Turns out that flavonoids are able to fight the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), as well as reduce growths of abnormal cells in the cervix caused by the virus [2-3]. Image by: Freedigitalphotos.net

But before we answer that question, what is actually green tea?
Green tea is made from the leaves of the plant Camellia Sinensis, and may be consumed as a beverage, or as an extract to serve as medicine.

Even back then, chinese people identified it’s health benefits. Turns out that tea leaves contain two unique active compounds named methylxanthines and flavonoids.

Methylxanthines include caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline, which are a group of substances that are present in small quantities. The caffeine affects thinking and alertness, and is thought to stimulate the nervous system, heart and muscles by increasing the release of chemicals in the brain.

Flavonoids are responsible for most of its beneficial effects such as assisting in prevention of inflammation and cancer, lessen joint degeneration and help prevent cardiovascular diseases.

Even more strikingly, turns out that flavonoids are able to fight the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), as well as reduce growths of abnormal cells in the cervix caused by the virus [2-3].

And it doesn’t end there. Green tea extract is the first botanical agent approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for prescription use and is indicated as a treatment for external genital and perianal warts [3].

There are other natural antiviral remedies that contain Camellia Sinesis Extract (green tea extract), such as Novirin, a natural antiviral dietary supplement.

In a matter of fact, there are other natural antiviral remedies that contain Camellia Sinesis Extract (green tea extract), such as Novirin, a natural antiviral dietary supplement. Its formula contains five natural ingredients: Selenium, Camellia Sinesis Extract, Quercetin, Cinnamomum Extract, and Licorice Extract. The first ingredient is a trace element, and the other four are plant extracts. Each ingredient and its dose were chosen through a scientific approach.

Additionally, this formula was found to reduce HPV symptoms in two separate post-marketing clinical studies that followed FDA guidelines [4]. So it really works. And apparently it is effective against other viruses as well such as herpes virus, shingles virus, Cytomegallovirus and more.

Well, I myself love my cup of coffee every morning, but I sure am going to try having a cup of green tea instead every second day.

References:
1. Dattner, Christine; Boussabba, Sophie (2003), Emmanuelle Javelle, ed., The Book of Green Tea, Universe Books, p. 13,
2. Doan HQ1, Nguyen HP, Rady P, Tyring SK. “Expression Patterns of Immune-Associated Genes in External Genital and Perianal Warts Treated with Sinecatechins.” Viral Immunol. 2015 Mar 16.
3. Tyring SK “Effect of Sinecatechins on HPV-Activated Cell Growth and Induction of Apoptosis.” J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2012 Feb;5(2):34-41.
4. Polansky, H. Itzkovitz, E. Gene-Eden-VIR Is Antiviral: Results of a Post Marketing Clinical Study. Published in September 2013.

Few research suggests that the herpes virus, may cause fertility problems in men. Image by: Freedigitalphotos.net

Nowadays, many couples have difficulties conceiving. It may involve both partners, and may be attributable to various reasons. Few of the main causes of male infertility includes abnormal sperm production or function, problems with the delivery of sperm, overexposure to certain chemicals and toxins and damage related to cancer and its treatment, whereas causes of female infertility include ovulation disorders, uterine or cervical abnormalities, thyroid problems, cancer and its treatment and more [1].

Well, apparently those aren’t the only reasons for infertility.

Few research suggests that the herpes virus, especially (HSV-2), which normally causes genital herpes, may cause fertility problems in men.

These studies stated that infertility may be caused either by directly invading the male genital tract cells, or by indirectly causing local inflammatory or immunological response that could worsen reproductive functions [2-3].

The bottom line is that HSV may make it harder for a couple to conceive.

So here is some advice for women with herpes: try to conceive during your ovulating period and only when you aren’t having an outbreak, that is, when symptoms are not evident. And anyway, if you and your partner are witnessing difficulties to conceive, it is important you consult your doctor.
References:
1. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/infertility/basics/causes/con-20034770
2. Seyed Hamidreza Monavari,a, Mostafa Salehi Vaziri,b Mohammadali Khalili,c Mahmoud Shamsi-Shahrabadi,b Hossein Keyvani,b Hamidreza Mollaei,b and Mehdi Fazlalipourb “Asymptomatic seminal infection of herpes simplex virus: impact on male infertility.” The Journal of Biomedical Research. Published Online in 2012.
3. el Borai N1, Inoue M, Lefèvre C, Naumova EN, Sato B, Yamamura M. “Detection of herpes simplex DNA in semen and menstrual blood of individuals attending an infertility clinic.” Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research. Published in February 1997.

According to a study, Luteolin, which is found in celery, calms inflammation of the brain, which according to doctors and scientists is believed to be the primary cause of neurodegeneration. Image by: Freedigitalphotos.net

Nowadays, people have become more and more aware of their health and well being. This awareness is expressed in frequent workout, getting more sleep, yoga and Pilates practicing, frequent family quality time and healthy eating.

A healthy diet is reflected in consuming less processed food and more fruit and vegetables. Out of all fruit and vegetables, celery is usually least consumed due to various reasons.

First, it has a strong dominant taste that many people can’t happen to get used to. Secondly, it is composed of these long strips that some people find hard to chew on. Anyway, regardless of that, turns out that celery is even healthier than we thought.

According to a study, Luteolin, which is found in celery, calms inflammation of the brain, which according to doctors and scientists is believed to be the primary cause of neurodegeneration. So in a matter of fact, luteolin can prevent the onset of degeneration in the brain [1].

This fact is very interesting, since some viruses, such as the varicella zoster virus (VZV) are known to cause inflammation in the brain [2]. Therefore, adding more celery to our diet may help prevent and even fight infection with VZV!

Some viruses, such as the varicella zoster virus (VZV) are known to cause inflammation in the brain [2]. Adding more celery to our diet may help prevent and even fight infection with VZV! Image by: Freedigitalphotos.net

According to several studies, it is recommended not to leave celery in the refrigerator for more that 5-7 days since it loses its health qualities. In addition, you should wait to chop up your celery just before adding it to a salad or cooked dish, rather that leaving it stored chopped in the refrigerator overnight. It will help to preserve its maximum nutrient potential [3-5].
There are many ways to incorporate celery in our diet, from chicken and celery stir-fry, to creamy celery soup– everything is possible! You may find these delicious recipes useful!
Do you have an idea for a recipe with celery you’d like to share with us??

References
1. Jang, Saebyeol, Keith W. Kelley, and Rodney W. Johnson. “Luteolin reduces IL-6 production in microglia by inhibiting JNK phosphorylation and activation of AP-1.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 105.21 (2008): 7534-7539.
2. Nagel MA1, Gilden D. “The relationship between herpes zoster and stroke.” Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep. 2015 Apr;15(4):534
3. Hostetler GL, Riedl KM, and Schwartz SJ. Endogenous enzymes, heat, and pH affect flavone profiles in parsley (Petroselinum crispum var. neapolitanum) and celery (Apium graveolens) during juice processing. J Agric Food Chem. 2012 Jan 11;60(1):202-8. Epub 2011 Dec 30.
4. Rizzo V and Muratore G. Effects of packaging on shelf life of fresh celery. Journal of Food Engineering, Volume 90, Issue 1, January 2009, Pages 124-128.
5. Vina SZ and Chaves AR. Antioxidant responses in minimally processed celery during refrigerated storage. Food Chemistry, Volume 94, Issue 1, January 2006, Pages 68-74.

It’s not easy to talk to your partner about being tested for STD’s, mainly because he or she might think of it as offensive. Image by: Freedigitalphotos.net

Meeting a new partner can be very exciting. Usually, a new relationship begins when you least expect it. And when you come to think of it, Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD’s) also come when you least expect it!
It’s not easy to talk to your partner about being tested for STD‘s, mainly because he or she might think of it as offensive. However, it is very much important! Chances are your partner will be very happy to hear how responsible you are about your sexual health.

The importance of having the “talk” before having sex is crucial!

Even if you’re planning to use a condom, infection isn’t necessarily prevented. Various STD‘s such as herpes and HPV can be transmitted even without showing any symptoms, and even when using a condom.
But then, how does one bring up such an embarrassing subject?? Here are few ideas for conversation starters.

“Getting tested will help us know for sure! So why take a chance?? It’s only a few days!”

“I’m not saying you are infected with a STD, I just think that getting tested will help protect the both of us.”

”Most STDs, including HIV, are treatable and many are curable. The sooner we know, the sooner we can start treatment.”

Notifying your doctor the number of sex partners you’ve had, as well as type of protection you used, is very important so he can evaluate your sexual history. Image by: Freedigitalphotos.net

“Even if the test will show positive for one of us, it doesn’t mean we have to end our relationship! There are various ways to prevent transmission.”

“We’ll be able to enjoy the sex more, if we know it is safe!”

“Did you know, that some people who are infected with a STD don’t even know it, since they may not be showing any symptoms!”

“Getting tested for STD’s isn’t painful at all! The test includes a urine sample, and in some cases a blood sample, and the results arrive very quickly!”

“How about getting tested together??”

After both of you agree to get tested, each of you must notify your doctor about the number of sex partners you’ve had, and type of protection you used. In addition, tell him if you’ve ever used drugs with needles or ever had sex without a condom. This information will help the doctor evaluate your sexual history and determine the risk factors.

If as a result to such a conversation, you partner will end the relationship, it means that it wasn’t meant to be! Remember, your health is the most important! Relationships come and go, however, you are with yourself until the end of your life.

So, do you have any ideas for conversation starters I might have missed?

The majority of people who test positive for HSV-2 have never been officially diagnosed with genital herpes, so in a matter of fact, most infected people don’t even know they carry the virus. Image by: Freedigitalphotos.net

Health, is freedom.
Always.
Not the amount of money you have in the bank, not which car you own and not how big and well designed your house is.
Only health.

Health is a value that allows you to enjoy all your goals and things you achieved in life.
Remember that.

Did you know, that other people may be harming your freedom without knowing it? So actually, YOU are the one harming your health without knowing it! Sounds pretty crazy huhhh?
Turns out that, according to a new study, up to 400 million people may transmit the genital herpes virus (HSV-2) to their sex partners [1].

The majority of people who test positive for HSV-2 have never been officially diagnosed with genital herpes (HSV-2), so in a matter of fact, most infected people don’t even know they carry the virus [2].

Taking responsibility of your health is nothing to be ashamed about, thus asking your new partner to be tested for herpes prior to sexual intercourse is very much important! Image by: Freedigitalphotos.net

As noted before, there are millions of HSV infected individuals who don’t know they are infected, so actually, uninfected individuals may be unaware of having sex with an infected person.
There was hope that herpes transmission would be prevented with the discovery of drugs that prevent herpes outbreaks, however, according to different evidence, this may not be true [3].

So even if a person is aware of being infected with genital herpes (HSV-2),and is taking anti-herpes drugs that prevent herpes outbreaks, he or she can still infect their sex partners.

The problem is that people are busy worrying about HIV infection, while the likelihood of someone to become infected with HIV is far lower than herpes and other sexually transmitted diseases (STD’s).
Taking responsibility of your health is nothing to be ashamed about, thus asking your new partner to be tested for herpes prior to sexual intercourse is very much important!

References:
1. Katharine J. Looker ,Amalia S. Magaret, Katherine M. E. Turner, Peter Vickerman, Sami L. Gottlieb, Lori M. Newman. “Global Estimates of Prevalent and Incident Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Infections in 2012.” Published: January 21, 2015DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0114989
2. Melnick, M. “How Many Patients Spread Herpes, But Don’t Even Know They Have It?” Time.com – Published April 12, 2011.
3. DeNoon, D. “Got Genital Herpes? You’re Still Infectious, Even if Drugs Cut Symptoms.” WebMD.com – Published January 5, 2012.

So, a few smart scientists came up with the idea of creating a vaginal ring, which is used to prevent herpes infection, and is also used as a means of birth control. Image by: Freedigitalphotos.net

Wouldn’t it be amazing if it were possible to prevent sexually transmitted diseases? Imagine not needing to do the “talk” before getting involved in a sexual relationship.
So far, avoiding sexually transmitted disease is mainly by using a condom. Moreover, asking your partner to conduct and STD test before sexual encounter, is very much important too!

Preventing herpes isn’t an easy task due to the fact that sometimes, an infected person may be shedding the virus even without having outbreaks.

Preventing herpes isn’t an easy task due to the fact that sometimes, an infected person may be shedding the virus even without having outbreaks.

Aside from preventing STD’s, it is not always the right time to fall pregnant, and as a result, women prefer to use contraceptives. There are different ways to prevent pregnancy for example, birth control pills, diaphragm, condoms, spermicide and vaginal ring use.

So, a few smart scientists came up with the idea of creating a vaginal ring, which is used to prevent herpes infection, and is also used as a means of birth control.

So, a few smart scientists came up with the idea of creating a vaginal ring, which is used to prevent herpes infection, and is also used as a means of birth control.

This new multipurpose ring contain a combination substances known as MZC. Previous research found that an MZC gel lowered the risk of catching herpes simplex type 2 (HSV-2) [1].
The experiment was conducted on monkeys. In the study, the MZC plus hormonal contraceptive levonorgestrel rings reduced the likelihood of becoming infected with HSV-2 by about 30 percent. As for the monkeys that did acquire genital herpes, the ring lowered the rate of viral shedding (i.e, the rate at which the virus may pass on to a different monkey) [1].

However, this is not the first multipurpose vaginal ring to be researched for use against the herpes virus. Collaborative research from the University of Utah and the reproductive health research organization CONRAD showed that a vaginal ring using the topical microbicide tenofovir could help prevent HSV-2 transmission for up to 90 days [3].

Until this vaginal ring is FDA approved, we must continue acting responsible as much as possible in order to prevent the spread of viruses. Image by: freedigitalphotos.net

The following research results shows promise in development of multipurpose vaginal rings.

However, it is important to remember that the former new multipurpose ring has not been tested on humans, and developing an effective product with FDA approved drugs takes time.
Until this vaginal ring is FDA approved, we must continue acting responsible as much as possible in order to prevent the spread of viruses.

References:
1. Aidsmeds.com – “Vaginal Ring May Protect Against HIV, Herpes, HPV and Pregnancy.” Published on November 13, 2014.
2. healthline.com – Haskins, J. “First Intravaginal Ring to Protect Against Pregnancy, HIV, and Herpes.” Published on November 12, 2013.

You may also catch herpes from a sex partner who does not have any visible sores and even from someone who doesn’t know if he or she is infected. Image by: www.freedigitalphotos.net

The CDC notes that “Genital herpes is common in the United States. About one out of every six people aged 14 to 49 years have genital herpes”.

Herpes is a virus that causes oral cold sores, as well as genital blisters.

Fluids found in a herpes sore carry the virus, therefore contact with those fluids can cause infection, so you can catch herpes by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the disease [3].

Another interesting fact about the herpes virus is that it has the ability to cause a “latent infection”, which means he remains in the body and hides from the immune system for years, without causing any symptoms, only to erupt later without warning [4,5].

Interestingly, you may also catch herpes from a sex partner who does not have any visible sores and even from someone who doesn’t know if he or she is infected because the virus can be released through their skin and spread the infection regardless of symptoms

Interestingly, you may also catch herpes from a sex partner who does not have any visible sores and even from someone who doesn’t know if he or she is infected because the virus can be released through their skin and spread the infection regardless of symptoms.

Broad knowledge helps us understand disease significance, ways of transmission, as well as methods to prevent the spread of the disease . Image by: www.freedigitalphotos.net

Transmitting the virus is more common when genital blisters or ulcers are present, however, transmission during the period with no symptoms is common as well [1-3].

Awareness of Sexually Transmitted Diseases is very much important, however, awareness alone is not enough for prevention.

Broad knowledge helps us understand disease significance, ways of transmission, as well as methods to prevent the spread of the disease . Therefore, we must show responsibility and expand our knowledge of STD’s.

References:
1. Garland SM1, Steben M2. Genital herpes. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol. 2014 Aug 4. pii: S1521-6934(14)00139-4.
2. Johns Hopkins Medicine – Frequently Asked Questions About Herpes – What if I Don’t Have Lesions?

3. WebMD.com – Common Symptoms of Genital Herpes – December 24, 2013. webmd.com/genital-herpes/guide/common-symptoms

4. Pebody, R. G., et al. “The seroepidemiology of herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2 in Europe.”Sexually transmitted infections” 80.3 (2004): 185-191.

5. Nahmias, André J., and William E. Josey. “Herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2.” Viral infections of humans. Springer US, 1984. 351-372.‏