Sunday, 28 July 2019

Dr. Mercola: Hepatitis C - Stay Vigilant Against This 'Traitor' Disease


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An introduction to hepatitis C

Fact Checked
hepatitis C

Story at-a-glance -

  • Discovered in 1989, hepatitis C is a dangerous liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus, which can spread through blood-to-blood contact, such as through blood infusions or sharing of contaminated needles
  • Staying well-educated about this ailment, plus learning to listen to your body for potential warning signs, is the best way to avoid hepatitis C
Discovered in 1989,1 hepatitis C is a dangerous liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus, which can spread through blood-to-blood contact, such as through blood infusions or sharing of contaminated needles. It ranges in severity — the disease can manifest as a mild illness that lasts only a few weeks or months, or it may progress into a serious lifelong illness.2 Discover more important facts about this disease.

Hepatitis C attacks your liver

The liver is one of the hardest-working organs in your body, as it performs a variety of functions. According to WebMD, it works with other organs to digest food and secretes bile, although its main role is to filter out and eliminate harmful toxins from your blood.3 It’s even referred to as the “Grand Central Station” of your body — all the nutrients that enter your intestines go through the liver.4
So, if a potentially dangerous disease like hepatitis C threatens to destroy your liver — and your overall health — then you need to take the necessary actions to ensure that your liver continues to function properly.

Hepatitis C statistics: How prevalent is this disease?

Approximately 2.4 million people in the country are dealing with chronic hepatitis C,5 although a 2015 study notes that the number could be higher — as much as 4.6 million.6 Of all these infected, 51% are unaware of their condition — until it’s too late.7
The numbers are more alarming globally. In 2015, an estimated 71.1 million people worldwide are dealing with this disease.8 Hepatitis C cases are highly prevalent in areas like North Africa, Central and East Asia and the Middle East.9 According to a 2016 World of Gastroenterology study, the countries with high rates of chronic hepatitis C infections include Egypt (14.7%), Iraq (3.2%) and Yemen (2.2%).10

Hepatitis C patients show no symptoms until the disease has already worsened

It can be difficult to diagnose acute hepatitis C because it lacks definitive symptoms. In fact, 60% to 70% of people who become infected are asymptomatic, or exhibit no symptoms.11 The incubation period (time from exposure to the onset of symptoms) is between two weeks and six months.12
Should symptoms manifest, they are usually similar to those of other viral infections. These include abdominal pain, joint pain, fever, nausea and fatigue. In some cases, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) and clay-colored stools may also be seen.13,14
However, once the virus stays in your blood for a year after the acute infection period, it becomes a chronic infection. This is what makes this disease extremely damaging because if left untreated, it can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure or liver cancer.15 Hepatitis C is one of the most common causes of chronic liver disease.16
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If you love your liver and your health, read these articles right away

Because there are usually no telltale signs until it’s too late, hepatitis C is a potentially dangerous disease that you should be aware of. Staying well-educated about this ailment, plus learning to listen to your body for potential warning signs, is the best way to avoid hepatitis C or, if you already have it, severe complications from it.
These articles will provide you with substantial information about hepatitis C and help you learn more about its symptoms, risk factors, causes and what hepatitis C can do to your body. You’ll also discover useful pointers on how you can live with hepatitis C, as well as how to prevent this ailment from damaging your liver — and overall health.
MORE ABOUT HEPATITIS C
Hepatitis C: Introduction What Is Hepatitis C? Hepatitis C in Pregnancy
How Do You Get Hepatitis C? Hepatitis C Duration Is Hepatitis C Contagious?
Hepatitis C Causes Hepatitis C Types Hepatitis C Symptoms
Hepatitis C Treatment Hepatitis C Prevention Hepatitis C Diet
Hepatitis C FAQ

+ Sources and References

Fortune/Jeremy Khan: Africa Is Tech’s Next Great Frontier, Github A.I. Expert Says


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The bleeding edge of technology innovation is increasingly shifting from Silicon Valley to places that are also at the frontiers of economic development, including sub-Saharan Africa, says Omoju Miller, who works on machine learning at software development platform Github.

Miller, who grew up in Lagos, Nigeria, told the Fortune Brainstorm Tech conference that both demographics and geography will drive technology vendors to focus on frontier markets.

Africa will soon host most of the world's fastest-growing economies. Sub-Saharan Africa will be home to more than 90 cities with populations in excess of 1 million people. More than 60 percent of the population in the region is under the age of 25 and the continent is already home to half of the world's users of mobile payment solutions, she said.

Those figures will increasingly drive the world's largest technology firms to invest in Africa. And it will mean that more and more innovations will be born in the region, she said.

"We are the at edge of another kind of technology frontier, and this time around, it is not happening in San Francisco, it is taking place in Africa," she said.

Miller used examples from two recent trips to Africa to illustrate her point. She said that she recently visited Nigeria with Nat Friedman, Github's chief executive officer, because the software repository's data told it the country's coders were adopting open source software at a faster clip than anywhere else.

In another trip to Kenya, Miller detailed how seamlessly she was able to access all the same kinds of mobile apps and services she did when back home in San Francisco, including booking taxi rides on Uber and booking food delivery with Jumia, the company that bills itself as Africa's answer to Amazon, and which was originally incubated by German startup factory Rocket Internet.

Then, when traveling to the Maasai Mara nature reserve, she recalled passing through numerous rural villages. "We are talking about very small villages and yet in these small villages you can still use mobile payments," she said. "This is going to radically change what the technology environment is going to look like."

This story has been updated to correct Miller's title at Github and that she visited Kenya as well as Nigeria.

More must-read stories from Fortune Brainstorm Tech 2019:

A.I.’s hidden biases continue to bedevil businesses. Can they be stopped?
—Land O’Lakes CEO: Big data is helping farmers deal with climate swings
—How Spotify “playlisting” turned an unknown artist into a star
—U.S. risks falling behind in crypto, warns ‘Crypto Mom’ SEC commissioner
—Verizon executive calls for federal privacy rules on 5G
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Saturday, 27 July 2019

Dr. Mercola: Chlorella - What Are Its Benefits and Uses?


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Chlorella: What are its benefits and uses?

Analysis by Dr. Joseph Mercola Fact Checked
Organic Chlorella Powder and Tablets

Story at-a-glance -

  • Chlorella mainly comes from a single-celled freshwater algae called Chlorella vulgaris, and can be purchased as powder, supplement or liquid extract
  • Some studies have shown that chlorella may be useful in detoxification, improving immune system health, regulating blood pressure levels and combating effects of oxidative stress
  • If you plan on taking chlorella, do so slowly, because it may take some time for your body to adjust to this microalgae
You may have heard about chlorella because it’s being added to various health products. Its name is derived from a combination of two Greek words: "chloros" (green) and "ella" (small).1 If you’re curious about what chlorella actually is and how you can use it to your advantage, keep reading this article.

What is chlorella supplement?

Chlorella is sourced from a single-celled freshwater algae called Chlorella vulgaris.2,3 Manufacturers typically process the chlorella to break down its cell walls so its nutrients will become available.4,5 One particular substance that can be derived from this microalgae is a water-soluble extract6 called chlorella growth factor or CGF,7 which contains amino acids, peptides, vitamins and minerals.8
The algae often used to make chlorella powder, tablets or liquid extract9 is grown in farms in Japan or Taiwan.10 However, take note that chlorella shouldn’t be confused with spirulina. While both are algae, they differ in color. Chlorella is green, while spirulina has a blue-green hue.11
Chlorella mainly binds to heavy metals12 and helps detox the body,13 while also providing other benefits (more of this to come later). Meanwhile, spirulina is a “complete protein”14 that possesses minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium and potassium15 and is a valuable source of gamma-linolenic acid.16 Studies have also suggested that spirulina may help fight allergies17 and boost immunity.18

Health benefits of chlorella

Chlorella has been labeled a "superfood"19 because it contains these vital nutrients:
  • Chlorophyll20 It may aid in protecting your body against infections,21 alleviating constipation,22 promoting optimal blood pressure levels,23 cleansing your liver and your blood and removing molds.24
  • Antioxidants such as lutein, alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, ascorbic acid and zeta-tocopherol — Chlorella extract may promote free radical-scavenging capabilities in rats induced with a chemical called naphthalene, according to results of this 2007 Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry animal study.25
  • Other nutrients — Chlorella is home to essential nutrients such as vitamin K,26 vitamin B12, folate, iron,27 omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, polysaccharides and proteins.28
Extensive research has also linked chlorella to multiple health benefits. This microalgae may help:
  • Detoxify the body — Studies have shown that chlorella may help eliminate heavy metals and pathogens from your body.29,30
  • Boost the immune system31 Chlorella supplements may help reduce the risk for immune system disorders and improve immune system function.32
  • Improve quality of life among people diagnosed with breast cancer — Subjects with breast cancer who took chlorella and chlorella extract experienced less instances of fatigue and noticed improvements to dry skin.33
  • Normalize blood sugar levels34 Chlorella supplements were effective in addressing insulin sensitivity among rat subjects, which shows its potential in improving blood sugar levels among people struggling with insulin resistance.35
  • Regulate blood pressure levels — Chlorella supplements are abundant in the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which assists in lowering high to normal blood pressure levels in study subjects.36
  • Manage cholesterol levels — In a 2014 Nutrition Journal article, researchers found out that chlorella supplements helped decrease triglyceride and total cholesterol levels among subjects with hypercholesterolemia.37
  • Counteract the negative effects of oxidative stress38 Chlorella extract helped protect rats’ bodies against liver injuries and other oxidative stress-induced changes in the body.39
  • Contribute to healthy brain function40,41 Because chlorella can combat oxidative stress, this supplement may not just enhance brain function, but also reduce risk for cognitive decline.42
  • Promote better metabolism43,44 Chlorella may prompt changes to genes that influence your insulin signaling and how fat is metabolized in your body.45
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What else is chlorella used for?

According to WebMD, chlorella may be recommended to stimulate good bacteria production within your gut, and possibly assist in addressing skin lesions,46 ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, diverticulitis and trichomoniasis (a sexually transmitted disease). Chlorella may also help:47
  • Reduce risk for adverse effects caused by chemotherapy or radiation treatment
  • Increase amounts of white blood cells in people with HIV or cancer
  • Address premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and ease fibromyalgia
  • Combat bad breath
  • Alleviate inflammation that may be a precursor for asthma attacks48

Studies on chlorella

Chlorella has been the subject of various studies for many years, and researchers concluded that it may be useful against certain diseases or conditions, such as:
  • Liver cancer — A 2009 Journal of Zhejiang University Science B study revealed that chlorella vulgaris extract inhibited the development of tumors and triggered apoptosis or cell death in liver cancer-induced rats.49
  • Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 — A 2013 study found that people with chronic hepatitis C infection were able to tolerate chlorella supplements and had decreased ALT liver enzyme levels.50
  • Digestive disorders like diarrhea — In this February 2017 Animal article, chlorella and spirulina supplements led to good intestinal health among weaned piglets, helping alleviate digestive issues like diarrhea.51

What to look for in a chlorella supplement

If you want to take chlorella supplements, make sure that it is broken cell wall chlorella, since this type of product is the only form that allows your body to reap this algae’s nutrients. Ideally, purchase chlorella supplements produced by a trustworthy manufacturer, and ensure that:
  • It’s labeled as broken cell wall chlorella (so it can be digested properly).
  • It’s organic and doesn’t contain synthetic ingredients.
  • The product was extensively tested for its quality.

Chlorella side effects to watch out for

When taking any form of chlorella for the first time, do it gradually. Even if you believe you’re healthy, you need to start the process slowly because taking chlorella supplements can make you feel slightly unwell. Minor side effects that may occur include:52
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Gas
  • Stomach cramping
  • Green color in bowel movements
  • Sensitivity to the sun — This can be alleviated by restricting your time in the sun to a few minutes at a time, and by wearing a broad-brimmed hat and light clothing with sleeves whenever you go out.
Seek medical attention immediately if you develop breathing problems or allergic reactions after taking chlorella supplements.53 WebMD further advises avoiding chlorella, unless approved by your physician, if you are:54
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Taking anticoagulant medicines like warfarin, as chlorella’s vitamin K content may reduce their effect55
  • Dealing with a compromised immune system, since chlorella may increase the amounts of bad bacteria in your gut and trigger reactions
  • Sensitive to iodine, an element found in chlorella. It can trigger an allergic reaction
  • Allergic to mold
On a final note, remember that chlorella may contain iron.56 While levels of this mineral in women aren't usually problematic because menstrual cycles cause frequent iron loss, excessive quantities are usually found in men and postmenopausal women. This may lead to health problems like iron overload, meaning you need to regularly monitor your blood iron stores, particularly your serum ferritin and GGT levels. Take note of the following ideal amounts:
  • Ferritin — 30 to 40 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) or 75 to 100 nanomoles per liter (nmol/L) for adult men and non-menstruating women
  • GGT — Below 16 units per liter (U/L) for men, or below 9 U/L for women
If your iron levels are higher than the ideal recommendations, this may be problematic and should be addressed by either foregoing chlorella supplementation or by undergoing blood donations two to three times a year or via regular phlebotomies.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about chlorella

Q: Is chlorella a microalgae?
A: Yes. Chlorella is sourced from a single-celled water algae57 that’s typically grown in Japan and in Taiwan.58
Q: How does chlorella reproduce?
A: This type of algae undergoes asexual reproduction. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, chlorella reproduction occurs when autospores or nonmotile reproductive cells breach into a “mother cell.”59
Q: What are the vitamins and minerals found in chlorella?
A: Chlorella contains vitamin K60 and B12, iron and folate.61
+ Sources and References

The New York Times/Jeffrey C. Mays: Trump Attacks. De Blasio Strikes Back, and Hopes Voters Notice.


Trump Attacks. De Blasio Strikes Back, and Hopes Voters Notice.

Mayor Bill de Blasio, trailing badly in the 2020 Democratic race, has embraced Mr. Trump’s insults as a way to elevate his national profile.
Image
CreditCreditEugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Buzzfeed
Few people, especially politicians, can stand to be insulted. But when it comes to barbs fired by President Trump, Mayor Bill de Blasio cannot seem to get enough of them.
Treated as an afterthought among 2020 Democratic presidential candidates, Mr. de Blasio has embraced every affront from the president as an opportunity not just to fire back, but also to present himself as a capable antidote to Mr. Trump.
The latest example came this week, after the president cited viral videos that showed police officers getting water dumped on their heads, and suggested that the mayor was to blame for creating a lawless environment in New York City.
The president, Mr. de Blasio quickly replied on Thursday, “knows nothing about New York City at this point.” Later that night, in an interview with BuzzFeed’s Ben Smith, Mr. de Blasio challenged Mr. Trump to a debate.
“I challenge you, Donald Trump, to come to New York City, and I will debate you about what’s right for New York City and BuzzFeed can host it,” Mr. de Blasio said. “Because he doesn’t understand New York City, and when his presidency is over really soon, he will not be welcome back in New York City.”
Before he was an official candidate for president, Mr. de Blasio told voters in Iowa that Democrats would not win back the White House by focusing on Mr. Trump. He criticized Hillary Clinton, his former boss and Democratic nominee for president, for pursuing such a strategy.
Most observers see Mr. de Blasio’s change of heart as part of a recognition that he needs to find a way to draw attention to himself as one of the last candidates to enter the race, one of the lowest in the polls and one of the worst fund-raisers.
The only problem? It’s not working.
“Mr. de Blasio keeps on looking for something magical that will allow him to break through,” said Kenneth Sherrill, a professor emeritus of political science at Hunter College. “You keep on throwing bombs until one works or either your arm falls off. You have to admire his doggedness.”
From the start of his campaign, Mr. de Blasio has argued that he is the candidate most familiar with Mr. Trump, a fellow New Yorker, and that he has the grit to stand up to him. In his announcement video, Mr. de Blasio talked about how he had stood up to Mr. Trump in the past on issues that ranged from immigration to climate change.
“Donald Trump must be stopped. I’ve beaten him before and I will do it again,” Mr. de Blasio said in the video.
Mr. Trump has not refrained from going after Mr. de Blasio, either. On the day of Mr. de Blasio’s presidential announcement, Mr. Trump posted a video that appeared to be filmed aboard Air Force One, in which he called Mr. de Blasio the “worst” mayor in New York City history.
Mr. de Blasio said the challenge he issued to Mr. Trump was not a stunt. He wants to point out that New York City is one of the safest cities in the country.
“Every time, he starts it,” Mr. de Blasio said in an interview about the mostly online confrontations between himself and Mr. Trump. “I think it’s important to confront him,” Mr. de Blasio added.
Mr. de Blasio met with Mr. Trump at Trump Tower shortly after Mr. Trump was elected president. The last time the two men spoke was after the 2017 Halloween truck attack on a Manhattan bike path that killed eight people, said Jacyln Rothenberg, Mr. de Blasio’s campaign spokeswoman.
“He attempted what I think is false charm,” Mr. de Blasio said about his conversations with the president. “He seems to be complimentary in private and issues his broadsides in public.”
Otherwise, Mr. de Blasio’s and Mr. Trump’s occasional social media volleys have been their only contact, even if the president is never far from the mayor’s public thoughts.
Mr. de Blasio has proudly criticized Mr. Trump in front of black churchgoers in South Carolina, and to farmers in rural Iowa. Mr. de Blasio even nicknamed Mr. Trump “ConDon” and hosted a raucous news conference at Trump Tower before announcing his candidacy.
Still, Mr. de Blasio only raised $1.1 million in his most recent fund-raising report, placing him in the bottom tier of candidates. And he has not reached one percent in any of the three national polls and four state polls that Quinnipiac University has conducted since Mr. de Blasio announced his candidacy May 16, said Mary Snow, a polling analyst for Quinnipiac University.
Mr. de Blasio has reached one percent in other polls, but even Mr. de Blasio’s generally well-regarded performance in the first Democratic debate did not move his poll numbers.
“That was a debate where Mayor de Blasio tried to stand out and make himself known in this crowded field, and it didn’t resonate in the polls,” Ms. Snow said. “The one thing we have to remember is how many candidates there are.”
Mr. de Blasio said he will not stop taking on Mr. Trump. “When Donald Trump, the president of the United States, out of nowhere starts attacking me,” Mr. de Blasio said, “I’m going to respond. I’m not going to take that lying down.”
A version of this article appears in print on , Section A, Page 17 of the New York edition with the headline: Mayor Sees Trump’s Barbs In Tweets as Opportunity. Order Reprints | Today’s Paper | Subscribe
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