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Debashis's Questions & Answers

in Puja & Rituals , Computers & Technology& Health

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Questions Asked: 26

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What are the Best Tips for Reducing Cholesterol?

Asked by anup shrma in Personal Health at 11:32 AM on February 16, 2009

Debashis's Answer

Reducing cholesterol can be a daunting task for those who have elevated cholesterol levels. Although cholesterol is found in every cell in the body, it is important to keep the amounts of “good” cholesterol or high-density lipoprotein (HDL) while reducing cholesterol that is “bad,” called low-density lipoprotein (LDL). The “bad” cholesterol blocks the arteries of the heart which can lead to a heart attack or stroke. The “good” cholesterol works to attach itself to the “bad” cholesterol and carry it to the liver where the body can dispose of it – thereby preventing blocked arteries and heart attacks. There are medications that a medical doctor can prescribe to a person who has high cholesterol; however, many people may be surprised how many ways there are to reduce cholesterol naturally.

Eating the right foods can do wonders for reducing cholesterol. Consuming foods that contain soluble fiber, such as oatmeal, kidney beans, prunes, apples, barley, and pears are great options for lowering the amount of “bad” cholesterol in the body. Walnuts, almonds, and other foods that have high amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids can reduce cholesterol numbers in about four weeks. Certain kinds of fish, flaxseed, and canola oil have high levels of omega-3 fatty acids which are great for reducing cholesterol. Using two tablespoons (23 g) of olive oil each day, especially extra virgin olive oil, works to remove the “bad” cholesterol while it keeps the “good” cholesterol.

Other ways of reducing cholesterol include life-style changes. First, by losing a few extra pounds, cholesterol levels can significantly lower. Exercise is one of the best ways to lose weight and lower the “bad” cholesterol while raising the “good” cholesterol numbers. Also, quitting smoking can increase amounts of “good” cholesterol and lower amounts of “bad” cholesterol. Results can be seen within 24-hours.

There are many options for reducing cholesterol through prescription drugs, as well. Some only work to lower the “bad” cholesterol, some only increase the levels of “good” cholesterol, and some do both. All have possible side effects that can vary from person to person, although most side effects are relatively moderate.

Many people like to take a vitamin B-3 supplement, niacin. Niacin has been proven to raise “good” cholesterol levels by 15 to 20 percent, when taken in high doses. It has also shown signs of reducing “bad” cholesterol. It can be purchased over-the-counter or as a prescription for the most concentrated capsules.

Answered at 11:33 AM on February 16, 2009

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What are Some Foods that Lower Cholesterol?

Asked by anup shrma in Personal Health at 11:30 AM on February 16, 2009

Debashis's Answer

There are some great foods that lower cholesterol, and these can be split into four basic categories: soluble fiber foods, foods high in omega 3 fatty acids, monounsaturated fats, and plant stanols and sterols. As with any foods a person might eat to be healthier, food examples in these groups must be part of a healthy diet in order to be most effective. If a person overeats or regularly consumes things like trans fats and saturated fats, then foods that lower cholesterol won’t have as much of an effect, and may not help reduce cholesterol counts to safe levels. These foods may not be adequate for people with some forms of high cholesterol and they should not be considered a substitute for medication or other medical treatments that doctors advise.

In the soluble fiber category, one of the best cholesterol lowering foods is oats. Other eatables with high soluble fiber levels include beans and lentils, prunes, sweet potatoes, apples, barley, and raisins. These have been indicated in lowering bad cholesterol levels called low-density lipoproteins (LDLs).

Sources of omega 3 fatty acids include many types of oily fish like salmon or sardines. They raise high-density lipoproteins (HDLs), which are the good cholesterol in the body. Those who don’t like fish can eat flax seed, take flax seed oil supplements, or try soybeans for Omega 3 sources and are good examples of foods that lower cholesterol.

There are many ways to get monounsaturated fats from foods, and one of the best ways is to consume nuts like walnuts or almonds. Other food sources include most nut butters, avocados, and olive oil. Olive oil is widely considered to be one of the superior foods that lower cholesterol because it does lower LDLs without having an impact on HDLs. When people are concerned with keeping saturated fat content low, olive oil is a terrific substitute. It can be used to cook foods, marinate them, or it can be even be used as a dip for things like bread in place of butter or margarines with trans fats.

The last category of stanols and sterols is a little more complicated. These have been shown to make it very difficult for the body to absorb cholesterol, but they tend to work better when taken as an additive in food. The amount needed, about 2 grams per day, is much more than can be obtained with normal eating.

There are some foods that are supplemented with these plant components, including some forms of orange juice and some heart healthy bread spreads. People can also take stanols and sterols alone in a capsule form. Some foods that contain these plant components include many nuts and seeds, most fruits, and many vegetables. When eating other foods that lower cholesterol, a lot of the foods that are in other categories will contain a small amount of stanols and sterols and may be helpful.

Fighting higher cholesterol with foods that lower it makes good sense. Other things are equally important, and especially include getting plenty of exercise and eating a healthy diet. Food avoidance may be just as vital, and people should try to compose diets that are very low in saturated fats and that contain no trans fats. As mentioned, some people may still need medication, even if their diet is perfect and contains plenty of foods that lower cholesterol.

Answered at 11:31 AM on February 16, 2009

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What is the Skin Test for Cholesterol?

Asked by anup shrma in Personal Health at 11:27 AM on February 16, 2009

Debashis's Answer

The skin test for cholesterol detects the early signs of heart disease. Measuring the amount and types of cholesterol in the body is very important in preventing and detecting heart disease. If the body has more cholesterol than it can use to create hormones and build cells, this stockpiles in artery walls to form plaque. This plaque prevents the blood from moving properly through the body and the risk of a heart attack or stroke becomes serious. The skin test for cholesterol can help doctors assess a patient's risk for plaque build-up in the arteries.

The medical term for the build up of plaque in the arteries is atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is often asymptomatic, meaning that a person with stockpiles of fat in the artery walls may not experience any symptoms of the condition. The skin test for cholesterol can give doctors a quick risk assessment to use to gauge the risk of a patient for atherosclerosis.

While blood tests used to measure cholesterol often take 24 hours for the results, a skin test for cholesterol typically takes less than five minutes. It measures the amount of sterol or cholesterol in the outer layers of a person's skin. The skin test for cholesterol is called non-invasive because no needle or lancet punctures the skin.

During the skin test for cholesterol, a foam pad is placed on the palm of the patient's hand. Liquid is dropped into areas in the pad that change color according to the amount of sterol or cholesterol in the skin. An electric wand shows the exact amount of cholesterol or sterol in the skin and this is then read and recorded by medical staff. Unlike blood tests that measure cholesterol in the body, no fasting is required for the skin test for cholesterol.

The skin test for cholesterol is not meant to replace traditional blood tests to check cholesterol. These blood tests give a lipoprotein analysis which measures the total cholesterol in the blood. If the results of a skin test for cholesterol show a patient to be a high risk for atherosclerosis, the doctor would most likely send the patient for blood tests. Routine cholesterol testing can monitor how the blood creates, uses, transports and eliminates cholesterol in the body.

Answered at 11:28 AM on February 16, 2009

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What Should I Expect from a Cholesterol Test?

Asked by anup shrma in Personal Health at 11:29 AM on February 16, 2009

Debashis's Answer

A cholesterol test, also called a lipid profile or lipid panel, measures the level of cholesterol in your blood. A basic cholesterol screening also breaks down your cholesterol levels by type, and usually includes a measurement of triglycerides. Triglycerides are not cholesterol, but are another form of fat that may be harmful in the bloodstream.

A cholesterol test may be performed by itself, or it may be done as part of a larger blood panel ordered by your doctor during routine physical exam. It is done through a simple blood draw, and your doctor may require you to fast for several hours before the test. This simple test may save your life, by alerting you to potential problems and seeking further medical treatment if needed.

Cholesterol is a waxy substance that we must have to live. Our bodies use cholesterol to build cell walls, to help make hormones such as estrogen and testosterone, and to help the body digest fatty foods. However, it becomes dangerous when we have too much in our blood. If there is more cholesterol than the body requires, the excess can stick to the walls of the arteries. After time, these cells build up and can lead to decreased circulation. This is especially dangerous in the arteries around the heart, where partial or total blockage of arteries can cause a heart attack.

There are two basic types of cholesterol. HDL, or high-density lipoprotein, is also referred to as "good" cholesterol because it removes cholesterol that has built up in the arteries. LDL, or low-density lipoprotein, is the "bad" cholesterol that has a tendency to stick to artery walls. Triglycerides also play a role in blocking arteries. To reduce the risk of heart disease and blood vessel problems, HDL levels should be high and LDL and triglyceride levels should be low.

The American Heart Association recommends that for optimal heart health, total cholesterol should be under 200, HDL should be 60 or above, LDL should be under 100, and triglycerides under 150. However, some researchers suggest that the ratio of good cholesterol to bad cholesterol may be more important than the actual numbers in determining your risk for heart disease. Your cholesterol test may include a ratio of HDL to total cholesterol; a ratio of under four is optimal. You may also see a ratio of HDL to LDL cholesterol, and in this measurement, anything above 0.3 is optimal.

If your cholesterol test indicates that you have high cholesterol, talk to your doctor about treatment options. There are many ways to lower cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood. These include avoiding saturated fats in your diet, eating more fruits and vegetables, shedding excess body fat, and participating in regular physical activity. If diet and exercise don't lower your levels enough, there are many prescription medications that can help. You and your doctor will decide the best treatment plan for your situation.

Answered at 11:30 AM on February 16, 2009

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Can you tell me What is LDL?

Asked by anup shrma in Personal Health at 11:26 AM on February 16, 2009

Debashis's Answer

By medical definition, LDL is low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, commonly known as the "bad" cholesterol. High LDL levels are associated with an increased risk for heart disease and hence become the focus for many doctors and their patients. LDL testing is often the first step in determining whether an individual is at risk for developing heart disease, and LDL levels are often the major focus of cholesterol lowering diets.

Often as part of a routine physical, a lipid profile may be ordered, which includes LDL testing. An LDL test is a blood test that measures the amount of low-density lipoprotein in the blood serum. Though LDL testing is a simple blood test, 12-hour fasting is sometimes required and certain medications may need to be stopped for a short time before the test. A doctor will determine the necessary preparation for LDL testing based on the individual patient.

Because doctors have determined that LDL levels, rather than total cholesterol levels, are the best indicators of risk for heart disease and stroke, LDL testing is important. Elevated LDL levels increase these risks and often diet alone can lower them. Most cholesterol lowering diets are simple to follow and require avoiding certain foods.

Foods that are high in saturated fats and trans-fatty acids should be avoided in a diet to reduce LDL levels. Saturated fats are found in non-skim milk and dairy products such as cheese and cream, and are also found in meat and poultry. Meat should be eaten in smaller portions and baked, not fried. Substituting fish for meat and eating meatless meals twice a week can help lower LDL cholesterol. A cholesterol lowering diet should also include fruit; vegetables; and soluble fiber, which is found in oats, barley, and other grains as well as nuts and legumes.

When diet alone does not effectively achieve a patient's targeted cholesterol levels, cholesterol lowering medication is prescribed. Many different medications are available that produce different results, so talk to your doctor about monitoring cholesterol levels, especially if you are already at risk due to diabetes, smoking, or high blood pressure.

Answered at 11:27 AM on February 16, 2009

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What is a Healthy Cholesterol Level?

Asked by anup shrma in Personal Health at 11:28 AM on February 16, 2009

Debashis's Answer

Managing cholesterol is important in order to minimize the risk of heart disease. According to the guidelines set forth by the National Cholesterol Education Program, a healthy cholesterol level is considered to be 200 mg/dL or less. Cholesterol ratios of high density lipoproteins (HDL) to low density lipoproteins (LDL) are also relevant, which should ideally be 100 mg/dL or less and 45 mg/dL (55 mg/dL for women), respectively.

There are many things that can affect cholesterol levels, most notably diet and lifestyle habits. However, even the most health-conscious individual can have elevated cholesterol and not even know it. For that matter, genetics may undermine efforts to achieve a healthy cholesterol level, in spite of adhering to a diet low in fat and regular exercise. In fact, the only two things that really exert any control over cholesterol levels are the liver and the intestines.

Cholesterol is a fatty substance manufactured by the liver for the purpose of producing bile acid to digest food. This organ also regulates cholesterol by removing it from the blood. This occurs because high density lipoproteins (HDL) carry low density lipoproteins (LDL) back to the liver. This is why an overall healthy cholesterol level translates to having more HDL cholesterol than LDL since the latter is responsible for the development of arterial plaque.

The intestines also absorb a certain amount of cholesterol, both from foods and from bile sent from the liver. Sometimes the intestines can’t keep up with the amount of cholesterol being made by the liver, and the unabsorbed cholesterol ends up in circulation in the blood. Again, HDL molecules will move LDL and triglycerides out of the blood, but only if they are present in sufficient amounts. However, the main factor that controls how well LDL cholesterol is moved out of the blood is a matter of genetics.

This explains why some people need additional help in reaching a healthy cholesterol level. The liver will continue to produce cholesterol in whatever amounts are needed by the body, regardless of diet and exercise. Other factors that can raise cholesterol levels include certain medications, such as birth control pills, steroids, and beta-blockers. Estrogen offers most women protection from elevated cholesterol, but this effect diminishes with age, especially after menopause.

It’s not necessary to wait until middle age to have a cholesterol screen, as many people believe. This is particularly true if there is a family history of heart disease or stroke. Blood tests can provide a lipoprotein analysis, broken down by serum levels of LDL, HDL, and triglycerides. Once this analysis is complete, a program designed to achieve and maintain a healthy cholesterol level can be developed to meet individual needs.

Answered at 11:29 AM on February 16, 2009

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What are Home Remedies for Diarrhea?

Asked by anup shrma in Personal Health at 11:22 AM on February 16, 2009

Debashis's Answer

Most cases of diarrhea resolve within a few days, and simply require rest and intake of extra fluids to prevent dehydration. In some cases, chronic conditions like irritable bowel syndrome can cause ongoing bouts of diarrhea. Occasionally children end up with a lengthy case of diarrhea after initial irritation by a stomach virus.

When the cause of diarrhea is not determined as dangerous, or requiring medical assistance, home remedies can help reduce and often end diarrhea. The most common recommended home remedy is following the BRAT, or in some cases the BRATTY diet.

BRAT is an acronym, standing for bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. BRATTY stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, toast, tea, and yogurt. Most doctors recommend adhering to a diet that contains only these foods, as they help to bulk up the intestines and have a slightly constipating effect.

Many pediatricians now suggest the BRATTY version of the diet to end diarrhea in children, because of the active cultures present in yogurt. These cultures can help restore the natural balance of “good bacteria” after antibiotic use, or when the stomach is depleted by a viral case of diarrhea. Tea for children should be herbal, although decaffeinated green tea is also an excellent choice. In adults, green tea is relatively low in caffeine and has numerous health benefits.

Rice used should be brown rice, rather than white rice. Brown rice has greater dietary fiber content and will help add bulk so that diarrhea lessens. Toast should also be whole wheat when possible, to add fiber. However, nothing like butter or jam should be added as these may worsen diarrhea.

Applesauce contains pectin, which helps to naturally firm very soft or liquid bowel movements. Apple juice, conversely, contains little pectin, and may cause more frequent diarrhea. Rather than toast and jam, one might appeal to the picky eater by offering toast with applesauce dip on the side.

The disadvantage to the BRAT diet is that it contains very little protein. The BRATTY diet, on the other hand, is a sustainable diet when yogurt is added. One should avoid yogurts high in sugar, as excess sucrose can increase diarrhea. One should also check to be certain the yogurt contains active live cultures, as these helpful bacteria can help eliminate stomach problems and make yogurt a digestible milk product for most who are lactose intolerant.

Usually, several days on the BRATTY diet can help restore one to a more normal cycle of bowel movements. Chronic diarrhea in adults may also be helped by daily intake of dietary fiber. Though fiber is often blamed for loose bowel moments, it has an undeserved reputation.

Regular intake of the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of fiber can actually help to bulk up bowel movements and reduce diarrhea. Those who have irritable bowel syndrome are particularly encouraged to eat at last the RDA of dietary fiber daily. If unable to consume that much fiber, fiber supplements are readily available to help supplement a healthy diet.

Answered at 11:22 AM on February 16, 2009

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What is Traveler's Diarrhea?

Asked by anup shrma in Personal Health at 11:24 AM on February 16, 2009

Debashis's Answer

Traveler's diarrhea (TD) is a familiar experience for many people who have traveled extensively in the developing world. This illness is characterized by abdominal cramping and frequent loose stool. Traveler's diarrhea also has a number of nicknames, such as Montezuma's revenge, Delhi belly, Thai-del wave, and so forth, usually referencing regions of the developing world. While this condition is usually not very pleasant, it is not typically dangerous.

Cases of traveler's diarrhea are most commonly reported among travelers visiting countries of a lower socioeconomic status than their own. Economic and social problems tend to lead to a decrease in the quality of sanitation, greatly increasing the risk of consuming contaminated food or water. Traveler's diarrhea is very common in the developing world, and rather unusual in industrialized nations.

The condition typically has a very rapid onset, and it may appear while traveling, or after returning home. The rumbling stomach is usually the first symptom, followed by pain and cramping in the abdomen and loose stool. Depending on how severe the traveler's diarrhea is, it may be totally debilitating, or merely uncomfortable.

Bacterial or viral agents can be responsible for traveler's diarrhea. Most of the time, the best thing to do is to let the illness run its course, drinking lots of fluids to stay hydrated in the process. However, a prolonged bout of traveler's diarrhea or observations of blood in the stool are cause for a trip to the doctor. Doctors can test the stool and prescribe appropriate medications to knock out the organisms causing the distress.

It can be a challenge to avoid traveler's diarrhea, depending on where one travels. Essentially, travelers need to watch what they eat and drink. Ideally water should be purified or boiled before consumption, and food should be thoroughly cooked and handled safely. Some travelers, including this wiseGEEK author, stick to extremely spicy food, in the belief that the spice helps to reduce the potential bacterial population of the food, although this has not been scientifically verified.

Eating where the locals do is not necessarily the best way to avoid traveler's diarrhea. Locals are already acclimated to the various organisms which may be present in the food, and a meal which makes you sick may not bother them in the least. It is also common for food handlers and citizens to carry their own unique pathogens without showing signs of disease, so avoid things like peeled fruits and salads, as they cannot be washed. You should also avoid foods which are out of season or transported across a long distance, such as seafood served inland.

Answered at 11:25 AM on February 16, 2009

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What are Some Causes of Green Stool?

Asked by anup shrma in Personal Health at 11:21 AM on February 16, 2009

Debashis's Answer

While unpleasant a topic of conversation if ever there were one, the color of stool is a common concern for many people, especially mothers of infants and young children. The color and consistency of a bowel movement can be dependent on a number of factors. While red and black stool may be cause for alarm, green stool rarely is.

Green stool is not usually considered abnormal. Green stool may most likely be caused by dietary intake and is closely related to the amount of bile in the stool. Bile is a yellowish green fluid found throughout the digestive tract that digests fat. Under a variety of circumstances related to the body’s gastrointestinal health at the time, bile can cause stool to become different colors or at least varying shades of the same color. Green is not uncommon and may be the result of too much or too little bile or food moving through the intestines too fast.

Diet can also effect stool color. Green vegetables, such as spinach and broccoli can cause green stool, and foods containing green food coloring can yield the same result. Just as often though, other food colors can have the same impact. Purple drinks are a particular culprit, especially in young children. Some dietary supplements, especially iron, can also cause green stool.

Another factor that could contribute to green stool is mucus. Mucus is present in the intestines and can cause stool to change color as it can consistency. Unless there is an excessive amount of mucus or a persistent change from normal bowel movement, it is likely nothing to be concerned with.

If you have recently changed your diet, have consumed a large quantity of sugary foods, or have had constipation, your stool may appear green a time or two before returning to normal. If you have green stool with other symptoms and cannot think of a reason why your bowel movements may have changed, call your doctor. While green stool is not considered abnormal, serious or chronic changes in bowel movement may indicate a cause for concern. Stool that is red or black may contain blood and should be discussed with a doctor. Many abdominal and digestive disorders and diseases are diagnosed with a change in bowel habits.

Answered at 11:21 AM on February 16, 2009

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Which Foods Help Relieve Diarrhea?

Asked by anup shrma in Personal Health at 11:23 AM on February 16, 2009

Debashis's Answer

Sometimes people suffer from long bouts of diarrhea after stomach flu or because of conditions that are ongoing, like irritable bowel syndrome. When frequent bowel movements continue for more than a couple of days, and there is no indication of parasitic or bacterial infection, certain foods can help firm bowel movements and put an end to the condition. Commonly doctors advocate the BRAT or BRATTY diet to help relieve diarrhea.

BRATTY is an acronym for bananas, rice, applesauce, toast, tea and yogurt. These foods, especially when eaten together, can help to firm bowel movements. In the past physicians recommended the BRAT diet only, which did not include tea and yogurt, but the BRATTY diet is now preferred given the beneficial qualities in yogurt.

Bananas have high potassium content, which is excellent for replacing lost potassium. They also have a healthy balance of starch and fruit sugars that can help firm bowel movements. Rice and white or wheat toast should be served without added spices or butter, since fats and spices may prolong frequent or watery bowel movements.

Applesauce or even whole apples are a great source of pectin, a natural bulking agent. Green tea or weak black tea, preferably decaffeinated, helps to replace lost fluids. There aren’t enough ways to sing the praise of yogurt, which contains natural live cultures that help restore intestinal balance. After a day or two of diarrhea, the body is usually depleted of good bacteria in the gut, and this depletion can prolong the number of days you have loose bowel movements. By replacing these bacteria with the live cultures in yogurt, you can restore this balance more quickly than the body would be able to do on its own.

Another reason yogurt is great is that it provides a much greater supply of protein than do other foods on the BRATTY diet. This makes it possible to stay on the diet for several days if needed without skipping on protein. It’s usually recommended that you remain on the diet until a day or two after diarrhea has ceased.

There are some common mistakes with the BRATTY diet that can negate its effects. As mentioned above, toast and rice should be served plain. Read labels of yogurt to be sure it contains live cultures and make sure it is minimally sweetened, preferably with fruit juice only, or you can eat it plain if you don’t mind the sour taste. A plain yogurt and banana shake is nice and sweet.

Don’t substitute apple juice for applesauce or raw apples. Apple juice tends to work as a natural laxative. Try to stick with decaffeinated tea and don’t use herbal teas, which might prolong diarrhea. Skip additives to your tea like milk, honey, sugar or sugar substitutes.

You should also avoid common sports drinks like Gatorade®, since their high sugar content can result in more diarrhea. To replace lost fluid try water, tea, or electrolyte replacing formulas like Pedialyte®. When you frequently have loose bowel movements, consider adding fiber supplements to your diet.

Though fiber can have a softening effect on stools, it can also help bulk it up, resulting in fewer bowel movements that are easier to pass. If you’ve never had diarrhea that lasts for more than a day or two, especially if it’s accompanied by fever, you should see a physician for more guidance. Certain bacterial and parasitic infections need treatment with medication to resolve.

Answered at 11:24 AM on February 16, 2009

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