Why are opera singers fat? What causes morning sickness during pregnancy? Sometimes in movies, characters trying to sing drink raw eggs to get their voice going.

At the Women's Opera and London's Covent Garden, the Mariinsky Theater and the Metropolitan Opera in New York. We remember opera singers from Russia who became world famous for their soprano voices.

Galina Vishnevskaya

Galina Vishnevskaya. Photo: techno.com

Music career Galina Vishnevskaya's career began in Kronstadt: first, the young singer performed in front of her grandmother and her guests, then at all concerts at school. She was called the "Pebble Artist." Vishnevskaya miraculously escaped from starvation V besieged Leningrad, signed up for the air defense detachment - and sang again: for sailors in the evenings.

In 1944, Galina Vishnevskaya easily entered the Leningrad Regional Operetta Theater and went with concerts to small towns and villages. Since 1947, already in the status of a soloist of the Leningrad Regional Philharmonic, the singer performed with variety programs. And soon vocal teacher Vera Garina appeared in Vishnevskaya’s life. The singer wrote about this meeting in her book “Galina”: “I don’t know how my future life would have turned out without her. creative destiny, but I would never become an opera singer".

Garina, who had extensive stage experience, opened in new student a real operatic soprano. Two years of Vishnevskaya’s studies were enough for her to join the trainee group of the Bolshoi Theater of the USSR in 1952.

Among the first parts performed on main stage countries - Tatiana in “Eugene Onegin” by Pyotr Tchaikovsky, Kupava in “The Snow Maiden” by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov. However, trainee Vishnevskaya dreamed of the role of Aida in the opera of the same name by Giuseppe Verdi. She prepared it under the guidance of maestro Alexander Melik-Pashayev and captivated not only the Soviet, but also the Western public. Foreign theaters They vied with each other to invite a Soviet singer. The New York Times correspondent wrote: “Vishnevskaya is a knockout in the eyes and ears.”

However, everything creative achievements opera singer was canceled out by her “politically unreliable” act. In 1969, Galina Vishnevskaya and her husband Mstislav Rostropovich sheltered the disgraced writer Alexander Solzhenitsyn at their dacha near Moscow. In 1974, after numerous trials, the couple decided to leave their friends, home, and beloved audience and go abroad. And in March 1978, Galina Vishnevskaya and Mstislav Rostropovich were deprived Soviet citizenship and state awards.

Abroad, the opera singer continued to perform in theaters until 1982. Then, having said goodbye to the stage, Galina Vishnevskaya gave concerts and master classes. In 1990, Vishnevskaya and Rostropovich returned to the USSR. In 2002, the Galina Vishnevskaya Opera Singing Center opened in Moscow, whose graduates sing today in the best theaters peace.

Documentary film about the life of Galina Vishnevskaya:

“Life Line” program with the participation of Vishnevskaya:

Lyubov Kazarnovskaya

Lyubov Kazarnovskaya. Photo: timg.com

In 1989, when the Iron Curtain that protected Soviet citizens from the “corruptive influence of the West” fell, foreigners - opera impresarios - flocked to Russia in search of new voices. Lyubov Kazarnovskaya representatives Vienna Opera invited to the capital of Austria.

Next - performances at the best world events opera scenes in a variety of ways. She succeeded in the fiery Tosca in Puccini's opera of the same name and the resigned Desdemona in Verdi's Othello. There were also rave reviews press, and scandals associated with the prima donna’s refusal to participate in dubious directorial ventures.

During her trips to Western countries, Lyubov Kazarnovskaya always had time for serious Russian projects. In 1995, she sang the title role in Richard Strauss's Salome at the Mariinsky Theater, and in 1999, Bolshoi Theater performed the role of Manon in the experimental play “Portrait of Manon”, composed of scenes from two operas of the same name Massenet and Puccini.

In the 2000s, Lyubov Kazarnovskaya became most spend time in Russia. For several years now she has been in the spotlight - educational activities and media projects.

Habanera from the opera “Carmen” performed by Lyubov Kazarnovskaya:

Maria Guleghina

Maria Guleghina. Photo: classicalmusicnews.ru

Maria Guleghina's career began at the opera house in Minsk. The young singer performed successfully and was popular with the public. In 1987, at the invitation of the management of La Scala, Maria made her stage debut as Amelia (Un ballo in maschera by Giuseppe Verdi). By that time, the singer’s voice had transformed from a mezzo-soprano to a dramatic soprano, which is capable of all the “bloody” parts of the Italian repertoire. Performing in operas by Verdi and Puccini, Cilea and Giordano, she captivated music lovers around the world. Accompanist and teacher Larisa Gergieva called the role of Tosca in Puccini's opera the greatest in the singer's repertoire.

Two years later, at her native opera house, Maria Guleghina decided to perform operas in the original language, but her colleagues did not support her.

“And the situation was such that I couldn’t sing in the West, because they wouldn’t let me out, and in the theater, because they were against me folk artists. <...>And then, by hook or by crook, I get tourist passports with visas for myself and my family, learn Aida in Italian in five days and fly, while alone, to the Spanish town of Oviedo, because the local theater invited me to sing.”

Maria Guleghina

Later she moved to Hamburg. Maria Guleghina has performed at the Metropolitan Opera in New York and London's Covent Garden, in Vienna and Los Angeles, Munich and Zurich. In the 2000s, the singer appeared before the Russian public - on stage Mariinsky Theater. She also gives master classes and participates in charity events.

A fragment of Maria Guleghina’s performance on the stage of the Mariinsky Theater:

“Life Line” with Maria Guleghina:

Anna Netrebko

Anna Netrebko. Photo: classicalmusicnews.ru

Anna Netrebko was born in Krasnodar and began appearing on stage there. However, the young singer dreamed of the theaters of St. Petersburg - and she realized her dream. She easily entered the music school, and soon fluttered to the conservatory, into the class of Tamara Novichenko. While still a student, Anna Netrebko shone at an audition for young singers at the Mariinsky Theater, and Valery Gergiev invited her to make her debut as Suzanne in Mozart’s “The Marriage of Figaro.” After this, on the stage of the legendary Mariinsky Theater, young Anna She performed the roles of the courtesan Violetta (La Traviata by Verdi), Lyudmila (Ruslan and Lyudmila by Glinka), the gentle Gilda (Rigoletto by Verdi) and many other roles.

In 2002, she performed in New York as Natasha Rostova (War and Peace by Sergei Prokofiev), and soon after that, in Salzburg she performed the part of Donna Anna in Mozart’s Don Giovanni.

Over time, Anna Netrebko's voice acquired new colors, and the fragile heroines were replaced by completely different images - for example, the bloodthirsty Lady Macbeth in Verdi's opera. The singer said about this role: “In the image of Lady Macbeth, I was finally able to be myself.” But with Tatiana in “Eugene Onegin,” Netrebko, in her words, “suffered”: “By my nature, I was and am her exact opposite”.

In the fall of 2016, Anna Netrebko made her debut at the Bolshoi Theater. Together with her husband, tenor Yusif Eyvazov, she performed in Puccini's opera Manon Lescaut.
In February 2017, the singer was awarded honorary title Kammersängerin, awarded to outstanding performers in Germany and Austria. She became the first Russian woman to be awarded this title.

“She is not only a singer, but also an actress. And with its presentation of material it brought it closer ordinary people to the opera."

Albina Shagimuratova, opera singer

Giuditta's aria from Lehar's operetta performed by Anna Netrebko:

Film about Anna Netrebko “And then I come out!” (2013):

In 2007, she graduated from graduate school at the Moscow State Conservatory them. P.I. Tchaikovsky, and in the same year became the winner of the XIII International Tchaikovsky Competition.

“Shagimuratova is very talented and performed brilliantly at all three rounds and at the laureates’ concert. She has a real fighting spirit, although she is sweet, charming and modest.”

Evgeny Nesterenko, opera singer, teacher, professor

Immediately after winning the competition, the singer was invited to Salzburg and, after an audition, she was offered her debut as the Queen of the Night (“ magical flute"Mozart) under the direction of maestro Riccardo Muti. A brilliant performance at the Salzburg Festival in 2008 attracted the attention of representatives of European and American theaters. The young singer received interesting contracts, and the virtuoso role of the Queen of the Night became her calling card.

However, Albina Shagimuratova wanted to sing in Russia. In 2011, she took part in the production of “Ruslan and Lyudmila” by Mikhail Glinka at the Bolshoi Theater. In 2012, Shagimuratova became a laureate for her performance of the role of Lucia in Donizetti’s opera “Lucia di Lammermoor”. theater award « Golden mask" Today this part is one of the most beloved in the singer’s repertoire: “I adore Lucia, everything about her is mine! I can show myself as a person in it, and this is very important if you want to reach the audience!”.

Today Albina Shagimuratova sings mainly in Italian operas, which require mastery of the virtuoso bel canto singing style. In the West, the performer is called the “Tatar nightingale.” Not forgetting the first difficulties in the profession, she tells her students: “Everyone is given some kind of chance. And if we take advantage of every opportunity to get closer to the goal, remaining human despite any temptations, working hard and not expecting easy victories, then everything will work out in the end.”.

Documentary film about Albina Shagimuratova:

Italy has always produced great artists, including musicians. However, few of them were able to achieve international fame. However, I have no doubt that you know them all well :) Here is a list of the most famous Italian performers:

1. Albano

The most famous song in Italian, which can only be - Felicità, performed by Albano in a duet in Romina Power.

2. Adriano Celentano

Celentano, who was incredibly popular in his time in the USSR, turned out to be not as popular in his homeland as I thought!

3. Luciano Pavarotti

The great Luciano Pavarotti, a genius not only of Italian but also of world music.

4. Eros Ramazzotti

With this artist, the era of Italian pop music began; he was one of the first to go on tour abroad, which brought him even greater fame.

5. Andrea Bocelli

A famous blind tenor, known for performing both operatic and more commercial compositions.

6. Zucchero

Adelmo Fornaciari, known under the pseudonym Zucchero (Italian sugar), also nicknamed “Italian Joe Cocker.”

7. Nek

The song “Laura non c'è”, which spread all over the world, brought him fame. However, Nack is still working fruitfully! By the way, the real name of the singer is Filippo Nevyani.

8. Mina

Our parents knew this performer since the 60s. A creatively prolific lady with in an interesting voice, a kind of Italian Alla Borisovna :)

9. Tiziano Ferro

A modern singer, despite his youth, he has gained fame both in Italy and abroad. His statement last year about his own gay orientation became a scandal.

10. Laura Pausini

Contemporary singer, multiple winner international competition Grammy. Laura sings in Italian, Spanish, French, English and Portuguese.

For all lovers of Italian music:
Don't miss our hit parade. Turn up the volume and listen, get charged with Italy!

In the section on the question Why opera singers fat? or fat, you can call it whatever you like, but there are definitely no thin ones among them. given by the author Get bored the best answer is This is due to the specific nature of breathing. They breathe with the lower part of the lungs, that is, with the lower part of the chest, or more correctly, with the stomach. Well, this part should be sufficiently developed. If you breathe this way, “resonance” appears in your voice (not always). You must understand that opera singers do not sing to a soundtrack and even without a microphone (i.e., no “processing” of the sound).

Answer from Yodor Deev[guru]
they have a lot of sound

Answer from East[guru]
to extract a voice you need mass

Answer from Confess[guru]
Probably, the thin voice does not fit.

Answer from Eurovision[newbie]
Their life is like that, they need to eat well...

Answer from Josef Schweik[guru]
They will be skinny - there will be no voice. Look, Maria Callas somehow decided to lose weight - and that’s it, since then she no longer had outstanding vocal abilities, and her career went downhill. Luciano Pavarotti also complained that he could not lose weight, because his voice would disappear, and at the same time, because of his figure, he had difficulty flying: he was required to purchase two air tickets.
Opera singers and singers - they don’t sing to a soundtrack, but themselves.

If you observe opera singers, you can say with confidence that for the most part they are indeed noticeably plump. There are several versions explaining why opera singers are fat, and each of them has a right to exist.

So, today we will try to find out whether excess weight is actually the norm for an opera singer, and we will also look at the main theories that explain this phenomenon.

According to the first theory that we will consider today, the resonance of the larynx largely depends on how much fatty tissue is located around it. The more there are, the better the resonance and, as a result, the singing is more sonorous and pleasant. And if there is fat around the larynx, it means there will be fat in the rest of the body. Hence the completeness opera singers, at least according to the adherents of this theory.

Theory No. 2. Excess weight stretches the diaphragm

The second version says that opera performers need a stronger diaphragm, so that their singing will be heard throughout the theater, even against the background of the playing orchestra. And because of its fullness, the diaphragm supposedly stretches. Back in the 18th-19th centuries, when the art of opera was just gaining popularity, directors tried in every possible way to make their productions as spectacular as possible. For this reason, the size of theaters increased, and the number of spectators increased accordingly.

If the room is large, then singing should be heard well even in the gallery, and therefore a large throat, mouth and chest (that is, the chest, not the bust) have become so important for singers.

Note! Many people believe that the diaphragm is extremely sensitive to pressure from the stomach muscles. The stronger the muscle tissue of the stomach, and the larger the stomach itself, the stronger the pressure on the diaphragm and, consequently, the louder the performer’s singing will sound.

Theory No. 3. Fat because they eat a lot

Here the reason also lies in the stomach, but it is not the stomach that presses on the diaphragm, but vice versa. When this happens, i.e. the diaphragm puts pressure on the stomach, a person develops a false feeling of hunger. The singers get full and are no longer able to stop; later this develops into a reflex. Metabolism changes over time, as does appearance person. Supporters claim that this state of affairs condemns opera singers to disability, and even cite illustrative examples. So, for example, Sharon Sweet and Alessandra Mark were forced to leave big stage.

Theory No. 4. Predisposition to excess weight

The author of this theory belongs to Dr. Peter Osin. He is sure that opera singers have a tendency to excess weight: Their lungs are constantly straining, which increases their appetite. Also, according to Osin, when singing, leptin is released from lung cells, a special protein that regulates appetite (leptin is produced by fat cells). But Dr. K. W. Thorpe from Australia is confident that opera singing (and any other) in itself helps to increase the size of the body, especially the chest. It is for this reason, says Thorpe, that singers, after decades similar activities and look thicker than they really are.

Theory No. 5. No money for skinny singers

The latest theory today claims that obesity among opera singers is nothing more than a myth. The fact is that when opera houses select a performer for a role, they take into account not only his appearance, but also his vocal abilities. In other words, initially there is a possibility that the role of a young, slender girl will be played by an elderly, plump woman. But in drama theaters or movies like this almost never happen, because appearance comes first here. Therefore, it seems that all opera singers suffer from excess weight.

The capabilities of a particular opera house are also important here. The Metropolitan, for example, like other major world theaters, has enormous opportunities when choosing artists, that is, they can select people who are attractive and in a wonderful voice. But what about the Saratov theater, where the staff consists of only two sopranos, and even those are fat? Should we abstain from Eugene Onegin or force these sopranos to go on a diet? As for tenors, even the Met will not refuse fatties. After all, there are few really good tenors, and it is very, very difficult to find one who would also look attractive.

What can you add in the end? So far, none of the described theories has been officially confirmed. It is possible that other theories will soon emerge. However, there are exceptions, in our case - the well-known Jose Carreras, who, with a height of 1.7 m, looks like a man of quite ordinary build.

On a note! Among fans of opera, the main female character One of the most famous operas “Madama Butterfly” is usually called “Madame Butterball” (butterball, American colloquial – “short fat man”, in our case – “Madame Fatty”).

Video - Britain's Got Talent: a beautiful opera singer weighing 245 kg amazed the participants

Stomach and intestines

Why are opera singers and female singers fat?

There are several theories explaining why many opera singers are so plump. According to one of them, a large amount of fatty tissue surrounding the larynx increases its resonance, and therefore a person produces more pleasant sounds. The amount of this fatty tissue varies from singer to singer. It is almost impossible to have it only in the throat and not in other parts of the body. The second theory is that opera singers need a stronger diaphragm than normal to make their voice stand out against a large orchestra in a spacious opera house. A large ribcage and good lung control create enough mass to stretch the diaphragm further, further aided by a large body mass and large shape. So it's an extremely big advantage to be big. In the 18th and 19th centuries, during the rapid development of opera, directors and producers strived for better entertainment and more effective techniques. Opera houses became larger and larger, and their audiences became more numerous. But, unlike the theater, it is impossible to remake a person, so new methods of sound extraction had to be invented. Gradually, large breasts, wide chest, large throat, large mouth, etc. began to be considered advantages for opera singers. By the way, a sign of such innovations was not only larger forms of singers, but also the improvement of wind instruments and the reconstruction of old baroque string instruments.

A third theory was proposed by Dr. Peter Osin. He argues that opera singers "may be predisposed to gain weight because the strain on their lungs increases their appetite." He further adds that "the vocal production mechanism during singing causes lung cells to release substances such as leptin, a protein produced by the body's fat cells that regulates appetite." According to the fourth theory, singing itself expands the body, especially the chest. After years of singing, a singer's body appears fuller than it actually is. This is exactly the conclusion that Australian researchers led by Dr. K. W. Thorpe came to. But none of the theories on currently not proven. Other theories may appear in the future. As commentators say, “the job is not over until the fat lady has sung.”

There are exceptions to the rule that opera singers must be overweight. José Carreras, the most famous tenor of the last 50 years, is only 170 cm tall and looks like a man of average weight.

In 2004 the Royal Opera theatre terminated his contract with opera singer Deborah Voight on the grounds that she was too fat.

Many opera fans affectionately call one of the most famous operas"Madam

Butterfly" and her main character"Madame Butterball" ("Fat Madame")

The phrase "The job's not over until the fat lady has sung" has been attributed to various sports commentators, including American Dan Cook, American basketball coach Dick Mota, American baseball player Yogi Bera, American writer Damon Runyon and the most prolific of authors - “Anonymous” .

What is better to cool down in hot weather: something cold or something hot?

The following arguments can be put forward in favor of cold drinks: 1) a cold drink cools the tissues of the mouth, tongue and throat, thus producing an immediate effect; 2) a cold drink lowers body temperature because the body has to warm it up to its temperature.

On the other hand, it is argued that the body spends more energy lowering the temperature of a hot drink than warming up a cold one. But this is contradicted by those who claim that any process in the body only increases its temperature. This, like many other disputes, can only be resolved by knowing what the majority of people prefer. It turns out that in hot weather they consume much more cold drinks than hot ones; At the same time, pleasant sensations come to the fore rather than some abstract thoughts about the temperature balance of the body. The same can be said for hot drinks in cold weather. In general, the temperature of the drink does not play a special role, unless you consume it in very large quantities or the drink is not very hot or not very cold. If you drink a lot of cold drinks, you may experience cramping or a feeling of nausea. If the drink is too hot, you can burn your mouth and throat. In all other cases, the body mass is too large in relation to the mass of the drink to produce any noticeable effect. Whether it is cold or hot, the body will bring it to body temperature without much energy expenditure and without lowering its temperature. The body's temperature regulation system (homeostasis) is not easy to navigate. The American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends drinking more fluids in hot weather, but does not explain what temperature it should be. The only warning concerns “very cold drinks,” which may cause stomach cramps. The CDC also states that, in order to prevent heatstroke, in addition to water, the body needs salts and minerals, so he recommends avoiding coffee, alcohol and drinks with high content sugar, since these drinks “cause the body to lose more fluid,” .

Is it possible to eat a cold and treat a fever by fasting?

Many people ask this question. As Dr. Andrew Lloyd writes: “There is no particular medical evidence that “colds should be eaten and fevers should be treated with hunger.” For acute infections such as influenza, it is best for patients to eat only when they are hungry.” Dr. Holly Mugglestone writes: “Don't eat a fever. At the same time, you need to get enough fluid so as not to dehydrate the body. And sometimes you need to get enough kilojoules to avoid losing weight. It all depends on the specific temperature and its duration.” Personally, from the point of view common man, I believe that you need to eat as the body itself tells you.

Is it true that spinach can make you strong?

The belief that spinach helps build bigger muscles is called the "Popeye effect." Unfortunately, this is a myth. Even if you eat a lot of spinach, you are unlikely to become as strong as the popular cartoon character Popeye the Sailor; If this were really possible, then bodybuilders and athletes would buy tons of spinach. In fact, many nutritional supplements build muscle mass and strength much better than spinach. It is also true that weak people often lack vitamins and minerals. The name "spinach" comes from the Latin word spina, meaning "back". Spinach itself is a low-calorie food, perfect for a vegetarian diet, and a good source of iron and magnesium, necessary for muscle development. Spinach also contains vitamin C, vitamin B 9 (folic acid) and additional antioxidants, which are widely believed to prevent cancer. So in any case there will be no harm to the body. As for the benefits of spinach as a source of iron, then, as Dr. Sean Somerset writes, the product is quite poorly absorbed by the body if consumed without calcium. Iron in spinach, unlike meat, is not present in the form in which it is present in the blood (not in the form of heme). The myth of spinach and Popeye owes its origin to a scientific error. In 1870, scientist Evon Wolf mistakenly missed decimal point, resulting in spinach having ten times more iron than other greens. The error was discovered in 1937, but it was too late. The first Popeye cartoon was published in 1929, giving rise to the legend of miraculous power spinach

The idea that spinach is good for muscle development is due to the fact that it contains iron. Iron is necessary to carry oxygen from the lungs to the muscles and to create oxygen reserves in the muscles. In addition, spinach is useful because:

Prevents heart disease;

Prevents colon and prostate cancer;

Supports visual acuity;

Reduces the likelihood of brain damage after stroke;

Supports Bone Health .

Why don't we suffer from E. coli all the time?

All bacteria that live in the intestines enter there with food during meals. Even though mother's milk must be sterile; they enter the newborn’s body already in the first days of his life. They first form colonies in the mouth and are then swallowed along with milk. E. coli (Escherichia coli) is one member of a large group of microorganisms called Escherichia coli. E. coli are classified primarily based on separation tests rather than any other physical characteristics. They are found in the lower intestines of humans and animals. They reproduce poorly in water, but well in nutrient media, especially at room and slightly warmer temperatures.

E. coli reproduces well in a dairy environment, breaking down lactose. In this case, the so-called fermentation, or fermentation, occurs - anaerobic (without the participation of oxygen) decomposition of complex organic substances with the release large quantity energy. Examples of fermentation: the conversion of carbohydrates into carbon dioxide and alcohol into organic acids. E. coli colonies form almost instantly. Many forms of E. coli do not cause disease (non-pathogenic). They are present in large quantities in the intestines and provide benefits to the human body because they fight dangerous bacteria and produce vitamins that the body absorbs through the colon. But some strains cause disease (pathogenic) - for example, E. coli 0157 and E. coli 0111 are responsible for severe poisonings that occur in all parts of the world.

Why do people sometimes lose control of their bladder and bowels during fear?

Sometimes, due to extreme fear, people experience involuntary urination or defecation in response to nervous shock. This response is sometimes called the “fight or flight” response, after Walter Cannon aptly coined it in 1929. When we experience extreme fear, the sympathetic nervous system enters a state of critical tension in which we are better prepared to fight the source of fear, or at least to escape. A period of extreme stress is characterized by a number of temporary physiological phenomena. For example, the body produces more adrenaline, which stimulates the heart and lungs, thus helping to prepare for physical stress. Other temporary physiological effects include dilation of muscle blood vessels; contraction of blood vessels in those parts of the body that are not needed for fight or flight; release of nutrients necessary for muscle function; inhibiting the functioning of the lacrimal and salivary glands, as well as relaxing the excretory organs. So from severe stress, for example, when we experience great fear, the bladder and intestines “let us down” -.

An article published in the journal "Military Medicine" (August, 1983) states that among American military personnel, constipation is observed in 7.2% of cases when employees are at home, in 10.4% of cases when they are taken to the training ground , and in 30.2% of cases when they are at the training ground.

An article published in the Scottish Medical Journal (December 1993) described three cases in which porcelain toilet bowls splintered under the weight of the body, causing wounds requiring hospitalization. The reason cited was the old age of the toilets. As toilets age, such occurrences become more likely.

The author of an article published in the Journal of the Norwegian Medical Association (March 20, 1999), among other things, concludes that patients differ in their preferences regarding the container for urine tests. (Maybe fashion accessory designers should consider a urine testing accessory too?)

According to some estimates, if you constantly “bleed gases” for 8 years and 9 months, then the explosion of such a quantity of gas would release energy comparable to the energy of the explosion of one of the first atomic bombs.

Cat urine glows in the dark when exposed to ultraviolet light. Human urine does not glow under any light .

What are gallstones?

Gallstones are crystalline formations in the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small organ, approximately 7.5 cm long and 2.5 cm wide, resembling a pear shape. It is located under the liver with right side abdominal cavity. It accumulates bile produced by the liver; when the bladder contracts, bile enters the digestive tract. Bile very actively promotes digestion by breaking down the fats contained in food. About 80% of gallstones are cholesterol stones, as they are composed primarily of cholesterol; the other 20% are pigment stones, consisting mainly of reddish-yellow bilirubin and calcium salts. There are gallstones different sizes– from the size of a grain of sand to a golf ball. They appear in the gallbladder one at a time or there are several of them at once - even up to several thousand! According to the American Liver Society, gallstones affect one in 12 Americans. At this proportion, there would be about 25 million people in the United States suffering from gallstone disease; in the UK - 5 million, in Canada - 2.7 million and in Australia - 1.6 million.

Gallstones form in one of three ways: when bile contains more cholesterol than it can dissolve; when the bile contains excessive amounts of certain proteins or other substances that contribute to the formation of bile stones; when the gallbladder does not contract and does not remove bile properly. In most cases, no pain is observed, and the disease is initially asymptomatic. When symptoms appear, the disease becomes symptomatic. Every year, symptomatic gallstone disease leads to serious health problems—in the United States alone, 800,000 people require hospitalization and more than 500,000 require surgery.

Is it true that fat women Are people over 40 years of age especially susceptible to gallstone disease?

The widespread belief that obese women over 40 years of age are especially susceptible to cholelithiasis is not without foundation. As Dr. Terry Bolin writes, women in this category are indeed at risk. But gallstones are often found in both younger and older women. IN in this case more important factor- this is weight. The formation of gallstones is promoted by obesity, rapid weight loss, taking contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy. According to the American Liver Society, a diet with rapid weight loss (more than 3 pounds per week) significantly increases the risk of gallstones compared with lighter diets. At the same time, according to Dr. Bolin, light color hair and bright skin do not increase the risk of gallstones.

IN folk medicine In some countries, bovine gallstones are considered an aphrodisiac. Currently, gallstones from cattle are considered very valuable resource, the price of which reaches $1000 per ounce. Meat workers in these countries are strictly checked when leaving the factory to ensure they do not carry gallstones with them.

Porcelain gallbladder is a condition in which calcium is deposited on the walls of the gallbladder, causing the organ to become hardened, brittle, and brittle. It can be broken apart like a small porcelain vase, hence the name. This syndrome was described in 1951 by Dr. P. H. Kazmierski . Fortunately, as Dr. Tsung-Chun Lee and colleagues write: , porcelain gallbladder syndrome is quite rare - approximately one case in 1000 patients requiring hospitalization .

What harm does a tapeworm cause to the human body?

Why do many people feel sick when they see or smell other people's vomit?

The characteristic odor of vomit is due to short-chain aliphatic acids, such as butyric acid. Butyric acid is a fatty acid that is also found in rancid butter and Parmesan cheese. At room temperature it remains a liquid. It has a rather peculiar taste and especially bad smell, which is why many children who try Parmesan for the first time complain that it smells like vomit. Vomiting is caused various factors, including food poisoning, gastritis, brain tumor and emotional distress. Vomiting is also observed after drinking alcohol. But regardless of the reasons, it is better to avoid contact with vomit, since it can contain many viruses, bacteria and toxins. The appearance and smell of vomit includes physiological and psychological reaction rejection, useful for our survival. This behavior is characteristic not only of humans, but also of many primates. In addition, vomiting can also be a group phenomenon. If one person in a group feels sick, then all members of the group begin to experience unpleasant feelings. This is a reaction that we inherited from our ancestors, which was necessary for the survival of our species and therefore ingrained in us quite deeply.

Why from excessive physical activity Are we sick?

There is at least one theory to explain nausea after excessive exercise. When the body is under heavy stress, it cannot always digest large amounts of food because it is too busy with other processes, such as cooling or pumping blood to muscles that are working at the limit (for example, during a marathon). In this case, it is much easier for the body to expel the food. That's why jogging right after a hearty breakfast or lunch can be not only inconvenient, but also dangerous for your health. For the same reason, some people feel sick in the heat after eating a large meal. So our grandmothers and mothers were right when they forbade us to swim for an hour after we ate.

What causes morning sickness during pregnancy?

Morning sickness during pregnancy reduces the likelihood of miscarriage and premature birth, low birth weight babies and stillbirths. One theory is that nausea prevents pregnant women from eating certain foods that contain substances that can interfere with the development of the central nervous system of the embryo and fetus. From an evolutionary perspective, losing extra kilojoules during nausea and vomiting is better than harming the fetus.

Morning sickness usually stops by the end of the first three months pregnancy, since by that time the central nervous system of the fetus is already sufficiently developed and less susceptible to the effects of foreign chemicals. Statistics support this theory - women who experienced morning sickness from the 6th to 18th week of pregnancy had fewer miscarriages than those who did not experience morning sickness. And among women who also vomited, there were fewer miscarriages than those who simply vomited. So if you are a pregnant woman and feel sick in the morning, then you will be pleased to know that you are not suffering in vain - all this is for the benefit of your unborn child.

The science of vomiting is called emetology.

Drs G. Koren and K. Maltip studied 26 women and concluded that “taking antiemetic medications before the onset of morning sickness symptoms appears to prevent severe morning sickness symptoms in subsequent pregnancies.” .

Dr. K. Luik and colleagues Based on a sample of 22,478 women, they concluded that the more pregnancies women had, the more likely they were to experience symptoms of morning sickness .

How do people digest tripe?

Tripe is a favorite dish in many countries around the world. It is part of the stomach of animals such as cows. Since the human stomach cannot digest itself, many people ask the question: how does it digest the stomach of animals? It digests for the same reason that it does not digest itself. Our stomach contains acids and enzymes that break down organic material, including tissue from the animals we eat. But our stomach is lined from the inside with a special layer of mucus that protects its inner lining. In the cooked stomach of an animal this protective layer destroyed, so that all remaining tissue is freely digested.

It takes 7 seconds for food to travel from mouth to stomach.

The stomach contains 35 million glands that secrete gastric juice.

What is salmonella and why is it called that?

The name "salmonella" comes from the American microbiologist Daniel Salmon, who discovered it in 1885. This is the general name for more than three hundred species of bacteria found in food. Most cases of salmonellosis occur at home, and not at all in restaurants and canteens, as some believe. But since everything is currently more people, leading business image lives, do not eat at home, the number of such poisonings, it seems, will only increase. Clinical manifestations of salmonellosis vary depending on the specific type of bacteria. Symptoms can range from abdominal pain to severe and fatal illness.

Are appendectomy operations performed less frequently these days?

Like circumcision and tonsillectomy, appendectomy surgery is not as common as it once was. Dr. Dean Edell, a famous American radio and television host, once said that appendectomy, more than any other operation, paid off loans taken out by doctors for swimming pools. Just a generation ago, doctors would grab a scalpel at the slightest sign of an abnormality. But no one knows for sure how often this operation is performed nowadays. IN different countries and regions the situation may be different. According to a recent study by Dr. I. Ahmed and colleagues, “appendectomies... are still practiced by 75% of surgeons.” general practice in the Mid-Trent region [of Great Britain]...". Less than 25% of surgeons resort to other forms of treatment for appendicitis. As the doctors write: “Currently there is no consensus on treatment in such cases... There is a need to develop a protocol for this common problem” -.

Why is our butt shaped like this?

Even a cursory glance at the anatomy of our closest relatives - chimpanzees and gorillas - allows us to come to the conclusion that nature has clearly deprived them in this regard. In comparison, the human “backside” is much more rounded and fleshy. The gluteal muscles in humans are stronger and more massive than similar muscles in other primates. In total, we have three types of gluteal muscles: gluteus minimus (gluteus minimus), gluteus medius (gluteus medius) and gluteus maximus (gluteus maximus).

They are necessary for walking upright and running on two legs. Walking upright also requires more developed and larger calves, moving the legs forward and backward and initiating and maintaining walking. Chimpanzees and gorillas, which do not have such developed muscles, are only able to move by jumping and waddling.

(Heather Norman from Geelong, Victoria, Australia) Women swing their hips more when walking because their pelvic girdle is relatively wider than men's and is slightly tilted forward. The pelvic girdle is a ring formed by the bones of the pelvis and sacrum, to which are attached lower limbs . The female pelvic girdle is wider than the male one for the reason that the baby's head must pass through it during childbirth. This is the reason for the characteristic female gait. Fashion for shoes with high heels

only enhances this effect.

Various theories have been put forward on this matter. According to one of them, women need more fat to give birth and feed children. According to another theory, proposed by Timothy L. Taylor, upright walking caused the female genitals to be hidden, especially when viewed from behind. To compensate, they developed larger buttocks, which began to serve as a sexual signal. The larger the buttocks, the stronger the signal.

Why do some African women have such large buttocks?

Abnormal high content fat in the buttocks is called "steatopygia". If fat accumulates in the upper thighs, it is called “steatomerism.” Steat means "fat" in Greek. Judging by prehistoric rock paintings, in the Stone Age these syndromes were much more common. Today they are often observed among residents of the Andaman Islands in Indian Ocean and among the Koi people (Hottentots) in South Africa.

The pelvic girdle is scientifically called the cingulum membri inferioris, or CMI for short.

The gluteus maximus muscle is the most massive muscle in the entire human body.