Why Cod Liver Oil is a Beneficial Food Supplement

The benefits of cod liver oil are due to the presence of Omega-3 fatty acids in the nutrient rich oil. It contains more Vitamin A and D per Unit Weight than any other food. The cod is a tasty fish with low level of fat and mild flavour. On the top of it, the fatty acids and vitamins present in it make it a perfect nutritional food.

How Cod Liver Oil Differs from Typical Fish Oils

Normally, fish oil is extracted by cooking the whole body of the fish. But, cod liver oil is prepared by cooking the liver of the cod fish and then by pressing it to extract the oil that has multiple health benefits. The oil is much healthier to human body than other oils because of the healthier element that it contains.

Let’s discuss about some of the benefits of Cod liver oil.

Prevents Heart Diseases

Cod liver oil has positive effects on the heart functions. It prevents the heart diseases and often treats the problems even in the advanced stage. The Omega-3 fatty acids present in the oil have healing effect. The combination of vitamin A,D and K along with fatty acids work to support elasticity of the blood vessels, enhance muscle functions and assist mineral absorption. According to a study it has been found that cod liver oil can reduce the size of the artery-blocking atheromas.

Contributes to the Brain Health

Omega-3 is an essential factor that enhances memory, immune response, stress response, brain function, allergy, asthma, behavioural disorder and learning. Cod liver oil, a rich source of elongated Omega-3 fatty acids, helps all the above functions. The oil is also effective in treating manic-depression and bipolar syndrome.

Strengthens the Bone

As it has been proved that cod liver oil is a rich source of vitamin D it is used as a preventive and remedy for rickets in children. Cod liver contributes to the bone health and helps in treating osteomalacia in adults. Adult women require larger amount of vitamin D to boost the bone mineral density and it can be found easily in the Cod liver oil. The high volume of elongated Omega-3 fatty acids present in Cod liver oil rebuilds the bone and maintains the bone health. Lack of vitamin D causes muscles pain and bone pain. Cod liver oil is rich in vitamin D and helps to reduce this problem. Cod liver oil is also an effective remedy for arthritis.

Effective for Pregnant Women and Infants

Pregnant women consuming cod liver oil gift their babies with low risk of type 1 diabetes. Cod liver oil enhances the level of vitamin A to check infection and fatty acids to support brain development.

Cod liver oil is effective in treating diabetes, blood pressure and some of the stress related diseases.

There are some drawbacks of taking cod liver oil. The contaminant such as pesticides and mercury present in the fish are harmful for our body. However, the fish oil extracted from the flesh of the fish is less harmful than the oil extracted from liver.

Cod liver oil is an essential dietary supplement, but make sure that you take it in correct dosage consulting your doctor.

by: John Robinson

Read Full Article...>>>

Hepatitis ( Indonesia Version)

Hepatitis adalah peradangan hati karena berbagai sebab. Hepatitis yang berlangsung kurang dari 6 bulan disebut "hepatitis akut", hepatitis yang berlangsung lebih dari 6 bulan disebut "hepatitis kronis".Penyebab Hepatitis biasanya terjadi karena...




virus, terutama salah satu dari kelima virus hepatitis, yaitu A, B, C, D atau E. Hepatitis juga bisa terjadi karena infeksi virus lainnya, seperti mononukleosis infeksiosa, demam kuning dan infeksi sitomegalovirus. Penyebab hepatitis non-virus yang utama adalah alkohol dan obat-obatan.
Jenis Virus Hepatitis
* Virus hepatitis A
Virus hepatitis A terutama menyebar melalui tinja. Penyebaran ini terjadi akibat buruknya tingkat kebersihan. Di negara-negara berkembang sering terjadi wabah yang penyebarannya terjadi melalui air dan makanan.

* Virus hepatitis B
Penularannya tidak semudah virus hepatitis A. Virus hepatitis B ditularkan melalui darah atau produk darah. Penularan biasanya terjadi diantara para pemakai obat yang menggunakan jarum suntik bersama-sama, atau diantara mitra seksual (baik heteroseksual maupun pria homoseksual).

Ibu hamil yang terinfeksi oleh hepatitis B bisa menularkan virus kepada bayi selama proses persalinan. Hepatitis B bisa ditularkan oleh orang sehat yang membawa virus hepatitis B. Di daerah Timur Jauh dan Afrika, beberapa kasus hepatitis B berkembang menjadi hepatitis menahun, sirosis dan kanker hati.

* Virus hepatitis C
Menyebabkan minimal 80% kasus hepatitis akibat transfusi darah. Virus hepatitis C ini paling sering ditularkan melalui pemakai obat yang menggunakan jarum bersama-sama. Jarang terjadi penularan melalui hubungan seksual. Untuk alasan yang masih belum jelas, penderita "penyakit hati alkoholik" seringkali menderita hepatitis C.

* Virus hepatitis D
Hanya terjadi sebagai rekan-infeksi dari virus hepatitis B dan virus hepatitis D ini menyebabkan infeksi hepatitis B menjadi lebih berat. Yang memiliki resiko tinggi terhadap virus ini adalah pecandu obat.

* Virus hepatitis E
Virus hepatitis E kadang menyebabkan wabah yang menyerupai hepatitis A, yang hanya terjadi di negara-negara terbelakang.

* Virus hepatitis G
Jenis baru dari virus hepatitis yang telah terdeteksi baru-baru ini.

Virus-virus lain yang dapat menyebabkan hepatitis :

* Virus Mumps
* Virus Rubella
* Virus Cytomegalovirus
* Virus Epstein-Barr
* Virus Herpes

Pengobatan

* Calcium I + Cordyceps, cara pemakaian :
o pagi hari (1 jam setelah makan pagi) 2 kapsul Cordyceps
o siang hari (setelah makan siang) 1 sachet Calcium I + 2 kapsul Cordyceps (1 jam setelah minum Calcium I)
o sore/malam hari (setelah makan malam) 2 kapsul Cordyceps
* Calcium I + Cordyceps + Zinc (Jika komposisi Calcium I + Cordyceps saja belum cukup), Cara pemakaian :
o pagi hari (1 jam setelah makan pagi) 2 kapsul Cordyceps + 2 kapsul Zinc
o siang hari (setelah makan siang) 1 sachet Calcium I + 2 kapsul Cordyceps (1 jam setelah minum Calcium I) + 2 kapsul Zinc
o sore/malam hari (setelah makan malam) 2 kapsul Cordyceps + 2 kapsul Zinc
* Cordyceps (paket hemat), Cara pemakaian 2 - 3 kapsul Cordyceps setiap habis makan

http://id.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hepatitis
Read Full Article...>>>

Hepatitis A - How You Get it and What it Does to Your Body

Definition of Hepatitis

Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver, which is caused by viruses, medications and toxic agents. Currently, at least five (5) forms of viral hepatitis are recognized which in this article we will learn about Hepatitis A, how it spreads and how to prevent infection.
How hepatitis spreads




Hepatitis A (HAV) is spread primarily by oral contact with feces of an infected person (oral-fecal contact), including contaminated food or water sources, and any sexual contact, especially oral-anal sex.

Hepatitis A easily spreads among young children in kindergartens and day cares as many cannot wash their own hands and are in diapers and since children normally have no symptoms, no one may know that they might be infected.

On rare occasions hepatitis A has been spread through blood transfusion, using blood products or sharing personal tools and equipments specially sharing needles or other injecting equipment which is contaminated with hepatitis A infected blood.

Transmission by blood rarely happens because the virus cannot stay present for long. As it enters the blood onset of infection occurs.

Symptoms of Hepatitis

Since hepatitis A is an acute disease, it produces an initial acute phase with few symptoms. If any symptom is realized, they tend to be similar to flu like symptoms:

- muscle or joint aches
- mild fever
- vomiting
- nausea
- slight abdominal pain
- loss of appetite
- fatigue
- diarrhea

The acute phases and their symptoms are rarely serious or fatal, but occasionally a rapidly progressing form may lead to death.

Gradually the conditions worsen and theses symptoms are experienced:

- jaundice (yellowed skin, mucous membranes and eye-whites)
- light colored stools that may contain pus
- dark urine
- itching
- hives

The types of hepatitis are then distinguished by the course of the hepatitis and the varied outcome after the acute phase.

Prevention of Hepatitis

To prevent hepatitis A, always remember to the following:

Sexual Prevention:

- do not get involved in a sexual intercourse.
- commit to mutual monogamy (having sex with only one uninfected partner).
- Cut up non lubricated latex condoms or use of any moisture barriers, for example household plastic wrap or dams (square piece of latex) can help reduce the risk of transmitting Hepatitis A virus during oral-anal sex.

Non-Sexual Prevention:

- Avoid sharing drug-injection equipment especially drug needles.
- Avoid contaminated water or food sources. Only eat freshly prepared foods. drink commercially bottled or well boiled water, that too in places where water supply and sanitation are healthy and don't eat non-peeled raw vegetables or fruits unless cleaned properly.
- Do practice good personal hygiene, especially washing hands after using the toilet or changing any diapers or sanitary pads.
- To inactivate hepatitis A virus, heat the food at temperatures above 85 degrees Celsius for 1 minute or disinfect the surfaces with a 1:100 dilution of bleach in tap water (1 part bleach for every 100 parts of water).
- It is very important for you to take a 'hepatitis A vaccination' before you travel to areas like Eastern Europe, Mexico, and other developing countries.

To Your Health!

by: James S. Pendergraft

Read Full Article...>>>

Hepatitis C - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Hepatitis C is an infection which is passed on through blood. It even transfers due to partaking of spoons, tainted needles and sieves used to infuse street drugs.
Causes of Hepatitis C:




Passing on of Hepatitis C from the mother to the baby, there is a possibility of the infection been passed on from the mother who suffers from Hepatitis C to be passed on to the newborn, but in this case the chances are very few. Sharing of razors, toothbrushes and scissors: there are chances of hepatitis C being transferred by the sharing of these things and also unsterilized body piercing or tattooing equipment.

In case you have received any blood donated before the September of the year 1991 as the blood which was donated at that time was hepatitis C positive and people have been diagnosed by hepatitis C.

Hepatitis C can also be transmitted through bodily fluids. This is possible in case of sexual intercourse, the risk in this case is perpetual, in case you fear that either of you could be diagnosed by hepatitis C it is advisable to get it verified. There are chances of hepatitis C being positive in case you get punctured accidentally by a needle. Abroad blood transfusions are common, in case the equipment is not well sterilized well; there are chances of hepatitis C being transferred. But hepatitis C is not transmitted by coming in contact with people, like by kissing, sharing of utensils, hugging and from toilet seats.

Symptoms of Hepatitis C:

Commonly people are not affected by the disease initially. There are chances that symptoms like flu, pain in the joints, fatigue, appetite going down and also vomiting sensation may be experienced, all this after about a week of being infected. In about one out of five cases that are diagnosed with hepatitis C, the immune system would resolve the virus from the system in about six months.

However, in some cases of chronic hepatitis C, the virus is active for many years; and even then there are no indications for years together. Although there are no symptoms, the virus can be transmitted by them to others. In a few cases the liver of the sufferer is not affected and he or she is living a normal life. But in chronic cases, there is damage to the liver and the symptoms are, tiredness, loss of weight, liver pain, aching muscles, nausea and jaundice in which the skin and the white part of the eye turns yellow in color.

Treatments of Hepatitis C:

There is no vaccine made till date in order to help you stay against or even recover from hepatitis C. But there are treatments which help in clearing the virus. The treatment for hepatitis C is an amalgamation of two drugs, ribavirin and interferon. In case the treatment doesn't clean up the virus, it at least slows down the damage and inflammation in the liver. The medications which are given for hepatitis C cause a lot of side effects.

by: James S. Pendergraft

Read Full Article...>>>

The Hepatitis B Virus

Hepatitis B is what we used to originally known as just simply serum hepatitis. Hep B has been recognized as this new name since World War II. The virus is responsible for current epidemics in parts of Asia and Africa. Recognized as endemic in China and various other parts of Asia, the Hepatitis B virus has infected over one third of the world's current population.




Hepatitis B is in the Hepadnavirus family. Meaning that it consists of a proteinaceous core particle that has the viral genome inside of it in the form of double stranded DNA. It also has an outside lipid-based envelope that contains embedded proteins. These envelope proteins on the outside are involved in viral binding and release into susceptible cells. Where as the inner capsid refinds the DNA genome to a cell's nucleus where it transcribes viral mRNAs. Although HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, and Hepatitus are not related they are both viruses that use reverse transcription process. This also include HTLV. Hepatitis B's genome is DNA, and reverse transcription is one of the latter steps of the entire process which results in making new viral particles. HIV on the other hand has an RNA genome and reverse transcription is one of the first steps in replication of the virus.

Hepatitis B is most commonly transmitted through direct exposure to bodily fluids that contain the virus. This is a wide category but in most cases includes:

- Re-using contaminated needles and syringes

- Uncleanly Blood transfusions

- Unprotected sexual contact

- Direct transmission from mother to child during childbirth

The dominant mode of transmission depends largely on the prevalence of the disease in a given area. For example if areas such as North America drug abuse and unprotected sex are the primary mode of infection. Where as in areas such as such as China where http://www.hepatitis-b-spot.com Hepatitis B is very prevalent, the vertical transmission(mother to child) is the most common. A mother who is positive for the Hepatitis B surface virus has a 20% risk of passing the infection to her offspring during birth. That percentage can rise to as high as 90% if the mother is also infected with the hepatitis B e antigen.

The older a person is at the time of infection, the greater the risk that their body will not clear the infection. Hepatitis B infection can lead to a permanent inflammation of the liver, the result of this inflammation leads cirrhosis. These affects largely increase the likelyhood of developing liver cancer.
by: Ryan Fyfe
Read Full Article...>>>

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. Toxins, certain drugs, some diseases, heavy alcohol use, and bacterial and viral infections can all cause hepatitis. Hepatitis is also the name of a family of viral infections that affect the liver; the most common types in the United States are hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.




Hepatitis C is a contagious liver disease that results from infection with the hepatitis C virus. It can range in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious, lifelong illness. Hepatitis C is usually spread when blood from a person infected with the hepatitis C virus enters the body of someone who is not infected. Most people become infected with the hepatitis C virus by sharing needles or other equipment to inject drugs.

Hepatitis C can be either “acute” or “chronic.” Acute hepatitis C virus infection is a short-term illness that occurs within the first 6 months after someone is exposed to the hepatitis C virus. For most people, acute infection leads to chronic infection. Chronic hepatitis C is a serious disease than can result in long-term health problems, or even death.

There is no vaccine for hepatitis C. The best way to prevent hepatitis C is by avoiding behaviors that can spread the disease, especially injection drug use.
http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/HepatitisC.htm
Read Full Article...>>>

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. Toxins, certain drugs, some diseases, heavy alcohol use, and bacterial and viral infections can all cause hepatitis. Hepatitis is also the name of a family of viral infections that affect the liver; the most common types in the United States are hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.




Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease that results from infection with the hepatitis A virus. It can range in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a severe illness lasting several months. Hepatitis A is usually spread when a person ingests fecal matter — even in microscopic amounts — from contact with objects, food, or drinks contaminated by the feces or stool of an infected person.

The best way to prevent hepatitis A is by getting vaccinated.
http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/HepatitisA.htm

Read Full Article...>>>

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. Toxins, certain drugs, some diseases, heavy alcohol use, and bacterial and viral infections can all cause hepatitis. Hepatitis is also the name of a family of viral infections that affect the liver; the most common types in the United States are hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.




Hepatitis B is a contagious liver disease that results from infection with the hepatitis B virus. It can range in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious, lifelong illness. Hepatitis B is usually spread when blood, semen, or another body fluid from a person infected with the hepatitis B virus enters the body of someone who is not infected. This can happen through sexual contact with an infected person or sharing needles, syringes, or other drug-injection equipment. Hepatitis B can also be passed from an infected mother to her baby at birth.

Hepatitis B can be either acute or chronic. Acute hepatitis B virus infection is a short-term illness that occurs within the first 6 months after someone is exposed to the hepatitis B virus. Acute infection can — but does not always — lead to chronic infection. Chronic hepatitis B virus infection is a long-term illness that occurs when the hepatitis B virus remains in a person’s body. Chronic hepatitis B is a serious disease that can result in long-term health problems, and even death.

The best way to prevent hepatitis B is by getting vaccinated.
http://www.cdc.gov

Read Full Article...>>>

Understanding Liver Dump or Dawn Phenomenon in Diabetes

Understanding Liver Dump or Dawn Phenomenon in Diabetes

Liver dump, dawn phenomenon and dawn effect are all common terms that describe the same condition. It is an abnormally high early-morning fasting increase in blood glucose. It usually occurs between 4:00 AM and 8:00 AM. It occurs in everyone's body, but it has more impact on diabetics than normal bodies. It is more common in people with type I diabetes than in people with type II diabetes. Understanding the phenomenon can...

go a long way towards helping diabetics manage it.

The liver is responsible for the increase in glucose levels in the bloodstream. The brain, vital organs, the creation of red blood cells, and muscle tissue are constantly consuming glucose to function (24 hours per day). When the glucose levels in the bloodstream drop, the brain sends a message, via hormones, to release more glucose. At the same time, these same hormones signal the pancreas to reduce the amount of insulin that is produced and released into the bloodstream. In a normal body, the balance of glucose and insulin levels will be regulated. However, diabetics have an impaired control over this balance. Type I diabetics and insulin-dependent type II diabetics do not produce, either enough or, any insulin. The insulin in their system is dependent upon periodic injections. When the hormone insulin is out of balance with the other hormones (cotisol, glucagon and epinephrine), the liver will release too much glucose.

Also, as the result of normal hormonal changes. The body's internal clock recognizes that it is morning, and the wake-up process begins. The hormones cause the increase in blood glucose levels. No one actually knows what the exact cause of the phenomenon is, but many believe that it is increases in the hormones cortisol, glucagon and epinephrine, that causes increases in insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is a breakdown in cellular communication, resulting in reduced amounts of insulin attaching to cell membranes, which, in turn, results in the cells not taking glucose in to burn as energy. Insulin resistance is the primary cause of elevated blood glucose levels. Also, while sleeping, the body carries out a process called gluconeogenesis. During gluconeogenesis, the body converts amino acids into glucose. Like the release of stored glycogen the creation of glucose from amino acids occurs in response to hormonal signals. The body, during sleep, responds to signals from several different glands. The pituitary gland produces a growth hormone. The adrenal cortex produces cortisol. The alpha cells in the pancreas make glucagons. The outer layer of the adrenal gland sends out epinephrine. Those hormones raise the blood glucose level. There are specific methods that can be applied to determine if a patient has the liver dump phenomenon.

There are other possible causes of the dawn phenomenon. Insufficient amounts of insulin taken, or incorrect medication amounts taken the night before, may result in increases in blood glucose levels. High glycemic index foods (certain carbohydrates), can cause an increase in morning glucose levels, especially if eaten just before bed time. The only currently known way to determine if the phenomenon exists, is to take blood glucose readings periodically throughout the night. High glucose readings throughout the night will signify if there are other causes, and eliminate the possibility that the patient has the phenomenon. If the patient displays high readings throughout the night, it may not necessarily mean that the phenomenon does not exist. The other possible causes should be eliminated, such as the type of snacks eaten before bed, incorrect medication administration, changes in medications, and possible incorrect settings on an insulin pump if one is used. Particularly the early morning dosages settings. A diet that is high in sodium will stimulate insulin and promote hypoglycemia. A diet that is low in sodium can promote hyperglycemia.

In some cases (not commonly), the phenomenon may be the result of a rebound from a low blood glucose level that has occurred during the night. This is commonly referred to as the Somogyi effect. The dawn phenomenon, unlike the Somogyi effect, it is not the result of antecedent (preceded by) hypoglycemia; they are not the same condition. The insulin taken the night before may be wearing off, which is usually due to too low of a dosage. However, larger dosages may easily cause hypoglycemia during the night. Only experimentation with food types and dosage amounts will tell what the overall effect will be.

Carbohydrate blockers, such as PGX, are known to have a drastic effect on morning glucose levels. Another possible remedy may be to increase the amount of water-soluble fiber in the diet, particularly in the evening meal. Some studies have shown that a green apple eaten as a nighttime snack is effective, because the body digests green apples slower than other apple types. Mostly due to the fact that Granny Smith apples are less ripe than others.. However. those that have been diagnosed as having the dawn phenomenon, sometimes will not show any change. Nuts (or other proteins and fats) are a good choice for a late night snack. Unfortunately, late night snacks can encourage the packing-on of extra pounds.

The practice of taking a dosage of vinegar or acidic products before bed does show a reduction in the morning blood sugars on most people. Unfortunately, the body cannot handle large increases in blood pH, without leaching calcium from the bones. This can prove to be a dangerous practice, especially for women and older diabetics. Vinegar tablets are lower in dosage, and a bit slower in conversion, which can reduce the risk to some extent. However, most of the recommended dosages are as high as six tablets which can cause the same effect. Also, acids promote the increase in fat cells, as the body attempts to eliminate the acids by placing them in fat storage.

Diabetics that have the dawn phenomenon do not have any symptoms that are associated with it. Nocturnal hypoglycemia (low blood sugars), followed by morning hyperglycemia (high blood sugars) for several nights is an indication of the Somogyi effect. It may be necessary to get help from a doctor to resolve it, because most cases are the result of medications that are mismatched to the patient's needs. Metformin, a generic form of a diabetic oral medication (Glucophage), is known to curb glucose production by the liver, which makes it a good candidate for patients that have the dawn phenomenon. Metformin also encourages the insulin bonding to cell membranes, which reduces insulin resistance. Diabetics that take these oral medications rarely experience the dawn phenomenon.

While all diabetics should exercise, the timing of doing the exercises may impact the rebound effect of nighttime hypoglycemia. It may be necessary to exercise as early in the day as possible to avoid the rebound effect. Exercise can stimulate the metabolism to be elevated for several hours after exercise.

How long the patient has been diabetic; the quality of the patient's glycemic control; sleep disorders; exercise; nighttime snacks (especially carbohydrates); high or low sodium in the diet; the state of counter-regulation to hypoglycemia; and the patient's insulin sensitivity all can contribute to the dawn phenomenon. Start by experimenting with nighttime snacks. Switch to proteins such as nuts. Or, stop the nighttime snacks altogether. Make small adjustments to insulin levels and give the change several days to function. Have a doctor test the metabolic rate. Carefully monitor the amounts of sodium in the diet. If sodium is a part of the diet, it should be sea salt. Insulin resistance is caused by belly fat. It may be necessary to eliminate excess weight to eliminate insulin resistance, and improve sleep patterns. Determining if a patient has the dawn phenomenon, can require the help of a doctor if medications are responsible for the problem.
by: Thomas Nelson
Read Full Article...>>>