“Drink at least eight glasses of water a day.” Really? Is there scientific evidence for “8 × 8”?

2002 ◽  
Vol 283 (5) ◽  
pp. R993-R1004 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heinz Valtin ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Large Body ◽  
Alcoholic Beverages ◽  
Temperate Climate ◽  
Published Evidence ◽  
Extensive Consultation ◽  
Cursory Examination ◽  
Special Circumstances ◽  
Food And Fluid Intake ◽  
Daily Total

Despite the seemingly ubiquitous admonition to “drink at least eight 8-oz glasses of water a day” (with an accompanying reminder that beverages containing caffeine and alcohol do not count), rigorous proof for this counsel appears to be lacking. This review sought to find the origin of this advice (called “8 × 8” for short) and to examine the scientific evidence, if any, that might support it. The search included not only electronic modes but also a cursory examination of the older literature that is not covered in electronic databases and, most importantly and fruitfully, extensive consultation with several nutritionists who specialize in the field of thirst and drinking fluids. No scientific studies were found in support of 8 × 8. Rather, surveys of food and fluid intake on thousands of adults of both genders, analyses of which have been published in peer-reviewed journals, strongly suggest that such large amounts are not needed because the surveyed persons were presumably healthy and certainly not overtly ill. This conclusion is supported by published studies showing that caffeinated drinks (and, to a lesser extent, mild alcoholic beverages like beer in moderation) may indeed be counted toward the daily total, as well as by the large body of published experiments that attest to the precision and effectiveness of the osmoregulatory system for maintaining water balance. It is to be emphasized that the conclusion is limited to healthy adults in a temperate climate leading a largely sedentaryexistence, precisely the population and conditions that the “at least” in 8 × 8 refers to. Equally to be emphasized, lest the message of this review be misconstrued, is the fact (based on published evidence) that large intakes of fluid, equal to and greater than 8 × 8, are advisable for the treatment or prevention of some diseases and certainly are called for under special circumstances, such as vigorous work and exercise, especially in hot climates. Since it is difficult or impossible to prove a negative—in this instance, the absence of scientific literature supporting the 8 × 8 recommendation—the author invites communications from readers who are aware of pertinent publications.

scholarly journals Polyphenol-Rich and Alcoholic Beverages and Metabolic Status in Adults Living in Sicily, Southern Italy

Foods ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 383
Author(s):  
Agnieszka Micek ◽  
Justyna Godos ◽  
Achille Cernigliaro ◽  
Raffaele Ivan Cincione ◽  
Silvio Buscemi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Southern Italy ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Alcoholic Beverage ◽  
Metabolic Risk Factors ◽  
Metabolic Status ◽  
Alcoholic Beverages ◽  
Metabolic Risk ◽  
Confounding Factors ◽  
Beverage Consumption

Polyphenol-rich beverage consumption is not univocally accepted as a risk modulator for cardio-metabolic risk factors, despite mechanistic and epidemiological evidence suggesting otherwise. The aim of this study was to assess whether an association between polyphenol-rich beverage consumption and metabolic status could be observed in a Mediterranean cohort with relatively low intake of tea, coffee, red and white wine, beer, and fresh citrus juice. Demographic and dietary characteristics of 2044 adults living in southern Italy were analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the association between polyphenol-rich and alcoholic beverage consumption and metabolic status adjusted for potential confounding factors. Specific polyphenol-rich beverages were associated, to a various extent, with metabolic outcomes. Individuals with a higher total polyphenol-rich beverages had higher polyphenols intake and were less likely to have hypertension, type-2 diabetes, and dyslipidemia (OR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.44–0.73; OR = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.26–0.66; and OR = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.29–0.57, respectively). However, when adjusted for potential confounding factors, only the association with hypertension remained significant (OR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.50–0.94). Current scientific evidence suggests that such beverages may play a role on cardio-metabolic risk factors, especially when consumed within the context of a dietary pattern characterized by an intake of a plurality of them. However, these associations might be mediated by an overall healthier lifestyle.

IGF-1 and atherothrombosis: relevance to pathophysiology and therapy

2011 ◽  
Vol 120 (9) ◽  
pp. 377-402 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena Conti ◽  
Maria Beatrice Musumeci ◽  
Marco De Giusti ◽  
Eleonora Dito ◽  
Vittoria Mastromarino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Body ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Term Therapy ◽  
Cell Protection ◽  
Multiple Systems ◽  
Safety Issues ◽  
Friendly Fire ◽  
Published Evidence ◽  
Epidemiological Surveys ◽  
Improved Function

IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor-1) plays a unique role in the cell protection of multiple systems, where its fine-tuned signal transduction helps to preserve tissues from hypoxia, ischaemia and oxidative stress, thus mediating functional homoeostatic adjustments. In contrast, its deprivation results in apoptosis and dysfunction. Many prospective epidemiological surveys have associated low IGF-1 levels with late mortality, MI (myocardial infarction), HF (heart failure) and diabetes. Interventional studies suggest that IGF-1 has anti-atherogenic actions, owing to its multifaceted impact on cardiovascular risk factors and diseases. The metabolic ability of IGF-1 in coupling vasodilation with improved function plays a key role in these actions. The endothelial-protective, anti-platelet and anti-thrombotic activities of IGF-1 exert critical effects in preventing both vascular damage and mechanisms that lead to unstable coronary plaques and syndromes. The pro-survival and anti-inflammatory short-term properties of IGF-1 appear to reduce infarct size and improve LV (left ventricular) remodelling after MI. An immune-modulatory ability, which is able to suppress ‘friendly fire’ and autoreactivity, is a proposed important additional mechanism explaining the anti-thrombotic and anti-remodelling activities of IGF-1. The concern of cancer risk raised by long-term therapy with IGF-1, however, deserves further study. In the present review, we discuss the large body of published evidence and review data on rhIGF-1 (recombinant human IGF-1) administration in cardiovascular disease and diabetes, with a focus on dosage and safety issues. Perhaps the time has come for the regenerative properties of IGF-1 to be assessed as a new pharmacological tool in cardiovascular medicine.

scholarly journals Systematic Literature Reviews: An Introduction

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 1633-1642 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guillaume Lame
Keyword(s):  
Design Research ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Policy Research ◽  
Health Sciences ◽  
Public Policy Research ◽  
Published Evidence ◽  
Literature Reviews ◽  
Sr Method

AbstractSystematic literature reviews (SRs) are a way of synthesising scientific evidence to answer a particular research question in a way that is transparent and reproducible, while seeking to include all published evidence on the topic and appraising the quality of this evidence. SRs have become a major methodology in disciplines such as public policy research and health sciences. Some have advocated that design research should adopt the method. However, little guidance is available. This paper provides an overview of the SR method, based on the literature in health sciences. Then, the rationale for SRs in design research is explored, and four recent examples of SRs in design research are analysed to illustrate current practice. Foreseen challenges in taking forward the SR method in design research are highlighted, and directions for developing a SR method for design research are proposed. It is concluded that SRs hold potential for design research and could help us in addressing some important issues, but work is needed to define what review methods are appropriate for each type of research question in design research, and to adapt guidance to our own needs and specificities.

scholarly journals Evaluating critiques of evidence of historically heterogeneous structure and mixed-severity fires across dry-forest landscapes of the western USA

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
William L. Baker ◽  
Chad T. Hanson ◽  
Mark A. Williams ◽  
Dominick A. DellaSala
Keyword(s):  
Pinus Ponderosa ◽  
Ponderosa Pine ◽  
Large Body ◽  
Dry Forest ◽  
Aerial Photographs ◽  
Heterogeneous Structure ◽  
Dry Forests ◽  
Western Usa ◽  
Published Evidence ◽  
Land Survey

The structure and role of fire in historical dry forests, ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) and dry mixed-conifer forests, of the western USA, have been debated for 25 years, leaving two theories. The first, that these forests were relatively uniform, low in tree density and dominated by low- to moderate-severity fires was recently reviewed, including a critique of opposing evidence. The second, that these forests historically had heterogeneous structure and a mixture of fire severities, has had several published reviews. Here, as authors in part of the second theory, we critically examined evidence in the first theory’s new review, which presented 37 critiques of the second theory. We examined evidence for and against each critique, including evidence presented or omitted. We found that a large body of published evidence against the first theory and supporting the second theory, presented in 10 published rebuttals and 25 other published papers, by us and other scientists, was omitted and not reviewed. We reviewed omitted evidence here. Omitted evidence was extensive, and included direct observations by early scientists, maps in early forest atlases, early newspaper accounts and photographs, early aerial photographs, seven paleo-charcoal reconstructions, ≥18 tree-ring reconstructions, eight land-survey reconstructions, and an analysis of forest-inventory age data. This large body of omitted published research provides compelling evidence supporting the second theory, that historical dry forests were heterogeneous in structure and had a mixture of fire severities, including high-severity fire. The first theory is rejected by this large body of omitted evidence.

scholarly journals Activity of the chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine and mefloquine in front of the SARS-CoV-2

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 97-102
Author(s):  
Elin Manrique Julio ◽  
Belkis Palacio Villalba ◽  
Elías Alberto Bedoya Marrugo ◽  
Marlene Duran Lengua
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Community ◽  
Adverse Reactions ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Cardiac Toxicity ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Neurotoxic Effect ◽  
Cell Counts ◽  
Published Evidence ◽  
White Blood Cell Counts ◽  
Available Information

Introduction: Identifying the main advances in the pharmacological and clinical management of the pandemic COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2, the most recent and currently taking lives worldwide, is to priority of the scientific community that to date have rehearsed and joined efforts in order to respond with effective treatments that stop the progression of the viral infection and manage to recover the patient. Objective: To document available information on the effects of the antimalarials chloroquine / hydroxychloroquine and mefloquine in severe acute respiratory syndrome, generated by SARS CoV-2, according to updates of the best scientific evidence, according to the evolution of the epidemic. Material and Methods: Descriptive documentary study consisting of the selection and review of scientific material whose subject is COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2 based on published evidence from bibliographic sources seeking different therapeutic options to combat the disease at the same time ace necessary preventive measures plough implemented worldwide. The databases consulted were Scopus, Head office Pubmed and Scielo. Results: 132 articles related to the search were obtained in the first instance, of which they were filtered and prioritized by thematic relevance until 60 articles with to broad relationship were located. The largest number of articles was published between 2015 and 2020 (n = 26; 43.3%). It have been shown that the mechanism of today's SARS-CoV-2 is similar to that of SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, in the same way; they share the symptoms shown by patients with COVID-19 such ace: fever, non-productive cough, dyspnea, myalgia, fatigue, normal or decreased white blood cell counts. Conclusions: The activity of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine in viruses is the same since the mechanism of action of these two molecules is identical. Given the pandemic, the use of these drugs is suggested in the management of patients with SARS CoV-2 / COVID-19 infection that have no contraindication for their use and the cardiac toxicity derived from these ace to cause of mortality should not be forgotten, due to what therapy must be individualized. The mefloquine is not recommended due to its neurotoxic effect and association with neuropsychiatric adverse reactions.

Psychotherapy in An Age of Neuroscience

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joel Paris
Keyword(s):  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Common Mental Disorders ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Large Body ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Clinical Problem ◽  
Social Interventions ◽  
Vast Literature

Psychiatry, once proud of its biopsychosocial model, has now adopted a neuroscience-based approach that strongly favors psychopharmacological treatments and downplays the role of psychotherapies (or social interventions). This kind of practice can be sufficient for the psychoses, but it is neither evidence-based nor beneficial for patients with common mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, substance use, and personality disorders. Current practice derives from a theoretical model in which psychiatry is viewed primarily as an application of neuroscience, with little reference to the vast literature on psychology, social sciences, and psychotherapy. This book reviews research bearing on these issues, and it shows why existing data support a different set of conclusions from those held by many experts and most practitioners. Common mental disorders often require psychological interventions. This book reviews the evidence supporting the prescription of psychotherapy in these disorders. It shows how this option, particularly when time-limited, is both accessible and cost-effective. It discusses why psychiatrists are not offering psychological treatments, as well as the problem of access to these interventions. It also discusses why psychotherapy, like psychopharmacology, should not be considered a panacea for every kind of clinical problem but, rather, should be prescribed with care based on a large body of scientific evidence.

Nature Rx

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donald Rakow ◽  
Gregory T. Eells
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Large Body ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Natural World ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Future Health ◽  
College And University ◽  
Student Demand

College students today display disturbing levels of stress, depression, and other psychological conditions. The reasons for this rise in mental health problems are many, from increased reliance on electronic technology, the related prevalence of social isolation, and anxiety regarding societal ills. College and university counselling centers are challenged to address student demand for psychological services, with many counseling directors having to reduce the number of visits for non-crisis patients to cope with the increasing number of clients. While more serious mental health problems will continue to be addressed through intensive counseling, medications and, in extreme cases, hospitalization, the majority of young people can positively impact their mental well-being by simply spending time outside in nature. A large body of scientific evidence verifies that time spent in natural settings can lower young people's stress levels, anxiety, blood pressure and heart rate, and improve memory and cognitive functions. College Nature Rx programs encourage students to spend time in nature and to develop greater appreciation for the natural world. We present a step-by-step formula for how such programs can be constructed, sustained, and evaluated, and profile four progressive Nature Rx programs at American colleges. In a final chapter, we argue for the need for such programs to the future health and strength of such institutions.

scholarly journals From scientific evidence to media and policy: Wine – part of a balanced diet or a health risk?

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
pp. 04004
Author(s):  
U. Fradera ◽  
C. Stein-Hammer
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Total Mortality ◽  
Scientific Data ◽  
Alcoholic Beverages ◽  
Considerable Uncertainty ◽  
Wine Consumption ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
Balanced Diet ◽  
Increased Risk

Recently, some studies [1, 2] and media reports alerted scientists, health and wine professionals alike. The health benefits of moderate wine consumption were questioned with headlines such as “One drink a day can shorten life” and “Moderate drinking guidelines are too loose, study says”. One publication [2] asserted that there is no safe level of consumption and that the adverse health effects associated with the consumption of alcoholic beverages, including wine, outweigh any beneficial effects; this kind of media attention not only contributed to a considerable uncertainty among moderate wine drinkers but also among physicians advising their patients. What about the existing body of evidence and the research results during the last two and half decades that have established the J-curve? It describes the association between the consumption of alcoholic beverages and the total mortality where light to moderate drinkers are at a lower risk of death from all causes than either abstainers or heavy drinkers. However, excessive drinking is always associated with an increased risk of death and various health risks. Are these previous scientific data no longer valid? Is cutting down or even eliminating wine consumption a public health goal? A detailed scientific analysis of these publications will be provided and discussed whether the drinking guidelines worldwide should be adjusted. The risk of moderate wine drinkers within the scope of other risk factors will be examined.

Variation in Use of Breast-Conserving Surgery in Lombardia, Italy

1995 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 733-740 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roberto Grilli ◽  
Francesca Repetto
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Private Insurance ◽  
Large Body ◽  
Geographic Area ◽  
Conservative Surgery ◽  
Breast Conserving Surgery ◽  
Unilateral Breast Cancer ◽  
Discharge Data ◽  
Younger Women

AbstractThe extent of variation in the use of breast-conserving surgery was analyzed using the 1990 and 1991 hospital discharge data of Lombardia, Italy. The proportion of patients undergoing breast-conserving surgery for unilateral breast cancer was estimated for each of the 10 geographic areas (9 provinces plus metropolitan Milano) in which the region is divided. Overall, the rate of use was 41% of 3,225 patients in 1990, and 45% of 3,736 patients in 1991. In both study years, patient age was strongly correlated with the likelihood of undergoing conservative surgery, with younger women more frequently treated with this approach. In each province, patients treated at centers located in the main city had a greater probability (OR, 1.54; 95% Cl, 1.37–1.69) of having conservative surgery. This procedure was also more often used in private hospitals (OR, 1.59; 95% Cl, 1.20–2.08) where care is paid at the point of consumption by patients, directly or through their private insurance. The observed variation in the use of the conservative procedure across the 10 regional areas was greater than that expected by chance alone (p <.0001), with rates ranging from 29% to 60%. This pattern persisted even after adjusting for the relevant patient and hospital characteristics. Despite the relatively large body of scientific evidence, it appears that the surgical management of breast cancer is more dependent on physicians' attitudes in each geographic area than on individual patients' characteristics.

scholarly journals Use and Acceptance of the Clinical Guide to Probiotic Products Available in Canada and in US: Translating Scientific Evidence to Clinical Practice Since 2008

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 1183-1183
Author(s):  
Dragana Skokovic-Sunjic
Keyword(s):  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Probiotic Strain ◽  
Brand Names ◽  
Annual Review ◽  
Published Evidence ◽  
Independent Expert ◽  
Probiotic Strains

Abstract Objectives This clinical reference tool is independently designed to translate scientific evidence available up to date for commercially available probiotic products into practical, clinically relevant information, enabling clinicians to easily select the appropriate product, dose, and format for a specific indication. Methods Published studies with defined clinical outcomes for probiotic strain(s) were searched using defined inclusion criteria. Commercially available products containing said strain(s) were identified, and the Levels of Recommendation were used to rate the strength of the evidence. This information was compiled into a chart form, assessed by independent expert reviewers. This guide is a clinical decision-making tool to assist health care professionals in providing evidence-based recommendations for their patients. In the case of probiotics, the clinical evidence supports only certain formulations/brand names of the probiotics (including the genus, species, alphanumeric designation or strain, number of live bacteria present, the blend of probiotic strains present, and finally, the non-active ingredients present). The authors made every attempt to include the published clinical data for the available probiotic formulations. Results In the clinical guide, the available strains were organized based on probiotic strain(s), doses, and evaluated evidence levels based on our pre-defined criteria. This document is easily accessible in print and digital formats (websites and mobile apps). Conclusions There is evidence to support the use of oral and vaginal probiotic products for various aspects of human health, however, applications and results are strain-specific and disease or symptom-specific. Due to frequent changes in commercial availability of probiotic strains, newly published evidence, and growing research, an annual review and updates of this Clinical Guide have been conducted since 2008. Lack of adverse effects supports the widespread use of these products, and further investigation is recommended. Funding Sources Abstract submission is supported by an unrestricted education grant provided by the Alliance for Education on Probiotics.

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