Tuesday 2 June 2020

Benefits of Coronavirus

Don't be surprised, you may find the title of this article a bit strange. Could the Coronavirus, which has wreaked havoc around the world, have any benefits? Yes! Why not? The benefit of man is hidden in every work of the Allah Almighty because the essence of the Allah Almighty is human friendly, there must be some wisdom in every work of the Allah Almighty. But we don't consider it. Come on! See what the benefits of coronavirus are.

The first benefit is the manifestation of the sun. Man on earth has not heeded the command of the Allah Almighty. You know, man has been constantly striving for the destruction of man and making weapons of mass destruction and has made himself the most powerful man on this planet. Considered more powerful and wise, he kept twisting like a naughty child, until someone's words scrawled on his ears, then Allah Almighty twisted his ears in the form of coronavirus and closed it as a punishment.

Today, billions of people in almost all countries of the world have been forced to give up all their activities against their will. Now, if the man has the nails of consciousness, then he should understand that his being is capable of everything. And this is a warning from the virus: O man! Take control, if you don't change your behavior, then your stories will not be in the stories!

The second advantage is that unlike in the past, man has become more cautious about food, and eating in hotels has become a fashion. People feel comfortable leaving their home-cooked food and heading to hotels. Before Corona, when Raqim Al-Huroof used to go to famous hotels on Ring Road in Peshawar for food at the insistence of his friends, of course, due to overcrowding, it felt as if free charity was being distributed here. 

Thanks to Corona, now that hotels are closed, not only will there be a reduction in overeating, but also eating mixed, stale food, dead chickens, and dogs and donkeys will have a negative effect on health. Hospitals will be less crowded. Medication use will also be reduced.

The third major benefit of Corona is that Corona has significantly reduced air pollution. Pollution rates in all major cities of Pakistan were very high. When the Coronavirus is transmitted, then the carbon monoxide emitted by vehicles Decreased by more than fifty percent. Carbon dioxide, which burns the earth, is also declining rapidly. Man has begun to change a lot because of his confinement at home. The truth is that this change is having a positive effect on the earth, the environment, and its atmosphere.

Corona has changed our day and night, changed our routine. Our sleep has also affected the way we wake up and work. All our educational institutions are closed and it is not known how long this will continue. The authorities and private educational institutions are trying to educate the students sitting at home through distance education.

The importance of online education has increased due to Corona. Although we do not have internet, laptop or computer facility everywhere, especially in rural areas, there are still many difficulties in availing online education system, but thanks to Corona, less At least the beginnings have already been made because the time to come will be the digital age. 

The time is not far away when schools, colleges, and universities will be online to educate their students. Children will also be happy that they will have no one to stop them like the classroom. The first step towards online education is a coronavirus. Therefore, the credit should be given to Corona.

However, it is clear that no work of the Creator of the universe is devoid of wisdom. What are the benefits or harms to the creatures due to the coronavirus, all these things are still trapped in the basket of time and the unseen, no one knows, but we should expect that the coronavirus also affects the universe? It will be useful for all creatures because the essence of God is a human being. We should try our best to protect humanity. 

Another benefit of Coronavirus is to spend more time with family and kids. Normally men and women work all day and could not give sufficient time to their children what they required. Due to Coronavirus, all hectic routines are abundant and peoples are doing office work from home. Now, you have sufficient time to enjoy yourself with your family and kids. 

Moreover, due to coronavirus traveling has been limited in all parts of the world. So, obviously, fuel consumption has drastically come down. That is beneficial for environment and human health. Therefore, we all should cater to our health issues, and strengthen the immunity to fight with coronavirus. 

Benefits of Coronavirus

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Why do some people sleep with a sheet even in extreme heat?

Why do some people sleep with a sheet even in extreme heat? You may be surprised to know the reason. Most people suffer from insomnia due to suffocation and suffocation in hot weather. If there is AC in the house, then it is somewhat easier, otherwise, they should be ready to change their clothes overnight. But even so, there are some people who can't even think of sleeping without a blanket or a sheet in this scorching heat. Humans cannot sleep without blankets or sheets despite the extreme heat.

1. Body temperature remains balanced

Humans are warm-blooded creatures, which means that our bodies have the ability to balance their internal temperatures - but this system weakens when we are asleep. For this the reason, something external is needed to maintain the temperature and in this case, a sheet or blanket helps to maintain the temperature

2. It is a habit to cover oneself with a blanket or sheet.

It is a part of human nature that it is very difficult to get rid of the habit that one becomes addicted to. The brain is accustomed to the fact that as soon as the blanket is inserted, the brain signals that it is time to go to bed - which is why some people are accustomed to it. Use

3. Blanket or sheet eliminates Anxiety

When we cover ourselves with a sheet or blanket, our body automatically releases chemicals that can lead to restful sleep. Some people take the sheet to reduce their anxiety.

4. The impression of being safe from covering oneself with a blanket

As a child, when a person was scared or frightened by the darkness of the night, he hides in a sheet or a blanket - the same thing is still present in the psyche. This is why when a sleeping person hides in a blanket, he begins to feel safe, which allows him to sleep peacefully.

Why do some people sleep with a sheet even in extreme heat?

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Monday 1 June 2020

Is TB Curable Disease?

Is TB Curable Disease? TB is a contagious disease and when a patient coughs. The TB bacteria in their mucus spread to other people through the air, thus making the other person a TB patient. Every year millions of people around the world fall victim to a contagious disease like TB. More than 4,500 patients die every day due to lack of timely treatment facilities.
TB is not an incurable disease and medicines are readily available to treat it, but despite all this, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), TB has become a major cause of death in the world. That is why every year on March 24, World Tuberculosis Day is observed. The purpose of celebrating this day is to provide basic information about tuberculosis to the common man.

Caution in TB

Being an infectious disease, TB patients need to be very careful.  TB specialist doctors on the symptoms and treatment of the disease say that the patient should always keep in mind that it is a contagious disease, so the patient should always keep his mouth shut when coughing. Cover with a cloth to prevent TB bacteria from reaching other people.

What does TB not spread?

Shaking hands, sharing food or drink, touching an infected person's bed or toilet, sharing a toothbrush, and kissing an infected person do not transmit TB. It was previously thought that TB usually affected the lungs, but later research showed that other parts of the body could also be affected, including the kidneys, brain, and cerebellum. The intestinal disease has also been reported in hospitals in rural Pakistan. If the disease is not treated properly, the patient's life is in grave danger.

Types of TB

There are two main types of TB, multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB), and large-scale drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB). The first type of TB described is now more common in many countries, and special precautions are recommended, including wearing a mask at all times. Immune drugs or antibiotics do not work at all in this type of TB.
XDR-TB is a rare form, however, if the patient shows reluctance or laxity in the initial treatment of MDR-TB and does not follow the rules of hygiene with irregular use of drugs, then the third and last degree. XDR-TB increases. In addition to antibiotics, this type of TB is also resistant to at least one in three vaccines, leaving the patient with very few treatment options. If an AIDS patient is exposed to XDR-TB, his chances of recovery are nil.

TB Treatment

Is TB Curable Disease thus, before the industrial development in Europe, due to the lack of facilities, millions of people lost their lives due to this disease. A decade ago, after the discovery of cures for the disease, it seemed that the disease was on the verge of disappearing from the world, but suddenly the germs of the disease re-emerged in a different way.
That is why, if TB is not treated properly and completely, the disease often recurs. Experts say, "Sometimes the patient feels that the symptoms of the disease have disappeared and because of this he stops taking the medicine when in fact it does not happen. If the disease is not treated completely, the bacteria can re-infect any part of the body. ”

TB Prevention

The most effective way to prevent and spread TB is to treat it properly and in a timely manner. Medications should be used according to their full weight as directed by the doctor, while treatment should not be discontinued prematurely. For the treatment of TB, a qualified and specialist doctor should be consulted as one of the elements or all the elements of misdiagnosis. Therefore, misdiagnosis and incorrect duration of treatment by an unqualified doctor together can make common TB MDR and X.
There is a need to improve precautions against TB and access to treatment. To eradicate it, ensure adequate funding on a sustainable basis, including research, to rid the world of TB. People should get themselves tested to see if they are infected with TB.
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Sunday 31 May 2020

Why Soybeans are Beneficial?

Soybeans belong to the pea family. It is a type of legume plant that is widely grown around the world. The North and South American regions are the most famous for soybean cultivation, but its main area is South Asia. Although the process of growing soybeans is very simple, more importantly, soybeans are one of the healthiest foods for human health.

Research on the benefits of soybeans is ongoing, but so far, based on the facts gathered, experts recommend including soybeans in the diet would be great benefits to the human body. According to him, the use of soybean-based food is a solution to health problems, especially heart disease. After all, what are the benefits of soybeans that medical experts recommend using, let’s take a look at what are soybeans used for.

Nutrients in Soybeans

Soybeans are high in quality nutrients, and rich in protein. It is one of the two most popular plant foods (the other plant is called the seed of Gul Ashrafi), which contains the essential nutrient amino acids. There are also some soybeans that contain calcium and iron, such as Chinese tofu or calcium-fortified soy drinks. Soybeans are high in fiber, protein, vitamin K, vitamin C, foliate, low fat, cholesterol-free, lactose-free, and omega 3 fatty acids.

Improves Metabolic Activity

Soybeans are considered to be the most important and special source of protein. Plenty of protein in the body helps in improving the efficiency of metabolism and the overall physical system. Protein is an excellent ingredient for the human body, which is said to be essential for weight loss, building and repairing muscles, and blood cells. It is difficult for people who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet to get the right amount of protein. Soybeans provide plenty of protein as an alternative to meat, chicken, eggs, dairy products, and fish.

Cancer Resistance

Soybeans contain high levels of antioxidants, says Dan Pratt, a researcher of an American university. According to the American Institute of Cancer Research, soybeans are high in fiber, which reduces the risk of colorectal and colon cancer in the human body. On the other hand, experts say that the flavones (a type of phytoestrogen) and polyphenol compounds found in soybeans also protect against cancer.

Improves Heart Health

Soybeans are recognized as an important source of healthy and unsaturated fats, which help lower total cholesterol in the body. Unsaturated fats protect you from atherosclerosis (a heart disease in which a rigid substance accumulates in the heart and its arteries). It is a disease that can easily lead to life-threatening diseases such as heart attack and stroke. 25 grams of soy protein per day reduces the risk of heart disease.

Controlling Diabetes

Soybean consumption is considered the best for diabetics. The use of soybeans in a variety of ways is important in preventing or managing diabetes. Soybeans contain a significant amount of carbohydrates because they do not contain starch. Its carbohydrate rates provide energy without increasing the amount of sugar.

Useful for Bones

Soybeans contain significant amounts of vitamins and minerals (calcium, magnesium, selenium, copper, and zinc), which are essential for bone growth and repair. All of these elements are essential for osteotropic activity, which is considered necessary. These nutrients are important in building new bones and activating existing bone function. In addition, soy contains certain fatty acids that are considered essential for a healthy body system.

Essential for pregnant women

The world is progressing day by day, but the rising rate of disease is alarming. In this case, the use of soybeans is considered best for pregnant women. High levels of vitamin B and folic acid in soybeans are good for the life of a pregnant woman and baby. Folic acid protects newborns from mental illness after birth. So, there are numerous benefits of soybeans for women and men. You should use it on a regular basis.

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Saturday 30 May 2020

Fruits in Diabetes?

Diabetics need to be very careful in eating and drinking, but often they are reckless in seeking sweets, which can be harmful to them. However, nature has given us a sweet alternative to fruit. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends that diabetics can eat any type of fruit, except those that cause allergies.

The British Medical Journal found that the more fruit you eat, the lower your risk of developing type-2 diabetes. In this regard, fresh fruits and their juices are beneficial, it is necessary to avoid processed fruits or artificial fruit drinks. Let's see what fruits diabetics can enjoy.

Berries

According to the ADA, berries (juice berries, blueberries, and strawberries) are diabetic super-foods because they contain a variety of vitamins and fiber that have a positive effect on the health of diabetics. Experts consider berries to be an excellent antioxidant, so diabetics may be allowed to consume three-quarters of a cup of berries a day, which contains 62 calories and 16 grams of carbohydrates. Put berries in yogurt and eat it for breakfast, it will be a great dessert.

Cherry

Cherries are a great addition to a diabetic-friendly diet for diabetics. One cup of cherries contains 78 calories and 19 grams of carbohydrates. Rich in antioxidants, cherries can help fight heart disease, cancer, and other ailments. Cherries can be bought fresh, in cans, frozen and dried, but many canned and dried fruits contain extra sugar, which can raise your blood sugar level, so be sure to read the labels before using them.

Peach

Summer fragrant and juicy peaches can also be included in the diabetic diet. Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Potassium, and Fiber in it along with its usefulness also make you familiar with the taste of this fruit. Its use keeps the sugar level low and it also helps in melting the excess body fat. However, using the peach with ice tea in the summer can double the taste. To make this smoothie you will need low-fat buttermilk with peach slices, ice cubes, and a little ginger or cinnamon.

Apricot

In hot weather, you get apricots, which have 17 calories and 4 grams of carbohydrates in one grain. A fresh apricot provides 50% of the vitamin A your body needs in a day, while it is also an excellent source of fiber. It can also be eaten as a salad and mixed with a cold or hot porridge.

Apple

Eating an apple rich in vitamin C daily can really keep the doctor away from you, so be sure to eat it in your bag or car and peel it whenever you want. An apple has 77 calories and 21 grams of carbohydrates. It contains vitamin C as well as fiber. Do not peel an apple because it is rich in antioxidants. Wash apples thoroughly before eating.

Pear

Pears are an excellent source of fiber and vitamin K, so be sure to include them in your diet. In addition, after getting off the tree, its texture and taste improve. A pear contains only one gram of sugar, it also helps in weight loss. Keep it at room temperature until well cooked, eat like this and add flavor to salads.

Kiwi

If you haven't eaten kiwi yet, you haven't eaten anything. This delicious fruit is rich in potassium, fiber, and vitamin C. A large kiwi fruit contains 56 calories and 13 grams of carbohydrates, which will be a great addition to your diet. Kiwi is available all year round and can stay in your refrigerator in good condition for up to three weeks.

Oranges

Orange season is no more, but whenever the season comes, eat a canoe and get a day's supply of vitamin C. A canoe contains only 15 grams of carbohydrates and 62 calories. It also contains folate and potassium which helps in normalizing blood pressure. Don't forget grapefruit, which is probably for diabetics, if you enjoy the fruit juice of the Orange family.

Note: This article is intended to enhance readers' knowledge. Diabetics must also consult their physician before using these fruit. 
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What Fruits Should be Eaten in Diabetes need to be very careful in eating and drinking, but often they are reckless in seeking sweets.

What Fruits Should be Eaten in Diabetes need to be very careful in eating and drinking, but often they are reckless in seeking sweets.

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Black Tea is also Good for Health

Black tea, also called coffee in Urdu, is famous all over the world. In South Asian countries, milk is added to black tea and is drunk with great relish. To obtain this tea, the leaves and buds of a special plant, Camellia sinensis, are subjected to various processes.

If you also think that different teas are made from different plants, then this idea is wrong because in fact tea is green or black is made from the same plant. We often hear about the benefits of green tea, but today we are going to tell our readers about the miraculous benefits of black tea, which have extremely beneficial effects on human health.

Full of antioxidants

Antioxidants are considered to be very useful for health. They prevent the release of free radicals from the body, damage to the cellular surface and damage to DNA, as well as the removal of cells that have a negative effect on health. Ultimately, this process reduces the risk of chronic diseases in the human body.

Polyphenols are a type of antioxidant found in a variety of beverages, foods, and especially black tea. Black tea contains polyphenol group (The flione, Ketchin, Therbang). Research has shown that theophylline reduces the risks of obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol.

Useful for heart health

Tea contains flavonoids, a group of antioxidants that are found not only in tea but also in dark chocolate, a variety of vegetables and fruits. This group is considered to be extremely beneficial for heart health. Regular use of flavonoids reduces the risk of heart disease in humans such as heart attack, stroke, obesity, and high cholesterol. A study of the benefits of black tea shows that consuming 3 cups of coffee a day reduces the risk of heart disease in humans by 11%.

Decreasing the level of bad cholesterol

We know that there are many types of cholesterol in the human body, two of which are more popular. There is a type of LDL, also called bad cholesterol. It should be less than 100 mg/dl in the body. HDL is also a type of cholesterol, called good cholesterol. The amount should be 60 mg/dl or more in the blood. A study has shown that daily consumption of tea reduces the amount of LDL in the blood. In one study, a specific group was given 5 cups of black tea a day, followed by an 11% reduction in individual LDL in the study.

Helps reduce the risk of cancer

There are many types of cancer, some of which are considered incurable. The polyphenols found in black tea cause cancer cells to grow and inhibit their movement. A test-tube study looked at the effects of polyphenols in tea on cancer cells. Studies have shown that this ingredient, found in green and black tea, resists the growth of cancer cells and inhibits the process of new cell formation.

Improving esophageal health

Studies have shown that the types of bacteria found in the intestinal tract plays a very important role in keeping you healthy. Some of these bacteria are good for your health while some are harmful. In fact, various studies have shown that certain types of these bacteria also play an important role in preventing various diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cancer.

The polyphenols found in black tea also play an important role in improving the health of the esophagus, especially the growth of good bacteria while resisting harmful health bacteria. On the other hand, black tea is also rich in antibacterial properties. These properties help to improve the health of the esophagus and also help to alleviate digestive problems.

Reducing the risk of diabetes

Diabetes is a metabolic disease from which the bioactive compound found in black tea is very useful. In this regard, experts recommend the use of 2 to 3 cups of black tea daily. According to him, regular consumption of black tea reduces the risk of diabetes by 42%.
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Tuesday 26 May 2020

Foods that Keep the Kidneys Clean

Everyone knows that the kidneys work to cleanse our body of waste but have you ever wondered what it is like to keep your kidneys clean? If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or arterial stenosis, you may also be at risk for kidney disease. That's why kidney health needs to be taken care of. The health of the kidneys depends on the health of the whole life, so it is just as important to take care of it as it is to take care of your physical beauty. In this article, you will know Foods that Keep the Kidneys Clean. Here are some foods that will help protect your kidneys and your immune system.

Leafy Vegetables

Our mothers cook green leafy vegetables for us with so much love and desire, but we frown but don't know how rich these green leafy vegetables are in vitamin C and K. These vitamins control our blood sugar, which lowers the pressure on the kidneys. Green leafy vegetables are widely available in the market. Try to cook leafy vegetables daily or eat them as a salad. Green leafy vegetables are very imperative for our body's immune system.

Cranberry

Cranberry or cranberry juice can be beneficial in preventing urinary tract infections, as well as clearing the calcium oxalate that accumulates in the kidneys, which can lead to stones. However, for this you need to drink natural cranberry juice. This is not only beneficial but also delicious. It cleans your kidneys and refreshes it like a system reboot.

Turmeric

Inflammation is the body causes many diseases, one of which is kidney disease. To keep the body free from inflammation and the kidneys clean, you need to include the right amount of turmeric in your diet. Turmeric contains curcumin, which has the ability to work against inflammation. Add turmeric to rice, curry, pulses, vegetables, and even smoothies and relax your kidneys. Make your habit to put in adequate Turmeric in your daily diet.

Apple

An apple a day not only keeps the doctor away but also keeps the kidneys free from harmful ingredients. The fiber in apples absorbs toxins, so the kidneys do not have to work very hard. In addition, apples reduce inflammation in the digestive tract. There are a number of other benefits of apple a day.

Garlic

The biggest enemies of your kidney health are toxins and inflammation, garlic helps to keep them both away. Garlic contains Allicin, which has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Both of these properties are very beneficial for the kidneys and blood pressure. That's why prepare any food at home, add garlic in it

Olive Oil

Olive oil also plays an important role in keeping your kidneys healthy along with your overall health. Olive oil lowers your cholesterol, relieves the pain caused by stones, and reduces inflammation. Most importantly, olive oil is readily available. It is better if you use extra virgin oil (unrefined olive oil

Lemon juice

If you want your kidneys to be safe from stones then you have to make friends with lemons. Lemon juice increases your Citrate Level (the process of repairing calcium deficiency and kidney damage by increasing the amount of phosphorus in the blood), which stops the formation of kidney stones. Daily consumption of lemon juice is second to none in keeping your kidneys healthy

Ginger

You may not realize it, but ginger is also very helpful in clearing your kidneys. Whether ginger is crushed, crushed, added to juice, or added to food, it cleans your kidneys in every way. In addition, ginger keeps you away from problems like nausea, pain, loss of appetite and inflammation

Other Beneficial Foods

First of all, make it a habit to drink as much water as possible. If your urine is yellow or brown, it is a sign that you are not drinking enough water. Beans are also excellent food, which is shaped like a kidney. If one is feeling kidney stones, he should boil the beans for six hours and then filter the water and drink it every two hours. The best results will come in one to two days. In addition, basil, celery, grapes, and pomegranate also protect you from kidney stones.

Important Note

In case of any kind of pain or the complaint, do not rely only on food but consult a doctor immediately.


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Monday 25 May 2020

How to Treat the Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are a painful disease in which the tissues of the anus become swollen. In fact, there are some veins in the anus internally. Whose work is to draw blood back, but sometimes these veins become swollen due to any pressure and then this causes the problem of hemorrhoids. Constipation usually puts pressure on these veins, causing them to swell or become infected. In fact, they perform a gentle regurgitation, so that there is no difficulty in expelling the bowel.

Hemorrhoids are a very common disease, but most people are reluctant to consult a doctor for treatment. A conservative estimate is that about 75% of people suffer from hemorrhoids. Common causes of the disease include constipation, diarrhea, prolonged sedentary work, unbalanced diet, excessive consumption of heavy, poultry, sour and greasy foods, and overeating.

In addition, people who sit for long periods of time or lose a lot of weight for defecation also often suffer from this disease. If treated in time, the disease can be easily controlled. In addition, the disease is hereditary, which can be passed from parents to children.

Hemorrhoids during pregnancy are a common medical problem in women. In fact, as the baby grows in the mother's womb, the uterine pressure builds up on the surrounding blood vessels. That is causing the blood to stop flowing, and this blockage of the blood pressure puts pressure on the veins to cause hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids go away on their own after childbirth, but in some cases can become a permanent illness.

Hemorrhoids are usually divided into two types, one called internal and the other external. Internal hemorrhoids spread to the inside of the anus, while the outer hemisphere is limited to the edges of the anus. Sometimes in hemorrhoids, the ducts also come out through the rectum. If there is bleeding from them, it is usually called bloody hemorrhoids and if there is no bleeding, it is called hemorrhoids.

When the ducts come out, it is called "prolapsed" in medical terms. However, the common symptoms of hemorrhoids are stiffness around the anus, pain, irritation, itching, with or after bowel movements. Come out in a bunch and so on. Sometimes the patient feels heaviness in the anus all the time despite the bowel movement.

In hemorrhoids, the ducts become dark blue and there is no pain, but more or less bleeding occurs before or after the discharge, while external hemorrhoids are painful. However, in internal hemorrhoids, when blood clots form in the arteries, there is severe pain and surgery is inevitable.

Note that the pain is usually caused by Fissure and Fistula Anal. Hemorrhoids are diagnosed with a small instrument. Most patients with hemorrhoids use home remedies, such as vegetables and fruits, which prevent constipation but are a temporary treatment.

In addition, frequent use of plain water keeps the waste soft. However, in modern times an "elastic band" treatment is used for hemorrhoids, in which the patient does not have any discomfort or needs to be anesthetized. In addition, different types of injections are given to cure the disease.

However, the elastic band treatment is much easier and longer-lasting. Also, there are several precautions to take to prevent hemorrhoids. For example, use a balanced diet and water, do not sit for long periods of time, be careful with spicy foods, fried foods, and do light exercise daily. Hence, any hesitation to see a doctor can make the disease worse.

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Saturday 23 May 2020

Macular Degeneration Treatment

Maybe you aren't fond of spinach. Maybe you're even less fond of its cousin, collard greens. Well, maybe you'll want to rethink your dinner options and find a way to like these humble these foods can help protect your vision. B. Randy Hammond, Ph.D., who studies eye disease, is certainly convinced. He eats spinach two or three times a week.

Meet Your Macula

Research suggests that you will probably never know to have a macula until something goes wrong with it. It's the small light-sensitive area in the middle of your retina at the back of your eyeball. These cells take in the image received by the lens and send it to your brain to interpret. Over the years, light can eventually damage the macula, causing small deposits of cellular waste matter to accumulate or small blood vessels under the retina to leak or swell.
The early result of this macular degeneration is difficulty seeing small print and distant objects, and gradual loss of central vision. Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in older Americans, affecting one of three people older than 75. There are two types of macular degeneration-one with leaking blood vessels that can be treated with laser surgery. Ninety percent of people with macular degeneration, however, have the "dry" type that currently has no effective treatment.

Foods That May Help

Enter the carotenoids. These are the yellow, orange, and red pigments that abound in many fruits and vegetables, giving them their bright colors. Carotenoids supply a number of health benefits. Carrots, are packed with beta-carotene. Researchers are now finding that vegetables such as spinach and collard greens may help protect the macula, possibly partly because of two carotenoids in these foods, lutein, and zeaxanthin.
The natural pigment found in the macula protects the macula from light damage by filtering out harmful light rays, points out Dr. Hammond, a professor at Arizona State University in Tempe. "The thicker it is, the less light gets through to harm the macula," he says. Because macular pigment is made up of lutein and zeaxanthin, the very same stuff found in spinach and collard greens, it was logical for scientists to investigate whether eating more of these vegetable pigments would thicken the macular pigment.
The Eye Disease Case-Control Study Group at five ophthalmology centers studied 876 people between the ages of 55 and 80. Of this group, 356 had macular degeneration. Researchers found that those who ate the most carotenoids were 43 percent less likely to get macular degeneration-and those who ate spinach and collard greens had the least chance of getting the disease.

Learn to Love Greens

A leading researcher of the Eye Disease Case-Control Study Group, Johanna M. Seddon, M.D., of the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary in Boston, concluded that increasing the carotenoid-containing foods you eat, particularly dark green, leafy vegetables, may decrease the risk of serious age-related macular degeneration.
Dr. Hammond's studies also support this theory. In one of Dr. Hammond's studies, 13 people ate spinach daily for 15 weeks. Macular pigment density increased in four weeks for most of them and remained high several months after they stopped eating the spinach.

Get More Zinc

Some studies suggest that zinc intake may also be related to macular degeneration. When Julie Mares- Perlman, Ph D., assistant professor of ophthalmology and visual sciences at University of Wisconsin Medical School, in Madison, studied nearly 2,000 people ranging in age from 43 to 86, she found that people with the highest intake of zinc from food had the lowest risk for early macular degeneration. (You can find zinc in beef, crab, oysters, poultry, and milk.)

Eat More Fruits and Vegetables

Researchers have long suspected that antioxidants, nutrients found in many fruits and vegetables-which combat damage done by unstable "free radical" molecules-may help protect your eyes. A two-year study at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, involving 976 people found that those with high blood levels of vitamins C and E and beta-carotene were least likely to have macular degeneration.

Stay Away From Fatty Foods

There's also a possibility that the more saturated fat you eat, the higher the risk for macular degeneration. In the Wisconsin survey, signs of macular degeneration were 80 percent more common in the people who ate the most saturated fat and cholesterol. How could dietary fat affect your eyesight?
It could clog arteries or collect in the retina and slow nutrient supply, explains Dr. Mares-Perlman, the study's lead author. She stresses, however, that more research is needed before any definitive link is established. We don't know whether it was the saturated fat content diet, or other aspects of high-fat diets-perhaps low in antioxidants-that was responsible," she says.
However, because decreasing fat and cholesterol intake has plenty of known benefits, its best, in any case, to cut back on the butter, cheese, cream sauces, fatty meats, chips, and dips.

To Supplement or Not to Supplement

Maybe you truly hate greens or don't like to take time to cook. Supplements under the "Eye" in your local vitamin store instead? Supplements offer several problems, says Dr. Hammond. When a study shows that spinach or collard greens help prevent macular degeneration. It's a good guess that the lutein and zeaxanthin are helping, but they could be working with something else in the food.
The food contains many beneficial compounds that we cannot measure that may actually be the compound of importance," says Sheila West, Ph.D., associate professor of ophthalmology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland. There are two other points to keep in mind. First, studies show that vitamins and minerals alone don't do the job:
  • In the Eye Disease Case-Control Study. Which showed the benefit of spinach and collard greens, supplementing with vitamin A, E, or C didn't have a significant effect.
  • The Johns Hopkins study that linked high blood levels of certain vitamins to less risk of macular degeneration found that using vitamin supplements showed no benefit. And, second, the results of the effects of many nutrients aren't definitive.
A Japanese study showed that 35 people with macular degeneration had lower zinc and vitamin E blood levels than 66 people without eye damage, suggesting that low levels of these nutrients are linked with macular degeneration. Conversely, however, a study of 312 people at the Australian National University showed no relation between levels of vitamin E and beta-carotene in the blood and macular degeneration.
Another Australian study, from Sydney University, found no link between levels of vitamin E in the blood and rates of macular degeneration, and only a weak suggestion that selenium levels in smokers might be linked to the disease. What does all this mean? It means no one knows yet exactly what nutrients may help your eyes.
Experts agree that many of us are low in specific nutrients. A large ongoing study at the DVA Medical Center in Chicago showed that people with macular degeneration have a low intake of vitamin E, magnesium, zinc, vitamin B6, and folic acid. But most experts say that the answer is a diet high in fruits and vegetables-not supplements.
There are lots of other food components that have health benefits," says Dr. Mares-Perlman."And some nutrients in the form of a supplement aren't very usable by your body." Dr. Hammond advises people to increase their intake of lutein- and zeaxanthin-containing foods such as spinach and other dark green leafy vegetables.
If despite your best efforts to pack in nutrients, you're concerned that you're not getting enough, experts agree that it's generally safe to add a multivitamin and mineral supplement. You should never, however, take any other supplement without checking with your doctor.

Healing Diets

If you have macular degeneration, you should be under the care of your doctor. Do eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low in fatty foods and cholesterol.
Problems Foods
  • Fatty Foods
  • Foods high in cholesterol
Good Foods
  • Beef
  • Carrots
  • Collard greens
  • Crab
  • Milk
  • Oysters
  • Poultry
  • Spinach

 

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