Nothing fishy about health benefits of plant-based omega-3 fatty acid

Increasing the amount of omega-3s in your diet, whether from fish or flax, will likely decrease your risk of getting heart disease, according to Penn State nutritionists.
A substantial amount of evidence exists supporting the heart-health benefits of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (EPA and DHA), marine-derived omega-3 fatty acids. However, much less evidence exists to demonstrate the positive effects of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a plant-based omega-3 fatty acid.
"The benefits reported for EPA and DHA are stronger because supplements of EPA and DHA were tested, and EPA and DHA was the only difference between the treatment and control groups," said Jennifer Fleming, instructor and clinical research coordinator in nutritional sciences. "In contrast, in the ALA studies, there were diet differences beyond ALA between the treatment and control groups."
EPA and DHA can be found in seafood and fish oil, and are often consumed in the form of dietary supplements. ALA is found in flaxseed and its oil, vegetable oils, and some nuts, and is now available in supplement form. EPA and DHA have been available for much longer. Other sources of ALA, EPA and DHA are fortified foods such as orange juice, eggs, peanut butter, margarine and bread, among others. While there are many other omega-3 fortified foods in the market place, most are relatively low in omega-3 fatty acids.
Omega-3 fatty acids are considered essential for human health, but the body does not produce them -- therefore they must be consumed in order to maintain appropriate levels.
In reviewing existing literature on the subject, the researchers have come to the conclusion that ALA is likely just as effective in preventing cardiovascular disease as EPA and DHA have proven to be, as they report on the current issue ofAdvances in Nutrition.
"Our understanding of the cardiovascular disease benefits of ALA has advanced markedly during the past decade," said Penny Kris-Etherton, Distinguished Professor of Nutrition. "Based on the current evidence, ALA decreases CVD risk."
Fleming and Kris-Etherton believe that dietary recommendations should be amended to increase the amount of ALA consumed, but note that randomized controlled clinical trials need to be conducted in order to determine the amount recommended.
"Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the country," said Fleming. "Learning what you can do to prevent heart disease is important and relevant for everybody."
Source:Advances in Nutrition

Karnataka to open AYUSH University next year: U.T. Khader

Minister for Health and Family Welfare U T Khader said here on Sunday that the State government will open an AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy) university next year.

It is likely to come up in Shivamogga but the venue might change, he told presspersons.

Mr. Khader said that it required at least 100 acres for the university and the government might get the land in Shimoga. In addition to academic activities the university would conduct research and development.

 He said that a two-day conference of AYUSH doctors would be organised at Nehru Maidan, Mangalore from November 22. It would be organised to discuss various aspects relating to strengthening Indian system of medicine. There would be interactive sessions with well known allopathic doctors like Deviprasad Shetty and B. M. Hegde.

Mr. Khader said that the government has begun issuing bio-metric cards to AYUSH doctors in the State. It would help in identifying them and keeping away fake AYUSH doctors.

He reiterated that the health department in the State has decided to ban chewing tobacco. A proposal to this effect was pending before the government.

Clinical research needed for more effective diabetes treatment: ISCR

The Indian Society for Clinical Research (ISCR), an association of clinical research professionals that aims to build awareness of clinical research, has stated that more clinical research is needed for effective diabetes treatment in the country. “India stands at a very dangerous crossroad in its struggle to combat diabetes. While prevention is always the best approach to tackle the illness, we are now facing a scenario where the number of new cases of diabetes continues to grow at an alarming rate. With not enough clinical research being one, the search for better treatments to contain the growing epidemic, continues to be a challenging one,” says Suneela Thatte, president, ISCR. India has more diabetics than any other country in the world, according to the International Diabetes Foundation. The disease affects more than 62 million Indians, which is more than 7.1% of India's adult population. The level of morbidity and mortality due to diabetes and its potential complications are enormous, and pose a significant healthcare burden on families and society. An estimate shows that nearly one million Indians die due to diabetes every year. The high incidence is attributed to a combination of genetic susceptibility plus adoption of a high-calorie, low-activity lifestyle by India's growing middle class. Diabetes is now being shown to be associated with a spectrum of complications and to be occurring at a relatively younger age. In India, the steady migration of people from rural to urban areas, the economic boom, and corresponding change in lifestyle, are all affecting the onset of diabetes. There are an estimated 85 million people in India who are suffering from pre-diabetes. Pre-diabetes is a condition in which patients have high blood glucose level but are not in the diabetes range. They are at high risk of getting diabetes. “Diabetes is an illness that has a lot of associated complications. While prevention is the best route, we need better and more effective treatment for diabetes and its complications. Clinical research plays an invaluable role in the quest for newer and better medicines and it is important that the current regulatory impediment to doing clinical research in India is addressed at the earliest,” says Dr Vyankatesh Shivane, Consultant Diabetologist and Metabolic Physician, and Joint Director Research Health Institute in Diabetes Endocrinology and Metabolism, Mumbai.  “It is unfortunate that despite us having the world’s largest population of diabetics, our access to the latest treatment is stymied.” Source:Pharmabiz

‘Diabetes affects person’s Productive Years’

With about 65 million diabetics in India, diabetes could pose a big financial burden if the country doesn't take stock of the situation and adopt means to tackle the increasing number, the medical community has warned.

On the World Diabetes Day, November 14, it is important to spread awareness about prevention and causes of the disease. Another important point is the need of regular screening of persons who fall in the high-risk category. 

According to the Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI), diabetes or heart disease affects a person in the productive years. "They cause reduced productivity and early retirement and put immense pressure on public health expenditure," said a senior doctor at PHFI.

He said the pressure of non-communicable diseases could hit India's 'demographic dividend' it is projected to benefit from due to predominantly young population. 

A recent report published by IRIS Knowledge Foundation in collaboration with UN-HABITAT said by 2020, India is set to become the world's youngest country with 64 per cent of its population in the working age group.

"The government needs to revisit their health promotion strategies for non-communicable diseases to increase awareness about simple and effective lifestyle changes, such as physical activity and healthy diet. Healthy food should be made available at affordable rates to make healthy choice an easy choice," WHO regional director Poonam Khetrapal Singh said in a statement. 

With the second highest number of diabetics in the world, second only to China, Indians need to understand that emphasis should be made on early diagnosis. 

There are two types of diabetes. In Type 1, the immune system destroys the cells in the pancreas that make insulin. In Type 2, the pancreas makes too little insulin.

Type 1 can be life-threatening and it can never be treated. We can only manage it by taking the right amount of insulin in the form of injections. But technology has come to the aid of such patients in the form of insulin pumps. The pump is constantly connected to the body which keeps gives a small amount of rapid acting insulin all throughout the day.

Type 1 diabetics must test blood sugar at least five times a day. According to the American Diabetes Association, blood sugar levels affect energy and mood. It is important to keep the level at normal range as high levels can create long-term problems such as blindness, kidney failure and amputation. 

Juvenile Diabetes
Juvenile diabetes is another big area of concern. According to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, India is home to about 10 lakh children with Type 1 diabetes. Children in the age group of 10-14 years are at a higher risk of developing Type 1 diabetes.

At such a tender age, kids who suffer from diabetes have to follow a strict regime. Their insulin schedule should always be in place to ensure their glucose levels are under control. It's a great pressure on both the children and parents to ensure that glucose level is maintained while enjoying life. For them, results can be drastic even if one insulin dosage is missed.

And it's a great pain for parents when they have to prick their children for giving the insulin dosage. "Pallavi was a poor eater. At most, she would eat one chapati. But two years ago, she suddenly started eating very well, but still weight drastically. A couple of months later, she was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes. It pains me every time I prick her with insulin injections. I hope someone invents some pills," says Sarita, a homemaker.

Coffee and diabetes
According to the Institute for Scientific Information on Coffee in Switzerland, drinking up to four cups of coffee a day can reduce the chance of diabetes by 25 per cent.

The annual diabetes report says there a possibility that coffee improves glucose, energy metabolism and burns more calories, thus bringing down the chance of diabetes. 
 Source:Scientific Information on Coffee in Switzerland

Growth of Brain Cancer Tumors may be Slowed Down by Cannabis Extracts

Cannabis extracts can help slow the growth of cancerous tumors when used alongside radiotherapy treatments, says a new study.

 The research found that that two active chemical components found in cannabis plants, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) were tested as part of research into the treatment of brain cancer tumours. 

A team at St George's, the University of London, treated brain tumours in mice in a variety of ways, either without any treatment, the cannabinoids alone, irradiation alone or with the cannabinoids and irradiation at the same time and found tumours growing in the brains of mice were drastically slowed down when the THC and CBD cannabinoids were combined with irradiation. 

Dr Wai Liu, Senior Research Fellow and lead researcher on the project described the results as "extremely exciting" and said that those treated with both irradiation and the cannabinoids saw the most beneficial results and a drastic reduction in size. In some cases, the tumours effectively disappeared in the animals. This augurs well for further research in humans in the future. - this is a mostly fatal disease at the moment. 

Source:The study was published in the Molecular Cancer Therapeutics journal.

Watch This Video:

  

An Indian Approach to Improve the Lives of Individuals With Down Syndrome

Across the world, individuals living with Down Syndrome are denied their natural rights because a large section in the society has very poor awareness of the condition and considers Down syndrome persons 'less than human'.

The school of Down Syndrome Federation of India at Mylapore, a cultural hub of South India, is dedicated to help people affected by this social stigma, providing them with support and care. 
Here, children are happy and can dance, write poems and stories, succeed in intellectual as well as sports competition, and lead independent lives, dispelling all stereotyped views about the genetic disorder. 

The school keeps itself away from outside negative influences and maintains a disciplined learning environment. 

As you walk into the tranquility of the school, a short message will greet you at the entrance. "This is a temple. Make sure that you are pure in thoughts and action before entering." 

At 10 am, a day at the special school begins with prayer and meditation. 

Soon after the short session, all therapy divisions of the school get into busy training schedules under the supervision of healthcare and academic professionals. 

Physiotherapy area on the ground floor of the three-storey building is attention grabbing. Banumathi, a physiotherapist, has just helped a nine-month-old baby to sit properly with two simple leg-stretching techniques. 

The therapist, who has more than 35 years experience in the training field, says, "Low muscle strength and low cardiovascular fitness is common in children with Down syndrome. As a result, they are slow to reach the early motor milestones such as grasping, rolling, sitting, standing and walking. Physiotherapy is used as an effective tool to strengthen muscles and bones of the children." 

After correcting the sitting posture of the baby, she gets into the interaction with the parents. 

She says, "Parents are the physiotherapy trainers for children at home, so we make them familiar with the training techniques. Exercises are recommended based on overall health condition of the child as around 50 percent of babies with the chromosome disorder have heart defects." 

The parents with the child leave the school for the day as Banumathi gets into the movement issue of another child. 

Upstairs is the Vocational Therapy Area. Weaving traditional looms, baking, catering, candle making are taught here to make the children financially independent. 

At the weaving section, children interlace two distinct sets of yarns to fabricate colorful floor mats, towels and napkins. Contrary to the widely held belief, this therapy area proves individuals with the genetic disorder have memory power and can concentrate well. 
"We gave them training and they are doing more than 60 percent of work in this section. We pay them a fixed amount for their effort," says Mohan, trainer of the weaving section. 

At the Academic Department, children are taught basic concepts in subjects such as sciences and mathematics and then money concepts, time concepts, and other relevant academics. 
Here, Vidhya Sree is proud of her beautiful handwriting, Vellu and Vignesh happily show off mathematical skills and Lavanya spells each word correctly; she has just learnt from her favorite teacher. 

Again, they flaunt an ability that defies a preconceived medical notion associated with Down syndrome. 

At 1.30pm, it is sports and games time for children after a nutritious lunch. 

The counseling centre is still busy. Dr. Rekha Ramachandran, chairperson of the Federation, talks to persons affected with Down Syndrome as she tries to find out their difficulties and address their concerns. 
Dr. Rekha holds a doctoral degree in 'Cognitive Deficit and Depression' in Down syndrome and has traveled all over the world to acquire knowledge on the subject. She organizes World Down Syndrome Congress every year, which aims to display the key role of India in creating a world of respect for all those people with Down syndrome. 

"We help individuals with Down syndrome to cope better with life challenges eradicating their physical and cognitive illness with our own therapeutic approach." Dr. Rekha says. 
 

Connection Between Cold and Pain

Few people experience cold not only as feeling cold, but actually as a painful sensation.

 

This applies even to fairly mild temperatures - anything below 20°C. A group of researchers from Lund University in Sweden have now identified the mechanism in the body that creates this connection between cold and pain. 

It turns out that it is the same receptor that reacts to the pungent substances in mustard and garlic.Professor of Pharmacology Peter Zygmunt and Professor of Clinical Pharmacology Edward Högestätt have long conducted research on pain and the connection between pain and irritant substances in mustard, garlic and chilli. In large quantities, these strong spices can cause burning or irritant sensations in the mouth and throat, and can also cause rashes and swelling. 

When the eyes are exposed, these spices produce strong pain and lacrimation, a property that has been exploited in pepper spray and tear gas. The reason is that the substances affect nerves that are part of the pain system and that are activated by inflammation.Ten years ago, the Lund research group identified the receptor for mustard and garlic, i.e. the way in which the pungent substances in the spices irritate the nerve cells. 

Since then, the question of whether this receptor also responds to cold has been a matter of debate. However, the researchers have now demonstrated that this is the case."We have worked with Professors of Biochemistry Urban Johanson and Per Kjellbom here in Lund to extract the human receptor protein and insert it into an artificial cell membrane. There we could see that it reacted to cold", explained Peter Zygmunt. 

The findings increase our knowledge of the human body's temperature senses. However, they could also help all those who suffer from cold allodynia, i.e. who are over-sensitive to cold and experience pain when exposed to cold. "These problems are very common in patients with chronic pain or diseases that affect the nervous system, such as diabetic neropathy. Patients undergoing chemotherapy can also become over-sensitive to cold as a side-effect of their medication. The discomfort and pain experienced by patients can start at relatively mild temperatures, within the temperature span to which the mustard and garlic receptor reacts", said Edward Högestätt.Receptors for mustard and garlic are found in many locations in the body, including in the skin, bladder and gut. 

A number of pharmaceutical companies are now attempting to develop drugs to block the receptors in order to reduce problems such as itching, incontinence and pain. The Lund researchers believe that blocking the receptors ought also to relieve pain caused by cold.Moreover, it is known that the mustard and garlic receptor reacts to chemical substances that irritate the airways. Possible new drugs for people who are affected by perfume, solvents, cigarette smoke, car exhausts and suchlike should therefore also benefit those who are over-sensitive to cold in the airways. 

The discovery of the link between the mustard and garlic receptor and cold means that a further part of human temperature sensing has been charted."We already know that the chilli receptor not only reacts to chilli, but also to temperatures over 42°C, such as when you burn yourself on a fire. The menthol receptor reacts to temperatures under 28°C, which are perceived as pleasantly cooling. And now we know that the mustard and garlic receptor reacts to temperatures under 20°C", said Peter Zygmunt. 

 Source:Lund University