Role Of NONI In Asthma

BRONCHIAL ASTHMA

 

Asthma is primarily a disorder of the bronchial tubes, the airways that connect the windpipe (trachea) and the lungs. The bronchial tubes are surrounded by smooth muscle. The tubes themselves are lined with mucus glands and contain inflammatory immune-system cells called mast cells, lymphocytes, and eosinophils. When activated, these cells produce inflammatory mediators such as histamine and leukotrienes, which bind with receptors on cells within the bronchial tubes.

 

During as asthma attack, a cascade of events is launched that results in the production of histamine and leukotrienes. Leukotrienes are derived from the inflammatory arachidonic acid. These inflammatory mediators cause a host of changes in bronchial tissue: they trigger a dramatic increase in mucus secretion and a simultaneous rapid constriction of the bronchial smooth muscle, which narrows the bronchial tubes and reduces the amount of air that can pass through them. Over the course of the subsequent few hours, inflammatory cells move into the area, capillaries begin to leak fluid, and direct tissue damage occurs, triggering further inflammation and swelling. The net result is wheezing and coughing and eventual trapping of air in the alveoli (a tiny, thin-walled, capillary-rich sac in the lungs, or air sac) and smaller airways. This air trapping is most dangerous to the asthmatic because it progressively limits the amount of air that can be exchanged between the lungs and the blood stream, eventually causing rising carbon dioxide levels and falling oxygen levels. The increased muscular effort required to move air increases oxygen demand, tissue metabolism, and acid production, eventually resulting in exhaustion and, in extreme cases, respiratory collapse and arrest.

 

OXIDATIVE STRESS AND BRONCHIAL ASTHMA

 

Higher levels of the antioxidants beta-carotene and vitamin C, along with the antioxidant trace minerals, were associated with a lower risk of asthma. The idea behind nutritional supplementation is to disrupt this inflammatory cascade whenever possible. For example, omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to inhibit the production of arachidonic acid, which reduces the concentration of inflammatory leukotrienes . Other phytonutrients and flavonoids glycosides interfere with other causative factors in the inflammatory cascade, such as inhibiting nuclear factor kappa beta and an enzyme that converts arachidonic acid to leukotriene B4.

 

Scientists are also beginning to better understand the interaction between allergies, asthma, and oxidative stress. Oxidative stress occurs when highly reactive molecules, known as free radicals, interact with molecules within the body, especially DNA and mitochondrial membranes. Experimental evidence suggests that some pollutants, such as vehicle exhaust, may produce oxidative stress in the bronchial tubes. Studies suggest that natural dietary supplementation with all nutrients and phyto nutrients like cysteine and alpha-lipoic acid, bio flavonoids , glycosides etc can enhance the pulmonary defenses, thus countering oxidative stress.

 

Antioxidants (vitamins C, E, and A). A number of studies have suggested that consuming antioxidants such as vitamins C, E, beta-carotene, flavonoids, selenium, and other nutrients reduces the risk of bronchoconstriction associated with asthma.

 

For instance, studies have shown that vitamin C and possibly vitamin E supplementation can alleviate the severity of asthma symptoms. Dietary supplementation with vitamin C and vitamin A has also been associated with reduced susceptibility to asthma attacks. Other studies have demonstrated that vitamin C or E supplementation may be a valuable addition to the treatment of patients with allergic rhinitis (otherwise known as hay fever) and asthma.

 

Dietary supplementation of vitamin C has also been found to help a specific form of asthma called exercise-induced asthma (EIA). People with EIA are usually symptom free when not exercising. Studies have found that 1 or 2 g vitamin C daily diminished episodes of EIA.

 

Flavonoids. Flavonoids have antioxidant properties and have been associated with improved lung function. One study demonstrated that a high dietary intake of the flavonoids was associated with a lower prevalence of asthma.

 

ROLE OF NONI IN BRONCHIAL ASTHMA

 

Noni acts as an effective and powerful anti-oxidant. It contains all the vitamins and minerals – Vita A, C, E, B1, B2, B6, B12, beta-carotene, Niacin, Biotin, Pantothenic Acid (B5), Folic Acid. Noni is rich with bio flavonoids, flavone glycosides, linoleic acid, Alizarin, amino acids, acubin, L-asperuloside, caproic acid, caprylic acid, ursolic acid, rutin, and proxeronine.

 

A research group has successfully identified several new flavonol glycosides, an iridoid glycoside from the Noni leaves, a trisacharide fatty acid ester, rutin, and an asperulosidic acid from the fruit. Besides that Noni contains more than 150 other essential phytonutrients that are highly required for our body.

 

Therefore Noni may help to reduce the risk of bronco constriction associated with asthma. Anti oxidant property of Noni helps to reduce the oxidative stress and neutralizes the damaging effect of free radicals.

 

Hence a long term use of Noni helps for the asthmatic patients a lot.

 

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Itchy Throat Remedy

Though itchy throat is not a serious health problem, it could be annoying and may also cause some amount of discomfort. Here is a list of remedies to alleviate this condition.

Itchy throat is a condition that can be described as a sensation of throat irritation, which may or may not be accompanied with pain, runny nose and difficulty in eating and talking. Some people may develop cough and other symptoms too. The condition, which is sometimes referred to as sore throat, could be caused by various reasons. A mild itchy throat may subside within a few days, without any medication. In such cases, home remedies will prove effective to relieve the discomfort.

Remedies to Soothe an Itchy Throat

Severity of symptoms is one of the factors that have to be taken into consideration, while choosing the right itchy throat remedy. If the symptoms are very severe and interfere with your daily activities or you suspect an underlying medical condition, then consult your doctor immediately. If the condition is mild, you may resort to some home remedies, like those given below.

Saltwater Gargling: Gargling with lukewarm saline water is one of the popular remedies for this condition. Add four tablespoons of salt to three cups of water and boil the solution. Use the water for gargling, when it cools down a little. For better results, repeat gargling every two to three hours.

Ginger and Honey: Take a teaspoon of fresh ginger juice and add a teaspoon of honey. Heat the mixture slightly and consume it (preferably before bedtime). Otherwise, prepare ginger and honey tea by steeping ginger in boiling water for at least ten minutes. Mix honey and consume as hot tea.

Turmeric and Milk: Boil a cup of milk (can be replaced with water) along with a teaspoon of turmeric and drink it before going to bed. Repeat this for three to four days for best results. You may also add a small piece of ginger while boiling milk. Honey can be used as a sweetener.

Proper Hydration: As dehydration is one of the causes of itching in throat, staying well-hydrated can bring relief. Fluids keep the throat lubricated and this will help reduce the discomfort. Plain water is always preferred to sugary drinks. Avoid citrus juices that may irritate the throat.

Chamomile Tea: Another itchy throat remedy, chamomile tea, can be prepared by steeping three to four teaspoons of dried chamomile blossoms in a quart of boiling water, for around five minutes. Chamomile is said to have soothing properties. You may replace it with licorice tea.

Throat Lozenges: For temporary relief from itchiness in throat, you can use throat lozenges. This boosts production of saliva that will lubricate the throat and thins the mucus accumulation, if any. You can also chew some raw garlic or cloves for relieving the discomfort.

Hot Steam Vaporizer: A vaporizer can offer you instant relief, if you are suffering from an itchy throat. Hot steam is good for moistening your throat and also for opening up the blocked nasal passages. Inhale the steam at least thrice a day, for best results.

Apart from the above said itchy throat remedies, you may also opt for over-the-counter medicines like painkillers. However, if the condition persists or worsens, consult your doctor for appropriate treatment. Seek medical attention, if you have a high fever, if there is blood in the phlegm or saliva or if there are additional symptoms like ear pain. This is also applicable to those who develop itching in throat, due to allergies. It will be better to avoid those factors (like excessive smoking) that trigger the condition.

What Causes Itching in Throat?
The throat has an inner lining of mucous membrane, which contain nerve endings. The inner walls of the throat along with the nerve endings, are covered and protected by the slimy mucus secreted from the tiny glands in the mucous membrane. This mucus facilitates smooth flow of food and air through the passage.

If, due to any reason, the mucous glands fail to produce enough mucus, then the nerve endings get exposed and irritated by certain foods and polluted air. The following are some of the common causes of itchy throat.

Viral, bacterial or fungal infections of the throat 

Dry throat (due to fever, breathing through mouth, cold weather, dry air or medication)
 

Allergies; Acid reflux; Dehydration; Foreign body stuck in the throat

 

Continuous vomiting; Inhalation/ingestion of irritants

 

Diagnostic procedures like gastric or bronchial endoscopy

 

Singing or speaking loudly for a long time

 

Infection of the sinus or lungs; Excess intake of alcohol or caffeine

 

Tumors in throat or vocal cords; Enlarged thyroid gland

 

In short, itchy throat is a condition that can be caused by various reasons, ranging from mild to severe. Those with severe symptoms must seek immediate medical attention.

 

For mild itchy throat with no additional symptoms, home remedies may suffice. If the symptoms worsen, contact your doctor. It is not advisable to use prescription medication without consulting your health practitioner.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice. Visiting your physician is the safest way to diagnose and treat any health condition.

By Sonia Nair

How to Start Running

Stick to your New Year's resolution to get moving with these inspiring expert jogging tips.

It's New Year's resolutions time! Is there anything more inspiring to bring out the runner in you? But before you lace up your shoes and start ticking off the miles, plan to kick things off slowly if you haven't been running lately. The road does not come without risks.

"Men tend to get injuries from overdoing it," says former Olympic runner Jeff Galloway, a columnist for Runner's World magazine and author of Women's Complete Guide to Running, which he co-wrote with his wife, Barbara. "Women don't push the envelope as much when they are starting out, but because they have lower bone density, they're more prone to stress fractures."

Anna Brickhouse, 42, has been running since she was a teenager. But the English professor and mother of two boys in Charlottesville, Va., effectively became a new runner after returning from a three-month trip in 2007. "Transitioning back into running with my group, I found it hard to keep up at first. Getting back into it was a process," she says.

Starting to Run Again

How to get back into the race? Start with your diet. To fuel a run, Galloway recommends keeping well hydrated by drinking at least 8 ounces of nonalcoholic liquid eight times a day and eating a small, sugar-boosting snack 30 minutes before you head out. He suggests half of an energy bar or a sports drink.

These days, Brickhouse logs anywhere from 18 to 23 miles a week. For her, running is the ideal way to stay in shape and keep connected with friends. "Women tend to respond better to running in groups," Galloway says. "It's very powerful for women; it helps keep them motivated."

Men, however, often run on their own. Galloway cautions them not to get overly enthusiastic early on. "Men who have not done any real exercise in 20 years and suddenly decide to run like they did in high school -- that's a formula for disaster."

The Walk-Run Ratio

Galloway, who works with runners at all ages and levels, teaches a technique that lets the body ease into its new type of motion. Beginning runners, he says, should run for 5 to 10 seconds out of every minute, walking the rest of each minute. Gradually, the walk/run ratio will shift as your muscles strengthen and your joints adjust.

Even in the beginning, when the bulk of your run time is spent walking, you are still getting a good workout. "Walking is the best cross-training," Galloway says. "And a lot of people progress to marathons in just six months."

Running Rules

Here are a few of runner Jeff Galloway's tips to keep you on the run and off the injured list.

Go for gain, not pain. "Follow the huff and puff rule: If you are huffing and puffing at the end of a run, you have overdone it," says Galloway, who advises a slow and easy approach to running. "The bottom line: You need to monitor your aches and pains."

Avoid runner's lows. Done incorrectly, running can cause a lot of discomfort and even injury, says Galloway. "People get discouraged and feel they are not designed for running. Really, they just need to correct their walk/run ratio [until it feels right]."

Run through it. Galloway and his wife have written two running books for women. "We went through a list of concerns with physicians and ob-gyns, such as menopause, PMS, and pregnancy," says Galloway. "Women can run through all of these things, though they will likely have to make individual adjustments to their routine."

By Matt McMillen
WebMD Feature
Reviewed by Michael W. Smith, MD