Health and Diet Blog

Jennifer Kays asked:




We have gotten a great deal of information warning us about our intake of fat. We have been told for a long time that fats are bad. Food store shelves are full of “fat-free” foods. We have not gotten enough information about good fats. The good fats that are essential for us to live. Essential Fatty Acids (EFA) is the good fat that we need. Essential Fatty Acids (EFA) are accurately named because they are essential for our health. Our bodies do not produce EFA so we must get them from our food or through natural nutritional supplements. Since we are eating more processed foods than ever we do not get the amounts of Omega 3 & 6 that we need. Processed foods are stripped of their Omega 3 content to allow for those foods to have a longer shelf life. Many of the good fats in our diets have been partially or fully hydrogenated (saturated) to make cholesterol-free replacement for fat. Omega 3 and omega 6 are polyunsaturated fats that our bodies can easily “recognize” and use to keep us alive and well.

We know that we are experiencing EFA deficiency when we experience skin problems such as dry, eczema, dandruff, poor wound healing, excess sweating, loss of pigment, and/or weak blood vessels i.e. bruising. Other signs of EFA deficiency are obesity, high cholesterol, poor sugar metabolism, hormone imbalance, PMS, ADHD, depression, autism, behavioral disturbance, enlarged kidneys or kidney failure, blood in our urine, shrinking of our pancreas, and/or shrinking of our salivary and tear glands.

The American Heart Association recommends that people with heart disease consume at least one gram of omega 3 fatty acid per day. They recommend that we eat at least two servings of fish per week because fish are rich in omega 3. Unfortunately, fish has been very contaminated with environmental toxins, mercury and dioxines which are a potential health hazard to us, especially if we are a pregnant mother or a young person under 16 years of age. Therefore it would seem to be a safer alternative for us to rely on natural supplements such as flaxseed oil or primrose oil and properly filtered and metal/toxin free natural fish oils to receive the EFA that we need.

So why do we need essential fatty acids i.e. good fat? We need essential fatty acids to manufacture and repair cell membranes, to help our cells get maximum nutrition, and to eliminate harmful waste products.. EFA are essential for the production of prostaglandins that regulate heart rate, blood pressure, blood clotting and immune system functioning to fight inflammation and infection. EFAs are essential for our children to grow properly and especially in developing their neurological development and sensory system.

Those of us who supply our diets with adequate amounts of omega 3 essential fatty acid have higher HDL i.e. “Good cholesterol levels. Omega 3 helps in the production of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) which actually reduces LDL i.e.”bad” cholesterol and triglycerides. This is especially important for our cardiovascular health and in lowering high blood pressure/hypertension. Keeping our blood pressure lowers our risk of stroke. This is because omega 3 helps reduce the development of plaque and blood clots that clog arteries that often lead to heart disease and heart attack.

When we have high triglycerides and low HDL levels we are at risk for diabetes. Omega 3 essential fatty acid lowers triglycerides and raises HDL levels as well as regulating blood sugar. People who are overweight suffer from poor blood sugar control, diabetes and high cholesterol. When following a weight loss program, it is important for us to supplement our diet with a proper amount of EFA.

Essential Fatty Acids are reported in numerous studies to reduce inflammation and pain in joints, reduce morning stiffness and enable people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis to reduce the medication they had been taking for pain and discomfort. Essential Fatty Acids help increase levels of calcium in our bodies and improve our bone strength. This is especially important for people suffering from osteoporosis. Omega 3 essential fatty acid has been shown to increase grip strength and enhance walking ability in people suffering from osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.

Essential Fatty Acids are especially important for efficient brain function. People who have increased their intake of omega 3 fatty acid have experienced natural depression relief. People with Manic Depression (Bipolar Disorder) reported fewer and shorter mood swings and recurrence of either full depression or mania. People with schizophrenia experience an improvement with the use of Omega 3 essential fatty acid. Children who suffer Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) experienced reduction of learning difficulties and behavior problems (e.g. anger and sleep disturbance) when increasing their intake of essential fatty acids. People suffering from anorexia nervosa i.e. eating disorders, have experienced a reduction in symptoms and lessened their compulsive tendencies. For those of us not suffering from any particular emotional or cognitive disorders, we will find that essential fatty acids improve our ability to concentrate, recall, be emotionally centered and calm, experience more restful sleep and cope more easily with normal everyday stress.

Other benefits of essential fatty acids is the reduction of disorders and protection of our skin, improvement in our intestinal health (i.e. reduction of bowel inflammation, easy elimination, reduction in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis), reduction of asthma symptoms and respiratory ease, reduction and prevention of macular degeneration and vision improvement, enhancement of wound healing (e.g. burns, cuts, etc) and improvement in hormonal balance e.g reduction of menstrual pain and PMS symptoms. Studies are now being conducted, with promising results, to determine the specific benefits of essential fatty acids in preventing and treating breast cancer and prostate cancer. Primary evidence in other studies of omega 3 essential fatty acid indicate improvement in protecting against infections and treatment of conditions such as ulcers, migraine headaches, preterm labor, emphysema, psoriasis, glaucoma, Lyme disease, lupus and panic attacks. Other studies have shown that essential fatty acids increase energy, performance, stamina, muscle development and repair, fatigue reduction, strengthening of immune system, cell growth and activity and appearance i.e. beautiful hair, skin and nails.

Given all the evidence of the health benefits we receive from essential fatty acids and the climate of processed foods and anti-fat warnings, it would be well advised for us to take care of ourselves by supplementing our diet with essential fatty acid supplements i.e. flaxseed oil and primrose oil and clean metal/toxin free natural fish oil supplements.

james sameul asked:


Diarrhea in children

Children can have acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term) forms of diarrhea. Causes include bacteria, viruses, parasites, medications, functional disorders, and food sensitivities. Infection with the rotavirus is the most common cause of acute childhood diarrhea. Rotavirus diarrhea usually resolves in 5 to 8 days.

Medications to treat diarrhea in adults can be dangerous to children and should be given only under a doctor’s guidance.

The treatment of acute diarrhea in children:

Diarrhea may occur for varied reasons; however, most episodes of diarrhea in developing countries are infectious in origin. Three clinical forms of diarrhea (acute watery diarrhea, invasive diarrhea, and persistent diarrhea) have been identified to formulate a management plan. Acute diarrhea may be watery (where features of dehydration are prominent) or dysenteric (where stools contain blood and mucus).

Rehydration therapy is the key to management of acute watery diarrhea, whereas antimicrobial agents play a vital role in the management of acute invasive diarrhea, particularly shigellosis and amebiasis. In persistent diarrhea, nutritional therapy, including dietary manipulations, is a very important aspect in its management, in addition to rehydration therapy. Rehydration may be carried out either by the oral or intravenous route, depending upon the degree of dehydration. Oral rehydration salts (ORS) solution (World Health Organization formula) is recommended for ORT. Intravenous fluid is recommended for initial management of severe dehydration due to diarrhea, followed by ORT with ORS solution for correction of ongoing fluid losses. Antimicrobial therapy is beneficial for cholera and shigellosis. Antiparasitic agents are indicated only if amebiasis and giardiasis are present.

Children receiving tormentil root extract had a significant reduction in diarrhea, compared with those taking a placebo. The duration of diarrhea in the tormentil root and placebo groups was three days and five days, respectively. After 48 hours, diarrhea ceased completely in 40% of the children in treatment group, compared with only 5% of the children receiving the placebo. Those taking tormentil root also required less rehydration fluids and had significantly shorter stays in the hospital. No adverse reactions were observed in those receiving tormentil root.

Rest, along with fluid replacement using Pedialyte®, Ceralyte®, or Infalyte®, is often recommended. Severe diarrhea, especially in children and the elderly, may require hospitalization for urgent fluid and electrolyte replacement in order to correct dehydration.

When child is vomiting with / without diarrhea-

Give fluids to the child. Avoid colas, tea, fruit juices etc.(as they contain more sugar worsening the dehydration). Preferably give home made ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) :- In a glass of water (200 ml) add 2 tsp of sugar and a pinch of salt. Give this ORS frequently (1/2 to 1 ounce) every 15 – 20 minutes. Other fluids like coconut water, rice kanji, dal, butter milk (chaas) etc. may be given. The idea is to give small, frequent feeds to control the vomiting. Gradually increase the amount if the child tolerates the fluids.

In an infant, continue with breast-feeding as it is the best feeding.

Brachytherapy is treatment given by placing radioactive material directly in or near the target, often a tumor.

Chemotherapy is treatment with drugs (“chemicals”) to kill cancer cells.

Pulmonary therapy is the treatment of respiratory problems and so is also called respiratory therapy.

Jose & Maria Baltazar asked:




Some don’t even know it. There are skin lightening products to help get rid of your hyperpigmentation, melasma, freckles, uneven skin tone, dark skin discolorations, acne scars, dark underarms, elbows, knees or inner thighs. But a safety issue is raised over the availability of harmful skin lighteners or whiteners in the market.

Knowing what to choose and how to use will help you achieve the fair skin tone from products that actually deliver.

Success in skin lightening of dark skin pigmentations does not rely on products alone. In addition to the skin whiteners, a good regimen should also include sunscreen, Vitamin C and moisturizers.

A good sunscreen should have a high Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 50 or better to prevent further darkening or sun damage. You should know that the powerful sun radiates both UVA and UVB rays that a good sunscreen should block. UVA rays are capable of aging and wrinkling of the skin, while UVB is the culprit for sunburn and probable skin cancer. If you should look for the ingredients in a sunscreen, choose the ones with Avobenzone, Zinc Oxide, PArsol 1789 or Mexoryl-SX. Wear sunscreen at all times whenever outdoors, whether you’re in a skin lightening regimen or not.

500mg of Vitamin C supplement can decrease the production of melanin (brown pigments responsible for skin tanning). Ever wonder why glutathione (whitening) pills are taken with Vitamin C? It’s the ascorbic acid that does most of the job actually, so you’d be better off taking these supplements while using skin lightening products for best results.

Your favorite moisturizers will keep your skin hydrated during the skin whitening process. Remember skin lighteners have a mild drying effect (that’s why in some cases, acne is controlled while lightening the acne scars) necessary to prepare the skin for exfoliation and peeling off the dull and unwanted dark skin patches. You should apply your face cream or body lotions 15-20 minutes after using the skin lightening products.

Suggested time to apply skin lighteners is at bedtime, then use sunscreen at daytime.

Follow these simple secrets and you’ll be on your way to better self esteem, even skin tone and a rosy whiter skin!

peterhutch asked:




What is Hepatitis?

Hepatitis: Inflammation of the liver from any cause.

Hepatitis is most often viral, due to infection with one of the hepatitis viruses (A, B, C, D, and E) or another virus (such as those that cause infectious mononucleosis, cytomegalovirus disease, or yellow fever). The main nonviral causes of hepatitis are alcohol and drugs.

Hepatitis is a major public health problem. Approximately 400 million people have hepatitis B and 170 million have hepatitis C. Both cause chronic liver infection that can be fatal. Hepatitis B and C are implicated in 80% of cases of liver cancer, the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths in the world.

All of these viruses cause acute, or short-term, viral hepatitis. The hepatitis B, C, and D viruses can also cause chronic hepatitis, in which the infection is prolonged, sometimes lifelong.

Other viruses may also cause hepatitis, but they have yet to be discovered and they are obviously rare causes of the disease.

TYPES OF Hepatitis :

Hepatitis A (which is often a milder form of this disease), is frequently transmitted by contaminated food, a route called fecal-oral contamination.

Hepatitis B more often involves transmission by exposure to blood or other body fluids. About 1 million people die worldwide as a result of hepatitis B, often either of liver failure or liver cancer.

Two other viruses are known, hepatitis D and E, but considered as “additional” complications for types B and C.

Other viruses, such as cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus, can also cause infectious hepatitis.

Hepatitis C infection can exist undetected for periods as long as 10 to 20 years, and researchers estimate that millions of people are infected and have not yet displayed any symptoms.

Causes of Hepatitis:

Some cases of viral hepatitis cannot be attributed to the hepatitis A, B, C, D, or E viruses. This is called non A…E hepatitis or hepatitis X. Scientists have identified several candidate viruses, but none have been proven to cause hepatitis. The search for the virus responsible for hepatitis X continues.

Hepatitis C is a disease of the liver caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). You may be at risk for hepatitis C if you:

were notified that you received blood from a donor who later tested positive for hepatitis C. have ever injected illegal drugs, even if you experimented a few times many years ago received a blood transfusion or solid organ transplant before July, 1992 were a recipient of clotting factor(s) made before 1987 have ever been on long-term kidney dialysis have evidence of liver disease (e.g., persistently abnormal ALT levels)

What Causes Hepatitis B?

What causes hepatitis B? There is only one cause of hepatitis B — an infection with the hepatitis B virus (also known as HBV). The hepatitis B virus is a DNA virus that belongs to the genus Orthohepadnavirus of the Hepadnaviridae family.

When a person is infected with the hepatitis B virus, the virus is able to enter liver cells from the blood and then use those cells to make more copies of the hepatitis B virus.

Matt Collins asked:




The biological mechanism responsible for your anxiety and/or panic attacks is the fight or flight system. This is the chemical and physical phenomena that is actually occurring in your body and is responsible for the way emotions interact with your biology.

You see, during the course of our evolution as humans, fighting or running away (flight) has helped us survive in some way. Let’s imagine for a moment that during a hunt for food you encounter a predator, maybe a bear or lion. The instinctual reaction would have been one or several of the following:



Flushing or turning pale



Relaxation of your bladder



Shaking



Increasing heart rate (with possible palpitations)



Increased rate of respiration (possibly leading to hyperventilation and subsequently dizziness)



Evacuation of your colon (leading to stomach ache, diarrhea)



Stopping of intestinal muscles (accompanied by stomach pains, nausea)



Stopping of tears and salivation (accompanied by dry mouth)



Inability for erection (situational impotency)



Do any of these reactions sound familiar to you? This is your fight or flight system in action. All of the above reactions would have helped you either fight or get away from some threat to your life.

Now you may say, ”But I’ve never encountered a bear or a lion!” But what you must realize is that the threat level is perceived to be at the same level as losing your life.

You see, the fight or flight system responds not only to an actual physical danger, but any danger to the ego or self-esteem, as well. Why? Somewhere deep inside your subconscious you believe that danger to the ego or self-esteem will cause damage to your physical body. You believe that an embarrassing situation would lead to banishment from your peers, a definite threat to the body if your survival depends on these peers.

A remedy for such a situation would be to be completely self-dependent on your survival. Another would be to learn some relaxation techniques so you are better at coping with panic attacks.

But if you wanted to kill every bird with one stone, you need to look for an all-in-one solution.