The Danger of Frying Your Food

The Danger of Frying Your Food

Nutrition Heronewstab   11:16

Frying is the cooking of food in oil or another fat, a cooking method that originated in ancient Egypt around 2500 BC. Going by the chemical composition, oils and fats are the same, differing only in the state in which they exist and melting point, and the distinction is only made when needed. Foods can be fried in a variety of fats, including lard, vegetable oil, palm oil, coconut oil, rapeseed oil and olive oil. Various foods may be fried, including the potatoes, yam, plantain, meats, fishes, eggs and foods made from eggs, such as omelettes or pancake just to mention a few. The purpose of frying also varies, reasons ranging from preservative purposes to reasons related to the desired taste etc. Having said all these it is important to now analyse the careful selected dangers that lies in consuming fried foods which are stated below; *. Increased Cancer Risk According to a study published in the journal “Prostate” in June 2013 individuals that consume more of fried foods, such as fried fish, fried chicken, doughnuts or French fries, at least once a week has a higher risk of developing prostate cancer when compared to those who consume less. Therefore, limiting the amount of fried food you eat can help you lower your risk for prostate cancer, highlighting the danger associated with fried foods. Also acrylamide are liberated especially when carbohydrates are fried, acrylamide is a dangerous neurotoxin that can damage the nervous system. A number of studies have also explored its carcinogenic effects and animal studies suggest that acrylamide can contribute to tumour development in the thyroid, testes, mammary glands, lungs, and brain. *. Increased Obesity Risk Foods high in fat, such as fried foods, are also higher in calories, since a gram of fat provides 9 calories compared to the 4 calories found in each gram of protein or carbohydrates. If you eat fried foods regularly, you are more likely to become overweight or obese. A study published in the February 2013 issue of “Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases” found that consuming fried foods more than four times per week increased the risk for obesity compared to consuming these foods less than two times per week, this is simply explained by the calorie content of fat and oils.. *. Upsets Blood Sugar Recent research confirms that when acrylamides level that are released when carbohydrates are fried rises in the body it adversely affects the insulin levels concomitantly the blood sugar level. Increased levels of acrylamide are associated with a decrease in serum insulin, this result to difficulty in controlling blood sugar. For people who already have trouble controlling their blood sugar, such as diabetics, the health implications can be disastrous. *. Negatively Affects the Immune System Trying to be healthy? Avoid acrylamide. Regular exposure has been linked to autoimmune diseases. One study found that individuals whose work regularly exposed them to acrylamide had an increased risk for developing lupus, scleroderma, and Sjögren’s syndrome. *. IncreasedStroke Risk Southern cuisine, which typically includes a lot of fried foods, may increase your stroke risk, according to a report. You’ll increase your risk of a stroke by about 41 per cent if you eat fried Southern dishes at least six times per week compared to eating this type of food less than once a month. If you fry your foods in a type of fat that provides a lot of saturated fat, such as butter, lard or coconut oil, it may also increase your cholesterol and your risk for heart disease which invariably increases the risk of stroke. *. Negatively Affects Foetal Development: A survey taken between 2006-2010 revealed that acrylamide consumption correlated with smaller head circumferences and lower birth weights in recently born infants. Another study of 50,651 women in the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study confirmed a reduction of foetal growth following exposure to acrylamide which is liberated from fried carbohydrate. Having said all these it is worthy to admonish us that for the sake of our health, lets reduce the quantity of our fat intake. Stay Healthy!!!

CAN BEING SINGLE HURT YOUR HEALTH? watch out!

CAN BEING SINGLE HURT YOUR HEALTH? watch out!

Lifestyle Heronewstab   11:02

This article is not written to argue for any relationship status. It is just intended to explain the findings of some researchers on the effect of one’s relationship status on the person’s health. I know a lot of singles that are very healthy and also a lot of married people too. I have a first hand experience on the kind of effect being alone can have on our health. There was a time that I had a certain type of diarrhoeaand I was on medication for 3 days. I survived because of my training and probably the fear of death because I was stooling not less than 20 times a day. I was alone with nobody to take care of me. I lost my mum to a certain disease some years ago. She was sick for 3 days before she died. My parents slept in different rooms so nobody picked on the symptoms she was exhibiting especially my dad who was also a doctor. I have given 2 examples of both single and married with both showing us that loneliness can have an effect on our overall health. A new study shows that middle-aged women who had never married had an increased risk of heart diseaseand breathing problems, but to a lesser extent than unmarried men. In a study that was conducted in the united kingdom, they looked at more than 10,000 people born in England, Scotland, and Wales in the spring of 1958. Their relationship statuses were checked when they were 23, 33, 42, and 46. Nurses visited them at home to do health checks when they were between 44 and 46. Read: Home Remedies For Your Stretch Marks The researchers found that: *.About two-thirds of male and female participants married in their 20s and early 30s, and remained married into their mid 40s. *.More than 8% of men and 6% of women married in their 20s or early 30s, then later divorced, then remarried or lived together. *.More than 11% of men and 12% of women had never married or lived together. *.Middle-aged men and women who’ve been through a separation, divorce, and remarriage are just as healthy as couples in stable relationships. *.People who’ve divorced and remarried were no more likely than those who stayed married to have heart or breathing problems early in middle age. *.Couples who married in their 20s and early 30s, and stayed married, were in almost the same health as unmarried couples living together. Men and women who had neither married nor lived with a partner had the worst health in middle age, with a higher risk of heart and breathing problems. The study was done by the University College London Institute of Education, London School of Economics, and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Starting Another Relationship Helps “For those people who experience separation and divorce, it appears that as long as they begin another relationship, their health does not suffer in the long term,” says the study’s lead author, George Ploubidis, PhD, a scientist at UCL. What might explain the link between your relationship status and your health? For starters, your partner can encourage you to keep up good habits (like exercise) and can give you emotional support when times get tough, Ploubidis says past research shows. “A couple’s income also appears to play an important role in affecting health,” he says. “Previous research has also shown that men experience an initial decline after divorce, but we found that in the long term they tend to revert back to their pre-divorce health status. Surprisingly, those men who divorced in their late 30s and did not subsequently remarry were less likely to suffer from conditions related to diabetes in early middle-age compared to those who were married.” The conclusion is that loneliness can have a negative impact on the health status of an individual. We all need friends, partners and loved ones. Drop your comments below! Stay Healthy!!!

Home solutions for stretch mark

Home solutions for stretch mark

Heronewstab   01:25

Stretch marks are visible lines on the skin surface,
with an off-color hue. Stretch marks are mainly
found in the abdominal wall, but can also occur over
the thighs, upper arms, buttocks and breasts.
Sometimes stretch marks can cover large areas of
the body. While pregnancy is the main cause behind
stretch marks, other reasons can be sudden gain or
loss in weight, rapid growth, heredity
factors, stressand changes in physical conditions.
The skin consists of three main layers: Epidermis
(the outer layer), Dermis (the middle layer) and
Subcutaneous or Hypodermic (the deepest layer).
Stretch marks form in the dermis or middle layer of
the skin when the connective tissue is “stretched”
beyond the power of its flexibility due to rapid
expansion or contraction of the skin.
As skin is stretched, the collagen is weakened and
its normal production cycle is interrupted and
damaged. This ultimately results in fine scars under
the top layer of the skin. Initially the marks look
pink or red, but over time a thin, silvery line
appears on the skin surface and a stretch mark is
born.
Stretch marks appear on the skin surface when
someone grows quickly, or puts on weight
quickly. Stretch marks can make you feel self-
conscious and uncomfortable about your
appearance. Fortunately, there are several ways to
reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
I will focus on the proven ways which basically
involves proceduces that you have to religiously
carry out;
1) Use of Castor Oil;
Castor oil, which is used in the treatment of a
number of skin problems such as wrinkles, age
spots, moles, dark spots, fine lines and pimples,
can also be used to get rid of stretch marks.
Apply some castor oil to the stretch marks and
gently massage the area in circular motions for 5 to
10 minutes.Wrap the area with a thin, cotton cloth.
Using a hot water bottle or a heating pad, apply
some heat to the affected area for at least a half an
hour.Repeat this process daily for a minimum of
one month to notice positive results.
2) Use of Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is effective in the treatment of many skin
problems. Its healing and soothing properties can
be used to get rid of stretch marks. There are a
couple of ways to apply it.
You can directly rub aloe vera gel on the affected
skin area, leave it on for 15 minutes and then rinse
the skin with lukewarm water.Another option is to
make a mixture with one-fourth cup of aloe vera
gel, oil from 10 vitamin E capsules and oil from five
vitamin A capsules. Rub this mixture onto the skin
until fully absorbed. Repeat this process daily.
3) Apply Egg Whites
Eggs are a rich source of protein. For stretch
marks, you want to use only the egg whites, which
contain amino acids and proteins.
Whip the whites of two eggs gently with a fork.
Clean the affected skin area with water and then
apply a thick layer of egg whites with a makeup
brush.Allow the egg whites to dry completely and
then rinse the area with cold water.Finally apply
some olive oil on the skin to keep it
moisturized.Repeat the process daily for at least
two weeks and watch for positive results.
4) Rub, dont drink Lemon Juice
Another simple way to lessen stretch marks is to
use lemon juice. Lemon juice is naturally acidic
which helps heal and reduce stretch marks, acne,
and other scars.
Rub fresh lemon juice gently onto the stretch marks
using circular motions. Allow the lemon juice to
soak into your skin for at least 10 minutes before
rinsing it off with warm water.Another option is to
mix equal quantities of cucumber juice and lemon
juice and apply the mixture on the stretch marks.
5) White Sugar is good!
Natural white sugar is one of the best remedies to
get rid of stretch marks. You can use the sugar
to exfoliate your skin.
Mix a tablespoon of raw sugar with some almond oil
and a few drops of lemon juice. Mix it well and
apply it on the stretch marks and other skin
areas.Gently rub the mixture on the skin for a few
minutes every day before taking a shower.Do this
for a month or so and watch your stretch marks
become lighter.
6) Apply Potato Juice
Potato juice contains vitamins and minerals that
foster growth and restoration of skin cells.
Cut a medium-sized potato into thick slices.Take
one of the potato pieces and rub it gently on the
stretch marks for a few minutes. Make sure the
starch from the potato covers the affected
area.Allow the potato juice to dry for some time and
then wash it off with lukewarm water.
7) Avoid Palm kennel cake oil;
You wont now, but most of the oil you use are not
healthy.  They are dangerous because they contain
unsaturated fats. If you can’t avoid oil or fries, then
use heart friendly ones.
Stay Healthy!!!

Why you should always smile

Why you should always smile

Lifestyle Heronewstab   23:59

It is very good to have a smiling personality. Apart
from the fact that it helps you with people through
life, it is also beneficial to our body system.
Laughter they say is the best medicine as only a
happy man can laugh and a happy man is a healthy
man. Thus, using mathematical expression if a=b
and b=c then a=c which invariably indicates that a
laughing man is a healthy man.
Aside the fact that it takes lesser muscle number
ranging from 4-22 [average of 17] to smile than the
total of about 43 involved with frowning, laughing
also has enormous health benefits which we will
discuss later in this article.
Every being spend a handsome amount of money
just to stay healthy meanwhile there are many
ways you can personally save money and boost
your health. There are even a few things you can
do that are absolutely free. One of the easiest and
cheapest ways to boost your health, your mood,
your longevity, and even your success is to smile/
laugh.
The type of smile in view here isn’t the fake smile
but the real smile that emanates from the bottom of
the heart. Most people can spot a fake smile, even
if they can’t say how they know. Fake smiles
usually use fewer muscles than genuine smiles,
which involve muscles around the eyes. Real
smiles also creep in slower than the false ones. So,
if you have to fake a smile, try to make it as real as
possible, think of happy memories or visualize your
favourite people and places. It makes a difference
in what others see and in how you feel.
Lets See Some Benefits Of Smiling And Laughing
Lower Heart Rate – Smiling slows the heart
and relaxes the body. This lets the heart work
without efficient at a speed that has no chance
of overworking it. People who smile and laugh
often are less likely to develop heart disease
as the heart works in an enhancing condition
devoid of excessive pressure on such.
Lowers blood pressure- of course anything
that affects the heart will affect the blood flow
level thus the slowing down of the frequency
of the beating of the heart has a direct effect
on the blood pressure thereby reducing it.
Reduce Stress – Stress is a common problem
in the modern world that causes a myriad of
health problems. Stress relief may be as
simple as smiling a little more throughout the
day. Smiling releases endorphins that
counteract and diminish the stress hormones
level in the body.
Better Mood – The endorphins do more than
kick stress to the curb. Endorphins lift your
mood. Feeling down? Endeavour to endow
your face with a garment of smile on your
face, even if it isn’t entirely genuine at first,
and turn your entire day around with
something simple, easy to do, and free.
Kill Pain – Smiling and laughter both have
been shown to lessen pain. They release
endorphins that lift our moods, but many of
these act as natural painkillers too. If you are
still in doubt of how effective it might seem
ask lover just getting out of heart break.
Look Younger – Smiles naturally lift the face
as it exercises the muscles that are involved
and in studies laughing have beenpostulated
to make people look younger, around 3 years
younger on average. You want to look younger
than your age? Start laughing today.
Longevity – The effects of a good smile
extend past just the exterior good looks.
People who smile more often live longer too,
around 7 years longer than most according to
one study. It releases stress, helps the heart,
and much more to keep you healthy longer.
Boost Immune System – Smiles help the body
relax and this lets the immune system react
more quickly and effectively against invaders.
With this rapid response the body has at
every point in time adequate antibodies to fight
any intruder.
Stay Healthy!!!

Ways to clear dark spot on skin

Ways to clear dark spot on skin

Nutrition Heronewstab   10:20

Dark spots are hyper-pigmentation of the skin. There is a chemical substance in the skin that gives it the dark colour. When there is an over-production of this chemical substance you get the dark spots. There may be many causes for dark spots on your skin. Hormonal imbalance is one of them. Sometimes, dark spots are due to some blood vessel deformities under the skin where these dark spots appear on your skin. However, excessive sun exposure seems to be the biggest reason behind dark spots on skin. Dark spots can also be caused by use of low grade cosmetic products. While there are many skin cosmetics such as hydroquinone cream, tretinoin cream and azelaic acid cream as well as various skin treatments like chemical peels and intense pulsed light therapy, fancy huh? Never mind we are going to talk about all natural ways to get rid of these dark spots on your skin. How To Fade Out Your Dark spots *.Lemon juice Lemon juice has bleaching properties that can help get rid of dark spots because of its acidic content. It will help maintain soft, clear and beautiful skin. You can apply fresh lemon juice directly on the affected area. Leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing it off with cold water. You should repeat this twice daily for about two months to notice positive results. If you have sensitive skin, dilute the lemon juice with water. *.Vinegar You can also use vinegar to get rid of your dark spots. It will help dry out and fade the dark spots quickly. Mix an equal amount of vinegar and water and rub on areas with dark spots. You should do that till the dark spots fade away. You can also mix it with honey and rub on the affected areas. *. Aloe Vera Aloe vera is very good for the skin because of its regenerative properties. Extract the gel from the leaves and rub on the affected areas, you should get a positive result in few days. *. Potatoes Unbelievable right! but they are very effective. Potatoes are rich in vitamins and minerals, essential fatty acids and a variety of phytochemicals such as carotenoids and polyphenols. The Vitamin-C, B-complex and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus and zinc, potatoes are able to stimulate collagen and elastin synthesis. This gives you an evenly toned complexion. In fact, potato juice is one of the best remedies for dark spots due to its skin lightening properties. Many natural enzymes, sugars and starches of potatoes along with its vitamin C, exfoliate your skin to slough off the dead cells and thus diminishing the dark spots. Other Effective Ways Include The Use Of; *.Onion juice *.Pawpaw or papaya mash *.Watermelon rind *.Buttermilk. Stay healthy!!!

skin tips for dark in complexion people

skin tips for dark in complexion people

Lifestyle Heronewstab   10:05

Indeed black is beauty. Looking good, mostly, comprises taking good care of your skin. For a majority of Africans, smooth and well-maintained skin is obtainable by considering and adopting a few important tips. Activities like cleaning, moisturizing, and toning the skin at regular intervals is very important to make your skin look fresh and glowing all the time. If good care of the skin is not taken, it can make your skin look dull and dried out. Improper skin care may even lead to skin complications and infections. Tips For A Perfect Skin *. Skin Protection One of the most important tips is that you should apply sunscreen to your skin in order to protect it from harmful rays whenever you go out in the sun. Even though Africans have a natural Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 13, considering a bit additional protection surely reduces the amount of harm that is caused by the harmful ultraviolet radiations. Setting a protective barrier between your skin and the radiation keeps the skin smooth and in good condition. Africans can generally be under the sun for a bit longer as compared to people with other skin types because darker skin tones do not burn as easily as lighter skin tones tend to. *. Examine Your Skin Periodically Another crucial tip in skin care for black people is that you need to examine your skin for certain irregularities. Usually, black people have a lower possibility of getting skin cancer as compared to women having lighter skin colour. Nevertheless, there is still a slight possibility of them getting skin cancer. You need to adopt a steady routine of getting your skin tested at least once in a month. Check for dark spots that previously were not apparent on your skin. If you have some marks at present, pay heed to any differences in shape, size, and tone. It is recommended to consult with a dermatologist who would let you know better about your skin condition. *. Scheduled Skin Regimen For keeping your skin in proper condition, it is necessary to make a daily skin care routine to pamper, and preclude damage to your skin. Do away with the everyday build-up which comes from oil and other cosmetic products. Generally, a non-abrasive cleaner would serve this purpose really well. Harsher cleansers would just lead to unneeded breakouts and inflammation throughout the cleaning procedure. Apply a quality skin care product to your fingertips and softly massage it onto your face in a circular manner. This can also be applied to other body parts such as hands and legs. Uneven skin complexion is a very general problem for a majority of the black skinned. Use a specialized product for hyperpigmentation which would finally brighten the dark spots, giving your skin an even tone. Get rid of the dullness from the skin by choosing a soft exfoliating product which will take away the dead cells that are responsible for making the skin flat and lifeless. *. Moisturize Your Skin For making your skin glow all the time, you need to add as much extra moisture to it as possible. In case of a darker tone, the skin may seem dry and ash-gray without proper skin care. The best time when you can apply a moisturizer on your body is immediately after taking a shower or bath. However, you should ensure that you use a separate moisturizer for your face. A majority of moisturizing products are too harsh to be applied on the face. If your facial skin is highly sensitive, the product might not get absorbed into the skin. Most of the moisturizing products have particular nutrients to treat problem areas without adding extra oils, perfumes, or other unessential elements. Use good quality moisturizers to get rid of dry skin. These were some of the fundamental skin care tips for black people. If you are experiencing irritation or any side effects after applying a skin care product, it is recommended to stop using that product. Stay Healthy!!

Amazing benefits of early morning sun

Amazing benefits of early morning sun

Heronewstab   09:58

It feels so good to have the warm sun on our bare skin. If you haven’t heard that being out in the sun, unprotected by sunscreen, puts you at risk for wrinkles, at best, and skin cancer, at worst, then you’ve probably been living under a rock! However, while most people are aware of the dangers of too much sun, many don’t realize that sunlight confers enormous health benefits as well. Keeping in mind that you need to protect your skin with a high-quality sunscreen when you go outdoors. Let’s look at some of the surprising benefits of sunlight *.Sunlight may help prevent cancer. It’s not just plants that metabolize sunlight. Humans do too. Through a complex process, our bodies turn sunlight into life-giving vitamin D. The connection between vitamin D deficiency and cancer was first made by Drs. Frank and Cedric Garland from the University of California, San Diego. After finding that the incidence of colon cancer was nearly three times higher in New York than in New Mexico, the Garland brothers hypothesized that lack of sun exposure, resulting in a vitamin D deficiency, played a role. Research now indicates that being deficient in vitamin D increases the risk of many cancers, especially breast and colon. *.Sunlight may lower risk for multiple sclerosis. MS is more common in populations that live farther from the equator. People who move from a low-risk area to a high-risk area before the age of 15 acquire a higher risk of developing MS, whereas those who make the same move after adolescence retain a lower risk. These observations suggest that environmental exposure, and in particular, early sunlight exposure (which is correlated with vitamin D levels) in the first two decades of life, influences the risk of developing MS. Related to this finding, several European population studies observed that there is a lower risk of MS for births occurring after October and a higher risk for MS for births occurring after May. This suggests that maternal levels of vitamin D during the third trimester of pregnancy may influence risk of MS. *.Sunlight helps heal psoriasis. Exposure to sunlight is extremely beneficial for individuals with psoriasis. *.Sunlight can ease mild depression. There has been a lot of research on the link between sunlight and mood. One solid study found that sunlight actually increases levels of a natural antidepressant in the brain. On sunny days, the brain produces more of the mood-lifting chemical serotonin than on darker days. *.Sunlight contributes to bone health in older adults. It is well known that vitamin D stimulates the absorption of bone-strengthening calcium. The process of vitamin D manufacture begins when sunlight changes the 7-dehydrocholesterol in the skin into vitamin D3. Emerging research is showing a direct correlation between both bone density and blood levels of vitamin D3. Higher blood levels of vitamin D3 are associated with a lower rate of fractures of virtually all types; lower blood levels of vitamin D3 are associated with a higher rate of fractures of all types. *.Sunlight can improve sleep quality. When sunlight hits your eyes, your optic nerve sends a message to the gland in the brain that produces melatonin (a hormone that helps you sleep); the gland decreases its secretions of melatonin until the sun goes down again. In other words, exposure to sunlight during the day increases the natural production of melatonin at night. Low levels of melatonin production are linked to poor sleep quality, especially in older adults. Stay Healthy!!!

Tips on how to get a good night

Tips on how to get a good night

Lifestyle Heronewstab   09:56

WAYS TO GET A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP Take a cold shower Your body temperature plays a big role in getting a good night’s rest. If you’re going to have a shower before bed, make it a cold one. When we take a warm shower close to bed, we raise our body temperature, which naturally falls around 10 p.m. You simply can’t get to sleep as easily if your body temperature is too warm. One study by researchers in Lille, a city in north-eastern France, found that subjects fell asleep faster and had a better overall quality of sleep following behaviours that cooled the body, such as taking a cold shower right before bed. Keep your bedroom cold The best predictor of quality sleep was maintaining a room temperature. Studies have shown that temperatures outside of 60 – 66⁰F lead people to become restless. When we’re too hot or cold we become antsy, tossing and turning trying to get comfortable. And for those of you who sleep naked and without a sheet, research indicates an optimum room temperature between 86 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Ditch the Devices. The light from electronic devices messes with our sleep patterns. If you can’t avoid using them, dim the brightness. Bright lights, including the blue-and-white light that comes from a computer monitor or a television screen can deceive the brain, which registers it as daylight. Lying in bed watching a movie on an iPad may be relaxing, but the constant bright light from the screen can make it more difficult for some people to fall asleep afterward. Exercise during the day Those who exercised reported a better quality of sleep than those who remained sedentary. Exercise during the day, even a small amount, helps you fall asleep faster. This seems obvious, right? The more physically exhausted you are, the better you sleep? But it’s more complicated than that. It turns out that it’s not just about exercise, it’s more about seeing yourself as a fit person that matters. If you lay down to sleep and you’re not worried about whether you’re exercising, you have one less thing to be anxious about. But even if you’re working out hard, research shows that exercise will not necessarily improve your sleep if you feel like you’re not doing enough. This might be part of the reason that yoga has been linked to improved sleep. It helps your mind to be at ease and while you’re trying to fall asleep. That matters more than you think. Avoid coffee and alcohol It is obviously not a good idea to drink coffee in the evening if it keeps you up at night. Nor is drinking alcohol before bedtime a smart move. Alcohol may help speed the onset of sleep, but it begins to take its toll during the second half of the night. As the body breaks down the liquid, the alcohol in the bloodstream often leads to an increase in the number of times a person briefly wakes up. Other common suggestions from sleep doctors include *.Maintaining a consistent bedtime. *.Turning the lights down low in the home about a half hour before climbing into bed. Stay Healthy!!!

Common habits that damage human liver

Common habits that damage human liver

Lifestyle Heronewstab   09:52

The Liver is one of the most important organs of the body. It performs various functions that allows us to be an optimal level day in day out. The liver has wide range of functions and it plays a vital role in numerous physiological processes, including metabolic function and blood detoxification. It is also a regenerative organ i.e whenever one of its cell is damaged, it quickly replaces it. I call it the non-complaining organ. One will not know how damaged his or her liver is until over 60% of its cells have been damaged. Most of the times at such points there isn’t much that can be done to salvage the situation. There are different habitual behavior that most of us don’t know affect our liver as the damage can be gradual and initially without obvious symptoms. But over time these bad habits can severely harm your liver. This is very dangerous, as your body cannot function properly without a properly working liver. Common Habits That Damages The Liver *. Not Sleeping Enough I know this may sound weird to most of us but it is actually true. A study published in theJournal of Anatomyfound that sleep deprivation can cause oxidative stress to the liver. Another study reveals why shift workers and people who suffer from sleep deprivation suffer from a large range of health problems, such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease and more. It was found that their livers aren’t processing fat efficiently and instead allowing fat to accumulate (which proves that the body cannot function properly without a properly working liver). Also when we sleep, our body goes into a repair process. So, make sure you get a good 8 hours of sleep, as lack of sleep will ruin your elimination process and damage your liver. *. Over use Of Certain Medications Over use or over-the-counter drugs and certain prescription drugs is known to cause liver damage. Some of these drugs include antidepressants, mood stabilizers, corticosteroids (used for treating inflammation) and pain relievers. It’s therefore important to review the side effects and adverse effects of medications before taking them. *. Alcohol Consumption I know this is an habit we all know to well. Most people know the associated dangers but we cannot overemphasize it. Heavy alcohol consumption is the most common cause of liver damage. Excess amount of alcohol decreases the liver’s ability of removing toxins from the body. This is because the liver gets diverted from its other functions and focuses mainly on converting alcohol to a less toxic form, and this causes fatty liver disease and inflammation. When the liver tries to break down the alcohol, the resulting chemical reaction can damage the liver cells, and after a long time of consuming excess amount of alcohol, the damage can become permanent and cause cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) which leads to loss of liver function. Frequent alcohol abuse can degrade the liver over time and kill off cells. When the liver attempts to repair this damage, it could lead to DNA mutations that kick start cancers. *. Smoking Smoking not only harms the lungs but also harms the liver. The numerous toxic substances inhaled in cigarette smoke find their way to the liver and add to the overall toxic load placed on the organ. The chemicals cause oxidative stress that lead to formation of free radicals that destroy liver cells, This is an habit you must quit to live a long healthy life. *. Poor Nutrition and Obesity Obesity is linked to poor eating habits and can harm your liver over time, just as drinking too much alcohol does. The reason for that is that too much of the wrong foods causes excess fat build-up in the liver, known as Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. The liver normally helps to process and regulate the amount of sugar and fat in the blood, but in obese people the liver becomes overwhelmed and starts storing excess fat in its own liver cells, either because there is no other place for them elsewhere or the liver fails to break them down. Over time, if too much fat is accumulated in the liver, the liver can become inflamed and the liver cells can be damaged. Stay Healthy!!!

Fact about Asthma

Fact about Asthma

Heronewstab   09:42

Asthma is a condition that affects the respiratory system. Though the exact cause of this condition is unknown, it usually occurs due to allergic reactions. It results in difficulty in breathing, wheezing, and panting. This article provides information about the various causes of this condition. The term ‘asthma’ has been derived from an old Greek word which means ‘to pant’. It is basically a chronic condition which affects the air passages when they are stimulated by environmental factors or allergens that act as triggers. There are two particular ways in which the air passage responds to asthmatic triggers: 1) hyper responsiveness and 2) inflammation. When these responses occur, it results in the typical symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and laboured respiration. Hyper responsiveness: In this condition when allergens or any other irritants are inhaled, it results in irregular constriction of the smooth muscles. Constriction of the air passages in response to an allergen is a normal reaction that occurs in everybody; however, in asthma patients, it results in a special kind of hyper reactive response. In people who do not have asthma, when an irritant is inhaled, the air passages relax as well as open out in order to expel the irritant from the lungs. However, in those who have asthma, there is no relaxation of the air passages, and instead they become narrow, leading to panting or breathlessness. Inflammation: Inflammation follows the hyper responsive stage. When the air passages are subjected to allergens or any other environmental triggers, the immune system kicks in, delivering immune factors like white blood cells to the area. These cause the air passages to become swollen, fill up with fluid, and produce sticky, thick mucus. These altogether initiates breathlessness, wheezing, the inability to inhale or exhale adequately, and a cough that produces phlegm. This inflammatory response is found in everybody afflicted with asthma, even mild cases. What Exactly Causes Asthma? While what exactly causes asthma is still not fully understood, research has shown that it can be triggered by many factors such including; *. Genetics Scientists and doctors accept the fact that asthma is a hereditary disease. But, they have not yet identified the gene, or genes, that are involved in this condition. It is thought that the genes that are associated with asthma are linked to the immune system and the lungs. It is widely known that ‘atopic diseases’, like asthma, allergic rhinitis, and dermatitis, occur in some form or the other in families. *. Immune System Research has revealed that the immune system of adults and children who have respiratory problems responds quite differently compared to others. People who have asthma are generally allergic, and have allergic reactions to factors that cause no problems to others. The immune system of allergic people overreacts when exposed to ordinary substances like cat dander, mold, and pollen. Sometimes, the immune system could even overreact to bacteria and virus, increasing the chances of an asthma attack. *. Childhood The initial months as well as years in the life of a child are vital periods during which he/she could become predisposed to developing this condition. This is due to the abnormalities in the development as well as growth of the lungs. Premature babies are particularly vulnerable to respiratory diseases and infections, since their lungs are not completely developed when they are born. Sometimes, an infection could lead to inflammation, thereby injuring the tissues of the lungs. *. The Environment There are several non-immunologic or non-allergic factors in the environment that can trigger the onset of asthma. When a person susceptible to asthma is exposed to these irritants, there are higher chances of them developing full-blown asthma. Some of them are second-hand smoke for an extended period of time, air pollution, paints, and indoor chemicals. Research is still ongoing to understand better how the above factors affect the development of allergies like asthma. Stay healthy!!!

Amazing reasons why you should eat Bitter Leaf

Amazing reasons why you should eat Bitter Leaf

Nutrition Heronewstab   09:35

Bitter leaf (Vernoniaamygdalina) is a popular vegetable probably because of the bitter taste. Bitter leaf is used for preparing the well-known Bitter leaf soup. It is also known as Onugbu, Shiwaka & Ewuro by the Igbos, Hausas & Yorubas respectively in Nigeria. Although this plant has been around for ages, only a handful of the general populace including the users are well acquainted with the medicinal and health benefits of this ‘veggie’ whose leaves, extracts, stems, roots and barks are used for gastronomic, medicinal and therapeutic purposes. Vitamins in Bitter leaf includes; Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vit.B1 and Vit.B2. My paternal grandma was a big fan of the bitter leaf juice, and on one of my visits before her demise she made me drink the juice to cure a fever. Of course the juice had a very bitter taste which I despised, at that time, but when I realized that in no time the fever was gone, I humbly joined the Bitter leaf fans club. After that experience I decided to do my findings and discover a few more benefits of this wonderful gift of mother earth. Health benefits of Vernoniaamygdalinaincludes; *.It speeds up metabolism thereby reducing the chances of any consumer developing constipation and increasing the usage of the stored fat indicating that it can be of great use to those who desire weight loss. *.Bitter leaf juice relieves fever and feverish conditions. Take the squeezed juice, 3 times daily until the symptom disappears. *.It also helps to reduce high sugar level in the blood because it speeds up the rate of metabolism and glucose uptake by the cells of the body thereby reducing the blood-sugar level, aprodigious news for diabetic patients. *.Squeeze the fresh leaves on your palm and apply the juice on skin rashes, eczema, ring worms and any superficial skin ailments, this is possible because this leave has antibiotic and antifungal properties. If applied ideally and rightly you’ll notice a change in few days.Don’t apply to open wounds. *.Bitter leaf is said to soothe and also cure pile. *.Bitter leaf has anti-oxidants properties in it thus, taking a cup of bitter leaf juice a day, is a great way to detoxify the body of harmful toxins. *.Bitter leaf(Vernoniaamygdalina) also cures mild stomach ailments. When there are conditions emanating from constipationsuch as stomach upset bitter leaf juice could be of help. *.Bitter leaf juice is said to increase breast milk production in nursing mothers. *.The washed roots and stalks of bitter leaf are boiled and the infusion is taking as a worm expeller, this s possible because bitter leaf has ability to cause hyper motility on smooth muscles. A cup of bitter leaf infusion taking first thing in the morning before meals *.Bitter leaf juice is used by local women in Guinea-Bissau to contract the uterus after childbirth and therefore should not be taking during pregnancy or if you’re trying to conceive, because high intake might cause miscarriage. *.A cup of bitter leaf juice a day energizes you…o yes it does. Stay Healthy!!

Amazing benefit of Pawpaw to health

Amazing benefit of Pawpaw to health

Heronewstab   09:28

It is no more news that pawpaw is a fruit, if not for anything the nursery rhymes ‘pawpaw is a type of fruit’ has informed us about the taste and the colour and we can rightfully assume it’s good for us, but do you know that the benefits of eating pawpaw go far beyond the generic boost of vitamin C. Pawpaw which is also widely known papaya is a must for our diet. Reasons You Should Eat Pawpaw *.Papaya Contains Antioxidants One of the benefits of eating papaya is that it helps to prevent cancer. Papaya is a rich source of antioxidantsthat the body needs to fight against cancer-causing cells. Vitamin C, E and beta-carotenes are antioxidants that prevent all kinds of cancers. So adding a daily serving of papaya to your diet may lessen your risk of developing cancer as well as several infections. *.Papaya is used to Treat Digestive Disorders Papaya is a great source of proteolytic enzymes that are very important in digesting food. The most important of these proteolytic enzymes found in papaya ispapain. Papain breaks down proteins in food, allowing for better digestion. Papain is used in prescription of digestive enzymes to treat individuals with cystic fibrosis or pancreatic conditions; producing for them what the body cannot produce naturally. Eating papaya is also a benefit because papain taken orally treats less serious digestion disorders such as bloating and chronic indigestion. In these cases papain is extracted, dried and sold as tablets. *.Papaya Boosts Male Virility Another great benefit of papaya is to boost male virility. Papaya contains an enzyme called arginine which is known in the medical community to boost blood flow around the man-hood. Arginine boosts nitric acid in the body to relax the muscles surrounding the blood vessels that supply the man-hood. These blood vessels then dilate and increase blood flow. A more concentrated form of arginine is used to treat erectile dysfunction. *.Papaya Prevents Premature Aging Many alternative medical practitioners believe that one of the benefits of papaya is to control premature aging. Papaya helps the body to properly digest food and when the body digests all the nutrients it needs, the body will remain vital for a long time. *.Papaya is used as a Cleanser Taking a quarter pint (150ml) of papaya juice, cucumber juice and green bean juice in alternating hours for 12 hours can be a benefit to your colon. These juices work as potent natural cleansers when combined. Papaya is also rich in fibre, which travels through the body and binds itself to cancer-causing toxins in the colon. The fibre in papaya flushes out the toxins in the colon and so one of the benefits of papaya is that it helps prevent colon cancer especially, due to its antioxidants and its fibre content. *.Papaya Prevents Heart Attacks and Strokes The antioxidants in papaya prevent cholesterol from oxidizing. When cholesterol becomes oxidized it forms plaque in the blood vessel walls that can eventually build up and cause a heart attackor stroke. Also, fibre is known to lower cholesterol. The fibre in papaya converts a substance called homocysteine into harmless amino acids that the body can process, but without the breakdown, homocysteine can eventually damage blood vessel walls, causing strokes or heart attacks. *.Papaya Treats Inflammation Papain and chymopapain, protein-digestive enzymes found in papaya lowers inflammation and improve healing from burns. Papain breaks down the inactive proteins in the skin, removing dead tissue from burns. This benefits the body as it helps heal skin injuries, relieves psoriasis, removes warts, and treats ringworms and cold sores. Also vitamins C, E and beta carotenes are good at reducing inflammation and as such these nutrients are used to treat asthma, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritisamong many other inflammatory ailments. Stay Healthy!!!

how to get rid and prevent mouth odour

how to get rid and prevent mouth odour

Heronewstab   09:22

Do you know that yourmouth odour can ruin your relationship and keep friends away from you? Do you know that you could actually have bad breath and not know it because no one wants to embarrass you by telling you the truth? Bad breath which is called Halitosis or Malodor is most times caused by a build-up of bacteria in your mouth. This, in turn, causes some form of inflammation and then it gives off toxic gases that smell like sulphur or something else more terrible. Another way one can have bad breath is a build-up of thick phlegm in the tonsils which store food particles. If the phlegm is not cleared out, it could cause bad breath. Studies have shown that close to 80% of bad breath can result from the tongue, cavities or gum disease. Also cracked fillings can be responsible. Other internal illness and diseases can be responsible as well–Diabetes, Chronic Bronchitis, Respiratory Tract Infections, Acid Reflux and Liver Disease. Please be sure that none of these is the culprit when tackling mouth odour. Note that it is normal to have bad breath when we wake up in the morning. But after we brush, we are expected to have fresh, clean breath. However, if you’re not sure if your breath is clean, you can ask a trusted friend because you can’t really tell by yourself. How To Get Rid of Mouth Odor 1. Brush Twice a Day.Yes, you were told this in primary school. In the morning, you brush before going to work or school and you could stay there all day without any oral hygiene. When you get home, for proper care of the mouth and to avoid the accumulation of food particles that can cause bad breath, brush before you go to bed. 2. Use a Tongue Scrapper.You can find this in a pharmacy and they’re quite cheap. Bad breath comes from plaque that accumulates in the tongue’s folds, especially toward the back. Use a tongue scrapper twice a day. 3. Floss.Dental flosses are also cheap. Buy one and run a line through teeth denture. If you have the balls, smell it and you’ll find where the smell is coming from. 4. Moisturise Your Mouth.A dry mouth allows for bad odour. Always keep it moisturised by drinking water or chewing gum. Make sure the gum is sugarless. 5. Eat Fruits.Especially those that contain Vitamin C. They help in fighting harmful bacteria. Also eat veggies like carrots and celery. 6. Brush Regularly.If you eat meals high in garlic and onions, brush your teeth as these can cause a distinct smell in your mouth. 7. Rinse Your Mouth.After each meal, rinse your mouth vigorously with water. This will help rebalance your mouth’s pH levels. 8. No Smoking.Cigarette smokers have a high chance of experiencing oral infections and disease. Furthermore, they constantly have a plaque accumulation on their teeth, which causes bacteria. In addition, smoking leads to dry mouth and a dry mouth is an oxygen-depleted mouth. This, in turn, gives that bad bacteria a home to thrive. 9. Ditch Your Low-Carb Diet.If you’re dieting and you’re on low carbohydrate meals, that could be the cause of your bad breath. What the body does in a low-carb situation is that it burns stored fats to use as fuel instead of the missing carbs. Now, while these fats are burning, chemicals known as ketones accumulate in the body and are released in your breath. And they don’t smell so good; hence, alter your diet. 10. Chew Bitter Kola.This is my own secret and I felt I should add it here. When I have a long day at the office which involves a lot of work and no talk, I pop in half a bitter kola in my mouth and it keeps my breath fresh all day. Make sure you cut it open so that it works well. What I do is I chew half of it for starters and then leave the other half in my mouth and bite off a little piece of it every now and then. Sometimes I don’t even need up to half if I don’t feel like it. I take a tiny chump and chip off it bit by bit until it’s gone. What bitter kola also does is clear out that phlegm in the throat that gathers food particles because it is also good for when you have a cold or cough. 11. Visit a Dentist.If you tried all the above and you still have that terrible mouth odour, visit a dentist. Even if you don’t have any problems, visit the dentist regularly. Stay healthy!!!