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Heartburn Causes, Risk factors, Symptoms, Prevention and Medication

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What is heartburn?

Heartburn is a sharp chest pain felt in the mid-lower chest due to reflux of the stomach acid into the esophagus and a bitter taste in the mouth or throat.

Causes of heartburn?

heartburn-photo

It may be caused by:

  • A person suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • A weakened cardiac sphincter or one which is no longer functioning
  • A person with hiatal hernia
  • In pregnancy, it is due to progesterone which causes relaxation of the cardiac sphincter
  • Eating spicy foods
  • Smoking
  • Excessive alcohol intake
  • overeating
  • Intake of some foods and drinks such as chocolate caffeine
  • Obesity and overweight
  • Certain medicine such as Ibuprofen and Asprin
  • Stress
  • When one is anxious
  • After eating one lays down

Risk factors of heartburn

Here are some of the predisposing risk factors

  •  Obesity or being overweight.
  • During pregnancy.
  • Excessive alcohol intake
  • Smoking
  • Stress and anxiety
  • When one is suffering from hiatus hernia
  • Lying down immediately after a meal
  • Eating large quantities of food
  • Eating food with high-fat content
  • A person suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • A weakened cardiac sphincter or one which is no longer functioning
  • Taking of drinks with high caffeine

Signs and Symptoms of heartburn

The following are some of the symptoms one might experience;

  • A bitter taste in the mouth and throat
  • Pain in the chest especially after eating
  • The pain increases when lying down

Diagnosis of heartburn

A  visit to your doctor/physician, you might expect the following;

  • An X-rays
  • An endoscopy
  • PH testing
  • Manometry

Treatment of heartburn

After a diagnosis, your doctor might prescribe the following:

  • Antacids
  • Histamine 2 receptor blockers such aspiring cimetidine
  • proton pump inhibitors

Complication of heartburn

If left untreated for long, it might lead to:

  • Recurrent irritation
  • Inflammation of the esophagus
  • Ulceration

Prevention of heartburn

in order to prevent the reoccurrence, its advisable to do the following;

  • Avoid over-drinking of alcohol
  • Lying down immediately after eating increases the chances
  • Do not overeat
  • Maintenance of the normal BMI
  • Avoid smoking
  • Avoid drinks that have caffeine

 

Heart Attack Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis and Treatment

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What is a Heart Attack?

Heart attack, also known as myocardial infarction, is where the heart doesn’t receive oxygenated blood due to blockage of the artery that transports blood to the heart. This blockage leads to tissue damage which will lead to tissue death when blood is not supplied for quite a while.

What Causes of Heart Attack/ Myocardial Infarction?

Heart attack photo
Heart attack photo

It occurs when the blood vessels that supply the heart with blood becomes blocked and the tissue dies due to lack of oxygen supply, lack of glucose supply for energy thus leading to an accumulation of toxic substances in the heart cells. This happens due to the continuous deposition of fatty deposits such as cholesterol on the walls of the coronary arteries over a period of time. This narrowing is known as atherosclerosis. The blockage can be due to a clot that cannot pass through the narrowed artery.

The coronary arteries can be either be partially or completely blocked. If it is ;

  • Complete blockage of the artery means you suffered STEMI heart attack (ST-elevation myocardial infarction)
  • While Partial blockage  means NSTEMI heart attack (non ST-elevation myocardial infarction)

What are the risk factors leading to a heart attack/ myocardial infarction?

There are some factors that might increase the chances  of one having a myocardial infarction:

  • High blood pressure.
  • Diabetes mellitus.
  • Obesity.
  • High cholesterol specifically the low-density lipoprotein (LDL).
  • Tobacco use.
  • Old age.
  • Excessive alcohol intake.
  • High levels of stress.
  • Eating food with high-fat content.
  • Male sex.
  • Genetics and family history.
  • postmenopause.
  • Preeclampsia.
  • Autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.

What are the signs and symptoms of heart attack/ myocardial infarction?

Signs and symptoms that one might experience due to myocardial infarction:

  • There is shortness of breath.
  • Extrem chest pains/tightness/pressure for some minutes (angina) mostly on the left side of the chest.
  • Nausea.
  • Heartburn.
  • Abdominal pain.
  • Indigestion.
  • Sudden dizziness.
  • Fatigue.
  • Lightheadedness.
  • Cold sweat.
  • Irregular heartbeat.
  • Left-sided chest pain.
  • Pain that you will feel jaw or throat pain.

Note: some of these signs and symptoms can be present in other diseases and thus it is important to seek the physicians/doctor’s advice.

Diagnosis of heart attack /myocardial infarction

once you start experiencing such signs and symptoms it is advisable to visit your physician/doctor. These are some of the things that you might expect from your physician/doctor:

  • The physician/doctor will first take into account: age, overall health, medical history, and family history.
  • The physician/doctor will take your temperature, blood pressure and pulse rate.

The physician might send you to the lab for the following diagnostic tests:

  • Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
  • Chest X-Ray
  • Echocardiogram
  • Blood tests
  • Cardiac catheterization
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
  • Cardiac computed tomography (CT)

Treatment for heart attack/ myocardial infarction

In case of any myocardial infarction signs or symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical attention as early as possible to prevent any more damage from happening to the heart. If your doctor/physician suspects any occurrence of myocardial infarction, treatment is started immediately. The physician/doctor has to confirm first what kind of a heart attack. It can be either  First This may be done by:

  • You may be given aspirin which will percent blood clotting in case of any damage to the vessels.
  • Oxygen therapy would be done so as to increase the amount of oxygen supply to the cardiac tissues.
  • Nitroglycerine might be given to improve your blood flow to the cardiac tissues that may be damaged
  • Will be given some medication to relieve you from the chest pain that you may experience
  • In case of a clot blocking the coronary artery, the national guidelines recommend that surgery should be done within 90 minutes for a better outcome.

Medication  for heart attack/myocardial infarction

Your physician/doctor can prescribe the following medication for you. It is quite crucial that you should follow the prescription and the advice in order to prevent any more damage and reduce the chances of having a myocardial infarction again. If there some suspicion of a myocardial infarction you can be  started on some of these medications:

  • Antiplatelet agents such as aspirin.
  • Digitalis medication such as digoxin.
  • Anticoagulants such as warfarin and heparin.
  • Beta-Blockers such as propranolol, labetalol and metoprolol
  • Calcium Channel Blockers such as Nifedipine, Amlodipine and Amlodipine.
  • ACE Inhibitors such as Enalapril, Captopril, Benazepril and Quinapril.
  • Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers such as Iosartan, Varsatan and Ilmesatan.
  • Cholesterol-lowering medications such as niacin, Cholestyramine and Simvastatin.

Prevention for a heart attack/myocardial infarction

  •  Reduce or stop smoking.
  • Control of underlying conditions
  • Having a balanced diet
  • Avoidance of excessive drinking.
  • Avoidance of  excessive stress
  • Regular exercises
  • Avoid foods with high cholesterol intake especially with low-density lipoprotein (LDL)

Complications for a heart attack/myocardial infarction

  • Breathlessness
  • Irregular heartbeats
  • Palpitations
  • Chest pain
  • Dizzyness
  • Heart rapture
  • Difficulty in breathing

 

Fruit and Vegetables: All About Fruit and Vegetables

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Fruit and vegetables are low in energy and packed with vitamins, minerals, protective plant compounds and fibre, so they’re a great source of nutrients and vital for a healthy diet.

How Many Servings of Fruit Per Day

Due to their nutritional and health benefits, it’s recommended that fruit and vegetables form the basis of your diet, with a minimum intake of five portions each day – about a third of your daily food consumption. Currently, people take an average of two to three portions a day, so we’re falling well short of the benefits they can provide.

Fruit and vegetables should be incorporated into every meal, as well as being the first choice for a snack. Population studies have shown that people who eat a lot of fruit and vegetables may have a lower risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and some cancers. Health benefits can be gained from fresh, canned (in natural juice), frozen, cooked, juiced or dried versions. Potatoes don’t count though, as they’re a starchy food.

How Much is a Portion for Fruit and Vegetables

  • One piece of medium-sized fruit, such as an apple, peach, banana or orange.
  • One slice of fruit, such as melon, mango or pineapple.
  • One handful of grapes or two handfuls of cherries or berry fruits.
  • One heaped tablespoon of dried fruit.
  • One small glass (150ml) of unsweetened 100 per cent fruit or vegetable juice. Juice counts as a maximum of one portion regardless of how much you drink.
  • A smoothie containing all of the edible pulped fruit and/or vegetable may count as more than one portion but this depends on how it’s made. Smoothies count as up to a maximum of two portions per day.
  • A small tin (roughly 200g) of fruit
  • 3 tablespoons of fruit salad or stewed fruit.
  • One portion of canned fruit is roughly the same quantity of fruit that you would eat for a fresh portion, such as two pear or peach halves, six apricot halves or eight segments of tinned grapefruit.
  • A side salad.
  • A serving (roughly 80g) of vegetables, such as frozen or mushy peas, boiled carrots or stir-fried broccoli.
  • Beans and pulses count as one of your five a day portions but only count as one portion a day, no matter how many you eat.
  • Cooked dishes that contain significant amounts of vegetables may also count.

So how do you ensure an intake of five portions of fruit and vegetables a day? Here’s a typical plan:

  1. Glass of fresh orange juice or smoothie for breakfast = one portion.
  2. Small pack of dried apricots for mid-morning snack = one portion.
  3. Side salad with lunch = one portion.
  4. Sugar snap peas and broccoli, served with main meal = one portion.
  5. Strawberries as dessert = one portion.
  6. Do remember that some fruits contain many of their nutrients just under the skin, so eating them with the skin on can provide greater nutritional benefits and the maximum amount of fibre compared with just drinking the juice of the same fruit.

Importance of Fruits and Vegetables

Fruit and vegetables of different colors contain diverse mixtures of phytonutrients (protective plant compounds). These can act as powerful antioxidants, protecting the body from harmful free radicals and helping to protect against certain chronic diseases such as cancer.

Some fruit and vegetables are labelled as ‘superfoods‘ because they contain high concentrations of some phytonutrients, particularly antioxidants, which appear to be beneficial to health.

  • Blueberries – contain flavonoids that can improve circulation and help defend against infection
  • Broccoli – rich in the antioxidants vitamin C and beta-carotene, as well as folate, all of which can protect against cardiovascular disease and cancer
  • Tomatoes – rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that can protect against harmful free radicals

But variety is the key. In addition to these phytonutrients, each variety of fruit and vegetables contains its own combination of vitamins, minerals and fibre. Choosing a variety throughout the day will provide a diverse package of essential nutrients.

Steaming vs Boiling Vegetables and Fruits

Although fruit and vegetables are packed with vitamins and minerals, many of these essential nutrients can be easily destroyed by heat when cooking and during food preparation. Water-soluble vitamins are especially vulnerable when boiled. One solution is to eat raw vegetables as much as possible, such as raw carrot, celery or peppers.

When cooking vegetables, try steaming, microwaving or poaching rather than boiling. These methods do not involve immersing them in water, so the maximum amount of nutrients can be retained, as well as their fresh taste. If you prefer to boil vegetables, do so for the minimum amount of time and in as little liquid as possible in order to retain their valuable nutrients. You could also utilise the water used in another part of your dish, such as gravies or stocks, to recapture some of the leached nutrients.

Fruits and Vegetables Rich in Fiber

Fruit and vegetables are an important source of dietary fibre – both soluble and insoluble, they are virtually fat-free and low in calories so in addition to keeping your digestive system healthy they can help with weight management

Molybdenum Food Sources, Health Benefits, Deficiency, Daily Requirements

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Molybdenum

Molybdenum is a vital trace mineral. Additionally, it occurs both in foods and supplements. Mostly, it occurs in plants and taken through plants.

Molybdenum Food Sources

It is found in foods such as milk, cheese, cereal grains, legumes, nuts, leafy vegetables, and organ meats. The richest sources are usually beans, lentils, grains and organ meats, particularly liver and kidney. Although it is required in trace amounts, it performs abundant activities in the body.

Molybdenum Daily Requirements

The mineral is likely safe when taken orally but in the right amounts. Adults should not exceed 2 mg per day, the Tolerable Upper Intake Level.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding– for women 14 to 18 years should take 1.7 mg per day.

– for women 19 years and older– 2 mg per day.

Children– it is safe to take up to 0.3 mg per day for children 1 to 3 years.

–for children 9 to 13 years 1.1 mg per day

–Adolescents will take 1.7 mg per day.

Molybdenum food sources

Gout

Very high levels of molybdenum in the diet such as 10 to 15 mg/day, and industrial exposure to molybdenum, might cause gout. Molybdenum supplements might make gout worse. Avoid taking molybdenum in doses above 2 mg per day for adults.

Molybdenum Health Benefits

  • Cofactor for Enzymes

The mineral acts as a cofactor for enzymes. It activates four essential enzymes. The enzymes activated are necessary for driving chemical reactions in the body.

Enzymes activated include:

  • Sulfite oxidase; converts sulfite to sulfate, preventing the dangerous buildup of sulfites in the body.
  • Aldehyde oxidase; breaks down aldehydes, which can be toxic to the body. Also, it helps the liver break down alcohol and some drugs, such as those used in cancer therapy.
  • Xanthine oxidase; converts xanthine to uric acid. The reaction helps break down nucleotides, the building blocks of DNA(when they are no longer needed. They can be excreted in the urine.
  • Mitochondrial amidoxime reducing component; it is thought to remove toxic byproducts of metabolism.

The sulfites are naturally found in foods and also occur as preservatives.

  • As a supplement

Also, it acts as a requirement for molybdenum deficiency.

  • Cancer

In several pieces of research, molybdenum has been proved to lower the risks of esophageal cancer. High blood levels of molybdenum have been linked to low chances of cancer. However, still more research needs to be done to approve it.

Molybdenum Deficiency

Although it is a rarely occurring disease, its symptoms are often in infants. However, in some situations, the deficiency occurs in adults. For example, when a hospital patient receives artificial nutrition through a tube and not given molybdenum the deficiency is likely to occur.

These will result in severe symptoms like fast heart rate and breathing, vomiting, disorientation and eventually comma. Molybdenum deficiency is correlated to an increased risk of esophageal cancer. In countries like northern Iran and South Africa, molybdenum levels in hair and nail samples are law.

Molybdenum Cofactor Deficiency Infancy

It is a very rare genetic condition in which babies are born without the ability to make molybdenum cofactor. Therefore, they are unable to activate the four important enzymes mentioned above.

It’s caused by a recessive, hereditary gene mutation, so a child would have to inherit the affected gene from both parents to develop it.

Babies with this condition appear normal at birth, but become unwell within a week, experiencing seizures that don’t improve with treatment.

Toxic levels of sulfite accumulate in their blood since they are unable to convert it to sulfate. This leads to brain abnormalities and severe developmental delays.

Sadly, babies who are affected do not survive past early childhood. Fortunately, this condition is extremely rare.

Selenium Food Sources, Health Benefits, Side Effects, Daily Requirements

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Selenium

Selenium is an essential mineral for the body. For the body, it requires small amounts of the mineral.

Selenium Foods Sources

Mostly, its source is found in the soils. It occurs in the foods we eat. Additionally, selenium can also occur as supplements or naturally in foods or water. Food containing selenium include meat, seafood, chicken, milk, cereals, mushrooms, and garlic.

Selenium Daily Requirements

The daily requirement allowance will depend on either if its supplement or food intakes.  On daily basis, the upper limit is 400 micro grams in adults. In prostrate cancer patients in men, they take 100 micro grams for the patients.

Selenium foods

  • Infants 1-3= 20 micro grams daily
  • Children 4- 8= 30 micro grams daily
  • Children 9- 13=  40 micro grams daily
  • Adults from 14 and up= 55 micro grams daily
  • Pregnant Women= 60 micro grams daily
  • Breastfeeding women= 70 micro grams daily

Selenium Health Benefits

The main function of the mineral is to help in metabolism and also its antioxidants properties.

  • As an Antioxidant

It contains compounds that prevent cell damage which is caused by free radicals. Free radicals might occur as byproducts of processes like metabolism.

Additionally, they can occur in things like smoking, alcohol use, and stress. After continuous excessive free radicals, it will result to oxidative stress which will damage the cells.

Selenium will take up the free radicals and prevent any reactions with the cell.

  • Cancer

As selenium will react with the free radicals, it prevents the occurrence of cancer. Thus, the mineral will prevent DNA damage and oxidative stress. Also, selenium will destroy cancer cells.

In a certain study, people with high blood levels of selenium were at a lower risk of cancer. The types of cancer include breast, esophageal, lung, prostate and colon cancer.

Additionally, some researchers say that selenium supplements will reduce the side effects of radiotherapy patients. For example, one study found that oral selenium supplements improved the overall quality of life and reduced radiation-induced diarrhea in women with cervical and uterine cancer.

  • Heart Diseases

In certain research, selenium was recommended to reduce inflammation effects. Inflammation is one of the main reasons for heart diseases. Although selenium will not prevent heart diseases, it will lower the risk of it occurring. Selenium does this by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in your body.

  • Prevents Mental Decline

When one is under oxidative stress, he/she might develop Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s will develop memory loss and also affects thinking and behavior negatively. Additionally, some studies have found that antioxidants in both foods and supplements may improve memory in patients with Alzheimer’s.

In addition to that, Alzheimer’s patients are recommended to take the Mediterranean diet. Mediterranean diet includes food sources that are high in Selenium content.

  • For Thyroid Health

In comparison to other body parts, the thyroid gland contains higher amounts of selenium than in any body part. The mineral helps the gland in the production of the thyroid hormones. Additionally, it will prevent oxidative damage factors.

According to research, selenium supplements are known to reduce the pain of Hashemoto diseased patients. Also, leads to improvement in moods and abnormal thyroid gland patients.

  • Boosts your Immune System

By defending the cell from reacting with free radicals, selenium boosts the well functioning of the cell. A well functioning cell will boost the immune system. Additionally, selenium supplements will help strengthen the immune system in people with influenza, tuberculosis, and hepatitis.

  • Reducing Asthma Symptoms

Asthma has been related to inflammation and oxidative stress as its causes. Patients affected by asthma have low blood levels of selenium. In fact patients with high blood levels of selenium have a good functioning of the lungs. Also, patients taking 200 mg of the supplements will have improved health compared to the other patients.

Selenium Side Effects

The mineral will affect you either when taken in high amounts or lower amounts. High toxicity will affect the body in more countries than low levels. Its toxicity will happen more likely from taking supplements than taking foods.

Selenium Toxicity Signs and Symptoms

  • Hair loss
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Facial flushing
  • Tremors
  • Muscle soreness

In severe cases, acute selenium toxicity can lead to serious intestinal and neurological symptoms, heart attack, kidney failure and death.

Copper Food Sources, Side effects, Health Benefits, Deficiency

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Copper

Copper is a mineral that is essential for body functioning. On the other hand, it is a metal occurring in the periodic table at atomic number 29. Also, it is known as the best conductor for both heat and electricity.

Its chemical formula is Cu.

Copper Food Sources

Some of the high copper-containing foods include:

  • Shellfish: clams, oyster, lobsters, crab, shrimp
  • Whole grains
  • Dark leafy greens
  • Dried fruit
  • Organ meats eg liver and kidneys
  • Nuts including cashew and almonds

Also, it can occur in supplements but it is most preferable to take copper from food sources. These will avoid imbalances and risks to the human body.

Copper Daily Requirements

The recommended daily allowance (RDA) is around 900 micrograms (mcg) a day for adolescents and adults.

Copper foods

The upper limit for adults aged 19 years and above is 10,000 mcg, or 10 milligrams (mg) a day. An intake above this level could be toxic.

When taking copper as supplements some certain recommendations apply. For example

  • For low levels of the mineral(copper deficiency): doses up to 0.1 mg/kg of cupric sulfate per day.
  • In osteoporosis: 2.5 mg copper combined with zinc 15 mg, 5 mg manganese, and 1000 mg calcium per day.

Copper Health Benefits

The mineral performs some of the functions combined with other minerals. Together with iron, it enables the body to form red blood cells. It helps maintain healthy bones, blood vessels, nerves, and immune function, and it contributes to iron absorption.

Other functional health benefits include:

  • Cardiovascular Health

Low copper levels have been linked to high cholesterol and high blood pressure. These are mainly the causes for clogging of the arteries which will develop to heart failure.

In certain research, low copper levels in animals have been linked to cardiovascular diseases. However, more research is needed to prove it in humans.

  • Neuron Signalling

Opposite to other minerals, low copper levels will help in neuron signaling. High copper levels are known to reduce neuron signaling.

This is per Prof. Chris Chang, Sackler Sabbatical Exchange Program at Berkeley, California. Prof. Chris Chang did research and said that copper is like a brake or dimmer switch one for each nerve cell.

  • Immune Function

According to some scientific research, low amounts of copper will lead to neutropenia. ‘Neutropenia/ neutrophils’ is the deficiency of white blood cells.

  • Osteoporosis

Cu works hand in hand with calcium in bone formation. Thus severe copper deficiency is associated with lower bone mineral density and a higher risk of osteoporosis.

  • Collagen Production

Cu is an essential requirement for collagen production. Collagen is the main protein in the body and a major component of connective tissues. Cu has antioxidant properties that help to maintain collagen and elastin. Thus preventing the skin from aging.

Without enough components of the mineral, one will develop damaged connective tissue or scaffolding bones developed from poor collagen.

  • Arthritis

Animal studies have indicated that copper may help prevent or delay arthritis, and people wear copper bracelets for this purpose. However, no human studies have confirmed this.

  • Antioxidant Action

Cu contains antioxidant properties that help reduce the production of free radicals. If the body leaves free radicals, they damage the cell and DNA leading to cancer and other diseases.

Copper Deficiency

Because of its role in facilitating iron uptake, its deficiency can produce anemia-like symptoms, neutropenia, bone abnormalities, hypopigmentation, impaired growth, increased incidence of infections, osteoporosis, hyperthyroidism, and abnormalities in glucose and cholesterol metabolism. Conversely, Wilson’s disease causes an accumulation of copper in body tissues.

Severe deficiency can be found by testing for low plasma or serum copper levels, low ceruloplasmin, and low red blood cell superoxide dismutase levels; these are not sensitive to marginal copper status. The “cytochrome c oxidase activity of leucocytes and platelets” has been stated as another factor in deficiency, but the results have not been confirmed by replication

Copper Side Effects

Taking Cu orally will have reduced or no effects on human health. However, its supplements will cause several effects. For example, 1 gram of copper sulfate will increase the chances of kidney failure or even death.

Symptoms of copper overdose

  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • bloody diarrhea
  • fever
  • stomach pain
  • low blood pressure
  • anemia
  • heart problems.

 

Iron Health Benefits, Food Sources, Deficiency, Cancer, Side Effects

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Iron

Iron is a mineral that is an essential requirement of the body. It is a metal component belonging to the first members of the periodic table(atomic number 26). Its chemical symbol is Fe.

Iron Food Sources

Some of the high foods include shellfish, spinach, liver, and other organ meats, legumes, red meat, pumpkin seeds, quinoa, broccoli, tofu, and turkey. If one does not take meat or fish, you can boost absorption by including a source of vitamin C when eating plant sources of iron.

Iron Daily Requirements

The Recommended Daily Allowance(RDA) will depend on a person’s age and sex. Also, vegetarians have different iron requirements.

For infants

0 to 6 months- 0.27 mg
7 to 12 months- 11 mg

Foods High in Iron

For children

1 to 3 years- 7 mg
4 to 8 years- 10 mg

For Males

9 to 13 years- 8 mg
14 to 18 years- 11 mg
19years and older- 8 mg

For Females

9 to 13 years- 8 mg
14 to 18 years- 15 mg
19 to 50 years- 18 mg
51 years and older- 8 mg

During pregnancy- 27 mg

When lactating between 14 and 18 years of age- 10mg

lactating at older than 19 years- 9 mg

Iron Health Benefits

The main health benefit is to aid in hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein needed to transport oxygen in the blood.

  • Health Pregnancy

Blood volume and red blood cell will increase when one is expectant. This is because it is required to supply the mother and also the fetus.
Thus, the mineral is required to balance the oxygen to the two of them. During pregnancy low Fe intake will increase the risk of premature birth and low birth weight.

  • Energy

Muscles and the brain require oxygen for both mental and physical performance. Thus, Fe is required to provide with hemoglobin which later transports oxygen to the muscle.

  • Athletic performance

As athletes require much oxygen in their muscles for their increased performance. Mostly, females are affected by the deficiency more than males. Some studies recommend that females should take an additional 10 mg of Fe per day to the normal mineral intake.
Low intakes will result in poor performance and muscles weakening. Also, it decreases the ability of the body to transport oxygen to the muscles.

  • Enzyme Reaction

Iron contains the necessarily required proteins to boost some enzymatic reactions. Additionally, the proteins in the mineral are involved in electron transfer.

Iron Deficiency

This can result either from high volumes or low volumes of Fe intakes. Most likely it is low volume intakes.

Low volume of iron intakes

If the body has fewer intakes of the mineral, it will result in the mineral deficiency. This is the most common nutritional deficiency in the world. When the body has low volumes of iron intake, a state of latent iron deficiency occurs.

Latent iron deficiency is where the deficiency occurs without anemia. This state will later develop to Fe deficiency anemia in weeks or months.

Mostly it will affect children, women at the childbearing age and poor dieting people. The cases of the deficiency are mild but if not treated they can cause problems like fast irregular heartbeat, complications during pregnancy, delayed growth in infants and children.

Signs and Symptoms of low iron intakes

  • Insufficient red blood cells count
  • Low occurrence of hemoglobin
  • Fast irregular heartbeat rates

High Volume of iron intakes

The human body will regulate iron overloads which are not excreted as waste. Only small amounts of iron are lost daily due to mucosal and skin epithelial cells.

However, some people with a genetic defect of HLA-H iron uptake are impaired. Thus, it will lead to iron overload. As a result of the excessive iron intake, it will result in iron overload disorders also known as hemochromatosis.

Additionally, excessive Fe intakes will result in free Fe radicals. The iron radicals will react with enzymes(peroxides) and produce free highly reactive free radicals. The free radicals can damage DNA, proteins, lipids and other cellular components.

Also, iron overloads will increase iron toxicity. Naturally, iron uptake will result from damage to the cells of the gastrointestinal tract. Damage to the cells will prevent the regulation of iron absorption which will increase free iron radicals.

Iron toxicity will destroy cells in the heart and liver. Some adverse effects include coma, metabolic acidosis, shock, liver failure, adult respiratory distress syndrome, and even death.

Cancer

Generally, patients taking chemotherapy will develop iron deficiency and anemia. Iron therapy injections are advisable to restore iron levels.

Additionally, high overload from high consumption of red meat might lead to tumor growth. This will increase risks to cancer mainly, colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer will affect the colon or rectum. Also, it is referred to as bowel or colon cancer.

Signs and symptoms of Colorectal Cancer

  • Blood in the stool
  • worsening constipation,
  • a decrease in stool caliber (thickness),
  • loss of appetite,
  • loss of weight
  • nausea or vomiting in someone over 50 years old.

Iron Side Effects

Mostly, the mineral will be regulated by the body thus side effects will not occur at high rates. However, its supplements will probably induce side effects. An upset stomach is more likely to occur.

Phosphorus Food Sources, Health Benefits, Side Effects

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Phosphorus

Phosphorus is a mineral making up 1% of the body’s weight. Additionally, it is the 2nd most abundant mineral in the body. The mineral is found in all the cells. Phosphorus is mainly found in the bones and teeth. 

Phosphorus Food Sources

Most foods contain a high concentration of the mineral. Some of the foods include Meat and poultry, fish, milk and other dairy products, eggs, nuts and seeds, beans. Additionally, non-protein foods also contain minerals. They include:

  • whole grains
  • potatoes
  • garlic
  • dried fruit
  • carbonated drinks (phosphoric acid is used to produce the carbonation)

Phosphorus Daily Requirements

The exact value for the daily requirement has not been st yet. One can have too much or low densities of calcium. This is because foods that have high calcium content also have high mineral contents.

If described by the doctor as a supplement, it is best to stick to the instructions.

Phosphorus

Phosphorus Health Benefits

Its main function is to work in hand calcium to build strong bones and teeth. Additionally, it works to filter waste and to repair tissue and cells.

Other health benefits include:

  • Manage the storage of energy and body energy uses.
  • To produce DNA and RNA as a body genetic building block.
  • Balancing and using vitamins such as vitamin B and as well as other minerals like iodine, magnesium, and zinc.
  • Assisting in muscle contraction
  • Maintaining a regular heartbeat
  • Reduce muscle pain after exercise
  • Additionally, they facilitate nerve conduction

Phosphorus Side Effects

Most people have too much content the mineral in their bodies compared to other minerals. Unlike other minerals, phosphorus occurs in huge amounts.

Too much Phosphorus Effects

A few factors can lead to the occurrence of phosphorus at huge levels. For example kidney disease, eating too much phosphorus might be a cause. Additionally, less calcium can lead to an excess of phosphorus. This is because calcium uses phosphorus in bone development.

Excess phosphate can be toxic. The excess mineral diarrhea as well as hardening of organs and soft tissue.
High levels of phosphorus can affect your body’s ability with calcium causing mineral deposits to form in your muscles.

Low much Phosphorus Effects

On the other hand, some health conditions like diabetes and alcoholism drop the levels of phosphorus in your body. Also

  • Insulin- the hormone in th body and also injected to diabetic Mellitus patients.
  • ACE inhibitors- are medications that slow the activity of the enzyme ACE.
  • Corticosteroids- anti-inflammatory medicine prescribed for a wide range of conditions
  • Antacids- they neutralize the acid in the stomach.
  • Anticonvulsants- they are epilepsy drugs used to treat epileptic seizures.

High or low levels of the mineral will cause medical complications like heart disease, joint pain, or fatigue. Low mineral content will mainly result in a mineral deficiency.

Symptoms of low phosphorus effects
  • joint or bone pain
  • loss of appetite
  • irritability or anxiety
  • fatigue
  • poor bone development in children

Frequent Asked Questions About Phosphorus

What does phosphorus smell like?

The mineral is white, red, or black. When the mineral is combined with certain other elements, it glows in the dark. It can smell like garlic. It is not usually found free.

Can  Phosphorus kill you?

A poisonous nonmetallic element of the nitrogen group, obtained as a white, or yellowish, translucent waxy substance, having a characteristic disagreeable smell.

Where is phosphorus naturally found?

It does not occur in an uncombined nature but is widely found in compounds in minerals. Mainly, it occurs in phosphates.

What causes phosphorus deficiency?

It is mainly caused by low levels of the mineral. Poor diets or eating disorders. Also, other medical conditions like diabetes and alcoholism.

Can we live without phosphorus?

It is an essential nutrient for all forms of life. Low content the mineral will lead to other diseases like heart disease.

Why is phosphorus fertilizer bad?

The mineral is a component of most fertilizers that helps plants to grow. When too much is applied or is applied at the wrong time—such as right before it rains—most of it is washed away and ends up in the local waterways.

7 Foods that Are Actually Damaging Your Kidneys

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1. Meat

meatDiets high in animal protein can cause kidney damage. In fact, according to the Mayo Clinic, a high-protein diet may cause or exacerbate existing kidney problems because protein metabolism places a heavy load on the kidneys, making it difficult to eliminate its waste products.

A 2003 study in the European Journal of Nutrition showed that a diet rich in animal-based proteins could also increase the risk of developing kidney stones from uric acid, while a vegetarian diet lowered the uric acid and prevented the formation of stones. Uric acid is one of the common causes of kidney stone and is a byproduct of eating foods that are high in purines such as meat, seafood, and fish. These foods may also trigger the other common type of kidney stones, calcium oxalate stones, because they increase the amount of calcium excreted in the urine, as well as affect your digestive probiotics. How? Animal protein metabolism leaves an acidic residue in the body. Because your body favors an alkaline state, it pulls calcium and other mineral salts from the bones in order to return you to that alkaline state. This calcium can form calcium oxalate kidney stones.

Instead, eat a variety of veggies, grains, seeds, and nuts (the best foods to eat while pregnant!) and you’ll get all of the protein your body needs.

2. Salt

saltYour body needs a little bit of sodium in order to maintain proper fluid balance, but you can get enough from eating fruits and vegetables. Many processed foods, however, add a great deal of salt in order to enhance flavors. The most commonly used form of salt is processed table salt. When you eat too much salt, your kidneys respond by retaining water in order to dilute this electrolyte in your bloodstream to maintain proper heart function. This places a load on the kidneys. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, long-term intake of too much salt can damage the kidneys along with the heart and aorta. Salt intake may also raise blood pressure, which can cause damage to the kidney’s nephrons, which filter wastes.

If you must add salt, use just a pinch of high quality Celtic or Himalayan sea salt.

3. Genetically modified foods

gmoA large percentage of our processed foods contain genetically modified ingredients including corn, soy, rice, sugar cane, sugar beets, and canola. Seeds are genetically engineered for a number of reasons, including to increase pest resistance, make the plant immune to herbicides, or improve crop yields. Monsanto corporation is one of the largest makers of genetically modified seeds. A 2009 mammal study conducted on three types of genetically modified Monsanto corn showed negative health effects on the kidney and liver functions of rats. The researchers concluded that the three varieties tested created a state of hepatorenal (liver and kidney) toxicity.

Unfortunately, research on the long-term health effects of genetically modified crops on humans remains poorly studied at this time because genetically modified foods have only been a regular part of the Western diet since 1995 when Monsanto introduced the GM soybean seed that was immune to the herbicide Roundup.

Since we have not yet been able to measure the long-term effects of GM crops on humans, it is best to avoid them.

Instead, opt for organically grown produce and avoid common sources of GM ingredients such as processed and prepackaged foods.

4. Artificial sweeteners

artificial sweetenersMany people believe they are doing something healthy for their bodies when they consume artificial sweeteners because these ingredients are non-caloric. In a review of the Nurses Study, researchers looked at the role of artificial sweeteners on kidney function and found that there was an increase in kidney function decline with the intake of just two diet sodas per day.

Your best bet? Skip the artificial sweeteners and stick with stevia if you need a little sweet.

5. Carbonated beverages

Carbonated beverages such as soda (with or without artificial sweetener) and energy drinks are associated with the formation of kidney stones. A 2007 study demonstrated this, showing that drinking two or more colas per day was associated with an increased risk of chronic kidney disease.

Instead, have plain water with organic lemon.

6. Dairy products

The problem with dairy products is similar to that of other animal proteins. In fact, the China Study showed that consuming dairy products increased the excretion of calcium in the urine, which has been associated with a higher risk of developing kidney stones. According to KidsHealth.org, reducing dairy can help people with kidney failure and kidney disease, because it can make the filtering work of the kidneys easier, delaying the need for dialysis.

Instead, try some unsweetened almond milk.

7. Caffeine

Caffeine in coffee, tea, soda, and foods can also place a strain on your kidneys. Because caffeine is a stimulant, it can stimulate blood flow, increasing blood pressure and stress on the kidneys. A 2002 study in Kidney International showed that long-term caffeine consumption exacerbated chronic kidney failure in obese and diabetic rats. Caffeine consumption has also been linked to kidney stone formation by increasing calcium excretion in urine.

10 Things You’re Doing that are Killing Your Kidneys – Avoid Them

Amazing benefits of Fennel Bulbs and its Nutritional Benefits

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What is Fennel Bulbs?

Fennel also is known as Foeniculum vulgare is a flowering plant species in the carrot family. It is a hardy, perennial herb with yellow flowers and feathery leaves. It is indigenous to the shores of the Mediterranean but has become widely naturalized in many parts of the world, especially on dry soils near the sea-coast and on riverbanks. [Read more…] about Amazing benefits of Fennel Bulbs and its Nutritional Benefits