Tap water risky for pregnant mothers

LONDON: Pregnant mothers who drink or even shower in tap water can double the risk of serious heart and brain abnormalities in their unborn babies, a study has suggested.

The findings, reported in the journal Environmental Health , links by-products of water chlorination - chemicals known as trihalomethanes, or THMs - to increase the risk of holes in the heart, cleft palate and anencephalus, which results in the absence of a major portion of the brain, skull, and scalp.

Babies born in areas where drinking water is heavily disinfected with chlorine are at double the risk of heart problems, cleft palate or major brain defects, according to the study carried out in Taiwan on nearly 400,000 infants.

The disturbing finding suggests that expectant mothers can expose themselves to the higher risk by drinking the water, swimming in chlorinated water, taking a bath or shower, or even by standing close to a boiling kettle.

"The biological mechanism for how these disinfection by-products may cause defects are still unknown," says Professor Jouni Jaakkola, the author of the report.

"However, our findings don't just add to the evidence that water chlorination may cause birth defects, but suggest that exposure to chlorination by-products may be responsible for some specific and common defects," Professor Jaakkola of the University of Birmingham's Institute of Occupational and Environmental Medicine was quoted as saying by the Daily Telegraph of Britain on Tuesday.

He said though chlorination has been a major public health success by cutting waterborne diseases that earlier study may have missed this effect by not using specific categories of birth defect.

"While the benefits of water chlorination are quite evident, more research needs to be carried out to determine these side-effects," he says.

FOODS THAT CHANGE YOUR MOOD

Did you know that eating certain foods could improve your mood, provide uplifting energy and make you feel fresh? Read on...

NAINI SETALVAD

Have you ever experienced a day when in the morning you felt great, but after lunch, you felt down and tired? What if we told you that eating certain foods could improve your mood, provide uplifting energy and make you feel like a fresh daisy?
    The key to understanding the connection between the food we eat and our mood and level of alertness lies in understanding a little about how the brain functions. The brain communicates by chemical substances passed from one nerve cell to the next. These chemicals, called neurotransmitters, are made in the brain from the food we eat. The neurotransmitters that are most sensitive to diet and influential in affecting mood are serotonin, nor epinephrine and dopamine.
    Dopamine and nor epinephrine are alertness chemicals. When they are produced we think and react more quickly, we feel more motivated, we are more attentive and overall, we are more mentally energetic.
    Serotonin is a calming and relaxing chemical. When produced, feelings of stress and tension decrease.
    Now that you have a better understanding of the role neurotransmitters play in brain function, let's look at the relationship between these neurotransmitters and the foods we eat.
Foods that make you feel alert
The best way to eat for alertness is to have meals that contain protein, are low in fat, and have carbohydrates that won't drag you down. Mid-day is when your brain's supply of dopamine and nor epinephrine is beginning to wane. When you supply the tyrosine (from eating protein), your brain will be ready to make it into more of the two alertness neurotransmitters (dopamine and nor epinephrine). Please do not avoid carbohydrates as it is your main source of energy especially the B group which is the energy giving vitamin. Therefore have a combination of complex carbohydrates, fibre (vegetables and salads) and a bit of protein.
    Some healthy proteinpacked foods are: fish, sprouts, nuts, pulses, low fat paneer, skim or low-fat milk, low-fat yogurt.
    Lemons: The smell of lemons can induce the feeling of alertness. So add lemon to all your food.
    Apples, nachni, rajma, and broccoli: These foods contain Boron, which is responsible for hand-eye coordination, attention and short-term memory. Boron-rich foods also maintain healthy bone and blood-sugar levels.
    Foods that make you feel energetic for a longer time as they are low in glycemic index:
    Low-Glycemic Carbohydrates:
Brown rice, sweet potato, nachni, bajra, oats.
    High-Glycemic Carbohydrate should be avoided: Sugar, white bread, rice cakes, wheat crackers, bagel, instant rice, rice, pasta.
Smart: Prunes — they contain twice the antioxidant of most other fruits. Antioxidant-rich diets disable reactive oxygen molecules linked to memory loss and mental deterioration. They prevent mood swings. As they are low in glycematic index they supply energy for a longer time. They are also high in fibre, prevent constipation, maintain blood pressure levels being high in potassium and an excellent source of iron. Low iron causes fatigue. Look for California prunes as they
    have no sugar
    added. Energised: Oranges, apples, and yogurt — These foods are slow digesting carbohydrates and can supply a steady source of fuel for your body. Sunflower seeds: Sunflower seeds contain magnesium which helps maintain normal muscle and nerve function, and keeps heart rhythm steady and bones strong. It is also involved in energy metabolism and protein synthesis. Just a handful of sunflower seeds will give you half of your daily magnesium needs.
Happy: Bananas: Bananas contain vitamin B6, which is known to build serotonin levels. They contain no fat, and are available everywhere. Nuts: Walnuts (Kashmiri) are high in antioxidants, omega 3 fatty acids, prevent aging, excellent source of vitamin E. Pistachios (Californian) are low in glycemic index, high in vitamin B and fibre, low in fat and maintain blood sugar levels. Almonds (mamro) are high in antioxidants and Vitamin E. Dark Chocolate: This treat releases pleasure-enhancing endorphins into the brain and also contains phenyl ethylamine, a stimulant associated with love. Hence, they make you feel good. The higher the content of cocoa, the better you feel. Its cocoa which contains the chemicals. Head for the darkest chocolate. While all of the above will help you feel better throughout the day, there are also foods you should avoid if you find that you're feeling sluggish more often than you'd like. Water — at least eight glasses a day is the highest pickme-up. Many times fatigue is related to thirst and not hunger. So reach out for water. Avoid large, highfat meals. Fats stay in the stomach longer, diverting blood away from your brain, muscles, and other tissues, which in turn can make you feel sluggish for up to six hours. Have at least one iron-rich food per day. Iron helps transport oxygen to your tissues. Good sources of iron include prunes Don't eat too little. A low caloric intake leads to fatigue and irritation. Watch your intake of alcohol and coffee. Alcohol is a sedative that can also cause dehydration. Coffee can pep you up in the short term, but can cause you to drop like a ton of bricks later on. Avoid white sugar and white flour. It leeches the body of Vitamin B and calcium, causes constipation, and white sugar causes restlessness, lack of concentration and a quick feeling of fatigue. (The writer is a city-based nutritionist)

(clockwise) Oranges, broccolli, bananas, lemons

Eat healthy to build stamina

FITNESS MANTRA

Amrita Rao, Actress

My Workout Regimen:
Over the years I have discovered that I have a fantastic metabollic rate. I also don't have a tendency to put on weight so I don't think twice about what I eat. My body is not meant for the gym as it looks toned alI the time. I can go on for weeks without exercising. But I do believe that some kind of exercise is very important in our lives. So I prefer dancing rather than doing any other workout as it builds my stamina and gives flexibility to my body. I also do yoga as the deep breathing exercises are very helpful in our stressful lives. On account of pollution we don't deep-breathe any more. So these exercises are very good for our breathing system. It helps to fill our lungs with oxygen which is beneficial for the brain and skin.
My Daily Diet:
    When I wake up I drink a bottle of water — one litre of water in a minute. The oxygen in water is good for the skin and helps to clear the system. This was prescribed to me by a neurotherapist Reza Bohrani who had told me about the benefits of water therapy. This method is difficult to follow initially for a couple of days. But after some time the body gets used to it. If I follow this regime everyday the water content of my body is satisfied even if I manage to drink even one litre water during the rest of the day.
    As far as food is concerned, I don't follow a particular diet. I just eat the regular meals. I don't like to eat any fried stuff in the morning. So I normally gorge on a bowl of mixed vegetable juice and a bowl of soya for my breakfast. I am a strict vegetarian and love veggies like broccoli, sprouts, etc. I avoid food from outside. Even for my shoots I carry home food. A healthy lifestyle and smart snacking is very important. In the evening I munch an energy bar or a bowl of cut fruits. During my shoots I sip on a glass of chilled lime juice. In an hour I drink 2-3 glasses of this juice. I also have a proper dinner too and I feel that one must eat according to one's body type. I feel sorry when young girls starve and sip only liquids to become thin. They should realise that it's not healthy for their body later on. One must eat healthy and build a good stamina for your age and not worry about the size as it all depends upon the bone structure of your body. We shouldn't feel conscious about how much we eat even when we are eating out with friends.
My Happiness Quotient
    If I'm feeling a little low then I'll call up my close friends and probably just chat up with them. I feel that one must have somebody to talk to and if you have friends with a positive attitude around you then it is very good because they keep you motivated all the time. People with negative thoughts sow seeds of insecurity in you which definitely affects the mental being and actions of a person. So it's the company that you keep that matters a lot in your life.
My idea of relaxation
    I would probably go for a good massage or read a good book or even just watch a good movie. Even going on a long drive relaxes me.
    As told to GLACXY FERRAO

Over a cuppa coffee

Here are some surprising health benefits of the brew

 One of the best ways to ward off chronic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer, is to eat a diet rich in antioxidants. But many of us do not eat the recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables — considered superior sources of antioxidants.
    So guess where many people are getting their antioxidants instead? Recent studies reveal coffee may be a surprising source. In fact, it is the top dietary source of antioxidants in many populations, including in the United States. Moreover, roasted coffee residues retain their antioxidant ability; it isn't lost in processing.
    Enjoy your java? You're not alone . . .
    Researchers estimate about 54 per cent of US adults drink coffee every day. Countries such as Germany, Austria, and Finland consume twice as much coffee as the United States.
    And there may be related benefits to this brew. Although most of the research is in the early stages, studies show that drinking coffee may be linked to some desirable health outcomes, such as:
    Decreased risk of Parkinson's disease: A study revealed that men may experience up to a 40 per cent reduction in risk by drinking as little as one cup per day. However, the effects were not observed in postmenopausal women who take estrogen replacement. In this case, coffee drinking may actually increase Parkinson's risk.
    Reduced risk of type 2 diabetes: However, this reduced risk is only linked to people who drink excess amounts of coffee, which is not recommended; the risks of drinking too much coffee outweigh this possible benefit.
    Decreased risk of liver cancer: Drinking coffee may be especially helpful in reducing the risk of liver cancer caused by cirrhosis, a type of liver disease that causes scarring of the liver.
    If coffee does have health benefits, it's not clear what they are from. Coffee contains not only antioxidants, but also caffeine and other yet-to-be researched compounds.
    But even if there are clear health benefits to the brew, there are caveats. Although coffee consumption does not seem to raise the risk of cardiovascular disease, research shows that chronic consumption may increase aortic stiffness. Plus, unfiltered coffee can raise levels of blood fats, and excessive caffeine intake may be bad for people who are sensitive to caffeine. Coffee can contain anywhere from 72 to 130 milligrams of caffeine per 227 grams serving, depending on the bean source and the brewing methods.
    So there is give and take with coffee. If you don't already drink it, the recent news about antioxidants is not necessarily a reason to pick up the habit. And for people who already drink it, it's no excuse to stop eating fruits and veggies. Finally, because of the caffeine content, moderation is still the key to enjoying it healthfully.
    Your best bet is to eat your fruits and veggies, and try to limit yourself to about one or two small cups of coffee per day. That way you stay within the recommended limit of no more than 250 milligrams of caffeine per day.
Caffeine may cause: nervous, jittery feelings sleeplessness rapid heartbeat increased blood pressure stomach upset
    Caffeine may not be recommended for people who have:
    overactive bladder
    heartburn
    high blood pressure
    arrhythmia
    anxiety disorder
    insomnia
Tea time
If you're not a coffee drinker, there's another steamy brew with multiple health benefits and less need for moderation. The health benefits of tea are widely established and are likely due to antioxidant flavonoids, as well as possibly the caffeine. Tea contains less caffeine than coffee, though, so you can drink more without worrying about excessive caffeine intake. Green tea can contain anywhere from 9 to 50 milligrams per 227 grams serving while black tea typically contains between 42 to 72 milligrams per cup.
    The well-established health benefits of tea include:
    Decreased risk of LDL cholesterol oxidation and improved blood lipids after eating a high-fat meal, which may in part translate into reduced risk of cardiovascular disease
    Decreased risk of heart attack and stroke
    Regular tea drinkers might also have:
    a possible decreased risk of Parkinson's disease
    a possible decreased risk of Alzheimer's disease
    Tea has been found to have anticancer properties in both cell and animal studies, however no definitive evidence exists yet proving tea's anti-cancer potential in humans. Larger studies are needed to prove or disprove these findings.

COFFEE TALK: Coffee contains antioxidants

Cold and flu myths busted

Here's what you need to know...

Colds are not caused by going outside without a raincoat: Sorry, mom. You meant well, but the only way to catch a cold or flu is by picking up a virus. Going out into the rain without a jacket, or with wet hair, does nothing to facilitate transmission. It's true, though, that we are more prone in the winter. Viruses are more easily shared when people are clustered together indoors.
Feed a cold, starve a fever? Nah. Feed 'em both: This advice is probably repeated as often as it is jumbled. But you wouldn't want to starve either virus: At higher temperatures the body produces more interferon, a protein that helps prevent virus reproduction. The body is like a furnace, and to create heat you need calories. When people have chills it is because they don't have enough calories to bring up the heat normally … by feeding them, they will have enough calories to raise the temperature, increase the interferon, and kill the bugs. Drink lots of water too.
Viruses survive on surfaces: You don't have to wait to be sneezed on to catch a cold or flu-you can pick the virus up right from a counter top, keyboard, telephone or other surface. Rhino-viruses, the family of germs responsible for most colds, have been shown to survive on a surface for several hours or even days. The concentration of virus attenuates; that is, the potency is less and less as time goes on. But you need very few viral particles to trigger an infection. Even if there's just a little left and you happen to touch that door knob or coffee cup, the virus can then survive on your hands for quite a long time. Then all it takes is a little wipe on your nose or eyes and whatever little bit of virus on there will go to town very quickly.
Vitamin C is ineffective for preventing or treating cold or flu: A review of 30 studies on vitamin C put to rest a few dozen years' of overconfidence in orange juice. Vitamin C cannot effectively prevent or cure common colds. Some benefit has been shown for extreme athletes exercising in extreme cold, but since vitamin C is only known to offer a biological benefit in certain cases, for the average adult, it's not worth it to supplement.
We can't cure the common cold: The problem is that there are hundreds of varieties, or serotypes of rhinovirus in addition to other viruses that cause the common cold. Of those hundreds, just a few are causing widespread infection at any point in time. The serotypes change so rapidly that they're impossible to keep up with. A vaccine would have to be specific to the current serotype, and by the time the virus was identified and an antidote developed, the active serotype would have changed.
    TNN

Cold WAVE: The only way you can catch a cold is by picking up a virus