Men’s eating disorders – A literature review

Introduction and purpose: Eating disorders belong to the group of mental diseases characterized by significant somatic complications and high mortality. There is a common opinion that these disorders mainly affect women. Such assumptions may result in limited knowledge of the diagnosis and treatment of an eating disorder in the male population. The aim of this study is to summarize the current knowledge about eating disorders among men, including binge eating disorder (BED), anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN). Description of the state of knowledge: It turns out that the problem of eating disorders among the male sex is not so rare- it is estimated that approximately 10 million US men will experience an eating disorder at some point in their lives. The most common eating disorder among men appears to be binge eating disorder (BED). Men are also more likely to report binge eating than women. AN and BN occur much less frequently than BED in the male population. The symptoms of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa may differ between men and women. More and more often we observe a development of a certain type of muscle dysmorphia among men, the so-called “reverse anorexia". Eating disorders carry a number of medical complications such as cardiac disorders, electrolyte disturbances, digestive problems and skeletal disturbances. Therapeutic interventions in the treatment of male eating disorders should take into account gender-specific problems. Conclusions: The real number of men suffering from eating disorders may be underestimated due to the neglect of the problem in the context of the male gender. It also results in poorly developed diagnostic and support schemes for men struggling with this problem. More research is needed on the topic of eating disorders in this group of patients as it will help to develop better diagnostic and therapeutic regimens adapted to the male gender

Influence of selenium deficiency on the development of thyroid disorders - a literature review

Introduction and purpose: Selenium is essential for the proper course of many physiological and biochemical processes in the human body. It plays a large role in ensuring proper immunoendocrine function. The organ with the greatest amount of selenium per gram of tissue is the thyroid gland. This element builds enzymes involved in antioxidant processes - peroxidase, as well as deiodinases involved in the metabolism of thyroid hormones. There are scientific reports showing a beneficial effect of selenium supplementation in autoimmune diseases of the thyroid gland. The aim of this study is to summarize the current knowledge on the relationship between selenium deficiency and the development of thyroid dysfunction. Description of the state of knowledge: There is a correlation between selenium deficiency and the functioning of the thyroid gland. It has been shown that selenium levels are often lowered in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis. Research shows that selenium supplementation may lower TPOAb and TgAb antibody levels in patients with Hashimoto's disease. In patients with Graves' orbitopathy, administration of selenium resulted in delayed progression of orbitopathy and less disease severity. There are reports that supplementation with this element may also increase the effectiveness of antithyroid drugs in patients with Graves-Basedow disease. There was also an association between selenium deficiency and the development of goiter and thyroid nodules. Conclusions: Selenium plays an important role in the proper functioning of the thyroid gland. Although the specific role of selenium in the pathogenesis of thyroid disease is still under investigation, there are numerous reports saying that its deficiency may affect it. More research is needed on the relationship between selenium concentration and the regulation of thyroid function, because introducing it into the treatment regimen of thyroid disorders may give hope for better therapeutic effects

The relationship between magnesium deficiency and depression, and the effects of magnesium supplementation on depression symptoms – literature review

Magnesium is a very important macronutrient in the human body. Its main storage is bones. The correct concentration of this macronutrient within the normal range is necessary for the proper functioning of the body. Deficiency of this element negatively affects the entire body. One of the symptoms of magnesium deficiency is depression and other psychiatric disorders. The factors explaining the mechanism of magnesium's antidepressant effect are not fully understood, however, a relationship between magnesium deficiency and the pathogenesis of depression has been demonstrated. Supplementation with preparations of this element improves the condition in ill people with depression. [3][6

The role of Vitamin D in the prevention and treatment of inflammatory skin diseases – atopic dermatitis and psoriasis - literature review

Vitamin D is an important substance that has a pleiotropic range of action in the human body. Its important role is to influence the cells of the immune system and regulate the body's inflammatory response. Many physiological processes at the immune level have been discovered to prove this. Vitamin D deficiency is common and results mainly from limited sun exposure at certain latitudes or from insufficient dietary supply. This likely increases the risk of many diseases, including autoimmune diseases. Numerous evidence shows that also in skin diseases such as AD or psoriasis, the level of calcitriol is of great importance, and its supplementation in the prevention and treatment of these diseases promotes frequent remissions and improves the clinical condition of patients. Therapy with high doses of vitamin D analogues can be effective and safe. The exact knowledge of the properties of this vitamin probably allows for its real and effective use in the treatment of skin diseases. However, numerous large-scale studies are still needed to more accurately determine the dosage, effects of this therapy and to use this preparation with certainty and the highest possible effectiveness in everyday medical practice

Comparison of the impact of e-cigarettes and new tobacco heating devices on the human body and their potential in the fight against smoking

Nicotine is one of the most common stimulants used by humans in the world. Its addictive potential is almost the same as that of cocaine. [1] The most popular way of delivering nicotine to the body, which is cigarette smoking, has many negative effects, including considerable carcinogenic potential. Cigarette smoke contains approx. 6,500 chemical compounds, of which around 150 are considered toxic. [2] With the advancement of technology, alternative ways of delivering nicotine to the body have been found. These include e-cigarettes and tobacco heaters. In the following study, we will compare the method and mechanism of operation of these devices and their possible effects on human health compared to smoking

The role of magnesium deficiency in the pathogenesis of hypertension and the influence of magnesium supplementation on blood pressure – literature review

Magnesium is a macronutrient that is very important for the proper functioning of the human body. Deficiency of this element is crucial in the development of many disorders in the proper functioning of many organ systems. The optimal level of magnesium has a significant influence on the functioning of the cardiovascular system, among others. Although the factors showing the mechanism of lowering blood pressure by magnesium ions are not fully understood, the influence of the correct concentration of magnesium in the human body on cardiovascular protection is beyond doubt. Magnesium supplementation produces positive effects in the functioning of blood vessels and in maintaining blood pressure within the normal range. In our article, we focused on the role of magnesium in maintaining normal blood pressure at the molecular, cellular and tissue levels, as well as on the impact of magnesium supplementation on reducing blood pressure

Alcohol use and depression - literature review

Alcohol consumption has serious health and social consequences. A coexistence of alcohol use disorders and depressive disorders is common. Alcohol abuse is more common in men, but women are at greater risk of its harmful effects. Alcohol consumption in adolescence and early adulthood is associated with a higher risk of developing depressive disorders in the future. The order in which these disorders appear may vary, but it is important to make a diagnosis of depression during the period of abstinence. Drinking alcohol can be seen as a form of coping with stress and anxiety disorders. The aim of this article is to review the literature on the relationship between depression and alcohol. Alcohol changes your neural pathways. Long and intense exposure may cause irreversible changes. The stress response pathways responsible for emotions and the reward system are the most sensitive. They deregulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Coexistence of alcohol use disorders and depressive disorders is treated primarily with antidepressants. Cognitive behavioral therapy has been shown to have a modest positive effect in relieving symptoms of depression and reducing the amount of alcohol consumed

The influence of sleep disturbances on the development of insulin resistance - a literature review

Introduction and purpose of the work: Sleep is essential for the proper functioning of the body. Adequate quality and quantity of sleep affects metabolic processes, including glucose metabolism, as well as the sensitivity of tissues to insulin, the reduction of which is called insulin resistance. It leads to an increased production of glucose in order to maintain normal blood glucose levels. Insulin resistance is a modifiable risk factor of, inter alia, type 2 diabetes. The aim of this study is to summarize the current knowledge on the relationship between sleep deprivation and an increased risk of developing insulin resistance. State of knowledge: Sleep undoubtedly has a strong influence on glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Numerous studies show that even partial sleep deprivation lowers insulin sensitivity. The available literature shows that shift work and a shifted bedtime, combined with an insufficient amount of it, lead to a significant reduction in insulin sensitivity. The positive effect of increasing the time of night rest on the sensitivity of tissues to insulin may be an element of the prevention of diseases such as obesity or type 2 diabetes. Moreover, disturbances in sleep continuity lead to formation of insulin resistance. An example would be obstructive sleep apnea, the treatment of which affects metabolic processes. Summary: Adequate sleep hygiene is an extremely important part of a healthy lifestyle. More research is needed on the relationship between sleep and the regulation of carbohydrate metabolism, due to the fact that the appropriate sleep-wake rhythm may give hope for improvement in health in people with metabolic disorders and may be an important protective factor for many diseases.&nbsp

Review of the literature on the dangers of zolpidem use, its potential for abuse and addiction

Introduction and purpose of the work : Commonly Z-drugs, especially zolpidem , are considered safer than short-acting drugs benzodiazepines . Recently, more and more is said about the abuse of these relatively harmless drugs. The aim of this study is to collect scientific reports on the increasing abuse of these drugs. State of knowledge: There are many reports of zolpidem abusers and addicts in the available literature . These people belong to three groups of patients: the first is people with insomnia who develop tolerance, the second is recreational use, and the third is people with mental disorders. Taking increased doses of zolpidem causes a psychostimulant effect, increased activity during sleep, up to delusions and psychotic symptoms. Rapid discontinuation of high doses of the drug should be performed in a hospital setting. Summary : Physicians should be advised to remain vigilant during therapy with group Z drugs and to check that the patient is not receiving the drug from multiple sources and is not taking zolpidem in supra-therapeutic doses

Dysphoric milk ejection reflex as a new diagnostic and therapeutic challenge in lactation care - literature review

Introduction and purpose of the work: Breastfeeding has many health benefits. The guidelines recommend breastfeeding up to 6 months of age. Many mothers stop breastfeeding early, one reason being the dysphoric ejection reflex (D-MER). It is a negative emotional reaction related to the ejection of milk. State of knowledge : D-MER has been known to science for a short time. Breastfeeding depends on many psychological factors and is regulated by many hormones, including prolactin, oxytocin, and dopamine. A sudden drop in dopamine levels is believed to be the cause of this phenomenon. The main symptoms include dysphoria, sadness, irritability, anxiety and depression. There are no registered preparations for the treatment of D-MER, psychotherapy and lifestyle changes are helpful. Summary: It is important to disseminate knowledge about D-MER to help mothers understand their breastfeeding processes. More research should be done into the safe treatment of this condition.&nbsp