drugs – Hello Doctor

The dangers of getting high on chocolate

August 8th, 2017 by The Hello Doctor Team

Chocolate isn’t just for eating, it seems. People are snorting it too, thanks to supplement company, Legal Lean. They are the creators of Coco Loko; a snortable cacao-based powder, laced with common energy drink ingredients like Gingko biloba, taurine, and guarana for a quick energy boost and drug-free high.

According to the brand’s founder, Nick Anderson, the product was inspired by a chocolate-snorting trend in Europe. It apparently offers a unique buzz that can last anywhere between 30 minutes to an hour. It gives users a “euphoric but also motivated” feeling like what you’d expect from an energy drink, says Anderson. “You feel a calm energy and focus. You feel yourself; you just feel a nice positive vibe and energy to you.”

But experts aren’t sure what to make of this relatively new concept. And, since none of the product claims have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), doctors are concerned about its potential health hazards.

“Snorting anything is really not a good idea,” warns Dr Arthur Wu, an otolaryngologist from Los Angeles. Any foreign substance that’s inhaled or snorted can obstruct the nasal and sinus passages, which can cause infection and sinus problems.

This can lead to further complications like tissue scarring, inflammation of the lungs, and pneumonia if the powder makes it down into your throat and lungs, cautions Dr Ryan Stanton, an emergency physician based in Kentucky. “There’s a reason our [digestive] tract is separate from the breathing tract. The stomach is designed to take in things and deal with them, while the lungs are designed for air. They’re not designed to be a filter, which is basically what you’re asking them to do with these foreign substances.”

Another worry for experts is the impact of snorting the ingredients used in energy drinks. The medical community has long voiced concerns about the health risks of ingredients like caffeine, taurine, and guarana – which have been linked to increased heart rate, high blood pressure, and heart palpitations.

As snorting causes substances to be absorbed much faster into the bloodstream, these effects could be magnified if put into your nose.

Eat it, don’t snort it

Without enough research, it’s difficult to make a definitive conclusion about the safety and health effects of Coco Loko. There’s no data to show how the product works, nor are there any studies to prove its health benefits or possible dangers.

What is known is that the nose is not designed to snort foreign substances. If you’re looking for a buzz, just eat the chocolate instead (and try and stick to 90% cocoa – stay away from the sugar!).

5 natural energy boosters

Bananas are a healthy source of carbs, and essential vitaminsand minerals, including potassium and magnesium, for sustained energy.
Almonds are loaded with copper, a key nutrient in providing your cells with energy.
Brown rice is rich in manganese, the mineral that helps produce energy from protein and carbs.
Sweet potatoes are high in good carbs, and packed with Vitamins A and C, which can help combat fatigue.
Salmon contains Vitamin B6, niacin and riboflavin – all of which help convert the food you eat into energy.

References:

Top 5 anti-depressant “must knows”

July 11th, 2016 by The Hello Doctor Team

Your doctor has prescribed anti-depressant medication for you and if you take your prescription correctly, it will make a big difference to your quality of life. To get the best results, there are some things that you need to know.

Continue reading “Top 5 anti-depressant “must knows””

What are generic drugs?

March 28th, 2016 by The Hello Doctor Team

When you go to the chemist to get a prescription filled, there’s every chance that your pharmacist asks you if you’d prefer a generic. But are generic drugs made of the same ingredients as branded medicines, and do they work the same way? Continue reading “What are generic drugs?”

Are you taking too many pills?

September 6th, 2015 by The Hello Doctor Team

Have you ever taken a rather large cocktail of medications to treat one disease or condition? This use of multiple medications – especially at the same time – is called Polypharmacy. It’s loosely defined as the use of five or more regular medications, or it can refer to excessive or unnecessary use of medication. Continue reading “Are you taking too many pills?”

Antibiotics – when to say no!

June 23rd, 2015 by The Hello Doctor Team

Infections. When we feel ill, we go straight to the doc for antibiotics to feel better. The problem is: in some cases, antibiotics are the worst thing you can take! Do you know what antibiotics do to your body? Continue reading “Antibiotics – when to say no!”

It’s easy to be an addict

June 4th, 2015 by The Hello Doctor Team

No one wants to be a drug-addict, but you’d be surprised how easily you can end up there. What may start as “just one try” could lead you down a far more dangerous path, not to mention the damage you could cause if you’re high. Here are some common ways on how you could become an addict…and, we suggest you AVOID them at all cost: Continue reading “It’s easy to be an addict”

Are you really addicted?

March 27th, 2015 by The Hello Doctor Team

For years we’ve been led to believe that an addiction is simply a chemical reaction in your brain. It’s not wrong, but it’s not completely right either.

Over the years, the results of numerous studies have raised many factors regarding addiction, specifically drug addiction. Which begs the question, what really makes you addicted? The answer still isn’t black and white. Continue reading “Are you really addicted?”

6 Things you should never do with medication

August 1st, 2014 by The Hello Doctor Team

Whether it’s just for the occasional headache or sore stomach, or a chronic condition like diabetes, we all have to take some kind of medication sooner or later. With that in mind, take a read through these need-to-know medication safety tips before you start popping pills. Continue reading “6 Things you should never do with medication”

When to take a pill, when to see a doctor

July 21st, 2014 by The Hello Doctor Team

You can’t afford to visit the doctor for every ache, pain or sniffle, and there are plenty of over-the-counter (OTC) remedies for everything from headaches to heartburn. But when does self-treating put you into the danger-zone? Here are some common examples:

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An aspirin a day may keep colon cancer away

April 25th, 2014 by The Hello Doctor Team

At Hello Doctor, we’re all about preventative healthcare, which means part of our job is to help educate and inform you about health and wellness, and what you can start doing today to help prevent your risk of illness and disease later in life. After all, prevention really is better than cure.

Which brings us to today’s interesting news snippet, which reconfirms previous studies which have shown that taking aspirin every day can help keep colon cancer at bay. According to scientists, this common over-the-counter medication, which most people already have at home, can half your risk of developing this type of cancer. There’s a catch though, the type of aspirin you take is very important, and it only works for certain people.

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If you’re taking medication, watch what you eat and drink!

April 24th, 2014 by The Hello Doctor Team

Your pharmacist always tells you whether to take your medication before or after food, and whether or not it’s OK to take them with alcohol or before you drive. But do they ever tell you what you should and shouldn’t eat or drink? They should! This is because what you eat and drink has a powerful effect on your body, and what you consume can change the way that medication works in your system.

Here, we look at the most common food and drinks which can interfere with medication.
Continue reading “If you’re taking medication, watch what you eat and drink!”