close

Uncategorized

Uncategorized

UKWA: THE YELLOW DELIGHT

Breadfruit is rich in calories. Hundred grams of the fresh fruit provides 102 calories. The major fraction of this comes from the carbohydrates, mostly contained in the starchy husk. Ripe fruits are sweeter since their starch content is converted into sucrose and simple sugars like fructose and glucose.
Health Benefits of Breadfruit
Rich in Fibers:
 
Its pulp has more fiber than in jackfruit, which makes it a good bulk laxative. Dietary fiber in breadfruit helps reduce blood cholesterol by preventing its absorption in the gut, reduce obesity, blood pressure and help protect the colon mucous membrane by warding off cancer-causing chemicals from the colon.
Antioxidant Benefit:
 
It has small amounts of flavonoid anti-oxidants in the form of xanthin and luein. Yellow-orange varieties have more of these compounds which are useful in prevention of heart related diseases and various cancers.
Vitamin C Content :
 
Breadfruit has more vitamin-C than jackfruit, and banana! It provides about 29 mg or 48% of RDA. Vitamin-C (ascorbic acid) is a strong water-soluble antioxidant. Consumption of fruits rich in the vitamin C help the body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenges harmful free radicals, creating an unfavorable environment for cancers.
Vitamin Profile:
The fruit has moderate levels of essential vitamins. Like many other tropical delicacies, it is rich in many vital B-complex groups of vitamins. The fruit is a moderate source of vitamins, especially thiamin, pyridoxine, and niacin.
Mineral Content :
 
The fresh fruit is an excellent source of potassium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that help regulate heart rate and blood pressure. Its pulp contains copper, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus.
Proteinous of Course:
Breadfruit seeds contain average levels of protein; 100 g seeds provide 7.4 g or 13% of daily-recommended values. However, they are excellent sources of minerals like potassium, iron, calcium, zinc, selenium, manganese, etc.
Essential Amino Acid Content :
 
It is an amazing source of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids which are vital for the proper development of the mind and body. These enhance and promote growth of hair. These fatty acids also regulate metabolic functions, promote reproduction, enhance skin colour and accelerate bone health. These essential fatty acids also have good anti-inflammatory effects.
Heart Health:
 
Breadfruit intake reduces harmful cholesterol or LDL in the body and increases HDL cholesterol that is beneficial for health. Regular consumption of breadfruit helps lower the risk of developing colon cancer, reduce blood pressure, asthmatic symptoms putting it’s high HDL content in view.
Breadfruit and diabetes:
Breadfruit porridge is excellent for diabetics. The fiber present in breadfruit reduces absorption of glucose from the consumption of the food people eat. The fiber present also flushes out toxins from the intestine and helps in proper functioning of the bowels.
Caution:
 
Scientists however recommend that the obese should dehusk the seeds before eating in order not to aggravate the problem of obesity. The high content of calcium, magnesium, iron and low content of lead, copper, zinc and potassium in husked seed of African breadfruit indicates that it is better for children to eat husked seeds rather than dehusked seeds. The oil extracted is a close substitute for palm kernel oil because it is edible and it can also be used industrially for soap making.
read more
Uncategorized

Tonsilitis

WHAT ARE TONSILS ?
 
The tonsils and adenoids are thought to assist the body in its defense against incoming bacteria and viruses by helping the body form antibodies. They provide this function by filtering the air we breathe in and trapping unwanted microorganisms. However, this function may only be important during the first year of life. There is no evidence to support a significant role of the tonsils and adenoids in immunity. Sometimes the tonsils themselves get infected and inflamed by the microorganisms they trap. Medical studies have shown that children who have their tonsils and adenoids removed suffer no loss in their future immunity to disease or ability to ward off infections.
Symptoms of tonsillitis
The symptoms of tonsillitis include:
*White or yellow spots of pus on the tonsils
*Sore throat – although some children complain of pain in their tummy, rather than a sore throat
*Swollen lymph glands under each side of the jaw
*Pain when swallowing
*Fever
*Bad breath.
Bacteria, viruses and tonsillitis
When tonsillitis is caused by bacteria (about 15 per cent of all tonsil infections), it is usually a streptococcus bacterium. It is not easy to tell when tonsillitis is caused by bacteria – A doctor may do a throat swab (gently rubbing sterile cotton wool on a stick over the tonsil) and send it for testing.
There are many viruses that can cause tonsillitis. Antibiotics do not help if the tonsillitis is caused by a viral infection.
Complications of Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis can lead to a number of complications, including:
A.) Chronic tonsillitis – Infection of the tonsils which does not clear up. The person may go on feeling unwell and tired
B.) Secondary infections – the infection can spread to the person’s nose, sinuses or ears
 
C.) Glue ear (otitis media) in children – the adenoids are part of the same group of lymph nodes as tonsils. When the adenoids swell up (usually when the tonsils are also large), they can block the Eustachian tube, which goes from the back of the throat to the middle ear. This is the thin tube that you push air along when you ‘pop’ your ear. If this tube stays blocked most of the time, sticky fluid forms in the middle ear which interferes with hearing. This is called a glue ear.
D.) Quinsy – if the infection spreads into the tissue around the tonsils, an abscess can form in the throat, also known as a peri-tonsillar abscess. This causes severe pain and can interfere with swallowing and even breathing. Antibiotics may help, but sometimes an operation is needed to drain the abscess.
Treatment of tonsillitis
Treatment of tonsillitis usually involves keeping the patient comfortable while the illness runs its course. This supportive care includes bed rest, drinking extra fluids, gargling with warm salt water, and taking pain relievers—usually NSAIDs—to reduce fever. Frozen juice bars and cold fruit drinks can bring some temporary relief of sore throat pain; drinking warm tea or broth can be soothing. If the throat culture shows that S. pyogenes is present, penicillin or other antibiotics will be prescribed. An injection of benzathine or procaine penicillin may be most effective in treating the infection, but it is also painful. If an oral antibiotic is prescribed, it must be taken for the full course of treatment, usually 10-14 days. If the patient has several episodes of severe tonsillitis, the doctor may recommend a tonsillectomy, which is the surgical removal of the tonsils.
Since most attacks of tonsillitis are caused by viruses, most of the treatment is aimed at helping to relieve the symptoms such as pain and fever. Paracetamol can help and the person should rest. Most children with tonsillitis do not feel well and it hurts them to swallow. Try cool drinks (cold drinks can hurt), ice blocks and ice cream. Don’t worry if a child stops eating for a day or two. Usually, they pick up quickly when the infection has gone.
For tonsillitis that is caused by bacteria, antibiotics are prescribed.
Tonsillectomy
If attacks of tonsillitis become frequent and severe, or cause complications, your doctor might suggest an operation, known as tonsillectomy.
 
Reasons for tonsillectomy can include:
1.) Recurrent bouts of tonsillitis accompanied by pain, discomfort and high temperature (fever).
2.) Chronic tonsillitis that doesn’t clear up with antibiotics.
3.) Frequent ear infections associated with tonsillitis
4.) Breathing difficulties due to enlarged tonsils
5.) Abscesses forming in the throat (peri-tonsillar abscesses or quinsy)
6.) Failure to thrive because of difficulty in swallowing due to frequent infection and enlargement of their tonsils.
 
Medical issues to consider before tonsillectomy
Before doing a tonsillectomy, your doctor will give you a complete physical check-up. The tonsil pad has a large blood supply, and special note will be taken whether you have any abnormal bleeding tendencies. Your doctor will check to see if your tonsils are actively inflamed and, if so, will prescribe antibiotics for a few weeks to control the infection before the surgery.
Tonsillectomy Procedure
A tonsillectomy is performed under general anaesthesia. The surgeon props open the person’s mouth and clamps their tonsils with special instruments. The glandular tissue is contained inside a skin lining which the surgeon cuts using scalpel, scissors, laser or an electric current (electrocautery). The surgeon then removes the tonsils. Each tonsil pad has a substantial blood supply, so electrocautery is often used to fuse the blood vessels and reduce the risk of haemorrhage.
Prognosis
 
Tonsillitis usually resolves within a few days with rest and supportive care. Treating the symptoms of sore throat and fever will make the patient more comfortable. If fever persists for more than 48 hours, however, or is higher than 102°F, the patient should be seen by a doctor. If antibiotics are prescribed to treat an infection, they should be taken as directed for the complete course of treatment, even if the patient starts to feel better in a few days. Prolonged symptoms may indicate that the patient has other upper respiratory infections, most commonly in the ears or sinuses. An abscess behind the tonsil (a peritonsillar abscess) may also occur. In rare cases, a persistent sore throat may point to more serious conditions, such as rheumatic fever or pneumonia.
Prevention
 
The bacteria and viruses that cause tonsillitis are easily spread from person to person. It is not unusual for an entire family or several students in the same classroom to come down with similar symptoms, especially if S. pyogenes is the cause. The risk of transmission can be lowered by avoiding exposure to anyone who already has tonsillitis or a sore throat. Drinking glasses and eating utensils should not be shared and should be washed in hot, soapy water before reuse. Old toothbrushes should be replaced to prevent reinfection. People who are caring for someone with tonsillitis should wash their hands frequently, to prevent spreading the infection to others.
read more
Uncategorized

DIVERTICULITIS AND DIVERTICULOSIS

DIVERTICULOSIS refers to the presence of small out-pouching(called diverticula) or sacs that can develop in the wall of the gastrointestinal tract.
• While diverticula can be present anywhere in the intestines, they are most common on the left side of the large intestine, the area known as the Descending and Sigmoid Colon.
When one or more of these pouches become inflamed or infected, the condition is called DIVERTICULITIS.

EPIDEMIOLOGY OF DIVERTICULAR DISEASES
• Diverticulosis is a common disorder, especially in older people.
• The condition is uncommon in people under the age of 30 years of age, and is most common in those over 60.
• Diverticulosis may be somewhat more common in men than in women.

CAUSES/PATOPHYSIOLOGY OF DIVERTICULAR DISEASE 
• No one knows for certain why diverticulosis develops; however, a few theories have been suggested;
• Some experts believe that abnormal intermittent high pressure in the colon due to muscle spasm or straining with stool may cause diverticula to form at weak spots in the colon wall.
• Historically, low-fibre diets were felt to play a ,major role in the development of diverticulosis. However, recent studies suggest that this is not only the case.

There also appears to be a genetic predisposition to diverticulosis; that is, if your parent or sibling has diverticulosis, you may be more likely to develop it than someone who does not have a family member with diverticulitis.

SYMPTOMS OF DIVERTICULAR DISEASES
• Most patients with diverticulosis have no symptoms or complications, and will never know they have the condition.
• But when symptoms occur they are usually mild and includes; Pain in the belly (abdomen), Bloating, Constipation (less often, diarrhoea) and Cramping.
• This symptoms are not specific to diverticulosis only they can be general to all diseases of the digestive tract.
Unless it is discovered during an endoscopic or radiographic (X-ray) examination, some people with diverticulosis become aware of the condition only when acute diverticulitis occurs.
• Diverticulitis is a more serious condition and causes symptoms in most people with the condition that include:
• Pain in the abdomen, usually in the lower left side
• Bleeding, bright red or maroon blood may appear in the stool, (a symptom of rectal bleeding). Bleeding is often mild and usually stops by itself; however, it can become severe.
• Fever
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Chills
Constipation (less often, diarrhoea). d

DIAGNOSIS OF DIVERTICULAR DISEASES
• Diverticular disease is generally discovered through one of the following examinations:
• Barium enema: This x-ray test involves putting liquid material into the colon through a tube placed in the rectum. The x-ray image shows the outline of the colon, and can identify if diverticula, large polyps or growths are present.
• Colonoscopy: This test uses a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera to view the inside of the colon. Diverticula as well as polyps and other abnormalities can be seen with this instrument.
CT scan: This radiology test takes multiple cross-sectional pictures of the body. It is not generally performed to make a diagnosis of diverticulosis, but this type of exam, when done for other reasons, may identify diverticular.

MANAGEMENT OF DIVERTICIULAR DISEASES
• The best way to treat diverticulosis is to avoid constipation.
• Include fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains in your diet each day. These foods are high in fibre (25 – 38g/day).For patients with diarrhoea as symptoms a low fibre of 10-15g/day is prescribed for few days then gradually increased to RDA
• Drink plenty of fluids, because fluids and fibre work together.
• Get some exercise every day.
• Take a fibre supplement, such as Citrucel or Metamucil, every day if needed.
Schedule time each day for a bowel movement. Having a daily routine may help. Take your time and do not strain when you are having a bowel movement.

read more
Uncategorized

EATING DISORDERS

In a society where every one seemingly feels like the best way to be fit is to be thin, adoption of different feeding patterns has led to malnutrition in so many individuals.

The term ‘eating disorder’ doesn’t only relate to food but also to complex mental health condition.

There are 6 types of disorders, their symptoms and management,  that would be highlighted in this article.

EATING DISORDERS

They are a group of mental disorder that are marked by an obsession with food or body shape. Mostly prevalent among young women.

This obsession however comes with heavy food restrictions, induced vomiting or stooling and extreme measures during workouts.

 

causes

Several factors might lead to the development of eating disorders; factors like personality traits, genetics (ongoing research with twins)

Other potential causes might include perceived pressures to be thin, cultural preferences for thinness, and exposure to media promoting such ideals i.e modelling agencies, influencers etc.

1. Anorexia nervosa: A very common eating disorder which makes people obsess about what they eat and their weight.

It is characterised by distorted body weight and an unwarranted fear of being overweight.

symptoms
Symptoms include trying to maintain a below-normal weight through starvation or too much exercise.

People may experience:
Whole body: dehydration, dizziness, fainting, fatigue, feeling cold, low blood pressure, low body temperature, osteoporosis, or water-electrolyte imbalance
Behavioural: binge eating, compulsive behaviour, hyperactivity, impulsivity, or social isolation
Weight: extreme weight loss and thinness, underweight, or weight loss
Mood: anxiety, apprehension, or guilt
Gastrointestinal: constipation or vomiting
Menstrual: absence of menstruation or irregular menstruation
Developmental: delayed puberty or slow growth
Also common: brittle nails, bruising, depression, dieting, dry hair, dry skin, headache, sensitivity to cold, or slow heart rate.
2. Bulimia nervosa: A potentially life-threatening eating disorder characterised by binge eating.
People may experience:
Behavioural: binge eating, compulsive behaviour, impulsivity, lack of restraint, self-harm, or vomiting after overeating
Whole body: dehydration, fatigue, food aversion, hunger, or water-electrolyte imbalance
Mood: anxiety, general discontent, guilt, or mood swings
Mouth: bad breath, dental cavities, or dryness
Gastrointestinal: constipation, heartburn, or inflamed oesophagus
Weight: body weight changes or weight loss
Menstrual: absence of menstruation or irregular menstruation
Also common: abnormality of taste, depression, poor self-esteem, or sore throat.
3. Binge eating: unlike the other two that involves restricted feeding patterns, this involves over eating and adopting compensatory measures as induced purging or vomiting.
Some individuals with BED might be obese and prone to have cardiovascular diseases.
The causes of BED might not be related to any underlying disease.
4. Pica: people with this disorder tend to eat things rhat are not consideredto be food.
Non food substances like chalk, cement, cornstarch, soap, paper, ice, nzu, uro.
Mostly common among young women and pregnant women.

5. Rumination Disorder:is another newly recognized eating disorder.

It describes a condition in which a person regurgitates food they have previously chewed and swallowed, re-chews it, and then either re-swallows it or spits it out.

This rumination typically occurs within the first 30 minutes after a meal. Unlike medical conditions like reflux, it’s voluntary.

This disorder can develop during infancy, childhood, or adulthood. In infants, it tends to develop between 3–12 months of age and often disappears on its own. Children and adults with the condition usually require therapy to resolve it.

If not resolved in infants, rumination disorder can result in weight loss and severe malnutrition that can be fatal.

Adults with this disorder may restrict the amount of food they eat, especially in public. This may lead them to lose weight and become underweigh.

6.Avoidant food/ restrictive intake : is a new name for an old disorder.

The term replaces what was known as a “feeding disorder of infancy and early childhood,” a diagnosis previously reserved for children under 7 years old.

Although ARFID generally develops during infancy or early childhood, it can persist into adulthood. What’s more, it’s equally common among men and women.

Individuals with this disorder experience disturbed eating either due to a lack of interest in eating or distaste for certain smells, tastes, colors, textures, or temperatures.

Common symptoms of ARFID include:

  • avoidance or restriction of food intake that prevents the person from eating sufficient calories or nutrients
  • eating habits that interfere with normal social functions, such as eating with others
  • weight loss or poor development for age and height
  • nutrient deficiencies or dependence on supplements or tube feeding

It’s important to note that ARFID goes beyond normal behaviors, such as picky eating in toddlers or lower food intake in older adults.

Moreover, it does not include the avoidance or restriction of foods due to lack of availability or religious or cultural practices.

other eating disorders

Includes purging disorder and night eating disorder.

management.

For anorexia nervosa, restoration of normal body weight with the help of a dietitian is adviseable.

For bulimia nervosa, management of any serious physical or health complications.

For binge eating, treating like both anorexia and bulimia and also focusing on psychotherapy.

conclusion 

Eating disorders pose a huge threat to the health of any individual that is involved. So therefore, its highly important you see a health provider; most likely a dietitian before starting any type of diet.

 

 

 

read more
Uncategorized

Healthy choices

Healthy Eating Starts With A Healthy Breakfast.
Investing in a healthy breakfast would reduce the global burned of diabetes and save billions in lost productivity and health-care costs. A healthy Breakfast decreases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Food which reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes such as vegetables, fresh fruits, whole grains and unsaturated fats need to be available and cheap, energy dense foods shunned for breakfast. Skipping breakfast also is associated with weight gain!

Individuals can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by:
1.) Choosing water or unsweetened coffee or tea instead of fruit juice, soda and other sugar sweetened beverages.

2.) Eating at least three servings of vegetables everyday including green leafy vegetables.

3.) Choosing nuts, a piece of fresh fruit or sugar-free yoghurt for snacks.

4.) Limiting alcohol intake to two standard drinks per day.
Choosing lean cuts of white meat, poultry and seafood instead of processed meat or red meat.

5.) Choosing peanut butter instead of butter or chocolate spread or jam for bread.

(6). You can choose from a variety of brown or white rice, whole grain or wheat, wheat or white bread. Your portion size matters a lot and bulking with vegetables would help reduce incidence of glucose spike.

7.) Choosing unsaturated fats (olive oil, canola oil, corn oil or sunflower oil) instead of saturated fat ( animal fat, palm oil, ghee, butter or coconut oil).

These recommendations will also help someone with diabetes to achieve stable control.

read more
Uncategorized

VEGAN: RIGHT APPROACH

 

There’s actually a rave about the vegetarian diet and how healthy it could be; well, notwithstanding, there might be wiles attached to following the diet the wrong way.

 

The vegan diet entails strictly sticking to basically plant-based foods, there is really more to it than just eating more of whole grains, leafy vegetables and fresh produce.

Let’s see what it really means to be on a vegan diet and still lead a healthy lifestyle without harming our systems.

 

 

Don’t be so shocked if you see words like “ovo-pollo-lacto-flexitarian” during this little journey, a vegan diet really goes beyond just grains and leafy greens.

What Is a Vegetarian Diet?

Basically, a vegan diet is an eating pattern that includes plant-based foods, as grains, fruits, veggies, legumes, pulses, nuts and seeds, but omits meat, poultry, game, fish, shellfish or by-products of animal slaughter (not all the time though).

So you might be wondering; if not all the time, then what would you call a vegan that eats fish or poultry? Just stay with me.

 

The 7 Types of Vegetarian Diets

1. Lacto-ovo Vegetarian

You might have heard of ovo-lacto, they are used interchangeably; this diet totally omits any fleshy food ranging from fish, meat, insects etc. but consume dairy products and egg products. Lacto depicts dairy, while ovo depicts egg products.

2. Lacto Vegetarian

Lacto-vegetarians do not eat red or white meat, fish, or eggs, but do consume dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yoghurt.

3. Ovo Vegetarian

Ovo-vegetarians do not eat red or white meat, fish, or dairy products, but do consume egg products.

4. Flexitarian

Flexitarian is a combination of two words: Flexible and vegetarian. Flexitarians, also known as semi-vegetarians, they focus majorly on a plant-based diet but enjoy meat on occasions.

5.Pollotarian

Pollotarian is a semi-vegan diet in which an individual decides to eat chicken and other poultry but does not consume red meat, fish, and other animal meats.

6. Pescatarian

So if a pollotarian restricts meat consumption to poultry, what do you call a vegetarian that eats fish?

A pescatarian, which is also considered a flexitarian and semi-vegetarian diet. Pescatarians eat fish and shellfish but do not consume red or white meats.

7. Vegan

A vegan is an individual who decides to follow a vegan lifestyle, whether it be for personal, cultural, or ethical motives or concerns.

But unlike vegetarians that may enjoy a more liberal diet, going vegan is going without all animal products, even in the forms of honey, gelatin, wool, leather, and other animal by-product ingredients or products.

If you have considered taking this path to be a vegan, there are some things you should consider which are:

 

 

  1. Why choose a vegetarian diet.

Some follow a vegetarian diet for cultural reasons, while others hope to lose weight or positively impact the environment. Knowing this can inspire you to eat a sustainable plant-based diet and decide which type of vegetarian may want to try.

  1. Do some research on the type of diet.

Search deeply about tips and recipes that best suits your target and physiology.

It is also important to research what nutrients you may be lacking in the diet if cutting out animal products. For instance, there are nutrients vegetarians should consider taking to lower the risk of deficiencies when cutting out some food groups, including iron, vitamin B12, calcium, vitamin D, zinc, iodine, and omega-3 fatty acids.

A Registered Dietitian can further help devise a plan that best suits your personal needs and preferences, along with protection from nutritional deficiencies.

  1. Implement small changes slowly.

The transition from an omnivore diet could be overwhelming; it’s best you do it by eliminating each group gradually and not an all-out-at-once step.

A little bit of incorporating more plant-based proteins into your daily lunches, and swapping dairy milk with soy, almond, or another plant-based milk. With time, these tricks will start to become habits and a natural part of your daily life.

 

It’s important to be sure you don’t lose out on any essential nutrients while on this diet, your gut health matters a lot. Very little fermentation processes might go on in your gut leading to a reduced colony of beneficial bacteria which can affect digestion and suppress the immune system; its best you speak to a dietitian before doing the vegan diet.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

read more
LifeStyleUncategorizedWomen’s Health

Breastfeeding and its hormones

There are obviously benefits attatched to breastfeeding that you already know; so lets see the ones you might not be aware of:

I’m sure many new parents aren’t prepared for the effect that having a new baby can have on their desire for lovemaking and intimacy.

Keeping it together is really hard trust me.

There are hormones responsible for some behavioural changes after childbirth and lactation period.

Lets pick these hormones and see how they play a major role in sexuality.😉

🍌ESTROGEN: All women have low levels of estrogen for the first couple of months after giving birth. Continued breastfeeding extends this period for at least six months and for some women the lower levels may last as long as they are breastfeeding. Lower estrogen levels may cause vaginal dryness, tightness and tenderness. You could apply water based lubricants during lovemaking.😁

🍉OXYTOCIN: The milk ejection reflex is triggered by the release of the hormone oxytocin. Oxytocin is also released in men and women at the time of orgasm and is recognized to increase bonding.  If mother, or her partner, has concerns about milk ejection during lovemaking she can feed the baby or express beforehand to reduce milk flow. Direct pressure with the heel of the hand to the nipple can stop milk ejection or the couple can keep a towel handy to deal with leaking milk.

🍆PROLACTIN: Prolactin levels increase when baby is breastfeeding or mother is expressing milk. . Prolactin is also a part of the hormonal cascade involved in lovemaking. It counteracts the effect of the hormone dopamine which is responsible for sexual arousal and provides the body with a feeling of sexual gratification. The release of prolactin during breastfeeding creates a feeling of calm and relaxing.

🌶TESTOSTERONE : This is an androgen hormone which is usually thought of as a male hormone. It is also naturally occurring in the female body where it is produced in the ovaries and adrenal glands. Testosterone appears to contribute positively to the health of vaginal tissue and to contribute to genital sexual arousal.

Well, the hormones involved during breastfeeding might dampen sexual desire in the early months of childbirth, support from the male spouse is very important.  Some mothers feel that stopping breastfeeding might reduce tendencies of high libido, and shr might also feel unhappy that she’ll deprive her infant its right, which might reduce her desire for lovemaking.

You really need to sit down as a couple and balance things between breastfeeding , parenting and being a couple.

Find time for parenting and merge it with time for intimacy😎.

Life is not hard.

Source: https://www.lllc.ca/thursdays-tip-breastfeeding-and-hormones-sexuality

read more
Uncategorized

MUSIC : NZI’S PURPOSE

music

NZI

I have a story about a little speaker. His name is Nzonzi.

Monday

Nzi's Purpose
An old couple had just walked into the local shop to buy a soundbar for their sitting room. He had watched them from atop the shelve where he and his family Of four had sat for months, gathering dust. From there he watched the old home theater on the bottom shelf get bought by the old couple. The old speaker only had about 70 Watts in him, but the old man probably won’t have all his hearing right, Nzonzi thought. It’d be a match made all the way to heaven😔.

Tuesday

Speaker
Tuesday came and Nzi watched Lami, the ugly, fat speaker get taken home by a young unhappy couple who seemed to need some music in their union. “What pressure🤔”, he thought.
All the other sound bars and speakers were getting dragged off by all sorts. He’d have given anything to be chosen by that grumpy rich woman who lugged Sam away. At least he’d live in a big house and meet lots of other cool electronics.
Their family was 5.1 channels, his father, Viz was 32” long, mother was a good subwoofer and his sister, Amy was a young sub speaker that’d sing her heart out for anyone. Combined, they could do a good 101 Watts, louder than the other speakers combined.

Wednesday

speaker
On Wednesday evening he asked his father, Vic, “daddy what’s wrong with us? Why won’t anyone pick us?”.  His father’s voice, grit with dust and old age, coughed and smiled, “We would be fine “, He said not sounding sure of himself. Nzi didn’t know the 32” soundbar had thought of ending his misery with the HDMI cable just that morning.

Sad Thursday

N
On Thursday mummy told them, amid tears, she had heard some of the store reps talking about getting new stocks and sending their family back to the store-room👩🏻

Thank God its Friday

NZI
On Friday evening, just as the truck pulled up, (the one that carried Nzi’s dismay), a young couple, all over each other walked in. Nzi could taste the sweet taste of their fresh love on his rusty tongue. “Well it doesn’t matter”, he thought.. “they won’t pick us”. There’re newer, better speakers on that truck. The Nzi family wasn’t even dusted to start with.
A clerk, sulking and dissatisfied with her job started clearing the shelves. The family of speakers saw all hopes of living in a house and adding melody to a persons day fade into a store-place of everlasting darkness. As they were being carted away, the young man of the couple called out “can we test that one?”. The saddist clerk tried convincing him of the novelty of the new comers but he would have none of it. He said he had done some research and people had really bad reviews about the other speakers. He said the Nzi family would be perfect for their new living room.

Speaker
Well, the saddist reluctantly plugged daddy in and connected Nzi and his little sister to their mother. When he turned on the switch, new energy coursed through their veins. Daddy felt alive again. Then came the music.. it was wonderful. Nzi and his sister sang their lungs out. Their mother did her thing and daddy sang like a whole choir🗣🗣🗣.
Then mummy heard the magic words “we’d take them”. Viz wept like a baby. They sang even harder. 🎶

The saddist clerk shut them off, put them in the carton and helped the beautiful couple load them into their new BMW I-something or the other. The darkness of the trunk was a welcome one, because Nzi knew soon he’d be singing to make a “truly happy” couple happier. Now, store life was history and they had their whole lives ahead of them. Maybe he would meet a pretty MacBook Laptop and hit it off with her💏, he thought smilingly 😍. Even his sister 👧🏻 was smiling and playing with the remote; what a happy day.

music
Little did he know….

read more
Uncategorized

PENIS SHRINKAGE

I bet you didn’t know the penis could change its size and shape to suit certain environmental influences such as temperature and sexual arousal. These normal changes do not negatively impact the penis size and function. Additionally, redistribution or the collection of body fat surely can make the penis appear smaller than normal, although there may be no change in its real size. A healthy penis is not just about how well a male performs in the bedroom, but also about how it functions on a day-to-day basis. If the penis is not able to get erect, it could reflect problems that go beyond sex, an indicator of problems with other organs in the body (such as the heart and testes).

PENIS SHRINKAGE

Penile shrinkage or also known as shortening or atrophy refers to real decrease in penile tissues, and even its ability to function normally could also change. Shrinkage is a common condition that occurs to older age such as those age 60 have higher chances to experience penile shrinkage. Nevertheless, in some specific cases, younger men may also notice a long term change in shape and the size of their penises.

Penile Sensitivity

According to WebMD, penile sensitivity decreases with age. This can actually impact your size. Researcher notes that all men have what’s known as a “sensory threshold.” This is defined as the amount of stimulation that a man is able to feel. As a man ages, his sensitivity decreases, and therefore so does his sensory threshold. The sharpest decline occurs between ages 65 and 75, but the process actually begins as young as 25. So even if you don’t consider yourself an old geezer, you may be well into the throes of sensory decline. As sensitivity declines, the blood flow to your penis decreases. When blood fills the chambers along your shaft, your size fails to reach its full potential. It’s an unfortunate, but natural reality of ageing.

Some Causes

Of course, no matter what your age, your level of shrinkage can be directly influenced by your lifestyle habits. So if you’re shrugging your shoulders and thinking, “Oh well, getting old sucks,” you may not be off the hook just yet. Do you smoke? Drink? Is your diet not as nutritionally sound as it could be? Are you a serial masturbator? If you answered yes to even one of these questions, you may be accelerating or increasing your own penis shrinkage. That’s because our habits can have a direct effect on our personal health.
When it comes to penis size, there are two primary variables at work: the flow of blood, and the expansion of arteries within the fibrous sheath of the erectile chambers. Poor habits can inhibit the flow of blood, while excess masturbation can lead to the accumulation of scar tissue, which hinders the expansion of those arteries.
So in many cases, even older men can slow or reverse the effects of penis shrinkage simply by foregoing the cheeseburgers, tossing out the Marlboros, beer and deleting the porn from the hard drive. When these efforts just aren’t enough though, there are other solutions.

Common Causes Of Penis Shrinkage

By now, hopefully you have an idea what is penile shrinkage and it’s possible, and it could happen to anyone. Even during heavy exercise one can experience some noticeable changes in penile shortening, but this is temporary and nothing to worry about. Penile shrinkage can happen during exercise specially with lifting heavy weights because according to experts, the body sends more blood to areas that are well-stimulated during the workout. It make sense because during exercise, you are not using the penis unless you’re doing some sort of penis exercises and this is usually temporary and does not affect size on a long term basis.

 

There are some factors that can affect penile shrinkage over a long period of time and could potentially become permanent if nothing is done to address the issue. Here are some the common issues that can cause long-term or even permanent penile shrinkage.
Reduced In Blood Flow To The Penis:
A decrease in the flow of blood to the penile tissue can bring about a decrease in size. Heart issues including atherosclerosis, cardiovascular-related health issues, and poor circulation of blood due to wearing tight clothing can deprive the penis of the blood it requires for penile tissue nourishment. Men with circulatory difficulties could also experience a decline of erectile function, as the blood that should flood the erectile chambers is inadequate.
 
Low Testosterone or Low-T Level:

 

Men who have significant declined in testosterone, or men with Low-T may also experience shortening of the penis. When in doubt about low testosterone causing the shrinkage, it is worth noting to see if there is also a reduction in the size of the testicles. Testosterone levels drop noticeably due to the process of ageing. Also, certain health conditions and chemotherapy, radiation therapy or prostate cancr treatment can impair and drop the levels of testosterone.
There are various means to boost low testosterone levels naturally. For instance, performing regular exercises like Kettlebell, and short high-intensity cardiovascular workouts can both help revved up testosterone levels. A diet rich in Zinc, Magnesium and other micronutrients also offer a boost (read our article on boosting testosterone levels for more)
Obesity:

penis shrinkage

Obesity is not just about the overall weight concerns, but the build-up of fats around the belly area, or waist size causes the penis retracts inward. As the fat tissues in the waistline goes outward as it builds up, down lower where the penis is located retract in an inward direction. This is a natural pull of tissues below the belly area causing the penis to go inside or inward resulting to a smaller and shorter penis size.
The good news is if you could start losing that fat build-up, penis size also starts to come back out. A small change of losing an inch in waist size can be a great help on gaining back that penile shrinkage or shortening!. Also, losing the unwanted extra fats around the belly can be of huge benefits to overall health, as well. Mid rif obessity is also an indicator of cardiovascular disease.

Treatment of Penis Shrinkage

The loss of penis size treatments would be based on the underlying root cause of the problem. Men who are experiencing tissue loss are highly encouraged to consult with their doctor/urologist in order to be diagnosed the real root cause of the problem. In a situation where a decreased blood circulation is the cause, lifestyle changes such as eating healthy particularly non-inflammatory diet, losing weight and maintaining it at an ideal or healthy level, and taking medications for a heart-related disease can help to restore depleted tissue. So, talk to your doctor about these matters.

 

Furthermore, men experiencing a Low-T may opt for hormone therapy. It is important to note that there are certain side effects or health risks that should be weighed in this situation when taking hormone replacement therapy. There is also natural supplementation that encourages the production of HGH(human growth hormone) that when combined with a healthy lifestyle can be effective. There are also numerous other alternatives for treating issues associated with the penile connective tissue. In some instances, men experienced significant progress when taking or having treatment with vitamin E, while in some cases, surgical procedures are required and even putting penile implant or prosthesis is recommended by the doctor.

 

 

External Means Of Penile Nourishment:
Aside from the possible solutions mentioned earlier, regularly applying certain penile cosmetics containing vital nutrients may provide additional health benefits to the penis. There are various penile creams that are formulated with specific vitamins that can enhance penile health. Some of the components included in these penis creams or oils may help the penis regenerating tissue growth.
By regular application and making it a part of a daily routine, men who have penile shrinkage issues can take the full benefits of these vital nutrients that are directly applied to the penile shaft skin. Among these common nutrients that are proven to work when applied externally includes Vitamins A, B, C, D, and E. These are also useful when it comes to antioxidants, moisturizer, and tissue-building amino acids. These vitamins are also considered natural male-enhancing nutrients.
Improving Lifestyle:
 
Your lifestyle can be dramatically improved by tweaking a few aspects of it and increasing vitality and health levels. This will help to boost your erections, make your penis seem bigger and help you to feel confident again.
*Eat more organic food and avoid packaged food that has come into contact with plastic. Some plastics actually leech chemicals which can have a dampening effect on male testosterone levels.
*Reduce your intake of white carbs and eat more vegetables, lean white meats, eggs and fish.
*Get into shape and detoxify your body in whatever way possible. You could go on a juice fast, go vegetarian for a few weeks or simply drink lots of water.
The causes of your penis shrinking are probably more to do with male hormones rather than any disease or problem you think you may have.

 

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

Lastly, typical penis enlargement devices like penis pumps and penis extenders are also good when use appropriately to restore penile length due to shrinkage.
SOURCES:
 
 
read more
Uncategorized

HOW TO DEAL WITH MENOPAUSE

Okay, some years back I noticed my mum got irritable. I mean a real monster to live with. I thought she got tired of living with us. Then it clicked. She was going through the great change and instantly I felt pity for her. Just recently a friend complained of same from an aunt and bearing on the general conception that every ailment of man hinges on diet and can be helped by the same.
What is Menopause :
Menopause is basically when a woman stops having periods and is no longer able to get pregnant naturally.
Periods usually start to become less frequent over a few months or years before they stop altogether. Sometimes they can stop suddenly. Menopause is a natural part of ageing that usually occurs between 45 and 55 years of age, as a woman’s oestrogen levels decline.
However, around 1 in 100 women experience the menopause before 40 years of age. This is known as premature menopause or premature ovarian insufficiency.
Symptoms of Menopause:

Most women will experience menopausal symptoms. Some of these can be quite severe and have a significant impact on your everyday activities (makes sense now!).
Common symptoms include:
*Hot flushes
*Night sweats
*Vaginal dryness and discomfort during sex
*Difficulty sleeping
*Depression or anxiety
*Low libido
*short term memory and concentration
Menopausal symptoms can begin months or even years before your periods stop and last around four years after your last period, although some women experience them for much longer.
Dietary Approaches to Managing Menopause:
Sugar Consumption:

Hormonal fluctuations can affect the body’s ability to maintain stable blood sugar levels, so reducing sugar intake is a major component to weight loss and maintenance. But an all-or-nothing approach is not the way to go when it comes to the sweet stuff, says Gibbs. While the women in her study who reduced their sugar intake lost the most weight, and had maintained that loss 4 years after the study began, she’s quick to say that these women reduced their sugar intake—they didn’t eliminate it altogether, which is a tough habit to keep up with (and can lead to binges). Refined sugars, like those in cookies and cakes, are the ones you should reduce. Keep the natural sugars that are found in fruit as your main source of sweetness.

Fat Free Foods:
Fat-free or reduced-fat foods are bad news for post menopausal women for a few reasons.
1.) They keep you from eating the healthy fats your body needs to combat heart disease, which postmenopausal women may be at increased risk of due to a combination of reduced estrogen, poor diet, and lack of exercise.
2.) With many fat-free foods, including salad dressings and peanut butter, you’re gaining in sugar what you’re losing in fat, which is not good for weight control, energy, and overall health. Stacy Kennedy, MPH, RD, a Boston-based nutritionist who works with postmenopausal women on weight management issues, advises sticking with minimally processed, plant-based sources of fat that are rich in vitamin E, antioxidants, and omega-3s, such as nuts, fish, and avocados. These fats are even correlated with colon cancer prevention; some studies have shown an increased risk of this type of cancer among postmenopausal women who do not use hormone replacement therapy.

Calcium Supplementation :

It’s often advisable to get your nutrients (calcium inclusive) from natural foods e.g diary and diary products. Supplements are to be reserved for increased requirement cases such as osteoporosis and other bone issues and may not be necessary for a woman on a healthy diet. Excessive calcium intake carries health risks including kidney stones, constipation, and probably heart disease. Women are wise to protect their bones with a calcium-rich diet including foods like dark green leafy vegetables and dairy (even nondairy milks like almond or coconut milks are fortified with calcium). Another way to protect yourself is with resistance-based exercises that put bones under healthy stress to maintain their strength.
Red Wine:

How much wine is in a “glass” of wine? Many people “forget” that the actual serving size is a half-cup in a liquid measure. This means that many of us inadvertently exceed the recommendation of no more than one glass of an alcoholic beverage per day to reduce stroke risk and lower breast cancer risk, both issues of high concern for postmenopausal women. “Red wine in moderation isn’t necessarily bad for you, but it’s not the health food many women think it is,” says Kennedy. And for the record, the serving size for beer is 355 ml, and for hard liquor or spirits, the serving size is 44 mls.
Limit Fat Intake:
As age advances, there’s an increase in risk of certain diseases such as heart problems and diabetes usually due to hormone imbalances. The plan is not to cut fat totally out but to limit intake to healthy unsaturated sources. Fat should provide 25% to 35% or less of your total daily calories. Also, limit saturated fat to less than 7% of your total daily calories. Saturated fat raises cholesterol and boosts your risk for heart disease. It’s found in fatty meats, whole milk, ice cream, and cheese. Limit cholesterol to 300 milligrams or less per day. And watch out for trans fats, found in vegetable oils, many baked goods, and some margarine. Trans fat also raises cholesterol and increases your risk for heart disease.
Viewing Soy as a Miracle Food:

Soy is often touted a postmenopause wonder; it’s a plant-based source of protein and fiber that contains compounds that mimic the effects of estrogen in your body. In its whole-food forms, like edamame, tofu, or miso, soy does deliver on these healthful promises. But seeing “soy” or “soy protein” on a food label doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a healthy food. Protein powders or other highly processed soy products are far more concentrated than natural soy, and they can be risky for women with thyroid issues or a history of breast cancer because their hormone-like properties can raise the risks of estrogen-based cancers. (Stick with these protein powders for your smoothies). Although by acting in a similar way to oestrogen, they may help in keeping hormones a little more in balance. A high intake of phytoestrogens is thought to explain why hot flushes and other menopausal symptoms rarely occur in populations consuming a predominantly plant-based diet.It just should not be over done.
Pump up Your Iron:
Eat at least three servings of iron-rich foods a day. Iron is found in lean red meat, poultry, fish, eggs, leafy green vegetables, nuts, and enriched grain products. The recommended dietary allowance for iron in older women is 8 milligrams a day.

Get enough fiber:Help yourself to foods high in fiber, such as whole-grain breads, cereals, pasta, rice, fresh fruits, and vegetables. Most adult women should get about 21 grams of fiber a day. This helps to keep your gut healthy and eases bowel movement.
Associated Care Plans:
Eating your Feelings:
The transition into menopause can be emotionally intense, and many women fall into the habit of eating to self-soothe during that tumultuous time. Those habits can remain in place postmenopause, leading to weight gain, low energy, and unmanaged emotions. The first thing to do is recognize that what you are passing through is totally normal and try to replace food with healthier, mind stimulating habits. Exercising, talking to friends, volunteering in your community, practicing mindfulness meditation or yoga, and working with a therapist are all great strategies for emotional wellness.
Dry skin
Legumes, nuts and seeds such as pumpkin, sunflower, almonds contain vitamin E, zinc and calcium. These nutrients and the oils in nuts and seeds may help prevent dry skin and normalise hormone levels.
Depression and irritability:
Ensure you eat enough protein foods which contain the amino acid tryptophan. You can find it in turkey, cottage cheese, oats and legumes. Tryptophan helps manufacture the neurotransmitter serotonin. Serotonin helps moods and may help control sleep and appetite which can make you feel better in yourself. Other useful strategies to help you feel less irritable are to eat breakfast and not miss meals to balance your blood sugar.
Hot flushes
Avoid foods that are likely to trigger or worsen hot flushes and night sweats. For instance, avoid stimulants such as coffee, alcohol and chocolate and spicy foods, especially at night – they’re notorious for setting off hot flushes. A high intake of tryptophan containing foods could also help in abating hot flushes.
Tiredness:
Avoid snacking on sugary foods – all too often a sharp rise in your blood glucose level may be followed by a sharp dip which leaves you feeling tired and drained. Choose fresh fruit with a few nuts instead.
Finally, I may never have a personal experience on this subject but motivation and conscious decision to avoid triggers and fall outs of menopause would definitely help a great deal. Embrace the natural process you are going through and determine to make the best of it. Eat healthy, lots of exercise and water and stimulate your mind and you would find little or no consequence in menopause. Goodluck!
Sources :
read more
1 2 3 4 5 27
Page 3 of 27