8 Tell-Tale Signs That You're Drinking Too Much Water

We are constantly reminded that drinking enough water is vital for our bodies to function properly. And this true – unless you drink too much of it. Though most of us worry about getting dehydrated, overhydration is just as dangerous. Drinking too much water can result in water intoxication, also known as hyponatremia, which causes the inside of cells to flood due to abnormally low sodium levels in your blood. In severe cases, this can lead to debilitating health problems such as comas, seizures, and even death. 

 

 

 

Below are 8 signs that you’re drinking too much water. 

 

1. You Never Leave the House Without a Bottle of Water and Constantly Have One in Hand

If you carry around a water bottle all day and immediately refill it when it’s empty, you might be drinking too much water. Constantly adding water to your body will result in low sodium levels in your blood, which can cause all the cells in your body to swell. According to Tamara Hew-Butler, DPM, PhD, an exercise science professor at Oakland University, this is particularly dangerous when your brain starts to swell. “Your brain can only swell about 8-10% before it reaches your skull and it pushes your brain stem out.”

 

2. You Drink Water Even When You’re Not Thirsty

The best way to know whether your body actually needs more water is to be consciously aware of whether or not you feel thirsty. “Our bodies are so programmed to fight against dehydration because we’ve always been living in fear of scarcity or not having enough, so we have all these built-in mechanisms to protect us against that. One of these mechanisms that all animals have is thirst. Thirst is everybody’s individual monitor that lets them know if they need more. The more water you need, the thirstier you get,” Dr. Hew-Butler.

 

3. You Continuously Drink Water Until Your Urine is Clear

If you’ve been drinking a healthy amount of water, the color of your urine should be straw-colored to transparent yellow. Though most people believe that clear urine is the healthiest sign of hydration, having urine with no pigmentation at all may be a sign that you’re drinking too much water. For most people, 8-10 glasses of water per day is considered a normal amount. 

 

4. You Urinate Frequently, Including During the Night

You might be drinking too much water if you find that you often wake up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom. Most of us urinate between 8-10 times a day, so if you find yourself urinating more than 10 times per day, you’re probably drinking more water than your body needs. To prevent nighttime urination, have your last glass of water a few hours before bed to give your kidneys time to filter the water through your body.

 

5. You Feel Nauseous and May Experience Vomiting...

The symptoms of overhydration are similar to those of dehydration, says Hew Butler. When you drink too much water, your kidneys are unable to get rid of the excess liquid and water starts to collect in the body. This can cause a range of unpleasant symptoms, such as nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. 

 

6. You Notice Swelling or Discoloration in Your Hands, Lips, and Feet

In many cases of hyponatremia, people will experience noticeable swelling or discoloration in the hands, feet, and lips. When all the cells in your body start to swell, your skin will start to swell as well. Those who drink too much water may suddenly gain weight, due to swelling and excess water in the bloodstream. If you’re drinking more than 10 cups of water per day and notice swelling or discoloration in your hands, feet, and lips, consider cutting back on your water intake. 

 

7. You Feel Tired or Fatigued

Your kidneys are the organs responsible for filtering the water you drink and making sure that your fluid levels in the bloodstream stay balanced. When you consume too much water, your kidneys have to work a lot harder, creating a stressful reaction from your hormones that leaves your body fatigued and stressed. Therefore, if you’re constantly drinking water and find yourself struggling to get out of bed, it might be because you’ve added unneeded stress to your kidneys. 

 

8. Your Muscles Feel Weak and Cramp Easily

Having a healthy and fully-functioning body is all about balance. When you consume too much water, your electrolyte levels drop and that balance is compromised. Low electrolyte levels can cause a number of unpleasant symptoms, such as muscle spasms and cramping. You can help prevent muscle problems by replacing a couple of glasses of water with coconut water, which is full of electrolytes and 100% natural.

 

 

 

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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Gastric Obstruction – Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

Your bowels are tasked with removing waste and toxins from your body, as well as absorbing salts, liquids, nutrients, indigestible vitamins. They do it to extract all possible nutrients that weren’t digested in the stomach and maintain the balance of electrolytes in your system.

When your bowels are not functioning well, they collect the waste and toxins they’re supposed to get rid of, resulting in various diseases and health issues. If left undiagnosed and untreated, obstructed bowels lead to kidney and liver-related health problems. In this article, you’ll learn all you need to know about bowel obstruction, symptoms that should serve as warning signals, and the natural home remedies needed to fix and prevent it.

What causes gastric obstructions? 

 

The reasons for obstructed bowels are plentiful, such as hernias, cysts, tumors, etc. Another reason is overeating foods that are harmful to our bodies, such as food rich in preservatives and other chemicals. These chemicals lead to a buildup of mucus in the guts, which releases toxins that can damage the body. Another cause is a buildup of fecal matter or foreign bodies in the lower intestine. Bezoars can also cause gastric obstructions.

 

Bezoars are a fibrous lump that forms in the stomach, and the most common type is formed of undigested pieces of food. They are mainly composed out of plant cellulose, most common in unripe fruit and persimmons. 

 

Men are in a higher risk group for contracting phytobezoars in their stomachs, with symptoms that include upper gastric pains, feeling full soon after beginning to eat, nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite and loss of weight. Symptoms only appear in 10-25% of the cases, making phytobezoars hard to diagnose, and can lead to gastric obstructions. 

 

What happens when your gastrointestinal system is obstructed?

When the small intestine is blocked, it will begin contracting in order to move its content beyond the obstruction, which can lead to frequent diarrhea. In later stages, it will become less effective, causing a buildup of water and electrolytes that can lead to dehydration. The obstruction will also create pressure on the intestinal walls, and if left untreated – will only get worse. This can lead to venous drainage obstruction, a rising of the diaphragm, and a suppression of the lungs’ function. 

 

The obstruction itself will aid in the bacterial buildup, in particular, E-Coli, Klebsiella, and Enterococcus Faecalis. The bacteria colonies will grow very quickly, increasing the chances of gangrene and intestinal punctures. 

 

Patients lose their ability to pass feces and gasses along the intestine, causing swelling and increasing stomach pains. The large intestine will expand due to the buildup of bacterium, liquids, feces and gasses.

Which symptoms can indicate an obstruction? 

 

Symptoms can be evidence of obstruction caused be stomach cramping or phytobezoars. Once you notice these symptoms, it is recommended that you pay a visit to your family doctor, to evaluate the nature of the obstruction. Not all symptoms may appear, but they will appear in these general groups: 

 

Constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, lethargy and swelling. 

 

Headaches, memory loss, blurred vision. 

 

Burning sensation in the upper digestive system. 

 

Weight gain, lack of energy and indigestion. 

 

Ulcers in the stomach and Duodenum, ulcerative colitis and stomach inflammation. 

 

Urinary tract infections and inflammation of the kidneys. 

 

Constant colds, allergies, joint pains and chronic diseases.

Treatments: 

 

The most basic treatment is hooking the patient up to an IV, which can only be performed by a doctor. In some cases, the obstructions can be relieved by using a nasogastric tube, and in severe cases, an operation will be required. An enema may help in some cases, but if performed incorrectly – can lead to internal bleeding. 

 

 The simplest, natural treatment for intestinal obstruction is eating 1-3 tablespoons of flax seeds, combined with 100-15ml of Kefir (a type of fermented milk drink) for three days. Flax seeds help the body dispose of fecal matter, mucus and parasites. Additionally, flax seeds can help prevent several forms of cancer, heart diseases, diabetes, and even help lower cholesterol levels. Kefir contains many probiotic bacteria, enzymes, vitamin B12 and proteins, all of which are good for your body. Kefir also helps in restoring the gastric biome and is lactose-free. 

 

To clear your intestines from obstructions, add kefir and flax seeds to your breakfast in this manner: 

 

1st week: 100ml of kefir and one tablespoon of flax seeds 

 

2nd week: 100ml of kefir and two tablespoons of flax seeds 

 

3rd week: 150ml of kefir and three tablespoons of flax seeds 

 

Additionally, drink at least two liters of water every day.

Prevention: 

 

The best way to unblock a phytobezoar obstruction is by eating food that is high in protein and low in fiber. Once the blockage is gone, follow these dietary tips to heal and prevent reoccurrences. 

 

Beverages: It is advised that you keep your body well hydrated. Drink fruit-shakes, water, and sports drinks that are rich in electrolytes. Avoid high-fat dairy. 

 

Dairy: Stick to low-fat or fat-free products. 

 

Grains and bread: Fiber from whole grain tends to slow down the digestive process. Focus on plain white bread, pasta, and regular grain. 

 

Fruits and vegetables: Boiled or canned fruits and vegetables are the way to go. Avoid eating the skin. Watermelon, melons, and bananas can be consumed fresh. Avoid high-fiber fruits and vegetables. 

 

Meat and meat substitutes: Protein is essential to the healing process. Stick to skinless chicken or turkey meat. Other kinds of lean meat, such as fish, eggs and tofu are also good. 

 

Other: Avoid fried foods and use as little butter as possible. Boiled or steamed foods are the most recommended. Minimize the use of seasoning and fatty sauces and dressings.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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Can Fragrance Improve Our Cognition by 200%?

Memory lapses and cognitive decline often cast a disheartening shadow over the golden years. For adults over the age of 60, a sense of fading mental sharpness can transform simple daily tasks into insurmountable challenges. But what if a simple and enjoyable remedy exists—one that harnesses the power of our senses? 

 

Cognitive Decline in Older Age: A Silent Reality 

 Aging comes with wisdom, experience, and for many, a gradual decrease in cognitive abilities. Everyday tasks like remembering names, following conversations, and making decisions can become more difficult. Though widely accepted as a natural part of aging, cognitive decline significantly impacts the quality of life, not just for the individual but also for their families and caregivers. Medications and therapies are available, but these treatments often come with side effects and limitations. 

 

Smell and Memory: An Underestimated Connection

Scientific research has long suggested that our sense of smell, or olfactory capacity, is closely linked to our cognitive abilities. The loss of the ability to smell can often be a harbinger of neurological and psychiatric diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and even schizophrenia. Recently, smell loss due to COVID-19 has also been associated with subsequent cognitive decline. Unlike eyesight and hearing, for which interventions like glasses and hearing aids exist, there's been a dearth of solutions for the loss of olfactory function—until now. 

 

The Study 

In an effort to make olfactory stimulation a practical and effective method for cognitive enhancement, researchers at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) designed a study to check just what the influence of changing fragrances may have on cognitive functions. Conducted through the UCI Center for the Neurobiology of Learning & Memory, the study involved men and women aged 60 to 85 without memory impairment. A key consideration was to simplify the application of scents, particularly because earlier methods, which involved opening and sniffing multiple bottles of odors, were impractical for older adults, especially those already experiencing cognitive issues. 

 To accomplish this, each participant was provided with a diffuser and 7 cartridges of different natural oils. The enriched group received full-strength cartridges, while the control group was given diluted versions. Each night, participants inserted a different cartridge into their diffuser, which activated for two hours as they slept. This approach not only streamlined the process but also integrated it seamlessly into the participants' daily routines, eliminating the need for any conscious effort during waking hours. 

 

Results and future applications 

The results were nothing short of astonishing. The enriched group displayed a staggering 226% increase in cognitive performance compared to the control group, as gauged by a common word list test used for evaluating memory. Additionally, brain imaging indicated better integrity in the left uncinate fasciculus - a crucial pathway connecting regions responsible for memory and decision-making. Participants also reported an improvement in sleep quality. 

 

Notably, the study confirmed the long-standing scientific belief that the olfactory sense is directly connected to the brain’s memory circuits. With other senses like vision and hearing, the sensory data (what we see and what we hear) first has to pass through a region called the thalamus in our brain, before reaching the brain's memory circuits. Think of it like a way station where all our other senses have to stop and go through analysis, while our sense of smell bypasses this way station. It doesn't stop at the thalamus at all, and so provides us with a more direct and powerful link to our memory.

What Does This Mean for You?  

The most compelling aspect of this study is its practical application. A product based on the study is expected to come to market soon, giving adults a simple, non-invasive way to potentially deter cognitive decline and improve memory. Though the researchers aim to extend their study to those with diagnosed cognitive loss, the current results are promising for adults looking for an uncomplicated, at-home method to boost their cognitive health. 

 

In summary, if you've noticed your memory isn't what it used to be, this could be an olfactory opportunity you won't want to forget about. The study's findings not only shine a light on the untapped power of our sense of smell but also offer a path to enhancing cognitive function in older adults. While further testing is very much needed to better understand how exactly this works, we would say that adding a few different fragrances to the room while you sleep may be beneficial! 

 

 

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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Lion's Mane Mushrooms Found to Boost Memory & Nerves

Scientific interest is increasingly focusing on natural compounds that may aid in cognitive function, especially in a fast-aging population. One such wonder of nature, the lion's mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus), is undergoing intense scrutiny for its capacity to stimulate brain activity and enhance memory. Researchers have recently uncovered the mushroom's potent compounds, particularly hericene A, that could help nerve cells grow and better interact with each other.

Why was this mushroom investigated? 

The impetus behind this in-depth analysis was to delve into the science of compounds present in the lion's mane mushroom, a fungus traditionally celebrated for its health-promoting attributes in various Asian countries. The research was principally centered on unraveling the mushroom's influence on nerve development and memory-related mechanisms.

Professor Frédéric A. Meunier, who heads the Single Molecule Neuroscience Laboratory at The University of Queensland, stated that Mother Nature has left us with an enormously intricate array of molecules. "Deciphering the application for each molecule is akin to solving a complex, multi-tiered puzzle," Meunier elaborated. 

 

Previous Endeavors 

 

Meunier is no stranger to studying natural elements; his prior research has spanned neurotoxins from various sources like bacteria, algae, worms, and cone shells. Many of these compounds boast such unique activities that they have found applications in therapeutic treatments and even cosmetic enhancements.

 

Given this background, Meunier and his team eagerly ventured into examining the lion's mane mushroom when the opportunity arose. "We wanted to isolate the active elements and determine their operational mechanisms," he said. 

 

 Research Methodology 

The team employed an array of investigative methods, including cell cultures, molecular evaluations, and animal testing. This multi-pronged approach aimed to comprehensively understand how the lion's mane mushroom could influence nerve and memory enhancement. 

 

Isolation and Testing 

After purifying various compounds from mushroom extracts, the team zeroed in on N-de phenylethyl isohericerin (NDPIH) and hericene A. These compounds successfully encouraged axon growth and neurite branching, even when serum—usually crucial for cell growth—was absent. 

 

Comparable to BDNF's effects, the mushroom's extracts boosted nerve cell growth and survival, a phenomenon observed both in cultured hippocampal neurons and live animal learning models. 

 

 "It was astonishing to see neurons responding so positively to the extracts," Meunier admitted. "The mushroom extracts encouraged long neurite development and intricate branching, even in the absence of commonly required elements like serum and BDNF."

Remarkable Discoveries 

 Meunier further elaborated that the growth cones—the sensory structures at the tip of neurite branches—were significantly larger when exposed to the lion's mane mushroom. "It's akin to having a limb larger than your entire body—a truly remarkable observation," he noted. 

 

These large growth cones have a particular knack for locating target neurons and establishing connections, a vital part of memory formulation. Memory testing was conducted on male mice, categorized into control and experimental groups. Behavioral assessments were used to gauge the cognitive capabilities of the subjects.

 

Findings and Conclusions 

 

When treated with higher doses of mushroom extract, the mice exhibited increased interaction with new objects, indicating enhanced short-term memory retention. Additionally, significant improvements in spatial memory were observed. 

 

Meunier informed that their study had identified dynamic chemical compounds in lion's mane mushrooms that positively affect brain cell growth and memory retention. These compounds are widely sold as nootropics but require further analysis for potency and concentration.

The research team is currently developing diagnostic tools to evaluate the activity levels of these mushroom compounds, aiming to inform and optimize future health products. 

 

However, one should remember that these findings are derived from animal studies. Further research is necessary to fully comprehend the human applications of these compounds. Meunier cautioned that there remains much work on several fronts, including understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms, the molecules' applications in healthcare, and their potential in treating various brain-related disorders. While our nervous system and the way neurons behave in mammals is very similar, we still need to go through human testing to know for sure these findings are applicable to humans as well.

 

In conclusion, as we await further clinical trials, particularly concerning Alzheimer's disease, lion's mane mushrooms offer a promising avenue for cognitive enhancement. It's a budding field that combines the expertise of mycologists and medical researchers, hoping to expedite the discovery and application of mushroom-derived compounds for medical uses. 

 

And so, the lion's mane mushroom stands as a tantalizing subject in the ongoing exploration of natural substances that can benefit human cognition. The study opens up vistas for future research and potential therapies that can optimize the health benefits of this remarkable fungus.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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Sepsis: All About it and Its Symptoms

When we have an infection, our bodies work constantly to protect us from it. Antibiotic or anti-viral drugs are sometimes needed, but unfortunately, the fight against bacteria and viruses is not always simple. 

When the infection is not properly treated and is out of control, immune system activity can go awry for reasons that doctors can’t explain, leading to sepsis - a life-threatening condition in which the body harms itself to protect its organs. It is highly recommended that you familiarize yourself with the dangers of the condition and its symptoms so that you can seek medical help right away as soon as you notice it... it may just save your life. 

Why is sepsis so dangerous? "If you don’t treat sepsis, it can cause septic shock, which is an advanced state of infection in the body that causes very low and dangerous blood pressure," says Dr. Carmen Polito, Assistant Professor of Medicine at Emory University Medical School. When your body is in a state of septic shock, it's very difficult to improve blood pressure through IV, which means that it is very difficult to regain proper blood flow to the organs needed to keep them functioning. 

 

Since there is no test for sepsis, it’s very difficult to diagnose until the body reaches a state of septic shock, but what doctors do know is that sepsis is caused by four types of infections: pneumonia, appendicitis, urinary tract infections, and cellulitis. Symptoms of sepsis are very similar to those of septic shock and both go hand in hand, so if you experience a combination of the following symptoms, it is highly recommended that you consult your family doctor to see if you need lifesaving treatment. 

 

5 of the most common sepsis symptoms 

 

1. Cold, clammy skin  

"When the body experiences sepsis, it focuses on sending blood to the most vital organs, such as the heart, kidneys, and brain, then to less important areas like the skin," states Christopher Seymour, Assistant Professor of Critical Care and Emergency Medicine at the University Of Pittsburgh School Of Medicine. However, remember that skin that feels cold and clammy to the touch is a symptom of many diseases, some of which are less dangerous - this is a sign of concern only if you also experience other symptoms of sepsis or you have a significant infection.

 

2. Decreased or dark colored urine 

The kidneys are the most severely affected organs during sepsis because they are sensitive to any change in blood flow and pressure. Therefore, the effects of this condition can often be seen in the urine. When the body senses that its blood pressure is low, it tries to store as much fluid as possible, which leads to decreased urination or dark colored urine, Dr. Seymour says. 

 

In extreme cases, someone who is suffering from sepsis might stop urinating completely. Therefore, if you notice such changes in your urine and feel sick, it may be more than just dehydration. 

 

3. Changes in mental state 

Confusion, low alertness, and dizziness can all be the result of too little blood in the brain, dehydration, and toxins that enter the body and contaminate it. If you experience septic shock, all of these symptoms will appear, and Dr. Seymour adds, “These will be the most extreme sensations you will ever feel in terms of these symptoms." Dr. Seymour stresses that these symptoms must occur with infection for them to be treated as symptoms of sepsis, as these are also common symptoms of a stroke, for example.

4. Increased heart rate 

In the case of sepsis, you will not only experience an accelerated heart rate, such as after a morning run, but you will feel that your heart is pounding even while relaxed. The average pulse at rest is 60-90 beats per minute, so if you measure your heart rate at rest and find it to be over 90, it may be a sign of sepsis, says Dr. Coopersmith. When afflicted with sepsis the body increases heart rate to improve circulation and prevent tissue damage. 

 

5. Difficulty breathing  

If you do not have a medical condition that causes breathing difficulties, except for pneumonia leading to sepsis, you may have sepsis. As in the case of the previous symptom, this symptom is also caused by the body's need to pump more blood into its organs, in which case it is important to enrich the blood with oxygen.

Because of this, the body tries to breathe faster, which causes unpleasant feelings such as difficulty breathing. Some patients develop shortness of breath that makes it hard to keep a healthy breathing rate. Therefore, if you experience this symptom along with a few others on this list, don’t ignore them and just hope they’ll pass.

As we’ve said before, if you experience a combination of these symptoms along with an infection, all experts recommend that you get medical help. You shouldn't delay as sepsis causes damage to the body that can develop and worsen over a few hours, and the faster you treat it, the more your body will prevent injuries that will worsen your health later in life. 

While the treatment varies from person to person, it is usually an aggressive process because quick action is needed; First, the doctors will treat the infection, provide the body with antibiotics and try to increase blood pressure by fluid infusion. They will then try to figure out exactly what the source of the infection is and act accordingly - in some cases, surgery or drainage is needed to control it. 

When it comes to sepsis and septic shock, remember that early detection is the most important thing in order to get the best treatment for you. If you are concerned that you are suffering from this condition, contact your doctor immediately.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement
https://cancersupportindia.blogspot.com  for infor on cancer and health related topics
https://GSiyers home remedies.blogspot.com   is the latest addition to my blogs. I'm going to add posts there, do give me your valuable feed back on my blogs. Thanks a lot, take care, be healthy and be happy.