Parasitic Diseases

Parasitic infections can invade practically any part of the body. Parasites that infect the central nervous system, which includes the brain, are potentially the most damaging and the most disturbing. Not only may these conditions sometimes be fatal, but they can result in lifelong disability. Early recognition and prompt treatment are important in order to reduce both mortality and the frequently catastrophic aftermath of these diseases. Some parasitic infections involving the central nervous system may occur in anyone regardless of their underlying health. In contrast, opportunistic parasitic infections are those that are more likely to occur when a person has a suppressed immune system due to cancer treatments, HIV, or other chronic medical conditions. Neurological Parasitic Infections We don't mind informing someone that we have a bacterial or viral infection, like strep throat or influenza. Most of us, though, would hesitate before confessing we ...

Protein shakes can be a convenient way to get protein on the go and can be especially helpful if you have higher protein needs, or struggle to get enough protein in your diet. This can include athletes, people who are on a vegan diet, have a medical condition that lowers appetite, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. However, if you follow a low-protein diet (for kidney disease, for instance), you should be cautious when using protein shakes. Keep in mind that while protein shakes are helpful for filling gaps or for when you're short on time, they are not meant to replace meals regularly . If you rely on them too heavily, you could miss out on other important nutrients. Pairing a protein shake with a piece of fruit can be a nutritionally balanced snack or light meal on the go. When choosing the best protein shakes, our dietitians considered recommendations from experts, including sports and prenatal dietitians. We also taste-tested 19 shakes in our testing lab...

Out of all the protein powder options, whey protein stands out for one simple reason: this variety of protein may be more easily absorbed than other types of protein powders. For that reason alone, it's favored among fitness enthusiasts and anyone with an active lifestyle.  It's also a great pick for adults with higher protein needs or to fill in the gaps in your diet that aren't being met by food.  Whey protein is derived from cow's milk, and it's a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids, the building blocks of protein that our bodies can't make ourselves. It is versatile and works well in shaker bottles, smoothies, and a variety of recipes. There are two types of whey protein: whey protein isolates and whey protein concentrate (a blend of the two).  Both can help you meet your protein needs, but according to registered dietitian Katie Schimmelpfenning, RD, whey protein isolate has a higher conc...