SLEEP DEPRIVATION - A DANGER WE LEAST NOTICED

Sleep deprivation is a condition of not having enough daily sleep. It is an easily unrecognized enemy of the human health causing a wide range of health problems and unwanted harm. Research shows that many people do not know they have sleeping disorders for years. Adequate sleep is the kind of sleep that is followed by a refreshing feeling by the body. This means that the body feels good when you have a good sleep. You cannot then afford to deny yourself good sleep because we all love ourselves and want to feel real good.

WHAT DOES LACK OF SLEEP OR SLEEP DISORDER DO TO YOU?

Makes you feel drowsy or sleepy during the day. This could lead to accidents at home or place of work or road/transport accidents. Life and/or property are often lost.

Makes you less alert and unable to perform up to expectation. You feel so dull and unable to concentrate in activities that require sustained attention e.g. watching of movies at a cinema, listening to lectures in class, effective participation at meetings during the day, etc. in chronic cases, attention deficit disorder as well as mental impairment can set in (simply put, lack of sleep can make one go mad in the long run).

Makes you unable to remember things or store information for a long time or even coordinate yourself to carry out task (confusion).

Makes you feel so fatigued, sick and easily irritated. Chronic sleep deprivation will further lead to psychiatric problems including depression and mood disorders.

Makes you feel hungry more frequently than you should thus making your eat more and add more weight (obesity). Obesity can lead to Diabetes hypertension, and other health problems such as heart attack, heart failure, stroke, etc.

Can cause a divorce or breakdown of relationships – disruption of partners night sleep because of one’s sleeplessness may affect the relationship and in extreme cases can contribute to a divorce case. Another way lack of sleep causes breakdown of relationship is due to its effect on sex drive. Lack of sleep causes decreased energy, increased tension and subsequently low libido. Research studies exist to back up this claim and in addition, there are reports that many men with sleep apnea record lower testosterone levels during the night.

Makes your skin age faster. Lack of sleep for few days often cause puffy eyes and sallow skin but in chronic sleep deprivation, lacklustre skin, fine lines and dark circle under the eyes set in. The experiences loss of elasticity and smooth texture due to the breakdown of collagen by cortisol, a stress hormone released by the body in response to sleep deprivation.

Makes growth difficult. A good sleep is interpreted by the body as food and source of energy. It stimulates growth hormone activity. Hence depriving oneself of sleep makes the body feel lack of energy and inhibits proper growth process especially in children.

Delays recovery from disease states and weakens body immune system. This is obvious in the fact that the body interprets lack of sleep as stress and releases cortisol in response. This hormone is known to be associated with decreased immune system as well as increased risk of falling ill. Thus this opposes the process of recovery from disease states.

Sleep disorder can manifest as:

Inability to fall asleep
Inability to go back to sleep once disturbed
Frequent waking from sleep at nights

I am sure you never heard these facts:

A decrease of about one hour and half of your night sleep time can reduce your daytime alertness and performance by 32%. Now that’s really not good.

Sleep apnea is a primary risk for hypertension (about 40%). Effective treatment of sleep apnea significantly decreases risk of stroke.

WHAT CAUSES SLEEP DISORDERS OR LACK OF SLEEP

Chronic use of stimulants such as caffeine
Insomnia (sleeplessness) arising from hypertension, chronic pain, hormonal or digestive problems, etc.

Works stress, jet lag, and anxiety, allergy, common cold, snoring (of course, YES), fibromyalgia, nightmares, teeth grinding (old age???), apnea (loss of breath) nocturia (frequent night urination) and diarrhoea can cause you to wake at nights thereby interrupting your sleep

Disturbance or sleep disorders of a partner, roommate or spouse

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) – an inexplicable urge to move your legs, sometimes with a tingling sensation (this must not be as a result of over-trekking).

Bedwetting – mostly associated with children who find it difficult to control bladder stimuli. (Sadly some adults still bed-wet both in normal and disease conditions – please pray for those).

Restlessness arising from withdrawal from an addition

Addiction to or frequent night phone calls and chats, watching of late night movies, late night jobs, etc.

DIAGNOSIS:
Your doctor may recommend diagnostic checks such as polysomnography (sleep study), Electroencephalogram (EEG) or genetic blood testing to check for narcolepsy.

THERE IS HOPE – MANY SLEEP DISORDERS CAN BE TREATED!

YES! Sleep disorders can be treated in most cases by treating first the underlying cause of the lack of sleep. Persons who are suffering from the effects of sleep deprivation should see a doctor for counselling, assessment and commencement of therapy. Some of the self-help therapeutic models include:

Addressing bedwetting and potting issues

Use of sleeping pills like Melatonin 5mg, Kalms night tablets – these are OTC tablets.
* Avoid using narcotics or benzodiazepines to induce sleep as dependence easily develops with chronic use. Withdrawal is always very difficult once dependence sets in leading to poor quality of life.
Allergy or cold medications

Breathing devices or surgery to address sleep apnea

Using a dental guard for teeth grin

Having a regular sleep schedule

Decreasing evening water consumption,

Decreasing or limiting caffeine consumption

Decreasing tobacco, alcohol, smoking of weed and/or Indian hemp or use of various other stimulants.

Compiled by
Pharm. Joseph Ebirim
Editor, Pharma-Guide Nigeria

Dec. 11th 2014


SOURCES:
http://www.healthline.com
http://m.webmd.com
http://mayoclinic.org
IMAGE SOURCE: http://m.boldsky.com/health/wellness/2014/stages-of-sleep-that-you-go-through-051831.html

SOMETHING NICE YOU NEVER KNEW - EVENING PRIMROSE OIL

You must have heard of groundnut oil or palm oil and even so many other type of oils but only few know about THE EVENING PRIMROSE OIL obtained from the seeds of the plant, Oenothera biennis.It is a wild flower that grows in eastern and central America and was used to treat body swellings many years ago.

It is very unique due to its rich content of an essential fatty acid called gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) also known as OMEGA-6. GLA is converted in the body to prostaglandins. This essential fatty acid is responsible for many of the benefits attributed to Evening Primrose oil. This oil is usually formulated in soft capsules or in oil containers


As people grow older or in some disease conditions, the level of the body's GLA diminishes. A supplement containing Evening primrose oil will be useful to replenish the body's depleted GLA stores.


USES AND BENEFITS
1. It is used as adjunct therapeutic agent in the management of arthritis. This is due to the fact that GLA is a precursor to some endogenous anti-inflammatory substances - Thromboxane A1.

2. It has been found useful also in women for alleviating pain and discomfort of premenstrual syndrome and specifically breast tenderness, depression, irritability, swelling and bloating due to fluid retention.

3. It has also been used in treating eczemas or atopic dermatitis. However, there is little evidence to back up this claim.

4. It is also beneficial to the immune system since GLA is a precursor to Prostaglandin E1 which is known to regulate the immune system.

5. A pilot study research has shown that 1200IU of vitamin E and 3000mg of Evening primrose oil (EPO) on a daily basis for six months can reduce the severity of cyclical mastalgia (breast tenderness and pain associated most often with the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle)

6. Research studies has shown that 4g daily dose of EPO for 6months can help in peripheral neuropathy management in HIV/AIDS patients.

7. Another research study has shown EPO to have cidal effect against the bacteria, Helicobacter pylori which causes most duodenal ulcers.

8. It is also used in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy.

and so many other potential benefits.

DOSAGE: Please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

SIDE EFFECTS: Slight headache, stomach upset, diarrhoea, anticoagulation

EVENING PRIMROSE OIL SHOULD BE AVOIDED BY

1. Pregnant women - supplements are generally avoided in pregnancy for safety reasons.
2. Persons with previous history of hypersensitivity to the product
3. Persons on warfarin or any other anticoagulant therapy due to increased chances of bleeding. It should be avoided in persons taking NSAIDs to avoid increased chances of bruising
4. Persons on phenothiazine therapy as it may cause increase in nausea, vomiting and seizures.

REFERENCES
1. http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/gammalinolenic-acid
2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gamma-Linolenic_acid
3. www.oryza.co.jp/html/english/pdf/EVENING_PREMROSE_pylori.pdf
4. www.catie.ca/sites/default/files/Evening%20Primrose%20Oil.pdf
5. http://www.altmedrev.com/publications/15/1/59.pdf
6. www.emedicinehealth.com
6. www.drugs.com

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CUCUMBERS ARE FAVOURITES

CUCUMBERS
Cucumber is one of the oldest vegetable plants ever known in history. It is a berry consumed wholly or sliced and eaten with rice and salads in Nigerian cuisines. Many know little about its abundant nutritive and medicinal properties. Hence, this article is aimed at exposing these benefits of cucumber so as to encourage its consumption and further studies into its benefits. Enjoy reading…

Botanical Name: Cucumis sativus (Cucubitaceae)
Origin: India (Asia) and some parts of middle east.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERS:
Cucumbers are classified as berries. They appear as short thick little fruits, roughly cylindrical, and elongated with tapered ends. Size ranges from 10-50cm in length and 10m in diameter. Colours range from green to pale yellow and whitish. Some berries have longitudinal stripes.
Cucumbers are annual plants. Leaves are hairy and have 3-5 lobes
Their taste ranges from watery taste to sweet when ripe.

CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS:
Presence of water (90%), glycosides, terpinoids, phytosterols, saponins and angolignan B, tanins, ellargic acid, glucose, fructose, palmitic acid, etc.
Presence of proteins, carbohydrates, minerals such as potassium, manganese, magnesium, sulphur, silica, B-carotene, etc…

USES:
Proximate analysis and other analytical methods have shown that cucumber is rich in water, proteins, carbohydrate, calcium, phosphorus, iron, vitamin A, B and C and crude fibres. The presence of vitamins A, B and C, minerals like Potassium, Magnesium and silicon as well as water makes cucumber, a healthy tonic for the skin and a stimulant for hair growth.

The high water content and low calorie in cucumber helps the fruit to aid digestion, treat constipation, and promote weight loss.

The presence of silica contributes to the proper structure of the body’s connective tissues.

Cucumbers are rich in vitamin c, B-carotene, and Manganese. Thus they are beneficial as antioxidants (aqueous fruit extract has shown free radicals scavenging and analgesic activities) and help reduce unwanted inflammation. The acetone extract of Cucumis seeds possess good anti-inflammatory properties.

Sterols are present in cucumber which helps to reduce bad cholesterol.

The high content of Magnesium, potassium, silicon and sulphur minerals promotes good regulation of body temperature and blood pressure.

Used in ancient times to dissolve stones caused by uric acid and to cleanse the kidneys, intestines, lungs and skin. The fruit juice of the cucumber plant is used as a demulcent in anti-acne lotions.

Used to cure headaches, bleeding, dizziness and pale skin

Cucumber fruits are used as laxatives (purgatives), astringents, anthelminthics (worm expellers), and antipyretics. Thus, they find use in the treatment of hepatitis, dyspepsia, bronchitis, asthma, coughs and hoarseness of voice, eye diseases and scorpion sting. They are also used as a hair tonic.

Cucumber with peel extract has a bacteriocidal property against Salmonella spp., the bacteria that cause typhoid fever.

The pulp of the fruit is used in dysentric-diarhoea, dropsy, piles and leprosy.

The fruits are used to manage menstrual disorders

The seed oil of cucumbers finds use in rheumatism.

Cucumber plant has been found to possess antifungal properties comparable to Griseofulvin.

Its ethanolic extract has shown cytotoxic, hypolipidaemic and hypoglycaemic activities.

Aqueous extract of the fruit pulp possesses carminative and antacid properties comparable to standard Sodium bicarbonate, and a significant activity against ulcerative colitis.

REFERENCES:
Gopalakrishan S., and Kalaiarasi T. (2013). Determination of biologically active constituents of the fruits of Cucumis sativus Linn.. using GC-MS analysis. International Journal of Biological & Pharmaceutical Research. 4(7): 523-527.

Jyoti D. Vora, Lakshmi Rane, Swetha Ashok Kumar. (2014). Biochemical, Anti-microbial and organoleptic studies of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus). International Journal of Science and Research. 3(3):662-664

Kumar, D., Kumar, S., Singh J., Narender, Rashmi, Vathista BD, and Singh N. (2010). Free radical scavenging and analgesic activities of Cucumis sativus L. fruit extract. Journal of young pharmacists. 2(4):365-368

Mallik Jony, Priyanka Das, Sourav Das (2013). Pharmacological activity of Cucumis sativus L. – A Complete overview. Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research and Development. 1(1): 1-6.

Vetriselvan S., Subasini U., Velmurugan C., Muthuramu T., Shankar Jothi, Revathy. (2013). Anti-inflammatory activity of Cucumis sativus seed in carrageenan and xylene induced edema model using albino wistar rats. International Journal of Biopharmaceutics. 4(1):34-37.

www.eol.org/pages/584402/details

Wikipedia.com


COMPILED BY:
Pharm. Ebirim Joseph O.
Editor, Pharma-Guide Nigeria

ONYCHOMYCOSIS – by Ebirim Joseph Ogadinma (B.Pharm)

 

Onychomycosis is a type of fungal infection affecting the toenails or fingernails. It may involve parts of the nail such as the matrix, bed, or plate. This infection can cause pain, discomfort, and disfigurement and may produce serious physical and occupational limitations, as well as reducing quality of life.

This type of infection is found among athletes; it can be caused by immunosuppression, poor care of the finger and toe especially with people who fix artificial nails, swim in public pools, and wear tight fitting shoes, etc. onychomycosis of the toe nails is more common than that of the fingernails.

There are many types of Onychomycosis viz: Distal lateral subungual onychomycosis (DLSO), White superficial onychomycosis (WSO), proximal subungual onychomycosis (PSO), Endonyx onychomycosis (EO) and Candidal onychomycosis.

Onychomycosis is caused by three main types of organisms namely;

The dermatophyte, Trichophyton rubrum – the most common type causing DLSO and PSO (as above)

The dermatophyte, Trichophyton mentagrophytes – commonly causes WSO, and;

The yeast Candida albicans – most common cause of chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis (disease of mucous membrane and regular skin) of the nail.

Signs and Symptoms:

·        Complaints about the appearance of the nail, with no physical symptoms 

·        With disease progression, there is interference with standing, walking, and exercising.

·        Paresthesia (a sense of pricking, tingling, or creeping on the skin having no objective cause and usually associated with injury or irritation of a nerve), pain, discomfort, and loss of dexterity are observed.

·        Loss of self-esteem often occur leading to social problems. Severe candida problems can cause disfiguring of the fingertips and nails.

PREVENTION AND TREATMENT

Treatment of onychomycosis is achieved by oral and topical medications. A combination of both increases the cure rate. However, surgical interventions may be used as adjunct therapy.

Topical preparations are often useful for prevention of reoccurrence in people treated with systemic antifungals. These topical preparations include:

·        Ciclopirox olamine 8% nail lacquer solution

·        Amorolfine or bifonazole/urea

·        Efinaconazole 10% topical solution (the first topical triazole approved by the FDA for toenail onychomycosis)

·        Tavaborole (Kerydin ®) 5% topical solution [approved by FDA in 2014] – the first oxaborole antifungal approved for topical treatment of onychomycosis

Systemic preparations include:

·        Terbinafine

·        Itraconazole

·        Fluconazole and posaconazole (off-label alternatives)

Non-pharmacological treatment options include:

·        Laser treatment

·        Photodynamic therapy

·        Mechanical, chemical or surgical nail avulsion

·        Chemical removal with a 40-50% urea compound in patients with very thick nails

·        Removal of the nail plate in addition to treatment with oral medications.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES:

·        Wash your feet and dry them before putting on your shoes

·        Clip toenails straight across so the nail doesn’t reach past the tip of the toe – this protects the delicate tissues beneath the nail

·        Wear properly fitting shoes that allow space and air into your nail. Avoid wearing damp or wet socks.

·        Use of antifungal sprays on your shoe

·        Use of shower shoes in public places, such as damp gym locker rooms and around swimming pools.

·        Maintain good finger and toe nail hygiene by keeping manicure and pedicure tools clean between uses.

For more information on Onychomycosis, please consult your podiatrists or dermatologist.

REFERENCES

1.     http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1105828-overview

2.     http://www.emedicinehealth.com/onychomycosis/page6_em.htm

3.     http://www.drugs.com/

4.     http://www.everydayhealth.com/health-report/toenail-fungus/prevention-and-treatment.aspx

Have a happy and always remember to keep your nails healthy because a beautiful artificial nail today can turn your natural nails ugly tomorrow!!!

AVOIDING AND REDUCING POTBELLY

Potbelly, also known as beer belly can be simply described as a distended abdomen. It is found in men as well as women. Among people, it is seen as one which depicts wealth and social status (especially among the rich political and business class), one which comes with age, and also for other cultural reasons. The sight of a potbelly is often unpleasant and many especially women work hard to avoid their abdomen being distended. Unfortunately, many care less about this until the situation must have become helpless.

A potbelly is caused by the accumulation of fat in the abdominal region. Most people do not realise that potbellies comprise two types of fat. You can know this by pressing the belly slightly to know if it feels hard (like that of a pregnant woman) or does it feel soft.

A soft potbelly is made largely of what is called subcutaneous fat, meaning fat that lies beneath the skin, just above the muscle tissue. On the other hand, a hard potbelly has more of what is referred to as visceral fat, which is fat between your muscles and organs. These fat cells push outwards against the abdominal wall. These two types of fats are different. Hard bellies are situated deep and hence pushing against your internal organs and disrupting the normal working of your digestive and circulatory systems. Hard bellies place one at a greater risk of cardiovascular diseases and intestinal disorders. However, hard potbellies are said to be easier to get rid of than the soft ones. The soft potbelly often found among women is caused by subcutaneous fat and this type is difficult to get rid of. Whatever the type of pot-belly there is, they all increase the body’s cholesterol level and as such increases the chance of coronary-artery disease. This is because the body burns fat continually (but not necessarily as much as one might like). Most fat is absorbed from its storage place directly into your bloodstream, which transports it to wherever it is needed for energy. Unfortunately, your liver sees this high concentration of fat passing through and responds by producing excess LDL cholesterol (the "bad" cholesterol that blocks up your arteries).

Having a distended abdomen doesn’t look good both for men and especially for women. In addition to the health reasons aforementioned, the development of a potbelly obviously brings discomfort to its bearers adding unnecessary weight to the body and hence an increased burden on the knees. Studies have also shown potbelly development to be associated with diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart diseases hence it is important to invest seriously in preventing and/or reducing the development of pot belly.

Avoiding and Reducing Abdomen Obesity or Distended abdomen (Pot-belly)

Pot belly or beer belly can be prevented or managed by employing the following rules:

·        DIET: Eat less calories than you can burn; it involves cutting down on fatty and fried foods, reducing sugary beverages and processed carbohydrates especially all white starchy foods, reducing salt intake.

·        AVOID EXCESSIVE DRINKING: Quit alcohol consumption or reduce intake of wine and alcohol beverages. The US Department of Agriculture’s 2005 Dietary guidelines recommend limiting alcohol to one serving per day for women and two for men.

·        EXERCISING AND BURNING CALORIES: Physical activity is important! Exercising regularly by push-ups, swimming, bike riding, skipping, running, brisk walking, aerobics and other physical exercises will no doubt help a lot. This must be done in addition to a healthy food intake and calorie-controlled diet. Training the muscles through weight lifts and other exercise can also help prevent the stress that fats impose on the abdominal muscles. Training the postural muscles of the back by sitting straight, walking and standing are good ways to help shrink or avoid distending abdomen.

·        EATING TIME: Avoid eating late at nights; eating 1-2hours before bed-time will help prevent the onset of pot-bellies. Studies recommend that 60% of your daily calorie intake is channelled in the morning. Also, studies reveal that since insulin is released after meals (NB* insulin converts excess blood sugars into fats to be broken down back to sugars during starvation), and owing to evolutionary changes, the more one eats at night, the more food is available during the insulin surge and the more the body can convert same into fat.

·        REDUCING STRESS: When the body undergoes stress, the hormone cortisol is released and this triggers the craving for certain pot-belly promoting diets. This hormone even relocates fats to the abdomen. Stress at work or elsewhere can be relieved by practicing yoga, taking deep breaths, meditating and getting enough sleep. These can help eliminate the negative effects of cortisol.

·        AVOID CIGARETTES: The presence of nicotine hastens metabolism in the body and causes one to eat more. In the long run, there is loss of fats in the extremities but minimal loss of abdominal fat.

Foods which can help flatten the belly or even prevent the development of bot belly include: whole grains, fruits, vegetables, low fat foods, proteins such as fish and poultry products, nuts, and soy products. Some of these foods prevent the accumulation of these fats at one place and promotes the even distribution of fats around the body.

In conclusion, a distended abdomen is unfriendly to the eyes of many and also to the general health of the bearer. This often caused by social and lifestyle factors can be prevented, reduced and/or managed. A combination of, controlled calorie intake, avoidance or reduction of alcohol consumption and increased physical activity have proven beneficial to people who intend to cut or prevent a distended abdomen (abdomen obesity). It would be helpful to consult a physiotherapist or gym specialists for exercise courses that can help in preventing the development of pot bellies.

Stay Healthy and potbelly-free!

With love from,

Pharm. Ebirim Joseph O

(Editor, Pharma-Guide Nigeria)

+2348033999004

ebirimjoseph.o@gmail.com

References:

1.      http://www.arimifoods.com/pot-belly-causes-and-prevention/

2.      http://www.livestrong.com/article/30827-rid-pot-belly/

3.      http://www.pathenrywellness.com/potbelly2.html