Gout drug for treating heart failure

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati (UC) College of Medicine have shown that probenecid, a drug long used to treat gout, may be able to improve heart function in adult patients who experience heart failure. The drug improved the two main ways in how the heart functions. It improves how the heart contracts and how it relaxes.

Patients were offered probenecid as part of a randomized, double-blind, crossover and placebo-controlled single-center clinical trial. Patients, who averaged 57 years of age, were enrolled during four-week periods. They were required to undergo an echocardiogram, an electrocardiogram and six-minute endurance test along with other assessments, explains Rubinstein, a UC Health cardiologist and member of the UC Heart, Lung and Vascular Institute.

 Researchers examined probenecid in animal heart cells and found it improved how well the heart uses calcium, an important component in cardiac muscle contraction. Heart failure occurs when the heart pump is not strong enough to move blood throughout the body and meet the body's needs for oxygen.

Left ventricular assist devices, pacemakers, heart transplants and medications are available to treat heart failure patients, but outcomes for patients with heart failure are still worse than outcomes for the vast majority of cancer patients, probenecid drug may change this.
          haleplushearty.blogspot.com

Calcium may cause Parkinson's disease

The international team, led by the University of Cambridge, found that calcium can mediate the interaction between small membranous structures inside nerve endings, which are important for neuronal signalling in the brain, and alpha-synuclein, the protein associated with Parkinson's disease. Excess levels of either calcium or alpha-synuclein may be what starts the chain reaction that leads to the death of brain cells.

Parkinson's disease is one of a number of neurodegenerative diseases caused when naturally occurring proteins fold into the wrong shape and stick together with other proteins, eventually forming thin filament-like structures called amyloid fibrils. These amyloid deposits of aggregated alpha-synuclein, also known as Lewy bodies, are the sign of Parkinson's disease.

Curiously, it hasn't been clear until now what alpha-synuclein actually does in the cell: why it's there and what it's meant to do. It is implicated in various processes, such as the smooth flow of chemical signals in the brain and the movement of molecules in and out of nerve endings, but exactly how it behaves is unclear.

"Alpha-synuclein is a very small protein with very little structure, and it needs to interact with other proteins or structures in order to become functional, which has made it difficult to study," said senior author Dr Gabriele Kaminski Schierle from Cambridge's Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology.

Super-resolution microscopy techniques makes it possible to look inside cells to observe the behaviour of alpha-synuclein. To do so, researchers isolated synaptic vesicles, part of the nerve cells that store the neurotransmitters which send signals from one nerve cell to another.

In neurons, calcium plays a role in the release of neurotransmitters. The researchers observed that when calcium levels in the nerve cell increase, such as upon neuronal signalling, the alpha-synuclein binds to synaptic vesicles at multiple points causing the vesicles to come together. This may indicate that the normal role of alpha-synuclein is to help the chemical transmission of information across nerve cells.

There is a fine balance of calcium and alpha-synuclein in the cell, and when there is too much of one or the other, the balance is tipped and aggregation begins, leading to Parkinson's disease. The imbalance can be caused by a genetic doubling of the amount of alpha-synuclein (gene duplication), by an age-related slowing of the breakdown of excess protein, by an increased level of calcium in neurons that are sensitive to Parkinson's, or an associated lack of calcium buffering capacity in these neurons.

Understanding the role of alpha-synuclein in physiological or pathological processes may aid in the development of new treatments for Parkinson's disease. One possibility is that drug candidates developed to block calcium, for use in heart disease for instance, might also have potential against Parkinson's disease.
          haleplushearty.blogspot.com

Calcium and Vitamin D supplements not responsible for heart attack

New research from the University of Southampton has found no association between the use of calcium or vitamin D supplementation and cardiovascular events such as heart attacks. Calcium and vitamin D supplements, which usually come in the forms of tablets, are widely used and have been generally viewed as relatively safe, but some researchers have previously raised concerns over potential links with cardiovascular disease.

Investigators from the Medical Research Council Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton (MRC LEU), used the internationally unique UK Biobank cohort, comprising over 500,000 men and women aged between 40 and 69 years, to explore relationships between use of calcium and vitamin D supplementation and the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks.

The analysis accounted for a wide range of other potential influences, and did not detect any statistically significant associations between use of the supplements and events such as heart attacks, hospital admission for angina, or related deaths.

Calcium and vitamin D supplements are widely used in the population, and are particularly appropriate for those at risk of deficiency in either nutrient. In this situation there is good evidence that they provide a modest reduction in fracture risk, although do not replace medications specifically licensed for the treatment of osteoporosis.
           haleplushearty.blogspot.com

Vitamin D prevents asthma attack

Taking oral vitamin D supplements in addition to standard asthma medication could reduce the risk of asthma attacks requiring hospital attendance.
Asthma affects more than 300 million people worldwide and is estimated to cause almost 400,000 deaths annually.

Asthma deaths arise primarily during episodes of acute worsening of symptoms, known as attacks which are commonly triggered by viral upper respiratory infections. Vitamin D is thought to protect against such attacks by boosting immune responses to respiratory viruses and dampening down harmful airway inflammation.

Researchers analysed data from many participants in seven randomised controlled trials, which tested the use of vitamin D supplements. They discovered that vitamin D supplementation resulted in:
a 30 per cent reduction in the rate of asthma attacks requiring treatment with steroid tablets or injections - from 0.43 events per person per year to 0.30.
a 50 per cent reduction in the risk of experiencing at least one asthma attack.

Vitamin D supplementation was found to be safe at the doses administered. No instances of excessively high calcium levels or renal stones were seen, and serious adverse events were evenly distributed between participants taking vitamin D and those on placebo.
          haleplushearty.blogspot.com

Breakfast is important for proper development

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, starting the morning with a meal is important for teenagers and children. Skipping breakfast could leads to low brain function. Children who did not eat breakfast each day lacked proper nutrients that are essential for healthy growth.

Skipping breakfast can leads to iron, folate, calcium and iodine deficiencies which can leads to development of different diseases. Iron circulates oxygen throughout the body, iron deficiency leads to less oxygen circulation which can affect red blood cells.

Inadequate oxygen leads to fatigues, children become tired easily with poor oxygen circulation. Not having enough oxygen can affect how well their brain functions as well as their immune system's ability to keep the body healthy.

Iron is essential in maintaining healthy cells, hair and skin. The amount of iron that children need depends on their age. Calcium is necessary for strong bones and teeth. Calcium deficiency can cause problems with a child's hormone release and their muscle contractions.

Iodine is important for good thyroid health. Children who do not get proper amounts of iodine can experience slow mental development. Skipping breakfast daily leads to low levels of folate. Folate is essential for proper nutrients absorption.
          haleplushearty.blogspot.com

Cholesterol crystal are signs of impending heart attack

According to the latest research by cardiologist, cholesterol crystals are responsible for obstructing the coronary arteries of patients who had suffered a heart attack.

These crystals are released from plaque that can build up in the heart and is often made up of fat, calcium and other substances. When this material hardens over time in the arteries, it's known as atherosclerosis.

When cholesterol goes from a liquid to a solid, or crystal state, it expands in volume. This expansion inside the wall of the artery can tear it and block blood flow resulting into a heart attack or stroke.

Researchers discovered clusters of large crystals in the arteries of patients suffering from heart attack, this crystals are released into the heart and it damaged the heart by blocking blood flow.

Cholesterol crystals activated the production of inflammation molecules, known as Interleukin-1 beta, which inflame coronary arteries. The use of statin drugs can lower cholesterol. Canakinumab drug can also block the Interleukin-1 beta inflammation molecule and reduce the chances of a cardiac event.

 Controlling cholesterol by eating a healthy diet, engaging in exercise and taking statin medications as recommended could prevent crystals from forming and reduce the risk of heart attack.
          haleplushearty.blogspot.com

Calcium in arteries increases the risk of heart attack

High calcium buildup in the coronary arteries increases the risk of heart attack or stroke. Calcium in the coronary arteries may be a sign of coronary artery disease CAD.

Calcium accumulates in the arteries of the heart after plaque builds up and calcifies over time. People with calcium buildup in their blood vessels must take statins to reduce their risk of heart attack.

Coronary computed tomography CT scan of the chest and heart can reveal the levels of calcium accumulation in a patient. Age, sex, smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol levels are other factors that can contribute to heart attack.

The use of coronary computed tomography CT is recommended before using statins, because it will provide comprehensive look and state of the heart and related arteries. The result will dictate the use of statins.
          haleplushearty.blogspot.com

Salty foods can damage the heart

Excess salt intake increases strain on the heart's muscle and increases its beating rate. This can leads to heart damage.

 Researchers examined urine samples from different adults to detect the links between excess salt intake and heart damage.

The ultrasound tests of the heart of adults tested after taking their urine samples showed that excess salt increases muscle strain and heart rate, and this increases heart chambers.

Excess salt intake causes bodies to retain water, which leads to a rise in blood pressure. High blood pressure puts a strain on the heart, arteries, and brain, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.

Eating too much salt can increase calcium in the urine, this increases the risk of having kidney stones and this can leads to kidney damage.
          haleplushearty.blogspot.com

Watercress boosts sperm counts

Watercress is a good source of vitamins B1, B2, B6, C, E, manganese, and carotenes. It is also a good source of calcium, fiber, iron and copper.

Watercress reduces stress, prevents pressure, tension and maintains the sperm count in men. Poor diet and obesity contribute to the drop in sperm levels, eating watercress regularly can destroy the effects of stress on sperm counts.

It is a good source of age-defying antioxidants that may prevent or slow the oxidative stress induced by free radical damage.

Regular intake of watercress increases counts and quality of sperm. It also prevents DNA damage that can lead to testicular cancer.

Apart from watercress these foods can also boost sperm counts - Banana, Walnut, Egg, Spinach, Dark chocolate, Asparagus, Broccoli, Pomegranate, Oyster, Garlic and Beans.
          haleplushearty.blogspot.com

Vegetable oils and their health benefits

Extra virgin olive oil
It protects memory, prevents dementia, reduces inflammation in the body and could help with conditions such as psoriasis, arthritis and eczema.

Coconut oil
Caprylic and lauric fatty acids in coconut oil reduce inflammation. It is used for treating viral and bacterial infections and skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

Flaxseed oil
For treating acne, eczema, psoriasis, sunburn and rosacea.
The hormone-balancing lignans and plant estrogens in flaxseed stabilise a woman's estrogen-progesterone ratio, they can have beneficial effects on the menstrual cycle, and relieve the hot flashes of perimenopause and menopause.

Sunflower oil
It is rich in oleic-acid. It contains Vitamin E, which prevents dangerous free radicals from oxidizing the body’s cholesterol. It protects against hazardous effects of UV radiation, offers photoprotection and effectively works on wrinkles, blemishes & patchy skin.

Walnut oil
Walnut oil contains high levels of monounsaturated oils such as omega 9 which help to keep arteries supple. The flexibility of the arteries promotes the flow of blood free of any hardening leading to hypertension and heart disease. It reduces inflammation and prevent diseases like arthritis. Walnuts are rich in phytonutrients and are an excellent source of selenium, phosphorous, magnesium, zinc, iron, and calcium that stabilize body hormones.

Peanut oil
Peanut oil massage is helpful for relieving arthritic pain in joints. It helps in arthritis because it is anti-inflammatory and analgesic.
Peanut oil boosts blood circulation, massage with peanut oil improves the level of prostaglandins in blood. Peanut oil is also a good cooking oil.

Avocado oil
Avocado oil consists of oleic acid, a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid. This type of fat has been proven to help lower high blood pressure and lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. It reduces arthritis symptoms, boosts nutrients absorption and fights breast and prostate cancer.
Vitamin E and the carotenoid lutein in avocado oil reduces risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.

Rapeseed oil
Is a good source of vitamin E, high in monounsaturated fats, it has plant sterols, which are very good at lowering cholesterol.

      haleplushearty.blogspot.com

Overdose of vitamin D supplement increases the risk of cancer and kidney stones

Vitamin D is essential for bone metabolism, it maintains proper concentrations of calcium and phosphate in the blood.

Overdose of vitamin D can be harmful because  it can cause too much absorption of calcium. Excess calcium
in the blood can be deposited in the heart and kidneys which is dangerous to health.

Vitamin D helps the body to use calcium to support bone health, 600 IU is recommended for an adults per day. Apart from supplement it can be found in beef, liver, canned salmon, sardines, cheese, egg yolks, fortified milk orange juice and sunlight

Vitamin D is made in the skin when exposed to sunlight. The overdose can cause excess calcium in the blood, which can cause fractures, lethargy, high blood pressure, heart problems, hardening of the arteries, kidney stones and some cancers.

        haleplushearty.blogspot.com

Cure for tonsil stones

Tonsil stones are hard deposits form on the the tonsils, in the back of the throat. It is called tonsilloliths.

The deposits are made from calcium salts, bacteria and mucus which can collect on the soft tissue of the tonsils.

If tonsil stones get too big, they can cause difficulty swallowing and can even cause a sore throat.

Tonsils may cause bad breadth,
Tonsil stones consisting of partially calcified debris and rich in anaerobic bacteria, may develop in tonsillar crypts, and be released into the oral cavity.

Good oral hygiene can prevent tonsil stones from forming. Size and shape of
tonsils, having overactive salivary glands, sinus and bacteria infections can increase the risk of developing tonsil stones.

 Apple cider vinegar could help relieve some symptoms of indigestion.

Diet rich in vitamin D prevents early menopause

Women can reduce their risk of an early menopause by eating oily fish and eggs, regular intake of foods rich n vitamin D lowers early menopause by 17 percent.

Calcium-rich foods make women 13 percent less likely to suffer early menopause, some women experience menopause before age 45, this increases  their risk of osteoporosis and heart disease, and reducing their chances of conceiving.

There is really good laboratory evidence that vitamin D increases the production of hormones which slow down ovarian ageing and slow down the rate at which a woman loses her eggs.

 This is important because menopause comes when a woman has no eggs left.
Calcium could also influence ovarian ageing, because it is present with hormones in cows' milk like progesterone, which may also reduce risk of early menopause.

Magnesium may prevent bone fractures

Low intake of magnesium in the body may cause bone fractures, bone fractures are one of the causes of disability among adults, it is preventable by eating foods rich in magnesium.

Calcium and vitamin D are essential for strong bone, magnesium is also good to maintain healthy bone, lack of magnesium in a diet prevent calcium and vitamin D homoeostasis in bones.

Researchers examined 2,245 adults and monitored them for 20 years, it was discovered that adults with low level of serum magnesium had higher risk of bone fractures especially hip fracture.

Adults with high levels of magnesium were 44 percent less likely to have bone fractures, foods rich in magnesium are: nuts, seeds, dried fruits, dark chocolate, yogurt, fish, beans, avocado and whole grain.

Legumes can lower risk of type 2 diabetes

High consumption of legumes can lower risk of type 2 diabetes, they contain vitamin B which help the body to regulate it's metabolism.

Common legumes are: lentils, soybeans, peanut, beans, alfalfa, clover, mesquite, carob and tamarind. Lentil is the best legumes in lowering risk of type 2 diabetes.

Legumes contain calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Bioactive compounds in legumes improve metabolism and lower risk of type 2 diabetes.

Researchers from Unit of Human Nutrition at the Universitat Roviva I Virgili Spain analyzed the effects of exchanging legumes with other foods.

The researchers examined 3,349 people who did not have type 2 diabetes, and monitored them for four years and discovered that those with higher intake of legumes were 35 percent less likely to develop type 2 diabetes than their counterparts that consumed less.