Low Vitamin K May Reduce Mobility In Older Adults

Older adults with insufficient vitamin K are likely to be at higher risk for mobility disability, according to new research.

Dietary sources of vitamin K include kale, spinach, broccoli, and other leafy greens. Some dairy foods also contain vitamin K.

The investigators who carried out the study say that their findings "suggest vitamin K may be involved in the disablement process in older age."

They describe their work in a paper that features in a recent issue of The Journals of Gerontology: Series A.

Previous studies have established links between vitamin K and long-term conditions that can raise the risk of mobility disability. These conditions include cardiovascular disease and osteoarthritis.

However, none of those earlier investigations had examined the relationship between vitamin K and mobility disability directly.

M. Kyla Shea is the new study's first and corresponding author. She researches Vitamin K at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University in Boston, MA.

Shea explains that: "Low vitamin K status has been associated with the onset of chronic diseases that lead to disability, but the work to understand this connection is in its infancy."

She and her colleagues believe that they are the first to evaluate the relationship between "vitamin K status and incident mobility disability" in older adults.

The new evidence builds on earlier studies that have associated low levels of circulating vitamin K with "slower gait speed and a higher risk of osteoarthritis," Shea explains.

Mobility is fundamental to healthy aging

Researchers typically define mobility as the "ability to move independently" from one place to another.

Physical independence is integral to healthy aging and older adults' quality of life. From being able to get out of bed to walking and climbing stairs, much of daily activities involve mobility.

Read More

Taking 5,000 Steps Daily Enough To Lower Risk Of Early Death

We have all heard that getting in 10,000 steps every day is key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

But a new study suggests you might be able to lower that daily benchmark and take half as many steps.

Researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, United States (U.S.), found that older women who took just 4,400 steps a day slashed their risk of early death by more than 40 percent.

The mortality rate decreased with more steps taken, before leveling out at around 7,500 steps a day.

The team says the findings can encourage people who want to be less sedentary – but find 10,000 steps to be a daunting number – to get some physical activity into their day.

For the study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, the team looked at more than 16,700 women between ages 62 and 101 for four years.

The participants’ number of steps were tracked each day with wearable devices.

Researchers found that reaching below half of that ‘magical’ 10,000 number slashed the risk of early death in older women.

Women who reached about 4,400 steps per day were 41 percent less likely to die than women who walked roughly 2,700 steps a day.

Mortality rates continued to decline with more steps before leveling off at around 7,500 steps.

“Taking 10,000 steps a day can sound daunting. But we find that even a modest increase in steps taken is tied to significantly lower mortality in older women,” said co-author, Dr. I-Min Lee, a professor in the department of epidemiology at Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health.

Researchers believe the 10,000 steps a day guideline came from a Japanese company that made a pedometer called Manpo-kei, which translates to ‘10,000 steps meter’.

“Our study adds to a growing understanding of the importance of physical activity for health, clarifies the number of steps related to lower mortality and amplifies the message: Step more – even a little more is helpful.”

So where did this 10,000-step guideline come from? The authors are not sure, but believe it dates back to around 1965 as a marketing strategy in Japan.

Read More

How Eating Dates Can Help Pregnant Women During Delivery - Experts

When it comes to childbirth, there is evidence that something as simple as eating date fruits during pregnancy can also help. Its consumption can make labour and delivery easy, short, and healthy.

Researchers in separate studies suggest that eating date fruits during pregnancy can help ensure an easier labour and birth. All these studies have fairly consistent results.

In one of the studies, women who ate six date fruits a day for the four weeks leading up to their due date had a 77 per cent shorter first stage of labour.

The study, conducted in 2011 and published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, compared 69 women who consumed six date fruits per day prior to their estimated date of delivery to 45 women who consumed none.

In fact, those who consumed dates had an average of 8.5 hours of first stage labour while those who didn’t have an average 15.1 hours of first stage labour.

The women who ate dates were dilated an average of 3.5 cm upon admission, compared to 2 cm in those who didn’t. In addition, 96 per cent of the women who consumed dates went into spontaneous labour and did not have to be induced compared to only 79 per cent of those who didn’t.

Only a small percentage of women who consumed dates needed prostin/oxytocin (28 per cent) compared to those who didn’t consume dates (47 per cent). Also, a smaller percentage of women who consumed dates had their membranes rupture in early labour (17per cent) compared to those who didn’t (40 per cent).

The authors of the study concluded that “the consumption of date fruit in the last four weeks before labour significantly reduced the need for induction and augmentation of labour, and produced a more favourable, but non-significant, delivery outcome.”

Another study in 2014 published in the Journal of Midwifery & Reproductive Health that looked at date consumption in late pregnancy as it relates to cervical ripening found that date fruit caused more effective contractions and better prepared the cervix for delivery.

The clinical trial conducted at Omolbanin Hospital, Mashhad, Iran and performed on 210 women found that women who ate 70 to 75 grammes of dates per day after 37 weeks of pregnancy had 43 per cent lower rates of cesarean section.

Cervical ripening before the onset of labour is an important factor for the prediction of delivery mode. Increased cervical ripeness increases the likelihood of vaginal delivery and decreases the rate of cesarean section

The experimental group consumed date fruit (70 to 75 gr per day) until the onset of labour pain and the control group received routine care.

Mean cervical dilatation was higher in women consuming date fruit, compared to the non-consuming group. Also, date eaters were found to be 55 per cent less likely to use oxytocin to induce labour and 68 per cent more likely to have a successful vaginal delivery after labour induction.

Another study published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology which supported all the initial findings concluded that dates consumption during late pregnancy has been shown to positively affect the outcome of labour and delivery without adverse effect on the mother and child.

In this 2017 study, dates consumption reduced the need for labour augmentation with oxytocin but did not expedite the onset of labour.

According to the findings, the researchers suggested that dates consumption in late pregnancy is a safe supplement to be considered as it reduces the need for labour intervention without any adverse effect on the mother and child.

Previously, other researchers demonstrated that date fruit reduces the amount of bleeding compared to oxytocin in the first hour following placental delivery, due to the presence of compounds in date fruit that mimicks the action of oxytocin. This makes date a suitable alternative for oxytocin.

It was also found that the consumption of date fruit increases the pain threshold, helps strengthen the muscles of the womb as well as prepares the womb for the child delivery.

There are numerous varieties of date fruits such as red, black, soft, dry, and more, sold worldwide. Date fruits are highly nutritious as they are high in proteins, fibre and vitamins, which are essential for pregnant women. As dates are rich sources of fibre, they keep the digestive system healthy and treat pregnancy-related constipation.

The iron content reduces bad cholesterol and thus reduces the risk of cardiovascular issues. Dates are a good source of folate. Folate prevents birth defects related to the brain and spinal cord.

Read More

The Use Of Turmeric In Herbal Medicine

The health benefits of turmeric are dependent on the composition of turmeric, which include the photochemical, chemical, vitamin compositions and the essential oils present in turmeric.

Diarylheptanoids is a group of phytochemicals found in turmeric. They are a number of curcuminoids and the most active of them all is curcumin. Others in this class are dimethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin. Also found in turmeric are essential oils of which the most active are turmerone, gemacrone, atlantone and zingiberene.

Curcumin, the major active ingredient in Turmeric has a wide range of medicinal activities and it is composed of phytochemicals, mineral/vitamins and dietary fiber.

Minerals in curcumin are magnesium, potassium, sodium, iron, manganese, calcium, phosphorus and selenium. The following vitamins are included in Turmeric, vitamins C, E, K, B6 and folate. Turmeric is a very good source of dietary fiber and fatty acids are w-fatty acid and alpha-linolenic acid.

Curcumin possesses anticancer properties along with anti-inflammatory, anti-Alzheimer’s and anti-tumour potentials. It also has hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, anti-rheumatic, anti-diabetic, hypoglycemic and analgesic activities.

The essential oils in curcumin are ar-turmerone, alpha-turmerone and beta-turmerone and they are biologically active constituents. These essential oils are endowed with anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidative potentials. The curcuminoids and the volatile essential oils are responsible for the health benefits of turmeric.

Uses of turmeric in herbal medicine

Turmeric, like we know has been used for more than 4000 years in the Indian Ayurvedic medicine. There has also been extensive use of it in the Chinese traditional medicine and in parts of Asia.

Much research has been conducted in these areas and we owe the knowledge that we have today to the people of these regions, especially the Indians. The use of turmeric in the Western world and parts of Africa has been in the last hundred years, which time herbal medicine spread to these parts of the world.

Turmeric is a very interesting plant, which find its uses in the colouring, flavouring, cosmetic and medicinal/pharmaceutical industries. As expected, we are interested only in its medicinal uses. There is hardly any part of the body that you would not find the uses of turmeric. It can be used in the prevention and treatment of the following diseases listed below.

Digestive disorders, reduction of flatulence, menstrual problems, abdominal pain and bloating, dyspeptic pain and peptic ulcer, liver, gall bladder and bladder ailments along with urinary tract infection.

Other conditions are small pox, chicken pox, skin cancer and wound healing, conjunctivitis and uveitis. The digestive organs that turmeric target in the gastrointestinal system include the treatment of adenomatous polyposis in the intestine and in the colon; it is useful for the treatment of inflammatory bowel syndrome.

In the prevention and treatment of all these diseases in the human body, Turmeric utilises its medicinal properties, which we have found to be numerous. For example, we see in the case of the inflammatory diseases, which more often than not, are accompanied by pain, both the analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric come into play.

Furthermore, Turmeric, being loaded with antioxidants is highly indicated in those conditions caused by the accumulation of free radicals that lead to extensive damage of cells, tissues and organs by oxidative stress. This damage will further lead to the development of cancer, especially if the DNA becomes damaged.

It is important in Herbal Medicine that the products should be built up in the body for them to be effective in the management of these different conditions in the body.

In fact, the use of herbal products should be a new life style for our bodies to also become used to the new environment of the herbal product.

Turmeric like most of such herbal products should be added to different meals as the ground powder or added to water or beverages. Turmeric leaves can be dried, ground to powder and infused in water. The final product can be drunk as tea. Regular and continuous consumption of turmeric is encouraged for it to be effective.

Read More

Bitter Leaf, Scent Leaf Can Help Cure Diabetes - Experts

One discovery being backed by science is that bitter leaf and scent leaf combined with normal routine diabetes medications drastically reduce sugar levels in people with diabetes.

In a new study, researchers found that the combination of these extracts with normal routine medications had better sugar level control when compared with only routine medication usage. Aside this, the use of two herbs also seemed to mitigate some symptoms of diabetes.

The study indicated that patients on both bitter leaf and scent leaf extracts had better blood sugar control when compared with those that had only one extract administered or those that served as controls and didn’t receive the extracts.

For the study, a total of 38 diabetic patients were enrolled within the Rumuepirikom community in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State for the study done over a four-week duration

Disease duration in each patient was roughly estimated from the time the disease was clinically diagnosed by medical personnel and all the patients had some basic investigations carried out before the commencement of the study.

Each patient was assigned to one of six groups based on age of onset of the disease, disease duration in the individual and the severity of the disease in the patient.

Their daily fasting blood sugar levels were monitored and extracts of both leaves daily obtained naturally by water extraction were administered to them accordingly.

Some groups had the extracts administered alone; some had the extracts given alongside their routine anti-diabetic medication while some served as control.

The 2018 study, published in the International Journal of Chemistry and Chemical Processes, involved Udeh Winifred and Mene Alexander at the University of Port Harcourt.

The study showed that patients on both Bitter leaf and scent leaf extracts combined had better  blood sugar control when compared with those that had only one extract administered solely or those that served as control and didn’t receive the extracts at all.

Patients that received doses of single extracts alone also had better controlled sugar level results than those who did not receive extracts at all. Also, patients who took the extracts alongside their routine medication had better sugar level control than those who took their medications alone without the extracts.

Bitter leaf is one of the most widely consumed leaf vegetables. The leaves, with a sweet and bitter taste, are sold fresh or dried, and are a typical ingredient in melon soup.

Bitter leaf is well known as a medicinal plant with several uses attributed to it, including treatment for diabetes, fever reduction, and recently a non-pharmaceutical solution to persistent fever, headache and joint pain associated with AIDS. Its roots have been used for relief from gingivitis and toothache due to its proven antimicrobial activity.

Scent leaf, locally called daidoya in Hausa, Efinrin in Yoruba and  Ntonng in Ibibio has a range of culinary and medicinal applications including the treatment of stomach ache, diarrhoea, chronic dysentery and vomiting. Its squeezed leaves are applied on the skin for treating skin diseases and ringworm.

Diabetes is a widespread disorder affecting the blood sugar and insulin levels in the body. Managing the long-term consequences and complications of diabetes is as much of a challenge as the disease itself.

There are two main types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is where the pancreas produces no insulin. Type 2 diabetes is more common. With type 2, the body either does not produce enough insulin or produces insulin that the body does not use properly.

There are many treatment options for people with type 2 diabetes. Growing research, however, suggests that some herbs and supplements could be combined with more traditional methods to find relief from many type 2 diabetes symptoms.

In fact, because certain herbs, vitamins and supplements may interact with diabetes medications (including insulin) and increase their hypoglycemic effects, it is often argued that use of natural therapies could reduce blood sugars to dangerously low levels and raise the risk of other diabetes complications.

Moreover, plant-based therapies that have been shown in some studies to have anti-diabetic properties include aloe vera, bitter melon, ginger and okra.

Preliminary research suggests that intake of aloe vera juice can help improve blood glucose levels and may therefore be useful in treating people with diabetes.

Researchers from the University of Sydney, Australia, found that extracts from Buderim Ginger (Australian grown ginger) rich in gingerols – the major active component of ginger rhizome – can increase uptake of glucose into muscle cells without using insulin, and may therefore assist in the management of high blood sugar levels.

Read More

How To Achieve Effective Vaccination Against Liver, Cervical Cancers - Expert

A health expert, Dr Lai Ogunbiyi,  has called for urgent  commencement of national immunisation of Nigerians against the scourge of liver cancer and cervical cancer in Nigeria. 

Ogunbiyi, who is the Managing Director, Signal Health Nigeria Ltd., said  despite the availability of effective preventive vaccines, liver cancer and cervical cancer continue to kill Nigerians. 

Liver cancer, caused by Hepatitis B virus is the number two killer in Nigeria after malaria. Hepatitis B virus is about 100 times more infectious than HIV and is predominantly transmitted via sexual contact.  

However, because it is present in all bodily fluids and has an inherent high infection rate compared to other viruses, it can also be transmitted casually such as via coughing or kissing, mother to child at birth and by close contact or proximity to an infected individual. 

Ogunbiyi said 28 Nigerians die of liver cancer everyday, that is, more than one person an hour. “Liver cancer caused by Hepatitis B virus can be completely and effectively prevented by vaccines. 

The vaccination regimen usually calls for three vaccinations given at time intervals of   0, 1 month and 6 months. Efficacy of prevention is usually in the 99 percent range. 

Noting the demography of infection in Lagos State  presents a unique challenge, he said the infection rate in surgeons and emergency room madicals technicians exceeds the average infection rate of Lagos state. 

“As a resultt of the work these professional do, they  present a major source of spreading the virus in Lagos State and will require particular attention with respect ot a state immunisation programme. 

Arguing for the national vaccination drive, Ogunbiyi said it is generally recommended that the populace should be vaccinated starting with firstline responders such as the police, solders, firemen, healthcare professionals before progressing to the rest of the population. 

Further, Ogunbiyi said cervical cancer is a concern primarily caused by sexual transmission of the Human Papilloma virus (HPV) and unfortunately, Nigeria ranks 1st in deaths from cervical cancer in the 24 countries that constitute North and West Africa and is10th in the world.

 “Conservatively, about 30 women die of cervical cancer everyday in Nigeria. Cervical cancer currently affects 23.7 percent of girls and women between the ages of 15 – 44 years. It is projected to increase to 62 percent in Nigeria over the next 10-15 years. 

“Highly effective vaccines have been developed for the prevention of cervical cancer. A most effective strategy for prevention requires cervical cancer vaccination in routine annual immunisation programmes to ensure extensive coverage of the population over time."

Read More