Saturday, February 23, 2008
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
BREATH TEST FOR CANCER
Scientists show that a person’s breath can be used to detect various diseases including asthma and diabetes
Scientists in the UK and US – in two separate studies – have shown that various diseases such as diabetes, asthma and cancer can be detected by merely checking a person’s breath.
The researchers at UK’s Swansea University – for their part – are using “GCMS-TD” (gas chromatography, mass spectrometry and thermal desorption) technology to analyse the concentrations of “Volatile Organic Compounds” (VOCs) in breath.
Whereas the team of US scientists at JILA, a joint institute of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the University of Colorado (CU), have shown that by sampling a person’s breath using “optical frequency comb spectroscopy” they can detect molecules in the breath that may be markers for diseases.
HOW THE TECHNOLOGY WORKS
Every time we breathe in, we inhale a mixture of gasses – mostly nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water vapour, but also traces of other gasses, such as carbon monoxide, nitrous oxide, etc.
Each time we exhale, we blow out a slightly different mixture with less oxygen, more carbon dioxide, and a rich collection of more than a thousand types of other molecules – most of which are present only in trace amounts.
Some of these tracer breath molecules are biomarkers of disease. Just as bad breath may indicate dental problems, excess methylamine can be used to detect liver and kidney disease, ammonia on the breath may be a sign of renal failure or hepatitis, elevated acetone levels in the breath can indicate diabetes, dimethyl sulphide is linked to cirrhosis, and nitric oxide levels can be used to diagnose asthma.
When many breath molecules are detected simultaneously, highly reliable and diseasespecific information can be collected.
RESEARCH IN THE UNITED KINGDOM…
“Studies have shown that high concentrations of certain VOCs in breath can correlate with disease,” said Dr Masood Yousef, a senior research assistant at Swansea. “If unique markers for diseases can be recognised earlier than traditional techniques, then there is a potential to diagnose disease before any symptoms have developed, and without the need for invasive procedures.”
The GCMS-TD system works by analysing all the chemicals and compounds that make up a patient’s breath. It creates a breath profile, which allows scientists to identify VOCs that may signify the presence of disease.
Dr Yousef believes that the breath test will provide a more convenient method for diagnosing serious diseases than blood or urine analysis.
It is hoped that the research in Swansea will lead to the development of diagnostic tools such as test strips that give positive results for specific illness markers.
... AND IN THE UNITED STATES
While many studies have been done to showcase the potential of optical technologies for breath analysis, the JILA approach takes an important step toward demonstrating the full power of optics for this prospective medical application.
“Our technique – called cavity-enhanced direct optical frequency comb spectroscopy – can give a broad picture of many different molecules in the breath all at once,” said research leader Jun Ye, a fellow of JILA, NIST and a professor at Colorado University’s Department of Physics.
“Optical comb spectroscopy is powerful enough to sort through all the molecules in human breath,” Ye said, “but it is also sensitive enough to find those rarest molecules that may be markers of specific diseases.”
In the experiments performed by Ye and his colleagues, the technique was used to analyse the breath of several student volunteers.
The researchers had the students breathe into an optical cavity – a space between two standing mirrors. The optical cavity was designed so that when they aimed a pulsed laser light into it, the light bounced back and forth so many times that it covered a distance of several kilometres by the time it exited the cavity. This essentially allowed the light to sample the entire volume of the cavity, striking all the molecules therein.
In addition, this lengthens the light-molecule interaction time thereby increasing the sensitivity.
By comparing the light coming out of the cavity to the light that went in, Ye and his colleagues could determine which frequencies of light were absorbed and by how much. This information allows them to sensitively identify many different molecules.
FROM LABS TO DISPENSARIES
While the efficacy of these techniques has yet to be evaluated in clinical trials, monitoring the breath for such biomarkers is an attractive approach to medicine because breath analysis is the ultimate non-invasive and low-cost procedure.
“Breath samples are much easier to collect than blood and urine,” Dr Yousef said. “They can be collected anywhere by people with no medical training, and there are no associated biohazard risks.”
Scientists in the UK and US – in two separate studies – have shown that various diseases such as diabetes, asthma and cancer can be detected by merely checking a person’s breath.
The researchers at UK’s Swansea University – for their part – are using “GCMS-TD” (gas chromatography, mass spectrometry and thermal desorption) technology to analyse the concentrations of “Volatile Organic Compounds” (VOCs) in breath.
Whereas the team of US scientists at JILA, a joint institute of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the University of Colorado (CU), have shown that by sampling a person’s breath using “optical frequency comb spectroscopy” they can detect molecules in the breath that may be markers for diseases.
HOW THE TECHNOLOGY WORKS
Every time we breathe in, we inhale a mixture of gasses – mostly nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water vapour, but also traces of other gasses, such as carbon monoxide, nitrous oxide, etc.
Each time we exhale, we blow out a slightly different mixture with less oxygen, more carbon dioxide, and a rich collection of more than a thousand types of other molecules – most of which are present only in trace amounts.
Some of these tracer breath molecules are biomarkers of disease. Just as bad breath may indicate dental problems, excess methylamine can be used to detect liver and kidney disease, ammonia on the breath may be a sign of renal failure or hepatitis, elevated acetone levels in the breath can indicate diabetes, dimethyl sulphide is linked to cirrhosis, and nitric oxide levels can be used to diagnose asthma.
When many breath molecules are detected simultaneously, highly reliable and diseasespecific information can be collected.
RESEARCH IN THE UNITED KINGDOM…
“Studies have shown that high concentrations of certain VOCs in breath can correlate with disease,” said Dr Masood Yousef, a senior research assistant at Swansea. “If unique markers for diseases can be recognised earlier than traditional techniques, then there is a potential to diagnose disease before any symptoms have developed, and without the need for invasive procedures.”
The GCMS-TD system works by analysing all the chemicals and compounds that make up a patient’s breath. It creates a breath profile, which allows scientists to identify VOCs that may signify the presence of disease.
Dr Yousef believes that the breath test will provide a more convenient method for diagnosing serious diseases than blood or urine analysis.
It is hoped that the research in Swansea will lead to the development of diagnostic tools such as test strips that give positive results for specific illness markers.
... AND IN THE UNITED STATES
While many studies have been done to showcase the potential of optical technologies for breath analysis, the JILA approach takes an important step toward demonstrating the full power of optics for this prospective medical application.
“Our technique – called cavity-enhanced direct optical frequency comb spectroscopy – can give a broad picture of many different molecules in the breath all at once,” said research leader Jun Ye, a fellow of JILA, NIST and a professor at Colorado University’s Department of Physics.
“Optical comb spectroscopy is powerful enough to sort through all the molecules in human breath,” Ye said, “but it is also sensitive enough to find those rarest molecules that may be markers of specific diseases.”
In the experiments performed by Ye and his colleagues, the technique was used to analyse the breath of several student volunteers.
The researchers had the students breathe into an optical cavity – a space between two standing mirrors. The optical cavity was designed so that when they aimed a pulsed laser light into it, the light bounced back and forth so many times that it covered a distance of several kilometres by the time it exited the cavity. This essentially allowed the light to sample the entire volume of the cavity, striking all the molecules therein.
In addition, this lengthens the light-molecule interaction time thereby increasing the sensitivity.
By comparing the light coming out of the cavity to the light that went in, Ye and his colleagues could determine which frequencies of light were absorbed and by how much. This information allows them to sensitively identify many different molecules.
FROM LABS TO DISPENSARIES
While the efficacy of these techniques has yet to be evaluated in clinical trials, monitoring the breath for such biomarkers is an attractive approach to medicine because breath analysis is the ultimate non-invasive and low-cost procedure.
“Breath samples are much easier to collect than blood and urine,” Dr Yousef said. “They can be collected anywhere by people with no medical training, and there are no associated biohazard risks.”
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Recipe column- Rasam
Rasam an appetizer could also be prepared with the curry powder I have given in this column earlier. Rasam is an excellent diet drink or a delicious side dish with Steamed rice.
Intake of 1 bowl or a cup of rasam daily will regulate and improve your digestive system.
Roast 1 teaspoon of cummin and 1 teaspoon of pepper in a little ghee and grind it into a coarse powder. Store it in an airtight container.
Easy to make Rasam:
Mix 1 teaspoon of tarmirind paste in 1 cup of water and add a pinch of termeric powder.
Allow it to boil till the raw flavour eliminates.
Add 1 teaspoon of sambar powder and salt.
Pressure cook 2 tablespoon of toordal in 1 cup of water and smash it into a thin paste.
Add the dal water paste and allow it to boil for 2 minutes.
Add 1 teaspoon of the pepper cummin powder.
Do not allow it to boil when a layer of froth is formed remove it from the flame.
Heat up a kadai and add 1/2 teaspoon of ghee and a pinch of hing. Allow 1/2 teaspoon of mustard seeds to splitterand add 5 curry leaves. Pour the garnish into the Rasam.
Garnish with corriender leaves.
Various Rasam with flavour:
Tomato rasam: Same procedure but when you cook toor dal add 2 tomatoes and cook well.
Tomato puree can also be used.
Lemon Rasam: Same procedure as tomato rasam but 1/2 teaspoon of tarmarind paste is enough. After removing from flame add fresh juice of 1 small lemon.
Pineapple Rasam: Same procedure as lemon rasam but add 1 cup of Pineapple juice before removing from flame.
Ginger rasam: Same procedure as tomato rasam but add 1 teaspoon of ginger juice finally.
Garlic Rasam: Same procedure as tomato rasam but crush 4 or 5 garlic pods and add it to boiling tarmarind water.
Intake of 1 bowl or a cup of rasam daily will regulate and improve your digestive system.
Roast 1 teaspoon of cummin and 1 teaspoon of pepper in a little ghee and grind it into a coarse powder. Store it in an airtight container.
Easy to make Rasam:
Mix 1 teaspoon of tarmirind paste in 1 cup of water and add a pinch of termeric powder.
Allow it to boil till the raw flavour eliminates.
Add 1 teaspoon of sambar powder and salt.
Pressure cook 2 tablespoon of toordal in 1 cup of water and smash it into a thin paste.
Add the dal water paste and allow it to boil for 2 minutes.
Add 1 teaspoon of the pepper cummin powder.
Do not allow it to boil when a layer of froth is formed remove it from the flame.
Heat up a kadai and add 1/2 teaspoon of ghee and a pinch of hing. Allow 1/2 teaspoon of mustard seeds to splitterand add 5 curry leaves. Pour the garnish into the Rasam.
Garnish with corriender leaves.
Various Rasam with flavour:
Tomato rasam: Same procedure but when you cook toor dal add 2 tomatoes and cook well.
Tomato puree can also be used.
Lemon Rasam: Same procedure as tomato rasam but 1/2 teaspoon of tarmarind paste is enough. After removing from flame add fresh juice of 1 small lemon.
Pineapple Rasam: Same procedure as lemon rasam but add 1 cup of Pineapple juice before removing from flame.
Ginger rasam: Same procedure as tomato rasam but add 1 teaspoon of ginger juice finally.
Garlic Rasam: Same procedure as tomato rasam but crush 4 or 5 garlic pods and add it to boiling tarmarind water.
Friday, February 8, 2008
HDL cholesterol: How to boost your 'good' cholesterol.
HDL cholesterol: How to boost your 'good' cholesterol
Your doctor says you need to lower your low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. You're working hard at that goal but now your doctor says it's important to raise your high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. You're not sure whether you're coming or going. It might sound like a mixed message, but this one-two punch — reducing LDL cholesterol and increasing HDL cholesterol — is the best way to lower your risk of heart disease.
Understanding HDL cholesterol
Cholesterol is carried through your blood attached to proteins. The cholesterol-
protein package is called a lipoprotein.
- Low-density lipoproteins. LDL, or "bad," cholesterol carries cholesterol throughout your body, depositing it along the walls of your arteries. Cholesterol buildup forms plaques that make arteries hard and narrow — ultimately increasing the risk of coronary artery disease.
- High-density lipoproteins. HDL, or "good," cholesterol picks up excess cholesterol in your blood and takes it back to your liver for disposal. The higher your HDL cholesterol, the less bad cholesterol you'll have in your blood.
The message to lower LDL cholesterol is loud and clear — but it might not be enough for people at high risk of heart disease. So doctors are beginning to turn their attention to HDL cholesterol.
In one study, every 1 percent increase in HDL cholesterol was linked to a 2 percent reduction in the development of coronary artery disease. In the same study, participants with the highest HDL levels had half the risk of developing coronary artery disease as did those with the lowest HDL levels.
Set your target
Cholesterol levels are measured in milligrams (mg) of cholesterol per deciliter (dL) of blood. When it comes to HDL cholesterol, think high. Most people should aim for an HDL level of 60 mg/dL or above. An HDL level below 40 mg/dL increases the risk of heart disease.
For the average man, HDL cholesterol ranges from 40 to 50 mg/dL. Thanks to female sex hormones — which have a positive effect on HDL cholesterol — the average woman fares better, with HDL cholesterol ranging from 50 to 60 mg/dL. But both men and women can benefit from increasing those averages.
If you don't know your HDL level, ask your doctor for a baseline cholesterol test. If your HDL value isn't within a desirable range, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes to boost your HDL cholesterol.
Make your lifestyle count
Your lifestyle has the single greatest impact on your HDL cholesterol. Even small changes to your daily habits can help you meet your HDL target.
- Don't smoke. Smoking lowers HDL cholesterol and increases your blood's tendency to clot. If you smoke, quit. To increase your odds of success, you might want to try more than one strategy at a time. For example, combine medication to reduce nicotine cravings with a support group or individual counseling. Talk with your doctor about your options for quitting.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Excess pounds take a toll on HDL cholesterol. But there's good news. If you're overweight, losing even a few pounds can improve your HDL level. For every 2 pounds you lose, your HDL may increase by .35 mg/dL. That's about 1 mg/dL for every 6 pounds. To keep your weight in a healthy range, focus on permanent changes to your eating and exercise habits. Motivate yourself by remembering the benefits of losing weight, such as a healthier heart, more energy and improved self-esteem.
- Get more physical activity. In one study, regular aerobic exercise increased HDL cholesterol by 3 percent to 9 percent in otherwise healthy sedentary adults. Try to get at least 30 to 60 minutes of aerobic activity on most days of the week. Better yet, exercise every day. Take a brisk daily walk. Ride your bike. Swim laps. If you can't fit in a long workout, break it up into smaller sessions spread throughout the day.
- Choose healthier fats. A healthy diet includes some fat, but there's a limit. In a heart-healthy diet, up to 25 percent to 35 percent of your total daily calories can come from fat — but saturated fat should account for less than 7 percent of your total daily calories. Avoid foods that contain trans fat, which raises LDL cholesterol and lowers HDL cholesterol. This includes many margarines, most commercial baked products and anything that contains partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Monounsaturated fat — found in olive, peanut and canola oils — is a healthier option. Nuts, fish and other foods containing omega-3 fatty acids are other good choices.
- Drink alcohol only in moderation. In some studies, moderate use of alcohol (particularly red wine) has been linked with higher levels of HDL cholesterol — but the benefits aren't strong enough to recommend alcohol for anyone who doesn't drink already. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation. This means no more than one drink a day for women, and one to two drinks a day for men.
What about medication?
Some medications used to lower LDL cholesterol may also increase HDL cholesterol, including niacin, fibrates (Lopid, others) and statins (Lipitor, Zocor, others).
A study on a promising HDL-raising drug called torcetrapib was halted in late 2006 because more people than expected died while taking the experimental medication. But, while researchers continue to study other options, lifestyle changes will help you on your way to an optimal HDL level.
If your doctor prescribes medication to help control your cholesterol, take it as directed while you continue to focus on a healthy lifestyle.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
The Highly Esteemed Sidr Honey
Sidr Honey of Yemen - The Highly Esteemed Sidr Honey
To appreciate this highly revered honey, one has to understand the story behind its tree.
The Sidr tree, (also known as Lote tree, Christ's Thorn, Jujube or Nabkh tree. Botanical name: Ziziphus spina-christi) is an ancient tree. The Jujube fruit was the first thing Prophet Adam (pbuh) ate when he was made to descend to earth. The tree was used during the time of King Suleiman (pbuh) and the Pharaohs to build palaces and temples.
This highly resilient tree is also sacred as it is mentioned four times in the Qur'an. In Sura Saba, it is mentioned as an earth tree while in other Suras, it is mentioned as a paradise tree (Sidrat al-Muntaha). Allah has mentioned this tree to emphasize its beauty, strength and grandeur (Saba 15,16; Waqia 27-33; Najm 7-18).
It is a sturdy and deep-rooted tree which has withstood the devastating floods of Eram at Ma'arib with two other trees: the Tamarisk and the Mustard Tree. (Saba 15,16).
All of its parts have medicinal values. Its leaves are used as a herbal shampoo, to treat dandruff, head lice, swollen eyes, abscesses, furuncles and counter obesity. Mixed with warm water the leaves are used to clean the body since they are a disinfectant and the oil from the resin is deodorant. Its wood ash is used for the treatment of snakebites. Its fruits are found to have a very high energy value. Its seeds are rich in protein; its leaves rich in calcium, iron and magnesium. The root, stem bark are also used in various medicinal preparations. Other known medicinal uses include as a stomachic, an appetizer, an astringent and also as a cough medicine.
To appreciate this highly revered honey, one has to understand the story behind its tree.
The Sidr tree, (also known as Lote tree, Christ's Thorn, Jujube or Nabkh tree. Botanical name: Ziziphus spina-christi) is an ancient tree. The Jujube fruit was the first thing Prophet Adam (pbuh) ate when he was made to descend to earth. The tree was used during the time of King Suleiman (pbuh) and the Pharaohs to build palaces and temples.
This highly resilient tree is also sacred as it is mentioned four times in the Qur'an. In Sura Saba, it is mentioned as an earth tree while in other Suras, it is mentioned as a paradise tree (Sidrat al-Muntaha). Allah has mentioned this tree to emphasize its beauty, strength and grandeur (Saba 15,16; Waqia 27-33; Najm 7-18).
It is a sturdy and deep-rooted tree which has withstood the devastating floods of Eram at Ma'arib with two other trees: the Tamarisk and the Mustard Tree. (Saba 15,16).
All of its parts have medicinal values. Its leaves are used as a herbal shampoo, to treat dandruff, head lice, swollen eyes, abscesses, furuncles and counter obesity. Mixed with warm water the leaves are used to clean the body since they are a disinfectant and the oil from the resin is deodorant. Its wood ash is used for the treatment of snakebites. Its fruits are found to have a very high energy value. Its seeds are rich in protein; its leaves rich in calcium, iron and magnesium. The root, stem bark are also used in various medicinal preparations. Other known medicinal uses include as a stomachic, an appetizer, an astringent and also as a cough medicine.
Not many are aware that different honeys differ. They differ in their composition, they differ in their nutritional values and they differ in their therapeutic properties.
Research done on different honeys confirmed that floral source, climate when the honey is being harvested and soil composition are all key factors in determining not only its flavor, colour or aroma but also its quality and effectiveness for medicinal or health-promoting purposes.
Another important factor affecting a honey's curative qualities is purity. Only crude, unprocessed honey has shown to be effective.
According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Yemeni's Sidr honey is a hundred times more expensive than the other kinds of honey on the global market because of differences in their medicinal and nutritive benefits.
Some of the extraordinary qualities of the Sidr Honey
HIGHLY POTENT - Yemeni's beekeepers who are strict in ensuring the honeys purity and potency will allow their bees to die rather than feed the bees with sugary syrup. Typically, bees of a certain hive make 37,000 trips just to make half a kilo of honey but bees fed solely on the nectar of the Sidr flower die after making about 3 trips! The weaker bees cannot withstand the potency of the nectar of this remarkable tree.
ORGANIC - the Sidr trees are grown wild and uncultivated in the desert areas of Yemen.
RAW & PURE - in Yemen, the method of beekeeping has always been a traditional one. No chemicals or drugs allowed (in modern agriculture, chemicals and antibiotics are widely used to control mites and other bee diseases in the hives). No machinery used. All are done using their hands, a little smoke (from dried camel skins) and knives. The honey is then poured, unheated and raw, into containers, thus preserving its vital live enzymatic constituents.
NATURAL APHRODISIAC - mixed with carrot seeds, it becomes an aphrodisiac. A blend of the honey with certain combination of nuts, ginseng and herbs are claimed to be better than Viagra, with no side effects.
MEDICINAL - every drop of honey holds the spark of life. Our forefathers had understood honey's remarkable healing gift and had used it successfully in curing most diseases. Sidr honey has been reported to be good for liver problems, stomach ulcers, respiratory infections, diseases resulting from malnutrition, digestive problems, constipation, eye diseases, infected wounds and burns, surgical wounds (incl. caesarian), promote speedy recovery after childbirth, facilitates menstruation, (with various plants) it can be used against epilepsy, strengthened the immune systems, to promote general health and vitality.
ANTIOXIDANT - Some honeys are found to have as much as 75-150 mg ascorbic acid per 100g while others, less than 5mg per 100mg. Antioxidants are important in counteracting the damage caused to the body by free radicals which play a role in the aging process and in triggering diseases such as arterial disease and cancer. Research has found that darker honeys have higher antioxidant properties.
ANTIBACTERIAL - medical science is rediscovering the effectiveness of honey in the use of alternative therapies in areas where the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (the "superbugs") spreads. Honeys may differ in the potency of its antibacterial activity thus affecting its healing abilities. Some honeys are no more antibacterial than sugar, while others can be diluted more than 100-fold and still halt the growth of bacteria.
The honey that is harvested during winter is best, followed by spring, autumn then summer.
The Sidr honey of Yemen tastes delicious, different from those of other regions because the soil of Yemen is richer and this influences the flavor.
ORGANIC - the Sidr trees are grown wild and uncultivated in the desert areas of Yemen.
RAW & PURE - in Yemen, the method of beekeeping has always been a traditional one. No chemicals or drugs allowed (in modern agriculture, chemicals and antibiotics are widely used to control mites and other bee diseases in the hives). No machinery used. All are done using their hands, a little smoke (from dried camel skins) and knives. The honey is then poured, unheated and raw, into containers, thus preserving its vital live enzymatic constituents.
NATURAL APHRODISIAC - mixed with carrot seeds, it becomes an aphrodisiac. A blend of the honey with certain combination of nuts, ginseng and herbs are claimed to be better than Viagra, with no side effects.
MEDICINAL - every drop of honey holds the spark of life. Our forefathers had understood honey's remarkable healing gift and had used it successfully in curing most diseases. Sidr honey has been reported to be good for liver problems, stomach ulcers, respiratory infections, diseases resulting from malnutrition, digestive problems, constipation, eye diseases, infected wounds and burns, surgical wounds (incl. caesarian), promote speedy recovery after childbirth, facilitates menstruation, (with various plants) it can be used against epilepsy, strengthened the immune systems, to promote general health and vitality.
ANTIOXIDANT - Some honeys are found to have as much as 75-150 mg ascorbic acid per 100g while others, less than 5mg per 100mg. Antioxidants are important in counteracting the damage caused to the body by free radicals which play a role in the aging process and in triggering diseases such as arterial disease and cancer. Research has found that darker honeys have higher antioxidant properties.
ANTIBACTERIAL - medical science is rediscovering the effectiveness of honey in the use of alternative therapies in areas where the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (the "superbugs") spreads. Honeys may differ in the potency of its antibacterial activity thus affecting its healing abilities. Some honeys are no more antibacterial than sugar, while others can be diluted more than 100-fold and still halt the growth of bacteria.
The honey that is harvested during winter is best, followed by spring, autumn then summer.
The Sidr honey of Yemen tastes delicious, different from those of other regions because the soil of Yemen is richer and this influences the flavor.
Brunei
Brunei Darussalam
Tuan Haji Marsidi Haji Akip (+673 8774969) - Pengedar tunggal negeri
Puncak Damai Pure Honey ShopUnit 1-12, Bangunan Gadung Properties, Gadung, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam
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