Milk and Alzheimer's Disease

Saturday 3 Sep 2011 by Hippocrates | No Comments
Filed under: Alzheimer's, Eating Tags:

A 2002 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine (Volume 346:476-483, Number 7) contained a study proving that the risk of Alzheimer's Disease doubles for those people with the highest levels of homocysteine in their bloodstreams.

Because of this article, some researchers hypothesized that a diet based on dairy products could be one of the leading causes of the disease. As a matter of fact, milk contains twice as much methionine (a protein that once ingested converts to homocysteine) as does soy milk, and cheese about 20 times as much (by the way, so does chicken). But of course, these were just hypotheses.

More recently, in 2009, Dr Anna Vogiatzoglou and colleagues from the University of Oxford and universities in Norway carried out a related research, which was published in the peer-reviewed American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

This study looks at the relationship between intake of various dietary sources of vitamin B12, and levels of the vitamin in the blood. Vitamin B12 is found in foods such as dairy products, meat, fish and eggs. The participants in this study were taken from a large population-based study in Norway called the Hordaland Homocysteine Study II.

Levels of vitamin B12 in the blood showed a link with total levels of vitamin B12 intake in the diet. When looking at specific dietary sources, levels of B12 in the blood showed the greatest link (correlation) with levels of dairy product intake, particularly milk, followed by intake of fish. This meant that individuals with a higher milk and fish intake showed higher levels of vitamin B12 in their blood.

The researchers concluded that milk and fish in the diet are significant contributors to levels of vitamin B12 in the blood. Why is this important? Another study, published in 2008, found a link between low vitamin B12 levels in elderly people and brain shrinkage.

As stated by Professor David Smith, from the Oxford Project to Investigate Memory and Ageing, this study shows that consuming around half a litre of milk or more per day could take someone who has marginal levels of B12 into the safe range. Therefore, as reported in The Daily Telegraph, two glasses of milk a day could help protect against Alzheimer's Disease.


About HIV and Home HIV testing kits

Friday 20 May 2011 by Hippocrates | No Comments
Filed under: HIV Tags: ,

The problem of HIV testing is the AIDS-related stigma attached to the process, which often prevents many people from being tested. However, if we decide to avoid tests, we allow the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) to pose a major threat to our life. In such circumstances, if something as convenient as a home HIV testing kit was available as an option, would you not like to try it?

The importance of a HIV test kit can be encapsulated in a pretty straightforward fact. If this is not used in time and the HIV status is not known, the virus could lead to AIDS. On the other hand, if the infection is diagnosed in the early stages, medical treatment could effectively prevent any serious ailments. Thus it is a matter of being aware and this is where the HIV home testing kits now come in handy. There is no need to visit a doctor for the test, and the procedure can be carried out in the comfort of your home.

All you need is a drop of blood taken from a clean finger, which is enough for the home HIV test, and the results are available in ten minutes. An HIV test kit is very safe to use. Moreover, the home HIV testing kit is quite accurate. However, while reading the results, keep one important fact in mind. The HIV test checks the blood sample for possible HIV antigens. These HIV antigens can be detected only after 3 months of infection. Thus for accurate results, at least 13 weeks would be needed from the time of possible contact with the HIV infection before the test should be used. There is also a minor possibility that it could take more than the stated time span of 3 months to detect the HIV antigens.

The home HIV testing kit is particularly useful for those who have had unprotected sex, or have had a tattoo or body piercing with dirty needles, or have shared hypodermic needles. In any of those situations there is a chance that HIV could be transmitted, and thus using the HIV testing kit is a wise call.

The listed causes of HIV infection shed enough light on possible prevention routes. In order to stay away from the menace of  HIV, always make sure, when you undergo a medical treatment, that fresh needles are used. Likewise if you take drugs, don’t ever share your gear. HIV infection travels through body fluids like blood, semen, breast milk, etc. But a hug or a kiss or a massage, cannot lead to HIV transmission.

If the home HIV testing kit suggests that you have been infected, don’t consider it as a death sentence. HIV infection could, but not necessarily lead to AIDS. So even if there are HIV antigens in your blood, AIDS is not confirmed. In fact, many people who are HIV infected are leading very normal lives. So, without panicking, get an appointment with your GP who will refer you to a specialist. The right treatment, at the right time, can prevent any fatal conclusions.


Morning is the Worst Time to Have a Heart Attack

Sunday 8 May 2011 by Hippocrates | No Comments
Filed under: Cardiovascular System Tags:

According to a recent a study of over 800 patients in Spain, heart attacks that occur in the early morning may be more serious than those that occur later in the day.

Experts say the body's natural sleep-awake cycle could explain the differences seen, but advise more research to confirm the findings.

It is well established that a person's 24-hour body clock can influence heart attack risk. For example, doctors know that people are more likely to have a heart attack around the time when they are waking up from sleep than at other times, but what is less known is the extent of damage that this leads to.

To investigate, Dr Borja Ibanez and colleagues analysed data on 800 patients at their hospital who had suffered a type of heart attack known as an ST elevation myocardial infarction, which occurs when there is a prolonged period of blocked blood supply to the heart muscle.

The researchers split the patients into four groups based on what time segment of the 24-hour clock the heart attack occurred, and they found that one group in particular, namely the 6 AM to midday heart attack group, had the most severe heart attacks. Judging by the blood enzyme levels, the researchers estimate that the area of the heart damaged in the morning group was, on average, 20% larger in comparison.

Coincidentally, previous research has also shown heart attacks are more likely to occur in the morning. The findings suggest "those individuals are also suffering from the worst amount of injury," said Martin Young, of the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, who was not involved in the study. Stress is probably one of the main causes: the movies typically show heart attacks taking place over dinner or in the heat of an argument, but many people are most tense before going to work every day, either because of their job or because of their morning routines.


Hypertensive Heart Disease and Breathing

Monday 2 May 2011 by Hippocrates | No Comments
Filed under: Cardiovascular System Tags: , ,

Caused by high blood pressure, Hypertensive Heart Disease can lead to a thickening of the muscles in the heart, which in turn decreases the body's ability to circulate blood. For people with high blood pressure, eating healthy foods that are low in sodium and getting plenty of moderate exercise are the best ways to reduce it naturally. Medication is sometimes necessary, too, as prescribed by a doctor. But there's something else you can do that will decrease your hypertension and help your overall health. It's something you do constantly, but that you're probably not doing properly. What is it? Breathing.

Research has shown that breathing deeply and slowly every day for a few minutes can lower your blood pressure by several points. For people with hypertension, medication and lifestyle changes are still necessary; the deep breathing should be in addition to that, not instead of it. For people with normal blood pressure, deep breathing can help keep it normal.

Why does it work? Deep, slow breathing does make the blood vessels relax momentarily, but that doesn't account for the long-lasting drop in blood pressure. When you're stressed and taking short, shallow breaths, that decreases the kidneys' ability to get rid of sodium, which results in higher blood pressure. So one theory is that deep, slow breathing helps the kidneys do their job better, bringing hypertension down.

Regardless of why it works, it does work in most people. The general idea is to breathe deeply and slowly for about 15 minutes a day, decreasing your breathing from the normal 16-19 breaths a minute to less than 10. Just sit in a relaxed position with your eyes closed, take a slow, deep breath, then exhale just as slowly. Repeat this for 15 minutes.

Of course, deep breathing is no substitute for diet, exercise, and medication, but it's a nice supplement to those things. The best part: assuming you're breathing clean air, deep breathing has no possible side effects!


Again on the Microfiltration of Milk

Monday 25 Apr 2011 by Hippocrates | No Comments
Filed under: Eating Tags: ,

Generally speaking, microfiltration is a method of preserving food by which germs and bacteria are removed, so that the food can be stored for a longer period.

In the case of milk, the treatment requires prior separation of milk and cream, as whole milk cannot be directly microfiltered. Microfiltration uses a porous membrane, whose micro-pores (which have a diameter of about 0.5 microns) trap bacteria. The cream is processed separately (it can be pasteurized or sterilized) and then reincorporated in micro-filtered milk.

Microfiltration drastically reduces (by a factor of at least 100,000) the number of micro-organisms. In some variants of the process, the result is more similar to that of sterilization than that of pasteurization. However, compared to conventional thermal treatments (pasteurization, ultra-pasteurization), the taste is closer to that of raw milk, and proteins are not denatured.

So far, so good. But how about the other side of the coin? Well, microfiltered milk has not been inflicted with the thermal shock of pasteurization, and might have a better taste than pasteurized milk, but it's still dead food: it completely lacks the beneficial bacteria of raw milk, and is therefore way harder to digest.

Even worse, microfiltered milk can, just like pasteurized milk, undergo the process of homogenization, which is very, very bad for your health. In fact, homogenized milk can cause allergies and even lead to cardiovascular diseases.

Still, if you really cannot get your hands on raw milk, you might want to give microfiltered milk a try. Just make sure that it has not been homogenized!


Does Exercise Affect Diabetes?

Friday 22 Apr 2011 by Hippocrates | No Comments
Filed under: Diabetes Tags:

Studies have shown that exercising regularly can decrease your chances of even getting diabetes. And even if pre-diabetic, you can slash that risk sharply by combining aerobic exercise with resistance training. In fact, lifestyle modification through diet and exercise is the single best way that type 2 diabetes can be controlled, and includes none of the side effects that come with having to take prescriptions.

The first and most immediately observable effect of exercise on type 2 diabetes is that it lowers your blood sugar levels. Whenever you exercise (and even walking counts), your body first looks for energy to any glucose stored in your muscles.  Once that's exhausted, it will tap the glucose circulating in your blood. This is most readily observed with exercises that burn calories quickly, as in cardiovascular exercises like running, biking, or swimming.

That is not to say that there is no place in a diabetic workout program for strength training. On the contrary, there are two reasons why diabetics should work to build additional muscle mass as part of their new lifestyle. The first is that the enhanced muscle tissue does not have nearly the same degree of insulin resistance that previous tissue once had, so it is more readily able to use up the glucose in the blood. The second, and more directly useful reason, is that muscle tissue, even when it is at rest, burns more calories and consumes more glucose than fat tissue.

Exercise can also help diabetics use insulin more effectively. The effects on insulin levels depends on the intensity of your workout, but it can last from a few hours to a few days. Even so, those who use insulin should take some precautionary measures while exercising, because of the risk of hypoglycemia due to the depletion of glucose stores. This can potentially result in dizziness or even fainting. Check your blood glucose levels often to monitor any fluctuation in the numbers, at least until you get an how idea how your body is going to react. Always have fast-acting carbs like hard candy, raisins, or orange juice handy to offset any sudden insulin drop.


Are Airport Body Scanners a Health Risk?

Friday 15 Apr 2011 by Hippocrates | No Comments
Filed under: Radiation Tags: , ,

A study conducted at the University of California has recently found that a traveler would have to go through a body scanner 50 times to receive the same amount of radiation as from a dental X ray. The researchers also said a lung X ray was equivalent to 1,000 trips through an airport scanner, while a mammogram delivers as much radiation as passing through such a scanner 4,000 times.

"The radiation doses emitted by the scans are extremely small; the scans deliver an amount of radiation equivalent to 3 to 9 minutes of the radiation received through normal daily living," the authors wrote. And "since flying itself increases exposure to ionizing radiation, the scan will contribute less than one percent of the dose a flier will receive from exposure to cosmic rays at elevated altitudes," they added.

The study focused on X-ray machines dubbed "backscatter" which use low-dose X rays, similar to those used in medical imaging. So far there are some 500 full-body scanners in place in 78 U.S. airports, and about 1,000 more will be deployed across the United States by year's end. "The estimation of cancer risks associated with these scans is difficult, but using the only available models, the risk would be extremely small, even among frequent fliers. We conclude that there is no significant threat of radiation from the scans," they wrote.

Some experts have objected that this study has not looked at the real issue, which is not the quantity of radiation, but the type. Scientists at Los Alamos National Laboratories, for instance, found that high-frequency (terahertz, or THz) radiation causes DNA to bubble. They say that although the forces generated are tiny, resonant effects allow THz waves to unzip double-stranded DNA, creating bubbles in the double strand that could significantly interfere with processes such as gene expression and DNA replication.

Moreover, advanced imaging technology X-ray scanners currently in use at airports around the United States sparked an uproar among travelers because they produce a graphic image of a person's naked body, genitalia and all. They say the images are not stored in any way and could never be accessed, but thousands were actually released on the Internet. So, these scans may or may not pose a health risk, but they most certainly do pose a risk to our constitutional freedom.


The Dos and Don'ts of Heart-Healthy Dieting

Friday 8 Apr 2011 by Hippocrates | No Comments
Filed under: Eating Tags:

A healthy diet really can work wonders for your heart, so you should always keep an eye on what you eat. Of course, cardiovascular exercises and stress alleviation activities also do help, but unless these activities are coupled with the right kind of diet, they will not be effective in preventing heart diseases. If you are not sure what foods are safe for your heart, then read on and discover the do's and don'ts of heart-healthy dieting.

Avoid the evil trans fats

It is essential to limit the "bad" cholesterol levels in your body in order to eliminate the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attack or other coronary diseases. It is best to limit your intake of trans fats (hydrogenated fats) such as those found in fast food. Many snacks — even those labeled "reduced fat" — may be made with oils containing trans fats. One clue that a food has some trans fat in it is the phrase "partially hydrogenated" in the ingredient list. Doctors recommend restricting trans fats to less than 1% of your daily calorie intake. You can use healthier alternatives such as olive oil in moderate quantities for your cooking needs.

Avoid homogenized milk; eat plenty of fresh fish

It is essential to avoid homogenized milk and dairy products derived from pasteurized milk, including low-fat varieties. Always opt for fish or lean meat instead of high fat meat if you are a non-vegetarian. Consuming fishes like mackerel, herring and salmon is considered the best option because in addition to being excellent protein sources, these fishes are also rich in Omega-3-fatty acids that are great for your heart's health. Lentils, soya beans, and peas are also excellent low-fat protein options, provided that you soak them.

Increase your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables

Taking plenty of fresh fruits like apples, oranges or bananas and fresh vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or green vegetables everyday will have wonderful impact on your heart. Always opt for foods with high dietary fibers as the fiber tends to reduce blood cholesterol. Try and consume them raw (with minimum cooking or high fat seasoning and garnishing) so that you are able to derive the goodness of all the vitamins and minerals in the fruit or vegetable. Snacking on fruits and vegetable salads is permissible for as many times in a day as is necessary for you these foods contain substances that prevent cardiovascular diseases.

Opt for whole grain products

Always opt for whole wheat flour, oatmeal, whole-grain bread, brown rice, or any other whole grain products, because they are rich in Vitamin B, Vitamin E, as well as a lot of minerals that are highly beneficial for the good health of the heart. Remember that many of these foods need to be soaked in order to deliver their full nutritional value.

Reduce your salt intake

It is essential to limit your salt intake to less than one teaspoonful a day (less than 2 grams of sodium salt) because higher dietary sodium salt intake can lead to high blood pressure, which may in turn trigger cardiovascular diseases and heart ailments. Therefore, it is best to avoid using salt-laden sauces, chips, deep-fried snacks and soups, that can shoot up your blood pressure instantly.

Heart-healthy dieting is not so bad after all. All you need to know is, what to eat in plenty and what to avoid. Eventually, as you continue with heart-healthy diets, you are going to love the taste of your food because you will be assured that each morsel you are eating, is aiding in strengthening your heart and making it function even better.


Are You Overweight? Are You Obese?

Friday 1 Apr 2011 by Hippocrates | No Comments
Filed under: Obesity Tags:

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), between 1985 and 2011 the incidence of obesity has skyrocketed. The estimates put the number of people fitting the classical definition of obesity in the U.S. at over 75 million, and as much as 64% of the adult population is considered either overweight or obese. That's two out of every three people!

Obesity is particularly unkind to women, with about 30% of women between 30 and 70 years of age meeting the classical definition of obese. And the evidence points to a couple of culprits: less physical activity and more processed foods.

Most people tend to confuse being overweight with being obese. While the two terms are related and a person goes through the stage of being overweight on the way to reaching obesity, there is more to the story. A person who is obese has gone beyond the stage of being overweight, and is carrying around a dangerous excess of body fat.

Now, gaining an accurate determination of a person's body fat percentage can be difficult, but can be reasonably estimated using a number of methods. The most common method used today to determine a person's level of overweight or obesity is a simple calculation called the Body Mass Index (BMI). Calculating your BMI is easy: take your weight (in pounds) and divide it two times by your height (in inches), then multiply the result by 703. On a pocket calculator you would type:

(weight) ÷ (height) ÷ (height) × 703 =

If you prefer to use metric units, then use kilograms and meters, and omit the final multiplication by 703. (This way is even simpler.)

For example: if your weight is 155 pounds and you are 67 inches (that is 5 feet 7 inches) tall, then you divide 155 by 67 and then divide the result by 67 again; finally you multiply by 703 to get your BMI, 24.3.

If this is you, then congratulations: a BMI of 20 to 25 indicates optimal weight. On the other hand, having a BMI between 25 and 30 will put you in the overweight category, while a BMI 30 or greater means you are obese. Please keep in mind that this number can only act as a guideline, and only works for adults. Also, there are circumstances where the BMI would not apply, such as women who are pregnant or lactating.

We must be aware that being obese is not just a cosmetic problem: there are many health risks associated with obesity such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and cancers such as those of the colon, prostate, and breast. Last but not least, obesity has also been linked to depression.

The good news is that obesity can be beaten. But, as always, a plan of attack to conquer obesity should not be embarked upon without first consulting your your health professional.


How to Conquer Stress Anxiety and Depression

Saturday 26 Mar 2011 by Hippocrates | No Comments
Filed under: Stress Tags: , ,

Stress is often seen as a common part of modern life, but when we lose control of our stress level we become depressed and suffer from Anxiety Disorder. Stress leads to tension, both physical and emotional. In addition, stress can cause problems such as headaches, insomnia, weight gain, and even weaken our immune system. Fortunately, the body's natural response to relaxation is a powerful antidote to stress. Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, visualization, progressive muscle relaxation, yoga and meditation can help you activate this relaxation response. When practiced regularly, these activities lead to a reduction of stress in your everyday life and a boost in your feelings of joy and serenity.

Deep Breathing

Learn how to focus on your breathing by concentrating on the way you breathe in and breathe out. First, you need to sit comfortably with your back straight or lie comfortably with your palms spread out on the bed or on the floor. Next, while you are breathing in, inhale deeply and be aware of the air passing into your nostrils and into your lungs, and feel your abdomen slowly inflating. Then, breathe out slowly and be aware of your abdomen which is slowly deflating and feel the air coming out of your nostrils. Smell the rejuvenating air and be totally concentrating on the path of the air from outside to inside of your body.

Deep breathing is a very easy technique to learn, and we can use it almost anywhere and anytime. It provides us with a very quick way to get our stress levels in control. In fact, deep breathing is the cornerstone of various other relaxation practices and it can be combined with other relaxing methods like yoga, meditation, aromatherapy, massage and music. All you need is a few minutes and a space for you to stretch out.

Mindfulness Meditation

Mindfulness meditation focuses on the present, instead of the past or future. Place your whole focus on what is happening right at this moment. Focus your whole attention on various parts of your body, starting with your feet and work your way up to your knees, thighs, stomach, hands, fingers, chest, face and finally to your head. Feel totally relaxed and loosen your muscles while you focus on your toes, ankles, knees to your abdomen, chest, hands, fingers to your nose, eyes and finally to the top of your head.

Body scanning cultivates mindfulness by focusing your attention on various parts of your body. When you focus on every parts of your body, you are subconsciously telling these parts of your body to relax, so this is a powerful technique to get totally relaxed.

Imaginative Visualization Technique

Close your eyes and relax. Imagine that someone, something or an event that is causing your distress and anxiety. Place this visual imagery onto your palm. Imagine that this someone or something is actually so small and tiny on your palm. Once you can see this visual imagery of that tiny someone or something on your palm, inhale deeply and simply blow directly at this particular visual imagery away from your palm. Then, slowly visualize that this someone or something get blown away into the air and out into the outer space, never to come back again.

This imaginative visualization technique helps in making you know that all your stress activators are actually very minor and small. They cannot harm or hurt you in anyway. You can conquer them and make them disappear at anytime you want.

Soothing Music Therapy

Listening to soothing music is scientifically proven to bring overall calmness to the body and bring your stress level to a minimum. Listen to genres like classical, new age or nature music to dis-stress. On the other hand, listening to rock and loud and quick music can actually makes us even more stressed, so we should be very selective in the kind of music that we listen.

No matter which stress relief techniques you use, do bear in mind that you must also think positively and be optimistic. Learn to appreciate life and the people around you. Always try to give more than you receive. Take care of your family members and friends. Show care and concern to the people around you. And lastly, take good care of yourself by eating well, sleeping well and exercising frequently.



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