How Triphala Can Help You in Fighting Fat

Recommended Dosage

A person can take 1 teaspoon of triphala powder with fruit juice or lukewarm water; or it can be swallowed with honey. It should be taken after 45 minutes of having dinner, or just before going to bed. Dosage may vary according to the health condition, and must be taken as per the directions of the medical practitioner.

Having a healthy body, and most importantly, a lean body, is very important for us. We try to achieve this by following a healthy diet and exercise. For some people, burning body fat and getting rid of love handles and cellulite is a nightmare. These people, therefore, resort to drastic ways, like opting for crash diets and fat burning pills. However, with time, more people are becoming aware of the ill-effects of such options. People are slowly waking up to the traditional and natural ways of burning fat. Ayurveda has proved to be a blessing for many, who have chosen to tread this natural path.

The magic herb here is 'Triphala'. It is a mixture of three dried berries or fruits—amalaki (Emblica officinalis), haritaki (Terminalia chebula), and bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica). Interestingly, triphala also has many other health benefits. It is an excellent cleanser with rejuvenating properties. Ayurvedic practitioners suggest taking triphala for losing body fat and weight. They have highlighted the properties of this mixture, that helps burning fat faster.

How Triphala Helps in Burning Fat
Along with the benefits that triphala blesses your body with, it is the fat-burning properties of triphala that makes it more important. The three berries in triphala are excellent in flushing toxins from your body. It is this mechanism that works wonders, and helps the body get rid of fat. When your digestive system gets rid of toxins, it is clean, which makes it more efficient. The result—your digestive system works at its best. The long-term benefits of an effective and healthy digestive system is, that your body gets all the essential nutrients easily. So, the stimulus for hunger gradually reduces. It also enhances bile juice secretion.

On the contrary, if your digestive system does not function effectively, it will not be able to extract nutrients from a sufficient amount of food. This will make your body stimulate hunger for more food, so that necessary amount of nutrients are derived.

Let us see how the different berries that make triphala, aid in burning fat. ? Amalaki - Also known as the Indian gooseberry, this berry has a major role in making triphala an effective fat-fighting herb. It has excellent antioxidant properties. Amalaki reduces any inflammation in the body. It is also known as the 'fat blocking berry', as it helps in maintaining proper blood sugar levels. This prevents the body from storing sugar, which could later get stored as fat. It makes sure that all the sugar is metabolized to glucose, preventing any fat storage. Amalaki also helps in increasing lean muscle in the body. Along with these, it is also a rich source of vitamin C.

? Bibhitaki - Also known as 'bahera', this berry could literally be nicknamed the 'fat magnet'. This berry has properties which grab and extract all the fat and extra water in your body. Bibhitaki has a good amount of linoleic acid. This is actually a fatty acid that helps reduce excess fat in the bloodstream. It also helps in lowering the LDL, also known as bad cholesterol, and increases HDL or good cholesterol.

? Haritaki - Also known as Chebulic Myrobalan, this berry is the prime reason why triphala makes for an excellent cleanser. The most important organ in our body for getting rid of toxins is the colon. Haritaki works on the colon and gets rid of all the toxins in it. A healthy colon makes a healthy digestive system. Along with this, it also helps your body by reducing inflammations, and in effective heart functioning.

Triphala ensures that your body is clean, and is working at its best. It is best to have triphala in its pure and solid form. However, it is also available in the powdered form, and supplements are available in the market. Make sure you consult a medical expert before you include it as part of your diet plan.

Unlike fad diets and artificial diet pills, triphala will take time and consistent efforts before the results are visible. However, such results will be long-lasting and healthy for your body. Along with regular consumption of this ayurvedic product, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and take care of your diet and exercise.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.

View the original article here

Types of Psychotherapy for Mental Disorders

"There are many ways of getting strong, sometimes talking is the best way."
?Andre Agassi, Open: An Autobiography of Andre Agassi

There are a wide range of therapies that are used to treat mental disorders. In psychotherapy, there is no such thing as a 'one-size-fits-all' approach. The treatment plan depends on the condition, and may differ in the duration and intensity. Sometimes, instead of one approach, psychologists prefer a blended approach, where two or more types of psychotherapy techniques are used to solve the problem. The range of psychotherapy techniques is aimed at dialog, communication, and changes in behavior to improve the mental health of the person. Here are some of the most common types of psychotherapy for mental disorders.

Attachment-based Psychotherapy
At the end of the 19th century, British psychiatrist and psychoanalyst John Bowlby became interested in child development and attachment. He believed that attachment problems experienced early in life are subsequently re-enacted later in adult life. The opposite also holds true, where children in a safe and secure environment are able to develop a sense of who they are, later in life.

Attachment-based psychotherapy identifies basic attachments styles, such as secure, ambivalent, anxious, avoidant, and disorganized attachment. Based on this, the therapist makes the patient aware of why he feel a certain way in the past and present. The therapy allows a person to explore hidden fears, and mourn his losses. The aim is to help the person form healthier relationships, and take control of his life.

View the original article here

10 Foods That Kill Intelligence

"The food that you eat can be either the safest and most powerful form of medicine or the slowest form of poison."

All of us are all too familiar with food items that cause heart attacks, obesity, cancer, and other nasty unmentionables. But to have grub that kills intelligence seems like something really OTT.

This list includes alcohol, junk food, artificial sugars; more or less the same set of offenders that cause the aforementioned ailments. So, basically, what is bad for the rest of our body does not spare the brain as well.

Hectic that our lives are, there is no escaping from all the food items that are mentioned in this list. But remember, that the key to living a healthy life lies in moderation. If we manage to strike a balance between the healthy and the not-so-healthy, it definitely allows us to enjoy the occasional binge or indulgence.

1. Alcohol

Certainly no surprises here, as alcohol's reputation as a brain killer precedes itself. We commonly know of alcohol wreaking havoc with our liver, but it can cause some serious damage to the brain cells as well. Well-known side effects of alcohol include memory lapses and a lack of focus. Prolonged alcohol abuse has also caused disruption in cognitive faculties. Therefore, stick to the recommended alcohol intake, and respect your intelligence.
2. Junk Food

There is a reason why it's termed 'junk' food, and I suppose we're already acquainted with it. Burgers, fries, and the like manage to tempt the devil in us, all thanks to their excessive fat content, which is responsible in creating an addiction. Unrestricted consumption of junk food interferes with the production of dopamine, our 'happiness' chemical, fueling symptoms associated with mood swings and depression.
3. Sugar-rich Food

Added sugar is understood to be the causative factor behind neurological problems. Excessive consumption reduces the production of a brain chemical known as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Its absence impairs learning and memorizing as well. Sugar's addictive nature promotes indulgence, long-term consequences of which are affected learning ability and poor cognitive skills.
4. Fried Food

Deep-fried food items, typical to the Southern style of cooking, have been singled out as the reason behind Southeast America's reputation as the 'stroke belt'. The high levels of fat and cholesterol present in fried food lay deposits on the walls of the arteries supplying blood to the brain. Lack of adequate blood supply is what eventually causes a stroke. So, when your regular diet consists generous helpings of fried chicken, you know you are inviting trouble.
5. Processed Meals

Processed meals sound like a blessing, considering the hectic lives we lead. With very little time on our hands, frozen meals have become constant companions to most of us. However, regular consumption of packaged meals can up your risk of Alzheimer's disease, which is a form of dementia that degenerates brain cells over time.
6. Salty Food

Just like sugary substances, salty food items can be addictive as well, and with dangerous consequences. Sodium is known to interfere with our blood pressure, but did you know that it disrupts our thinking abilities as well? Not for nothing do doctors advise us to cut down on salts. Salt, as a premium preservative, is generously used in pickles, so refrain from over indulgence.
7. Processed Proteins

Proteins - good, fats - bad, is what we learned in school. But when proteins include processed proteins, as in sausages, pepperoni, and salami, we're treading dangerous ground. Preservatives, like sodium nitrate, that go into processing meats, combine with the proteins to form the cancer-inducing agent nitrosamine.
8. Nicotine

Nicotine may not exactly qualify as food, but to many among us, it rates higher than food. The cancer stick is known to restrict the supply of oxygen and blood to the brain. Further, it tightens the capillaries, and affects the function of neurotransmitters, the chemicals that aid communication within our body.
9. Artificial Sweeteners

Many of us live with the misconception that artificial sweeteners are damage-free, but we couldn't be more wrong. Like most other things mentioned in this list, moderate consumption of artificial sweeteners does no harm, but yes, abuse them, and you'll have to suffer the consequences, which include brain damage.
10. Trans fats

Trans fats are present in most of our packaged food items, particularly in the delicious chips that we love to wolf down. Trans fats, over a period, make us susceptible to suffering a stroke, as they clog arteries with deposits of cholesterol. Also, they beget the shrinkage of the brain, not unlike what happens to patients of Alzheimer's disease.
Not a single food item on this list came as a surprise, as these happen to be health offenders all the way. The intelligence now remains in seeing how we manage to hoodwink these food items, and slip as far away from them as possible.

View the original article here

25 Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Hypoglycemia

Safety Tip
People with hypoglycemia need to be extra careful, and should check their blood sugar before activities like driving, as a sudden attack may cause blurred vision and confusion.

In case of hypoglycemia, we know it is one of the conditions related to diabetes. In simple terms, it can be described as a condition where there is extremely low sugar in the blood, which may hamper effective functioning of the body. The most common causes of hypoglycemia include the treatment of diabetes. However, there are many other causes for low blood sugar levels. So, a non-diabetic person too can be diagnosed with hypoglycemia.

Being well-informed and learning about your condition in the first place is very important. The more knowledge you have regarding hypoglycemia, the easier it becomes to deal with it. The first step to being well-informed and maintaining calm is taking the opinion and advice of your doctor. However, this too gets confusing for most people, as they do not know which questions need to be asked on priority, and what all is going to help them deal with their condition.

Questions Regarding the Condition
? What are the possible causes for this condition?

? Do I have diabetes, because of hypoglycemia?

? What are the complications associated with hypoglycemia?

? Are there any severe risks with this condition?

Questions Regarding Treatment and Medication
? What are the tests that I need to take?

? What are the treatment options available? Are there any risks associated with the same?

? What is the best treatment suited for my case?

? Is there any medication I should avoid?

? How often will I need to check my blood?

? How often should I come for regular checkups?

? How long would I be taking medication for this condition?

? Are there any side effects of my medications?

? What are the emergency supplies/treatment for hypoglycemia?

? Should I see a specialist for my condition?

Questions Regarding General Health
? Do I need to lose weight?

? What is the best way to avoid complications and keep blood glucose in check?

? When can I get back to normal activities?

? Should I start a special exercise program for hypoglycemia?

? What special care or routine should I follow?

? In case of an emergency, what steps should be taken? Whom should I contact in case of any emergency?

? What are the changes I can make in my lifestyle, that can help in improvement?

? Are there any websites or forums for assistance? What educational material is available for hypoglycemia?

View the original article here

Bottom’s Up! Bottles and Yoga Pants

Get on the bottle to stay hydrated when you work out this summer — and add a little something extra to your workout in the form of weighted clothing from W8Fit for maximum impact.

W8Fit offers custom-designed pockets for holding small weights in their quality workout gear, which translates to a more effective workout for you. Why not burn more calories in a shorter amount of time with this inspired addition? Weights come in 5 and 10 lb packets, they’re sleek rather than clunky, and they’re practically invisible inside of the clothing. Find wristbands, headbands, yoga pants, tank tops and other stylish sports clothing and accessories at http://www.w8fit.com.

Banish plastic waste with the 9-ounce S’well bottle, which keeps cold liquids chilly and hot liquids hot. In other words, this is an investment in a useful bottle that can be used all throughout the year. S’well looks quite smart, with colored stainless steel and a sturdy, mod cap. It’s BPA-free, non-leaching and non-toxic. Ice water, juice or milk will stay cold for 24 hours, and coffee, tea or hot chocolate for 12 hours. Choose your favorite color at http://www.swellbottle.com.

Pura stainless steel bottles are also non-toxic, lead-free, and super-durable. Made with 60% recycled steel, their mantra is “One Life, One Bottle.” They’re completely recyclable – not that you’ll need to recycle them, as they come with a lifetime warranty. Available in lime green, pink, orange, purple and silver; check them out at http://www.purastainless.com.

The 24-ounce Bobble sport bottle is soft and indented in the middle for easy carrying, and it comes with a filter so you can enjoy water anywhere. The loop cap is also great for tossing over bike handlebars, and it’s available in seven bright colors. Tote it to music festivals, the gym, picnics, parks and toss it in the car for road trips; http://www.waterbobble.com.

The Spill Spoiler Sport Cap is an inventive new device that attaches to sports drinks and ensures that they can’t drip or leak. An internal valve closes off liquid, so you can enjoy your favorite drink without worrying about spills at the gym or in a careening cab. Also, you can toss a drink into your purse without worry. Amazing! Find them at http://www.SpillSpoiler.com. Sometimes these small changes can contribute to a thoroughly stress-free day.

Originally published July 2013

View the original article here

Health Benefits of Wormwood Tea

Wormwood is a major ingredient in absinthe, a famous drink of the nineteenth century, believed to be associated with the deaths of Edgar Allan Poe and Vincent Van Gogh.
Wormwood is a perennial shrub, native to Europe, northern Africa, western Asia, and nowadays, North America. It is usually planted along roads and pathways, and grows to a height of 1 to 3 feet. The stem of wormwood has a gray-green or white color, covered with fine hair. Its flowers, leaves, and upper shoots are used in herbal medicine, while its bitter flavor is instrumental in enhancing the taste of alcoholic beverages.

The tall claims made about wormwood's ability to treat cancer, or the side effects of conventional cancer treatment methods, are not supported by scientific evidence. However, some compounds from sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua), which is related to wormwood (Artemisia absinthium), have shown positive results in the treatment of malaria, and have been used for the same since ancient times. Drinking wormwood tea is also known to increase the libido, and strengthen the immune system.

Wormwood Tea for Better Health
Caution: Wormwood tea is not recommended for pregnant and nursing women, and babies. Acts as a Digestive Stimulant
The number of stomach problems that wormwood tea treats is countless. It aids digestion, relieves stomach ache, heartburn, gas, bloating, irritable bowel syndrome, improves appetite, and treats irregular menstruation. The reason behind the effectiveness of wormwood is its excruciatingly bitter taste. This bitter taste triggers a release of bile from the gallbladder, and other secretions from the intestinal glands, that aid digestion.

Wormwood tea is also used to fight intestinal worms. The herb contains a potential chemical component, thujone, that kill parasites. In addition to thujone, wormwood also contains santonin, which is beneficial in treating several parasitic diseases. Furthermore, wormwood is also rich in sesquiterpene lactones, that have properties similar to peroxide, which weaken the membranes of the parasites and then kill them.

Soothes Irritated Skin
If you have skin problems due to contact dermatitis (a form of eczema), drinking wormwood tea is one of the best remedies to treat these problems. The higher levels of antioxidants present in wormwood are capable of reducing itching and irritation of the skin. Moreover, this herbal tea can keep your skin healthy and refreshed. While it reduces the itching sensation and feeling of irritation, it also moisturizes your skin. Apart from that, it can also be used to treat slow-healing wounds, skin blotches, and insect bites.
Acts as a Cleanser
Bitter wormwood tea is the best treatment for the removal of parasites from the body. The bitter flavor of the tea has the potential to get rid of the bad parasites from the body, and also detoxify the body by getting rid of unwanted toxins. Wormwood tea has a purging effect, which throws the bile away from the liver and ultimately, out of the body. For better cleansing results, you should drink wormwood tea daily.

? Add 1 heaped teaspoon of the wormwood herb, or 1 rounded teaspoon of wormwood powder to 1 cup of boiling water.? Allow the herb to steep in water for about 10 to 15 minutes, and then drink it. Wormwood tea can be taken either before, during, or after meals.? To counter the bitter taste, you can add stevia or xylitol, which are natural sweeteners that help make the tea more palatable.? Remember that the longer the tea brews, the better the effect on the body.
To enjoy the health benefits of wormwood tea to the fullest and avoid any adverse effects, it is important to take it in moderation. Moreover, ensure that you are consuming wormwood tea or any of its forms only under the supervision of a medical professional, and in small amounts. Also, do not drink the tea continuously for more than four to five weeks.

Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only and does not, in any way, intend to replace the advice of a medical professional.

View the original article here

Can Baking Soda Cure Cancer?

According to the American Cancer Society, "available scientific evidence does not support the idea that sodium bicarbonate works as a treatment for any form of cancer or that it cures yeast or fungal infections."Cancer is one of the most common causes of death in the United States. Despite it being a major disease, there is no cure for it till date. However, deep research is being carried out to find a proper cure for this life-threatening disease. There are various claims and theories behind the different treatment options said to cure cancer, but they have no scientific proof behind them. Treating cancer with the help of baking soda is one among these various theories.

Baking Soda for Cancer Treatment

Sodium bicarbonate, or baking soda, has been presented as a cure for cancer by some doctors and researches. This theory is promoted by a practitioner, Dr. Tullio Simoncini. He has claimed this theory to be effective in various videos posted by him on the Internet, and even in one of his books. The theory behind this claim says that cancer is caused due to a yeast infection, which grows well in acidic conditions, and sodium carbonate can kill the yeast as it makes the blood alkaline. The theory and concept is backed by oncology and microbiology studies, but is not supported by any scientific and clinical proof.

Is there any evidence supporting this theory?

In a nutshell, there is no evidence to support this theory. In fact, scientific studies do not even support the claims that cancer is caused by yeast. They also do not have any evidence in support of sodium bicarbonate curing any type of yeast infections. So, if you rely on the evidence, then you can say that the theory is false. Following are some of the points which will help you get an insight of the lack of evidence in this theory. The theory claims cancer is caused due to a yeast infection, but tests which are capable of detecting the presence of yeast have failed to find any presence of yeast in the cancerous tumors.When experimental animals were exposed to Candida albicans, there were no reports which showed that the yeast infection caused cancer, or was, in any way, cancerous.Later, when the tissues from the infected animal were isolated and cultured for the presence of cancerous growth, they were unable to recover the germs.People who undergo high doses of chemotherapy have a weak immune system, and sometimes develop fungal infections. These fungal infections are cured with the help of antifungal drugs. But there is no evidence that these drugs are capable of shrinking cancerous tumors.People suffering from cancer may sometimes develop conditions, such as heartburn, which require sodium bicarbonate tablets or powder for the treatment. But under these conditions also, there is no evidence which suggests shrinking of the tumor, or baking soda fighting cancer.Can baking soda raise any complications?

Sodium bicarbonate is available as a capsule as well as powder. It is available over-the-counter, and taken in order to neutralize stomach acid. It is also administered intravenously to reduce blood acidity. If taken in the proper dosage, it is considered safe. However, in high amounts, it can cause organ damage.

Cancer is a life-threatening disease, and in order to get it cured, people try every possible treatment option. However, it is very important to understand the authenticity of any treatment before following it. Do not, in any case, avoid, delay, or ignore medical treatment and your doctor's advice. Till date, there is no proof that supports the theory of baking soda curing cancer; hence, try to avoid it. For more guidance, talk to your doctor.

Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.

View the original article here

Types of Brain Injury

Did You Know?
A birth trauma can also result in brain injury, and is referred to as congenital brain damage.
Every year, over 1.7 million people in the United States sustain some form of brain injury. Quite a few cases of brain injury go unreported, as the damage incurred does not last long. A mild brain trauma usually does not require medical intervention. However, a severe brain injury that causes significant impairment has been a cause for concern, and accounts for substantial injury-related deaths in the US.

A head trauma is one of the most common causes of brain injury. A head injury, due to a physical assault on the head, can alter normal brain function. However, all cases of brain damage do not necessarily occur from head trauma. Diseases, particularly neurological illnesses, are also responsible for causing damage to the brain.

Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)

Acquired brain injury, arising from internal occurrences, is classified as non-traumatic brain injury. The internal damage to the brain in ABI has been attributed to stroke, infections (encephalitis, meningitis), or formation of tumors. ABI can also result from hypoxia (restricted oxygen supply to the brain), anoxia (complete loss of oxygen flow to the brain), excessive alcohol consumption, drug abuse, and exposure to toxic chemicals.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Brain-related injuries resulting from external force come under this category. It is an external impact that hits the head hard enough to damage the brain. A slip and fall, a knock with a blunt object, and automobile accidents can cause brain injuries. To put it simply, a violent blow to the head is responsible for causing traumatic brain injuries.

Types of TBI

Concussion
In this type of injury, the brain function disrupts temporarily. Concussions may cause unconsciousness that is often short-lived, and is followed by headache, ringing in ears, dizziness, nausea, and tiredness. People playing sports like soccer, football, and rugby, commonly suffer from concussions that are considered to be the least-severe form of brain injury.

Contusion
When the head is struck by an object, it may cause a contusion, that is marked by formation of bruise in the brain tissue. Contusions typically cause structural brain damage, in which blood leaks from broken blood vessels. This results in hematoma-pooling of blood around the brain tissue. The specific part of the brain that bleeds appears swollen. Contusions, considered to be more severe than concussions, reduce oxygen flow to the brain.

Coup-Contrecoup Injury
In this type of injury, the damage does not remain restricted at the site of impact. The injury also occurs at the opposite side of the area of the brain that was affected in the injury. Thus, contusion develops not only at the impacted site, but also in the region opposite to the site of injury. This happens because the head blow is so severe that the brain shifts and hits the opposite side of the skull, causing another contusion to form within the brain.

Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI)
In this type of brain injury, the damage does not remain confined to a particular area, but affects a major part of the brain. DAI occurring from high speed vehicle accidents, causes the brain to shake violently and rapidly within the bony skull, resulting in widespread damage to the nerve tissue of the brain. No wonder, most cases of diffuse axonal injury result in coma, with majority of patients failing to recover from this state of unresponsiveness. Those who regain consciousness tend to suffer from lifelong cognitive impairments. Also referred to as a closed head injury, DAI that causes extensive damage, is marked by multiple hemorrhages in the brain tissue. Although death from DAI is a rarity, in over 90% of cases, the patient appears in a continuous vegetative state.

The shaken baby syndrome is a type of DAI that occurs when an infant under 2 years of age is shaken too fast and repeatedly. This violent shaking of the head causes the brain to move back and forth within the skull. So, when the brain repeatedly strikes against the skull, it is likely to get severely damaged, eventually leading to diffuse axonal injury. Parents, in an attempt to control tantrums of their child, may give such punishment, which may cause permanent brain damage.

Penetrating Injury
The impact of the external force is so strong that the object pierces through the skull and reaches the brain. This is the most severe form of brain injury that often results from gunshots or when assaulted with a sharp weapon, such as a knife. A penetrating injury can also be a through-and-through injury, in which the object is fast enough to perforate and exit the head.

Mild Brain Injury

In this type of brain injury, the person becomes unconscious only for a short amount of time. He regains consciousness within a few minutes, and this is followed by dizziness and confusion.

Moderate Brain Injury

The person remains in an unconscious state for quite some time, that may vary from several minutes to several hours. Confusion may prevail for days, and in some cases, extend for weeks or even months. Apart from confusion, the person may face difficulty in mobility, and suffer from cognitive dysfunction and behavioral problems that may last for months.

Severe Brain Injury

Unconsciousness associated with severe brain injury continues for weeks or months. The victim goes into coma or a vegetative state. The brain injury inflicts irreparable damage, resulting in lifelong impairment.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.

View the original article here

Ketotic Hypoglycemia in Children

Did You Know?
Fasting tolerance improves with an increase in body mass, which is believed to be the reason why children with ketotic hypoglycemia outgrow this condition by the time they turn 8 to 9 years old.

Hypoglycemia refers to a blood sugar level lower than 70 mg/dL. Usually, hypoglycemia is a complication associated with diabetes. So, diabetic children and adolescents can experience hypoglycemia when they take too much of insulin or eat too little. But, ketotic hypoglycemia has not been found to be related to a specific endocrine or metabolic abnormality. It is mainly associated with low tolerance for fasting, and most children outgrow this condition before they turn 8 to 9 years old. After this age, the incidence of this type of hypoglycemia is quite rare.

What Causes Ketotic Hypoglycemia?
? Ketotic hypoglycemia, also known as 'accelerated starvation', is idiopathic in nature. In other words, its causes are not known with certainty. Basically, children with this condition have a low tolerance for fasting.

? One possible cause is a defect in gluconeogenesis, or generation of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources that mainly takes place in the liver. Another suspected cause is inadequate glycogen stores.

? Ketotic hypoglycemia is more common in children born small for their gestational age, and those who have a low body mass index. Therefore, it is thought that reduced muscle mass could be the reason behind impaired glucose production or gluconeogenesis by the liver, that eventually leads to hypoglycemia.

? It has been observed that children born small for their gestational age, who develop transient neonatal hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia, can later on develop ketotic hypoglycemia as well. Transient neonatal hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia is characterized by an excessive production of insulin, and so it is suspected that a metabolic or endocrine problem may be associated with the problem in some patients.

? It has been observed that certain factors can trigger an episode of hypoglycemia. Some such important precipitating factors include:

? Fasting for a prolonged period
? Skipping dinner and eating too little, or low carbohydrate intake the previous night
? Illnesses like a viral infection or stomach flu

Episodes of ketotic hypoglycemia mostly occur in the mornings, usually after a prolonged period of fasting. Some of the most common symptoms that this condition can produce are:

? Sweating and pallor
? Palpitations and anxiety
? Confusion
? Headaches
? Lethargy and malaise
? Unresponsiveness
? A change in behavior
? Visual disturbances
? Slurred speech and dizziness
? Convulsions and seizures
? Abdominal discomfort
? Nausea and vomiting

Fainting or loss of consciousness, convulsions, and seizures are the signs of severe hypoglycemia, that calls for immediate medical attention.

Treating Ketotic Hypoglycemia in Children
The best way to prevent ketotic hypoglycemia is to avoid extended fasts and the habit of skipping a meal. Children with this condition should be fed small, but frequent meals and snacks, especially before going to bed. After the usual duration of sleep, they should be awakened and fed properly.

During an episode of hypoglycemia, you should immediately feed the child a source of easily-absorbed glucose, such as table sugar, candies, or fruit juice. If hypoglycemia causes vomiting, then the child should be admitted to the hospital, where the condition can be treated with the intravenous administration of saline and dextrose.

Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only, and should not be replaced for the advice of a medical professional.

View the original article here

Does Smoking Really Relieve Stress?

Did You Know?
Studies have reported that lighting up a cigarette causes long-term stress levels to increase, rather than decrease. For regular smokers, the stress levels are alleviated only in the interval between two cigarettes.
Does smoking really relieve stress? In times of stress and pressure, will smoking a cigarette help you stay calm? Smokers will answer this question in the affirmative, as they feel that smoking alleviates stress, anxiety, and other negative emotions. Smokers say they experience a 'high' after smoking, and an amazing sense of calmness and satisfaction takes over. It feels as if you are on cloud nine, and the stressors no longer affect you. This feeling of tranquility is what draws people to smoking. I am sure many of you will agree with this. Yes, stress symptoms are kept at bay after smoking a cigarette. However, it is just a momentary effect of nicotine on the body.
? Nicotine in cigarettes reaches your brain in less than 10 seconds. The stress-relieving effect after smoking a cigarette is because of the release of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a pleasure chemical in the human body that soothes your nerves and helps you relax. It gives you a high and produces many positive effects on the body that improves your mood, enhances your concentration, and relaxes your muscles.

? You breathe in and out when you smoke. This is an effective way of relaxing the body. Taking a deep breath helps in inhalation of more oxygen, which helps you relax and calm down.

? You tend to go out for a smoke, which gives you a break from your mundane tasks and helps you relieve stress.

? So yes, if you consider the immediate effects of smoking on the body, they help you relax and rejuvenate. Smokers continue smoking to experience the pleasurable effects which they think help relieve stress and calm them.

According to scientists at the University of East London, the calming effect of cigarettes is just a psychological addiction. Nicotine withdrawal symptoms are inhibited by regular smoking. They create a psychological link between cigarette and stress relief.

? Nicotine changes the brain chemistry by affecting the neurotransmitters. This changes the way in which brain cells work. Once a smoker stops using nicotine, the changes last for a while, after which it returns to the normal state. So, once the nicotine effects wear off, your mood worsens, and you need another puff of smoke to restore the levels of nicotine and your mood per se.

? Thus, instead of decreasing stress, you constantly keep on pumping nicotine in your blood, which has hazardous effects on your overall health and well-being.

? A cigarette contains many other hazardous chemicals, which include toxins and potential carcinogens that have disastrous effects on the body.

? Nicotine is one of the most addictive substances known to man, and when combined with carbon monoxide in cigarettes, it increases your heart rate and blood pressure. It puts a strain on the heart and blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart diseases and strokes. This deadly duo reduces the oxygen levels in the body of smokers. They prevent flow of oxygen to the brain, which impairs your ability to concentrate and focus.

? Nicotine constricts the blood vessels, forcing your heart to work harder to circulate blood to all parts of the body. The heart rate and blood pressure of a smoker are always on the higher side than that of a non-smoker. These effects on the heart and blood vessels put a smoker at a greater risk of heart attacks and cerebrovascular diseases.

? Smoking stains the teeth, increases bad breath, lowers immunity, and produces wrinkles on the skin. The risk of developing neurological disorders and spinal problems is high in smokers.

? Smoking affects the bones and joints in the body, making smokers more susceptible to osteoporosis and other bone-related maladies.

? The most important negative impact which smoking has is mentioned on the cigarette packet itself?Smoking Kills. It is known to be the main cause of cancer to various parts of the human body that include the mouth, throat, larynx, esophagus, bladder, stomach, pancreas, liver, kidney, and of course, the lungs. It does extensive damage to the lungs, causing chronic bronchitis and emphysema which impairs the airways in the lungs.

? Smoking affects fertility in both the sexes and may cause impotence in men. It increases the risk of complications during pregnancy, like miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature birth.

Considering the harmful effects of smoking, the overall health of a smoker is far from good. In fact, smoking puts him at a higher risk to all the above-mentioned conditions and diseases. So, what good does smoking do to relieve stress? In reality, a long-term increase in the stress levels is what smoking does to the body. Smoking hides your problems by giving you temporary relief. In essence, it's a placebo effect. This is what researchers from the Oxford and Cambridge Universities and Kings College London had to say: "The belief that smoking is stress relieving is pervasive, but almost certainly wrong. ... The reverse is true: smoking is probably anxiogenic [causes anxiety] and smokers deserve to know this and understand how their own experience may be misleading."

These researchers followed 491 subjects as a part of their study. In the initial stages, it was found that 21.6% smokers had mood or anxiety disorders. Six months later, 24% subjects managed to quit smoking, and with that, they even experienced a drop in anxiety levels. They further said, "Stopping smoking probably reduces anxiety and the effect is probably larger in those who have a psychiatric disorder and who smoke to cope with stress."

Another research study suggested that smokers who quit smoking experienced a reduction in their stress levels. These people found new techniques, like reading, exercise, meditation, deep breathing etc., to cope with stress. They are far happier and stress-free now.

Smoking your problems away will only make them worse. Instead, stay away from this addiction, and your problems of stress, anxiety, and depression will be kept at bay.

View the original article here

Does Coffee Protect Against Oral Cancer?

The naturally-occurring antioxidants in coffee are thought to have cancer-fighting potential.
Coffee has been receiving a lot of bad press over the years, as it is a nervous system stimulant that causes sleep deprivation. When burning the midnight oil is the need of the hour, having multiple cups of coffee may sound feasible. However, the benefits of coffee go much beyond increasing alertness and keeping you wide awake, as found out in one study.

A recent study conducted under the guidance of Janet Hildebrand, an epidemiologist associated with the American Cancer Society, has revealed that coffee drinking could pave way for cancer prevention. The evidence does show that coffee demonstrates a protective mechanism that cuts down deaths due to oral cancer. It is as discussed below.

Coffee Intake and Oral Cancer Risk

The December 2012 issue of American Journal of Epidemiology, after conducting a large-scale study, suggests that drinking coffee plays a crucial role in alleviating death risks due to oral cancer. Heavy coffee drinkers especially enjoy a substantially reduced risk of facing death from cancer of the mouth and throat. The study showed that drinking coffee may possibly keep you safe from oral cancer.

The study that was conducted by the team members of American Cancer Society, was strictly monitored over a period of 26 years from 1982 onwards. Coffee drinking habits of 968,432 cancer-free men and women were closely monitored in the study. Whether the people were drinking caffeinated or decaffeinated coffee or tea was also taken into account during the course of study. Smoking and alcohol habits of the subjects were also recorded when considering the link between coffee consumption and risk of death.

During the 26-year period, 868 deaths resulting from oral or throat cancer were reported. Researchers who investigated subjects drinking caffeinated coffee came up with the following results.

People who took just a single cup of coffee daily, carried 26% lower risk of succumbing to mouth and throat cancer. On the other hand, death risk fell by 33% in people who took 2 to 3 cups of coffee everyday. Participants who downed at least 4-6 cups of coffee everyday had a whopping 50% less chance of death from oral and throat cancer.
Thus, their cancer death risk reduced by half, thanks to their habit of heavy coffee drinking. These hardcore drinkers showed the lowest oral cancer death risk among the other participants in the study.

The study does point out an interesting correlation between cancer death risk and consumption of coffee. Higher the intake of coffee, the lower is the death risk, irrespective of smoking and alcohol habits. Thus, the chances of dying from oral cancer reduces with increase in the consumption of coffee.

As far as intake of decaffeinated coffee is concerned, drinking more than 2 cups did reduce death risk, but the evidence is too feeble to come to any conclusion. The efficacy of decaffeinated coffee in warding off cancer is still a subject of research. Whereas, drinking tea turned out to be a big disappointment, as no association was found between death risk due to oral cancer and intake of tea.

It is believed that the antioxidant properties of coffee may have contributed in reducing the risk of death from oral cancer. The study, though one of the largest of its kind, does not prescribe coffee intake or taking it in large amounts to prevent oral cancer. Also, there is no evidence to suggest that drinking coffee reduces the risk of getting oral cancer. Further studies that establish protective effects of coffee are needed, before claiming its anti-cancer benefits.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.

View the original article here