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Archives for May 2011

8 Essential Sugars You Need

May 31, 2011 By mhsnutrition

Everyone who had studied nutrition has heard of the 8 essential amino acids. But did you know that there are 8 essential sugars? These essential sugars, fucose, galactose, glucose, mannose, n-acetylgalactosamine, n-acetylglucosamine, n-acetylneuraminic acid, and xylose, are only a handful out of a library of over 200 known glyconutrients that are absolutely vital for bodily health. Researchers have discovered that the primary function these nutrients are to help cells to communicate. When glyconutrients combine with proteins, they produce glycoproteins. When combining with lipids, they produce glycolipids. These molecules, called glycoforms, adhere to and coat the 600 trillion cells of the human body, essentially forming ‘name tags’ for each cell, allowing the body to recognize ‘self’ and to provide specific information about every individual cell, such as whether the cell is sick or healthy, benign or malignant. Thus, we can readily see their role in the auto-immune response.

Unfortunately, as modern technology has enabled the greater processing and longer shelf-lives of foods than ever before, many of these glyconutrients are lost in everyday foods; undoubtedly one of several reasons that many illnesses are on the rise in most industrial nations. Adopting a diet of plentiful amounts of unprocessed fruits and vegetables, seeds, and sea vegetables will provide many of them, but many nutritional experts believe that not all of them can be provided sufficiently even in a natural diet, thus making supplementation necessary. Also, since these nutrients have overlapping functions in the body, it is believed that they work better when taken in combination, something that may be difficult in procuring them only from food as many different foods may have to be eaten either simultaneously or closely together, thus resulting in bouts of indigestion or gastric depletion. Also, it is all too easy to accidentally miss out on numerous nutrients, as many of them are found in the skin and pectin fibers of various fruits and vegetables, which are usually discarded after juicing. Realizing this, health companies have devised supplement formulations with at least the 8 essential glyconutrients, extracted from the parts of these foods that most health seekers discard. Still, another reason for proposed supplementation is that many nutrients in food are degraded and/or lost during transit and storage. This is why many health enthusiasts cultivate their own gardens or strive to eat foods that are locally grown. However, these practices may be difficult for some, thus making supplementation a necessity.

It is believed that ‘glyconutrient therapy’ will soon become a standard part of medical care for patients suffering from degenerative diseases and other illnesses. As studies continue, it may further be discovered that the body can actually manufacture for itself some of these essential nutrients if it has the raw health materials. After all, it is widely accepted that our ancient ancestors were generally healthier, stronger and more resilient that we are today even though they did not have supplements. For instance, it is now known that the body can actually make galactose rather easily from the lactose found in dairy products (which, of course, is still not an option for vegans or those with lactose intolerance). So, strictly speaking, galactose is not an essential glyconutrient since it can potentially be formed in the body. However, when it comes to health, all healthy nutrients are essential. Learn more about glyconutrients, by visiting this site.

 

Happy Memorial Day: A Moment Please

May 30, 2011 By Steven Kirchhof

The flag image with this post is of the front of my house. We are getting ready for our back yard Memorial Day cookout, which may include around 30 people (with 18 kids!!). Right now, Stacy is getting after me to peel eggs for deviled eggs and get the potatoes ready for the potato salad, but I wanted to take a brief moment.

As we are all busy getting ready to host or go to a Memorial Day cookout or party, lets all take a moment to remember what this day is all about and give thanks. Memorial day commemorates the men and women who have laid down their lives in service to our country. Formerly Decoration Day, this day was created after the War Between the States to honor fallen Union soldiers. It was later renamed and extended after WWI to honor all soldiers who died while in military service.

On behalf of myself and my family, I would like to thank those currently in service to our country and to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our freedom.

Sinusitis Explained

May 30, 2011 By Balloon Sinuplasty UK

Having a nasty head cold is something we all have to put up with now and then. We may feel a bit under the weather, but if a head cold develops into full-blown sinusitis, we’re likely to feel distinctly more miserable. Sinusitis is one of the UK’s most common health conditions, affecting 9 million people a year. Although it’s not generally regarded as serious or life-threatening, sinusitis can have a significant impact on sufferers’ quality of life.

Like a cold, one of the key symptoms is a feeling of being ‘bunged up’ and having difficulty breathing through the nose. Where sinusitis differs is that it also causes a sensation of pressure behind the eyes and forehead. This pressure can become painful and lead to severe headaches or general facial pain. Other symptoms include loss of the sense of smell, fatigue and even halitosis.

So what causes it? The sinuses are lined with a thin coating of mucus, which filters out bacteria and other harmful substances. This is why our immune system creates more mucus when we have a cold or an infection. Sinusitis occurs when the mucus doesn’t drain properly, often because it has become too thick or there is too much of it. This build-up is what causes the sensation of ‘stuffiness’ and is often the result of a cold or a virus.

In most cases, the condition is acute, which means that it should only last a week or two and is likely to clear up by itself. If your symptoms are relatively mild, there are a number of things you can do to help alleviate them. Filling a bowl with hot water, adding a couple of drops of menthol or eucalyptus oil and then inhaling the steam is a good first step, but only provides temporary relief. Another option is paying a visit to your local pharmacist, who will be able to advise you on over-the-counter remedies. These usually take the form of decongestant sprays, which help to open up the airways, and painkillers to relieve headaches and facial pain.

If none of these work and symptoms persist, it’s time to visit your GP. In most cases you will be prescribed antibiotics, which should speed up recovery. If the sinusitis is caused by a virus they’re unlikely to solve the problem, however, so it may just be a case of waiting for it to pass.

In instances where sinusitis lasts more than a few weeks and shows no signs of improving, the condition is classed as chronic. If you find yourself in this situation then it’s very important to go back to your GP. Around 20% of cases don’t respond to medication, so your doctor may refer you to an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist to discuss further treatment options. Although surgical intervention is considered safe and low risk, it tends to be a last resort and only for people who have recurrent sinusitis.

If you do decide to go down the surgical route, there are two main procedures to choose from. A relative newcomer is Balloon Sinuplasty, which involves inserting a tiny balloon catheter into the nasal cavity. The balloon is then slowly inflated, which causes it to gently push against the walls of the sinus and widen the airway, making it easier to breathe. It also helps to restore the normal drainage function, which makes the problem less likely to recur. This innovative technique is only minimally invasive, so the recovery time is very short. Patients can often go back to work the next day, although there may be a certain amount of pain and swelling.

Another, more common, surgical procedure is Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (ESS). A small camera is inserted into the nose, which enables the surgeon to see inside the nasal cavity and assess the level of blockage. Tiny instruments are then used to remove small sections of bone and tissue from inside the nose, which has the effect of permanently widening the sinus opening. This relieves the sensation of pressure that is so common in sinusitis sufferers, because it gives the mucus more space to drain and also makes it much easier to breathe. Recovery time is slightly longer with this technique because it’s more invasive and does involve the removal of tissue. There is likely be a certain amount of post-operative pain and bleeding, but this will pass after a few days.

The fact that sinusitis is so common has its benefits because it means that there’s a wide range of treatment options, from over-the-counter medication to surgical techniques, so you don’t need to suffer in silence. As with all health concerns, a visit to your GP is wise if your symptoms do not improve or if you simply wish to chat through the various options available to you.

Mark is one of our favorite guest bloggers who is an author at Balloon Sinuplasty. You can visit the Balloon Sinuplasty site to find out more about chronic sinusitis treatment.

 

How Does Snoring Affect Sleep and Health?

May 29, 2011 By hhsaz

Obstructive sleep apnea
Image via Wikipedia

Snoring is a common issue that most of us have had to deal with. But very few people realize that snoring is a medical problem that can have enormous impact on health and sleep.

Effect of Snoring on Health

  • Snoring can often be a sign of an undiagnosed medical disorder like sleep apnea or thyroid disorder.
  • Snoring by itself is not a reason for concern, but it could be a disguise for several other high risk health disorders like heart trouble, hypertension, diabetes etc.
  • Snoring may be an indicator of upper respiratory infections, sinusitis, and obstructions in the airway due to growths like polyps or enlargement of the tonsils, adenoids or even of the thyroid gland.
  • Chronic snoring can lead to disruption of REM sleep and thus lead to numerous effects on health like obesity, digestive disorders, irritability, stress, fatigue, poor memory, weak concentration, lack of focus, low libido and lack of stamina.
  • Snoring has also been proved to increase the risk of developing hypertension, and research indicates that, longer you have been suffering from snoring, greater are your chances at developing high blood pressure.
  • If you have been suffering from snoring without any sleep apnea then you stand 1.5 times more chance of developing hypertension. If your snoring is complicated with sleep apnea disorder, then you stand 2.5 times more risk of developing hypertension.

Effect of Snoring on Sleep

  • Snoring can cause sleep disorders like Insomnia and is often a common cause for poor quality sleep, that does not refresh or rejuvenate the person on waking up in the morning.
  • Snoring can also cause or be an indicator of serious disorders like sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is dangerous to health as it can lead to hypertension, strokes and even sudden cardiac arrest

Snoring should not be neglected or looked upon as a habit or sleep routine. It could very well be the first, and sometimes the only indicator of a grave medical disorder that is lying hidden in the body.

About the Author: Tim Fortin is a trainer at Human Health Specialists, an alternative medicine practice in Scottsdale Arizona. He works with individuals who want to achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

 

Try a Snore-No-More Pillow to see if it helps you sleep better over at the BHI store.

Dengue Fever Treatment and Prevention

May 28, 2011 By aizaku

The bite of an Aedis aegypti mosquito causes a viral infection called the Dengue Fever. Usually, these cases can be found in the Southeast Asia, Africa, and other tropical areas in the world. There are a few cases of this in the United States but this happens only when travelers came from the tropical regions mentioned. You there. Do you know what to do if you ever get this disease?

Awareness of this disease is vital in your survival. Why? First reason is that a second sting called Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever is a fatal blow to your system. Secondly, there are no preventive nor curative vaccines for this. our best bets are below:

  1. Be aware of the symptoms of this disease. If you are about to travel to tropical areas, make sure that you master the symptoms by heart. Fever, headache, joint pains, rashes, and vomiting are symptoms of dengue fever. Dengue hemorrhagic fever has those same symptoms plus abdominal pain, bleeding, easy bruising, and respiratory problems.
  2. If you notice any of the aforementioned symptoms, seek medical care right away. This is very important especially if you just came from a tropical region. Let your doctor know about this vital information. Blood test and physical examination will determine if you really have either of the diseases.
  3. Your doctor will recommend rest and fluids – plenty of them. These two are important if you are diagnosed with dengue fever. For the headaches and severe joint pain, your doctor might prescribe you with acetaminophen and codeine. Remember, there are no vaccines, medicines, or even antibiotics to fight off this disease so strictly follow the doctor’s orders.
  4. If you have the dengue hemorrhagic fever, you will be admitted to the hospital for further observation. This is very critical as patient might need transfusion, intravenous fluids, or oxygen therapy. Your diet will be severely monitored as well. Foods that are colored red and brushing your teeth will not be allowed so it is easier to check for bleeding.

Children under ten years of age are closely watched if they acquire this disease as it is lethal. The adults, on the other hand, will have very minimal or no problem in recovery.

  1. Be ready. Pack your long pants and long-sleeved shirts if you are bound for the tropics. Dengue is common in these areas. If I were you, I will endure the heat from wearing those clothes as long as I am safe from dengue. Don’t forget your mosquito repellent as well.
  2. Clean your area. If you came across areas with plastics, old tires, or anything that does not allow water to flow, report it to the place you are staying. These things are common breeding areas of mosquitoes. You can clean them yourself, if you want. Use sprays or insecticides to get rid of the mosquitoes. This is if you are willing to go the extra mile. But if not, ask somebody else to do it immediately.

Keep yourself informed. Remember the tips in this post to avoid getting dengue or dengue hemorrhagic fever. Equip yourself with the necessary gears to protect yourself or your family. Good luck and take care.

Author’s bio: Marcy Gray loves traveling especially to the tropics. In addition, she likes to write reviews about home improvement products such frigidaire dehumidifier 70 pint and danby ddr7009ree.

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