Surprising benefits of donating blood

Blood is that element in the human body that can't be manufactured. Hence, it makes blood donation a very significant phenomenon. It benefits the patients, the donors, society, and the overall medical ecosystem. However, people are not particularly aware of some of the benefits of donating blood. While some of them are necessarily good for your overall health, some can even surprise you.

Benefits

Potentially reveal health issues
Donating blood gets your vitals checked to make sure you are adequately fit for the procedure. Hence, it can be a process to keep your overall health checked. Your pulse, blood pressure, and hemoglobin check can ensure that you are free of any chronic illness. Usually, blood low in iron is not taken for donation. As a result, blood donation can find health issues that can be eradicated from the roots.

Reduce harmful overload of iron
Iron overload in the body causes a condition called hemochromatosis. Although this condition is not a usual phenomenon in india, it is important to detect it at the earliest. Blood donations help eliminate the excess iron from the body through red blood cells.

Cardio and vascular health
Regular blood donation maintains low blood pressure and keeps the risk of heart attacks at bay. According to a study, donating blood reduces the chance of heart attacks by 88 percent. High hemoglobin and high iron stores are checked by blood donations that have to do with blood clots and strokes.

Reduce the risk of cancer
A high concentration of iron in the body can cause free-radical damage. It increases the risk of cancer in the lungs, liver, colon, and throat due to the lowering of oxidative stress. Thus, regular blood donations make sure that the risk of cancer and mortality is lower.

Liver stays healthy
Excess iron in the body gets stored in the liver, heart, and pancreas leading to a risk of cirrhosis or liver failure. Various health ailments related to the liver are prevented by donating blood and getting rid of the extra iron in the body.

Help your mental state
With several physical benefits, there are also some psychological edges. As donating blood directly or indirectly helps a patient, it gives a sense of pride and satisfaction. Making a difference in society feels extremely fulfilling and that keeps you in an elated state. Hence, blood donation is equally healthy for your body and mind.

Surprising Benefits Of Donating Blood

While yoga is mainly considered to be a physical process that unites our spiritual conscience, there's more to it. Meditation, prayer, breathwork, and rituals are some self-disciplinary practices that make up the entirety of yoga.

 

Benefits

Apart from physical well-being, yoga also ensures that your overall health gets a boost and you feel rejuvenated. Some scientific benefits of yoga are-

 ;


	
	Increases flexibility
	


Yoga offers many asanas and styles to choose from and almost all of them contribute to improving flexibility. Yoga acts as a catalyst to increase mobility in older people.


	
	Relieves stress
	


Studies suggest that the second most cited reason for people to practice yoga is that it releases stress. Science proves that yoga helps lower the stress and tension levels in individuals.


	
	Boosts mental health
	


Some studies have observed that yoga is an excellent practice to treat major depressive disorder (mdd). Both movement-based and breathing-based yoga therapies are helpful to improve mental health.


	
	Reduces inflammation
	


Reports suggest that yoga reduces inflammation in the body. As a result, it prevents any chronic disease.


	
	Increases strength
	


Some styles and asanas of yoga can also be strength building. Yoga s effectiveness at improving physical strength has been suggested by many reports.


	
	Reduces anxiety
	


There are numerous anxiety disorders that need care such as anxiety disorders, social anxiety, and phobias. Yoga in the form of meditation helps in reducing the symptoms of the same.


	
	Boosts immunity
	


Excessive stress affects your immune system directly. One is more susceptible to diseases if the immunity is weak. As yoga is a proven way to relieve stress and reduce inflammation, it helps the body develop stronger immunity with time.


	
	Improves balance
	


Balance is important for performing daily movements. Yoga has shown considerable progress in improving bodily balance. Being consistent with yoga makes sure that you get long-lasting benefits as well.


	
	Cardiovascular functioning
	


Pranayama or yogic breathing greatly helps numerous systems in the body. Controlled breathing lowers the chances of change in heart rate, stroke, and more.


	
	Improves quality of sleep
	


Yoga improves the quality of sleep. It is also because of the aftereffects of the exercise. However, yoga has some qualities like mental calming and stress relief that allow a sound sleep.


	
	Boosts bone health
	


Isometric contractions in yoga provide a holistic engagement of bones. They also reverse the bone loss related to osteoporosis and osteopenia.


	
	Improves brain functioning
	


Yoga stimulates the functioning of the brain and boosts energy levels. Studies suggest that it can improve executive functioning, mental flexibility, task switching capabilities, and memory.







 

Scientific Benefits Of Yoga

C-reactive protein ;is a type of protein produced by the liver in response to an infection ;or inflammation. When your body contracts an infection, the white blood cells produce proteins to fight it. Some of these proteins activate the liver into producing c-reactive protein. For many years, the crp ;blood level has been used to ascertain the level of infection or inflammation.

Assessing the risk of heart disease ;with c-reactive protein

The level of crp is a potential indicator of how likely you are to develop cardiovascular diseases. This is because the development of atherosclerosis is linked with inflammation within the walls of your blood vessel. This results in higher levels of c-reactive protein in atherosclerosis patients than in those without the disorder.

The greater the crp levels, the more chances you have of being affected by cardiovascular disorders. The test also determines the risk of a second attack.

The value of knowing your crp levels depends on whether you come under one of three cardiovascular risk groups.


	
	High risk   not important to know crp because you should be combining lifestyle changes and aggressive treatment to reduce risk
	
	
	Intermediate risk   helpful to find out crp levels, as it can provide vital information crucial in deciding the next line of treatment
	
	
	Low risk   even if your crp levels are high, you will not be at risk   due to negligible risk factors and low cholesterol levels   that should require more than just lifestyle changes
	


To find out crp levels you will have to take a blood test. C-reactive protein is classified into  


	
	High   equal to or greater than 3
	
	
	Intermediate   between 1 and 3
	
	
	Low   below 1
	


If you are having a c-reactive protein test to check for heart diseases, your healthcare provider may recommend a cholesterol test as well. A number of other tests may also be prescribed to evaluate your risk further.

How C-reactive Protein Can Pose A Risk For Heart Disease?

Yoga is a very important part of everyone s life. Yoga is a time tested and natural way to eliminate various diseases and problems with the body as well as the mind. It is antiquated craftsmanship that strengthens the body as well as relaxes the brain with the right dose of mindfulness as well. Yoga tends to stimulate the nervous system and the endocrine, digestive and circulatory systems and improve the functioning of the same.

 

Below mentioned postures affect at least one of these systems, thereby clearing the path for a strong immune system. ;

Shishuasana (child posture): shishuasana is a phenomenal stance that de-congests the abdomen and constructs a superior and stronger immune system.

Setu bandhasana (bridge posture): setu bandhasana opens the heart and enhances the blood flow. It increases the energy in the body to build a strong resistance against pathogens.

Halasana (plow posture): halasana is a pose that requires a backward bend. It discharges white cells in the body and strengthens the immune system.

Bhujangasana (cobra posture): bhujangasana is a mid-section opening posture which discharges white cells that enhance the body s resistance.

Dhanurasana (bow posture): dhanurasana is yet another posture that enhances the flow of white cells by putting weight on the working of the digestive system.

Matsyasana (fish posture): matsyasana stretches the abdomen and chest and strengthens the thymus. This enhances the body's invulnerability level.

Vinyasa adho mukha svanasana (flowing downward facing dog pose): begin with the plank pose, palms lying on the floor just underneath your shoulder and extend the legs backward. The whole body should form a straight line like a board. Taking a full breath, lift your hips off the floor. Hold yourself on the hands and heels. Your head needs to point towards the ground. Take full breaths, two or three times, as you hold the position. Breathe out a deep breath, relax and return to the plank posture. Gradually bring down your body. Slide your hands backward, allowing your palms to rest alongside the chest. Toes need to be in contact with the mat or the floor.

Ayurveda, yoga and meditation are the perfect variables to carry on with a sound life.

 

Yoga Asanas That Can Boost Your Immune System

Cushing syndrome occurs due to prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol hormone. The condition, often referred to as hypercortisolism, affects women   usually between ages 25 and 40   more than men. Nearly 80% of adults and about 47% of children are diagnosed with cushing syndrome.

The most common cause of cushing syndrome is an overproduction of the stress hormone   cortisol   by the adrenal glands. However, it can also result from overuse of steroid drugs.

If you have cushing syndrome, you are likely to notice symptoms like muscle weakness, weight gain, a buffalo lump, irregular periods, sleep disorders, high blood glucose and high blood pressure.

Recent research has claimed to establish a relation between cushing syndrome and high blood pressure   or what is called hypertension in medical terms.

The link between hypertension and cushing syndrome

Hypertension refers to high blood pressure that causes the force of blood to raise against the artery walls. A number of conditions can lead to hypertension, such as poor diet and lifestyle, an underlying health issue, stress, pregnancy and so on.

As your body encounters stress, the adrenal glands produce and release cortisol in the bloodstream. Studies show that producing excess stress hormone can create a host of pathological problems in the body, including hypertension.

Hypertension is a distinguishing feature of endogenous cushing syndrome. High blood pressure in cushing syndrome has a significant correlation with the duration of hypercortisolism and results from the interaction between various pathophysiological methods regulating peripheral vascular resistance, cardiac output, and plasma volume   all of which are elevated in this state.

How to treat the condition

Cushing syndrome is usually treatable and curable. You will be prescribed to stop using steroid drugs that are likely to increase cortisol levels. If the condition does not improve after treatment, you will have to look for ways to manage the symptoms, especially by monitoring your blood pressure. Team up with your doctor and ask for ways to de-stress yourself.

Relation Between Cushing Syndrome And Hypertension: Know More

The most common forms of diabetes ;are type 1 and type 2 diabetes. In type 1, your immune system damages the cells inside the pancreas that produce insulin. Therefore, the pancreas are unable to produce an adequate amount of insulin.

In type 2 diabetes, your body does not respond properly to the insulin produced by the pancreas. As a result, your body will have a difficult time removing sugar ;from the blood. The cells may stop insulin production over time that may lead to insulin deficiency. However, there are other forms of diabetes that are lesser-known but can affect you just as bad.

Types of diabetes beyond type 1 and type 2

Gestational diabetes

In gestation diabetes, a condition that affects pregnant women, the blood sugar levels increase to an extent that may hamper the health of the mother and the child.

Symptoms

Usually, there are no symptoms as such. If diabetes worsens, women may observe symptoms such as -


	
	A need to pee more frequently
	
	
	Excessive thirst and hunger
	
	
	Dryness in the mouth
	


Lada (latent autoimmune diabetes in adults)

It is sometimes referred to as type 1.5 diabetes. Here, your immune system kills the insulin-producing cells inside the pancreas. As this condition takes a longer period to develop, you may not need insulin for many months after you have been diagnosed.

Symptoms

You may observe the following symptoms  


	
	Dryness and itchiness
	
	
	Tingling sensation in feet or hands
	
	
	Blurry vision
	
	
	Frequent urination
	


Mody (maturity-onset diabetes of the young)

This condition is observed during adolescence. Here, genetic mutations limit the pancreas from making insulin. So, due to insufficient insulin, your blood sugar level goes up. If any of your parents have mody, you are likely to have the condition.

Symptoms

Symptoms may include  


	
	Yeast and ;skin infections
	
	
	Frequent urination
	
	
	An urge to pee more often
	


Treatment

Primary care for these other forms of diabetes follows the usual course of treatment as with type 1 and type 2.


	
	Diabetic medications
	
	
	Insulin shots or injections
	
	
	Dietary changes
	


The doctor may instruct you to monitor your blood sugar levels frequently to keep it under control. This will be accompanied by a diet ;consisting of adequate calories, but avoid fatty foods, excess sugar and carbohydrates. Mild exercise is also recommended.

The best way to prevent these conditions is to visit your doctor frequently and follow the treatment plan. Do not keep your diabetes untreated.

A Sneak Peek Beyond Type 1 And Type 2 Diabetes

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