Personal Health

UGA PREMED A MAGAZINE FOR STUDENTS INTERESTED IN SCIENCE AND HEALTH GRADY COLLEGE OF JOURNALISM

TO SPIT OR NOT TO SPIT?

FOOD IS MEDICICINE

FITNESS TRACKERS: THE FINAL VERDICT

TREATING THE WHOLE PERSON COME SEE US AT THE HEALTH PROFESSIONS FAIR! MARCH 6, 2018

625 Old Peachtree Road NW Suwanee, GA 30024 678.225.7500 PCOM.EDU

96.4%

OR 738 out of 765 2014-2015 Ross graduates eligible for a 2015 residency attained a residency by 2016.1

Lilian Sarfati, MD ‘12 É Dermatology, AdvantageCare Physicians

YOUR ROAD TO RESIDENCY. LEARN MORE AT: ROSSU.EDU 1

According to the National Residency Matching Program and institutionally reprted data.

©2017 Ross University School of Medicine. All rights reserved.

LEARA SCHOLAR

ENTER TO WIN

Premed Magazine is proud to offer you, our readers, a scholarship in each issue.

You may submit an original piece of writing or artwork that represents your personal connection to our magazine. In each issue, the theme for the upcoming competition will be announced.

This issue’s topic: Research what the most important issue is in healthcare today and its potential solution 4

PERSONAL HEALTH

ER FOR A CHANCE WIN $500

RSHIP

To enter, please submit an email to ugamedmag@gmail.com by March 16th, 2018 with the following informaiton: -Your name -Your email address -Your phone number -Your local address -Your expected graduation date -Your major -Your current GPA Please attach your submission as .docx, .pdf, or .jpg.

TRemember, this scholarship is open to ALL MAJORS, not just pre-health students. The recipient of the scholarship will be announced in our next issue and will be rewarded with $500 to be used on furthering his or her education.

www.premedmag.org

5

STAFF FACULTY ADVISOR Dr. Leara Rhodes EDITORIAL BOARD Emma Burke Anson Dao Grant Mercer Sherry Luo COPY EDITORS Annika Jonker Christina Najjar Muhammad Siddiq Emma Burke

EMMA BURKE

EDITOR IN CHIEF

GRANT MERCER

COMMUNICATIONS EDITOR

WRITERS Emma Burke Sherry Luo Katie Luquire Eric Santana Austin Wahle Bemsi Wallang DESIGNERS Sherry Luo

ANSON DAO

TREASURER

SHERRY LUO

DESIGN EDITOR

INTERESTED IN JOINING OUR STAFF? APPLY ONLINE AT WWW.PREMEDMAG.ORG/APPLY/ WE ARE CURRENTLY LOOKING FOR TALENTED DESIGNERS, PHOTOGRAPHERS, AND WRITERS

6

PERSONAL HEALTH

A MESSAGE

FROM OUR EDITOR

By this point in the year, most of us will have long-forgotten our New Year’s resolutions. Whether it be to drink more water or lose a few stubborn pounds, many of us aim to improve our lives through adopting healthier habits. Less than one in ten of us will have stuck to our goals by the time 2018 comes to an end. However, we don’t have to wait for January 1st to make meaningful changes in our lives. Our health is our future and it is up to us to take responsibility for our well-being.

This issue is dedicated to exploring some of the ways we can improve our lives by learning more about our own health and the healthcare industry. While many of us rave about our fitness trackers, Sherry Luo explains how research has shown that they are not as helpful as we believe them to be. Eric Santana dives into the

world of concierge medicine and explains its triumphs and pitfalls. Also, be certain to check out Katie Luquire’s piece on the importance of gut health on our overall well-being.

Hopefully reading this magazine will reinvigorate your health-related goals for 2018. We hope that we can play a small role in helping you feel more empowered and informed about taking charge of your healthcare. Thank you for supporting your fellow students by giving us some of your time and attention. From all of us at PreMed Magazine, best of luck with your goals and we hope you enjoy our magazine!

www.premedmag.org

7

FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA WWW. PREMEDMAG.ORG

@UGAPREMEDMAG @UGAPREMEDMAG

@ PREMEDMAG @UGAPREMEDMAG

YOUR NEXT STEP TO A CAREER THAT MATTERS. Doctoral Applied Health Sciences Physical Therapy Master«s Clinical Laboratory Sciences Medical Illustration Occupational Therapy Public Health Physician Assistant

Bachelor«s Clinical Laboratory Sciences Health Information Administration Dental Hygiene Nuclear Medicine Technology Radiation Therapy Respiratory Therapy Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Augusta University Dietetic Internship

Learn more about our programs at augusta.edu/alliedhealth or cahs@augusta.edu

8

PERSONAL HEALTH

C O N T E N O T F S T A B L E

LEARA SCHOLARSHIP

4

FOOD IS MEDICINE

10

STUDENT ORGANIZATION SPOTLIGHT: INSPIRE UGA

11

TO SPIT OR NOT TO SPIT?

12

FITNESS TRACKERS: THE FINAL VERDICT

14

THE EFFECTS OF STRESS ON THE BODY

16

DOCTORS TO-GO?

18

THE OFTEN OVERLOOKED GASTROINTESTINAL POWERHOUSE

20

STAYING HYDRATED TO STAY HEALTHY

22

Science Compassion Vigilance

Dr. Pallavi Patel College of Health Care Sciences - Anesthesiologist Assistant Programs

http://healthsciences.nova.edu/healthsciences/anesthesia/

www.premedmag.org

9

Food is Medicine

BY BEMSI WALLANG

Naturally, the food we eat is packed with beneficiary chemicals and nutrients that make us stronger, healthier, and elongate our lifetime. Issues arise when we fail to consume foods with these qualities. Poor nutrition can lead to decreased alertness, bad moods, and higher susceptibility to chronic disease.

However, food can be medicine if we eat it properly and have the discernment to eat as clean as possible. Here are some examples of the wonderful healing, medicinal, and energy-yielding properties in our food:

Plants produce phytochemicals in order to protect them from bacterial and fungal damage. When absorbed by the body, they become biologically active which transposes their benefits from the plant to the body. Phytochemicals stabilize free radicals in the body, preventing their damaging and degenerative effects toward cells and tissues. Phytochemicals can also aid in cancer prevention, in which their antioxidant properties limit oxidative stress. Phytochemicals provide the pigment for many fruits, grains, vegetables, and beans.

Some examples of phytochemicals include curcumin in turmeric (cancer-prevention), alicin in garlic (antibacterial), and flavonoids in fruits and vegetables (antioxidants).

Probiotics are the “good bacteria” found in the immune system. Probiotics help fend off diseases, boost digestion, and provide overall strength to the immune system. Fermented foods like kefir, kimchi, and pickled

10

PERSONAL HEALTH

vegetables are rich in probiotics. Other consumable sources of these beneficial microorganisms include kombucha drinks and bone broths. Interestingly, prebiotics act as ‘food’ for probiotics. Prebiotic fiber can be found in raw onions, raw bananas, and raw asparagus. Humans need at least 5g of prebiotic fibers daily on top of as many probiotics as possible for smoother digestion and improved immune health.

Fish oil contains essential Omega-3 fatty acids, polyunsaturated fats that the body requires but can only receive from diet. Fish oil has been known to have anticancer properties and the Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil support heart health. Fish oil can be found in cold-water, oily fish as well as in supplement form.

Vitamin B-12 is an incredible vitamin that plays a role in red blood cell formation, DNA production, and cell metabolism. Unfortunately, B-12 is only found in animal products which often leaves vegans and vegetarians deficient of the vitamin. Deficiency of this vitamin can lead to anemia, nerve damage, and muscle weakness. Some of the best sources include wild-cut salmon, turkey, and beef liver. B-12 is also available in supplement form.

We should never forget that our bodies were intricately crafted. They have the power to heal from the inside out. Being intentional about what we place into our bodies directly determines the maximum and minimum of what we can get from them.

C t t t h g i i e fi o t

t t T o w a o

STUDENT ORGANIZATION SPOTLIGHT

s e

INSPIRE UGA

BY EMMA BURKE

Obscured by the lush magnolia trees and towering ivory columns on North Campus is an alarming fact - Athens sits in one of the five poorest counties in the entire United States. Inspire UGA is an organization that is looking to change that statistic, one eighth grader at a time. We believe that education is a powerful tool that can be used to break the cycle of poverty. This spring, Inspire UGA will host it’s sixth annual Day as a Dawg, Hosted on G-Day. Clarke County eighth grade students are invited to attend the scrimmage and learn more about the importance of higher education. Thanks to fundraising and donations, this day is completely free for the kids. Games and informational sessions are used to explain to the students their options for secondary education as well as how to find financial aid and apply to college or technical school. However, the highlight of the day is when the kids are brought onto the field in Sanford Stadium with their mentors to high-five the football players before the game begins.

At Inspire UGA, we hope to serve as a support system for these students as they transition from middle school into high school. We hope that our day with them is not only entertaining, but the catalyst for their scholastic achievement.

To connect on an individual level with the kids, a team of over eighty University of Georgia students is recruited to serve as mentors during Day as a Dawg. If you want to leave a lasting mark on the Athens community, follow us on Facebook at Inspire UGA (@inspireathens) and keep a lookout for mentor applications and other ways to get involved!

www.premedmag.org

11

TO SPIT OR NOT TO SPIT?

BY EMMA BURKE 12

PERSONAL HEALTH

If you have watched television in the past six months, you have likely seen the onslaught of commercials for services that tout their ability to connect you to your unknown ancestors or unlock your risk for various diseases. Two of these well-known services, 23andMe® and Ancestry DNA®, require the user to spit into a tube, depositing cells from your mouth into a preservative that protects your sample until it can be processed.

While the latter company will only reveal your ancestry, both groups rely on Illumina® microarray chips to quickly and cheaply process your DNA. Results are available to the consumer about six to eight weeks after they mail off their saliva (“How it Works”, “DNA”).

What is missing from this picture is not a what, but a who. Direct-to-consumer genetic testing has eliminated clinicians and genetic counselors from what can be a lifechanging experience. While your physician might not be too interested in learning who your fourth cousin is, the average person can easily misinterpret his or her genetic risk for a disease. In response to the growing market of these at-home genetic tests, the Food and Drug Administration has limited their ability to conduct diagnostic tests by only allowing for the consumer’s risk of developing the disease to be assessed (Food and Drug Administration).

Despite these protective measures, users who do not possess the proper medical or genetic background can misinterpret their results. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has “a cautionary attitude” about these genetic tests and claims that they pose “little or no health benefits” to the consumer (Khoury, 2017). Additionally, the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics has called for certified genetic professionals to be involved in determining if people need these tests as well as helping those who purchase them to interpret the often complex, and confusing, results (American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics).

When assessing your risk for disease or considering making a lifestyle change, it

is important to consult a genetic counselor or your physician. While many direct-toconsumer genetic tests attempt to make their products easy to use and interpret for the layperson, it is important to seek guidance from a professional when reviewing these test results. Your genetic information is only one piece of your complex health puzzle. However, the question still remains, to spit or not to spit?

American College of Medical Genetics and GenomicsBoardofDirectors.(2015).Direct-to-consumergenetictesting:A revisedpositionstatementoftheAmericanCollegeofMedicalGeneticsand Genomics. Genetics in Medicine.

DNA. (2018). Ancestry.com FoodandDrugAdministration.(2017).FDAallowsmarketingoffirstdirect-toconsumerteststhatprovidegeneticriskinformationforcertainconditions. fda.gov How it Works. (2018). 23andMe.com Khoury,M.J.(2017).Directtoconsumergenetictesting:Thinkbeforeyouspit, 2017 edition! Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

PURSUE NURSING EXCELLENCE Educating nurses since 1902. Join the tradition and apply today for the BSN Class of 2019.

BSN | RN-BSN | MSN | BSN-DNP | DNP | PhD For information and how to apply visit nursing.mercer.edu

www.premedmag.org

13

Fitness Trackers: the Final Verdict

by Sherry Luo

That fitness tracker on your wrist looks sleek, modern. You emanate an air of motivation and health as you flaunt your tracker at work or in class. It is a device that combines fashion and functionality. It tracks and regurgitates a slew of data: how many steps you take per day, how many minutes you have been active, and how many calories you should consume, to name a few. Your fitness tracker has all of these functions, but what does it really do for your overall fitness? It may be that your activity monitor is actually preventing you from achieving your exercise goals.

Fitness trackers, apps, and websites are a multibillion dollar market. Like any trend, its effectiveness and relevance in our lives has been studied by many researchers across all ages. In a study

14

PERSONAL HEALTH

c p t m p g f t i r A a a b m t

conducted by English psychologists, young teenagers wore activity monitors that came with pre-programmed fitness goals and a leadership board for two months. After the two months, the researchers interviewed the teens and recorded their impressions.

At first, the monitors incited a burst of increased physical activity in the teenagers, but the novelty of the monitors soon faded and the teenagers

actually felt less motivated to be active than they did before acquiring the monitors. The teenagers felt self-conscious about not meeting their fitness goals and their position on the leadership board, but the results of this study are not exclusive to teens.

Professional athletes are also affected by monitoring their own statistics. Performance psychologists have discovered that such data can make athletes, such as runners, focus too much on one aspect of the sport and disconnect them from the experience. While experienced runners can gain a degree of benefit from fitness trackers, those who aim to establish a healthy habit of running may find trackers distracting or overwhelming for their bodies’ needs.

Those looking to lose weight may also find fitness trackers counterproductive.

The IDEA trial was a study done by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh. It observed the weight loss of five hundred adults between the ages of 18 to 35 who were put on a weight loss program that involved diets and counseling. Half of the adults were given trackers.

After two years on the program, those who wore the trackers lost half as

much weight as those who did not have trackers.

At the end of the day, fitness trackers only provide short-term motivation to become more active, but long-term commitment to a workout is dependent on the individual.

Whether you own a Fitbit, Nike Fuelband, or Apple Watch, you may be reaping more benefits if your device is collecting dust in the attic. There is no magic behind the numbers. Setting realistic goals and tuning in to your body’s needs will help you incorporate exercise into your daily routine, and for those looking to lose weight, maintaining a healthy diet will provide you with better results. Next time you go for a run, leave behind your gadget. Ignoring the statistics will make you feel better about your workout and your body.

Brody, J. E. (2015, November 16). Assessing the FitnessofWearableTech.RetrievedJanuary28,2018, from https://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/11/16/ assessing-the-fitness-of-wearable-tech/?mtrref=well. blogs.nytimes.

Hutchinson, A. (2016, March 19). Opinion | How a FitbitMayMakeYouaBitFit.RetrievedJanuary28, 2018,fromhttps://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/20/ opinion/sunday/how-a-fitbit-may-make-you-a-bitfit.html Reynolds, G. (2016, September 20).

Activity Trackers May Undermine Weight Loss Efforts. Retrieved January 28, 2018, from https://www.nytimes. com/2016/09/27/well/activity-trackersmay-undermine-weight-loss-efforts.html

www.premedmag.org

15

THE EFFECTS OF STRESS ON THE BODY

We’ve all experienced stress in some form – whether it be an impending test, a lost dog, or the realization that you have fallen from first to last place in Mario Kart. Historically, stress has served as the body’s system of protection when faced with predators. Stress gives us our flight or fight response by kicking our hormones into overdrive and increasing heart rate and blood pressure (American Psychological Association). Stress has long served as a beneficial natural occurrence in the human body, then why is it that stress now has a negative connotation?

More recent human history has seen the addition of added stresses that are not as short lived as the stresses of our ancestors. Stresses were once presented through a predator-prey relationship

16

PERSONAL HEALTH

that probably lasted no longer than fifteen minutes.

Nowadays, stress is reoccurring through jobs with constant deadlines and school work that never seems to end. Chronic stress can have incredibly detrimental effects on the human body, including changes in mood, behavior, and added stresses on the body.

During stressful experiences, a hormone called cortisol is released in the body, which helps to restore energy lost through the production of adrenaline (Bernstein). Stress and cortisol in small quantities are not harmful to health, but a long-term buildup of cortisol in the brain due to chronic stress causes many adverse effects: “It can disrupt synapse regulation, resulting in the loss of sociability and the avoidance of interactions with others. Stress can kill brain cells and reduce the size of the brain”

(Be can pa the an we mo he

en wo ov str im of fro int

Y

s.

l m ss se

n”

BY AUSTIN WAHLE (Bernstein). In addition, stress and built up cortisol can combine to shrink the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for both memory and the ability to learn (Bernstein). The constant wear and tear on your brain through chronic stress also weakens other areas of your body and makes you more susceptible to heart attacks and coronary heart disease.

In college, students are faced with almost endless stressful scenarios. Classes and a heavy workload never seem to let up, and it is easy to be overwhelmed with all of there is to do. Although stress seems to present itself around every turn, it is important to do what you can to reduce the effects of stress. Regular exercise, designated time away from working to enjoy hobbies, and healthy social interaction are all important to lowering the harmful

effects of stress. If stress surpasses a manageable level, it is important to get help and to share your concerns with someone.

Stress in and of itself is not harmful, but in large quantities stress can have serious effects on our long-term health. The importance of working to reduce and alleviate your own stress levels cannot be overstated. In a world full of constant stresses, it is vital to find your own safe haven.

American Psychological Association Staff. “How stress affects your health”. American Psychological Association. 2013. Web. 7 January 2018.

Bernstein,Rebecca.“TheMindandMentalHealth:HowStressAffectstheBrain”.

Touro University Worldwide. 26 July 2016. Web. 7 January 2018.

www.premedmag.org

17

DOCTORS TO-GO?

by Eric Santana

Medicine is a field of study and practice that has been evolving since the beginning of time. Many historical events such as the technological revolution and urbanization have changed medicine, in most cases, for the better. In particular, technological developments in the past century have created a very formatted structure for medicine. It has become a norm for doctors to have certain advanced resources that often can only be supplied and maintained by large hospitals and clinics who have the funds, staff, and materials. Today, technology and innovation has inspired a rebirth of VIP primary care

18

PERSONAL HEALTH

services. This form of practice, more commonly known as concierge medicine, is essentially the practice of physicians traveling into the privacy of their patients homes in order to provide their medical services in a more comfortable and familiar setting. When concierge medicine first made its reappearance in the early 1990s, it was a luxury that was only available to the upper wealthy classes.

However, as the middle class has grown and times have continued to change, this service has further spread throughout society. Today there are thousands of physicians who have switched from primary care to concierge medicine and with

them, many families have begun switching over due to the many positive aspects it provides that traditional medicine cannot.

First, the possibility of having a doctor travel to you instead of going to a hospital truly interests many people as they are able to stay comfortable in the privacy of their own homes and they do not have to face the fears that some carry when venturing to a hospital. Additionally, for those who value their privacy this option is very attractive as their treatment can be kept very confidential. Concierge medicine makes receiving medical attention much easier for many of those facing chronic illnesses as well as

creating a more stable and stress free system to receive treatment. Although concierge medicine often cannot appease the needs of all their patients, due to a lack of resources, the physicians are commonly able to practice preventive care and in-depth physical examinations.

Another perk that comes with concierge medicine is the availability of the doctors. Typically companies that offer concierge services keep physicians on call 24/7 for their patients. This comprehensive and attentive service makes it perfect for patients in need of active medical attention to attain proper care with less effort.

The increase personal interaction that occurs with their patients also allows for better doctor patient relations as in many cases physicians are better able to connect to their patients on a more personal level. Overall, concierge

Providing excellence and leadership in education, patient care and research Palmer College of Chiropractic provides a challenging, yet supportive academic environment that prepares you for one of the fastest-growing health care careers.

medicine reduces the difficulty and obstacles one may face when traveling to a sometimes busy and crowded hospital or office.

Despite the increasing popularity and long list of

positive traits, there are various negative drawbacks and downsides to concierge medicine. Due to the expensive costs of medical supplies and resources in addition to the fee for the physician himself, the price to afford a concierge doctor is very high and often out of the price range for many individuals. In most cases, concierge doctors often require a per visit fee for their service as well as a membership fee that must be paid monthly in order to keep the concierge doctor at a 24/7 on call status.

Insurance companies typically do not cover the costs of concierge medicine, making it an out of pocket expense.

These fees, although often more expensive than hospital charges, are made into a more straightforward and simpler procedure for payment. On a similar note, due to the lack of resources, the medical reach of the concierge doctors can often be limited as some medical equipment is difficult to transport and when it is transported is very expensive.

Today, concierge medicine has become a very

www.palmer.edu

Campuses in Davenport, Iowa, Port Orange, Fla., and San Jose, Calif.

The Trusted Leader in Chiropractic EducationÂŽ

VIP treatments with very in depth medical analysis.

When simply searching across the internet, it is easy to see that the reviews for concierge doctors are typically very positive and many comments are made praising the high level of balance between professionalism and establishing a personal doctor-patient relation. It appears to be clear that concierge medicine is a very useful alternative for patients who dread making hospital visits due to the obstacles they may face. The future of medicine is still unclear as new innovations are thought of everyday, however, it is very likely that as time goes on medicine will strive to make the process of healing more convenient. Concierge medicine is one of the first steps in this direction.

common practice throughout the world and particularly in the United States. Concierge services are available in many cities around the US such as New York, Atlanta, Chicago, and Dallas. This medical practice has become very well known for its high level of patient care, as the services are often described as

www.premedmag.org

19

The Often Overlooked Gastrointestinal Powerhouse

by Katie Luquire

The human microbiome is comprised of 100 trillion bacteria, which has been estimated to outnumber our cells with a ratio of 10:1. These beneficial microbes that largely reside in the gastrointestinal tract help produce vitamins, absorb nutrients, and can even regulate mood. In all, gut health has been shown to influence the immune system, alter metabolism, and decrease gut inflammation.

However, certain actions, such as antibiotic usage, can decrease the number of microbes in the gut.

Dysbiosis occurs when beneficial bacteria of the gut have been killed off and harmful bacteria have been allowed to proliferate instead. Some causes of dysbiosis include antibiotics and other pharmaceuticals, psychological and

20

PERSONAL HEALTH

physical stress, and a diet consisting primarily of processed foods (RiveraAmill, 2014). In comparison to tribes such as the Hadza hunter-gatherers in northern Tanzania-who maintain a primal diet that is rich in producethose who eat a diet consisting of processed foods have nearly half as many microbes. It is crucial for the microbiome to exist at normal threshold levels because alterations in the composition of the intestinal microbiome have been associated with gastrointestinal infections, inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) (Hemarajata & Versalovic, 2013).

However, there are some measures that can be taken to replenish gut flora to prevent dysbiosis. Probiotics help maintain

balance in the microbiome by repopulating the valuable bacteria that keeps your body running smoothly. By incorporating probiotics into your routine, you can restore your gut microbiome and lessen or prevent gut inflammation and other symptoms. There are two methods for introducing probiotics into your body: living, cultured foods or pills.

Natural probiotics include plain yogurt and fermented foods, such as sauerkraut, kombucha, and kimchi. Keep in mind, however, that not all plain yogurt contains probiotics. Make sure to look for labels that read “Live and Active Cultures�. Kefir, a drink that can be described as yogurt with the consistency of a smoothie, is also a great option for those who want to get more probiotics into their

diet. Kimchi is a side dish made of salted and fermented vegetables, and is a staple in Korean cuisine. Because kimchi can be made from all sorts of vegetables, it is highly versatile and there are hundreds of combinations of spices and vegetables that can be created. Kombucha is another fermented food with a high versatility.

Generally speaking, kombucha starts off as a base of green or black tea and has a slightly sour taste. From there other flavors such as fruit or ginger are added to flavor the brew. However, it is important to keep in mind that few valid studies have been done on kombucha.

While limited evidence suggests that the drink offers benefits such as promoting a healthy immune system and improving gastrointestinal health, it is not recommended to produce significant health outcomes.

Probiotic pills are another popular method to maintain balance in the microbiome. However, according to Matthew Ciorba, a gastroenterologist at Washington State University, “There is no evidence to suggest that people with normal gastrointestinal tracts can benefit from taking probiotics. If you’re not in any distress, I wouldn’t recommend them” (Jabr, However, probiotics have been proven to be helpful for certain conditions. For example, in the past few years, dozens of studies have concluded that probiotics may help prevent side effects that are routine with antibiotic usage. Probiotics have also been shown to improve the symptoms of irritable bowel disease. However, when choosing a probiotic pill, there are a few rules that may be followed to ensure that the supplement you are taking will be beneficial to your body. First off, look for the number of strains. Try to choose a pill that has at least seven strains and five billion colony forming units (CFUs). Additionally, make sure to watch out for capsules that are vegetable-based with a probiotic powder inside. The powder will take moisture away from the shell, and some of the bacteria might die before consumption. Likewise, making sure that the strain of probiotics is resistant to your stomach acid is important because if the probiotics die in your stomach, they will not be able to have an influence on your intestinal tract. It is also important to observe the storage information on the package. Some pills need to be kept in a dark place, while others need to be refrigerated in order to keep the probiotics alive (Santanachote, 2014).

To summarize, probiotics are beneficial microbes that help to maintain the health of the gastrointestinal tract. There are many ways to

implement probiotics into your body, including fermented foods, plain yogurt, and probiotic pills.

However, it is important to remember that probiotics will be most beneficial for those with compromised gastrointestinal health or after antibiotic consumption.

Additionally, it is always advisable to discuss with your health care provider whether implementing probiotics into your diet is advantageous for you.

Hao, W.L., Lee, Y.K. (2004). Microflora of the gastrointestinal tract: a review.

Methods in Molecular Biology, 268, 491-502.

Hemarajata,P.,&Versalovic,J.(2013).Effectsofprobioticsongutmicrobiota:mechanisms of intestinal immunomodulation and neuromodulation. Therapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology. 6(1), 39–51. http://doi.org/10.1177/1756283X12459294 Jabr, F. (2017, July 01). Do Probiotics Really Work? Retrieved January 15, 2018, from https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/do-probiotics-really-work/ Rivera-Amill,V.(2014).TheHumanMicrobiomeandtheImmuneSystem:AnEverEvolving Understanding. J Clin Cell Immunol. 5(e114). doi:10.4172/2155-9899.1000e114 Santanachote, B. (2016, July 14). How to Choose the Right Probiotic for You. Retrieved January 15, 2018, from http://dailyburn.com/life/health/choose-best-probiotic/ Schnorr, S. L., Candela, M., Rampelli, S., Centanni, M., Consolandi, C., Basaglia, G., . . .

Crittenden, A. N. (2014). Gut microbiome of the Hadza hunter-gatherers. Nature Communications, 5, 3654. doi:10.1038/ncomms4654 Stonger,S.(2014,November12).ProbioticsandPrebioticsfortheMicrobiome.Retrieved January15,2018,fromhttp://healthimpactnews.com/2014/probiotics-and-prebiotics-forthe-microbiome/ Photo:https://www.pexels.com/photo/out-of-order-text-on-persons-belly-735966/

www.premedmag.org

21

Staying Hydrated to Stay Healthy

by Muhammad Siddiq

It is safe to say that most

people take drinking water for granted.

Perhaps we don’t give drinking water enough of a priority in our lives because it’s all around us. Around 71% of earth’s surface is covered by it, and over 60% of the human body is made up of it (McIntosh, 2016). You have probably heard the recommendation that one should drink eight eight-ounce glasses of water daily. While there is no science behind this exact number, one thing is for certain: staying hydrated is a necessity and the list of health benefits of drinking enough of it is vast. Water is necessary for proper organ function, maximizing physical and mental performance, and maintaining proper

weight.

function of the gastrointestinal tract.

The movement of fluid

A lack of proper fluid intake results

throughout the body is essential to

in the colon pulling water from stool

maintain proper bodily function. Of

to maintain hydration. This results

all the organs negatively affected by a

in infrequent bowel movements and

lack of water in the body, the kidneys

difficulty passing stool (Zelman, 2008).

are probably susceptible to the greatest

Water shortage in the body also leads

harm. If not enough fluid passes through

to other problems such as increased

the kidneys, waste products can build

blood pressure, increased susceptibility

up and lead to the formation of kidney

to allergies, increased vulnerability to

stones (Leech, 2017). A low fluid intake

skin disorders, and joint pain (McIntosh,

also increases the chance one has of

2016).

developing urinary tract infections,

which are the second most common

organ function, our bodies need enough

type of infection in the United States

water to achieve maximum mental and

(McIntosh, 2016). Bowel function is

physical performance. Dehydration

another part of the human body that

greatly affects the sodium and

are severely affected by a lack of water.

electrolyte levels in the body.

Along with ensuring proper

Proper hydration ensures proper

Leech,J.(2017,June04).7Science-BasedHealthBenefitsofDrinkingEnoughWater.RetrievedJanuary29,2018,fromhttps://www.healthline.com/nutrition/7-health-benefits-of-water AvoidingtheEffectsofDehydrationontheBody.(n.d.).RetrievedJanuary29,2018,fromhttps://cooperaerobics.com/Health-Tips/Prevention-Plus/Effects-of-Dehydration-on-the-Body-andBrain.aspx Bjarnadottir,A.(2017,June04).HowDrinkingMoreWaterCanHelpYouLoseWeight.RetrievedJanuary29,2018,fromhttps://www.healthline.com/nutrition/drinking-water-helps-withweight-loss McIntosh, J. (2016, October 04). Why Is Drinking Water Important? Retrieved January 29, 2018, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/290814.php Zelman, K. M. (2008, May 08). 6 Reasons to Drink Water. Retrieved January 29, 2018, from https://www.webmd.com/diet/features/6-reasons-to-drink-water#1

22

PERSONAL HEALTH

It is very common to see someone

physical activity and weight loss go

develop a headache, show a lack of

hand in hand. Just as proper hydration

start paying a little more attention to

attention and short-term memory, and

is important for maximizing physical

the amount of water we are drinking. A

appear disoriented when he or she has

performance, it is also important for

recent study by the Centers for Disease

low fluid levels. One can easily observe

maintaining proper body weight. Water

Control and Prevention found that of

these symptoms in someone such a

has been known to increase satiety

3,397 adults surveyed, 7% of adults

marathon runner after they complete

and increase a person’s metabolic rate.

reported drinking no water daily. The

a race (“Dehydration and Its Effects on

Studies have shown that drinking half

study also showed that 36% of adults

Brain Health and Function”). Studies

a liter of water can increase a person’s

drink 1-3 cups daily, 35% of adults drink

have shown that even mild dehydration

metabolism by 20-30% for up to 1.5 hours

4-7 cups daily, and only 22% of adults

of 1-3% of a person’s body weight can

(Leech, 2017). Cold water has been shown

drink 8 or more cups daily (McIntosh,

impair these aspects of brain function

to be even more effective as our bodies

2016). While many of these adults may

(Leech, 2017). Mild dehydration also

use extra energy to warm the water up

be getting fluids from other beverages

has noticeable effects on physical

to our body temperature (Bjarnadottir,

or food sources, the study makes it

performance. It is not uncommon for

2017). Drinking water before meals also

clear that many people are risking their

athletes to lose up to 6-10% of their

makes a person feel fuller resulting in

health by not getting enough water. We

water weight through sweat. The human

fewer calories consumed. Since water

can easily increase our fluid intake by

muscle is made up of nearly 80% water

is naturally calorie free, drinking water

making sure we drink whenever we eat

(Leech, 2017). When muscle cells don’t

consuming foods that contain a lot of

a snack or meal, consuming more fruits

maintain proper fluid balance, muscles

water help reduce one’s caloric intake.

and vegetables, and keeping a bottle of

become fatigued and performance

Foods and beverages that contain a

water readily available (Chang, 2008).

suffers greatly (Zelman, 2008).

lot of water include milk, coffee, tea,

Staying hydrated is a key to staying

Symptoms often include altered body

fish, meat, fruits and vegetables. While

healthy!

temperature control, reduced motivation,

maintaining a proper weight requires a

and weariness that all make exercise

variety of efforts such as a balanced diet

feel much more difficult (Leech, 2017).

and physical activity, proper hydration

It is common knowledge that

Perhaps it’s time that we all

is definitely a large part of the process.

YOUR CALLING IS OUR MISSION Health Care isn’t just an occupation It’s a commitment between you and your patient that promotes health and wellness; It’s serving people when they are most vulnerable; It’s your desire to make a difference; And it starts with a high quality education.

The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) can help students interested in becoming a physician, pharmacist or dentist answer that calling.

LECOM is the largest* and one of the most affordable medical schools in the nation. LECOM leads the nation in medical* school applicants and it is a top ten* ranked college for preparing primary care physicians.

For more information, visit LECOM.edu * U.S. News and World Report Best Medical Colleges

College of Osteopathic Medicine • School of Pharmacy • School of Dental Medicine School of Graduate Studies • Masters/Post Baccalaureate Campuses in Erie and Greensburg, PA and Bradenton, FL

www.premedmag.org

23

Educating the next generation of...

Health Care Leaders. www.LMUnet.edu