People living with rare diseases are at greater risk of experiencing poor quality of life such as increased levels of anxiety, depression, pain, fatigue. “These findings suggest that the quality of life needs of people with rare diseases are not being met and that more work is needed to provide psychosocial support for this group,” said Bogart, Oregon State University, whose work focuses on the psychosocial implications of disability. “There is a disparity here and intervention is needed.” About 350 million people worldwide live with at least one rare disease, and there are about 7,000 diseases classified as rare because they affect small numbers of people.

While each disease may have its own set of characteristics and health impacts, researchers have found that people with rare diseases often share similar characteristics and experiences – including little information or treatment, lengthy times to diagnosis and isolation. Because of this shared experience, they may also benefit from similar types of psychosocial supports, Bogart said. “Even though their diseases are different, their experience is similar,” Bogart said. “There is some benefit to looking at this group collectively, rather than trying to work with each small rare disease group independently.”

For the study, researchers surveyed more than 1,200 U.S. residents with rare diseases, asking them to complete questionnaires about their disease and their quality of life. The survey group represented 232 different rare diseases, including ataxia, Bell’s palsy, Ehlers Danlos syndrome, mast cell disorders and narcolepsy, and 13 percent of the group had more than one rare disease. The researchers also found that study participants waited on average nine years before receiving a correct diagnosis. Read here Patients with rare, genetic disorders appeal for support

Compared to a representative sample of U.S. residents, people with rare diseases experienced worse anxiety than 75 percent of the population; worse depression than 70 percent of the population; worse fatigue than 85 percent of the population; worse pain than 75 percent of the population; worse physical functioning than 85 percent of the population and worse ability to participate in society than 80 percent of the population.

“There is something specific about having a ‘rare’ disease that contributes to poorer quality of life,” she said. “Many people struggle with getting an accurate diagnosis, which also can lead to a constant de-legitimization of their experience, with people wondering if it is ‘all in your head.'” Study participants with systematic and rheumatic diseases had the poorest quality of life profiles, and those with neurological diseases also had very poor quality of life. People with developmental anomalies experienced fewer quality of life problems than the other groups.

The findings suggest that quality of life issues such as psychosocial support should receive more priority from organizations and funding agencies that support people with rare diseases and disorders, Bogart said. Supporting quality of life is especially important for people living with one of the 95 percent of rare disorders that have no effective treatments. Including psychosocial support in organizational mission statements, providing psychosocial support through support groups or conferences and making funding for psychosocial support a priority could help address quality of life issues for people with rare diseases, in part by helping reduce stigma and isolation and improving access to information and treatments. Read here 26-year-old twin sisters turning to stone due to a rare genetic condition

“Some people with rare diseases may never meet another person with that disease,” Bogart said. “That can be very isolating. Conferences are one way to bring people with similar experiences together to share. It helps them feel connected, normalized and validated.” People with rare diseases who are experiencing poor quality of life also should seek support from a mental health professional, a rare disease group and/or peers with rare disorders, she said. The findings were published in Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases.

Source: ANI

Image source: ANI

With inputs from Dr Gyanendra Agrawal, Senior Consultant, Respiratory & Critical Care unit, Jaypee Hospital, Noida.

Image Source: Shutterstock

Washington D.C. [U.S.A.], Feb. 18 (ANI): A new study revealed that depression and fatigue can increase women’s risk of work-related injuries.

It stated that women suffer from depression, anxiety, and fatigue are more likely to be injured at work.

The study led by researchers from the Colorado School of Public Health, these health factors significantly affected women’s risk of injury but not men’s risk.

“The findings of our study demonstrate that keeping workers safe requires more than your typical safety program. It requires an integrated approach that connects health, well-being, and safety,” said Dr. Natalie Schwatka, the study’s lead author and assistant professor in the Colorado SPH’s Center for Health, Work & Environment and Department of Environmental and Occupational Health.

The researchers collaborated with Colorado’s largest workers’ compensation insurer, Pinnacol Assurance, to examine the claims data of 314 businesses from a range of industries.

Close to 17,000 employees ranging from executives to labourers were represented in the study. The researchers found that men were more likely to sustain a work-related injury but behavioural health factors, like poor sleep and anxiety, did not directly affect their risk of injury.

Women were more likely to report experiencing mental and behavioural health issues and these conditions increased their risk of getting hurt on the job. Almost 60 percent of women with a work injury reported experiencing a behavioural health condition before they were injured, compared to 33 percent of men.

Yet, Dr. Schwatka cautioned that further research is needed to understand why there are differences in women’s and men’s risk of work-related injuries.

Overall, workers who had an injury in the past were more likely to be injured again, regardless of their gender.

“There a number of social and cultural factors that may explain why women reported having more behavioural health concerns than men did. Men generally admit to fewer health concerns,” said Dr. Schwatka. “And women may face different stresses at work and at home. It’s something that is worth exploring in future research”.

The findings from the study are published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. (ANI)

This is published unedited from the ANI feed.

Pregnancy doesn’t treat everyone equally. While some women might face severe pregnancy symptoms like nausea, backache and constipation throughout the nine months, others might be plain lucky and have a cake-walk like pregnancy. However, one thing is sure, nobody is spared from the wrath of the extra baggage of pregnancy that it brings along with it. One might have to suffer from one of these symptoms during her nine months of bliss and struggle hard to deal with it.  Well no more struggling for expectant mums. Here are simple solutions to all your pregnancy niggles so that you stay on the sunny side of your pregnancy always.

Morning sickness: There is no denying that nausea or morning sickness can haunt you throughout the day and in the night too, at times. So be prepared to visit your rest room often during the first trimester. It’s your hormones that are creating the havoc. Also pregnancy increases sensitivity in the area of the brain which triggers nausea. Here is how avoiding fluids in the morning can help control symptoms of morning sickness. 

How to tackle it:

• Stay in your bed for a few minutes after you wake up.
• Do not have fluids, like water or juices first thing in the morning. Start your day with a toast, biscuit or crackers instead.
• Keep yourself hydrated throughout the day.
• Avoid over eating and have six small balanced meals throughout the day.
• Avoid your triggers. Every pregnant women suffering from morning sickness becomes averse to certain odours, like that of onions, garlic or other fragrances. If you know yours stay away from them.
• Ask for medications from your doctor if it becomes too difficult to ignore. 

Backache: This is way too common in pregnancy. The reason being your bulging tummy puts quite a pressure on your back. If you practice sitting and walking in improper posture then it just adds more stress to your back. Remember backache during the later stages of pregnancy could be a sign of preterm labour too. Here are more signs of preterm labour you need to know about. 

How to tackle it:

• Correct your posture. Keep your spine upright every time while sitting, standing or walking. Do this consciously if the need be. Save your back, as you would need a strong back post pregnancy too.
• Do some light exercises to strengthen your back after talking to your doctor or antenatal fitness coach.
• When you sleep keep a pillow tucked between your legs to ensure good back support.
• Trade your high heels for flat flip-flops.

Constipation: Bowel movements slow down during pregnancy. This happens due to an increased level of progesterone in the body. Also the iron supplements taken during pregnancy can lead to constipation. With fatigue, nausea and backaches, constipation would be the last thing you want to deal with. But there is no escaping if your systems decide otherwise. 

How to tackle it:

• Up your fibre intake and if the need be, ask your doctor for medications, do not reach out for laxatives on your own.
• Do not miss on your eight glasses of water and keep sipping other fluids too.
• Pile your plate with more veggies and raw fruits.
• Walk. Light exercises can help to aid digestion and relive constipation symptoms.    

Heartburn and indigestion:  Pre-pregnancy this could have been dealt by simply popping a pill. But now you need to tread with caution. During pregnancy as your belly bulges out your stomach is pushed upward and this aggravates heartburn. Also, going empty stomach for too long can increase acid levels and cause heartburn, indigestion and slow down bowel movements too. 

How to tackle it:

• Eat small frequent meals.
• Avoid spicy or fried foods that can aggravate acidity.
• Do not lie down for at least half an hour after your meal.
• An occasional vanilla ice cream for dessert can work as an antacid.

Hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids are quite common during pregnancy and are caused due to an increased blood flow in the pelvic area. Your bulging uterus exerts extra pressure on the veins, hampering the venous blood flow that contributes to the condition. Constipation may also aggravate the condition. Though hemorrhoids are not harmful, they can be very painful and can worsen with the extra strain of labour. But blood in stool always doesn’t mean hemorrhoids. Here are a few things that you need to know about spotting, which could be a telling sign of pregnancy complication. 

How to tackle it:

• Have plenty of water and fibre rich food.
• Apply ice packs or anesthetic gels to reduce pain and swelling after consulting your doctor.
• Try isabgol husk. An excellent home remedy that helps.

Swelling or edema: Your feet and hands might swell up sometime during the last trimester due to excess water retention triggered by hormones. This is also known as edema. 

How to tackle it:

• Drink adequate water.
• Avoid sleeping on your back during late pregnancy.
• Do not stand or sit for too long in the same position. Take breaks to keep fluids in your systems moving and not bulking up at places.

Pregnancy cramps: As the uterus bulges, it may exert pressure on your lower abdominal muscles and lead to cramps. Cramps are not a common pregnancy niggles, but it does affect many women during the later stages of pregnancy. These aren’t painful but keep a check, sometimes cramps can also indicate pre-term labour or miscarriage. Here are seven causes of abdominal pains that you should be aware off. 

How to tackle it:

There isn’t much that you can do to help yourself. Try taking rest for a while and see if you feel better. Else, make an appointment with your doctor.

Fatigue: It follows you very closely throughout your pregnancy. For many women, its worst during the first and third trimester, but for some, fatigue could be there throughout the pregnancy. Fatigue is your body’s own way of dealing with pregnancy, what with all that extra weight, need for more nutrients and making room for the baby. It’s normal for your already alert and overworked body to ask for rest. Here are six ways to sleep better during pregnancy. 

How To Tackle It:

• Rest, Rest, Rest. There is no substitute to fight fatigue.
• Eat well. A balanced diet can fuel more energy to keep up with the needs of the body and the growing baby, especially for working mothers.
• Sleep well. It is mandatory to have eight hours of shut-eye.
• Avoid long distance travel that tires you.

Image source: Getty Images

Our body reacts to underlying infections and unhealthy conditions by showing symptoms. These commonly ignored symptoms are the body’s way to draw our attention, so we recognize the need for medical attention. Also, it is important to identify people who are unwell with contagious infections, so that we can prevent ourselves from contracting the diseases.

While timely diagnosis is delayed due to these factors, doctors end-up managing patients who are either critically ill or are suffering due to an advanced stage. However, it is possible to identify a person who is unwell just by looking at the person, as there signs that can alert us about all not being well with our health.

“Our body is perhaps one of the most complex technology ever and it constantly throws signs of the system not functioning well. Although some underlying diseases are definitely difficult to diagnose and identify, most do show visible symptoms. Few of the common symptoms of poor health are sleeping problems, feeling low-energy or easily fatigued, dark yellow urine, sudden changes in body weight, continuous cough and flu or frequently catching a cold, prolonging bowel and bladder issues. These are the body’s way of letting you know that the system is malfunctioning and it needs your attention. One should not delay the visits to the doctor,” said Dr Wasim Ahmed Sachora, Consultant – Internal Medicine, Columbia Asia Hospital, Ahmedabad.

Poor sleep can be due to multiple factors, and one of the most common reasons being high-stress levels. The stress hormone Cortisol should ideally be dropping during nights to help the body rest, but higher than normal cortisol levels during nights causes insomnia, which turns off the normal self-repair of the body. Disturbed sleeping patterns and not waking up fresh are also causes of worry. Anxiety, stress, depression, breathing problems, diabetes, and even kidney diseases are factors which may be causing you sleepless nights.

“Amongst other factors, dark urine is usually a sign of less water intake or content in your body. It is also indicative of waste material not filtering out of your system completely and is indicative of jaundice, hepatitis, and many liver and kidney diseases. Fatigue is a symptom of a number of diseases such as anaemia, diabetes, depression, thyroid problems, sleep apnea, and many more. Our body slows down if there is an underlying infection which is testing the immunity. While unintentional weight gain is linked to hormonal changes and certain medications such as corticosteroids, weight loss can be triggered by undiagnosed cancer, COPD, depression, HIV/AIDS, TB, and many other diseases.” Said Dr Wasim Ahmed Sachora, Consultant – Internal Medicine, Columbia Asia Hospital, Ahmedabad

Catching cold and flu too frequently is indicative of a weak immunity, which makes you vulnerable to infections and even cancers. Prolonging bladder and bowel issues can be indicative of prostate cancer (change in the frequency of urination), colon or ovarian cancer (constipation or diarrhoea), inflammatory disorders such as Crohn’s disease, among others.

Interestingly in a study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B, scientists reported an experiment where 16 healthy adults were injected with placebo bacteria which tricked the immune system to show flu-like symptoms. The unaware participants were photographed before and after taking of placebo. These photographs were shown to 62 medically untrained participants for just 5 seconds each, who were to judge whether the photographed people were sick or healthy. The results were encouraging, with people correctly identifying unwell persons 52% of the time and on 70% of the times, they correctly identified healthy individuals.

“The research is significant because it shows that common observation can help people identify those unwell with contagious disease and take necessary measures to prevent catching the diseases. It is also important that people who are unwell should be encouraged to stay at home and recover fully to prevent infections from spreading”, said Dr Wasim Ahmed Sachora, Consultant – Internal Medicine, Columbia Asia Hospital, Ahmedabad

Image source: Shutterstock

If you are living near oil and gas facilities, chances are you could be at higher risk of diseases, according to a study.

The study, led by the Colorado School of Public Health at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, used ambient air samples along Colorado’s Northern Front Range to estimate and compare risks for four residential scenarios. Researchers found that people living the area may be exposed to hazardous air pollutants, including carcinogens like benzene, that could pose health risks.

They found the lifetime cancer risk of those living within 500 feet of a well was eight times higher than the EPA’s upper level risk threshold.

“We found that air pollutant concentrations increased with proximity to an oil and gas facility, as did health risks,” the study said.

“Acute hazard indices for neurological, hematological and developmental health effects indicate that populations living within 152 meters (500 feet) of an oil and gas facility could experience these health effects from inhalation exposures to benzene and alkanes.”

The cancer risk estimate of 8.3 per 10,000 for populations living within 500 feet of an oil and gas facility exceeded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 1 in 10,000 upper threshold.

“Our results suggest that Colorado’s current regulations that specify a 500 foot distance between a newly drilled oil and gas well and an existing home may not protect people from exposures to hazardous air pollutants that could impact their health,” said the study’s lead author Lisa McKenzie.

“Our previous work shows that thousands of people along the Front Range of Colorado live closer than 500 feet from a well and related infrastructure and that the population living close to these facilities continues to grow.”

The previous study examined the expansion of oil and gas wells along Colorado’s Northern Front Range. In the Denver Julesburg Basin, the industry is rapidly growing along with housing construction. As a result, 19 percent of the population or about 356,000 people, live about a mile from an active oil and gas site.

The study focused on the emission of non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHCs) that the wells emit into the air. These include benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes, all considered hazardous.

“The highest concentrations of hazardous air pollutants were measured in samples collected nearest to an oil and gas facility,” McKenzie said. “For example, average benzene concentrations were 41 times higher in samples collected within 500 feet of an oil and gas facility than in samples collected more than a mile away.”

The researchers noted that due to high atmospheric stability, nighttime emissions do not disperse as easily as they do during the day. That means benzene levels might be twice as high at night compared to daytime levels.

“The study provides further evidence that people living close to oil and gas facilities are at the greatest risk of acute and chronic health issues due to air pollutants emitted by those facilities,” said study co-author Pam Milmoe, Boulder County Public Health Air Quality Program Coordinator.

“The results underscore the importance of having policies that require effective monitoring and reducing emissions from oil and gas facilities, particularly those near homes, schools, and recreation areas.”

Previous studies in Colorado observed that infants with congenital heart defects and children diagnosed with leukemia are more likely to live in the densest areas of oil and gas wells.

Studies in Pennsylvania and Texas found associations between fetal death, low birthweight, preterm birth, asthma, fatigue, migraines and chronic rhinosinusitis and proximity to oil and gas wells.

The study has been published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology.

This is published unedited from the ANI feed.

April 11 is World Parkinson’s Awareness Day.

More often than not, a person suffering from Parkinson’s disease reaches out for treatment when the illness has worsened making treatment necessary. A neurodegenerative disease like Parkinson’s doesn’t have a cure and the damage it causes are irreversible. As the disease progresses, it destroys the neurons, leading to deficiency of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that sends signals to the brain to control movement. This is why a person suffering from the condition loses control over their movements. You might also like to read about the risk factors of Parkinson’s disease.

Although, Parkinson’s disease cannot be cured, picking up the signs early can help one get started with the treatment. ‘Early intervention is the only way in which one can delay the progress of the disease and gain a better quality of life, despite living with the condition,’ says Dr Bobby Varkey, Consultant Neurologist, Aster Medcity, Kerela. 

In this post Dr Bobby Varkey lists the 15 early signs of Parkinson’s that you should watch out for:

Change in personality: Your brain is solely responsible for the way you think, behave, perceive and react to certain situations in life – the very things that describe your personality and make you the person you are. Any change in your personality could be a subtle indicator of the early manifestation of Parkinson’s disease. However, one might often pass these signs off as stress or mental fatigue. Here are 10 facts about Parkinson’s disease you ought to know.

General slowness in activities: This is a classic sign of early Parkinson’s disease. While there are no significant change on the surface, you might suffer from general slowness in your pace while performing mundane tasks like walking, moving, shuffling things at your desk, reaching out for a phone or while turning around to talk to someone. However, these slow movements are not usually evident at the beginning, so it’s better to be vigilant about your pace of work as you age. Here are 10 other conditions that ail the elderly. 

Reduced sense of smell: Parkinson’s disease, in its early stages, affects one’s sense of smell. According to Dr Varkey, in the west, patients are screened for a smell test for Parkinson’s. If there is a reduction in their capability, these patients are monitored on a regular basis to keep a tab on the progression of the disease. Usually with the onset of the condition, one might not be able to smell pickles, other spicy preparations or even rotten bananas as well. Here are more reasons you need to worry about your diminishing sense of smell. 

Improper bowel movements: Constipation or problems with the bowel movement is very common with people as they age. It could also be a reason for the lack of fibre in their diet or less consumption of water. However, if other things have been taken care of and there is still a lot of efforts needed by one to pass motions, it could be an indication of the early onset of Parkinson’s.

Shoulder pain: An early sign of the disease, this symptom is often mistaken for bone or joint related ailment. ‘ In many cases, an ache or pain associated with Parkinson’s does not subside with medical help as the reason for the pain cannot be ascertained. It is essential for patients to know that if persistent shoulder pain refuses to go away even with medication, they should look for better evaluation or get checked for Parkinson’s,’ says Dr Varkey.

Extreme fatigue: If extreme fatigue keeps you from getting off the bed even after restful sleep, it could be a cause of worry. However, fatigue alone cannot be a sign of Parkinson’s disease. If you do have this symptom it is best you visit a doctor for an evaluation.

Change in handwriting: A sudden change in handwriting is often a sign of Parkinson’s disease. People with the condition would suddenly feel that the letters they write have become smaller or the words they write become more crowded. Another significant sign is  a sudden change in your signature.

Slight tremors: Once the disease has advanced, tremors due to uncontrolled movement are an obvious sign. However, in the early stages you might experience slight tremors in your fingers, thumb, chin and lips. Apart from that, you may also experience slight twitching and tremors in your legs as you attempt to sit down or twitching in your limbs.

Trouble while walking: Because Parkinson’s by and large affects the motor movements of the body, you may also experience trouble while walking or standing during the initial stages of the disease. Your may also experience stiffness in your legs as you try to walk. While stiffness in your legs might subside after you start walking, if it doesn’t then it is a sign of the degenerative disease. Also, at times you may find it difficult to move even a step ahead, as if your feet are just stuck to the floor.

Sleep disturbance: If your partner has complained about rigorous movements as you sleep, this could be an early sign of Parkinson’s. Usually, uncontrolled movements during sleep happen during the early days of the illness. Here is how Parkinson’s disease is related to REM sleep disorder. 

Hunching: Hunching, stooping or leaning forward is a common sign, as standing upright becomes a challenge once Parkinson’s strikes. Often you might not notice these symptoms, but if anyone comments on the way you stand, it is wise not to brush it off altogether.

Fainting spells: Feeling dizzy or having fainting spells after getting up from a chair or the bed could be an early sign of Parkinson’s too.

Change in voice: Any change in your voice like hoarseness or softening is a sign of concern. Change of speech is common in Parkinson’s, as people with the advanced form of the condition may eventually lose their voice after a period of time. Therefore, it is better to get an analysis done by a neurologist’s office for further evaluation.

Masked expressions: A depressed look or an expressionless face that isn’t a voluntary action could be a sign of Parkinson’s disease. Often people affected with the condition find it difficult to blink their eyes too.

Mood swings: This is common with Parkinson’s disease and could also be an early symptom of the condition. In case of  frequent mood swings, it is better you visit your doctor for a complete evaluation.

Image source: Getty Images

The weather can be quite difficult to handle sometimes. No, we are not talking about the sweat and dust or pollution but more about the sudden rise or fall in body temperature, fluctuations in blood sugar level or blood pressure. From what we do hear from our expert, low blood pressure (BP) or hypotension is also a perennial problem.

Low blood pressure is generally considered as anything below 90/60; while the normal parameter is supposed to be 120/80. This sudden drop could be caused by either lack of nutrients in the body or dehydration, heart ailments, pregnancy, comorbid factors or so. Read: 6 causes of low BP.

Although not highly spoken about, hypotension can be a major problem says Dr Manjusha Agarwal, General Physician, Global Hospitals, Mumbai.

Symptoms of low BP

• Dizziness
• Light headedness
• Unsteadiness
• Dimming or blurring of vision
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Cold, clammy skin
• Fainting

Given that these are common symptoms of low BP. Eating right is the key. ‘Maintain a healthy routine and a healthy exercise regime.’ Read: First-aid tips for someone with low BP.

6 quick tips to manage low BP

• Be careful while getting up from lying or sitting position.
• Avoid being still in a single position for a long period of time.
• Avoid heavy lifting.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to hot water, such as hot showers and spas.
• Eat something with higher salt content.
• Have lots of fluid.

Image Source: Shutterstock

In a recent Arthritis Care & Research study of 148 women with lupus, obesity was linked with worse disease activity, depressive symptoms, and symptoms of pain and fatigue. The association was consistent across different definitions of obesity.

The study’s findings highlight the need for lifestyle interventions in lupus patients who are overweight to help reduce health risks and the debilitating symptoms of the disease.

“In addition to reducing the risk of comorbid conditions such as cardiovascular disease, lifestyle interventions to improve body composition may reduce the severity of symptoms experienced by persons with lupus,” said senior author Dr. Patricia Katz, of the University of California, San Francisco.

Lead author Dr. Sarah Patterson noted that the findings have important clinical implications because the patient-reported outcomes we measured, particularly pain and fatigue, are known to have profound effects on quality of life and remain a major area of unmet need for people with lupus.

The findings have been reported in the journal Arthritis Care & Research.

Source: ANI
Image Source: Shutterstock

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a condition characterized by unexplained debilitating fatigue that lasts for at least six months and is accompanied by four or more symptoms:

• Post exertional malaise or extreme exhaustion after physical or mental exercise that lasts for more than 24 hours
• Poor concentration and impaired short term memory
• Sleep disturbance
• Musculoskeletal pain
• Tender lymph nodes
• Headaches
• Sore throat
• Anxiety and depressive disorders

Since CFS, with its complex symptoms, has no clear mechanism, treatment options and effectiveness are limited and vary from person to person. What may be effective for you, may not be the right option for another. You may need to find the best treatment for you through ‘trial and error’ method and that may take a lot of time! If you feel you have CFS, consult a doctor. Discussed here are some researched therapies that work/ do not work.

Pharmaceutical therapy

Conventional treatment (western medicine) protocol does not seem to be very effective. However, they may help with your specific set of symptoms. For example, your doctor will prescribe antidepressantsto help you cope with the problems associated with CFS. Similarly, your doctor may prescribe sleeping aids/ pills if sleep disturbance is one of your associated symptoms.

Studies have shown that corticosteroids such fludrocortisone and hydrocortisone are no more effective at improving functional status than placebo. Rather, these may have adverse effects for some people with CFS. [1]

Similarly, review of trials on dietary supplements and primrose oil found that they were not much effective at increasing the proportion of people reporting an improvement at 3 months. Dietary supplements had no beneficial effect on fatigue, nor did primrose oil help improve depressive symptoms. [1]

Researchers don’t know don’t know how effective intramuscular magnesium is in treating CFS, as studies are very few and are mostly of low quality. However, one study found that intramuscular magnesium injections may be more effective at improving energy at 6 weeks. It also seemed to reduce pain and improve emotional reaction. [1]

Homeopathy

Homeopath Dr. Vijay Vaishnav believeshomeopathic remedy selected on the basis of a detailed history and examination would bring the CFS patient back to normal activity. He suggests remedies like Phosphorus, Lycopodium, Pulsatilla, Nux vomica and Sepia. Other remedies such as Kali phos, phosphoric acid, gelsemium, picric acid and Avena sativa may help in tackling the fatigue. [2]

Clinical trials, however, found insufficient evidence to recommend homeopathy as a treatment in chronic fatigue syndrome.[1]

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Acupuncture and moxibustion is said to be an effective treatment for CFS in traditional Chinese medicine. It is different from Chinese herbal medicine. Acupuncture is the insertion of fine needles at specific points of the body, and moxibustion is a type of heat therapy using dried leaves of mugwort herb, called moxa, to stimulate certain points of the body. Scientists have found that this combination treatment could strengthen the immune system. However, they also felt that larger studies were required to confirm it. [3] Read here 6 yoga asanas to zap chronic fatigue

Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behaviour therapy is a psychological therapy model that is commonly used to treat a range of psychological and chronic pain conditions including CFS. Studies have shown that those who opt for CBT are more likely to have reduced fatigue symptoms at the end of treatment than people who receive usual care.

Researchers also compared CBT against other types of psychological therapy, including relaxation techniques, counselling and support/education, and here, too, found that CBT is more effective in reducing fatigue symptoms at the end of treatment compared to other psychological therapies. [4]

CBT encourages people with CFS to –

• Gradually build and resume regular daily activities
• Identify triggers and plan how to deal with them
• Learn how to manage and reduce the symptoms

‘CBT helps address any beliefs that may make recovery more difficult. The therapy helps patients understand their symptoms, tackle the understandable fears they have about activity and encourages people to do more despite their tiredness,’ explains Professor Trudie Chalder, Director of Chronic Fatigue Research and Treatment Unit, King’s College, London, run with the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust. [5]

Graded exercise therapy (GET)

Graded exercise therapy, that helps cope with CFS, is physical activity that starts very slowly and gradually increases over time.

The 2007 National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines for the management of CFS/ME recommend GET as one of the most effective therapies for CFS. [6] Read more about What happens when you suffer from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Benefits of GET include –

• Improves the efficiency of the heart, lungs and circulation
• Helps the body to deal better with the demands of daily life
• Improves strength, endurance, flexibility, balance,ability to fight infections, sleep quality, concentration,well-being and mood, confidence, self-esteem and social activity

The GET programme has 6 steps that need to be followed:

1. Stabilize your routine
2. Start doing regular stretches
3. Decide on a goal and choose your exercise/ physical activity
4. Set your exercise/ physical activity baseline
5. Increase the duration of your exercise/ physical activity
6. Increase the intensity of your exercise/ physical activity

It is important that you discuss your GET programme with your doctor/ therapist.

Although many studies have shown that GET is an effective therapy for CFS, researchers at ME-de-patiënten Foundation, Limmen, the Netherlands, suggested that CBT/GET is not only hardly more effective than standard medical care, but the therapy can affect CFS patients adversely. According to them, exertion induces post-exertional malaise (PEM) causing –

• Decreased physical performance and aerobic capacity
• Increased musculoskeletal pain
• Increased neurocognitive impairment, exhaustion and weakness,
• A long-lasting recovery time
• May amplify pre-existing symptoms such as inflammation, immune dysfunction, andstress.

The researchers emphasized the point that it is unethical to treat patients with CFS with ineffective, non-evidence-based and potentially harmful therapies such as CBT/GET. [7]

Lifestyle and attitude

CFS will undeniably impose restrictions on your way of life. Following suggestions may help.

• It is important to come to terms with your illness. Even if you find the suitable treatment, the treatment period may be too long and you may start losing hope. However, keep trying, you never know, you may find you are improving and feeling really good at one point of time.
• Always remain positive about the prospect of recovery. Being pessimistic never helped anyone.
• Pace yourself. You will need to slow down so as not to exhaust yourself permanently. Take on little at a time and have a flexible approach to work or task.
• Develop a plan to limit overexertion and emotional stress. Relaxation therapies may help you with physical and mental well-being. Yoga, tai-chi, and meditation can be a beneficial adjunct to your therapy.
• Improve your sleep habits by going to bed and waking up at the same time each day. Avoid caffeine and alcohol to get a better quality of sleep.

Reference

1. Reid S, Chalder T, Cleare A, Hotopf M, Wessely S. Chronic fatigue syndrome. BMJ Clinical Evidence. 2011;2011:1101.
2. Vaishnav V. Chronic fatigue syndrome. Homeoint.org
3. Wang T, Xu C, Pan K, Xiong H. Acupuncture and moxibustion for chronic fatigue syndrome in traditional Chinese medicine: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2017;17:163. doi:10.1186/s12906-017-1647-x.
4. Price JR, Mitchell E, Tidy E, Hunot V. Cognitive behaviour therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome in adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2008, Issue 3. Art. No.: CD001027. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD001027.pub2.
5. King’s College London – CBT for chronic fatigue syndrome. Kclacuk.
6. NHS. Graded Exercise Therapy. A self-help guideforthosewithchronicfatiguesyndrome/ myalgicencephalomyelitis.
7. Twisk FN, Maes M. A review on cognitive behavorial therapy (CBT) and graded exercise therapy (GET) in myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) / chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS): CBT/GET is not only ineffective and not evidence-based, but also potentially harmful for many patients with ME/CFS.Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 2009;30(3):284-99.

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Chronic fatigue syndrome is a mysterious malady characterized by extreme fatigue that doesn’t go away with rest or sleep. The disorder reduces your activity level and stamina to the extent that you may have trouble concentrating and carrying out daily activities. The fatigue becomes so severe that it can force a 50 percent reduction in your daily activities. [1]

The disabling fatigue is almost always accompanied by other symptoms, and can last for six months or more. The wide spectrum of symptoms includes –

• Persistent musculoskeletal pain
• Headaches
• Anxiety
• Major depression
• Cognitive disorders
• Sleep disorders
• Extreme exhaustion after physical or mental exercise that lasts for more than 24 hours
• Tender lymph nodes in the neck and armpit
• And these are not all but the most frequent ones. Less frequent, but equally important, symptoms include –
• Brain fog or mental fog
• Orthostatic intolerance, that is, developing symptoms such as lightheadedness and dizziness, when standing which are relieved when reclining
• Mood problems
• Chills and night sweats
• Sensitivity to light, blurring, or pain in the eye
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Allergies to food, medicine, noise, odour, etc.

Fatigue in CFS

Fatigue, the main symptom of CFS, is –

• Not the result of ongoing exertion
• Not lifelong
• Not responsive to rest

Researchers have found that people with CFS generally describe their fatigue as: [2]

• Exhaustion and weakness
• Llack of energy
• Feeling drained
• Inability to stand for even a few minutes or walk even a few blocks without exhaustion
• Inability to sustain an activity for any significant length of time

Some of the more extreme examples include:

• Too exhausted to change clothes more than every 7-10 days
• Exhaustion to the point that speaking is not possible
• Exertion of daily toileting, particularly bowel movements, sends me back to bed struggling for breath and feeling like I just climbed a mountain
• A “tired but wired” feeling

Researchers have now found conclusive evidence that fatigue in CFS is profound and it is not the result of excessive exertion; nor does it go away with rest. And therein lies the difference between CFS tired and normal tired. Although skeptical earlier, the medical community now agrees that CFS is much more than the chronic presence of fatigue, and that associated symptoms make the condition worse. Here is detailed information on top 10 causes of constant fatigue.

Post exertional malaise (PEM)

PEM, another characteristic symptom of CFS, occurs after physical and cognitive exertion. You will find that the symptoms and function worsen after exposure to physical or cognitive stressors that were normally tolerated before disease onset. There can be other triggers as well; for example, emotional stress, physical trauma, disturbed sleep, an infection, or even talking on the phone, or working on the computer! PEM can last for hours, days, or even months. Recovering from PEM is very difficult for CFS patients. Studies show that whilehealthy controls recovered from the stress within 48 hours, only 31 percent of the patients returned to pre-stressor baseline within that time, and 60 percent were still experiencing multiple symptoms after one week. [2] And that’s another difference between CFS tired and normal tired.

However, experience of PEM varies among people with CFS, and some adapt their lifestyle and activity level to avoid triggering symptoms.

Impaired cognitive functioning

One of the most easily distinguishable feature in people with CFS is the display of slowed information processing, that is, their information processing speed is impaired. But there is definitely no impairment in the accuracy of information processing. Researchers think this could be the cause of other neurocognitive impairments such as attention deficit, reduced alertness, and short term memory loss. Unfortunately, such deficits often lead to loss of employment and loss of functional capacity in social environments. Read more about 6 yoga asanas to zap chronic fatigue

Neuroticism and perfectionism

People with CFS have a long-term tendency to be in a negative emotional state. They have frequent and severe feelings of guilt, anxiety, and anger compared to others. This state is called neuroticism. Another symptom found in people with CFS is perfectionism, or more accurately – maladaptive perfectionism, which means, a tendency to make overly critical self-evaluation. Scientists believe that neuroticism and perfectionism have a role to play in the severity of the illness, however, it depends on the severity of depression, as all these states are interlinked. [3] Read about how to cope with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Lastly, but very importantly, symptoms vary from person to person in severity, type, and number. Another important point is that CFS often occurs in cycles; you may have periods of illness followed by a period of relative well-being. So, it is important that you seek medical attention.

Reference

1. Avellaneda Fernández A, Pérez Martín Á, Izquierdo Martínez M, et al. Chronic fatigue syndrome: aetiology, diagnosis and treatment. BMC Psychiatry. 2009;9(Suppl 1):S1. doi:10.1186/1471-244X-9-S1-S1.

2. Committee on the Diagnostic Criteria for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome; Board on the Health of Select Populations; Institute of Medicine. Beyond Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Redefining an Illness. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2015 Feb 10. 4, Review of the Evidence on Major ME/CFS Symptoms and Manifestations. Available from: http://https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK284902/
3. Valero S, Sáez-Francàs N, Calvo N, Alegre J, Casas M. The role of neuroticism, perfectionism and depression in chronic fatigue syndrome. A structural equation modeling approach. Comprehensive Psychiatry.  Jun 2013, 54(7):1061-1067. doi: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2013.04.015

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Snapping randomly at anyone around, for no plausible reason could be a common phenomenon before your periods start. ‘You just have your usual mood-swings’, ‘it’s natural, stop over-reacting’, ‘every woman goes through this’ are common statements that women hear while they are on their menses. However, this could be all too disturbing if this is told to someone with a disorder which causes severe mood-swings to those in their periods.

Globally, about 2 per cent of women experience what is called as premenstrual dysphoric syndrome, while obviously a lot of women experience premenstrual syndrome. ‘Many women experience mood changes before their periods each month. It can vary from normal irritability of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) to depression. For a small number — around 2 percent — symptoms are so severe that they interfere with daily activities and relationships,’ said Dr Meghana Reddy, Consultant- Obstetrics, Columbia Asia Hospital, Whitefield.

Causes
‘These women have a condition called premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or PMDD.’ Depression, tension, anxiety, irritability, and fatigue are the first signs of PMDD, which typically occurs in the week before a woman’s period starts and then eases off.
If you already have depression or an anxiety disorder, you may experience a worsening of depression symptoms in the days before your period, but you will not be considered to have a PMDD diagnosis. PMDD is generally caused due to hormonal changes adding to daily stress.

Treatment

Aerobic exercise: Exercise is generally helpful in combating negative moods and premenstrual symptoms.

Diet: Boosting your nutrition level by eating more complex carbohydrates, eating frequent small meals, and cutting out sugar and caffeine. Calcium and fish oil might help.

Prevention
Oral contraceptives: One type of combination birth control pill have been shown to reduce emotional and physical premenstrual symptoms.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy: This therapeutic approach, which helps people change their interpretation of situations, has been effective in treating premenstrual symptoms.

Antidepressants: About 1 percent would finally require some form of antidepressants.

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Bengaluru city is witnessing increasing cases of seasonal viral fever, dengue, chikungunya and food infections with monsoon setting in its full pace. In a recent report by BBMP, Bengaluru has already reported 41 Chikungunya cases and 368 dengue cases. Additionally, Narayana Health has also witnessed increasing cases of seasonal viral fever and food infections.

Aedes mosquito, especially, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus transmit viruses that cause dengue and Chikungunya. These mosquitoes breed in fresh water and have an exponential ability to multiply and reach 10,000 in numbers in a weeks’ time. Such cases are more evident in construction areas where fresh water tends to get collected during monsoons. It is witnessed that increasing number of cases come from common clusters in and around new building sites. It is hence advisable to keep the surroundings clean, prevent water logging and improve sanitation facilities after heavy rains.

Read: Dengue and Chikungunya: 5 precautions you need to take to protect your family (with Infographic)

Initial symptoms in both viral infections and dengue fever may be similar, though in dengue the fever, body pain and headache is usually more severe and may not settle with regular paracetamol. Some of the key symptoms for dengue include retro orbital pain and severe body aches (break bone fever) while on the other hand extreme joint pain and swelling in wrist, ankle and knees are may be suggestive of early Chikungunya. Monsoon also can bring in food infections resulting in fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, fatigue, and abdominal cramps.

To begin with, it is important to monitor initial indicators like fever, body ache, cold and sore throat for 24 hours. 650 mg Paracetamol in a gap 6 to 8 hours can be consumed for first 24 hours and in case the fever is not under control, it is advisable to get immediate medical consult. It is imperative that Bengalureans keep themselves completely hydrated and increase the fluid intake to 3 to 4 litres a day. The best home remedy in most of these infections is to consume a combination of water, fresh fruit juice, electral, coconut water while having small portions of light meal 5-6 times in a day.

By Dr Mahesh Kumar, Consultant, General Medicine, Narayana Health City, Bengaluru.

Led by the Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders at the University of Adelaide and the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), the study looked at 355 patients with atrial fibrillation, a heart rhythm irregularity also known as heart flutter which can lead to stroke, heart failure and other serious health conditions.

As well as atrial fibrillation, all patients also had a body mass index of 27 or over. To put this into context, those with a BMI of 25 to 29.9 are classified as overweight, and those with a BMI of 30 or higher are considered obese.

The participants were then categorized into groups depending on the amount of weight they lost: less than 3 percent, 3 to 9 percent, or 10 or more percent, with the researchers finding that that achieving a 10 percent loss in weight, alongside managing other risk factors associated with atrial fibrillation, could reverse the progression of the disease. Read: World Cancer Day: Can obesity cause cancer?

Atrial fibrillation is the most common heart rhythm disorder, with millions of people around the world diagnosed with the condition every year.

Symptoms include chest pain, a ‘racing’ or unusual heartbeat palpitations, weakness, fatigue, lightheadedness, dizziness, and shortness of breath.

“AF is a progressive disease in which initial short, intermittent symptoms develop into more sustained forms of the condition,” explained lead author Melissa Middeldorp. “Progression of the disease is shown to have a direct link with the degree of weight loss.”

“People who lost weight experienced fewer symptoms, required less treatment and had better outcomes. Those who previously had sustained symptoms experienced only intermittent symptoms or indeed stopped experiencing AF entirely.”

The number of overweight and obese adults has doubled over the past two decades, with Australia now being ranked as one of the fattest developed nations. Read: Atrial fibrillation and obesity: Linked?

Professor Prash Sanders, who leads the Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, also commented on the findings saying, “This study shows that weight-loss and treating lifestyle factors is an essential component for effectively managing AF, in many instances being an alternative to surgery or drug intervention.”

“With record levels of obesity in Australia and in most high-income countries, this study gives hope that obese people can have a better quality of life as well as reducing their dependence on healthcare services if they lose weight.”

Source: AFP

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US researchers have developed an experimental drug that potentially slows down the progression of Parkinson’s disease as well as its symptoms. In experiments performed with cultures of human brain cells and live mouse models, researchers from the Johns Hopkins University in Maryland reported that the drug blocked the degradation of brain cells that is the hallmark of Parkinson’s disease.

“It is amazingly protective of target nerve cells,” said Ted Dawson, Professor at the University’s School of Medicine.

The drug, named NLY01, is similar to compounds used to treat diabetes and is expected to move to clinical trials this year.

If successful in humans, it could be one of the first treatments to directly target the progression of Parkinson’s, not just the muscle rigidity, spasmodic movements, fatigue, dizziness, dementia and other symptoms of the disorder, Dawson said in the paper published in the journal Nature Medicine

In a preliminary experiment in laboratory-grown human brain cells, Dawson’s team treated human microglia — a brain cell type that sends signals throughout the central nervous system in response to infection or injury — with NLY01 and found that they were able to turn the activating signals off.

Further, the researchers injected the mice with alpha-synuclein — the protein known to be the primary driver of Parkinson’s disease — and the mice treated with NLY01 maintained normal physical function and had no loss of dopamine neurons, indicating that the drug protected against the development of Parkinson’s disease.

In another experiment, the team used mice that were genetically engineered to naturally produce more human-type alpha-synuclein typically used to model human Parkinson’s disease that runs in families.

While under normal conditions, these so-called transgenic mice will succumb to the disease in 387 days, those treated with NLY01 extended the lives by over 120 days.

However, the experimental drug must still be tested for safety as well as effectiveness in people, Dawson cautioned.

Source: IANS
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Acupressure, derived from traditional Chinese medicine, helps to cure several ailments and the effects of certain treatments. This has been supported by a new study published in JAMA Oncology. It says that acupressure can reduce fatigue in breast cancer survivors. The most common long-term effect of breast cancer treatment is ‘fatigue’. After the treatment of breast cancer, most women experience fatigue up to 10 years. Study author Suzanna Zick, associate research professor of family medicine at the University of Michigan says, “Fatigue is an underappreciated symptom across a lot of chronic diseases, especially cancer. It has a significant impact on quality of life. Acupressure is easy to learn and patients can do it themselves.” The new study has found that over six weeks acupressure can reduce fatigue by 27 per cent to 34 per cent in women who have undergone breast cancer treatment.

Researchers tested two types of acupressure: Relaxing acupressure which is traditionally used to treat insomnia,  and stimulating acupressure, which is used to increase energy. The techniques are very different from each other, in terms of the acupressure points they involve. At the end of the research, both the acupressure treatments showed notable improvements in fatigue and overall quality of life. But only relaxing acupressure improved sleep quality.

Suzana Zick also said, “Given the brief training required to learn acupressure, this intervention could be a low-cost option for treating fatigue.”

To teach acupressure, the researchers are developing a mobile application. They will also investigate whether or not acupressure is effective for patients undergoing treatments for any other condition and how this technique impacts fatigue.

Here, we have mentioned a few acupressure points for relieving Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Massaging them gently will help. However, one has to consult a doctor before opting for this method.  While applying acupressure, you should not stimulate all of these points at one go. You can press and massage one or two of them whenever you feel tired.

Third Eye Point
Location: Between the eyebrows where the bridge of the nose joins the forehead.
Other Benefits: Helps to reduce irritability, confusion, and headache.

Letting Go
Location: On the outer part of the chest, four finger widths up from the armpit crease and one finger width inward.
Other Benefits: Relieves difficult breathing, chest tension and congestion, emotional repression, coughing, and asthma.

Sea of Energy
Location: Three finger widths below the belly button.
Other Benefits: Relieves general weakness, dizziness.

Three Mile Point
Location: Four finger widths below the kneecap, one finger width on the outside of the shinbone. If you are in the correct spot, a muscle should flex as you move your foot up and down.
Other Benefits: Strengthens and tones the muscles throughout your body.

Bigger Rushing
Location: On the top of the foot, in the valley between the big toe and the second toe.
Other Benefits: Relieves fainting, headaches, nausea, and irritability.

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Monsoon calls for being prepared all the time, armed with windcheater, raincoats, umbrella and not to forget the bag cover and phone cover. No matter how hard you try, you are bound to lose the battle against rains. And if you thought wading through the rainwater was the biggest struggle of this season, you’re wrong.

Humidity during the season can rip your body off huge amounts of water, this is exactly why you sweat and smell like a pig the minute you remove your shield for the weather. The biggest catch of the season is the fact that you don’t feel thirsty at all even when your body has lost loads of water in the form of sweat. That’s why ’tis the season of dehydration.

What is dehydration?

Dehydration is a deficit of total body water that leads to disruption of normal body metabolism. Dehydration occurs when you use or lose more fluid than you take in, and your body doesn’t have enough water and other fluids to carry out its normal functions.

“About 75% of our body comprises of water. Most of the water is found within the cells of the body (intracellular space). The rest is found in the extracellular space, which consists of the blood vessels (intravascular space) and the spaces between cells (interstitial space). If you don’t replace lost fluids, you will get dehydrated,” said Dr Sunil Havannavar, Consultant, Internal Medicine, Columbia Asia Hospital, Sarjapur Road.

Symptoms

In children, the symptoms of dehydration are:
– Dry mouth and tongue
– Drunken eyes
– Listlessness
– Irritability

While in adults, the symptoms include:
– Extreme thirst
– Not urinating frequently
– Dark- coloured urine
– Fatigue
– Dizziness

How common is dehydration?

Anyone can get dehydrated, but the condition is especially dangerous for young children and older adults. The most common cause of dehydration in young children is severe diarrhoea and vomiting. Dehydration also can occur in any age group if you don’t drink enough water. Remember that the amount of fluid required to maintain hydration depends upon an individual’s weight. An average adult needs between 2 and 3 litres of fluids per day.

“Most people can tolerate a three to four per cent decrease in total body water without difficulty or adverse health effects. A five to eight per cent decrease can cause fatigue and dizziness. Loss of over ten per cent of total body water can cause physical and psychological deterioration, accompanied by severe thirst. A loss of fifteen to twenty-five per cent of body water can cause death,” added Dr Havannavar.

Treatment

Treating dehydration is fairly simple. Make sure you keep drinking water at regular intervals of time. “To prevent dehydration, drink plenty of fluids, eat foods high in water content such as fruits and vegetables. Fluid replacements may be attempted by small, frequent amounts of clear fluids,” added Dr Havannavar.

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There a lot of telltale signs of type 2 diabetes that you can ignore because of your lifestyle and haywire patterns, which can only come to the light after a medical checkup. Blurred vision, fatigue, thirst and weight loss are some of the most common symptoms, but what about urination?

Yes, you do urinate at different times of the day, but are you going to the toilet at night more regularly these days? If yes, then you might want to consult your doctor for a thorough checkup. Noticing these signs don’t necessarily mean that you have diabetes but consulting your general physician to make sure will not harm.

Normally, body tends to produce less urine at night time and that leads you to have a normal sleep of 6-8 hours, but there are different reasons for people to wake up at night to go to the loo. Drinking fluid in the evening, or caffeine and alcohol after dinner can lead to the problem. Infection in the bladder, high blood calcium level and certain medicines can also be the cause for your symptom.

You can get your condition checked from a GP with a blood or urine test that gives out the result in 2 days. And if you are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, then read this (4 stages a person goes through when diagnosed with diabetes)

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The potential overdose of everything that’s doing good to your body is in trends these days and vitamin supplements are not untouched with this phenomenon. Gaining popularity these days are vitamin supplements, but one that’s been overlooked is Vitamin B12. Yes, the water-soluble vitamin that helps in production of red blood and DNA, also lets your nervous system function properly. That sounds important, right? It definitely is and still it is among the highest nutritional deficiencies in developing countries. Without the proper amount of B12, development of a certain condition, referred to as pernicious anemia, is possible and highly likely. Once developed, it does not allow an individual to produce the protein substance needed for absorption of vitamin B12. An additional problem associated with B12 deficiency is the inability to absorb folic acid, another component the body needs to function properly. Vitamin B12 is generally found in meats, fishes, poultry and dairy products.

How does B12 deficiency affect your health?

Deficiencies in vitamins generally take place with time and may take a number of years to develop. To begin with, symptoms of a deficiency in B12 are small and are barely noticed which includes neurological or cognitive changes that increase with time. As the deficiency becomes more serious, there are chances of developing anemia and dementia. As the deficiency increases, the red blood cells count also drops. As you develop less red blood cells, your body’s oxygen count too diminish and you feel fatigued and palpitated all the time. Nerve damage is another way it wrecks your health as Vitamin B12 helps in formation of fatty substance called myelin, protector of your nerves, and the deficiency means that you feel prickling sensation in your hands and feet.

what are the B12 deficiency symptoms?

In addition to fatigue and palpitations, symptoms include:

• Weight loss
• Pale skin
• Sore mouth or tongue
• Higher incidence of contracting infections

Who are at risk?

• Elderly people
• Those who’ve had surgery that removes the part of the bowel that absorbs B12
• Diabetic who are on metformin
• strict vegan dieters
• Those taking long-term antacid drugs for heartburn

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Due to hectic lifestyles, one can easily feel lethargic. Do you literally drag yourself to work? Are you finding it difficult to get up every day to go to work? You might be feeling lethargic. Lethargy can leave you feeling mentally and physically fatigued. You may feel low and sluggish and experience mood swings. You may also feel lethargic due to certain medical conditions like fever, dehydration, kidney failure, stroke, due to poor dietary habits, lack of sleep, premenstrual syndrome and depression.

But, do you wish to get rid of lethargy? Then, try these natural solutions and stay active and energetic!

• You should fuel yourself with water:  You might feel lethargic if you are dehydrated. So, just drink a lot of water and keep lethargy at bay.
•  You can use basil leaves: If you really want to stay alert and active, basil is the answer for you. Basil leaves have cognition-enhancing properties which can help you to de-stress and it can also perk-up your mood. Thus, it will help you to deal with your anxiety and you will feel happy and lively. You should add basil leaves in water, boil it and strain and drink the solution.
• Have a cup of coffee: Caffeine can help you to get energized and boost your alertness. Just a cup of coffee can do the trick. Avoid going overboard and strictly stick to only 2 cups.
•  You can use honey: Honey contains carbohydrates which can help you to get energized. So, add honey to your dessert or in your smoothie right away.
• You should have lemon: Lemon contains citric acid which can help you to tackle oxidative stress. It is also rich in vitamin C and can help you to get rid of fatigue by de-stressing you. You should squeeze lemon in a glass of water and add some honey and drink it. You will surely feel better and fresh.
• You should have green tea: Antioxidant polyphenols in green tea can help you to enhance your mood and keep stress at bay. You should add green tea and water in the kettle and boil it. Strain it and drink it.
•  Eat foods rich in magnesium: Magnesium deficiency can result into stress and fatigue. So, if you want to stay energized eat foods which are rich in magnesium like spinach, kale, figs, banana and avocado.
• You should exercise regularly: Staying physically fit can help you to deal with stress and beat lethargy. You can do the activity of your choice like swimming/ running/ cycling.

Note: These foods can help you to get energized- bananas, quinoa, beans and almonds. So, follow a healthy and well-balanced lifestyle and stay focused and active.

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