Mindful Meditation May Be Effective in Alleviating Chronic Pain

Opioid pain medications can cause serious side effects or risks of addiction, overdose, and death. Thus, the FDA recommends that these drugs must carry a warning label about these grave dangers. The agency also encourages doctors to explore alternative ways to alleviate pain, like mindful meditation. s

In a study published in the National Institutes of Health, it’s shown that mindful meditation if paired with cognitive behavioral therapy, could work better. The positive results could last longer than standard treatment. 

In the said study, the lead author said the mind plays a vital role in the management of chronic pain. Participants were asked to focus on changing how they think about their pain. They were also required to participate in specific activities that people could do to manage their condition. 

How meditation and yoga can help? 

Meditation and Yoga can assist individuals in changing their awareness of their pain and becoming more accepting about the pain. These mindfulness activities will help people in focusing their energies on finding other methods to accept their pain and manage it constructively. 

However, even though individuals can practice meditation and yoga, they must still follow the usual care as recommended by their doctors, like medications, massage therapy, and exercise. 

Participants who used mindfulness and CBD experienced to have greater improvement in their function. 

With mindful meditation, you’re teaching your mind to be curious about the pain’s intensity and let go of the thoughts that the pain is awful. It also teaches you to avoid having goals and expectations. It’s quite beneficial because if you expect that a particular medication can ease your pain, and it doesn’t, your mind will go into a solution mode resulting in you thinking thoughts that medications don’t ever work at all. 

What the mindful meditation does is that it allows you to engage with the pain as it is. Instead of fulfilling a particular goal, you’re learning to relate to the pain and think about it differently. 

Experts call this strategy as a learning mindset, instead of having an achievement-oriented mindset. Mindfulness lets you think that nothing requires fixing. In the mindfulness study, it showed that just being aware of that pain may be considered as healing, rather than just thinking about it. 

Mindful meditation allows you to have an accurate perception of pain. At first, you may think that your pain is constant throughout the day. Then, when you examine your pain, you’ll realize that it hits you several times a day. By realizing it, you’re lifting your frustration and anxiety. 

The benefits of mindful meditation could last a full year. And this reality isn't common among treatments for this type of pain. 

Scientific trials have shown that mindfulness meditation is extremely beneficial in relieving anxiety, depression, and irritability, in addition to alleviating chronic pain and chronic back pain. 

Apart from relieving pain, mindful meditation is also proven to be beneficial for the improvement of memory. It has also shown to enhance physical stamina. In other words, those who regularly meditate are more contented with their lives than those who don’t practice it.

Vitamin D Didn't Relieve Knee Osteoarthritis Pain

Previous studies have shown that intake of vitamin D supplement may reduce the pain associated with fibromyalgia, knee osteoarthritis, and other chronic conditions. However, in a recent study published in JAMA, the said vitamin didn't relieve pain. It didn't even show that it could stop cartilage loss in those patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis. 

Osteoarthritis, per se, is a progressive disease. Currently, there’s no treatment available that can stop cartilage loss. Most patients would opt for knee replacements. This joint disorder is a very common disease, and it affects more than 250 million people in the world. 

In a study conducted in Australia and Tasmania, researchers gathered more than 400 people to participate in the controlled research. These individuals have knee OA and with low levels of vitamin D. 

The participants were divided into two groups. The first group received vitamin D supplement, and the other group got a placebo. Over the course of the study, which lasted two years, the supplements showed to increase the vitamin D blood levels who took it but they didn't reduce knee pain.

The MRI results of the participants didn't show significant differences in their cartilage. Thus, when the researchers compared vitamin D supplement with that of placebo, they didn't see significant differences in the patients’ knee pain score. The findings could not support the intake of vitamin D supplements for the purpose of preventing tibia cartilage loss while improving WOMAC knee pain for patients with knee osteoarthritis. 

What is the role of vitamin D in the body? 

This type of vitamin is useful in controlling calcium and phosphate levels in the body. It’s also vital in the formation of stronger bones and teeth. Furthermore, it modulates cell growth while it enhances neuromuscular function and strengthens the immune system. It also reduces inflammation. 

A scarcity of this vitamin will cause body pain, especially in the pelvic, rib cage, and lumbar regions. 

While vitamin D didn’t prove to be effective in relieving osteoarthritis pain, you should still continue taking vitamin D, if recommended by your doctor. Bear in mind that it’s a vital nutrient that your body needs. 

It’s also necessary that you engage in a regular exercise to strengthen your muscles. It is especially beneficial if you’re overweight. The extra weight the you have may go through your knee. One of the best exercises that you can perform is aquatic exercise. 

With proper exercise, you can control your weight. It will prevent putting a tremendous amount of pressure, strain and stress on your hips and knees. When you shed pounds, it will be easier for you to achieve success while undergoing physical therapy. For you to lose weight, you should eat a balanced diet and perform as much exercise as you can. 

Instead of reaching to a pain reliever, try thermotherapy. It’s an effective osteoarthritis treatment that utilizes heat or cold. With heat, it increases circulation in the joint while it relaxes muscles. Cold, on the other hand, can numb the pain as it cools down your nerve impulses, thereby, decreasing swelling. 

There are other natural ways to relieve osteoarthritis pain. Talk to your doctor about them. 

How to Cure Sore Eyes - The Natural Ways

There are many ways on how to cure sore eyes. But before you find one, make sure that you’ve understood this medical condition. 

Sore eye, per se, is a broad term that describes a wide range of possible sensations. In this condition, your eyes will feel tired or heavy as if there’s a foreign object in them. 

One of the most common causes of it is conjunctivitis. But it can also be caused by too much exposure to the sun, allergies, eye fatigue, and wearing of contact lenses. 

Diagnosing Before Finding Ways on How to Cure Sore Eyes

To make sure that your condition is indeed a sore eye, you have to see your eye care provider. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and inquire about your lifestyle, eye problems, and diet. 

An eye examination may be conducted to investigate your eyes’ internal and external structures. It will also help in rolling out possible causes. 

Natural Cures for Sore Eyes 

One of the effective cures for sore eyes is cold compress. It can help you get an instant relief. In this method, you will need to soak a clean cloth in ice cold water. Then, place it over your affected eye. Do it as often as you can. 

• Another cold compress method that you can try is chamomile tea bag. 
• Put it in the fridge for half an hour. 
• Then, place the chilled tea bag over the affected eye. 
• Allow it to sit there for 20 minutes. For fast recovery, do it up to four times a day. 

Green tea, too, is an effective way to cure sore eyes. It can relieve itchy eyes while it soothes your eyes through its anti-inflammatory properties. To use it as a cure for sore eyes:

• Boil green tea bags in a cup of distilled water. 
• Allow them to cool first. 
• Then, flush your eyes with this tea until the symptoms of this eye condition subside. 

How about cucumber? 

This, too, can be one of the best ways on how to cure sore eyes. Cucumber contains anti-irritation properties that can effectively reduce inflammation, swelling, and irritation associated with this eye condition. 

Before you place slices of cucumber over the affected eye, refrigerate it first. Wait for at least half an hour. Then, take out the cucumber and place it over your eyes. Allow it to stay there for 10 minutes. 

Other natural cures for sore eyes

Cold milk is also a good alternative. Use a cotton ball and soak it in a glass of cold milk. Rub it around the eyes. You may also use it as a compress to get an instant cooling effect. 

If you can get your hands on pure rosewater, then that’d be better as it can also be used as an effective home remedy for your itchy, reddish eyes. It’s simply cooling and it can help in clearing your eyes. You may also use it as an eye drop for an instant natural relief. 

Although these natural cures for sore eyes are effective, every case is different. Talk to your doctor about the best natural treatment for your condition.

Image Source: Sore Eyes

The Ongoing Battle Against Zika Virus - Is it Time for the Catholic Church to Change Its Position About Abortion and Birth Control?

The CBCP defends Pope Francis on his stance about birth control on Zika virus issue. In a statement released by the CBCP, Archbishop Socrates Villegas said that the Holy Father was clear about the evil of abortion. 

He and other bishops reiterate the Church teachings that, even if the child in the womb is afflicted with deformity, it’s still not moral to end the human life. For them, no one has the right to judge as to who lives or die. 

Villegas’ statement was posted on the official website of the CBCP. 

But with the ongoing crisis to control zika virus, is it time for the pope to bless birth control and abortion? 

Criticizing the coolest Pope isn't easy. Even those who aren't Catholics listen when he speaks. But it’s hard to ignore the Church’s opinion about artificial contraception. Pope Francis still insists that abortion and birth control are going against the natural laws of God, i.e. to go and multiply. 

But scolding birth control is said to be an archaic man-made mandate that orders women to over populate the planet. Before birth control became popular, women were non-stop in giving birth to their babies. You could see sickly and emaciated kids going around living in tiny living spaces. Some women did abort their pregnancies to spare their unborn children from a life of poverty. Those mothers who couldn’t control their depression, they committed suicide. 

Still, the Catholic Church considered birth control as unlawful. 

But modern Catholics of today no longer believe that each sperm is sacred. They’re aware of the Church’s teachings about birth control but they just prefer to plug their ears. 

Now, the rise of the Zika virus is threatening almost everyone. Even if the Catholic Church will switch side, the fight against the virus is still a long way to go. According to the WHO, this mosquito-transmitted virus issue will be a long and complex road. 

The virus itself is tricky and tenacious. It’s very difficult for it to catch and be contained. Dengue and chikungunya outbreaks gave us lessons that stopping this virus is going to be a long journey. 

Currently, Brazil is the center where Zika outbreak is ongoing. The virus is suspected to cause a spike in microcephaly. It’s congenital condition that causes the newborn child to have a small head. The virus also hampers the child’s brain development. 

Although Brazil is the hardest-hit country, there are several cases have been reported in 28 countries in the Americas and Caribbean. 

Several countries have already launched a massive operation to eliminate stagnant water where mosquitoes breed. 

Unlike the dengue virus, there’s no vaccine against Zika virus. There’s also no cure to it. The spread of the virus is said to be explosive. It infects up to four million people in the world. 

Is it a sexually transmitted virus? 

The US CDC is still investigating as to whether or not Zika virus is a sexually transmitted disease. Currently, there’s no proof yet whether women can transmit the virus to their sex partners. However, the CDC is conducting more studies to better understand the issue.

Type 2 Diabetes Diet: Recommended Food Options

Type 2 diabetes diet is designed for individuals with this type of medical condition. Individuals with this disease requires good nutrition. 

For doctors, good nutrition is regarded as a medicine in its own right. 

Patients with type 2 diabetes must rigorously monitor their blood glucose levels, which are all affected by the sugars and starches that they consume. But what should be included in type 2 diabetes diet? Let’s find out. 

High-Fiber Content

Eating high soluble fiber, in particular, can help. Even if you don’t have diabetes but you’re concerned that you might develop it, fiber should be included in your diet. 

Fiber reduces your digestive system in metabolizing carbohydrates and transforming them into glucose. By slowly metabolizing carbs, it can prevent sudden flood of glucose into your bloodstream. Instead, glucose will be slowly and steadily introduced into the blood. 

Oats, avocados, sweet potatoes, and oranges contain high-amount of soluble fiber. 

If you’re not yet used to eating high amount of fiber, it’s important to slowly introduce it to your diet. 

In order to prevent gas, bloating, and cramps, you should increase your water intakes. 

Fluid 

In addition to fiber, your type 2 diabetes diet must include consumption of more fluid. Diabetics are prone to dehydration. When there’s too much sugar in the blood, your kidneys will try to get rid of it through urine. 

Although it’s essential that you increase your fluid intake, you should avoid taking in sweet options as they can only increase your blood sugar. 

Health experts don’t recommend fizzy drinks, sports drinks and sweetened fruit drinks. 

Even if you don’t have diabetes, you should only take these drinks sparingly. Regular consumption of these beverages is linked to type 2 diabetes. 

How about protein?

The American Diabetes Association advises patients with diabetes to consume only lean proteins that are low in saturated fat. These would include fish and turkey. You should eat at least two servings of seafood every week. Some fish can offer additional benefits to achieve a healthy heart. 

Deli meats and hot dogs are worst options when it comes to type 2 diabetes diet. The reason for this is that they contain high amount of sodium, which would increase your risk of high blood pressure. Hypertension can lead to heart attack and stroke. They’re two complications of diabetes. That said, it’s necessary that you avoid those foods and have your blood pressured checked regularly. 

What fruits should you consume? 

Your best options should be fresh fruits. They can easily conquer your sweet cravings. They don’t only contain fiber but they’re also rich in antioxidants. Berries can leave you more satisfied. 

Fruits that are canned in syrup are your worst options. Dried fruits have high amount of sugar. If you opt for fruit juices, you should only consume them in moderation as they’re still high in sugar. Plus, they don’t have the same nutrition content as the whole fruit. 

Type 2 diabetes diet doesn’t really have to be strict. What’s important here is to monitor all your portions for foods that contain high carbohydrates. And don’t forget to exercise. 

Talk to your doctor about the best food options for your medical condition.

Endometriosis: Do You Know These Facts?

If you’re following Lena Dunham on her Facebook official Page, you’re now aware of her medical condition known as endometriosis. On her Facebook Page, she told her fans that she’s going to take a break to rest due to her condition. 

Endometriosis is pretty common among women in their 30s and 40s. For most women with this condition, it can interfere with their career or work. According to the National Institutes of Health, this condition affects 6 to 10 percent of women in their reproductive age. 

This medical condition occurs when the tissue that lines your uterus has been found outside of your uterus. When you menstruate, a few of your cells travel to your fallopian tubes. They go to your abdomen and implant themselves where they should not be. These cells also implant to other muscles or organs in your body. 

When they’re implanted in other parts of the body, they continue to act as if they’re still inside the uterus. This means that these cells bleed during menstrual period. But, instead of bleeding outside of the body, they bleed inside. 

What are the symptoms of endometriosis? 

Unfortunately, 11 percent of women are asymptomatic. The rest of women with this condition feel pain during their menstrual cycles. Other women may develop chronic pain. As the pain gets worse, the condition causes diarrhoea, bowel problems, and other medical issues. 

If it’s left untreated, the cells that implanted into the muscles and organs will grow and may cause scars. The growth can cause the patient to have difficulty in getting pregnant. She’s highly likely to become infertile. 

Laparoscopic surgery 

This is one of the most common ways to diagnose an endometriosis. In this procedure, a small microscope is inserted into your belly. It will look into your pelvic organs and abdominal pain. Once you’re diagnosed to have one, you may undergo treatment. 

In most cases, hormonal birth control is given. This treatment controls the hormone that’s directed to the cells. But this isn’t an ideal treatment if you wish to get pregnant. 

If you don’t like using a birth control, your doctor may prescribe a medicine that shuts down your system’s hormonal access. With this treatment, you’ll feel like you’re already in the menopausal stage as you’ll feel dry or lose sex drive. 

For some patients, they opted for a surgical operation that removes the cells. However, the absolute cure for this condition is hysterectomy. This is a surgical operation that involves the removal of all or just part of your uterus. But this operation will only be considered by your doctor after all treatments have been tried without improving your condition. 

Jus like other medical conditions, doctors are still finding reasons why some women develop it while others don’t. If you have a family member who has this condition, then you’re more likely to develop endometriosis. This means that if your mother, sister or daughter has it, it increases your risk for this condition. 

Despite that, it’s still unclear whether or not genes may come into play when it comes to this condition. 

Surgical Technology in the Philippines – A Look at 3D and Da Vinci Surgery

Will Da Vinci Surgical Technology Be Popular in the Philippines?

The future of surgical technology means no more incisions. That said, there are no more reasons for patients to go under the knife, when surgery is necessary.

St. Luke’s Medical Center is one of the well-known hospitals, not just in the Philippines, but also in Asia. Recently, they introduced the 3D laparoscopic surgery.

This is not only ideal for complex procedures but patients who just need simple surgery can take advantage of this latest surgical technology at said hospital.

This surgical technology can be performed on biliary, adrenal, hernia and colorectal, among others. If you opt for it, it means less scars.

Hospitalization will also be shorter. Plus, it is safer than the old surgical method.

What is 3D laparoscopic surgery?

It involves the use of various 3D instruments during the procedure. The surgeon utilizes a 3D monitor to look into the patient’s body cavity.

With this advanced surgical technology, doctors will have better viewing of the operative field. As a result, they can make precise and accurate procedure.

Thus, errors involving poor depth perception can be prevented.

• The 3D image offers excellent perception.
• For surgeons, it means better accuracy and greater precision.
• The operating time is also faster. It will be easier for the surgeons to navigate to the targeted organ.
• Apart from improving the operation’s length of time, surgeons can also work more confidently.

Surgeons at St. Luke’s who will perform the latest laparoscopic surgical technology utilize Dr. Camscope 3D laparoscopic system from Sometech.

The system involves 3D binocular laparascope in navigating the surgical site. Then, doctors will use medical-grade glasses with 3D technology. It is like watching movies in 3D.

The only difference is that doctors are using dark sunglasses that are of medical-grade.

When doctors utilize the 3D monitor, they can easily see the target organ in real distance. The enhanced vision reduces surgical errors, significantly.

The use of this surgical technology has become a trend worldwide.

In the Philippines, there are only a few hospitals that utilize such technology. Unfortunately, Davao Doctor’s Hospital does not have one yet.

What Philippine surgeons are saying about this surgical technology?

Surgeons in the Philippines prefer this future technology than the old method or the 2D technology because of the enhanced imaging.

It is not only limited to gastroenterology but other specialties can also take advantage of it, including urology and gynecology.

It was only in 1993 that the minimally invasive surgical operation, like laparoscopic surgery, was introduced. This future technology brought a great shift in surgery – from an open incision to a simple incision method.

This advanced surgical technology allows men and women to undergo surgical operation with little down time. It means that they can go back to their work, a day or a few days after the operation.

Some patients think that this surgical technology no longer needs surgeons to perform the procedure. But the role of surgeons in this type of procedure is imperative.

Just like the older method, surgeons will still have stand beside the patient to operate them. This would still cause fatigue to the surgeon while performing the procedure.

The overall procedure is considered counterintuitive to the brain. When the doctor inserts the instrument into the abdomen of the patient, the tip goes forward, while the doctor moves the instrument backward.

If it must go left, the doctor must go right. Surgeons are moving the instrument inside the patient’s body while looking at a 3D monitor.

Because of this counterintuitive movement, it took a long time for doctors to get used to it. In fact, there are only a few hundreds of surgeons who are qualified and certified to perform this type of surgical operation.

But the introduction of Da Vinci Robot offers surgeons to easily carry out invasive procedures. The best thing about this surgical technology is that it only requires one to two centimeters incisions.

Features of Da Vinci

The entire machine consists of console, patient cart and vision system.

During the operation, your surgeon navigates and operates while sitting comfortably at the console. He/she views a 3D image of your body’s interior. While operating, your doctor utilizes master controls. They work like forceps.

The Da Vinci surgical technology responds to any type of input your doctor is making. And it responds in real-time. Any wrist or finger movements will be translated into precise movements.

The patient’s cart of Da Vinci can hold up to three EndoWrist instruments, plus a 3D camera. Your doctor uses the EndoWrist instrument to make precise control within your body.

But these instruments are not the only ones being used by surgeons. Instead, there are wide range of instrument types to help them perform the task with precision, accuracy and better control.

Are there complications?

The future of surgical technology may improve the results of a procedure. But it still comes with serious complications. Anything can happen during the operation.

The most serious is death.

Serious complications associated with this type of surgical technology will include the following:

• Bleeding
• Injury to the target organ or surround tissues/organs
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Internal scarring which can result in long-lasting pain

The complications can be the result of human error or equipment failure. Hence, it is important to only undergo such operation with a qualified physician.

Those who underwent minimally invasive surgery trough Da Vinci surgical technology system may have the following risks:

• Temporary pain as a result of positioning
• Temporary discomfort from gas during procedure
• Longer operation, which is especially true if your surgeon needs to change from one surgical operation to another surgical technique.

If you are not a good candidate of non-robotic surgical operation, you are also not a good candidate for this type of surgical technology.

There are only 3,000 Da Vinci robots installed and being used all over the world. Most of them are in the US. And there is only one in the Philippines.

When it was approved by the FDA to be used for prostatectomies, a rapid decline in open surgery for the removal of the male prostate was seen.

In the US, 87% percent of prostatectomies are done robotically. But this is not the same in the Philippines. The reason for this is that most patients still prefer the open-wound method because, well, it is cheaper.

However, whether it is performed in the Philippines or not, the complications associated with it must be taken into account.

According to some researchers at the John Hopkins in 2013, some doctors performing Da Vinci surgery did not report or underreport the complications with this surgical technology.

Between 2000 and 2012, there were incidents that occurred in relation to this technology. Some of them involved several deaths and injuries.

In fact, some patients in the US are suing the manufacturer of this robotic technology. They claimed that the product is faulty and must not be on the market.

One man reported to have a routine prostatectomy but he ended up spending 13 hours in the OR, instead of the five hours as he was quoted. To add insult to the injury, he was left incontinent. He also suffered from kidney and lung damage.

Before he passed away, he had sepsis and stroke.

Then another woman was reported undergoing endometriosis through this surgical technology. For nearly 11 hours, she remained in the OR. Then, a few days after the surgery, she was rushed to the ER.

Doctors discovered that she had torn rectum and colon because of this robotic surgical technology.

Surgeons all over the world who performed with Da Vinci said that they experienced serious malfunctions when they used such machine. The FDA revealed that there were one third deaths being reported to them during gynecological procedures.

How much will it cost for you to undergo this type of surgical technology?

According to St. Luke’s Medical Center, the entire cost can be around PHP500,000. To get more people interested in this type of technology, said hospital is offering a promo that let patients take advantage of it a more affordable price.

You can say that it is twice or thrice the price of a laparoscopic surgery. But some would say that it is all worth it.

One of the reasons patients would opt for it is the shorter time it would take for them to stay in the hospital. They will not only be living with a big scar. Thus, most of the patients in the entertainment industry would go for it. Some patients who are following tight work schedules would find this option a more practical choice.

Is the price of this surgical technology cheaper?

You may think that PHP500,000 is a very expensive rate. But, if you compare it to other countries, our rate here is a lot cheaper.

This is why some patients from the US and other parts of the world are coming  here to take advantage of this service. Although it is not yet included in our country’s medical tourism, some people in the government are looking into its benefits.

Still, it is an expensive technology for an average Filipino. This may be the reason DDH is not yet considering it because each robot can cost around $1 million. But the cost will depend on the model. Replacements of its parts can go around $1,500.

Then, the hospital has to pay around $140,000 to maintain it. That said, not all hospitals are opting for it. Doctors are also needed to be trained to perform robotic surgery, which is an additional expense to them.

The extra cost of this equipment and maintaining it will be, of course, passed on to the patient. So, if the ovarian cyst removal will only cost less than PHP 50,000 through traditional laparoscopic surgery, the robotic surgical technology can go three times more than that.

In a Columbian study, researchers revealed that robotic surgical technology costs more than the regular surgical operation. And the complications are greater than opting for the regular minimally invasive surgery.

The makers of this technology are making billions of dollars for one robot. Unfortunately, there is the lack of clinical evidence that this type of technology is more superior than the traditional method.

Nevertheless, the popularity continues to grow. In fact, in 2011, the use of it has increased more than 200 percent of what has been predicted.

If you were to ask a regular person in the Philippines, he/she will just opt for the traditional surgery. Even though it has been predicted that robotic surgical technology will grow exponentially, it may not peak here in the Philippines, where most people are receiving an average salary.

Unless you belong to the elite, your pocket may not be able to handle the overall cost.

It is true that robotic surgical technology is here to stay. But its advantages are only appropriate for those who can afford it.

Newer upgrades will come in to improve its flexibility. They may also reduce the bulkiness of the machine. As a result, surgeons will have better versatility while performing operation. But the overall cost will or may not go down.

This type of surgical technology was once thought to be a science fiction. It was once believed to be a technological stuff that you would only see on Star Trek or Star Wars. But this technology is now a reality.

However, no matter how real it is, the income of Filipinos may not be able to endure the expensive cost of the technology.

Still, this is a wonderful opportunity for us to experience how easy it is to undergo a surgical operation. Hopefully, St. Luke’s Medical Center will offer huge discount to it. And that discount will allow us, regular people, to pay for this expensive technology.

Some insurance companies may not cover it. This is another disadvantage.

If you do have the money to undergo such operation, then by all means take that opportunity. However, make sure that you are a good candidate for it. Bear in mind that not all patients can embrace the benefits of robotic surgical technology, even if they can afford it.

References:

• http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/09/09/new-concerns-on-robotic-surgeries/?_r=1
• http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007339.htm

Benefits of a Cup of Coffee and Quick Ways on How to Make Iced Coffee

While I am writing this post, I am drinking a cup of coffee with milk chocolate. I love to call it as café latte, without the froth.

Many of my colleagues drink cups of coffee each day. We do not just drink it because it reduces our sleepiness/grogginess but coffee offers several health benefits that many people try to ignore.

In the past few decades, coffee has been studied thousands of times. Lately, more and more health benefits of this drink have been discovered. But drinking a cup of java must be balanced.

Unfortunately, there is no ideal dose of drinking coffee. Bear in mind that a cup of coffee can be different from one person to another. My “cup of coffee” is a coffee-mug size. Yours might be a small cup that people would normally use in drinking tea.

Let us not argue about what a cup of coffee must be. Instead, let me start highlighting the benefits of drinking coffee each day.

1. Reduces risk of Alzheimer’s disease

Not only that. It is also shown to reduce the risk of dementia and Parkinson’s disease.

How is this even possible?

The antioxidant content of this drink is what makes this beverage perfect for those who wish to avoid suffering from those mental health conditions.

Coffee’s antioxidants are shown, not only to boost the neurotransmitter effects in cognitive function but they are also reported to prevent brain cells damage as you grow older.

As coffee intake increases, cases of glioma, which is a form of brain cancer, are dropped.

There are also studies going on that may prove that the compounds of coffee may have the power to activate the DNA-repairing protein in a cell. Because of that ability, it may prevent DNA damage.

2. Prevents diabetes

Studies showed that those who drink up to four cups of coffee each day have lowered their risk of having type 2 diabetes. Researchers believe that coffee’s chlorogenic acid and quinides are the ones that boost your cell’s insulin sensitivity. In other words, they help in regulating blood sugar.

But those studies did not verify whether the coffee used was caffeinated or de-caffeinated.

3. Lowers risk of stroke

Some studies about the benefits of a cup of coffee showed that those who drink up to three cups of coffee a day have lowered their rates of strokes. This can be caused by the antioxidant effects of coffee that stop inflammation from causing damage to the arteries.

The compounds in coffee might activate nitric oxide, which is a substance that is known to widen blood vessels.

However, just because it can prevent heart problems does not mean you have to take more cups of it each day. There are studies showing that drinking more than five cups of coffee a day is associated with higher risk of heart disease. This goes to say that excessive caffeine intake can cancel out the antioxidant effects of coffee.

4. Prevents liver problems

I have to emphasize that the research about this health benefit is limited. Despite that, the studies showed that people who drink more coffee have lowered their risk of developing liver diseases, like cirrhosis. This can be due to the coffee’s antioxidant content that prevents liver inflammation, which inhibits the growth of cancer cells.

This benefit is essential if you drink alcohol. In 2006, a study was published about coffee’s effects on people who regularly drink a cup of coffee a day. It was shown that these people were 20% less likely to suffer from liver cirrhosis, which is an autoimmune disease as a result of excessive consumption of alcohol. This liver problem could lead to liver failure and cancer.

Furthermore, studies showed that this beverage can prevent the development of NAFLD or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. However, the people who participated in the study were drinking at least four cups of coffee a day.

5. Avoids depression

In a study presented by the National Institute of Health, it was shown that those who drink at least four cups of coffee were 10 percent less likely to develop depression than those who do not drink a cup of java.

The connection between depression and coffee is not caffeine. Instead, the trusty antioxidants found in coffee are the reasons of the link. Pepsi or Coke contains high amount of coffee. But this type of beverage is linked to depression.

Because it can act as a mild anti-depressant, those who drink up to four cups of coffee a day are less likely to commit suicide. The antioxidants and other contents of coffee aid in the production of various neurotransmitters that control depression.

6. Prevents gum disease

Again, the reason for this is the antioxidant content of coffee, and not caffeine. Researchers found that those who drink at least a cup of java a day reduced their risk of having gum disease. They also found a reduction in bone and teeth loss. Furthermore, they found that daily consumption of coffee does not cause adverse effects to the oral health. Instead, it provides protective effects against the development of periodontal disease.

Although further studies are needed to make a proper conclusion about this matter, we can start drinking at least a cup of coffee a day.

Iced coffee for summer

Summer season is here. I can drink hot coffee in the afternoon. But some of you might not like the idea of drinking hot beverage during hot season. Enter iced coffee.

Just because it is an iced coffee does not mean that it is just for the afternoon drink. You can have it in the morning as you wake up. To make the best iced coffee, you do not need the best ice cubes in your glass.

How to make iced coffee? The best one?

As mentioned earlier, it is not about how you add the ice cubes but it is about changing the brewing process. Instead, you make iced coffee fresh from the French press. It is chilled overnight. From the fridge, it will be extra-cold and ready to be diluted using ice and milk.

Processing a cold-brew French press can take a lot of time. But the extra time you put in will make the flavor more delicate and less bitter.

Ingredients

• Whole coffee beans
• Cold water
• Ice
• Milk
• Caramel, chocolate, flavored syrups and other sweeteners you would like to use. But they are optional.

Before you can start, you will need to have a coffee grinder and a French press. You can have the latter from Starbucks. It costs around PHP1,500.

Now, get your coffee grinder and grind your coffee beans. About 1/3 cup of beans is needed for the best cup of iced coffee. Make sure that the beans are coarse enough to be easily filtered by the French press. However, ensure that they are still fine enough to be infused easily.

Now, pour the ground coffee into the press. Then, add 1 ½ cups of water. Stir the coffee and the water until they are well-blended.

Place the press’ plunger in the up position. Put the French press in the fridge. Allow it to steep overnight. Make sure that the plunger is left in the up position. This will ensure that the ground beans infuse the water overnight.

In the morning, separate the coffee from the grounds by plunging the French press.

Then, get a glass and fill partway with ice cubes and milk. Pour the iced coffee to fill the rest of the glass. You may add caramel or chocolate fudge. I like adding dark chocolate in it. It still has the bitter taste of coffee with a touch of sugar from the milk. I also use soya milk. But you can use any type of milk that you have in your fridge.

How many calories are there in the iced coffee?

From the iced coffee that we discuss above, you will have 112 calories for two servings. It is still low in fat, as long as you do not add milk chocolate or vanilla. Sugar content can be 0.7 gram but it depends on the sweetener you add to it.

Now, what if you do not have coffee beans and a coffee grinder? What if you only have is an instant coffee?

It is still possible to make the best iced coffee through an instant coffee. Follow the steps below:

• Take three tablespoons of instant coffee. I would suggest using Folgers instant coffee crystals or Achiever’s instant coffee.
• Prepare the following: Cup of boiling water, sweetener, cups of cold water, milk, coffee creamer, whipped cream (optional but not advisable to those who wish to lose weight)
• Dissolve the instant coffee in boiling water. Make sure that you are using a tempered glass
• Stir
• Add the sugar or sweetener
• Stir
• Add cold water and stir
• Add milk and stir
• Place it in the fridge until it is chilled
• Transfer the cold coffee in a tall glass and pour over ice cubes
• Top it with whipped cream, if you wish. Then again, it is not advisable to those who are trying to lose weight.

Another way to make iced coffee is to blend the ice and make a cappuccino frost. Here are the steps:

1. Prepare cold water, classic roast instant coffee crystals, chilled sweetened condensed milk, ice cubes, and whipped cream.
2. Add water and coffee crystals in the blender. Make sure that all crystals are dissolved.
3. Add the chilled sweetened condensed milk. Blend.
4. Add ice cubes.
5. Blend until the mixture appears smooth and frothy.
6. Pour the mixture into a tall glass.
7. Top it with whipped cream, i.e. if you want to. But be careful with this. Bear in mind that whipped cream contains high amount of calories.

If you want to make almond frost, you can just add almond extract. For vanilla frost, you can add vanilla extract, instead of almond extract. I have tried adding both and the result is still good. You can even add pumpkin spice creamer to make it more flavorful.

A recipe I have not tried yet is the orange with mocha smoothie. It will still be iced coffee but it will have scoops of orange sherbet and a slice of fresh orange. What you will need to gather are chilled chocolate milk, roasted concentrated coffee, milk, whipped cream, orange slice, and scoops of orange sherbet.

To make a mocha orange smoothie, you just need to chill a glass in the freezer. Get your blender and put in the chocolate milk and the instant coffee. Blend them well until the coffee crystals are dissolved. Add the sherbet. Blend until you achieve the desired consistency. Pour the mixture into the chilled glass. Top it with whipped cream. Garnish the beverage with orange slice. Drink it with straw.

Conclusion

No matter what brand of coffee you would like to drink, the benefits of coffee will remain. Some people would love to drink their cup of coffee hot while others love it cold. For me, I love both. But I try not to make iced coffee often as I am usually tempted to add more sweeteners and whipped cream. Coffee may have several health benefits but the added ingredients may cancel them out.

I still need to master how to brew the ideal way. I do not have a coffee grinder so I purchase ground coffee with the right consistency. According to my research, having a coffee grinder is essential in getting the ideal brewing. Coffee experts recommend brewing fresh ground coffee. But this is unattainable for people who do not have coffee grinders.

On how to make iced coffee, the instructions we have discussed will help you make the iced coffee more flavorful. But if you are like my mother who does not want complicated procedure, she just adds her instant coffee to a glass of cold water. Mix and drink. She loves it. I, on the other hand, want the iced brewed coffee and not the instant one.

Eyes: What are the Changes in Your Eyes That You Must Pay Attention To?

Our eyes are a window to our soul. They allow us to see the beauty of our surroundings and the people around us.

Because our eyes play an important role in how we deal with life, let’s take care of them.

If there are changes in their appearances, they can be a sign of an underlying medical problem.

What are these changes?

Yellow spots on eyelids

They can be a sign that your blood cholesterol levels are high. They’re called as xanthelasma or cholesterol-filled lesions. If you have them, then you may have a high risk of developing a heart disease.

You may be more likely to have a heart attack or develop hardening of the arteries.

Eye bags

They could be a sign of chronic allergies. Allergies can cause dilation of blood vessels causing them to leak.

Grey ring

It’s a thin grey ring that appears around the edge of your cornea. Grey ring is a warning sign of high cholesterol and triglycerides. This is also a sign that you’re at high risk to have heart attack or stroke.

Bulging eyes

They are a warning sign that you have an overactive thyroid or hyperthyroidism. Having bulging eyes or exophthalmos is a common sign of Grave’s disease. When you have this type of disease, you’re also experiencing nervousness, weight loss and irregular pulse that’s rapid.

If you see these changes in your eyes, better consult an ophthalmologist. For eyesight protection, read this. Or take this to prevent macular degeneration.