Reiticulocyte Production Index Tips

How Can Canned Food Products Affect Your Kidneys?

Dr. Suraj Kumar 88% (143 ratings)
DM - Nephrology, MBBS Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery, MD - Medicine
Nephrologist, Patna
How Can Canned Food Products Affect Your Kidneys?

Blood circulation is one of the most important functions in our body because blood is the medium that carries oxygen and all the significant nutrients to the different organs. When blood circulation takes place, a certain pressure is exerted on the arteries of the heart and the blood vessels. However, when this pressure increases, a condition called high blood pressure develops whereby the systolic and the diastolic pressure escalate above the normal levels. High blood pressure not only leads to the damage of the heart, the brain and the eyes, it also leads to the impairment of the kidneys.

To combat a fast-paced life in an urban setting, we adapt certain lifestyle measures which serve some of the core purposes, like satiating our hunger, quickly. One of these measures includes the intake of canned products. With canned foods, cooking becomes faster and easier. But, one of the major downsides of canned foods is that too much of it can lead to the development of high blood pressure.

The link between BPA and canned foods
BPA or Bisphenol A is an industrial chemical that is present in high concentrations in canned foods and beverages. According to researchers, our body contains the reproductive hormone, estrogen in a particular amount. However, BPA mimics the properties of estrogen and tampers with the cells of the heart and our blood vessels that are otherwise sensitive to estrogen, thereby increasing the chances of high blood pressure. Because of that, same reason BPA can also lead to the development of cardiovascular disorders.

BPA is also the primary chemical used to prepare the food containers or the cans. That is why when people drink or eat from these cans, the body accumulates the chemical as well.

According to medical experts, the systolic pressure rises by 5 mm of Hg after consuming two bottles of canned beverages. To detect this effect better, a medical team conducted a study using 60 men and women, among whom some were asked to drink soy milk from canned bottles and the remaining drank the same product from glass bottles. After this, these 60 men and women underwent a urine test. The test results showed that those who drank from canned bottles had a significant amount of BPA in the urine, which concluded the fact that canned foods are not such a healthy option after all.

What can you do?
So instead of opting for canned foods, another option is basing your diet around fruits and salads. But not the canned variety, but the homemade ones. If you are strapped for time, then you can look for salad bars and cafes. Else simply look for easy to prepare recipes online, prepare the food and store them in your freezer.

3775 people found this helpful

Antibiotic Essence - Kitchen Products That Constitute It!

Dr. Mamta Arya 91% (279 ratings)
MD- Ayurveda, Bachelor of Ayurveda, Medicine and Surgery (BAMS)
Ayurvedic Doctor, Ahmedabad
Antibiotic Essence -  Kitchen Products That Constitute It!

Antibiotics are generally used when a person comes down with an infection or viral issues. This kind of medication is usually prescribed to stop the growth of the microorganisms, bacteria and virus that causes the infection. Yet, there are many people who do not want to have medicines or give the same to their children at all times. So you can also try some natural kitchen ingredients that act as antibiotics.

This can also save you a trip to the pharmacist. Just look around your kitchen the next time you have an infection and try to look for the following ingredients so that you can treat the same in a natural and organic manner.

  1. Garlic: This is a wonder ingredient that is used for a variety of purposes inside and outside the kitchen. Garlic has been used as a condiment in all Indian cuisines since time immemorial. The compound present in garlic is called allicin which has properties that are similar to penicillin. This is a natural antibiotic that can stop the growth of the virus and the bacteria so that the infection can be treated in a natural manner. Besides being an antibiotic, this ingredient also works as an anti-inflammatory drug. From colds to managing cardiovascular problems and all kinds of infections, this ingredient can help in treating a variety of conditions.
  2. Honey: Honey is a rich ingredient that should be taken on a daily basis so that one can not only treat but also prevent various kinds of infections and other conditions. The high levels of antioxidants can help in removing the toxins and the bacteria so that the infection can be removed from the body. This can also be applied as an antiseptic on the skin when there is an infection or a cut.
  3. Cabbage: Cabbage is a vegetable that is rich when it comes to sulphur. This is an element that is known as a good infection medication especially for skin eruptions like corns and various other kinds of issues. Vitamin C is also another ingredient that is present in cabbage. The combination of sulphur and this vitamin helps in fighting infection and also preventing the same. You can have lots of cabbage in your vegetable preparations as well as salads.
  4. Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is another ingredient that is known to help in many matters. One can effectively manage one’s weight and manage chronic lifestyle diseases like diabetes and other cardiovascular diseases. This can also help in fighting infections if taken in its raw form. This is also an antiseptic element that helps in preventing infections if one has had any wound. This can also be used to sterilize the area where one gets wounded as it is a chemical-free astringent.
  5. Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is one of the best antibiotics and antiseptics that can also help in removing the toxins that are present in specific parts of the body. This will help in fighting infections and preventing the same, if taken on a regular basis.
1834 people found this helpful

Skin Care Products To Manage Ageing - Make The Right Choice!

Dr. Venu Kumari 91% (1875 ratings)
MD - Venereology and Leprosy, MBBS Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery
Dermatologist, Hyderabad
Skin Care Products To Manage Ageing - Make The Right Choice!

Some women look atleast a decade younger than the age mentioned on their passports. For most of these women this is the result of anti-aging creams and serums. There are dozens of anti-aging products available today. The tough part is finding the right product for you.

Here are a few tips to help you make the right choice

  1. Start with the Basics: Dehydrated skin and sun exposure are the primary triggers for wrinkles, sun spots and fine lines. To prevent this, start by picking a good sunscreen. When picking your sunscreen look for one that offers an SPF of 30 or more, water resistance and protection against both UVA and UVB rays. If you have sensitive skin, avoid sunscreens with fragrances, harsh chemicals, alcohol and preservatives.
  2. Understand your Primary Concern: No one product can address all signs of aging. At the same time, using multiple products can do more harm than good. Infact, it can make you look older. Hence, it is important to take an honest look at the mirror and identify your main concerns. Pick a single anti-aging product that addresses this issue.
  3. Pick a Retinoid Based Cream: Retinoids are the best way to fight signs of aging like fine lines, larger pores and dark spots. Choose between a retinol cream and serum depending on your skin. While creams are betters suited for dry skin, a serum works well to treat clogged pores and acne. Eliminate products that have artificial preserves or paraben.
  4. Read the Label: Take a close look at the label and pick a product that contains anti-oxidants or is hypoallergenic. Also look for vitamins and polypeptides. This can nourish your skin and keep it elastic for longer. Pick products that have the words 'non-comedogenic' on the label. Lastly, look for the consumer hotline number on the product.
  5. Patch Test: It is impossible to know how a product will react with your skin before using it. Anti-aging products are intended for use on the face but before using it on your face, you must first do a patch test. A patch test involves applying the product on a small patch of skin on the forearm and leaving it for 24 hours. If you do not notice any adverse reaction, only then use it on your face.
  6. Ask the Dermatologist: Self diagnosis is often not the best step to take. When it comes to skincare, it is always a good idea to consult a dermatologist before using a new product. Find a professional you trust and share your concerns with them so that they can advise you on the product that is most suited to you. 

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

4497 people found this helpful

Vegetarian diet and Soya Products help reduce BP

Dr. Sajeev Kumar 91% (40820 ratings)
C.S.C, D.C.H, M.B.B.S
General Physician, Alappuzha
Vegetarian diet and Soya Products help reduce BP
Ingestion of a vegetarian diet may reduce systolic blood pressure by 5 mmHg, which may reduce the risk of heart disease by 21%.

One major feature of a vegetarian diet that may affect blood pressure is the amount of dietary fiber; with an increased amount being associated with decreased systemic pressures. Multiple meta–analyses have shown benefits with dietary fiber intake on blood pressure.

Vegetarians, in general, have lower blood pressure levels and a lower incidence of hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases. Experts postulate that a typical vegetarian’s diet contains more potassium, complex carbohydrates, polyunsaturated fat, fiber, calcium, magnesium, vitamin C and vitamin A, all of which may have a favorable influence on blood pressure. More significant reductions were observed in older (greater than 40 years) and hypertensive individuals.

Soya is good for high blood pressure because it is naturally high in potassium and low in sodium. Potassium and sodium are electrolytes, and a high–potassium, low–sodium diet promotes a healthy blood pressure.

Soya can be good for high blood pressure when you eat it as an alternative protein source to unhealthy meats. Soya–based meat substitutes, such as veggie burgers, veggie bacon and meatless cold cuts, can be higher in fiber and lower in sodium than animal-based meat products. They can lower your risk for heart disease because they are lower in saturated fat. However, soya does not contain the long–chain omega–3 fatty acids that are found in fatty fish and shellfish; these may lower your blood pressure, according to the Linus Pauling Institute.

Even though soya is low in unhealthy saturated fat, some soya products are high in total fat and calories, and as a result will contribute to weight gain if you eat too much. Losing weight if you are overweight, or maintaining your current weight if you are already at a healthy weight, improves your chances of lowering your high blood pressure.
83 people found this helpful

Facts About Excess Consumption Of Milk & Milk Products!

Dt. Neha Suryawanshi 91% (20749 ratings)
M.Sc. in Dietetics and Food Service Management , Post Graduate Diploma In Computer Application, P.G.Diploma in Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics , B.Sc.Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics
Dietitian/Nutritionist, Mumbai
Facts About Excess Consumption Of Milk & Milk Products!

Facts About Excess Consumption Of Milk & Milk Products!

Choosing A Skin Product - Why It Is Important To Choose The Right One?

Dr. Deepti Shrivastava 90% (694 ratings)
PG Dip Dermatology (London), Fellow Aesthetic Medicine (Germany) , D.M.C.H, MBBS
Dermatologist, Delhi
Choosing A Skin Product - Why It Is Important To Choose The Right One?

Human skin is indicative of the health of a person. It is often said that most skin conditions are only symptoms of what is going on within the body. However, there are certain conditions which are caused by external irritants to the skin. It is thus important that you take care of this organ and also be careful in choosing the products which you apply on it.

Why choosing skin care products carefully is important? 
In today's world of infinite choices, there are plenty of options in the shelves of supermarkets, specialty stores and beauty treatment spas that offer much variety. However, you should realize that a lot of the benefits claimed are just marketing tricks to get the products to sell more. It is up to you to exactly find what suits you best. 

Various types of skin care products:

There are multiple types of skin care products. Some of them are:

  1. Skin cleanser
  2. Toner
  3. Exfoliant
  4. Treatment for acne
  5. Skin lightening treatment
  6. Anti - wrinkle or anti-aging creams 
  7. Moisturizers

Specialized Treatments for Skin Conditions: As is evident from this list, not everything is applicable to all people. Thus, they have to choose according to what their most specific needs are. However, if you have a specific beauty regimen where you are using the products very regularly make sure that the ingredients won't do you harm in the long term.

Dangers from Lower End Skin Care Products: Skin care products sourced from cheaper materials or used in mass scale productions have known to contain many harmful chemicals which seep through the skin to cause multiple types of cancers. However the most direct assault is on skin itself and the most common worse outcome would be increasing chances of skin cancer.

Some of the harmful chemicals know to be included in cosmetic products include:

  • Lead
  • Beryllium
  • Thallium
  • Cadmium
  • Selenium
  • Arsenic
  • And Nickel among others.

Choosing carefully and wisely: Whether at the shelf or online it is better to research the ingredients before you buy a beauty product.  You should be able to look through the hype of marketing and the clever disguising of the ingredients or warnings in a subtle manner. You are paying for your skin care and thus should get the best quality product possible within your budget.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

2606 people found this helpful

Tips to Select the Best Anti Aging Skin Care Products

ISAAC
Dermatologist, Delhi
Tips to Select the Best Anti Aging Skin Care Products

Some women look atleast a decade younger than the age mentioned on their passports. For most of these women this is the result of anti-aging creams and serums. There are dozens of anti-aging products available today. The tough part is finding the right product for you.

Here are a few tips to help you make the right choice:

  1. Start with the Basics: Dehydrated skin and sun exposure are the primary triggers for wrinkles, sun spots and fine lines. To prevent this, start by picking a good sunscreen. When picking your sunscreen look for one that offers an SPF of 30 or more, water resistance and protection against both UVA and UVB rays. If you have sensitive skin, avoid sunscreens with fragrances, harsh chemicals, alcohol and preservatives.
  2. Understand your Primary Concern: No one product can address all signs of aging. At the same time, using multiple products can do more harm than good. Infact, it can make you look older. Hence, it is important to take an honest look at the mirror and identify your main concerns. Pick a single anti-aging product that addresses this issue.
  3. Pick a Retinoid Based Cream: Retinoids are the best way to fight signs of aging like fine lines, larger pores and dark spots. Choose between a retinol cream and serum depending on your skin. While creams are betters suited for dry skin, a serum works well to treat clogged pores and acne. Eliminate products that have artificial preserves or paraben.
  4. Read the Label: Take a close look at the label and pick a product that contains anti-oxidants or is hypoallergenic. Also look for vitamins and polypeptides. This can nourish your skin and keep it elastic for longer. Pick products that have the words 'non-comedogenic' on the label. Lastly, look for the consumer hotline number on the product.
  5. Patch Test: It is impossible to know how a product will react with your skin before using it. Anti-aging products are intended for use on the face but before using it on your face, you must first do a patch test. A patch test involves applying the product on a small patch of skin on the forearm and leaving it for 24 hours. If you do not notice any adverse reaction, only then use it on your face.
  6. Ask the Dermatologist: Self diagnosis is often not the best step to take. When it comes to skincare, it is always a good idea to consult a dermatologist before using a new product. Find a professional you trust and share your concerns with them so that they can advise you on the product that is most suited to you. 

Updates From Lybrate: We hope this information was helpful to you. Moreover, you can also check out these products for skin care from Lybrate.

7200 people found this helpful

Misleading Advertisements - Why Your Skin Care Product Does Not Work?

Dr. Atul Taneja 91% (888 ratings)
MD (AIIMS), Clinical Fellow,Skin Oncology(New England Medical Centre & Boston University,USA), Clinical Fellow.Photomedicine(Mass.Gen.Hospital,Harvard Medical School,USA), Clinical Fellow,Laser Surgery(Mass.Gen Hospital,Harvard Medical School,USA)
Dermatologist, Jamshedpur
Misleading Advertisements - Why Your Skin Care Product Does Not Work?

Nourishing shampoos and soaps, Skin brightening face washes, Oils for Stronger hair, Fairness creams, Split ends repairing products, Chemical free Natural products. You are bombarded with these kinds of wonderful cosmetic and medical claims on a daily basis and are tempted to try out these products. After all, they are promoted by your favourite celebrities!

Have you sometimes wondered why these products do not work and whether they are backed by any rigorous scientific evidence? Here are just a few examples of how many advertisements are simply outright lies while others are extremely misleading.

  1. Nourishing washes, medicated soaps: From a simple chemistry perspective, when you apply a good wash or soap onto your skin, you expect it to latch on to all the accumulated dirt, sweat and oil on your skin. And with the act of rinsing, all these should be washed off with the rinsing water. Now if your wash or soap is effective enough to wash of oils and dirt, would it not wash off any additional product that is added within it? So all that added 'nourishment and 'antibacterial effect' is washed down the drain! Also, do you expect to obtain nourishment through your gut or through your skin? So, from a scientific perspective, it is better to eat healthily and maintain a healthy lifestyle for healthy skin and to use your washes just for cleansing. Any ordinary wash or soap of your choice is ok but use mild washes if you tend to have dry skin but never use medicated washes.
  2. Stronger hair and split ends: Have you ever wondered why cutting your hair never caused you any pain or bleeding? This is because the hair shafts that you see on top of your skin is composed of a completely dead protein called keratin and contains no nerve endings or blood vessels. These hair shafts are produced and pushed up daily by living and very active hair roots below the skin. Now, no matter which product you use, you certainly cannot repair or strengthen tissue which is already dead. But yes, you can certainly use oils and other products to condition your dead hair shafts.
  3. Shampoos and oils for hair-fall: Hair-Fall, similar to fever, is just a symptom and the cause of it can vary from person to person. Your hair roots are very actively producing new keratin and lengthening the hair shafts everyday. Such intense activity of the hair roots can easily be affected by any disturbance or disease within the body, causing the hair roots to shut down and cause hair fall. Simply applying anything on top of the scalp without knowing the primary cause of hair fall would be like simply sponging your body for fever without investigating the primary cause of fever. A qualified dermatologist would be best placed to investigate and resolve your hair fall problem.
  4. Fairness creams: Your skin colour is mostly determined by your genes and to some extent by the environment that you live in. Your dermatologist could modify your skin colour a wee bit but you also need a proper environment and precautions to maintain this. Beware of fairness creams which often contain harmful or irritating ingredients. Even some medicated creams contain steroids, which if misused, can permanently damage your skin. Always obtain a valid prescription before purchasing any pharmaceutical creams.
  5. Sunscreens with SPF which make you several tones fairer: Sunscreens, like umbrellas, simply protect you against sunburns and skin cancers and do not cause any lightening of your natural skin colour. Sunscreens are important to prevent skin cancers in light-skinned races since their skin, unlike pigmented Indian skin, has very little of the protective pigment called melanin. Sunscreens are medically recommended to prevent skin cancers. Do you really use sunscreens for this reason? SPF or sun protection factor measures the ability of sunscreens to protect from UVB rays causing sunburns and skin cancers. If you are using sunscreens for other non-recommended reasons like preventing a suntan, then just the SPF number is kind of irrelevant because there are other rays besides UVB which cause skin tanning.
  6. Anti Wrinkle and Anti Scar Creams: There are medical and surgical ways to reduce wrinkles and to alter scars. Since this involves changing the human body's physiology and anatomy it comes under the realm of medical treatment. If creams or lotions were able to achieve these same effects, they cannot be labelled as cosmetics but as drugs. And can only be sold in pharmacies with a valid prescription. There are misleading words and phrases like, 'reduce the appearance of wrinkles', 'proven formula', 'helps in', 'boosts collagen production', which companies often use to fool you into believing that there is some valid scientific work behind their claims.
  7. Natural, Chemical free products: You would probably be left scratching your head if any intelligent chemistry student were to ask you to name something that is not a chemical! This claim is a clever gimmick by companies to mislead you into believing that their products are safer. Any plant, leaf of fruit actually contains hundreds or thousands of mostly unknown chemicals. It is actually much easier to perform research on just one known chemical and prove that it is safe, compared to performing research on any single so-called 'natural' product, simply because it contains hundreds or thousands of unknown chemicals.
4019 people found this helpful

Anti Aging Skin Care Products - 6 Tips To Help You Make The Right Choice!

Dr. Nitin Jain 88% (284 ratings)
MBBS, Diploma in Venerology & Dermatology (DVD), DDV, MD - Dermatology , Venereology & Leprosy
Dermatologist, Pune
Anti Aging Skin Care Products - 6 Tips To Help You Make The Right Choice!

Some women look atleast a decade younger than the age mentioned on their passports. For most of these women this is the result of anti-aging creams and serums. There are dozens of anti-aging products available today. The tough part is finding the right product for you.

Here are a few tips to help you make the right choice

  1. Start with the Basics: Dehydrated skin and sun exposure are the primary triggers for wrinkles, sun spots and fine lines. To prevent this, start by picking a good sunscreen. When picking your sunscreen look for one that offers an SPF of 30 or more, water resistance and protection against both UVA and UVB rays. If you have sensitive skin, avoid sunscreens with fragrances, harsh chemicals, alcohol and preservatives.
  2. Understand your Primary Concern: No one product can address all signs of aging. At the same time, using multiple products can do more harm than good. Infact, it can make you look older. Hence, it is important to take an honest look at the mirror and identify your main concerns. Pick a single anti-aging product that addresses this issue.
  3. Pick a Retinoid Based Cream: Retinoids are the best way to fight signs of aging like fine lines, larger pores and dark spots. Choose between a retinol cream and serum depending on your skin. While creams are betters suited for dry skin, a serum works well to treat clogged pores and acne. Eliminate products that have artificial preserves or paraben.
  4. Read the Label: Take a close look at the label and pick a product that contains anti-oxidants or is hypoallergenic. Also look for vitamins and polypeptides. This can nourish your skin and keep it elastic for longer. Pick products that have the words 'non-comedogenic' on the label. Lastly, look for the consumer hotline number on the product.
  5. Patch Test: It is impossible to know how a product will react with your skin before using it. Anti-aging products are intended for use on the face but before using it on your face, you must first do a patch test. A patch test involves applying the product on a small patch of skin on the forearm and leaving it for 24 hours. If you do not notice any adverse reaction, only then use it on your face.
  6. Ask the Dermatologist: Self diagnosis is often not the best step to take. When it comes to skincare, it is always a good idea to consult a dermatologist before using a new product. Find a professional you trust and share your concerns with them so that they can advise you on the product that is most suited to you. 
8031 people found this helpful

Super Fact of the Day: Our saliva production equals to 2 swimming pools!

Dr. Manoj Kumar Jha 89% (9098 ratings)
MBBS, MBA (Healthcare)
General Physician, Delhi
Super Fact of the Day: Our saliva production equals to 2 swimming pools!
Saliva production is the highest during and before eating and is the lowest when we are asleep. While the mouth produces 1-2 litres of saliva per day, in a lifetime we generate about 25, 000 quarts of saliva that can easily fill up to two swimming pools.

Would you like to share this interesting fact with family or friends? go ahead and share!
587 people found this helpful