IS LOTION GOOD FOR AN OILY SKIN? Dear Doctor, I have an oily skin and I am confused about the kind of lotion I should apply. Are there any dangers of not using any lotion on my skin? Lydia -- Dear Lydia, Oily skin occurs due to excess oil production by oil producing glands of body. Apart from the greasy look, it makes one more prone to acne and secondary infections of the skin. It is a wrong belief that one with oily skin does not need any lotion/moisturiser. Skin care consists of three essential steps - cleaning, toning and moisturising. Skin can be moisturised by drinking enough water and or applying some moisturiser. Avoiding use of moisturisers can make the skin dry, itchy and cause early wrinkling. A moisturiser with glycerin and humectants is suitable for oily skin. Some of these lotions or moisturizers for oily skin also contain ingredients for protecting from sun burn. *** I FEEL NAUSEATED WHEN BRUSHING Dear Doctor, For about three weeks now, I feel nauseated every morning when I go to brush my teeth. What causes this feeling and how can I overcome it? Aline -- Dear Aline, One can feel nauseated while brushing teeth or after due to gag reflex. This is a reflex which is protective to avoid any foreign substance entering respiratory system. Some people are very sensitive and anything entering the throat can provoke gag reflex. It can also occur if the tooth brush is poked much inside the mouth. A tooth brush with hard bristles is more likely to provoke it. Nausea can also occur if one uses a big volume of water to rinse the mouth after brushing. Heart burn or reflux of acid can also induce nausea while brushing. It can be due to a spicy toothpaste. In case of women of reproductive age it can be a sign of early pregnancy. Though unusual, one can have nausea or throwing up while brushing as one of the manifestations of depression with no other underlying sickness. Breathe in deeply if you feel nauseous while brushing your teeth. Avoid breath holding. Do not open the mouth too wide, because it carries risk of the tooth brush being pushed in too hard. Avoid rinsing mouth with much water. Replace a tooth brush with hard bristles by one with soft bristles. If acid reflux occurs, dispose of the tooth paste foam. Avoid factors causing excess acid production like very spicy food, eating one heavy meal per day, eating late in night, constipation, use of alcohol, excess caffeine or sodas. Avoid using spicy tooth pastes. Drinking warm water in morning and rinsing mouth with lukewarm water is also helpful in this regard. Cleaning the tongue with a tongue cleaner or flossing it, before brushing teeth also helps in preventing nausea while brushing. *** I AM ADDICTED TO DRINKING SODA Dear Doctor, I am addicted to taking soda and I actually take about five bottles a day. Are there any dangers associated with excessive consumption of soda? Rachael -- Dear Rachael, Sodas are not at all healthy for human health. Consuming them regularly increases the health risks. Sodas contain sugar in large quantities (one soda contains approximate 10 teaspoons of sugar). This increases body weight by providing excess calories. This becomes a precursor for many health related problems like hypertension and diabetes. It is also risk factor for cancers like that of pancreas, uterus. Sodas are a big risk factor for increasing prevalence of childhood obesity, world over. Obesity during childhood increases the risk for chronic non communicable diseases as adults. The high sugar content tends to increase dopamine levels in the brain, giving a pleasurable feeling. This can actually make people addicted to taking sodas regularly for the good feeling it provides. Artificial sweeteners like asparatame present in diet sodas are much more harmful and are known risk factor for cancer. Instead of reducing or checking weight, artificial sweeteners can in fact increase weight. This could be because of people consuming it in greater quantity. They are also known to precipitate and aggravate migraine, cause muscle and joint pains or abdominal cramps. Consumption of sodas tends to spike sugar levels and is said to increase risk of dementia with advancing age. The excess sugar present in sodas also predisposes one to gum and dental infections and dental caries, problems if good dental hygiene is not maintained. It tends to damage the dental enamel causing discoloration of teeth, the dental roots can be damaged causing premature loss of teeth. Chemicals present in teeth as preservatives, coloring and flavoring agents can cause allergic reactions and even induce acute rhinitis, skin rashes and or asthma attack in those who are susceptible to it. The acid content of many sodas is also high, causing and aggravating acid reflux and dyspepsia in individuals, Therefore, it is better to take a soda occasionally. Freshly prepared fruit juices are always better and healthy for consumption as compared to sodas.
