Obesity is a growing concern all over the world. As quoted by the world health organization ‘Globally, there are more than 1 billion overweight adults, at least 300 million of them obese’. Obesity is not just as simple as being a ‘fat person’. It is a chronic state of being overweight. A survey conducted in 2008 estimates that about 220,000 in the U.S. had weight loss surgery in that very year. These alarmingly high numbers brings us to some basic questions, how advisable is it to undergo surgery for weight loss? Who should undergo surgery and who not? Is it safe? Health experts largely believe that this method of weight reduction is unadvisable. One of the very basic reasons behind this is that it is unnatural. Any unnatural and non-gradual reduction of weight comes with a heavy price. This article will take you through some of the most basic side-effects of a weight loss surgery which makes this method unadvisable.
Nausea
Abdominal discomfort can last for 2-3 months after surgery. Nausea and vomiting is the most commonly cited side effects. This majorly happens because the surgery reduces the size of your stomach and hence the quantity of food it can take in at one time. Most individuals take a while before getting used to the new diet patterns for the reduced stomach.
Dehydration
A weight loss reduction surgery cause rapid decrease in body mass. In order to make up for this loss of mass, additional medication is generally given to patients post surgery. Often these medicines lead to dehydration which in turn leads to nausea and vomiting, making the entire process a vicious circle.
Food Intolerance
There are considerably high chances of developing food intolerance post surgery. Dry meat such as steaks, sticky food, gummy or fibrous food substances are reported to cause a lot of issues. Cauliflower and broccoli can cause gas formation and also result in abdominal cramping. Approximately 1% of patients develop lactose intolerance (intolerance towards milk and milk products). Patients also get affected by alcohol a lot faster.
Dumping Syndrome
Dumping syndrome is when food is ‘dumped’ into a small intestine, beyond its capacity. This happens largely with fried and greasy food. Although it is not a serious threat to health and life in general, it can be quiet an unpleasant event. It starts off with stomach cramps and moves on to feeling fatigued, sweaty and tired.
Changing bowel habits
Constipation is highly common. Post surgery there is little or hardly any bowel movement. This phenomenon has been observed more in women.
Transient Hair Thinning
For about 2- 10 months after surgery, patients observe rapid thinning of hair. Sometimes patients lose most of their scalp hair and are required to use a wig till the hair grows back. This is mostly due to the decrease in protein levels in the body.
Cold Intolerance
When you lose weight off rapidly, you not only lose weight you also lose insulating body fat. There is a general change in your metabolism level. On account of these factors patients often complain of feeling ‘cold’ even in warm room temperate.
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Sunday, March 13, 2011
Friday, March 11, 2011
Importance of the Immune System
The immune system of the human body comprises of a number of mutually dependent cell types that cooperatively defend the body against bacteria, parasites, fungus and virus. It also stems the development of tumor cells. Many of these cell types have specific roles to play in the functioning of the immune system. The cells can destroy bacteria, parasites, tumor cells and viral-infected cells.
The immune system’s 'innate' part has many fixed approaches to identify and destroy various kinds of infection readily. This normally engages a particular set of immune cells recognizing microbes, following abnormalities in the stream of blood to the location of disease. It counteracts on the germs releasing different substances before engulfing them (phagocytosis). These are called white blood cells. This strategy is of use only in case of those germs that have not yet built up means of resistance or evading recognition. Certain viruses are known to conceal themselves and multiply inside body cells to avoid detection by the white blood cells.
In cases of diseases, symptoms like the inflammation and enlargement of the skin could be hinting at action of immunity. This is because they assist the immune system of the body by permitting immune constituents in the blood to run to the spot of infection with greater efficiency and ease. But the swelling can itself affect adversely unless it is cautiously restricted. Since the immune system requires a lot of resources of the body to work properly, even a few lapses in the nutrient count of the body can affect the whole system. When these vital nutrients are in short supply, the body prioritizes the brain and other specific organs, and is not inclined to support the immune system. This happens during severe malnutrition and can harm the body to a great extent if a balanced and healthy diet is not implemented in the lifestyle.
Vitamin C, Vitamin E, selenium and glutathione have anti-oxidant capacities. They are capable of developing increased immune functionality, especially in older people. But too much intake of anti-oxidants can cause oxidative stress and damage or even destroy cells. So do not go beyond the upper limits of the usual nutritional intakes to avoid any adversities. Vitamin C, for example, is abundantly available in citrus fruits which are a great source of anti-oxidants in your healthy and balanced diet. Vitamin D is related to the growth of strong bones in the body and facts suggest that it could also function in the avoidance or cure of some infections, thereby aiding the immune system. It is formed naturally when UV light acts on the skin.
Tension and anxiety can also influence the immune system of your body in a detrimental way. Dejected people have restricted immunity to diseases, as the nervous system can openly come into conflict with the immune cells of the body. Hence mental stress of any kind should be avoided to let the immune system function properly. Also, though not yet clinically proved, the plant Echinacea is known to enhance immune function.
Published At: Isnare.com Free Articles Directory - http://www.isnare.com/
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=693253&ca=Wellness%2C+Fitness+and+Diet
The immune system’s 'innate' part has many fixed approaches to identify and destroy various kinds of infection readily. This normally engages a particular set of immune cells recognizing microbes, following abnormalities in the stream of blood to the location of disease. It counteracts on the germs releasing different substances before engulfing them (phagocytosis). These are called white blood cells. This strategy is of use only in case of those germs that have not yet built up means of resistance or evading recognition. Certain viruses are known to conceal themselves and multiply inside body cells to avoid detection by the white blood cells.
In cases of diseases, symptoms like the inflammation and enlargement of the skin could be hinting at action of immunity. This is because they assist the immune system of the body by permitting immune constituents in the blood to run to the spot of infection with greater efficiency and ease. But the swelling can itself affect adversely unless it is cautiously restricted. Since the immune system requires a lot of resources of the body to work properly, even a few lapses in the nutrient count of the body can affect the whole system. When these vital nutrients are in short supply, the body prioritizes the brain and other specific organs, and is not inclined to support the immune system. This happens during severe malnutrition and can harm the body to a great extent if a balanced and healthy diet is not implemented in the lifestyle.
Vitamin C, Vitamin E, selenium and glutathione have anti-oxidant capacities. They are capable of developing increased immune functionality, especially in older people. But too much intake of anti-oxidants can cause oxidative stress and damage or even destroy cells. So do not go beyond the upper limits of the usual nutritional intakes to avoid any adversities. Vitamin C, for example, is abundantly available in citrus fruits which are a great source of anti-oxidants in your healthy and balanced diet. Vitamin D is related to the growth of strong bones in the body and facts suggest that it could also function in the avoidance or cure of some infections, thereby aiding the immune system. It is formed naturally when UV light acts on the skin.
Tension and anxiety can also influence the immune system of your body in a detrimental way. Dejected people have restricted immunity to diseases, as the nervous system can openly come into conflict with the immune cells of the body. Hence mental stress of any kind should be avoided to let the immune system function properly. Also, though not yet clinically proved, the plant Echinacea is known to enhance immune function.
Published At: Isnare.com Free Articles Directory - http://www.isnare.com/
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=693253&ca=Wellness%2C+Fitness+and+Diet
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Tips For Healthy Lungs
Like every other organ of your body, your lungs need attention too. Breathing is the most important means of survival and the lungs help us to do so. It is therefore extremely essential that we take proper care of them and prevent them from getting damaged. They are an indispensible part of your life and any negligence on your part can turn out to be fatal. This article will particularly deal in the ways and means which can be adopted to maintain a healthy pair of lungs so that you can breathe easy and live longer.
Avoid smoking: Smoking is the worst kind of news for your lungs. If you are a smoker, it is highly recommended that you stop immediately. COPD, Emphysema and Lung Cancer can be the resultant effects of a smoke infested pair of lungs. If you do not smoke but are always amidst smokers, there are equal chances of you to being exposed to such lung infections. Passive smoking is as harmful as active smoking and it is important that you move away immediately when you are surrounded by people who are smoking. Try and dissuade any friend or family member who you notice smoking.
Breathing exercises: Practice regular breathing exercises in the form of yoga. You could also begin paying a wind instrument so that you can successfully increase the capacity of your lungs. If the lungs work with their full capacity, then they can optimally supply the body with oxygen. The different parts of the human body require oxygen to carry out the regular metabolic processes. Regular exercising can also help to increase your lung capacity so try and skip the idea of being lazy at home. Climb up and own the stairs at east five times a day.
Eat right: A healthy diet is absolutely indispensible for the well being of your lungs. Try and include a lot of antioxidants in your diet like apples, broccoli and other fruits and vegetables which will help to restore your lungs and enable them to function properly.
Clear mucus and phlegm: When you catch a cold, your lungs become damp due to the accumulation of a lot of mucus as well as phlegm in them. This happens mainly due to the intake of food which encourages the growth of mucus like dairy products and ice cream. It is therefore extremely essential for you to avoid these whenever you are suffering from cold and cough.
Get in touch with a doctor: If you are already suffering from any lung ailment like asthma, you need to be in touch with a medical practitioner at a regular basis. They will guide you as to how you can be on your guard to avoid breathing trouble and what you can do if you face a problem all of a sudden. You must never neglect a problem but try and address it soon enough so that it gets eradicated from the root itself.
If you are able to follow the above steps religiously, you will surely live a better life with stronger lungs.
Published At: Isnare.com Free Articles Directory - http://www.isnare.com/
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=693252&ca=Wellness%2C+Fitness+and+Diet
Avoid smoking: Smoking is the worst kind of news for your lungs. If you are a smoker, it is highly recommended that you stop immediately. COPD, Emphysema and Lung Cancer can be the resultant effects of a smoke infested pair of lungs. If you do not smoke but are always amidst smokers, there are equal chances of you to being exposed to such lung infections. Passive smoking is as harmful as active smoking and it is important that you move away immediately when you are surrounded by people who are smoking. Try and dissuade any friend or family member who you notice smoking.
Breathing exercises: Practice regular breathing exercises in the form of yoga. You could also begin paying a wind instrument so that you can successfully increase the capacity of your lungs. If the lungs work with their full capacity, then they can optimally supply the body with oxygen. The different parts of the human body require oxygen to carry out the regular metabolic processes. Regular exercising can also help to increase your lung capacity so try and skip the idea of being lazy at home. Climb up and own the stairs at east five times a day.
Eat right: A healthy diet is absolutely indispensible for the well being of your lungs. Try and include a lot of antioxidants in your diet like apples, broccoli and other fruits and vegetables which will help to restore your lungs and enable them to function properly.
Clear mucus and phlegm: When you catch a cold, your lungs become damp due to the accumulation of a lot of mucus as well as phlegm in them. This happens mainly due to the intake of food which encourages the growth of mucus like dairy products and ice cream. It is therefore extremely essential for you to avoid these whenever you are suffering from cold and cough.
Get in touch with a doctor: If you are already suffering from any lung ailment like asthma, you need to be in touch with a medical practitioner at a regular basis. They will guide you as to how you can be on your guard to avoid breathing trouble and what you can do if you face a problem all of a sudden. You must never neglect a problem but try and address it soon enough so that it gets eradicated from the root itself.
If you are able to follow the above steps religiously, you will surely live a better life with stronger lungs.
Published At: Isnare.com Free Articles Directory - http://www.isnare.com/
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=693252&ca=Wellness%2C+Fitness+and+Diet
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