therapeutic action: immune system support

Multidisciplinary Integrative Medicine Approach for Cancer Patients: A Multicenter Retrospective Study

This study shows that when cancer patients use complementary treatments like mushroom supplements, vitamins, and probiotics alongside their cancer medications under doctor supervision, they experience fewer side effects and better quality of life. Almost 93% of patients had no side effects from these supplements, and many reported less fatigue and better overall wellness. The key finding is that patients should work with their medical team rather than self-prescribing these treatments to avoid dangerous interactions.

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Benefits and risks of hair, skin, and nail supplements in older adults

This article reviews popular supplements that older adults, especially women, take to improve their hair, skin, and nails. While some supplements like nicotinamide show promise for sun-damaged skin, most lack strong evidence of benefit in healthy people. Important risks include biotin interfering with heart and thyroid tests, too much zinc causing copper deficiency, and excess vitamins A and E building up to toxic levels. Doctors should talk to older patients about these supplements and help them make informed decisions based on scientific evidence rather than marketing claims.

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Impact of Incorporating Dried Chaga Mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) into Gluten-Free Bread on Its Antioxidant and Sensory Characteristics

Researchers added dried chaga mushroom to gluten-free bread to make it healthier. The bread with chaga contained significantly more antioxidants and beneficial compounds that help protect cells from damage. However, when too much chaga was added, people didn’t like the taste and texture as much. The best result was using 5-10% chaga, which improved health benefits while keeping the bread tasty.

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L-gulono-γ-lactone Oxidase, the Key Enzyme for L-Ascorbic Acid Biosynthesis

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is essential for human health, protecting against disease and supporting numerous body functions. However, humans cannot make their own vitamin C because we lack a functional GULO enzyme gene. This review examines how different organisms produce vitamin C, where these enzymes work in cells, and recent discoveries showing that a simplified version of the enzyme can still work effectively, which could help improve vitamin C production in engineered plants.

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Selenoproteins in Health

Selenium is an essential nutrient that your body needs for healthy immune function, protection against oxidative stress, and proper thyroid function. While you can get selenium from foods like grains, vegetables, nuts, and animal products, the amount available depends on soil selenium levels in the regions where food is grown. Organic forms of selenium from food sources are more effective and safer than inorganic supplements, providing better protection against diseases like cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions.

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A Case Report of Candidiasis Cellulitis in Long-Term Corticosteroid Use

A 54-year-old man developed a serious hand infection caused by Candida albicans, a yeast that normally lives harmlessly on human skin. The infection occurred because he had been taking large doses of corticosteroid injections for 15 years to help with breathing problems, which weakened his immune system. Doctors drained the infected area and treated him with antifungal medication, and he recovered completely, highlighting the importance of recognizing fungal infections in patients on long-term steroid therapy.

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Addressing Patient Requests to Add Dietary Supplements to Their Cancer Care—A Suggested Approach

Cancer patients often want to use dietary supplements alongside their conventional cancer treatments to manage side effects, boost immunity, and feel more in control of their health. Many patients don’t tell their doctors about supplement use because they worry about judgment or think doctors won’t understand their interests. This paper suggests doctors should have open, non-judgmental conversations with patients about supplements, evaluate their safety and effectiveness using reliable information sources, and work together with patients to make informed decisions that keep them safe while respecting their choices.

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Microbes as Teachers: Rethinking Knowledge in the Anthropocene

Microbes have been the architects of life on Earth for nearly 4 billion years, managing oxygen production, nutrient cycles, and climate stability—yet we rarely recognize their wisdom. This paper argues we should treat microbes as teachers rather than mere subjects of study or exploitation. By reforming education, policy, and how we think about our relationship with microbial life, we can solve modern challenges like climate change and disease while learning to coexist with the microscopic majority that sustains all life.

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The Benefits and Applications of Lactobacillus plantarum in Food and Health: A Narrative Review

Lactobacillus plantarum is a beneficial bacterium commonly found in fermented foods like yogurt and cheese that acts as a natural probiotic. It can help preserve food, improve flavor, and boost health by supporting digestion, strengthening immunity, and reducing inflammation. Research shows it may help with weight management, blood sugar control, and mental health, making it valuable for both the food industry and medical applications.

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