How alcohol damages the liver functionality

Not many people know that small amount of alcohol is actually good for the body. In moderation, alcohol can help prevent heart diseases and strokes. But excess alcohol consumption can take a huge toll on the liver. To prevent this from happening, an individual should know where to draw the line. 

Alcoholic drinks contain ethanol. Ethanol is a by-product of the alcohol fermentation or distillation procedure. Ethanol acts as a psychoactive drug in the human body and as a depressant. Short-term effects aside, ethanol is more lethal when the body starts needing regular dosages. It causes various illnesses to different parts of the human body, right from the brain to the liver. The adverse effects of alcohol on the human body vary, based on quantity consumed. The broad array of alcohol-based illnesses includes dementia, cancer, strokes, and various liver disorders.

The relationship between alcohol and the liver

The liver is the largest solid organ in the human body. In relation to alcohol, there are three different conditions that affect the liver - fatty liver, hepatitis, and liver cirrhosis. An individual can first get affected by fatty liver, then advance towards hepatitis, and finally suffer from liver cirrhosis. 

Fatty Liver 

Fatty liver is a condition wherein the fats accumulate in the cells. It has a lot to do with diabetes and obesity. Simply put, if you give the liver too much fat to process, eventually, it won't be able to take the strain and will stop functioning in a proper manner. If the alcohol is consumed in small proportions or better still, abstained from, fatty liver can be cured. But if the consumption of alcohol is constant, this disease can prove to be fatal. 

Hepatitis 

Alcohol hepatitis is a more generic condition which affects the efficiency of the liver. The first warnings occur during metabolism. While your body is trying to break down the alcohol code, more toxic compounds such as acetaldehyde arise, that damages the liver cells and hinders their functioning. To stop the spread of this toxic substance, the body wages a war on them, causing inflammation. To cure the damage, the body releases cytokines beyond reasonable limits. Cytokines are single-handedly responsible for alcohol hepatitis and tissue scarring. 

Cirrhosis 

The whole orbit of liver-based maladies caused by alcohol can be clubbed into one term - liver cirrhosis permanently damaged cells of the liver leads to cirrhosis. Liver cirrhosis can be very serious and fatal. Once the liver cells die, the damage is irreparable. A scar tissue forms when the cells die. As this scar tissue starts to build up, it becomes difficult for the blood to flow through the liver. One of the main functions of the liver is to filter and clean blood. But due to this scar tissue build-up, this function cannot be performed by the liver in a proper manner. The blood hence remains unfiltered. This gives rise to poisonous blood and waste in the body. Women hold a higher risk of liver cirrhosis than men do. Liver cirrhosis may show no signs or symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage. 

Save yourself from alcohol before it gets too late

The way out of these maladies is simple to say, but difficult to implement. The fact that an individual has contracted any of these diseases is sufficient proof that his/her life's quota for alcohol consumption is over. If he continues to ignore the magnanimity of a malfunctioning liver, he'll be hit by a worse condition. Liver cirrhosis is a permanent disability. It affects more than just digestion. Such a liver is no longer able to make new healthy tissues, and instead makes scar tissues, as the liver begins to harden. The scar tissues are nowhere as efficient as normal tissues, and can barely filter blood. This causes cycle degeneration and the individual needs to be really lucky to survive cirrhosis. 

However one may justify the need to drink, drinking has no valid reason nor is it a solution to any problem. Alcohol is a depressant hence, it will sink a person deeper into depression, rather than getting him out of it. If an individual has too many problems, alcohol won't take them away, in fact, it will add a few more health problems to the existing ones. The range is from near-fatal to fatal. Effects of alcohol, circle around a person's system for a while, asking him to mend his habits, before exercising their vice-like grip of death. As said before, it's a degeneration cycle that goes from bad to worse. The only way out is moderation. Regulate the consumption of alcohol. If an individual has already contracted one of the above conditions, it is better to stop consuming alcohol altogether.

The liver helps in purifying the blood and throwing the poisonous waste, drugs, and alcohol out of our system. It also helps with blood clot issues, transportation of oxygen, and in the functioning of the immune system. It helps the body store glucose (sugar) in the form of glycogen. It helps in the digestion of food, as it produces bile. It also helps in breaking down fat and cholesterol. The liver stores nutrients and returns them to the bloodstream. If one's liver gets damaged, the body will not be able to function well.

Diets for Women in their 20s

Women have always been obsessed about the way they look. If they deny it, it's because they know that they look fabulous. But there's always a little voice inside us, telling us about all our little physical imperfections. That little voice, more often than not tends to focus on the one aspect of our appearance that most of us are least comfortable with: our weight! Yes, we are constantly bickering about how we would either like to lose some or gain some, the former being the more common one. We take all the necessary steps and follow all the fad diets that come up, but we end up disappointing ourselves, not because the diets didn't work, but because we don't let them. As young women in our 20s, we can and should be able to stick to a diet plan.

Indulge in Iron

Iron is one of the most important nutrients that our body needs. It gives us strength and helps in the formation and sustenance of pure and healthy blood. It increases the level of haemoglobin in the blood, which in turn, helps to keep the body healthy. So stock up on greens, grains, and all other iron-rich foods. Eat them regularly and you're sure to see and feel the change in yourself.

Crave Calcium

Calcium is the base of our body, literally. Deficiency of calcium can lead to the weakening of bones and teeth. If your bones aren't strong, it leads to pains and problems in the joints and simple activities can become difficult to perform. Eating calcium-rich foods is what will keep you from such conditions.

Proscribe Excess Protein

Protein, though extremely healthy and necessary for the body, if consumed in excess can prove to be detrimental for the body. Lethargy, tiredness, and fatigue due to excess consumption of a protein diet are fairly common. So, make sure that you do intake proteins because they are important for the wear and tear and maintenance of the body. However, don't overdo it.

Control the Carbs

Carbs provide us with energy that lasts a long time. They have a very important place in our daily diet, but unfortunately, even though they are utterly delectable, they do contribute to an increase in weight. No weight loss diet plan is complete without the advice of controlling the urge to binge on carbohydrate-rich foodstuffs. All of us become slaves to foods that contain high levels of carbohydrates because they taste so good. However, if you want to stick to a diet that will help you lose those few extra pounds, then stay away from food that has no useful carbs. 

Avoid Alcohol

Yes, avoiding alcohol and caffeine of any kind as much as you can will definitely help you to cut down on the weight. Plus, since you're just in your 20s, you can do without regular alcohol drinking. It is bad not only for your health, but also for your weight. So instead of taking in caffeine or alcohol, drink fruit juices!

While you follow any diet, remember the cardinal rules of dieting: don't skip breakfast, eat a filling lunch, snack healthy between meals and have a light dinner or skip it if you're not in the mood. 

Health Symptoms Women Should Never Ignore

A woman's body is definitely more complicated than a man's. A small sneeze will get a man running to the doctor, perhaps for a complete check-up. But a woman will sleep or rest through her worst illness at times. Yes, we know women are more tolerant, and also have a higher threshold for pain, and in most areas, both physical and mental.

So, small issues like headaches, slight pain or discomfort in any part of the body, is usually brushed off by most women. They reason it with their hectic and busy lives. But did you know that a pain or discomfort or any other sign is perhaps a signal from your body that something is not right? Sleeping off a small cold is understandable, but there are other symptoms that women should never ignore. Women are simply designed that way – they do not have the time to get to the root of these things. There are plenty of 'other' issues their lives are stacked with. But is it OK to take your body and health for granted? Definitely not. Beneath that minor ache or pain may be lying a serious, or in rare cases, a potentially life-threatening condition. It is, therefore advisable to notice any symptoms which do not seem regular. It is your body, and you will know when it tells you something is just not right.

Symptoms Never to Be Ignored

Unusual bleeding between periods/Unusual vaginal discharge

Bleeding between periods can indicate many underlying health issues, though not all of these are serious concerns. There may be less-serious causes like, polycystic ovary syndrome, hormonal imbalances, and endometriosis. If bleeding takes place after menopause, during sex, and is accompanied with pelvic pain and bloating, it may be indicative of gynaecological cancers. It is always advised to immediately take medical help and undergo tests in case of any of the above symptoms. Excessive vaginal discharge, foul-smelling or changes in colour of the discharge, are also symptoms of health issues, like BV (Bacterial vaginosis), and in rare cases, even cervical cancer.

Heavy bleeding

Heavy bleeding is a common condition for most women, the cause of which can vary. Sometimes, heavy bleeding is due to minor issues like a thick uterine lining. However, other serious issues like fibroid tumours, ectopic pregnancy, and ovarian cysts, can also cause heavy bleeding. Not all these conditions are serious, but some tumours may be the cause of infertility. Do get a check-up done in any case.

Skin changes

Most women make it a point to keep a tab on the health of their skin. Keeping aside the beautification aspect, it is also important to observe any major changes in the skin, like excess pigmentation, scaly and dry skin, changes on moles, and even bleeding of the skin. In very rare cases, these indicate cancer. So a proper medical test is advised, before concluding anything.

Blood in stool or urine

Cancer of the rectum is the third-most common cancer in women. With that being said, any unusual bleeding, like rectal bleeding or blood in the stools should be immediately reported to the doctor. All cases, however, may not be indicative of cancer. Haemorrhoids may also be a major cause of rectal bleeding. Nevertheless, blood in the urine calls needs immediate medical check-up.

Breathlessness/Difficulty in breathing

Feeling breathless after a workout or climbing stairs once in a while is normal. When you feel breathless with minor activities, it is more often a common symptom of an underlying heart disease. Most women ignore this symptom, as they think it is too common and minor. But if you also have other symptoms like breathlessness, coupled with fatigue, dizziness, and nausea, get medical help. Sometimes, congestive heart failure, lung cancer, or emphysema, could be the underlying reason for shortness of breath.

Pain during sex

Most women are ashamed to bring up issues related to sex. They feel this problem is with them, and feel embarrassed to discuss the same even with their partner. A woman's gynac and sexual health is very important. Ignoring issues like painful and discomforting sex may invite many health risks. Pain during intercourse can have many reasons, like hormonal changes, infections, and other gynaecological problems. So, do not ignore or self-treat this issue, and take medical help.

Changes in the breast/Lump or pain in the breast

Women know how crucial it is to be screened for breast cancer regularly. If you find a lump, thickening of the skin around the breast, or if the breasts are sore and painful, get a check-up done immediately. It is, however, important to know that not all cases of pain and lumps in the breasts indicate breast cancer. However, it is advisable to get tests done regularly.

The above was the list of the symptoms that you need to be careful about. There are many things that we overlook, and this includes our health too. But, make sure that in the whole mad world of a career and balancing relationships, your health does not get affected.

Diets for Women Over 60

Sixties are the time when you seriously start thinking about your health issues. Even those who never thought twice before eating anything in their life, suddenly start counting calories in their food as soon as they are on the wrong side of fifty. Women especially should be more careful about what they eat and how they lead their lifestyle after 60. They become susceptible to many disorders such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, which result from brittle bones and loss of muscle mass. Other lifestyle disorders such as hypertension and diabetes also raise their ugly head. In addition, women also have to fight certain other health issues which may originate from lack of female hormones after menopause. A healthy diet for women can help take care of most of the problems that may surface as a result of aging. 

What are the Effective Diets for Women Over 60

Elderly people usually require more proteins, calcium and other nutrients. The nutritional requirement of elderly and children is often the same. You need adequate amounts of starchy carbs, proteins, fats etc., for your body to function properly. Eating everything in moderation is the key to staying healthy in this age. Do not opt for any fad diets or low carb diets in order to lose weight. Remember, the weight loss at this age may come from muscles rather than fat. Hence, it is best to avoid any extreme weight loss program even though you might be on a heavier side. 

Nonetheless, you still need to keep a watch on your calorie intake. You may never had any trouble with weight until now. Hence, you might not have paid any particular attention to the calories in your diet. However, as you age, your body does not need the same number of calories that it needed when you led an active lifestyle. Hence, all these excess calories may now get converted into fat. Thus, you might wonder why you have suddenly started putting on weight even though you haven't made any significant changes to your diet. In short, you may need about 200 calories less than what you required during your active lifestyle. However, the same does not apply to women, who lead a very active lifestyle, even at 60. 

If you are already into eating healthy, you may not have to alter your diet significantly. However, there are some considerations regarding diet that you should take into account. You may want to increase your intake of fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meat, whole cereals, pulses and dairy products. Opt for low fat dairy products, as they are a good source of protein and calcium. Increase your intake of foods rich in iron and calcium. Besides, eat fibrous foods as fibre can get rid of problems such as constipation. In addition, you can also refer to the following healthy diet over 60 to get some cues. 

Breakfast

• 1 sliced tomato, cucumber
• 1 boiled egg
• 1 slice of brown bread
• 1 serving of cottage cheese
• 1 small pot of fat free yogurt
• 1 tsp honey
• 1 small piece of fruit

Lunch

• Steamed vegetables
• A slice of grilled salmon/ tuna/ swordfish
• Chicken breast
• 2 tbsp of steamed brown rice/ wholemeal pasta
• 1 piece of fruit

Snacks

• 1 apple
• Carrot sticks
• 2 pieces of dark chocolate
• Apricots

Dinner

• Sliced cucumber, tomato and lettuce
• Cubes of low fat cheese
• Boiled chicken
• Tinned tuna/ sardines
• 1 small pot of fat free yogurt
• 1 piece of fruit

As much as you want to be careful about your diet, you also need to let go of certain bad habits such as smoking, drinking etc. Besides, maintain a strict schedule of moderate exercises to stay fit.

Things to Know About Drug and Alcohol Detoxification

Making a decision to seek treatment for addiction to drug or alcohol, and then sticking to it is very difficult. A great deal of courage and grit is required to accept the fact that one needs treatment for attaining sobriety. Detoxification, which helps remove the toxins from the body accumulated for years due to continuous drug and alcohol abuse, is the first step toward the recovery process.

However, many people have preconceived notions about detox that might be deceiving. One needs to understand that a successful recovery is a grim affair without detox. Listed below are some of the facts that an individual needs to know about the detoxification process:

• Drug and alcohol detox is the first part of the treatment process: Just by opting for a drug or alcohol detox does not make you sober. A comprehensive treatment follows detoxification that includes therapies, medications, counselling, and alternative treatments, etc. Detox helps to free the body of all the harmful toxins accumulated due to the prolonged abuse of a drug or alcohol and also helps manage difficult withdrawal symptoms.
• Detox must be completed before starting the next part of treatment: The body should be free of all the toxins before a comprehensive process of therapies and medications can be administered to a patient.
• Detox should be done under a medically controlled setting: Quitting the substance of abuse without any medical supervision can have adverse consequences. Detox must be carried out in a clinically controlled setting, under the supervision of medical professionals who are able to handle the painful withdrawal symptoms.
• Undergoing detox is not easy: The process of detox is not easy. The body will crave for the substance during the process and there will be withdrawal symptoms. However, doctors are well equipped to handle such situations and a focused mind can help a patient come out of the agony of drug abstinence.
• Detox length is not same for all: The detox length is not the same for all. It will depend on the severity of the condition, the type of drug or alcohol consumed, his/her ability to overcome the withdrawal symptoms or any other mental health condition, etc.
• Relapse after detox can increase dependence: One should try to avoid drugs after detox because relapse will only increase dependence on the drug. In fact, seeking detox treatment from clinically supervised treatment centers helps in relapse prevention and prepares the body for a holistic treatment.

Benefits of detox

Detox is the first and an indispensable part of the recovery process because it frees the mind and body of drug and alcohol dependence. As the body gets rid of the toxins, an individual regains control over his behaviour and the body slowly starts to heal from the acute exploitation by the drugs or alcohol. Patients regain their brain chemistries with their health getting back on track. The risks associated with drug or alcohol addiction start minimizing once the body is cleansed.

It is, however, true that detox is not the first and last step of a recovery process. It needs to be followed by proper therapies, medications and other alternative treatments, like yoga, meditation or exercise, which can help an individual thwart the ill effects of long-time drug or alcohol indulgence.

Exercises and Nutrition for Breast Cancer

Exercise and healthy diet has multiple benefits for women with breast cancer from reducing fatigue to helping you regain a sense of control. While certain amount of physical activities are good for health, some treatments for breast cancer can make you feel very tired. In combination with a balanced diet, exercises can help you fight the after effects of breast cancer treatment. Read on to know more. 

Food that takes care of post-treatment effects

Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms post cancer surgery. These are mostly associated with chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Other signs post surgery include loss of appetite, wasting away of muscle, organ tissue and other lean body mass which is followed by weight loss and weakness. Some important guidelines to reduce symptoms of nausea after breast cancer surgery include: 

• Eat at least 6 smaller meals instead of 3 big ones.
• If solid foods bother you or you have difficulty in consuming them, try protein laden shakes or yogurt.
• Vegetable and chicken soup can ease off nausea.

Food that assists recovery

A healthy diet is linked with a good chance of recovery from breast cancer. Post surgery, your body requires more than its normal requirement of protein. In order to repair cells, fight infection and heal incisions, consume more protein without worrying about the calories. The more you take the better it is. If you have gained weight in this process, you can always look for ways to shed it but only after the completion of your recovery process. You can take protein in the form of: 

• Protein powder or dry milk
• Cheese, vegetables, potatoes, rice and salads
• Almonds, peanuts and other dry fruits

Physical activities after breast cancer surgery

Regular exercising has been known to boosting morale, improving mood and create a sense of well-being. Exercise after breast cancer surgery is a must. Studies have shown connection between obesity and breast cancer recurrence, so shedding extra fat may help you restore your health. 

Fatigue is one of the common symptoms after breast cancer surgery, particularly if you had a chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Even in this health condition, healthcare professionals advise some form of regular exercise, even if it means walking a little. Exercise can actually boost energy and lower the risk of breast cancer recurrence. 

Tips to getting started with exercises

• For first few days, concentrate on protecting your scar. Avoid carrying heavy groceries. Protect your tender areas from bumps and bruises. Consider taking some help from physiotherapists dealing in breast cancer.
• If you had a lumpectomy or mastectomy, exercise precautions are typically less.
• If you had a lymph node removal surgery under your arm, you may be at risk of inflammation. You’ll need to protect your affected arm. Avoid tennis, running and yoga that involve arm movements.

Last but not the least, the best exercise for you is the one you enjoy and safe. Walking, brisk walking, cycling are generally considered safe after breast cancer surgery. Workout for 30 minutes, five days a week and you’ll see positive results.

Benefits and Sources of Omega-3

Omega-3 is the fatty acids which are considered very essential for the human health, but our body cannot make them. Omega-3 fattyacids can only be obtained through diet. The three most important types of omega-3 are DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), EPA (eicosaoentaenoic acid), and ALA (alpha-linolenic acid). The ALA omega fatty acid is found mainly in plants, while DHA and EPA are mainly found in seafood. Omega-3 fatty acids are very effective in preventing and treating heart diseases and also plays a vital role in the brain development and function. Omega-3 fatty acids are also known as polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Benefits of Omega-3

High cholesterol

Intake of omega-3 fatty acids promotes higher HDL (good cholesterol) levels and decreases fat in the blood. People living in the coastal areas tend to have higher HDL due to the consumption of fatty fish. Fatty fish like salmon and mackerel are an abundant source of omega-3 fatty acids.

Heart Disease

A diet full of polyunsaturated fats and monounsaturated fats and low in saturated fats is very helpful in dealing with heart diseases. The DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosaoentaenoic acid) present in omega-3 fatty acids lowers the risk of developing a cardiovascular disease. The omega-3 fatty acids prevent the development of plaque and blood clots, which can block any artery or vein and restricts the normal blood flow to the heart. The antioxidants present in the omega-3 fatty acid aids in the healthy blood flow.

Diabetes

Diabetic patients have high levels of triglyceride and LDL (bad cholesterol) due to high blood sugarlevels. Omega-3 fatty acids lower down the high triglyceride and apoproteins which are the main cause behind the development of diabetes.

Depression and Anxiety

Depression is one of the most common mental problems in the world. Omega-3 fatty acids are loaded with antioxidants. These antioxidants provide the brain with a constant flow of fresh blood. Omega-3 is also essential in combating the signs of nervousness and anxiety.  Omega-3 fatty acids provide several benefits such as better communication skills, higher intelligence, and reduce the risk of cerebral palsy and autism.

Eyes health

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for sharp vision. The DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) found in the omega-3, is a constructional element of the brain nerve, which connects with the eyes. Intake of omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for the health of the retina in the eye and may prevent the macular de-generation, which can lead to vision impairment and blindness.

Sources of Omega-3

Here are some foods, which are very high per omega-3 fatty acids.

1.      Salmon

Omega-3 content: 2260 mg per 100 grams

2.      Mackerel

Omega-3 content: 5134 mg per 100 grams

3.      Cod liver oil

Omega-3 content: 2264 mg per one tablespoon

4.      Oysters

Omega-3 content: 672 mg per 100 grams

5.      Caviar ( fish eggs )

Omega-3 content: 6789 mg per 100 grams

6.      Walnut

Omega-3 content:  2542 mg in one ounce

7.      Soybeans

Omega-3 content: 1443 mg per 100 grams

8.      Flaxseed

Omega-3 content: 2338 mg in one tablespoon

9.      Tuna

Omega-3 content: 5767 mg per 100 grams