Medicine and Health

The Best Diet Plan to Lose Weight - A Comprehensive Guide

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 15 Mar 2023 16:31:00 +0000

Losing weight can be a challenging process, but it doesn't have to be complicated. The key to successful weight loss is to find a diet plan that is sustainable, healthy, and fits your lifestyle. With so many diets to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know which one is the best for you. In this article, we will discuss the best diet plan to lose weight, providing you with tips, strategies, and meal plans to help you achieve your weight loss goals.

1. What is the Best Diet Plan to Lose Weight?

When it comes to losing weight, there is no one-size-fits-all diet plan that works for everyone. The best diet plan to lose weight is one that is balanced, healthy, and sustainable. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a diet plan:

The Importance of a Balanced Diet

A balanced diet is essential for overall health and weight loss. A balanced diet includes a variety of foods from all food groups, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

Macronutrient Ratios for Weight Loss

The macronutrient ratio of a diet plan can play a role in weight loss. A diet high in protein and low in carbohydrates can be effective for weight loss. However, it's important to choose a diet plan that aligns with your personal goals and preferences.

Popular Diets for Weight Loss

There are many popular diets for weight loss, such as the Mediterranean diet, the ketogenic diet, and the DASH diet. These diets have been shown to be effective for weight loss, but it's important to choose a diet plan that aligns with your personal goals and preferences.

2. How to Choose the Right Diet Plan for You

Choosing the right diet plan for you can be a challenging process. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a diet plan:

Consider Your Goals and Lifestyle

When choosing a diet plan, it's important to consider your personal goals and lifestyle. For example, if you are a vegetarian, a vegetarian diet plan may be a good fit for you. If you have a busy schedule, a diet plan that includes meal prep and planning may be more sustainable.

Consult with a Healthcare Professional

Before starting a new diet plan, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional. They can provide you with personalized recommendations and ensure that the diet plan is safe and appropriate for your health needs.

Research the Diet Plan

Before starting a new diet plan, it's important to research the diet plan. Look for evidence-based information and reviews from other individuals who have tried the diet plan.

3. The Science Behind Weight Loss

Understanding the science behind weight loss can help you make informed decisions about your diet and exercise habits. Here are some key concepts to understand:

Energy Balance and Weight Loss

Weight loss is achieved when you consume fewer calories than you burn. This is known as a calorie deficit. To create a calorie deficit, you can either reduce your calorie intake or increase your physical activity levels.

The Role of Macronutrients in Weight Loss

The macronutrients in your diet - carbohydrates, proteins, and fats - play a role in weight loss. Protein can help you feel full and satisfied, while carbohydrates and fats provide energy. It's important to find a balance that works for you.

The Importance of Regular Exercise

Regular exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle and weight loss. Exercise can help you burn calories, increase muscle mass, and improve your overall health. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.

4. Meal Plans for the Best Diet Plan to Lose Weight

Here are some meal plans for the best diet plan to lose weight:

Meal Plan 1: Mediterranean Diet

Breakfast: Greek yogurt with berries and nuts
Lunch: Grilled chicken salad with vegetables and olive oil dressing
Dinner: Baked salmon with roasted vegetables
Snacks: Hummus with vegetables or fruit

Meal Plan 2: Low-Carb Diet

Breakfast: Two eggs with spinach and avocado
Lunch: Grilled chicken with mixed greens and olive oil dressing
Dinner: Baked salmon with roasted broccoli and cauliflower rice
Snacks: Nuts, cheese, or vegetables with hummus

Meal Plan 3: Plant-Based Diet

Breakfast: Oatmeal with almond milk and berries
Lunch: Tofu stir-fry with vegetables and brown rice
Dinner: Lentil soup with mixed greens salad
Snacks: Fresh fruit, nuts, or edamame

5. FAQs

Q: What is the best diet plan for weight loss?

A: The best diet plan for weight loss is one that is balanced, healthy, and sustainable. It's important to choose a diet plan that aligns with your personal goals and preferences.

Q: How many calories should I eat to lose weight?

A: The number of calories you should eat to lose weight depends on your age, gender, weight, height, and physical activity levels. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate number of calories for you.

Q: Do I need to exercise to lose weight?

A: While exercise is not necessary for weight loss, it can help you burn calories, increase muscle mass, and improve your overall health. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.

Conclusion

The best diet plan to lose weight is one that is balanced, healthy, and sustainable. It's important to choose a diet plan that aligns with your personal goals and preferences, and to consult with a healthcare professional before starting a new diet plan. Remember that weight loss is achieved by creating a calorie deficit, either through reducing your calorie intake or increasing your physical activity levels. With dedication and persistence, you can achieve your weight loss goals and lead a healthier, happier life.

إقرأ أيضا: أفضل خطة حمية لإنقاص الوزن

The Ultimate Diet Plan for Fast Weight Loss: Your Comprehensive Guide

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 14:34:00 +0000

Are you tired of trying different weight loss diets and not seeing results? If yes, then you're not alone. Losing weight can be a challenging task, but with the right diet plan, you can achieve your desired results in no time. In this comprehensive guide, we will provide you with the ultimate diet plan for fast weight loss.

The Ultimate Diet Plan for Fast Weight Loss

The ultimate diet plan for fast weight loss is one that is rich in fiber, protein, and healthy fats while being low in calories. It should include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

Calculate Your Daily Calorie Needs

The first step in creating a diet plan for fast weight loss is to determine your daily calorie needs. This can be done using a calorie calculator or by consulting a nutritionist. Once you know your daily calorie needs, you can create a meal plan that keeps you in a calorie deficit.

Eat More Protein

Protein is an essential nutrient that helps you feel full and satisfied for longer periods, which can help prevent overeating. Include protein-rich foods like chicken, fish, eggs, tofu, and lentils in your meals.

Incorporate Healthy Fats

Healthy fats like avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil can help you feel full and satisfied, which can reduce your overall calorie intake.

Choose Whole Grains

Whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat bread are rich in fiber, which can help you feel full and satisfied while providing essential nutrients.

Avoid Processed Foods

Processed foods like chips, cookies, and candy are high in calories, sugar, and unhealthy fats, which can hinder your weight loss progress.

Drink Plenty of Water

Drinking water can help you feel full and satisfied while flushing out toxins from your body.

Additional Tips

Here are some additional tips to help you with your weight loss journey:

Exercise regularly: Incorporate regular physical activity like brisk walking, jogging, or cycling into your daily routine.
Get enough sleep: Lack of sleep can lead to weight gain and make it harder to lose weight.
Practice mindful eating: Pay attention to your hunger cues and eat slowly to prevent overeating.
Keep track of your progress: Use a food diary or a weight loss app to monitor your progress and adjust your diet plan accordingly.

FAQs

Can I still eat my favorite foods while following the ultimate diet plan for fast weight loss?

Yes, you can still enjoy your favorite foods in moderation. Just make sure to keep your calorie intake in check.

How much weight can I expect to lose with the ultimate diet plan for fast weight loss?

The amount of weight you can expect to lose with the ultimate diet plan for fast weight loss varies depending on various factors, such as your starting weight, age, gender, and activity level. However, with consistent effort and dedication, you can expect to lose 1-2 pounds per week.

Is it safe to follow the ultimate diet plan for fast weight loss?

The ultimate diet plan for fast weight loss is safe for most people, as long as you're consuming enough nutrients and calories to meet your daily needs. However, if you have any underlying health conditions, it's best to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new diet plan.

Conclusion

The ultimate diet plan for fast weight loss is not a magic formula, but rather a well-balanced and healthy approach to losing weight. By incorporating nutrient-dense foods, staying hydrated, and engaging in regular physical activity, you can achieve your weight loss goals and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Remember to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new diet or exercise plan.

How To Know If You Have Erectile Dysfunction Or Impotence?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 03 Feb 2023 11:52:00 +0000

What is erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction, also known as ED or impotence, is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for the sexual satisfaction of both partners. It can devastate the self-esteem of a man and his partner. About 30 million American men continue to be affected, and transient episodes affect nearly all adult men. But almost all men who seek treatment find some relief.

What causes erectile dysfunction?

Just 20 years ago, doctors often attributed it to psychological problems or, in the case of older men, to the aging process.
Today, the pendulum of medical opinion has swung away from both notions. Although stimulation takes longer as a man ages, chronic erectile dysfunction requires medical attention. Also, the difficulty is not always from the psychological origin. Today, urologists believe that physical factors cause the majority of erectile dysfunction in men over 50 years of age.

Erectile dysfunction in old men

Since the penile errection mainly includes blood vessels, it is not surprising that the most common cause in adults is a condition that restricts blood flow to the genitals, such as atherosclerosis or diabetes. Another vascular cause can be an abnormal vein, which causes blood to flow out of the penis too quickly. Other physical problems, as well as hormonal imbalances and certain functions, can also cause erectile dysfunction.

The vascular system that makes up the erection is controlled by the nervous system, some drugs that can have the side effect of interfering with important nerve signals. The Potential triggers include many stimulants, sedatives, diuretics, antihistamines, and medications that treat high blood pressure, cancer, or depression. But don't stop the medicine unless your doctor tells you to. Also, alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs, such as marijuana, can interfere with performance.

Erectile dysfunction in young men

In young men, psychological factors are the most common cause of erectile dysfunction. Conflict and anxiety can result from wrong communication with a partner or from differences in sexual preferences. Sexual difficulties can be associated with the following:

Depression
Anxiety
Fatigue
Rejection by parents or peers
Feelings of inadequacy
Personal sexual fears
Childhood sexual abuse

What is impotence?

Impotence is a condition that systematically affects a person's ability to have or maintain an erection, or their ability to achieve ejaculation. It is a type of erectile dysfunction (ED).
There can be many causes of impotence. These include both emotional and physical problems. According to the Merck Manual, about 50% of men between the ages of 40 and 70 experience erectile dysfunction at one time or another.

The risk of impotence increases with age.

It was also found that more educated men were less likely to suffer, possibly because they lived a better life on average. Impotence often has a negative impact on sex life and can cause additional stress, depression and low self-esteem.

Impotence can change a person's life and destroy self-esteem. Although aging is often associated with erectile dysfunction, aging is not necessarily one of the causes of impotence. Erectile dysfunction is not considered a natural part of aging. Aging is just one dangerous thing. Some people never experience impotence.
Although erectile dysfunction can have a negative impact on sex life, it is a treatable condition. There are many programs that can help a person regain sexual function, including physical therapy, medication and lifestyle changes.
Because impotence can indicate an underlying health problem, make an appointment with your doctor if it becomes a regular problem, even if you think it's just stress.

Is erectile dysfunction inevitable?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to achieve or maintain an adequate erection for sexual intercourse. Some people may feel that ED increases with age. The thing is, the impotence and inability to maintain the errection is not affected by age. Getting older doesn't mean you have to lose erectile function forever. Although age can increase the risk of erectile dysfunction, there are ways to treat it.

Male sexual arousal may seem simple, but it is based on a precise and complex sequence of events in the body. The brain activates the nerves in the penis to relax the spongy tissue muscles that run down the penis. When these muscles relax, blood can flow through the arteries and fill the open spaces within the spongy tissue.

The increase in blood pressure expands the penis. The membranes around the spongy tissue support the erection. Anything that interrupts this sequence can result in the inability to get or maintain an erection long enough to have sex.

Age factors

No matter your age, Erectile dysfunction is often associated with aging. Although the frequency of erectile dysfunction increases with age, it is treatable regardless of your condition and is not as inevitable as you might think.

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, it is estimated that only 4% of men in their 50s and 17% of men in their 60s experience a complete inability to get an erection. In fact, erectile dysfunction can have many causes not associated with aging.

Medical causes of erectile dysfunction

There are many physical causes of erectile dysfunction. Any of these can interrupt the sequence of physiological changes that produces an erection:

Obesity
Diabetes
Heart disease
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
High cholesterol
Low testosterone level
Enlarged prostate
Sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea
Multiple sclerosis
Parkinson's disease

Psychological causes of erectile dysfunction

Depression: Depression can interfere with a man's sexual desire and ability to get and maintain an erection.
Anxiety: Anxiety, particularly performance anxiety, can cause a man to experience ED.
Stress: Chronic stress can interfere with a man's sexual performance and lead to ED.
Relationship problems: Issues in a man's relationship, such as conflicts, stress, and dissatisfaction, can cause ED.
Low self-esteem: Men who have low self-esteem or who feel insecure about their sexual performance may experience ED.
Past sexual trauma: A history of sexual trauma, such as sexual abuse or assault, can contribute to ED.
Mental health disorders: Mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD, can also contribute to ED.

What are the treatments for erectile dysfunction?

Medications: Oral medications such as sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra) can help improve blood flow to the penis and enhance the ability to achieve and maintain an erection.
Vacuum devices: These devices are designed to draw blood into the penis and create an erection.
Penile injections: Intracavernosal injections of alprostadil or a combination of drugs can help achieve and maintain an erection.
Penile implants: A penile implant is a surgical option for men who are unable to achieve an erection with other treatments.
Hormone therapy: Low levels of testosterone can contribute to ED, and testosterone replacement therapy may be recommended.
Lifestyle changes: Making changes to lifestyle habits, such as quitting smoking, losing weight, and exercising regularly, can help improve ED.
Psychotherapy: Talking to a therapist or counselor can help address psychological factors that contribute to ED and improve sexual function.

So, there you have it – the lowdown on ED. It may not be the most enjoyable issue, but it must be addressed. So, whether you're a male coping with ED or just want to brush up on your knowledge, maybe this post has given you some useful information. And don't give up hope if you have ED - with the correct strategy and treatment plan, you can get back in the game and leave your "you know what" in the dust. Let's hope it doesn't turn out like a "limp noodle."

7 Daily Habits for Reducing Stress and Anxiety: Proven to Work

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 22:24:00 +0000

Understanding Stress and Anxiety: The Importance of Managing It

Anxiety and stress are frequent situations that can have a negative impact on our general well-being. Constant stress and worries may result in physical and mental health issues such as headaches, exhaustion, and depression. The good news is that there are simple and effective stress and anxiety management techniques.In this article we will go over seven daily behaviors that have been shown to help with stress and anxiety reduction.

I. Exercise Regularly

Exercise is one of the most effective stress and anxiety relievers. Exercise on a regular basis can help to relieve stress, enhance mood, and lessen emotions of worry and anxiety. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity movement three times each week, such as brisk walking or cycling.

II. Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment, and it may be an effective practice for managing stress and anxiety. Mindfulness techniques, such as meditation and yoga, may be of great help to reduce feelings of worry, increase focus and concentration, and improve overall well-being.

III. Get Adequate Sleep

Sleep plays an essential role in our overall health and well-being, and lack of sleep can increase stress and anxiety. Aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night and establish a regular bedtime routine.

IV. Eat a Healthy Diet

The food we eat may significantly influences our mood, vitality, and overall health. If we nourished our bodies with a balanced healthy diet filled with fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources, we can effectively combat and reduce stress and anxiety.

V. Connect with Others

Social support is essential for managing stress and anxiety. Spending time with loved ones as friends and family, or participating in social activities may be of help to reduce and alleviate feelings of isolation and loneliness.

VI. Practice Relaxation Techniques

Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and visualization, can help to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.

VII. Seek Professional Help

If your anxiety and stress are causing problems to you and interfering with your everyday life, you should seek for a specialist care. A therapist or counsellor can be a good choice as he or she may help you understand and control your emotions, as well as educating you with more strategies to let you reduce your stress and anxiety.

Stress and anxiety are repeated emotional experiences that can have a significant negative effects on our overall health and general wellbeing . However, incorporating the above seven daily habits into your everyday routine may aid in reducing stress and anxiety. Remember that self-care and healthy lifestyle choices s are vital for keeping excellent mental health. If your stress and anxiety are affecting your everyday life, you should seek professional health care assistance.

How To Use Grapefruit to Lower High Blood Pressure?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 17 Jan 2023 23:08:00 +0000

Heart disease is the number one killer of women. If you are a women, and even if your not, here is what you need to start doing.

The food you eat is critical in determining if you will have high blood pressure and if you can lower it. Eating less meat and eating more fruits and vegetables can lower your blood pressure.

High blood pressure or hypertension occurs when fats, cholesterol, and nutrients in the food you eat start to accumulate along your artery walls. This narrowing of your arteries restricts the flow of your blood, increases your blood pressure and making you more susceptible to heart attacks and strokes.

If you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or high trigylcerides, grapefruit has been found to reduce the effects of these conditions.

So which is better yellow or red grapefruit? Well, in a study made where people who had a history of high cholesterol, those that ate the red grapefruit had the most effect in lower their blood pressure. The yellow also lowered blood pressure but not as much as the red grapefruit.

It was found in this study that grapefruit had a better effect in lowering blood pressure than statin drugs.

Red grapefruit are extra high in anti-oxidants and these nutrients are able to reduce your triglycerides: the yellow are not.

Eat the red grapefruit when available and when it is not eat the yellow. Eat at least one - two per day. If you eat ½ just before your meal or drink a glass of fresh grapefruit, you can expect to lose 1 or 2 lbs during the month. By eating 2 grapefruits a day expect to lose more weight.

Eating grapefruit has many health benefits, but one other is in controlling your insulin level. Studies have shown that those that eat grapefruits have lower insulin and glucose levels in their blood. (Read also: How Grapefruit protect from Diabetes)

It is believed by researchers that grapefruit enzymes help to control insulin increases that happen after you eat. These enzymes help digest your food better and this results in less nutrients being stored as fat.

Grapefruit has also been found to be caner preventative. It's the phytonutrients - antioxidants - and especially lycopene that has been found helpful in preventing cancer.

Grapefruits are high in fiber, vitamin C, Vitamin A, and antioxidants - carotenoids, limonoid glucosides, flavonones.

You can buy red and yellow grapefruits from November to May. Nowadays it may be available all over the year. If you don't have any in your area go online and order some.

CAUTION: If you are on any drugs, do not eat grapefruits in combination with taking drugs. Grapefruit enhances the effect of drugs and can cause symptoms of overdose.

Do you know the health benefits of pomegranate ?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 15 Jan 2023 22:57:00 +0000

The nutritional importance of pomegranate

Pomegranate, also known as "the fruit of paradise," is a popular and nutritious fruit with a long history of medicinal use.

The pomegranate is a rich source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, and has been found to have a variety of health benefits.

One of the most well-known benefits of pomegranate is its high antioxidant content. Antioxidants are compounds that help protect the body against damage from free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can cause cell damage and contribute to the development of chronic diseases. Pomegranate is particularly high in polyphenols, which are a type of antioxidant that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.

Pomegranate is also a good source of vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system and protect against infections. It also contains vitamin K, which is important for blood clotting, and vitamin B6, which is important for the proper functioning of the nervous system. The fruit is also a rich source of minerals such as potassium, calcium, and iron, which are essential for maintaining healthy bones and teeth.

What is the health benefits of pomegranate?

In addition to its nutrient content, pomegranate has been found to have a variety of other health benefits. For example, research has shown that consuming pomegranate can help lower blood pressure, improve heart health, and reduce the risk of heart disease. This is thought to be due, in part, to the fruit's ability to improve blood flow and reduce inflammation in the body.

good for heart health

Pomegranate has also been found to have anti-cancer properties. Studies have shown that consuming pomegranate can help slow the growth of cancer cells and may even help prevent the development of certain types of cancer. This is thought to be due to the fruit's high antioxidant content and its ability to inhibit the growth of new blood vessels in tumors, a process known as angiogenesis.

Pomegranate has also been found to have potential benefits for people with type 2 diabetes. Studies have shown that consuming pomegranate can help improve insulin sensitivity, lower blood sugar levels, and reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications such as heart disease and kidney damage.

helps lower blood sugar levels

Pomegranate has also been found to have potential benefits for people with arthritis. Studies have shown that consuming pomegranate can help reduce inflammation and improve joint health in people with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. This is thought to be due, in part, to the fruit's anti-inflammatory properties.

good for joint health

Pomegranate is also a good source of dietary fiber, which is essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system and preventing constipation. Additionally, pomegranate juice has been found to have a beneficial effect on oral health. Studies have shown that consuming pomegranate juice can help reduce the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth, prevent tooth decay, and improve gum health.

It's worth noting that consuming pomegranate in moderate amounts, whether it's in the form of juice or whole fruit, is generally considered safe for most people. However, people who are taking blood-thinning medications or who have a history of bleeding disorders should consult with their doctor before consuming pomegranate, as the fruit may increase the risk of bleeding.

Add pomegranate to your diet

In conclusion, pomegranate is a delicious and nutritious fruit that is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, and has been found to have a wide range of health benefits. From improving heart health and reducing the risk of cancer, to improving joint health and oral health, pomegranate is a fruit that is definitely worth adding to your diet.

Want to Enlarge Your Penis? Understand the Anatomy of Penis

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 07 Dec 2022 23:06:00 +0000

The penis is as complicated as the other organs of the human body, despite a deceptively simple look. Moreover, since the 2 functions of the penis are well-known to males and females alike, there's a tendency to assume that everyone is aware of everything worth knowing regarding it.

However, there are continuously some queries left unrevealed or some obscure bit of information that no-one bothers to recall and which can become fascinating in a specific context.

thus here’s a general description of the penis whose aim is to produce a comprehensive presentation of this organ.

Basically, the human penis is formed of 2 parts: the shaft and also the glans (also called the head).

The shaft isn't a muscle as some have thought. it's formed of 3 columns of tissue, one among which continues forward to make the glans. The 3 columns are known as Corpus Spongiosus, that forms the bottom of the penis and also the glans, and Corpora Cavernosa, that are 2 sections of tissue situated next to each other on the top side of the penis.

The shaft is covered in skin, whereas the glans supports the loosely connected fold of skin called the foreskin. The foreskin is connected to the bottom of the penis, in a region known as the frenum. And, lastly, the urethra is travelling through the penis from one end to the other. This canal is a passage for both urine, collected within the bladder, and also the sperms, made within the testicles.

Erection is achieved by filling the 2 Corpora Cavernosa with blood. in contrast to some other mammals, humans don't have any erectile bone and need to depend instead on engorgement with blood to achieve erection.

once the erection is triggered by sexual stimulation, the arteries that bring blood to the erectile organ dilate so as to increase blood flow. The sponge-like Corpora Cavernosa fills up with blood, that makes the penis stiff. The stiffer tissues constrict the veins that carry blood far from the penis so as to keep up the erection.

Each male baby is born with a full set of reproductive organs. However, these organs aren't totally developed and remain so till the boy enters puberty.

At puberty, typically between the ages of ten and fourteen, the pituitary gland starts secreting hormones that induce the testicles to provide testosterone. Testosterone is the androgen hormone that controls all the physical and lots of of the psychological traits that define man.

Its presence ensures the development of larger bones and bigger muscle mass in men. it's additionally responsible for the rise in penis and testicles sizes, the manifestation of pubic hair and also the deeper tone of the male voice.

The penis stops growing at the end of puberty, that comes round the age of eighteen. However, there are several environmental factors which will delay or accelerate the onset or the end of puberty. this means that some men might experience penis growth beyond the age of eighteen.

a common urban myth that nearly anyone has heard of is that the concept that penis size is linked to the size of another parts of the body. the most common versions of this myth concentrate on the size of hands, feet, nose or overall height to determine the size of the penis.

Actually, there's no such link. though the development of the penis in the embryo is controlled by a similar genes as the limbs, penis growth at puberty is entirely ruled by the androgenic hormone ( testosterone) and has no relationship to any of the other parts of the body.

Some men are born with huge penises. this is often an undisputed reality of life whose causes are still a mystery to science.

As expressed above, there's no correlation between penis and body size. Studies conducted on bats have shown that the sexual organs and the brain need massive quantities of energy to develop.

At some point, the developing embryo decides whether it desires a much bigger brain or a much bigger set of sexual organs. However, science remains at a loss to know how the choice is made and why.

Do you want a safe and effective penis enlargement method ?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 15 Nov 2022 23:20:00 +0000

A lot of studies show that most men are interested in penis enhancement. In fact, these studies show that most men are dissatisfied with their penis length or sexual performance.

Furthermore, they are not satisfied with the firmness of the erect penis, but they are not willing to talk to their doctor about what they perceive as a problem

Many men are convinced that their penis is not big enough to satisfy their lover. This leads to a general lack of confidence when making love, and this lack of confidence often leads to a softer erection, which fuels the problem often leading to feelings of inadequacy.

This can also lead to relationship problems as these feelings take root and deepen. Feeling like an unsatisfactory lover leads to a lack of desire to have sex, which the woman in your life may interpret as sexual rejection.

This can lead to greater misunderstandings regarding sex and relationship and often leads to serious problems between couples.

The adult entertainment industry is full of advertisements for penis enlargement products and programs.

Products include pills, creams, and sprays that claim to cause penis growth. These claims range from the scientific to the utterly false.

Penis enlargement methods that don't work are discussed below:

Enlargement Creams

In recent years, advertisements for creams have emerged claiming that they will enlarge the penis with regular use.

Do they work?

Medical evidence has shown that no topical preparation can do more for you than increase blood flow to the area, which can help in other programs and firmness of erection as well, but these preparations alone cannot do anything to promote the effective penis enlargement.

Penis Pumps

The penis pump is one of the most common products advertised for penis enlargement. You can see it for sale online, in bookstores and adult magazines, and even in drugstores.

Pumps work by creating a vacuum around the penis and drawing blood to the tissue. This can help men with very poor circulation get an erection.

There is no real medical evidence that penis pumps cause an actual increase in penis size. Some men may also find that if they use a penis pump for a period of time, they will not be able to get an erection without using the pump.

Using Weights

Men have been using this penis enlargement method for hundreds of years. Basically, you hang the weight on your penis to stretch it. Many ancient and tribal peoples practiced this method.

Does this method work?

Over time, with regular use, it is possible to achieve greater length using this method.

Disadvantages include a thinner penis and, due to the stretched tissue, often a lower ability to achieve and maintain an erection.

This method can also cause decreased blood flow to the penis, which can lead to serious problems, including tissue damage.

Enlargement Surgery

Surgery is a big and expensive step. More importantly, it can lead to serious complications such as infection. It can also lead to the formation of scar tissue which can cause a misshapen penis.

A common form of penis enlargement surgery involves taking body fat and injecting a small amount into the penis.

This does not cause a significant change in length, although it can make a difference in girth.

Some men have connective tissue at the top of the penis cut off, which doesn't actually make the penis bigger, but makes it protrude more from the body.

Of course, with less support, your penis won't rise as far from your body as it did before surgery. Penile surgery does not change your ability to get an erection or the firmness of that erection. This is caused by the flow of blood into the penis.

Enlargement pills

Most of these are scam pills which are nothing more than vitamin pills, some work but be careful which one you choose.

Do you want to know what are the benefits of omega3?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 08 Oct 2022 08:56:00 +0000

Omega-3 fatty acids are one of the most necessary nutrients, and humans can get them through foods and nutritional supplements, because the body is unable make them on its own.

What is omega 3?

Omega-3 is a fatty acid found in abundance in fish, and it's the substance that is responsible for the production of many other substances that maintain the balance of many important and vital processes within the body, such as:

Blood pressure.
Body temperature.
Infections.
The pain.
Blood clotting.
Allergy.

Omega-3 is also one amongst the vital supplements for kids and infants, due to the necessary role it plays in the appropriate development of the brain from the embryonic stage within the womb, and it has an equally necessary role in kids with learning difficulties, concentration disorders, and even behavioural disorders

What are the Benefits of Omega 3?

Some of the most important benefits of omega-3s include the following:

1. Promote heart health

Several researches have proven that increased consumption of fish oil, which is one of the sources of omega-3, may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, reduce the risk of heart failure, and may lead to lowering of death rate.

It also positively affects the endothelial function, reducing the risk of developing ventricular fibrillation.

2. Reduce triglyceride levels

Omega-3 protects against atherosclerosis, because it reduces the amounts of triglycerides, and treatment with a dose of 3 to 4 grams of fish oil per day has been shown to reduce triglyceride levels by an average of 30%.

3. Decrease the risk of premature births

Research has shown that pregnant women who were at risk of preterm labor and treated with a dose of 2.7 grams of fish oil per day experienced less preterm labor.

It should also be noted that a lack of omega-3 consumption during pregnancy causes a deficiency of Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in pregnant women, which may increase the risk of postpartum depression.

4. Participate in the fight against depression

Lots of studies have shown that there is a relationship between omega-3 consumption and depression. It has been shown that:

As the consumption of fish and fish products increases , the incidence of depression is decreases.
The higher the consumption of the omega-3 fatty acids, the lower the incidence of behavioural disorders and postpartum depression in women.

5. Help treat infections

The effectiveness of omega-3 fatty acids has been proven in the prevention and treatment of many diseases, as several studies have indicated that omega-3 plays a primary role in some cases of inflammation, as it participates in the following:

Reduction of symptoms of infections in the lung, such as: asthma.
patients with arthritis conditions are improved.
Prevention of the production of inflammatory compounds, and reducing symptoms of arthritis, pain and morning stiffness.

6. Promote brain health

Providing the body with enough omega-3 regularly is important for maintaining and protecting the brain throughout life, as well as reducing the decline and reduction of intellectual and cognitive abilities with age, as the omega-3 level in brain cells begins to decline with age, that leads to an increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease, it is therefore recommended to be added to the diet for its health importance.

What are Omega 3 Sources?

Omega-3 fatty acids are found in many foods, including the following:

Fish, especially salmon, tuna, and sardines.
Vegetable oils, like: soybean oil and flaxseed oil.
Fortified foods, such as: milk, yogurt, juices, and some types of eggs.

The concentration of acids in fish can be affected by a number of factors such as:

The quality of its food.
The area of its growth and life, such as: fish farming facilities, or its natural environment such as seas and rivers.
The part that is eaten from the body of the fish.
Fishing season.

What are the Dangers of omega 3 deficiency?

Omega-3 deficiency causes many problems, as follows:

Problems with hair, nails, and skin.
Feeling tired, and trouble sleeping.
Lack of focus and attention.
Joint pain, cramping feet.
Menstrual disorders in women

Do you wonder to know What is the health importance of Magnesium

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 27 Sep 2022 23:23:00 +0000

Magnesium is a mineral which plays an essential role in the human body. Magnesium is found in plants and animals. It helps plants to carry out photosynthesis and acts as a metabolic reaction in animals. There are over three hundred biochemical processes in the human body that require magnesium.

How does the body utilise magnesium?

The bones of the human body use magnesium. Around half of the magnesium in the body is in the bones. Magnesium helps in the production of the hormone calcitonin. This is used to make calcium in the bones. It also helps control the acidity of the blood, which helps bones because high levels of acid can weaken bones. Children and adults cannot survive without daily magnesium intake. The lower the level of magnesium in a person's body, the more likely you are to develop certain diseases and conditions.
Magnesium also helps regulate the neuromuscular function of the heart and helps keep the heart beating steady. It can also help to keep the blood pressure of the person healthy for some time.

How much Magnesium does the body need?

According to the National Research Council, individuals need three to four hundred milligrams of magnesium per day to meet the recommended intake. Adults men need about three hundred and fifty milligrams per day, adult women need about two hundred and eighty milligrams, which should increase to about four hundred and twenty for pregnant women and when they breastfeeding. Children, depending on their height and weight, need about one hundred and thirty milligrams per day. Statistics show that many people do not take recommended magnesium supplements.

What are the best sources of magnesium?

There are many natural sources of magnesium, these include spinach, almond, avocado, cashews, banana, leafy greens, whole grains, beans, black beans, soybeans, seeds, fishes, dark chocolate and legumes.

Also you can easily get it from magnesium supplement pills.

What are the Magnesium Deficiency common symptoms and signs?

There are various diseases that people can develop if they do not consume enough magnesium every day. Some of these illnesses are:

1. Musculoskeletal problems - You may develop conditions such as bone loss (osteoporosis), chronic fatigue and weakness, muscle stiffness, tremors and restlessness.

2. Heart disease - There are many types of heart disease that can be related to lack of magnesium in the body. These include atherosclerosis, cardiac arrhythmias, and vasospasm.

3. PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome)- Magnesium deficiency increases the symptoms of PMS.

4. Psychological issues - People with anxiety, depression, irritability, or bipolar disorders were found to have lower magnesium levels.

5. Neurological issues - People with migraines, noises and pain sensations are also known to be low in magnesium level.

6. Endocrine Disorders - Magnesium works by acting as a messenger for insulin. Magnesium is essential for the secretion and function of insulin. It plays an important role in controlling blood sugar in the body which make it very important in the prevention of diabetes. It also helps the body convert blood sugar into energy, a key role in developing diabetes.

Many people do not receive the recommended daily doses of many vitamins and minerals in their daily diet and must rely on supplements. The body needs these nutrients to function properly, and with daily deficient dose of magnesium, the body can experience a variety of symptoms that can eventually turn into a serious condition. It is important to see your doctor and find out if you have a magnesium deficiency so that it can be treated and avoid serious problems. You can get your daily amount of magnesium from foods like nuts, seeds and grains, all of which are great and easy to get sources of magnesium, or you can easily get your daily requirement from magnesium supplement pills.

Magnesium supplement pills

Can onion boost sex hormone level in the blood?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 20 Jul 2022 16:19:00 +0000

Study shows rats have more sex with onion. And so could you..

A 2014 study published in the Journal of Experimental medicine and biology found that onion juice promoted testosterone production in male rats.

What is testosterone?

Testosterone is the male sex hormone. It has many important functions in the male body including sperm production, sex drive regulation, potency, body hair growth, and muscle and bone strength.

What causes low testosterone?

Many things can affect the testosterone levels in the body. Medications commonly affect testosterone levels, and this is shown in the study discussed in this article. Antidepressants and antipsychotic medications are well known for their ability to affect sex drive and potency because of their effect on testosterone levels.

Other causes include aging, injury to the testicles, testicular cancer or chemotherapy, congenital defects, or a deficiency of hormones produced in parts of the brain.

What happens if testosterone levels are too low?

Low testosterone can lead to less erections, longer time to gaining erection, less firm erections, lowered sex drive, general weakness and tiredness, difficulty concentrating, and low mood.

Onion (Allium cepa) has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. Thought to have been grown originally in Asia, it is used today throughout the world more for its flavor than its therapeutic properties. Onions have been shown to have healing properties. They contain many key substances; Quercetain (useful in Hay fever and seasonal allergies), mustard oils, and sulphur containing compounds. Onion can contribute to lower blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and reduce clot formation. Onion is often useful as an expectorant (used to expel phlegm) to help ease symptoms of coughs and colds.

The Research – Onions boost testosterone and sexual function in the rat model

The study looked at the effect of onion juice on sexual behavior in two populations of male rats. The first population included potent male rats and the second population looked at male rats who had been rendered impotent by being given the antidepressant Paroxetine.

The study found that onion juice had a remarkable effect on the rats’ sexual behavior. Onion juice reduced sex-free intervals, and increased the intercourse efficacy of potent male rats.

Testosterone hormone booster pills

Even more interestingly, onion juice reduced the ejaculatory latency period caused by paroxetine. i.e. The antidepressant paroxetine prolonged the time delay between periods of being able to ejaculate (longer down time after each sexual encounter). Onion juice also increased the number of ejaculating rats. This begs the question–is onion juice a possible remedy for erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation and reduced libido?

The study also showed that testosterone levels were significantly increased in rats after onion juice administration. It also showed that there was a significant drop in testosterone levels following administration of the antidepressant paroxetine–BUT that this lowered testosterone level could be returned to normal levels simply with onion juice supplementation!

How to prevent colds and flu by inexpensive ways?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 01 Jan 2022 23:24:00 +0000

Its that time of year again! Catching a cold can make you feel quite unwell for a few days, but isn't as serious an illness as it can seem to be to you while you are in the midst of it.

The old saying "It takes three days to develop a cold, three days to have it, and three days for it to go away," is pretty accurate, so if your cold has lasted longer than around nine days its time to ask your medical advisor for help as it may not be a cold at all.

Flu, on the other hand, can be a serious illness, especially if you are very young, in old age or suffer from respiratory complaints already. There are quite a few different flu viruses, and each behaves differently, so what do you do to avoid catching a cold or flu, and what can you do to relieve the symptoms if you are unlucky enough to get it?

All about Colds.

Colds are contagious viral respiratory infections that cause inflammation in the linings of the nose and throat. Because a virus causes them, taking antibiotics will not help, but there are many natural remedies that will help you cope.

The symptoms of the common cold are familiar to everyone and include: - nasal congestion, sneezing, coughing, runny nose, watery eyes, a stuffy head, headache, minor muscle aches and pains, tiredness and a sore throat.

What causes colds?

There are more than 200 different strains of the cold virus. Most adults develop immunity to the majority of them over time. The symptoms are not caused by the virus itself, but by your body's defence systems working to rid you of the virus.

Colds are easily spread by direct and indirect contact with a cold sufferer, or via the air from the sneezing or coughing of someone who already has a cold. It is not exposure to cold, wet winter weather that causes colds, but a lowering of your body's immunity due to stress, overwork etc.

It is also thought that indoor (central) heating and dry air may dry out your nasal passages and make them more hospitable to cold viruses. (Consider using a humidifier.)

Cold Prevention

Maintaining a strong immune system by managing stress and living a healthy life style is the long-term answer.

Practitioners of Chinese Medicine and Qigong would also recommend that you maintain your vital life force energy (qi/chi) by practicing Tai Chi, Chi Kung or using energy for self healing (as in Reiki).

When you practice these energy exercises you raise your energy vibrations to a level that will guard you against external pathogenic factors (germs and viruses).

Also, limit your exposure to the cold virus by washing your hands often, steering clear of people with colds, avoid sharing towels and phones, and try not to touch your face with unwashed hands.

Natural Cold Treatments

Supplements can help you recover faster as well as reduce some of your symptoms. Vitamin C, the most popular choice, does not actually prevent colds, but will help boost your immune system's response to the viruses and help shorten its duration.

Vitamin A taken in high doses (50,000 IU twice a day) at the first signs of a cold, can help fight the virus. Do not continue taking such high doses for more than five days. And if you're pregnant or planning a pregnancy do not exceed 5,000 IU of vitamin A per day.

Ginger is the favourite Ayurvedic cold remedy. Combine equal amounts of ginger, cinnamon and lemongrass, steep in a cup of hot water for about 10 minutes and then add honey to taste. Or replace the lemongrass with a pinch of cardamom.

The herb echinacea is an immune booster. This natural antiviral herb should not be taken for more than two weeks at a time. The herb Goldenseal can be taken along with echinacea and works well to reduce cold symptoms.

Zinc lozenges may also help speed recovery and may relieve sore throats. (Look for lozenges containing zinc gluconate, glycinate and ascorbate).

To soothe a sore throat try a gargle with warm, salty water several times a day, and drinking hot fluids, including tea and chicken soup, is soothing. If you can why not have a rest in bed if you feel bad.

When to call the doctor

Infants and the elderly may be at risk of developing pneumonia. If after a few days, the cold suddenly takes a turn for the worse, and you develop chest pain, shortness of breath, a productive cough, and a high fever then call a doctor.

If you have asthma, bronchitis, or emphysema, be prepared to call your doctor if you seem to be getting worse.

What to do about Flu (Influenza)

Flu is a contagious viral infection. A bad cold is very like a mild flu, but a more severe case of flu affects the whole body, with fever between 101°F to 103°F and chills, pounding headaches, joint and muscle pain, cough, dry or burning eyes, sore throat and fatigue.

The incubation period for flu is generally three or four days after exposure to the virus. Although flu generally lasts for less than 10 days, fatigue and lack of appetite may continue for weeks afterwards.

Just as with colds, the symptoms of flu are caused by the body trying to fight off the virus. And again, as with colds, there is no actual cure, although rest and some herbs and supplements can help make the symptoms more bearable and support the body's fight against the virus.

People at greatest risk of developing complications with flu are the elderly, people suffering from chronic illness (such as heart or lung disease) and anyone whose immune system is depressed, such as AIDS patients, or recent chemotherapy patients.

What are the causes of Flu?

Outbreaks of flu are caused by mutating strains of three basic types of influenza viruses and often occur as an epidemic. The viruses are caught and passed on in the same way as cold viruses.

Type A viruses are usually the most potent and are most often responsible for epidemics. The B type viruses are less severe, and type C viruses are responsible for the mildest cases of the flu that are most like a common cold.

Flu Prevention

For people most at risk of complications the flu vaccine is an option. Zanamivir (Relenza), which is a nasal spray, and oseltamivir (Tamiflu) are both anti-viral drugs that may be prescribed, but you need to take them early in the course of the illness for them to work.

Supplements that can help relieve flu symptoms.

Vitamin A may help shorten the duration of the flu. Take as recommended for colds (see above).

Taken in high doses (2,000 mg three times a day, for five days), vitamin C may also help.

Consider the herb echinacea to boost your immune system. Do not take echinacea for more than two weeks without a break though.

Also try the homeopathic remedy called Oscilloccocinum.

Acupuncture can help some people to avoid catching flu, or to avoid the worst of the symptoms and shorten the length of the illness if you do get it.

Natural self care remedies for Flu.

Stay in bed, resting or sleeping, until your temperature returns to normal.

Drinking plenty of warm fluids. Take water at room temperature and choose fruit/vegetable juices, or vegetable, chicken, or clear beef soups.

As with colds, to ease a sore throat gargle with warm, salty water and suck zinc lozenges.

If you have a dry, non-productive cough use a humidifier in the room and add eucalyptus oil or Olbas Oil to an oil burner.

A general herbal remedy for colds and flu.

Crush a medium sized garlic clove and half a teaspoon of fresh ginger, squeeze the juice of a lemon. Mix together with a teaspoon of honey in a cup of warm water and drink up to three cups a day.

For most people having a cold, or even flu, is unpleasant but passes fairly quickly, and the positive side is that you are unlikely to catch that same virus again for quite some time after you have had it, because your immune system has developed antibodies against it. So pamper yourself and rest, you'll most probably soon be better again.

Supplements for brain heath help to prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 22 Apr 2021 21:56:00 +0000

Most people think that a progressive decrease in the overall brain performance is a process of natural aging. This degenerative process makes us lose our abstract reasoning ability and short-term memory. It even may cause difficulties in concentration or learning. A lot of neurological diseases may be directly associated with aging such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson's disease.

Many studies have shown that the progressive degenerative decline of brain functions can be postponed, stopped, or even reversed, by the correct nutrition and/or supplementation. We will discuss below some of the most important supplements for boosting brain health.

-The Omega-3 in fish oil

Cold water fish is at the top list of foods for brain health, that because EPA and DHA, the omega-3 fatty acids which are found in cold water fish, have been connected with enhanced brain functions and memory. The best fish are sardine, mackerel, and anchovy. These fish are so small and live just for a short time which is not enough for the accumulation of harmful mercury.

In the US and Canada, the intake of omega-3 through diet alone is very low because it's usually confined to corn oil, canola oil, and other cooking oils, besides to flaxseed and walnuts oils. These plant-based oil sources provide us wit a form of omega-3 which needs to be converted into DHA inside the body.

In men, the conversion rate to DHA is about 1%, and in women it is less than 7%. There is no need to say, these plant-based sources of omega-3 do not seems to be the best way to supply our brains with lots of DHA, that is required for optimal brain health, heart function, and good eyes. Since cold-water fish oils is already have plenty of DHA, adding it to your diet as a supplement is the best way to supply your body with DHA.

A nine-year study completed in 2006 discovered that there is less DHA in the brains of patients with dementia than patients without dementia at the same age. There is a 47% decrease in the risk for getting dementia if DHA levels in the brain are high.

Free radicals do a lot of harm to the aged brain once there's a deficiency of DHA due to the protective ability of DHA to the brain from oxidative stress. Studies were finding that supplementation with fish-based DHA, and another ingredient of fish oil called EPA, will delay and reduce the impact of age-associated diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

- Blueberry Extract and Vitamin E

Blueberry extract and Vitamin E act as antioxidants. These two are together in a single supplement due to the synergy between them boosts their advantages. A lot of studies have mentioned that combinations of antioxidant flavonoids, carotenoids and vitamins are more effective than supplementation with each of these nutrients alone.

Vitamin E is claimed to be a really vital ingredient for optimum brain health. It may probably halt or slow the progression of Alzheimer’s due to its relief of oxidative stress to brain cells. The brain has high quantity of lipids ( fatty compounds ) that are liable to oxidative destruction from free radicals. Oxidative stress will extremely harm memory, and the brain cells in general. once the injury has been done, older adults begin showing symptoms of “ age associated memory impairment. ”

Inside the brain, antioxidant molecules like those in blueberries and vitamin E “ wage war against molecules called free radicals, which may damage brain cells and brain performance. ” vitamin E has really been shown to prevent the death of neurons inside the brain. Basically, a good vitamin E supplement will stop or slow the speed of cognitive decline as the brain ages.

Blueberries will alleviate inflammation inside the brain and spinal cord, according to a study done by Thomas Kuhn, PhD, of the University of Alaska. two of the foremost damaging players in brain aging are inflammation and oxidative stress.

We knew that vitamin E helps to alleviate the oxidative stress and currently we discover that blueberries will help to reduce the inflammation of the spinal cord and brain tissue. Blueberry also can strengthen the communication between neural cells and may really REVERSE injury done to the circuitry within the brain. The neural circuitry in the brain tends to match a tree or leaf, with branches and sub-branches feeding off the main stem.

In brains of memory impaired rats, a number of the branches have withered and become disconnected. Studies done on older memory impaired rats that were fed a diet supplemented with blueberries found that blueberry may restore brain structure back to normal, also stop the breakdown of neural communication.

Gingko Biloba

Gingko biloba is for cardiovascular health as a result of its properties which include the improvement of the blood flow and also the ability to stop the effects of blood clotting. It has another property for brain health which is the protection against oxidative cell injury from free radicals.

A recent six-month study on the effects of Gingko biloba in the diet of ten patients, with no dementia but mild amnesia, found that when supplementing with at least 120mg two times a day, verbal recall was improved. PET scans showed higher brain function in brain memory centers.

A French study found that long term supplementation of Gingko biloba “ enables cognitive performance to be maintained for extended periods, and indicates that the development of Alzheimer’s will be prevented or at least delayed.”

In a previously published studies on Gingko biloba related to memory functions, a “ small but significant effect ” to short-term memory was found when patients were treated with 120mg to 240mg over three to six months.

-Phosphatidylserine

Phosphatidylserine ( PS ) is a phospholipid which normally found in nearly every cell in of the body. A phospholipid is a type of lipid. Lipids add to cell structure and are a source of energy. In the brain phosphatidylserine operates in part as a communication assistant among nerve cells.

Most Phosphatidylserine research has been conducted with PS obtained from the brain tissue of cows, and shows an actual health benefit in age-related cognitive decline, but as a result of concerns about the possibility of humans contracting infectious diseases such as " mad cow " disease, this form is not available in the United States.

More recent information suggests that the combination of Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) with soy-derived phospholipids, can enhance the bio-availability of GBE's active components.

Results of a recent study using Ginkgo biloba extract with soy-derived phospholipids showed that " administration of Ginkgo biloba extract complexed with Phosphatidylserine resulted both in improved secondary memory function and remarkably increased speed of memory task performance across all of the post-dose testing sessions."

This study shows that Phosphatidylserine acts synergistically to boost the cognitive effects associated with a low dose of GBE.

Further research is required to identify whether this effect is due to the complexation of the extracts, their mere combination, or the separate psychopharmacological actions of the two extracts.

Health Benefits of Orange

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 05 Dec 2020 17:36:00 +0000

Orange is one of the most favorite fruit in the world. Orange is loaded with vitamins, and the most abundant vitamin in orange is Vitamin C.

This powerful vitamin protect our body against harmful elements.

Orange is Beneficial in the following cases :

Asthma
Bronchitis
Tuberculosis
Pneumonia
Rheumatism
Prevent kidney stone
Helps lower cholesterol
Helps prevent diabetes
Arthritis
High blood pressure (Hypertension)
Persons addicted to alcohol have found that the desire for liquor is greatly reduced by drinking of orange juice.
Consumption of large quantities of oranges will decrease the outpouring of mucus secretions from the nose.

Nutritional Contents of Orange :

Betacarotene, another powerful antioxidant that protects our cells from being damage.
Calcium that helps protect and maintain the health of our bone and teeth.
Folic Acid for proper brain development.
Magnesium helps maintain blood pressure.
Potassium helps maintain electrolyte balance in the cells, and is important in maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system.
Thiamin helps to convert food into energy.
Vitamin B6 helps support the production of hemoglobin that carries oxygen to all parts of the body.

Nutritive Values : Per 100 gm.

Vitamin A : 190 I.U.
Vitamin B : Thiamine .08 mg.;
Vitamin C : 49 mg.
Calcium : 33 mg.
Phosphorus : 23 mg.
Potassium : 300 mg.

فوائد البرتقال الصحية

Grapefruits protect from diabetes

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 19 Nov 2020 17:35:00 +0000

A recent study confirmed that the grapefruit helps weight loss, and protect against diabetes.

The researchers pointed out that the article "Naringenan" antioxidant found in abundance in grapefruit, granted by the bitter taste, is able to do perform the same action that exerted by the drugs used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus type II.

Diabetes usually occur when the body becomes unable to produce an enough amount of the insulin hormone to regulate the rates of sugar in the blood ( blood glucose ) and the "Naringenan" is found to help in increasing the sensitivity of the body to insulin. Also help people with diabetes to maintain a healthy weight which is essential in the treatment of this disease , as provided for under the "Al-Ahram newspaper."

In this context, the scientists found that the "Naringenan" makes the liver burn fat instead of storing and they added that its influence has the same effect as the 2 drugs "Fenofibrate " and "Rosiglitazone " which are used to control diabetes mellitus type II.

لمشاهدة الموضوع باللغة العربية انقر الرابط:

http://medicine-ar.blogspot.com/2011/10/blog-post_3347.html

DNA Computer Gates: The Future of Biocomputing

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 02:15:00 +0000

Scientists are finding success recently in getting DNA to mimic non-biological circuits and form logic gates, the stuff from which all computers are made.

DNA Computer Gates

DNA-based logic gates that could some day carry out calculations inside our bodies and can be programmed to target diseases as they arise. “The biocomputer would sense biomarkers and immediately react by releasing counter-agents for the disease,” says Itamar Willner of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel, who led the work.

The new logic gates are formed from short strands of DNA and their complementary strands, which in conjunction with some simple molecular machinery mimic their electronic equivalent. Two strands act as the input: each represents a 1 when present or a 0 when absent. The response to their presence or absence represents the output, which can also be a 1 or 0.

Take the “exclusive OR” or XOR logic gate. It produces an output when either of the two inputs is present but not when both are present or both are absent. To put the DNA version to the test, Willner and his team added molecules to both the complementary strands that caused them to fluoresce when each was present in isolation, representing a logical 1 as the output. But when both were present, the complementary strands combined and quenched the fluorescence, representing a 0 output.

One of DNA computing’s advantages is that it allows calculations to be carried out in parallel, if different types of logic gates are represented by different ingredients. The team tested this process by tossing the XOR ingredients into a test tube, along with those for two other gates, to produce the first few steps involved in binary addition and subtraction.

The Future of Biocomputing

The team was also able to create logic gates that calculate in sequence. The trick here is to make the output from the first gate a new DNA string that can be used as the input for a second gate and so on. Such “cascading gates” allow for more complex calculations: the entire set of steps required for addition and subtraction, for example, or to deliver a multi-step drug treatment.

Previous DNA-based computers tended to slow down at each step as the DNA strands were used only once, and so became depleted with time. One significant advance claimed by Willner and his team is that their DNA strands reform after each step, allowing long sequences of calculations to be carried out easily for the first time.

Even a single logic gate could have useful medical applications, Willner says. His group built and tested a gate designed to reduce the activity of the blood-clotting enzyme thrombin, which can lead to brain damage following a head injury. The gate acts as a switch that is triggered by the presence of thrombin. Part of the gate consists of a DNA strand connected to a molecule that binds to thrombin. If thrombin is present, this molecule is released, otherwise it stays bound and inert. Such a smart drug could be injected into the bloodstream in advance and would only switch on when needed (Nature Nanotechnology, DOI: 10.1038/nnano.2010.88).

Another problem with earlier DNA computers is that they use enzymes to manipulate the DNA, and so function only in certain chemical environments that cannot easily be reproduced inside the body. Willner’s team use DNA-like molecules to do this job.

“Being enzyme-free, it has potential in future diagnostic and medical applications,” says Benny Gil of the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel. He is impressed with the new gate system but recognises that it will take years of research and development to bring “smart drugs” to medicine.

Source: New Scientist.

The Calcium Connection: Heart, Nerves, and Muscles

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 11 Nov 2019 03:48:00 +0000

Calcium is one of the most important nutrients your body needs to maintain health. It is essential to meet many of your bodies needs. Calcium play an important role in many body functions and development.

Knowing how much calcium you need daily and where to get it can ensure that your body will reap the benefits of this great nutrient.

The Calcium Connection: Heart, Nerves, and Muscles

Calcium does many things for your body. Everyone knows calcium is beneficial to bones and teeth. In fact Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body. It is essential for the development and maintenance of strong bones and teeth; roughly 99% of calcium in the body is deposited in these two places.

Calcium is also important to keep your muscles and nerves working properly. It helps blood clot and keeps your heart beating properly. To function correctly, calcium must be accompanied by several other nutrients including magnesium, phosphorous, and vitamins A, C, D, and K. Lacking calcium in your diet can greatly effect your health now and in the future.

When your body does not get enough calcium it begins to take it from the bones. When this happens, if the calcium is not replaced through your diet the bones become deficient in calcium. This can lead to osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disease where the bones get thin and brittle. It is fast becoming a major disease among older adults.

Calcium is important at any age. For children calcium is essential to ensure proper bone growth. In pregnant women calcium intake is also important. The baby needs calcium to grow and takes this calcium from the mother, so increased calcium intake is important during pregnancy.

Some guidelines for calcium are 1,200mg a day for children age 1-10, 1,500mg a day for age 11-24. Pregnant and breast feeding mother should get 1,400mg a day and older adults should have 1,500mg a day. It is very difficult to take too much calcium and intakes of up to 2,500mg have proven safe. Excess calcium is easily removed form the body through waste.

The best sources of calcium are foods (see Dietary Sources), but supplements may be necessary for those who cannot meet their calcium needs through diet alone. In fact, according to the National Institutes of Health, many Americans consume less than half the amount of calcium recommended to build and maintain healthy bones.

Heavy use of caffeine can diminish calcium levels; therefore, higher amounts of calcium may be needed if you drink a lot of coffee. Also, a diet high in protein can increase loss of calcium through the urine. Excessive intake of sodium, phosphates (from carbonated beverages) and alcohol, as well as the use of aluminum-containing antacids also contribute to increased excretion of calcium.

Calcium deficiency can be found in people with malabsorption problems, such as Crohn's disease, celiac disease, and surgical intestinal resection. Prolonged bed rest causes loss of calcium from the bones and the elderly are less able to absorb calcium.

Symptoms of calcium deficiency include muscle spasm or cramping, typically in hands or feet; hair loss (alopecia); dry skin and nails which may also become misshapen; numbness, tingling, or burning sensation around the mouth and fingers; nausea and vomiting; headaches; yeast infections (candidiasis); anxiety; convulsions/seizures; and poor tooth and bone development.

Common Forms of Calcium

calcium citrate
calcium carbonate
calcium gluconate
calcium lactate
calcium chloride
calcium malate
calcium aspartate
calcium ascorbate

Uses of Calcium

Obtaining adequate calcium can help prevent and/or treat the following conditions:

Osteoporosis

An inadequate supply of calcium over the lifetime is thought to play a significant role in contributing to the development of osteoporosis. Calcium is necessary to help build and maintain healthy bones and strong teeth. Studies have shown that calcium, particularly in combination with vitamin D, can help prevent bone loss associated with menopause, as well as the bone loss experienced by elderly men. If adequate amounts of calcium are not being obtained through the diet, calcium supplements are necessary.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Calcium levels often measure lower the week prior to one's menstrual period compared to the week after. Studies suggest that calcium supplementation helps relieve mood swings, food cravings, pain or tenderness, and bloating associated with premenstrual syndrome.

High Cholesterol

Preliminary studies in animals and people suggest that calcium supplements, in the range of 1,500 to 2,000 mg per day, may help to lower cholesterol. The information available thus far suggests that keeping cholesterol levels normal or even low by using calcium supplements (along with many other measures such as changing your diet and exercising) is likely to be more beneficial than trying to treat it by adding calcium once you already have elevated cholesterol. More research in this area is needed.

Stroke

In a population based study (one in which large groups of people are followed over time), women who take in more calcium, both through the diet and with added supplements, were less likely to have a stroke over a 14 year time course. More research is needed to fully assess the strength of the connection between calcium and risk of stroke.

Colon Cancer

Although some studies are conflicting, mounting evidence suggests that people who consume high amounts of calcium, vitamin D, and milk in their diets are significantly less likely to develop colorectal cancer than those who consume low amounts of the same substances. Although it is best to obtain calcium from the diet, the suggested amounts for the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer (namely, 800 IU/day of vitamin D and 1,800 mg/day of calcium) will most likely require supplementation.

Obesity

Both animal and human studies have found that dietary calcium intake (from low-fat dairy products) may be associated with a decrease in body weight. These effects cannot necessarily be attributed to calcium alone since dairy sources of calcium contain other nutrients (including magnesium and potassium) that may be involved in the weight loss. A review of all studies up to the year 2000 did conclude, however, that supplementation of 1,000 mg of calcium can facilitate as much as 8 kilograms (17.6 pounds) of weight loss and 5 kilogram (11 pound) loss of fat.

Dietary Sources

The richest dietary sources of calcium include cheeses (such as parmesan, romano, gruyere, cheddar, American, mozzarella, and feta), wheat-soy flour, and blackstrap molasses. Some other good sources of calcium include almonds, brewer's yeast, bok choy, Brazil nuts, broccoli, cabbage, dried figs, kelp, dark leafy greens (dandelion, turnip, collard, mustard, kale, Swiss chard), hazelnuts, ice cream, milk, oysters, sardines, canned salmon soybean flour, tahini, and yogurt.

Foods that are fortified with calcium, such as juices, soy milk, rice milk, tofu and cereals, are also good sources of this mineral.

Calcium may also be obtained from a variety of herbs, spices, and seaweeds. Examples include basil, chervil, cinnamon, dill weed, fennel, fenugreek, ginseng, kelp, marjoram, oregano, parsley, poppy seed, sage, and savory.

Calcium is often overlooked in its importance. Fortunately it is quite easy to add calcium rich foods into your diet. Preventing future problems is important. Frail bones are most often contributed to a lack of calcium. To keep your body functioning properly today and in the future make sure your calcium intake is sufficient.

Information presented is of a general nature for educational and informational purposes only. Statements about products and health conditions have not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration. Products and information presented herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. If you have any concerns about your own health, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional.

Watching Too Much TV Can Shorten Your Life: The Science Behind It

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 20 Feb 2019 02:25:00 +0000

Research published online in the British Journal of Sports Medicine suggests, watching television for approximately six hours daily could shorten the viewers life expectancy by almost five years.

Watching Too Much TV Can Shorten Your Life

Competing with other well known behavioral risk factors, such as smoking and not enough exercise, the investigation indicates.

Sedentary behavior (as distinct from too little exercise) is linked with a increased risk of death, especially from heart attack or stroke. Watching TV makes up for a huge amount of sedentary activity, but its impact on life expectancy has not been evaluated, say the researchers.

To assemble a lifetime risk framework, researchers used previously published information on the connection between TV viewing time and death from analyses of the Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle Study (AusDiab), together with Australian national population and mortality figures for 2008.

Including over 11,000 adults aged 25 or older, and beginning in 1999-2000, AusDiab is a national survey of a representative sample of the population.

The researchers then created a risk framework for the Australian population in 2008, based upon answers those participating in the survey had provided, when questioned about the total time they spent in the previous week watching TV or videos.

In 2008 it was estimated that Australian adults (25 years and over) watched 9.8 billion hours of TV, which led them to calculate that each hour of TV watched after the age of 25 reduced the life expectancy of the viewer by just under 22 minutes.

The researchers calculated based on these figures, that in comparison to someone who does not watch TV, those who spend a lifetime average of over six hours daily watching television can expect to live just under 5 years less.

These figures compare with additional well known lifestyle risk factors of death from cardiovascular disease after the age of 50, including physical activity and obesity.

According to the researchers risk framework other investigations, for example, have shown the lifelong smoking is connected with the shortening of life expectancy by over 4 years after the age of 50, with the average loss of life from each cigarette calculated to be 11 minutes - the same as half an hour of watching TV.

The researchers say their findings indicate that substantial loss of life may be linked with prolonged TV viewing. Also adding,

"While we used Australian data, the effects in other industrialized and developing countries are likely to be comparable, given the typically large amounts of time spent watching TV and similarities in disease patterns."

They conclude,

"If these [figures] are confirmed and shown to reflect a causal association, TV viewing is a public health problem comparable in size to established behavioral risk factors."

British Scientists Develop New More Accurate Test for Peanut Allergy

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 05 May 2018 14:49:00 +0000

Peanuts are the most common cause of fatal food-induced anaphylaxis, or severe allergic reaction. But British scientists have found a better way to monitor a significant food hazard by developing a more accurate blood test, and it's five times cheaper than the existing one.

Medical Research Council scientists have developed a new laboratory test to diagnose peanut allergy. The test has 98 per cent specificity and, unlike current options, it doesn’t run the risk of false-positives or causing allergic reactions such as anaphylactic shock.

The simple blood test is five times more cost-efficient compared to the oral food challenge (OFC) – the standard food allergy test – and could be adapted to test for other food allergies.

Peanut allergies are among the most common food allergies in children.* Currently, doctors diagnose peanut allergy using a skin-prick test or IgE test but this may result in over-diagnosis or false-positives and it cannot differentiate between sensitivity and true food allergy.

When skin-prick and IgE test results are unclear, allergists rely on an OFC, which consists of feeding peanut in incrementally larger doses to a patient in a highly-controlled setting in hospital to confirm allergy to the food. While the test is the gold-standard for diagnosing food allergies, there is risk of causing severe allergic reactions. Now, the researchers have developed a safer, accurate blood test in the lab.

The new test, called the mast activation test (MAT), could act as a second line tool when skin-prick test results are inconclusive and before referring children and their families to specialists for an OFC, according to researchers from the MRC & Asthma UK Centre in Allergic Mechanisms of Asthma. Their new study was published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

Dr Alexandra Santos, an MRC Clinician Scientist at King’s College London, paediatric allergist and study lead author, said: “The current tests are not ideal. If we relied on them alone, we’d be over diagnosing food allergies – only 22 per cent of school-aged children in the UK with a positive test to peanuts are actually allergic when they’re fed the food in a monitored setting.”

Dr Santos continued: “The new test is specific in confirming the diagnosis so when it’s positive, we can be very sure it means allergy. We would reduce by two-thirds the number of expensive, stressful oral food challenges conducted, as well as saving children from experiencing allergic reactions.”

Food allergy symptoms are triggered when allergens interact with an antibody called immunoglobulin E (or IgE). The food allergens activate IgE antibodies, triggering symptoms such as skin reactions, itching or constricting of the mouth, throat and airways, and digestive problems (such as stomach cramps, nausea or vomiting). The current skin-prick test and IgE test, which have been in use for decades, measure the presence of IgE antibodies.

The new test focuses on mast cells, which play a crucial role in triggering allergic reactions. Mast cells activate by recognising the IgE in plasma and, in allergic patients, produce biomarkers associated with allergic reactions, which can be detected in the lab.

Using blood samples from 174 children participating in allergy testing – 73 peanut allergic and 101 peanut-tolerant – the scientists added peanut protein to mast cells to screen for IgE-mediated activation. The MAT accurately identified peanut allergy with 98 specificity. (Specificity is a statistical measure in determining efficacy for diagnosis. The MAT test rarely gives positive results in non-allergic patients.) The researchers also found the test reflected the severity of peanut allergy – patients with more severe reactions have a higher number of activated mast cells.

The MAT test is five times cheaper to conduct than the OFC, which requires an allergist and specialist nurses on hand to monitor for adverse reactions and provide medical support if symptoms arise.

Dr Santos said: “We are adapting this test to other foods, such as milk, eggs, sesame and tree nuts. This test will be useful as we are seeing more and more children who have never been exposed to these foods because they have severe eczema or have siblings with allergies. Parents are often afraid to feed them a food that is known to cause allergic reactions.”

The researchers believe the MAT test may have other uses, for example, in the food industry to detect the presence of allergens in products. Pharmaceutical companies could use it to monitor patients’ allergic response to drugs being evaluated during clinical trials.

The scientists plan to transition the biomarker test out of the laboratory and into a clinical setting. They will be testing blood samples from patients with suspected allergies to further validate its utility.

Is there any cure for Rheumatoid Arthritis?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 04 Feb 2018 07:21:00 +0000

Unlike osteoarthritis, which results from wear and tear on your joints, rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition. The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown, but it's believed to be the body's immune system attacking the tissue that lines your joints (synovium).

Rheumatoid arthritis is two to three times more common in women than in men and generally strikes between the ages of 20 and 50. But rheumatoid arthritis can also affect young children and adults older than age 50.

There's no cure for rheumatoid arthritis. But with proper treatment, a strategy for joint protection and changes in lifestyle, you can live a long, productive life with this condition.

Signs and symptoms

The signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis may come and go over time. They include:

* Pain and swelling in your joints, especially in the smaller joints of your hands and feet

* Generalized aching or stiffness of the joints and muscles, especially after sleep or after periods of rest

* Loss of motion of the affected joints

* Loss of strength in muscles attached to the affected joints

* Fatigue, which can be severe during a flare-up

* Low-grade fever

* Deformity of your joints over time

* General sense of not feeling well (malaise)

Rheumatoid arthritis usually causes problems in several joints at the same time. Early in rheumatoid arthritis, the joints in your wrists, hands, feet and knees are the ones most often affected. As the disease progresses, your shoulders, elbows, hips, jaw and neck can become involved. It generally affects both sides of your body at the same time. The knuckles of both hands are one example.

Small lumps, called rheumatoid nodules, may form under your skin at pressure points and can occur at your elbows, hands, feet and Achilles tendons. Rheumatoid nodules may also occur elsewhere, including the back of your scalp, over your knee or even in your lungs. These nodules can range in size — from as small as a pea to as large as a walnut. Usually these lumps aren't painful.

In contrast to osteoarthritis, which affects only your bones and joints, rheumatoid arthritis can cause inflammation of tear glands, salivary glands, the linings of your heart and lungs, your lungs themselves and, in rare cases, your blood vessels.

Although rheumatoid arthritis is often a chronic disease, it tends to vary in severity and may even come and go. Periods of increased disease activity — called flare-ups or flares — alternate with periods of relative remission, during which the swelling, pain, difficulty sleeping, and weakness fade or disappear.

Swelling or deformity may limit the flexibility of your joints. But even if you have a severe form of rheumatoid arthritis, you'll probably retain flexibility in many joints.

Illustration comparing rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, involves the wearing away of the cartilage that caps the bones in your joints. With rheumatoid arthritis, the synovial membrane that protects and lubricates joints becomes inflamed, causing pain and swelling. Joint erosion may follow.

Causes

As with other forms of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis involves inflammation of the joints. A membrane called the synovium lines each of your movable joints. When you have rheumatoid arthritis, white blood cells — whose usual job is to attack unwanted invaders, such as bacteria and viruses — move from your bloodstream into your synovium. Here, these blood cells appear to play an important role in causing the synovial membrane to become inflamed (synovitis).

This inflammation results in the release of proteins that, over months or years, cause thickening of the synovium. These proteins can also damage cartilage, bone, tendons and ligaments. Gradually, the joint loses its shape and alignment. Eventually, it may be destroyed.

Some researchers suspect that rheumatoid arthritis is triggered by an infection — possibly a virus or bacterium — in people with an inherited susceptibility. Although the disease itself is not inherited, certain genes that create an increased susceptibility are. People who have inherited these genes won't necessarily develop rheumatoid arthritis. But they may have more of a tendency to do so than others. The severity of their disease may also depend on the genes inherited. Some researchers also believe that hormones may be involved in the development of rheumatoid arthritis.

Illustration showing inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis typically strikes joints, causing pain, swelling and deformity. As your synovial membranes become inflamed and thickened, fluid builds up and joints erode and degrade.

Risk factors

The exact causes of rheumatoid arthritis are unclear, but these factors may increase your risk:

* Getting older, because incidence of rheumatoid arthritis increases with age. However, incidence begins to decline in women over the age of 80.

* Being female.

* Being exposed to an infection, possibly a virus or bacterium, that may trigger rheumatoid arthritis in those with an inherited susceptibility.

* Inheriting specific genes that may make you more susceptible to rheumatoid arthritis.

* Smoking cigarettes over a long period of time.

When to seek medical advice

See your doctor if you have persistent discomfort and swelling in multiple joints on both sides of your body. Your doctor can work with you to develop a pain management and treatment plan. Also seek medical advice if you experience side effects from your arthritis medications. Side effects may include nausea, abdominal discomfort, black or tarry stools, changes in bowel habits, constipation and drowsiness.

Screening and diagnosis

If you have signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, your doctor will likely conduct a physical examination and request laboratory tests to determine if you have this form of arthritis. These tests may include:

* Blood tests. A blood test that measures your erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR or sed rate) can indicate the presence of an inflammatory process in your body. People with rheumatoid arthritis tend to have elevated ESRs. The ESRs in those with osteoarthritis tend to be normal.

Another blood test looks for an antibody called rheumatoid factor. Most people with rheumatoid arthritis eventually have this abnormal antibody, although it may be absent early in the disease. It's also possible to have the rheumatoid factor in your blood and not have rheumatoid arthritis.

* Imaging. Doctors may take X-rays of your joints to differentiate between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. A sequence of X-rays obtained over time can show the progression of arthritis.

Complications

Rheumatoid arthritis causes stiffness and pain and may also cause fatigue. It can lead to difficulty with everyday tasks, such as turning a doorknob or holding a pen. Dealing with the pain and the unpredictability of rheumatoid arthritis can also cause symptoms of depression.

Rheumatoid arthritis may also increase your risk of developing osteoporosis, especially if you take corticosteroids. Some researchers believe that rheumatoid arthritis can increase your risk of heart disease. This may be because the inflammation that rheumatoid arthritis causes can also affect your arteries and heart muscle tissue.

In the past, people with rheumatoid arthritis may have ended up confined to a wheelchair because damage to joints made it difficult or impossible to walk. That's not as likely today because of better treatments and self-care methods.

Treatments for arthritis have improved in recent years. Most treatments involve medications. But in some cases, surgical procedures may be necessary.

Medications

Medications for rheumatoid arthritis can relieve its symptoms and slow or halt its progression. They include:

* Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). This group of medications, which includes aspirin, helps relieve both pain and inflammation if you take the drugs regularly. NSAIDs that are available over-the-counter include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve). These are available at higher dosages, and other NSAIDs are available by prescription — such as ketoprofen, naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn), tolmetin (Tolectin), diclofenac (Voltaren), nabumetone (Relafen) and indomethacin (Indocin). Taking NSAIDs can lead to side effects such as indigestion and stomach bleeding. Other potential side effects may include damage to the liver and kidneys, ringing in your ears (tinnitus), fluid retention and high blood pressure. NSAIDs, except aspirin, may also increase your risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attack or stroke.

* COX-2 inhibitors. This class of NSAIDs may be less damaging to your stomach. Like other NSAIDs, COX-2 inhibitors — such as celecoxib (Celebrex) — suppress an enzyme called cyclooxygenase (COX) that's active in joint inflammation. Other types of NSAIDs work against two versions of the COX enzyme that are present in your body: COX-1 and COX-2. However, there's evidence that by suppressing COX-1, NSAIDs may cause stomach and other problems because COX-1 is the enzyme that protects your stomach lining. Unlike other NSAIDs, COX-2 inhibitors suppress only COX-2, the enzyme involved in inflammation. Side effects may include fluid retention and causing or exacerbating high blood pressure. Furthermore, this class of drugs has been linked to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

* Corticosteroids. These medications, such as prednisone and methylprednisolone (Medrol), reduce inflammation and pain, and slow joint damage. In the short term, corticosteroids can make you feel dramatically better. But when used for many months or years, they may become less effective and cause serious side effects. Side effects may include easy bruising, thinning of bones, cataracts, weight gain, a round face and diabetes. Doctors often prescribe a corticosteroid to relieve acute symptoms, with the goal of gradually tapering off the medication.

* Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Physicians prescribe DMARDs to limit the amount of joint damage that occurs in rheumatoid arthritis. Taking these drugs at early stages in the development of rheumatoid arthritis is especially important in the effort to slow the disease and save the joints and other tissues from permanent damage. Because many of these drugs act slowly — it may take weeks to months before you notice any benefit — DMARDs typically are used with an NSAID or a corticosteroid. While the NSAID or corticosteroid handles your immediate symptoms and limits inflammation, the DMARD goes to work on the disease itself. Some commonly used DMARDs include hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), the gold compound auranofin (Ridaura), sulfasalazine (Azulfidine), minocycline (Dynacin, Minocin) and methotrexate (Rheumatrex). Other forms of DMARDs include immunosuppressants and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers.

* Immunosuppressants. These medications act to tame your immune system, which is out of control in rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, some of these drugs attack and eliminate cells that are associated with the disease. Some of the commonly used immunosuppressants include leflunomide (Arava), azathioprine (Imuran), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune) and cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan). These medications can have potentially serious side effects such as increased susceptibility to infection.

* TNF blockers. These are a class of DMARDs known as biologic response modifiers. TNF is a cytokine, or cell protein, that acts as an inflammatory agent in rheumatoid arthritis. TNF blockers, or anti-TNF medications, target or block this cytokine and can help reduce pain, morning stiffness and tender or swollen joints — usually within one or two weeks after treatment begins.
There is evidence that TNF blockers may halt progression of disease. These medications often are taken with methotrexate. TNF blockers approved for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis are etanercept (Enbrel), infliximab (Remicade) and adalimumab (Humira). Potential side effects include injection site irritation (adalimumab and etanercept), worsening congestive heart failure (infliximab), blood disorders, lymphoma, demyelinating diseases, and increased risk of infection. If you have an active infection, don't take these medications.

* Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra). IL-1Ra is another type of biologic response modifier and is a recombinant form of the naturally occurring interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra). Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is a cell protein that promotes inflammation and occurs in excess amounts in people who have rheumatoid arthritis or other types of inflammatory arthritis. If IL-1 is prevented from binding to its receptor, the inflammatory response decreases.
The first IL-1Ra that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in people with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis who haven't responded adequately to conventional DMARD therapy is anakinra (Kineret). It may be used alone or in combination with methotrexate. Anakinra is given as a daily self-administered injection under the skin. Some potential side effects include injection site reactions, decreased white blood cell counts, headache and an increase in upper respiratory infections. There may be a slightly higher rate of respiratory infections in people who have asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. If you have an active infection, don't use anakinra.

* Abatacept (Orencia). Abatacept, a type of costimulation modulator approved in late 2005, reduces the inflammation and joint damage caused by rheumatoid arthritis by inactivating T cells — a type of white blood cell. People who haven't been helped by TNF blockers might consider abatacept, which is administered monthly through a vein in your arm (intravenously). Side effects may include headache, nausea and mild infections, such as upper respiratory tract infections. Serious infections, such as pneumonia, can occur.

* Rituximab (Rituxan). Rituximab reduces the number of B cells in your body. B cells are involved in inflammation. Though originally approved for use in people with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, rituximab was approved for rheumatoid arthritis in early 2006. People who haven't found relief using TNF blockers might consider using rituximab, which is usually given along with methotrexate. Rituximab is administered as an infusion into a vein in your arm.
Side effects include flu-like signs and symptoms, such as fever, chills and nausea. Some people experience extreme reactions to the infusion, such as difficulty breathing and heart problems.

* Antidepressant drugs. Some people with arthritis also experience symptoms of depression. The most common antidepressants used for arthritis pain and nonrestorative sleep are amitriptyline, nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor) and trazodone (Desyrel).

Surgical or other procedures

Although a combination of medication and self-care is the first course of action for rheumatoid arthritis, other methods are available for severe cases:

* Prosorba column. This blood-filtering technique removes certain antibodies that contribute to pain and inflammation in your joints and muscles and is usually performed once a week for 12 weeks as an outpatient procedure. Some of the side effects include fatigue and a brief increase in joint pain and swelling for the first few days after the treatment. The Prosorba column treatment isn't recommended if you're taking angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or if you have heart problems, high blood pressure or blood-clotting problems.

* Joint replacement surgery. For many people with rheumatoid arthritis, medicines and therapies can't prevent joint destruction. When joints are severely damaged, joint replacement surgery can often help restore joint function, reduce pain or correct a deformity. You may need to have an entire joint replaced with a metal or plastic prosthesis.
Surgery may also involve tightening tendons that are too loose, loosening tendons that are too tight, fusing bones to reduce pain or removing part of a diseased bone to improve mobility. Your doctor may also remove the inflamed joint lining (synovectomy).

Self-care

Treating rheumatoid arthritis typically involves using a combination of medical treatments and self-care strategies. The following self-care procedures are important elements for managing the disease:

* Exercise regularly. Different types of exercise achieve different goals. Check with your doctor or physical therapist first and then begin a regular exercise program for your specific needs. If you can walk, walking is a good starter exercise. If you can't walk, try a stationary bicycle with little or no resistance or do hand or arm exercises. A chair exercise program may be helpful. Aquatic exercise is another option, and many health clubs with pools offer such classes.

It's good to move each joint in its full range of motion every day. As you move, maintain a slow, steady rhythm. Don't jerk or bounce. Also, remember to breathe. Holding your breath can temporarily deprive your muscles of oxygen and tire them. It's also important to maintain good posture while you exercise. Avoid exercising tender, injured or severely inflamed joints. If you feel new joint pain, stop. New pain that lasts more than two hours after you exercise probably means you've overdone it. If pain persists for more than a few days, call your doctor.

* Control your weight. Excess weight puts added stress on joints in your back, hips, knees and feet — the places where arthritis pain is commonly felt. Excess weight can also make joint surgery more difficult and risky.

* Eat a healthy diet. A healthy diet emphasizing fruit, vegetables and whole grains can help you control your weight and maintain your overall health, allowing you to deal better with your arthritis. However, there's no special diet that can be used to treat arthritis. It hasn't been proved that eating any particular food will make your joint pain or inflammation better or worse.

* Apply heat. Heat will help ease your pain, relax tense, painful muscles and increase the regional flow of blood. One of the easiest and most effective ways to apply heat is to take a hot shower or bath for 15 minutes. Other options include using a hot pack, an electric heat pad set on its lowest setting or a radiant heat lamp with a 250-watt reflector heat bulb to warm specific muscles and joints. If your skin has poor sensation or if you have poor circulation, don't use heat treatment.

* Apply cold for occasional flare-ups. Cold may dull the sensation of pain. Cold also has a numbing effect and decreases muscle spasms. Don't use cold treatments if you have poor circulation or numbness. Techniques may include using cold packs, soaking the affected joints in cold water and ice massage.

* Practice relaxation techniques. Hypnosis, guided imagery, deep breathing and muscle relaxation can all be used to control pain.

* Take your medications as recommended. By taking medications regularly instead of waiting for pain to build, you will lessen the overall intensity of your discomfort.

Coping skills

The degree to which rheumatoid arthritis affects your daily activities depends in part on how well you cope with the disease. Physical and occupational therapists can help you devise strategies to cope with specific limitations you may experience as the result of weakness or pain. Here are some general suggestions to help you cope:

* Keep a positive attitude. With your doctor, make a plan for managing your arthritis. This will help you feel in charge of your disease. Studies show that people who take control of their treatment and actively manage their arthritis experience less pain and make fewer visits to the doctor.

* Use assistive devices. A painful knee may need a brace for support. You might also want to use a cane to take some of the stress off the joint as you walk. Use the cane in the hand opposite the affected joint. If your hands are affected, various helpful tools and gadgets are available to help you maintain an active lifestyle. Contact your pharmacy or doctor for information on ordering items that may help you the most.

* Know your limits. Rest when you're tired. Arthritis can make you prone to fatigue and muscle weakness. A rest or short nap that doesn't interfere with nighttime sleep may help.

* Avoid grasping actions that strain your finger joints. Instead of using a clutch purse, for example, select one with a shoulder strap. Use hot water to loosen a jar lid and pressure from your palm to open it, or use a jar opener. Don't twist or use your joints forcefully.

* Spread the weight of an object over several joints. For instance, use both hands to lift a heavy pan.

* Take a break. Periodically relax and stretch.

* Maintain good posture. Poor posture causes uneven weight distribution and may strain ligaments and muscles. The easiest way to improve your posture is by walking. Some people find that swimming also helps improve their posture.

* Use your strongest muscles and favor large joints. Don't push open a heavy glass door. Lean into it. To pick up an object, bend your knees and squat while keeping your back straight.

The 8 top Recommended foods for diabetic patients?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 18 Jan 2018 08:59:00 +0000

Today, there are at least 422 million people living with diabetes in the world and about 1.6 million deaths were directly caused by diabetes.
Diabetes can be treated and its consequences avoided or delayed with diet, physical activity, medication and regular screening and treatment for complications. Here is some foods that help in controlling diabetes.

أفضل 8 أطعمة موصى بها لمرضى السكري

The 8 top Recommended foods for diabetic patients

Brewer’s Yeast

Brewer’s yeast is a wonder food. It is rich in traces of mineral chromium. This mineral helps the pancreas produce more insulin. It is one of the best supports for normal handling of sugar by the body. According to an article by Dr. Richard J. Doisy and others, which appeared in the Medical World News, Brewer’s yeast has lowered the insulin requirements of many diabetic patients.

Broccoli

Broccoli, a close relation of the cauliflower, has long been a popular food in Europe. This vegetable has proved to be an effective anti-diabetic food. It is rich source of chromium, a trace mineral that seems to lower blood sugar. This trace mineral regulates blood sugar, thereby often reducing the medication and insulin needs of diabetes. In cases of mild diabetes, chromium may prevent the onset of the full-fledged disease. If a person’s glucose tolerance is on border, chromium can help control it. Even low blood sugar levels can be brought to normal with chromium.

Curd

Curd injects friendly bacteria into the digestive system that stimulate the pancreas. It also washes the pancreas of its acids and wastes. These cleansing actions enable the pancreas to perform much better and thereby help in the production of insulin.

Garlic

In scientific trials garlic and its constituents have been found to lower blood sugar in diabetes. This vegetable is rich in potassium, which effectively replaces the large quantities of potassium lost in the urine of diabetics. It also contains zinc and sulphur, which are constituents of insulin. Some authorities believe that low levels of zinc may be one of the factors responsible for the onset of diabetes. Garlic also contains manganese, a deficiency of which can contribute towards diabetes.

Garlic constituents appear to act by blocking the inactivation of insulin in the liver. The result is higher blood insulin levels and lower blood sugar.

Garlic has other benefits for diabetes besides lowering blood sugar. It prevents arteriosclerosis, which is a common complication of diabetes and relieves body paid. Diabetics can take the equivalent of one or two cloves of garlic a day in any form they like, either raw or cooked in food or as capsules. Garlic milk, prepared by adding four cloves of crushed garlic to 110 ml of milk, is one good way of taking garlic. The best way, however, is to chew raw garlic thoroughly first thing in the morning.

Bengal Gram

Bengal gram, also known as chickpea, is a widely used important component of Indian diet. It is a valuable anti-diabetic food. Experiments have shown that the oral ingestion of the water extract of Bengal gram increases the utilization of glucose in diabetics as well as normal people. In a study conducted at Central Food Technological Research Institute in Mysore, the requirement of insulin of chronic diabetes patients decreased from 40 units a day to 20 units, when kept on a diet which included liberal supplements of Bengal gram extract.

Diabetic patients who are on a restricted diet, which does not severely limit the intake of carbohydrates but includes liberal amounts of Bengal gram extract, have shown considerable improvement in their fasting blood sugar levels, glucose tolerance, urinary excretion of sugar and general condition.

Bitter Gourd

The bitter gourd is a common vegetable cultivated extensively. It has excellent medicinal virtues. This vegetable has been used as fold medicine for diabetes from ancient times. Research has established that it contains insulin like principle designated as plant-insulin, which has been found beneficial in lowering blood and urine sugar levels.

Bitter gourd is thus and effective anti-diabetic food and should be included liberally in the diet of a diabetic.

Juice of three or four bitter gourds taken every morning on an empty stomach has been found more effective than eating fruits. The seeds of bitter gourd can be powdered and added to regular meals. A decoction prepared by boiling chopped bitter gourd in water is equally effective, as is its dry powder mixed with liquid foods.

Bitter gourd is rich in all essential vitamins and minerals especially vitamins A, B1, B2, C and iron. Its regular use, therefore, prevents many complications associated with diabetes including hypertension, eye complications, neuritis and the defective metabolism of carbohydrates.

Black Gram

Black gram is a highly prized pulse in India. It is an anti-diabetic food. Germinated black gram taken with half a cup of fresh bitter gourd juice, forms and effective remedy for treating mild types of diabetes. It should be taken once a day, for three to four months, with a restricted intake of carbohydrates.

In severe diabetes, regular use of this combination is an effective complement to other treatments. It is also a useful health food for preventing complications due to malnutrition in diabetes. Milk prepared by grinding sprouted whole black gram is also recommended for diabetics.

Groundnut

Groundnuts are valuable in diabetes. Eating a handful of groundnuts daily by diabetics will not only prevent malnutrition, particularly the deficiency of niacin, but also checks the development of vascular complications.

Building Better Bones

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 04 Jan 2018 23:42:00 +0000

Did you know that your bones are always changing? Every day of your life, some bone cells die and some new bone cells are created. From birth until your early 30s, you can easily make lots of bone cells. So long as your diet supplies the necessary nutrients, you not only replace bone cells that die, you have extras left over to lengthen and strengthen your bones.

Past the age of 35, new bone cells are more difficult to make. Sometimes there is a shortfall: more bone cells die than you can replace. In the orthodox view, this is the beginning of osteoporosis, the disease of low bone mass. By the age of forty, many women have begun to lose bone mass; by the age of fifty, most are told they must take hormones or drugs to prevent further loss and avoid osteoporosis, hip fracture, and death.

Women who exercise regularly and eat calcium-rich foods enter their menopausal years with better bone mass than women who sit a lot and consume calcium-leaching foods (including soy "milk," tofu, coffee, soda pop, alcohol, white flour products, processed meats, nutritional yeast, and bran). But no matter how good your lifestyle choices, bone mass usually decreases during the menopausal years.

For unknown reasons, menopausal bones slow down production of new cells and seem to ignore the presence of calcium. This "bone-pause" is generally short-lived, occurring off and on for five to seven years.

The idea behind bone scans is a good one: find women who are at risk of broken bones, alert them to the danger, and help them engage in preventative strategies. There's only one problem: bone scans don't find women who are at risk of broken bones, they find women who have low bone density.

I would like to help you let go of the idea that osteoporosis is important. When we focus on a disease, like osteoporosis, we cannot see the whole woman. The more we focus on one disease, even its prevention, the less likely we are to nourish wholeness and health.

Focusing on osteoporosis, defining it as a disease, using drugs to counter it, we lose sight of the fact that postmenopausal bone mass is a better indicator of breast cancer risk than broken bone risk. The twenty-five percent of postmenopausal women with the highest bone mass are two-and-a-half to four times more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer than those with the lowest bone mass. And that hormones which maintain bone mass also adversely affect breast cancer risk. Women who take estrogen replacement (often given to prevent osteoporosis), even for as little as five years, increase their risk of breast cancer by twenty percent; if they take hormone replacement, the risk increases by forty percent.

Focusing on bone mass, we lose sight of the fact that a strong correlation between bone density and bone breakage has not been established, according to Susan Brown, director of the Osteoporosis Information Clearing House, and many others. We lose sight of the fact that women who faithfully take estrogen or hormone replacement still experience bone changes and suffer spinal crush fractures.

Bone-pause passes and the bones do rebuild themselves, especially when supported by nourishing herbs, which are exceptional sources of bone-building minerals and better at preventing bone breaks than supplements. The minerals in green plants seem to be ideal for keeping bones healthy.

Dr. Campbell, Professor of Nutritional Biochemistry at Cornell University, has done extensive research in rural China where the lowest known fracture rates for midlife and older women were found. He says, "The closer people get to a diet based on plant foods and leafy vegetables, the lower the rates of many diseases, including osteoporosis." Women who consume lots of calcium-rich plants and exercise moderately build strong flexible bones. Women who rely on hormones build bones that are massive, but rigid.

Hormone replacement regimes do not increase bone cell creation; they slow (or suppress) bone cell killers (osteoclasts). There is a rebound effect; bone loss jumps when the hormones are stopped. Women who take hormones for five years or more are as much as four times more likely to break a bone in the year after they stop than a woman of the same age who never took hormones. Women who build better bones with green allies and exercise nourish the bone cell creator cells (osteoblasts).

Hormone or estrogen replacement, taken as menopause begins and continued for the rest of your life, is said to reduce post-menopausal fracture rates by 40-60 percent. Frequent walks (you don't even need to sweat) and a diet high in calcium-rich green allies (at least 1500 mg daily) have been shown to reduce post-menopausal fractures by 50 percent. The first is expensive and dangerous. The second, inexpensive and health promoting. It's easy to see why more than eighty percent of American women just "say no" to hormones. It is never too late to build better bones, and it is never too soon. Your best insurance for a fracture-free, strong-boned cronehood is to build better bones before menopause.
The more exercise and calcium-rich green allies you get in your younger years, the less you'll have to worry about as you age.

"A woman has lost half of all the spongy bone (spine, wrist) she'll ever lose by the age of 50, but very little of the dense (hip, hand, forearm) bone. Attention to bone formation at every stage of life is vital; there is no time when you are too old to create healthy new bone." - American MD

CALCIUM

"Osteoporosis is much less common in countries that consume the least calcium. That is an undisputed fact.

Step 1: Collect Information

Calcium is, without a doubt, the most important mineral in your body. In fact, calcium makes up more than half of the total mineral content of your body. Calcium is crucial to the regular beating of your heart, your metabolism, the functioning of your muscles, the flow of impulses along your nerves, the regulation of your cellular membranes, the strength of your bones, the health of your teeth and gums, and your vital blood-clotting mechanisms. Calcium is so critical to your life that you have a gland (the parathyroid) that does little else than monitor blood levels of calcium and secrete hormones to ensure optimum levels of calcium at all times.

When you consume more calcium than you use, you are in a positive calcium balance: extra usable calcium is stored in the bones and you gain bone mass (insoluble or unusable calcium may be excreted, or stored in soft tissue, or deposited in the joints). When you consume less calcium than you use, you are in a negative calcium balance: the parathyroid produces a hormone that releases calcium stores from the bones, and you lose bone mass.

To ensure a positive calcium balance and create strong, flexible bones for your menopausal journey, take care to:

Eat three or more calcium-rich foods daily.
Avoid calcium antagonists.
Use synergistic foods to magnify the effectiveness of calcium.
Avoid calcium supplements.

Step 2: Engage the Energy

The homeopathic tissue salt Silica is said to improve bone health.
What does it mean to you to support yourself? To be supported? To stand on your own? To have a backbone in your life?

Step 3: Nourish & Tonify

What do we need to make strong flexible bones? Like all tissues, bones need protein. They need minerals (not just calcium, but also potassium, manganese, magnesium, silica, iron, zinc, selenium, boron, phosphorus, sulphur, chromium, and dozens of others). And in order to use those minerals, high-quality fats, including oil-soluble vitamin D.
Many menopausal women I meet believe that protein is bad for their bones. Not so. Researchers at Utah State University, looking at the diets of 32,000 postmenopausal women, found that women who ate the least protein were the most likely to fracture a hip; and that eating extra protein sped the healing of hip fractures.
Acids created by protein digestion are buffered by calcium. Traditional diets combine calcium- and protein-rich foods (e.g. seaweed with tofu, tortillas made from corn ground on limestone with beans, and melted cheese on a hamburger). Herbs such as seaweed, stinging nettle, oatstraw, red clover, dandelion, and comfrey leaf are rich in protein and provide plenty of calcium too.

Foods such as tahini, sardines, canned salmon, yogurt, cheese, oatmeal, and goats' milk offer us protein, generous amounts of calcium, and the healthy fats our bones need. If you crave more protein during menopause, follow that craving.

CAUTION: Unfermented soy (e.g., tofu) is especially detrimental to bone health being protein-rich, naturally deficient in calcium, and a calcium antagonist to boot.
Bones need lots of minerals not just calcium, which is brittle and inflexible. (Think of chalk, calcium carbonate, and how easily it breaks.) Avoid calcium supplements. Focus on getting generous amounts of calcium from herbs and foods and you will automatically get the multitude of minerals you need for flexible bones.
Because minerals are bulky, and do not compact, we must consume generous amounts to make a difference in our health. Taking mineral-rich herbs in capsule or tincture form won't do much for your bones. (One cup of nettle tincture contains the same amount of calcium - 300 mg - as one cup of nettle infusion. Many women drink two or more cups of infusion a day; no one consumes a cup of tincture a day!) Neither will eating raw foods. I frequently come across the idea that cooking robs food of nutrition. Nothing could be further from the truth. Cooking maximizes the minerals available to your bones. Kale cooked for an hour delivers far more calcium than lightly steamed kale. Minerals are rock-like, and to extract them, we need heat, time, and generous quantities of plant material.
Green sources of calcium are the best. Nourishing herbs and garden weeds are far richer in minerals than ordinary greens, which are already exceptional sources of nutrients.
But calcium from green sources alone is not enough. We need calcium from white sources as well. Add a quart of yogurt a week to your diet if you want really healthy bones. Because the milk has been changed by Lactobacillus organisms, its calcium, other minerals, proteins, and sugars (no lactose) are more easily digested. This carries over, enhancing calcium and mineral absorption from other foods, too. (I have known several vegans who increased their very low bone density by as much as 6 percent in one year by eating yogurt.) Organic raw milk cheeses are another superb white source.
Horsetail herb (Equisetum arvense) works like a charm for those premenopausal women who have periodontal bone loss or difficulty with fracture healing. Taken as tea, once or twice a day, young spring-gathered horsetail dramatically strengthens bones and promotes rapid mending of breaks.

CAUTION: Mature horsetail contains substances which may irritate the kidneys.

Step 4: Stimulate/Sedate

Beware of calcium antagonists. Certain foods interfere with calcium utilization. For better bones avoid consistent use of:
- Greens rich in oxalic acid, including chard (silver beet), beet greens, spinach, rhubarb.
- Unfermented soy products, including tofu, soy beverages, soy burgers.
- Phosphorus-rich foods, including carbonated drinks, white flour products, and many processed foods. (Teenagers who drink sodas instead of milk are four times more likely to break a bone.)
- Foods that produce acids requiring a calcium buffer when excreted in the urine, including coffee, white sugar, tobacco, alcohol, nutritional yeast, salt.
- Fluoride in water or toothpaste.
- Fiber pills, bran taken alone, bulk-producing laxatives.
- Steroid medications, including corticosteroids such as prednisone and asthma inhalers. (Daily use reduces spinal bone mass by as much as ten percent a year.)
- Restricted calorie diets. Women who weigh the least have the greatest loss of bone during menopause and "neither calcium supplements, vitamin D supplements, nor estrogen" slow the loss. Among 236 premenopausal women, all of whom consumed similar amounts of calcium, those who lost weight by reducing calories lost twice as much bone mass as women who maintained their weight.
Although chocolate contains oxalic acid, the levels are so low as to have only a negligible effect on calcium metabolism. An ounce/3000 mg of chocolate binds 15-20 mg of calcium; an ounce of cooked spinach, 100-125 mg calcium. Bittersweet (dark) chocolate is a source of iron. Recent research has found chocolate to be very heart healthy. As with any stimulant, daily use is not advised. Chocolate is an important and helpful ally for women. Guilt about eating it and belief that it is damaging to your health interferes with your ability to hear and respond to your body wisdom. If you want to eat chocolate - do it; and get the best. But if you're doing it every day - eat more weeds.
Excess phosphorus accelerates bone loss and demineralization. Phosphorus compounds are second only to salt as food additives. They are found in carbonated beverages, soda pop; white flour products, especially if "enriched" (bagels, cookies, cakes, donuts, pasta, bread); preserved meats (bacon, ham, sausage, lunch meat, and hot dogs); supermarket breakfast cereals; canned fruit; processed potato products such as frozen fries and instant mashed potatoes; processed cheeses; instant soups and puddings.
To avoid phosphorus overload and improve calcium absorption:
- Drink spring water and herbal infusions; avoid soda pop and carbonated water.
- Eat only whole grain breads, noodles, cookies, and crackers.
- Buy only unpreserved meats, cheeses, potatoes.
- Avoid buying foods with ingredients; they are highly processed.
Excess salt leaches calcium. Women eating 3900 mg of sodium a day excrete 30 percent more calcium than those eating 1600 mg. The main sources of dietary sodium are processed and canned foods. Seaweed is an excellent calcium-rich source of salt. Sea salt may be used freely as it contains trace amounts of calcium. Salt is critical for health; do not eliminate it from your diet.
Increase hydrochloric acid production (in your stomach) and you'll make better use of the calcium you consume. Lower stomach acid (with antacids, for example) and you will receive little bone benefit from the calcium you ingest. Some ways to acidify:
- Drink lemon juice in water with or after your meal.
- Take 10-25 drops dandelion root tincture in a little water before you eat.
- Use calcium-rich herbal vinegars in your salad dressing; put some on cooked greens and beans, too.

Step 5a: Use Supplements

I really wish you wouldn't use calcium supplements. They expose you to dangers and don't prevent fractures. A study in Australia that followed 10,000 white women over the age of 65 for six and a half years found "Use of calcium supplements was associated with increased risk of hip and vertebral fracture; use of Tums antacid tablets was associated with increased risk of fractures of the proximal humerus."
If you insist on supplements, go for calcium-fortified orange juice or crumbly tablets of calcium citrate. Chewable calcium gluconate, calcium lactate, and calcium carbonate are acceptable sources. Dolomite, bone meal, and oyster shell are best avoided as they usually contain lead and other undesirable minerals.
For better bones, take 500 mg magnesium with your calcium. Better yet, wash your calcium pill down with a glass of herbal infusion; that will provide not only magnesium but lots of other bone-strengthening minerals, too.
Calcium supplements are more effective in divided doses. Two doses of 500 mg, taken morning and night, actually provide more usable calcium than a 1000 mg tablet.

Step 5b: Use Drugs

Even if you take hormone therapy (ERT or HRT) you must get adequate calcium to maintain bone mass, according to researchers at Columbia University. That's 1200-1500 mg a day (a cup of plain yogurt, two cups of nettle infusion, a splash of mineral-rich vinegar, plus three figs is about that). As you increase your intake of calcium-rich foods/herbs, gradually cut back on your hormone dose if you wish.

Step 6: Break & Enter

Bone density tests are frequently used to push women into taking hormones or drugs. If your bone density is low, use the remedies in this section and schedule another test (for at least six months later) before agreeing to such therapies.

DIET FOR SMOKERS AND EX-SMOKERS

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 26 Nov 2017 03:49:00 +0000

The three most common questions which smokers ask me about diet and smoking, are:

(1) Can a diet compensate for health damage caused by smoking?

(2) What should I eat if I smoke?

(3) If I quit, what type of diet is best to prevent weight gain?

(1) CAN A DIET COMPENSATE FOR SMOKING?

No diet or eating-plan, no matter how nutritious, can neutralise the health damage caused by the 850+ chemicals in tobacco smoke - many of which are carcinogenic. On average, if you smoke 20 cigarettes a day, you double your risk of a heart-attack and are five times more likely to suffer a stroke than a non-smoker. At 40 cigarettes a day, you are five times more likely to suffer from sudden cardiac death. Smoking is also the leading cause of lung cancer.

Thus before we even start to examine an appropriate type of diet for smokers, my overriding advice is: quit smoking today!

(2) WHAT SHOULD I EAT IF I SMOKE?

For anyone who smokes, daily diet nutrition is critical. The damage doneto the body's cardiovascular and respiratory functions requires a constant need for extra nutrients. Even if you smoke 5 cigarettes a day, you have increased nutritional needs due to your increased risk of hypertension, atherosclerosis, emphysema and numerous cancers. As stated, a healthy diet will not prevent these health conditions, but it may delay their development.

INCREASED NEED FOR ANTIOXIDANTS

Tobacco smoke leads to increased levels of free radicals - cancer-causing agents - in the body and a corresponding need for protective antioxidants that can neutralise them. The main antioxidant vitamins are vitamin C and vitamin E (which works best in combination with the mineral selenium). Phytochemicals such as bioflavonoids and carotenoids (eg. beta-carotene) are also rich in antioxidants.

HOW TO INCREASE YOUR ANTIOXIDANT INTAKE

Use the following suggestions are a guide to minimum dietary requirements.

Eat 3-5 daily servings of deep green, dark red, orange of yellow vegetables.
Eat 3-5 daily servings of red, yellow, orange or green fruits.
Switch from coffee to tea, ideally green tea.
Each day, take 2 tsp of wheatgerm oil (rich in vitamin E) and 6 Brazil nuts (selenium).

[Note: a serving is approx 1 medium fruit, or 1/2 cup chopped]

SPECIAL NEED FOR INCREASED VITAMIN C

One cigarette is estimated to rob the body of 25mg of vitamin C. Thus all smokers have a greatly increased need for this antioxidant-rich vitamin simply to maintain minimum levels. In practice, this need can only be met by taking supplements. As a general guide, I suggest you take 1 gram of vitamin C supplements per day. Choose a "timed-release" brand that includes a minimum of 100mg bioflavonoids.

BEST DIETARY SOURCES OF VITAMIN C

Fruits, such as: blackcurrants, papaya, guava, cantaloupe, elderberries, kiwi fruit, mango, oranges, strawberries.

Fruit Juices, such as: cranberry, grapefruit, lemon, orange.

Vegetables, such as: red peppers, green peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kale, tomatoes.

PROTECTIVE CAROTENOIDS

Carotenoids are pigments found in plants. All carotenoids are antioxidants, the most common example being beta-carotene. It is found in green plants (eg. spinach), as well as orange and yellow plants, such as carrots, sweet potato and melons. Clinical trials indicate that when consumed in foods - not supplements - betacarotene reduces certain precancerous symptoms.

[Warning: for reasons which are still unclear, beta-carotene supplements actually increase the risk of disease (eg. lung cancer). Thus your intake of beta-carotene should come exclusively from food.]

HOW TO INCREASE YOUR INTAKE OF CAROTENOIDS

Use the following suggestions are a guide to minimum dietary requirements.

Eat 4 daily servings of deep green, yellow or red vegetables, including: carrots, sweetcorn, pumpkin, spinach, sweet potato.
Eat 4oz tomatoes daily, either in sauce or chopped.
Eat 3 daily servings of colored fruit, including: melon, oranges, strawberries,mango, cherries.

PROTECTIVE BRASSICAS

According to research evidence, cigarette smokers who eat more brassicas have less incidence of cancers (eg. breast, colorectal, lung, pancreatic, prostate and stomach). As all these cancers are initiated by free radicals, it follows that brassicas may help to prevent other problems initiated by free radical damage and accelerated by smoking, such as: cataracts, emphysema, asthma and age spots.

Brassicas include: broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage (all types), cauliflower, cress, horseradish, kale, kohlrabi, mustard, radish, swede, turnip, watercress.

GARLIC AND ONIONS

Garlic is a good source of unique antioxidants and contains anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. Its anti-tumor properties are well documented. Onions, a member of the same vegetable family, have similar properties to garlic.

MORE DIETARY TIPS FOR SMOKERS

Reduce the total fat in your diet. At the same time, minimize your intake of saturated fat and trans-fatty acids.

Eat regular servings of omega-3-rich oily fish (eg. salmon, mackerel, sardines).

Eat healthy carbohydrates. Avoid refined white flour carbs, choose only whole grains such as, oats, brown rice, wholewheat pasta.

In addition, choose foods rich in soluble fiber (eg. apples, oat bran).

Eat healthy low-fat protein such as fish, lean chicken/turkey, or egg-whites.

Include small amounts of lean red meat in your diet, along with regular servings of soy foods (eg. soybeans) and other vegetable protein.

Reduce sodium in your daily diet. Check food labels and choose low-sodium or sodium-free foods. Also avoid adding salt when cooking or eating.

TAKE REGULAR CARDIO-AEROBIC EXERCISE

No cigarette smokers diet-plan is complete without regular physical exercise. Working within your fitness capacity, gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts to about 30-45 minutes a day, on most days. For best effects on lung capacity and cardiovascular function, choose aerobic exercise such as: brisk walking, jogging, jumping rope, swimming and most sports.

(3) CAN YOU PREVENT WEIGHT GAIN AFTER YOU QUIT?

Yes, if you take proper physical exercise and eat a healthy calorie-controlled diet, you are unlikely to gain weight. However, in my experience, some weight gain seems to be inevitable.

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE WEIGHT GAIN?

Most smokers gain weight immediately after they quit. Current evidence suggests that the average weight gain for both men and women who quit smoking is about 6-8 pounds. The more you smoke, the higher the risk of weight gain when you quit. This weight gain is due to the decrease in metabolic rate and an increase in appetite experienced when you quit smoking. This weight increase is perfectly normal, and need only be a short term event.

SO WHAT SHOULD I EAT?

There is no single diet which will prevent weight gain once you quit smoking. Your best option is to focus on healthy eating combined with regular vigorous exercise (within your fitness capacity) and let Nature do the rest. As a general guide, follow these suggestions.

First, cut down on caffeine. Nicotine withdrawal makes us jittery and nervous. So it's important to avoid coffee and caffeine-rich soft drinks which may increase this nervous tension.

Second, increase your intake of fresh fruit and vegetables. Studies show that an increased intake of fruit and vegetables can help to minimize weight gain after you quit smoking. Eat them for snacks, add them to meals, eat them as starters and/or desserts. Eat them on car journeys instead of sweets or candy.

Third, eat little and often. Avoid the temptation to linger over your meals. Get into the habit of eating smaller meals at more regular intervals. Aim to eat something, no matter how small, every 2-3 hours. This helps to maintain a regular rate of calorie-burning.

Fourth, take steps to learn more about nutrition and choose nutrient-dense foods whenever possible. (See above for information about antioxidants, and healthy fats, carbs and protein.)

WHAT ELSE CAN I DO TO PREVENT WEIGHT GAIN?

Make physical exercise a top priority in your daily schedule. Ideally join a gym or fitness center and get into shape. Research evidence demonstrates a clear link between exercise and weight control after you quit smoking. Choose both cardio-aerobic and strength-training exercises, as both play an important role in raising metabolic rate.

Also, make sure you get enough sleep. Research evidence shows that lack of sleep may lead to weight gain, as well as an increased craving for cigarettes and food.

What Hypertension Means To You

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 16 Nov 2017 07:00:00 +0000

The trouble with high blood pressure today is it is so common and talked about so often that many people don't seem to treat it with the respect it merits. High blood pressure or hypertension is a killer and should be dealt with as a killer.

Numerous scientists and doctors have spent a large amount of time, money and effort seeking to define what is a honest definition of Hypertension.

There have been large amounts of human population studies done on this subject which have generated to the doctors and scientists a broad range of blood pressure rates. Nevertheless the findings are usually skewed and the results differ from nation to nation and even from region to region within a specific country. Hence it's been resolved that the definition of hypertension can only be arrived at through perpetual observation and experimentation.

Normal blood pressure is distinguished in a similar way to a normal body weight. This is the point at which the heart and other important procedures of the body such as the circulatory system are able to keep going under the best conditions without running the chance of heart disease and other associated disorders.

There are other circumstances to be taken into account when defining high blood pressure or hypertension and some have to be omitted. For example if a healthy individual was to be shook up, their systolic blood pressure can be anticipated to climb by as much as fifty percent. This is due to their blood flow increased in reply to their extreme worked up excitement or any type of lively exercise.

All the same it doesn't stay high for long, since once the level of excitement has declined, the blood pressure also comes down to its normal level.

One way of recognizing this as a normal response is to look at the diastolic reading of the blood pressure. If it doesn't climb but stays steady throughout, it can be safely said this blood pressure is inside normal limits.

As the diastolic pressure is the more significant of the two readings, it is a superior guide to determining whether a high reading is a false positive or not. The reason the diastolic pressure is the most significant is because it reflects the state of the person's arterioles. If an individual has a high reading, this signifies their arterioles are narrowed with the channels less free flowing than they should be.

An individual with a blood pressure reading of 170/110 or above will in all likelihood experience serious headaches, fatigue or dizzy spells. If somebody suffers with a blood pressure which reads 230/130, then they are highly likely to get life-threatening medical problems such as heart disease or stroke.

Hypertension is not a disease in itself, but an important standard by which doctors can name or foretell other illnesses. High blood pressure cannot be healed as such, but it can be well controlled.

Medication Overuse Headache, Do you know what is it?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 12 Nov 2017 05:50:00 +0000

Victims of frequent headaches often take painkillers frequently. And when their headaches occur even more often, they respond by taking painkillers more often, too. After a while, they might notice (though often don't) that they're taking painkillers almost every day. In short, they're taking medicine more and more frequently and yet experiencing more and more days of headaches.

Although the typical victim of this scenario assumes that the headaches are occurring more frequently in spite of taking painkillers more frequently, the truth of the matter is that the increased headaches are probably occurring because of the increased use of painkillers. The headache victim has inadvertently entered a self-inflicted, vicious cycle in which the medications she takes are making her headaches worse and less treatable. This condition is known as "medication overuse headaches" (MOHs). Another name is "analgesic-rebound headaches." An analgesic is a painkiller and "rebound" means just what it sounds like -- a bounce-back. But in this case it's not a basketball that's bouncing. Instead, it's pain in the head that's bouncing back from the temporary relief afforded by the last dose of painkilling medication.

The MOH phenomenon occurs not only with prescription-strength painkillers, but also with over-the-counter analgesics like aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen and naproxen. And when caffeine is used as part of an analgesic combination, it can be a culprit, too. The MOH phenomenon cannot be avoided by periodically replacing one painkiller with another. As far as the MOH-generating system is concerned, one painkiller is about the same as another.

MOHs are not rare. In a recent survey of 64,560 people, researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim found that 1.3% of women and 0.7% of men had this condition. The prevalence increased steadily from 20 years of age until about 50 years and then steadily declined.

In my community-based practice, I find that patients have rarely heard of MOHs. They're just not being discussed on TV talk shows or in magazines. So how can a victim of frequent headaches defend herself from something she never heard of? It's tough. And another unfortunate fact is that MOHs are a mess to get out of. It's better not to even go there in the first place. It's easier to prevent a MOH syndrome than to get out of it once it is present.

Like other people with pain that is never-ending or occurs in frequent attacks, victims of frequent headaches live from moment to moment with their pain. It's easy to see how they get into a pattern of taking lots of painkillers. To them, yesterday and tomorrow are irrelevant. All they know is that they hurt right now and they want to do something about it. So they reach for their bottle of over-the-counter or prescription-strength painkiller and deal with that moment's pain. And the painkiller does afford temporary benefit (otherwise, they wouldn't keep taking it). But after another 4-24 hours, when the pain is bouncing back, they're in the same pickle they were in previously, and reach for yet another round of painkillers.

One might think that people with frequent, distressing and disabling pain could recount with great precision the frequency, duration and intensity of their attacks, or provide reliable estimates of how often they have severe, moderate or just mild pain. But, when I interview people who have this problem, I usually find just the opposite. What they want to tell me about is the pain they have right now even though I'm seeing them for the first time for a problem they have had for months or even years. They seem genuinely puzzled (or even angry) when I ask picayune questions like, "How many days per typical month does your head hurt?" or, "How many days per month do you go all day, 100% pain-free?"

Moreover, when patients try to come up with numbers to characterize their burden of symptoms, they are naturally drawn to their "headaches from hell" -- the worst of the worst -- and discount their non-severe "regular headaches" which they don't consider to be much of a problem, even though they take pills for them and they occur almost every day.

In brief, it seems difficult for patients with MOH syndrome to see the big picture or adopt a long-term perspective.

In any case, the basic idea in MOH syndrome is that frequent use of as-needed painkillers transforms the original headache disorder from whatever it started as -- perhaps migraine, tension-type headaches or even a combination of the two -- into a condition that is worse. The painkillers swamp the original headache disorder and make it into a new problem with different characteristics. Specific treatments directed toward the original headache disorder are ineffectual until the MOH phenomenon washes out.

And the MOHs don't wash out until the headache victim stops taking the painkillers and does so on a sustained basis. It can take up to two months for MOHs to wash out. The definitive approach is to do without painkillers entirely. While one can prevent MOHs by not taking analgesics more than 10-12 days per month, once MOHs are present, decreasing the use of painkillers to just 10-12 days per month is probably not sufficient to make them go away. The cleanest approach is to avoid them entirely. And the goal of doing so is to get back to the original headache disorder. Once the analgesic-rebound headaches have subsided, then the original headache disorder can be treated with more targeted treatments (typically including preventive-type medication instead of relying on crisis-driven treatments as the mainstay) with improved prospects of meaningful improvement.

When I discuss MOHs with people who are unlucky enough to have them, they usually respond by nodding their heads. They've seen with their own eyes what I'm describing. They're usually glad to learn there's a name for what is affecting them and that studies have been done that provide guidance on what needs to be done to get them out of the pickle they're in. I insist on mentioning that if what they were doing already was good enough, then they wouldn't have needed to see me in the first place. Or alternatively, if what they were already doing was destined to be an effective strategy, then they should have seen the benefits by now. But because their headaches are worsening, in order to do better, a new strategy is called for.

The program we sketch out together has two necessary components -- stopping the painkillers and tracking each day's headache symptoms with a recording system. The recording system doesn't need to be fancy, and can be as simple as rating each day's pain as none, mild, moderate or severe. The important feature is that the patient records each day's pain experience before the day is done. This tool helps both the patient and the doctor to see the big picture and gain a long-term perspective. Also, each month's recordings can be converted to numbers and compared with any other month's results.

Everything else is secondary. Sometimes it is useful to prescribe a "preventive" medicine like amitriptyline, but only if the patient understands that it is not a replacement for the more important change of doing without painkillers. When prescribed, the main purpose of a preventive is to reduce the numbers of migraine and tension-type headaches once the analgesic-rebound syndrome has washed out. The preventive medication is a nice embellishment, but if it distracts the patient from stopping their analgesics (e.g. "That new pill you gave me didn't do any good") then it's better to do without it until the analgesic-rebound effect has washed out.