Think of the tongue as the body's equivalent of a check-engine light if the eyes are the windows to the soul. Doctors can infer certain elements of your health from the appearance of your tongue, and one key indicator is its colour.
How should your tongue appear?
The form of the tongue should be symmetrical and circular. In people from Africa, Asia, and the Mediterranean, it is typically light pink, while some individuals may have slight purple or brown pigmentation. Additionally, it may have a faint white coating.
"The hard protein called keratin, which helps prevent your tongue from being scratched during eating, is the source of the coating," says prosthodontist Dr. Tien Jiang of the Harvard School of Dental Medicine's Department of Oral Health Policy and Epidemiology.
If you look closely, you may notice that your tongue is covered in tiny bumps called papillae that have multiple functions.
They have tactile and thermal senses.
They have taste buds that allow you to identify whether food is savoury, sweet, salty, sour, or bitter.
To assist you in forming a little ball of food (bolus) that you may swallow, they create friction.
Does tongue colour change with diet?
Sure. An occasional deviation from your typical tongue tone can be partially attributed to your diet. This is due to the papillae's ability to absorb food and drink colours and residues. For instance, the blue popsicle or sweets you had as a child most likely gave your tongue a vibrant hue of blue. Additionally, a variety of foods, including curries that contain a lot of yellow turmeric, tea, coffee, and other drinks, can leave their marks.
However, discoloration is typically very transient. You can wash away food particles and colours that stick to your tongue by drinking lots of water and practicing proper oral hygiene.
Concerning symptoms include white patches, a black or bright tongue, and other
Certain tongue colours and designs indicate medical problems. See your physician if you have any of the following symptoms:
A black or brown tongue is indicative of a disease known as "black hairy tongue." When papillae become too long, this happens. Because they are constantly falling out because of all the action in your mouth, these little bumps typically don't have much of an opportunity to grow. In the event that they do grow, the brown or black tint may result from the bacteria they collect combining with food colouring. Using antihistamines or antibiotics, smoking, having a dry mouth, consuming a lot of coffee or black tea, or having poor dental care are risk factors.
If you have thick white spots or white sores on your tongue, you most likely have thrush, an overabundance of yeast in the mouth. Conditions like diabetes or HIV, adverse reactions to antibiotics or cancer treatments, wearing dentures, smoking, dry mouth, or using steroid inhalers can all cause thrush. White patches or lesions may occasionally be signs of oral cancer.
You may have oral cancer in rare instances, thrush (which occasionally manifests as red patches), or canker sores (irritated tissues) if you have painful red or yellow sores on your tongue.
A brightly coloured tongue may be a sign of vitamin B12 insufficiency or scarlet fever, which is a bacterial infection of the throat caused by Streptococcus pneumonias that is accompanied by a rash that turns red across the body. Bright red, painless spots that appear to move about on your tongue could be an innocuous, incurable illness known as "geographic tongue."
How should your tongue appear?
The form of the tongue should be symmetrical and circular. In people from Africa, Asia, and the Mediterranean, it is typically light pink, while some individuals may have slight purple or brown pigmentation. Additionally, it may have a faint white coating.
"The hard protein called keratin, which helps prevent your tongue from being scratched during eating, is the source of the coating," says prosthodontist Dr. Tien Jiang of the Harvard School of Dental Medicine's Department of Oral Health Policy and Epidemiology.
If you look closely, you may notice that your tongue is covered in tiny bumps called papillae that have multiple functions.
They have tactile and thermal senses.
They have taste buds that allow you to identify whether food is savoury, sweet, salty, sour, or bitter.
To assist you in forming a little ball of food (bolus) that you may swallow, they create friction.
Does tongue colour change with diet?
Sure. An occasional deviation from your typical tongue tone can be partially attributed to your diet. This is due to the papillae's ability to absorb food and drink colours and residues. For instance, the blue popsicle or sweets you had as a child most likely gave your tongue a vibrant hue of blue. Additionally, a variety of foods, including curries that contain a lot of yellow turmeric, tea, coffee, and other drinks, can leave their marks.
However, discoloration is typically very transient. You can wash away food particles and colours that stick to your tongue by drinking lots of water and practicing proper oral hygiene.
Concerning symptoms include white patches, a black or bright tongue, and other
Certain tongue colours and designs indicate medical problems. See your physician if you have any of the following symptoms:
A black or brown tongue is indicative of a disease known as "black hairy tongue." When papillae become too long, this happens. Because they are constantly falling out because of all the action in your mouth, these little bumps typically don't have much of an opportunity to grow. In the event that they do grow, the brown or black tint may result from the bacteria they collect combining with food colouring. Using antihistamines or antibiotics, smoking, having a dry mouth, consuming a lot of coffee or black tea, or having poor dental care are risk factors.
If you have thick white spots or white sores on your tongue, you most likely have thrush, an overabundance of yeast in the mouth. Conditions like diabetes or HIV, adverse reactions to antibiotics or cancer treatments, wearing dentures, smoking, dry mouth, or using steroid inhalers can all cause thrush. White patches or lesions may occasionally be signs of oral cancer.
You may have oral cancer in rare instances, thrush (which occasionally manifests as red patches), or canker sores (irritated tissues) if you have painful red or yellow sores on your tongue.
A brightly coloured tongue may be a sign of vitamin B12 insufficiency or scarlet fever, which is a bacterial infection of the throat caused by Streptococcus pneumonias that is accompanied by a rash that turns red across the body. Bright red, painless spots that appear to move about on your tongue could be an innocuous, incurable illness known as "geographic tongue."
In this article I will help you discover the truth about collagen supplements and drinks that are currently popular among influencers and celebrities. Learn about the role of collagen in our bodies and what scientific studies say about their effects on nails, hair, and skin.
Collagen drinks and supplements are the talk of the town right now, with influencers and celebrities praising their amazing effects on nails, hair, and skin. Given that collagen in our bodies is what gives these tissues the support they need, it makes sense that ingesting collagen could result in shiny hair and a more youthful appearance. What does science say, though?
Describe collagen.
One of the main structural proteins in human tissues is collagen. It is present in the bones, cartilage, tendons, hair, nails, and skin. Collagen maintains the suppleness, volume, and hydration of the skin in conjunction with other components like hyaluronic acid and elastin. It also contributes to the formation of proteins like keratin, which form nails, skin, and hair.
Our bodies use the amino acids found in high-protein or high-collagen meals, such as fish, meat, and bone broth, to naturally make collagen. However, smoking, drinking alcohol, getting older, and UV exposure all reduce the formation of collagen.
Supplements and drinks containing collagen are frequently made from a variety of sources, including fish, cattle, pigs, and poultry. They typically contain peptides, which are short sequences of amino acids that contribute to the formation of keratin and collagen, two important proteins in the body.
What is the scientific consensus regarding collagen supplements and drinks?
Studies on the skin consist of:
A review and analysis of 19 trials with 1,125 individuals in total that were published in the International Journal of Dermatology. The firmness, suppleness, and moisture content of the skin improved in those who took collagen supplements, and wrinkles were less obvious. Although it's unclear if collagen was the real cause of these skin changes, it seems good. The majority of the studies made use of widely available supplements that included substances other than collagen, such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, coenzyme Q10, hyaluronic acid, and chondroitin sulphate.
Drinking collagen supplements with high concentrations of the peptides prolylhydroxyproline and hydroxyprolylglycine can enhance skin hydration, elasticity, wrinkles, and roughness, according to a few randomised, controlled trials (see here and here). However, extensive, high-quality research is required to determine the long-term safety and efficacy of commercially accessible products.
There is very little evidence to support the use of collagen for improving nails and hair. In a small 2017 study, the development and brittleness of the nails were improved in 25 individuals with brittle nails who took 2.5 grammes of collagen daily for 24 weeks. Nevertheless, there was no placebo-taking control group in this little trial to compare with the collagen supplement-taking group.
Describe collagen.
One of the main structural proteins in human tissues is collagen. It is present in the bones, cartilage, tendons, hair, nails, and skin. Collagen maintains the suppleness, volume, and hydration of the skin in conjunction with other components like hyaluronic acid and elastin. It also contributes to the formation of proteins like keratin, which form nails, skin, and hair.
Our bodies use the amino acids found in high-protein or high-collagen meals, such as fish, meat, and bone broth, to naturally make collagen. However, smoking, drinking alcohol, getting older, and UV exposure all reduce the formation of collagen.
Supplements and drinks containing collagen are frequently made from a variety of sources, including fish, cattle, pigs, and poultry. They typically contain peptides, which are short sequences of amino acids that contribute to the formation of keratin and collagen, two important proteins in the body.
What is the scientific consensus regarding collagen supplements and drinks?
Studies on the skin consist of:
A review and analysis of 19 trials with 1,125 individuals in total that were published in the International Journal of Dermatology. The firmness, suppleness, and moisture content of the skin improved in those who took collagen supplements, and wrinkles were less obvious. Although it's unclear if collagen was the real cause of these skin changes, it seems good. The majority of the studies made use of widely available supplements that included substances other than collagen, such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, coenzyme Q10, hyaluronic acid, and chondroitin sulphate.
Drinking collagen supplements with high concentrations of the peptides prolylhydroxyproline and hydroxyprolylglycine can enhance skin hydration, elasticity, wrinkles, and roughness, according to a few randomised, controlled trials (see here and here). However, extensive, high-quality research is required to determine the long-term safety and efficacy of commercially accessible products.
There is very little evidence to support the use of collagen for improving nails and hair. In a small 2017 study, the development and brittleness of the nails were improved in 25 individuals with brittle nails who took 2.5 grammes of collagen daily for 24 weeks. Nevertheless, there was no placebo-taking control group in this little trial to compare with the collagen supplement-taking group.
Good morning. Today, we're going to discuss an important topic that affects many individuals as they enter their senior years: housing options. As our children grow up and move out, we may find ourselves wondering if living alone for the next few decades is the best choice. Loneliness, social isolation, and chronic health problems are risks that we want to avoid. Luckily, there are alternatives to traditional retirement facilities. Let's explore three current trends in group housing for seniors that offer benefits for both health and finances.
1. Specialized Communities:
Specialized communities are private mini-neighborhoods where dwellings are clustered around shared spaces. These communities can consist of individual houses, cottages, or apartments. They often have recreational areas, gardens, parking, and a common house for gatherings and activities. They can be run by the residents themselves or nonprofit organizations. Specialized communities come in different types, including intergenerational communities, communities for individuals aged 55 and older, and mission-oriented communities with shared goals. These communities promote socialization, active involvement with neighbors, and a sense of belonging. They can also be more affordable than traditional housing options. To learn more, you can visit the Cohousing Association of the United States website.
2. Home Sharing:
For many individuals, sharing a home with other adults is a practical and beneficial option. It allows them to take on a boarder, earn extra income, and enjoy companionship. There are groups like Silver Nest and the New York Foundation for Senior Citizens that help connect homeowners with mature boarders. They assist with listing spaces, conducting background checks, and setting up leases. There are also companies like Nesterly that connect older homeowners with younger boarders, who agree to pay rent and assist with household tasks. Sharing a home with friends or siblings is another option, which allows for shared expenses and the opportunity to support each other. This arrangement can be especially helpful when it comes to accessing services like private-duty care.
Hey everyone! Today, I want to talk to you about something fascinating: the idea that you can feel younger than your actual age. You may have come across older people who exclaim, "I feel like I'm 30!" or "I don't feel my age!" and exude positivity, energy, and optimism. But is it just wishful thinking, or can our mindset actually impact how young and healthy we feel? Well, research suggests that having a positive attitude about aging can lead to longer and healthier lives. So, let's explore the power of positive aging and how it can benefit our minds, bodies, and spirits!
1. The Science Behind Positive Aging:
Studies, like the one published in JAMA Network Open, have shown that individuals with a greater satisfaction with aging have a significantly lower risk of dying from any cause. These individuals also have a reduced risk of diabetes, stroke, cancer, and heart disease. Not only that, but they also experience better cognitive functioning, reduced feelings of loneliness and depression, increased physical activity, and improved sleep. It's amazing how our mindset can influence our overall well-being and contribute to a longer, healthier life!
2. Tips for Embracing Positive Aging:
Now that we understand the benefits of a positive mindset, let's explore some practical ways to cultivate a youthful outlook:
- Managing Anxiety: As we age, anxiety can become more common. To combat it, try incorporating daily meditation, exploring stoicism (a philosophy that teaches how to maximize positive emotions and reduce negative ones), or simply spending quiet time each day expressing gratitude. These practices can help alleviate anxiety and promote a positive mindset.
- Finding a Sense of Purpose: Having a strong sense of purpose allows us to continue pursuing goals and finding meaning in life. Engage in activities centered around self-development, growth, and connecting with others. Learn a new instrument or language, volunteer for a cause you care about, mentor someone younger, or take college classes that stimulate your mind. Revisiting activities you enjoyed in your youth can also spark joy and a sense of purpose.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition that affects the central nervous system, which controls everything your body does. It causes inflammation that damages the nerves and their protective covering called myelin. This damage disrupts nerve signals, leading to various symptoms depending on where it occurs.
When do symptoms appear?
MS symptoms typically start before the age of 40, but they can also appear later in life.
Common symptoms of MS:
1. Fatigue: Feeling extremely tired physically and mentally.
2. Numbness or tingling: Sensation changes, like a limb falling asleep or pins-and-needles feeling.
3. Muscle weakness and spasticity: Weakness in any part of the body, along with stiffness and involuntary muscle spasms.
4. Walking and balance problems: Difficulty walking steadily or coordinating movements.
5. Pain: Different types of pain, such as facial pain, chronic back pain, or musculoskeletal pain.
6. Bladder problems: Issues with urinary frequency, urgency, or incontinence.
7. Constipation: Difficulty passing stool.
8. Eye and vision problems: Blurred or grayed vision, temporary blindness in one eye, and other vision impairments.
9. Vertigo and dizziness: Feeling like you or your surroundings are spinning, or experiencing dizziness.
10. Sexual dysfunction: Problems with libido, vaginal dryness, or erectile dysfunction due to nerve damage.
11. Depression: Feeling down or sad, which can worsen other symptoms.
12. Emotional changes: Anxiety, mood swings, irritability, and uncontrollable laughing or crying.
13. Cognitive impairment: Decline in thinking and memory abilities.
14. Tremor: Involuntary shaking in different parts of the body.
You might be surprised at the best ways to strengthen your immune system.
Have you ever seen advertisements for products that claim to boost immunity? Make your body's defences work for you. Boost immunity and maintain a healthy system with a powerful dose of nature's hottest immune-boosting ingredients.
Even if the language might alter to suit current fads, the assertions sound incredible. However, are the number of goods promoted as immune enhancers truly effective? And what actions may we take to help our immune system? These are significant questions, particularly as the flu and winter seasons approach and following a catastrophic pandemic.
IV infusions; superfoods; supplements; and cleanses
Among the selection of immune-boosting goods and suggestions are:
Intravenous (IV) infusions at home. Would you like a medical practitioner to visit your house with IV fluids that are packed with different vitamins and supplements? That is accessible in numerous US cities, and according to certain businesses, their recipe is meant to boost immunity. These IV treatments that are available on demand include some risk and can be highly costly.
Supplements and vitamins. Common choices are echinacea, milk thistle, and turmeric, frequently combined with different vitamins. There are hundreds of different formulas.
Both items to avoid and superfoods. You may find dozens of articles promoting foods like dark chocolate, spinach, blueberries, and broccoli as ways to prevent infections if you search for "foods to boost the immune system" online. Additionally, there is a list of foods that are thought to be detrimental to your immune system, such as sugar-filled beverages and highly processed meats.
Detoxification and cleansing procedures. You've probably seen advertisements for detoxification programmes and cleanses that aim to rid the body of pollutants. Their advertising cautions that we must rid our surroundings of dangerous elements that enter the body through food, drink, and the air. Proponents claim that these frequently unidentified poisons slow down your immune system, among other negative effects.
Unfortunately, some people who "recover" from COVID-19 continue to experience symptoms that negatively impact their ability to perform at work and at home. These symptoms include exhaustion, difficulty concentrating, and disturbed sleep. We refer to this disease as long-term COVID. It can happen to people who were very slightly affected, but it is more likely to develop in those who were sickest when they initially contracted the virus. At first, several people—including some medical professionals—thought that the patients might be lying about their illnesses or that the persistent disease was only the result of psychological issues.
After three years, it is evident that extended COVID affects tens of millions of people. According to estimates from senior Harvard economists, the United States may have to pay up to $3.7 trillion in future years for medical care for ailments related to COVID-19. The cost is probably going to be significantly higher if the millions of people who are currently afflicted with long COVID continue to suffer from the sickness for years or if long COVID turns into a chronic condition.
Although pomegranates are mostly enjoyed for their crisp, tart flavor, research indicates that they may also offer some amazing health advantages.
Actually a berry, pomegranates were first domesticated in western Asia, the Mediterranean region, and the Middle East. Pomegranates are currently grown more extensively worldwide in the modern era, particularly in regions like tropical Africa and the western United States.
The husk, or outer layer, of pomegranates, is a spherical fruit that resembles leather. The fruit is composed of two layers: the mesocarp, which is a softer inner membrane-like layer, and the epicarp, which is a hard outer layer. The red, juicy arils that are most commonly connected to pomegranates are found in the mesocarp. The juicy red capsule that encloses both the pomegranate seed and the seed itself is called an aril.
The advantages of pomegranates have been known to ancient societies for millennia. Pomegranate was used as food and medicine for many conditions, from controlling bowel motions and preventing food from spoiling to lowering infections and halting blood loss. Modern pomegranates are typically solely eaten for their pulpy, juice-filled arils and seeds, but research indicates that other portions of the fruit may also offer some quite remarkable health advantages.
Benefits of Pomegranates for Health
According to research, pomegranates may have many health advantages, including heart health promotion, antioxidant activity, and a lower risk of obesity.
1. Extracts from pomegranates may improve heart health.
Since heart disease is one of the major causes of death worldwide, scientists and medical professionals are constantly looking for fresh and efficient methods to support heart health. Pomegranates and pomegranate extract have several advantages, one of which is that they may support a robust cardiovascular system.
In one study, hemodialysis patients who drank pomegranate juice or were assigned to a control group were monitored for eight weeks. The purpose of the research was to evaluate how pomegranate juice affected the subjects' cardiovascular systems. Following the trial, the pomegranate juice group experienced a significant decrease in triglyceride levels and blood pressure, which was not observed in the control group.
In another trial, 200 milliliters (mL) of pomegranate juice per day for six weeks was reported to help considerably lower blood pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes. Reduced blood pressure makes the heart work harder to pump blood throughout the body, which supports a healthy cardiovascular system.
2. Extract from Pomegranates May Help Joint Health
Pomegranates and pomegranate extract, according to studies, may help lessen osteoarthritis symptoms. Debilitating symptoms of osteoarthritis include bone spurs, edema, stiffness, decreased mobility, and aching joints. Studies indicate that osteoarthritis, sometimes known as "wear and tear" arthritis, has a significant inflammatory component that contributes to the crippling condition.
A laboratory study evaluated the effects of pomegranate extract on osteoarthritis-indicating cells. According to the study, pomegranate extract can lessen inflammation and delay the symptoms of cartilage deterioration.
According to findings from other research, pomegranates help people with osteoarthritis by significantly reducing inflammation and discomfort as measured by the visual analog scale (VAS).
Another trial with 19 female volunteers who had osteoarthritis and were controlled with a placebo discovered that taking pomegranate supplements dramatically decreased the body's inflammatory levels.
3. A potent antioxidant is pomegranate extract.
Pomegranates are known for their tasty arils, but they also contain a number of other beneficial chemicals and substances that may add to their overall health benefits.
Pomegranates are rich in many minerals, including polyphenols, omega-3 fatty acids, and magnesium, according to research. Pomegranate leaves are also rich in antioxidants, such as apigenin and quercetin.
Because of its high ellagitannin and anthocyanin content, studies have shown that pomegranate juice has more antioxidant activity than powerful antioxidants like red wine and green tea. Pomegranate juice has also been shown to lessen the generation of free radicals and oxidative stress brought on by macrophages.
What kind of complications can RSV cause?
RSV is the primary cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children under one year old. Particularly for children with heart or lung diseases, it can lead to life-threatening breathing problems.
What treatment options are available for RSV?
Currently, there are no effective medications for treating RSV. However, a preventive medication called palivizumab (Synagis) can be administered monthly during the RSV season to high-risk infants. It's worth noting that while RSV can occur year-round, many cases are reported between late fall and early spring. Unfortunately, strict criteria set by insurance companies and the need for monthly doses have limited its accessibility.
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Keeping your muscles strong, especially in your core, is important for maintaining an active and independent lifestyle. Our ancestors had strong muscles from their daily activities, but nowadays, we need to make a conscious effort to strengthen our muscles.
You should aim to do a core workout two or three times a week, but it can also be beneficial to incorporate daily core-boosting activities into your routine. Here are some simple ideas to get you started:
1. Sunday: Marching
March around your house or neighborhood, lifting your knees high and moving your arms to the music. If you need support, march near a countertop or try marching while seated on a stability ball.
2. Monday: Resistance band workout
Invest in some inexpensive resistance bands and follow a resistance band workout video on YouTube. One example is doing rows by sitting on the floor with your legs stretched out in front of you, looping a resistance band around the soles of your feet, and pulling the ends of the band toward you, like rowing a boat.
3. Tuesday: Water workout
Swim laps or walk in the shallow end of a pool to work your core muscles. Treading water, swimming with a kickboard, and water aerobics are other effective options.
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