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Vitamin B12 Injections – Do You Need B12 Shots?

Comments: 0November 2nd, 2011 by admin



Vitamin B12 is a unique vitamin for many reasons. It was the most recent vitamin to be discovered, when scientists finally isolated its pure form in 1948. Until that time, doctors knew only that an “extrinsic factor” existed (a compound that had to be ingested) and was necessary to prevent pernicious anemia. This deficiency disease was reported as early as the 1820′s but it wasn’t until the 1920′s that an extract from liver was found to be the cure, and still more years passed before the “extrinsic factor” was finally identified as vitamin B12.

The digestion and absorption of vitamin B12 is more complicated than other vitamins: Three components are necessary for a human to be able to absorb adequate amounts. If one of these is missing, injections become the only way to prevent a deficiency.

First, the stomach must be present. This may sound obvious at first, but in fact many nutrients are actually absorbed in the small intestine and a stomach is not necessary for human survival. In the case of vitamin B12, however, “intrinsic factor” must be present in the stomach to combine with the “extrinsic factor” (vitamin B12) for absorption to occur. The stomach produces this intrinsic factor. A person may have to have their stomach removed due to severe ulcers, polyps, or cancer, and afterwards will not be able to absorb oral B12. In this case they would need injections of the vitamin because no matter how much they eat, it will not be absorbed.

The second component is stomach acid. Even if the stomach is present, a condition of low acid production (achlorhydria) is not uncommon in the elderly. This acid environment is necessary for the intrinsic and extrinsic factors to combine. Another cause of low stomach acid is when antacid medications are taken consistently over long periods of time. If stomach acid is lacking and a person becomes B12 deficient, monthly injections are needed to prevent pernicious anemia.

The third component necessary is the functioning area of the small intestine where the vitamin is actually absorbed. Known as the terminal ileum, it is the last part of the small intestine just before the GI tract leads into the large intestine. Some people may need to have this part of their ileum removed due to inflammation from Crohn’s disease, or other chronic bowel irritations. Even if the ileum is present, if it is inflamed or scarred from an irritable bowel disease, the vitamin will not be absorbed adequately. For these people, vitamin B12 injections are a lifesaver.

Who else needs vitamin B12 injections? Not healthy people who eat balanced diets. Not people who feel tired all the time and lack energy but have not been diagnosed with a deficiency of the vitamin. Not even strict vegetarians who don’t get a source of the vitamin in their diet. Even though B12 is only found in animal products, there are other ways to consume it orally: Some can be found in certain nutritional yeasts; many cereals are fortified with B vitamins including B12, and other foods such as energy bars are also fortified in many instances. The back-up plan for strict vegans (who consume no animal products) is taking a daily vitamin B12 pill from the bottle-no injection is needed because there is no problem absorbing the vitamin!

Injections are only necessary for people who are missing their stomach, their stomach acid, or their terminal ileum. Taking injections when your body is perfectly capable of absorbing the vitamin orally will not serve any purpose, change any symptoms, or resolve any feelings of low energy. This myth comes from the fact that a person who is truly B12 deficient has a deadly form of anemia and can be cured by the shots. The only thing a B12 injection can cure is a B12 deficiency.

To check for possible deficiency disease, a simple lab test (the MCV or mean corpuscular volume) indicates that red blood cells are not dividing and multiplying at the appropriate rate. Known as megaloblastic anemia, these large cells could indicate potential pernicious anemia. If further diagnostics are needed there are specific absorption tests available. It certainly makes sense to have your doctor diagnose the problem and identify the source before starting any injection treatments.

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8 Health Checkups That Are a Must For All Women

Comments: 0October 31st, 2011 by admin



We women have a tendency to ignore our health very often, sometimes due to lack of time, many a times due to our lethargy and more often than not, because we don’t take its seriously as the severity of the ailment is not known until later.

But as our fitness is directly proportional to the fitness of our families, we have to proactively walk that extra mile and get these essential health checkups done, as a matter of prevention and early diagnosis, than wait for the day when its too late.

This list contains 8 must-do health checkups, which are essential alongwith the routine checkups that your medical center provides you with. These tests must be done bi-annually.

A Test to examine the Breast

Name of the Test: High Resolution Mammography Ultrasound

Detects: A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast that is designed to detect breast cancer. The test uses a special x-ray machine to take pictures of both breasts. The results are recorded on x-ray film or directly onto a computer for a radiologist to examine.

Why should one get it done: It is actually advisable to have a breast check done now, to prevent breast cancer later. Through a mammogram the doctor can have a closer look for breast lumps and changes in breast tissue and the mammogram can show small lumps or growths that a doctor may not be able to feel when doing a clinical breast exam. It is said that mammography” is the best screening tool that doctors have for finding breast cancer, hence, one can take this test. Also, by early diagnosis a woman has a better chance of surviving the disease and more choices for treatment.

Who should get it done: Women above 40 and in the post menopause stage are advised to undergo the test.

Cost: Average range is between Rs 2500 – Rs 3500/-

A Test to check the health of the Cervix

Name of the test: Pap Smear test

Detects: The Pap smear test tracks the health of your cervix. Cervix is the lower part of the uterus opening into the vagina. This test is done to detect if there are unhealthy cervical cells that can lead to cervical cancer.

Why should one get it done: Frequency of sex as well as multiple partner sex can lead to the possibility of the HPV virus entering the female body and affecting the cervix. The symptoms of cervical cancer are not known until several years. By conducting a Pap test, that is examining cells from the cervix one can find and treat changing cells before they turn into cancer.

Who should get it done: Women who are 21 years and older and those who are below 21 years but have been sexually active for a year must get themselves tested. Preferably, the test must be conducted twice each year in a gap of 6 months. Women with multiple sex partners are also recommended to get thePap test done.

Cost: Rs 1500 – Rs 2000/-

A Test to check Anemia, Blood cell count, Hemoglobin

Name of the Test: CBC Blood Test (routine examination) complete haemogram

Detects: The CBC (Complete Blood Count) test gives inputs on various counts relating to the blood, including red blood cells count, white blood cells count and platelet counts.

Why should one get it done: If you feel fatigued and weak even after a small activity, chances are that your hemoglobin count has gone down. If you are constantly being attacked by viruses thereby falling sick, chances are that your WBCs that fight germs have gone down in numbers. Hnce, in order to keep fit and active, one must get the routine CBC checkup done. A high WBC count may signify an infection, while a low WBC count may point toward other problems. A low red blood cell count may suggest anaemia, while a high red blood cell count may include bone marrow disease or low blood oxygen levels.

Who should get it done: While there is no such age limits prescribed for undergoing blood test, it is recommended that you get one done when your family physician recommends. And while undergoing the regular complete body check-ups a blood check proves to be highly beneficial.

Cost: Rs 200 – Rs 300/-

A Check to know the state of your Stomach, Lower Abdomen

Name of the Test: Ultrasound Sonography

Detects: Ultrasound is that imaging technique available to doctors with which a doctor is able to peer inside of one’s body to check for anomalies.

* For pregnant women, ultrasound helps in knowing whether the inner mouth of the uterus is closed and if all is fine in the womb.

* Also, with ultrasound to bank upon, we can gauge the shape and size of the uterus and check for abnormalities and fibroid growth.

* Ultrasound helps in gauging possible pregnancies, tubal diseases and ovary growth and diseases.

* Helps in assessing abdominal pain and in diagnosing growths or tumors of the ovary, uterus and fallopian tubes.

Why should I get it done: As Ultrasound gives us a complete picture about the health of the abdomen and the lower abdomen and is especially beneficial to check the state of the fetus, it is highly recommended.

Who should get it done: Those who suffer from regular abdominal pain, pregnant ladies, and women who counter lower abdominal problems

Cost: Rs 150 – Rs 450/-
A Test to check the strength of the Heart

Test: Stress test or Treadmill test

Detects: Stress tests help in determining the amount of stress one’s heart can manage, in determining if enough blood flows to the heart muscle, and in checking if there are blockages in the heart.

Why should I get it done: The stress test helps you in knowing if there is adequate blood flow to your heart during increasing levels of activity, in assessing the effectiveness of your heart medications to control various problems, in estimating the likelihood of having coronary heart diseases and in identifying abnormal heart rhythms. Also by going through the treadmill test, you can develop a safe exercise program.

Who should get it done: Those who have foods with high cholesterol levels, with a day schedule that does not involve physical activity and involves working at one place for longer durations

Cost: Rs 1000 – Rs 1400/-

A Test to check the Heart pulse rate and other issues

Name of the Test: ECG (Electro cardiogram)

Detects: ECG tests are conducted to check on the heart beat and to note any irregularities or blockages that may be present therein. This test is used to reflect underlying heart conditions by measuring the electrical activity of the heart. By positioning electrical sensing devices on the body in certain locations, we can get the relevant information about heart conditions. ECG also helps in early detection of the occurrence of a heart attack that may be in the evolving stage. It ensures smooth blood flow to the heart, helps in detecting blood pressure, blood clots, and also inflammation of the heart.

Why should one get it done: It is recommended that you get ECG check ups done regularly as it helps you in knowing if your heart rhythms and underlying cardiac or metabolic disorders. Avoiding diagnosis or delaying it, will lead to fatal implications.

Who should get it done: There is no age limit for taking the ECG test. All women must get this done at least once a year.

Cost: Rs 200 – Rs 500/-

A Test that checks the Thyroid levels in your body

Name of the Test: Thyroid Test

Detects: Many women suffer from thyroid and are unaware of this medical problem. In normal parlance, thyroid generally connotes bloating of the body. However, there are also cases of inverse thyroid where the patient remains thin. Basically this test will detect if you suffer from hyper or hypo thyroidism, or if your thyroid gland is hail, hearty and smiling.

Why should one get it done: As the thyroid gland influences almost all of the metabolic processes in the body, through the hormones it produces, it is essential to get oneself checked for hyper(over production of thyroid hormones) or hypo(underproduction of thyroid hormones) thyroidism and procrastinating the checkup may lead to complications as severe as thyroid cancer and the problems can be well managed if diagnosed on time and treated.

Who should get it done: Women above 25 years of age, and those who have just delivered, and also women in the middle age, can take the test.

Cost: Rs 200 – Rs 600/-

A Test that measures your Bone mass density

Name of the test: Dexa (Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) Scans

Detects: Dexa is used for measuring bone mineral density and is one of the most accurate ways to diagnose Osteoporosis.

Why should one get it done? As osteoporosis is a disease afflicting bones causing them to become thinner and fragile, it is important to get your bone health checked. Bones help us in movement and in doing various activities, it is pertinent that they remain fit and healthy. All the more, dexa scans are reliable as these are much more accurate than regular x-rays and require less radiation exposure than CT scans.

Who should get it done: Experts recommend women who are over 65, women who enter the menopausal stage, those women who have any of the risks associated with osteoporosis and those women who sufer from fractures to take the Dexa test so that they get a clear picture of their overall bone health. However, women who are pregnant must avoid this test.

Cost: Rs 2500 – Rs 3500/-

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Little Known Natural Treatments For Stopping Migraine Occurrences

Comments: 0October 30th, 2011 by admin



30 or 40 million people in the USA experience migraine headaches. They are three times as liable to happen in women and normally experienced by people from the early teenage years to around age 50 or 55. Headache pain is usually in the moderate to severe range and can disrupt a headache sufferer’s daily schedule. Migraine attacks are characteristically pulsating unilateral headaches and can be accompanied by unsettled stomach, vomiting, numbness, tingling, and sensitivities to sounds, smells, and light.

The most customary methods of care incorporate pain killers such as Tylenol, Advil, Motrin IB, and aspirin. When pain becomes too intense stronger prescription medications are frequently used in an attempt to limit the headache pain. Conversely, there are countless effective natural treatment options for migraine headaches that do not involve using possibly unsafe or addictive pain killers.

1. Natural Nutritional Supplements

Some studies have publicized that iron and manganese levels that are not within normal ranges may boost the risk of migraine pain. Studies have publicized that when levels are either higher or lower than normal it can cause migraine symptoms to appear. When iron rises above normal, consuming certain vitamins or minerals may help alleviate the pain. These consist of vitamin E, riboflavin), zinc, and magnesium.

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is found in dairy products including milk and cheese, leafy green vegetables, soybeans, mushrooms, almonds, and additional foods. Riboflavin can be destroyed if exposed to light for an extended period. Magnesium is usually found in leafy green vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.

Vitamin E (tocoperol) is typically found in vegetables such as asparagus, dairy products, avocados, eggs, leafy green vegetables such as spinach, wheat germ, and grains. Red meat and poultry, along with beans, nuts, crab, lobster, whole grains, and dairy products are excellent sources of zinc.

With elevated manganese levels, consuming vitamin B6 (pyridoxal phosphate) vitamin C, calcium, and potassium can many times alleviate the headache pain. Lowering the quantity of manganese in a person’s body has also been shown to help ease migraines brought on by womanly hormonal imbalances.

Grains, nuts, poultry, beef, and various vegetables are good sources of B6 (PLP). Fresh raw fruits and vegetables are a rich natural source of ascorbic acid (also known as vitamin C). Vitamin C can also be found in certain kinds of meat, especially liver. Milk, cheese, and yogurt are outstanding dairy sources of calcium while vegetables and grains are good quality nondairy sources. Potassium is profuse in nature, but only appears as ionic salt. It occurs in all animals and vegetation, but is especially high in raw fruits.

2. Massage Taut Muscles

Rub downs have been shown to alleviate muscle stress. Rubbing the tense muscles of the head, neck, and shoulders in a firm but gentle circular motion will usually help decrease muscle tension. Lots of individuals can get relief by rubbing their muscles in this manner.

3. Frequent Exercising

When experiencing migraine pain no strenuous exercise should be performed because this type of activity will normally boost the intensity of the throbbing and pulsating pain. Nonetheless, repeated work outs through non-headache periods will certainly enhance overall wellbeing which will often translate into a smaller number of headache pain episodes. Walking briskly, jogging, and swimming activities are great exercises that will normally help. Habitual exercise can enlarge the diameter of the arteries which has been shown to regulate blood pressure.

4. Drink More Liquids

If your body gets dehydrated it can produce headache symptoms. Merely consuming a greater amount of fresh water is the cure. As a general rule it’s good for the average person to consume at least 64 ounces per day. Yet, some actions will make it essential to increase fluid intake. As an illustration, people that ride bikes or jog a lot will commonly need extra fluids. Heavy meat eaters should generally consume additional water. Consuming plenty of water can enhance fitness in many ways, but it can also help alleviate migraine pain over the long term.

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A Deficiency in This Vitamin May Be the Cause of Anemia, But Eating These Foods Can Help

Comments: 0October 30th, 2011 by admin



There are many different things that can cause anemia but one thing that may be causing anemia is a lack of Vitamin B6 in ones diet. Although anemia from a deficiency of Vitamin B6 is not as common…because so many foods contain B6…it can happen. But to fix it, it is easy to get ones daily recommended allowances of this vitamin through certain foods. So if you are feeling like you might have anemia, try adding these foods to your diet:

liver bacon cashew nuts tomato juice turkey chicken beef cereals that are fortified with vitamins bananas baked potatoes peppers (red and green)

Besides Anemia, what does research say can happen if one doesn’t get enough Vitamin B6 in his diet? There is a higher risk of stroke and some types of heart disease. There is also a chance of getting depression. Research has shown that 1.4 mg per day for an average adult (not including pregnant or lactating women) is a sufficient intake of Vitamin B6.

Also, note that taking too much B6 can cause nerve damage – especially in the outer extremities. In the majority of cases, though, eliminating any vitamin supplements appears to eliminate the nerve problems altogether. So remember, not to take too much B6. However, if in an unlikely event that an overdose happens, it is very unlikely that it would be from ingesting foods high in Vitamin B6, bur rather, it would be more likely that it was caused by taking too many B6 supplements.

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STD Tests For Hepatitis C

Comments: 0October 27th, 2011 by admin



The hepatitis C virus (HCV) affects the liver but the disease is usually asymptomatic during the early stages of the infection. Therefore, hepatitis C is rarely detected during the first six months of infection. About 60 to 70 percent of people with hepatitis C have no symptoms and those who do suffer some symptoms only experience minor inconveniences that are even nonspecific, such as jaundice, abdominal pain, influenza-like symptoms, and itching.

Transmission of the disease is possible through sexual contact but there are other potential sources of HCV exposure. These include drug injection, organ transplantation, blood transfusion, occupations that normally expose people to blood, the use of dental or medical equipment that have not been properly sterilized, contact sports, tattoos and body piercings, and the sharing of personal items such as toothbrushes, cuticle scissors and razors.

The diagnosis for hepatitis C is usually made through blood tests. People who feel that they have been exposed to the disease are advised to specifically ask for HCV blood tests because the tests conducted during annual physical exams do not normally check for HCV. When you inform your physician about the possibility that you have been exposed to the virus, he may perform the tests himself or refer you to a hepatologist or a gastroenterologist.

A common HCV test is the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). This kind of test is capable of detecting the presence of HCV antibodies. On the other hand, the HCV RNA test will try to find out if there are any particles of HCV in the blood. These two tests have been found to be very sensitive and the possibility for false positives or false negatives is very rare. A liver biopsy or a liver enzyme test may also be performed to determine if there is any indication of damage to the liver. These procedures will assist the physician in evaluating the severity of the disease in a person. And if a person is positive for HCV, he may also undergo a genotyping blood test to find out the kind of HCV that has infected him. This is vital in choosing the effective treatment for the patient.

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Diagnosing Genital Herpes – How to Tell If You Have Genital Herpes

Comments: 0October 20th, 2011 by admin



Diagnosing genital herpes is no trivial matter, and no amount of information read on the internet or in any other format will accurately tell you if you have herpes or not. If you believe you have genital herpes, you must immediately seek medical treatment, where you will be tested for the virus. This test may involve a swab of the infection, if you are currently experiencing an outbreak, or it may be a blood test if you are not currently showing symptoms.

The reason diagnosing genital herpes is difficult without access to a doctor is that the symptoms of herpes are wide and varied, and nearly all the symptoms can possibly be another condition or infection. However, for your information, below are listed some of the more common trademarks of the herpes virus.

Sores, blisters or pimple-like spots on and around the genitals. These sores may vary in size from small pin-pricks to large coin sized blisters. They will most often be itchy and may seep and eventually burst, after which they will scab over. They can be painful, and are almost always quite uncomfortable. A rash on and around the genitals. This rash will most often be hot and itchy, and may be concentrated on the penis or on and inside the vagina, or may be spread around the groin and onto the buttocks, upper thighs and lower abdomen. Pain or burning in urination. This is especially prevalent in women, as the outbreak can occur on the vaginal walls as well as on the labia and areas around the vagina. Both women and men may also experience discharge. Flu-like symptoms. Tiredness or fatigue, irritability, headache, nausea and fever are also very common symptoms, and should be especially suspect if they occur at the same time as any of the above symptoms.

If you are experiencing any of the above, you should seek medical attention for a full diagnosis. Genital herpes diagnosis is very quick, painless and accurate, and with proper diagnosis you can get treatment right away and help get the virus under control. There are many treatments available for this disease, and it is not the life sentence it once was. Diagnosing genital herpes is the first step on the road to treatment and recovery, and getting your old life back again.

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Genital Herpes- Some Facts Everybody Must Know

Comments: 0October 18th, 2011 by admin



1. Genital herpes and oral sex-

If your partner has cold sores (carrier of virus type1), he/she can pass HSV1 to you by performing oral sex on you. You will contract Genital herpes.

2. Genital herpes is not life destroying-

Genital herpes is not life destroying. A large population is living with genital herpes without any serious problem. Control your triggers and outbreaks of herpes. A person suffering from genital herpes is more susceptible to get HIV. Maintain a healthy life style and you can live life normally.

3. Genital herpes cannot be transmitted through toilet seat-

The herpes virus cannot live long on dead surfaces such as toilet seats, towels, etc. It is rare to contact herpes from these objects.

4. Silent transmission-

An affected person, who does not have any signs of active sores, can also pass on the virus. That is called asymptomatic shedding of virus. So if your partner is suffering from genital herpes, you may also get it even if your partner shows no active outbreaks.

5. You may get the indication of herpes outbreak-

Before any herpes outbreak there is a period called prodrome. During this period you may get sensations such as- tingling, itching or some pain. That indicates that the genital herpes will break out in a day or two. Genital herpes can also spread easily during this prodrome period.

6. Prevention-

The best safeguard for genital herpes is to have a single partner who is free of herpes. If not, use of latex condoms and minimizing partners may reduce the risk.

7. Pregnancy & genital herpes-

A woman who is having active sores in or near vagina or having her first outbreak of genital herpes can pass on the disease to her newborn. In such cases herpes is controlled with anti-viral medications and cesarean delivery is performed to protect the new born from contacting herpes.

8. Reducing the spread of virus-

Anti viral therapy reduces the shedding of herpes virus considerably.

9. Cure-

There is no cure for genital herpes. The virus remains in the body for life. You should get treated whenever you get active sores (ulcers) to reduce the intensity and period of the outbreak.

10. Recurring episodes-

Some people get active genital herpes only once, while others may have several recurrences through their lifetime.

11. Affected Areas-

In men, the affected areas of genital herpes include- urethra, penis, scrotum, anus and buttocks. In women, the herpes appears on external genitals, vagina, cervix, buttocks and anus.

12. Transmission-

Genital herpes commonly gets transferred through skin cuts or mucous membranes. Oral cavity, vagina, anus and glans penis are all covered with mucous membrane.

13. Testing-

Herpes is tested with viral culture during active outbreaks. During dormancy (no visible signs), a blood test is performed. These tests are not very accurate and may need to be repeated.

14. Many people do not know that they have Genital herpes-

Many people who have genital herpes may not show any symptoms or the symptoms may be so insignificant that they ignore them.

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.

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Restless Leg Syndrome and Supplements

Comments: 0October 18th, 2011 by admin



Restless Legs Syndrome is a condition that affects about ten percent of the population. The disorder is characterized by an urge to move the legs, usually accompanied by or caused by uncomfortable leg sensations. People with RLS often have difficulty describing their symptoms. Common terms used to describe the sensations are aching, twitching, tingling, burning, creeping, crawling, itching, flowing, pulling, searing and painful. Many people experience these sensations in their legs, but the arms or other body regions also can be affected. The symptoms of RLS are generally worse at night, can be brought on by rest and are relieved by standing up or walking around.

MY STORY

I, too, suffer from RLS occasionally. I’ve had periods of my life where the condition seemed to worsen (probably stress-related). Some of the following suggestions may work for you, for others maybe not. For me, the lifestyle changes I made to help with my insomnia also helped with my RLS. I still have a sleepless night or a night with RLS, but they are far less frequent. Although http://www.natural-cures-for-insomnia.com does not endorse drug use, there are new drugs available for extreme cases of RLS when nothing else works.

ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS

Treatment begins by dealing with any underlying medical condition that may be cause the symptoms. Many times the cause is unknown, but it can be associated with neurological disorders, diabetes, stress and pregnancy. The serious sleep loss can not only lead to drowsiness, but could lead to depression and accidental injuries as well. In recent years, researchers have discovered that iron, folate or vitamin E levels are often low in RLS sufferers and supplementation can frequently help. For example, when iron deficiency is the cause, taking iron supplements can significantly reduce the symptoms of RLS.

“We know that iron deficiency is involved because every condition that produces iron deficiency, such as anemia or pregnancy, increases the risk of RLS dramatically,” says Richard Allen, PhD, a diplomat on the American Board of Sleep Medicine and a founder of the Johns Hopkins Sleep Disorders Center. In fact, based on studies of hospital patients, about 40 percent of people with anemia had RLS and about 20 percent to 40 percent of pregnant women have RLS.

Another way researchers know that iron plays a role is iron-deficient patients’ response to iron supplementation. “Then when the iron deficiency is corrected, the RLS often remits,” Dr. Allen says.

Some people with RLS, however, have normal iron levels. Researchers say that’s not a reason to discount iron as an underlying cause of their RLS. Studies indicate that the problem is the brains of RLS patients may not absorb iron normally.

Some other treatment options which may relieve pain include leg massages, hot baths, heat or icepacks, aspirin or other over-the-counter pain relievers, and the elimination of caffeine. As well, regular sleep habits and exercise, especially earlier in the day, will help people enjoy more restful sleep.

MAGNESIUM AND CALCIUM

Cramps in the lower limbs, restless leg syndrome and sleeplessness can be eased by the addition of calcium and magnesium to the diet. Magnesium is more easily absorbed by the body in the form of dolomite, or with the addition of calcium.

Magnesium helps to support a strong immune system and maintains normal muscle and nerve function. It is also known to be involved in every metabolism and protein synthesis and is needed for over three hundred biochemical reactions in the body, so it is very important.

One of the benefits of magnesium is its muscle relaxing properties. The heart is a muscle and high blood pressure is often caused by the heart not relaxing sufficiently on its outward (diastolic) beat. There is increasing interest in the role magnesium can play in managing hypertension and cardiovascular disease.

WHAT TO AVOID

You should avoid things that can make symptoms of RLS worse:

Tobacco

Alcohol

Caffeine–Chocolate, coffee, tea, and some soft drinks contain caffeine. Although it may seem to help overcome daytime sleepiness, caffeine usually only delays or masks RLS symptoms, and often makes them worse.
Some types of over-the-counter and prescription medicines can also make RLS symptoms worse. These include:

Anti-depressants (most of them)

Anti-nausea medicines

Anti-psychotic medicines

Antihistamines

Good supplements to take are iron, folic acid, co-enzyme Q10, extracts of ginko biloba and garlic tablets.

Acupuncture and magnet therapy are also worth trying to help with restless legs syndrome.

If you are taking prescription medication, always consult your health care professional before taking supplements.

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Chronic Renal Failure Guide – Prevent Dehydration

Comments: 0October 13th, 2011 by admin



Since vomiting and/or diarrhoea, haemorrhage of the gastrointestinal tract, are some of the features of this disease, together with the use of diuretics in this condition, the patient frequently becomes dehydrated, and his condition may quickly become unstable. This condition is so sensitive, that if dehydration is not attended to immediately, serum creatinine rises in no time, and the patient may even become permanently unstable. Hence, quick oral or intravenous fluids should be given, and if need be, hospitalization of the patient should not be delayed, under any circumstances. If the patient is handled in time and carefully, he will soon revert to a stable state and serum creatinine will also come to its original level.

There are other everyday points to be kept in mind. To avoid the risk of dehydration, fluids should not be stopped in the morning, while taking morning blood samples for various tests or for taking X-rays, etc. Similarly, purgatives are not recommended, which are usually given the night before taking an X-ray of the abdomen, as loose motions may add to dehydration. As far as possible, X-rays etc. should be avoided, and blood samples ought to be collected very early in the morning before the patient wakes up. Further, surgical intervention, even of a minor nature, needs to be carried out with proper hydration with intravenous fluids, both before and after the operation.

Since a patient of CRF passes more urine in an attempt to excrete body waste products, both during the day and night, therefore he feels more thirsty. When more urine is passed during the night (nocturia), he may feel dehydrated/thirsty in the morning, which may bring the patient to an unstable stage. And if nausea/vomiting is also there, this will further add to dehydration, which will make the patient more and more unstable, if the condition is not immediately controlled. This can be prevented to a reasonable extent, if the patient takes a little water after each urination at night, or he takes water when he gets up in the morning.

In view of the above, it may be said that one has to know even the minute details in order to preserve a viable portion of the kidneys, and to prevent further damage to them. However, excessive fluid should not be taken which the damaged kidney may not be able to excrete.

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Diagnosis of Cancer and Treatment

Comments: 0October 11th, 2011 by admin



Some of the methods that have been used for centuries are still valuable in detecting cancer, but modem medicine has developed many new techniques for aiding diagnosis of disease. One of the most important single procedures used by the physician is the use of his hands in order to palpate or feel changes that have occurred underneath the surface of the body. As medicine is practiced in some parts of the world, patients seldom get time even to remove the necessary clothing to permit the doctor to look at the skin or to put his hands on various portions of the body in order to feel changes that have taken place.

When there is a suspicion of a new growth the doctor will look to see if there is any visible sign of a change on the surface of the body. He will then press with his fingers to determine whether or not lumps may be felt underneath the skin, or whether the outlines of various organs in the abdomen have been changed from what is usually felt.

New instruments have been developed that enable the doctor to project his powers of observation in a way that was not possible fifty years ago. There is now an electrically-lighted instrument for every entrance and exit of the human body. The cystoscope, the bronchoscope, the esophagoscope and the gastroscope are types of instruments which enable the doctor to look into the urinary bladder, the bronchial tubes, the stomach, and many other portions of the body.

With the X-ray the doctor can detect changes in the outlines of organs inside the body, and by combinations of the use of the X-ray with the use of certain drugs that can be taken internally he can get pictures of changes in outline and in functioning of various tissues of the body. He can even see tumors which project into the cavities inside the brain. In addition, there are devices such as the electroencephalograph which enable the doctor to determine changes in the function of the brain. There are also functional tests for the kidney, the stomach, the liver, the heart, and other vital organs.

Transillumination means that light is thrown through the tissues of the body; this is one of the tests that is used particularly in studying the breast for the presence of new growths. New also in the study of cancer is the use of radioactive isotopes. We know today that certain chemical substances taken into the body will be carried by the blood to certain organs or tissues, where they are deposited. Thus, more than 90 per cent of iodine taken into the body goes directly to the thyroid gland.

Calcium is deposited in bones and teeth. Some substances go directly to the liver. Radioactivity attached to these chemical substances goes with them, and they can then be detected in various portions of the body by use of the device called the Geiger counter, which shows the presence of the radioactive substances by a clicking sound. All over the country research is now being made to determine how valuable radioactive isotopes can be in aiding not only in diagnosis but also in treatment of cancer.

New also in the study of cancerous changes are the studies that are now being made on the blood. Certain conditions such as excessively rapid growth of the red blood cells, called polycythemia, or excessively rapid growth of white blood cells, as in leukemia, can only be detected by examining specimens of the blood under the microscope. Since these conditions come on insidiously, a proper examination will always include the taking of a specimen of blood and an observation of this blood under the microscope. It will include also counting of the cells in the blood, because there are several different types of cells and the relative percentages of various types of cells in the blood may be of the greatest significance in relation to determining the existence of these conditions that are called cancer of the blood.

Some conditions that occur in the body, while not necessarily cancerous, may be considered precancerous, or early stages of changes in the tissues that might eventually lead to cancer. Thus, women should be examined after childbirth to determine the presence of injuries of the tissues, and the proper repair of damage may prevent subsequent irritations that lead to cancer. Erosions, which are rubbed spots on the surface of the organ, need to be given proper care. Ulcers of the stomach occasionally develop cancerous manifestations. Continued irritation of the gall bladder by gallstones may in some instances bring about the kind of irritation that results in excessive and wild growth of cells. Bear in mind that none of these conditions is the cause of cancer. They are contributing factors which have to be studied.

Cancers of the lung, the intestines, or the stomach usually come on insidiously, and the person affected may not be aware for some time of the nature of his condition. Often people are reluctant to let the doctor know when the symptoms first appear; sometimes they fail to pay attention because of fear or ignorance. Doctors believe that many more cases could be saved if only people would come to the doctor sooner.

From a British clinic comes the report that 55 per cent of patients with cancer of the breast waited for more than three months after noticing a lump before consulting the doctor. Over 16 per cent waited longer than a year. Cancer of the skin, breast cancer, and cancer of the uterus give indications of their presence early, and a high percentage of these patients can be cured if the condition is diagnosed early and properly treated. Early diagnosis in such cancers depends chiefly on paying attention to symptoms affecting the lung and getting promptly a good X-ray study. The mass X-ray studies for presence of tuberculosis have helped to locate many cases of cancer.

Treatment Of Cancer

Modem medicine has three chief means for eliminating cancer from the body. These are surgical operation, radium, and X-ray. By surgical operations the entire cancerous structure is removed and usually with it the organ that contains the cancer, if that is not a vital organ. Some cases of tumor are especially susceptible to radioactivity. They are called “radiosensitive.” Other types are resistant to the radioactive rays. The X-ray, particularly the modern type of high-voltage, deep-penetrating X-ray, can be used in areas in which radium cannot be implanted and to which radium cannot extend.

This does not mean that every case of cancer can be treated by just one method. Every cancer is different from every other cancer. The doctor must decide in each instance the forms of reatment that will be most helpful. In some instances not only surgery, X-ray, and radium are employed but also other techniques. The female sex hormone or estrogens are used in the control of cancer of the prostate. With cancer of the breast early attention is vital. If a cancer of the breast comes to proper medical attention within the first few months the woman can have practically her normal life expectancy. If she delays to the time when the cancer has extended to the glands under the arm her life expectancy may be greatly reduced. Studies made of thousands of cases of cancer of the breast prove with certainty that early attention prolongs life. Delay is likely to be fatal.

Not so many years ago a cancer of the lung was invariably fatal. In 1933 a surgeon for the first time removed an entire lung by operation, because of the presence of cancer. The patient was another doctor. That patient is still alive. Today there are hundreds of people throughout the United States who have had all or part of a lung removed and who have survived the operation successfully. Thus what was an invariably fatal condition now yields in a considerable percentage of cases to modem methods of treatment, and patients recover. Similarly, cancer of the stomach was formerly considered invariably fatal. The percentage of recoveries in cases that are diagnosed early and that submit to proper surgical treatment is considerable. Unfortunately, far too many wait too long. The prolongation of life includes years which are exceedingly valuable, because these conditions do not generally occur in extremely young people but usually in men and women at the top of their productive periods.

The death rate for cancer is still high. Two hundred thousand Americans now die of cancer each year. The new knowledge that may come through research may even serve to prevent the appearance of cancer among great numbers of people whose fathers or mothers or ancestors may have had cancer and died of it and who therefore form something resembling a stock or type in which cancer is more likely to occur than among the population generally.

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