Sleep forms part of human’s biological need to rest. As a person sleeps, the various physiological processes of a human body figuratively put into an apparent arrest and some parts of our system that were mostly exploited can be replenished for future use.

However, imagine a system so disrupted that our normal scheduling for sleeping and waking is totally altered. Some people tend to sleep early and wake up early in the morning and some cannot sleep early and as a consequence, wakes up late.

These and other sleep-related problems are manifestations of a malfunctioning biological circadian clock and characterize several forms of Circadian Rhythm Syndrome. Circadian activity is a unique by 24-hour period or cycles in which our body is physically patterned.

24-hour vs. 25-hour cycle

Earth rotates around the sun in a 24-hour cycle, so as our body functions in this 24-hour time schedule. All living organisms charismatically subscribe to this cyclic resting and activity patterns so that their body could function in sync with the environment in which they live.

Although humans externally operate under a 24-hour environment, research found that our body clocks evidently works significantly different than what we see in the environment.

It shows that the human body closely behaves as if it were under a 25-hour environment. Convincingly, humans’ reluctance to wake up at a required time and sleeping late at night probably explains this theory.

To compensate for this discrepancy, the body uses time “cues” to effectively counter-manage this asynchronous rhythmical. Setting an alarm helps us wake up at a designated time of the day and allows us to function as if it were under the 24-hour rhythmic schedule.

Dark vs. Light

Light and temperature provides the determining factor by which the body responds to the 24-hour activity period. The presence or absence of light mainly affects the part of the brain, which paces your bodily activities.

It was understood that the fundamental locus or location of our biological clock is the brain specifically in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus.

In complex animals like humans, hypothalamus forms part of the autonomous nervous system, which in part, controls the functions of organs that are not voluntarily controlled, hence involuntary. Involuntary, meaning, they are not governed by conscious will to act. These include breathing, heartbeat and intestinal digestion.

Eyes, Light and SCN

One interesting point to make is that the location of SCN is just above the optic chiasma (cross). Optic chiasma can is described as a location where optic nerve fibers meet and cross (chiasma-cross).

It is fitting to say that; the perception of light through the opening in the eyes triggers the wake/sleep patterns in humans since this is one way the organism receives such physical message.

As retina (a portion of the eye where initial image of an object is stored) traps light rays, an optic fiber relays the image to the brain via characteristic electrical pulses.

This unique sensory impulse is carried along the optic fibers to the occipital lobe (rear part) of the brain and is perceived as images. The proximity of the optic chiasma to the SCN perhaps provides the opportunity for the hypothalamus to “sense” the referred electrical impulses.

Forms of Circadian Rhythms Syndrome/Disorders

Circadian Rhythm defects can come many distinct forms depending on the amount and timing of waking up and sleeping. Others, as in the case of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), result in the changes in the length of day and night.

People who tend to sleep at a later time of the day and wake up late as well are said to be exhibiting Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome (DSPS). These people tend to develop insomnia, an abnormal inability to take adequate amount of sleep due to not being able to sleep at the right time of the night.

Still, other people, especially the elderly, are more likely to sleep early around 7:00 PM and consequently wake up early around 1:00 AM or 2:00 AM. This is a symptom of disrupted natural biological rhythms known as Familial Advanced Sleep-Phase Syndrome (FASPS).

The amount of a substance called melatonin is also perceived as a motivating factor in sleep-related disorders in humans. In a study among vertebrate mammals, melatonin is secreted in response to the absence of light.

This means more melatonin is secreted in the period of darkness and less in the presence of light. It presupposes the idea that melatonin is related to the 24-hour sleep/wake cycle of every human being.

Recommendations

With the knowledge gained in the preceding discussion, it can be assumed that the presence and absence of light affects our sleeping/waking schedule. With these in mind, keep yourself committed to your schedule to rest and sleep and set aside things, which are not really important.

Keep your room as dark and gloomy as possible, to make it easy for you to sleep. Colorful objects stimulate your senses and disrupt sleep. Keep it ventilated and air-conditioned.

Studies show that as we sleep, our body temperature drops and allows the neurotransmitter melatonin to be produced at a rapid pace.

Keep those things in mind and do not forget to seek medical help should your condition progresses.

Nishanth Reddy is an author and publisher of many health related websites. Visit his website to know more about other Sleep Disorders like insomnia, sleep apnea, snoring, restless legs, narcolepsy.
Sleep Disorders Guide

At some stage in your life, you have likely heard the word “glucose” and wondered exactly what it was. Glucose is a form of carbohydrate, and carbohydrates give you energy. People who have tasted glucose say it is sweet, like sugar. Let us say it is a simple sugar.

Where does glucose come from? Glucose does not exist in our bodies; rather our bodies produce it for us. When your body runs short of glucose, you lose energy. To revive the energy, your body must consume carbohydrates from the outside and turn them into glucose which is then absorbed by the body and and—voilà!—you get renewed energy.

The natural form of glucose that I am referring to is actually called by its common industry name, “dextrose.” Commercial glucose is produced from starch. This starch is extracted from crops that are grown for this purpose. The process by which it is extracted from this starch of the crops is called enzymatic hydrolysis. The crops used for this purpose generally are potato, arrowroot, cassava, maize, wheat and rice. The United States is a consumer of corn starch, which is extracted from maize.

The process of enzymatic hydrolysis exclusively involves heating the starch to high temperatures for the enzymes to become deactivated. This is then completely hydrolyzed using glucoamylase. After some more processes, the solution is purified by carrying out filtration and solidified by repeated crystallizations. The process as described above should give you a bare idea as to how glucose is being produced commercially.

“>Liberty Medical Supplies and a variety of other topics for

There are numerous simple recipes illustrated in Ayurveda to correct many disorders. Here are few gruel recipes which are strongly recommended in digestive disorders. These are simple and effective remedies which can be prepared easily at home to correct the digestive disorder and also to replenish the lost nutrients.

Gruel recipes

1. In Indigestion

Ingredients:

Rice-1/2 cup

Water -4 cups

Long pepper- 2or 3

Ginger -1’’

Method of preparation:

Cook rice with recommended quantity of water with crushed ginger and salt. Powder long pepper and fry it in a spoon of cow’s ghee and add it to gruel. Consume this when it hot. This is very light to digest and relieves colic pain.

2. In Diarrhea

Ingredients:

Rice -1/2 cup

Water – 4 cups

Ginger paste – 1/2 spoon

Salt to taste

Pomegranate juice: ½ cup

Method of preparation

1. Cook rice with recommended quantity of water with ginger paste and salt

2. Add pomegranate juice when the gruel is warm. This gruel rehydrates body and supply energy . This soothes inflamed walls of intestine and controls bowel movements.
3. In flatulence

Ingredients:

½ cup of rice

4 cups of water

Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) – powder-1/2 spoon

Roots of pippali or long pepper

Ginger paste -1/2 spoon salt to taste

Method of preparation

Cook Rice, haritaki powder , roots of pippali and water together. Add salt to it.Consume this when it is warm. This relieves flatulence and regularizes the bowel movement

4. In indigestion due to over consumption of oily food

Ingredients:

½ cup rice

4 cups of water

Butter milk – 1 cup

Salt to taste

Method of preparation

Cook rice water and salt together. Add a cup of butter milk when it is little warm and consume it . This relieves indigestion, nausea and corrects digestion.

Biography of Dr.SavithaSuri

Dr.SavithaSuri has been an Ayurvedic Practitioner since 1989. After getting a graduation degree in ayurveda (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) in 1988 from University of Mysore, India, she started practising ayurveda . Her articles about ayurveda have been published in news papers and websites. She is a regular health columnist to a regional news paper.

Dr.SavithaSuri lives in Mysore , Karnataka, India. She gives consultations in Mysore and also in Bangalore, the silicon valley of India.
http://www.ayurhelp.com
email doctor@ayurhelp.com

Getting sufficient essential fatty acids is importance in clearing acne. It’s these fatty acids that help control the production of androgens – the hormones that surge during the teen-age times, which causes excess sebum oil to clog your hair follicle and contribute to creating your acne.

The three fatty acids you need daily are omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9. You need more omega 6, olive oil, than omega 3.

When you are deficient in the essential fatty acids, you will have,

§ A weaken immune system
§ Inflammatory disorders
§ Poor skin
§ Skin eruptions that won’t heal
§ Increase sebum production causing acne
§ Sebaceous glands size increase

Eating essential oils is necessary to provide the right oils that are used in the sebaceous glands. These oils can come from straight vegetable oils or from oils in specific foods such as nuts and seeds.

Use flax seed oil (omega-3 oil) and olive oil (omega-6 oil) in your salad. These are the best oils to eat and are called polyunsaturated fatty acids. The other oil that is even better for you is called monounsaturated fatty acid, omega-9. This oil is found in avocados.

Most diets people have contain an excess of omega-6 oils, so mostly likely you need to concentrate on getting more omega-3 oils into your diet.

You can get omega-3 oil from,

§ avocados
§ sesame seeds
§ pumpkin seeds
§ walnuts
§ dark leafy green vegetables (spinach, mustard greens, kale)
§ wheat germ oil
§ salmon
§ sardines
§ albacore tuna

Or, you can take one to 4 tablespoon of flax seed oil, omega-3 oil, each day. This will give you the amount of omega-3 oil that your body needs to reduce or eliminate acne blemishes. You can add this oil to your morning cereal, soups, smoothies, salads and other liquid foods. Each tablespoon of flax seed oil contains about 100 calories.

You can get omega-6 oil from,

§ Flaxseed oil
§ Flaxseeds
§ grape seed oil
§ pistachio nuts
§ olives
§ olive oil
§ sunflower seeds
§ evening primrose oil
§ pumpkin seeds

Taking 2-3 tablespoons of omega-6 oil a day will give you the amount of this oil that you body needs. You can add olive oil and other oils into your salad with the flax seed oil.

You can get omega-9 oil from,

§ Olive oil
§ Avocados
§ Cashews
§ Almonds
§ Olives
§ sesame oil
§ pecans
§ pistachio nuts

Taking around 1 ½ tablespoon of olive oil per day will give you the omega-9 oil that your body needs.

Fish Oils

In addition to supplying your diet with omega-3 and omega-6 oils, you need to supplement your diet with fish oils. Fish oil contains EPA and DHA fatty acids.

Normally, enzymes in your body break down omega-6 into EPA and DHA fatty acids.

Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA)
Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)

These two fatty acids eventually change into prostaglandins.

What are prostaglandins?

Prostaglandins are chemical hormones that come from omega-3 and omega-6 oils and that help,

regulate every function in your cells and organs.

Postaglandins also keep androgen hormones in control so that excess sebum is not produce in the hair follicle, which results in acne.

However, eating plenty essential fatty acids may not insure that you produce enough EPA and DHA, which produce the essential prostaglandins.

It is critical for acne and more importantly for your health that you get enough EPA and DHA in your cells and organs so they can produce the required prostaglandins.

To increase the prostaglandins in your cell walls, it is necessary for you to take a fish supplement, which contains both the EPA and DHA.

Of course eating salmon, halibut, and mackerel twice a week will be a plus in providing your body with more EPA and DHA.

Include at least 20% of your diet calories as good fats – omega oils and fish oil. This is essential for controlling the excess activity of your hormones and reducing the inflammation of your acne.

Rudy Silva is a Natural Nutritionist. He is the author an acne e-book can be found at: http://www.acne-remedies.for–you.info
In addition you can get a free special acne facial cleansing report at: http://www.for–you.com/SkinCareTreatment

Contact lenses manufactured from silicone hydrogel represent the most important advance in soft contact lens technology in recent years. Wearers would obviouly prefer lenses they can sleep in with total safety, so it was only a matter of time before the industry developed a safe product for continuous wear. After years of ongoing development and testing, such lenses are now readily available for everone to wear at an affordable price. This article looks at what’s so special about silicone hydrogel lenses and why they might be just the right choice for you.

YEARS IN DEVELOPMENT

The concept of lenses made from silicone hydrogel was first proposed over 20 years ago. The potential benefits were clear but the technological challenge was as difficult as needing to combine oil and water to produce an optically clear product. Researcher organizations have to date invested considerable academic and financial resources to achieve the high performance soft lenses of today. They have done this quite simply because they see this material as the way forward and the ultimate standard of the future.

At the time of writing, silicone hydrogel lenses are available in the USA from four manufacturers: “Night & Day” and “O2OPTIX” from CIBA Vision, “Pure Vision” from Bausch & Lomb, and “Acuvue OASYS” and “Advance” from J&J Vision Care.

OXYGEN TRANSPORT

So what’s so special about silicone hydrogel as a lens material? Essentially, the great benefit of this material is it’s ability to transport oxygen to the eye and thus maintain proper eye health. Modern contact lens technology is all to do with oxygen permability, which is measured using the “Dk” index. And for optimal oxygen transmission, this must be as high as possible.

The Dk of traditional, non-silicone based hydrogel lenses is directly related to the amount of water that the material can hold, since oxygen dissolves into the water-component of the material and thus diffuses through the lens. The Dk in fact increases logarithmically with increasing water content. Water itself has a Dk of only 80, thus placing a ceiling on the Dk of convential materials, and the original soft contact lens material, polyHEMA, possesses a Dk of only around 10 (with a water content of about 38%).

However, in silicone hydrogels, the relationship between Dk and water content is the opposite. Here higher water content implies lower Dk. With these lenses Dk increases significantly as the silicone content – not water content – of the lens increases. The Dk values of silicone hydrogel contact lenses are much higher than those of older soft lens materials.

SLEEPING IN CONTACT LENSES

According to market data from CIBA Vision, 84% of soft contact lens wearers occasionally sleep with their lenses in, and one-third admit to doing this regularly. 25% of wearers of one to two-week disposable lenses with low oxygen transmissibility occasionally or routinely sleep in their lenses overnight. And 72% of soft contact lens wearers said they would prefer to be allowed to wear their lenses overnight provided it was safe.

Thus the demand for lenses with the capablities of silicone hydrogels is evidently very high with almost three-quarters of soft lens wearers wanting to be able to sleep in their lenses.

LENS HANDLING

Silicone hydrogel lenses are significantly more rigid than their conventional counterparts, due to the presence of silicone. This increased rigidity does possess some advantages, making the lenses markedly easier to handle and thus the ideal choice for wearers with a less delicate touch. There is a downside to this however in that the rigidity makes the lenses less prone to adopting the shape of the eye so readily, resulting in the possibility for some of reduced comfort.

REDUCED DEPOSITIONS

Historically, the deposition of proteins and lipids has been a problem with contact lenses. The amount of depositions is essentially linked to the duration of wear, the lens material and the tear composition of each individual wearer. With traditional lenses, a frequent replacement schedule greatly reduces the buildup of harmful deposits.

Silicone hydrogel contact lenses have been proven to offer major benefits in the reduction of protein and lysozyme deposition. Indeed, combined with the correct replacement schedule and appropriate care system, problems associated with protein deposition have become almost a thing of the past.

DRY EYES

A problem frequently encountered by wearers of traditional soft contact lenses is one of a feeling of discomfort and “grittiness” in the eyes towards the end of the day. It has been reported that after one week wearing silicone hydrogel lenses, the quantity of regular soft lens wearers in a particular study group who previously suffered significantly from end-of-day dryness, was reduced dramatically to only 13% of the sample.

LIFESTYLE BENEFITS

Silicone hydrogel contact lenses also provide some benefits that conventional lenses don’t. Continuous wear contact lenses can be particularly beneficial for use by members of certain professions, such as medical workers, police, the armed forces and firefighters who frequently work unpredictable and long hours.

Furthermore, an increasing numbers of contact lens wearers can now enjoy active outdoor lifestyles, enjoying pursuits such as camping and hiking where it is often difficult to handle and disinfect the lenses with the appropriate level of hygiene.

THE FUTURE FOR CONTACT LENSES

There is much evidence to suggest that, owing to their significant benefits over conventional soft lenses, silicone hydrogel lenses will ultimately, and sooner rather than later, displace other types of contact lens as the prefferred choice for both daily and overnight wear for the majority of contact lens wearers. Silicone hydrogel lenses provide a much improved physical performance, excellent handling properties and greater comfort. They might be considered as the ideal lens for general purpose use that exists today and are likely to become the new everyday standard.

BY DR. BIANCA TAVARES

Dr. Tavares is a medical consultant with wide-ranging experience and interests in both traditional and complementary medicine and health care.

She has a particular passion for disseminating quality medical information to the people who matter – the patients – and acts in an advisory capacity to numerous journals and health related web sites. Her writing about eye health and contact lenses can be found regularly at Contact Lens Advisor.

This article is copyright by Dr Bianca Tavares. It can be reprinted freely online as long as the entire article and this resource box are included.

B VITAMINS

Thiamin (B1); Riboflavin (B2); Niacin (B3/B4);
Pantothenic Acid (B5); Pyridoxine (B6);
Biotin (B7); Inositol (B8); Folic Acid (B9);
Para-aminobenzoic Acid (10); Choline (B11);
Hydroxy / Cyanocobalamin (B12)
Pangamic Acid/ Calcium Pangamate (B15)

The vitamin B family consists of 15 different B vitamins. B Vitamins help us use energy. Its like putting a sandwich up against your forehead. Not going to do you any good is it? All B vitamins are all required for different stages of the process whereby energy is released from the food we eat every day.

Vitamin B-1 (Thiamine): RDA 1.2 MG

Vitamin B-1 is a water soluble vitamin. It is known to be beneficial to the nervous system and positive mental state. B-1 aids digestion and promotes growth. Things such as cooking vegetables, drinking alcohol or caffeine, and even antacids can destroy this essential vitamin.

Its main role is to break down carbohydrates from food and convert them into sugar
Thiamine is destroyed by alcohol, so many alcoholics are thiamine deficient
Thiamine is found in pork, sunflower seeds and peanuts
Thiamine is added to many cereals

Vitamin B-2 (Riboflavin): RDA 1.7 MG

This easily absorbed water soluble vitamin is needed for tissue repair and healthy skin. It also helps the body use oxygen and aids in the formation of healthy antibodies and red blood cells.

Helps body release energy from proteins, carbs and fats
Food sources include milk, cheese, yogurt, beef, and green vegetables
Riboflavin is destroyed by light-if you have breads that contain riboflavin, keep them in the dark

Vitamin B-3/4 (Nicain/Niacinamide): RDA 20 MG

Water soluble Niacin is important to the brain’s functions, and in promoting healthy skin, nervous and digestive systems. Niacin is also a natural cholesterol-lowering agent.

Provides energy for cell tissue growth
Food sources are chicken, fish, veal, certain cereals and liver
The body can produce niacin from tryptophan which is found in milk and eggs
If you have a diet high in tryptophan, your need for niacin is reduced

Vitamin B-5 (Pantothenic Acid): RDA 10 MG

Our body’s adrenal glands and digestive system depend on B-5. It helps in cell building and maintaining normal growth. It is believed to be a factor in helping the body fight physical stress.

In association with coenzyme A, it helps to convert nutrients to energy
Can lower cholesterol and some people say it enhances their athletic abilities
Food sources include yeast, liver, eggs, peas, peanuts, lean meats and legumes

Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine): RDA 2 MG

Pyridoxine, this water soluble vitamin is needed to help keep teeth, gums, blood cells and our nervous stysem funtioning helthily. B-6 plays an important role in converting fats, proteins and carbohydrates into usable energy for your body. B-6 is an essential B-Vtiamin that the human body needs to stay in a healthy state. It can help protect the body in helping to form antibodies. B-6 also plays a role in the body’s potassium and sodium balance.

Uses protein to build body tissue and metabolizes fat
Food sources include chicken, beef liver and blackstrap molasses
It is necessary for the production of antibodies and red blood cells

Vitamin B-7 (Biotin): RDA 0.3 MG

Water soluble Biotin helps keep your skin and circulatory system in a healthy state. It is also needed to break down fats and proteins. Biotin plays a role in maintaing healthy hair and helps other B-Vitamins work better. B-7 is essential for healthy skin.

Metabolizes protein and fat
Enables the body to absorb vitamin C
Lack of biotin in the diet can lead to eczema and hair loss
Food sources include fruit, nuts, brewers yeast, peanut butter cauliflower and egg yolks

Vitamin B-8 (Inositol): RDA 40 MG

Inositol is a B-Factor in the B-Vitamin family. Inositol aids in fat breakdown and offers nourishment to brain cells and metabolizes fats and cholesterol. Inositol also plays an important part in the health of cell membranes especially the specialized cells in the brain, bone marrow, eyes and intestines. Inositol is said to promote healthy hair, hair growth, and helps in controlling estrogen levels and may assist in preventing breast lumps. It may also help reduce blood cholesterol levels.

Vitamin B-9 (Folic Acid/Folate): RDA 0.4 MG

Folic acid is important for the formation of new red blood cells and aids in the converting go proteins into energy. It is necessary for the growth and division of body cells. Folic Acid is also very important in preventing birth defects related to the spine and brain. A definecy of folate can lead to many major help problems.

Potential cancer fighter because it produces red blood cells and genetic material in cells
Pregnant women must get adequate amounts of folic acid or there is risk of serious birth defects
Heavy drinkers and women on birth control pills have a high risk of becoming deficient in folic acid
Food sources include green leafy vegetables, legumes, liver, peanuts and bananas

Vitamin B-10 (Para-aminobenzoic Acid): RDA 25 MG

Water soluble PABA is important in the break down of protein. It has important sun screening properties and helps keep the skin healthy and smooth. PABA is a factor in helping to form folic acid. PABA is used in sun protection lotions to help reduce and protect you from sunburn.

Vitamin B-11 (Choline): RDA 200 MG

Also known as amanitine, lipotropic factor. An active constituent of lecithin, Choline is a water soluble member of the Vitamin B complex. It is not a true vitamin as it is synthesized in the liver. Choline helps assists in the correct stabilizing and metabolism of fats. Without Choline, fats can frustrate metabolism by becoming trapped in the liver.

Vitamin B-12 (Hydroxy/Cyanocobalamin): RDA 0.006 MG

Vitamin B-12 also known as the “red vitamin”, helps play a role in building rich blood and in the development of your body’s red blood cell growth. B-12 is also important for the nervous system. Vitamin B-12 plays an important role in concentration, balance and memory. It is hard to digest so we need to ingest much higher amounts than the RDA in order to absorb enough. It’s found only in animal foods, so a supplement may be needed to aquire the RDA

Vitamin B12 is stored in the liver, kidneys and other body tissues
It may take years of a vitamin B12 deprived diet to show signs in a persons health
Reduces fatigue and memory loss
Food sources include meat, fish, eggs and dairy products

Vitamin B-15 (Pangamic Acid/ Calcium Pangamate): RDA 25 MG

Vitamin B15 is a water-soluble vitamin. It is not a vitamin in the strict sense because it has not been proven to be an essential requirement for the body. It detoxifies the by-products of human metabolism, assists in the regulation of hormones, extends cell life and is an instant oxygenator. Pangamic acid also has antioxidant properties, which may help explain why it is so highly touted for its ability to confer protection against urban air pollutants, stimulate increased immune system response, lower blood cholesterol levels, protect the liver from the ravages of alcohol, cure fatigue, and ward off hangovers, Vitamin B15′s effect is improved when taken with vitamin A and vitamin E.

A convenient way to get you’re recommended amount of the B vitamins is to take a high quality vitamin B complex supplement while continuing to eat a variety of the recommended foods above. A vitamin B supplement will help with a vast array of health issues including promoting good eyesight, a good immune system, strong nails and hair and a healthy nervous system. It can also prevent shingles, cancer, physical stress, heart disease, high cholesterol, neurological damage such as memory loss and mood changes as well as birth defects.

Signs that you may be vitamin B deficient include:

mental problems
heart palpitations
indigestion
chronic fatigue
Paranoia
fear that something dreadful is about to happen
nervousness
ADD
irritability
feeling of uneasiness
insomnia
restlessness
tingling in hands fingers and toes
rashes
crying spells, inability to cope

Article Source : http://www.online-health-source.info/Vitamins-and-Supplements/Vitamin-B-Family/

Tyler D Falls