Pharmacy and Health Blog from myGenericPharmacy.com

The herb ashwagandha may help with sleep and sports performance. Stronger research is required, however some research indicates that this plant may benefit patients with issues including anxiety and infertility. One of the most significant herbs in Ayurveda, a historic alternative medicine system founded on Indian theories of natural healing, is ashwagandha. For thousands of years, people have taken ashwagandha to reduce stress, boost energy, and sharpen their minds.

The Sanskrit term “ashwagandha” means “smell of the horse,” alluding to the aroma of the herb as well as its possible potentific properties. In addition to its botanical name, Withania somnifera, it is sometimes referred to as “Indian ginseng” and “winter cherry.” The native plants of India and Southeast Asia are tiny shrubs with golden blossoms called ashwagandha. The plant’s leaves or roots are used as powder or extracts to cure a number of ailments, such as infertility and anxiety.

Research-based potential benefits of ashwagandha. The most well-known benefit of ashwagandha is perhaps its ability to lower stress. It falls under the category of an adaptogen, a chemical that aids the body in adjusting to stress. Stress-activated c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase (JNK-1), cortisol, and heat shock proteins (Hsp70) are among the stress mediators that ashwagandha may assist regulate. Additionally, it lessens the activity of your body’s hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which controls your stress response. Supplementing with ashwagandha may help reduce stress and anxiety, according to research.

In a short trial comprising fifty-eight volunteers, those who took either 250 or 600 mg of ashwagandha extract for eight weeks reported much lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, and a considerable reduction in perceived stress as compared to the placebo group. When compared to the placebo group, those who took the ashwagandha supplements also experienced improvements in the quality of their sleep. Another study involving 60 participants discovered that those who took 240 mg of ashwagandha extract daily for 60 days experienced much lower levels of anxiety than those who received a placebo. Ashwagandha may therefore be a beneficial supplement for stress and anxiety, according to preliminary study.

A 2021 evaluation of research, however, found insufficient data to establish a consensus regarding the best form and dosage of ashwagandha for the treatment of neuropsychiatric diseases associated with stress, including anxiety. Ashwagandha may improve athletic performance, according to research, and it might be a useful supplement for athletes.

Twelve trials including subjects who took doses of ashwagandha ranging from 120 mg to 1,250 mg daily were included in one review of the literature. The findings imply that the herb may improve exercise-related physical performance, such as strength and oxygen consumption. Ashwagandha supplementation significantly increased maximum oxygen consumption (VO2 max) in healthy individuals and athletes, according to another research that examined five studies. A person’s maximum oxygen consumption during severe exercise is known as their VO2 max. It is an assessment of lung and heart health. It is crucial for both athletes and non-athletes to have an ideal VO2 max. Higher VO2 max is linked to a lower risk of heart disease, while lower VO2 max is linked to an increased risk of death.

Furthermore, ashwagandha might aid in boosting muscular strength. In a 2015 study, male subjects who underwent resistance training for eight weeks and took 600 mg of ashwagandha daily saw noticeably bigger increases in muscle mass and strength than those in the placebo group. According to certain populations, ashwagandha may help lessen the symptoms of depression and other mental health issues.

In one study, 66 individuals with schizophrenia who were also feeling anxiety and depression were examined to see how ashwagandha affected them. Researchers discovered that those who took 1,000 mg of ashwagandha extract every day for a 12-week period experienced higher decreases in anxiety and despair than those who received a placebo. A small body of data from 2013 also points to ashwagandha as a potential treatment for bipolar illness patients’ cognitive impairment. Ashwaghanda may aid in the management of melancholy, anxiety, insomnia, and other neurological and mental health conditions, according to a review published in 2021. More study is, however, required for all of these applications.

There is a little body of research that suggests ashwagandha may help those who have high blood sugar or diabetes. An analysis of twenty-four papers, five of which were clinical trials including diabetics, revealed that ashwagandha administration markedly lowered blood sugar, insulin, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), blood lipids, and markers of oxidative stress. The explanation could be that some of the chemicals found in ashwagandha, such as withaferin A (WA), have potent antidiabetic properties and may encourage the uptake of glucose by cells from the bloodstream. Nonetheless, the current state of research is inadequate, and more carefully planned investigations are required.

Although the long-term effects of ashwagandha are unknown, most people should be able to consume it safely for up to three months. However, ashwagandha might not be safe for someone who: is nursing a baby; is pregnant, as excessive doses may cause pregnancy loss; is taking certain drugs, such as barbiturates, anticonvulsants, or benzodiazepines; is set to have surgery; has an autoimmune or thyroid condition; has liver issues.

The following side effects have been observed by some ashwagandha supplement users, discomfort in the upper gastrointestinal tract, fatigue, diarrhea and vomiting Ashwagandha may take many months to start showing results, and they may not happen right away. To be sure using ashwagandha or any other supplement is safe for you, always consult a physician.

According to study results, it might aid in lowering stress and anxiety, promoting sound sleep, and even enhancing cognitive performance in some groups. In the short term, ashwagandha is probably safe for most people. But, it’s not suitable for everyone, so before incorporating ashwagandha into your regimen, see a medical specialist.

REFERENCES:

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/ashwagandha
https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/15/4/1057
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-accurate-are-the-claims-about-ashwagandhas-benefits

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According to a recent study, women who have difficulties sleeping or get insufficient sleep have a higher chance of developing hypertension. Although the reason of either high blood pressure or poor sleep is unknown, there is a strong correlation between the two. The authors of the study advise paying great attention to one’s blood pressure and treating insomnia and sleeping issues properly.

The study’s authors advise women who don’t get enough sleep to get their blood pressure checked and, if they have difficulties falling asleep, to look into solutions.

Hypertension risk is increased by sleeping troubles.

The Nurses’ Health Study 2 (NHS2) included 66,122 women, and its researchers monitored their health. The participants were between the ages of 25 and 42. All had normal blood pressure at the time of enrolment in 2001. For 16 years, the researchers monitored the individuals’ health and measured their blood pressure every two years. They noticed 25,987 additional instances of hypertension during the follow-up period. The risk of hypertension in women was found to be influenced by both insufficient sleep and difficulty falling asleep after the researchers took into account lifestyle and demographic risk variables. Women who slept for five hours or less each day had a 10% increased risk of hypertension, whereas those who slept for six hours had a 7% increased risk.

Women who slept longer than eight hours, worked night shifts, or had an evening chronotype did not have a higher risk of developing hypertension. Compared to women who rarely had difficulty sleeping, those who said they occasionally or frequently had trouble sleeping were 14% and 28% more likely to develop hypertension, respectively.

What sleep has to do with hypertension

The study did not include Dr. Nicole Weinberg, a cardiologist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California. She observed that it is challenging to determine whether sleep causes hypertension, whether it is the other way around, or even if they are connected at all. Which is it: the egg or the chicken? Dr. Weinberg enquired, “Like, what is the driving force here. The study’s principal investigator, Dr. Shahab Haghayegh, a Harvard research fellow and biomedical engineer, proposed a potential mechanism through which sleep can encourage hypertension.

“Sleep problems may trigger a series of actions that may raise cardiac output, arterial stiffness, and salt retention, potentially resulting in hypertension. The activity of blood vessels that control vascular tone and the function of the cells can both be affected by disruptions to the sleep/wake cycle. On the other hand, a hypothesis cited in the article proposes a counterfactual situation in which hypertension causes poor sleep. Perhaps it disrupts the 24-hour blood pressure cycle, which typically sees a reduction in blood pressure during sleep and a rise in blood pressure upon waking.

Dr. Haghayegh stressed that this is only an assumption and said, “So the difficulty in falling asleep and maintaining sleep usually occurs during the period at night when a drop in blood pressure would be expected, preventing the sleep-time dipping in blood pressure pattern.” This would result in a rise in blood pressure when you wake up at the other end of sleep. The researchers could not discover any connection between early rising and hypertension, though. Dr. Haghayegh stressed that this was just a theory and called for more research in subsequent studies.

High BMI and nutrition linked to sleep issues

The study also discovered that women who struggled to get a decent night’s sleep had higher body mass indices (BMI), took part in less physical activity, did not consume a diet rich in nutrients, and were more likely to smoke, consume alcohol, and be postmenopausal. The mystery becomes much more complicated because several of these issues include high blood pressure as a contributing factor. Dr. Haghayegh stated, “High blood pressure may be a result of poor sleep quality or duration, or both hypertension and poor sleep may be results of other underlying illnesses.

What happens when we sleep?

What happens while we sleep has long been a mystery, which is what Dr. Weinberg found to be most intriguing about the sleep problem. Dr. Weinberg gave the example of having to urinate during the middle of the night. They say, “Oddly, I didn’t have to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night,” after you put a CPAP on them. She said, “It’s not like the sensation went away. Is the sensation caused by a blood pressure problem, or are there renal flow alterations that are activating these people in a way that we simply wouldn’t have recognized in the past because we simply lacked the means to obtain that information?

As a result, Dr. Weinberg is excited about the growing amount of sleep-related data that is being made available to professionals, praising the success of the Apple Watch’s sleep tracking feature in particular. They are able to understand what is happening when we are sleeping in a way that we have never, ever, ever been able to. And as a result, it’s assisting us in understanding the progression of disease. I find it incredibly fascinating,” she declared.

Identifying the root reasons of poor sleep

What he believed people should take away from the study was described by Dr. Haghayegh. “Maintain vigilance in monitoring blood pressure,” he said, “as our findings clearly demonstrate a substantial association between poor sleep and hypertension.” “Everyone is being encouraged to sort of speak up for themselves. You may genuinely think to yourself, “Maybe I have a sleep disorder,” if your sleep is not as restorative as you had hoped or is restless. Dr. Weinberg continued, “Your practitioner can then take it from there. Maybe I should be looking into that further.

REFERENCES:

https://www.healthline.com/health/high-blood-pressure/can-high-blood-pressure-cause-insomnia
https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/trouble-falling-asleep-linked-to-high-blood-pressure
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/expert-answers/sleep-deprivation/faq-20057959
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/high-blood-pressure-may-be-linked-to-insomnia-sleep-troubles

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According to some study, having an affected relative may raise a person’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer’s disease affects memory, thinking, and movement. It is a chronic, progressive condition.

Uncertainty surrounds the condition’s causes. According to recent study, genetics may be one of many variables that contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s.Reliable Source.

The potential connections between genetics and Alzheimer’s disease are evaluated in this article.

Risk genes and deterministic genes are the two components that scientists use to characterise genetic risks for Alzheimer’s disease.

A person has a higher likelihood of developing an illness if they carry risk genes. A disease may emerge as a direct result of deterministic genes.

Numerous deterministic and risk genes for Alzheimer’s have been discovered by scientists.

Risk genes

Alzheimer’s disease is caused by several genes. The apolipoprotein E-E4 gene (APOE-e4) has the strongest connection to the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease (Trusted Source).

The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that 15 to 25 percent of persons who carry this gene may develop Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, compared to someone who receives the APOE-e4 gene from only one parent, someone who receives the gene from both parents has a higher risk of acquiring Alzheimer’s disease.

A person with the gene may potentially have symptoms earlier in life and be diagnosed sooner.

Although everyone gets an APOE gene in some form, there is no connection between Alzheimer’s disease and the APOE-e3 or APOE-e2 genes. Even against the sickness, APOE-e2 may provide benefits for the brain.

The risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease can also be considerably increased by the trisomy 21 gene.

Deterministic genes

Three distinct deterministic genes that may contribute to Alzheimer’s disease have been found by researchers:

• amyloid precursor protein (APP)
• presenilin-1 (PS-1)
• presenilin-2 (PS-2)

The excessive production of amyloid-beta peptides is caused by these genes. A hazardous protein that collects in the brain is this one. The damage and death of nerve cells brought on by this accumulation are hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease. These are “dominant genes,” which indicates that if either parent has the ailment, they can convey the gene to their offspring, who will then develop the disorder.

These gene variants are responsible for 5-10% of all early onset dementia cases and 60-70% of familial early onset Alzheimer’s illness cases. Alzheimer’s brought on by deterministic genes often strikes people younger than 65. It occasionally manifests in persons in their 40s and 50s.

But not everyone who has early-onset Alzheimer’s has these genes.

Genes’ role in various forms of dementia

Other genetic abnormalities have been linked to some types of dementia.

For instance, chromosome 4 is altered in Huntington’s disease, which may result in dementia that worsens over time. A dominant genetic disorder, Huntington’s disease.

There may be a hereditary component to Parkinson’s dementia or dementia with Lewy bodies. For instance, SNCA, PARK7, and PRKN are only a few of the genes known to be linked to Parkinson’s disease. However, the underlying causes of these diseases are frequently multifaceted, much like all types of dementia.

Alzheimer’s disease risk factors

Several risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease have been identified by researchers.

These consist of:

Age is the main risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease, according to reliable sources.
Family history: The likelihood of having Alzheimer’s disease is increased if a close relative already has the condition.
People who have experienced serious head trauma in the past may be more susceptible to Alzheimer’s disease.
Cardiovascular health: Alzheimer’s disease risk may be increased by heart or blood vessel conditions. Examples include diabetes, stroke, and high blood pressure.

Alzheimer’s disease signs and prognosis

Memory and brain function are typically gradually lost as a result of Alzheimer’s disease.

Periods of forgetfulness or memory loss may be early indications. A person may gradually become confused or disoriented in familiar environments, including at home. As a result, they might require extra help with daily tasks like tooth brushing, dressing, and food preparation.

Agitation, restlessness, personality withdrawals, and speech difficulties are some possible symptoms.

After the onset of symptoms, an individual with Alzheimer’s disease typically has an 8–10 year survival rate.

Find out more about the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and its prognosis.

Summary

Multiple genes are associated with Alzheimer’s disease. The APOE-e4 gene, for example, raises the risk of getting the illness but does not always result in an Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

Some, like the APP gene, are directly responsible for the disease’s onset. However, familial Alzheimer’s is an uncommon form of the illness that affects 5–10% of those with early-onset Alzheimer’s.

REFERENCES:

https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/risk-factors-and-prevention/is-dementia-hereditary
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-disease-genetics-fact-sheet
https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/alzheimers-disease/

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The region of the eye known as the retina is impacted by some of the main causes of vision loss.

Docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, is a specific type of omega fatty acid that can be supplemented to lessen the risk of retinal disease. However, because of the retina-blood barrier, raising DHA levels in the retina is difficult.

Now, a team of scientists has demonstrated that a particular kind of DHA they created can permeate the retinal tissue—at least in mice. The supplement may be used to lower risk and perhaps even treat various retinal illnesses if the same outcome is shown in humans.

According to the World Health Organization, the annual global cost of losing one’s sight is estimated to be $411 billion. This cost includes missed wages and productivity as well as medical and care expenses.

The majority of persons who lose their sight are over 50, and the following are the main reasons for vision loss worldwide:

• mature macular degeneration with ageing
• cataract
• retinopathy in diabetics
• glaucoma
• mistakes in refractive correction.

Both diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration have an impact on the retina, which is located at the back of the eye and is home to numerous light-sensitive cells that enable vision.

Data

The macula, a portion of the retina, is impacted by age-related macular degeneration, which causes blurry central vision. In the meanwhile, diabetic retinopathy, which affects people with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, is brought on by high blood sugar levels that disrupt the retina’s blood flow and, if left untreated, can result in blindness.

The concentration of docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid, is highest in the brain and retina among all bodily tissues. Given that the body can only produce modest amounts of this fatty acid, it must be consumed through diet or supplementation.

Although epidemiological studies have demonstrated the positive effects of DHA supplementation on lowering the risk of developing retinal illness, it is considerably more difficult to deliver this molecule to the retina and sustain normal functioning. This is despite the fact that the relevance of omega-3 fatty acids in the diet is well established.

This is due to the difficulty in obtaining DHA supplements that not only permeate the blood-retinal barrier but also DHA in a form that can pass through the intestinal barrier.

Once scientists developed a novel form of DHA that can enter the retina of the eye, new research offers a ray of hope for treating and possibly preventing visual losses linked to Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and other conditions. A research grant from the Alzheimer’s Association paid for the study (AARG).

DHA: New form

The study’s authors, from the University of Illinois at Chicago, presented their findings at the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology’s annual meeting, which took place March 25–28 in Seattle.

They demonstrated that a newly created version of DHA may be employed to penetrate both the intestinal and retinal blood barriers.

The scientists developed a fresh lysophospholipid version of DHA, called LPC-DHA, to achieve this. During six months, they gave mice a low dose of this supplement, which corresponds to 250 to 500 mg of omega-3 fatty acids daily for people.

DHA levels in their retinas increased by 100% as a result of this. LPC-DHA was found to be superior when researchers compared the effects of supplementation to those of fish oil and krill oil, two alternative sources of DHA.

New DHA and eyesight

DHA is primarily located in the retina of healthy eyes. Photoreceptors—cells that transform light into signals that are delivered to the brain—are maintained with the aid of this.

The findings imply that this supplement may aid in preventing visual problems in people with Alzheimer’s disease and other conditions that share a common DHA shortage and vision impairment.

One issue with existing supplements is that DHA must first enter the bloodstream through the intestines before reaching the retina. Up until today, there has been no way to raise the DHA levels in the retina. The brand-new vitamin gets past blood-retinal and digestive barriers.

Further research is required to prove the safety and efficacy of DHA supplements in people.

It’s always a fascinating issue, says Benjamin Bert, MD, an ophthalmologist at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California, to investigate dietary supplementation’s potential to halt the advancement of diseases. In this instance, the researchers are examining a novel version of DHA called LPC-DHA, which they believe will be more readily absorbed by the body than the DHA formulations already on the market. We still have a lot to learn because this study is one of the first to use this supplement.

Vision problems in Alzheimer’s people

According to Howard R. Krauss, MD, surgical neuro-ophthalmologist and director of Pacific Neuroscience Institute’s Eye, Ear & Skull Base Center at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California, “Visual impairment is a significant component of Alzheimer’s disease, but while there are indeed degenerative retinal changes in association with Alzheimer’s disease, most of the visual impairment is secondary to brain dysfunction rather than retinal dysfunction.”

Krauss stated, “Yet, one may consider the retina as both an extension of the brain and a window into the brain. “Thus, therapeutic approaches that may show promise for improving retinal health may also do so for improving brain health.”

According to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, vision issues in those with Alzheimer’s disease may result from the brain’s inability to absorb the information that the eyes send to it. The individual may experience the following issues:

• Loss of peripheral pitch
• sensitivity to contrast being lost
• Inability to accurately perceive depth
• difficulties with glare

According to Bert, specific layers of the retina gradually become weaker in people with Alzheimer’s disease. “With a supplement like the one disclosed here, the hope is that this process will slow down or halt entirely.”

Note on omega-3 fatty acids

You need omega-3 fatty acids for good health. Your body does not, however, make them. You must therefore consume them through your diet.

The following are typical foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids:

• Fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, and sardines
• Fish oil
• Flax seeds
• Chia seeds
• Soybean oil
• Walnuts

Omega-3 fatty acids are added as a supplement to some diets. For those who don’t typically eat these foods, there are supplements available, like fish oil or algal oil.

According to the National Institutes of Health, your body’s cell membranes contain essential components called omega-3 fatty acids. One of the most important types of omega-3 fatty acids is docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Your retina normally has high DHA levels.

The conclusion

Scientific research always includes mouse experiments. Yet, they occasionally reveal whether a therapy approach is secure and efficient in people. This research is in its early stages.

The “takeaways” from this study, in Krauss’s opinion, show that additional investigation is necessary before people should start using omega-3 supplements.

Even though some people may benefit from taking supplements, the purity and concentration of over-the-counter vitamins varies. Certain supplements, especially when used in excess, may pose a risk to some individuals. Anyone thinking about using supplements should talk to their primary care physician about it.

REFERENCES:

• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/new-form-of-omega-3-may-help-prevent-visual-decline-due-to-alzheimers-diabetes
• https://www.healthline.com/health-news/a-new-form-of-omega-3-could-prevent-visual-decline-from-alzheimers
• https://medicaldialogues.in/medicine/news/new-form-of-omega-3-can-cross-retina-and-reduce-eye-problems-related-to-alzheimers-disease-and-diabetes-109213

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Blood clots are a significant problem. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a disorder in which a clot develops inside a sizable, deep vein, usually in the leg, raises the risk that it will get loose and migrate to the lungs. There, it may result in a pulmonary embolism, a blockage that can be fatal.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 60,000 to 100,000 People die from a pulmonary embolism every year and about 900,000 Americans suffer from DVT each year (CDC).

According to Mary Cushman, MD, director of the Thrombosis and Hemostasis Unit at the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington, deep vein thrombosis is “primarily a disease of age.”

“For women under 30, the risk is only 1 in 10,000 annually. Around age 40 or 45, there is a significant increase, and by the time you are 80 years old, your annual risk is 1 in 100, according to Dr. Cushman. According to Cushman, this is because as you get older, blood clots more frequently for unknown reasons.

According to the CDC, utilising hormone therapy, getting pregnant, or using birth control pills that include oestrogen all enhance a woman’s risk of developing deep vein thrombosis. Your risk may also be increased by severe illnesses, accidents, obesity, and extended periods of inactivity.

The good news is that blood-thinning drugs can prevent clots from developing, decrease their growth, or stop existing clots from causing damage to other body parts.

These medications, which include heparin, warfarin, and more recent ones like apixaban and rivaroxaban, all affect how blood clots in somewhat different ways.

Different types of blood thinners

Several forms of blood thinners include:

• Warfarin, commonly known as Coumadin, and other anticoagulants like heparin slow down the clotting process in your body.
• Antiplatelets, such as aspirin and clopidogrel, stop platelets, which are blood cells, from congregating to form a clot. Most patients who have had a heart attack or stroke take antiplatelets.

Tips for using Blood thinner

Prevent Falls and Bumps

A heart attack and stroke can be avoided by taking the blood thinner that your doctor ordered to prevent clots from forming in your heart or blood arteries. Yet, a slight wound might become dangerous since these medications make it difficult for you to stop bleeding.

Avoid engaging in contact sports and other risky activities. Choose safer exercises like walking or swimming instead. Remember to take care of your head! Even if there is a remote probability that you will be struck in the head, always wear a helmet.

Maintain a Schedule

Every day, take your medication at the same time. If you are inconsistent, some blood thinners may not operate as intended.

To remember yourself, use a pill organiser or the calendar on your smartphone. Take it as soon as you remember if you forget. Don’t miss a dose.

Ask your doctor what to do if you don’t know you missed a dosage until the next day. Do not multiply.

Learn About Your Drugs

Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether any new prescription or over-the-counter medications are safe to take with your blood thinner before bringing them home. Even vitamins and supplements have the ability to alter the effectiveness of some blood thinners or heighten their adverse effects. The risk of bleeding may increase, for instance, if you take an aspirin-containing painkiller or cold remedy.

Cut With Care

Blood thinners can cause a minor injury to bleed profusely. While using knives, garden shears, or other pointed instruments, put on gloves. When shaving, exercise additional caution. If you can, use an electric razor to avoid self-nicking. Keep your nail trimmings away from the skin wherever possible.

If you do cut yourself, push on the area until the blood stops flowing. If not, seek medical attention.

Take a test

Regular blood tests to monitor how quickly your blood clots may be necessary while you’re using specific blood thinners. Your doctor can alter your dose or switch you to a different medication based on the findings.

Make Your Medical Team Aware

Inform all of your medical professionals that you use blood thinners, especially before any procedures or if you receive a new prescription. They must be aware of your elevated risk of bleeding.

To let emergency medical personnel know that you are at danger for bleeding as well, wear a medical ID bracelet or tag. On a card that you keep in your wallet or purse, write down the name of your drug.

Take Care When Using Your Teeth

Because your gums are tender, brush your mouth gently. Don’t scrub; instead, use a gentle toothbrush. Choose some waxed dental floss, and carefully slide it between your teeth.

Be sure to tell your dentist if you take blood thinners. During checkups, they’ll take extra precautions, and they might also give you drugs to stop bleeding during dental work.

Consider the side effects

Blood thinners can sometimes result in:

• bluish gums
• Unable to describe bruises
• Dizziness
• heavier than usual period flow
• Red or dark brown stools or urine

If you experience any of these, contact your doctor.

Having supplies on hand

Have a supply of dressings and bandages on hand. Always keep some on hand in case you sustain a wound. A quick stop to a bleed using special powder will keep it under control until you can seek medical attention. At your neighbourhood pharmacy, you can get these products without a prescription. They are also safe to use when taking blood thinners.

REFERENCES:

• https://www.ahrq.gov/patients-consumers/diagnosis-treatment/treatments/btpills/btpills.html
• https://www.everydayhealth.com/heart-health/deep-vein-thrombosis/blood-thinner-dos-donts/
• https://medlineplus.gov/bloodthinners.html
• https://www.mercy.net/service/atrial-fibrillation/taking-blood-thinners-safely/
• https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/ss/slideshow-tips-for-taking-blood-thinners

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Although while prediabetes does not necessarily portend the impending onset of diabetes, it is advisable to take steps to reverse the condition. Your food and lifestyle choices might change dramatically.

When blood sugar levels are above normal but not high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes, you have prediabetes. Although the precise origin of prediabetes is unknown, insulin resistance is a contributing factor. Your cells quit responding to the insulin hormone at this point.

Insulin, which is made by the pancreas, enables glucose (sugar) to enter your cells. Sugar can build up in your bloodstream if your body doesn’t utilise insulin appropriately. Although some people experience darkening of the skin around the armpits, neck, and elbows, prediabetes doesn’t always result in symptoms.

Prediabetes is easily diagnosed with a blood test. A fasting plasma glucose (FPG) test is part of this. Scores in the range of 100 to 125 may suggest prediabetes.

An A1C test, which tracks your blood sugar over three months, can also be used by your doctor. Prediabetes can also be detected in test results that range from 5.7 to 6.4 percent. But, a prediabetes diagnosis does not guarantee that you will eventually acquire type 2 diabetes. Some people have been able to reverse prediabetes by making dietary and lifestyle changes.

Consume a “clean” diet

A diet rich in processed foods, which have extra fats, calories, and sugar without any nutritional benefit, is one risk factor for prediabetes. Your risk is also increased by a diet heavy in red meat.

A “clean” diet, which includes better options, can aid in reestablishing regular blood sugar levels. This can help prevent type 2 diabetes and reverse prediabetes.

Include items low in calories and fat in your diet. They consist of:

• complex carbohydrates in fruits
• vegetables
• healthy meats
• whole grains
• omega-3 fatty acids from avocado and fish

Regular exercise

Another risk factor for prediabetes is a lack of exercise. Exercise improves insulin sensitivity, which lowers blood sugar and is beneficial for both physical and mental health. Your body’s cells can utilise insulin more effectively as a result.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) claims that exercising can lower blood sugar levels for up to 24 hours following a session.

Start out slowly while starting a new fitness regimen. Exercise lightly for 15 or 20 minutes, then after a few days progressively up the duration and intensity of your workouts.

You should try to exercise for 30 to 60 minutes, five days a week at the very least. Exercises might be:

• walking
• biking
• jogging
• swimming

Reduce your weight.

Regular exercise has several advantages, one of which is that it can aid in weight loss. In fact, decreasing just 5 to 10 percent of your body fat can lower blood sugar and aid in prediabetes reversal. This weighs between 10 and 20 pounds for some individuals.

Moreover, having a greater waist size results in increased insulin resistance. For ladies, this equates to 35 inches or more, while for men, it’s 40 inches or more.

Losing weight requires both a healthy diet and consistent exercise. You have additional options. This could entail joining a gym, hiring a personal trainer, or having a friend or relative act as your accountability partner. Also, eating five or six smaller meals throughout the day rather than three larger ones can be beneficial.

Quit smoking.

Smoking increases the risk for heart disease and lung cancer, as is widely known. The risk of insulin resistance, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes is further increased by smoking.

You can obtain support to stop smoking. Utilize over-the-counter medications like nicotine gum or patches. Ask your doctor about prescription drugs that can help you quit smoking or programmes that can help you quit cold turkey.

Reduce your carbohydrate intake.

Even if you’re dedicated to eating healthily, it’s crucial to pick your carbohydrates wisely. In order to assist reverse prediabetes, you should also consume fewer of these carbohydrates.

You should eat complex carbohydrates, which are unprocessed carbohydrates, the majority of the time. They consist of:

• vegetables
• whole grains
• beans

These carbohydrates are high in fibre and prolong feeling full. They also absorb into your body at a slower rate since they take longer to decompose. By doing this, blood sugar spikes are avoided.

Simple carbs should be avoided or limited since they absorb fast and result in a sharp rise in blood sugar. Simple carbs consist of:

• candy
• yoghurt
• honey
• juices
• certain fruits

Furthermore fast-acting, refined carbs are to be restricted or avoided. They consist of:

• white rice
• white bread
• pizza dough
• breakfast cereals
• pastries
• pasta

Deal with sleep apnea

Also keep in mind that sleep apnea and insulin resistance have been linked. Due to the neck muscles relaxing in this situation, respiration frequently ceases throughout the course of the night.

Sleep apnea symptoms include:

• strong snoring
• breathing heavily when sleeping
• choking while sleeping
• headache upon awakening
• daytime slumber

The typical course of treatment include using an oral appliance to keep the throat open while you sleep.

A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine is an additional option. As a result, the top airway passage remains open all night.

Take more water.

Another great strategy to correct prediabetes and prevent type 2 diabetes is to drink enough of water.

Water is a healthier alternative to sodas and fruit drinks and helps regulate blood sugar levels. These drinks often include a lot of sugar.

Can medications help if you have prediabetes?

Changing one’s lifestyle can correct prediabetes in some people, but it doesn’t work for everyone. Your doctor may recommend medication if your blood sugar doesn’t improve and you have a high risk of developing diabetes.

Medicines such as metformin (Glucophage, Fortamet) or a comparable substance can help lower blood sugar levels and reverse prediabetes.

According to studies, metformin can cut your chance of developing diabetes by up to 30%. Moreover, it might lessen your appetite, which could aid in weight loss.

REFERENCES:

• https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes/how-to-reverse-prediabetes-naturally
• https://www.endocrineweb.com/conditions/pre-diabetes/how-can-you-reverse-prediabetes
• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-to-reverse-prediabetes-naturally
• https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/ss/slideshow-prediabetes-recommendations

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Nobody likes to be alone, despite the fact that it’s a phrase from a popular song.

The phrase “chronic loneliness” refers to loneliness that lasts for a very long time. Although if chronic loneliness and loneliness in general aren’t particular mental health illnesses, they can nevertheless have an impact on your wellbeing.

The bad emotions that can arise when your demands for social interaction aren’t met are referred to as loneliness. It’s acceptable to occasionally cherish your alone time. In fact, solitude may promote relaxation and recharging. You could require more alone time than another person to feel your best because everyone has varied needs for it.

Nevertheless, loneliness and being alone are not nearly the same. You’re less likely to feel negatively lonely or yearn for social interaction when you’re enjoying your isolation. Loneliness and isolation frequently go hand in hand, and both can have an impact on physical and mental health.

Why are people lonely?

There are numerous causes of loneliness. For instance, you might experience loneliness if:

• change jobs or schools
• working at home
• transfer to a new city
• break up a relationship
• are newly single and living alone.

Feelings of loneliness may disappear as you become used to these new circumstances, but they sometimes linger. It can be difficult to discuss loneliness, and if you find it difficult to reach out to others, you might feel even more isolated.

You can experience loneliness even if you have a large social network since a lack of meaningful interactions is another factor.

Despite participating in a number of social events and having a lot of casual friends, you might not feel particularly connected to anyone. If you’re single and don’t want to be, spending a lot of time with couples and families might also make you feel lonely. Even if you are contentedly single, this could still occur.

Dealing with physical or mental health problems might also make you more likely to feel lonely. As it can be challenging to articulate your feelings, having health issues can be isolating. Social activities can occasionally require too much emotional or physical energy, which may lead to you cancelling more plans than you maintain. A persistent absence of social interaction may eventually worsen your feelings.

Symptoms of loneliness

Spending time alone might make you feel depressed, empty, or as though you’re missing something vital if you’re lonely. Symptoms of chronic loneliness can include any of the following:

• reduced energy
• feeling hazy or unable to concentrate
• troubles with sleep, such as insomnia or sleep disruption
• reduction in appetite
• emotions of insecurity, pessimism, or unworthiness
• a propensity to fall ill repeatedly
• discomfort in the body
• emotions of dread or uneasiness
• more purchasing
• misuse of drugs
• greater inclination to binge-watch movies or television shows
• bodily warmth desires, such as for hot beverages, baths, or warm clothing

Diagnosis of loneliness

Even extreme loneliness is not a particular mental health disorder. Nevertheless, doctors are beginning to understand how loneliness can impact both your physical and mental well-being.

Talking to a mental health expert could be helpful if you’ve been experiencing inexplicable symptoms like the aforementioned loneliness symptoms and have been feeling lonely.

Your symptoms may have potential mental health causes, which a therapist can assist you in identifying. Although there is no medical diagnosis for loneliness, counselling can assist you in finding resources and support.

A therapist can also give you advice on how to deal with the negative impacts of loneliness and assist you in looking for constructive change.

Complications

More and more experts contend that loneliness and isolation, whether they happen simultaneously or separately, can have significant negative impacts on health. These are some current research findings.

Chronic disease

According to a 2017 analysis of 40 studies on social isolation and loneliness, these conditions increase the risk of early death, cardiovascular problems, and deteriorated mental health.

Another 2017 study examined data from the Swiss Health Survey and discovered evidence that loneliness is associated with an increased risk for:

• chronic disease
• elevated cholesterol
• psychological distress
• diabetes
• depression

Sleep pattern

According to the findings of a 2017 study that included more than 2,000 twins, young adults who felt lonely tended to have poorer-quality sleep. The study also discovered data suggesting that being exposed to violence can make one feel more lonely.

A 2010 study of 215 individuals confirms the association between loneliness and insufficient sleep quality and hypothesises that poorer sleep quality may make it difficult to function during the day.

A 2018 research of 639 senior citizens found that loneliness and social isolation can both impair sleep quality.

Depression

In 2016, researchers examined the relationship between social isolation and loneliness in 1,116 twin pairs and discovered evidence that lonely persons frequently experience depression.

Loneliness had a “moderately significant” effect on the likelihood of depression, according to a 2018 assessment of 88 studies that examined the relationship between loneliness and depression.

Stress

According to the findings of a 2017 study that included 8,382 persons aged 65 and older, loneliness and depression both raise the risk of cognitive deterioration.

Tips to Prevent and Overcome Loneliness

You can get over loneliness. To change, one must make a conscious effort. Making a change over time can improve your overall happiness and health as well as your ability to positively influence those around you.

These are some suggestions for avoiding loneliness:

Think about volunteering or another enjoyable activity. These circumstances offer fantastic chances to make new friends and engage in social activities.

Aim for the best. Instead of expecting rejection, as lonely individuals frequently do, try to concentrate on having good attitudes and thoughts in your social interactions.

Ensure that you put great relationships first. Look for people who are like you in terms of attitudes, passions, and ideals.

Understand that loneliness is an indication that a change has to be made. You can begin taking actions to lessen your feelings of loneliness and create connections that promote your wellbeing, but don’t expect things to change overnight.

Recognize how loneliness affects your life. Loneliness has negative physical and mental effects. Make a concerted effort to fend off these symptoms if you see that they are having an impact on your mood.

Choose a group or form your own. For instance, you might consider starting a Meetup group for locals in your area who share your interests. Moreover, you can think about enrolling in a course at a community college, joining a reading club, or enrolling in a fitness class.

Strengthen an existing connection. In addition to making new friends, strengthening your current ties can also be a very effective approach to deal with loneliness. Call a friend or member of your family that you haven’t spoken to in a long.

Speak to a reliable person. It’s crucial to chat to someone in your life about how you are feeling. This could be a friend or family member, but you might also think about speaking with your doctor or a therapist. You can get in touch with a therapist whenever it’s convenient for you thanks to online counselling, which might be a fantastic option.

REFERENCES:

• https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/chronic-loneliness
• https://www.verywellmind.com/loneliness-causes-effects-and-treatments-2795749
• https://www.medicinenet.com/dont_let_loneliness_harm_your_health/article.htm
• https://www.webmd.com/balance/ss/slideshow-loneliness-health-effects

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