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If a person is experiencing or suffering any form of chronic pain in areas like the back, shoulder, neck, or knees– chances are that they must seek professional help and treatment to improve their physical health and prevent further damage. Such treatment or therapy targets issues related to the spinal cord, nerves, and muscles. That said, there are many different types of therapy options with different approaches that promise results, and it can be quite confusing and difficult to decide what type of professional help one should seek. This article provides information on the two most popular therapies and compares the similarities and dissimilarities of the two and overall, provides a clearer understanding that will help a person choose between the two. The two types of therapy are: Chiropractic Care Physiotherapy Chiropractor vs Physiotherapist: Methods, benefits, Similarities, and dissimilarities Chiropractic Care: What Does a Chiropractor Do? It is aimed at treating and improving the musculoskeletal system that includes soft and hard bones, joints, muscles, and tendons – all the important structures that have functional and protective features. These essential parts of the body can get damaged by injuries or deformities due to an illness. Chiropractors like pregnancy Chiropractor redwood city are professionals that perform these procedures and make adjustments and realignments to the spine and joints, target muscles, and tendons. Chiropractic Care is not a replacement or alternative for conventional medical treatment, but it can be greatly helpful, especially when done in conjunction with the latter. Credit : Flickr Method Chiropractic care is based on the principle that the body inherently has the ability to heal itself. They assess each patient’s body individually to check for any misalignments in the spine, joints, or muscles, and try to correct it with a non-invasive, hands-on approach. The reason why the correction is important is because misaligned bones or muscles can apply pressure on nerves and directly harm the central nervous system, thus leading to chronic pain. The most common types of pain that can be treated with chiropractic care include: Sciatica pain Lower back pain Injuries due to vigorous and continuous movements Sports injuries car accident injuries Arthritis and knee problems In addition to that, most professionals also have further specializations in pediatrics, orthopedics, sports medicine and nutrition, this knowledge can come in handy during treatment. Benefits Highly personalized They believe that every individual body is different and requires personalized or tailored treatments. This ensures the best way for the body to heal, improve, and provide pain relief. Safe The non-invasive nature of the therapy makes it very safe and lowers the risk of complications compared to correctional surgeries. It also avoids any additional side effects that come with other forms of treatment. Effective and quick results Therapy sessions have a quick and immediate impact on pain relief, muscle function, and coordination. This is because every session reduces the abnormal pressure applied to the nervous system. Physiotherapy, Image Credit: Pixabay Physiotherapy: What Does a Physiotherapist Do? This kind of therapy encourages and triggers the body to rehabilitate strength and mobility. As a result, it has a broad range of benefits not only to the targeted fixing areas but also to the overall health of the person. In order to restore the body’s natural and healthy condition techniques like joint manipulation, muscle stretching, and exercises are performed. Method After the diagnosis of an abnormality, the professional will identify health risks and work in the direction of restoring strength, and range of motion. Physiotherapists can also identify health risks in their patients and work with them to improve overall fitness and wellbeing. Physiotherapists put together a personalized plan for each patient based on their underlying condition.  Most importantly, they will also focus on the long-term benefits of the patient and help prevent future injuries. The most common types of issues that can be treated by physiotherapist include: Lack of mobility Muscle injuries Surgery recovery Disease recovery such as from disorders like multiple sclerosis Benefits They include: Good trigger for recovery Recovery is important for the body but the state of form in which your body recovers is equally important in order to prevent permanent damage. A physiotherapist will ensure that the body has recovered properly back into its normal state. Injury and surgery prevention In addition to helping the body recover, the therapy also makes your body stronger and as a result, it also increases the body’s ability to prevent further injury. It also reduces the need for additional surgery and medication. Chronic pain, Image Credit: Pixabay Conclusion The differences and similarities between the two types of therapy are as follows: Similarities Now it is important to understand that both forms of physical therapy may have different methods of approaching the problem but they could have the same or similar end result or goal. Both chiropractic and physiotherapy are complementary treatments, meaning they are performed alongside other treatments and are non-invasive as it does not require any additional surgical or medical intervention. Some similarities include: Targeting problems related to chronic pain, stiffness, and difficulty in moving. Requires a hands-on or physical approach to the problem. Evaluates the symptoms not only based on the immediate injury but also reviews the family medical history and genetic or lifestyle testing. Both types of therapists have to be professionally trained and hold a medical license. DissimilaritiesChiropractic CarePhysiotherapyIt focuses on healing, reducing, or relieving pain.It focuses on healing as well as strengthening the body against future injuries.It targets a specific area or problem.This form of therapy is targeted but is also aimed at improving overall health.Manipulates the body to trigger self-healing.Triggers healing but most importantly improves mobility and helps improve your stretch and exercise form.It may require equipment to perform manipulations and adjustments.It does not require any equipment and can be performed anywhere. #ChiropractorvsPhysiotherapist

Whether its job or illness, fight with your loved one or a financial crisis – we all feel stressed sometimes. Popping up a pill to fight your stress or getting indulged in alcohol and smoke may not be a long term solution to help fight your stress. While discussing your problems with someone dear to you can help, that’s not always possible either! Have you ever thought of penning down your feelings to relieve your stress and bring clarity in your thoughts? Well! Recent studies have suggested that writing about your positive emotions may help reduce stress and anxiety, while on the other hand, writing your negative thoughts may get that burden off your chest! How Writing Helps You Battle Your Stress? There are multiple mechanisms wherein penning down your thoughts can help you. Some of them are mentioned below: Overcome emotional inhibition – One of the ways to deal with any overwhelming emotions like stress, depression or reduce stress and anxiety is to find a healthy way to express yourself. People who have overcome a traumatic injury might learn to move beyond the stressful experience once they expressed their emotions about it. Writing may help give meaning to the traumatic experience and makes you feel relieved. Writing helps you organize your thoughts- Writing enables people to focus on other things instead of thinking about stressful situations.For example: Organizing an event brings unnecessary expenses for some people, which may cause stress. Sorting it out by writing and making a prior plan can help you organize things and your expenses. Helps manage stress- Effective journaling can help you clear your head. It is an incredible stress management tool that lessens the impact of physical stressors on your health. It helps develop important connections between thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, and even reduce stress and anxiety the effects of mental illness! Studies have found that writing about your stressful experiences can help you manage them in a healthy way. Also, 20 minutes of writing every day have shown to improve liver function, boosts immunity, and heart function. Writing helps track your triggers and symptoms: People might be allergic to various things, like pollen grains, gluten, milk protein etc. One of the best ways to track these allergy-causing agents is to make a list. This cannot only help you avoid those triggering agents but also help your doctor and the people around you to take extra care of you. Helps reach your goals early – Have you noticed ticking dates on a calendar and working to complete your tasks exactly on those dates. Similarly, writing your goals and dreams not only forces you to get clear on what, exactly, it is that you want to accomplish, but also helps to motivate you to complete the tasks in order to achieve your goals. Boost your mood– Just like writing an exam paper and completing it in our own words makes us feel good. Penning down your feelings may also help you enhance your mood. Journaling cannot only improve your mood but also provides you with a greater sense of overall emotional well-being and happiness. Writing makes you self -aware – Writing your feelings can help detect sneaky, unhealthy patterns in your thoughts and behaviours. You may even end up laughing at your own thoughts. Writing makes you a good writer – “Practice makes a man perfect’. It’s your thoughts you put onto a paper and sometimes to put those words into meaning you may require assistance from google or a dictionary. Also, writing on a continuous basis makes you aware of a lot of things. For example, referential writing is a  piece of writing where you take information from other sources like textbooks, encyclopedias, journals, research papers, newspapers and interviews. Referential writing can enhance your knowledge, improve your working memory and helps enhance your writing skills Expressive writing improves your quality of life: Whether, you are suffering from cancer, depression, stress arthritis or other disorders, Just like talking to a support group about your symptoms, improves your quality of life. Expressive writing also can also help the same way. Expressing your inner feelings and confronting them can make your mind clear, and help you set goals and objectives on how to overcome it. Penning down your thoughts can help you feel light, stress-free, and also provides you with the strength to fight depression. It improves your mental health by helping you gain control of your emotions. #Reducestress #Reducestressandanxiety #Stress

Lewis Carol rightfully once said, ” In the end…we only regret the chances we didn’t take, the relationships we were afraid to have, and the decisions we waited too long to make. The true and the false self story mentioned below is about a life of a man named David and how he spent the best years of his life as a slave to society’s opinions. The worst part was that he was completely unaware of it. Unfortunately, to some extent, everyone is a David. At some point in their life, people have sacrificed their personal agenda to social values. It could start as small as following a type of clothing trend and then before you know it, you gave up photography because other people told you that you’d have more financial success as a lawyer. Thus, the end of the story is an eye opener to both David and the readers as it exposes and challenges a type of reality that is often not discussed among the population. The Story David was an ordinary young man who lived his life abiding by the social norms and followed the traditional path of success throughout his life. He went to a great high school, graduated with outstanding grades, was hired for a good-paying job, and was married to a beautiful and kind woman. To conclude, his life was comfortable and stable. One day, some weeks after his 30th birthday, David paid a routine visit to his doctor and got his annual blood test done. Little did he know this visit would change the course of his life forever. In a few days, he received a phone call from his doctor saying that he needed to urgently come back for his blood test results as some irregularity in the blood was detected. That was all the doctor said and he gave no more details or any indications to the severity of seriousness of this “irregularity”. The following day, David paid a visit to the doctor and he was told to get an MRI scan done. After the procedure was over, he sat in the consultation room and impatiently waited for his results. It was only when the doctor made an appearance at the door that David realized that his anxiety and worries were unfortunately justified and legitimate. There had to be something terribly wrong as the doctor emerged with a blank and not-so-optimistic expression. Credit: Flickr After they both exchanged their formal greetings, the doctor explained to David that his test results detected and confirmed the growth of a cancerous tumor at the back of his brain, the region where most of his important memories were stored. He goes on to mention that this tumor was fortunately not too large and could be removed and he could be cured. This news was not so ” fortunate” to David as the surgery was highly risky, fatal and there was a high chance he could lose his long term memory, identity, and personality. However, David was not given much of a choice as if he left his condition untreated, he would likely die in the upcoming years. The only seemingly hopeful part of this situation was that the doctor told him that he could book him in with the best neurosurgeon in the entire country. During the week before his surgery, David chose to spend his time in isolation and reflect on all his life decisions and experiences – a natural thing one would assume when their life could potentially come to an end. The surprising part was that the more he thought about it, the more empty and dull he felt until that feeling completely took over him and greatly confused him. On the day of the surgery, David was prepped early in the morning and was put into deep anesthetic sleep, seconds before his surgery was to be performed. True and the False Self Story events that he experienced in his dream while he was sleeping changed his outlook on life forever. The surgery was successful and when David woke up, he went on to describe the dream that he had when he was put to sleep on the operation table. In the dream, he was standing in an empty room with nothing but a mirror. At first, he thought it was his own reflection but it seemed strange, different. He couldn’t put a finger on it. That’s when the same reflection started conversing with him. A shocked David asked his reflection who he was. The reflection replied, “I am who you think you are?”. This statement did not give David any clarification. In fact, it added to his confusion as he asked his reflection to further clarify. The reflection introduced himself as simply the accumulation of all the voices, opinions, and judgments that come from his loved one like his parents, friends, and lover, that David has internalized and mistaken as his own. After the clarification, his reflection in turn asked David who he was. David gave no reply as he did not have any. Credit: Pixabay Once he woke up after surgery, the doctors informed him that it  was a success but ever since he woke up, David was an emotional rollercoaster. He was glad that he would get to live but at the same time he felt at a loss because for the very first time, he realized he had no idea of who he really was. Takeaway It is impossible to confirm what was really going on in David’s brain during his surgery but one thing is certain. The subconscious brain works best during sleep, especially under anesthesia. Like J.K Rowling rightfully once said, “Of course it’s happening inside your head, but why on earth should that mean that it is not real”- it is possible that his subconscious was telling him what he needed to do to better his life. David’s reflection was essentially a version of what the world told him he should be and as a result, he becomes a person who lives his life conformed to society’s idea of happiness, success, and prosperity. This version is known as a person’s “False Self”. Credit: Pixabay This is how most people live their whole lives and the majority of them are unaware that they’re living a life that is not their own. This is a very common reason why people at the age of 80 or in their death breaths suddenly wake up with a life, full of regret. This was one of the reasons why David felt ” empty” a week before his surgery when he was reflecting his life. The only way to live a life with guaranteed happiness and no regrets is to avoid getting infected by your true and the false self story. If everyone could achieve this, every single person on earth would know what type of career they’d want, type of partner, and every single thing needed to ensure happiness. This is because happiness isn’t measured by physical things, it’s a feeling. Something that may seem uninteresting or unappealing to one person could be beautiful and desirable to the other. A sweeper on the road who genuinely enjoys sweeping could be happier than a billionaire that hates business and vice versa. To conclude, happiness cannot be generalized and the only way you can be happy is if  you block all the outside opinions and find your true and the false self story.

Drug addiction is a major concern in today’s world. A vast number of agents are available which have the potential to be abused and cause addiction. An addict is a person who becomes so dependent on a drug or drugs that their brain reaches a compulsive state where the drugs become a necessity. Addiction can severely deteriorate the quality of life and be fatal as well. Drug rehabilitation centers is the process of ensuring that a person is not dependent on the drug. It includes a wide range of techniques including medical, psychotherapeutic and psychological activities. The facilities which specialize in drug rehabilitation are known as rehab centres or drug de-addiction centres. Rehab centres are residential facilities where people suffering from different drug addictions are treated with the focus on ensuring that they do not use drugs again. The Functioning of a Rehab Centre Rehab centres focus on activities which help people rid themselves of addiction, Credits: Freepik Most rehab centres follow a similar operating procedure. However, some might work differently. These are the following activities which are observed in rehabilitation centres: Detoxification The first act that a patient must go through in a rehab centre is detoxification from the drugs they used. Previously used drugs leave traces in the body which have to be removed. Moreover, because the patient is an addict the body wants more drugs which leads to withdrawal symptoms. Vomiting is a common withdrawal symptom, Credits: Wikimedia commons Withdrawal symptoms: These are mental and physical symptoms which appear when drug intake is stopped. The symptoms depend on which drug was being used. Common symptoms include: Sweating Nausea Vomiting Anxiety Fatigue Hallucinations Seizures The detoxification process often leads to withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms have to be managed and in severe cases require medication. The duration of the detox depends on which drug was used. It usually lasts for at least a week. Therapy De-addiction takes a toll on the body as well as the mind. Therapy is very effective in helping you get through it. Most rehabilitation centres offer individual as well as group therapy. In individual therapy, one on one time is provided with a counsellor where you focus on getting better. Counselling sessions are helpful in understanding why addiction is wrong and how to stay away from drugs. Group counselling sessions allow individuals to see other people that are fighting the same battle. These sessions are very effective because they make people realize that they are not alone. Patients have often said that other people’s stories had a major impact on them and motivated them to do better. Engaging Activities Throughout the Day Patients in rehab centres perform activities like yoga, Credits: Pexels Rehab centres often fill up the patient’s day with activities they feel would keep them occupied and help them Some rehab centres offer very specialised activities such as massages while others focus on group games. The purpose of these activities is to keep individuals busy and help them focus on something other than drugs. Some engaging activities that are done in rehab centres are: Yoga Meditation Exercise Swimming Specialized therapies There are drug rehab centres which treat addiction by using holistic approaches. They make use of modern research and come up with effective treatment plans. These are not available in all rehab centres as most follow their unique specialised therapies. Examples of specialised therapies are: 12 step programmes Emotion Regulation Cognitive Therapy Psychoanalysis Aftercare One on one therapy sessions are an essential Best Rehab Centres in Indiapart of aftercare, Credits: Pexels Once a patient has completed a drug rehabilitation centers program, they are allowed to return to the real world but the journey doesn’t end here. On returning to the real world, patients again have access to drugs which raises the possibility of repeating drug abuse. To avoid this rehab centers have after programmes which help people. These programs include support groups as well as counselling sessions. Proper after care is necessary to ensure that a person stays away from drugs. Which are Some of the Best Rehab Centres in India? The following are highly rated Drug rehabilitation centers: Safe House Wellness Retreat, New Delhi Sanctum Wellness Healing, New Delhi Tulasi Healthcare, New Delhi Phoenix Foundation India Hyderabad Anatta Humanversity, Mumbai Cadambam’s Amitha, Bengaluru Pioneer Rehabilitation Centre, Chennai Takeaway Drug rehabilitation centers focus on a holistic approach to ensure that patients recover successfully. Rehab is a difficult process but a necessary one. Addiction requires treatment. If you or anyone around you has a drug habit help them by getting them into a rehab center. #Addiction #Drugaddiction #DrugRehabilitation

We live in a world where many popular food items contain added sugar and we love eating them too. Sugar is found naturally in various food items such as fruits, and is considered an important part of your overall diet. The problem exists with refined sugar that is added to various products. Our excessive sugar intake has many negative impacts, Credits: Freepik What is Refined Sugar? Refined sugar is extracted from different plant sugars. It is a concentrated form of the Sugar addiction harmful effects that are found in nature. In India, refined sugar is primarily extracted from sugar canes. Experts believe that because of the concentrated nature of refined sugar as compared to naturally occurring sugar, it is responsible for the negative effects. Caked have a very high sugar content, Credits: Public domain pictures Some common food items which contain refined sugar are: Aerated beverages Peanut butter Cookies Cakes Sauces Yoghurt Pasta Canned Goods Processed Foods These are common examples. There can be some specifically made items which do not contain sugar. Does Sugar Cause Addiction? Sugar seems to have addictive properties because it activates the rewards system of the brain which makes it seem that sugar is a reward. Most experts believe that sugar addiction harmful effects is a very strong word and at the moment most people do not suffer from sugar addiction. They believe that some individuals are dependent on sugar and that is why it is difficult to quit. However, some believe that it is as addictive as drugs. It requires more research to understand the true extent of the dependence of sugar. One thing we do know is that it is difficult to decrease it from our diet. What are the Possible Negative Effects of Consuming Excessive Sugar? The World Health Organization recommends that sugar intake should only account for 10% of your daily calorie intake. This comes out to be a maximum sugar intake of 50 gm per person. The following are the negative effects that are associated with excessive consumption of sugar: Weight Gain and Obesity Let’s start with the obvious. Obesity is increasing at a rapid pace in the world. Many experts believe that a major cause for a rise in the cases of obesity is the consumption of sweetened beverages. These beverages contain very high amounts of sugars. Weight gain has been associated with many other diseases as well. Empty Calories Sugar has a very high-calorie content. Consumption of just sugary foods can often exceed your overall calorie intake. Calories are present in all food items and your required calorie intake should be completed by your overall diet rather than just sugar. In addition to this, refined sugar has no nutritional value. Natural sugar is better for health as it has nutritional value in addition to the calories. Refined sugar only increases calorie intake. Increases Risk of Developing Type 2 Diabetes Diabetes has become a very big concern for the world. India is home to the second-largest diabetic population in the world and the number is expected to rise even further. An increase in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes has been linked with excessive sugar intake. Sugar intake raises the blood sugar level rapidly. Long term use of refined sugars can make the body more resistant to insulin which can lead to type 2 diabetes. There are studies which show that high sugar consumption is directly related to the risk of developing diabetes. Acne and Skin Ageing Excessive sugar intake has been linked with acne, Credits: Pixabay There is a fluctuation in the blood sugar and insulin levels whenever large amounts of high sugar items are consumed. This fluctuation can cause oil secretion and androgen release which are major factors in causing. A study showed that regular sugar consumption increases the chances of developing acne by 30%. Excessive sugar consumption has been linked with faster skin ageing. A group of compounds which are called Advanced Glycation Proteins are responsible for the skin ageing process. They are formed after reacting with sugar in the body. The high sugar content can increase their quantity and lead to faster ageing. Increased Risk of Heart Disease Consumption of sugar has been linked with an increase in triglyceride content in the body which is a major risk factor for heart disease. The high sugar content can also lead to inflammation and obesity which are also risk factors. High sugar content is also a contributing factor in high blood pressure and atherosclerosis. Excessive sugar content has a significant negative impact on heart health. Deteriorating Dental Health Foods with a high sugar content lead to more acid release by bacteria which is harmful to the teeth, Credits: Wikimedia commons Sugar increases the risk of dental problems. Most dental problems are caused by the presence of certain bacteria in the mouth. Excess sugar promotes bacteria growth which leads to demineralization of teeth as well as higher chances of developing cavities and other diseases. Some experts believe that refined sugar has more negative effects but more research is needed on them. Suspected negative effects include depression, cognitive impairment and more. What Can Be Done to Decrease Sugar Intake? The only way to decrease the amount of sugar content you consume is to avoid eating it but it is easier said than done. You can use the following tips: Be Aware: Know the amount of sugar content in things you consume so that you know how to tackle it. Replace with Healthier Choices: Replace your current high sugar items with items that contain significantly less sugar. An example of this is to replace sugar-based sauces with other flavours. Decrease Quantity: Initially you should try and limit the quantity of refined sugar rather than eliminating it. This will help you in getting used to it. Calorie Free Items: There are various calorie-free items which can be used to replace sugar. A common example is replacing the sugar we put in tea by a calorie-free agent. Takeaway Excessive sugar intake can cause significant damage to the human body. It can lead to long term diseases as well. Decreasing sugar addiction harmful effects intake is not an easy process but it is certainly an important one. Try and decrease your sugar intake to decrease the risk of many diseases.

Have you been diagnosed with the pre-diabetic condition? Do you know the pre-diabetic condition is referred to as borderline diabetes? Well! Pre-diabetic condition is where a person becomes highly vulnerable to develop diabetes in future. However, the condition can be reversed with certain dietary and lifestyle modifications. What is a Pre-Diabetic Condition? Pre- diabetes is also called borderline diabetes because the levels of blood sugar are higher than average, but also far from type 2 diabetes. It is an alarming situation and can be reversed by preventive measures. When are You Considered to be Pre-Diabetic? You may be considered pre-diabetic if you have: Fasting blood sugar level- 100 to 125 mg/dl Glycosylated hemoglobin falls between 5.7 to 6.4%. Oral glucose tolerance test range from 140 to 199 mg/dl. What is the Glycemic Index? The Glycemic Index (GI) is a ranking of food containing carbohydrates, based on how much they affect your blood glucose levels upon consumption. It is basically calculated as the time taken by the body to raise the blood sugar levels immediately after the food is consumed. For example, high glycemic foods (sugary beverages, wheat bread) will easily increase your glucose blood sugar, and vice versa. Foods with high GI should be avoided by diabetic or pre-diabetic people as it may cause a spike in blood sugar levels, which can cause various other health problems. How can the Pre-diabetic Diet Condition be Reversed? And without taking medicine, the prediabetic disease can be easily cured and treated. You just need to follow the right pre-diabetic diet plan, along with healthy lifestyle habits like exercise, limiting alcohol and avoiding smoke. This may certainly require some dedication but it’s worth it. What to Expect During a Pre-Diabetic Diet Plan? There are multiple factors which you need to consider while planning or choosing a pre-diabetic diet plan for you. Some of which include your age, digestive capability, physical fitness, body mass index, health condition, and many more. This makes it impossible for a single best pre-diabetic diet to be determined. However, we will talk about some essential food sources in this article that will help to control your blood sugar. Polyphenol rich foods-  Polyphenols can be obtained from various fruits, grains and vegetables like grapes, berries, apples, pears, green tea, cocoa (chocolate), red onions, spinach, olives, whole grains, dry legumes, and nuts. Polyphenol-rich fruits, vegetables and nuts, Credits: Pixabay How can they help? Polyphenol rich diet has reportedly improved insulin resistance in people with pre-diabetic and diabetic conditions by inhibiting glucose absorption in the gut, influencing blood sugar levels by exerting anti-inflammatory effects. It has also shown to fight oxidative stress damage to the pancreatic beta cells which are known to produce insulin. Foods that have a low glycemic index Carbohydrates provide energy and please our satiety centers, which makes it difficult for us to stay away from them. However, eating food with a high glycemic index will rapidly increase the blood sugar level (glucose) in comparison with food that is slowly digested, ingested and metabolized into the body with a low glycemic index. You can take your daily carbs from whole grains, legumes, fruits, certain vegetables, and dairy products. These foods have a low glycemic index and are consumed slowly by the body, which slowly increases the blood sugar levels. Sugar, added fats or sodium food should be avoided. The DASH diet and insulin sensitivity The DASH diet – DASH diet is the  Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. Diabetic or prediabetic patients are often found to have high blood pressure. In these circumstances, blood pressure regulation may play an important role in lowering the blood sugar. Turnips, beets and carrots, Credits: Pixabay DASH diet suggests having foods that are rich in essential minerals like potassium, magnesium and foods that are a rich source of nitrates like beets, carrots, and turnips, or low-fat dairy products. Consuming these foods may play an important role in preventing hypertension as well as type 2 diabetes. How does it help? The consumption of food high in nitrates facilitates blood vessel vasodilation resulting in lower blood pressure. Studies of research indicated that after a DASH diet, glycosylated hemoglobin A1c may adjust favorably, lower blood glucose and insulin levels may avoid type 2 diabetes. The DASH diet and the control of weight can also encourage greater sensitivity to insulin. #Diabetes #DiabetesDiet #PreDiabeticDiet

Is daily hustle in your life deteriorating your health? Are you the one who often hit a gym or a spa to keep yourself rejuvenated?  Well! here is an alternative solution where you can save a lot of bucks and rejuvenate your deteriorated health sitting at home naturally. Breathing techniques are otherwise also known as “Pranayama” is a process of regulating your breath. It is an act of controlling life by modifying prana (breath) within the body. Breathing exercise when practised on a daily basis, can influence the physiological and psychological systems of the body. Breathing Techniques that can Help You Battle Anxiety Anxiety is a mental health disorder where the person suffering from it experiences feelings of worry, fear or anxiety – all of which can interfere with the person’s daily life activities. Research has shown that the autonomic nervous system, especially the sympathetic nervous system, is involved in producing anxiety like symptoms. Breathing exercises can help you regulate your anxiety levels with a minimum effort. It promotes physical well being while keeping your mind and body calm, lucid and steady. Let’s see the impact of breathing exercise on the nervous system and how it helps in battling anxiety. Flushes out toxins: Breathing exercises can help you flush out the harmful toxins from your body and cleanses it from within by enriching the tissues and cells with oxygen . Thus, provides various mental and physical health benefits. Improves concentration and focus: Performing breathing techniques for anxiety stimulates the mechanoreceptors in the olfactory epithelium. This promotes various neurophysiological mechanisms in the brain including the autonomic and neuroendocrine systems. Thus, it helps enhance the ability to concentrate. Fights anxiety: Anxiety and stress are precursors to various physiological responses in our body that occur due to increased sympathetic firing. Nose breathing exercises alter the process of information and reorganize the neural representation within the central nervous system. It also induces antioxidant effects and protects the brain cells from oxidative damage, thus reducing the anxiety levels and promoting normal functioning of the body. Protects against neurodegeneration: Diaphragmatic breathing influences the autonomic nervous system. It can directly influence the sympathetic and parasympathetic activity and may decrease the neurotransmitters causing neurodegeneration or other illness. Now, we discuss some of the breathing techniques to help you battle your anxiety levels: 1.  Bhastrika Pranayama (The Bellow’s Breath) Bhastrika Pranayam, Credits: Pixabay Bhastrika pranayama is one of those energetic breathing techniques which involves heavy breathing through the nostrils. Based on the frequency & rate of breathing, it is categorized into 3 types:  fast pace Bhastrika, Medium Pace Bhastrika, and Slow pace Bhastrika. How to: Sit in a meditative posture/ padmasana Take a deep breath, hold it and slowly release by counting till five. Repeat this technique by inhaling and exhaling with force. Benefits: Stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, calms the mind, relaxes the body, promotes good sleep and brings focused attention. 2.   Anulom-Vilom (Alternate Nostril Breathing) Anulom- Vilom Pranayama, Credits: Pixabay Anulom Vilom pranayama or alternate-nostril breathing is the most common yogic breathing practice that requires inhalation and exhalation through alternate nostrils. How to: Sit in a meditative posture Breath in through the left nostril by closing the right nostril with the right thumb. Thereafter repeat the same procedure with the right nostril. The alternate inhalation and exhalation performed two times make for one cycle of Anulom-Vilom. Benefits: Help regenerate the dead cells, strengthens the nervous system, improves concentration and relieves stress, anxiety, depression and hypertension. 3.  Bhrāmarī Prāṇāyāma (Humming Bee Breath) Brahmari Pranayama, Credits: Pixabay Bhrāmarī prāṇāyāma is an inhalation technique which while practising produces a buzzing sound. How to: Sit in lotus pose Inhale deeply through both your nostrils, and exhale while producing a humming sound of a bee. There is another version of it, where you close the eyes with the help of index fingers, while your middle fingers are placed on the sides of the nose, ring and small fingers on the mouth and thumbs on the ears. This pose is referred to as Śanmukhi Mudrā. Benefits: Five minutes of Bhrāmarī Prāṇāyāma influence parasympathetic dominance. It also helps release stress, alleviates anger, anxiety, and hyperactivity. The humming sound creates a tranquilising effect and provides a soothing effect on the brain. 4.  Sukha Prāṇāyāma Sukha Pranayama, Credits: pixabay Sukha Prāṇāyāma is one of the simplest of all yogic breathing techniques. The name is because it provides sukha, which means comfort and lightness, and sthira, which promotes steady and alertness. How to: Sit in a cross-legged position with your spine erect. Rest your hands on your legs. Take a deep breath and slowly exhale Repeat the procedure with an equal duration of inhalation and exhalation at the rate of 6 breaths/minute. Benefits: Sukhasana is a conscious breathing technique which controls your mind and calms it, helps reduce anxiety, stress and mental tiredness. 5.  Mukha Bhastrikā Mukha Bhastrika, Credits: Pixabay Mukha bhastrika Pranayama is a variation of Bhastrika pranayama. How to: Sit in a meditative posture Inhale and exhale quickly ten times with a hissing sound. After 10 breaths, the final breath should be followed by the deepest possible inhalation Hold your breath as long as you can Release your breath very slowly. Benefits: Mukha Bhastrika helps increase the parasympathetic activity and reduce sympathetic activity, thus helping reduce anxiety and stress levels. When practised for longer periods produces a beneficial effect on the heart and its function. #Breathinganxiety #Breathingexercises #Breathingtechniques

A report by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment titled Magnitude of Substance Abuse in India 2019 showed that the number of addicts in the country is shockingly high. Some key findings of the report stated that an estimated 6 crore people have alcohol-related disorders whereas more than 2.6 crores have taken part in opioid abuse. The numbers regarding the abuse of other substances are also grim. India’s drug abuse problem is massive but the question is what can an addict who wants to better do. Addiction is a disorder that requires significant intervention by trained professionals. It requires targeted therapies and round the clock monitoring. 7 Organizations that help people battle with addiction in India: Alcoholics Anonymous India Caption: This organization focuses solely on alcohol addiction. Alcoholics Anonymous is an organization that is made up of individuals who were once alcoholics and have recovered. This organization has more than 20 lakh members worldwide out of which 40000 in India. The organization works on a unique model of meetings where people with a drinking problem are encouraged to meet in support groups and help each other battle addiction. They have a unique 12 step programme which is designed to help an individual stay away from drinking and they schedule regular conferences for all members. They are free for patients who are willing to join and offer a national helpline number through which an individual can seek assistance. The goal of the organization is to ensure that their members stay sober while helping others to achieve sobriety. Reach out on their national helpline number for assistance. Stairs Stairs approach is to help children avoid addiction by pushing them to play sports. Stairs is an NGO which helps the youth of the country especially children in battling addiction by getting them involved in sports. 13% of the total drug users in India are aged below the age of 20 years and an alarming 35% of the children in the country have been exposed to drug and substance abuse. These numbers show that India’s drug problem starts at a very early age. The focus of stairs is to identify these young children who are prone to substance abuse and get them involved in sports. Their data shows that students who are not enrolled in schools have a much higher chance of falling into a drug habit. They provide these youngsters with opportunities as well as training to play at a competitive level. With the help of the government of India, their long term plan is to train these previously vulnerable kids in Olympic sports and make them play at an international level. One of its flagship programs is called play to earn. This organization is giving young people a once in a lifetime chance. Kripa Foundation Kripa Foundation is an organization that works to help individuals suffering from chemical dependency and HIV-Aids. It is the largest NGO that help people battle with addiction in India. The foundation was started 1981 and today it has 91 centres across the country which are helping those in need. They follow a strict no discrimination policy and provide high-quality treatment backed by constant betterment through research. Some of the services they offer are: In-house rehabilitation program Extended care Community rehabilitation program Telephone counselling Extended care services Outreach programs for awareness The foundation provides treatment to alcoholics as well as substance abusers. Society of Service of Narcotics Anonymous This support group helps former addicts to maintain sobriety. SOSONA is an organization which consists of former narcotic users who require support for maintaining their abstinence from drugs. The organization is present throughout the country where they have regular meetings scheduled to battle addiction together. They maintain anonymity and have no interest in the past use of their members as long as they agree to refrain from future use. The organization serves as a major support system for those who have stopped taking drugs as well as those who have a desire to support. The organization has also started doing meetings over skype to help people be a part of it from the comfort of their homes. Society for Promotion of Youth and Masses by Dianoa SPYM is the organization which operates in India as a part of the Dianova network. Dianova International is an organization which works to fix various social issues including substance abuse and addiction. The Society of Promotion of Youth and Masses was established in 1986 and has been working throughout the country since. They offer the following services to battle addiction: Addiction and rehabilitation centres for juveniles Targeted rehab programmes for different age groups including girls and women Opioid Substitution treatment program Early intervention Programmes at the school level Hope Trust India Hope Trust India is one of the highest-rated de-addiction centres in the country. It was established in 2002 in Hyderabad, Telangana. Hope trust offers a wide range of de-addiction services and has many international affiliations as well. This is one of the best places you can find to be at for addiction. Some of the services they offer are: Inpatient Care Family Support Services Outpatient Department Psychological wellness services Child and adolescent treatment Safe House Rehab Centre They provide a luxurious and comfortable rehab experience. The safe house rehab centre is located in New Delhi and offers alcoholic as well as drug de-addiction programs. They provide a very comfortable treatment approach. The rehab centre boasts an impressive 83% recovery rate. Their focus is on a holistic approach and provides a whole range of luxurious activities to keep the patient comfortable and occupied. Some of them are a swimming pool, a pool table, and a gym. The safe house rehab centre helps the patient through yoga meditation, counselling and cognitive behaviour therapy. Takeaway Addiction is a difficult problem to deal with especially when you are alone. There are many organizations available in India that help people battle with addiction in India. You can also get in touch with them if someone around is an addict. These organizations are specialists in their field and have high recovery rates. If you are an addict you should immediately seek help. Addiction can lower your quality of life as well as of those around you. #Addictions

No matter how perfect the hair seems or what type it may be – curly, wavy, frizzy or straight, every second person seems to complain about some common hair problem that they face in their day-to-day life. Sometimes, our hair really has a mind of its own! Here’s a list of some of the most common hair problems that we face and how to manage them: 1) Dry and Frizzy Hair Your hair usually can lock in a lot of moisture to maintain your hair’s shine and sleekness. This happens at the outermost layer of the hair, the cuticle. It lets the moisture seep into the strand and locks it from escaping. The hair becomes frizzy when the cuticles do not seal properly and lets the moisture escape and as a result, the levels fall below normal. Dry hair can be caused by various things with genetics being the most common factor. Others include: Excessive blow drying Dryness Exposure to harsh chemicals Damaged by sunlight Dryness or dry scalp What to do: Wash your hair with cold water, as cold as possible. This helps the cuticle shine faster and completely which prevents the excessive moisture from escaping. Conditioners and leave-in conditioners will help tame frizzy hair by drastically reducing the frizz and adding in more moisture. If you want professional help, mild relaxers can also significantly control the frizz and increase shine. Credit: pixabay 2) Oily Scalp There are sebaceous glands on the scalp that moderately produce and secrete oil for the nourishment and shine for the hair strands. An oily scalp is produced due to the overproduction of sebum and as a result could lead to clogged roots and greasy hair. Some causes of oil scalp include: Genetics Humidity Hormonal imbalance Deficiencies Over washing or under washing your hair Poor diet What to do: Wash your hair not more than 2-3 times a week as if you continuously dry out your scalp, the body will trigger sebaceous glands to produce sebum more often. Try hair products and shampoos that are meant to control oil and grease. Opt for a product with lactic acid for better oil control. Credit: Flickr 3) Dandruff: Flaky Scalp In addition to oily scalp causing the problems listed above, it also causes excessive dandruff. This is because the oil on the scalp causes the loose uppermost skin cells that are shedding to clump together and appear like tiny white flakes. But oily scalps aren’t the only cause for dandruff. To the contrary, dry scalps are also capable of irritating the skin and cause severe itching. As a result, the skin clumps together and falls off as flakes. Lastly, not washing your hair regularly or maintaining hygiene can cause an overgrowth of a fungus which can also cause dandruff. What to do: Wash, massage and oil your hair regularly. Use anti-dandruff shampoos that contain zinc and sulfur. If it is a fungus infection, apple cider vinegar is a good antimicrobial element, and can be used as a home remedy. Credit: Pixabay 4) Split Ends Sometimes, excessively combing or interfering with your hair can cause a single strand of hair to split into two at the ends. Moreover, breakage of hair or cutting it with unprofessional blunt scissors could be the cause of split ends. Other causes of split ends include: Using a fine tooth combs Continuous use of heat to style your hair Continuous use of blow dryer Lack of good hair conditioning What to do: A lot of people wrongly assume that split ends can be fixed or “sealed back” but that is not the case at all. The only way you can get rid of split ends to trim your hair and cut off all the split ends. The most you can do to control split ends is to use serums or other nourishing oils to  try temporarily seal the split ends and prevent them from further splitting and damaging the hair. Credit: Wikimedia common 5) Gray Hair There are stem cells in your hair strands that are responsible for regenerating a pigment that colours the hair, this pigment is known as melanin. The loss of melanin is what leads to the loss of colour or pigment in your hair and as a result, the person will start graying. Graying of hair can be triggered by various factors with old age being the most common. Others include: Stress Genetics Hydrogen peroxide/excessive use of chemicals and color Nutritional deficiencies like vitamin B12 deficiency Other medical conditions What to do: Unfortunately, there is not much one can do to prevent themselves from graying, it is a natural part of life. Fortunately, the gray hair can be easily covered up by hair colouring products. The use of semi- or demi- hair dyes are recommended over permanent dyes as it has less damaging effects to your hair strands. Credit: Flickr 6) Excessive Hair Fall This is one of the most dreaded but common hair problems that people face. Keep in mind it is completely natural for a little bit of  hair to fall as one loses about 50 to 100 hair strands a day. However, excessive hair fall could be a cause of alarm for younger people but it is completely natural when one is aging. Dry and oily scalps could also be the cause of hair fall. Some alarming causes of hair fall could include: Undernourishment/protein deprivation Poor diet Deficiency Trauma Stress Pregnancy Thyroid issues Sometimes, balding is purely genetic and hereditary, there is no cause of alarm in such cases. What to do: It is impossible to know the causes for excessive hair fall. Thus, one must consult a specialist to decide if there is any cause for alarm or how to fix the problem. Conclusion With proper maintenance, hygiene, care and professional consultation hair problems can be easily treated or even avoided. #HairProblems #HairSolutions

When we eat food, our body digests the carbohydrates like starch and sugars and breaks them down into its smallest monomer form, glucose, which also happens to be its most abundantly available form. Glucose is an important source of energy that is needed by all the cells in an organism on a molecular level. When the body digests the glucose in the stomach and small intestines, the inner walls and villi of these organs absorb the glucose which then enters the bloodstream. Glucose is required to be continuously regulated and supplied as it acts as the fuel that the body cannot synthesize on its own. However, as much as glucose is required by the body, excess production of glucose is harmful.. The condition in which there is high blood sugar or glucose content in the system is known as diabetes. There are two types of Diabetes and to understand them better, we must understand the endocrine function of the pancreas that has clinical relevance to two types. Credit: Wikimedia Common Endocrine Function of the Pancreas: Insulin The pancreas is located near the stomach in the upper left abdomen area. It is responsible for producing the hormone known as insulin. Insulin is responsible for maintaining and regulating the normal blood sugar levels in your body. It does so in the following ways: Decreasing the blood sugar level by acting as a counter action for a number of hyperglycemia-generating hormones. It allows the liver to store glucose in the form of glycogen and reconverts and utilize it when necessary. It promotes utilization of glucose by triggering the liver, muscles and fat cells to take in glucose and convert it into useful energy such as ATP for normal body functions. Beta cells of the Pancreas, Image Credit: Wikipedia Insulin Problems The problem arises when the normal levels of insulin in the body get disturbed or the body stops responding to it and as a result, glucose levels are not controlled leading to high blood sugar or diabetes. Difference Between Type 1 And Type 2 Diabetes Type 1 Diabetes This is an autoimmune condition where your immune system starts to destroy the endocrine or beta cells in the pancreas that produces and secretes insulin. A similar situation can happen when the beta cells are destroyed by some infection or virus of a disease or could also be due to the injury of the pancreas. This is known as secondary diabetes. As a result, when one consumes a lot of carbohydrates, the body breaks it down and the digested glucose start to get excessively absorbed and accumulated in the blood thus causing high blood sugar. Diabetes Blood sugar test Image Credit: pixabay Type 2 Diabetes This condition of high blood sugar is very different from type 1. Type 2 diabetes is a condition where the insulin levels may be disrupted. However, the main cause of high blood sugar is the body’s unresponsive nature to get triggered by insulin. In that, it is unable to act as a counter agent to hyperglycemia-generating hormones or trigger the liver to store and convert glucose. In simpler words, the body becomes resistant to insulin. Because your body cells are unresponsive, the pancreas will initially over-produce insulin and control the situation but eventually it won’t be able to keep up due to overworking and glucose will start to accumulate in the blood in an uncontrollable manner.Type 1Type 25-10% of total diabetes caes90% of all diabetes casesAffect people of ages 1-40Usually affects people of ages 40+Treatments include: Insulin injection and constant sugar level monitoringTreatments include: diet, exercise and insulin or  pills. #Type1vsType2diabetes

Alternative medicines which are of natural origin aim to achieve the healing effects of medicine but lack biological plausibility. Home remedies are now used widely by people due to negligible side effects and easy availability. Let’s see how certain natural treatments / home remedies can help you avoid taking medicines. #1 Clove Clove, Credits: pixabay Cloves are aromatic flower buds used popularly as a spice in a variety of ways across the world. It provides an analgesic effect just like ibuprofen and can be used to relieve tooth pain or sore throat. Other Benefits: Eugenol – the active constituent of clove is used in tooth decay, halitosis or bad breath. When used as a warm beverage, it can help relieve congestion. Clove oil is also used as a bug repellant and is thought to help relieve headaches, flatulence, as well as reduce stretch marks. #2 Onion Credits: pixabay Onions are flavourful bulbs rich in vitamins, antioxidants and sulphur. It’s antibacterial and antifungal properties can act similar to zinc pyrithione which is found in anti-dandruff shampoos. Other Benefits: Prevents hair fall. An onion mask made from onion paste applied over your hair can help fight dandruff, hair fall and naturally condition the hair. The anti-oxidants in the onion bulbs help fight inflammation Slices of onion cut and placed in your socks during night time can be an option to detox your body. Onions have antibacterial and anti-viral properties. The components of onions enter into the bloodstream which helps purify the blood, strengthening your immune system. #3 Garlic Credits: pixabay Garlic is a plant in the allium family with potent medicinal properties. It is used as a flavouring agent that adds a spicy flavour to the food. It can help reduce inflammation due to injury or infection. Other Benefits: Research studies have shown that people who eat raw garlic at least twice a week are less prone to cancer. Allicin compound in garlic increases insulin secretion and slows down the glycation process thus beneficial regulating blood pressure and diabetes. Reduces Levels of LDL Cholesterol. Helps prevent Neuro-Degenerative Diseases. Garlic oil instilled into oil can help relieve ear pain. #4 Turmeric Turmeric, Credits: pixabay Turmeric is used as a spice which also imparts golden colour to the food. It has a warm bitter taste and has shown to produce many health benefits.  It can be used as an alternative to painkillers or NSAID’S for chronic disorders and wound cuts. Other Benefits: Joint pain, muscle stiffness, and inflammation where the curcumin component in turmeric helps ease the pain and inflammation. Also aids in good sleep, aids in weight loss, and improves skin health. A glass of warm milk with half a teaspoon of turmeric powder. #5 Tulsi Tulsi, Credits: pixabay Tulsi is a revered holy plant in Hinduism. It not only has spiritual values but also has medicinal properties. Tulsi is used as an alternative remedy for treating constipation, common cold, cough and flu. Other Benefits: Tulsi is a potent germicidal, with anti-bacterial, antifungal and antibiotic properties that are great for resolving fevers. Tulsi leaves extract has the potential to cure fever caused due to malaria. Tulsi is a carminative agent with aromatic pungency thus it helps reduce bloating and flatulence. #6 Banana Banana, Credits: pixabay Bananas are a rich source of carbs and sugars. The high content of fibre in bananas helps you keep full for a longer duration. It is used as a natural antacid and laxative. Other Benefits: Bananas contain high levels of tryptophan, which stimulates serotonin secretion and elevates mood. Thus help overcome depression and anxiety. Rich in Vitamin B6 and magnesium helps treat insomnia and relax muscles. It also helps fight constipation. The active compounds in the banana peel can be used as a natural remedy to help get rid of any ugly warts. #7 Potato Potato, Credits: pixabay Potatoes go with every vegetable or can be eaten as sides. It is called a superfood and has a long history as a folk remedy for pain. Other Benefits: Potatoes have the ability to retain heat for a longer time. Thus, It is used as a wrap to treat muscle and bone pain. The alkalising and anti-inflammatory properties of potatoes soothe a stomach ache and reduce stomach acidity. The alpha-lipoic acid, a coenzyme present in the potatoes is good for the nervous system where it promotes cognitive effects. Potatoes are also good for the heart and keep your heart healthy because it contains zero cholesterol. Instead of consuming antacid solutions for your acidity, try eating a boiled potato. #8 Aloe vera Aloe Vera, Credits: pixabay Aloe vera, the succulent herb has widely found its use in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical and food industries. It offers innumerable health benefits and can be used both internally and externally. Aloe vera can be used as an alternative to burning creams Other Benefits: Aloe vera leaf sap contains aloin that can be used externally to ease inflammation of joints and reduce arthritis pain. Aloe vera juice combined with lemon and ginger can help reduce inflammation throughout the body. The gel-like substance applied to the burnt area can provide a soothing effect on the skin. #9 Guava leaves Guava, Credits: pixabay Guava leaves are considered to be the best herbal remedy for diarrhoea and dysentery. Other Benefits: Tea made from Guava leaves has been extensively used by Japanese people to manage their diabetes. The antioxidants and vitamin C rich guava leaves decoction can help heal sore throats and cough, while also boosting the immunity. Lowers the cholesterol levels in the blood. #10 Apple cider vinegar Apple cider vinegar, Credits: pixabay Apple cider vinegar is an excellent remedy for diabetes. Other Benefits: There are numerous studies which have shown apple cider vinegar to slow down the digestion. It makes the intestines take longer to absorb food. This, in turn, results in lower blood glucose levels in the body. Mix apple cider vinegar in a glass of water (preferably lukewarm) and drink it every morning. It also helps provide relief from an upset stomach. #HomeRemedies #NaturalTreatments

What is Fake Cocaine? Fake cocaine is a synthetic designer drug which contains Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV). This drug is used in the market as a new psychoactive drug of abuse. It has recently gained popularity with the emergence of “bath salts”. Fake Cocaine Drug Classification Fake cocaine is classified as a stimulant, and these products are marketed as “bath salts.” They’ve also been labelled as “jewel or glass cleaner,” plant food,”  and “research chemicals.” How to Recognize Fake Cocaine? Fake cocaine contains MDPV or synthetic cathinone which usually appears as a white or light tan coloured powder. You can find it to be sold under 500-milligram small bottles or plastic bags often labelled as”bath salts.” The packages may also include labels like “for novelty use only” or “not for human consumption.” Common Side Effects of Fake cocaine National Institute of Drug Abuse, have reported bath salts consumption to cause the following side effects Increased heart rate Hypertension Pain in chest Loss of fluids Breakdown of muscle tissue Kidney failure How Bad is Fake Cocaine? Fake cocaine or MDPV is considered a cocaine-like drug as its primary effects are attributed to be the same as that of cocaine. It results in similar physiological and locomotor effects via an interaction with the same monoamine transporters as cocaine. MDPV has 10 times higher potency than cocaine. This makes it highly addictive. It has been reported that people who snort fake cocaine produce distinct behavioural, physiological, and psycho-emotional fatalities. Some of which include: Hallucinations Delirium Increased sociability Increased sex drive Panic attacks Studies have also suggested that MDPV has got a high probability for significant health complications due to drug overdose, low cost, easy availability, and much higher potency. Similar to other psychomotor stimulants, fake cocaine has the potential to induce serious health complications, including abnormally high body temperature and lethality. The high potency of this synthetic drug may result in overdose or unexpectedly strong psychoactive and autonomic effects. It may cause hazardous effects on the brain due to uncompensated cerebral vasoconstriction. Fake cocaine can also develop feelings of anxiety, agitation, and develop suicidal tendencies. Cerebral vasoconstriction for prolonged periods and relative hypoxia due to fake cocaine consumption may contribute to acute health complications and following a drug overdose. In addition, there are reports of death due to the abuse of this class of drugs. Fake Cocaine is Isolated from? Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) is found to be structurally similar to cathinone, an active alkaloid obtained from the khat plant. It is a central nervous system stimulant. Synthetic variants of cathinone can be much more potent than the natural khat product, and sometimes, very dangerous. How is it Taken? Addicts take it by  snorting the white powder through the nose, but it can also be smoked or taken orally. Studies have reported synthetic cathinone to lose its potency when mixed with a solution. #Cocaine #Drugfacts #Fakecocaine