Do Bread, Pizza, Burger contain cancer causing chemicals?!

Being an Indian has got absolutely nothing to do with our cravings of bread butter and toast for breakfast! Sandwiches, burgers and pizzas have now entered our daily food habits, so much so that calling bread our staple food wont be a falsifying statement. Any extreme case scenario brings a unforeseen outcome and thus sadly speaking so is this new fad for buns and bread, as it brings in the terror of 2B carcinogens (potassium bromate and iodate) that can cause serious cancer threats!

Bread - the New Age staple food!
Neolithic age (New Stone Age) brought about the spread of agriculture, with which came along the accidental making of bread; it then became the most important aspect of food and sustenance, competing with all the other variety of foods and yet managing to be the essential of our diet and our psyche. Recent years have brought drastic changes in the variety of packaged breads; with the choices of white bread, pav, buns and pizza breads growing, our palate and demand for it too is prospering! 

In India, less spoken issue up till now, is the use of certain chemicals for manufacturing bread that question health and safety; with an emerging renal and thyroid tumour incidences. A research study from New Delhi regarding health concerns taken up by Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) implied 84% of bread and bakery samples (collected from New Delhi) with residues of Potassium Bromate and/or Potassium Iodate, the cancer-causing chemicals.

Carcinogens - their looming threat!
It was in 1999 when Potassium Bromate was classified as a possible carcinogen to humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC); this genotoxic carcinogen, earlier used as a flour treatment agent, was banned in most of the countries (India being an exception) foreseeing its cruelty. In case of ideal baking conditions, Bromate converts into a harmless Bromide, which does not seem to happen practically and thus the study showing presence of the 2B carcinogen residues in the packaged bread sold in India is the talk of the town!  

Most of the famous food outlets strongly deny the accusation made in the CSE report, stating their top most priority to be customer safety and health for which they follow the best international standards. How much ever convincing this might sound, it does not diminish our apprehensive thoughts, making us nothing but the seekers for knowledge and reality. Taking preventive approach a cancer screening for carcinogens perhaps can help one detect, monitor and manage the terrifying cancerous menace. 

Let’s hope saying goodbye to Bread is not the only outcome to abate these carcinogens!

Know Your Thyroid!

Today is celebrated as ‘Thyroid Day’ in many parts of the world, and here’s what you need to know about your “Thyroid Gland” a tiny butterfly shaped organ that rests in the front and at the base of your neck.

The thyroid gland is one of the largest endocrine organs (organs that secrete hormones) that produces hormones responsible supporting the numerous activities that are carried out by you to stay healthy and fine!

What are the hormones produced by the Thyroid gland?

The thyroid gland produces two important hormones namely - Triiodothyronine (T3 hormone) and Thyroxine (T4 hormone). The production and regulation of their level is very well-managed by yet another hormone called Thyroid stimulating Hormone (TSH) which is produced by the ‘Master gland’, the “Pituitary gland”.

What are your thyroid hormones responsible for?

Your thyroid hormones are responsible for regulating and managing your -

-  Heart rate

-  Body weight

-  Cholesterol levels

-  Body temperature

-  Menstrual cycles in females

-  Muscle strength

-  Nervous system and many more...

Are there any conditions or disorders that can affect your thyroid gland?

Yes! Your thyroid hormones can fluctuate to extremes and can give rise to two important conditions; these two conditions are Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism.

When your thyroid gland fails to produce enough levels of its hormones is termed as Hypothyroidism. If you are suffering from this low level of thyroid hormone condition, it will be quite visible in your body activities such as,

-  Weight gain

-  Tingling in the fingers

-  Constipation

-  Low heart rate

-  Loss of hair

-  Memory problems

-  Infertility, miscarriages, etc.

When your thyroid gland fails to control and regulate the production of its hormones it gives rise to Hyperthyroidism. This condition can give rise to,

- Increased heart rate

- Nervousness & irritability

- Trembling hands & breathlessness

- Scanty or complete absence of menses in females

- Weight loss & weakness, etc.

What is Goiter?

It is the enlargement of the thyroid gland and is caused due to deficiency of iodine, an important element responsible for thyroid hormone production. Presence of goiter can give rise to either of the conditions i.e. Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism.

Can your thyroid gland be affected with Cancer?

Yes, it is one of the most uncommon types of cancers and well manageable at its early stages. It initially starts in the thyroid gland itself and presents itself in the form of nodules or lumps that can be felt in the gland. The cancer is quiet non-invasive and majority of the treatment strategies work well. In extreme cases, total removal of the thyroid gland is also carried out. 

How do I check if my thyroid is working fine?

Test the levels of your thyroid hormones! That’s a best way to analyse if the gland is working all fine. Besides that, physical evaluation of the gland for detecting presence of any nodules or lumps is yet another way to evaluate its health.

So this Thyroid Day ensure to get yourself tested and keep thyroid disorders away!

Health advantages of living in Green Spaces!

Greens are attractive eye catchers! To be precise they are naturally occurring scenic beauty comforters that sooth our mind; and no matter how much our newly acquired lifestyle mesmerizes us, the connectivity we experience with the natural creation is inexplicable. 

To speak in terms of science, research on longer healthy lives imposes health improvement in people associated with vegetation or greens near their homes; which is quiet a worthy thought in our dooming lifestyle scenario, where a mere preventive healthcare checkup takes a back seat! 

Man and nature - the inseparable! 

An inseparable connection between human and nature comes from a very long route of evolution. Nature and diversity own mysterious ways to attract us, quiet emphatically speaking the rich diversity of shapes, colors and life that dwells on earth that are universally appreciated. 

There were times when people lived in close contact with nature experiencing spiritual admiration along with widespread affiliation towards natural phenomena. However, divergence from nature occurred with parallel development of technological era bringing about fundamental changes in human interaction with nature. 

Nature is the ultimate Nurture

Research has gone to an extent where links between mental health and aesthetics of nature expresses our dependence on green spaces. Studies by National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) also talk about women living longer if surrounded by greenness near homes, lowering their death rate up to 12% as compared to women with lowest levels of vegetation near homes. 

Greens - their effect on body and mind

Most of us are oblivious to the influence colors have on activities and responses in our day-to-day life. Such is the profundity of colors that harmonises the body, mind and emotions; maintaining the balance between them; and naturally speaking green is the color of balance, considered as the restful color to human eyes needing least adjustment for perseverance. 

The color not only boosts self-esteem and provides motivation, but also spreads a positive effect on physical as well as mental being. Enriching health through green exercise(physical exercise in natural environment), alleviating stress, promoting optimism are just the add-ons of this color, expressing longevity in humans. 

Psychological studies aid in understanding human behavior making them the trending studies of the age. Use of colors as the powerful tool has opened the knowledge gates of greens and their effect on mind and body, some physiological effects include

• Green color stimulates activity of pituitary gland
• Induces increase in histamine levels thereby helping in dilatation of blood vessels 
• Relaxes the muscles 
• Helps in deeper and slow breathing facilitating increased oxygenation
• Good for the heart
• Has a positive effect on blood pressure
• Aids in faster healing of the wounds

Pablo Picasso put it aptly, ‘Colors, like features, follow the changes of the emotions.’ We cannot deny nature’s role being an essential factor for survival; and Biophilia, a suggested hypothesis by the American biologist Edward O. Wilson, proves to be a popularized truthful fact, wherein human bonding with living aspects of nature is propounded. Also, the more people are outdoorsy and nature loving, the lesser stress they inflict on themselves; need not talk much about the improved mental health, well being for children and young adults, along with reduced violence and aggression etc., just with an increased area of green spaces in the vicinity! 

It is high time we accept our connection with environment, there is a reason why aesthetics are given importance in today’s lifestyle. That soothing patch of green in the crazy hectic life we live in will only help us breathe better; because ultimately it is these green spaces that oxygenate the surroundings! 

Here’s how Vitamin D will benefit you!

Expose yourself to the early morning sun for 10 minutes for strong and healthy bones! - very relatable health advice of most doctors these days. Vitamin D, not a foreign term for the masses subjected to numerous advertisements rolling every now or then on television channels or radios, on health drinks and dietary supplements for all age groups promoting strong teeth and bones. Vitamin D, a very crucial fat-soluble nutrient required in small amounts, is immensely vital to maintain our overall health. Often its importance is underrated until a medical condition strikes with varied symptoms like excessive hair loss, acne, joint pain, severe hormonal problems, etc. at first, which are later diagnosed as a manifestation of irregular vitamin D levels. 

Yes, this single vitamin is not only responsible for keeping bone health, but also plays an indispensable role in sustaining the normal functioning of nerves, muscles, internal organs like heart, etc. Such an essential nutrient but can only be obtained from selective foods like fishes, eggs, or fortified products like cereals. Well, worry not for our bodies harbour a unique ability to endogenously synthesise its adequate levels upon sunlight exposure.

Vitamin D- Vital for survival

• Calcium, when acquired from foods or supplements doesn’t get absorbed on its own and needs vitamin D particularly for its absorption in body.

• It maintains adequate serum calcium and phosphate concentrations for normal mineralisation of bones, bone growth as well as for bone remodeling.

• Apart from maintaining body’s temperature, it increases muscle strength and reduces loss of muscle mass significantly.

• Be it colorectal cancer or breast cancer, an optimal vitamin D serum levels are known to boost our immune system to ward-off tumours, reduce inflammation, thus delaying disease progression. 

• It lowers the risk of anemia by boosting hemoglobin levels and is associated with production of red blood cells through an yet-to-be understood mechanism. 

• It modulates cell growth, inflammation reduction, nerve signaling, immune system functions and regulates genes involved in cell proliferation and differentiation.

• B-complex vitamins known to foster deep sleep are also produced by intestinal bacteria which require vitamin D to thrive, thus low vitamin D levels can goof up your sleep.

Current research has shown that low vitamin D levels can cause high blood pressure, depression and activate genes linked to various autoimmune diseases, neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases, Type-2 diabetes, etc. Abnormally excessive levels of vitamin D build up for prolonged periods or its sudden overdose may lead to kidney stones or kidney damage.

Having knowledge of your current vitamin D levels prior to onset of even the symptoms of any disease paves a way towards keeping one’s well-being. Go for a preventive healthcare checkup today to know your existing serum vitamin D levels and if irregularities persist, depending on its severity seek medical help to correct them. Till then, bask in the morning sun and ‘brighten’ up your vitamin D levels while the sun is shining!

For more details, visit Thyrocare.com

Creating Awareness about Diabetes Prevention

Who is not aware about this lifestyle inflicted condition? Diabetes mellitus (better known as ‘Diabetes’) has become a common disease of the present generation affecting old and young alike. While we have “Type 1 Diabetes” which is related to less or no production of insulin; there is “Type 2 Diabetes” which is majorly caused due to a resistance developed in the body to utilize insulin for effective management of blood sugar levels. Also, there exists a third type - termed as “Gestational Diabetes”, a condition in pregnant women due to increased levels of blood sugar.

Type 2 Diabetes - A major health concern worldwide

Yes! The rate at which this non-communicable disease is growing, it has become a major health concern around the globe! But how do we cope with it? What is the cause for so many of us to succumb to this ‘sweet-killer’? 
Well, by large, it is our life style to be blamed for! The present generation is more indulgent in fast foods and all that the appears appealing to their ‘taste buds’. This trend has very well contributed in giving rise to obesity which eventually forms a major risk factor towards type 2 Diabetes. 
Again technological advancements aimed at making our lives simple, less labor-intensive and less tedious has got us humans to become completely dependent and less physically active.

How to prevent Diabetes?

More of physical activity
Get into a habit of regular exercise. Physical activity and exercise helps in losing weight and hence lower blood sugar levels. Moreover, regular exercise boosts your immunity which again keeps a tab on your sugar levels.  

Include fibrous foods in diet
Increase the amount of fibrous foods you consume. Fibrous foods take more amount of time in digestion and hence contribute in lessening the chances of shooting up your blood sugar levels. Also, they keep you full for a longer periods, lessening binge eating habits. Fibrous foods again lower risk of heart diseases and promote weight loss.

Whole grains the best bet!
Have more of whole grains foods in your diet as these aid in reducing risk towards diabetes. Whole grains also help to manage the blood sugar levels; so ensure to look at the label on that bread you buy to check if it made from whole grains.

Lose weight!
Being overweight equally increases your risk towards diabetes. Thus, losing that extra pound will not only decrease your diabetes risk but will also contribute to get you a healthy and fit body!

Make healthier choices
Keeping a check on the carbs and maintain balance of fats, proteins helps efficiently managing your weight and thus decrease diabetes chances. Excluding foods with more unhealthy carbs and white flour and include foods with more of fiber content. Instead of driving, walk that little distance from your home to the supermarket. Lessen intake of fast foods post working hours and go for healthy snacks like boiled sprouts, whole grain biscuits, etc. 

Prevent the ‘sweet-killer’ before it silently creeps into your life. Cause if it does, it will bring many afflictions along...

For more information, visit Thyrocare.com