Natural Ways to Keep Teeth Healthy

Avoid Fizzy Drinks

Soda is delicious but also equally dangerous for your teeth. In fact, the two ingredients, phosphoric acid and citric acid, that give soda its flavor also softens teeth enamel that makes teeth more vulnerable to cavities. Drink water with added flavors like citrus or mint instead of fizzy drinks to keep your teeth healthy.

Leave Out Sugar

Sugar is the main culprit to destroying the teeth as it multiplies the bacteria and acidity in the mouth. Every time you consume a sugary treat, your mouth produces acid for 20 minutes which then harms the teeth. To maintain teeth wellbeing, try to avoid sugar altogether or brush and floss after every sugary snack.

Brush Properly

We all know that twice-a-day brushing is recommended but proper way of brushing is also essential. It is advised that the toothbrush be held at a 45-degree angle, pointed upwards in the direction of the gums and small, short, circular strokes be used. Each tooth should be brushed 10-15 times but not aggressively as it can erode the gum line.

Consume Teeth-Friendly Foods

Have calcium-rich stuff that strengthens your teeth such as low-fat milk, cheese, and yogurt. Gum-healthy foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables which are rich in Vitamin A and C are also a good addition to your diet. Tea is also recommended because it provides fluoride for the teeth. You can also get fluoride from certain toothpastes or mouth washes.

So follow the above advice and keep smiling!

Thought of the Day!

Recently Published Article – “Enhanced Phosphorylation of Bax and Its Translocation into Mitochondria in the Brains of Individuals Affiliated with Alzheimer’s Disease”

Journal: The Open Neurology Journal

Author(s): L.E. Henderson, M.A. Abdelmegeed, S.H. Yoo, S.G. Rhee, X. Zhu, M.A. Smith, R.Q. Nguyen, G. Perry, B.J. Song

Abstract

Background:

Despite increased neuronal death, senile plaques, and neurofibrillary tangles observed in patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the detailed mechanism of cell death in AD is still poorly understood.

Method:

We hypothesized that p38 kinase activates and then phosphorylates Bax, leading to its translocation to mitochondria in AD brains compared to controls. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of p38 kinase in phosphorylation and sub-cellular localization of pro-apoptotic Bax in the frontal cortex of the brains from AD and control subjects. Increased oxidative stress in AD individuals compared to control was evaluated by measuring the levels of carbonylated proteins and oxidized peroxiredoxin, an antioxidant enzyme. The relative amounts of p38 kinase and phospho-Bax in mitochondria in AD brains and controls were determined by immunoblot analysis using the respective antibody against each protein following immunoprecipitation.

Results:

Our results showed that the levels of oxidized peroxiredoxin-SO₃ and carbonylated proteins are significantly elevated in AD brains compared to controls, demonstrating the increased oxidative stress.

Conclusion:

The amount of phospho-p38 kinase is increased in AD brains and the activated p38 kinase appears to phosphorylate Thr residue(s) of Bax, which leads to its mitochondrial translocation, contributing to apoptosis and ultimately, neurodegeneration.

To access this article, please visit: https://benthamopen.com/ABSTRACT/TONEUJ-11-48

Common Myths about Diabetes

Myth 1: Sugar intake causes diabetes

Fact 1: In Type 1 diabetes, your immune system destroys the insulin-creating cells in your pancreas. Type 1 diabetes is not caused by any factor in your diet or your lifestyle.

Although sugar doesn’t directly cause Type 2 diabetes, overweight people are more likely to get it. Weight gain is caused by taking in more calories than your body requires, and calories are mostly found in sugary foods and drinks.

Myth 2: Diabetics can’t eat fruit

Fact 2: Diabetics are not forbidden from eating fruits. People worry because fruits contain sugar, which causes a rise in your blood glucose. In reality, most fruits like apples, oranges, pears, peaches and plums have low to medium glycemic index, so they can be consumed safely.

Myth 3: Fats don’t matter

Fact 3: Too much saturated fats, like high-fat dairy products and deep-fried foodstuffs, can cause increase in your weight, spike your unhealthy cholesterol levels, and increase your possibility of heart ailments and stroke.

Myth 4: Diabetics can’t eat dessert

Fact 4: The key to having dessert as a diabetic is balance and serving control. Look out for the “all or nothing” mindset. You’re allowed to treat yourself to a small helping of your beloved dessert on special events. Just curb the intake of other carbs in your food to maintain a healthy diet.

So, enjoy eating in moderation and remain healthy!

 

World Diabetes Day 2017!

World Diabetes Day (WDD) is the key international awareness movement of the diabetes population and is observed on 14^th of November annually. The campaign is symbolized by a blue circle sign that internationally represents diabetes awareness and international diabetes community’s solidarity. WDD 2017 theme is ‘Women and Diabetes: our right to a healthy future’.

Open Medicine Journal

5 Healthy Foods to Eat this Winter

Even though winter is not famous for being an ideal time for natural products, there are some amazing fruits and vegetables found in this season.

Green Leafy Vegetables

Green leafy vegetables like kale, spinach, chard, collards and dandelion greens flourish in the cold months. They contain loads of vitamins and are known for their anti-aging properties so they must be consumed in this season to keep away cold and flu, and stay healthy.

Citrus Fruits

One way to brighten up your winter in a juicy way is to add citrus fruit to your diet. Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, lemons and limes do best in winter; they are full of Vitamin C, and are great at balancing your cholesterol levels.

Potatoes

Although potatoes are sometimes categorized as white starch along with white rice and white bread, they contain many healthy nutrients like Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, fiber and folate. They are also good at fighting cancer and inflammation.

Pomegranates

Pomegranates are found exclusively in winters and are a great-tasting fruit. They contain anti-oxidant and anti-cancer properties. They also prevent plaque accumulation in the arteries and improve blood flow to the heart.

Winter Squash

Winter squash are incredibly healthy, hardy foods found plentifully in the winter. It includes many kinds such as spaghetti, butternut, delicata and acorn. They are also a good source of Vitamin A, B6, C, K, potassium and folate.

So keep eating and stay healthy!

Recently Published Article – “Two-phase Surgery Using a Dermal Regeneration Material for Nail Unit Melanoma: Three Case Reports ”

Journal: The Open Dermatology Journal

Author(s): Shiro Iino, Suguru Sato, Natsuki Baba, Naoki Maruta, Wataru Takashima, Noritaka Oyama, Takahiro Kiyohara, Masato Yasuda, Minoru Hasegawa

Abstract

Background:

Nail unit melanoma (NUM) poses a considerable treatment challenge, particularly in cases with in situ or early invasive lesions, and wide excision with phalanx amputation. For post-excisional skin defects, stump plasty and/or split-thickness skin grafting may cause persisted irritation and ulceration as a post-operative complication, because of the insufficient underlying tissue volume, vascularity, and stability.

Objective:

To seek out other superior management avoiding disadvantages associated with the conventional NUM surgery.

Method:

Three consecutive cases with NUM were treated by a novel two-phase surgical procedure using a commercially available dermal regeneration template; as the first phase, the lesional nail unit was excised and subsequently covered by a dermal regeneration template onto the phalangeal bone surface, allowing development of robust granulation with extracellular matrix and vascular network. Thereafter, the second phase employed a full-thickness skin grafting.

Results:

All three cases accomplished complete removal of the NUM lesion, and achieved a good cosmetic and functional outcome, maintaining physiological firmness, contour, and less contraction and atrophy of the overlying skin. They did not complain of major post-operative complications.

Conclusion:

Our two-phase approach using a dermal regeneration material is a satisfactory and straightforward technique, achieving a substantial benefit functionally and cosmetically in the post-operative period. We propose that the additional use of a tissue regeneration material can provide superior results for the reconstruction step of excised NUM.

To access this article, please visit: https://benthamopen.com/ABSTRACT/TODJ-11-81

 

Recently Published Article – “A Single Drop in the Eye – Effects on the Whole Body?”

Journal: The Open Ophthalmology Journal

Author(s): Anu Vaajanen, Heikki Vapaatalo

Abstract

Introduction:

Although the local adverse effects of ophthalmic drugs, including allergic reactions, are well recognized, less is known about the systemic side- effects of eye drops, especially during pregnancy, breast-feeding and early childhood. Ophthalmologists should also be aware of unusual, in some cases even life-threatening, effects of commonly used eye drops.

Conclusion:

This brief review outlines the routes of systemic absorption and the kinetics of active components present in eye drops, and identifies the clinically relevant systemic adverse effects.

To access this article, please visit: https://benthamopen.com/ABSTRACT/TOOPHTJ-11-305

Health Benefits of Marigolds

You must have seen the beautiful yellow, orange and red flowers called Marigolds that have a pungent smell and soft texture. But you might not be aware of the numerous health benefits that this flower provides.

Some uses for marigolds are as described below:

1. Curing Skin Problems

Balms made with marigold can soothe sunburns, warts, bites, acne and ulcerations, as well as heal wounds, dry skin and burns. It has been proved that the flower can boost the development of healthy fresh tissue, stimulate blood flow to the affected area, speed up collagen production, nourishes dry skin, and boost the healing of skin after operation or injury.

2. Making Healthy Tea

Tea prepared with marigold flowers has shown to reduce symptoms produced by inflammatory bowel diseases/colitis. Moreover, marigold tea is useful for healing gastritis, acid reflux and ulcers, in addition to decreasing stomach or menstrual pain.

3. Reinforcing Immune System

Marigold (calendula) drops or extract are on occasion used to treat coughs, painful throats, or fevers. It is believed to boost epithelial cell production, typically due to the presence of glycoproteins and nucleoproteins.

4. Treating Infections

Ointments made with marigold have been in use for a long time to heal fungal infections of the various organs including eyes, skin and genitals.

So, enjoy the season of marigolds and reap its benefits!