Breast milk contains more than 700 bacteria

Breast milk contains more than 700 bacteria:

Microbes taken from breast milk by the infant are identified

Spanish researchers have traced the bacterial microbiota map in breast milk, which is the main source of nourishment for newborns. The study has revealed a larger microbial diversity than originally thought: more than 700 species.

The breast milk received from the mother is one of the factors determining how the bacterial flora will develop in the newborn baby. However, the composition and the biological role of these bacteria in infants remain unknown.

A group of Spanish scientists have now used a technique based on massive DNA sequencing to identify the set of bacteria contained within breast milk called microbiome. Thanks to their study, pre- and postnatal variables influencing the micriobial richness of milk can now be determined.

Colostrum is the first secretion of the mammary glands after giving birth. In some of the samples taken of this liquid, more than 700 species of these microorganisms were found, which is more than originally expected by experts. The results have been published in the 'American Journal of Clinical Nutrition'.

"This is one of the first studies to document such diversity using the pyrosequencing technique (a large scale DNA sequencing determination technique) on colostrum samples on the one hand, and breast milk on the other, the latter being collected after one and six months of breastfeeding," explain the coauthors, María Carmen Collado, researcher at the Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology (IATA-CSIC) and Alex Mira, researcher at the Higher Public Health Research Centre (CSISP-GVA).

The most common bacterial genera in the colostrum samples were Weissella, Leuconostoc, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus and Lactococcus. In the fluid developed between the first and sixth month of breastfeeding, bacteria typical of the oral cavity were observed, such as Veillonella, Leptotrichia and Prevotella.

Loquat fruit benefits

Delicious, loquats are very low in calories; provide just 47 cal per 100 g, however, rich in insoluble dietary fiber, pectin. Pectin retains moisture in the colon and thus functions as bulk laxative and by this way, it helps to protect the colon mucous membrane by decreasing exposure time to toxic substances as well as binding to cancer causing chemicals in the colon.
Pectin has also been shown to reduce blood cholesterol levels by decreasing its re-absorption in the colon by binding bile acids resulting in its excretion from the body.
Loquat fruit is an excellent source of vitamin-A (provides about 1528 IU per 100g), and phenolic flvonoid antioxidants such as chlorogenic acid, neo-chlorogenic acid, hydroxybenzoic acid, feruloylquinic acid, protocatechuic acid, epicatechin, coumaric acids and ferulic acid. Ripen fruits have more chlorogenic acid concentrations.
Vitamin A maintains integrity of mucus membranes and skin. Lab studies have shown that consumption of natural fruits rich in vitamin-A and flavonoids helps to protect from lung and oral cavity cancers.
Fresh fruit is very rich in potassium and some B-complex vitamins such as folates, vitamin B-6 and niacin and contain small amounts of vitamin-C. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids, helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure.
It is also a good source of iron, copper, calcium, manganese, and other minerals. Manganese is used by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. Copper is required in the production of red blood cells. Iron is required for as a cofactor in cellular oxidation as well for red blood cell formation.
Image taken from loquatworld.com

Medical Facts of Banana Fruit

Banana fruit is rich in calories, but very low in fats. The fruit contains good amounts of health benefiting anti-oxidants, minerals, and vitamins.

Banana pulp is composed of soft, easily digestible flesh with simple sugars like fructose and sucrose that when eaten replenishes energy and revitalizes the body instantly; thus, for these qualities, bananas are being used by athletes to get instant energy and as supplement food in the treatment plan for underweight children.

The fruit contains good amount of soluble dietary fiber (7% of DRA per 100 g) that helps normal bowel movements; thereby reducing constipation problems.

It contains many health promoting flavonoid poly-phenolic antioxidants such as lutein, zeaxanthin, beta and alpha carotenes in small amounts. These compounds help act as protective scavengers against oxygen-derived free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) that play a role in aging and various disease processes.

It is also a very good source of vitamin-B6 (pyridoxine), provides about 28% of daily-recommended allowance. Pyridoxine is an important B-complex vitamin that has beneficial role in the treatment of neuritis, anemia, and decreasing homocystine (one of the causative factor for coronary artery disease (CHD) and stroke episodes) levels in the body.

The fruit is also good source of vitamin-C (about 8.7 mg per 100g). Consumption of foods rich in vitamin-C helps body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful oxygen free radicals.

Fresh bananas provide adequate levels of minerals like copper, magnesium, and manganese. Magnesium is essential for bone strengthening and has cardiac-protective role as well. Manganese is used by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. Copper is required in the production of red blood cells.

Fresh banana is a very rich source of potassium. 100 g fruit provides 358 mg potassium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps control heart rate and blood pressure, countering bad effects of sodium.

Medical facts of Kiwi Fruit

Kiwifruit is a very rich source of soluble dietary fiber (3.8 g per 100 g of fruit OR 10% of RDA), which makes it a good bulk laxative. The fiber content helps to protect the colon mucous membrane by decreasing exposure time to toxins as well as binding to cancer causing chemicals in the colon.

The fruit is an excellent source of antioxidant vitamin-C; provides about 154% of the DRI (daily-recommended intake). Consumption of foods rich in vitamin-C helps body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful free radicals.

Kiwi fruit contains very good levels of vitamin-A, vitamin-E, vitamin-K and flavonoid anti-oxidants such as beta-carotene, lutein and xanthin. Vitamin K has potential role in the increase of bone mass by promoting osteotrophic activity in the bone. It also has established role in Alzheimer's disease patients by limiting neuronal damage in the brain.

Research studies have shown that certain substances in kiwi-fruit functions as blood thinner similar to aspirin; helps to prevent clot formation inside the blood vessels and protects from stroke and heart attacks.

Kiwi seeds are an excellent source of omega3 fatty acids. Research studies shows that consumption of foods rich in ω-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, and help prevent development of ADHD, autism, and other developmental differences in children.

Fresh kiwi fruit is a very rich source of heart healthy electrolyte "potassium". Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure by countering effects of sodium.

It also contains good amounts of minerals like manganese, iron and magnesium. Manganese is used in the body as a co-factor for the powerful antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. Magnesium is an important bone-strengthening mineral like calcium.

Medical Benefits of Apricots

Fresh fruits are low in calories, composing just 50 calories per 100 g. However, they are rich source of dietary fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. The fruits are enriched with numerous health promoting phyto-chemicals; that helps prevent heart disease, reduce LDL, ("bad cholesterol") levels and offers protection against cancers.

Apricots are excellent sources of vitamin-A and carotenes. 100 g fresh fruits have 1926 IU or 64% of daily-required levels of vitamin A. Both of these compounds are known to have antioxidant properties and are essential for vision. Vitamin-A is also required for maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin. Consumption of natural fruits rich in carotenes helps protect body from lung and oral cavity cancers.

Fresh fruits contain vitamin-C, another natural anti-oxidant. Vitamin-C helps body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful oxygen free radicals.

They are also good source of minerals such as potassium, iron, zinc, calcium and manganese. Potassium is a heart-healthy mineral; an important component of cell and body fluids that help regulate heart rate and blood pressure.

The total anti-oxidant or ORAC value of raw apricots is 1115 umol TE/100 g. Much of this in these fruits comes from some important health promoting flavonoid poly phenolic anti-oxidants such as lutein, zeaxanthin and beta cryptoxanthins. Altogether these compounds act as protective scavengers against oxygen-derived free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) that play a role in aging, cancers and various disease process.

Zeaxanthin, a carotenoid selectively absorbed into the retinal "macula lutea" in the eyes where it is thought to provide anti-oxidant and protective light-filtering functions. Thus, consumption of fruits like apricots rich in zeaxanthin helps eyes protect from age-related macular disease (AMRD), especially in the elderly people.in

Medical benefits of Apple

Delicious and crunchy apple is one of the popular fruit that contain an impressive list of essential nutrients, which are required for normal growth and development and overall nutritional well-being.

Apples are low in calories; 100 g of fresh fruit slices provide only 50 calories. The fruits are however, contain no saturated fats or cholesterol; but rich in dietary fiber, which helps, prevent absorption of dietary LDL cholesterol in the gut. The dietary fibers also help protect the mucous membrane of the colon from exposure to toxic substances by binding to cancer causing chemicals in the colon.

Apple fruit contains good quantities of vitamin-C and beta-carotene. Vitamin C is a powerful natural antioxidant. Consumption of foods rich in vitamin C helps body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals from the body.

Apples are rich in antioxidant phyto-nutrients flavonoids and polyphenols. The total measured anti-oxidant strength (ORAC value) of 100 g apple fruit is 5900 TE. The important flavonoids in apples are quercetin, epicatechin, and procyanidin B2. Apples are also good in tartaric acid that gives tart flavor to them. These compounds help body protect from deleterious effects of free radicals.

In addition, apple fruit is a good source of B-complex vitamins such as riboflavin, thiamin, and pyridoxine (vitamin B-6). Together these vitamins help as co-factors for enzymes in metabolism as well as in various synthetic functions inside the body.

Apple also contains small amount of minerals like potassium, phosphorus, and calcium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure; thus counters the bad influences of sodium.

Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder and, more importantly, a psychological disorder.
The cause of anorexia has not been definitively established, but self-esteem and body-image issues, societal pressures, and genetic factors likely each play a role.
Anorexia affects females far more often than males and is most common in adolescent females.
Anorexia tends to affect the middle and upper socioeconomic classes and Caucasians more often than less advantaged classes and ethnic minorities in the United States.
The disorder affects about 1% of adolescent girls and about 0.3% of males in the U.S.
People with anorexia tend to show compulsive behaviors, may become obsessed with food, and often show behaviors consistent with other addictions in their efforts to overly control their food intake and weight.
Men with anorexia are more likely to also have other psychological problems; affected women tend to be more perfectionistic and be more displeased with their bodies.
Children and adolescents with anorexia are at risk for a slowing of their growth and development.
The extreme dieting and weight loss of anorexia can lead to a potentially fatal degree of malnutrition.
Other possible complications of anorexia include heart-rhythm disturbances, digestive abnormalities, bone density loss, anemia, and hormonal and electrolyte imbalances.
Given the prevalence of denial of symptoms by individuals with anorexia, gathering information from loved ones of the anorexia sufferer is important in the diagnosis and treatment of the disorder.
Most medications are much better at treating symptoms that are associated with anorexia than addressing the specific symptoms of anorexia themselves.
The treatment of anorexia must focus on more than just weight gain and often involves a combination of individual, group, and family psychotherapies in addition to nutritional counseling.
The Maudsley model of family therapy, in which the family actively participates in helping their loved one achieve a more healthy weight, is considered the most effective method of family therapy for treating anorexia in adolescents.
The prognosis of anorexia is variable, with some people making a full recovery. Others experience a fluctuating pattern of weight gain followed by relapse or a progressively deteriorating course over many years.
Helping people understand the unrealistic and undesirable nature of media representations of excessive thinness as beautiful is one way to help prevent anorexia.
As with many other illnesses with addictive symptoms, it takes a day-to-day effort to control the urge to relapse, and treatment may be needed on a long-term basis.
Increased understanding of the causes and treatments for anorexia remain the focus of ongoing research in the effort to improve the outcomes of individuals with this disorder

In a Bad Mood? Try These Foods

>>>In a Bad Mood? Try These Foods<<<

There are some days that we feel angry, anxious, or just plain unhappy. Try one of these foods to lift your spirits:

>Whole Grains. If you’re feeling hungry andangry, these dense carbs will help increase serotonin, a mood enhancer. Trybrown rice or beans.

> Leafy Greens. For those down in the dumps days, the B vitamin folate can help break down homocysteine, which may be linked to depression. Other great sources of folate are beans, citrus fruits and fortified grain products.

>Black Tea. Stress less by sipping some hotor cold black tea—it may decrease cortisol, a stress hormone. It may also improve your memory and could help getrid of headaches.

>Dark Chocolate. For women experiencing PMS symptoms, the flavonoids in dark chocolate may help get rid of crankiness. Just one more reason to treat yourself.

>Fish. To improve your brain health and help you think more clearly, the omega 3s in fish can improve the communication between your brain’s cells.
Image taken from Saidaonline

10 Human Brain Analysis – Men vs. Women

1. MULTI-TASKING

Women – Multiple process
Womens brains designed to concentrate multiple task at a time.

Women can Watch a TV and Talk over phone and cook.
Men – Single Process
Mens brains designed to concentrate only one work at a time. Men can not watch TV and talk over the phone at the same time. they stop the TV while Talking. They can either watch TV or talk over the phone or cook.

2. LANGUAGE

Women can easily learn many languages. But can not find solutions to problems. Men can not easily learn languages, they can easily solve problems. That’s why in average a 3 years old girl has three times higher vocabulary than a 3 years old boy.

3. ANALYTICAL SKILLS

Mens brains has a lot of space for handling the analytical process. They can analyze and find the solution for a process and design a map of a building easily. But If a complex map is viewed by women, they can not understand it. Women can not understand the details of a map easily, For them it is just a dump of lines on a paper.

4. CAR DRIVING.

While driving a car, mans analytical spaces are used in his brain. He can drive a car fastly. If he sees an object at long distance, immediately his brain classifies the object (bus or van or car) direction and speed of the object and he drives accordingly. Where woman take a long time to recognize the object direction/ speed. Mans single process mind stops the audio in the car (if any), then concentrates only on driving.

5. LYING

When men lie to women face to face, they get caught easily. Womans super natural brain observes facial expression 70%, body language 20% and words coming from the mouth 10%. Mens brain does not have this. Women easily lie to men face to face.
So guys, do not lie face to face.

6. PROBLEMS SOLVING

If a man have a lot of problems, his brain clearly classifies the problems and puts them in individual rooms in the brain and then finds the solution one by one. You can see many guys looking at the sky for a long time. If a woman has a lot of problems, her brain can not classify the problems. she wants some one to hear that. After telling everything to a person she goes happily to bed. She does not worry about the problems being solved or not.

7. WHAT THEY WANT

Men want status, success, solutions, big process, etc… But Women want relationship, friends, family, etc…

8. UNHAPPINESS

If women are unhappy with their relations, they can not concentrate on their work. If men are unhappy with their work, they can not concentrate on the relations.

9. SPEECH

Women use indirect language in speech. But Men use direct language.

10. HANDLING EMOTION

Women talk a lot without thinking. Men act a lot without thinking.

Intracranial pressure monitoring

Info: Intracranial pressure monitoring

Intracranial pressure monitoring uses a device, placed inside the head, which senses the pressure inside the skull and sends its measurements to a recording device.

How the Test is Performed?
There are three ways to monitor pressure in the skull (intracranial pressure).

1. INTRAVENTRICULAR CATHETER

The intraventricular catheter is thought to be the most accurate method.
To insert an intraventricular catheter, a burr hole is drilled through the skull. The catheter is inserted through the brain into the lateral ventricle. This area usually contains liquid (cerebrospinal fluid or CSF) that protects the brain and spinal cord.
The intracranial pressure (ICP) can be monitored this way. The ICP also can be lowered by draining cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) out through the catheter.
The catheter may be hard to get into place when the intracranial pressure is high.

2. SUBDURAL SCREW

This method is used if the patient needs to be monitored right away. A subdural screw or bolt is a hollow screw that is inserted through a hole drilled in the skull. It is placed through the membrane that protects the brain and spinal cord (dura mater). This allows the sensor to record from inside the subdural space.

3. EPIDURAL SENSOR

If an epidural sensor is used, it is inserted between the skull and dural tissue. The epidural sensor is placed through a burr hole drilled in the skull. This procedure is less invasive than other methods, but it cannot remove excess CSF.

Picture: Ventriculostomy

Courtesy: Medline Plus

Remove dark patch on skin

Remove your dark patch over skin which looks ugly.

Hyperpigmentation is the formation of dark patches on the skin. It is a common and often distressing condition that can occur irrespective of skin type and complexion.

There are multiple causes for this problem. Dark spots on the face, post-acne marks, skin damage from sunlight and pigmentation are commonly referred to as Chhaiyas.

Hyperpigmentation is caused by an increase in the production and deposition of melanin, the colour pigment produced by special cells in the skin (melanocytes). Treatment depends on the duration of the problem. New patches are often easier and faster to get rid of than ones that have been on the skin for years.

Sun Damage: Dark skin patches often occur due to exposure to the sun. These are sometimes called age spots, lentigenes or liver spots and are often seen on the face, hands and shoulders. Most people do not realise that even on cloudy days, with only momentary bouts of sunshine, the UV index can high and sunburn can occur easily.

Scars: Post-acne scars often occur in the form of pigmented patches. Acne is a chronic disorder characterised by inflammatory papules, pustules, pimples, open and closed comedones, cysts and nodules affecting both adolescents and adults. Inflammatory acne lesions can disrupt the epidermal basal layer causing the melanocytes to increase melanin production.

Freckles: Ephelides or freckles are dark spots that are inherited and a stubborn condition that is difficult to treat.

Melasma or Chloasma: Usually called ‘the mask of pregnancy’, this is defined by brown patches on the skin as a result of hormonal changes during pregnancy. Usually these dark spots disappear on their own after delivery. Sometimes birth control pills can also cause pigmentation.

Other than sun exposure, other causative factors include autoimmune and thyroid disorders and photosensitising drugs

Treatment

First, the doctor has to check whether pigmentation is epidermal or dermal. Only epidermal pigmentation responds to treatment. First-line therapy includes prescription creams to lighten the skin. These contain a combination of hydroquinone, tretinoin, and a class V to VII topical corticosteroid but this usually takes a long time. Chemical peeling with glycolic acid or trichloroacetic acid is an option for patients with severe melasma unresponsive to topical bleaching agents.

There are some simple and effective home remedies that one can try.

Lemon Juice: Lemon acts as a natural bleaching agent. Mix equal quantities of lemon juice and water and apply it on the spots. Leave on for 10 minutes and then rinse.

Aloe Vera: Aloe vera is a powerful astringent and can be directly applied to acne spots.

Potato: Potato is a common skin lightening and bleaching agent. Apply thin slices of potato to the skin and leave on for 20-30 minutes so that the juice is absorbed by the skin.

Turmeric and Milk: Apply the mixture of turmeric and milk on the affected area and leave it for 10 minutes before washing. Both milk and turmeric have bleaching properties and regular use makes the skin flawless.

Apart from these remedies, have a regular skin care routine. Keep the skin hydrated, moisturised and well nourished. Apply sunscreen before going out in sun, whether you are 16 or 60, to prevent the sun’s rays from damaging and aging your skin.
Image & info taken from Webmd

Tips to stay away from Breast Cancer~

Tips to stay away from Breast Cancer~

1) Breast self-examination

Women should begin self-examination at the early age of 20s. Self-examination helps you to identify breast cancer early. Women should do self-examination at least one time a month the week after their period finishes. The women who are no longer menstruating should examine at the starting of every month. If you feel nodes or discomfort, then visit to a doctor for further examination. Self examination process can be found on medical websites but it is best to talk to a doctor and find out the correct process.

2) Mammogram

Mammogram can also help to identify breast cancer early. Women who are older than 40, must get mammogram once a year though there is no cancer in the family. Women should begin mammography in their 30s if their sister or mother had breast cancer before menopause. Mammogram is breast’s x-ray picture. For women, who have no signs or symptoms of breast cancer, screening mammograms are used to check. For women who have lump or other sign or symptom of breast cancer, diagnostic mammograms are used to check.

3) Breastfeed your baby

Breastfeeding is among the most essential ways to prevent breast cancer. Now-a-days most women stay away from breast feeding as they think it will harm their figure but it is very essential to understand that avoiding breast feeding may increase the risk of breast cancer. Women who breastfeed their babies for up to 2 years decrease the breast cancer risk up to 60%. The theory is that breastfeeding decrease the complete menstrual cycle’s number of women over her life and lower the level of estrogen hormone which is related to breast cancer.

4) Maintain healthy weight

Women who are overweight or obese after menopause are at higher risk of developing breast cancer. Before menopause, most of estrogen are created by ovaries and little amount of estrogen are created by fat tissues. After menopause, ovaries discontinue making estrogen so estrogen is created by fat tissues only. After menopause, having more fat tissue means higher estrogen levels which enhance the risk of breast cancer. Women should maintain a BMI below 25.

5) Genetic tests

Only 5 to 10% breast cancers are caused by gene mutations inherited from a parent. If you have been detected with breast cancer, you can look for genetic mutations recognized as BRCA-1 and BRCA-2. The cost of this test is $3,400. Before undergoing the test, you should talk to a genetic counselor, nurse or doctor to clarify the procedure and the results of these tests. Before these tests are done, it is also very essential for you to know pros and cons as well as what these genetic testing can and can't inform you.

6) Exercise

Breast cancer risk is decreased by performing exercise 1/2 an hour 3 times a week. Exercise also helps to burn excess fat, maintain weight and enhance the immune system. Exercise manages the oestrogen levels to stay balanced. Exercise decreased the risk of breast cancer by 20 to 40%. You can do moderate aerobic activity such as brisk walking.

7) Use the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool
Women can use Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool to evaluate her breast cancer risk for the next 5 years and up to age of 90 as well as compare the woman's risk calculation with the average risk for similar age woman. Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool is a computer program which is developed to help health care providers in talking about breast cancer risk with their female patients. You can found The Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool at cancer.gov.

8) Consume low-fat diet

Low-fat diet prevents breast cancer as well as excellent overall health. Low-fat diet also reduces the obesity risk. Reduce the amount of trans fat and saturated fats as they increase the risk of breast cancer. Increase the consumption of monounsaturatedand fish oils. Also include yogurt, low fat milk and cottage cheese in your diet. Consume only 70g fat daily.

9) Avoid high doses of radiation

The risk of breast cancer also increases due to high exposure to radiation. Women who had undergone radiation therapy to the chest part as treatment for Hodgkin's disease or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma or for acne are at high risk of developing breast cancer. The risk of developing cancer differs with the age of patient when they had radiation. If the chest radiation was given during teenage years when the breasts were still developing the chances of developing breast cancer is highest. After age of 40, radiation treatment does not increase the risk of breast cancer.

10) Limit alcohol

Limit the use of alcohol as it enhances the risk of developing breast cancer. Alcohol increases the other toxins effect and directly damage DNA which cause cancer. Women who take 1 alcoholic drink increase somewhat chances of developing breast cancer than non-drinkers. Women who take 2 to 5 drinks regularly increase about 1½ times chances of developing breast cancer compared to non-drinkers. Excessive alcohol also enhances the risk of throat, mouth, liver cancer and esophagus cancer. Women should limit the alcohol consumption to 1 drink per day.

11) Consume soy

Consume soybeans and soy products like tofu, tempeh, edamame and miso as they decrease breast cancer risk. Soy contains isoflavones which binds to tissues in the body by obstructing estrogen from stimulating breast cancer cells. Avoid the consumption of sweetened and refined soy products like soymilk and soy oils.

12) Avoid too much exposure to pesticides and chemicals

Limit exposure pesticides and chemicals as they contain estrogen like properties which lets cells of breast cancer to reproduce quickly. It also lets the disease to spread faster. As per study oder women who exposed to pesticide DDT) and similar compounds had somewhat more risk of developing breast cancer compared to other women.

Info Taken From Breast Cancer Prevention Society