Health
7 reasons you should drink alcohol more often
Binge-drinking on the weekends (and sometimes during the week) is second nature to many.
While alcohol abuse will definitely deteriorate one’s mental and physical health, drinking moderately is actually great for your health.
According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, “moderate alcohol consumption is defined as having up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men. This definition is referring to the amount consumed on any single day and is not intended as an average over several days”.
Here are the ways alcohol can be beneficial to your health.
Flat tummy
When regularly consumed in moderation, alcohol can actually help fight off fat.
A 2010 study published in The Archives of Internal Medicine found that women who had one or two drinks a day were less likely to gain weight than those who shunned the sauce.
Women who drink moderate amounts of alcohol tend to eat less food, particularly carbohydrates, according to Lu Wang, lead researcher on the study and an instructor at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
Cardiovascular health
The School of Public Health at Harvard University found that “moderate amounts of alcohol raises levels of high-density lipoprotein, HDL, or ‘good’ cholesterol and higher HDL levels are associated with greater protection against heart disease”.
Increase lifespan
Drink more and live longer.
A study by the Catholic University of Campobasso reported that drinking less than four or two drinks per day for men and women respectively could reduce the risk of death by 18 percent, as reported by Reuters.
Reduce risk of diabetes
A drink a day keeps diabetes away? Surprisingly, it can help.
A 2005 report published in Diabetes Care found that moderate amounts of alcohol reduces risk of having type 2 diabetes by up to 30 percent. One drink a day is advised for women, and up to two drinks a day for men.
Increased libido
Alcohol has the ability to protect men against erectile dysfunction.
In a 2009 study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, researchers found that the chances of erectile dysfunction were reduced by 25 to 30 percent among alcohol drinkers.
Increased brainpower
It’s easy to assume that alcohol messes up your brain but that’s only when it’s consumed in excess.
Researchers from Loyola University found that moderate drinkers were 23 percent less likely to develop cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease, and other forms of dementia compared to non-drinkers.
Prevents against the common cold
The Department of Psychology at Carnegie Mellon University found that while susceptibility to the common cold was increased by smoking, moderate alcohol consumption led to a decrease in common cold cases for nonsmokers.
Food
Eight foods to avoid on an empty stomach
What you eat first thing in the morning sets the tone for your day. After a night of fasting, your body is ready for the right kind of fuel to boost your energy and get your metabolism going.
However, some foods can cause discomfort, bloating, or irritation when eaten on an empty stomach—especially acidic ones that can be tough on your stomach lining.
On the flip side, starting your day with a balanced breakfast that includes protein, healthy fats, and fibre can keep your blood sugar steady, sharpen your focus, and give you energy that lasts.
Here are eight foods you should skip on an empty stomach:
1. Citrus fruits
Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, and lemons are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, making them great for your health. But when eaten on an empty stomach, their high acidity can irritate your stomach lining. This can lead to acid reflux, bloating, or even heartburn. Plus, their tangy flavour can trigger your stomach to produce too much gastric acid, which may cause discomfort.
2. Coffee
For many, coffee is a morning ritual. However, drinking it on an empty stomach can be harsh on your digestive system. The caffeine in coffee can ramp up stomach acid production, which may cause acid reflux, heartburn, or even gastritis if there’s nothing in your stomach to balance it out. On top of that, coffee can dehydrate you, especially if it’s the first thing you drink in the morning.
3. Spicy foods
Spicy foods like chilli or hot sauce might be delicious, but they aren’t the best idea on an empty stomach. These fiery options can increase gastric acid production, which can lead to acid reflux and heartburn. Spices can also irritate the stomach lining, leaving it more susceptible to inflammation and discomfort.
4. Sugary foods
Sugary treats like pastries, sugary cereals, or sweetened drinks might seem like a quick way to start your day, but they can backfire. Eating them on an empty stomach causes your blood sugar to spike rapidly, giving you a short-lived energy boost followed by a crash. This crash can leave you feeling tired and cranky. Sugary foods can also disrupt digestion, causing bloating and discomfort.
5. Yoghurt
Yoghurt is generally considered a healthy snack, but it’s not ideal for an empty stomach. The natural acidity in yoghurt can irritate sensitive stomachs and may reduce the effectiveness of the probiotics it contains. These beneficial bacteria can struggle to survive in the highly acidic environment of an empty stomach.
6. Fried foods
Fried foods like doughnuts, French fries, or fried chicken are heavy and take longer to digest. Eating them on an empty stomach can overwhelm your digestive system, leading to bloating, indigestion, or even nausea. Their high fat content also slows down digestion, making you feel sluggish and uncomfortable.
7. Raw vegetables
Raw vegetables are undeniably healthy, but eating them on an empty stomach can be rough on your digestive system. Their high fibre content and certain enzymes can lead to gas and bloating. Vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower are particularly challenging because they are harder to digest when your stomach is empty.
8. Carbonated drinks
Starting your day with soda or sparkling water isn’t the best idea. The carbon dioxide in these drinks can create gas in your stomach, leaving you feeling bloated and uncomfortable. They can also irritate your stomach lining and disrupt digestion.
Conclusion
Choosing the right foods for an empty stomach is key to starting your day on the right note. Avoiding these eight foods can help you feel more comfortable and energized. Instead, reach for options that are easy on your stomach, like oatmeal, bananas, or whole-grain toast with eggs. These choices will give you a healthy and balanced start to your day.
Health
WHO approves Japanese mpox vaccine for emergency use
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has granted emergency use listing (EUL) for the LC16m8 mpox vaccine.
This would be the second mpox vaccine to be supported by WHO following the declaration of mpox as a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) on August 14, 2024.
The LC16m8 is a vaccine developed and manufactured by KM Biologics in Japan.
The technical advisory group (TAG) for EUL of vaccines convened to discuss the outcome of the LC16m8 vaccine review, including the product and programmatic suitability assessments.
Cases have been reported across 80 countries, including 19 countries in Africa, as of October 31, 2024.
The Democratic Republic of Congo, the hardest-hit country, recorded a majority of suspected cases — over 39,000 — as well as more than 1,000 deaths.
In a statement on Tuesday, the WHO said the move is particularly relevant as the Japanese government has announced that it will donate 3.05 million doses of the LC16m8 vaccine, alongside specialised inoculation needles, to the DRC.
“This is the largest donation package announced to date in response to the current mpox emergency,” the statement reads.
“The TAG recommended the vaccine for use in individuals over one year of age as a single dose vaccine, via a multiple puncture technique using a bifurcated needle.
“WHO’s assessment for EUL is based on information submitted by the manufacturer and review by the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA), the Japanese regulatory agency of record for this vaccine.
“The LC16m8 vaccine has been used in Japan during previous mpox outbreaks and was shown to be safe and effective, including in people with well-controlled HIV.
“The WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on Immunization reviewed available evidence and recommended the use of LC16m8 vaccine in outbreak settings in children and others with a documented high-risk of exposure to mpox.
“However, minimally replicating vaccines, such as LC16m8, should not be used during pregnancy and in people who are immunocompromised.
“Immunocompromised persons include those with active cancer, transplant recipients, immunodeficiency, and active treatment with immunosuppressive agents.
“They also include people living with HIV with a current CD4 cell count of <200 cells µl.”
Health
Five ways to rid your home of ants
Ants are just one of the many pests that can launch an attack on your home.
The tiny insects are particularly attracted to the scent of sugar or grease. The scent of other foods may also attract ants which is why it is imperative to promptly clean spills.
Without proper management, ants can overrun your home.
Here are five ways to rid your home of ants.
Cucumber peels
Cucumber peels can serve as an excellent ant repellent.
Put them around areas affected by ants and you will notice that they will disappear in no time.
Salt
Ordinary salt is the safest remedy to keep ants away.
Use the mineral as a barricade to prevent the ants from crossing the designated area.
Duct tape
This can be useful to save your plants or keep ants from climbing your table or bed legs.
Wrap the tape around the base of plant or table leg with the sticky side outwardly. It will gum all the ants, and they will either die or be unable to move and fall prey to other insects.
Boiling water
If you can manage to find the source of the ants in or around your compound, you can pour a kettle of boiling water directly onto the ant hills to protect your home.
Vinegar
Vinegar diluted in water used to clean surfaces helps in eradicating ants due to its fungicidal and insecticidal properties.
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