Tag: life

10 facts: How Radon enter our homes 🏠?

by drjurisharma, posted in Blog, healing, health, life, Lung cancer, nature, Parkinson disease, migraine, fertility, Pollution , radioactive gas, pollutants, Radon gas, environmental pollution, Science, wellness

1. Radon is a naturally radioactive gas released from soil, water, and rocks. It is invisible, tasteless, and odourless. According to WHO, this gas is a potential health risk to the human population.Studies show that this gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer, next to smoking. When radon decays, it produces radioactive dust, which, when inhaled for a long time, can damage lung tissues, causing lung cancer. Therefore, it is considered a human carcinogen.

2. Research shows other potential health risks related to inhalation of radon gas exposure are Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and dementia. Radon gas poisoning is considered hazardous to human health. There is no specific threshold up to which level it can be considered a health risk. Even a small concentration of long-term exposure can cause lung cancer.

3. In Nature, radon is everywhere. But in some areas, radon is present in higher levels like near coal mines, limestone caverns and near surface of bedrock. Soil with high permeability, soil of a slope or hill, soil close to bedrock, mining plant, oil refineries are found to have higher concentration of radon.

4. How does radon exposure affect human life on a day-to-day basis? Buildings which are homes, offices, and educational institutions like schools, colleges, and shopping malls, where we spend most of our hours cause the exposure to this harmful gas. Radon gas is trapped in cracks of walls, floors, in the basement, crawl spaces, in the drainage system like pipes, wires that are not sealed properly. Bulding materials like concrete, granite also emit radon but in low levels.

Cracks on walls

5. Radioactive particles are released when radon gas decays, which are inhaled in the lungs when breathed. The particles get deposited in the lung tissues over a period causing damage to lung tissues. The onset of the disease and the period of exposure can be many years. Many risk factors can influence like:

• Age and duration of exposure.

• Concentration of exposure.

• Climate-like exposure is higher in winter than in summer.

• Water sources.

• Smoking.

6. Children are more vulnerable to radon exposure as they breathe faster than an adult. Young children’s lungs are different in shape and size as compared to adult lungs. These factors make them at greater risk of high level of radon exposure than average adult. But there are not yet, any concrete studies to prove that children have higher risk of lung cancer than adult due to radon exposure.

Reservoir

7. Radon is present in water of the reservoirs, lakes, rivers and underground sources. So, home water supply coming from a treatment facility is much safer than coming directly from underground sources and wells. People working in underground work like coal mines, other metal mining businesses, fertilizer factories, oil refineries are more vulnerable to radon exposure.

Lake

8. Safety measures to reduce radon gas exposures at homes are like :

• Proper ventilation and airflow inside the house by opening windows, using fans and air conditioning.

• Using safe treatment water supply.

• Sealing cracks in floors, walls, and pipes with materials recommended for these purposes.

• Prevent smoking inside the house as well as outside.

• Using radon-resistant techniques while in the construction phase of the building rather than later.

9. Testing: If the radon level is never tested at your house, it is important to contact a Professional use a Test Kit or install a radon reduction system. However, every Country has their safety standards, but usually radon level of 4 pCi/L or above is not safe. Below 2pCi/L is considered safe.A radon reduction system is usually important to install in such homes. While buying a property, renovating, and repairing, the radon levels need to be measured before and after.

10. As already mentioned, radon present everywhere in the environment is not a health risk factor to the human population. Trouble occurs when radon exposure reaches inside homes or the buildings that people live or visit daily like schools and offices. So, it is important to have general awareness, using regular radon testing kits, installing radon reduction system if necessary, safety measures to reduce exposures and safe water supply. Homes and buildings below 2pCi/L is recommended and safe for human dwelling.

Thanks for reading.

Peace and love 🙏

8 facts: Broken Heart Syndrome 💔

by drjurisharma, posted in Broken heart syndrome, Tokotsubo syndrome, emotional health, fear, pain, emotions, healing, health, Heart disease, Heart, cardiovascular disease, cardiomyopathy, Science, wellness

1.Broken heart Syndrome is a temporary heart condition known as Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, as it was first described in Japan in 1990. This condition of the heart weakens the left ventricular muscles, making blood pumping difficult. The condition is associated with a severe emotional episode, extreme physical stress, loss of a loved one, sudden illness, or a serious accident.

2.Broken heart syndrome symptoms may mimic the classic symptoms of a heart attack like pain in the chest, severe pressure or heaviness in the chest, shortness of breath, fatigue and cold sweats. Pathologically, there is no actual blockage in the coronary arteries. Research shows that extreme emotional, and traumatic stress, the rise of catecholamines and stress hormones like adrenaline causes the heart muscles or the coronary arteries to stun the heart temporarily, preventing the left ventricle from pumping blood effectively.

Ballooning of left ventricle

3. Studies show about 90% of the cases are women and many of them recover without any long-term damage. The exact cause is still not known. But the common causes which are found to be:

• Sudden loss of a loved one.

• Severe physical pain.

• Sudden illness.

• Domestic violence.

• Serious accident.

• Huge financial loss.

• Intense fear.

4. Though physical symptoms and ECG changes like ST segment elevation can misdiagnose a heart attack, other imaging studies are required to rule out a heart attack. The most common diagnosis of Broken heart syndrome is no evidence of blockages in coronary arteries which on the other hand, is a classical sign of a heart attack. In the echocardiogram, there is a bulging of the lower part of the left ventricle seen in Broken heart syndrome, which resembles a tako-tsubo (a Japanese octopus trap pot), hence the name is derived. This is quite a confirmatory sign of Broken heart syndrome or Takotsubo cardiomyopathy.

5. To sum up the differences between Broken heart syndrome and heart attack are:

• The angiogram shows no signs of blockage of coronary arteries.

• Blood work, especially enzyme levels shows no sign of heart damage.

• An echocardiogram shows abnormal bulging or ballooning of the lower part of the left venticle so, also known as Balloning heart syndrome.

• Recovery is faster within days to a couple of weeks.

6. Broken heart syndrome is not usually fatal, and under treatment and observation, the individual recovers within weeks to a month. The prognosis is good and there is also less risk of such episodes in future. But in rare cases, it may become fatal causing severe short-term heart muscle failure. Research continues to learn more about the diagnosis and treatment of cases of Broken heart syndrome.

7. There is no standard treatment for Broken heart syndrome and is mainly individual-specific. Medication is required to reduce the stress on the heart muscles. Medications like Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE), Beta-blockers, diuretics, and blood thinners are used to heal the heart muscles and prevent further episodes. Complete recovery is likely within a month or so.In addition to this, management of stress is also required to prevent such episodes in future.Regular follow-ups are required for the individual.

8. Broken heart syndrome or Takotsubo syndrome has been researched to have certain general pre-disposing risk factors like smoking, hypertension, obesity, diabetes, pulmonary diseases, malignancies, neurological diseases and psychological disorders. Evidence also shows higher prevalences in females compared to males. Although routine checkups, ECG, blood work and echocardiograms are necessary at regular intervals, it is important to work on stress factors like meditation, yoga, deep breathing and mindfulness techniques.

Thanks for reading.

Peace and love 🙏

10 facts to know about Vitamin D linking to mental health🧠

by drjurisharma, posted in cognitive health, fear, pain, emotions, Food, healing, health, life, mental health, Vitamin Deficiency, mental health,, wellness

Vitamin D deficiency is critical for both physical and mental health. Here are some facts to understand the impact of vitamin D on mental health.

1.Several research studies have concluded that low vitamin D levels are directly linked to anxiety, mood changes, depression and cognitive dysfunction such as impaired memory, sadness, weight loss and loss of appetite. Studies have not shown that vitamin D deficiency causes depression but people who suffer from depression do show low levels of vitamin D.

2. Vitamin D mainly maintains the body’s calcium homeostasis. It is also crucial as a neurosteroid hormone and plays a significant role in maintaining normal brain functions and helping in brain development. Therefore, numerous studies have shown that hypovitaminosis D is linked to depression and neurocognitive disorders.

3.Some studies have shown that seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is more prevalent in winter as there is a lowering of Vitamin D levels in the cold season. Lack of exposure to sunlight in winter months is shown to increase the incidences of depression, mood changes and anxiety issues.

4. Rising cases of suicide have been a common risk factor for low vitamin D levels (psychiatric times.com).A research study in 2023 found a correlation between low vitamin D levels with cases of suicidal behaviour. Therefore, vitamin D supplementation is mandatory for all those who have low levels can help to address mental health issues and prevent cases of suicide thereby saving lives.

5.As mentioned earlier, Vitamin D is required for normal brain development. Vitamin D supplementation is essential in childhood for overall brain and cognitive development. Low levels of vitamin D have been found in many cases of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactive disorder). Improved levels of vitamin D by supplementation have shown marked improvement in symptoms of ADHD children.

6. Vitamin D deficiency has been found to have a direct correlation with adult schizophrenia. Studies show that it is quite common to have in individuals with poor nutrition, elderly persons, people living in regions with insufficient sunlight, or during pregnancy. So, it is important to routinely check the levels of Vitamin D to reduce such risk factors. Correction of the levels of vitamin D shows marked improvements in symptoms of such mental illness.

7. Vitamin D acts as a neuroprotective neurotransmitter and helps to maintain the functions of neurons and glial cells of the central nervous system. So, administrating Vitamin D helps to reduce the oxidative stress and neurotoxicity on the cortical neurons. Therefore, controlling the neuronal inflammations helps to reduce many psychiatric illnesses.

8.Strong evidence shows that low levels of Vitamin D are related to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and Parkinson’s disease. Vitamin D supplementation can improve or even prevent the neurodegenerative process by reducing the deposition of beta-amyloid plaques, intra-neuronal tangles of tau-protein and loss of cholinergic neurons and synapses.

9. Vitamin D levels ranging from 50nmol/L or above are sufficient to maintain overall physical and mental health well-being. Blood levels below 20 ng/mL are treated as insufficient and require immediate vitamin D administration. Normal levels can be maintained by exposure to sunlight, vitamin D supplementation and food sources like oily fishes, eggs, meat, liver, veggies like broccoli, pumpkin, green leafy veggies, green peas, avocados and many more.

10. Though vitamin D is not the only cause of mental health issues, essentially, it is an important nutrient to maintain normal brain function and neurochemistry. In the general population, many people do suffer from vitamin D deficiency, unknowingly. Supplementation of vitamin D can improve the blood levels in individuals and can at least help address the challenges of mental health issues.

Thanks for reading.

Peace and love 🙏

8 facts: Are CoQ10 supplements actually necessary ? 🙌

by drjurisharma, posted in antioxidant, body, health, lifestyle, dietary, exercise, herbs, water, liver, stroke, cancer, hepatitis, butter,dairy,inflammatory,disease,cancer,gut health,, cognitive health, Flavonoids, antioxidants, anti inflammatory, healing, health, Heart disease, life, meditation, inflammation, disease, physical health, mental health, wellbeing, Parkinson disease, migraine, fertility, Science, Supplement, Coenzyme, Q10, wellness
CoQ10 supplement

1.We have often encountered a supplement named CoQ10, commonly seen in the drug aisle of a supermarket. Let’s know, what exactly CoQ10 is. Well, it is Coenzyme Q10, a fat-soluble, vitamin-like molecule, which is naturally present in every human cell. It is a powerful antioxidant that converts food into energy. Like all other antioxidants, it can neutralize the free radicals and prevent oxidative stress. Therefore, it can prevent us from many chronic health problems and slow down the ageing process.


2.Clinical studies have suggested that CoQ10 plays a significant role in:
It may help in preventing heart-related problems.
Improving the overall immunity.
Improve physical endurance.
Improves male fertility.
Prevent migraine.
Improves blood sugar level in diabetes.
Supports treatment of neuro-degenerative disease like Parkinson’s disease.


3.Evidence-based studies show that people who have a history of heart failure show reduced incidence of heart attack when they take CoQ10 supplements daily along with conventional medications. But then, it has to be prescribed or taken under expert guidance. Several studies have shown similar preventive or improvement levels in cases of heart issues like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, congestive heart diseases and heart damage caused by chemotherapy.


4.CoQ10 supplements have no approval from the FDA or other Drug Regulatory Authorities for the treatment of any medical conditions. However, yet it is easily accessible and available as the over the counter supplements and has been quite popular. It is often recommended as a dietary supplement by many Physicians and Specialists as a supportive therapy to conventional
treatments.

Food sources

5.Naturally dietary sources of CoQ10 intake are enough for overall well-being. Dietary sources are wide variety of whole grains and oily fishes. CoQ10 supplements are not necessary for a healthy individual who has a balanced diet. Supplements of CoQ10 is only necessary for those who suffer from CoQ10 deffeciency, or have health issues like heart disease, migraine, neuro-degenerative
disease or other chronic health conditions. It is not advisable to pick a supplement bottle from the supermarket aisle and start popping unless clinically recommended.

Nuts and seeds

6.As already mentioned, the human body makes enough of CoQ10 as much as it needs. The body content is about 500 to 1500mg and it declines with ageing. The food sources are organ meats, fatty fishes like salmon, sardines, trout, mackerel. As for vegetarians, soya products like tofu, soy milk, and soy yogurt are good food sources. Nuts and seeds, lots of vegetables including broccoli are rich sources of CoQ10.


7.Though CoQ10 supplements do not have major risk or side effects, it is still not advisable to take unless necessary for specific health issues. Some side effects of supplementation can be diarrhea, nausea, heartburn. It may interact with medications like blood thinners with further lowering of blood pressure, or in case of diabetes, subsequent lowering of blood sugar along with hypoglycemic drugs.


8.Due to certain chronic health issues like heart problems, migraine, fertility issues or
neurogenerative conditions, Physicians do recommend CoQ10 supplements. There is no standard dose as such. Depending on the individual’s requirement, dosage varies from 60-500 mg daily. The highest dose recommended daily is about 1200 mg. As it is a fat-soluble substance, it is best absorbed with a fatty meal and better if taken at night.

Thanks for reading.

Peace and love 🙏

10 compelling reasons to consume Flavanoids to combat oxidative stress 🙌

by drjurisharma, posted in Antioxidant,anti inflammatory, immune boosting, anti cancer, Blog, body, health, lifestyle, dietary, exercise, herbs, water, liver, stroke, cancer, hepatitis, brain, detoxification, vegetable,, emotional health, Flavonoids, antioxidants, anti inflammatory, Food, Fresh, local, produce, Fruits, veggies, berries, healing, health, life, meditation, inflammation, disease, physical health, mental health, wellbeing, nature, self healing, wellness
  1. Flavonoids are naturally occurring polyphenolic compounds in various deep-coloured fruits and vegetables. There are 6 different varieties of flavonoids, all of which have antioxidant properties and can help the human body to get rid of different toxins and stress. Therefore, including flavonoids in your routine diet can help to get rid of many chronic health conditions.
  2. Dietary Flavonoids are of 6 subtypes :
    Flavanols , Flavones, Flavan-3-ols, Flavanones, Isoflavones, Anthocyanins.
    Coloured fruits, vegetables, and plants are all rich in flavonoids. Naturally, they are found in apples,purple and red grapes, berries, peaches, oranges, cocoa, chocolate, green tea, black tea, chamomile tea, vegetables like broccoli, lettuce, tomatoes, scallions, red peppers and onions. Flavonoids are dark-coloured pigments so they act as natural pesticides and protect the plants from harmful UV rays, bacteria, viruses and harmful insects.

3. Main functions of flavonoids:
•Powerful antioxidants
•Fights inflammation
•Free radical damage and prevent oxidative stress.

•Anti-haemorrhagic and vasodilatory effects.
•Certain flavonoids, due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties prevent cancer cells from multiplying and decrease the risk of some cancers.

4.Research shows that oxidative stress can lead to cellular damage and disease development. So, oxidative stress can cause many disease conditions like cancers, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases like hypertension, atherosclerosis, chronic inflammatory diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. Flavonoids play an important role in reducing this oxidative stress and free radical damage, thereby preventing cellular damage.

Cocoa (Dark Chocolate)

5.Numerous studies have shown that cancers develop due to oxidative stress, genetic mutations,hypoxia and reduced apoptotic function. Apoptosis, in simple terms, is a normal cellular activity whereby the body tries to eliminate unwanted cells. Flavonoids play an integral part in promoting apoptotic cellular pathways and preventing cancer cells from proliferating and multiplying.

6.Research shows that flavonoids protect the different organs including the liver and brain from free radical damage. Studies show that flavonoids have protective effects of various liver injuries caused by drug and alcohol usage. Since, they are anti-inflammatory, and antitumor, they protect the hepatocytes from inflammation and fibrosis.

7.Flavonoids are a polyphenol group of compounds that can improve and reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Clinical studies in the past have shown that dietary intake of flavonoids can lower the risk of depression. However, further studies are still anticipated to make substantial proof.

8.Flavonoids are best when naturally consumed as all dark-coloured fruits, vegetables, and green tea contain abundant polyphenolic compounds. It should be included in the routine diet for overall
well-being. However, many flavonoid supplements are out in the market. The best supplements are Cucurmin (Tumeric), Green tea, grape seed extract, Resveratrol, Quercetin, hesperidin and Rutin.

9. Toxicity: Intake of natural flavonoids on a daily diet is usually enough. Sometimes, flavonoids supplements are clinically recommended. However, the risk of flavanoid toxicity exists, if someone takes a huge amount of highly potent supplements. It may affect anaemic and elderly patients as flavonoids may bind with non-heme iron. Flavanoid toxicity may cause liver failure, hemolytic anaemia and male reproductive issues. Recommended daily dose of consumption should be around 400-600mg/day.

10.A healthy routine diet rich in flavonoids will provide all the necessary support to the human body to maintain biological activity, provide anti-oxidant effects, reduce oxidative stress and prevent chronic diseases, maintain cardiovascular health and prevent infectious diseases. The key point is that the food readily available to us contains the most effective flavonoids and antioxidants that fortify our health and immune system, making expensive supplements unnecessary

Thanks for reading.

Peace and love 🙏

Silent Sunday 🍂

by drjurisharma, posted in Blog, healing, health, life, nature, self healing, wellness

Peace and love 🙏

10 facts to know about the MTHFR gene 🙌

by drjurisharma, posted in Blog, body, health, lifestyle, dietary, exercise, herbs, water, liver, stroke, cancer, hepatitis, healing, health, life, MTHFR, gene mutations, genetic mutations,, wellness
  1. MTHFR, Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, is an enzyme found in human chromosome 1,located exactly in the short arm. It plays a significant role in folate and homocysteine (amino acid) metabolism. Studies have shown that individuals with MTHFR deficiencies can have hyperhomocysteinemia
    with homocystinuria.
  2. Research in the past decades has shown that this enzyme plays a key role in homocysteine metabolism. The deficiency of this enzyme is an inborn error of folate metabolism, which is quite
    rare. Yet, several studies have identified this variant as the most common cause of
    hyperhomocysteinemia and a risk factor for many disorders connected to defective homocysteine
    metabolism.

3.Genetic deficiency of MTHFR is rare, but around 50 cases have already been identified worldwide. Symptoms in such individuals are seizures, developmental delay, neurological impairment, gait dysfunction, and a very high level of homocysteine in urine and plasma. Genetic testing of the gene mutation can be done on a saliva swab and blood sample.

4.Genetic mutations are inherited and acquired from the parents. There are 2 forms of mutations that can occur on the MTHFR gene – C677T and A1298C. If one such variant is present, one is less likely to have health issues but if both variants are present, then the individual is likely to have serious health problems.

Depression

5.Health issues associated with people who have two variants of the MTHFR gene are :
Homocystinuria
Alopecia areata
Spina bifida
High blood pressure
Depression or bipolar disorder
certain cancers
Miscarriages

Pregnancy

6.MTHFR affects pregnancy: Research has shown a link between MTHFR gene variants related to repeated miscarriages. It is important to test for MTHFR gene mutation in women who have suffered unexplained recurrent miscarriages or delivered babies with neural tube defects. Extra folate supplementation and blood thinning administration can be useful to prevent such miscarriages.

7.Diagnosis of MTHFR variant cases is done by testing blood samples and saliva swabs in individuals with a very high level of homocysteine in urine and plasma and vitamin deficiencies of folate, choline, vitamin B12, B6 and riboflavin. MTHFR mutation variant people may not have health issues and can be treated by preventive measures of supplementation of folate and vitamin B and lifestyle changes like a nutritious balanced diet, sleep, exercise and avoiding smoking.

Down’s syndrome

8.Babies and children born with MTHFR mutation variants may present with symptoms within the first year of birth. Such children may have ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), autism, impairment of sleep, mood disorder, hyperhomocysteinemia, vitamin, folate deficiency, pediatric stroke, spina bifida and Down’s syndrome.

9.Having gene variants is common in the human population. This particular MTHFR variant gene is common in some ethnicities like in Hispanic individuals. Hispanic races have commonly the MTHFR C677T variant. People with such variants are able to process all types of folate. Research shows that 400mcg of folic acid daily can raise the blood folate level irrespective of whether you are MTHFR genotype.

10.Folate and vitamin B are naturally found in many food sources which should definitely be part of the daily diet. Legumes, leafy greens, citrus fruits, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, bananas, avocados and nuts are rich in folate and should be consumed regularly to have normal levels of folate and promote healthy cell division irrespective of gene mutations.

Thanks for reading.

Peace and love 🙏

Silent Sunday🪻

by drjurisharma, posted in Blog, healing, health, life, nature, Purple , flowers, wellness

Peace and love 🙏

New Year wishes, 2025 🙌

by drjurisharma, posted in body, health, lifestyle, dietary, exercise, herbs, water, liver, stroke, cancer, hepatitis, celebration, healing, health, life, New year, 2025, peace, happiness, love, joy, anger,, New Year, wishes, health, healing, happiness, positivity, fitness, self healing, wellness
‘ Let your hopes, not your hurts shape your future’ Martin Luther King, Jr

It’s time to letting go of whatever that give us pain, hurt, sadness, anger, regrets and guilt as the year comes to an end. 

Grateful that another 365 days are approaching to renew ourselves with positive energy, change, optimism and peace which may uplift us in this life’s journey. 

Wishing to all my lovely, fellow bloggers, may this New Year 2025 bring immense happiness, peace and favorableness to all of us.

Have a wonderful and blessed year ahead.

Peace and love 🙏

10 tips of eating healthy🙌

by drjurisharma, posted in body, health, lifestyle, dietary, exercise, herbs, water, liver, stroke, cancer, hepatitis, detoxification, vegetable,, Fresh, local, produce, healing, health, skin, cancer, anti inflammatory, plant, nature, medicine, herb, wellness

Eating healthy is easier and cheaper… Eating healthy isn’t complicated or fussy. In fact , it is the easiest option if we make it a way of life, a …

10 tips of eating healthy🙌