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Health Benefits of the Wonder Spice Cinnamon

Cinnamon sticks and powder on wooden table. Selective focus

Cinnamon, an aromatic spice, is obtained from the inner bark of a tropical evergreen tree belonging to the laurel family. This hot and sweet spice does not only add a special flavour to different cuisines but also helps in combating health conditions such as diabetes, cancer, stomach flu, cold, cough and tooth decay among others.

Let us have a detailed look at the benefits of Cinnamon.

Type 2 Diabetes: It has been proved time and again that cinnamon helps in controlling blood sugar levels and is thus beneficial for Type 2 diabetes patients. Researchers state that cinnamon bark contains potassium, manganese, chromium, copper, calcium, iron iodine, phosphorus, vitamins A, Bi, B2, C and zinc that help in preventing and curing diabetes.

As per a study published in the Journal of Diabetic Medicine, the blood sugar levels of the participants who had cinnamon supplements showed greater improvement as compared to those who had the standard diabetes medicine.

Stomach Flu: Stomach infection can give you sleepless nights. While pain killers may give instant relief however doctors advice against these as they may cause adverse side effects. Cinnamon, known for its strong anti-bacterial properties, is an effective way to cure this condition. The strong anti-bacterial properties of this wonder spice helps in destroying the Salmonella, Campylobacter and Escherichia coli bacteria that cause stomach flu. Cinnamon also works faster as compared to other natural herbs.

Cancer: Cinnamon is also known to prevent cancer. Researchers claim that cinnamon extracts limit the growth of various kinds of cancer including melanoma cancer, colorectal cancer, cervical cancer and lymphoma cancer. It is said that this super spice interferes with a protein that aids the tumors in establishing blood supply which is imperative for their growth.

Weight Loss: Regular consumption of cinnamon helps in thinning your blood and improving blood circulation. Proper circulation of blood in the body boosts your metabolism and thus helps you lose weight. However, studies show that coumarin, the ingredient that mainly helps in thinning the blood is found in large amount in cassia cinnamon and regular and high dose of this particular ingredient is not good for your liver.

Cold and Flu: One of the most common problems, especially during the changing season, cold and flu may also be prevented with the consumption of this aromatic spice. It is the anti-bacterial and warming properties of cinnamon that help in fighting against this ailment.

Besides these, cinnamon also helps in curing arthritis, heart disease, irritable bowel syndrome, depression, Parkinson’s disease and boosts concentration power.

How to Have Cinnamon?

It is best to boil a few cinnamon sticks in water for some time and add some honey to it. You may even add ginger to it to make it more effective. Various brands sell cinnamon tea however it is better not to go for these as they have artificial flavourings and very little anti-bacterial properties.

It is also recommended to go for Ceylon cinnamon and not Cassia cinnamon which is readily available at the retail stores. This is because cassia cinnamon contains high levels of coumarin which may damage the liver.

 

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Living Healthy with HIV – Reality or Myth

 

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Have you seen the latest#CondomEmoji campaign by Durex, the Global Sexual-well-being brand depicting an “Umbrella with Raindrops”? This was the unofficial safe sex emoji launched ahead of World AIDS Day today. It was an interesting campaign to communicate ‘Safe Sex’ among the young adults. The campaign called for putting a safe sex emoji on every smartphone in order to help young people communicate about safe sex. The campaign has trended both on Twitter and Facebook with supporters from over 160 countries backing the movement.

The survey findings noted while more than 60 per cent of young people surveyed admitted to being uncomfortable discussing safe sex, 72 per cent of respondents admitted that they found it easier to express emotions using emojis and more than three quarters admitted that they use emojis to discuss sex and relationships.

Why is this discomfort about talking of sex or sex related diseases such as HIV/Aids even in the 21st Century?
One of my earliest memories of AIDS would be the movie PHILADELPHIA where Tom Hanks sues his Company for being fired from his workspace for being HIV positive.

Whenever we hear the word AIDS or HIV the word itself it creates a lot of fear and makes one judgmental. This is not the case only among the lay man but also is the case equal judgment, not only among general public but also within the medical fraternity. Unfortunately more than a the disease, AIDS is considered to be a social stigma and a taboo.
It’s become imperative to understand why this stigma is attached to HIV/AIDS?

AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) as we all know is a syndrome caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) which directly attacks the immune system of the patient leaving the body vulnerable to a host of infections. Aids is the last stage of HIV infection where the disease progresses and the body can no longer defend itself leading to more severe infections, malignancies and eventually death (if left untreated).
Let me try to look into the ways one can get infected with this Virus which are considered some of the main reasons for fear and stigma.

1. Unprotected sex- with an individual who is infected with HIV is the biggest cause of new HIV cases be it vaginal or anal sex. Oral sex also predisposes one to HIV if there are any cuts, ulcers or sores in the mouth. Wearing a condom is the easiest way to protect yourself and your partner against the disease. Unprotected Sex is more prevalent among young adults.
2. Blood transfusion with infected blood. This is one of the most unfortunate ways to contract the disease as the recipient is unaware of the blood being infected. It is always a good idea to make sure that the blood has been screened for HIV infection.
3. HIV infected mother can pass on the virus to her baby during pregnancy lactation or even delivery. These mothers can now take treatment to protect their babies.
4. Sharing razors or needles with infected people also puts you at risk of contracting the virus like in the case of drug abuse or needle prick in hospital.
In short the virus can be transmitted through infected blood, semen and vaginal fluids. In fact, when the disease first came to light in India, it was the sex workers and their clients who had the maximum prevalence followed by truck drivers.

The latest ‘DIPPER’ at night campaign where the Condom is disguised as the dipper is a great way to create awareness among truck drivers in India to frequent sex workers often.
But, honestly it’s not so bad as it’s been made out to be over the years. Currently, experiments are being conducted to find a cure for this disease. The good news in India is that we are seeing an overall reduction in HIV infections among the adult population.

According to more recent National AIDS Control Organisation data, India has demonstrated an overall reduction of 57 percent in estimated annual new HIV infections (among adult population) from 0.274 million in 2000 to 0.116 million in 2011.

HIV-data pic

India has the third largest number of people living with HIV in the world, according WHO.

LIVING WITH HIV / AIDS:

It’s not as bad. One can live with HIV.

The diagnosis is confirmed by a blood test and depending on the extent of severity of the immune deficiency, anti-viral medication is started which improves the number of immune cells which help fight infections and restore near normal life.

The medicines though expensive are distributed free of cost to patients at Government and NGO run clinics.Psychological help for not getting overwhelmed after the diagnosis, is also readily available. Confiding in a trusted person who won’t be judgmental. Judgmental helps in calming your nerves.

One must realize and believe that they can live to their potential  inspite of being HIV positive. Having social and emotional support is very essential, hence patients must not isolate themselves from their near and dear ones and f.amily and friends should also not ostracize the patient.

The Constitution of India prevents any discrimination against anyone having HIV and AIDS and neither is it a legal ground for dismissal from occupational services.

Patients living with HIV must maintain a healthy lifestyle just like diabetics or any other chronic disorders. Having a healthy diet and exercising regularly are a must to boost your immunity along with the medication. Till date HIV and AIDS has no cure but anti-retroviral therapy (ART medicines) are helping people live a healthy and happy life for almost 2 to 3 decades.

Currently, Art drugs have become ‘very good’ at controlling infection but patients need use the medication for life. If they stop the treatment, the virus rapidly replicates, eventually leading to the fatal AIDS disease.

Pregnant mothers have successfully delivered children without HIV with the help of anti-viral medication.
Lot of research by brilliant minds is being done around the globe to find more effective medicines and a cure.
HIV facts to know

• According to the WHO, more than 70 million people have been infected with HIV so far and about 35 million people have died of from the virus.

• In 2015, an estimated 36.7 million people were living with HIV and so far the infection remains incurable.

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Dos and Dont’s of Trail walker

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When I was told to be a part of the 100 km Oxfam-Goqii trail walker team, I agreed. My initial reaction was there is nothing new about long distance walking. I do it all the time and do it in the Himalayan and the Shayadri hills. But, yet there is a new challenge in doing the 100 km trail walker. Have done it once and I would say it is still a challenge for myself- a challenge to test my own endurance.

Honestly, I will reiterate this point again that there is nothing tough about walking long distance. Walking 15-20 miles (24-32 km) daily is what human bodies are built for. But, sadly none of us do walk that much even in a week in our normal course of routine. So for many when they end up taking up such a challenge of 100 km they get a bit perturbed.

I would say first and foremost think and figure out why are you doing this? Are you doing this for yourself and to build your own endurance? Are you doing it because you are being forced -because you think you will be judged based on doing this challenge? Are you doing this to prove a point to others? Once you have the answer for why you are doing it you will be at ease in deciding your next step. I would say do it for yourself.

While this is an Endurance Challenge it is also largely about team work and a strategy game. It’s about patience and temperament.

All rookies to the 100 km challenge remember one thing –be mentally prepared and don’t thinking too much about it. Even when I did it for the first time, I was not sure what to expect but, after two practice session of 25 km each at Garudmachi also known as the Eagles Plateau, I was clear of what to expect.

With exactly 20 days left for the D -Day, here are a couple of dos and don’ts for the trail walker that might help. This is based on a few learning from my own experience and practice sessions.

Dos: Get your footing right during your practice session especially if you are doing treks. Do not injure yourself during the practice. Do enough strength training for neck, shoulders and legs.

Dos: Ideally, it would be good to practice in a mixed terrain (both tar and hillocks) so you are comfortable on the day of the walk.

Dos: Be positive and happy all along the trail. Sing to yourself, laugh and motivate yourself.These ease the pressure on you and your team mates.

Dos: On the day of the trailwalk try and rest a bit at checkpoints and then move forward. Target to cover 60% on the first day. Believe me the remaining 40% will be easy on you.

Dos: learn to walk in the heat no matter how grim, awful and humid you feel.

Dos: Remember to thank your support crew after the event is over. Because they are going to be the ones who are going to be there for you waiting to make you feel comfortable with whatever you might need after long hours of walk. They will motivate you and make sure you do not have to think about anything else and just concentrate on your walk. So thank them.

DON’T talk much on the trail. Conserve energy. But, do not be afraid to communicate uneasiness.

DON’T over load the backpack you are carrying with you on the trail. 1 to 2 liters of Water is essential and your personal medication if you need anything on the trail. You really don’t need so many eats and energy bars on you at all times. Let your support crew carry the extras.

DON’T argue with your teammates. Always try and come to a consensus on any issues that may arise. Remember this is a team effort.

DON’T get overexcited early on in the walk. Walk at your pace lest you end up getting tired very soon.

Don’t: Walk with earphones on it could prove dangerous.

Don’t: Lastly do not litter. We are all educated people. However, tired you may be and might just want to throw away that bottle down..do not do it. Keep it with you in your bag and dispose it off later.

Follow these dos and don’ts and you will be good to go for the 100 km trail walk.

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BE – AWARE: CERVICAL CANCER

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Recently, I received a call from a friend whose aunt complained of post-menopausal bleeding. My first thought was could it be ‘cervical cancer’ but, I did not voice my concern, instead asked her to take her aunt for a PAP SMEAR Test.

Unfortunately, the results indeed matched my concern. She was diagnosed to have Cervical cancer. This was not the first time that I had come across a case of Cervical Cancer as the numbers have been on the rise for the last decade.

According to a study titled Epidemiology of cervical cancer with special focus on India, every year in India 1,22,844 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and 67,477 die from the disease. India has a population of 432.2 million women aged 15 years and older who are at risk of developing cancer. It is the 2nd most common cancer in women aged 15–44 years.

(https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4404964)

As per world statistics, India’s contribution to cervical cancer cases is 25.4%.  Majority of the Indian women diagnosed with cervical cancer have never been screened for the disease and around 70% of these cases present in advance stages due to absence of any organized cervical cancer screening program. The most important risk factor for development of cervical cancer is persistent infection by a high-risk subset of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Cervical cancer being the third most common cancer in the world, very little is known about it among the masses.

What is cervical cancer? 

Cervical cancer is a disease that develops very slowly and begins with the precancerous condition known as dysplasia. Dysplasia is easily detected in a routine pap smear and is treatable.

High risk
1)Sexual history- has had multiple sexual partners OR established sexual relations before the age of 18 OR has a partner who has had sexual contact with a woman with HPV infection.
2) Smoking
3) Weakened Immunity
4) Giving birth at very young age
5) Long-term use of contraceptive pills
6) Family history

You need to look out for these signs

1) Bleeding that occurs between regular menstrual periods.
2) Bleeding after sexual intercourse, douching, or pelvic exam.
3) Menstrual periods that lasts longer and are heavier than before.
4) Bleeding after completingMenopause.
5) Increased vaginal discharge.
6) Pelvic pain

If you have noticed any of these symptoms, kindly consult your Doctor at the earliest.

Prevention:

As we know Prevention is better than Cure especially for any cancer, creating awareness becomes the first step towards that milestone.

Lifestyle plays an important role in the prevention of cervical cancer. Foods that are rich in Flavonoids (apples, black beans, broccoli, cabbage, garlic, onion, soy, and spinach), Folate (Avocados, strawberries, oranges, lentils) and Carotenoids (Carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin) are seen to reduce the chances of cervical cancer.

Other than diet make sure you follow the below habits to keep Cervical cancer at bay;

  1. Regular Screening (PAP SMEAR) post the age of 30
  2. HPV vaccine (most effective when administered before start of sexual intercourse)
  3. Practising Safe sex
  4. Avoid Multiple sexual partners
  5. Delaying first sexual intercourse
  6. NoSmoking

There is an HPV Vaccination that is certified by the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP). 2 doses of either of the two HPV vaccines for adolescent/pre-adolescent girls aged 9-14 years is recommended. However, this vaccination is optional. One should consult a Gynaecologist to know more about the vaccine and how it helps.

It is always better to be safe than sorry and as we have now seen. Being safe is the best way to prevent Cervical cancer.

From Terminal Illness To Complete Wellness! Ananda Mukherjee Health Story

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