The iPhone in your pocket can do a lot more than just play games or music. Used properly, that computer can help save your life. Consumer health apps are increasingly hitting iTunes. The latest one to appear today is Glooko (iTunes).
Glooko is a digital logbook for people with diabetes who have to check their blood sugar every day. There are dozens of glucose logbooks in iTunes, but almost all of them require manual entry. What makes Glooko different is that the company designed a $40 cable (sold separately) that works with six of the top glucose meters. You just plug it into both devices and it downloads your daily readings.
The app itself is free. It lets you mark whether the reading was done before or after a meal, add notes, and email or fax a 14-day summary to your doctor. The company charges for the cable. “What people want to do is download these readings into Apple devices,” explains co-founder Anita Mathew. “Many of these meters don’t work with Apple devices.”
There are an estimated 19 million diabetics in the U.S. alone, and 17 million of them test their blood sugar levels. By 2025, one in five people in the U.S. is projected to have diabetes.
Simply connecting these medical devices to iPhones creates a market opportunity, but this is just the first step. Once Glooko starts collecting diabetes data it could start to analyze it (although there are regulatory barriers—just plotting the data points on a graph requires FDA clearance). It could also charge for premium features. Glooko is an ambitious startup. It’s chairman and co-founder is Yogen Dalal (Xerox Parc, Mayfield Fund). Mathew worked for ten years in product marketing at Johnson & Johnson, where she helped launch several glucose meters. The third co-founder is Sundeep Madra.
Glooko also has some serious backers. The startup raised a $1 million seed round in November, 2010 from Chamath Palihapitiya‘s Social+Capital fund, Bill Campbell, Vint Cerf, Andy Hertzfeld, Judy Estrin, Bumptop founder Anand Agarawala, Kosmix co-founders Venky Harinarayan and Annad Rajaraman, Russel Hirsch, and Xtreme Labs. The company lends some of its Palo Alto office space to Social+Capital.
People take photos of food with their mobile phones all the time. But to what end other than to gain cred on Foodspotting or brag about your gourmet meal on Instagram and Twitter? The Eateryis a different type of photo app. It is about you, and taking photos to make yourself aware of what you are eating so that you can change your behavior and eat healthier foods.
The Eatery is the first app from Massive Health, Aza Raskin’s startup which wants to make people healthier by arming them with better data about what they doing to their bodies. The app is simple. You take pictures of everything you eat and rate it on a scale from “fit” to “fat.”
You share these pictures with your friends, who can then give it a thumbs up (fit) or a thumbs down (fat). The food data you collect gets measured in a health dial that scores how well or poorly you’ve been eating. There is also a feed of what your friends are eating, with pictures and comments.
You don’t have to guess how many calories each meal contains or do anything else. The whole point of the app is just to make you constantly aware of what you are eating, and when you are eating healthy and when you are eating fatty foods. You can also check into paces where you are eating such as coffee shops and restaurants. The more you use the app, the more data it shows you over time, charting your food habits in a very systematic way. The social aspect helps keep you honest, and the game mechanics keep it fun.
Despite its simplicity, The Eatery is asking a lot of its users: to take a picture of every single meal and snack. “Everyone asumes you are taking food porn pictures,” notes Raskin. He wants to give people enough motivation to take a picture of what they are eating as a way to track your intake. Some people will be obsessive about it, but for many people it may prove to be too much. Stop taking pictures and eat your food!
Can this data really make you healthier? The app follows the dictum that you can’t change something unless you measure it, and at least it is attempting to measure the right thing. “This is just about answering a simple question,” says Raskin: “Are you eating better today than yesterday.”
Vitamin D also called as vitamin D3 or ‘cholecalciferol’; is a fat-soluble vitamin. Human beings are dependent on the sun exposure to fulfill their needs of vitamin D. It is uv-B radiation that are being absorbed by 7-dehydrocholesterol present in the skin that aids in converting previtamin D3 to vitamin D3. Vitamin D is essential for the development of bones and also to enhance calcium and phosphorus uptake from the intestine. It assists in the oscillation of calcium ions between bone and blood. It is therefore vitamin D is essential component for all age groups; during infant to childhood stage it plays an essential role in bone development or else its deficiency results in bone deformation and rickets. In adults its deficiency results in softness of bone leading to osteomalacia. (Goldman, 2004).
Vitamin D3 once formed goes into circulation and is converted to 25 hydroxyvitamin D3 in liver, again released in circulation and subsequently converted to the active form of vitamin D, 1, 25- dihydroxyvitamin D3 in kidney. It is observed that Vitamin D deficiency remains unrecognized and therefore its insufficiency is taking a shape of epidemic among children and adults in United States.
Various research studies have been carried out throughout the world to conclude that vitamin D plays an imperative role not only for the bone health but also for various kinds of cancers, diseases related to heart, multiple sclerosis, in type I diabetes, also in various autoimmune diseases encompassing rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, maintenance of suitable blood concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (30 ng/ml) is very essential. As vitamin D is essential for enhancing intestinal calcium absorption, it’s appropriate level in the blood is also necessary for the formation of extrarenal 1?- hydroxylase which plays an imperative role in the formation of 1, 25- dihydroxyvitamin D3 (Holick, 2004).
Production and fate of Vitamin D
When an individual is exposed to sunlight previtamin D3 and also vitamin D3 forms photoproducts which are biologically inert. Vitamin D intake through diet or that formed in the skin with the help of sunlight come into the blood circulation, it reaches liver where it is metabolised to 25(OH)D3 by vitamin D 25-hydroxylase (25-OHase). 25(OH)D3 is again released in the circulation, it reaches kidney and get converted to 1,25(OH)2D3 in presence of enzyme 25(OH)D3 1 -hydroxylase (1-OHase). The renal production of active form of vitamin D is regulated by a variety of features encompassing serum phosphorus (Pi) and PTH. The active form of vitamin D (1,25(OH)2D) is now capable of managing the calcium metabolism. It is observed that the enzyme 25(OH)D 24-hydroxylase (24-OHase) enzyme which plays a crucial role in generating the active form of vitamin D, works on threshold mechanism to keep the check on the production of 1,25(OH)2D3 and if it is produced in higher quantity, the enzyme aids in the degradation of active vitamin D (Holick, 2004).
Further, it is also documented that 1,25(OH)2D can depress the activity of 1 -OHase, and the parathyroid hormone (PTH) can stimulate this activity. Many extrarenal tissues also express the 1 -OHase, these encompass tissues of bone osteoclasts, tissues of skin, macrophages, placenta, tissues of colon, tissues of brain, tissues of prostate, endothelial tissue, and glandular tissues of parathyroid. Extrarenal formation of 1,25(OH)2D3 might participate in the differentiation and proliferation of cell and also in immune response. Consequently, 1,25(OH)2D3 is essential for various physiological processes apart from its well-known function in calcium metabolism. In contrast to renal 1 -OHase, extrarenal 1 -OHase does not respond to stimulation by PTH. Furthermore, 1 -OHase may vary in expression with the physiologic state of a tissue as well as with disease progression (DeLuca, 2004).
Food incorporating Vitamin D
There are various resources of vitamin D, this encompass pure form of Cod liver oil, cooked form of Salmon, Mackerel, Tuna fish and Sardines canned in oil, sardines, margarine fortified, bran flakes, eggs, lamb liver. Fortified foods include milk and milk products especially cheese, orange juice and some breads and cereals (Vitamin D sources- Foods with Vitamin D).
As mentioned, the higher concentration of vitamin D influences the metabolic functions of the body, WHO has recommended intake dose of vitamin D by individuals belonging to different group. Up to the age of 50 years, during pregnancy and lactation the requirement is 200 IU/d, for the age group from 51-65 years it is 400 IU/D for the age of 65+ the requirement exceeds to 600 IU/d (Vitamin D sources- Foods with Vitamin D).
Considering the above data it is manifested that vitamin D is the most essential component for endorsing and preserving the health and vigor of bones as it directly affects the strength of bone in various skeletal and nonskeletal activities of the body encompassing cancers and depression (Lapp, 2009).
Symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency
Fall in plasma calcium and phosphate level, due to insufficient intestinal absorption, renders stimulation of parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion to restore serum calcium and bone resorption.
Rickets
In children, the deficient calcification of osteoid tissues result in bony deformities like bow leg, enlarged skull, spinal curvature, chest deformities and hepatosplenomegaly- characteristic features of Rickets. The reason is lack of appropriate bone tissue mineralization, causing soft bones and skeletal deformities. At-risk children are on prolonged exclusive breast feeding without supplementation of vitamin D. Additional risk factors includes vigorous use of sunscreens, and infants placed in daycares, with chances of sun exposure is reduced. Rickets is more prevalent in the children from Asia, Africa and Middle East (Davidson, 2002).
Osteomalacia
In adults decalcification and demineralization of bone leads to osteomalacia which is characterized by bone tenderness with pain and loss of bone density.
This disease is characterized by the aches and pains specifically in the lower back and thighs. Later on, it spreads to the arms and the rib cage. This pain does not radiate to other areas. It is accompanied by the local tenderness in bones. Another cardinal feature is the weakness of the proximal muscles. This represents as a difficulty in climbing up stairs and getting up from a squatting position.
Due to the deformation of bones, lordosis is a common representation. While walking, the patient shows a waddling gate. Pathological fractures due to weight gain may occur. Despite all these typical signs and symptoms, sometimes chronic fatigue may be the only representing sign (Eisman, 1988).
Osteoporosis
According to an estimate, about more than 25 million adults in United States alone are having or are at risk of developing this disease. This disease is most often associated with an inadequate calcium intake, therefore vitamin D is essential for reducing calcium absorption
Osteoporosis epitomizes reduction in mass of bone, also reduces microarchitectural framework of bone and thereby weakens the tissues of bone and amplifying the risk of fracture. The incidence of osteoporosis and fractures related with osteoporosis raise with age in both males and females, displaying a decline in bone mass with age.
Osteoporosis has emerged as a major health issue in developed nations. It is a condition that depicts frequent fractures, and is expected to influence more of females than males at some stage in their lives. As the age progresses bones become tender leading to osteoporosis in older adults, post menopausal women, non ambulatory individuals and individuals on chronic steroid therapy. The natural rhythm of the body allows a constant remodeling of the bones. In post menopausal women, this ratio is disturbed resulting in a greater amount of bone absorption rather than bone remodeling (Goldman, 2004).
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Calcium and Vitamin D
Calcium 500- 1000 mg daily and vitamin D supplements 20µg daily have an established role in deterrence of elderly fractures, irrespective of whether or not BMD (Bone Mineral Density) values are reduced. This treatment is effective in reducing the danger of fractures related to hip fractures or other kind of fractures in community-living patients. (Davidson, 2002).
Reasons displaying insufficiency of vitamin D
Elevated pervasiveness of lactose intolerance causing undesirable effects with consumption of mild and dairy foods especially in African Americans. Reduced ingestion of vitamin D- equipped food products, predominantly liquefied milk, milk products cereals, because of changing attitude towards health concern and fat intake. Poor intake of calcium rich food encompassing poor intake of milk especially by the young women of reproductive age group thereby reduced concentration of vitamin D and calcium. Augmentation in the use of sun block lotions along with the diminished exposure to sun to avert the chances of skin cancer is also one of the reasons of vitamin D insufficiency. Human milk is meager in vitamin D, in the present era there is enhanced predominance in the duration of breast- feeding ensuing insufficient intake of vitamin D. thus causing low circulation of 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations among women. Due to air pollution in industrial areas, the exposure to uv- radiation is reduced and also the poor dietary habits and availability of vitamin D equipped food makes the individual a victim of vitamin D deficiency. In rare cases impaired absorption, enhances body requirement of vitamin D, or enhanced excretion or stringent practice of vegetarianism leads to vitamin D deficiency. In some Arabian countries it is mandatory for women to long robes for religious purpose so their exposure to sun is reduced leading to insufficiency of vitamin D.
Vitamin D and Bone Health (BMD, BMC, falls and fracture)
Vitamin D is responsible for forming and sustaining good health of bones by increasing absorption of calcium from intestine and depositing calcium in bones and maintains optimal BMD (Bone Mineral Density). Observation says that diminished absorption of calcium is related to vitamin D; thereby resulting in loss of bone or enhanced chances of osteoporosis (a situation depicting low BMD). Osteoporosis makes the bone fragile making the individual vulnerable to fractures (Cranney et al, 2007).
It is reported by Holick (2006) that vitamin D deficiency causes various bone related anomalies like osteopenia, osteoporosis apart from osteomalacia, resulting in further weakening of muscles and hence exacerbating the risk of falls and fractures. Under such conditions the recommended dose must be increased to 1000 IU/d.
Recommendations for reducing fracture risk with vitamin D and calcium based on clinical studies
While giving the vitamin D supplements, mostly it is accompanied by calcium in order to obtain the desired results. According to a research study, it was concluded that the combined supplementation of both vitamin D3 and calcium in elderly patient aged 62-85yrs resulted in a decrease in the jeopardy of an individual’s falls, fractures, the bone loss within elderly population. The dose of vitamin D was given as 700-800 IU/day and calcium was given as 500-1200 IU/day.
It is now clearly understood the significance and pivotal role that vitamin D holds in retaining the good health of bone. A number of studies and surveys have been carried out, which strengthen this fact even more. Down here are discussed a few of such studies:
Skin Cancer and Vitamin D
People are now a-days much concerned about the sun exposure resulting in skin cancer. It is observed that chronic and extreme exposure to sunlight in childhood and early stages of life causing sunburns may culminate to increased risk for non-melanoma basal and squamous cell carcinomas (Veierod, 2003; Grodstein, 1995; Kennedy, 2003). Various research studies conclude that melanomas occur in the areas which are not exposed to sun indicating that the vitamin D3 is less synthesised; individuals apply sun protection creams which block UVB radiation responsible for the synthesis of vitamin D3 and the hence they may allow other sun radiations which may cause melanomas (Garland, 1993).
Noncalcemic Actions of Vitamin D
It is known that vitamin D3 interacts with nuclear receptor similar to steroid hormones. As soon as it enters the cell, it passes through the road map of microtubular network to the nucleus. In nucleus it binds with vitamin D receptor (VDR) and generates a complex to generate vitamin D responsive gene (Holick, 1999).
VDR is present in many tissues of body like small and large intestine, osteoblasts, T and B lymphocytes, ?-islets cells, brain, heart, skin, gonads, prostate, breast and mononuclear cells (Holick, 1999). Studies shows that when 1,25(OH)2D3 if nurtured with leukemic cells of human and mice origin, arrest the propagation and encourage to form grown-up macrophages (Tanka et al, 1982).
1,25(OH)2D3 has come up with antipropagation action that has been proved through clinical trials in psoriasis management. 1,25(OH)2D3 when topically applied, induced a noteworthy progress in various diseases like plaque thickness, scaling and erythema (Holick, 1998). Therefore, this has become the foremost treatment in psoriasis.
1,25(OH)2D3 is playing an imperative role in providing stimulus to the production of insulin (Lee, 1994), inflecting the activation of both B and T lymphocyte (Tsoukas, 1984), direct effect on myocardial contractility (Weishaar, 1987), effect on prevention of inflammatory bowel disease (Cantorna, 2000) and stimulate secretion of TSH.
Deficiency of Vitamin D and its association with to occurrence of autoimmune disorders and cancer
It is observed through various research studies that people living in higher latitudes get less exposure to sun, culminating in vitamin D deficiency and hence accounts for higher incidence of breast cancer mortality rate in north Europe (Grant, 2002).
Vitamin D and Autoimmune Diseases
Data from many animal and human studies shows that vitamin D prevents development of type I diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, hypertension, cancers of colon, breast and prostate, Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis (Holick, 2004).
Vitamin D Supplementation
The required amount of vitamin D is difficult to be met from food alone. In some at-risk groups it becomes necessary to give vitamin D-fortified food, or expose them to sunlight. Various at risk groups for vitamin D inadequacy include:
Breastfed infants:
The human milk provides vitamin D with the concentration of 25 IU/L insufficient for the baby. The results of a recent review revealed that a majority of cases of nutritional rickets were found among young African American breastfed infants. According to the recommendations by AAP it is advised that the partially and exclusively breastfed infants should be supplemented with a daily dosage of 400 IU.
People with limited sun exposure:
These include:
People exclusively bound to stay in homes Northern latitude inhabitants Women wearing long robes for religious purposes People with occupations preventing sun exposure
All such individuals must obtain the recommended daily supplemented dosage of vitamin D equivalent to 400 IU in order to prevent them from vitamin D deficiency diseases.
People with dark skin:
These individuals possess a larger amount melanin pigment. Having an excess of this pigment reduces the vitamin D generating ability of skin on sun exposure. It is also suggested in some studies that women of older age, with a darker skin relatively show higher possibility of developing deficiency of vitamin D. Yet, it is seen that the African Americans, possessing a darker skin, despite having a lower level of vitamin D than required, develop fewer osteoporotic fractures compared with the Caucasians (Eisman, 1988).
People with fat malabsorption:
Fat solubility of vitamin D demands a little fat in the diet to be absorbed well in the gut. Individuals having decreased vitamin D absorption capability need the its supplementation in order to meet its demands. Some of the diseases leading to fat malabsorption include:
Liver diseases Cystic fibrosis and Obese people:
Obese people also come under at risk individual’s group for vitamin D inadequacy. This is thought to be true for people with a BMI > 30. As their obesity increases, the level of vitamin D in their body decreases. This is because of an increase in the body fat. The reason behind is greater amount of subcutaneous fat sequester more of the vitamin and affect its release in to the circulation. BMI is inversely related with the peak serum concentrations of vitamin D, thus sometimes even the oral supplementation in such individuals causes sequestration of the vitamin into the larger fat pools of the body.
People with gastric bypass surgery:
Such individuals are prone to develop a deficiency of vitamin D because part of upper small intestine, where vitamin D gets absorbed is bypassed. Thus, they also require the oral supplementation of vitamin D.
Older adults:
Older adults come under the endangered groups in case of developing deficiency of vitamin D; because, with an increasing age, the skin loses its ability to synthesize vitamin D from sunlight. Also, there becomes a decreased ability to convert vitamin D in kidneys into live hormone.
Conclusion
Initially it was thought vitamin D is imperative only for preventing rickets in children or osteomalacia in adults or osteoporosis in elderly group or is responsible for bone health but now it is established fact that vitamin D is imperative for metabolic processes. Deficiency of vitamin D and reduced solar UVB exposure increases the risk of various widespread cancers or type I diabetes, various autoimmune disorders like multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis and schizophrenia. Various studies demonstrate that vitamin D has evolved as a vital and necessary hormone, which acts as a marker for the overall health and well being of an individual. It is therefore important to maintain normal vitamin D level of 75-125nmol/L. It is therefore mandatory that one must get the plasma levels of 25(OH)D checked and it should be part of routine checkups.
References
Cantorna, MT, Munsick, C, Bemiss, C, Mahon, BD., 2000. 1,25-Dihydroxycholecalciferol prevents and ameliorates symptoms of experimental murine inflammatory bowel disease. J Nutr, 130, 2648–52. Davidsons, 2002. Principles and Practice of Medicine, 19th Edition, Churchill Livingstone. DeLuca, HF., 2004. Overview of general physiologic features and functions of vitamin D. Am J Clin Nutr, 80, 1689S–96S. Eisman, JA., 1988. “Osteomalacia”. Baillières Clin Endocrinol Metab 2 (1), 125–5 Garland, CF., Garland , FC., Gorham, ED., 1993. Rising trends in melanoma. An Hypothesis concerning sunscreen effectiveness. Ann Epidemio,. 3(4),451. Goldman, A., 2004. Cecil Textbook of Medicine, 22nd edition. Volume 2. Saunders: An Imprint of Elsvier. Grant, WB. 2002. An estimate of premature cancer mortality in the U.S. due to inadequate doses of solar ultraviolet-B radiation. Cancer, 94,1867–75. Grodstein, F, Speizer, FE, Hunter, DJ., 1995. A prospective study of incident squamous cell carcinoma of the skin in the Nurses’ Health Study. J Natl Cancer Inst, 87:10616. Holick, MF., 1998. Clinical efficacy of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and its analogues in the treatment of psoriasis. Retinoids, 14, 12–7. Holick, MF., 1999. ed. Vitamin D: physiology, molecular biology, and clinical applications. Totowa, NJ: Humana Press, 109–28. Holick, MF., 2004. Vitamin D: importance in the prevention of cancers, type 1diabetes, heart disease, and osteoporosis. Am J Clin Nutr, 79, 362–71. Holick, MF, 2006. The role of vitamin D for bone health and fracture prevention Current Osteoprors. Rep, 4(3), 96-102. Kennedy, C., Bajdik, CD., Willemze, R., de Gruijl, FR., Bavinck, JN., 2003. The influence of painful sunburns and lifetime of sun exposure on the risk of actinic keratoses, seborrheic warts, melanocytic nevi, atypical nevi and skin cancer. J Invest Dermatol, 120, 1087–93. Lapp, JL., 2009. Vitamin D: Bone Health and Beyond. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, Vol. 3 (5), 386-393. Lee, S, Clark, SA, Gill, RK, Christakos, S., 1994. 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 and pancreatic ß-cell function: vitamin D receptors, gene expression, and insulin secretion. Endocrinology, 134:1602–10 Lips. P., Bouillon, R., Van Schoor, NM., Vanderschueren, S., Kuchuk, N., Milisen, K., Boonen, S., Reducing fracture risk with calcium and vitamin D. [Online] 2009 [cited October 15th, 2009]. Available from:
18. Nesby-O’Dell, S., Scanlon, KS., Cogswell, ME., et al., 1988-1994. Hypovitaminosis D prevalence and determinants among African American and white women of reproductive age: third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, Am J Clin Nutr, 76, 187–92.
20. Tanaka, H., Abe, E., Miyaura, C., et al. 1982. 1,25-Dihydroxycholeciferol and human myeloid leukemia cell line (HL-60): the presence of cytosol receptor and induction of differentiation. Biochem J, 204, 713–9.
23. Veierod, MB., Weiderpass, E., Thorn, M., et al. 2003. A prospective study of pigmentation, sun exposure, and risk of cutaneous malignant melanoma in women. J Natl Cancer Inst 95:1530–8.
24. Weishaar, RE., Simpson, RU., 1987. Involvement of vitamin D3 with cardiovascular function. II. Direct and indirect effects. Am J Physiol,
www.captureyourhealth.com Phone: 877-405-6054 (toll free) Vitamin C, who needs it? There is a strong relationship between an individual’s Vitamin C intake and a lifetime of good health…. continuing benefits improved immune function, decreased risk of heart disease, stroke and cataracts. Video Rating: 5 / 5
Welcome to the Pulse Three-Point-Four: In March were putting the spot light on two very important topics, eye health and colorectal cancer. We all value our vision, but are you really taking care of your eyes? Icyou has eye health guidelines that may surprise you. The NIHOD channel offers advice on when to get your eyes checked, how to keep your eyes healthy and warnings about symptom-less vision problems. Youll also find inspiring stories about medical technology thats improving the lives of those with blinding diseases. As sunnier days approach, eye health becomes even more critical. Exposure to sunlight can be just as damaging to your eyes as it can be to your skin. Info4yourlife’s channel features golfer Ian Laggett discussing how to keep your eyes safe from sun damage. You can also check out the Key-Whitman channel to learn about advancements in the ever-popular LASIK eye surgery. March is also National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. The disease causes cancerous growths in the colon, rectum and appendix. The Colon Cancer Info page outlines straightforward definitions, symptoms and treatments of colon cancer which is the most common type of colorectal cancer. However, colon cancer is not the only form of colorectal cancer. Cancers of the rectum and appendix are also diagnosed as colorectal cancer. Learn more and get an in-depth look, on The University of Michigan Health System channel which looks at the history, risk factors and screening procedures for these … Video Rating: 0 / 5
watch full video Beloved Dr. Malinda Sapp Passed Away Caused by Colon Cancer at: bit.ly
Importance of Vitamin C – Health benefits of vitamin c
Article by Enerchange
Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is an essential nutrient for normal functioning of our body. vit C is a water soluble vitamin that is easily excreted from the body when not needed. Because of its widespread use as a dietary supplement, vitamin C may be more familiar to the general public than any other nutrient. Unlike most mammals, humans don’t have the ability to make their own vit C. We must therefore obtain vitamin C through our diet. vit C is no newcomer to the health scene; it’s probably the best known of all the vitamins. Studies indicate that more than 40% of older individuals in the U.S. take vit C supplements; and in some regions of the country, almost 25% of all adults, regardless of age, take vitamin C. Outside of a multivitamin, vitamin C is also the most popular supplement among some groups of registered dietitians, and 80% of the dietitians who take vit C take more than 250 milligrams.
Health benefits of vitamin C
Vitamin C has received a great deal of attention, and with good reason. vit C is one of the safest and most effective nutrients, experts say. It may not be the cure for the common cold (though it’s thought to help prevent more serious complications). Higher blood levels of vit C may be the ideal nutrition marker for overall health. Benefits of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) include the benefits for immune system. vit C is a great protection against immune system problems. Ascorbic acid benefits include benefits for your bones. Vitamin C is used in many nutritional supplements for bone health. Ascorbic acid benefits include the ability of vit C to help with healing bed sores.Vitamin C benefits include great skin healing properties. Ascorbic acid makes skin younger looking, brighter and healthier. Great vitamin C benefits include prevention of skin wrinkling. vit C can also be useful for spider veins and broken capillaries. vit C benefits include the benefits for your heart. Vitamin C is a great antioxidant. Vitamin C is associated with reduction of inflammation.What can high-vitamin C foods do for you?Help protect cells from free radical damage Lower your cancer risk Regenerate your vitamin E supplies Improve iron absorption How Vitamin C helpful for our skin ?
It has been studied that vitamin C can eliminate or reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on the skin. Vitamin C is developed as a facial cream to help prevent the aging process. Among the vitamins known, vitamin C can be easily absorbed by our skin. Vitamin C, works well in providing protection to your skin from the suns ultra violet rays. Our diet is another factor in premature and fast aging. Eating oily and fatty foods is quite bad for the skin’s health and the rest of your body system.
Deficiency symptoms of Vitamin C
Full-blown symptoms of the vitamin C deficiency disease called scurvy – including bleeding gums and skin discoloration due to ruptured blood vessels – are rare in the U.S. Poor wound healing, however, is not rare, and can be a symptom of vitamin C deficiency. Weak immune function, including susceptibility to colds and other infections, can also be a telltale sign of vitamin C deficiency. Since the lining of our respiratory tract also depend heavily on vitamin C for protection, respiratory infection and other lung-related conditions can also be symptomatic of vitamin C deficiency. Vitamin C Deficiency is also of the contributing factors for anemia. It is essentially a lack of red blood cells, which reduces the amount of oxygen content in the blood.
Foods high in vitamin C
Vitamin C is very common in fresh fruits. It is known to fight cancer and free radicals that have entered our body. Any fruit, or natural portion (e.g. slice of melon, or a handful of berries) that gives from about 15 milligrams to about 30 milligrams can be considered a ‘very good’ source of vitamin C.
The half ripe fruit of the camu camu, a shrubby tree of the Amazon, has the distinction of having the highest recorded levels of any fruit, surpassing even the highest levels recorded in the acerola. At 2.7 grams of ascorbic acid per 100 grams of fruit, the ascorbic acid content is nothing short of astounding!
Most of us think of citrus fruits as being the best source of vitamin C. You’d get 60 mg/day from about 3/4 cup of orange juice. Although citrus fruits are a great source of vitamin C, other not so obvious foods contain vitamin C as well. Eat more broccoli. A 1/2-cup serving provides 45 mg of vitamin C. Add a slice of tomato to your sandwiches. A small tomato provides 25 mg of vitamin C. Slice up a papaya or mango for dessert. Half a medium papaya or mango provides 95 mg of vitamin C. Think peppers! Red, yellow, and orange peppers have about twice the vitamin C of green peppers.
About the Author
Los Angeles Magician Austin Brooks has been performing magic for over 10 years.
Breast cancer is a malignant (cancerous) tumor in the breast that may spread to the lymph nodes, lungs, brain, and bones. One in eight women will be told they have breast cancer over their lifetime. This short report takes a quick yet concise view the cancer symptoms, causes and treatments for cancer of the breast. Visit Symptom Spy’s free web tool that guides you through your symptoms and helps you formulate an online symptom diagnosis of most cancers or other conditions.
Breast Cancer Indications And Causes
In the early stages of breast cancer, signs normally do not appear. As the cancer grows, indications can incorporate: a lump in the breast that may or may not be tender and/or an enlarged lymph nodes under the arm which may be hard and have uneven edges but ordinarily does not hurt.
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A female may additionally observe changes in the size, shape or feel of the breast similar to an indentation of the nipple or a fluid discharge from the nipple; or redness or dimpling of the skin.
Men can get breast cancer yet females are 100% more possible to get breast cancer than men. In a man, indications could likely show as a breast lump, discomfort and tenderness.
The cause of breast cancer is not clearly defined but the chance will increase with a family history of breast cancer, in ladies who have not had children; or in ladies who reached their menstrual cycle prior to age 12 or proceeded through menopause past the age 55.
Some breast cancers are sensitive to the hormone estrogen, which suggests estrogen leads to tumors of the breast to grow. These estrogen sensitive cancers are known as ‘estrogen receptor positive cancer’ or ‘ER positive cancer’.
Breast Cancers Diagnosis And Treatment
Month-to-month self-exams of the breasts should be performed to detect any changes earlier. A baseline mammogram is suggested by age 35, afterwards follow-ups each 2 years until age 49, then every single twelve months after age 50. If a lesion is detected, a biopsy (tissue sample) may be needed to make an correct analysis. Other assessments which may be performed to formulate a suitable analysis involve an MRI, CT Scan, Breasts Ultrasound or PET Scan.
Remedy is based mostly on many aspects which includes the form of cancer and the stage the cancer is in (stages range from (0 to IV). Surgery to get rid of the lump (lumpectomy) or to eliminate all or a part of the breast and maybe close by structures like lymph nodes and muscle tissues (mastectomy) is the advised remedy. Other treatment possibilities involve chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy.
The experimental medication, tamoxifen, is currently being studied to determine if it can avert breast cancer. This medicine blocks the results of estrogen that can promote the progress of breast cancer tissue in ladies with estrogen-sensitive breast cancer. A newer class of medications termed aromatase inhibitors, have proven good results in post-menopausal women with breast cancer
Take an active part in your health by learning all you can about Breast Cancer
You can learn more about this condition and use a free online diagnostic tool that walks you through your symptoms and lead you to an online diagnosis. Click here to learn more about what your medical symptoms mean.
In this myth shattering, information packed documentary, learn from physicians and leading researchers about medicinal cannabis and its demonstrated effects on human health. This game-changing movie presents the most comprehensive synopsis to date of the real science surrounding the world’s most controversial plant. Topics include: * What the consensus is from over 1500 scientific and medical trials * What conditions have been proven to benefit from medical marijuana * Its historical use as medicine dating back over 5300 years * Methods of delivery and their different advantages * Government sponsored studies intended to show Marijuana having negative effects that yielded the exact opposite results * Common myths about negative effects of Marijuana and what the research really says about these topics Doctors: Dr. David Bearman Expert Witness Former Director of Haight Ashbury Drug Treatment Program Founder of Isla Vista Medical Clinic Member of Governor Reagan’s Inter-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse Dr. Donald TashkinDr. Donald Tashkin Emeritus Professor of Medicine UCLA Medical Director of UCLA Pulmonary Function Laboratory Dr. Donald AbramsDr. Donald Abrams Director, Integrative Oncology Research Program Integrative Medicine Physician. Professor of Clinical Medicine at UCSF and Chief of Hematology/Oncology at San Francisco General Hospital Dr. Robert SternerDr. Robert Sterner UCSD General Surgeon Graduate of Harvard & UCLA Certified in Oriental and Traditional Chinese …
Corbette Jackson and Stokes Nielson, of the Lost Trailers, recently wrote a song dedicated to a local hero named Chris Landreau. Chris is a firefighter from Georgia that was diagnosed with stage four cancer. Corbette and Stokes took inspiration from this hero and wrote a song that embodies Chris’ spirit- The Heart of a Champion (feat. The Lost Trailers) This footage was taken at a benefit show in Chris’ honor. The footage in the car is of the first time that Chris heard the song. It is a very emotional scene, and we hope you can appreciate and support Chris’ fight against cancer. You can find the song for sale on iTunes at- itunes.apple.com -All profits from sales of this song will go directly to Chris and his family. You can also follow Jackson’s music at Facebook.com/CorbetteJackson Video Rating: 4 / 5
Energy and enthusiasm mean passionate and compassionate support for breast cancer patients. The “Pink Scrubs Video” shows members of our community hard at work and at play supporting National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October, 2010).
Learn more at www.regionalhealth.com/pink – To show their support in the fight against breast cancer, hundreds of Regional Health employees in the Black Hills of South Dakota perform in their version of the “Pink Glove Dance”. More than 50 departments from Regional Health hospitals, clinics, corporate offices, and senior care facilities within Regional Health family participate in the video which was filmed by Linn Productions. Local cancer survivors danced at Mt. Rushmore and are also featured in the video. The song in the video is “Here’s To You”, written and performed by the local band, The Commodities.
Health – What happens when doctors slip up? Here in France, 900 medical errors are committed every day. We start with unnecessary treatment for cancer and why more people are being diagnosed with a disease they would have otherwise never noticed. Next, we go to Ethiopia, where obstetric fistulas caused by difficult births are a devastating disability. Finally, we consider the dangers of cosmetic surgery. FRANCE 24 INTERNATIONAL NEWS 24/7 www.france24.com Video Rating: 5 / 5
This is a very personal video but I felt that I needed to do it and share it. I know it’s very long, in fact it’s my longest video ever. I just needed to get my feelings out through something I do with my life. I also wanted to share with everyone what a wonderful person my stepfather was since he has supported me so much. This is the first time I have lost someone so very close to me. It was pretty unexpected being that the surgery was suppose to be a success and fix things. But things turned for the worse after the surgery and nearly a week later, my stepfather passed away. My Stepfather has been in my life for 15 some years and has greatly impacted my life. He was an amazing husband to my mom and a great father to my little sister. My mom couldn’t have asked for anyone better to have blessed her life. One thing I didn’t note in this video is that the surgery for the pancreatitis was optional. He was told he would most likely develop pancreatic cancer in years to come. So my Stepdad didn’t want to hesitate with that and wanted to fix it now. So sad it turned out for the worse. It still feels unreal.
