Learning a new language helps against Alzheimer's

This surprising claim is the result of recent research conducted at the University "York" from Toronto. The group led by psychologist Ellen Bialystok tested 450 patients with Alzheimer's disease. People who were examined were divided into two categories - the first category consists of people who speak only one language, the second by people who speak two or more languages.

Examination prompted a fascinating finding.

In fact, even if all patients had similar cognitive level, in terms of patients who were bilingual disease developed on average four years later than the monolingual patients. The difference in the appearance of the first symptoms was again about 5 years.

It is believed that this phenomenon occurs due to the fact that the people who are multilingual brain is more stimulated. Also presumably among them is activated and a portion of the brain network that serves as the system that controls the execution of orders. In people who speak two or more languages this section is constantly used in order to prevent interference between the known languages.

Finally, Dr. Bialystok says that although the fact that a person speaks more than one language does not prevent the disease occur, it will help the person to become much more resilient to the effects of it.

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Caffeine and its impact on physical activity

Caffeine is an organic compound of plant origin, has a white colour and bitter taste. Naturally found in coffee, cocoa, tealeaves of some other plants. Caffeine has no nutritional value for humans, but its use is widely prevalent due to its pharmacological action.

Physiological effects of caffeine

There are individual differences in how caffeine affects. In some people, an amount of 250 mg of caffeine may affect alertness and activity, and in the other can cause exaggerated nervous reactions. Such reactions are usually common in people who rarely consume caffeine drinks because regular use of caffeine makes organism tolerant of this substance, and such reactions are rare. 30-60 minutes from taking the drink containing caffeine achieves the maximum level of this substance in the blood.

Caffeine has stimulating effect on some functions of the central nervous system, directly or indirectly. A stimulus effect of caffeine on the heart is expressed through increased heart rate and increased force of contraction, thereby increasing the volume of the heart. It stimulates the release of adrenaline, thus contributing to the release of some higher fatty acids in the blood, which can be used as an energy source by muscles. Under the influence of caffeine also increases the secretion of stomach acid, which can affect uncomfortable with people who have stomach problems. Especially important feature of caffeine is that it strengthens the discharge fluid from the body.

Effects of caffeine on athletes

Studies have shown that caffeine has no significant effect on the achievements of athletes in sports where the action takes less than 1 hour. On the other hand, when the sports activity lasting more than a few hours and require greater endurance (marathon, cycling, etc.) caffeine can have positive effects. It is considered that in these circumstances with the release of higher fatty acids it provide additional energy required for activity.

One dose of coffee before exercise can be helpful, while higher doses may have harmful effects.

Due to his action on the heart and central nervous system, this substance is not recommended for people with neurotic problems, upset stomach, high blood pressure or other cardiovascular diseases. In children greater amount of caffeine can be manifested by hyperactivity, nervousness, headache, cold sweat and others.

Caffeine is on the list of prohibited funds from the International Olympic Committee. The presence of more than 12 milligrams of caffeine in urine is considered as doping and is sufficient for disqualification of athletes. To achieve this concentration of caffeine in the urine, it is necessary to intake a very large amount of this substance.

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Secrets of sweet potato

Numerous studies have shown that sweet potato is one of the most nutritious vegetables. Despite the name " sweet " this potatoes fall in the types of foods that are recommended for diabetics.

Vitamins

Sweet potato have a lot of vitamin C. Furthermore, the orange sweet potato is a rich source of beta carotene (a carotenoid with antiviral, antioxidant and anticancer features) which in the body converts into vitamin A. Vitamin A is one of the most potent antioxidants. So when you buy them instead white choose orange sweet potato (that's the kind of sweet potato with orange peel and red marrow).

The fruit also contains Vitamin E, a substance that is important for maintaining healthy skin.

Minerals and fibers

Because of the marrow that abounds in fibbers, sweet potatoes affect lower cholesterol and stimulate digestion. Therefore it is recommended to be consumed along with the marrow.

From the minerals in the root is worth to highlight the high amounts of iron and potassium.

Summer salad

In addition we propose to view the next recipe for summer salad of sweet potatoes.

Ingredients:

sweet potatoes

olive oil

drained lemon

ground cumin

ground nutmeg

scallions

salt

parsley

Good appetite!

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Beer - favorite drink in the world

It is a second most consumed beverage in the world, just after tea and drink that appears on many as favourite and that (in) directly is associated with entertainment.

Ingredients

Beer consists 90% water and the remaining 10% are barley, hop and yeast. The greatest variation among different types of beer is the type of yeast used for fermentation process.

Barley is well known as cereals that are used to obtain flour, bread, bakery products and it is proved to be an excellent ingredient for making beer. There are three types of barley. Barley which is grown in Europe is different than in the U.S.. The degree of roast barley determines the colour of the beer.

Hops give the beer a bitter taste. But because of global warming reduces the quality of the grains, and it gradually decreases and the degree of bitterness.

Types of beer

There are two types:

Lager beer (90 % of world production of beer)

Beer Ale

Lager Beer

Lager beer types are:

Pale Lager,

Pilsner,

Light Lager,

Dark Lager,

Pale lager is with a bright yellow colour and is extremely carbonated.

Pilsner is with a pale colour but has a very bitter taste.

The light lager is made in America with less hops and barley to be less fat, while European light lager is stronger.

Dark lager beer has a distinctive dark colour and is considered a beer with a rich flavour, and the reason is who else but fried barley.

Ale beer

Ale beer types are:

Brown ale,

Porter,

Stout beer.

Brown ale beer actually has a reddish tinge and it is a beer with a mild flavour. London brown ale beer is characterised by notes of caramel and chocolate.

Porter beer is darker and full of barley taste is dominant.

Stout has epithet of the darkest and the most densely beer. In some countries and the foam is brown.

What beer fits with what food

- Light beers are best combined with spicy food, while the dark would have made eating unbearable for taste receptors.

- Sweet black beer is good with desserts, especially chocolate.

- Pilsner comes first when it comes to seafood.

- Beers that would not placed in any kind of previous and are typical or traditional for some countries are actually considered as a perfect combination with pizza.

What are the good effects of the beer?

- Beer has a relaxing effect on the body because it reduces stress and therefore better sleep.

- Beer is nutritious if consumed in low quantities.

- Beer puts thirst of.

- According to some research beer is good for kidney stones.

- Helps in prevention of heart disease, improves blood circulation and reduces the risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease.

- Beer acts as food for the hair, and can be used as a conditioner but then again it is advisable to rinse hair due to the smell.

- Rather than into sink the rest of the beer is best to put in the flowers. Yeast of beer is food for the flowers and accelerates its bloom.

- Strengthens bones and prevent fractures in later life.

- Gives the skin glow and makes it look healthy.

- The beer has an opportunity for development of pathogenic organisms.

What are the bad effects beer?

- Beer is a rich source of calories, which means that its regular consumption will not result in a good outcome.

- Beer is the only alcoholic beverage that increased the risk of psoriasis in women especially.

- Frequent the micturition.

- It is alcoholic beverage, which means it is a drink that you should not drink like water or combine together with other alcoholic drinks because they only get increased dehydration.

- Best is not to use it so regular but moderate consumption due to the of so-called beer belly :-)

Did you know that

Labeorphilist are called people who collect beer bottles.

In Bavaria, beer is considered a food, not a drink.

The oldest recipe in the world that is written is the one of beer.

" Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy... "

-Benjamin Franklin-

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High blood pressure - the " silent killer "

Blood pressure is a combination of the strength with which the heart pumps blood into the circulation of the human body and physiological resistance of blood vessels that is present in that moment. The normal values are 120-130 / 80-85 mmHg.

High blood pressure or arterial hypertension is a pathological condition which is characterised by a systolic blood pressure above 140 mmHg and diastolic above 90 mm Hg. Commonly are elevated Both. But it can only be elevated systolic, or just diastolic or systolic to be increased and diastolic decreased.

Reasons

For the occurrence of this pathological condition the multifactorial etio pathogenesis is responsible. Inherited traits play a significant role in the occurrence of this disease. Many patients are genetically encoded and appears predisposed to the high pressure. Besides the genetic code, the increase of pressure occupy an important place factors and habits that are prevalent in today's life such as increased salt intake (through 5 g daily), excessive intake of coffee, alcohol, nicotine and possibly a major factors - obesity (fat intake of foods with high cholesterol, low to the HDL / LDL fat), physical inactivity and chronically elevated levels of catecholamines (adrenaline and noradrenaline) caused from the pace of modern living and stressful situations.

According to the origin and causes high blood pressure can be divided as:

Essential (primary) hypertension whose cause is not actually known, covers 98 % of all hypertension encountered in general medical practices.

Secondary hypertension:

Renal (kidney). Here hypertension is a result of inflammation of the kidneys or stenosis (narrowing) of the renal arteries.

Endocrine hypertension may be a consequence of pheochromocytoma, Cushing's disease, hyperplasia of the adrenal gland and diabetes.

Cardiovascular hypertension is a consequence of the change of the aortic heart failure or change of the aorta.

Neurogenic hypertension - appears in constitutionally predisposed people who vasomotor centre in stressful situations responding with increased secretion of norepinephrine. There is also an opportunity for those people to come to the increased secretion of other hormones causes that lead to tightening of arteriolar and raise blood pressure.

Induced hypertension during pregnancy (special issue),

Hypertension caused by drugs (oral contraceptives, steroids or others)

Meaning of disease

It is a disease of modern man and society and is constantly increasing number of patients. BP is a serious health problem and challenge of modern medicine. High blood pressure is undoubtedly closely related to the risk of occurrence of cardiovascular diseases and many changes in the blood vessels of the brain to the emergence of the heaviest brain complications and occurrence of brain encephalopathy!

Its importance is even greater, knowing the fact that although relatively easy to diagnose, the number of patients diagnosed is as they say "tip of iceberg ". In other words it is considered that 1/2 of patients do not know they suffer from hypertension, 1/4 does not heal despite knowing about this condition while disappointing 1/8 of patients regulate respectively.

Symptoms

Initially there are no subjective difficulties until they develop complications, and the disease rightly gets the name " silent killer ." 

Because of this it is very important its early detection and treatment.

Young patients with non-constant high blood pressure (hypertension labile) complain of sweating, anxiety, quickly changing the colour of the face, cold hands and feet, heart beating and sleep disorder.

Old people or sick with fixed hypertension (constantly elevated pressure) often complain of ringing in the ears, morning headache, heart beating, bleeding from the nose and dizziness. When in fixed hypertension comes to damage to the heart, brain and kidneys, it appears difficulty in breathing during the effort and later at rest, nervousness, insomnia, irregular working of the heart, chest pain, muscle cramps, tingling fingers, polyuria (excessive urination) and nocturne (nighttime urination).

Complications

Ignoring or not diagnosing the disease certainly leads to changes in the   target organs.

The heart comes to hypertrophy (thickening of the heart muscle), rhythm disturbances and cardiac insufficiency (heart failure), and can also lead to heart attacks.

Complications of brain such as brain hemorrhage, cerebral infarction due to embolus and thrombosis and transient cerebral ischaemia without infarction.

Renal complications occur only in severe hypertension.

Relatively frequent are changes of fundus and that lead to blindness.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is done by measuring the blood pressure. It is important measuring at home, because in some patients the pressure increases when their doctor measured (effect of " white coat "). Home measured twice in the morning and twice at night four days in a row. Half hour before measuring should not have physical activity. The hand is placed on the height of heart, if measured on both hands higher value is recorded. Then it is determined the mean value of measurement which does not take into account the first day of measurement.

Laboratory examination should be made of the blood (glucose, total cholesterol, HDL- cholesterol, triglycerides, creatinine, uric acid, potassium, hemoglobin, hematokrit and review of urine), fundus examination, ultrasound of kidney and adrenal, renal Doppler, carotid and femoral arteries, EKG heart test and if necessary an ultrasound of the heart. It is important to determine the origin of high blood pressure, according to which will depend on the approach to its treatment.

Therapy

The goal of any treatment is the lowering of the blood pressure values as bring them close to normal values. In most patients, these values are difficult to achieve so that a satisfactory reduction to be below 140/90 mmHg. How do you treat a patient depends on the type and degree of hypertension. Basically there is non-drug and drug therapy.

Non-drug therapy involves changes on those habits that constitute a risk factor for BP and increase the acceptance of new ones that lead to positive action on it. This therapy is included in the prevention of cardiovascular disease occurrence, and it is strongly recommended in patients who are treated with medication for high BP. Specifically for prevention and control of hypertension is recommended:

Moderate, but regular physical activity at least 3 times a week 30-45 minutes. Reduces BP regulates body weight, regulate triglyceride and LDL bad cholesterol and reduces insulin resistance.

Cessation of smoking - cigarette smokers after one cigarette has acute elevated pressure and have accelerated heart rate for a period of 15 minutes. Cessation of smoking is the most effective measure that the patient can take in order to reduce the BP and prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Diet food and lower intake of salt - recommended change in diet with increased intake of fruits, vegetables, dairy products with low fat, more fish and less meat and fried limited amount of nuts (hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds...). This method reduces the high tension, reduces LDL and increases HDL cholesterol. Also important is diet with less salt (less than 5 g. / Day) is recommended especially in older patients, in patients with diabetes or chronic renal failure.

Reduction of body weight. There is direct evidence that obesity leads to elevated BP. Reduction of weight in patients with elevated BP, leading to a reduction in BP values. The reduction in weight leads to a decline in the values of cholesterol, triglycerides, improved regulation of blood glucose in diabetics.

Consumption of alcohol. In large quantities alcohol increases the tension, increases the risk of heart attack or stroke while at the same time weakens the effect of drugs to reduce hypertension. It is recommended that moderate consumption of alcohol has positive effect of BP. Daily; they consume is about 20-30 g. for men and for for women is 10-20 g.

Drug therapy involves the use of antihypertensive drugs in regular use give good results. Today are used several groups of drugs: ACE inhibitors, diuretics, calcium channel blockers, alpha and beta-receptor blockers... This therapy is exclusively prescribed by doctors and should not be taken at will.

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Sensitive teeth

Sensitivity of the teeth is common. Under this term usually refers to sudden sharp pain in the teeth that occurs in certain situations. The pain may occur:

with the consumption of cold food and drinks;

with the consumption of hot food and hot drinks;

with the consumption of sweet;

when the tongue touches the tooth or when your teeth touch each other.

Two types of tooth sensitivity:

1. Dentinal sensitivity

Dentinal sensitivity occurs when the dentin (the middle part of the tooth) is stripped. Dentin is usually covered with tooth enamel over the edge of the gingiva and cement (mineralised connective tissue) under the edge of the gingiva. Through dentin pass many tubules in which there are branches of the nerve endings of tooth pulp, which is the nerve center of the tooth. When dentin is stripped, heat, cold and pressure acting on nerve endings can cause tooth sensitivity. Dentinal sensitivity occurs when the outer protective layers of the tooth enamel and cement will be removed so the dentin remains bare. This phenomenon can hit one or more teeth. Uncoated dentin can be caused by:

brushing teeth too hard and in time can damage tooth enamel;

insufficient hygiene of mouth and teeth that along the edge creates gingival tartar;

uncured caries;

old fillings on which crack occurs;

gingiva withdrawal which reveals the root of the tooth (gingiva withdrawal can be caused by disease of the gingiva or brushing your teeth too hard with a toothbrush);

operation of the gingiva that the root of the tooth remains naked;

whitening of teeth in people whos root of the tooth is stripped;

often consuming sour food or drinks.

2. Pulp sensitivity

Pulp sensitivity affects the tooth pulp. Dental pulp is a mass of blood vessels and nerve endings in the center of each tooth. Pulp sensitivity usually occurs in a tooth. Reasons for pulp sensitivity in teeth:

caries or infection;

new fillings;

strong pressure caused by clenching teeth;

cracked or broken tooth.

Sharp pain when biting can be a sign that the seal is cracked or broken. Pain that occurs after the bite is a sign that the tooth is broken.

Symptoms

Both types of tooth sensitivity mean response of tooth on pressure or temperature. Sensitivity to cold drinks or food is the most common symptom. Teeth are rarely sensitive to hot temperatures. If a tooth becomes sensitive to heat, it is a sign that the tooth nerve is dying. In that case it is necessary to extract the tooth nerve.

Diagnosis

The dentist will first consult with the disease history of the patient and will examine his mouth.

X-ray footage will reveal whether the tooth is cracked or has problems with dental nerve.

Also, the dentist will examine and oral habits of the patient. Teeth squeakiness and clenching of the jaws can lead to tooth sensitivity. The dentist will check for damage to the teeth, the condition of the seals and whether there is a bare root of the tooth. It can use special dental instrument with a sharp tip in order checked to see if the tooth is sensitive.

The tooth may be sensitive to cold and a few weeks after sealing. Metals in fillings like silver can transfer low temperature to the tooth pulp. Seals in natural color of teeth are requiring treatment with acid before setting them. In some cases treatment with acid may sufficiently decrease the tooth enamel and teeth to become sensitive. However, due to new developments in this area today this phenomenon rarely occurs.

There are tests that your dentist can check whether there is a need to treat the dental nerve.

If teeth become sensitive after the application of deep fillings, the problem can occur for several weeks. Sometimes the seal is so thick that the pressure on the tooth during chewing may be far-fetched, but this problem dentist can easily solve. If over time the tooth sensitivity is not reduced, it means that it is necessary to treat the tooth nerve.

Prevention

Dentinal sensitivity of teeth can be avoided if we accept the following tips:

- Brushing teeth twice a day and daily use of dental floss.

- Use a soft toothbrush or ultra soft toothbrush and gently brushing your teeth in the direction up and down instead of side to side.

- Use toothpaste and rinse mouth with fluoride water.

- Use toothpastes that provide protection from sensitive teeth.

- To seek help from a dentist in case of teeth squeakiness or clenching of the jaws (bruxism).

For pulp sensitivity there is no prevention if it is damaged the tooth nerve. Any delay in seeking help from a dentist and execution of necessary intervention to extract the tooth nerve, can only exacerbate the problem.

Treatment

Dentinal sensitivity of teeth can easily be cured no matter the cause.

The dentist will first clean your teeth using local anaesthetic if the sensitivity of the teeth is too big for this treatment. During the cleaning of the teeth, the dentist may cover the teeth with preparation of fluorine base that will temporarily reduce the sensitivity of teeth and simultaneously make stronger. In recent times using laser tooth can reduce the sensitivity of the teeth.

The use of toothpaste and liquid for mouthwashes can also reduce the sensitivity of teeth. When choosing a liquid for rinsing the mouth on the base of fluorine it is advised to consult with a dentist because you can find and water for rinse with a greater degree of acidity, and for sensitive teeth that should be avoided.

Removing the dental nerve if the nerve is damaged or dies treats pulp sensitivity. The nerve will be removed and the space will be filled with a special filling. Because is damaged the protective outer layer of the tooth, this lack is filled either by sealing or by placing a crown on the tooth.

Sensitivity of the teeth caused by teeth squeakiness or clutching jaws is treated using plastic mouth guard during sleep.

When should you seek help from a dentist?

If the sensitivity of the teeth does not stop even after several weeks, it is advisable to seek help from a dentist because in many cases this problem is easily treated.

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Dealing with menopause

Dealing with difficult symptoms

If menopausal symptoms are causing you problems, talk to your doctor. He / she can help you reliably calculated risks and benefits of using hormone therapy in menopause, so called hormone replacement therapy. If you are in a perimenopause maybe you will benefit from low-dose of birth control pills, antidepressants, antihypertensives and other medications that can help in stabilising the hot waves; vaginal estrogen creams can help for symptoms of vaginal dryness.

Hormone replacement therapy - HRT

This therapy can alleviate menopausal symptoms. Today there are various hormone products for the treatment of hot waves and vaginal symptoms. In strictly indicated cases combined estrogen-progestin hormone therapy is used in the prevention of osteoporosis, or in exceptional cases where there is a risk of occurrence of osteoporosis. HRT increases the levels of estrogen and progestin in the body. There are several standard layouts for HRT, including cyclic and continuous use.

If used estrogen without progestin increases the risk of endometrial cancer. Joint use of progestin with estrogen decreases this risk.

It is recommended that hormone therapy be short and taking the lowest effective dose that leads to relief of symptoms. Numerous studies have linked the use of hormone replacement therapy with increased risk of heart attack, stroke, thrombosis, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, cholelithiasis and dementia.

When is contraindicated the use of HRT?

• positive personal history of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, cancer of the endometrium;

• positive personal history of pulmonary embolism, heart attack, deep vein thrombosis or stroke;

• if you have vaginal bleeding for an unknown reason;

• you have active liver disease; Alternatively you can use the estrogen transdermal patches or vaginal creams that bypasses metabolism in the liver.

What is the benefit of using HRT?

HRT increases estrogen levels in the body that leads to:

• reducing the frequency and severity of hot waves;

•it improves mood and reduces the problems with  sleeping;

• maintenance of the vaginal mucosa which reduces irritation;

• it helps in increasing the level of collagen found in the skin;

• assisting in the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis;

• reduces the risk of dental problems such as teeth falling and gum disease.

Alternative therapy for menopausal problems

Many herbal preparations can produce good results in the treatment of menopausal problems. Here are some of them:

1. Viburnum prunifolium - have special clinical effects on the female reproductive system. It relieves spasms of the uterus, relaxes the muscles of the uterus and reduces blood pressure. Its sedative effects help sleep.

2. Leonorus cardiaca - traditionally used to treat all aspects of women's reproductive health. It relieves spasms of the uterus, reduces hot waves, insomnia and anxiety. It also helps in reducing the  blood pressure.

3. Vitex agnus castus - monks used this to reduce sex drive because of its effect on hormone status. This herb is used 2,500 years ago to regulate menstrual disorders. Act centrally on the hypothalamus and pituitary and leads to the establishment of balance in the production of estrogen and progesterone. Indirectly affect the creation of increased progesterone and normalisation of prolactin levels. This plant is primarily used to regulate menstruation and reduce libido in men and women, and described even Hippocrates in the 4th century BC. Today in Germany is approved treatment with extract of this plant to regulate menstruation, PMS and breast pain.

4. Urtica dioica - it is not unknown that this herb is rich in vitamins, iron, calcium and other nutrients. But, helps to alleviate many menopausal problems. Nettles tea or steam cooked nettle as vegetable gives excellent results.

5. Glycyrrhiza glabra - Act anti-inflammatory, (the coughing), mild measures to regulate constipation, antiviral, reduces spasms and tension of internal organs, immune - stimulating. It regulates the metabolism of estrogen and alters the level of this hormone as needed. This herb should be avoided in people who suffer from high blood pressure.

6. Sea brown algae (Phaeophyceae) - rich with nutrients and must be regularly included in the diet as the control variable mood in menopause and help in the treatment of other perimenopausal symptoms.

7. Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) - very useful adaptogen is used to adjust the body in terms of increased effort and stress. Considering the fact that one of the main trigger factors of menopausal symptoms is stress, ginseng can certainly help relieve these symptoms by increasing psychophysical endurance in conditions of physical and mental exhaustion. This herb contains precursors of estrogen and progesterone and maintains hormonal balance. Siberian ginseng is a weaker form of stimulant compared with Chinese ginseng.

Adapting to the new way of life

Besides the above-mentioned herbal preparations, women who are approaching menopause period must at the same time adjust their way of life. This course includes physical activity and changes in dietary habits (lots of fluids and foods rich in fiber). Physical activity may not reduce hot waves and sleep problems, but reduces stress and improves quality of life.

Menopause is a new beginning and a perfect time to enter more physical activity into daily life that will be beneficial for the heart, to prevent weight gain, strengthen bones and bring refreshing mood.

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