Primary Benefits of NutriClean Isotonix® Digestive Enzyme Formula with Probiotics*:
• Helps cleanse the colon
• Helps maintain balanced bowels
• Helps maintain digestive health
• Helps maintain proper levels of intestinal microflora
• Helps relieve occasional constipation†
• Helps support normal bowel regularity and fecal volume
• Promotes colon health
• Promotes healthy growth of beneficial bacteria in the colon
• Provides fuel for cells lining the small intestine
• Supports healthy intestinal function
• Supports healthy nutrient absorption
• Supports overall health by helping to maintain normal cholesterol levels, helping to maintain normal blood glucose levels and promoting immune health
Key Ingredients Found In NutriClean Isotonix® Digestive Enzyme Formula with Probiotics:
Amylase: 2400U*
Amylases are enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of alpha-1, 4-glycosidic linkages of polysaccharides to yield dextrins, oligosaccharides, maltose and D-glucose. Amylases are derived from animal, fungal and plant sources. Pancreatin and pancrelipase contain amylase derived from the pancreas of animals, usually porcine pancreas. Amylase is also derived from barley malt and the fungus Aspergillus oryzae. There are a few different amylases. These enzymes are classified according to the manner in which the glysosidic bond is attacked. Alpha-amylases hydrolyze alpha-1, 4-glycosidic linkages, randomly yielding dextrins, oligosaccharides and monosaccharides. Alpha-amylases are endo-amylases. Exoamylases hydrolyze the alpha-1, 4-glycosidic linkage only from the non-reducing outer polysaccharide chain ends. Exoamylases include beta-amylases and glucoamylases (gamma-amylases, amyloglucosidases). Beta-amylases yield beta-limit dextrins and maltose. Gamma-amylases yield glucose. Amylases are used as digestants. Amylase activity is expressed as Dextrinizing Units or DU.
Protease: 600U
Proteases (proteinases, peptidases or proteolytic enzymes) are enzymes that break peptide bonds between amino acids in proteins. The process is called proteolytic cleavage, a common mechanism of activation or inactivation of enzymes especially involved in blood coagulation or digestion. They use a molecule of water for this and are thus classified as hydrolases.
Proteases occur naturally in all organisms and constitute one to five percent of the gene content. These enzymes are involved in a multitude of physiological reactions from simple digestion of food proteins to highly regulated cascades (e.g. the blood clotting cascade, the complement system, apoptosis pathways and the invertebrate prophenoloxidase activating cascade). Peptidases can break either specific peptide bonds (limited proteolysis), depending on the amino acid sequence of a protein, or break down a complete peptide to amino acids (unlimited proteolysis). The activity can be a destructive change abolishing a protein's function or digesting it to its principal components, an activation of a function or a signal in a signaling pathway.
Lactase: 400U
Lactase (LCT), a member of the galactosidase family of enzymes, is involved in the hydrolysis of the disaccharide lactose into constituent galactose and glucose monomers. In humans, lactase is present predominantly along the brush border membrane of the differentiated enterocytes lining the villi of the small intestine.
Lactase is essential for digestive hydrolysis of lactose in milk. Deficiency of the enzyme causes lactose intolerance; most humans become lactose intolerant as adults.
Lactase has an optimum temperature of about 48° C for its activity and an optimum pH of 6.5. In humans, the gene is localized on the second chromosome (2q21). Bacterial and Archaea lactase lacks a membrane binding domain and free float around the cell; these also tend to be more general ?-galactosidase that will cleave more than just lactose.
Lipase: 100U
A lipase is a water-soluble enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of ester bonds in water–insoluble, lipid substrates. Most lipases act at a specific position on the glycerol backbone of a lipid substrate (A1, A2 or A3). In the example of human pancreatic lipase (HPL), which is the main enzyme responsible for breaking down fats in the human digestive system, a lipase acts to convert triglyceride substrates found in oils from food to monoglycerides and free fatty acids. A myriad of other lipase activities exist in nature, especially when the phospholipases and sphingomyelinases are considered.
Lipases are ubiquitous throughout living organisms, and genes encoding lipases are even present in certain viruses. While a diverse array of genetically distinct lipase enzymes are found in nature, most are built on an alpha/beta hydrolase fold and employ a chymotrypsin-like hydrolysis mechanism involving a serine nucleophile, an acid residue (usually aspartic acid), and a histidine.*
Some lipases work within the interior spaces of living cells to degrade lipids. In the example of lysosomal lipase, the enzyme is confined within an organelle called the lysosome. Other lipase enzymes, such as pancreatic lipases, are found in the spaces outside of cells and have roles in the metabolism, absorption and transport of lipids throughout the body. As biological membranes are integral to living cells and are largely composed of phospholipids, lipases play important roles in cell biology. Furthermore, lipases are involved in diverse biological processes ranging from routine metabolism of dietary triglycerides to cell signaling and inflammation. Several different types of lipases are found in the human body, including pancreatic lipase, hepatic lipase, lysosomal lipase, gastric lipase, endothelial lipase and as various phospholipases.*
Cellulase: 20U
Cellulase is an enzyme complex which breaks down cellulose to beta-glucose. It is produced mainly by symbiotic bacteria in the ruminating chambers of herbivores. Aside from ruminants, most animals (including humans) do not produce cellulase in their bodies, and are therefore unable to use most of the energy contained in plant material.
Enzymes which hydrolyze Hemicellulose are usually referred to as hemicellulase and are usually classified under cellulase in general. Enzymes that cleave lignin are occasionally classified as cellulase, but this is usually considered erroneous.
Cellulase is an enzyme derived from the fungi Aspergillus niger and Trichoderma longbrachiatum or other sources. Cellulose is an indigestible plant polysaccharide. It is the principal constituent of the cell wall of plants. Cellulase has cellulolytic activity, meaning that it hydrolyzes cellulose. Cellulase hydrolyzes the beta-D-1, 4-glycosidic bonds of cellulose. Cellulase derived from Trichoderma longbrachiatum is comprised of an enzyme complex consisting of cellulase, a glucosidase, cellobiohydrolase and a glucanase. This complex converts cellulose to beta-dextrins and ultimately to D-glucose. Cellulase is used as a digestive aid, particularly in animals, and for the management of flatulence. The activity of cellulase is expressed in cellulose units or CU.
Cellulase is used for commercial food processing in coffee. It performs hydrolysis of cellulose during drying of beans. Cellulase is used in the fermentation of biomass into biofuels, although this process is relatively experimental at present. Cellulase is used to address Phytobezoars, a form of cellulose bezoar found in the human stomach.
Maltase: 125 MWU*
Maltase is one enzyme produced by the cells lining the small intestine to break down disaccharides. It comes under the enzyme category carbohydrase (which is a subcategory of hydrolase), and the disaccharide it hydrolyses is maltose.
Maltase is secreted by the surface cells of the villi, which are thin projections on the mucosa. These are found throughout the small intestine, but differ in shape in the duodenum and ileum sections.
The maltase works like any other enzyme, with the substrate (maltose) binding with the active site. When the maltose has bonded with the maltase, the former is hydrolysed, split into its component parts (i.e. two molecules of ?-glucose.) This is done by breaking the glycosidic bond between the 'first' carbon of one glucose bond, and the 'fourth' carbon of the other (a 1-4 bond).
Sucrase: 400 SU*
Sucrase is the enzyme involved in the hydrolysis of sucrose to fructose and glucose. It is secreted by the tips of the villi of the epithilum in the small intestines. Its levels are reduced in response to villi blunting events such as ciliac sprue. Sucrase increases during pregnancy and lactation as villi hypertrophy.*
Magnesium (Carbonate): 24 mg
Foods rich in magnesium include unpolished grains, nuts and green vegetables. Green leafy vegetables are good sources of magnesium because of their chlorophyll content. Meats, starches and milk are less rich sources of magnesium. Refined and processed foods are generally quite low in magnesium. The average daily magnesium intake in the U.S. for males nine years and older is estimated to be about 323 milligrams; for females nine years and older, it is estimated to be around 228 milligrams. Some surveys report lower intakes, and some believe that the dietary intake may be inadequate for many.
Magnesium is a component of the mineralized part of bone and is necessary for the metabolism of potassium and calcium in adults. It helps maintain normal levels of potassium, phosphorus, calcium, adrenaline and insulin. It’s also important for the mobilization of calcium, transporting it inside the cell for further utilization. It plays a key role in the functioning of muscle and nervous tissue. Magnesium is necessary for the synthesis of all proteins, nucleic acids, nucleotides, cyclic adenosine monophosphate, lipids and carbohydrates. This mineral also helps maintain healthy kidneys and bladder. Further, magnesium helps indirectly in combating oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation involved with the aging process.
Magnesium is required for release of energy, regulation of the body temperature, proper nerve function, helping our bodies handle stress and regulating our metabolism. Magnesium works together with calcium to regulate the heart and blood pressure. Importantly, magnesium is also required by your body to build healthy bones and teeth, and is required for proper muscle development. It works together with calcium and vitamin D to help keep bones strong.
Potassium (Bicarbonate): 88 mg
Foods rich in potassium include fresh vegetables and fruits such as bananas, oranges, cantaloupe, avocado, raw spinach, raw spinach, cabbage and celery.
Potassium is an essential macromineral that helps to maintain fluid balance. It also plays a role in a wide variety of biochemical and physiological processes. Among other things, it is important in the transmission of nerve impulses, the contraction of cardiac, skeletal and smooth muscle, the production of energy, the synthesis of nucleic acids, the maintenance of intracellular tonicity and the maintenance of normal blood pressure. Potassium promotes normal muscle relaxation and insulin release. It also promotes normal glycogen and protein synthesis. Potassium is an electrolyte that promotes proper heartbeat. Potassium is also important in releasing energy from protein, fat and carbohydrates during metabolism.
Potassium also regulates water balance and supports the body’s normal recuperative powers. Potassium promotes joint health and comfort. Potassium is crucial for the elimination of wastes. Potassium promotes head comfort, promotes faster healing of cuts, bruises and other minor injuries and generally contributes to a sense of well-being. Potassium is stored in the muscles.
Lactobacillus sporogenes - Lactospore®*** (150,000,000 CFU**)
Lactobacillus sporogenes is a lactic acid bacillus preparation manufactured and distributed by the SABINSA CORPORATION.
The foundations of probiotic (meaning "in favor of life") microbiotherapy lie in the postulate of Metchnikoff, a Russian physician, that the growth of toxin-producing putrefactive organisms in the gastrointestinal tract could be controlled by the implantation of beneficial lactobacilli in the gut. The clinical application of preparations containing lactobacilli was initiated on the basis of Metchnikoff’s Theory of Longevity, which associates with prolonged youthfulness and a healthy old age with the continuous ingestion of lactobacilli. Metchnikoff attributed the longevity of the residents of the Balkan countries to the regular consumption of Bulgarian buttermilk. In the early 1900’s, he claimed to have successfully cured many of his patients who suffered from a wide variety of organic illnesses, ranging from dry skin to gastrointestinal disorders, through the therapeutic use of Lactobacilli. Metchnikoff suggested that aging is the process of chronic putrefactive intoxication caused by certain intestinal bacteria and that these harmful effects could be mitigated through regular ingestion of liveLactobacillus cultures - a postulate that created a sensation in those early days. The enthusiasm shown then by eminent doctors of that time, advocating the therapeutic use ofLactobacillus, laid the foundations of lactobacillus therapy or microbiotherapy.
Fermented milks have been a part of the human diet since ancient times. Their efficacy in alleviating gastrointestinal disorders has been exploited in systems of traditional medicine the world over. Lactic acid bacteria, the indigenous microbial flora in fermented milks and natural inhabitants of the human gastrointestinal tract were thought to be responsible for the longevity of their hosts through their curative and prophylactic actions.
The role of lactic acid bacteria in gastrointestinal microecology has been the subject of extensive research. It is widely believed that these bacteria prevent the growth of putrefactive microorganisms responsible for ill health by competitive inhibition, the generation of a non-conducive acidic environment and/or by the production of bacteriocins. Their metabolites may include B group vitamins. Their proteolytic, lipolytic and beta-galactosidase activities promote the digestibility and assimilation of ingested nutrients, thereby rendering them valuable in convalescent/ geriatric nutrition. Lactic acid bacteria also colonize the skin and mucus membranes and promote skin and urinary tract health. Lactobacilli promote vaginal health. They utilize glycogen in the vaginal epithelial cells to produce lactic acid which helps to maintain the pH of this environment between 4.0 and 4.5, which creates a healthy environment.
Click: NutriClean Isotonix
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
MAKE A CHANGE
Tips to Manage Your Uric Acid
A natural, healthy lifestyle is the key to healthy uric acid function.
It's startling to realize that over 5 million Americans suffer from unhealthy uric acid. Signs can range from fevers and chills, to discomfort and swelling of the joints. But did you know that you can manage uric acid through your diet and lifestyle? Stand out of the crowd, and take control of your health today. Read some of the helpful tips below.
The Uric Acid Diet
To pull in the reigns on your uric acid, it's important to watch what you eat. Certain foods create uric acid in your body, making the food dangerous to those who already have enough. If you're worried about uric acid, you should try some of these tips:
- Limit your alcohol consumption. Have no more than one drink, three times per week.
- Impose limitations on meat. It's better to get your protein from low-fat sources like eggs and tofu.
- Lower your fat intake as well. Avoid foods cooked in oils or deep fried. Eat leaner meats and low-fat dairy products.
Uric acid is the end result of your purine (one of the nucleotide bases that make up RNA and DNA) metabolism. By removing purine foods from your diet, your body will have less purine to metabolize, thus supporting healthy uric acid. You should also try avoiding:
- Liver
- Gravy
- Scallops
- Herring
- Mackerel
- Anchovies
- Game Meats
- Beef Kidneys
- Sweetbreads
- Meat Extracts
BMI
Studies have shown significantly higher uric acid in those who maintain an unhealthy weight. Try our BMI calculator below to discover your body mass index (BMI). A healthy BMI should be somewhere between 18.5 and 25. If you're anything above, it's time to lose weight.
Stay Active, Stay Healthy
Everyone knows there are many benefits to exercise. But did you know that in addition to supporting a healthy body weight, exercise combined with a healthy diet can help manage your uric acid? You should jog or bike at least twenty minutes a day to experience full benefits.
When you're within a healthy weight range, you'll feel more energetic, and much healthier.
Support Your Body and It Will Support You
In today's world, an unsupportive diet is commonplace. But eating healthy can be the most important factor when managing your uric acid.
Natural, unaltered products such as fruits (especially unsweetened cherries and other heavily pigmented berries) and vegetables are best. You should also try to add nuts and whole grains to your diet. Cold water fish, such as salmon, tuna, and halibut are essential as well.
In addition, drink plenty of water. The typical person should be consuming half their body weight in ounces of water a day (for example, a 120 lb person would drink 60 ounces).
Start following some of these tips, and you'll be on the road to healthy uric acid in no time!
Friday, June 19, 2009
SWINE FLU - Q and A
WebMD Provides Answers to Your Questions About Swine Flu
By Daniel J. DeNoon
WebMD Health News
The swine flu virus in the U.S. is the same one causing a deadly epidemic in Mexico. What is swine flu? What can we do about it? WebMD answers your questions.
Swine Flu Outbreak: Get the Facts
What People Are Asking.
What is swine flu?
Like people, pigs can get influenza (flu), but swine flu viruses aren't the same as human flu viruses. Swine flu doesn't often infect people, and the rare human cases that have occurred in the past have mainly affected people who had direct contact with pigs. But the current "swine flu" outbreak is different. It's caused by a new swine flu virus that has changed in ways that allow it to spread from person to person -- and it's happening among people who haven't had any contact with pigs. That makes it a human flu virus. In an effort to avoid confusion, the CDC is calling the virus "novel influenza A (H1N1) virus" to distinguish it both from flu viruses that infect mainly pigs and from the seasonal influenza A H1N1 viruses that have been in circulation for many years.
What are swine flu symptoms?
Symptoms of swine flu are like regular flu symptoms and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Many people with swine flu have had diarrhea and vomiting. Nearly everyone with flu has at least two of these symptoms. But these symptoms can also be caused by many other conditions. That means that you and your doctor can't know, just based on your symptoms, if you've got swine flu. Health care professionals may offer a rapid flu test, although a negative result doesn't necessarily mean you don't have the flu.
Only lab tests can definitively show whether you've got swine flu. State health departments can do these tests. But given the large volume of samples coming in to state labs, these tests are being reserved for patients with severe flu symptoms. Currently, doctors are reserving antiviral drugs for people with or at risk of severe influenza.
Who is at highest risk from H1N1 swine flu?
Most U.S. cases of H1N1 swine flu have been in older children and young adults. It's not clear why, and it's not clear whether this will change.
But certain groups are at particularly high risk of severe disease or bad outcomes if they get the flu:
• Pregnant women
• Young children, especially those under 12 months of age
• Elderly people are at high risk of severe flu disease. But relatively few swine flu cases have been seen in people over age 65.
• People with heart disease or risk factors for heart disease
• People with HIV infection
• People with chronic diseases
• People taking immune-suppressing drugs, such as cancer chemotherapy or anti-rejection drugs for transplants
People in these groups should seek medical care as soon as they get flu symptoms.
If I think I have swine flu, what should I do? When should I see my doctor?
If you have flu symptoms, stay home, and when you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue. Afterward, throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands. That will help prevent your flu from spreading.
If you have only mild flu symptoms, you do not need medical attention unless your illness gets worse. But if you are in one of the groups at high risk of severe disease, contact your doctor at the first sign of flu-like illness. In such cases, the CDC recommends that people call or email their doctor before rushing to an emergency room.
But there are emergency warning signs.
Children should be given urgent medical attention if they:
• Have fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Have bluish or gray skin color
• Are not drinking enough fluid
• Are not waking up or not interacting
• Have severe or persistent vomiting
• Are so irritable that the child does not want to be held
• Have flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and a worse cough
• Have fever with a rash
Adults should seek urgent medical attention if they have:
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Flu-like symptoms that improve, but then come back with worsening fever or cough
Keep in mind that your doctor will not be able to determine whether you have swine flu, but he or she may take a sample from you and send it to a state health department lab for testing to see if it's swine flu. If your doctor suspects swine flu, he or she would be able to write you a prescription for Tamiflu or Relenza. These antiviral medications aren't a question of life or death for the vast majority of people. Most U.S. swine flu patients have made a full recovery without antiviral drugs.
How does swine flu spread? Is it airborne?
The new swine flu virus apparently spreads just like regular flu. You could pick up germs directly from droplets from the cough or sneeze of an infected person, or by touching an object they recently touched, and then touching your eyes, mouth, or nose, delivering their germs for your own infection. That's why you should make washing your hands a habit, even when you're not ill. Infected people can start spreading flu germs up to a day before symptoms start, and for up to seven days after getting sick, according to the CDC.
The swine flu virus can become airborne if you cough or sneeze without covering your nose and mouth, sending germs into the air.
The U.S. residents infected with swine flu virus had no direct contact with pigs. The only way to get the new swine flu is from another person.
How is swine flu treated?
The new swine flu virus is sensitive to the antiviral drugs Tamiflu and Relenza. The CDC recommends those drugs to prevent or treat swine flu; the drugs are most effective when taken within 48 hours of the start of flu symptoms. But not everyone needs those drugs. Most people who have come down with swine flu have recovered without treatment. The Department of Homeland Security has released 25% of its stockpile of Tamiflu and Relenza to states. Health officials have asked people not to hoard Tamiflu or Relenza.
Is there a vaccine against the new swine flu virus?
No. But the CDC and the World Health Organization are already taking the first steps toward making such a vaccine. That's a lengthy process that takes months. The process includes limited clinical tests to see how well the vaccine elicits flu-neutralizing antibodies and to evaluate vaccine safety. If everything goes perfectly -- and flu vaccine production is very tricky -- there could be a U.S. swine flu vaccine in October 2009. But that is an extremely optimistic prediction.
Even if officials decide to make a swine flu vaccine for this winter, many questions remain. It's not yet clear whether people will need one or two shots or whether an immune-boosting substance called adjuvant will have to be used. And, it's still not clear who should be vaccinated first, and who should be at the end of the line.
I had a flu vaccine this season. Am I protected against swine flu?
No. This season's flu vaccine does not protect against the new swine flu virus.
Whether or not there's a swine flu vaccine this winter, there will be a new seasonal flu vaccine in the fall. This year, it will be more important than ever to get a flu shot. It may not protect against swine flu -- but it will keep you and others from getting the seasonal flu viruses that kill some 36,000 Americans each year.
How can I prevent swine flu infection?
The CDC recommends taking these steps:
• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Or, use an alcohol-based hand cleaner if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid close contact -- that is, being within six feet -- with people who have flu-like symptoms.
• Avoid touching your mouth, nose, or eyes. That's not easy to do, so keep those hands clean.
• If you have flu-like symptoms -- fever plus at least cough or sore throat or other flu symptoms -- stay home for seven days after symptoms begin or until you've been symptom-free for 24 hours -- whichever is longer.
• The CDC does not recommend using a face mask or respirator in community or home settings. However, the CDC says that people at increased risk of severe flu illness may consider wearing a N-95 respirator or face mask in crowded settings in communities where swine flu is circulating or when taking care of a person with flu-like illness. It's not known whether face masks actually protect against flu transmission.
• People who have or are suspected of having swine flu should wear a face mask, if available and tolerable, when sharing common spaces with other household members, when outside the home, or when breastfeeding.
Should I wear a face mask or respirator?
Every day, newspapers carry pictures of people wearing face masks to prevent swine flu transmission. But very little is known about whether face masks actually protect against the flu.
There's a difference between a face mask and a respirator. A face mask does not seal tightly to the face. Face masks include masks labeled as surgical, dental, medical procedure, isolation, or laser masks. Respirators are N95 or higher filtering face pieces that fit snugly on the face. Respirators, when correctly adjusted, filter out virus particles -- but it's hard to breathe through them for extended periods, and they cannot be worn by children or people with facial hair.
People who have flu-like symptoms should carry disposable tissues to cover their coughs and sneezes. When going out in public, or when sharing common spaces around the home with family members, they should put on a face mask -- if one is available and tolerable.
People not at risk of severe flu illness can best protect themselves from swine flu with frequent handwashing and by staying at least six feet away from people with flu symptoms. But if swine flu is circulating in the community, a face mask or respirator may be protective in crowded public places.
People at increased risk of severe flu illness -- pregnant women, for example -- may wish to consider using a facemask under certain circumstances, such as when providing assistance to a person with flu-like illness. But the CDC prefers such people follow more tried-and-true methods of staying healthy, such as handwashing and avoiding ill people.
How long does the flu virus survive on surfaces?
Flu bugs can survive for hours on surfaces. One study showed that flu viruses can live for up to 48 hours on hard, nonporous surfaces such as stainless steel and for up to 12 hours on cloth and tissues. The virus seems to survive for only minutes on your hands -- but that's plenty of time for you to transfer it to your mouth, nose, or eyes.
Can I still eat pork?
Yes. You can't get swine flu by eating pork, bacon, or other foods that come from pigs.
What else should I be doing?
Keep informed of what's going on in your community. Your state and local health departments may have important information if swine flu develops in your area. For instance, parents might want to consider what they would do if their child's school temporarily closed because of flu. Don't panic, but a little planning wouldn't hurt.
Here's the advice from the U.S. government's pandemicflu.gov web site:
To plan for a pandemic:
• Store a two-week supply of water and food. During a pandemic, if you cannot get to a store, or if stores are out of supplies, it will be important for you to have extra supplies on hand. This can be useful in other types of emergencies, such as power outages and disasters.
• Periodically check your regular prescription drugs to ensure a continuous supply in your home.
• Have any nonprescription drugs and other health supplies on hand, including pain relievers, stomach remedies, cough and cold medicines, fluids with electrolytes, and vitamins.
• Talk with family members and loved ones about how they would be cared for if they got sick, or what will be needed to care for them in your home.
• Volunteer with local groups to prepare and assist with emergency response.
• Get involved in your community as it works to prepare for an influenza pandemic.
Items to have on hand for an extended stay at home:
Examples of food and non-perishables Examples of medical, health, and emergency supplies
• Ready-to-eat canned meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, beans, and soups • Prescribed medical supplies such as glucose and blood-pressure monitoring equipment
• Protein or fruit bars • Soap and water, or alcohol-based (60-95%) hand wash
• Dry cereal or granola • Medicines for fever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
• Peanut butter or nuts • Thermometer
• Dried fruit • Anti-diarrheal medication
• Crackers • Vitamins
• Canned juices • Fluids with electrolytes
• Bottled water • Cleansing agent/soap
• Canned or jarred baby food and formula • Flashlight
• Pet food • Batteries
• Other non-perishable items • Portable radio
• Manual can opener
• Garbage bags
• Tissues, toilet paper, disposable diapers
How severe is swine flu? continued...
It's impossible to know whether the virus will go away or whether it will become more deadly. Scientists are watching closely to see which way the new swine flu virus is heading -- but health experts warn that flu viruses are notoriously hard to predict.
But there's a lot of planning you can do. CDC officials predict that just about every U.S. community will have H1N1 swine flu cases. It's possible some schools in your community may temporarily close. So make contingency plans just in case you are affected. For more information on preparedness planning, see the U.S. government's pandemicflu.gov web site.
Why has the swine flu infection been more severe in Mexico than in other countries?
That's not clear yet. Researchers around the world are investigating the differences between the cases in Mexico and those elsewhere. The data so far suggests that many more people in Mexico had mild swine flu infections than had originally been appreciated.
Have there been previous swine flu oubtreaks?
Yes. There was a swine flu outbreak at Fort Dix, N.J., in 1976 among military recruits. It lasted about a month and then went away as mysteriously as it appeared. As many as 240 people were infected; one died.
The swine flu that spread at Fort Dix was the H1N1 strain. That's the same flu strain that caused the disastrous flu pandemic of 1918-1919, resulting in tens of millions of deaths worldwide.
Concern that a new H1N1 pandemic might return in winter 1976 led to a crash program to create a vaccine and vaccinate all Americans against swine flu. That vaccine program ran into all kinds of problems -- not the least of which was public perception that the vaccine caused excessive rates of dangerous reactions. That may not have been the case. But after more than 40 million people were vaccinated, the effort was abandoned.
As it turned out, there was no swine flu epidemic.
Even though it's an H1N1 type A flu bug, the new swine flu is a different virus than the ones that emerged in 1918 and in 1976 -- and from the seasonal type A H1N1 virus that has been circulating for many years.
There have been two flu pandemics since 1918 -- one that began in 1957, and another that began in 1968.
I was vaccinated against the 1976 swine flu virus. Am I still protected?
Probably not. The new swine flu virus is different from the 1976 virus. And it's not clear whether a vaccine given more than 30 years ago would still be effective.
How many people have swine flu?
That's a hard question to answer because the figure is changing so quickly. If you want to keep track of U.S. cases that have been confirmed by lab tests and reported to the CDC, check the CDC's web site. If you're looking for cases in other countries, visit the World Health Organization's web site. And, when you hear about large numbers of people who are ill, remember that lab tests may not yet have been done to confirm that they have swine flu. And, there may be a little lag time before confirmed cases make it into the official tally.
But these numbers are misleading, because mild flu cases are rarely counted. Flu experts estimate that for every confirmed case of flu, there are 20 additional flu infections.
How serious is the public health threat of a swine flu epidemic?
The U.S. government has declared swine flu to be a public health emergency.
It remains to be seen how severe swine flu will be in the U.S. and elsewhere, but countries worldwide are monitoring the situation closely and preparing for the possibility of a pandemic.
The World Health Organization has declared swine flu to be a pandemic. That means that all nations can expect to see swine flu infections -- and should prepare for them -- but does not mean the virus has become more severe.
The H1N1 swine flu outbreak comes at the end of the U.S. flu season. The virus has spread across the nation. Nobody knows whether it will stick around all summer or whether it will get worse when flu season begins again this fall. But the CDC is warning Americans to prepare for a bad flu season this fall. It's better to over prepare and look a little silly if nothing happens than to be unprepared for an emergency.
Scientists are closely watching the Southern Hemisphere to see whether the H1N1 swine flu begins to circulate there. If it does, it will be important to see whether the virus changes over time, and whether it spreads more efficiently in the winter months.
WebMD senior writer Miranda Hitti contributed to this report.
By Daniel J. DeNoon
WebMD Health News
The swine flu virus in the U.S. is the same one causing a deadly epidemic in Mexico. What is swine flu? What can we do about it? WebMD answers your questions.
Swine Flu Outbreak: Get the Facts
What People Are Asking.
What is swine flu?
Like people, pigs can get influenza (flu), but swine flu viruses aren't the same as human flu viruses. Swine flu doesn't often infect people, and the rare human cases that have occurred in the past have mainly affected people who had direct contact with pigs. But the current "swine flu" outbreak is different. It's caused by a new swine flu virus that has changed in ways that allow it to spread from person to person -- and it's happening among people who haven't had any contact with pigs. That makes it a human flu virus. In an effort to avoid confusion, the CDC is calling the virus "novel influenza A (H1N1) virus" to distinguish it both from flu viruses that infect mainly pigs and from the seasonal influenza A H1N1 viruses that have been in circulation for many years.
What are swine flu symptoms?
Symptoms of swine flu are like regular flu symptoms and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Many people with swine flu have had diarrhea and vomiting. Nearly everyone with flu has at least two of these symptoms. But these symptoms can also be caused by many other conditions. That means that you and your doctor can't know, just based on your symptoms, if you've got swine flu. Health care professionals may offer a rapid flu test, although a negative result doesn't necessarily mean you don't have the flu.
Only lab tests can definitively show whether you've got swine flu. State health departments can do these tests. But given the large volume of samples coming in to state labs, these tests are being reserved for patients with severe flu symptoms. Currently, doctors are reserving antiviral drugs for people with or at risk of severe influenza.
Who is at highest risk from H1N1 swine flu?
Most U.S. cases of H1N1 swine flu have been in older children and young adults. It's not clear why, and it's not clear whether this will change.
But certain groups are at particularly high risk of severe disease or bad outcomes if they get the flu:
• Pregnant women
• Young children, especially those under 12 months of age
• Elderly people are at high risk of severe flu disease. But relatively few swine flu cases have been seen in people over age 65.
• People with heart disease or risk factors for heart disease
• People with HIV infection
• People with chronic diseases
• People taking immune-suppressing drugs, such as cancer chemotherapy or anti-rejection drugs for transplants
People in these groups should seek medical care as soon as they get flu symptoms.
If I think I have swine flu, what should I do? When should I see my doctor?
If you have flu symptoms, stay home, and when you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue. Afterward, throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands. That will help prevent your flu from spreading.
If you have only mild flu symptoms, you do not need medical attention unless your illness gets worse. But if you are in one of the groups at high risk of severe disease, contact your doctor at the first sign of flu-like illness. In such cases, the CDC recommends that people call or email their doctor before rushing to an emergency room.
But there are emergency warning signs.
Children should be given urgent medical attention if they:
• Have fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Have bluish or gray skin color
• Are not drinking enough fluid
• Are not waking up or not interacting
• Have severe or persistent vomiting
• Are so irritable that the child does not want to be held
• Have flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and a worse cough
• Have fever with a rash
Adults should seek urgent medical attention if they have:
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Flu-like symptoms that improve, but then come back with worsening fever or cough
Keep in mind that your doctor will not be able to determine whether you have swine flu, but he or she may take a sample from you and send it to a state health department lab for testing to see if it's swine flu. If your doctor suspects swine flu, he or she would be able to write you a prescription for Tamiflu or Relenza. These antiviral medications aren't a question of life or death for the vast majority of people. Most U.S. swine flu patients have made a full recovery without antiviral drugs.
How does swine flu spread? Is it airborne?
The new swine flu virus apparently spreads just like regular flu. You could pick up germs directly from droplets from the cough or sneeze of an infected person, or by touching an object they recently touched, and then touching your eyes, mouth, or nose, delivering their germs for your own infection. That's why you should make washing your hands a habit, even when you're not ill. Infected people can start spreading flu germs up to a day before symptoms start, and for up to seven days after getting sick, according to the CDC.
The swine flu virus can become airborne if you cough or sneeze without covering your nose and mouth, sending germs into the air.
The U.S. residents infected with swine flu virus had no direct contact with pigs. The only way to get the new swine flu is from another person.
How is swine flu treated?
The new swine flu virus is sensitive to the antiviral drugs Tamiflu and Relenza. The CDC recommends those drugs to prevent or treat swine flu; the drugs are most effective when taken within 48 hours of the start of flu symptoms. But not everyone needs those drugs. Most people who have come down with swine flu have recovered without treatment. The Department of Homeland Security has released 25% of its stockpile of Tamiflu and Relenza to states. Health officials have asked people not to hoard Tamiflu or Relenza.
Is there a vaccine against the new swine flu virus?
No. But the CDC and the World Health Organization are already taking the first steps toward making such a vaccine. That's a lengthy process that takes months. The process includes limited clinical tests to see how well the vaccine elicits flu-neutralizing antibodies and to evaluate vaccine safety. If everything goes perfectly -- and flu vaccine production is very tricky -- there could be a U.S. swine flu vaccine in October 2009. But that is an extremely optimistic prediction.
Even if officials decide to make a swine flu vaccine for this winter, many questions remain. It's not yet clear whether people will need one or two shots or whether an immune-boosting substance called adjuvant will have to be used. And, it's still not clear who should be vaccinated first, and who should be at the end of the line.
I had a flu vaccine this season. Am I protected against swine flu?
No. This season's flu vaccine does not protect against the new swine flu virus.
Whether or not there's a swine flu vaccine this winter, there will be a new seasonal flu vaccine in the fall. This year, it will be more important than ever to get a flu shot. It may not protect against swine flu -- but it will keep you and others from getting the seasonal flu viruses that kill some 36,000 Americans each year.
How can I prevent swine flu infection?
The CDC recommends taking these steps:
• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Or, use an alcohol-based hand cleaner if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid close contact -- that is, being within six feet -- with people who have flu-like symptoms.
• Avoid touching your mouth, nose, or eyes. That's not easy to do, so keep those hands clean.
• If you have flu-like symptoms -- fever plus at least cough or sore throat or other flu symptoms -- stay home for seven days after symptoms begin or until you've been symptom-free for 24 hours -- whichever is longer.
• The CDC does not recommend using a face mask or respirator in community or home settings. However, the CDC says that people at increased risk of severe flu illness may consider wearing a N-95 respirator or face mask in crowded settings in communities where swine flu is circulating or when taking care of a person with flu-like illness. It's not known whether face masks actually protect against flu transmission.
• People who have or are suspected of having swine flu should wear a face mask, if available and tolerable, when sharing common spaces with other household members, when outside the home, or when breastfeeding.
Should I wear a face mask or respirator?
Every day, newspapers carry pictures of people wearing face masks to prevent swine flu transmission. But very little is known about whether face masks actually protect against the flu.
There's a difference between a face mask and a respirator. A face mask does not seal tightly to the face. Face masks include masks labeled as surgical, dental, medical procedure, isolation, or laser masks. Respirators are N95 or higher filtering face pieces that fit snugly on the face. Respirators, when correctly adjusted, filter out virus particles -- but it's hard to breathe through them for extended periods, and they cannot be worn by children or people with facial hair.
People who have flu-like symptoms should carry disposable tissues to cover their coughs and sneezes. When going out in public, or when sharing common spaces around the home with family members, they should put on a face mask -- if one is available and tolerable.
People not at risk of severe flu illness can best protect themselves from swine flu with frequent handwashing and by staying at least six feet away from people with flu symptoms. But if swine flu is circulating in the community, a face mask or respirator may be protective in crowded public places.
People at increased risk of severe flu illness -- pregnant women, for example -- may wish to consider using a facemask under certain circumstances, such as when providing assistance to a person with flu-like illness. But the CDC prefers such people follow more tried-and-true methods of staying healthy, such as handwashing and avoiding ill people.
How long does the flu virus survive on surfaces?
Flu bugs can survive for hours on surfaces. One study showed that flu viruses can live for up to 48 hours on hard, nonporous surfaces such as stainless steel and for up to 12 hours on cloth and tissues. The virus seems to survive for only minutes on your hands -- but that's plenty of time for you to transfer it to your mouth, nose, or eyes.
Can I still eat pork?
Yes. You can't get swine flu by eating pork, bacon, or other foods that come from pigs.
What else should I be doing?
Keep informed of what's going on in your community. Your state and local health departments may have important information if swine flu develops in your area. For instance, parents might want to consider what they would do if their child's school temporarily closed because of flu. Don't panic, but a little planning wouldn't hurt.
Here's the advice from the U.S. government's pandemicflu.gov web site:
To plan for a pandemic:
• Store a two-week supply of water and food. During a pandemic, if you cannot get to a store, or if stores are out of supplies, it will be important for you to have extra supplies on hand. This can be useful in other types of emergencies, such as power outages and disasters.
• Periodically check your regular prescription drugs to ensure a continuous supply in your home.
• Have any nonprescription drugs and other health supplies on hand, including pain relievers, stomach remedies, cough and cold medicines, fluids with electrolytes, and vitamins.
• Talk with family members and loved ones about how they would be cared for if they got sick, or what will be needed to care for them in your home.
• Volunteer with local groups to prepare and assist with emergency response.
• Get involved in your community as it works to prepare for an influenza pandemic.
Items to have on hand for an extended stay at home:
Examples of food and non-perishables Examples of medical, health, and emergency supplies
• Ready-to-eat canned meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, beans, and soups • Prescribed medical supplies such as glucose and blood-pressure monitoring equipment
• Protein or fruit bars • Soap and water, or alcohol-based (60-95%) hand wash
• Dry cereal or granola • Medicines for fever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
• Peanut butter or nuts • Thermometer
• Dried fruit • Anti-diarrheal medication
• Crackers • Vitamins
• Canned juices • Fluids with electrolytes
• Bottled water • Cleansing agent/soap
• Canned or jarred baby food and formula • Flashlight
• Pet food • Batteries
• Other non-perishable items • Portable radio
• Manual can opener
• Garbage bags
• Tissues, toilet paper, disposable diapers
How severe is swine flu? continued...
It's impossible to know whether the virus will go away or whether it will become more deadly. Scientists are watching closely to see which way the new swine flu virus is heading -- but health experts warn that flu viruses are notoriously hard to predict.
But there's a lot of planning you can do. CDC officials predict that just about every U.S. community will have H1N1 swine flu cases. It's possible some schools in your community may temporarily close. So make contingency plans just in case you are affected. For more information on preparedness planning, see the U.S. government's pandemicflu.gov web site.
Why has the swine flu infection been more severe in Mexico than in other countries?
That's not clear yet. Researchers around the world are investigating the differences between the cases in Mexico and those elsewhere. The data so far suggests that many more people in Mexico had mild swine flu infections than had originally been appreciated.
Have there been previous swine flu oubtreaks?
Yes. There was a swine flu outbreak at Fort Dix, N.J., in 1976 among military recruits. It lasted about a month and then went away as mysteriously as it appeared. As many as 240 people were infected; one died.
The swine flu that spread at Fort Dix was the H1N1 strain. That's the same flu strain that caused the disastrous flu pandemic of 1918-1919, resulting in tens of millions of deaths worldwide.
Concern that a new H1N1 pandemic might return in winter 1976 led to a crash program to create a vaccine and vaccinate all Americans against swine flu. That vaccine program ran into all kinds of problems -- not the least of which was public perception that the vaccine caused excessive rates of dangerous reactions. That may not have been the case. But after more than 40 million people were vaccinated, the effort was abandoned.
As it turned out, there was no swine flu epidemic.
Even though it's an H1N1 type A flu bug, the new swine flu is a different virus than the ones that emerged in 1918 and in 1976 -- and from the seasonal type A H1N1 virus that has been circulating for many years.
There have been two flu pandemics since 1918 -- one that began in 1957, and another that began in 1968.
I was vaccinated against the 1976 swine flu virus. Am I still protected?
Probably not. The new swine flu virus is different from the 1976 virus. And it's not clear whether a vaccine given more than 30 years ago would still be effective.
How many people have swine flu?
That's a hard question to answer because the figure is changing so quickly. If you want to keep track of U.S. cases that have been confirmed by lab tests and reported to the CDC, check the CDC's web site. If you're looking for cases in other countries, visit the World Health Organization's web site. And, when you hear about large numbers of people who are ill, remember that lab tests may not yet have been done to confirm that they have swine flu. And, there may be a little lag time before confirmed cases make it into the official tally.
But these numbers are misleading, because mild flu cases are rarely counted. Flu experts estimate that for every confirmed case of flu, there are 20 additional flu infections.
How serious is the public health threat of a swine flu epidemic?
The U.S. government has declared swine flu to be a public health emergency.
It remains to be seen how severe swine flu will be in the U.S. and elsewhere, but countries worldwide are monitoring the situation closely and preparing for the possibility of a pandemic.
The World Health Organization has declared swine flu to be a pandemic. That means that all nations can expect to see swine flu infections -- and should prepare for them -- but does not mean the virus has become more severe.
The H1N1 swine flu outbreak comes at the end of the U.S. flu season. The virus has spread across the nation. Nobody knows whether it will stick around all summer or whether it will get worse when flu season begins again this fall. But the CDC is warning Americans to prepare for a bad flu season this fall. It's better to over prepare and look a little silly if nothing happens than to be unprepared for an emergency.
Scientists are closely watching the Southern Hemisphere to see whether the H1N1 swine flu begins to circulate there. If it does, it will be important to see whether the virus changes over time, and whether it spreads more efficiently in the winter months.
WebMD senior writer Miranda Hitti contributed to this report.
GOUT MANAGEMENT
If you suffer from Gout, you may already know how painful it can be. Some medical sites may have lead you to believe that symptoms associated with Gout may subside without help from a doctor. However, gout is a progressive condition that will not just go away and can lead to life threatening complications.
Learning more about gout and what causes its painful symptoms can help you eliminate this condition swiftly and permanently!
Gout is one of the most painful forms of arthritis. It is caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints of the body causing inflammation, swelling and severe pain. These crystals form when there is an overload of uric acid in the blood.
This condition can develop for 2 reasons:
The body having difficulty in eliminating uric acid through the kidneys; or
When the body produces too much uric acid.
In either case, a condition called hyperuricemia (excess uric acid) results. As you will see, the secret to effectively cure Gout involves preventing the crystallization of uric acid naturally!
Here is what exactly happens...
It all starts with a class of chemicals called Purines. Purines are the waste products of the break down of cells. The body breaks down these purines into uric acid. A normal uric acid concentration is usually maintained by excreting excess amounts through the kidneys into the urine. The problem arises when a persons body loses its ability to handle this uric acid appropriately.
90% of the time this malfunction is due to the inability of the kidneys to effectively eliminate high levels of uric acid. Another 10% of the time its due to the over production of uric acid either through excessive cellular breakdown or a "purine rich" diet.
This over concentration of uric acid in the blood causes it to move out of suspension and crystallize into sharp needle like crystals. This usually happens in the body where temperatures are lower and blood circulation is too slow to carry the uric acid away - thus occurring at extremities such as feet and hands.
A common myth is that these uric acid crystals in the joints cause inflammation due to their sharpness in structure. Recent studies have shown that this is not the case. While it is true that uric acid crystallization is involved in the development of gout, it is the immune system's response that causes the painful symptoms. The immune system detects these sharp uric acid crystals as foreign agents and launches an immune attack on the joints where crystallization occurs.
It is important to note that the only way to effectively subside such an attack is to eliminate the factor causing the immune response in the first place - Uric Acid Crystals!
Since our liver produces about as much uric acid as our kidneys can handle almost everybody is susceptible to some degree. However, many people have misconceptions of what causes gout...
Here are 6 factors that may cause a gout condition to develop:
Genetics plays a major role in determining a person's risk of developing gout. 1 out of 4 people with gout have a family history of the disease.
Gender & Age are also important in assessing the risk of developing gout. Men are more prone than women. Most women develop gout after menopause.
Being Overweight can increase a person's risk to developing gout because there is more tissue for breakdown, therefore leading to excess uric acid in blood.
Excess Alcohol Consumption can lead to an overload of uric acid because it interferes with the kidneys normal function in eliminating uric acid.
Eating A Purine Rich Diet has a somewhat contributing effect to increasing a person's risk of developing gout. As you will see later, this happens rarely!
Medical Conditions & Medications.
Certain diseases increase the risk of developing gout:
Medications that can increase the risk of gout include:
Diabetes
High Blood Pressure
Arteriosclerosis
Hyperlipidemia
Diuretics
The Vitamin Niacin
Levodopa
Salicylates (such as aspirin)
Cyclosporin
While there are many factors that can cause a person to develop gout, all of the above factors have the same end result - excess uric acid production. Therefore to counter the progression of gout, this uric acid must be prevented from crystallization at its root - the joints!
Learning more about gout and what causes its painful symptoms can help you eliminate this condition swiftly and permanently!
Gout is one of the most painful forms of arthritis. It is caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints of the body causing inflammation, swelling and severe pain. These crystals form when there is an overload of uric acid in the blood.
This condition can develop for 2 reasons:
The body having difficulty in eliminating uric acid through the kidneys; or
When the body produces too much uric acid.
In either case, a condition called hyperuricemia (excess uric acid) results. As you will see, the secret to effectively cure Gout involves preventing the crystallization of uric acid naturally!
Here is what exactly happens...
It all starts with a class of chemicals called Purines. Purines are the waste products of the break down of cells. The body breaks down these purines into uric acid. A normal uric acid concentration is usually maintained by excreting excess amounts through the kidneys into the urine. The problem arises when a persons body loses its ability to handle this uric acid appropriately.
90% of the time this malfunction is due to the inability of the kidneys to effectively eliminate high levels of uric acid. Another 10% of the time its due to the over production of uric acid either through excessive cellular breakdown or a "purine rich" diet.
This over concentration of uric acid in the blood causes it to move out of suspension and crystallize into sharp needle like crystals. This usually happens in the body where temperatures are lower and blood circulation is too slow to carry the uric acid away - thus occurring at extremities such as feet and hands.
A common myth is that these uric acid crystals in the joints cause inflammation due to their sharpness in structure. Recent studies have shown that this is not the case. While it is true that uric acid crystallization is involved in the development of gout, it is the immune system's response that causes the painful symptoms. The immune system detects these sharp uric acid crystals as foreign agents and launches an immune attack on the joints where crystallization occurs.
It is important to note that the only way to effectively subside such an attack is to eliminate the factor causing the immune response in the first place - Uric Acid Crystals!
Since our liver produces about as much uric acid as our kidneys can handle almost everybody is susceptible to some degree. However, many people have misconceptions of what causes gout...
Here are 6 factors that may cause a gout condition to develop:
Genetics plays a major role in determining a person's risk of developing gout. 1 out of 4 people with gout have a family history of the disease.
Gender & Age are also important in assessing the risk of developing gout. Men are more prone than women. Most women develop gout after menopause.
Being Overweight can increase a person's risk to developing gout because there is more tissue for breakdown, therefore leading to excess uric acid in blood.
Excess Alcohol Consumption can lead to an overload of uric acid because it interferes with the kidneys normal function in eliminating uric acid.
Eating A Purine Rich Diet has a somewhat contributing effect to increasing a person's risk of developing gout. As you will see later, this happens rarely!
Medical Conditions & Medications.
Certain diseases increase the risk of developing gout:
Medications that can increase the risk of gout include:
Diabetes
High Blood Pressure
Arteriosclerosis
Hyperlipidemia
Diuretics
The Vitamin Niacin
Levodopa
Salicylates (such as aspirin)
Cyclosporin
While there are many factors that can cause a person to develop gout, all of the above factors have the same end result - excess uric acid production. Therefore to counter the progression of gout, this uric acid must be prevented from crystallization at its root - the joints!
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