The Habits Affecting the Health of the Liver

The liver is the most important organ of the body and it is time to worry if it fails to function properly. It is risky to avoid the symptoms of liver disorders, but even then the people become careless about them. Those who think that they abstain from alcohol and hence their liver is safe are wrong. Here are the few habits which are dangerous for the health of the lever. 

1. Drinking Habit

Anatomy of the human abdomen,

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The alcohol is the chiefest enemy of the liver. The intake of the alcohol expands the liver and then it contracts. Soon a stage comes that the liver becomes so small that it fails to function properly. Alcohol is a slow poison for the liver. 
Generally the complete liver failure occurs among those who take excess amount of alcohol for longer durations. So it is better to avoid alcohol or take it in moderate amounts. 

2. Use of Medicines 
The overuse of certain medicines is dangerous for the liver. Generally the people take the painkillers or analgesics even without consulting the physician. The painkillers dangerously damage the liver and the kidneys. On the other hand the people resort to taking medicines for fitness or weight loss as they get motivated by the advertisements. These medicines also damage the liver. The heavy dose of paracetamol, also damages the liver and this damage is double than than other medicines. 

3. Insufficient Sleep
The insufficient sleep or the loss of sleep or sleeplessness cause several damages, about which there is least awareness and this reason goes on increasing the damages. According to the study published in the Journal of Anatomy, the loss of sleep creates pressure on the liver. So the minimum sleep of at least 8 hours is necessary for the proper functioning of the lever and other parts of the body.  

4. Excess Protein Intake
The excessive intake of proteins is damaging for the body. The intake of proteins without sufficient carbohydrates increases the liver related problems. So it is advisable to take vegetables and starch with mutton and eggs. 

5. Obesity
The overeating gives excess fats to the body. This comes out of the storing cells and gets accumulates in liver. The fatty liver increases the chances of cancer and heart attack. So take care of the type of food and do regular exercises. The habit of neglecting these two things will cause obesity which may lead to the damages to the liver.  

How to Take Care of Liver
It is said that prevention is better than cure and we can try on our own to keep the liver healthy. 
i). Take purified water.
ii). Avoid junk, stale and dirty food. 
iii). Avoid alcohol. 
iv). Go for Lever Functioning Tests after the age of 40. 

The Diseases Caused by the Liver Disorder

Live is the most vital organ of the body. It helps in the digestion of the food and performs an important role in the chemical reactions within in body.

A person becomes afflicted with several diseases when it fails to perform properly or does not perform at all. The following diseases are caused by the disorder of the liver.

1. Jaundice

The polluted or infected water increases the risks or viral infections like hepatitis A and E. In such condition the lever fails to handle the the digestive juices which start entering into the bloodstream.

Jaundice is also caused by the use of alcohol, opium and drugs etc., which result into the blockage inside the intestines.

The symptoms of jaundice include the appearance of yellowish color in the eyes, itching, fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, irritable nature and continuous weight loss

Jaundice could be cured by taking rest, changing the eating habits or through medication.

2. Fatty Liver

The excessive accumulation of fats in the liver is called fatty liver.

The intake of fatty foods, irregular routine of life, absence of exercises, stress, obesity, alcoholism and the intake of medicines for longer durations in some disease cause the problem of fatty liver.

The symptoms include disturbed digestive system, slight pain in left or central part of stomach, tiredness, weakness, loss of appetite and fat belly.

In acute cases the liver cirrhosis may also occur and the liver transplant may become the last option. 

After ascertaining the caused the physician advises the change in routine.

3. Cirrhosis

The intake of excessive amount of alcohol and fatty foods leads to the formation of thread like fibers in the liver which block the cells. It is called fibrosis. In such the liver does not remain in its original shape and starts shrinking. The liver as a result loses its flexibility and becomes hard.

In such case the liver transplant is the only option.

The symptoms include blood coming out in vomiting, swelling in feet, blood oozing out in stools, appearance of excessive swelling of the body and filling of water inside the stomach.

4. Liver Failure

The prolonged liver disease which remains untreated for longer, leads to complete failure of the functions of the organ. This is called completer liver failure.

This problem is of two types. The first is the acute liver failure in which the liver cells start getting destroyed due to the viral and bacterial infections or other diseases like malaria, typhoid or malaria. The other is cirrhosis. 

The Technique of Liver Transplant

The chief cause of liver cirrhosis is the old habit of drinking in which the liver failure occurs. The chances of survival in renal failure are merely 10 %. The chronic liver failure is due to the prolonged liver disease. In both cases the liver transplant is the permanent treatment. In Liver transplant it is necessary that the blood group of the donor and the recipient should match. 

The 40% part of the live donor is cut and implanted inside the recipient through the surgery. The liver of the donor recovers its original shape within 2-3 months by the diet and medicines as advised by the physician. The success rate of liver transplant is around 70%.

Reasons of Liver Swelling

The use of alcohol, obesity and the virus of hepatitis increase the shape and size of the liver. In routine language it is known as the swelling of the liver.  This may be the symptom of an ordinary to some serious liver disease.  The patient remains unaware of the situation which could be ascertained only by the tests of the liver.

In such cases of the disorder of liver sever diseases occur in the body.

Taking care of eating habits and abstaining from the excessive use of alcohol saves the person from the diseases of liver. 

What is Blood Pressure

Heart Beat

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It is very important to regulate the blood pressure as the abnormal blood pressure causes several health problems. But first of all it is necessary to know that what the blood pressure is, how to regulate it and why it is necessary to do so.

                

The blood pressure is the pressure exerted by the flowing blood on the walls of the arteries. These arteries carry the blood from the heart to different parts and organs of the body. The heart pumps the blood in the arteries and controls the flow of blood in the arteries. The pressure exerted during the pumping of the blood is called the blood pressure.

The blood pressure is diastolic or has the lower value when the muscles of the heart become loose in the contraction of the heart.

The blood pressure id diastolic when the heart expands to pump the blood into the arteries.

The systolic blood pressure of a healthy person lies between 90 to 120 mm. The normal diastolic pressure lies between 60- 80 mm.

The blood pressure is measured by the blood pressure machine called sphygmomanometer.

The blood pressure causes two problems

Low Blood Pressure

It is the pressure when the symptoms of the reduced flow of blood in arteries and veins appear. The nutrients and oxygen fail to reach the organs like brain, heart and kidneys, when the flow of blood gets reduced. The giddiness and the feeling of nausea appear and the person falls down on becoming unconscious in orthostatic high blood pressure.

High Blood Pressure

This situation appears when the blood pressure becomes more than 140-90. It means that the arteries are under high stress or tension. It does not means emotional stress. The emotional stress temporarily increases the blood pressure. The normal blood pressure should be between 80-120.

The dangers of heart diseases, kidney problems, stiff arteries, vision problems and brain damages occur in high blood pressure.

Tips to Control the Blood Pressure

1. Regular exercises of half an hour every day are necessary for the health. But consult the physician about the nature of exercises in case of any health problem.

2. Control the body weight by diet and exercise for the health of the heart.

3. Reduce the intake of salt to regulate the blood pressure. The intake of not more than a small tablespoon of salt per day is advisable. The fast foods generally contain excess amounts of salt and should be avoided.

4. The choice of the type of the food taken also affects the blood pressure. Take the food containing minimum cholesterol and take unsaturated fats.

5. Consult the physician in time and regularly take the medicines if advised to do so.  

The Health Benefits of Raw Salad

The preparation of salad is very easy and it is good for the health too. It includes several vegetables and fruits which are nutritious and healthy. The fresh salad helps in the proper functioning of the digestive system on one hand and helps in weight loss on the other.

The intake of raw fruits and vegetables keep us fit and healthy. It helps in longevity too.

Taste

The Salad Platter

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The fresh fruits and vegetables have their own taste and the mixture of the two is relishing food. The knowledge of the benefits of raw salad adds to its taste too.

Use Different Types of Salads

The salad does not merely mean the cucumber, beetroot, tomato or radish. One can add any fruit or vegetable un salad to get the new flavor and extra benefits. They are so rich in calories that one can have a new alternative every day for years and years together.

One can select any of the following options if tired of routine salads. The style of preparation of salad by a different selection of fruits and vegetables give new flavors.

Salads Reduce the Calorie Intake

One can go on taking the salads without including the fried and baked foods. They have fewer calories and therefore help in weight loss.

The inclusion of fruits and good fat like olive oil and avocado helps in the assimilation of iron, lycopene, lutein and other nutritious elements by the body.

Source of Fiber

The healthy food gives energy to the body and satisfies the feeling of hunger by keeping the stomach full for several hours.  The salads increase the amount of fiber in our foods which reduces the levels of cholesterol and removes constipation. The intake of high fiber before the meals help in reduced intake of food and calories. It thereby helps in reducing the weight by reducing the intake of calories.

Saves from Hunger

If you always feel like eating something sweet, then it is better to eat salads instead of candy or chocolate bar. It will not only satisfy the hunger but also give the taste and feeling of freshness by providing sufficient energy to the body.

Salads are Healthy

The salads are full of vitamins and minerals and boost the immune system. The vitamin C in them helps against infections. The presence of calcium in salad strengthens the bones and teeth and saves from several skin diseases. They help in the healing of wounds and make the blood thick.

The Reasons of Stomach Ache

The gastrointestinal tract, also called the digestive tract, alimentary canal, or gut, is the system of organs within multicellular animals that takes in food, digests it to extract energy and nutrients, and expels the remaining waste.

Photo Credit- Wikimedia Commons by Mariana Ruiz Villarreal

About 80% of the stomach diseases are not generally avoided by the people, as the common knowledge is limited to acidity or stones in gall bladder or some other reasons. But the stomach ache should not be taken lightly. Extra care should be taken towards stomach related problems in summer season. The ill effects of polluted water and food become immediately noticeable on stomach. The stomach ache could be pancreatic.

The proper knowledge of stomach problems is very necessary. Irregular routine or eating habits has increased the instances of cystic fibrosis, infection, pancreatic GI or lower GI and colitis.  The guts flora is also a primary cause of stomach ache.

The Stomach Disorders and Lever

Mostly the lever is the chief cause of stomach problems. The enzymes prepared by the lever help in conversion of fats, proteins and carbohydrates into lactose and energy. The polluted water and food speedily give the infections of hepatitis A and hepatitis B to lever. The reason for stomach disorders is hepatitis E.

The hepatitis E affect the lever and this effect continues up to small and large intestines. The patient gets no relief from loose motions till the effects of virus last.

The excessive intakes of fried foods cause the problem of fatty lever which leads to indigestion and pains in stomach.

Get the ultrasound done,  if the stomach pain occurs once any time in a day in empty stomach or after the meals.  

But the proper diagnosis of the disease could be done with the lever functioning test or LFT and endoscopic ultrasound which determine the infections in small and large intestines too.

Gut Flora

The guts flora is also important. It contains 10 million times more micro organisms than found in different organs of the body, which weigh more than one kilogram. These remain stuck to the inner walls of the stomach in the form of fibrous growth. This is called gut flora. In digestive system these bacteria present in gut flora prepare vitamin B and vitamin K in the body which strengthen the immune system too. The gut babacteriaight with and destroy the bad bacteria inside the stomach and keep the digestive system healthy.

But irregular eating habits, the excessive intake of junk food and antibiotics inhibit the normal working of gut flora and give a chance for the survival of bad bacteria. About 400 different types of bacteria are needed for the proper functioning of the digestive system inside the stomach.

It May Be Colitis

The internal wound or an ulcer inside the small and large intestine is called colitis. The excessive use of spices and fats is the main reason of colitis among the young generation. Its symptom is stomach ache and blood in stool.

The endoscopic test through anus determines the occurrence of colitis. It could be cured with medications and in case the medicines become ineffective, the option of surgery is there.

 The stomach diseases affect the digestive system in 2-3 weeks as the nutritious elements of food do not get converted into starch due to the disorder in the formation of enzymes.

Several Health Benefits of Clove

The cloves are beneficial in several maladies in addition to increasing the taste and flavor of the food. It is very small in size, but it could be used in several home remedies and spices. It could be used in cough cold and even in cancer.

Clove
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Clove adds flavor to the food on one hand and gives relief in several types of pain on the other. It could be used in different forms to get different benefits.

The cloves come in two varieties the first one is strong scented, while the other one is of blue color. 

The strong scented oil of the latter is extracted and used in several medicines. It kills the bacteria and helps to alleviate the toothache. The taste of it is stronger than that of ordinary cloves.

The best way to take cloves is to grind it and mix it with little honey.

It is used in the treatment of several petty maladies like cold and flu, and also to get relief in the serious diseases like cancer.  It is equally used in Ayurvedic, allopathic and homeopathic systems of medicines.

The clove from which the oil has been extracted is more beneficial. It acts as a painkiller and removes the phlegm.

Fresh cloves

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Food Flavoring

Clove is very beneficial in the form of spices. It contains rich amounts of proteins, carbohydrates, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and hydrochloric acid. It also contains vitamin A, vitamin C, manganese and fiber.

As a Painkiller

Clove is a natural painkiller. The clove oil is used as a painkiller. 

The eugenol oil present in clove oil gives relief in pains. 

In case of neck pain and throat swelling mix the powder of cloves with mustard oil and gently massage the affected area to get complete relief.

Toothache and Toothpaste

The application of few drops of clove oil on tooth alleviates the severest toothache. Due to its antibacterial properties, it is used in several toothpastes, mouthwash, creams and ointments. 

Make a paste of two cloves in lemon juice and apply it on teeth in case of toothache.

Relief in Arthritis

Clove contains rich amounts of flavonoids and it is very beneficial for the swelling and pain of joints associated with arthritis. The aroma therapists advise the massage of clove oil for arthritis.

Relief in Respiratory Disorders

The aroma of clove oil is so powerful that just inhaling relieves the severity of cold, cough, asthma, bronchitis and sinusitis.

The regular intake of clove is very beneficial in asthma.

Best Antiseptic

The clove and its oil has antiseptic properties and could be used in fungal infections, wounds, burns cuts, and skin disorders. The clove oil should not be applied directly on skin and it is better to mix it with other oils.

Helps in Digestion

The addition of clove in foods gives relief in digestive problems. It affects the digestive system by increasing the outcome of digestive juices and helps to increase the appetite. 

It also gives relief in indigestion, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gastric and other stomach related problems.

Kills Tapeworms

It gives relief from the tapeworms which are the parasites in the digestive system.

Relief in Gastric

In case of gastric problem, add the powder of two cloves in a glass of boiled water and drink it on becoming cold.

Controls Cancer

The researches have proved that the use of clove reduces the spreading of lung and skin cancer. It is due to the presence of eugenol in cloves.

Skin Disorders

It helps in all types of skin problems. The paste of clove and sandalwood powder could be applied on the affected areas.

Cold and Fever

Eating ground cloves with warm water helps in fever and cold.

Strengthens the Immune System

It boosts the immune system by increasing the number of white blood cells. It also purifies the blood.

Controls Bad Breath

Chewing of fried clove kills the bad odour of breath. 

Other Benefits

It is used in the medicines prepared for the treatment of diseases like malaria and cholera.

It reduces the levels of glucose in diabetes.

The clove oil also acts as mosquito and insect repellent. 

Take clove during nausea and thirst.

What to Eat in Spring Season

The Ayurveda recommends moderate eating in the spring season to remain fit and healthy. This season is the time when the winter ends and summer begins. Therefore the spring has the effect of these two seasons. It prepares the living organisms for the summer season.

The Season of Blossoms
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In this period the problem of phlegm is very common. So the best foods during spring ar barley, gram, sorghum or jowhar, wheat, rice, Green gram or Vigna radiate or moong, yellow pigeon pea or arhar, brinjal, radish, Chenopodium or bathua, pointed gourd or parwal, bitter gourd or karela, ridged gourd or torai, ginger, vegetables, banana, cucumber, orange, mulberry or shah-toot, asafoetida or heeng, cumin, fenugreek, turmeric, Indian gooseberries, lemon etc.

Taking the water boiled with dry ginger or Cyperus scariosus or cypriol or Nagar-Motha reduces phlegm.

Remain happy and take vinegar, sugar cane juice for the health of the heart.

It is the time when new sprouts of the leaves of margosa or neem come out. Chew 15-20 small leaves of margosa regularly for a month as it saves from all skin diseases throughout the year. It boosts the immune system too. In addition, the intake of the bitter juice of the flowers of margosa for a fortnight helps in skin problems and gives protection against malaria. 

The weekly fasting without the intake of salt also increases the immune system, saves from skin diseases, alleviates high blood pressure and helps in kidney and liver diseases. 

Avoid curd in the season as it increases phlegm and may cause a cough, cold and respiratory disorders. It is better to take turmeric with milk instead as it strengthens the immune system.
The intake of half a tablespoon of Hurd or Myrobalan with honey saves from a cough, cold and fever.

The intake of food according to the season helps in the season and saves us from several diseases.  

The Health Benefits of Banana

Ripe bananas
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The banana is very beneficial for health.  The daily intake of a banana keeps the body and the mind healthy. It is the best source of sugar and fiber. It contains rich amounts of vitamin A and B in the form of thiamine, niacin and folic acid. It contains 63.3 % water, 1.3 % protein, 24.5 % carbohydrates and 6.3% fats.

It has the following benefits.

For Constipation and Digestion

The unhealthy symptom of undigested food directly leads to constipation. It is very bad for the proper functioning of the excretory system as bowel system becomes weak. The banana helps in constipation as the dietary fibre in it helps in proper bowel movement.

The rich amount of fiber in it helps in proper functioning of the digestive system. The bnana shake sooths the inflammations of stomach too.

For Energy
The right time to eat bananas is after the lunch as it is very good digestion. Two large bananas give instant energy after work out, exercises and yoga.

For Depression
The chocolates make one happier, but the results of banana are double than that. The researches prove that the banana helps to get out of depression.
It helps to relieve the stress due to the presence of a protein which is an amino acid named tryptophan. This chemical relaxes the brain or improves the mood by giving the feelings of comfort, happiness and relaxation.

It affects the mood by controlling the blood sugar by regulating the levels of blood glucose through vitamin B6.

For Heart

The banana contains potassium which is very beneficial for the patient of blood pressure. It helps in increased circulation of air and blood to the brain. Therefore the intake of banana is very beneficial for the heart patients to prevent the heart strokes. It also maintains regular heartbeats and balances the water level in the body. The daily intake of two bananas with honey strengthens the heart and saves from the heart diseases.

For Ulcers

It helps in the control of ulcers. The intake of banana is very beneficial in stomach ulcers.

For Muscle Cramps

It helps in muscle cramps.

For Nose Bleeding

In case of bleeding from the nose, take banana with milk containing sugar for a week. The problem will not occur again.

For Weight Gain

It is very helpful in weight gain. The daily intake of banana shake would make a person fat and plump.

For Pregnancy

The women need vitamin A and minerals during pregnancy. That is why they are advised to include banana in their diet. It also helps to overcome the morning sickness during pregnancy.

For Children

The banana is very helpful in the growth of the children. The presence of several vitamins, minerals and iron in banana stimulate the growth of the children. The iron in it helps in increasing the amounts of haemoglobin in the blood.

For Elders

It is the best fruit for the aged people as it could be easily eaten. The vitamin C and fiber in it is very necessary for elders and old people. The old people are advised to include the banana in their diet for improvement of vision.

For Dysentery

The intake of two ripe bananas with curd gives relief in dysentery.

For Piles

Lengthwise cut a banana into half and fill it with rye powder.Eat it empty stomach for 2-3 days to get relief in piles.

For Menstrual Pain
It acts as a painkiller during the monthly periods. It is better to take 2 bananas to get relief in menstrual pains.

For Eyesight

The carrot is generally considered to improve the eye sight, but the vitamin A in banana makes it a fruit of the eyes. The banana contains about 10 micro grams of Vitamin A, while the alpha/ beta components in it also get converted in to Vitamin A.

It strengthens the muscles of the eyes, prevents many retinal diseases and improves the vision.

For Memory and Brain  

The research group when given a banana thrice a day for a month were found to be more active, sharp and intelligent in understanding and remembering as compared to their earlier performance.