Archive for November, 2009

Using Brazilian mint tea for reducing pain – a new painkiller

November 26th, 2009

Making effective painkiller medicines is a huge part of the modern pharma industry, and there is a constant search to find chemicals or naturally occurring substances that have painkilling properties. As a part of this search, a traditional herb used in Brazil to reduce pain was also found, and now researchers have found its pain-killing properties. When used as a tea (and this is how it is normally used), the naturally occurring herb is as effective as modern painkillers (link):

Now researchers at Newcastle University say they have scientifically proven its pain-relieving properties for the first time.
Testing this ancient South American herb on mice, the team led by researcher Graciela Rocha was able to show that when prepared as a ‘tea’ – the traditional way to administer the medicine – the mint was as effective as a synthetic aspirin-style drug Indometacin.
Now, the researchers plan to launch clinical trials to find out how effective the mint is as a pain relief for people.

Possible cure for Diabetes Type 2 – read on

November 23rd, 2009

For people who suffer from Diabetes Type 2 (in which they are unable to transfer the glucose in their blood steam to their cells for energy purposes), there is a need to either consume medication, or take insulin so as to ensure that the glucose is consumed and their blood sugar level remains consistent and within limits. On the other hand, if the diabetes is not under control, it has a devastating effect on the body over a long term. Right now, diabetes does not have a cure, and finding a cure is the Holy Grail in diabetes research; however, if somebody that they have a cure, there is some amount of cynicism over such claims.
Well, here is another claim that research has unearthed a possible approach to a cure (link to article):

In a path-breaking research, PGI doctors have reportedly found a very effective solution for diabetes type 2 through stem cell
transplantation technique. With positive results expected, Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has given its nod to fund the study further. Started by PGI’s departments of endocrinology, transfusion medicine and radio diagnosis in December 2006, the paper was published in an international journal, Stem Cells Development, in September 2009.
Type 2 diabetes is characterized by two defects — insulin resistance and insulin deficiency. The former is fairly constant, with beta cell function progressively deteriorating and majority of patients finally being on insulin. It is targeted by insulin sensitizers, metformin and glitazone. The latter is treated with sulphonylureas, insulin and a new class of drug, DPP IV inhibitors.

Ad: The First Year: Type 2 Diabetes: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed

How to keep fit and healthy during pregnancy ?

November 23rd, 2009

Whether you started your pregnancy as a jock or a couch potato, there are reasons (and ways) to work a workout into your daily schedule — and there are big payoffs if you do. Exercise can help fight fatigue and slow down those roller coaster emotions by releasing endorphins.

Best Exercises for Pregnant Women :
- Aerobic Exercise : The most comfortable exercises are those that don’t require your body to bear extra weight. Aerobic exercise involves rhythmic, repetitive activities that demand increased oxygen to the muscles. Aerobics include walking, jogging, bicycling, and swimming. This type of exercise stimulates the heart, lungs and muscles causing overall body changes. It allows your body to process and utilize oxygen and improves circulation.
- Flexibility exercises during pregnancy: Stretching (simple stretches, yoga, Pilates) is a pregnant woman’s best friend, easing leg cramps, back strain, and sore shoulders. But stretch with caution — because of the increased relaxation of ligaments during pregnancy, you will need to be careful — those relaxed joints can trick you into straining a muscle.
- Strength training during pregnancy : Lifting weights strengthens muscles and bones. While weight training is fine for pregnant women, you may need to scale back the amount of weight you’ve been lifting, and increase the number of repetitions.
- Yoga : The benefit of yoga is that it emphasizes breathing, relaxation, posture and body awareness, all of which make you better prepared to deal with the challenges of pregnancy and birth.

Stop the activity and seek medical attention if any of the following symptoms occur during exercise:
# blood or fluid coming from your vagina
# sudden or severe abdominal or vaginal pain
# contractions that go on for 30 minutes after you stop exercising
# chest pain
# shortness of breath
# headache that is severe or won’t go away
# dizziness
# dim or blurry vision

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