Over 50? – A Health Guide for Aging Men

Based on numerous studies, females are naturally healthier than men. This claim is based on the fact that out of 15 leading causes of death, men are ahead of women in all causes except for one, Alzheimer’s disease. And the only reason is simply that many men do not live long enough to develop this condition. Additionally, during this coronavirus outbreak, staying as healthy as you can is imperative, especially for men over 50!

On average, men die at least five years earlier than their wives. While there are biological reasons for health issues with men, there is also a discrepancy in how men approach their own health. If you look at the numbers, compared to women, men visit doctors less frequently. When it comes to health, this is often the last priority for them. So if you are a man over 50 and want to work on changing priorities, this post is for you.

Below you will find the four most common health problems among senior males and how you can deal with them and live a longer, healthier and a happier life.

Five Major Health Risks for Men Over 50

Cardiovascular Diseases

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men around the world. According to numbers, one in every five men die due to cardiovascular diseases and the average age of death due to heart diseases is 65.

Cardiovascular diseases can range from chest pain (angina) to high cholesterol and atherosclerosis (hardening of arteries). Cholesterol is the build-up of plaque inside the arteries which narrows the arteries and in turn affects the blood supply. If the plaque becomes unstable, it forms a clot which can result in a heart attack or stroke.

Men are more prone to heart diseases because naturally, their bodies produce more bad cholesterol which contributes towards the blockage of arteries.

How to Deal with it?

So while cardiovascular diseases continue to be one of the leading causes of death among men, on a positive note, you can work towards reducing your chances of developing this disease. How? Let’s find out.

If you have a family history of cardiovascular diseases, make sure you work closely with your primary healthcare provider. Ask for screenings and tests which can help you find out the state of your heart health. Early detection can reduce the risk of a heart attack.
If you are a smoker, consider quitting this habit. Smoking multiples the risk of cardiovascular diseases and increases the likelihood of an earlier death.
Make sure you maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly. Adding a physical activity of at least 30 minutes every day can significantly reduce your risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Lung Cancer

Men over 50, especially if they smoke, are at a much higher risk of developing lung cancer. Very often, the disease is diagnosed when it has already spread fully to the organ or to other parts of the body. And within a year of the diagnosis, less than half of the men are alive. So lung cancer is aggressive and is almost fatal.

Smoking remains the single largest cause of lung cancer in the US and around the world. According to the numbers, in the year 2018, around 121,700 new cases of lung cancer were diagnosed among men in the US. During the same year, more than 83,000 men died due to the disease. In the same year, 2.1 million new cases of lung cancer were recorded around the world resulting in 1.76 million deaths in the same year. But there is definitely something all men can do to reduce the risk of this deadly disease.

How to Deal with it?

Quit Smoking – This is the single, most effective solution which can reduce the risk of lung cancer at any age. If you are not sure how to go about it, you can always work with a medical professional. Doctors and therapists can suggest tools and ways through which you can overcome this habit of smoking.

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men; lung cancer being the first. The small gland located behind the penis secretes fluids which play a significant role in ejaculation. Though it is a common type of cancer among men, it is often not life-threatening. While as many as one in six men are likely to get diagnosed with prostate cancer sometime over the course of life, only 1 in 41 die from the disease. The average age of diagnosis of prostate cancer is 66 years and the disease is uncommon in men under the age of 40.

Reducing the Risk of Prostate Cancer

Screening and early detection of cancer is recommended and choosing a healthy diet is one the most effective methods of reducing your risk of this disease.

Choose a low fat diet and limit your intake of fatty food each day. Avoid deep fried foods and food such as nuts, meat, and cheese. Instead opt for leaner cuts of meat and go for low fat options of dairy products.
Increase the intake of fresh fruits and vegetables. Both fruits and vegetables are rich in fiber, minerals and vitamins. A high consumption of fruits and vegetables leave little room for fatty foods.

Erectile Dysfunction

The condition is not a life-threatening one but is still one of the most common conditions affecting senior men. As many as 40% of the males over the age of 40 experience ED. The condition leads to a reduced quality of life, less enjoyment and increases the likelihood of depression.

What to do About it?

Medically, there is no cure of this condition. However, you can do a lot to improve erectile dysfunction naturally.

Exercise and eating right are the two important prerequisites when dealing with any medical condition and erectile dysfunction is not an exception.
Take good care of your blood vessels. Erectile dysfunction is often caused by atherosclerosis, the condition which leads to cardiovascular diseases. By taking care of your blood vessels, you can reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction.
Reduce weight. Maintain a close to ideal weight to minimize the risk of ED..
Work on strengthening your pelvic muscles by doing specific exercises.

A healthy life is possible even after 50. Just remember, age is just a number.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) What You Need to Know

Intestines, Bowel, Guts, Intestinal, Gastrointestinal

Facts – About IBS

- - Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common disorders affecting between 25 and 45 million people in the United States.
  - Globally, IBS affects 10-15% of the total population.
  - The condition is more common among women. Almost two out of every three affected with the condition are females.
  - IBS affects people of all ages including children and the elderly but is most common under the age of 50.
  - IBA accounts for up to 12% of the visits to the hospitals.
  - 2.5-3.5 million people visit the doctor’s office annually due to IBS symptoms in the US only.
  - Around 30-40% of visits to gastroenterologists are due to the symptoms of IBS.
  - Unfortunately, many people do not recognize the symptoms of IBS.
  - Many people with the symptoms of IBS do not need medical care.
  - Contrary to popular opinion, IBS is not Chrons Disease. Although the symptoms are similar, the reason for their initial existence is different.

What is IBS?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a medical condition characterized by a group of gastrointestinal conditions. The symptoms can include abdominal cramps, pain, discomfort, and bloating. It is also characterized by abnormal bowel movement which alters between diarrhea or/and constipation.

Technically, IBS is considered a “functional” disorder because it affects the normal functioning of the digestive system. The core problem lies with the movement of the organs involved in digestion instead of damage to the tissues or internal lining of the digestive tract organs.

Signs and Symptoms of IBS

As mentioned earlier, IBS is a cluster of symptoms that are typically associated with abdominal discomfort. Other common signs and symptoms of IBS include:

- - Diarrhea: In some cases, people have IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D). This means that they often have a sudden urge to have loose stools even when they do not have indigestion.
  - Constipation: Not all cases of IBS have diarrhea. Instead, there are some cases where IBS is accompanied by constipation. Such patients experience strained bowel movements and inconsistent stools.
  - Bloating and gas
  - Abdominal cramps and swelling in the lower abdomen.
  - Pain and discomfort associated with certain foods
  - Nausea and occasional vomiting.
  - Loss of appetite
  - Weight loss
  - Stools with inconsistent texture.

Though indigestion is not a symptom of IBS, almost 70% of people with this condition also experience indigestion. Since the condition is more common among women, most of the symptoms intensify during the menstrual periods.

Types of IBS

According to the symptoms, IBS can be classified into four categories or types.

IBS with Diarrhea

This specific type of IBS specifically affects the large intestine. As a result, patients of this condition experience frequent loose stools which is often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. In some cases, people may also lose control over bowel movements. In such severe cases, treatment is essential to manage the symptoms of IBS.

IBS with Constipation

This type of IBS usually affects young adults and adolescents. Stools are often very hard and the frequency is inconsistent. People with this type of IBS also commonly experience constipation.

IBS with Constipation and Diarrhea

Some people have mixed IBS which means that they have alternating patterns of diarrhea and constipation.

Unsubtyped IBS

Other symptoms of IBS which do not fit into the above three categories fall under this type known as unsubtyped IBS.

What Causes IBS?

As of now the exact cause of IBS is still not known. Medical practitioners around the world agree that a number of factors contribute to this condition. Some of the factors include:

- - Altered pattern of movement of gastrointestinal organs
  - Abnormal signals to and from the brain
  - Changes insensitivity to pain and
  - Food intolerance

Some of the risk factors which increase the likelihood of developing IBS may include the following:

- - Infections in the gastrointestinal tract including stomach, large and small intestines
  - Hormonal imbalance
  - Certain psychological conditions such as anxiety and depression
  - In some cases, genetics may also contribute towards IBS Managing IBS

IBS cannot be treated however, the symptoms can be managed by avoiding triggers and adopting a few lifestyle changes.

IBS Triggers

Certain types of foods as well as stress and anxiety can trigger or intensify symptoms of IBS in some people.

Foods

Some of the common food ingredients which are often considered as IBS triggers include:

- - - Red peppers
    - Red wine
    - Green Onion
    - Wheat
    - Cow Milk

A better idea is to substitute these ingredients with other food items such as spinach, tofu, salmon, and broccoli, which are more stomach-friendly.

Stress

According to research, stress and IBS are closely related. Stress increases the sensitivity of the colon and increases the movement of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract. Also, stress increases the risk of IBS because this condition is a result of a complex interaction between the brain and the stomach, and other organs of the digestive system.

Lifestyle Changes to Improve the Symptoms of IBS

Apart from avoiding triggers, bringing in a few lifestyle changes play an important role in improving the symptoms of IBS. Some of the tips to improve the symptoms of IBS include the following:

- - Reduce the intake of caffeine.
  - Add more fibrous foods to your diet.
  - Drink at least 6-8 glasses of water every day.
  - Avoid the use of alcohol and tobacco.
  - Reduce the intake of dairy products including cheese and milk.
  - Eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of three large meals a day.

In most cases, IBS can be managed by avoiding triggers and bringing about a few lifestyle changes. But many people may also require medical treatment. If you are one of those, make sure that you follow the instructions of your medical caregiver carefully.

Can Bananas Help Weight Loss?

Ripe bananas against a yellow background

People have conflicting views on the weight-loss friendliness of bananas. Some say they aid weight loss, while some believe that they help weight gain. The constant bickering between the pro and anti-banana camps leave a layperson befuddled. Bananas are an excellent snack choice because they are filling and have a sweet taste that can feel like a delightful respite on a sugar-free diet. And even without a low-calorie diet, bananas can be a great snack option or a supplementary food item.

But when people get caught up in the calories of bananas, they lose sight of the many benefits of the fiber-rich food. And consequently, avoid eating bananas. However, a person shouldn’t cut bananas out of their diet entirely for fear of weight gain because they offer a bunch of nutrients that keep the body healthy.

Before passing a verdict on bananas’ ability to assist or inhibit weight loss, let’s consider the arguments of both the camps.

The Pro-Banana Camp

The pro-banana camp supports eating bananas on a daily basis because they think it’s more good than bad. That is, even though bananas have calories, the excessive nutrients that a banana has to offer counter those calories. It’s packed with fiber that keeps a person fuller for longer during, hence reduces frequent food intake. And as a result, the overall calorie intake remains in control.

Some radical members of the camp may even believe that since bananas are rich in vitamins and minerals, the calories in the fruit are not harmful. There is no scientific study to support that argument, but some people continue to use the high nutrient count of bananas as an excuse to binge eat them.

One segment of the pro-banana camp, who are health-conscious, believe that on a strict diet, having a banana is an excellent way of satisfying sugar cravings with the added benefit of getting other nutrients as well.

Underripe bananas have high quantities of resistant starch, which doesn’t digest in the gut. And as a result, it floats in the blood and acts like soluble fiber, which helps in weight loss and reduces blood sugar. But that happens if you consume bananas that are a bit green. A person doesn’t have to eat an utterly unripe banana; just a bit of under-ripe banana can do the trick. However, more research is required to make a definitive claim to support resistant starch theory.

Bananas have a low to medium glycemic index, which is the ability of a food item to raise the blood sugar level. Not all bananas have a low glycemic index, but most of them do, depending on their ripeness. Slightly under-ripe bananas have a lower glycemic index than overripe bananas. Nonetheless, bananas don’t spike the sugar level in blood tremendously. So that’s also one reason why people like to eat bananas.

Bananas release their sugar slowly. That is, the body gets sugars from bananas at a linear pace; therefore, a person doesn’t feel an instant surge in the blood sugar levels after consuming a banana. High GI food items are linked with weight gain and diabetes. But since bananas have low to medium GI levels, they are considered to be weight loss friendly. No conclusive research is available to attest to these claims. More study on this aspect of bananas is required.

Now that we have gone over all the possible arguments played by the pro-banana camp let’s move on to the anti-banana camp now.

The Anti-Banana Camp

People in this camp are staunch believers in the fattening properties of bananas. They avoid bananas for fear of weight gain due to the high-calorie count in bananas. To better understand the calorie count of a banana, let’s take a look at the nutrient label of a medium-sized banana.

Calories 150
Potassium: 12% of the RDI
Vitamin B6: 20% of the RDI
Vitamin C: 17% of the RDI
Magnesium: 8% of the RDI
Copper: 5% of the RDI
Manganese: 15% of the RDI
Fiber: 3.1 grams

Most members of the anti-banana community steer clear of them in favor of other fruits that offer the same amount of nutrients without stacking up on calories such as apples. A cup of apple slices has about 60 calories, while a cup of banana slices has around 135 calories.

Furthermore, the source of calories in a banana is carbohydrates. Bananas aren’t high on fats, but it does have a high carb count. Most of the carbs in a banana are glucose, fructose, and sucrose, which are also sugar components. Sugar turns into body fat more quickly than other calorie sources.

However, things can be different in starch resistant food items as they release their sugar gradually in the body. So if a person works out and burns their calories, they don’t have to worry about the sugar in bananas turning into body fat.

Bananas have a bad rap in terms of their calorie content. People defame bananas based on their high-calorie content without considering the high fiber content of bananas, which can aid in weight loss.

What’s the Final Verdict?

Bananas are indeed high in calories, but they offer other healthy compounds and micronutrients. A person shouldn’t dismiss the nutritional benefits of bananas in fear of gaining weight due to the calories it has. If eaten wisely, a banana can add a lot of nourishment to a person’s diet.

With that said, bananas are not free food. Even though they are charged with nutrients, their calories are a reality. You cannot binge-eat bananas and expect to lose weight. But that’s true for most food items. As long as you take them in moderation, they can help you with your body/fitness goals.

Deciding on whether to include bananas in your diet depends on your goals and personal choice (do you like the taste of bananas?). If you want to lose weight, having a banana can sustain you for longer durations. So you can create a calorie deficit by not eating anything else after consuming a banana. But if you like to eat something at short intervals when dieting, then you might want to avoid eating bananas often.

Don’t completely rid your diet of bananas and don’t also include too many of them in your diet. Consume them in moderation, and you will be fine.

How to Deal with Coronavirus Anxiety

The Coronavirus pandemic is an event so extraordinary that every country in the world is battling it. It’s a global impact so unprecedented that nothing can compare to it since WWII and medically, since the Spanish Flu of 1918.

This alone is enough to give anyone anxiety as people are dying at an accelerated rate and no one knows when it will end. In these testing times, anxiety and depression are at an all-time high.

With more than 2,000,000 dead and infections exceeding 117,000,000, everyone is trying to find a way to hold on to their sanity. While the future seems uncertain and nobody knows if they will contract the virus, the only thing a person can do is play their part in stopping the spread and keeping their stress level in check.

It may seem easier said than done because COVID-19 is not like anything the world has seen before. This virus is unrelenting and infecting hundreds of people in a fraction of time. Things seem out of control and like the uncertainty when the stock market crashes, it creates anxiety.

In view of this, people must try to control their fear levels so that they are better equipped to deal with this aggressive disease. Staying mentally and emotionally stable and strong in the face of adversity softens the blow, at least to some extent.

How to Cope

Start with our article on suggestions for dealing with anxiety as well as part II Tackling Stress and Depression which are very informative. Then take a look at our specific recommendations for dealing with stress levels associated with COVID-19 below.

Limit Media Exposure

Yes, it’s real, the world is going through a global crisis that’s causing mass casualties. But continuously reading or listening about the destruction caused by this disease is not going to help anyone. You should try to limit your media exposure to save your mental health. It’s wise to stay informed, but getting obsessed with the news and consuming every piece of information can snowball your stress.

Checking your phone for updates every other minute or turning on the TV to watch the news every hour will not let you sit in peace. Your mind will remain occupied with nothing consuming you but COVID-19. You need to distract yourself by trying to get involved in some other show or activity other than the news.

Look at Reliable Sources

Limiting media exposure doesn’t mean you don’t follow the news. Everybody needs to stay informed, therefore when you do look up the daily status on the corona pandemic, trust only reliable sources. Don’t believe everything you read on the internet. Get your updates from credible sources such as the CDC (Centre for Disease Control), WHO (World Health Organization) or other dependable sources.

Don’t trust the unsubstantiated videos that are doing the rounds on social media. Don’t forward any questionable data to your followers without verifying the credibility of the source.

The constant barrage of clips, news packages, audios and articles is not letting people relax for a second. Don’t aid this flow of unreliable information and ask your friends to do the same. However, if you want to inform your loved ones about a particular update, then cite only reliable sources.

Do Your Job

The coronavirus is not yielding and our current defenses against the virus are not strong enough. The best that we can do at the moment is to play our part in stopping the spread. If you want to channel your energies productively, wash your hands frequently, maintain excellent hygiene and practice social distancing.

Women running track 6 feet distance — Staying 6′ or more from one another is highly recommended

Follow the proper protocol laid out by health organizations. Stay indoors as much as possible, and wash your hands regularly. Disinfect your doorknobs and keys. If you are staying at home due to a lockdown in your city, make sure you stay home as much as possible as well.

Follow the 6′ distance rule or better, try to stay away from people altogether. As previously mentioned, it is the droplets that we need to be vigilant about more than where the virus might reside on a tangible object.

Illustration of people wearing masks for the United Nations

Wear a mask if you have to go out for an urgent matter, such as getting groceries. Avoid physical contact with anyone because the coronavirus is asymptomatic (experience no symptoms). You might think that you are safe because you don’t have symptoms, but you cannot be sure. To be on the safer side, avoid shaking hands and hugging and kissing other people under all circumstances.

Most importantly – STAY HOME as much as possible!

Following these procedures will not only help keep you from acquiring the virus but will also give you peace of mind and subsequently more confidence that you will be alright.

Try to Have a Routine

With many cities under lockdown, people are forced to stay home. Staying home can disrupt your normal routine and a person can become aimless. In the time of a pandemic, when there is panic everywhere, it’s crucial to have a routine to avoid getting caught up in the fear.

If you are not working currently, don’t take it as an excuse to roam around the house aimlessly or binge-watch the news. Get up early, exercise and get involved in household activities. Help your family members cook and clean. Read a book or watch a show that you enjoy. Don’t let lockdown turn you into a living room wanderer or a couch potato. Check out the section “Think Out of The Box!” in our article on Stress, Part I for more interesting ideas on how to keep yourself busy, as well as feeling rewarded that you are accomplishing things.

Practice Relaxation and DeStressing

Woman doing yoga Meditate or download apps on your phone to help you relax. Take deep breaths as much as possible and think that everyone is in this crisis together, so you need to stay strong. Destressing is critical if you want to control your anxiety levels.

While the experts are trying to come up with ways to deal with this pandemic, we need to take care of ourselves, physically and mentally. Be mindful and follow protocol to deal with the psychological effects of COVID-19. You will feel better in the long run.

Can Green Tea Help Weight Loss?

The quest to lose weight is an exhausting task that can go on for days on end. Obese people try everything in their power to burn layers of fat on as quickly as possible, but alas! It’s a time-consuming process. As easy as it is to gain weight, shedding it can be quite a piece of work. And during the trying times when a person is working hard towards their body goals, they always try to find potions to weasel their way into the land of slenderness. And much to the chagrin of trainers and dieticians, the internet serves multiple untested shortcuts to weight loss. Out of all those unreliable schemes, the one that stands out the most is green tea. With that said, green tea might not be as unreliable as the other dubious shortcuts that obese people are bombarded with.

Green tea is famous for helping with cardiac conditions and also known for weight loss, and even experts are in favor of using the green elixir to accelerate weight loss. But what is the science behind the apparent benefits of green tea? Is it helpful, or is it just a hoax that tea manufacturers use to sell their products? Let’s find out.

Caffeine in Green Tea

Even though the caffeine content in green isn’t as high as coffee, that is enough to stimulate fat-burning in the body.

Caffeine is a well-known stimulant that has proven to aid weight loss in the body. It is due to the fat-burning properties of caffeine that experts advise obese people to consume black coffee when trying to lose weight.

Green tea contains active compounds such as EGCG, those along with caffeine are supposed to help people in their quest to get in shape and lose unhealthy pounds in their body combined with other weight loss techniques.

EGCG in Green Tea

Green tea is high in EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which is believed to promote and aid fat breakdown. Accumulated fat needs to break down into fat cells that are later used as energy packets to carry out essential bodily functions.

Fat breakdown in the body is brought about when fat-burning hormones such as norepinephrine (noradrenaline) disintegrate long fatty chains and reduce them into cells that are released into the blood. EGCG in green tea boosts the effects of fat-burning hormones that accelerate the entire process of fat breakdown.

EGCG released from consuming green tea inhibits enzymes that promote the activity carried by these hormones. Ultimately, the broken down fat is released into the bloodstream as used by different organs and cells in the body.

Green Tea Helps Fat Burning During Workouts

If you have ever tried a fat-burning supplement, then you must have seen green tea extracts on its label. That is because green tea is charged with active compounds that help fat burning, especially during exercise.

According to a study, men who consumed the tea extracts combined with regular exercise burned 17% more body fat than men who didn’t drink green tea extracts. A bunch of other studies also indicate that active compounds in green tea stimulate fat burning when taken with exercise.

Green Tea Boosts Metabolism

A person’s body is constantly using up calories even when there is no physically strenuous activity. Our body is conducting multiple processes at all times, which require energy and that can be acquired from calories.

Many studies suggest that chemical compounds in green tea train the body into getting the needed energy for bodily processes from excess calories. EGCG in green tea helps burn calories even when your body is at rest.

Studies show that green tea supplements can increase the burning percentage by 3-4% and, in some cases, by 8%. However, more research is required to make a definitive claim regarding the ability of green tea to burn these calories even when the body is at rest.

Green Tea Curbs Appetite

Green tea helps weight loss by reducing a person’s appetite. That is, after consuming it, people don’t eat as much as they did before. Hence, they consume fewer calories overall, which can help widen the calorie deficit and lead to weight loss.

Weight loss is typically achieved by creating a calorie deficit in the body. A person trying to lose weight brings down their daily intake of calories or burn more calories in order to create a calorie shortfall. By creating a deficit, the body uses up stored fat in the body to meet its energy requirements, which brings down body fat and reduces weight.

When a person drinks green tea, they eat less than they used to before including green tea in their diet. And as a result, they consume fewer calories, which forces the body to use unwanted fat to get energy for various processes.

In a nutshell, green tea increases calorie expenditure in the body.

Green Tea Helps a Person Lose Belly Fat

Most people who are prompted to lose weight are irked by the muffin top protruding below the torso. And sadly, belly fat is the hardest form of fat to burn away with diet and exercise. However, green tea can help a person get rid of that paunch that they dislike so much.

There are two kinds of fat in the body. One is subcutaneous fat, and the other is visceral fat. Subcutaneous fat is the form of fat that is stored underneath the skin, while visceral fat is the fat that’s accumulated around the belly area.

While green tea may or may not be immensely useful in reducing excess pounds from the body, it does seem to be plenty helpful in burning body fat, especially visceral fat. Visceral fat doesn’t only damage the shape of one’s body, but it also increases the risk of diabetes and other such diseases by creating insulin resistance. It also increases the chances of inflammation in the body.

Having green tea regularly can save the body from developing harmful conditions by breaking down belly fat.

The Takeaway

Even though green tea shows immense promise with regard to weight loss in people, it cannot magically make you lean in a fraction of time. You need to take additional measures such as cutting down on carbs and increasing your protein intake to lose weight quicker.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

The coronavirus (AKA COVID-19) is having a marked impact on our daily lives in every part of the world. From businesses to shopping to transportation, we are finding that we have to adjust our lifestyles virtually every day.

We will be doing our best to keep you updated with the latest methods for prevention, areas of infection and worldwide news as it comes available.

As of March 26, 2020, there are 491,623 confirmed cases, 119,978 recovered, 22,184 deaths.

Please stay tuned to the rapid changing of events as we move forward.

Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University

Coronavirus has now killed more than 1,000 people in the US

Start with our introduction to the coronavirus and stay tuned as we delve more into this worldwide medical dilemma.

Benefits of Red Ginseng Tea from Korea

“Care for a spot of tea?” – A standard saying among Britians and they have the right idea! Tea is an integral part of many cultures and while in some cultures, tea is only a part of breakfast, in others, it’s a favored beverage taken before and after meals.

But in Korean culture, as well as in some other countries, tea is considered a cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle. Korean teas are starting to attain some level of popularity owing to their connection with the ageless beauty of their celebrities. And that beauty is, more often than not, linked with the consumption of Korean teas. Aside from the apparent benefits, Korean ginseng offers plenty of internal benefits that improve the body’s immunity and functioning.

South Korea has a wide range of teas, but the most famous of them is Ginseng tea. Korean Ginseng belongs to the family of Araliaceae and is an herbal supplement extracted from the roots of the plant. It has several other names such as wild ginseng, Panax ginseng, mountain ginseng, true ginseng, and Asian ginseng.

Korean Ginseng Tea

Korean ginseng tea comes in two forms, red Korean ginseng and the standard Korean variety (which is white). Both varieties of Korean ginseng tea have different compositions and offer different sets of health benefits.

Korean ginseng is credited for providing nourishment to the body and mind of a person. People, especially Koreans, love to consume ginseng tea to improve their overall health as one of the best ways of convalescing naturally.

Background

The name originates from a perennial plant, which lives for more than two years and grows in Eastern Asia. The plant is most commonly grown in those parts of East Asian countries that receive abundant rainfall. In Korea, China, and Russia, ginseng plants grow in shaded mountainsides.

These plants can grow up to two feet tall with dark leaves and red berry chomps. It has a sweet flavor because of the berries that are followed by a bitter aftertaste.

The plant has been an integral part of Traditional Chinese medicine. It is used to help patients recuperate from multiple maladies, even today. However, previously, ginseng was widely used to treat fatigue and weakness.

Panax ginseng, a common name for Korean ginseng, comes from Greek words that loosely translate to all-healing. And ginseng means man-root. Hence, the literal English translation of Panax ginseng is all healing man-root.

Following are the benefits of the all-healing Korean Ginseng Tea

Improves Skin Health

Ginseng tea is exceptional at slowing down the aging process of the skin. It keeps the skin plump and hydrated by increasing hyaluronic acid generation in the skin. It also significantly reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on the skin.

The best trait is that it protects the skin from harmful UV radiation.

Helps Manage Stress

Girl Being Bullied According to the experts at the University of Maryland Medical Center, ginseng is an adaptogen. Adaptogens are herbal substances that help stabilize the physiological processes that take place inside the body and promote homeostasis.

It helps release stress from the body and increases the overall well-being of a person. It also boosts the production of anti-stress hormones such as corticotropin. The increased supply of such hormones helps the body cope with stress and keep it at minimal levels.

Reduces Inflammation in the Body

Ginseng has beneficial antioxidant properties that make it a great remedy for inflammation. According to some test-tube studies, this manroot has excellent anti-inflammatory properties that inhibit swelling or redness and increase the antioxidant capacity of skin cells.

For athletes, tea has proven to be a promising solution for tackling oxidative stress in muscles. Due to its extraordinary antioxidant properties, it evens out the imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants, which prevents chain reactions from occurring in the body.

Prevents Flu and Cold

Woman sneezing with tissue Flu is a common ailment that people face during seasonal changes and with the ongoing coronavirus dangers, it is even more of a concern. Colds and the flu can bring a lot of discomfort and distress to the person suffering from it. It might not be a cure-all, but Ginseng is known to be an excellent natural alternative for these ailments. Note: Consult a doctor before stopping any medication.

The healthy traits of ginseng boost the production of leukocytes, white blood cells that prevent viruses and bacteria from entering the bloodstream. As a result, the body helps stay on guard against the flu. Furthermore, ginseng promotes the production of antibodies that fight against viruses and keep the body healthy.

Relieves Insomnia

Improper absorption of micronutrients can lead to disturbed sleep at night, which can disrupt a person’s mood and overall well-being the next day. Ginseng made from the Korean plant facilitates the endocrine glands that help in the absorption of minerals and vitamins. As a result, the person can have a better night’s sleep and wake up fresh the next day.

Prevents Erectile Dysfunction

Clinical research supports the claim that links consumption of ginseng with improved genital function in men. According to a study, the compounds in Korean ginseng reduce oxidative stress in the male genitalia which can restore healthy sexual function.

One study showed improvement in 60% of the participants with erectile dysfunction. In another study, 86 men had significant improvement in their erectile function.

Even though there is substantial data available to support the purported claims of ginseng preventing and treating ED, still more studies are needed to establish concrete facts.

Boosts Energy

Fit Brunette Woman Running on Treadmill with Music Even though people are increasingly indulging more and more in regular workout regimens, there is still a significant number of people who live a sedentary life, which makes them susceptible to multiple health problems. Furthermore, the lack of activity in the lives of such people makes them weak and lethargic. Drinking ginseng tea can help those who lack energy in their lives.

Regular intake of Korean ginseng boosts the energy levels in the body, which works well for a person’s mental and physical well-being.

Helps Improve Brain Function

Ginseng is believed to help improve brain function in humans. The three most important cognitive functions are that they promise to improve our memory, mood, and behavior.

Some studies even suggest that ginseng can protect the brain from getting damaged in the presence of free radicals. However, more research is required to come up with definite conclusions.

Korean ginseng has many properties that provide multiple benefits to the human body internally and externally. One thing must be noted Korean tea is different from other ginseng teas from China, Siberia, and America.

So with all these health benefits, why not care for a nice spot of ginseng tea?

Understanding the Science behind Nightmares

woman sleeping in a wooden room — *Pixaby.com*

Waking up drenched in sweat, gripping the sheets in the middle of the night is a well-known concept for many people. And the culprit responsible for this is nightmares. A nightmare can wake a person up in a state of chronic anxiety and fear, while the world around them is fast asleep.

Nightmares can affect people of all ages, but children are more commonly the victim of the terrorizing sleep visions. However, most children grow out of it eventually, whereas if adults have nightmares, they might be in for a life-long chain of encounters with panic-inducing visions.

“It’s the stuff nightmares are made of” – A common expression we all have heard before, but what are nightmares exactly? Why do we have them and what can we do about them? Let’s delve further into this phenomenon and find out.

History

Back in the 1700s, a nightmare was defined as a disease characterized by having strong emotional responses due to a person’s thoughts during sleep. That is, people used to believe that when a person would think about having a weight upon themselves during their sleep, they would experience symptoms of nightmares. The said definition was first printed in the Universal Etymological English Dictionary published in 1721 by Nathan Bailey.

Although now people don’t often exchange the definition of a nightmare, the general perception about a nightmare remains the same. That is, a nightmare evokes strong emotional and physiological responses in humans.

Understanding Nightmares

Nightmares are an extension of a person’s fears and worries. However, the depiction of those fears and concerns in nightmares can be jarring and leave a person in a state of pain. According to the American Academy of Sleep, 10-50% of kids between the ages of 5-7 can be affected by nightmares to such an extent that they might end up disturbing their parents or a sibling to manage their fear.

Children’s nightmares are typically associated with a scary TV show or a film or any significant anxiety-evoking life event such as a death in the family or starting a new school. What a child sees in a nightmare is, in most cases, a reflection of how much they are affected by a harrowing life event or a scary story. Although the trauma of having a nightmare in kids is no less severe than that experienced by adults, children outgrow nightmares as they age. But if adults are on the receiving end of nightmares, then the chances are that they might never outgrow them.

The American Academy of Sleep reports that nightmares plague only 2-8% of the adult population. Adult nightmares are similar to children’s nightmares in most aspects. The nightmares an adult experiences are also a continuation of their thinking process. According to Lauri Quinn Loewenberg, the author of Dream on it, Unlock your Dreams and Change your Life; a nightmare is the continuation of our chain of thoughts from the day. Anything that disturbs a person during the day can disturb them during the night as well. The only difference is that in the day they can distract themselves while in the night, during sleep, they can’t distract themselves. And henceforth, nightmares can be overpowering and overwhelming.

Even though nightmares stem from the daily stresses, worries, and banes of life, they are not always the cause behind a nightmare. In some cases, poor eating habits can also cause bad dreams to occur. Indulging in a late-night snack or a carbohydrate-rich meal before going to bed can lead to a terror episode during the night.

For some people, hidden food allergies can also cause nightmares. Sometimes, it’s possible that people might not be aware of a food allergy that they might have. In such a case, that unknown food allergy can lead to disturbing nightmares.

Sometimes nightmares may also disturb a person while they are asleep if they have a sleep disorder. Some sleep disorders like sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome can induce nightmares in a person’s vision during sleep. Furthermore, having psychological disorders such as depression or anxiety can be the reason behind nightmares.

Brain and Nightmares

Typically, nightmares occur in the third phase of the night when REM (Rapid eye movement) is the strongest. There are four sleep stages that a person goes through. The first is sleep onset, the second stage is light sleep, and the third is the deep sleep stage, and the fourth stage is the REM stage.

In routine, rapid eye movement occurs every ninety minutes during the night and is associated with high brain activity, rapid eye movement, and involuntary motor movement. Most people get dreams during the REM stage.

Waking up due to dreams or nightmares is also more prevalent in the REM stage. According to an article published in the American Daily Physician, 80% of dreamers wake up from nightmares during the REM sleep or onset sleep.

What seems to be responsible for the profound responses to nightmares is the amygdala. The amygdala in the brain is associated with processing emotions. During the REM period of the night, the amygdala is highly active, which leads to intense emotional responses to nightmares. So when a person wakes up from a nightmare during the REM stage of sleep, their negative emotions are through the roof.

Dreamers that Encounter Nightmares Frequently

Even though anybody can have nightmares, some people are more susceptible to getting them. People with specific disabilities can have frequent nightmares related to their disability. For instance, a study published in 1990 in the journal Sleep Medicine reported that blind people are more prone to having dreams about getting into a car accident than people with vision. The fear of getting hit by a car or spilling coffee in a social gathering in blind people makes them four times more likely to have nightmares related to it.

Past trauma or distressing circumstances make certain people more vulnerable to the horrors of nightmares than others. A 1999 study published in the American Journal of Abnormal Psychology found that 40% of college students had at least one nightmare in a two-week study. These stats direct towards a strong connection between nightmares and everyday stress.

The only way to escape nightmares is to handle our fears of the day. Once a person learns to manage their everyday stresses properly, they will be less likely to have nightmares, unless they have a nightmare-inducing condition like a sleep disorder.

Distinguishing Between Depression and Sadness

A girl standing with a book alone in the woods — Pixaby.com

Continuing our series on depression, we will focus on sadness and discuss how the two are related. According to the reports by the American Association for Anxiety Disorders. Depression is a debilitating condition and can alter the quality of life of anyone who suffers from it, but how does this relate to depression?. A person may exhibit many symptoms, including anxiety, sadness, higher irritability, etc. Even though sadness can be part of depression, people often confuse the two terms and use them interchangeably.

So What is the Difference?

It is a feeling, an emotion that everyone experiences at some point in their lives. However, depression is a medical condition that is characterized by sadness and multiple other symptoms. It’s essential for people to understand that the two phenomena are fundamentally different in order to seek help when need be.

In simple terms, depression and sadness are not synonymous; one is a mental disorder while the other is a naturally occurring feeling. A chemical imbalance causes depression in the brain, and a traumatic or painful incident can trigger sadness. Sadness can fizzle out, but depression doesn’t. No matter how pervasive the sadness feels in the wake of a tragic accident, it will dissolve after some time. However, it is important to note that any traumatic event can be the triggering factor for depression, with sorrow as one of its symptoms.

Positive things can be done to manage both sadness and depression, for instance, if a person has a horrible boss and it induces sorrow in them, thinking about a day out with friends or going away for a day or two could bring relief to the sufferer. This method can help reduce anxiety, whether if it is just sadness or you are going through a depressive episode.

However, severe depression may need more positive inducing factors. And that’s a main difference between sadness and depression.

Sadness Symptoms

Sadness can, at times, can be all-encompassing, as if it has taken over a person’s life. And that’s natural. When people are hurt or faced with unpleasant circumstances, they can feel bad about it, but when those circumstances start disappearing or settling, people start feeling better. Even in times of extreme sadness or temporary depression, people can smile about things that make them happy.

Depression Symptoms

Depression is an abnormal state of being. It is physiological, which affects a person’s mood, behavior, thought processes, perceptions, and even appetite. It’s a psychological disorder that colors every aspect of a patient’s life. Here are some of the most common symptoms of depression.

- Feeling of despair
- Sadness
- Feeling of discouragement
- A loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable
- An overpowering lack of motivation
- Receding self-esteem
- Feelings of self-doubt

A person suffering from depression likes to stay isolated and doesn’t want to take part in social activities, such as hanging out with friends or spending time with family.

If these symptoms last for more than two weeks, then a person may be diagnosed with major depressive disorder, commonly known as depression.

Some common signs of MDD are:

- Low levels of energy, lethargy
- Insomnia or disturbed sleeping patterns
- Continuous depressed mood for days
- Loss of interest in activities
- Loss of appetite, weight loss
- Feeling of worthlessness or excessive levels of guilt
- Inability to make decisions and concentrate
- Suicidal thoughts
- Recurrent episodes of uncontrollable crying

Anybody who experiences any 5 of the mentioned symptoms is most likely suffering from depression. However, to make a formal diagnosis, the doctor must link all the signs to depression and not to a different underlying mental condition like substance abuse.

Depression hampers a person’s ability to get through the day. If you have depression, then you must often find yourself struggling to get out of bed in the morning.

Biology of Depression

The nerve cells, known as neurons, communicate with one another within the nervous system via a chemical known as a neurotransmitter. When there is a discrepancy in the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, the brain experiences a chemical imbalance.

In the case of depression, the brain encounters a lack of serotonin, a neurotransmitter responsible for communicating the feelings of happiness and ecstasy. The brain senses or registers the feeling of joy in the presence of serotonin; otherwise, it doesn’t recognize the feeling. When there is a shortage of serotonin in the brain, a person experiences symptoms of depression. And those symptoms can only be treated with a proper treatment plan.

Treatment of Depression

If a person experiences symptoms of depression for more than two weeks, then they should seek professional help, because unlike sadness, depression doesn’t go away without a proper treatment plan.

The most common treatment routes prescribed by psychiatrists are

Medication

To balance out the chemical imbalance in the brain during an episode of depression, doctors use drugs in patients with depression. The most common type of antidepressant medicine given to treat depression is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs increase the level of serotonin in the brain, which leads to mood enhancement and remission of the symptoms of depression.

SSRIs do help people with depression, but they can also have some adverse side effects. In some cases, they can aggravate the symptoms of depression and may even lead to the ideation of suicide in younger people.

Due to the adverse side effects of these medications, they come with black box warnings to ensure people know about the impact before consuming the medicine.

Psychotherapy and Counseling

Psychotherapy is talking with a trained professional who helps a patient tackle their symptoms of depression. Depression patients can take therapy with or without medication.

A therapist helps people with depression in identifying their trigger points and come up with coping mechanisms for those trigger factors.

In extreme cases, where a patient attempts suicide or harm themselves, psychotherapists are crucial to calm such patients down and help them deal with their severe symptoms.

Conclusion

Sadness and depression are two separate things. Both can occur independently of each other; however, depression needs proper treatment, while sadness can go away on its own.

Some Common Dental Problems in Children

Children, Smile, Eyes, Happy, Smiling, Joy

Anyone who has brought their child to the dentist knows it’s not a pleasant experience, neither for the child nor for the parent.

Unfortunately, cavities in children are as common as the seasons. As a parent, knowing some of the common dental issues can help you identify potential problems and improve the oral health of your children. Let’s take a look at what these dental issues are.

Tooth Decay

During these early years of discovery, children often tend to try foods and stick to habits that are certainly not good for their oral health. The gummy candies, sweets, ice cream, irregular brushing, and missing visits to the dentist all lead to oral health problems.

Tooth Decay is one of the most common dental problems in children. Around 20% of children in the US between the ages of 5 and 11 suffer from tooth decay. And the untreated and persistent condition continues well into adulthood for 13% of adolescents. In Australia, the problem is much more severe. There, half of all 12-year-olds have decay in their permanent teeth. This dental problem accounts for more than hundreds and thousands of lost school days throughout the world.

Tooth decay is caused by poor oral hygiene. This includes irregular brushing as well as not seeing a dentist regularly and eating carbohydrate-rich diets which include soda, juices, and canned fruit. All these factors allow a certain type of bacteria to thrive in the mouth. As a result, a sticky build-up known as plaque builds up in the mouth. Over time, when exposed to food, plaque produces acid which erodes the outer layer of the tooth (known as enamel). Eventually, the inner layers of the teeth continue to get affected by the plaque, which gradually leads to tooth decay.

On a positive note, tooth decay is a preventable condition. Proper brushing, a healthy diet, and regular visits to a dentist can help reduce the chances of a child developing this condition. It is important to brush properly twice a day with fluoride-rich toothpaste. Also, ensure that children as young as two years old floss their teeth regularly. Yes, easier said than done but worthwhile if you can get them to do it! You also need to make sure that your child avoids sugary foods, especially before bedtime, and visits a dentist at least once a year.

Bad Breath

Bad breath is another most common dental issue among adults as well as children. Often, bad breath is a result of the foods we consume. Foods with a strong smell such as garlic can lead to this. But if this is a persistent issue, it is an indication of other underlying issues.

Bad breath, medically known as halitosis, is caused by bacteria that reside in the mouth. This bacteria lives in colonies and survives on leftover food particles and plaque. As they eat food, they produce hydrogen sulfide which results in bad breath. The problem is most common in children in the morning. Since the bacteria continue to thrive at night, it results in halitosis. Sometimes, bad breath can be a result of other oral conditions such as gum problems, poor hygiene, and problems of the digestive system.

One of the best ways to prevent the problem of bad breath is regular and proper brushing. It is important to brush the tongue as well to remove the bacteria in the mouth. The use of antibacterial mouthwash can also help reduce this problem. If the problem persists throughout the day, you should get a dentist’s appointment for your child.

Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth anatomy isolated on white background — *Pixaby.com*

Another common dental issue in children is tooth sensitivity. This happens when the top layer of the tooth gets damaged by the bacteria.

The top layer of the tooth (AKA enamel) helps protect the inner parts of the teeth and nerves from getting damaged. When the enamel gets eroded by bacteria, it can expose the inner parts and nerve endings of the teeth. As a result, the tooth becomes more sensitive to cold and heat. If a child has tooth sensitivity, hot and cold food will cause irritation and discomfort. But in more severe cases where teeth are extremely sensitive, even breathing in hot and cold air can cause pain.

While anyone, regardless of age, can have tooth sensitivity, the problem is more common among kids. This is because their enamel is thinner compared to adults. Also since their diet includes too many carbohydrates, it results in damage to the enamel along with a buildup of plaque. While tooth sensitivity is primarily caused by damage to the enamel, other problems such as cavities can also lead to tooth sensitivity.

Just like most other dental problems, tooth sensitivity can be treated. However, this time good oral hygiene practices alone won’t help much and you will need to see the dentist. Dentists often recommend the application of a fluoride sealant to the teeth. This helps reduce sensitivity and strengthens tooth enamel. Also, it is recommended that children use a toothbrush with soft bristles. Using a toothbrush with hard bristles can damage the surface of the teeth over time.

Keeping Your Child’s Teeth Healthy

The solution to all dental issues in children lies in maintaining oral hygiene and visiting dentists regularly. Regular brushing and other oral hygiene practices such as flossing and the use of mouthwash will help keep dental problems to a minimum. But in case something arises, a visit to the dentist can certainly allow you to diagnose and treat any potential dental problem and set up your child’s teeth for a healthier future.