14, October 2014

Stress affects male and female heart differently

Impact of mental stress on heart varies for men and women, says a study.

While men have more changes in blood pressure and heart rate in response to mental stress, more women experience myocardial ischemia - decreased blood flow to the heart, it found.

For the results, researchers from the Duke Heart Centre at Duke University looked at 56 women and 254 men diagnosed with heart disease induced by mental stress.

"The findings revealed that mental stress affects the cardio-vascular health of men and women differently. We need to recognise this difference when evaluating and treating patients for cardio-vascular disease," said Zainab Samad, study lead author and assistant professor of medicine at the Duke University in the US.

After undergoing baseline testing, participants carried out three mentally stressful tasks - a mental arithmetic test, a mirror tracing test, and an anger recall test followed by a treadmill exercise test.

During mental stress tasks and rest periods between tests, researchers conducted echocardiography to study changes in the heart, took blood samples, and measured blood pressure and heart rate.

Researchers also found that women experienced a greater platelet aggregation, the precursor to the formation of blood clots, than men.

"The women compared with men also expressed a greater increase in negative emotions and a greater decrease in positive emotions during the mental stress tests," Samad informed.

The study appeared in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

Source: www.timesofindia.com

14.10.2014

Drink warm water with lime to stay healthy

We have all heard it somewhere or the other that drinking warm water with the juice of one lemon, is beneficial for health. Here is delving into the reasons...

Helps your digestive system

Warm lime water on an empty stomach early in the morning helps stimulate the gastrointestinal tract. Digestion improves, heartburn is reduced and it helps in the process of elimination.

Detoxifies liver

Lemon juice has citric acid, which helps the enzymes to function better. It also stimulates the liver and aids in detoxification.

Strengthens your immune system

All citrus foods are a storehouse of vitamin C. This vitamin is known to fight colds and is good for your immune system. Lemons also have potassium, which stimulates brain and nerve function and controls blood pressure.

Clears and freshens your skin

Experts say that vitamin C is great for youthful skin, because it helps in the production of collagen. Its antioxidants revive dull skin and keep it healthy. Warm lemon water removes toxins from the blood stream.

Battles bad breath

Lemon juice battles bad breath by keeping bacteria away.

Aids in weight loss

Lemon juice in the morning fights food craving. Also, it has been found earlier that people who maintain an alkaline diet tend to lose weight more quickly than others.

Note to remember:

Adding a little honey to your lemon juice makes it more palatable and also battles phlegm and helps rid your body of mucous.

Never:
Use bottled lemon juice. Only the natural lemon is beneficial.

Always:
Rinse your mouth with plain water after you drink lemon juice.

Source: www.timesofindia.com

14.10.2014

Difficulties in your life don’t come to destroy you, but to help you realize your hidden potential