As a nurse for many years now, a lot of people complain to me that their diet for kidney failure is so hard to follow. They tell me that this type of diet has too many restrictions and that it is so rigid and unforgiving.
My reply to the above statement is that maybe the asking patient didn’t consider other possibilities of the diet? Or maybe he or she was not able to research enough to realize that this diet is in fact easy to follow.
Before I start talking about the diet for kidney failure, I will first talk a little about the kidney. The kidneys play key roles in body function, not only by filtering the blood and getting rid of waste products, but also by balancing levels of electrolytes in the body, controlling blood pressure, and stimulating the production of red blood cells.
Now, renal failure results when the kidneys cannot remove the body’s metabolic wastes or perform their regulatory functions. The substances normally eliminated in the urine accumulate in the body fluids. As a result of this impaired renal excretion, there are electrolyte and acid-base disturbances.
Renal failure is a systemic disease and is final common pathway of many different kidney and urinary tract diseases. Each year, the number of deaths from irreversible renal failure increases.
Kidney disease diet is an important consideration for those with impaired kidney function. Consultation with a dietitian may be helpful to understand what foods may or may not be appropriate. Various kidney disease recipes are available in the market right now.
Since the kidneys cannot easily remove excess water, salt, or potassium, they may need to be consumed in limited quantities. Foods high in potassium include bananas, apricots, and salt substitutes.
Phosphorus is a forgotten chemical that is associated with calcium metabolism and may be elevated in kidney failure. Too much phosphorus can leech calcium from the bones and cause osteoporosis and fractures. Foods with high phosphorus content include milk, cheese, nuts, and cola drinks.
This diet is usually done with other treatments for kidney failure. The two major treatments for kidney failure are dialysis and transplantation. The former has two kinds of procedures-hemodialysis (accessed via IV route) and peritoneal dialysis (done via the abdomen). The latter, on the other hand, involves a more complex pre-operation.
With a research based diet for kidney failure, renal recovery is almost guaranteed. It is, however, important to be started as immediately as possible to prevent long term damage.
Archive for September, 2009
If your doctor tells you that you have a complex ovarian mass, this means you have a growth on your ovary that has both cystic (fluid filled) and solid components on ultrasound. In most cases, this is an uncomfortable, but harmless condition. Rarely, this mass is cancerous. Of women who are tested for ovarian cancer, less than 1 in 1000 actually has cancer.
The only way for the doctor to determine definitively that your complex ovarian mass is cancer is to take a sample of it. This is done through laparascopy. There is a lot of debate in the medical field of whether this is worth undergoing, since so many women end up having unnecessary surgery. However, those that did have cancer were able to get treatment faster.
During a laparascopy, the doctor makes a small incision in your lower abdomen and inserts a lighted tube. He then removes a sample of the mass. If the complex ovarian mass is small (under 2
Because of severe competition among airlines many airlines in the past had reduced their airfares drastically. There has always been fare-war among domestic and international carriers and customers have been the winner. Many small budget and no-frill airlines also cropped up and in fact doing very fine and giving hard time to major airlines.
In U.S.A southwest airlines and Jet Blue have been the kind of forerunners for cheap air fare and better customer service both on ground and up in the air. Their on-time performance and customer care has won many customers to switch to them. Similarly in Europe Ryan Air has been running successfully with its low airfare tickets to many destinations in Europe.
One has to really search and compare cheap air fare on all the airlines operating on the routes to any destination. You know never which airline is offering great travel deals. Internet is the best place browse through various options.
Although these cheap fares that have devastated the major airlines are unlikely to rise anytime soon but this trend could also mean continued struggles for the troubled industry. The bargain airfares combined with high fuel prices have hurt the big and small carriers besides the drop in passenger traffic in low U.S economy for the last few years. Many airlines have laid off many thousands employees to trim down the cost and also often sought federal assistance to stay in business.
However, whatever the reasons may be the travel industry can not go out of business and it is in the interest of any country to let them continue flying no matter what, after all so many other businesses depend upon them. So cheap tickets will always be available for travelers to enjoy. Always be flexible with your travel dates, seek alternate airports departures and arrivals, buy in advance and with little time spent online searching for cheap flights one is sure to find cheap air fare.
Hypotension results from decreased arterial pressure subsequent to each beat of the heart. There are two essential aspects to blood pressure; arterial resistance to blood flow through the blood vessels and the force with which the heart ejects and circulates blood. There are also other factors which might alter blood pressure, such as emotional or physical stress, medications, alcohol consumption and whether or not the patient has recently eaten.
While most people are aware of the hazards of high blood pressure it is important to recognize that low blood pressure carries its own risks and consequences. Symptoms of low blood pressure may include light-headedness, blurring of vision, nausea, sleepiness, weakness or loss of consciousness. Sudden onset of symptoms might be an indication of serious health conditions such as heart attack, heart failure, cardiac arrhythmia, diabetes, dehydration or anaphylactic shock (severe allergic reaction.)
Dehydration may ensue following a lengthy attack of diarrhea and/or vomiting due to an illness such as the bacterial food poisoning or influenza. Still other possible causes of excess fluid loss include excess perspiration due to physical exertion or exposure to extreme heat over an extended period of time, and the use of diuretics. Exposure to substances, or ingestion of food to which one is hypersensitive or to which one has an allergy, may precipitate an anaphylactic reaction which may trigger a hypotensive episode. Severe or prolonged hemorrhaging and various viral or bacterial infections are also capable of sending blood pressure into a rapid and perilous downward spiral.
Extreme or prolonged blood loss or poor cause low red blood cell counts. The common term for a low red blood cell count is anemia. Poor diet might also be responsible for insufficient intake of other vital nutrients, resulting in hypotension. Orthostatic hypotension is weakness or dizziness that occurs when quickly changing from a reclining to an upright body position. Symptoms which occur after a meal might signal postprandial hypotension. Many pharmaceuticals used for the treatment of anxiety or depression and alcohol may also negatively impact blood pressure.
Asymptomatic hypotension in a generally healthy individual rarely requires treatment. However, it is essential to keep your physician informed of any symptoms you might be experiencing so he or she can investigate their cause and initiate any necessary treatments. If you are currently taking a prescription medication consult your health care provider for possible changes in dose or a different medication. Anemia and hypoglycemia can be detected with a simple laboratory test. Cardiac arrhythmia, heart failure and heart attack are diagnosed with more sophisticated exams and monitoring devices. Your physician may advise you to increase your salt intake. Simple dietary changes, herbal supplements, meditation and deep breathing exercises, and potassium drinks are all effective in normalizing hypotension. Ask your health care provider which ones he or she recommends. Though low blood pressure is not to be taken too lightly it should be some consolation to know that most physicians concur that patients with hypotension have a longer life expectancy than those with hypertension.
Previously, I wrote an article about bumping up your exercise program, by 10%. Whether you are walking, jogging, performing aerobics, bump it up 10%. You will see results in blood sugar readings and your overall health. If you don not have an exercise program, start one. Family members will ask you to do it for them, but you can only do it for yourself. You are he primary beneficiary or your exercise. You will benefit from lower blood sugar and a healthier you.
There are other ways to lower your blood sugar levels. One is the way you eat. as a pharmacist, I have had endocrinologists and diabetics tell me the same thing time and time again. People afflicted with this condition are stubborn concerning change in their lifestyle. They tell me this is more common with diabetes than with most other medical conditions. They seem to get angry, not necessarily at someone. They get angry when someone suggests a change to better their condition.
I believe, if you are reading this article, you have overcome that obstacle. You are looking fr answers. Now, is a good time to go forward. Let’s talk about diet.
Often, when someone is diagnosed with diabetes, they are instructed to cut back on calories. You think, I don not know how many calories I even consume on a daily basis. I don not keep track of my diet. This is a god place to start. Keep an account of what you eat. Then plan future consumption around that.
Your health care professional may have told you to go on a 1,000 to 1,200 calorie a day diet. You haven’t got a clue how much this is. You add up the calories consumes yesterday, and the figure comes to 2,500 calories. Now you are overwhelmed. You think that you can’t do this, and may have no intentions of doing this. Cutting your caloric intake by over one-half is a radical step to take, and quite scary. But, you do need to do this. Let’s try to make it a little easier.
Try baby steps, at first. Ease your way into it. Let’s reduce our intake a little at a time, but consistently. First, reduce the 2,500 calories by 10% (250 calories).Do not take away a snack that you usually have. Most medical and nutritional experts will agree that eating five to six smaller meals daily, is the healthiest way to eat. Of course, for anyone who has a job, this is next to impossible.
You need to plan what you are going to eat. Now, plan to to eat smaller portions at each eating session. Plan to eat healthier foods. Do it. You will see results. Your blood sugar readings will go down. You will see weight loss. These results will inspire you to do even better. Before you know it, it will snowball. Your diet will be considerably better. You will look and feel better. Your blood sugar will get even better. You will need less insulin or oral medications.
If you are really stumped on this diet thing, there is help out there. You can order three meals a day plus snacks over the phone or the internet. You will be set up a week or more at a time. This food will be delivered to you front door. And these meals are not really more expensive than what you are spending on food, now.
Do it! You will feel better. You will be better. Your cardiovascular system will benefit. Actually, your whole body will benefit. And remember to pump up your exercise program 10% or start an exercise program. You are doing it for you!
Raisins
Good blood flow in your scalp will stimulate hair growth. Iron is the main key to manufacturing hemoglobin and hemoglobin is the one that carries oxygen trough your body – and hair! Raisins, eggs, dark green leafy vegetables, dates and whole-grain cereals are great – they are high in iron. You could also add lemons and oranges to your diet as they contain Vitamin C, and Vitamin C improves the absorption of iron.
Seafood
One of the things why zinc is useful – it manages the glands that attach to hair follicles. If your body has lack of zinc, hair follicles became weak and strands may break off or fall out. Eat shrimp, mussels, oysters, fish… but you can also treat yourself with red meat and poultry.
Eggs, beans and fish
Since hair is mostly made of protein, it sounds reasonable to eat eggs, beans and fish. Why not eat a steak? Simply because red meat is high-fat food. High-fat food increases testosterone level in your body which might result in hair loss. Therefore eat fish instead – it’s good for more than just your hair.
Potatoes
Hey this doesn’t mean I just gave you a green light to enjoy greasy french fries! Rather cook it, use it in salads or as a side dish to seafood – it’s a great combination!
Bean sprouts
Bean sprouts, potatoes and green peppers – rich in silica! No matter how strange it may sound, silica should be a part of your hair loss prevention diet because our body uses it to help absorb vitamins and minerals.
[10-20-2006]
Poems:
Blue Poetry
I–Blue (#1505)) 10-13-2006)
II–Rainbow Jars (#678/10-2004)
III–Winter Remembered (#1506) 10-13-2006)
IV–Shadow in the Wood (#679/10-2004)
V–Exile the Poets (#1504)
1–Blue
Blue was the Master, blue, blue!
Blue his eyes, were, blue his hair.
Through the blue air he came
(the whole world turned blue for him).
The flashy designs of his dress
Were neither green nor black, but blue.
Over the blue sky he went
(and even the sea turned blue then).
My life will always leave open
A narrow door, to let him in.
#1505 10/134/2006
II–Rainbow Jars
If you do not ride a falling star
You will never write about who you are,
Revive your dormant soul!
“Now let’s go!”
Harmony is in heaven, not here on earth…!
And ghosts do not tarry in rainbow jars…
If you will not ride a falling star
You leave no impressions
Nor revive your dead heart!
Harmony is in heaven, not here on earth…!
#678 (10/2004)) Revised 10/2006)
III–Winter Remembered
Oh, the whiteness so divine
Of the first snow fall of winter–;
Its solitude so pure,
Its silence so permanent.
It is so far away
(a Minnesota winter)
So far, it is hard to remember–
Yet the idea alone is a fountain.
Unending snowflakes–
A snow that will never cease
On hard wooden roofs, and streets
All this indelible white–.
A fancy indeed, a peace; hence,
Leave alone to remember.
#1506 10/13/2006
IV–Shadow in the Wood
I got lost in the dark part of the wood’s shadow.
The moon is up, dark with shadows in the wood!
“Look dark,” I say, “you are by yourself! What
will you do?”
“…come to this crevasse–this shadow in the wood,”
it said to me; and now I’m a leaf, on a big tree.
#679 10/2004; revised 10/2006
V–Exile the Poets
Exile Baudelaire’s swan, along with Yeats and Keats and Jimeuez, they are all dead poetic geese and so is Martinez. Ride the swan’s neck, then do away with the rest: Dario, Najera, Silva, Casal, and Echeverria. Who needs poets anyway? Do away with Romanticism, literary madness, freedom, lets be clones; it is all that will be left, once the poets are gone.
#1504 10/13/2006
There are many claims in retail stores and on the internet about who has the best omega-3 fish oils. Most of them are trying to take advantage of consumers that want to get healthier but are unsure how. It is not difficult to tell if the heater is not working. Your house gets cold. Nutrition is not so easy. How do you know your supplement is even working? I am going to use several real world examples to demonstrate a way to do find out.
A good way to separate the best omega-3 from the mediocre is to check the research. What worked for their test subjects? What had no effect? What was improved? Would your supplement be able to duplicate any positive results that were achieved?
The last question is one that many companies would prefer not to answer.
There are eight omega-3 fatty acids but the two that are in fish oil are DHA and EPA. Let us be clear. There is no special DHA for the brain or heart, no special EPA for Arthritis and no special pre-natal omega-3. It either is DHA/EPA or it is not. The best omega-3 products will have more of it.
We are going to look at three studies – all published in 2010.
1] The first is a study of 357 Yup’ik Eskimos published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. They found that high levels DHA and EPA in the Eskimos red blood cells corresponded with better heart health. The best results were when EPA concentrations exceeded 3 percent of fatty acids in the cells, and when DHA levels exceeded 7 percent.
“Increasing EPA and DHA intakes to amounts well above those consumed by the general US population may have strong beneficial effects on chronic disease risk.” they concluded.
It does not take much effort to exceed omega-3 levels “consumed by the general US population” but you would have to eat fish daily to get to the Eskimo levels. The FDA, AHA and others think this is a bad idea – too many pollutants in the fish.
Real world conclusion – twice as much DHA as EPA.
A research group led by Eileen Birch from the Texas-based Retina Foundation of the Southwest studied human infants and found that when they reached 12 months of age, those fed the DHA-supplemented formula had significantly better vision than infants fed the control formula.
Dr. Birch said “Our data speak directly to the safety and tolerance profiles of DHA levels as high as 0.96% of fatty acids in infant formula. The safety and tolerance of these higher DHA concentrations was expected, because they are within the range of concentrations found in human milk worldwide.”
Real world conclusion – 100% DHA
A joint report from Canada and Thailand published in the Journal of Neurochemistry, stated that DHA is better at preventing Alzheimer’s, but EPA is better if you already have it.
Real world conclusion – the best omega-3 still needs both.
I could quote hundreds of studies but I think you see where this is going. Remember, it is either fish oil omega-3 or it is not. You, your kids and your parents can get all the benefits you need in one bottle. Buying candy, or cereal or even butter with omega-3s added is not necessary. Your body might not absorb it anyway.
The best omega-3 product is one that has more DHA than EPA, but it needs both. Visit the companies website and also see how they purify the fish oil. See if they provide an independent laboratory analysis of what you are actually buying. Some actually will, most will not.
For more information, please visit my website.
When my students are learning to pick out the melody I tell them to first begin with a song they know.
(First it is important that you know the letter names of the white notes on the piano and the C scale – for more info see http://www.thepianobyear.com)
When you are picking out the melody to a song, choose something easy like “Happy Birthday to You” or “Row, Row, Row, your Boat”. This gives you some great practice without being too difficult. Here’s the thought process for picking out the melody to “Row, Row, Row Your Boat”.
1. Begin on the note Middle C with your right hand. (If you know where the C-Chord is, play it first so you can hear the full chord before beginning.)
2. Of course the first three pitches to the first 3 words is the same. Therefore, the melody (tune) note to the song will be the same fir the first three words…like this:
C C C
Row, row, row your boat…
Notice how that the melody note changes (it goes up only a little bit) for the words “your boat”…progressing up with each word. NOTE: I’m using the word “up” because it indicates the pitch has moved to a higher sound.
So, when looking at the “higher” notes after C…the next note could be D or E (depending on how much the melody note is raised). Well, when you listen to melody notes rise on the words “your boat” you’ll hear that the change is very little. Therefore, the melody note for “your boat” must be D then E…like this:
C C C D E
Row, row, row your boat…
3. Notice how the first part of the word “gently” is the same note as “boat” (ie., it doesn’t go higher or lower than the melody note for “boat”. The pitch for the last part of the word “gently” lowers back to the same pitch as “your”…like this:
C C C D E E D
Row, row, row your boat…gent-ly down the stream.
Notice how “down the stream” the pitch continues to rise. What are the next three melody notes? You try!
Did you get it? It should be:
C C C D E E D E F G
Row, row, row your boat…gent-ly down the stream.
Last of all, notice how the very next melody note for the word “Merrily” goes much higher than the melody note for “stream”. Guessing, where do you think the melody note will fall? Will it fall on A (the next note higher than G)? Probably not…because the melody not for “Merrily” is MUCH higher than the melody note for “stream”. Try C! That’s it! Try to finish the song…when you’re done, check it to see if you were right!
The melody to the rest of the song should appear like this:
C C C D E E D E F G
Row, row, row your boat…gent-ly down the stream.
C C C G G G E E E C C C G F E D C
Merrily merrily merrily merrily…life is but a dream.
For more information about playing by ear, check out the information on my website at www.thepianobyear.com!
Cocaine addiction is a disease just like any other and it is recognized as such by medical professionals. The reason that cocaine addiction, indeed addiction to any drug, is considered a disease is that there are certain signs and symptoms that present when a person is afflicted. This article will focus on some of the most common signs of cocaine addiction.
Now, the fact of the matter is that recognizing addiction is important. For the drug user it is important because they can take steps to get help once they realize that they have a problem. For the family of the drug user it is important as well so that they can begin to take precautions with the addict. So, let’s look at three of the most common signs of cocaine addiction.
1. The first sign is problems with the nose. Most cocaine addicts sniff their drugs to be absorbed through the nasal membrane. However, regular cocaine use causes damage to this membrane. As such cocaine users will regularly sniffle or suffer from bloody noses.
2. Irregular behavior. Cocaine addicts are rarely where they said they would be when they said they would be there. This behavior usually plays itself out at night when most cocaine is used. If an addict says that they are going to be home by 10:00 and comes home at 4:00 in the morning, you would be right to suspect drug use.
3. Weight loss. Cocaine is a powerful stimulant and, as such, has appetite suppressing powers. Typical cocaine addicts will regularly use substantial amounts of weight without diet or exercise. If you suspect that someone is using cocaine, and they are losing large amounts of weight, then cocaine may well be the problem.