Bright Star Care - June 2018

The Secret Superpowers of MUSHROOMS FABULOUS FORAGEABLE FUNGI

They’re the architects of the underground freeways that allow trees to communicate. A few have psychedelic properties. Some varieties contain enough toxins to kill you if consumed. Depending on the type, mushrooms can be amazing, trippy, dangerous, and delicious. But most importantly, the ones that are safe to eat have a lot of nutritional value.

An ancient organism, fungi are closely related to animals. In fact, even though they’re often called vegetables, they share some characteristics with humans. Like people, a mushroom’s vitamin D content increases when exposed to light. Fungi also contain chitin, a carbohydrate that’s found in shrimp and crab shells. Mushrooms pack a nutritious punch. They boast several vitamins and minerals, including vitamins D and B, and they contain no fat or cholesterol. They even have 2 grams of protein per cup, which is more than most vegetables.

Studies also reveal that mushrooms might be the best dietary source

of an amino acid called ergothioneine. When tested during one

study, ergothioneine was shown to serve as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage. Ergothioneine is not produced by the human body, so the only way to get it is through your diet.

WHY A NEW DEVICE IS A GAME-CHANGER FOR MILLIONS Artificial Organs?

Inspiration Corner

I f you work in the medical field, you know diabetes is a rapidly growing epidemic in the United States. The condition plagues adults of all ages, and even more

a healthy organ. It’s an entirely autonomous process once it’s set up, and it delivers an unparalleled user experience.

The news is welcomed by many patients who struggle with Type 1 diabetes. In addition to physical symptoms, this condition often has an emotional and sociological impact on the 3 million Americans diagnosed with it. For diabetes sufferers, the idea of no longer having to be severely stressed about food is a freeing thought that could have a profound impact on their daily lives.

tragically, it affects our children. In the case of Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas creates little to no insulin, which causes blood

sugar levels to rise. Sustained complications like this can lead to potentially irreversible systemic disease. There is no cure for Type 1 diabetes, but the FDA has approved an exciting new technology that could be the game-changer we’ve all been waiting for.

While an artificial pancreas hasn’t become a mainstay on the market just yet, it has merged with technology. Smartphone integration with real-time updates provides a seamless platform to keep patients in the loop regarding their health. If you’re interested in learning more, check out Medtronic’s system; it could be everything you need.

In 2016, the world’s first artificial pancreas was approved for use. The device functions just as a healthy pancreas would. When the monitor senses high blood sugar, it will release insulin into the bloodstream and operate exactly like

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