HEART FAILURE

1. There are various definitions of heart failure, however. They all centre around the inability of the heart to meet oxygen and nutrient requirements of the body.
2. Heart failure/circulatory failure/pump failure can be defined as "The heart's inability to pump blood, oxygen, and nutrients to the body in proportion to its metabolic needs."
3. It can also be regarded as a general term that refers to the inability of the cardiovascular system to perform the functions of delivery of nutrients to and removal of wastes from the cell.
4. Heart failure is not a disease but a syndrome resulting from a variety of pathophysiological disruptions that place increased demands on the heart.

Types of Heart Failure

There are basically two types of heart failure

• Left ventricular failure
• Right sided heart failure or congestive cardiac failure.

Left Heart Failure: This is the failure of the left ventricle to pump blood from the left side of the heart to the aorta.

Congestive Cardiac Failure: This is a condition of stasis of blood in the venous system due to the inability of the right ventricle to function normally, or as a result of the failure of the right ventricle to pump blood into pulmonary artery.

Causes of Left Heart Failure (LHF)

1. Coronary artery occlusion (myocardial infarction)
2. Valvular defects
3. Arrhythmias
4. Pericarditis
5. Hypertension
6. Septicaemia
7. Anaemia
8. Pregnancy with underlying heart disease
9. Rheumatic fever
10. Pulmonary heart disease secondary to disorders of lungs such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
11. Hyperthyroidism
12. Obesity
13. Transfusion and infusion overloading
14. Prolonged dietary deficiency e.g. Beriberi
15. Paget's disease.
16. Arteriovenous fistulas
17. Environmental emotional stress
18. Syphilitic heart disease

 Causes of congestive Heart Failure

• Congestive cardiac failure often occur as a complication of left ventricular failure
• As for the previously listed causes of LHF, Asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis are other possible causes.

Management

The goals of management in congestive heart failure are to minimize, eradicate or prevent those factors which precipitate and or perpetuate the disease process, and strengthen the heart so that it can cope with its burden more effectively, to reduce venous congestion, to decrease sodium and water retention.

Chemotherapy:

The underlying cause of heart failure must be treated accordingly with the appropriate chemotherapy.

However, the following are beneficial in the management of cardiac failure.

1. Diuretics
2. Cardiac glycosides
3. Mild hypnotics 
4. Expectorants 
5. Electrolyte supplement - mixture of potassium chloride
6. Bronchodilators e.g. Aminophylline

1.     

APHRODISIAC

 An aphrodisiac is something that has the ability to boost your libido and stimulate your sexual desire, performance, and pleasure.

Many believe that eating libido foods can get you in the mood for some love-making. Historically, aphrodisiac foods have been revered by many cultures as a way to invigorate sexuality. Ancient Greece and Peru, as well as the Venetians and Aztecs, used certain foods for aphrodisiac purposes. So do aphrodisiacs really work? Research indicates that aphrodisiac foods are not just an old wives’ tale––they can actually help you get turned on and perform better in bed!

History of Aphrodisiacs

The introduction of the drug sildenafil (Viagra) help generate greater interest in the use of aphrodisiacs, but their use actually dates back thousands of years. Throughout human history, people have turned to foods and other natural substances to help increase desire and even fertility.

Types of Aphrodisiacs

·        Natural supplements containing ingredients such as Ambrien, Yohimbine, horny goat weed, and ginseng

·        Food such as oysters and dark chocolate

·        Herbs including cloves and sage

·        Psychoactive substances such as alcohol and marijuana

·        Synthetic substances such as MDMA (ecstasy), phenethylamines (amphetamines and methamphetamines), and synthetic testosterone.

·        Spicy substances, such as hot chili peppers, are sometimes considered aphrodisiacs to induce feelings of arousal because they increase body temperature.4

Reproductive organs of certain animals, such as eggs or animal testicles, are sometimes believed to increase sexual potency or performance.

Foods that evoke the senses, including sights, smell, and taste, are often supposed to have aphrodisiac properties. By arousing the senses, such substances are thought to help people feel more sexually aroused.

Categories of Aphrodisiac

·        Libido: Low desire is the most prevalent sexual problem for middle-aged women, affecting nearly 70% of women during midlife.5 However, low libido is something that can affect men and women of all ages. Supplements are often marketed to increase libido, although the effectiveness of these substances remains questionable.

·        Potency: Aphrodisiacs are often also purported to increase sexual potency and performance. Some substances are marketed to improve stamina, lubrication, and endurance.

·        Sexual Pleasure: Finally, some aphrodisiacs are marketed as being able to improve overall sexual pleasure. Such products are thought to make sex more enjoyable. Even people who enjoy a healthy sex life may find the lure of more enjoyable sex a good reason to try an aphrodisiac.

 

Others Ways to Improve Your Sex Life

If you want to improve your sex life, there are some things that you can do that can help:

·        Eat a healthy diet. Research has shown that following a diet that emphasizes lean meat, vegetables, fruit, and whole grains can improve hormone levels, blood flow, and nerve functioning.

·        Get regular exercise. Studies have shown that physical activity has a beneficial impact on sexual health. Even small bursts of activity can help with overall sexual functioning.

·        Control your stress levels. Stress can have a serious impact on libido, so it is important to find ways to manage stress levels effectively. Good self-care and techniques such as meditation, mindfulness, deep breathing, and visualization can be helpful for lowering stress.

Don’t forget that you should always talk to your doctor if you are thinking about trying a substance or supplement to address a sexual problem, incorporating certain foods into your diet can be a safe (and delicious) way to have fun with aphrodisiacs.

Potential Pitfalls

If you are interested in trying an aphrodisiac, there are some potential pitfalls you should watch for and precautions you should take.

 

·        Talk to your doctor first:  Don’t rely on aphrodisiacs to fix problems that might have a medical basis. Sexual problems can often be a sign of an underlying medical or mental health condition, so it is important to talk to your doctor about your symptoms, including ones related to sex. People are sometimes hesitant to bring up such issues to their doctor out of embarrassment, but its something important that you should mention.

·        Be cautious of potential side effects and interactions: Also, don’t assume that just because something is “natural” that it is safe, harmless, or without side effects. Even natural substances can have adverse effects or may interact with other medications or supplements that you are taking.

·        Remember that sexual desire and behavior aren’t one-dimensional: Physical factors do play an important role, but there are also important interpersonal and psychological factors at work. How you feel about yourself, your partner, and your relationship can all have an influence on how often you desire and engage in sexual activity.

 

If you are experiencing problems with sexual functioning, including low libido or physical issues that make sex difficult or impossible, talk to your doctor. Such problems are often treatable, or they may be a sign of an underlying medical condition that needs to be treated.

 

Examples of Foods and Natural Supplements to Boost Sexual Life

 

·        Raw Oysters

Raw oysters are one of the most well-known libido foods. Cleopatra loved oysters, as did Casanova. Even in romantic Venetian times, virgins were seduced by sliding an oyster from a man’s mouth into a woman’s. Oysters also contain dopamine which can increase your sense of desire.

·        Dark Chocolate

This sexy superfood contains phenylethylamine, an organic compound that triggers a sense of happiness and excitement. The Journal of Sexual Medicine published a study that found that women who enjoy a piece of chocolate on a daily basis have a more active sex life than those who don’t. In addition to being one of the most romantic desserts, chocolate is a food that you can play within the bedroom. You can easily make chocolate cream at home using raw cacao powder, cocoa butter, and a little coconut oil. Eat it as a treat or invite your partner to lick it off your body!

 

·        Watermelon

Some say eating watermelon can offer similar effects as taking performance-enhancement drugs.

 

·        Bananas

The vitamin B, riboflavin, and potassium in bananas can also make you feel energized and ramp up your testosterone levels making you feel ready for a romp in the sheets.

 

·        Chili Peppers

Eating chilis can also activate endorphins in your brain and increase your heart rate which may get your sexual juices flowing.

 

·        Celery

After munching on some celery, the odor of androstenone and androstenol travel into a man’s mouth and through his nose, creating a pheromone scent that boosts arousal.

 

·        Vanilla

Research shows that the smell of vanilla can stimulate arousal in men and increase sexual satisfaction.

 

·        Avocados

Avocados have high amounts of vitamin E which can elevate your energy levels and boost your performance in bed.

 

·        Goji berries

Eating goji berries can increase testosterone levels, stimulating libido for both men and women.

They may even be able to treat metabolic syndrome which is a precursor to erectile dysfunction. These bright red berries are recommended by nutritionists to help people look and feel younger and improve stamina, mood, and well-being which can give you more sexual confidence.

 

·        Maca

According to Organic Authority, “the maca plant is used by the Peruvian culture to increase strength, stamina, energy, fertility, and libido.”

The sweet root vegetable has been shown to boost libido and assist with erectile dysfunction in animal studies. Humans have also experienced increased sexual desire after eating foods or supplements containing maca.

 

·        Pomegranates

The pomegranate fruit is a superfood packed with tons of antioxidants. Eating pomegranates can help generate blood flow throughout your body, including the penis and clitoris. As a result, many people experience increased genital sensitivity. Studies suggest that drinking pomegranate juice might even help with erectile dysfunction.

 

·        Honey

This ooey-gooey, sticky-sweet food has many sexy qualities. Because honey is created through the pollination process, it symbolizes procreation and fertility.

Honey consists of boron which regulates testosterone and estrogen levels. It also contains nitric oxide, a gas released from the blood during arousal. In ancient Greece, honey was prescribed to increase sexual vigor. Similar to dark chocolate, honey can be played with during sex.

 

·        Ginseng

Ginseng is a root herb used for tons of therapeutic remedies in both foods and supplements.

According to Medical News Today, it can “boost energy, lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, reduce stress, promote relaxation, treat diabetes, and manage sexual dysfunction in men.” Some believe it can boost your libido and sexual performance by stimulating the central nervous system and increasing energy levels.

 

·        Red Wine

It might seem obvious, but red wine is considered to be one of the best and most powerful aphrodisiacs. It contains resveratrol, an antioxidant that decreases inflammation and stimulates blood flow throughout the body.

PHYSIOGNOMY OF NAVEL

 A brief Review by Chukwuma Chinaza Adaobi 

Introduction:

The navel is a scar tissue resulting from the detachment of the umbilical cord after birth. The umbilical cord, which provides oxygen and nutrients from mother to child during pregnancy, contains three vessels – two arteries and one vein. Once the umbilical cord is removed, the vessels close up.

After the umbilical vein degenerates, a ligament connected to the liver remains, but its purpose is to divide the liver into two sections according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information.

Why the navel is on your Body?

Navel, also called umbilicus, plural umbilici, or umbilicuses, in anatomy, a small depression in the abdominal wall at the point of attachment of the umbilical cord (q.v.). It indicates the point through which the mammalian fetus obtained nourishment from its mother through the blood vessels of the umbilical cord.

What is the importance of navel in human body?

Your belly button marks the spot where your umbilical (say: um-BIL-ih-kul) cord was once attached. This cord is a soft, bendable tube that carried nutrients vitamins and minerals from your mother to you, back when you were in her belly (womb). A belly button is also called a navel.

The navel (clinically known as the umbilicus, commonly known as the belly button) is a protruding, flat, or hollowed area on the abdomen at the attachment site of the umbilical cord. All placental mammals have a navel.

What causes navel pain?

Many minor conditions can cause pain in the navel area and even radiate to other areas of the body, including the pelvis, legs, and chest. Common causes include indigestion, constipation, and pregnancy. Treatment depends on the underlying cause.

What is inside the belly button?

What's inside your belly button. Belly buttons are the first human scar, and about 90% of them are innies. If you have an innie, chances are it's full of dozens of kinds of bacteria, fungi, and lint especially if you have a hairy belly. And if your navel is infected, there might also be a cheese-like liquid inside.

Should you clean out your belly button?

The takeaway. Although most people don't spend much time thinking about their bellybuttons, it's not a bad idea to clean yours every week or so. Cleaning your bellybutton can help you avoid potential infections, smells, and other results of poor hygiene.

Further Reading visit: https://www.thehealthy.com/beauty/face-body-care/things-you-didnt-know-belly-button/ 

REDUCING CHRONIC DISEASE RISK THROUGH DIET

A Review By: Chukwuma Chinaza Adaobi

Before discussing which foods and dietary patterns may protect against cancer development, it is crucial to understand that engaging in activitiesTrusted Source that scientists consider significant cancer risk factors, such as cigarette smoking or excessive drinking, may counteract the potential protective effects of diet. Avoiding smoking, reducing alcohol intake, managing body weight, and being active, are critical to reducing cancer risk. Researchers have discovered that, just as some dietary patterns may increase cancer risk, nutritional choices can also have a protective effect against cancer.

For example, the Mediterranean dietTrusted Source, which is high in fiber, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds, and low in red and processed meat and ultra-processed foods, has associations with an overall protective effectTrusted Source against cancer and cancer-related death.

Studies have shownTrusted Source that diets high in fruits, vegetables, and other fiber-rich plant foods offer protection against cancer developmentTrusted Source. This is because these foods contain compounds that help protect against cellular damage. Consuming a varied diet that provides optimal amounts of fiberTrusted Source, vitaminsTrusted Source, mineralsTrusted Source, and beneficTrusted SourceiTrusted Sourceal plant compoundsTrusted Source is essential for overall health and cancer risk reduction.

In addition to consuming a diet rich in plant-based foods, reducing intake of processed and red meats, ultra-processed foods, and added sugars and salt may help reduce the risk of certain cancers and many other chronic conditions.

The bottom line

Though many factors can influence a person’s risk of developing cancer, including factors that a person cannot control, research shows that some dietary patterns and specific foods may increase the chance of developing certain cancers. Evidence suggests that ultra-processed foods, processed meat products, diets high in added salt, and drinking scalding beverages may increase the risk of cancer development. Although scientists still have much to learn about how diet impacts cancer development and progression, significantly reducing or avoiding these foods and adapting dietary patterns will likely improve overall health. This may also help reduce a person’s risk of developing certain cancers.

CAN FOOD CHOICES INFLUENCE CANCER RISK?

A Review By: Chukwuma Chinaza Adaobi (Health Consultant) 

Summary

Many factors can contribute to the development of chronic diseases, including certain types of cancer. The link between diet and cancer risk is complicated. However, certain dietary patterns and food choices do have associations with an increased risk of cancer. This article explains how diet may influence cancer risk.

Researchers have predicted that cancer will become the leading cause of death in every country in the world by the end of this century, making cancer prevention a top priority in the healthcare field.

Although many factors can influence a person’s risk of developing cancer, research shows that environmental causes, including dietary choices Trusted Source, can also affect cancer risk.

In the early 1960s, researchers discovered that cancer rates varied between countries and identified that specific dietary patterns have correlations with certain types of cancer.

They also discovered that cancer rates in people from countries with a low cancer risk who migrated to countries with higher cancer risk matched or exceeded Trusted Source the cancer rates in the country they migrated to. This suggests that diet and lifestyle strongly impacted cancer development.

Since then, researchers have narrowed down the specific foods and dietary patterns that may increase the risk of certain cancers.

This article will focus primarily on food, yet it is important to remember that alcohol intake is also a known dietary risk factor Trusted Source for cancer development.

Foods and diets linked to cancer risk

Research into diet and cancer risk is ongoing, and researchers still have much to learn about how and why food choices affect cancer risk.

Red and processed meats

Scientists know there is a strong link between processed meat intake and certain types of cancer.

In 2015Trusted Source, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organization (WHO), classified processed meat as carcinogenic and unprocessed red meat as “probably” carcinogenic.

A 2018 review Trusted Source found that increasing intake of processed meat up to about 60 grams (g) per day and red meat up to 150 g per day increased colorectal cancer risk by about 20%.

Diets high in processed and red meat also have associations with an increased risk of other cancers, including stomach cancer Trusted Source and breast cancer Trusted Source.

Compounds Trusted Source created during high-temperature cooking and smoking processes can cause cellular damage, which can initiate the development of cancerous cells. The heme iron found in red and processed meats may also have a toxic effect on cells.

Ultra-processed foods

Ultra-processed foods Trusted Source often contain ingredients that result from industrial processing, such as protein isolates, hydrogenated oils, high-fructose corn syrup, flavor enhancers, artificial sweeteners, and thickeners.

Examples of ultra-processed foods and beverages include Trusted Source ultra-processed sweet and savory snack foods, soda and energy drinks, breakfast cereals, reconstituted meat products, frozen pizzas, candy, and more.

According to health experts, diets high in ultra-processed foods, including Western diets, significantly increase the risk of certain cancers.

A 2018 study Trusted Source that included data on almost 105,000 people found that increasing the dietary proportion of ultra-processed foods by 10% had associations with a significant 12% increased risk of overall cancer and an 11% increased chance of developing breast cancer.

Ultra-processed foods are rich in saturated fat, added sugar, and salt but low in protective nutrients, such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Ultra-processed foods also contain potentially carcinogenic Trusted Source compounds formed during processing, such as heterocyclic amines and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons Trusted Source.

Certain food additives Trusted Source and contamination by chemicals from food packaging may also contribute to the increased cancer risk associated with the consumption of ultra-processed food.

In addition to cancer, ultra-processed food intake has links Trusted Source to many other chronic conditions, including type 2 diabetes and heart disease, and an increased risk of death from all causes. It is important to try to limit consumption of ultra-processed products as much as possible to reduce the risk of developing these conditions.

High-salt diets

A diet high in added salt may increase the risk of certain cancers, particularly stomach cancer.

Scientists have suggested that high salt intake may increase the risk of infection caused by Helicobacter pylori bacteria. H. pylori infections significantly increase Trusted Source the risk of stomach cancer.

Also, eating high-salt foods may lead to the production of N-nitroso compounds (NOCs)Trusted Source. The IARC has classified Trusted Source many of these as “probably” carcinogenic to humans.

Diets high in added salt have associations with an increased risk of certain cancers, including stomach cancer Trusted Source and esophageal cancer Trusted Source.

Scalding beverages

Drinking scalding hot beverages may increase cancer risk. The IARC has classified beverages with a temperature over 149°F (65°C) as “probably” carcinogenic to humans.

A 2015 review Trusted Source of 39 studies found that drinking hot beverages has associations with a significantly increased risk of esophageal cancer, especially in South American and Asian populations.

The study found that people who usually drank very hot or hot beverages were almost twice as likely to develop esophageal cancer than those who usually consumed warm or cold drinks.

Recurrent temperature-related injuries Trusted Source to esophagus cells may lead to the development of precancerous and cancerous lesions.

Other possible dietary risk factors

The IARC identified several other dietary factors that may lead to cancer progression. For example, following a diet with a high glycemic load may increase the risk of endometrial cancer.

Diets with a high-glycemic load adversely affect blood sugar and may lead to chronically elevated insulin levels Trusted Source and insulin resistance. This may adversely affect hormone levels and lead to an increased risk of developing endometrial cancer.

Diets with a high-glycemic load are typically rich in added sugars and refined carbohydrates, such as white bread and white rice.

Aflatoxin is a compound produced by a fungus that grows in foods, such as nuts, grains, and dried fruit, stored in hot, damp conditions. The IARC considers aflatoxin carcinogenic.

Long-term exposure to aflatoxins has links to an increased risk of gallbladder cancer Trusted Source and liver cancer Trusted Source.

Scientists consider exposure to Aflatoxin a significant risk factor for liver cancer in low-income countries, especially in people who have an active hepatitis infection, which affects the liver.

Useful Reference

Dunn, G. P., Old, L. J., & Schreiber, R. D. (2004). The immunobiology of cancer immunosurveillance and immunoediting. Immunity, 21(2), 137-148.

English, D. R., Armstrong, B. K., Kricker, A., & Fleming, C. (1997). Sunlight and cancer. Cancer causes & control, 8(3), 271-283.

Zha, S., Yegnasubramanian, V., Nelson, W. G., Isaacs, W. B., & De Marzo, A. M. (2004). Cyclooxygenases in cancer: progress and perspective. Cancer letters, 215(1), 1-20.