Get to know glaucoma and its treatment

Health - Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that cause damage to the optic nerve, which can lead to vision loss and even blindness if left untreated. It is usually caused by increased pressure within the eye, although it can also occur when the optic nerve is damaged due to other factors.

There are several types of glaucoma, but the two main categories are open-angle glaucoma and angle-closure glaucoma. Open-angle glaucoma is the most common type and develops slowly over time, while angle-closure glaucoma is less common but can develop quickly and cause sudden vision loss.

Glaucoma risk factors include age, family history of the disease, high eye pressure, thin corneas, and certain medical conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. 

Get to know glaucoma and its treatment

Treatment options for glaucoma include eye drops, oral medications, laser surgery, and traditional surgery, with the goal of reducing eye pressure and preventing further damage to the optic nerve. Regular eye exams are important for the early detection and treatment of glaucoma.

The treatment for glaucoma depends on the type and severity of the disease. The goal of treatment is to lower the pressure inside the eye, which helps to prevent further damage to the optic nerve and preserve vision.

Treatment options for glaucoma include:

1. Eye drops: Medications in the form of eye drops are commonly used to lower intraocular pressure. They work by reducing the amount of fluid produced in the eye or by increasing the drainage of fluid from the eye. Eye drops need to be taken regularly and as prescribed to be effective.
2. Oral medications: If eye drops are ineffective or tolerated, your doctor may prescribe oral medications to lower the pressure inside your eye.
3. Laser surgery: Laser trabeculoplasty is a type of laser surgery that can be used to treat open-angle glaucoma. The laser is used to improve the drainage of fluid from the eye, which can help to lower intraocular pressure.
4. Traditional surgery: In cases where eye drops or laser surgery are not effective, traditional surgery may be necessary. The most common type of traditional surgery for glaucoma is called trabeculectomy, which involves creating a new drainage channel in the eye to allow fluid to flow out and lower the intraocular pressure.

It is important to note that there is no cure for glaucoma and treatment is aimed at managing the disease to prevent further vision loss. Regular eye exams are important for the early detection and management of glaucoma.

Ignore Dental Health, Beware of Heart Disease

Ignore Dental Health, Beware of Heart Disease - Most cases of heart disease are generally caused by unhealthy lifestyles, such as smoking, consumption of high-fat foods, and foods that are high in salt. However, recently a man named Adam Martin from England reported suffering from endocarditis due to ignoring the health of his teeth. This began when the popcorn he ate caught stuck in his teeth. The stuck popcorn turned out to be challenging to remove. 

Launching from Live Science, so challenging to remove, Martin tried to remove the popcorn by poking his gums using household items, such as pen covers, toothpicks, a piece of wire to metal nails. After that, Martin got a toothache but did not immediately check it. A few days later, he experienced flu-like symptoms that drove him to go to the doctor. During a check-up, the doctor diagnosed that he had a heart valve disorder.

Credits: Shutterstock

How Does Toothache Cause Heart Disease?

A few days after Martin poked his gums with a variety of tools, he experienced flu-like symptoms at night, fatigue, and headaches. After seeing a doctor, Martin was diagnosed with a heart valve disorder. The condition turned out to develop blood blisters on his toes called Janeway lesions. These lesions become one of the typical symptoms of endocarditis, namely infection of the inner lining of the heart wall.

Near the end of October 2019, Martin was hospitalized, and the doctor confirmed that he had endocarditis and that the infection had damaged his heart valve. Finally, he was required to undergo open-heart surgery for 7 hours to replace the pipe that has been damaged. Launching from the Mayo Clinic, endocarditis occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream and spread to the heart.

In Martin's case, his oral activity made the gums bleed and cause an infection. As a result, bacteria easily enter the bloodstream and begin to spread to the heart area. In Martin's case, he had to undergo surgery to replace his damaged heart valve. So, is there any other treatment that can be done besides surgery? 

How to treat endocarditis

Reporting from the Mayo Clinic, endocarditis treatment does not always have to be operated on, but some are successfully treated with antibiotics. Surgery is needed if the heart valve has been damaged and to clean up any remaining signs of infection. If the case is not severe, the doctor will give antibiotics intravenously in high doses. Before medicines are given, the doctor conducts a blood culture test to identify the organism that is causing the infection.

The blood test results help the doctor to choose the most appropriate antibiotic or antibiotic combination to fight the infection. People with endocarditis need to spend a week or more in the hospital when starting this antibiotic treatment. The goal is that doctors can monitor whether antibiotics work against infections. After the fever and symptoms begin to improve, the person can leave the hospital but still go on an outpatient basis to get intravenous antibiotic therapy.

The person must also regularly visit a doctor to ensure that the treatment is truly successful. If you have the antibiotic therapy and are experiencing shortness of breath, swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet after starting antibiotic treatment, see your doctor immediately. These signs and symptoms can be indicators of heart failure. 

Can Endocarditis Be Prevented?

The answer is yes. Learning from the Adam Martin case, maintaining dental health is primary prevention. Avoid putting objects that are not sterile in the mouth, especially objects that can hurt the gums. Don't forget to regularly brush your teeth and get your teeth checked regularly.

In addition to maintaining oral health and teeth, you need to be aware of procedures that infect the skin, such as body piercing or tattoos. If you plan to do this, make sure the needle used is entirely sterile, and the area of ​​the skin to be tattooed is not problematic.

See your doctor immediately if you develop signs or symptoms, such as a fever that does not go down, fatigue that can not be explained, all kinds of skin infections, or open sores or wounds that do not heal properly.

Sunflower Oil, Healthy Oil that is Rich in Benefits

Sunflower Oil, Healthy Oil that is Rich in Benefits - Sunflower is one of the most popular flowers because of its color beauty. In addition to the flowers, sunflower seeds are often used by many people to become a delicious snack.

Do not stop there, the sunflower was also able to produce oils that contain lots of nutrients. Sunflower oil is staying is expected has a variety of benefits that are good for the body. What are these benefits?

Credits: Pixabay

Nutrient content of sunflower oil

Sunflower oil ( Helianthus annuus ) is an oil that is extracted from sunflower. This oil has a high content of fatty acids, such as palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, and linoleic acid.

Vitamin E and other organic compounds act as antioxidants in sunflower oil, which can have a positive effect on the body. Some of the nutrients contained in 100 grams of sunflower oil, including:

• 884 calories
• 100 grams of total fat
• 41.8 mg vitamin E
• 5,4 mcg vitamin K
• 13 grams of saturated fatty acids
• 46.2 grams of single unsaturated fatty acids
• 36.4 grams of double unsaturated fatty acids.

The nutritional content in sunflower oil is believed to provide many health benefits for the body. Therefore, sunflower oil is produced into other products, such as cooking oil or topical oil for the skin.

The benefits of sunflower oil for health

Although it is still rarely used in Indonesia, it never hurts for you to try oil from this flower. The benefits of sunflower oil that you can get, namely:

Take care of the skin

Vitamin E, which is rich in sunflower oil, can improve the health and regeneration of skin cells. The antioxidants contained can help protect the skin from free radicals and the harmful effects of UV rays, such as premature aging and wrinkles.

Linoleic acid in sunflower oil can also maintain skin moisture and has an anti-inflammatory effect. Using skincare products formulated from sunflower oil can help treat your skin.

Helps overcome water fleas

Sunflower oil is an effective drug for treating water fleas ( tinea pedis ). Water fleas are fungal infections that are usually found between the toes. You can apply sunflower oil on the area affected by water fleas to help to heal faster.

Improve hair health

A study shows that the content of natural vitamin E, including sunflower oil, can help maintain healthy hair. Also, vitamin E contained in this oil is believed to be able to treat baldness and hair loss problems.

Heal wounds

An animal study found that topical use of sunflower oil can help heal wounds faster. The content of oleic acid contained therein is a source for wound care. However, do not apply to open wounds.

Increase energy

The content of fatty acids in sunflower oil can increase body energy. Not only that, but this oil can also help you be full longer so that excessive food consumption can be avoided.

Boosts the immune system

Sunflower oil is a source of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which can protect the body from bacteria and viruses. Therefore, fatty acids have a significant effect on the immune system and can increase the body's ability to fight infection.

Improve digestive health

Sunflower oil contains a lot of polyunsaturated fatty acids. These fatty acids can increase digestibility to create healthy digestion and avoid various digestive disorders.

Maintaining heart health

Sunflower oil is the right choice for maintaining heart health. The content of vitamin E in these oils can prevent harmful free radicals from oxidizing the body's cholesterol.

High cholesterol in the body can cause hypertension, atherosclerosis, heart attack, or stroke. Also, the content of oleic acid in sunflower oil can have a good effect on blood lipids and coagulant activity.

Potential to prevent cancer

The content of antioxidants in sunflower oil can help fight free radicals and thus potentially inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Also, the selenium in sunflower oil can repair cell damage.

If you are interested in trying sunflower oil, don't use it excessively. Therefore, excessive oil intake can cause an imbalance of fatty acids in the body, the effects of which are harmful to the body.

Also, before using sunflower oil, make sure your security conditions are okay. It is feared that sunflower oil can trigger allergic reactions, such as rashes, itching, coughing, dizziness, vomiting, stomach pain, and others. If this happens, stop using it immediately and check with your doctor.

Understanding Dialysis which Helps Kidney Failure

Understanding Dialysis which Helps Kidney Failure - Dialysis is essential for patients with kidney failure. In this medical condition, the body will experience a buildup of fluids and toxic substances in the body. When should you undergo dialysis if you suffer from kidney failure?

Photo by Robina Weermeijer on Unsplash

What is dialysis?

Dialysis is a procedure carried out to get rid of hazardous waste and excess fluid in the body using medical devices. This procedure is done to replace kidney function. Also known as dialysis, dialysis also helps maintain fluid balance and electrolyte particles in the body when the kidneys fail to function.

Healthy kidneys perform a variety of essential functions, such as controlling fluid balance, getting rid of waste substances from the body, to producing hormones to control blood pressure. But in patients with kidney failure (chronic kidney disease), normal function is difficult or not optimally carried out by the kidneys.

Dialysis procedures or dialysis can help patients with kidney failure. If you do not do dialysis, salt and other waste products will accumulate in the blood. These substances can also poison the body and damage organs.

Even so, it is essential to remember that dialysis cannot cure chronic kidney disease.
When should you undergo dialysis?

Dialysis needs to be done if the patient starts experiencing end-stage renal failure, i.e., when the kidneys are no longer able to carry out 85-90% of their normal functions.

Another indicator of urgency for dialysis is the value of EGR. eFGR is the estimated value of glomerular filtration rate, calculating the volume of blood passing through the glomerulus (a small filter on the kidney) in one minute.

If the eGFR value is getting lower, then the kidney damage is getting worse.

Kidney failure patients need to have dialysis if they have an eFGR value below 15. Dialysis must be carried out for a lifetime unless the patient gets a kidney transplant.

Types of dialysis procedures

In general, there are two types of blood washing or dialysis, namely hemodialysis, and peritoneal dialysis.

1. Hemodialysis
Hemodialysis is a dialysis procedure that uses an artificial kidney (hemodialyzer). Patients' blood will be 'transferred' from the body and filtered through the hemodialyzer. The filtered blood is returned to the body with the help of a dialysis machine.

To drain blood from the body to the hemodialyzer, the doctor will create an access point to the blood vessels. There are three types of access points for this procedure, namely:

• Arteriovenous fistula, which connects the arteries with veins to make larger 'blood vessels' called fistulas.
• Arteriovenous graft. The arteries and veins are connected by soft plastic tubes.
• Catheter. The doctor inserts a small plastic tube into a large vein in the neck.

Hemodialysis generally lasts 3-5 hours per session and is done 3 times a week. Even so, the duration can be shorter with more various frequencies.

Hemodialysis will also usually be done in a hospital or dialysis clinic. After undergoing hemodialysis for some time, the doctor may allow the patient to do dialysis at home.

2. Peritoneal dialysis
If hemodialysis is done with an artificial kidney, peritoneal dialysis is a dialysis procedure carried out in the patient's body. Through surgery, the doctor will place a catheter into the stomach to make access.

The abdominal area will be filled with dialysate through the catheter. The liquid will absorb waste substances. Once the dialysate has finished absorbing waste from the bloodstream, the fluid will be released from the patient's stomach.

The dialysis peritoneal dialysis procedure takes several hours and needs to be repeated four to six times a day.

Are there any side effects of dialysis?

Dialysis or dialysis still has risks and side effects. Some of the side effects of dialysis include:

• Muscle cramp
• Itchy skin, often worse before or after dialysis
• Low blood pressure, especially in people suffering from diabetes
• Sleep problems
• Excessive fluid, so people undergoing dialysis should consume the same amount of fluid each day
• Infection or ballooning in the area of ​​the dialysis access point
• Depression and mood changes

Another thing related to another dialysis
The following are things about dialysis, which are worth knowing

1. How much does dialysis cost?
Generally, dialysis procedures require a fee of $9,900  in one visit. However, this fee will also depend on the health facility policy you are aiming for.

2. Can kidney failure sufferers survive by dialysis?
Of course, you can, on the condition, the patient must undergo dialysis all his life until he gets a kidney transplant.

The life expectancy of a kidney failure patient will depend on the patient's health condition and compliance in undergoing the doctor's direction. Always consult a doctor to help you stay healthy when you begin the dialysis procedure.

3. Does the patient need to pay attention to his food consumption?
Yes, with the help of a doctor, kidney failure patients will need to pay attention to their food intake. The patient must also limit water consumption. The type of diet required will depend on the type of dialysis procedure performed.

4. Can the patient return to work?
Yes, many patients with chronic kidney disease continue to work, although indeed they must allocate time to undergo dialysis. Patients must also avoid work that requires physical exertion.

Unhealthy Eating Patterns Can Cause Blindness in Old Age

Unhealthy Eating Patterns Can Cause Blindness in Old Age - A new study that lasted nearly 2 decades has found an association between an unhealthy diet and vision loss at an older age.

Not many people consider the impact of eating patterns on their vision. A new study that appears in the British Journal of Ophthalmology has found an association between a diet rich in unhealthy foods and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

AMD is a condition that affects the retina as we age, causing central vision to blur. This part of the fundamental idea that helps people see objects clearly and perform daily activities such as reading and driving.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in the United States, around 1.8 million people aged 40 years and over live with AMD, and 7.3 million others have a condition called drusen, which usually precedes AMD.

credits: healthflex.com

The CDC also explains that AMD is a leading cause of permanent reading and visual impairment or close-ups among people aged 65 years and over.

Study author Amy Millen, from the University at Buffalo in New York, said that most people understand that diet affects the risk of cardiovascular disease and the risk of obesity.

"But I'm not sure the public thinks about whether or not dieting affects one's risk of vision loss later in life," he said as reported by Medical News Today, Thursday (01/05/2020).


The study looked at the development of early and late AMD in participants in the Atherosclerosis Risk Study in the Community, who observed arterial health for 18 years (1987-1995).

Using data on 66 different types of food, the researchers identified two dietary patterns, namely the first food group dubbed "Prudent," or healthy. Second, the "Western" group, which includes a high intake of processed and red meat, fried food, dessert, eggs, refined grains, high-fat milk, and sweet drinks.

Although the researchers did not find an association between early AMD and diet, they found that the incidence of late AMD was three times higher among those with a Western diet.

"What we observed in this study was that people who did not have AMD or early AMD at the start of our research, and reported frequently consuming [unhealthy] foods, were more likely to develop a threatening vision, end-stage disease about 18 years later, "said Dr. Millen

Early stage AMD has no symptoms. One may not realize that AMD is getting an early stage. Although not everyone will reach the final stage of AMD, for those who experience, the cost of treatment is prohibitive.

There are two forms of AMD in the final stages. One of them is called wet AMD or neovascular AMD, which health professionals tend to treat by injecting antivascular growth factors.

The other is called dry AMD or geographic atrophy, which occurs when photoreceptor cells die without neovascularization. There is no effective treatment for this form of AMD.

"We want people to realize that diet is important for their vision. The clinical message that can be taken home is that food intake might make a difference in determining central vision loss later in life," he said.

If someone has early AMD, he said, they have more interest in maintaining a diet by limiting the ingredients identified as part of a Western diet in moderation.

Alert Sensitive Skin, Skincare Cause Irritation

Alert Sensitive Skin, Skincare Cause Irritation - Choosing skincare or facial care products is not easy for owners of sensitive skin. Because several ingredients in skincare must be considered that can cause redness to the skin irritation.

Quoted Thursday (27/12/19), here are some of the content on skincare that needs to be taken into account in dosage and its use for sensitive skin owners:

Credits: Pixabay

1. Retinol
Retinol is an active ingredient for increasing collagen production. However, retinol can also trigger the redness of the skin accompanied by flaking.

2. Salicylic acid (Salicylic acid)
Aesthetic surgeon and dermatologist from New York, Dendy Engelman, said this acid is the biggest enemy of acne and blackheads. However, salicylic acid tends to cause the skin to become very dry and trigger irritation.

3. Coconut oil
Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer that is rich in fatty acids and antioxidants. But not all skin types turn out to be compatible with this natural ingredient.

Engelman said coconut oil had high levels of blackheads. "He is on a scale of four, from zero to five. Besides that, coconut oil also tends to clog pores, "Engelman said.

4. Hyaluronic acid (Hyaluronic acid)
Hyaluronic acid or HA is one of the most sought after ingredients in 2019. Almost all beauty products ranging from lip moisturizers, hair treatments to facial moisturizers contain this type of acid because it can moisturize and help the process of absorbing other skincare.

This acid does not directly cause skin irritation, but its nature that "paves the way" for other skincare can increase the potential for irritation.

5. Benzoyl Peroxide (Benzoyl peroxide)
This substance is proven effective in killing bacteria that cause acne quickly. Nevertheless, dermatologist Kenneth Howe cautioned that Benzoyl peroxide is not intended for all skin types. Benzoyl peroxide on sensitive hills can cause the surface of the skin to become rough, dry, and sore.

6. Alpha hydroxy acid (AHA)
AHA is an ingredient in skincare that is popular in 2019. Its properties can brighten the skin, disguise black spots, to shrink pores much preferred by skincare lovers. Nevertheless, this acid can cause irritation to sensitive skin because the ingredients can make the skin react to sunlight.

Want to Avoid Holiday Blues? Avoid sweets

Credits: Pixabay

Want to Avoid Holiday Blues? Avoid sweets - A new study from a team of clinical psychologists at the University of Kansas shows that eating extra sugar can trigger post-crucifixion depression holiday alias vacation blues.

Sugary foods can trigger metabolic, inflammatory, and neurobiological processes associated with depression. This research was published in the journal Medical Hypotheses.

Especially in the 4 seasons that are experiencing winter, reduced sunlight, and changes in sleep patterns, high sugar consumption can affect mental health. While in other parts of the world experiencing winter, in Indonesia, there is also currently a rainy season.

"For many people, reduced exposure to sunlight during the winter will throw away circadian rhythms, disrupt healthy sleep and push five to 10 percent of the population into episodes of full clinical depression," said Stephen Ilardi, professor of clinical psychology at the University of Kansas, reported by Science Daily.

Ilardi, who wrote research with the University of Kansas graduate student Daniel Reis (lead author), Michael Namekata, Erik Wing, and Carina Fowler (Duke University), said symptoms of depression that arise this winter can encourage people to consume more sweets.

"One of the common characteristics of depression that occurs in winter is sugar cravings. So, we have up to 30 percent of the population who suffer from at least some of the symptoms of depression due to winter, causing them to want carbohydrates - and now they are always faced with holiday sweets. , "he said.

Ilardi said, avoiding added food sugars might be very challenging because sugar improves mood to be good, making some people suffering from depression seek temporary emotional recovery.

"When we consume sweets, they act like drugs," said University of Kansas researchers, who are also the authors of "The Depression Cure" (First De Capo Press, 2009).

"Sugar has an immediate mood-enhancing effect, but in high doses, it can also have paradoxical long-term consequences, damage it, make the mood worse, reduce well-being, increase inflammation and cause weight gain," he said.

The researchers reached their conclusions by analyzing various studies on the physiological and psychological effects of consuming additional sugars, including the Observation Study of Women's Health Initiatives, the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study, studies of Spanish university graduates, and studies of Australian and Chinese soda drinkers.

Ilardi cautioned that it might be more appropriate to look at added sugar, at quite high levels, because it is physically and psychologically dangerous, like drinking a little alcohol.

"We have pretty good evidence that one alcoholic drink a day is safe and may have beneficial effects for some people," he said.

"Alcohol is basically pure calories, pure energy, not nutritious, and super toxic at high doses. Sugar is very similar. We learn that when depressed, people who optimize their diets must provide all the nutrients the brain needs and mostly avoid potential poisons. This, "Ilardi said.

The researchers found inflammation was the most important physiological effect of sugar, food-related to mental health, and depression disorders.

"A large number of people with depression have high levels of systemic inflammation. When we think of inflammatory diseases, we think of things like diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis - diseases with high levels of systemic inflammation," they said.

Also, inflammatory hormones can directly push the brain into a state of severe depression. So, an inflamed brain is usually a depressed brain. Added sugar has a pro-inflammatory effect on the body and mind.

Ilardi and his colleagues also identified the impact of sugar on the microbiome as a potential contributor to depression.

"Our bodies hold more than 10 trillion microbes, and many of them know how to hack the brain. Symbiotic microbial species, beneficial microbes, basically hack the brain to increase our happiness. They want us to develop so they can develop," Ilardi explained.

However, several microbial species can be considered parasites. Many of the parasitic microbes that grow well in added sugar, and can produce chemicals that drive the brain in a state of anxiety, stress, and depression.

Ilardi recommends a minimal diet that is rich in plant foods and Omega-3 fatty acids for optimal psychological benefits. As for sugar, KU researchers recommend caution - not only during holidays but throughout the year.

"There is no one-size-fits-all approach that can predict exactly how a person's body will react to any food with a certain dose," Ilardi said.

"As a conservative guideline, based on our current knowledge, there may be some risks associated with high-dose sugar intake - may be anything above the American Heart Association guidelines, which is 25 grams of added sugar per day," he said.

Toothbrush Routine Can Reduce Risk of Heart Failure, So How Many Times a Day?

Toothbrush Routine Can Reduce Risk of Heart Failure, So How Many Times a Day? - Many Indonesians have eating habits and unhealthy lifestyles that have the potential to cause heart failure. Most of them do not pay attention to the contents of the food eaten every day.

Such as salt consumption should not be more than 2 grams per day, while Indonesians consume 15 grams per day. Likewise, with the use of sugar and fat, which should be limited to 50 grams and 67 grams. Indonesians consume more than that every day, which increases the risk of disease, including heart failure.

Of course, the excessive content causes oral hygiene is not maintained so that oral health will be disrupted. Poor oral hygiene can increase bacteria in the blood and cause inflammation in the body. Inflammation increases the risk of atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat) and heart failure.

Credits: pixabay

According to research published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, brushing your teeth can reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation and heart failure. Brushing your teeth three times a day can clean the bacteria in subgingival biofilms (bacteria that live between the teeth and gums) that block blood flow, thereby reducing the risk of atrial fibrillation by 10 percent and reducing the risk of heart failure by 12 percent.

The study was based on factors of age, gender, socioeconomic status, diet, body mass index, and comorbidities such as hypertension. A retrospective cohort study examined the relationship between oral hygiene and the occurrence of these two conditions.

Reporting from The Health Site, Thursday (05/12/2019), as many as 161,286 participants of the Korean National Health Insurance System, aged 40-79 years, there was no history of atrial fibrillation and heart failure. They underwent routine medical examinations in 2003 and 2004, in the form of checking height, weight, laboratory tests, illness, lifestyle, oral health, and oral hygiene.

"We studied large groups for a long time to strengthen our findings," said one of the researchers, Dr. Tae-Jin Song from Ehwa Woman's University, Seoul, South Korea.

The Oral Health Foundation recommends brushing, especially at night and at least once during the day. Besides, toothbrushes must also be replaced every two to three months.

4 Tips to Prevent Heart Disease If You Have High Cholesterol

Tips to Prevent Heart Disease If You Have High Cholesterol - Cholesterol foods are said to trigger heart disease. High-fat foods such as fried foods, fast food, or junk food, are said to be the cause of elevated levels of cholesterol in the blood. Yes, high cholesterol can indeed trigger heart disease. Well, so as not to experience heart disease due to high cholesterol, you can make some of the following healthy habits.

How to prevent heart disease due to high cholesterol

Credits: pexel

Not wrong indeed if heart disease can arise from eating foods that contain high cholesterol. But actually, not all types of cholesterol are wrong, you know. There are two types of cholesterol in the blood, namely good cholesterol (HDL) and bad cholesterol (LDL).

Usually, heart disease is triggered by high lousy cholesterol in the blood. This is because there is a buildup of bad cholesterol in the blood vessels, thus making blood flow not smooth.

If left unchecked over time will interfere with heart function, and eventually, symptoms of heart disease also appear. You can really prevent heart disease due to bad cholesterol by making the following habits.

1. Apply a healthy diet from now on

Food is the primary determinant that affects your good cholesterol and bad cholesterol. Usually, bad cholesterol, aka LDL, is found in many processed foods and fried foods.

High trans fat content can also cause harmful cholesterol levels to increase. Therefore, avoid foods containing high trans fat such as:

• Sweet snacks, donuts, tarts and pastries
• Types of red, processed, and fatty meat.
• Fried food
• Milk, butter, cheese, and cream

In addition to increasing bad cholesterol, the above foods can also make you gain weight and have a chance for obesity. Well, obesity increases the risk of heart disease. Therefore, to prevent heart disease due to bad high cholesterol, you can add more foods that contain good fats, such as:

• Soybeans
• Sardines, salmon, or mackerel
• Olive oil
• eggplant
• Nuts, like almonds

How to cook can also affect cholesterol levels in foods, you know. Processing and cooking food in a healthy way can also be a solution to prevent heart disease due to high cholesterol.

Here are some dietary tips to avoid harmful cholesterol levels in your diet:

• Reduce the frying of food ingredients. Try to bake or burn.
• Use canola oil or sunflower or safflower instead of butter.
• Avoid applying the oily liquid to your food.

2. Limiting alcohol intake

Alcohol can increase your blood pressure and increase your weight. Both can be triggers for heart disease, so it is better to limit alcohol intake.

Men are advised not to drink more than two drinks per day, whereas women are only allowed one glass.

3. Exercising

Do not delay exercise, especially if you have been diagnosed with high cholesterol levels. For starters, you can start exercising for 30 minutes.

This can help you lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels, and maintain weight. Try jogging in the morning or spending your time on the treadmill if you're lazy to leave the house.

4. Take medication to deal with high cholesterol

Changing a healthy lifestyle can help reduce cholesterol levels in your body. However, sometimes, a healthy lifestyle is not active enough so that drugs are needed to help reduce it.

Now, because what is being experienced is high-fat cholesterol, of course, the treatment that suits you is a drug to lower cholesterol levels. Usually, there are terms and conditions for getting this treatment.

How high is cholesterol, and how old are you. People who are exposed to high cholesterol generally often consume statins and niacin to overcome this. Always consult a doctor before you take cholesterol medication. You also need to continue a healthy lifestyle, even if you are helped with medication.

Now, do you know why dealing with high cholesterol is almost the same as how we prevent heart disease due to cholesterol? Start a healthy lifestyle to avoid dangerous conditions.

8 Early Signs of a Heart Attack You Need to Know

Credits: Merdeka.com

The occurrence of a disease or heart attack is something that is not expected by everyone. This can lead to danger and even death for sufferers.

A heart attack is a dangerous health condition and cannot be ruled out. Therefore it is important to understand it appropriately as a whole.

Several things can increase your risk factors for heart attack. Therefore, several things can prevent this health problem.

Detecting the condition and early symptoms of this problem can reduce the risk of premature death due to this problem. Reporting from Medical Daily, here are several early symptoms of a heart attack that you need to recognize and be aware of.

Irregular Heartbeat

Irregular heartbeats that occur for one to two minutes can be an early sign of a heart attack. In women, this usually appears accompanied by anxiety, especially in women. This also usually makes a person dizzy and tired.

Excessive sweating

Someone who has a high risk of heart attack can sweat more than normal during the day and night. This can seem like flu symptoms that appear even though the temperature is not hot and doesn't move much. These symptoms generally only appear in women.

Stomach ache
Aches and pains in the abdomen are common in 50 percent of heart attacks in both men and women. Nausea usually occurs in the stomach and bloating that occurs a week before a heart attack. If these symptoms stop and reappear in a short time, then you need to be more careful.

Fatigue

Symptoms of fatigue are usually more susceptible to experience by women than men. Usually, this also raises tremendous fatigue and decreased energy and motivation.

Respiratory Problems

Respiratory problems such as dyspnea occur in 40 percent of heart attack cases. This is characterized by difficulty in taking deep breaths and breathing air into the lungs. This is common six months before a heart attack occurs.

Insomnia

Many heart attack sufferers experience insomnia before. They also tend to have high anxiety and lack of concentration.

Hair loss

Hair loss is one of the known effects of aging. In some cases, a heart attack can also cause this.

Chest pain

The pain that appears on several body parts including the chest can be a sign of a heart attack. Even so, the exact position of this problem is still unknown.

These things can be an early sign of a heart problem that you are experiencing. Beware immediately if you experience a number of these things and if necessary consult with a doctor.

Get to know about albumin and its benefits in pregnant women

Get to know about albumin and its benefits in pregnant women - Moms, of course, already understand that during pregnancy, you must meet the daily nutritional needs, such as protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Pregnant women need to meet all these needs in a balanced manner because each of these nutritional elements has its own functions. If there is one of these nutrients that is lacking in the body, then it can affect the health condition of your pregnancy and fetal growth and development.

One element of nutrition that is important for you to fulfill is albumin. Not too familiar with the word, Moms? Come on, we know more about this nutritional element that plays a vital role in your pregnancy.

Credits: Pixabay

What is Albumin?


Albumin is the main protein found in human blood produced by the liver. Albumin functions to maintain fluid balance in the body, transport nutrients in the body, and help repair damaged tissue in cells.

So, even though your nutritional intake is proper, nutrients cannot be adequately transported if the albumin levels in the body are low. As a result, the fetus can also participate in malnutrition and stunted growth and development, Moms. Therefore, during pregnancy, you need to pay attention to albumin levels in the body.


Risk of Albumin Deficiency in Pregnant


Lack of albumin in a person can cause swelling in body parts, one of which is in the kidneys. This often happens in patients with hepatitis, tumors, and cancer. As for pregnant women, lack of albumin protein in the blood can cause hypoalbuminemia. This will make pregnant women experience pre-eclampsia, where blood pressure becomes high, swelling in the legs, to convulsions.

Not only in pregnant women, but lack of albumin in the fetus also results in deficiencies in children's intelligence and motor nerve disorders. Both of these have even formed since the womb. Therefore, the lack of protein albumin intake is hazardous for pregnant women and infants in the womb.


Albumin Needs for Pregnant Women


DR. Dr. Taufik Jamaan Sp.OG, from RSIA Bunda, stated that everyone, including pregnant women, needs 60 to 75 grams of protein albumin per day. This requirement is obtained from the consumption of nuts, milk, meat, fish, and other foods that can produce vegetable and animal protein.

One food ingredient that can produce high protein is cork fish. The content in the form of protein by 80.55 percent, 33.07 percent albumin and amino acids and other minerals that are important for the body. Also, consumption of 10 egg whites a day can increase albumin in the body.

“The saturation of albumin protein in pregnant women also works for the formation of baby muscles, enzymes, and body metabolism. And also to protect the mother's uterus, blood vessels, and placenta, ”DR said. Taufik.

The sufficient protein content of albumin in the body also helps the bone formation and prevents anemia. DR. Taufik said that 1 in 2 pregnant women suffer from anemia because the protein is not absorbed correctly by the body. With enough albumin, eating a variety of vitamins and other essential substances can be well absorbed and increase strength inactivity.


DR. Taufik also reminded pregnant women to avoid bad food and inhibit fetal development. "Reduce sweet, fatty foods, soft drinks, and also caffeinated like coffee. Also, avoid bad habits such as smoking and consumption of alcoholic beverages because it can block blood vessels to the uterus and can cause children to be born prematurely. It also causes babies born with low weight and fetal alcohol syndrome, "complete DR. Taufik.

How to Clean Smokers Lung from Spots and Mucus Naturally

Lungs are organs in the respiratory system and are associated with the circulatory system. The lungs function to exchange oxygen from the air with carbon dioxide from the blood.

The lungs as one of the vital organs in the body must be guarded properly, lest the lungs have many problems which actually make the owner of the body difficult. If you have problems with lung hygiene, then we have the solution. Here is how to clean the lungs of smokers from spots and mucus naturally.

How to clean smokers' lungs
When smoking, your lungs will experience various changes ranging from changes in cell level to changes in the color of the lungs. Lung smokers will be black and brown than non-smokers' lungs. Here we share with you how to clean the lungs of smokers.

Credits: Pixabay

Drink a cup of green tea at night
One way to clean the smoker's lungs is to drink a cup of green tea at night. Green tea contains antioxidants that are good for releasing toxins in the body, including nicotine. Drink green tea at night before bed so that little by little the toxins in your body are wasted the next day.

Drink a cup of ginger and peppermint
Ginger is a natural ingredient that has many functions. In addition to adding flavor to food, ginger is also useful for cleaning the lungs because it contains antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Try drinking a cup of ginger added with peppermint as a way to clean the lungs of smokers.

Increase selenium consumption
In addition to green tea and ginger, the way to clean the lungs of smokers is to increase the consumption of selenium. Selenium is found in eggs, salmon, chicken, cheese, mushrooms, and oats. Selenium will stimulate an increase in enzymes and vitamin E in the body so that it can maximize lung function.

Be diligent in exercising
The exercise that is done regularly will improve the performance of the lungs, thus the lungs will deliver air to the entire body to the maximum. Sports that you can do are like jogging, gymnastics, running and sit-ups. There is no harm in using exercise as a way to clean the lungs of smokers.

How to clean lungs from spots
Spots that occur in the lungs are caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This bacterium can be transmitted to others through phlegm bursts or snot issued by the patient. Here we will share with you, how to clean the lungs from spots.

Consumption of garlic regularly
Garlic can you use as a way to cleanse the lungs of spots. Garlic contains sulfuric acid, allicin, and ajoene which can inhibit bacterial development. You can consume garlic together with milk.

Black pepper consumption
Black pepper contains anti-inflammatory substances which can be a way to cleanse the lungs of spots. With anti-inflammatory substances contained in it, black pepper not only cleanses the lungs but also can relieve symptoms of pain in the chest.

The way you need to do is fry 8-10 black pepper with butter, then add a pinch of asafetida powder and let it cool. After that separate them into 3 equal parts, and consume them one by one every few hours.

How to Cleanse the Lungs from Mucus
Stacking mucus in the lungs will make your breathing become disturbed. Mucus formation is influenced by several health conditions, including gastric acid reflux, allergies, asthma, and the presence of bacterial or viral infections. Here we will give tips on how to clean the lungs of mucus.

Consumption of pineapple
Eating pineapple can you make a way to cleanse the lungs of mucus. Pineapple is rich in fiber and vitamin C which effectively cleans and reduces the formation of mucus, and even provides quick recovery. How to consume it can be made by pineapple as juice, and by drinking boiled water.

Steam therapy
One way to cleanse the lungs of mucus is to do steam therapy. Steam therapy will make the mucus in the lungs thin so that it is easily removed from the body. Evaporation will make the inflammation subside and the chest becomes more comfortable to breathe.

Control cough
When you experience a cough, your body will produce phlegm. The more phlegm removed, the better the condition of the body. This method can also be used as a way to cleanse the lungs of mucus. By controlling coughing, you can force mucus or dirt in the lungs to get out quickly.

Credits: Pixabay

How to Clean the Lungs Naturally
Many ways can be used to cleanse your lungs from mucus and spots that may be lodged in it. But there are natural ways that you can also use, let's see the information.

Eat healthy food
Eating healthy food can be a way to clean the lungs naturally because food also affects the health of our lungs. Drink a glass of lemon water every day, balanced with foods that are rich in vitamin C, as well as foods that contain high antioxidants.

Doing outdoor activities
How to clean the lungs naturally is to do outdoor activities. Of course, the environment that you choose to do in an environment that has a low level of pollution. Look for an environment that still keeps fresh air, especially in the morning to help our lungs work properly.

There are many ways you can use to clean the lungs of mucus and spots. Good luck and good luck.

Banana Flower Effective Treats Diabetes Patients

Banana Flower Effective Treats Diabetes Patients - Diabetes is a chronic health problem. However, this does not mean that the disease cannot be prevented, but is supported by simple lifestyle changes. Starting from exercise, eating foods rich in fiber and antioxidants keeps blood sugar levels well controlled. Reported by Indian Express, there is one food that can benefit diabetics, one of which is the heart of a banana. Also known as a banana flower.

According to a study conducted in 2011, diabetes such as hyperglycemia, polyuria, polyphagia, polydipsia, urine sugar, and body weight can be used to use drugs from banana heart and pseudostem, when tested on mice with diabetes.

From the studio, it also has a banana flower content and pseudostem has anti-diabetic and anti-AGE properties that are useful as food supplements for sufferers of this disease. Each part of this banana plant has a low glycemic index, high fiber, and antioxidants. Then a studio conducted in 2013, published at the National Center for Biotechnology Information that approved the study. 

Developed as a banana flower and pseudostem to overcome the complications of diabetes and reduce the formation of end products (AGEs) which are proteins or lipids that become glycated as a result of making sugar. Because it can be a factor in aging and in the development or worsening of many degenerative diseases, such as diabetes, atherosclerosis, chronic kidney disease, and Alzheimer's disease.

For people who want to avoid and control type 2 diabetes, a banana heart that contains purplish can balance blood sugar levels in the body. The banana heart is also rich in antioxidants, making it ideal for cell health and has anti-aging effects. It contains vitamins and essential amino acids, is low in calories, and increases metabolism, and is good for improving organ health, helping mothers care for and prevent infection.

In fact, banana hearts contain high vitamins A and C, also have sufficient amounts of calcium and iron. By consuming it, menstruating women can also be more comfortable because of reduced abdominal cramps. Usually, the heart of a banana can be eaten raw and made in anointing material. Also, this can also be a prepared stir-fry.

The Dangers of Burning Foods: Triggering Cancer to Stomach Acid

Credits: Pixabay

The Dangers of Burning Foods: Triggering Cancer to Stomach Acid - A variety of processed culinary that is often burned is tempting. Foods that are processed by burning are always a favorite choice for the audience. Such as grilled fish, grilled chicken, grilled meat, grilled sausages, grilled liver, grilled intestines, even roasted fried foods.

But who would have thought behind the delicious food processed by burning, several dangerous diseases are lurking?

The Ministry of Health Directorate of Health Promotion and Community Empowerment recommends that burnt food lovers reduce the frequency of consuming it because it is thought to trigger several diseases, including:

Cancer

Consuming foods with high protein that is burned like chicken, fish, and meat can form carcinogenic compounds that can damage the composition of DNA in human genes and then can cause cancer.

To reduce the risk of the formation of these compounds, you can work around this by soaking food that will be burned in traditional herbs made from natural ingredients. It also avoids cooking at high temperatures.

Nutrient content disappears

High protein found in all types of meat that should be a source of energy for anyone who consumes it will be lost if processed by burning, especially if cooked at high temperatures.

To work around this, processing by burning can be done with low temperatures or low heat for an extended period. This can be done so that the meat is cooked evenly without removing the protein content in it.

Gastric acid

Consuming food that is burned can improve the performance of the stomach, the stomach will work harder to digest it. As a result, stomach acid will increase.

So if you have stomach ailment or ulcer, you should avoid food by burning.

Worms that are still left in the meat

Meat that is cooked by burning usually will not cook properly. That way, worms, larvae, or eggs that are in the flesh do not wholly die.

To avoid this, when searing meat, make sure the chicken is cooked perfectly.

Launch CNN Food Standards Agency (FSA) conducted a campaign with the tagline "Go for Gold." The campaign invites people to make sure their food stays in golden color, or don't change color to black, to avoid the risk of causing cancer.

Here it is the secret of elephants rarely infected with cancer. Can it be applied to humans?

Credits: Youtube

Here it is the secret of elephants rarely infected with cancer - Currently, around 17% of deaths worldwide are caused by cancer. While the number of elephants that die from cancer is only 5% when the average age of their lives is the same as humans, which is around 70 years.

Out of curiosity, a team led by a human geneticist, Vincent Lynch, who teaches at the University of Chicago and researchers from the University of Utah then examined this.

They suspect this may be related to the presence of the p53 gene which functions to suppress tumors in elephants. The specialty of this gene is to recognize damaged DNA and push it into programmed cell death, also called autophagy.

So the diseased cells will be damaged and digested by the body's own immune system so that it cannot develop into tumor cells.

This gene actually also exists in humans and in almost all mammals, at least one copy of the gene.

Gen zombie
To their surprise, the elephants did not only have one but 20 copies of the p53 gene in their genetic makeup. As a result, these cells react much more sensitive to any damage to the genome and start cell death earlier.

However, through this study, the researchers also found another breakthrough. "Genes duplicate themselves all the time," Lynch said. "Sometimes they also make mistakes, producing a version of a nonfunctional gene known as pseudogenes."

While continuing to examine the p53 gene, the researchers discovered a pseudogene called leukemia 6 inhibiting factors (LIF6). Remarkably, the pseudogene elephant can suddenly function again. In other words, this gene rises from the dead.

Genes are like zombies, which then destroy the energy supply of diseased cells.

LIF6 works by punching holes in the mitochondria that function as power plants in cells and causing the diseased cells to die. "Like a zombie. This dead gene revives. It is revived by damaged DNA cells and then kills those cells, quickly," Lynch explained.

"This is beneficial for elephants, because these cells act in response to genetic errors, and also mistakes made when DNA is being repaired. Getting rid of those cells can prevent next cancer."

The researchers published their research in the journal Cell Reports on August 14, 2018.

Can it be applied to humans?
The LIF6 gene is thought to have been active in elephants for millions of years. This gene also seems to have existed in the bodies of modern elephant ancestors today, the Hyrax that lived around 25 to 30 million years ago.

The height of Hyrax at that time was almost no greater than that of a guinea pig. The mechanism of cancer cell proliferation may be also responsible for the size of the elephant.

Large animals have more cells and cell division systems than smaller animals. For this reason, the researchers assume that they also need a very effective mechanism to suppress or remove tumor cells.

Lynch and his colleagues now want to try using an elephant strategy in the treatment of cancer of the human body.

"Maybe we can find a way to develop drugs that can mimic the behavior of LIF6 in elephants or make cancer cells to revive copies of their zombie cells," he said.

Essential Tips for Men to Know to Prevent Prostate Cancer

Essential Tips for Men to Know to Prevent Prostate Cancer - One disease that is a scourge for many men is prostate cancer. The risk of prostate cancer can continue to increase with age.

Basically, the prostate is part of the male reproductive system, which is a gland that surrounds the bladder and urethra. Several factors can cause prostate cancer in men.

Although this disease can be very frightening, many ways can be taken by men to avoid prostate cancer. Changes in diet to lifestyle can be the ideal way to prevent the emergence of this disease.

Credits: Wikimedia

Here are some ways that men can do to prevent the emergence of prostate cancer:

Mushroom consumption

Based on a clinical trial in Japan, it is known that regular consumption of mushrooms can reduce a man's risk of prostate cancer. One of the main findings from this study is that those who consume mushrooms once or twice a week have a lower risk of developing prostate cancer. Known risk decreased 8.8 percent compared to those who eat mushrooms less than once a week.

Have some coffee

Coffee not only can help calm down and improve your performance but also can prevent prostate cancer. Based on a study, it is known that the caffeine extract in coffee can reduce prostate cancer cell proliferation, which also decreases the risk of the disease.

Credits: pixabay

Eat Watermelon

Watermelon contains lycopene, which is proven to reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Also, this fruit is free of fat and sodium and has a high content of vitamins A and C, which is good for health.

Take a Warm Shower

Bathing in warm water is one easy way to prevent the appearance of cancer cells in the prostate. Warm temperatures from the water can kill the bacteria that cause prostate problems and reduce prostate pain.

Conducting Routine Inspections

Knowing your own health condition can significantly impact the risk of illness. Examination related to prostate cancer includes several things such as question and answer with a doctor, physical examination, and supporting observations. Early tests conducted are expected to find the risk of prostate cancer to be carried out further tests such as biopsy.

Using the Right Panties

The choice of underwear also can affect the risk of prostate cancer. For example, Arres underwear equipped with 18 Bio Magnets Vita Ion can help maintain the health of the reproductive organs, kidneys, to digestion.

In addition to containing Bio Magnet Vita Ion, Ares's underwear also contains Tourmaline powder, which can increase blood circulation activity in blood vessels, as well as increase energy and balance the body's metabolism. Also, Tourmaline powder produces Far Infra-Red, which can help protect the golden triangle area, maintain prostate health, and increase vitality.

To prevent the emergence of prostate cancer problems, several things you can try to do. Preventing the development of prostate cancer can be better than having to treat it.

Causes of Brain Cancer You Need to Beware of

The cause of brain cancer has yet to be ascertained. But according to various studies, several factors can increase a person's risk for developing brain cancer, including heredity (genetic), environmental pollution, exposure to radiation, to smoking.

Tumors can be categorized into 2 types, namely benign and malignant. All kinds of tumors that are malignant are called cancer, including brain cancer. Brain cancer occurs due to genetic changes in brain cells, so the cells grow out of control and damage the surrounding tissue. In addition to proliferating, these brain cells also do not function normally.

According to its origin, brain cancer can be classified into two, namely:

Primary brain cancer

This is a brain cancer originating from the brain itself. There are many types of primary brain cancer, and each type is named based on the part of the brain or the kind of brain cells that experience malignancy. The most common types of primary brain cancer are glioma (cancer originating from glial cells in the brain) and medulloblastoma (brain cancer arising from the cerebellum).

Secondary brain cancer

Another name is metastatic brain cancer, which is brain cancer that arises due to the spread of cancer cells from other organs or body parts. Some types of cancer that quite often spread to the brain and cause secondary brain cancer are breast cancer, lung cancer, skin cancer, kidney cancer, and colon cancer.

Brain Cancer Causes in General

As explained above, the cause of brain cancer is not yet known with certainty. However, several factors are thought to increase a person's risk of developing this disease, namely:

1. Genetic factors

Some cases of brain tumors occur in people who have a family history of cancer. Someone who has a family history of genetic diseases, such as Gorlin's syndrome, Turner's syndrome, Li-Fraumani's syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, or neurofibromatosis, is also said to be more at risk of developing brain cancer.

2. Radiation display

Radiation exposure that can increase the risk of brain cancer can come from nuclear radiation, atomic bomb blasts, or radiotherapy to treat disease. People who are exposed to high doses of radiation or for long periods, both on the head and other body parts, are more at risk of getting cancer, including brain cancer.

Tumor and cancer cells due to high radiation exposure generally only develop around 10-15 years after exposure. While exposure to radiation from radiological examinations, such as CT scans and X-rays, or HP radiation, so far, it is still considered not high enough to cause brain cancer.

3. Environmental pollution

Exposure to certain chemicals in the long term can increase the risk of cancer, including brain cancer. These chemicals include pesticides, herbicides (weed killers), vinyl chloride in plastic products, tin, and chemicals found in rubber, fuel, and textiles.

Those who are at risk of being exposed to these chemicals are farmers, oil refinery workers, as well as plastic, rubber, and textile industry employees.

4. Smoking habits

The chemicals contained in cigarettes can damage body cells, which can then cause lung cancer and increase the risk of other diseases, including brain cancer.

5. Viral infections

Viral infections can cause damage to cell DNA, potentially causing cells to turn into cancer. This can also occur in brain cells. Some types of viruses associated with brain cancer are HIV, cytomegalovirus, and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).

6. Age and gender

From several medical data, brain cancer is more commonly found in children and the elderly. For its own type, women are said to be more at risk of developing meningioma type brain cancer, whereas medulloblastoma type brain cancer is more commonly found in children.

The risk of brain cancer due to hereditary factors cannot be prevented. While exposure to radiation, chemicals, and smoking habits are factors that can be avoided to reduce the risk of brain cancer.

Keep in mind, the above risk factors are not absolutely a cause of brain cancer. If someone has one or several risk factors, not necessarily, he will definitely get brain cancer. These factors only increase the risk of brain cancer.

Conversely, brain cancer can occur even without the presence of risk factors. Therefore, further research is still needed to study the causes of brain cancer and its risk factors.

Vincristine Flower Extract, Cancer Cure Extract

Vincristine Flower Extract, Cancer Cure Extract - It's been a while, as the frenetic efficacy of a plant that has died down. All returned calm, euphoria has disappeared. As usual, we also observe how the response of the medical world is so cold, like not excited.

Why is it like that? Actually, it's okay, not skeptical, but, indeed, the effects of specific plant properties have often been across the medical world.

In fact, there have been many examples, and the most famous is the story of the vinca flower or in Indonesia by Javanese people known as tread flowers. From this story, we can understand that not just a plant extract can be called treating cancer.

The Vincristine flower is a plant native to the island of Madagascar, living in abundance in the tropics. In the past, people often associate the efficacy of this plant as a cure for diabetes. Used as an herbal tea and is believed to help control blood sugar levels. Hearing this, researchers certainly did not remain silent. Then this interest was investigated for use as an anti-diabetes drug.

This plant extract is then tested on test animals or experimental animals. What is the result? Apparently not proven. However, much vinca flower extract is given, blood sugar does not go down at all. The first lesson from this story is that not all of these traditional herbal properties can be proven in the laboratory.

However, researchers observed other effects of vinca flower extract. From the experimental animals given this flower extract, it turns out that from a blood test, the white blood cells of the experimental animals decreased dramatically. Even some animals try to die of infection due to a meager white blood cell count.

The experts also find out about this effect and try to analyze and isolate the substances that cause this effect. The result is a substance that is then called vinblastine and vincristine. Both elements in the vinca flower turned out to be substances that cause the effect of decreasing the number of white blood cells or leukocytes in experimental animals.

Then the researchers got the idea to use a substance from the results of this vinca flower extract into chemotherapy drugs for blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma.

The result, it turns out this drug with a combination of other medications can cure acute leukemia and lymphoma. The results turned out to be very encouraging, and to date, Vincristine is an essential drug in the list of weapons against cancer drugs.

From here, we get another lesson from the vinca flower story. That to declare a useful plant extract is needed research.

Research is also gradual and requires a long process. Before a plant extract is declared useful, it needs proof, and after that, followed a clinical trial before it can then be used for the treatment of diseases. To see this vinca flower story can also be seen in the video below:

Aside from the vinca flower, it turns out that many other plants have also been found to have anti-cancer drug effects. Another example is Pacific Yew or Taxus brevifolia. This plant also contains a substance called taxol, which is then born a group of chemotherapy drugs called taxane. Examples of chemotherapy drugs are paclitaxel and docetaxel. Also, there are actually many other drugs that were taken from research from plant extracts.

This gives the third lesson that the medical world is actually not anti-herbal or plant extracts. It's just that, before we use it, research is needed first. Before there are results of these studies, the medical world will not use these substances as part of the treatment of a disease.

Then there is another lesson that is that not necessarily a plant can be used raw for medicinal plants. Did you know how many plants must be extracted to get 1 gram of vincristine? The amount is 900 kg of leaves or dried plants. Whereas for one-time use in adults for once chemotherapy is 2 mg. This means that approximately 1.8 kg of the dry mass of the vinca plant is needed for disposables.

The gift was not drunk but injected. So, with raw consumption of vinca plants is not enough and must be purified before use. Especially for the results of this extraction is not constant.

That is, plants planted in the yard may not necessarily be able to produce an equivalent extract of plants that are deliberately cultivated. Therefore, although this flower extract is proven efficacious, it is not recommended for cancer sufferers to consume this plant directly.

Thus the explanation of this vinca flower story may be a lesson and an illustration of the importance of research positions in the medical world. This is also to ward off hoax or false news that the medical world is anti-herbal medicine and traditional medicine. All that is needed is proof of the experiments carried out using structured methods and meeting the standardized rules that have been standardized.