Category Archives: Health
Postprandial Somnolence or Just a Food Coma?
Postprandial somnolence sounds like some sort of dreaded disease. But don’t worry. Almost everyone has experienced postprandial somnolence at some time and lived through it without a scratch.
Don’t worry about family members catching it. Postprandial somnolence is merely the sluggish way people sometimes feel after they eat a meal; it’s sometimes humorously called going into a food coma.
Postprandial somnolence is made up of two elements: sleepiness and low energy levels. There have never been detailed scientific studies of postprandial somnolence, but most medical professionals have theories.
This article on postprandial somnolence will look at the various reasons people might experience it.
How the Nervous System Works
To understand this idea of postprandial somnolence, one needs to know more about the parasympathetic nervous system. The parasympathetic nervous system directs the activities of the entire digestive system, from making spit in the mouth, all the way to the end of the bowels.
Medical scientists think that the parasympathetic nervous system goes into this sleepy, resting phase after a meal because it senses the food in the stomach and bowels. It is possibly true that the mere presence of food kicks off the sleepy response, but it is not proven.
Blood Flow Theory
Earlier theories thought that blood was pulled away from the brain and delivered to the digestive system causing people to feel sleepy.
Nowadays, the blood flow theory is not in favor. Scientists have noticed that people can engage in strenuous exercise and not feel sleepy afterward. Likewise, it makes sense that eating would not pull blood from the brain. The body makes sure the brain has all the blood it needs, regardless of exercise or eating.
The Vagus Nerve
More scientists these days believe postprandial somnolence has more of a connection with a different nerve within the parasympathetic nervous system called the vagus nerve.
This nerve has attracted more attention these days because of a possible link to migraine headaches. In fact, with more studies, scientists have found that stimulation of the vagus nerve can affect how much pain is felt during a migraine.
On the other hand, during digestion, the vagus nerve is very busy. When the vagus nerve is activated by food in the digestive system, it makes the body release several hormones.
One of the hormones released is melatonin. Most people today are familiar with melatonin as a sleep aid, so clearly this is something that is contributing to postprandial somnolence.
Rising and Falling Glucose Levels
Something else that might contribute to sleepiness after meals are the increase in sugar in the blood. Too much blood sugar can make people feel sleepy until the body releases enough insulin to regulate the glucose.
When a person eats, their glucose level goes up, the body starts putting out insulin, and the glucose eventually drops. These swings in blood glucose often make the body feel fatigued and sleepy.
When people say they feel tired because they had a heavy meal, this refers to having a lot of foods that are heavy in carbs and sugars and make the stomach feel full.
The Food Itself
Then there is the allergy theory. Many people don’t realize they have a food allergy or a food intolerance. In many cases, a sensitivity to certain food can make people feel fatigued after a meal containing those particular foods.
Here’s where the migraine/vagus nerve connection comes into play. If a person does indeed have an undiagnosed food sensitivity, that person might wake up with a migraine in the morning after eating the offending food.
These people may have had the postprandial somnolence the night before after they ate, then the next morning the stimulation of the vagus nerve from a food intolerance brought on the morning migraine.
The Size of the Meal
Reading all these reasons for a food coma, most people would wonder why postprandial somnolence doesn’t happen after they eat a snack or a small bowl of soup. Why does it only happen after a full meal? Why are the symptoms worse after eating too much?
When people eat, the stomach stretches to accommodate the food. This stretching action stimulates those pesky nerves in the parasympathetic nervous system mentioned earlier and they cause the body to produce more of those hormones.
More questions come to mind. Why doesn’t drinking liquids make a person sleepy? Why is it only solid foods that cause postprandial somnolence? This is explained by the different sections in the human stomach.
Studies show that liquids are processed in the fundus, which is the upper part of the stomach. Solids are processed in the antrum, which is the lower part of the stomach. Obviously, the two different stomach sections have different connections to the brain. The bottom section sends more of the sleepy signals.
It’s Not Turkey
As scientists and doctors examine the various theories about what causes postprandial somnolence, they have discovered a few things that do not cause postprandial somnolence.
For years and years, people have thought that the reason they fall asleep after Thanksgiving dinner is that turkey has tryptophan. Well, guess what? Beef and pork and chicken also contain tryptophan just as turkey does. Oatmeal has tryptophan and so does milk.
Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that your body can’t make on its own. It has to come from plants and animals that we eat. But the relationship between tryptophan and sleepiness is not direct.
Digesting the food in your stomach makes your blood sugar rise. Rising blood sugar triggers your body to release insulin. Insulin triggers your body to sweep out all the other amino acids, except for tryptophan. The tryptophan is then converted to serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is what is believed to cause sleepiness and contributes to food coma.
Thanksgiving dinner probably makes people more sleepy because they eat too much food, drink alcohol, or eat too many carbs. Time to stop blaming the poor turkey.
Teeth Spacers for Adults: Orthodontic Options for Achieving a Straight Smile
teeth spacers for adults are an orthodontic option for achieving a straight smile. They are a great alternative to traditional braces, as they are less invasive and more affordable. Teeth spacers are designed to create space between teeth, allowing them to move into their desired positions. They can be used to correct minor misalignments, crowding, and spacing issues. With the help of a qualified orthodontist, adults can achieve a straight and healthy smile without the need for metal braces. This article will discuss the different types of teeth spacers available, the benefits of using them, and the steps involved in the process.
Exploring the Benefits of Teeth Spacers for Adults: How Orthodontic Options Can Help You Achieve a Straight Smile.
Having a straight smile can be a great confidence booster, but for adults, the thought of traditional braces can be intimidating. Fortunately, there are other orthodontic options available that can help you achieve a straight smile without the need for metal brackets and wires. One such option is teeth spacers, which are a great way to improve your smile without the need for traditional braces.
Teeth spacers are small, removable devices that are designed to fit between your teeth. They are typically made of plastic or metal and are designed to create a small gap between your teeth. This gap helps to create more space for your teeth to move into the desired position.
Spacers are a great option for adults who want to improve their smile without the need for traditional braces. They are much less noticeable than traditional braces, and they can be removed when necessary. Additionally, they are much less expensive than traditional braces, making them a great option for those on a budget.
Spacers can also be used to correct minor misalignments in your teeth. They can help to straighten your teeth and improve your bite. This can help to reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, as well as improve your overall oral health.
Spacers can also be used to correct minor crowding in your teeth. This can help to improve the appearance of your smile and make it easier to clean your teeth. Additionally, spacers can help to reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease by making it easier to clean between your teeth.
Overall, teeth spacers are a great option for adults who want to improve their smile without the need for traditional braces. They are much less noticeable than traditional braces, and they can be removed when necessary. Additionally, they are much less expensive than traditional braces, making them a great option for those on a budget. If you are looking for an orthodontic option that can help you achieve a straight smile, teeth spacers may be the perfect solution for you.
Understanding the Different Types of Teeth Spacers for Adults: What Orthodontic Options are Available to Help You Achieve a Straight Smile?
Having a straight smile is something that many adults strive for, but it can be difficult to achieve without the help of an orthodontist. Orthodontic treatment can involve the use of teeth spacers, which are devices that are used to create space between teeth in order to make room for braces or other orthodontic appliances. There are several different types of teeth spacers available, and it is important to understand the differences between them in order to make an informed decision about which type is best for you.
The most common type of teeth spacer is the traditional metal spacer, which is made of stainless steel and is designed to fit between two teeth. These spacers are typically used to create space for braces, and they are usually placed by an orthodontist. Metal spacers are generally considered to be the most effective type of spacer, as they are strong and durable and can be adjusted as needed.
Another type of teeth spacer is the clear plastic spacer, which is made of a flexible material and is designed to fit between two teeth. These spacers are often used to create space for retainers or other orthodontic appliances, and they are usually placed by an orthodontist. Clear plastic spacers are less visible than metal spacers, but they are not as strong or durable.
Finally, there are also removable teeth spacers, which are designed to fit between two teeth and can be removed and replaced as needed. These spacers are usually made of a soft material, such as rubber or silicone, and they are often used to create space for retainers or other orthodontic appliances. Removable teeth spacers are less visible than metal or clear plastic spacers, but they are not as strong or durable.
No matter which type of teeth spacer you choose, it is important to consult with your orthodontist to determine which type is best for you. Your orthodontist will be able to assess your individual needs and recommend the best type of spacer for your particular situation. With the right type of teeth spacer, you can achieve a straight smile and enjoy the benefits of a healthy, beautiful smile.
Conclusion
teeth spacers for adults are an effective and affordable way to achieve a straight smile. They are a safe and non-invasive option that can be used to correct minor misalignments and gaps in the teeth. With proper care and maintenance, teeth spacers can help to improve the appearance of the smile and provide a more confident and attractive look. Orthodontic options such as braces and Invisalign may be more expensive and require more time and effort, but teeth spacers are a great alternative for those who want to achieve a straighter smile without the hassle and expense of more traditional orthodontic treatments.
How to Purchase CBD: 3 Tips to Find Effective and Safe Products
These days, you’ll find few things that are as popular in the health and wellness industry as CBD-based products. This green boom – as it has become affectionately referred to – comes with everything you can imagine. From CBD day cream to protect and moisturize the skin to oils that bring pain relief, the products are as varied as they are available and accessible. While this might appear to make it easier to get the goods, it isn’t without its fair share of challenges.
It’s unquestionably true that there are many excellent cannabis items out there. However, due to the infancy of the market, it’s not as regulated as it should be, meaning that their production and distribution aren’t monitored and under as close scrutiny as others in the wellness sector. And buying impulsively is a good way to waste your money. So in an effort to help you find safe and effective products, here are some tips to keep in mind.
- Read reviews from credible sources
It’s a good idea to always look up the brand of the CBD products that you’re interested in buying online before you decide to commit to a purchase. However, don’t just look up the company’s website and take their word as gospel; try to find insight from users that have had some experience with it too. Like any business, manufacturers can be a little economical with the facts to increase their sales. And by checking reviews, you’ll improve your chances of finding products that’ll fulfill their intended function.
But be sure to read several reviews and analyze each one first before making up your mind. Not only will this aid you in checking whether or not the sources are credible. But in doing so, you’ll be able to properly assess the brand’s reputation and make a much better decision than you would have otherwise.
- Ask for a COA
Checking the label of the CBD product is all well and good. However, without a genuine third-party laboratory report, manufacturers can put down anything on it. And if you want to ensure that you get the safest and most effective ones on the market, you’ll want to make purchases only from sources that can provide a certificate of analysis, also referred to as COA. This will serve as concrete proof that the desired products have been properly tested.
- Read its ingredients
Reading through the ingredients list and research on each of its constituents might appear a tedious and time-consuming process. However, it can aid you in choosing the right products. After all, some may contain potentially harmful elements. And if you don’t do it now, you’ll end up committing financial resources on products that you won’t be able to use.
No one can deny the efficacy of CBD products. But to get the best value for your money, you must research the brand first and make sure that the company producing the products is reputable and trustworthy. It’ll take some time and effort to be sure, but it’ll also pay off in helping you get what you need.
Image: https://pixabay.com/photos/cbd-%C3%B6l-cbd-oil-oil-cbd-superfood-4470071/
An In-Depth Look at the Ideal Vitamins You Can Use for Your Skin
Vitamins are definitely up there when it comes to replenishing our bodies and making sure we feel our best, but vitamins are indeed great when it comes to skincare as well. In fact, there are some vitamins that are better than most if you want to have more beautiful and youthful skin, and you can either take these vitamins as oral supplements, or you can apply them topically in the form of serums or creams. But when you are looking for the ideal skincare product with vitamins, what are the best ones? Vitamin C is an excellent ingredient for brightening your complexion, and vitamin E can make your skin look more vibrant. Here’s an in-depth look at the ideal vitamins you can use for your skin.
- Vitamin C
Vitamin C takes the cake in terms of boosting the immune system, but it can work wonders for our skin as well. Vitamin C is found in high levels at the skin’s outer layer or epidermis, and it can also be found in the dermis or the skin’s inner layer. It is known for its excellent antioxidant properties, and it has a big role in the production of collagen to keep your skin supple. Vitamin C can help in the healing process of damaged skin, and it may prevent your skin from becoming dry. If you want to enhance your skin’s look and appeal with vitamin C, try eating more citrus fruits, and you can eat strawberries, spinach, and broccoli. You can also opt for anti-ageing products such as SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF, available from www.totalbodycare.co.uk, with both vitamin C and ferulic acid, which can effectively treat dryness, wrinkles, redness, age spots, and more.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is another excellent vitamin for the skin, and you can get it from exposure to sunlight. Cholesterol will convert to vitamin D once you get more sun exposure, and the vitamin will then be taken up by the kidneys and liver and transported throughout your body for the creation of healthy cells. If you want to increase your intake of vitamin D, you can get about 10 minutes of ‘sun-time’ each day (but it’s advisable to check this with your physician, especially if you have a skin cancer history). You can also eat foods fortified with vitamin D, such as orange juice, yoghurt, and cereals, or eat other foods that have natural vitamin D like tuna, cod, and salmon.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E has widely been associated with proper skincare, and this antioxidant’s primary function is to protect our skin from sun damage. This is because Vitamin E can absorb UV rays from the sun when you apply it to your skin. Vitamin E can also help in skin inflammation and keep your skin hydrated. If you want to enhance your vitamin E intake, eat seeds and nuts, such as hazelnuts, sunflower seeds, and almonds, and you can also use products that contain both vitamins C and E.
Vitamin K
Another vitamin that has proven to be great for the skin is vitamin K, and it is essential in terms of how the body processes blood clots. It can even help with conditions such as stretch marks, dark spots, scars, and spider veins. If you want to increase the level of vitamin K in your body, eat more kale and spinach as well as lettuce, cabbage, and green beans.
Image attributed to Pixabay.com
Health: How COVID-19 Impacts The Labor Market
Recovering the economy and the jobs lost by the pandemic is a complex task that involves different agents and measures at the political and social level. However, the coronavirus crisis reveals challenges and opportunities in labor matters in which public employment policies, education, training, and professional guidance play a key role.
The challenges and opportunities brought by the pandemic in the workplace include:
- Develop public policies that benefit vulnerable people
Given that the pandemic has affected the most vulnerable people, with precarious contracts and with less income, it is essential to develop public policies to help them improve their employability and move forward.
“The economic crisis caused by the pandemic highlights the need to protect the most vulnerable groups,” says the sociologist and employment expert of the European Commission, Sergio Torrejón, and co-author of the study The COVID Confinement Measures and EU Labor Markets (2020). A first step has been the establishment of the Minimum Living Income, recently approved by the Government, but the most critical voices point out that there is still much to be done in this area.
- Help the most affected groups to improve their skills
Young people, women, and people with temporary jobs and those with less training need to acquire new skills to improve their employability. This was one of the main challenges of the labor market before the health crisis and has only intensified as a result.
What competencies are key to face the post-COVID-19 labor market?
Among the main skills that people have to develop in the post-COVID-19 era to get or keep a job are the ability to adapt to change and to learn communication, empathy, commitment, responsibility, teamwork, and motivation.
“The COVID-19 crisis has fully impacted our skills and we will need to intensify them. We not only need adaptation to change but also an adaptation to constant change, with vision. The experts also point out that it is essential to have ‘sustainable employability’, knowledge and skills that allow us to change jobs or sectors more easily.
Likewise, many working people will have to acquire new skills within their current functions in the next 10 years, especially those related to new technologies, according to a study prepared by the consulting firm McKinsey Global Institute.
- Provide more resources for training and career guidance
To help the unemployed and/or the most vulnerable to get a job and improve their skills, it is necessary to invest more in training and career guidance budgets, as advised by the European Commission and the OECD.
Specifically, job orientation will play a fundamental role in the post-COVID-19 labor market to channel people’s aspirations. For this, together with the reinforcement of academic orientation, mechanisms should be enabled to carry out individualized monitoring and orientation of the unemployed using statistical profiling techniques of unemployed workers and existing vacancies at the local level.
And career guidance professionals, now more than ever, must provide accompaniment, moral support, and encouragement to people, especially the youngest, to shed light on new types of careers and new opportunities.
- Diversify the economy: transform the weakest sectors
The digital sector and new technologies, and green energies will contribute to the reduction of unemployment and underemployment, which will increase in the next two years worldwide due to the pandemic. Medical recruitment experts such as https://mascmedical.com also warn that the need for mental health professionals will increase as a result of the COVID-19 measures implemented. One of the challenges that COVID-19 leaves in the labor and economic market is to effectively stimulate these economic sectors and meet future demands.
The future success of employment will depend on the ability to anticipate the qualification needs in the production system and the detection of new employment niches, especially for professions and jobs linked to digital environments.
In this regard, it is essential to promote economic growth through the structural transformation of the economy, technological modernization, and diversification of production. It is also necessary for governments and different social agents to support the training of those who work or worked in sectors most affected by the pandemic so that they acquire skills that facilitate the transition to new jobs in sectors less affected by the crisis.