PUBLIC HEALTH

  Caffeine Consumption: What Science Tells Us Caffeine is the most widely used psychoactive substance globally. It’s found in coffee, tea, chocolate, energy drinks, some sodas, and even certain medications. While many of us consume it daily for alertness or enjoyment, its effects are complex and vary greatly depending on dose, individual sensitivity, timing, genetics, and other factors. How Caffeine Works Mechanism of action : Caffeine primarily acts by blocking adenosine receptors (especially A1 and A2A) in the brain. Adenosine is a neuromodulator that promotes sleep and relaxation; when its effects are inhibited, alertness increases and feelings of tiredness are reduced. Metabolism : The liver, via cytochrome P450 enzymes (especially CYP1A2), is responsible for metabolizing caffeine. Genetic variations in these enzymes mean that people differ in how quickly they clear caffeine. Slow metabolizers are more likely to experience prolonged effects.  Potential Benefits of ...

  Adaptogens are natural substances (mostly herbs and some mushrooms) that help the body adapt to stress (physical, emotional, or environmental) and restore balance in the body. Definition The term adaptogen was first introduced in the 1940s in Russia. For a substance to qualify as an adaptogen, it should: Increase the body’s resistance to stress. Help normalize body functions (not overstimulate or suppress). Be safe and non-toxic with long-term use. How They Work (Mechanism) Adaptogens don’t work like drugs that target one system directly. Instead, they act broadly on the neuroendocrine-immune system (the interaction between the brain, hormones, and immune response). Key ways they work: Regulate Stress Hormones Adaptogens modulate the HPA axis (hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis) . This helps balance cortisol (the stress hormone). Too much cortisol causes anxiety, poor sleep, weight gain, while too little causes fatigue. Improve Cellular Energy ...

  Common Lies vs Scientific Evidence on Artificial Sweeteners 1. “Artificial sweeteners cause cancer.” Evidence : Early 1970s rat studies with saccharin showed bladder cancer, but only at extremely high doses far beyond human consumption. Large human studies (Nurses’ Health Study, NIH-AARP cohort, etc.) show no significant cancer risk at normal intake. WHO (2023) classed aspartame as “possibly carcinogenic” but emphasized that risk is negligible at typical consumption (a person would need to drink >12 cans of diet soda daily for concern).   Fact: No strong human evidence linking artificial sweeteners to cancer when consumed within recommended limits.   2. “They are toxic chemicals.” Evidence : All approved sweeteners (aspartame, sucralose, acesulfame K, saccharin, etc.) undergo strict testing by FDA, EFSA, WHO. Each has an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) with a 100-fold safety margin....

  Scientific Evidence of Garlic Consumption 1. Cardiovascular Health Studies show garlic can modestly reduce blood pressure in people with hypertension. Meta-analyses suggest garlic supplementation reduces total cholesterol and LDL ("bad") cholesterol, though the effect is moderate. Garlic has mild antiplatelet activity (blood-thinning effect), lowering risk of clot formation. 2. Blood Sugar Regulation Some clinical trials suggest garlic improves fasting blood glucose and HbA1c in patients with type 2 diabetes, though results are not always consistent. 3. Antimicrobial & Immune Support Garlic’s active compound, allicin, has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. Evidence suggests it may reduce the severity and duration of the common cold, but data is limited. 4. Anti-Inflammatory & Antioxidant Effects Garlic contains sulfur compounds that reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, potentially lowering the risk of chronic diseases. 5. Cancer Prevention (Po...

  Helicobacter pylori: A stomach disorder and its prevention through lifestyle.  Helicobacter pylori (commonly known as H. pylori) is a type of bacteria that infects the stomach. Despite being microscopic, this bacterium can have a major impact on your digestive health, often going unnoticed for years until symptoms become more serious. In this blog, we'll break down what H. pylori is, how it spreads, the symptoms it causes, and—most importantly—how you can prevent it.   What Is Helicobacter pylori? H. pylori is a spiral-shaped bacterium that lives in the lining of the stomach. It’s uniquely adapted to survive in the harsh, acidic environment of the stomach. Once it infects the stomach, it can cause inflammation (gastritis) and lead to more severe conditions like: Peptic ulcers Chronic gastritis Stomach cancer (in rare cases) The bacterium is very common. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 50% of the world’s population may be infected with H. pylori, a...

  In recent years, the idea of “detoxing” the body has become increasingly popular. While commercial detox products and extreme diets often make bold claims, the truth is that your body already has highly efficient detoxification systems in place. The liver, kidneys, skin, lungs, and digestive tract work continuously to filter, process, and eliminate toxins. Supporting these natural processes with healthy lifestyle choices is the safest and most effective way to promote overall well-being. Why Consider Detox? The modern lifestyle exposes us to processed foods, environmental pollutants, alcohol, and chronic stress, all of which may increase the burden on our natural detox systems. Research shows that lifestyle factors such as diet, sleep, hydration, and physical activity play a significant role in how well our bodies eliminate harmful substances (Sung et al., 2022). Potential Benefits of Healthy Detox Practices: Improved digestion and bowel regularity Increased energy and r...

  Rooftop Gardens in Major Cities: Benefits and Tips to Create Your Own As urban spaces grow more crowded and natural greenery declines, rooftop gardens are becoming a sustainable solution for modern cities. From reducing pollution to providing fresh food, rooftop gardening plays a vital role in making city life healthier and greener. Benefits of Rooftop Gardens in Cities 1. Environmental Benefits Improves Air Quality: Plants filter dust and absorb carbon dioxide. Reduces Heat: Green rooftops lower indoor temperatures and reduce the urban heat island effect. Manages Rainwater: Rooftop gardens absorb rain, reducing flooding risks in cities. 2. Health and Lifestyle Benefits Stress Relief: Green spaces promote relaxation and mental well-being. Fresh Food Access: Grow organic vegetables, herbs, and fruits at home. Community Bonding: Shared rooftop gardens bring neighbors together. 3. Economic Benefits Energy Efficiency: Reduces cooling and heating costs. Increases Property Value: Adds ...

 Creatine powder is one of the most popular supplements among youngsters, especially in gyms. While it does have proven benefits (like improving short bursts of strength, muscle growth, and exercise performance), its misuse or overuse—especially without medical or professional guidance—can carry demerits. Here are the key concerns: Demerits of Creatine Powder (Especially in Youngsters ) 1. Kidney Stress Creatine is processed by the kidneys. High doses or prolonged unsupervised use may strain kidney function, especially in those with pre-existing kidney issues. 2. Dehydration & Muscle Cramps Creatine pulls water into the muscles. Without enough fluid intake, youngsters may experience dehydration, muscle cramps, or heat intolerance. 3. Gastrointestinal Issues Some users report stomach pain, bloating, nausea, or diarrhea when creatine is taken in excess or on an empty stomach. 4. Unhealthy Body Image & Dependency Over-reliance on supplements may encourage neglect of natural nu...

  Hibiscus Tea: Benefits and Side Effects Herbal teas have long been celebrated for their health-promoting properties, and among them, hibiscus tea stands out as a vibrant ruby-red infusion with a tart, cranberry-like flavor. Brewed from the dried petals of the Hibiscus sabdariffa flower, this tea is enjoyed both hot and cold across the world. While hibiscus tea offers impressive health benefits, it also comes with a few precautions to keep in mind.   Health Benefits of Hibiscus Tea 1. Supports Heart Health One of the most researched benefits of hibiscus tea is its effect on blood pressure. Several studies suggest that regular consumption may help lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, making it a natural aid for people with mild hypertension. It may also reduce LDL (“bad”) cholesterol while improving HDL (“good”) cholesterol, supporting overall heart health. 2. Rich in Antioxidants Hibiscus tea is loaded with powerful antioxidants such as anthocyanins and vitamin C...