Tuesday, November 25, 2014

The Intersecting Legal Policies With The Research


The focus of this discussion is the intersecting legal policies with the research within the area of high consumption of sodium. It should be noted that there has been an ongoing debate concerning the subject of consumption of sodium among the masses. As a matter of fact, legal policies have not shaped all of these areas because of the absence of concrete research base.  In present times, the researchers have recommended governments and legal institutions to play their part in limiting sodium consumption (Birkenhäger, Robertson, & Zanchetti, 2004).

Consequently, such recommendations have been heavily avoided or discarded by the government. It is because they have found no affliction to the accurate relationship between blood pressure, heart attack and, hypertension with high sodium intake. There is pressure from the food industry as well because they do not want to make their food tasteless (Curtis, 2013). Therefore, they do not allow the researchers to check the quantity they are using sodium. It has created a culture that the sodium intake in a limited amount is necessary. Thus, this cultural phenomenon intersects the research on the consumption of high sodium and disorders related to them (Birkenhäger, Robertson, & Zanchetti, 2004).

As a contradiction to the claims of the government, it can be said that low consumption would also not create much difference. Such claims have been marked against the government. Unofficially, customers of fast food claim that if the amount of sodium would be lessened in the food preparation then they will not have the same taste for which they would want to buy the food (Curtis, 2013). For instance, French fries are considerably bought in a large quantity every day by almost all of the fast food chains in America. If French fries would not be sprinkled with sodium after they are fried then there is a likelihood that its sales would go down heavily (Birkenhäger, Robertson, & Zanchetti, 2004).

Thus, food politics do not support the researchers on the high sodium consumption related disorders. As it can affect the food industry and their business, therefore, food politics also intersect in some way with the research done on high sodium consumption (Birkenhäger, Robertson, & Zanchetti, 2004). Moreover, it will not be incorrect to state that there is contradiction between researches. Few researches suggest that the high sodium consumption causes many diseases and it is one of the major reasons that are causing disorders in human body. However, few researches suggest that it does not create such a difference. In addition, the high sodium intake does not cause these disorders because those nations who use low sodium in their routine are also victims or such disorders (Curtis, 2013).

On the basis of these contradictions, the evidence shows its weakness, and it intersects the researches on high sodium consumption on a large scale. Therefore, political, policies or cultural phenomenon intersects the high sodium researches and implementations of sodium reduction frameworks and programs (Birkenhäger, Robertson, & Zanchetti, 2004). Though, there is few awareness programs are supported on the governmental level regarding the high intake of sodium and its related diseases, but the law does not draw attention on this issue. Thus, the researches that have been carried out on this issue are supported by non-governmental agencies or research centers only.



 


Works Cited

Birkenhäger, W. H., Robertson, J. I., & Zanchetti, A. (2004 ). Hypertension in the Twentieth Century: Concepts and Achievements, Volume 11. New York: Elsevier.

Curtis, P. A. (2013 ). Guide to US Food Laws and Regulations. New York: John Wiley & Sons.

 

 

Disorders Related to High Sodium Consumption



Intake of Sodium is increasing globally. It is indicated that if individuals increase their consumption of sodium then it can increase their changes of blood pressure. Blood pressure is considered to the key factor of cardiovascular disease (Mozaffarian &Powles, 2014). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other health union illustrated that there is a strong relationship between Sodium consumption and cardiovascular disease. The side effects of increase sodium intake vary with age and gender (Mozaffarian & Powles, 2014). Elevated blood pressure is the key cause of high mortality rate in US; around 200,000 female deaths were reported each year. It is five more times high than Breast Cancer (Mozaffarian& Powles, 2014).


High consumption of sodium also put you at risk of kidney diseases, osteoporosis and gastric troubles. Consuming high salty food may have an impact on blood vessels and impair the function. It can also reduce the flow-mediated dilation shortly. One of the researchers claimed that the high intake of sodium widened the blood vessels, and it is the first step in the progression of atherosclerosis


 Increase sodium consumption is also associated with metabolic syndrome. Many studies have been conducted on the same theme. In Korea, a study was held which shows that there is a relationship between metabolic syndrome and high intake of sodium (Rhee & Kim, 2013). A certain cluster of people was examined who have a high intake of sodium in their daily life and metabolic syndrome was found in those candidates. Metabolic syndrome is also a cause of cardiovascular disease (Rhee& Kim, 2013). The study also found a relationship between metabolic syndrome and sodium sensitivity (Rhee & Kim, 2013). Candidates show signs of sodium sensitivity have elevated the level of blood pressure even at relatively low level as contrast to those with no sodium sensitivity (Rhee& Kim, 2013).


Association between increase salt consumption and stomach cancer has also been reported (Cappuccio, 2013). Elevated level of salt can be the cause of stomach cancer and its alarming sign to public health authorities (Cappuccio, 2013). There are many experimental evidences to support this theory. One study claimed that increased salt consumption could accumulate in stomach and cause damage to cell lines; in turn inflammation occurs (Cappuccio, 2013). As a result, cells that lined the stomach and provide barrier ruptures and in the end, encounter of microorganisms occurs which is the leading cause of gastric ulcer (Cappuccio, 2013).


Sodium is the key element, which balances the fluid system in the body. Increase uptake of sodium may produce thirst and elevated the level of fluid intake (Cappuccio, 2013). Heart and kidney are the two major organs that play a vital role in the human body (Cappuccio, 2013). Dysregulation of these organs’ function results in fluid retention and can be provoked by increase uptake of sodium (Cappuccio, 2013).


Researchers also found a relationship between increased consumption of sodium and disease called Contract (vision problem) (Cappuccio, 2013). There are sodium pumps found in the body cells that function as to maintain the sodium concentration in cells. Increase uptake of sodium makes these pumps difficult to work properly and unable to balance the concentration of sodium within these cells (Cappuccio, 2013).


Increase consumption of sodium is also related to the disorder of the inner ear. There is no cure of this illness, but researchers found that the high intake of sodium elevates their risk, and low level may relieve symptoms (Cappuccio, 2013).





Works Cited


Cappuccio, F.P., 2013. Cardiovascular and other effects of salt consumption. Kidney


        International Supplements, 3(4), pp.312–15.


Mozaffarian, D. & Powles, J., 2014. Global sodium consumption and death from cardiovascular causes. New England Journal of Medicine, 371(7), pp.624-34.


Rhee, M.-Y. & Kim, S.-W., 2013. High Sodium Intake in Women with Metabolic Syndrome.       Korean Circulation Journal, 44(1), pp.30-36).


 


 

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

The professional achievements of Duriash Mozaffarain



High sodium consumption and disorders due to high intake of sodium is now a common problem. However, there are many researches carried out to find out the side effects of high sodium intake. In this field, many scholars and researchers focused on those reasons due to which people are facing different types of disorders and diseases. Similarly, Dariush Mozaffarian also did a deep research on causes of selected few disorders. He found a common issue among all those diseases, and that was the increased high sodium consumption habit among affected people. The goal of this discussion is to look closely at the prospects and professional achievement of Dariush Mozaffarian.


The professional achievements of Duriash Mozaffarain are an evident reflection of the journey where he has left an evident mark in research and development. It is significant to note that his educational background has vastly backed up his practical achievements. In addition, his achieved prospects have created wonder in the field of cardiovascular research and development. It is because of his keen interest and effective research that has become famous for cardiovascular medicine and epidemiology (Dariush Mozaffarian Brief Bio, 2014).


It was an effective professional achievement that he had authored and co-authored in many scientific publications on cardiovascular health related topics. He led the research at the Harvard school of Public Health about high sodium consumption and its effects on heart diseases (Dariush Mozaffarian Brief Bio, 2014).


The research evidences provided by Dr. Mozaffarain about high sodium consumption. According to him, high sodium intake increases blood pressure (Kritz, 2014). It increases the risk for cardiovascular diseases that includes stroke and heart diseases. He did a deep research to find out the causes of heart diseases. Mozaffarain’s research suggested that there are various effects of excess sodium consumption on heart diseases globally. In every age, nation and sex high sodium consumption is causing cardiovascular diseases on a large scale (Dariush Mozaffarian Brief Bio, 2014).


Dr. Mozaffarain professional achievements impacted in a positive manner on his field. Where, finding out causes of the cardiovascular diseases played an important role. He successively figured out the main reason, which is the high sodium consumption that increases blood pressure and damages heart. The consumption of high sodium is increasing the death rate due to which most of the authors and researchers are providing the guidelines to reduce sodium consumption (Kritz, 2014).


Dr. Mozaffarain also provided precautionary techniques to control the intake of high sodium. While performing research as a co-author, he highlighted other disorders related to the high sodium consumption. According to Mozaffarain, high sodium consumption is causing obesity, high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and increasing ratio of deaths. Therefore, Mozaffarain suggested that the programs should be organized to reduce the premature deaths in adults around the globe. These programs can provide effective approaches to avoid and to reduce the high sodium intake (Kritz, 2014).


Overall, his professional achievements have been well observed by the practitioners of his field. A lot of references have been made by his research work, which is a great achievement in itself. Majority of researches and studies by Mozaffarain focuses on high sodium consumption and its causes on cardiovascular diseases, which lead to death (Kritz, 2014). Dr. Mozaffarian has more than 200 scientific publications, and all are about lifestyle and cardiovascular health issues (Dariush Mozaffarian Brief Bio, 2014). His studies and researches include global dietary burdens of disease and informed nutrition policy internationally.

Works Cited

 

Dariush Mozaffarian Brief Bio. (2014). Retrieved from http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/dariush-mozaffarian/brief-bio/

Kritz, J. (2014, August 13). Estimated 1.65 Million Global Cardiovascular Deaths Each Year Linked to High Sodium Consumption. Retrieved from http://now.tufts.edu/news-releases/estimated-165-million-global-cardiovascular-deaths-each-year-linked-high-sodium





 









Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Scarcity of Water


Scarcity of water is one of the most concerning factors for many local and multi-national companies all around the world. As the population of the world grows, the demand for products and services also increases. In order to meet up with the demand of people, organizations from all over the world must produce more and more products each year. The growing demand has made organizations use more water and, as a result, it has depleted this natural resource. Organizations are now trying to be more careful with the use of water.

Organizations are now seriously considering and planning to save water. In 2011, organizations spent about $85 billion so that water could be better utilized (Clark 3). Among the organizations was Nestle that spent $40 million to install systems that can properly control the flow of water. Nestle has many departments and produces a variety of products that require much water. Ford is another company that spent $3 million in 2011 in one of the plants in South Africa. The company thought that they were utilizing more water than what was required and installed the system in their plant so that water could be distributed more efficiently.

Sandra Postel is one of the renowned authors and researchers in the field of economics. She has written many books related to economics, and her most recent book is called the last Oasis: facing water scarcity. This book talks about the scarcity of water that the world could face only in the near future (Postel 34). However, this is not the first time Sandra Postel has expressed this fear of water becoming scarce. She has been researching and writing about depleting natural resources for the past 30 years. Her main concern is the scarcity of water as that holds the key to human life.

One of the recent articles talk about the solution for scarcity of water in the future (Selby and Hoffmann 2). Selby and Hoffmann believe that the problem of the shortage of water cannot be a avoided if only companies decide to invest in expensive systems to control the water or be more careful in efficiently utilizing them (Selby and Hoffmann 3).

Selby and Hoffmann are of the opinion that the solution can only be achieved if the control of the distribution is given to some organization or the government takes control of the distribution of water. Currently, organizations all around the world have unlimited access to water. They can consume and waste as much as they want. However, if an organization takes the responsibility of distributing it, could be in a quota form, then there are certain chances that the world will save water. Organizations would only receive water as much as required to produce goods and services.

The government does not have much said in the distribution of water to companies. In the USA and most European countries, organizations can use as much water as they think is required to meet their production needs. The government has no known restrictions that the companies are forced to follow. There are many laws and regulations regarding water pollution, but the dilemma is fair consumption of water. The government would have to step up their approach and restrict the use of water so that the companies do not have the liberty to misuse it.


Works Cited


Clark, Pilita. A world without water. 14 November 2014. 17 November 2014 <http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/2/8e42bdc8-0838-11e4-9afc-00144feab7de.html#slide0>.

Postel, Sandra. The Last Oasis: Facing Water Scarcity. London : Routledge, 2014.

Selby, Jan and Clemens Hoffmann. "Global Environmental Change." Science Direct (2014): 79-96.


Wednesday, November 12, 2014

High Sodium Consumption


Decrease in high sodium consumption can play an essential role to minimize the number of deaths. In order to minimize the high sodium consumption side effects, it is necessary to bring change in sodium intake from unhygienic food items. It raises high blood pressure on the initial stage. Mostly, people take high sodium in the form of salts. High sodium consumption is causing death on a large scale. High blood pressure is acting as a major risk factor for heart stroke as well as for any heart and other diseases. It will not be incorrect to state that for any nation consumption of high sodium intake is the first and the third leading cause of death.

 The majority of the high sodium is consumed from processed and restaurant foods. However, a subtle portion of sodium is usually used for cooking purpose. Moreover, it can be said that the salt contains high amount of sodium that is causing diseases. The research taken by the American research department suggests that the average daily sodium consumption for Americans at age two years and older is around 3,435 mg. Since 1970, the research provided this information that people are using higher amount of sodium in their food, and people are eating more food each day than in the past.

 Researches that are carried out to find out the relationship between consumption of high sodium intake and elevated blood pressure. When consumption of salt is reduced, the blood pressure begins decreasing for majority of the people. Those Populations who are use to consume diets means low sodium consumption, usually do not experience an increase in blood pressure with the increasing age that can be noticed and seen in most of the Western countries. If a person is older than 50 years of age, and have high blood pressure then a person can be involved in chronic kidney diseases, diabetes and, etc.

 High sodium consumption is causing deaths that is why government recommend that one must consume sodium under 2000 milligrams. Otherwise, increase in disorders due to the high sodium consumption will continuously cause deaths.

 Aburto, Zilkovska & Hoopr (2013) conducted an interesting study to determine the impacts of sodium intakes among children and adult. The findings of the study demonstrate that the lower sodium intake among adults and children can decrease blood pressure issues, hypertension, heart disease and hypertension (Aburto, Ziolkovska, & Hooper, 2013). In addition, it is claimed that the lower sodium intake does not adversely effects blood lipids, catecholamine level and renal function.

 There are various diseases that are becoming a reason to death due to the high sodium consumption. Thus, by decreasing high sodium consumption from daily items of food and drinks can overcome health issues and decrease mortality rate. Moreover, decrease in the sodium intake can sustain blood pressure, heart strokes, fatal strokes and fatal coronary blood pressure. Lowering the sodium intake can balance the water intake in the body that cause adverse impacts on health. However, a significant reduction in sodium intake can lead to low blood pressure, absence of cognitive symptoms lack on minerals, etc. Thus, it is essential that the sodium intake should be regulated in the body in order to attain healthier life and reduction in severe health issues.

 

Works Cited


Aburto, Nancy J, Anna Ziolkovska and Lee Hooper. "Effect of lower sodium intake on health: systematic review and meta-analyses." BMJ (2013): 1-8. Print.