From eNewsletter 4/24/2019
DID YOU KNOW that experimental contact lenses that not only improve vision, but also ward off itchiness due to allergies, got a boost with the completion of two late-stage studies?
According to a new report in Cornea, the antihistamine-containing lenses, developed and tested by Johnson & Johnson, significantly quieted eye allergy symptoms, most predominately itchy eyes. In order to be seen on drug store shelves, the lenses must be approved by the FDA.
In the interim, there are prescription allergy eye drops if you've already tried preventing allergic symptoms by removing cross-reacting foods. Similasan Allergy Eye Relief is a wonderful natural eye drop option as well.
WEIGHT: APPETITE OR METABOLISM ISSUE?
Bonnie & Steve: Know someone who never eats enormous amounts of food, never obsesses over the next meal, and has always been thin? Researchers may have found the reason why they are this way, and some of it is genetic.
According to the study from journal Cell in which researchers looked at a half million subjects over several decades, there are biological reasons that some struggle mightily with their weight and others do not, and the biological impacts often are related to appetite.
The study drew upon research into the gene, MC4R. Many who have done our Pure Genomics panel may recognize this gene.
People with MC4R mutations tend to be obese and may account for up to 6 percent of children with severe obesity. MC4R mutations destroy satiety, the feeling of fullness after a meal.
Normally, when people eat a meal, the gene is switched on and sends a signal telling people they are full. Then the gene turns itself off. But some people carry a mutation in MC4R that prevents the gene from working. As a result, their bodies never get the signal that they have eaten enough. They always feel hungry and often are overweight.
In some thin people, the MC4R gene is always turned on, instead of always off. These people continually feel satiated. About six percent of the population carries such protective mutations.
Even if you are not part of the lucky six percent that have the switch always turned on, it doesn't mean that you can't influence your weight, but it does make it tougher.
We have numerous suggestions for those who have an MC4R mutation to increase satiety and reduce cravings, but we can't help if you don't do the Pure Genomics report!
MIGRAINE HEADACHE UPDATE
Steve: Despite the progress in the management and treatment of migraine, the chronic neurologic disorder remains a difficult condition to effectively and completely alleviate. That's where we come in...this article is reserved for NCI Well Connect Members. You can get this article by signing up here. You can get our free eNewsletter by signing up at the top of our website.
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