Beta Sitosterol Different Treatment Uses
Finding natural ways to combat common medical problems is always exciting. Many of us prefer to get away from drugs as they are costly and can cause their own side effects. Sometimes plant-based supplements are useful; other times, particular foods provide the nutrients we need to help fight illness. You will find with beta sitosterol different treatment uses providing a varying degree of effectiveness. Use your own judgement as a consumer and make your choices depending on personal health concerns.
For example, prostate enlargement is prevalent among all men of a certain age. Though often benign, the consequences can be uncomfortable, such as having to pee frequently with little flow. Beta sitosterol, a phytosterol or phytochemical naturally occurring in plants, has been proven in clinical trials to reduce prostate enlargement and restore flow.
Researchers continue to study the use of this antioxidant on cancer patients as more research needs to be done before a definitive statement can be made as to its effectiveness. Still, some promising results see benefits to patients with breast or colon cancer. This plant based nutrient could given help to prescribed medicines given to fight tumors while protecting healthy cells from damage.
Another example applies to cholesterol levels, a topic of great concern to those worried about developing heart disease. There is a chance that beta sitosterol will reduce cholesterol absorption. Phytosterols generally do, in spite of the fact that they are plant oils. This news is of particular importance to those at risk of or currently experiencing atherosclerosis and is ironic, too, since the plant based supplement resembles cholesterol in its make up.
For those looking to supplement their diets with this compound, look to a menu rich in plant-based proteins and fats. For example, wheat germ and rice bran contain it. Other natural sources include peanuts and soy beans. One way to keep your food nutritionally whole is to resist over-processing it. Do not overcook food and purchase items which have not been modified or only very little. Freezing can also alter the composition of foods, so try to eat fresh or consume the phytosterols in your freezer quickly.
Consumers who dislike these natural sources might look to their health food store or pharmacy for advice. Natural supplements like saw palmetto contain the compound. With so many antioxidants on the market, just read your labels and you are likely to find beta sitosterol listed among some of the ingredients.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Explained
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a common but poorly understood illness that can cause a wide range of symptoms. CFS is widespread in the United States. Although it can occur at any age, it usually hits between the ages of 20-40. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome mainly affects women but can affect men as well. It can come and go and ranges in severity of symptoms. Depending on the symptoms, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome can make living a normal life very difficult.
There are a wide range of symptoms one can have when they suffer from CFS. The most common symptom and hallmark of this illness is severe, disabling fatigue and exhaustion. This symptomm is one of many that can occur with chronic fatigue syndrome.
Other common symptoms often found in CFS suffers are: all over weakness, sleep disorders, aching muscles and joints, loss of appetite, headaches, swollen lymph nodes in neck or armpits, sore throats, mild fever, intestinal problems, anxiety, depression and mental confusion.
No one knows the exact cause of chronic fatigue syndrome but it commonly shows up after a viral illness. There are common theories as to the cause of CFS including; prior contraction of Epstein-Barr Virus. Other experts believe that CFS is related to a problem with immune function in one’s system. Blood pressure, chemical sensitivities and other theories are also being studied.
In Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, there are many variables that can contribute to the severity of symptoms one experiences. Some sufferers are laid up in bed for weeks at a time, some just a few days and then there are some who lead their normal lifestyle. However difficult or cumbersome your symptoms are it is important to remember that there are steps you can take to improve your symptoms.
The important factor for CFS sufferers to focus on is to remember that there is good treatment to relieve fatigue and suffering. There are many natural treatments and supplements you can take to increase energy, decrease pain, reduce anxiety and depression. There is hope.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome sufferers find great relief when implementing a natural treatment plan that incorporates a detoxification, rejuvenation, and maintenance system. These three components work together to build an environment where your body can heal itself. You can relieve the exhaustion and pain associated with chronic fatigue syndrome.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a mysterious illness but there is good help out there to help you cope with your condition. Research the treatment options available to you and start experiencing life with much more energy and less pain.
Copyright (c) 2007 Hailey Harris
Understanding Sickle Cell Anemia
For the African-American community, sickle cell disease is a major health issue. Sickle cell disease can also affect Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Asian Indian ancestry, and there is a growing segment in the Latino-American population particularly those of Caribbean, Central American, and South American ancestry. In the United States one out of every 400 births has this disease. The most common type of sickle cell disease is sickle cell anemia.
Definition and Description of Sickle Cell Disease
Sickle cell disease is a group of inherited blood disorders that center on red blood cells which can function abnormally resulting in small blood clots, chronic anemia, painful events, and potential complications associated with tissue and organ damage. These blood disorders include sickle cell anemia, Mediterranean blood disease, the sickle beta thalassemia syndromes, and hemoglobinopathies in which the sickle cell hemoglobin is in association with other abnormal hemoglobin in sufficient concentration to cause the red blood cell to sickle.
All types of sickle cell disease are caused by a genetic change in the hemoglobin portion of the red blood cell. Hemoglobin is the oxygen-carrying protein inside the red blood cell. Normal red blood cells are oval and flexible. Red blood cells in sickle cell disease have a tendency to reshape themselves into rod-like structures that resemble the curved blade of a sickle; thus, the term sickle cell. Sickle cells have a shorter life span than normal red blood cells. This results in chronic anemia and reduced oxygen to the tissues of the body. Sickle cells are less flexible and more sticky than normal red blood cells. This presents a problem since they can become trapped in the small blood vessels preventing blood flow to the body’s tissues. This compromise in the delivery of oxygen to the tissues results in pain and potential damage to the associated tissues and organs.
Carriers of the sickle cell gene are referred to as having sickle cell trait. Most of the time sickle cell trait does not cause health problems. In fact, sickle cell trait can be beneficial because it provides protection against malaria, a disease caused by blood-borne parasites transmitted through mosquito bites. It is estimated that one in 12 African-Americans has sickle cell trait.
The Cause of Sickle Cell Disease!
The hemoglobin molecule of a red blood cell is made up of three components: heme, alpha or alpha-like globin, and beta or beta-like globin. Sickle cells contain a genetic change in the beta globin component of the hemoglobin molecule. This is caused by a change in the genetic coding on chromosome 11. One small change in a single DNA nucleotide results in a different amino acid being inserted into the beta globin protein of the hemoglobin molecule resulting in the unique properties of sickle cells. For simplicity we will call this altered gene the “sickle cell gene” and the regular gene the “normal red blood cell gene.”
For most individuals, they have two copies of the “normal red blood cell gene” to produce normal beta globin resulting in typical red blood cells. Individuals with sickle cell trait have one “normal red blood cell gene” and one “sickle cell gene” so they produce both normal red blood cells and sickle cells in roughly equal proportions. Because of this they do not usually experience significant health problems as a result of having sickle cell trait. Those with sickle cell anemia have two “sickle cell genes.”
Genetics plays a significant role in both the disease, symptoms, and in family planning. If both members of a couple have sickle cell trait then there is a 25% chance in each pregnancy for the baby to inherit two sickle cell genes and the resulting child will have sickle cell anemia. Correspondingly, there is a 50% chance the baby will have sickle cell trait and a 25% chance that the baby will have the “normal red blood cell genes”. If both members of a couple have sickle cell anemia then the baby will have sickle cell anemia 100% of the time. If one member of the couple has sickle cell anemia and the other has both “normal red blood cell genes”, then the resulting child will have sickle cell trait 100% of the time. Finally, if one member of the couple has sickle cell trait and the other has both “normal red blood cell genes”, then the resulting child has a 50% chance of have normal red blood cell hemoglobin or a 50% chance of having sickle cell trait.
The Need for Oxygen!
Oxygen is necessary for life and the optimal function of all cells. Red blood cells transport oxygen from the lungs to the tissues throughout your body. It is the hemoglobin molecule that binds oxygen to itself in the lungs and then releases oxygen to the tissues for proper cell respiration. However, once the oxygen is released by the sickle cell hemoglobin it can cause the red blood cell to alter its normal oval shape into the rigid, sickle shape characteristic of sickle cells. Low oxygen can be a trigger for this change. Studies also seem to indicate that cold temperatures and dehydration can be factors in triggering this change.
Normal red blood cells can survive for approximately 120 days where as sickle cells typically last 10-12 days. This is an important factor because it leaves the bloodstream chronically short of red blood cells and hemoglobin which leads to anemia. This creates its own shortage of oxygen which could trigger a shape change in the red blood cell to the sickle shape. This rigid, sickle shape does not allow the sickle cell to fit well through small blood vessels. In addition, there are altered chemical properties that develop which increases the cells’ “stickiness”. That is why sickle cells tend to adhere to the inside surfaces of small blood vessels and other blood cells resulting in blockages in these blood vessels. These blockages prevent oxygenated blood from reaching tissue areas resulting in pain and possibly organ and tissue damage if kept without oxygen long enough.
Common symptoms include the following:
o Bloody urine, frequent urination
o Bone and/or abdominal pain, chest pain
o Delayed growth and puberty
o Excessive thirst
o Fatigue, breathlessness, rapid heart rate
o Increased susceptibility to infections, fever
o Pain which can vary from moderate to intense
o Paleness, yellow eyes and/or skin, jaundice
o Poor eyesight or blindness
o Ulcers on the lower legs usually in adolescents and adults
The severity of symptoms varies widely and cannot be predicted solely on genetic inheritance. Some with sickle cell disease develop health and life threatening problems in infancy while others only have mild symptoms throughout their lives. Others experience various degrees of health issues as they age. Certain variations of sickle cell disease tend to have less severe symptoms on average than other types of sickle cell disease.
Organs and Body Systems Affected by Sickle Cell Disease
Various organs and body systems can be effect by sickle cell disease. As you will see from this list, sickle cell disease has a wide range of effects on the body. Bottom line is that any tissue that needs oxygen and adequate blood flow can be at risk.
o Acute Chest Syndrome – Acute chest syndrome or ACS is a leading cause of death for those with sickle cell disease. It takes place in the lungs and rapid diagnosis and treatment is very important. ACS can occur at any age. It is similar to pneumonia in symptoms but distinct in its damage.
o Anemia – As we learned early, sickle cells have a life span of 10-12 days resulting in a deficiency of red blood cells in the bloodstream. It is the hemoglobin of red blood cells that carry oxygen so with this deficiency there is a reduction in oxygen to the tissues. Common symptoms of anemia include fatigue, paleness, and a shortness of breath. The heart rate will increase to try to circulate more blood to make up for the lack of oxygen to the tissues.
o Delayed Growth – Because of the short life span of sickle cells, the energy demands of the bone marrow to produce more red blood cells compete with the demands of a growing body. Children with sickle cell anemia may experience delayed growth and reach puberty at a later age. However, by early adulthood, they catch up on growth and height but may still remain below average in weight.
o Infections and the Spleen – Children under the age of three with sickle cell disease are particularly susceptible to life-threatening bacterial infections especially from Streptococcus pneumoniae. Unfortunately, 15% of these types of cases result in death. Since your spleen helps to fight bacterial infections, it is particularly vulnerable to the effects of sickle cells. It is not uncommon to see the loss of spleen function by late childhood for those with sickle cell anemia.
o Jaundice and Gallstones – Jaundice is indicated by a yellow tone in the skin and eyes due to increased levels of bilirubin which is the final product of hemoglobin degradation when red blood cells are destroyed. Bilirubin is removed from the bloodstream by the liver and elevated levels can increase the chance for gallstones.
o Joint Problems – The blood supply to the connective tissue, especially in the hip and shoulder joints, can be blocked by the sickle cells resulting in bone damage and poor healing. This complication can affect an individual’s physical abilities and result in substantial and chronic pain.
o Kidney Disease – Kidneys are particularly prone to damage from sickle cells. Adults with sickle cell disease often experience reduce functioning of the kidneys which can progress to kidney failure.
o Painful Events – This is the hallmark symptom of sickle cell disease. The frequency and duration varies tremendously from individual to individual and over an individual’s lifetime. These painful events are also the most common cause for hospitalization. The hallmark symptom results when the small blood vessels become blocked by the sickle cells preventing oxygen from reaching the tissues. Although pain can affect any area of the body, the most frequent sites are the extremities, chest, abdomen, and bones.
o Priapism – Only males have to deal with this since it is a condition characterized by a persistent and painful erection. Blood vessels become blocked by sickle cells so that blood is trapped in the tissue of the male’s organ. It is extremely painful and can result in damage to this tissue causing impotence.
o Retinopathy – The blood vessels that support the tissue at the back of the eye may be blocked by sickle cells resulting in a condition called retinopathy. Regular ophthalmology evaluations and effective treatment can help a person avoid permanent damage to their vision.
o Stroke – This is one of the most concerning complications of sickle cell disease since approximately 11% of individuals with this disease will have a recognizable stroke by the age of 20. Typically, a stroke in a person with sickle cell disease is caused by a blockage of a brain blood vessel by the sickle cells. This results in lack of oxygen to the affected area of the brain. The consequences are far ranging from undetectable effects to apparent or subtle learning disabilities to severe physical or cognitive impairment to life-threatening.
Diagnosis and Treatment
The inheritance of sickle cell disease or sickle cell trait cannot be prevented but it can be predicted so screening is recommended. If you exhibit symptoms, then contact your physician so that accurate tests can be done to determine if you carry the “sickle cell gene” and what level of risk you are at. For newborns, more than 40 states include sickle cell screening as part of the battery of blood tests. However, don’t just assume the test is done. You must always be proactive.
Hemoglobin trait screening is always a good choice for any person of a high-risk ethnic background especially if you are considering having children. If you and your partner are found to have sickle cell or other hemoglobin traits, then you might want to receive genetic counseling to better understand the risk of sickle cell disease for your offspring and various testing options available to you.
Treatment options are intended to prevent some of the symptoms and complications of sickle cell disease. These treatment options can include:
o Access to comprehensive health care
o Adequate nutrition
o Avoiding stresses and infection
o Blood transfusions
o Bone marrow transplantation
o Getting proper rest
o Good hydration
o Hydroxyurea
o Pain management
o Proper immunizations
o Supplementation with folic acid
o Support groups
o Surgery
o Use of preventative antibiotics
As with any disease condition, you want to always work with a qualified health professional to develop a course of action that best fits your individual situation.
There is new research that shows a direct correlation between nitric oxide deficiency and symptom severity for those with sickle cell anemia. Please see our companion article “14 Steps to Help Those With Sickle Cell Disease!” This article discusses the latest research and provides 14 suggestions you can use to help those with sickle cell disease.
Compartment Syndrome
Compartment syndrome is a condition that develops when the pressure inside the fascia surrounding the muscles and bone increases without relief and can cause destruction of the capillaries and nerve cells inside. Compartment syndrome can develop in any of the compartments in the body but is most common in the lower leg. This may develop acutely, from an injury or other cause of immediate swelling, or chronically, as a result of overuse or other chronic swelling.
Pain, numbness, a feeling of pressure, and some swelling usually accompany this condition. Acute compartment syndrome is a medical emergency whereas the chronic syndrome, although still painful and a danger to the blood vessels and nerves, can be treated more conservatively. Both conditions must be treated, however, to prevent permanent damage to the injured area and those distal to the injury as well.
Athletes involved in high impact collision and contact sports, such as football and rugby, are more susceptible to acute compartment syndrome, while those involved in repetitive activities, such as running and jumping, may be more vulnerable to chronic compartment syndrome.
What is Compartment Syndrome?
Muscles are covered by tough fibrous tissue called fascia. This tissue wraps around the muscles and accompanying bone and holds it all in place, forming a compartment. The fascia is large enough to accommodate the bone, nerves, blood vessels, and muscle at its current size. There is just enough stretch in the fascia to allow the normal expansion of the muscle from increased blood flow due to exercise. If the muscle swells or blood collects inside the compartment the pressure will rise. If the pressure exceeds that of the capillaries (usually around 30 mmHG) they will begin to die. This in turn will cause death to the nerve and muscle tissue around them due to loss of blood supply.
Compartment Syndrome Types: Anterior and Posterior. Acute and Chronic.
Compartment syndrome is most common in the lower leg, although it can happen along any long bone, especially with a fracture. The quadriceps muscle is another likely candidate for this condition but due to its size and the lesser incidence of injury it is still far less common than lower leg compartment syndrome.
In the lower leg, compartment syndrome usually involves either the anterior compartment, over the front lateral side of the shin, or one of the posterior compartments, behind the tibia. The posterior area consists of the superficial compartment and the deep compartment. The lateral compartment is the fourth compartment in the lower leg. The anterior compartment is the most commonly injured of the four compartments.
Acute compartment syndrome results from trauma to the muscle or bone in the compartment. This trauma leads to bleeding inside the compartment. As the blood builds up in the compartment, with nowhere to go, the pressure increases. Because this happens at a fairly rapid rate (sometimes within minutes, other times over a period of hours) the pressure can build to a high level and cause serious damage to the nerves and blood vessels.
Chronic compartment syndrome is usually the result of overuse. The muscle becomes inflamed and swells over time and with rest returns to near normal. This causes pressures that are high at times and this high pressure over time can cause damage to the blood vessels and nerve tissue. The longer the pressure is elevated the more damage results.
Antidepressants For Insomnia – Are They Better Than Sleeping Pills?
If you have ever suffered from depression or known someone that has, you know that insomnia often comes with it as package deal. It can go either way, the insomnia can cause the depression or the depression can cause the insomnia. Either way, many people are prescribed antidepressants to help with this problem.
Antidepressants have not been approved by the FDA as a treatment for insomnia, but some doctors are prescribing them to patients who are not depressed anyway. One of the most popular of these is called trazodone.
Prescribed in low doses, its sedative properties can help insomniacs get to sleep. Doctors have found some problems with this drug, however. One of them is that unlike drugs that are simply for insomnia, the sedative affects can last into the next day with trazodone. This is a particular problem for the elderly. When waking up groggy and disoriented, they are more likely to fall and injure themselves.
Also, everyone using this drug should be careful when driving or doing anything else that requires alertness. Some side effects this drug can have are confusion, fainting, muscle tremors, heart arrhythmias, and a dry mouth. Trazodone also cannot be taken by expectant mothers.
Sean Graham, 53, has taken sleeping pills for years. Now that he is battling cancer, sleep apnea and insomnia all at once, his doctor prescribed him trazodone instead of Ambien. Noticing a difference, Graham can testify to the lasting drowsiness that accompanies a good night’s sleep on trazodone.
“With trazodone, it’s hard to wake up. I’m always groggy for a few hours, and at work I’m totally out of it, can’t focus,” said Graham.
There is one major advantage, however, of taking antidepressants rather than sleeping pills to treat insomnia. This is that unlike sleeping pills, you can take antidepressants for an extended period of time without fear of addiction.
Another antidepressant that has been used to treat insomnia is doxepin. This may be the better choice of antidepressants because so far, it doesn’t seem to have the lasting effect of sleepiness that trazodone does.
In sharp contrast to trazodone, there are more popular antidepressants such as Prozac and Zoloft. These have the opposite affect and can sometimes induce insomnia. When a patient has insomnia caused by depression however, curing that depression with one of these drugs can still improve their quality of sleep.
Why You Have Insomnia
Insomnia attacks millions of people worldwide. It has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. There are many things that can contribute to Insomnia. There is relief however. Some of the factors that lead to Insomnia are:
• Too much work, not enough play: In America we work more hours than any other culture in the world. We earn less vacation and take less. Our jobs are consuming our lives. Most workers in the United States earn two weeks off a year compared to a full month in Europe. Sadly, many Americans do not take a vacation. The resulting stress on our bodies working so many hours contributes greatly to our lack of sleep.
• Our diets: We go… go… go all the time and eat on the run. As a result our diets are consumed with fast food and caffeine. We consume coffee in the morning and caffeinated drinks throughout the day and into the evening. Most people skip one or more meals each day. Our terrible diets and eating habits contribute greatly to our Insomnia. Most of us also only drink 1/3 of the daily recommended water. This too contributes to nights awake.
• We are too serious: The majority of people suffering from Insomnia are under tremendous stress. Often, this is financial, or has to do with our relationships. Stress is also increased by the amount of hours we work and our poor diets. All of these factors combine to cause a great deal of stress on our bodies and minds. Stress is often considered the leading cause of insomnia.
• Depressed: We work too much; we don’t eat right, and are under considerable amount of stress. Of course we are depressed. Depression is a very serious illness in its own right and insomnia is only one of the health issues caused by depression.
• Physical problems: Many of us suffer from one or more sleep apneas. These physical issues can often be relieved with medical help. These conditions can also be life threatening without our even knowing we have them. If you think you suffer from any of these issues you should consult a doctor immediately.
Our health depends on deep or REM sleep. We can’t function for long without it. Our bodies deteriorate and eventually fall ill. Our bodies rejuvenate and heal itself during deep sleep. It is also when we grow. It is essential to allow the mind to rest. We need to do all we can to eliminate insomnia triggers in our lives.