Tag: disease

10 truthful facts for widely consumed French fries 🍟

by drjurisharma, posted in brain, cognitive health, deep fried food, emotional health, Food, french fries, life, physical therapy, pain, body aches, spinal,, potato, Uncategorized
  1. French fries have been the most popular and widespread available fast food around the globe. Unlike its name, it was originated in Belgium. Regardless of its popularity, it has been proven time and again as one of the unhealthiest foods on the planet. Deep-fried potatoes are not only rich in starch content but also fatty due to being heavily fried in oil. They are instant sources of starch so are easily available for a quick bite. Frequent eating of this junk food is a potential risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases due to their high glycemic index.
  2. According to The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, consuming french fries not only multiplies the health risk but also increases the risk of early death. Adding to that, you start gaining weight and weaken the immune system by destroying your healthy gut microbiome with unhealthy flora.

3. Nutritionally stated, potatoes are a good source of antioxidants, carotenoids, flavonoids and phenolic acid. Also, it is loaded with fibre content, vitamin B6, and minerals and is gluten-free. But, what makes fries calorie-dense is due to the deep frying technique to make them crispy. As a result, the nutritional content is damaged. Due to high calories, obesity is directly linked to consuming fries and junk food.

4. Studies show that fries are prepared with saturated fat which is metabolized at a much slower rate than protein and carbohydrate in the body. So, people are most likely to get stomach issues. The saturated fat further increases the bad cholesterol in the body which elevates the risk of atherosclerosis, heart disease and stroke.

5. To pile up the adverse effects of consuming fries regularly can weaken the immune system, and gut health making us vulnerable to diseases and inflammatory conditions including cancers. The hydrogenated fats used in fries can likely lead to foggy brain, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

6.Research studies have found that when potatoes are deep-fried, a compound named acrylamide is formed which can be directly linked to mental health issues like depression and anxiety. In today’s time, fries are consumed more by the younger generation compared to older ones, making them more vulnerable to mental health issues like depression and anxiety.

7.Moreover, fries contain a high amount of salt which makes them even worse. The high salt content can lead to a high risk of hypertension, heart disease, stroke and kidney disease. In addition to that, tomato ketchup, different varieties of sauces, and mayonnaise make them even more unhealthy due to artificial flavouring agents and other processed ingredients.

8.According to some studies, are french fries can be label as ‘death food’? No not exactly because most meals in restaurants are still served with fries as a meal accompaniment. Eating them for once a while or once a month in a small portion is not harmful or the effect on health is negligible. But, having them 2-3 times a week in large quantities will most likely lead to chronic diseases like diabetes type 2, heart disease, stroke, and inflammatory conditions which may cause death risk.

Sweet potato fries

9.To make them healthier and still have the experience of having french fries, opt for a healthier version like the baked ones. A thicker version of fries can be opted to reduce the fat content, fried in olive or cannula oil. More over, having them with a healthier meal mate like salad, chicken or soup is another good idea. Sweet potato fries are healthy too.

10. Actually, not just french fries, but all deep-frying foods which are available and widespread have a high risk of developing chronic diseases like heart disease and stroke. Frying damages the nutrients, antioxidants and protein naturally available in the food item. Moreover, the frying medium of oil adds to the trans fat, acrylamide which further multiply the health hazard. The best thing to do is to avoid them completely or have them rarely. Once in a while is quite okay.

Thanks for reading.

Peace and love 🙏

Wordless Wednesday 🍃

by drjurisharma, posted in brain, celebration, cognitive health, emotional health, eyes, life, nature, photography

10 hard facts about Taurine 🙌

by drjurisharma, posted in brain, cognitive health, eyes, Food, life, taurine, Uncategorized

Hello everyone ,

1. Amino Acid :Taurine is found naturally in our body. Chemically, it’s an amino acid or more precisely amino sulphonic acid. Since it is naturally available in the body, it plays a significant part in different bodily functions like metabolism, immunity, nervous system, electrolyte balance, biliary system.

2. Nervous system :Taurine as an abundant amino acid support building up the nervous system, helps in storing memory. As ageing progresses, it’s bodily reserve reduces with age. Due to its decreased levels can be responsible for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimers’ or memory deficits.

3. Liver :The liver is supported by taurine mainly to break down cholesterol into bile salts. Bile salts play a crucial role in the digestion and metabolism of fat in the body.

4. Lifespan: Researches show that high taurine levels do have anti-aging effects. From its lower levels contribute to inflammation, diabetes, obesity, hypertension, so, with improved levels of taurine, these risk factors are significantly reduced. Food supplementation of taurine and exercise do contribute to the lifespan.

5. Cell protective agent: Taurine plays a vital role in regulating cell volume, calcium homeostasis, sweeping free radicals and stabilizing the cell membrane.

6. Heart : Studies show that taurine reduces the risk of heart failure by lowering the progression of atherosclerosis. It has a potential vasodilating effect. Taurine supplement in people who have a history of heart failure shows lower levels of cholesterol. Low Taurine levels may be a significant factor in the development of cardiomyopathy.

7. Eye :Studies have shown that taurine is abundant in the retina of the eye. Reduced levels of taurine is linked to eye disorders like glaucoma, retinal degeneration like diabetic retinopathy.

8. Muscle :Studies show that taurine helps to improve muscle power and strength. Taurine appears to help restore muscle injuries, damage, pain and reduce progress in people with muscular dystrophy.

9. Food : Taurine is found in dairy and high sources are mainly meat, chicken and fishes. As for plant based diet, seaweed is a good source of taurine.

10. Dosage : Taurine supplementation is not usually recommended as it is naturally available in the body and in our diet. If prescribed clinically, evidence shows that consumption of 3 gms per day works well without the risk of side effects. Taurine has also been an essential component in energy drinks in case of physical performance. Some infant formulas contain taurine because it is not naturally found in babies as it is in adults.

Thanks for reading.

Peace and love 🙏

10 quick facts of ginger🫚

by drjurisharma, posted in brain, cognitive health, Food, life, nature

Ginger is an ingredient common to our cuisine for centuries. It is widely used in most of the culinary dishes. Besides adding the zing in our taste buds, it has immense medicinal and health benefits.

  1. Ginger contains gingerol that imparts its unique taste and flavour to cooking. This compound gingerol is a natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Hence, ginger helps to cure common cold, flu, seasonal rhinitis and fungal infections.
  2. Previous studies have shown that ginger has played an important role in controlling blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Researches also show that regular intake of ginger helps to reduce the levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, thereby reducing the risk factors of cardiovascular diseases. It is also effective in weight loss.
  3. Ginger is highly effective against swelling, itchiness and minor skin allergies such as hives. Having ginger juice along with jaggary powder can be consumed to reduce skin allergies and itching.
  4. Ginger is an effective pain reliever. Consuming ginger slices or ginger juice can help to reduce joint pain, body ache and earache.
  5. Consuming ginger or raw ginger juice has helped in improving many digestive issues. Eating raw ginger slices before a meal will help to stimulate digestion and improves the appetite. A person having indigestion, belching, bloating will be relieved after having ginger juice along with lemon juice or ginger slices. Problems like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea can all be relieved after consuming ginger. So, it can be used during Morning sickness. People taking chemotherapy may use ginger to alleviate post-drug side effects.
  6. Ginger is very effective when used freshly, but also beneficial when consumed as a powder for juices or tea. A common spice used in various cuisines.
  7. Ginger is effective against degenerative diseases like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease due to the presence of compounds like 6-gingerol and 6- shogoal.
  8. Ginger is grown especially in tropical areas. Ginger roots are mainly used for cooking and healing purpose. It can be stored in dried or powdered form for a long time. Ginger supplements are available in capsules or liquid extracts. Ginger oil as essential oil is used in beauty products.
  9. Ginger is rich in dietary fibre and in vitamins like B3, B6 and C. It is rich in folate, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc.
  10. Ginger is usually safe, but it must be used in moderation as part of a healthy diet. Too much consumption or concentrated higher doses may lead to heartburn, stomach upset or loose motion.

Thanks for reading.

Peace and love 🙏

10 interesting facts about Melatonin 😴

by drjurisharma, posted in brain, cognitive health, emotional health, eyes, life, nature, Uncategorized

Hello everyone🖖

Melatonin, commonly known as the sleep hormone is responsible for our cicardian rythm. But, it has some fascinating facts to be known.

1. The pineal gland, located at the base of the brain, is known to produce 5% of the total quantity of melatonin. Surprisingly, in all of the cells throughout the entire body, the mitochondria generate the remaining 95% of melatonin.

2. Our body cells’ mitochondria typically serve as the energy-generating organelles. They absorb glucose and oxygen to create water and ATP, which serve as the body’s power source. Free radicals are created during this procedure. However, the free radicals can be neutralised by our body’s defence systems. Melatonin acts as the potent anti-oxidant which causes free radical damage.

3. The melatonin which is produced in the body cells due to the sunlight, especially the infra red rays trigger the release of glutathione and other potent anti-oxidants. Melatonin also has anti -inflammatory properties and anti cancer properties too.

4. Since, melatonin is an effective anti-oxidant, it helps to prevent eye and ear damage. Research shows that it is effective in prevention of age related macular degeneration and retinopathy.

5. Melatonin protects the brain. Melatonin serves to promote the growth of new brain cells and improves memory, according to studies. Melatonin levels were discovered to be low in those with Alzeihmers disease. Thus, it is possible to prevent Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease from becoming severely disabling by increasing melatonin levels.

6. Research shows that melatonin stimulate growth hormone production. Evidences showed that oral administration of melatonin increased the level of growth hormone, two fold times.

7.Melatonin production declines noticeably as we get older. Therefore, in order to maintain melatonin levels in our everyday lives, we must get enough sun exposure during the day and turn off lights at night so that darkness can help to stimulate melatonin production.

8. Sub-cellular melatonin which is produced in the body naturally is more effective than taking melatonin pills. Melatonin pills do work on short term basis and should be taken only if clinically recommended.

9. Aside from the infrared radiation that comes from sunlight, which is typically present in the early morning, other sources of infrared radiation that contribute to a sufficient amount of melatonin production include candlelight and being in front of a fire.

10. Incadescent light bulbs, spending time in greenery parks, outdoors all help to boost melatonin production.

Thanks for reading.

Peace and love 🙏

10 rules of clean eating 🙌

by drjurisharma, posted in life, nature

Hello everyone! Have a wonderful day 🙋🏻‍♀️

Courtesy: Prevention.com (Pinterest)

Thanks for reading.

Blessings and much love to all 💐

Post : Healing Nature 💚

by drjurisharma, posted in life

Hello everyone ! Have a wonderful day 🙋🏻

IMG_5317

Amidst Nature, there is always stillness, calmness, the kind of peace which reaches the deeper insight, the soul connection. Enough researches have been established which goes to show that you and I are genetically programmed to find nature scenes, trees, rivers, water, plants, flowers, birds chirping to be naturally engrossing. That is the reason, Nature has a great impact on both physical and mental wellbeing.

agriculture-asia-cat-china-235648

When we are experiencing Nature, with our senses like seeing, hearing, touching, not just it charges our mood but also has an impact on all the systems of our body like the nervous, endocrine and immune system.
Therefore, the different ways by which Nature can have an impact on our physical and mental wellbeing are:

woman-open-arms-while-closed-eyes-smiling-photo-712413

Nature reverses: In an unpleasant environment in our day to day life, we build up stress, negative emotions like anger, fear, stress which elevates the stress hormones like cortisol, increases the heart rate, elevates the blood pressure. So, when the body is in fight or flight response, all our muscles become tensed up, the body goes in a defensive mood. Then, there is no energy left for growth and regeneration and the immune system gets suppressed. Therefore, we become vulnerable to disease. Spending time in Nature every day, heals this body’s unpleasant state, lowers the stress hormones level and bring out the calmness in us. The body’s heart rate, blood pressure get stabilised and the immune system starts working normally. Nature reverses our body back to the parasympathetic mood which is relaxation.

photography-of-dirt-road-surrounded-by-trees-1033729

Nature Relieves: Physician Robert Ulrich conducted a study, quite sometime back showed that patients who view Nature scenes, trees can get pain tolerated better, heals faster and leaves the hospital earlier. Similar results are also found by some very recent studies conducted on patients who viewed Nature scenes from hospital rooms.

nature-bird-red-wildlife-36762

Mental Wellbeing: Studies carried out in Mind, has shown that majority of the people who were depressed, stressed out after spending time amid Nature, have dramatically improved their mood, became more calm and balanced. Even children with ADHD, have improved their attention time after spending time with Nature. Human finds Nature very engrossing and interesting, therefore, spending time in Nature also improves the power of concentration and focus.

best-friends-blond-hair-bonding-1574650

Connection: Spending too much time in front of computer, TV screen make us Nature deprived. Not only it increases the stress level but also lack of physical activity can cause a rise in mortality rate due to various chronic illnesses. According to Human-Environment Lab research, the people who have more trees, plants and green spaces around their buildings made a better connection with fellow beings, more unity, helping and supporting each other. Nature evolves the spirit of connection and empathy in human.

Thanks for reading.

Blessings and much love to all 💐

Post : 7 immune boosting ways of Human, as holobiont: The secret world 🙌

by drjurisharma, posted in life

Hello everyone ! Have a wonderful week 🙋🏻

img_0527-2

img_0531-1

The term “holobiont” literally means the host living along with other species of bionts as a single entity, in other words, the interaction of the host with the microbiome. Since the evolution of living species including the human being, there has been a continuous evolution of this co-dependency of the host and microbiome interaction. It has become an integral part of our biology. The human as a holobiont not only restrict its function as the body’s natural defence mechanism called the immune system but also maintain the physiological processes like the energy metabolism, blood pressure control, glucose haemostasis, clotting risk factors and also adiposity. It can even influence our everyday habits and behaviour.

img_0528

(Pic courtesy: digitallylearn.com)

img_0536

Microbiome (pic; Europa)

The human microbiome intimate interaction normally maintains stable homeostasis which gives us stable health and wellbeing. Researches have increasingly recognized the human gut microbiota as the key area which mainly is responsible for this homeostasis and plays a decisive role in our overall health. But when there is any kind of disruption which crosses the resilient limits of the equilibrium or the homeostasis, the body goes into an alternative state of susceptibility, a pre-disease state which can lead to the development of chronic or inflammatory conditions.

img_0530

Pic courtesy: mBio -ASM

Another interesting fact is that since the time of evolution, there has been a continuous co-evolution of the interdependency of both the host and the microbiome. The microbiome has been transferred through the generations of humans, the ancestral lineage. In the natural state, there has been a series of mutation on the microbiome phenotypes in their adaptation to the continuous changes of the human habitat. There has been a constant change in the environmental conditions, dietary changes, behaviours, lifestyle changes which directly affect the interaction and adaptation of the microbiome colonies. Initially, the adaptations were quite smooth, and the mutations were usually beneficial for both the host (human) as well as the microbiome. But as the time passed by, due to the various environmental changes like in diet, sunlight, pollution, toxins, cosmetics, sedentary lifestyle, inculcating harmful habits, have lead to certain harmful mutations on the microbiota daily which not only disrupt the normal homeostasis but can lead to many chronic inflammatory conditions like obesity, diabetes, inflammatory bowel conditions, drug-resistant infections and a wide range of diseases including cancers.

fuu-j-1154532-unsplash

Therefore, we, as human and as a holobiont need to take utmost measures to maintain this symbiotic relationship between us and the microbiome flora especially the gut microbiota. The better is the natural homeostasis, the equilibrium, the more is our stronger defence system and the better immune response of our body and lesser is the susceptibility to any diseases, chronic inflammation and infection including this present scare of a novel virus, Coronavirus.
Few simple measures that we can take on a day to day basis to maintain this normal homeostasis of the microbiota are :

1.Healthy nutrition.
2.The sleep of at least 8 hours a day.
3.Body movements like exercise, yoga, aerobics
4.Deep breathing exercises to calm down stress. (stress aggravates inflammation)
5.Meditation is important because it has immense benefits on both the mind and the body’s homeostasis.
6.Supplements from natural sources like aloe vera, turmeric (Curcumin), ginger, garlic, multivitamins so on.
7.Maintaining bodily hygiene.

Thanks for reading.

Take care. Blessings and much love to all 💐

Post : Placebo effect and Nocebo effect 🤗

by drjurisharma, posted in healing, health, mental health, Science, wellness

Hello everyone ! Have a wonderful Friday 🙋🏻

I am sharing with you today, a beautiful talk by Dr Lissa Rankin MD, which gives you the idea how powerful is our mind, which has the ability and the enormous capacity to heal the body from any disease and illness.

Hope, you like watching it as much as I do.

Blessings and much love to all 💐

Post : Emotions affects physical health 🙇🏻‍♀️ 4 ways to better handle your emotional wellbeing.

by drjurisharma, posted in body, health, lifestyle, dietary, exercise, herbs, water, liver, stroke, cancer, hepatitis, cognitive health, Diwali, fear, pain, emotions, healing, health, mental health, spiritual, wellness

Hello Everyone ! Have a great day 🙋🏻

Your body is not a single entity. It is a community of 50 trillion cells which behaves the way you think, feel and act. When you are in good emotional health, your healthy mental state influence every cell of your body to grow, function healthily and die in normal cyclical order. Again, new cells born and the cycle goes on. But, then this is an ideal situation.

Today, life is full of stressful and unwanted changes. Some of these events like a job change, job stress, death of loved one, divorced or any such situations create a stronger sense of anxiety, sadness, pain which can completely disrupt your emotional health. With emotions running high, your physical health gets affected causing you to develop high blood pressure, hormonal imbalances, stomach ulcers, weight issues etc. Not only this, your immune system gets affected greatly. You are more prone to disease and illness. So, how do we deal with this?

Controlling our external environment, or the circumstances and events in life is not within our control. There is nothing we can do about it. The only thing we have control is on our emotions, thoughts which do influence our physical health.

4 ways to handle better your emotional state:

1.Resilience: Always keep having a positive view of self. Love yourself and understand your self-worth. This helps in creating a security blanket around yourself. Having strong social support, being close to your loved ones, friends do matter. Learning to accept change in the environment, and keeping everything in proper perspective is important. Not everything in life will happen as per your will. All these mindsets help in building resilience to deal with any situations healthily.

2.A balanced life: Always count on your Blessings and gratefulness. Focus on things in your life for which you are grateful. Try not to get obsessed with anything like job pressure, relationship issues, problems at work or at home. Because things do change with time. Let go of the things which are stressful to your life and make time for things which you can enjoy. Create a balance in your life which helps you, in your both, emotional and physical health.

3.Calm your mind: There is a strong mind-body connection. The more your mind is calmer, the more you are stressfree and enjoy a healthier body. Always, make time to engage yourself in mind activity like meditation, listening to calm music, deep breathing, stretching or Yoga.

4.Self-care: To take care of emotional health, try taking care of your physical health by following a healthy routine of eating healthy, sleep, exercise. Releasing pent up emotions by sharing with loved ones and friends is important too. Exercising also helps in letting out pent up emotions.

Thanks for reading.

Much love to all 💐