How Red Wine Assists in Hearing and Brain Function

 

Researchers have recently discovered that a compound called resveratrol , which is found in red wine and also in red grapes, can help protect against hearing loss and age-related cognitive issues. The research was published by the Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. This research shows that rats who were given resveratrol  were far less likely to experience any prolonged effects of noise-related hearing loss if they had taken the compound before long-term exposure to the noise. In other words, taking resveratrol seems to shield the ears from negative effects that usually occur from exposure to prolonged loud noises. This article discusses what these findings mean, their implications, and how you can protect your hearing.

 

The Research

Research indicates that the compound itself may actually reduce the risk of hearing loss. The way it does this is by reducing the bio inflammatory response to loud noises, which medical researchers believe is the reason hearing loss occurs. Bio Inflammation happens when injury occurs. When you’re exposed to loud noises, the body perceives it as an injury to your ear. Just as you will experience swelling of your skin if you get cut, your ear will do same thing if damaged by loud noise, and that inflammation can cause further damage to your hearing. Since this compound seems to reduce the inflammatory response, it can protect you from loss of hearing.

 

Implications

The compound has been proven to at least have some helpful effects. Consuming more of the compound might be helpful to overall hearing health, as well. Since studies show the compound also wards off cognitive disease, it is helpful for more than one part of your body. For those who don’t want to drink or don’t like grapes, you can actually purchase the compound in supplement form, as well. The study has several implications, two of which are the prolonged hearing of individuals who take it, and the introduction of a way to possibly prevent a significant amount of hearing damage.

 

Using Common Sense

Having the compound available is not an excuse to take the supplement and then listen to extremely loud music through your headphones. Always use precautions when you’re around loud noises. Wear ear protection if your job exposes you to loud noises, particularly if you are exposed to these sounds for a prolonged period of time. There are online sources like HealthyHearing.com that can help you find a doctor if you need to see one. Early intervention of hearing-related problems has shown to be very helpful in long-term success of treatment, so at the first sign of hearing problems, see a doctor.

 

Resveratrol is certainly a benefit for those who are seeking a way to prevent hearing loss due to exposure to loud noises. Taking the supplement, or drinking one glass of wine per evening, is good for those who want to protect  their hearing, especially those who work around loud noises or listen to music.  Having the compound available is not an excuse to be irresponsible – always protect your hearing whenever possible. Clearly, this compound will have a positive impact on many people when used as a preventative measure to protect hearing ability and overall health.

 

Kenneth Bassett is a health researcher. He frequently blogs about innovative treatments and preventatives.

Categories: brain function, compound, Hearing, hearing loss, hearing nbsp, inflammatory response, Long term, loud, loud noises, Red Wine

The Joy of Diwali May Not Be Experienced By Animals

No matter how lovable, gentle and friendly your pets are, celebrations can make animals irritable and unpredictable. You may notice that they become scared more easily or do things that are out of character. They may not eat as well, or want to stay indoors all of the time. It’s often because of the fireworks or loud noises which make them fearful and worried. It’s difficult for any pet owner to see their beloved animals in a scared and anxious disposition, but it can be hard knowing what to do for the best. After all, how can you put a stop to lively and fun events purely for the sake of a few pets? Besides trying to shield them from the noise, how can you help animals to feel less worried during such times. Altered behaviour, changed eating patterns and irritability are all common patterns in animals around Diwali, according to pet owners and vets. Because dogs have such an acute sense of hearing – a range of 20-40,000 Hz compared to 20-20,000 Hz in humans – they are the worst affected during this festival, which is celebrated on a Friday. The noise is so much louder for animals and this leads to them becoming anxious and scared so much more easily.

Veterinary admissions rise by up to 10 percent a few days before and after the festival, due to the commotion everywhere and the need for animals to be comforted. It’s vital that during the festivities, pet owners are near their animals to ensure that they are comforted and reassured. In bigger animals, such as dogs, you can always sedate them if really necessary but this isn’t an option for smaller pets, such as birds. In this case, you simply need to try and keep them away from the noise wherever possible. Doctors also suggest giving birds their food early and their cages covered with a dark cloth by afternoon so that they will fall asleep before the fireworks of the evening begin. However, it’s not just the noise that affects them. The smoke in the air, just as it does with humans as well as animals, can be irritating. It can aggravate respiratory tract diseases, cause allergies in the eyes, and bring on skin rashes. This affects flat-nosed dogs like pugs more where air pollution is concerned.

Not all animals are loved pets such as those living in warm and comfortable homes. For the thousands of stray animals roaming the streets at Diwali time, there is no comfort or care. These helpless animals have no-one to rescue them, a problem that is a concern for animal welfare organisations. It’s not unusual for animals to suffer cardiac arrests during festivals and celebrations, due to the fear and anxiety that they face by dealing with breathing problems, fear and incredibly loud noises – particularly if they are roaming the streets where the noise and ruckus is worse. Welfare spokespeople claim that the use of firecrackers should be limited, not just because of the risk of animal health, but also because they are a danger for humans. Safety during large-scale celebrations is important for everyone involved, not just humans. It’s important to spare a thought for the animals during the celebrations, who are helpless and can’t avoid the noise and fear during this time. If you’re unsure about how to console your pets during this time, consult your vet who can offer advice and therapies to help keep animals as safe as possible.

Categories: animals, anxiety, Diwali, humans, loud noises, noise, pet owners, pets, time