Nutrition expert : Alternative milk solves the problem of flatulence

After consuming milk, many people suffer from annoying stomach disorders, flatulence, gas, and diarrhea, and lactose may be the cause of these problems.

Dr. Sergey Agapkin explains the cause of these problems, pointing out that a person who suffers from a deficiency of the enzyme lactase cannot digest milk sugar, which attracts fluids to the intestines, which leads to an increase in the volume of intestinal contents, which in turn causes gurgling, bloating, and activation of intestinal bacteria.

According to him, there is no need to abandon animal milk, because it contains many useful substances. But the body must be accustomed to milk gradually - eat fermented milk products, in which bacteria have already digested milk sugar.

He says: "But unfortunately this sometimes does not work. Therefore, many people turn to eating milk substitutes."

For his part, Dr. Mikhail Ginzburg, a Russian nutrition expert, points out that many people are actually moving to plant-based milk, which can be obtained at home by grinding almonds, oats, soybeans, etc., then soaking them in water and after a period of filtering them. This drink looks like milk.

He says: “Of course, there are no bifidobacteria or lactobacillus bacteria in this (milk), but there are a number of other beneficial aspects, for example vegetable protein. At the age of 40 years and above, vegetable protein is considered the main factor in preventing infections associated with aging. And prevention of aging. This is a good thing.”

It is noteworthy that almond milk contains many vitamins with antioxidant properties and is very beneficial for the skin, as drinking half a liter of it a day provides the body with its entire daily need of vitamin E. Soybean milk also has anti-inflammatory properties and is useful in cases of overweight and obesity, because it improves digestion and helps lose weight. As for oat milk, it is recommended to consume it to prevent kidney stones.

Discovering a genetic mutation that causes a rare disorder that leads to birth defects in children

A recent study led by the University of Leeds has discovered a genetic mutation that causes a rare disorder that results in babies being born with extra fingers and toes, and a range of birth defects.

The disorder, which has not yet been named, is caused by a genetic mutation in a gene called MAX. In addition to the extra fingers - polydactyly - it leads to a range of symptoms related to ongoing brain development, such as autism.

This study represents the first time this genetic link has been identified. The researchers also found a molecule that can be used to treat some neurological symptoms and prevent any worsening of their condition. However, more research is needed to test this molecule before it can be used as a treatment.

The study, published in The American Journal of Human Genetics, focuses on three individuals with a rare combination of physical traits: polydactyly and a head circumference much larger than average – known as macrocephaly.

These individuals share some other characteristics, including delayed development of their eyes, which leads to vision problems early in life.

The researchers compared the DNA of these individuals and found that they all carried the common genetic mutation that caused their birth defects.

Dr James Boulter from the University of Leeds, University Academic Fellow in Molecular Neuroscience, said: “There are currently no treatments for these patients. This means that our research into rare conditions is not only important to help us understand them better, but also in order to identify potential ways to treat them.” In this case, we found a drug that is already in clinical trials for another disorder, which means we can fast track it to these patients if our research finds that the drug reverses some of the effects of the mutation. It also means that other patients with a similar set of features can be tested to see if they have "The same variable that we identified in our study."

Dr Poulter added: “These conditions are often under-represented and have a significant impact on patients and their families. These families go through a long and complex diagnostic journey. The time from their first visit to the doctor when they are children to receiving a diagnosis can take more than 10 years. It is important “If these patients and their families discover the cause of their conditions, and if they can access treatment based on their genetic diagnosis, it could change their lives.”

Dr. Pierre Lavigne at the University of Sherbrooke in Quebec, who participated in the study, said: “Discovering the effect of the mutation on the function of the MAX protein is the first step towards developing a treatment for these children.”

The researchers now plan to study data from other patients with mutations in MAX to better understand the disorder and check whether a potential treatment improves symptoms caused by the mutation.