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Anemia Part V – How to Prevent and Treat Anemia With Vitamins and Minerals

Comments: 0June 29th, 2010 by admin



It is hard to believe that America, a country with one of the highest standards of living in the world having over 20 million people with the disease of anemia caused by unhealthy diet, and nutritional deficiency with protein and fat intake 30% more than any other country in the world. Most people understand that anemia is caused by iron deficiency in the bloodstream but in reality anemia is characterized by deficiency in the hemoglobin of the red blood cells diminishing the ability of the blood to transport oxygen to our cells and to remove carbon dioxide. In this article, we will learn how to prevent and treat anemia with nutritional supplements.

1. Iron

Iron is essential for people with anemia. It aids the reproduction of red blood cells as well as improve the transportation of oxygen and nutrition to the body’s cell, and removing carbon dioxide from our bloodstream. Since iron is hard to absorb, it is recommended to take the liquid form over the dry form and be sure to take with some vitamin C or most of the iron will be wasted because of poor intestinal absorption. If you are a nursing mother, be sure to check your blood for iron, otherwise iron deficiency will cause iron deficiency to the baby.

2. Copper and zinc

Copper and zinc may not be vital in treating people with anemia, but they are needed in helping our body to absorb iron. With out the balancing of iron, copper and zinc most of the iron’s effects will be wasted. Be sure to talk to your doctor for the right amount of iron, zinc and copper before taking any of the above metal. They are toxic if overdosed.

3 Vitamin K

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin. It plays an important role to the people with anemia by helping blood clot properly after an injury, which is vital for people with anemia caused by excessive blood loss such as women in childbirth and during menstruation.

4. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps to improve the immune system fighting against the invasion of bacteria and virus. Because of poor reproduction and circulation of blood for people with anemia, strengthening the immune system becomes vital. Vitamin C also helps to improve the absorption of iron otherwise most iron intake may be wasted.

5. Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is essential for people with pernicious anemia ( vitamin B12 deficiency anemia).
Vitamin b12 deficiency is mostly caused by inadequate absorption, poor diet and medication side effects resulting in large immature and dysfunctional red blood cells thereby decreasing the red blood cell count and hemoglobin levels.

6. Folic acid

Folic acid is in the B vitamin family. It is necessary for the formation and maturation of red blood cells. Folic acid deficiency is caused mostly by poor diet, inadequate body absorption and for people eating only cook foods, resulting in less red blood cell count in the bloodstream or folic acid deficiency anemia.

I hope this information will help, if you need more information of the above subject please follow my series of the above subject at my home page at:

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Anaemia and Supplements

Comments: 0June 28th, 2010 by admin



Anaemia and supplements, is there a real connection? Anaemia itself is not a disease; it is the result the body malfunctioning somewhere and it stops producing the required number of red blood cells that it takes to keep your body functioning properly. It can affect both males and females at any age, but it is most common among young and middle aged females.

It is estimated that about 20 percent of all menstruating women and over fifty percent of pregnant women have anaemia. However, there are several other people that are at risk of developing this condition that affects the body in several ways.

Anaemia is a deficiency where the body does not produce either the required number of red blood cells or the quality that is required in these cells. Red blood cells carry the oxygen that your body uses through a protein called hemoglobin.

The normal concentration of hemoglobin that is required is 16 g/dl for men and 14 g/dl for women. The symbol g/dl stands for grams per deciliter, which is a volume of unit that is equal to one tenth of a liter.

When the levels of hemoglobin in the blood drop below this measurement, a person becomes anemic.

Hemoglobin is an iron containing protein that is stored in red blood and it transports oxygen form the lungs to several parts of the body including the muscles. Once it arrives, it releases oxygen. However, all tissues need oxygen to survive and without the proper levels it cannot properly convert the body’s sources of energy.

These energy sources are what activate muscle contractions, conduction of nerve tissues, and several other critical functions. Iron is extremely important in this process and a deficiency can cause anaemia, but so can deficiencies of other nutrients.

Causes of Anaemia:
There are several causes of Anaemia, but the most common causes are a lack of three critical nutrients in the diet; Iron, Vitamin B12, and Folic Acid.

Iron, which is a mineral, is a critical nutrient in your body as every red blood cell contains iron and a deficiency causes IDA, or Iron Deficiency Anemia. IDA does not just suddenly develop; it develops over a period of time as the body becomes depleted of iron. Red blood cells need iron to produce at full strength, and when the supply is depleted, they become weaker and can not deliver the proper amount of oxygen.

IDA is most often caused by an insufficient amount of iron in the diet, poor absorption of iron in the body, or an ongoing blood loss by menstruation or a loss of blood in the intestinal tract. However, it can also be caused by very rapid growth spurts.

Vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia is caused when your digestive system is not able to properly absorb this critical vitamin. Vitamin B12 is essential in the manufacturing of red blood cells, and if your body is destroying this vitamin, you have what is referred to as Pernicious anemia.

You can also get this deficiency from Crohn’s disease, a bacterial growth, a parasite, or simply by taking heartburn medicine over an extended period of time.

Folic acid deficiency anaemia is caused by not getting enough folic acid either in your diet or by supplements. Folic acid is instrumental in the function of producing new cells in your body including red blood cells. Pregnancy drives the need for folic acid in the body but so do some diseases such as sickle cell disease.

Drinking too much alcohol will also deplete the body of folic acid as will any type of a severe kidney infection that requires kidney cleaners. Medications for Rheumatoid arthritis can also deplete your body of the vitamin.
There are also other causes that include malabsorption issues where your body cannot properly utilize the nutrients, such as coeliac disease.

Autoimmune disorders where the immune cells actually attack the red blood cells and decrease their life span can also be the cause.

Symptoms:

There are several symptoms that will be associated with Anaemia, depending on the severity. The most prevalent symptoms will be fatigue, weakness, and if severe, it can affect your breathing. Pale skin is also a very common with this condition.

Other symptoms will include a sudden drop in blood pressure from either sitting or lying in one position, especially after a large loss of blood. This symptom is very common among women during heavy periods. This may also be accompanied by rapid heartbeats.

Headaches, the loss of the ability to concentrate, and becoming irritated very easily are also common symptoms. If the condition is severe, it can cause cracked or red tongues and a sudden loss of appetite. This is most common among people on fad diets or vegetarians.

Treatments:

Treatments will have to be determined by your doctor after a series of testing to determine the actual cause. In most cases, treatments will be Iron supplements or supplements Vitamin B12 or Vitamin B9, Folic Acid. In very severe cases, these vitamins may be injected along with blood fusions or oxygen fusions where required.

It will be extremely important to take Iron supplements only as recommended or advised by your doctor. Iron is essential in fighting this condition, but it can also be toxic. Your body has a very difficult time in excreting iron excess so it must be taken only as directed.

However, besides the three nutrients, there are other natural ways to help fight off Anaemia. Beet juice is extremely powerful in helping this condition as it has several vitamins and is rich in iron. It is especially helpful to children and teenagers.

Lettuce and spinach are very easily absorbed and the iron found in them is natural and helps with the building of red blood cells. However, the most natural food to help with this condition is honey; it is very rich in iron, copper and magnesium, and can build hemoglobin back very quickly.

Summary:

Anaemia and supplements go hand in hand as a deficiency of the Iron, Vitamin B12, and Folic acid can rapidly deplete your red blood cell strength. Just be very cautious with over supplementing iron. There is no threat at all with either of the vitamins, simply because they are water soluble and it is impossible for them to be toxic as any excess is excreted daily.

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What Cocaine Addiction Does to You and How You Can Treat it

Comments: 0June 28th, 2010 by admin



Cocaine is the most abused drug in America today. It is responsible for sending countless people to get emergency care. Cocaine has been around for a while and is nothing new to the illicit drug world however today it is often thought of as an elitist drug due to its cost. It goes under a number of different names including crack, crack cocaine, and coke. Each one features a slightly different variation. Crack for example is a solid form of cocaine that is smoked, whereas the regular form is a powder that is usually snorted through the nose. No matter what kind it is, they are all dangerous, not to mention highly illegal, and can lead to cocaine addiction.

Cocaine addiction is one of the worst addictions a person can suffer through. It is commonly believed, although mistakenly, that the drug is not addictive as there are no withdrawal symptoms seen like there are when people become addicted to heroin or alcohol. The addictive nature of cocaine is more psychological rather than physical. The drug can cause serious harm to your body. It can affect everything from your skin to your brain. The specific effects of the drug differ depending on a number of variables including the method used to take it, how much, and what it is mixed with.

One area of the body that cocaine is notorious for affecting is the nervous system. This can result in a greater amount of energy, being overly excited, reduced appetite, being fatigued, and less sensitive to pain. Some of the mental effects include feeling powerful and competent as well as being talkative and uncontrollable laughter. Cocaine can also affect the brain and cause anxiety, headaches nausea, and confusion. Due to snorting cocaine through the nose, it can cause anything from nasal crusting and irritation to stuffiness, repeated nosebleeds and loss of nasal septum. Smoking crack cocaine causes lung and breathing issues.

Due to the psychological issues cocaine addiction causes, if you are experiencing anything like depression, suicidal or homicidal thoughts or hallucinations, get help immediately. If you are not experiencing anything like that, you should still find a way to stop using cocaine, but that of course is always easier said than done. Treatment typically involves the fellowship of Cocaine Anonymous (CA) However, there are alternatives to help someone try to stop their addictive habits, including addiction counselling, hypnotherapy and self hypnosis downloads.

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Hello world!

Comments: 1June 27th, 2010 by admin

Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start blogging!

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Symptoms and Pains – Endometriosis Versus Ovarian Cancer

Comments: 0June 26th, 2010 by admin



The symptoms of endometriosis and ovarian cancer symptoms have some overlap, which is why some women with endometriosis worry about the risk of developing ovarian cancer. But before you jump to conclusions lets take a look at the symptoms of endometriosis versus ovarian cancer.

During your monthly period, your uterine wall is shed, and appears as bloody discharge. This is actually a remnant of the endometrium, a layer of muscle and blood designed to support an embryo. If the egg your body releases every month is not fertilized, hormones signal your uterus to shed the uterine lining.

For endometriosis sufferers, endometrial tissue similar to the uterus lining is found in areas outside of the uterus. This migrating endometrial tissue adheres to surrounding organs, causing inflammation and scar tissue to form, resulting in you feeling severe pain, usually at the same time as your menstrual cycle.

This rogue endometrial tissue not only effects the organs found in the pelvic cavity, but also can migrate and attach itself to the bladder, bowel, intestines and colon. In rare cases endometrial lesions have been found in the lungs, spine, and brain and on the skin.

Endometriosis, however, is not cancer.

Ovarian cancer, on the other hand, entails the formation of cysts on your ovaries. These cysts are often benign, and can be removed by surgery if they are detected early.

However, if they start moving to other parts of the body, ovarian cancer can become malignant.

Fluctuations or abnormalities in hormonal levels in your body most likely cause both endometriosis and ovarian cancer. According to studies, women with endometriosis are also more likely to develop ovarian cancer in their lifetime.

So, what are the symptoms of endometriosis?

Severe, disabling pain in the abdominal area that gets worse over time can be the first sign of endometriosis.

Other symptoms will include, but are not limited to:

Vomiting

Nausea

abnormal or irregular menstrual cycles, including bleeding or spotting in between periods

painful urination

painful bowel movements

painful sexual intercourse

heavy menstrual periods

back pain during menstruation

infertility or difficulty conceiving.

Compare these to the symptoms of ovarian cancer. Like endometriosis, women with ovarian cancer will experience pain, although this will manifest at first as a sense of heaviness in the pelvic area.

Other signs of ovarian cancer will include:

vaginal bleeding

abnormal or irregular menstrual cycles

progressive but unexplainable back pain

increased weight gain around the abdomen

inexplicable weight gain or loss

vomiting

nausea

bloody stool

loss of appetite

increased urination

excessive or increased hair growth

increased fluids lining the lungs

sometimes even positive readings on pregnancy tests even if the affected woman is not pregnant.

Because the two illnesses are closely linked, the symptoms of endometriosis versus ovarian cancer can overlap. If you suspect that you have endometriosis or ovarian cancer, consult with your physician immediately. Read as much as you can, and do research on your condition, so that you are better informed on the therapy options available to you.

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Gay Drug Addiction

Comments: 0June 25th, 2010 by admin



Gay drug addiction or alcohol addiction problems?

Addiction is a primary, progressive, and fatal illness, which if left untreated can result in premature death or a life plagued with despair. Addiction has also been described as a pathological relationship to a substance, person, behavior or process.

The idea that drug addicts or alcoholics are weak willed or morally corrupt has long ago been debunked. That attitude keeps people from seeking addiction treatment or drug rehab and fosters shame, resentment and fear around their illness.

“Shaming” addicts for their drug abuse and drug addiction behavior is counter productive. It creates barriers to recovery, and greatly complicates the recovery process once begun. Once in the grips of drug addiction, the addict or alcoholic rarely has control of their thoughts or actions. They are all centered around how to best “feed” their drug addiction or alcohol addiction.

Signs and Symptoms- When you drink or use drugs, does it take more or less to get you drunk or high than it used to? (Increasing or decreasing tolerance is a sign of addiction.) – Do you ever drink or use more than you intended to? (This indicates loss of control over your alcohol use.) – Do you make sure you have a supply of drugs or always keep alcohol near by? Preoccupation with supply is a characteristic of drug addiction or alcohol addiction.) – Do you have blackouts – forget what you have done or said, or “lose time” after drinking or using? (Blackouts are indicative of late stage alcoholism, alcohol addiction or drug addiction.) – Do you ever drink or use drugs in the morning to reduce anxiety or cope with a hangover? (This indicates a progression of drug addiction or alcohol addiction) – Do you ever find yourself wishing for a drink or drug to calm down or steady your nerves? (This indicates self medication, as well as a in your progression of your drug addiction or alcohol addiction) – Do you ever drink alcohol when taking prescription medications when told it is dangerous to do so? – Have you ever gone to work or school drunk or high? – - Do you find yourself using alcohol or drugs to help you sleep or reduce anxiety? – When prescribed medication, do you take more than prescribed? (“If one is good – two is better”) – Have friends, family or loved ones ever commented on or expressed concern about your use?

Do you ever drink or use alone? – Do you do or say things you later regret when drinking or using? (Impaired judgement from drinking or using indicate a sign of progression, loss of control and late stage drug addiction or alcohol addiction.) – Have you ever had a DUI, driven drunk, or had a drug or alcohol related accident or injury? – Have you ever stopped or cut back on drinking or using because you felt it was causing problems in your life? (Life difficulties around use indicate a problem – many alcoholics and addicts temporarily modify their patterns of using in an effort to prove to themselves that they have control of their use. – Do you switch from one substance to another, or change drinks in an effort to regain control? (Switch from Scotch to Beer,Beer to Drugs?- Do you believe you’re not an addict because your drug of choice is legal or prescribed? If you have answered yes to several of these questions, it might be a good idea, with friends or family to take a close look at your drinking or drugging habits. If you decide their might be a problem or a problem exists, seek help at a gay friendly drug rehab, gay friendly alcohol rehab or gay friendly detox of your choice.

If you require assistance locating a drug rehab, alcohol rehab that is gay friendly, please call us at 1-800-511-9225, Recovery Connection, and we will be happy to locate one for you.

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Colon Cancer Treatments – The Three Most Common Procedures

Comments: 0June 23rd, 2010 by admin



If you have been diagnosed with colon cancer, then your next step is to think about treatment. Treatment options vary and will be determined by the stage of colon cancer and the location of the cancer. Your oncologist will be able to give you the best advice on which treatment option is right for you. This article is going to explain three of the most common treatments for colon cancer. Keep reading to gain a valuable education.

Surgery is a Standard Treatment for Colon Cancer

Surgery to remove all sections of the bowel that has been affected by cancer is a common treatment in all stages of colon cancer. There are three types of surgery that can be used to remove the cancer. They are:

Local excision. This is reserved for cancer that is found in the early stages. The doctor will simply insert a tube into your rectum and advance it into the colon. He will then be able to cut away the cancerous part of the colon. If a polyp is involved, he can remove the polyp this way also. This is a fairly simple surgery and requires no incision. Resection. This is used if the cancer in the colon has become quite large. The surgeon will make an incision into the abdomen and remove part of the colon that is affected by the cancer. He will also remove small sections of healthy tissue that surrounds the diseased section of the bowel. Lymph nodes near the colon may be removed so they can be examined to determine if the cancer has spread. The surgeon will then sew the two healthy ends of the bowel together. Resection and colostomy. Depending on the what part of the colon is affected and how much of the colon is involved, the surgeon may be unable to sew the healthy ends back together. In that case, one end of the bowel will be brought through a hole that is made in the abdomen. This is called a stoma. The patient will then need to wear bag over the stoma because the waste is now being expelled through the stoma. This is called a colostomy. Many people are able to lead normal lives after a colostomy.
Radiation to Treat Colon Cancer

Radiation can be high energy x-rays or other forms of radiation that is used to kill off cancer cells or to keep them from growing. Radiation may be given externally or it may be given internally through needles, seeds or catheters that are placed near the cancer. The way radiation is used is determined by the location and the size of the cancer.

Chemotherapy Treatment for Colon Cancer

Chemotherapy drugs can be used to kill cancer cells or to stop them from spreading. Chemotherapy can be injected through the vein or ingested through the mouth in the form of pills. It can also be injected directly into the area that is affected by the cancer such as the abdomen or the spine.

All of these treatments may be used alone or in combination with each other. A lot of patients that have surgery to remove part of the diseased colon will have chemotherapy or radiation to kill of any traveling cancer cells.

Colon cancer can be cured if caught early enough and contained. Stay in tune to your body and get regular check ups.

Whilst every opportunity has been take to ensure that all information is correct and up to date at time of writing, it is not meant to be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please always consult your doctor or health care specialist if you are in any way concerned about your health.

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Leukemia For Twins and Stem Cells Solutions

Comments: 0June 23rd, 2010 by admin



Although there are no accurate data for concordance rates of leukemia in infant twins, anecdotally it seems to be exceptionally high, perhaps approaching one hundred percent that is, if one twin has it, unfortunately so will the other. If correct, this suggests that MLL gene fusion in utero has a dramatic impact, ensuring subsequent leukemia. But for children aged two to six years with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the concordance rate is considerably lower at around five percent. This still represents a one hundred fold extra risk of leukemia for the twin of a patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia but also indicates the need for some additional postnatal event for which there is a one in twenty chance, or ninety five percent discordance. This suggests, at a minimum, a “two hit” model for the natural course of childhood leukemia.

If this model of leukemia development is correct, then, for every child with acute lymphoblastic leukemia diagnosed, there should be at least twenty healthy children who have had a chromosome translocation, a functional leukemia fusion gene, and a covert preleukaemic clone generated in utero. This possibility has been investigated by screening unselected samples of newborn cord blood for fusion genes. About six hundred samples have been screened, and around one percent have a leukemia TEL

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Have You Been Exposed to HIV? STD Tests – HIV Testing Options

Comments: 0June 22nd, 2010 by admin



Are you at risk of HIV infection? If you are sexually active, especially in a non-monogamous relationship, if you have had intimate contact with an HIV positive person, or if you have been exposed to any infected bodily fluids such as blood, you may be at risk of having HIV. Immediate testing for the virus is definitely called for if you are at risk and have not been tested, since the earlier you know that you are infected, the better the outcome will be. Of course, finding out that you are HIV positive can be a very scary experience and you may be tempted to put off testing for fear of what you may find out. However, this is not a good idea. By going ahead and getting an HIV test you can either assuage your fears by finding out that you are not actually HIV positive or you can start taking action to control your infection and stay healthy and to keep from infecting other people.

Thanks to new antiretroviral drugs, early treatment of HIV can help infected people live long, high quality lives. However, the key is to find out about the infection early so that treatment can be started. This is why it is so necessary to get tested if you have any doubts about your status and to find out the truth. Once you know whether or not you have gotten the disease, you can be empowered to take control and to keep yourself healthy.

Fortunately, getting tested for HIV is a very simple process. It requires only a small blood sample, which can then be checked for the virus. You can also be guaranteed confidential and rapid testing by using the right confidential STD testing service. This company is a nationwide chain that provides knowledgeable, confidential, and fast service to help people get tested for a wide range of sexually transmitted diseases. When you call a confidential STD testing service for an HIV testing appointment, you can usually get same day testing services and a result back within just a few days. This allows you to get your results fast and to skip the days or weeks of worry that can accompany other methods of testing.

People should have a way of getting STD tests in a very caring environment that ensures compete privacy. By using an STD testing service for an HIV Test, you can expect to talk with a trained counselor who can help you deal with the fear and other emotional aspects of testing for this disease and who can also help if you get a positive result. Only use a service with trained professionals whose primary business is helping people learn about their STD and HIV status and deal with the fear, embarrassment, and other emotions that can make it difficult for many people to get the treatment they need.

Because HIV can be so easily transmitted to sexual partners and is much easier to treat when caught early, it is really essential that you get help as soon as possible. Don’t let fear, embarrassment, or other things get in the way of this extremely important step. Get tested today so that you can get the necessary knowledge to make smart choices about your future.

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History of Cocaine

Comments: 0June 21st, 2010 by admin



Extraction of pure cocaine was first done from the leaf of the Erythroxylon coca bush, which is found mainly in the high mountain ranges of Peru and Bolivia, in the mid nineteenth century. The natives of this region used the coca leaves as a stimulant. The effect of intake was increased breathing, which led to higher intake of oxygen. Given the tough environmental conditions, namely thin air at high altitudes, the laborers were able to carry out their physical activities with more stamina. Gradually, the powerful stimulating effects of the coca leaf were duly noticed by the scientific world. Cocaine was first synthesized in 1855. The coca leaves were chemically synthesized, leaving the white crystalline powder, which is now known as cocaine. Hence, the hitherto mild stimulating effects of the coca leaves were maximized in the form of this potent drug. By the early 1900′s, it was to become the main stimulant in numerous cure-all tonics and elixirs. With the passage of time, more novel methods to intensify the ecstatic effects of cocaine were invented. These efforts led to the invention of ‘crack’, the most dangerous and potent form of cocaine.

The famous psychologist Sigmund Freud was the first to promote the drug as a cure for depression and sexual impotence. In 1886, John Pemberton, the inventor of the new soft drink Coca-Cola used it as the chief ingredient. This gave an added boost to the popularity of the drug. Coca-Cola’s status as the most popular soft drink in history can be attributed to the powerful energizing effects of cocaine.

In the second half of the 19th century, opium, heroin and cocaine were freely used in making tonics and elixirs that were broadly advocated as cures for a wide range of diseases. There was a prominent and socially approved drug culture in the American society at the time. Other famous promoters of this drug were Thomas Edison and actress Sarah Bernhart. It was widely used in Hollywood too. Such staunch support coming from role models of the time, powerfully catapulted cocaine to a cult-like status.

It was only some years later that the dangers of cocaine use came to the fore. Gradually, as the harmful side effects of cocaine became known, public protest against it reached a crescendo pitch, finally resulting in a total ban on its use. Pemberton was forced to remove cocaine from Coca-Cola in 1903. Cocaine became a banned narcotic according to The Dangerous Drug Act of 1920. Unfortunately, a market for cocaine was already created and continues to flourish even today.

Today, crack is the most sought after form of cocaine. Crack has been a part of American culture for about 150 years, although it is relatively new compared to other drugs such and heroin and opium, which have been around for much longer. Smoking crack cocaine became popular in the 1970′s. Since then, it has claimed millions of lives in America and around the world.

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