Damilola Osinaike's Blog: Locust beans: Nutritious and Medicinal

Damilola Osinaike's Blog: Locust beans: Nutritious and Medicinal:   Have you eaten soup spiced with locust bean before? If your answer is no, then you are denying yourself a whole lots of health b...

Locust beans: Nutritious and Medicinal

 

Have you eaten soup spiced with locust bean before? If your answer is no, then you are denying yourself a whole lots of health benefits.  It is not easy to look at, and the smell is unpleasant but consumers say it is at best when well fermented.

Locust bean is the single, most significant ingredient guaranteed to take soups, stews or mixed vegetables from being okay to the next level.

Locust bean also known as carob, Iru by the Yorubas and ogiri, dawa dawa by Igbos, is one of the common cooking condiments that is gradually disappearing from dinning table of many families. These names all refer to one and the same thing – this bean-like non-fleshy seed with a naturally sweet taste is widely used by Nigerians.

Local research has shown that locust bean helps to promote good sight and drives away hypertension and diseases conditions like stroke and diabetes.

Locust bean

It also contains tannins, astringent substances found in many plants. Foods rich in tannins are often recommended for treatment of diarrhoea.

The portion of carob that is made into locust bean gum contains soluble fibre in the galactomannan family. Like other forms of soluble fibre, it has shown potential benefit for enhancing weight loss and controlling blood sugar levels.

In another results published in Science Journal based in Dakar, Senegal, researchers tried out locust beans on rats to find out whether it actually has any impact on controlling blood pressure and the result obtained showed that adequate doses of locust beans helped to decrease arterial blood pressure.

The findings showed that the diastolic blood pressure measurement enjoyed more reduction than even the systolic blood pressure.  It also revealed the many wonders of African locust bean tree.  The pulverised bark of African locust bean tree, for instance, is employed in wound healing and serves as one of the ingredients that are used in treating leprosy.

Locust beans is added to everything – not only because it tastes good and can serve as a tastier alternative to other spices cubes, but also due to its health benefits among which are vision improvement, digestion aid and much more.

Your comments will be appreciated.

You can follow me on twitter @abolibot112 and also get more health tips on my facebook page

MALARIA

Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease of humans and other animals caused by parasitic protozoans (a type of unicellular microorganism) of the genus Plasmodium. Commonly, the disease is transmitted by a bite from an infected female Anopheles mosquito, which introduces the organisms from its saliva into a person's circulatory system. Five species of Plasmodium can infect and be transmitted by humans. The vast majority of deaths are caused by P. falciparum and P. vivax, while P. ovale, and P. malariae cause a generally milder form of malaria that is rarely fatal. In the blood, the parasites travel to the liver to mature and reproduce. Malaria is common in tropical and subtropical regions because rainfall, warm temperatures, and stagnant waters provide an environment ideal for mosquito larvae but however, disease transmission can be reduced by preventing mosquito bites by using mosquito nets and insect repellents, or with mosquito-control measures such as spraying insecticides and draining standing water. Despite a need, no effective vaccine exists, although efforts to develop one are ongoing.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS.
A malaria infection is generally characterized by recurrent attacks with the following signs and symptoms:
•Moderate to severe shaking chills
•High fever
•Profuse sweating as body temperature falls

Other signs and symptoms may include:
•Headache
•Vomiting
•Diarrhea

Malaria signs and symptoms typically begin within a few weeks after being bitten by an infected mosquito. However, some types of malaria parasites can lie dormant in your body for months, or even years.

PREVENTION.
Methods used to prevent malaria include medications, mosquito elimination and the prevention of bites. There is no vaccine for malaria. The presence of malaria in an area requires a combination of high human population density, high anopheles mosquito population density and high rates of transmission from humans to mosquitoes and from mosquitoes to humans. If any of these is lowered sufficiently, the parasite will eventually disappear from that area, as happened in North America, Europe and parts of the Middle East. However, unless the parasite is eliminated from the whole world, it could become re-established if conditions revert to a combination that favours the parasite's reproduction. Furthermore, the cost per person of eliminating anopheles mosquitoes rises with decreasing population density, making it economically unfeasible in some areas.

MOSQUITO CONTROL
Vector control refers to methods used to decrease malaria by reducing the levels of transmission by mosquitoes. For individual protection, the most effective insect repellents are based on DEET or picaridin. Insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITNs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS) have been shown to be highly effective in preventing malaria among children in areas where malaria is common. Prompt treatment of confirmed cases with artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) may also reduce transmission. spraying of insecticides on the walls inside a home. After feeding, many mosquito rest on a nearby surface while digesting the bloodmeal, so if the walls of houses have been coated with insecticides, the resting mosquitoes can be killed before they can bite another person and transfer the malaria parasite

TREATMENT.
Malaria is treated with antimalarial medications; the ones used depends on the type and severity of the disease. Uncomplicated malaria may be treated with oral medications. The most effective treatment for P. falciparum infection is the use of artemisinins in combination with other antimalarials (known as artemisinin-combination therapy, or ACT), which decreases resistance to any single drug component.[ Infection with P. vivax, P. ovale or P. malariae is usually treated without the need for hospitalization. Treatment of P. vivax requires both treatment of blood stages (with chloroquine or ACT) as well as clearance of liver forms with primaquine.

Recommended treatment for severe malaria is the intravenous use of antimalarial drugs. For severe malaria, artesunate is superior to quinine in both children and adults.Treatment of severe malaria involves supportive measures that are best done in a critical care unit. This includes the management of high fevers and the seizures that may result from it. It also includes monitoring for poor breathing effort, low blood sugar, and low blood potassium.

Mouth Ulcer (PART 2)

What are the symptoms of mouth ulcers?

You may have a mouth ulcer if you have:

 v  A painful sore or sores inside your mouth, on the tongue, soft palate (the back portion of the roof of your mouth), or inside your cheeks.

 v  Sores in your mouth that are round, white, or grey in colour, with a red edge or border.

In severe mouth ulcer attacks, you may also experience:

 v  Fever

 v  Physical sluggishness

                                                                           v  Swollen lymph nodes

How are mouth ulcers treated?

Pain from a mouth ulcer generally lessens in a few days and the sores usually heal without treatment in about a week or two. If sores are large, painful or persistent, your dentist may prescribe an antimicrobial mouth rinse, a corticosteroid ointment, or a prescription or non-prescription solution to reduce the pain and irritation.

Can mouth ulcers be prevented?

Although there is no cure for mouth ulcers and they often reoccur, you may be able to reduce their
frequency with good dental hygiene and by:

v  Avoiding foods that irritate your mouth, including acidic or spicy foods

v  Avoiding irritation from gum chewing

v  Brushing with a soft-bristled brush after meals and flossing daily, which will keep your mouth free of foods that might trigger a sore.

                                                                                                   

Seek medical advice about mouth ulcers if you have:

v  Unusually large sores

v  Sores that are spreading

v  Sores that last three weeks or longer

v  Intolerable pain despite avoiding trigger foods and taking over-the-counter pain medication

v  Difficulty drinking enough fluids

v  A high fever with the appearance of the mouth ulcer(s)
   
     
       Your comments will be appreciated.

You can follow me on twitter @abolibot112 and also get more health tips on my facebook page  

      

EBOLA FACTS

All you need to know about Ebola Virus

• It is a Central African disease that has traveled over countries in a living host to West Africa. 
• It is easily spread by physical contact and eating contaminated bush meat. 
• Major hosts are in 5 species of Bats but monkeys and apes are easily infected and killed. 
• It kills in a week, leaving no time to treat an individual. 
• It has no known vaccine or cure. 
• Known cases have been experienced recently in Guniea, Liberia and Central Africa Rep, spreading eastwards and westwards towards Nigeria. 
• Death toll so far in West Africa is over 100. 
• The Ebola outbreak of 2014 is the most challenging one witnessed in Africa. What we can do? 
• 1. Avoid eating any bush meat for now! Especially Apes and Bats. 
• 2. Wash your hands as regularly as possible, especially after shaking a stranger. It is spread by contact. 
• 3.The most straightforward prevention method during Ebola outbreaks is not touching patients, their excretions, and body fluids, or possibly contaminated materials and utensils. 
• Patients should be isolated, and medical staff should be trained and apply strict barrier nursing techniques (disposable face mask, gloves, goggles, and a gown at all times). 
• Traditional burial rituals, especially those requiring embalming of bodies, should be discouraged or modified.
• Awareness is key, don't just read or ignore...spread this campaign before the virus spreads!

Information on Ebola Virus

The first case of Ebola virus has been reported in Ghana.  It is therefore safe to assume this virus is in Nigeria, knowing how frequently our people travel back and forth, to and from Ghana.
More importantly, the strain has similarities with other virus initially thus it might not be recognized early enough.
Please take the following precautions.
1. Wash your hands frequently
2. Get a hand sanitizer for people to use in your offices and homes. And let them know why.
3. Get one for your kids to use in school frequently, and if possible, one for their class, let them know why.
4. Be careful with hand railings, doors and other utilities used by the public.
5. Avoid bush meat or meat of which you are not sure of its source.
 Lastly, watch out for people with flu like symptoms such as fever, myalgia and malaise. Please note that it has no cure and lets educate people around us.

Mouth ulcer (PART 1)

Mouth ulcers are painful round or oval sores that form in the mouth, most often on the inside of the cheeks or lips. They're usually white, red, yellow or grey in colour and are inflamed (red and swollen) around the edge.                                                                                        Although mouth ulcers can be uncomfortable, especially when you eat, drink or brush your teeth, they are usually harmless.

Most mouth ulcers will clear up by themselves within a week or two. You only need to seek medical attention if the ulcer gets worse or lasts for longer than three weeks, or if you develop ulcers regularly.

Mouth ulcers cannot be caught from someone else. Up to 1 in 5 people get recurrent mouth ulcers.

Types of mouth ulcer:

The main types of mouth ulcer are:

Minor ulcers: These are around 2-8mm in diameter and usually clear up in 10 days to 2 weeks.

Major ulcers: These are bigger and deeper, often with a raised or irregular border. This type of ulcer can take several weeks to heal and may leave a scar in the mouth.

Herpetiform ulcers: This type of ulcer is a cluster of dozens of smaller sores the size of pinheads.

What causes mouth ulcers?

The exact cause of most mouth ulcers is unknown. Stress or tissue injury is thought to be the cause of simple mouth ulcers. Certain foods, including citrus or acidic fruits and vegetables (such as lemons, oranges, pineapples, apples, figs, tomatoes and strawberries), can trigger a mouth ulcer or make the problem worse. 

Sometimes a sharp tooth surface or dental appliance, such as braces or ill-fitting dentures, might also trigger mouth ulcers.

Some cases of complex mouth ulcers are caused by an underlying health condition, such as an impaired immune system; nutritional problems, such as vitamin B-12, zinc, folic acid, or iron deficiency and gastrointestinal tract disease, such as Coeliac disease and Crohn's disease.

When you first quit smoking, you may develop more mouth ulcers than normal, but this is temporary.

Some medications, including common pain killers, beta-blockers and some chest pain medicines may cause a reaction that leads to mouth ulcers.

                                                                                                               to be continued

 Your comments will be appreciated.

You can also follow me on twitter @abolibot112 and also get more health tips on my facebook page

Mouth Odour (Halitosis)

I received a mail yesterday evening from a regular reader of my blog and she asked me some important questions. As a result of those questions, I would like to treat HALITOSIS (bad breath) one more time. If you missed the first part of halitosis (bad breath) click here. If you also missed the second part, click here.

 WHAT HEALTH PROBLEMS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH BAD BREATH?

Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth may be warning signs of gum (periodontal) disease. Gum disease is caused by the buildup of plaque on teeth. The bacteria cause toxins to form in the mouth, which irritate the gums. If gum disease continues untreated, it can damage the gums and jawbone.

Other dental causes of bad breath include poorly fitting dental appliances, yeast infections of the mouth, and dental caries.

The medical condition dry mouth (also called xerostomia) can also cause bad breath. Saliva is necessary to moisten and cleanse the mouth by neutralizing acids produced by plaque and washing away dead cells that accumulate on the tongue, gums, and cheeks. If not removed, these cells decompose and can cause bad breath. Dry mouth may be caused by the side effects of various medications, salivary gland problems, or continuous breathing through the mouth.

Many other diseases and illnesses may cause bad breath. Here are some to be aware of:

·         respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis,

·         chronic sinus infections,

·         postnasal drip,

·         diabetes,

·         chronic acid reflux, and

·          liver or kidney problems.

Does bad breath come from other sources than the mouth?

Bad breath also may occur in people who have a medical infection, diabetes, kidney failure or a liver malfunction. Xerostomia (dry mouth) and tobacco also contribute to this problem. Cancer patients who undergo radiation therapy may experience dry mouth. Even stress, dieting, snoring, age and hormonal changes can have an effect on your breath. An odor that comes from the back of your tongue may indicate postnasal drip. This is where mucus secretion, which comes from the nose and moves down your throat, gets stuck on the tongue and causes an odour.

Why is saliva so important in the fight against bad breath?

Saliva is the key ingredient in your mouth that helps keep the odour under control because it helps wash away food particles and bacteria, the primary cause of bad breath. When you sleep, however, salivary glands slow down the production of saliva, allowing the bacteria to grow inside the mouth. To alleviate "morning mouth," brush your teeth and eat a morning meal. Morning mouth also is associated with hunger or fasting. Those who skip breakfast, beware, because the odour may reappear even if you've brushed your teeth.

Do certain foods cause bad breath?

Very spicy foods, such as onions and garlic, and coffee may be detected on a person's breath for up to 72 hours after digestion. Onions, for example, are absorbed by the stomach, and the odour is then excreted through the lungs. Studies even have shown that garlic rubbed on the soles of the feet can show up on the breath.

 

How do I control bad breath?

It is important to practice good oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day. Proper brushing, including brushing the tongue, cheeks and the roof of the mouth, will remove bacteria and food particles. Flossing removes accumulated bacteria, plaque and food that may be trapped between teeth. To alleviate odours, clean your tongue with your toothbrush or a tongue scraper, a plastic tool that scrapes away bacteria that builds on the tongue. Chewing sugar-free gum also may help control odour. If you have dentures or a removable appliance, such as a retainer or mouth guard, clean the appliance thoroughly before placing it back in your mouth. Before you use mouth rinses, deodorizing sprays or tablets, talk with your dentist, because these products only mask the odour temporarily and some products work better than others.

What is my dentist's role?

Visit your dentist regularly, because checkups will help detect any physical problems. Checkups also help get rid of the plaque and bacteria that build up on your teeth. If you think that you suffer from bad breath, your dentist can help determine its source. He or she may ask you to schedule a separate appointment to find the source of the odour. Or, if your dentist believes that the problem is caused from a systemic (internal) source, such as an infection, he or she may refer you to your physician or a specialist to help remedy the cause of the problem.

Your comments will be appreciated.

You can follow me on twitter @abolibot112 and also get more health tips on my facebook page  

STRESS MANAGEMENT (PART 2)

Healthier ways to manage stress includes the following:

Exercise regularly.
Targeted exercise goes a long way toward freeing your body of stress hormones and increasing your endorphin levels - responsible for feelings of happiness. Carve out time during your busy day to exercise to both keep your body healthy and as a natural outlet for your stress. You should notice the difference. Try to raise your heartbeat to 120-180 beats per minute for about thirty minutes per day. If you don't have time to do all thirty minutes in one sitting, don't worry; you can break up the exercise time however you need to fit your schedule. Walking for even 20-30 minutes each day is sufficient if that's all that you can afford. Walking isn't just good for stress-reduction: Adults over 40 who walked briskly for at least 150 minutes a week saw their life expectancy increase by 3.4 – 4.5 years. Swimming, hiking, and biking have been shown to reduce stress as well. A benefit of swimming and biking is that, opposed to jogging, they create far less joint strain, which makes them perfect for people with joint problems or those wanting to prevent them.

Get enough sleep.
Give your body the sleep it wants, and your stress levels will take a nosedive. Sleep is a mechanism by which your body recuperates and restores its energy reserves. If you're not getting enough sleep, your body will use stress to keep you active and alert in the absence of stored energy. Most adults need at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night. Young children and older adults need more, about 9-10 hours of sleep per night. Get into regular sleeping habits. If you can, try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each night and morning. Routinizing your sleep cycle will teach your body when it's supposed to go to be tired, aiding in better sleep and less sleep deprivation.

Eat properly.
Your body needs to be healthy, happy and properly fuelled to help you tackle stress. Like it or not, stress is a bodily reaction to anything that disturbs its natural state, meaning that your body can have a profound effect on producing and relieving stress. Water has been shown to relieve stress. That's because a dehydrated body creates cortisol, a stress hormone. An under-hydrated body creates stress to motivate the owner of the body to properly care for him/herself. Start decreasing caffeine and alcohol intake. In some cases, alcohol intake increases stress response in humans while being linked to substance dependency, a stressful condition itself. Caffeine is also responsible for raising stress levels, especially at work, so try to stick to water as a general rule. Eat a healthy breakfast and healthy snacks during the day. It is better to eat several smaller meals throughout the day than to consume three large meals. For a healthy stress-free diet, consume more complex carbohydrates such as whole-grain breads and pasta, foods high in vitamin A such as oranges, foods high in magnesium like spinach, soybeans or salmon, and black and green tea, which contain antioxidants.

Learn to relax.
Relaxing your body, by whatever natural means, is a great way to reduce stress. Don't expect your stress to immediately dissipate; it can take time. In most cases, try not to fixate on the stress itself while you're relaxing. Think of something placid and tranquil, or think of nothing in particular. Let your body tell your mind that everything is okay. Listen to calm and soft music. Music really gets you relaxed and happy. Try listening to music with no vocals and pick music with instruments like the flute, piano, or violin. Classical, jazz, or folk tunes generally work well, but if that's not your cup of tea, choose music that puts you in a good place.

Take a bath.
Add Epsom salts or other fragrant bath salts for a luxurious touch. Indulge in your private time and relax the body.

Get a massage.
Either having a professional massage or con a loved one into giving you a stress-relieving massage. Use lotions or oils and dim ambient light for the most relaxing atmosphere.

Do some journalling.
Writing down what's bothering you, what you've been busy with, and how you feel will help you to expel your negative emotions.

Do things you love.
Often when you're stressed, you can look at your schedule and see that you are lacking time for doing your favourite activities. Whether that be drawing, writing, reading, playing sports, or cooking, set aside time on a daily basis to do those things you enjoy. Try picking up a new hobby to help you relieve your stress. If you've always wanted to learn how to ride horses or how to bake cake, then do it! Learning something new will take your mind off of whatever is bothering you, and give you a new hobby to enjoy. If you have a very busy schedule, set aside at least just ten minutes per day to do what you enjoy. Although ideally you should spend thirty minutes to an hour, allowing just a small break from your hectic schedule will be enough to lower your stress levels.


Your comments will be appreciated

STRESS MANAGEMENT (PART 1)

                                        
It may seem that there’s nothing you can do about stress. Stress is inevitable. It walks in and out of our lives on a regular basis. And it can easily walk all over us unless we take action. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to minimize and cope with stress. Here are ideas for handling stress without causing more strain and hassle.

Stress management starts with identifying the sources of stress in your life. This isn’t as easy as it sounds. Your true sources of stress aren’t always obvious, and it’s all too easy to overlook your own stress-inducing thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Sure, you may know that you’re constantly worried about work deadlines. But maybe it’s your procrastination, rather than the actual job demands, that leads to deadline stress.

                                                

Hence to identify your true sources of stress, look closely at your habits, attitude, and excuses

Unhealthy ways of coping with stress

These coping strategies may temporarily reduce stress, but they cause more damage in the long run:

Ø  Smoking

Ø  Drinking too much

Ø  Overeating or undereating

Ø  Zoning out for hours in front of the TV or computer

Ø  Withdrawing from friends, family, and activities

Ø  Using pills or drugs to relax

Ø  Sleeping too much

Ø  Procrastinating

Ø  Filling up every minute of the day to avoid facing problems

Ø  Taking out your stress on others (lashing out, angry outbursts, physical violence)


                                                                                                                to be continued

     Your comments will be appreciated.

You can also follow me on twitter @abolibot112 and also get more health tips on my facebook page

BREAST SELF EXAMINATION (BSE)

Breast self-examination (BSE) is a screening method used in an attempt to detect early breast cancer. The method involves the woman herself looking at and feeling each breast for possible lumps, distortions or swelling.

NOTE:

The best time to do a self breast exam is about 3 - 5 days after your period starts. Your breasts are not as tender or lumpy at this time in your monthly cycle. 

If you have gone through menopause, do your exam on the same day every month.

Why It Is Done

A breast self-examination is done to detect breast problems, such as a lump or change in appearance, that may indicate breast cancer or other breast conditions that may require medical attention (such as mastitis or a fibroadenoma).

How To Prepare

No special preparation is needed before having this test.

The Five Steps of a Breast Self-Exam

Step 1: Begin by looking at your breasts in the mirror with your shoulders straight and your arms on your hips.

Here's what you should look for:

·         Breasts that are their usual size, shape, and color

·         Breasts that are evenly shaped without visible distortion or swelling

If you see any of the following changes, bring them to your doctor's attention:

·         Dimpling, puckering, or bulging of the skin

·         A nipple that has changed position or an inverted nipple (pushed inward instead of sticking out)

Redness, soreness, rash, or swelling

Step 2: Now, raise your arms and look for the same changes.

Step 3: While you're at the mirror, look for any signs of fluid coming out of one or both nipples (this could be a watery, milky, or yellow fluid or blood).

Step 4: Next, feel your breasts while lying down, using your right hand to feel your left breast and then your left hand to feel your right breast. Use a firm, smooth touch with the first few finger pads of your hand, keeping the fingers flat and together. Use a circular motion, about the size of a quarter.

Cover the entire breast from top to bottom, side to side — from your collarbone to the top of your abdomen, and from your armpit to your cleavage.

Follow a pattern to be sure that you cover the whole breast. You can begin at the nipple, moving in larger and larger circles until you reach the outer edge of the breast. You can also move your fingers up and down vertically, in rows, as if you were mowing a lawn. This up-and-down approach seems to work best for most women. Be sure to feel all the tissue from the front to the back of your breasts: for the skin and tissue just beneath, use light pressure; use medium pressure for tissue in the middle of your breasts; use firm pressure for the deep tissue in the back. When you've reached the deep tissue, you should be able to feel down to your rib cage.

Step 5: Finally, feel your breasts while you are standing or sitting. Many women find that the easiest way to feel their breasts is when their skin is wet and slippery, so they like to do this step in the shower. Cover your entire breast, using the same hand movements described in step 4.

Your comments will be appreciated.

You can also follow me on twitter @abolibot112 and also get more health tips on my facebook page