Monday, June 30, 2008

Help For Diabetics With Low Calcium Blood Levels


A number of sicknesses and diseases hamper the precise assimilation of calcium and effect bone loss in the long run. The use of synthetic vitamin D, known as Rocaltrol, is a big help for people who suffer from abnormally low calcium blood levels.

Rocaltrol is a medication that comes to the rescue of anyone who suffers from health problems that block the usual body balance of calcium levels in the blood such as having kidney deterioration that requires dialysis or hypoparathyroidism.

This drug has been successful in the treatment of various kidney diseases that strike the calcium blood level in people that don't require dialysis. During the treatment with this drug it is common that the doctor will suggest a diet rich in calcium or different supplements to help you in utilize this mineral. The treatment should always be started at the lowest possible dose and should not be increased without careful monitoring of calcium levels.

You must not take any other medicines containing vitamin D or foods that are fortified with vitamin D while you are taking this medication. Your doctor will estimate your daily consumption of calcium before you take this medicine to see, whether you will demand a lot of calcium.

Medical tests will be conducted on occasion, since high calcium levels can also be risky for your health. Therefore, it is good to get only calcium supplements or medications that are recommended by your doctor. The treatment requires precise care at maintaining a right hydration level. As a result, make sure you drink adequate fluid every day. Usually, this drug is prescribed in a single daily dosage, which may be taken with or without food, preferably in the morning. You will probably need to avoid food and drink that block calcium absorption in the blood including coffee, tea, fizzy drinks like cola, and anything else that may contain caffeine.

Possible Side Effects

- During the treatment with Rocaltrol you may have to drop all other vitamin D supplements in order not to take a higher amount than the one your body really needs.

- Rocaltrol may cause different detrimental reactions for patients on dialysis who are taking antacids that contain magnesium such as Maalox. It is a good idea to keep from taking antacids as much as you can while taking this drug.

- The ideal calcium intake during this management is 600 mg on a everyday basis, which can be assimilated either from dairy products or mineral supplements.

- Diuretics, anti-depressive drugs and steroid medications ought not be taken in combination with Rocaltrol due to the increased risk of developing side effects.

- Bone pain and constipation are among the most persistent side effects associated with Rocaltrol.

- Sleepiness, loss of appetite and metallic taste could also affect you during the first days of the treatment.

- Should any of the side effects get worse, or should you experience some unfamiliar response, contact the doctor immediately.

Thanks for taking the time to read my article. You should continue searching for additional information that will help you.

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ixnay's weblog

Anxiety Medication


Anxiety medication helps reduce the symptoms of anxiety. They do not completely cure anxiety and every person responds individually to the medication.

Various medications that are used in anxiety treatment are antidepressants, anti anxiety medications and beta-blockers.

Anti depressants increase the level of serotonin, which is a brain chemical messenger, and this helps fight anxiety. The newest antidepressants that are used for anxiety treatment are called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). They are FDA approved and often used as the first line of treatment for anxiety. The three SSRIs antidepressants that have received the FDA approval for the treatment of social anxiety disorder are paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR). Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are the oldest antidepressants, which have showed positive results in curing anxiety disorder. However, because of the side effects of this medicine (such as weight gain and insomnia), MAOIs are used only when other medications fail. Another antidepressant called tricyclics is also effective in treating anxiety disorder. When the treatment is begun, a low dosage of this medicine is prescribed; it is increased over a period of time, depending upon the effect it has on the individual. SSRIs are generally preferred because tricyclics can sometimes cause sexual dysfunction, dizziness and drowsiness.

Anti anxiety medication are benzodiazepines, which relieve the symptoms of anxiety quickly and which calms the individual. Benzodiazepine includes drugs such as Xanax, Kalma, Restoril, Tranxene and Valium. They are fast acting medicines, but they do not have a long lasting effect. These medicines have side effects like drowsiness and fatigue. Benzodiazepines cannot be given over a long period of time, as a person can develop a tolerance to them and become dependent on them. Some people also experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop the use of these medicines. Buspirone (BuSpar), is another anti anxiety medicine which must be taken for at least two weeks for the effects to show.

Beta-blockers such as Inderal and Tenormin are also used to treat anxiety. This medication is useful in performance anxiety that is predictable. They help alleviate heart palpitations, tremors, sweating, blushing and other physical symptoms of anxiety. It is generally recommended that these medications are taken an hour before the anxiety situation. However beta-blockers may not be a long-term treatment for curing negative thoughts that create anxiety.

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enderhelpme's weblog

There is Hope for Myasthenia Gravis


Myasthenia Gravis is a chronic disorder characterized by weakness and rapid fatigue of any of the muscles under your voluntary control. Myasthenia Gravis is caused by a breakdown in the communication between nerves and muscles, usually because of an immunological problem where the cells cannot communicate and the immune system attacks cells it does not recognize. There are 86 autoimmune diseases that have been diagnosed today and Myasthenia Gravis is one of them.

Symptoms are:

Facial muscle weakness, including drooping eyelids

Double vision

Difficulty in breathing, talking, chewing or swallowing

Muscle weakness in your arms or legs

Fatigue brought on by repetitive motions.

Treatments

The treatments of this disease focus on altering one’s immune system so that fewer antibodies are produced and therefore the muscle can rebuild its acetylcholine receptors. Perhaps the most commonly used initial medication is prednisone. In addition many patients will take a medication called mestinon or celcept. This does not treat the underlying problem but can improve the Myasthenia Gravis symptoms. Medications are basically to suppress the immune system to stop the production of antibodies that kill the cells.

An Alternative

Recent research in the field of glycobiology has brought about a discovery in cellular communication that has won several Nobel Prizes in medicine. A recent press release from Emory University School of Medicine announced the appointment of Dr. Richard Cummings, as the new chair of the Department of Biochemistry at Emory University. The article states that "the National Institutes of Health has identified the field of glycomics as a major new research focus. Glycomics is defined as the scientific pursuit of identifying and studying all of the carbohydrate molecules produced by an organism. Dr. Cummings' research focuses on glycoconjugates, the carbohydrate molecules and their associated proteins that permit cells to communicate with and adhere to each other -- transmitting and receiving chemical, electrical and mechanical messages that underlie all cellular and bodily functions."

The primary function of the glyconutrients is the communication between cells, which "underlies all bodily functions." There is a tremendous amount of research ongoing by many prestigious institutions. It is very exciting to see that Emory University School of Medicine has joined this endeavor. It is exciting that two major universities ("The Complex Carbohydrate Center" at UGA and Emory School of Medicine) are now at the forefront of this new frontier in medicine--the science of Glycobiology.

Due to green harvesting of fruits and vegetables, toxins in the air, food, and water, and the processing of our foods, the health of the world today is on a decline and we must supplement vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, amino acids, and now it has been shown that we also need the glyconutrients. If we do not receive the glyconutrients in our diet we will get sick either by the body leaving bad cells or not recognizing the good cells and attacking them.

A form of nutrition called glyconutrients has been shown to give the body what it needs to develop healthy cells that can communicate and therefore the body can respond as it was designed to do.

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Kestra's weblog

Using Triptans to Treat Migraine Headaches


For the many millions of people who suffer from migraines finding an effective treatment has been difficult and has taken a considerable time. Even after years of research there is no miracle cure, but a new class of drugs known as triptans are as close to a miracle cure as we have come for these often intensely painful headaches that can strike at any time.

The triptans are a form of drug which is chemically similar to serotonin, which is itself a neurotransmitter that is believed to play a part in causing migraines. As with many drug treatments, success often comes from creating a compound which is chemically similar to a naturally occurring chemical in the body and using this to boost levels in the body at times when symptoms appear. In this case triptans attach themselves to receptors where the body's natural biochemical would normally be found, but behavior slightly differently to alleviate symptoms. Technically triptans are in a class of drugs known as 5-HT1B/1D agonists.

Although these new drugs have been shown to be effective in many cases of migraine there are some studies which suggest that they are more effective for migraine sufferers who lack skin sensitivity. For those people who do experience skin sensitivity during an attack triptans can still be effective, but they should be taken as soon as possible after the onset of a migraine and preferably within no more than about 20 minutes after the appearance of symptoms.

In many cases migraine sufferers experience what is known as an 'aura' prior to the onset of their headache and this is not only the warning sign of an approaching headache but also the cue to start treatment. Although not all sufferers will experience an aura for those that do it varies widely but is essentially a visual disturbance consisting of such things as seeing spots or flashing lights.

Triptan drugs were first introduced during the 1990s and there are now various different types of these drugs available under a variety of different commercial names. One very common treatment is sumatriptan, which is sold under the brand name of Imitrex. This first generation of drugs proved very effective but still did not quite do the trick as well as doctors would have wished and so today we see a second generation of more effective triptans. These include zolmitriptan (sold as Zomig) and rizatriptan (sold as Maxalt).

These second generation drugs are often referred to as 'aborters' or 'interrupters' because they are designed to stop a migraine in its early stages and before it builds into the intense and pulsating pain which is so familiar to migraine sufferers. Second generation triptans are preferred by many sufferers because they do not have to be taken before the arrival of the headache, which can be difficult to predict as symptoms are not always very pronounced. In addition, they are effective for a longer period of time, which is also important for those people whose migraines can last for days rather than hours. Triptans can also help to relieve or eliminate other migraine symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.

One other problem which is often present with traditional medicines taken in pill form is that they require you to have water on hand to take the pill and then take time to work as the pill is broken down and absorbed into the bloodstream. Many of the new triptans however, such as rizatriptan (marketed as Maxalt), are available in a wafer form which simply dissolves on the tongue and drugs are now also available in the form of nasal sprays which are very fast acting.

As with any medication triptans do carry a range of side effects and you should consult your physician before using any of these drugs to treat your migraine.

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Khaoz's weblog

Sunday, June 29, 2008

What Is The Average Cost Of Breast Enhancement?


The average cost of breast enhancement can vary from doctor to doctor and from state to state. You have the option of having it done cheap or expensive, Either way it is going to cost you. You see, there are a lot of things that goes into the cost of breast augmentation techniques.

Let me break the cost down for you so you will have a general idea of the price.

1. Anesthesia average cost $600 to & $900

2. Implants average cost $1000 to $1300

3. Hospital stay $400 to $600 a day

4. Doctor fees varies $3000 to $4000

5. Pain and recovery I have no idea

Before you decide to just let any doctor do surgery on you, do a lot of research on him and his past surgeries he have done. See if he has a history of doing a safe procedures on other women. Cheap is not the way to go, you want the best, but it will cost you more.

If you are in a position where cost is a problem for you because you are short on cash, consider borrowing the money from a friend or family member, and if all else fails maybe you can take out a personal loan. Either way it adds to the cost of getting bigger breasts.

If you really want to enlarge your breast quickly than breast surgery is the way to go. Just so you know, it is very expensive, but there are several ways in which you can pay for the surgery. Look into all the methods available for you and decide which one will work the best.

The average cost of breast enhancement can be very costly if you decide to let a doctor with less experience do surgery on you. As stated earlier, research is they most important thing you can do before you let anyone start cutting on your breast. There is no price that can be put on a surgery gone wrong and it will cost you even a lot more money to have the problem corrected. Be careful and choose wisely.

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ZetaOrionis's weblog

Male Enhancement Drugs


Reports have shown that the male enhancement drugs are rapidly gaining popularity among men with erectile dysfunction. These drugs are very helpful to men suffering from diminished sex drive, early ejaculation, weak or short-term erections, lack of pleasurable sensation, and lack of overall confidence about their sexual selves. In other words, male enhancement drugs are used to curb male impotency problems and boost sexual performance in men.

There are several different types of drugs that are available in the market. Each of them has a diverse way of improving your sex life. Among many male enhancement prescriptions, Viagra, Zenegra, Cialis, and Levitra have become silent household names. Recent studies show Zenegra and Viagra are very popular among men of all ages, particularly college students. Men consuming these drugs have reported an improved sex drive and increased stamina.

All male enhancement drugs have certain side effects, but these are mild ones and mostly depend on the dosage consumed. Most common side effects are headache, flushing, upset stomach, nasal stuffiness, diarrhea, and dizziness. In extremely rare instances, consumption of a few variety cause penis erection lasting for many hours. It is wise that men who seek the aid of male enhancement drugs consult a physician.

Male impotency drugs are steadily dropping in cost, because of the entry of more generic forms of male enhancement drugs, which offer the same advantages of their brand-name counterparts. The generic drugs are a safe and affordable way for men to curb erection problems. Many people think the term ‘generic’ refers to a poorer quality product. But in the world of pharmaceuticals, the word is used to refer to the drugs which contain the same active ingredients of the original one. Besides, the generic forms are identical in dosage, potency, and method of administration.

These days, many men consume enhancement drugs because they do not feel confidence in their sexual performance. Definitely, a virility man never depends on the use of male sexual enhancement drugs and other sexual aids. The one thing that has improved as a result of male enhancing drugs is the confidence level.

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Gnarl's weblog

Friday, June 27, 2008

Well, Here's a List of the Common Allergy and Bronchial Asthma Drugs


Anyone who has read most of my articles on the subject of asthma would easily garner that I tend to favor the more natural and non-conventional approach in regards to dealing with the respiratory disorder.

However, I am aware that many people may not necessarily be ready or prepared to fore-go so-called asthma drugs for alternative asthma treatment options, most people might still want information on allergy and bronchial asthma drugs options.

This may be based on the fact that being as though some recent studies have shown that when you give allergy shots to children with allergies, not only do their allergy symptoms improve, they are also less likely to develop asthma and also, since many cases of asthma are triggered by allergies, it makes sense that if you control the allergies, you will have fewer asthma attacks, so for those who choose more of a conventional approach for asthma treatment, perhaps there may be a link between allergy and bronchial asthma drugs after all.

That said I'll list the common allergy and bronchial asthma drugs choices most people use:

1. Accolate

2. Singulair

3. Claratyne / Claratin

4. Telfast / Allegra

5. Telfast D / Allegra D

6. Telfast 120

7. Zyrtec

8. Becloforte / Beclovent

9. Qvar Inhaler

10. Pulmicort

11. Flixotide / Flovent

12. Ventolin

13. Volmax

14. Serevent Inhaler

15. Atrovent

16. Combivent

17. Advair Diskus

18. Rhinolast / Astelin

19. Nasonex

20. Tilade

Talk about an exhausting list of allergy and bronchial asthma drugs choices!

Well, now, that I've paid homage to the medical fraternity by presenting their options for controlling respiratory disorders, allow me to present some simple tips and alternatives to these common allergy and bronchial asthma drugs that you could use preferably exclusively, or in conjunction with the ones above

1. Avoid excessive temperature changes.

2. Ensure dust mites are reduced as much as possible in your home

3. Use a humidifier along with a heater in the cold seasons.

4. Keep fresh air circulating as much as possible in the home.

5. Keep the bed clean - put dust proof covers with zippers on the mattress and pillow. Wash bed sheets and blankets in hot water.

6. Do not let pets in the bedroom.

7. Do not smoke.

8. Maintain good ventilation / Light.

9. Close the windows when the air outside is full of exhaust from cars, pollution from factories.

10. Air out the house before the patient with asthma returns e.g. sweep, vacuum, paint, spray for insects, are of strong cleaners, cook strong smelling foods.

Also, do keep in mind that it is advised that you avoid Mucus-Forming foods such as Animal flesh and products, Most Grains, Junk and Processed Foods and even some so-called health-food products like Soy, Yeast, Bragg’s Liquid Aminos and Vinegar.

Replace these items with Fruits, Leafy and Root Vegetables and if desired less harmful whole grains like Brown rice, Quinoa, Amaranth and Millet occasionally.

Furthermore, proper food combination and the abstinence from drinking liquids of any kind with your meals is suggested as these will see to it that the diaphragm is not constricted by a clogged up digestive tract consequently making breathing much freer and smoother.

In addition, make the effort to avoid the use of microwaves, conventionally grown produce and polluted tap water for your optimal health.

So, there you have it, both sides and methods of controlling asthma.

Well…here's to freer breathing!

Aje

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Eversore Garlaxiel's weblog

Side Effects of Some Drugs that Are Lowering Blood Pressure(part One)


Lowering blood pressure is a condition that is below the normal expected for an individual in a given environment. Blood pressure differs deeply with activity, age, medications, and underlying medical conditions

Some of the Drugs have some side effects that can cause lower blood pressure include blood pressure drugs, diuretics (water pills), heart medications (especially calcium antagonists-nifedipine/Procardia, beta blockers-propranolol/Inderal and others), depression medications (such as amitriptylene/Elavil), and alcohol.

Diuretics — diuretics are a big evil of lower blood pressure. It could cause lack of potassium in your body. Usually after taking diuretics, patient may suffer from weakness, leg cramps, or being tiredness however, it is not permanent. A patient can avoid these problems by taking some potassium tablets with diuretics. Diuretics such as amiloride (Midamar), spironolactone (Aldactone) or triamterene (Dyrenium) are called "potassium sparing" agents and provide equal of amount of potassium to your body. A lower blood pressure patient with diabetes can have some problems with diuretics. It may increase the blood sugar level. So, it is recommended to take permission from doctor before taking it.

Beta-blockers — patients of lower blood pressure feel insomnia, cold hands and feet, tiredness or depression, a slow heartbeat or symptoms of asthma after taking Beta-blockers. Patients of diabetes need to care while taking this medicine.

ACE inhibitors — a required amount of ACE inhibitors not effect badly to lower blood pressure patient but the drugs, such as captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Zestril or Prinivil), may cause a skin rash; loss of taste; a chronic dry, hacking cough; and in rare instances, kidney damage.

Angiotensin II receptor blockers — another evil for the patients of lower blood pressure. A patient may feel occasional faintness, so take care, and ask your doctor before taking the drug.

Calcium channel blockers —lower blood pressure patient may suffer from palpitations, swollen ankles, constipation, headache, or dizziness with this medicine. Form of Calcium channel blockers are Diltiazem (Cardizem), nicardipine (Cardene), Nifedipine (Procardia) and verapamil (Calan or Isoptin) which is injurious in lower blood pressure.

These side effects will continue in the next article "Side effects of some drugs that are Lowering Blood Pressure(part two)"

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Drathuu's weblog

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Grapefruit Juice: The Hidden Dangers Of Drug Interaction


Grapefruit juice is one of the healthiest foods around, right?

A cup of unsweetened white grapefruit juice has only 100 calories, no fat, more than 100% of the recommended daily amount of vitamin C, and it’s got a zingy taste that can really get you moving in the morning.

However, grapefruit juice (including the juice found in your morning grapefruit half) can interact with certain medications, leading to potentially serious consequences.

Which medications does grapefruit juice interact with?

Grapefruit juice can interact with many different drugs that people take to maintain their health. If you eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice, you should ask your prescribing health care provider and pharmacist about any drugs that you’re currently taking and ask again whether new drugs interact with grapefruit juice. The list below contains some of the drugs that interact with grapefruit juice. This is not a complete list, so if you’re a grapefruit fan, check with your doctor before starting any medication.

* Valium (diazepam): This drug is used to treat certain seizure disorders and anxiety.

* Norvasc (amlodipine): This is one of the drugs called a “calcium channel blocker.” It is used to treat angina (chest pain related to malfunctioning arteries around the heart). Grapefruit juice interacts with many of the calcium channel blockers

* Pravachol (pravastatin): Like several of the “statin” drugs used to lower cholesterol, grapefruit juice can change the effectiveness of this product

* Cordarone (Amiodarone): This drug is used to treat “arrhythmias” – to correct irregular heart beat patterns.

What Are The Symptoms of These Interactions?

Use of any of these drugs while taking grapefruit juice can lead to serious complications. For example, the following have been observed in the interaction of each of the drugs above with grapefruit juice:

* Valium (diazepam): Grapefruit juice can cause you to feel sedated and might make it harder for you to control your muscular movements; driving can be dangerous

* Norvasc (amlodipine): Grapefruit interacts with several of the calcium channel blockers to provide a very fast heartrate (“tachycardia”) and/or a drop in blood pressure to below safe levels (“hypotension.”

* Pravachol (pravastatin): The statin drugs can interact with grapefruit juice to cause muscle toxicities, symptoms of which include muscle weakness, aches and shaking

* Cordarone (Amiodarone): Ironically, mixing this drug with grapefruit juice can cause an increase in the very condition it is intended to treat - arrhythmias

What Causes These Potentially Dangerous Interactions?

How can something as seemingly harmless as grapefruit juice affect the medications you take? It has to do with a special enzyme in your intestines and liver that help you absorb many oral drugs and then excrete them when you’re done with the drug.

When a physician prescribes a specific dose of drug (for example, one pill of 50 mg), she works on the assumption that given the size of your body, you will absorb the drug into your body at a certain rate and excrete it at a certain rate. Enzymes in your gastrointestinal (or GI) tract bring food and oral medications into your body. Grapefruit juice seems to affect both the rate of the drug coming into your body and how quickly it is removed. The end result can be an overdose of the drug) even if you’re taking the correct dosage for your size.

What Can I Do To Avoid Dangerous Drug Interactions?

If you are on medications that interact with grapefruit juices, avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice. Spacing out the drugs and the juice (for example, taking your medication at night and having grapefruit for breakfast) will NOT solve the problem; the grapefruit juice effect remains even after you’ve stopped having it. If you like the health benefits of grapefruit, or just miss that morning zing, think about moving to other fruits such as tomatoes (a single can has just 41 calories and more than 70% of the vitamin C for the day) or oranges.

Kharasch, E. “Influence of hepatic and intestinal cytochrome P4503A activity on the acute disposition and effects of oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate,“ Anesthesiology, Volume 101, issue 3, pages 729-737, 2004

Maskalyk, J., “Grapefruit juice: potential drug interactions,” Canadian Medical Association Journal, Volume 167 issue 3, p 279-80, 2002

Shapiro, L, “Drug interactions: Proteins, pumps, and P-450s,” Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Volume 47, issue 4, pages 467-84, 2002

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Praestat's weblog

Gout - Medicines That Are Very Helpful


The medicines that are commonly used in alleviating the pain and other gout symptoms include:

- Adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH)

- Allopurinol

- Colchicines

- Corticosteroids

- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS)

- Probenicid

- Sulfinpyrazone

The first medication that is commonly prescribed in the acute cases of gout is the NSAIDS. The most effective one is Indomethacin. These drugs are initially prescribed in the highest dosage, and as symptoms subside the dosage is gradually reduced. The medicine needs to be continued until the pain and the inflammation vanish and remain so for over 48 hours. NSAIDS may have toxic effects if used for long, but when administered short term, they are well tolerated.

Allopurinol (marketed under the brand name Zyloprim) is a prescription medicine that functions in allaying by preventing the synthesis of uric acid in the body. It is very beneficial for chronic gout or gouty arthritis. The use is more preventive in nature, and it is not administered if the gout attack sets in. side effects include skin eruptions, inflammation of the blood vessel, and liver toxicity. Alterations in the enzyme profile of the liver, as for instance, transient increase in the level of alkaline phospahatase, have been reported. In other patients, incidences of hepatomegaly, necrosis of liver, hepatitis and jaundice have been known to occur.

Colchicine is a prescription medicine used to assuage acute gout attacks and to prevent recurrence of attacks as well. However it does not lower the levels of uric acid in the body. It provides relief by reducing inflammation. Serious side effect have been reported that include various stomach troubles like cramps, nausea, diarrhea, bone marrow problems, muscular inflammations, severe anemia, and serious reduction in the count of WBC, increasing the risk of secondary infections. Excessive high doses can prove to be fatal. Patients with reduced kidney function should avoid colchicines.

Patients who are intolerant to NSAIDS or Colchicine can be treated with ACTH or Corticosteroids. Patients suffering from acute gout take daily doses of Prednisone for 1 t 4 days, and then the dosage is lessened over the period of one or two weeks. ACTH is injected intramuscularly.

Probenicid is sold under the brand names Benemid or Probalan. It is prescribed for chronic gout and to prevent attacks. It is a uricosuric agent that accts on the kidney and aids in the elimination of uric acid from the system.

Sulfinpyrazone, sold under the brand name Anturane is another uricosuric agent that works by reducing the amount of uric acid in the blood, thereby preventing gout attacks.

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enderhelpme's weblog

Chitosan the Fat Buster: Miracle or Myth?


Chitosan popularly known as the fat buster has been there for ages. Chitosan is produced commercially by deacetylation of chitin found in the exoskeletons of crustaceans. This is processed by removing the shells from shellfish like lobster, shrimps and crabs.

Uses of Chitosan:

• They are being used as a plant enhancer as they can boost up the plants to fight against fungal infections. They can be used both for indoor and outdoor plants. They do not have any harmful chemicals so they are safe for people, animals and the environment as well.

• Chitosan are also used for water filtration process. When they are put on water they absorb any toxic substances such as oils or grease or any other heavy metals. They cause the fine sediment particles to bind together thus forming a scum on the surface which can be easily removed during filtration.

• Most popularly sold as a fat attractor as they can soak up saturated fats from your digestive system and expel it from your body thus you can lose weight without you giving up on your diet.

How do they work in weight loss?

Chitosan is available in the market mostly in tablet form. It is a special fiber that can soak up saturated fat like a magnet and absorbs about 4 to 6 times its weight in fats. It does not let the fat reach your stomach and so does not get metabolized. It forms an indigestible gel which traps the fat and then the fat gets eliminated with your body waste. As lipids, fats and bile acids all have negative charges, hence they form chemical bonding with each other and so attract naturally.

Chitosan is safe and acts as a supplement. It can create a cleansing process in your body which is good for weight loss. The producers also claim that as they have the ability to expel fat from your body a person can continue taking fats in their diet and so the cravings for such foods is not there. As less fat enters the body, the body turns to previously stored body fat to burn up. This shifts the energy source from your diet to your stored body fat and results in a net reduction in that fat.

The producers also say that this process can be boosted by addition of vitamin C and enhance the absorption of lipids. The increased suppression of appetite is obtained by adding citric acid and thus boosts up the action of chitosan as well. Thus, most of the products which contain chitosan as a chief substance also include the addition of some sort of vitamin C supplement. Whatever claims are being made by the producers, researches show that chitosan can remove roughly about 30 calories a day. They may also cause side effects as they may render ineffective minerals required by your body.

As there are no specific research studies to support the claims on chitosan used for weight loss you must be careful about taking it. Chitosan is not a drug, but a natural fiber and is safe for consumption. However those having seafood allergy and pregnant women should avoid taking it.

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ZetaOrionis's weblog

Natural Mood Booster - How To Improve Your Mental Wellbeing Naturally


Scientific studies have shown that there is a strong link between the brain's chemicals - such as dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine and melatonin - and diet, exercise, sleep, sunlight and stress.

In this article I will discuss how our environment can affect these chemicals and thus our mood and what actions we can take in order to limit these actions and boost our inner wellbeing.

Before I get into telling you what methods you can use in boosting your mood I'll give a definition of the four main 'mood chemicals'.

Dopamine is a hormone and neurotransmitter which is in the make-up of a wide range of animals. Within the brain it has a number of functions in behaviour, motor activity, motivation, sleep, stress, mood, learning, attention and milk production.

In addition to this dopamine is associated with the 'pleasure system' of our brain which provides feeling of enjoyment, motivation and proactivity. Therefore suppression of this chemical will make feel demotivated, dissatisfied and generally unhappy.

As with dopamine, serotonin is a neurotransmitter and is linked to aggression, anger, body temperature, mood, sleep, sexuality, appetite and even vomiting. With this in mind let's look at mood. Mood and our serotonin levels affect emotion, behaviour and thought; therefore low levels of this bodily chemical are quite possibly the underlying cause of depression and aggressive actions.

Norepinephrine is a stress hormone and affects the sections of the brain which control attention and responsive actions. Along with the bodily chemical epinephrine it underlies the action of fight-or-flight A lack of this chemical will lead to poor concentration, restlessness and irritability.

Melatonin is a chemical which is affected by light and sleep patterns. Research has suggested that a lack of melatonin can lead to headaches and could be the underlying cause of the condition Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

Now that we've gained a little understanding on the functions of these important mood chemicals I can know give you a little insight into the techniques which you can follow to increase the production of these chemicals naturally.

Exercise - I know that it's a bit of a clichй that taking regular exercise will improve your mood and increase energy levels, but it's one which works. If you are feeling blue, dust down those trainers/sneakers and hit that treadmill or undertake any other form of exercise you feel comfortable performing, and do a 20-30 routine.

A good old fashioned workout will increase your levels of dopamine and serotonin which in turn will improve your mood and give you more energy. How will it give you more energy? Well, not only will your fitness levels increase but the rise in serotonin and dopamine will make you less sluggish, give you more motivation and more importantly make you less restless and irritable, which means you'll sleep a lot better.

N.B. Before you undertake any new exercise regime you should seek advice from your doctor.

If you stay indoors quite a lot and don't get out in the fresh air and sun as much as you perhaps should, then your levels of melatonin may well decrease which in turn affects your sleep patterns, making you feel drowsy, irritable and generally crabby and as we discussed earlier can lead to seasonal depression.

Laughter - This one might seem a bit silly especially if you're suffering from depression and don't feel like having much fun. The theory behind this natural mood booster is that laughing on a regular basis will flood the body with tension killing hormones, which make us relaxed and less susceptible to the stresses that life can throw at us. Therefore the next time you're feeling low put on a funny movie or even make silly faces in the mirror, anything which will make you laugh really.

Oily Fish - The next natural mood booster is eating oily fish such as salmon, herring, tuna and sardines. These contain Omega 3 fatty acids which help reduce depressive symptoms. Wild pacific salmon, mid-Atlantic blue crab, croaker, haddock, farmed catfish, shrimp, summer flounder are all are rich in Omega 3 fatty acids and are low in mercury which is good news for pregnant women who are may be concerned about the effects of consuming high levels of this mineral on their unborn child.

If you don't like fish perhaps talk to your doctor about the possibility of taking some sort of fish oil supplement

Crying - Reports show that having a good old cry once in while may be a natural mood booster. The tears which are produced from the results of a good blub contain chemicals which are built up during periods of tension; therefore crying washes these out of your system, which in turn lowers stress levels.

Sunlight - Not only is sunshine good for us physically - in terms of providing us with essential vitamin D - it benefits us mentally too. It does this by boosting our feel good chemicals such as melatonin and dopamine. A few rays a day will help ward of seasonal affective disorder too. So if you ever wondered why people always seem that little bit more cheerful when the sun is shining, now you know.

If you stay indoors quite a lot and don't get out in the fresh air and sun as much as you perhaps should, then your levels of melatonin may well decrease which in turn affects your sleep patterns, making you feel drowsy, irritable and generally crabby and as we discussed earlier can lead to seasonal depression.

Chocolate - Chocolate is a good natural mood booster because it contains small amounts of chemicals which improve our mental wellbeing such as phenylethylamine, anandamide and tryptophan. However as these chemicals are minuscule it is believed that they make is feel good by maintaining the levels of these chemicals that are already in our bodies, so perhaps eating twenty chocolate bars in on sitting might be taking things that little bit too far.

B Vitamins - These vitamins are good natural mood boosters because they are great for our central nervous system. As our bodies can't produce vitamin B on its own it essential that we get it from our food or from supplements. Foods which a rich in vitamin B are whole-grain cereals, bread, red meat, egg yolks, green leafy vegetables, legumes, sweet corn, brown rice, berries, cheese, peas, milk, butter, fish, brown rice, liver and yeast. As you can see, luckily we can find these important vitamins in a number of foods.

Caffeine - Caffeine can deprive you of sleep and make you edgy and irritable. It boosts your mood for short periods but remember what goes up tends to come back down even harder.

Drink less alcohol - Alcohol acts as depressant so drinking it to excess will strip our bodies of essential mood boosting chemicals. It also does a great job of depleting our levels of stored B vitamins too, which as I explained earlier adversely affects our mental sate. Finally the consumption of alcohol interferes with our Rapid Eye Movement (REM) which means we don't sleep properly which leads us to becoming irritable and restless.

More sleep - having a good nights sleep is mentally good for us because it helps are brains switch off and recharge our energy levels meaning we'll be less irritable, crabby and restless. Usually as we get older we don't need as much sleep because we use less energy, but you should at least try and get 8 hours of sleep per day to feel the benefits.

Buy a pet - reports suggest that buying a pet such as a cat will improve your mood by making you less stressed out. If you ever wondered why hospitals are allowing pets to visit sick patients, it's because it is believed they make us feel good which helps us fight serious illness better. Obviously it is only a good idea to buy a pet if you have the means to look after it.

Always remember if you're suffering from depression don't do so in silence, go see your doctor and talk things over. They are there to help you.

You can buy Mental Booster here

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HafhandBludson's weblog

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Differences And Similarities Of Three ED Drugs


Ready to combat ED (erectile dysfunction) but confused about which type of PDE-5 inhibitor to take? You're not the only one. Of the 3 FDA approved PDE-5 inhibitors, Viagra (sildenafil citrate) is definitely the most popular, but popularity alone shouldn't be a determining factor. The more recently approved Cialis (tadalafil) and Levitra (vardenafil hydrochloride) are also highly effective and very safe alternatives, although they may not be as popular yet. The problem for most people is actually deciding on the best alternative for them.

For starters, all three drugs are PDE-5 inhibitors so they help relax compromised or hardened penile arteries thus allowing more blood to flow into the penis and subsequently cause an erection. All three drugs also help keep high levels of cGMP within the penis. What's cGMP? It means cyclic guanosine monophosphate and it is an incredible substance which is naturally produced by the penile tissue in response to sexual stimulation and which aids vascular muscle relaxation. When high levels of cGMP are present, the penile arteries become relaxed and a natural and stiff erection will occur.

Unfortunately, in most men suffering from E.D., the PDE-5 enzyme neutralizes any available cGMP and without cGMP an erection will become flaccid or will not occur at all. That's where PDE-5 inhibitors such as Viagra, Cialis and Levitra come in. These drugs "inhibit" or block the unwanted PDE-5 and hence the very much wanted cGMP is allowed to remain within the penis after sexual stimulation occurs, thus aiding the erection process and keeping the penis erect. The question is, "Since all of these drugs have the same effect, why should I choose one over another?"

Let's compare the three PDE-5 inhibitors side by side to determine their differences:

Manufacturers:

Viagra: Pfizer

Cialis: Eli Lilly and ICOS

Levitra: GlaxoSmithKline and Bayer

Generic Name:

Viagra: Sildenafil Citrate

Cialis: tadalafil

Levitra: vardenafil hydrochloride

Dosages: Available and Recommended:

Viagra: 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg tablets. Most patients begin using the 50 mg pill and either increase or decrease the dosage based on drug tolerance and / or effectiveness. Most healthcare practitioners recommend taking Viagra 1 hour prior to sexual activity but studies have shown that Viagra can actually be taken anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours before having sex.

Cialis: 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg tablets. It is recommended that you start out using 10 mg tablets and either increase or decrease the dosage depending on the results achieved. Traditionally, Cialis tablets can be taken anywhere from 30 minutes to 12 hours prior to sexual activity. Cialis soft tabs (which need not go through the digestion process) may be taken around 15 minutes prior to sexual activity.

Levitra: 2.5-mg, 5-mg, 10-mg, and 20-mg. Most people start out on the 10 mg pill and either work their way up or down depending on the results achieved. Levitra should be taken anywhere from 25 minutes to 1 hour prior to sexual activity, though some experts claim sex can be initiated in as early as 15 minutes.

How long does the effect last?


Viagra: approximately 4 hours

Cialis: approximately 17 to 36 hours (This is why they call Cialis the weekend pill.)

Levitra: approximately 5 hours

Year approved by the FDA:

Viagra: March 27, 1998

Cialis: November 1, 2003

Levitra: August 20, 2003

Cost of Pill

The cost for each of the 3 drugs is similar though Cialis tends to be a bit cheaper.

Success Rate

All three drugs work for approximately 70 percent of all men. Unfortunately, PDE-5 inhibitors won't work for everyone. Certain men may need to use alternative treatments such as vacuum pump devices or even penile implants.

Side Effects

All three drugs share most of the same side effects. Some men may experience headaches, flushing, back pain, runny noses, stomach aches, or even changes in vision (example: some Viagra studies have revealed that on rare occasions a man may begin seeing a bluish tinge but that should go away after the drug has been eliminated from the body). These are all common side effects and should not be reason to worry excessively.

None of the three PDE-5 inhibitors should be taken in combination with low blood pressure medication as this can potentially cause a person to have a heart attack. People with high blood pressure should also take PDE-5 inhibitors only after consulting with their doctor. In fact you should never self-prescribe yourself with any of the 3 PDE-5 inhibitors or any other prescription drug for that matter. Even if you are purchasing your PDE-5 inhibitors online you must still open up and tell the pharmacist everything he/she needs to know in order to properly formulate the correct treatment for you.

What the drug looks like:

Viagra: Small blue tablet with the word Pfizer engraved in the middle.

Cialis: Yellow tablet that is almond shaped and film coated.

Levitra: Orange tablet with a flame logo.

Notable Differences

Basically the only major difference between the three drugs is that Levitra begins working the fastest and will work regardless of what kind of food you have previously eaten. Viagra has the proven track record and has been trusted by over 30 million men and Cialis is the longest lasting. In the end though, the real choice is up to you.

You can buy Viagra Soft Tabs here

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Syria's weblog

Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri) is an Herb That Increases Intelligence ...


* Brahmi is high in minerals, such as calcium, sodium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorous, aluminium and iron. It is a relaxant to the whole nervous system and increases sex drive; it is cerebrovascular stimulating, a circulatory stimulant, and it accelerates wound healing. It helps eliminate excess fluids, decreases fatigue and depression, useful for connective tissue disorders, kidney stones, poor appetite and sleep disorders.

* It is an classical Ayurvedic brain tonic. Traditionally it has been used to improve memory and learning, increase intelligence, reduce depression, promote longevity, and decrease senility. It has been widely used to treat a variety of psychological, behavioral and cognitive problems. It is commonly used in herbal supplements for problems like Epilepsy, Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Alzheimers disease, ADHD in children and for enhancing memory and learning skills. It supports the nervous system, particularly the hippocampus in the brain, allowing the body to maintain old nerve cells and synthesize new ones more quickly. Bacopa helps in repair of damaged neurons by enhancing kinase activity, neuronal synthesis and restoration of synaptic activity and ultimately nerve impulse transmission, thus helps in Alzheimers and other degenerative disorders of brain.

* Concentrated extract of Brahmi contains the active molecules Bacoside A &B. Bacoside A assists in the release of Nitric oxide, that causes the relaxation of the aorta and veins and allows blood to flow more smoothly though the body. Bacoside B is a protein that nourishes the brain cells. Triterpenoid saponins and Bacosides of Bacopa monnieri play key role for enhancing nerve impulse transmission. Herasaponin present in Bacopa exhibits calming sedative action and thus reduce sleeplessness.

* Biochemically, nervous-system effects of Brahmi have been attributed to an enhancement of the effects of the neurotransmitters acetylcholine and possibly serotonin or GABA (Gamma Amino Butyric Acid).

* It Increases learning abilities in mentally retarded children, increases memory, improves concentration power, helps to decrease anxiety in depressive patients and helps in decreasing stress induced high blood pressure.

You can buy Brahmi here

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Birus Durden's weblog