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Boon to the Diabetic Stevia-----a great boon to the patients of Diabetes Translation of the article in ‘Mana Bhoomi’ May,2006 [Original writer’s name not mentioned.] Diabetes is spreading rapidly throughout the world. Diabetics are prohibited from taking sweet substances like sugar and Jaggery. However, for the past several years, a sweet substance, based on saccharin is being used for the preparation of tea, coffee and sweets for these people. But saccharin is not good for health. However, herbal products are considered to be a substitute for this purpose, provided they are without calories. Since these products are extremely beneficial from the health point of view, nowadays, ‘Stevia’ is being grown in India also. In Japan, Stevia sugar is being used for the preparation of sweets extensively. ‘Stevia’ grows like a bush. Some Indians have been using this as a powerful drink for the past several centuries. This is also being used as a drug. Migrants to countries like Brazil and Argentina also have used Stevia. It took several years for the botanists to discover and to classify Stevia. Finally, the Italian scientist, Dr.Ribandi from the Asansian agricultural college gave the name ‘Stevia’ for this plant. In 1921, Stevia attracted the attention of American trade commissioner, George Brandy. He presented it to the agricultural ministry of his country. He described it as a safe and brand new sweet plant with a lot of commercial importance. This plant is non-poisonous. Diabetics can use this by drying up the leaves and make a powder out of them. This can then be used as safe and sweet sugar. Stevia did alert the sugar industry. In those days, however its cultivation was not taken up on commercial lines. In 1931, in France crystals, named as steveoids were separated from Stevia. It was concluded that these crystals are 300 times sweeter than sugar. In Japan, till1977,Stevia was used in soft drinks, ice creams, gum, candy, chutnies, vegetables and sea foods. They are now using this as a sweet substance for more than 40 % of their requirements. They have conducted several tests regarding its suitability and safety. Stevia is a plant sent by the God to diabetics; that is how Resa Helian, author of the Stevia cookbook described it. Resa is from South Korea, where Stevia is being grown. For the past several years, this plant is being used for the prevention of this disease in Paraguay and Brazil. In Denmark, studies, conducted on the rats, have revealed that Stevia would work on the beta cells of pancreas and increase the production of insulin. It was concluded Stevia would not increase blood sugar in diabetics as well as healthy people. In 1986,the food and drugs department of the United States did not agree to accept Stevia as some thing suitable for mixing with food. They have taken away from the shops, where it was available. Literature explaining the readers about the Stevia recipes were destroyed by this department. They also declared that it is not safe to put this in food and drinks. They have done similar other things. The companies manufacturing sugar artificially were scared of this calorie less Stevia. They felt that this dreadful thing could destroy their fortunes in the business. Just now, Stevia is available for everybody up to 90% in the form of steveoids. A bottle containing an ounce of this would cost $13. Throughout the world, the demand for high potency sweeteners has registered an increase. Consequently, it has become necessary to find out alternatives for artificial sweeteners. And the sweeteners which have been prepared out of Paraguay’s sweet plant Stevia ribandiana bertoni are natural. Therefore, Stevia, a forest plant until recently has grown to the level of a plant that can be cultivated. In Canada, they have done a number of tests regarding various aspects of cultivating Stevia. They have also conducted breeding programs to increase the glycoside content in the leaf. In South America they have been using Stevia sweeteners for the past several years. At present in Japan they are doing the same on a large scale. Adverse effects have not been noticed at all in any of these countries. However, more extensive research on this aspect is called for. The decoction from the Stevia leaf has been used during the past several years. This has been done to decide whether Stevia is useful in the treatment of diabetes. No adverse effects have been noticed in this connection. Therefore they believe that Stevia has been sent by the lord to favor the diabetics. Since there are absolutely no calories in Stevia, it can be interpreted that this is a drug that can help in the reduction of weight. There will not be any problems of dental decline, if Stevia is used. Children frequently consume candies, ice cream, cakes, soda. If Stevia is used in these things, there will not be any dental problems. As per the results of experiments conducted in Brazil, Stevia can also control blood pressure. However, the need of the hour is to conduct more such studies and investigations. A medical scientist, Patrick B. Massy fully agrees that Stevia is a good drug for diabetes and also for controlling blood pressure as well as in controlling some virus diseases. He described this as a plant that should be grown throughout the World. Even now, many countries are examining how far Stevia can be used without any risk. There are some doubts regarding the adverse effects of Stevia on the potency of men. Some theories suggest that Stevia can result in cancer. Some scientists have suggested much more extensive investigations to find out the truth. Several brands of Stevia are available in liquid as well as powder form. Similarly, a lot of literature is available on Stevia. Right now, Stevia is being grown successfully in California as well as south England. Sugar has many adverse side effects. Stevia is much better comparatively. Therefore, scientists are of the view that Stevia has a bright future. This is a sweet substance with zero calories in it. So far many probes have been conducted regarding the safety of Stevia. It has been found out to be perfectly safe in all these investigations. In spite of this, the food and drugs administration of America has opposed this. Many scientists are of the view that this could be because of the influence of the big business. For domestic requirements, Stevia can be grown in a pot conveniently. One plant will yield sufficient quantity of the leaves for the entire family. Stevioside, available in Stevia will make the pancreas of diabetics active and dynamic and ensures in the process the release of more insulin. The medical scientist, Resahelian is therefore of the view that this is a good medicine for diabetes. In our country, in our state this disease is spreading very fast. So, the need for encouraging the cultivation of Stevia is very much there. The doubts regarding the safety of Stevia should be taken care of by conducting a thorough study in every country. These studies should be undertaken quickly before the area under the cultivation of Stevia is increased.
************* V.MADHUMATHI M.Sc.(nutrition), C.A.I.I.B., Dip. In Diamond Grading, Dip. In Jewellery Designing.
DIET DURING PREGNANCY Having a baby and preparing for motherhood is by no means an easy task. During pregnancy there are several physiological and emotional changes that occur within her body. So it is the time when woman has to make many adjustments in her diet and way of living. She must know that the foetus, i.e. the growing baby depends entirely on her for its food. So right from the early stages of pregnancy, she has to modify her usual diet to provide enough nourishment for herself and the growing foetus . A well fed woman generally gains 8 – 10 Kg. during the entire nine months period and delivers a baby weighing about 3 Kg. If the diet is nutritionally inadequate the foetus tries to draw its requirement from the mother’s body itself, with result the mother becomes weak and would not be in a position to feed and look after the baby after the delivery. Generally the food must be simple, nourishing and easy to digest. It is better to avoid spicy food which may lead to a burning sensation in the stomach and causes uneasiness. It may also upset digestion. In the first two or three months of pregnancy, there may be vomiting and nausea. In such cases, it is not necessary to force her to eat. Craving for sour food is common at such times. It is advisable to take less salt during the late months of pregnancy, if oedema in feet i.e. swelling of feet is observed. The following are the daily requirements of nutrients for a pregnant woman per day. ENERGY 2200 – 2300 K.cal. PROTEIN 65 gms. FAT 30 gms CALCIUM 1000 mg. IRON 38 mg. VITAMIN A 600 µg VITAMIN C 40 mg. FOLIC ACID 400µg. VITAMIN B12 1µg. The requirements for the various nutrients depend on individual’s physical activity level and other physiological conditions. Additional energy is needed to support the growth of the foetus as well as to meet the increased physiological needs of the mother. A woman who does more physical work needs to take more energy yielding foods than a woman who is involved in sedentary or moderate physical activity. That means a proper balance between energy intake and energy output is necessary. All the cereals like rice, wheat etc., give energy. It is always better to include a mixture of cereal grains in the diet, so that the deficiencies of the nutrients in one would be made good by the other. Protein is needed for the proper growth of tissues and muscles of the foetus as well as the maternal tissue. Pulses, milk, egg, meat and fish are the good sources of protein. When pulses are consumed together with cereals, the nutritional quality of protein also improves. Sprouted grains also supply Vitamin C which keeps the gums and teeth healthy. Milk intake should be increased to meet the protein needs and the increased needs of calcium which is necessary for the bone growth of the foetus. Anaemia is very common during pregnancy because of the increased demands for the iron by both the mother and foetus. Good intake of leafy vegetables supplies iron and Vitamin A also. Iron and Folic acid supplements may be taken with the doctor’s advice. All the necessary minerals and vitamins are supplied through milk, fruits and vegetables. If a good mixed diet is taken, there is no need for the supplementation of any vitamins. Another common complaint during pregnancy is constipation. Consuming more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and drinking more liquids will improve the bowel movements. To meet the daily nutrient requirements pregnant woman should have the foods in following quantities per day approximately. CEREALS 400 – 450 gms. PULSES 40 – 45 gms. LEAFY VEGETABLES 150 gms. OTHER VEGETABLES 100 gms. FRUITS 200 gms. MILK / EGG / MEAT 250 gms. OIL & FAT 40 gms. SUGARS 40 gms. Eating full meal at a time may cause heaviness. Hence she can have small meals often. Along with a good balanced diet, light exercises like walking daily to keep her active and healthy. Some medicines and supplements may cause birth defects. Self medication is dangerous. So it is better to take them on the doctor’s advice. She should have regular check up with regard to weight and blood pressure.
Stevia-----a great boon to the patients of Diabetes Translation of the article in ‘Mana Bhoomi’
[Original writer’s name not mentioned.] Diabetes is spreading rapidly throughout the world. Diabetics are prohibited from taking sweet substances like sugar and Jaggery. However, for the past several years, a sweet substance, based on saccharin is being used for the preparation of tea, coffee and sweets for these people. But saccharin is not good for health. However, herbal products are considered to be a substitute for this purpose, provided they are without calories. Since these products are extremely beneficial from the health point of view, nowadays, ‘Stevia’ is being grown in India also. In Japan, Stevia sugar is being used for the preparation of sweets extensively. ‘Stevia’ grows like a bush. Some Indians have been using this as a powerful drink for the past several centuries. This is also being used as a drug. Migrants to countries like Brazil and Argentina also have used Stevia. It took several years for the botanists to discover and to classify Stevia. Finally, the Italian scientist, Dr.Ribandi from the Asansian agricultural college gave the name ‘Stevia’ for this plant. In 1921, Stevia attracted the attention of American trade commissioner, George Brandy. He presented it to the agricultural ministry of his country. He described it as a safe and brand new sweet plant with a lot of commercial importance. This plant is non-poisonous. Diabetics can use this by drying up the leaves and make a powder out of them. This can then be used as safe and sweet sugar. Stevia did alert the sugar industry. In those days, however its cultivation was not taken up on commercial lines. In 1931, in France crystals, named as steveoids were separated from Stevia. It was concluded that these crystals are 300 times sweeter than sugar. In Japan, till1977,Stevia was used in soft drinks, ice creams, gum, candy, chutnies, vegetables and sea foods. They are now using this as a sweet substance for more than 40 % of their requirements. They have conducted several tests regarding its suitability and safety. Stevia is a plant sent by the God to diabetics; that is how Resa Helian, author of the Stevia cookbook described it. Resa is from South Korea, where Stevia is being grown. For the past several years, this plant is being used for the prevention of this disease in Paraguay and Brazil. In Denmark, studies, conducted on the rats, have revealed that Stevia would work on the beta cells of pancreas and increase the production of insulin. It was concluded Stevia would not increase blood sugar in diabetics as well as healthy people. In 1986,the food and drugs department of the United States did not agree to accept Stevia as some thing suitable for mixing with food. They have taken away from the shops, where it was available. Literature explaining the readers about the Stevia recipes were destroyed by this department. They also declared that it is not safe to put this in food and drinks. They have done similar other things. The companies manufacturing sugar artificially were scared of this calorie less Stevia. They felt that this dreadful thing could destroy their fortunes in the business. Just now, Stevia is available for everybody up to 90% in the form of steveoids. A bottle containing an ounce of this would cost $13. Throughout the world, the demand for high potency sweeteners has registered an increase. Consequently, it has become necessary to find out alternatives for artificial sweeteners. And the sweeteners which have been prepared out of Paraguay’s sweet plant Stevia ribandiana bertoni are natural. Therefore, Stevia, a forest plant until recently has grown to the level of a plant that can be cultivated. In Canada, they have done a number of tests regarding various aspects of cultivating Stevia. They have also conducted breeding programs to increase the glycoside content in the leaf. In South America they have been using Stevia sweeteners for the past several years. At present in Japan they are doing the same on a large scale. Adverse effects have not been noticed at all in any of these countries. However, more extensive research on this aspect is called for. The decoction from the Stevia leaf has been used during the past several years. This has been done to decide whether Stevia is useful in the treatment of diabetes. No adverse effects have been noticed in this connection. Therefore they believe that Stevia has been sent by the lord to favor the diabetics. Since there are absolutely no calories in Stevia, it can be interpreted that this is a drug that can help in the reduction of weight. There will not be any problems of dental decline, if Stevia is used. Children frequently consume candies, ice cream, cakes, soda. If Stevia is used in these things, there will not be any dental problems. As per the results of experiments conducted in Brazil, Stevia can also control blood pressure. However, the need of the hour is to conduct more such studies and investigations. A medical scientist, Patrick B. Massy fully agrees that Stevia is a good drug for diabetes and also for controlling blood pressure as well as in controlling some virus diseases. He described this as a plant that should be grown throughout the World. Even now, many countries are examining how far Stevia can be used without any risk. There are some doubts regarding the adverse effects of Stevia on the potency of men. Some theories suggest that Stevia can result in cancer. Some scientists have suggested much more extensive investigations to find out the truth. Several brands of Stevia are available in liquid as well as powder form. Similarly, a lot of literature is available on Stevia. Right now, Stevia is being grown successfully in California as well as south England. Sugar has many adverse side effects. Stevia is much better comparatively. Therefore, scientists are of the view that Stevia has a bright future. This is a sweet substance with zero calories in it. So far many probes have been conducted regarding the safety of Stevia. It has been found out to be perfectly safe in all these investigations. In spite of this, the food and drugs administration of America has opposed this. Many scientists are of the view that this could be because of the influence of the big business. For domestic requirements, Stevia can be grown in a pot conveniently. One plant will yield sufficient quantity of the leaves for the entire family. Stevioside, available in Stevia will make the pancreas of diabetics active and dynamic and ensures in the process the release of more insulin. The medical scientist, Resahelian is therefore of the view that this is a good medicine for diabetes. In our country, in our state this disease is spreading very fast. So, the need for encouraging the cultivation of Stevia is very much there. The doubts regarding the safety of Stevia should be taken care of by conducting a thorough study in every country. These studies should be undertaken quickly before the area under the cultivation of Stevia is increased. B.G.S.Rao 94403 44979 HEMOPHILIA It is incurable but manageable What is Hemophilia?
Hemophilia is a genetic bleeding disorder. Persons suffering
from it have prolonged bleeding mostly in their joints. It is due to
absence of certain clotting factors in the blood. Prolonged bleeding may
be after injury or can happen on its own. It affects almost only males
irrespective of caste, creed, religion or geographical variations. Hemophilia is a life-long incurable disorder but it is certainly manageable, even in its severest form. A lot of education and timely treatment is very essential. The incidence of hemophilia as per WHO findings is 1 person in a population of 10,000. So, there should be approximately 10,000 persons suffering from hemophilia in Andhra Pradesh. May be just 50% of them survive today. What can Hemophilia lead to?
Hemophilia Society, Hyderabad Chapter It is a voluntary non-profit organization, which aims
The Society provides care to 400 persons with hemophilia. It offers psycho-social support to patients as well as their families. It provides blood clotting factors to the needy at no-profit-no-loss basis or even free to the poor. The society also educates patients, trains doctors and organizes workshops about hemophilia care with the help of Hemophilia Federation (INDIA). Appeal for Donations Please donate generously to the cause of hemophilia, as many patients cannot afford cost of clotting factors. Your donations can help a person with hemophilia to live life without getting disabled.
Courtesy: HEMOPHILIA SOCIETY Hyderabad Chapter 6-3-903/4, Somajiguda Hyderabad – 500 082 Ph No 55663825, 98498 72111 Email: hshyd@yahoo.com
It’s that time of year when many people experience an increased incidence of nosebleeds. Bleeding usually comes from the rupture of small blood vessels inside the nostrils. The piece of the cartilage that divides the nostrils is called the septum and is the most likely spot for bleeding to occur. Nosebleeds can occur anytime but it is often caused as seasons change and one begins to breathe very dry air. Sneezing and strong blowing of the nose as well as nose picking can also be the culprit to nosebleed episodes. How to minimize nosebleeds: a) Apply a small amount of Vaseline in each nostril to hold the moisture in during cold months. This will help prevent cracking, crust and bleeding. b) Use a vaporizer or humidifier to keep moisture in a room. Remember to clean unit daily to prevent germs and mold from growing in the water. How to treat a nosebleed: a) Tilt your head forward so that the blood will not run down the back of the throat. By minimizing the amount of blood that is swallowed, there will be less likelihood of nausea. It is also easier to determine when the bleeding has stopped if you are leaning forward. b) One may see stringy, jelly-like clots of blood. These clots are weak and may actually prevent the strong/good clots from forming. These clots need to be gently blown from the nose. c) Press the sides of the nose firmly together. You may have to hold this pressure for up to twenty minutes to halt the bleeding. (Sometimes if pressure does not stop the bleeding, applying an ice pack over the bridge of the nose will help close the blood vessels in the nose). When to call your Doctor or Treatment Center: a) If the nosebleed is very bad or lasts longer than usual or persist on and off over a period of several days, call your doctor. b) If you think you need to take factor because the nosebleed is so bad or persistent and c) If the nosebleed was caused by an injury to the face or head. Remember: a) In hemophilia, factor is not usually needed for nosebleeds that do not last long. b) Gel foam packing is the preferred method for persistent nosebleeds instead of over cauterization and forceful packing. c) It is not uncommon for a person to throw up (vomit) after a nosebleed because the blood swallowed upset the stomach. d) Stools may appear dark, tar-like in color if much blood has been swallowed during a nosebleed. **************
FOOD ALLERGY WHEN FOOD IS THE ENEMY Food allergy, an adverse reaction to certain foods, may affect fewer than 2 percent of adults. At the least it may result in minor rashes, but the worst. Case scenario could be life threatening, the victim gasping for breath, or covered with hives, all became an innocent little peanut. A family history of allergies increases your risk. IRKSOME EIGHT Amazingly, just eight foods are responsible for 90 percent of all food allergies: milk, eggs (especially the whites) legume peanuts; tree nuts, like walnuts, cashews and almonds: fish, shellfish, like lobsters, crabs, prawns and shrimp, soy and wheat. While most allergies develop in childhood, your body may begin reacting to a few foods, like fish, shellfish and tree nuts, in the third or fourth decade of life, or even later. We are most likely to react to foods we eat more often. That is the reason food allergies vary from country to country. For example, people are allergic to rice and soy in Japan, to codfish in Scandinavia, while in India, chickpea allergy is common. Peanuts are a more common cause of allergic reactions in the US where peanut consumption is extensive. THE MOST COMMON SYMPTOMS OF A FOOD ALLERGY à Hives, itching or eczema à Swelling of the eyelids, lips, face, tongue and throat, or other parts of the body. à Wheezing, nasal congestion or troubled breathing à Stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting à Dizziness, light-headedness or unconsciousness In a sever allergic reaction to food called anaphylaxis, a person may experience life-threatening symptoms such as constriction of airways, swollen throat, shock with several drop in blood pressure and rapid pulse.
HEALTH IN OLD AGE URINARY INCONTINENCE Urinary incontinence or inability to hold urine is a common problem in older individuals, especially women, about a third of all women and 10 percent of all men above 60 years of age have a urinary incontinence. The magnitude of incontinence ranges from mild discomfort to severe disability and can lead to complete withdrawal from social life. The incontinent patient and his/her career are often unaware of the treatment options available and unnecessarily suffer. In fact, in most cases, incontinence can be effectively controlled. Incontinence is not an inevitable result of aging but results from specific diseases or drugs. Often incontinence can result from an illness accompanied by weakness, confusion, or hospital admission or it may be the only symptom of urinary infection. Chronic incontinence can be of one or more of the following types. Stress incontinence of the leakage of urine during exercise, coughing, sneezing, laughing or other body movements which put pressure on the bladder. It occurs in most women in all age groups.
Overflow incontinence or the leakage of small amounts of urine from a constantly filled bladder occurs in the presence of enlarged prostate and long-standing diabetes. Diagnosis and management The most important step in the management incontinence is a detailed clinical evaluation of determine its cause. Most patients will require the advice of a urologist (specialist in diseases of the urinary tract) or a gynecologist. The treatment of urinary incontinence depends on the diagnosis. Drug treatment with qxybutinin (Tropan) is effective but has side effects such as dry mouth, glaucoma and urine retention. Surgery can improve or cure incontinence when it is due to a structural problem such as an enlarged prostate. Exercises can strengthen the muscles of the pelvis and control the urinary bladder outlet. Behavioral management techniques of “bladder retraining: are helpful in the control” of urination. These methods improve getting the sense of bladder filling and delay voiding until the person can reach a toilet. Sometimes incontinence is treated by inserting a catheter (flexible rubber tube) into the urethra and evacuating the urine at regular intervals or keeping it permanently inside the urinary bladder. However, long-term catheterization is always associated with urinary infections. Specially-designed absorbent underclothing is also useful for patients who cannot be helped by the above mentioned measures. However this has significant cost implications. **************** Health – Recognizing a Stroke!
If he or she has
trouble with any of these tasks, call Courtesy B.J.S Rao.
Bye & Take
Care
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