Dietary fiber

Importance of the dietary fibers was discovered only few years ago. Although Hippocrates commented about the laxative effect of the dietary fiber only few individuals paid attention to the dietary fiber. Only in the 19th century proper medical experiments about the dietary fibers started. After that scientists recognized the importance and the benefits of the dietary fibers with some questionable results.

Definition of the dietary fiber:” All polysaccharides and lignin in the diet that are not digested by the endogenous secretions."

So this definition includes polysaccharides and lignin in skeletal frame work of plant cells as well as some food additives.

Chemical composition of dietary fiber
Polysaccharides
Poly-phenols
Proteins
Cutins
Waxes

Effects on gut physiology
Dietary fiber has marked influences on the gut physiology.
Mainly dietary fiber is responsible for the increase in stool bulk. It also slows the glucose absorption and prevents post prandial hyperglycemia. This may be achieved by interfering the carbohydrate metabolizing hormones like amylase, sucrase. So the intake of dietary fiber has beneficial effects for the diabetic patients. Dietary fiber known to decrease lipid absorption and increases faecal lipid content. It also reduces the blood cholesterol by reducing the re absorption of bile salts in the ileum.

Problems associated with high dietary fiber intake

With all the benefits dietary fibers have some disadvantages. Dietary fibers reduce the absorption of some minerals, like; Iron, Calcium and Zink. So this may put people with marginal mineral intake at risk. So people should be encouraged to increase the mineral intake along with the dietary fiber.

Moderately Venomous Snakes

Hump Nosed Pit Viper (Hypnale hypnale)

Belongs to the family viperidae. A short, relatively stout specie of pit viper. Widespread in wet and intermediate zone, between elevation from 30m up to 1500m. As other pit vipers they also having a lorial organs to detect infrared waves. This specie is responsible for the highest incidence of snake bites of SL and admissions to the hospitals. Their head is upturned at resting position. Has more local damage such as blister and swelling of the site of bite. 

Prolonged coagulation time due to the hematotoxic nature of venom.

developed renal failure which can be irreversible, but rest recovered completely without a problem.

Millard’s Hump Nosed Viper (Hypnale nepa)

Belongs to the family viperidae. This specie is endemic to Sri Lanka. Head is distinctly upturned with a wart like projection on tip. Restricted to submountain and mountain forests at elevations between 914 to 2000m in wet zone. Nature of the venom is similar to the hump nosed viper.

Landscaping

This is my first post on a series of posts on landscaping.

Beauty of a landscape is a natural phenomenon. This relaxes the human mind. Analysis of the beauty of landscape indicates the principles and elements that bring the tranquility to the landscape as the beauty of the organic setting, form and shape of natural elements, the still and flowing water and finally the growth of trees and plants in that habitat with beautiful blooming flowers, shade and form. (De Silva. 1998)

When humans create built environment, a landscape is created by artificially integrating the elements of natural environment that they have experienced in an organized pattern. This creative effort has gradually evolved in to an area of a professional discipline called landscape Architecture. (De Silva 1998)

Following of civilization

Landforms and water ways also affected the political relationships of the world’s ancient peoples. For example the rugged landscape of city-states instead of uniting them in to a single nation.. Further more closeness to the sea caused true and sense of civic pride to other parts of the Mediterranean world.

Duties of a Physician in general

A physician shall always maintain the highest standards of professional conduct.

A physician shall not permit motives of profit to influence the free and independent exercise of professional judgment on behalf of the patient.

A physician shall, in all types of medical practice, be dedicated to provide competent medical service in full technical and moral independence, with compassion and respect for human dignity.

A physician shall deal honestly with patients and colleagues and strive to expose those physicians deficient in character or competence or who are engaged in fraud or deception.

A physician shall act only in the patients’ interest when providing medical care which might have effect of weakening the physical and mental condition of the patient.

A physician shall use great caution in divulging discoveries or new techniques or treatment through non-professional channels.

A physician shall certify only that which he has personally verified.