Archive for month: December, 2024

A viral Instagram reel claims that cumin and turmeric water can induce periods within a day. This claim is False

Claim

In an Instagram reel, it is claimed that cumin and turmeric water can induce periods within a day. The reel by user diet_fuell is captioned as “1 secret home Remedy that works Wonders.” The user shows boiling one glass of water with a spoonful of cumin seeds for 5–10 minutes, then straining the mixture. Afterward, add a spoonful of turmeric to the strained water.

The viral reel has garnered 4.4 million views, 36,161 likes, 4,339 comments, and 166k shares. The reel can be accessed here.

Fact Check

The claim in the reel is False. Cumin and turmeric may support menstrual health, but there is no scientific evidence to validate the claim that they can induce periods within a day.

What are missed periods?

When a woman misses her period, it can be a cause for concern. Medically, the condition is referred to as amenorrhea. According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, “Amenorrhea is the absence of a menstrual period.”

Amenorrhea can be primary or secondary. Primary amenorrhea is diagnosed when a girl has not experienced her first menstrual period by the age of 16. Secondary amenorrhea describes women who experience an absence of more than three menstrual cycles after having regular periods.

The factors for secondary amenorrhea include engaging in excessive exercise, pregnancy, Obesity, Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, Family history of amenorrhea, Early menopause and Genetics.

What can be the reasons for Maximum Delay In Periods If Not Pregnant?

A delay in menstruation, when pregnancy is ruled out, can indicate underlying health issues, as menstrual irregularities often stem from disruptions in the hormonal balance of estrogen and progesterone. Irregular cycles, defined as lengths shorter than 21 days or exceeding 35 days with abnormal blood flow, are a notable health concern due to their association with various medical conditions. These include metabolic syndromes, coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, PCOS/PCOD and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as complications like anemia, osteoporosis, and infertility. Psychological issues, impaired quality of life, and increased risks of pregnancy-related hypertensive disorders or adverse obstetric and neonatal outcomes are also linked to menstrual irregularities. The prevalence and causes of delayed or irregular periods vary globally, influenced by factors such as genetics, stress, and lifestyle. Evaluating the underlying factors of delayed menstruation is critical to diagnosing potential health risks and developing targeted preventive and therapeutic strategies to improve overall health and reproductive outcomes.

What are the health benefits of cumin?

Cumin (Cuminum cyminum) has been traditionally utilized in households for its medicinal properties and is known to offer various health benefits. Cumin is rich in antioxidants, iron, and fiber, aiding digestion and boosting the immune system. It can help in improving blood sugar control and has anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have shown that Cumin may help in the enhancement of memory and may aid in reducing cholesterol levels, contributing to overall health and wellness. The health benefits of cumin seeds may include anti-inflammatory, nephroprotective, antioxidant, and anti-diabetic properties. Additionally, cumin extracts can improve liver function tests in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. 

What are the nutritional benefits of turmeric?

Turmeric (Curcuma longa), commonly known as haldi, is a staple spice in Indian households. A member of the ginger family, this plant is native to Southeast Asia, with India being its main cultivator. Historically, turmeric has played a significant role in Ayurveda and other traditional Indian healing systems, as well as in Eastern practices like traditional Chinese medicine. In India, it has been traditionally employed to address skin conditions, upper respiratory issues, joint pain, and digestive disorders. Turmeric is a widely used spice and a key ingredient in curry powder. Its primary active compound is curcumin, with the benefits of turmeric often linked to curcuminoids (curcumin and similar substances). It is also responsible for turmeric’s distinctive yellow color.

In Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric is thought to provide a variety of health benefits, including increasing overall energy, reducing gas, eliminating worms, improving digestion, regulating menstrual cycles, and alleviating arthritis symptoms. It is also commonly used in South Asian countries as an antiseptic for treating cuts, burns, and bruises, as well as an antibacterial agent. Modern in vitro research has shown that turmeric has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, and antimicrobial properties.

Can cumin and turmeric water induce periods within a day?

Traditionally, cumin and turmeric water have been used to support menstrual health. Cumin, being a rich source of iron, may aid in regulating menstruation. Similarly, curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has been studied for its potential benefits in managing PMS symptoms and dysmenorrhea, suggesting it may promote menstrual regularity. However, there is no scientific evidence or medical consensus to back the user’s claim.

Cumin has been traditionally valued for its medicinal properties and role in women’s health addressing iron deficiency and menstrual regulation. In a study by Rudra Pratap Singh et. al. revealed that cumin is a rich source of iron, which is particularly beneficial for menstruating women to replenish iron lost during menstruation. Additionally, cumin is also highlighted for its traditional use as a stimulant for menstrual flow.

Cumin also has shown potential in easing common discomforts associated with menstruation. A study published in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice found that cumin significantly alleviated systemic symptoms such as cold sweats, backache, fatigue, period pain and cramps during menstruation.

Curcumin, a natural compound found in turmeric has been explored as a potential treatment for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and dysmenorrhea in recent clinical studies. A randomized controlled trial by Afsane Bahrami et. al. found that curcumin supplements may significantly reduce PMS and dysmenorrhea symptoms.

Curcumin has also been investigated for its potential effects on uterine activity and menstrual regulation. A clinical trial published in Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics suggested that curcumin may induce uterine stimulation which further may potentially trigger the onset of menstruation.

While cumin and turmeric offer certain health benefits and can support menstrual health and alleviate symptoms, there is no evidence to suggest they can reliably induce menstruation within a short timeframe. Furthermore, it is important to recognize that if a missed period is due to pregnancy, natural remedies like cumin or turmeric water are not capable of inducing menstruation within a day.

Dr. Divya Sweta, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynecologist, Ankura Hospital shared her insights and said, “No, we can’t get periods in one day. Either by natural remedies or hormonal treatments. Once your periods are irregular very frequently, you need to meet your gynecologist and get an evaluation. Be regular with physical activity and consume seasonal fruits and vegetables.”

Ms Anubha Taparia Saraogi, Senior Clinical Dietician, Ankura Hospital said, “As a registered dietitian, I often hear about using cumin and turmeric to start periods. However, there’s no scientific evidence to support this. Menstrual cycles are regulated by intricate hormonal interactions, not spices. While turmeric and cumin offer some health benefits, they can’t reliably induce menstruation. Irregular periods warrant a visit to a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and management, not self-treatment with unproven remedies. Ignoring potential underlying issues can be detrimental to your health.”

Medical Dialogues Final Take

Cumin and turmeric may help support menstrual health by easing symptoms, but there is no scientific evidence or medical consensus that cumin and turmeric water can induce periods within a day. Suggesting that a simple drink can alter the complex hormonal regulation of the menstrual cycle within hours oversimplifies this intricate physiological process. For delayed periods, it is crucial to address the underlying causes, such as hormonal imbalances, stress, or pregnancy, rather than depending on unproven remedies.

Hence the claim by the user is False.

Using significantly higher doses of vitamin D than recommended for five years did not affect the incidence of type 2 diabetes in elderly men and women, according to a new study from the University of Eastern Finland.

In population studies, low levels of vitamin D in the body have been associated with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes. However, such observational studies cannot directly conclude whether using vitamin D supplements can reduce the risk of developing the disease. Experimental studies have shown that the use of significantly higher doses of vitamin D than recommended slightly reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in individuals with impaired glucose metabolism, i.e., those with prediabetes. In contrast, no effects have been observed in individuals without prediabetes. However, the studies with non-prediabetic subjects have used relatively small doses of vitamin D or have been short-term. Until now, there has been no research data on the effects of long-term use of high doses of vitamin D on the risk of type 2 diabetes in individuals without glucose metabolism disorders.

In the Finnish Vitamin D Trial (FIND) conducted at the University of Eastern Finland from 2012 to 2018, 2,495 men aged 60 and older and women aged 65 and older were randomised for five years into either a placebo group or groups receiving either 40 or 80 micrograms of vitamin D3 per day. In the statistical analyses of the now-published sub-study, 224 participants who were already using diabetes medications at the start of the study were excluded. Comprehensive information was collected from the participants on lifestyle, nutrition, diseases, and their risk factors. Data was also obtained from national health registers. About one-fifth were randomly selected for more detailed examinations, and blood samples were taken from them.

During the five years, 105 participants developed type 2 diabetes: 38 in the placebo group, 31 in the group receiving 40 micrograms of vitamin D3 per day, and 36 in the group receiving 80 micrograms of vitamin D3 per day. There was no statistically significant difference in the number of cases between the groups.

In the more closely studied group of 505 participants, the blood calcidiol level, which describes the body’s vitamin D status, was on average 75 nmol/l at the start, and only nine percent had a low level, i.e., below 50 nmol/l. After one year, the calcidiol level was on average 100 nmol/l in the group that used 40 micrograms of vitamin D per day and 120 nmol/l in the group that used 80 micrograms of vitamin D per day. There was no significant change in the placebo group. The effects of vitamin D on blood glucose and insulin levels, body mass index, and waist circumference were examined during the first two years of the study, but no differences were observed between the groups.

The findings of the FIND study reinforce the view that the use of higher doses of vitamin D than recommended does not significantly affect the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in individuals without prediabetes and who already have a good vitamin D status. So far, there is no research data on whether high doses of vitamin D can be beneficial in preventing type 2 diabetes in individuals without prediabetes but with vitamin D deficiency.

Reference:

Virtanen, J.K., Hantunen, S., Kallio, N. et al. The effect of vitamin D3 supplementation on the incidence of type 2 diabetes in healthy older adults not at high risk for diabetes (FIND): a randomised controlled trial. Diabetologia (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00125-024-06336-9.

A groundbreaking study found that
low levels of free Triiodothyronine are a risk factor for peripheral neuropathy
in type 2 diabetics, as per results that were published in the journal
Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity: Targets and Therapy.

Also Read: Low Free Triiodothyronine Levels Linked to Increased Risk of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy in Type 2 Diabetes: Study

Also Read: Image-guided thermal ablation effective treatment option for patients with papillary thyroid cancer patients: JAMA

A new risk score accurately predicts and categorizes the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events, such as heart attack, in women. The findings were published today in Radiology: Cardiothoracic Imaging, a journal of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death in U.S. women. The same can be said for women in Latin America, Europe, Asia and Pacific countries. However, since men are more likely to suffer from heart conditions such as coronary artery disease, women tend to be overlooked in cardiovascular studies.

“Women are often underrepresented in research studies, and in some settings may be excluded,” said study lead author Guillermo Romero-Farina, M.D., Ph.D., cardiologist and senior researcher at the Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute and CIBERCV in Barcelona, Spain. “Risk stratification in women is particularly important because the clinical presentation of coronary disease in women may differ from that in men and is often atypical.”

Coronary risk stratification models are an important tool physicians use to identify which patients are most likely to experience major adverse cardiovascular events, such as heart attack, stroke or even death. Establishing a Coronary Risk Score in Women (CORSWO) may aid in the prediction of major cardiovascular events.

In this retrospective study, Dr. Romero-Farina and colleagues analyzed the data of 2,226 women aged 40 to 93 years who were referred to the Nuclear Cardiology Unit at Vall d’Hebron University Hospital for risk assessment and evaluation.

All patients underwent gated SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging, which is an imaging procedure that measures left ventricular function and myocardial perfusion at the same time.

The average follow-up time occurred around was approximately four years. The maximum follow-up time was 10 years, and all follow-ups occurred in the hospital as a result of a major adverse cardiovascular event.

Using eight variables, the CORSWO calculated the risk of a cardiac event in patients and categorized them into four risk levels: low, moderate, high and very high.

“By grouping patients into different risk levels-ranging from low to very high risk-doctors can better focus resources and treatments on those who need them the most,” Dr. Romero-Farina said.

The model accurately predicted major adverse cardiovascular events in women who were categorized as high and very high risk and performed better than other risk models.

The researchers note that this novel approach of incorporating clinical, exercise and imaging-based variables is important in accurately calculating the risk of cardiac events in women.

“The study provides additional insights into identifying high risk or very high-risk women,” Dr. Romero-Farina said. “This approach helps us catch potential heart issues earlier, especially serious events like heart attacks and sudden cardiac death, which are the outcomes cardiologists are most concerned about preventing.”

Reference:

Guillermo Romero-Farina , Santiago Aguadé-Bruix, Ignacio Ferreira-González, Prediction of Major Adverse Coronary Events Using the Coronary Risk Score in Women, Radiology Cardiothoracic Imaging, https://doi.org/10.1148/ryct.230381