Pakistan Kidney & Liver Institute & Research Centre (PKLI-RC) Monday-Friday 09:00 am - 05:00 pm

Category Archives: Health care

Benefits of Mangoes

8 Amazing Benefits of Mangoes

8 Amazing Benefits of Mangoes

Mango is renowned as “the king of fruits” since it is delicious and sweet. Biting into the tropical fruit can be sheer ecstasy, and you might question if something so delicious and luxurious can be beneficial for you. A resounding “yes” is the answer. Mangoes have a lot of sugar in them (approximately 25 grams of carbs and 100 calories per cup), but they have a lot of benefits.

 Mangoes provide several health benefits that you may not be aware of.

1. It aids digestion.

Mangoes may aid in a healthy digestive system. Mangoes are high in enzymes that help break down and digest protein, as well as fibre, which keeps the digestive system running smoothly. Dietary fibre aids in the prevention of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Pectin fibre is more abundant in green mangoes than in ripe mangoes.

 

2. Promotes Gut Health

Mango flesh comprises prebiotic dietary fibre, which helps feed healthy bacteria in the gut, according to some studies.  A healthy stomach is essential for overall wellness. Apart from poor digestion, a leaky gut causes skin disorders such as IBS, asthma, slowed metabolism, and other health problems.

 

3. Immunity Booster 

You might be shocked to learn that one average-sized mango supplies up to two-thirds of your daily vitamin C requirement. The potent antioxidant boosts immunity and protects against colds and flu.

 

4. Promotes healthy eyes.

Mangoes may also benefit your eye health if you include them in your diet. Mangoes are high in beta-carotene, which aids in vitamin A production. The strong antioxidant improves vision, improves general eye health, and even protects against age-related macular degeneration and visual loss.

 

5. Reduces Cholesterol

Mangoes may also help you maintain a healthy cholesterol level. Pectin’s high quantities of fibre may aid in the reduction of low-density lipoprotein (LDL or bad cholesterol), which creates plaques in the arteries and restricts blood flow.

 

6. Skin Rejuvenation

Mangoes are high in skin-friendly vitamins C and A, which are both important for skin health and regeneration. Mangoes are also proven to exfoliate and remove clogged pores when consumed in moderation. The fibre in mangoes helps to clear your intestines, which have been packed with toxins.

 

7. It’s suitable for diabetics as well.

Although mangoes are sweet and should be consumed in moderation, they not a definite no-no for diabetes. Mangoes have a glycemic index that spans from 41 to 60, with an average of 51. The glycemic value of 51 is on the lower end of the range. Low glycemic foods are those with a glycemic index of less than 55, making them suitable for diabetes.

Fruits with a low glycemic index ensure that sugar is released slowly into the bloodstream and that blood glucose levels do not increase suddenly. Mangoes are also high in dietary fibre, which aids in the regulation of blood sugar levels.

 

8. Helps with Weight Loss

Mangoes, when consumed in moderation, may aid in weight loss. Mango skin contains phytochemicals that serve as natural fat burners. Dietary fibres abound in the mango flesh. Fibres give you a feeling of fullness. When you consume high-fibre fruits or vegetables, you feel fuller for longer, which keeps you from snacking on other high-fat foods.

 

Benefits Of Apple

Benefits Of Apple

Apples are not only delicious on their own or in meals, but they also have numerous health benefits. Apples associated with improved gut health and a lower risk of stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and several malignancies.

Fiber is abundant in a medium-sized apple: It has 4.4 grams of fiber in it, which is 16 percent of the daily need (DV). In addition, the same apple contains 8.4 milligrams of vitamin C, which accounts for more than 9% of your daily value, as well as trace levels of other vitamins and minerals.

 

Apples are said to help people with high cholesterol and blood pressure.

If you eat a juicy apple, you might be able to keep your ticker in good shape. Apple eating has been linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, which may be due to the cholesterol-lowering properties of the soluble fiber present in apples.

Soluble fiber lowers the risk of atherosclerosis (restricted circulation of the blood due to plaque accumulation) and heart disease by preventing cholesterol deposition in the lining of blood vessels. It can also aid in the reduction of blood pressure. A study found that consuming more soluble fiber was linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

 

Eating Fiber-Rich Foods, such as Apples, Can Help with Digestion 

Apples come with both soluble and insoluble fibers.

Soluble fiber slows digestion, making you feel fuller, and it also delays glucose digestion, allowing you to keep your blood sugar under control. Insoluble fiber, on the other hand, can aid in the movement of food through your body and can help with congestion and regulation.

 

Apples Can Help You Have a Stronger Immune System

Who doesn’t want a better immune system as autumn approaches? Apples could be a valuable addition to your immune-boosting arsenal.

Apples include immune-boosting vitamin C, so there’s reason to believe they can help you stay healthy. Vitamin C helps the immune system by increasing the epithelium (a type of tissue) barrier opposing pathogens and protecting against ecological oxidative stress, such as pollutants and radiation, according to a study.

 

Apples are a fruit that is good for diabetics.

Consider including apples in your diet if you have type 2 diabetes. Although they are fruit, it is a frequent myth that diabetics cannot consume fruit.

In this situation, the soluble fiber in apples can assist limit sugar absorption into the bloodstream, potentially lowering blood sugar levels. Furthermore, a nutritious diet rich in insoluble fiber helps reduce your risk of acquiring type 2 diabetes in the first place.

 

Apples contain antioxidants that aid in cancer prevention.

While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to cancer prevention, apples may have a role. Apples have been shown to lower the risk of certain cancers, which researchers believe is due to the antioxidants in apples.

According to research, apples have a high quantity of antioxidants, which have demonstrated to inhibit cancer cell proliferation.

 

Apples can help you lose weight in a healthy way.

Apples are significant on this list since they are high in dietary fiber. Fiber slows digestion and blood glucose rise, keeping your content and reducing your chances of overeating. People who ate the most fiber had a much lower body weight, as per a study.

 

Organ Donation in Pakistan Beliefs & Misconceptions

Organ Donation in Pakistan Beliefs & Misconceptions

 

Since the beginning, organ donation has been a controversial topic. The public opinion on the subject greatly varies where a vast majority stands in opposition to the idea of donating one’s organs. This opposition is based on different reasons including education, knowledge, socioeconomic status, and religious beliefs of the individuals.

Organ Donation & Religious Beliefs

Misconceptions

In countries like Pakistan where religion is prioritized, organ donation is rejected by most individuals. Many people believe that the human body is a sacred trust from God and harming it or amputating it to harvest organs is a sin. Believers believe in the reincarnation of the human body on the day of judgment therefore it would be wrong to harm the body of somebody they loved as this would interfere with the process of reincarnation. The fear of organ donation developing as an illegal trade for financial incentives also hinders the development of this concept.

Organ Donation in Islam

The teachings of Islam promote love and encourage the followers to be helpful to each other. The concept that saving a single life is synonymous with saving the entire humanity clearly states the religious standing on the matter of organ donation. Hence, there is a section that rules in the favor of organ donation claiming that helping a fellow human being by donating one’s organs is acceptable and praised by God. This difference in opinion greatly stems from the different degrees of education and awareness.

Education Level affecting the ratio of Organ Donation

Studies have revealed that people with higher educational qualifications in favor of organ donation. They are also more knowledgeable regarding the subject, whereas people with low education condemn the act. This relates directly to the socio-economic standing of the people as those with better economic prospects are more informed and hence more open and accepting towards the idea of organ donation while those with a challenging economic background are ignorant.

Economic Development and its correlation with Organ Donation Awareness

Underdeveloped countries face the problem of a general lack of knowledge and understanding about organ donation. The current literacy rate of Pakistan is 58% (2020) and with 63.09% (2017) of the total population living in rural areas with limited facilities, exposure and understanding of organ donation are greatly lacking.

Social Reasons

Another factor influencing the organ donation decision is social acceptance. Most people refuse the concept due to opposition from relatives. Studies show that people in their 20s and 30s want to donate organs but the un-acceptance of parents or other elders in the family hinders their decisions. In a country such as Pakistan, where family values are considered sacred, taking such a step without the consent of relatives is condemned.

Conclusion

Keeping in mind all the beliefs and limitations mentioned above, it not wrong to say that Pakistan is a developing country with limited resources and the main source of knowledge and awareness in this age is the television. Most people who are familiar with organ donation came to know about it through a television broadcast. Since many rural areas lack technological instruments, a vast majority is left greatly un-informed.

To convince people to donate organs, awareness must created in the remotest areas of Pakistan among all age groups and sects. People must inform and guided properly. Education must be regularized, and religion must be preached accurately.

Myths associated with Organ Donation

Myths associated with Organ Donation

 

People have many false perceptions about organ donation. The number of patients waiting for a match is increasing every single day. According to a survey, 90% of people are in favor of organ donation but only 20% made the actual arrangements for organ donation and registered themselves for donation.

We are here to bust some of the common myths which make people hesitant to become a donor. In reality, one person can save almost up to 8 lives and can make the living standard better for as many as 70 people.

Organ Donation results in the Mutilation of the Body

A team of specialists who are well trained performs these surgeries and special care is taken to not damage the dignity of the donor.

Donor’s Identity

The true identity of the donor is confidential. It is not revealed until recipients request it. A team of coordinators reveals the true identity in this case.

Religious Restrictions

Many people believe that their religion does not allow organ donation. Especially after death, it is not ethical to cut open the dead body and remove the different body parts.

All the prominent religions like Islam, Christianity, and Hinduism support organ donation. Teachings of religions are following the importance of saving someone’s life. In Islam, saving one person’s life is considered equivalent to saving the whole of the humanity.

Is there a need to talk to the family about becoming an organ donor?

It is important to talk to your family after becoming a donor. Most of the time relatives refuse to donate organs after the death of the donor. Registration alone is not enough to donate organs. Similarly, after death, relatives can consent for organ donation even without registration.

Which organs to donate?

Many people think that other organs are also removed along with the organ registered for donation. This is a false belief. Only organs registered for donation are removed.

Brain-dead is like a Coma

Coma is an irreversible state and a person can get better, but the brain-dead person is dead for real. Only the ventilator keeps the person breathing but that person cannot recover. So, organs can be removed conveniently because a person feels no pain.

Who are fit for organ donation?

Organ donors are screened thoroughly before declaring them fit for organ donation. If you have any serious illness or chronic disease, you may not be able to donate the organ.

Is it expensive to become a donor?

Once you decide to donate an organ, you don’t have to pay for anything. All the bills are paid by the recipient and the institution.

Who is not included in the recipients’ list?

Substance abusers are not considered eligible for receiving an organ donation until they quit the drug. In this way, no donated organ goes to waste.

Conclusion

Many people want to donate but are afraid of many superstitions surrounding this donation. To make it easy for the donors, there is a need to create awareness and clear the misconceptions. By encouraging more donations by the dead, will decrease the need for living donors. Many people die every year while waiting for the donation. This can be prevented by educating people on safe organ donation.

Organ Donation after Death

Organ Donation after Death

Organ Donation after Death

 

If you are looking for a way to keep on living other people’s life after death, organ donation after death is one of the best ways to do so. Even though thousands of people die every passing day, not many can contribute the gift of hope to a fellow human.

What is deceased organ donation?

When a person dies under certain circumstances the consent taken for the donation of an organ from relatives. Most commonly in brain-dead people who are on a ventilator, enough time available for the donation of healthy organs.

Once a person dies, the record checked to see whether this person is registered as a donor or not. If yes, this registration is legal consent. In this case, either, organ donation is not 100% confirmed. The relatives have the right to deny organ donation after death.

Is a brain-dead person dead?

In a brain-dead person, the heart keeps on beating. The patient kept on a ventilator so the oxygen supply and blood supply enough to keep the organs alive. The brain of that patient is not alive because of extensive damage and this injury is irreversible. This decision is made by a team of doctors who perform multiple tests and after a certain period, that person is declared dead.

How the organs are donated to recipients?

If the relatives give consent, arrangements for organ donation after death can be made. The team of transplant specialists performs the whole process. After donation, the information regarding the organ and the patient is put in the database. This data is matched with the data of patients in different hospitals waiting for organ donation.

After a match, the organ is transferred to a specific setting. The recipient is already in the operation theater waiting for the arrival of the organ. The transplant team replaces the surgical team. The team of doctors who does the transplantation is always different from the team caring for the patient

How specific organs are matched?

Matching of Heart

For successful transplantation of the heart, two things are important. One is the proximity of the recipient and the other is the size of the recipient. A heart can survive outside the body for 4-6 hours that’s why it is important to prioritize the nearby patient.

In addition to that, the size of the recipient is also important, so that the heart can fit in the rib cage perfectly. The blood type must be the same. HLA tissue typing is also done to lessen the chances of transplant failure. The duration of waiting for an organ is equally important.

Matching of the Liver

The liver can survive outside the body for almost 12-15 hours. The recipients are assigned the scores by using two criteria. One is a model for end-stage liver disease and the other is pediatric end-stage liver disease. Patient with the highest score is given priority for donation. If the organ is not matched with the recipient, the next recipient with the second-highest score is offered the transplant.

Conclusion

Organ donation after death can minimize the need for alive donors. The organs kept in machines that provide oxygen and nutrients to keep the organs in a healthy state. The organs are transported as soon as possible by respective teams while keeping a check on the viability status of the organ.

Hi, How Can We Help You?