Cigarette smoke can disfigure your heart

Washington: Exposure to prolonged cigarette smoke can perk up levels of a stress hormone in the heart that can potentially reshape the left ventricle, according to new research.
    In a Chicago University (Illinois) study using rats as animal model, a five-week exposure to cigarette smoke was associated with the activation of enzymes called mitogen-activated protein kinases that govern cell growth and survival in heart muscle.
    Activation of these enzymes may be a key event in cigarette smoke-induced heart injury, said Mariann Piano, professor of bio-behavioural health science in the CUI College of Nursing, who led the study.
    "Cigarette smoke contains more than 4,000 different chemicals, one of which is nicotine," Piano said. "However, the effect of nicotine on the initiation and progression of cigarette smoke-mediated cardiovascular events remains controversial."
    To date, small clinical trials of nicotine replacement therapies have not shown increased cardiovascular risk, even in patients with cardiovascular disease, Piano said. This suggested the need to study cigarette smoke as a whole, according to a Chicago release.
    In the new study, rats were exposed either to cigarette smoke or to normal room air. After five weeks, the animals were examined by echocardiography. Heart tissue was examined under the microscope and by Western blot analysis, used to detect specific proteins in tissue samples.
    The results showed exposure to cigarette smoke was associated with significant changes in the shape of the left ventricle, the heart's main pumping chamber, and an increase in the levels of the activated forms of the enzymes in the heart muscle.
    Researchers also found increased levels of norepinephrine, a hormone released when a stressful event causes any of a host of physiological changes, in urine samples taken from the animals. The study was published in the November issue of the European Journal of Heart Failure. IANS

TICKER UNDER STRESS: Exposure to cigarette smoke is associated with the activation of enzymes that govern cell growth and survival in heart muscle

Acidity The Slow and Silent killer

Have you experienced something sour or a burning sensation in the throat, chest or stomach? It's acidity. Here are some easy remedies

There are many names for acidity like hyperacidity or acid dyspepsia or acid reflux or gastroesopohageal reflux disease, or more commonly known as urdhva gata amalpitta in Ayurveda. Acidity refers to a set of symptoms caused by an inequity. Excess secretion of acid by the gastric glands of the stomach gives rise to a condition known as acidity. Remember, ignoring acidity can actually lead you to more serious and complicated problems like peptic ulcers. It is quite a simple problem when it begins, but it can get out of hand easily if not taken seriously.
Causes of acidity:
Stress is one of the main causes of acidity. Smoking and excess alcohol tends to weaken the nervous system. As a result, the stomach lining stops functioning properly. High intake of fatty foods, refined and fibreless foods, overeating and eating hurriedly are few causes that aggravate acidity. Excessive intake of nicotine also leads to acidity. Skipping meals or fasting are also triggers. Other causes of acidity or heartburn are pregnancy, aging, anxiety and insomnia, obesity, bad posture, erratic meal timing and bad eating habit.
    Acidity is a problem that occurs very commonly, so going in for medications every time is not a very good thought. There are some very simple and natural home remedies that can be used to treat and prevent acidity.
Some easy remedies:
Chew a few holy basil (tulsi) leaves to get relief from burning, nausea and gas. You can also have one teaspoon of tulsi juice every morning and before bed.
    Keep a small piece of jaggery (gur) in your mouth and slowly suck it. Repeat it every hour till the acidity subsides.
    Drink coconut water three times a day. It is a common natural remedy for acidity.
    Have plenty of milk and milk products like curd and buttermilk at regular intervals. This will help subside the acidity. One can also drink a glass of cold milk or a cup of vanilla ice cream for relief from heartburn.
    Water is a good neutraliser for acid. Start your day with a glass of lukewarm water with one teaspoon of honey early in the morning.
    Kokum Sherbet with cumin seeds (jeera) is also a great remedy for acidity.
Lifestyle changes to prevent acidity
    Eat your meal atleast three hours before you go to bed. Importantly, do not lie down immediately after your meals. Your stomach digests the food with the help of acid.
    Proper posture is another factor which should be taken care. After the meal, keep your back straight and upright. At night sleep in right posture and right elevation as it will help in acidity control, like keeping head on a high pillow up to five inches. Avoid sleeping on/over your stomach.
    Pregnant women should have small mid meals at regular intervals. To minimise heartburn, women should have solid carbohydrate foods like biscuits, rusks, khakras or a fruit. At the same time avoid rich, fried, strongly flavoured and spiced foods. Eat liquid and solid foods a half hour apart.
    Eat small meals at regular intervals, consume at least five to six meals per day.
    Be fit. Try and maintain your ideal body weight. Overweight people are more prone to heartburn attacks. Avoid very spicy, high sodium containing and deep fried foods like papad, pickles, chilli sauces etc. Do not drink more than two cups of tea or coffee per day. Finally, eat vegetables and fruits rich in fibre.
    Exercise helps in controlling acidity. Morning and evening walk at least for 30 minutes are good for health and keeps acidity under control. Yogic exercises keeps you're overall internal system— digestive and nervous — and external system in good condition.
    A simple and easy lifestyle can keep you healthy and happy. Every disease has its cure, so live a balance and stress-free life. Author Deepshikha Agarwal is a dietician and sports nutritionist

EAT THIS: Fibrous fruits and vegetables and items like holy basil (left) and cold milk (right) are natural remedies to cure acidity and heartburn

The zero-calorie diet

Can you imagine a diet minus any calories?
Sudeshna Chatterjee
presents the perfect platter

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

    HEARD of zero-calorie food? Never thought that it existed? If you believe clinical exercise specialist Namita Jain, water is a zero calorie nutrient. In addition to water, certain diet sodas and herbal teas are also zero in caloric content. But, since they are beverages, they can't take the place of solid food.
    She lets us in on a trick, though. There are foods that call for extra calories when being digested. So, in effect, they become zero-calorie foods. "Keep in mind that they have this negative calorie effect only when consumed without extras like fats or sugar," warns Jain.
    Explains master chef, author and television host Sanjeev Kapoor, "You consume a generous wedge of Mocca Gateaux at a five-star buffet, which is around 400 calories. To digest this, your body requires only about 150 calories. So, about 250 calories are added to your body fat! On the other hand, you munch on a stick of celery which is only five calories. Your body may require 150 calories to digest it, resulting in a net loss of 145 calories." This doesn't mean that the more you consume such foods, the more weight you lose. Anything in excess is harmful, he warns.
    Meat and eggs don't fall under zero-calorie food. "Select those foods which involve a lot of chewing as your body burns more calories than are consumed while chewing, digesting, metabolising and eliminating," explains Dr Mahesh Jukar, applied sports and exercise consultant. So, go for a celery stick, rather than a celery soup. Similarly, opt for whole fruits rather than fruit juices. Select fruits and vegetables that are high on moisture and fibre, maintains Jain.
    "It's a well-established fact that the extra bulk from fibre helps you feel fuller longer, staving off hunger pangs and helping you lose weight," adds Kapoor. Fruits and vegetables taken raw provide essential fibre, moisture, vitamins and minerals to our daily diet. "In fact, vitamins stimulate the tissues to produce enzymes that break down the caloric nutrients of the foods," asserts Kapoor.
    Veteran nutritionist Dr Vijaya Venkat is all for raw food, but against any compartmentalisation and food measures. For her, terms like calories, fat, carbs, etc don't exist. "All of us are products of nature and nurture. Nature remains the same, but nurturing has changed, which includes what we eat," she holds. Dr Venkat recommends one eats fruits and vegetables whenever hungry. Have it raw, flavoured with herbs and spice, add nuts, dried fruits and sprouts if you like, and you have a potent recipe.
    Even those who prefer their meals cooked can make healthy adjustments. In your favourite sandwich, include lettuce leaves and thick tomato fillings. Start with a fruit bowl and salad spread before proceeding onto your main meal. Opt for fruits in your desserts. Before you know it, you may be hovering somewhere close to size zero!
sudeshna.chatterjee@timesgroup.com 

ZERO-CALORIE FOODS
CUCUMBER, CELERY, TOMATO, LETTUCE, ASPARAGUS, GARLIC, SPINACH, ZUCCHINI, LEMON, GRAPEFRUIT, CABBAGE, GOURD, TURNIP, PAPAYA
AND PINEAPPLE

Size zero: Eat your way to health

Homeopathy roots out peptic ulcers

As life gets busier and lifestyles more erratic, peptic ulcers increasingly rear their ugly heads. While duodenal ulcers peak between the age of 20-50 years, gastric ulcers occur most commonly in the age group of 50-60. While men are doubly prone to the former, men and women are equally likely to suffer from the latter. An O-type blood group and an urban lifestyle further predisposes you towards peptic ulcers.
    Ulcers often go undetected and in fact only 20 per cent patients seek medical treatment for this affliction. How can you tell if you have one? Symptoms include a burning pain, felt anywhere from your navel to your breastbone, which may last from a few minutes to many hours and comes and goes for a few days or weeks. It gets worse on an empty stomach, tends to flare up at night and can be temporarily relieved by eating certain foods that buffer stomach acid or an acid-reducing medication. You can help yourself by cutting out smoking, alcohol, dairy, coffee and aerated drinks. Milk, commonly believed to help this condition, actually harms it. Containing lactic acid, it further erodes your stomach lining and aggravates ulcers. Any relief milk provides is deceptive and it should be carefully avoided. Eat a fibre and Vitamin A rich diet including fruits with their skins on.
    Homeopathy offers excellent treatment for peptic ulcers. It not only heals ulcers but also removes the general predisposition towards them.
    MNC executive, Mr Radhakrishnan, was a typical "Type A" personality, highly driven, hard-working, diligent and sensitive. A workaholic, his irregular sleeping and eating habits took a toll on his health and he came to us with peptic ulcers after popping antacids proved ineffective. A detailed case study revealed that his lifestyle was at the root of the problem, so along with medication, Nux Vomica, we prescribed certain behavioural modifications. As a result, he has fully recovered from his condition and is a healthier, happier man today.
Homeopathic remedies for peptic ulcers:
Robinia 6C: Helpful in peptic ulcers with excess acidity. Natrum Phos 6X: Helpful in peptic ulcers with acidity, sour burping and vomiting.

Dr Mukesh Batra

Beware, more tech could lead to diabetes

Mumbai: The mobile phone you cannot live without could be the source of your weight gain. Not surprisingly, then, doctors feel that technical devices like mobile phones — and even television sets — could be contributing to the rising incidence of diabetes.
    "Data we have collated from our research in Mumbai shows that each gizmo owned by a family contributes to an increase of 8 kg in body weight,'' said Shashank Joshi, editor of the Journal of the Association of Physicians of India, India's leading medical research journal.
Cellphones — with the comfort factor they offer — are a cause for metabolic syndrome, leading to diabetes.
    "Moreover, people speak on mobiles for hours, which cuts down on their sleep. And emerging research shows that there could a correlation between disturbed sleep patterns and type-2 diabetes,'' Joshi said.
    The connection between gadgets and diabetes is simple: instead of walking up to the television set to change channels, people just flip channels; instead of playing on the field, children play on computers. Such factors affect the body's metabolism and lead to an accumulation of fat which, in turn, could trigger off diabetes.
    So an urban family of four with, say, a television, an air-conditioner, a car and mobile phones could be looking at gaining 32 kgs excess weight that they wouldn't have gathered if they did not have the high-tech devices.
THE CHECK-LIST | Avail of free or discounted health check-ups on World Diabetes Day
    Reliance Wellness has announced a week-long campaign starting November 14 and on till November 20 to promote awareness on diabetes in Mumbai. Customers can get discounts on glucometers, sugarfree cookies, sweeteners and health drinks. Consultation will be provided by ayurvedic doctors as well. Patients can enrol for a special diabetes programe to avail of a host of benefits.
    ADC (Abbott Diabetes Care) is launching a country-wide diabetes education programme on 10 November and it will be on till 14 November; doctors, hospitals and chemists across cities in India will create diabetes awareness. The poor and needy with diabetes — nominated by the hospitals and doctors — will be given free blood glucose meters and strips.
    Jupiter Hospital (Thane), Dalvi Hospital (Gamdevi), Sahastrabudhe Hospital (Panvel) and Hinduja Hospital (Mahim) are having free diabetes education programmes on 14 November.
    Metropolis & Saffola Life Foundation are offering subsidised tests between 14 November and 30 November at selected Metropolis laboratories. Patients can avail of different packages.

Every man ’s health guide

How much red wine is too much? Is your sex drive at an all time low? Medical experts address your deepest fears

1 I've heard that men are prone to a sudden heart attack at an early age. What could be the cause and how can I avoid it? ANS: The causes of heart attack at an early age are: Genetic Predisposition: The Indian race is more prone to an attack.
Multiple risk factors like:
- Family tendency - Hypertension - Diabetes Mellitus - Lipids - Smoking
Prevention:
- Screen for HT, DM, Lipids at an early age - Regular exercise - Eat more green vegetables and fruits - Avoid fat and junk food. 2 How frequently should I have a cardiac examination after 35 years of age? ANS: After the age of 35, once in 3 years, and it's best to have it done once a year after you touch 40. 3 Can I engage in an active sex life after undergoing a Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)? ANS: You can resume an active sex life after 3 months of the CABG. 4 Is it advisable to marry after a heart attack? ANS: Yes, with early treatment.
5 Does smoking really kill and how soon? ANS: Smoking can cause early death due to: - Heart disease - Lung disease - Various cancers - Strokes — CVA One cigarette a day reduces life by about 11 minutes and accelerates the chances of a heart attack, particularly between the ages of 30-40.
6 Sitting on my workstation has given me a chronic back ache. How do I tackle it?
ANS: This is called RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury). To avoid it, correct your posture and use a proper chair with your knee/hip bent at a 90 degree angle. Alternately, use a foot rest to achieve proper height or use a chair with an armrest. Your laptop screen must be at the same level as your eyes. Sit with your back straight.
7 My dad is bald and I fear I may be soon heading in that direction. What are my options? ANS: If your dad had become bald prematurely, then there are higher chances of you following suit, as you can't change your genes. Consume a proteinrich diet and take care of your hair. Baldness can be treated with medication and surgical procedures. 8 I believe red wine is good for the heart. Is that true? How many pegs of whiskey or cans of beer can one safely consume in a day? ANS: Red wine is good for the heart as it reduces cholesterol. Only two pegs of whiskey or one can of beer are advisable (only if you must) in a party atmosphere. 9 If I'm having trouble performing in bed, should I worry about becoming impotent? ANS: Yes, you should worry about becoming impotent as there are systemic causes like diabetes, hypertension, hormonal disturbances and certain drugs that can cause impotency. 10 If a condom breaks during sex, do I need to get myself checked for sexually transmitted diseases? ANS: If involved in a high risk sexual behaviour with an unknown person, get yourself tested. 11 Is diabetes genetic? Can wrong food/lifestyle also cause the disease?
ANS: Improper food habits (aerated beverages, fast food etc) along with an irregular lifestyle, lack of exercise and sedentary habits often lead to Type 2 Diabetes in genetically predisposed persons.
12 Can lifting heavy weights cause hernia or impotency?
ANS: Not if it's done properly. Otherwise, the improper use of weights often leads to strains, fractures, tendonitis and other sorts of dislocation.
13 How do I know I am depressed enough to resort to medication or seek help?
ANS: When a person feels a lingering sadness, a loss of interest in life, along with a lack of sleep, appetite and work impairment for more than two weeks, the patient is likely to be depressed and in need of help. If his condition advances with an addition of suicidal tendencies, inertia towards professional life and weeping without reason, he may need medication. 14 What problems does stress create? How can I avoid getting stressed out? ANS: Stress precipitates body aches, hyper tension, diabetes mellitus, easy fatigue, high blood pressure and coronary artery disease (heart disease). The impact of stress can be buffered by maintaining a regular routine, doing exercise, yoga or meditation. Simple deep breathing techniques help. 15 How much exercise must I indulge in to ensure I stay healthy? ANS: 30-40 minutes walking 5 days a week or 30 minutes aerobics/strengthening 3 days a week is a basic must.
Our Medical Experts: Dr Jagdish Prasad, Medical Superintendent, Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi and Dr OP Sharma, Consultant Cardiac Surgeon, Manipal Hospital, Bengaluru.

AMAZING FACTS YOU HAVE TO KNOW - Dr Edward Group Research

As a healing remedy, honey can address multiple issues. There are far more benefits from taking honey than I will include here. Scientific research is ongoing surrounding the benefits of this remarkable substance. I’ve included some interesting benefits you may not know about.

1. Taking organic raw honey is a healthy way to get an energy boost. Its carbohydrates supply us with energy and strength. It can boost your endurance and reduce muscle fatigue.

2. Honey is a great aid in relieving morning sickness, reportedly even more effective than traditional soda crackers. It’s also good for sore throats including laryngitis and pharyngitis.

3. Honey and cinnamon can help in many areas including relief from bladder infections, arthritis, upset stomach and bad breath. It’s even supposed to be able to slow down hair loss.

4. Honey can be used as a medication for men with problems of impotence and women with problems related to infertility. Warm raw goat milk and raw honey is believed to increase sperm count considerably.

5. A salve made of honey, for diabetic ulcers, has been proven effective when other topical antibiotics are not well tolerated. It can be applied to eczema, canker sores or bleeding gums.

6. Honey and apple cider vinegar can be used for many ailments like stomach aches, constipation and even migraines.

7. Honey and lemon goes to work in the body shifting the extra fat stores, thus making it usable energy for regular body functions. And, honey is cholesterol-free. It reportedly can even help to keep cholesterol levels in check

8. Honey has a viscous texture due to its low water content. It also establishes a poor environment for bad bacteria to grow, and is a good natural preservative.

Honey is a remarkable natural substance that is receiving a lot of well deserved attention. Remember that it’s best to use locally grown, organic raw honey. Seek out local markets for organic goods to get the freshest products. Support your local independent farmers; helping them to stay in business is good for them and for your economy.

And for more information about honey, visit the sites listed in our Related Articles section below.

Organic and Organic Raw Honeys
Honey and its Benefits
Milk & Honey — Recipe for Good Health
Raw Honey: Exploring the Benefits of this Ancient Superfood

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Articles exracted from http://www.ghchealth.com

Honey Effective In Killing Bacteria That Cause Chronic Sinusitis

ScienceDaily (Oct. 1, 2008) — Honey is very effective in killing bacteria in all its forms, especially the drug-resistant biofilms that make treating chronic rhinosinusitis difficult, according to research presented during the 2008 American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF) Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO, in Chicago, IL.*

The study, authored by Canadian researchers at the University of Ottawa, found that in eleven isolates of three separate biofilms (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and methicicillin-resistant and -suseptible Staphylococcus aureus), honey was significantly more effective in killing both planktonic and biofilm-grown forms of the bacteria, compared with the rate of bactericide by antibiotics commonly used against the bacteria.

Given the historical uses of honey in some cultures as a homeopathic treatment for bad wound infections, the authors conclude that their findings may hold important clinical implications in the treatment of refractory chronic rhinosinusitis, with topical treatment a possibility.

Chronic rhinosinusitis affects approximately 31 million people each year in the United States alone, costing over $4 billion in direct health expenditures and lost workplace productivity. It is among the three most common chronic diseases in all of North America.

*Title: Effectiveness of Honey on S. aureus and P. aeruginosa Biofilms. Authors: Talal Alandejani, MD (presenter); Joseph G. Marsan, MD; Wendy Ferris, BSc, MLT, MSc; Robert Slinger; Frank Chan, PhD. Date: September 23, 2008.


Article extracted from http://www.sciencedaily.com
___________________________________
Adapted from materials provided by American Academy of Otolaryngology -- Head and Neck Surgery, via EurekAlert!, a service of AAAS.

Tomato Chetney

Southindian Style
Cut 2 big ripe tomatoes, 1 smallbunch corriender leaves, 1 big onion ,5 green chillies. Heat a kadai and saute onion cut into small slices, tomatoes,greenchilies and finally corriender leaves washed and cleaned. Allow it to cool and add 1 teaspoon salt. Grind it in a mixer. You can have it as an accompliment to idly,dosa, and pongal. Heat 1 teaspoon oil and add mustard seeds allow it to splutter and add the ground paste. cook in slim fire and mix it throughly till it reaches the jam consistency. Cool and store it an airtight container, refrigerate. Tastes well as a side dish for curd rice and other variety rice. can mix with steamed rice and have it as a tomato rice with potato chips

TICK-TOCK

Each day runs as per the clock; the clock on the wall, or the one on your wrist. But did you know that you have a body clock ticking inside you? You can be your own timekeeper and lead a healthier life

Dr Parul R Sheth

You may not realise that there is an internal clock ticking inside your body until you experience a change in sleep patterns or have a jet lag. Experts in chronobiology; the science of body time say that you can optimise your health, prevent and treat illness, by paying more attention to your internal clockwork. Being your own timekeeper, you can look forward to a much healthier life.
THE 24-HOUR CLOCK
The day and night sets the brain's circadian clock – Latin word – circa meaning 'around' and diem or dies meaning 'day'. Scientists have located the clock in the brain. The clock is regulated by light and is directly related to the body's responses.
    Dr Michael Smolensky, Director, Chronobiology Center at Hermann Hospital, University of Texas-Houston Health Science Center, US and Dr Lynne Lamberg, a veteran medical writer for The Journal of the American Medical Association, write in their book, The Body Clock Guide to Better Health, "The brain's clock governs whether or not you're crabby before you have your morning coffee, how quickly you can write a letter and how accurately you can proofread it, whether or not you fall asleep at the symphony, when your ulcers act up, and more."
    Says Dr V D Joshi, neurosurgeon attached to Jupiter Hospital and Divine Hospital, Mumbai, "Body clock located in the brain does influence day-to-day activities. We can enhance our performance by understanding and following the body clock. Babies too follow the body clock completely. They sleep more at night and cry for feeds at a regular time. However, as age advances, control over the body clock reduces."
    If you pay attention, you can notice the circadian rhythms or biorhythms working during the 24-hour period of day and night. Your liver enzymes get set in anticipation of food around lunch time. The pineal gland in your brain produces melatonin to put you to sleep when its late evening. Your body temperature is lowest before you wake up and rises as you wake up in the morning. In fact your heartbeat too fluctuates by as much as 20-30 beats per minute over a stretch of 24 hours, muscle contractions vary; virtually every body function shows a circadian rhythm.
INTERESTING RESEARCH
FINDINGS
    Heart attacks and strokes are twice as likely to occur in morning than at other times especially because there is a spurt in blood pressure in the morning
    For asthmatics, the airway potency is poorest at night and best at noon
    Birth peaks in early morning and early afternoon
    Chemotherapy for cancer may be more effective and less toxic if administered at night
    The best time for women to get a mammogram is 5-10 days after her period