Summary: A new annual survey report by the University of Michigan shows that opioid misuse in young adults has fallen to a new record low level in 2021 since its peak in 2006. Now just about 1.7% of young adults misuse prescription opioids. However, the study found that marijuana and hallucinogen use has increased in young adults. Similarly, alcohol use remains quite common. Thus, the study shows a shift in the substance abuse landscape.

Misuse of prescription opioids has fallen to the record lowest level in young adults in the US. In the year 2021, the lowest number of young adults abused prescription opioids since 1975, a survey found. But, of course, this does not mean that substance use disorder has become less severe. It also does not mean that opioid overdose-related deaths have declined.

Here it is vital to understand that prescription opioids are a vague term. It generally includes opioids like hydrocodone and oxycodone. Further, it is worth understanding that this report is about prescription opioid misuse and not essentially opioid overdose and related deaths. Nevertheless, it means that though the abuse of prescription opioids continues to decline, opioid overdose-related deaths continue to increase.

So, no, opioid overdose-related deaths are not decreasing. Opioid misuse is also not showing any signs of decreasing. Nonetheless, there is good news prescription opioid misuse is decreasing. These findings are significant since it shows that opioid prescription by doctors is not fueling opioid addiction treatment, as proposed by many. These new findings regarding a significant decline in prescription opioid misuse by young adults were published by the Institute for Social Research, The University of Michigan. They published this information in their Monitoring the Future Panel Study annual report: National data on substance use among adults ages 19 to 60, 1976-2021.2

As per this new study, now only about 1.7% of young adults are abusing prescription opioids, which they generally describe as “narcotics other than heroin.” This is a massive decline from a peak of about 9% in 2006. Moreover, it means that most adults who are prescribed opioids are using them responsibly. The MFT survey and CDC data confirm that prescription opioid misuse has been declining. However, the opioid overdose epidemic continues mainly due to illicitly procured fentanyl and other opioids.

One of the reasons for such a decline in opioid misuse has been a significant decline in opioid prescriptions by doctors. Market data shows that prescriptions of opioids have also fallen to half since their peak in the early 2000s. However, the picture is not as rosy as it may sound. Though prescription opioid misuse is declining consistently, the use of illicit opioids is not declining. Even worse, the misuse of many other substances is increasing. Thus, now more young adults are abusing marijuana and hallucinogens, compared to the year 2000.

Not only that, but the MFT survey also found other causes of concern, like alcohol misuse is not showing any signs of significant decline. Similarly, vaping is gaining momentum. Though people may not be smoking cigarettes, they are now vaping nicotine more frequently. These findings show that the drug landscape is shifting fast. It shows that pattern of drug misuse is changing fast. It means that now doctors need to focus on the ill effects of marijuana and hallucinogens misuse. They also need to focus more on other drugs, like stimulants, that continue to cause significant mortality.

Further, alcohol use disorder still remains a significant problem. It appears that though heavy drinking has been declining in the last few years, things changed in 2021. It appears that the Covid-19 pandemic caused a significant increase in alcohol consumption.

Summary: Early studies show that BBB disruption is found in those diagnosed with neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s. However, till now, researchers have assumed BBB merely as having a barrier function. But, a new study suggests that BBB can modulate the working of neurons and thus may have a greater role in the development of neurodegenerative disorders.

Neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and many others are on the rise. However, despite the increase in neurological conditions, doctors and researchers have struggled to explain the cause of these health disorders.

Painkiller addiction help and suboxone treatment have become critical in managing symptoms of these conditions. Since more than a century of extensive research has failed to answer many critical questions, researchers have recently changed their approach. They think that one of the reasons why studies have failed to understand conditions like dementia well is due to undue focus on neurons. In recent years, researchers have started focusing on other brain cells. Thus, they have been focusing much on glial cells that support and modulate neurons. Glial cells also play a vital role in the brain’s immunity and inflammation.

Now a new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) shows a new way in which the blood-brain barrier (BBB) may be contributing to the rise of these neurological disorders. Though science has long known about the existence of BBB, similarly, science has known that BBB is disrupted in those diagnosed with conditions like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s. However, till now, researchers have assumed that these changes in BBB are secondary to specific pathological processes.

Moreover, for decades, researchers have made some simple assumptions, like BBB is merely a barrier to certain substances. For example, they have assumed that it is quite like face control in reputed restaurants and bars, which means that BBB only allows specific kinds of molecules to enter the brain. However, now researchers are saying that BBB has a more significant say in brain functioning. What if it is not just letting in specific molecules but also showing them the way? What if it is regulating the traffic of specific molecules actively and thus modulating the working of the neurons? This is precisely what the new study suggests.

The new study suggests that BBB can act as a filter and modulate the working of neurons. After allowing certain molecules to enter the brain, it can also regulate their movement and thus influence the working of neurons. Researchers used firefly larvae for their study, as their BBB is quite similar to mammals yet simpler to study. In the firefly, specialized glial cells act as BBB, quite like epithelial cells in vertebrates.

In the study, researchers focused on enzymes called metalloproteinases since these enzymes can interact with glia and neurons. Using a special technique, researchers identified something called Notch signaling. They have found that this signaling occurs both in fireflies and humans. Investigators in the study say that they were not planning to study Notch, but they discovered that it played a vital role in maintaining BBB. They found that Notch signaling plays an important role in maintaining the overall BBB structure. They found that when the Notch signal is blocked, it also results in BBB disruption. It means that this signaling pathway can influence the fundamental working of the nervous system. It can even affect the release of specific neurotransmitters.

They also found that under specific conditions Notch signaling could influence how neurons fired, even when BBB was intact. This indicated that BBB function is not just of the barrier but can also modulate brain functioning. It also means that BBB breakdown might have a greater role in developing various neurological disorders. Researchers say that the breakdown of BBB does not just mean a leaky barrier. It also means changes in the working of the brain.

The idea that BBB can influence the working of neurons is entirely new. Researchers say that these findings have provided researchers with a new direction. They need to explore the role of BBB in Alzheimer’s and other neurological issues by keeping these new findings in mind.

To date, very little is known about the role of Notch signaling and metalloproteins in the human brain. Thus, there is a need to focus on them. In addition, developing a better understanding of BBB will help develop a better understanding of neurodegenerative disorders and find effective treatments. It is our mission to bring real hope and transformational change to patients who would otherwise be consigned to a lifetime of medications, doctor’s visits, and suffering. We expose misaligned incentives and return the power of health to the individual. We believe empowered individuals change their communities. We use a combination of lifestyle intervention, medication management, and emerging scientific research to help our patients. When you are ready or have questions, reach out.

Medical Disclaimer: Keep in mind that the content provided is not direct medical advice for patient care, but is provided for thoughtful discussion.

Summary: Chronic pain is among the most common comorbidities in those being treated for opioid use disorder (OUD). However, a new study found that in most cases, doctors treating OUD do not pay sufficient attention to chronic pain management, resulting in higher opioid relapse. They also found that those treated with medications like methadone or buprenorphine had better pain relief and, thus, better treatment outcomes. Therefore, researchers recommend that doctors focus on managing comorbidities when treating OUD.

When we think of people living with OUD, we completely neglect that many of them live with severe chronic pain such as, neck pain, complex regional pain syndrome, etc. This poorly managed chronic pain may be related to poor treatment outcomes in many. Studies show that chronic pain is the most common comorbid condition in those living with OUD.

 

Recently, the Journal of Pain published a patient survey, finding that two-thirds of those treated for OUD reported that their chronic pain was not managed well. Even worse, 47% reported that their pain worsened over time, thus increasing the risk of opioid relapse.

 

The opioid crisis continues to be a significant health problem, and it is showing no sign of slowing down. Moreover, the coronavirus pandemic only increased opioid use disorder (OUD) and drug overdose-related deaths. This only underlines the need to pay more attention to the effective opioid addiction treatment.

 

Health experts say that the problem in tackling the opioid crisis is not just in lack of access to opioid treatment, which is true. Still, other factors make treatment more difficult and result in high relapse rates. In addition, most people treated with OUD have other comorbidities, with many living with mental health issues and chronic pain.

 

Although it is no secret that chronic pain and OUD are related health issues. However, it is unknown how ill-managed pain in those living with OUD may affect treatment outcomes for the condition. Health experts say that one of the problems is that treating doctors focus significantly on OUD, but less on comorbidities, especially issues like chronic pain.

 

In the new survey, researchers analyzed the data of 14,449 patients getting treated in 225 OUD treatment centers. They found that one-third of all the patients had significant chronic pain. Out of these patients, just one-third reported that their chronic pain was managed properly with pharmaceutical drugs. Moreover, almost half of all the patients said the pain was the primary reason for opioid relapse.

 

Researchers say this is a massive sample size, and they were amazed to see that so many patients are not being treated adequately for their chronic pain. Many of these patients have even used street drugs like heroin to manage their pain.

 

When researchers interacted with doctors treating OUD, they were often told that treating pain was not their priority or not within the scope of their practice.

 

Researchers say that there is a need to understand that pain is among the most significant causes of opioid relapse. Hence, effective treatment of OUD must include adequate pain relief.

 

The study had another unexpected finding related to opioid relapse. In the survey, 20% of those treated for OUD said that they would return to opioid use once they overcame their addiction. It means that treatments are not preparing them well for post-treatment life, and many of them still view opioid use as an option.

 

The study also found that those treated with OUD with medications had a higher success rate. Thus, those treated with buprenorphine and methadone reported better treatment satisfaction. It seems that one of the reasons for a greater success rate with these medications is that they also help with chronic pain treatment.

 

Thus, health experts say addiction treatment will only improve if different health specialists work together. Moreover, the coronavirus pandemic has shown that interdisciplinary collaboration using technologies like telemedicine is not that difficult.

 

Of course, researchers say that the study has also raised certain questions, like the role of opioids in pain management. As a result, the researchers suggest that the use of opioids for managing chronic pain should be limited.

 

Additionally, researchers say that one of the issues is that doctors often do not view chronic pain as one of the significant issues. They forget that this pain may be due to comorbidities like depression and mood disorders requiring treatment. If these comorbidities remain unmanaged, relapse is more likely.

 

Hence, researchers concluded that OUD should be treated by multi-specialist teams, including pain management, psychiatry, psychology, integrative medicine, and physical therapy. In addition, we should treat the patient as a whole and not merely focus on reducing pain numbers on a scale.

Summary: The incidence of a heart infection or endocarditis is unusually high in those who inject drugs due to syringe contamination. Moreover, AHA says that endocarditis treatment often fails in those who inject drugs and have opioid dependency, as such individuals often fail to complete prolonged intravenous antibiotic treatment. Hence, AHA says treating addiction is key to managing endocarditis in those who inject drugs. A dedicated opioid addiction treatment program can become the key factor here.

With the advent of antibiotics, heart infections have increasingly become less common. Nonetheless, it remains a significant problem in specific population groups like those injecting drugs. Though the problem is pretty common among drug addicts, there has not been a specific treatment recommendation for the population group. AHA (American Heart Association) has published a new statement in their journal Circulation.

Managing any infection is challenging in the population groups who inject drugs. Since these are people living with multiple infections, many are immune compromised, and they have poor health. However, infections like heart infections are challenging to manage in non-addicts and highly challenging to manage in those who inject drugs. Since a considerable number of those living with endocarditis inject drugs, AHA has come up with detailed guidelines.

AHA states that treating endocarditis in this population group poses many challenges. Moreover, they noted a disproportionately high prevalence of endocarditis in those who inject drugs. In addition, they have found that without the treatment of substance use disorder (SUD), these patients are unlikely to benefit. Hence, the treatment of endocarditis in those living with SUD must be done by multispecialty teams. Else, preventing frequent infection relapse will remain challenging.

About infective endocarditis:

• Each year more than 35K cases of endocarditis are reported in the US.
• The condition has a high mortality rate of about 20%.
• Heart valve disorders are common in those affected by endocarditis. In addition, infection of heart valves is challenging to treat as valves lack blood supply.
• There are many sources of heart infection, like poor dental health, burns, and injecting drugs is among the relevant causes.
• Studies show a significant increase in endocarditis due to drug injections between 2002 to 2016. Such patients now make up 16% of all cases of endocarditis, a rise from 8% since 2002.
• People who inject drugs are more likely to be affected by endocarditis at a young age. The average age of such patients is 38 years. In contrast, non-drug users are rarely affected by endocarditis before the age of 45 years.

Specialists say that endocarditis treatment often fails in those injecting drugs. Endocarditis requires prolonged antibiotic therapy of 6 weeks. However, drug addicts often leave the hospital before antibiotic therapy is completed. Therefore, doctors are also exploring other treatment options like using intravenous antibiotics requiring shorter treatment or switching drug users to oral antibiotics so that they can finish their treatment.

Further, experts say that for successful treatment of endocarditis in those who inject drugs, it is vital to initiate substance use disorder treatment using FDA-approved medications. This can help reduce withdrawal syndrome and thus reduce the chances of patients abandoning endocarditis treatment prematurely.

Additionally, experts also recommend screening patients for drug use. This will help provide medical care without judgment and also for opioid addiction treatment. Further, there is a need to raise awareness regarding the risk of endocarditis among drug users, as safer injection practices may significantly reduce the risk of the condition.

Finally, treating doctors should keep in mind that drug users often lack health insurance and have many financial issues, which may also adversely impact treatment outcomes. Moreover, those using drugs are more likely to live with other mental health issues.

Further, it is vital to overcome professional bias when treating people addicted to drugs. For example, many hospitals may not provide adequate help or accept patients for valve surgery if they learn that the patient injects drugs. However, studies show that outcomes of valve surgery are quite similar in drug users and non-drug users.

Summary: In recent years, many telehealth platforms have sprung up. Tele mental help has some distinct benefits like accessibility and lower cost. However, experts think that telehealth platforms for mental health conditions may not be effective in many cases. There are many reasons why experts doubt the efficacy of these platforms. Mental health specialists working on these platforms are not well paid. These are often specialists with minimum experience in managing mental health conditions. Although video calls seem to be quite helpful, other ways of communication like texting are not proven to be effective ways of providing help to those with mental health issues. There are also concerns regarding virtual pharmacies, as these platforms prescribe drugs without seeing the patient and physical examination.

Telehealth has some distinct benefits over traditional medicine. It makes healthcare more accessible, with lower consultation fees, better availability, and higher communication. This does make it one of the excellent ways of providing mental healthcare. Nonetheless, it also lacks some of the traits of traditional medicine and the benefits of face-to-face meetings. Additionally, therapists providing help on some online platforms may lack the expertise to manage mental health issues remotely. Thus, experts are skeptical about the benefits of telehealth.

In recent years, telehealth startups have grown significantly, and the industry is undergoing a boom. This may be explained by increasing rates of mental health issues. CDC data shows that almost 40% of US adults are living with mental health issues or substance use disorders. These are significant numbers. It is not possible to provide help to so many people by using traditional methods. This underlines the importance of exploring innovative methods of providing help to those who need it most. It appears that telehealth may be the way.

Experts remain skeptical about tele help for mental health

The sheer number of people living with mental health issues shows that mental health therapists cannot cope with the problem through traditional channels. This has forced millions of people to turn to online telehealth startups like BetterHelp, and other similar platforms. These platforms provide quick help through face-to-face online meet and also texting.

However, there are many issues associated with these platforms. For example, these platforms have lower consultation fees when compared to traditional therapists. However, experts say that this also means less attention to the patient. Additionally, many psychologists and mental health specialists on these platforms are not experienced enough. Many of these therapists are just starting their journey and are ill-trained to provide adequate help. There are also concerns regarding how these online platforms offer support.

Therapy via texting

Mental healthcare experts are also skeptical about the way online platforms deliver help. Two main ways of understanding patients’ problems and providing psychological support are face-to-face video calls and texting.

Though many claim that these methods work, there is still limited data regarding their efficacy. Among these two methods, direct face-to-face virtual interaction seems to work, as there is some research into the subject. Some studies suggest that these online calls may be as effective as visiting the therapist’s office. However, such interaction would be helpful only in some mental health conditions and not all mental health issues.

There is a complete lack of data when it comes to the efficacy of messaging, texting, and other similar methods. Therefore, it is difficult to say if such methods have significant value in managing mental health issues. However, experts say this is the predominant way of providing help on the telemental health care platforms.

Virtual pharmacies

Another significant concern is the virtual prescriptions that are merely based on the doctor-patient interaction. Even this interaction is often concise. In many cases, doctors need to prescribe antidepressants, psychotropic substances, and other controlled substances. In the case of telehealth, they do it without a physical examination and sufficient testing. This is quite worrisome. DEA has temporarily allowed prescribing controlled substances virtually, mainly due to Covid-19.

Some healthcare experts think that patients may even imitate mental health issues, get virtual prescriptions, and then abuse these substances. This can do more harm than good.

To conclude, this is not to suggest that telemedicine services are not helpful. However, it has its limitations. It may be good in some cases, but in most cases, the traditional way of visiting the healthcare provider is safe and effective.

Summary: It appears that consuming too much sugar may reduce the sense of sweetness. A new study found that if rats were fed a high-sugar diet for long, it resulted in a 50% decline in signal sent from tongue to brain on exposing them to sugary syrup, compared to rats on a low-sugar diet. These changes in taste buds due to a high-sugar diet may play a role in the development of metabolic disorders. Fortunately, the study also found that on discontinuing a high-sugar diet, the ability of lab animals to experience sweetness was restored.

Sugar is sweet, addictive, and created by processing natural extracts like those of beetroot or sugarcane. People who consume much sugar are also more likely to complain that something is not as sweet as it should be. 

Once people start eating more sugar regularly, they need to consume even more sugar to satisfy their sweet tooth. It appears as if they have stopped sensing the sweetness, and their sense of feeling the sweetness has become blunted. 

However, those were all observations, and it is unclear whether it is psychological or physiological. What if something more complex is happening, causing some changes in the brain? Researchers decided to test their hypothesis.

In the new study, researchers experimented with lab rats. They fed them a high-sugar diet and measured the nerve signals traveling from the tongue to the brain. To their amazement, they found that these signals became blunted over time, and intensity of these signals was reduced by almost 50%, which is a massive difference. The findings of the study were published in the journal called Current Biology.

Researchers say that this is not the first finding of its kind. Earlier they found that sugar dulls the sweet taste in fruit flies over time. However, flies differ significantly from humans; thus, not much can be concluded from such a study. Therefore, researchers decided to test their hypothesis in mammals like lab rats, as they are physiologically much closer to humans.

In the study, researchers divided rats into two groups. One group was fed a typical diet, and another with a high-sugar diet. After four weeks, they exposed rats from both groups to sugar solutions of different strengths, and then they measured nerve signals traveling from the tongue to the brain in these rats. They found that those fed with a high-sugar diet had a much-blunted response. It is clear that prolonged sugar consumption led to changes in taste buds in these mice.

They gave the rats bitter, sour, salty, and umami-flavored solutions to further understand the phenomenon. They found that their sense of other flavors was unchanged. The changes only occurred towards the sweet sucrose (table sugar) solution.

There were some other interesting findings. Researchers then put the rats on the high-sugar diet back on a usual diet with plain water. They again tested the response of these rats to sugary solutions. To their amazement, they found that their sense of sweetness was restored. 

These findings are encouraging in many ways. Though they show that consuming high amounts of sugar for long may blunt your ability to sense sweetness, but these changes are reversible. It means that switching to a low-sugar diet can help restore your senses. This is potentially good news.

Researchers say that the findings were what they expected, as they know that taste sensation is quite plastic and can be readily modulated. Therefore, even if some changes occur in taste, it is possible to restore sensation.

On microscopic examination, researchers found no significant changes due to high sugar consumption in taste buds or nerves. However, they found that consuming high sugar for long reduced sweetness receptors on the tongue, though these changes were reversible.

Researchers say that they are now interested in further investigating the subject. For example, they want to understand how these changes in the sweetness signal to the brain alter its activity and response to various foods and how it affects appetite and metabolism. 

Studies show that sugar is addictive and causes dopamine release. It means that low sugar sensation may cause lower dopamine release, which may increase an urge to eat more food leading to obesity. These changes in sensation may have a much broader impact on food choices and metabolism.

Summary: In recent years, a field called nutritional psychiatry has been emerging fast as researchers realize that those living with mental health disorders may benefit from dietary changes. Moreover, mental health issues are challenging to treat with medications, often requiring prolonged treatment, thus causing multiple adverse effects. Dietary measures can help overcome stress, anxiety, depression, and more.

It has been rightly said that you become what you eat. Your diet can influence mental health in multiple ways. It can directly affection the production of neurotransmitters, cause mood changes, influence circadian rhythm, affect gut microflora, and more.

Since diet can influence mental well-being and mood, it also means that one can use food to manage mental health disorders. Thus, anyone living with depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues must make dietary changes.

The importance of diet in mental health cannot be neglected, considering that most mental health issues tend to be chronic and even lifelong.

In recent years, nutritional therapy in psychiatry has gained significant importance as researchers have discovered a few things. Science has discovered that the gut produces 90% of serotonin, one of the most vital neurotransmitters affecting mood and mental health. Similarly, science has realized the role of gut bacteria or microbiota in mental well-being. The gut is so crucial for mental health that researchers are now calling it the second brain. They understand that the “gut-brain” axis can influence various brain functions.

Diet and depression

There are numerous studies showing that diet can increase the risk of depression. Those living with the metabolic disorder are also more likely to develop depression. Thus, studies also confirm that certain dietary choices may be suitable for managing depression. Dietary measures are especially useful in mild to moderate depression.

One of the good ways to manage depression is to switch to the Mediterranean diet. Studies show that consuming whole grains, fresh vegetables, and legumes may help. At the same time, reducing the intake of processed foods is also good for mental health.

One of the landmark trials HELFIMED has shown that the Mediterranean diet rich in vegetables, nuts, whole grains, lean meat, and dairy product can help significantly reduce depression, especially when combined with fish oil or omega-3 supplements.

Diet for stress and anxiety

Stress and anxiety are pretty common mental health issues. Compared to depression, they might be less severe, but they have a higher prevalence.
Studies show that specific food choices may increase the risk of stress and anxiety. Thus, to reduce these mental health issues, experts recommend reducing the intake of alcohol, caffeine, and added sugars.

Those living with anxiety should especially try to lower their sugar intake. Studies show that sugar can be quite addictive and can even cause withdrawal syndrome. Further studies show that consuming excessive saturated fats may also cause mental health issues.

Foods that are especially good for improving mental health are foods that reduce inflammation, like dietary fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, unsaturated fats, and probiotics-rich fermented foods like yogurt, kimchi, and more.

Other things to consider

Prevention is better than treatment. Thus, researchers say that for a healthy life, one should focus on increasing the intake of certain nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B-complex, iron, magnesium, zinc, and vitamin C. Fruits, nuts, seeds, and seafood can be really good to get your daily supply of these vital nutrients.

Secondly, one should consume foods rich in pro and prebiotics like yogurt, buttermilk, garlic, onions, asparagus, barley, oats, and so on.

Further, it is good to consume antioxidant-rich berries. Berries are often associated with romantic moods, and it now appears they really help. In addition, berries are the richest source of specific vitamins like vitamin C and antioxidants.

Finally, remember that disruption in circadian rhythm is one of the reasons for the higher prevalence of mental health issues. Hence, eat meals at regular intervals and at a fixed time of the day to avoid any disruption in the circadian rhythm. Apart from sleep, also regularize your sleep time.

It is our mission to bring real hope and transformational change to patients who would otherwise be consigned to a lifetime of medications, doctor’s visits, and suffering. We expose misaligned incentives and return the power of health to the individual. We believe empowered individuals change their communities. We use a combination of lifestyle intervention, medication management, and emerging scientific research to help our patients. When you are ready or have questions, reach out.

Medical Disclaimer: Keep in mind that the content provided is not direct medical advice for patient care, but is provided for thoughtful discussion.

Summary: Due to technological changes and increased use of gadgets, people are continually being exposed to various information. Some people are overconsuming the news. Therefore, many people are living with problematic news consumption. The new study shows that this causes not only mental health issues in such individuals but also a significant rise in physical health problems.

If you or someone you know is struggling with problematic news consumption and its effects on mental and physical health, consider seeking help from online substance abuse treatment or telehealth programs. These programs can also provide opioid addiction treatment for those dealing with addiction-like behavior towards news consumption. We are living in turbulent times with many events happening around us. The covid pandemic is still ongoing, and then there is a raging war in Ukraine. The global economy had become increasingly unstable. Reading bad news most of the time can make people feel helpless and distressed.

However, here it is worth understanding that this problem is also made worse by technology. We are living in the information age. It means that people are continually fed with information. Ultimately, many of us become addicted to gadgets and start consuming news and other information too frequently. This leads to chronic stress disorder. It is not difficult to guess that this is having a negative impact on mental health. However, studies show that problematic news consumption’s effects are much graver. It not only causes mental health issues but is also harmful to physical health.

Continually following the news can bring us into a state of over-excitement. It may increase sympathetic activity levels and, consequently, stress hormones. And on the other hand, frequently reading all the news may change our outlook, and we may start seeing the world as a small and dark place. It may fill us with hopelessness. For many people, consuming news rather becomes addictive. Instead of taking a break, people start consuming news even more often. They start checking for updates regularly and become obsessed with the news. It is quite like substance addiction, where people need a dose of news to stay in a specific psychological state. Eventually, such an obsession starts interfering with life and the ability to carry out daily tasks.

To understand the gravity of the problem, researchers carried out an online survey of 1100 US adults. In the survey, participants had to answer a multiple-choice question like “I often do not pay attention at school or work because I am reading or watching the news,” and so on. They also answered about how frequently they experienced stress and anxiety. Additionally, researchers paid attention to physical symptoms like fatigue, physical pain, lack of concentration, and gastrointestinal issues.

Researchers analyzed the data and found that about 16.5% reported “severely problematic” news consumption. These were people who were too invested in various news stories. These stories dominated their thoughts and disrupted their life. It made it difficult for them to focus on work and even caused sleep difficulties.

Not surprising that these were also individuals who were more likely to experience various mental and physical health issues.

When asked about mental and physical health issues:

73.6% reported frequent mental and physical health issues, which was merely 8% in those who did not report problematic news consumption. Thus, one can see that the difference is significant.
61% of those living with problematic new consumption reported frequent physical health issues, compared to a mere 6.1% in all other study participants.

The results of the study were as expected. However, what surprised researchers are the difference between those with problematic news consumption and other participants, which is massive. Surely, survey studies are not regarded as a good type of study, as they have many limitations. However, with such a significant difference between the mental and physical health issues faced by those living with problematic new consumption, this study turned out to be an eye-opener.

Though we all need to be aware of the situation. However, it seems that becoming addicted to the news can have many ill effects. Moreover, it is not just bad for mental health but can cause a significant number of physical health issues. Additionally, this study shows that the dramatization of events by news presenters is also causing much harm. Though new agencies are under significant economic pressure, it is time to realize the tactics used by new outlets are causing much damage to society.

Summary: A study led by LSU Health New Orleans researchers found evidence that a neurotoxin known as BF-LPS, derived from the bacteria Bacteroides fragilis in the gut, contributes to the development of Alzheimer’s disease. The study also found that adequate intake of dietary fiber may be able to prevent this process. The findings suggest a potential link between gut health and the development of Alzheimer’s disease and may lead to new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for managing the disease.

Did you wonder why a century of extensive research into Alzheimer’s failed to discover a potent remedy for the condition? Well, the reasons are simple, not only Alzheimer’s pathogenesis (disease development), even its etiology (cause of the condition) remains poorly understood. It appears that Alzheimer’s occurs due to many reasons. In recent years, researchers have started paying more significant attention to the role of the gut-brain axis and gut microbiota in Alzheimer’s development.

Infection, toxins, and gut health have been proposed as potential contributing factors in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Studies have suggested that certain infections, such as the herpes simplex virus, may increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Toxins, such as heavy metals and pesticides, may also play a role in the disease. Additionally, a growing body of research suggests that gut health and the gut microbiome may contribute to Alzheimer’s. 

The gut microbiome is the collection of microorganisms that live in the gut and play important roles in digestion, immune function, and other bodily processes. Dysregulation of the gut microbiome has been linked to a number of neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s. However, more research is needed to fully understand the role of these factors in the development of the disease.

The study led by Drs. Yuhai Zhao and Walter J Lukiw at the LSU Health New Orleans Neuroscience Center and the Departments of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Neurology, and Ophthalmology have found evidence that a molecule containing a potent microbial-generated neurotoxin (lipopolysaccharide or LPS) derived from the Gram-negative bacteria Bacteroides fragilis in the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract generates a neurotoxin known as BF-LPS. This neurotoxin, BF-LPS, is a pro-inflammatory toxin that contributes to the development of Alzheimer’s disease. The study also found that adequate intake of dietary fiber can head off the process.

The study found that a neurotoxin called BF-LPS, which comes from bacteria in the gut, can contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s disease. The BF-LPS travels from the gut to the brain, causes inflammation in brain cells, and harms a protein that helps keep brain cells healthy. Unfortunately, this harm eventually leads to brain cells dying, as seen in Alzheimer’s disease.

The study also found that the gut microbiome, the collection of microorganisms living in the gut, plays an important role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. The number of bacteria that produce BF-LPS can be controlled by eating enough dietary fiber.

The study suggests that understanding the connection between the gut, the brain, and Alzheimer’s disease could lead to new ways to diagnose and treat the disease. It is estimated that people in the US eat an average of 10-15 grams of fiber daily. The USDA recommends that women up to age 50 consume 25 grams a day and men 38 grams. After age 50, women should eat 21 grams daily and men 30 grams. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia and is among the leading cause of death in the US. It is estimated that 5.8 million people over 65 in the US have Alzheimer’s disease, which is projected to increase to 13.8 million by 2050.

This study highlights the importance of gut health in the development of Alzheimer’s disease and suggests that dietary fiber may play a role in preventing its development. This study’s findings can lead to new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for managing Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. However, it is important to note that further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between gut health, dietary fiber, and Alzheimer’s disease.

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 Summary: People do not generally associate mental health disorders with infectious diseases. However, studies show that the brain regulates infection and inflammation in multiple ways, including neuroendocrine responses and even behavioral changes. Studies also show that severe conditions like sepsis are associated with a higher risk of anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health disorders. However, to date, researchers do not know the underlying mechanism. The new study suggests that activation of neural circuits like the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and the central nucleus of the amygdala play an important role in post-infection anxiety and PTSD.

One does not usually associate infectious diseases with mental health disorders. However, as the new study shows, some severe infections may alter the working of specific brain centers leading to different mood disorders. It would be unwise to think that infections or inflammatory processes affecting various body parts cannot influence mental health. However, one must realize that the brain has a say in all body activities and regulates immune responses.

Sometimes, more severe infections may cause dysregulation of brain function in multiple ways. Science has just started to understand the way in which the brain regulates localized and systemic inflammation. There appear to be two ways the brain can detect and control inflammation. First is the humoral pathway. It means that some of the circulating inflammatory mediators can enter the brain. Thus, the brain can sense inflammation and its severity and initiate a response accordingly.

The second way is a neuronal pathway. Sensory afferent fibers send a signal to the brain, including information on local inflammatory conditions, and then the brain can regulate things. Just take an example of the Vagus nerve. It can detect even the minutest inflammation in the gut and lungs. Once the brain has received humoral and neural signals, it can initiate regulatory responses that involve neuroendocrine, neurovegetative, and behavioral responses. Among neural pathways, autonomic nervous and limbic systems play essential roles in these regulatory responses.

An example of neuroendocrinal response is the release of cortisol, which is a stress hormone. Cortisol is quite good at regulating inflammation. Similarly, behavioral changes also help regulate inflammation. Thus, changes in mood, appetite, and sleep all play an important role in inflammation regulation.

All the behavioral changes aim to regulate inflammation. However, sometimes, the body may fail to initiate optimal responses, which may cause mood dysregulation and increase the risk of psychological disorders. One of the conditions in which there is much risk of inadequate body responses is sepsis. It is a severe and disseminated infection. It causes severe immune response and inflammation. Sepsis is among the leading causes of mortality globally, as it is highly challenging to manage with antibiotics.

Since sepsis is a life-threatening condition, it means that the brain’s responses to the condition are also massive. However, now studies suggest that these responses may cause severe damage to mental health, leading to chronic anxiety, depression, and even other mental health issues. PTSD is another common result of a severe and prolonged infection like sepsis.

Although doctors know that sepsis increases the risk of anxiety, PTSD, depression, and other mental health issues, they do not know how to reduce this risk as little is known about the underlying mechanism.

In one of the first kinds of studies published in the journal Brain, researchers tried to understand how infection and inflammation might cause mental health issues. In the experimental study, they induced sepsis in mice. They found that after two weeks, these mice developed anxiety. They also found signs that resemble PTSD.

In the study, they could identify changes in specific neural circuits like the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis but, more importantly, in the central nucleus of the amygdala. This study is one of the first to identify changes in neural circuits related to anxiety and PTSD post sepsis. These findings can form the basis for further studies into the subject.

Understanding how sepsis or severe inflammation causes mental health & depressive mood disorders may help find effective preventive measures and telehealth treatment. These findings are especially important, as neuroinflammation and resulting psychiatric disorders are also found in those affected by Covid-19.