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Take care of the blood

Take care of the blood that your love runs through

The blood in me gives me eyes to see and ears to hear

The blood in me gives me eyes to see and ears to hear

Thou art a piece of my liver

Thou art a piece of my liver

Blood is poetry and love

Blood is poetry and love

The Blood Sugar Symphony: A Metabolic Odyssey

The Blood Sugar Symphony: A Metabolic Odyssey

The Spice Caravan and the Sultan's Sweet Elixir

The Spice Caravan and the Sultan’s Sweet Elixir

SCIENCE

Blood Sugar and Hearing

There is a growing body of research suggesting a connection between blood sugar dysregulation, like diabetes, and hearing loss. Here’s how it might affect hearing:

  • Damage to nerves and blood vessels: Chronically high blood sugar levels are theorized to damage the tiny nerves and blood vessels in the inner ear, essential for proper hearing. This damage can impair the transmission of sound signals. Studies support this theory, with one such study published in 2008 analyzing data from adult hearing tests. The researchers concluded that diabetes may contribute to hearing loss by damaging these delicate structures [1].
  • Reduced blood flow and oxygen supply: High blood sugar can also affect blood flow throughout the body, including the inner ear. This reduced blood flow can limit the supply of oxygen and nutrients needed for healthy inner ear function, potentially leading to hearing loss.

While the exact relationship requires further investigation, some studies suggest an increased risk of hearing loss in people with diabetes. For instance, a 2014 study found that those with insulin resistance had a faster decline in hearing as they aged [2].

Scientific sources:

 

Blood Sugar and Eyesight

Chronically high blood sugar levels, a condition often associated with diabetes, can negatively impact eyesight in several ways. Here’s a breakdown of the connection and some scientific sources for further reading:

  • Diabetic Retinopathy: This is the leading cause of blindness in working-aged adults. Uncontrolled blood sugar damages the tiny blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. This can lead to bleeding, scar tissue formation, and eventually vision loss Mayo Clinic News Network, “High Blood Sugar May Cause Noticeable Symptoms”.
  • Blurred Vision: Fluctuating blood sugar levels, both high and low, can cause the lens of the eye to swell, affecting its shape and ability to focus light properly. This results in temporary blurry vision that usually resolves when blood sugar returns to normal range Optometrists.org, “Why Does Diabetes Cause Blurry Vision?” [invalid URL removed].
  • Other Eye Problems: Chronically high blood sugar may also increase the risk of cataracts and glaucoma, further compromising vision WebMD, “5 Ways Diabetes Can Affect Your Eyes & Vision”.

Early detection and proper management of blood sugar levels are crucial to prevent vision loss. If you have diabetes, it’s vital to schedule regular dilated eye exams with your ophthalmologist.

There’s a two-way street between blood sugar dysregulation and liver health. Here’s a look at the connection, citing scientific sources:

 

Blood Sugar Dysregulation Can Harm the Liver:

Blood Characteristics that are shared among Families

Family members can share many blood characteristics, but not all. Here’s a breakdown based on scientific evidence:

Shared Blood Characteristics (Genetics):

  • Blood Type (ABO System): This is a well-known example of inherited traits. The ABO blood group system is determined by genes you get from both parents National Institutes of Health, “The ABO Blood Group System” [invalid URL removed]. There are four main blood types (A, B, AB, and O) determined by the presence or absence of certain antigens on red blood cells.
  • Rh Factor: Similar to ABO, the Rh factor is another inherited blood characteristic. The Rh factor refers to the presence or absence of a specific protein on red blood cells. People are either Rh-positive or Rh-negative, depending on their genes American Red Cross, “Blood Types – Rh Factor” [invalid URL removed].
  • Other Genetically Determined Traits: Several other blood-related characteristics are influenced by genetics, including susceptibility to blood clotting disorders like hemophilia and the presence of certain enzymes involved in specific metabolic processes.

     

Non-Shared Blood Characteristics

  • Blood Cell Counts: While genetics play a role, factors like overall health, nutrition, and environment can significantly impact red blood cell count, white blood cell count, and platelet count.
  • Antibody Levels: The presence and levels of antibodies in the blood depend on an individual’s exposure to various pathogens and vaccinations. These are not directly inherited.
  • Blood Plasma Composition: Similar to cell counts, the specific composition of blood plasma, which includes electrolytes, proteins, and other components, can vary based on factors like diet, hydration, and activity level.

Family members share many blood characteristics due to inherited genes. However, other factors can influence the overall composition and function of blood, leading to variations among individuals within a family.

Blood Glucose Disorders Like Diabetes – shared genetically?

Yes, blood glucose disorders like diabetes can be influenced by genes, but it’s not a simple one-to-one inheritance pattern. Here’s a breakdown of the genetic connection to diabetes:

Genetic Predisposition:

  • Type 1 Diabetes: While not directly inherited, there’s a genetic predisposition for developing type 1 diabetes. Specific genes can increase susceptibility, but environmental triggers like viruses likely play a role in the autoimmune attack on insulin-producing cells American Diabetes Association, “Genetics of Diabetes”.
  • Type 2 Diabetes: This type has a stronger genetic link. Having a close family member with type 2 diabetes significantly increases your risk. However, it’s not a guaranteed inheritance. Lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, and weight play a major role in whether the genetic predisposition manifests as diabetes [National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, “Understanding Adult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus (Type 2 Diabetes)”([invalid URL removed]).

Genes and Risk:

  • Multiple Genes: Unlike some conditions caused by a single gene mutation, type 2 diabetes likely involves variations in multiple genes, each with a small effect. Scientists are still working to identify all the genes involved.

The Bottom Line:

Family history is a significant risk factor for diabetes, but it’s not the only factor. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes even with a genetic predisposition.

 

Liver Disease and Families

​​Yes, liver disease can run in families in some cases. There are two main reasons for this:

  1. Genetic Liver Diseases: Certain liver diseases are directly caused by genetic mutations that can be passed down from parents to children. These are often referred to as inherited or hereditary liver diseases. Here are some examples:

     

  2. Shared Risk Factors: Certain lifestyle habits or environmental factors that increase the risk of liver disease can also run in families. For instance, if a family has a history of heavy alcohol consumption or obesity, these factors can raise the risk of fatty liver disease in multiple family members, even if they are not genetically predisposed to it.

Here are some resources for further reading:

It’s important to note that not all liver diseases are hereditary. Viral infections, certain medications, and environmental toxins can also damage the liver. If you have a family history of liver disease, it’s wise to discuss this with your doctor to understand your individual risk factors and recommended screening tests.

REFERENCES

Meanings attached to the liver in Arabic culture. 

The liver is an essential and vital organin the body. It lies on the right side,approximately in the middle of the body.

Liver Disease and Blood Sugar Dysregulation:

Liver Disease Can Affect Blood Sugar Control:

The Bottom Line:

Maintaining good blood sugar control is crucial for liver health. Conversely, managing existing liver disease can improve blood sugar regulation. Early detection and treatment of both conditions are essential for overall health.

CULTURAL REFERENCES

The Liver in Arabic Poetry

The word “liver” in Arabic (kabed) isused very much in poetry to expresslove. For example when someone writesand says “Your love fills my entire bodyand organs and my liver,” this means that the other person’s love fills him completely. It’s also used to express sadness or a depressive mood due to losing a lover or a relative. 

For example,when someone writes and says “I feel a burning in my liver”, or “My liver bleeds from losing you,” it means that he is sad, depressed and in a lot of pain due to losing someone important to him. This someone can be a lover or arelative. The word “liver” is used to express sadness or a depressive moodin Arabic poetry.

For examples of songs that use the word “liver” in the lyrics,see Ghanili Shwaya Shwaya by Oum Kalthoum or Eina el-Layali byAsmahan.

In everyday life, it is not customary or suitable to use the word “liver” to express love or to refer to love. This means that if we want to say words of love to another person, we will use other words such as: The Liver in Egyptian Song and Language www.shira.net/culture/liver.htm 

We don’t use the word liver to express love in our normal life. Sometimes sha’abi women use the word liver in their conversations with each other to express their concern about something,or to express sadness about something bad that has happened to one of their relatives, neighbors, or friends.

3akli

my mind

qalbi

my heart

habibi

my love

rouhi

my soul

Since the liver lies in the middle of thebody, it’s also sometimes used to describe something that is located in the middle. For example, when we say “There is a star in the liver of the sky,”this means that the star is in the middle of the sky. Or if we say someone is “in the liver of the desert,” this means that someone is in the middle of the desert.

 

Falzat Akbadena

We have a well known expression that has the word liver in it. It’s “falzatakbadena’. “Falzat” means “a piece” and “akbadena” means “our livers” We use this expression to refer to our children. We say that our kids are falzatakbadena which means that to us, our children are just like a piece of our liver and that we love them very much because they are a part of us. This expression falzat akbadena is used very much in Arabic poetry and can also be used in daily life by regular people to express their love for their children.

Love is a Many Splendored Thing in Arabic Culture

Learn the 14 stages of love in Classical Arabic

Infographic via the Qatar Foundation International (click on image for higher resolution)

The Semantic Field of Love in Classical Arabic: Understanding the Subconscious Meaning Preserved in the Hubb Synonyms and Antonyms through Their Etymologies

  1. Z. Obiedat, Author

Abstract: Unlike literary, religious, or philosophical approaches to the definition of love, this chapter attempts to bring attention to the importance of the semantic analysis for understanding love and the beloved in the Arabic language. It argues that mapping out the etymology of the h-b-b root, the semantic network established by its antonyms and synonyms, and the resulting hierarchy offers significant insights into the cognitive and emotional content of the notions of “love” and “beloved” in Arabic. One of this study’s findings is that the semantic field of “love” is a spectrum with two edges, both of which have several levels. Furthermore, Arabic treats love as a phenomenon with 14 complex stages, starting with inclination, leading to growth and proliferation, and ending with losing one’s mind or sacrificing oneself for the sake of the beloved. It is worth noting that the ratio between the morphological derivations of “lover” and “beloved” is five to four, possibly because love is an active emotion taken wholeheartedly and thus mostly on the side of the lover, not the beloved. Just as love resembles the attraction between electric charges, on the hatred spectrum the central idea of the “love” antonyms is the repulsion between one person and another. Hate behaves in the opposite direction: the anti-love semantic field starts with mere disinterest towards the other, then moves to stronger negative feelings, and finally the strongest words shift to active intentions to harm the hated one. The common idea in this spectrum is that love leads to multiplying existence while hate ends with annihilation.

 

Mythology and Storytelling as a Way to Illuminate Science and Elevate Public Health

Storytelling in public health is the art and practice of using narratives to communicate health-related information, influence behaviors, and inspire action within communities. It harnesses the power of storytelling to convey complex health messages in a compelling and relatable way.

The type of evidence used to support a story depends heavily on the nature of the story itself. Here’s a breakdown of how mythology and storytelling can be used as evidence for different types:

Witness Testimony: Myths often depict encounters between humans and deities or fantastical creatures. While not considered literal accounts, they can be seen as collective “witness testimonies” of a group’s belief system and their understanding of the world.

Physical Evidence: Certain myths may be tied to specific locations or natural phenomena. Archaeological discoveries or ongoing natural occurrences can lend credence to the underlying themes or events described in the myth.

Documentation: Ancient texts and religious scriptures often contain mythological stories. These documents provide a historical record of these stories and offer insight into the beliefs and practices of the culture that created them.

Expert Opinions: Anthropologists, folklorists, and historians can analyze myths and offer interpretations based on their expertise. Their insights can shed light on the social, cultural, and historical context that influenced the creation of the myth.

Comparative Evidence: Comparing myths across different cultures can reveal common themes and motifs. This can suggest shared experiences or influences that may have shaped these stories.

Consistency and Coherence: A well-developed mythology will exhibit internal consistency. The stories, characters, and themes will interlink and support each other, creating a cohesive world view.

Mythology as a Source of Inspiration: While not strictly evidence, mythology can inspire scientific inquiry or artistic expression. For example, the myth of Icarus has been reinterpreted in countless ways, including cautionary tales about the dangers of unchecked ambition or metaphors for the pursuit of knowledge.

Here are some additional points to consider:

  • The Age of the Myth: Older myths, passed down through oral tradition, are more likely to be symbolic or metaphorical than literal accounts.
  • The Purpose of the Myth: Some myths were created to explain natural phenomena, while others served as moral tales or historical allegories. Understanding the purpose can help determine how to interpret the story.

It’s important to remember that mythology is not always factual. However, by studying myths and stories, we can gain valuable insights into the history, culture, and beliefs of the people who created them.

My feedback to AI: please strengthen the element of how mythology can be used to support science, versus detract from it.

Absolutely! Here’s how mythology can be a springboard for scientific exploration, rather than a roadblock:

  1. Early Observations and Explanations:
  • Many myths arose from humanity’s early attempts to understand the natural world. For instance, the Greek myth of Asclepius, the god of healing, could be seen as a reflection of the ancient Greeks’ observations of the body’s healing properties and their search for medical treatments. While not a scientific explanation in itself, the myth laid the groundwork for later medical advancements.
  1. Symbolic Representations of Natural Processes:
  • Myths often use fantastical elements to represent complex natural phenomena. The Norse myth of Jormungandr, the world serpent, can be interpreted as a symbolic representation of the ocean’s vastness and power. Studying such myths can spark scientific curiosity about the real mechanisms behind these phenomena.
  1. Preserving and Transmitting Knowledge:
  • Myths served as a way for ancient cultures to document and transmit knowledge across generations. For example, stories about constellations and celestial bodies could hold valuable information about early astronomical observations. Deciphering these stories can provide clues for scientific inquiry into the history of astronomy.
  1. Inspiration for Scientific Inquiry:
  • Myths can spark scientific curiosity and inspire new lines of investigation. The legend of Daedalus and Icarus, with its depiction of human flight, might have fueled the scientific pursuit of heavier-than-air travel. The fantastical elements act as a springboard for the imagination, pushing the boundaries of what’s considered possible.
  1. Cross-Cultural Comparisons:
  • Studying myths from various cultures can reveal shared experiences and observations about the natural world. For example, flood myths appear across many cultures, suggesting a common historical event or a universal human experience with floods. Analyzing these narratives can lead to a deeper understanding of natural disasters and climate patterns.

Mythology and science are not always at odds. While myths shouldn’t be taken literally, they offer valuable insights into early human thought and their attempts to grasp the world around them. By analyzing these stories through a scientific lens, we can glean valuable information about our past and potentially spark new avenues for scientific exploration.

REFERENCES

  • Shaw, A. (2006). Health communication: Theory and practice. Routledge. (ISBN: 9780761974781)
  • Dahlstrom, M. F. (2014). Using narratives and storytelling to communicate science with nonexpert audiences. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 111(Supplement 4), 13614-13620.
  • Hinyard, L. J., & Kreuter, M. W. (2007). Using narrative communication as a tool for health behavior change: A conceptual, theoretical, and empirical overview. Health Education & Behavior, 34(5), 777-792.
  • McTigue, K. M., & Fields, A. W. (2002). Narratives in health communication. In T. L. Thompson, A. M. Dorsey, K. I. Miller, & R. Parrott (Eds.), Handbook of health communication (pp. 63-90). Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc. (ISBN: 9780805833374)