Water: One of the Earth's Special Compound

An adequate supply of clean water is essential to our health and well-being. We can live without food for many days, but life would end in only a few days without water. Our circulatory system is an aqueous stream that distributes an amazing variety of substances throughout the body. Our cells are filled with water solutions in which the chemical reactions of life take place. Without water and its unique properties, life would not be possible on Earth

 Three-fourths of Earth’s surface is covered with water, which gives the planet a blue color when it is viewed from space. The oceans represent the world’s largest liquid solution. Water participates in most of the chemical reactions that occur in nature. Most water used for human consumption comes from reservoirs, lakes, rivers, and wells. Much of this water is used and reused by numerous cities as it travels downstream. Such reused water may become seriously polluted with waste from previous users and with pathogenic microorganisms.

 As a safety precaution, most of the water we use undergoes chemical and physical treatment to purify it. This treatment process includes settling, whereby specific materials are added to bring down suspended solids. This is followed by filtration through sand and gravel to remove still more suspended matter. The filtered water may then be aerated by spraying it into the air. This part of the treatment process removes some odors and improves the taste of the water. Charcoal filtration, a treatment process that is gaining in use, also removes odors along with colored materials. In a final step, chlorine or another disinfectant is added to kill any remaining bacteria.

 The treatment of water before use is an important safety precaution.

Fight Hypertension With Potassium

Hypertension (high blood pressure) is the primary reason people visit doctor’s offices, and more prescriptions are written for its treatment than any other health problem. In addition to the use of prescription drugs, hypertension is also usually treated by reducing or eliminating the dietary intake of sodium in the form of table salt (sodium chloride). Recently released research results indicate that combining an increase in dietary potassium intake with a reduction in sodium intake is probably the most important dietary decision (after excess weight loss) people can make to reduce cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension.

 Studies reveal that in societies with diets rich in fruits and vegetables, only 1% of the population suffers from hypertension. By contrast, 33% of adults have hypertension in industrialized societies where the diet contains larger amounts of processed foods, which often contain added salt. The typical diet in the United States contains about twice the sodium and only half the 4700 milligrams per day of potassium currently recommended by the American Heart Association. It might seem that taking a daily supplement is the only way to ensure a daily potassium intake as high as 4.7 grams, but that is not the case. Nature provides many potassium-rich foods such as squash, potatoes, tomatoes, carrots, spinach, beans, bananas, apricots, prunes, melons, peaches, halibut, tuna, trout, and low-fat dairy products. Specific examples of the potassium content of a few dietary potassium sources are given in the following table:

Banana, 1 medium – 422mg

                        

Sweet potato, 1 baked - 694mg

                                                     

      White potato, 1 baked – 610mg

                                                    

White beans, canned, 1/2 cup- 595mg

                                                             

Yoghurt plain, nonfat, 8 oz – 595mg

                                                       

       

Halibut, cooked, 3 oz – 490mg

                                                 

In addition to potassium, some studies have shown that the minerals magnesium and calcium may also have a positive influence in maintaining healthy blood pressure. The fruits and vegetables that provide potassium in the diet are also good sources of these two minerals. So, the parental directions traditionally given to children to “eat your fruits and vegetables and drink your milk” have been given scientific validity for all of us as a way to help maintain healthy levels of blood pressure

Here Is What Happens To Your Body When You Exercise

There are few things that in your life that changes once you start exercising. If, you are someone who hasn’t worked out for a while, here is what you need to know before you get started. Here are few in many incredible ways your body changes when you exercise;

1.    You feel sore

     Feeling sore after workout a feel like an accomplishment, it’s a physical proof that you got your muscles working. But, of course, muscle soreness can also be uncomfortable, especially the first time you exercise after not working out for a while. Exercise makes little tears in your muscles, which the body has to build and repair. That’s how muscle growth happens.

2.    Your brain chemistry changes

     Getting your heart rate up improves blood flow to the brain, which helps your brain function better, especially when it comes to memory. One recent Harvard study found that exercise also increases the size of the hippocampus, the part of the brain associated with memory and learning, and that doing just 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day was enough to help prevent the onset of dementia and Alzheimer's.

3.    The feeling good starts coming

     The good workout can cause the shift in the hormones floating around your body. As Elle Woods once famously said, "Exercise gives your endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people don't kill their husbands." Indeed, she's right. Your brain perceives exercise as stress, and puts you into "flight or fight" mode. It releases endorphins, a chemical that is to block feelings of fear or pain. If you're on the treadmill, as opposed to being attacked, this results in a feeling of euphoria. Studies have shown, however, that working out 3 times a week isn't good enough to make that happy feeling last; you need to schedule in a 20-minute work-out every day in order to benefit from this mood boost.

4.    You build up muscles

      When you workout, you make tiny tears I your muscle fibers. These tears are then repaired a built upon, resulting in a stronger connective tissue and stronger muscles. Certain types of exercise result in an increase in muscle mass called muscle hypertrophy, which occurs when individual muscle cell expands

5.    Calories get burned

     This is kind of obvious, but the way in which it happens is not. Turns out, what we call "burning calories" is actually your body breaking food down into ATP (adenosine triphosphate), then converts it into ADP (adenosine diphosphate).

6.   And afterwards? You shut down

     Studies have shown that people who exercise for at least 30 minutes a day had 65% more quality in their sleep than those who did not. Although research is still being done on the connection, it is believed that it has something to do with the drop in your body temperature after you're done, along with the way in which it de-stresses your body, can help you fall asleep faster and get through the night with fewer disturbances. Given that sleeping well is crucial to your health, not to mention a great way of losing weight without doing anything at all, exercising and sleeping are parts of the wellness cycle.

Antiseptics and Disinfectants: Same Thing?

Antiseptics and disinfectants are both used for the same purpose: to kill bacteria. The difference between these two categories of bacteria killers is where they are used. Antiseptics are used to kill bacteria on living tissue, such as wounds. Disinfectants are used to kill bacteria on inanimate objects. Some antiseptics, such as iodine and hydrogen peroxide, operate by oxidizing and thus destroying compounds essential to the normal functioning of the bacteria. A solution containing 3% hydrogen peroxide dissolved in water is an antiseptic found in most pharmacies, and it is often used to treat minor cuts and abrasions. A 2% solution of iodine dissolved in alcohol, called tincture of iodine, is also generally available, and it is used in a way similar to hydrogen peroxide. One disadvantage of the iodine solution is that it stains the skin a yellow brown color.

 Oxidizing antiseptics are often regarded as being too harsh. They may damage skin and other normal tissue, as well as kill the bacteria. For this reason, they have been replaced in many products by antiseptics derived from phenol. Water solutions of phenol, called carbolic acid, were first introduced as hospital antiseptics in 1867 by the English surgeon Joseph Lister. Before that time, antiseptics had not been used, and very few patients survived even minor surgery because of postoperative infections. These phenolic derivatives can often be recognized on ingredient labels by the characteristic -ol ending of their names. Some examples are thymol, eucalyptol, and eugenol.

 Because disinfectants are used on inanimate objects, there is much less concern about the damage they might do to living tissue, and many of them are oxidizing agents. Sodium hypochlorite is one of the most widely used disinfectant compounds. In 5% solutions, it is marketed as liquid laundry bleach. This solution is an effective disinfectant for sinks, toilets, and similar fixtures. A chemically similar compound called calcium hypochlorite is the active ingredient in bleaching powder, and it is also used in hospitals as a disinfectant for clothing and bedding. Chlorine gas and ozone gas are two widely used, strong, oxidizing disinfectants. Their most well-known use is water treatment; they are added in small quantities to municipal water supplies to kill any harmful bacteria that may be present.

Hydrogen peroxide is an antiseptic; bleach is a disinfectant.

Amazing Health Benefits of Pepper

Peppers are popular spices used in many different regional styles of cooking and they have been used medically for thousands of years. Peppers boost an impressive nutrition profile, which include a variety of antioxidants that are beneficial for your health. There are different types of peppers which includes; cayenne pepper (chili pepper). Black pepper, green pepper, white pepper, bell pepper.

Many people consider cayenne peppers to be king of medical herbs. In fact, these peppers have been used for so many years to treat many health problems. Not only do they have medical properties, are also great for cooking and contain several beneficial nutrients.

1.    May Lower Blood Pressure

Per tablespoon, chili pepper contains 3% of potassium which contribute to reduction of hypertension by balancing out the negative effects of salt. Also, pepper has an active ingredient that helps I relaxing blood vessels, while maintain proper blood flow.

2.    Can Help One’s Eyes Health

One tablespoon of pepper contains 44% of Vitamin A which is known for improving eye sight and preventing night blindness and also prevents development of macular degeneration, the main causes of which are aging and infections.

3.    Can Help Individual Fight Infections

Chili pepper contains 7% of vitamin C daily requirement per tablespoon. Vitamin C is a powerful water-soluble antioxidant that helps the body develop resistance against infectious agents and eliminates cancer causing free radicals in the body.

4.    Helps Fighting Cold Allergy or Common Cold Problems

Cayenne pepper contains an active ingredient called Capsaicin which activates mucous membrane of the nose and it opens nasal passage and reduces Sinusitis. The Health and wellness website Earthlink, for example, says you can treat sinus infection by snorting red pepper powder or by swabbing the inside of your nose with a cotton swab dipped in pepper.

5.    May Reduce Cancer Risk

Cancer is a disease characterized by uncontrollable cell growth. The capsaicin present in red pepper shows promise reducing the risk of cancer. It may do this by attacking many different pathways in cancer cell growth process. In fat, studies have shown that capsaicin can slow the growth of cancer cells and even cause cell death for many different types of cancer, including prostate, pancreatic and skin cancer.    

 An epidemiological study has shown that Indian and Mexican people have lower rates of getting cancer due to their daily consumption of spicy foods.

Health Benefits of Sunlight Exposure

Most public health messages of the past century have focused on the hazards of too much sun exposure. Long wave ultraviolet radiation (95–97% of the UVR that reaches Earth’s surface) penetrates deeply into the skin, where it can contribute to skin cancer indirectly via generation of DNA-damaging molecules such as hydroxyl and oxygen radicals. Sunburn is caused by too much UVB radiation; this form also leads to direct DNA damage and promotes various skin cancers. Both forms can damage collagen fibers, destroy vitamin A in skin, accelerate aging of the skin, and increase the risk of skin cancers. Excessive sun exposure can also cause cataracts and diseases aggravated by UVR-induced immunosuppression such as reactivation of some latent viruses.

Positive Effects of the Sun

Vitamin D production

The best-known benefit of sunlight is its ability to boost the body’s vitamin D supply; most cases of vitamin D deficiency are due to lack of outdoor sun exposure. At least 1,000 different genes governing virtually every tissue in the body are now thought to be regulated by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ (1,25[OH]D), the active form of the vitamin, including several involved in calcium metabolism and neuromuscular and immune system functioning.

Although most of the health-promoting benefits of sun exposure are thought to occur through vitamin D photosynthesis, there may be other health benefits that have gone largely overlooked in the debate over how much sun is needed for good health [see “Other Sun-Dependent Pathways,” p. A165]. As for what constitutes “excessive” UVR exposure, there is no one-size-fits-all answer, says Lucas: “‘Excessive’ really means inappropriately high for your skin type under a particular level of ambient UVR.”

Enhances Your Mood

Dr. Carey Bligard, MD, UnityPoint Health says there are many benefits from sunlight, including that it is a free mood enhancer. Being in the sun can make people feel better and have more energy. Sunlight increases the levels of serotonin in the brain, which is associated with improved mood. Not surprisingly, serotonin levels are highest in the summer.

Treats Seasonal Depression (commonly referred to as Seasonal Affective Disorder)

In certain people, the lack of sunlight in the winter seems to trigger depression. Symptoms include bad moods, difficulty making and keeping friends, overeating, tiredness and sleeping too much. Seasonal depression, formerly known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, is rare in the warmer months.

Relieves Stress

Everyone experiences stress for various factors, such as family, work and health issues. Dr. Bligard says stress can be relieved in a variety of ways, including exercise, having relaxing hobbies, walking the dog or by getting out in the fresh air for a little sun exposure.

Improves Sleep

Sunlight exposure impacts how much melatonin your brain produces, which is what tells your brain when it is time to sleep. When it gets dark, you start producing melatonin so you are ready to sleep in about two hours. With more sunlight in the summer, you are likely to feel more awake. Dr. Bligard points out that modern technology has allowed us to change our light exposure artificially with lights, TV screens and computer screens (including tablets and cell phones). Consequently, the incidence of insomnia is much higher now than it was before these devices were invented.

Protection from the Sun

Much of the damage to our skin caused by sun exposure can be prevented. Sunscreen must be applied 20 minutes before going out in the sun and should be reapplied after two hours in the sun and after swimming or heavy sweating. You can also protect yourself with UV filtering sunglasses, long sleeves or a brimmed hat. If you are going to be outside for long periods, sit under a cover of a building, an umbrella or a tree that has dense shade underneath.

What you should know about Vitamin C

Vitamin C also known as Ascorbic acid is a water-soluble vitamin found in many foods particularly fruits and vegetables. It is called a water-soluble vitamin because it dissolves easily in water and, in general, readily excreted from the body, hence because they are not readily stored, more consistent intake is important. The foods rich in vitamin C include broccoli, cantaloupe, orange juice, papaya, red, green or yellow pepper, sweet potato, strawberries and tomatoes.

Evidence does not support its use for prevention of common cold, however some evidence suggests that regular use may shorten the length of colds. Just as explained in the study of a researcher Mark Moyad, MD, MDH of the University of Michigan “There is a good evidence taking vitamin C for colds and flu can reduce the risk of developing further complications such as; pneumonia and lung infection” says Moyad. Also, a recent study showed vitamin C was beneficial to individuals whose immune system was weakened due to stress, a condition which is very common in our society.

Other benefits of vitamin C include its antioxidant properties which aid in skin regeneration process which help our body to repair damaged skin cells.https://www.allure.com/story/vitamin-c-beskinnefits-for-

It is also used to treat and prevent scurvy, a disease resulting from deficiency of vitamin C characterized by spots on and bleeding under the skin, spongy gums and poor wound healing. It also encourages production of white blood cells, collagen and connective tissue synthesis. Vitamin C is easily absorbed in food and in pill form, and can enhance the absorption of iron when the two are eaten together.

Cosmetics: Complex Mixtures and Complex Regulations

The Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetics act defines a cosmetic as anything applied directly to a human body for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness or altering the appearance without affecting the body structure and function. According to this definition, mixtures as diverse as a modern roll-on deodorant and henna, a colored plant extract used in ancient times as well as today to dye hair, are classified as cosmetics. However, it is interesting to note that according to Federal, Food and Drugs act, soap is not legally considered to be a cosmetic.

The sale of a cosmetics in many countries is regulated by FDA (Food and Drug Administration) but the regulatory requirements are regulated by Fair Packaging and Labelling Act. This act require that every cosmetic product must be labelled with the list of ingredients in order of decreasing quantity. For example, many skin products contain water than any other ingredient so, water is labelled first.

Any cosmetic product that is designed to treat and prevent disease, or otherwise affect the structure or function of a human body is regulated as both a drug and a cosmetic, and must meet the labelling requirement for both. Some well-known examples of these products are; dandruff shampoo, fluoride toothpaste and deodorants.

Chemistry: Center of it all.

Chemistry is often referred to as the “central science” because it serves as a necessary foundation for many other scientific disciplines. Regardless of which scientific field you are interested in, every single substance you will discuss or work with is made up of chemicals. Also, many processes important to those fields will be based on an understanding of chemistry.

Chemistry is the foundation for many other scientific disciplines, like Health science Nutrition, Microbiology, Physiology, Botany etc

We also consider chemistry a central science because of its crucial role in responding to the needs of society. We use chemistry to discover new processes, develop new sources of energy, produce new products and materials, provide more food, and ensure better health.

Do you know the role of diet in peptic ulcer disease?

Peptic ulcer disease (PUD), which includes ulcer formation in the stomach or the duodenum (the first portion of the small intestine) and is the leading reason for gastrointestinal surgery. Since PUD affects your digestive tract, it makes sense that what you eat on a daily basis should impact the development of ulcer disease. However, direct associations between what many people believe to be ulcer-causing components of the diet and the development of PUD are surprisingly limited and inconsistent. Large observational studies have not established a direct link between the intake of alcohol, caffeine, or spicy foods and ulcer formation. This is true despite the fact that alcohol and caffeine are known to stimulate gastric acid secretion, which in turn makes ulcer symptoms worse and interferes with ulcer healing. Research over the past few decades has found that 80–90% of peptic ulcers are actually caused by a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). So, while diet might play a role, particularly in terms of ulcer healing, H. pylori infection is the primary cause of PUD. Milk, which many people still mistakenly believe protects against or even helps to treat PUD, might actually increase its severity by causing an increase in acid secretion and masking ulcer symptoms. Masked symptoms allow the disease to progress without treatment.

 On the other hand, fermented milk products, including yogurt and cheese, have been associated with a reduction in PUD, possibly due to their antimicrobial properties. Research shows that probiotic strains, including Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium bifidum, inhibit the growth of the H. pylori. These probiotic strains have also been shown to improve the effectiveness of treatment for H. pylori infection. In the past, fiber consumption was discouraged for patients with PUD. Current research suggests that soluble fiber might actually play a protective role. In a large prospective study, those with the highest intakes of soluble fiber, particularly fiber from legumes, including beans, tofu, peanut butter, and nuts, had a 50% lower incidence of duodenal ulcer compared to those consuming the least amount of soluble fiber. Vegetable fiber and vitamin A intake also appear to exert a protective effect. Conversely, higher intakes of refined grains (which are lower in fiber) and refined sugar have been associated with a higher risk of duodenal ulcer disease. Polyphenols, plant-based nutrients that play a role in decreasing the risk of numerous diseases, also appear to play an important role in ulcer prevention.

 Animal studies have shown that several different polyphenols help prevent PUD by increasing the formation of gut-protecting mucus; decreasing acid secretion; inhibiting the growth of H. pylori; and acting as powerful antioxidants, which help protect the lining of the gut.

 Promising research in rats has shown a potential beneficial effect of numerous polyphenol-rich plant compounds, including ginger, fennel, and olive leaf extract. Smoking has been strongly associated with the incidence of PUD through numerous mechanisms. On the other hand, physical activity has been shown to decrease the risk of duodenal ulcer. So, the adoption of a healthy lifestyle, including a diet containing a variety of fruits and vegetables, plenty of soluble fiber, and fermented dairy products with limited added sugar; not smoking; and exercising regularly can play a significant role in the prevention of ulcer disease.

Did you know that GERD is not just a heartburn?

The medical name of the acid reflux disease is gastroesophageal reflux disease which is often abbreviated ad GERD. It’s often mistaken for occasional heartburn. It occurs when stomach acid or bile irritates the food pipe lining located just above the stomach. When operating normally, this muscle relaxes and opens allowing food to pass down into the stomach from the esophagus, then contracts to close the opening and the stomach acidic content and bile from backing up into the esophagus.

When food pipe lining relaxes at appropriate time, the acidic contents gets into the esophagus and cause burning chest pain called heartburn, when it occurs repeatedly and frequent the acid can also erode the food pipe lining of esophagus. GERD is a complex condition ranging from frequent heartburn symptoms to erosive esophagitis, in which the esophagus can suffer different degrees of damage. In extreme occurrence ulcers develop in the esophagus and lead to esophageal bleeding which can in turn can cause iron deficiency, anemia, weight loss as well as extreme pain. In severe cases GERD can cause a serious medical condition that may need surgery to correct.

The main common symptoms of GERD for adults are an acidic taste in the mouth, regurgitation, and heartburn. Less common symptoms include pain with swallowing or sore throat, increased salivation (also known as water brash), nausea, chest pain and coughing. GERD may be difficult to detect in infants and children, since they cannot describe what they are feeling and indicators must be observed. Symptoms may vary from typical adult symptoms. GERD in children may cause repeated vomiting, effortless spitting up, coughing, and other respiratory problems.   

Doctors recommend change of lifestyle and dietary changes to GERD patients, including foods that weaken lower esophageal sphincter and stimulate gastric acid secretion such food include; chocolate, peppermint, beverages caffeine, acidic fruits and juices as well as spicy foods. Change of lifestyle include not lying down for three hours after eating, raising the head of the bed, losing weight, avoiding foods that result in symptoms and stopping smoking. Some evidence suggests that reducing sugar intake and increased fiber intake can help. The primary medications used for GERD are proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole followed by hydrogen gas inhibitor and antacids.

Do temperature changes affect our body function?

The human body has the ability to maintain its temperature despite the changes of the surrounding temperature. Because of this characteristic, humans are classified as warm-blooded. However our body temperature varies in range depending on sex, age, time of the day, exertion level, health status (such as illness and mensturation ), what part of the body the measurement is taken at, state of consciousness  ( sleeping, waking, sedated), and emotions. Human body temperature is kept in normal range by thermoregulation in which adjustment of temperature is triggered by the central nervous system.
Human body temperature on normal condition is considered to be 37.0°C when measured orally, but this normal value can fluctuate to 36.1°C when one just woke up in the morning to higher value of 37.2°C just before bedtime in the evening.
Hypothermia occurs when one’s body temperature drops to dangerously low levels. As a result the body temperature decreases and at 28.5°C the afflicted person appears pale and might have irregular heartbeat, unconsciousness normally occur when the body temperature gets lower than 26.7°C. at these temperature respiration also slows and become shallow  resulting to decrease in the delivery of oxygen to body tissues.

However no person always has exactly the same temperature at every moment of the day. Temperature cycles regularly up and down through the day controlled by the person’ circadian rhythm.  

In addition to this variation, our body fluctuates in response to the extremes of the surrounding. Foristance when temperature rise, the body reacts by increasing blood flow to the skin surface , taking the heat from within the body to the surface , this means sweat. As the sweat evaporates the body cools down. Body temperature more than 3.5°C above normal begin to interfere with bodily functions. Body temperature above 41.1°C can cause hyperthermia which are several conditions that occur when one’s heat regulation can’t handle the heat of the surrounding, and it can cause permernent brain damage especially to children.

Did you know, the foods we eat interacts with the drugs we take?

Most people are aware that medications can interact with one another, but many may not be aware of the interaction of certain food with supplement or medications. These interactions may either lead to impaired absorption or altered metabolism 

Iron present in food and supplements has numerous interactions. Heme iron found in meat is effectively absorbed compared to non-heme iron found in plant foods and supplements. The reason for effective absorption of heme iron is that when we eat meat, we absorb blood proteins, the haemoglobin and myoglobin contained in the flesh of an animal while for non-heme absorbance one should consume vitamin C rich foods during meals. Forexample, some lemon juice drizzled over leafy greens will increase the amount of absorbance. For iron to absorbed it has to be soluble and ionized to ferrous iron (+2 oxidation state), this absorption is enhanced by gastric acid in the stomach where iron is firstly absorbed and the rest is absorbed in the intestine. Supplements such as protein inhibitors and antacids reduce the effective absorption of iron by reducing the concentration of acid present in the stomach, also regume, wheat bran, dairy foods and tannin found in tea acts as iron absorption inhibitors.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) reduces iron to ferrous iron (+2) hence enhances its absorption. Ferrous iron interacts with antibiotics such as ciproflaxin, tetracycline and thyroid medications impairs their absorption hence potentially reduces their interactions,

Calcium is found in dairy food and supplements, have several food and drug interaction. Like iron, calcium is also absorbed in ionic form, therefore it has to be in soluble form and requires acidic environment for optimal absorption mostly in calcium carbonate form. Calcium is absorbed in the ileum therefore acid reducing supplements do not interfere in its absorption, phytates and oxalic acid found in spinach, sweet potatoes and beans binds calcium, creating calcium complex that cannot be absorbed. Calcium interacts with some medications by inhibiting or reducing absorption they include, quinone antibiotics and thyroid medications.