Reading to be informed is better than sitting to be told. Adequate Information is better than partial knowledge. Health is the business of all but not only doctors'. We are our own doctors so it is better for us all to be involved in diagnosis and treatment of our diseases. Prevention is better than cure so we need not to go through the pains these diseases bring our way. Patients who read lots on their health and that of others are the best friends of good medical doctors because they help speed up the processes of treatment. We have to be reading ourselves to be informed.
Phytochemicals are non-nutritive plant chemicals that have protective or disease preventive properties.
There are more than thousand known phytochemicals. It is well-known that plant produce these chemicals to protect itself but recent research demonstrate that they can protect humans against diseases. Some of the well-known phytochemicals are lycopene in tomatoes, isoflavones in soy and flavanoids in fruits.
Chemical characteristics of Caffeine are listed below:
Molecular Weight: 194.19
Formula: C8H10N4O2
Synonyms: 1,3,7-Trimethylxanthin
Description: Caffeine is a water-soluble alkaloid. Pure caffeine is a white odorless crystalline powder with a very bitter taste. Caffeine is closely related to other alkaloids such as theophylline (mainly found in tea) and theobromine (mainly found in cacao beans). The difference between these three molecules is the position of the methyl groups.
Distribution: Caffeine is found in many products, including tea, cola nuts, coffee, chocolate, mate and guarana. It is also found in some soft drinks (mainly colas and energy drinks) where it is artificially added.
Action of Caffeine: Caffeine acts on the nervous system by blocking adenosine receptor thereby slowing down nerve cell activity. Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, respiration and blood circulation. Caffeine also acts as a diuretic. Caffeine increases the circulation and oxidation of fatty acids. This is why caffeine is used by sportsmen to increase fatty acid metabolism. Caffeine is often used in combination with aspirin to treat headaches. Caffeine can also have negative impact on health, especially if overdosed. There is evidence that too much caffeine can reduce bone density and caffeine is not recommended for pregnant women. Moderation is the key to caffeine consumption.
Facts about Caffeine: Caffeine containing plants have been used by different cultures over centuries. Tea from caffeine containing plants was used to treat headaches, coughs and even plague. Only recently caffeine is used to stay awake and relieve fatigue. Caffeine is now one of the most widely used phytochemical.
Caffeine is not addictive but it can be habit forming. Although caffeine is not toxic to humans in normal levels, it is very toxic to animals, such as dogs and horses.
We must all try to use Caffeine wisely for the betterment of our health.
Tuesday, 31 August 2010
Friday, 27 August 2010
Seven Practical Ways to Improve your Health within a month
Natural lifestyle of eating is the best for our health as human beings. Let us go natural and live longer. Stop taking more synthetic foods and go natural my dear friends.
To maintain health, it is essential to take at least 5 servings of fruit and vegetables. Studies have shown that the intake of fruits and vegetables increases antioxidant capacity and improve immunity. These easy (and almost free) tips can help you to increase your daily intake of phytochemicals from herbs, fruits and vegetables:
1: Eat at least 5 portions of fruits and vegetables.
The World Health Organisation recommends that we eat daily at least 5 portions of fruits and vegetables. This 5 PLUS a day strategy is adopted by many countries. The 5 PLUS a day message is the most successful health promotion idea because research has shown that eating at least five portions of fruits and vegetables each day could reduce cancer rates by 20 percent.
2: Eat more tomato ketchup
You should use tomato ketchup as condiment on your meals instead of mayonnaise.
Not only does ketchup contain a lot less calories, it is rich in the phytochemical lycopene. However, you should check that it is real ketchup made from tomatoes and does not contain colourings. Lycopene is found in fresh tomatoes but cooking breaks down the cell wall and increase the availability of lycopene. Research indicates that lycopene and tomato products lower the risk of some cancers and heart diseases.
3: Eat the albedo of citrus fruis
Whenever you eat or press citrus fruits, you should also eat the albedo, which is the white part of the citrus fruit. You should not eat the coloured part, which tastes very better and could be contaminated with pesticides. Albedo tastes quite neutral and sweet. The orange flesh and juice are also healthy and loaded with vitamin C, but the albedo is very rich in pectin and the phytochemicals limonin and glucarates. The pectin of the albedo lowers your cholesterol, curbs appetite and suppresses your hunger for a few hours. The albedo is also rich in vitamin C.
4: Increase soy consumption
Soy is packed with healthy ingredients: omega-3 fatty acids, cholesterol reducing proteins and minerals. The main phytochemical in soy is isoflavone, which improves bone health, reduces risk of certain cancers and reduces menopausal symptoms.
5: Drink herbal teas
Reduce your intake of coffee and soft drinks and increase the intake of herbal tea, including ordinary tea. Today there is a large selection of teas available: camomile, linden, sage, green teas, etc.
6: Eat dried fruits as snack
You should substitute your candy and snacks with dried fruits such as prunes, apricots, dades and raisins.
7: Add herbs and spices to your meals
Spices and herbs do not only add flavour to your meals but many are loaded with phytochemicals. Try to add following herbs and spices: parsley, sage, thyme, oregano, basil, etc.
To maintain health, it is essential to take at least 5 servings of fruit and vegetables. Studies have shown that the intake of fruits and vegetables increases antioxidant capacity and improve immunity. These easy (and almost free) tips can help you to increase your daily intake of phytochemicals from herbs, fruits and vegetables:
1: Eat at least 5 portions of fruits and vegetables.
The World Health Organisation recommends that we eat daily at least 5 portions of fruits and vegetables. This 5 PLUS a day strategy is adopted by many countries. The 5 PLUS a day message is the most successful health promotion idea because research has shown that eating at least five portions of fruits and vegetables each day could reduce cancer rates by 20 percent.
2: Eat more tomato ketchup
You should use tomato ketchup as condiment on your meals instead of mayonnaise.
Not only does ketchup contain a lot less calories, it is rich in the phytochemical lycopene. However, you should check that it is real ketchup made from tomatoes and does not contain colourings. Lycopene is found in fresh tomatoes but cooking breaks down the cell wall and increase the availability of lycopene. Research indicates that lycopene and tomato products lower the risk of some cancers and heart diseases.
3: Eat the albedo of citrus fruis
Whenever you eat or press citrus fruits, you should also eat the albedo, which is the white part of the citrus fruit. You should not eat the coloured part, which tastes very better and could be contaminated with pesticides. Albedo tastes quite neutral and sweet. The orange flesh and juice are also healthy and loaded with vitamin C, but the albedo is very rich in pectin and the phytochemicals limonin and glucarates. The pectin of the albedo lowers your cholesterol, curbs appetite and suppresses your hunger for a few hours. The albedo is also rich in vitamin C.
4: Increase soy consumption
Soy is packed with healthy ingredients: omega-3 fatty acids, cholesterol reducing proteins and minerals. The main phytochemical in soy is isoflavone, which improves bone health, reduces risk of certain cancers and reduces menopausal symptoms.
5: Drink herbal teas
Reduce your intake of coffee and soft drinks and increase the intake of herbal tea, including ordinary tea. Today there is a large selection of teas available: camomile, linden, sage, green teas, etc.
6: Eat dried fruits as snack
You should substitute your candy and snacks with dried fruits such as prunes, apricots, dades and raisins.
7: Add herbs and spices to your meals
Spices and herbs do not only add flavour to your meals but many are loaded with phytochemicals. Try to add following herbs and spices: parsley, sage, thyme, oregano, basil, etc.
Thursday, 26 August 2010
Tuesday, 24 August 2010
Good Eye Health Practices
By William Lamptey
"Even in the glasses of thine eyes, I see thy grieved heart," said Shakespeare- a very protective observation of the human eye. This incredible organ of sight not only permits us to see but is most often a barometer of our emotions and our state of health, as well. It is believed that the famed Maimonides, world renowned physician to the Sultan prescribed medicines for his patients (clients) just by looking into their eyes.
The eye is a special sensory receiver. The eyes are the greatest clues to diseases elsewhere in the body, more so than any other organ. We use our eyes for driving car, watching television, reading books and newspapers, and watching movies. The eye is a fantastic, incredible piece of engineering- an instantly self-adjusting camera, with a built-in drainage and repair system, so it requires only reasonable care from its owner in order to provide good and constant lifetime service.
When reading, writing, or doing other close work, the source of light should be steady, non-glaring, and easy to read by. The light should come from behind. The entire room should be lighted, not just the working area. Indirect lighting is preferred to direct.
When doing extensive reading or writing the eyes should be rested for a minute or so from time to time by closing them or looking at faraway objects.
Sunglasses at night or in darkened places are ill-advised. Even in the daylight sunglasses should be worn in glared conditions, unless otherwise instructed by a physician. Watch television at night with lights on.
An eye that has caught cinder must not be rubbed; it should be allowed to tear and be washed out by a gentle stream of clear water. Boric acid or other eye preparations are dangerous when the eye is injured, so consult a physician before using them because self medication is not advisable.
All children should have their eye checked no later than the beginning of school, regardless of whether they have symptoms or not. Adults over 40 years of age should have a regular eye checkups.
Non-acute symptoms that must also be investigated are: aversion to reading, unusual fatigue after normal eye use, an unusual number of errors in writing, difficulties in concentrating, and headaches, particularly those that radiate to and from the eye.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=William_Lamptey
http://EzineArticles.com/?Good-Eye-Health-Practices&id=2681362
"Even in the glasses of thine eyes, I see thy grieved heart," said Shakespeare- a very protective observation of the human eye. This incredible organ of sight not only permits us to see but is most often a barometer of our emotions and our state of health, as well. It is believed that the famed Maimonides, world renowned physician to the Sultan prescribed medicines for his patients (clients) just by looking into their eyes.
The eye is a special sensory receiver. The eyes are the greatest clues to diseases elsewhere in the body, more so than any other organ. We use our eyes for driving car, watching television, reading books and newspapers, and watching movies. The eye is a fantastic, incredible piece of engineering- an instantly self-adjusting camera, with a built-in drainage and repair system, so it requires only reasonable care from its owner in order to provide good and constant lifetime service.
When reading, writing, or doing other close work, the source of light should be steady, non-glaring, and easy to read by. The light should come from behind. The entire room should be lighted, not just the working area. Indirect lighting is preferred to direct.
When doing extensive reading or writing the eyes should be rested for a minute or so from time to time by closing them or looking at faraway objects.
Sunglasses at night or in darkened places are ill-advised. Even in the daylight sunglasses should be worn in glared conditions, unless otherwise instructed by a physician. Watch television at night with lights on.
An eye that has caught cinder must not be rubbed; it should be allowed to tear and be washed out by a gentle stream of clear water. Boric acid or other eye preparations are dangerous when the eye is injured, so consult a physician before using them because self medication is not advisable.
All children should have their eye checked no later than the beginning of school, regardless of whether they have symptoms or not. Adults over 40 years of age should have a regular eye checkups.
Non-acute symptoms that must also be investigated are: aversion to reading, unusual fatigue after normal eye use, an unusual number of errors in writing, difficulties in concentrating, and headaches, particularly those that radiate to and from the eye.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=William_Lamptey
http://EzineArticles.com/?Good-Eye-Health-Practices&id=2681362
Good Health Tips on How to Travel Safe
By William Lamptey
Health is a complete state of physical, mental and social well being but not the mere absence of diseases (WHO). Good health does not mean the absence of disease - although many would settle for that- it means, rather, ebullience, fitness, and vigor. The human body is constantly at war, from birth to old age, against the environment, bacteria, viruses, and microorganisms of every kind. In other to fight these constant battles the body must be in good physical condition. A lack of fitness makes one vulnerable to every kind of disease, all of which are waiting for the opportunity.
Everyone should carry a medical card in his pocket or wallet, which indicates his personal pertinent medical history; for example, it might indicate an allergy to penicillin or some other substance or that he/she is a diabetic or epileptic. In case of an accident or unconsciousness a medical card can be a lifesaver (commercial cards can be obtained from microcard shops, systemedica and others; a physician can advise where to procure them).
The public health services of the various countries in the world will provide on request all the necessary information regarding particular vaccines needed for every region in the world. When traveling in tropical countries carry insect repellents and never wade in any natural body of water. In doubtful countries, drinking the local water can be hazardous; it is best to confine oneself to purified water and carbonated drinks. The same holds true for ice (although bacteria and other microorganisms cannot survive boiling, they do survive freezing). Only vegetables and fruits that can be peeled should be eaten raw. All pork and beef should be avoided.
Plenty of rest is strongly advised when crossing one or more time zones. Jet lag can be alleviated by drinking a glass of water /or other liquids for every one hour aloft, for the body becomes dehydrated on long trips. Stretching of the legs and if possible standing for a while if possible because this reduces the chances of having thrombosis (local intravascular clotting).
A medical traveling kit is vital. It should contain paregoric for diarrhea, medication for motion sickness and respiratory infections, sleeping pills, insect repellents, antacids, plenty of pain killers or analgesics (aspirin or paracetamol or diclofenac), water purification tablets, a Red Cross first-aid book, and a supply of antibiotics prescribed by a physician. Some physicians' advice carrying 2 ounces of chloroxone dropped in a quart of water will kill all the pathogens within 10 minutes.
No one knows better what will happen to him or her tomorrow, so if you had ever traveled long distances before without this practice, do not forget to observe them next time you travel. Prevention is always better than cure.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=William_Lamptey
http://EzineArticles.com/?Good-Health-Tips-on-How-to-Travel-Safe&id=2775467
Health is a complete state of physical, mental and social well being but not the mere absence of diseases (WHO). Good health does not mean the absence of disease - although many would settle for that- it means, rather, ebullience, fitness, and vigor. The human body is constantly at war, from birth to old age, against the environment, bacteria, viruses, and microorganisms of every kind. In other to fight these constant battles the body must be in good physical condition. A lack of fitness makes one vulnerable to every kind of disease, all of which are waiting for the opportunity.
Everyone should carry a medical card in his pocket or wallet, which indicates his personal pertinent medical history; for example, it might indicate an allergy to penicillin or some other substance or that he/she is a diabetic or epileptic. In case of an accident or unconsciousness a medical card can be a lifesaver (commercial cards can be obtained from microcard shops, systemedica and others; a physician can advise where to procure them).
The public health services of the various countries in the world will provide on request all the necessary information regarding particular vaccines needed for every region in the world. When traveling in tropical countries carry insect repellents and never wade in any natural body of water. In doubtful countries, drinking the local water can be hazardous; it is best to confine oneself to purified water and carbonated drinks. The same holds true for ice (although bacteria and other microorganisms cannot survive boiling, they do survive freezing). Only vegetables and fruits that can be peeled should be eaten raw. All pork and beef should be avoided.
Plenty of rest is strongly advised when crossing one or more time zones. Jet lag can be alleviated by drinking a glass of water /or other liquids for every one hour aloft, for the body becomes dehydrated on long trips. Stretching of the legs and if possible standing for a while if possible because this reduces the chances of having thrombosis (local intravascular clotting).
A medical traveling kit is vital. It should contain paregoric for diarrhea, medication for motion sickness and respiratory infections, sleeping pills, insect repellents, antacids, plenty of pain killers or analgesics (aspirin or paracetamol or diclofenac), water purification tablets, a Red Cross first-aid book, and a supply of antibiotics prescribed by a physician. Some physicians' advice carrying 2 ounces of chloroxone dropped in a quart of water will kill all the pathogens within 10 minutes.
No one knows better what will happen to him or her tomorrow, so if you had ever traveled long distances before without this practice, do not forget to observe them next time you travel. Prevention is always better than cure.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=William_Lamptey
http://EzineArticles.com/?Good-Health-Tips-on-How-to-Travel-Safe&id=2775467
Tit Bits on How to Stop Smoking
By William Lamptey
As a pianist, a bass guitarist, and a drummer for fifteen years, I always say that there are better melodies that have not been heard yet. I believe that heard melodies are sweet but the unheard ones will be sweeter. Smoking, a global concern with many health consequences had been discussed all over the world several times through different media, but all had not been said about it.
Smoke is the collection of airborne solid and liquid particulates and gases emitted when a material undergoes combustion or pyrolysis, together with the quantity of air that is entrained or otherwise mixed into the mass. Smoking is act or a process where a substance, most commonly is burned and the smoke tasted or inhaled. It is believed that smoking dates back to as early as 5000 BC in Shamanistic rituals (shamanism comprises a range of traditional beliefs and practices concerned with communication with the spiritual world). It is also believed that some ancient civilizations, such as the Babylonians, Indians, and Chinese, burnt incense as a part of religious rituals, as did the Israelites and the later Catholic and Orthodox Christian churches.
Smoking: one sure way to shorten life, smoking can cause or increase the chances of:
o Developing lung cancer (nine times higher than in non-smokers);
o Suffering a heart attack (twice as high among those who smoke a pack or more a day);
o Suffering low back pain (smokers are at greater risks);
o Developing emphysema (usually a direct result of smoking);
o Reducing birth weight (particularly heavy smoking can affect the fetus);
o Increasing circulatory ailments (smoking is a serious risk for those suffering from heart or circulatory disorders; it will raise blood pressure, narrow the blood vessels of the legs, fingers, and toes, and is a direct cause of intermittent claudication [pain on walking from narrow blood vessels] and gangrene of the leg).
How to stop smoking: one sure way to prolong or extend your life. In other to solve a problem, the source of the problem must be identified. The following tips help in stopping smoking;
1. Why am I smoking? List the reasons. Be cold-blooded or sincere about it. Write all down on paper.
2. If one of the reasons is that it gives you handling satisfaction by keeping your hands busy, use a fake cigarette (there are several on the market which look like lighted cigarettes)
3. If one of the reasons that it's possibly a habit and admittedly you often put a cigarette in your mouth without thinking, keep a card inside the cellophane of the pack and tick of every cigarette you smoke. You won't stop smoking entirely, but you will assuredly cut down on the number.
4. If your reason for smoking is that you are afraid of gaining weight on stopping, don't worry about that. After you have stopped smoking you can easily tackle the weight problem.
5. If another reason is that you need a cigarette in times or moments of stress or tension, try physical exercises like jogging or swimming- any very active sports will reduce mental tension far better than smoking.
6. Another reason may be that you believe you are addicted, bear in mind that not every cigarette you put in your mouth is carved one.
If you fail after observing these methods of stopping smoking, you will require a professional assistance because many smokers have been assisted by hypnosis or by psychiatric consultation, and many have kicked the habit through group therapy with other addicted smokers. Bear in mind that to stop a habit requires a personal effort and everyone who puts in an effort overcomes and dangerous or ill-health habits. Those who are serious about giving up smoking usually find some way to accomplish their goals.
Why don't you give it a try now.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=William_Lamptey
http://EzineArticles.com/?Tit-Bits-on-How-to-Stop-Smoking&id=2681420
As a pianist, a bass guitarist, and a drummer for fifteen years, I always say that there are better melodies that have not been heard yet. I believe that heard melodies are sweet but the unheard ones will be sweeter. Smoking, a global concern with many health consequences had been discussed all over the world several times through different media, but all had not been said about it.
Smoke is the collection of airborne solid and liquid particulates and gases emitted when a material undergoes combustion or pyrolysis, together with the quantity of air that is entrained or otherwise mixed into the mass. Smoking is act or a process where a substance, most commonly is burned and the smoke tasted or inhaled. It is believed that smoking dates back to as early as 5000 BC in Shamanistic rituals (shamanism comprises a range of traditional beliefs and practices concerned with communication with the spiritual world). It is also believed that some ancient civilizations, such as the Babylonians, Indians, and Chinese, burnt incense as a part of religious rituals, as did the Israelites and the later Catholic and Orthodox Christian churches.
Smoking: one sure way to shorten life, smoking can cause or increase the chances of:
o Developing lung cancer (nine times higher than in non-smokers);
o Suffering a heart attack (twice as high among those who smoke a pack or more a day);
o Suffering low back pain (smokers are at greater risks);
o Developing emphysema (usually a direct result of smoking);
o Reducing birth weight (particularly heavy smoking can affect the fetus);
o Increasing circulatory ailments (smoking is a serious risk for those suffering from heart or circulatory disorders; it will raise blood pressure, narrow the blood vessels of the legs, fingers, and toes, and is a direct cause of intermittent claudication [pain on walking from narrow blood vessels] and gangrene of the leg).
How to stop smoking: one sure way to prolong or extend your life. In other to solve a problem, the source of the problem must be identified. The following tips help in stopping smoking;
1. Why am I smoking? List the reasons. Be cold-blooded or sincere about it. Write all down on paper.
2. If one of the reasons is that it gives you handling satisfaction by keeping your hands busy, use a fake cigarette (there are several on the market which look like lighted cigarettes)
3. If one of the reasons that it's possibly a habit and admittedly you often put a cigarette in your mouth without thinking, keep a card inside the cellophane of the pack and tick of every cigarette you smoke. You won't stop smoking entirely, but you will assuredly cut down on the number.
4. If your reason for smoking is that you are afraid of gaining weight on stopping, don't worry about that. After you have stopped smoking you can easily tackle the weight problem.
5. If another reason is that you need a cigarette in times or moments of stress or tension, try physical exercises like jogging or swimming- any very active sports will reduce mental tension far better than smoking.
6. Another reason may be that you believe you are addicted, bear in mind that not every cigarette you put in your mouth is carved one.
If you fail after observing these methods of stopping smoking, you will require a professional assistance because many smokers have been assisted by hypnosis or by psychiatric consultation, and many have kicked the habit through group therapy with other addicted smokers. Bear in mind that to stop a habit requires a personal effort and everyone who puts in an effort overcomes and dangerous or ill-health habits. Those who are serious about giving up smoking usually find some way to accomplish their goals.
Why don't you give it a try now.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=William_Lamptey
http://EzineArticles.com/?Tit-Bits-on-How-to-Stop-Smoking&id=2681420
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