Saturday 27 May 2017

biju: Thyroid Problems.. Do not ignore..

biju: Thyroid Problems.. Do not ignore..: Thyroid diseases The thyroid is a small endocrine gland located just below the Adam’s apple in our neck. The Thyroid produces hormones l...

Thyroid Problems.. Do not ignore..

Thyroid diseases
The thyroid is a small endocrine gland located just below the Adam’s apple in our neck. The Thyroid produces hormones like tri-iodothyronine (T3) and thyroxin (T4). These hormones help the metabolic process of our body, physical growth and development, fertility, etc. Any decrease (hypothyroidism) or increase (hyperthyroidism) of this hormone makes thyroid diseases. Females are more prone to thyroid problems.
What causes thyroid disease?
Some cardiac medicines (Cordarone) prolonged use can cause thyroid dysfunction.
Prolonged exposure to radioactive substance makes thyroid imbalances.
Increased or decreased iodine intake is a main reason.
The non-stick Teflon-coated cookwares are one of the main reasons for thyroid disease. The non-stick coating contains two types of harmful chemicals such as Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS) and Perfluoroctanoic Acid (PFOA). These chemicals are unstable at very high temperature, prevent the thyroid hormone mechanism, and cause thyroid disease. Once the Teflon coating is damaged, do not use this for cooking purpose. Always use wooden spoon instead of stainless steel to protect the coating.
The Indian ginseng “Aswagandha” believes to be a booster in thyroid function. This is an herb used in traditional Ayurvedic practices. It increases the thyroid hormone production.
The goiterogens in cauliflower, radish, millet, cabbage, and broccoli prevents the absorption of iodine in the body. Therefore, over consumption of these goiterogenic vegetables makes thyroid disease. However, this goiterogens destroyed by proper cooking.
The oral contraceptive birth control pills are a combination of estrogen's and progestin (female sex hormones). These hormones affect the effectiveness of the thyroid gland. As a result, more thyroid hormone is secreted in woman’s body. The condition is hyperthyroidism.
Other reasons are cigarette smoking and inhalation of this smoke. The tobacco smoke contains substances that influence the function of the thyroid gland. Therefore, smoking increases the risk of thyroid disease.
During increased tension or stress cortisol hormone is released and this causes thyroid dysfunctions. Thus, chronic stress affects the thyroid health.
Decreased function of thyroid gland (Hypothyroidism)
Weight gain, intolerance to cold, tiredness, hair fall, dry skin, irregular menstruation, abortion, and depression occurs due to low thyroid hormone level.
Increased activity of thyroid gland (Hyperthyroidism)
The thyroid hormone level increases due to increased function of the thyroid gland. This causes increased sweating, hair falls, weight loss, intolerance to heat, softness of skin, and abortion.
Thyroid hormone and adolescence
The hormone level variations of the thyroid gland and this will cause delays maturity in boys and girls. Sometimes this may cause late menstruation or absence of menstrual cycle.
Pregnancy and thyroid
A well-balanced thyroid hormone level needs the growth and development of fetal brain. The congenital mental retardation is due to low thyroid hormone level during pregnancy.
Food items help for the smooth function of the thyroid gland
You must include vegetables, green leaves, fruits, fish, and coconut water daily in your diet for the thyroid health. Avoid cauliflower, cabbage, and broccoli because this will affect thyroid health. Recent studies show Green gram is good for thyroid health


biju: Prawn Masala Indian-Kerala Style

biju: Prawn Masala Indian-Kerala Style: The prawn is one of the tastiest seafood available almost all countries. Cooking method and preparations differ from countries to countrie...

Prawn Masala Indian-Kerala Style

The prawn is one of the tastiest seafood available almost all countries. Cooking method and preparations differ from countries to countries. This actually an Indian dish that they use red chillies more. This is a very tasteful dish of prawns in a mouth watering traditional Indian style with an additional taste of curry leaves and aniseed's (garam masala). Try to enjoy the taste...
Ingredients :
Shell removed, washed, and drained Prawn - 250 GM.
Garlic paste, Ginger paste - according to your taste
Red chili powder - 2 to 3 teaspoons
Coriander powder - half teaspoon
Turmeric powder r- one teaspoon       
Sliced onion - One cup           
Salt - as needed    

Aniseed's - half teaspoon 
Green chilli - 3 nos. Cut shorted
Curry leaves
Chopped tomato- half cup
Cooking oil- 5 teaspoon
PREPARATION :
Pour oil into a hot frying pan and make it hot. Put onion slices, aniseed (garam masala) and fry as it become light brown in color. Add chopped tomatoes and cover the pan, reduce the flame at a low level. Then add coriander powder, red chili powder, and turmeric powder and fry till they are pink in color. Add ginger garlic paste and cover the pan and wait some time. (Put on low flame).
Now open the lid and put prawn and stir the content. Add salt as per your taste. Cover the pan with a lid for 3- 5 minutes in low flame. Add cut green chili and curry leaves, stir and cover again for 2 minutes. Remember taste will increase when you steamed the food, so do not add water only reduce the flame and cover the frying pan. Now turn off the flame and open the lid, stir well, your prawn masala is ready to eat.
Things to know:
- You can add your locally available spices to make different smell and flavor.
- Cooking oil use as per your health, but more oil gives more taste to this dish.
- The more the curry leaves, the better the dish will taste.
- Garnish the prawn masala with chopped coriander leaves and red onion and serve hot.


biju: Chili Chicken - It is easy to make..!

biju: Chili Chicken - It is easy to make..!: Chilly chicken looks tasty, but the preparation is hard and time taking. However, after you try this super, simple chicken chilly recipe y...

Chili Chicken - It is easy to make..!

Chilly chicken looks tasty, but the preparation is hard and time taking. However, after you try this super, simple chicken chilly recipe you may say it is very easy. So discover here how to make chilly chicken using easy methods and enjoy it.
Ingredients needed
Boneless Chicken pieces- half kilogram, cut into small cubes
Chili sauce- 3 tbsp
Tomato sauce-2 tbsp
Soya sauce -1 tbsp
Red chili powder – 2 tbsp (I, prefer Kashmir chilly because it is less hot)
Orange color – one pinch
Ginger – one piece minced
Garlic – 3 pieces, minced
Capsicum – One, cut into small cubes
Big Onion – one, cut into small cubes
Edible oil – 2 tbsp
Chopped Celery, spring onion – for garnish
Salt – to taste
Preparation
Cut the boneless chicken into small cubes, wash, and drain. Then marinate chicken pieces in the above ingredients for at least 30 minutes. Keep half an hour this mixture in the refrigerator for sticking the masala with chicken.
After half an hour take it out from the refrigerator, put into the pressure cooker, and keep in medium flame. Switch off the stove after two whistles. Open the lid of the cooker after the steam cease and stir well. Serve chilly chicken, hot garnished with celery and chopped spring onion. This is good with steamed / boiled rice,  bread or chapatti.
Cook Time
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 5 min
Ready in: 35 min
Yields: serves 5 people

1.    Be careful while opening the lid of the pressure cooker to avoid scald.

biju: The greatest problem we face

biju: The greatest problem we face: The greatest problem that we face in this world is terrorism., which is the result of racialism. Our world has witnessed terrible disasters...

The greatest problem we face

The greatest problem that we face in this world is terrorism., which is the result of racialism. Our world has witnessed terrible disasters which are caused by racialism.
So, what is racialism?
It is the belief that some races are better than others or prejudice against of his race.
During the second world war, the suffering of the Jews in the concentration camps due to  the despotic commands made by the dictator 'Adolf Hitler'. Indian who believed in "Unity in Diversity" had to witness the blood shed of terrorism.
Racialism was not born on a sudden. The fight between the tribes during the ancient period and the racialism that existed in the ecclesiastical atmosphere was the contemporary problem of those days. The difference that existed between the whites and blacks was an example of the racialism that prevailed. Racialism existed even before thousands of years. But, still the evidence of discrimination persists throughout our society.
In some countries the society itself frames a system called religion. This can affect the law and order, there by causing communal riots. This is the result of the inter-religion rivalry that is existing in our world. We have many riots and tragedies as examples of inter religion, which perks a hurt in the mind of common people.
The weak section is ruled and exploited by the powerful section. This has become the law of the universe. This began right from the Garden of Eden. Many had to give up. Their life as a result of these exploitation which is the essence of racialism. The caste and religion which was build by human being have to be collapsed. The time was come, but still the evilness of the society prevails.
Many have raised their voice against racialism. There were creative battles to end the racial injustice. Martin Luther King Jr is a great example who was against racialism. He thought for the right of the Negroes. In India there are many prominent personalities who fought against the injustice. People should realize the fact that, God is one and religion is just man-made barrier between human beings. All religion should be united and should be against the injustice in the society. If it is not achieved, there will be more riots and brutal murders.
We are developing day by day, but we have to wipe out the brutal injustice prevailing in the society. It is the duty of each and every one of us. We should try to fight against racialism and build a world of peace and brotherhood.

Sunday 21 May 2017

biju: North Korea and US conflict: What is happening...?...

biju: North Korea and US conflict: What is happening...?...:      Tension is significantly rising in the region of North Korea as the US aircraft carriers continue its journey towards them.  A powerfu...

biju: North Korea and US conflict: What is happening...?...

biju: North Korea and US conflict: What is happening...?...:      Tension is significantly rising in the region of North Korea as the US aircraft carriers continue its journey towards them.  A powerful...

North Korea and US conflict: What is happening...?

     Tension is significantly rising in the region of North Korea as the US aircraft carriers continue its journey towards them.  A powerful officer of North Korea said that if any provocation occurs, they are ready to hit back with nuclear weapons as their own style and the end result could not be predicted.

In order to show the muscle power of North Korea, they displayed the new intercontinental and submarine-launched ballistic missiles, which have a range of more than 1000 km, in a parade in Pyongyang. This may be a sign of warning to US provocation..?

The US president seeks the help of china and if they will not help, US will solve the problem without china’s help. But the china’s foreign minister warned that the dispute could break out at any time and there could be no winner in the war!! If something happens over there it will be irreparable, very tough to control and the whole world should suffer.

North Korea was regularly experimenting ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons for many years. The US warships and aircraft's sent to Korean areas are aiming to prevent Korea’s wrong actions regarding nuclear weapons program.

According to US, the number one threat in this region is North Korea due to their immature, uncontrolled and destabilizing programs to the missile test and nuclear weapons.
However North Korea is on a mission to build up a long-range missile with nuclear warhead able of striking the US.

Following an alleged chemical attack happened in Syria; US just attacked them with its cruise missiles to their air force camps. And the same thing happens to Afghanistan, after this incident, US used ‘huge bombs’ or ‘mother bombs’ against ISIS terrorist camps killed more than hundreds.

  If the condition will go like this any time dispute could break out and the stress will increase more. This conflict leads to a gigantic refugee problem to china because they are the neighboring country of North Korea sharing its borders. Because of that US asked China to involve in this problem and to settle these issues. Now China became in between US and North Korea and they could not be able to take a stand against North Korea because they are the only believer partner of them.

Anyway, it is clear that North Korea is not like Syria because they achieved the nuclear weapons, long range ballistic missiles and they may use that against US if any provocation occurs. As per the global news, the intercontinental ballistic missiles of North Korea are able to reach up to US.  

The after effect is not predictable and we had already the picture of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in our mind. My opinion is that to build hard work to step back North Korea from the edge of a dangerous calamitous controversy by other neighboring countries and friends.  Here in this picture, can you say who is right and who is wrong?

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biju: Successful Breastfeeding

biju: Successful Breastfeeding:         T he best milk for a newborn baby is incontestably breast milk. It contains around more than 400 vital nutrients, hormones and imm...

Successful Breastfeeding


        The best milk for a newborn baby is incontestably breast milk. It contains around more than 400 vital nutrients, hormones and immunity agents. All healthy, normal weight babies must be exclusively breastfed till the age of six months.

Exclusive breastfeeding is the feeding of baby only breast milk for up to six months. It is essential to help the mothers of healthy newborn babies to establish breastfeeding as soon as possible after delivery.  Exclusive breastfeeding should be continued till six months of age and complimentary food should start after that only.

The Baby- Friendly Hospital initiative (BFHI) is introduced by the World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in 1991 to implement practices to promote, protect and support breastfeeding all around the world.

Aims of BFHI
  • To develop an optimistic move towards breastfeeding in the community
  • To encourage breastfeeding awareness for pregnant ladies and to the community
  • To safeguard the rights of mothers and babies to breastfeed.
  • To support mothers to breastfeed by facilitating health facilities caring for mothers and babies to become ‘baby-friendly’
  • To keep up the baby-friendly facility and approach in health care sectors
Advantages of breastfeeding:
  • Breast milk is a complete food and it is easily digestible and well absorbing. It is better for brain growth also.
  • It protects against infection
  • Breastfeeding promotes emotional bonding
  • Feeding helps the involution of the uterus
  • It delays pregnancy intervals (lactation amenorrhea method of birth control)
  • Lowers risk of breast and ovarian cancer
  • Exclusively breastfed babies are at decreased risk of diarrhea, pneumonia, ear infections, and death in the first year of life.
  Put baby to feed at the breast as soon as possible after birth. This is important for the mother, baby, and for milk production. On the first day, breast milk is thick and yellowish (known as Colostrum). Feeding this milk provides nutrition and prevents infections.  So do not discard colostrum and make sure the child gets it.

The mother may lie down, sit on a bed, chair or floor to breastfeed her baby. The more the baby sucks on the breast the more milk the breast will produce. Allow baby to feed at one breast until he leaves the nipple on his own. Then feed at the other breast if he continues to be hungry.
All mothers, particularly the first-time mothers would require some help to initiate breastfeeding.
It is very important not to introduce bottle feeds or pacifier before the first six months. Don’t give baby gripe water, honey, animal or powdered milk before six months. After six months you can introduce mother’s milk along with locally available nutritious food supplements to the baby.
Healthy newborn babies can breastfeed on demand, i.e. whenever the baby cries for feeds. The usual time interval between each feed is about 2 to 3 hours. Mothers should feed their babies at least 8-10 times in 24 hours and importantly, not to omit any night feeds. Breast feeding is considered adequate if the infant passes urine 6-8 times in 24 hours. Sleep for 2-3 hours after feeding and gaining weight adequately.

As we breathe in this world we are dedicated to making decisions about infant feeding.

biju: biju: Breastfeeding is important because Breast-mi...

biju: biju: Breastfeeding is important because Breast-mi...: biju: Breastfeeding is important because Breast-milk is ... :           T he best milk for a newborn baby is incontestably breast milk. It c...

Breastfeeding problems and How to solve them?!

         Breastfeeding is the best and only way to feed your new born baby. It gives protection to both mother and baby. But sometimes breast problems may interfere the process of feeding and here I am listed out some of such difficult situations..

The breast are compound secreting glands which is arranged in lobes, lobules, alveoli and ducts. The acini cells in the alveoli produce milk and lactiferous ducts carrying milk to the nipple. The nipple composed of erectile tissue and which have a sphincter-like action in controlling the flow of milk. Breast problems occur so commonly throughout the feeding period and it is believe to be inevitable.Daily washing is all that is necessary for breast hygiene.Correct attachment of the baby to the breast prevents many breastfeeding problems.
BREAST FEEDING PROBLEMS-

Inverted or flat nipples

Flat or short nipples which draw out well (become prominent or pull out easily) do not affect trouble with breastfeeding. Only inverted or retracted nipples make a connection to the breast strenuous. They should be diagnosed in the antenatal period. These mothers need extra reinforcement to feed their babies. In more difficult cases it may be necessary to initiate lactation by expressing and to delay attempting to attach the baby to the breast until lactation is established and the breasts have become soft and the nipples more protractile.

Sore nipples

A sore nipple is caused by trauma from the baby's mouth and tongue due to wrong attachment of the baby to the breast. A baby who sucks only on the nipple does not get enough milk, so he sucks forcefully resulting in a sore nipple. Recurrent washing with soap and water and pulling the baby off the breast while he is still sucking may also result in sore nipple. Fungal infection( thrush) due to Candida Albicans may cause sore nipple after the first few weeks after delivery.
Remedy consists of correct positioning and affection of the baby to the breast (attach the baby to the areola of the breast while breastfeeding). If the fungal infection (Infection with Candida Albicans), applies medicine (Gentian violet) on the nipple and inside the mouth of the baby. Here both mother and baby need treatment. Apply Lansinoh, Lanolin, or other nipple relief creams prior to feeding the baby. You can also use a nipple shield to protect the nipples.
Expose the nipple to air in between feeds. Do not wash each time before and after feedings. During the first few days of breastfeeding, the length of the feed should be limited to prevent sore nipples.

Breast Engorgement

Milk production boosts up during the second and third day after delivery. the breasts are hard, painful and sometimes flushed.   If feeding is late or occasional or the baby is not well positioned at the breast, the milk accumulates in the alveola. As milk production increases, the amount of milk in the breast exceeds the capacity of the alveola to store it comfortably. Such a breast becomes swollen, hard, warm and painful and is termed as an engorged breast.
Treatment consists of local warm water packs for not more than 15 minutes. It can be prevented by early and frequent breast feeds and correct attachment of the baby to the breast. Paracetamol can be given to the mother to relieve pain. Gently express the milk by hand and frequent breastfeeding to soften the breast and to relieve the discomfort. This helps the mother to correctly handle the baby to the breast. Do not use breast pump because this sucks or pull more fluids to the breast and makes more discomfort.

Breast abscess

If conditions like engorged breast, cracked nipple, blocked duct or mastitis are not treated early, then breast abscess may develop. Pus may be discharged from the nipple.The mother may have high grade fever and pain in the breast.
The mother must be treated with analgesics and antibiotics. The abscess must be incised and drained or simple needle aspiration may be effective. Breast feeding must be continued from the other breast and feeding should start from the affected breast as soon as possible.

 Not enough milk

Mothers often complain that they do not have enough milk. One has to make sure that her perception about the adequacy of milk is true. Only reassurance is needed if the baby is gaining weight and passing adequate amount of urine. Common causes of not enough milk include- not breast feeding frequently, too short or hurried breastfeeds, poor position, breast engorgement's or mastitis
If the baby is not gaining weight adequately, ask mother to feed the baby more frequently and feed especially during night. Make sure that the attachment is proper. Any painful condition in the mother such as sore nipple and mastitis should be taken care of. Back to the messages are especially useful for milk stimulation.
If anybody facing problems with breastfeeding, consult the doctor as soon as possible because breastfeeding is the only way to feed your new born baby. If untreated the condition may worse and interfere the feeding process.

Infective mastitis

The main cause of infection is damage to the epithelium which allows bacteria to enter the underlying tissues. The damage results from incorrect  attachment of the baby to the breast which has caused trauma to the breasts.Antibiotic therapy is the only solution to treat this.

biju: Breastfeeding is important because Breast-milk is ...

biju: Breastfeeding is important because Breast-milk is ...:           T he best milk for a newborn baby is incontestably breast milk. It contains around more than 400 vital nutrients, hormones and i...

Breastfeeding is important because Breast-milk is a healthy food


         The best milk for a newborn baby is incontestably breast milk. It contains around more than 400 vital nutrients, hormones and immunity agents. All healthy, normal weight babies must be exclusively breastfed till the age of six months.

Exclusive breastfeeding is the feeding of baby only breast milk for up to six months. It is essential to help the mothers of healthy newborn babies to establish breastfeeding as soon as possible after delivery.  Exclusive breastfeeding should be continued till six months of age and complimentary food should start after that only.
The Baby- Friendly Hospital initiative (BFHI) is introduced by the World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in 1991 to implement practices to promote, protect and support breastfeeding all around the world.

Aims of BFHI
  • To develop an optimistic move towards breastfeeding in the community
  • To encourage breastfeeding awareness for pregnant ladies and to the community
  • To safeguard the rights of mothers and babies to breastfeed.
  • To support mothers to breastfeed by facilitating health facilities caring for mothers and babies to become ‘baby-friendly’
  • To keep up the baby-friendly facility and approach in health care sectors

Advantages of breastfeeding:
  • Breast milk is a complete food and it is easily digestible and well absorbing. It is better for brain growth also.
  • It protects against infection
  • Breastfeeding promotes emotional bonding
  • Feeding helps the involution of the uterus
  • It delays pregnancy intervals (lactation amenorrhea method of birth control)
  • Lowers risk of breast and ovarian cancer
  • Exclusively breastfed babies are at decreased risk of diarrhea, pneumonia, ear infections, and death in the first year of life.

  Put baby to feed at the breast as soon as possible after birth. This is important for the mother, baby, and for milk production. On the first day, breast milk is thick and yellowish (known as Colostrum's). Feeding this milk provides nutrition and prevents infections.  So do not discard colostrum's and make sure the child gets it.

The mother may lie down, sit on a bed, chair or floor to breastfeed her baby. The more the baby sucks on the breast the more milk the breast will produce. Allow baby to feed at one breast until he leaves the nipple on his own. Then feed at the other breast if he continues to be hungry.

All mothers, particularly the first-time mothers would require some help to initiate breastfeeding.
It is very important not to introduce bottle feeds or pacifier before the first six months. Don’t give baby gripe water, honey, animal or powdered milk before six months. After six months you can introduce mother’s milk along with locally available nutritious food supplements to the baby.

Healthy newborn babies can breastfeed on demand, i.e. whenever the baby cries for feeds. The usual time interval between each feed is about 2 to 3 hours. Mothers should feed their babies at least 8-10 times in 24 hours and importantly, not to omit any night feeds. Breast feeding is considered adequate if the infant passes urine 6-8 times in 24 hours. Sleep for 2-3 hours after feeding and gaining weight adequately.

As we breathe in this world we are dedicated to making decisions about infant feeding.