Health News

What would begin as small non cancerous clumps of cells or polyp could develop into cancer over a period of time. We are now talking about the colon or colorectal cancer that would begin in the large intestine or rectum. There are several risk factors for colon cancer such as family history, age, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, smoking intake of alcohol etc. Not only these, even consuming a diet that is low in fibre content plus intake of processed meats etc can also cause colon cancer in us. Foods to eat to avoid or lower the chances of colon cancer are Cruciferous vegetables intake: The sulforaphane present in the cruciferous vegetables would help us to avoid colon cancer. Intake of cruciferous vegetables would inhibit the cancer cell growth in us. Leafy green vegetables intake: By eating leafy green vegetables that are rich in fibres, folate, lutein and carotenoids etc, toxins would be flushed out plus inflammation in the colon would get lowered, Regular bowel movements would be present and by this colon cancer would be avoided. Beans & legumes intake: The beneficial gut bacteria in the gut would get nourished by intake of these foods having resistant starch and soluble fibres etc. The short chain fatty acids that are produced by this process would have anti-cancer properties in them. This would reduce the inflammation of the colon. Berries intake: Ellagic acid, anthocyanins and vitamin C are present in berries. Colon cells would be protected from oxidative stress by these. As a result, colon cancer can be avoided in us. Fatty fish intake: The inflammation in us would get lowered when we consume omega 3 fatty acids present in the fatty fishes. By decreasing the inflammatory response in the digestive tract, the risk of getting colon cancer could be avoided. Garlic intake: Carcinogens or cancer causing would get destroyed by liver enzymes that get activated by sulphur compounds present in garlic. Our gut health would be supported by the antibacterial properties and might lower the cancer causing substances formation in the colon. Turmeric intake: The cucurmin in turmeric would slow down the cancer cell growth and prevent the spread of tumour in us and that is due to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of cucurmin. Yoghurt and probiotic foods intake: Inflammation would get controlled by intake of probiotic foods.  It is believed that regular intake of yoghurt would help us to maintain digestive balance. By this, we could avoid colon cancer in us.

Have you heard about a magical herb from the mint family called spearmint which when consumed would provide us with numerous benefits? Sounds unbelievable right!! This spearmint or mentha spicata is not only known for its refreshing aroma and mild flavour is used in culinary but it is known for its medicinal benefits too. It is superb to note that spearmint is commonly found in toothpastes, chewing gum etc. Previously it was mostly found in Asia and Europe. These days, it is seen growing all over the world. Numerous health benefits of spearmint are Eases digestive discomfort: For a long time, spearmint has been used to treat digestive issues such as nausea, bloating, indigestion and gas etc. It is believed that carvone present in spearmint would relax the digestive tract muscles. This would ease cramping and discomfort. Those patients with IBS or irritable bowel syndrome who consumed spearmint reported improvements in bloating and pain etc. Full of antioxidants: Our body would get protected from free radical damage by intake of spearmint containing many antioxidants. It is known that oxidative stress due to free radicals would lead to serious issues like cancers, heart diseases etc. Other antioxidants like rosmarinic acid, limonene, flavonoids etc in spearmint also do superbly in preventing oxidative stress in us. Supports hormonal balance in women: Hormones would get regulated in women (having hormonal issues like PCOD etc) due to spearmint. It is worth noting that drinking spearmint tea would increase female hormones like LH and FSH etc and by this ovulation as well as reproductive health would get better. Might reduce excess facial hairs in women: Presence of male hormones would lead to excess hairs on the face of a woman. This would make them feel sad and disappointed etc. It is true that drinking spearmint tea with androgenic properties would help women to overcome this excess facial hair issue. Boost memory and heap in brain function: It was brought to light by some research studies that intake of spearmint would support brain health in the older adults. The older adults showed superb memory power.  Lowers blood sugar levels: It is noteworthy that spearmint tea intake would lower blood sugar levels. This spearmint irea intake cannot be a substitute for medication in lowering the blood sugar levels but it could complement blood sugar management in the coming years. Lowers stress and anxiety in us: These days, stress and anxiety has become common and many of us have these issues and find it difficult. There are various reasons for these mental health issues in us. It is believed that intake of spearmint would improve our stress and anxiety in us. This would boost our sleep also. Reduces joint pain due to arthritis: Spearmint tea high in rosmarinic acid would reduce joint pain due to arthritis issues. The anti-inflammatory properties of spearmint play a role here Lowers blood pressure or BP: A compound carvone present in spearmint would relax the blood vessels in us. By this, our blood pressure or BP would get reduced.

Do you get upset while standing in front of the mirror due to acne on your chin, you are not alone!! It is worthy to note that when pores around the chin get blocked by excess oil, dead skin cells etc, then we could get chin acne. Many suffer from this chin acne and find it difficult. People of all ages can get this issue but mostly chin acne is witnessed in women. Chin acne can be caused due to several reasons. These are Hormonal imbalance: Hormonal fluctuation is a major reason for chin acne. Excess oil production in the skin would be stimulated by androgens or male hormones present in both men and women. This oil would clog the pores leading to acne. It is noteworthy that women would notice chin acne mostly during their pregnancy time or during menstrual cycle or due to the presence of conditions like PCOD etc. Stress: Stress can lead to many health issues in us. Chin acne can also be due to stress but not directly. Point is that stress would increase cortisol in us and this could lead to more oil production that would clog the pores. By this chin acne is possible. Dietary factors: Hormone levels would get influenced and inflammation would become more if we consume certain foods like refined sugars, dairy products etc. It must be noted that some people report clear skin after they have reduced their consumption of such kinds of foods. Poor skin habits etc: Chin acne can also be possible if we touch our face often or use the same facemasks again and again without washing etc. Use of helmets etc: Not many know that by constantly using helmets also we can get chin acne. Point is that friction and trapped sweat in the chin area could aggravate the skin. Underlying medical conditions: Underlying medical conditions such as PCOS or adrenal imbalance etc can also result in chin based acne. It is essential to meet a dermatologist or skin doctor if acne on the chin is severe. Managing chin acne: It is necessary to wash the face twice or thrice daily using gentle cleanser and this would remove oil and clogging of pores etc. Try to avoid sleeping with makeup on.  Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables is important for managing acne on the chin.

Do you have the habit of using hair dye frequently? You might have to think twice before using it!! For cosmetic sake, hair dye is widely used across the globe is well known to us. Concerns have been raised over the years regarding whether frequent use of hair dyes could result in cancer. There are some chemicals present in the hair dyes and these chemicals have been labelled as carcinogenic or cancer causing by IARC or International Agency for Cancer Research. It is noteworthy that this classification was based on the evidence suggesting an increase in the risk of cancer among those who are frequently exposed to hair dyes like barbers, salon workers, hairdressers etc. Truth is that scientific studies that were carried out have examined whether the use of hair dye has been related with certain types of cancer like bladder cancer, blood cancer and breast cancer etc. Small and consistent rise in the risk of bladder cancer is witnessed especially in those whose occupation involved hair due usage. Point is that the results are less clear especially for those persons who use hair dye occasionally in their homes. There are some studies that have shown a relation between use of hair dye and cancer risk. Other studies that focussed on modern products have not shown any link. According to a famous doctor belonging to the department of uro-oncology from Hyderabad based Asian institute for Nephrology & neurology it was clear that potential risk of cancer were believed to arise from certain chemicals that were used in the hair dye formulations.  It is worthy to note that hairs pH would get increased by ammonia and would open the outer layer to allow the penetration of the dye. Hydrogen peroxide used in the hair dyes would act as a bleaching and oxidising agent and would break down the natural pigment. By this, dye would take effect. In many permanent hair dyes, PPD or paraphenylenediamine is used for creating long lasting colour. Though these ingredients could be effective, they would also lad to few side effects in us. Our scalp would get irritated by ammonia present in the hair dyes, hair follicle would get damaged due to over usage of hydrogen peroxide. In some persons, PPD could lead to allergic reactions also. After getting absorbed by the scalp, these chemicals would enter the bloodstream and get filtered by the kidneys. In the end, the chemicals would accumulate in our bladder. As the inner lining of the urinary bladder gets exposed to these substances, there are chances of getting cancer over time. It must be noted that hair dyes that were used before the 1980s contained certain chemicals that posed a greater threat of cancncer in us. Most modern hair dyes are safer to use as the formulation has been updated. Point to be noted is that for those who dye their hair at home occasionally the evidence now does not show a significant cancer risk. Persons who have been exposed to hair dyes professionally for many years might have a slightly more risk of getting bladder cancer. Finally, occasional use of modern hair dye is considered as safe. Those persons who are occupationally exposed to hair dye must be cautious and must wear hand gloves and opt for safer product alternatives etc.

If you are suffering from an allergic rhinitis issue, then this article would throw some light on how pollution outside could worsen this health issue!! Allergic rhinitis refers to a condition that would cause inflammation in the nose due to overreaction of the immune system due to the allergens such as pollen, dust etc present in the air. Point is that this issue has become a growing health concern across our country. Persons with allergic rhinitis would show several symptoms like nasal blocks, sneezing, running nose, itchy eyes/nose/throat, coughing, clogged ears etc. Some persons with this issue would have reduced sense of smell also. There are 2 types of allergic rhinitis such as seasonal allergic rhinitis that occurs at specific times in a year and perennial where allergic rhinitis would occur throughout the year. Strong association between pollution and allergic rhinitis: According to some research studies conducted in recent times it has been brought out that there is some strong connection between the pollutants present in the environment and allergic reactions in us. Truth is that air pollution caused by emissions from several vehicles has increased respiratory allergies such as allergic rhinitis. It is worthy to note that various pollutants like nitrogen dioxide, ozone, particulate matter (PM 2.5 and PM 10), sulphur dioxide etc could make respiratory diseases such as allergic rhinitis worse. The shocking piece of information is that in India about 77% of the population are exposed to PM 2.5 levels higher than what WHO or World Health organisation recommends. Since 2019 onwards, urban areas have been affected with Mumbai having 2.6% increase in toxic PM 2.5 levels. It must be noted that a 20% increase in the upper respiratory infection cases has been witnessed in Hyderabad. Severe rhinitis symptoms are witnessed in those persons who have been exposed to PM 2.5 and PM 10. It is true that air that is present inside the houses can also be responsible for allergic rhinitis issues. Point is that indoor pollutants like pet hairs, mould, skin flakes and harmful chemicals released from household products etc could result in allergic reactions in us. This is mostly witnessed in kids and in the senior persons etc who are very sensitive to allergens. How pollution can worsen allergic rhinitis? When the air that has been polluted enters our body through our nose, our breathing system would get affected. Some particles get filtered by our nose but small particles would slip through. The particles could then go to different parts of airways depending on their sizes. Larger particles or PM19 would stay y in the nose, windpipe throat etc. Finer particles or PM 2.5 could reach deeper into our lungs and ultrafine particles or PM0.1 could travel into the air sacs present in our lungs. It is noteworthy that ultrafine particles PM 0.1 are more dangerous when compared to larger particles as they would go deeper into our lungs.  They can lead to symptoms like sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose etc in us. Our symptoms can worsen when PM 2.5 combines with allergens such as pollen, dust mites etc. Our allergy risk would be increased by pollution by increasing allergen levels leading to weak immunity, inflammation, irritation etc and would make the present conditions worse. Managing allergic rhinitis: Conventional medications might not be able to fully control symptoms due to pollution and due to this it would be difficult to manage the allergic rhinitis symptoms in a polluted environment. Therefore, addressing this issue would need a combination of medical management, lifestyle and societal changes to reduce exposure and to improve the life quality of the affected persons.

Have you recently observed some small reddish or brownish coloured spots on your legs and wondered what these are?  The reason for that might shock you!! Being a part of our digestive system, the liver is an important organ in us. It is known that the liver produces bile which is a yellowish green coloured liquid that goes into our small intestines and helps in digestion of food. Liver also plays a role in the excretion of bilirubin, cholesterol etc plus in the fat and protein metabolism also. It is highly essential that we must have good liver health. Not many would know that when the liver gets damaged then the first sign would be shown in the feet. Bitter fact is that some minor changes in the feet (due to wearing poor quality shoes or due to long hours of standing etc) might actually be due to damaged liver. Various poor or damaged liver signs seen in the legs are Presence of spider veins on ankles and feet: On the feet and ankles in some persons, there would be spider veins or tiny web-typed blood vessels just beneath the skin surface. Truth is that in liver cirrhosis estrogen metabolism gets disrupted and blood vessels would get dilated due to hormonal imbalance. This would make spider veins appear to indicate liver malfunction. Presence of reddish or brownish dots on lower legs: It is worthy to note that the presence of red or brown coloured dots would be due to liver damage and not bug bites mark etc. There are also possibilities of blood leakage under skin. Point is that poor liver functioning would affect the clotting ability of the blood leading to small capillaries bursting easily. Cracked heels: Sign of dryness or poor foot care could result in cracked heels. Not many of us would know the fact that liver damage could affect our body`s ability to absorb fat soluble vitamins like A,D, E and K etc. It must be noted that deficiency of vitamin A would lead to thick dry and cracked skin on the heels. Burning or hot feet: Tiredness or neuropathy etc could cause burning sensation in our feet is known. There are chances of getting affected by peripheral neuropathy (alcohol related liver disease)in cases of advanced liver damage. These people would have a burning or tingling kind of feeling in their feet. Smelly feet: Smelly feet are not only caused due to sweating and bacteria etc but also due to liver damage. It is noteworthy that when the liver fails to properly process and remove toxins the waste products would get removed through sweat glands present in the feet also. This could cause an unusual pungent smell in the foot as the metabolism of the body would get altered plus due to hormonal changes etc. Pitting edema: This sign on the feet could be due to advanced sage of liver dysfunction and is a very serious issue. It is learnt that low levels of albumin caused by poor liver function could result in the fluids getting leaked to the surrounding tissues.

How many of us are aware of the fact that constipation is a widespread problem that affects millions of people across the world? It is true that constipation could be a year round issue for some persons and especially in the summer seasons managing this issue could be difficult. Various issues we could get because of constipation are discomfort, haemorrhoids, anal fissures etc. Constipation could be caused due to several reasons like lack of activity, dehydration etc. There are certain foods present and they could be consumed in the summer season to get relief from constipation. The foods are Intake of soaked dry figs: The sorbitol that is present in the figs would act as laxative and it would regulate our bowel movements. Intake of soaked prunes: By softening our stools to improve gut health, intake of soaked prunes plays a superb role. These prunes are rich in fibres and consuming soaked prunes would help in digestion and help us to avoid constipation. Intake of soaked black raisins: It is known that black raisins rich in fibres and consuming this would help us to get bowel movements. By this, we would be able to avoid constipation problems. The black raisins would prevent cardiovascular diseases and high BP etc in us. Intake of fennel water: When we consume fennel water, our bowel movement would get stimulated and constipation would get relieved. Intake of basil water: Intake of basil water would provide relief from inflammation in the gut and would provide healthy digestion by improving mobility of the gut. Apart from this, basil water intake would also lower stress and promote heart health. Intake of nuts and seeds etc: Fibres and healthy fats are present in nuts like almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds and chia seeds etc. For the sake of healthy digestion, it is necessary to add nuts and seeds to the diet.

Drinking fresh nutrient rich juice instead of usual coffee or tea in the morning, have you thought about that? It is true that many of us drink hot cups of coffee or tea in the morning without taking into consideration the need of nutrients. This could be good in the short term but in the long term it could lead to few issues for us. Point is that we could swap the tea or coffee we drink in the morning with a fresh nutrient rich drink that would be good for our health. Not many would know that the combination of carrot and ginger juice would do wonders for our health. By drinking this combination, we could get the much needed vitamins, antioxidants etc in us and that would be superb for our health. Benefits of this simple health habit are Supports eye health: For our vision to be good, vitamin A is needed.  By drinking this juice combination, beta carotene present in the carrots would be converted to vitamin A by our body. Our eye health would be supported especially in low light conditions. Intake of ginger would help to lower inflammation and puffiness in our eyes caused due to long hours of screen time. Improves digestion: A digestive tonic that would work gently but effectively is this ginger and carrot juice combination. It must be taken into note that ginger would help us to avoid indigestion, nausea and boating etc and the fibres in carrot would help in digestion. This juice would improve our gut health. Strengthens immunity: Our immunity would get boosted by the combination of carrot and ginger. The vitamin C and antioxidants in carrot and anti-inflammatory properties of ginger would be superb in boosting our immunity. By drinking this combo juice in the monsoon season especially we could be free from infections. Recovery from illness would be speeded up also. Good for skin health: Not only for gut and immunity this combo juice would be superb but also for our skin health. Signs of ageing would be delayed in us by intake of carrot and ginger containing antioxidants. It is believed that the antioxidants in this juice would fight free radicals. It was confirmed by a study in 2021 that this juice would reduce acne and redness due to anti-inflammatory effects. Supports detox and liver function: Our liver healthth would get better by this combination of juice. It is worthy to note that ginger would help in flushing out toxins. Point is that carrots would break down fat and help in the production of bile. Manage blood sugar levels: The low glycemic index or GI of carrots plays a role here. Intake of carrot would not cause a sudden spike in our blood sugar levels. Intake of ginger would improve insulin sensitivity in us. For those who want steady energy levels, this combo juice would be superb. This juice would be a diabetes friendly option when consumed in moderate amounts.

In some persons, their bodies won`t be able to digest or break down lactose. This condition is termed as lactose intolerance. It is known that lactose is present in milk and other milk products etc. Lactase is an important enzyme that helps our body to digest lactose and when our small intestines do not make sufficient amounts of this enzyme then lactose intolerance occurs in us. Symptoms of lactose intolerance in us are Bloating: It is worthy to note that bloating in the abdomen is one of the most common symptoms associated with lactose intolerance issues. Some persons would feel full after drinking milk and this is mainly because of fermentation of undigested lactose in the colon. This could lead to gas and discomfort etc. Diarrhoea: Loose motion or diarrhoea is also an important symptom of lactose intolerance. Water would be pulled into the intestines as the body cannot break down lactose properly. This would lead to diarrhoea. Stomach cramping: Those who are lactose intolerant would get abdominal cramps in them and would find it very difficult. Point is that these cramps could be mild to severe and could appear 30 min to 2 hours after intake of dairy products etc. Flatulence or gas formation: Gas formation could lead to huge embarrassment for us.  Lactose fermentation in the colon could lead to increased gas etc. Sometimes, gas formation in us can also happen due to some medications also. Nausea: There are some people who feel nauseated after the intake of certain dairy foods. Vomiting might also occur when large amounts of lactose are consumed by them, especially in an empty stomach. Rumbling sounds in stomach: Excessive gas and fluid in the intestines can lead to hyperactive bowel sounds mainly after consuming dairy products. This might indicate digestive distress associated with lactose intolerance issues. Constipation: Not only diarrhoea, there are few persons with lactose intolerance who experience constipation also. So, please take care. After intake of dairy products, some people might feel unusually tired also. This might not be a digestive issue but might be associated with systemic inflammation. Rashes or skin breakouts: Those persons who have lactose intolerance in them would get rashes or skin breakouts etc and would find it difficult. Inflammation linked to poor lactose digestion would be shown by these symptoms on the skin.

It is really tough to control our hunger especially during the late nights. There are many who try hard to keep their blood sugar levels stable and for these persons snacking late night would be a difficult task. Bitter fact is that by eating too little they would wake up feeling hungry by around 2 am. If they eat too much, they would be spiking their blood sugar levels. How would you feel if you came to know that there are some foods that would not spike the blood sugar levels even if you consume them before bed time. Sound’s incredible isn’t it!! These foods are Plain Greek yoghurt intake: It must be noted that Greek yoghurt is rich in proteins with little sugar. Point is that eating this food would keep us feeling full. Moreover, this food would slow down digestion and prevent a spike in blood sugar levels in us. Our gut health would get boosted by eating Greek yoghurt and that is due to the presence of probiotics in it. The presence of calcium in this food would help us to sleep well. Almonds intake: It was confirmed by a research study in 2002 that intake of almonds would help us to control our blood sugar levels. That is due to the presence of fibres etc in them. Our sleep quality would get better by the presence of magnesium in this food. Intake of almonds at night would prevent our stomach from getting empty and would provide healthy fats and proteins for us. Intake of almonds would not spike our blood sugar levels. Boiled eggs intake: Our blood sugar levels would be managed well if we eat boiled eggs at night. The reason is that eggs are low in calories but high in healthy fats, proteins etc. Tryptophan that is present in the eggs would help the body to produce melatonin or sleep hormone. This would help us to have sound sleep in the nights without any spike in the blood sugar levels. Moong dal soup intake: Another food that would not mess up with our blood sugar levels when we consume in the nights is moong dal soup. It must be noted that the complex carbohydrates in this soup would break down slowly providing energy but without spiking the blood sugar levels in us. By adding ghee, cumin to moong dal soup, there would be better digestion for us. Paneer cube intake: For night time hunger, it is good to eat paneer cubes. Truth is that this slow digesting protein rich food would not cause any spike in the blood sugar levels in the night. We would be able to sleep well. Chia pudding (without sugar etc): When we eat chia pudding at night then we would not get any spike in the blood sugar levels. It is believed t that the chia seeds in this pudding are full of fibres and healthy fats etc and these would slow down digestion in us plus promote stable blood sugar levels in us.