Greying Hair

 

Troubled by premature greying of your hair? We all wondered why we get those silver strands at some point in our life when we least expect them?

The amount of pigment in our hair follicle is determined by color-producing cells known as melancoytes. Each melancoyte is genetically programmed to function for a specific period of time, after which it dies. This gives rise to the birth of white hair. A mixture of some dark hair with white hair give the visual effect of grey hair.

Typically, Caucasians start going grey in their mid 30s, Asians in their late 30s and African-Americans in their mid 40s. Half of all people have a significant amount of gray hair by the time they turn 50.

CAUSES

Age

The natural process is with increasing age, our body’s enzyme and amino acid productions start to slow down, causing the cells in hair follicles to stop producing these pigments and hairs to turn colourless. However, some people start going grey as early as their 20s and are perfectly healthy.

Bad Diets

With increasing affluence, fast foods are commonly available and consumers prefer convenience over nutrition, rendering most people ‘undernourished’. Researchers believed that a nutritious diet comprises high amino acids and calcium can help to produce the melanin pigment much needed to keep the hair strands saturated with color.

Auto-immune

Some autoimmune diseases can cause premature greying because the immune response might target the pigment-producing system, which thus explains why those no follicles no longer producing coloured hair are unaffected.

Vitiligo is an auto-immune condition where a sudden decrease or stop in melanin production derivatives of the amino acid - tyrosine causes the hair and skin to lose pigmentation that gives off the natural color. Hence, the hair follicles that grow after melanin death have no color or grey appearance.

Lack of B12 and/or Folic Acid

A Swedish study conducted with participants suffering vitiligo increased their consumption of folic acid and vitamin B12 through their diets and oral supplements were astounded to see re-pigmentation of grey hair in 64% of the patients, with 6 individuals experiencing total re-pigmentation. This is due to poor Vitamin B12 absorption resulting in decrease in the number of red blood cells, and weakening immunity.

Smoking

In addition to increasing your risks of contracting deadly diseases such as cancer, heart disease and kidney failure, smoking can also cause your hair to prematurely grey. A 1997 study carried out by researchers in England discovered that smokers were up to four times as likely to have grey hair as their non-smoking counterparts.

Tooth Whitening/Hair Care Products

By using teeth whitening toothpaste, you can end up having whitening hairs too!

As hydrogen peroxide is the main ingredient in most teeth whitening products, scientists have been associating an increase in its uptake within the body with melanocyte death due to the deactivation of the enzymes directly responsible for preserving your hair color. In fact, the tiniest dose of hydrogen peroxide is sufficient to kick-start melanocyte death.

Hydrogen peroxide is also present in hair care products such as hair bleaches, dyes, conditioners and shampoos with some products carrying exceedingly high levels to cause a gradual build-up and thus blocks melanin production.

Environmental Pollution

The harmful molecular free radicals in the environmental pollution bind themselves to our healthy cells and steal their valuable electrons. If left unchecked by our immune system, it can cause cellular damage that inevitably influences the melanin production we need to keep our hair healthy, strong and pigmented.

Genetic Predisposition

Researchers at the University of Alabama-Birmingham Health System recently confirmed the role of genetics behind greying hair, stating that gene inheritance determines not only your hair color, but also when the greying process begins.

Prolonged Stressful Lifestyle

Researchers have shown that high stress level prompts a surge in our body’s production of hydrogen peroxide which accumulates within the hair follicles, causing premature cell death and effectively bleaching. Also, the stress hormones may impact the survival and activity of melancocytes.

Any cure?

To-date, there is no medical treatment that can turn white hair back to its former color, nor are there scientific studies to indicate that any method can reverse the greying process for those with genetic disposition. Some drugs promise to address this tissue but are expensive and can have potentially severe and deadly side effects. For these people, learn to accept that grey or white is beautiful too!

VIVA corner


As for those with are exposed to environmental hazards and aging effects there are some viva products to assist in reversing the negative effects.

Viva Ageguard contains the free form amino acid, L-tyrosine - vital for melanin production. Being the basic component of hair, amino acid deficient also causes one to lose hair easily.

Vivashield offers protection against environmental pollution and free radical damage due to oxidation from within.


Viva Liquick gingko helps to deliver more oxygen through the capillaries to the dermis layer to assist in new cell reproduction.

Viva B easy provides the full range of Vitamin B to assist in the utilisation of other vitamins and activate enzymes for an improved immune function and relieve tension for highly stressed individuals.

Hair LOSS

  

Hair is the crowning glory of men and women all over the world and thus is worrying to see globs of hair in the shower drain or a clump of your tresses on the hairbrush.


It is normal to lose about 100 strands of hairs daily based on the growth cycle of hair. However, losing up to 200 strands per day requires close scrutiny on the underlying cause before balding problem appears. The average scalp contains about 100,000 hair follicles.

Male hair loss follows a pattern of receding hairline when it shifts backward from the forehead and ultimately leads to baldness. In women, this frustrating problem begins with gradual thinning at the part line, followed by increasing diffuse hair loss radiating from the head top.

Hair structure

Our hair is made of a type of protein called keratin. A single hair consists of a hair shaft (the part that shows), a root below the skin, and a follicle, from which the hair root grows. At the lower end of the follicle is the hair bulb, where the hair’s color pigment, or melanin, is produced.

Lifespan of a hair

Approximately 90% of the average human hair survives for an average of 4.5 years, during which time it grows about 1/2 inch a month. Usually in its 5th year, the hair falls out and is replaced within 6 months by a new one. The other 10% are in a resting phase that last 2-3 months and shedded thereafter.

Cause of hair loss

Note that genetic baldness is caused by the body’s failure to produce new hairs and not by excessive hair loss. Hair loss due to an interference of the scalp’s growth cycle like improper hair care, medication, stress, crash dieting or infections is reversible if attended to quickly.

+ The incidence of pattern baldness varies from population to population based on genetic background. Each follicle is genetically pre-programmed to go through a number of growth cycles before it finally dies. Onset of hair loss can start at a tender age. Not only humans, some other primates, such as chimpanzees, stump-tailed macaques, and South American uakari show progressive thinning of the hair on the scalp after adolescence too.

+ Male pattern hair loss is caused by a male hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) that shrinks hair follicles until no visible hairs are in sight. Typically men inherit this problem and start experiencing it in their 20s and 30s, and exacerbates into the 50s with half fully bald.  In the advanced stage, no shampoos, vitamin and precautions can work anymore.

+ Note that environmental factors do not seem to affect baldness greatly.

+ Normal hair growth with healthy hairs occurs only when the body is healthy and absorbs sufficient nutrition to feed the hair and scalp. When there are inadequate supply of nutrients, the body shuts down production of hair first as it devotes all its energies towards conserving vital body organs. Hence, those who are suffering from any major health problems or nutritional deficiencies tend to have hairs that are damaged, brittle or stop growing. An example is people with under-active thyroid function are likely to have frizzy or brittle hair whilst those with overactive thyroid condition usually have greasy limp hair.

+ Although baldness is not as common in women as in men, the psychological effects of hair loss tend to be much greater. Typically the frontal hairline is preserved but the density of hair is decreased on all areas of the scalp. The past belief that male baldness is caused by testosterone is not valid on women as those who lose hair have normal testosterone levels.

+ For most people hair loss occurs when the body is under stress and illness. The sudden effects can be dramatic but reversible. A sudden physical or emotional stress may cause one-half to three-quarters of the hair throughout your scalp to shed. Putting adequate rest, reduce stress level and good nutrition are what needed to aid hair recovery. Other causes like traumas from chemotherapy and radiotherapy is temporary and condition reverses when the treatment is completed.

+ In most instances women experience hair loss upon hitting menopause but no longer with problems arising from childbirth, chronic illness, crash diets (lacking protein), and stress among others, women as young as 15 or 16 are experiencing this trauma.

+ Other possible causes of hair loss, especially if it is in an unusual pattern, include:

- Autoimmune conditions such as lupus
- Burns
- Certain infectious diseases such as syphilis
- Excessive shampooing and blow-drying
- Thyroid diseases
- Nervous habits such as continual hair pulling or scalp rubbing
- Ringworm of the scalp
- Tumor of the ovary or adrenal glands

Prevention and reversal of hair loss

+ Arresting the situation early in life is of paramount importance if you recognize the genetic factor. Using an effective topical lotion and good nutrients can increase blood supply to the scalp and enhance circulation, thereby reducing hair loss and stimulating hair rejuvenation. Choosing the right shampoo, conditioner and hair tonic can help to make hair more manageable and minimize damage from washing.


+ Taking right foods with accompanying correct mix of vitamins and minerals can help to keep the hair in good shape. Some examples are:
**  Nuts - Nuts such as almonds and walnuts are rich in biotin, a mineral known for its health maintenance properties
**  Eggs - The yolk helps to keep hair strong and beautiful with its good mix of iron, zinc and protein
**  Avocados - This fruit contains vitamin B and E that strengthen the hair follicles
**  Spinach - Its high iron content boosts the strength of hair follicles and, vitamin A and C allow the scalp to produce more sebum
**  Meat - Its protein is needed to make keratin and thus keep the follicles strong and elastic, otherwise dry, brittle and weak

+ Some drugs that can effectively block the conversion of testosterone to DHT help to reverse the shrinking of hair follicles but have accompanying side effects. Administering female hormone to reduce testosterone effect can turn a guy more feminine over the course of treatment. Persistent problem may need the help of a consultant dermatologist.

+ Maintain a healthy body or you see your hair and scalp likely to be in lesser than good condition, a warning sign to balding.

+ Experiments carried out on mice genetically engineered, produced excessive levels of Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRF) resulting in hair loss from their backs. The high amounts of such hormone created a chronic stress condition in them. Hence, reduce stress level can help to reduce hair loss.

+ A study controlled for age and family history found statistically significant positive associations between moderate or severe hair loss and smoking status. So quit smoking for more than health reason, saving life and hair.

Sources: ST Mind your Body dated 16-6-2011

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003246.htm

VIVA corner

Poor blood circulation, prolonged stress, digestive disorders, medications and unhealthy diets contribute to blood acidity, making detoxification an important issue to reverse the problem.

VIVA Green Barley is packed with fibers, antioxidants and enzymes to neutralise free radicals and converts the blood alkaline.

Lack of nutrients retards hair growth development and VIVA Dailyguard can provide the comprehensive range required for reversing the trend. When cells are deprived of oxygen, they may perish gradually.

VIVA Liquick Gingko aids in delivering oxygen to the scalp for improved blood circulation.

VIVA Ageguard is packed with amino acids for rebuilding keratin (protein on hair) and acts as a natural hormone releaser in expediting cell rejuvenation. For those who are too stressed up,

Viva B-easy helps to reduce stress and provide energy. A deficiency of Vitamin B7 can result in more hair loss.

Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)

  

Both Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) and its close relative Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) are chemicals heavily used in many cosmetics, personal care and skin-care products such as soaps, moisturiser, sunscreen cream, mouth wash, shave creams, shampoos, bubble baths, toothpastes and other products for cleaning applications like washing detergents, laundry detergents, carpet shampoos and stain remover. The difference in applications is that SLS is a more powerful surfactant (wetting agent) and detergent commonly used in both industrial cleaning products and, in lesser concentrations, personal care products.

The “foam up” effect we get from bubbles in our baths is the byproduct of both chemicals. Sure we love to have ”healthy shining hair” and “beautiful skin”, as promised by the giant manufacturers including Vo5, Palmolive, Paul Mitchell and L’Oreal, which use this SLES to make the products. Most people are not aware of its damage on the hair follicle and skin. There are many reports filed on eye irritation, scalp irritation, tangled hair, swelling of the hands, face and arms, and split fuzzy hair. This is nothing compared to dangers lurking behind….

Why is it so dangerous?

There are health claims that SLES found in our soaps is exactly the same as you would find in a car wash or even a garage, where it is used to degrease car engines. In the same way as it dissolves the grease on car engines, SLES also dissolves the oils on your skin, which can cause a drying effect. It is also well-documented that it denatures skin proteins, which causes not only irritation, but also allows environmental contaminants easier access to the lower sensitive layers of the skin.

Whilst SLES appears to be natural because it can be derived from coconut oil, it is the manufacturing process that warrants close examination. Ethoxylation is a process that uses ethylene oxide (a known carcinogen), to manufacture ‘milder’ surfactants like SLES, which may be contaminated with 1,4- Dioxane (dioxane) – an unwanted by product of the manufacturing process. Under Proposition 65, 1,4-dioxane is classified in the U.S. state of California to cause cancer. The FDA encourages manufacturers to remove 1,4-dioxane, though it is not required by federal law.

Exposure to large amounts of dioxane can cause kidney and liver damage as evidenced by accidental worker exposure resulting in adverse nervous system effects and several deaths. Two studies reported an increase in liver cancer of 50% and 64% in workers employed in workplaces where dioxane is present at tolerable limit. As SLES cannot be metabolised by the liver and its effects are therefore much longer-lasting, much more precious energy is used getting rid of it. In the worst scenario, liver toxicity can occur.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the presence of dioxane, even as a trace contaminant in all consumer products is cause for concern that requires close monitoring. Studies carried out have demonstrated that dioxane readily penetrates animal and human skin during use of contaminated shampoos and other personal care products. Other studies have indicated that SLES enters the skin and maintains residual levels in the vital organs like the heart, liver, lungs and brain.

Researchers are most worried that once SLES is being absorbed, it mimics the activity of the hormone oestrogen which is responsible for a variety of health problems such as menopausal symptoms in women and declining male fertility in men. High oestrogen levels are known to be associated with breast cancer as well. To-date, laboratory studies have shown that such exposure over a lifetime causes cancer in animals and similarly can cause cancer in humans.

Parents should be concerned about giving such products to their children. It seemed that even skin application leads to measurable concentrations in their eyes affecting the visual development. In experimental, acute eye tests, a solution of 10% SLES caused corneal damage to the eyes if not irrigated or irrigation was delayed. Extensive damage can be irreversible and permanent.

Why is this chemical still being used?

The answer is simple – it is CHEAP.

Other comments

+ Do not be taken in just because a product is labeled as “natural” is free from SLES. You will be surprised to see most common brands of “Natural” or “Herbal” shampoos and cleansers using harmful chemicals as their main active ingredient.

+ With the rate of contracting cancer going up, is time to examine what has gone terribly wrong lies in the amount of toxins we are sucking in each day without realising it. Scorecard, the internet’s most popular resource for information about pollution problems and toxic chemicals, lists dioxane as a recognised carcinogen affecting all major body organs.

+ Though most personal care products are used only for brief moments, the accumulative effects from daily use for most people can pose a real danger. Before more research and evidence are out, is wiser for health-conscious individuals not to use too many SLES products, especially on the younger ones.

Hot tips


To remove ring around the collar or spotty under the armpit area of the clothing, brush some shampoo, shaving cream or lotion on the dirty spot for about five minutes then wash off the stain.

‘CURE for all’ herb – Cordyceps

 

Cordyceps is a genus of sac fungi that includes about 400 different species. Most if not all cordyceps species live on insects and a few are parasitic on other fungi. The best known species of the genus is Cordyceps sinensis, found mainly in the high altitude mountainous regions of Tibet and Nepal. Other Cordyceps species are abundant and diverse in humid temperate and tropical forests of China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam and Thailand. The big-sized fungus are highly prized whilst the smaller size Cordyceps are regarded as inferior quality.

When a Cordyceps fungus attacks a host, the mycelium invades and eventually replaces the host tissue, while the elongated fruiting body may be cylindrical, branched, or of complex shape looking like grass and that is why it is called Winter Worm. One of the most popular host is the bat-worm that wringles in the soil after birth. It can survive for 4 years and then mate before dying. When in contact with this fungi, it can be taken hostage and has its lifespan shortened drastically.

The Chinese discovered its curative power thousand years ago after noticing that sheep grazed on

Cordyceps were stronger and healthier. Traditional herbalists considered it as a wonder medicine or cure-all herb – able to fortify all the body systems, providing anti-aging, immune boosting, and strength increasing effects (virility for men too). Its potency is extended to treating cancers as it demonstrates significant anticancer activities by various mechanisms such as modulating immune system and inducing cell apoptosis. To-date, modern science has very little knowledge about it, as the majority of facts and results are being taken from the studies done by the Chinese scientists.

In recent times, western researchers have discovered that these Cordyceps species are sources of biochemicals with interesting biological and pharmacological properties, like cordycepin and ciclosporin—an immunosuppressive drug helpful in human organ transplants, as it suppresses the immune system.

The University of Nottingham scientists found that the Cordyceps-derived treatment has two important effects on cells that could impact the growth of malignant tumors. At low doses, cordycepin interferes with how cells make proteins by inhibiting the uncontrolled growth and division of cells while at high doses it prevents cells from sticking together, essentially blocking the cells from growing and thus directly interacts with the making of proteins.

 

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/027869_cordyceps_cancer.html#ixzz1blE2FOem

 

More comments

Some work has been published in which Cordyceps sinensis has been used to protect the bone marrow and digestive systems of mice from whole body irradiation. Other experiments carried out showed it may protect the liver from damage, may have an anti-depressant effect and has a hypoglycemic effect and may be beneficial for people with insulin resistance.

Wild Cordyceps are most potent, costly and hard to come by. Most supplies in the market are the cultivated forms of the fungus, grown on the soybeans. Many manufacturers use not Cordyceps sinensis, but its substitutes (C. ophioglossoides, C. capita, and C. militaris) in their commercial preparations. The fusion of caterpillar and fungi is such an intricate act that is almost impossible to replicate by humans.

Panda eyes

 

Dark circles are dark blemishes around the eyes. In most cases, they are blood vessels that are visible on the skin around the eyelids, being the thinnest skin in the body (around 0.5 mm thick compared with 2 mm in other areas).

As such, any direct contact with your under-eye skin should be gentle. Avoid rubbing your eyes as the irritant is frequently brought on by allergies, an anxious habit or a reflex action. Hard rubbing on this spot can break the tiny capillaries underneath, causing both puffiness and discoloration.

CAUSES

Lack of sleep, poor nutrition, dehydration, excessive drinking and smoking and over-exposure to sun are some of the common causes leading to those raccoon-like dark eye circles.

+  Heredity. Like varicose veins, dark circles under the eyes are usually an inherited trait. When blood passes through the large veins close to the surface of the skin, it can produce a bluish tint. The more transparent the skin—also an inherited trait—the darker the circles appear. In people with a deep-set bone structure, shadowing can also contribute to the dark color under the eyes.

+  Allergies, asthma and eczema. Any condition that causes the eyes to itch can contribute to darker circles due to rubbing or scratching the skin around them. In general, allergies are a common cause of skin discoloration under the eyes.

--  Hay fever sufferers usually get under-eye “smudges” during the height of the allergy season. It can be effectively treated with over-the-counter and prescription medications.

--  Some food allergies can also cause the area under the eyes to appear darker. If your dark circles or puffiness are constant, you should suspect an undetected food allergy or a chemical allergy around you. For instance, a common allergy that causes dark circles is gluten intolerance, which is an allergy to wheat flour (eg. found in bread) in particular.

--  If an allergy is the root of your problem, treat the allergy or remove the allergen. For other allergies, the best course of action is usually avoidance. A dermatologist may be able to assist. Sufferers tend to be deficient in B6, folic acid and B12 on occasion. Taking a multivitamin may help to fix up the problem.

+  Medications. Any medications that cause any increased blood flow through the delicate skin can cause blood vessels circling the eyes to darken.

+  Nasal congestion. A blocked nose can result in dark circles under your eyes because the veins that drain from your eyes to your nose are darkened and dilated.

+  Anemia. The lack of nutrients in the diet, or the lack of a balanced diet, can contribute to the discoloration of the area under the eyes. It is believed that a lack of mineral iron can cause dark circles as well. Iron and B12 deficiency are the most common type of anemia and this condition is a sign that not enough oxygen is getting to the body tissues. The skin can also become more pale during pregnancy and menstruation (due to lack of iron), allowing the underlying veins under the eyes to become more visible.

+  Fatigue. A lack of sleep or excessive tiredness can cause paleness of the skin. Reduced circulation gives the skin appearance more visibility and bluer or darker color. Before going to bed at night, develop a habit of removing all eye makeup. Failing which, the accumulative effect is tired eyes due to lack of oxygen.

+  Liver disorder. Dark circles under eyes can be a symptom of liver disease due to lack of oxygen and toxins clogging blood vessels. Examine the cause of liver damage to rid the dark circle.

+  Bad diet. Maintain a healthy and balanced diet, and have adequate fluids to improve circulation. Dark circles and puffiness are possibly due to lack of vitamin K or inadequate antioxidants. As mentioned above, a deficiency in B12 and iron are anemia-related and can result in dark circles. What to do?

• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, especially cabbage, spinach and other leafy green vegetables. Take a daily vitamin supplement if necessary.
• Reduce salt intake. Excess salt causes the body to retain water in unusual places, and this can result in puffiness under the eyes. Poor blood circulation also causes the blood vessels under the skin to appear bluer.
• In a resting mode, the body is unable to dissipate excess water fluids. Drinking too much water before bedtime can contribute or add to bags under your eyes.

+  Smoking. Smoking cut off oxygen supply and make your blood vessels appear more prominent and bluer.

+  Not relaxed. Your body needs to relax to remove stress and anxiety that are preventing you from sleeping, eating and resting well which in turn help your eye skin to improve when you are more at ease. In fact, skin tone reflects your underlying emotional and physical conditions.

+  Aging. Dark circles become more noticeable and permanent with age for most senior citizens. This is a gradual process whereby the skin loses collagen and fat, and become thinner and more translucent. Circles may begin to appear darker in one eye than the other as a result of some habitual facial expressions, such as an uneven smile.

+  Hyperpigmentation. This is the condiiton when there is more melanin produced around the eyes than is usual, giving them a darker color.

APPLICATIONS

• Apply cool tea bags or an ice cube wrapped in soft cloth to your eyes daily. The tannin in tea bags reduces swelling and discoloration. Refrigenerate overnite, place the cool and damp caffeinated tea bags over your closed eyes for about 10-15 minutes in the morning lying down.
• Make a saline solution. Add 2 cups water with a 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt and/or a half tea-spoon of baking soda in one of your nostrils. Have your head tilted to the side so that the water comes out the other nostril. Apply this method when you are experiencing nasal congestion.
• Use a potato. Place an uncooked potato into a liquidizer and liquidize the whole potato. Scoop out and place the pureed potato on your closed eyes. Keep it there for 30 minutes, lying on your back. Wash it off with warm water.
• Use a frozen spoon. Put a spoon in the freezer for 10-15 minutes. Take it out and cover the circles with it. Hold it there until the spoon is warm again.
  
  
• Use cucumber slices. Cucumber slices are commonly used to reduce puffiness and refresh the appearance of skin around the eyes, providing a quick relief for tired and puffy eyes. Place a slice over each eye, extending over the darkened area. Do this daily for 10-15 minutes on shut eyes whilst lying down.
• Apply an eye cream containing vitamin K and retinol. Dark circles may be caused by a deficiency of vitamin K. Both ingredients reduce puffiness and discoloration significantly in many people. Long-term daily use seems to have the greatest effect.
• Use an under-eye cream. Use a matching-color concealer (eg. yellow or peach) to camouflage the dark under-eye circles, to follow with a light dusting of translucent powder.

VIVA CORNER

To promote healthy eyes, antioxidants are necessary to protect against cellular damage. Vivashield offers 4 potent antioxidants, namely Vitamin A, C, E and selenium in one for synergistic effect.
VIVA Cellpex provides the mean to penetrate the bloodstream fast and supports blood platelet flow around the eye skin tissue and may protect capillaries by neutralising free radicals that contribute to the breakdown of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. For those with liver damage, it supports the liver’s detoxifying function and aids in recovery.

VIVA Omega3 helps to reduce inflammation and improves blood circulation around the eyes.
VIVA Oxypower is rich in antioxidant vitamin A, C, E and co-enzyme10 that can effectively neutralise free radicals, thus reducing the damage caused to the cells around the eyes. Also it enables these cells to use oxygen more efficiently and thus improves blood circulation.

Stop taking PANADOL and POH CHAI pills

Both Panadol and Po Chai pills are household over-the-counter all purpose "medicine", commonly found in family medicine cabinets.  Please avoid or use them sparingly.

PANADOL

In 1955, Panadol was introduced to hospitals in the United Kingdom and can be available only by prescription. These days you can get hold of it at any pharmacies or departmental stores.

Paracetamol, the active ingredient in the Panadol products is widely considered by health professionals to be a safe and effective painkilling medicine for the relief of mild to moderate pain and fever associated with conditions such as throbbing headaches, migraine, toothache, teething, colds and flu. It works by reducing the production of prostaglandins in the brain and spinal cord which are produced by the body in response to injury and certain diseases. One of their actions is to sensitise nerve endings, so that when the injury is stimulated it causes pain (presumably to prevent us from causing further harm to the area). As paracetamol reduces the production of these nerve sensitising prostaglandins it is believed to increase our pain threshold, so that although the injury remains, we do not feel as much. It also helps in reducing fever by affecting an area of the brain that regulates our body temperature (the hypothalamic heat-regulating center).

On comparison, it is as effective as aspirin in relieving mild to moderate pain and reducing fever, but does not have the accompanying anti-inflammatory effect.

Safety aspects

+ The recommended dosage per day is 4g or 8 tablets @ 500 mg each. Medical advice is that as so long it is used as directed is deemed safe but can be dangerous if the recommended dosage is deliberately exceeded over prolonged periods. In most cases, excessive dosage occur accidentally amongst young adults ending up in the emergency department of hospitals. Immediate treatment using an antidote called N-acetylcysteine (NAC) prevents the paracetamol from causing liver toxicity. However, those who do not seek early treatment can end up having liver and kidney failure or even death.


+ A report published in The Medical Journal of Australia found people who did not eat enough, drank a lot of alcohol or took certain medications were vulnerable to toxic effects from paracetamol. Elderly people with kidney or heart and lung problems are most vulnerable. The same report indicates that healthy people are usually able to metabolise paracetamol, mostly excreted from the body in urine within few hours. However, the drug can accumulate in people with risk factors, rendering even a normal dose toxic.

+ Users should check that they do not take more than one medication containing paracetamol at the same time as this could lead to accidental overdose. Many cold and flu remedies and over-the-counter painkillers contain this similar ingredient.

+ Long-term or regular use of paracetamol may increase the anti-blood-clotting effect of warfarin and other anticoagulant medicines, leading to an increased risk of bleeding.

+ It is not advisable to give kids and pregnant women this medicine. Though there are no known harmful effects when this medicine is used during pregnancy small amounts may pass into breast milk. Kids should be given the recommended dosage based on their weight. Consult a pharmacist or doctor if in doubt.


+  Health Sciences Authority of Singapore (HSA) cautioned that it can cause reactions such as rashes and swelling of the lips or face in some individuals.

Full extract from source:  http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/aches-and-pains/medicines/panadol.html
For more, read link: http://www.drugs.com/sfx/panadol-side-effects.html
Attached article is published on Straits Times dated 10th Jan 2017 in consultation with Dr Grant Sklar, a senior principal clinical pharmacist at National University Hospital of Singapore.

PO CHAI PILLS

One of the most commonly used Chinese herbal pills in Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia called, “Po Chai” have been recalled in Hong Kong. Investigations found two dangerous chemicals (phenolphthalein and sibutramine), and mercury in the manufacture of the pills known to cause serious brain damage.

 

Recall No :  PR100003
Date :	8 March 2010
Name of Product :	Po Chai Pills (Capsule Form) (保濟丸)
Batch No :	21217
Expiry Date :	6-2012
Pack Size :	10 capsules
Class of Recall :	2
Level of Recall :	Retail
Product Reference No :	108131
Local Company :	Li Chung Shing Tong (S) Pte Ltd
Manufacturer :	Li Chung Shing Tong (Holdings) Ltd
Country of Manufacture :	Hong Kong
Reason for Recall :	Contained phenolphthalein and sibutramine

Class I recall is initiated when the product defect poses a life threatening situation to users. Some examples are non-sterile injections, contamination with toxic substances and products with major labeling errors.

Class II recall is initiated when the problem or defect is unlikely to cause serious harm to users. Some examples include products with minor labeling errors or products which fail to meet product specification or pharmacoposis standards but are unlikely to cause minimal hazards to users.


Note:


-  Phenolphthalein was once used for treating constipation but had been banned in 2001 for its cancer-causing effect.  


-  Sibutramine is a Western medicine used as an appetite suppressant. Its side effects include increased blood pressure and heart rate, psychosis and possibly convulsion. People with heart problems should not take it. Any product containing sibutramine must be registered as such before it can be sold in Hong Kong. It can only be sold on a doctor's prescription and dispensed under the supervision of a pharmacist.
Ref: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/hkedition/2010-03/27/content_9650944.htm  


-  The bottled tablet form has since returned to the shelves, presumably no longer containing any carcinogenic laxatives, but presumably still claiming to be produced using the traditional recipe and procedure developed way back in 1896. However, the ingredients list ends with an “etc.”



Our comments


Many people take Panadol and Poi Cha pills too liberally to ease discomfort or pain and become addicted. The trouble may originate from another source (like organ or nerve) and easing it does not solve the problem. If the problem is recurring, it is advisable to seek medical help or do a health checkup to get to the root of the problem. Overdependence on such medicine can possibly put one into the risky category in a matter of time. How?


Liver is the largest detoxifying organ in our body and is known to be the last one to decay (at least 70 good years if well-maintained).  So imagine how much toxins are loaded before a total breakdown occurs?  Most drugs tend to stick around for up to 5 years waiting to be eliminated but may never make it.  Love your organ and avoid such harmful substances if you want to stay long and healthy.


Still don’t believe?  Read another article featured not long ago…


The vultures take any dead flesh. What have they to do with Panadol pills?

 

In Mumbai (India) a learned History professor there was told that the Parsees (a religious sect in western India of Persian origin) used to take their deads and laid them to rest at huge ‘Wind Towers’ (round structures that Look like Giant Water reservoirs, but open to the air).

 

The Parsees never buried their dead, nor burned their corpses. They simply left them to the Birds of Prey (Vultures) to be eaten thus completing the Life Cycle. Around 10 years ago, it was noticed that the birds were dying off for no apparent reason.  Not many of them were left to consume the dead bodies which started rotting away.

 

So, the Parsees had to change this mode of dealing with their dead… BUT, they wanted to know why a custom that survived for hundreds of years had to be suspended?

 

They did autopsies on the dead birds that they were dying in huge numbers. What was the culprit???

PANADOL !!!!

presumably taken by the dead people when they were alive.

What is your TEMPERATURE?

To sustain life, the human body has to stay within a narrow range of 36.5-37 degrees Celsius with normal temperature at 37 degrees Celsius. Within this ideal range, your immune system is strong and holds you in fine emotional and physical stability.

Having said that, normal body temperature can vary according to a wide range of factors including a person's age, the time of day and whether someone is active or not. For women, body temperature is very sensitive to hormone levels and may be higher or lower when she is ovulating or having her menstrual period.

What is body temperature?

Body temperature is a measure of the body's ability to generate and eliminate heat. Our body is very capable at keeping its temperature within a narrow, safe range in spite of large variations in temperatures in the external environment.

Incidentally, scientists have found the reason why our body temperature is maintained at the ideal range. Apparently it is the perfect balance - warm enough to prevent fungal infection but not too hot that we need to eat nonstop to maintain our metabolism.

When there is too much heat around, the blood vessels in your skin expand (dilate) to carry the excess heat to your skin's surface. You may begin to sweat, and as the sweat evaporates, it helps you to cool down. On the contrary, when you are too cold, your blood vessels narrow (contract) so that blood flow to your skin is reduced to conserve body heat. You may start shivering, which is an involuntary, rapid contraction of the muscles, an action meant to generate more heat.


How can temperature protect the body?

The body has an in-built mechanism to use temperature control to protect itself against illness and injury when any specific part is having inflammation or under much stress.  This is a biological reaction occurring when destructive microbes or tumor cells invade the body, prompting the immune cells to release a certain protein that stimulates the hypothalamus (a part of the brain) to raise the temperature.

What about a fever?

In most instances, a fever is not a disease but a manifestation of a disease and thus does more good than harm unless it rises to a critical level of 41 to 43 deg C which can result in dehydration and brain damage.

-  Symptoms

The common symptoms accompanying a fever include headache, muscle ache, sweating, shivering, poor appetite, dehydration, restlessness, rash, rapid breathing, rapid heart rate and general body weakness. It can also cause mental strains such as clouded consciousness, hallucinations, excessive sleepiness and seizures.  Occurring with diarrhoea and vomiting, it is likely due to gastroenteritis and if accompanied by coughing, wheezing and phlegm may indicate pneumonia.

-  Persons at high risk

+  Adults experiencing high body temperature should not be unduly worried unless there is viral epidemic like SAR.
+  Children with lower immunity should be examined and given due medical attention.
+  Heart patients have to be careful as high fever can cause irregular heartbeats which can be life-threatening.

-  Treatments

FOR ADULTS

+  Drink plenty of water and fruit juice to keep hydrated, and replenish with vitamins and minerals (should not contain zinc and iron).  No solid food till fever retreats
+  Wear loose clothes and take warm baths to keep the body cool  (avoid cold water as it has a tendency to close up pores on the skin and prevents evaporation)
+  Do not cover with blanket even if you feel cold as this causes further rise in temperature (if really need to, at most 20 mins). Sleep well.

FOR CHILDREN

+  Do not give aspirin to them for fear of causing a fatal neurological disorder
+  Do not rub alcohol or ice water to bring down the temperature
+  A child can be wrapped up in a blanket to induce sweating and leave to rest well
A fever that never seems to go off needs further examination.  It can be associated with diabetes, hepatitis, mononucleosis etc.  Otherwise, let the fever runs its own course as the body is helping to ward off infection and eliminate toxins from our systems.


What happens why temperature is uncontrollable?

When the body fails to regulate its own temperature, resulting in rising degrees to an exceedingly high level, a heat stroke may occur, termed hyperthermia. The ability to sweat and transfer the heat to the environment is reduced. In critical cases, heatstroke can cause severe dehydration with body organs malfunctioning if not attended to promptly.

Note the change of temperatures and the likely consequences -

• 44°C or more – Death is almost certain for most sufferers.
• 43°C – Can be fatal, or serious brain damage, continuous convulsions and shock, cardio-respiratory collapse etc.
• 42°C – In the worst case - comatosed. Face may turn pale or remain flushed and red. Also, in severe delirium, vomiting and convulsions. Blood pressure may be high or low but heart rate is definitely very fast.
• 41°C – Fainting, vomiting, severe headache, dizziness, confusion, hallucinations, delirium and drowsiness can occur. There may also be palpitations and breathlessness.
• 40°C – Fainting, dehydration, weakness, vomiting, headache and dizziness may occur as well as profuse sweating.
• 39°C – Severe sweating, flushed and very red. Fast heart rate and breathlessness, followed by exhaustion. Children and epileptics may be very likely to get convulsions at this point.
• 38°C – Sweating, feeling very uncomfortable, slightly hungry.

On the contrary, when the core body temperature falls below the normal range for a prolonged period of time, troubles may be brewing internally. Termed hypothermia, this is a common happening amongst the elderly unknowingly as there is no imminent threat posed in the short term and often the weather takes the quick blame. Weak and old people should watch when body temperature runs low, especially with presence of an infection.

• 36°C - The body shivers to generate more heat, a physiological response to preserve heat. The feeling is still bearable but chronic degenerative diseases are starting to creep in.
• 35.5°C - Violent shivering is likely. The functioning of the autonomic nervous system can be disrupted causing poor muscle coordination. Person involved can still be alert, but becomes hypersensitive and moves sluggishly, accompanied by a stumbling pace and mild confusion. Surface blood vessels contract further as the body focuses its remaining resources on keeping the vital organs warm. Pale looking, the victim may have lips, ears, fingers and toes turning blue.
• 35°C - The body environment is conducive for cancer proliferation. Below 35, death is imminent.
• 34°C – Severe shivering, loss of movement of fingers, blueness and confusion. Some behavioral changes may take place.
• 33°C – Moderate to severe confusion, sleepiness, depressed or total unresponsive reflexes, progressive loss of shivering (may stop completely), slow heart beat, shallow breathing etc.

Generally, life can be sustained for a short while only when the core temperature drops to about 30.5-32.2 degrees C.

• 32°C – Hallucinations, delirium, complete confusion, extreme sleepiness that is progressively becoming comatose. Shivering is absent (may feel hot instead). Reflex may be mild to nil.
• 31°C – In comatose state, hardly conscious, little or slight reflexes. Very shallow breathing and slow heart rate (likely serious heart rhythm problems).
• 30°C and below - The exposed skin becomes blue and puffy, muscle coordination is very poor, making walking almost impossible, and the person exhibits incoherent/irrational behavior including terminal burrowing or even a stupor. Pulse and respiration rates decrease significantly, but fast heart rates can register. Cellular metabolic processes shut down leading to major organ failure. Though clinical death has occurred, but brain may not be declared dead yet.
• 28°C – Severe heart rhythm disturbances are likely and breathing may stop at any time. Patient may appear to be dead.

Causes for fall in temperatures

+ Cold exposure

+ Lack of physical exercises

+ Stress

+ Over eating

+ Shock

+ Excessive alcohol intake

+ Prolonged use of medicated drugs

+ Certain metabolic disorders, such as diabetes and hypothyroidism

Foods that can improve blood temperatures

+ Take only nutritionally dense food and avoid refined foods eg. instant noodles, canned food and fast food

+ Warming foods help to energise the body eg. fishes, red wine, brown rice, garlic, onion, ginger, red tea, wolfberry, durian

More comments

According to the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners, ailments are usually created by poor chi (life energy), blood and fluid circulation. Thick blood with inferior quality is unable to let the body systems function efficiently. A balance has to be struck between ‘yin’ and ‘yang'. Both constitutions can give rise to different illnesses in extremities as illustrated above where temperature falls outside the bands of both sides.

By maintaining a healthy lifestyle can the body temperature remain within the range as long as possible.

VIVA corner

+  The active enzymes in VIVA Green Barley helps to neutralise free radicals and creates an alkaline environment so that the harmful bacteria finds  it hard to thrive on. Working together with the immune system to combat the invaders, chance of elimination is improved and the fever can then drop.

+  VIVABiogarlic contains an important component known as Allicin that is proven medically to be anti-bacterial, anti-viral and shows a great efficacy against infectious diseases.  This product is highly concentrated under low temperature and contains capsicum, phytochemicals and other bioflavonoids, which could enhance nutrients absorption.  Note that 100 mg of garlic extract has the same effect as 10mg of penicillin of anti-bacteria action.

Treat Bad Breath SERIOUSLY!

 

Halitosis is a term used to describe noticeably unpleasant odors exhaled in breathing. It has a significant impact — personally and socially — on those who suffer from it or believe they do, and is estimated to be the third-most-frequent reason for seeking dental aid, following tooth decay and periodontal disease (gum disease).

In virtually all cases, bad breath originates in the mouth itself. The 600 types of bacteria found here produce malodorous compounds and fatty acids, and account for 80-90% of all cases of mouth-related bad breath. Large quantities of naturally-occurring bacteria are often found on the posterior dorsum of the tongue, where they are relatively undisturbed by normal activity.

That leaves about 10% of foul smell exiting from the nostrils due to sinus infection or foreign bodies.

If it is transient…..

+ The intensity of bad breath differs during the day, due to eating certain foods (such as garlic, onions, meat, fish and cheese). 
 
+ Since the mouth is exposed to less oxygen with less saliva flowing in the night, the odor is usually worse upon awakening (“morning breath”).

It often disappears following eating, brushing one’s teeth, flossing or rinsing with specialized mouthwash.

If it is persistent….

It can turn into a more serious condition, negatively affects the individual’s personal, social and business relationships, leading to poor self-esteem and increased stress. 25% of the population is suffering from it in varying degrees.

Causes

+ The most common location for mouth-related halitosis is the back part of the tongue which is relatively dry and poorly cleansed, and thus invites the bacteria to thrive on remnants of food deposits, dead epithelial cells and postnasal drip.

+ The most common cavity-causing bacteria, streptococcus mutans can spread easily to infants and children by their caregivers and between couples.

+ Not taking enough water can cause bad breath too. A dry mouth with lesser saliva flow slows the cleansing process and results in accumulation of dead cells which can decompose and cause odor.

+ Untreated tooth decay and gum problems can cause bad breath too. Cavities from tooth decay can easily trap food particles and bacteria, thus emitting strong smelling hydrogen sulphide vapours. Plaque-filled pockets between the teeth and gums from advanced periodontal (gum) disease is a common cause of severe halitosis. Hardened plaque roughens the tooth surface and creates more space for trapping food.

+ Other causes of bad breath include dieting, improper dieting, drinking, smoking and medical problems like chronic lung infections and uncontrolled diabetes (usually breath with fruity odor), constipation, smoking, fever, inadequate protein digestion, over-stressed and too much unfriendly bacteria in the colon. The sufferer is most probably having high acidity in the body.

+  Some women develop unpleasant breath for several days before menstruation. Emotional stress, which upsets the metabolism may also be a factor.

Recommendations

+ Most people can get away with bad breath by practising good oral hygiene, such as flossing and brushing the teeth and tongue twice a day correctly so as to promote saliva production and clear away plaque and bacteria.

+ Eating a healthy breakfast with rough foods helps clean the very back of the tongue.

+ Those infected with gum disease, should seek dental treatment. Removal of the subgingival calculus (i.e. tartar or hard plaque) and friable tissue has been shown to improve mouth odor considerably. This is accomplished by subgingival scaling, root planning and irrigation with an antibiotic mouth rinse.

The major chemical compounds of bad breath are the same as those emitted by rotting food, faeces and even dead bodies – all potential sources of disease and infection. This is because the bacteria produces acids that destroy the teeth gradually and then move on to attack other tissues in the body. There are instances of heart attacks arising from severe dental decay.

Treat this smelling problem seriously!

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halitosis; ST Mind your Body, Jul 1, 2010 and Apr 7, 2011

VIVA corner

The active enzymes in VIVA Green Barley can neutralise free radicals present in the mouth by destroying the bad thriving bacteria. It gives a refreshing taste with its greenish flavor. You can practise munching some green barley in the mouth before going to bed.




VIVA Floraguard aids in the production of natural antimicrobial compounds and establishes a protective layer against pathogenic infection including bacteria, molds, viruses and parasites residing in both the mouth and colon.

VIVA C-complex can help in healing mouth and gum disease and in preventing bleeding gums.



VIVA Biogarlic acts as a natural antibiotic, destroying foreign bacteria faster in both the mouth and colon.

Food TREASURES

 

The next time you eat those foods listed below, do not throw away certain parts which seemingly deemed useless. You will be amazed their nutritional value could be higher than the food itself. Check if you have unknowingly wasted any so far.

FISH EYES

Fish eyes, especially mackerel family, contains high quantity of DHA and EPA which are very rare unsaturated fatty acid. The human brain is almost 70% fats and almost 20% of these fats are the Omega 3 fat DHA. Both DHA and EPA are essential fats, which mean our bodies cannot manufacture them and must be derived from food source. Lacking these nutrients, the development of brain and nervous system (especially for the children) can be adversely affected.

Hence, it has the ability to stimulate human brain cells, improve memory and thinking power, and also very helpful in preventing memory decline, high cholesterol and hypertension diseases.

Omega 3 has high concentration of DHA, a main component in the retina to build a better protective membrane in the eye cells and can help to lower pressure build-up. Clinical experiments showed that fish eyes can help to reduce the deterioration of eyesight.
You can go for fish supplements if gulping down fish eye is a NO-NO.

FIBRES OF ORANGE/GRAPEFRUIT PEELS

After removing the peel of an orange or grapefruit, do not remove all the fibres that cover the fruits. This is because the fibres contain vitamin C proven to help to maintain the elasticity and density of the arterial wall, which in turn reduces the danger of bleeding especially in the fine arteries. This is especially so for hypertension patients who experience brain hemorrhage and diabetic patients with retina hemorrhage. Aging people with tendency of artery hardening should eat more fibres of oranges and grapefruit peels.

A word of caution - high concentrations of pesticides have been found in orange peels. Hence, one should only consume the peels of organically grown and processed oranges too.

PORK BONES

The nutritional value of bones are higher than that of the meat. Comparing the nutritional values of pork bones and pork, the bones contain far more protein, iron, sodium and calories than meat.

Bones contain 23% more protein than milk powder, 61% more than beef, three times as much as pork and more than double that of eggs. It has abundance of essential minerals that humans require, like vitamins A, B1 and B2 that are useful for slowing aging. The best part is, when boiled in soup, these nutrition become more readily absorbed by human body than plant-based food.

Traditionally, bone broths have become the nourishing recipes amongst older Chinese, believing that animal bones contain high level of calcium. In fact, the amount of calcium content is generally low and even adding few drops of vinegar does not yield much more.

For us in Asia, bakuteh is the perfect dish you can indulge in occasionally. Remember to cook your pork well to avoid unpleasant consequences.

CHILLI LEAVES

Chili leaves contains complete range of amino acid four times more than the chili fruits and double anti-cancerous properties. Also, they are rich in calcium, beta carotene, various vitamins and other nutrients.

Other benefits include:

- Enhances secretion of digestive juices, improves appetite, treats diarrhoea and gastric and stomach discomfort.
- Regular intake of helps in warming body, strengthens liver, improves eyesight, reduces weight and improves beauty.
- Traditionally use as a plaster on skin to treat joint aches, sprains, swelling, burns and insect bites. (apply 2-5 leaves, moist enough to adhere to the aching area).

No wonder, chilli leaves are widely used in the Philippines for treatment purpose and make into tea, cook as a dish, fry with meat or a soup. However, note that chilli plants are usually sprayed with insecticides and thorough cleansing is required before cooking.