Do you pay attention to drug and herb interactions? Ankara University Faculty of Medicine Department of Medical Biochemistry Faculty Members Prof.Dr. Aslıhan Avcı and Assoc.Prof.Dr. Özlem Doğan has carried out an important scientific study on 'Herbal Treatment and Drug Interactions', which is widely discussed in the Turkish society.
Drug – Plant Interaction… Ankara University Faculty of Medicine Department of Medical Biochemistry Faculty Members Prof.Dr. Aslıhan Avcı and Assoc.Prof.Dr. Özlem Doğan has carried out an important scientific study on 'Herbal Treatment and Drug Interactions', which is widely discussed in the Turkish society.
Research….
In Turkey, 65 Percent of Individuals Over the Age of 89 Use Herbal Medicines and Mixtures Without Physician Recommendation
There are many traditional medicine practices in our country, although their prevalence is not fully known. Scientific evidence from randomized controlled trials is based on strong evidence only for acupuncture, some herbal medicines, and some hand therapies. In a study conducted in our country in this field, it was determined that 65% of individuals over the age of 92.9 used drugs other than physician recommendation, and 89.3% used herbal-based drugs/mixtures. It has been reported that those who receive advice from friends and relatives for drug use and the frequency of drug side effects are higher.
Herbal Treatment Affects the Success of Medical Treatment Due to Mistakes
Exaggeration of the effects of herbal resources among the public and in the press, applications made by people without medical education, and mistakes made in the collection, storage and use of plants affect the success of the medical treatment applied. Patients often stop treatment, thinking that medical treatment will be useless, and turn to herbal medicines or complementary treatments.
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Hiding from Healthcare Personnel
Many studies have shown that complementary and alternative treatment methods directly interact with medical treatment. It has been determined that 70% of the patients use herbal medicine (phytotherapeutic) or health support products (nutraceutical) and hide it from healthcare personnel. It is reported that the use of such drugs/mixtures by patients may hide the symptoms in some disease cases and prevent the physician from making a correct diagnosis. It has been shown that 100% of 36 cancer patients started alternative treatment along with medical treatment and 75% continued to use it. Medicinal plants, like other drugs, have therapeutic effects. Issues such as overdose, duration of use, use during pregnancy, and interaction with other drugs used should not be overlooked.
Drug-Herb Interaction is a Significant Public Health and Safety Issue
Drug-herb interaction is an important public health and safety problem. Many drug-herb interactions can lead to unexpected values in routine outpatient therapeutic drug monitoring. For example, diabetic patients may develop hypoglycemia if they take ginseng herb. Dandelion may cause hypotension in patients with hypertension. Licorice root may increase cardiac problems by increasing potassium loss. St. John's wort may reduce the effects of drugs such as cyclosporine and digoxin. As a result of overdose, plants may cause many side effects (organ failure, phototoxicity, hypertension, etc.).
Plants That Most Cause Drug-Plant Interactions
St. John's Wort
It is one of the herbal products most frequently used by the general population. It is used in the treatment of mild and moderate depression. The hypericin and hyperforin contained in its structure constitute its pharmacological activity. St. John's wort use has the potential to significantly affect and alter the metabolism of other drugs. It has an inducing effect on CYP3A4 microsomal enzymes that carry out the metabolism of many drugs. It blocks the reuptake of serotonin, noradrenaline and dopamine in neurons. It reduces the effects of drugs by preventing their absorption by using the P-glycoprotein pathway. It causes toxicity by increasing drug absorption through inhibition of P-glycoprotein. It causes side effects such as photosensitivity, gastrointestinal irritation, headache, allergic reactions, fatigue and restlessness. In one publication, the authors reported 3 cases of hypomania that occurred 6 months and 2 weeks after using St. John's wort.
Ginseng (Panax Ginseng)
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Ginseng is a herbal medicine widely used in China, the USA and Asian countries. It is divided into two: Asian Ginseng and American ginseng. The ginsenoids found in their structures and their biological activities differ from each other. American ginseng used together with warfarin reduces the effectiveness of warfarin and increases the risk of hypoglycemia when used together with antidiabetic drugs. When used regularly in patients with type 2 diabetes, it reduces fasting blood sugar and HbA1c levels, but it causes hypoglycemia attacks because it rapidly lowers postprandial blood sugar. In a survey conducted among chronically ill patients in outpatient clinics, ginseng was the most popular herbal supplement after vitamin supplements. The interaction between ginseng and the anticancer agent imanitib may cause hepatotoxicity.
Gingko
Gingko biloba is prepared from the leaves of the gingko tree. Terpenoids and flavonoids are its active ingredients. Gingko biloba inhibits CYP4A3 enzyme activation. It has an inductive effect on CYPA4, CYP2C9, CYP2C19 and CYP1A2 activity. It can also reduce the effect of drugs by inhibiting P-glycoprotein. Yang et al. They showed that cyclosporine decreased serum concentration in the presence of gingko and onion in rats. Granger reported that in 2 cases, there was no change in valproic acid levels with the use of gingko, but seizures developed within 2 weeks. The effect of tolbutamide, which is used as a glucose-lowering drug, increases in people using gingko. Gingko is used in the treatment of peripheral vascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, tinnitus, vertigo, glaucoma, cognitive diseases and Alzheimer's. Gingko causes bleeding by inhibiting platelet-activating factor. Fransen et al. listed 3 health benefits of gingko loban as improving brain and peripheral circulation, reducing symptoms related to advanced age, and improving memory.
Garlic
Garlic (Allium Sativum) is both a spice and herbal supplement widely used to lower cholesterol and blood pressure. It is rich in allicin and alliin, which contain sulfur. When used as a spice, it does not interact with medications since its active content is relatively low. However, those sold in herbal medicine stores contain higher levels of contracting structures, which can cause chemical interactions with drugs. Garlic can inhibit platelet aggregation, which has shown that it may interact with warfarin. There is an interaction between spontaneous bleeding after surgery and garlic consumed before and after surgery. The effects of garlic were investigated in 10 healthy volunteers using saquinavir. Saquinivir has been shown to reduce plasma levels of the drug by inducing hepatic CYP3A4 metabolism. Serum concentration decreased to 1200% in patients who used 54 mg of garlic for certain periods. After 10 days, serum concentrations returned to 60-70% of baseline values.
What to do ?
Many patients all over the world use herbal treatments to treat diseases and relieve symptoms. Some herbal products can have dangerous side effects. Applying herbal treatment methods to patients receiving medical treatment reduces or may cause them to lose their chance of benefiting from scientifically based treatments. Lack of pharmacological information on herbal products and inadequate knowledge of plant-drug interactions among healthcare professionals make it difficult to identify safety and side effects. In order to get good results from the plants to be used in treatment; Make sure it is the right plant. Extraction methods must be done correctly and stored correctly. The correct dose should be taken by evaluating the scientific literature.
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Source: HORECA TREND, Science and Health News Agency
What Foods Contain Vitamin D? Canan Karatay Announced…
Prof. Dr. Canan Karatay, on her YouTube channel named "Karatay Söz", asks "WHAT SHOULD BE THE VALUE OF VITAMIN D IN THE BLOOD? He published a video titled. Karatay explained the fruits and vegetables containing vitamin D…
Prof. Dr. Canan Karatay made important statements about Vitamin D.
Explaining that there is no such thing as vitamin D toxicity in any study, Prof. Dr. Canan Karatay: “There is no such thing as vitamin D toxicity. It has not been shown in any study. Food is also very important, just like what we get from sunlight. Food sir. Animal fats are also abundant in internal organs. There are a lot of fish. These are very important. Vitamin D is also found in oils. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin. Even if we take vitamins when we eat without oil, there is no benefit. That's why the truly healthy butter is village butter. We must take healthy olive oil and omega3. We really need to put fat into our body. I just want to point out this. Especially in people with excess fat, vitamin D disappears because it dissolves fat. It sits in the fat cell. As long as it sits in the fat cell, it does not rise at all because there is no circulation in the blood. No matter how much you take, it does not increase in overweight people.” said
Insulin Resistance Must Be Breaking to Increase Vitamin D
Stating that overweight people have insulin resistance, Prof. Dr. Canan Karatay: “They are people with leptin resistance. We will consume low glycemic index foods to break insulin resistance. Foods that we call low glycemic index. We call foods that do not secrete insulin from our pancreas or that secrete less insulin when we put it in our mouth when we eat something, low index foods. Proteins come first. Healthy natural proteins are coming. Red meat. Oil has zero glycemic index, eggs are very important. Yogurt, butter. All this is zero. Of course, beans are among the complex carbohydrates. Dried beans are very important. Hazelnuts and peanuts are very important. Walnuts are very important. Since all of these have a low glycemic index, they break insulin resistance. When insulin resistance is broken, the vitamin value begins to increase slowly. So you see this as a whole: insulin resistance, leptin resistance, vitamin D deficiency, growth hormone deficiency. All of these are interactively related to each other. First of all, we need to break insulin resistance. "To break insulin resistance, walking is very important, dancing is very important, and it is very important to walk around feeling full by eating low glycemic index foods." he said.
Exercise should be done to keep vitamin D high
Reminding that doing sports keeps vitamin D in the body high, Prof. Dr. Canan Karatay said, “Walking is very important, but not running like crazy. Because in overweight or thin people, when we constantly run, know that knee pain develops in older ages. When we run constantly or run like crazy, we experience pain and knee pain. There is muscle pain. In every sport we do, micro tears occur in the muscles. These muscles cause pain. Vitamins and cholesterol are needed for the restructuring of these muscles. We will not be afraid of them. First of all, collagen, which contains them all. It comes in handy. Because it contains minerals, collagen and natural oil. It contains all the factors required for the structuring of the body. Don't be afraid that your cholesterol will rise. "Without cholesterol, the body cannot recover."
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Source: HORECA TREND, Science and Health News Agency
Glutathione, a miraculous natural treasure synthesized by many cells in the human body, has made a name for itself in recent years. Considering what glutathione causes, it is like the body's cleaner. Glutathione, which is a strong source of anti-oxidants, strengthens the immune system while also removing heavy metals and toxins accumulated in the body and preventing inflammation.
If left uncontrolled, glutathione; Oxidative stress can cause many health problems and chronic diseases, including diabetes, autoimmune diseases (Hashimoto's Disease, etc.), cancer, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's, kidney disease and more. There is a connection between oxidative stress and almost every disease you can think of. Glutathione is as important for cleaning the cells as cleanliness is in a kitchen where regular meals are made.
As you get older, your body's ability to produce glutathione decreases, leaving you more vulnerable to various diseases and health problems. Alcohol consumption, fast-food and junk-food eating habits rapidly reduce glutathione levels.
Is It Possible to Increase Glutathione Level Naturally?
Glutathione, which contains sulfur molecules, can help increase its natural production in the body through foods high in sulfur.
Cabbage, cauliflower, radish, garlic, onion, egg, asparagus, avocado, spinach, okra, cauliflower, tomato, carrot, brussels sprout, leek, zucchini, parsley, red beet, turmeric, cinnamon, cardamom, flaxseed, seaweed and While some foods, such as cumin, support its production, some are rich in glutathione sources. Op. emphasizes that you should not miss this nutritional diversity from your tables. Dr. Salim Balin: “Inadequate sleep negatively affects glutathione levels. Getting enough rest regularly can help improve levels. "In addition, studies have shown that moderate-intensity exercises (30 minutes of brisk walks per day) also contribute positively to glutathione levels." made his recommendations.
Intravenous Glutathione Treatment
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Stating that especially in some diseases, intravenous glutathione support can be taken to sharply manage and reverse the process. Dr. Balin said, “It can be taken intravenously in cases such as diabetes, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, Hashimoto's disease, and fatty liver.” he said.
Stating that the most effective method to increase glutathione is to receive intravenous treatment, Balin said, “Because oral supplements do not work well enough. When buying intravenous supplements, you should make sure that you buy them from reliable centers and that glutathione brought through pharmacist rooms is used. Drugs of unknown origin are used in so-called under-the-counter places. "These should definitely be avoided and intravenous treatment should be taken under the supervision of a specialist physician." He included his statements.
Source: HORECA TREND, Science and Health News Agency
Prof. compiled the foods that help lose weight in his Youtube video. Dr. Yavuz Yörükoğlu offered 8 food suggestions.
Lifestyle and eating habits are of great importance in losing weight, which is only affected by 10% of genetics and metabolism. Besides being active, what is important is not only the amount consumed but also the quality of the food. 8 of the 6 recommended foods are low in calories, fiber foods that delay stomach emptying and provide a feeling of fullness.
Broccoli, the King of Vegetables
Broccoli, which has rich vitamin, mineral and antioxidant content, has a high amount of protein. It also contains high amounts of fiber and thanks to these fibers, it provides beneficial reactions such as regulating the digestive system, preventing constipation and improving intestinal health. Broccoli has protective properties against many types of cancer and also supports heart health.
“At least 2-3 Times a Week, a Meal Should Consist of Salad Only.”
In second place are salads and greens, which form an important part of a healthy eating plan. Salad and greens are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber. All kinds of salads should be the main element of our diet, and a meal should consist only of salad at least 2-2 times a week.
Legumes, One of the Indispensables of Turkish Cuisine
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Legumes; In other words, beans, chickpeas and lentils are also important food types in this list. Legumes, one of the indispensable foods of Turkish cuisine, contain high amounts of protein, complex carbohydrates and fiber. One of these legumes should be on your table at least 2 days a week. There is no need to consume legumes as food all the time. Most of the time, you can add beans in the form of a puree or boiled lentils to salads or use them as a side dish to other dishes. The more you consume, the more benefits it provides.
Oatmeal Rich in Fiber
Oatmeal, which has been consumed as an important breakfast food in America and Europe for years, has only just started to appear in Turkish cuisine. The most important feature of oatmeal is that it is rich in soluble and insoluble fibers. It forms a gel-like mass, especially in both the stomach and intestines. This gel attracts fats in the intestines like a sponge and reduces their absorption. In this way, it reduces cholesterol and fat levels in the blood and keeps you full.
Insoluble fibers are an example of very beneficial probiotic bacteria. Prof. recommends eating oatmeal a few days a week. Dr. Yörükoğlu; He also underlined that he recommends oatmeal to many patients with diabetes, heart disease or obesity.
Yörükoğlu also offered a recipe suggestion to put an end to wrongly consumed oatmeal: “A glass of oatmeal, a glass of water, 2-3 fingers of milk and a little coconut oil or butter are added to a pot and cooked for 5-6 minutes until the oatmeal turns into a porridge. You can cook it and put it on a plate. Slice half a banana on it, drizzle a tablespoon of molasses on it to flavor it and enjoy it. “After this, you will not eat anything for 5-6 hours, I guarantee it.”
Flax Seed, the Shining Star of Recent Years
Flaxseed is a food rich in vegetable omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid, fiber, high-quality proteins and antioxidants. There have been studies showing the extraordinary benefits of adding 30 grams of freshly ground flaxseed to foods daily. Yörükoğlu said, “You can add one tablespoon of freshly ground flaxseed a day to yoghurt, sprinkle it on salads, sprinkle it into soup or other dishes and get your share of this super food.” He also offered consumption advice as follows.
“An apple a day keeps the doctor away.”
"An old American proverb says, 'An apple a day keeps the doctor away', which translates as 'An apple a day keeps the doctor away.'" Yörükoğlu started by saying, "Apple, like all fruits, is very rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and is very useful. However, the apple has a very important feature that makes it different from others. Apple contains a very high amount of pectin, one of the soluble fibers, and this pectin delays gastric emptying in the stomach and intestines, gives a feeling of satiety, binds fats and constitutes an important food for our probiotic bacteria. “Make it a habit to eat one apple a day.” he said.
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Green Tea with Fat Burning Properties
Green tea is a drink with a much higher antioxidant percentage than black tea, as it is not fermented. Green tea contains a very important antioxidant, abbreviated as EG-CG, which accelerates metabolism and has fat burning properties. One of the 3-5 teas you drink a day must be green.
Hot Pepper to Suppress Your Appetite
It has been known for years that all peppers contain very high levels of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. In recent years, it has become better understood that hot pepper has an extra effect. Capsaicin, an antioxidant from the carotenoid group, has three important properties, unlike other antioxidants: It accelerates metabolism, triggers fat burning and suppresses appetite. Sprinkling fresh hot pepper, either as powder or red pepper flakes, onto all suitable foods is of great benefit.
Source: HORECA TREND, Science and Health News Agency