There is no compelling evidence to indicate important health benefits of non-sugar sweeteners, and potential harms cannot be ruled out, suggests a recent review of published studies in The BMJ, a leading general medical journal in the UK.Foods or drinks containing non-sugar sweeteners have become increasingly popular in recent times.

To understand the potential benefits and harms of sweeteners, a team of European researchers analyzed 56 studies comparing no intake or lower intake of non-sugar sweeteners, with higher intake, in healthy adults and children, the BMJ report said. The measures included weight, blood sugar control, oral health, cancer, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, mood and behavior. For most outcomes, there seemed to be no statistically or clinically relevant differences between those exposed to non-sugar sweeteners and those not exposed, or between different doses of non-sugar sweeteners.The study suggested small improvements in body mass index (BMI) and fasting blood glucose levels with non-sugar sweeteners, but the certainty of this evidence was low.Likewise, lower intakes of non-sugar sweeteners were associated with slightly less weight gain (-0.09 kg) than higher intakes, but again the certainty of this evidence was low.In children, a smaller increase in BMI score was seen with non-sugar sweeteners compared with sugar, but intake of non-sugar sweeteners made no differences to body weight, according to the study.

Several studies show that people who drink a lot of diet beverages tend to gain weight. However, the reasons for this are not clear. But there are a few theories. While a theory considers the cravings for sweet foods, another theory says people tend to think that since the biscuits or cakes are sugar free, they can increase the slice. Therefore, it is not necessarily true that drinking a diet beverage over a sweetened drink will result in weight loss.

(Agencies)

Studies have revealed that eating too quickly can lead to several health problems. According to a study conducted by Hiroshima University cardiologist Dr. Takayuki Yamaji, chowing down food too fast can lead to problems like putting on weight and an increased risk of developing heart disease and diabetes.

A study with around 1,000 healthy adults carried out by Dr. Yamajishowed that those eating too quickly were diagnosed with metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes, according to kompas.com. The adults were asked to characterize their eating speed — slow, normal or fast, and then asked to track their health for the next five years.

Likewise, the study showed that chowing down food too fast can increase the risk of acid reflux, as the digestive tract is filled with larger pieces of food. According to the study, such a habit would lead to the organ being overloaded and to excess stomach acid leading to acid refluxes giving people an experience of a burning sensation in the chest, a sour taste, regurgitation, and even sore throat.

Meanwhile, the study found out that when people eat fast, they tend not to feel full and are more likely to overeat since eating fast causes bigger glucose fluctuation leading to insulin resistance.

(Agencies)

Doctors suggest fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean, unprocessed proteins in our diet. Studies have begun to show that, besides physical health,healthy eating impacts our mental health as well.

An unhealthy diet, which is high in trans fats, sugar, processed and refined foods increases risk for depression, especially in children and teens. Such diet deprives the brain of the nutrients it needs, and breeds bad bacteria in the gut affecting both our mental and physical health.

According to a study conducted in Australia, unprocessed diets higher in plant foods, healthy forms of protein and fats are consistently associated with better mental health outcomes. These diets are also high in fiber, which is essential for gut microbiota. We’re increasingly understanding that the gut is really the driver of health, including mental health, so keeping fiber intake high through the consumption of plant foods is very important.”

A trial conducted by epidemiologist Felice Jacka of Deakin University in Australia, set out to measure the therapeutic impact of a healthy diet. The study consisted of 67 subjects with depression, some of whom were receiving psychotherapy, some of whom were taking antidepressants and some with both. Half were given nutritional counseling, the other half were given one-on-one social support, someone to keep them company and engage in social activities with- known to help people with depression. After 12 weeks, the group that changed their diet felt significantly happier than the group that received additional companionship. The study was published in January 2017 in BMC Medicine. Prof. Jacka explains,

Depression has many origins: genetic, triggered by a specific event or circumstance or lifestyle choices. But it is a disease of the brain, and researchers find that ensuring it receives the proper nutrients is a way to prevent and treat depression. In the future patients experiencing depression may not only be referenced to a therapist, but a nutritionist as well.

A second study from the University of Konstanz in Germany drew similar conclusions, finding that consuming vegetables led to a higher level of happiness over time than sugar or unhealthy food induces in the moment. In a study with 14 different food categories, eating vegetables “contributed the largest share to eating happiness” measured over eight days. And on average, sweets only provided “induced eating happiness” in comparison to an overall healthy diet. “Thus, the findings support the notion that fruit and vegetable consumption has beneficial effects on different indicators of well-being, such as happiness or general life satisfaction, across a broad range of time spans,” writes the Department of Psychology from the University of Konstanz.

So what should we eat? Research suggests a Mediterranean-style diet made up of fruits, vegetables, extra-virgin olive oil, yogurt and cheese, nuts, whole grains, seafood and lean red meat, and eliminate fried and processed foods. The diet provides the nutrition our brain needs and supports good bacteria in the gut.

(Agencies)

More than a quarter-million people may die each year as a result of climate change in the coming decades, according to a review study. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), climate change would lead to about 250,000 additional deaths each year between 2030 and 2050, from factors such as malnutrition, heat stress and malaria.

However, a new review, published recently in The New England Journal of Medicine, said this is a “conservative estimate.” According to study co-author Dr. Andrew Haines, who is also an epidemiologist and former director of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, that’s because it fails to take into account other climate-related factors that could affect death rates — such as population displacement and reductions in labor productivity from farmers due to increased heat.

The WHO estimate, however, didn’t take into account illnesses and deaths tied to disruptions in health services caused by extreme weather and climate events, according to the review, which, however, has not given an updated estimate of climate-change-related deaths. The new review has noted that reduced food production alone is predicted to lead to a net increase of 529,000 adult deaths by 2050. According to World Bank estimates, climate change could force more than 100 million people into extreme poverty by 2030. This, in turn, would make them more vulnerable to the health effects of the changing climate. According to the report, all of this underscores the need for investments and policies to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions and promote ways to mitigate the health effects of climate change.

According to the report, climate change is causing injuries, illnesses and deaths, with the risks projected to increase substantially with additional climate change, threatening the health of many millions of people. “The pervasive threats to health posed by climate change demand decisive actions from health professionals and governments to protect the health of current and future generations,” it said.

(Agencies)

Eyes, as an extremely sensitive organ, needs protection and caring. They need to be taken care of to improve vision.

However, there are certain myths that surround the care of eyes and need to be busted.

Myths: Carrots are considered the best food to improve eyesight.

Fact: Carrots are good for the eyes, but may not be the best food. Rather go for green leafy vegetables and other foods rich in antioxidants to keep your eyes even better. Consuming green vegetables may help in avoiding and delaying problems like cataract.

Myth: Low light will affect your vision.

Fact: Low light does not affect your vision. However, it tires the eyes quickly.

Myth: Staring at a computer screen all day affect your vision.

Fact: The light of a computer screen will not directly affect the eyes. It, however, can cause you to blink less often, which can lead to tired and weary eyes. It can cause blurred vision and similar problems but the problems are not because of the screen. It is because of not blinking enough and not giving your eyes proper lubrication.

Myth: Taking a break from your glasses or contact lenses is healthy for your eyes.

Fact: Wearing a glass according to the doctor’s recommendation is suggestible. Not wearing glasses will make your eyes tired and may cause a headache or pain in the eyes, not proven to deteriorate the vision.

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Consulting your doctor is suggested.

(Agencies)

I am 19 years old and my gums bleed when I brush. I read online that it could be because of dental plaque and tartar. What is dental plaque? What should I do to prevent bleeding?

Plaque is a biofilm, meaning collection of microorganism (bacteria) in an organized fluid forming a thin layer of film over teeth and oral surfaces. Plaque is constantly forming on teeth. If it is not cleaned by brushing, particularly in the difficult to reach areas such as between teeth, at the back of the mouth and near the gum-line, it hardens to form tartar (calculus). Tartar irritates gums and causes inflammation and consequently bleeding. Since tartar cannot be removed by regular brushing and flossing you need cleaning by professionals such as dental hygienists, dentists or in severe case a specialist (periodontist).

How frequently should I visit the dentist?

Removal of plaque with brushing and flossing on a twice daily basis and removal of tartar by a dentist and dental hygienist is the first step towards oral health. By the time teeth problem begins to hurt, it may be too late. Seeing a dentist regularly can help prevent this and many other problems. Under normal circumstances, we ask our patients to visit every 6 months but some may require visit more frequently like every 3 months depending upon oral health status.

My father has heart disease. His dentist has told him to keep good oral health. Are heart diseases related to dental health related?

Yes, heart diseases and oral health are related. Bacteria found in dental plaque release chemicals that are toxic and irritate the gums. Gradually, these bacteria cause the underlying bone around the teeth to be destroyed, a condition known as gum disease. Study shows that professional teeth cleaning (scaling) is linked to lower risk of heart attack and stroke. Recent research suggests that gum disease is linked to other health problems including heart disease, stroke, pneumonia and some pregnancy complications such as preterm delivery, low birth weight.

DrSujaya Gupta is Periodontist at Kantipur General & Dental Hospital, Basundhara, Kathmandu

Having a romantic partner present – even in your mind – can help you keep blood pressure down in daily stressful situations, say researchers. When faced with a stressful situation, thinking about your romantic partner may help keep blood pressure under control just as effectively as actually having your significant other in the room with you, according to a study by University of Arizona psychologists.

“This suggests that one way being in a romantic relationship might support people’s health is through allowing people to better cope with stress and lower levels of cardiovascular reactivity to stress across the day,” said psychology doctoral student Kyle Bourassa.

“It appears that thinking of your partner as a source of support can be just as powerful as actually having them present,” Bourassa added. For the study, published in the journal Psychophysiology, 102 participants were asked to complete a stressful task – submerging one foot into 3 inches of cold water ranging from 38 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Researchers measured participants’ blood pressure, heart rate and heart rate variability before, during and after the task. The participants, all of whom were in committed romantic relationships, either had their significant other sitting quietly in the room with them during the task or they were instructed to think about their romantic partner as a source of support during the task. In third scenario, they were instructed to think about their day during the task.

The effect on blood pressure reactivity was just as powerful whether the partner was physically present or merely conjured mentally.“The findings may help explain, in part, why high-quality romantic relationships are consistently associated with positive health outcomes in the scientific literature,” said Bourassa. If replicated, the findings could have implications for those facing everyday stressful situations, the researchers added.

(Agencies)

Kathmandu: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Health and Population Upendra Yadav has asserted that his first priority was to provide quality health services to the people by ensuring reforms in the medical institutions under his Ministry.
At a press conference organized by the Ministry of Health and Population here today, DPM Yadav pledged that there would not be any shortage of human resources, equipments, physical infrastructures and medicines in the health facilities.
Responding to the journalists’ query on agitating Dr Govinda KC, DPM Yadav replied that he had also stressed on the implementation of the agreements reached between government and Dr KC and the vacant position in the health facilities and in the Ministry would be filled at the earliest.
On the occasion, Minister of State for Health and Population Dr Surendra Yadav shared that all 753 local units would have 14-bedded hospitals. Furthermore, he however said there was a crunch of adequate budget to ensure free basic health services as enshrined in the new constitution.
MoHP’s Secretary Dr Pushpa Chaudhary had a presentation on the outstanding achievements made by the Ministry after the new leadership assumed its role. It was shared that the National Health Policy-2071 was submitted to the Office of Prime Minister and Council of Ministers for considering amendment to formulate an integrated act relating to the Health Science Academy.
Similarly, it was shared that Public Health Act 2075, Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Rights Act-2075 were already enforced while amendments were being considered for various 24 Acts related to health and medical sectors. Services in the newly built 300-bed building of Karnali Health Science Academy had already started and the health insurance programme was launched in 340 local units of 36 districts. Insurance Regulations was submitted at the Council of Ministers, it was shared. It was also shared that the Council of Ministers had already approved the proposal to build an ayurvedic hospital in each provinces.