WHAT FOOD IS SUITABLE FOR MY BLOOD TYPE?

Dear Doctor,

I recently heard someone say people with certain blood groups should avoid some foods. I have personally always thought that proper feeding was all about balancing the diet. So how true is this talk of eating right for a particular blood group?

Solomon

Dear Solomon,

Till few years ago, knowing the blood group was considered to be important for transfusion in case of surgery or trauma. But now many more facts about blood group have been discovered. Blood group antigens are passed on from one generation to another.

Therefore, people with different blood groups have susceptibility to different diseases.

For example, persons with blood group O have increased susceptibility to develop peptic ulcers but lower risk for heart diseases. Those having blood group A are at increased risk for microbial infections and stomach cancer.

The blood group antigens are present not only in blood but also over surfaces that interact with external factors like nasal passages, lungs, digestive tract from mouth to rectum and anal canal.

The amount and type of gut bacteria also vary as per the blood group. These bacteria aid in digestion, manufacture of vitamin B.complex and in persons with reduced immunity can cause sickness as well.

They form the reason for unexplained variations in individual health. Why some people suffer more from chronic sickness in spite of a healthy balanced diet and life style, why some people feel tired easily, while others doing same amount of work remain fresh and cheerful.

Hence if possible, one can prepare a diet plan as per his/her blood group with the help of an experienced dietician. Expert naturopaths can also guide one as to what one should take or not take as per the blood group.

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HOW MANY HOURS ARE IDEAL FOR SLEEPING?

Dear Doctor,

During weekends I spend most of the time (over 14 hours) in bed since I don’t go to work. Does this pose any health risks?

Emma

Dear Emma,

The problem is not yours alone, but for several other people who oversleep due to various reasons.

As such, the gold standard for good sleep is said to be eight hours. But quantity of sleep needed by each individual varies. It depends on the age, lifestyle of a person including level of physical activity, intake of alcohol, caffeine or addicting substances, quantity of food consumed and mental make-up. Hours of sleeping are more for infants and growing children including teenagers.

This happens because the growth hormone is secreted during sleep. With advancing age, as growth of body no longer occurs, hours of sleep are also reduced naturally. Some people tend to oversleep due to having a disturbed sleep caused by obstructive sleep apnea.

Any sickness can make a person feel weak such as to sleep much. A person suffering from depression may oversleep or suffer from insomnia. Some drugs like over the counter anti cold drugs and anti allergy drugs can cause much somnolence as adverse effects. Apart from these reasons, many persons just oversleep for relaxation or even enjoyment.

Lack of sleep is harmful for health, but oversleeping is equally harmful. Oversleeping can lead to increase in weight or obesity. This itself is a risk factor for many health-related problems like hypertension, diabetes, heart problems, stroke, uterine fibroids, infertility and even some cancers. Research shows that oversleeping increases risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

With advancing age one may also suffer from dyspepsia due to oversleeping. This is manifested in form of burning pain in chest or upper abdomen, nausea and or vomiting. This occurs due to the digestive system becoming sluggish due to lack of physical activity.

A person can experience headache and even body ache after oversleeping. Sometimes the headache may be severe and persistent. Following oversleeping, middle-aged persons tend to develop puffiness below eyes which does not look very pleasant.

Moreover, a person does not feel fresh and cheerful after sleeping for long hours continuously. In fact he/she feels more lethargic and dull. Therefore, oversleeping is okay occasionally when one has to catch some sleep, say after a long journey or staying up till late night working. But it is not good to make it a habit.

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MY EYES ARE ALWAYS RED

Dear Doctor,

My friends tell me that my eyes are always red, but I personally feel no pain, neither do I experience any other issues with them. Is there cause for worry?

Damascene

Dear Damascene,

The most common cause for "red eyes” in a young person is allergy. Allergy to anything used over the face, particularly around eyes or present in atmosphere like dust or fumes can make eyes red without any pain. Exposure to dust, fumes, smoke or smog can irritate the eyes and cause redness. One may develop redness of eyes due to mild impairment of vision.

In cases where vision is mildly deranged, a person does not realise that he has impaired vision. But to see better, he tends to rub the eyes, thus inadvertently causing some irritation as well as some infection and inflammation. Those working on computers for long hours or looking at mobile screens continuously are at increased risk of developing it. Eyes can become red after drinking alcohol as well.

One can have red eyes due to chronic infection or inflammation of some layers of the eyes. But here there may be associated pain, itching or discharge or more of these symptoms. Any injury to the eyes, even mild, can cause redness as with a corneal abrasion. Glaucoma is a condition where the pressure within the eyes is increased, causing redness and severe pain.

It is advisable that you get your vision checked to exclude any mild impairment. Allergic conjunctivitis can be controlled by anti allergy drugs. Use protective sunglasses to protect against strong sunlight, dust and smoke.

Avoid working continuously for a long time on computers/mobile phones. In fact after working for an hour or so over a computer, a break should be taken to allow the eyes to relax. A balanced diet rich in anti oxidants, vitamins A and B.complex helps to strengthen eyes muscles and improves vision.

Specific exercises of the eyes are also useful in this regard. This would include green leafy vegetables, yellow fruits, whole grains and nuts. Alcohol and other addicting substances should be avoided.

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IS IT HEALTHY TO QUIT BOOZE ABRUPTLY?

Dear Doctor,

I want to quit drinking alcohol. I have been taking an average of four bottles of beer daily. Is it okay if I just quit or I need to reduce the quantities gradually to avoid complications?

Mbabazi

Dear Mbabazi,

Taking four bottles of beer per day, roughly translates into taking 16-24 ml. of alcohol or more of alcohol per day. One bottle of branded beer contains 4-6 per cent alcohol by volume.

The locally brewed ones may have higher quantity. Now how much an individual can tolerate without falling sick is highly variable. It depends on factors like duration of drinking, quantity and type of alcohol consumed, the frequency of drinking, body weight, use of other addicting substances, presence or absence of liver disease or any other chronic sickness, mental make up and genetic factors.

The intensity of damage to body parts depends on these factors. But damage to body parts does occur invariably due to alcohol. Brain, peripheral nervous system, blood vessels, pancreas, digestive system and even sexuality and fertility are affected. The liver is worst hit by alcohol use, leading to chronic liver disease and even cancer.

Hence it is best to quit the habit as early as possible. Stopping alcohol abruptly can lead to withdrawal syndrome within 24-72 hours. This is manifested by vague headache, tremulousness, restlessness, difficulty in sleeping and sense of fatigue, which is relieved by drinking again. Some strong-minded individuals can overcome these symptoms by ignoring them and not drinking in spite of feeling sick. Then they get over it in some days. Some need help of anxiolytic and tranquiliser drugs to overcome the troublesome withdrawal symptoms.

Individual and group counselling by professionals is helpful for people who wish to quit alcohol and find it difficult. A drug, known popularly as antabuse, is given to alcohol addicts to help them give up this habit. If one takes antabuse before drinking alcohol, it causes unpleasant reactions in the body, which helps the person develop repulsion for alcohol. But antabuse is always given under medical supervision and initiated in lowest dose possible.

Another option of giving up alcohol is to reduce the frequency and quantity of drinking. It can be three bottles on alternate days, which can be reduced further and then stopped. When one gets the craving for drinking, mind can be diverted by moving out and starting to do something. One can munch something harmless like pea nuts or biscuits, or drink fresh fruit juice/milk, when urge to drink alcohol arises. Gradually the urge will cease to exist.