Saturday, August 31, 2013

Learn How to Shrink Hemorrhoids


WHAT ARE HEMORRHOIDS?!?

Hemorrhoids is a medical term used to describe the swelling and painful inflammation of veins in the rectum and anus of the human body. They are commonly misspelled as "hemroids". This article will go over some of the methods to identify and treat them.

What Causes Them?
Hemorrhoids can be caused straining during bowel movements, by excessive bouts of diarrhea, and sitting for prolonged periods of time.

Note that diarrhea can be caused by excessive consumption of alcohol or caffeine, among other offenders.

Therefore, a simple way to help treat treat or prevent hemorrhoids is to avoid intake of caffeinated or alcoholic beverages.

Any excess of food that hardens the stool, or insufficient intake of liquids can also be a cause of hemorrhoids.
Continuing to eat the foods that cause hemorrhoids can make it difficult to shrink or cure them.

The symptoms of hemorrhoids can sometimes be alarming. Symptoms of hemorrhoids can range from mild itching of the rectum to bloody stools and painful rashes.

Internal vs. External
The specific symptoms of hemorrhoids depend on whether or it not is a case of internal or external hemorrhoids:

External hemorrhoids occur outside of the anus. They are often sources of uncomfortable irritation due to swelling.
Internal hemorrhoids often go undetected because there are no pain receptors where they spring up, on the inside of the anus. However, an internal hemorrhoid can still be irritated and cause blood to show up in the stool for no apparent reason.

Often, attempts to clean or treat the symptoms of hemorrhoids can result in intensifying the symptoms. Rubbing, cleaning, or scraping of the anus can result in more itchiness, which may turn into an unfortunate cycle.

Methods to cure hemorrhoids, shrink hemorrhoids, heal hemorrhoids and prevent them entirely:

1. Eat right! Make sure your diet includes lots of liquids. Avoid excessive intake of cheese, and other high-density foods. Excessive lactic acid is also a culprit. Eat more fiber. Fruits are great!
2. Avoid caffeine and alcoholic products, as they can lead to harder stools, which causes more forcing, which makes a hemorrhoid likely to form.

Oh NO! I have hemorrhoids, so these instructions are too late for me! What Now?!

Generally, hemorrhoids will go away after several days to a week. If they do not clear up in that time, or the uncomfortable sensation is just too much for you to bear, you can find a few stories online about people who cured their hemorrhoids really quickly and easily.

Teething Babies - Safe Natural Cure Using Pure Essential Oils


Teething babies - how you can help your baby?

There is no hard and fast rules on when your baby will show signs of teething pain.

Teething babies begin at different times, and one never knows how long it will take or how painful it will be.
Sometimes the process of teething infants symptoms can follow hereditary patterns.

On average, your baby's first tooth can appear in the seventh month, but it can also appear at three months.

Often you will see a lump in the baby's gum and other times there will be no outward signs until a tooth appears.

What are the symptoms of teething?

These vary from child to child and below is a list of teething symptoms to look out for that could indicate your baby is having teething pain.

It is always advisable to check with your pediatrician if your baby does experience any of these symptoms associated with teething babies as a precaution to rule out other possible causes.

Dribbling
Irritability
Rash on baby's chin
Coughing
Biting
Ear tugging and cheek rubbing
Diarrhea
Low-grade fever
Not sleeping well
Cold like symptoms

How can you help your baby with the pain?

Some parents suggest giving your baby cold food to soothe and cool teething pain and healthy foods like yoghurt, apple sauce or pureed fruit can appeal to your baby and at the same is nutritious for your baby's health.

One of the best ways is to assist with teething pain is to use pure essential oils. This is a very good way to provide gentle support with soothing and comforting properties during the teething process.

It can also settle restlessness within your baby and aid sleep when pure essential oils are massaged into your baby's tummy.

Just remember:

The teething process is entirely natural and will come and go like many other things with new babies. By using a certified organic blend of the purest oils you can be sure you will be giving your baby support and help with teething pain in the safest gentlest way you can.

Doxycycline - Acne Cure or Killer Drug?


Natural treatments are by far the best way to cure acne. They are a safe, fast, cheap, and permanent cure for acne sufferers. Treating your body naturally, both inside and out, allows your body's natural defenses to fight and permanently cure those pimples and zits that make so many people so miserable.

In spite of the success of natural treatments, many people first choose to try over-the-counter and mail order topical treatments. These products rarely live up to the advertising hype and are never a permanent cure. When these products fail to work many people visit a dermatologist for a prescription medication such as Doxyxycline.

Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic which is used to treat acne. It is the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects that are important, if your inflamed pimples do not respond well to topical acne antibiotics or if you have acne on many areas of your body, antibiotics in pill form can be more effective, easier to take, and more convenient. However, the average patient sees only about a 15-25% improvement in the number of inflamed pimples when using Doxycycline. Before taking Doxycycline patients must consider the risks.

Some possible side effects of doxycycline include: a life-threatening allergic reaction (symptoms are trouble breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; hives), blood problems (symptoms are unusual bleeding or bruising), liver damage (symptoms are yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain), irritation of the esophagus, vaginal yeast infection, increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Doxycycline can affect how other medicines work and other medicines can affect how the antibiotic works. Some medicines that can interact with doxycycline are antacids and supplements that contain calcium, iron, magnesium, or sodium bicarbonate. If you take products containing these minerals within 2 hours of the time you take doxycycline, these medicines could decrease the doxycycline's effectiveness. Also, Birth control pills also may not work as well if you are taking doxycycline. Use other forms of birth control while you are taking this medicine.

Doxycycline is not generally approved for treating patients under 8 years old. It can cause swelling of the brain and a condition called bulging fontanels (soft spot on head) in infants. Doxycycline use is also associated with permanent tooth discoloration in children. If used for long periods, it may also slow down the growth of teeth and bones in babies born prematurely.

With the fast, easy, and inexpensive natural acne treatments available today it really makes little sense to risk one's health using drugs such as Doxycycline. The solution for most people is in treating the body from the inside out. Smearing on lotions and creams and taking prescription drugs might temporarily mask the acne but only by treating the root cause of the problem can we ever hope to have a permanent cure. By making simple changes in our lives...what we eat, how we clean our skin, our mental attitude we can have long-term success in achieving clear and attractive skin.

Nature's Own Cure For Teething - Amber Teething Necklace


Today's health conscious parents are far more concerned about natural healing. And when it comes to teething babies, natural is the only acceptable solution. Beautiful to wear and incredibly effective on teething infants and toddlers, the soothing analgesic support that amber teething necklaces provides is unparalleled.

Completely safe and totally non toxic, Baltic amber has been the most wide used remedy over thousands of years for healing and pain relief as well as supporting the body's own immune system. This is especially important in infants and toddlers as their own immune system is still in development. Working completely naturally, natural Baltic amber teething necklaces has become the solution of choice as it contains no drugs and has absolutely no side effects -- just great results.

Most important to know...As the Internet provides easy ways to sell fake product, you must be diligent and securing only natural Baltic Amber. This is the amber that has been used for centuries through Europe and Asia and has most recently gained tremendous popularity among discerning parents in the Americas. What makes natural Baltic amber the unparalleled source is the fact that it is fossilized resin which formed from ancient forests over 45 million years ago. As these amazing trees released their "sap" to the earth, natural organic matter absorbed and encased the fluid until it became fossilized.

History teaches us that amber has been used as a healing remedy since as early as 460 BC. Amber has been known and recorded to have been used to facilitate healing since around 460 BC. It was coveted by monarchs of ancient times and is still "the" collector's item today in museums because of it's inclusions.

While natural Baltic amber might not be available in your local pharmacy yet (as it has been in pharmacies all over Europe for several years, it should be the "go to" solution when your baby starts to teeth. The telltale signs of irritability, fever, and occasionally diarrhea mean teething is in the works. It's a big transition in life for your baby....make it a good one that's positive and painless.

As you research sources for your natural Baltic amber teething necklace, don't compromised quality for price. After all, your baby will know the difference and so will you! Make sure you purchase from reliable sources, especially from those companies that originate in the Baltic region where natural amber comes from. If you pay a little more, it means you're getting only the finest quality. We believe you will agree it's worth it!

Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamine) - When, How, and Why to Supplement


Sources and Physiologic Functions

Sources: Liver, kidney, muscle meats, eggs, cheese, milk, and fish are excellent sources of vitamin B12. It is not found in plant foods or in yeast. Fermented foods such as soy sauce, tempeh, and miso, and fortified foods such as soymilk are also good sources of this vitamin.

Biochemistry: Vitamin B12 is water-soluble. Cobalamine contains the element cobalt surrounded by a porphyrin like ring. The coenzyme forms of cobalamine are 5'deoxyadenosylcobalamine and methylcobalamine. Four types of cobalamin play a role in human metabolism, including cyanocobalamin (the form known as B12), methylcobalamin (the main form in the serum), and adenosylcobalamin (the main storage form in the liver). Cobalamin acts as coenzyme in two known pathways of human metabolism: demethylation of the folate derivative needed for the thymidylate synthesis, and conjugation of folic acid into the active polymer forms of folate. Cobalamin deficiency may produce a functional folate deficiency by trapping folate in these pathways and limiting its regeneration. Cobalamin is essential for the regeneration of tetrahydrofolate needed in purine and thymidine synthesis. Vitamin B12 is essential for growth, blood cell formation, nutrient metabolism, thyroid functioning, and myelin formation. It prevents accumulation of methyl melonoic acid, and thus, prevents production and incorporation of abnormal fatty acids into the nerve cell membrane. This may account for some of the neurological manifestations associated with deficiency. It may have a role in homocysteine metabolism and thus, control of atherosclerosis.

Populations at risk: Vitamin B12 deficiency is commonly caused by pernicious anemia (PA). The major defect in PA is gastric atrophy and absence of intrinsic factor, which is essential for B12 absorption. Disorders of gastric mucosa, intestinal infections, malabsorption secondary to gastrectomy, total ileal disease, or resection and genetic defects in the absorption and transport mechanisms may result in development of deficiency state. Strict vegetarianism over an extended period of time and tapeworm infestation are the other risk factors. A study showed that the vegans had B12 intakes below the RNI; and 35% of the long-term vegetarians and vegans had serum vitamin B12 concentrations below the reference range. Cigarette smoking also affects vitamin B12 status. A univariate analysis showed significantly lower plasma, red blood cell (RBC), and buccal mucosa of vitamin B12 concentrations in cigarette smokers compared to non-cigarette smokers.

Signs and Symptoms of Deficiency: The major defect of B簫12deficiency is an impairment of growth, particularly of rapidly dividing cells such as immature RBC. Infants with severe deficiency present with anemia and neurological problems, such as flaccidity, poor muscular control, twitching, and abnormal electroencephalogram. In adults, it is characterized by megaloblastic anemia and later development of neuropsychiatric symptoms. Neurological symptoms include numbness of the hands and feet, parasthesias, decreased vibration sense, and ataxia. CNS symptoms may occur without anemia and are irreversible. Poor growth, sore, smooth tongue, spleenomegaly, thrombocytopenia, and leucopenia are also seen.

Vitamin B12 toxicity: There are no signs of vitamin B12 toxicity, per se. There are a few rarely reported side effects that might be attributable to the vitamin, but such side effects are not necessarily related to the dose. These possible side effects include: diarrhea, blood clots in the legs, feelings of swelling over the entire body. These are the signs of an allergic reaction: hives or a rash, itching, swelling of the lips, mouth, or throat, wheezing or other difficulty breathing.

Vitamin B12 is usually considered a non-toxic substance. Even taking it by injection at high doses does not seem to increase the risk for toxicity

Elevated levels of Vitamin B12 can occur in polycythemia vera. Polycythemia vera is a disease state in which the proportion of blood volume that is occupied by red blood cells increases. Diagnosis is characterized by an absolute increase in red blood cells and in the total blood volume, although it is not unusual to also have increases in white blood cells and platelets. A bone marrow examination may be done. However, it is not functional in determining a definitive diagnosis. Laboratory studies confirm the diagnosis by showing increased RBC mass and normal arterial oxygen saturation in association with splenomegaly (spleen enlargement) or two of the following: thrombocytosis, leukocytosis, elevated leukocyte alkaline phosphatase level, or elevated serum vitamin B12 or unbound B12-binding capacity.

Recommendations: RDA in μg(mcg)


  • Infants birth to 6 mos - 0.3mcg

  • Infants 6 mos to 1 yr - 0.5mcg

  • Children 1 yr to 3 yr - 0.7mcg

  • Children 4 yr to 6 yr - 1.0mcg

  • Children 7 yr to 10 yr - 1.4mcg

  • Adolescent males 11yr to 14 yr - 2.0mcg

  • Adolescent females 11 yr to 14 yr - 2.0mcg

  • Adolescent males 15 yr to 18 yr - 2.0mcg

  • Adolescent females 15 yr to 18 yr - 2.0mcg

  • Adult males 19 yr to 50 yr - 2.0mcg

  • Adult females 19 yr to 50 yr - 2.0mcg

  • Adult males 51 yr plus - 2.0mcg

  • Adult females 51 yr plus - 2.0mcg

  • Pregnant Women - 2.2mcg

  • Lactating Mothers (1st 6 months) - 2.6mcg

  • Lactating Mothers (2nd 6 months) - 2.6mg

Cyanocobalamin B12

Food Source Serving Size/Amount # of mcg/serving

Liver (beef braised) 3.5 oz 71 mcg

Liver (veal braised) 3.5 oz 36.50 mcg

Eggs (boiled) 1 egg 0.56 mcg

Cheddar Cheese 3.5 oz 0.83 mcg

Monterey Cheese 3.5 oz 0.23 mcg

Milk 2% 8 fl oz 0.89 mcg

Clams (raw) 3 oz (4 large or 9 small) 42.05 mcg

Tuna (canned in water) 3 oz 2.54 mcg

The Literature Homocysteine:

The total homocysteine (tHcy) level in the serum is related to pregnancy complications, neural tube defects, mental disorder, and cognitive impairment in the elderly. In addition, over 80 clinical and epidemiological studies provide ample evidence that an elevated tHcy level is a common cardiovascular risk factor. The effect of vitamin B12 on the tHcy level is modest with a maximum of a 10 - 15% reduction. However, a low serum B12 level may prevent an optimal response to folic acid. There also exists the concern that folic acid supplementation alone may correct the hematological findings associated with B12 deficiency, but may precipitate the neurological sequelae of B12 deficiency.

Cobalamin deficiency in the elderly

Vitamin B12deficiency is present in up to 15% of the elderly population. This is documented by elevated methylmalonic acid with or without elevated total homocysteine concentrations in combination with low or low-normal vitamin B12concentrations. Clinical signs and symptoms of vitamin B12deficiency are insensitive in elderly subjects, and comorbidity in these subjects makes responses to therapy difficult to interpret. Clear-cut megaloblastic anemia and myelopathy or neuropathy are rare in elderly vitamin B12deficient subjects. Many elderly subjects with hyperhomocysteinemia have undiagnosed vitamin B12deficiency with elevated serum methylmalonic acid concentrations. Therefore, such elderly subjects should not receive folic acid supplementation before their vitamin B12status is diagnosed. Results of a study showed potential usefulness of serum MMA and Hcys in identifying subclinical or tissue deficiency of vitamin B12. Clinicians should be aware of the risk of vitamin B12 deficiency in older people and of current screening algorithms using serum metabolites. Large amounts of oral vitamin B12supplementation may be effective in lowering serum methylmalonic acid values in the elderly. However, the dose of vitamin B12in most common multivitamin preparations is too low for this purpose. The traditional treatment of pernicious anemia in the United States is injections of vitamin B12. However, several studies in subjects with pernicious anemia showed that oral doses of 300-1000 mg are effective in raising serum vitamin B12concentrations and preventing clinical abnormalities. It is likely that similar doses of vitamin B12(100-1000 mg) would be effective in elderly subjects with less complete malabsorption.

Undiagnosed pernicious anemia is a common finding in the elderly, especially among black and white women. Findings from a study by Carmel show that almost 800,000 elderly people in the United States have undiagnosed and untreated pernicious anemia and, thus, would be at possible risk for masked cobalamin deficiency if exposed to large amounts of folate. This number does not include those elderly with cobalamin deficiency caused by other disorders or the still unknown number of younger people with unrecognized pernicious anemia and other causes of deficiency.

Low cobalamin concentrations are common in the elderly. Although only a minority of such persons displays clinically obvious symptoms or signs, metabolic data clearly show cellular deficiency of cobalamin in most cases. The evidence suggests that this is not a normal physiologic expression of the aging process. Rather, the elderly seem at increased risk for mild, preclinical cobalamin deficiency. Classical disorders such as pernicious anemia are the cause of this deficiency in only a small proportion of the elderly. A more frequent problem is food-cobalamin malabsorption, which usually arises from atrophic gastritis and hypochlorhydria, but other mechanisms seem to be involved in some patients. One study demonstrated no significant difference in either free or protein-bound cobalamin absorption between healthy middle-aged and older adults, and no alteration in cobalamin absorption in subjects identified as having mild to moderate atrophic gastritis. Thus, the high prevalence of low cobalamin levels in older people cannot be explained by either the aging process or mild to moderate atrophic gastritis. The diminished absorption should not be viewed as a natural consequence of aging. According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the partial nature of this form of malabsorption produces a more slowly progressive depletion of cobalamin than does the more complete malabsorption engendered by disruption of intrinsic factor-mediated absorption. The decreased progression of depletion is the most likely cause and this explains why mild pre-clinical low levels are connected most frequently with food-cobalamin malabsorption rather than with pernicious anemia.

The effects of hypochlorhydria and acidic drink ingestion on protein-bound vitamin B12 absorption was investigated in elderly subjects. Omeprazole causes hypochlorhydria and thus, protein-bound vitamin B12 malabsorption, and ingestion of an acidic drink improves protein-bound vitamin B12 absorption. Omeprazole therapy acutely decreased cyanocobalamin absorption in a dose-dependent manner. Patients taking cimetidine should also take vitamin B12 supplements. About 10-20% of elderly are deficient in cobalamine. There was a high (14.5%) prevalence of cobalamin deficiency as demonstrated by elevations in serum methylmalonic acid and homocysteine in addition to low or low normal serum cobalamin levels in elderly outpatients. The serum cobalamin level was insensitive for screening since similar numbers of patients with low normal serum cobalamin levels of 201-300 pg/mL compared with patients with low cobalamin levels (< or = 200 pg/mL) had markedly elevated metabolites which fell with cobalamin treatment. The latter study suggested that the lower limit of the normal range for Cbl level should be increased to 300 pg/mL.

Hearing impairment is one of the four most prevalent chronic conditions in the elderly. Houston et. al., in their recent article, suggested that poor vitamin B12and folate status might be associated with age-related auditory dysfunction.

Data suggest that serum cobalamin levels decrease in normal aging. This association is present only in the non-demented group, but not the demented group. In one study, a lower cobalamin concentration was observed in Alzheimer's disease sufferers still living in their own homes compared with institutionalized persons with AD, which may be related to, but not fully explained, by eating habits. Patients with AD living in their own homes are at risk of developing cobalamin deficiency, and monitoring of serum cobalamin concentrations might be useful in this group. One small study in 22 elderly patients with low serum cobalamin, showed that vitamin B12 may be beneficial in the treatment of Alzheimers. A study in 50 Chinese subjects suggested that cobalamin deficiency did not invariably cause cognitive impairment in older people. In another study, vitamin B12 replacement did not result in the slowing of the progression of dementia.

As it becomes clear that most low cobalamin concentrations in the elderly are neither artifacts nor normal expressions of aging, but represent a mild clinical deficiency state (and occasionally a clinically overt one), and as it has become clearer that in one half of the cases absorption of cobalamin is impaired in one way or another, the usual dismissal of patients with low cobalamin concentrations should be reexamined. A broad spectrum of options can be formulated, though none of these alter the common consensus that symptomatic deficiency must always be treated promptly. The options include the following:

1. Do nothing about cobalamin concentrations unless they become clinically noticeable. The arguments in support of this include the sheer number of patients involved, the costs, skepticism about medical intervention for biochemical changes, the fact that only a small minority of affected patients are symptomatic, the likelihood that whatever progression exists is very slow, and the fact that studies have shown no ill effects, even after many years of withholding treatment. The counter arguments are that absence of overt symptoms do not necessarily equal a state of well-being, that the underlying gastric disturbance is one half of the affected people which suggests that the cobalamin deficiency will persist and probably progress, that prevention has at least as much merit as cure, and that preclinical cobalamin deficiency may be a sentinel of serious underlying diseases, such as pernicious anemia in premyelopathic stage or celiac disease.

2. Automatically treat all patients with low cobalamin concentrations. The arguments in support of this hypothesis are that it is a cheap efficient way to ensure that no one who might benefit goes untreated, that a detailed work-up may be neither practical nor effective in view of its expense and the limited availability of many of the newer tests, and that cobalamin is not toxic and will not harm those who might receive it unnecessarily. The arguments against this approach are the resulting failure to identify serious underlying diseases that may have caused the deficiency in some of the patients, the failure to identify in some a need for more complex treatment or attention to complications, and the possibility that the amount and presumably the oral route of cobalamin therapy that such an approach dictates may prove inadequate to some patients. It is worth noting that cobalamin deficiency, even though less frequent than in nonsupplemented individuals, was still found in elderly patients who were taking cobalamin supplements. Thus, although cobalamin supplements are likely to work satisfactorily in people with food-cobalamin malabsorption, this has never been established and may be more complex than assumed. One can ask whether cobalamin pills taken with meals bind to the food proteins and fail to be absorbed by someone with food-cobalamin malabsorption. Moreover, it is not certain that all patients with unsuspected pernicious anemia (estimated to occur in 2% of all elderly and 10-20% of those with low cobalamin concentrations) will absorb enough cobalamin from a pill, especially if doses < 100 mg are taken, or if it is taken haphazardly, as routine supplements often are.

3. Give cobalamin supplements to all elderly people, regardless of their cobalamin concentrations. The arguments in favor of this, beyond those already stated in the preceding option, are that a problem of such proportions may benefit from equally broad solutions, that it saves the cost of widespread cobalamin testing (which in any case may provide falsely normal and falsely abnormal results), and that it may have potential benefits for patients with very early stages of negative balance. The counterarguments are that supplements recommended population-wide tend to lead to high intakes by those who are more affluent, health conscious, and functionally intact, and tend to be ignored by the poor and the impaired.

4. Continue the traditional medical approach of individual evaluation and therapy. The arguments for this approach are based on its laudable goal of making the specific diagnosis; identifying possibly treatable underlying diseases; addressing prognostic issues; treating those who need it with specific, tailored therapeutic approaches; and avoiding treatment of those who do not need it. The arguments against it are the cost in time and money of evaluating millions of people, and the uncertainty of what constitutes optimal diagnostic evaluation, given that currently standard, clinical tests such as blood counts and Schilling tests give negative results in most cases.

The choice to be made among these options and their variations can reflect only personal philosophies and biases at this time. To the concerns already mentioned, could be added uncertainty about the possible adverse effects created by changes in folate status and other changes. Unprotected exposure to nitrous oxide, a widely used inhalant during surgery may constitute another common and under-appreciated source of clinical risk for the elderly with marginal cobalamin status. All these issues must be carefully weighed when devising an optimal approach to the common problem of mild, preclinical cobalamin deficiency in the elderly.

HIV disease progression

In a study conducted in HIV positive men, participants with low serum vitamin B12 concentrations (< 120 pmol/L) had significantly shorter AIDS-free time than those with adequate vitamin B12 concentrations (median AIDS-free time = 4 vs. 8 y, respectively, P = 0.004). In a cross sectionals study, Remacha et. al. found that HIV-1 infected patients that had lower serum vitamin B12 concentrations had lower hemoglobin, leukocytes, CD4+ lymphocytes, and CD4+/CD8+ lymphocytes than HIV-1 infected patients with normal serum vitamin B12 concentrations. Ninety percent of the patients with low serum vitamin B12 concentrations had AIDS compared with only 66% of patients with adequate vitamin B12 concentrations. Similar results were noted in other studies. Another study showed that subjects with low CD4 lymphocyte counts, low serum vitamin B12 levels, anemia, or low neutrophil counts were more likely to have hematologic toxic effects when treated with AZT. Low serum concentrations of vitamin B6 and folate were not associated with either progression to AIDS or decline in CD4+ lymphocyte count. Therefore, Serum vitamin B12 concentrations seem to be an early and independent marker of HIV-1 disease progression. The effectiveness of vitamin B12 replacement therapy in slowing disease progression, however, is still unknown and should be the focus of further research.

Breast Cancer

Menopausal women with lower median B12 concentrations were found to have a higher risk for the development of breast cancer when compared to controls. In the same study, an increased risk of breast cancer was observed among women in the lowest fifth of the distribution of vitamin B12 as compared to women in the other four higher fifths, suggesting a threshold effect for B12. However, the possibility cannot be excluded that an unidentified protective factor for breast cancer associated with higher B12 concentrations might have led to the protective association between vitamin B12 and breast cancer. The mechanisms underlying the association between B12 and breast cancer might be explained by the role of B12 as a co-substrate in the synthesis of methionine, for which a methyl group is transferred from methyl tetrahydrofolate to homocysteine. Thus, lower concentrations of B12 might result in reduced synthesis of de novo methyl groups, leading to DNA hypomethylation, which may play a role in carcinogenesis. Through diminished availability of unsubstituted tetrahydrofolate, which is involved in reactions generating thymidilate and purines, lower B12 concentrations might also lead to reduced DNA synthesis and, thus, impaired DNA repair mechanisms.

Male Infertility:

Vitamin B12 deficiencies can lead to reduced sperm counts and lowered sperm motility. Thus, it is suggested that B12 supplements might improve fertility in men who are truly deficient in this vitamin.

Diabetic Neuropathy:

In a double-blind study, patients with diabetic neuropathy who received methylcobalamin showed statistical improvement in the somatic and autonomic symptoms with regression of signs of diabetic neuropathy. Motor and sensory nerve conduction studies showed no statistical improvement after 4 months. The drug was easily tolerated by the patients and no side effects were encountered. In another study, intrathecal injection of methylcobalamine (2,500 micrograms in 10 ml of saline) in patients with symptomatic diabetic neuropathy showed improvement in paresthesia, burning pains, and heaviness. The mean peroneal motor-nerve conduction velocity did not change significantly. Methylcobalamin caused no side effects with respect to subjective symptoms or characteristics of spinal fluid. Thus, these findings suggest that a high concentration of methylcobalamin in spinal fluid is highly effective and safe for treating the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy.

Multiple Sclerosis:

A massive dose of methyl vitamin B12 (60 mg every day for 6 months) was administered to 6 patients with chronic progressive MS, a disease which usually had a morbid prognosis and widespread demyelination in the central nervous system. Although the motor disability did not improve clinically, the abnormalities in both the visual and brainstem auditory evoked potentials improved more frequently during the therapy than in the pre-treatment period. Thus, it is suggested that a massive dose methyl vitamin B12 therapy may be useful as an adjunct to immunosuppressive treatment for chronic progressive MS. Another study showed that serum cobalamin deficiency is uncommon in multiple sclerosis.

Summary:

Vitamin B12 is essential for purine and thymidine synthesis. It is also essential for growth, blood cell formation, nutrient metabolism, thyroid functioning, and myelin formation. It helps in maintaining the integrity of nerve cell membrane and is also needed in the production of the mood affecting substance called SAM (S-adenosyl methionine). Cobalamin deficiency may produce a functional folate deficiency by trapping folate in metabolic pathways and limiting its regeneration, and also functions with folate in lowering plasma homocysteine levels, which is an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease.

A number of claims have been made about the conditions in which Vitamin B12 may be supportive: pernicious anemia, Crohn's disease, Vitiligo, Tinnitus, Atherosclerosis, High Cholesterol, Diabetes, Osteoporosis, Retinopathy, HIV support, Shingles (herpes zoster/postherpetic neuralgia, Hepatitis, asthma, and infertility in males.

Evidence strongly supports that Vitamin B12 has a modest effect in lowering the tHcy and optimizes the response to folic acid. There also exists the concern that folic acid supplementation alone may correct the hematological findings associated with B12 deficiency, but may precipitate the neurological sequelae of B12 deficiency. The total homocysteine (tHcy) level in the serum is related to pregnancy complications, neural tube defects, mental disorder, and cognitive impairment in the elderly. Vitamin B12 may have a protective effect in the risk of breast cancer. Low B12 concentrations are shown to be associated with increased risk of breast cancer, which may be because lower concentrations of B12 might result in reduced synthesis of de novo methyl groups leading to DNA hypomethylation, which may play a role in carcinogenesis. Serum vitamin B12 concentrations seem to be an early and independent marker of HIV-1 disease progression, although the effectiveness of vitamin B12 replacement therapy in slowing disease progression is still unknown. Further role of B12 in homocysteine lowering is discussed in Homocysteine section. Clinicians should be vigilant to the possibility of cobalamin deficiency in the context of neuropsychiatric illnesses.

Vitamin B12 deficiency is common in elderly population, most of whom are undiagnosed with elevated serum methyl malonoic acid concentrations. Although the high prevalence of low cobalamin levels in older people cannot be explained by either ageing process or mild to moderate atropic gastritis, undiagnosed pernicious anemia and food-cobalamin malabsorption are very common in the elderly. Patients with Alzheimer's disease living in their own homes are also at increased risk of developing a cobalamin deficiency. Poor vitamin B12 and folate status might be associated with age-related auditory dysfunction. Thus, it appears that in one half of the cases, absorption of cobalamin is impaired in one way or the other, and the usual dismissal of patients with low cobalamin concentrations should be re-examined.

In general populations who are prone to be deficient, like patients with pernicious anemia and those with disorders of gastric mucosa, intestinal infections, gastrectomy, ileal disease, or resection, and genetic defects in absorption and transport mechanisms, should receive supplementation. Strict vegetarians and cigarette smokers should consume adequate amounts in their diet to prevent development of hematological and neurological symptoms of B12 deficiency. Delay in diagnosing and treating vitamin B12 deficiency may result in permanent neurological damage.

Our recommendations for adults is 800 μg/d. This amount can be obtained from approximately 1.4 boiled eggs, 1 serving of cheddar cheese, 8 fl oz of milk with 2% fat and 1/100 servings of liver (beef braised). Patients with pernicious anemia are traditionally treated with vitamin B12 injections, while oral doses of 300-1000 μg/d are shown to be equally effective in raising serum vitamin B12 concentrations and preventing clinical abnormalities. Doses of 100-1000 μg/d may be effective in the elderly patients. Anyone supplemented with more than a 1000 μg/d of folic acid may be initially evaluated to prevent potential problems.

Medication Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)


Over-the-counter medication is the first line treatment of GERD is with over the counter antacids like aluminum hydroxide (Amphojel, Maalox) or magnesium combinations include Phillips' Milk of Magnesia, Gaviscon and Riopan. Aluminum can cause constipation, and magnesium diarrhea. These compounds work by coating the stomach and provide protection against the corrosive effects of stomach acid. Ulcers need more aggressive treatment, since bleeding from ulcers can be life threatening.

The original medications for the treatment of both GERD and ulcers were the histamine-2 (H2) blockers, like cimetidine (Tagamet), ranitidine (Zantac) and famotidine (Pepcid). These worked by decreasing the amount of acid in the stomach, which promotes healing of ulcers and reduces gastric reflux. Patients with reduced kidney or liver function can develop confusion with H2 blockers. Side effects include diarrhea, dizziness, nausea, and headache. Tagamet can impair sexual function.

In 1998 AstraZenica introduced Prilosec (omeprazole), the first of a new class of medications for GERD called Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI). PPIs on the market include lansoprazole (Prevacid), pantoprazole (Protonix), rabeprozale (Aciphex), esomeprazole (Nexium), and omeprazole (Prilosec). They act by blocking the H+ (hydrogen) K+ (potassium) ATPase pump in the stomach, which has the effect of decreasing acid secretion in the stomach. The PPIs have been shown to be more effective than placebo in promoting the healing of ulcers and decreasing symptoms of GERD. PPIs lead to a 33% improvement in ulcer healing compared to the older H2 blocker medication, ranitidine. The PPIs decrease acid secretion to a greater degree than H2 blockers, and are more effective in treatment, although they cost more than the older drugs because they are only available by prescription.

PPIs have a low side effect profile, with side effects in less than 5% of patients. The most common side effects are headache, diarrhea, stomach pain, fever, sore throat, and nausea. The diarrhea may be related to suppression of acid formation, which alters the natural bacteria content of the gut. Overall PPIs are fairly safe.

A review of 21 randomised controlled trials of PPIs in patients with proven peptic ulcers showed no effect on mortality, but a reduction in re-bleeding and repeat surgery of about 50%.

There is no evidence that any of the PPIs are superior to one another in efficacy or safety. Since omeprazole (Prilosec) is now available as a generic, it is the cheapest, and therefore recommended PPI.

You have probably seen the man on TV talking about the "purple pill" or Nexium (Esomeprazole magnesium). This particular purple pill is a replacement of the original purple pill, Prilosec. Both should probably be called the green pill because of all the money they have made and continue to make for the manufacturer, AstraZenica. They are both widely popular and equally effective medications. After its introduction in 1998, sales of Prilosec continued to rise year after year until it reached sales of one billion dollars a year in 1995 and peaked at 4 billion dollars a year in 2000 when it was the most popular drug in the world, as reported by National Public Radio (April 18, 2002).

In 2002 AstraZenica convened a team to assess the impact of their blockbuster Prilosec going off patent. In response to the potential revenue loss that generics would cause, they decided to take a variation of the drug (a metabolite) and put it on patent, and then marketed the new version as an improvement on the original. You see, all molecules come in one version, and an identical version that is a "mirror version" (i.e. if you held it up to a mirror it would look the same). In the case of Prilosec, it was a mixture of left and right, but it turned out that the left hand variety worked better. So the company took the left hand version and called it Nexium; they tested a higher dose of the "new" drug against the "old" drug to "prove" that it was better, and sent out an army of sales people to convince doctors that this was the case. Needless to say if you took higher doses of the older Prilosec you would get a regular dose of Nexium, the "purple pill." It was an effective campaign: by 2002 the company had weaned one in six former Prilosec users off of Prilosec and onto Nexium. At $1,500 a year it is much more expensive than the generic versions of Prilosec ($150/year). Why not just take higher doses of Prilosec - it will eventually get your Nexium fix for a lot less money.

Friday, August 30, 2013

Difference Between Colitis and the Crohn's Disease


It is very important to differentiate between ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, as the symptoms in both cases are almost similar. Recently, blood tests have found to be effective in identifying the two diseases. It is done to find out the antibodies to various proteins that are found only in the blood of patients suffering from the disease. Differentiating between the two is useful in better diagnosis and avoids the risk of complications to a great extent. The blood tests available to identify the disease are namely pANCA, ASCA, Ompc and CBir1 Flagelin. This is available only in one laboratory, Prometheus Laboratories, Inc. It is always necessary to make sure what the disease is and then to take the remedy. These blood tests have found to be useful in determining the exact disease and take medication or other decisions accordingly.

So let us understand the difference between the ulcerative colitis and the Crohn's disease. Ulcerative colitis affects only the colon and causes bloody diarrhea, weight loss, bloody stool, skin rashes and in some severe cases cause even liver disorder. This can be cured by complete removal of the colon. However, the Crohn's disease may affect the entire gastrointestinal tract and cannot be cured by removable of the colon.

At times, there are chances that the patients may sometimes develop colitis, however here it affects the colon in a non-continuous manner. Therefore, it is necessary to identify whether the patient is suffering from colitis or the Crohn's disease because the medication and surgical decision for both the disease is entirely different. Traditional methods like colonoscopy have failed to identify colitis from this disease and the development of the blood tests to determine abnormal antibody specific to a particular disease have found to be truly useful.

Napoleon's Buttons - Book Review


"For the want of a nail, the shoe was lost.

For the want of a shoe, the horse was lost.

For the want of a horse, the rider was lost.

For the want of a rider, the battle was lost.

For the want of a battle, the kingdom was lost.

And all for the want of a horse-shoe nail."

~ Old English Nursery Rhyme

How could Napoleon Bonaparte, one of the greatest military leaders of all time, go from leading a world dominating superpower to a straggling band of no more than 10,000 tattered soldiers in seven months? Believe it or not, chemistry may hold the answer to that baffling question. This old English rhyme may sum up Napoleon's defeat when said, "And all for the want of a button." The buttons that held together every garment from Napoleon's own greatcoat to the pants of his soldiers was made from tin, a shiny metallic element. However, in cold temperatures, like the ones that would have been present in the Russian winter of 1812, tin undergoes a chemical reaction that transforms it into a crumbly gray substance. Yes, it's still tin, but in a very different structural form. Does this mean that the soldiers would have been too busy trying to keep their shirts and pants closed? Was the bitter cold too much for the Grande Arm矇e to handle without their coats? Could Napoleon's defeat really be traced back to something as simple as a couple thousand tin buttons disintegrating in the cold? Maybe not, but it's still a possibility.

Napoleon's Buttons explores the intricate world of chemical structures, all while telling the story behind major chemical advances. Did you know that TNT came from a kitchen experiment that involved an exploding apron? Or how about the fact that today's golf balls were a by-product of the search for rubber tires? Did you realize that one of the highly addictive substances in cigarettes, Nicotine, is a potent natural insecticide? Did you know that the hallucinogen LSD is actually just one of twenty-five synthetic derivatives for a compound known as Lysergic Acid? The world of molecules in an interesting place. The addition of an extra OH here and a few more double-bonds there can change a harmless substance into a lethal poison.

癒Christos E Espiciarias! The search for spices fueled much of early exploration. Pepper, once a highly valued and expensive commodity, is still the most commonly used spice. It's "spiciness" comes from it's chemical makeup. The hot sensation you experience when pepper makes contact with your tongue isn't really a taste; it's a response from our nerve endings when they encounter Piperine. This chemical has a special shape that allows it to bond to the nerve endings in your mouth and induce the fiery pain that has made pepper famous.

Ascorbic acid, otherwise known as Vitamin C, is found in citrus fruits or in over-the-counter supplements. However, for sailors in the early 1500s, it was incredibly hard to come by. One of the most infamous killers on the high seas was known as Scurvy. This disease causes exhaustion, swelling of the limbs, softening of the gums, diarrhea, bad breath, rotten teeth, nose hemorrhages, kidney malfunctions...the list of symptoms goes on and on. Needless to say, Scurvy was a miserable experience for anyone unlucky enough to contract it, and most likely meant death while at sea. It wasn't until Captain Cook required his men to drink lime juice on their voyages that Ascorbic acid was finally recognized as an antiscorbutic, and gained widespread attention (and implementation) as a way to lower the high death toll at sea.

Sugar is something that makes life a lot more enjoyable. Whether it's glucose, glycerol, sucrose, lactose, or fructose, sugar makes our world go 'round. The search for sweetness actually introduced the concept of artificial compounds. The Vitamin C produced in a lab is synthetic, or chemically identical to the Vitamin C found in oranges. Artificial sweeteners, however, are substances that are unlike sugar's chemical structure at all - the only similarity is that they are sweet.

Cellulose is one of the most uninteresting, but most important, things you'll ever eat. It usually goes by the name of dietary fiber. Why is this so important? Because humans cannot digest it! Cellulose makes up the bulk of all plant matter. There's tremendous amounts of energy stored in it, but only plant-grazing animals can break it down for use.

Nitrated compounds have increased our ability to wage war, blast through tons of solid stone, and light the sky with fireworks. The process of nitration was first discovered by the ancient Chinese. Gunpowder was their invention, mainly used to launch rockets and fireworks. You are probably familiar with one very popular nitrate compound. Trinitrotoluene, sometimes called TNT.

In the early days of Europe, silk was a luxury. The only way to get silk was to cultivate a mulberry bush and grow tiny caterpillars fed on the leaves. These tiny silkworms spin cocoons of silk fibers that the ancient people of the orient would harvest, turn into fabric, and sell to Europeans at high prices. It's chemical makeup makes it incredibly hard to duplicate, however, in the 1870s a scientist named Chardonnet created artificial silk. (Remember, since it's artificial it's not identical in structure to silk, it just has some of the same desirable qualities as silk.) Later, another scientist at the Du Pont Fibersilk company invented Nylon, a replacement for silk that's still used today.

The first totally man-made polymer went by the name of Phenol, and was used for its antiseptic abilities in surgery. It was a huge success and effectively lowered the rate of death in hospitals. Later, however, phenol was used in a different application. For centuries the cue ball in billiards was cut from the heart of an ivory elephant tusk. However, ivory was expensive and "perfect" cue balls were hard to come by. Phenol was the answer. By combining it with other compounds it formed a substance called Bakelite - a versatile thermoset material that is used in everything from billiard balls to artwork.

Rubber has literally changed the entire world. From tires to golf balls to erasers to chewing gum; rubber has a huge impact on day-to-day life. When it was first discovered and experimented with, rubber was a horrible compound. It was either too brittle or too malleable; it was either freezing stiff or melting into a shapeless mound; and it always stunk! Through time it developed into something more. Charles Goodyear took the novelty "Eraser" and turned the substance called rubber into an automobile tire. What had once been a frustration to chemists turned into a goldmine!

Dye is essential to the clothing, printing, and paint companies of today. Dyes color our clothes, our furniture, our walls, our books, our appliances, even some people's hair! While pigment has been a human fascination since pre-historic times, dye wasn't perfected for thousands of years. Before synthetic and artificial dyes were invented, color came from nature. Brown, green, and red were common colors while blue and purple were harder to come by. (Hence purple was associated with royalty. They were the only ones who could afford expensive purple dyes for their clothes.) Today dyes are all factory-mixed from a variety of elements. It's a wonder to think that the modern dye industry was born in the kitchen of a British teen on summer vacation.

As you could guess, medicine is all chemistry. Sulfa drugs were the primitive beginnings, followed by penicillin, and then by modern antibiotics. In the 1900's the life expectancy for a U.S. Male was only about 46. By contrast, the average U.S. Male lived to be 72 within the next century. What made the difference? Chemicals! Medicine helped people to stay healthy, fight infection, and recover from disease like never before. It's little wonder that people started to live longer.

Chemistry has led to moral conflicts more than once. One of these is that of birth control. Often referred to as "The Pill," birth control wrecked havoc when it was first developed. (Although the scientist who invented it meant it to be used to enhance fertility, not hinder it.) From the medieval remedy of spitting into a frog's mouth to the oral contraceptives of today, birth control has always been a hot topic for some chemists.

Who would have thought that the Salem Witch trials could have roots in chemistry? It's true! The Witches of Salem were likely descended from the Herbalists of old Europe. Before witchcraft was known as an evil sin, it was simply thought of as the ability to control nature for your own gain. Some of this witchcraft still exists today. The popular Botox treatment comes from potent toxins in herbs known to these so-called witches - just applied in smaller doses.

It's little wonder that with the human desire to feel good, three different alkaloid molecules have had such a huge impact on our lives. Morphine (From the Opium poppy), Nicotine (Found in cigarettes), and Caffeine (In coffee, tea, energy drinks, and chocolate) have had a profound influence on our lives. While both Morphine and Nicotine are illegal, there is no restriction on Caffeine. This lack of legal restraint was led to energy drinks that are little more than cans of liquid Caffeine, and are marketed as such! It brings up an interesting discussion. What is it that we're trying to outlaw? The chemical or the effects of the chemical? If you answered "the effect" do you think we should outlaw energy drinks as well as Heroine and Marijuana?

The ancient lore surrounding olives gives us a sneak peek into just how valuable they were to the old world. A chemical spin on a good claim to the market would define it as, "an uneven distribution of highly desired molecules." Olive oil was like this. The olive tree was only cultivated in certain areas of the world; Greece and Italy, to be exact. Why? The Romans said that it was because Heracles planted the first olive tree in their land. Greece credited Athena with its cultivation. Wherever it's origin, you can still see the impact it has on the modern world. It's key in cooking and the ideas fostered from ancient Greece's affluence (made by the olive) still impact Western civilization.

Salt, with the chemical name Sodium Chloride, has one of the most interesting histories of any molecule. Early on in history people collected salt for preservation or to enhance flavor. Evaporating seawater, mining rock salt, or boiling brine were common ways to obtain salt. In the days of Rome, the fastest way to cripple and demoralize a city was to cut off their supply of salt. The ultimate irony surrounding salt is the fact that by the time modern technology had made it widely affordable, modern technology had also made it obsolete as a form of preserving food.

Refrigeration was definitely a huge leap into the future. Since 2,000 B.C. humans have been using ice to keep things cool. It wasn't until 1748 that the first primitive refrigerant was invented. Refrigeration was a tricky business, though. Many of the first refrigerants were explosive, flammable, bad-smelling, toxic, or a combination of all of these. Freon was invented as a solution. It was non-flammable, non-toxic, and orderless. The dark side turned out to be the fact that they destroyed the Ozone layer. While people may point fingers of blame, the fact that refrigeration has revolutionized the world cannot be discounted.

Malaria is an infamous killer. Transmitted by a female mosquito searching for a meal, Malaria has devastating symptoms. It would silently strike and kill the great and the small. (Alexander the Great supposedly died of Malaria.) The search for Quinine, a known antidote took several years. While it could be obtained from the bark of certain tropical trees, it was an expensive and labor-intensive process. The manufacture of Quinine has never fully been recognized. To fix the problem DDT, a powerful insecticide, was developed. (Although it was quickly put out of use when multiple negative side-effects were exposed.) Malaria has been reduced from it's "glory days" when it would kill multiple millions of people each year, but it is still a problem in many places of the world. Perhaps chemistry still holds the answer to eradicating this fatal disease once and for all.

If you don't believe that chemistry has shaped your life; look around! The clothes you wear, the food you eat, the car you drive, the house you live in...all of it is there because of chemistry. Chemicals make up the world around us. They are literally everywhere. While some molecules may not have made any significant impact on society, most have played a major role in how history has played out. If it were not for spices, cellulose, sugar, rubber, or medicine, where would we be today? Chemical compounds can be both a blessing and a curse to humanity - and often, we don't know which it will be at the time it's first synthesized. In future generations, what will be the chemicals that have shaped our lives? We are in good company if we hesitate to guess at which molecules will make our posterity say, "Now that changed the world." I doubt that few scientists would have guessed that the molecules they were working with would someday shape the modern world.

What is Colitis?


Colitis happens when there is an occurrence of inflammation of the colon of a person. There are several Colitis causes which include poor blood supply, infections and in cases where the body undergoes autoimmunity. What are the colitis symptoms? What is colitis treatment?

The colon is responsible for pushing undigested food to the anus for final elimination in the process of bowel movement. As the undigested food travels in this long muscular tube, it gathers up mucus and bacteria along the way. The bloodstream reabsorbs water permitting the liquid mixture to solidify to form the feces.

Colitis causes mainly include various infections and illnesses. Infections that bring about inflammation of the colon often come from food poisoning. Lack of blood supply in the body can also cause Colitis. There are a number of reasons why the colon can lose blood and in turn can contribute to having diarrhea, anemia, dehydration or shock.

If one is experiencing bloody bowel movements and abdominal pain, this can be because of an inflammatory bowel disease. Before consulting what is colitis treatment for your case, one will first need to study the causes, and with it the careful application of various diets including the ulcerative colitis diet.

Symptoms:

The symptoms will depend on the type of colon inflammation that the patient has but the common factor among them is experiencing diarrhea and abdominal pain.

- There may or may not be blood in the feces.

- Patients will experience frequent urges to defecate.

- Abdominal can be great at the beginning and gradually declines; regular pain.

- Chills and fever can be observed with some types of Colitis.

The Diagnosis:

- While many patients may attest diarrhea as the general symptom, some are able to resolve the dilemma in just hours while there are a number of patients who suffer from it for years.

- Dehydration can greatly add to the occurrence of a colon inflammation.

- Colitis is often associated with diarrhea because of its symptom being prominent in every type of colon inflammation.

The Exams and Tests:

- Blood testing is done to discover the patient's stability and observe possible factors that can lead to Colitis.

- A Colonoscopy is performed by a gastroenterologist by inserting a long flexible camera in the anus to permit visibility of the colon walls.

- Computerized tomography is performed to see the image of the colon and the abdomen.

What is Colitis Treatment?

- The inflammatory bowel diseases can be controlled by taking a good combination of medicines.

- Abdominal pain and diarrhea from Colitis can be relieved by a clear liquid diet, rest and an ulcerative colitis diet.

- Infectious Colitis is often countered with antibiotics but there are other viral infections that do not require them instead rest can be enough to eliminate the virus over time.

Even though there are several Colitis symptoms, a prominent one is having a diarrhea whether bloody or not, and frequent abdominal pain. Although there are ways to treat colon inflammation, it is always advisable to rather prevent it by eating healthy and staying away from too much sugar, fat and oily foods which can cause Colitis in the near future.

Simple Guide to Dogs: Rat Poison Symptoms


Rats are one of the most annoying visitors on our house that we often want to get rid off by putting baits or poisons in the area where they usually harbors. Incidentally these rat poisons could also pose great danger to our beloved cuddly best friends. Our pets can sometimes get poisoned by these rodenticides either by directly eating the bait or by eating the corpse of a poisoned rat or rodents.

Rodenticides contain warfarin and other poisonous chemicals that when ingested could lead to internal bleeding and hemorrhage. Although they are mainly designed to kill rodents, the same chemical is deadly to other animals especially to house pets. However, poisoned bait does not kills rat abruptly, it usually take few hours or days for the poison to enter their system, unfortunately during this time poisoned rats can go to different area in the house until they die, this is when our dogs or other house pets could possibly eat their corpse. The sad part is that dogs that were poisoned by rat killers do not show immediate symptoms, similar to rats, it will take hours or days before showing obvious signs such as external bleeding and blood loss, making the medication too late to save our pets.

There are ways however to determine if your dog or other pet is in danger of poisoning, you may not be able to cure them directly but knowing these symptoms can help you in determining whether your pet needs immediate professional attention before it's too late.

1. Food aversion or loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting

2. Fatigue, trembling of muscles, uncoordinated gait and difficulty in breathing

3. Bloody urine and bloody or bright green stool

4. External bruising, hair loss or coma

5. Weakness, exhaustion and inability to stand

6. Mild to severe cough, lung problems, diarrhea

7. Nose bleeding or blood in saliva

8. Gum bleeding or lung bleeding

9. Drooling, slobbering or salivating

10. Depression, despair or dejection

Sometimes the surest way to avoid dogs from rat poisoning is to keep them contained in a cage, that way they will have no chance of wandering around the corner of the house and eating decayed bodies of rodents or accidentally eating the poison designed to kill those annoying pests.

Pesticides and other harmful chemicals should also be kept locked up in a secure place that cannot be reached by dogs accidentally.

A Good Natural Remedy For Diarrhea is Fast and Gentle in Its Action


A natural remedy for diarrhea will never suppress your symptoms or cause side effects. Natural remedies work by supporting the action your body is already trying to take.

There are many reasons for diarrhea, but one of the most common is food poisoning. Diarrhea often accompanies vomiting when you are suffering with food poisoning. It's your body's way of quickly eliminating a problem food. Unpleasant though this may be, it is a healthy action and should not be suppressed.

However, few people enjoy the effects of this purging, healthy though it may be. And if you are already in poor health or are frail, this may be a prolonged incident. This brings up an additional problem of the very real possibility of dehydration.

Is there a way that you can help your body do its job more quickly and effectively, without suppressing the symptoms. I'm sure there are many solutions which fit that bill, but one with the fastest but most gentle action must be homeopathy.

Homeopathy is a natural form of complete health care which works by supporting and stimulating your immune system. It is also a very flexible form of health care in that you can use the services of a professional homeopath. And by learning a few basic skills you can use some of the common homeopathic remedies at home.

For example, the common homeopathic remedy Arsenicum album is one of the top remedies for food poisoning. It isn't the only one, but it is widely and successfully used when the symptoms include:


  • food poisoning with diarrhea and/or vomiting

  • a burning sensation in your digestive system

  • a prostration or lack energy

  • a great thirst, but you can only manage little sips of water

  • a worsening in the middle of the night


Ten Kinds of Food to Cure Ten Kinds of Diseases


Traditional medicine believes that "medicine and food have the same origin". In fact, many kinds of vegetables and fruits in our daily life both have the function of food and medicine. The following passage will introduce ten kinds of food for ten kinds of diseases.

First, green vegetables--visual disturbance
Green vegetables can supply enough antioxidants to your body, making your eyes free from the harms of outside environment.

Second, grapefruit--bleeding gums
Gingival inflammation is caused by the lack of vitamin C in the body. In such a case, it is helpful to eat some fruits which are rich in vitamin C, such as grapefruit, lemon, kiwi, and so on, especially grapefruit, which has the best effect.

Third, banana--limb weakness
Excessive exercise can cause fatigue. The content of potassium in the body is relatively small, so you should pay special attention to the supplementation of potassium after exercise. The ideal choice for the supplementation of potassium is to eat bananas.

Fourth, red wine--diarrhea
When you suffer from diarrhea, you can drink one or two glasses of red wine. Research has found that the effect of red wine can be compared to the diarrhea medicine sold in the drug stores.

Fifth, orange juice--high blood pressure
If the content of potassium and calcium in the diet increases, the blood pressure will naturally decrease. Orange juice is just rich in calcium, potassium and vitamin C.

Sixth, garlic--flu
If you catch a cold, you can eat some garlic, which can help to kill the cold virus in your body.

Seven, apple juice--heart disease
The latest study has found that often drinking apple juice can reduce the morbidity of heart disease. This is because the antioxidants contained in apple juice are conducive to the healthy functioning of the heart.

Eighth, tea--toothache
Tea leaves contain a large number of fluoride and polyphenol, which can prevent dental caries and strengthen the teeth. In addition, when the sugar and pectin contained in tea leaves have chemical reaction with the saliva, it can also enhance the self-cleaning ability of the mouth.

Ninth, cauliflower--cyanosis of skin
For some people, whenever there is some minor collision and injury on the skin, it will become black and blue. This is because of the lack of vitamins in the body, especially the lack of vitamin K. The best way to supplement vitamin K is to eat more broccoli.

Tenth, coffee--poor memory
Scientists point out, the caffeine contained in coffee not only can enhance human memory and increase the reading speed, but also can make the brain become clearer.

Chocolate Poisoning - Will it Kill Your Dog?


Celebrate Carefully

At Christmas, time and Easter, we all delight to enjoy presents, rich eating and sweets. But did you know that chocolate could kill your pet? New pet owners often do not know that chocolate contains chemicals that cause undesirable and even fatal effects in dogs. Different types of chocolate, contains varying amounts of Theobromine which can lead to accidental pet poisoning.

Chocolate Keep It out Of Reach

The best course of action is to restrict your pets access to all types of chocolate, especially the dark kind. Cats normally are not as susceptible to chocolate poisoning as dogs. This is because dogs enjoy sweets just like a human. Chocolate as we all know produces a cozy feeling by releasing endorphins into our brain.

Chocolate Why It Can Kill

Theobromine, which is contained in the roasted coca bean, is a CNS stimulant. This can have various effects on your pets central nervous system. The amount of danger depends on how big or small your canine is, and how much chocolate they have ingested and the type of chocolate. Therefore, gather a good history of what has happened because your pet will likely need to immediately see a vet or go to the pet hospital.

Chocolate Poisoning Dog Signs and Symptoms

Signs and symptoms may display as stomach upset, gastric lining irritation, vomiting or diarrhea, gastro-intestinal bleeding, restlessness and severe aggravation, dilation or enlargement of cardiac blood vessels, seizures, and possibly even death.

Act Fast to Save Your Canines Life

If you are a short distance from the vet or pet hospital, phone ahead and notify them of what happened. Follow their instructions exactly. If you live out of town, keep a good first aid kit handy. It should include Syrup of Ipecac and activated charcoal. Two life-savers easily and inexpensively obtained from your local pharmacy. Both are sold as non-prescription medicines.

Write Down Their Instructions

Get instructions from your vet, pet hospital, or an animal poison control center on how to use ipecac or activated charcoal before an emergency arises. These experts know the amount of each ingredient to administer for your dogs size and weight and they will clearly explain the rational of use. Please, write their instructions down and keep them in your canine first aid kit.

Syrup of Ipecac -- Activated Charcoal

Syrup of ipecac induces vomiting. The idea is to get the poison up and out of your dogs stomach. Activated charcoal is extremely porous and has the ability to bind with Theobromine and reduce the absorption of the poison.

Promptly Take Your Pet to the Vet

In any serious canine first aid emergency, always promptly take your pet to the vet. The effects of poisoning can temporary get worst, before first aid measures kick in and cause them to recede.

For further information please call the National Animal Poison Control Center at 1 (800) 548-2423. It is housed at the University of Illinois and is non-profit.

Hopefully your dog will never suffer from chocolate or theobromine poisoning.

Thursday, August 29, 2013

How to Get Over a Bout of Diarrhea Using Natural Remedies


Have you fallen victim to the stomach flu or any other nasty stomach virus? As the weather changes we are sometimes faced with new health challenges such as Staph aureus or E.coli food poisoning, Rotavirus infections or just plain bloating and indigestion from one too many summer parties. One of the most common symptoms of stomach upset is diarrhea. Occasional bouts of diarrhea while not something to be too concerned about are sure to cause great discomfort and sometimes plain outright misery. Instead of reaching for the bottle of Pepto-Bismol, why not try some great natural remedies that can help you shorten stomach upset and diarrhea?

Kefir. King of probiotics, kefir is number one on the list of natural remedies because of its many health benefits. It is a yogurt like drink with a slightly lower PH due to its high numbers of fermenting bacteria. It is especially beneficial in restoring gastrointestinal health by supplying your gut with healthful bacteria that will help you bring back your normal flora. Kefir is available at specialty food stores. I recommend getting your own kefir grains from a trusted supplier and making it at home. It's a very simple easy to learn process that will provide you with a great weapon to fight viruses and bacteria that can wreck havoc on your gastrointestinal health. Kefir can shorten a bout of diarrhea from a couple of days to just a few hours.

Ginger is known for relieving nausea and vomiting as well as diarrhea. Research shows that certain constituents of ginger relieve stomach cramps and spasms by stimulating stomach activity. Fresh ginger root tea can improve resistance to viral infections such as the stomach flu. Ginger tea combines well with other stomach remedies such as cinnamon, and licorice.

Chamomile This versatile great tasting tea is known for relieving digestive and inflammatory conditions. It can be safely taken by children and even babies. Chamomile soothes colic pain and stomach acidity associated with diarrhea. If taste is a problem honey can be added for sweetness. Besides regular tea bags chamomiles flowers can also be purchased and infused for about ten minutes before drinking.

Raspberry leaf. Another wonderful antidiarrheal raspberry leaf aids in the relief of severe cramps caused by the viral release of toxins. Raspberry leaves are rich in calcium and iron and help with the loss of electrolytes during a bout of diarrhea by replenishing your phosphorous and manganese as well as vitamins A, B, C and D.

Aloe. Just as versatile as Chamomile, Aloe is known mostly for its healing properties in the treatment of burns and skin rashes. What a lot of people don't know is that Aloe gel it is also useful for treating heartburn, abdominal discomfort, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and diarrhea. Some of the latest research shows that Aloe vera positively stimulates the immune system and it should only be taken internally in its gel form under the advice of a professional herbalist or Naturopathic doctor. Most commonly for internal consumption, Aloe is found in the form of juice. To relieve gastrointestinal discomfort try drinking a couple of ounces a day with a meal.

Licorice is highly beneficial to the entire gastrointestinal tract. It cleanses the colon, supports the liver and has a long history of successful use in the treatment of gastric and peptic ulcers. By increasing the mucosal lining of the intestines it helps protect against increased acid production during a bout of diarrhea. The most common form found in many markets today is DGL where one of the components of licorice called glycyrrhetic acid has been taken out to eliminate its potential for causing high blood pressure.

Finally, you should watch what you eat when you have diarrhea. Your best bet is to eat simple food with little or no seasoning. When in doubt follow the B.R.A.T. diet. B stands for boiled potatoes, R stands for rice, not fried rice just plain white rice, A stands for apples, preferably green apples, and T stands for Toast. If your symptoms last for more than two days you can add skinless boiled chicken, pretzels or soda crackers to your diet. To avoid dehydration, drink beverages that are electrolyte rich like liquid minerals or Gatorade.

Of course if your diarrhea persists for more than a few days and you suspect an infection such as in the case of bloody stools, consult a physician immediately.

Dealing With Lactase and Dairy Products


You might have irritable bowl syndrome, you might have crohn's disease, or you might just be lactose intolerant. What are your symptoms? Do you have frequent gas, bloating, diarrhea; are you often sick to your stomach? It's not something you can necessarily diagnose on your own. While these symptoms may, in fact, be part of a larger problem, they may also just be symptoms that you can easily cure yourself through a little bit of learning.

If it turns out that you are lactose intolerant, what can you do and what does it mean? It means that your body does not have the required enzymes present to break down the sugars found in milk products. Essentially, your body can't digest the sugar found in milk products known as lactose. The enzyme responsible for the breakdown of this sugar is called lactase, and if you have difficulty with lacotse, it's probably due to the fact that you don't have enough of this enzyme to properly break down the amounts of lactose in your diet.

Lactase is primarily made in the small intestine; manufactured by the cells in the small intestine lining. It is responsible for taking lactose and breaking it down into two simple sugars called galactose and glucose. Why does it need to be broken down? Simply because it can't be absorbed as it; it must be broken down to small enough particles in order to be properly absorbed into the blood.

When does lactose intolerance first start to develop? Typically, once the production of lactase in the body starts slowing down, a slight intolerance can begin to develop. This can occur as early as the toddler years. While this process has begun at an early age, many people may not start suffering the consequences until well into their teenage years and beyond.

The origins of lactose intolerance are numerous and include injury or sickness, certain diseases such as celiac disease and cancers; treatments of these diseases like chemotherapy, or even injuries. In fact, it is even something that can be passed down through the generations in your genes.

Usually, people with this problem develop symptoms shortly after ingesting foods containing milk. Feelings of pain and discomfort may begin as quickly as a half hour after eating, or as slowly as several hours later. It also depends on how much lactose-containing food the person ate and to what degree they are intolerant. They may experience any of the following things: pain, nausea, discomfort, diarrhea, bloating, gas. Of course, exactly what occurs will be different for each individual, depending on their body.

Controlling and minimizing the effects of your intolerance can be accomplished with a few easy adjustments. Perhaps less of the offending foods can be consumed. Some minor changes to your diet may be necessary to ease your symptoms. You can try to eat milk products with other food at meals. This may help to lessen the severity of your reaction. Another strategy is to consume foods which contain lower amounts of lactose. You can also try incorporating lactose free foods into your diet.

If you are still having trouble with milk products even after trying all of the above, you may want to try taking a lactase enzyme pill. These can easily be found in most stores and drug stores and are over-the-counter. In general, you would take the pill immediately prior to eating the offending food. If this tactic is not effective for you, then you may need to try more drastic measures. Eliminating dairy products from your diet may be the next step.

Just remember that you do still need calcium in order to repair bones and tissue and to keep your bones strong. So, in order to avoid osteoporosis and other issues down the road, make sure to get plenty of calcium and calcium rich foods in your diet.

An Owner's Guide to Colitis in Cats


Colitis in cats is characterized by the inflammation of the large intestine. The condition can occur suddenly or be chronic and progress over a few weeks. If not diagnosed and treated in time, it may be life-threatening to your cat. So, what are some of the causes?

Causes

There are many different causes of feline colitis. Some of the most common include certain viruses, fungi, and bacteria. Also, internal parasites such as protozoa and worms can bring about the condition. Your cat may also develop this condition as the result of dietary allergies or indiscretions. Other common causes are stress, cancer, and pancreatitis.

Symptoms

Colitis in cats can range from mild to severe. The most prominent sign of a mild case is diarrhea containing excessive mucus, water, or blood. Cats with a more severe case start having more frequent bowel movements and may also have to strain to pass stool. Cats with this condition also commonly experience vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, weight loss, and loss of appetite.

Diagnosis

After reviewing your cat's medical history and performing a physical exam, your veterinarian will have to perform a range of diagnostic tests. A stool sample will need to be examined to check for the presence of internal parasites, viruses, or bacteria. A biopsy and colonoscopy are also useful tests. To rule out secondary diseases, tests to check for other illnesses will also likely be conducted.

Treatment

In order to deal with colitis in cats, the underlying cause needs to be determined and treated. Deworming medications and antibiotics will get rid of parasites and bacteria that may be the cause of the condition. Your cat will likely be placed on a special low fat, high fiber diet to make it easier for his body to digest the food. Since vomiting and diarrhea and common problems, it may be necessary to provide fluids to prevent dehydration.

Height Weight Chart - Growth of 8 to 12 Months


Your baby is change and grows in different way and creeps traveling along the furniture or maybe even go to 12 months! Along with all this activity come the ability and the beginning of food preferences. These new developments may affect the growth of your child especially his or her weight.

What makes a child which grows this age?

By the time the first birthday cake your child might almost satisfied with his or her weight at birth and grows about 10 inches (25 centimeters). However physical growth slows during the second half of the first year.

Your child's doctor will continue to monitor growth during routine visits usually envisaged in the 9 months and 1 year of age.

I should be interested?

Problems of parents on the growth often focus on eating habits. Does your skinny child - picky eater? You are worried that your child does not get enough to eat? Opportunities - that everything is fine. Most babies eat enough to satisfy their hunger which in most cases is enough to supply them with energy in which they need.

Your child's weight length and the home circle were measured from birth and trained to chart the growth of your child's doctor. It's - is where you should start looking if you have any questions about how your child responds. When you are looking at the chart the growth of their child to the doctor make sure to compare the growth of your child with his or her own pattern of growth not with the growth of other babies. While the growth of your child is stable there is probably no reason to worry.

If you really notice the growth which slows down or decrease in weight consider these questions:

* Has your child been sick? A few days not eating particularly if combined with vomiting or diarrhea can lead to weight loss which will be returned when he or she will feel better.

* Does your child is in motion? The Crawling traveling and going all burn many calories so weight gain could not be so great with this new mobility.

* Your child has just more interested in playing Pacifica or decrease spoon on the floor than eating? World - A fascinating place and your child learn new things each day. Keep diverting at least during meal times and pay attention to cues that he or she had eaten enough.

* You enter the right kinds of products? Since your child is getting better at eating you can begin to pay more attention to the structure and diversity of products that he or she eats. If your child is not interested in baby food more as a representation of soft products table and finger food that is safe and fun?

Although the growth rate actually slowed down between 8 and 12 months your child should continue to follow his or her own growth curve. Talk with your child's doctor if you have any growth-related problems.

What about the total child?

Plump may be old-fashioned "ideal" child but the child who receives weight quickly is cause for concern. Heavy infants are more likely to be overweight later in life so consider began a pattern of gluttony and inactivity.

Never give up the babies but pay attention to the cues your child that he or she is full. Also:

* Make sure that your child's calories come from nutritious sources - like fruits vegetables and fortified cereals - rather than sweets and junk food.

* Make sure that your child is not drinking high calorie soft drinks or too much juice.

* Play with your child to encourage physical activity making sure he / she has a safe place to move to.

* Limit the amount of time spent in the automotive field tramps and playpen.

As a parent one of the best things you can do for your child should eat well and be physically active themselves. Does your child have a better chance of growing suitable if good health habits - part of the lifestyle of the family? Moreover you will be a good role model for your little one but you will really enjoy the energy of life with your child (and fortitude to pursue after him or her).

If you are concerned your baby weighs more than the normal ask the doctor for your child advice.

What is next?

Is not it hard to believe that a year has passed? In 12 short months your baby has grown from a tiny baby whom you might rocked in the cradle in one hand and the baby in motion. Between 12 and 24 months your child will only grow by about 4 inches (10.2 centimeters). Though physical growth has slowed expect big

Dog Not Eating? 5 Causes and Cures


If you have a dog not eating you are probably concerned and actually you have good reason to be. Dogs losing their appetite can be caused by simple behavioral or environmental reasons that can be fairly easily addressed at home. However a loss of appetite could also be a symptom of a much more serious problem that is going to require veterinarian care.

Let's talk about the serious side first. A dog not eating, particularly if he or she has other symptoms like vomiting or constipation or passing blood in urine may be suffering from one of a number of serious conditions like bloating, liver disease, kidney failure, dental problems or even cancer. All of these require immediate veterinary care as they can all be life threatening.

Dogs are pretty durable animals and can easily go a couple of days without eating with no ill affects. However if your dog was a good eater and just suddenly stops, you need to see a vet. This is particularly important for puppies and older dogs. Once the underlying cause is determined, your canine pal can be treated and get back to health.

There are other reasons that a dog may stop eating and these have nothing to do with disease.



  • If there has been a change in the environment, like a move to a new home or apartment, or even a new eating place within the current home the dog may not have made the adjustment yet.


  • If your dog was normally fed by himself and is now being fed with other animals, or thee reverse, there has been a change in what he or she believes is the normal routine and this might put him or her off her feed.


  • Vaccinations are important but occasionally there are unwanted side effects. If you dog stopped eating shortly after receiving a vaccination, check with your vet and see if that is a known side effect.


  • With older dogs it might be that it simply hurts to eat. There may be problems with the teeth that make it hard to chew. If the dog has developed arthritis in its neck, it may be painful to lean its head down to get the food. In this instance try using a phone book to raise his bowl and see if that makes a difference.


  • Then there is the picky eater. Just like humans, they can be a pain in the butt. You can try mixing up the type of food but the best approach is to simply designate feeding times. The bowl goes down for an hour twice a day and that's it. When the picky eater gets really hungry they'll eat.

So if your dog is not eating try to figure out if it's physically driven or just behavior. If you think there may be an illness behind it seek help from the vet right away. If not, it's just a matter of getting the dog adjusted.

Green Tea Capsules - 5 Benefits of Green Tea Extract


Hm mm, you may be one of those people that do not like drinking tea so are considering taking green tea capsules instead. You may be wondering what the benefits of green tea extract are and if they are the same as the actual beverage? Okay, so let`s look at 5 benefits of this wonderful extract.

The tea I am talking about is the non fermented product from the camellia sinensis plant. The same plant, when the leaves are fermented provides oolong and black tea but the health benefits are reduced due to the fermentation. The leaves in green tea are steamed so that the healing components remain.

Compounds in green tea such as gallic acid, epigallocatechin gallate, epigallocatechin, epicatechin gallate and epicatechin are thought to be the reason for the many benefits it contains.


  • This extract is thought to reduce cholesterol levels to a more acceptable level reducing the possibility of heart disease. Most of us these days tend to have higher cholesterol levels than what is healthy for us.

  • Stomach disorders are also reduced. Also helps prevent headaches, vomiting and diarrhea. An easy way to help prevent these problems if you are susceptible to any of them.

  • Green tea capsules contain antibacterial properties that are thought to reduce the bacteria that causes dental plaque. Reduced dental plaque helps reduce the number of dental cavities.

  • Weight loss is another benefit. This is effective in combination with other products. The extract is thought to increase the effect of calorie burning.

  • Another benefit includes sun damage and cancer from sunburn or any other environmental cause. This is probably due to the high antioxidant content such as EGCG. It also helps other solid tumor types of cancer.

Now that you know at least at least 5 benefits of green tea extract you might like to consider taking the extract in synergy with other quality products rather than just the green tea capsules to give you all the above benefits plus many,many more to achieve total balance and vitality.

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Toxic Spring Bulbs and Other Plants Dangerous to Pets


Most pet owners are aware that Christmas plants such as poinsettia, holly, mistletoe and amaryllis are toxic plants to dogs and cats. However, Spring is upon us and there are many spring bulbs and other common household plants that are toxic plants to dogs as well. This article discusses information on these plants and what to do in case of an emergency if your pet should ingest one of these plants.

Spring time is very welcome, especially in the colder parts of the country. However, those beautiful blooming plants and bulbs harbor toxins which can cause mild to severe clinical signs of stomach irritation, abdominal pain, trouble breathing and some can even induce comas. So, please read the list below and make sure if you have any of these plants or bulbs present that your pet is kept away from them.

Toxic Bulbs/Plants with Clinical Signs


  • Azalea: Stomach irritation, convulsions, coma

  • English Ivy: Stomach irritation, convulsions, coma

  • Hemlock: Foaming at the mouth, muscle spasms, convulsions

  • Hyacinth: Gastroenteritis, emesis (vomiting), diarrhea

  • Hydrangea: Gastroenteritis, diarrhea, bloody stools

  • Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense): Respiratory problems, ataxia, coma, death

  • Jimson Weed (Datura stramonium): Respiratory problems, ataxia, diarrhea, convulsions, bradycardia (slow heart rate), coma, death

  • Nightshade (Solanum spp.): Neuropathic problems (hallucinations), gastrointestinal issues, diarrhea, tachycardia (rapid heart rate), respiratory problems, bloat, possibly fatal

  • Oats (Avena sativa): Respiratory problems, paralysis, skin inflammation, possibly fatal

  • Rhubarb (Rheum rhaptonicum): Gastroenteritis, colic, diarrhea, bloody stools, polydypsia (increased drinking), death

If your pet ingests one of these plants.....Don't Panic!

If your dog or cat has ingested a toxic plant or bulb; the first order of business is Don't Panic! Here are some tips on what to do:

1. Collect some of the toxic plant and put it in a baggie.

2. Try to determine how much of the plant has been ingested.

3. Call the ASPCA poison control center 1-888-426-4435

4. Call your veterinarian or emergency veterinary clinic!

5. Administration of hydrogen peroxide (3%) will usually induce vomiting. Use a large medicine dropper or syringe to administer peroxide down throat. Administer until vomiting occurs. If animal is heaving, do not administer anymore hydrogen peroxide. Vomiting should occur shortly after heaving is observed.

6. Remove any plant material from mouth and paws

There are over 400 toxic plants that have mild to severe toxicity to dogs, cats and horses. For a complete list, please visit the ASPCA's website or call the ASPCA Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435.

Catherine Critz, How To Safely Induce Vomiting, Petsocialonline.com

How to Make a Clean Dog Friendly Backyard


Every day thousands of families adopt dogs into their households for personal safety, companionship, and love. Some dogs may be considered house or apartment pets, but an overwhelming amount of dogs are outdoor pets, allowed to roam freely in their owner's backyard, playing with toys that are inadvertently thrown over the fence by the neighbor's children and rolling around in their own feces.

While completing an inventory of items people find in their backyard most may come across baseballs, volleyballs, frisbees, mushrooms, fire ants nests and loads of dog feces. Items such as these are not healthy for your family dog and even worse for your kids. Unhealthy outdoor environments causes stomach ailments and other health complications in dogs, easily contributing to an increase of avoidable veterinarian visits.

Dog waste contains many parasites and diseases. When it rains, left over waste particles runs into streams and rivers as runoff. In addition to worms and protozoa, pet waste also contains fecal coliform bacteria. This group of bacteria includes the specific bacteria E. Coli (Escherichia coli)that can cause serious illness and even death to people who ingest contaminated water. There is a direct correlation between bacteria concentrations and gastrointestinal illness. According to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) government's findings, a single gram of dog feces can contain 23 million fecal coliform bacteria, which are known to cause cramps, diarrhea, intestinal illness, and serious kidney disorders in humans if left untreated.

Here are steps that you can follow to keep a clean dog-friendly backyard:

1. Pick up all debris such as pieces of wood that your dog may choke on, putting them in a bag or around plants that your dog can't get to.

2. Pick up all toys and putting them in a plastic bag away from your pets reach for when the neighbor returns to claim the toys.

3. Pick up as much dog feces as possible, some feces might not be completely solid so it can sometime be futile but get as much as possible. If you don't like picking up feces like the rest of us, use a rake, a shovel and a heavy-duty plastic bag.

4. Find organic or natural alternatives to control fire ants.

5. Find organic or natural alternatives to control feces related diseases.

There are new organic alternatives to control fungus and E. coli related to dog feces. These alternatives are a part of the nations ever growing going green movement. Just do a little research.

Symptoms of Magnesium Deficiency - America Beware!


The NHANES study found that substantial numbers of Americans fail to get the recommended amount of magnesium in their diets. The symptoms of magnesium deficiency are subtle and may go unnoticed while leaving a person vulnerable to osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease and immune dysfunction.

The U.S. Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine recommends a dietary allowance (RDA) for magnesium of 320 mg. for women and 420 mg for men over the age of thirty. Slightly more is recommended for women during pregnancy. Unfortunately, data from the 1999-2000 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) suggests that substantial numbers of adults in the United States fail to get the recommended amounts of magnesium in their diets.

In addition to a diet that lacks foods high in magnesium, the following conditions may also cause symptoms of magnesium deficiency:

Gastrointestinal disorders: Prolonged diarrhea, Crohn's disease, malabsorption syndromes, celiac disease, gastric by-pass; and intestinal inflammation due to radiation may all lead to magnesium depletion.

Renal disorders: Diabetes mellitus and continuous use of certain diuretics may cause an increased loss of magnesium in the urine.

Alcoholism: Alcoholics often have poor diets, gastrointestinal problems and increased urinary loss of magnesium.

Age: Magnesium absorption tends to decrease with age while loss through the urine increases.

Eating Disorders: Poor nutrition combined with chronic or excessive vomiting and diarrhea may result in magnesium depletion.

SYMPTOMS OF MAGNESIUM DEFICIENCY

Early symptoms of magnesium deficiency include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and weakness. As magnesium deficiency worsens, numbness, tingling, muscle contractions and cramps, seizures, sudden changes in behaviors, abnormal heart rhythms, and coronary spasms can occur. Severe magnesium deficiency can result in low levels of calcium in the blood (hypocalcemia) which can contribute to the development of osteoporosis. Magnesium deficiency is also associated with low levels of potassium in the blood (hypokalemia) which may affect the regulation of blood pressure and heart function.

Many of these symptoms are general and can be associated with a variety of medical conditions. It is important to consult your doctor before deciding that magnesium deficiency is the cause of your symptom and before choosing a course of action.

Bacterial Colitis is the Most Common Cause of Colitis


Pseudomembranous colitis is a form of inflammatory disease characterized by the pathologic presence of pseudomembranes consisting of mucin, fibrin, necrotic cells, and polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Bacterial IBS is the most common cause of this disease , particularly beyond the first year of life. Allergic IBS is the most common form of colitis during the first year of life. Collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis are two other types of bowel inflammation that affect the colon.

A diagnosis of collagenous IBS or lymphocytic IBSis made after tissue samples taken during a colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy are examined with a microscope. Collagenous IBS and lymphocytic IBS are also called microscopic IBS. Ulcerative colitis is not caused by emotional distress or sensitivity to certain foods or food products, but these factors may trigger symptoms in some people.

For extreme cases of collagenous and lymphocytic that have not responded to medication, surgery to remove all or part of the colon may be necessary.

Ulcerative colitis can occur in people of any age, but it usually starts between the ages of 15 and 30, and less frequently between 50 and 70 years of age. IBS is an inflammation of the colon. IBS may also cause problems such as arthritis, inflammation of the eye, liver disease, and osteoporosis. This disease causes inflammation and sores, called ulcers, in the lining of the rectum and colon.

Ischemic is a form of vasculitis that results from inflammation and ischemia of colonic mucosa, which causes rectal bleeding and abdominal pain. Treatment for collagenous and lymphocytic varies depending on the symptoms and severity of the case. People with ulcerative colitis have abnormalities of the immune system, but doctors do not know whether these abnormalities are a cause or a result of the disease. Pseudomembranous usually presents with profuse watery or mucoid diarrhea, tenesmus, fever, abdominal cramps, and tenderness usually within one week of antibiotic therapy.

After age 50 a regular colonoscopy is recommended for early detection of colon cancer unless the patient has increased risk of cancer and then more frequent examinations may be prescribed by the patients doctor.