Why do non-smokers have lung cancer?

@healthbiztips cancer health blog healthbiztips lung cancer

Why do non-smokers have lung cancer?

12:42 PM

Why do non-smokers have lung cancer? Healthbiztips
photo credit: Franck V. @franckinjapan @unsplash

Why do non-smokers have lung cancer? Healthbiztips

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan | health blog

Tobacco smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer so the emergence of this dreaded disease among non-smokers baffles and surprises many. Try turning the table around and ask why not all smokers develop lung cancer.

First and foremost, although smoking tobacco is the major risk factor for the development of lung cancer, it is not the sole culprit. Circumstances like gene mutation, exposure to second hand smoke, air pollution, radon gas, asbestos, and radiation can also be the reason for the development of lung cancer.

The presence of a family history of lung cancer puts a person at an increased risk of developing this disease. Likewise, environmental factors like inhalation of chemical irritants can have serious implications.

Another culprit shown by research that can greatly contribute to lung cancer formation is the presence of major stressful life events such as divorce. Moreover, particularly startling is the discovery that when these stressful events does show to significantly contribute to lung cancer, their effect manifest in just several months to a few years whilst those attributed to smoking takes decades to develop.

Particularly alarming about lung cancer is it isn't usually apparent during it's early stage as it doesn't manifest signs and symtoms. By the time that symptoms like persistenct cough, breathing difficulty and chest pain does manifest, lung cancer has already advanced to end stage Stage IV in which cancer cells have metastazised to nearby organs such as the liver and brain. Thus, the survival rate for this type of cancer is low.

The possibility that a non-smoker will be diagnosed with lung cancer is by no means a way to put smoking at a better light. Take note that about 80% of individuals who have lung cancer have a history of smoking tobacco.

Overall, the development of lung cancer can involve various factors, not just cigarette smoking.


Resouces:

Jafri, S. H., Ali, F., Mollaeian, A., Mojiz Hasan, S., Hussain, R., Akkanti, B., … El-Osta, H. (2019). Major Stressful Life Events and Risk of Developing Lung Cancer: A Case-Control Study. Clinical Medicine Insights. Oncology, 13, 1179554919835798. doi:10.1177/1179554919835798

Why Saffron is the Most Expensive Spice & What does it Taste?

@healthbiztips health health blog healthbiztips saffron spice

Why Saffron is the Most Expensive Spice & What does it Taste?

7:48 PM

Crocus sativus flower from which Saffron is obtained

photo credit: Mahdi Dastmard @mahdigp @unsplash 

Why Saffron is the Most Expensive Spice & What does it Taste? - Healthbiztips

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan - healthblog

A gram of saffron can cost roughly more than $6 but why is it so ridiculously high-priced? What many people don't know is the painstaking process involved in the making of this spice.

Saffron can only be harvested for one to three weeks each year since the violet flower Crocus sativus from which saffron is obtained blooms only during autumn. Not only that, the flowers have to be carefully handpicked and each of it's three stigma meticulous plucked and extracted by hand as well.

Each Crocus sativus flower contains only 3 redish stigma or stamen which are the saffron itself. Considering that each of these have to plucked out by hands, it is indeed a hard labor. A cultivator has to go through about 150 flowers to come by with a single gram of saffron. Meanwhile, an ounce of saffron will require roughly 75,000 flowers.

Did you know that this Crocus flower is sterile so they can not propagate by pollination and instead depends on human intervention to reproduce? So, it's bulb-like corms have to be unearthed manually, divided, and replanted in order to perpetuate their species.

Turning to it's taste. Powdered saffron looks quite like paprika but it definitely isn't on the spicy spectrum. In fact, this spice has a sweet hay-like and distinct taste with a signature fragrant aroma.

Although saffron has a unique taste, it's quite hard to define it in words. In addition, people have varying perception of it's taste. Despite this, it is undeniable that the infusion of this spice takes foods and drinks into a whole new level.

Many will argue that there is no replacement spice for the extraordinary taste of saffron. In fact, the absence of saffron can break the palatability of certain traditional dishes like Spanish paella.

The best quality saffrons are red in color, without a yellowish tint. Intact saffron stigma is preferred than powdered form as this ensure there is no filler like tumeric and paprika that have been added.

Saffron is widely used, especially in the Middle East Asia and India to color and season dishes, beverages, desserts, and is treasured for it's medicinal property.

Saffron is an irreplaceable spice with thousands of years of culinary traditions across the globe, but requires extensive labor to cultivate.

Miniso Adventure Time Baby Wet Wipes Review (Part 2)

@healthbiztips baby wet wipes beauty beauty blog Beauty product review healthbiztips personal care products product review wet wipes

Miniso Adventure Time Baby Wet Wipes Review (Part 2)

7:54 AM

Miniso Adventure Time Baby Wet Wipes Review | Healthbiztips

Miniso Adventure Time Baby Wet Wipes Review Part 2

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan | product review

Miniso's Adventure Time Wet Wipes packaging design is so adorable and extremely cute! 

Finn the human | Miniso Adventure Time Baby Wet Wipes Review | Healthbiztips

Each package contains five individually wrapped wet wipes with imprinted character from the beloved cartoon series. There's Finn the human, Jake the dog, Beemo, Princess Bubblegum, and Lumpy Space Princess.

Miniso Adventure Time 
Baby Wet Wipes Review 
Part 1

Miniso Adventure Time Baby Wet Wipes Review | Healthbiztips

Each packet of Adventure Time baby wet wipes by Miniso contains 10 sheets which are soft and moist, yet sturdy. It's sheets doesn't break apart when you rub it on your skin or pull on it gently.

Jake the dog | Miniso Adventure Time Baby Wet Wipes Review | Healthbiztips

Each packet has a resealable sticker to ensure that all it's moisture is contained inside. It's small enough to be a convenient backpack essential.

Miniso Adventure Time Baby Wet Wipes Review | Healthbiztips

It contains moisturizing components aloe and glycerin to prevent drying, although it is worth noting that this product is not all-natural nor organic. It actually contains preservative like benzalkonium chloride.

Ingredients of Miniso Adventure TimebBaby Wet Wipes:

Aqua, Glycerin, Aloe Yohjyu, Matsu Ekisu, Benzalkonium chloride, Chlorphenesin, Cetylpyridinium chloride, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid.

BMO | Miniso Adventure Time Baby Wet Wipes Review | Healthbiztips

Miniso Adventure Time Baby Wet Wipes Review | Healthbiztips

Buyers may be confused of the logo "Miniso Japan" at the back of this product so to clear this out, let me say that although it is claimed that Miniso is a Japanese inspired brand, this company is actually based on Guangzhou, China. Incredibly this brand has expanded in multiple countries across the globe.

Princess Bubblegum | Miniso Adventure Time Baby Wet Wipes Review | Healthbiztips

Miniso Adventure Time Baby Wet Wipes Review | Healthbiztips

When I used this wet wipe on my skin, it felt clean and gentle. It doen't have any distinct aroma.

Lumpy Space Princess | Miniso Adventure Time Baby Wet Wipes Review | Healthbiztips

Miniso Adventure Time Baby Wet Wipes Review | Healthbiztips

According to the package inscription, you're not supposed to let this product get in contact with your eyes, althought if that happens, you have to rinse it off.

Jake, Finn, and BMO | Miniso Adventure Time Baby Wet Wipes Review | Healthbiztips

Princess Bubblegum and Fin | Miniso Adventure Time Baby Wet Wipes Review | Healthbiztips

Miniso Adventure Time Baby Wet Wipes Review | Healthbiztips

Any feedback or reviews you'd like to share about this personal care product? Leave me a comment below.

Related blog post:

Miniso Adventure Time - Baby Wet Wipes Review Part 1

Miniso We Bare Bears Odorless Mild Wipes Review

7 Health Benefits of Mango

@healthbiztips fruits health blog healthbiztips mango superfoods

7 Health Benefits of Mango

5:22 PM

Mango Health Benefits - Healthbiztips

Mango Health Benefits - Healthbiztips

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan -- health blog

Mango (Mangifera indica) is one of the most desired tropical fruits because of it's delectable taste. It is packed with fiber, vitamins and minerals which offers a range of health advantages.

Ripe mangoes have a soft yellow juicy sweet or sour flesh surrounding a large tough seed at it's core. This fruit comes in various varieties with different sizes and skin color ranging from green, orange, and yellow, although it's skin is inedible.

Unripe mangoes are usually green in color with a extremely sour greenish fresh. Still, even unripe mangoes have an appeal as it can be eaten with fish paste (bagoong) or table salt to balance out it's taste.


1. Promotes good digestion

A good source of fiber, incorporating mango in the diet helps prevent and counteracts gastrointestinal problems like constipation, and encourages  regular bowel movement.


2. Good for the eyes

Every 100 grams of mango contains about 21% of one's daily Vitamin A needs. Vitamin A is essential for sharp eyesight and prevention of macular degeneration.


3. Boosts immune system

Mango is an excellent source of Vitamin C, an antioxidant  that plays a role in immunity and body repair. 100 gram mango meets about 60% of one's daily Vitamin C requirement.


4. Healthy skin, hair, and teeth

Vitamin C is also a paramount component in the production of collagen which serves as structural support of the skin, hair, teeth, muscle, organs, and other integral parts of the body. It gives strength and flexibility and prevents wrinkling and sagging.


5. Low in calories

Mangoes are low in calories, and do not contain cholesterol. Every 100 gram of this fruit only contains roughly 60 calories.


6. Antioxidant rich

Mango is rich in antioxidant polyphenols which serves to shield the body from harmful environmental free radicals that are responsible for premature aging. It also ensures the health of the cells in the human body. Studies in animals shows that intake of mango has positive outcome in the prevention of heart disease and cancer.


7. Vitamins and minerals

Mango is a good source of Vitamin E, folate, potassium, copper, vitamin B, vitamin K, and manganese, with traces of iron, calcium, and phosphorus.

Humidifier soothes Dry eyes

@healthbiztips alternative medicine complementary and alternative medicine dry eye health blog healthbiztips humidifier

Humidifier soothes Dry eyes

4:31 AM

Humidifier soothes dry eyes

Humidifier for Dry eye Relief -- Healthbiztips

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan -- health blog

Excessive screen time, dry climate, hot and cold temperature are notorious environmental culprits that can cause or exacerbate dry eyes as they hasten the rate at which tears evaporate from the surface of the eyes. This is why restoring moisture in the air proves beneficial to control the symptoms of dry eyes.

Humidifier is a device that intoduces moisture into the air. It comes in various sizes that can cater a small area or an entire household. Not to be confused with diffuser which is use on essential oil, although certain types can also serve as humidifier.

In todays modern society, the incorporation of humidifier in households and offices is a practical solution to ease the eye strain brought about by spending too much time checking one's phone or working on a computer. A humidifier sitting on a desk while you fixate on your laptop is soothing.

Generally, an individual involuntarily blinks about 15 to 20 times every minute as a protective mechanism to continually spread a thin film of tears on the surface of the cornea to keep it moist and lubricated, however, substantial amount of screen time significantly lessens this crucial reflex.

Living in arid areas, the onset of summer or winter, or staying in an airconditionsd room can leave the eye dried-up.   Cases such as these can gain relief through the utilization of a humidifier indoors.

Another wonderful health benefit of humidifier is the prevention of common cold and flu, as well as improvement of breathing difficulty in asthma. Furthermore, since humidifier boosts humidity, it can be use to manage dry skin, dry hair, chapped lips, dry cough, and sore throat.

Indeed, eye drop is usually what comes into mind as a first line of dry eye treatment, but it is equally worthwhile to consider the positive effect of humidifier to abate the impact created by the lack of moisture in the air we breath.

Ketogenic diet for Drug-resistant Epilepsy

@healthbiztips alternative medicine complementary and alternative medicine diet epilepsy health health blog healthbiztips keto diet ketogenic diet seizure

Ketogenic diet for Drug-resistant Epilepsy

1:47 PM

Ketogenic diet for Drug-resistant Epilepsy | healthbiztips

Keto diet, an Alternative Option for Drug-resistant Seizure

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan | health blog

Ketogenic diet has become an alternative treatment for epileptic people when conventional antiseizure medicine fail to prevent an episode, but how can such a dietary regimen alleviate a serious medical condition?

The utilization of ketogenic diet for drug-resistant epilepsy is predominantly utilized in children, although it is not recommended for adults.

The Epilepsy Foundation claimed that:

• Over half of children who go on the diet have at least a 50% reduction in the number of their seizures.
• Some children, usually 10-15%, even become seizure-free.

According to this agency, keto diet proves helpful in medical conditions such as:

• infantile spasms
• Rett syndrome
• tuberous sclerosis complex
• Dravet syndrome
• Doose syndrome
• GLUT-1 deficiency

Studies by Rogawski and colleagues sheds some light into this topic:

Although the exact mechanism of ketogenic diet's success in averting seizure episode is hard to point out, it is known that keto diet's fundamental principle of mimicking the state of starvation induced by fasting is a key factor. However, do note that this diet does not withhold food intake, Instead, it drastically cuts down the portion of carbohydrate a person eats and replaces this main energy source with fat.

Without enough glucose to break down from the scanty carbohydrate, the body switches to fat as it's fuel. Fat is broken down and the liver produces ketone to serve as energy source. At this state, the person is said to be under the state of ketosis in which these ketone bodies floods the bloodstream.

The presence of ketone bodies have several metabolic effects that greatly benefit epileptic people:

• increase in the production of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter
• decrease in the production of glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter
• Increase production of adenosine, an inhibitory neurotransmitter
• Increase in the mitochondrial biogenesis in the hippocampus
• Increase in reduced gutathione (GSH)

Since each patient has varying medical case and history, it is worth knowing that keto diet is not effective for all people so make it a point to consult your health care provider before starting it.


Resources:

Rogawski, M. A., Löscher, W., & Rho, J. M. (2016). Mechanisms of Action of Antiseizure Drugs and the Ketogenic Diet. Cold Spring Harbor perspectives in medicine, 6(5), a022780. doi:10.1101/cshperspect.a022780

Epilepsy Foundation. Ketogenic Diet. https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/treating-seizures-and-epilepsy/dietary-therapies/ketogenic-diet

Nivea Micellar Water Review

@healthbiztips beauty beauty blog Beauty product review cleanser facial cleanser healthbiztips nivea

Nivea Micellar Water Review

3:25 AM

Nivea Micellar Water Review | Healthbiztips

Nivea Micellar Water Review | Healthbiztips

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan | beauty blog

Let's review Nivea Micellar Water. This is a 3-in-1 cleanser that contains absolutely no alcohol which is great for people with sensitive skin because it doesn't cause dryness.

Nivea Micellar Water Review | Healthbiztips

It has a very mild scent and when you apply it on your skin, it doesn't sting nor cause pain. In fact, micellar water is so gentle that you can even apply it around the sensitive area around your eyes. That's incredible because most other cleansers tells you not to put them around your eye area.

Nivea Micellar Water Review | Healthbiztips

I have here the Acne Clear Micellar Water by Nivea which deeply cleanses pores by removing hard to reach dirts, oils, and impurities. It's a great skincare product to prevent acne because, it doesn't only remove the bad stuffs from deep inside your pores, it actually prevents clogging of pores.


By the way, there are other versions of Nivea's Micellar Water like the Extra White. Here I got the Acne Clear because I got to get rid of these nasty pimples.

You know how those hard to remove waterproof make-up can be really tough to wipe away? Then, Nivea micellar water might just be the thing you are looking for. This cleanser can remove waterproof makeup! Although, I have to warn you that it can not remove 100% of those waterproof makeup. Like for example, I've encountered a case when this cleanser fail to remove a waterproof mascara. Nevertheless, this is still one of the good products out there in the market.

Nivea's Micellar Water contains Magnolia Bark Extract which has an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory property. It kills bacteria and reduces swelling and redness on your face.

Nivea Micellar Water Review | Healthbiztips

This skincare product comes in this blue tinged plastic bottle with a white cap. On the bottom part of the bottle, you'll see the expiration date.

Nivea Micellar Water Review | Healthbiztips

The cleanser has a transparent water-like consistency with a mild scent. When you shake the bottle, it actually forms a foam on the surface of the liquid.

To use this cleanser, you simply put a desired amount of micellar water into a cotton pad or a cotton ball, then wipe it over your face. Afterward, you can either choose to wash your face with water or not at all.


I have here a 125ml bottle of micellar water which is small enough to be brought during outdoor activities. There's  a bigger variation which is a 200ml bottle.

That's it. I hope you find this review useful.