Knee implants to cost up to 69% less as government caps prices

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Acting swiftly on PM Narendra Modi’s Independence Day promise to take steps to rein in healthcare costs, the government on Wednesday said it is placing knee implants under price control.

The government has slashed the prices of knee implants by between 59% and 69% using a special provision in the drug pricing law that enables it to intervene in “extraordinary circumstances” in public interest.

The move is expected to benefit over three crore arthritis patients in India needing knee replacement surgery.
Official sources said hip implants and intraocular lenses are the next items likely to attract the attention of the regulatory scanner.

The standard, widely used cobalt chromium in knee replacement surgery will now cost Rs 54,720 as against an earlier MRP of Rs 1,58,324. Similarly, the price of special metals like titanium and oxidised zirconium have been slashed by almost 70%, to Rs 76,600 from Rs 2.49 lakh. In case of revision knee replacement, which is usually done if the primary replacement fails, prices of implants have been cut by 59%.
The government said there was “unjustified, unreasonable and irrational” profiteering and trade margins on these devices, leading to exorbitant prices that push up patients’ out-of-pocket expenses. In fact, the high costs make treatment unaffordable for many who need arthroplasty procedures.

The regulator national pharmaceutical pricing authority finds that it is urgently necessary to act in public interest and has fixed and notified ceiling prices of orthopaedic knee implants for knee replacement systems, the order issued by the department of pharmaceuticals said.
“The government will not be a mute spectator to illegal and unethical profiteering,” chemicals and fertilisers minister Ananth Kumar said. He added the government would take stringent action against hospitals, importers and retailers if they charged in excess of the MRP fixed by the government.
According to government estimates, the price regulation of knee implants alone will lead to a saving of about Rs 1,500 crore annually for patients.
The new prices come into effect immediately and will also apply to all available stocks for sale in trade channels.
“The success of the order will depend on what steps are taken by the government to ensure that the overall procedure costs come down as a result of this price fixation,” Malini Aisola of the All-India Drug Action Network said.
“We hope this is just the tip of the iceberg and the government will go on to regulate prices of all other critical medical devices where similar market conditions prevail,” said Gurinder Grewal, former president of the Punjab Medical Council.

A price cap on implants is expected to benefit millions of patients with orthopaedic problems. Industry data, which experts say does not fully capture the picture, shows over three crore arthritic patients in India in need of knee replacement surgery. Since this is not a life-threatening disease, the number of patients opting for surgery is comparatively low.
Even then, estimates show that over 1,20,000 knee replacement procedures, and about 70,000 hip procedures, take place every year in India. And the costs are not low. Preliminary analysis by the NPPA shows the MRP of the total knee system ranges between Rs 59,091 and Rs 4,13,059. Add to this hospital costs, surgeon charges, time in the operation theatre, and several other miscellaneous charges. The latest price regulation by government is seen, in this context, as a step towards rationalising healthcare costs.


Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/knee-implants-to-cost-up-to-69-less-as-government-caps-prices/articleshow/60094167.cms

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Immunotherapy found safe for type 1 diabetes in landmark trial

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Type 1 diabetes is believed to be an autoimmune disorder, so does this mean that immunotherapy could be used to treat it? A landmark trial has investigated the safety of such a therapeutic approach.


The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that up to 1.05 million people in the United States – or 5 percent of the country’s diabetic population – have type 1 diabetes.

The condition is thought to be an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system – its T cells, specifically – does not recognize the pancreas’ insulin-producing beta cells and mistakenly attacks them. At present, there are no treatments for preventing T cells from killing off the body’s beta cells.

Despite the belief that type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition, few studies have tested the possible benefits of immunotherapies in treating the condition, perhaps due to concerns that they might make it worse.

For type 1 diabetes, immunotherapies consist of molecules that imitate a proinsulin peptide. In this context, researchers based in the United Kingdom set out to examine the benefits of immunotherapy in a landmark trial that included a placebo control group.

The study’s first author is Dr. Mohammad Alhadj Ali, of the Cardiff University School of Medicine in the U.K., and the corresponding author is Mark Peakman, Ph.D., a professor of clinical immunology at King’s College London, also in the U.K.

The results were published in the journal Science Translational Medicine.

Proinsulin peptide immunotherapy is ‘safe’

Dr. Ali and team examined the effect of the peptide in 27 people who had been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes within the previous 100 days.
For 6 months, the participants received either shots of the immunotherapy or the placebo at 2- or 4-week intervals. Their C-peptide levels – which are markers of insulin – were tested at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months, and they were compared with baseline levels.

The trial found no evidence of toxicity or negative side effects, and beta cells were not impaired or reduced as a consequence of the therapy. The authors write, “Treatment was well tolerated with no systemic or local hypersensitivity,” which led the researchers to conclude that “proinsulin peptide immunotherapy is safe.”

Additionally, “Placebo subjects showed a significant decline in stimulated C-peptide (measuring insulin reserve) at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months versus baseline, whereas no significant change was seen in the 4-weekly peptide group at these time points,” say the researchers.

Importantly, over a period of 12 months, the daily insulin intake in the placebo group increased by 50 percent, whereas the treatment group kept stable levels of insulin use.

Although the effects of immunotherapies need to be tested in larger cohorts, the trial offers an encouraging safety profile for the treatment. Speaking to Medical News Today about the clinical implications of such results, Prof. Peakman broke down the findings.

The good safety profile means 3 things:

(i) that we can progress to the next stage, which is to perform an efficacy trial and we hope to start this in 2018;

(ii) that this therapy may be acceptable in children, which is the main group developing type 1 diabetes;

(iii) that we may be able to give the peptide repeatedly over long periods, which may be required to gain full effects.
– Mark Peakman, Ph.D.

Regarding the limitations of the research, Prof. Peakman told us that the small sample size meant that the researchers could not examine how efficacious the treatment was. Consequently, in the future, the researchers plan to conduct a larger study in order to investigate the immunotherapies’ effect on disease progression.

Source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318899.php

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Researchers discover MRI can predict future kidney function

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Researchers from St. Michael’s Hospital have made what are believed to be two world first discoveries: an MRI can measure kidney damage and can predict future kidney function within one year while avoiding needle biopsies.

The researchers used a specific magnetic resonance imaging test called an elastogram to measure kidney scarring in 17 people who had kidney transplants, according to the study published online in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.

An elastogram maps the stiffness of tissue using MRI to determine the presence of scarring, according to Dr. Anish Kirpalani, the study’s lead author, a radiologist and a scientist in the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael’s.

Scarring is a major cause of kidney transplant failure.

“Healthy kidney is soft, whereas scar tissue is stiffer,” said Dr. Darren Yuen, a transplant nephrologist and scientist in the Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of St. Michael’s.

“We needed a way to measure how soft or stiff your kidney is without actually going inside the body. Using the MRI elastogram, we were able to measure kidney stiffness, which gave us an indication of how much scarring there was.”

Scarring is irreversible and can cause progressive kidney injury that can eventually lead to kidney failure. Diabetes, high blood pressure and kidney transplant rejection all cause scarring.

Needle biopsy is the current “gold standard” way to assess kidney scarring. A long needle is inserted into the kidney and a sample about the size of a mechanical pencil tip is removed. The procedure requires pain medications, can be associated with bleeding and requires a day off of work, according to the authors.

The study found that the MRI results were not only comparable to the results of a kidney biopsy, but the test was able to detect a high variability in the amount and location of scarring throughout the entire organ.

“The MRI allowed us to get a full picture of the kidney, whereas with a biopsy we would only see a tiny piece,” said Dr. Kirpalani.

“We were able to tell that in some parts of the kidney it’s very stiff, and in others, it’s not stiff at all, which is information we couldn’t get from a biopsy.”

The researchers also found that kidney stiffness predicted how well the kidney would be working one year after the MRI. They found that those with higher levels of stiffness in their kidneys had a greater loss of kidney function, while those with softer kidneys did not.

This shows that MRI can accurately predict future kidney function, according to the authors, which may be particularly helpful for kidney transplant patients.

“When we’re looking at a transplanted kidney, we’re dealing with a precious resource–these patients have waited a long time for a transplant, and have been on dialysis, which is a difficult and painful process,” said Dr. Kirpalani.

“Scarring is a big problem for transplant patients, and with MRI we may be able to better guide how kidney transplant patients are treated early on to improve their long-term outcomes.”

MRIs would not replace biopsies, said Dr. Yuen, but rather act as an additional test to give a more comprehensive understanding of kidney health.

“Clinicians are hesitant to send patients for a test that has risks such as internal bleeding unless a diagnosis can’t be made without it,” he said. “With this new MRI test, doctors can gather valuable information in the many patients for whom the risks of a biopsy are too high.”

He also emphasized that this new MRI test may help facilitate the testing of new anti-scarring treatments.

“There are currently no anti-scarring drugs on the market, in part because it is hard to rationalize doing multiple kidney biopsies as part of a pharmaceutical trial,” said Dr. Yuen.

“By providing a needle-free way to measure kidney scarring, we may create more opportunities for this crucial research into finding an effective anti-scarring treatment.”

The study was conducted in the hospital’s MRI research centre, which houses MRI equipment dedicated specifically to clinical research.

“The unique MRI research centre that we have created, including elastography equipment, is focused on research that will directly impact patient care, allowing us to do this important study in people with transplant kidneys,” said Dr. Kirpalani.

Source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/319278.php

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5 Types of Cancer that May be Prevented by Beans

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Beans, also known as legumes, are rich in three types of phytochemicals which fight against cancer. They are-Saponins: As per the lab tests, saponins are found with the ability to constrain the generation of cancer cells and slows the growth of tumors.

Protease Inhibitors: It releases a substance called proteases that destroy the nearby cells which help to prevent tumors. Also, it slows down the division of cancer cells.

Phytic Acid: Phytic acid slows down the progression of tumors

5 Types of Cancer that May be Prevented by Beans

1. Prostate Cancer

According to National Cancer Institute, prostate cancer is the second leading cause of death by cancer in men. Prostate cancer develops in a gland in male reproductive part, prostate. Beans contain antioxidant components which fight the free radicals that can lead to oxidative damage on a cellular level, including cancer. As per the BBC reports, inositol pentakisphosphate, a compound in beans block tumor growth.

2. Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal or colon cancer develops in the colon or rectum of large intestine. Beans rich with fibre and resistant starch enter large intestine where bacteria ferment them into a small chain of fatty acids such as butyrate. This acid performs number of cancer-preventive actions inside the colon such as increasing the production of detoxification enzymes and halting cancer cell growth. According to Polyp Prevention Trial, data indicated that eating more beans can prevent the recurrence of colon polyps.

3. Breast Cancer

Beans have flavonoids and compounds which contain anti-cancer properties. According to American Institute for Cancer Research, “for every 10 grams of fiber (about a half cup of beans), breast cancer risk is decreased by seven percent”. Data from Nurses Health Study of 2005 revealed that countries with the greatest consumption of beans had the lowest breast cancer mortality rates.

4. Renal (Kidney) Cancer

Kidney cancer is also known as renal cancer. People suffering from this cancer need to strictly follow a healthy diet. Their diet should involve the most basic and beneficial items such as the green vegetables and fruits. A few vegetables such as beans, particularly play a massive role in terms of preventing the possibility of cancer. They are very important because they provide sufficient energy and nutrients to prevent deficiencies, help in optimising health, and reduce the risk of various diseases.

5. Gastric Cancer

Gastric or stomach cancer are most common in our country. People with gastric cancer are recommended to have fiber and protein rich diet. As mentioned earlier, beans with more fiber can make gastric cancer patients feel full as suggested by doctors. Patients should avoid eating too much of it at a time. It is advisable to consume it with some soft and bland foods.

The versatile functioning of this food may actually prevent risks of these five kinds of cancer. It is a big source of protein for vegetarians. Enjoy your bean diet with salads, tacos and rice. According to a renowned health coach Shilpa Arora, “along with beans, one should include more green veggies which in totality prevent cancer cell growth and leads to a healthy DNA”.

Source: http://food.ndtv.com/health/the-power-of-beans-the-cancer-fighting-food-1740046

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Study says skinny legs may up death risk by 300 per cent

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Lean people who are metabolically unhealthy, but have normal weight, might be at a 300 per cent greater chance of dying. This is in contrast to the small proportion of obese people who despite their high body mass index are metabolically healthy.


If you have a lean body shape with normal body mass index but with skinny lower legs, you may be at three fold increased risk of dying from cardio metabolic diseases such as Type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease, a research has claimed.

According to the study, lean people who are metabolically unhealthy, but have normal weight, might be at a 300 per cent greater chance of dying. This is in contrast to the small proportion of obese people who despite their high body mass index (BMI) are metabolically healthy, said Norbert Stefan, Professor at the University of Tubingen in Germany. And for this group, the risk of death from all-cause mortality is only 25 per cent higher than that of healthy lean people, Stefan added.

The results showed that among lean people, skinny lower legs may prove to be the strongest predictor of poor metabolic health, while for obese people, abdominal fat levels and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease are strong predictors of cardiometabolic diseases such as Type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease.


In lean people, a gene-derived problem of storing fat in the lower limbs may be a crucial factor, placing them at an increased risk of cardiometabolic diseases, Stefan said. For the study, detailed in the journal Cell Metabolism, the team analysed data from 981 subjects. After having defined metabolic health as having less than two risk parameters of the metabolic syndrome, they found that 18 per cent of their lean subjects were metabolically unhealthy.


Using magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance spectroscopy, they determined body fat mass, fat distribution and deposition of fat in the liver. Further, they also determined insulin sensitivity, insulin secretion, thickness of the carotid vessel wall and fitness. Such unhealthy lean but normal BMI phenotype body shape also resembled people with certain rare diseases such as lipodystrophy in which the body is unable to sustain adequate fat reserves.
The findings provide evidence for the existence of a “lipodystrophy-like phenotype in the general population”, the researchers noted.

Source: http://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/health/study-says-skinny-legs-may-up-death-risk-by-300-4780248/

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A good way to assess the risk of heart attack

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According to a new study, measuring calcium build-up in the arteries can be a good way of assessing the risk of heart attack and stroke.


Measuring calcium build-up in the arteries can be a good way of assessing the risk of heart attack and stroke, according to a recent study.

Patients without calcium buildup in the coronary arteries had significantly lower risk of future heart attack or stroke despite other high risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or bad cholesterol levels, the research from UT Southwestern cardiologists showed. These individuals had less than a 3 % chance of a cardiovascular event over the next decade, even though many had well-known risk factors, well below the 7.5 % level set by the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association as a guideline to begin statin treatment.

“The event rates when coronary calcium is absent are low,” said preventive cardiologist Dr Parag Joshi. “Our findings suggest that individuals with no calcium buildup in their blood vessels may not have to take statins despite the presence of other risk factors that cause coronary disease.” There may still be other reasons statins are a good therapy, so Joshi said that the new findings suggest that adding a CT scan for calcium may be worthwhile as doctors and patients discuss treatment options.

“A CT scan is a test that is easily done, costs about 100 bucks in most major cities, and can give a lot more information about the patient’s 10-year risk,” said Joshi. Calcium accumulates in the arteries of the heart after plaque builds up and calcifies over time.

The UT Southwestern researchers looked at CT scans of the chest and heart of 6,184 people aged 45 to 84, who had never had a heart attack or stroke, and were participants in a large, multi-site, multi-year study known as MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis). The new findings appear online in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology: Cardiovascular Imaging.

Source: http://www.hindustantimes.com/health/risk-factor-calcium-in-arteries-is-a-key-indicator-of-heart-attack/story-3bn9YW3G7WKeilDNJlGs3L.html

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Miracle: Doctors Revive Dead Patient On The Operating Table

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50-year-old woman suffered a cardiac arrest just before the surgery.
When 50-year-old Saraswati Devi from Uttar Pradesh was revived on the operating table, 20 minutes after her heart stopped beating, it was nothing short of a miracle. On August 14, Devi, a resident of Sonebhadra district, was undergoing a bypass surgery at the Fortis Escorts Heart Institute to treat the 90 percent blockage in her heart. She was also a diabetic. However, just before the surgery began, she suffered a cardiac arrest on the table.

“Her heart stopped beating and her blood pressure dropped to zero. If we stopped even for a second, the heart monitor was a straight line,” said Dr. SN Khanna, Associate Director, FEHI, Delhi. The doctors wasted no time, and for the next 20 minutes, kept giving her a cardiac massage to keep pumping blood. They could then have either not gone ahead with the surgery and informed the family, or perform the bypass on a still heart. “We chose the latter. We didn’t have a second to waste. After 20 minutes of external cardiac massage, we prepped for surgery. It then took us another 10 minutes to clean her, intubate her, and open the rib cage to reach the heart,” said Dr Khanna.

Usually, lack of blood supply to the brain for over four four minutes can lead to irreversible damage; in Devi’s case, she went without supply for close to 10 minutes.

“It was difficult for us to say whether she will wake up with brain damage or not. It was only when she regained consciousness that we figured that the surgery was successful,” said Dr Khanna.

Devi was discharged from the hospital on August 24 and the doctors have since been monitoring her recuperation closely.

Source: http://www.dnaindia.com/health/report-docs-revive-50-year-old-bypass-patient-dead-for-30-minutes-2547188

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7 Foods That Can Affect Your Brain Negatively

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Your brain is the most important organ of your body. It controls all the other functions of your body, which includes the beating of heart, lungs breathing and all other systems in the body.

Because all the bodily functions are dependent on the functioning of your brain, it is important to keep it healthy with a wholesome healthy diet and exercise.

Some foods can negatively affect your brain functioning, including your memory, mood and increased risk of conditions like dementia.

Here is a list of certain foods, by cutting down on which, you can reduce your risk of brain-related problems.

Sugary drinks

Sugary drinks like soda, cola, juices, energy drinks and sports drinks expand your waistline, increase your risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Not just this, they also have a negative effect on your brain. Type 2 diabetes has been linked with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Most sugary drinks are high in fructose, which is linked to obesity, high blood pressure, high blood fats and arterial dysfunction. These aspects of metabolic syndrome can lead to an increased risk of dementia. Diet high in sugar can lead to brain inflammation and impaired memory.

Alcohol

Excessive consumption of alcohol can have serious side effects on the brain. Chronic alcohol use can result in the reduction of brain volume, metabolic changes and disruption of neurotransmitters. People who consume too much alcohol are often deficient in vitamin B1, which can lead to a brain disorder called Wernicke’s encephalopathy, which in turn can develop Korsakoff’s syndrome. This syndrome can lead to severe damage to the brain, including memory loss, disturbance in eyesight, confusion and unsteadiness.

Aspartame

Aspartame is an artificial sweetener found in sugar-free products. People who are trying to lose weight often choose to have these sugar-free products. Aspartame is made of phenylalanine, methanol and aspartic acid. This sweetener is linked with behavioural and cognitive problems, though the research is controversial. A study conducted in mice has found that repeated intake of aspartame is liked with impaired memory and increased oxidative stress in the brain. To avoid aspartate, simply cut artificial sweeteners and excess sugar from your diet.

Fish high in mercury

Mercury is a heavy metal containment and a neurological poison that can be stored for long in the animal tissue. Long-lived predatory fish are susceptible to accumulating mercury and carry amount over 1 million times the concentration of their surrounding water. If a person ingests mercury, it spreads all around their body, concentrating in the brain, liver and kidneys. In pregnant women, it also concentrates in the placenta and fetus. The mercury toxicity can lead to the disruption of the central nervous system and neurotransmitters, resulting in the damage of the brain. High mercury fish includes shark, swordfish, tuna, orange roughly, king mackerel and tilefish. However, it’s safe to have two to three serving of other low-mercury fishes per week.

Highly processed foods

Foods that are highly processed are high in sugar, added fats and salt. These foods include chips, sweets, instant noodles, microwave popcorn, sauces and ready-made meals. These foods are high in calories and low in nutrients, which can lead to obesity and have a negative impact on the brain. A small study of 243 people found that fat around the organs is associated with brain tissue damage. Another study found that a diet high in unhealthy ingredients resulted in lower levels of sugar metabolism in the brain and a decrease in brain tissues. The two factors that are the markers for Alzheimer’s disease. A study conducted on 18,080 people found that a diet high in processed foods and fried foods is associated with lower scores in learning and memory.

High trans-fat foods

Trans fats are the unsaturated fat that can have a detrimental effect on your brain health. The trans fat found naturally in animal products like dairy and meat are not a problem. It’s the industry-based trans fat, also called hydrogenated vegetable oil, which can be a problem. Studies have found that people who consume a higher amount of trans fat are at an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease, lower brain volume, poorer memory and cognitive decline. Diets high in omega-3 fatty acids can help protect against cognitive decline. You can increase the amount of omega 3 in your diet by eating foods like fish, chia seeds, walnuts and flax seeds.

Refined carbohydrates

Refined carbs include sugar and processed grains like white flour. Refined carbs have a high glycemic index, which means they get digested very quickly, resulting in sudden blood sugar spike. Foods that have a glycemic index have been found to impact brain functioning. Studies have found that people who consume foods high in fat and refined sugar have poorer memory. Another study found that elderly who consumed more than 58 per cent of their daily calories from carbohydrates had double the risk of mild mental impairment and dementia.

Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/7-foods-that-can-affect-your-brain-negatively/photostory/75914724.cms?picid=75914821

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Ashwagandha Against COVID-19: Researchers Interesting Discovery About the Ayurvedic Drug

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As the world’s leading group of scientists and researchers race to find an antidote to fight the novel coronavirus, which has infected over 4 million people globally, there’s a pressing need for a workaround to beat the virus. From experimental medicines to alternate therapies, all forms of treatments are being studied.

Traditional medicine system, Ayurveda is amongst one of them and now, the top group of scientists from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, in collaboration with AIST, Japan, have found that one of the most potent and widely used Ayurvedic herbs, ashwagandha may hold strong potential in fighting COVID-19.

New study finds anti-viral properties in Ashwagandha

A combined study from IIT Delhi’s DAILAB and Japan’s National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) made the discovery that ashwagandha can prove to be the crucial medicine in fighting coronavirus and can be even used in the development of a vaccine.

Ayurveda clinical trials

Just recently, India’s Ministry of AYUSH and CSIR announced a slew of measures and clinical trials aimed at studying the use of ashwagandha, along with other Ayurvedic herbs as a preventive treatment to front line workers and infected patients in a large study which is to start soon. Other medicines under study include ashwagandha, Guduchi, Yasthimadhu, Peepli and another formulated drug, ‘Ayush 64’, which will be tested on close to 50,000 people.

The study, which is soon to be published found that ashwagandha, in particular, contains some natural biochemical compounds which can work the same way as other anti-coronavirus drugs. The use of ayurvedic medicines in some cases is also being studied for its prophylactic use and hence, has been termed as an anti-viral remedy.

How can ashwagandha help?

Researchers used the properties of Ashwagandha to target some of the main illness causing enzymes in the body and split proteins, Mpro (Main protease) which help in replication and spread.

It was observed that one of the compounds present in ashwagandha, called, Withanone (Wi-N) and another natural medicine, New Zealand Propolis are quite effective and useful in blocking and weakening the structure of Mpro. Hence, if used in the production of a COVID fighting vaccine, in the right quantity and dosage, ashwagandha can be helpful in dealing and might even be stopping the spread of coronavirus.

Is Ashwagandha an anti-viral drug for coronavirus?

While researches are still being carried on, we do know thatashwagandha is considered to be one of the most superior and powerful Ayurvedic remedies, used for many purposes and benefits. It is quite effective in fighting common ailments like cold and cough and some respiratory ailments, which make it a potent remedy in fighting some viral diseases as well.

Regularly consuming Ashwagandha can also supercharge your immunity. Experts actually say that increasing the dosage of ashwagandha during a sudden spike or onset of a cold can work really well in healing the body. The herb’s natural immuno-boosting properties can also help you deal with chronic stress and fatigue which can come with viral infections. It is also known as an ayurvedic vitalizer which is good for the heart and the body.

There’s another way ashwagandha benefits you. Regular consumption of ashwagandha has been found to lower down or control stress and cortisol production in the body and even cut down on inflammation.

People of all ages should be ideally consuming ashwagandha and it absolutely safe. Depending upon your usage, taking 250-300 mg daily, for a month’s time can do plenty of benefits for your health and wellness.

Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/coronavirus-treatment-ayurvedic-drug-covid-19-cure-ashwagandha-against-coronavirus-researchers-from-iit-delhi-and-japans-aist-make-an-interesting-discovery-about-the-ayurvedic-drug/photostory/75864118.cms?picid=75864182

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Six Common Signs Of Iodine Deficiency!!

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Before we talk in-depth about iodine deficiency, we need to know what is iodine and its function in our body.


Iodine is a mineral, which is very important for our body. It is important for the thyroid hormones that regulate the growth, development and metabolism. Our body doesn’t make iodine thus we need to get it from outside. The need for iodine varies depending on age. According to the National Institutes of Health, adults require 150 micrograms of iodine per day and during pregnancy, this need jumps to 220 micrograms per day and 290 when breastfeeding. While iodized salt provides iodine, there are other sources like milk, cheese, eggs and vegetables.


The deficiency of iodine has become rare since the introduction of the iodized salt. But the defeciency can still occur. According to the American Thyroid Association, about 30 per cent of the world population is still at risk. Here are a few symptoms of iodine deficiency

You feel depressed and tired

Iodine is a micronutrient, which is found in every tissue of the body. The function of iodine is in the production of the thyroid hormones, thyroxine triiodothyronine. In hypothyroidism, the thyroid is underactive, where the body cannot make enough of the thyroid hormones to keep the body running efficiently. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, constipation and weight gain.

Dry skin, thin hair and feeling sensitive to cold

Other signs of hypothyroidism include dry skin, hair loss, muscle weakness and feeling sensitive to cold. Women are eight times more at risk of developing hypothyroidism than men, making it primarily a women’s health concern. Women can develop hyperthyroidism at any age, but the chances increase with age especially after menopause.

You have a large lump on your neck

A goitre is the enlargement of the thyroid and is a visible sign of low iodine intake. Goitre appears at the base of the front of the neck. A goitre is the first sign of iodine deficiency. The salt that is added to processed commercial food, does not have iodine. So, people who rely on processed foods are more at risk of developing iodine deficiency.

You feel you are choking when you lie down

A large goitre may give you some hard time in breathing and swallowing. So, when you lie down, you may feel you are choking.

You are having problems during pregnancy

When pregnant, the body needs thyroid hormones. These thyroid hormones make myelin, which surrounds and protects the nerve cells, thus helping them communicate properly. Moms who are deficient in iodine are at risk of miscarriages and stillbirth. Iodine deficiency can affect the growth and development of the fetus as it impairs the neurological development of the fetus. Iodine deficiency in pregnant mom can lead to irreversible brain damage for the baby. Iodine deficiency is one of the major preventable mental retardations in the world.

The iodine deficiency test

Iodine levels are tested through a urine test by checking the urinary iodine concentration. This is because the iodine leaves the body via urine. The test will indicate if you are deficient in iodine.

Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/7-common-signs-of-iodine-defeciency/photostory/76006829.cms?picid=76006835

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