Tag: Infectious diseases

Globally, millions of children suffer from severe acute malnutrition, with wasting—the hallmark of marasmus—affecting an estimated 45 million children under five in 2022. Marasmus is not tied to a single geographic origin but is a condition arising from multiple interconnected factors, including poverty, food scarcity, and disease.

Contrary to the widespread belief that parasites always lead to weight loss, some surprising evidence indicates that certain parasitic infections can actually cause unintended weight gain. These parasitic invaders manipulate host physiology in complex ways, affecting everything from metabolism to appetite regulation.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), diarrhea remains a leading cause of death among children under five globally, but zinc supplementation can help improve outcomes. Extensive research has shown that this essential micronutrient can reduce the duration and severity of diarrheal episodes when used as a supplementary treatment. Given this evidence, the WHO and UNICEF have endorsed the use of zinc alongside oral rehydration salts (ORS) for the management of acute diarrhea in children.

Despite claims in some online wellness circles, scientists have definitively stated that there are no scientifically proven benefits for healthy adults drinking breast milk. The notion that this 'liquid gold' is a health elixir for adults is a widespread myth that ignores significant health hazards.

According to UNICEF, nearly 50% of all child deaths under the age of 5 are linked to malnutrition, with kwashiorkor being a significant contributor. This severe form of protein-energy malnutrition, though rare in developed countries, poses a significant threat to vulnerable populations globally. Understanding who is most at risk for kwashiorkor is the first step toward effective prevention and intervention.

According to a 2015 study, up to 93% of informally sourced breast milk samples sold online were found to contain harmful bacteria, highlighting a serious contamination risk for adults. The seemingly simple question of why humans can't drink breast milk reveals a complex web of nutritional, physiological, and safety concerns that make it an unsuitable and potentially dangerous choice for adults.

According to the World Health Organization, nearly half of all deaths among children under five years of age are linked to undernutrition. This staggering statistic underscores how profoundly undernutrition increases the risk of numerous health complications, ranging from weakened immunity to severe developmental impairments. A lack of essential nutrients compromises every system in the body, leaving individuals more vulnerable to illness and chronic conditions.

According to the World Health Organization, at least 1.7 billion people use a drinking water source contaminated with feces. This is a critical context for the question, 'Does mud water have probiotics?', because it highlights the immense risks involved, contrasting sharply with the benefits of safe, lab-tested soil-based probiotic supplements.

According to the World Health Organization, nearly half of all deaths among children under five years of age are linked to undernutrition. This severe condition, caused by inadequate nutrient intake, significantly increases a person's vulnerability to a host of health risks, including impaired immunity and chronic illness.

In 1928, researchers Green and Mellandy first referred to vitamin A as the "anti-inflammation vitamin" due to its role in enhancing the body's immune response. The name has since evolved, but it remains a key factor in understanding what vitamin is called the anti-infection vitamin.