How should your tongue appear?
The form of the tongue should be symmetrical and circular. In people from Africa, Asia, and the Mediterranean, it is typically light pink, while some individuals may have slight purple or brown pigmentation. Additionally, it may have a faint white coating.
"The hard protein called keratin, which helps prevent your tongue from being scratched during eating, is the source of the coating," says prosthodontist Dr. Tien Jiang of the Harvard School of Dental Medicine's Department of Oral Health Policy and Epidemiology.
If you look closely, you may notice that your tongue is covered in tiny bumps called papillae that have multiple functions.
They have tactile and thermal senses.
They have taste buds that allow you to identify whether food is savoury, sweet, salty, sour, or bitter.
To assist you in forming a little ball of food (bolus) that you may swallow, they create friction.
Does tongue colour change with diet?
Sure. An occasional deviation from your typical tongue tone can be partially attributed to your diet. This is due to the papillae's ability to absorb food and drink colours and residues. For instance, the blue popsicle or sweets you had as a child most likely gave your tongue a vibrant hue of blue. Additionally, a variety of foods, including curries that contain a lot of yellow turmeric, tea, coffee, and other drinks, can leave their marks.
However, discoloration is typically very transient. You can wash away food particles and colours that stick to your tongue by drinking lots of water and practicing proper oral hygiene.
Concerning symptoms include white patches, a black or bright tongue, and other
Certain tongue colours and designs indicate medical problems. See your physician if you have any of the following symptoms:
A black or brown tongue is indicative of a disease known as "black hairy tongue." When papillae become too long, this happens. Because they are constantly falling out because of all the action in your mouth, these little bumps typically don't have much of an opportunity to grow. In the event that they do grow, the brown or black tint may result from the bacteria they collect combining with food colouring. Using antihistamines or antibiotics, smoking, having a dry mouth, consuming a lot of coffee or black tea, or having poor dental care are risk factors.
If you have thick white spots or white sores on your tongue, you most likely have thrush, an overabundance of yeast in the mouth. Conditions like diabetes or HIV, adverse reactions to antibiotics or cancer treatments, wearing dentures, smoking, dry mouth, or using steroid inhalers can all cause thrush. White patches or lesions may occasionally be signs of oral cancer.
You may have oral cancer in rare instances, thrush (which occasionally manifests as red patches), or canker sores (irritated tissues) if you have painful red or yellow sores on your tongue.
A brightly coloured tongue may be a sign of vitamin B12 insufficiency or scarlet fever, which is a bacterial infection of the throat caused by Streptococcus pneumonias that is accompanied by a rash that turns red across the body. Bright red, painless spots that appear to move about on your tongue could be an innocuous, incurable illness known as "geographic tongue."
Dealing with a leaky faucet can be a frustrating experience, but fear not! With a little know-how and the right materials, you can easily fix it yourself and save money on plumbing services. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of fixing a leaky faucet in the United Kingdom. Additionally, we will provide you with a list of readily available materials and where you can purchase them.
Materials Needed:
1. Adjustable wrench
2. Screwdriver (both flathead and Phillips)
3. Replacement washers and O-rings (specific to your faucet model)
4. Plumber's tape (Teflon tape)
5. Cleaning solution (vinegar or lemon juice)
6. Towels or rags
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Prepare the workspace: Before starting any repairs, ensure you have a clean and organized workspace. Lay down towels or rags to catch any excess water and to protect the surface below the faucet.
2. Turn off the water supply: Locate the shut-off valve under the sink and turn it clockwise to cut off the water supply. If you can't find a dedicated valve, consider shutting off the main water supply to your home temporarily.
3. Disassemble the faucet handle: Use a screwdriver to remove the screws or cap covering the handle. Once exposed, carefully detach the handle from the faucet body. Keep all small parts in a safe place, such as a container or ziplock bag.
4. Replace washers and O-rings: Using an adjustable wrench, unscrew the packing nut beneath the faucet handle. Once removed, you'll find the old washer and O-ring. Replace them with new ones specifically designed for your faucet model. Apply plumber's tape to the threads for a secure seal.
5. Clean the faucet parts: Before reassembling, clean any mineral deposits or debris from the faucet components. Soak them in a cleaning solution (vinegar or lemon juice) for a few minutes, then gently scrub with a toothbrush or cloth. Rinse thoroughly with water and dry with a towel.
6. Reassemble the faucet: Put the cleaned and replaced components back together in the reverse order of disassembly. Tighten the packing nut with an adjustable wrench, ensuring it is snug but not overly tight. Reattach the handle and secure it with screws or a cap.
7. Turn on the water supply: Once everything is securely reassembled, turn on the water supply by reversing the shut-off valve or main water supply.
Describe collagen.
One of the main structural proteins in human tissues is collagen. It is present in the bones, cartilage, tendons, hair, nails, and skin. Collagen maintains the suppleness, volume, and hydration of the skin in conjunction with other components like hyaluronic acid and elastin. It also contributes to the formation of proteins like keratin, which form nails, skin, and hair.
Our bodies use the amino acids found in high-protein or high-collagen meals, such as fish, meat, and bone broth, to naturally make collagen. However, smoking, drinking alcohol, getting older, and UV exposure all reduce the formation of collagen.
Supplements and drinks containing collagen are frequently made from a variety of sources, including fish, cattle, pigs, and poultry. They typically contain peptides, which are short sequences of amino acids that contribute to the formation of keratin and collagen, two important proteins in the body.
What is the scientific consensus regarding collagen supplements and drinks?
Studies on the skin consist of:
A review and analysis of 19 trials with 1,125 individuals in total that were published in the International Journal of Dermatology. The firmness, suppleness, and moisture content of the skin improved in those who took collagen supplements, and wrinkles were less obvious. Although it's unclear if collagen was the real cause of these skin changes, it seems good. The majority of the studies made use of widely available supplements that included substances other than collagen, such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, coenzyme Q10, hyaluronic acid, and chondroitin sulphate.
Drinking collagen supplements with high concentrations of the peptides prolylhydroxyproline and hydroxyprolylglycine can enhance skin hydration, elasticity, wrinkles, and roughness, according to a few randomised, controlled trials (see here and here). However, extensive, high-quality research is required to determine the long-term safety and efficacy of commercially accessible products.
There is very little evidence to support the use of collagen for improving nails and hair. In a small 2017 study, the development and brittleness of the nails were improved in 25 individuals with brittle nails who took 2.5 grammes of collagen daily for 24 weeks. Nevertheless, there was no placebo-taking control group in this little trial to compare with the collagen supplement-taking group.
Good morning everyone! Today, I am excited to discuss the fascinating topic of intergenerational friendships and the unexpected health benefits they bring. We often find comfort and companionship within our own age group, but what happens when we step out of our comfort zones and form connections with individuals who are much older or younger than us? These unique friendships can be like rare birds, offering a stimulating blend of experiences, attitudes, and approaches that have the potential to greatly enhance our lives. Not only do these friendships transcend age barriers, but they also contribute to our overall well-being. So, let's dive into the captivating world of intergenerational friendships.
1. Breaking Down Age Barriers:
As Dr. Ronald Siegel, an assistant professor of psychology at Harvard Medical School, states, confining ourselves to alliances within our peer group can be a limiting experience. Embracing intergenerational friendships requires us to let go of biases about generations and approach others with curiosity. By doing so, we open ourselves up to a whole new world of intelligence, insights, and awareness that exist across different eras. These friendships allow us to learn and grow as individuals.
2. The Impact on Mind and Body:
Research published in the journal Social Psychological and Personality Science reveals that friendships, regardless of age, have a positive impact on our physical and mental health. Trust and mutual support in these relationships have been found to lower stress levels and blood pressure, as well as help regulate blood pressure during stressful periods. Dr. Siegel emphasizes that when people have relationships built on trust, they thrive.
3. Embracing a Youthful Outlook:
Interestingly, intergenerational friendships can also influence our perception of age. A study published in the European Journal of Aging shows that older adults with friends who are more than 10 years younger tend to feel younger themselves and have greater satisfaction with the aging process. This self-perception can potentially lead to health advantages and longer life expectancy, as earlier research suggests.