We are in good health until all parts of our body work well and in tandem. One such part is the immune system — a structure that acts like a guard, protecting us against the harmful invaders. The system works on a simple principle — recognition of the “self” from a “non-self”. The non-self is anything that is foreign and capable of harming our body like bacteria and viruses. Immediately after to the entry of a pathogen [disease-causing germ], the system triggers what is called an immune response, in which antibodies [also called the T lymphocytes] are produced against the invader, eventually killing it.

However, at times there is an interruption in the normal process and the system makes a mistake of identifying the self as non-self, thereby creating what are called the auto-antibodies, which are capable of destroying the body’s own cells. This forms the basis of a group of disorders called autoimmune diseases.

The autoimmune process leads to various results — it could be slow damage of a cell, tissue or organ or stimulation of an organ into excessive growth or interference in the functional process. Moreover, the disorders could be either organ-specific or widespread. In organ-specific autoimmune disorders such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or Grave’s Disease, the autoimmune activity is directed against a particular organ — thyroid in this case. In non-organ specific autoimmune diseases, the activity affects many organs and systems in the body such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus [SLE] in which skin, kidneys, joints, blood vessels and even DNA and other nuclear components are affected. Organs or tissues usually affected in this group of ailments are the endocrine glands [such as thyroid, pancreas or the adrenal], blood and its components, digestive tract, skin, connective tissues, muscles and joints.

The cause of autoimmunity

The exact reasons for onset are still not very clearly understood, but genetic predisposition is said to play an important role. First-degree relations such as siblings or children are at higher risk than others; so are women than men.

Further, autoimmune diseases are numerous; they occur worldwide, however, only a few are more common to any given population. For example, the incidence of SLE is higher in Chinese and in the black population, while Diabetes type-1 is widespread in India than in Japan. Thus, autoimmunity could also have an ethnic background.

Autoimmunity could also be acquired. For instance, the incidence of multiple sclerosis is higher in US and Europe than in India or Japan. However, it is seen that Japanese or Indians born and brought up in the US or Europe, tend to acquire the disease more easily than those who go there after adolescence. On the other hand, migrants to Africa are more susceptible than their children born there. Thus, it can be said that environmental factors, lifestyles of the adopted country and dietary habits play a role in autoimmunity. Other causes include bacteria, viruses and certain drugs that could trigger an autoimmune response in people with a predisposition to the disease.

Autoimmune Diseases in India

We all know that Amitabh Bachchan was ill with Myasthenia Gravis and that Vidya Balan played a girl with Multiple Sclerosis in the movie Guru. But not many know that both these come in the category of autoimmune diseases and the prevalence of either is not statistically high in our country unlike a few others that need attention such as diabetes type-1, thyroid-related ailments or rheumatoid arthritis.

Dr Jayant Sohoni Nasik-based, Consultant of Internal Medicine, says, “With state-of-art diagnostic tools, modern medicines and increased awareness, the management of autoimmune diseases has become easier. In most of the cases, diagnosis is based on medical history, symptoms and blood tests to check the antibody presence.”

Current treatment is based on three goals:

1. Relieving symptoms and secondary complications
2. Preserving organ function
3. Reducing the autoimmune activity.

“Apart from this, it is important to boost the morale of the person as living with a disease needs patience, stamina and will power,” adds Dr Sohoni.

People with autoimmune diseases mostly face problems with their self-esteem, caring for themselves, family relationships, sexual relationships, pregnancy, and child bearing. Families, friends and acquaintances can contribute a great deal in making life easy for them. He or she may just need a willing ear to listen, may need company for an excursion or to a distracting movie, or may need something completely different to take his or her mind off things. Try not to be too direct but creative in your ways to render help—a coupon for a therapeutic massage, a refreshing movie or even a walk in the park. Such simple gestures can do more wonders to the patient than you can ever imagine.

Common Autoimmune Diseases: Triggers, prognosis and treatment

Vitiligo

What is it?

Disorder of skin pigmentation; sets in usually at a young age.

Self that is recognised as non-self

Colour giving melanocytes

Trigger for autoimmunity

Genetic predisposition; occupational — mostly due to chemicals

Prognosis for Vitiligo

Patches of skin lose colour, usually on face, hands, armpits and the groin. Affected skin is light-sensitive.

Treatment for Vitiligo

Light make-up to conceal areas. Phototherapy, corticosteroid drugs and grafting or plastic surgery. Sunscreen essential to prevent UV damage.

Diabetes Mellitus Type-1

What is it?

Almost complete or total absence of insulin production by the pancreas.

Self that is recognised as non-self

Insulin-secreting cells of pancreas

Trigger for autoimmunity

Primarily genetic predisposition, but even a viral infection to the pancreas could be a trigger.

Prognosis for Diabetes Mellitus Type-1

Sets in usually in the juvenile years. Frequent urination, thirst, weakness and fatigue, since cells are starved of glucose. Weight loss as cells try obtaining energy from fat cells. Could also cause urinary infections, boils, delayed wound healing, blurred vision and tingling in hands and feet.

Treatment for Diabetes Mellitus Type-1

Regular check-ups with the doctor, espeically to prevent secondary complications. Regular injections of insulin. A monitored diet, especially carbohydrate intake is must. Monitoring of ketones in blood and urine, since excess leads to ketone shock that could cause coma and death.

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

What is it?

The thyroid gland is unable to produce enough hormones.

Self that is recognised as non-self

Thyroid gland cells

Trigger for autoimmunity

Genetic predisposition, environmental or due to an infection.

Prognosis for Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Tiredness, muscular weakness, weight gain, constipation, dry hair, sensitivity to cold and goitre [enlarged thyroid gland]

Treatment for Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Thyroid hormone replacement for a lifetime. In case of goitre, drug treatment or surgery may be essential.

Grave’s Disease

What is it?

An overactive thyroid leading to excess hormone production.

Self that is recognised as non-self

Thyroid gland cells — here the antibodies stimulate rather than destroy the cells

Trigger for autoimmunity

Genetic predisposition, environmental or due to an infection.

Prognosis for Grave’s Disease

Insomnia, irritability, weight loss, heat sensitivity, muscular weakness, brittle hair, shaky hands and bulging eyes.

Treatment for Grave’s Disease

A lifetime of anti-thyroid drugs, to reduce the levels of hormones

Rheumatoid Arthritis

What is it?

An inflammatory condition wherein joints of fingers, wrist, ankles, toes and others swell up, get stiff and at times deformed.

Self that is recognised as non-self

The synovial membrane that surrounds and maintains the joint space.

Trigger for autoimmunity

Usually sets in due to inflection.

Prognosis for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Inflammation in the tissue lining joints. Muscle pain, painful and deformed joints, weakness, fatigue, weight loss. Early mornings are the worst times due to stiffness.

Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Non-inflammatory and/or immunosuppressive drugs [in severe cases] are given. Physiotherapy and occupational therapy help. Few feel diet rich in with omega-3 fatty acids helps.

Pernicious Anaemia

What is it?

Failure to absorb Vitamin B12 which is needed for production of normal red blood cells and nerve cell metabolism.

Self that is recognised as non-self

Intrinsic factor produced by the stomach lining – Vitamin B12 combines with this before getting absorbed.

Trigger for autoimmunity

Familial condition, more common in women and in the middle ages, also associated with disorders like diabetes mellitus.

Prognosis for Pernicious Anaemia

Could show no symptoms. In few, headache, tiredness, sore mouth and tongue, weight loss and jaundice. At times loss of balance or tingling in feet.

Treatment for Pernicious Anaemia

Folic acid tablets or injections of Vitamin B12 are needed, at times permanently.

Multiple Sclerosis

What is it?

Chronic disabling. Damage to the fatty myelin sheath of the nerve fibre that helps smooth transmission of impluses from brain and spinal cord to rest of the body

Self that is recognised as non-self

Myelin sheath of the nerve fibres

Trigger for autoimmunity

Genetic disposition, ethnic, acquired, environmental, viruses of herpes and measles at times

Prognosis for Multiple Sclerosis

Vary amongst people, could last for weeks at times; tingling, nubmness fatigue due to muscular weakness, rigidity leading to paralysis, vertigo, unsteady gait, slurred speech, difficulty in swallowing in incontinence when bladder is affected.

Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis

No available cure as yet. Drugs given to alleviate the secondary complications. Corticosteroids may help in an acute attack. Few claim changes in diet and inclusion of evening primrose oil and sunflower in diet helps. Physiotherapy for muscular weakness

Myasthenia Gravis

What is it?

Muscles become weak and tire easily

Self that is recognised as non-self

The acetylcholine receptors of the muscles, responsible for picking up nerve impulses.

Trigger for autoimmunity

Genetic predisposition, infection, injury, sex [women are affected more than men]

Prognosis for Myasthenia Gravis

Either a sudden or gradual onset. Affects people differently. Muscles of the eyes [drooping eyelids], face, throat [difficulty in swallowing], larynx [hoarseness, weak voice, difficult speech], arms and legs and respiratory tract may be affected.

Treatment for Myasthenia Gravis

Drugs to facilitate nerve impulse transmission to the muscles. Corticosteroid drugs to suppress autoimmune process. Physiotherapy also helps strengthen the weak muscles.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus [SLE]

What is it?

A multi-organ disorder affecting skin, kidneys, lungs, heart and even the brain in later stages, however, primarily the lesions are in the connective tissues.

Self that is recognised as non-self

Mainly the connective issue

Trigger for autoimmunity

Mainly genetic predisposition and hormonal factors, but triggers could be viruses, sunlight or few types of drugs.

Prognosis for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus [SLE]

Joints feel painful and swollen, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea and hence weight loss. Skin is sensitive to the sun. Commonly seen is a “butterfly rash” on the cheek and nose and red, circular rashes on other parts of skin.

Treatment for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus [SLE]

Still no cure. Drugs given to alleviate swelling and symptoms. Use of sunscreen with higher SPF is the must. Immuno-suppressive drugs are given in severe cases.

The post Autoimmune Diseases: A primer appeared first on Complete Wellbeing.

Tackling major irks

Feeling overstretched

You go through the day trying to reach deadlines not because you are unable to cope, but because there’s so much to do. Probably it is because you have a boss with poor management skills or colleagues who push work your way. Or, you might be dealing with too many facets of the company because you are the most trusted.

To clear the deck, get realistic. “When someone pushes more work your way today, sit back and think about what is important to you for that day. Forget the rest,” suggests Rajesh Sharma [name changed on request], director in a multinational marketing company. “Learn to say ‘NO’ to colleagues…you need not be rude, just explain that you have your own work to do,” adds Rajesh. Perhaps you can politely suggest to your boss to divide responsibilities and help you prioritise tasks, but make sure you understand the impact before shifting responsibilities. “I often advise this to my colleagues. Your ‘yes’ has no meaning unless you learn to say ‘no’,” says Haresh Desai, a chartered accountant.

Feeling rudderless

At times, work plateaus. It happens to all at some point in their career. Reasons could be unclear policies at work, no sense of direction, career ambiguity, new mergers, restructuring or lack of communication, leaving you with that ‘burnt out’ feeling.

It’s time to bring that golden word ‘optimism’ from the back of beyond where you’ve pushed it. You know you have given your job your best and you will continue to do so in the coming years. Keep reminding yourself that it’s just a phase; do some social networking, so you feel more aware. “We’ve all been there. And I’ve found that diverting your mind away from work for a while by taking a hobby, joining an exercise class, spending more leisure hours or a vacation with family are refreshing. The break helps you find direction,” says Sharma.

No appreciation

You work like a mule. You face your boss’s mood swings thinking it’s just one of those days. But you have to still hear those words of appreciation. Your yearly appraisals are moderate and the well-deserved promotion is still pending. It makes you feel unappreciated.

There’s nothing wrong if you expect verbal and written acknowledgement—these are small tokens that boost morale. However, learn to appreciate your self. “It is most important to not seek appreciation from others. In case you do seek it elsewhere, there will always be a gap between what you get and what you deserve. Personal happiness and satisfaction with the job is the biggest appreciation you will ever have,” says Nitin Adarkar, who works at a senior management level in a private company.

If you still want appreciation, learn to ask for it. “In subtle, but polite ways, prod the boss about what you deserve,” suggests Sharma. Or else, stop being the sacrificial lamb. Most importantly, connect and share; you will realise you are not alone in the boat—most others feel the same [be careful not to make it a back-biting session though].

Unsuitable colleagues

At any workplace, you will find a mixed bunch. There are those that are kind and helpful, others that keep to themselves, while the rest come in variety of forms—crooks, bullies, frigid, interfering, un-cooperative, stress-carriers and hurtful.

You found them in school too, so why should workplace be any different? The only change is the way you deal with them. In school, you had your mommy or teacher to complain to, at work you don’t. “Form a strategy. Don’t break ice with the cold ones—at times it might rebound, don’t discuss too much with the interfering ones, keep away from the hurtful ones and for others, let it be tit for tat,” suggests Sharma.

The blame game

One year, the company does not do well, one month the sales go down, one week you don’t get clients or your team fails to meet the standards at work. That’s when the blame game begins. It happens everywhere because no one wants to take responsibility to what has happened or are scared to come in the line of fire with the seniors.

Stand firm! Experts are unanimous about what to do in such a case. If you are responsible, have courage to accept your fault and suggest a solution. If you are not at fault, let the seniors know in a firm but well-mannered way. However, resist the urge to point fingers at anyone; it might appear that you are shifting the blame.

Tackling minor irritants…

Late to work

You get out of the house twirling the car key and humming a song. You feel as bright as a new penny. You move on with your favourite music playing. And that’s when it all begins—traffic lights decide to turn red the moment they see you; just take the next turn, there’s a big jam as some truck has broken down in the middle of the road. Result, you are late to work by 20 minutes. A small margin, but often with water-tight schedules packed with teleconferences, meetings and deadlines, it does matter, especially if you are the type who needs to gather before the day starts. The day goes into a slide; indeed, you are bound to feel frustrated, but in most places this scenario’s a daily affair.

Best way out is to always keep a margin of at least 15 minutes [half hour if you live farther from work] to reach your destination. And if you’re late, simply start from whatever time it is without fretting over the delay.

Why could it not be you?

You have a co-worker who has become the focus of attention; he’s achieved his targets; he’s got a promotion. Result: you are turning green with envy. And all this happens when you are feeling the lowest.

Gather yourself…the world’s not ending! That person has worked hard to look the way s/he does. So, if you feel you want to get into competition, stop brooding and find time to work on yourself.

Blame the physical environment

It’s either too hot or cold, there’s insufficient light, seats are bad, there’s too much noise or that the washrooms are far away from where you sit, or too close for comfort.

Firstly, realise that the workplace is not your home. So everything’s not going to be perfect. Work around the issue: Carry a shawl or jacket if you feel cold, dress light if it’s too hot, wear ear plugs if it’s too noisy. “Most problems will get sorted with a little initiative from your side. For those that don’t, find out if others have similar grievances and talk to the management,” suggests Sharma.

Carrying home issues to work

You may have fought with your parents, best pal, spouse, sibling, or in-laws the night before. You come to work in a bad mood and snap at others for no reason. Is it fair?

Ask yourself if you are magnifying the issue, leaping to conclusions and attaching too much emotional reasoning? The answer, most often will be yes. Remember, that at work you are expected to give your best. And don’t let anything come in the way. You could talk it with your friends in office—it helps. But don’t let personal issues affect work.

This was first published in the March 2012 issue of Complete Wellbeing.

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Although common, a lot of people still have a lot of misconceptions about allergy. Having the wrong notion about allergies is one of the reasons why people often panic when they have an allergy, and will often feel stressed as they don’t have any idea how to manage allergies. If you usually feel the same way, don’t worry because this article can help.

12 myths and facts about allergies

Listed below are the most common myths and facts about allergies:

1. I am allergic to milk

Unless your doctor suggests otherwise, reaction to milk is nothing but lactose intolerance, wherein the enzyme lactase, needed to breakdown lactose, is either absent or present in very low amounts. Food intolerance does not involve the immune system and hence does not classify as an allergy. It occurs because our body cannot digest that particular food due to old age, trauma, stress, accident or some deficiency. Other common foods that could cause intolerance are chocolates, caffeine, monosodium glutamate [ajinomoto] and few additives in foods.

If you suspect that you’re allergic to milk, it’s best to consult a doctor first before making drastic changes to your diet. Milk and other types of dairy contain vitamins and minerals required by the body. Abruptly eliminating these sources may take a toll on your health.

2. My child is allergic to so many foods

In children, most often a suspected allergy is nothing more than sensitivity to foods, which they outgrow once their digestive systems mature. However, it is best to eliminate any possibility with doctor’s advice. Commonly, children are sensitive is seen with milk, soy, orange or any citrus juices, wheat, strawberries, chocolates, peanuts, shellfish and fish.

3. I am allergic to the iodine in shellfish

This is not true. Because in that case, you’ll be allergic to all foods that have iodine. If you believe you’re allergic to iodine, then you can no longer eat healthy foods that contain this mineral, such as eggs, dairy, and tuna.

4. Organic foods are non-allergenic

Organic foods are one of the latest to be added to the health foods list and many believe that these foods are non-allergenic. No guarantee, since it is seen that most allergenic foods are ‘natural’ like cow’s milk, eggs, wheat, lentils, soybean, fish and shellfish. And further, allergies are caused by proteins in food and not by chemicals.

5. Allergies go away with age

If you have a severe allergy as a child, there are chances that while moving to middle age, the severity of symptoms might change or there may be a decrease in the sensitivity. However, the propensity for the allergy will always be there. Some people even believe that consuming foods that you’re allergic to will eventually make you immune to that food. Unfortunately, doing this doesn’t always guarantee positive results.

If you want your allergies to go away or manage the symptoms associated with it, it’s always best if you consult a doctor. Changing your diet and lifestyle to manage your allergies without the approval of the doctor will only do more harm than good.

6. Breast feeding ensures your child never develops an allergy

Breast milk does have protective antibodies that defend the infant not just from developing allergies, but also from other infections. However, post-nursing and with growing years, the child does get exposed to the environment and may develop an allergy, like any other infection. According to noted allergologist Pramod Niphadkar, breast milk may not act as a lifelong shield. But he strongly recommends prolonged breastfeeding in children with a family history of allergy. This may help to delay the onset of allergy in the child with an allergic tendency.

For your children to have stronger immunity against allergies, make sure to feed them with breast milk when they’re young and introduce supplements to them as they age. As your children start to grow, expect that their bodies will also require more vitamins and minerals for them to remain strong against allergies.

7. Short-haired pets cause no allergies

An estimated 10 per cent of the population is allergic to pets—be it cats, dogs, rabbits or guinea pigs—and the allergen does not come from the pet’s fur. The source is the skin and to a lesser extent the saliva and urine. Although, in furry animals the chances of the dander—as it is called—becoming airborne are higher, short haired pets get no clean chit. They may spread less dander in the air, but it does stick to their skin. So if you are allergic, maybe you should stick to fish or turtles as pets. Here’s a pet allergy checklist you might find useful.

8. Allergies aren’t life threatening

It may be a rare occurrence, but in people with extreme sensitivity to a substance, the allergen could trigger an anaphylactic shock—a sudden fatal reaction. This causes low blood pressure, swelling up of the throat and tongue and constricts the airways, thus making it difficult to breathe.

9. Relocating cures allergies

The new place may not have the old allergens, but the move will not change your tendency towards developing an allergy.

10. Wearing gloves will protect me from poison ivy

The poison ivy plant, a relative of the cashew, is known to cause skin reactions in almost all. The allergen here is an oily resin, which attaches itself to clothing, pet fur and even garden tools and its potency is known to remain even after a year. So, wearing gloves or avoiding contact offers no protection in this case.

11. There is not much I can do about my allergy

A good allergy specialist will draw an allergy programme just for you, based on family history, food habits, lifestyle, reactions to medicines as well as the residing environment.

If you have a tendency to develop an allergy, Dr Niphadkar suggests a back-to-the-basics formula of less stress, simpler foods, moderate habits, well-ventilated homes and cleanliness.

And, I think we all, with or without allergic tendencies, should try and follow this formula for a healthy and happy life.

12. Allergies are a mind play

The mind may play a role. A person with allergy to a particular vegetable may feel some reaction at the sight of it, but emotions do not override the fact that tendency to develop allergy is purely environmental and genetic.

— Last updated on 23^th September 2020

The post Rash Reactions: 12 Myths and facts about allergies appeared first on Complete Wellbeing.

Voluntary muscles if not used awhile, shrink but never get converted into fat because muscles and fat are not inter-linked. They are two different elements of our body that vary in composition and characteristics.

Muscles are made of protein and give us the fit and muscular look. Fat or adipose tissue is a layer present just below the skin and around various internal organs and gives us the flabby-look.

When one’s activity is not directly proportional to the calorie consumption, it leads to fat accumulation.

Myth 2: Vitamin C cures cold.

Studies suggest that there are no extra benefits you derive from the supplement that protect you from developing a cold or help you cure one. [Though a few studies do indicate that high doses of the vitamin C may help in reducing the duration of the cold, but only by a short period.]

Myth 3: Diabetes runs only in families.

Genetic incline certainly plays a role, which means that if you have a grandparent or parent with the ailment, you do stand a chance of getting diabetes.

However, that doesn’t mean that if no one in your family has diabetes, you won’t get it. The stresses of the modern world and erratic lifestyles have made us strong candidates for developing this disorder.

Myth 4: Heart problems are for the old not for the young and active.

A study done by the National Institutes of Health [NIH], USA, shows that two-thirds of teenagers in America already have at least one risk factor for heart disease.

Age, lifestyle and weight are certainly risk factors for heart disease, but they are not the only ones. Hypertension, high lipid levels and every day stress, though lesser-known, are risk factors too.

They are crucial as they are not age-specific. In fact, these factors are the reason why so many young individuals succumb to heart disease. Wake up and start caring for your heart.

Myth 5: Fish contains high level of sodium.

Fresh fish is low in sodium. Only when it is canned, smoked or pickled does the salt content go up because in these processes the fish is soaked in brine [a strong salt solution] to retain surface texture and arrest spoilage.

Myth 6: There is no connection between oral health and overall health.

The saliva is the first line of defence as the enzymes it contains destroy the germs, preventing them from entering our body.

That’s why they enter the blood stream either when the production of saliva goes down due to blockage of the salivary gland or medicine; or during gum infection [periodontitis] when they are far stronger for the saliva. They also enter the bloodstream during invasive dental treatments.

Inflammation in the mouth is also linked to heart disease, clogged arteries, stroke and uncontrolled diabetes. So, there is certainly a connection between oral health and overall health.

Myth 7: Eating bananas causes cold and also makes one fat.

First, let’s talk about the cold and banana connection. It’s time we understood that a cold is caused by the common cold virus. And bananas or any other fruit for that matter has nothing to do with it.

It’s an old wives tale that is perhaps derived from the ayurvedic theory about mixing of two foods; the ancient science says that mixing of bananas with milk could lead to congestion of the sinuses, cold-like symptoms and allergies.

This happens because, although, both bananas and milk are cooling and sweet, once digested, their effect is different. Banana, being a fruit, is sour, while milk is sweet and this combination does not work for the body.

However, nowhere is it mentioned that bananas, eaten on their own, cause cold. So the next time, you eat a banana and develop a cold, remember it is because of the virus and certainly not because of the fruit.

Now, let’s turn to the fattening effect of bananas. When you eat a medium-sized banana, you consume approximately 100kcal – 110kcal—perhaps the reason why people think it’s fattening.

However, bananas are zero-fat and zero-cholesterol, making them better than many so-called low-calorie foods. So eating one or two bananas won’t make you fat. But if you down a dozen, then, perhaps.

The post Don’t believe these tales appeared first on Complete Wellbeing.

Apart from getting the sting out of summers, air conditioners help in keeping humidity at bay, thereby helping prevent/cure prickly heat. They are also useful in summer-induced heat strokes, as they cool the body. The result, you feel cooler, don’t sweat, don’t get irritable and sleep like a baby.

Well, while the machine does offer many benefits, overuse or poor maintenance leads to a few health concerns:

• One of the most common reasons of absence in most workplaces is the upper respiratory tract illness, which includes sore throat, cough, cold and tonsillitis. These could either have an allergic basis or be pathogenic. The common cause is a dirty air filter in the air conditioner that leads to recirculation of dust and airborne pathogens.
• Air-conditioned offices sometimes contribute to aggravating asthma. Most places gather stale air leaving no escape for the air-borne irritants such as room fresheners, perfumes, cigarette smoke and aerosols in the form of deodorants, wood polish—all triggers to an asthmatic.
• Another ailment that spreads in closed air-conditioned environs is the common influenza. Apart from this is the Legionnaires’ disease, a type of pneumonia caused by the bacteria Legionella, which is commonly found in an air conditioner duct. This is especially found in places like malls, theatres or offices where maintenance is poor.
• Pigeon nests or simply a sitting pigeon is a common sight around the air conditioners. These birds harbour mites, which get sucked into the unit’s duct causing insect-like bites, which are difficult to diagnose.

Lastly, the machines affect our largest organ, the skin. Like dermatologist Pravin Banodkar says, “Exposure to low humidity levels created by the units leads to alteration in the moisture-retaining capacity of the outermost layer of our skin leading to dryness. Moreover, the dry air also causes skin problems such as psoriasis and dermatitis.”

You can avoid all of the above simply by maintaining your unit well with periodical servicing, recommends Dr Banodkar. Enclosing the area with a wire mesh to prevent pigeons, regular airing of offices or other closed spaces and ample hydration of skin are all of great help. Also, let air flow in and out—an airy well-ventilated room will keep you cool naturally.

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Sleep busters

Here are some of the most common sleep killers:

Stress: Stress, anxiety, depression are a package and is a common experience for people today. Some people are better-equipped to handle it, while others buckle with the smallest—then be it unexpected guests, maid’s day off or simply getting few minutes behind schedule. When one does feel snowed under, they may find it difficult to sleep due to the decrease in the level of melatonin, the sleep hormone. While one cannot change temperaments, we must learn better ways to deal with such situations.

Alcohol is often used as a sleep aid; however excess intake is known to lead to a compromised sleep at night. Nicotine, found in most tobacco products, is another potent stimulant that leads to a disturbed sleep.

Medication: Medicines used to control many illnesses are known to cause insomnia. However, the effect depends on the individual’s capacity to tolerate the drug and the duration of medication. Anti-epileptics, anti-depressants, bronchodilators, those used to control Parkinson’s disease, depression and hypertension are some medications which could interfere in a person’s sleep pattern.

Caffeine, alcohol and nicotine: You may down cups of coffee because of a deadline or may enjoy excess colas just because they taste good with your pizza or sizzler, but these contain caffeine, the world’s most widely used stimulant. It acts by increasing the levels of serotonin thereby increasing the levels of alertness. However, the duration of effect depends on the amount of caffeine ingested, tolerance levels and time gap between the intake and sleep.

Bodily discomfort: Pain in any form, such as chronic backache, arthritic pain or even simple headache tends to reduce the depth of sleep. Similarly, acid reflux, especially after a later-than-usual, heavy meal, pre-menstrual syndrome as well as menopausal hormonal fluctuations are known to mess up the body clock.

Jet lag: This is a common problem faced by flyers across time zones causing a sudden change in the body’s own internal clock or the circadian rhythm, which is known to be governed by the hormone melatonin. It is the internal clock that tells us the time to sleep or remain wakeful depending on the routine we follow. But in another time zones, these influences occur at other times than expected by the body, leading to what is termed as ‘being jet-lagged’. Flyers usually experience difficulty in falling asleep, poor sleep, midnight wakefulness and feeling of tiredness throughout the day.

Shift work: Nurses, doctors, policemen, corporate people and industrial workers fall in this category. These people work virtually against their circadian rhythm—they are forced to sleep at daytime when melatonin levels are low. Most of these suffer from chronic sleep issues, fatigue, poor concentration, depression, stomach ulcers and are even prone to accidents.

Exercise: Too much of it leads to aches and pains or over-stimulation that disturb sleep quality.

Environmental matters: These are the external factors that affect the quality and restfulness of sleep.

• Light. Our ancestors followed the simple law of nature; they were awake while the day lasted and went to sleep at the first signs of night. But with the invention of the electric bulb, we tend to delay the internal sleep clock. Such long exposures cause disruptions in sleep due to the light-sensitive melatonin.
• Noise. You may listen to soothing music just before falling asleep, but too much surrounding noise disrupts sleep.
• Temperature. The need changes from person-to-person and thus it is important to maintain a comfortable temperature while sleeping. Deep sleep is most sensitive to temperature-related disruptions. For example, we may find it difficult to sleep when it is too hot or cold.
• Bugs and mosquitoes. They harm you not just by sucking blood but also by disturbing your sleep.Your bed mate. Sounds funny, but bed habits of partners do affect sleep, especially, if they are the snoring kind, occupy too much space or have varied bedtimes.
• Mattress and pillows. Either too lumpy or too hard a pillow may lead to not just back and neck pain, but also a sleepless night. Choose them right—the kinds which contour with your body, giving it a snug feel as you sleep.

Sleep soothers

Restful sleep may seem a dream, if you are the kind who wakes up at 3am and counts sheep. Good sleep, as good health, is in your hands and following simple tips could help you fall into a restful slumber every night. According to Jayant Sohoni, a noted consultant in Internal Medicine, “There is a rise in psychosomatic disorders in the last few years, most of them related to lack of sleep. Whichever the factor, it is essential to overcome it since sound sleep is important for the physical as well as mental wellbeing.”

• Avoid foods that contain stimulants such as colas, chocolates, coffee at least 3 – 4 hours before going to bed.
• De-clutter your mind with breathing exercises/pranayama or yoga; doing an exercise routine during the day that will help you sleep better at night.
• Eat at least 2 to 3 hours before going to bed, unless you want to stay awake with a heavy stomach. Preferably avoid bedtime snacks since they raise blood sugar levels that may inhibit sleep. However, if you do feel hungry stick to some fruit or a glass of warm milk.
• Talk to the doctor if you feel your medication is keeping you awake.
• Make your bedroom a soothing place. Have good, firm, body-comforting mattresses, clean bed covers and comforters, and maintain an ideal room temperature. Block outside light with heavy curtains. If your spouse insists on keeping the lights on, use eye-covers.
• Nap early during the day.
• Have mattresses and pillows cleaned regularly for bugs; if there are too many mosquitoes use a good repellent.
• Brush teeth at night. They not only keep dental problems at bay, but a fresh mouth acts as a soother in bed.
• Develop a bedtime routine. A shower that makes you feel clean, a book to read or some soft music.
• Avoid too much of emotions; so no fights or arguments, no scary movies, no tension-filled television soaps if you want a good night’s sleep.
• Put your mind away from work.
• Curl your toes, stretch your body and feel happy to have lived another beautiful day.

The post How to sleep appeared first on Complete Wellbeing.

Understanding allergies

An allergy is an inappropriate response [leading to troublesome symptoms] of the immune system to a substance, that in most people, causes no response at all. Such a substance is called an allergen; it provokes the immune system to produce specific antibodies, belonging to a type called Immunoglobulin E [IgE]. The IgE release histamines, which are chemicals that trigger allergic responses. The response could be instant or delayed, and can vary from mild to fatal.

About food allergies

In food allergies, the allergen comes from a food source. This allergen is mainly protein in nature, so the sources too are high in protein content. Take eggs for instance. Eggs are one of the commonest causes of food allergy—a normal hen’s egg has various proteins, many of which are very allergenic such as ovalbumin, ovotransfferin or lysozyme. Another example is casein, which accounts for almost 80 per cent of milk protein and is a known allergen. One more leading cause of food allergy is the protein-rich seafood and shellfish. Mushrooms, peanuts, sesame, soy, chicken, coffee, chocolates, alcoholic beverages, tomatoes, fruits, nuts and wheat are other common sources.

The above list is universal. But dals and legumes are important allergy triggers specific to India, according to Dr Niphadkar. For most of us dal-chawal, chole-puri, rajma- chawal, or hot pakoras on a wet, rainy day are comfort foods—unfortunately, it’s not so for a small part of our population. Chana or chickpea leads the allergy triggers list; in some cases even inhaling vapours of it being cooked has led to medical emergencies. Another causative is the gram dal or besan as we know it, while others include moong, tuvar and masoor dals, and fenugreek or methi.

Though the above foods are notorious for causing allergies, food allergy is mostly individual. Anyone could be allergic to just about any food, not just to these. Further, often these allergies tend to run in families passed down from generation to generation.

Regular reactions

The allergic response to a food could be immediate [even minutes post-ingestion] or after a few hours, that is after digestion of the particular food. Red, swollen, itchy patches called hives or urticaria, that last no more than a few hours are one of most common immediate reactions. A few symptoms oscillate between both the above responses. Gastrointestinal related vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal cramps and loud bowel sounds are some other usual reactions. Tingling in mouth and throat, swollen lips, wheezing, hay fever, headaches, breathing difficulty, asthma and inflammation of the eye are some other. The worst allergic response of all is an anaphylactic shock that could cause an itchy rash, pain in abdomen, diarrhoea, swelling of tongue and throat, shortness of breath, light-headedness and sneezing and in more severe cases a drop in pressure and unconsciousness. This needs instant medical attention, as it could be fatal.

A few allergic reactions such as atopic dermatitis or eczema, a condition in which the skin gets itchy, scaly and red could be chronic. It arises mostly due to personal or family history of allergy.

Infants and children too show reactions to food, however, in most cases, the reactions wane as the child grows and its immune system develops. If it does continue though, consult the doctor. Babies often react to eggs and wheat; a few develop a red rash around the mouth after eating an orange or a tomato, while others might have abdominal pain after consuming milk.

Catching the culprit

Things to do if you think you may be allergic to certain foods.

• Consult an allergologist if you feel you are reacting to some food. He will go through your personal and family history, kinds of food eaten, frequency, and nature of symptoms.
• Get an Allergy Skin Test done, in form of prick or scratch through which the doubtful foods are introduced [usually hives develop within 20 minutes if ittests positive].
• Ask your doctor if you require undergoing advanced tests such as Radioimmuno assay [RIA] or Enzyme linked immuno sorbent assay [ELISA]. Also possible is a Double Blind Food Challenge Test, in which you will be given food disguised and given to you. This is carried out over a few days.

Keeping track

This is the principle you must follow. You’ll have to do a lot of trial and error, but once done, half the battle is won.

• Keep a food diary. Write down all the foods you eat or drink over a period of a week and watch out for symptoms. Next, eliminate one food at a time.
• Ask about hidden ingredients in foods. Example eggs might be one of the contents in chocolates, few types of cereals, salad dressings, noodles etc., or chutneys and sauces could contain peanuts.
• Read food labels and become familiar with technical as well as scientific terms.
• Have anti-histamines handy.
• Carry an allergy card with personal details, types of food allergies, medicines needed in case of an attack and the contact details of the doctor.

The post Foods Allergies Explained appeared first on Complete Wellbeing.

The tree, a native of Africa, was brought to India centuries ago, but now has become a ubiquitous part of the Indian countryside, giving shade to people and is like a play-and-eat area with children. It is a long-living evergreen, about 60-80 ft tall, with small leaves and pods that look like rounded broad beans. The pods are green in infancy, but as they ripen, take a dark chocolate-brown colour. It is at this stage that they are plucked, processed and used.

“Ayurveda divides tastes into six forms such as sweet, salty, sour, bitter, pungent and acrid”, says Vaidya HG Joshi, previously attached with Sion Ayurvedic College. Tamarind, according to him, is classified as a food with sour or amla rasa, rich in vitamin C and can be grouped with other citrus fruits. The tree is used as a whole in India, the pods, their skin and seeds, flowers, leaves and even the bark of the tree, with each part being remedial on its own. However, Vaidya Joshi feels that if you want to follow Ayurveda, it should be based on an individual’s body type or the prakruti [see box]. People with vata prakruti can use it liberally, but those with kapha or pitta tendency should keep the use at the minimum.

Uses of tamarind

Pulp

• Tamarind mainly acts as an appetite stimulant, a digestive and a system cleanser [it is a mild laxative]
• It stimulates salivation thus aiding digestion
• It brings dysentery under control by preventing further proliferation of the disease-causing bacteria
• Chutney, or simply tamarind mixed with little salt, acts as an appetiser in cases of fever
• It is also used in treating gingivitis since it is rich in vitamin C
• Dry tamarind is cardiac protective.

Juice

• Can be used in excessive thirst, malaise [uneasiness] and dizziness
• Acts as an antidote in opium users
• Brings down vomiting due to hyperacidity.

Skin

• Dry roasted, powdered skin acts as a mild diuretic
• In cases where stools are lined with blood, one could dry roast and grind the skin of the pod and take the powder with some curd.

Seeds

• Crushed seeds are used in case of diabetes for their bitter taste
• Powdered seeds mixed with turmeric is used to keep eruptive fevers such as measles or chicken pox under control
• These are excellent antidote on scorpion bites. A paste of this when applied to the affected part helps draw out the poison.

Flowers

• Juice of flowers is a good home remedy for piles.

Leaves

• A bunch of tamarind leaves tied up in a big castor leaf, warmed and applied on boils, carbuncles help easing pain.
• A paste of tamarind and amla leaves is good for sprains, swelling and fracture.

Bark

• In case of spasmodic abdominal pain due to flatulence, churna [powder] of the bark could be used.
• Powdered bark given with goat’s milk may help in anaemia.

Although tamarind may be used to treat many maladies, people with arthritis, cough, asthma, abscess, skin diseases such leucoderma, eczema and those with kidney disorders must avoid its intake as much as possible since the sourness could cause flare-up. Another important point is that the use of herbal remedies should be done with discretion and only after consultation with the doctor.

Tamarind chutney

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cleaned tamarind
• 1/2 cup dates deseeded
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 tsp red chilli powder
• 1/2 crushed cumin seeds
• 1 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup jaggery

Method:

1. Wash the tamarind clean.
2. Place the tamarind, jaggery, sugar, dates and water in a deep boiling pan.
3. Soak for a few minutes. Put to boil for about 7-8 minutes.
4. Cool to room temperature. Blend in a mixer till smooth.
5. Strain and transfer to the pan again. Boil till thick enough to coat the back of a spoon thinly.
6. Add the seasoning. Cool again. Store in clean airtight bottles and refrigerate.

Serves: 2 1/2 to 3 cups.

Making time: 20 minutes [excluding cooling time]

Shelf life: 1 month [refrigerated]

The post Tamarind: A Multipurpose Condiment appeared first on Complete Wellbeing.