Thursday, December 9, 2010

Top 12 Health Benefits of Drinking Hot Water

Top 12 Health Benefits of Drinking Hot Water


There are various benefits of drinking hot water to our health. We take water to hydrate our body. Both hot and cold water serve this purpose. Drinking cold water seems to be more tempting than hot water. So, we consume cold water on a regular basis compared to hot water.


Our body temperatures are maintained at 98.6 degrees. When we take cold water, it forces the body to bring the temperature back up. Cold water can be easily absorbed into the blood and keeps the body hydrated. But, apart from these benefits of cold water, drinking hot water can also be very beneficial to the body. It should be taken before breakfast and as and when required throughout the day.


Health Benefits of Drinking Hot Water


Following are some of the benefits of drinking hot water -


1. Sweating – When we take hot water, our body temperature rises and hot water causes to cool down the body which is done by sweating.


2. Blood Purification – Sweating purifies our bloodstreams.


3. Removes Toxins - A lot of toxins are thrown out from our body when we sweat.


Removes built up in Nervous System – Drinking hot water also removes built up deposits in our nervous system.


4. These deposits create negative emotions and thoughts.


5. Drinking hot water can remove these built ups in the nervous system and provide us with a better emotional state.


6. It can actually remove toxins from the body.


7. Improves Blood Circulation – Drinking hot water improves blood circulation.


8. Boost up the Immunity – When lemon and honey are added to drinking hot water, it will become tasty and boost up the immunity.


9. Kills Pathogens - When taken in morning, it will kill the harmful bacteria in throat and intestine and restore the lost moisture during night.


10. Body Cleansing - Drinking a hot water glass with lemon before breakfast can be a perfect solution for cleansing your body system.


11. Constipation Cure – It is a very good remedy for constipation as it stimulates the bowel.


Hence, hot water is necessary for drinking purposes. As soon as you get up, take a glass of

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

The Form of Functional Foods: Caveat Emptor

Nestle, one of the world's largest producers of packaged food, has announced a major investment in the development of "functional foods."
Whether this proves to be good, bad, or in-between depends on both the form, and intended function, of such products.
We should note for starters that there is no generally accepted definition of "functional foods" (hence the quotation marks), and that is an invitation to mischief. To guard against just such mischief, I offer my own definition to the cautious consumer:
Functional food must be wholesome and nutritious to begin with, and is then enhanced by the addition of an ingredient or nutrient(s) that allows the food to confer some specific and measurable benefit. Examples include the addition of calcium and/or vitamin D to orange juice (orange juice is a 'wholeseome' food, and these nutrients help redress measurable deficiencies, and protect bone health); the addition of plant sterols to spreads made from healthful oils (the spreads are reasonably healthful to begin with, and plant sterols measurably and meaningfully improve cholesterol levels); the addition of probiotic cultures to yogurt (yogurt- particularly non-fat, plain yogurt, is a nutritious food, and the probiotics can measurably improve gastrointestinal health).

With this definition in play, a glow-in-the-dark Frankenfood can NEVER be a functional food, no matter what cure-all ingredient is thrown into the vat. And, a food is not made functional by the haphazard addition of various nutrients the average consumer may or may not need, and that may or may not confer a benefit -with no reliable way to tell. Total Cereal, for instance, which turns breakfast flakes into a delivery vehicle for a multivitamin, would not satisfy this definition. Certainly soda with added vitamins would not even come close.
There should be a defined and measurable function for a so-called "functional" food. And the form of that food should be considered as well. Wholesome foods, functionally enhanced are possible- and a potentially welcome addition to the food supply. All the rest is clever marketing.
So keep a close eye on what products Nestle actually introduces- and caveat emptor.

Headache in a 19-Year-Old Woman With a Genetic Disorder

A 19-year-old white woman presents to the clinic after a hospital visit for headaches. She has had headaches for approximately 5 years and they have been progressively increasing in frequency. She experiences a daily headache that she rates as 5 out of 10 in severity, with a severe one occurring once a week. The severe headaches are accompanied by nausea, photophobia, and an increase in pain with movement. She is worried because the daily headaches are located in the occipital region, whereas the severe headaches typically occur behind her eyes. She was started on divalproex sodium (valproic acid) by a physician's assistant in the emergency department. Her past medical history is significant for Wyburn-Mason syndrome, a phakomatosis characterized by multiple arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) located above the neck. She has had various laser ablations to attempt to minimize bleeding complications. Besides divalproex sodium (valproic acid), she is taking duloxetine and methylphenidate, as well as over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) more than twice a week. Her family history reveals that both parents experience headaches. She does not use alcohol or tobacco, but she does consume approximately 6 cans of caffeinated cola per day.

On presentation, the patient does not appear to be in acute distress. Her vital signs include a blood pressure of 110/60 mm Hg, a pulse rate of 88 bpm, and a respiratory rate of 14 breaths/min. She is afebrile. On inspection, a large subcutaneous AVM is apparent on the left side of her face; a right corneal AVM is noted as well. Also visible on her face are tiny ulcers in various stages of healing. Musculoskeletal examination reveals severe tenderness to palpation of the cervical paraspinous muscles, with moderate spasm. The patient has a normal mental status with intact cranial nerves, except for some facial numbness at the area of the left facial AVM. Her strength is 5/5 (5 representing normal strength) bilaterally in both upper and lower extremities, with normal bulk and tone. Deep tendon reflexes are 2+ and symmetric in all 4 extremities. In the rest of the body, sensation is intact to pinprick, temperature, vibration, and proprioception. Her coordination and gait are normal.

Laboratory investigations reveal a normal complete blood cell count, a comprehensive metabolic panel, normal thyroid-stimulating hormone level, and normal coagulation levels. A 3-dimensional reconstructed image from a computed tomography angiogram (CTA; Figure) demonstrates a large, complex facial AVM, as well as one in the basal ganglia (not shown). No vascular stenosis is noted

Monday, August 16, 2010

Common Health Advice to Ignore

Common Health Advice to Ignore

No one will ever get sick from avoiding cigarettes or trans fats. But some of the most commonly repeated pieces of advice actually aren't meant for everyone. After all, the USDA couldn't equip its pyramid with a section just for people with celiac disease or those taking certain meds. Health recommendations are sometimes based on studies that didn't include a good cross section of the general public. And even when broadly representative studies trumpet a 94% success rate, that still leaves 6 people out of 100 looking for answers.


  • 1. Outdoor walks are a simple way to stay fit

  • Tailor it: if you have heart disease and it's a smoggy day.
    Studies show that the tiny particles in the air during a high-smog day can increase the risk of heart attack. Move your workout indoors on smoggy days (check airnow.gov for local air quality), and flick on the air conditioner—it can cut indoor pollutant levels by up to 50%.





  • 2. Every bit of exercise counts even chores

  • Tailor it: if you're trying to prevent or treat heart disease.
    True, any activity is better than none, but sweeping or pulling weeds probably won't work your heart hard enough or long enough to significantly reduce the odds of clogged arteries, heart attack, or stroke. Instead, do 30 minutes of moderately vigorous exercise 4 or 5 times a week to dramatically lower your heart risk. A study of nearly 40,000 women found that briskly walking at least 2 hours each week halved the risk of heart disease.




  • 3. Swimming is ideal low-impact cardiov

  • Tailor it: if you have asthma.
    The chlorine in a pool—even if it's outdoors—can trigger an attack. In children, it may even raise the odds of developing the disorder in the first place. To be on the safe side, find a different form of exercise if you have asthma that flares up poolside, experts say; if you have a child under age 7 with allergies, don't take him to a pool with a strong smell of chlorine.





  • 4. Eat plenty of leafy green vegetables

  • Tailor it: if you take the blood thinner warfarin (Coumadin).
    This drug prevents dangerous blood clots by blocking the action of vitamin K, which is needed to make clot-building compounds in the blood—but too much K in your diet can overwhelm your protection. The nutrient is especially abundant in dark green, leafy vegetables such as spinach, Swiss chard, and kale, so don't have more than one serving of any of these in a day.




  • 5. Drink at least 8 glasses of water every day

  • Tailor it: if you have bladder control problems.
    You might be able to avoid leaks by cutting back a bit on fluids. Ask your doctor how much you should drink each day—and don't worry if it doesn't come close to the magical "8 glass" rule. Nearly 20% of your water intake comes from food anyway, according to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. If you're peeing at least every 8 hours and your urine is light colored, you're likely drinking enough.




  • 6. Get blood pressure as low as you can

  • Tailor it: if you have coronary artery disease.
    Getting your blood pressure down—to about 120/80—can help you avoid a heart attack or stroke, but don't go much lower. You need a little extra pressure to push blood through your narrowed vessels. A study of more than 22,000 people with coronary artery disease found that cutting diastolic pressure (the bottom number) to less than 70 more than doubled the risk of a heart attack or death. One exception: Low blood pressure didn't seem risky for coronary artery disease sufferers who'd had angioplasty to clear obstructed vessels or bypass surgery to reroute blood through a healthy new vessel.




  • 7. Acetaminophen is the safest pain med

  • Tailor it: if you have a glass of wine (or any alcohol) daily.
    It’s well known that acetaminophen can damage the liver in high doses, especially in heavy drinkers. But even light drinking can prime the liver for trouble, says Donald Jensen, MD, a medical advisor of the American Liver Foundation. Although 3,900 mg of acetaminophen is the recommended maximum daily dose, you shouldn't exceed 2,000 mg on any day you have even one drink.




  • 8. Get nutrients from whole foods, not pills

  • Tailor it: if you're a strict vegetarian.
    If you don't eat eggs or drink milk, you may need supplements to get enough vitamins B12 and D. Try 6 mcg of B12 (the amount in a typical multi). The current recommendation for vitamin D is 200 to 600 IU, depending on your age, but researchers say that needs an update: 1,000 to 2,000 IU is optimal and safe to take. And although you can get plenty of iron through a vegetarian diet, it takes planning. Get a blood test to check your iron levels if you fatigue easily.

    Tuesday, August 3, 2010

    Cure Through Natural Way

    DRINK WATER ON EMPTY STOMACH FOR CURING ALL MINOR AND MAJOR DISEASES
    It is popular in Japan today to drink water immediately after waking up every morning. Furthermore, scientific tests have proven its value. We publish below a description of use of water for our readers. For old and serious diseases as well as modern illnesses the water treatment had been found successful by a Japanese medical society as a 100% cure for the following diseases:

    Headache, body ache, heart system, arthritis, fast heart beat, epilepsy, excess fatness, bronchitis asthma, TB, meningitis, kidney and urine diseases, vomiting, gastritis, diarrhea, piles, diabetes, constipation, all eye diseases, womb, cancer and menstrual disorders, ear nose and throat diseases.
    METHOD OF TREATMENT
    1. As you wake up in the morning before brushing teeth, drink 4 × 160ml glasses of water 2. Brush and clean the mouth but do not eat or drink anything for 45 minutes 3. After 45 minutes you may eat and drink as normal. 4. After 15 minutes of breakfast, lunch and dinner do not eat or drink anything for 2 hours – ie you can drink straight after a meal (within the first 15 minutes) but not for 2 hours after that. 5. Those who are old or sick and are unable to drink 4 glasses of water at the beginning may commence by taking little water and gradually increase it to 4 glasses per day.
    6. The above method of treatment will cure diseases of the sick and others can enjoy a healthy life .
    The following list gives the number of days of treatment required to cure/control/ reduce main diseases:
    1. High Blood Pressure – 30 days 2. Gastric – 10 days 3. Diabetes – 30 days 4. Constipation – 10 days 5. Cancer – 180 days 6. TB – 90 days 7. Arthritic patients should follow the above treatment for only 3 days in the 1st week, and from 2nd week onwards – daily.
    This treatment method has no side effects, however at the commencement of treatment you may have to urinate a few times. It is better if we continue this and make this procedure as a routine work in our life .
    Drink Water and Stay healthy and Active.
    This makes sense … the Chinese and Japanese drink hot tea with their meals ..not cold water. maybe it is time we adopt their drinking habit while eating!!! Nothing to lose, everything to gain…
    For those who like to drink cold water, this article is applicable to you. It is nice to have a cup of cold drink after a meal. However, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff that you have just consumed. It will slow down the digestion. Once this “sludge” reacts with the acid, it will break down and be absorbed by the intestine faster than the solid food. It will line the intestine. Very soon, this will turn into fats and lead to cancer. It is best to drink hot soup or warm water after a meal.
    A serious note about heart attacks: Women should know that not every heart attack symptom is going to be the left arm hurting. Be aware of intense pain in the jaw line. You may never have the first chest pain during the course of a heart attack. Nausea and intense sweating are also common symptoms.
    60% of people who have a heart attack while they are asleep do not wake up. Pain in the jaw can wake you from a sound sleep. Let’s be careful and be aware. The more we know, the better chance we could survive…

    Wednesday, February 24, 2010

    10 TOP MOST MEDICAL WEBSITES FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS

    Hello All,
    These are the following top 10 websites which provide the latest health information published and updated regularly by the Health Institutions and Healthcare Professionals.

    An information which is mostly refered by the Doctors and Healthcare Professionals

    1. www.netdoctor.com
    2. www.emedicine.com
    3. www.webmed.com
    4. www.en.wikipedia.org
    5. www.healthtalk.com
    6. www.merck.com
    7. www.mayoclinic.com
    8. www.crohns.org
    9. www.yourmedicaldisclouser.com
    10. www.medicinenet.com
    pls reply or add any more authentic sites if you know of it.

    Tuesday, February 23, 2010

    Health Tips for All

    Health Tips




    1. Apples are rich in vitamins and helps to reduce risks of colon cancer, prostrate cancer and lung cancer.



    2. Radishes and their greens provide an excellent source of vitamin C and a powerful antioxidant. It has anti-inflammatory properties too.



    3. Coconut : Coconut is known for its antifungal, anti bacterial properties. Coconut oil forms the base of many Ayurvedic medicinal preparations.



    4. Cherries : Cherries are good source of many vitamins, minerals and are tasty to eat.



    5. Plums : Plums are sweet, juicy fruit. It is a good source of vitamin c.



    6. Spinach : Spinach is rich in iron and calcium. It helps overcome iron deficiency.



    7. Beetroot : Beetroots contains good amount of folate, potassium and manganese. They are less in calories and are effective in curing skin problems.



    8. Cauliflower : Cauliflower is highly nutritious and is effective in curing many ailments. It is rich in folate an dis good for pregnant woman.



    9. Mango : Mangoes are a very popular and widely available fruit. It is rich in potassium and is a known antioxidant.




    10. Tomatoes : Tomatoes are a rich source of lycopene. Lycopene is a potent antioxidant.



    11. Musk Melon : Tropical Delight : Musk melon is a tropical fruit which is been cultivated for a very long time. It is a rich source of vitamin 'C' and is effective in reducing body heat.



    12. Cabbage : Healing Properties : Cabbage is a well known common vegetable. Its is low in calories and is long known for its healing properties.



    13. Bitter Gourd : Health Benefits : Bitter Gourd is a tropical vegetable. It is a well known cure for diabetes.



    14. Avocado : for fitness and health : Avocado is rich in pottasium content. The fruit is also a good source of vitamins.



    15. Papaya : A rich source of Minerals and Fibre : Papaya has high nutritional benefits. It is rich in Anti-oxidants, Minerals and Fibre. It also helps in Skin Treatments.



    16. Oats : Fibre food that cures constipation : Oats have some unique fatty acids and antioxidants which together with Vitamin E slow cell damage.



    17. Nutritional benefits of Watermelon : Watermelon is highly refreshing during summer. It does not contain cholesterol and helps in eye sight also.



    18. Nutritional benefits of Banana : Banana helps in the treatment of Depression, Anemia, Blood Pressure, Brain power, Constipation, etc.



    19. Consumption of Almond lowers cholesterol levels, reduces the risk of lifestyle diseases and gives overall wellness.



    20. Egg is a healthy and nutritious food. Lecithin in eggs prevents the absorption of cholesterol of egg and other sources too.



    21. Calcium Builds Strong Bones. Get calcium from greens, beans, or fortified foods. Vitamin D controls your body's use of calcium.



    22. Nutritious and balanced diet is a must to free ourself from the physical and mental diseases and relieve stress.



    23. Mushrooms are rich in minerals, vitamin D (ergosterol), thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), dietary fibre as well as all the essential amino acids and are low in fat and calories.



    24. Amla or Gooseberry has many nutritious benefits. The amla has been found to be the most abundant source of Vitamin C in the plant kingdom.



    25. After a bath massage Mustard oil well into hands and feet when your body is still moist. Wash with water and pat with a towel to dry.





    26. Add half teaspoon Vinegar to half a cup of curd. Massage feet and ankles well with this mix and wash after five minutes.





    27. Mix 1 table spoon of limejuice with 1 table spoon of Glycerin and 1 table spoon of rose water. Mix well and store it in a glass bottle. Apply daily half an hour before a bath or apply at bedtime and wash in the morning before bath.



    28. In Winter season, right after a bath while the skin is still wet, rub some Baby oil into the skin gently to avoid dryness.





    29. Too much sugar will interrupt the absorption of proteins and nutrients causingmalnutrition and may interfere with brain development.





    30. Sleep allows our brain to rest. Long term deprivation from sleep will accelerate the death of brain cells.