Nocturnal pains in the stomach Written by Dr harold Gunatillake FRCS, FICS (US), FIACS (US), MB,BS (Cey), AM (Sing) Health writer We all get some gripe or a dull ache in our stomachs in the night time when the whole world sleeps. It is annoying and disturbing and you may go through a sleepless night. So, let us discuss some of the causes, and your stomach ache should fit into one of them. Eating too much close to bedtime in most people makes them sleep well, but others feel the discomfort of fullness. Especially, when you are lying down, the gastric juice containing acid can travel back (reflux) up the digestive tract. Sometimes, this could bring pressure on the diaphragm- the partition between the abdominal cavity and the chest wall, and give rise to a temporary hiccup. Lord Buddha was on the spot when he directed the monks to ...
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Dilemma of the PSA test to detect Prostatic Cancer Written by Dr. Harold Gunatillake FRCS, FICS, FIACS, MB, BS, AM (Sing)-Health writer When you are over 40, the doctors’ advice you to have a PSA test to check and record the number as your base, for future comparisons. If there is a history of prostate cancer in the family, you are advised a test yearly. If you do not have a family history and your first PSA test is low, then your doctor will advise you to get a test done every three years. If the first reading is high or subsequent readings reveal a progressive increase in the numbers, the problems arise. It is a dilemma for the patient, family doctor and the specialist to evaluate and manage such cases. ...
Read More →The humble cucumber and human relationship Written by Dr harold Gunatillake-health writer When we discuss superfoods and those ingredients that make such foods, from unprocessed grains, crucifers, fish, and fruits, you totally exclude a cooling veggie like Cucumber- anti-inflammatory to the hilt and full of nutrients. You remember the old idiom, ”cool as a cucumber” is quite appropriate when it comes to cooling the body. Store sliced cucumber in your fridge, to be available when required. During mid-night, if you suffer from heartburn, obviously after a binge night, open your fridge and eat a few slices of cooling cucumber to cool your inner lining of your stomach. If you need further cooling, adding a few teaspoons of low fat, unsweetened Greek type of yogurt, onto your cucumber slices would make it more tasty and effective. There are very few foods as cool as cucumber. Cucumbers could be stored in the ...
Read More →Health tip for the Day by Dr harold What is Nitric Oxide? by Dr Harold Gunatillake The benefit to mankind about Nitric oxide was known even 100 years ago when Alfred Nobel, the founder of the Nobel Prize was prescribed nitro-glycerine for his heart attack which relieved him. The doctors at that time did not know that it is the release of nitric oxide that relaxed the coronary vessels and gave relief. Even today, nitro-glycerine combination is available in pill form and spray to use by diagnosed angina pectoris patients. It is a safe idea without swallowing a tablet of aspirin when you experience chest pain whilst driving your vehicle, to carry with you a nitro-glycerine spray. Readers must take this note seriously for instant survival. Do not confuse nitric oxide with nitrous oxide or laughing gas the anaesthetists use to sedate you before surgery. Nitric oxide molecule is ...
Read More →Your daily stress is related to Cortisol hormone Written by Dr harold Gunatillake-health writer Cortisol is a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands sitting on top of your kidneys, and its secretion is related to stressful situations in your daily life. It is also called the stress hormone which helps you to balance your hormones and achieve good health. Not only stress levels, cortisol seems to help regulate blood sugar levels, metabolism and also reduce inflammation like extinguishing an internal fire. One wouldn’t survive without this fine tune mechanism in our body. Excess cortisol is secreted even without stress in a condition called Cushing’s syndrome due to a tumour in the adrenal glands or the organ that stimulating it‘s secretion–the pituitary gland. In Cushing’s syndrome you tend to put on weight in the face, abdomen and the chest. The arms and legs become wasted and slender compared to the core ...
Read More →Be watchful of foods you eat with saturated fat Written by Dr Harold Gunatillake-Health writer Some cardiologists seem to dispute this theory that saturated fats are linked to heart disease. Written by Dr harold Gunatillake-health writer Cholesterol- is a word in every one’s mouth today 75 % of cholesterol required for body functions is synthesised in the liver from Acetyl-CoA through the HMG-CoA cycle and not from fats in your food. Only 25% comes from the food (saturated fat), we eat like eggs and dairy. ...
Read More →Foods that can cause heartburn by Dr Harold Gunatillake What is heart burn? Acid juice is prevented refluxing into the gullet (oesophagus) by a valvular sphincter mechanism at the lower end of the gullet. The fundus (globe) of the stomach with the lower end of the gullet due to its angular position forms a valve: meaning food entering the stomach is prevented from re-entering the gullet. Acid fluid refluxing into the lower gullet causes inflammation of the inner lining. The nerves are irritated and you experience severe burning feeling with shortness of breath and you panic as it mimics a heart attack. Refluxing at the valve is not common other than in certain situations, such as lying down in supine position, and on the right side. Lying down on your left side prevents such eructation as the acid flows more to the fundus (globe) of the stomach. If you are ...
Read More →Chicken Biryani with Cucumber Raita by Health article written by Dr Harold Gunatillake In this preparation- biryani consists of curried meat, poultry, fish or vegetables combined with basmati rice to make a complete meal. Here chicken curry is layered with the rice and baked, then served with a fresh cucumber raita. Source: Cook Smart for a Healthy Heart, Reader’s Digest Canada ...
Read More →Heart healthy Diet in a nut-shell Written by Dr Harold Gunatillake-health writer This Mantra should be registered in your memory – both partners preparing daily foods for them. Forget the diet fads around and learn the basics- you’ll not go wrong. The bottom line of a heart healthy diet is one that’s high in fruits (diabetics should restrict), dark vegetables (green leafy), whole grains (unprocessed rice and wheat products), legumes (lentils), and include less than a handful of nuts daily. The diet may include limited amounts of lean meat, fish twice a week, low-fat and non-fat dairy products, monounsaturated oils like olive oil and polyunsaturated oils of omega-3 types like canola, and flaxseed oil, and saturated virgin coconut oil (disputed) for cooking. Limit using polyunsaturated omega-6 type of oils like vegetable and corn oils for cooking, saturated (butter) and trans-fat (margarine), less added salt, and sugars other than the natural, and ...
Read More →Health & Views – 1st Issue March 2017 by Dr Harold Gunatillake ...
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