Within its fruit are tasty arils desired for a variety of recipes. But before learning how to make all these dishes, one must first master the trick in preparing and eating pomegranates. This is because pomegranates have this kind of juice that can stain your hands easily; making the whole eating process a little too messy, if the preparation is not done well. So to avoid all the hassle, how do you eat a pomegranate?

The primary and most basic thing to do when eating pomegranates is to make sure you get the plumpest and roundest ones that actually feel a little too heavy for their size. Also make sure that these pomegranates are free of any slashes, cuts, and/or bruises. Pomegranates, when ripe, bruise relatively easily though they do not ripen after they’re picked. This means that many commercial pomegranates are a little bit under-ripe to prevent any bruising. To find really ripe and fresh pomegranates, try going to a farmers market or cooperatives that have direct access to deliveries from farmers.

After choosing the best pomegranates there are, slice through the peel from the stem to the end using a sharp knife. You may do this once or you may repeat it several times to create sections on the pomegranates – just try to estimate where the natural sections within the pomegranates are. After creating the number of sections you desire, cut the top off of the pomegranates. Make sure you cut just enough section that will reveal the red arils of the pomegranates.

When the top is finally cut off, pull the pomegranates apart. You may follow the white pith within the fruit to divide the fruit where it naturally pulls apart. After pulling the pomegranate apart, you may break them into even smaller pieces to allow an easier handling.

Now, using a bowl, peel off any remaining white pith sections that are over the pomegranate arils, and take the edges of the sections to pull them back in order to push the arils out easily. This makes the arils easier to rub off or pop out of the pith. And when the pomegranates are ripe, the red arils will just come off easier than expected. Now just repeat this method for all the remaining sections of pomegranates, and you will have a bowl-full of red pomegranate arils.

Other people would suggest that after cutting off the top or flowery end of the pomegranate, and after scoring it into sections, a bowl of water will do just the trick of an easy preparation. The scored pomegranates should be placed in a bowl of water for about five minutes. After, simply break the sections of the pomegranates while keeping the fruit underwater. After opening, just allow the arils to separate from the rind and let them sink to the bottom. And then, strain the water to keep just the arils. This is definitely a faster and a bit easier process, but it allows the arils to be sullied by water.

So whatever it is you think that will work best, either the longer and water-free process or the one with the bowl of water trick, it is still your call for an enjoyable dish or drink of pomegranates.

Definition

Gastroparesis is a medical term that refers to the delay in gastric emptying. The term came from the words “Gastro” which means stomach and “paresis” which means paralysis. Normally, the stomach contracts to move the foods down the intestines for absorption of nutrients and further digestion. In this condition, the foods taken stay longer in the stomach than they usually should.

Causes of gastroparesis

Gastroparesis can be either transient or chronic. Transient gastroparesis usually occurs in acute illness of any kind, the use of certain drugs like chemotherapeutic drugs, and abnormal eating patterns. On the other hand, chronic gastroparesis is due to autonomic neuropathy which occurs to people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. The vagus nerve is the one that controls the contraction of the stomach and any damage relating to it can cause gastroparesis. In diabetes, the vagus nerve is damaged because of long years of having high blood glucose level. High glucose level can decrease blood perfusion thus causes damages to the nerves and tissues in the body. Other conditions that can cause chronic gastroparesis are Sclerodera, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, and Parkinson’s disease. Abdominal surgery that results to vagus nerve damage can also result to chronic gastroparesis.

If the cause of gastroparesis is not fully known, the condition is called idiopathic gastroparesis. This accounts for a third of all chronic cases of gastroparesis. Medical professionals and researchers thought that this may be caused by an autoimmune response that is triggered by a viral infection. Other conditions that are thought to be related to it are stomach flu and mononucleosis.

Incidence

Researchers have found out that gastroparesis occurs more often in women than in men.

One reason for this is that women normally have slower stomach emptying than men. Another reason is that high level of progesterone (which occurs in the female body a week prior to menstruation) can cause this condition. It should be noted that the above reasons are not yet proven definitively.

Symptoms of gastroparesis

• Chronic nausea (usually in the morning)
• Vomiting (undigested foods)
• Early satiety
• Heartburn
• Weight gain (due to starvation mode effect)
• Weight loss (due to early satiety)
• Abdominal bloating
• Abdominal pain
• Lack of appetite
• Erratic blood glucose level
• Spasms in the stomach wall
• GERD or gastroesophageal reflux

Diagnosis

Gastroparesis can be diagnoses with tests such as manometry, xrays, gastric emptying scans and ultrasound. Physical assessment and symptoms may help in the diagnosis. However, it should be noed that severity of symptoms does not correlate with the severity of the condition. That means that there are people with few symptoms yet are experiencing serious complications of the condition already.

Treatment for gastroparesis

Treatment of gastroparesis begins with the knowledge of the cause of such condition. If the cause is determined, the treatment strategy is directed towards it for correction. Below are some of the known treatments for gastroparesis.

1. Diet modification. Your physician might refer you to a dietician that can help you plan meals that are easy to digest and at the same time provides you with enough calories for the day. Weight loss or weight gain may be experienced with gastroparesis. Prevention of which lies directly to proper food planning and intake. Your dietician may suggest you to try the following:

• Have small frequent feeding
• Consume low fiber forms of high fiber foods such as well cooked vegetables rather than raw ones
• Have low fat foods. Fatty foods can actually delay gastric emptying
• Try soft or liquid diet (soups and pureed foods).
• Increase water intake after each meal
• Engage in light exercise after a meal such as walking

2. Tube placement. For those who could not tolerate food intake by mouth, a feeding tube may be inserted in the nose down to the small intestine where osteorized foods are placed. This is only temporary and is applicable for those who are experiencing severe gastroparesis.

3. Medications. If the cause of gastroparesis is diabetes, your physician would sure recommend antidiabetic drugs that can help regulate the blood sugar level. Some of these are glimepiride and insulin. Other medications that may be prescribed to control symptoms associated with gastroparesis are metoclopramide (anti vomiting), domperidone (aids in stomach motility), Viagra (stimulates the GI tract), erythromycin (anti biotic), and miratazapine (an ntidepressant drug which is also proven to treat gastroparesis because of its anti-emetic and appetite stimulant properties).

4. Electrical pacing. This is a new way of managing severe gastroparesis. This is similar to cardiac pacemaker that sends electrical impulses to the heart. The difference is that it sends electrical impulses on the muscles surrounding the stomach. The impulses contract the stomach which then aids in the movement of the food inside it. The gastric pacemaker is inserted in the abdomen laparoscopically, which means that a large incision is not required. During placement, wire electrodes are attached on the muscles of the stomach and the wires are brought just under the skin. The wires are then attached to a battery operated pacemaker that is buried under the skin. The skin is then sutured to keep the pacemaker in place. It should be noted that the effectiveness and long term effect of this procedure is not yet fully known because it is relatively new in the medical-surgical field.

5. Surgery. This is more often done than electrical pacing. The goal of this procedure is to create a larger opening between the stomach and the small intestine to aid gastric emptying. There are also instances where in the stomach is removed. These procedures should only be considered when other options of treating gastroparesis are found ineffective because of the potential risks and complications of surgery. Surgical interventions should only be done by knowledgeable surgeons and gastroenterologists in order to lessen the numerous risks of surgery.

Complications

There are complications that are associated with gastroparesis and some of these are as follows:
• Fluctuation in blood glucose level due to unpredictable time of digestion and absorption of nutrients
• Malnutrition due to symptoms associated with the condition and dietary modifications accompanied by it
• Intestinal obstruction due to the formation of solid masses of undigested foods (referred to as “bezoars”)
• Bacterial infection due to proliferation of microorganisms in undigested foods

Health benefits of lemon

Lemon has many medicinal properties.

• Antiseptic – Lemon prevents sepsis (the buildup of pathogenic bacteria) and/or putrefaction (the decomposition of tissues).

• Anti-scorbutic – Lemon is a remedy that prevents diseases and assists in cleaning the body of impurities.

• Pro-digestion – Lemon has digestive properties that relieve some symptoms of indigestion, like heartburn and bloating. It also aids in eliminating waste, preventing diarrhea and constipation.

Health benefits of lemon water

Almost everyone can benefit from the goodness that lemon water brings. The only people who cannot enjoy this highly nutritious drink would be those that have allergies to lemon and have active ulcers.

Everyone else can appreciate the following health benefits:

• Liver Benefits – Lemon water is an excellent liver stimulant. It also helps control the flow of excess bile by liquefying the bile. Lemon water also provides a natural strengthening agent to liver enzymes when they get too dilute. It also helps fix the levels of oxygen and calcium in the liver which eventually affects the oxygen levels in the blood. Drinking warm lemon water an hour before breakfast is highly recommended for liver complaints.

• Digestive Benefits – Lemon water aids in the process of digestion and elimination. Drinking lemon water regular has positive effects on the gastrointestinal tract.

The lemon juice is acidic in nature and so it aids in breaking down the food, relieving the symptoms of indigestion, such as heartburn, bloating, and belching. Lemon water also aids in the proper elimination of wastes, preventing diarrhea and constipation. A properly functioning digestive system is highly beneficial as the absorption of nutrients from the food that we consume is more efficient. And all that can be achieved by just mixing a teaspoon of lemon juice to half a glass of water.

• Immunity Boost – Lemon water has an alkalizing effect in the body so bacteria and viruses causing colds and flu that thrive in acidic environment can no longer live. Lemon water also has antibacterial properties that help control the growth of bacteria in our body. Gargling lemon water is also a good remedy for sore throats.

• Skin Care – Lemon water rejuvenates the skin from within, making you glow. It also has anti-aging properties, removing wrinkles. Plus, it can remove blackheads. Lemon water may also be applied to burns to soothe the burning sensation and to fade scars.

• Weight Loss – Because it aids in proper digestion, lemon water also aids in losing weight.

• Purifies Blood

• Respiratory Benefits – Lemon water aids in curing respiratory problems. It also makes breathing easier.

• Controls Bleeding

• Aids in Lowering Blood Pressure

• Prevents Kidney Problems – Lemon water dissolves kidney stones as well as gall stones, calcium deposits, and pancreatic stones.

• Child Development – In pregnancy, lemon water aids in building strong bones in the baby.

Lemon water has a lot of benefits. And you can enjoy all of these benefits by just squeezing half a lemon into a glass of water and taking this two times daily.

There are several ways of getting water out of your ear. Below are some ways to do so:

• Gravity – The first and simplest way to get rid of water in your ears is to lie down or rest your head in such a way that the ear where the water is in faces downward. You don’t have to do much other than wait for gravity to finish its job. Water will flow out of your ear eventually as it is pulled down by gravity.

• More Water – This may seem odd, but adding a tiny bit more water into your ear will help unclog it. If the procedure above does not work, add a few drops of water and flip your head in the same manner as indicated in the previous procedure.

• Vinegar and Alcohol – A solution of 50% white vinegar and 50% alcohol is another way to get the water out of your ear. Using a medicine dropper, put 2 to 3 drops of this solution into your ear. And tilt your head similar to the previous procedures. This solution may also help the water clogged in your ear to dry up.

• Ear Drops – Another solution to help the water flow out of your ear is ear drops. There are various antiseptic ear drops available in drugstores that you can use for your ears. Simply follow the indications listed on the box.

Turn your head so that the clogged ear faces down and the water can flow out of the ear.

• Blow Dryer – The blow dryer is not only for drying your hair. You can also use this to dry up the water in your ear. Simply turn on the dryer on a low setting. And use it to dry your ear just as you would dry your hair. Do not place the dryer to near your ear and do not turn the heat up too high to avoid burning your skin.

• Towel – Use a towel or some tissue to wipe the inside of your ear dry. Never use a cotton bud.

Tips

• Pull your ear lobe down to get the opening of your ear even wider.

• Try sleeping on your clogged ear. Sometimes, it just takes some more time to get the water out.

• If all else fails, call your doctor immediately to prevent any ear infections.

into the body tissue, the lymphatic system takes care of the removal of the excess water. When a person suffers from water retention, the lymphatic system is not able to properly excrete the fluids and so they remain in the body tissues. So, how does on treat water retention? Read on to find out natural remedies for water retention.

Symptoms

The retention of water in the body tissues are observed through swelling. This is most common in the feet and legs. It can also occur in the abdominal cavity, hands, arms, and around the lungs (called pulmonary edema). And sometimes, swelling in the face is observed.

Types of water retention

There are two main types of water retention:
1. Generalized edema – swelling occurs throughout the body
2. Localized edema – swelling occurs in specific parts of the body

Causes of fluid retention

There are various causes of water retention. Sometimes, water retention is only a symptom of another condition. And so it is important to know the causes of water retention in order to treat the condition that causes it and prevent edema from happening again or from worsening.

There is a wide range of factors that affect water retention in the body. These factors include:
• Hot weather – Hot weather causes the body to sweat more, releasing more water from the bloodstream. And if the lymphatic system cannot properly excrete the water to produce sweat, then the water is retained in the body.

• High salt intake – High salt intake can result to an electrolyte imbalance. If there are more salt in the fluid surrounding the cells, the cells will release their water to balance the system. This increases the water in the tissues.

• Nutritional deficiencies – An example of nutritional deficiency is the lack of the protein albumen. Albumen helps keep the water in the blood vessels. A lack in albumen can lead to water leaking out from the blood vessels into the surrounding tissues.

• Gravity – Gravity pulls things downward. It prevents the water from going up into the blood stream and be distributed throughout the body and later on excreted. This is mainly why most water retentions are evident in the feet.

• Burns and sunburns – Burns and sunburns damage the cells, making water leak out into the tissues.

• Certain drugs – Some drugs can cause edema as a side effect.

• Ageing – As we age, our bodies become weaker and cellular integrity degrades.

• Menopause – As women enter menopause, there are changes in the hormonal levels. The production of progesterone decreases and this results to bloating and water retention. Menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and contraceptive pills are also factors that affect water retention.

• Weight gain – It is common for healthy adults to retain small up to 5 pounds of water in the body. But people who are overweight or obese can retain 8 to 10 pounds.

• Kidney infection/disease – If the kidneys are not functioning properly, then they will not be able to filter the blood properly and remove excess water. This results to more water in the bloodstream that can leak out into the surrounding tissues.

• Thyroid problems – The thyroid produces hormones that regulate the conditions, including the amount of water, in the body.

• Hypertension – Hypertension leads to weaker blood vessels, which in turn leads to water leaking out of the vessels and into the body tissues.

Natural remedies for water retention

• Bananas, raisins – rich in potassium that helps eliminate water retention

• Celery seed, lemongrass tea, nettle – herbal diuretics

• Uva ursi, horse chestnut, buchu – have diuretic properties that promote urination and excretion of excess water

• Dandelion leaf – kidney and liver tonic and diuretic

• Olea europea – helps balance blood pressure, assists the liver and gallbladder, and improves circulation

• Ice packs – helps reduce the swelling

• Cranberry juice, cabbage – natural diuretics

• Water – treatment for premenstrual bloating only

• Avocados, blackstrap molasses, carrots, brown rice, etc. – foods rich in Vitamin B6 that reduces fluid retention

• Egg whites – rich in albumen, which strengthens the blood vessels

Tips

To prevent future cases of and to help treat water retention, here are some tips:

• Take your vitamins. Vitamins A and C help strengthen the capillaries and decrease water retention.

• Reduce salt intake. A high amount of salt in the system promotes water retention. So in order to prevent edema, avoid salty foods including processed foods and fast foods.

• Exercise. Exercise promotes the circulation of blood. This keeps the blood and excess fluid from getting stored up in your feet and legs.

• Lift your feet. When you are resting, keep your feet up by propping a pillow under them. This will also help keep water from getting logged in them.

• Reduce your intake of saturated fats. These fats clog up your lymphatic system, disabling it from removing excess fluids.

• Avoid foods that cause you allergies. These foods exacerbate water retention.

• Wear comfortable clothes; preferably loose clothing, so as not to dampen the blood circulation.

• Keep cool, especially in hot days.

• Get a massage. This promotes blood circulation and gets the lymph moving.

• Limit alcohol intake.

• Avoid smoking.

• Avoid crossing your legs while sitting. Sitting with your legs crossed limits blood flow.

• Avoid caffeine.

So, how do you treat this common condition? What are the natural remedies for bloating?

Bloating

Abdominal bloating refers to a sense of fullness, enlargement, or tightness in the abdominal area. There can be several causes of bloating but the most common is the accumulation of liquids and gases in your gastrointestinal tract. And this happens because of several things:
• Overeating. When you eat a lot of food and take in too many drinks, then you are bound to reach the limit of your stomach’s capacity. This makes you feel full and bloated.
• Eating too fast. It is important to eat slowly so as not to upset your stomach. When you eat too fast, you don’t get to chew your food properly. And this leads to indigestion and makes you feel full faster than you should.
• Air swallowing. If you swallow large amounts of air, your bowel system has trouble getting rid of it. This results from drinking too much carbonated drinks and eating too fast.
• Indigestion. Indigestion can lead to bloating. When you have indigestion, the food stays much longer in your stomach and so you feel full.
• Gas-producing foods. There are certain foods, like beans, that can cause flatulence. Eating this type of food can increase the gas in your stomach and make you feel bloated.
• Irritable bowel syndrome. This is a common disorder that occurs when a person gets alternating conditions of diarrhea and constipation.
• Food intolerance. Food intolerance or food sensitivity ends up with indigestion. This is when there is a lacking enzyme or chemical or when there is a lack of good intestinal flora in your digestive tract. When there is a lack of any of these, then digesting the food becomes a problem.

These are just some of the causes of bloating. There are also some conditions and diseases that lead to bloating or have bloating as a symptom.

Natural remedies

There are many herbal and homeopathic remedies for bloating. Below are some natural remedies for bloating.
• Chamomile. Chamomile tea has been used for centuries to relax the nerves and soothe digestive problems. It has also been used to treat menstrual cramps. Drinking chamomile tea will get your digestive system back on track and relieve you of that bloated feeling.
• Fennel. Fennel seeds have compounds that ease the muscles in your gastrointestinal tract and allow the trapped gas to pass. You can chew on the fennel seeds or crush them and add boiling water to make tea.
• Ginger. Ginger is a strong remedy for trapped gas. You can either drink ginger tea or eat the ginger fresh. Adding small amounts of ginger into your food or taking a teaspoon of fresh ginger before meals also help in relieving gas.
• Peppermint. Similar to the chamomile tea, peppermint tea is a relaxant. It relaxes the muscles in the body, allowing it to get rid of digestive gas.
• Activated charcoal. Activated charcoal is a good absorbent. It absorbs the toxins that cause or contribute to gas problems. Simply take charcoal supplement to relieve gas. You may also take the supplements before eating to prevent bloating.
• Garlic. Garlic is a good remedy for bloating as it aids in digestion.
• Dandelion. Just like chamomile and peppermint, dandelion is also a good way to get rid of gas. You can drink it as a tea or add it to your meals as a spice.
• Hot water. Drinking half a cup of hot water helps rid of gas. The stomach naturally has a high temperature and eating cold food can disrupt this condition. Drinking half a cup of hot water gets your system back on track.
• Amritdhara. This is an ayurvedic herbal preparation that is highly effective in relieving gas, stomach pains, and bloating.
• Caraway seeds. Caraway seeds stimulate proper digestion and ease gas and cramping. Add them to you meal, especially to foods known to cause flatulence.

Tips

However, just like any disease, the best way to treat bloating is to treat the cause of it. Below are some tips to prevent bloating.

• Chew your food properly. Take time when eating so you don’t get indigestion.
• Avoid drinking carbonated drinks. Drinking too much of these can cause air to build up inside you, making you feel bloated.
• Avoid beans and dark green leafy vegetables for a while. While they are nutritious, these foods are highly flatulent-causing foods. Avoid these when you are feeling bloated.
• Don’t skip meals. Skipping meals can disrupt your digestive process and lead to various digestive problems.
• Don’t talk when you are eating. Talking while eating increases the chances of you swallowing air.
• Avoid dairy products. This is highly recommended for lactose-intolerant people. Food intolerance can cause bloating.
• Drink plenty of water. Be sure that you drink at least 8 glasses of water each day. Water cleanses your body.
• Avoid chewing gum and hard candy.
• Eat fiber-rich foods. This type of food aids in digestion.
• If bloating is a symptom of another disease or disorder, treat that disorder to get rid of bloating.

Baking Soda Benefits

Baking soda is a kind of crystalline, slightly alkaline powder with a white color. This weak alkaline powder releases free radicals when dissolved in water. And when put inside the mouth, these free radicals will then interact with the stain molecules found on the teeth enamel. This interaction involves the scraping off of the yellow and brown stains that are usually found on the teeth. And all these reactions and interactions make baking soda a good agent for fighting discoloration and working towards the whitening of teeth.

Aside from the whitening characteristics of sodium bicarbonate, the removal of plaque is another benefit of brushing teeth with baking soda. And when plaque is removed from the teeth, the decay of teeth is also prevented – another positive attribute. When teeth are kept from decaying, one is also assured of having fresher breath. So a whiter set of teeth with no cavities, and a fresher breath, are all benefits we can enjoy from using the affordable magic of baking soda. This also leads us to another advantage of baking soda: its affordability. This characteristic is what makes the popular commercial teeth whitener that it is.

Brushing with Baking Soda

Baking soda can be used in at least two ways when brushing the teeth. For a whiter finish, it could be used just as it is in its powder form, or it can be done with the help of salt, vinegar, and water.

When you prefer to brush your teeth using just the powder form of baking soda, the first thing you have got to do is to properly wet the bristles of your toothbrush with some cold water. After moistening the bristles, dip them into your ¼ teaspoon baking soda powder and make sure to cover all the bristles – check if the toothbrush head has become all white. And just as if you were using ordinary toothpaste, start brushing your teeth. Do this, however, for only 2 to 5 minutes in order to prevent any burning sensation. After brushing, rinse with water like usual. You may opt to brush twice per day to have better whitening outcome.

On the other hand, if you prefer to have a go with a baking soda solution, then you may mix the same amount of powder, as mentioned above, with some water that is enough to dissolve it, and simply add a pinch of salt and a few drops of vinegar, preferably white. Dip the bristles into your solution and brush normally. After rinsing with water, brush your teeth using regular toothpaste.

Now add these easy steps with the wonderful benefits mentioned earlier, and you have just experienced what is said to be the cheapest yet safest method of teeth whitening. However, it is worthy to remember that chronic usage of baking soda for brushing teeth could eventually cause the teeth enamel to wear off.

So the right toothpaste is still the best agent for regular brushing of teeth.

DIRT
There are various possible reasons why your dog may smell so bad. One obvious reason would be your dog is dirty and just really needs a bath. Your dog may simply have just been rolling over something that smells bad or has been sprayed on by a skunk. So, if you smell that your dog stinks, it’s best to grab that dog shampoo and give your dog a nice bath.

SHAMPOO
Even if you keep on giving your dog a bath, if you don’ t use

the right shampoo for your dog, then your pet would stink up easily. Using shampoos intended for humans can have harsh effects on your dog’s skin. Human shampoos have a higher pH compared to dog shampoos. Keep in mind that a dog’s fur and skin is different from the human hair and scalp.

FOOD
Like in humans, what our dogs eat can affect how they smell. What your dog eats on a regular basis matters.

So, be sure to feed your pet with high quality food and is appropriate for your dog. Also, avoid giving your pet table scraps.

SKIN DISORDERS
If your dog still smells even after you have given it a bath, then chances are your dog is suffering from some skin disorder. A bad odor is one of the most common and obvious symptoms of a skin problem in dogs. So check for any other signs of skin problems in your dog and take your pet to the vet for proper treatments.

EAR INFECTION
Bacterial infection in your dog ear can smell really bad. If you observe your dog scratching its ears or shaking its head, then an ear infection is most likely the cause of smell. Be careful when giving your dog a bath. If water gets trapped inside the ear canal, it can make matter worse.

FLATULENCE
Your dog may be having some sort of digestive problem, making your dog pass gas. Flatulence is normal. But if it happens quite often, then it is best to have it checked with your veterinarian.

ANAL GLANDS/SACS
Anal sacs are located near the dog’s anus. These sacs are scent-sacs secrete an oily and smelly substance used to mark territory. This secretion is released along with the feces. So, if the sacs get infected, the sacs cannot empty properly and can end up on your dog’s fur.

ORAL PROBLEMS
Your dog may be having some dental problems. Dental problems, like gingivitis and periodontitis, can cause your dog to develop really foul breath. A sore mouth can also make your dog drool frequently. And if the drool reaches the fur and other things, the smell may stick to these and you won’t notice that the smell is from your dog’s mouth.

OTHER DISEASES
Other diseases, such as kidney problems and diabetes, may also affect your dog’s breath.

If, after giving your dog several baths, the smell is still there, it is best to have your dog checked by the veterinarian to avoid any complications.

More facts and details about the hormone cortisol

One of the most important factors that are considered to stimulate the release of cortisol is none other the presence of stress or anxiety. In other words, the release of this particular hormone can be termed as a response of the body towards mental and as well as physical stress. High cortisol level in the body is otherwise termed medically as hypercortisolism and is usually attributed to the exposure to prolonged stress. An occasional spike or increase in the cortisol levels in the body may not indicate a serious health complication or problem. However, regular abnormal increase of this hormone can already produce several harmful effects to the immune functions and as well as fertility. This can eventually lead to the medical condition commonly known as the Cushing’s syndrome.

Possible factors that affect the level of cortisol in the body

Just like what is mentioned above, stress is one of the major and important factors that can cause the high levels of cortisol in the body. Nevertheless, an individual must be under constant stress in order to produce more cortisol in the body for a prolonged period of time. Aside from stress, the elevation of the cortisol level can also be due to hyperthyroidism, adrenal tumor and cancer. Pituitary dysfunction due to tumor or adenoma, pregnancy and as well as increased physical activities can also produce high levels of the cortisol hormone. Some drugs such as anti-inflammatory steroid medications and oral contraceptives could also produce high level of cortisol in the body.

Possible or expected symptoms of hypercortisolism

The increase of cortisol levels in the blood can cause a disruption to the normal functioning of the immune system.

Because of this, the immune’s ability to prevent infection and diseases can be affected. This causes the individual to be at risk for infections and ulcer formations. Aside from this, the functioning of the thyroid gland could also be altered, which cause high blood pressure and can also lead to hyperglycemia. Nevertheless, these symptoms are not easily experienced or exhibited by the person. In fact, these elevated cortisol level symptoms are expected to appear gradually and at a slow pace.
People who suffer from elevated level of cortisol for a prolonged time have been observed to develop obesity with a very unusual body type. Fat deposition usually takes place in the abdominal and trunk area of such individuals while the limbs are rather slim or slender.

Aside from the trunk and the abdomen, fat is also reportedly seen around the neck and upper back portion of the body. Because of this significant increase in body fat, the person or individual is put at risk for heart attacks and other vascular diseases due to the increase in the level of LDL cholesterol. Some of the other symptoms of high cortisol include changes in the skin conditions and increased sensitivity, production of acne or pimples in the face, the appearance of purple colored stretch marks on the body particularly in the stomach, thigh and breast areas. Hypercortisolism can also affect the cognitive ability of the person. This can also cause the individual to suffer emotional disorders such as depression and paranoia due to the elevated levels of cortisol. In addition to these symptoms, muscle and bone weakness may also be evident.

Women with hypercortisolism can also have symptoms that affect their menstrual cycle. It can even cause the cycle to stop without any prior indications. Other noticeable symptoms of high cortisol levels in women are due to the increase in the growth of body and facial hair. This can likewise lead to infertility. In men, high cortisol level can lower down their sexual drive. However, low levels of this hormone can also cause problems in health such as chronic fatigue, exhaustion and the occurrence of the condition known as Addison’s disease. Other possible symptoms of the low cortisol level in the body include weakness, muscle and joint pain, low blood pressure, weight loss, low blood sugar or hypoglycemia, irritability and depression.

These are just some of the facts about high cortisol level in the body, which include the possible causes and symptoms it can produce. It is necessary for us to know that the symptoms of this health problem vary from one person to another. However, once we begin to experience symptoms that are similar or related to those that are mentioned above, we must immediately seek medical attention in order for fast and appropriate interventions to be handed. Cortisol is indeed an important hormone in the body. However, this must always be maintained within the normal level in order to prevent any untoward symptoms or reactions to the body.

Hemophilia, also spelled as hemophilia, is a hereditary genetic disorder wherein the body’s ability to control the blood clotting mechanism or coagulation is impaired. There are two types of hemophilia and these are Hemophilia A and hemophilia B. Hemophilia A is the most common form of the disorder wherein there is a deficiency of the clotting factor VIII while hemophilia B is the less common one where in there is a deficiency in the clotting factor IX.

What is the Cause of Hemophilia?

Hemophilia is a recessive sex-linked X chromosome disorder that is more likely to occur in males than females. The reason for this is that male has only one X chromosome, unlike with females which have two X chromosomes.

With that, the defective X gene would surely manifest in any male who carries it. For females, the chance of having hemophilia is low but still possible. The chance of a female to have two defective X gene is very low so females are almost exclusively asymptomatic carriers of the disorder. Females with hemophilia usually inherit the defective gene from either father or mother. It is actually very rare for a female to have hemophilia. The incidence of hemophilia A is about 1 in every 5,000-10,000 male births while hemophilia B occurs at about 1 in every 20,000 -34,000 male births.

Signs and Symptoms of Hemophilia

In hemophilia, the blood plasma clotting factor is deficient thus a normal blood clotting process could not be carried out. If the blood vessel is injured, a temporary scab is formed but breaks down because of the missing coagulation factor that promotes fibrin formation. Fibrin is actually needed to maintain the blood clot. Hemophiliacs do not bleed aggressively if to compare with those that do not have the condition. Hemophili acs only bleed for

a much longer time. For those with severe hemophilia, a simple cut in the skin could cause severe blood loss. A bleeding in the brain is the most fatal one that can trash down the life of hemophiliacs.

The hallmark of hemophilia is bleeding. Prolonged bleeding and re-bleeding are the diagnostic symptoms of hemophilia. Internal bleeding is common for those with severe hemophilia and even to some with moderate hemophilia. The most common type of internal bleed is found in joints where blood enters the spaces in the joints. This can cause permanent joint damage and disfigurement if not dealt with immediately.

In children with hemophilia, this condition is unnoticed until the child has his circumcision where continuous bleeding is noticed. The first symptoms that are first noticed in children are bruises and hematoma formation especially during the time when they are first learning how to walk. For those with very mild hemophilia, the first sign of this condition can be noticed during the first dental procedure or surgery.

Treatment of Hemophilia

There is no cure for hemophilia but frequent infusions of the deficient clotting factor, such as factor VIII for hemophilia A or factor IX for hemophilia B, can help lengthen the life of sufferers. The clotting factors that are replaced are actually isolated from human blood serum. There are some sufferers who develop antibodies against the replacement factors. With that, non human replacement can help deal with this problem.

Complications with Hemophilia

Below are some of the complications that can either be the result of the disease process or the treatment itself:
- Joint damage from blood pooling in the joints (hemarthrosis). Disfigurement and even destruction of the joint can occur.
- Deep internal bleeding
- Transfusion transmitted infection from frequent infusion of blood clotting factors
- Adverse reactions from the infused clotting factors
- Intracranial hemorrhage. This is a medical emergency which creates increased pressure in the skull. This can lead to death if not prevented.