HOW SAFE ARE DIET DRINKS?

HOW SAFE ARE DIET DRINKS?

Good question, considering more people are getting weight-conscious and seeking to cut calories. With the increasing campaign against indulging in soda, a lot of people are becoming aware of the risks associated with such indulgence ranging from weight gain to increased risk for diseases like hypertension, diabetes, obesity, bone and dental diseases, and the depression associated with some of these diseases. It is no surprise therefore that calory-free alternatives became almost instantly appealing. These alternatives replaced sugar, which is the major culprit with these diseases.

Sweeteners are chemical substances that are used as substitutes to sugar and either release no calories, or produce calories that are not absorbed by the body (although, linguistically, sugar is a sweetener too, but, for the purpose of this essay we will continue with sugar versus sweeteners). Basically, there are four classes of sweeteners:

The non-nutritive sweeteners, like aspartame and saccharin, which are chemically compounded. They are the most commonly used.

The sugar alcohols, like sorbitol and zylitol, are reduced-calory sweeteners derived from vegetables and fruits, or by hydrogenation of sugars (they are not alcohols).

The novel sweeteners, which are extracts from South American plant, stevia, which is reported to have blood pressure and blood glucose lowering properties.

The natural sweeteners, like fruit juices (fructose), nectar, maple syrup and honey.

It is worth pointing out here that the major problem is sucrose, which  makes up sugar, and needs insulin to break it down.
Now, there have been arguments and counter-arguments against the safety of these diet drinks. As far back as the 1970s, saccharin, which was the first of these substances, was said to be associated with cancer, an assumption that was later refuted as no confirmed study on humans has been able to confirm such an associattion. So it is, up to today, theories and associations have been postulated but as far as I can tell, there is no scientifically concluded confirmation of these 'diet' drinks causing and real human damage.

For the sake of fairness, anyway, I will enumerate some of these associations. Diet drinks have been linked to:

- increase in weight gain(paradoxical, right?)

- requirement for more sugar later in life as the taste buds become dulled by the sweeter sweeteners

- increased risks of headaches and migraines

- destruction of tooth enamel

- causation of osteoporosis

- increased risk of having a preterm delivery

- increased risk for developing diabetes

There are many other associations which I consider too academic to put down here. One would want to ask, "What does not have association with diseases?". I think in the end it boils down to personal philosophy about life. Sometimes the restrictions are too much right? "Don't take coke, take diet coke,"
 then,
"Don't take diet coke". 
What are u going to take? We would all die of something in the end right?, but these scientists are just trying to ensure that we have good quality of life and that we reduce preventable deaths.
The decision on whether you want to completely stay off soda or cut down on it, whether diet or not, is completely up to you. If you want some professional advice anyway, water is always available (what a cliché right?), then there are tea and coffee which are rich in anti-oxidants, there is skimmed milk, home-made fruit extracts and smoothies, etc.

If, you need to enhance the taste of any of these, sugar in moderation or any of the sweeteners mentioned above should do.
As I usually say, work out a plan that works for you and that you can maintain. I was once an avid soda drinker, but decided to switch over to more healthy and nutritious drinks when I realized I was adding weight at an alarming rate. However, many of these drinks did not have the refreshing experience you get from soda, so I had to make a compromise, I cut down my soda and general sugar consumption by 75%. Where I was taking four cans of soda, I cut it to one, and where I was putting eight cubes of sugar in a cup of coffee, I cut it down to two and I have been able to maintain this protocol with amazing results. so, it is really up to you now.

How to cure pimples at home

Introduction

Pimple is the more common name for the medical term acne vulgaris. It is a social menace to adolescents and young adults, especially as these are ages when “fine boy, no pimples” is a big deal.

Many of us have had issues with pimples while growing up, ranging from lack of confidence to total social withdrawal. For some, however, it was just an insignificant menace. We are lucky anyway, because in some parts of the world, suicide is not an uncommon effect with pimples (trust ‘oyibos’ na).

Definition

Acne vulgaris is a skin disease of the face, chest and back, characterized by solitary or multiple papules, pustules (pimples), or nodules (don’t mind the jargon; these are just skin eruptions of varying sizes and contents).

Course

Pimples usually start when puberty sets in (when you wan start dey do fine boy/girl). This is because of the hormonal readjustments that occur during this period, particularly testosterone. By adulthood anyway, the frequency and severity reduce considerably or the pimples completely disappear. The eruptions may be singular or may cover the whole face and extend to the chest and back.

It may get infected and contain pus. In some people, it forms scars after resolving, especially in those that scratch and try to squeeze it out. In extreme cases, it may form keloids.

Causes/ Predisposing Factors

I will not bother you with the pathophysiology (wink) of pimples but let me just say it principally involves blockage of skin pores and accumulation of sebum (oily substance secreted by the sebaceous glands that helps prevent hair and skin from drying out) with dead skin cells. The following contribute to the formation of pimples:

·         Menstrual cycle

·         Puberty

·         Pregnancy

·         Menopause (acne climactera)

·         Genetics (inheritance from parents)

·         Stress (for me it is when I am broke)

·         Bacteria

·         Diet (high glycaemic and skim milk diets)

·         Hair greases or oil-based cosmetics (unless non-comedogenic is written on them)

·         Polycystic ovary syndrome

·         Cushing’s syndrome

Myths

·         The more you wash your face, the less pimples you have. Fabu. Excessive washing of the face will cause dryness and microfragmentation of the tissues which heal to block pores.

·         Popping the measles will make them go away faster. Fabu. Beware of scars and dark spots.

·         Don’t wear makeup. Abeg no let them spoil your market, just be careful of the type of makeup you use. If you don’t have money for quality cosmetics that are non-comedogenic, just use very light make up. Guy wey go like you go still notice you whether you use makeup or not.

·         Pimples always go away on their own. Wrong. When you are uncomfortable with it, see a doctor. It is very curable. It may also lead to diagnosis of underlying conditions like PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome).

·         Shaving causes pimples. No. shaving may cause pseudofolliculitis barbae in people with easily irritable skins.

·         Oily foods cause pimples. No significant correlation from studies carried out.

·         Pimples are more common in males. Wrong. No significant sex predisposition.

·         Masturbation causes pimples. Where did they even get this one from?!

Prevention/Treatment

·         Keep clean skin. Taking your bath at least twice a day is enough. If you must use sponges, use soft ones. Hard sponges may be too harsh for your skin and are not really necessary for dirt removal (except you are a surgeon scrubbing).

·         Avoid cosmetics that clog your pores. Remember, if you have problem with pimples, look for non-comedogenic creams.

·         Do not squeeze or pick at your pimples.

·         If just mild pimples, look for OTC creams that have benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. There are other compounds that are also useful in the treatment of pimples, but we will leave those to the doctors. Gels, soaps and lotions are also available.

·         Avoid excessive use of acne creams as many of them cause excessive skin dryness. If your pimples do not disappear despite the OTC medication, please see a doctor.

·         If pimples have horribly scarred your pretty face, and you are seeking a job in Nollywood, see a plastic surgeon.

Conclusion

It is not a crime to look great. In fact, it is fantastic. Talk about the self-confidence! The attention you command too! If pimples are trying to come between you and your dreams, get it treated, but don’t let it bother you. Remember, your looks have nothing to do with what you have got to offer the world. For social life, if you believe you are beautiful, the world sees you as beautiful (na fine people dey get issues self). So just go out there and do your thing.