According to a study published online by Menopause on September 12, 2023, women who have both of their ovaries removed prior to menopause have significantly increased chances of developing multiple chronic health conditions decades later.
The 274 women (average age 67) in the study had either undergone a hysterectomy or had their ovaries removed prior to menopause for a noncancerous condition. The women had thorough physical examinations for an average of 22 years following their surgery to determine whether any chronic conditions existed and to assess their level of strength and mobility.
Women under 46 who had their ovaries removed had 64% higher odds of having arthritis, twice the likelihood of having obstructive sleep apnea, and almost three times the likelihood of having had a bone fracture as compared to women of the same age who still had their ovaries. In a test that involved a six-minute walk, they also did worse. In addition, ovary removal patients between the ages of 46 and 49 were more likely to develop arthritis and sleep apnea than non-operating patients of the same age. Nonetheless, ovary excision prior to menopause was not associated with any of the following conditions: cancer, diabetes, dementia, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, irregular cardiac rhythm, osteoporosis, or diseases of the kidney, liver, or thyroid.
The authors of the study advised women who have their ovaries removed before menopause to think about starting estrogen therapy around age 50.
Great news! The FDA recently gave the green light to the first-ever pill designed to help moms struggling with postpartum depression. This condition affects around one in seven new mothers, making it tough for them to connect with their babies in the months following childbirth.
The new drug, called zuranolone (Zurzuvae), works quickly and was officially approved on August 4, 2023. What's even better? It's a short two-week course. Until now, the only other approved medication for postpartum depression was brexanolone (Zulresso), but it needed to be given through a hospital-based IV.
Postpartum depression shares symptoms with other types of depression, such as deep sadness, feeling tired all the time, losing interest in regular activities, and struggling with thinking and memory. In severe cases, women might even have thoughts of hurting themselves or their baby.
The introduction of this pill is not just a medical breakthrough; it's also expected to lessen the stigma around postpartum depression. By offering a more accessible treatment option, it aims to encourage more women to seek the help they need. This is a positive step forward for the well-being of new moms everywhere!
The new drug, called zuranolone (Zurzuvae), works quickly and was officially approved on August 4, 2023. What's even better? It's a short two-week course. Until now, the only other approved medication for postpartum depression was brexanolone (Zulresso), but it needed to be given through a hospital-based IV.
Postpartum depression shares symptoms with other types of depression, such as deep sadness, feeling tired all the time, losing interest in regular activities, and struggling with thinking and memory. In severe cases, women might even have thoughts of hurting themselves or their baby.
The introduction of this pill is not just a medical breakthrough; it's also expected to lessen the stigma around postpartum depression. By offering a more accessible treatment option, it aims to encourage more women to seek the help they need. This is a positive step forward for the well-being of new moms everywhere!
The Study is still being monitored.
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Getting a breast cancer diagnosis can be scary, but things have changed a lot in how we treat it. Unlike the old days when everyone got the same treatment, now it's like having a personalized toolkit to fight the disease.
Survival rates have gone up, with only 5% of women at an average risk of dying within five years after a breast cancer diagnosis, down from 14% in the 1990s. Dr. Harold Burstein from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute explains, We may not always know why someone gets breast cancer, but the good news is that outcomes are improving.
Instead of using a one-size-fits-all approach, scientists can now categorize breast tumors based on cell type. This allows for tailor-made combinations of treatments. Surgery is still common, but chemotherapy might be smaller or skipped. New drugs like immunotherapy and targeted therapies are giving doctors more options.
Breast cancer comes in different types, like ER-positive or HER2-positive. Knowing this helps doctors choose the best treatments. Thanks to research in the last decade, tests can now identify gene mutations, predict tumor growth, and help customize treatments.
For ER-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer, the use of chemotherapy has become more selective. Powerful tools allow doctors to decide if a patient really needs it. Medications like CDK4/6 inhibitors are also used for high-risk cases.
HER2-positive breast cancer, a more aggressive type, has seen progress with targeted therapies like Herceptin. A new approach pairs chemotherapy with proteins for better results with fewer side effects.
Triple-negative breast cancer, a fast-growing type, is challenging, but new drugs and immunotherapy are showing promise. Even more promising is the future use of liquid biopsies, blood tests that can guide treatment based on circulating tumor DNA.
Dr. Burstein is optimistic about the coming years, mentioning new technologies like liquid biopsies. For metastatic breast cancer, which isn't curable yet, patients are living longer with new treatments improving their lives.
Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is rare but dangerous. Unlike other types, it doesn't always show a lump. Symptoms develop rapidly, and early signs are often mistaken for less serious issues. Dr. Filipa Lynce advises not to ignore changes in the breast, even without a lump. If symptoms persist, seeking medical attention is crucial.
Finally, for women diagnosed with breast cancer, a multidisciplinary care team is essential. Collaboration among specialists and communication with your healthcare team are key to better outcomes. Don't hesitate to ask questions and be an active part of your treatment plan.
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Childbirth, a timeless and sometimes unpredictable journey, has been an integral part of human experience. In the United States, where rates of avoidable complications and maternal deaths are surprisingly high, the demand for doulas is on the rise. Natalia Richey, interim chief midwife at Massachusetts General Hospital, notes an increasing interest in additional care during pregnancy and birth.
But what does a birth doula do? Unlike midwives or doctors, professional doulas offer emotional and physical support to women throughout pregnancy and the birthing process.
Here's a glimpse into doula care if you're considering it.
Doulas vs. Midwives
While midwives and doulas share some responsibilities, a crucial distinction exists: midwives provide medical care, whereas doulas focus on emotional and physical support. Midwives, like certified nurse-midwives, are trained nurses responsible for maintaining the physical health of both mother and baby during childbirth. On the other hand, doulas don't perform medical tasks; they specialize in helping laboring women stay comfortable and calm, employing various techniques like suggesting comfort measures and optimal positions.
Doula Training and Licensing
It's important to note that doula training lacks standardized rules. Certification from over 100 independent organizations is common, although no formal licensing is required. While private insurers often don't cover doula care, some employers, like Walmart, assist in covering costs. As of February 2023, ten states and the District of Columbia offer Medicaid coverage for doula services.
Impact on Birth Outcomes
A 2023 analysis spanning 22 years and 16 studies found that doula support correlated with improved birth outcomes, including fewer C-sections, premature deliveries, and shorter labor. Emotional support from doulas was associated with reduced anxiety and stress in mothers, with notable improvements in breastfeeding success, especially among low-income women.
Collaboration with Doulas
Agreements regarding care may vary, but typically, doulas meet with expectant individuals throughout pregnancy to discuss birth goals and build rapport. Doulas, akin to obstetricians, are available 24/7 to support clients during labor. This constant support, especially for those with limited resources, can be invaluable.
Doula and OB/GYN Collaboration
Collaboration between doulas and OB/GYN teams is generally seamless. Whether a hospital arranges for a doula or if hired privately, coordination ensures everyone sticks to their roles. Doulas suggest nonpharmacological ways to ease pain, respecting boundaries when medical intervention is necessary.
Questions to Ask When Considering a Doula
Interested in working with a doula? Natalia Richey suggests asking yourself questions like:
- What are my hopes and goals for the childbirth process?
- How do I envision my support team during delivery?
- Do I have friends or family members who have used doulas, and what were their impressions?
When contacting a doula, inquire about their training, the number of births attended, how they can assist during pregnancy and labor, and their approach to collaboration with your partner, spouse, and the medical team.
Take the time to meet with any doula you're considering and make sure they're a good fit, advises Richey. "Because this is someone who will be there during one of the most vulnerable times of your life. Having someone there who doesn't make you feel safe and comfortable can affect birth in a major way.
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A new study suggests that women who suffer from migraine headaches prior to becoming pregnant may be at greater risk for pregnancy complications that could endanger their health or that of their unborn child.
The Harvard-led research, which was published online by Neurology on January 19, 2023, analysed 20 years' worth of data from Nurses Health Research II, which included 30,555 pregnancies among 19,694 nurses in the United States. The number of women who reported being diagnosed with migraine, as well as the form of migraine, were evaluated by the researchers. In addition, participants reported whether they had experienced medical complications during pregnancy.
Will there still be access to miscarriage care?
You probably weren't aware that up to one in three pregnancies results in a miscarriage when you first discovered the facts of pregnancy, perhaps from a parent or a friend.Why do miscarriages happen? What is done about it? And why is adequate medical care for miscarriages being questioned and, in some US regions, becoming more difficult to find?
A miscarriage is what?
Many of the people who seek assistance are ready and hoping to start families. The premature termination of a desired pregnancy is devastating.
A pregnancy loss before 20 weeks, measured from the first day of the last menstrual cycle, is referred to as a miscarriage. Even though the danger steadily goes down as the pregnancy goes on, miscarriage can occur in up to one out of every three pregnancies. It happens in fewer than one in 100 pregnancies by the 20th week.
Why do miscarriages happen?
Miscarriage frequently has multiple causes, none of which are visible. Some elements increase danger, including:
- pregnancy in later life (older age). The loss of a pregnancy is frequently caused by chromosomal abnormalities. It gets worse as people get older.
- autoimmune illnesses. A higher chance of miscarriage exists in pregnant women with autoimmune illnesses like lupus or Sjogren's syndrome, despite the fact that many of their pregnancies are successful.
- certain diseases. If uncontrolled, thyroid disease or diabetes can increase the risk.
- some uterine problems. Miscarriage may be caused by uterine abnormalities, polyps, or fibroids.
- miscarriages in the past. A miscarriage somewhat raises the likelihood of miscarriage in the subsequent pregnancy. For instance, if a woman is pregnant and her miscarriage risk is one in ten, it may rise to 1.5 in ten after her first miscarriage and to four in ten after three.
- certain medications. Certain medications may be harmful to a growing pregnancy. If you have a chronic illness or condition, it is best to plan your pregnancy and get pre-pregnancy counselling.
Amazing sex always appears to be a piece of cake in the movies. However, real-life sex might provide us with unexpected challenges, such as pain that interferes with situations we had previously expected to be entirely pleasurable.
Many people avoid talking about painful sex since it can be uncomfortable, even with a doctor. But if you're struggling with it, you're not alone. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, discomfort during intercourse is incredibly frequent, with over three-quarters of women feeling pain at some point in their lives. Additionally, up to 60% of women report having painful sex in the run-up to menopause and afterwards.
Strong research shows that women often don't share this concern with their health care providers unless they're specifically asked, and doctors rarely ask
What makes sexual activity painful? It could involve burning, soreness, dryness, or a general feeling of discomfort in addition to the actual jabs or twinges of pain. Although it can affect nearby areas, including the pelvis and lower back, it is often most visible in the vagina and vulva. Sexual activity with partners of either gender can also cause pain.
You don't have to accept painful sex, though. It's time to look at why pleasure becomes discomfort and figure out how to restore enjoyment to the bedroom. Physical intimacy is important for couples.
Why may sex become uncomfortable after years of usually pleasurable lovemaking? Your stage of life is a major contributing factor, but there are many other important elements as well. Gynecologic disorders such as pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, and fibroids may play a role. As well as other medical conditions like arthritis, radiation, pelvic surgery, or cancer. Even the thought of having sex can be impossible for someone with vulvodynia, a persistent pain illness affecting the vulva.
The following scenarios account for the most painful sex instances:
Childbirth. Undoubtedly, giving birth vaginally is difficult for the vagina, perhaps even more so for women who have undergone an episiotomy or perineal tears. The healing process can take several months. Vaginal dryness can be exacerbated by hormonal changes during childbirth and breastfeeding.
Menopause. A chronic, increasing absence of natural vaginal lubrication can be brought on by declining estrogen levels during the years preceding menopause and after. It typically starts with a sense of dryness or soreness low in the vagina, but over time it can become really uncomfortable everywhere.
High pelvic floor tone (Hypertonic). After a stressful experience, like a sexual assault, the muscles surrounding the vaginal opening may automatically constrict. Ironically, however, the disease might even start with the thought of discomfort in the bedroom. The more you expect sex to hurt, the more your pelvic floor muscles tense, creating a vicious cycle. Your pelvic floor muscles contract whenever intercourse is attempted, making sex even more uncomfortable. It's almost like your body is attempting to protect you. There may seem to be a wall there.
How to increase comfort
If you're afraid it'll hurt, sex can lose its appeal. The proverb "use it or lose it" is not applicable in this instance, however, as having less sex as menopause approaches does not increase the likelihood of painful intercourse.
2,247 women, aged 42 to 52, who reported no sexual pain at the trial's start and consented to log their sexual frequency and symptoms participated in the study, which was published on June 1st, 2022, in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Over the course of up to 10 follow-up visits over the next 13 years, nearly half of the participants reported experiencing pain during sex at least occasionally. While having oral sex or being aroused more frequently (with or without sexual activity) were connected to lower odds of experiencing sexual pain, vaginal dryness revealed the highest association. But it wasn't taken into account how much sex the women had.
There are thoughts that intercourse is good for the vagina, stretching it and bringing in secretions and blood flow however, there is no data to back this up.
Congenital disabilities or birth injuries pose the greatest threat to the baby while it is still inside its mother. Your baby may experience behavioral abnormalities, motor function restrictions, and cognitive impairments as a result of taking certain medications, eating certain foods, or engaging in certain habits.
The chance of congenital impairment is higher during the first trimester, when the baby's major organs are growing. At this time, the mother must also exercise caution in both her eating habits and her daily activities.
A healthy lifestyle can assist a mother in protecting her unborn child from danger. Here are some recommendations to protect the unborn child's health:
1. Abstain from alcohol use.
Birth injuries and alcohol have a strong connection. Alcohol consumption by pregnant women results in birth defects and brain damage that are permanent. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are a possibility for children exposed to alcohol during pregnancy.
Preventing this issue in your unborn child is as simple as quitting drinking before getting pregnant so that your body is free of toxins when you conceive.
However, mothers who don't drink alcohol but nonetheless learn that their child has a birth defect like FASD need to seek other causes, like medical negligence.
The Birth Injury Justice Center, which offers substantial information on this subject, is a good place to go for additional information regarding birth injuries and legal assistance.
2. Give up smoking.
Smoking, like drinking, will prevent you from maintaining the health of your unborn child. So refrain from smoking while you are pregnant. It is more advised to give up smoking before getting pregnant.
If you smoke frequently, cut back until it is completely absent. It's crucial to reduce gradually because abrupt change isn't usually sustainable.
Intrauterine growth limitation, cleft palate, SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome), tremors, stillbirth, premature labor, etc. affect babies born to moms who smoke. Your baby's growing brain and lungs can suffer harm from nicotine.
The likelihood of intrauterine growth restriction increases with a mother's level of alcohol consumption. Due to the fact that many smokeless products also contain nicotine, e-cigarettes and vaping are also bad for the unborn.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, an independent national panel of experts, has recently released draft guidelines proposing updated recommendations for breast cancer screening. The new guidelines suggest that women at average risk for breast cancer should undergo screening every other year starting at the age of 40. This is a departure from their previous advice, which recommended mammograms every other year starting at age 50. The proposed guidelines are in line with the 2022 recommendations by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, which suggests annual mammograms for women at average risk.
The decision to update the guidelines was based on new scientific evidence that shows biennial mammograms starting at age 40 could potentially prevent at least one additional breast cancer death for every 1,000 women. Currently, breast cancer affects approximately 264,000 American women each year, with 42,000 losing their lives to the disease, according to data from the CDC.
Where you responsible for my partner's bladder infection?
When a woman has a normal bladder infection, the most typical type of urinary tract infection (UTI), her sexual partner does not need to be checked. UTI-causing germs are not transmitted by partners. Women's small urethras—the tube that removes urine from the bladder—make them more susceptible to UTIs. The region surrounding the urethra's end is covered in bacteria. In order to infect the bladder in women, these germs only need to travel a short distance from the urethral entrance. Even though you did not spread the bacteria, you might have had some impact. After sexual activity, some women experience UTIs. This is especially true when having sex that is intense or frequent. Changing sexual positions and encouraging her to urinate immediately after sexual contact may be helpful in these circumstances.
According to a recent nationally representative poll, more elderly women than men showed indicators of addiction to highly processed foods and beverages during the preceding year.
The survey, which is a component of the National Poll on Healthy Ageing from the University of Michigan, was released online on January 30, 2023. In July 2022, 2,163 persons between the ages of 50 and 80 who were questioned over the phone or online. In order to assess their own behaviours and thoughts regarding addiction to highly processed foods including sweets, salty snacks, sugary drinks, and fast food, participants responded to 13 questions. Intense cravings, an inability to reduce usage, and withdrawal symptoms are some characteristics of addiction. Participants had to admit to at least two of 11 symptoms, as well as considerable distress or issues with eating, at least twice a week in order to meet the criteria for addiction to highly processed foods.
1 easy way to get bigger boobs
I remember back in school when my friends would go shopping for nude bras and come back with beige bras that looked off their skin colour. This is such a thoughtful brand that understands the importance of the breast pads being the same or close to the colour of your skin.
Patients immediately experience fear, confusion, and uncertainty as a result of the shock of receiving a cancer diagnosis and thinking about the subsequent treatments. Chemotherapy and radiation treatments wreak havoc on the body, which can also be detrimental to one's appearance. Hair loss, problems with the skin and nails, fluctuating weight, nausea, and exhaustion are unfavourable side effects of cancer treatment. Having to deal with these side effects on a daily basis makes coping with the illness challenging. When confronting cancer, women in particular experience diminished self-confidence and self-esteem. The good news is that many hospitals and clinics provide patients with beauty therapy services performed by certified beauticians and cosmetologists.
Improved standard of living
Patients who have negative effects on their self-image find renewal in the beauty therapy services offered by cosmetologists. Licenced beauticians frequently work with hospitals and clinics to give patients who require them beauty services. Beauticians offer more than just facials, manicures, and hair styling; whether these services are offered one-on-one or in group sessions, they also offer technical guidance, a sympathetic ear, and a peaceful respite. Studies have shown that providing patients with beauty and wellness treatments can improve their quality of life by instructing them in practises and offering assistance to minimise the physical adverse effects of cancer treatments.
Infertility is a problem that happens to a lot of people. It affects up to one in five people trying to get pregnant in the US and 186 million people around the world. In many cases, a thorough medical evaluation can identify key contributing factors in a woman, a man, or both partners that might respond to treatment or call for tools like in vitro fertilization (IVF) to help with reproduction.
But in a lot of cases, there is no clear reason why someone can't have children. New research suggests that inflammation might be to blame for some of these cases. And if so, will a diet or way of life that reduces inflammation help with fertility?
Investigating the link between inflammation and being unable to have children
Many health problems, like heart disease, stroke, and cancer, have been linked to long-term inflammation.
Even though it's not clear what role it plays in infertility, some evidence suggests a link:
When there is inflammation, like an infection, endometriosis, or polycystic ovary syndrome, the risk of infertility is higher.
Systemic inflammation can affect the uterus, cervix, and placenta, which can make it harder to get pregnant.
Women with infertility who had IVF and ate a diet low in inflammation were more likely to get pregnant than infertile women who didn't follow the diet.
Lifesaving screening tests include Pap smears and blood pressure checks. They are able to detect diseases that you have no reason to think are present. Early identification may allow for the treatment of the disease while it is still treatable and before irreversible complications develop.
Some screening tests prevent the disease for which they were developed. For instance, colonoscopies and Pap smears can detect precancerous abnormalities that can be treated to prevent their growth and transformation into cancer. And each year in the United States, missed screening tests contribute to thousands of preventable deaths. A new study on Pap smears reveals that the benefits diminish after a certain point. And many of us might benefit from a greater grasp of the limitations of screening and how specialists determine when individuals should stop undergoing routine screening tests.
Even the most effective screening tests have limits. It is able to miss the disease it is designed to detect (false-negative results). Or, it may produce anomalous outcomes when no disease is present (false-positive results).
Importantly, as people age, both life expectancy and screening advantages tend to diminish. Numerous illnesses found by routine screenings, such as prostate cancer and cervical cancer, generally present problems only after a period of time. A person in their 80s is more likely to pass away from another deadly ailment than from cervical cancer or prostate cancer. Moreover, many diseases, such as cervical cancer, become less prevalent with age.
As a result, many screening tests are no longer suggested indefinitely. At some point in your life, your doctor may inform you that you no longer need to repeat a screening test, even if you've grown accustomed to it.
People often say that pregnancy is a time of happiness and excitement, which is true for many people. It is hard to ignore the health risks and fears that can come up from some vulnerable patients getting a positive pregnancy test.
In the United States, just being pregnant poses serious short-term and long-term health risks, with the most serious pregnancy-related problems of any developed country, and about 700 people die every year as a result. This health problem affects women of color and low-income women the most. In fact, Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women.
From a health point of view, what makes pregnancy extremely difficult?
Pregnancy is like a long-term stress test that puts a lot of strain on the body's systems and creates new health risks. It changes how the kidneys, lungs, and heart work. It also changes the immune system and the way the body uses energy by affecting many organs. It gets more blood to all parts of the body. People who already have high blood pressure, diabetes, or other health problems will be hurt more by this. Furthermore, pregnancy can aggravate mental health issues like depression and anxiety, exacerbating the symptoms.
Two health problems that are specific to pregnancy are:
Preeclampsia. This can lead to high blood pressure and damage to the kidneys, liver, and brain, among other organs. Just being pregnant puts more pressure on the heart and blood vessels. According to the Preeclampsia Foundation, having a preeclampsia pregnancy more than triples a person's lifetime risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Preeclampsia is more likely to happen if you are younger than 18 or older than 40, have an autoimmune disease (like lupus), already have high blood pressure, or had preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy.
Too much blood loss after birth (postpartum hemorrhage). Even though some things put people at a higher risk, any birth, even those with no problems, can cause a hemorrhage.
Most of the time, a person with health problems can still have a safe pregnancy. Still, if you already have a disease like heart disease or diabetes, you are more likely to have complications and die. More women are getting pregnant later in life, which makes it more likely that they already have heart disease. Large, multidisciplinary teams of health professionals are now often needed to care for pregnant women with complex cardiac needs or other health conditions. This wasn't always the case in the past.
Unintended pregnancy rates are high.
In the United States, almost half of all pregnancies are not planned. In some cases, this means that a pregnancy is wanted in the future, and in other cases, it means that a pregnancy is not wanted.
Why do so many people get pregnant when they don't want to? Nine out of ten sexually active women who don't want to get pregnant say they use some kind of birth control. Of course, not every method of birth control is very good. If you only use condoms, 13 out of 100 people will get pregnant in a year, while up to 23 out of 100 people will get pregnant if you also use other methods to figure out your fertility.
Firstly, I would like to say that most people draw conclusions about this topic from unexperimented and proven facts, which are based on some cultural beliefs that were never checked and have never been proven right.
Today, I will answer this question, which is one of the questions I get asked frequently. As a doctor, when analysing factors, you cannot leave out the contents. So, we will start by analysing the properties of Nzu.
Please keep in mind that Nzu is clay. So, what is clay?
Clay minerals (hydrous aluminium phyllosilicates, such as kaolin, Al2Si2O5(OH)4) are found in fine-grained natural soil material called clay.
Clays become plastic when wet due to a molecular film of water surrounding the clay particles, but they become hard, brittle, and non-plastic when dried or fired.
Although most pure clay minerals are white or light in colour, natural clays can have a wide range of colours due to impurities, such as a reddish or brownish colour from trace amounts of iron oxide.
Clay is the world's oldest ceramic material. Prehistoric humans discovered clay's useful properties and used it to make pottery. The first known writing medium was clay tablets, and some of the earliest pottery shards date back to around 14,000 BC. Clay (Nzu) is used in a wide range of modern industrial processes, including paper manufacturing, cement manufacturing, and chemical filtering. One-half to two-thirds of the world's population lives or works in buildings that use clay as a load-bearing structure, often baked into brick.
There are three types of clay: kaolinite, montmorillonite-smectite, and illite. Chlorite, vermiculite, talc, and pyrophyllite are also clay minerals. In these categories, there are about 30 different types of "pure" clays, but most "natural" clay deposits are a mix of these different types, as well as other weathered minerals. Rather than chemical or physical tests, X-ray diffraction is the most effective method for identifying clay minerals in clays.
What is the composition of clay?
Clay has high levels of iron, alkali metals, or alkaline earths. Aluminum hydrous-layer silicates, with magnesium and iron aluminosilicates present on occasion.
Alkali metals (lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, and cesium. Caustic metal oxides are formed when alkali metals react with air. When exposed to air at room temperature, the heavier alkali metals (rubidium and cesium) will spontaneously ignite.
Heat, hydrogen gas, and the corresponding metal hydroxide are produced when alkali metals react with water. The heat generated by this reaction has the potential to ignite the hydrogen or the metal itself, resulting in a fire or explosion. The heavier alkali metals will react with water more violently.
Alkaline earth are di-valent cations. Calcium and magnesium are common in ground water caused by water percolating through deposits of calcium and magnesium-containing minerals such as limestone, chalk, and dolomite. Ref: here.Both internally and externally, aluminium silicate can cause an allergic reaction. The compound irritates the skin when applied as a powder.
While no studies on internal consumption have been conducted, it is safe to assume that eating this powder can cause gastrointestinal distress. Keep in mind that aluminium silicate is used to keep materials from burning. It is not something you want inside of you. If you consume it, you will almost certainly vomit or need to go to the bathroom. Under no circumstances should you consume the powder. Ref: Naturalpedia.
Clay minerals are primarily composed of silica, alumina or magnesia or both, and water, but iron substitutes for aluminium and magnesium to varying degrees, and significant amounts of potassium, sodium, and calcium are also present.
There are 6 types of clay minerals: (1) kaolin-serpentine (kaolinite, halloysite, lizardite, chrysotile), (2) pyrophyllite-talc, (3) mica (illite, glauconite, celadonite), (4) vermiculite, (5) smectite (montmorillonite, nontronite, saponite), (6) chlorite (sudoite, clinochlore. These groups' information and structural diagrams are provided here.
One of the most beautiful aspects of womanhood is having children. Many women long for the day when they can "show off that round belly." The first step in confirming a pregnancy is getting a positive pregnancy test, but what are the warning signs?
1. The first sign or obvious indication of pregnancy is a missed period. Be ready to dash to the pharmacy next door and grab a pregnancy test.
2. Breast Sensitivity.
The body emits a variety of pregnancy-related signals, and sore breasts are one of them. Some women have sore breasts before their periods, so it would be best to take a test at home or go to the doctor to find out if you are pregnant.
My skin and menstrual cycle were affected by nzu, which is eating salted kaolin clay (geophagia). A lot of people reached out to me after reading my article on how nzu affected my skin and menstrual cycle. They asked how I was able to stop nzu addiction because they were also struggling. That’s why I’m sharing this article and urging everyone to read it.
You’ll be surprised at how many people struggle with this habit, and sadly, there’s no awareness to help reduce clay addiction. For those who don’t know, nzu is an edible clay eaten by people from different parts of the world. I used to think nzu was mostly eaten in Nigeria, but it’s not just a Nigerian thing. In Nigeria, it’s known by different names depending on the tribe, like ndom in Efik/Ibibio and eko in Bini/Edo, nzu in Igbo language and it’s also called calabash chalk. Generally, it’s edible clay.
Let’s dive into how to stop nzu addiction. Nzu addiction is common in Africa and other countries. In Nigeria, it’s overlooked because nzu isn’t categorized as a hard drug, and with everything going on, many health issues get ignored.
In this article, we’ll focus on how to break free from nzu addiction. I’ll cover the harm nzu causes to your body in another article. I’m being honest to give you a clear picture of how it starts and how to stop it.
Many young men, women, children, and even pregnant women eat clay. Some research claims clay is good for your health, but I don’t believe it. It’s contradictory to me. I don’t think the study was done right because it didn’t mention how much nzu matters or discuss its addictive nature, side effects, or health risks.
For many Nigerians, nzu addiction is inherited. For me, it started with errands to buy edible clay for my sister and seeing others eat it. For many kids, it’s their pregnant moms eating clay or seeing their family members eat it. A lot of people thought it was okay to eat nzu because they saw others doing it. This addiction also includes people with Pica, an eating disorder that makes them eat things with no nutritional value, like dirt, chalk, hair, paper, etc.
I started eating nzu at a very young age. If I remember correctly, I was about 6 years old. My friend’s mom was addicted to eating clay (nzu) and bought it in large quantities. She’d throw away the pieces she didn’t like in the field in front of her house. Since we were neighbors and I was friends with her daughter, we’d go and collect those pieces to eat. I started going there regularly and grew up eating nzu.
When I entered secondary school and moved into a boarding house, I began asking day students who came from home to help me buy edible clay almost every week. We’d sit down and eat the nzu together during our free time at the hostel. I even made friends just because they brought nzu to school. I started buying it myself too, since my father always gave me pocket money. By the time I finished secondary school, I had a severe craving or second-stage nzu addiction. When I went to university outside Nigeria, the main addictive cravings really kicked in.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Overcoming Nzu Addiction
Keep reading to learn how to stop nzu addiction.
I remember being at the metro station in Ukraine on my way to the university, and everywhere would start to smell of nzu. I’d have intense cravings and start imagining that the walls of the metro were made of nzu. I began asking around and buying from African shops in my city and other cities. I even asked people coming from Nigeria or any part of Africa to bring me salted clay (nzu). I even dreamed of starting my own nzu company and making mixtures to suit different people’s tastes, like strawberry, orange, and other fruit flavors.
I started adding nzu to my food, especially jollof rice. When my food was hot and steamy, I’d place the nzu under the food so the steam would heat the clay and mix its aroma with the jollof. The smell of the clay was so satisfying. I’d eat nzu and then drink very chilled iced water or hot coffee. Even with a limited supply of nzu, I would get really happy whenever someone gave me some and protect it like it was a precious stone. I’m not exaggerating.
I started getting advice from friends about how bad nzu is. Sometimes I’d take their advice, but other times I’d continue eating it. I even lied to them, saying I had stopped while I was still taking it. Eventually, I realized something was wrong because I would just sit and start perceiving the smell of nzu. My brain was recreating that smell, and I’d have an immediate urge to have it. I decided to stop, and here’s how I was able to achieve that.
Here are 8 Benefits of breast massage your doctors wont tell you
We concentrate more on body massage, but our breasts also need massage. Breast massage is very beneficial and easy to perform. You can do it by yourself. If you've ever wondered about the benefits of breast massage or how to massage your breasts, continue reading. We have outlined the benefits of breast massage as well as self-massage techniques.
Breast massage is a gentle form of massage therapy that is done on the breasts. It can be used to boost a person's self-confidence, treat conditions that can change the way the breast looks, or just help them relax. Massage is an old method that has been known to help every part of the body for a long time.
Even so, breast massage is not something that most massage places or beauty spas talk about or do very often. But after you finish reading this article, your view of this amazing treatment will change completely, and you won't be embarrassed about it anymore.
It makes the breasts bigger.
People always find women with big breasts attractive. Certain hormones affect how big your breasts are, and this type of massage can make your body generate more of these hormones. For the best results, a good massage oil should be mixed with a soothing essential oil.Reduce your blood pressure.
When women with slightly high blood pressure get regular short breast massages, their blood pressure tends to drop significantly in a short amount of time. Over a long period of time, people who are like them but take medicine don't improve much. Because of this, it is true that breast massage has some healing effects on blood pressure that are not obvious. Since research is still going on, not much has been said about this find.
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