Human Papillomaviruses (HPVs) are a broad category of diseases which comprise more than 200 related viruses. Papillomaviruses are small, double-stranded DNA viruses.
More than 40 of these can be easily transmitted through sexual interaction, from the skin or mucous membranes of other infected individuals. HPVs are also disseminated by vaginal, anal and oral sexual activity. In accordance with research conducted by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), HPV is the most frequent sexually transmitted disease that affects both genders. In fact, the prevalence is so high that between 80% to 90% of men and women who are sexually active will contract the infection at one point or another in their lifetime.
Moreover, nearly 79 million Americans are infected with HPV currently. In addition, about 14 million individuals are newly affected on an annual basis. These statistics underline the assessment made by CDC that HPV is insanely common. Other key points regarding human papillomavirus are that it can even result in genital warts and induce several types of cancers. It may also be spread during birth in some cases which then causes genital or respiratory system issues. Also, there is no discernible cure for HPV yet although effective vaccinations are recommended for adolescent children.
Causes
Human papillomavirus typically enters the body through a break or fissure in the skin.
Once it permeates the skin, the agent travels to the cells of the multiple layers of the skin, which are infected by the HPV. Once this is achieved, the virus is able to replicate and multiply inside the body.
Conventionally, the time taken between first contracting HPV and the emergence of lesions can be anywhere between months and even years in some cases. There is also a contingent of affected individuals who are completely unaware that they are suffering from HPV.
Like we mentioned before, HPV may be transmitted when a person comes in contact with another’s skin. This can incite issues such as skin warts i.e. plantar or common warts that may be acquired through a cut for instance. HPV can also cause warts of the genital variety, which can be quite contagious and are mostly contracted through sexual interaction with an infected person. Activities which may result in HPV may simply include kissing or making contact with private parts such as the scrotum, vagina, vulva or anus. Intercourse is obviously part of this as well.
Additionally, there are risk factors that pertain to HPV. For instance, age is one such determinant. Children and teenagers are generally at the greatest risk of contracting the disease. The number of sexual partners an individual has over a period of time is also an important variable. The higher the number, the greater the risk attached of developing genital HPV. Lastly, the immune system plays an important role as well. People who have an immune system that is compromised by factors like HIV/AIDS, organ transplant or simply consuming medication that affects it adversely, are at great risk also.
Symptoms
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has stated that warts associated with most HPV infections subside without any signs or symptoms whatsoever. However, the virus is still present in the infected person’s body. This is why there are cases where they may engage in a sexual encounter with another individual and pass on the HPV to that person unknowingly.
In cases where the virus does not automatically abate, it can create considerable health complications. Examples include genital and throat warts. The latter is also known as recurrent respiratory papillomatosis. HPV is also identified as the reason for cervical cancer and other cancers found in the genitals, head and neck region.
Furthermore, the types of HPV that cause warts are different from those which create cancerous cells. Therefore, having genital warts borne by HPV does not mean that the person will also develop cancer. However, cancers which are incited by HPV may show no symptoms until the cancer has reached an advanced stage unfortunately. Regular screenings can help in the diagnosis of HPV related health issues.
This is precisely why regular consultations and checkups with doctors are imperative. In several cases, cervical cancer may be prevented by observing an abnormality in the characteristics of cells that if left untreated, can gradually develop into cancer.
A pap test may be undertaken since it can detect abnormal cells if they are located in the individual’s cervix. Although it does not directly a test for cancer or HPV, the test is able to discern an anomaly in cell alterations that are typically caused by HPV.
There isn’t a test for high risk HPV however, especially that which may affect the vulva, penis, anus or throat. Also, the HPV itself does not manifest any symptoms until and unless it has already developed into a cancer.
Treatment
As it stands, there is no medical treatment for constant HPV infections that are not linked to irregular cell changes. However, genital warts, benign respiratory tract tumors and precancerous changes inside the cervix can be treated. Adequate methods include cryosurgery, which is executed by freezing which obliterates the tissues.
Also, a loop electrosurgical excision procedure or LEEP, which is the removal of cervical tissue with the use of a hot wire loop is another measure. So is surgical conization, which is done with a scalpel, a laser or in some cases, both in order to remove a cone shaped piece of tissue from the cervical canal. Another measure is called vaporization conization and uses a laser to destroy the cervical tissue.
Additionally, treatments for other benign respiratory tract tumors include topical chemicals and surgeries such as excisional, cryo, electro and laser. Other treatments are being put through the rigors of clinical trials and tests. These include a randomized controlled trial that can determine whether treatment of anal precancerous lesions can reduce the risk of anal cancer in those people who are HIV positive.
Processed sugar is a substance that a majority of the human population is addicted to. From fizzy drinks to our favorite chocolates, a lot of today’s everyday dietary items are overflowing with processed sugar. You may have heard of the statement that a 250 ml serving of carbonated drinks has seven teaspoons of processed sugar in it or you may have heard some associated version of this.
Processed sugar is packed with calories, and that makes its excessive use detrimental to the human body. Having more sugary items in your daily diet can shoot up the total calorie count to unhealthy levels. Our contemporary lifestyles with minimal physical activity can’t burn down all those excess calories that we consume in the form of sugar. Nearly one-third of the US population is suffering from obesity, and the use of excessive sugar products is one of the main reasons behind that.
Sugar with Zero Calories
Sugar substitutes with zero calories and without their typical characteristics have been around for quite some time. Diabetic patients, for instance, have been using artificial sweeteners for their caffeine drinks for decades. However, all those sugar substitutes are synthetic. Moreover, they are not feasible to be used as a wider substitute for regular sugar. In addition, there have been studies that associate these types or sweeteners with cancer and other diseases.
Stevia: The Organic Sweetener?
Photo SS
Amid all the sugar substitutes available in the market, stevia extract might be the only organic option. Stevia is a leafy plant that belongs to the botanical family of ragweed. Stevia has a variety of sub-species from different geographic regions. For instance, stevia known as candy leaf is mostly cultivated in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. On the other hand, some of its species are native to Paraguay and Brazil.
The stevia strains grown in South America are more in demand because they are sweeter than any other of its species. It is believed that native people in the region have been using stevia as a natural sweetener for hundreds of years.
Not Like Regular Organic Sweeteners
Photo: PublicDomainPictures.net
There are multiple organic sweeteners. Sugarcane is the single largest organic source for sugar production. Moreover, the roots of sugar beets are also used to produce natural sweeteners. All these organic sweeteners have one thing in common, i.e. they are packed with calories.
Stevia, on the other hand, is distinguished from the other organic sweeteners because it is completely free of calories. This quality of stevia makes it a sought-after commodity in the market of sugar substitute products.
Before we delve into the details of the nutritional use of stevia and its implications, it would be interesting to have a brief look at the history of this zero-calorie sweetener plant.
History of Stevia
An Italian botanist, Moises Santiago Bertoni, is believed to have discovered stevia at the end of the 19th century in Paraguay. It is important to mention that native Paraguayans were using the plant for hundreds of years. They used to call it kaahe (sweet herb) in their native language. From being used as a medicine ingredient to a sweetener, stevia already had extensive use when Bertoni stumbled upon this plant. At the time of discovery, Stevia was mostly grown in the wild, but after its saplings were identified and brought across the globe, it quickly turned into an easily available herb.
Benefits of Stevia
A stevia leaf has zero calories, but it is 200 times sweeter than regular sugar. Apart from providing zero-calorie sweetness in foods and drinks, stevia has also been studied for some of its medical implications. For instance, a study conducted last year indicated that stevia has shown positive effects against endocrine disorders. However, that was not a conclusive study. To make the medical use of stevia acceptable on a professional level, more research is definitely required.
Stevia as a Sugar Substitute and FDA Directives
Stevia is currently a part of the global sugar substitute market. However, the FDA has a contingency that only allows a particular extract (high purity steviol glycosides) safe for consumption. They have warned against the use of stevia leaves and crude extracts. The federal regulatory body believes that not enough research exists to back the use of untreated and whole stevia leaves. The FDA cites that crude stevia samples have not been tested for their effect on blood sugar levels. Moreover, researchers have yet to find the stevia effects on cardiovascular, reproductive and excretory systems.
It has also been noted that the ingestion of untreated stevia might lead to lower blood pressure. Under normal circumstances this would be a benefit; however, without maintaining control or monitoring of your blood pressure, it could be risky. Moreover, scientists believe that stevia has unknown effects on anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory activities within the body. This vagueness definitely makes it risky to use stevia in its raw form.
Market Overview of the Sugar Substitute Industry
Three years ago, the market for sugar substitutes was capped at $13 billion. It was also forecasted that it would expand to $16.5 billion by the end of 2020. In 2000, 18% of US adults were using artificial sweeteners. By 2012, this number went up to 24%. The US Department of Agriculture has concluded that US citizens have dropped the use of added sugar in the new millennium. All these findings clearly suggest that there is a lot of potentials for stevia to become the leading sugar substitute given that it has received the required scientific approval.
Zero-Calorie Items Might Not be the Ultimate Solution
Theoretically, cutting down calorie intake to minimum levels is the ultimate solution to deal with obesity. However, many nutritionists believe that that’s not the case. Some research studies have also raised doubts regarding the overselling of zero-calorie items to shed extra pounds. A study conducted in 2014 revealed that a low-calorie diet could lead to the development of overeating behavior in animals.
All things considered, more research is needed to validate the intended benefits of stevia. Moreover, it is also imperative to assess the actual effects of low-calorie diets on obesity in more detail. We would also advise our readers to not add stevia to their diet without prior consultation from certified physicians.
The human brain, the single most important organ in the body distinguishes itself from all other living species. The way the brain works is a wonder and has not been fully understood by scientists to this day. Indeed, every achievement of human civilization since the beginning of time has become possible because of this three-lb lump of tissue.
Many neurological studies of cognitive activity have been researched; however, the underlying chemical and non-chemical processes responsible for its functioning are still a mystery. Nevertheless, scientists are gradually digging out new information about the brain, helping us to understand this marvelous biological creation of nature. As 2018 is about to end, it will be apt to discuss some of the notable scientific discoveries and developments that have recently been discovered.
Discovery of a New Brain Cell
Close up of Neurons in the Brain
The brain is made up of specialized cells called neurons. There are many different types of brain cells and it’s rare that scientists come across an entirely new class of neurons, since the majority of neurological studies are confined to other mammals, particularly rodents.
However, in 2018 a new discovery was made, a neuron called ‘rosehip neuron’. The brain cell is named after the fruit because of its shaggy appearance. Rosehip neurons were discovered in the part of the brain that is responsible for vision and hearing. It has also been found that this cell is not present in other mammals. Scientists have yet to find out the exact function of this new and unique neuron.
The Brain is Not Bacteria-Free
For a long time, scientists used to believe that the brain was naturally a bacteria-free environment. However, a recent study that still needs additional scientific validation has concluded otherwise. It’s also interesting to note that this discovery was unintentional. It occurred when researchers were analyzing the effects of schizophrenia on post-mortal brains. The researchers actually detected unidentified rod-shaped objects during brain imaging. Further inspection revealed that they were actually bacteria.
The bacteria were found near the barricade that separates blood from the brain fluid, which implies that they might be part of the blood-brain barrier. However, nothing conclusive can be said about the role of bacteria in the brain. If the presence of bacteria is further proved, then it will definitely change the course of future neurological studies.
Magnetic Particles have a Purpose in the Brain
Scientists first discovered the presence of magnetic particles in the human brain in 1990. However, their role in the brain is still not clear. Many scientists believe that neuronal magnetic particles have a physiological purpose. On the other hand, some neurologists contested that traces of magnetic particles in the brain were caused by lingering environmental contaminations.
This year, a group of scientists have mapped out the exact location of these particles in the brain. The researchers carried out the mapping of six different brain specimens to conclude that the magnetic particles are concentrated at particular sites in the brain. The patterned presence of magnetic particles at least makes one thing clear i.e. they have a biological purpose in the brain, which is a good thing in this politically charged climate!
It is worth noting that magnetic particles have been discovered in other animals as well. Some experts suggest that the presence of magnetic material in the brain might help animals with navigation. But this is just a hypothetical inference and no concrete evidence currently supports this claim.
Role of Virus in the Construction of Human Consciousness
In a study this year, scientists found out that a viral gene is also responsible for intracellular communication between neurons responsible for the high-order thinking process.
Scientists have named this gene ‘Arc’, which contains genetic information and transmits it from one neuron to the other. It has also been found that the Arc gene mutation usually occurs in people suffering from different neural disorders.
The next objective of researchers is to find out the exact genetic information that is relayed by this viral gene and how it got into the brain in the first place. Scientists will also try to establish the link between the Arc gene alteration and neural disorders.
Stress Physically Affects the Brain
The harmful effects of prolonged stress have been known for a long time. However, a study conducted in October this year suggests that stress also has physical implications for the brain. The researchers analyzed the brain volume of 2,000 healthy adults to find out that those with high cortisol levels have a slightly smaller brain volume.
Cortisol is a hormone released into the bloodstream when a stressful condition materializes and subsequently, puts the body into a fight-or-flight response. Stress is a regular physiological phenomenon that helps humans safely steer out of difficult and harmful situations. However, chronic stress that is highlighted by a constant spike of cortisol is detrimental to human health.
The brain has Noise Filters
You might have noticed that we don’t hear each and every footstep of ours. Research conducted on mice this year suggests that the brain develops its own filter to cancel out what it perceives as noise. It has been found that after the brain has discerned something as noise, the motor neurons (responsible for movement) direct auditory neurons (responsible for hearing) to block their own signals. Even though the study was conducted on mice, scientists believe that the same can be said for the human brain too.
So, scientists keep on discovering new things, but the above discussion shows that a lot of it has yet to be found, especially regarding the underlying functioning of the brain. The discovery of new neurons also implies that we still don’t know the entire anatomy of our brains.
By now, you must have heard about medical cannabis and the ongoing controversy about whether it should be used or not.
Alternatively called medical marijuana, it refers to the use of the cannabis plant, its extract, or some of its chemicals to treat various health conditions.
While cannabis is widely used for a variety of medical purposes and there has been an outcry for its legalization in many parts of the world, it is still considered a Schedule I drug by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
The use of cannabis, for both recreational and medical purposes, can be traced back to at least 4,000 years. Researchers have found that it was being used for medicinal purposes long before the emergence of modern medical science.
There is also evidence that cannabis was popular as a medicinal drug in 19th century Europe and the United States. It was widely used for treating health issues like birth labor, migraine, insomnia, throat infection, and menstrual cramps. The trend continued until the drug was declared it illegal in the early 20th century. This happened mainly due to the difficulties in determining the correct dose of the drug for different patients, which increased the likelihood of developing dependence and drug abuse.
The use of medical marijuana resurfaced in the late 20th and early 21st century. This time, it gained much more popularity. Researchers and scientists considered it as a potential alternative drug for treating diseases that traditional medications had failed to treat.
Since then, numerous scientific research studies have been conducted all over the world to investigate the beneficial properties of cannabis. There have been experiments to figure out different pharmaceutical preparations of the drug, and many clinical studies and trials have been conducted to study the effects of marijuana on humans.
Since the research is still considered to be in the early stages and there is some evidence that the drug may cause some negative effects, it has been established that it should be used only when and as prescribed. Also, it should only be used in a form of approved cannabinoid-based medicines in order to benefit from its therapeutic properties.
While cannabis has been used for both recreational and medical purposes since ancient times, the drug did not gain legal status in any part of the world until 2013.
Why Medical Marijuana Has Been All The Rage Lately?
Following are the major reasons for the demands of the legalization of cannabis in many parts of the world:
Inefficacy of many first-line medications
Severe side-effects of many traditional medications
The inability of scientists to find cures and treatments for many diseases
Evidence, both scientific and anecdotal, regarding the effectiveness of marijuana for providing relief from many diseases.
Cannabidiol – The Magical Compound in Cannabis
The Cannabis plant contains more than a hundred different chemical compounds, called Cannabinoids. They have the ability to interact with the naturally occurring cannabinoid receptors in the human brain. The level of each cannabinoid and the combination of different cannabinoids give each strain of cannabis plant its unique properties.
Cannabidiol (CBD), the second most common cannabinoid molecule found in the cannabis plant, known to provide relief from various illnesses. CBD is also considered safe for consumption because it is non-intoxicating and does not make you feel high.
Many studies and clinical trials have been conducted to investigate the health benefits of CBD, its behavioral and psychological effects, and pharmacological interactions. But, all the studies that have so far been performed are either in-vitro studies or conducted on animals. Due to this reason, large-scale clinical application of CBD-based drugs, and cannabis, in general, has not been achieved yet.
While there are some issues in the clinical application of drug-based medicines, researchers have stated that CBD can bring a revolution in the pharmaceutical industry.
Health Issues that Cannabis Has Been Found to be Helpful
Cannabinoids based medications have been found to be helpful in the treatment and management of many health issues. Some of these are:
Epilepsy – CBD (Cannabidiol) and CBDV (Cannabidivarin), two of the cannabinoids in the marijuana plant, are found to be effective in managing symptoms of epilepsy.
According to the researchers, cannabinoids have shown anti-convulsive properties during lab studies. Also, as mentioned earlier, FDA has also approved the use of medical cannabis for two forms of epilepsy.
Chronic Pain – Cannabis has been used as an effective alternative treatment for different types of chronic pain, such as neuropathic pain, post-operative pain, and pain due to diseases like fibromyalgia, Multiple Sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and cancer. A survey conducted in California showed that more than 90% of the participants, suffering from chronic pain, cancer, and migraine, experienced pain relief when treated with medical cannabis.
Some other diseases medical cannabis has been found to be helpful for are:
Gastrointestinal issues, such as Crohn’s disease
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Brain diseases, such as depression, Alzheimer’s, PTSD, and Multiple Sclerosis
Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Skin diseases, like Eczema and Psoriasis
Chronic pain and inflammation
Arthritis
Anxiety
Glaucoma
AIDS/ HIV (it helps to manage symptoms, such as loss of appetite, sleeplessness, neuropathic pain and mood).
Alexander Strokes, a researcher from Hawaii, has found that a compound derived from cannabis can help treat heart disease. According to him, it activates a brain receptor that encourages the heart to work harder to pump blood. He also secured a patent for this compound, in early 2018.
According to Marcel Bonn-Miller, substance abuse specialist at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania:
“The greatest amount of evidence for the therapeutic effects of cannabis relate to its ability to reduce chronic pain, nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy, and muscle spasms due to Multiple Sclerosis.”
Conclusion
There is much scientific and anecdotal evidence with regard to the effectiveness of marijuana in providing symptomatic relief and an alternative treatment option for various health conditions. However, there is contradictory evidence as well. The drug can have negative effects, can cause addiction, and may increase the risks for developing some diseases, not to mention the proven side effect of distance distortion.
Due to these contrasting views, cannabis is still not considered a first-line treatment by medical practitioners. Wherever the drug is being prescribed, it is currently being used as an alternative medicine to treat diseases for which there are no standard treatments available.
With the contrasting pieces of evidence on one hand and much public demand for legalization on the other, including its use as a recreational drug, legislators are having a hard time deciding its official status. Indeed, the County of Health Officials of New York (among many others) is very concerned about its use, especially as a recreational drug.
We will continue to keep you up to date about the cannabis issue. Stay tuned for our ongoing series on the medical, political and financial reactions of using marijuana both medically and recreationally in this current climate of the cannabis controversy.
With all its benefits and conveniences, the contemporary lifestyle has also brought many problems and unwanted after-effects in our lives. Our stagnant physical routine and unhealthy dietary habits have caused many medical conditions to become prevalent. From hypertension to obesity and uncontrolled diabetes, many existing physical ailments and complications can be attributed to unwholesome foods and a poor dietary routine.
But the bad effects of unhealthy dietary behavior don’t just stop at damaging our physical health. Unhealthy foods and untimely eating routines also have a detrimental effect on our mental health. Various scientific studies have proved that major depressive orders and stress are also becoming rampant due to bad dietary habits.
To deal with all those physical and mental health issues, nutritionists and dietary physicians are relentlessly working on different regimens. Whether it’s a Keto diet plan, Paleo eating plan, or one of those group weight plans, people now have a variety of healthy dietary regimens to choose from. Intermittent fasting is an extension of these efforts.
There are many ways to implement intermittent fasting in your daily routine and much has been written about it. For instance, one popular fasting diet plan is called 16:8. This plan entails fasting for 16 hours a day and eating is permitted for the remaining eight hours. One of the reasons for the popularity of this 16:8 diet routine is that it doesn’t put too many restrictions on food selection. People following the 16:8 diet plans can eat almost anything during the cycle of eating since it is the period when you are not eating that is important.
Besides allowing people to eat anything they want, the 16:8 diet has also become all the rage because of its many benefits for physical and mental health. It works like this: When you are not eating, the digestive activity in your body slows down and if you have not eaten for a long period, say 8 – 12 hours, the digestive process is virtually not active at all; subsequently, giving your body the ability to do other things that can effectively increase your health.
Let’s delve into some of the benefits that a 16:8 dietary plan can do.
Can Help in Losing Weight
The majority of the population takes up any diet plan or routine for the sake of weight loss. And a 16:8 diet routine tremendously helps in shedding those extra pounds. This intermittent fasting routine instigates twofold action that results in weight loss.
Limit the Number of Calories
Excessive daily calorie intake is the leading reason for an ongoing epidemic of obesity in the developed world. The 16:8 diet routine limits the number of meals by tightening the window of eating. A person can’t have more than two meals in the eight-hour window until of course he/she is overcompensating for the fasting time by eating more than usual. So, fewer meals mean fewer calories throughout the day.
Rev Up the Metabolic Rate
An actively working metabolism is a sign of a healthy body. Faster metabolic rate quickly burns the calories thus leaving very few of them to get deposited in the body. It has been proven that fasting can help in ramping up the metabolic rate by 3.6 to 14 percent.
On one hand, a 16:8 diet routine helps in reducing your daily calorie intake value. On the other hand, it catalyzes metabolic rates resulting in an efficient calorie-burning regimen. Both these phenomena eventually result in weight loss. A study has revealed that intermittent fasting and calorie restriction can result in a weight loss of 3 to 8 percent in a period of 3-24 weeks.
Important note:
Since the 16:8 diet routine doesn’t bar people from any particular food item, people who are shedding weight don’t face the issue of muscle loss, which is an ongoing drawback of several diet plans. Apart from losing weight, people can experience some other benefits by taking up the 16:8 diet routine.
Helps in Reducing Oxidative Stress
Oxidative stress is a relatively newer concept for many. It entails the formation of free radicals in the body and their consequent reaction with healthy DNA and proteins to damage them. Medical scientists believe that oxidative stress is one of the underlying causes of many chronic diseases. It also amplifies the process of aging. Medical research substantiates that undergoing long periods without eating anything can increase the body’s natural resistance against oxidative stress.
16:8 Diet is Good for Type 2 Diabetes Patients
Type 2 Diabetes has become a prevailing worldwide disease in recent years. It mainly involves higher blood sugar levels due to ineffective insulin production in the body. Type 2 Diabetes entails wide-ranging complications. Its long-term implications can result in affecting the eyes, renal function, and the nervous system. Research has proven that intermittent fasting acts against insulin resistance, which consequently helps in lowering the glucose level in the blood.
Cardiovascular complications are killing more Americans than any other disease. According to statistics furnished by the CDC, heart diseases kill more than 600,000 people in the country every year. People become susceptible to cardiovascular diseases as the risk factors associated with them become more pronounced.
Intermittent fasting through the 16:8 diet plan has been studied to have a positive effect on these risk factors. For instance, it helps in regulating the blood pressure. It also lowers the levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood and helps in lowering the blood sugar levels too.
16:8 Diet and Brain Health
Things that are good for our physical health are usually good for our mental health too. The same goes for the 16:8 diet. For example, the reduction of oxidative stress, tempered inflammatory response of the body, and regulated blood sugar levels all have a positive impact on brain health and functionality.
Moreover, research on the mammalian subject reveals that intermittent fasting might help instigate the growth of new neurons. It has been studied that intermittent fasting might improve the levels of the brain-derived Neurotrophic factor (BDNF). It is a brain hormone whose deficiency is attributed to major depressive disorders.
The study by the US National Library of Medicine states: “Previous studies have shown that dietary restriction (DR) can suppress age-related deficits [abnormalities] in learning and memory, and can increase resistance of neurons to degeneration in experimental models of neurodegenerative disorders.”; meaning, abstention from eating (‘dietary restrictions’) has a positive effect on learning and decreases neural decay (‘resistance of neurons to degeneration’).
Medical Advisory
It should be kept in mind that every diet plan entails different benefits and side effects for each individual; therefore, we are not suggesting that you do this diet on your own.
When it comes to fasting, there are a variety of factors that need to be addressed – your current health for one, as well as how it will affect your lifestyle.
Additionally, other factors must be addressed; such as, whether should you be taking any other supplements or how to manage your exercise routine while on this diet. There are nutritional and medical organizations that will guide you through this process and it is highly recommended that you work with them.
But most importantly, speak to your medical professional if you are interested in taking on the 16:8 diet plan.
With all its benefits and conveniences, the contemporary lifestyle has also brought many problems and unwanted after-effects in our lives. Our stagnant physical routine and unhealthy dietary habits have caused many medical conditions to become prevalent. From hypertension to obesity and uncontrolled diabetes, many existing physical ailments and complications can be attributed to unwholesome foods and a poor dietary routine.
But the bad effects of unhealthy dietary behavior don’t just stop at damaging our physical health. Unhealthy foods and untimely eating routines also have a detrimental effect on our mental health. Various scientific studies have proved that major depressive orders and stress are also becoming rampant due to bad dietary habits.
To deal with all those physical and mental health issues, nutritionists and dietary physicians are relentlessly working on different regimens. Whether it’s a Keto diet plan, Paleo eating plan, or one of those group weight plans, people now have a variety of healthy dietary regimens to choose from. Intermittent fasting is an extension of these efforts.
There are many ways to implement intermittent fasting in your daily routine and much has been written about it. For instance, one popular fasting diet plan is called 16:8. This plan entails fasting for 16 hours a day and eating is permitted for the remaining eight hours. One of the reasons for the popularity of this 16:8 diet routine is that it doesn’t put too many restrictions on food selection. People following the 16:8 diet plans can eat almost anything during the cycle of eating since it is the period when you are not eating that is important.
Besides allowing people to eat anything they want, the 16:8 diet has also become all the rage because of its many benefits for physical and mental health. It works like this: When you are not eating, the digestive activity in your body slows down and if you have not eaten for a long period, say 8 – 12 hours, the digestive process is virtually not active at all; subsequently, giving your body the ability to do other things that can effectively increase your health.
Let’s delve into some of the benefits that a 16:8 dietary plan can do.
Can Help in Losing Weight
The majority of the population takes up any diet plan or routine for the sake of weight loss. And a 16:8 diet routine tremendously helps in shedding those extra pounds. This intermittent fasting routine instigates twofold action that results in weight loss.
Limit the Number of Calories
Excessive daily calorie intake is the leading reason for an ongoing epidemic of obesity in the developed world. The 16:8 diet routine limits the number of meals by tightening the window of eating. A person can’t have more than two meals in the eight-hour window until of course he/she is overcompensating for the fasting time by eating more than usual. So, fewer meals mean fewer calories throughout the day.
Rev Up the Metabolic Rate
An actively working metabolism is a sign of a healthy body. Faster metabolic rate quickly burns the calories thus leaving very few of them to get deposited in the body. It has been proven that fasting can help in ramping up the metabolic rate by 3.6 to 14 percent.
On one hand, a 16:8 diet routine helps in reducing your daily calorie intake value. On the other hand, it catalyzes metabolic rates resulting in an efficient calorie-burning regimen. Both these phenomena eventually result in weight loss. A study has revealed that intermittent fasting and calorie restriction can result in a weight loss of 3 to 8 percent in a period of 3-24 weeks.
Important note:
Since the 16:8 diet routine doesn’t bar people from any particular food item, people who are shedding weight don’t face the issue of muscle loss, which is an ongoing drawback of several diet plans. Apart from losing weight, people can experience some other benefits by taking up the 16:8 diet routine.
Helps in Reducing Oxidative Stress
Oxidative stress is a relatively newer concept for many. It entails the formation of free radicals in the body and their consequent reaction with healthy DNA and proteins to damage them. Medical scientists believe that oxidative stress is one of the underlying causes of many chronic diseases. It also amplifies the process of aging. Medical research substantiates that undergoing long periods without eating anything can increase the body’s natural resistance against oxidative stress.
16:8 Diet is Good for Type 2 Diabetes Patients
Type 2 Diabetes has become a prevailing worldwide disease in recent years. It mainly involves higher blood sugar levels due to ineffective insulin production in the body. Type 2 Diabetes entails wide-ranging complications. Its long-term implications can result in affecting the eyes, renal function, and the nervous system. Research has proven that intermittent fasting acts against insulin resistance, which consequently helps in lowering the glucose level in the blood.
Cardiovascular complications are killing more Americans than any other disease. According to statistics furnished by the CDC, heart diseases kill more than 600,000 people in the country every year. People become susceptible to cardiovascular diseases as the risk factors associated with them become more pronounced.
Intermittent fasting through the 16:8 diet plan has been studied to have a positive effect on these risk factors. For instance, it helps in regulating the blood pressure. It also lowers the levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood and helps in lowering the blood sugar levels too.
16:8 Diet and Brain Health
Things that are good for our physical health are usually good for our mental health too. The same goes for the 16:8 diet. For example, the reduction of oxidative stress, tempered inflammatory response of the body, and regulated blood sugar levels all have a positive impact on brain health and functionality.
Moreover, research on the mammalian subject reveals that intermittent fasting might help instigate the growth of new neurons. It has been studied that intermittent fasting might improve the levels of the brain-derived Neurotrophic factor (BDNF). It is a brain hormone whose deficiency is attributed to major depressive disorders.
The study by the US National Library of Medicine states: “Previous studies have shown that dietary restriction (DR) can suppress age-related deficits [abnormalities] in learning and memory, and can increase resistance of neurons to degeneration in experimental models of neurodegenerative disorders.”; meaning, abstention from eating (‘dietary restrictions’) has a positive effect on learning and decreases neural decay (‘resistance of neurons to degeneration’).
Medical Advisory
It should be kept in mind that every diet plan entails different benefits and side effects for each individual; therefore, we are not suggesting that you do this diet on your own.
When it comes to fasting, there are a variety of factors that need to be addressed – your current health for one, as well as how it will affect your lifestyle.
Additionally, other factors must be addressed; such as, whether should you be taking any other supplements or how to manage your exercise routine while on this diet. There are nutritional and medical organizations that will guide you through this process and it is highly recommended that you work with them.
But most importantly, speak to your medical professional if you are interested in taking on the 16:8 diet plan.
People love eating eggs because they are delicious, easy to cook, and offer plenty of nutritional benefits. Packed with protein, healthy fats, selenium, vitamin D, and a variety of other minerals and vitamins, eggs are an essential part of a healthy, balanced diet.
There is, however, one nutrient that eggs contain that people do not know a lot about – choline. Note to be confused with chlorine, choline is a B vitamin, which also happens to be an essential nutrient. Choline is a nutrient that plays an important role in the biological processes of the human body. It has an important part to play when it comes to the signaling between cells and nerves, transportation of cholesterol in the body, and even energy metabolism.
Acetylcholine is a chemical produced by the brain, which is part of the processes involved with our memory. This vital chemical compound cannot be made without the intake of choline. Choline also contributes to the production of sphingomyelin and phosphatidylcholine – both of which are vital parts of cell membranes.
The human body can produce choline naturally but only in small amounts. To furnish healthy levels of choline, it is necessary to add nutrients to your diet that contain this essential element. Choline can be found in several different foods and if there is a serious deficiency, you can take choline supplements that are available in retail markets.
Health Benefits of Choline
There are several benefits that you can reap by having this nutrient as a part of your dietary intake. Here is a look at some of the most prominent ones.
Better Liver Health
If the human body does not get enough choline, it can contribute to liver issues. According to a study published by the American Journal of Nutrition in 2007, you need a healthy intake of choline to help your liver function properly.
This study saw almost 60 adults given a diet which contained 550 mg of choline for 10 days. After that, the sample of adults being tested was fed a diet that contained less than 50 mg of choline for up to 42 days. There was a massive difference in how things turned out. Almost half of the women who had not yet undergone menopause developed muscle damage and a fatty liver problem. Similarly, 80 percent of the women who had undergone menopause developed fatty livers and muscle problems. Furthermore, 77 percent of the male demographic in the sample developed similar issues with their livers during the second phase of the test.
Cognitive Function
An observational study suggested that choline played a significant role in the cognitive functioning of men and women. This proves that choline is necessary for the normal development of the human brain and the neural pathways, which are responsible for enhancing memory. The cognitive performance of participants who had lower levels of choline was poor compared to the participants who had proper levels of choline in their systems. Their performance was measured through their speed of perception, global cognition, sensorimotor speed, and executive function.
Choline and Pregnancy
Building on the necessity of choline for the healthy development of cognitive brain functions, a report was published by the Journal of the American Dietetic Association. The report stated that increased consumption of foods containing high levels of choline contributed to the development of the brain in the fetus of pregnant women. Studies conducted on animals have shown that if they consume a high choline-based diet in the first year after their birth, they have enhanced memory skills throughout their lives.
How Can You Detect Choline Deficiency?
A person may experience several health issues due to choline deficiency. These include memory problems, muscle damage, insomnia, and excessive fatigue. If an individual has a problem of severe choline deficiency, they might experience nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and significant liver damage.
What Are The Sources of Choline?
Several foods are rich in choline content. Eggs, beef liver, and soybeans are some of the choline-rich foods. Choline can also be found in good quantity in some other foods like mushrooms, potatoes, chicken, dairy products, fish, nuts, seeds, and whole grain foods.
Here is a look at the example of foods containing choline and the quantity of choline in them:
Wheat germ: 51 mg of choline per ounce
Broccoli: 31 mg of choline per every half cup
Chicken breast: 72 mg of choline per 3 ounces
Eggs: 147 mg of choline for every large egg
Beef liver: 356 mg of choline per 3 ounces (the highest amount)
Precautions When It Comes to Choline
While choline is an essential part of our diet, there are some considerations that you should keep in mind when consuming it. If taken in high dosage, choline can cause certain adverse effects, including body odor, nausea, vomiting, sweating, low blood pressure, salivation, and liver damage.
According to a study, the deficiency of choline can increase the levels of certain amino acids in the body which are linked to heart disease. This is why having a good intake of this nutrient has also been linked to healthier hearts.
It is important to take notice of the fact that choline supplements should never be solely relied on for the intake of choline. It can cause health concerns. It is always better to rely on regular dietary items to fulfill your choline needs.
Recommended Intake of Choline
While it has still not been established exactly how much choline a person should take in a single day, there are certain guidelines about the recommended intake. The Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine recommends that the proper intake of choline per day for men is at 550 mg. For women, the recommended choline intake should be at 425 mg per day.
Final Thoughts
A lot of people can meet their daily needs for the intake of choline through their regular diet without having to take any extra precautions for it. Of course, there are some cases where a person is unable to fulfill their basic daily requirement of choline intake. If you are worried about the possibility of choline deficiency, it is recommended that you do not start taking supplements of choline on your own.
It is best to go to a certified dietician or your physician to share your concerns about the matter so that if you do need to take supplements, you can get the best possible dosage based on expert opinion.
The mental health of a person plays a major role in the overall health of an individual since in today’s world, everything moves at a faster pace, which can lead to burnout, stress, anxiety, and depression. While a lot of attention wasn’t given to it previously, it has become evident that one’s mental health should be addressed properly, and in some cases, the proper authorities notified if the person appears to be a threat to him/herself or someone else. So let’s take a closer look at how you can maintain a healthy mind and body in this fast-paced, overwhelming environment that we live in today.
First, we must be aware of how easily the growing surroundings around us can make us flustered. Case in point: being ‘busy’ in today’s social circles is considered to be an honorable trait. While it is admirable and healthy to be active, especially in your senior years, it can lead to a decline in your mental stability if you do too much at once. This can lead to a feeling of overwhelmed and subsequent stress, depress or something worse. Employee burnout has quickly become one of the biggest challenges that businesses have experienced. It’s been termed as the new normal because it occurs so frequently.
It doesn’t have to be this way
This has led to the World Health Organization declaring in 2018 that depression is a global crisis with over 300 million people suffering from it. This number consists of people from all age groups, races, socio-economic backgrounds, and more. Around 800,000 deaths per year are attributed to depression. Despite this growing awareness, around 10% of people seek therapy or medication. The number of people with undocumented mental conditions is considered double the number of registered cases.
Even if you aren’t experiencing a mental health problem, it is a good idea to actively self-evaluate your mind to ensure that you are in a state of wellbeing. Your mental health is connected with your sense of self and if it didn’t play an important role in your life previously, it should now.
Why Should it be Important?
Mental health doesn’t just contribute to improving your sense of wellness, it also ensures that you are able to go about your life without worries or problems. The following are some benefits that you can get when you pay attention to your mental health and put it first:
Better Productivity
A healthy mind can allow you to be more productive in everything you do. Self-doubt, anxiety, and stress are physically draining and can lead to fatigue, illness, and depression. While the performance at your job is important, by looking after your mind, you can actually boost your productivity. It can also cut down on your absenteeism and help you be more focused on your work. So be sure to take breaks and avoid being chained to your desk.
Improved Interpersonal Relationships
Photo by Fox from Pexels
Interpersonal relationships are built on emotions and if you’re channeling negative energy, your relationships are also going to reflect this factor. You might have shallow relationships or ones that are toxic for all involved.
Take a moment to step back, breathe and evaluate your mental condition. Invest in self-caring activities that allow you to curb your negative, unhealthy behavior or your thinking patterns. By actively monitoring them, you can improve your mindset and in turn, improve your interpersonal relationships.
More Successful
In today’s world, many people define success as material possessions. On the other hand, a person’s definition of success can differ. If giving into the rat race is causing you to feel depressed or anxious, take a step back.
Finding success in something that you are passionate about is a better course of action and when you are mentally healthy, you will understand this aspect more. It will help you come to a decision more easily and allow you to pick a route that you will be more successful at. Thinking with a clear head will play a major role in defining your success.
Better Health
Stress and depression are silent killers that not only affect your mind but also contribute to physical health problems. According to the World Health Organization, depression is one of the leading contributors to disability and physical problems that can severely mar a person’s quality of life.
A study conducted in 2012 by the Health Services Research highlighted how people with mental health problems were more likely to seek treatment if it had impacted their health. The correlation between the two conditions might not seem significant, but subjects who received treatment noted that their physical health improved as their mental health got better.
How to Put it First
A major issue is that many people don’t always consider putting their mental health first and usually have unhealthy habits that are difficult to let go of. For this reason, they’re either hesitant or don’t know where to turn to when looking to improve it. The following are a few pointers that can help you improve their mental health.
Seeking Professional Help
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If you feel like it, seek professional help. The stigma associated with going to a therapist or a psychologistis why some people have an undiagnosed mental condition. Even if you don’t have a mental illness, going to a therapist is still helpful for you. They can assist you, particularly if you are experiencing burnout and need someone to talk to, and don’t be afraid to go. You’ll be surprised how many doctors and police visit a psychiatrist every week.
Setting Boundaries
One of the major ways in which someone might seek acceptance from others is by agreeing to what they say. Learn to say no. People are inherently polite and want to please but don’t let this come at a cost to you. If something makes you uncomfortable, if it is unreasonable or if you are just unable to do it, just say no or at least say that you will think about it and contact them later.
Learn How to Chill!
One gentleman told us something that everyone should do. He said when things appear overwhelming, just sit back and confront each issue step by step in contrast to all at once. Write the issues down on paper. Then look at each one and separately and calmly ask yourself ‘how can I fix this issue?’ It may not be one simple fix but may require a number of steps. Either way, organize it so that you have a clear understanding of how to proceed with each step. Once these issues are clearly laid out in front of you, you will feel better on how to approach them, which will help reduce your anxiety and consequently you’re the whole outlook on the situation and yourself. It’s a simple physiological chain reaction and it works!
Put Yourself First
Start putting yourself first. Many people will put everything else first except themselves. From the demands of the job to the wants and needs of their parents, their siblings, their pets, and more, they’re giving so much to others that there is nothing left for themselves. For once, do things that you like and that is better for your mental health. Always remember that putting yourself first is not selfish, even if it might feel like it at the start.
Remember, a strong mind leads to a strong body. By actively taking measures to improve your mental health, you can make a significant difference in your life and the lives of others around you.
Despite the fact that Crohn’s disease impacts around 780,000 people in the US alone, there is not enough said about it. Due to this reason, there are a lot of prejudices and misconceptions about the condition that can seriously mar your perceptions. Whether you have Crohn’s disease or know someone who is suffering from it, it is a good idea to educate yourself about this condition.
The following are a few of the most common myths about Chron’s Disease that need to be repudiated:
Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Crohn’s Disease are the Same
Irritable bowel syndrome, also known as IBS is often wrongfully associated with Crohn’s disease because of the similarities in the condition. They’re both gastrointestinal ailments that irritate the gut. While this does mean that both of them are classified under irritable bowel diseases – IDS, IBS is a completely different condition. Crohn’s causes inflammation in the track whereas IBS affects the contractions of the muscles. Treatments and triggers for both of these conditions are also different so it is necessary to understand the differences.
Crohn’s Disease Happens to Overweight People
Due to the fact that Crohn’s disease is a gastrointestinal condition, many people believe that overweight or obese people are more likely to develop it. On the other hand, Crohn’s disease does not occur in people because of the extra weight in their body. Careful research has highlighted that there are other circumstances, apart from a person’s body type, that causes Crohn’s to occur.
It is either inherited through a gene or it happens when the immune system of the body becomes compromised. There are many patients of Crohn’s disease who were healthy, physically fit individuals before the condition emerged.
Bad Eating Habits Cause Crohn’s Disease
This is not true at all. Crohns’ disease does not rely on your eating habits. However, your bad eating habits might be contributing to causing distress to your bowel. In this case, if a person is prone to getting Crohn’s disease, it might happen, but the chances for this are rather low.
Nevertheless, eating healthier is better for your gut and you so if you’re thinking of changing your diet, go for it. In rare cases, there have been times when an IDS condition caused by a bad diet can worsen and turn into Crohn’s disease, but this would mean that the immune system of the person has become compromised prior to this taking effect.
Learn more from this video below about proper eating with Chron’s Disease.
Crohn’s Disease Flares Up at an Age
No one needs to be a certain age to get diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. The condition can occur in children and teens, as well as adults. Data shows that around 20% to 30% of patients were diagnosed with Crohn’s disease before the age of 20. In fact, the number of children getting diagnosed with the disease is growing with each passing year.
In many teens, Crohn’s can occur because of complications in their bodies during puberty. Similarly, others inherited the gene from their parents or there is a family history of the condition. The silver lining here though is that early detection of the condition can allow for early treatment. This allows the possibility of the condition to go into remission faster.
It is Only a Stomach Condition
One of the worst misconceptions is the belief that Crohn’s disease is only a stomach condition. This downplays the impact that this disorder actually has on the day to day life of the patient. For many, it is not just a stomach condition. Crohn’s disease can cause a wide array of symptoms including:
Causing anemia or malnutrition
Pain in the body
Unexplainable fatigue
Weight loss
Rectal bleeding
Ulcers and bleeding sores
Fever and inflammation of the joints
Inflammation of the eyes and skin
All these make it difficult to just consider Crohn’s to be a stomach condition. A person can experience some of all of these symptoms based on the severity of the condition. Luckily, when in remission, a person can experience next to none of the symptoms listed above.
It’s Not a Disability
Any condition that greatly mars a person’s ability to perform certain basic actions or go about their daily routine is a disability. Crohn’s disease definitely comes under this definition. Considering how debilitating the symptoms of this disorder can be, Crohn’s is a disability. This is particularly true when it is affecting the physical health of the person to such a large degree that they are unable to leave the house.
Many patients of Crohn’s disease dread leaving their homes for fear that the condition might flare-up. They also have to actively plan their day out in order to ensure that they are near a bathroom or other private area in case of an emergency. While some people might not have symptoms that cause such a huge problem, this isn’t always the case.
You Have to Get Your Colon Removed
A common misunderstanding is that if you get Crohn’s disease, the way to cure it is to remove all or part of your colon. However, this is not the case. First of all, there is no cure for Crohn’s disease so getting operated on to cure it is a myth. Secondly, removal of your colon only occurs when the condition has started to cause the walls to thicken and cause the passage to close. This prevents the passage of waste and also contributes to continued inflammation, muscle cramps, and abdominal pain.
While 70% of patients with Crohn’s disease do opt for this operation, it is not necessary for all patients. Moreover, for people who have severe Crohn’s, removal of the diseased part of the colon can allow the condition to go into remission. This doesn’t mean that the condition is cured. Care needs to still be taken to ensure that it goes into long-term remission and they still need to continue their treatment plan for Crohn’s disease.
Drug addiction and substance abuse have the most misconceptions against them. Societal prejudice, improper representation in the media and other myths all contribute to painting a bleak picture and misconstruing facts. In this case, if anyone even wants to seek help, they are unable to do so because of the stigma associated with drug addiction and substance abuse.
Hesitance to seek help for drug addiction is prevalent, which has allowed a significant number of individuals struggling with drug addictions to increase drastically. In 2015, around 24.6 million people in the US alone were dealing with drug dependence and substance abuse and this number has more than doubled in recent years.
To ensure that proper help and treatment is being made, you need to let go of many of the misconceptions that could be clouding your perception.
Addiction is a Conscious Choice
Many people believe that staying addicted is a conscious decision made by the person. They can cite examples of people who used drugs occasionally and stopped when they wanted to. On the other hand, addiction is different. It might start out voluntarily but by the point, an addiction has developed, it is not easy to stop. In fact, the individual might not even realize it until it’s too late. Just look at all the smokers around us who say they’re are going to quit, only to come back to it a few weeks later. Nicotine, the part of the cigarette that is addictive does not make it easy on them.
According to the NIDA – National Institute on Drug Abuse, an addiction is a mental disorder that changes the chemistry of the brain over time. It develops a tolerance for the substance that makes one crave more and more amounts of the drug to get the same high or reaction from it. As the brain chemistry changes, the person’s ability to control impulses are also greatly impacted. Addicted people will exhibit reckless, compulsive and harmful behaviors which are difficult for them to control, regardless of how damaging it might be to them.
It is a Personality Flaw
Another common misconception is that drug addiction occurs because a person’s moral compass is wrong. They must already have questionable values to make use of drugs. Fortunately, this is not true at all. Drug addiction and substance abuse doesn’t discriminate and can affect people from all socioeconomic backgrounds, regardless of their moral compass, values, mores and norms, their gender or race.
The following are some common social and psychological factors that increase the chances of drug addiction and substance abuse:
Environmental Factors – Peer pressure, isolation, boredom, and escapism can lead to substance abuse and drug addictions. In this instance, these are factors that are outside someone’s control.
Exposure – Being around individuals with addictions and substance abuse can increase the chances of someone developing an addiction because they become normalized to this aspect.
Other Disorders – Addiction and substance abuse are higher in people who have PTSD, depression or anxiety.
Trauma –Anyone who has experienced a traumatic incident might also turn to drugs as they are looking to mentally escape the trauma, even when they are in a safe environment.
Contrary to popular belief, the financial background of a person has no impact. In fact, people who earn more have surplus income to buy hard drugs like cocaine. Needless to say, we are unfortunately hearing about Hollywood stars who have succumbed a drug habit and subsequently die. Judy Garland, Heath Ledger, and River Phoenix are just a few celebrities who have paid the ultimate price from drug addiction.
Addiction can only happen with Hard Drugs
Media representation of addictions has led to a prevalent misconception that substance abuse can only occur with the use of hard drugs. From Requiem for a Dream and Trainspotting to Scarface you will see the protagonists struggle from one bad decision to another while using hard drugs such as cocaine, meth, heroin, and alcohol.
In reality, your prescription pain medication is more likely to create an addiction. Opioids such as hydrocodone, fentanyl, and oxycodone are known for this aspect. In fact, there is a current opioid crisishappening with over 54 million people making use of prescription medicine for non-medical reasons. Even low-risk medication is problematic as people have even developed addictions with repeated use of cough syrup for non-medical purposes.
Addicts are Identifiable
Another misconception is that an addict is easily identifiable. This is one of the worst misconceptions as it hinges on stereotypes. The common belief is that if someone has a criminal background or comes from a certain background, they are either addicts or on their way to becoming addicts. In general, they are considered to be problematic people who are unable to hold down jobs, not very well dressed or are careless or have no money.
On the other hand, nothing can be further from the truth. High functioning addicts are ones who are able to hold steady jobs, earn well and are generally loved and respected by their peers. Understanding the stigma associated with drug addiction and substance abuse, they actually go to bigger lengths to hide this dark secret. It is only when their addiction has progressed to an extreme point that they are unable to maintain their high functioning status.
Alcohol Addiction is Different
Since it is usually consumed in social settings and for recreational purposes, many people don’t consider how easy it is to develop an addiction to alcohol. Alcohol addiction is also not considered to be as harmful or damaging as a drug addiction. In fact, the NIAAA – National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reported that alcoholism is more prevalent and is largely untreated and undetected.
Due to the fact that alcohol is more easily available and so socially consumed, alcohol addicts are more likely to indulge in their addiction without any problems. Unfortunately, this fact makes alcohol addiction more difficult to identify which delays treatment.
Maybe it is partially due to the fact that it can be obtained legally, but when alcohol was made illegal, look at what happened. And now there is the question about marijuana and if it should be legalized? There are practical and legitimate reasons to argue this on both sides and the only way to officially determine if it should be legalized would be to allow it to become so. Maybe for just six months until enough statistics can be measured. With that said, some will say that many people will become a statistic by just dying from the result of being high on pot (e.g. car accidents). This is a wait and see dilemma, but one thing is for sure at this time. Relapses are also more common with recovering addicts. Nearly 88,000 deaths in the US occur on an annual basis because of alcohol addiction.
By setting aside misconceptions about drug addictions and substance abuse, you can offer your loved ones more support and help them seek out the treatment they need. Keep in mind that it will be an uphill battle, but with persistence and perseverance, the addiction can be battled.
Although there are a variety of reasons why a person may be overweight, a decline in physical activity and unhealthy dietary habits have contributed a great deal in turning obesity into an epidemic. According to recent statistics, more than 150 million US citizens are suffering from the issue of weight gain.
If we particularly talk about the female population, it has been found that more than 60% of the adult women in the country are suffering from obesity. Despite the increasing public awareness of obesity, a large number of women are still dealing with this health issue.
40 and Obesity
40 is generally considered an important milestone in one’s life. Some people find a new meaning of life at this point of age. On the other hand, a midlife crisis is also typically experienced after 40. And interestingly, it has also been found that women are more likely to gain weight after 40 years. Medical scientists and nutritionists have deduced multiple reasons behind obesity in the female population, particularly after 40. Let’s have a look.
Before we move on to discuss those reasons in detail, it is imperative to clarify that the intent of sharing this information is just to spread awareness regarding the unhealthy repercussions of obesity. We don’t approve of the socially construct taboo of obesity particularly for women by any means.
Hormonal Imbalance
Stating the obvious, the most prevalent reason for weight gain after 40 is the hormonal imbalance within the female body. The time between ages 40 and 48, also known as pre-menopause phase, is highlighted by the reduced production of estrogen from ovaries. With reduced estrogen levels, the body starts to retain more fat than before, thereby leading to weight gain.
On the other hand, reduced levels of progesterone also contribute to gaining weight. Reduced progesterone levels don’t have any effect on the fat retention characteristics of the body. However, its reduced production can set off bloating, which actually adds up to the net weight of the affected person.
Slower Metabolic Rate
Irrespective of gender, age most definitely plays a key part in obesity. However, women bear the greater brunt of aging because of the natural phenomenon of menopause. Due to menopause, the metabolism of females turning 40 becomes slower than the men of the same age. A slower metabolic rate slows the rate at which the body burns calories. As a result, all the excessive and leftover calories show up in the form of weight gain.
Increased Stress Levels
Women aged 40 and above also become more vulnerable to higher levels of stress. Balancing professional and personal life, taking care of children while worrying about finances and jobs at the same time— all of it can take a great toll on their mental health.
The coping mechanism of the body to deal with stress is to release the cortisol hormone. The constant proliferation of this hormone within the body affects its natural capability to lose weight. So, chronic stress, among many another issues can also result in excessive weight gain.
Loss of Muscle Mass
Many people might not be aware of this but a body with more muscle mass actually has a better metabolic rate. Even though the reduction of muscle mass is one of the unwanted consequences of the natural process of aging, women are likely to be more severely affected by this phenomenon because of menopause.
It has been observed that after turning 40, women start to lose their muscle mass more rapidly as compared to men. As a result, the basal metabolic rate of the body significantly drops. Slowed metabolism, reduced muscle mass with more fat retention can only mean one thing – increased weight.
Apart from these internal and natural reasons behind the obesity after 40, some external factors can also contribute to weight gain among women. Let’s take a brief look at them.
Lack of Physical Activity
As mentioned earlier, our modern lifestyle has already cut down our physical activity to a great extent. Many women become negligent of this aspect after crossing 40. There is so much going on in life during this phase of age that women can’t focus on their bodies when it comes to maintaining an active physical lifestyle. The importance of physical activity increases when age starts to take its toll on the body.
So, women should proactively manage a better routine of physical activities to counterbalance the detrimental side effects that happen as they grow old.
Unhealthy Dietary Habit
This is another harmful factor that develops as one ages. Due to their hectic and multifaceted professional and personal life, some women do not pay attention to what they eat. Untimely eating, not taking into account the total calorie count of the daily diet and feasting on bad carbs and unhealthy fats—all these things are a recipe for obesity particularly if a woman has crossed 40. Women who are near menopause must take extra care of what they eat. Eating carelessly and unhealthy will not help the already ailing body and mind. Of course, there are loads of diet plans that you can follow and after 40 is highly recommended.
Way Forward
Apart from taking care of one’s diet and physical activity, meditation can also help to deal with obesity by relieving stress and balancing hormones. There are many ways in which one can meditate. Try different methods and stick to the one that suits you the most. In addition, it is imperative to frequently visit your physician just to get better guidance on maintaining the wellbeing of your mind and body.
