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Undesirable Effects of Excess Blood Cholesterol

Undesirable Effects of Excess Blood CholesterolCholesterol is a fatty, viscous substance produced by the liver. This substance has many purposes inside the body and in normal amounts it is benefic for the proper activity of the organism. Cholesterol has a very important role in protecting blood cells from damage, by covering their superficial membrane. The body also uses cholesterol in producing bile acids (which are vital in digestion of fat), vitamin D and hormones (testosterone and estrogen).

The body requires very small quantities of cholesterol to sustain its normal activity. When cholesterol is produced in excess, this substance accumulates in the bloodstream and deposits in different places of the organism. Excess cholesterol adheres to the interior walls of arteries, soft tissues and body organs, obstructing the normal blood flow. Like many other fats, cholesterol can’t be dissolved by the blood and therefore it can easily build up inside the body, causing a lot of harm. If cholesterol blocks the coronary arteries it can cause cardio-vascular diseases and even heart-attack.

Many people have high blood cholesterol levels and therefore they are exposed to heart disease. Age, gender and genetic heritage are all factors of risk in heart disease due to high blood cholesterol levels. Men are more predisposed to having abnormal blood cholesterol levels than women. People with ages over 50 also have cholesterol problems, as their bodies can’t eliminate the surplus substance. Overweight people, people with internal disorders and people with diabetes have high blood cholesterol levels due to overproduction of this substance inside the body.

Apart from internal dysfunctions that cause an overproduction of cholesterol, the excessive accumulation of this substance is also facilitated by other factors like inappropriate diet, lack of physical exercise, smoking and the consumption of alcohol. Inappropriate diet rich in saturated fats and simple carbohydrates greatly contributes to blood cholesterol build up. Foods like fatty meats (pork, poultry), organ meats (heart, liver, kidneys), fat dairy products (milk, cheese, butter), chocolate, peanuts considerably increase blood cholesterol levels. Smoking also causes a lot of harm to arteries and facilitates the accumulation of cholesterol in the bloodstream. Smoking is a major factor of risk in heart disease and many people who have abnormally high blood cholesterol levels are smokers. Alcohol abuse is also a factor of risk in heart disease, as it also raises blood cholesterol levels.

Whether high blood cholesterol is the consequence of internal dysfunctions or the consequence of unhealthy lifestyle and diet, it is important to take steps in normalizing its values. Avoid smoking, the consumption of alcohol and fatty foods if you have high blood cholesterol levels. An appropriate diet rich in unsaturated fat, complex carbohydrates and natural fibers can help eliminate blood cholesterol deposits and can also prevent its excess accumulation inside the body. Regular physical exercise is another good means of improving blood circulation and hence, decongesting the arteries clogged with cholesterol.

Understanding Your Body pH Balance

Understanding Your Body pH BalanceHigh acidity can become a dangerous condition that weakens all major body systems. It makes your internal environment conducive to disease. A pH-balanced environment, on the other hand, allows proper metabolic functioning and gives your body resistance to disease. A healthy body maintains alkaline reserves that are used to meet emergency demands.

Researchers find that most people are at least slightly “acidic”; their pH is low. If your pH is too acidic, your body borrows minerals – such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium – from vital organs and bones to neutralize and remove the acid. Although high acidity may not be outwardly noticeable, it can severely affect overall health in a negative way. Alkalinity in the body is much more rare, but just as potentially serious. It often takes longer for a person who is “alkaline” to achieve balance than one who is “acidic.”

Water is the most abundant compound in the human body, comprising 70% of the body. The body has an acid-alkaline (or acid-base) ratio called the pH, which is a balance between positively charged ions (acid-forming) and negatively charged ions (alkaline-forming.) The body continually strives to balance pH. When this balance is compromised many problems can occur.

It is important to understand that we are not talking about stomach acid or the pH of the stomach. We are talking about the pH of the body fluids and tissues, which is an entirely different matter.

It is recommended that you test your pH levels to determine if your body pH needs immediate attention. By using pH test strips, you can determine your pH factor quickly and easily in the privacy of your own home. If your urinary pH fluctuates between 6.0 to 6.5 in the morning and between 6.5 and 7.0 in the evening, your body is functioning within a healthy range. If you saliva stays between 6.5 and 7.5 all day, your body is functioning within a healthy range. The best time to test your pH is about one hour before a meal and two hours after a meal. Test your pH two days a week.

Understanding Your Birth Control Options

Understanding Your Birth Control OptionsToday, there are a lot of available birth control options for women to choose from. But before

picking the right one, a woman must know more about these birth control options, and think about

what is best for her current health condition, as well as her lifestyle. From understanding all

the pros and cons of each method, to choosing what’s best and right for her needs — interested

women should look further and deeper than the packaging of the product, or from word of mouth.

Next to the condom, the most commonly used birth control option would be birth control pills.

This usually contains both estrogen and progesterone to suppress ovulation. The pill is something

that needs to be taken everyday for approximately the same time everyday. There are also options

with regards to the pill. Some only contain progesterone, given to post-partum women or those who

have trouble in tolerating estrogen. But due to lack of estrogen, this pill has a slightly lower

efficacy rate compared to the normal pill containing both hormones. The latest versions of the

pills have fewer side effects as compared to older ones. Old version contraceptive pills have

side effects such as acne, weight gain, bloating, and nausea. On the positive side, birth control

pills reduce painful periods, heavy menstrual bleeding, and ovarian cysts. If taken properly,

these pills have a very good rate of effectiveness in pregnancy prevention.

Another birth control option for women would be the use of birth control implants. The most

common of which is Norplant, which are small matchstick like implants that are surgically placed

inside a woman’s upper arm. These implants contain progesterone and can be left in for up to five

years. The advantage of this option is that one does not have to take it everyday, but its

disadvantages include headaches, irregular menstrual bleeding, nausea, and dizziness.

Depo-Provera injection is another birth control option that only contains progesterone, and is

given every 12 weeks. As compared to the previous birth control pills and Norplant implants, both

the advantages and disadvantages are quite similar. But one relevant disadvantage for

Depo-Provera is that it can take up to six months to a year before one’s fertility and menstrual

cycle goes back to normal after using the said method. Vasectomy, on the other hand, is a

surgical procedure that is performed on men to prevent their semen from coming out during

ejaculation. Usually done by an urologist, this is a relatively easy procedure. The patient can

go home after a very short stay in the clinic or hospital. Considered to be a fairly permanent

birth control, attempting to reverse such a procedure is not always successful.

Cervical caps are very similar to the diaphragm but are smaller and covers the opening of the

uterus to prevent pregnancy. The advantage of this birth control option is that one can insert it

anywhere from 30 minutes to 48 hours prior to intercourse. Meanwhile, diaphragms are silicone,

round shaped semi-dome materials that are smeared with spermicide. It is inserted into the

vagina. This does not contain any hormones, but inserting it can cause an interruption during

intercourse.

From caps to pills, injections and implants, women can now choose what birth control option is

best for them and their lifestyle. Remember to consult with the doctor for more information

regarding the safety and effectiveness of these various contraceptive options.