Health Pulse Patchy pigment: solutions for vitiligo If you have white spots or patches on your skin, you may have vitiligo. More than a cosmetic concern, vitiligo is an autoimmune disease that attacks the pigment-producing cells in your body. Having vitiligo boosts your risk of developing some other autoimmune diseases, such as thyroid disease. If a dermatologist confirms vitiligo, you need to decide whether or not to treat it. As appreciation for diversity increases in our society, some people come to embrace their new look. But if you’d rather restore the lost colour, you have several options. ▶ Corticosteroids: Applied to the skin, these medications work best if your vitiligo began recently. ▶ Tacrolimus ointment or pimecrolimus cream: These medications work best to restore colour on the head or neck. ▶ JAK inhibitors: Approved for vitiligo in the US., this highly promising drug class will likely become available to Canadians in the near future. ▶ Phototherapy: Standing in a light box, you expose your skin to UV light for a limited amount of time. ▶ Laser therapy: Can target a small area of skin without affecting the surrounding areas. Vitiligo can be stubborn and treatment takes time. In the meantime – or instead of treatment – you can use makeup or self-tanner to camouflage the discoloured areas. Sources: WebMD, dermatology.ca The buzz about energy drinks About nine out of 10 adults consume caffeine every day, enjoying the improved alertness which it provides. While many people get their caffeine from coffee or soft drinks, energy drinks have become a staple on grocery store shelves, with global sales reaching $57 billion in 2020. A typical energy drink contains between 150 and 200 milligrams (mg) of caffeine per serving – in the same ballpark as a cup of brewed coffee. Most adults can safely consume up to 400 mg of caffeine per day, although pregnant or breastfeeding women should limit their intake to half that amount. And if you have an anxiety disorder, caffeine is more likely to trigger such effects as nervousness or panic attacks. Compared to coffee, energy drinks have one important downside: sugar. A 16-oz. can of one popular brand contains 47 grams of sugar, or 12 teaspoons – that’s the recommended daily limit in a few gulps. Energy drinks containing sugar substitutes such as aspartame or stevia can help you keep your sugar consumption in check. On the plus side, energy drinks often contain vitamins, minerals and amino acids. Some of them also include herbal supplements – such as ginseng and guarana – to further increase mental alertness. As herbal supplements can interact with some medications, check with a health professional before consuming such products. Sources: MyHealth.Alberta.ca, HealthLinkBC.ca Eating for flow Conditions that impair blood circulation include diabetes, obesity and peripheral artery disease. Reduced blood flow, in turn, can lead to pain, numbness, muscle cramps – and even digestive issues. While some circulatory problems call for medical treatment, certain foods can also improve blood flow. Here are a few superstars you can easily fold into your diet: ▶ Tomatoes: Just like certain drugs, tomatoes help open your blood vessels. ▶ Onions: The flavonoid antioxidants in onions help your blood vessels widen. ▶ Garlic: The sulfur compounds in garlic increase tissue blood flow and lower blood pressure. In one study of people with coronary artery disease, those who consumed garlic power tablets for three months experienced a 50% improvement in blood flow through an upper-arm artery. ▶ Fatty fish: The omega-3 fatty acids in fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel help release nitric oxide, which dilates your blood vessels and increases blood flow. ▶ Leafy greens and beets: Your body converts the nitrates in these foods to nitric oxide. ▶ Turmeric: In a 2017 study, taking daily curcumin (a compound found in turmeric) for 12 weeks led to a significant increase in blood flow through the arm. Vegetable curry night, anyone? Sources: WebMD, healthline.com 34 | www.snowbirds.org
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