Monday, September 22, 2014

Artificial Sweeteners Boost Diabetes risk




PARIS: Promoted as an aid to good health, artificial sweeteners may in fact be boosting diabetes risk, said a study on Wednesday (Sep 17) that urged a rethink of their widespread use and endorsement.

Also called non-calorific artificial sweeteners, or NAS, the additives are found in diet sodas, cereals and desserts - a huge market for people worried about weight gain and sugar intake.

Some experts recommend NAS for people with Type 2 diabetes, a disease that has attained pandemic proportions, and for a pre-diabetic condition called glucose intolerance, with elevated blood-sugar levels.

After leaving a sensation of sweetness on the tongue, NAS molecules pass through the intestinal tract without being absorbed. This explains why, unlike sugar, they add negligibly, if at all, to the calorie count.

But scientists reported in the journal Nature that experiments on lab mice and a small group of humans found NAS disrupted the makeup and function of gut bacteria, and actually hastened glucose intolerance.

"Artificial sweeteners were extensively introduced into our diets with the intention of reducing caloric intake and normalising blood glucose levels without compromising the human 'sweet tooth'," the paper said.

"Our findings suggest that NAS may have directly contributed to enhancing the exact epidemic that they themselves were intended to fight," it said bluntly.

Scientists led by Eran Elinav and Eran Segal of the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel added three commonly-used types of NAS - aspartame, sucralose or saccharin - to the drinking water of mice in body-size appropriate doses equivalent to recommended maximum human intake.

Those rodents given NAS developed glucose intolerance, whereas mice that drank only water, or water with sugar, did not.

Next, the researchers transplanted faeces from NAS-fed and glucose-fed mice into rodents bred to have no gut bacteria of their own.

The blood-glucose levels of the NAS transplant recipients rose sharply, the team found - and their gut bacteria worked harder than the other group's at extracting glucose from nutrients.

The next step was to apply these insights to humans. Pouring over questionnaires and health data from 381 non-diabetic people, the team found a "significant" link between glucose intolerance and higher NAS consumption.

Finally, the researchers placed seven volunteers who did not normally use NAS on a seven-day regimen that included the maximum sweetener intake recommended by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Within five to seven days, four developed elevated blood-glucose levels and an altered gut bacteria mix, apparently mirroring the effect in mice.

DEMAND FOR A REVIEW

Past investigations into NAS have delivered mixed results. Some showed benefits in weight loss and glucose tolerance, while others suggested the opposite.

The picture is muddied by the fact that many NAS consumers are people who already have diabetes or are prone to it.

The new experiments are a red flag, the team said. "This calls for a reassessment of today's massive, unsupervised consumption of these substances," said Elinav.

Independent commentators praised the work for its innovation, but warned against overreaction. The human trial involved just seven people over a week, and wider and longer trials are needed to draw any firm conclusion, they said.

"Human diets are complex, consisting of many foods, the consumption of which can vary in amounts, and over time," warned John Menzies of the Centre for Integrative Physiology at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland.

"This research raises caution that NAS may not represent the 'innocent magic bullet' they were intended to be to help with the obesity and diabetes epidemics," Nita Forouhi, a University of Cambridge epidemiologist told Britain's Science Media Centre. "But it does not yet provide sufficient evidence to alter public health and clinical practice."


Reference:

Saturday, September 13, 2014

Playing with food

A messy feeding most of the time! 
Han likes to dip her both hands into the food bowl and starts playing with the food. 

Is it good to let baby play with food?
http://www.yourkidstable.com/2012/07/why-you-should-let-your-baby-or-toddler.html

Friday, September 12, 2014

Great experience interviewing world renowned Nutritional Immunologist,Dr Jau Fei Chen

I was invited as an emcee and interviewer of Live! with Dr Chen Chapter 3 @ Orchard Hotel on 17-Aug-14. 

There are about 2000 people who are attending the session. 

It was an awesome experience interviewing Dr Jau Fei Chen who is the founder of Nutritional Immunology. 

Who is Dr Chen?











This is one of the reasons why I like my business so much! 

It allows me to have so many great exposure experiences which i would never get in my job. 

Best regards 
Joselyne 
90909942


Tuesday, September 9, 2014

9 Superfoods which are good for eye's health

9 Superfoods which are good for eye's health.


1. Brussel Sprout
Brussels sprouts are abundant in zeaxanthin, which helps to boost overall immunity and protect eyes.

2. Chia Seed
Chia seeds are rich sources of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a plant-based omega-3 fatty acid with powerful anti-inflammatory effects that may help prevent eye conditions linked to oxidative stress and inflammation.

3. Blueberries
Blueberries are packed with anthocyanins—powerful antioxidants that protect the retina from free radical damage.

4. Chinese wolfberries
Like cassia seeds, Chinese wolfberries are used in TCM to help nourish the liver for better eye health. They are high in lutein and zeaxanthin, which act as antioxidants in the eye to protect and maintain healthy cells.

5. Cassia Seed
Cassia seeds are used as a tonic for the liver, eyes and kidneys in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). An unhealthy liver cannot rid the body of toxins effectively. This leads to more toxins in the bloodstream, causing free radical damage to the eyes. Cassia seeds help neutralize free radicals and protect the liver by boosting the activities of antioxidant enzymes. 

6. Broccoli
Broccoli is a potent source of sulforaphane, a phytochemical with potent antioxidant effects that help protect the retina.

7. Yellow pepper
Yellow pepper is high in nutrients like lutein, beta-carotene and violaxanthin that help improve vision.

8. Grape Seed 
Grape seeds are abundant in oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs). These are powerful antioxidants that help strengthen blood vessels and improve blood circulation in the eyes.

9. Carrot
Carrots are an excellent source of beta-carotene and lutein for better night vision and to help prevent dry eyes.



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Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Experience DIY yourself in coloring your hair with E.Excel Coloring Kit

Testimonial from my friend who loves the hair dye from E.Excel after first use! :) 

The coloring kit is very mild but give a good coloring result! 

The chemical smell is also almost not there. 
It won't cause much itchiness in scalp too. 

 I personally dye my hair using the color kit before also. 
After washing, your hair will be very silky and smooth also.

Highly recommend you to use it if you always DIY for your hair coloring.

Or if you don't want to harm your scalp and hair too much by coloring frequently, you can choose E.Excel coloring kit! :) 



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Joselyne 

Monday, September 1, 2014

High Blood Pressure Medicine - Side Effects

High blood pressure has become one of the most common heart diseases nowadays. 

Many people may think that with medicine prescribed for high blood pressure, it means they are safe and the problems solved. However do you know that side effects of these medications bring harm to your health in the long run?

Have you heard of people end up going for kidney dialysis (kidney failure) after medicine intake for many many years? 

What are common high blood pressure side effects?

Different classes of blood pressure medications have different side effects.

Diuretics

Diuretics can lead to an increase in potassium loss, known as hypokalemia, which, in turn can affect muscular function -- including the muscles of the heart. There is also an increased risk for gout with diuretics -- as well as the possibility of weakness, thirst, dehydration, and increased urination. Changes in blood sugar levels are also possible. Skin reactions, some severe, are possible with thiazide diuretics (such as hydrochlorothiazide). Potassium-sparing diuretics, such as spironolactone (Aldactone) may cause breast enlargement in males.

Beta blockers

Beta-blockers cause the heart to slow down and so some of their side effects can be traced to that mechanism of action. Dizziness, weakness, fatigue, and fainting are possible. Beta-blockers also affect the respiratory system, so other side effects include shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, and chest pain. Beta-blockers should not be withdrawn suddenly, as that could result in a heart attack or sudden death.

ACE inhibitors

The most common side effect from ACE Inhibitors is also an unusual one -- a dry cough. Usually it goes away with continued use of the drug, but that could take weeks. ACE Inhibitors could reduce blood pressure too much, resulting in hypotension which could, in turn lead to headache, dizziness, fainting, and reduced kidney function.

Angiotensin II receptor blockers

The most common side effect from the angiotensin receptor blockers(ARBs) is an increased potassium level in the blood, known ashyperkalemia. Dizziness is also common, along with fatigue. Upper respiratory tract infections have also been reported -- along with gastrointestinal issues such as upset stomach and diarrhea.

Calcium channel blockers

Up to a third of patients may experience the following side effects with calcium channel blockers: Swelling of the ankles and other extremities, flushing, and dizziness. Other common side effects include heartburn and nausea.

Alpha blockers

A common, transient, but distressing initial side effect of the alpha blockers is postural hypotension. This is a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up. It can be severe enough to cause dizziness or even fainting. In addition, the alpha blockers can result in increased heart rate, headache, nausea, and weakness.

Methyldopa

Methyldopa is mostly well tolerated, but some patients may experience dizziness, drowsiness, weakness, headache, and dry mouth.

Central agonists

Up to 40% of patients taking clonidine (Catapres) will experience dry mouth and about a third will have drowsiness, headache, and sleepiness. Other common side effects include constipation, dizziness, and local skin reactions with use of the Catapres-TTS skin patch. Reserpine use is linked with possible side effects including nightmares, stuffy nose, depression, and an inability to fall asleep. Diarrhea and heartburn are also possible. Guanadrel and guanethidine can cause diarrhea and other gastrointestinal issues – as well as dizziness and drowsiness.

Vasodilators

Taking minoxidil might result in excessive body hair growth, as well as weight gain and dizziness. Hydralazine is linked to headaches, heartpalpitations, swelling around the eyes, and aches and pains in the joints.
(source: http://www.rxlist.com/high_blood_pressure_hypertension_medications-page8/drugs-condition.html)

PROTECTION and PREVENTION:
Do protect your kidney and liver if you or your loved ones are taking medications for the high blood pressure condition.

It will never be too late to protect these organs before they are damaged day by day by the chemical substances in the medicine. 

Wholesome Food Product Recommendation: 
1. ENCORE : to nourish and protect Liver
2. REFRESH: to nourish and protect Kidney
3. ORCHESTRA: Good for high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. 

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Joselyne 
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