Sydney- Researchers have uncovered the barrier to beta cell regeneration that could pave the way for improved treatments for diabetes and diseases that involve organ and tissue damage.
According to the study, published in the journal npj Regenerative Medicine, the human body doesn't repair itself very well, with our liver the only organ that can regenerate efficiently as we have limited capacity to regenerate new cells or tissue after birth as the genes involved in development are switched off.
This process happens through DNA methylation, a biological process where chemicals (methyl groups) are written on DNA and modify the way the gene functions, said the researchers, including Sam El-Osta from Monash University. This modification effectively silences genes of progenitor cells (early descendants of stem cells) in the body and thereby the ability for the pancreas to generate the insulin-producing beta cells, they added.
The research team, using mouse models, found that the DNA methylation content of two key developmental genes Ngn3 and Sox 11 were diminished, effectively making them 'repair' dormant. However, through demethylation, progenitor cells can be reawakened, restoring their capacity to become new insulin-producing beta cells paving the way towards improved treatments for Type-1 and Type-2 diabetes, the team said.
"The discovery that DNA methylation is a barrier to adult beta-cell regeneration will assist scientists to restore beta-cell function in the pancreas," said Professor El-Osta. Currently, replacing the damaged beta-cell mass in diabetic patients consists of whole pancreas or islets transplantation. Although efficient, these therapies face the shortage of organ donors together with the associated side effects of immunosuppressive drugs, the team said.
Current research focuses on the replacement of the lost beta cells in diabetic patients using several approaches and cell sources. However, critical to exploiting the potential of these regenerative approaches, is understanding how tissue and cellular processes are controlled during development. (Agency)
Diabetes is a disorder that is generally treated with medication. However, along with that, you can take some measures every day to control diabetes naturally. This happens as certain foods and lifestyle changes help your sugar levels to remain stable. Here are the things you can try:
Also, Read► Control Diabetes with Ayurveda
1. Exercise to lose weight
Exercising and lowering your weight can increase your insulin sensitivity. This enables your body to use sugar better and hence, keeps the sugar levels in check. If you are a beginner, try exercises like aerobics or yoga.
Also, Read► Want To Lose Weight? So 5 Fried Things To Eat And Then Look Awesome
2. Drink copper water
Keep water in a copper vessel overnight to charge the water with copper particles. Copper helps the body absorb nutrients better and its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties help in reducing the symptoms of diabetes like inflammation, slow healing of tissues, and skin problems.
Also, Read► Know all the W’s of water
3. Try a low carb diet
Carbohydrates break down by the process of digestion to form sugar. The more carbohydrates you eat, the more sugar your body gets. Try cutting down the carbs like rice, potato, bread and add fats and protein like olive oil, spinach, egg whites, etc. in your diet as they have a negligible effect on blood sugar.
Also, Read► Diet To Fight Depression
4. Improve your lifestyle
Some other changes in your lifestyle that seem small but have huge effects are sleeping for 8 hours every day, drinking more water, and monitoring your blood sugar regularly. Adapt yourself to keep a track of your blood sugar every day to know which foods or habits are affecting it.
Also, Read► Lifestyle changes for a healthy monsoon
5. Consume fenugreek seeds
Eating fenugreek or methi seeds is one of the most effective remedies to lower blood sugar. It is a great source of soluble fiber which slows down the absorption of sugar in the blood. You can eat 2-5 grams of fenugreek seeds every day to manage your blood sugar levels.
Also, Read► Fenugreek: Health Benefits, Uses, Dosage
This content loaded with suggestions provides casual information only. It is in no way a replacement for a qualified medical opinion. Always talk with an Ayurveda doctor for more queries.
Read More► Ayurvedic Treatment For Diabetes
Non-surgical cosmetic treatments which are minimally invasive procedures aim to improve a person's appearance, self-esteem, and self-confidence. Every individual wishes to look good and have an improved version of themselves, to make the skin look flawless, having the perfect lips, getting rid of the facial fats, and acne-free skin.
Cosmetologist Dr. Monica Jacob says: "These treatments support an individual in enhancing self-confidence as it is truly said, 'confidence is the best outfit'. In a way, it also leads to psychological benefits for an individual."
She adds: "We have noticed that many people who opt for non-surgical treatments like facial contouring, signature clean-ups, dermal vitamin infusion, and radio frequency. Some people who are unsatisfied with their looks frequently struggle with anxiety and depression. Indulging in these treatments helps you align your natural appearance with your desired appearance boosting your self-esteem. You are more inclined to socialize due to your improved state of mind regarding how you feel towards yourself."
Dr. Jacob is an anti-aging specialist and Aesthetic physician and was seen in the show "Fabulous Life of Bollywood" wives performing anti-aging treatment on the actress Neelam.
Talking about actresses opting about taking these services, Dr. Jacob says actors are more prone to camera lights, the day-night shoot schedules, etc and for them, it becomes vital to opt for these services. Additionally, they are under heavy make-up most of the time which leads to causing skin hair damage. Hence, for them it becomes crucial, she says.
It is observed that not just the glamour world but today's office goers and the common public also pamper themselves with these services, right from teenage group to the senior citizens, she points out.
"However, one needs to guide them with the right products and right treatment with an affordable package which will be suitable to every member. Though, the percentage in India is lower as compared to the other countries. Nevertheless, in the coming year, a cosmetologist is an ever-emerging field in the science of medicine to deal with the beauty with rapid advancements and technology. With the affordable prices, people opting for non-surgical cosmetic transformation is looking very bright indeed."
(Puja Gupta)
According to experts, antioxidants are substances that may protect your cells against free radicals, which play a role in heart disease, cancer and other diseases.
Free radicals are molecules produced when your body breaks down food or when you're exposed to tobacco smoke or radiation.
The latest antioxidant which is produced for the first time in India is gamma oryzanol, which is very quickly gaining popularity as a super antioxidant.
It is a substance that is taken out of rice bran oil. It is also found in wheat bran and some fruits and vegetables.
The experts said that gamma oryzanol is used for high cholesterol, symptoms of menopause and many other conditions.
"Gamma oryzanol is useful for controlling elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels, supporting cardiovascular health along with controlling menopausal symptoms. Gamma oryzanol helps lower cholesterol because it helps decrease cholesterol absorption and increase cholesterol elimination. Along with this, it is also known to boost metabolic rate and may help with weight loss," Swapna Chaturvedi, senior dietician, Department of Dietetics, AIIMS told IANS.
As gamma oryzanol is found to be effective in controlling high cholesterol level in the body, it is registered in Japan and the US as a natural medicine to treat hyperlipidemia/dyslipidaemia (elevated cholesterol levels/unhealthy cholesterol levels.
Most research shows that taking natural antioxidants decreases total cholesterol, "bad" low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and blood fats called triglycerides in people with high cholesterol.
"It also helps in preventing heart attack by preventing platelet aggregation, a system where platelets blood gets stuck together and form clots that block arteries," said Praveen Chandra, Head of Department, Interventional Cardiology, Medanta, The Medicity in Gurugram.
The experts mentioned that gamma oryzanol is also used for increasing testosterone and human growth hormone levels, as well as improving strength during resistance exercise training.
Gamma oryzanol also helps to inhibit different cancers in the body and builds immunity to fight cancer cells.
"Many of the antioxidants have proven beneficial in inhibiting the cancers at various stages. Gamma oryzanol has been found out to be effective antioxidant which comes from rice bran and helps in preventing cancer if taken for a long period," said Rahul Bhargava, Director, Institute of Blood Disorder and BMT, Fortis Hospital, New Delhi.
Gamma oryzanol is basically activator of NK cells which gives the cancer cells a check.
It not only works through NK cells but also inhibits angiogenesis. It means it cuts the supply for the cancer cells to grow and increases your body's own immunity to gather the strength to kill cancers.
"Gamma oryzanol also prevents cancers and studies show it helps in regressing the prostate cancer cells," Bhargava noted.
(Vivek Singh Chauhan can be contacted at [email protected])
In Ayurveda insomnia is acknowledged by the name of ‘anidra’. It implies that insomnia can be relieved by balancing intensified body energies. The route it follows? By following suitable lifestyle choices, a customized diet, and taking medicines recommended by an Ayurvedic doctor. Besides that, relaxation of the mind is also a crucial part of the treatment. Here are 7 home remedies for Insomnia.
1.Reduce Screen Time
Shut all screens two hours before you go to bed. The blue light emanating from screens affects the production of the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin.
2.Relax with Yoga and Meditation
Yoga, breathing exercises, and meditation are excellent ways to relax the mind and allow it to sleep. Know how meditation can help deal with insomnia.
3.Have This Concoction
Boil 3 grams of fresh mint leaves or 1.5 grams of dried powder of mint leaves in 1 cup of water for 15-20 minutes. Take lukewarm with 1 teaspoon of honey at bedtime.
4.Sip Warm Milk Before Bed
Milk stimulates the production of melatonin, the sleep-inducing hormone.
5.Tap the Power of Ayurvedic Therapies
Ayurvedic therapies like Shirodhara help relax the mind and quell disorders like insomnia. Consult an Ayurvedic doctor to know which therapies are best suited for your system.
6.Sport or Workout
Practice a sport or workout for at least 30 minutes daily to tire your body and channelize the energy. Know how yoga can help you deal with insomnia.
7.Cut Caffeine
If you are suffering from extreme insomnia, stop consumption of all caffeine drinks, coffee, tea, and aerated drinks. If you are suffering from mild insomnia, then do not drink them after dusk.
Type of headache which may occur with symptoms such as nausea/vomiting/ sensitivity to light. In many of the people, throbbing pain is felt only on one side of the head.
Due to urbanization, lifestyle of the people of modern era has changed. Due to changed work expectations for better lifestyle, stress is causing incidence of acute and chronic disorders.
MIGRAINE, one of the chronic illness,and has spread in many parts of population. It is chronic neurological disorder. Some people who get migraine have warning symptom, called an aura,before the actual headache begins. An aura is a group of symptoms, of vision changes.
In Ayurveda, Ardhavabhedaka is very much similar to migraine. It is described as vataja/vatakaphaj/tridoshaj shiroroga.
SYMPTOMS-
Migraine progresses through four stages-
Prodrome
Aura
Attack
Post-drome
PRODROME
One/ Two days before a migraine, some changes will warn you for an upcoming migraine.
Constipation, Food cravings, Neck stiffness, Mood changes, Thirst and urination, Yawning frequent.
AURA
It is considered reversible symptoms of the nervous system. It can occur before/ during migraines, although it is usually visual but can also include other disturbances. Aura symptoms begins gradually,, builds up over several minutes and lasta for 20 to 60 minutes.
visual phenomena can occur such as seeing various shapes, bright spots/ flashes of light.
hearing noises/music.
pins and needles sensations in an arm/leg.
difficulty speaking.
ATTACK
Migraine usually lasts from 4 - 72 hours if untreated. Attack of migraine includes -
pain that usually occur on one side of your head, but often on both sides.
pain that throb/pulses.
sensitivity to light/sound/ smell/ touch.
nausea and vomiting.
POST-DROME-
After migraine attack, you might feel drained, confused and washed out for upto a day. Sudden head movement might occur.
WHEN TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR FOR MIGRAINE DISEASE ?
Migraine is often undiagnosed and untreated. Regular signs and symptoms record and attack records should be kept and to report doctor to know about its severity. Headaches history also might help.
In case of any severe signs and symptoms mentioned below occur, then without delay consult doctor/ go to the hospital immediately --
headache with fever/stiff neck/mental confusion/ seizures/ double vision/ weakness/ numbness/ trouble speaking.
chronic headache worse after coughing/exertion/straining/ sudden movement.
an abrupt severe headache.
CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS-
A migraine headache is caused by abnormal brain activity that triggered many things.
It tends to appear between the ages of 10 and 45, sometimes later in life. It run in families. Mostly, it occurs in women as compared to men.
Migraine headaches can also triggered by certain foods like-
Baked goods/ chocolate/ dairy foods/MSG ( monosodium glutamate) foods.
Tyramine rich foods like smoked fish/ chicken livers/ figs/ certain beans/ aged cheese/ red wine
Avocado/banana/citrus fruit
Onions
Peanuts/ processed, fermented, pickled/ marinated foods
Hormonal changes in women like fluctuations in estrogen before/during menstrual periods, pregnancy, menopause.
Oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy in women can worsen migraines.
Stress
Bright lights/ sun glare/ loud sounds.
Strong smell= include perfumes/ paint thinner
Sleep changes
intense physical exertion
weather changes
PREVENTION-
avoid loud noises, bright lights.
pay attention to food choices such as avoid chocolate, red wine, processed meats, sweeteners, cheese.
record headache of times and severity of headaches.
beware of hormonal changes.
pay attention to the weather.
take nutritive foods and supplements.
eat + sleep on a regular schedule.
avoid stress.
don’t miss your meal especially lunch and breakfast.
choose relaxing exercises.
have a managing schedule with lifestyle management.
DIAGNOSIS-
Diagnosis of migraine is usually based on the history. Acc. To diagnostic criteria established by the International Headache Society, patients must have had at least 5 headache attacks that lasted 4-72 hrs & the headache must have at least 2-3 of the following characteristics in it :-
1) Pulsating quality
2) Moderate/ severe pain intensity
3) Aggravation by / causing avoidance of routine physical activities.
Now, in addition to the above mentioned criteria, patient must have had atleast one of the following :-
1) Nausea/ vomiting
2) Photophobia & phonophobia
GENERAL TIPS/ HOME REMEDIES -
Keep a food diary along with your headache diary --- to help identify what you ate before migraine attacks.
If you think a specific food is triggering migraine attacks/ you may try to avoid that food for a month affects.
Be careful about trying extremely strict diets, it can lead to missing various nutrients.
Try to change things like white bread, white rice and pasta in your diet to whole grains.
Aim to increase fruit and vegetables intake.
Aim to eat healthy fats not low fats.
Limiit sodium to < than 2300 mg/ day. Most salt in our diets comes from processed foods like heat-and-eat frozen meals, canned soups, ready-to-eat snacks like chips and crackers.
Consider eating 5 small meals per day. To stay longer, eat a carbohydrate with a protein/good fat.
Don’t eat/drink anything that triggers your migraine. Some common food triggers are alcohol//aged cheeses,/caffeine. And chocolate.
Drink water through the day instead of sugary drinks like soda/juice.
Eat magnesium rich foods. Magnesium mineral is important for a no. Of body functions, also it binds to specific receptors in brain.
WHAT TO AVOID?
Spicy, heavy, cold, oily foods
Foods that contain a lot of sodium/ additive foods containing monosodium glutamate(MSG)/ artificial sweeteners such as aspartame.
alcohol/smoking
stress
changes in the weather/ changes in sleeping habit patterns.
certain medications without prescription
eggs/ tomatoes/ onions/ dairy products/ citrus fruits
pasta and bread products
chocolate/ aged cheese/ nuts/ aspartame/excessive caffeine
Avoid exposure to wind and sunlight.
Avoid smoked meat and fish.
WHAT TO EAT?
orange/green and yellow vegetables ( summer squash/sweet potatoes/carrots/ spinach)
meals and water intake on time.
brown rice
dried/ cooked fruits
well cooked and boiled food
cherries/ cranberries
boiled and cooked fresh meats/fish/poultry
Vitamin B-2 / Riboflavin containing food like salmon, red meat, grains and mushrooms.
light diet/ rest/ relaxation
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS -
Q.1.) How hormones affect migraine in women?
Ans.- Migraine is more common in women, menstruation in migraine trigger 10% of women with migraine. Hormonal medications such as oral contraceptives / hormone replacement therapy can also worsen the condition.
Q.2) What are some features of migraine aura?
Ans.- Some features are -
usually develops over 5-20 mins and lasts less than 60 mins.
most commonly visual but can be sensory/motor/ any combination of these.
visual symptoms may be positive/ negative.
Q.3) What is migraine headache?
Ans.- It is a complex disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of headache, mostly unilateral and sometimes associated with visual/ sensory symptoms -collectively known as an aura- arises before the head pain but that may occur during/afterward. Most common occurs in women and also has genetic component.
Q.4) What are the signs and symptoms of migraine?
Ans.- Typical symptoms of migraine include :-
throbbing/ pulsatile headache, moderate to severe pain that intensifies with movement/ physical activity.
unilateral / localized pain in the fronto-temporal and ocular area.
pain builds up over a period of 1-2 hrs.
headache lasts 4-72hrs.
nausea and vomiting, anorexia, food intolerance, light - headedness
light and sound sensitivity.
Q.5) What are some migraine variants?
Ans.- It includes childhood periodic syndromes, migraine with brainstem aura, hemiplegic migraine, status migrainosus, retinal migraine.
Q.6) What is the diagnosis of migraine?
Ans.- It is based on patient history. International Headache Society diagnostic criteria are that patients must have had atleast 5 headache attacks that lasted 4-72 hrs and that the headache must have had atleast 2 of the following characteristics:-
unilateral location
pulsating quality
moderate/severe pain intensity
aggravation / causing avoidance of routine physical activity characters in it.
In addition, patient must have had atleast 1 of the following :-
nausea/ vomiting
photophobia, phonophobia
Q.7) How common is migraine in children and adolescents?
Ans.- In early childhood and before puberty, migraines are more frequent among boys. In adolescence ; migraine affects young women > than young men. Migraine occurs in about 3% of children of preschool children. 4% to 11% of elementary school children, and 8% to 15% of high school aged children. As adults, women are 3 times more likely to have a migraine than men.
Q.8) What is an aura?
Ans.- An Aura is a sign of warning indicate that migraine is about to begin. It usually occurs about 30 mins before a migraine starts. Most common are visual include blurred/distorted vision/blind spots/brightly colored/ flashing/ moving lights/lines. Other kind includes change in ability to speak/move/hear/smell/taste/touch. It lasts about 20 minutes.
Q.9) Why nausea occur in migraine?
Ans.- Strong headaches like migraine happen when nerves in brain signal blood vessels on its surface to get bigger. Low levels of serotonin, also linked to motion sickness and nausea. It may also because of certain nerve pathways(vagus and glossopharyngeal) , brain pathways, excite an area in the brainstem that triggers the vomiting center.
Q.10) What actually happens in the brain during a migraine?
Ans.- Migraine pain happens due to waves of activity by group of excitable brain cells, trigger chemicals, such as serotonin, to narrow blood vessels. Serotonin, it is a chemical necessary for communication between nerve cells..
Q.11) How Migraine is treated in Ayurveda?
Ans.- In Ayurveda system of Medicine, natural methods are used like - Panchakarma Therapy procedures include nasya karma, swedan, abhyanga, snehana. Yoga techniques also helps to calm mind and body, ease stress and anxiety, reduce pain. Pathyadi decoction also used.
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