Health

How Does Herpes Look and What Types of the Virus Are There?

Written By: Arch
Arch

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) causes a skin condition known as herpes. How does herpes look? This virus causes the development of sores all over the body, most commonly the mouth, genitalia, and the rectum. Finding out how these sores look like may help you to diagnose herpes in time.

Read on and you will find the description of its appearance, but also thorough information about HSV, its symptoms, causes, and treatment.

What Is Herpes?

Herpes is a skin infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. This infection spreads via contact with an infected person. The area of contact can be the eyes, the mouth, or the genitals. The contact can be direct if you touch the lesions of the infected person, or through secretion. In either case, you can get infected, so try to avoid physical contact with someone who has herpes.

Once a person is infected, no matter if the infection is visible on the skin or not, the virus can remain dormant in the local sensory nerves for an indefinite period of time. It stays hidden until a herpes infection appears, but even if you recover in full, the virus will stay in your body.

Herpes can reactivate after several weeks, but also after several years. This happens when HSV shows up like a blister or a rash on the skin, which is supplied by the previously mentioned sensory nerve.

There are two types of herpes simplex virus:

Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1

Herpes simplex virus type 1 is the prevalent form of HSV. Because it is constantly present in all areas of the world, the medical community deemed it as an endemic disease. Endemic diseases are tied to a geographical region and their communities.

HSV 1 most commonly causes oral herpes, with the majority of HSV 1 infections affecting areas around the mouth and the mouth itself. Besides causing oral infections, HSV can infect other body parts, including the genitalia.

Herpes simplex virus type 1 is a condition which carries on for the rest of the life of the infected. The majority of people get it during childhood, and then it stays dormant. It spreads by touch or secretion, mostly through saliva when you kiss a person who has the virus.

Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2

Herpes simplex virus type 2 is less common. It usually causes genital herpes, so the areas affected are most commonly the genitals and the area around the anus. Like HSV 1, it is a condition that lasts a lifetime. When the infection reappears, the symptoms will follow, though some infections can go symptomless, too.

However, the difference between the two types of herpes simplex virus is in its transmission. HSV 2 is a sexually transmitted infection, which means you can only contract it through sexual contact.

How Does Herpes Look and What Are Its Symptoms?

The first time you become infected, you probably won’t even notice it. Sometimes there are no symptoms at all, other times you can notice skin redness, and in worst case scenarios, it can make a person very ill. The latter can cause a fever, as well as blisters on the lips, inside the mouth, or some other part of the skin. The blisters will crust over and heal soon, but in the meantime, they might feel sore and cause a burning sensation.

Below you can find the descriptions of how does herpes look depending on the part of the body that gets affected.

The Mouth

The most commonly affected area of infection in oral herpes is the mouth. It causes blisters to appear anywhere on your face, lips, and inside of the mouth for the most part. Also, this includes the area surrounding the chin and under the nose.

When they first appear, the sores may remind you of pimples, but remember that pimples have a white or black head. The sores caused by herpes can be white, yellow, or red. When they burst, a yellow liquid comes out. After that, there is a yellow crust on the blister which should soon heal.

The Genitals

Genital herpes in males causes them to potentially develop sores on the penis and the area around it. At first, tiny pimples which can be white or red grow into big sores which are filled with fluid. At this stage, they can be yellow as well. In the end, the sores burst and crust over.

Genital herpes in females causes possible development of sores inside the vagina, or outside, on the vulva. The sores developed inside are harder to discover. Genital sores look like fluid-filled blisters, which burst, crust over, and ultimately heal.

This infection is more difficult for females and makes it more likely for them to have problems when urinating because it can cause a burning sensation.

Other Body Parts

Genital herpes can cause sores to appear in the anal area for both females and males who are infected. This can also lead to red, open wounds in this area.

Herpetic whitlow commonly infects thumb-sucking children. Herpes spreads to the fingers, where blisters develop usually next to the fingernails or on the nail bed.

Herpes keratitis is a herpes infection of the eye. One or both eyes can be affected, and the symptoms can include secretion from the eye, light sensitivity, and eye soreness. If you suspect that you are infected by this type of herpes, visit your medical practitioner right away because it can cause serious damage if left untreated.

Final Advice for Treating HSV

Although it is pesky, ugly-looking, and sometimes painful, herpes is not a serious skin condition. You will often experience no symptoms after being infected. Unfortunately, there is no cure for the herpes simplex virus.

Breakouts will occur once in a while if you contracted the virus, but the blisters and the sores will sort themselves out on their own. Some antiviral medicine can speed up the process, for example, valacyclovir, famciclovir, and acyclovir. They come in the form of pills and creams and are available for purchase over-the-counter (OTC).

 

References:

https://www.britishskinfoundation.org.uk/herpes-simplex
http://www.ashasexualhealth.org/stdsstis/herpes/signs-symptoms/
https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/F_I/Genital-herpes

Health

How Often Should You Replace Your Loofah?

Written By: Arch
Arch

Bath sponges are very useful tools which have been used for over a hundred years. Some even claim the old Egyptians used them first. You can use bath sponges not only for baths but also as a way to exfoliate your skin.

However, if you use your bath sponge for too long, it can turn into a cesspool of bacteria. When you shower, your own bacteria can attach to the loofah, and remain stuck there. Given that showers are damp places, they are a wonderful environment for multiplication of bacteria, and you have the loofah sitting there for who knows how long.

How often should you replace your loofah? That is a very good question. If you read on, you will find out the answer and also learn a lot of important things about loofahs that you did not know before.

Loofah Origins

Loofah, which can also be spelled “luffa”, is actually a vegetable from the Cucurbitaceae family. Loofah is a type of gourd, alongside pumpkin and squash. Gourd originates from Asia, but it was also spread throughout Africa.

Nowadays, people mostly use it as sponges, but previously gourd was also used for insulation.

An Environment Perfect for Bacteria

Loofahs are porous, which means they have many holes and they absorb liquids very well. Be that as it may, they not only hold on to water, but they also keep many dead skin cells you scrub off. That dead skin gets stuck in the holes of your loofah sponge. According to dermatologists, this makes for a perfect breeding ground for bacteria.

The loofah is not wet just while you are showering. It stays wet and is never able to completely dry off on its own. People often leave it in the bath, or on the bath, or some other wet surface. In other words, it is heaven for bacteria.

Sometimes loofahs are ridden with fungal organisms which can infect your skin. That is the reason why you should maintain the hygiene of your loofahs, clean them, dry them, and be gentle when scrubbing. You should not use bath sponges for too long either. Replace them when they are used up.

Can Loofahs Lead to Disease?

If you use your loofah too much and do not care for its hygiene, you can definitely get a skin infection. This is even more likely to occur if you have some wounds or cuts which are open and an easy target for bacteria.

Using a loofah can also damage the barrier your skin has, which is there to protect you against harmful influences. Some dermatologists swear by this and they also claim you are essentially just spreading the dirt you scrubbed off the previous day when you use a bath sponge. They have plenty of reasons to be against everyday use of loofahs.

The most common infections caused by using a loofah are Staphylococcal infections. This is a group of bacteria with over 30 types. The popular term for them is staph. They can cause many types of infections, but the most prevalent type is skin infections. These skin infections resemble boils and pimples. They cause redness of the skin, but they can also get swollen and sometimes hurt. They can also contain pus.

Another infection which can be caused by loofah use is folliculitis, an infection of hair follicles. Folliculitis causes tenderness and itching of the skin. It looks like a cluster of tiny red bumps next to the hair follicles. These symptoms usually pass within days.

How to Maintain Loofah Hygiene

Besides warning us of the negative sides of bath sponge use, dermatologists have also provided some tips on how to properly use them and maintain their hygiene. Here are the tips:

  • Dry it every day – After each use, rinse off your loofah thoroughly. Then shake it to expunge all the water. Finally, put it in a cool place to dry out completely. It can hang anywhere, just not the shower or the tub.
  • Clean it every week – Clean your loofah once per week, at the very least, no matter the type you use. You should clean it by soaking it in a weakened bleach solution. It should stay in the solution for about five minutes. After that, rinse it well with water.
  • Avoid using it on your face or genitalia – These areas are more prone to infection because they are sensitive. Scrubbing them is not a good idea, because it can only cause a rash. Just use soap and water and gently clean these parts.
  • Refrain from using bath sponges after you shaved – Shaving can leave many cuts. Even if they are tiny and not visible, the bacteria will “see” them, use the opportunity and, cause an infection. Hold on with using the loofah for at least several days after you shaved your legs.
  • Do not overuse loofahs – According to dermatologists, a bath sponge should not be used more than twice a week so as not to damage the skin’s protective barrier.
  • Replace your bath sponges regularly – How often should you replace your loofah? Here is your answer. A natural loofah should be replaced at least once a month if not sooner than that. Plastic loofahs can be used for a period of up to two months. Besides relying on these timestamps, you can also replace your loofah as soon as it gets moldy or green. You should also get a new one if it starts to have an unpleasant odor.

To Sponge or Not to Sponge?

Nobody can deny that loofahs are useful, both in the kitchen and the bathroom. However, if you read the article, you now know the worst outcomes which can come from using these bath sponges negligently.

It does not necessarily mean that they are bad, but you should not use them all the time. Maybe do it two to three times a week to scrub the dead skin from your pores. Most importantly, remember to keep your loofah clean and replace it on time.

 

References:

https://sites.psu.edu/siowfa15/2015/12/03/are-loofahs-sanitary/
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/loofahs-can-double-as-bacterial-breeding-grounds/
https://jcm.asm.org/content/jcm/32/2/469.full.pdf

Health

What Are Chakras and What Do They Represent?

Written By: Arch
Arch

The word chakra originates from Sanskrit, and it is translated as “wheel”. It makes sense because this archaic term refers to the energy system of our body, which is made up of whirlwinds that spin. Chakra is a cone which points to the body if you look at it from a visual aspect. A chakra’s energy radiates through a spiral which keeps getting bigger and bigger.

What are chakras? Read on to find out, and also learn how they become blocked, and how to improve your energy flow through the chakra system.

Minor and Major Chakras

Chakras can be divided into two main groups – minor and major. There are thousands of minor chakras, each of them connected to some specific part of our bodies. Every chakra has a frequency and works as a conductor for the flow of energy. The highest frequency belongs to the crown chakra, while the lowest belongs to the base chakra.

The energy flow helps the human body to function on every level – mental, physical, and emotional. The only way to ensure this is to have all the seven major chakras in balance. They must not be blocked so they can keep spinning freely.

The Seven Major Chakras and Their Characteristics

Before describing what are chakras, let’s explain the basic terms. Mantra is a word, syllable, or sound which is supposed to make a transformation. Bija means “seed” and bija mantras are seed sounds consisting of one syllable that activates the chakra energy.

You should chant the bija mantras in an order. To enter a meditative state, repeat the bija mantras. Focus on specific body parts according to the chakras.

Muladhara – the root chakra

Lam is its bija mantra. Its color is red. The root chakra is resting at the base of the spine, being closest to the earth. It is associated with security and survival. “I exist” is its message. To ensure this chakra is balanced, you should be running, dancing, and jumping.

Svadhistana – the sacral chakra

Vam is its bija mantra. Orange is its color. It is located in the lower abdomen and is connected to sexuality, sensuality, and one’s desire for pleasure. Its message is “I desire”. Water is its element and its function can be enhanced by yoga, belly dancing, and amorous partnerships.

Manipura – the solar plexus chakra

Ram is its bija mantra. Fire is its natural element, and the color is yellow. It is related to power. The third chakra says “I control”. If this chakra is balanced, you should be in control of your life.

Anahata – heart chakra

Its bija mantra is yam. Its natural element is air. It is related to compassion and love, considering it is located at the heart. The color is green, and the message it relays is “I love”.

Vishuddha – throat chakra

Its bija mantra is ham. The color of this chakra is blue. The message it sends is “I express”. It is related to the truth of the world.

Ajna – third eye chakra

Bija mantra is Om. It is centered between the eyebrows, and its message is “I am witness”. Its color is indigo. The properties that accompany it are intuition, insight, and awareness.

Sahasrara – crown chakra

Bija mantras are ah and soham. Its message is “I am that I am”. Its color is violet. Located above the head, it is associated with knowledge and bliss. It is the representation of silence and spiritual connection.

Balance of Chakras

The chakras are directly connected to our wellbeing, and our wellbeing is also dependent on the chakras. If a chakra is blocked or is not functioning as it should, we are more likely to become ill. Depression may prevent us from taking in the right amount of energy our body requires.

Nutrition and a good diet is also very important for chakras because the body needs nourishment to have proper levels of energy. Another way to disrupt the flow of energy is to obstruct our feelings and the truth. If you speak lies, you are more likely to impede the energy flow of your body.

A chakra is considered to be unbalanced if the energy completely stops flowing through it, or starts going through too slowly or too fast. You can keep your chakras in balance if you learn more about each of them, including what their purposes are and where they are located. If you are aware of them, you may energize them and keep them in check.

Chakras can dysfunction when you are depressed or under a lot of stress. Emotional stress is the cause of many chakra shortcomings, so it is wise to keep it to a minimum.

How to Notice a Blocked Chakra

It is in your best interest to work on your own perception of energy flow so that you can determine your own diagnosis without any assistance. Even though there are some tools and devices that are supposed to help with the balance of chakra, you should not rely on any kind of instrument to determine the state of your bioenergy.

How to Improve Your Chakras

If your chakra is blocked or you just want to improve the bioenergy of your body, here are some great tips:

  • Yoga is an excellent method of improving and strengthening the energy flow in our bodies.
  • Working out is great for the physical body as well as the mental state. It is great even for emotional health because you can express anger and frustration in a healthy way.
  • Breathing exercises can be useful too because deep breathing lets you focus and get in touch with your spiritual self. They are also a great tool for relaxation and rest.
  • Reiki is amazing for enhancing the flow of energy and restoring the balance. The energy you absorb with reiki helps you prosper on all levels.
  • The saying “Forgive and forget” is very wise because forgiveness relieves the mind and the soul and improves the balance of energy that way.

Spiritual, Mental, and Physical States Are All Connected

Be mindful of your chakras to prevent illness, while keeping a peaceful state of mind and spirit alike. Don’t hold grudges and focus on self-improvement.

Your biological energy flow can be affected by many things. Keeping track of all the major chakras is the way to maintain a proper flow of energy and prevent any possible blockades.

 

References:

https://iarp.org/chakra-basics/
https://uk.iacworld.org/what-are-chakras-and-how-do-they-work/

Health

How to Stop Making Breast Milk: Lactation Suppression Explained

Written By: Arch
Arch

There are many reasons why some mothers can’t breastfeed after birth, whether they have a say in this or not. Unfortunately, some mothers lose their infants. Others give theirs up for adoption because they are unable to raise a baby on their own.

If the mother is very ill, she should avoid breastfeeding the baby until she gets better. It is in the best interest of the infant. Doctors also advise against breastfeeding if the mother is infected with HIV. Some women still choose to do it, while some are pressured into doing it for cultural or sociological reasons. However, this is very risky as the virus could be passed on to the infant.

Mothers can decide not to breastfeed based on their personal beliefs or to follow the cultural norms of some societies. No matter the reason why you don’t want to breastfeed or have decided to stop, you will want to know how to stop making breast milk.

Reasons for Concern

Milk production stops on its own when there is no infant suckling on the breasts. However, this can take quite some time during which moms may experience milk leakage, breast engorgement, pain, and discomfort.

Breast engorgement is the least pleasant of all the symptoms. It takes time for the body to realize milk is no longer needed, usually enough for your breasts to get engorged. Despite being large and hard, they can become overly sensitive to touch, perhaps even more than during pregnancy.

In most cases, all the symptoms will go away in a matter of days, even without any treatment. However, during this time, women can feel extreme pain. There is also a higher risk of a bacterial infection called mastitis, where bacteria clog the milk duct.

Doctors can prescribe medication to ease these symptoms and suppress lactation, which is a medical term for stopping milk production. The medication includes bromocriptine to lower the levels of prolactin, which is responsible for lactation, and estrogens. You can find more info on this in the treatment section.

If the pain is unbearable, you can use some over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers. Besides medication, you can ease the process of lactation suppression with some other methods. These include:

  • Wearing tight bras, or binding the breasts for support
  • Using ice packs to cool down
  • Taking care of what you eat and drink
  • Applying Jasmine flower to your breasts may also be helpful
  • Application of infrared lamp light

Lactation Suppression with Medication

How to stop making breast milk? Is medication the answer? There is not enough research, especially reliable research with evidence to show that medical treatment for lactation suppression works.

Bromocriptine was used in many trials, but it had no visible effects. Another diminishing factor to these trials was the fact that most moms who participated decided to stop breastfeeding on their own and were completely healthy.

In the past, moms that did not breastfeed used to get prescriptions to stop lactation. It was a regular practice until it was discovered that these drugs were not so safe. Cycloset and Parlodel, which are brand names for bromocriptine, have caused a bunch of side effects, including nausea, lightheadedness, loss of hair, and even heart attack. These medications alongside cabergoline even caused some women to die.

Sudafed, a decongestant which is normally used to relieve nasal congestion, showed to be helpful in stopping breast milk production. Although it may sound odd, it was confirmed by a study published in 2003, where the subjects had a sizeable decrease of lactation after just one dose of Sudafed. Many new moms have used it to suppress lactation ever since.

Nonetheless, the FDA did not confirm Sudafed has any effect on breast milk production halt, so this use stays off-label. If you still want to take it, ask your obstetrician if it is a good idea. It is not an OTC medicine, even though you do not need a prescription. You will need to show your ID and sign the receipt.

Alternatives for Drying Out Breast Milk

Engorgement can be a real pain, but luckily there are many things you can do to help relieve it.

Vitamin B6

Eastern medicine has used herbs and vitamins to fight this pain for centuries. Its practitioners claim that vitamin B6 does wonders. To feel the benefits, you should take 200 mg over a period of 5 days.

Cabbage Leaves

Similar to ice packs, you can also apply soft and cold cabbage leaves without stems directly to your chest, without covering the nipples. Switch out the leaves when they get limp, approximately every hour. Keep the leaves in the fridge so they stay cold.

Sage Tea

Sage tea is beneficial as well. It is available for purchase in natural food stores. You should drink a cup of it each six hours. You can add some honey and milk to make the taste better, as some do not find it pleasant.

Hydration

Staying hydrated is very important. If you cut down on your liquids, it will do nothing to reduce the lactation.

Lying on Your Back

Engorged breasts can even make lying down uncomfortable because of the amount of milk in them. You can try to lie on your back or on the side, with a pillow to support your breasts.

Expressing Milk

Expressing milk is always a good option to ease the pain and discomfort. However, you should not empty your breasts completely. Progressively decrease the amount of milk you are expressing. This way, the supply of milk will dry out naturally and will not cause any complications.

Drying up the milk supply takes a different amount of time for everyone. It depends on how big the supply is. Women with low supply often do not even need to express, but those who do can mostly dry the supply in two to three weeks. Expect to express a little milk over the following weeks after you suppressed lactation. After you are done breastfeeding, natural fertility will return in a month or two.

Lactation Termination

It is up to you to decide whether or not you will suppress lactation. Of course, this only applies in case you are well and healthy. Seeing how the research on drugs for drying up breast milk is limited and lacking, it is maybe best to let nature do it for you.

 

References:

https://www.cochrane.org/CD005937/PREG_treatments-for-suppression-of-lactation
https://www.childrens.health.qld.gov.au/fact-sheet-suppressing-lactation/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7004693
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/392770

Health

How Does Milk of Magnesia Work?

Written By: Arch
Arch

Magnesium is a very important mineral which humans require for many processes. Muscles and nerves need this naturally occurring mineral the most to function properly.

How does milk of magnesia work? Magnesium hydroxide, which is commonly known as milk of magnesia, is an over-the-counter (OTC) medicament. You do not need a prescription to buy it at drug stores. For the most part, people use milk of magnesia as a laxative, but it can also serve as an antacid. The former aids with constipation and the latter is used for heartburn, sour stomach, and aid for indigestion.

Read on to find out more about the uses, side effects, and proper dosage of magnesium hydroxide.

How to Take Milk of Magnesia

There are two forms of magnesium hydroxide: liquid and tablet.

The tablet form is pretty simple; you just need to chew it before you swallow.

The liquid milk of magnesia comes in the original form and the concentrated form. As a rule, the concentrated form is not recommended for children 12 years of age or younger.

To take the liquid form of magnesium hydroxide, you should follow these expert tips:

  • Keep it at room temperature, in a dark and dry place.
  • Prior to measuring a dose, shake the bottle.
  • Use a special spoon or a medicine cup to measure the dose of the liquid. You can get these at a drug store.
  • Mix the milk of magnesia with water or milk.
  • Use the doses which are prescribed to you and vary depending on the condition.

Both versions should be used according to the instructions on the label or as advised by your doctor. Do not exceed the amounts you take or the period of time you are taking it for.

Milk of Magnesia Used for Constipation

Magnesium hydroxide is an effective OTC tool against constipation, a condition characterized by a patient’s inability to pass stools regularly. To be precise, people who are constipated pass stool less than thrice a week.

What milk of magnesia does is reduce the levels of stomach acid and increase the amount of water in the intestines, which may cause a person to defecate. It draws water from the surrounding bowel tissue directly into the gut and flushes all the content out.

In its original form, milk of magnesia requires between half an hour and six hours to take effect and initiate a bowel movement.

How to Know You Are Constipated

If you are experiencing constipation, you may have some of these symptoms:

  • You need to put in a lot of effort when passing
  • You are bloated all the time
  • Your abdominal area feels irritated
  • Your stools are irregular and too solid
  • You feel like you still need to go after a bowel movement

Recommended Dosage

Before going into detail about the correct dosage based on age, here are some general tips which apply to people of all ages.

For every dose of magnesium hydroxide, drink a full glass of water (eight ounces). You can use the medicine cup or measuring spoon mentioned before to be sure you took the right dose.  The recommended time of day to take milk of magnesia is in the evening before you go to bed.

Regular Version

If you are using the basic version of milk of magnesia to treat constipation, you should use the following doses in milliliters (ml):

  • Adults can take between 30 and 60 ml.
  • Children who are 6 to 11 years old can take between 15 and 30 ml.

Consult your medical practitioner prior to giving this medicine to children under the age of 6.

Concentrated Version

For this version of magnesium hydroxide, you should use a lower dosage. Adults can take between 15 and 30 ml. Consult your medical practitioner before giving this medicine to your child.

Chewable Tablets for Children

Chewable tablets of magnesium hydroxide are given to children with a full glass of water or milk for every dose. If the child is between the ages of 6 and 13, you can give them 3-6 tablets a day. If your child is between the ages of two and six, you can give him or her 1-3 tablets a day.

You should not be taking magnesium hydroxide for constipation for longer than a week unless the doctor advised you to do it. If you use milk of magnesia and still have no bowel movement, there may be an underlying health issue, so you should visit a doctor.

Milk of Magnesia Used for Other Digestive Problems

In addition to constipation relief, magnesium hydroxide can aid with acid indigestion and heartburn relief. If you are using it as an antacid, you might also feel its laxative properties. Milk of magnesia should not be used in this manner for longer than two weeks, though.

Consult with your medical practitioner before you use milk of magnesia to treat your child’s digestive problems. If you are an adult, you can take several 5-15 ml doses with water. The maximum daily intake is 60 ml, which means that you can take up to 4 doses of 15 ml or up to 12 doses of 5 ml a day.

Common and Rare Side Effects

Milk of magnesia causes no side effect for most users. If you are not so lucky, the most common side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.

There are also some severe side effects, but they occur very rarely. They may include reduced heart rate, dizziness, bleeding from the anus, intense vomiting and nausea. If you experience any of them, stop using milk of magnesia right away and visit a doctor.

The Sweet Relief

Constipation is no joke; it can be very persistent, inconvenient, and downright frustrating. This article has hopefully provided a satisfying answer to your question: “How does milk of magnesia work?” and helped set you on the path to relief.

Milk of magnesia can assist with other digestive problems besides constipation, but whatever the ailment, you should take caution and follow the instructions from the manufacturer and, of course, your trusted doctor.

 

References:

https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601073.html
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601013.html
https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/magnesium_hydroxide

Health

How Do You Get Dysentery?

Written By: Arch
Arch

Dysentery is an inflammatory disease of the intestines, especially colon. Although this disease causes stomach cramps, it can lead to severe diarrhea that contains mucus and even blood.

As seen in most medical reports, people who travel more often have higher chances of getting infected with this disease.

Dysentery is a very dangerous disease and not one to be taken lightly, as it can lead to fatal consequences. In fact, each year, there are more than 120 million reports of the Shigella dysenteriae infection. To make matters worse, 1 million of those cases turn out to be fatal. Children under the age of 5 account for 60% of all fatal outcomes caused by dysentery.

With all this in mind, everyone should become more familiar with the disease itself.

So, how do you get dysentery?

Causes of Dysentery

According to the World Health Organization, there are two types of this disease: amoebic dysentery and bacillary dysentery. Each type has its own causes.

Bacillary Dysentery

Bacillary dysentery, otherwise known as shigellosis, represents a type of dysentery that’s caused by the Shigella bacillus.

The main cause that leads to bacillary dysentery is poor hygiene. Since the patient’s blood is tainted, shigellosis can spread.

Amoebic Dysentery

Amoebic dysentery, also known as amoebiasis, is the other type of dysentery, caused by the parasite Entamoeba histolytica, which is an amoeba.

This type of dysentery forms a cyst which leaves the body through human feces.

The amoebic dysentery is mostly found in tropical areas.

Areas with poor hygiene and sanitation are the most dangerous and should thus be avoided if you don’t want to get infected with amoebic dysentery. Amoebic dysentery can contaminate food and water as the amoebae can survive for long periods of time outside the host’s body.

Aside from that, there are other causes that lead to this disease, such as viral infection, chemical irritation, and parasitic worm infection.

Symptoms of Dysentery

Distinguishing the symptoms of these two types of dysentery will help you realize what type of treatment you need to choose.

Symptoms of Amoebic Dysentery

Patients infected with amoebic dysentery will experience the following symptoms:

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
  • Fatigue
  • Watery diarrhea
  • Constipation

This type of dysentery can spread through the bloodstream and affect other organs. Also, patients diagnosed with amoebic dysentery may have ulcers, which will eventually cause blood to appear in their stools.

These symptoms can last for several weeks.

Amoebic dysentery is particularly dangerous due to the fact that the amoeba can continue living inside the patient’s body even after the symptoms have passed. In that case, the symptoms can reappear.

Symptoms of Bacillary Dysentery

Patients infected with bacillary dysentery will experience the following symptoms:

  • Fever
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Intense abdominal pain
  • Blood or mucus in feces

These symptoms are usually mild and pass within just a few days. The “lifetime” of these symptoms is typically anywhere between 4 to 8 days. However, in severe cases, they can last even up to 6 weeks. Patients aren’t usually required to visit their doctor unless their conditions get worse.

Are There Any Complications?

If left untreated, dysentery can lead to severe complications, such as:

  • Liver abscess – forms when the amoebae spread to the liver
  • Postinfectious arthritis – after the infection has passed, patients may have joint pain
  • Dehydration – Vomiting and diarrhea cause dehydration, which is life-threatening for younger children, especially infants
  • Hemolytic uremic syndrome – anemia, kidney failure, and low platelet count can be caused by the Shigella infection as it can block the entrance to the kidney

In some cases, complications from bacillary dysentery may even lead to a coma.

How to Avoid Dysentery

As it was already mentioned, the main cause of dysentery is poor hygiene. As such, the best way to avoid getting infected with this disease is to take frequent baths, regularly wash your hands, and maintain hygiene in your household.

Since the disease is very common in travelers, they need to take the following steps in order to lower the risk of getting infected with dysentery:

  • Only drink bottled water that comes from a reliable source
  • Watch the bottle being opened and wipe the top before you start drinking
  • Be sure to properly cook your food before you eat it
  • Change clothes regularly
  • Don’t eat raw vegetables
  • Open fruits with peals by yourself

What Is the Treatment?

Depending on the type of dysentery, there are two most common treatments.

For the type of dysentery caused by amoebiasis, the most usual treatment involves the use of antiparasitic medications, like iodoquinol, metronidazole, etc.

When it comes to bacillary dysentery, the usual treatment consists of antibiotics such as ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, azithromycin, levofloxacin, etc.

Also, no matter what type of dysentery you have, you should always make sure to drink enough water and rehydrate.

If you travel regularly, you should take some antibiotics with you just in case. For some travelers, bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) is helpful.

When Should You See a Doctor?

In case you have noticed one or more symptoms of dysentery in your child (the main risk group is under the age of 5), you should immediately take them to the doctor.

As far as adults are concerned, in most cases, the symptoms should disappear on their own within a week. However, if your symptoms last longer than usual, you should talk to your doctor.

If your doctor suspects dysentery to be the cause behind your symptoms, you will need to provide a stool sample for analysis.

Better Safe than Sorry

Now that you know the answer to the question “How do you get dysentery”, you know how to avoid it and what to expect in case you contract it. Let’s revise some of the important information.

Dysentery can pass in just a few days; however, the symptoms may last for even several weeks. If dysentery is left untreated, it can cause other, more damaging diseases, and even result in a fatal outcome. As such, you should always do whatever you can to avoid getting infected with this disease.

If you have young children, make sure that they maintain proper hygiene, regularly wash their clothes, and keep your household clean.

Travelers need to take extra precaution as they are also at a higher risk of getting infected with dysentery.

 

References:

https://www.who.int/topics/dysentery/en/
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dysentery/

Health

What Does Having a Low Resting Heart Rate Mean?

Written By: Arch
Arch

Our heart rates slow down as we get older. Thus, overly slow heart rate, or bradycardia as it is referred to by doctors, mostly affects elderly people. However, some healthy adults – even athletes – have a slow resting heart rate and experience no symptoms.

A normal heart rate for adults is considered to be between 60 and 100 beats per minute (bpm). Another factor which affects the heart rate is the level of activity. After doing some intense physical activity, the rate goes up because the heart has to work harder and pump more blood.

Opposite to that, the heart rate slows down when we are resting or sleeping. A heart rate between 40 and 60 bpm is considered normal during deep sleep.

Now that you know the basics, you must be wondering what does having a slow heart rate mean? Read on to find the answer to this question, discover tips on how to measure your heart rate, and learn more about the symptoms, causes, and treatment of bradycardia.

How to Measure Your Pulse

If your medical practitioner suspects that you have bradycardia, they will give you a physical exam. The exam may include an electrocardiogram (EKG) which measures the electrical signals of the heart. You may also need to wear a heart monitor for 24 hours so the doctor can track your heart rate over time.

Before going to the doctor, you can easily measure your temporary heart rate on your own. Since you want to test your resting heart rate, avoid any physical activity prior to this.

Sit down in a comfortable position and try to stay relaxed. The best place to check the pulse is on the side of the neck. If you prefer, you can also find it on your wrist.

To determine your pulse, count your heartbeats for ten seconds and then multiply that number by six. This is the faster way of doing it. If you want to be precise, you can count the beats for an entire minute and that will tell you your resting pulse. If your pulse is below 60 bpm, you have reason to believe you have bradycardia.

Children have faster normal heart rates than adults.  To be precise, those are:

  • Between 100 and 180 bpm for newborn babies
  • Between 80 and 150 bpm for infants
  • Between 75 to 120 bpm for children ages 2 to 6
  • Between 70 and 110 bpm for children ages 6 to 12

If a child, especially a newborn baby, has a slow heart rate, it should be examined and treated right away.

Bradycardia Symptoms

Some people experience no symptoms of bradycardia other than a slow heart rate. Many others are not so fortunate, because a slow heart rate could lead to insufficient oxygen levels in the brain and cause many other symptoms, such as:

  • Having a short breath
  • Feeling weak and fatigued
  • Feeling lightheaded and dizzy
  • Exercising and breathing gets more difficult

Bradycardia can also be caused by some other, more serious disease. If the root cause is left untreated, a low heart rate could put you at risk of:

  • Cardiac arrest
  • Increased or decreased blood pressure
  • Chest pains
  • Heart failure

Risk Factors

The most common causes for bradycardia are the malfunctions of the electrical circuit of the heart when something interferes with how the heart pumps out blood throughout the body.

The sinus node, otherwise called the natural pacemaker, is in charge of regulating the pace at which the bottom and top chambers of the heart pump blood to the rest of the body. If it does not work properly, the heart rate is affected.

Another malfunction that can put you at risk of bradycardia is an atrioventricular block, or AV block. This condition causes miscommunication between the top and bottom heart chambers, leading to a drop in heart rate.

With age, the heart’s electrical circuit gets worn out, which is why elderly people are the most subject to bradycardia, especially those older than 65.

Athletes are used to high cardiovascular activity and their hearts require less effort to pump out blood. As a result, their heart rate is slower, but this has no negative impact on them.

Illnesses and imbalances which may cause a slow heart rate include the following:

  • Oversaturation of potassium in the blood
  • Not enough or too many electrolytes
  • An ineffective thyroid gland
  • A disease which causes inflammation of the heart muscle
  • Heart tissue damage due to old age or heart disease
  • Obstructive sleep apnea
  • Bacterial infection which reaches heart tissue

Some medications can cause a slower heart rate. These include medications used to treat high blood pressure, heart rhythm disorders, and even some for psychosis. Complications following heart surgery may cause bradycardia as well.

How to Treat It

Having a low heart rate is not always a cause for panic. In many cases, treatment is not necessary. The treatment depends on the underlying conditions that could be contributing to the problem, the heart rate itself, and the age of the patient.

Since bradycardia doesn’t cause any complications on its own, doctors can easily identify what is causing it and come up with the corresponding treatment. Oftentimes, just adjusting the medication you’re taking can do the trick. Of course, treating the underlying conditions should be a priority.

For older people and patients with permanent damage to the electrical circuits of the heart, invasive surgery to implant a peacemaker may be the only option. This is an artificial way of speeding up the heart rate.

How to Prevent It

Although there is no specific way to prevent bradycardia, a good start is to reduce the risk of various heart diseases. The same goes for monitoring and sticking to your treatment if you already have a heart condition.

Here are some steps to ensure your heart stays healthy:

  • Exercise as much as time allows you and stay in good shape. Avoid salt, sugar, and fat in food. Try to eat plenty of fruit and vegetables.
  • Monitor your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Take medications for lowering cholesterol or blood pressure if the doctor prescribes them to you.
  • Quit smoking and avoid inhaling too much smoke from others.
  • Avoid drinking too much alcohol. Drink in moderation if you have to.
  • Keep your stress levels low. Meditation and some breathing techniques can assist you.

So, What Does It Mean?

What does having a slow heart rate mean? Sometimes, it does not have to mean anything serious. Many people are completely healthy despite their slow heart rate. Just to be sure, you should get checked for any underlying conditions that could affect your heart rate.

Now you know the best ways to prevent bradycardia and keep track of your heart rate at home. Still, if you feel some other symptoms of the condition, it is best to visit your doctor.

 

References:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bradycardia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355474
https://www.hrsonline.org/Patient-Resources/Symptoms-Diagnosis/Slow-Heartbeat
https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/about-arrhythmia/bradycardia–slow-heart-rate
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/is-a-slow-heart-rate-good-or-bad-for-you/
https://www.cardiosmart.org/Heart-Conditions/Bradycardia/Understand-Your-Condition/Protect-Your-Heart

Health

How Often Should You Get a Massage?

Written By: Arch
Arch

Massage has been around for thousands of years. Even the ancient civilizations used it for relaxation and its medicinal benefits. It used to be a treat only available to royalty, but now everyone can get a massage for an affordable price.

This relaxing ritual is no longer limited to luxurious spas, retreats, and health clubs. You can get a massage in your office, at a hotel, at a clinic, or even in the comfort of your home. There are plenty of physical medicine practitioners who offer massage services. You can even try one of those massage chairs if you want a more practical solution, though humans probably do it better.

This article will look into different types of massage and their benefits, as well as the potential risks associated with this ritual. You will also learn the answer to a frequently asked question – how often should you get a massage?

Types of Massage

There are almost a hundred massage styles from various cultures, which use a variety of techniques, movements, and pressures. Massage refers to the act of manipulating, rubbing, and pressing of tendons, muscles, ligaments, and skin.

Massages can be light and relaxing, but if you want to untie some serious knots, deep pressure has to be applied. Some massage techniques even involve the masseur’s elbows or their feet. As part of these techniques, the masseur stands on you and applies pressure like that. If that is your massage choice, it would be a good idea to choose a petite female masseuse over a strong man.

There are a plethora of massage techniques, but here are some of the most used:

  • Deep massage – This massage style focuses on slow, heavy strokes which aim at the inside of the connective tissue and muscle. It is mostly used to assist with the pain and muscle damage suffered from serious injuries.
  • Swedish massage – The opposite of deep massage, this type of massage is very gentle. It consists of wide circular movements, kneading, and lengthy strokes that aim to improve circulation. Swedish massage is good for both the activation of the muscles and relaxation.
  • Trigger point massage – This type of massage applies pressure to tight muscle areas. These areas can form after prolonged use of muscles as a result of heavy exercise or injuries.
  • Sports massage – This massage technique is like Swedish massage, slow and steady. It is commonly used in sports for athletes who are injured, or as a method of prevention because it helps the muscles become more flexible.
  • Shiatsu massage – This Japanese technique uses finger pressure, as its name suggests (“shiatsu” is Japanese for finger pressure). Results are achieved by applying dynamic pressure to the acupressure points. These points are crucial because they allow the chi, the energy of life, to flow through the body.
  • Chair massage – You have probably already seen these portable massage devices somewhere, like at a beauty salon or a hotel, or maybe you are lucky and have one in your office. When you put a nickel in, these chairs give you a nice massage of the back, neck, shoulders, arms, and hands – all this while you’re sitting, and you do not even have to strip. Unfortunately, the massage only lasts from five to twenty minutes.

Now that you know all about these various massage types, you may be wondering how to identify the right method for you. As each of these techniques helps with different ailments, try to determine the purpose of the massage prior to going to the therapist. When you arrive, let them know exactly what groups of muscles and/or parts of the body they should focus on and talk to them about one or more styles they should use.

Many Benefits of Massage

Massage is considered a segment of complementary and integrative medicine. You will be offered massage at clinics alongside the regular treatment for many conditions and different situations.

Many studies have confirmed the benefits of massage for stress reduction and relieving muscle tension and pain. Besides that, more research is being done, and some if it claims massage is also useful for:

  • Back pain, neck pain, and even headaches
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Digestive disorders
  • Stress-related insomnia
  • Injuries or strains of the soft tissue
  • Joint pain
  • Sport injuries

After a massage, you feel relieved and relaxed like there is no worry in the world. Some say they feel connected to the person who is doing the massage, so it might not be a bad idea to exchange massages with friends or loved ones.

Although massage feels great and has many benefits, it is not a proper substitute for medical care. Consult your doctor about any symptoms you may have prior to taking up massage treatment.

Risk Factors

Even though massage is very beneficial to some people, others may not reap the benefits. Some types of massage can make you feel sore the following day. However, during massage, you should not feel pain or discomfort. If you do, let your massage therapist know. If too much pressure is applied during massage, it can lead to some undesirable effects.

Massage can lead to the formation of blood clots in people suffering from high blood pressure. In rare cases, it could result in nerve damage and even skin infections.

You should avoid massage, or at least discuss the pros and cons with your medical practitioner if you have any of the following conditions:

  • Wounds that are in the process of healing
  • Burns on the skin
  • Bone fractures
  • Various bleeding disorders
  • A severe case of osteoporosis
  • Any type of cancer

Can You Have Too Much Massage?

How often should you get a massage? Well, massage itself is not dangerous in any way, especially if it is performed by a trained massage therapist. However, if any of the risk factors mentioned above apply to you, it is in your interest to avoid massage.

Sometimes going to therapy just once is not going to have any effects. Depending on your medical condition and the inflicted area, the time it takes for massage to have an effect varies. If an injury you want to treat is fairly new and constricted to a small area, just two or three treatments may be enough to relieve the pain.

Closing Thoughts on Massage Therapy

You can use massage as an instrument to improve your health, relieve pain and injuries, and get rid of stress. You can turn it into a family activity and help both yourself and your loved ones.

Remember that massage is not harmful to anyone, but may cause some side effects in people who are affected by chronic and/or severe medical conditions. If you’re among them, make sure to discuss it with your therapist prior to your session.

 

References:

https://www.hss.edu/newsroom_massage-treatment-for-lower-back-pain.asp
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/massage/art-20045743

Health

How Long Should You Walk to Lose Weight?

Written By: Arch
Arch

Walking is not just an activity that gets us from point A to point B. It is also a great tool for exercising and staying fit. You do not need an expensive gym membership or a personal trainer to lose weight; you can do it completely free simply by walking and taking care of your diet.

Walking on a daily basis has many health benefits, and it is no wonder the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) deemed it the most popular activity for staying in good shape in 2012.

How long should you walk to lose weight? Well, it depends on how many calories you need to burn. The more you walk, the more calories you burn, but have in mind that the intensity of walking is another important factor.

In this article, you will learn more about walking to lose weight and stay fit.

Some Tips to Get You Started

If you’re new to walking for weight loss, here are some useful tips which will come in handy:

  • Do not forget to warm up first. Warming up is great for any exercise and that includes walking, even if you walk every day. It sets your body up for the exercise and gets your blood pumping. Start off by strolling at a comfortable pace before you increase speed.
  • Keep your arms bent at 90 degrees so they are swinging naturally when you walk
  • Leisure walking might be good for warm up, but your walk needs to be brisk. Try to achieve a speed of 3 miles per hour at the very least.
  • Adding obstacles to your route can add to the intensity. Walking uphill is also much more challenging and burns more calories, but do not begin your routine with it.
  • Avoid using weights. They are for strength exercises not walking.
  • Stretch after you finish. Stretching is important both before and after an exercise.

Walking as a Method of Weight Loss

If you want to lose weight just by walking, you need to be serious about it. Leisure walks will not help you. Walking to lose weight takes time, so be persistent as the results will not show right away.

You need to walk for at least half an hour and up to an hour and a half most days of the week. The times can vary from day to day, but you should walk for at least two and a half hours total every week.

Try to do it regularly, as much as your schedule allows you. Skipping a day is fine, but try to avoid skipping more than one day. Keeping it up helps with burning calories consistently and improves metabolism.

When you are on your day off, you can try some other exercises like weight lifting. If you are tired, get some rest, but continue walking the next day.

In case you just started a walking routine, walk for shorter amounts of time at first and then gradually extend the sessions at your own pace. Try and walk more every day. You can break up the walking time into halves or thirds, but try to get to over the thirty-minute mark of brisk walking without pauses for the maximum calorie-burning effect.

During your walk, your heart rate should be at 60-70% of its maximum. Try to walk fast enough to achieve that. Your breathing will be more difficult than normal, but you should be able to speak proper sentences while walking. In this modern age, there are many devices which can help you read your heart rate (e.g. heart rate monitor, fitness band, or smartphone app).

Keeping the Weight Off

If you were wondering “how long should you walk to lose weight”, this article has already answered your question. To sum up – you should walk at least 30 minutes a day for a total of two and a half hours or more per week.

Regular walks will help you lose weight, but your fitness journey doesn’t end there. If you turn to a sedentary lifestyle the moment you reach your body goals, the weight you lost could come back with a vengeance.

This is why it is important to always keep exercising and eating healthy. To maintain a stable weight after losing a lot of extra pounds, the CDC recommends between sixty and ninety minutes of moderate-intensity exercise on a daily basis, most days of the week.

The Many Benefits of Regular Walking

Although walking is great for losing weight, it has many more benefits beyond just that. Here are some of the most prominent benefits of walking for at least thirty minutes a day:

  • Improved mood – Any exercise is proven to improve the general mood of a person, as well as decrease stress. This is why exercise is recommended to people suffering from anxiety and depression. Exercise stimulates the brain to release hormones serotonin and norepinephrine, and that is why we feel relaxed and happy after a workout.
  • Better digestion – If you have a problem passing, regular walks can assist with that too.
  • Health risk reduction – Just walking every day can keep the doctor away. Research shows that it could help prevent arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and even some types of cancer.
  • Increased creativity – According to a 2014 study, taking a short break from work and walking can improve your creative thinking and help you solve problems which seemed impossible to solve before.
  • Lean muscle preservation – Losing weight actually has some unfortunate side effects. One of them is lean muscle loss. Any form of exercise, walking included, helps against muscle loss due to burning calories and losing weight. Also, exercise maintains muscle function and strength which counters age-related muscle loss.

In addition to all these great benefits, walking also helps you burn belly fat.  Abdominal obesity is a health issue which affects men who have a waist circumference over 102 cm (40 inches) and women with a waist circumference of over 88 cm (35 inches).

Keep Walking and Stay Fit

To conclude, if you are struggling with weight loss or are trying to find a way to stay fit, you should know that simple brisk walks on most days of the week can help you achieve your goals.

If you are bored walking alone, you can call a friend and make it a fun way to spend time together and exercise at the same time. In fact, a 2017 study found that exercising in pairs helps you stay focused on your fitness goals. So when you need that extra push, just ask a friend to join you for a walk.

 

References:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/expert-answers/walking/faq-20058345
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3119587/
https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2014-14435-001
https://intermountainhealthcare.org/blogs/topics/live-well/2018/02/is-walking-daily-good-enough-exercise/
https://www.nature.com/articles/ncomms14753

Health

Is Boba Tea Bad or Good for You?

Written By: Arch
Arch

Boba tea is named after the tiny round tapioca pearls it is made of. It is also known as tapioca tea, pearl milk tea, and pearl shake, but the most popular term is bubble tea because tapioca pearls look like bubbles.

This tea originates from Asia, but it has become so popular that you can now find it in teashops and cafés all around the world. This sweet beverage is a combination of tapioca pearls and flavored milk tea. You drink it with a large straw, which is wide enough to fit these pearls so that you can suck them up and chew them.

Keep reading to find out more about this sweet treat, its nutritional value, and the best way to prepare it. You will also learn the answer to a frequently asked question: ”Is boba tea bad or good for you”?

What Is Boba Tea Made Of?

A Taiwanese tea shop owner invented boba tea way back in the 1980s, while experimenting with putting different combinations of flavors such as syrups, fruits, and tapioca balls in teas with milk. This beverage soon became very popular throughout the whole Asian continent. Since the 2000s, its popularity started to grow in Europe and America as well.

The main ingredients of this beverage are the small black tapioca pearls or boba. You get boba from cassava starch, brown sugar, and sweet potato. There is a less popular and different tasting variation of the drink with white tapioca pearls, which are made from cassava starch, chamomile root, and caramel.

Cassava root, which typically grows in Thailand and Nigeria, is used to make cassava starch, the main ingredients of these tapioca balls.

Other ingredients that can be added include egg pudding and jelly. The fruit variants are mixed with slushies and fruit smoothies. For coffee lovers, there are coffee blends mixed with boba tea.

Boba Tea Nutritional Value

Published research on the benefits of boba tea is limited, but it is known that this type of beverage is very caloric and has a high fat content. A 16-ounce serving of boba milk tea has between 200 and 450 calories, half of which comes from fats.

Even worse, a 32-ounce serving of this beverage contains up to 250%of the maximum recommended daily sugar intake for men and almost 400% of the maximum daily sugar intake for women. The total sugar content depends on the way the tea is served and the use of added ingredients such as jelly and egg pudding.

Added sugar should comprise less than 10% of the total daily calorie intake, according to the U.S. dietary guidelines. For example, if your diet consists of 2500 calories per day, no more than 250 of those calories should come from sugar.

Tapioca itself isn’t particularly nutritious. Its mineral and vitamin content is extremely low, and it lacks fiber as well. The protein content of dried boba is negligible, but the milk added to this drink increases the protein intake when you drink the tea.

While tapioca is used in some diets, it is only as a source of carbohydrates. Bubble tea is already full of sugars, yet some people put added sugar when making it, which only makes the situation worse. The fruity taste in this beverage is often artificial, with added flavors and fruit concentrate full of sugar.

The good news is that boba at least does not contain fat of its own. Instead, the fat in boba tea comes from milk and other dairy products used in its preparation.

Overall, boba tea does not seem like a healthy drink. Despite that, it is most popular among younger generations, which isn’t a surprise considering its high sugar content. It’s also no wonder many call it a tea dessert, seeing as it has more similarity to candy than proper herbal tea.

How to Make Boba Tea at Home

You can simply avoid buying unhealthy and overpriced bubble tea from teashops and cafes, where they use plenty of added sugars, and make a healthier version of this drink yourself.

That way, you can control the quality of all the individual ingredients and totally skip the added sugars, or at least reduce their amount. It is still going to be packed with carbs because of boba, but it is OK to drink it in moderation.

You can find a variety of bubble tea kits and boba packs for purchase online at affordable prices. These include the white and black tapioca variants, as well as some flavored packages that taste like strawberry, kiwi, mango, etc.

The process of making this beverage is fairly simple; there are quite a few video guides online in case you want to be sure you are doing it right. When you make it, you will see that the boba settles on the bottom of the cup. It has a nice visual appeal to it.

For a custom-made experience, you should add milk and flavors of your choice. Regular milk can be replaced with coconut, soy, or almond milk. You can also add some syrup for extra flavoring or even blend all the ingredients together to get a smoothie-like dessert.

The healthy versions of boba tea include fruits like bananas, berries, and avocados. You can experiment with flavors and make it to so it fits your personal preference. Do not forget to prepare a wide straw which you will use to slurp the pearls from the bottom.

Tips When Ordering Bubble Tea

If you want to order bubble tea at a teashop, but want to make sure it’s healthy, you can follow these tips:

  • Ask them to use less sugar or no sugar at all.
  • Instead of creamers, ask for skimmed or low-fat milk. Also, it will not hurt if the milk is fresh.
  • If you are paying special attention to your caloric intake, ask the barista to remove the tapioca balls after making the tea.

The Choice Is Yours

Now that you know all about its origins, ingredients, and nutritional value, all that is left is to decide – is boba tea bad or good for you?

If you decide to continue drinking boba tea, follow the tips mentioned above to enjoy a healthier version of this beverage. And remember, even though homemade boba tea is usually healthier than the regular, sugar-heavy variant you get at tea shops, it still contains plenty of carbohydrates. As such, you should drink it in moderation.

 

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5217910/
https://www.pri.org/stories/2016-08-24/boba-drinks-are-threat-your-health-because-bad-data-we-dont-know-who-most-risk

How Does an IUD Work? All You Need to Know About This Birth Control Method

Written By: Arch
Arch

Women considering their birth control options should take IUDs into consideration. They are among the most expensive options out there, but they are also extremely effective and can be used in combination with other methods.

IUDs are considered safe for healthy women and last a long time. The best thing about them is that they don’t affect a woman’s ability to stay pregnant after they’ve been removed. Keep reading to find out how does an IUD work, how safe it is, how long it can protect you, and much more.

What Is an IUD?

An IUD is a contraceptive device that’s inserted into a woman’s uterus. The acronym stands for intra-uterine device, though the device is also commonly referred to as coil. It is one of long-acting reversible control (LARC) contraception methods and some women use it in combination with other methods.

At the moment of this writing, there are five brands of IUDs on the American market. Skyla, Mirena, Kyleena, and Liletta are hormone-based. They release small quantities of progestin, the hormone that’s used in many birth control pills, into your uterus. The fifth brand, ParaGard, is hormone-free. Instead, it uses copper to trigger your body to prevent pregnancy.

How Does It Work?

So, how does an IUD work? The hormone-based variety works the same way as a birth control pill. It releases small amounts of progestin into your uterus, preventing sperm from fertilizing eggs. With the hormone-based variety, periods stop completely after a while, making it almost impossible to stay pregnant. Periods in women who use hormonal IUDs go back to normal quickly after the device is removed.

On the other hand, the copper variety changes the chemical makeup of your uterus, thus triggering your immune system to prevent pregnancy. The copper in which these devices are wrapped is very efficient at preventing sperm from reaching the eggs. A copper device doesn’t diminish your ability to get pregnant and doesn’t affect it once removed.

Non-hormonal devices are effective immediately. A hormone-based device starts working immediately if it’s installed during your period. However, if it’s installed between periods, it might take up to a week to start working.

How Do You Insert It?

The doctor will insert an IUD during a regular office visit. While you’re lying on the table, the doctor will insert the speculum into your vagina to keep it open. They will then place the device into a tube and insert the tube into your vagina. The doctor will then eject the device from the tube and into the uterus. Once the IUD is in place, they’ll pull the tube out and remove the speculum. A pair of strings will hang from the device 1-2 inches down your vagina.

You might experience pain and bleeding during the procedure. They usually go away in a few days. Pain can cause some women to feel lightheaded. If you experience pain, you might want to take some over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication.

If the device starts coming out at some point, it should be removed and a second device should be inserted. The removal is also done by your doctor.

Can It Fall Out?

The chances of your IUD falling out are slim. However, the likelihood may increase if:

  • You’re under 20
  • Haven’t had kids
  • The IUD was inserted right after you had a baby
  • Your uterus is of unusual shape or size
  • There are fibroids in your uterus

How Long Does It Work?

How long an IUD works depends on the brand you choose to use. For example, Skyla and Liletta devices work for 3 years, while Mirena and Kyleena are effective for 5 years. On the other hand, ParaGard devices can protect you for 10 years.

How Effective Is an IUD?

IUDs are among the safest and most effective birth control methods. The rate of failure is less than 1%. The copper-based ParaGard devices have a 0.8% failure rate in the first 12 months. The remaining four brands have an average failure rate of only 0.2%.

Have in mind that you can use the copper devices to prevent unwanted pregnancy even after you’ve had unprotected sex. The device should be inserted within five days, though the faster you insert it, the more effective it will be.

On the other hand, male contraception methods are not as reliable. While male sterilization works in 99.85% of cases, condoms, which may be more comfortable than an IUD, have a not-so-comfortable failure rate of 15%.

Benefits

Although less popular than condoms and birth control pills, IUDs come with a wide range of benefits.

For one, an IUD device lasts a long time once it is inserted. You typically check up on it when you take your regular gynecological exams. Also, these devices don’t require any maintenance.

An IUD device is a one-time expense. Though it might be a bit costly if your health care plan doesn’t cover it, it pays off in the long run.

Finally, it is safe even for women who breastfeed. However, have in mind that an IUD can’t protect you from STDs.

Side Effects

The biggest side effect of an IUD is the change in your period. For example, hormone-based devices can lessen the problems with cramps. Initially, you might experience some spotting between periods and your periods will become lighter. You might experience a complete loss of period after a while.

On the other hand, a copper device might initially make your periods heavier and worsen your problems with cramps. These side effects tend to go away within a few months.

If you contract a urinary infection while an IUD is in your uterus, it is of utmost importance to start treating it immediately to prevent any possible complications. An untreated infection in this case might cause sterility.

Who Shouldn’t Use an IUD?

IUDs are generally safe for healthy women. Doctors mostly recommend them to women who have only one partner and are not at risk of getting an STD. However, you shouldn’t use an IUD if you already have an STD. Likewise, if you’ve recently had a pelvic infection, you should skip IUDs.

Pregnant women shouldn’t use IUDs, either. It is also not recommended for women with uterus or cervix cancer to use this method of contraception. Women with unexplained vaginal bleeding should also avoid IUDs.

Women who are suffering from Wilson’s disease or are allergic to copper shouldn’t use the ParaGard brand. On the other hand, if you suffer from breast cancer or liver disease, you shouldn’t go with a hormone-based brand. Likewise, if you are at a higher risk of getting breast cancer, don’t use the hormone variety as progestin has been linked to the disease. However, there is no conclusive evidence as of yet and further research is needed.

What’s the Takeaway?

Modern-day IUDs are safe, effective, and last for a long time. Side effects, other than changes in the period intensity and frequency, are very rare. All five brands available on the US market have a failure rate of less than 1%, which puts them among the most effective and reliable contraceptive methods available to women.

 

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2971735/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4706804/

Health

The Silent Disease – How Does Chlamydia Start?

Written By: Arch
Arch

Chlamydia is among the most common sexually transmitted diseases. Over a million cases are reported each year According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis and commonly appears in the genital and rectal regions, as well as throat. It can be spread to other parts of the body through direct contact.

How does chlamydia start? How is it diagnosed and treated? Keep reading for the answers to these and other important questions about chlamydia.

What Is Chlamydia?

Chlamydia is commonly referred to as the silent disease because a huge percentage of those who contract it don’t develop any symptoms. According to the data gathered by the CDC, around 70% of infected men and 90% of women don’t develop any symptoms.

This presents a big problem and makes early diagnosis harder. Though chlamydia can be cured, you won’t become immune to the disease after the treatment.

Epidemiology

According to the official CDC statistics, over 1.7 million cases of chlamydia were reported in 2017 alone. However, due to the nature of the disease and the stigma that surrounds sexually transmitted diseases and infections, many cases go unreported. The CDC estimates that the real number of new infections is around 3 million each year.

The disease affects both men and women, though women are more vulnerable to it. Women aged between 15 and 24 are particularly vulnerable, with this demographic having the highest infection rates in the country. The CDC thus recommends women under 25, as well as older women who belong to one of the risk groups, to get tested for chlamydia once a year.

How Do You Get It?

Chlamydia is most commonly transmitted through unprotected sex. Anal, vaginal, and oral sex, if done in an unsafe way, can potentially lead to infection. Have in mind that neither side has to achieve an orgasm for the disease to be transferred. Penetration doesn’t need to happen, either. Sometimes just touching genitals can be enough. According to a study published in 2017, men are less likely to contract chlamydia, but women can get rid of it more easily.

Mothers infected with chlamydia can transfer the disease to babies during birth. Therefore, the majority of pre-natal tests include a test for chlamydia.

Sexual assault and rape can raise the risk of transmission, due to the fact that in many cases protection is not used. If you’ve been sexually assaulted, you should get screened as soon as possible.

Symptoms

So, how does chlamydia start? It can start silently or it can start with symptoms. Symptoms, if they develop, appear 7 to 21 days after the infection. Let’s look at the most common symptoms in women and men.

Women

Vaginal chlamydia infection is characterized by pain during sex, lower abdomen pain, bleeding between two periods, cervicitis, burning during urination, and vaginal discharge.

If the bacteria reach the fallopian tubes, they can cause pelvic inflammatory disease. This is a serious condition and is considered a medical emergency. Common symptoms include excessive vaginal bleeding between two periods, sickness, acute pain in the pelvic region, and fever.

If the disease spreads to the rectum, it is usually accompanied by pain, discharge, and bleeding. Chlamydia infection of the throat includes fever, cough, and a sore throat.

Men

Common symptoms in the genital area include burning during urination, green or yellow discharge, as well as lower abdomen and testicle pain. The symptoms of rectal and throat infections are largely the same as in women.

Diagnosis

Chlamydia is diagnosed differently in men and women. Doctors usually examine urine samples to diagnose men and take vaginal swabs to diagnose women. Both are then subjected to a series of NAAT lab tests to determine the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis.

Common NAAT (nucleic acid amplification test) methods include TMA (transcription mediated amplification), PCR (polymerase chain reaction), and SDA (DNA strand displacement amplification). These NAAT tests have approximately 90% sensitivity and 99% specificity with both vaginal swabs and urine samples.

Though not scientifically confirmed, there are indications that NAAT tests might be equally effective at diagnosing rectal infections.

Treatment

Luckily, chlamydia is easy to cure once it’s diagnosed. Since it is caused by bacteria, it is treated with antibiotics. Doxycicline and Azithromycin are the most commonly prescribed antibiotics. The former is usually taken twice a day over a course of 7 days, while the latter is consumed in a single, big dose.

Regardless of which antibiotic you’re prescribed, it is very important to stick to the instructions and take all the prescribed medicine. You should refrain from having sexual intercourse while you’re being treated, as you can still transmit or contract the disease despite the treatment.

After the treatment is over, you may need to start taking some probiotics if the antibiotics have disturbed the balance of bacteria in your gut.

Complications

If you discover the infection soon after you’ve contracted it, there should be no complications or consequences. However, untreated chlamydia can cause a wide range of serious complications. They differ between men and women. Here are the most common ones.

Women

Women with untreated chlamydia run a high risk of developing PID which can, in turn, damage their ovaries, cervix, and uterus. Chlamydia can also cause infertility if it reaches the fallopian tubes. Pregnant women with chlamydia can transfer the disease to the newborn baby. Common complications include pneumonia and eye infections. Chlamydia has also been linked to a higher risk of ovarian cancer.

Men

Men with an untreated chlamydia infection commonly develop epididymitis. This is an inflammation of the epididymis, the tubes that keep the testicles in place. Pain is the most common symptom. In some cases, the infection can reach the prostate gland. When that happens, lower back discomfort, fever, and pain during sex are the most common symptoms.

Risk Groups

Every sexually active individual can contract the disease. However, there are groups of people that are at a higher risk of catching the disease. Here are the most vulnerable groups:

  • Women under 25
  • Women and men with multiple sexual partners
  • Women and men with partners who have STDs
  • Men who have sex with other men
  • Men and women who already have other STDs

It is worth noting that the individuals infected with chlamydia can contract HIV more easily if exposed to the virus.

Prevention

The best way to prevent chlamydia is to practice safe sex. This means using condoms when you engage in vaginal and anal intercourse. Using dental dams is also recommended if you’re engaging in oral sex with your partner.

Practicing safe sex can also protect you and your partner from unwanted pregnancy, as well as prevent an array of sexually transmitted diseases.

The Takeaway

Chlamydia, the silent disease, is sometimes very hard to diagnose because many people never notice any signs of infection. Only 10% of women and 30% of men develop symptoms.

The answer to the question “how does chlamydia start” is “silently” in most cases. Therefore, it is in your best interest to practice safe sex and to get checked every time you have unprotected sex.

 

References:

https://www.cdc.gov/std/chlamydia/stdfact-chlamydia-detailed.htm
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3719340/
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS1470-2045(18)30421-2/fulltext
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4577585/
https://academic.oup.com/jid/article/216/2/237/3867429

Are Vitamin and Other Nutrient Deficiencies Making Your Fibromyalgia Symptoms Worse?

Written By: Kendra
Kendra

From my own experience with fibromyalgia, I know how frustrating the generality of some symptoms can be. Fatigue? Chronic pain? There are so many things that cause these things, and there are so many things out there claiming to be the solution.

But, before running off for more medications or topicals, it’s a good idea to check if your body is low on important vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients since that could be contributing to your fibromyalgia symptoms.

How Vitamins and Minerals Interact With the Body

Nutrients like vitamins and minerals are a necessity for the body. Without them, the body can’t function properly. Not getting enough nutrients leads to diseases, weakened body systems, and just overall not feeling your best. And the body can’t produce enough of them on its own.

So it’s up to us to ensure our bodies are getting the nutrients they need.

How Common are Deficiencies?

Vitamin and mineral deficiencies are more common than most people think, even in developed countries like the United States where foods and products with these essentials are easy to find. Part of the reason for this is people not monitoring their diet or eating unhealthily.

You can find more information about nutrient levels in the U.S. population at https://www.cdc.gov/nutritionreport/.

Vitamin D

Nicknamed the sunshine vitamin, vitamin D is produced when the body interacts with sunlight. Vitamin D and calcium work together to strengthen bones, keeping the skeletal system healthy. What does this have to do with fibromyalgia? Well, check out what vitamin D deficiency can do to the body.

Fatigue

Depression

Lowered immunity to getting sick

Bone pain

Bone loss

Slower wound healing

Hair loss

Muscle pain

Some of those symptoms sound familiar? If you have fibromyalgia and are vitamin D deficient, you could be experiencing overlapping symptoms, almost like doubling their impact.

You can increase your vitamin D levels by going outside without sunscreen, eating more eggs and fish, drinking vitamin D enhanced milk, and taking a supplement.

Vitamin B12

B vitamins, especially B12, are known for contributing to energy levels. And I’m sure all of us with fibromyalgia could use more energy in our daily lives. What are the symptoms of B12 deficiency?

Vision loss

Pale skin

Smooth tongue

Weakness

Tiredness

Shortness of breath

Heart palpitations

Loss of appetite, constipation or diarrhea

Tingling, numbness

Trouble walking

Muscle weakness

Depression, behavior changes, or memory loss

Again, some of these symptoms are the same as symptoms you can experience with fibromyalgia.

Foods rich in B12 include meat, eggs, dairy products, and fortified cereals.

Magnesium

Unless you’ve been low on magnesium for a while, you won’t experience many symptoms. However, ongoing magnesium deficiency can lead to the following problems.

Nausea

Vomiting

Little appetite

Weakness

Sleepiness

Muscle spasms (extreme cases)

Headaches

Weakened bones

Nervousness

Stress on your heart

Something else is that not getting enough magnesium compromises your levels of calcium and potassium.

Magnesium is easy to find in foods. It’s found in nuts, whole grains, milk, bananas, and salmon. Also, you can absorb magnesium through the skin if you take a magnesium epsom salt bath.

Coenzyme Q10

This one might not be as familiar to you. Coenzyme Q10 is an enzyme the body naturally produces in the cell. It’s essential for the mitochondria (the power house) of the cell. Low levels of coenzyme Q10 have been found in fibromyalgia patients and contribute to overall fatigue.

Foods like meat, spinach, cauliflower, broccoli, fatty fish, oranges, strawberries, legumes, sesame seeds, and pistachios provide CoQ10.

Getting Your Levels Checked

Checking your nutrient levels is easy. You can get blood and urine testing done through your doctor. If your results show you have deficiencies, your doctor can work with you to find the best way for you to up your levels considering your diet, supplements, and interactions with medications you take on a regular basis.

I know how, once you get used to having fibromyalgia, you can start to chalk up all bodily symptoms to the illness, but this just goes to show some of your symptoms might not be. Also, if your symptoms seem to get worse for no reason, it could be related to something like your nutrient levels. So do yourself a favor and look to see if your levels are deficient. It could end up easing your symptoms. And we all want that.

 

 

https://www.helpguide.org/harvard/vitamins-and-minerals.htm/

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-d-deficiency-symptoms#section8

https://www.webmd.com/diet/vitamin-b12-deficiency-symptoms-causes#2

https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/magnesium-test

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/coenzyme-q10#section12

Health

What Is Abnormal Blood Pressure?

Written By: Arch
Arch

Blood pressure is the measure of force with which blood pushes on the walls of blood vessels. It is one of the main vital signs medical experts observe, alongside pulse rate, respiratory rate, and body temperature. Various health problems, some of which are severe, can arise when blood pressure levels rise too high.

What is abnormal blood pressure and what causes it? This article will answer these questions and discuss the ways to treat this problem. You will also find the explanations of blood pressure readings and the values which doctors consider normal or abnormal.

Disorders Caused by Abnormal Blood Pressure

The endocrine and nervous systems regulate the blood pressure fluctuations which can happen due to physical activity, stress, digestion, and even some emotional reactions.

Many mechanisms in our bodies control how blood pressure fluctuates. Your blood pressure can rise due to the changes in the volume of blood in the bloodstream, the amount of blood the heart pumps into the arteries, and the diameter of blood vessels.

Blood pressure disorders occur when a disease causes blood pressure abnormalities. Whether the blood pressure stays too low, high, or unstable, consequences can be grave if not treated on time.

Elevated Blood Pressure

Elevated blood pressure is just slightly above normal blood pressure. It falls into the range of blood pressure readings from 120 to 129 systolic and below 80 mm Hg diastolic. Unless they take some precautions, people with elevated blood pressure often end up developing high blood pressure.

The steps you can take to change your lifestyle and stop blood pressure from rising are very simple. They include exercise, be it jogging or some sport, as well as improving your diet by cutting down on fats and carbs and eating more vegetables.

Hypertension

Hypertension or high blood pressure can be very dangerous. It forces your heart to work harder while pumping blood into blood vessels, which carry the blood throughout the body.

By making the heart work harder to pump blood out to the body, hypertension contributes to the hardening of the arteries, also known as atherosclerosis. Furthermore, hypertension can also contribute to stroke, kidney disease, and heart failure. If you do not treat it, hypertension may cause damage to your vital organs.

Here are the stages of high blood pressure, from least to most critical:

Stage 1

Hypertension stage 1 is determined by a constant blood pressure range of 130 to 139 systolic and 80 to 89 mm Hg diastolic. Doctors usually only recommend lifestyle changes at this stage of hypertension. However, if you are at risk of ASVD, which is short for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, they might add blood pressure medication just to be sure.

Stage 2

Stage 2 of hypertension begins when a person’s blood pressure reaches 140/90 mm Hg or higher. Doctors are going to prescribe blood pressure medication and suggest some lifestyle changes at this stage.

Hypertensive Crisis

Hypertensive crisis is the most dangerous stage of high blood pressure, and as such requires medical attention. If you get blood pressure readings exceeding 180/120 mm Hg, wait a while and then repeat the test. If your blood pressure is still too high, get in touch with your doctor right away.

At this stage, you might also experience signs such as blurry vision, back pain, fatigue, speech difficulty, chest pain, and shortness of breath. If you notice these accompanying symptoms, call 911 immediately.

Factors that contribute to chronic high blood pressure can include the following:

  • Stress
  • Obesity
  • Kidney disorders
  • Hormone disorders
  • Smoking
  • Excessive use of salt
  • Drinking alcohol in high amounts

Sometimes you can get hypertension even if none of the things listed above apply to you.

How to Treat Hypertension

To treat elevated blood pressure or stage 1 hypertension, doctors suggest eating a healthy diet with lots of fruit and vegetables and reducing the use of alcohol and salt. Regular exercise is also important, as is losing weight for patients who are overweight.

Hypotension

People usually focus on high blood pressure and how it affects you, but low blood pressure or hypotension is just as dangerous. A blood pressure of 90/60 mm Hg is considered the upper limit, and everything below is considered low blood pressure.

Possible symptoms associated with hypotension include:

  • Nausea, fainting, or dizziness
  • Vision impairment
  • Fatigue
  • Thirst
  • Depression
  • Shortness of breath

Chronic hypotension leads to heart and brain damage due to the lack of oxygen.

The range of contributing factors to hypotension is very extensive and includes the following:

  • Pregnancy
  • Dehydration
  • Diets that lack important nutrients
  • Shock
  • Sepsis
  • Hemorrhage
  • Endocrine problems
  • Heart problems
  • Eating disorders
  • Some medication

Hypotension is usually the result of some other underlying health problem. Unsurprisingly, low blood pressure is treated with known methods to raise blood pressure. These include hydration, an increased intake of sodium, and prescription medications such as midodrine or fludrocortisone.

How to Better Understand Blood Pressure Readings

Now that you know more about what is abnormal blood pressure, the only thing left for you to learn is what all the values mean so you can keep track of your blood pressure.

  • The first number is systolic blood pressure and it shows as your heart beats the amount of pressure blood is exerting against the blood vessel walls.
  • The second number is diastolic blood pressure and it indicates how much pressure, while the heart rests between two beats, blood is exerting against artery walls.
  • The abbreviation mm Hg means millimeters of mercury. Mercury was used in the first accurate pressure gauges and is still used in medicine today as the standard unit of pressure.

Final Thoughts on Abnormal Blood Pressure

Whether you have low, elevated, or high blood pressure, it is important to keep track of it and not allow the situation to get worse. Stay healthy, work out regularly, and take care of yourself.

With age, problems caused by irregular blood pressure get harder to treat. Like all other health problems that can be avoided, it is better to prevent abnormal blood pressure than to have to treat it afterward.

 

Resources:

https://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/guide/blood-pressure-causes#1
https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-abnormal-blood-pressure-1763945

Health

How Does an Enema Work?

Written By: Arch
Arch

Enemas are probably among the least adored medical tools, yet nobody can deny their usefulness. Used for toxin and waste removal from the colon, they are obligatory for some medical procedures such as colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy, as well as prior to surgeries.

You can self-administer an enema at home, but if you are not so confident, the best solution is to get an enema from your medical provider and thus avoid any possible risks.

How does an enema work, what are the possible dangers, and what types of enema exist? These are common enema-related questions that this article will answer.

General Tips

It is usually a good idea to have assistance when using an enema because you have to reach down to your anal area. This is not easy to achieve simply because of how the range of motion works.

Take good care of the amount of fluid which goes inside the rectum. If you use too much, the fluid can go too far inside the colon and stay there for longer than 30 minutes.

Not only can this lead to embarrassing situations if you go out, but excess fluids can also lead to bowel perforation. This condition usually goes unnoticed until other, more severe symptoms arise.

The temperature of the fluids introduced to the rectum should be close to the body temperature because the intestines are not accustomed to fluids which are too warm or too cold because. When they encounter such liquids, the intestines expel it right away.

Using an enema for treating ongoing constipation can lead to complications because bad bacteria may enter the intestines. The unexpected stream of fluid can move dense fecal stones and lead to rectal tears.

How to Correctly Use an Enema

This process takes several hours, so it is best to take a day off from work and stay at home for the remainder of the day. To use an enema, you need towels, somewhere to lay down, and of course, the enema kit.

You can buy the enema kit from any drugstore, alongside some preferred lubricant. The best place for doing this is the bathroom. Lay towels down on the floor and roll one up as a pad. Make sure to have additional towels nearby.

Have a clock or cellphone nearby to keep track of time and ensure that you only use the enema for the recommended period. Take the cap off the enema and lubricate the anus for easier insertion. Bend the right knee lying down on your left side, and place the padded towel under the knee to support it.

Use your right hand to slowly insert the enema nozzle inside the rectum. You might feel uncomfortable, but it should not be painful. In case you do feel pain, stop immediately. After inserting the nozzle, squeeze the enema container and release the liquid.

Make sure to empty the entire container from the bottom up. Gently remove the nozzle and throw it out.

The only thing left is to wait. Waiting times for different enema fluids are as follows:

  • Docusate: From 2 to 15 minutes
  • Glycerin: From 15 to 60 minutes
  • Senna: From 30 to 120 minutes
  • Sodium: From 2 to 5 minutes
  • Bisacodyl: From 15 to 60 minutes
  • Mineral Oil: From 2 to 15 minutes

After this, you should use the bathroom. Stay in the vicinity of the bathroom for another hour just to be sure as you might have to go some more.

Enema Types

Cleansing Enema

A cleansing enema can be found over the counter at any drugstore. This type of enema is used for flushing out the colon gently. It relieves fatigue, constipation, backaches, headaches, etc. Its primary use is before surgery or colonoscopy. The fluids listed above are used in this type of enema. All of them are supposed to work, but your doctor or pharmacist can recommend something specific.

Barium

Barium enema, also known as colon X-ray, is an X-ray exam used to spot anomalies in the colon. A solution with barium sulfate makes a coating on the distal colon after being inserted.

Doctors use this method to get intestinal images. The barium coating helps to receive a clear image of the colon.

Usually, X-ray images of soft tissue are of poor quality. A special type of barium enema, known as air-contrast barium enema is used to pump air into the colon, which improves the image quality.

Alternatives to an Enema

Sadly, an enema cannot be replaced while prepping patients for surgery or other medical procedures. It is not the only type of solution for constipation, however. Most medical practitioners will suggest using laxatives such as:

  • Stool softeners to moisturize the stool
  • Osmotic laxatives to make the intestines secrete water into the colon, thus softening the stool
  • Fiber agents to make stools softer by holding water in the intestines
  • Stimulants to help the stool pass by triggering muscle contractions in the intestines

Other ways to prevent constipation include lifestyle changes and diets that aid bowel movement. These include proper hydration, regular exercise, and eating food that contain plenty of fibers. Getting enough sleep is also important because a lack of sleep causes constipation.

Potential Risks When Using an Enema

How does an enema work? If you know the answer to this question, you should not be at any risk. There are some possible side effects, though, like with any other medication. Namely, after you use an enema, you may experience nausea, fainting, lightheadedness, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Be mindful when inserting the nozzle into the rectum so you do not damage the internal organs. Also, take care of hygiene because failing to do so can lead to infections.

If you use enemas too much, it can gradually weaken the bowel muscles and result in an inability to carry out regular bowel movements.

The Constipation Cessation

You now know that enemas are safe to use in the comfort of your home, but keep in mind all the precautions and advice on how to use an enema properly.

Although you can’t avoid the surgery prep enema, you can minimize your need for regular enemas by introducing healthy lifestyle changes, staying hydrated, exercising, and not skipping sleeping. Eating fiber-rich foods will not do you harm either.

 

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16328608
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/barium-enema/about/pac-20393008
https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00696618
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24299100
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26133063

Health

The Best Breathing Techniques for Relaxation

Written By: Arch
Arch

Every life starts with a breath and ends when a being ceases to breathe. Breathing is the essence of life, but many people still overlook the importance of proper breathing. They are unaware of the many benefits and uses of breathing which can improve their general health, reduce stress, help them fall asleep, and much more.

In this article, you will learn more about these and other benefits of breathing, as well as the best breathing techniques to reap all these benefits.

The Basic Types of Breathing

Chest Breathing

Breathing through the use of secondary muscles in the upper chest area is not a primary form of breathing. We resort to chest breathing when we are under a lot of physical or psychological stress. It is characterized by taking quick and shallow breaths as if a person was gasping for air.

It is common to start inhaling using chest muscles when you are sprinting or running for extended periods of time. For people who are not used to running much, this will occur faster. The downsides of chest breathing are the headaches and the tightening of neck and shoulder muscles that could occur.

There is no reason to panic, though, because it is a normal body reaction to heavy exertion. However, these symptoms can be more severe in people who have a chronic stress disorder.

Diaphragmatic Breathing

Diaphragmatic breathing is the natural way of breathing. It uses the diaphragm, the primary breathing muscle of our bodies. Contrary to chest breathing, it relaxes the muscles instead of tightening them. Various breathing methods teach us how to use abdominal breathing to our advantage and shift from chest breathing.

To practice abdominal breathing, find a calm environment where nobody will disturb you. You can do this indoors or outside if you prefer as the fresh air will not hurt. Find a comfortable sitting position and expand your chest by raising your rib cage. Put one of your hands on your abdomen and the other on your chest.

You will notice that they are moving together as you breathe. Focus on breathing slowly through your nose and allow your diaphragm to do its job. You should notice the stillness of your stomach and upper chest. Once you have achieved this, enjoy the relaxation abdominal breathing brings you and sit still just breathing for the next ten minutes or so.

The Best Relaxing Breathing Techniques

In this section, we will look into some of the best breathing techniques for relaxation and offer tips on how to practice each of them.

4-7-8 Breathing Technique

The 4-7-8 breathing method was developed by the renowned integrative medicine expert, Dr. Andrew Weil. The ancient yogic practice pranayama inspired him to come up with the technique. It has been a common practice in India for thousands of years, but Weil was the first to introduce it to the Western World.

As a precaution, sit or lie down before doing this exercise because you might feel lightheaded or nauseous if you are not used to it. Here’s how to do it:

  • First, place the tip of your tongue behind your top front teeth.
  • Then exhale the air through the mouth.
  • Inhale gently through the nose for 4 seconds.
  • Keep the air in for 7 seconds.
  • Now you can exhale audibly through your mouth for 8 seconds with pursed lips, making a whooshing sound.
  • It is important to repeat this cycle 4 times, twice a day if you want quick results. They can take up to a few days or weeks to become noticeable.

Bhramari Pranayama Breathing Technique

After learning about the modern alternative to this technique, let us go back to the original. Clinical studies have confirmed that Bhramari pranayama helps bring down the heart rate and stops shallow breathing, which feels soothing and helps with sleep disorders.

To start practicing this technique, do the following:

  • Inhale and exhale deeply with your eyes closed.
  • Cover your eyes with fingers of the corresponding hand and have the index fingers positioned above the eyebrows.
  • Slightly pressure each side of your nose and focus on your eyebrows.
  • Exhale gently through the nose with your mouth closed.
  • Repeat this cycle 5 times.

Box Breathing

The focus of this practice is on the oxygen that goes in and out of the lungs. The best position for box breathing is sitting straight.

Here is how it’s done:

  • Breathe in deeply, and then breathe out as if you are forcing the air out of your lungs.
  • Gently breathe in through the nose to the count of 4.
  • Hold your breath again counting to 4.
  • Breathe out through your mouth. Do it slowly and focus on pushing out all the oxygen from your lungs.

This method is often coupled with meditation for maximum effect in stress reduction and relaxation.

The Health Benefits of Breathing Exercises

We all have a tool in our arsenal for coping with stress, but most of us are unaware of it and thus do not use it. This tool is – breathing. Focused breathing can bind you to the present, allowing you to leave all worries about the past and the future behind. It can help you reconnect with yourself, tying together your consciousness with your body.

Storing negative energy is bad not only because it causes stress but because it is also harmful to your body. If you build up too much of it, your body will react by making your muscles tense and twitchy, which can lead to more serious issues.

Using breathing techniques to relax does not only relieve stress but it also reduces your blood pressure, ensures better oxygen flow, helps you get rid of toxins more efficiently, and much more.

Clinical studies have confirmed the benefits of yogic breathing practices for balancing the autonomic nervous system, which is in charge of bladder function, temperature control, and other involuntary bodily functions. As a result, these techniques help with anxiety, depression, and other disorders related to stress.

Take a Deep Breath

Focused breathing can bring many health benefits, both physical and psychological. If you need to relieve stress in your everyday life, sharpen your focus at work, or fall asleep faster, just a few minutes of focused breathing is enough to achieve your goal.

Whichever of the three techniques described in this article you choose to go with, you won’t make a mistake. The key is to find the one that works best for you and practice it several times a day over a period of time.

 

References:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/decrease-stress-by-using-your-breath/art-20267197
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/breathing-to-reduce-stress

Health

How Do You Get Candida Infections and How Are They Treated?

Written By: Arch
Arch

Candida is one of many types of yeast that find a home in our bodies. Usually, it inhabits the mouth, the belly, or the skin in small amounts, and in these quantities it is not dangerous. However, with the proper setting, this yeast can grow out of proportion and start to multiply.

What exactly is Candida and what are its main types? More importantly, how do you get Candida and what are the best ways to prevent that from happening? Read on to learn the answers to these questions.

What Is Candidiasis?

The yeasts belonging to the Candida genus cause a fungal infection named candidiasis. More than twenty species of Candida yeasts can infect humans, but the most common is Candida albicans.

While these yeasts are in our intestinal tract, mucous membranes, and on our skin, they do not cause infections unless they multiply. In that case, symptoms will start developing. These symptoms will vary depending on the area of infection.

Types of Candidiasis

There are three main types of candidiasis.

  • Oropharyngeal candidiasis develops in the throat or mouth. It is also called thrush.
  • Esophageal candidiasis develops in the esophagus, the tube connecting the throat and the stomach.
  • Vaginal candidiasis develops in the female reproductive organ and is usually referred to as yeast infection.
  • Invasive candidiasis develops when species of Candida get in the bloodstream and spread over the entire body.

Candida Infections of the Esophagus, Mouth, and Throat

Candida can develop inside the esophagus, mouth, and throat if the environment in the mouth is susceptible to fungal growth due to some changes.

These changes can trigger various symptoms, including the following:

  • Loss of taste
  • Soreness or redness
  • Pain when eating and swallowing
  • Cracks in the corners of the mouth
  • White patches inside the mouth (on the tongue, mouth roof, inner cheeks, etc.)

Healthy adults should not be at risk of this infection. The following groups of patients are more at risk of this type of candidiasis:

  • People infected with HIV (AIDS) often develop esophageal candidiasis
  • People with diabetes
  • Cancer patients
  • People who wear prosthetics inside their mouth
  • Newborn babies
  • People who smoke

Some medications and antibiotics can also have an impact on this infection, e.g. medication which dries the mouth and corticosteroids used for conditions like asthma.

To prevent candidiasis in the esophagus, mouth, and throat simply maintain proper oral hygiene. Brush your teeth, rinse the mouth, and use mouthwash regularly.

This type of Candida spreads due to:

  • The weakness of the immune system
  • Antibiotics interfering with the natural balance of microbes
  • Various other reasons

Doctors can usually tell if somebody has oropharyngeal candidiasis just by examining their mouth or throat. Esophageal candidiasis is diagnosed by endoscopy. As part of this method, your healthcare provider uses a tube with a camera and light to inspect your digestive tract.

The treatment for these types of Candida is simple – the doctor prescribes you antifungal medicine for 1-2 weeks. For more severe cases, they usually prescribe fluconazole, also a type of antifungal medicine.

Vaginal Candidiasis

Vaginal candidiasis or vaginal yeast infection causes itchiness, irritation, and discharge from the vagina and vulva (vaginal opening tissue). It is very common, with about 75% of women having experienced it at some point. Generally, it is not considered to be sexually transmitted, but the infection might be connected to oral sex.

Yeast infection symptoms can be less severe and include:

  • Redness and swelling of the vulva
  • Vaginal discharge
  • Soreness and pain in the vagina
  • Burning sensation while urinating or having intercourse
  • Itchiness and irritation of the vagina and vulva

In case of a complicated vaginal infection, the symptoms can be more severe. Yeast infection can also occur more than once. The following are most at risk of recurring yeast infections:

  • Women who are pregnant
  • People whose swelling and itching lead to sores or tears
  • People infected with an atypical type of fungus
  • People with diabetes
  • People with a weakened immune system (e.g. due to HIV)
  • People who previously had over four yeast infections within one year

The most common cause of yeast infections is Candida albicans, which is not as serious as other types of Candida fungi. An infection can also be caused by a disruption of the natural balance of bacteria and yeast in the vagina. Some bacteria like lactobacillus serve as a shield against multiplying yeast. When there’s too few of them, yeast can freely multiply and cause infection.

Some antibiotics can cause a yeast infection because they kill all sorts of bacteria, including the good ones, which protect the vagina from yeast infections.

To prevent yeast infections, you should avoid:

  • Tight underwear and pantyhose
  • Showering or bathing in hot water
  • Douches
  • Tampons and pads which are scented

Yeast infections are also treated with antifungal medicine applied inside the vagina or fluconazole, which is taken orally in a single dose. Severe infections are treated with a higher dosage of fluconazole.

Invasive Candidiasis

Invasive candidiasis is a type of yeast infection which spreads through the bloodstream. It gets there via medical devices and equipment. The infection can then spread to the brain, heart, and bones, which could escalate into a severe and potentially deadly infection.

How do you get Candida like this? Well, it happens due to human carelessness. In most cases, it occurs to people who live in nursing homes or had recently been admitted into health care facilities. Their own Candida can spread to the bloodstream, or it can be spread through the medical workers’ hands.

The most common symptoms are chills and a fever. They can be difficult to track because, in most cases, the person is already sick from some other condition.

People at a higher risk of invasive candidiasis infection include:

  • Patients who had surgery
  • Patients who are on hemodialysis or had kidney failure
  • Patients with diabetes
  • Patients who have a central venous catheter
  • Patients in intensive care

The treatment for invasive candidiasis includes antifungal medication taken orally or intravenously.

The Takeaway

If you haven’t had Candida yourself, chances are someone in your family has. Candida is very common these days, so it’s important to be aware of the causes, risk factors, symptoms, and treatments.

Women should take extra care of their private parts because yeast infections are particularly common. When it comes to Candida, it is never a bad thing to be overly cautious.

 

References:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/yeast-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20378999
https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/candidiasis/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/candidiasis/invasive/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/candidiasis/genital/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/candidiasis/thrush/index.html

Health

What Are the Possible Wellbutrin Side Effects?

Written By: Arch
Arch

Wellbutrin, also known as bupropion, is an antidepressant, and as such a prescription medication. It can also help people quit smoking. In addition, some studies have found that Wellbutrin may also help reduce methamphetamine cravings.

Other names used for different variations of Wellbutrin include Zyban, Aplenzin, Forfivo, Chantix, and Budeprion.

In this article, we will discuss common and uncommon Wellbutrin side effects, talk about the main uses of this medication, and explain how to use it.

What Is Bupropion?

Bupropion is an aminoketone. The most commonly prescribed antidepressant medication in the Western world, bupropion first became available in 1985 when it was approved for clinical use in the US.

Medical experts have approved it for treating the seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and major depressive disorder (MDD), and as assistance for people who want to cease smoking. Wellbutrin can cause seizures for people susceptible to them, but unlike SSRI, it is less likely to cause sexual dysfunction or weight gain.

SSRI is short for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, a medication which boosts serotonin levels in the brain. Unlike most antidepressants which fall into the SSRI category, Wellbutrin is a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor or NDRI. As the name suggests, NDRI boosts the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine. Another name for it is noradrenaline.

Besides treating depression, bupropion helps people who want to quit smoking. It blocks nicotinic receptors, thus effectively preventing nicotine from binding to them.

What Does It Treat?

Although bupropion was tested as a treatment for weight loss, ADHD, and bipolar disorder, the tests came up negative. It can be used for these conditions, being prescribed as “off-label”, but your doctor has to justify why he or she thinks it would be helpful.

So far, researchers have only managed to find evidence of its effectiveness for treating depression and nicotine addiction.

Wellbutrin is used for seasonal affective disorder, conveniently abbreviated as SAD, lately also known as major depression with a seasonal pattern. It commonly occurs in the fall and winter, while it is less common in spring and summer.

Bupropion can also be used to relieve the symptoms of a more serious type of depression. Known as major depressive disorder (MDD), this condition occurs when a person has some of the following symptoms for periods longer than two weeks:

  • Appetite changes (usually a decrease in appetite)
  • Sleep deprivation
  • A feeling of guilt, hopelessness, worthlessness, helplessness
  • Feelings of emptiness and sadness accompanied by crying
  • A lack of interest in any of the activities you used to enjoy
  • Lack of focus, overthinking, restlessness
  • Suicidal tendencies (thinking about or even planning your own death)

How to Take Wellbutrin

Wellbutrin is available in three forms: sustained release (SR), extended release (XR), and immediate release (IR). You can take it with food or on an empty stomach; it does not make a difference. To avoid side-effects, make sure to swallow the tablet whole if you are taking the SR or the XR forms.

The tablets come in 75, 100, and 150 mg variants, XR tablet being the most popular one. Single doses must not exceed 150 mg, and daily doses must not exceed 450 mg.

Based on the type and severity of a patient’s depression, doctors determine the dose suitable for its treatment. Following doctor’s instructions is mandatory to prevent risks and ensure effective treatment.

Do not take multiple products which contain bupropion at once. This includes both antidepressants and products which are used to cease smoking. Never take a higher dose than the one your doctor prescribed to you. Doctors will increase your dose slowly if needed because a sudden increase can cause seizures.

Staying Safe While Taking Wellbutrin

Now that you know what it’s used for and how it’s used, let’s take a look at the possible Wellbutrin side effects. We’ll discuss the most common side effects first, but we’ll also list some that are far less likely to occur.

In general, the side effects of bupropion are mild and tend to pass over the first two weeks as you carry on with your treatment. If you’re just starting the treatment, you may feel restless and agitated or even have trouble sleeping. These are all psychological effects which usually go away quickly.

Common Side Effects

More than 10% of users will experience some of the following side effects:

  • Headaches
  • Insomnia
  • Dry mouth
  • Sickness in the stomach and vomiting

Next, there are some common side effects which affect less than 10% of users. These include:

  • Fatigue
  • Anxiety
  • Fever or excessive sweating
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Lightheadedness
  • Appetite changes
  • Chest pain
  • Blurred vision
  • Tinnitus

Less Common Side Effects

The following are rare side effects which affect 1% of the users:

  • Low attention span
  • Feeling distracted and confused
  • Increased heartbeat
  • Weight loss

Some side effects occur in only 0.01% of the cases and are considered extremely rare. These include:

  • Changes in blood glucose levels
  • Changes in urination frequency
  • Jaundice
  • Fainting and palpitations
  • Skin rashes
  • Pain in muscles and joints

Seizures

Seizures are another rare side effect, experienced by only 0.1% of Wellbutrin users. However, some factors can add to the risk, especially if you have a history of head injuries or seizures. Increasing the dose you take so that it exceeds the doctor’s recommendation also puts you at risk of seizures. Avoid bupropion if you have:

  • Epilepsy
  • Brain tumor
  • Eating disorders
  • Drug or alcohol addiction
  • Liver diseases

Suicidality

Many antidepressants warn users that their use can increase suicidal thinking and behavior if it already exists. These people should thus avoid taking bupropion before resolving these issues. The doctor should check in with the patient regularly for any signs of depression symptoms getting worse.

Children, teens, and young adults are more likely to have suicidal thoughts than adults. Whether they’re on antidepressants or not, MDD patients should be monitored very closely for strange changes in behavior and suicidal ideas.

Outlook

As you can see, there are many side effects of Wellbutrin (bupropion). Most of them are not severe and should not scare you. Although more dangerous side effects can also occur, these are very rare.

In any case, always follow the doctor’s instructions and report any changes you may notice. If you fall into the category of people who should not be taking Wellbutrin due to your medical history or other aforementioned reasons, make sure to share this information with your doctor.

 

References:

https://www.nami.org/Learn-More/Treatment/Mental-Health-Medications/Bupropion-(Wellbutrin)
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a695033.html
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/bupropion-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20062478

Health

Is Carrageenan Safe for Human Consumption?

Written By: Arch
Arch

Carrageenan is a widely used food additive derived from red seaweed. It helps preserve food and drinks, aids in their emulsification, and acts as a thickening agent. Dairy, meat, and pastry are some of the products that contain carrageenan.

Even though carrageenan is a natural ingredient approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), controversy has followed it for the past 50 years. Because of this, everyone keeps asking the same question: “Is carrageenan safe”.

This article will provide the answer to this question and discuss different uses and possible side effects of carrageenan.

What Is Carrageenan and Where Is It Used?

Carrageenan was named after an Irish village called Carragheen because the red seaweed (known as Irish moss) from which it is extracted grows there. Despite that, most of the carrageenan used in food preparation originates from Vietnam, the Philippines, and Indonesia.

A huge variety of products contain carrageenan because of its versatility. Still, it is most commonly used as a food additive. Its primary purpose is to stabilize and thicken the product.

Although it does not have any nutritional value or flavor, its structure makes it a great substitute for gelatin, which makes it suitable for vegans. It is also used for many vegan deserts because it substitutes fat in foods with low-to-zero fat content.

Which Products Contain Carrageenan?

This additive is gelatinous, thus its use is to add texture and leave a better feeling in the mouth when you taste something. Because of this feature, it is most commonly used as a stabilizer and thickener for the following foods:

  • Dairy products like cream cheese, whip cream, ice cream, chocolate milk, sour cream, and cottage cheese
  • Meats like prepared chicken, deli meats, and sliced turkey
  • Alternatives to dairy products such as almond milk, coconut milk, soy milk, hemp milk, and deserts like soy puddings
  • Prepared foods like frozen pizza, microwave dinner, and canned soups and broths
  • Supplements, nutritional and diet drinks
  • Canned pet foods
  • Assorted products, such as baked goods, salad dressings, snack products, sauces, and cereals

Other than food products, even toothpaste and freshener gels often contain carrageenan. No matter the type of product, the FDA requires manufacturers to label products containing carrageenan.

Is Carrageenan Safe?

The controversial debate on the health effects of carrageenan has been going on for more than fifty years. People still don’t know is carrageenan safe or not.

It all started in 1961 when the FDA classified carrageenan as GRAS, an abbreviation meaning generally recognized as safe. As such, it was officially deemed safe to use in the US.

In 1997, Dr. Joanne Tobacman started publishing the results of her experimental research which allegedly showed carrageenan’s inflammatory properties. Due to these properties, Tobacman claimed at the time, carrageenan could cause various colonic and digestive health problems. However, it was later proved that she, in fact, used poligeenan and not carrageenan.

More recently, in 2001, research showed that degraded carrageenan can lead to intestinal damage in animals. There is a difference between carrageenan and poligeenan, its degraded counterpart. It is a completely different substance with different properties, which should not be used in food products.

Other studies conducted since have proved that carrageenan does no harm to intestinal walls. Some people suggested that carrageenan can be devolved into poligeenan via stomach acid during digestion, but the research refuted this as well.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) formed the Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA). JECFA monitored the research concerning the use of carrageen in infant formula and deemed it safe.

Possible Benefits of Carrageenan

Thanks to tests conducted on cells and lab animals, scientists have managed to identify several possible benefits of carrageenan. However, these benefits are not scientifically proven for humans, which is why they are only referred to as possible. The lab findings for carrageenan indicate the following:

  • It may serve as an anticoagulant and prevent the formation of blood clots.
  • It can be used as an antioxidant to protect cells from the damage caused by free radicals.
  • It can positively affect the immune system.
  • It may lower the levels of cholesterol in the blood.

Traditionally, seaweed extracts were used for the treatment of ulcers. They were also used to calm the digestive system and as laxatives to soften the stool.

Possible Side Effects of Carrageenan

Same as the benefits, the side effects of Carrageenan are not researched enough. Some claim that carrageenan is the same as poligeenan, which means that they have the same harmful properties. These include the following:

  • Food allergies
  • Bloating
  • Inflammation
  • Glucose intolerance
  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Colon cancer

Again, these studies were conducted on cells and animals. There were no human trials or any evidence that these are the actual effects of carrageenan on humans. Over the years, some people have confirmed the presence of these symptoms, but this is very subjective. Some also said that the symptoms were gone as soon as they excluded carrageenan from their diet, but this is just anecdotal evidence that doesn’t hold much scientific merit.

Carrageenan Substitutes

Since the FDA requires manufacturers to list carrageenan along with other ingredients, you can check the label and avoid products that contain it.

Carrageenan is commonly used to improve the structure of beverages. Drinks like chocolate milk and soy milk tend to separate if they don’t contain carrageenan or some other thickener. You will thus need to shake the bottle before use to get the optimal texture and consistency. Of course, this will not have an impact on the quality of the product or affect its safety.

Here are some healthy replacements for carrageenan that offer similar structure improvements:

  • Alginate
  • Gum Arabic
  • Xanthan gum
  • Guar gum
  • Locust bean gum

The Bottom Line

With all this in mind, is carrageenan safe for human consumption or not? There is research supporting both sides, although some of it is outdated and refuted on numerous occasions.

Many people still believe carrageenan is dangerous and the risks are real, even though the World Health Organization claims otherwise. If you are still worried, you can easily exclude it from your diet and see if you notice any changes.

If you still have problems you thought were caused by carrageenan even after not consuming it for a while, it might be time to visit a doctor and discover the real cause of your ailment.

 

Resources:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323117.php
https://www.verywellfit.com/what-is-carrageenan-2506721
https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/carrageenan#side-effects

Health

Everything You Need to Know About 4-7-8 Breathing

Written By: Arch
Arch

Dr. Andrew Weil is a Harvard-trained integrative medicine expert who developed the 4-7-8 breathing technique. He was inspired by pranayama, a very old yogic technique which comes from India and helps people take control of their breathing.

The numbers in the name of the 4-7-8 breathing technique show how many seconds every action takes – 4 is for breathing in, 7 is for holding the breath, and 8 is exhaling. It is important to do this regularly, in no more than 4 breath cycles. This method will help you cope with stress and anxiety, as well as insomnia and other sleep disorders.

The Origin of the Method

Dr. Andrew Weil, the founder of the University of Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine, is a celebrity doctor who brought these fascinating ancient Indian breathing techniques closer to the Western population.

According to his own words, he was surprised by how little research there was on ancient Indian yogic techniques considering how beneficial they are. There is a very limited amount of written evidence because in India these techniques are passed on from generation to generation by oral tradition.

This ancient practice called pranayama in Sanskrit is about manipulating rhythmic breathing for its various health benefits as well as relaxation of the body and mind. The three phases we already mentioned are crucial for pranayama – inhalation, retention, and exhalation.

There are many methods for slowing down breathing, 4-7-8 breathing being one of the most popular. These breathing exercises help reduce stress, improve attention, and boost cognition. They also increase speed in activities which include simultaneous physical and visual action.

Benefits of 4-7-8 Breathing

Taking deep and long breaths is essential in any form of meditation and yoga. It helps a person to relax and be more focused. The same applies to 4-7-8 breathing. Here is a list of many benefits of this technique, according to Dr. Weil himself:

  • Stress reduction – Everyone has experienced stress in their lives, especially adults. Work and having kids can cause everyday stress and this is a great natural way of coping, much better and healthier than medication.
  • Dealing with anxiety – A common trigger for stress is anxiety. Nowadays, a lot of people have anxiety; some can deal with it but most need help. Medication works, but Dr. Weil claims that this breathing method is more efficient, as he successfully used it to cure people with severe panic attacks. You just have to be persistent and apply this method for extended periods of time.
  • Helping people with sleep disorders – There are many disorders which prevent people from having a good night’s sleep. Insomnia, restless leg syndrome, panic attacks – this method helps with every one of them. Sometimes you just overthink before sleeping and that keeps you up. If you slow down your breathing, you will fall asleep much easier. In fact, some proponents of this breathing technique say it takes them only a minute to fall asleep.
  • Anger management – After practicing this technique for a longer period of time, you can use it in many everyday situations. According to Weil, you can even use it to stop an angry or aggressive response when you feel irritated by someone or something. People who have trouble keeping their cool should try it, especially adult males who tend to be overly aggressive.
  • Stopping unhealthy cravings – Everybody has a weakness, some urge they feel obligated to satisfy. You can be craving junk food, sweets, tobacco or worse, substances like alcohol or drugs. If you use this method long enough, Dr. Weil says that these cravings will go away.

It’s not just Dr. Weil who claims this and other similar techniques could be beneficial for your health.

A comprehensive 2011 review found that deep breathing techniques might help reduce anxiety and fatigue, improve the symptoms of migraines and asthma, and enable people to control stress and aggressive impulses.

Two years later, a study published in the Journal of the Indian Medical Association found that practicing pranayama breathing for six weeks may help people control stress and anxiety while also improving their cognitive function.

The evidence of the success of this particular technique is largely spread by word of mouth from people who have successfully used it, but the clinical research supporting their claims is lacking. The users of 4-7-8 breathing claim that the more and longer they used it, the more effective it became, unlike anxiety medication which gets less effective because the body builds up tolerance the more you use it.

How to Use This Technique

It is important to assume a cozy sitting position before practicing the 4-7-8 breathing method because you might feel dizzy after doing it, especially if you are new to this. You can also do this while lying down if you prefer.

First things first, you should position the tip of your tongue on the roof of the mouth behind the top front teeth. Begin by letting all the air out through your mouth, and then breathe in silently through the nose to a count of 4. Hold your breath for 7 seconds, and finally breathe out loudly through your mouth for 8 seconds, pursing your lips while creating a “whoosh” sound.

You should repeat this cycle four times, not more because you might get lightheaded. Do it twice a day, preferably when you wake up and before you go to sleep. If you follow these instructions you should see the results sooner, but be patient because they might take several days or even weeks to show.

Application
People associate 4-7-8 breathing and other breathing methods with different activities that contribute to relaxation. You can incorporate rhythmic breathing into the following actions:

  • Yoga
  • Prayer
  • Any form of meditation
  • Tai chi and qigong

Pranayamic breathing coupled with these activities will help you elevate your mind and spirit, become relaxed and let go of negativity and the problems bothering you. This breathing method also improves heart rate variability, which is extremely beneficial for cognition, as well as reducing stress and anxiety levels.

4-7-8 Breathing for a Stress-Free Life

The 4-7-8 breathing technique comes from a very old Indian breathing practice called pranayama, and people have used it for so long because of its numerous health benefits. People turn to this technique because it helps them fall asleep, deal with everyday stress, and reduce anxiety.

The cool thing about this method is that everyone can learn it. It is simple and free, and it takes just a few minutes of your time. If you do it twice every day, you should see the results soon, and the longer you use it, it should become better and more effective. It is a great relaxation tool to have in this crazy modern world.

 

References:

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/236685932
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24968492

Health

Cold Sore or Lip Pimple: Which Is It?

Written By: Arch
Arch

People are often unable to tell the difference between a pimple and a cold sore. This does not come as a surprise because both can appear around the lips, and they usually look alike even though they are completely different.

Cold sore or lip pimple, which is it? We will help you answer this question and provide more info on cold sores and pimples, their causes, as well as ways to treat them and prevent them from popping up on your face. Read on to find out how to easily recognize the differences between the two.

The Main Differences

Simply put, pimples pop up when our pores are blocked. They are often a symptom of acne, a skin condition which occurs when hair follicles in the skin are clogged. On the other hand, cold sores are a result of an infection caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV).

Pimples can appear on any part of the body where there are hair follicles, be it the chest, legs, neck, or face. The thing is, cold sores develop around the lips or on them almost exclusively, while pimples can pop up anywhere on the face, including the area around the lips which has hair follicles. Pimples can’t appear on the lip itself, but it might look like that’s where they are when they grow in size.

Here are some of the main differences between pimples and cold sores:

  • Pimples just pop up without a warning. You may wake up in the morning and have a zit that was nowhere to be found yesterday. With cold sores, you usually get an alert in the form of a burning sensation or itching before they show up.
  • Pimples are not a pretty sight, but at least they do not hurt if they have not already become swollen. Unlike pimples, cold sores are not only uncomfortable but also painful.
  • Pimples usually disappear after a few days, unless they are large and swollen, in which case they can persist for even a whole month. Cold sores last between two and three weeks.
  • Pimples usually have a white or black head, while cold sores appear more like blisters after several days and can become scabby or oozy.

What Is a Cold Sore?

A cold sore is a tiny blister filled with fluid, which commonly forms on the lips or around them. There are many names for it, including fever blisters, herpes labialis, and oral herpes. It is a sign that a person contracted the herpes simplex virus.

The first signs of a cold sore include itching and a burning or tingling sensation on the skin where the sore will appear. The sore itself typically becomes noticeable several hours or days after the area begins to burn and tingle. Commonly, multiple blisters will appear in the area at the same time, although in some cases there is only one blister.

Avoid touching the cold sores even though they are painful and irritating. After a few days, blisters will form a crust and disappear in two to three weeks.

What Can Cause a Cold Sore?

As mentioned before, cold sores are caused by one of the two types of herpes simplex virus. HSV 1 can cause genital herpes but it is the primary cause of cold sores. With HSV 2, it’s the other way around – it is the primary cause of genital herpes, but it can cause oral herpes as well.

You can contract HSV via direct contact with an infected person’s cold sore or if you come in contact with this person’s bodily fluids, saliva for example. However, the former is more common.

Herpes simplex virus remains in the body of an infected person for their entire life. The first cold sore outbreak is usually the worst, but for some it is also the only one they will have.

Some of the most common triggers of cold sore outbreaks include:

  • Fatigue
  • Stress
  • Illness
  • Weather changes and prolonged exposure to sunlight
  • Hormonal changes (e.g. puberty, pregnancy)

Treatment

Unfortunately, there is no cure for cold sores, but there is some medication which can speed up the recovery. Without medication, the healing process is not that long, but it is very uncomfortable.

In most cases, you can use over-the-counter (OTC) antiviral creams such as acyclovir to treat your cold sores and relieve the pain. If you have a more serious outbreak, you can use prescription antiviral medication your doctor recommends. For additional pain relief, use a cold compress or OTC pain relievers such as ibuprofen.

What Is a Pimple?

Everyone has pimples at some point, mostly during puberty. We already said that pimples are a manifestation of acne. They are raised red bumps that can appear with or without a black or white head. Unlike cold sores, pimples are not contagious.

Pimples are not dangerous, but when they become larger, they can be very painful. Such pimples are called cysts, and they are filled with pus. Picking at these can leave scars, so it is strongly advised to avoid that.

What Causes Pimples?

Pores that contain hair follicles can become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, which leads to inflammation and the development of bacteria. This, in turn, causes acne. The oil, which is there to moisturize the skin and hair through hair follicles, is called sebum. Although it is essential for the health of your skin and hair, the hair follicle can get clogged if the sebaceous glands produce too much of this oil.

Acne and pimples can also occur due to:

  • Menstrual periods
  • Pregnancy
  • Use of birth control pills
  • Use of certain cosmetic products
  • Use of steroids

Treatment and Prevention

You can deal with pimples on your own if you follow these tips:

  • Wash your face twice a day.
  • If you are wearing makeup, remove it before going to bed.
  • Avoid oily cosmetics and skin care products.
  • Use shampoo to wash your hair, even more often if you have oily hair.
  • Let pimples heal on their own and do not pop them.

The Takeaway

Cold sore or lip pimple, which is it? The differences in causes and treatment are major even though they might look the same. Time is the best cure for both unless you are experiencing a more serious outbreak, in which case you should visit the doctor.

Keep in mind that, while pimples are not contagious, cold sores are. So if you do not have HSV, refrain from direct contact with someone’s cold sores.

 

References:

https://www.cdc.gov/std/herpes/stdfact-herpes.htm
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne-and-rosacea/acne

Health

The First Sign of Pregnancy: How Long Does Implantation Bleeding Last?

Written By: Arch

Weeks before ultrasounds and pregnancy tests confirm that you’re expecting, a woman’s body will start going through changes as a result of a pregnancy. Morning sickness, fatigue, and increased smell sensitivity can all appear during this period. What’s more, just like a missed period can be a signal that she’s pregnant, bleeding can also be one of the early signs of pregnancy.

Approximately one-quarter of expectant mothers will experience implantation bleeding during the early days of their pregnancy. Because it typically occurs just days before the regular menstruation cycle, implantation bleeding can be easily confused with menstrual bleeding and cause a mix-up with estimate due dates. For this reason, it is important to know how to recognize the signs of implantation bleeding.

What Is Implantation Bleeding?

Implantation bleeding is a type of bleeding that usually occurs within 10 to 14 days of conception. In some cases, it can appear a bit later, but it typically occurs within the first two months of pregnancy. As a rule, most pregnant women experience implantation bleeding around the time of their missed period, which is why the two are sometimes confused.

The bleeding is the direct result of the implantation process. After intercourse, a fertilized egg travels through the woman’s fallopian tube on its way to the womb. Once the egg is in the womb, it implants itself into the walls of the uterus, hence the name implantation. When this happens, tissues will start forming around the egg, which can irritate the walls of the uterus.

This irritation will result in bleeding, causing blood to leak through the cervix. This will be visible in the form of spotting. This spotting is known as implantation bleeding and is considered one of the earliest signs of pregnancy, revealing itself before a woman even realizes that she has missed a period.

How Long Does Implantation Bleeding Last?

Implantation bleeding is typically very light and short, lasting for anywhere between 24 and 48 hours. In some cases, it can be barely noticeable and last for just a few hours. As a rule, the bleeding ends as soon as the fertilized egg is fully implanted into the wall of the uterus.

If the bleeding continues for longer than a few days, it might not be implantation bleeding at all. There are several other possible causes of bleeding during the first trimester of the pregnancy. These include infections and cervical changes, as well as the potentially life-threatening ectopic pregnancy. Whatever the cause, if the bleeding continues and/or intensifies, a woman should visit a physician.

What Are the Signs of Implantation Bleeding?

Implantation bleeding usually manifests itself in two forms:

  • Light spotting (i.e. bloody discharge that’s visible when you wipe)
  • Consistent flow of blood that requires you to wear a liner

The blood associated with implantation bleeding is usually either brown or pink. The color varies based on how long the blood took to leave your body. For example, if the blood is fresh, it will appear as light red. If it’s older, it will look brown due to oxidation.

On its way out of the body, implantation blood might sometimes mix with vaginal discharge and/or cervical mucus. In that case, the spotting will appear as either pink or orange. Although implantation bleeding is usually harmless, you should keep track of the color of the discharge in case you decide to visit your doctor for a checkup.

Implantation bleeding usually coincides with other symptoms that occur early in the pregnancy. These typically include frequent urination, nausea, and fatigue. In addition, a pregnant woman may notice that her breasts have become swollen or tender due to a shift in hormones.

How Is Implantation Bleeding Different from Your Normal Period?

Many women decide to take a pregnancy test after they miss a period. However, implantation bleeding can sometimes be confused with a regular period, which is why some women don’t realize they’re pregnant until well into their second month. This is especially true for women who have a light menstrual flow.

There are a few ways to tell the difference between implantation bleeding and menstrual bleeding.

For one, your monthly period typically starts off light and then gets heavier for a day or two before becoming light again. On the other hand, implantation bleeding starts off light and doesn’t change the intensity throughout. Also, whereas menstrual bleeding easily fills a pad or a tampon, implantation bleeding doesn’t.

The two also differ in terms of color and consistency. With a regular period, the blood is watery, fresh, and bright red. On the other hand, implantation blood is usually not fresh and can be light pink, brown, or black. Both can be accompanied by cramping, but it’s usually more intense with a regular period.

Finally, you can tell the two apart based on how long the bleeding lasts. Menstrual bleeding can go on uninterrupted for up to a week, implantation spotting is resolved within two or three days.

Is Implantation Bleeding a Cause for Concern?

Bleeding during pregnancy should never be taken lightly, but implantation bleeding is generally not considered a threat to a woman or the developing baby. If the bleeding/spotting occurs during the first two weeks of a pregnancy and doesn’t last for more than two or three days, it is considered unlikely this will cause any other complications to the pregnancy.

However, bleeding can sometimes occur after the implantation period, as well. This is usually caused by some irritation to the cervix, heavy lifting, or an undiagnosed vaginal infection. When this happens, you should inform your doctor about this and ask them for their opinion.

The Final Word

About one in four women experience implantation bleeding during the first two weeks of their pregnancy. The problem is usually harmless and resolves itself within two or three days. If you notice the symptoms if implantation bleeding, it could be time to buy a home pregnancy test or take one at a doctor’s office.

It could be tricky to tell the difference between menstrual and implantation bleeding. If you think the bleeding and/or spotting are implantation-related, schedule an appointment with your doctor. Keep track of the color, consistency, and frequency of the discharge and share the information with your doctor to help them determine the right diagnosis.

Refereces:

https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Bleeding-During-Pregnancy?
https://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/bleeding-during-pregnancy
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317595.php

Fibromyalgia

What is Keratosis?

Written By: Wyatt Redd
keratosis

Image: Shutterstock/ lipowski milan

A keratosis is a dark, scaly, unattractive growth on the surface of the skin that typically shows up in your advancing years. It’s a natural part of growing older, as any old, bumpy-nosed witch in a children’s story illustration will attest.

They’re not the kind of thing you look forward to. You don’t hear people say, “I look forward to the day I can kick back and scratch my keratosis bumps.” Frankly, they are warty-looking and embarrassing. And there is a form that is considered pre-cancerous, so you will want to have them checked out when you see them.

But what are they exactly? And can they be treated?

What Is A Keratosis?

Basically, a seborrheic keratosis, generally the more pronounced form, is a growth on the skin that has a waxy, scaly feeling. They’re typically hard and elevated from the skin. They almost look like scabs or moles, but are distinct from these other skin conditions.

The color of these growths varies, ranging from tan to a darker black. And they can also vary in size, growing up to more than an inch across.

Science doesn’t know exactly what causes someone to develop these growths. Evidence shows that it’s not related to sun exposure like freckles or melanomas. They aren’t contagious and seem to become more common as you age. There is a genetic predisposition to having these, so if your relatives have seborrheic keratosis growths, you will be susceptible to having them, too.

To diagnose the condition, a doctor will do a simple examination of the skin and factor in things like your age and family history in order to judge whether it is a keratosis or a more dangerous condition like skin cancer. And to be safe, the doctor may wish to remove a bit of the tissue and examine it in a laboratory.

Is A Keratosis Dangerous?

Unlike melanomas, which are cancerous growths on the skin, seborrheic keratosis are not dangerous. There’s no risk of the growth metastasizing, or becoming skin cancer. But, there are forms of keratosis that can be dangerous.

An actinic keratosis is a generally smaller growth that usually forms on the face or the shoulders. Unlike seborrheic keratosis, which are usually solitary, actinic keratosis most often arrive in clusters of more than one. They’re caused by long term exposure to the sun. The mechanism involves the UV light from the sun’s rays. This part of the light spectrum can eventually damage the DNA inside your cells. DNA serves as a kind of blueprint, guiding your cells on how to replicate themselves.

When UV light damages the DNA, the cells being to replicate damaged versions of themselves. Eventually, these damaged cells can begin to expand rapidly, destroying the other cells of the body. And this can lead to certain forms of skin cancer.

In the early stages, these actinic growths are usually small and rough, resembling very flat warts. Over time, they can grow enough to be visible on the skin. Usually, they grow very slowly, so you may not notice any symptoms at first. But eventually, the growths may begin to feel itchy or burn.

Bottom Line: If you have a normal, age-related keratosis, there’s really no reason to worry. But that doesn’t mean that you might not want to remove them. Depending on the size and location, a seborrheic keratosis can make you selfconscious about your appearance.

The good news is that they are generally pretty easy to remove.

How Can You Treat Them?

The most important thing is to not pick or scratch at these growths, as they often bleed and the wound can become infected. If you want to remove a growth, it’s best to see a doctor. There are few different things that a doctor can do to remove them safely and easily.

The first is something called cryosurgery. Essentially, the doctor will take a container of liquid nitrogen and dip a long cotton swab inside. They will then press the swab against the growth. The extreme cold will destroy the tissue inside the growth. With time, it should blister and fall off.

Cryosurgery isn’t always effective, and it may sting a bit. But it is usually a good way to remove smaller growths.

For larger growths, the doctor may use electrocautery. In this procedure, the doctor takes a device with a long metal rod and passes electricity through it. The electricity heats the metal which the doctor then uses to burn away the growth on the skin. The heat of the metal instantly seals the wound, which prevents bleeding. But if done incorrectly, it can lead to scarring.

Laser treatment (ablation) is also available to remove a keratosis growth.

It’s always best to make sure that you see a trained dermatologist for these kinds of procedures.

References:

https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/bumps-and-growths/seborrheic-keratoses

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seborrheic-keratosis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353882

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seborrheic-keratosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20353878

https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/actinic-keratosis

 

Health

Myth or Fact: Does Mountain Dew Kill Your Sperm?

Written By: Arch
Arch

According to a popular urban myth, Mountain Dew seriously affects the sperm count. To debunk the myth right away, fans of this soft carbonated drink don’t have to worry about their reproductive health. There is no scientific evidence that indicates Mountain Dew kills sperm.

But how did this myth come to life in the first place?

Well, it all boils down to yellow dye #5 and caffeine, two of the main Mountain Dew ingredients. To be fair, these ingredients don’t do wonders for sperm count, but there’s no real danger either, assuming you are in good health.

Here is the complete answer to the question does mountain dew kill your sperm.

How Does Caffeine Affect Sperm?

With 55 mg of caffeine per a 12-oz serving, Mountain Dew tops the list when compared to some other caffeinated drinks. For example, Diet Coke has 46.6 mg, Coca-Cola Classic 34 mg, Yellow Mellow 52.8 mg, and Pepsi-Cola contains 37.5 mg of caffeine.

A review published in the Nutrition Journal analyzed 28 sperm measurement studies in relation to coffee and caffeine intake. Certain evidence shows negative effects, but the results were too inconsistent to draw a definitive conclusion.

It may come as surprise, but higher sperm motility (its ability to move) can occur if a man drinks a 12-oz cup of coffee every day. On the other hand, lower motility comes with excessive caffeine intake of four or more cups of coffee a day. If you are to compare caffeine amount per 12 oz in Mountain Dew and coffee, it’s obvious the carbonated drink is not likely to do any harm.

You see, a 12-oz cup of coffee has 217mg of caffeine, almost four times the amount in Mountain Dew. As hinted, you need to drink at least four cups of coffee to slow down sperm. This means you’d have to drink more than 10 cans of Mountain Dew for the same negative effect.

That being said, you shouldn’t binge on Mountain Dew. But even if you do, it will affect the sperm motility, not kill the eager swimmers.

How Does Yellow Dye #5 Affect Sperm?

According to rumors, Yellow Dye #5 (tartrazine) is the second common culprit that affects male fertility. The myth goes a step further, stating that this die can reduce the size of the testicles and penis. There is no reason to worry, though, as your family jewels are going to stay intact.

Both the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) labeled tartrazine as safe for human consumption. The EFSA conducted a test on people who consumed 1225mg of tartrazine per kilogram of body weight and did not find any negative effects on male fertility. Still, you should know that the FDA recommendation for tartrazine intake caps at 5mg per kilogram of body weight a day.

Fertility concerns aside, Yellow Dye #5 may produce certain side effects. Some people are sensitive to this food coloring and might experience hyperactivity, eczema, or even asthma. Luckily, these are rare cases. Unless you are particularly susceptible to food-related allergic reactions, you should be completely safe.

In fact, tartrazine is a very common food coloring. Besides Mountain Dew, it can be found in cosmetics, medication, and foods like candy and potato chips. Very little of this food coloring is metabolized in your body. Instead, most of it comes out through the urine.

The bottom line is that tartrazine neither kills sperm nor affects the sperm count. Still, the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) recommends avoiding all food dyes, including the Yellow Dye #5. This is because food additives might be contaminated with carcinogenic substances.

Male Reproductive Health 101

Zero sperm count and low sperm count shouldn’t be confused. The former may indicate a bigger underlying problem with the testicles or tubes that carry semen. Visible symptoms include lumps or swelling in the testicles, decrease in the body or facial hair, and lower libido.

A lot of men notice the problem only when they struggle to conceive a child. Hormonal or physical conditions are two major reasons men suffer from infertility. There are also medications, STDs like gonorrhea, and certain inflammations that affect the sperm count.

For example, hypertension medication is known to impair ejaculation, plus it might trick your body to produce semen antibodies and kill sperm. Digestive disorders like the celiac disease cause small intestine inflammation which might spread to other areas in the lower abdomen and reduce the sperm count.

Various environmental factors and lifestyle choices affect male fertility as well. Men who get exposed to organic solvents, pesticides, and heavy metals might have a lower sperm count. Radiation exposure is yet another environmental factor that affects sperm count and health.

As for lifestyle choices, obesity and smoking are particularly detrimental for sperm count. Excessive alcohol consumption and drug abuse are the enemies of sperm as well. And while moderate exercise may help improve sperm quality and count, too much of it could produce negative effects.

Boosting Male Fertility

First, the testicles mustn’t be overheated. This means that you should avoid wearing tight clothes or underwear. Sitting for too long, especially with a laptop on your legs, is a major no-no.

Moderate exercise and a sensible diet help you regulate weight and increase sperm motility and health. You need to keep your refined sugar intake at a minimum and go heavy on foods rich in soluble fiber like sweet potatoes, broccoli, or kidney beans.

In general, a fertility-boosting diet should be rich in nutrients such as minerals, vitamins (B complex and D), zinc, and iron. It is also important to limit the soy intake. Antioxidant and folate supplements are also beneficial for male reproductive health.

Finally, you need to get a sufficient amount of sleep to allow the cells in your body, including sperm, to regenerate. If you suspect that there is something wrong with your reproductive health despite the healthy lifestyle and diet, you should consult with a doctor.

The Bottom Line

Does Mountain Dew kill your sperm? No, it doesn’t. Drinking this beverage is completely safe for your reproductive health. However, you shouldn’t overindulge on it.

Similar to other carbonated soft drinks, Mountain Dew has plenty of sugar, 46g per 12 oz to be precise. Excessive sugar consumption increases the chance of diabetes and obesity. In addition, you shouldn’t overlook the fact that Mountain Dew is rich in caffeine. While caffeine is not bad for sperm, it can upset your stomach and cause irritability and diarrhea.

When all is said and done, you don’t need to give up on your favorite soda – just make sure to keep the intake moderate.

 

References:

https://cspinet.org/eating-healthy/chemical-cuisine#yellow5
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5482951/
https://sites.psu.edu/siowfa15/2015/12/03/myth-busting-the-mountain-dew-mystery/
https://www.fda.gov/ForIndustry/ColorAdditives/ColorAdditivesinSpecificProducts/InCosmetics/ucm110032.htm
https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/1331
https://medlineplus.gov/celiacdisease.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27920258

Health

How Long Does Gum Stay in Your Stomach? 3 Popular Chewing Gum Questions Answered

Written By: Arch
Arch

When you were a kid, you probably loved chewing gum and blowing bubbles, despite your parents telling you it’s bad for you. Like all other parents, they likely warned you that you should never swallow gum because it would stay in your stomach for seven years and wreak havoc on your health.

But is there any truth to this or is it just something your parents told you to keep you away from chewing gum? Is your body really unable to digest gum? If so, how long does gum stay in your stomach?

In this article, you will find the answers to these and other common questions about chewing gum.

Does Gum Really Stay in Your Body for Seven Years?

According to scientists, the belief that gum stays in your stomach for seven years after you swallow it is just a myth, although a very widespread one. This belief probably dates back to the mid-19th century when the first commercial chewing gum hit the market. It is thought that the manufacturer labeled it as indigestible to distinguish it from edible candy and that this label has remained attached to it ever since.

However, even though this is a myth, there is some truth to the claim that your body can’t digest gum.

On the one hand, your body usually has no problem breaking down and digesting sugars, sweeteners, softeners, preservatives, and some other common chewing gum ingredients. Yet, on the other hand, your body is unable to digest the base of the gum. When they first invented commercial chewing gum, manufacturers used chicle – a natural gum derived from the Manilkara genus of trees native to North America – as the base. In the last few decades, they have replaced it with synthetic polymers.

Both chicle and these polymers are indigestible, but that doesn’t mean that they remain trapped inside your body. After all, fiber is also indigestible, yet it’s an essential component of a healthy diet.

How Does Your Body Digest Gum?

In reality, your body treats the indigestible parts of chewing gum like any other food you eat. After you swallow it, the gum enters your small intestine via the esophagus. Once all the nutrients and other digestible parts have been absorbed, the rest of the gum leaves the small intestine and moves into the colon. From there, it is passed through the rectum and anus the next time you have a bowel movement.

The only way gum could stay in your stomach for seven years would be if you didn’t have a bowel movement during that period, which is next-to-impossible. That seven-year period is likely “borrowed” from Ancient Romans, who believed that the human soul is regenerated every seven years. It is the same belief which inspired the legend that breaking a mirror brings a person seven years of bad luck.

So, if your body is able to process it like regular food, exactly how long does gum stay in your stomach? Scientists say that a swallowed piece of gum will leave your system within a week. The digestion itself might take slightly longer than normal foods due to the presence of indigestible substances, but the digestive tract should push the gum out in no more than seven days.

Is It Safe to Swallow Chewing Gum?

As you can probably assume from the previous answer, accidentally swallowing a small piece of gum shouldn’t be a reason for concern. However, if you swallow a very large piece or several small pieces of gum at once, some problems may occur. In large quantities, the gum you swallow could form a bezoar, a big, stone-like mass that’s trapped inside your gastrointestinal tract. Like the gum itself, this bezoar is indigestible and could thus create a potentially dangerous blockage in your digestive system.

The formation of bezoars made of swallowed chewing gum is highly unusual, though not unheard of.

A report published in a 1998 issue of the journal Pediatrics revealed the details of three such cases.

In one case, a four-year-old girl would receive chewing gum multiple times a day as a reward from her parents. She gradually developed a habit of swallowing one piece of gum just so she could get another one. Over time, this led to the formation of a “multicolored rectal mass” which had to be removed.

The second case concerned another four-year-old, this time a boy, who had been addicted to chewing gum for two years before his parents took him to see the doctor. According to the paper, swallowing seven pieces of gum a day resulted in the formation of a taffy-like blockage in his digestive tract. As in the previous case, the doctors once again had to manually remove this bezoar from his body.

In the third case, an 18-month-old girl, an avid gum lover despite her age, accidentally swallowed gum along with four coins she found nearby. Needless to say, this created an extremely large blockage for someone so small, so doctors had to react quickly. They couldn’t remove the entire mass at once, so they first had to carefully extract one coin before proceeding to remove the other three in one fell swoop.

Again, these are very rare cases, but they illustrate the potential dangers of swallowing too much gum at once. The risk of intestinal blockages is particularly high when large, indigestible objects are swallowed alongside gum. As many young children have a tendency to swallow foreign objects, they are most at risk of complications as a result of swallowing gum.

To Chew or Not to Chew

As a rule, gum doesn’t stay in your stomach for more than a week, so you can chew freely and not worry about accidentally swallowing a piece. However, this doesn’t mean that you should go through a pack of gum a day. While the act of chewing itself has many benefits, including better alertness due to an increased flow of blood to the brain, the sugars and sweeteners in gum aren’t that good for your health.

If chewing gum is your way of coping with stress, you might want to look for other methods as chewing gum – even if it’s sugar-free – might contribute to tooth decay. But if you really must chew, you should always opt for a sugar-free variety that contains xylitol rather than other, less healthy sugar substitutes. Also, make sure to chew in moderation because too much chewing could cause jaw problems.

 

References:

http://www.yalescientific.org/2010/05/everyday-qa-can-gum-really-stay-in-your-stomach-for-7-years/
https://books.google.com/books?id=PerLtdiAKx0C&pg=PA281
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9685468

Health

Why Do I Keep Getting Yeast Infections

Written By: Arch
Arch

No matter how much you protect yourself, yeast infections can sometimes recur. When the infection reappears four times a year or more, it becomes chronic. Almost 10 percent of women have this problem.

If you’re one of them, you probably ask yourself: Why do I keep getting yeast infections? The reasons can be many. This article will look into the symptoms and causes of yeast infections which could help you prevent them from recurring in the future.

How Do I Get a Yeast Infection?

Yeast infections are usually caused by a fungus called Candida albicans. This fungus lives in your body, and all women have it. The infection happens when Candida starts overgrowing. If your body somehow becomes a suitable environment for candida to grow, you will develop an infection.

Lactobacillus is a genus of healthy bacteria that live in your body. These bacteria make acid that stops Candida from overgrowth. They are also responsible for keeping your vagina healthy. Yeast and bacteria live together in balance. If something happens to unsettle this balance, such as the lack of Lactobacillus or an accumulation of acid in the body, yeast will grow.

Symptoms of a Yeast Infection

You will realize you have an infection soon after it develops.

Some of the common symptoms include:

  • Burning while urinating or during sexual intercourse
  • Annoying itch and irritation
  • Rash
  • Redness
  • Swelling or pain
  • Thick, white discharge resembling cheese
  • Liquid, watery discharge

Why Do I keep Getting Yeast Infections?

Chronic yeast infections are not easy to regulate. You may do everything right and still get infected. The best you can do is to get to know all the possible causes and tick them off one by one.

The usual causes include the following:

Use of Antibiotics

If you often use antibiotics, they could eliminate healthy bacteria from your body, too. When taking too many antibiotics, you are unsettling and destroying your body flora. It takes a while for Lactobacillus to regenerate and restore the balance.

Use of Soap or Shower Gel

When you use a bar of soap or a shower gel to wash your intimate parts, you are risking an infection. The anti-bacterial properties of these products threaten to destroy the healthy bacteria and the natural pH balance. Avoid cleaning the inside of the vagina to prevent unsettling your pH balance.

Sometimes It’s Hereditary

Some studies have shown that some women may not receive the necessary immune system traits to fight this infection. Due to your DNA structure, you may be more or less immune to yeast infection. The body naturally fights against Candida overgrowth. However, if your immune system can’t create proteins to battle it, you can’t prevent the spread of Candida.

It Can Be Sexually Transmitted

Both men and women are susceptible to yeast infections. You may treat your infection, but if your sexual partner doesn’t, there is a chance that you will develop another infection. You should talk to your partner to make sure this isn’t the case. Also, you should use protection until you are both fully treated.

Wearing Wet or Sweaty Clothes

If you wear wet clothes for too long, you are creating an environment in which yeast can thrive. Yeast loves warm, moist environments. You should take off your gym clothes and bathing suit as soon as you’re done using them. If you sweat a lot, especially in the summer, you should change your clothes a few times a day.

High Levels of Blood Sugar

Yeast feeds on sugar and grows quicker as a result. Your blood sugar levels can rise due to different reasons, but the most common are:

  • Diabetes: High blood sugar goes hand-in-hand with diabetes. People whose bodies are unable to regulate blood sugar easily are prone to the infection.
  • Hormonal changes: When your body is producing a higher amount of estrogen, the sugar in the vaginal fluid increases. If you are pregnant, undergoing estrogen hormone therapy, or taking birth control, you risk getting infected.

Having a Different Yeast Infection

Despite Candida albicans being the most usual cause of yeast infections, sometimes there may be a different type of yeast involved, the most common being Candida glabrata. While the symptoms are similar, the required medications are different.

Mistaking Your Condition for a Yeast Infection

This can happen because the symptoms of a yeast infection can resemble symptoms of other conditions. Skin allergies, bacterial vaginosis, or sexually transmitted infections can all look and feel similar.

Should I See the Doctor?

If the problem keeps recurring, you should consult your healthcare provider, especially if you’ve been experiencing recurring infections for a long time. Your gynecologist will give you a proper diagnosis, which is the first step to successfully treating this issue.

Sometimes you may not have a yeast infection at all. Maybe you have a different condition that requires different treatment.  In rare cases, the symptoms of some serious conditions such as vaginal cancer or HIV may resemble a yeast infection.

Can I Treat a Chronic Yeast Infection by Myself?

Some chronic yeast infections can be treated at home with the help of over-the-counter antifungal medication, probiotics, and other home remedies.

To prevent the infection from recurring after a successful treatment, change your towels and sheets regularly and don’t share them. Wash all clothes and surfaces that have been in direct contact with the infection. As a rule, cotton underwear is the best in preventing yeast from spreading.

Ask your partner about their condition as they may also be infected. If you are taking a medication prescribed by your doctor, be sure that you finish the full course.

If the infection keeps returning and the symptoms are getting worse, you should see a doctor.

Can Infection Be Gone for Good?

Recurring yeast infections can frustrate and bother you, but they are not permanent. To get rid of this problem, you need to identify and treat the cause that has created a suitable environment for yeast to grow in your body.

More complicated infection takes more time to threat. Sometimes you may not even have a yeast infection, despite experiencing similar symptoms. It’s important to be in touch with your doctor, especially if the condition is recurring.

Be patient and persistent, and the yeast/bacteria balance will be restored.

 

References:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/yeast-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20378999
https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/vaginal-yeast-infections

Will CBD Help Your Fibromyalgia?

Written By: Holly Case
admin

Almost every city in America has at least a shop or two that sells CBD products. You may have wondered what these stores are about and whether CBD is the same thing as marijuana. Products containing CBD are being touted as the magic cure for everything from depression to chronic pain. But can CBD help fibromyalgia, and is it safe? Read on for more details.

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a chemical compound derived from cannabis. It’s a common misconception that CBD is the same as marijuana. This is understandable because cannabis is another name for marijuana. However, CBD is not the same as marijuana because the psychoactive ingredient, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is removed. It is not possible to get “high” from CBD.

Additionally, the source of CBD depends on the legality of marijuana in each individual state. In states where marijuana is legal, CBD oil may be extracted from the marijuana plant. But CBD oil derived from the hemp category of cannabis is legal in all 50 states.

CBD may be consumed in oil form, edible gummy candies, capsules, topical creams, or vaporized (also called vaping.)

What are the Claims about CBD?

Even though CBD does not contain the psychoactive chemicals in marijuana, some people believe that CBD products are beneficial. Many studies have already shown the potential benefits of medical marijuana. Some proponents believe that CBD is an essential component of cannabis that offers pain relief.

Proponents claim that CBD oil has the following benefits:

  • Pain relief
  • Anti-anxiety effects
  • Less insomnia and improved sleep quality
  • Improved digestion and decreased nausea
  • Migraine relief
  • Relief of irritable bowel syndrome

Many of the same benefits attributed to medical marijuana are also attributed to CBD since CBD is one of the components of marijuana. While marijuana is not legal in every state, many people find that the CBD component helps them to feel better.

Is CBD Safe?

Until a bill passed in early 2019, CBD products were not regulated. It was kind of like the Wild West, where anyone could sell something labeled “CBD” without being held to certain standards. Now that hemp is legal in all 50 states, CBD will be regulated. But until that takes full effect, CBD products are not legal for sale across state lines.

There has only been limited research about the safety of CBD. So far, no major health concerns are associated with the products’ use, although more research needs to be done. However, some initial studies suggest that vaping anything (including CBD) may cause lung damage and allergic reactions. People with asthma and other respiratory disorders should not vape CBD or other liquids.

Will CBD Help Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a complex illness with no known cause nor cure. We don’t really know what will help it. However, many people say that CBD is a useful item to have in your toolbox of managing the disease.

One study conducted in 2006 supports the use of CBD in conjunction with THC. This study found that medical marijuana significantly reduced pain. Another study in 2016 found that some people with fibromyalgia may suffer from a lack of endocannabinoids—meaning that CBD could provide pain relief by providing a missing substance.

CBD may help provide symptom relief for fibromyalgia. However, if you decide to try it, make sure to look for more reputable products and brands.

Health

How to Stop a Post-Nasal Drip: Causes and Treatment

Written By: Arch
Arch

You cough and sneeze and your throat is sore. You can feel mucus dripping in the back of your throat and swallowing it all the time is uncomfortable and frustrating. This condition is called a post-nasal drip and is more common than you may think.

This happens to everyone, most often as a result of some other health condition. Cold weather, flu, air with harmful particles, or allergic reaction can cause this issue.

Although it may bother you, a post-nasal drip shouldn’t prevent you from enjoying your regular activities. Symptoms of post-nasal drip are not long-term, and you can treat them. If you wonder how to stop a post-nasal drip, read on.

What Is a Post-Nasal Drip?

Your body creates mucus every day. It appears in the intestinal tract, throat, nose, and other parts of the body. Mucus makes these areas wet and prevents viruses, bacteria, and other harmful substances from entering your body.

When it mixes with saliva, mucus drips into the back of the throat where you swallow it. Most days, you probably do not notice this. However, the problem begins when the body starts producing additional mucus due to an underlying health problem.

This excess of mucus, thicker and stickier, will pile up in the back of your throat. Because it runs down your throat more than usual, it can cause discomfort. This is called a post-nasal drip. Sore throat and cough are the primary symptoms.

Main Causes of Post-Nasal Drip

The main cause of a post-nasal drip is the accumulation of mucus in the back wall of your throat. But why does your body produce so much mucus in the first place? Usually, the additional mucus appears when the immune system wants to fight off some perceived threat. The main causes are:

  • Common cold and flu
  • Allergies
  • Sinus infection and inflammation
  • Irritant particles in the air (dust, chemicals, fumes, smoke, fog)
  • Some medications
  • Weather, especially dry and cold air
  • Deviated septum (when the cartilage wall that separates two nostrils leans more to one side of the nose)
  • Nasal polyp (swelling in the nose)
  • Pregnancy
  • Spicy food

Sometimes a mucus buildup may form not because your body creates more, but because it is unable to get rid of it. Some conditions like the inability to swallow properly, clogging, or gastric reflux can cause a post-nasal drip.

How Do You Know You Have It?

You can’t miss a post-nasal drip. When that much mucus piles up in your throat, you feel like you have to clear it.

Since mucus traps harmful particles, it contains some inflammatory elements. Too much of it can irritate your throat and make it sore. This also triggers a cough that may get worse at night.

In more serious cases, it can block the Eustachian tube which links your throat to the middle ear. If it blocks the sinuses, they can get infected. This doesn’t happen as often as cough and sore throat, though.

How to Stop a Post-Nasal Drip

The treatment of post-nasal drip usually depends on what’s causing it. Most of the time, the symptoms go away on their own. However, in some cases, you may need one of the following medications:

  • Antibiotics are good for clearing up bacterial infections but are not useful against the cold.
  • For sinusitis and viral infections, antihistamines and decongestants may prove to be effective.
  • Saline nasal sprays can treat the symptoms of a post-nasal drip. Sometimes you can combine the saline spray with cortisol steroid nasal spray. This is recommended when fighting allergies.

In addition to medication, you can also try one of the following natural remedies:

  • Drinking a lot of water helps reduce the thickness of the mucus and alleviate the symptoms. Herbal tea, chicken soup, and other warm liquids can help you recover faster.
  • Neti pots and sinus rinses can help you get rid of parts of mucus and harmful bacteria they may contain.
  • Protect your bed sheets with hypoallergenic covers. Maybe the post-nasal drip is an allergic reaction and you don’t know it.
  • Wash all the covers, pillows, pillowcases, and mattresses in hot water to get rid of irritants.
  • Dust and vacuum regularly. Dusty and dirty air may be the cause of extra mucus.
  • Sleep on raised pillows to elevate your head and keep mucus from accumulating in the back of the throat.
  • Use a humidifier or a vaporizer to moisten the air and clear it. Using special HEPA air filters may prove to be beneficial. Also, stay out of cold air and avoid inhaling it.
  • Try taking a hot shower. The steam inhalation will thin the mucus and clear up your nasal passages.

Is It Time to Visit a Doctor?

A post-nasal drip is usually not a cause for concern. Having some patience and using natural remedies and over-the-counter medication to reduce the symptoms should be enough.

If the symptoms don’t go away after more than ten days despite the treatment, the issue may be more serious. As such, you should consult with your doctor.

You should also see your doctor if:

  • You have a fever or are wheezing (both are signs of a bacterial infection which may require prescription medication)
  • There is blood in the mucus
  • The OTC medications don’t reduce the symptoms
  • Your mucus has a distinct smell

These symptoms may be the sign that there’s an underlying issue your doctor should examine and treat.

The Takeaway

A post-nasal drip is a common occurrence and one of the first signals of a viral or bacterial infection. It also occurs as your body’s reaction to some external particles. Cold or dry air, pollen, fumes, or dust may all be responsible for this condition.

This occurrence may be discomforting, but it is usually not serious. In some situations, you should consult with your doctor to prescribe you some medications or run some tests.

A post-nasal drip can be very persistent, and sometimes it could even take weeks for the symptoms to go away completely. Patience is of essence here. If you develop a post-nasal drip, the best you can do is to prepare a bowl of soup and some warm water and wait for the symptoms to subside.

 

References:

https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/treatments-for-post-nasal-drip
https://www.enthealth.org/conditions/post-nasal-drip/

Health

How Much Blood Can You Safely Lose Before the Symptoms Hit?

Written By: Arch
Arch

Nosebleed, period, knife cut – there are so many ways to interrupt a smooth flow of blood and allow it to leave the body. Bleeding happens often and to everyone. You can’t be careful all the time and sometimes you just can’t prevent it.

Most of the time, the body compensates for the loss. However the problem might sometimes be bigger. Movies and TV shows often depict people who are in life danger because of a serious blood loss.

Losing a lot of blood can impact your cardiovascular system in many ways, but how much blood can you safely lose? This article will discuss the importance of blood and explain when a blood loss can be life-threatening.

How Important Is Blood?

Blood is the most important bodily fluid. It circulates through our body thanks to the cardiovascular system. It is a highway that transfers all the important particles to the cells throughout the body.

While it travels, it circulates red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. The red blood cells distribute oxygen and the white blood cells defend the body against infections. Platelets play a role in clotting and help stop the bleeding by forming clots on the surface of the wound.

Blood also carries nutrients that feed the cells. It takes away the wasteful substances from the cells and transports chemicals and hormones around. In doing so, blood plays a part in many essential processes in our body.

Closed blood vessels keep the blood contained. When they rupture, some blood will deviate from the original route and spill out. This can happen internally (inside of your body) or externally (out of your body). The technical term for blood loss is hemorrhage.

How Much Blood Do We Have?

The amount of blood people have varies based on the following factors:

  • Age: Children and old-aged people usually have less blood than adults.
  • Sex: Statistically, men have more blood than women.
  • Location: Depending on where you live, you can have more or less blood. For example, people that live on higher altitudes may have more blood than people living in lower. The higher places lack oxygen, so sometimes more blood is needed to get the oxygen to the lungs.
  • Blood disorders: Sometimes we can have fewer blood components in our cardiovascular system because of illnesses or other conditions. The most common conditions include anemia (lack of red blood cells), leukopenia (lack of white blood cells), and thrombocytopenia (lack of platelets).

Scientists say that blood accounts for about 7% of your body weight. This means that a person weighing 180 pounds (80kg) has around 5 liters (1.5 gallons) of blood. A child weighting 80 pounds will have around half of that amount.

How Much Blood Can You Safely Lose?

When you start losing blood, your platelets will try to form a clot to stop the blood from leaving the vessel. If the cut is minor, the bleeding will stop by itself. You will not lose a lot of blood and there will be no consequences on the body. However, sometimes the resulting blood loss can be severe.

There are four stages of blood loss that can affect you differently.

Class One – No Consequences

Class one hemorrhage results in a loss of up to 15 percent of your blood in a short time span. This can happen if you have a moderately serious injury and can’t stop the bleeding right away. When you donate blood, you also lose around 10 percent.

You should not feel any symptoms of blood loss, although some people can feel a little dizzy.

Class Two – Traumatic Reactions

Class two hemorrhage is where the first real symptoms start to appear. This happens when the hemorrhage is between 15 to 30 percent. The body will try to make up for the blood loss by pumping blood more quickly and trying to get all the important particles to your cells.

This triggers traumatic reactions and causes a state of hemorrhagic shock.

You may feel:

  • Increased heart rate
  • Nausea and dizziness
  • Heavy breathing
  • Paleness
  • Anxiety
  • Weakness
  • Cold

Class Three – Passing Out

Once the hemorrhage goes over 30 percent, the body may not be able to compensate for the loss and maintain circulation.

There is a chance that you could pass out. At this stage, blood transfusion will probably be necessary. That is usually the only way your body can set up and maintain a proper cardiovascular flow.

Class Four – Comatose State

When the blood loss becomes greater than 40 percent, the body will not be able to compensate. The heart can’t maintain optimal blood pressure and without blood, the organs will start to fall. Once this happens, you will slip into a coma.

This condition requires medical attention as quickly as possible and even then, the outcome is not always positive. Sometimes the blood loss can be so severe that the body can’t recover. In this instance, even a transfusion might not help.

Seeing a Doctor

If you experience any type of hemorrhage that doesn’t stop or gets worse, you may have to call an ambulance. If you notice any symptoms of internal bleeding (e.g. dark blood in stool, vomiting blood, or coughing blood), you should contact your healthcare provider right away.

If you are wounded and are experiencing heavy bleeding, make sure to apply as much pressure to the wound as you can. Also, elevate the wound above the level of the heart. The body tries to get as much blood as possible to the brain and vital organs, so the pressure and elevation will help your vitals stay active.

So, When Is Blood Loss Safe?

Losing some blood is sometimes inevitable, but there usually aren’t reasons to worry. You can experience hemorrhage in the following situations:

  • Nosebleed
  • Impact injuries
  • Bleeding hemorrhoid
  • A miscarriage
  • Menstruation
  • Childbirth
  • Surgery
  • Blood donation
  • Cuts and animal bites
  • Dental interventions
  • Medical testing

All of these should not cause blood loss of more than 10 percent. This means that you will not feel any symptoms. Your body will do its best to recover the loss in a short time.

So, how much blood can you safely lose? The answer is – a blood loss of up to 15 percent shouldn’t cause any major symptoms. If you lose between 15 and 30 percent, the problem gets more serious. It is never safe to lose more than 30 percent of blood because it seriously affects your body’s inner workings and can have fatal consequences.

Everyday hemorrhages are usually not serious as the body is well-prepared to deal with them. If things get serious, you should call your doctor.

 

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1065003/
https://www.vumc.org/trauma-and-scc/stop-bleed-bleeding-control-basics-course
https://www.dhs.gov/stopthebleed

Health

Permanent or Long-Term: How Long Does Laser Hair Removal Last?

Written By: Arch
Arch

Are you tired of waxing and plucking your hair? You shaved and removed it last night, and you see it growing already. Constantly battling with ever-growing body hair can be frustrating, but there may be means to get rid of it for good.

Laser hair removal is a treatment many people believe could end their struggle with unwanted hair. It is a procedure where laser beams burn the root of your hair and attempt to destroy it forever. But is it permanent?

The experience with laser hair removal procedure is not always positive. Various things affect its outcome and longevity. If you wonder how long does laser hair removal last, read on. This article will look into different factors and risks associated with this treatment.

How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?

Laser hair removal removes the hair follicle. The laser beam is directed at the hair and the pigment absorbs it. Once the laser gets absorbed, it generates heat. This heat burns the hair all the way to its growth center. If the center is completely burned, there shouldn’t be any new hair growth.

The issue appears because not all hair grows equally. Each hair on your body has its own growth cycle. As such, the hair that you want removed can be in a resting phase. During this period, neither the hair nor the growth center is visible to the technician and the laser.

Because of this, you could notice new hair growing in the same place where you had the procedure. So, it is usually not enough to do this once. After the first four to six weeks, there is a chance that new hair will appear. Depending on your hair’s specific growth cycle, you may need to repeat this procedure up to six times until you remove all the hair.

What Makes Laser Hair Removal More Successful

Not all types of skin and hair have the same effects. Sometimes you may need to visit the technician only once. Other times you will have to schedule many treatments.

Some things to consider are:

  • Skin type: Darker skin contains more melanin and might not absorb the light from the laser very effectively. On the other hand, fair skin is much more successful with absorption.
  • Growth rate: The speed and density of hair growth is different for everybody. Different body parts also have different growth rates. Your head has a higher growth rate than any other area. When the growth rate is lower, the procedure will be more successful.
  • Hair color: Darker hair increases the effectiveness of laser hair removal. Lighter hair doesn’t absorb light as much as dark, so the treatment may be more difficult.
  • Age: This isn’t always an important factor. However, the growth rate in young adults is higher than in older people, which means that older people can have more lasting and better effects.

The best combination for successful laser hair removal is dark hair and fair, thick skin. The closer you are to this description, the fewer treatments you may need.

Are There Any Risks Associated with This Procedure?

You may notice some side effects during treatment, including a burning sensation in the root of your hair. It is short term, but it can be unpleasant. You may also smell burning hair.

Other side effects may include:

  • Stinging
  • Discomfort
  • Burning
  • Skin irritation
  • Scarring
  • Skin infection
  • Redness
  • Temporary change in skin color
  • Crusting and flaking of the skin

Most of the side effects are minor and might not appear at all. If you feel pain, nausea, or fever, or notice any signs of serious skin damage, you should consult your healthcare provider.

How to Prepare for the Process

Before you consider removing your hair, you should prepare well. Here is what you need to do:

  • Do a medical check-up: Check if you have any skin conditions which may increase your risk of side effects during the procedure. Some pigment disorders can make the treatment less successful, or even dangerous. Consult with your technician about your medical history and potential risks.
  • Do not remove your hair from the root: If your hair removal method involves waxing, plucking, or similar, don’t do it. Anything that removes hair from the root can interfere with the procedure. However, normal shave before the procedure is necessary.
  • Bleach your skin: Sometimes the dermatologist may prescribe products that will lighten your skin if it’s too dark. This will help hair pigment to draw the light to the follicle.
  • Stay out of the sun: If the pigment of the hair draws unnecessary light ahead of the procedure, it may stop the laser beams from being effective.

How Long Does Laser Hair Removal Last?

Is laser hair removal permanent? In some ways yes, but not completely. When a hair follicle is gone, it will not grow any new hair. If it is only damaged, it will heal and regrow after some time. Also, hair that was in the resting phase during the treatment will regrow. Because of this, you may notice new hair growing from the treated area.

You will probably need additional treatments to fix up all the occasional hair that regrows here and there. This means you will have to target some individual hairs, and there is still a chance that they may regrow. Hormones and medications can also influence the growth and reappearance of hair.

So, laser hair removal can last for a long time and, depending on different factors, can help you achieve the desired results. It is not completely permanent, but it could help you get rid of the majority of unwanted body hair. However, there is a possibility for new hair to turn up occasionally.

Should You Try Laser Hair Removal?

Consider the factors and risks before you opt for this procedure. You should bear in mind that it is not a cheap treatment and that you may need a lot of revisits until you feel satisfied. Depending on your skin and hair type, it can be more or less effective.

But maybe you feel tired of plucking, waxing, and electrolysis. If you believe removing a good chunk of hair can improve your quality of life and save you time, you could be happy with the procedure. With technology constantly progressing, this treatment may become even more effective in the future.

 

References:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/laser-hair-removal/about/pac-20394555
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/cosmetic-treatments/laser-hair-removal

Health

Why Are My Fingernails Blue and What Should I Do About It?

Written By: Arch
Arch

It can be unsettling to notice that your fingernails have changed color to purple or blue. What causes this condition and is it dangerous?

Our fingernails can indicate that there is a serious health problem demanding our attention. In many cases, this isn’t a skin or nail problem, but rather an issue with your circulation. Let’s look at some of the causes behind this change.

A Cyanosis Diagnosis

When your nails, fingers, hands, or feet turn blue, you have peripheral cyanosis. Cyanosis is the medical word for when the skin or certain mucous membranes turn blue.

In the majority of cases, cyanosis happens because there is a low level of oxygen in your red blood cells. In the case of fingernails, this might just be a consequence of cold temperatures.

When your fingers are exposed to the winter air, the blood vessels constrict. This reduces the amount of oxygen that reaches your fingernails. In normal cases, this will go away as soon as you warm up your limbs. Massaging your hands and fingers can help.

However, there are cases when cyanosis is more permanent, which indicates that there is something else wrong with your health.

What Should You Do About Your Blue Fingernails?

If you’re wondering “Why are my fingernails blue all the time?”, there could be a serious issue at hand. A reoccurring bluish tint to your nails could indicate a problem with your heart health, your lungs, or your blood cells. In each case, the flow of oxygen to your nails is disrupted.

Does this require medical treatment? If your fingernails are often blue but you don’t have any other symptoms, you should bring it up with your doctor. They should be aware of the issue, and they might suggest some tests.

But there are cases when cyanosis is more urgent. If you’re experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or intense sweating along with your nails turning blue, you need to call 911 immediately.

Why Are My Fingernails Blue? 5 Conditions That Cause Cyanosis

Now, let’s look at some specific illnesses and circumstances that cause your fingernails or toenails to change color to blue.

1. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

CO poisoning comes with headaches, weakness, dizziness, vomiting, and chest pain. The condition can cause confusion as well. You probably know that it can be fatal – hundreds of people across the US die of unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning every year.

It’s not always easy to spot the symptoms, and cyanosis can be a good indicator that something is wrong. If you suspect, for any reason, that there are dangerous levels of CO in your home or your vehicle, leave immediately and contact emergency services.

2. Raynaud’s Phenomenon

Blue or pale fingernails are one of the top symptoms of Raynaud’s phenomenon. This disease comes with numb and cold fingers and toes. A Raynaud’s attack shouldn’t be excessively painful, but it’s uncomfortable and can disrupt your everyday routine. Once the attack passes, your fingers will start throbbing and stinging as they warm up again.

The causes behind this phenomenon aren’t clear yet, but doctors believe it comes from a spasm in the blood vessels. Cold temperatures can trigger it. People who work with vibrating tools, such as jackhammers, are at an increased risk. Repetitive motions like typing can put you at risk too.

Since the condition can cause serious complications, you should talk to your doctor about it. There are medications, like vasodilators, that can help reduce the frequency and severity of attacks. Chemical injections and surgery can be an option as well.

3. PVD

PVD stands for peripheral vascular disease, a painful blood vessel condition. People with PVD have narrowed blood vessels, which leads to pain and fatigue.

If you leave it untreated, this condition can have very serious consequences. Clots could form in the blood, blocking off your blood vessels entirely. This leads to irreparable organ damage.

Sometimes, PVD can be a direct response to the environment. For example, it can come from emotional stress or from operating vibrating machinery. But for many people, it comes from diseases that affect the blood vessels, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Smokers are at an increased risk of PVD, and it tends to affect older people more often.

This condition can be treated with lifestyle changes and medication. When PVD leads to the formation of dangerous clots, surgery or angioplasty may be necessary.

4. Pulmonary Embolism

When a blood clot occurs in the lungs, it leads to pulmonary embolism. This is lethal in one of three cases, and it requires immediate medical attention.

In many cases, it causes blue nails and blue skin. You may also feel chest pain, an irregular heartbeat, lightheadedness, or anxiety. Sometimes, it leads to people spitting up blood, but that symptom isn’t always present.

Doctors can use a chest X-ray, an ECG, and many other forms of diagnostics to find the problem. In the case of minor clots, they’ll prescribe clot-dissolving drugs and anticoagulants. But in more serious cases, immediate surgery is necessary.

5. Emphysema

This is a serious and incurable respiratory condition that mainly affects smokers. Emphysema often comes with blue lips and fingernails. Other symptoms include a fast heartbeat, weight loss, depression and intense fatigue.

Coughing is the top symptom of emphysema. Additionally, people who have a mild form of this condition tend to get winded after strenuous physical activity. As it progresses, they feel out of breath even when they’re resting.

If you suspect you have emphysema, contact a doctor right away. There are ways they can slow the progression of the disease. Steroids and other drugs help keep your blood vessels in good condition. You may also need to take antibiotics to prevent infections like pneumonia that make emphysema worse.

Some people need surgery to remove the damaged parts of the lung. But before taking that option, your doctors may prescribe oxygen therapy. In extremely severe cases, emphysema patients need 24/7 oxygen therapy.

Pay Attention to Your Nails

Even when you’re not experiencing other symptoms, your fingernails becoming blue can be a danger sign. Any changes in your blood vessels and blood cells can be deadly if left untreated. Sometimes the condition can point to food poisoning or a drug overdose.

Red, yellow, pale, or striped fingernails can also be symptoms of a serious medical issue. Of course, fungal nail infections are a possibility too. These are typically very dark and can impact the shape of the nail. Whatever the root cause may be, you should take every change seriously and not ignore the problem.

 

References:

https://www.cdc.gov/co/faqs.htm
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/raynauds-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20363571
https://medlineplus.gov/emphysema.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16770929

Health

Twitching All the Time – What to Do with Muscle Twitches

Written By: Arch
Arch

Muscle twitches are occasional contractions that can happen to anybody. You can do something on your laptop and sense your eyelids twitch a little bit. Or you can feel a slight leg muscle movement while you are sitting. Since your body is full of muscles, you can sense it anywhere. But there is no need to worry.

All the little twitches are small indications of your lifestyle. Whether it is diet or exhaustion, these involuntary movements are just symptoms that you may have some minor issues. Usually, a muscle twitch is not a problem but rather an annoyance.

From time to time, you may feel this muscle contraction. Are you twitching all the time? What to do about it? If you feel frustrated by this, read this article. You may find the reasons and ways to prevent and treat this unpleasant occurrence.

Why Do Our Muscles Twitch

It is not pleasant to feel movements in your body that are out of your control. These twitches are there to inform you about an irregularity in your organism. Some of the causes of muscle twitches are:

  • Poor diet: If you lack certain nutrients, you may lower the efficiency of electrolytes in your body and even not have enough of them. Electrolytes control the normal function of muscles. Not getting enough certain nutrients can negatively affect muscle function. Eat more calcium-rich (salmon, kale), potassium-rich (broccoli) and magnesium-rich (banana, spinach) foods.
  • Dehydration: Water is essential for muscle function. Dehydration hampers blood flow to the muscles.
  • Nicotine: Tobacco products like cigarettes can cause involuntary contractions. They often happen in the leg area.
  • Caffeine: Too much coffee and other stimulants and your body will let you know. Large caffeine intake can cause slight irritation of your muscle fibers.
  • Reaction to certain medication: Antidepressants and other types of medication can cause trouble. They can cause the release of too much serotonin in the brain. This can make you twitch. Corticosteroids and estrogen pills can have similar side effects.
  • Sleep deprivation: When you don’t sleep, the mind is tired. The brain may sometimes send extra chemical signals that cause twitching.
  • Stress: Like with many other conditions, stress can be the main cause. Stress raises the levels of hormones that prompt us to behave defensively and prepare the body to fight against some danger. This can cause nerves to behave chaotically and send some twitching impulses to the muscles.
  • Physical exertion: If you have put your body under too much physical pressure. The build-up of lactic acid in the muscles may cause twitching.

Can We Prevent or Treat Twitches?

As you inspect the above causes of twitching, you may realize that some are preventable.

Here are the things that you should consider doing to prevent twitching:

  • Eating healthy and moderately: Add vitamins, minerals and other nutrients to your everyday meals. Eat fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and proteins and you can replenish your electrolytes and allow them to work properly.
  • Reduce stress: This is easier said than done. You can always try some stress-relief exercises and techniques. Yoga, meditation, breathing techniques, or a relaxing walk may help. It would also be good to enrich your life with passions and interests. Make some time for yourself.
  • Look into your medications: Check with your healthcare provider to see if twitching can be a side effect of your prescription medications. If that is the case, maybe you can change them.
  • Avoid nicotine: This substance may cause a great deal of twitching. You should quit smoking. It doesn’t only affect your nervous system. It also harms your lungs and your health in general.
  • Limit caffeine: Try to reduce caffeine intake. Switch from black and green tea to herbal tea and try to drink less coffee.
  • Sleep: Try to get at least 7 hours of sleep and focus on regulating your biorhythm. If you don’t have a regular sleep schedule, you will feel tired even though you sleep long enough.

Are Muscle Twitch and Muscle Cramp the Same?

No, they are not. You should know the difference between the two. Both are out of our control but there is a distinction.

A twitch is a short-term contraction that may happen once or repeatedly. You should not feel any pain. Just an uncomfortable minor movement of the muscle that you can’t do anything about.

A cramp, sometimes called muscle spasm, is a muscle contraction that usually lasts longer. The spasm can be unexpected and painful. Some people experience leg cramps during sleep.

Should You Be Worried?

Most of the time, muscle twitches happen and have no effect on your daily life. You may not even notice them. However, there are more serious causes of this occurrence. They often have to do with the nervous system – brain and spinal cord. Some of the more serious causes are:

  • Pinched spinal nerve: Often happens as a result of a herniated disk. You may feel muscle twitches but also numbness or tingling in the foot or lower part of the leg.
  • Muscular dystrophy: This disease is often hereditary. It makes your muscles gradually weaker. They can cause twitches mostly in the upper body area, face, neck, and shoulders. It can be the side effect of another disease
  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A rare condition where your nerve cells degrade over time. Also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease or ALS.
  • Isaac’s syndrome: This condition causes the nerves to stimulate muscle fibers. The twitches and spasms are often felt in the arms and legs.
  • Multiple sclerosis: A condition that causes the central nervous system to gradually weaken. In the early stages of this disease, a person may feel muscle twitches, spasms and

If you notice that you are twitching all the time – what to do next is obvious. You should talk to your doctor. Depending on the symptoms and the doctor’s opinion, maybe run some tests. Most of the time, there is no need to worry. But it is good to be cautious!

So, Can We Stop Twitching?

Probably yes. With a little tweak in your daily routines and habits, you should feel some progress. Usually, twitches are signals from your brain. It tells you that you are fatigued or stressed. Sometimes substances like caffeine and tobacco are irritating your nervous system.

In rare cases, these twitches may be the body’s way to inform you of a serious condition. Even then, if you discover it in time, there are ways to treat it. It is important to take care of yourself as much as you can and keep your nervous system healthy. Eat well, sleep well and relax when you can. A minor twitch here and there will not do you harm.

 

References:

https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003296.htm
https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/twitches.html
https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Myoclonus-Fact-Sheet

Health

Stone Age Nutrition: What is a Paleo Diet?

Written By: Arch
Arch

Paleo diet is a modern diet that attempts to simulate the diet of our prehistoric ancestors. The name derives from Paleolithic – a period within the Stone Age that lasts over 3 million years. The point of the Paleo diet is to return to the eating habits of Stone Age hominins.

The main premise is that modern humans digest a lot of processed and unnatural food. The nutrients and their ratios are all out of whack, not the least is the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, which used to be 1 to 1 but now over 10 for many of us. The result is a lot of bad diet-related conditions. Obesity, heart disease, blood pressure, cancer, and diabetes to name a few.

The idea is that caveman diet is far superior to the eating habit of today’s man. That the lifestyle before the rise of agriculture had more quality. It may have made our ancestors stronger, healthier and more immune. Today’s article goes over what is a paleo diet and what should you eat if you decide to try it out.

Why Do People Opt for a Paleo Diet?

Today’s meals are full of unhealthy fats, sugar, and processed and artificial ingredients. Diet-related diseases are on a constant rise. So, many people choose the reverse the issue. The belief is that humans that walked the earth millions of years ago led a much healthier lifestyle. The body evolved slowly and adapted to the environment.

People who choose the Paleo diet don’t trust modern food choices. The body hasn’t had time to adjust to new foods like legumes, grains, and dairy products. The thinking is that if we go back to the primary sources of food, our bodies will be healthier. These include fish, vegetables, fruit and herbs and excludes sugars, grains, legumes, trans fats, etc.

What Should We Eat?

Our early ancestors were constantly on the move, gathering, and hunting. Luckily, today we can find various fresh organic products in grocery stores. There is no need to learn any survival skills!

Paleo-approved foods are various and still open to debate. The main point is that we can eat everything that was available in the same form back in Paleolithic times. But nobody knows for certain what these foods were.

But we can all agree on the following:

Meat and Seafood

Meat is an important source of protein. It stops hunger and builds cells. The recommended meat is grass-fed rather than grain-fed. The meats from grass-fed animals are closest to what our ancestors ate. It is better for your body and contains more omega-3 and less omega-6 fatty acids than grain-fed. This prevents inflammations.

If you opt for fish, the best that you can do is try to find wild-caught rather than farm-raised fish. As for poultry, it would be good to go with uncaged free-range chicken and turkey.

Paleo-approved meats include:

  • Chicken
  • Tuna
  • Salmon
  • Beef
  • Pork
  • Lamb
  • Turkey
  • Shellfish

Fruit and Vegetables

Fruit and vegetables are full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other healthy compounds. Today’s fruit and vegetables are grown in non-Paleo conditions. They may contain pesticides, added sugars, and other artificial substances. Make sure to look for organic and non-processed fruits and vegetables to get as close as you can to Paleolithic diet.

Approved vegetables include but are not limited to:

  • Broccoli
  • Peppers
  • Cabbage
  • Spinach
  • Tomatoes
  • Carrot
  • Onions
  • Brussel’s sprouts
  • Sweet potatoes

And for fruits:

  • Apples
  • Oranges
  • Grapes
  • Berries (strawberries, blueberries, chokeberries, blackberries…)
  • Peaches
  • Plum
  • Avocado
  • Melon
  • Banana
  • Citrus fruits
  • Cantaloupe
  • Mango

Eggs

Eggs are rich in proteins, minerals, vitamin B and antioxidants. Cavemen loved them, so they are a good addition to the Paleo diet. Try to find eggs from free-range chickens as they are healthier.

Nuts and Seeds

Like eggs, nuts and seeds are full of protein. They can make you full and your cells stronger. They also contain a high amount of fiber and healthy fats. Our ancestors foraged them everywhere, and you should too. At the stores, of course.

Oils

Paleolithic humans didn’t know how to extract oils from plants. But, because they come directly from plants, you can use some of these oils. These oils are rich in omega-3 fatty acids to various degrees, which can be great for heart rate and preventing inflammation. You can consume some of these oils in moderation.

The allowed oils include:

  • Olive oil
  • Walnut oil
  • Flaxseed oil
  • Coconut oil

Tea

Besides water, some people say tea should be part of a paleo diet too. For example, herbals teas are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They should be a part of your nutrition.

Foods to Avoid if You’re on a Paleo Diet?

If you dedicate yourself to a strict paleo diet, you should give up the following:

  • Grains: cereal, bread, beer, pasta, cookies, and many other products. They became part of our diet with the rise of modern agriculture. High on carbs, they can raise your blood sugar levels.
  • Processed foods: refined vegetable oils, sugars, sa02lt, artificial sweeteners. You’ve probably heard all about the evils of processed food products.
  • Legumes: peas, beans, peanuts, soy, lentils, etc. You should avoid them because of the high contents of phytic acid and lectins. Although some believe they contain more beneficial than harmful substances.
  • Dairy products
  • Soft drinks and juices
  • Starchy vegetables

Does It Work?

There are many debates regarding what is a Paleo diet. And whether this diet makes sense. Nobody can be completely certain about what our ancestors ate. Also, the variety of today’s diets on a global scale shows that people are flexible in their nutrition and can adapt quickly.

But the foods listed in the Paleo diet are all healthy and you can only benefit from them. You’d be removing processed foods naturally from your habits and focus on organic and healthy meals. There are no strict schedules or lists. Eating less sugar and processed food can boost your immunity and help you stay fit.

There is no way to know for sure the benefits of the Paleo diet. Our ancestors moved around a lot due to their hunting and nomadic nature. If you want to fully reap the rewards, you should exercise often and keep your body fresh.

 

References:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/paleo-diet/art-20111182
https://nutritionfacts.org/topics/paleolithic-diets/
https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/healthy-weight/diet-reviews/paleo-diet/

Technology

IBM and Sony stuff 330 TB on a tiny tape

Written By: Chuck Bednar

For the fifth time in just over a decade, IBM has set a new record for magnetic tape storage, as the New York-based computing giant has successfully captured 330 terabytes of uncompressed data – equal to more than 300 million books – onto a cartridge you can hold in your hand.

According to The Verge, the company announced that it had achieved a record of 201 gigabits per square inch of data storage – more than 20 times the areal density of current commercially-used tape drives – using prototype magnetic tape created by Sony Storage Media Solutions.

As Futurism explained, tape drives have been in use since the 1950s, and currently are used to store tax documents, medical records and other data from mainframe computers. The original tapes were only capable of storing 2 megabytes, while today’s commercial versions can store up to 15 terabytes worth of data.

Not content with those specs, IBM has been working for years to improve upon the capabilities of magnetic tape. In 2006, they revealed an 8 terabyte model with an areal density of 6.67 billion bytes per square inch. They topped that with a 35 terabyte, 29.5 billion bytes per square inch one in 2010 and a 154 million terabyte, 85.9 billion bytes per square inch model in 2014.

Breakthrough required new material, several innovations

In 2015, IBM unveiled a 220 terabyte version of the tape that had an areal density of 123 billion bytes per square inch. The cartridge, like all of its predecessors, was made from a material called Barium ferrite – a highly magnetic metal oxide that possesses a high packing density.

For its latest creation, however, the computing company switched to sputtered tape, which IBM Fellow Evangelos Eleftheriou said “is expected to cost a little more to manufacture” than current Barium ferrite-based products, but which has a “potential for very high capacity” that will “make the cost per TB very attractive, making this technology practical for cold storage in the cloud.”

In order to make its 201 gigabit per square inch chip a reality, IBM said that its researchers had to develop several new technologies, including single-processing data channel algorithms based on noise-predictive detection principles and a series of advanced servo-control technologies that combine to produce head positioning of more than seven nanometers.

The former innovation, the company explained in a statement, enables it to operate reliably at a linear density of 818,000 bits/inch with an ultra-narrow 48-nanometer wide tunnelling magneto-resistive (TMR) reader. The latter, when combined with the TMR drive, enables a track density of 246,200 tracks per inch – 13 times better than its commercial TS1155 enterprise tape drive.

IBM, along with colleagues from Sony, announced its breakthrough Wednesday during an event at The 28th Magnetic Recording Conference (TMRC 2017) in Tsukuba, Japan. A research paper detailing their work has been published online in the journal IEEE Transactions on Magnetics.

—–

Image credit:  IBM Research

Health

Healthy Nutrition: What Are the Best Foods Rich in Polyphenols

Written By: Arch
Arch

You have probably heard how antioxidants are beneficial to our cells. One of the absorbable forms, polyphenols are micronutrients that fall into that category.

Polyphenols are substances in plants that give them color. They are also believed to boost the plants’ defensive mechanism. When we consume them, we can also boost our health and immune system.

Currently, there are over 8000 polyphenols in various foods. In tea, fruit, vegetables, wine, oils, and many others. If you wonder what are the best foods rich in polyphenols, read this article.

Types and Benefits of Polyphenols

They exist in various types of food. But, polyphenols themselves have many types and subtypes. The four common types are:

  • Flavonoids: Flavonoids have many different subtypes. They have good anti-inflammatory properties. You can find them in legumes, red wine, tea, fruit, vegetables.
  • Phenolic acids: Powerful antioxidants that we consume in large quantities. Coffee, corn, kiwi, apple, cherries, grapes, berries, and many other foods are rich in them.
  • Lignans: Lignans may improve cardiovascular health. But, this may be difficult to achieve. Cereals, grains, legumes, and algae usually contain them. You probably can’t eat too much of those!
  • Stilbenes: Eating foods that contain stilbenes can improve your heart rate. You can find it in red wine, peanuts, and blueberries.

Polyphenols, like other antioxidants, regulate the health of cells. This may help in preventing cancer and other cell-related diseases. This nutrient can help with:

  • Fighting cancer: Since they are antioxidant, they can prevent cell damage and make it more difficult for cancer cells to form
  • Preventing Alzheimer’s and dementia: The antioxidant traits may prevent degradation of nerve cells.
  • Rapid aging: Polyphenols are protecting the cells from free radicals. These molecules are one of the primary causes of aging.
  • Protecting skin from the sun’s UV rays
  • Regulating blood pressure
  • Regulating and preventing type 2 diabetes: Polyphenols may lower insulin resistance in your body
  • Soothing inflammation
  • Helping with weight loss
  • Prolonging lifespan
  • Improving heart health

What Are the Best Foods Rich in Polyphenols?

There are plenty of polyphenol-rich foods rich that can replace your everyday diet. You may consume some every day. If you believe you can further improve your nutrition with polyphenols, these are the foods to consider:

1. Apples

One of the favorite healthy snack of both experts and common people. You have probably heard the saying ’’an apple a day keeps the doctor away’’. This is because of its various positive traits. It has antioxidant, immune system boosting and cholesterol-reducing properties.

Both the skin and the flesh of an apple have high amounts of polyphenols. Be careful with apple juice though. The high amounts of sugar and calories in the juice may negate all the positive effects. If you want to fully reap the rewards of an apple, make sure you consume it in its original form!

2. Red Wine

Red wine has a special type of polyphenol – resveratrol. Studies have shown that this nutrient may have a positive effect on your health. It may decrease inflammation, regulates blood flow and keeps the heart rate in good order.

Don’t drink too much or it becomes counterproductive. Maybe you are tempted to drink a bottle of red wine every day, but that won’t be good for you. Drinking a glass or two every day should be perfect.

3. Chokeberry (Aronia)

Aronia has gone up in popularity in recent years. Researchers have discovered many benefits of consuming this superfood. It aids the digestive tract along with its antioxidant properties. It can boost your immunity and may even improve vision.

This berry got its name from its dryness. This makes you sometimes feel like you choking from eating them. Because of this, chokeberry is more popular in liquid form as a daily supplement.

4. Chocolate

Eating chocolate in moderation may improve your cardiovascular health. This includes both milk and dark chocolate. Some studies have shown that you should eat chocolate that contains more than 70 percent cocoa for the best effects. This can help with reducing bad cholesterol and blood pressure.

Since eating 100g of chocolate daily is by no means good for you, you should do it in moderation. About 150 calories every day would be enough. That means around a quarter of a chocolate bar. Not bad, right?

5. Mexican Oregano

Mexican oregano, or ’’the pizza herb’’, is rich in polyphenols. It contains a high amount of flavonoids. One of the flavonoids in this herb is naringenin, which may improve metabolism and obesity. Another flavonoid is cirsimaritin, which also helps in losing weight.

6. Olive Oil

Not any olive oil, but extra virgin. This type of olive oil doesn’t go through so many processing phases. So, it has high levels of polyphenols and is the healthiest.

The presence of healthy fats in this oil makes it even more attractive. It may help prevent stroke, metabolic syndrome, cancer and many other conditions.

7. Spearmint

Spearmint is an aromatic herb of a distinctive scent. Because of this, it has found uses in various industries.

In diet, you can use it as an essential oil, an ingredient or herbal tea. It is rich in polyphenols but it has many other benefits. It may help with reducing stress, toothache, fatigue, and stress.

8. Chestnut

Chestnuts many healthy substances. Minerals, vitamins, polyphenols, and many others. They share the benefits of other antioxidant food. Also, they may have some distinctive properties.

They may help in keeping your bones healthy and strong. This is because of the high levels of copper and magnesium. Also, they should aid in fighting gastrointestinal problems. Thanks to a large amount of dietary fiber, they can keep your digestive tract in good health.

Wrap up: Are There Risks?

Polyphenols themselves are not risky, but some food that contains them could be. Too much chocolate or wine is never good for your health. If you are allergic to a certain type of food, you should also be careful.

These are just some of the best foods rich in polyphenol. There are various meals beside them that you may like,

If you combine them and keep your diet reasonable and healthy, you may see a lot of progress. Higher energy levels, better immune system, less fatigue and better skin condition, too. You can’t harm yourself by it, so you should embrace it. Polyphenols are probably already a part of your diet!

 

References:

https://utswmed.org/medblog/polyphenols/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5601283/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2835915/

Health

How to Relieve Period Cramps: 7 Things You Can Do

Written By: Arch
Arch

It’s that time of the month! You are feeling the unpleasant pain hampering your everyday activities. Sometimes it can be so bad that you don’t want to get out of bed.

Only that you don’t have to worry, there are methods that can help.

Period cramps affect more than half of all childbearing age women. Some women experience much less pain or no pain at all. Even then, once in a while they might get hit with a bad one.

This article will try to answer how to relieve period cramps.

What Are Period Cramps?

Period cramps are normal. When you are on your period, your uterus squeezes and cramps up. When this happens, the layer surrounding the wall of your uterus comes off. It’s a natural process where cramping drives blood flow out of your vagina.

Some of the symptoms of period cramps are:

  • Throbbing pain: Sometimes it can be so severe that it affects your everyday activities
  • Pain in your thighs and lower back
  • Constant, dull pain
  • Aching starts a couple of days before the period. It becomes most intense during the first day and fades away over the next few days.
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness and disorientation
  • Loose stool

What Are the Causes?

Not all women have the same symptoms. Some experience all the issues, and some have none. It depends on many factors:

  • Age: Younger women are more prone to throbbing cramps
  • Early puberty (younger than 11 years old)
  • A family history of medical cramps
  • Irregular menstruation
  • Heavy bleeding

How to Relieve Period Cramps

These are some ways to get rid of period cramps:

1. Adjust Your Diet

The cause of intensive pain could be inflammation. To try and prevent this from happening, you should improve your diet. It may even improve some other body conditions. Eating low-fat food can reduce inflammation. Try to eat more:

  • Unsaturated fats (olive oil)
  • Fish
  • Nuts (walnuts, peanuts, almonds, pumpkin seeds)
  • Chicken
  • Leafy green vegetables
  • Papaya, banana, prunes, avocados

If you add herbs to your diet, you may also notice an improvement. Some herbs can have high anti-inflammatory effects. Try to add some of these herbs to your nutrition:

  • Chamomile
  • Ginger
  • Cinnamon
  • Dill
  • Fennel seeds

2. Exercise

Exercise should be a part of your everyday routine. It makes your body healthier and regulates hormones. In this case, exercise releases endorphins. The release of this hormone may reduce pain and cramps.

Just go for a walk if the pain prevents you from doing intense physical work. Yoga is also a good choice since it doesn’t need too much movement, but it may reduce the level and duration of cramps.

The best endorphin booster is having an orgasm. So, if you’re looking for some effective exercise and a pain reliever, that is your answer.

3. Massage with Essential Oils

Lots of essential oils have anti-inflammatory traits and may act as a pain reliever. Some of the best oils to use for period cramps are lavender and clary sage oils.

You can mix a drop of essential oil in a teaspoon of carrier oil (vegetable or nut). Apply this mixture to the area where you feel the most pain. Some feel the most intense pain in the abdomen. But, sometimes the worst pain can be in the back or your side. Massage gently in circular movements for 20 minutes.

You can use this method one to two times a day when the pain starts. Continue until it’s gone.

4. Take Some OTC Medication

Many women don’t want to use painkillers to relieve the pain. Even if sometimes they are the quickest way to solve the problem. Safe painkillers like NSAIDs are good to use if you want to soothe the inflammation right away.

Ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve) can help you enjoy your everyday activities.

5. Avoid Certain Products

Bloating, irritation, inflammation and water retention all affect the level of pain. Some products that we consume can cause these problems. Some of them are:

  • Salt (salty food and snacks)
  • Alcohol
  • Carbonated drinks
  • Caffeine
  • Tobacco

6. Apply Heat

Applying heat to the painful part can help relieve it. You can do this in many ways. The best is to put a heating pad on your abdomen or back, depending on where the pain is the strongest. You can buy one or make a heating pad out of a plastic bottle and hot water or a hot towel. Taking a warm bath helps too!

7. Hormonal Birth Control

Hormonal birth control pills can ease menstrual pain. The studies show that women who take birth control pills have less intense menstrual pain. Most of them don’t even get their periods at all when they’re on the pill. These pills contain hormones that prevent ovulation.

Visiting a Doctor

If your cramps are intensive, there is a chance that the causes are:

  • Uterine Fibroids: Common benign growths on the uterus wall that makes it harder for blood to flow
  • Adenomyosis: The tissue on the edge of the uterus begins to grow into the muscular tissue of the wall
  • Cervical stenosis: If the opening of the cervix is too small it may make it harder for blood to flow through. This is what makes uterus contracts more and causes cramps.
  • Inflammation: Usually an STD causes inflammation of the intimate area
  • Endometriosis: Endometrium is the tissue that coats the inside of the uterus. Sometimes this tissue starts growing outside of the uterus and even on other organs.

If OTC medications don’t help and neither do the methods mentioned in this article, you should see your doctor. Also do so if severe cramps start at a later age (over 30 years of age) or are accompanied by a fever. Sometimes the pain is caused by a serious condition. You’d want to pay attention and treat it as soon as possible.

In the End: Are Period Cramps Usual?

Cramps and pain during your period are normal. You may experience worse cramps than someone else but it shouldn’t be a cause for concern. What you can’t prevent, you can try and treat.

If you pay more attention to what you eat and how do you treat your body, you may relieve yourself of pain. When the pain comes, use essential oils, painkillers, heat, and exercise to make it go away. With a greater quality of life, cramp-free periods should follow!

 

References:

http://www.ayujournal.org/article.asp?issn=0974-8520;year=2012;volume=33;issue=2;spage=311;epage=313;aulast=Omidvar
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3093183/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menstrual-cramps/symptoms-causes/syc-20374938
https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/health-and-wellness/menstruation/what-can-i-do-about-cramps-and-pms

Did the World’s First Human Head Transplant Really Happen?

Written By: Arch

Medical science has advanced by leaps and bounds in recent decades: No argument there.

Some illnesses which used to be fatal are now either curable or at least manageable. Medical procedures which once seemed like a figment of a researcher’s imagination have become a reality thanks to scientific and technological breakthroughs.

Naturally, these advancements extend to the field of organ transplantation. Today, we live in a world where a heart or a kidney transplant is nothing unusual. Of course, these are all extremely complex procedures (and, typically, treatment choices of last resort), but teams of surgeons in various parts of the world are performing transplants every day. Needless to say, further landmark developments in medical science are not a question of when, not if.

However, if the statements of one neurosurgeon transplants are to be believed, medical science is ready to take a quantum leap forward with a successful human head transplant in the near future. If true, this shocking claim would catapult transplants back into the spotlight and front and center in the world of medical science — as stunning, perhaps, as the discovery of DNA or cloning of mammals. It would be hard to find a similar precedent in all of science. This would rank right up there with Darwin’s theory of evolution, Einstein’s theory of relativity or the apple falling on Sir Isaac Newton’s head.

The Background

When it comes to the notion of transplanting a human head, the one name which has been making the rounds in recent years is Sergio Canavero. Formerly on the staff of a Turin hospital, this Italian neurosurgeon has been working on this idea for quite some time.

He first revealed his Frankenstein-ian plans  for a human head transplant in 2015. future. He even had a volunteer for the surgery – a Russian man named Valery Spiridonov, who was suffering from a debilitating muscular disease.

Then, two years later, he once again captured the spotlights when he announced that the procedure had been successfully carried out on a cadaver in China.

The Details

As Canavero explained, a team under the guidance of Dr. Xiaoping Ren, took 18 hours to perform the surgery, demonstrating that it was possible to sever a head and then reconnect the nerves, spinal cord, and blood vessels. In his view, that was enough to qualify it as the world’s first human head transplant.

The procedure is a continuation of the team’s previous work where they cut the head off one rat and grafted it onto the body of a different one, one head behind the other. They repeated the process several times, effectively creating animals with two heads. Reportedly, the rats were able to survive for a day and a half, on average. Canavero had also previously performed a procedure where he claimed to have reconnected the severed spinal cord of a dog – meant to serve as proof of concept.

Following the procedure in China, Canavero had made his further plans clear. The next stage would be to perform the transplant using living donors who are brain-dead. What is more, the plan was for the procedure to take place “imminently’.

The Response

Right or wrong, the medical community has not met Canavero’s work with open arms. He has faced universal criticism, both for the ethical aspect of the procedure and its scientific feasibility.

As it is, to complete the procedure, a human being would need to die and organs for transplants are not generally taken from people who are still breathing. Not only that, but the doctors would need to perform the decapitations on the spot.

For those reasons, it seems impossible that any reputable medical organization would approve human head transplants. And it does not seem likely that the situation will change in the foreseeable future, not without a massive body of new scientific evidence which would support the procedure.

But there are also obstacles of a more technical nature. Matters such as:

  • Preserving the Head

In order to perform any transplant, the organ going into the recipient’s body needs to be kept alive. This is tricky enough to achieve for isolated organs, and there is no telling how an entire head would respond. This is simply due to its complexity.

Canavero’s solution to this problem would be to cool the head to a very low temperature and induce hypothermia. He also states that at this point, the surgeons would need to attach the head to the donor body’s blood flow within the hour.

  • Time

As mentioned, a crucial part of the surgery would have a one-hour time limit. This number is even more daunting when you consider that the average heart transplant, a procedure which is significantly less complex than what Canavero proposes, takes around four hours on average.

  • Rejection

When it comes to transplants, one of the biggest concerns is how the recipient’s body will react to the new organ. This is often a bigger problem that the surgery itself. Namely, it is quite possible for the recipient’s immune system to trigger an attack and for the body to reject the organ. That is why immunosuppressant drugs are so common with these procedures.

Once again, it is imperative to take into account the complexity of the head. The mere fact that it contains different organs could greatly increase the risk of rejection.

  • The Spinal Cord

Another extremely difficult task would be reconnecting the spinal cord. Canavero believes a special substance, a “glue” of sorts, can provide the answer. However, this claim lacks proof.

Additionally, Canavero’s procedure would require the patient to be put in a coma for several weeks, giving the spinal cord time to heal. According to experts, that is yet another potential problem.

  • Psychological Effect

Even if the procedure were to somehow succeed, there is one last issue to consider. There is no way of knowing how the patient’s mind would respond to such a profound change. A head transplant, some suspect, could be an achievement accompanied by the birth of a completely new form of insanity.

Conclusion

Upon closer inspection, it would appear that Canavero’s claim regarding the success of the world’s first human head transplant was, at best, premature.

This does not mean there is no merit to his work. Tests on cadavers are an integral part of discovering new medical techniques. However, it does seem that we are a long way off from the point where this procedure can become feasible. And it is questionable if we’ll ever get there.

References:

https://www.theguardian.com/science/2015/oct/03/will-first-human-head-transplant-happen-in-2017
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-5092769/World-s-human-head-transplant-carried-out.html
https://www.businessinsider.com/head-transplant-rat-experiment-2017-4
http://surgicalneurologyint.com/surgicalint-articles/heaven-the-head-anastomosis-venture-project-outline-for-the-first-human-head-transplantation-with-spinal-linkage-gemini/
https://www.healthline.com/health/heart-disease/transplants#procedure
https://www.popsci.com/no-human-head-transplants-will-not-be-possible-2017
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/man-undergoing-head-transplant-could-experience-something-a-lot-worse-than-death-says-neurological-10164423.html

Health

Does Cracking Your Knuckles Give Arthritis?

Written By: Arch
Arch

Like biting your fingernails and lips, knuckle cracking is a common habit that is believed to be harmful. Some people believe that knuckle cracking can even lead to arthritis.

One of the main reasons for that belief is that familiar sound that you can hear after cracking your knuckles.

This topic has become so popular that there were many studies conducted on the matter. This article will use the information found in various studies and show you exactly what happens when you crack your knuckles. We will also answer the frequently asked question – does cracking your knuckles give arthritis?

What Happens When You Crack Your Knuckles?

When asked, most people say that they crack their knuckles when they are nervous. Some of them aren’t even aware that they are cracking their knuckles, as it has become an automatic response to unpleasant situations. Other people crack their knuckles out of boredom.

But can this habit cause serious damage to your joints? Here is what we know so far about what happens when you crack your knuckles:

  • The cracking sound that you can hear when you’re cracking your knuckles is produced by stretching your finger joints. By doing so, the gas bubbles located in those joints tend to collapse or burst in the synovial fluid.
  • The synovial fluid is responsible for lubricating your joints.
  • Usually, once you cracked one of your knuckles or joints, you won’t be able to hear that same cracking sound if you “pop” the same knuckle again. The reason for this is because gas bubbles need some time to accumulate in the joint again.
  • The cracking sound of your joints can be heard due to other reasons, such as your tendons snapping over tissues.

Should You Crack Your Knuckles?

Multiple studies have shown that cracking your knuckles doesn’t lead to arthritis. Probably one of the most interesting studies came from a Californian physician, Donald L. Unger, who conducted an experiment on himself.

Unger cracked the knuckles on his left hand for decades, while he never did it intentionally on his right hand. He analyzed the progression of arthritis in both of his hands.

After this peculiar study, the condition of both of his hands remained the same. His study won the Ig Nobel prize, an award for achievements that make people laugh and reconsider things.

Another study was conducted in California. This time, it was done by a radiology professor at the University of California, Robert D. Boutin. He found that, as fingers crack, a bright flash occurs on ultrasound. The bright flash represented the formation of the gas bubble popping in the synovial fluid. He also found that cracking your knuckles increases the range of motion in the joint.

With that said, this habit isn’t dangerous, but should you still stick with it?

Although cracking your knuckles won’t cause joint pain, this habit is still considered to be bad by some scientists as they believe that knuckle cracking reduces grip strength. On the other hand, studies conducted at the University of Harvard deny that belief. They claim that regularly cracked knuckles had the same level of swelling and ligament weakness as the knuckles of people who don’t have this habit.

What about Other Sounds that Come from The Joints?

You may have noticed some of your other joints producing the same noise as knuckle cracking does. For example, distinctive cracking noises can be heard when you squat or bend for the first time after you spent some time resting with no physical activity.

The origin of those kinds of noises is uncertain. They might occur due to your kneecap rubbing on the bones located below. Another reason could be the tendon sliding across an irregular surface.

All in all, if those noises aren’t associated with pain, they are considered harmless. However, if you do feel pain in your joints after hearing the cracking sound, you should visit your doctor.

What Really Causes Arthritis?

Now that popping joints are out of the picture, it’s time to discuss what actually does cause arthritis. The following list shows you the most common causes of joint pain and arthritis:

  • RA is short for an autoimmune disorder called rheumatoid arthritis. This is a common form of arthritis, and it occurs when your body’s immune system attacks the tissues of your body. These attacks affect the synovium (the liquid that lubricates your joints) which eventually leads to your joints being damaged.
  • Injuries
  • Genetic factors
  • Infections
  • Abnormal metabolism

How to Treat Arthritis?

There are quite a few methods that are used for treating arthritis. They include the following:

  • Medications – usually used for non-inflammatory types of arthritis (like osteoarthritis)
  • Physical therapies
  • Occupational therapies
  • Weight loss
  • Surgery (joint replacement)
  • Joint assistive aids

Your treatment depends on the type of arthritis you are diagnosed with, as well as on the current condition of your joints.

For example, mild forms of arthritis can be treated with natural remedies alone. With that said, patients are advised to correct their diets and increase their physical activity.

Diet choices are important because there are certain foods (like potatoes or other foods that contain a chemical called solanine) that can contribute to joint inflammation, and they should be avoided. Other foods – like fish, nuts, seeds, beans, olive oil, and whole grains – are known for having a positive effect on arthritis.

When it comes to increasing physical activity, it is known that staying physically active lowers the chances of getting arthritis in the first place, and also helps in its treatment. Of course, you should avoid heavy contact sports that can lead to injuries. Swimming is usually the most highly recommended physical activity for those who suffer from arthritis.

Cracking Your Knuckles Won’t Get You Arthritis

Does cracking your knuckles give arthritis? Now that the question is answered and the popular knuckle cracking myth is busted, you know that you shouldn’t worry too much about popping your joints.

However, if you feel discomfort or pain in your joints, don’t wait until it’s too late – visit your doctor.

Resource:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/7621.php
https://www.businessinsider.com/doctor-cracked-own-knuckles-for-60-years-to-quash-links-with-arthritis-2018-8
https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/does-knuckle-cracking-cause-arthritis
https://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/joint-cracking-osteoarthritis
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/1529-0131%28199805%2941%3A5%3C949%3A%3AAID-ART36%3E3.0.CO%3B2-3

Health

Why Do My Armpits Sweat so Much?

Written By: Arch
Arch

Sweating (perspiration) is the production of fluids, secreted by sweat glands in the skin, and it is completely normal. Actually, sweating is a necessary process that our body uses for thermoregulation and getting rid of toxins.

The exact amount of sweat we excrete depends on many factors related to the body, such as:

  • Age
  • Physical activity
  • Diet plan
  • Hormone activity
  • Diseases, etc.

However, some people have a problem with sweating and they feel like they’re an outlier. If you have ever thought to yourself “why do my armpits sweat so much?”, hyperhidrosis might be the answer you are looking for.

What Is Hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis, otherwise known as excessive sweating, isn’t a serious condition most of the time. In fact, it’s not always easy to tell if you have hyperhidrosis. Since there isn’t an effective and convenient way to measure your total amount of sweat, at the end of the day it all depends on how your sweating is impacting your life.

But while hyperhidrosis isn’t life-threatening, it can be quite an unpleasant social problem to endure. In some cases, people avoid social situations as much as they can because of the embarrassment that they feel when they sweat.

What’s interesting is that people who are diagnosed with excessive sweating will sweat regardless of the temperature. So wearing fewer layers isn’t the answer. Instead, this condition may force people to change their wardrobe into black and white clothes, so that the sweat is less visible.

Studies show that people who suffer from hyperhidrosis are more nervous (which only contributes more to the problem) than people who sweat normally. In some cases, it can lead to serious depression and other mental illnesses.

Hyperhidrosis isn’t really that rare. As a matter of fact, 3% of the overall population suffers from excessive sweating.

The condition usually starts in young adulthood or adolescence. It is common for hyperhidrosis to target specific areas like the armpits, hands, and feet.

Causes and Types of Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis doesn’t manifest the same way for everyone diagnosed with this condition. Depending on the causes that lead to excessive sweating, there are two types:

  • Primary focal hyperhidrosis
  • Secondary generalized hyperhidrosis

Primary Focal Hyperhidrosis

With primary focal hyperhidrosis, the sweating usually occurs on the patient’s feet, face, hands, head, and underarms.

Although there aren’t any rock solid causes that can be blamed for this condition, it is known that it usually starts in childhood and that it’s impacted by your genetics. If you have primary focal hyperhidrosis, there is a 30% to 50% chance that you have a family history of this condition.

Secondary Generalized Hyperhidrosis

Secondary generalized hyperhidrosis is more dangerous than the first type, as it is caused by certain medical conditions. It can also occur as a side effect of taking certain medications.

This type of hyperhidrosis usually starts in adulthood. A noticeable difference between the two types is the fact that patients who are diagnosed with secondary generalized hyperhidrosis sweat all over their bodies, or in unusual areas. They might also sweat during their sleep, which isn’t common for primary focal hyperhidrosis.

There are several conditions that might lead to this kind of excessive sweating, which include:

  • Cancer
  • Stroke
  • Heart disease
  • Adrenal gland disorders
  • Spinal injuries
  • Lung diseases
  • Menopause
  • Hormone disorders
  • Tuberculosis

Symptoms of Hyperhidrosis

The most common symptoms of excessive sweating are the following:

  • Excessive sweating occurs at least once a week
  • The same amount of sweat on both sides of your body
  • Excessive sweating that occurred for at least 6 months
  • Not sweating while you are sleeping
  • Excessive sweating began in young adulthood or childhood

When Should You Call Your Doctor?

As it was mentioned, hyperhidrosis may be a symptom of another, more serious disease. You should call your doctor if you:

  • Lost weight due to excessive sweating
  • Sweat when you sleep
  • Feel chest pain or pressure in the chest area
  • Sweat that comes with a fever

How Do You Treat Hyperhidrosis?

There are several options that you might try to get rid of this condition. The following methods are used for excessive sweating in all areas, including the armpits.

Specialized Antiperspirant

Doctors usually first prescribe an antiperspirant that contains a higher than average dose of aluminum chloride.

Iontophoresis

Iontophoresis is a treatment that uses low-level electrical currents and runs them through the affected areas. The procedure is completely painless and has a high success rate.

Fixing Your Lifestyle

For some people, a lifestyle change is all it takes. This includes fixing your diet (getting rid of junk food and other food that increases sweating, drinking more water, etc.) and becoming more physically active. Also, you should take frequent showers and wear clothes made of a material that lets your skin breathe.

Botox

Botox injections block nerves that stimulate your sweat glands. These successfully block the sweat. However, the effects last for about six months. After that period, the patients are required to take Botox injections again, as hyperhidrosis will return. This solution is relatively expensive and it’s not recommended for mild cases of this condition.

Surgery

There is a procedure that can remove your sweat glands from your armpits. Another procedure severs the nerves that carry messages to your sweat glands. But surgery is only considered once you have tried every other option.

Putting an End to Excessive Armpit Sweating

Hyperhidrosis can be quite an embarrassing problem to have to deal with. However, if you are diagnosed with the “harmless” type of hyperhidrosis, you should do everything you can in not to take this problem too seriously.

“Why do my armpits sweat so much” is a frequently asked question, and it’s important to know that you are not alone. Check out some of the solutions and don’t let the problem drag you down. But if you think you think the sweating may point to a more serious medical issue, talk to your doctor.

 

Resources:

https://www.healthline.com/health/hyperhidrosis#outlook
https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/hyperhidrosis-sweating-when-should-you-see-doctor#1
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2695293/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3960246/

Health

Keeping Blood Sugar In Check: Worst Foods For Type 2 Diabetes

Written By: Arch
Arch

Diabetes is a chronic disease that is becoming more common in the world today. Regardless of age, quality of life or part of the world, everybody can get it.

What Is Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is a condition that causes insulin resistance. Insulin’s role in your body is to regulate the movement of sugar between your cells. When your body has a resistance to insulin, that means its sensitivity to insulin is lower, so you’ll need more insulin to properly move and process glucose/sugar, perhaps so much that your body can’t produce enough insulin.

The result is constantly high blood sugar levels, especially fasting blood sugar level (normal people also have high blood sugar levels after eating a lot of carbs, but their fasting blood sugar levels would be in the normal range). This can lead to other conditions such as nerve damage, kidney failure, and heart problems.

Fortunately, you can regulate blood sugar levels to an extent. With everyday exercise, change of habits and keeping up with rigid nutrition. It is important to keep a steady diet and know what not to eat. This article goes over the worst foods for type 2 diabetes and why you should avoid them.

What Are Worst Foods For Type 2 Diabetes?

If you don’t stick to a diabetic diet, the consequences could be severe. Consider that when deciding what to eat. There are plenty of foods that you should always avoid.

Drinks That Contain Sugar

Drinking sugary drinks is the first thing you should avoid. It is sometimes difficult to resist a glass of soda. But, you should know that a can of regular soda packs the equivalent of 10 teaspoons of sugar hitting your blood. Other sugary drinks include sweetened iced tea, energy and sports drinks, juices, milkshakes, etc.

All contain lots of sugars that trigger insulin release in your blood. If you have type 2 diabetes, you have high insulin resistance so insulin doesn’t work as well in your system. When you do the math – you realize just how bad it is.

White Bread And Refined Flour Products

It is okay to eat bread, but not any kind. White bread is processed and full of simple carbs. You should also avoid pasta, white rice, bagels and other refined flour food products. These products are high on the glycemic scale, which means that sugars get released quickly in your body. And being diabetic, you have problems processing all that sugar so quickly.

Look for complex carbs alternatives like wholegrain bread and pasta and brown rice. These have much lower glycemic indexes and release sugars slow enough that your body has a better chance of coping.

Trans fats

Experts say that consuming trans fats will lead to:

  • insulin resistance
  • increase in body fat
  • inflammations
  • decline in good cholesterol levels
  • clogged arteries

These problems combined with the effects of diabetes may lead to more severe conditions. You can find trans fats in peanut butter, spreads and sauces, some vegetable oils (hydrogenated sunflower, soybeans, palm), and more. Sometimes they are added to cookies and crackers so be careful and read the labels.

Fruit-Flavored Products

Fruit-flavored yogurt, fruit snacks, fruit smoothies, and dried fruits should all be on your list of forbidden foods.

All these products have tons of carbs and sugars. Some frozen yogurts contain more sugars than ice cream. Dried fruits are mostly carbs and devoid of their original nutrients. Fruit snacks are nothing more than tiny sugar bombs.

Grilled Meat And Cheese

Grilled cheese, while an all-time favorite, is nothing more than refined white bread and processed cheeses and lots of grease. Char-grilled meats are juicy but charred food may cause advanced glycation. If you consume it in high amounts, your blood sugar may spike instantly.

Sugar Alternatives

Contrary to popular belief, honey, brown sugar, maple syrup, agave nectar, and artificial sweeteners may not be good for diabetics. Even though they are not as highly processed, they sometimes have even more carbs than white sugar. For example, one tablespoon of honey contains more carbs than one tablespoon of granulated sugar.

Artificial sweeteners cause other problems. Since the sweetener can be even 20 thousand times sweeter than sugar, it may mess up your senses. Your taste receptors will get weaker which may make some sweet alternatives more bitter. This can cause you to crave for sweeter, more harmful things.

Cereals

You may think you are having a satisfying start to the day when you serve cereals, but you would be wrong. Most boxed cereals are high in carbs and low in the necessary proteins. Proteins are one of the most important nutrients for regulating blood sugar. For this reason, you should consider other breakfast meals.

Fast Food and Processed Meat

It is common knowledge that fast food is never good. If you have type 2 diabetes, you should avoid it like the plague. Fast food and takeouts like pizza, hamburger, and Chinese food are full of calories in the form of carbs and fat.

Processed meat products, including fancy deli meats, are full of sodium. Just two slices of salami contain more sodium than a bag of pretzels!

French fries, like all deep-fried foods, elevate your blood sugar quickly. Restaurants fry them in processed vegetable oil. When used over and over again, the oil may release various toxic substances that have been connected to heart disease and even cancer.

In the End, What Should You Eat?

You do not have to worry. Just because you found out the worst foods for type 2 diabetes, it doesn’t mean that there are no alternatives. Home cooked meals replace fast food. Whole grain flour will come in place of processed grains. Fresh meat is the healthy alternative to processed, and so on.

If you want to leave a healthy life and cut the risks of developing type 2 diabetes, or manage it if you’re diabetic, you have to be persistent. There are plenty of foods that you can mix in your daily diet that can only do you good. Once you avoid the harmful products for some time, the craving should disappear too. Take care of your body!

 

References:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-2-diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20351193
http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/type-2/
https://uichildrens.org/health-library/foods-avoid-type-2-diabetes
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23505182
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26338891

Health

Dry Skin Around Nose: What to Do to Make It Disappear

Written By: Arch
Arch

Dry and flaky skin around your nose can be persistent. It may appear for some reason and refuse to go away. You may do your best to moisture it or even apply some products. But this doesn’t always make this problem go away.

Dry skin can be uncomfortable. At first, you will feel the dryness when you touch. After that, it can become flaky. That can be really unpleasant to look at in the mirror.

You shouldn’t have to worry too much, though. In certain circumstances, it can happen to anyone. With proper care, it will go away. There are ways to treat dry skin around nose. What to do about it? Read this article and you may find the answer.

What Causes Dry Skin Around Nose?

There are different conditions that cause dryness around the nose s. Maybe your skin is sensitive to harsh winter weather. Maybe you didn’t moisture enough or use the wrong skin care products. There are many ways to get it and just as many ways to treat it.

Here are some of the reasons why your skin around the nose isn’t smooth:

Weather Conditions

Often the skin dries and tears during cold days. In the winter, the air is cold and dry and the wind is harsh. This weather dehydrates the skin, which makes it prone to peeling and flaking.

Keep in mind that dry air may happen in any season and any type of weather. It is not exclusive to the winter.

Exposure To The Sun

The sun can do some damage to the skin around the nose. The oils that secrete around this area can remove protective sunscreen. This will make that part of your head most prone to the UV lights. The UV radiation burns healthy cells and causes flaky skin. If you don’t treat it, you may suffer more serious conditions.

Skin Condition

Sometimes a peeled and dry nose is indicative of a skin problem. Seborrheic dermatitis spreads from the head down to areas around the nose, eyes, and ears. Also, rosacea is a chronic skin problem that appears as irritation dryness around the nose.

Cold, Sickness And Allergies

All conditions that make your nose runny can cause dry skin. Because you constantly have to blow and wipe your nose, you are irritating and dehydrating the area around it. It also removes plenty of natural oils that moisturize it. This causes the skin to dry out and become chapped.

Age

What’s obvious but worth mentioning is age. It plays a big factor in the condition of your skin. As you age, the skin loses natural oils and becomes thinner. Both can be major causes of dryness.

Iron Or Biotin Deficiency

It’s not often that we don’t get enough biotin. But if that’s the case, it shows up in the form of dry and flaky skin. Iron deficiency has similar symptoms. You may have chapped lips, nose, corners of the mouth.

Skin Care Products

Sometimes the means to treat a problem can become the problem itself. The problem appears if your skin doesn’t absorb the product well, it can become ’’trapped’’. The area around the nose is suitable for the piling-up of the product, which makes it difficult for the skin to absorb. This will cause irritation and dryness of the nose.

How Can We Treat This?

You may treat skin flakiness and dryness with many different methods. The goal is to keep that area moisturized and healthy. Some of the things that you can do are:

  • Moisturize: Keep your skin wet and smooth. You should avoid using hot water when washing your face. Apply moisturizers right away while the skin is still damp. That’s when it’s most efficient. Also, don’t overdo it since even moisturizers can clog up pores.
  • Avoid harsh cleansers: Soaps and cleansers that contain alcohol and other harsh chemicals may damage or irritate your skin.
  • Drink a lot of water: Staying hydrated on the inside is key to keeping the skin smooth. When you disregard your daily water intake, you are doing harm to your
  • Don’t over-exfoliate: It may seem like a good idea to scrub the flaky skin around your nose. However, with more serious skin conditions, it may return even flakier. You also risk further irritating your skin if you do it a lot.
  • Wear sunscreen: When you are going out in the sun, make sure to protect yourself. You can prevent UV radiation that harms the skin. Since the secretion of skin oils can remove sunscreen from the noise area, you may have to reapply it occasionally.
  • Shower with warm water: Not hot, but warm and short showers. Around 10 minutes will be enough. It may surprise you, but short showers moisten your skin much more effective than long showers. Staying under warm water for too long can even cause dehydration of the skin.
  • Watch what you eat: Certain foods can hamper the moisture of the skin. But, eating antioxidant-rich food can make your skin healthier.

Should You Visit the Dermatologist?

Most of the dry skin will go away on its own if you treat it properly. If it persists, it would be good to talk with your dermatologist. Sometimes the cause is the skin condition or even lack of iron or biotin in the organism. Because of this, further tests may be necessary.
You should also consult your healthcare provider if:

  • You feel pain or intense burning sensation in the dry area
  • Your skin changes color
  • The condition doesn’t get better after a couple of weeks
  • The condition is getting worse

So, Can This Be Avoided?

Even if you are religious about the protection, there are factors that you cannot predict. Harsh weather, exposure to certain substances, and skin conditions are all problems out of your control. The treatment should fix the problem after a couple of weeks.

If you believe your condition is more severe, a dermatologist can prescribe the proper treatment. This problem should be treatable and will not cause any permanent consequences! Keep your skin smooth and don’t worry about things that are out of your hands.

 

References:

https://www.uwhealth.org/madison-plastic-surgery/dehydrated-skin-my-skin-is-oily-so-why-is-it-flaking/42336
http://sifaka.cs.uiuc.edu/~yuelu2/opinionintegration/health/Seborrheic_dermatitis.html
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/in-depth/humidifiers/art-20048021

Health

Postprandial Somnolence 101: What Is a Food Coma and How Can You Prevent It?

Written By: Arch
Arch

If you’ve just had a big meal and are suddenly feeling too tired to go back to work, head out for a walk, or even get out of your chair and clean up the table, you are not alone. This feeling of drowsiness after a meal – officially named postprandial somnolence but known to most as food coma – is very common.

In 2014, the term “food coma” made its way to the Oxford dictionary, which defines it as a state of sleep or lethargy that occurs after a copious meal and notes that it tends to happen the most around the holiday season. In fact, some call it the “Thanksgiving food coma” because many Americans tend to overeat on this holiday. However, food comas can happen all year round. For some, they occur daily.

What is a food coma and why does it occur? Is there any way – other than avoiding sizable meals – to prevent post-meal sleepiness? This article will answer all your food coma-related questions.

What Is a Food Coma?

A food coma is the extreme fatigue, sleepiness, and lethargy people experience after they’ve had a large meal. This feeling typically lasts for several hours and is often accompanied by bloating and stomach tightness. Some people don’t have to eat a large meal to experience a food coma. Instead, they will experience a sudden drop in energy levels every time they consume certain types of food.

There are no official statistics that would confirm how prevalent postprandial somnolence is. However, it is safe to assume that most people will experience multiple food comas in their life.

What Causes a Food Coma?

Despite its colloquial-sounding name, food coma is an actual physical condition that has piqued many scientists’ interest, especially in the last few years. Researchers have different ideas as to what causes food comas.

In line with the official definition of postprandial somnolence, many authors believe that it occurs as a direct result of eating a meal that is rich in calories and/or fat. This belief is based on two studies. One, a rat study conducted in 1991, found that high levels of the hunger-suppressing hormone cholecystokinin (CCK) not only reduce hunger but also promote sleep. The other, a small UK study conducted in 1997, found that eating meals that are high in fat and low in carbohydrates raises the levels of CCK in the body.

Expanding on the suggested link between high caloric intake and CCK, some researchers believe that food comas are the result of the fullness signals being transmitted to the brain. According to them, just like hunger keeps your brain awake, the feeling of fullness reduces its alertness and increases sleepiness.

Speaking of the brain, some researchers say that food comas occur when a portion of the blood that would normally travel to the brain is redirected to the digestive organs. You see, eating is one of the activities that trigger your parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). Among other things, this part of the brain is in charge of keeping your blood pressure and heart rate under control right after a meal.

As you fill your stomach with food during a meal, it expands. This activates the PNS, which then sends signals to the rest of your body to divert some of the blood flow to the digestive organs, thus allowing them to process the food you’ve just eaten more efficiently. Because there’s less blood – and therefore less oxygen – traveling to the brain, you may feel tired for a few hours until the meal is fully digested.

Do Certain Foods Trigger Food Comas?

Some scientists believe that the causes of food comas are more specific than just eating a big meal.

Justifying the nickname “Thanksgiving food coma”, some experts say that the high levels of the essential amino acid L-tryptophan in turkey are directly responsible for postprandial somnolence. This amino acid is a precursor of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that has a calming effect on your brain. Turkey is loaded with L-tryptophan. In the presence of carbohydrates from stuffing and mashed potatoes, your body starts converting L-tryptophan into serotonin, boosting your levels of this neurotransmitter as a result.

Both L-tryptophan and serotonin are known to stimulate the production of melatonin. In addition to its other roles, this hormone regulates your circadian rhythm. As the day draws to a close, your melatonin levels naturally rise and inform your brain that it’s time to go to sleep. With your melatonin levels up after eating turkey, your brain will enter sleep mode no matter what time of the day it really is.

Of course, turkey is not the only food that can trigger a food coma. Several other foods contain high levels of L-tryptophan, including dairy products like milk and cheese, red meat like lamb, beef, and pork, as well as nuts, seeds, and soybeans. Poultry other than turkey – particularly chicken and goose – is also rich in L-tryptophan. Spinach, salmon, and eggs round out the list of tryptophan-rich foods.

Can You Prevent a Food Coma?

You can probably already guess that most experts recommend avoiding large meals as a way to prevent food comas. Seeing as some evidence suggests that solid meals are more likely to cause postprandial somnolence, you should avoid all-solid meals, too. Ideally, your meals should be smaller and consist of both solids (e.g. a hard-boiled egg or a sandwich) and liquids (e.g. soup or freshly-squeezed orange juice).

In addition to cutting your portions, you should also limit your intake of fat-heavy foods, especially if they contain the unhealthy saturated fats. Ideally, every meal should be a combination of three key macronutrients – protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats – in moderate quantities.

Adjusting your diet is not the only way to prevent a food coma, though.

According to a 2012 study of British drivers, the effects of postprandial somnolence are more severe in people who are tired due to either a temporary lack of sleep or chronic sleep deprivation. As such, getting enough restful sleep at night could make the symptoms of a food coma considerably milder.

Also, rather than sitting in your chair or taking a nap after a meal, you should go for a walk or engage in some other form of physical activity. That way, you will improve your circulation and help your brain fight the effects of a food coma. Plus, you will feel better about all the calories you have just eaten.

No More Post-Meal Sleepiness

While food comas are completely normal, experiencing sudden sleepiness in the middle of your workday can be very inconvenient. Of course, there are times when you can’t – or don’t want to – avoid a food coma, like when visiting your family for the holidays or organizing a pizza party with friends. Outside of those special occasions, you can keep postprandial somnolence at bay by cutting your portions, balancing macronutrients, getting enough sleep at night, and being physically active after a meal.

 

References:

https://blog.oxforddictionaries.com/2014/02/27/new-words-oxford-dictionaries
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1745688
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9145937
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18281067
https://www.tmc.edu/news/2016/11/food-coma-truth-turkey-tryptophan
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22155490

Health

Changing Your Habits: What Are the Whole30 Rules?

Written By: Arch
Arch

It the modern world, it is difficult to resist the urge to try all sorts of new food. You can find processed food in many forms at food markets. The choices are bigger than ever. The various ’’food-porn’’ posts on social media just fuel our desires. Diets are exhausting and don’t work, and we consume countless calories. This is why Whole30 became a hit.

Whole30 is not only a diet but a lesson. It will try to show you the links between your mind, body, senses, and food. It tries to broaden the perspective of your relationship with the food you consume every day.

If you are wondering what are the Whole30 rules, you have come to the right. We will try to explain what is behind this popular decade-old diet and why so many people regard it so highly.

What Is Whole30?

Many of today’s problems are connected with food.Whole30 is a diet that strives to eliminate all the food groups that are harmful to your body. This diet requires you to drastically change your eating habits and it only lasts for thirty days.

While keeping up with this plan, you may notice certain changes in your mind and body. This will make your body heal and regenerate from all the food that may cause harm.

Many of today’s health issues have their roots in nutrition. If you feel low on energy and your focus and memory aren’t like they used to be – it might be the food. Do you feel pain despite not injuring yourself? Have you tried to lose your weight with different methods without success? A lot of these problems can go away with the right nutrition.

The point of Whole30 is to track if your body and mind react to a healthier diet. The change in nutrition should make a lot of the problems fade away. Some of which you may not know existed.

What To Expect From Whole30

Before you decide to go through with this diet, you may want to know what to expect. While at the beginning the results may not be visible, you should sense and see a lot of progress over time. The diet strives to change your perspective and habits. The benefits include:

  • Weight loss: You will eat only healthy food and distribute your calories reasonably
  • Better health: The diet should make your body more resistant to viruses, bacteria, inflammation, etc.
  • More energy
  • Nurtured skin
  • Enhanced endurance
  • Less frequent and severe headache
  • Better sleep
  • Healthier digestive system
  • Improved taste and smell receptors
  • First-hand education on the importance of nutrition

What Are the Whole30 Rules?

The whole point of this diet is the elimination of certain groups of food. That’s the basic set of rules. Many of today’s foods cause inflammation, disrupt blood sugar levels, elevate blood pressure and affect the stomach. The point of Whole30 is to get rid of all of the bad stuff. The most important rules are as follows:

Avoid Alcohol

You probably know the effects of alcohol on your liver and digestive and nervous systems. Try to avoid it even in cooking and desserts. Note that this doesn’t include vinegar.

Avoid Tobacco

Similar to alcohol, there is nothing nice to say about tobacco products. You should quit smoking and avoid all tobacco products. It’d be best to avoid second-hand smoke as well.

Do Not Eat Sugar

Doesn’t matter if it’s real or not, you should avoid added sugar. Honey, maple syrup, coconut sugar, stevia, Splenda, agave, Nutrasweet, etc. Your sugar intake should be zero. Double check the labels of food products. Sugar can sneak into products that appear sugarfree.

Do Not Consume Legumes

Any kind of beans, peanuts, peas, etc. No soy or any form of soy should be included in our diet (tofu, sauce, lecithin, etc).

Look Closely For MSG And Sulfites

Check the labels for these ingredients when you get your food or drinks. If they contain any of these substances, move on.

Do Not Consume Grains

Wheat, corn, rice, oats, rye, barley, sorghum, and so on should be completely eliminated from the diet. This includes gluten-free pseudo-grains such as buckwheat and quinoa.

Avoid Dairy Products

Cow, goat and sheep milk and any dairy products. This means you should avoid cheese, kefir, yogurt, sour cream, etc.

Avoid Baked Goods

Junk food, baked food and treats are banned even if the individual ingredients are approved by this diet. Bread, tortillas, muffins, brownies, pancakes, cereal and many other treats are not good for you. Even if you don’t make it with wheat flour, bread is still bread.

Don’t Measure Your Weight Until the End Of Whole30

Since it will take a lot of time to see clear progress, you should not be too hard on yourself. The scale is a big demotivator when you’re on any diet that requires patience. Whole30 is much more than just weight loss so keep that in mind. At the end of the first cycle of Whole30, you should check all the results, including weight.

Exceptions

If you have any doubt about a food, it is best to leave it out. However, the following foods are exempt:

  • Clarified butter: Ghee is a dairy product that you’re allowed to eat on this diet. Note that it’s not plain butter.
  • Fruit juice: As a natural sweetener
  • Green beans, sugar snap peas, and snow peas: These are legumes. But, since they are green and come from plants, they are acceptable.
  • Vinegar: All vinegar (white, red wine, apple cider, etc.).
  • Coconut aminos: A replacement for soy sauce
  • Salt

Conclusion – What After?

After you have finished the cycle, you should slowly reintroduce food one by one. You have to be patient and study the behavior of your body after the reintroduction of each food type. It may be difficult to resist the taste, but this is the best way to see which food isn’t good for you.

If you are able to complete the diet, you will have reset your body. Thanks to this, you may find out new information about your body. This experiment is about your growth and awareness of the impact of food. If you opt for it, embrace it fully!

There you have it. Whole30 in a nutshell.

 

References:

https://sbchealthplex.crmc.org/supportive-services/nutrition-counseling/jeffersoncitywhole30coach
https://benourished.org/the-whole30-is-over-now-what/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/in-depth/the-truth-behind-the-most-popular-diet-trends-of-the-moment/art-20390062

Health

What Are The 10 Best Essential Oils

Written By: Arch
Arch

Essential oils are the great ancestors of modern medicine. The use of some of these oils can be traced back to over two millennia ago. They are called essential because they contain characteristics beneficial to our body and mind.

Today we have countless essential oils. Every herb, fruit, and flower can have its oil extracted. Not all of them have the same benefits, though. If you want to find out which ones to get, here are the 10 best essential oils and why are they widely used.

The 10 Best Essential Oils

These are the oils that have the best characteristics even though the uses may be different:

1. Lavender Oil

Lavender oil is a well-known oil that can with various conditions. People have been using lavender for thousands of years. It can be an antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, sedative, antibacterial, antioxidant, sedative, immunity enhancer, and more. You may use it on your skin. It may help you with burns, insect bites, cuts, acne, and other conditions.

Rubbing it on your forehead area may ease a headache. Adding a couple of drops of lavender in your bath water can soothe you and your irritated nerves. If you add a couple of drops to hot water it could help your sinus problems. Inhaling the steam with lavender eases the symptoms of respiratory problems.

Lavender oil can be an effective antiperspirant too. Mix it with baking soda and hot water to make an antiperspirant deodorant. When you wash your clothes, you may add a few drops of this oil to freshen up. In the end, dry lavender mixed with some lavender oil can repel moths and other insects! An essential oil indeed!

2. Lemon Oil

One of the most popular oils in everyday use, you may find it as an aromatic in various commercial products. Soaps, shampoos, air refreshers, but also food like sparkling water or candy can have a touch of lemon oil in them. When you think of lemon oil, you probably think of something fresh and clean!

It has antibacterial and antiseptic traits. Experts say that its scent might have antidepressive effects. Lemon oil vapor can spur the production of the anti-stress hormone norepinephrine. It contains a high amount of D-limonene. This substance can help with circulation, skin tone, and wrinkle removal.

If you gargle a few drops of lemon oil with hot water you may get rid of bad breath. If you add some to shampoo it can help with dandruff treatment. And, adding it to the bath water may alleviate your anxiety or bad mood. So, just like lavender, it may be good to have some of this oil around.

3. Eucalyptus Oil

This oil is known for its strong aroma and fresh scent. People sometimes add it to air fresheners and humidifiers to clear the air. It is also an effective pesticide. You may find it in products that deal with fungus, weeds, mites, bacteria, insects, and others. You may use it as a spray to get rid of germs and bad smell in the kitchen or bathroom.

A popular use of this oil is for the treatment of breathing problems. It may lower the intensity of asthma attacks and soothe chest congestion. Rubbing it on your chest and throat area can help you breathe better.

4. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree is native to Australia. Australians have used tea tree leaves throughout the country’s history. They used it to treat inflammations and wounds and skin conditions. It has antioxidant, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.

It may prove effective for eczema, acne, cold, fungus, wounds, insect bites, etc. Many people use it as a supplement for dandruff treatment. This multifunctional oil can really come in handy.

5. Peppermint Oil

Peppermint is a fine aromatic addition to various medical products. Because of its distinctive smell, you will have no trouble recognizing it. Similar to peppermint tea, the oil has antiviral and antibacterial characteristics. You may mix some peppermint with water to soothe cold symptoms.

Peppermint oil is best used as a treatment for headaches or mental health. It may boost your focus and memory. Inhaling peppermint oil or placing some under your nostrils can make you feel refreshed for a while.

6. Clove Oil

Clove oil may be effective when you have problems in your oral cavity area or a sore throat. It can treat gum disease, canker and cold sores, toothache and other conditions. If you have recurring dental problems, keeping some clove oil nearby may prove to be a huge relief.

7. Cinnamon Oil

Cinnamon has a lot of admirers in the cosmetic industry. It’s fresh, captivating scent makes your skin irresistible. All the antioxidant and antibacterial traits make it a great skin preserver. If you apply it to painful areas, it can take the pain away.

 8. Clary Sage Oil

Clary sage is a plant that grows in tropical regions. Experts consider it one of the best at treating stress and anxiety. It has known hormone regulation characteristics. This may ease menstrual troubles and menopause symptoms. Because of the same characteristic, experts consider it an anti-stressor. This essential oil may ease depression symptoms.

9. Chamomile Oil

Chamomile has various uses. In oil form, you can apply it to the skin to treat certain conditions. It treats:

  • Dryness
  • Eczema
  • Dermatitis
  • Insect bites
  • Acne
  • Cuts
  • Burns
  • Bruises

10. Rosemary Oil

This oil also finds its place high up the ladder of essential oils. Inhaling rosemary oil may stimulate your heart rate and blood pressure. It can also make you energetic and treat congested respiratory systems.

Studies show that consuming this oil decreases cortisol, the stress-inducing hormone. So, while it may make you function better, it can also make you less stressed. A win-win situation!

Are Some Oils Better Than Others?

To be more accurate, all essential oils have their own set of benefits. Depending on factors such as your skin type or organism, some may prove to be more effective.

You never know if you don’t try. So you should not hesitate, seeing as they can do little to no harm. There is a reason why we call them essential. The best answer is to try enough of them and decide for yourself.

 

References:

https://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/10-essential-oils-always-have-home.html
https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/essential-oils/index.cfm

Health

Why Do You Keep Getting Hiccups After Eating?

Written By: Arch
Arch

It is not uncommon for a sudden bout of hiccups to interrupt your after-meal relaxation. You may have finished your lunch and wanted to take a nap, but there it is! If the hiccups are often, you might even worry if anything serious is at hand. Do not worry! Hiccups are common and happen for various reasons.

The diaphragm is a muscle at the center of the lungs that assists you when you breathe. It contracts every time you breathe in. This expands the lungs and draws the air inside. Hiccups are involuntary contractions of this muscle.

When the diaphragm contracts, the vocal cords close. This prevents any uninvited air from entering. This is what causes you to hic! This action happens for many reasons. The way of eating, stress, stomach irritation, etc. can all cause it. If you wonder why you keep getting hiccups after eating and what are the ways to stop it, read on.

What Causes Hiccups After Eating?

Various things can cause your diaphragm and vocal cords to spasm. If they usually occur only after eating or drinking, they are not a cause for concern. Some of the reasons why they happen are:

Eating Quickly or Too Much

Your stomach sits below the diaphragm. When you eat too quickly, or too much, you swallow more air than usual. This causes the stomach to bloat. If it distends too much, it may push against your diaphragm. The diaphragm reacts by contracting, so you start having hiccups.

Consuming Certain Types of Food and Drinks

Chili pepper contains capsaicin that can stimulate spasms of the diaphragm. Drinking alcohol has a similar effect. Beer especially fills your belly with gas, which causes it to distend. Air bubbles from carbonated drinks bloat the stomach too. Drinking a lot of sparkling water, soda and other soft drinks can often cause hiccups.

Sudden Temperature Changes in The Esophagus

If the temperature in your esophagus suddenly changes, it may irritate the nerves. The stimulation of the nerves in the esophagus may cause the contraction of the diaphragm.

Try to avoid very cold drinks and very hot food. Eat less spicy and acidic food, too. Drinking alcoholic beverages can also stimulate the esophagus nerves. So, you shouldn’t be worried if you have hiccups after a couple of drinks.

Dry food

Dry food is tough to chew and tough to swallow. It is common to swallow bigger chunks of bread, crackers, etc. They sometimes also stick to your throat. Then, you may have trouble swallowing it. The more air that you take in and the bigger pieces extend your stomach.

Emotional Stress or Excitement

When you’re stressed out, you sometimes feel the urge to inhale deeply. This and other emotional states make you swallow air. If you’re arguing or talking excitedly while eating, there’s a high possibility of you getting a lot of air in the stomach.

How to Make Hiccups Go Away?

Most hiccups will stop by themselves over time without any consequences. Once the belly starts deflating, the unpleasant hiccups should go away. Yet, there are methods that may stop them faster. Some of them are:

Holding Your Breath

Someone probably already told you this before. This is a tested method that many people use when they want their hiccups to go away. When you inhale deeply, you contract the diaphragm and stop the spasm. It may not work right away, but you should notice longer intervals between hiccups.

Control Your Breath

After you’ve finished eating, try to control your breath by inhaling and exhaling slowly. Try to breathe in as deeply as you can to make the diaphragm contract. When you exhale, get all the air out of your lungs, which relaxes your muscles.

Drink A Glass of Water

A glass of warm water may soothe the nerves that caused the contraction of the diaphragm in the first place.

Massage the Diaphragm

When you get hiccups after eating, you can try to massage your diaphragm. You may do this with circular hand movements over the edges of your ribs.

Hug Your Knees and Lean Forward

If you sit down and hold your knees as close to your chest as possible, you may stop the spasmodic diaphragm.

Trigger a Gag Reflex

If it isn’t too uncomfortable for you, you can use a finger to press the bottom of your tongue. This will cause a gag reflex and may stop the hiccups. It happens because gag reflex stimulates the nerves in the esophagus. These nerves, which are responsible for starting the hiccups, can also help to end it.

Bite on A Lemon

The taste of lemon may have a similar effect to inhaling deeply or triggering a gag reflex. This could soothe the nerves in the esophagus and stop the contractions of the diaphragm.

Can We Prevent Them?

Sometimes there is a way to prevent hiccups by being more careful and changing some eating habits. Unfortunately, there is no way to entirely get rid of them. They will catch you off-guard every now and then.

Some of the ways to prevent it are:

  • Avoiding acidic food
  • Avoiding alcohol
  • Stop drinking carbonated beverages
  • Eating slowly
  • Eating reasonable portions of food
  • Pay attention to not swallow air while chewing
  • Avoid drinking very cold liquids
  • Don’t talk while eating

This may not eliminate hiccups, but it should make them a rare occurrence. Most of the problems stem from eating habits. Paying attention to the way you eat should make you relax more easily afterward.

If you keep getting hiccups after eating that disappear quickly, there is no reason to worry. Other than being uncomfortable, they are harmless. If the hiccups occur often or wouldn’t stop, you may want to visit your doctor.

Just Enjoy Your Food

In conclusion, there is nothing revolutionary that you can do to prevent getting hiccups after a meal. The diaphragm involuntarily contracts from time to time and there are little things that you can do about it. Try to take your time and don’t talk too much when you eat. You can also avoid certain foods that may cause hiccups.

You may find that this will not only prevent hiccups. It will make you feel great as well!

 

References:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hiccups/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352618
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3325297/

Health

If You Keep Coughing Phlegm – What You Can Do About It?

Written By: Arch
Arch

Phlegm is a type of mucus in the lungs that becomes noticeable when you are ill. Our body produces mucus on a daily basis in many ways and forms. It is a protective layer that keeps microbes and other harmful particles away from your soft and sensitive tissues.

When you are suffering from a cold or some form of inflammation, phlegm appears. It Is a mix of clear mucus with harmful particles and pathogens like bacteria, viruses, contaminated cells, etc. Because of this, the body will try to create more healthy mucus and get rid of the phlegm. You will then notice the mucus in the respiratory system when you breathe, and most of the times you will have to cough it out.

Although phlegm itself contains harmful particles, it will not cause you long-term troubles, though it can sometimes clog the airways. It usually comes with other uncomfortable conditions such as runny nose, sore throat, sinusitis, etc. So, if you yourself keep coughing phlegm, what you can do is read this to find out how to make it stop.

Types of Mucus

Productive cough means that you dispose of stuff like mucus and phlegm when you cough. You may notice that your phlegm has different colors when you cough it out. There are three usual types of mucus:

  • Clear mucus means that you are probably allergic or have some light infection in your respiratory system.
  • Yellow or green mucus means you have a respiratory infection. The yellowish-green color means that the phlegm contains white blood cells that are battling the infection.
  • Brown or dark red mucus means that there is blood in the liquid. This is also common with infections which can irritate the nose.

Symptoms and Causes

There is a wide range of possibilities for having an extensive amount of mucus in your respiratory system, such as:

  • Infections, cold, flu, common illness
  • Allergies
  • Irritation of respiratory system (nose, throat, lungs)
  • Certain digestive problems
  • Smoking
  • Lung diseases

The most usual symptoms that go with phlegm are:

  • Runny nose
  • Congested nose
  • Sore throat
  • Sinus area headache
  • Productive cough

Best Ways to Treat Phlegm

The phlegm should go away over time once your immune system fights off the cold (or other respiratory infections). But there are various home remedies that may ease the symptom of phlegm.

Drinking Warm Fluids

You may benefit from drinking a warm liquid. It can provide relief from congestion because the mucus gets thinner from the liquid. It makes the phlegm easier to come out and eases your cough and sore throat. You should drink herbal teas, broths or warm water to ease the symptoms.

Steam and Humidifiers

Like warm water, the moist air thins the mucus and helps with coughing, congestion and sore throat. Humidifiers can help people who have trouble sleeping at night because of these symptoms.

You can inhale steam by filling a pot or bowl with hot water. Lean over it and place a towel over your head and the pot to keep the steam in. Inhale slowly and you should feel the symptoms getting better. Also, taking long and warm showers may have similar effects.

Putting A Warm Wet Washcloth on Your Face

If your sinus hurts, this method may help. This symptom may follow coughing phlegm. Place a wet cloth over your face and gently inhale for a couple of minutes. This may soothe your headache and cough.

Don’t Refrain from Coughing

The phlegm from the cough may be unpleasant but try to avoid medicaments that ease the cough. If you have phlegm, it is good to cough it out so you can keep it out of your respiratory system.

Don’t Swallow the Phlegm

If possible, try to spit out the phlegm after coughing it out. Many people swallow it back but that only partially reduces the mucus and a part of it returns to your throat or lungs. Although it is not unusual to swallow phlegm, it is more effective to remove it entirely.

Gargle Salt Water

Mix a teaspoon of salt with warm water and gargle the mixture. This can soothe an irritated throat and remove some of the phlegm from the throat. You can repeat this method a couple of times every day.

Avoid Smoking and Smoking Rooms

This might be obvious, but if you have trouble with your respiratory tract you can only make it worse by smoking. Sometimes it can be hard for a heavy smoker to avoid cigarettes, but minimizing them should be your priority. The smoke can cause the body to generate more mucus and phlegm.

Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine

Caffeine leads to dehydration, and alcohol causes both dehydration and irritation. This thickens phlegm and makes it more difficult to expel. You should substitute with non-caffeinated teas.

Look for OTC Medication

Get some over-the-counter meds from your local drugstore. There are many effective products that should soothe the inflammations and ease the symptoms. Consult your pharmacist about the symptoms and the right medicine.

Consume Honey

Honey is a natural antibacterial remedy. If you consume two to three tablespoons of honey every day you may ease the symptoms of the flu or common cold. This may stop the extensive production of mucus and thus reduce the phlegm.

Eat Healthy Food

Foods that contain antioxidants and vitamin C can improve your health while dealing with phlegm. Food like garlic, lemon and ginger should give some relief.

Is Phlegm a Sign of Worry?

Usually, coughing up phlegm is not something you should worry about. Whenever you are suffering from the common cold or flu, it may appear. It is a sign of your immune system battling harmful particles by producing more mucus than usual.

Sometimes, phlegm that doesn’t disappear over time may be a sign for concern. If none of the home remedies or medications improve the condition, it is usually a sign that the illness is more serious.

So, if you keep coughing phlegm, what you can do is help your immune system. Tip the battle toward your immune system with home remedies and OTC medication.

Over time, symptoms like cough and extensive mucus should go away. It may be an uncomfortable condition, but with a little patience and treatment, it should quickly disappear!

 

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19145994
https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptom-checker/cough-adult/related-factors/itt-20009075
https://www.sciencenewsforstudents.org/article/coughing-phlegm-water-key

Health

How to Lance a Boil and Should You Do It Yourself?

Written By: Arch
Arch

Boils are hard lumps that form under the surface of the skin. Although they typically occur on parts of the body covered by clothes, they can still be very inconvenient and unappealing. That’s not to mention the pain that they usually cause.

If you develop one, you may decide to seek advice on how to lance a boil at home without having to go to your doctor. However, popping or lancing a boil on your own could make your problems even worse, which is why it might not be such a good idea.

In this article, we will explain what boils are, how they develop, and how they are usually treated. We will also discuss the dangers of lancing a boil on your own and look into some effective home remedies you can try instead.

The Lowdown on Boils

A boil – sometimes referred to as a furuncle or abscess – is a painful skin infection that occurs as a result of an inflammation of a sweat gland or hair follicle. This inflammation is most often caused by Staphylococcus aureus, a common bacterium which is also responsible for many ailments ranging from skin infections and food poisoning to potentially life-threatening conditions like pneumonia and sepsis. The bacterium enters the body through tiny cuts on the skin and eventually reaches the hair follicle.

First appearing as a hard lump underneath the skin, a boil usually becomes softer as it fills up with pus, developing a balloon-like shape in the process. The pus will eventually build up and form a white or yellow center visible on the surface of the boil. This development process usually occurs over a week.

Boils typically appear on the areas of the skin that are prone to sweat and oil buildups, including the armpits, buttocks, groin, and the area under the breasts. A boil can also form on the face, most often on the eyelid, in which case it is referred to as a sty. Boils can appear on their own or as part of a cluster of boils known as a carbuncle. The latter is often a sign of a more serious infection that requires treatment.

While anyone can develop a boil, this infection is more common in people who suffer from chronic conditions like diabetes or have problems with the immune systems. Unhealthy diet and poor hygiene are also seen as risk factors. In addition, you may be more susceptible to skin infections if you regularly use beauty products containing harsh chemicals which could irritate your skin.

How Are Boils Treated?

In most cases, a boil will drain and go away on its own within a few weeks, without requiring medical attention. However, in case of complications or a serious infection, you may need to visit your doctor. In addition to carbuncles forming on your skin, other signs of serious infection may include:

  • Redness, swelling, and pain around the boil
  • Swelling of the lymph nodes
  • Fever that isn’t accompanied by other symptoms of the flu or common cold

If you have a serious infection or if your boil doesn’t go away after a while, your doctor will first run tests to determine the cause of the problem. After that, they will most likely prescribe an oral or topical antibiotic to reduce the infection. Depending on the results, they may also drain the boil using surgical equipment to make a small incision in the tip sterile gauze to soak up all the leftover pus.

This procedure is called lancing. It involves the use of a small, sharp instrument to open a boil.

Should You Lance a Boil at Home?

As already said, most boils don’t require treatment. Despite that, likely because the procedure appears very simple, many people decide to lance a boil on their own using a numbing agent, a sterile blade, cleaning supplies, and gauze. If you look up “how to lance a boil” online, you’ll find many guides that detail the steps of the process. However, few of them warn readers about the dangers involved.

First of all, a boil may appear much smaller on the surface than it actually is, but you won’t know that until you’ve already cut into it. Instead of just making a tiny incision in the tip of the boil, you may accidentally cut much deeper to get rid of pus, which could lead to bleeding and other complications.

Boils also house bacteria which can easily spread to other parts of the body and make your infection much worse. This can be particularly dangerous if you’re lancing a boil on your face, seeing as the infection could very easily spread to the brain and become life-threatening.

The 3 Best Home Remedies for Boils

By choosing to lance a boil on your own, you risk turning a small problem into a much more serious and potentially fatal infection. As such, you should never attempt to pop or lance a boil at home.

If you want to get rid of the boil for aesthetic reasons or because it’s showing signs of a more serious infection, you should always seek your doctor’s help. Otherwise, it is best to wait for the boil to go away. The following three home remedies may also help speed up the recovery process:

  • Warm Compresses – Heat promotes optimal blood circulation, which is known to help the body fight infections more effectively. Take a warm compress and apply it to the area of the skin affected by a boil for about 20 minutes. Repeat this 3-4 times a day until the boil disappears.
  • Epsom Salt – Epsom salt is a versatile home remedy that can also help treat boils by drying out the pus. Simply dissolve some Epsom salt in water and soak a soft cloth in it before applying it to the affected area of the skin. Keep it there for 20 minutes and repeat multiple times a day.
  • Tea Tree Oil – Known for its strong antiseptic and antibacterial effect, tea tree oil is the go-to home remedy for boils. Because it’s very strong, you should dilute five drops of the oil in a teaspoon of carrier oil (olive and coconut oil are good choices). Use a Q-tip to apply it to the affected area of the skin two or three times a day and keep doing so until the boil is gone.

Getting Rid of a Boil Safely

If you want to get rid of a boil safely, you should never lance it on your own. Instead, either have it looked at and drained by your doctor or wait until it disappears and use one of the home remedies described here to speed up the process. Make sure to keep the affected area of the skin clean and wash your hands before and after you touch the boil in order to prevent the infection from spreading.

As it grows, your boil will eventually open and start draining. When that happens, use antibacterial soap and wash it very gently to remove the pus before cleaning the area with rubbing alcohol. Carefully apply a topical antibiotic to the area and cover it with a bandage. Repeat the process up to three times a day and use warm compresses for a few days to ensure that the wound heals properly.

 

References:

https://www.foodstandards.gov.au/publications/Documents/Staphylococcus%20aureus.pdf
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/971358-overview
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3813871
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/epsom_salt_as_a_home_remedy
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1360273/

Health

Find Out What Happens if You Eat Moldy Bread

Written By: Arch
Arch

If you’ve ever munched on a piece of moldy bread, you know that the taste is weird, to say the least. Some people might even panic, thinking here comes food poisoning. But is eating bread mold that dangerous?

Luckily, it isn’t.

Assuming your immune system is working properly, you should be able to digest the fuzzy stuff without any consequences. At worst, you might feel like vomiting or a bit nauseated due to the unpleasant taste.

Is this mold really penicillin, the well-known antibiotic, as some people think?

Let’s take a closer look a what happens if you eat moldy bread and how it occurs in the first place.

How does Mold Grow on Bread?

Spores of fungi are always around in the air. They are harmless to people and animals of normal immune system. Under normal circumstances, the fungi would develop on bread surface if you leave a loaf out in the open.

The mold spores grow and create hyphae, which germinate on the surface by absorbing nutrients and moisture from the bread. From there on, hyphae sprout into fungi with rhizoids, which go deep inside the bread and act like a lifeline. The fungi then develop sporangium and release microscopic spores into the air.

Bread fungi may belong to various species like Aspergillus, Penicillium, Monascus, Fusarium, and Rhizopus. The color and shape are different for each of the species.

The most common bread molds are Rhizopus stolonifer or black mold (blue or green patches) and Penicillium bread mold (white, gray, or light blue). These fungi can also appear on the skin of rotting fruits.

Why does Bread Mold Appear?

There are several factors that contribute to the growth of bread mold. Temperature is one of the primary reasons. In general, bread fungi thrive above 70°F. The growth would be slower to non-existent as you go down in temperature. Preservatives used in the bed would also play a factor.

As a living organism, bread mold needs oxygen. It also absorbs moisture inside the bag to germinate faster. Unlike plants, mold doesn’t need any light.

What Happens if You Eat Moldy Bread?

By now, you already know that your health is not in jeopardy from eating a piece of moldy bread. However, you should avoid mold because it might cause some harm.

There are certain types of mold which are perfectly safe to consume. For example, penicillin comes from Penicillium mold. This mild antibiotic usually won’t cause acid reflux even if consumed in higher doses.

However, you can never be certain of the species of mold that grow on your bread. To be on the safe side, it’s better not to eat moldy bread under normal circumstances. (You might have to reevaluate in an end-of-world or famine scenario, of course.)

Sometimes you can’t see the mold or fungi at all. But if the bread smells moldy and it’s pretty, then by golly assume it’s moldy!

Albeit quite rare, there have been instances of severe allergic reactions from inhaling or ingesting mold, including anaphylaxis. Diabetics should also avoid moldy bread because they might be more susceptible to Rhizopus stolonifer infections.

On the bright side, severe allergic reactions and infections from bread mold are not common.

Can You Save Moldy Bread?

To avoid being wasteful, some people might think cutting or scraping off the mold could save the bread. In reality, this doesn’t actually remove all the fungi.

What’s on the surface might be gone after scraping, but there’s an entire microscopic system underneath. Plus, it spreads quickly through the bread so there is no way for you to get it all out.

There are certain types of mold that produce mycotoxins – invisible poisons that can be very harmful to your health. Mycotoxins can cause digestive problems and intestinal dysfunction by affecting the good microbes that live in your gut.

What’s more, some Aspergillus fungi species may produce aflatoxin. This particularly dangerous type of mycotoxin may lead to increased risk of cancer after prolonged exposure.

When all is said and done, it’s best to heed the Department of Agriculture’s recommendation and chuck the moldy loaf.

The shelf Life of Bread

A loaf that doesn’t contain any preservatives can be good for up to 4 days at room temperature. However, there are ingredients that can avert mold growth and prolong shelf life.

Mold-Deterring Preservatives

Mass-produced sandwich bread usually contains sorbic acid and calcium propionate as preservatives. If you prefer natural preservatives, sourdough bread contains lactic acid bacteria which naturally keep mold away.

Other natural preservatives may include spices and vinegar. Of course, these additives would change the aroma and taste of the bread.

How to Properly Store Bread

You might know how already, but here they are:

  • Since moisture promotes mold, you need to keep the bread as dry as possible. If there’s any moisture inside the bag, make sure to wipe it off or use a different container.
  • Allow freshly baked bread to cool before you store it. This prevents condensation moisture.
  • Refrigeration dries the bread and stops the growth of mold. You can also freeze the bread if you so wish.

Extra Tips

In general, baking kills the spores, but slices of bread can still get contaminated after you take them out from the oven. Also, there are no guarantees that you’ll get rid of the mold if you toast the bread.

Compared to common bread, gluten-free options are more prone to mold. They contain less preservatives and more moisture.

Crispy on the Outside and Soft on the Inside

To sum up, bread mold is generally harmless.

And remember, there is no way to save the bread even if it justs smells moldy. But you can add a few extra days to its shelf life with proper storage and handling.

 

References:

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mycotoxins
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28904924
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/shared/PDF/Molds_on_Food.pdf?redirecthttp=true
https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/allergies/anaphylaxis
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26980564
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11563743
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/food-safety-education/get-answers/food-safety-fact-sheets/safe-food-handling/molds-on-food-are-they-dangerous_/

Tempeh vs Tofu

Written By: Arch
Arch

Both tempeh and tofu, or “fake meats” as some would call them, are very popular foods, especially among vegans and vegetarians.

Most people associate them to plant-based protein sources. However, not too many are aware of the difference between them.

People are also divided about the quality of these two meatless options. There are constant debates on whether tempeh and tofu are good for your health and whether they should be eaten at all.

That’s where this article comes in. We will go over everything you need to know about tempeh vs tofu and the two of them as a whole.

Let’s start with one of them and proceed to the other, shall we?

Everything You Need to Know about Tempeh

The first meat alternative, tempeh, is made from cooked and fermented soybeans at temperatures of 80 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The soybeans are then pressed into the recognizable shape as we have come to know tempeh. They are dry, firm, and brown.

At this point, it might be quite obvious why vegans and vegetarians use tempeh to mimic meat products such as bacon and sausage.

Although soy is its main ingredient, tempeh may also contain flax seeds, brown rice, and millet.

Tempeh is quite rich in nutrients. Here are what one serving (approx. 100g) of cooked tempeh contains:

  • Calories – 195
  • Protein – 20g
  • Fat – 11g
  • Fiber – 0g
  • Sodium – 14mg
  • Carbohydrates – 8g

You can understand its viability as a meat alternative from the high protein and fat content. An interesting fact is that tempeh is also rich in isoflavones, compounds which, according to some studies, have cancer preventative properties. Aside from that, tempeh also contains around 10% of your daily iron and calcium needs.

Since tempeh is fermented, it can balance the healthy bacteria located in your gut, therefore leading to a strengthened immune system. It can also improve the quality of your skin.

Tempeh that is made by traditional methods and without any additives is much less processed.

Although it is believed that tempeh was first made on the Indonesian island of Java, there isn’t any concrete information on its origins.

Tempeh can be mixed with plenty of other foods to whip a variety of dishes. For example, it can be added to stir-fries, roasted meat, sliced salads, etc.

Although traditionally cooked tempeh can improve your health, the commercial varieties of tempeh (which are highly processed) can do quite the opposite. That’s why you need to check the ingredients and be careful where you are buying your food.

What you also need to keep in mind is the fact that a high percentage of soy products sold the United States are genetically modified (GMO), often for the purpose of making the plants resistant to glyphosate, the most popular weed killer in use.

Numerous academic papers and essays have been written about GMO soy. The public is aware of all the horror stories of GMO soy, even though there isn’t a consensus among the experts. In any event, it is out of the scope of this article. If you want to be absolutely sure, just look for the non-GMO label when you shop for tempeh or tofu.

Everything You Need to Know about Tofu

Tofu is another soy-based meat alternative. To be exact, tofu is made out of condensed soy milk that is later pressed into blocks.

There is quite a lot of information about tofu when it comes to its origins. This food originated in China. The story has it that tofu was discovered accidentally about 2000 years ago from an accidental mixture of nigari (what remains after you extract salt from seawater) and fresh soy milk.

As for the nutrients, tofu is high in protein and also contains all 9 amino acids that are essential to the human body.

Here is the nutritional info for one serving of tofu (~100g):

  • Calories – 70
  • Protein – 8g
  • Fat – 4g
  • Fiber – 1g
  • Carbohydrates – 2g
  • Zinc – 6% RDI
  • Iron – 9% RDI

Tofu is quite a nutrient-dense food since it’s only 70 calories per serving. Of course, that’s due to the very high water content of tofu.

Just like tempeh, tofu also contains isoflavones. To be exact, tofu contains around 20.2mg of isoflavones per 100 grams.

Research shows that tofu may reduce the risk of heart diseases. As such, a diet that’s high in legumes (beans and peas including soybeans) might help those with heart disease.

Another research implies that women who eat soy products on a regular basis have as much as 50% lower risk of breast cancer. It was also shown that soy products might be beneficial for other types of cancer (prostate, digestive system cancer).

On top of that, tofu has other potential health benefits such as:

  • Improving brain function
  • Weight loss
  • Strengthening bones
  • Reducing the risk of diabetes

Although it has many health benefits, tofu can cause problems in some people. Doctors usually advise people that suffer from thyroid issues to avoid eating tofu as it contains goitrogen.

Which One is Better?

So it all comes down to tempeh vs tofu. Which is the better option?

In terms of nutrition, both are quite similar. It all comes down to the water content. Tofu may contain up to 90% water while tempeh contains less than 10%. You will have to eat a lot more tofu to feel as full as tempeh.

In addition, these two foods don’t taste the same. Tofu is near flavorless which means that it can be mixed with pretty much any recipe, but tempeh has a heartier taste.

Tempeh has perhaps even more culinary uses. If you’re going to make a vegetarian dish that looks like meat, tempeh is your only choice as tofu doesn’t look like any meat at all.

The main difference is found in the production. They are both from soy but tempeh is made from cooking and fermenting, while tofu is made from condensed, unfermented soy milk.

So, what’s the verdict

At the end of the day, it all comes down to you. Both of these foods are very similar in more ways than one, including their health benefits. However, their benefits depend on the way that they are made, which means that they can even damage your health if they are processed.

 

References:

https://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show/303780?manu=&fgcd=&ds=&q=Tempeh,%20cooked
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23160185
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15534433
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19860847

Featured

Having the Talk – How to Tell Someone You Have Herpes?

Written By: Arch
Arch

Herpes is one of the most common STDs. In most cases it is not dangerous, only annoying. However, the social stigma surrounding it is due to the fact that there’s no cure for it. Because of that, many people erroneously put herpes in the same class as HIV/AIDS and other deadly STDs.

Due to the stigma, those who contract the disease might start thinking that their love life is over. Many also feel unnecessary shame and guilt because of it and have a hard time informing their partners.

But, there’s no need to feel shame or guilt. Here’s how to tell someone you have herpes.

Preparation

If you’re planning on telling someone you have herpes, it is important to take some steps to prepare before the actual talk. Because the subject is delicate, you want to be ready and calm when it happens. Here’s how to prepare for the talk.

Decide Whether They Need to Know

The first thing you need to do is decide whether that person really needs to know. Your colleagues, friends, and even family members don’t need to know that you have herpes if you don’t want them to. You won’t be having sex with them and they won’t be able to contract the virus from you.

You might want to tell a close friend or a family member if you feel bad about having herpes. Keep in mind that you don’t have to explain how and when you got it if you don’t feel comfortable doing so.

On the other hand, your potential sexual partner should know that you have herpes. This is mainly because herpes can be spread through sexual contact even if there are no visual lesions and sores on your skin. The herpes virus can shed even without symptoms. They should know, but you owe them no apologies or explanations about when and how you got it.

Practice in Front of the Mirror

Herpes gets the most of its bad reputation from the fact that it can’t be cured. However, herpes doesn’t cause any serious complications unless your immune system is shot. The sores are unpleasant to have, sure, but they are easily manageable. Besides, there are numerous suppressants that you can take to keep the outbreaks and shedding to a minimum.

After you make the decision to tell someone, it is a good idea to practice the conversation in front of a mirror. That way, you’ll be able to see and hear yourself. Repeat the talk several times until you feel you’re comfortable enough with the subject.

Try to Relax

Informing someone of your sexually transmitted disease can be quite stressful. Therefore, you should try to relax and not think too much about it before the actual talk. Yes, the herpes virus, once contracted is there to stay but it isn’t the end of your love life. Many people have successful relationships, fulfilling sex, normal marriages, and kids despite living with herpes.

The official statistics have it that between 11 and 20% of adults have genital herpes and around 67% have oral herpes. That means that one in eight or one in five people passing you by on the street have genital herpes, whether they know it or not. If the going gets tough, know that you’re not alone and that herpes is easy to manage.

The Talk

Once you’ve decided to tell someone that you have herpes, especially if that person is your potential partner, it is important to pick the right situation and start the talk in an appropriate manner.

Remember that having herpes doesn’t make you damaged goods. There’s no need to feel guilty or ashamed, as herpes can happen to any sexually active person. Here’s how to tell someone you have herpes.

Pick an Appropriate Setting

First, you should pick the right place and the right time for the conversation. If you’re planning to tell a friend or relative, the timing is not that big of an issue because there’s no prospect of you having sex with them. Pick a relaxed situation where you’re alone with them and start the conversation in a natural, relaxed way.

On the other hand, if you’re coming out to your partner, it is very important to do it before you had sex with them. That said, telling them that you have herpes during foreplay or when the clothes have already come off might be a bad idea. Instead, pick a situation where you’re one on one and both relaxed.

Be Honest but Don’t Apologize

When you meet your partner, it is important to get the conversation started in a natural and relaxed way. Don’t start the chat with apologies, as there’s no need for them.

You might want to open the subject with something along these lines: I want to tell you something before we go any further. I have herpes. It’s not a big deal, but I thought that you should know. I would still like to have a relationship with you.

If you’re uncomfortable or ashamed, you should make that statement brief to avoid the urge to start apologizing. Instead, give your partner a moment or two to respond. While some might react badly, chances are that your confession will be met with understanding and perhaps a desire to know more about the infection.

Explain How It Can Be Spread

With the confession out of the way, you should offer your partner thorough info on herpes in general and on the status of your infection. You should tell them that between 11 and 20% of adults have genital herpes, while around 67% have the oral type.

Also, explain to them that the virus is spread through direct contact with the infected skin and that the transmission is most likely to happen when the sores are visible. Be sure to mention that the virus sometimes sheds even without the sores.

Tell them about herpes management methods. Explain how dental dams might improve the protection level of condoms. Also, tell them about how outbreaks and non-symptomatic shedding are suppressed.

Inform them about the state of your infection. Tell them how often you get the sores, if you get them at all. Also, let them know how you manage your infection and whether you’re seeing a doctor about it.

Yes or No

After the talk, you should offer your partner some time to think about the conversation and decide whether they want to continue with the relationship. If they’re really into you, herpes won’t be a deal-breaker.

Have patience, as it might take a day or two to get a response. It is important to not rush them or insist on an immediate answer.

Finally, be prepared for the possibility of a break-up in case herpes proves to be too big of an issue for them.

 

References:

https://www.cdc.gov/std/herpes/stdfact-herpes.htm
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4248-herpes-simplex-virus-hsv
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/genital-herpes/symptoms-causes/syc-20356161
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/genital-herpes/