Unknown to most population is the fact that daily foods and Herbal supplements can and do interact with favorite designate medications. I became interested while talking to my Pharmacist that my son couldn't take decongestant cold medications with his heart medication. Well, I knew about interactions in the middle of two drugs, but when the Pharmacist told me he couldn't have grapefruit juice, I was stunned. Seems that grapefruit juice increases the blood concentrations of the drug. Basically that means that it greatly enhances the effects of the drug which could effect in an overdose of the medication. This is daily grapefruit juice! It got me wondering about other daily foods and Herbs we take. Below are a few foods and Herbs that have an effect on your medications.
This list is a basic guide, and is by no means the meant to replace your physician or Pharmacist. Consult with them about any prescriptions you are taking and the foods and Herbs that will interact with them. Although I have taken this information from a handout from a local Hospital, Use this information at your own risk. Again, I am not a physician or Pharmacist, and I have had No medical training, so please consult with yours for more information.
People normally ask if Herbal supplements convert the way their designate drugs work. The riposte is Yes! Some medications should never be taken with Herbal supplements. Some can cause unwanted side effects or cause the medication to stop working to their full effect.
Another misconception about supplements is that they are completely safe because they are natural. Yes, they may be from plants, but they are not natural to your body. Herbal supplements are not tested or inspected like designate drugs are tested, so the supplements vary in capability and compel from pill to pill and bottle to bottle.
Just like supplements, foods can convert the way your body responds to medications. One example is grapefruits and grapefruit juice. Many population aren't aware that grapefruit juice can growth the drug levels of inevitable medications. An growth in the levels will also growth the side effects of the drug.
Things to Remember
1. Herbal supplements and foods can convert the way your medications work.
2. Tell your caregiver what Herbal supplements you take and what foods you eat often.
3. Ask your physician or Pharmacist what Herbal supplements or foods will interact with your medications.
4. All the time talk with your physician or Pharmacist First before taking any Herbal supplements.
Disclaimer: The following charts are not all inclusive and do not comprise every interaction of drugs with foods and herbs. It serves as a guide only. Consult with your Doctor, Pharmacist or a registered dietician if you have any questions.
Analgesics (Pain Relievers)
Aspirin
Celecoxib (Celebrex)
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
Naproxen
Food: Avoid alchohol. Avoid large amounts of orange juice and vitamin C.
Herbs:Avoid Black Cohosh, Dong Quai, Evening Primrose, Feverfew, Flaxseed Oil, and Ginko as it increases the risk of bleeding.
Narcotics
Codeine (Tylenol #2, 3, 4)
Morphine (Ms Contin)
Oxycodone (Oxycontin/Percocet)
Foods:Avoid alchohol.
Herbs:Do not take with Kava or Valerian as it may make you feel drowsy.
Antibiotics
Ciproflaxacin (cipro)
Levofloxacin (Levaquin)
Food: Take 2 Hrs before or 6 Hrs after antacids, dairy products amd multi-vitamins that comprise calcium, iron, zinc, or magnesium. Avoid large amounts of caffeine.See Chart 3 below.
Herbs:
Methronidazole
Foods:Avoid alchohol during and 3 days after taking this medication to avoid nausea and vomiting.
Herbs:
Penicillin
Foods:Citrus fruits/juices and carbonated beverages will decrease desired effect.
Herbs:
Tetracycline
Foods:Take 2 Hrs before or 6 Hrs after antacids, dairy products amd multi-vitamins that comprise calcium, iron, zinc, or magnesium.
Herbs:Dong Quai or St. John's Wort growth the risk of sunburn.
Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra)
Foods:May cause rash if taken with alchohol.
Herbs:Dong Quai or St. John's Wort growth the risk of sunburn.
Anticoagulants (Blood Thinners)
Warfarin (Coumadin)
Food: Avoid alchohol. Avoid foods high in Vitamin K: beef liver, oils and green leafy vegetables (broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, collards, spinach).
Herbs: Avoid Black Cohosh, Dong Quai, Evening Primrose, Feverfew, Flaxseed Oil and Ginko as they growth the risk of bleeding. Do not take St. John's Wort as it may decrease the desired effect.
Cholesterol Lowering Agents
Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
Pravastatin (Pravachol)
Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
Simvastatin (Zocor)
Food: Avoid alchohol. Do not take with grapefruit juice.
Herbs: St. John's Wort may decrease desired effect.
Diabetes Medications
Glipizide (Glucotrol, Glucotrol Xl)
Glyburide (Glynase, Micronase)
Metformin (Glucophage)
Food: Avoid alchohol.
Herbs: Do not take with Ephedra as it may growth blood sugar and decrease desired effect.
Erectile Dysfunction
Sildenafil (Viagra)
Tadalafil (Cialis)
Vardenafil (Levitra)
Food: Do not take with grapefruit juice.
Herbs: Do not take with Yohimbe as it may growth side effects.
Gastrointestinal Agents (Stomach Meds)
Prochlorperazine (Compazine)
Food: Do not take with alchohol.
Herbs: Do not take with Dong Quai, Kava, St. John's Wort or Valerian as they may make you drowsey.
Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Foods: Avoid alchohol. Take 1 hour before or 2 hours after antacids. Limit caffeine intake; see Chart 3.
Herbs: St John's Wort may decrease desired effect.
Lansoprozole (Prevacid)
Omeprazole (Prilosec)
Pantoprazole (Protonix)
Rabeprazole (Aciphex)
Foods: Avoid alchohol as it may cause upset stomach.
Herbs: St. John's Wort may decrease desired effect.
Heart and Blood Pressure Medications
*Note: The following herbs may cause an growth in blood pressure and decrease desired effect of any blood pressure medications: Black Cohosh, Dong Quai, Ephedra, Hawthorn, Quassia, Vervain and Yohimbe.
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (Ace) Inhibitors-
Captopril (Capoten)
Linisopril (Prinivil, Zestril)
Food: Avoid salt substitutes that comprise potassium and potassium rich foods; see Chart 1.
Herbs: See *Note above
Beta Blockers-
Atenolol (Tenormin)
Metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol Zl)
Propranolol (Inderal)
Foods: Avoid alchohol.
Herbs: See *Note above.
Calcium Channel Blockers-
Diltiazem (Cardizem, Tiazac)
Verapamil (Calan, Verelan)
Foods: Do not take with grapefruit juice. A low sodium diet may be recommended.
Herbs: See *Note above.
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Foods: Avoid antacids. Limit caffeine intake; see Chart 3 below.
Herbs: Avoid Ma Huang and St. John's Wort as they may decrease desired effect.
Nitrates-
Isosorbide (isordil, Imdur)
Nitroglycerin Patch (Nitrol)
Foods: Avoid alchohol.
Herbs: See *Note above.
Diuretics (Water Pills)
Furosemide (Lasix)
Hydrochlorothiazide
Food: comprise potassium rich foods in diet; see Chart 1 below.
Herbs: See *Note above under Heart and Blood Pressure Medications.
Hormone replacement Therapy
Estrogen (Premarin, Premphase, Prempro)
Food: Avoid alchohol.
Herbs: St John's Wort may decrease desired effect. Do not take Black Cohosh Dong Quai, Red Clover or Saw Palmetto because of the inherent side effects.
Mood Disorders
Aripiprazole (Abilify)
Clozapine (Clozaril)
Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
Risperidone (Risperdal)
Food: Avoid alchohol. Do not take grapefruit juice. Limit caffeine intake; see Chart 3.
Herbs: Do not take with Kava, St. John's Wor or Valerian as they may make you feel drowsy.
Benzodiazepines-
Alprazolam (Zanax)
Clonazepam (Klonopin)
Diazepam (Valium)
Lorazepam (Ativan)
Foods: Avoid alchohol. Do not take grapefruit juice. Limit caffeine intake; see Chart 3 below.
Herbs: Do not take with Kava, St. John's Wor or Valerian as they may make you feel drowsy.
Lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid)
Food: Avoid alchohol. Limit caffeine intake; see Chart 3 below.
Herbs: Avoid Green Tea.
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (Maoi's)-
Phenelzine (Nardil)
Tranylcypromine (Parnate)
Foods: Avoid alchohol. Avoid tyramine-rich foods see Chart 2 below.
Herbs: Do not take with Ephedra, Kava, Ginko, St. John's Wort or Yohimbe as they may growth effect and cause a serious growth in blood pressure.
Selective Seratonin Reuptake Inhibitors (Ssri's)-
Citalopram (Celexa)
Escitalopram (Lexapro)
Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Paroxetine (Paxil)
Food: Avoid alchohol.
Herbs: Do not take with Ephedra, Kava, Melatonin, Valerian or Yohimbe as they may make you drowsy. Do not take with St. John's Wort as it may growth effect of drug and risk of side effects.
Tricyclic Antidepressants (Tca's)-
Amitriptyline (Elavil)
Desipramine (Norpramin)
Nortriptyline (Pamelor)
Foods: Avoid alchohol. Do not take with grapefruit juice.
Herbs: Do not take with Kava, St. John's Wort or Valerian as they may make you feel drowsy.
Oral Contraceptives (Birth Control)
Estradiol Cypionate
Ethinyl Estradiol
Mestranol
Food: Avoid smoking.
Herbs: Do not take with Chaste Tree Berry, Red Clover, Saw Palmetto or St. John's Wort as they may decrease desired effect.
Osteoporosis
Alendronate (Fosomax)
Risendronate (Actonel)
Food: Take only with plain water. Do not take anything else within 30 minutes of taking these drugs as they may decrease desired effect.
Herbs:
Seizure Medications
Carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Not Tegretol)
Divalproex (Depakote)
Oxcarbazepine (trileptal)
phenytoin (Dilantin)
Food: Avoid alchohol. Do not take with grapefruit juice.
Herbs: Evening Primrose increases risk for seizures. Do not take with Kava or Valerian as they may make you feel drowsy. St. John's Wort may decrease desired effect.
Thyroid Medications
Levothyroxine (Levoxyl, Synthroid, Unithroid)
Thyroid (Armour Thyroid)
Food: Limit intake of Brussel Sprouts, cabbage, kale, greens, rutabaga, soybeans and turnips.
Herbs: Do not take with Lemon Balm.
Miscellaneous
Antihistamines-
Chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton)
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
Food: Do not take with alchohol.
Herbs: Do not take with Kava or Valerian as it may make you feel drowsy.
Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)
Foods: Do not take with grapefruit juice.
Herbs: Do not take with Echinacea or St. John's Wort as they may decrease desired effect.
Prednisone
Methylprednisolone
Food: Avoid alchohol. Calcium supplements may be recommended to preclude Osteoporosis.Limit caffeine intake; see Chart 3 below.
Herbs: Avoid Echinacea or St. John's Wort as they may decrease desired effect.
Theopylline (theo-Dur)
Foods: Avoid alchohol.Limit caffeine intake; see Chart 3 below.
Herbs: Do not take with Ephedra or Green Tea as it may growth effect of drug.
Foods:
Herbs:
Chart # 1
High potassium rich foods comprise the following:
Apricots, Artichokes, Asparagus, Avacado, Banana, Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Carrots, Celery,
Chocolate, Dates, Dried Beans, Dried Fruit, Figs, Greens, Honeydew, Milk, Orange Juice, Potato,
Pumpkin, Prune Juice, Raisins, Rhubarb, Spinach, Squash, Tomato, V-8 Juice
Chart # 2
High tyramine-content foods comprise the following:
Aged Cheese*, Aged Meat,Anchovies, Avacados, Bananas, Beer, Broad Beans, Caffeine
Chicken Liver, Chocolate, Cola Drinks, Canned Figs, Mushrooms, Raisins, Sausages, Sour Cream
Soy Sauce, Wine (Chianti, Sherry), Yeast, Yogurt
*Camembert, Chedder, Gruyer, processed American and Stilton
Chart # 3
High caffeine-content foods comprise the following:
Chocolate (milk and dark, Coffee (brewed, cappuccino, expresso)
Caffeinated water (Java, Kank, Aqua Blast), Ice Cream (coffee, chocolate)
Soft Drinks (Mountain Dew, Coca Cola, Pepsi, Root Beer, Sunkist Orange Soda)
Teas (green Tea, Ginseng, Snapple Iced Tea, Lipton)
Wine is one of the most spellbinding drinks among the European citizens. It is an alcoholic beverage ready from the fermented grape juice. Grapes have the chemical asset of carrying out fermentation without the utilization of sugars, enzymes or other nutrients. It is ready fermenting the crushed grapes with the separate types of yeast strains. Yeast consumes all the sugars gift in grapes and converts them into alcohol. separate types of grapes and separate strains of grapes are responsible for the yield of separate types of wines. Apples and berries are also utilized for the establishment of wines and the wines obtained are named after the name of the fruit like apple wine or elderberry wine or are popularly name as fruit wine or country wine. Barley and rice wine are ready from the starch based materials and look beer and spirit more than wine and ginger wine is fortified with brandy. The term wine is used for these beverages because of their high alcoholic content. The commercial use of the term English wine is under the government control.
Wine has a very rich history which is 6000 Bc old and is concept to have originated in the borders of Georgia and Iran. The wine was ready in Europe for the first time about 4500 Bc ago in the Balkans and was very coarse in Rome, Thrace and aged Greece. Wine also deserves an foremost role in religion throughout the history. The Greek god Dionysus and the Roman god Bacchus symbolize wine and the wine is used in the catholic and Jewish ceremonies. The word wine has originated from a Proto-Germanic word winam which means grape. The earliest cultivation of grapevine Vitis vinifera first started in Georgia. Wine has been ready in India from the Vedic times. Viticulture started in India first in the Indus valley where grapevines were introduced for the first time from Persia about 5000 Bc ago. Chanakya, the chief clergyman of the Emperor Chandragupta Maurya has discussed about wine in his writings about 4th century Bc ago and has designated wine by the term Madhu. He has focused on the side effects of wine and has strongly condemned the use of wine.
Wine is ready from more than one varieties of Vitis vinifera like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Gamay and Merlot. When one of these varieties is used the resultant is termed as varietal. The world's most costly wines come from the regions like Bordeaux and Rhone Valley are blended from separate varieties of the same vintage. Wine can also be ready from the hybrid varieties of grapes obtained by genetic cross breeding. Vitis labrusca, Vitis aestivalis, Vitis rupestris, Vitis rotundifolia and Vitis riparia are native North American varieties of grapes grown for the yield of jams, jellies or sometimes wine.
Hybridization is a separate process so cannot be confused with grafting. Most of the world's grape vineyards are planted with the European collection of grapevine Vitis vinifera grafted with the North American species rootstock. This is basically done because the North American species are defiant to Phyllosera a root louse that damages the roots of grapevines resulting in death. In the late 19th century most of the vineyards of Europe were destroyed by a bug foremost to deaths of grapevines and heavy economic loss. Grafting is a coarse custom in all wine producing nations except Argentina, Chile and Canary Islands and only these areas comprise vineyards free from any devastating pests. Associated with wine yield terroir is an foremost concept that includes collection of grapevine to be used, elevation and shape of vineyard, type and chemistry of soil, atmosphere and seasonal conditions and the local yeast cultures to be used. The fermentation, ageing and processing of wine in terroir may follow in good wine production.
The classification, yield and sale of wine are under the control of government in many parts of the world. European wines are classified on the basis of the regions where they are produced while non-European ones are classified on the collection of grape used. coarse examples of locally recognized non-Europeans regions for wine yield comprise Napa Valley in California, Columbia Valley in Washington, Barossa and Hunter Valley in Australia, Central Valley in Chile, Hawke's Bay and Marlborough in New Zealand and Niagara Peninsula in Canada. Some blended wines are sold by a particular trademark and are under definite rules and regulations of the government for example, Meritage is a ordinarily a Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot and may also comprise Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. The commercial use of the term Meritage is potential only after getting license from the Meritage Association. France uses separate systems based on the concept terroir for classification. Greece and Italy classify on the basis of the regions where they are prepared. New World ones are classified on the collection of grapes used for preparation.
A vintage wine is one that is ready from the grapes grown in a particular season of the year are labeled as vintage. Variations in the character of wine may vary due to palate, colour, nose and development. High capability wines taste good if are stored properly for a long time. Habitual wine drinkers ordinarily stored the bottles of vintage wine for future consumption. For a wine to be called as vintage wine in United States the American Viticultural Area has passed inevitable rules like the vintage wine must comprise 95% of the its volume of the grapes harvested in that year. All the vintage wines are bottles in a particular batch so that all may have the similar taste. atmosphere plays an foremost role in character of wine as it affects its flavour and capability strongly. So we can say that vintage wines are characteristic of a particular vintage. Classic vintages from a reputed producer and region fetch higher prices of wine than median vintages. Non-vintage wines can also be blended from more than one vintage for consistency a process which allows wine makers to keep a trustworthy shop image and claim sales even in bad years.
Wine tasting is sensory exam and appraisal of wine. Wines are made from the chemical compounds that found in fruits, vegetables and spices. The sweetness of measured by the number of sugar left in wine after fermentation, relative to the acidity gift in wine. Dry wine has a very small division of residual sugar. Private flavours in the wine can be literally detected as the grape juice and wine comprise terpenes and esters as chief components. Experienced tasters can literally recognize the type and flavour of wine. Chocolate, vanilla and coffee also act as flavouring agents for wine. Wine aroma comes from the compounds gift in wine which are released on being exposed to air. Red wines are very aromatic. Outstanding vintages from best vineyards fetch good prices in the shop around $Us 30-50 dollars per bottle. The most ordinarily purchase wines in Europe comprise Bordeaux, Burgundy and cult wines. The wine grapes grow approximately between thirty to fifty degrees north or south of the equator. The world's southernmost vineyards are gift in the Central Otago of New Zealand's South Islands near the 45th parallel south and the north most are in Flen, Sweden just north of 59th parallel north. Uk was the largest producer of wine in the year 2007.
Wine is the most foremost and popular beverage of European and Mediterranean cuisines participating in the uncomplicated as well as complex traditions. Apart from its popularity as a beverage wine is also a good flavouring agent particularly used stocks and braising as its acidity imparts a separate taste to the sweet dishes. Red, white and sparkling wines are very popular and are known as light wines as they conatin only 10-14% alcohol content by volume. Desert wines comprise 14-20% alcohol and are sometimes fortified to make more sweet and tasty. Some wine labels recommend that after opportunity the wine bottle they must be allowed to breathe for few minutes before spellbinding while others recommend drinking the wine immediately after opening. Decanting is the process of pouring the wine in a extra box for the purpose of breathing only. Decanting the wine with the help of filter removes the bitter sediments that may have been formed in the wine. Sediments are more literally formed in the older wines.
During aeration the exposure of younger wines to air adds flavour as well as aroma to them and also makes them smoother. Older wines lose their flavour as well as aroma if exposed to air for a long time. Exposure of wines to air does not benefit all types of wines. Use of wines in religion and ceremonies has been known since aged times. Wine is an integral part of Jewish laws and traditions. Kiddush is a blessing recited over grape juice to sanctify the Jewish holiday. In Christianity wine is used in a sacred rite called Eucharist which originates in the Gospel accounts of the Last evening meal in which Jesus shared bread and wine with his disciples and commanded them to do the same in remembrance to me. Beliefs about the nature of Eucharist have been disputed among separate Christian denominations. The use of alcohol has been strictly prohibited in the Islamic law. Iran and Afghanistan had a wine commerce that vanished after the Islamic Revolution in 1979.
Excessive consumption of wine affects the human body. Every 100 gram of red wine provides about 85 Kcal energy, 2.6 g carbohydrates, 0.6 g sugars, 0.0 g fat, 0.1 g proteins and 10.6 g alcohol. Epidemiological studies have shown that moderate consumption of wine reduced death rate by preventing heart attack. Habitancy studies have observed a J curve association between wine consumption and risk of cardiac failure. This suggests that heavy drinkers are at higher risk of getting heart charge than moderate drinkers and non-drinkers. Studies have shown that moderate consumption of alcoholic beverages reduces the risk of cardiac arrest but this association is very much strong with the wines. Some studies have proved red wines to be best over white wines. Red wine contains more polyphenols than white wine so is much more protective against cardiovascular disease.
A chemical has been isolated from the red wine called the reseveratrol which seems to have a cardioprotective as well as chemoprotective role in animals. Low doses of resveratrol were mixed in the diet of a middle-aged mouse the genetic factors that trigger ageing were found to be greatly influenced as well as the heart was found to be in a protective state. Low doses of resveratrol have a valuable in conserving body energy by saving 20-30% calories. Resveratrol is produced in grape skins in response to the fungal infection, together with exposure to yeast during fermentation. White wine contains lower division of resveratrol. Other foremost and beneficial compounds gift in red wine comprise polyphenols, flavinoids and antioxidants.
To get the full benefit of resveratrol it is recommended that red wines should be consumed slowly. As major proportion of resveratrol is broken down in the gut and liver it fails to enter the blood stream. Sipping the red wines gently increases the attentiveness of resveratrol in the mucous membrane of mouth to about 100%. Red wines produced in France and Sardinia (Italy) has top attentiveness of procyanidins which are gift in grape seeds and are responsible for cardioprotective operation of red wine. Red wines obtained from these areas have 2-4% higher attentiveness of polycyanidins in comparison to wines obtained from other places. Procyanidins suppress the operation of a peptide known as endothelin-1 which is responsible for the constriction of blood vessels.
A study conducted in 2007 has shown that both red and white wines are very effective against inevitable bacteria like the strains of Streptococcus. One more study published in the issue of October 2008 in the Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and stoppage have shown that both red wine when consumed in moderate doses reduces the risk of lung cancer in men. Inordinate drinking of wine may cause cirrhosis of liver and alcoholism. follow of wine on brain is under investigation. One study has shown that wine reduces the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Inordinate consumption of wine damages the hippocampus of brain.
Sulphites are gift in all wines and are produced simply during fermentation and many wine producers add sulphur dioxide in wine in order to keep it. Sulphur dioxide acts as a preservative for apricot and orange juice also. The number of sulphite in wines varies greatly. Sulphites may cause asthma in some people. A study conducted on women called The Million Women Study in Uk have shown that moderate consumption of wine reduces the risk of inevitable types of cancers like that of liver, breast and pharynx.
Most of the wines are sold in glass bottles sealed by cork. Some wine producers also use plastic corks for sealing the wine bottles. Some wines are packaged in heavy plastic bags covered by cardboard boxes and are called as box or cask wines. Box wines can claim a high degree of freshness for about a month. Wine cellars or wine rooms are specially designed rooms that facilitate proper storehouse as well as ageing of wines. In an active wine cellar the temperature and humidity are maintained by atmosphere control system. Passive wine cellars lack atmosphere control systems and so should be determined established. Wine is a natural perishable stock and its exposure to heat, light, ranging temperature and humidity may follow in its spoilage. When stored properly wines keep their flavour and aroma for a valuable duration of time. According to experts the optimum temperature required for ageing of wine is around 55F and the levels of humidity are supposed to be kept lower.
Wine is a natural stock imparting flavour to our life style with beneficial as well as damaging effects so must be consumed safely.
Cheers - Its WinePart 3 - Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe (Chs 12-15) Tube. Duration : 125.83 Mins.Kingdom: Plantae
Domain: Magnoliophyta
Order: Magnoliopsida
Family: Bixaceae
Genus: Bixa
Species: Bixa orellana
Common names: onoto, achiote, urucum
General Description: Annatto is a shrub or small tree that grows 5-10 m in height. Almost 50 seeds grow inside this profusely fruiting, prickly, reddish-orange heart-shaped pods at the ends of the branches. The trees are absolutely covered by these brightly colored pods, and one small annatto tree can furnish up to 270 kg of seeds.
Location: It grows throughout South and Central America and the Caribbean and can be found in some parts of Mexico.
Uses: Annatto is a shrub found in the Caribbean, South and Central Americas. It is also the name of the pigment derived from the seeds of Bixa orellana. The seeds are covered with a reddish aril, which is the source of an orange-yellow dye. Although it has a estimate of uses, Annatto is primarily grown for commercial yield of dye. However, it is found in Latin American and Caribbean cuisine as a flavoring and coloring agent.
The dye and flavoring agents are obtained by removing the pulp from the seeds and allowing it to dry. The dried material is then pressed into cakes. The seeds may also be soaked in water, fermented, and made into cakes.
The value of this plant lies in its natural properties; it is edible, non-carcinogenic and a coloring agent that is available in any place at low cost. Annatto is used in the Philippines and Latin America as a food coloring additive. It is particularly good for coloring dairy products such as cheese, ice cream and yogurt; most yogurt fans in the United States probably don't know they are enjoying a treat from the Amazon rainforest when they eat peach-flavored yogurt. Other coloring uses include popcorn oil or butter, confectionary desserts, snack foods, dry mixes, soft drinks, and lipstick.
In addition, Annatto is a natural anti-oxidant, and is has been used for centuries by Amazonian tribal healers to treat dysentery and fevers. Tribal legend also maintains that Annatto was one of the ingredients in the antique Aztec chocolate drink. Annatto is also still used by some Amazon tribes to concoct body paint.
Disclaimer: The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Any reference to corrective use is not intended to treat, cure, mitigate or preclude any disease.
Rainforest Plants - AnnattoHouse Session 2011-10-26 (10:00:13-11:01:37) Tube. Duration : 61.40 Mins.Every cell in your body depends on your thyroid gland to function properly. Specifically, your cells use the hormones produced by your thyroid to regulate a range of metabolic processes, together with getting power from the food you eat.
Your thyroid hormones also help regulate your body climatic characteristic and play a role in the proper functioning of your brain, heart, muscles and other organs. When working properly, your pituitary gland will release thyroid-stimulating hormone (Tsh), triggering your thyroid to yield the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4), which is then converted into triiodothyronine (T3), in the definite amounts your body needs to thrive.
However, this is a very delicate system, one that is beyond doubt disrupted by surface influences, together with the chemicals that are ubiquitous in our environment. This is one leading factor that is increasingly being associated to disruptions of the thyroid, disruptions that can seriously impact your health.
What Types of Chemicals Can Disrupt Your Thyroid?
There are concerns with regard to numerous chemicals that are currently abundant in the environment.
Nine of the chief offenders include:
1. Phthalates
Phthalates are widely used chemicals often used to make plastic flexible. They're commonly found in shower curtains, curative tubing and plastic toys, as well as in numerous personal care products such as fragrances, nail polish and lotions. Because the chemicals are so widely used, they're also gift in drinking water supplies.
Known to cause reproductive and developmental toxicity in animal studies, phthalates can also impact thyroid regulation by decreasing thyroid hormone receptor activity -- at levels found in drinking water.[1] Currently, drinking water treatments do not effectively take off thyroid-disrupting chemicals like phthalates from your drinking water.
2. Flame Retardants
Polybrominated diphenyl ether (Pbde) are flame retardant chemicals commonly used in furniture foam, carpets, upholstery, clothing, toys, draperies, electronics and more. It's estimated that up to 97 percent of Americans have Pbdes in their blood.
The chemicals beyond doubt get in your fat cells, and increased levels have been associated to a decrease in Tsh levels and an increased risk of subclinical hyperthyroidism in pregnant women.[2]
3. Bisphenol A (Bpa)
Bpa is other plastics chemical commonly used in polycarbonate water bottles, baby bottles, plastic toys, curative tubing, food packaging, dental sealants and more. Widely known as an endocrine disrupter that can cause developmental problems, early puberty, genital deformities and more, Bpa has also been associated to thyroid disruption.
In one study on frog tadpoles, low levels of Bpa exposure -- similar to those found in human infants -- interfered with the T3 hormone and thereby suppressed genes controlled by T3, resulting in slowed development and other changes.[3] previous animal studies have also associated Bpa to disruptions in thyroid receptors and thyroid function.
4. Dioxin
Dioxin is a group of chemicals -- together with polychlorinated biphenyls (Pcbs), polychlorinated dibenzo dioxins (Pcdds), and polychlorinated dibenzo furans (Pcdfs) -- that are formed as byproducts from industrial processes like chlorine paper bleaching, pesticide manufacturing and smelting. Dioxin was also a part of the toxic Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War.
Pcbs, other type of dioxin, were widely used prior to 1977 when they were banned due to environmental concerns. However, they and other dioxins still exist in fullness in the environment, together with in your food (especially meat, dairy and seafood).
Not only is dioxin a known carcinogen, but it also has been found to interfere with the production, transportation, and metabolism of thyroid hormones.[4]
5. Perfluorinated Chemicals (Pfoa)
Pfoa and a associated chemical called Pfos (perfluorooctane sulfonate) -- widely used in nonstick cookware, stain-resistant materials and food packaging -- can also cause issue with your thyroid.
One study found that citizen with high levels of Pfoa in their blood were twice as likely to have thyroid problems as those with the bottom levels[5] while past studies have also associated the chemical to decreased thyroid hormone levels. It's not known how Pfoa may cause thyroid disease, or whether the chemical directly impacts the thyroid or instead the immune system, causing it to strike the thyroid gland.
6. Fluoride
Most municipal drinking water supplies in the United States include added fluoride, a measure that's intended to sell out rates of tooth decay. It can also enter water supplies from fluoride-containing rocks and soils.
Studies have shown that exposure to fluoride can follow in decreased thyroid function, together with at exposure levels of 4 mg/L or less, which is the Epa maximum proper concentration for fluoride in drinking water.[6] The effects may be especially problematic for children and citizen who drink a lot of water.
7. Perchlorate
Perchlorate is a byproduct of rocket fuel output that is now a widespread contaminant in drinking water, safe bet fruits and vegetables and dairy products from cows that eat contaminated grasses.
Research suggests it can inhibit your thyorid's potential to absorb iodine, leading to an underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, even at low-level exposure. In a study by the Centers for Disease operate and Prevention, it was estimated that 44 million U.S. Women -- together with those who are pregnant, have lower iodine levels or have subclinical hypothyroidism -- could be at increased risk of thyroid problems from perchlorate exposure.[7]
8. Thiocyanate
Thiocyanate is a chemical found in cigarettes and safe bet foods. It may inhibit iodine uptake by the thyroid, leading to decreased output of thyroid hormone.
9. Pesticides
Thyroid disease has also been associated to pesticide exposure from a range of sources. Among women whose spouses were licensed pesticide applicators that had used organoclorine insecticides, rates of hypothyroidism were 1.2 times higher than in the normal population. Increased rates of thyroid disease were also found among women exposed to fungus killers, herb killers and other types of pesticides.[8]
How to sell out Your Exposure to Thyroid-Disrupting Chemicals
Chemicals are ubiquitous in our environment, but there are steps you can take to help cut back on your exposure. Some of the top suggestions include:
With the evidence increasingly showing that exposure to environmental chemicals, even at low levels, can negatively impact your thyroid, and the knowledge that even small changes in your thyroid homeostasis can work on your health, it's leading to sell out your exposure as much as possible.
By development small changes in your food choices and your personal care products and paying special concentration to seeing household goods made from primarily natural sources, you'll be off to a great start in protecting your thyroid function from these pervasive toxins.
References
1. Environmental Science and Technology 2010, 44 (17), pp 6863-6868
2. Environmental condition Perspectives October 2010, 118(10)
3. Endocrinology Vol. 150, No. 6 2964-2973
4. Alternative rehabilitation delineate 2009 Dec;14(4):326-46
5. Environmental condition Perspectives 118(5) May 2010
6. Committee on Fluoride in Drinking Water, National explore Council, Fluoride in Drinking Water: A Scientific delineate of Epa's Standards, 2006
7. Environmental Working Group News release October 4, 2006
8. American Journal of Epidemiology (2010) 171 (4): 455-464
9 Top Thyroid-Disrupting Toxins to AvoidSankat City Video Clips. Duration : 110.10 Mins.