大和健康资讯 第123期（2013年11月）

This Month's Topics

■ Dr. Mitsuoka's Lactic Acid Bacteria Stories Series

3) Ingested lactic acid bacteria do not settle

Professor Chisoka Mitsuoka, Professor Emeritus, University of Tokyo

◎ Many advertisements claim that 'these lactic acid bacteria reach the intestines alive and have good health effects,' giving the impression that ingested lactic acid bacteria multiply in the intestines, but test results show that the ingested lactic acid bacteria simply pass through alive and do not actually multiply in the intestines. In the intestines of animals, dietary components are intricately involved in the growth and establishment of lactic acid bacteria unique to animal species. Based on mouse experiments, I will discuss the colonization of ingested lactic acid bacteria in the intestines.

■ World Health Report

◎ On October 17, the partial closure of government agencies that had lasted for over two weeks due to conflict between the ruling and opposition parties in the U.S. was lifted. Although a default was avoided at the last minute, the major spark in future budget allocations is the "Healthcare Reform Act," or so-called Obamacare. We report on issues in the U.S. healthcare system, such as high medical bills and a preference for alternative medicine, as well as the current status of Obamacare, which began insurance enrollment in 50 states on October 1.

■ Health Tips: Revisiting and Renewing Health

46) Using your brain deepens your sleep

◎ There is an increase in reports about sleep disorders among Japanese people. The number of people struggling with sleep issues such as inability to sleep or experiencing shallow sleep is increasing, and the quality of sleep is closely related to lifestyle habits such as brain use and exposure to sunlight during the day, as well as aging. Based on the public lecture "Autumn Suimin Day" by Kazuo Mishima (National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry) held at Bellesalle 9dan on September 8, 2013, we will introduce the relationship between aging and sleep mechanisms.

This Month's Menu

■ Latest Information on Daiwa Pharmaceutical

◎ Local Taiwanese Agent Representatives Visited the Tsukuba Factory

◎ Selected for the "Manufacturing SME and Small Business Prototype Development Support Subsidy"

■ Because I'm curious

◎ Episode 44: Observing the Large Intestine by Taking Capsules

■ Latest Information on Daiwa Pharmaceutical

◎ Local Taiwanese Agent Representatives Visited the Tsukuba Factory

On September 26, a delegation of Taiwanese agents visited Daiwa Yakuhin's Tsukuba factory and toured its manufacturing facilities. During the factory tour, our R&D department gave a presentation introducing Daiwa Yakusen's original materials, BioBran, NKCP, and rice kefiran, allowing participants to gain a deeper understanding of each product.

The market for Daiwa Pharmaceutical's products in Taiwan is expanding, and further developments are expected in the future.

◎ Selected for the "Manufacturing SME and Small Business Prototype Development Support Subsidy"

Since 2011, Daiwa Pharmaceutical has been working on a project to develop functional food ingredients using unused resources, and this project was selected for the Small and Medium Enterprise Agency's "Subsidy for Prototype Development Support for Small and Medium Manufacturing Enterprises and Small Businesses."

Our company will continue to focus on the challenge of "developing functional foods utilizing unused resources."

■ Curious body: Taking capsules to observe the colon

Generally, colorectal cancer screening begins by checking for blood in the stool, and if the result is positive, a colonoscopy is performed. Due to resistance to having a tube inserted through the anus and discomfort depending on the doctor's skill, the screening rate is only about 60% (2012 Japanese Society of Gastroenterological Cancer Screening Statistics).

Good news for those hesitant to see a doctor is the approval of a capsule endoscope, which allows examinations by swallowing capsules orally. It is expected to be introduced in medical institutions next year. The capsule measures 3.1×1.16 cm and weighs 2.9 g. There are small cameras at both ends that capture 4~35 images per second as it moves inside the abdomen. The image data is later displayed on a computer via sensors attached to the patient's skin, and the doctor observes it.

Capsules are eventually discarded as they are discarded as they are expelled through the anus. Because the barrier to examination is lower than with traditional methods, it is expected to improve the rate of detailed examinations. However, capsule testing is not a cure-all. For example, with conventional endoscopy, if lesions such as polyps are found, they can be removed on the spot, but capsules do not. Because this is a new method, there is also the challenge of whether doctors can properly evaluate the images. You want to receive thorough explanation and be satisfied before undergoing the examination.

Thank you for reading the 'e-Kenko Kawara Edition' to the end of this month.

We will continue to plan to provide more comprehensive health information, so we appreciate your continued support. We look forward to hearing your opinions and feedback.

The next "e-Kenko Kawara Edition" is scheduled to be released around December 10.