Last Updated on June 21, 2020

Great Health Benefits of The Amethyst Biomat

There is a lot of hype these days on the healing benefits of the Infrared Heat Mat, Biomat, or Infrared Mattress. A lot of users who used the bio-mat claimed that their ailments were healed.

What Are the Benefits of Biomat Therapy?

Are you wondering what are the benefits of biomat therapy?

Biomat benefits has a wide range of benefits that it can offer to its users.

This treatment can be done to treat colds, stress, depression, ulcers, heartburn, sleep apnea, hemorrhoids, stress or insomnia.

There are also a number of side effects that are associated with the treatment, so it is important that you discuss the treatment with your doctor before deciding on it.

Here are some of the many biomat benefits.

A hot bath is not always enough to help relieve stress and depression.

At least this can be one of the benefits of biomat therapy.

In fact, this treatment can also help individuals stop eating or drinking too much.

The reason for this is that by heating the body, it can not only ease the stress, but it can also suppress appetite which can even help cure weight gain in a person.

Aside from these two, it can also reduce stiffness and joint pain, both of which are common symptoms of stress.

Even if you don’t want to stop eating, then biomat therapy is the best way to beat up on that fatty food and to do away with those fatty foods.

These can also reduce the risk of stroke.

Remember, if you want to have a healthy life, then start living with a healthier lifestyle now.

Being healthy is not only about being physically fit and healthy.

It is also about giving up those unhealthy habits that you can develop in your lifestyle.

From now on, you will have to take on these lifestyle changes and you will be able to live a healthy lifestyle in no time.

What Does the Biomat Do? Fundamentals Explained

It’s an entirely safe and all-natural approach to reach optimal wellness and maintain a more powerful, more resilient body.

Because the BioMat’s far infrared rays penetrate deeply into the human body and promote our normal state of well-being and balance, it may be used to treat a broad range of health difficulties.

The technology at the crux of all BioMat products has been clinically proven to deal with a wide variety of common health and wellness difficulties.

It requires no exceptional work. There’s no treatment process that’s enhanced by means of a biomat.

Yes, despite the fact that the BioMat is a certified medical device, it’s quite easy self-administer calibrated treatment.

Getting the Best What Does the Biomat Do?

It is not difficult to use and safe to operate. It gives warmth and relaxation like the energy that radiates from sunlight.

Amethyst Biomat Side Effects

There are often many curious questions when people hear about using an amethyst biomat to treat conditions such as blood circulation..

One of the ingredients used in the therapy is infrared energy. It is not thought that this can have any negative effects.

Some people, however, may experience allergic reactions to the high heat setting of the infrared biomat when used by pregnant women, and these side effects should be kept in mind if the use of this kind of therapy is recommended by your doctor.

Does Amethyst Biomat Pad Produce EMFs?

It is thought that one of the greatest advantages of using an amethyst biomat is that they protect you from the harmful effects of the electromagnetic fields around us.

Many people have tried this type of heating pad to reduce the aches and pains, particularly the lower back.

In addition, it could also help with the reduction of swelling in the joints.

There are plenty of people who use this heating pad as a substitute to heating pads in the cold months when the need to adjust the heating level in their homes could not be possible.

Although we use appliances, appliances are not made to protect us from the wrong exposure to electric or microwave emissions.

By using an Amethyst Biomat pad we can prevent the health risks of long term exposure to very high voltages.

There are those people who are still unaware of the dangers of electromagnetic fields but most of the health risks are familiar to anyone who has a pet. A flea might not be aware of the presence of radio waves in the environment, but the same applies to those who suffer from multiple sclerosis.

As these fields are conducted by the body, it is therefore quite possible for a human being to experience slight energy, which would have the same effect as a temporary form of sclerosis.

We need to pay attention to the safety issues with regard to appliances. Safety issues include appliance manufacturers.

This could be observed in the recall of radioactive materials for which the risk of accidental exposure is known, but it is unknown what the precautions are regarding the safety of an infrared heating pad.

How Long Should You Lay on a Biomat? Exposed

It is possible to even lay it over your body to target certain areas, including over your abdomen whenever you have cramps.

Intermittent use for a certain reason, like relieving minor back pain, may also be sufficient for its objective. It’s key to receive accumulated effects.

Why Almost Everything You’ve Learned About How Long Should You Lay on a Biomat? Is Wrong

It is far better to use the mat for 20-30 minutes, one or two times each day, for this function. If you are quite debilitated, begin with once weekly. Your session ought to be calm and absolutely free of any disturbance.

If you’ve got further questions, please don’t be afraid to get in touch with us for more info.

Some people do fine on the reduced settings and receive the exact benefits over the very long term as individuals who use greater temperature settings.

Always make sure you switch off the electrical supply when not being used.

The principal distinction in proportion, and that the Mini has tourmaline in addition to amethyst.

When you haven’t seen one before, it is a mat that arrives in various sizes and is full of amethyst crystals heads to toe.

Wipe off your sweat every couple of minutes that have a small towel.

The Downside Risk of How Long Should You Lay on a Biomat?

Do not allow yourself to get dehydrated. Schedule the usage of the Ereada Mat into your day-to-day routine.

Among the most overlooked avenues of elimination is, in fact, the epidermis, which delivers a huge exit route to poisons trapped within the body.

Always consult a health professional if you’ve got a chronic illness and aren’t sure about sauna usage.

It is preferable to take it simple and switch to lower settings for a time if you notice any negative symptoms.

Obviously, results may vary based on the frequency of use, and the essence of the problem that you’re treating.

For others, it is going to take a couple of weeks before the deep-penetrating treatment starts to bring relief.

First and foremost, what is a Biomat?

Biomat actually is not a new technology. Would your belief that the concept and inspiration of making a Biomat is actually a thousand years old technology?

If you have traveled and been to Asia especially China, Japan, Korea or even Singapore. In Japan, they have these so-called Ganbanyuko

Ganbanyuko hot stone therapy was popularized in Japan due to its rejuvenating effects on the body and numerous health benefits that this ancient technology offers.

Ganbanyuko existed in Japan for centuries. The large granite slabs are heated and it emits (FIR) Far Infrared Rays and Negative Ions.

In China, they use it for centuries too and it is called Hot Stone Therapy. This kind of stone hot therapy was they place hot stones were used to relieve any kind of tension or pain in the body. This was used since the Shang Dynasty in China.

Biomat is a great invention that is now portable and contains three ( 3 ) complementary technologies and you guessed it right. Negative Ions, Far Infrared Technology (FIR) and Natural Crystal Gemstones.

Who’s Discussing What Is a Biomat Session? and Why You Should Be Concerned

A Biomat Session is advised for anyone dealing with strain and fatigue.

How Do You Use Amethyst Biomat? Options

Tourmaline is believed to be the stone having the most metaphysical properties.

Quite simply, those who have low body temperature have a tendency to find sick easily as a result of weakened immune systems.

Far infrared rays are a part of the electromagnetic light spectrum and are near the light frequency of pure sunlight.

I’ve been using the Biomat a few times each week and drinking alkaline water daily.

Why Absolutely Everyone Is Talking About Biomat Benefits Cancer

In addition to that, there isn’t any way to figure out if the Biomat can replicate other heat therapies utilized in studies.

The technology at the crux of all BioMat products has been clinically proven to deal with a wide variety of common health and wellness difficulties. Biomat can be useful for many things and lots of men and women, but cancer patients should be cautious.

As a consequence, your entire body detoxifies and all your bodily functions are affected in a positive way.

Actually, the human body’s innate reaction to pathogens is to grow the body temperature and make fever to resist the invading illness. Since tumor cells don’t have an adequate amount of blood vessels, they aren’t under the regulation of the autonomic nervous system.

Tourmaline is believed to be the stone having the most metaphysical properties.

What to Do About Amethyst Biomat Side Effects Before It Is Too Late

The substantial FIR radiation collected is perfectly shot into the acupressure points of the human body working with the courage and tourmaline whilst amethyst stones do the use of pulling in the radiation to the body.

Besides anecdotal evidence and marketing and advertising claims, there’s no evidence that amethyst gemstones can influence your mental wellness. Only the best quality materials are employed in the building of the Bio-Mat.

Far-infrared treatment was used to take care of many different vascular disorders but the mechanism is uncertain.

Top Biomat Medical Tips!

The patented BioMat system was designed by a multidisciplinary group of scientists, medical professionals, and engineers who found an innovative method to capture the tested advantages of far infrared therapy and negative ion therapy in the scope of goods that are durable, comfortable, cost-effective and simple to use.

The efficacy of light therapy was acknowledged by the mainstream medical profession for a while now. Both therapies can help fight and protect against disease.

Choosing Biomat Medical

One reason why I like this far infrared sleeping pad is it requires no exceptional effort. The value of sleep can’t be overemphasized as it is, in fact, an active state that is crucial for mental and physical restoration.

It’s also perfect for spot treatment of a particular problem area, like a painful joint or minor muscular back pain. In reality, the human body’s innate reaction to pathogens is to boost the body temperature and make fever to resist the invading illness.

Biomat Session Guide

FIR is commonly used in alternative treatments.

Permit the Infrared Heat to stimulate every cell within the body, reducing pain and inflammation whilst balancing your entire body.

The Infra-Red BioMat is a secure and all-natural approach to attain optimal health now and maintain a more powerful, more resilient body later on.

It’s a safe and all-natural approach to reach optimal health now and maintain a more powerful, more resilient body later on.

Biomat session is normally done in 30 to 45 minutes at mid-temperature settings.  The best Biomat sessions will be done daily to maintain optimum health.

Understanding Negative Ions

A negative ion is simply a negatively charged atom, molecule or a complex molecule which have more than its original set of a number of electrons.

There were two brilliant scientists Dr. Bert Skaman and Dr. Erwin Neher. They both won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 1991.

The excerpt says:

“The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 1991 was awarded jointly to Erwin Neher and Bert Sakmann “for their discoveries concerning the function of single ion channels in cells.” [1]

They basically discovered that our body cells are capable of receiving ions both positive ions and negative ions. Once the body cells receive the ions then the cells are stimulated and it alters the cell membranes to allow the cells to communicate with each other.

Our body simply acts as an ion channel for these ions which may be positive or negative ions.

These ions channels act like “pores” in the cells, allowing external stimuli penetrate deep into the center or core of the cell. Both Doctors also stated that ions are even capable of creating new memory traces in the brain. Does that sound fascinating?

By the way, I have a product review on the Best Negative Ion Mattress Review which you can receive benefits on which the negative ions created by the negative ion mattress penetrate your skin and go deep into your body to help in the much-needed detox and rejuvenating effects in getting a really good night’s sleep. This is a cheaper alternative in the maintenance of health for your soft tissues, blood vessels and of course your skin.

Understanding Far Infrared Technology ( FIR )

How come especially in the spring and summer there are lots of people planning for short trips and even likes to go out and enjoy the warmth of the sun?

It feels good when you are out on the sun. The sun’s rays are natures natural electromagnetic radiation. The exposure to the sun can be very beneficial to our body and it triggers the body’s production of Vitamin D.

Just by exposure to sunlight, there are already many multitudes of immediate healing benefits namely: for inflammation control, improves your brain function, lowers blood pressure, helps muscles and it might also help certain cancer.

What does this sun relate to what we are talking on the subject of Far Infrared Technology ( FIR )?

The Far Infrared radiation is a band of energy that is in the complete band of the electromagnetic spectrum that has long been the proponent in combating debilitating diseases.[2]

Infrared Delivery Methods for Health

• Ray Devices: Infrared Lamps, Biomat, Infrared Heat Mat
• Infrared Sauna
• Traditional Sauna
• Steam Sauna
• Biomat
• Infrared Heat Mat
• Infrared Lamps
• Fibers impregnated with FIR emitting nanoparticles

Let us talk about bio mat or infrared heat mat

The infrared light waves are electromagnetic waves which have a wavelength that ranges 0.76 to 1000 um. This is further divided into Short, Near, and Far Infrared.

The FIR waves which are within the frequency of 8 to 14um, are found to be best for health and well-being.

When the Far infrared waves penetrate to deep into the soft tissues it is where the deep healing effects will take place.

There will be increased blood circulation thus alleviating problem spots. Do you know that microcirculation therapy is getting very popular nowadays?

What is Microcirculation Therapy?

This is a new form of heat therapy. This is used to relief from joint pain, muscles tissues, and stiffness problems. This is very useful for people who are suffering from:

• sprains
• arthritis
• muscle tension or spasms

Using the infrared heat mat on a daily basis will improve the recovery time and will enable the athlete back into the training routine. This is so good that it will provide an increase of blood circulation which will cause the blood vessels to dilate which will hasten up the recovery.

The far infrared rays have a wavelength that the body is readily absorbed and put into good use where the body tissues get healed.

When you are lying down on your infrared heat mat it produces electromagnetic radiation aside from the infrared heat rays which i have discussed above.

As I have mentioned before that we naturally obtain the electromagnetic radiant energy from the sun. U

sing the infrared heat mat will also produce radiant energy and absorbed by the body through the natural process.

Infrared Radiation or Infrared Light Technology

The infrared radiation is the type of radiant energy produced by the infrared bio-mat that cannot be seen or invisible by the human eye. It releases it as a form of heat which you can feel when lying down on the bio-mat.

The other form of infrared light therapy has also been used by the medical profession to rejuvenate facial skin and reduce the fine lines of aging or overexposure to harmful UV Rays from too much Sun.

Can you believe that the infrared light was also done by NASA? NASA devised this technology to help in forecasting the weather.[3]

( The Image above is from NASA Public Domain and subject to copyright )

They also develop this technology for rescue workers in finding people.

Amethyst Technology

Let us not forget the third most essential technology that is incorporated into the infrared heat mat. This technology comes to us without any surprise. Everyone inherently knows that the Amethyst gemstone has natural healing powers and has been used since time memorial.

The ancient Greeks use it for protection against intoxication. It is also used to increase one’s intellect. Buddhists use it for peaceful meditation.

Amethyst has healing powers to aid in various forms of physical ailments. Isn’t it cool that you lay down on your bed every day with Amethyst crystals? It is thought that this gemstone associated with problems on the nervous system and treat some form of insomnia. It balances the crown chakra.

The Amethyst crystal is a unique gemstone that it can carry both negative and positive piezoelectric properties which allows the much-needed infrared heat rays to penetrate deep into our body. This Amethyst gemstone acts as a superconductive material built into the infrared heat mattress.

The Amethyst being a superconductive gemstone makes these infrared heat mat into long wavelengths which is capable of penetrating the body for much-needed healing benefits.

What is a superconductor?

You might ask this question since the Amethyst crystal is a superconductor for the bio-mat.

Superconductor [4] are materials that can conduct electricity or infrared rays with no resistance. This simply means that if Amethyst acts as a catalyst that will allow the beneficial infrared light or heat to generate an intense magnetic field. This intense magnetic field is readily absorbed by the body and the good infrared heat penetrates deep which is around 4 to 8 inches to our soft tissues and trigger the much-needed blood circulation to go into the healing process.

So What Are the Health Benefits Of Far Infrared Radiation?

It is so good to know that this technology is made available to everyone who wanted to take advantage of its health benefits. Some people will say that this is just a portable version of a traditional sauna or infrared sauna. This is actually true in some ways since the infrared heat mattress can be used anywhere.

You can purchase an infrared for the home office chair thus enjoying the benefits of the infrared while working at the same time.

Infrared for the shoulders. Infrared heat mat for the bed. We are very fortunate that there is a variety of infrared heat mat that comes in all sizes and shapes.

Infrared is used now for the maintenance of health and also used for healing.

There are even Far Infrared Radiation ( FIR ) [5] fibers that are woven into fabrics and being used as garments, underwear, shirts, and jackets for the sole purpose in attaining health benefits and increase the body immune system.

I present to your on science-backed and medical researched claims on the health benefits of infrared radiation.

Science-Backed Health Benefits Of Far Infrared Radiation

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Simple Explanation of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

This is a disorder which is characterized by extreme fatigue and tiredness. This kind of ailment does not go away even if you take a good rest. Medical doctors are baffled with this medical condition since this debilitating disease cannot be explained.

It so happened that this complex illness is more prevalent to women than men.

Treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

There is a study done by Masuda A, Koga Y, Hattanmaru M, Minagoe S, Tei C [6]. The study simply states that they used a thermal therapy using Far Infrared Ray dry sauna was performed on patients with the CFS. It concluded that all the patient’s condition improved.

Cardiovascular Disease

Simple Explanation of Cardiovascular Disease

This is a disease that concerns the heart or blood vessels. This is one of the leading diseases here in the United States. This may be caused by high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, obesity, lack of physical activities, alcohol consumption, high-stress environment, high-fat diet.

It is said that the CVD can be prevented such as living a healthy lifestyle simply by a good diet full of fresh vegetables and fruits and avoiding sugar altogether. This is more common in men than in women.

Prevention of CVD

Compelling evidence had indicated that repeated exposure to Infrared Radiation prevents the progression of the hardening of the arteries on the blood vessels. The study states that when using the Infrared heat therapy it hastens the blood circulation and dilates the blood vessels.

It also mentioned that frequent sauna therapy enhances the blood flow and dilation of the brachial artery. [7]

Diabetes Mellitus

Simple Explanation of Diabetes Mellitus

This is a disorder in which the blood sugar is above than the normal allowable limits because the body is unable to produce enough insulin to break down the sugar.

This can also be explained that your body which is supposed to completely digest and extract and use the energy from the food intake cannot be completed because there is something wrong with your pancreas which produces insulin.

Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas which is needed to regulate or control the glucose in the blood. If there is a problem producing insulin then a disease causes a disorder which is coin the termed Diabetes. Diabetes is further classified into two main types: type 1 and type 2.

• Type 1 is caused by the failure of the pancreas to produce enough insulin to control the blood sugar in our body
• Type 2 is caused by the inability of the body to respond to insulin action.

Effects of Far Infrared Radiation on Diabetes

There is a conducted study on patients that have an ulcer on foot and infrared radiation was applied. The results were very promising because it says that the infrared may accelerate ulcer healing which preventing further infections and keeping under control. [8]

It states that because of the increased in blood flow to ulcer it has reduced the inflammation of the foot and it was improved greatly. The article is a long read [8] but there are conducted studies done and you can browse it through and see that there is undeniable evidence that infrared helped alleviate the diabetic ulcer.

Parkinson’s Disease and Laser Eye Injury

A simple explanation of Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s Disease is a disorder that affects movement. It is a nervous system disorder where it starts with tremors in just one hand and progressively advances into the stiffness and slowing of the movement.

The early stages are that your face will hardly show any expression and it will just be a blank face since the nerves there are starting to be stiff. At times when you take a walk in the park, your arms may not be swinging as used to before. Problems with talking get worse overtime like blurred speech.

This deliberating disease cannot be cured. The only traditional options are medications and surgery.

Near Infrared Light as Possible Treatment for Parkinson’s Disease

The current medical approach cannot treat Parkinson’s Disease. It can only contain the symptoms of PD. There are no protective measures in preserving the surviving neurons from degeneration.

There are studies taken and it shows promising results. Near Infrared light, treatment has been shown to increase antioxidant production and also rescue cells from toxins. It has been observed that repetitive Near Infrared light therapy increase in the total number of movements, time spent in moving and the speed of the movement. [9]

Treatment of Arteriovenous Fistula

A simple explanation of Arteriovenous Fistula

An arteriovenous (AV) Fistula is simply an abnormal connection between a vein and an artery.

In a normal healthy state, the blood flows from, arteries to capillaries to your veins. If you have a condition of AV Fistula then the blood flows directly from the arteries to your veins. In this scenario, the bypassed capillaries don’t receive enough blood supply.

Where are the most common AV Fistula?

It is normally found in your legs but can be found anywhere. If you have small AV Fistula does not need any treatment since it is small will not be detrimental to your health, but monitoring would be a good idea in case it gets big.

Far Infrared Therapy for AV Fistula

Studies were undertaken and the results show that it promoted better-wound healing. It suggested that regular use of Far Infrared heat therapy can positively influence the function of the AV Fistula.[10]

Arthritis

A simple explanation of Arthritis

Arthritis is an inflammation of the joint. It normally gets worst when your age. Most of the problem is a very painful range of movement.

Infrared Heat Treatment for Arthritis

When you are using the infrared heat on arthritis it delivers warm and to the affected areas. Remember that the infrared heat goes deep penetration up to 6 inches to 8 inches deep promoting blood circulation. If you use cream and patches it does not go deep and just gives you a limited heat which cannot go deep into the affected area.

Continual usage of the infrared radiation will boost the blood flow bringing fresh oxygen and nutrients to the injury area. It will reduce inflammation and promote the body’s natural healing process. [11]

Improve the Immune System

The infrared heat mat comes with adjustable temperature control. Of course, to fully utilize the beneficial healing effects is to adjust the appropriate temperature in order for the infrared heat to penetrate deep into your body.

This will come to mind that the temperature will reach high enough to induce an artificial fever. Your body goes into a state that the immune system will respond by releasing and eliminating toxin and waste products [12] by profusely sweating just like going to a session of the steam sauna.

Relieves Pain

When you go into a session of infrared heat therapy the peripheral blood vessels dilate [13]. This is caused by the infrared heat which brings relief and healing to the muscles and soft tissues.

The study undertaken resulted in reducing the chronic low back pain after a session with infrared radiation and there were no adverse effects.

When you go to a sweaty session with an infrared heat mattress the blood vessels widen or dilate. If there is increased blood flow to the soft tissues and muscles then healing would take place.

If there is increased blood circulation because of the deep penetrating infrared heat then it carries the metabolic wastes and brings in the much-needed oxygen which makes a lot of sense why the tissues and muscles recover faster.

Improves Skin

With the onset of increased blood circulation that I have mentioned many times. The active blood circulation will rejuvenate the skin’s appearance to a shiny glow.

Did you notice that when you get out of a sweaty traditional sauna, your skin looks healthier and glows?

Likewise, especially if you go thru an intense hot yoga session for 90 minutes your skin comes out to be tighter, glowing and youthfully looking good? This is the same effect when you had a 60 mins infrared mat session.

There was a study undertaken on the effects of Infrared Radiation on Skin photo-aging and pigmentation.

According to the results with patients with mild to moderate facial wrinkles and hyperpigmented lesions received a daily dose of infrared radiation ( 900 to 1000 um ) for 6 months.

The collagen and elastin produced by the fibroblasts increased after infrared radiation, 51 to 75% improvements were observed [14]

Photographic evaluation of facial wrinkles. Improvement of facial wrinkles after 6 months (A: Baseline, B: after 6 months).

( this picture is from Effects of Infrared Radiation on Skin Photo-Aging and Pigmentation

Ju Hee Lee, Mi Ryung Roh, and Kwang Hoon Lee )

Detoxification

Did you know that in most cases after spending a good 60 or 90 minutes session on an infrared heat mattress, your will be sweating profusely and thru the sweat that the toxins and waste come out. Be sure to wash the towel on every session for hygienic purposes. [15]

It is very good to sweat on a daily basis so that the following can be removed:

• heavy metals
• alcohol
• nicotine
• sodium
• cholesterol
• uric acid

Here is a video uploaded by Doctor Tolmosoff on various physical ailments that can be relieved by using an Infrared Heat Mat.

I have an in-depth review of the top 5 infrared heat mat which you may want to consider.

Sources of Scientific Mentions and Studies:

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1373344

[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3699878/

[3] https://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/5-8/features/F_Infrared_Light_5-8.html

[4] https://www.thoughtco.com/superconductor-2699012

[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23833705

[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17561703

[7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4935255/

[8] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5136462/

[9] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/238563377_Near-infrared_Light_as_a_Possible_Treatment_Option_for_Parkinson’s_Disease_and_Laser_Eye_Injury

[10] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4130633/

[11] https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00573352

[12] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1011134411001989

[13] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2539004/

[14] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2687728/

[15] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5941775/