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7 hours ago
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Keto vs. Mediterranean: Both diets may help lower blood pressure
Keto vs. Mediterranean: Which diet gets better results for weight loss and blood pressure? Design by MNT; Photography by& Westend61/Getty Images Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can be managed through a number of lifestyle changes, including eating a healthy diet. Past studies have linked the Mediterranean and ketogenic diets as a way to help lower blood pressure. A new study offers further evidence that both the Mediterranean and keto diets can help lower a person's blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health measurements in people who have obesity or overweight. Clinically known as hypertension, this medical condition occurs when the force with which blood flows through the arteries is too high. A study published in April 2024 reported that following the Mediterranean diet was linked to a lower risk for high blood pressure. Another study published in July 2019 showed that following a low carbohydrate diet like the keto diet helped lower blood pressure readings in people with type 2 diabetes. Now, a new study offers further evidence that both the Mediterranean and keto diets can help lower a person's blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health measurements in people who have obesity or overweight. The findings were published in the journal Nutrients. Eleven of the study participants were randomly assigned to follow the Mediterranean diet, and the remaining 15 followed the keto diet over a period of three months. At the study's conclusion, researchers found that participants in both diet groups experienced a decrease in blood pressure and weight loss after three months. There was one area where researchers reported a difference between the Mediterranean and keto diets. They reported that participants following the keto diet had a higher level of 'nocturnal dipping' than those in the keto group. 'Nocturnal dipping refers to the natural decrease in blood pressure that occurs when we sleep,' Cheng-Han Chen, MD, a board certified interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, CA — who is not associated with this study — told Medical News Today . 'It is a measure of healthy blood pressure regulation, and abnormal nocturnal dipping patterns have been associated with increased risk of heart disease,' he said. A 10-20% dip in blood pressure while you sleep is considered normal. Past studies show that not experiencing nocturnal dipping, or the reverse of it, known as nocturnal hypertension , can increase a person's risk for cardiovascular disease. When asked about his reaction to this study's findings, Chen commented that while the Mediterranean and keto diets are somewhat different in their food restrictions, the study results suggest that there may be different dietary techniques that can achieve the same beneficial outcome, depending on the food preferences of an individual. 'Metabolic syndrome — including high blood pressure, abdominal obesity, high blood sugar, and disordered lipids — remains a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease,' he explained. 'Lifestyle modification, such as diet improvements, will be essential in order to help control the burden of heart disease in our society.' 'Further research including larger controlled studies with a more diverse population will be necessary to confirm these findings, and to evaluate for any potential benefit to clinical outcomes,' Chen added. MNT also spoke with Mir Ali, MD, a board certified general surgeon, bariatric surgeon, and medical director of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA, about this research, who commented that its findings are in line with what he recommends to patients. 'Both the keto and the Mediterranean diets emphasize a reduction in carbohydrate and sugar intake, and that's what we found is the best way to kind of shift the body into burning fat is by reducing all the carbohydrates and sugars.' — Mir Ali, MD 'Unfortunately, obesity is an increasing problem in the U.S. and other westernized countries, so the more we can find ways to combat that, find foods that are going to help people lose weight and head to a healthier diet, then maybe some of these larger food manufacturers will start shifting their focus to foods that just taste good to foods that may actually be helpful,' Ali continued. Because this was a smaller study, Ali suggested expanding it to a larger patient base or population to refine it further. 'What is it about these two types of diets that are helpful?,' he asked. 'Is it reducing processed foods or is it more reducing the carbohydrates and sugars? So there are some differences between the diets, and trying to define further what is optimal between these two diets.' While both the Mediterranean and keto diets are popular dietary plans for people to follow, they may not be right for everyone. We asked Monique Richard, MS, RDN, LDN, a registered dietitian nutritionist and owner of Nutrition-In-Sight, for her top tips for readers on how to decide which diet is personally best for them to follow if they want to lose weight and lower their blood pressure. 'Meeting with a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) is recommended to further explore which dietary pattern may be most appropriate for an individual's needs, current health condition, preferences, goals, genetics and lifestyle,' Richard said. 'RDNs are trained to bridge the gap between science and everyday life. If you're looking to manage weight or blood pressure in a way that's realistic and sustainable, working with an RDN can be a game-changer.' 'It is also important to consider if the specific dietary pattern is sustainable for a long period of time and can be a lifestyle versus a controlled experiment or 'temporary fix',' she continued. 'Think of dietary patterns like a playlist — the right mix can set the tone for a healthier rhythm in your body and the days ahead.' Richard suggested honing in on increasing foods rich in nutrients with many health benefits, such as: Healthy fats like olives, extra-virgin olive oil, avocados, nuts, and seeds. Non-starchy vegetables such as leafy greens, beets, peppers, onions, garlic, scallions, tomatoes, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts. Herbs such as chives, basil, mint, rosemary, thyme, and sage. Proteins from plants and animals, such as goat cheese, yogurt, beans and lentils, fish, hummus, and tzatziki. High fiber foods from whole grains like oats, whole wheat, and rye, and fresh fruits in season such as peaches, plums, apples, grapes, berries, pears, oranges, figs, dates, and cherries. Incorporation of green, black, white, or herbal teas. 'There's no 'one-size-fits-all' when it comes to dietary patterns — unless it's a kitchen apron. I encourage clients and patients to try to move away from chasing labels —'Mediterranean,' 'low-carb,' 'plant-based'— and move toward tuning into how food functions for our unique needs.' — Monique Richard, MS, RDN, LDN
Medical News Today
a day ago
- General
- Medical News Today
Cosentyx UnoReady and Sensoready pens: What to know about each
Cosentyx UnoReady (secukinumab) and Sensoready (secukinumab) are brand-name injections. They're both prescribed for plaque psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, and certain types of arthritis. Certain factors may determine the injection pen that's right for you. This article explains the main similarities and differences between Cosentyx UnoReady and Sensoready. If you're considering taking one of these drugs, discussing this information with your doctor can help you decide if one of these treatments may be right for you. Cosentyx UnoReady and Sensoready have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat the following conditions in adults: Cosentyx UnoReady and Sensoready have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat the following conditions in children: The Cosentyx UnoReady pen and Sensoready pen are approved to treat the same conditions, but the pen you're prescribed may depend on your dosage. They also share some features, including: both pens come with a concealed needle, meaning you won't need to purchase needles or attach them to the pen. both pens will sound with a 'click' when the injection starts and when the injection is nearly finished, so you know that you receive the full dose. neither pen requires pressing a button to 'activate' the injection. both pens may be injected in the same body areas: your lower stomach, the front of your thighs, or your upper outer arms (if someone else is giving your injection). But there are differences between them that can determine whether one or the other is a better fit for you. Cosentyx is also available in prefilled syringes. If you'd like to learn about how Cosentyx UnoReady and Sensoready pens compare versus the prefilled syringe, ask your doctor or pharmacist. The Cosentyx UnoReady pen and Sensoready pen are approved to treat the same conditions, but the pen you're prescribed may depend on your dosage. The Cosentyx UnoReady pen delivers a 300-mg dose, while the Cosentyx Sensoready pen delivers a 150-mg dose. Two Sensoready pens may be used to deliver a 300-mg dose. Below are instructions for how to use the Cosentyx UnoReady pen. Your doctor or pharmacist will train you to use the pen to give yourself Cosentyx injections. Let them know if you have questions or concerns about how to use the UnoReady pen. Remove the Cosentyx UnoReady pen from the refrigerator 30 to 45 minutes before your dose. Doing so allows the pen to reach room temperature, making the injection more comfortable. Check the viewing window and ensure that the liquid is clear, and the color is colorless or slightly yellow. Air bubbles may also be visible, which is normal. Wash your hands, then clean the injection site with an alcohol wipe and allow it to dry. You may inject Cosentyx UnoReady doses into your lower stomach, the front of your thighs, or your upper outer arms (if someone else is giving your injection). Do not inject into skin that is bruised, hard, tender, scaly, or red or discolored. You also should not inject into an area of skin affected by psoriasis, or area with scars or stretch marks. Do not shake the UnoReady pen. shake the UnoReady pen. Remove and dispose of the cap. Position the UnoReady pen at a 90-degree angle against the injection site, with the viewing window facing you. Press the pen firmly against the skin and hold. You should hear the first 'click' sound, which indicates the injection has started. Keep holding the pen against your skin. Watch the viewing window on the UnoReady pen; you should see a moving green indicator, which shows the injection progress. You'll hear a second 'click' sound, which indicates the injection is nearly finished. After you hear the second 'click', hold the pen in place for another 5 seconds. Once the green indicator fills the viewing window and has stopped moving, you can remove the UnoReady pen from your skin and dispose of it in a sharps container. When you're first prescribed the Cosentyx Sensoready pen, your doctor or pharmacist will show you how to give yourself injections. Cosentyx Sensoready pen instructions are included below, but reach out to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions or concerns about how to use Cosentyx Sensoready pens. Remove the Cosentyx Sensoready pen from the refrigerator 15 to 30 minutes before your dose. This allows the pen to reach room temperature, which helps make the injection more comfortable. Look at the Sensoready pen viewing window and ensure the liquid is clear with a colorless or slightly yellow appearance. Air bubbles may also appear, which is normal. If your prescribed dose is 150 mg, you'll give one injection. If your prescribed dose is 300 mg, you'll need to use two Cosentyx Sensoready pens to give two injections. You should choose a different injection site for each injection if your dose requires two injections. Wash your hands, then clean the injection site with an alcohol wipe and allow it to dry. You may inject Cosentyx Sensoready doses into the front of your thighs, your lower stomach, or your upper outer arms (if someone else is giving your injection). Avoid giving an injection into skin that is tender, bruised, red or discolored, hard, or scaly. Do not inject into an area of skin affected by psoriasis, or area with stretch marks or scars. Do not shake the Sensoready pen. shake the Sensoready pen. Remove and throw away the cap. Hold the Sensoready pen at a 90-degree angle against the injection site. Press and hold the Sensoready pen firmly against the skin at the injection site. You should hear the first 'click' sound, which signals the injection has started. Continue holding the Sensoready pen firmly against your skin. Watch the progress of the injection using the 360-degree viewing window on the Sensoready pen. You should see a green moving indicator. When the pen sounds a second 'click', the injection is nearly complete. Continue holding the Sensoready pen against your skin until the green moving indicator fills the viewing window and stops moving. Once the green indicator stops moving, the injection is complete. You may now dispose of the Sensoready pen into a sharps container. If your dose is 300 mg, repeat these steps with a new Sensoready pen at a different injection site. If you're prescribed Cosentyx UnoReady or Sensoready, you may wonder how effective either drug is for treating your condition. Prescribing information: Here's a brief look at how effective Cosentyx UnoReady and Sensoready were found to be in clinical trials. Clinical trials found Cosentyx UnoReady and Sensoeady effective at treating: For details about how these drugs performed in clinical trials, see the prescribing information for Cosentyx UnoReady and Sensoready. Keep in mind that trial results may not apply to your individual health situation. Treatment guidelines: Another way to see whether a drug is considered effective is to look at treatment guidelines. When an organization includes certain drugs in treatment guidelines, this means that research has shown the drug to be safe and effective. Cosentyx UnoReady and Sensoready both contain the same active ingredient (what makes a drug work), secukinumab. Below is information on treatment guidelines that recommend secukinumab as a treatment for approved uses of Cosentyx UnoReady and Sensoready: Cosentyx UnoReady and Sensoready may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. The two drugs share some of the same precautions, but they also have different ones. Some of these precautions are mentioned below. If any of the following medical conditions or other health factors are relevant to you, talk with your doctor before using Cosentyx UnoReady or Sensoready. The Cosentyx UnoReady and Sensoready pens are approved to treat the same conditions, but differences between the two can determine which is a better fit for you. A few key differences include: The UnoReady pen cap isn't made with latex, making it a better option if you have a latex allergy. The UnoReady pen can only deliver a 300-mg dose. The Sensoready pen, on the other hand, delivers a 150-mg dose. Two Sensoready pens may be used to give a 300-mg dose. This makes the Sensoready pen more versatile in its dosing options. The UnoReady pen is rectangular in shape, while the Sensoready pen is triangular. You may find one pen more comfortable to hold and use than the other based on your preferences. To learn more about how the Cosentyx UnoReady and Sensoready pens compare, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can help decide if either pen is a better option for you. Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses. Psoriasis Psoriatic Arthritis Pharmacy / Pharmacist Drugs Arthritis
Medical News Today
a day ago
- General
- Medical News Today
Can strep throat cause appendicitis?
Strep throat and appendicitis are separate conditions, and there is no evidence that strep throat leads to appendicitis. Sometimes, strep throat causes abdominal pain, which can mimic appendicitis. This may be due to the inflammatory response the infection causes or to swallowing Streptococci bacteria, which can irritate the bowels. Strep throat, or streptococcal pharyngitis, is a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria. It is most common in children ages 5 to 15 years . It causes symptoms such as a sore throat, pain when swallowing, and a sudden onset of fever. Appendicitis is swelling and infection of the appendix, a small pouch in the bowel on the right side of the abdomen. It typically develops when something in the digestive tract becomes stuck in the appendix. Appendicitis causes symptoms such as pain in the abdomen and fever. If the appendix bursts, it can lead to serious complications, and surgery is usually necessary to remove it . Abdominal pain may occur due to an inflammatory response to Streptococcus bacteria or appendicitis. In a 2018 study , researchers found that of 207 people undergoing ultrasound imaging for suspected appendicitis, 8 had appendicitis, and 35 had strep pharyngitis. None of the people involved had both conditions at the same time. Doctors must treat appendicitis quickly to prevent serious complications. If anyone experiences the following symptoms of appendicitis, they should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room: abdominal pain that is worsening gradually abdominal pain that moves to the lower right side fever and vomiting People may also experience nausea, constipation, diarrhea, urinary frequency, painful urination, and sudden confusion, which is more common in older adults.
Medical News Today
a day ago
- General
- Medical News Today
Is appendicitis hereditary? Understanding the genetics
Is it hereditary? Other causes Risk factors Contacting a doctor Summary Research suggests that both genetic and environmental factors likely play a role in the development of appendicitis. Genetic variations may affect the risk and severity of appendicitis. Appendicitis is the medical term for inflammation of the appendix — a small, tube-shaped organ attached to the large intestine. Genetic and environmental factors may contribute to this condition. Appendicitis symptoms can come on suddenly and may quickly become severe. Without immediate treatment, the condition can be life threatening. Christine La/Stocksy The researchers suggest certain genetic variations may play a role in determining an individual's appendicitis risk and severity. Scientists refer to these genetic variations as 'single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)' or 'snips.' According to the article, the snips HLX and CTSB appear to play a causal role in the development of appendicitis. These snips correlate with increased levels of an inflammatory biomarker called C-reactive protein (CRP). People with appendicitis often have higher levels of CRP in their blood. These findings suggest that certain genetic variations can make the appendix more susceptible to inflammation, increasing the risk of appendicitis. Similarly, a 2019 article associated appendicitis risk with genetic variation in genes that control cytokine production. Cytokines are proteins that help to control inflammation in the body, and one of their roles is to regulate CRP production. Overall, these findings suggest that certain variations in the genes that control inflammation can make someone more or less susceptible to appendicitis. However, more research may be necessary to fully understand this relationship. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), other possible causes of appendicitis include : hardened stool or growths that block the opening of the appendix enlarged tissue in the wall of the appendix due to an infection within the digestive tract or elsewhere in the body inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) However, they note that multiple factors can contribute to appendicitis and the cause is not often clear. Appendicitis occurs most often in people between the ages of 5 and 45 years. There is a slightly higher incidence of male appendicitis than female appendicitis. However, it can affect anyone, regardless of their sex, and the difference in prevalence among those of different sexes is not clinically significant. A 2023 observational study also suggests that the following dietary and lifestyle factors may increase the risk of appendicitis: However, the study's authors note that more research is necessary. As the NIDDK explains, appendicitis is a medical emergency that requires urgent treatment. Delaying treatment can cause the appendix to rupture, which can be life threatening. Around 2% of appendicitis cases progress to rupture around 36 hours from the onset of symptoms. This figure increases by around 5% for each additional 12 hours that pass without treatment. Anyone with symptoms of appendicitis should see a doctor or go to the emergency room immediately to ease the symptoms and reduce the risk of complications. According to the NIDDK , the most common symptom of appendicitis is abdominal pain, which may: come on suddenly begin near the belly button and spread to the lower-right part of the abdomen worsen with movement, or with deep breathing, coughing, or sneezing worsen within a matter of hours be severe, and feel different to any other type of pain Other possible symptoms of appendicitis include: Research suggests that both genetic and environmental factors likely play a role in the development of appendicitis. Genetic variations in the genes that help to control inflammation may increase the risk of appendicitis in some cases. These genetic variants can pass from parents to offspring. As such, having a family history of appendicitis can increase a person's susceptibility to the disease. Anyone with symptoms of appendicitis should contact a doctor or attend their local accident and emergency department immediately. Without treatment, appendicitis can progress to a ruptured appendix, which can be fatal. Genetics GastroIntestinal / Gastroenterology
Medical News Today
a day ago
- General
- Medical News Today
Appendicitis treated without surgery: Research and more
Yes, some people recover from appendicitis with antibiotic treatment alone, without the need for surgery. However, surgery remains the standard treatment. Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix, a small pouch attached to the lower right of the large intestine. The standard treatment for appendicitis is an appendectomy, which is surgery to remove the appendix. This is typically straightforward and can cure the condition, but it carries risks, particularly for older adults and those with other health conditions. Emerging evidence shows that treating appendicitis with antibiotics is as successful as appendectomy in some people. In a 2023 long-term study in Sweden , researchers tracked the health of 259 people who had either surgery or antibiotics to treat appendicitis in the 1990s. The health of some people was tracked for over 26 years. The researchers found that in the nonsurgery group: 21 out of 137 people needed an appendectomy while still in the hospital following their initial admission. 34 out of 137 people later developed appendicitis and had appendectomy surgery. 82 out of 137 people did not require an appendectomy over the course of the study. Around 1 in 10 people required outpatient care for abdominal pain over the course of the study, compared with only 1 in the surgery group. This study suggests that surgery is not the only treatment option for appendicitis, but also highlights the risk of recurrence for people who do not have surgery. Researchers are currently working to establish who might be able to avoid surgery based on their general health, symptoms, and test results. Antibiotic treatment may be particularly helpful for people who are not good candidates for surgery or would prefer to avoid surgery. Some people wish to keep their appendix, which may have long-term benefits that are not yet fully understood. More research involving larger numbers of people is necessary before experts can draw conclusions about the best way to treat appendicitis.
