BIRTHMARKS

Introduction 

Birthmarks are coloured marks that are visible on the skin. They're often present at birth or develop soon afterwards.

 

The two main types of birthmark are:

• vascular birthmarks (often red, pink or purple) caused by abnormal blood vessels in or under the skin
• pigmented birthmarks (usually brown) caused by clusters of pigment cells

Vascular birthmarks often occur in the head and neck area, mainly on the face. However, both types of birthmark can appear anywhere, including inside the body.

 

If surface blood vessels are affected, a vascular birthmark will appear red, purple or pink. If the affected vessels are deep, the birthmark will appear blue.

 

Pigmented birthmarks are tan or brown-coloured skin marks.

What causes birthmarks?

It's not fully understood why birthmarks occur, but they're not usually inherited. Vascular birthmarks are caused by abnormal blood vessels in or under the skin, and pigmented birthmarks are caused by clusters of pigment cells.

 

It's thought that port wine stains occur because the nerves that control the widening or narrowing of the capillaries don't function properly, or there aren't enough of them. This means that blood is constantly supplied to the skin in that area, which makes it permanently red or purple in colour.

 

1. Vascular birthmarks

Some of the most common types of vascular birthmarks are described below.

Salmon patch (stork mark)

Salmon patches are red or pink flat patches that can appear on a baby's eyelids, neck or forehead at birth.

They're the most common type of vascular birthmark and occur in around half of all babies.

Most salmon patches will fade completely within a few months, but if they occur on the forehead they may take up to four years to disappear.

 

Infantile haemangioma

Infantile haemangiomas are raised marks on the skin that are usually red. They can appear anywhere on the body. They're also known as strawberry marks.

 

Sometimes infantile haemangiomas occur deeper in the skin, in which case the skin can look blue or purple.

 

Haemangiomas are common, particularly in girls, and affect around 5% of babies soon after birth. They rapidly increase in size for the first six months before eventually shrinking and disappearing by around seven years of age.

 

Haemangiomas that get bigger rapidly or those that get in the way of vision or feeding may need to be treated.

Port wine stain

Port wine stains are flat red or purple marks that affect a very small number of newborn babies. They can vary in size, from a few millimetres to several centimetres in diameter.

Port wine stains often affect one side of the body and usually occur on the face, chest and back (although they can occur anywhere).

They tend to be sensitive to hormones and may become more noticeable around puberty, pregnancy and the menopause. Most are permanent and may deepen in colour over time.

2. Pigmented birthmarks

Some of the most common types of pigmented birthmarks are described below.

Café-au-lait spots

Café-au-lait spots are coffee-coloured skin patches. Many children have one or two, but if more than six have developed by the time the child is five, you should see your GP.

 

This could be a sign of neurofibromatosis (a number of genetic conditions that cause tumours to grow along your nerves).

 

 

Naevus of Ota

 

Naevus of Ota, naevus of Ito and naevus of Hori are melanocytic naevi with slate-brown or blue/grey colouring. The naevus cells are found deep within the dermis, a form of dermal melanocytosis.

Mongolian spots

Mongolian spots are blue-grey or bruised-looking birthmarks that are present from birth.

They're more commonly seen in darker-skinned people and usually occur over the lower back or buttocks. However, they can also appear elsewhere on the body or limbs.

Mongolian spots may last for months or years, but they usually disappear by the time a child reaches four years of age. They're completely harmless and don't need treatment. They may sometimes be mistaken for a bruise.

Congenital melanocytic naevi

Congenital melanocytic naevi are also known as congenital moles. They are relatively large brown or black moles that are present from birth.

 

They're fairly common and are caused by an overgrowth of pigment cells in the skin. Most congenital melanocytic naevi become proportionally smaller and less obvious with time, although they may darken during puberty or become bumpy or hairy.

 

They can range in size from less than 1.5cm (about 0.6 inches) to more than 20cm (about 7.9 inches) in diameter. The risk of a naevi developing into skin cancer is low, but the risk increases the larger it is.

 

Treating birthmarks

Most birthmarks are harmless and don't need to be treated. Some types of birthmarks will fade over time, whereas other types such as port wine stains will be permanent if they're not treated.

 

Laser therapy involves aiming short bursts of laser light at the birthmark to lighten the color of the birthmark, shrink the birthmark, or cause it to stop growing.

 

Specific wavelengths are used to target the chromophore carried by the birthmark, most often melanin or in vascular lesions - hemoglobin.

 

Generally, multiple sessions are required to sufficiently break the chromophore and lighten the birthmark.

 

Premier clinic boasts a wide array of laser machines that is suitable for removing various birth marks

 

 

Dr. Aarthi Maria

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Know Your Hormones to Combat Skin Ageing

 

Do you have lifeless hair, dull skin, and weak nails? If so, your new year’s resolution may be to turn back the clock and resolve these issues. I suggest starting your anti-aging regimen with an inside look at your hormones.

 

Hormones affect everything from our immune response and inflammation to cellular growth and tissue repair. Let’s address each of the major hormones that impact our appearance and discuss methods you can use to achieve the healthy balance necessary for radiant, youthful looking skin.

 

 

Insulin

High levels of insulin can accelerate wrinkling of the skin. Excess insulin occurs with an overindulgence of foods high in sugar, such as pastries, muffins, white pasta, white rice and juice cause spikes in blood sugar and insulin. Avoiding these foods while also consuming a balanced diet of protein, carbohydrates and healthy fats every three to four hours will help keep your insulin levels balanced. Supplements such as chromium or conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) may help improve your insulin sensitivity, which results in less insulin release and overall lower insulin levels. Sleep deprivation is also associated with high insulin levels, so a great night's sleep is essential.

 

Cortisol

 Stress is not only bad for your health, it also has documented aging effects on our skin cells. Studies conducted on laboratory rats, revealed that cortisol-induced collagen loss in the skin is ten times greater than any other tissue; It is one of the biggest culprits of dull, thin, and sagging skin. Anything that beats stress, beats aging too. Herbs like Aswaganda are known to provide adrenal support.

 

Estrogen

Estrogen is produced by the ovaries prior to menopause and by the adrenal glands after menopause. Your adrenal glands will produce less estrogen if they are fatigued, which is common with a stressful lifestyle, sleep disruption, irregular eating habits or illness. Estrogen levels begin to decline in most women in their mid to late 40s although some women, particularly those who are very thin, may experience a drop much sooner. Less estrogen production that naturally occurs with age makes our skin thinner and less elastic, which leads to more wrinkling and sagging. As estrogen dips, less collagen and elastin are produced. Estrogen also helps skin stay moist by boosting hyaluronic acid. A 1997 study of 3,875 postmenopausal women concluded that estrogen supplementation helped aging women have younger looking skin and also helped maintained skin’s collagen, thickness, elasticity and ability to retain moisture.

 

Simple dietary changes can also help support healthy estrogen levels through the intake of phytoestrogens, such as flaxseed and fermented soy products. Have one serving of organic, non-GMO soy along with two tablespoons of ground flaxseeds in your smoothies or salads, daily. Increase your intake of vegetables such as broccoli and Brussels sprouts — they contain indoles, compounds that are essential to healthy estrogen balance. Herbal products such as licorice, angelica, red clover or black cohosh are also used to support healthy estrogen levels. Natural hormone replacement in the form of creams containing two types of estrogen (estriol and estradiol) may also be beneficial, but these need to be obtained by prescription through your doctor.

 

Testosterone

Excessive testosterone, in women or men, may result in acne on the face, chest or back. With age, women tend to experience an increase in androgen (a male sex hormone) levels and a decline in estrogen, while men tend to experience the opposite – an increase in estrogen and a decline in testosterone, which causes the skin to dry out. If a testosterone deficiency is suspected, herbs such as tribulus terresteris, stress management and weight-bearing exercises may help to restore optimal levels for both men and women. You can also ask your doctor about bioidentical testosterone cream. For women who suspect too much testosterone, consider a supplement of saw palmetto.

 

 

 

DHEA

 Dry skin is a problem that increases with age. Interestingly, DHEA turns on oil production and seems to help combat this problem and improve hydration. DHEA is a hormone that is a precursor to other hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone. DHEA levels tend to decline with stress as well as with age. DHEA also increases the production of collagen, making skin appear smoother and younger looking. Our skin’s immunity also appears to improve with DHEA, which may help healing. DHEA supplements are not, however, without risks and, like all other hormones, should not be taken unless a clear deficiency has been established through proper assessment. Good sleep habits may also help establish healthy DHEA levels.

 

Melatonin

 
A proper beauty rest is achieved by sleeping in a pitch black room. Melatonin and serotonin, our happy hormones, are produced in our skin from the amino acid tryptophan. Note that if we do not get enough protein in our diets, melatonin levels may also decline. According to a July 2005 article from the journal Endocrine, melatonin is involved in hair growth and protection against melanoma. As an antioxidant hormone, melatonin guards us from UV radiation and appears to play a role in repairing burned or damaged skin. Whether it’s applied topically or taken internally, melatonin may shield us from environmental and internal stressors. If you choose to supplement with melatonin, 1 to 3 mg taken sublingually at eight to nine p.m. is optimal.

 

Progesterone

Contrary to estrogen, progesterone levels often begin to decline in women in their mid to late 30’s, which leaves our skin looking dull and lacking luster. Ever wonder why pregnant women seem to have that special glow? The secret is the high level of progesterone. This revitalizing hormone is beneficial for skin elasticity and circulation. Progesterone levels decline with menopause as well as with stress. Low progesterone levels are also associated with conditions like PMS, fibrocystic breast disease, infertility, increased risk and incidence of miscarriage as well as polycystic ovarian syndrome. Men with prostate conditions also tend to have low levels. Progesterone levels may be supported with the use of evening primrose oil, herbs such as chasteberry or natural progesterone creams. Stress management and sleeping well is also crucial to maintaining healthy progesterone levels.

 

Growth hormone

 If your skin is sagging—in your cheeks, chin or above the knees—declining growth hormone is probably the culprit. Since growth hormone tends to drop off as we get older, supplements are promoted as a way to “reverse” the effects of aging. Growth hormone is essential for skin-cell repair and the prevention of sagging. The production of growth hormone is closely linked to our exercise, sleep and nutritional habits. If we fail to exercise, sleep well or do not consume enough protein, we are literally accelerating the aging process because of a decrease in this repair hormone.

 

 

 

Now that we have a greater understanding about the hormones that regulate our biological clock, it is easier to understand the roles of Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy. Bio-identical hormones are 100% identical in chemical structure to those that are found in the human body. Unlike synthetic hormones, which are used in conventional HRT, bio-identical hormones are not recognised as foreign to the body. Although bio-identical hormones are natural, it is important to note that too much of any hormone can be dangerous if dosed inappropriately. That is why it is important to monitor hormone levels and symptoms as required for each patient. The doctor can then customise a hormone therapy based on the needs and symptoms of the patient.

 

Dr Aarthi Maria

 

ARE YOU MAGNESIUM DEFICIENT?

Dear Readers,

 

Firstly, my heartfelt apologies for this long interim of absence. I was a little surprised, when I realised my last post was almost 6 months ago. I guess time really does not wait for no man. With that off my shoulders, I would like to pledge a more steady flow of articles that I believe will help keep you in the forefront of preventive, anti-aging and aesthetic medicine.

So back to today's topic - Are you Magnesium Deficient?

Magnesium is the 4th most abundant mineral in the body, right next to sulphur

 

Magnesium is arguably the most important mineral in the body. Without electrolytes like magnesium, muscles can’t fire, your heart cannot beat, and your brain doesn’t receive any signals. We need magnesium to stay alive, point blank. As soon as we don’t have enough of it, we start to lose the energy and conductivity that keeps us going

 

Not only does magnesium help regulate calcium, potassium and sodium; but it is also essential for over 300 biochemical and cellular functions occurring in our body. Even Glutathione - the master anti oxidant requires Mg for its synthesis.

 

Now the bad news, millions suffer from Mg deficiency and are completely clueless about it. Only 30% of the world's population is actually getting the ideal dietary requirement of Mg. Now, this is a sad fact I must say.

 

Symptoms of Mg deficiency:

• loss of appetite
• fatigue
• insomnia
• anxiety, depression, restlessness
• infertility
• personality changes
• body odour
• poor concentration
• carbohydrate cravings
• thyroid problems
• aches/pains
• brain fog

Anything that makes you tense and tight could potentially be due to magnesium deficiency. If you can’t relax or you can’t stop — think magnesium! Full-blown health problems can even be tied back to this crucial mineral. Most people with ANY chronic disease or issue benefit greatly from magnesium supplementation therapy. This is because chronic illness = stress, and stress depletes magnesium.

 

The following are conditions that are likely to have magnesium deficiency as a part of the puzzle:

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Adrenal Fatigue
• Fibromyalgia
• Heart Disease
• Atrial Fibrillation
• Heart Palpitations 
• Osteoporosis
• Diabetes
• Sudden Death in patients with Congestive Heart Failure
• Kidney Stones

“Similarly, patients with diagnoses of depression, epilepsy, diabetes mellitus, tremor, Parkinsonism, arrhythmias, circulatory disturbances, hypertension, migraine, cluster headache, cramps, neuro-vegetative disorders, abdominal pain, osteoporosis, asthma, stress dependent disorders, tinnitus, ataxia, confusion, preeclampsia, weakness, might also be consequences of the magnesium deficiency syndrome.”

 

Stress hormone production requires high levels of magnesium and stressful experiences can immediately lead to complete depletion of magnesium stores; could this be a contributing factor to why we see comas after traumatic accidents/injuries

 

Do you crave chocolate? Why, when people are stressed out, do they go for chocolate? Chocolate is one of the highest food sources of magnesium.

 

Unfortunately, conventional medicine has not woken up to the amount of research that has been done on magnesium deficiency.

 

Blood tests do not yield ANY information about Mg...

 

Because the body controls the levels of blood magnesium very tightly. If the magnesium in the blood drops just a little bit, you’re going to have a heart attack. It’s that simple.

 

So to prevent this, the body will rob all of its cells, tissues, and bones of magnesium in order to keep the blood levels constant. If you do a blood test for magnesium, the cells could be completely empty while your blood levels remain constant.

 

What’s worse is that magnesium is not even in your blood. 99% of the magnesium in the body is stored in the cells that get robbed, while a mere 1% of your body’s total magnesium is in the blood.

 

Why Are We So Deficient?

Number one, we’re being poisoned by our food.

 

Number two, we’re increasingly stressed out. We’re running our engines on high to keep up with life and it’s draining us. Stress hormone production requires high levels of magnesium and stressful experiences lead to depletion of magnesium stores.

 

Number three, we’re eating more sugar than ever. For every molecule of sugar we consume, our bodies use 54 molecules of magnesium to process it.

 

Fourth, low levels in the soil and modern farming techniques deplete stores of magnesium.

 

And lastly, magnesium is depleted by many pharmaceutical drugs and estrogen compounds such as oral contraceptives, antibiotics, cortisone, prednisone, and blood pressure medications. Diuretics in coffee and tea (caffeine) also raise excretion levels. Oh and by the way – flouride competes for absorption with magnesium!

Foods to eat:

Top 20 WH Foods for magnesium also include numerous legumes, nuts, and seeds. Top legumes for magnesium are navy beans, tempeh (fermented soybeans), pinto beans, lima beans, and kidney beans. The top magnesium-rich nuts and seeds are pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, cashews, and almonds. Among grains, barley, buckwheat, brown rice, quinoa, and millet also rank in the top 25 magnesium foods.

 

 

That's all for now folks.


Dr. Aarthi Maria

Adrenal Fatigue & You

 

 

The adrenal glands are small glands located on top of each kidney. They produce hormones that you can't live without, including sex hormones and cortisol. Cortisol helps you respond to stress and has many other important functions.

 

Adrenal fatigue results when the adrenal glands function below the necessary level. Most commonly associated with intense or prolonged stress, it can also arise during or after acute or chronic infections, especially respiratory infections such as influenza, bronchitis or pneumonia. As the name suggests, its paramount symptom is fatigue that is not relieved by sleep. You may look and act relatively normal with adrenal fatigue and may not have any obvious signs of physical illness, yet you live with a general sense of unwellness, tiredness or "gray" feelings. People experiencing adrenal fatigue often have to use coffee, colas and other stimulants to get going in the morning and to prop themselves up during the day.

 

Adrenal fatigue can wreak havoc with your life. In the more serious cases, the activity of the adrenal glands is so diminished that you may have difficulty getting out of bed for more than a few hours per day. With each increment of reduction in adrenal function, every organ and system in your body is more profoundly affected. Changes occur in your carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism, fluid and electrolyte balance, heart and cardiovascular system, and even sex drive. Many other alterations take place at the biochemical and cellular levels in response to and to compensate for the decrease in adrenal hormones that occurs with adrenal fatigue. Your body does its best to make up for under-functioning adrenal glands, but it does so at a price.

 

STAGES OF ADRENAL MELTDOWN:

 

 

Stage 1

 

 

In the early stages, cortisol and DHEA remain at normal levels. The adrenal glands are able to handle the stress being placed on the body. Hormone production may be somewhat affected but for the most part, the body is able to produce enough cortisol and DHEA to compensate.

 

Stage 2

 

With the body under constant stress, cortisol levels continue to rise. DHEA levels begin to gradually decrease. As the adrenals begun to struggle, symptoms like nervousness, disruptions in sleep patterns, body aches and digestive problems begin to start.

 

Stage 3

 

In this stage, anxiety and exhaustion begin to appear simultaneously. Panic attacks can result from extremely high levels of cortisol in the system. With the level of DHEA continuing to drop, sleeplessness may result. When these two extremes begin to affect day-to-day activities, people usually seek medical treatment.

 

Stage 4

 

As the body's stored DHEA, begins to be used up, cortisol levels begin to drop. Cortisol levels may taper off and symptoms may seem less. The body remains under stress, and resources of cortisol and DHEA are being depleted. A person's energy patterns begin to change. It becomes more difficult to wake up and even harder to fall asleep. Sleep is often disrupted as blood sugar begins to drop.

 

Stage 5

 

Stage 5 of adrenal fatigue shows DHEA levels rising. Because cortisol production has stalled, very little of the existing DHEA is being used. What little cortisol is available is quickly being used in the effort to handle stress. The body continues to weaken, and little activity is possible.

 

Stage 6

 

During this stage, the body tries to stimulate the production of cortisol as DHEA levels rise above normal. Adrenocorticotropic hormone, or ACTH, is not available to fuel the process, so the body continues to weaken. ACTH levels have continually dropped, along with levels of other hormones throughout the body. This is usually the body's final attempt to correct the imbalance.

 

Stage 7

 

Stage 7 is rarely seen; it's basic adrenal failure. The adrenals have ceased to function for the most part, and little can be done to restore balance.

 

 

In view of this, it is so important to understand the importance of stress management in a more holistic level. So what can one do, when we start to face adrenal malfunction? In my next blog post, I will discuss at length the role of exercise, nutrition, adaptogens, supplements and treatment of adrenal fatigue. Keep reading!

 

 

 

Diabetic Foot Ulcer and Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)

Dear Readers,

 

First and foremost, my advanced apologies for the long absence since Christmas. The season to be jolly truly turned out to be one with never ending things to do for both family, friends and patients included.

 

So here goes my first topic for the new year - 2015.

 

We all know that Diabetes Mellitus is a pandemic that has plagued mankind for centuries now. The disease is centered on dysfunctional glucose regulation and metabolism - leading to a state of persistent hyperglycemia. This results in corrosion of small and large blood vessels alike. Following years of persistent corrosion, Diabetes causes target organ damage especially of the kidneys, retina and micro capillaries. Diabetic Foot Ulcers (DFU) occur when vascular perfusion to the foot and toe digits are compromised causing persistent tissue ischaemia - meaning low oxygenation. We all know that our cells mandatorily require oxygen to survive, grow and replicate. So what happens when oxygen becomes a scarcity to the tissues of the foot, which is also routinely exposed to the environment and our daily weight bearing? The skin and tissues have now become very vulnerable and the slightest of trauma may provoke a detrimental cascade of events that can even result in an amputation. A recent study states that Diabetes causes 1 million amputations a year.

 

This article focuses on the role of Platelet Rich Plasma and its role in treating a DFU.

 

But before I go there, I would like to highlight some salient points and the general treatment of  a DFU.

 

1. Never walk barefoot. The nerve damage decreases sensation so you may not notice small abrasions or trauma.  Always wear shoes or slippers to reduce this risk.

 

2. Wash your feet every day with mild soap and warm water. Do not soak your feet. Pat dry with a towel. Be gentle.

 

3. Use lotion to keep the skin of your feet soft and moist. This prevents dry skin cracks and decreases the risk of infection. Do not put lotion between the toes.

 

4. Trim your toe nails straight across. Avoid cutting the corners. Use a nail file or emery board. If you find an ingrown toenail, visit a podiatrist or pedicurist.

 

5. Do not use antiseptic solutions, drugstore medications, heating pads, or sharp instruments on your feet.

 

6. Always keep your feet warm. Wear loose socks to bed.

 

7. Do NOT smoke. Smoking damages blood vessels and decreases the ability of the body to deliver oxygen. In combination with diabetes, it significantly increases your risk of amputation — not only of the feet, but can include the hands, as well.

 

Definitive treatment includes regular and appropriate wound dressings and debridements by your doctor.

 

So now coming to the interesting bit. where does PRP come in all this. Please forgive my enthusiasm, simply because I have recently treated one such DFU with PRP, and the results were absolutely great. It started off as a trial to which patient had consented, but after four weeks of PRP and follow ups - the outcome was quite astounding. Unfortunately the pictures of the concerned patient cannot be uploaded, but instead I will take you through her progress in a more literary manner.

 

Before that, an overview of PRP - Platelet Rich Plasma:

 

 

PRP is a concentrated blood sample extracted from the patient, that contains high levels of platelets, a critical component of the wound healing process. Platelets contain growth factors that are responsible for stimulating tissue generation and repair. Growth factors derived from platelets are responsible for soft tissue repair, bone regeneration, development of new blood vessels, and stimulation of the wound healing process.Clinical studies have shown that application of PRP can help reduce bleeding, minimize pain, reduce infection rates, and optimize overall healing.

My patient had a typical DFU with areas of dry gangrene and almost 80% loss of soft tissues in one of her toes. The tendons and bones were visible, and the entire wound was infected with pus and foul smelling discharge. The front of her foot was darkened with hyperpigmentation and the skin was dry and cracked. She was also suffering from a lot of pain. She was extremely anxious that there would be no choice except for an amputation of the digit.

 

It was at this junction, that I suggested the PRP treatments for her. It took me some time to explain to her how the treatment would be conducted and how it would benefit her. She agreed and I silently hoped I could help provide her the result she wanted.

 

Treatment included direct injection of autologous PRP into the toe digits and skin of the foot, after complete cleansing and debridement. Approximately 3ml of PRP was injected each time and another 3ml of PRP was applied topically on to the wound. Dressing composed of PRP soaked gauze and topical antibiotics. This was repeated weekly for a month.

 

In her last review, the improvement was short of excellent. The tendons and tarsal bones were no longer visible, as healthy granulation tissue had grown to fill up the previously empty digital skeleton. The skin of the foot was less pigmented and lichenified. The patient also felt the mobility and comfort level of her foot had improved.

 

So what actually had transpired?

 

The platelets in the PRP act as healing agents that help to mend the wound via aggregation and cellular cohesion. The abundant growth factors inside the plasma generate new vessels - a process called angiogenesis, stimulate cellular growth and differentiation. The new vessels increase cellular oxygenation and assist in deterring infections by creating an aerobic environment. The end result is tissue and neurovascular genesis within the affected toe.

 

I would like to conclude that PRP is definitely an alternative and effective treatment modality when conventional medicine fails to provide adequate improvement. It has numerous other indications including scar revision, facial rejuvenation, venous, arterial & pressure ulcers, superficial thermal wounds, vitiligo, skin graft sites, hair loss, stretch mark revision, sports injury and cutaneous & musculoskeletal degeneration.

 

 

 

 

For more information on PRP, do make an appointment with myself at Premier Clinics, Bangsar or TTDI branch.

 

 

Thank You.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stem Cells

Dear Readers,

Today let's take the opportunity to discuss the very elusive and less understood topic amongst many - stem cells. An overview of their origin, behaviour and most importantly functions. 

Just imagine the stem cell as the mother of all cells - the one who nurtures and teaches the other cells, transforming them into adult cells with specific roles and responsibilities within the human body. Like in all hierarchy, there is one that also exists in this stem cell world. Some stem cells have greater capacity to differentiate and direct tissue systems, where as other stem cells may only have limited power and life span. It makes sense that stem cells would be more effective when obtained from an actively growing life source, whereby their degree of differentiation and maturity would be unrivalled. 

They serve as an internal repair system, dividing essentially without limit to replenish other cells as long as the person or animal is still alive. When a stem cell divides, each new cell has the potential either to remain a stem cell or become another type of cell with a more specialized function, such as a muscle cell, a red blood cell, or a brain cell. Stem cells are capable of replication, proliferation, differentiation and long term cell renewal.

Broadly stem cells are categorised as Embryonic and Non Embryonic (adult). Embryonic stem cells are derived from the embryo, as the name implies. These cells are very versatile and can differentiate into any cell type. Adult stem cells on the other hand, are not from the embryo, but instead from specific tissue systems like blood, muscle, skin etc. They can only differentiate into their own lineage and kind. The word "potency" describes the degree of differentiation capable of a stem cell.

The extensive research on stem cells and its capacity to replenish itself has brought about a profound eye opening in the medical world. Most research is on adult stem cells, as studying human embryonic cells is deemed unethical - and rightfully so too.

Just to add on, a popular subtype of adult stem cells are Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are adult stem cells traditionally found in the bone marrow. They can also be isolated from other tissues including cord blood, peripheral blood, fallopian tube, and fetal liver and lung. Multipotent stem cells, MSCs differentiate to form adipocytes, cartilage, bone, tendons, muscle, and skin. Mesenchymal stem cells are a distinct entity to the mesenchyme, embryonic connective tissue which is derived from the mesoderm and differentiates to form hematopoietic stem cells.

So in conclusion, we have this great repair system whose consumables consist of our very own blood, fat and skin. Really makes life a whole lot easier when one needs a new kidney.

In actual fact however, stem cell research has pioneered numerous success stories. Stem cells are being used to treat a variety of disorders like Parkinsons, myocardial ischaemia, congenital disorders and many more. In years to come, we should be able to regenerate faulty organs within the body and restore balance and homeostasis.

The Miracle Hormone - Melatonin

Dear Friends & Readers,

Today, let's talk about the king of the hormones - melatonin. I am assuming that many of you may not have heard about this silent giant, who works stealthily at night.

Melatonin is a natural hormone primarily made by the pea sized pineal gland located in the mid-brain. It is also produced in the gut and retina. During the day the pineal is inactive. When the sun goes down and darkness occurs, the pineal is "turned on"  and begins to actively produce melatonin, which is released into the blood. Usually, this occurs around 9 pm. As a result, melatonin levels in the blood rise sharply and you begin to feel less alert. Sleep becomes more inviting. Melatonin levels in the blood stay elevated for about 12 hours - all through the night - before the light of a new day when they fall back to low daytime levels by about 9 am. Daytime levels of melatonin are barely detectable. 

Just a nutshell about sleep itself. Definitely an interesting physiology in my opinion. Still baffles me as to how God figures out things to such intricate of details. 

Sleep starts of with non-REM (rapid eye movement) phase - during this phase the body repairs and regrows tissues, builds bone and muscle, and strengthens the immune system. REM sleep happens 90 minutes after you fall asleep. The first period of REM typically lasts 10 minutes. Each of your later REM stages gets longer, and the final one may last up

to an hour. Your heart rate and breathing quickens. You can have intense dreams during REM sleep, since your brain is more active.

So where does melatonin  fit in in all this? Basically this wonder hormone keep the sleep wake & light cycle in check. If not for melatonin, humans may be running about like bunnies on Redbull, not being able to cease the body's activities. This in turn would result in defective healing and restoration of cells and organs. Simply put, we would be ageing at the speed of lightning.

People with sleep disorders generally have irregular melatonin levels. Melatonin release is inhibited by light - whether it is sunlight or even the blue light from your iPhone. So imagine the chaos in a shift workers hormone cascade. Take for a example, a nurse on night duty at the hospital - she is busy taking care of her patients and serving drugs - her pineal gland is going to be confused as to whether it should release melatonin or not. The last thing we want is a nurse doing CPR going into non-REM sleep!! Similarly, the same chaos occurs on long distance flights - the result jet lag. Besides being affected by occupational reasons, immuno-suppressed individuals may also be combating irregular melatonin levels due to compromised nutrition and depleted hormones. On the contrary, your friend whose always yawning at work is probably producing too much melatonin in the daytime - causing him to feel sleepy and less alert.
                                     

 Melatonin also functions as a potent antioxidant in our bodies. Amongst its numerous functions are:

a) free radical scavenger

b) stimulates anti-oxidative enzymes

c) lowers free radical generation

d) augments efficiency of other antioxidants

e) Protects against molecular damage

Melatonin and its metabolites are potent antioxidants with anti-inflammatory, hypotensive, cell communication enhancing, cancer fighting, brown fat-activating, and blood-lipid-lowering effects, thereby protecting tissues from a variety of insults. Melatonin has been shown to support circadian rhythm, hormone balance, reproductive health, cognition, mood, blood sugar regulation, and bone metabolism, while improving overall antioxidant status and lowering blood pressure. Melatonin may assist in preventing diabetic complications, and improving treatment outcomes in patients with cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer.

For those of you against taking supplements, here's a list of melatonin boosting foods - pineapples, papaya, oranges, sweet corn, oats, rice, barley, bananas & tomatoes.

Now for those who are supplement addicts, please add this miracle hormone into your routine. Melatonin can be taken as a pill or sublingually. It has a short half and only stays active in the system for about 20 minutes. Ideally it is taken about 30 - 60 minutes before sleep. Do not be exposed to bright lights and activity before taking melatonin, as this would negate the effects of the supplement. Please also be warned that melatonin interacts with other drugs like oral contraceptive pills and anti-epileptics - so do consult your doctor before starting your melatonin journey!!

     

 If you think you might benefit from melatonin, click here

Pineapples

Bananas

Oranges

Oats

Sweet corn

Rice

Tomatoes

Barley

- See more at: http://naturalsociety.com/8-foods-naturally-increase-melatonin-sleep/#sthash.doWmO8T0.dpuf

Overview of Some Melatonin-Boosting Foods:

• Pineapples
• Bananas
• Oranges
• Oats
• Sweet corn
• Rice
• Tomatoes
• Barley

- See more at: http://naturalsociety.com/8-foods-naturally-increase-melatonin-sleep/#sthash.doWmO8T0.dpuf

Overview of Some Melatonin-Boosting Foods:

• Pineapples
• Bananas
• Oranges
• Oats
• Sweet corn
• Rice
• Tomatoes
• Barley

- See more at: http://naturalsociety.com/8-foods-naturally-increase-melatonin-sleep/#sthash.doWmO8T0.dpuf