Health Guide

Natural treatment for Acne

noreply@blogger.com (Mangala) — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 13:47:00 +0000

What is acne

Acne is the common term used to describe whiteheads, blackheads and pimples.
In whatever name it is called, Acne is a condition that teenagers and adults would consider it burdensome irrespective of whether it is severe or mild. A person who is suffering from acne will feel helpless, embarrassed and often low in confidence.
As the medical treatment continues to advance over the years, more and more new techniques and treatment methods have emerged. This treatment method is effective in clearing up Acne within weeks. This shows that more research is being done for the treatment of Acne.

Causes of acne

Acne is caused by the bacteria called propioniform. This bacteria is responsible for inflammation and infection. Dermatologists recommend the most common acne treatment with the use of antibiotics. These antibiotics typically include tetracycline-type derivatives, which is formulated to kill these bacteria. Another important treatment is the use of benzyl peroxide to the affected region.

Treatment for acne

With the improvement in technologies lot of technical instruments are also used in the treatment of acne. The major one is called as Zeno acne blemish device. It is a simple hand held gadget which is used to heat up the affected part of the skin to kill the propioniform bacteria. This will also trigger the influx of heat-shock proteins that plays a vital role to kill these bacteria and reduce inflammation in the pores. This is one of the major techniques used for the treatment of acne.

Another important acne treatment method is called Accutane (isotretinoin). It is a powerful drug used to inhibit the oil secreted in skin follicles. Although it was proved to be effective in cleaning acne, Accutane is also used to cause birth defects. Moreover there are also important side effects caused by this drug. The chief of them include depression, psychosis, aggression and suicide. This treatment is not used by many.

Many of the acne treatment method are used to temporarily fix the problem and not permanently cure it. They only treat the symptoms but not the cause of it. A lot of the products and methods do work to an extent as long as it is used to cure acne. But once these treatments are stopped we can see acne reappears after a few weeks.

Prevention of acne

Prevention of acne is not that complicated as it is seen. The major thing that one has to look into is the type of food that they eat. It also is the major cause of of emergence of acne. Heredity and hormones are also the contributing factors for acne. Food that increases your insulin levels and one that is related to insulin growth factors are also important for the formation of acne.
Foods that mainly constitute carbohydrates and sugar can increase insulin. They may also increase an insulin-like growth factor called as IGF-1 in your body. This results in the major secretion of sebum Sebum is a kind of greasy substance that attracts the acne-causing bacteria.

Tips for acne treatment

Following are some of the natural acne treatment tips:

1. Try to reduce the amount of sugars and grains that you consume normally. These include bread, cereal, rice, potatoes and corn. This will reduce insulin production.

2. Take a quality supplement called probiotic. If you're using antibiotics to treat acne, they kill the propioniform bacteria to cure acne.

3. Try to optimize your vitamin D levels. Our body produces over 200 antimicrobial peptides when you're getting enough vitamin D from regular sun exposure. This is more than sufficient to increase vitamin D level in your body. If you can't get enough sun, you can use a supplement with oral vitamin D as tablets.

4. Try to minimize your stress levels.

5. Try to use only organic skin care products for your face. These will ensure that there is no chemical reaction happening on your skin.

6. Clean your hands regularly and avoid touching your face frequently. Avoid scratching, squeezing, or rubbing your skin because it will only make the problem worse and does not help in any way curing the disease.

Try to follow these simple tips and you can prevent yourself from acne.

Fruits and its calorie content

noreply@blogger.com (Mangala) — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 11:56:00 +0000

Fruits are best choice for those who would like to be healthy. IT is also useful to reduce weight when taken regularly with proper diet. Fruits are low in calories and rich in vitamins and nutrients. Taking up fruits instead of snack will help a long way in reducing weight. This prevents overeating which is the main cause of weight gain.

The following is the list of fruits and their calorie content per 100 grams.

Fruits	Calories per 100 gms
Mangoes	70
Strawberries	77
Pomegranate	77
Apple	56
Avocado Pear	190
Banana	95
Black Grapes	45
Guava	66
Kiwi	45
Lychies	61
Oranges	52
Papaya	32
Pears	51
Plums	56
Watermelon	26
Dates	281
Orange Juice (100ml)	47
Peach	50
Pineapple	46
Watermelon	16
Chickoo	94

Fruits are high in water content. If you regularly take fruits it will also help you to fulfill the daily requirement of water content. Always try to take fresh fruits to get the required amount of nutrients and vitamins to your body. This will not only help to reduce weight but also helps to keep you active throughout the day.

Stress - Causes and Relief

noreply@blogger.com (Mangala) — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 09:11:00 +0000

Stress

As you all know there is so much stress found these days in workplace. Most of them are due to fear of losing one's job. Lot of stress at workplace contributes to lower productivity, increased job related accidents, mental and physical health issues.

There is stress hormone called “cortisol” secreted in our body. It is an important hormone secreted by the adrenal glands and relates to number of functions, including proper glucose metabolism, regulation of blood pressure, insulin release for blood sugar maintenance, immune function, and inflammatory response.

Stress is not the only reason that cortisol is secreted into the bloodstream. It has been called as the stress hormone because it's secreted in higher levels during any response to stress. It is responsible for several stress-related changes in the body. If stress is more then its level of secretion increases.

There is also an advantage that small increases of cortisol have some positive effects in our body. It includes burst of energy, heightened memory functions, a burst of increased immunity, lower sensitivity to pain, and to help in maintaining homeostasis in the body.

Cortisol is an important and helpful part of the body's response to stress. It is important that the body's relaxation response be activated so that the body's functions can return to normal functioning following a stressful event. But in the case of high-stress culture, and most especially with the uncertainty in the workplace, the body's stress response is activated so often that the body doesn't always have a chance to return to normal. This can result in a state of chronic stress.

If the level of cortisol in the bloodstream is high then it may have negative effects such as:

Suppressed thyroid function
Blood sugar imbalances such as hyperglycemia
Slowed wound healing, and other health consequences
Decreased bone density
Impaired cognitive performance
Decrease in muscle tissue
Higher blood pressure
Lower immunity and inflammatory responses in the body

Ways to relieve Stress

There are many ways by which you can try to eliminate stress at work. The most important ways are discussed below:

Control your Mind

No one can guarantee that your job is safe. In most cases, it is completely out of the control of those who get laid off. But, what you can do is to control your own mind. This is the first and one of the most critical place to address the stress. If you can have a control of your mind then you can overcome the stress caused due to lay off. Fear of losing job is the root cause of stress in work place. You must remind yourself that the world will not come to an end it you lose your job. Things will never be the same and it will always change.

You will not be a productive employee if you are working with fear and stress. Take the fear out of mind and think how you can do a better job. Always try to sharpen your skills and abilities. Everyone should always remember that if you are fired the company can only take away your income but not who you are and what you can do. This is what you carry with you throughout your life. So try to focus on that and improve in every aspect whatever way you can.

Exercise daily

Exercise is very good to the body and it also plays an important role in anti-anxiety treatment. It gives you increased energy, sharpens your focus and helps you to relax. Try to exercise at least 30 minutes a day. This will not only help us to relieve stress but also keep our body healthy.

Controlled Diet

Try to eat a healthy diet. People who secrete higher levels of cortisol in response to stress tend to eat more food, and tend to eat more carbohydrates than people who secrete less cortisol. Most of the trainers will tell you that eating 5 small portions a day will help you to maintain blood sugar level.

Avoid Drinking and Smoking

Try to avoid drinking alcohol. Many of us think that drinking alcohol will relieve stress. It can only lead to addiction and it does not really get rid of the stress. Smoking doesn't really relax you. It can only lead to higher anxiety levels which will only lead to a worst situation.

Get good Sleep

Getting the right amount of rest will help a long way in relieving stress. Lack of sleep compromises your ability to handle stressful situations. Try to get 7 to 8 hours of sleep daily. This will go a long way in helping you to have a control over stress.

If you can follow these simple steps I am sure that you can start eliminating stress gradually, and eventually getting rid of it.

Food - Your best medicine

noreply@blogger.com (Mangala) — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 08:12:00 +0000

Food is the best medicine that your body can take. The correct food choices can be a powerful medicine to both your mind and body. Many people are aware of this but they ignore it or don’t use it to the maximum in order to get the full benefit out of it. If care is taken to intake right food at right amount then it acts as a medicine to your body.

Everything that goes into our body has an effect on body by one way or the other. Foods that constitute Junk foods, refined food, processed foods, and foods high in sugar, foods with high pesticides level, preservatives and additives all tend to have an adverse effect on the health and wellness of our body. Their effect will be both physically and emotionally as well. Healthy foods like whole fruits and vegetables, herbs and nuts are excellent sources of vitamins and nutrition. They also help us to fight or prevent against a wide range of health conditions or syndromes. Some of them may even help in preventing and curing certain type of diseases.

Now- a-days more and more people are beginning to realize how important it is to choose the food they have to intake. More research is being done to explore the impact of foods on our health. Gone are the days when people just look how nutritious the foods are or whether they are low in bad fats, etc. They're now smart enough to buy foods which will help contribute to their overall level of health.

Health researchers who were doing their research for quite a long time were very much focused on trying to identify the primary constituent in a food that was responsible for it's healthy properties. During the course of time they found that there is no one miracle constituent that is present in food is responsible for overall healthy growth. The best health and wellness benefits come from a variety of elements within each particular food. Just by isolating one factor won't give you the same results as eating the whole amount of food. That’s why if you want to get the benefits of garlic you have to actually eat the garlic on a regular basis.

Many studies had revealed that it is not the one food that is the healthiest. The nutrients in food work together to promote health and wellness. It is widely understood that eating a wide variety of healthy foods is much more important than one or two independently. For example, having a balanced meal that contains meat, complex carbohydrates, vegetables and fruit is healthier than having one of them alone. The types of foods we eat play a vital a role in maintaining optimal mental and physical health condition. It is also important to prevent and heal chronic health problems, diseases, and syndromes.

Also, a food that acts as a best medicine for one person can also be a poison for another person. Each person is unique biochemically and metabolically. Different people need different things and it all depends on individual body chemistry.

For example, a diet that is healthy and beneficial for a diabetic patient may be completely different for a person living with asthma. Some body types adapt well with a vegetarian diet, while other body types need meat protein to function optimally.

Your diet should take into account the following factors:

- your overall level of health
- health conditions you may have
- what are you trying to achieve
- food allergies or food sensitivities
- the integrity of your gastrointestinal tract

One of the major problem that many people face is that they really don’t know the condition of their body. They also don’t know what their body needs. Around 70% to 80% of the population has undiagnosed food sensitivities that they are not aware of. Many hidden food sensitivities are often the root cause of many health conditions.

For example, whole grains may be a good food for a person without sensitivities, but for another person, it can unknowingly be the root cause of headaches, irritable bowel, fatigue, chronic pain, insomnia or even depression, anxiety, hyperactivity and many more.

A person without sensitivities may derive benefits with a diet rich in whole grains, while someone who is sensitive to grains may find that these foods are the root cause of their irritable bowel or gas. One person can extract the full benefit from the vitamins and minerals in fruits which is high in sugar, while for another it may be the cause of their anxiety attacks and depression. It all depends on the individual and how his body responds to a particular food.

It is important that you choose the food that is best for your body. Food can be your best medicine only when it meets your unique biochemical and metabolic needs. By planning a diet that is right for your body chemistry, you can make significant improvements in your physical and psychological health conditions.

Body Odor - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

noreply@blogger.com (Mangala) — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 13:39:00 +0000

What is Body Odor?

Unpleasant smell coming from underarms, groin, scalp and feet is referred to as Body Odor. It is also associated with skin in general, genitals, mouth, anus, and pubic hairs. It has been a great concern for both men and women as they will not be able to move freely in public places.
Bromhidrosis, osmidrosis and ozochrotia are the medicinal terms that are used to refer body odor.

Body odor is found in both men and women but not in kids. This is because the glands that are responsible for unpleasant odor do not develop for them. They become active only after puberty where the gland stimulates the hormones and protein. The production of oil from the genitals also increases during this stage which results in bad odor.

Causes of Body Odor

Body odor is usually caused by bacteria and not due to sweat. But bacteria grow rapidly in the presence of sweat. When bacteria growing on skin comes in contact with sweat and decomposes it there arises an unpleasant smell.

There are two kinds of sweat producing glands present in skin.

1. Eccrine glands - produce cooling and watery liquid and
2. Apocrine glands - produces a milky secretion.

Eccrine glands are found all over the body. Apocrine glands are found in the underarms and groins as well as in the glands. The secretion from apocrine gland is decomposed by the bacteria and this result in unpleasant body odor. The unpleasant odor is mainly produced when anaerobic bacteria like micrococci and corynebacteria decompose sweat.

Body odor that is found in the armpits and in the genitals is different from the one produced in other parts of the body. The sweat produced in armpits and genitals consists of protein and oily substance that feeds the bacteria. This may not be the cause in other parts of the body as the sweat produced there is salty and watery that does not allow the bacteria to grow.

Symptoms of Body Odor

Unpleasant or pungent smell is the possible symptom of body odor. We can feel the unpleasant smell more in summer than in winter. The smell can be reduced by taking a bath. There is a chance that it may come back if we wear unwashed or dirty clothes.
Diet also plays an important role for body odor to occur to an individual. Foods like garlic, curry, and strong spices contain some chemicals that are excreted in the skin. This also produces unpleasant smell on the body.

Prevention of Body Odor

The following are the important ways to prevent body odor.

1. Maintaining personal hygiene can very well help to control body odor.

2. Take bath twice daily to control body odor.

3. Change clothes at least twice a day to avoid smell to emit from clothes.

4. Wash clothes properly to remove the sweat and kill the bacteria that might have got transferred from the skin to the clothes.

5. Use deodorant with pleasant fragrance and antiperspirants that helps to control sweat.

The above mentioned points will help you to reduce or control sweat but not completely cure it. This is because we cannot stop sweating from our body and it is a malaise to human. So take necessary steps to control sweat and body odor by maintaining personal hygiene and using good deodorant.

Anaemia – Causes, Symptoms, Types and Treatment

noreply@blogger.com (Mangala) — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 06:28:00 +0000

What is Anaemia?

Anaemia is a condition in which the body has fewer amounts of red blood cells which is unable to cope up with body’s demand for oxygen. Blood haemoglobin count falls below the regular level for a person suffering from anaemia. Due to this less amount of oxygen is supplied to the body tissues. This results in fatigue and other medical complications.

Causes of Anaemia

Iron is the major source to produce haemoglobin. Anaemia is caused due to iron deficiency. The deficiency of iron is not the only factor as there are several other reasons. It can be due to sudden blood loss or from improper diet. Most of the women after conceiving a child suffer from iron deficiency which eventually leads to anaemia. There are also cases in which anaemia can occur due to genetic disorder.

Symptoms of Anaemia

There may not be any prominent symptom found in people suffering from anaemia. The usual symptoms are weakness and dizziness. When the disease reaches later stages some symptom may appear. These include short breath, sourness of gums and mouth and headaches. In some cases, the skin color appears to be pale due to iron deficiency. Usually pregnant women are more susceptible to this disorder. But it can also affect teenagers and children as well. The main reason being, the regular diet does not have sufficient amount of iron, folic acid and nutrients.

The following are the different types of anaemia that is usually found in anaemic patients.

Iron Deficiency Anaemia

When body has little iron in the blood stream it is called as Iron deficiency anemia. This is more common in adolescents and in women before menopause. Blood loss from heavy periods, internal bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract, or donating too much blood can all contribute to iron deficiency and hence iron deficiency anaemia. Poor dietary habits and chronic intestinal diseases are the other causes for this anaemia.

Symptoms:

1. Headache
2. Irritability and
3. Paleness

More severe iron deficiency anaemia symptoms include:

1. Rapid heartbeat
2. Brittle hair and nails and
3. Dyspnea

Treatment:

1. Iron supplements can be taken orally and
2. Change in daily diet.

Folic Acid Deficiency Anaemia

If there is any lack of folic acid in the blood stream then it is called as Folic acid deficiency anaemia. Folic acid is usually found in vegetables. If a person takes less or no amount of vegetables then he is likely to suffer from this deficiency. Frequent intake of alcohol is also one of the common causes for this anaemia to occur. Side effect of other blood disorders also forms a decisive factor for this deficiency.

Symptoms:

1. Weakness
2. Fatigue
3. Memory lapses and
4. Irritability

Treatment:

1. Diet rich in folic acid
2. Intake of beef liver, asparagus, and red beans which are rich in folic acid.

Pernicious Anaemia

Pernicious anaemia occurs due to lack of vitamin B12. It usually affects people between the ages of 50 and 60. The disease can also be hereditary in nature. People who have or suffer from any autoimmune diseases are more likely to get pernicious anaemia.

Symptoms:

1. Fatigue
2. Dyspnea
3. Heart palpitations and
4. Numbness or tingling in extremities

Aplastic Anaemia

If there is absence or reduction of red blood cells then it is due to aplastic anaemia. If the blood tissue in bone marrow is destroyed due to injury aplastic anaemia can occur. Due to this the person suffering from this anaemia is unable to fight infection and this results in heavy bleeding. The possible known cause of this anaemia is hepatitis virus and exposure to certain toxins.

Symptoms:

1. Lethargy
2. Paleness
3. Purpura
4. Bleeding
5. Rapid heartbeat
6. Infections and
7. Congestive heart failure

Sickle Cell Anaemia

Sickle Cell Anaemia results due to abnormal type of red blood cells. It is hereditary in nature and is one of the life threatening diseases with no prevention. Leg ulcers, shock, cerebral hemorrhage, and orthopedic disorders are the complications found in this type of disease.

Symptoms:

1. Painful attacks in arms, legs and stomach
2. Jaundice in whites of the eyes
3. Fever
4. Chronic fatigue
5. Rapid heartbeat and
6. Paleness

Polycythemia Vera

Polycythemia Vera is characterized by an increase in red blood cells, leucocytes, and thrombocytes. It usually occurs in middle ages. There is unusual, very fast and intense reproduction of cells and the bone marrow cells mature more rapidly than usual. The cause of this condition is unknown.

Symptoms:

1. Purplish colored skin
2. Bloodshot eyes
3. Headache
4. Dizziness
5. Enlarged spleen

The above mentioned anaemic deficiencies though seem overwhelming can be cured with proper medication and good diet.

Brain Tumor – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

noreply@blogger.com (Mangala) — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 16:31:00 +0000

What is Brain Tumor?

Abnormal growth of cells within the brain is called as Brain Tumor. Brain tumor can be cancerous or non-cancerous and is one of the deadliest ailments known to mankind. Primary Tumor is the one that stems from the brain cells in a human body. When cancerous cells from lung, breasts or other body parts reach the brain it is called as the Secondary Tumor. The majority of the brain tumor cases are secondary tumor where the cancerous cells use the blood streams to spread to brain.

Categories in Brain Tumor

There are several categories in brain tumor. Meningioma is one of them which stems from the cover of the human brain. This brain tumor can be removed and cured by surgery. Astrocytoma is the other category which is deadly in nature.

Causes of Brain Tumor

It is still unclear what causes brain tumor. The following are the major reasons found to cause brain tumor.

1. Excess ionizing radiation given to head.
2. Certain genetic reasons can also cause brain tumor.
3. Increased use of electronic devices like cell phones that radiate electromagnetic waves can also possibly cause brain tumor.

Symptoms of Brain Tumor

There are number of symptoms that are attributed to brain tumor. The common symptoms are

1. Raised intracranial pressure - pressure felt in the skull
2. Symptoms of chronic headache and nausea.
3. The affected person also gets fits and visual problems.
4. Weakness or numbness on one side.
5. Abnormal working of smelling cells.
6. Difficulty in doing tasks such as writing, speaking and drawing.

Diagnosis of Brain Tumor

1. MRI and CT scan are usually used to diagnose brain tumor.
2. Tests like EEG are sometimes prescribed by the doctors.

Treatments for Brain Tumor

Brain tumor ultimately leads to cancer. The major treatment done for brain tumor are

1. Radiation
2. Surgery and
3. Chemotherapy.

The type of treatment done depends on the location of the tumor, the nature of the affected cells and other health issues. Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy are used to treat malignant tumors.

With excellent advancement in medical science, it is now possible to perform surgery in complicated brain tumors which were not possible earlier.

Breast Cancer – Symptoms, Causes and Diagnosis

noreply@blogger.com (Mangala) — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 14:04:00 +0000

What is Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the abnormal growth of cells that can develop in one or many areas of the breast. This includes the ducts that carry milk to the nipple, the lobules or sacs that produce milk and the non-glandular tissue. Breast cancer is diagnosed more in women than in men. Breast cancer constitutes about 30 percent of all cancer diagnosed in women. Cancer cells are found in breast tissue for those who suffer from this disease.

Types of Breast Cancer

There are different types of Breast cancer.

1. Ductile Cancer – most common type of breast cancer found in the cells of the ducts.

2. Lobular Cancer – This type of cancer begins in the lobes or lobules.

Treatment for this kind of breast cancer will mainly depend on the type of breast cancer and also the stage of the disease.

Symptoms of Breast Cancer

There are quite a few symptoms noticed that can be helpful for identification of breast cancer.

1. A lump or thickening that is found in the breast or under the arm.
2. Redness or swelling of the breast
3. Dimpling on the breast skin resembling the texture of an orange.
4. A change in the shape of the breast, such as one being higher than the other.
5. A sore or ulcer formed on the skin of the breast which does not heal.

Causes of Breast Cancer

It is difficult to determine the exact cause of cancer. More than 20 percent of those who have cancer never know why they had it. The major causes are food, tobacco, occupational hazards, genetic composition and food additives. Radiation, chemicals in the air and diet, vitamin deficiency, high-fat diet, stress and environmental conditions are the other agents that are known to cause breast cancer.

Diagnostic tests for Breast Cancer

Biopsy: It is a test used to diagnose tumors. Cells from the affected part are removed surgically and are sent for microscopic examination.

Cytology Test: A test used to detect the shedding of abnormal cells.

Imaging Techniques: X-rays such as those used in a mammogram is helpful to detect early Breast cancer. Ultrasound scanners can also used to produce images of organs which can be used to detect early breast cancer.

Chemical Testing: Used to detect if there is any presence of blood in the feces or elevated levels of enzyme acid phosphates in the blood.

Ultrasound: Ultrasound technique is used to detect whether a breast mass is cancerous or not.

Home Care preventions for Breast Cancer

1. Avoid taking tobacco as it is one of the main sources for breast cancer.
2. Excessive alcohol is also harmful and might trigger breast cancer.
3. Also avoid caffeine intake.

Get rid of Age Spots

noreply@blogger.com (Mangala) — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 13:54:00 +0000

One of the problems that human beings face during course of time is age spots. Many of us would think that getting rid of the age spots is difficult or impossible. But if you really want to get rid of them then you have to understand what are the causes for the appearance of age spots. One thing that everybody knows is that it does not have anything to do with age. They are mainly caused by the over exposure to the sun's harmful UV rays.

Age spots are nothing but clusters of melanin. Melanin is a pigment present in skin. This pigment is released when sun’s UV rays touches the skin. The brown spots that appear on your skin are areas that have had excess pigment released due to UV radiation.

Most of the products sold in stores for getting rid of age spots are just not effective. In addition, many products contain ingredients that would be considered harmful to your skin. Some people even experience skin irritation when they use these products.

Some people may go further by attempting drastic methods to get rid of age spots. One of such method is skin bleaching. Unfortunately, not enough people are aware there are some very effective skin creams that will help to remove the age spots from your skin. These creams contain specific natural ingredients that will inhibit the melanin production and thus help reduce the brown patches on your skin.

Nutgrass Root

One of the most effective natural ingredients used to cure age spot is called "nutgrass root". It is safe to use with no side effects known as of now. It is very effective at inhibiting the production of melanin. You will not find many products sold in stores using this specific natural ingredient. However, there are small skin care companies that do use this ingredient. There products may cost a little more but that is because they are using the best ingredients and they are not using synthetic additives. Try to use them in effective treatment of age spots.

Breathe properly and gain energy

noreply@blogger.com (Mangala) — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 15:01:00 +0000

Breathing is the only function that is performed unconsciously in our body. But if you can make an effort then you can control it very easily. Your body is capable of going without food or water for couple of days. But the same cannot be said for oxygen, as your body cannot go without it for not more that few minutes.

The power and control of breath has been very well known in India for thousands of years. Any type of yoga combines two powerful elements called as breathing and stretching. Our breath is quite literally our life force. Oxygen feeds every part of the body. Breathing deeply and slowly will relax you, while instantly sending powerful doses of oxygen to the brain and every single cell of the body.

Many people say that while smoking they feel relaxed. But actually it is not because of smoking but because of slow deep breaths that they take while smoking. It's so powerful that it can even calm the system while inhaling poisons.

Process of breathing

This can be explained by normal breathing that we do daily. During breathing we release carbon dioxide as it is poisonous to our body if present in high amounts. That’s why we breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide. It infuses fresh air into our lungs which replaces the carbon dioxide that is released when we breathe out. Breathing influences every organ in the body and balances the brain hemisphere.

Importance of breathing

Breathing deeply and evenly will help us to synchronize both sides of the brain. The right nostril helps us to stimulate the left side of the brain and the left nostril helps in stimulating the right side of the brain. Breathing has all sorts of physiological effects on the body of which some can be noticed and some cannot be noticed. Physicians believe that breathing is the doorway between conscious and the unconscious mind. It helps to relax and feed specific parts of the body. It gives greater control over the nervous system and often plays a major role in miraculous cures.

If you fell tired then try to take ten deep breaths. This will help you to be relieved from tired and relax your mind. The best way to breathe is from the bottom of our stomach. This is because few people know that the lungs extend beyond the rib cage. In fact 2/3 of the lungs sit below the lowest rib. So filling the larger portion of the lungs with oxygen will literally increase your energy.

Simple exercise for effective breathing

Try this simple exercise for effective breathing. Breathe in deeply as much as you can from the bottom of your stomach. Keep your hand on the bottom of the stomach to have a feel and then push your stomach out. as you breathe in. Hold breathe as long as you are comfortable and then breathe out by pushing your stomach in.
Try to breathe in through your nostril and breathe out through your mouth.

The important and best aspect is that deep breathing can be done anywhere. You can do it when you are doing others things, while driving, sitting or working at a computer. It is mainly important for those who work in front of computers. They have to learn to take deep breathe and keep their circulation moving. If you can do this, you can see the difference at the end of the day.

This is a very simple exercise which can be done anytime, anywhere. It helps to lower stress, increase energy and infuse oxygen to every cell in your body. Breathe effectively to gain energy which eventually leads to a happier life.

Foot Care for Diabetics

noreply@blogger.com (Mangala) — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 08:04:00 +0000

Diabetic persons are easily prone to infections, expecially in their feet. This may be due to decreased circulation and changes in the blood vessels which takes time for the wound to be healed. If this is left unnoticed then the complications can be devastating. This may also lead to amputation of the limb. Care should be taken to address the wound immediately and to take proper precautions by following the below mentioned tips.

The following are the Foot care tips for diabetics patients.

1. One should examine both feet carefully every day for any blisters,cuts,bruises or infection. A mirror to look at the bottom of the feet may be handy. If some cuts or injuries are not healing i time, one should immediately consult the physician.

2. It is important to keep the feet clean. It is a good habit to bathe them daily in warm water. Dry carefully, especially between the toes.

3.If there is a small wound or cut immediate action should be taken because since the level of glucose in blood is high in a diabetic it is easy for the growth of microbes.

4. Walking is the best exercise for the feet. There are also special exercises to stimulate circulation if needed. If there are cramps on walking or feet feel cold, one should inform the physician.

5. Give up smoking to preserve good circulation.

6. wear properly fitting clean socks or stockings washed every day.

7. Soft leather shoes are best for daily wear. Shoes should be comfortable at the time of purchase. New shoes should be worn for short periods at first.

8. Cut toe nails across and not too short. Callouses or corns should be managed by trained personnel only.

9. One should avoid extremes of temperature, either cold or heat. Before bathing, water temperatures should be known.

10. Walking barefooted on hot surfaces as cement floor or in the open field is prohibited.

11. No chemicals should be applied on the feet.

The above tips if practiced carefully will be helpful for a diabetic to avoid complications at a later stage.

Meditation to brighten your life

noreply@blogger.com (Mangala) — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 07:34:00 +0000

Meditation to brighten your life

Meditation can be compared to the wiring that has been done in walls. As soon as the switch is powered on, the current flows through the walls, providing light and brightness to your house. In the same way when you start doing meditation you can see lots of positive energy getting plugged into all parts of the body. You can see the Vibrations and changes that it makes to our life during the course of time.

One of the important benefits of meditation is to lighten up the dark corners of your mind. It will make our mind calm and cool. It is a practice that keeps you illuminated and energized. If you can prolong it for months you can see magnificent rewards for simple meditation.

In early days meditation has been practiced to develop spiritual awareness among people. It can be stated as a method to communicate with your mind. It is a type of illumination that turns on the lights of your soul.

There are so many meditation techniques that can be done as per your needs. It can be practiced by anyone anywhere. Initially you need proper guidance to have a check on your breathing control. Once you are all set then you can practice it anywhere without any help. Meditation makes you to have a feel of your soul.

Various studies have shown that people who meditate have a greater capacity for empathy. It was also proved that those who meditate are more alert in their reactions to life and to people around them.

Meditation works with the mind. It is a way of getting to know your mind very well. You will be happy to see the brightness that is created in your mind. It helps you to train your mind. It is a way of learning how to control your thoughts and thereby create the life you want to live.

Meditation helps in getting you to have a feeling with your inner self. It's a mental disciple by which one attempts to get beyond reflexive thinking. It is a state of inner awareness and relaxation that you can feel in your body.

When and How to do it

There are various ways by which you can start meditation. You can focus on a sound, a phrase, a prayer, or visualization. You can do it in the morning, evening or any where, any time. The only effort we have to put in is the time to do it. If you can focus your mind for a few minutes a day it will do wonders for your body and soul.

If you want to get improved benefits you should meditate daily for at least 10 to 15 minutes. You can choose the best one that works for you. If you're serious about building a new life, do a daily meditation combined with inspirational reading.

One of the simplest forms of meditation is to concentrate on your breathing. Just sit comfortably and close your eyes. Concentrate only on your breathing in and out.

Another Very important and powerful technique is repeating a phrase, such as, "OM".

Walking is also another form of meditation. Just concentrate on your walking, the roll of the foot. Walking is a feel good thing to do for both your body and mind.

The average persons mind is used to wander wherever it wants. You have to train your mind to be still. By doing meditation daily you can have control of your mind. Daily meditation will allow you to be the master of your thoughts.

Meditation keeps your mind fit, like exercising makes the body fit. It requires no gym, no special equipment; just a commitment for taking charge of your thoughts and your life.

Benefits of Meditation

1. Pain management
2. Improved health
3. More relaxed
4. Promotes relaxation
5. Reduces stress
6. Enhances personal and spiritual growth.
7. Clarity of mind
8. A sense of well being
9. Increased Memory
10.More creative
11.Improved relationships
12.Increased happiness
13.Peace of mind

Meditation is often suggested as a complement to medical treatments. Lots of small problems in your body will be cured without medicine. Meditation is like resting. It gives your mind a break from the day’s vigorous work. It puts you in touch with your feelings and emotions. It does not necessarily solve problems but calms the mind. This helps you to see things differently.

Meditation calms and soothes your mind. It helps you let go of all worry, fear and tension. Stop and be still to calm the mind. You'll find freedom from stress and calmness in your mind. Meditation frees you from suffering. You'll lose your sense of greed and confusion. You can have your anger in your control.

There are lots of benefits gained from doing meditation daily. In this stressful environment everyone should allocate some time for meditation to purify their body and soul.

Simple methods to reduce Back Pain

noreply@blogger.com (Mangala) — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 08:23:00 +0000

What is Back Pain

Back pain is often a symptom of injury or problem occurring in spine. This includes the bones, muscles and other soft tissues present in spine. Back pain can disrupt your daily activities, work and other activities that you perform on a particular day. This in-turn affects normal lifestyle as you cannot participate in any activity due to pain.

Back pain do not prolong longer for many of us. In most of the cases back pain lasts from few days to a few weeks. Rarely can we see back pain prolongs for a month or even longer. If back pain prolongs for a longer duration then it is better to consult a doctor before it aggravates to a serious injury.
Pain management is one of the methods that is used as a treatment to relieve back pain. This treatment ranges from use of nonprescription drugs to massage therapies. Traditional remedies like acupuncture and yoga also form part of this pain management technique.

Simple methods to relieve back pain

Following are the simple and effective steps to get relief from back pain.

Exercise

There is a misconception that sufficient amount of rest is best for a painful back. In reality what your back really needs when it is hurt is exercise. The more you rest, your back gets weaker during back pain. Regular exercise helps to relieve back pain by strengthening and stretching the muscles that supports the spine. It also helps to prevent future possible injury that can occur to your back.

The simple exercises that you can perform are

Swimming,
Walking and
Stretching exercises

Losing weight

Losing weight is one of the main remedy for back pain relief. Being overweight can make the back ache and make it even worse. Try to get your muscles in better shape and improve your postures when standing, sitting or sleeping.

Always remember that your head should be in line with your body. You can strain your neck and shoulders if your body is constantly pulling you forward. By following the correct procedure while standing and sitting can give you a good posture and create a vertical line with the body. This makes you appear lesser in weight than the actual weight.

Heating Pads and Ice Packs

If there is any pain or injury to back, try to apply an ice pack. Follow this several times a day with frequent intervals for couple of days. This will help to ease the pain during the course of time. If cold treatment is not successful even after couple of days, use a heat pack. This will relax the muscles and increases blood flow which ultimately leads to a speedy recovery.

Physical Therapy

Rest and exercise are the best forms of physical therapy that can be tried as an option for back pain treatment. Even though it cannot be taken as a permanent solution still it will ease the pain.
The different physical therapy techniques used are ultrasound, electrical stimulation, cryotherapy, massage, exercise, and heat. This will relieve muscle spasms, increase flexibility, strengthen muscles, relieve pain, and accelerate the healing process in due course of time.

Massage Therapy

Various studies and research has shown that massage therapy is more effective when compared to acupuncture for relieving pain due to muscle spasms. The main benefit of massage therapy includes improved blood circulation which helps to eliminate muscle soreness. It also helps the muscle to relax which helps muscles move without pain.

Water Therapy

Water therapy is used to relieve back pain by relaxing the muscles and getting rid of toxins in the body. These toxins produce pain and inflammation. Water therapy has many benefits which is ideal for everyone who seeks relieve from back pain. Care should be taken that the water temperature should be warm enough to relax muscles, which also helps to relieve pain.

The above said methods are very helpful to get rid of back pain and lead a healthy life.

Preterm Babies and their Nutritional Requirements

noreply@blogger.com (Mangala) — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 13:49:00 +0000

What is Preterm babies?

Preterm babies are those who are born before 37 weeks of gestation. Low birth weight babies are born with a birth weight of less than 2500g. The incidence of low birth weight babies in India is 30 percent.

The possible reasons for low birth weight of babies are

low maternal body mass index
low age at marriage
low maternal nutritional status with respect to iron and folic acid, and
shorter duration of full term gestation.

Feeding is one of the major challenges in the care of the low birth weight babies. Goal of feeding the preterm is to achieve a growth rate that approaches the normal growth rate of foetus in utero.

The preterm is at a disadvantage in many aspects of nutrition.

The problem facing the preterm are

poor sucking and swallowing reflexes
relatively high caloric requirement with small stomach capacity
poor gag reflex and incompetent cardio esophageal sphincter leading to
aspiration, and
Decreased absorption of essential nutrients.

Nutritional Requirements

Calories

The caloric needs of non-growing preterm babies during the first week of life are 60 kcal/kg/day. After first one or two weeks of life most preterm babies require 120-150 kcal/kg/day to maintain satisfactory growth. High calories may be necessary in babies who are not gaining weight, post-operative patients and extreme preterm.

Fluid

Fluid needs of the preterm babies are relatively high during the first week of life. The intake of fluids varies from 90-100 ml/kg/day for 7-1- days. Additional fluids may be required when the baby is under the phototherapy or a radiant warmer.

Carbohydrate

Preterm babies can tolerate 50 percent of the calories in the form of carbohydrates. Very low birth weight babies may have difficulty in tolerating the lactose the first few days. Glucose polymers are well tolerated.

Protein

Preterm babies require 3-4g of protein per kilogram of body weight for rapid growth. Excess of protein may lead to metabolic problems of acidosis and hyperammonemia. Human milk contains mainly whey proteins which are better utilized. Certain amino acids essential for the preterm such as cystine, taurine, alanine and arginine are present in breast milk.

Fat

About 40-50 percent of calories in diet of the preterm should be available from fats. Very low birth weight babies poorly digest and absorb saturated triglycerides. Vegetable oils containing unsaturated long chain fatty acids are better absorbed. Better still are medium chain triglycerides because their digestion and absorption are not dependent on bile salts level.

Vitamins and Minerals

All low birth weight babies should receive vitamin supplementation in addition to the amount present in human milk. This is because

Premature infants are born with low body stores of vitamin
Their growth rate are rapid
Their gastrointestinal absorption is reduced and
Their daily intake of milk feedings is initially low.

Health benefits of Garlic

noreply@blogger.com (Mangala) — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 05:33:00 +0000

Health benefits of Garlic

Allium Sativum commonly known as garlic is a nerve stimulant and is also a good tonic that has been known for its value in cases of sexual weakness.

Garlic is known for the following effects on the body:

1.anti-inflammatory

2.antiarthritic

3.hypolipidemic

4.anticoagulant

5.hypoproteinemic

6.hypocholesteremic

7.antibacterial

8.antifungal

9.antihypertensive

10.hypoglycemic

Garlic has also been tested recently for cases of nervous debility.

Actions of garlic in the human body

Extensive tests on humans have proved that a regular intake of garlic has the following actions:

* Lowers total cholesterol (but raise the good-type HDL cholesterol)

* Increases production of more "natural killer" cells in the blood

* Lowers blood pressure

* Reduce the risk of formation of blood clots in the heart

* Protects the body against bacterial and viral infections

* Regulates stomach function

* Improves blood circulation

Remedy for Whooping Cough:

Garlic acts as an excellent remedy for whooping cough. Garlic syrup can be given in doses of a teaspoonful two or three times a day in this condition.

Antibacterial actions of Garlic:

The components present in garlic have antibacterial and antifungal properties. Garlic protects the body against all sorts of infections affecting the lung, sinus, bladder, and vagina, as well as colds and flu. Garlic can be used both internally and externally to treat fungal and bacterial skin infection.

Circulatory effects of garlic:

Garlic supports the cardiovascular system. Garlic has the following circulatory effects:

1.lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood

2.inhibits platelet stickiness (aggregation)

3.increases fibrinolysis, i.e., slowing of blood coagulation

4.Acts as a mild antihypertensive agent

5.Acts as an antioxidant

Anti-hypertensive effects:

Garlic lowers blood pressure. Garlic slows the pulse and modifies the heart rhythm. It also relieves the symptoms of dizziness, shortness of breath and the formation of gas within the digestive track. Garlic capsules available in the market can be used for treatment of hypertension.

Effects on Digestive system:

1.Garlic has been proved to be the most beneficial food for the digestive system.

2.Garlic aids in elimination of noxious waste matter in the body.

3.Garlic stimulates peristaltic action and the secretion of the digestive juices.

4.Crushed cloves of garlic mixed with milk can be taken for all types of digestive disorders.

5.Garlic also has an antiseptic effect.

6.Garlic acts as an excellent remedy for infectious diseases and inflammations of the stomach and intestine.

7.Garlic is also a worm expeller.

Effects on various skin disorders:

Garlic has been used for a variety of skin disorders. Rubbing of raw garlic on the pimples have lead to the disappearance of the pimple without scar. Persistent form of acne has also been healed with garlic. Garlic helps to clear the skin of spots and pimple, and boils even when used externally. Intake of garlic orally has been found to purify the blood-steam. Regular intake of garlic capsules helps to clear minor skin infections quickly.

Anti-cancerous actions of Garlic:

Studies have shown that eating garlic regularly reduces the risk of esophageal, stomach, and colon cancer. Garlic has the ability to reduce the formation of carcinogenic compounds. Garlic, and its sulfur compounds, inhibits the growth of different types of cancer like breast and skin tumors.

Asthma: Causes,Symptoms and Treatment

noreply@blogger.com (Mangala) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:18:00 +0000

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a condition where air passage in lungs gets inflamed and thus results in improper breathing, chest congestion, inflammation, coughing, etc. Asthma may be mild, moderate or severe, depending upon the frequency of the inflammation of the air path. Today, 10 out of every 110 people are suffering from this chronic condition. Children are more prone of getting asthma than adults. Person with no family history of asthma can also suffer from it.

Causes for asthma

Asthma is a condition caused due to contraction or inflammation in air path or lungs. The contracted airways prevents the passage of air through lungs and thus results in cough, congestion in chest, thick mucus and difficulty in breathing.

However, inflammation and contraction alone do not cause asthma. It is also caused due to triggering factors such as the smell of tobacco, feather and skin of animals and birds, tensions are common factors. Triggers are also due to dust, pollen grains, animal dandruffs, toxic smell, strong fragrance, medicine, etc.

Rigorous exercise is also a reason in some people. However ,mild exercise are good for asthmatic patients, using of inhaler is recommended before starting the exercise. Food items like egg, fish also cause contraction of lungs and thus are considered as triggers. Emotional and mental stress may also be the reason for asthma.

Diet for asthmatic patients

Asthmatic patients should take plenty of fruits, sprouts, leafy vegetables, pulses and lemon juice, etc. especially during severe attacks. The patient should strictly avoid fried stuff, rice and sugar. This will make the body strong and cleanse all the toxic materials. They should avoid carbohydrates, fats, proteins, caffeine, spicy, and sour food, etc. Patient should not overeat and should eat food slowly, chewing it properly. This will aid in proper digestion and prevent inflammation and other stomach and lung-related problems like, choking in lungs, thick mucus formation, difficulty in breathing in and out. It is advised to drink at least 8--10 glasses of water per day.

Asthma Symptoms

Person suffering from asthma can suffer from its severe attack at anytime and affects his day-to-day life activities. The asthma symptoms are:

o Choked lungs

o Improper breathing

o Breathing with sound of a whistle

o Congested chest

o Cough

o Trouble in speaking

o Thick mucus formation

o Inflammation in chest

Home Remedies for Asthma

The attacks of asthma can be severe or moderate. It may last for few years or for whole life. There are inhalers and various medicines for the treatment of asthma but since these medicines are rich in steroids they may lead to lot of side effects and thus people opt for home remedies and natural treatments.

Massage and Mud packs

Add a little amount of camphor to mustard oil and massage on the back of the chest, this will loosen the breathing organs and relieves the person. Apply wet mud packs on the patient’s chest, the lungs become strong and helps in proper breathing. Apply this also to abdomen, this will help in proper digestion of food substances and thus reduces inflammation.

Sun bath, steam bath, etc.

Helps in opening of the lungs and thus enhances the breathing capacity. It also keeps the skin healthy and beautiful.

Enema

An enema can also be given to help cleansing of the excretory organs and detoxification.

Honey

Add honey in the milk, lukewarm water or in lemon water. This not helps in detoxifying but also assimilate harmful chemicals, soften the mucus (and also prevent further formation of thick mucus by strengthening pulmonary tissues) and thus enhances the breathing process and nurtures the skin.

Onion and garlic

Onion juice reduces inflammation and open choked lungs. Garlic-rich food like garlic paste with milk, or garlic tea also acts as a good remedy, as it detoxifies the body, clears mucus, helps in breathing process.

Milk with turmeric powder

Add 1--2 teaspoon of turmeric powder in milk, this acts as one of the best medicines for asthma, cancer, cough, cold, etc.

Vitamin and minerals

Vitamin C and magnesium are good for asthmatic patients.

Herbs

Some type of herbs like Boswellia, Tylophora Indica are used in treating asthma because of their anti-inflammatory characteristics. However, these should never be used without consulting the doctors.

Exercise: Type, Extent, Merits and Demerits

noreply@blogger.com (Mangala) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 17:04:00 +0000

Exercise is a physical activity which helps an individual for maintaining is ideal weight and to remain in good health. Depending on age and overall physical condition, exercise plays a very important role in the management program of diabetes. There are several good reasons why regular physical activity may be helpful. They are as follows:

1. By increasing physical activities, one expends certain calories; this can help in achieving weight reduction. Thus continued regular exercise can help to keep the weight off.

2. With vigorous and regular exercise, the number of insulin receptor sites seems to increase, making the available insulin more efficient.

3. The physical activity may have a medication-like effect and assist in glucose utilization. With regular exercise, there is lowering in blood sugar level and so medication requirements may get reduced.

4. A regular exercise program increases cardio-respiratory reserve. This may slow development of cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) complications. Exercise also lowers cholesterol and other blood fats.

5. Exercise brings about an overall sense of well-being. It helps to relieve tension, anxiety and depression. Physical fitness guarantees physical and emotional health.

Before starting an exercise program

If one has not been very active, discuss exercise with the physician before setting out on one’s own. Wrong exercise for the wrong person can be harmful. Types of exercise for and how much is best for one will depend on one’s physical and metabolic status.

Some precautions may be necessary. Certain activities may not be recommended if the sensation in one’s feet is reduced or if circulation is poor. One will need good running shoes, if jogging is one’s choice. Sturdy, comfortable shoes are also important for walking.

If one is on insulin, one may need to adjust food intake or insulin dosage before embarking on physical activity.

You can do it

If one is seriously overweight and not very active, one may resist the idea of exercising. Hauling around extra weight is hard enough. Also, high blood sugar may have one drained of energy, leaving him too tired to do much.

However, once one gets going, one will probably begin to feel better and smart. Together with a controlled diet, one will be rewarded by seeing the pounds disappear.

If one has been inactive and dislikes the idea of exercising, one may try some simple activities. For example, try waking up the stairs instead of going up on an elevator, or try walking instead of driving short distances, or do some simple exercises even while watching television, or do the usual chores at a little faster speed.

“Exercise tends to lower the blood sugar in the diabetic in whose body there is an adequate supply of insulin, whether this be of endogenous or exogenous origin. This effect is so striking and so beneficial that exercise along with diet and insulin is now accorded a definite and prominent place in the everyday treatment of diabetes.” (E.P. Joslin).

Two kinds of exercise

Activity based on exercise is rhythmic and repetitive and uses one’s large muscles, such as those with in the back and legs. This type of exercise helps make the entire cardiovascular system work proficiently. Called isotonic or aerobic exercises, they include such activities as walking, jogging, cycling and swimming.

Isometric activities, i.e., contacting the muscles against an immovable object, build the muscle strength but do not improve cardiovascular fitness.

Whatever one wishes to do, we need to work into it gradually; we should not exercise to the point of exhaustion or soreness unless well trained. If one is too ambitious in early activities and gets tired or exercised limbs begin to hurt, this may discourage and make one quit the program.

And finally, one should note that while exercise may improve blood sugar, the benefits may last only as long as one continues to do it regularly.

Benefits

1. Can lower blood glucose levels during and after an exercise session.

2. Increases sensitivity of body cells to insulin.

3. Increases physical fitness.

4. Strengthens the heart and lungs.

5. Decreases total cholesterol and increases HDL cholesterol (the ‘good’ cholesterol).

6. Lowers blood pressure.

7. Has psychological benefits–—improves self-image, helps manage stress, improves mood and decrease anxiety.

Risks

1. Problems with eyes, kidneys and nerves may be worsened.

2. Blood pressure during exercise may rise higher in persons with diabetes than in persons who do not have diabetes.

3. Insulin deficiency with poor control of exercise can cause a further rise in blood glucose levels.

4. Blood glucose may drop too low during or after an exercise continued for long duration. This can happen even long after exercise, e.g., four to ten hours.

Amniotic Fluid Analysis

noreply@blogger.com (Mangala) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 15:32:00 +0000

What is an amniotic fluid?

The fluid surrounding the fetus in the amniotic sac is Amniotic fluid. It is derived from maternal plasma in early pregnancy. The fluid volume increases as the baby grows in size.

Functions of the amniotic fluid

1. Provides protection to the fetus.

2. Provides an even temperature.

3. Acts as a cushion to external trauma.

4. Allows the free movement for fetal growth.

Advantages of amniotic fluid analysis

1. Detection of chromosomal abnormalities.

2. Direct measurement of specific enzyme.

3. To detect neural tube defects and lung maturity.

Amniocentesis

Amniocentesis or amniotic fluid analysis is the procedure of removal of small amount of amniotic fluid from amniotic sac. This is done between 16th and 20th week of pregnancy. A needle is inserted into the amniotic sac and 30ml of the fluid is collected. An ultrasonograph guided amniocentesis is done to avoid trauma to the fetus, abortion, infection or respiratory problems.

Amniotic fluid is centrifuged; the supernatant is analyzed for fetal disease. The free floating embryonic cells, which settles at the bottom after centrifugation are tissue cultured. This tissue culture helps to detect the following:

1. The sex of the fetus.

2. Chromosomal disorders.

3. Inherited enzyme deficiency.

4. Rh positive typing.

Investigation using amniotic fluid

Alpha fetoprotein

It is a glycoprotein produced by yolk sac in large amounts in the first trimester and by fetal liver in the second trimester during the intrauterine life.

Pathology

Increase levels of alpha fetoprotein are seen in open neural tube defects like anencephaly, exomphalos and spina bifida. Increased levels are also seen in Turners syndrome.

Creatinine

Creatinine levels are used to detect fetal kidney maturity. If the level of creatinine is less than 2mg/dl this implies renal impairment.

Phospholipids

Dipalmitoyl lecithin and Phosphatidyl inositol appears at 24th week of gestation. It acts as a surfactant without which the lung collapses. Thus the levels of surfactants help to detect fetal lung maturity.

Bile pigments

An increase in bilirubin level helps to detect hemolytic disease of the newborn.

Alkaline phosphatase

An increase in the enzyme level helps in prenatal detection of cystic fibrosis.

Tamm horsfall glycoprotein

This glycoprotein is derived from fetal kidney which acts as an aid to assess renal function.

Biomaterials in medicine

noreply@blogger.com (Mangala) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 15:18:00 +0000

What are biomaterials?

Biomaterials are the basis for the construction of all artificial organs, whether they are constructed from totally synthetic materials or fabricated from specially treated natural tissues. The term biomaterials was defined as

“Any substance or combination of substances, synthetic or natural in origin, which can be used for any period of time as whole or a part of system which treats, augments or replaces any tissue, organ or function of the body.”

The requirements and use of biomaterials varies significantly depending on the intended duration of use, the intended method of application and the function. In order to clarify these applications the classification of biomaterials with respect to the above mentioned criteria is outlined below:

Classification of biomaterials

Intended period of use on application

1. Permanent

2. Long term

3. Transient

Intended method of application

1.Reconstruction and augmentation of tissues and organs e.g. Heart valves.

2.Reconstruction and augmentation of physiological function e.g. dialysis.

3.Therapeutic applications e.g. macromolecular modulation.

Function

1. Passive: structural components

2. Active: moving structure

Based on the nature of material these can be further classified into following manner:

Metals and alloys

Stainless steel, cobalt based and titanium based alloys

Ceramics

Alumina, bioglass, hydroxy apatites

Polymers

High density polyethylene, PMMA, Teflon, silicone rubbers, etc.

Applications

The practical modifications of the composition surface and bulk properties of both natural tissue and polymers has resulted in the development of the biomedical devices available today.

Bulkwise, materials are mainly used as dental and orthopaedic implants used in other branches of medicine is more.

Although acrylic resins the methacrylates are traditionally used in dental field, materials like cellulose, vinyl chloride-copolymers, polystyrene, epoxyresins, polyesters, silicones, ceramics, metal bonded ceramics are finding more and more application.

Materials having adequate strength, abrasion resistance, impact strength, dimension, color stability, resistance to mouth fluid, food and other substances, tissue tolerance and lower toxicity can certainly find application in this field.

Pentosuria

noreply@blogger.com (Mangala) — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 10:36:00 +0000

What is pentosuria?

Excretion of pentoses in urine is called pentosuria. The presence of pentose in urine was first described by Salkowski and Jastrowitz in 1892. This condition appears to be harmless to health. It is found exclusively in Jews and causes no decrease in life expectancy.

Sources of pentose

All the fruits are a source for pentose.

Inheritance

An autosomal recessive inherited disorder.

Enzyme defect

L-Xylitol dehydrogenase.

Metabolic block

L-Xylulose is converted to Xylitol in the presence of the enzyme L-Xylitol dehydrogenase. This reaction is blocked due to the deficient enzyme.

Due to inherited deficiency of the enzyme L-xylulose accumulates and is excreted in the urine.

Clinical significance

Oxalosis

Parenteral administration of xylitol may lead to oxalosis involving calcium oxalate deposition in brain and kidneys. This results from conversion of D-xylulose to oxalate. Other sources of oxalates are ascorbic acid and glycine.

Effect of other drugs

Various drugs markedly increase the rate at which glucose enters uronic acid pathway for example administration of barbital or chlorbutanol.

Symptoms

1. Excretion of xylulose in urine.

2.High levels of xylulose in blood.

Diagnosis

Loading Test

Administration of glucuronic acid to these subjects causes an increase in the quantity of xylulose excretion while administration of glucuronic acid to normal subject do not cause any increase.

Treatment

Avoid pentoses in the diet.

Fructosuria

noreply@blogger.com (Mangala) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 16:59:00 +0000

Definition of Fructosuria

Excretion of fructose in urine is called as Fructosuria.

Dietary sources

1. Fruit juices and honey

2. Table sugar or sucrose

Biomedical importance

1. Fructose is easily metabolized and is a good source of energy.

2. Seminal fluid is rich in fructose.

3. Excess dietary fructose is harmful and lead to increased synthesis of triglycerides.

Fructose metabolism

Fructose is converted into fructose 1 phosphate in the presence of the enzyme fructokinase and this is further metabolized into D glyceraldehydesand dihydroxyacetone phosphate in the presence of the enzyme aldolase B.

In fructosuric persons aldolase B is deficient thus leading to accumulation of fructose in blood and its excretion.

Clinical significance

Sorbitol pathway of fructose metabolism

Seminal fluid is rich in fructose and this is the only energy source for the sperms. The metabolic pathways involved are:

1. Reduction of D Glucose to Sorbitol.

2. Oxidation of sorbitol to D fructose.

The formation of sorbitol from glucose proceeds rapidly in the lens of the eye and schwann cells of nervous system.

Sorbitol cannot pass through the cell membrane and in diabetic individuals as the rate of oxidation of sorbitol to fructose decreases sorbitol level in these cells increases.

Elevated sorbitol concentration in these cells causes osmotic pressure which may be responsible for the development of cataracts of lens of the eye and diabetic neuropathies.

Liver cell necrosis

Fructose when used parenterally for nutrition can cause depletion of adenine nucleotides and thus leads to liver cell necrosis.

Inherited disorder

Hereditary fructose intolerance

An inherited disorder manifesting with severe clinical features

Enzyme defect

Aldolase B deficiency

Clinical features

1. Nausea

2. Vomiting

3. Profuse sweating

4. Slight Icterus (medical name for jaundice)

5. Albuminuria

6. Aminoaciduria

7. Hypoglycemia

Diagnosis

1. Phenylhydrazine test

2. Fructose tolerance test

3. Seliwanoff test

Treatment

Fructose and sucrose must be restricted in the diet.

The sources of fructose such as honey must also be restricted.

Donate your Eyes to help someone see

noreply@blogger.com (Mangala) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 17:16:00 +0000

Why should we donate our eyes?

There are currently an estimated 15 million blind people in our country. Of these about 6.8 million suffer from corneal blindness with vision less than 6/60 in at least one eye. If the present trend continues, it is expected that the number of corneal blind individuals in India will increase to 8.4 million in 2010 and 10.6 million by 2020.

Procedure for donating eyes:

1. Contact the nearest eye collection centre or an eye bank which may be usually located in a medical college or an eye hospital.

2. Contact either through phone or a personal visit and register your pledge.

3. Get an Eye donation card.

4. The eyes of any dead person who has not registered can also donate with the consent of his or her relatives by law.

5. Anybody from the age of 1 year can donate.

6. No upper age limit for donation.

7. Persons wearing spectacles, those who had undergone cataract surgery, Diabetic persons, hypertensives can also donate their eyes.

What should be done till the eye donation team arrives?

1. Eyes of the person should be collected within 6 to 8 hrs of death.

2. Keep both the eyes of deceased person closed and covered with moist cotton.

3. Switch off the overhead fan.

4. Raise the head end of the body by about 6 inches, if possible - to decrease the incidence of bleeding during the removal of the eyes.

5. If possible, instill antibiotic eye drops periodically.

Who are not eligible for donating their eyes?

• Death from unknown cause.

• Death due to any infections like Rabies, syphilis, infectious hepatitis, septicemia and AIDS.

• Any ocular infection and previous refractive surgery.

Appeal to the public:

Take a pledge to donate your eyes and live even after your death.

Motivate and educate others about this eye donation.

In case of any death please motivate their relatives to donate the eyes of the dead person.

"Your eyes after death need not perish"

"Make eye donation a family tradition"

"Help blinds see, donate eyes after death"

Erythroblastosis Foetalis

noreply@blogger.com (Mangala) — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 09:45:00 +0000

Erythroblastosis Foetalis also called as hemolytic disease of the new born is a condition that develops in a fetus, when the IgG molecules (one of the five main types of the antibodies) that have been produced by the mother and have passed through the placenta include ones which attack the red blood cells (RBC) in the fetal circulation.

Clinical features:

The red cells are broken down and the fetus can develop reticulocytosis and anemia. This fetal disease ranges from mild to very severe, and fetal death from heart failure (hydrops fetalis) can occur. When the disease is moderate or severe, many erythroblasts are present in the fetal blood i.e. RBCs are damaged at a very early stage and so these forms of the disease can be called erythroblastosis fetalis (or erythroblastosis foetalis).

This condition occurs when an Rh positive man marries an Rh negative women. When an Rh negative woman bears an Rh positive child the first child is safe but the second child develops the above condition.

Fetal RBCs are separated from mother’s circulation by a layer of cells in placenta called trophoblasts. At the time of delivery large amounts of fetal blood enter circulation and anti Rh antibodies are formed. During second pregnancy these Abs damage fetal RBC and causes hemolysis, breakdown of heme so bilirubin is formed in large amounts. Bilirubin is lipid soluble and accumulates in brain leads to kernicterus or brain damage to the fetus.

Diagnosis:

Blood tests on the newborn baby

1. Biochemistry tests for jaundice

2. Peripheral blood morphology shows increased reticulocytes

3. Positive Direct Coombs test

Blood tests done on the mother

Positive indirect Coombs test

Galactosemia

noreply@blogger.com (Mangala) — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 16:52:00 +0000

Galactosemia is an inherited disorder in which there is inability to convert galactose to glucose in normal manner.

Incidence:

1 in 18,000 live births.

Enzyme defects:

• Galactose 1 phosphate uridyl transferase enzyme

• Galactokinase

• Epimerase

Metabolism of galactose:

Galactose is converted to galactose 1 phosphate in the presence of the enzyme galactokinase.

Galactose 1 phosphate is converted to UDP galactose in the presence of the enzyme Galactose 1 phosphate uridyl transferase.

UDP galactose is coverted to UDP glucose in the presence of the enzyme epimerase.

In this condition the enzymes are deficient so galactose accumulates and is excreted.

Inheritance:

Autosomal recessive

Clinical significance:

1. Hypoglycemia

2. Fatty infiltration leading to cirrhosis

3. Mental retardation

4. Cataract due to deposition of galactitol

Biochemical findings:

1. Increased blood galactose level

2. Blood glucose level decreases

3. Inorganic phosphate decreases

Urinary findings:

1. Increased excretion of galactose in urine

2. Aminoaciduria

Prognosis:

Not fatal can survive to puberty and childhood

Treatment:

Galactose should be restricted in the diet.

Role of Calcium in Human body

noreply@blogger.com (Mangala) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 16:41:00 +0000

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body. It is a soft grey alkaline earth metal, and is the fifth most abundant element by mass in the Earth's crust. Calcium is also the fifth most abundant dissolved ion in seawater by both molarity and mass, after sodium, chloride, magnesium and sulfate.

Sources of calcium:

• Milk

• Egg

• Fish

• Vegetables

• Wheat

• Rice

Normal value:

9-11mg/dl

Factors necessary for Absorption:

1. Calcium absorption increases by the following:

a. Vitamin D

b. Parathyroid hormone

c. Acidity

d. Aminoacids

2. Calcium absorption decreases by the following:

a. Phytic acid in cereals

b. Oxalates in leafy vegetables

c. Malabsorption syndrome

d. High phosphate content

Parathyroid hormone and Calcium:

Parathyroid hormone is secreted by the 4 parathyroid glands that is embedded in the thyroid tissue.

Formation:

• Pre pro PTH- 115 aminoacids

• Pro PTH- 90 aminoacids

• Mature PTH- 84aminoacids

Role of PTH in bones:

PTH causes demineralization or decalcification. Thus increases calcium level in blood.

Role of PTH in kidneys:

There is decreased renal excretion of calcium and increased excretion of phosphate.

Role of PTH in intestines:

PTH activates Vitamin D which indirectly increases calcium absorption from intestines.

Calcitonin and Calcium:

Calcitonin is secreted by the thyroid parafollicular cells. This hormone inhibits bone resorption and thus decreases phosphate level. In the kidneys it excretes phosphate and lowers plasma calcium level.

Regulation of blood calcium level:

When the plasma levels of calcium decreases it activates PTH gland to secrete PTH and thus increases the level in blood.

When the plasma levels of calcium increases it activates Thyroid cells to secrete Calcitonin and thus decreases the level in blood.