The Health Benefits of Bananas that Will Blow Your Mind

Ok, there’s nothing particularly new or exciting about bananas – apart from, you know, a certain hilarious phallic appeal. However, while current, hip superfruits saturate headlines and diet plans, it’s the banana that has quietly and brilliantly benefited your wellbeing in more ways than you know. Sure, it goes great in a sundae or milkshake, but making a banana one of your five-a-day is one of the healthiest decisions you can make for your diet wellness.

 

As well as a heaping helping of dietary fibre, there are three sugars in bananas; glucose, fructose and sucrose. This means a huge boost to your digestive health, and instant energy for your workouts. Forget protein shakes; banana is the true energy food. However, if you think bananas are limited to providing energy and enhancing your digestive system, you’ve got another thing coming. Bananas help to regulate your blood pressure, improve your overall mood and even fight against major diseases! In fact, studies have shown that there’s the potential for bananas to be a new oral vaccination against the Hepatitis B virus. Rest assured, once you see all the health benefits of bananas, you’ll know that you’ve found the right fruit:

 

1. Cancer protection: A fibre known as pectin is found in bananas, and has been classified as the best way to beat colon cancer. While the fibre you find in wholegrains is insoluble, pectin is a soluble fibre, which slows down your digestion and helps you to control your weight. In each serving of banana, you will find two grams of pectin.

 

2. PMS prevention: You face a lot of problems during your period. However, for those times when you forget your pill, a banana can come to the rescue. Bananas contain vitamin B6, meaning they can help to regulate your sugar levels, alleviate your mood and help you relax. Plus, as bananas fight off signs of depression and anxiety, they also make you feel happier.

 

3. Anaemia aversion: Bananas have a high content of iron, meaning that they work to stimulate haemoglobin production in your body. Therefore, bananas are ideal if you suffer from anaemia, or you’re at particular risk to it – this includes vegetarians and women who experience heavy periods.

 

4. Blood pressure improvement: This tropical fruit is filled with the goodness of potassium, while also being very low in sodium. Hence, if you suffer from high blood pressure and are more prone to heart diseases, bananas are the perfect fruit for you.

 

5. Brain power enhancement: Have trouble getting your brain into gear in the morning? Eat a banana for breakfast! According to research, eating bananas in the morning have helped children to be more alert at school and improved their ability to grasp new things. Not only is this the case in adults, but bananas also regulate your sugar levels and offer a boost of energy, meaning you can stay on top of your game all day.

 

6. Spot relief: Whether you have painful pimples or irritating and itchy mosquito bites, the peel of the banana is the natural remedy you seek. It sounds too good to be true, but banana peel reduces swelling and soothes the affected area.

 

7. Ulcer reduction: It’s difficult to eat many fruits if you suffer from stomach ulcers, particularly those with a high acidic content like oranges, pineapples and grapes. Bananas, on the other hand, do not irritate your stomach ulcers but bring relief by coating the lining of your stomach with their cool, smooth texture.

 

8. Smoking cessation: The vitamins B12 and B6 in bananas help against signs of withdrawal, making it easier for you to quit smoking.

Categories: banana, Bananas, blood pressure, cancer prevention, energy, fibre, Health Benefits, nbsp, quit smoking, stomach ulcers, sugar levels

Special considerations

There are a number of situations where the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is not recommended, or they should only be used if you are directly instructed to by your GP or another qualified healthcare professional.

When to avoid NSAIDs

Children under 16 years old

Aspirin should never be given to children under 16 years of age because there is a small risk it could trigger a serious and potentially fatal condition called Reye’s syndrome. This condition can cause liver and brain damage. Paracetamol or ibuprofen are a safer alternative for children under 16.

Pregnant women

The use of NSAIDs during pregnancy is not recommended unless paracetamol does not effectively treat a particular condition. If an NSAID is to be used, ibuprofen is the safest medication during pregnancy.

However, it should be taken at the lowest possible dose to treat symptoms for the shortest possible time. NSAIDs, including ibuprofen, should never been taken from the 30th week of pregnancy onwards. This is because it can cause a dangerous rise in blood pressure (pulmonary hypertension) inside the lungs of the baby.

Breastfeeding women

The use of NSAIDs during breastfeeding is not recommended unless it is felt that the benefits of treatment outweigh the risks to your baby. If an NSAID is to be used, ibuprofen will be recommended at the lowest possible dose for the shortest possible time needed to treat your symptoms.

Asthma

Some people with asthma find that taking an NSAID can make their asthma symptoms more severe. If this happens to you, it is best to avoid taking NSAIDs in future (unless directly instructed to by your GP or other qualified health professional), and take paracetamol instead.

Allergic reaction

If you experience an allergic reaction after taking an NSAID (including aspirin), such as swelling of your eyes and lips (angioedema) or a severe skin rash, you should avoid taking NSAIDs in the future.

Cautions

Stomach ulcers

NSAIDs can increase your risk of developing stomach ulcers and experiencing internal bleeding, particularly if taken on a long-term basis. Therefore, if you have an increased risk of developing stomach ulcers and internal bleeding, you may wish to use an alternative medication – read more about alternatives to NSAIDs.

Things that increase your risk of developing stomach ulcers and internal bleeding include:

• being 55 years of age or older


• having a history of stomach ulcers or internal bleeding inside your digestive system


• taking another medication known to increase the risk of stomach ulcers and internal bleeding

Medications known to increase the risk of stomach ulcers and internal bleeding include:

• heparin and warfarin, which are used to prevent blood clots


• aspirin, including low-dose aspirin


• corticosteroids, used to treat inflammation and suppress the immune system


• the two antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)

However, there are some health conditions for which long-term use of NSAIDs may be the only effective method of relieving symptoms. For example:

• persistent back pain


• rheumatoid arthritis


• osteoarthritis

If you need to take NSAIDs on a long-term basis and have an increased risk of developing stomach ulcers and bleeding, you will probably be given an additional medication known as a proton pump inhibitor (PPI).

PPIs help to prevent stomach ulcers and internal bleeding by reducing the production of stomach acid. See treating stomach ulcers for more information about PPIs.

If you are taking an NSAID, avoid smoking and drinking large amounts of alcohol as these activities can increase your risk of developing a stomach ulcer.

Cardiovascular and kidney conditions

In rare cases, NSAIDs can damage the kidneys and cardiovascular system (the heart and blood vessels).

The use of NSAIDs is not usually recommended for people who have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular or kidney conditions. Examples of these include:

• having heart failure


• having advanced chronic kidney disease


• having a previous history of heart disease or heart attack


• having hypertension (high blood pressure)


• having a high cholesterol level


• smoking


• being overweight or obese


• being over 55 years old

Liver disease

If you have liver disease then NSAIDs may not be suitable for you as they can cause further damage to the liver.

Some types of liver disease include:

• alcoholic liver disease – where the liver becomes damaged by alcohol misuse, which in severe cases, can result in cirrhosis (scarring of the liver)


• non-alcoholic fatty liver disease – where fat builds up inside the liver; this condition can develop in people who are overweight or obese


• hepatitis – inflammation of the liver which is often the result of a viral infection


• liver failure – where the liver loses most, or all, of its functioning capability

Special considerations

Categories: bleeding include, developing stomach, increased risk, internal bleeding, liver disease, Long term, stomach ulcers, term basis

Overview of Anti-inflammatories, non-steroidal

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a medication widely used to:

• relieve pain


• reduce inflammation (redness and swelling)


• bring down a high temperature (fever)

NSAIDs are used to treat a wide range of conditions.

Common acute (short-term) conditions that can be treated with NSAIDs include:

• headaches


• painful periods


• toothache


• soft tissue injuries such as sprains and strains


• infections, such as the common cold or the flu (NSAIDs do not treat the underlying infections, but can help to relieve symptoms; especially fever)

Common chronic (long-term) conditions that can be treated with NSAIDs include:

• most types of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis


• back pain


• neck pain

Things to consider when using NSAIDs

NSAIDs are associated with a small increase in the risk of a person experiencing a heart attack, stroke or heart failure.

NSAIDs are only used in people who have an existing high risk of developing these types of conditions if there are no suitable alternatives and the medications bring significant benefit.

High-risk groups include:

• those with a history of previous heart attack, stroke or heart failure


• people aged 75 or over


• people with diabetes


• smokers


• people with high blood pressure

NSAIDs are also not usually recommended for people who:

• are pregnant or breastfeeding


• have a history of kidney disease


• have a history of liver disease


• have active stomach ulcers (a sore in the lining of the stomach), or are at risk of developing stomach ulcers

Read more about the things to consider when using NSAIDs.

For people who are unable to take NSAIDs for medical reasons, the painkiller paracetamol can be used as a safe alternative. For more severe pain, prescription painkillers, such as codeine or tramadol, can be tried.

Or in cases of severe inflammation an injection of steroids (corticosteroids) can often help.

Read more about alternatives to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Side effects

Most people take NSAIDs without having any side effects. Short term use is unlikely to cause significant problems, especially in younger patients.

If side effects do occur they usually affect the stomach and intestines (gastrointestinal tract) and can include:

• indigestion


• stomach ulcer


• allergic reactions

In older patients (aged over 55), or those who have had previous stomach ulcers, but who need long term NSAID treatment, stomach acid suppression medications are often prescribed in combination with NSAIDs to reduce the risk of stomach ulcer complications.

Read more about the side effects of NSAIDs.

Interactions

It is very important to read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medication as some NSAIDs can either react unpredictably with other medications, or make them less effective.

For example, it is usually not recommended to take an NSAID if you are also taking medication to prevent blood clots such as low-dose aspirin or warfarin.

Read more about potential interactions that can occur with NSAIDs.

Dosage

NSAIDs are available in:

• tablet or capsule form


• as a topical treatment (a cream, gel or lotion rubbed into a specific part of the body)


• eye drops – used to treat eye pain

Less commonly, NSAIDs are used as a suppository – a capsule inserted into the rectum (back passage).

It is important to strictly follow all of the instructions about the recommended dosage for your particular NSAID. If you exceed the recommended dose, you risk experiencing a wide range of adverse effects, some of which can be serious.

Read more about the recommendations on dosage for NSAIDs.

Names

In Europe, the most commonly prescribed NSAIDs are:

• diclofenac


• ibuprofen


• naproxen


• celecoxib


• mefenamic acid


• etoricoxib


• indometacin


• aspirin (in doses greater than 600mg)

Most of the NSAIDs listed above are generic medicines. This means that their production and distribution is not limited to a single company. Therefore, they are available under a range of different brand names.

Some NSAIDs are available over-the-counter, without the need for a prescription, such as aspirin, diclofenac, naproxen and ibuprofen.

However, because a medication is available over the counter it does not mean it is safe or suitable for everyone. Again, it is important to read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medication.

It is generally accepted that naproxen is the safest NSAID with regard to heart attacks and strokes and celecoxib is the safest with regard to stomach problems.

Note: Aspirin must NOT be given to children unless directed by a doctor. Also, some people with asthma get attacks triggered by aspirin or NSAIDs.

Anti-inflammatory:Anti-inflammatory medicines reduce swelling and inflammation.
Fever:A fever is when you have a high body temperature (over 38C or 100.4F).
Inflammation:Inflammation is the body’s response to infection, irritation or injury, which causes redness, swelling, pain and sometimes a feeling of heat in the affected area.
Joints:Joints are the connection point between two bones that allow movement.
Migraines:A migraine is type of recurring headache. It is usually accompanied by nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light and sound.

Overview of Anti-inflammatories, non-steroidal

Categories: anti-inflammatory, attack stroke, Heart Attack, high risk, information leaflet, short term, stomach ulcers, term conditions

How NSAIDs work

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) work by interfering with particular enzymes in your body.

Enzymes are a special type of protein which help to bring about, or speed up, a chemical reaction within your body. For example, digestive enzymes help your digestive system break up large food particles into smaller pieces so your body can absorb them.

Cyclo-oxyganase

NSAIDs interfere with an enzyme called cyclo-oxyganase (COX). Different parts of your body have different types of COX enzymes, which control the production of chemicals called prostaglandins. Different prostaglandins have different functions.

For example, the stomach contains COX-1 enzymes, these control the production of prostaglandins that help protect the stomach from acid (which is normally present in the stomach). White blood cells contain COX-2 enzymes, these control the prostaglandins involved in pain and inflammation.

NSAIDs can reduce pain and inflammation by preventing COX enzymes releasing the prostaglandin chemicals that cause pain and inflammation. However, prostaglandins carry out many different functions within your body. Interfering with them can cause a number of side effects, such as indigestion and stomach ulcers.

COX-2 inhibitors

To prevent side effects, researchers developed a new ‘family’ of NSAIDs known as COX-2 inhibitors.

These are designed to block the enzymes that cause pain and inflammation but avoid blocking the enzymes that protect the stomach lining. This helps reduce the risk of indigestion and stomach ulcers.

Although COX-2 inhibitors have less effect on the stomach, they may be more likely than traditional NSAIDs to cause side affects to the heart. This means they may be more suitable for someone at risk of developing stomach or intestinal problems, but less suitable for those with a heart or circulation problem.

Pain:Pain is an unpleasant physical or emotional feeling that your body produces as a warning sign it has been damaged.
Swelling:Inflammation is the body’s response to infection, irritation or injury, which causes redness, swelling, pain and sometimes a feeling of heat in the affected area.
Tissue:Body tissue is made up of groups of cells that perform a specific job, such as protecting the body against infection, producing movement or storing fat.

How NSAIDs work

Categories: body, cox enzymes, cyclo oxyganase, enzymes, nsaids work, Pain, stomach, stomach ulcers

What antihistamines are used for

Antihistamines are mainly used to help control symptoms of health conditions associated with allergic reactions.

Although antihistamines can’t cure these types of conditions because they don’t affect the underlying cause, they can often provide considerable symptom relief.

Conditions that can benefit from the use of antihistamines include:

• hay fever


• allergic rhinitis – inflammation of the nasal passages


• atopic eczema – a common allergic skin condition


• urticaria – also known as nettle rash and hives


• allergic conjunctivitis – inflammation of the eyes


• allergic reactions that are caused by insect bites or insect stings


• mild allergic reactions that are caused by food allergies; more serious allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) usually require treatment with adrenaline (a chemical that can reverse many of the processes associated with an allergic reaction)

Other uses

As well as being used to treat allergic conditions, antihistamines also have a number of other uses, including treating stomach ulcers (sores that develop on the lining of the stomach) and insomnia (problems falling asleep).

Stomach ulcers

A type of antihistamine, known as a H2-receptor antagonist, is sometimes used to treat stomach ulcers. This is because histamine can also stimulate the production of stomach acid.

H2-receptor antagonists can be used to block the ‘acid-stimulating’ effect of histamine, which helps to reduce the acid level in the stomach and digestive system.

Read more about treating stomach ulcers for more information.

Insomnia

First-generation antihistamines may be of some benefit in the short-term treatment of insomnia, particularly if the symptoms of sleeplessness are caused by an underlying allergic condition, such as an allergic skin condition.

The long-term use of antihistamines to treat insomnia is not recommended because there are more effective treatments. In addition, there’s a risk that you could become addicted to the sedating effects of first-generation antihistamines.

Read more about treating insomnia for more information.

Adrenaline:Adrenaline is a hormone produced at times of stress that affects heart rate, blood circulation and other functions of the body.
Allergic:An allergen is a substance that reacts with the body’s immune system and causes an allergic reaction.
Anaphylactic shock:Anaphylactic shock is a severe and sometimes life-threatening allergic reaction, causing swelling of body tissues and a drop in blood pressure.
Anxiety:Anxiety is an unpleasant feeling when you feel worried, uneasy or distressed about something that may or may not be about to happen.
Chronic:Chronic usually means a condition that continues for a long time or keeps coming back.
Congestion:Congestion is an excess of fluid in part of the body, often causing a blockage.
Decongestant:Decongestant medicine relieves congestion by reducing the swelling of the lining the nose and sinuses and drying up the mucous.
Drowsiness:Drowsiness is when someone feels extremely tired and uncontrollably near to sleep.
Fever:A high temperature, also known as a fever, is when someone’s body temperature goes above the normal 37°C (98.6°F).
Morning sickness:Morning sickness refers to the nausea and vomiting experienced early in a pregnancy, not necessarily in the morning.
Sickness:Vomiting is when you bring up the contents of your stomach through your mouth.
Sneezing:Sneezing is an involuntary expulsion of air and bacteria from the nose and mouth.
Stomach:The sac-like organ of the digestive system. It helps digest food by churning it and mixing it with acids to break it down into smaller pieces.
Swelling:Inflammation is the body’s response to infection, irritation or injury, which causes redness, swelling, pain and sometimes a feeling of heat in the affected area.
Ulcers:An ulcer is a sore break in the skin, or on the inside lining of the body.

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What antihistamines are used for

Categories: allergic reaction, allergic reactions, allergic skin, h2 receptor, morning sickness, skin condition, stomach ulcers, treating stomach