Latest / Morning Medical with Dr. Chow / Nasal Cycle, Collagen for Skin, and Winter Salad Insights

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Nasal Cycle, Collagen for Skin, and Winter Salad Insights · Morning Medical with Dr. Chow

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Welcome to Morning Medical with Doctor Chi-Ming Chow, where we delve into the latest medical
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and health news from around the globe.
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I'm Doctor Chi-Ming Chow, your host for today.
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As a family physician, general internist, and cardiologist, I bring you insights into the
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world of medicine, supported by the latest research and developments.
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Today, we're going to discuss a deeply personal and impactful story about how an Attention
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Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder diagnosis can profoundly affect mental health.
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Francesca Finch-Andrews, a children's health professional, shared her journey and how
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receiving a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder at the age of 57, and
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autism at 56, has transformed her perspective on life.
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Francesca describes a life before her diagnosis filled with depression and low self-esteem.
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Unaware of her neurodiversities, she found herself constantly battling to fit in, often
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being labeled as 'weird.' The lack of understanding about her condition led to a
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significant amount of self-imposed pressure and criticism.
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She reflects on how an earlier diagnosis could have provided clarity and understanding,
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allowing her to be kinder to herself and not feel the need to mask her difficulties.
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The diagnosis for Francesca was not just a label; it was an explanation of who she is.
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It allowed her to make sense of her past behaviors and forgive herself for what she
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previously perceived as mistakes.
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In her professional capacity, Francesca now advises parents to seek assessments for
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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or autism for their children, acknowledging the
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robustness of the diagnostic process and its potential to provide crucial understanding and
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support.
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This narrative highlights the importance of recognizing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
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Disorder and autism as distinct neurodiversities, rather than simply suggesting
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everyone is on a spectrum.
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It emphasizes that while self-help tools can be beneficial, the affirmation of a diagnosis can
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be incredibly powerful and transformative for those who are navigating these conditions.
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Francesca's story is a poignant reminder of the importance of proper diagnosis and
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understanding in mental health.
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It underscores the need for society to acknowledge and respect neurodiversities,
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ensuring that individuals like Francesca receive the support and affirmation they need
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to thrive.
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Today, we'll explore an intriguing aspect of human anatomy that many might not be aware of –
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the nasal cycle.
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Have you ever wondered why sometimes only one nostril seems to be working when you breathe?
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This is a perfectly normal phenomenon known as the nasal cycle, and it's an essential part of
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how our bodies function.
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The nasal cycle is an automatic process where our nostrils alternate in dominance for airflow
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several times throughout the day.
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This means that for a period of time, one nostril will allow more air to pass through
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than the other, and then they switch roles.
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This cycle happens every few hours and is controlled by the hypothalamus, a part of the
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brain that manages many automatic functions in our body.
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Interestingly, the nasal cycle is less frequent during sleep.
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This is because our breathing rate slows down, and the volume of air we inhale and exhale
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decreases.
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The cycle involves two phases: congestion and decongestion.
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During the congestion phase, one nostril will experience reduced airflow, while the other
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nostril will be open, allowing more air to pass through.
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This alternation is crucial because it gives each nostril time to rest and recover from the
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drying effects of constant airflow, which can bring pathogens into contact with the nasal
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lining.
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Research has shown that the left nostril might be more dominant in right-handed individuals.
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When the right nostril is dominant, we might be in a more alert or stressed state, whereas
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dominance of the left nostril is associated with relaxation.
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This fascinating interplay between our nostrils helps protect the lining of the nose and the
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respiratory system, which processes around 12,000 liters of air daily.
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Alternating the dominant nostril reduces the risk of damage and aids in defending against
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pathogens.
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Several factors can disrupt the nasal cycle.
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Conditions like colds or the flu can increase mucus production, making it difficult for the
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nostrils to alternate efficiently.
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Allergens such as pollen or dust mites can also cause inflammation that impedes the nasal
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cycle.
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Additionally, certain medications, particularly those affecting blood pressure, can irritate
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the nasal lining, impacting this natural alternation.
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Structural issues like nasal polyps or a deviated nasal septum can also interfere with
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the nasal cycle by limiting airflow through the nostrils.
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These conditions may require medical intervention, such as surgery, to improve
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breathing and ensure the cycle functions properly.
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Even simple actions like lying down or slouching can affect the nasal cycle, as
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gravity influences how blood and sinus content move within the nose, potentially blocking one
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nostril.
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If you're experiencing persistent nasal blockage, it's important to consider common
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causes such as infections or allergies.
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While colds and flu can cause congestion that lasts up to two weeks, sinusitis might persist
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for four weeks or more.
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Allergies can also lead to prolonged nasal cycle disturbances.
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If you notice that one nostril remains blocked for more than two weeks, it's advisable to seek
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medical advice, especially if there's unusual discharge.
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Today, we're diving into the culinary world with a delightful winter salad recipe you can
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savor even when the temperatures drop.
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This recipe comes from Chef Reilly Meehan, a private chef with over one million followers on
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social media.
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Reilly grew up in Santa Cruz, California, surrounded by fresh produce, which sparked his
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lifelong passion for cooking.
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From a young age, he was experimenting in the kitchen, and his first taste of culinary
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success came at age eleven when he won a baking competition with a lattice-topped peach pie.
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Now, Chef Reilly Meehan shares his expertise on social media, offering tips on everything from
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organizing your refrigerator to enhancing your meals with seasonal ingredients.
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His new book, "A Little Bit Extra: 100 Recipes That Serve Up Something Special," encourages
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home cooks to level up their dishes with small yet impactful touches, like a splash of red
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wine vinegar or a sprinkle of lemon zest.
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One recipe Meehan highlights is the Delicata, Pom and Goat Cheese Salad with Cumin Yogurt.
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This winter salad is a testament to how you can enjoy seasonal produce like delicata squash and
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pomegranate seeds even in the colder months.
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The salad features roasted delicata squash, which provides a cozy, caramelized flavor,
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paired with tangy cumin yogurt and crumbled goat cheese for a delightful contrast.
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Meehan believes salads aren't just for summer.
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By swapping out some of the greens for heartier roasted vegetables, you can enjoy a satisfying
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and seasonal dish all year round.
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The cumin yogurt adds a warm, earthy note without being overpowering, and the dish is
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packed with protein, making it a nutritious option for any meal.
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The recipe is simple and quick, taking only thirty minutes to prepare.
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You start by roasting the delicata squash with olive oil, maple syrup, and sage until it
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achieves a tender, caramelized finish.
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The cumin yogurt is whipped up with Greek yogurt, lemon zest, cumin, and coriander,
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creating a bright and flavorful dressing.
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Once the squash is ready, it's arranged on a platter and topped with pomegranate seeds, goat
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cheese, roasted pepitas, and thinly sliced red onion, with a garnish of fresh tarragon.
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This winter salad proves that you don't need extravagant ingredients or techniques to create
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something special.
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Just like a pinch of sanding sugar elevates a peach pie, the combination of these simple
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elements results in a dish that's both comforting and elegant.
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So, why not try this recipe and bring a little bit of seasonal joy to your winter table?
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Today, we're exploring the effects of daylight saving time on health.
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Every year, most of the United States "springs forward" on a Sunday in March, advancing the
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clock by one hour.
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This change means we lose an hour of sleep, and while it might seem like a minor inconvenience,
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it can have significant effects on our health.
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Losing that hour can do more than just leave you feeling tired and cranky.
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It can disrupt your body's internal clock, known as the circadian rhythm, which can lead
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to sleep problems that persist for weeks.
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The circadian rhythm is a roughly 24-hour cycle that regulates sleep and wakefulness,
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influenced by exposure to light and darkness.
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When daylight saving time begins, darker mornings and lighter evenings can throw this
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rhythm off balance.
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This disruption is more than just an annoyance.
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Studies have shown an increase in heart attacks and strokes in the days following the time
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change.
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The American Heart Association notes that the risk of heart attacks rises on the Monday after
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the clocks move forward.
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Similarly, there's an uptick in strokes for two days after the change.
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Researchers attribute these increases to the abrupt disruption of the body’s internal clock,
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which can exacerbate existing risk factors like high blood pressure.
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The effects of sleep deprivation extend beyond cardiovascular health.
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Lack of sleep is linked to cognitive decline, obesity, and other health issues.
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The circadian rhythm also affects heart rate, blood pressure, stress hormones, and
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metabolism, making its disruption potentially wide-reaching in its impact.
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So, how can you ease into this transition?
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Sleep experts suggest getting plenty of morning sunlight during the first week of daylight
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saving time to help reset your internal clock.
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Adjusting daily routines, such as your dinner time or exercise schedule, can also help your
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body adapt to the new time.
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It's also advisable to avoid afternoon naps and limit caffeine and screen exposure in the
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evening, as these can make it harder to fall asleep earlier.
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Every year, there's debate about whether to eliminate the time change altogether.
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While some propose making daylight saving time permanent, health organizations like the
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American Medical Association and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommend sticking to
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standard time year-round.
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This aligns better with natural sunlight patterns and supports healthier sleep habits.
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Today, we're diving into a topic that's been quite the buzz in the skincare world: collagen
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supplements and their impact on skin health.
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Collagen is a protein that's naturally present in our bodies, giving our skin its elasticity
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and strength.
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But as we age, our natural collagen production decreases, leading many to turn to supplements
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in hopes of maintaining youthful skin.
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A recent review published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum has taken a closer
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look at the effectiveness of collagen supplements.
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This review analyzed various clinical studies examining oral collagen peptides and their
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effects on skin quality.
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The findings suggest that collagen supplements may offer modest improvements in skin
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elasticity, hydration, and dermal density.
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However, these changes are typically subtle and gradual, appearing after several weeks of
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consistent use.
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Despite the popularity of collagen supplements, it's important to manage expectations.
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Marlee Bruno, a board-certified physician associate and aesthetic medicine educator,
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points out that while collagen supplements can support improvements in skin elasticity and
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hydration over time, they are not a magic fix for aging.
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Bruno emphasizes that patients with realistic expectations tend to be the most satisfied with
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the results.
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The proven benefits of collagen supplements lie in what Bruno calls the 'three pillars of skin
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quality': elasticity, hydration, and dermal density.
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Some medical trials show that taking between two and a half to five grams of bioactive
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collagen peptides daily can lead to an increase in skin elasticity after eight to twelve weeks.
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However, the changes are subtle and won't produce the dramatic effects some might expect
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from cosmetic treatments.
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Moustafa Mourad, a double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon,
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agrees with these findings.
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He notes that while collagen supplements can make the skin appear more hydrated or slightly
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firmer, they do not offer the kind of visible lifting or tightening that some people may
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anticipate.
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The improvements are more about subtle firmness and smoother texture rather than a visible
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transformation.
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It's also worth noting that the anti-aging benefits of collagen supplements may be
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overstated.
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Common claims suggest that these supplements can prevent or significantly reduce wrinkles,
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but experts like Bruno and Mourad caution against such assumptions.
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Wrinkles form due to a variety of factors, including sun exposure, genetics, and natural
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collagen breakdown with age.
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While collagen supplements might help make very fine lines look softer, they cannot prevent or
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dramatically reverse wrinkles on their own.
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For those looking to improve their skin health, a multifaceted approach is recommended.
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Bruno advises combining collagen supplements with proven strategies such as using daily
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sunscreen, medical-grade skincare products like retinoids, and antioxidants such as vitamin C.
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Additionally, in-office treatments like microneedling can provide more measurable
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results than supplements alone.
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Mourad also stresses the importance of overall health basics, such as good nutrition, adequate
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sleep, and avoiding smoking, as these all influence skin quality and aging.
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Collagen supplements can certainly be a part of your skincare routine, but they should
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complement, not replace, these proven strategies.
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Today, we'll wrap up our episode by addressing a common issue many of us face each year – the
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transition to daylight saving time.
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This past weekend, clocks "sprang forward" an hour, and if you're feeling a bit disoriented,
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you're not alone.
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For those who didn't prepare, the sudden shift can feel jarring, but there are ways to ease
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into this change.
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Dr.
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Leana Wen, an emergency physician and health expert, explains that our internal clock, or
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circadian rhythm, is finely tuned to light and darkness.
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When the clock shifts forward, our bodies can struggle to adjust immediately.
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The hormone melatonin, which signals sleep, might still be released according to the old
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schedule, leaving us feeling wide awake at night but groggy in the morning.
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This hour change can feel like a mild form of jet lag, impacting not just sleep but also
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mood, alertness, and appetite.
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Some people, particularly those who are already sleep-deprived, may find the transition more
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challenging.
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Children and teenagers, who naturally sleep and wake later, can also experience heightened
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fatigue as they adjust.
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Dr.
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Wen suggests that consistency is key to adapting.
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Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day helps reinforce our circadian rhythm.
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Exposure to morning light is particularly beneficial, as it helps suppress melatonin and
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signals the brain to wake up.
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So, try to open your curtains or step outside soon after waking.
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In the evening, reducing light exposure by dimming lights and avoiding screens can help
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your body wind down.
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Maintaining regular meal times and incorporating physical activity, especially in
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the morning or early afternoon, can further support your body's adjustment to the new
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schedule.
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For children, keeping bedtime routines consistent and ensuring morning light exposure
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can help reset their internal clocks.
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If they seem overtired, consider gradually shifting their bedtime earlier when the time
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comes to "spring forward" again.
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If you find that sleep issues persist beyond a few weeks, it might be worth consulting a
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healthcare provider.
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Persistent problems could indicate a sleep disorder that needs attention.
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Remember, while most people adjust within days, it's important to address any prolonged
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symptoms to maintain overall health and wellness.
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That's it for today's episode of Morning Medical with Dr.
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Chi-Ming Chow.
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I hope you found our discussions insightful and helpful as you navigate the latest in health
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and medicine.
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Join us again tomorrow for more news and insights to keep you informed and healthy.
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Thank you for tuning in, and take care!