WHY ALCOHOL MAKES YOU PEE MORE

Alcohol is a diuretic. This means that it promotes the loss of water through urine. It is achieved by preventing the body from releasing a hormone commonly known as vasopressin.

Vasopressin plays a vital role in the regulation of water excretion.

It is vasopressin that directs your kidneys to reabsorb water if it is needed by your body instead of passing it out through the bladder as urine.

With this important signal switched off, urine fills your bladder which is then excreted when you go to the toilet.

Generally, alcohol makes us pee more frequently. This often leads to dehydration if the fluids leaving our bodies through urine are not replaced. It is important, therefore, to replace the lost fluids by drinking plenty of water.

The signs of dehydration include feeling lightheaded, dizzy, tiredness, feeling thirsty, passing strong-smelling pee, and experiencing dry mouth.

If you want to avoid the diuretic effects of alcohol, the best remedy is to avoid drinking it altogether.

Sources and Benefits of Vitamin C

Vitamin C is also known as Ascorbic Acid.

Vitamin C plays important roles in our bodies such as:

  • Fostering the growth, development and repair of all our body tissues
  • Helping in wound  healing, absorption of iron, formation of collagen, and the maintenance of teeth, bones and cartilages
  • Offers protection against cardiovascular diseases, immune system deficiencies, eye disease, prenatal health problems, and skin wrinkling
  • Maintaining healthy blood vessels
  • Acts as a powerful antioxidant thus protecting our bodies against toxic molecules that are commonly referred to as free radicals. When these free radicals build up, they contribute to the development of serious health conditions such as arthritis, heart diseases and cancer.

Sources of vitamin C

This super-nutrient is commonly found in a wide variety of fruits and vegetables.

  • Peppers
  • Citrus fruit such as oranges and lemons
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Tomatoes
  • Cantaloupe
  • Papaya
  • Mango
  • Watermelon
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Cabbage
  • Cauliflower
  • Raspberries
  • Blueberries
  • pineapples
  • Broccoli
  • Potatoes
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Blackcurrants
  • Strawberries
  • Winter squash

Although relatively rare, vitamin C deficiency in our bodies often leads to scurvy. Some of the notable characteristics of scurvy include body weakness, bleeding, bruising and loose teeth.

Scurvy can be prevented by eating foods rich in vitamin C or taking it as a supplement.

9 symptoms of pneumonia in children

Pneumonia is a respiratory infection that affects the lungs. The disease can be serious or mild, and it is prevalent in children who are younger than 5 years.

Pneumonia is mostly caused by viruses, fungi or bacteria. Some of these pathogens are spread through direct contact with a person who is already infected.

Your lungs comprise of small sacs of air known as alveoli. During breathing, the alveoli get filled with air. When infected with pneumonia, pus and fluid fill the alveoli. In effect, this makes breathing painful and it can also limit your oxygen limit.

According to World Health Organization, pneumonia is currently the the leading killer of children under 5 years.

Although notable strides have been made towards reducing child mortality related to this illness, it still accounts for one-fifths of deaths globally.

To reduce the chances of children getting pneumonia, children should not be exposed to second hand tobacco smoke.

Also, research has shown that with simple interventions such as timely treatment and administering the right medications, pneumonia can be greatly reduced in children under the age of 5 years.

The most common bacteria and viruses that can cause pneumonia include:

  • Group B Streptococcus
  • Mycoplasma pneumonia
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae
  • Staphylococcus aureus
  • Parainfluenza virus
  • Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
  • Adenovirus
  • Influenza virus

Symptoms of pneumonia may differ from one child to another. However, some of the common symptoms include:

  • Cough pain
  • Cough that produces mucus
  • Diarrhea or vomiting
  • Fever
  • Loss of appetite
  • Tiredness
  • Chills
  • Headache
  • Fast breathing

It is important to contact your doctor right away for a thorough diagnosis if your child is showing any of these symptoms.

Your Stunning Red Blood Cells

Red blood cells, also named erythrocytes, are the most common type of cells present in your bloodstream, and they are responsible for giving the blood its distinct red color.

 

A single drop of your blood contains millions of red blood cells. When you examine them through a microscope, the cells ordinarily resemble a doughnut with a depressed center instead of a hole.

 

Hemoglobin is a protein existing inside the red blood cells and its core function is to carry oxygen.

 

Hundreds of millions of hemoglobin molecules are packed in each cell. Hemoglobin molecules are beautiful spherical structures that are made up of roughly 10,000 hydrogen, nitrogen, carbon, sulfur and oxygen atoms.

 

This is in addition to the four atoms of iron, which afford the blood its oxygen carrying abilities.

 

Hemoglobin eases the transport of carbon dioxide from body tissues to the lungs. Carbon dioxide is a waste product of metabolism, and it is in the lungs where it is gotten rid of.

 

Another part of the red blood cell that is very significant is the skin, which is widely known as the membrane.

 

The membrane is a fantastic covering that makes it easy for the cells to stretch into thin shapes so as to pass through your body’s tiniest blood vessels hence sustaining every part of your body.

 

The manufacture of the red blood cells takes place in the bone marrow. Once a newly produced cell enters your bloodstream, it can circulate through your heart and body more than 100,000 times.

 

Unlike other body cells, the red blood cells do not have a nucleus. Lack of nucleus provides the cells with enough space to transport oxygen and also makes the cells lighter.

 

Lack of nucleus ensures that the amount of oxygen required by the cell for its own metabolic purposes is very low.

 

Therefore, most of the oxygen carried by the cell is freed into the body tissues. This is what makes your heart capable of pumping trillions of red blood cells throughout your body.

 

However, their lack of nucleus makes them unable to renew their internal parts. Therefore, after every 120 days, the red blood cells begin to deteriorate and lose their elasticity.

 

Phagocytes are large white blood cells that ingest these worn out cells. After consuming them, the phagocytes are known to spit out the iron atoms.

 

The iron atoms then attach themselves to the transport molecules, which take them to the bone marrow where they are used again in the formation of new red cells.

 

Did you know that if your trillions of red blood cells were to stop functioning all at once, you would die within a short time?

 

It is, therefore, important to maintain healthy red cells. Eating vitamins help build healthy red blood cells.

 

These include eating vitamin E that is found in foods such as nuts, seeds, dark green vegetables, avocados, and mangoes; vitamin B2, B3, and B12 which are found in foods such as whole grains, eggs and bananas; and folate, which is present in lentils, dried beans, orange juice, fortified cereals and green leafy vegetables.

 

Unfortunately, many people do not think about taking good care of their red blood cells unless they have ailments that affect these cells.

 

Various diseases that afflict the red blood cells are mainly due to lack of vitamins or iron in your diet. Additionally, some diseases of the red blood cells are inherited.

 

Diseases of the red blood cells include numerous types of anemia, a condition that arises due to the presence of too few red cells in the blood. This makes it hard for them to carry enough oxygen throughout the body.

 

Individuals suffering from anemia may have red blood cells possessing unusual shape, or that may look normal, bigger than normal or sometimes smaller than normal.

 

Symptoms of anemia include irregular heartbeat, tiredness, pale skin, feeling cold and in extreme cases heart failure.

 

Children with low levels of healthy red blood cells usually develop slower than other children. These symptoms show how important red blood cells are to your daily life.

 

You should, therefore, take appropriate measures to ensure that your red blood cells remain healthy.

 

 

 

References

  1. https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/red-blood-cell
  2. https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-increase-red-blood-cells
  3. https://www.healthline.com/health/rbc-count#symptoms-ofan-abnormal-count

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Learn More About the Anatomy of a Human Tooth

 

The human teeth primary function is to break down food in preparation for swallowing and eventual digestion. The human teeth are of four types:

. Incisors

. Canines

. Molars

. Premolars

 

Every type of teeth performs different functions. The main duty of the incisors is to cut food. Canines tear the food while the molars and the premolars crush the food. The roots of the teeth are embedded in the upper jaw and the lower jaw and are covered by the gums. The teeth are made up of layers of tissues that have varying density and hardness:

 

Crown

Crown is the uppermost part of the tooth and it is the only part that is visible. The shape of a crown greatly determines a tooth’s function. For example, the teeth that are situated at the front are chisel-shaped and sharp for cutting while the flat surface of molars makes them suitable for grinding food.

 

Enamel

Enamel is the outer part of the teeth, and it is made up of calcium phosphate. The calcium phosphate is a rock hard mineral that makes the outermost part of the teeth very strong. If not taken care of, the enamel can be easily damaged through decay.

 

Dentin

Dentin is the layer of the teeth that comes just below the enamel. When decay of a tooth has progressed through the enamel, it attacks the dentin. The dentin is made up of living cells that secrete the enamel. Dentin is softer by nature when compared to enamel; therefore, it is capable of decaying more rapidly if not immediately treated. The main function of the dentin is to act as a protective layer and support the crown. Dentin is secreted by cells known as odontoblasts that are found in the dental pulp.

 

Pulp

The pulp is the soft tissue that is found in the center of the teeth. It’s in the center of the teeth where the nerve tissues and blood vessels are located. When the tooth decay has reached the pulp, a person usually feels a lot of pain.

 

Root

Root is the part of a tooth that is embedded into a bone. The root holds the tooth in place and it is about two-thirds of the tooth.

 

Gum line

Gum line is found where the tooth and the gums meet. The gum line needs to be brushed and flossed regularly to avoid build-up of plaque and tartar. The buildup of these materials leads to gum disease and gingivitis.

 

Proper oral care is paramount for healthy teeth. Practicing these dental habits will ensure that you have excellent dental health:

. Taking care of the toothbrush

The toothbrush should be rinsed well after use and placed in an upright position for it to dry. According to the American Dental Association, a toothbrush should be replaced after using it for three months.

 

. Tongue brushing

Brushing your tongue will assist in fighting bacteria in the mouth.

 

. Visit a dentist

Visiting your dentist on a regular basis for checkups is vital in keeping the teeth healthy.

 

. Fluoride therapy

Fluoride therapy is recommended to protect the teeth against dental caries. The fluoride that is made available to the teeth through fluoride therapy makes the enamel resistant to demineralization hence more resistant to decay.

 

References

1.  http://www.uky.edu/~brmacp/oralhist/module4/lecture/oh4lect.htm

2.  https://www.britannica.com/science/tooth-anatomy

 

 

IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT EYE DISORDERS YOU SHOULD KNOW

 

Most eye disorders do not manifest early symptoms. Sometimes they are painless, and a person may see no difference in vision until the disease has become quite advanced.

 

The best way to guard your eyes is by having a regular checkup. Any unfamiliar development in your eyes should be reported to the doctor.

 

The most common vision problems include refractive errors. Refractive errors comprise of farsightedness, nearsightedness, presbyopia, and astigmatism.

 

Refractive errors do occur when the shape of the eye hinder the light from focusing directly on the retina. The length of eyeball changes according to the form of the cornea.

 

Refraction refers to the bending of light that happens when it passes from one object to another. People see clearly with their eyes when the light rays are bent as they pass the cornea and the lens.

 

When the light is converged on the retina, the retina converts the rays into information which is then sent within the optic nerve to the brain. The brain then performs the work of interpreting the messages into the images we see.

 

Types of refractive errors

  1. Nearsightedness: This condition is also referred to as myopia. Myopia occurs when an individual sees the nearby objects clearly, but the distant objects seem blurry. In nearsightedness, the light comes into focus in front of the retina instead of being focused on the retina.

 

  1. Farsightedness: This ailment is also named hyperopia. It is a general refractive error that makes the distant objects visible, but the near object appears blurred. This condition, however, affects different people differently. Some individuals are incapable of noticing any problem with their vision when they are young. To those individuals with notable farsightedness, vision becomes blurry for objects located at any distance, whether near or far.

 

  1. Astigmatism: This condition makes the eye incapable of focusing light evenly onto the retina. The retina is the light-sensitive tissue located at the back of the eye. Astigmatism makes the images appear stretched out and blurry.

 

  1. Presbyopia: This condition is age-related, and it makes the eye’s ability to focus difficult. During advanced age, the eye becomes unable to change shape enough to make it possible to view the nearby objects. Presbyopia mostly affects adults who are above the age of 35. Other refractive errors do affect both adults and children. People who have their parents or other family members with refractive errors are more likely to get either one or more of these illnesses.

 

Symptoms of refractive errors

The most common symptom of refractive errors is blurred vision. Other symptoms comprise of haziness, squinting, double vision, headache, eyestrain, and glare.

 

Professionals perform diagnosis of refractive errors during a comprehensive dilated eye examination.

 

Many people with these errors are known to visit eye care professionals with complaints about ocular discomfort or blurred vision. The doctor uses eyeglasses, surgery or contact lenses to correct these refractive errors.

 

Low vision

Individuals with low vision do not get assistance by using eyeglasses, contact lenses, surgery or medicine.

 

People affected by poor vision find it hard to perform the routine daily chores like cooking, shopping reading, writing and watching television. Most of the Americans are known to lose their sight every year due to this condition.

 

Conditions that may lead to low vision include age-related macular degeneration, bulging eyes, cataracts, CMV Retinitis, color blindness, crossed eyes, diabetic macular edema, glaucoma, eye floaters and eye flashes, keratoconus, lazy eyes, ocular high blood pressure, uveitis and retinal detachment.

Irrespective of the cause, when vision is lost it cannot be restored. However, it is possible to manage the condition through proper treatment and vision rehabilitation.

 

People with low vision are unable to recognize the faces of family members and friends. They also find it difficult to read, cook, or perform the usual daily chores. These are usually the early warning signs of low vision.

 

If you find it difficult to accomplish the things you used to do or experience blurred vision, you should consult an eye professional immediately.

 

Diagnosis of eye disorders

Various tests are used to diagnose eye disorders:

  1. Angiography

Angiography of the eye involves injecting the eye with dyes to make the blood vessels of the eye more visible. This makes it simpler for the doctor to photograph or examine them.

 

  1. Electroretinography

Electroretinography makes it possible for the doctor to examine the light sensing cells located in the retina. This procedure is useful in evaluating diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa.

 

  1. Ultrasonography

During this procedure, a probe is placed against a closed eyelid to bounce sound waves off the eyeball. The reflected sound waves then produce an image showing the inside of the eye. Ultrasonography is useful in determining the nature of unusual structures inside the eye.

 

  1. Optical Coherence Tomography

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) makes available high-resolution images showing the structures that are located on the posterior side of the eye such as the retina, vitreous humor, and choroid. This method is useful in checking if the retina is swollen.

 

  1. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging

These imaging techniques are helpful in providing detailed information about an eye’s orbit and structures inside the eye. These techniques evaluate eye injuries, tumors, and optic neuritis.

 

Treatment options

Treatment options depend on diagnosis, but it mainly comprises of medical therapies and botulinum toxin injections. The injections are administered to stop muscle spasm for disorders such as hemifacial spasm.

 

Surgery is also performed by specialists to restore straight eye alignment. Laser surgery is done to treat some vision disorders. Many surgical procedures are done in an outpatient setting, without the patient having to spend a night in the hospital.

 

Prevention

Several ways are useful in preventing vision disorders:

  1. Eat right: Eating the right foods including fruits and vegetables is helpful to the eyes.
  2. Maintain a healthy weight: Excessive weight increases the risk of diseases such as diabetes that can harm vision.
  3. Wear protective eyewear: Always protect your eyes by wearing protective gear especially when working, doing sports or other home improvement activities.
  4. Wear sunglasses: Sunglasses protect the eyes from sun damage.
  5. Quit smoking: Many of the eye diseases have been linked to smoking.
  6. Wash hands. Always wash hands thoroughly beforeA putting in the contact lenses to avoid infections.

 

 

 

 

 

 

References

  1. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/a-z
  2. https://www.med.unc.edu/ophth/for-patients/Eye-Diseases-and-Disorders

Find Out the Amazing Treatments for Degenerative Disc Disease

 

Degenerative disc disease is used to refer to the typical changes of spinal disc that affect people as they start to age. This condition can begin as early as 30’s or 40’s. These changes usually cause long-lasting neck pain or low back pain.

 

Although the condition can cause significant discomfort to the affected individual, the good news is that the pain is manageable.

 

Usually, when a person is young, the discs facilitate bending, flexion, and twisting.

 

As a person ages, the discs shrink and begin to lose their stiffness. Although aged individuals can show some signs of disc deterioration, not all elderly persons encounter back pain. The area in the body that is mostly affected by degenerative disc disease is the lumbar region (lower back) and the cervical region (neck region). These are the regions of the spine that experience most movements.

 

The discs function as shock absorbers of the spine. When the discs dry out due to age, it becomes difficult for them to absorb shock as required.  The wear and tear on the outer part of the disc as a result of routine work can also contribute to their degeneration.

 

Moreover, injuries to the spine can lead to soreness, swelling, and instability.

 

The disease can show itself through pain on the lower back, sharp pain when seated, numbness, tingling, neck pain that may spread to hands, and weak leg muscles.

 

Numbness is as a result of the inflamed disc compressing a nerve or the spinal cord.

Weakness in the leg or arm is also caused by compressing the spinal cord or the nerves.

 

To correctly diagnose degenerative disc disease, an examination is done by a qualified and experienced health professional. The doctor will query the circumstances that led to the pain.

 

An MRI scan can be performed to show the extent of the disc damage. Other diagnostic tests include an x-ray of the spine, computed tomography (CT) scan, and electromyography (EMG) and Electrophysiological testing.

 

Treatment of degenerative disc disease usually includes regular physical exercises. The exercises are done to enhance the flexibility and strength of the muscles supporting the spine.

 

Proper exercises boost the blood supply to the back region of the body, therefore, providing vital nourishment to the muscles and joints. Nourishment of the tissues enables the body to get rid of waste products that may cause inflammation.

 

Additionally, body massage, when combined with physical exercises, can take pressure off sensitive neurological tissues. This reduces muscle tension in those areas. This procedure is vital in restoring blood flow to the affected areas and also assisting in creating chemical reactions in the body that act as natural painkillers.

 

Other treatment options of disc degeneration involve spinal mobilization, heat and cold therapy, surgery, ultrasound, epidural injection, and medications.

 

Lifestyle changes such as weight loss are known to slow down the progression of the condition hence alleviating its symptoms. Most of the people who are affected by degenerative disc disease do not require surgery at all.

 

However, it is important to note that when this condition is left untreated, it can lead to other complications such as cervical spinal stenosis and myelopathy (spinal cord damage), herniated disc and lumbar spinal stenosis.

 

References

    1. https://www.spine-health.com/conditions/degenerative-disc-disease/what-degenerative-disc-disease
    2. https://www.webmd.com/back-pain/tc/degenerative-disc-disease-topic-overview#1

 

 

 

5 Ways to Prepare for Your First Childbirth

Before welcoming a newborn into your home, there are numerous ways in which you can prepare for the baby’s arrival.

 

It is important that you prepare financially to cater for the child’s needs such as clothing, shelter, and food.

 

The home should also be equipped with furniture appropriate for the child. There are five ways to prepare for your first childbirth:

1. Financial preparation
Financial preparation involves checking whether your child will be included in the health insurance. If the baby is not covered, you should take the appropriate measures to modify the plan.

 

It is also necessary to decide if you should stay at home to take care of the baby or you should continue working. If the cost of the child care is comparable to your wages or the salary that your partner is earning, it is advisable to let one of you stay at home to raise the baby.

 

2. Preparing your home
You should  make a new room in your home for the baby. This is because the child will need his room either for living or playing. You can achieve this by clearing out your home office or making a spare bedroom.

 

Space should be created in the kitchen cabinets for storing baby food, bottles, or other items that your child will need. You should also obtain various equipment that your child will need like highchairs, bottles, car seat, diapers, beds, toys or a desk to complete school work.

 

3. Preparing for delivery of the newborn
The preparation for the baby’s delivery involves attending classes that will teach you how to breathe during labor, how to breastfeed, or how to handle your newborn baby.

 

You should speak to your health care provider to get referrals for the kind of classes you should take. You should also pack essential items that are required during the birthing process such as extra clothing for changing, cameras and other personal items.

 

4. Keep essential contact information
To prevent issues of medical malpractice, it is crucial to have contact information for a doctor or health provider whom you trust.

 

You can use these contacts to get clarifications if you or your partner have any questions during pregnancy or the birthing process.

 

5. Seek help
During the first postpartum weeks, extra assistance will be invaluable. Mothers who receive help are better equipped to help their babies. You can arrange for a relative to come and provide necessary support during that period. The relative will provide much-needed help in doing laundry, cooking, shopping, cleaning or running errands.

 

In spite of the level of research and reading that you might do, you should understand that you cannot entirely prepare for the challenges that come with pregnancy and new baby. Parenthood usually affects different people differently, so it is impossible to predict how it will affect you physically, emotionally and every other way.

Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention of Eye Disorders

Most eye disorders do not manifest early symptoms. Sometimes they are painless and a person may see no difference in vision until the disease has become quite advanced.

 

The best way to guard your eyes is by having regular medical checkup. Any unfamiliar development in your eyes should be reported to the doctor as soon as possible. The most common vision problems include refractive errors. Refractive errors comprise of farsightedness, nearsightedness, presbyopia and astigmatism.

 

Refractive errors do occur when the shape of the eye hinder the light from focusing directly onto the retina.

 

Refraction refers to bending of light that happens when it passes from one object to another. People see clearly with their eyes when the light rays are bent as they pass the cornea and the lens.

 

When the light converges on the retina, the retina converts the rays into information, which is then sent by the optic nerve to the brain. The brain then performs the work of interpreting the messages into the images we see.

 

Types of refractive errors

Nearsightedness: This condition is also referred to as myopia. Myopia occurs when an individual sees the nearby objects clearly, but the distant objects seem blurry.

 

Farsightedness: This ailment is also named hyperopia. It is a general refractive error that makes the distant objects visible, but the near object appears blurred.

 

Astigmatism: This condition makes the eye incapable of focusing light evenly onto the retina. The retina is the light sensitive tissue located at the back of the eye. Astigmatism makes images appear stretched out and blurry.

 

Presbyopia:  This condition is age-related, and it makes the eye’s ability to focus difficult. During advanced age, the eye becomes unable to change shape enough to make it possible to view the nearby objects clearly. Presbyopia mostly affects adults who are above the age of 35.

 

Other refractive errors do affect both adults and children. People who have their parents or other family members with refractive errors are more likely to get either one or more of these illnesses.

 

Symptoms of refractive errors

The most common symptom of refractive errors is blurred vision. Other symptoms comprise of haziness, squinting, double vision, headache, eyestrain and glare.

 

Professionals perform diagnosis of refractive errors during a comprehensive dilated eye examination.

 

Many people with these errors visit eye care professionals with complaints related to ocular discomfort or blurred vision. The doctor usually uses eyeglasses, surgery or contact lenses to correct these refractive errors.

 

Low Vision

Individuals with low vision do not get aid by using eyeglasses, contact lenses, surgery or medicine. People affected by poor vision find it hard to perform the routine daily chores like cooking, shopping reading, writing and watching television.

 

Conditions that may lead to low vision include age-related macular degeneration, bulging eyes, cataracts, CMV Retinitis, color blindness, crossed eyes, diabetic macular edema, glaucoma, eye floaters and eye flashes, keratoconus, lazy eyes, ocular high blood pressure, uveitis and retinal detachment.

 

Irrespective of the cause, when vision is lost, it cannot be restored. However, it is possible to manage the condition through proper treatment and vision rehabilitation.

 

People with low vision are unable to recognize the faces of family members and friends. They also find it difficult to read, cook, or perform the usual daily chores. These are usually the early warning signs of low vision. If you find it difficult to accomplish the things you used to do or experience blurred vision, you should consult an eye professional immediately.

 

Diagnosis of eye disorders

Various tests are used to diagnose eye disorders:

  1. Angiography

Angiography of the eye involves injecting the eye with dyes to make the blood vessels of the eye more visible. This makes it simpler for the doctor to photograph and examine them.

 

  1. Electroretinography

Electroretinography makes it possible for the doctors to examine the light sensing cells located in the retina. This procedure is useful in evaluating diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa.

 

  1. Ultrasonography

During this procedure, a probe is placed against a closed eyelid to bounce sound waves off the eyeball. The reflected sound waves then produce an image showing the inside of the eye. Ultrasonography is useful in determining the nature of abnormal structures inside the eye.

 

  1. Optical Coherence Tomography

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) uses high-resolution images to show the structures located on the posterior side of the eye like the retina, vitreous humor and choroid. This method is useful in the assessment of a swollen retina.

 

  1. Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging

These imaging techniques are helpful in providing detailed information about an eye’s orbit and structures inside the eye. These methods evaluate eye injuries, tumors and optic neuritis.

 

Treatment options

Treatment options of eye disorders mainly comprise of medical therapies and botulinum toxin injections. The injections are administered to stop muscle spasm for disorders such as hemifacial spasm.

 

Surgery is also performed by specialists to restore straight eye alignment. Laser surgery is done to treat some vision disorders.

 

Many surgical procedures are done in an outpatient setting, without the patient having to spend a night in the hospital.

 

Prevention

eye disorders can be prevented by observing the following:

 

  1. Eating right: eating the right foods including fruits and vegetables is helpful to the eyes.

 

  1. Maintaining a healthy weight: excessive weight increases the risk of diseases such as diabetes that can harm vision.

 

  1. Wear protective eyewear: always protect your eyes by wearing protective gear especially when working, doing certain sports or other home improvement activities.

 

  1. Wear sunglasses: Sunglasses protect the eyes from sun damage.

 

  1. Quit smoking: many of the eye disorders have been linked to smoking.

 

  1. Wash hands. Always wash hands thoroughly before putting in the contact lenses to avoid infections.

 

Sources

  1. http://disorders.eyes.arizona.edu/
  2. http://chicago.medicine.uic.edu/cms/One.aspx?pageId=15412546
  3. https://hsci.harvard.edu/eye-diseases-0
  4. http://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/the-aging-eye-preventing-and-treating-eye-disease
  5. https://www.med.unc.edu/ophth/for-patients/Eye-Diseases-and-Disorders
  6. https://medlineplus.gov/eyediseases.html
  7. https://nei.nih.gov/
  8. https://nei.nih.gov/health
  9. https://www.cdc.gov/visionhealth/basics/ced/
  10. https://www.cdc.gov/visionhealth/basic_information/eye_health_tips.htm

 

How Intravenous Vitamin Therapy Can Improve the Performance of Athletes

In recent times, most athletes have been visiting health clinics with the aim of having their athletic performance enhanced through the use of intravenous vitamin therapy.

 

Athletes who engage in competitive sports do push their bodies to the limit. Strenuous exercises make it mandatory for the contestants to consume vital nutrients that will improve their performance.

 

The food that they eat usually undergoes a complex reaction, which releases necessary nutrients. Ordinarily, enzymes catalyze metabolic reactions. These enzymes require critical mineral co-factors and vitamins such as magnesium, B-complex and zinc among many others.

 

Intravenous (IV) vitamin therapy is a technique that is used to administer vitamins and other essential nutrients directly into a person’s bloodstream. Although most people who opt for this kind of alternative therapy are the athletes, other individuals have successfully used the procedure in the treatment of various diseases.

 

IV nutrient therapy boosts the performance of the athletes, therefore, increasing their overall strength. Intravenous vitamin therapy also shortens recovery time after strenuous physical exercises.

 

Many health care providers give intravenous nutrient therapies that are vital for the athletes such as the Myers’ Cocktail and IV Glutathione.

 

Myers’ Cocktail

Myers’ Cocktail works by increasing the concentration of vitamins and other minerals in the blood. During normal digestion, most people are unable to absorb all the vital nutrients. Also, some diseases can cause the body to utilize some nutrients at a faster rate. This results in mineral depletion in the body.

 

When these nutrients are provided through the vein, the lengthy digestion process is avoided. High concentration of the nutrients in the blood stream increases their absorption in the mitochondria.

 

Mitochondria are organelles present in body cells. They are responsible for energy production and other biochemical processes.

 

Myers’ intravenous infusion has other benefits such as boosting the body’s immune system, helping with seasonal allergies, reduction of fatigue and reduction of symptoms related to fibromyalgia.

 

IV Glutathione

Glutathione is a substance that is produced naturally by the liver. It can also be found in meat, fruits and vegetables. Glutathione functions as an antioxidant. This means that it gets rid of all free radicals in the body that are responsible for diseases.

 

The depletion of glutathione in the body results in cell death. Intravenous glutathione therapy supplies this essential nutrient in a person’s bloodstream.

 

Glutathione is advantageous to the athletes because it plays a significant role in tissue repair, production of necessary proteins and strengthening of the immune system.

 

The use of Glutathione by most athletes is supported by the discovery that the administration of IV N-acetylcysteine increases the strength of the muscles.

 

The finding proved that N-acetylcysteine delays fatigue during strenuous physical exercises. In biochemical reactions, N-acetylcysteine is a precursor of glutathione.

 

Therefore, intravenous vitamin therapy can significantly improve the performance of athletes.

 

 

Sources

1.http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1018-n-acetyl%20cysteine.aspx?activeingredientid=1018

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23943180
  2. http://www.altmedrev.com/publications/7/5/389.pdf
  3. http://www.theremedyroom.com/2014/01/what-is-a-meyers-cocktail/
  4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2894814/
  5. http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-717-glutathione.aspx?activeingredientid=717