A healthy bowl recipe and some serious talk about STI’s
Syphilis cases are rising in the United States, particularly among newborn babies. Dinner Table Doctor and I live in the United States, specifically in the state of Ohio. A recent news story about the rise in syphilis cases in the Cleveland, Ohio area made for some enlightening dinner conversation. DTD shared his thoughts over a high-fiber bowl of beans and sweet potatoes.
What is syphilis?
Syphilis is caused by the bacterium treponema pallidum. It can be transmitted through intimate contact, including vaginal, anal, or oral sex as well as through any direct contact with a syphilis sore or chancre. These sores can appear anywhere but are typically on the genitals, anus, lips, or inside the mouth. They are most often painless, so a person can have vaginal, anal or oral chancres and be completely unaware. This is called primary syphilis, and the sores often go away on their own, so frequently people don’t seek treatment, even when they notice one.
Left untreated, primary syphilis can become secondary syphilis. Secondary syphilis often develops weeks to months later and even as late as years after the initial episode. Symptoms of secondary syphilis most commonly include flu-like symptoms with generalized swollen lymph nodes and a rash but also many other symptoms which you wouldn’t even think are related — anything form hair loss to heart and liver disease to blindness and more.
Many people go on to develop tertiary syphilis. This can occur decades later and is much more difficult to diagnose and treat. It causes a host of health problems.
Is syphilis a big deal?
Syphilis can lead to various complications if left untreated, especially as it progresses through its stages. Some of the complications include:
Neurological problems: Syphilis can affect the nervous system, leading to severe neurological symptoms such as headaches, difficulty coordinating muscle movements, paralysis, numbness, and dementia.
Cardiovascular complications: Advanced syphilis can damage the heart and blood vessels, leading to catastrophic conditions such as aortic aneurysm (a bulging or weakening of the aorta) and inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis).
Vision problems: Syphilis can affect the eyes and cause symptoms such as vision loss, changes in vision, and inflammation of the eyes (uveitis).
Skin and soft tissue problems: Syphilis can cause skin rashes, ulcers, and sores, which may increase the risk of secondary infections.
Congenital syphilis: If a pregnant woman with syphilis does not receive treatment, the infection can be passed on to the unborn baby, leading to congenital syphilis. This can result in miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, or severe health problems in the newborn, including developmental delays, bone deformities, and neurological complications. It is particularly concerning that cases like these are on the rise.
Can syphilis be treated?
Syphilis can be serious, particularly if left untreated or if treatment is delayed. However, with prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment, most of the complications of syphilis can be prevented. It’s essential to seek medical attention if you suspect you have syphilis or have been exposed to it to prevent further complications and reduce the risk of transmitting the infection to others.
Don’t be afraid to talk about sex!!
Do not be embarrassed to talk to your doctor and your sexual partner about STIs! Regular STI testing, practicing safe sex, and discussing sexual health with partners can help prevent syphilis transmission. A good doctor will not judge you and can certainly treat you more effectively when she is fully aware of your sexual history. A good partner will not hesitate to communicate openly and honestly about sexual history, preferences and safety.
What about other STIs?
Sexually transmitted infections usually run in packs and remain a significant public health concern worldwide. The prevalence of STIs can vary based on factors such as geographic location, population demographics, sexual behaviors, access to healthcare, and public health efforts.
Global Burden: STIs are widespread globally, with millions of new infections reported each year. Common STIs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, human papillomavirus (HPV), herpes simplex virus (HSV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Variation by Region: The prevalence of STIs varies by region and country. Some regions, particularly sub-Saharan Africa, have higher rates of certain STIs, including HIV. In high-income countries, rates of specific STIs may vary based on local factors.
Youth and Young Adults: Young people, particularly those aged 15 to 24, are often disproportionately affected by STIs. This is due to a combination of factors, including higher rates of risky sexual behaviors and lack of comprehensive sexual education.
Chlamydia and Gonorrhea: Chlamydia and gonorrhea are among the most commonly reported bacterial STIs. They can often be asymptomatic, which contributes to their spread. Routine testing and prompt treatment are important to prevent complications.
HIV: The global response to HIV has made significant progress in terms of prevention, treatment, and education. However, HIV remains a concern, particularly in certain populations and regions where access to healthcare and prevention measures may be limited.
HPV: HPV is extremely common and is the most prevalent STI. While many HPV infections resolve on their own, some can lead to cervical cancer and other health issues. HPV vaccines are available to help prevent some of the most dangerous strains. I have an entire blog post about the importance of these vaccines which I encourage you to read.
Healthy bowls are quick and yummy!
In our continued quest to eat a largely (but certainly not exclusively) plant-based diet, DTD was in charge of dinner the other night, and he did not disappoint. He tried a new recipe: roasted sweet potatoes with black beans and quinoa. This is courtesy of Jar of Lemons. It was fast and flavorful – perfect for a weeknight after work. DTD did NOT use the dressing they suggest, because he did not feel maple syrup was necessary. Anytime he can reduce or eliminate added sugars, he certainly does so! Instead, he used a simple tahini dressing found on the website From My Bowl and went with the garlic version and it was absolutely delicious. We like this tahini dressing recipe because you can play around with it for different variations.
Roasted veggie bowls with added beans are a wonderful and satisfying way to add protein and fiber to a plant-based diet. If you really miss your meat, you could always add some roasted chicken or salmon to the mix and still eat a healthy meal.
A plant-based diet is a great way to try and stay healthy, but it won’t protect you against STIs. Visit your primary care doctor for regular STI testing, communicate openly with your partner, and always practice safe sex.
Dinner Table Doctor 