May 13, 2008

An Antioxidant Diet To Fight Cancer







 tapestry.jpg

Your mother always told you to , “eat your vegetables”, and now this is being echoed in scientific laboratories. As well a diet rich in these foods helps to maintain a healthy weight.

A recent paper presented by the National Cancer Institute, reviewed the relationship between vegetable, fruit and carotenoid intake, and the rate of cancers. Of the many hundreds of carotenoids found in our food (primarily fruits and vegetables) many are antioxidants. Beta-carotene is the most easily found and well known carotenoid.

The study found a definite link between fruits and vegetables in the diet, and cancer. The strongest findings were for lung cancer, although cancer of the stomach, cervix, neck, breast, and bladder were also reported. However, some of the studies lasted for only five years. Considering that cancer may take 20 or more years to develop, the association between vegetables and the risk of cancer may be even stronger than realized in the study. Fruit and vegetables, fiber and other antioxidants such as vitamin C may also protect against cancer.

Although all of the variables in the connection between vegetables and cancer are not known, there is, without a doubt, a benefit. It seems that most Americans neglect this part of their diet. A recent survey revealed that only 10 percent of the 12,000 adults surveyed ate the recommended five servings of fruits and vegetables each day.

Make sure to get all the recommended servings of fruit and vegetables per day for a more healthy body.


Tagged with:

Do You Need Supplements As You Age







mf350.jpg

This question has different answers depending on where you are coming from and what culture.

If a person gets a balanced variety of foods in their diet there is probably no need for
vitamin and mineral supplements.

There is a section of the population that don’t really get enough variety in their diet, and really just stick to certain foods, such as vegetarians, so they do need a supplement. However health conscious people who eat a well balanced variety of food probably don’t need a supplement.

If one is pregnant or nursing or if there is some other need for vitamins and minerals according to your doctor, then vitamin and mineral supplements are a good idea.

Vitamin and mineral supplements really only have great value if you’re not getting them in your diet. Some chronic dieters who diet consistently won’t be getting enough vitamins and minerals, so sometimes it is a good idea for them to take a supplement.

As you age, does that mean you need a vitamin supplement? Yes, there are quite a few vitamins and minerals that may be lacking. As you age your absorption of nutrients declines in your later years and your body’s need for B6, B12, calcium and vitamin D increases.

Ask your doctor if you need vitamin and mineral supplements.


Tagged with:

Nutrition Basics Of Protein

eggs.jpg

Carbohydrates, fats and protein can all be broken down into smaller units.

Each one of those smaller units can be sub-divided. In the case of proteins, proteins are made up of amino acids. Not all proteins have the eight essential amino acids that the body needs. If you are consuming protein and you don’t get the essential ones for
long periods of time, you are putting yourself at risk of becoming malnourished. In places around the world where food isn’t so plentiful, children can become malnourished and develop diseases such as Kwashiorkor. These children have distended tummies, however the rest of their bodies are fine, this unfortunately is caused by a protein deficiency.

Scientists can measure the quality of nutrients that people are getting. The amount of protein consumed is controlled. They can measure how much is excreted, how much weight a person gains and basically they can determine how much of that protein is utilized by the body.

Some proteins are absorbed extremely well, an example would be egg albumin, which is a protein found in the white of an egg rather than the yolk. The egg white protein has an extremely high biological availability and all of the essential amino acids in
the right balance.

Gelatin has many of the essential amino acids, however, does not have an amino acid called tryptophan and because it is lacking, it isn’t considered a complete form of protein.


Tagged with:

Venison’s Nutrition


Venison or deer meat may not often be part of your menu for dinner, but it is something that you need to consider serving frequently because of its great nutritional value. Venison roast, grilled venison steaks, barbecued venison chops or creamed venison are tasty treats whether you are having dinner in a fine restaurant or having a special home cooked meal.

First, let us take a look at the nutritional content of venison. This meat is rich in vitamins B2, B3, B6 and B12.  It is also a good source of iron, phosphorus, selenium, zinc and copper. Second, as compared to other types of meat, venison is a protein source which is relatively low in saturated fat.

Since venison is especially rich in iron, it is suitable for lactating and menstruating women, as well as children and teens with an iron deficiency. All in all, the nutritional content of venison makes it helpful in:
• Reducing the risks of colon cancer.
• Reducing the occurrence of migraine attacks.
• Reducing the risks of osteoarthritis.
• Energy production.


Tagged with:

Is Chelation Therapy For You

edta.jpg

Chelation therapy is a process that cleans the arteries by using intravenous chelating agents along with dietary supplements. Lifestyle changes that focus on diet, exercise and stress reduction are also implemented.

The term ‘Chelation’ means “combining with metal.” The major chelator used is ‘EDTA’, a synthetic amino acid, which removes toxic heavy metals from the body by stuicking to them and removing them through the kidneys. ‘EDTA’ is non-toxic when used properly and according to the guidelines of the American Board of Chelation Therapy. ‘EDTA’ also sticks to calcium which builds up as plaques on the walls of the arteries.

Chelation therapy is a world-recognized treatment for heart arrythmias as well.

Chelation therapy can treat and reverse degenerative illnesses also. However, Chelation therapy is mainly used to treat heavy-metal toxicity and cardiovascular disorders like hardening of the arteries and high blood pressure.

Chelation therapy involves intravenous injection of ‘EDTA’ into the blood in sessions that last three to four hours. A series of chelation treatments usually include twenty to thirty treatments.

There are severl products and programs available for Chelation therapy such as :Carrdio Renew and Angioprim. Ask your doctor which products he recommends.

Make sure you find a practitioner qualified by the American Board of Chelation Therapy for your therapy.


Tagged with:

What You Should Know About Pacemaker Surgery

 pacemaker2.jpg

A pacemaker is a small, battery operated medical device designed to electrically stimulate the heart in order to restore normal heart rhythm.

A pacemaker has two main parts: the pulse generator and pacing leads. The pulse generator is where the battery and electronic circuits are located. These circuits contain timers that regulate how often the pacemaker sends impulses to the heart.

Pacemaker surgery complications:
The most common complications of the pacemaker surgery are blood loss, infection, and lead dislodgement. However, the percentage of any of these complications occurring is very low.

The patient is given a single dose of antibiotics during the surgery to prevent infection. Antibiotics may also be given after the operation in selected cases.

If blood loss is excessive, which is very rare in pacemaker surgery, a blood transfusion may be necessary.

If a pacemaker lead moves from its proper position (highly unlikely), a second surgical procedure may be needed to reposition the displaced lead.

Restrictions for pacemaker patients:
Following the procedure, the patient will have certain restrictions for days or weeks. All patients with pacemakers are asked not to participate in contact sports. This restriction may be life-long.

In addition, patients will be asked to avoid interaction with certain electronic devices that may interfere with the pacemaker’s proper function.

Ask your doctor to give you all your post surgery instructions for your new pacemaker and be sure that you understand them.


Tagged with:

Who Needs A Pacemaker

pacemaker.gif

A normal heartbeat comes from the heart’s natural pacemaker called the “sinus node.” When the sinus node sends signals, a wave of electricity then moves across the upper chambers of the heart causing the upper chambers to contract.

The electrical impulse then moves to the lower chambers of the heart resulting in contraction there.

These contractions allow for blood to be pumped to the body. This blood supplies the body with oxygen and nutrients, as well as eliminates waste products.

When the hearts natural pacemaker doesn’t function normally, an artificial pacemaker may be needed.

Some people are born with sinus dysfunction as a result of some congenital heart defects. As well sinus misfiring can also be the consequence of certain surgical procedures.

Many other patients may need a pacemaker with conditions such as abnormally fast heart rates, patients who pass out, patients on medications that slow the natural heart rate, patients with heart valves that leak, patients with an abnormally thick heart and patients with poor heart function.

An artificial pacemaker helps to restore the heart rhythm towards a normal rhythm. This improves the heart’s ability to circulate blood through the body and the wear and tear on the heart it self.

Ask your doctor for more information about on pacemakers.


Tagged with:

Learn About Truncus Arteriosus

trun.gif

The normal function of a heart includes two main blood vessels leaving the heart: the aorta carrying blood to the body and the pulmonary artery that delivers blood to each lung.

In patients with truncus arteriosus there is only one great blood vessel or trunk leaving the heart, which then feeds the blood vessels that go to the lungs and the body.

A patient with truncus arteriosus usually begins to have problems in the first week of life. Their oxygen levels are usually lower than normal.

Because of the excessive amount of blood flow to the lungs with this malformation, congestive heart failure develops very quickly. With an X-ray, the heart looks enlarged and the lungs look hazy.

Indications of congestive heart failure included rapid breathing, shortness of breath, wheezing, grunting or very noisy breathing, nasal flaring, and restlessness.

The liver may be enlarged; neck vein distention, poor feeding, and facial swelling are also seen.

While truncus arteriosus may be suspected, an echocardiogram will confirm the presence of the disorder.Initial treatment begins with stabilizing the patient. Medications to control congestive heart failure such as diuretics are often started.

The use of a feeding tube or intravenous feeding may be needed. Surgical correction is typically carried out in the first few weeks of life after the infant is stabilized and the surgical repair of truncus arteriosus requires the use of heart-lung bypass machine.

Currently over 90 percent of patients survive repair of truncus arteriosus. As the patient grows, they will need to be followed by their cardiologist.


Tagged with:

Pedifix Wart Stick



Women are particularly conscious about having warts in their face or any part of their body. However, both men and women should worry about warts as this is not only unsightly but can be a source of future health and skin problems.

The traditional way was to get rid of warts through cauterization in a clinic. However, Pedifix Wart Stix makes warts disappear in no time at all and you need not even go to a clinic. This home medical equipment consists of strong ingredients like 40% Salicylic Acid that is able to remove warts efficiently. It is fast drying, has no foul smell and would not drip onto healthy tissue.

Most people who have warts become self conscious and less self confident. Some even resort to rubbing their warts constantly that there is that danger of irritating not only the warts but also the skin. If you want to remove your warts without messy liquids then try the Pedifix Wart Stick for maximum convenience.


Tagged with:

The EZ Adjust Bed Rail from Standers.



The Standers EZ Adjust Bed Rail is a must-have for homes not only for medical but also for safety purposes. Accept the fact that there are some family members—sometimes children—who sleep so heavily they could not even contain their movement within the bed causing them to fall down easily.

This can cause bumps and bruises for both children and adults. Moreso, if it happens to a patient whose mobility is a problem. Older people who are also semi-paralyzed can also have problems sleeping in a bed without rails so they need this home medical equipment to keep them safe and warm right on their beds.

The EZ Adjust Bed Rail can be installed easily and is adjustable between 26, 34 and 42 inches depending on the length required by the user or the bed where it is placed. It actually has a dual purpose because aside from serving as a side rail you can also use it to make getting out of the bed easy on the legs, back or other parts of the body. It has a safety strap that makes sure it is tightly secured to the frame of your bed. It will also fit any size of bed whether used in the home, clinic or hospital.

This home medical equipment weighs 15 pounds only but it can accommodate any body up to 400 pounds. It can be easily assembled so no need to hammer and cut woods or anything at all. You only need some bolts and wrench, both of which are already included in the product.


Tagged with: