Unlike Rhodiola side effects, Co Codamol side effects or Flu jab side effects, Vancomycin is a pharmacological drug that is classified under glycopeptides antibiotic, which is famously used in the prophylaxis as well as the treatments that are brought about by gram positive bacteria. This is either to be used through the form of an oral route or an intravenous route. In addition to that, it is known to work to kill the bacteria and prevents its further growth. It will not work well with infections brought about by viruses.

The following are some of the benefits or advantages that one can get out of taking Vancomycin:

• Treatment from heart valve diseases
• Preventing endocarditis
• Treating infection in the intestines that causes colitis

The most important thing to consider when taking Vancomycin is that you follow the prescription of the physician. Only stop taking the drug for one week to be able to completely destroy and prevent the bacterial growth. Never take too much of what is recommended.

Vancomycin Side Effects

Despite the advantages that Vancomycin offers, there are also side effects to consider and to know prior to taking in Vancomycin. The following are some of the Vancomycin side effects:

1. SORENESS OF THE THROAT
This is a common Vancomycin side effect. This happens because, despite the fact that the Vancomycin is designed to kill the harmful bacteria, it also has the tendency to kill both the positive and good bacteria, which are a big problem associated with its usage. This will then lead to the experience of soreness of the throat, which is a normal immune system response of the body when it is under attacked by foreign invaders.

2. TINNITUS
Tinnitus is a medical condition that deals with the ringing of the ears. Mild forms of tinnitus, part of the Vancomycin side effects, is another problem that imposes on persons taking in Vancomycin. The good thing about it is that it is a short lived side effect. Yet, it can lead to troublesome issues long term, which eventually leads to lifelong problems.

3. ITCHING THAT IS PERSISTENT
Another part of the Vancomycin side effects is itching that occurs persistently. This will usually manifest at long term use of the Vancomycin medication, and when it does start, it will lead to a long-lasting episode of itching.

4. BLURRING OF VISION
One of the Vancomycin side effects also includes blurring of vision which is transitory but the damage is permanent. Hence, there is a need to educate the person of this kind of side effect associated with the usage of Vancomycin.

5. CHILLS WHICH HAPPENS IN A PERIOD OF TIME
Chills are another thing to consider when you are taking in Vancomycin. Chills are included in the Vancomycin side effects, which exist not only because of the immune system response, but the fact that Vancomycin has a tendency to disrupt the chemical reaction of the body, which plays a vital role in the regulation of the body temperature.

6. UNUSUAL BLEEDING ISSUES
Another part of the Vancomycin side effects is having an unusual bleeding episode which affects the regulation of the blood flow. Vancomycin disrupts the clotting factor of a person, which may lead to unusualties in bleeding episodes.

7. ALLERGIC REACTION
This kind of Vancomycin side effect occurs rarely today. However, if such a reaction happens, you must report it immediately to your health care practitioner. The following associated symptoms under allergic reaction are: having difficulty breathing, rashes, swelling of throat or face or tongue, severe dizziness and itching episodes.

8. STOMACH PROBLEMS
This kind of Vancomycin side effect occurs especially when Vancomycin is taken via the oral route. Under this situation, the person taking Vancomycin might experience vomiting, nausea, indigestion, and stomachaches.

9. REDUCTION OF WHITE BLOOD CELLS
This is a rare Vancomycin side effect. However, when this happens, the person will be more at risk or prone to acquiring infections and much susceptible to the disease.

10. DAMAGE IN THE KIDNEY
Normally the Vancomycin, when taken orally or intravenously, is eliminated in the kidney. It can become toxic when high doses or prolonged therapy is given especially to the elderly with regards to the Vancomycin pharmacological treatment therapy. Hence, monitoring of the function of the kidney is of utmost importance when taking in this kind of medication.

What is Gluten Allergy?

A gluten allergy, also known as gluten intolerance or gluten sensitivity, is a disorder where a person experiences adverse effects due to gluten in the body. Despite the term gluten allergy, it is neither an allergic nor an autoimmune disorder. However, the ingestion of foods with gluten may lead to symptoms of wheat allergy or celiac disease.

Gluten allergies affects up to 6% of the population. Gluten sensitivity is sometimes mistaken as wheat allergy or celiac disease. Celiac disease is the complete intolerance to gluten and an ingestion of only a small amount can produce severe symptoms.

Gluten is a kind of protein that is derived from wheat, rye and barley. Gluten is responsible for the elasticity and shape of the dough. It is also partly responsible for baked goods rising properly. Gluten is found in almost every staple food in the Western world. Gluten has two components: giladin fraction and glutenin fraction.

Gluten Allergy rash pictures on arm, forearm

Image Source – baseluna.net

Gluten Allergy Symptoms and Signs

Gluten sensitivity is more apparent in children and the condition can usually resolve itself by the age of three. However, it can persist up to adulthood, but with lesser severity. There are general symptoms in all patients, but there are also specific symptoms differing from adults and children.

General symptoms

• Bloating – The changes in the integrity of the intestines cause enteric reactions to the ingestion of gluten. Patients usually experience abdominal bloating.
• Abdominal discomfort – Abdominal discomfort may also be felt, such as the presence of distention, because of irritation of the intestinal mucosa.
• Diarrhea – Diarrhea is the body’s way to eliminate gluten that is causing bad reactions in the body. Patients usually experience diarrhea following the initial reaction of bloating.
• Pain – Pain may be felt, especially when patients consumed large amounts of gluten. The contraction of the abdomen as a result of diarrhea may produce abdominal pain.
• Headache – There will also be presence of headache as a result of the circulation of gluten in the bloodstream that may reach the brain. Sensitive individuals do not tolerate circulating gluten in the body well.
• Muscular disturbance and joint pains – Muscle and joint pain may also be experienced following gluten ingestion. The gluten may travel to these areas and cause reactions in them.
• Tiredness – A general symptom of gluten allergy is tiredness because of limited nutrient absorption in the intestines.
• Lethargy – Allergic reactions to gluten may also cause lethargy or drowsiness because of intolerance to the substance.

Symptoms in adults

• Schizophrenia – Severe gluten allergy may show up as schizophrenia because of intolerance of the brain tissues to gluten.
• Migraine – Migraine headache may also be experienced by adults because of the gluten circulation to the brain.

Symptoms in children

• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
• Children often times manifest hyperactivity because of increased serum glucose and gluten, which acts as a central nervous system stimulant.

How to Test for Gluten Allergy

Testing for gluten allergy is done by ruling out the presence of celiac disease and wheat allergy. A complete medical history is also taken to determine the symptoms associated with the intolerance to gluten. Specific diagnostic tests include:

• Antibody testing – The absence of anti IgE antibody may confirm the absence of wheat allergy and the possible occurrence of gluten sensitivity. The presence of anti-giladin antibodies may also indicate gluten sensitivity.
• Serological tests – Blood tests are done to check IgA deficiency and tTG/EMA/dAGA. Absence of the serological markers rule out celiac disease. Absence of HLA DQ 2 or DQ8 also excludes celiac disease.
• Intestinal biopsy – Intestinal biopsy is also done. The absence of Marsh III classification or villous atrophy, may indicate glutens sensitivity. However, there may be mild changes in the intestines.

The diagnosis of gluten sensitivity is ascertained when a gluten-free diet relieves the symptoms.

Treatment of Gluten allergy

The treatment for gluten allergy is focused on diet modification to prevent the intolerance to gluten. Aside from diet modification, other adjunct managements may be tried out to prevent vitamin deficiencies that arise because of diet restriction. These include:

• Vitamin supplements – Vitamin supplements are required, especially for vitamin B deficiency. Patients who do not consume gluten containing foods may eventually suffer from vitamin B deficiencies, leading to neuropathies. Gluten sensitivity also leads to malabsoprtion of vitamins in the gut.
• Iron supplements – Most of the foods rich in gluten are also rich in iron; thereby diet restrictions may also lead to iron deficiency, which may contribute to anemia. It is important to take iron supplements with Vitamin C rich foods to maximize its absorption.
• Calcium supplements – When the gut becomes sensitive to gluten, it does not allow for maximum absorption of calcium in the intestines, thereby, calcium supplements must be given.

Diet Needed in Gluten Allergy

The primary treatment in gluten sensitivity is diet restriction. Gluten must be temporarily eradicated in the diet to prevent gluten sensitivity reactions. After 2 to 3 weeks of gluten-free diet, the patient usually has witnessed a reduction in symptoms Gluten rich foods such wheat and barley should be avoided. Most breads and pastries should also be avoided because they contain gluten. Other foods containing gluten include:

• Rye
• Oats
• Beer
• Rice
• Millet
• Corn
• Buckwheat
• Bread
• Cereal
• Pasta
• Crackers
• Chips
• Gravy
• Condiments
• Sauces and spices

One should read the labels of all foods. Presence of malt extract, baking powder, artificial flavoring or modified starch all contain gluten in those products.

However, because of considerable restriction in the diet, patients with gluten sensitivity often lack the necessary vitamin B and fiber. Patients also get too much of the simple starches and lack complex starches, which are more essential in providing dietary fiber. Because of this, gluten-free oats have become available for people with gluten sensitivity in order for them to consume oats without the effects of gluten in the body. Gluten-free oats may be started one year after the diagnosis to prevent oat-sensitive enteropathy. To support gluten-free diets, certain gluten-free testing is also done on oats, barley and rye.

Gluten allergies may eventually be outgrown by the child, especially when oats are already included in the diet. A gluten allergy is different from celiac disease, which is the permanent intolerance to gluten that produces severe effects on the child or adult.

L-theanine is a type of amino acid that is found in green tea and the mushroom Boletus badius. It is also known as Suntheanine or simply theanine.  As an amino acid, it serves as a building block for proteins. Theanine is similar to glutamate in structure. Glutamate is used for the transmission of nerve impulses in the central nervous system.  It is considered an all around dietary supplement that helps people with various emotional and psychological imbalances like anxiety and depression.  It is considered a naturally occurring amino acid and does not appear to produce any side effects.

Uses of L-theanine

L-theanine has many uses including:

• Treatment of anxiety
• Treatment of stress
• Prevention of Alzheimer’s disease
• Treatment of hypertension
• Serves as a potentiating drug for anti-cancer medications
• Enhancement of the immune system
• Enhancement of the taste of food

Side effects of L-theanine

There are currently no known side effects of L-theanine use, but this does not mean that L-theanine literally will not produce any side effects in the body. The lack of L-theanine side effects may only be due to the lack of research and studies. Possible side effects maybe discovered that could comprise the potentiating effects of L-theanine when used with other drugs. On the other hand, possible side effects might be mild and not cause any potentially serious complications, making it safe for use. The possible L-theanine side effects of include:

1. Headache

Headaches have been reported by people taking L-theanine, but there are no studies indicating that L-theanine is the cause for the headaches. Headaches associated with L-theanine tend to be mild, and may be associated with headaches experienced with excess glutamate.

2. Dizziness

Although L-theanine is associated with the improvement of nerve impulses in the brain, there may be a correlation between dizziness and L-theanine. There has been no clear link between dizziness to L-theanine.

3. Gastrointestinal symptoms

Some people have reported gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating and abdominal pain following L-theanine use. This is relieved by avoiding the intake of too much L-theanine or green tea. As we all know, too much of a good thing is not good.

4. Hypotension

Because of the potentiating effect of L-theanine on drugs, it may lead to hypotension (abnormally low blood pressure) when used in conjunction with antihypertensive drugs (drugs used to treat high blood pressure) since it will enhance vasodilatation. This may be managed by avoiding the intake of L-theanine with antihypertensive drugs.

5. Drowsiness

Although the use of L-theanine has not been associated with drowsiness, despite its relaxing effect, it should not be taken with alcohol or other sedatives because the potentiating effect may enhance the drowsiness caused by these drugs.

L-theanine has not been strongly linked to any side effects and is considered safe.  The benefits of L-theanine appear to far outweigh any possible side effects that might someday be discovered.

What is Peanut Allergy?

A peanut allergy is different from other nut allergies as it is actually a legume, not a nut. Those with a tree nut allergy may or may not also have a peanut allergy and vise-versa. A peanut allergy is a type 1 hypersensitivity reaction to peanuts. Once peanuts are ingested, if one has an allergy, the body detects it as a foreign object and initiates an allergic reaction. Peanut allergy can manifest as a mild allergic reaction with minimal symptoms and irritations, or as an anaphylactic condition that requires immediate medical response.
People with this type of allergy avoid ingesting foods that cause a reaction, whether it be actual peanuts or food that has touched peanuts.

Pathophysiology of Peanut Allergy

Like all allergic reactions, when contaminated food is ingested and absorbed by the body, the body responds by secreting Immunoglobulin E and anaphylatoxins. Once this happens, the mast cells release histamine and other inflammatory chemicals. Histamine is responsible for the dilation of arterioles leading to erythema, rashes and itching. It also causes bronchoconstriction or bronchospasm, which causes difficulty in breathing. Other mechanisms allows the body to eliminate the toxin from the body to reduce allergy symptoms.

Symptoms and Signs of Peanut Allergy

The symptoms for peanut allergy include:

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Hives or urticaria (elevated and bordered skin eruptions)
• Angioedema, which results in swelling of the face, lips, skin and throat
• Atopic eczema
• Abdominal pain
• Itching

More severe symptoms that may indicate anaphylaxis include:

• Tingling sensation on the lips and throat
• Difficulty of breathing
• Shortness of Breath
• Wheezing
• Stridor
• Asthma
• Pallor
• Light-headedness

When anaphylaxis is not treated, it can lead to shock and possible death of the patient. This happens because of severe obstruction to the airways, and severe dilatation of the blood vessels, leading to circulatory collapse. Anaphylactic shock may happen immediately following or up to a few hours after the ingestion of peanuts. Patients with asthma are more likely to develop severe allergic reactions because of respiratory compromise.

Picture – Peanut allergy

Image Source: howtocureanallergy.com

Causes of Peanut Allergies

The exact cause of peanut allergy is unknown, but several factors have been considered in the development of the condition. These include:

• Exposure to soy milk and products during infancy
• Maternal exposure to peanuts
• Short breastfeeding time
• Exposure to peanut oils in certain products

These hypothesized causes have had inconclusive studies conducted on them and as of now, just theories. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics allows the consumption of peanuts during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and as soon as the child can eat solid foods. The most definitive cause of peanut allergies is related to the hygiene hypothesis. This hypothesis states that a lack of exposure to certain substances and foods during childhood may cause an allergy because the body is not desensitized to the food early. One study also supported the hygiene hypothesis as observed in children in the United Kingdom and Israel. Children in Israel are given peanuts at an earlier age as compared to children in the UK. The study showed a 10 fold increase in the occurrence of the allergy to peanuts among children in the United Kingdom as compared to that in Israel.

Diagnostic Tests for Peanut Allergy

Diagnostic tests are needed to determine if a person has a peanut allergy or has a different condition related to peanuts or other legumes such as food intolerance or food poisoning. Aside from describing the symptoms and physical examination, further tests include:

Food diary

A food diary is required to record the intake of food over a period of time and the associated symptoms that come with it. A food diary is a useful tool for both the patient and the physician in identifying certain foods that may have caused the allergic reaction.

Elimination Diet

When the doctor has an idea on what possible foods may have caused the allergy, an elimination diet is requested whereby the patient will need to eliminate certain foods in their diet. After one to two weeks, those foods are introduced one at a time. When an allergic reaction happens, then it is associated with the type of food last ingested.

Blood Tests

Immunoglobulin E is traced in the blood to detect the presence of allergy. When these are not present, it could be a sign of intolerance to peanuts or other foods.

Skin Tests

This involves the injection of certain food substances under the skin in a localized area. After 30 minutes, the skin patch is checked for signs of an allergic reaction such as itching, redness and increase in the size of the wheal.

Treatment for Peanut Allergy

Most people with peanut allergies end up avoiding it as the only way of managing the allergic reaction. However, there are certain managements to employ in order to eradicate the allergy. These include:

Oral desensitization

This involves the introduction or ingestion of small portions of peanut in order for the body to identify it and be able to adapt to the presence of the food in the body. Oral desensitization involves the exposure of escalating doses of peanut until the body no longer reacts to high amounts of peanut. This management is the only therapy to eradicate allergy to certain foods. Injected peanut desensitization was used in 1996, but has resulted in the death of a patient after experiencing laryngospasm. The use of the injection method of desensitization was eliminated during that time.

The symptoms of peanut allergy, once it has occurred, should be managed to prevent the occurrence of life-threatening reactions. The drugs used for managing peanut allergy symptoms include:

Antihistamines

Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine and cetirizine help in reducing allergic symptoms due to binding at histamine receptor sites, thereby preventing histamine from producing allergic symptoms.

Epinephrine

Epinephrine is an emergency drug used to manage anaphylactic reactions. It is given by injection. Patients are taught to self-inject epinephrine in case of a reaction.

Patients are also advised to wear medical bracelets indicating allergy to peanuts. Medical ID bracelets allow rescuers and other people to identify the condition of the patient in case an anaphylactic reaction occurs and the patient cannot confirm the allergy.

Statistics and Facts

Peanut allergy is one of the most common forms of food allergies, with a prevalence of 1% in children and adults. Although the prevalence is minimal, it causes 10 deaths per year in the United States.

Peanut allergy is different from peanut intolerance. Intolerance does not involve the immune system and does not result in life-threatening anaphylaxis. People with peanut intolerance may eat small amounts of peanut without experiencing symptoms.

What is Legionnella?

Legionnella is common in the natural environment, specifically in natural watercourses, like ponds and rivers.  It is a pathogenic gram negative kind of bacterium. This kind of bacterium, includes the causative factor of Legionellosis or Legionnaires disease.

Picture 1 – Legionnella bacteria morphology

What is Legionnaires Disease?

It is a severe kind of lung infection and is fatal if not treated. It is found in natural bodies of water like lakes, rivers, creeks, hot springs, potting mix, warm water systems, spas, and also artificial systems used for heating, cooling or industrial process, like cooling towers.

Picture 2 – Legionnaires disease pathophysiology

History

The name originated during the first outbreak of pneumonia among the American Legion convention held in Philadelphia last July 1976. January of the following year, the outbreak agent that caused the disease was identified and was then known as Legionnella.

Symptoms

Persons having Legionnaires disease mimics the same symptoms as persons who have pneumonia, making it hard to diagnose. A person with this kind of disease condition may manifest the following symptoms:

• Chills
• High fever
• Non- productive or productive cough (first sign) with yellowish green sputum or with blood
• Muscle aches
• Headaches
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach discomfort
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Confusion
• Lack of coordination or ataxia
• Disorientation
• Hallucination
• Loss of memory

Causes

As mentioned, the causative factor is a bacterium called Legionnella pneumophila, found in the environment, more commonly in water systems.

Diagnosis & Risk Assessment

For patients suffering the above symptoms, a physician will usually perform the following to confirm whether or not it is Legionnaires Disease:

• Thorough assessment
• Physical examination
• Medical history
• Blood test
• Chest x-ray
• Arterial blood gasses
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
• Liver function tests
• Sputum or bronchoscopic culture
• CT scan of the brain
• Spinal tap or Lumbar Puncture
• Culture test
• Direct fluorescent antibody
• Antibody testing
• Urinary test

People at risk for acquiring this disease are those with:

• Diabetes
• Cancer, most especially persons with leukemia or lung cancer
• Alcoholism
• Chronic kidney disease
• Heart disease
• Chronic lung disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma
• HIV or human immunodeficiency virus or AIDs or commonly known as acquired immune deficiency syndrome.
• Those who  are taking immunosuppresant medications as they pose a high threat to the person’s health, specifically his or her immune system.

Treatment

Persons diagnose with Legionnaires disease are likely to be treated with the following:

• Medication, specifically antibiotics – Antibiotics are the number one form of treatment used for this disease. Normally, a physician will prescribe either macrolides or quinolones.
• Fluid and electrolytes replacement – This treatment is done when the patient manifests diarrhea.
• Oxygen Therapy – This treatment is needed when patient have difficulty breathing.
• IV fluids – This treatment is also needed when the patient has been experiencing diarrhea.
• Intensive support systems – This is needed most especially when the patient needs mechanical ventilation.

Complications

When not treated promptly, this kind of disease may lead to more complications such as:

• Kidney failure -At first, the kidneys will perform normally, but over time, as the body can no longer carry out normal activities because everything is affected, the kidneys will shut down. When the person’s kidneys fail, the toxic waste and fluid and electrolytes will accumulate and may lead to death.
• Respiratory failure – What happens in respiratory failure is that the person’ s lungs are no longer able to deliver enough oxygen to the body and also the lungs can no longer remove carbon dioxide, which is not needed by the body, but out of the person’s body.
• Septic shock -Occurs when the person experiences a sudden, severe drop in the blood pressure, leading to blood flow reduction of vital organs, such as brain and kidneys. The body makes the heart compensate for the loss of pressure by allowing it to increase in the volume of blood that it pumps. However, the heart cannot do this for very long without growing tired leading to a reduction of blood flow.

Prevention

With regards to the prevention of having this kind of disease condition, you should remember these important things:

• Hygiene – You must make sure that all the water you use and consume, is clean.
• Temperature – The ideal temperature should not be below 20 degrees Celsius or 68 degrees Fahrenheit and or higher than 60 degrees Celsius or 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Good engineering practice – It is also advisable that you practice good engineering in maintaining and operating water and air handling system. You should practice hygienic practices such as cleaning evaporative condensers, cooling towers and the like.
• Travel advisory – If you have any plans to travel abroad or have travelled in an area that has a potential high-risk for getting having Legionnaires disease, you must be well informed about the disease and all of its symptoms and find medical help immediately for further evaluation if you acquire any of the symptoms .
• Avoid smoking – When one smokes, it makes one more vulnerable for acquiring this kind of disease.

A scientific breakthrough in genetic research has led to the discovery of specific genes that are linked to weight gain. The various studies can now help frustrated dieters understand why some people remain thin whilst other gain weight despite following the same eating plan and they can further understand why some people who lose weight pile it back on so quickly.

This new knowledge can now be used to tackle the issue of weight loss on a genetic level. Scientists have found that our genetic makeup accounts for up to 70% of our weight variability. Another example of how our genes impact our weight can be seen with individuals who have impaired function of the melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) gene, a gene that helps to control appetite. These individuals will be more likely to overindulge and develop obesity. Another gene linked to obesity had been called the FTO gene or “fat mass and obesity associated gene”- having this gene makes you 23% more likely to become overweight. Due to these differences amongst individuals, each person requires a unique and tailored diet depending on their genes.

Scientists and nutritionists have termed this field of research “Nutrigenomics”. Nutrigenomics is an emerging field that looks to understand how foods interact with genes. It is a discipline of science that studies the effect of genetic variation on the interaction between diet and DNA. Dieticians and nutritionists have also called this area of research “personalized nutrition” or “individualized nutrition”. Different people respond to different foods in different ways – the differences in response from person to person are due to variations in genetic sequences known as single nucleotide polymorphisms.

Nutrigenomics focuses on the effects that nutrients or dietary components have on the genome (genes), the proteome (proteins), and metabolome (metabolites). This study examines how people with different genes react to different diets. The four diets that are commonly recommended for weight loss are very low carbohydrate, low carbohydrate, high protein and low or very low fat.

Geneticists have closely studied DNA and brought about a revolution in the field of health and medicine.  We now know that our entire genetic information is stored in individual DNA molecules that consist of a series of nucleotides linked by the action of linear ribose’s and phosphates, forming the double helical structure of DNA discovered by Watson and Crick in 1953.

According to the theory of nutrigenomics, a simple DNA test for dieting can predict whether someone is more likely to lose weight with a low-fat diet, a high protein diet, or a low-carbohydrate diet. The test can also assess each individual’s ability to metabolize and break down certain molecules contained in foods; molecules that are not properly broken down may inhibit proper metabolic function, resulting in weight gain. It might seem odd to conduct a DNA test in order to begin a diet but the fact that it has scientific backing proves it works.

The DNA test currently available direct-to-consumer analyzes the genes that are associated with weight regulation and affect the response to weight gaining factors such as insulin and fat absorption. The samples required from the person who is to be tested are samples of exfoliated epithelial cells (cheek cells) collected from the epithelial membrane of the mouth. The cells are collected via a simple and painless ten second procedure which involves rubbing buccal swabs against the inner lining of the mouth.

Based on the results of this DNA test, individuals can be categorized into three genotypes:

1. Genotype that responds to a low carbohydrate diet.
2. Genotype that responds to a low fat diet.
3. Genotype that responds to a balanced diet.

By identifying which diet is best suited to the person on a genetic level, dieters can be confident that the changes they make will offer them the best possible results and the weight they lose will be more likely to stay off long term.

Bio

Karl M McDonald is a free lance writer specializing in the field of genetics and DNA testing. Articles by the author can be found on many blogs and info sites, including the article knowledge base for homeDNAdirect UK. Karl M McDonald currently lives in West Sussex, UK with his wife, kids and 2 dogs.

Obesity refers to having abnormal or excessive fat than the average person of the same height and ethnic group. It is currently a global health concern with numbers rapidly escalating across both the developed world and ironically, also in third world countries. In the USA, 35% of all adults are currently obese. It is moreover, more common amongst women. What is more prevalent amongst males is being overweight. This said, the terms obesity or being overweight can converge very closely and be almost indistinguishable. The following are how medical experts manage to pigeonhole the two:

• An adult who has a BMI between 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight
• An adult who has a BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese.

Why is obesity a problem?

The impact on the public health care system is huge. People suffering from obesity have many more health problems and complications that their leaner counterparts. Obese people are more likely to suffer from arrange of illnesses including cancers, coronary diseases, diabetes type 2, strokes and hypertension. They are far more likely to die before reaching their life expectancy. Besides health problems, obesity also has social and economic impacts, adversely affecting the obese person. They may have lower chances of being employed, be discriminated against and suffer from mental health issues.

The Genetic Link

People often stereotype overweight or obese people as being greedy, often using derogative terms to refer to their eating habits and size. Luckily for some, scientists have recently turned their gaze towards genetics to determine whether some people carry a genetic predisposition to obesity. They have in fact, identified a number of important genes and studies have drawn significant conclusions. For some people, it is not simply about overeating and leading a sedentary life. However, the global obesity pandemic is not so much gene related as caused by changes in diet, society and economic development.

Some random genetic mutations on just one gene, known as monogenic mutations, have been linked to some cases of obesity. These monogenetic mutations results if forms of obesity that are rather rare. Some diseases such as Prader–Willi invariably cause obesity in the people who suffer from it.

The genes affected are linked to appetite control and satiety. When it comes to common obesity, studies have centered on analyzing specific points at which gene variations at a particular point may result in changes in the way the gene functions. These gene variations are known as single nucleotide polymorphism. Some DNA testing companies, such as easyDNA, specialize in providing genetic health tests which can assess the risk a person has of becoming obese.

Fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene on chromosome 16

A variation on this gene, which was discovered back in 2007, has provided the link between genetics and obesity. The FTO gene is expressed in a part of the brain that control appetite – the hypothalamus. This becomes clear when one observes the typical tendency to binge and over-eat in obese people.

People with the FTO gene have a 30% higher chance of developing obesity. People who have a genetic predisposition to obesity are not to be victims of their genes. Carrying the obesity gene does not in fact mean that the person will become overweight or obese at any point in their life. Having a high genetic predisposition simply means that certain factors, such as leading an unhealthy lifestyle, could cause the person to become obese. The discovery of the FTO gene has spurred pharmaceutical companies to undertake new research to synthesis or discover new drugs that could help control weight or appetite efficiently in people with a predisposition to obesity or people who are already suffering from the condition.

Whether someone with a high predisposition to obesity actually develops the disease is contingent with the type of food they eat, their lifestyle, their activity, their job and a host of other factors. In fact, whether or not one becomes obese, even if they have the FTO gene etched in the DNA, depends more on lifestyle than on anything else. The genetic contribution is essentially rather small. People who eat healthily and sensibly and take exercise, do not become obese no matter whether genetically predisposed or not.

Resource

Karl M McDonald is a specialist writer, namely writing about genetics and DNA testing. The author does however, delve into a diversity of other topics including pregnancy, parenting and schooling. If you are interested to find out about what your body is genetically predisposed for click here