Posts filed under 'Health Tips'
Does coffee keep drowsiness at bay and help one stay alert for hours? The answer is yes, according to tests carried out by a new optical instrument by a team of Swimburne University of Techology (SUT).
Natalie Michael and John Patterson of SUT’s Sensory Neuroscience Lab set out to resolve the question.
“In our project we used the Australian-designed Optalert, which measures drowsiness by observing total duration of eye blinks and the ratio of amplitude and velocity of eye closure during blinking,” said Patterson.
Optalert resembles a set of spectacle frames without lenses. Low intensity infra-red light is directed at the eyes. The infra-red is reflected back and detected by sensors in the frames. The pattern of light reaching the sensors changes as the eyes move and the subject blinks.
The participants were aged between 18 and 29, a primary target age group for road safety authorities because of their over-representation in drowsy driving incidents.
Test subjects were given either a placebo or a capsule containing 200 mg of caffeine, which is roughly equivalent to two cups of coffee, according to a SUT release. The study was published in the October issue of Psychopharmacology.
Those given the caffeine also showed improved reaction times, which like the improved alertness measured by the Optalert, persisted for about three hours.
Over the years recommendations for staying alert on long drives included stopping for a brisk walk, taking a power nap, and drinking coffee.
“However, road safety authorities were faced with conflicting evidence on the benefits of drinking coffee,” Patterson said.
“Some research showed heightened alertness after caffeine administration, whereas other studies did not.”
November 6th, 2008
There are lots and lots of anti ageing supplements being churned out one after the other to luring people to stay young always. But before taking any supplements it is prudent to consult your doctor whether those supplements would interfere in your health. You should check whether you are prone to any side effects because of the supplements.
There are a number of different anti aging supplements that help prevent and treat some of the problems associated with aging. From health food shops and pharmacists you can buy anti aging natural supplements, anti aging vitamins, anti aging antioxidants, special women’s and men’s anti aging vitamins and other anti aging supplements. HGH injections need to be administered by your doctor. Before taking any anti ageing supplement, it is best to check with your doctor to ensure that the supplement will not interfere with any medical conditions or medication.
Different Types of Supplements Available
There are lots of anti aging supplements available such as follows:-
COENZYME Q10
Coenzyme Q10 is found in cells’ mitochondria throughout the body. It helps regulate the oxidation of fats and sugar into energy. It can slow ageing, increase energy and lower blood pressure. It may cause heartburn, nausea, diarrhea, headache, fatigue and skin reactions.
GINGSENG
Ginseng may delay or reduce ageing. It can also boost the immune system and act as an antioxidant. It can have a positive effect on energy levels. There are suggestions it may prevent and fight cancer. It may cause breast tenderness, nervousness, hypertension, headaches, insomnia, restlessness and vomiting. People with hypertension or hypoglycemia should not use this.
ECHINACEA
Echinacea is a plant that is used to treat a number of infections. It can help boost the immune system. It may cause itching, a rash, wheezing and facial swelling, particularly in people with asthma or allergies.
ALOE VERA
Aloe Vera is available in the form of a drink. There are suggestions it may cause a general feeling of well-being and that it has regenerative and anti-aging properties.
BETA CAROTENE
Beta-carotene is found in green vegetables, carrots, sweet potatoes and squash. It is converted to vitamin A. Beta-carotene has antioxidant properties. It may help in the repair of skin cells and help boost the immune system. There are suggestions that beta-carotene supplements may increase the chance of lung cancer for smokers.
DHEA
DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) is a hormone made by the body. As people age, their DHEA levels decrease. DHEA is converted into estrogen and testosterone. It may help slow aging, increase muscle strength and help the immune system. Side effects may include fatigue and headaches. DHEA can cause liver damage and blood clots. People with a history of abnormal heart rhythms, liver disease or blood clots should not take DHEA. It can also cause hormonal differences, which may result in facial hair, increased sweating and a deeper voice for women.
FOLATE – FOLIC ACID
Folate and folic acid are form of vitamin B. Folate occurs in cereals, leafy vegetables, fruits, beans, meats and orange juice. Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate. Folic acid and folate are antioxidants, which may help in the repair of skin cell damage and help boost the immune system. It may also help prevent cancer and strokes. High doses may cause rashes, itching, nausea, flatulence, cramps, diarrhea, irritability, vivid dreams and confusion.
GLUCOSAMINE
Glucosamine can reverse osteoarthritis and protect joints and tendons from injury. It can occasionally cause stomach upsets. It is not recommended for people on blood-thinning medications.
GREEN TEA
Green tea extract helps keep skin cells healthy. Green tea contains antioxidants, which help repair skin cells and boost the immune system. It can also protect the body from oxidative damage.
GINGKO
Gingko can improve the memory and alleviate the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. It acts as an antioxidant. Very rarely, it may cause stomach complaints, allergic reactions or headaches. It might reduce the effect of medication for seizures.
HGH (HUMAN GROWTH HORMONE)
HGH (Human Growth Hormone) is made by the body and helps the body maintain tissues and organs. As the body ages, the amount of HGH decreases. HGH injections are synthetic growth hormones injected into the body. It is only available by prescription and must be administered by a doctor. It can increase muscle mass and have a rejuvenating effect. HGH can result in headaches, bloating, muscle pain, diabetes and high blood pressure. There is also a pill form of HGH.
OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS
Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish like tuna and sardines. It helps with blood flow. It can also help reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Omega-3 fatty acids may cause abdominal bloating.
August 13th, 2008
On an average, approximately, 5% of hair dye users develop an allergy; most of it is an allergic contact dermatitis with itching and mild redness in the scalp. However, in rare cases it does affect the organs of the body severely. A lot of hair dressers are affected by a considerable amount of hand dermatitis. The main substance responsible for such allergies is called PPD (4- ParaPhenyleneDiamine).
PPD is very commonly available in the markets since the early 90s and is used in most of the hair dyes available today. If you have ever noticed, the commercial hair dye comes in two different bottles. One bottle contains the PPD based cream which is non-oxidized and hence simply colorless, whereas the other bottle contains the oxidized cream (also known as a developer), hydrogen peroxide in most cases. Initially, the oxidized cream is used to break the melanin pigment in the hair and then the PPD based cream is used to re-develop the melanin. The PPD reacts with the melanin pigment and then turns up to be partly oxidized and colored. It is this part which is mainly responsible for allergies. If the PPD is fully oxidized, it does not lead to allergies. PPD is also a preferred ingredient in a lot of dark colored cosmetics and many temporary tattoos. European countries such as France and Germany have banned the use of PPD in hair dyes for the reason that it was thought to be extremely dangerous to health.
Precautions:-
Make sure you are aware about the other names of PPD. PPD are also known as Ursola, Orsina and can also be termed as PPDA. Some of the other hazardous hair dye substances include Isatin, p-Methylaminophenol and 6-hydroxyindole. It is important to know that all the groups that chemically belong to R-N=N-r group might lead to allergies. These chemical groups can be found in ball point ink, temporary or permanent hair dyes, colors in food, some medications, PABA (para amino benzoic acid) found in sun protection creams, anesthetics, sulphate drugs and aminosalicyclic acid used to cure tuberculosis.
You might find packages in the market that say “Hypo allergic” or “Unscented”. This only means that the product might cause fewer allergies and is odorless but nothing is proven so far about the dye being allergy-free completely. Many a times even if the product is completely natural, it still causes allergies.
Types of Allergies:-
ACD known as allergic contact dermatitis is a skin reaction that occurs in a genetically pre-disposed person and the risk of allergies increases with the frequencies of contact with the allergen. It is observed that an individual develops sensitivity after approximately 10 days of usage of the PPD. However, at the time of the subsequent contact, the sensation might develop in about 48-72 hours. Here the PPD molecules are destroyed by the lymphocytes and the macrophages which appear as granules and are evident to the human eyes in the form of redness or rashes on the skin. For a majority, the affected parts are the eyelids, scalp, and ears. Symptoms are redness, burning and itching.
Contact urticaria may perhaps develop in minutes to about 1 hour subsequent to contact. Allergen (PPD) brings on very big IgE antibodies that lead to bigger vascular permeability with skin reddishness and edema (swelling of eyelids). Contact Urticaria Syndrome (CUS) with red patches over the whole body skin and bronchial asthma with wheezing, sneezing, difficult swallowing and vomiting can appear.
Anaphylactic shock is extremely rare but its life threatening condition. Face oedema, grasping for air, blood pressure fall, rapid worsening of patient’s general state and fast death if not immediate help is available is usual sequence of events. It was reported that a 38 year mother died in UK in August 2000 shortly after changing her hair dye. She was asthmatic before and she firstly developed a nonspecific allergy with scalp itching after using her old hair dye for some months. After changing the dye anaphylactic shock developed and she died within an hour after applying it
Test:-
Consumer can apply a 20 cent sized spot of solution (i.e. dye and developer mixed together) behind the ear or the inner bend of the elbow for 48-72 hours. If no irritation or rash occurs during this time then the test is negative and the hair color may be considered as safe to use. If rash of a certain size (according to test scale) develops, this is a sign of allergy.
Dermatologist will use a patch test. A patch with a 2% PPD in petrolatum is applied to the upper back and checked after 48 hours. Negative reactions show no skin changes, positive can vary from a mild rash to prominent blisters or ulcers. With “ready-to-use” T.R.U.E. patch test 24 possible allergies causing substances (including PPD) are used.
Treatment:-
In acute severe cases of PPD hair dye dermatitis the hair and scalp has to be washed thoroughly with a mild shampoo. 2% hydrogen peroxide solution or compresses of potassium permanganate in a 1:5000 dilution has to be applied to completely oxidize the PPD. To soften the crust a wet dressing of olive oil and lime may be used.
The patch test has to be made afterwards to determine if there an allergy to PPD exists or there is “only” a common (non-allergic) contact dermatitis present. In the case of proved allergic dermatitis corticosteroid cream which diminish immune response can be applied.
Currently there are no permanent hair dyes that can be safely used by PPD allergic individuals.
References:
http://emedicine.com/derm/topic84.htm Allergic contact dermatitis
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/1319372.stm Anaphilactic shock
http://www.allergyclinic.co.nz/guides/59.html Anaphilactic shock
http://www.healthhype.com/hair-dye-allergies.html
http://dermnetnz.org/procedures/patch-tests.html Patch test
http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2008/01_03/CAtkinsonDM_468×310.jpg
June 9th, 2008
Herbal combination formulas
Herbalists and other complementary therapy practitioners sometimes use single herb therapies like those described above, but the general tendency is to blend several herbs into combination therapies. A naturopathic doctor, herbalist or a practitioner of Chinese medicine, Ayurveda or Aboriginal healing methods may create unique blends of herbs specific to your health needs. There are several reasons for doing this. Some herbs work well together by achieving the same goal in different ways. For example, several herbs that support the digestive system are combined in the Triphala formula.
Herbs may also perform different functions that, when combined, make the mixture more specific to a particular problem. For example, the herb eyebright has a tendency to travel to the eye when taken into the body. Combining this herb with an antiviral herb like Lomatium might, therefore, help prevent an eye infection.
Some herbs are combined simply because they are traditionally thought to work best together. Although the theory behind this connection is not always fully understood, practitioners are reluctant to change combinations that derive from many years of observation and use.
Some herbs are combined to make them easier to take. For example, adding ginger or licorice to an herbal formula that has an unpleasant taste might make the combination more appealing and encourage patients to follow their treatment more closely.
Several examples of herbal combinations
Chyavanprash is a jelly used in Ayurvedic medicine. It contains 49 herbs plus the amla fruit, its main ingredient (for details, see the triphala formula section). Chyavanprash is used to boost digestion and increase muscle mass. It may also lower blood pressure and blood cholesterol and enhance the healing of tissue.
Composition A is a combination of Chinese herbs used in HIV infection. It contains more than 20 different herbs, including licorice, maitake mushrooms, astragalus, Atractylodes and ginseng. Composition A blends Chinese herbs used to treat toxic heat, which are often antivirals, with yang tonics that may support the immune system and marrow-strengthening herbs that may both stimulate the immune system and improve the circulation of blood cells. Composition A may be prescribed by a traditional Chinese medicine doctor. Its main side effect is gastrointestinal upset.
Essiac Tea contains burdock root, sheep sorrel, slippery elm bark and turkey rhubarb root. Sheep sorrel and turkey rhubarb root are not indigenous to North America, although Rene Caisse, the original creator of this mixture, based her formula on the teachings of an Ojibwa healer. Essiac tea is sometimes taken by people with cancer. Although the name Essiac is a registered trademark of the Resperin corporation, several other manufacturers make similar formulas.
LIV-52 is an Ayurvedic formula containing herbs that are believed to treat liver disease and prevent liver damage. No side effects have been observed when LIV-52 is used as prescribed.
Sho-saiko-to is a traditional Japanese herbal remedy. It is approved in Japan for the treatment of hepatitis. A small study of combination therapy with sho-saiko-to and the antiretroviral drug 3TC showed that this mixture may be effective against HIV. A possible complication of sho-saiko-to is a serious lung condition called interstitial pneumonia. This complication is more likely to occur in people with existing respiratory problems. If you develop a dry cough or fever while taking sho-saiko-to, you should stop taking the preparation and seek medical attention immediately.
Triphala is a combination of three fruits - haritaki, amalaki and bibhitaki - used in Ayurvedic medicine. It is used to help maintain a healthy digestive system. It improves digestion and appetite and works as a laxative. Triphala is a good example of an herbal formula that combines several herbs with similar properties that work together. Haritaki ( Termina chebula) is used extensively in Tibetan medicine. It is the strongest laxative of the three and helps to prevent cramping. It may also be active against intestinal parasites. Amla, or amalaki ( Emblica officinalis), is used to rejuvenate the digestive system and improve appetite and digestion. It contains large amounts of vitamin C (3,000 mg per fruit) and is said to rejuvenate the circulatory system, helping to rebuild new tissue and maintain the red blood cell count. Bibhitaki ( Terminalia belerica) tones and protects the stomach and is also used as an appetite stimulant. Bibhitaki is also taken for sore throats and respiratory illnesses. Triphala or other formulas containing haritaki should not be used by pregnant women or when a person is experiencing fatigue, wasting or diarrhea.
Source:Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange (CATIE)
April 5th, 2008
Quick Nutrition Tips
Healthy whole foods: you might know that you’re supposed to eat them. But do you really know what they are?
“We live in a society that eats so much processed and manufactured food, that I think there’s some genuine confusion about what qualifies as a whole food,” says Tara Gidus, RD, a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association. Even for the health conscious, the phrase gets tangled up with other terms. Whole foods might be organic, or locally grown, or pesticide-free. But they aren’t necessarily. The definition of healthy whole foods is much simpler.
“When you eat whole foods, you’re getting the food in its natural state,” Gidus tells WebMD. “You’re getting it intact, with all of the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that are in the food.” Basically, it’s the healthy whole food, rather than the bits that remain after refinement and processing. It’s the difference between an apple and an apple flavored energy bar, or a baked potato and a bag of potato chips.
While whole foods might be associated with the upscale grocery store of the same name, they are available to all of us anywhere in the country. Most dietitians feel that eating healthy whole foods has all sorts of benefits. Their nutrients may help to keep your immune system strong and protect you from disease.
“If you’re trying to eat a healthier diet, relying on more whole foods is a great place to start,” says Lucia L. Kaiser, PhD, community nutrition specialist in the department of nutrition at the University of California, Davis.
Healthy Whole Foods
Many studies have found that a diet high in healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are associated with a reduced risk of diseases such as:
o cardiovascular disease
o many types of cancer
o diabetes
So what’s so good about healthy whole foods? For one, they’re loaded with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They also contain phytochemicals, the general name for natural compounds in plants. While thousands of individual phytochemicals have been identified, countless more remain unknown. They help in different ways. Some are antioxidants, which protect cells against damage. Examples of antioxidant phytochemicals are flavonoids, carotenoids, and lycopene.
Usually, the term whole foods is confined to vegetables, fruits, and grains. But any dietitian will agree that eating a skinless chicken breast is preferable to eating processed chicken nuggets.
One problem with processed food is that, during manufacture, many healthy nutrients are removed.
For instance, “When whole grains are refined, the bran and the coat of the grain are often removed,” says Kaiser. Some nutrients are lost, most significantly fiber. Then, during the enrichment process, nutrients may be artificially added back in. But even after enrichment, the final product is likely to be less nutritious than the whole grains you started with.
The Synergy of Healthy Whole Foods
“One of the biggest advantages of eating whole foods is that you’re getting the natural synergy of all of these nutrients together,” says Gidus.
Gidus points to studies of vitamin E, selenium, and a number of antioxidants. We know that when they’re eaten in food, they have all sorts of health benefits. But studies of the single vitamins and minerals in supplement form have not shown the same success. Why? “It could be the natural combination and interaction of all of these different phytochemicals and proteins that give a food its health benefit,” Gidus says. “Trying to extract a single nutrient and take it by itself may not work.”
There’s another thing. We simply don’t know all of the nutrients in a food that make it healthy.
“Nutrition science is always discovering new components of foods, things that we didn’t know are there,” says Kaiser. “Many of them are not even available in supplement form.” If we don’t know what they are, we obviously can’t synthesize them.
Avoiding Additives in Food
The nutrients lost during refinement are not the only disadvantage of eating processed foods. What’s added can also be a problem.
A lot of health conscious people are wary of the preservatives and chemicals that are added to processed and manufactured foods. You know — the ones with the scary-sounding eight-syllable names. But in fact, Kaiser says that some of the worst food additives are household words.
“I think the most worrisome additives are not the preservatives,” says Kaiser. “It’s the salt, sugar, and saturated and trans fats.” While there’s been a lot of attention paid to the risks of trans fats in recent years, Kaiser thinks salt is gravely underestimated.
“As a country, we eat way too much salt,” she tells WebMD, and observes that it’s closely associated with high blood pressure and numerous other health problems.
With all of the extra fat and sugar in processed foods, the calories can quickly add up. That leads to weight gain. But eating more healthy whole foods may actually help you maintain or lose weight. The natural fiber in many vegetables, fruits, and grains may fill you up without adding many calories, Gidus says.
The Cost of Whole Foods
There’s another bonus to eating healthy whole foods. Although the name may now be synonymous with that fancy grocery store, whole foods are much cheaper than processed foods. They’re also available everywhere.
“Generally, the more processed things are, the higher the cost,” says Kaiser. “A bag of healthy brown rice is going to be cheaper than a fancy prepackaged rice mix.”
Of course, there may be a different cost to eating healthy whole foods: the preparation time. It’s hard to deny that popping a processed sandwich pocket in the microwave for three minutes is easier than cooking a proper meal with whole-food ingredients.
But Gidus stresses that you don’t need to cut out all processed foods. The goal is just to decrease the number of processed foods you eat and increase the proportion of healthy whole foods. That isn’t hard, especially when it comes to snacks. The next time need something to tide you over, eat a handful of nuts or a piece of fruit instead. It’s no harder than reaching for an energy bar — you’ll even be spared the labor of unwrapping it.
The other key to a healthy diet is variety. It’s easy to get caught up in the details — the nutritional value of specific healthy whole foods, and exactly how much you need of each. But Gidus and Kaiser say the best advice is to relax and just eat a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Not only is it simple, but it’s the best way to be sure you’re getting all the nutrients you need.
“After some research into this, my husband decided that the smartest thing he could do was eat as many fruits and vegetables as he could stand every day,” says Kaiser. “That’s not very scientific, but it isn’t bad advice.”
SOURCES: American Cancer Society web site: “Nutrition and Physical Activity During and After Cancer Treatment: Answers To Common Questions.” Tara Gidus, MS, RD, American Dietetic Association spokesperson, Orlando, Fla. Lucia L. Kaiser, PhD, community nutrition specialist, department of nutrition, University of California, Davis. Liu RH, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2003; vol 78: pp 517S-520S. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services web site: “Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005.” WebMD Feature: “The Whole Foods Diet.”
April 5th, 2008