher concentrations, they tend to clump together into stone formations. Diet High in Salt, Sugar, or Protein People who consume excessive amounts of salt, combined with sugar and animal protein, face an elevated risk of developing kidney stones. The high salt intake causes your kidneys to produce more calcium, which ends up in your urine where stones can form. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is it legal? How to get Internet without paying a subscription? Techno Mag Learn More Undo Foods containing high fructose levels, along with sugar products, increase your susceptibility to developing kidney stones. The consumption of red meat and poultry together with eggs, can elevate your uric acid levels in the body which results in stone formation. Family History and Genetics The likelihood of developing kidney stones increases, when a family member has experienced them before. Certain inherited conditions lead people to develop stone-forming conditions, including cystinuria which results in excessive release of certain amino acids that can form stones later on. Obesity Obesity and being overweight, create urine acid changes that help stones develop more easily. Research demonstrates that weight gain produces an increased risk for individuals to develop kidney stones. Certain Medical Conditions Health problems of various kinds, raise the chances of developing kidney stones in patients. These include: Chronic diarrhea, which can cause dehydration Gout, which raises uric acid levels Urinary tract infections (UTIs) Several medical conditions lead to the development of kidney stones including Crohn's disease and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) among others. Some Medications and Supplements The use of diuretics along with calcium-based antacids, and certain antibiotics increases the risk of developing this condition. Stone development can be caused by taking excessive amounts of vitamin D or calcium, and specific other supplements. Early Signs That May Indicate Small Kidney Stones Small kidney stones might not trigger any symptoms, but their presence remains possible. The first few signs which indicate a kidney stone include Pain in the Side, or Lower Back The first indication of a kidney stone manifests as dull pain or severe sharp pain, located in your side or lower back region near the rib area. The discomfort will either intensify or decrease in severity, while remaining gentle during its initial phases. The pain becomes more intense, when the stone begins to move locations. Changes in Urine Another early symptom of developing kidney stones, presents through various urine-related changes which include: Cloudy or foul-smelling urine Pink, red, or brown urine (a sign of blood) Frequent urge to urinate, even if a small amount. This occurs because the stone changes the lining of your urinary tract, and leads to irritation as a result. Nausea or Vomiting When small kidney stones exist, they can cause stomach discomfort which leads to vomiting. The stone's pain signals your digestive system to react leading to this outcome. When you experience nausea without any apparent reason, while experiencing back pain or changes in your urine, it may indicate a kidney stone presence. How to Lower Your Risk Simple lifestyle modifications will decrease your chances of developing kidney stones. These include Drink plenty of water every day Eat less salt and animal protein Maintain a healthy weight Avoid sugary drinks and foods Consult with your doctor prior to taking supplements Sources Mayo Clinic The National Kidney Foundation The Cleveland Clinic The Yale Medicine
