Heading into the party season, partaking of too many holiday spirits can leave you with an unwelcome hangover — and can also wreak havoc on your gut health.

"In addition to being a significant contributor to weight gain due to high-calorie density, alcohol can also reduce our ability to fight infections and increase the risk of developing diseases, food intolerances and sensitivities — all as a result of poor gut health," said Dr. Gill Hart, biochemist and scientific director at U.K.-based YorkTest, a health and wellness company that provides lab tests for food sensitivities and allergies.

"Gut health" refers to the health of your entire gastrointestinal tract, including all the bacteria within your digestive system. 

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When the balance of "good" and "bad" bacteria is thrown out of whack, it can have a ripple effect on all aspects of your health. 

Hart shared with Fox News Digital seven ways that alcohol can impact gut health. She also shared tips on how to reduce those negative effects.

"Alcohol impacts our gut, causing imbalances in our healthy/unhealthy gut bacteria, exacerbating gut permeability and impacting our immune systems," Hart said.

A majority of the immune system — around 70% — is found in the gut, she said.

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"Since alcohol can compromise healthy bacteria, it’s essential to take steps to protect your gut biome when you drink to protect your immune system," she said.

Hart recommends aiming to stay within drinking guidelines, whatever that means for you.

That might mean having a minimum of three sober days per week, or only having alcohol with or after a meal to reduce absorption.

"Focusing on consuming foods rich in prebiotics, probiotics and fiber can help to restore a healthy gut biome and support your immune system," Hart said.

It’s not always just the alcohol (ethanol) that can irritate the gut. Sometimes other ingredients in alcoholic drinks can have negative effects, some of which aren’t always obvious, Hart warned.

"The grapes, wheat, barley, hops, yeast and other ingredients — such as fruits and dairy in cocktails and mixers — can all irritate your gut, causing inflammation," she said.

Those ingredients can also contribute to food intolerances and sensitivities, causing symptoms such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), bloating, low energy, low mood, headaches and even skin issues like eczema or psoriasis.

"Gassy drinks, such as mixers, often include artificial sweeteners that are not usually gut-friendly, so try to avoid these," Hart recommended.

It’s also important to consider the impact of the added sugars that are often present in alcoholic drinks, which are known to contribute to a higher risk of diabetes. 

"Those with type 2 diabetes may have a less diverse and balanced gut biome than non-diabetic individuals," Hart said.

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"Diabetes is the most common known cause of gastroparesis, a condition that affects how you digest your food," she said.

Symptoms of this condition include nausea, heartburn and bloating.

"To reduce diabetes risk, try to reduce or avoid consuming alcoholic drinks that are higher in sugar, such as cocktails, pre-mixed drinks, alcopops, liqueurs, cider, fortified wines and sherry," Hart suggested.

"A key takeaway is the effect of alcohol on the liver, which is also linked to gut health," Hart said. 

"Imbalances in the gut biome are linked to gastritis, which causes the stomach lining to become inflamed, and fatty liver disease, which leads to fatty tissues affecting optimal digestive function," she went on.

While only 60% of liver diseases are caused by alcohol, studies have shown that the most common cause of alcohol-related death in the U.S. is alcoholic liver disease.

An estimated one in eight total deaths among U.S. adults aged 20 to 64 years is attributed to excessive alcohol use, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

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"The best way to reduce the effect of alcohol-related liver disease is to stop drinking alcohol or stick to the recommended Dietary Guidelines for Americans, limiting intake to two drinks or less a day for men and one drink or less for women," said Hart.

Excessive alcohol consumption can also inhibit the production of digestive enzymes, Hart warned, making it more difficult for your body to break down, digest and absorb food.

"This leads to an imbalance in the gut biome, with partially digested food being a cause of bloating and gas," she said.

When planning meals during a "heavy drinking season," she suggests focusing on foods that help to optimize your gut microbiome — "the 100 trillion bacteria that live in your gut that are crucial for your health."

Fermented foods, such as yogurt, kefir, kimchi and sauerkraut, contain probiotics that help to nourish and protect the gut, Hart added.

"The long-term effects of excessive alcohol consumption really are sobering," said Hart. 

"Alcohol is a depressant — it contributes to depression, anxiety and heightened stress levels, and its negative effects on mental health are far more than most of us are ever likely to admit."

High levels of stress can inhibit the digestive system in similar ways to alcohol, she warned — "although the heightened stress levels after drinking alcohol often linger longer, making any dietary efforts to improve gut health after a drinking session less impactful."

To help calm the digestive system and support gut health and immunity, Hart said it’s important to cultivate a "relaxation response."

"Taking time to rest and recharge after a night of drinking alcohol, in whatever way that works for you, is essential to support your mental wellness and gut health," she added.

"While it’s important to keep hydrated when drinking alcohol, drinking more water or soft drinks isn’t going to offset the effect that alcohol has on your gut," Hart said.

"However, if drinking more water — or soft drinks such as kombucha tea or low- to no-alcohol beverages — means drinking less alcohol, then this is the best way to reduce the risk of negative effects that alcohol can have on your gut and overall health."

Hart suggests starting the evening with a zero- or low-alcohol drink, then alternating consuming alcoholic drinks with water to avoid dehydration (and a hangover).

Better yet, low-alcohol or no-alcohol wine and beers make it easier to drink socially without alcohol, which Hart said is a much better choice for your health.

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"Aside from reducing alcohol consumption as a whole, simple diet changes such as avoiding sugary and carbonated mixed drinks, replacing alcohol with low- or no-alcohol alternatives, and only drinking alcohol with or after food can reduce the negative effects of alcohol on your gut health," Hart added. 

Additionally, making an effort to consume fermented foods post-drinking is important to restore your microbiome for a healthy gut. 

Hart added, "Taking a closer look at the ingredients in alcoholic drinks and taking a food sensitivity test can also be important to identify any foods in your diet that could contribute to discomfort and poor gut health."

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Santo Domingo.- This Wednesday, the Essential Medicines and Central Logistics Support Program (PROMESE/CAL) conducted a reading of the economic proposals for the National Public Tender reference PROMESE/CAL-CCC-LPN-2023 0011. This process will allocate 2.338 billion pesos for the purchase of medicines.

Adolfo Pérez, the director of PROMESE/CAL, stated that this procurement is a part of the institution’s annual planning. It will include not only medicines but also health supplies to ensure the National Public Health System and People’s Pharmacies’ needs are met.

Pérez emphasized the administration’s commitment to transparency in its processes. He expressed confidence that these efforts would lead to the restoration of trust in the state, its institutions, and public servants.

Over the past three years, under the government led by President Luis Abinader, more than 40 billion pesos have been allocated for purchasing medicines and health supplies, including high-cost medications. Pérez also highlighted the effectiveness of adhering to Law 340-06 on Purchasing and Contracting, leading to significant savings for the state while enhancing health coverage.

The event, held at a hotel in the capital, was conducted publicly in the presence of notaries public, bidders, a compliance officer from the Public Procurement Directorate, the PROMESE/CAL purchasing committee, media representatives, and opinion leaders. This public approach underscores the commitment to transparency and integrity in the procurement process.

Posted: Wednesday, November 29, 2023. 9:27 am CST.

By Zoila Palma Gonzalez: World Aids Day is recognized on December 1.

The day is set aside to bring together people from around the world to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and demonstrate international solidarity.

The day will be observed under the theme, “Let communities lead”.

World Aids Day is an opportunity to reflect on the progress made to date, to raise awareness about the challenges that remain to achieve the goals of ending AIDS by 2030 and to mobilize all stakeholders to jointly redouble efforts to ensure the success of the HIV response.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) is hosting a World Aids Day Health far this Friday in Belmopan.

The fair will be held at the steps of the National Assembly.

The Ministry will be offering free HIV and Syphilis testing, Hepatitis B testing and glucose and blood pressure checks.

The fair commences at 9am and ends at 3pm.

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Santo Domingo.- The first National Health and Artificial Intelligence Forum, an initiative by Listín Diario, has successfully convened various local and international health sector stakeholders. The event, aimed at exploring the integration of human talent and artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine, fostered a rich debate about the future of this convergence.

Artificial intelligence has progressively infiltrated broader and more complex fields, revolutionizing traditional methods and enhancing efficiency in various sectors, including health. This evolution in medicine, especially in the Dominican Republic, has been marked by the integration of advanced machines and analysis systems. This progress aligns with the goals set in the National Health Strategic Plan (Plandes 2030), as stated by the Minister of Public Health, Daniel Rivera.

At the forum, Rivera highlighted that AI is rapidly transforming medical practices worldwide. He outlined seven key areas for AI implementation in the Dominican health system, starting with an evaluation of the technological needs of both public and private health systems. He emphasized that AI could significantly enhance medical research, information accessibility, service automation and personalization, and predictive analysis.

Rivera also announced a comprehensive digital health transformation program starting next year, backed by a budget of 900 million pesos. This includes the introduction of a digital health plan, Salud 2030, featuring an electronic medical record system to consolidate patient information. Additionally, the Law 42-01 on Health will be updated to include ethical regulatory frameworks for AI in healthcare.

The minister stressed the importance of transforming health sciences investment programs to incorporate AI training for health professionals. Both the Ministry of Public Health and the National Health Service are expected to undergo digital transformations. Educational programs in medical AI are also planned, alongside the procurement of new equipment and the promotion of public-private sector collaboration.

Addressing concerns about AI replacing doctors, Javier González, Associate President of Education and Director of the Pediatric Education Center in Cincinnati, assured that AI would not replace physicians but rather serve as a supportive tool, especially in medical education. He warned against over-reliance on AI, emphasizing the importance of maintaining human elements in medical training.

Julio Peguero, a cardiology and ultrasound specialist at the Memorial Healthcare System Broward County in Florida and a designer of AI systems for service management, explained that AI intersects with health science in diagnosis, medical analysis, and strategy development. Besides healthcare, AI has applications in robotics, scientific research, transportation, finance, and education.

The forum showcased the transformative potential of AI in healthcare, emphasizing its role as a complementary tool rather than a replacement for human medical professionals.

“Surprisingly fine,” said Conway-Anderson, a 36-year-old agroforestry professor at the University of Missouri. There was an 11-millimeter precancerous polyp that the doctors had discovered, but they’d snipped it out of her colon and recommended surveillance every three years. “Obviously, it’s big news to hear, but grateful this seems to be manageable. I’ll do it,” she said. “Then the bill came.”

She was being charged nearly $12,000 for the procedure after insurance. Conway-Anderson’s head spun. She couldn’t understand how it could cost so much, especially when she thought the colonoscopy was preventative for cancer and thus covered. “I was floored,” she said. “I was like I can’t pay this. I don’t know what you want me to do.”

Continue to STAT+ to read the full story…

“A large percentage of deaths recorded in Grenada is as a result of complications related to heart disease and heart failure”

View the full post Managing your cholesterol can save your life on NOW Grenada.

Posted: Tuesday, November 28, 2023. 2:37 pm CST.

By Zoila Palma Gonzalez: World Aids Day is recognized on December 1.

The day is set aside to bring together people from around the world to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and demonstrate international solidarity.

The day will be observed under the theme, “Let communities lead”.

World Aids Day is an opportunity to reflect on the progress made to date, to raise awareness about the challenges that remain to achieve the goals of ending AIDS by 2030 and to mobilize all stakeholders to jointly redouble efforts to ensure the success of the HIV response.

Data from the Ministry of Health and Wellness shows that in Belize, an estimated 3,682 people were living with HIV at the end of 2022.

Last year, 43 cases of HIV were reported among pregnant women and 17 of those were newly detected cases.

In addition, 35 babies were born to HIV positive women and 1 baby was infected with HIV.

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There will be no fogging on Independence Day, Thursday, November 30.

However, several districts in St Philip and St Michael will be targeted when the Vector Control Unit of the Ministry of Health and Wellness carries out its fogging exercise, this week.

On Monday, November 27, the team will be in St Philip in the following areas: Eastbourne #1, Mill Road, Well House, Casuarina Estate and the environs.

The next day, Tuesday, November 28, emphasis will be on the St Michael districts of Lower Burney, Cutting Road, Mount Friendship Road and the environs.

Fogging will occur again in St Michael on Wednesday, November 29. The areas to be sprayed are: Henry Durant Road, Friendship Terrace, Lowland Drive, Mahaica, Storey Gap and the environs.

The exercise will conclude for the week on Friday, December 1, in the St Michael areas of Butlers Avenue, Paradise Road, Chapel Gap, Pioneer Road, Lower Civilian Road, Bush Hall Yard Gap, Ellis Road, Stadium Road and the environs.

Fogging takes place from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m., daily. Householders are reminded to open their windows and doors to allow the spray to enter. Persons with respiratory problems are asked to protect themselves from inhaling the spray.

Pedestrians and motorists should proceed with caution when encountering fogging operations on the street and parents are instructed to prohibit children from playing in the fog or running behind the fogging machine.

Members of the public are advised that the completion of scheduled fogging activities may be affected by events beyond the Unit’s control. In such circumstances, the Unit will return to affected communities as soon as possible.

(PR)

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Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic has positioned itself as the leading destination in the Caribbean region for health tourism, but many do not know that the sector that leads this appetizing market niche is dentistry.

This was clearly evidenced during the 6th International Congress on Health and Wellness Tourism, where statistics on the sector were presented and an interesting panel entitled “The Dominican health offer for the world” was held.

This expert discussion was moderated by renowned ophthalmologist Dr. Arnaldo Espaillat and was attended by Dr. Virginia Laureano, president of the Dominican College of Dentists (CDO); Sergio Guzmán, president of the Dominican Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (SODOCIPRE); Héctor Sánchez Navarro, renowned robotic surgeon, and engineer Carlos Prato, investor and president of IMG Hospital.

Dr. Laureano revealed that 179,000 international dental patients will spend an average of over 5,000 dollars per case in the country during 2022, leaving a significant economic benefit.

According to Dr. Sergio Guzmán, president of SODOCIPRE, over 40 thousand international patients underwent plastic surgery procedures due to medical tourism in 2022 and a favorable growth is expected for 2023.

Dr. Sánchez Navarro and engineer Carlos Prato pointed out that for a health center to stand out at an international level, it requires planning, investment in technology, training and international accreditation, focus on protocols, quality, safety, differentiating factors and a good communication strategy.

The experts concluded that it is essential that in addition to these private efforts, the government and the Tourism Ministry should encourage and invest in promoting health and wellness tourism internationally.