Why do vegetarians have lower blood pressure?

It is well known that high blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease. Controlling blood pressure through lifestyle factors, such as diet and exercise, is key for avoiding heart problems.

But medical opinion has been split over whether a vegetarian diet is effective for reducing blood pressure. Different studies on how vegetarian diets influence blood pressure have reported conflicting results.

Vegetarians generally have lower BMIs and a lower risk of obesity than omnivores, probably because vegetarian diets have higher fiber and lower fat content than omnivorous diets. Because body weight and blood pressure are linked, this might partially explain the lowered blood pressure in vegetarians. However, other studies have found that a vegetarian diet lowers blood pressure regardless of body weight.

Another suggestion is that vegetarian diets are high in potassium and low in sodium, but again, some studies have disagreed over the impact this might have. Some studies have also found that alcohol consumption is lower in vegetarians, compared with the general population. Alcohol intake can influence blood pressure, but five of the seven clinical trials analyzed in this study were limited to participants who drank no more than moderate amounts of alcohol. Therefore, the results of this analysis were probably not influenced by alcohol intake.

Vegetarian diets are usually proportionally lower than omnivorous diets in saturated fatty acids and higher in polyunsaturated fatty acids - characteristics that are associated with lower blood pressure. And, finally, vegetarians usually have lower blood viscosity. This could affect their blood pressure.

'Ghee' and its many benefits

Ayurveda places ghee, or clarified butter, at the top of the oily foods list, as it has the healing benefits of butter without the impurities (saturated fat, milk solids). Ghee is beneficial for the whole body, and recommends it as the ultimate remedy for problems stemming from the pitta dosha, such as inflammation.

Lab studies have shown ghee to reduce cholesterol both in the serum and intestine. It does it by triggering an increased secretion of biliary lipids. While in a healthy person consuming ghee may reduce cholesterol or not affect it, it is not advised for people already suffering from high cholesterol unless medicated with some other herbs. Ghee is also good for nerves and brain. It helps control eye pressure and is beneficial to glaucoma patients. Ghee is most notably said to stimulate the secretion of stomach acids to help with digestion, while other fats, such as butter and oils, slow down the digestive process and can sit heavy in the stomach. Ghee is rich with antioxidants and acts as an aid in the absorption of vitamins and minerals from other foods, serving to strengthen the immune system. A high concentration of butyric acid, a fatty acid that contains anti-viral properties, is believed to inhibit the growth of cancerous tumors.

Ghee lubricates the connective tissues and promotes flexibility. Traditionally, the preparation has been used to promote memory, intelligence, quantity and quality of semen, and to enhance digestion. Modern science tells us that ghee also harbors phenolic antioxidants, which bolster the immune system. Even better than ghee is aged ghee, up to 100 years old which treats alcoholism, epilepsy, fever, and vaginal pain. Medicated ghee combines clarified butter with healing herbs. Ghee's benefits extend to topical use as well.

Spices tone up digestive system

Eating and digestion are the two life-sustaining events. A healthy digestive system is well-regarded in Ayurveda as a cornerstone of well-being and that every disease is believed to arise from inefficient digestion. The fiery metabolic energy of digestion, known as Agni, allows us to assimilate food while ridding the body of wastes and toxins (Ama). It transforms dense physical matter into the subtler forms of energy the body needs to be vital, generate internal warmth, and produce a clear mind.

An easy way to support digestive Agni is through the daily use of culinary herbs and spices, used to increase Agni before and during meals. A simple Ayurvedic practice is to consume a small piece of fresh ginger with a few drops of lemon juice prior to eating a meal. This slowly and gradually awakens the flames of Agni, preparing it to digest the main course. In addition to ginger, other aromatic spices that assist digestion include black, long, and cayenne pepper; cardamom; and licorice. They are believed to make foods more digestible by "predigesting" the food during cooking—heat combines and awakens their aromatic qualities, making the nutrients easier to digest once eaten. These spices also stimulate the secretion of saliva and digestive enzymes in the stomach and intestines, and the less work Agni needs to do while digesting food, the less fatigue one will experience after eating.

Cooking herbs and spices also serve to prevent gas and Ama. Undigested food is broken down by fermentation rather than digestion, and fermentation is what produces gas. The intestines can then absorb these gases, which causes the colon to become toxic and spastic. Fennel is an herb commonly consumed in Indian restaurants as a carminative after meals to prevent gas, discomfort, and fatigue. At home, chew on a teaspoon of fennel seeds, then spit out the pulp after swallowing the juice. Its drying, warming, and stimulating actions awaken Agni and tone the digestive system.

Health Benefits of Oranges

An orange has over 170 different photochemical and more than 60 flavonoids, many of which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and strong antioxidant effects. There are thousands of reasons why eating an orange a day is a good idea; they are low in calories but full of nutrients, they promote clear, healthy skin and can help to lower our risk for many diseases and conditions as part of an overall healthy and varied diet.

One medium orange contains 80 calories, 0 grams of fat, 250 milligrams of potassium, 19 grams of carbohydrate as well as 1 gram of protein. Oranges also contain thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B-6, folate, pantothenic acid, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, selenium and copper. Because of their high vitamin C content (over twice the daily need) oranges are associated with boosting the immune system. Oranges also contain choline, an important nutrient that helps with sleep, muscle movement, learning and memory. Choline also helps to maintain the structure of cellular membranes, aids in the transmission of nerve impulses, assists in the absorption of fat and reduces chronic inflammation.

Health benefits of consuming oranges 

Stroke: Eating higher amounts of a compound found in citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruit may lower ischemic stroke risk for women. Those who ate the highest amounts of citrus had a 19 percent lower risk of ischemic stroke than women who consumed the least. 

Cancer: Consuming oranges and orange juice in the first two years of life may reduce the risk of developing childhood leukemia. As an excellent source of the strong antioxidant vitamin C, oranges can also help combat the formation of free radicals known to cause cancer. 

Heart health: The fiber, potassium, vitamin C and choline content in oranges all support heart health. An increase in potassium intake along with a decrease in sodium intake is the most important dietary change that a person can make to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease. 

Diabetes: Studies have shown that type 1 diabetics who consume high-fiber diets have lower blood glucose levels and type 2 diabetics may have improved blood sugar, lipids and insulin levels. One medium banana provides about 3 grams of fiber. 

Skin: The antioxidant vitamin C, when eaten in its natural form (as in an orange) or applied topically, can help to fight skin damage caused by the sun and pollution, reduce wrinkles and improve overall skin texture. Vitamin C plays a vital role in the formation of collagen, the support system of your skin. 

Those who take beta blockers, a type of medication most commonly prescribed for heart disease, can cause potassium levels to increase in the blood. Those with gastro-esophageal reflux disease may experience an increase in symptoms such as heartburn and regurgitation when consuming highly acidic foods. These two categories are advised to consume oranges and other citrus fruits in limited quantities only.

Domoic Acid, a Toxin in Seafood Damages Kidney and Brain

A new study finds that domoic acid, a natural toxin found in seafood, damages the kidney. This damage was caused by concentrations much lower than the prescribed safe limits for humans.

Domoic acid has already been known as a neurotoxin that damages the human brain when taken at high concentrations. The toxin is analogous to glutamate, a neurotransmitter in the brain. Toxicity leads to the condition known as amnesic shellfish poisoning.

The natural toxin is a product of algae; it accumulates in marine organisms such as shellfish, anchovy, and sardines. While bottom feeders acted as usual store houses of the toxin, it has now become more prominent in coastal regions.

The kidney is actually what helps to eliminate domoic acid. So when you take it in, the kidney is responsible for getting rid of it. The kidney actually accumulates domoic acid, and the receptors bind to it, and they get overwhelmed.

The domoic acid is heat stable and cannot be eliminated from food by cooking. Maintaining strict regulation in the levels found in sea foods may be the only practical solution.

Stress makes our brain more susceptible to mental illness

Experts already know that people suffering from chronic stress are prone to experiencing mental health problems - such as anxiety and mood disorders - later in life.

The human brain is made up of "gray matter" and "white matter" and scientists have noticed that the proportions of white versus gray matter are different in people with stress illnesses, compared with other people. White matter gets its name from the white, fatty "sheath" of myelin coating it - the electrically insulating layer that forms around nerves and accelerates the transmission of electrical signals between cells. The new study focused on cells in the brain that produce myelin - the electrically insulating layer that forms around nerves.

The researchers found that an excess of white matter is found in some areas of the brain in people who experience chronic stress. It seems that the experience of chronic stress causes more myelin-producing cells to be generated, with fewer neurons than normal. The consequence of this is that the excess of myelin causes the "delicate balance" of the brain to be disrupted, with communication between brain cells slipping out of their normal timing.

People with stress undergo changes in brain connectivity also. Post traumatic stress disorder patients might have weaker connectivity between the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex, which moderates our responses. In them, the ability to shut down responses will be impaired.

Vitamin A Deficiency and Postnatal Asthma

Researchers have long wondered what makes some people more susceptible than others to developing asthma symptoms when exposed to the same stimulus. A new study suggests that the presence of structural and functional abnormalities in the lungs due to vitamin A deficiency during development is an important and under appreciated factor in this susceptibility.

Previous studies had shown that retinoic acid (RA)—the active metabolite of vitamin A—is essential for normal lung development. Until now, however, little was known about the impact of prenatal RA deficiency on postnatal airway function.

The researchers used a mouse model in which they could control when and in what amount vitamin A would reach the developing fetus through maternal diet. They timed the vitamin A deficiency to the middle of gestation, coinciding with the period of formation of the airway tree in the fetus. Fetuses that were deprived of vitamin A were found to have excess smooth muscle in the airways, compared with controls. 

In a subsequent experiment, the mice were again deprived of vitamin A during the same developmental stage, but returned to a normal diet after that stage and until adulthood. When the animals reached adulthood, pulmonary function tests showed that their lungs were clearly not normal. When the mice were challenged with methacholine, a chemical that causes the airway to contract, their response was significantly more severe than that of controls. 

The findings underscore the importance of sufficient vitamin A in the diet, which remains a significant challenge in developing countries. The study also has potential clinical implications in the developed world.

What Causes Sunburn?

Sunburn is the term for red, sometimes swollen and painful skin. It is caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. Sunburn can vary from mild to severe. The extent depends on skin type and amount of exposure to the sun. Sunburn is a serious risk factor for skin cancer and for sun damage.

On a minute-by-minute basis, the amount of UV radiation is dependent on the angle of the sun. This is easily determined by the height ratio of any object to the size of its shadow. The greatest risk is at solar noon, when shadows are at their minimum and the sun's radiation passes more directly through the atmosphere. 

The symptoms of sunburn vary from person to person. You may not notice redness of the skin for several hours after the burn has begun. Peak redness will take 12-24 hours. Minor sunburns typically cause nothing more than slight redness and tenderness to the affected areas. In more serious cases, blistering can occur. Extreme sunburns can be painful to the point of debilitation and may require hospital care.  In much more severe cases, symptoms include fever, chills, nausea and vomiting, weakness and symptoms of shock that can constitute of low blood pressure, fainting and/or extreme weakness. 

Treating sunburn involves activities like doing quick and effective actions to prevent further damaging of the skin. It should always be remembered that the most effective way of treating sunburn is by taking up a quick step. The earlier one starts treatment the more effective will be the healing process. Plenty of fluids, anti-inflammatory medications, cool compresses, high-quality moisturizing creams and lotions may be prescribed. The pain and burning associated with sunburn can be relieved with a number of different remedies applied to the burn site. The skin can be hydrated by applying topical products containing Aloe Vera which reduce inflammation.

Take emergency medical care if:

• Sunburn forms blister or if extremely painful
• Facial swelling from sun burn
• Sunburn covers a large area
• Have chills or fever after getting sun burned
• Has feeling of faintness or confusion
• Increased signs of dehydration like excessive thirst, dry eyes and mouth

Commercial preparations are available that block UV light, known as sunscreens or sun blocks. They have a sunburn protection factor (SPF) rating, based on the sun block’s ability to suppress sunburn. Basically, the higher the SPF rating, the lower the amount of direct DNA damage. Research has shown that the best protection is achieved by application 15 to 30 minutes before exposure, followed by one reapplication 15 to 30 minutes after exposure begins. Further reapplication is only necessary after activities such as swimming, sweating, and rubbing.

Can diabetes cause fatigue & body ache?

Lot of people with diabetes complains of fatigue & body ache. The answer is that diabetes itself probably is not the cause of fatigue, lower back and leg aches. The things that cause Type 2 Diabetes, such as a weight problem and lack of exercise, are commonly the cause these symptoms.

Fatigue incorporates three components:
the inability to initiate activity, reduced ability to maintain activity and difficulty with concentration and memory.


Fatigue should be distinguished from sleepiness, shortness of breath on exertion and muscle weakness, although these can also be associated with fatigue. Fatigue lasting six months or more is referred to as chronic fatigue.

Fatigue in anyone should be evaluated by a doctor to exclude all possible causes and to get counseling on how to treat it. Other medical causes of fatigue are the side effect of drugs, thyroid dysfunction, high calcium levels, rheumatologic illnesses, adrenal, kidney or liver problems. Some infections such as tuberculosis or hepatitis can cause fatigue. Depression is also a major cause of fatigue.

While unusual, uncontrolled diabetes can be the cause of fatigue. These patients generally also have other symptoms of diabetes such as excess thirst, frequent urination and blurred vision. Some drugs used to treat diabetes can cause fatigue by causing anemia or a metabolic change known as lactic acidosis. Yet these are unusual side effects.

Many diabetics with pain in the feet and lower legs have it because of diabetic damage to nerves. This is known as diabetic neuropathy. Diabetic neuropathy can also manifest itself as numbness in the feet and lower leg. Diabetic neuropathy is very common and can be treated.

Nonspecific pains in the lower back and legs are most commonly because of muscle weakness. Strengthening of the abdominal and low back muscles can frequently bring amazing relief to a lot of low back pain. Pains running down the back into the legs are possible signs of nerve irritation and even impingement in the spine.

Insomnia linked to higher mortality risk in men

Sleep is very necessary for all living beings in this world. It is a naturally re-occurring state in which the person undergoes reduced or absent consciousness with inactivity of the nearly all voluntary muscles. But there are few factors which make us sleepless, and we don't get enough rest. It could be due to stress, depression or ageing factors like menopause in women.

Insomnia is a sleep disorder that millions of people worldwide have to live with. Individuals with insomnia find it difficult to either fall asleep and/or stay asleep. Insomnia commonly leads to daytime sleepiness, lethargy and a general feeling of being unwell both mentally and physically.

In men, insomnia is associated with an increased risk of mortality, says a new study by Brigham Women's Hospital (BWH).The research also showed that among men who experience specific symptoms of insomnia, there is a modest increase risk in death from cardiovascular-related issues.

After adjusting for lifestyle factors, age and other chronic conditions, researchers found that men who reported difficulty initiating sleep and non-restorative sleep had a 55 percent and 32 percent increased risk of cardio vascular disease-related mortality over the six year follow up, respectively, when compared to men who did not report these insomnia-related symptoms.

Relationship between sleep and mortality, especially in the elderly

A recent study found that diet could affect the relationship between sleep and mortality, especially in elderly men. The findings of the study were published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition.

The participants of the study were men and women equal or over the age of 65 years during 1999-2000. The sleep quality was assessed based on a questionnaire given to the patient. Deaths were recorded till the end of 2008.

The study found that the risk of death in elderly men was less in those who slept well or fairly as compared to those who slept poorly. The study also found that if the food intake in elderly men is diverse enough, the effect of poor sleep on mortality could be eliminated.

Women who slept poorly consumed lower quantities of vegetables and vitamin B6 as compared to those who slept well. In women, the mortality was more associated by the levels of the vitamin B6 in the blood as compared to poor sleep. Thus, adequate vitamin B6 in the diet may be more important in reducing mortality of elderly women. Women in the study were more likely to sleep poorly as compared to men.

One of the researchers involved in the study, Emeritus Professor Mark Wahlqvist explained the reason for the possible effect of poor sleep on increasing mortality. According to him, poor sleep has been associated with conditions like obesity, diabetes and heart disease. In addition, it also caused poor appetite, and can reduce the intake of nutritious foods.

World Cancer Day

World Cancer Day is marked on February 4 to raise awareness of cancer and to encourage its prevention, detection, and treatment. World Cancer Day was founded by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) to support the goals of the World Cancer Declaration, written in 2008. The primary goal of the World Cancer Day is to significantly reduce illness and death caused by cancer by 2020

With a million new cases being reported every year, cancer seems to be tightening its grip on India. Experts say the incidence of the killer disease is expected to rise five-fold by 2025.According to reports, lung, oral, lip, throat and neck cancers are the most common among men while women suffer more from cervix, breast and ovarian cancers. Annually, nearly 500,000 people die of cancer in India. This number is expected to rise to 700,000 by 2015 as per WHO reports.

Cancer is a class of diseases characterized by out-of-control cell growth. There are over 100 different types of cancer, and each is classified by the type of cell that is initially affected. Cancer harms the body when damaged cells divide uncontrollably to form lumps or masses of tissue called tumors (except in the case of leukemia where cancer prohibits normal blood function by abnormal cell division in the blood stream). Tumors can grow and interfere with the digestive, nervous, and circulatory systems and they can release hormones that alter body function. Tumors that stay in one spot and demonstrate limited growth are generally considered to be benign. When a tumor successfully spreads to other parts of the body and grows, invading and destroying other healthy tissues, it is said to have metastasized. This process itself is called metastasis, and the result is a serious condition that is very difficult to treat.

Ignorance among the public, delayed diagnosis and lack of adequate medical facilities has given cancer the dubious distinction of being a ‘killer disease’. However, the fact remains that if cancer is detected in its early stages, it can be treated and an individual can lead a healthy life. It is important to create awareness about common types of cancer and their symptoms among the general public.

When it comes to the prevention of this disease, diligently following eight norms, including maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, protecting oneself from the sun and getting screening tests done, can help lower one’s risk of cancer.’Diet can also influence some cancers. Cancers of the stomach, bowel, lung, prostate and uterus are more likely to develop if your diet is high in fat and low in fruit, vegetables and fibre.