Weekly Past Issue and Publication September, 24-2009

Fertility and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome In Conventional Medicine Perspective

I. Definition
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is defined as endocrinologic diseases caused by undeveloped follicles clumping on the ovaries that interferes with the function of the normal ovaries as resulting of enlarged ovaries, leading to hormone imbalance( excessive androgen), resulting in male pattern hair development, acne,irregular period or absence of period, weight gain and effecting fertility. It effects over 5% of women population or 1 in 20 women.

Recommended Program
Naturally Ovarian Cysts and PCOs Relief secret
Discovers Scientifically Proven Way To Reverse And
Eliminate All Ovarian Cysts & PCOS Within 2 Months Naturally,

II. Symptoms of PCOs
1. Irregular or absent menstrual periods
2. Male pattern hair growth
3. Acne and oily skin
4. Over weight
5. Obstructive sleep apnea
Closure of the upper airway, causing stop breathing while sleeping
6. Difficult to conceive

III. Diagnosis
If you have above symptoms, you may have PCOs. It is for your benefit to visit your doctor or gynaecologist immediately, because it may effect your chance of fertility. It is easy to identify through your medical history, physical exam and a blood test. In fact, the most effective long term treatment for PCOs can be done naturally at comfort at your own home.
The blood test includes testing of
DHEAS, testosterone, SHGB, LH and FSH ratio, TSH, IGTT level ( fasting insulin) and several other androgens are used to evaluate adrenal function. If there are abnormal secretion of certain hormones, you may be in a high risk of having PCOs. You may also require to have an ultra sound to look at your ovaries.

Recommended Program
Naturally Ovarian Cysts and PCOs Relief secret
Discovers Scientifically Proven Way To Reverse And
Eliminate All Ovarian Cysts & PCOS Within 2 Months Naturally,

IV. Causes of PCOs
The causes of polycystic ovarian syndrome is still unknown, but there are some suggestions
1. Genetic predisposition
A genetic predisposition is defined as a genetic problem of some women who were born predisposed to certain health problem. In this case, it is polycystic ovarian syndrome.

2. Insulin resistance
Insulin resistance is defined as above normal level of insulin in the blood of a person. It may be caused other health problem such as diabetes, abnormal function of pancreas or caused by low numbers of the insulin sensitivity of cells, which impairs the process of glucose in energy conversion and high blood glucose levels in the body, leading to hormone imbalance resulting in increasing the risks of cystic follicles or ovarian cysts development.

3. Obesity
Obesity is defined as a person whose BMI index is over 24. As we known, obesity women is always associated to insulin resistance, leading to the same problem as mentioning above.

4. Hyperandrogenism
Hyperandrogenism is a medical condition characterized by excessive production and/or secretion of androgens leading to male pattern hair growth.

a) Hirsutism
Hirsutism develops when follicles in androgen sensitive areas start to form thick, pigmented hair as opposed to thin, short, non-pigmented hair normally seen in those areas in women.

b) Cushing syndrome
Cushing's syndrome is a chronic illness caused by over production of cortisol hormone leading to lower sperm production in male and abnormal ovulation in women.

c) Disorders of cortisol metabolism,
Cortisol is usually referred to as the stress hormone, as it is secreted in large volume for our body to response to stress and anxiety. Disorders of cortisol metabolism is defined as a condition of which cortisol hormone has losen its function in restoring homeostasis after stress and inhibited insulin, causing blood sugar to rise.

d )Hyperprolactinemia
Prolactin is produced by the anterior pituitary gland primarily which plays important breast development during pregnancy and milk production after birth. Hyperprolactinaemia effects the normal function of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, leading to ovulatory infertility, a decreasing in menstruation and sometimes lost of menstruation and lost of sexual desire.

e) Acromegaly
Acromegaly is defined as over production of growth hormones caused by a benign tumor or of the pituitary gland and in rare case, it may be caused by tumors of the pancreas, lungs, and adrenal glands, leading to excess GnRH, resulting in male pattern hair growth.

5. Environmental chemicals
Environment chemicals such as xanoestrogen can causes over production of certain hormone and reduction of others, leading to abnormal function of the reproductive organs including the development of follicles and increasing the risk of PCOs.

6. Food adulterantion
Food adulterantion is defined as admixture or substitution of inferior substances or by the removal of some valuable ingredient in foods, leading to hormone imbalance and distorting the natural process of women reproductive system.

7. Chronic inflammation
Prolonged inflammation, known as chronic inflammation, leads to a progressive shift in the type of cells which are present at the site of inflammation and is characterized by simultaneous destruction and healing of the tissue from the inflammatory process.

Recommended Program
Naturally Ovarian Cysts and PCOs Relief secret
Discovers Scientifically Proven Way To Reverse And
Eliminate All Ovarian Cysts & PCOS Within 2 Months Naturally,

V. Types of Conventional treatments
1. Metformin
a) The effectiveness of metformin
It is an oral anti-diabetic drug used to treat type II diabetes. It is also used widely in treating PCOs by suppressing the production of endogenous glucose by the liver as it helps to make insulin working more effective without changing the level of insulin in the body, thereby helping to regulate the production of certain hormones resulting in ovulation and egg production.

b) Side effects:

i) Gastrointestinal upset including diarrhea, cramps, nausea and vomiting.
ii) Buildup of lactic acid in the body.
iii) Abdominal pain or cramps.

2. Clomiphene (Clomid)
a) The effectiveness of chomiphere
It is considered as a fertility medication. The effectiveness of clomiphere is that it helps to induce ovulation in women who are not ovulating at all and to increase the production of egg for women with letual phrase defect by stimulate the function of pituitary gland in series of hormone production, including LH, FSH and egg follicles.

b) Side effects
i) abdominal pain and cramps.
ii) Breast tenderness.
iii) Ovaries swelling,
iv) Sleeplessness
v) Gastrointestinal disorder including nausea, and vomiting.

3. Hcg
a) The effectiveness of HCG
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HcG) is defined as a hormone secreted by specialized cells called trophoblasts and later by the placenta. Since it is similar in structure to LH, it helps to induce ovulation by stimulating the release of mature egg, approximate 36 hour after taking it. HCG not only pinpoint the best time for sexual intercourse with success conception or assisting intrauterine insemination in egg retrieval.

b) Side effects
Although side effects of HCG is not common, but some women may experience
i) Headaches
ii) Irritability
iii) Restlessness, slight
iv) Water retention
v) Breast tenderness
vi) Depression

4. Gonadotropin (HMG)
a) The effectiveness of HMG
HMG contains natural FSH and LH, is a purified form of urine of post menopausal women. By stimulating production of LH and FSH to right levels, it helps to induce ovulation and develop mature follicles. if you are found to have low natural gonadotropin or estrogen levels or you need to have multiple egg follicles for artificial insemination. The medication may be also used if chomiphere therapy and other medication have been failed to induce ovulation.

b) Risks and side effects
i) Risk of miscarriage ( Quality of egg does not address here)
ii) Ovarian enlargement ( Caused by over stimulation)
iii) Ovarian hyper stimulation syndrome (OHSS)
iv) Multiple pregnancy
v) Headache and abdominal pain and cramps.
vi) Breast tenderness


5. Dexamethasone
a) The effectiveness of dexamethasone
Dexamethasone is a synthetic member of the glucocorticoid class of steroid hormones and a prescribed medication for fertility but does not use frequently as the other medication. It helps to induce ovulation by suppressing the androgen levels, resulting in increasing the chance of fertility.
b) Side effects
i) Stomach upset
ii) Glucose intolerance
iii) Moodswing and irritability
iv) Depression
v) Water rentention
vi) Hypertension

6. Artificial Insemination (In Vitro Fertilization (IVF))
a) The effectiveness of IVF
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) may also be offered, if other medication treatment have failed to induce pregnancy for women with PCOS by using HCG or other medication to induce ovulation and egg retrieval.

b) Risks and side effects
a) Ovarian hyperstimulation
b) Pelvic pain and cramps,
c) Shortness of breath,
d) Blood chemistry abnormalities

7. Surgery
Surgery is not commonly performed. If necessary, PCOs can be treated by either a laparoscopic surgery also is known as ovarian drilling or wedge resection. Both methods have not proven to be effective for women with PCOs. It is your benefit to forgo this type of expensive treatment in favour of other such as IVF.

Remember the most effective long term treatment for PCOs can be done naturally at comfort at your own home.

We have spent most of our times in discussing "Fertility and PCOs in Conventional medication Perspective", we will come back with another article " Fertility and PCOs with General Perspective". At the meantime, enjoy reading.

Always keep yourself positive and work together with your doctor, you may get pregnant sooner than you think:
For How To Find The Best Fertility Self Help Program Click Here
http://theendometroisisguide.blogspot.com/

Weekly Past Issue and Publication September, 16-2009

Children Health - Autism - What to Avoids

Children diagnosed with autism with impairments of speech, social and communication skill, limited interest, repetitive behaviour, etc. depending to severity of the symptoms may exhibit low tolerance or allergies to certain foods or chemicals, such as gluten and casein, impairment of digestion system such as yeast over growth in the intestine tract, weakened immune system such as decreased resistance to infection, respiratory and ear infection. It is important for parent and the benefits of the child avoided intake of food that promote the brain allergic reaction, the immune dysfunction, liver function in detoxification,etc. In this article, we will discuss what to avoid for children with autism.

How to combat Your Child Autism Parent guide
Discover Vital Information About Autism & Check For Autistic Traits
- Get What Really Works.

1. Artificial ingredients
Since most children with autism have poor digestive system and weakened immune system, intake of artificial ingredients will cause toxin accumulated in the body, leading to abnormality of liver function in toxins elimination, resulting in increasing the severity of the symptoms.
a) Artificial colors
Food color is any substance added in to the food to preserve its favors or to simulate a natural state of the foods with an aim to make customers to buy them. Although, they have been tested by the government food body to ensure its safety, but unfortunately, it has interfered the neurological processes, such as the behavior, personality and learning ability of children with or without autism if taken in high dose.
It is said that some artificial ingredient such as FD & C Red No. 2 dye have shown to promote cancerous growth. Researcher found that removing the artificial colors from the autistic children diet, improve in attention deficit and hyperactivity behaviors dramatically.

b) Artificial flavors
Artificial flavors are any synthesized chemical added to manufactured foods to change or make its taste better such as banana - isoamyl acetate; cinnamon - ethyl cinnamate; orange - octyl acetate and pineapple - methyl butyrate; pear. It causes nervous tension including mental concentration, behavior, lost of energy and weakened immune response.
It is said that long-term usage can increase your risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease and other degenerative conditions to children's central nervous system.

c) Artificial preservatives
Artificial preservatives are a group of chemical substances, such as BHT, nitrates, sulfites, sulfur dioxide, BHA, etc. added to food, sprayed on the outside of food, or added to certain medications with the purpose of preventing food from spoiling or discoloring. It causes allergic reactions in children, resulting in skin rashes or facial swelling and worsening asthma.

d) Artificial Addictive
Artificial addictive is defined as substances, adding to foods from the manufacture with the purpose of preservation, coloring, texture and flavor. Studies found that artificial additive can causes several types of cancer and tumor. Many of them have negative impacts in children with autism.
i) Olestra
Olestra is a fat substitute used in crackers and potato chips. It is type of additive can not be absorbed by the digestive system, leading to diarrhea, loose stools, abdominal cramps.
ii) Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
MSG is used as a flavor enhancer in many cooking and preservative foods. It is said that MSG can cause sensitive neurons to die. leading to headache, nausea or vomiting.

e) Artificial sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners is a synthesis sugar substituted substance. It has been used increasingly in replacing natural sugar in a wide range of products traditionally containing sugar. Studies found that artificial sweetener may increase risk of bladder and brain cancers.
i) Sucralose
It is 600 times as sweet as sugar and has been used in beverages, frozen desserts, chewing gum, baked goods, etc. and belongs to a class of chemicals called organochlorides. Some of them are considered toxic to our health.
ii) Lead acetate
It is an artificial sugar substitute made from lead, it causes lead accumulated in the body, leading to nervous symptoms.
iii) Aspartame
It is 200 times as sweet as sugar and can be used as a tabletop sweetener,frozen desserts, gelatins, etc. Researchers found that aspartame may increase the risk of brain damage and cancer.

2. Yeast extract
It is also known as processed yeast products and has been used as food additives or flavourings under the name of monosodium glutamate (MSG). It contains glutamic acid which is classified as exitotoxins, and can cause brain damage in some studies.

3. Trans fat
As we mentioned in many previous article, trans fat is the hydrogenated oil found in many commercial mayonnaise, margarine, and peanut butter etc. and can cause cholesterol building up in the arteries, leading to less blood circulation to the central nervous system, thus increasing the severity of the symptoms of autism and heart diseases and stroke. Some studies also found that trans fat causes brain, adrenal gland and thyroid tumors and cancers in some animal studies.

4. Gluten and casein
a) Gluten
Gluten and gluten-like proteins are found in wheat and other grains, including oats, rye, barley, bulgar, durum, etc. and extracted from flour by washing out the starch. It also has been used as artificial additive as a stabilizing agent in some foods. Intake of gluten may causes autoimmune disorder of the small intestine and symptoms of gastrointestinal disorder including chronic diarrhoea, failure to thrive and fatigue.

b) Casein
Casein is a protein found in milk and foods containing milk, such as cheese, butter, yogurt, etc. Studies found besides promoting cancer, it also increases the risk of bad cholesterol building up in the arteries, leading to heart diseases and stroke. Casein after intake can also be broken down to casomorphins, an chemical agent which is known to interfere with the function of neurotransmitter in transmitting information and decrease the immune response to foreign bacteria and virus invasion.

5. Non organic foods
Non organic foods may contain
i) Pesticides & Herbicides
Pesticides & Herbicides is highly toxic. Because of their value of increasing the production of foods and prevent insect eating aways the profits of the growers, it have been widely uses in non organic farming. Intake of non organic foods may weakened the immune system as well as interfering the liver function in toxic elimination, leading to central nervous tension and exhibiting the symptoms of autism.
ii) Contaminated Sewage Sludge
The increasing uses of contaminated sewage sludge containing human waste, industrial waste and toxic chemicals as a fertilizer, causes crop contamination, leading to major chronic health problem, including increasing the severity of the nervous symptoms for children with autism.
iii) Hormones & Antibiotics
Animal fed with fed antibiotics, hormones, ground up remains of other animals causes hormone imbalance in our body, leading central nervous disorder, increasing the risk of irregular cell growth, and damaging the balance of beneficial bacteria in the intestines.


6. Refine products
Refined products with little fiber release sugar in the blood stream quickly, causing the responses of pancreas to produce high level of insulin to neutralize it in a short period of time, that interferes with the normal function of central nervous system in controlling the concentration, focus and behaviour for children with autism.

7. Foods promote immune allergic reaction
Since most children with autism have a weakened immune system, eating food promote the immune allergic reaction may cause immune system to attacks a normally harmless substance and interfere to the body’s own natural opioid and disable the enzymes that would break down these naturally occurring compounds, leading to inflammation and gastrointestinal disorder.

For more information how to provide A Healthy Eating Guide
To Combat Autism with Delicious, Great Cooking Tips, Easy, Yet Yummy Recipes.
Click Here


It is advice for parent with autistic child to keep a food diary and note of their child’s behaviours and symptoms alongside all the foods intake. This can help to identify the foods that cause immune allergic reaction and replay them them with other foods containing at least the same nutrients. Please consult with your dietitian or nutritional therapist before applying.

Weekly Past Issue and Publication September, 10-2009

Children Health - Diagnosis of Children Brain Development Disorder

Diagnosis children brain development is always painful and time consuming for parent. From the first day when you take your child to see your family doctor, to the day you know what type of brain development disorder which your child has, you may come cross many " wrong" diagnosis and be suggested to take your child to see one specialist after another. Although there are many children brain development disorder around, each specialist may be only specialize in one field. The only hope is of that information collected from each specialist will finally help to determine the exact type of disorder and your child will be treated with corrected medication. Many parents in the U.S. complaint " Why don't we have a group of specialists who specialize in diagnosis children brain development disorder in the same hospital or children clinic, so the child can be diagnosis and treat quickly. Why do we as a child parent have to search for each specialist and time for each child to see such specialist sometime exceed 3 months, etc...". In fact, each country has its own health care system and non of them is perfected.

How to combat Your Child Autism Parent guide
Discover Vital Information About Autism & Check For Autistic Traits
- Get What Really Works.

I. In Canada
Because of universal health care system, after your child is seen by your family doctor, she or he will be recommended to the local children hospital for department of brain development disorder. From there, the team of specialists will diagnose your child one by one and after all diagnosis are collected and the team meeting will finally inform the parent the type of brain development disorder of the child and treatments suggestion.
The time of diagnosis in Canada may be shorter, but all doctors are pre determined. Like it or not, you can not choose your own. You may refuse to see some doctors, but getting your child to wait for weeks for next appointment and diagnosis is no, no to all parents.
1. There are many support group in your local area, If you will be given information to joined
2. Your child will be sent back to your local brain development disorder local clinic
3. You will need to come back, depending to your doctor diagnosis from time to time ( usually six months) or suggested by your family doctor or local clinical doctors.
4. All medication are free
Your want to seek from the alternative medicine, you will pay for their service, but please inform your family doctor and clinical doctors.

II. U.S.
You will have to make you own appointment or have your family doctor do it for your. You have the right to choose any doctor who you think will be best your child. Because of each doctor speciality, some famous doctor in child brain development disorder, may take up to six months of waiting for initial appointment that not only delays the child corrected diagnosis, but also increases the risk of condition severity. Here are some tips have work well for some parents, I hope they will kelp to reduce the time of waiting and to save time for parent running around to find treatments for their children
A. In general
1. Share your concern with your doctor or specialist
2. Listen to their suggestion
3. You may ask for initial green by your family doctor
4. Seek help from other specialists as soon as possible
5. Follow up your appointment
6. Seek a second opinion
7. Get your concerns and questions answer
8. Know available treatments and edcucation when the true causes are found
9. Get your child copies from all doctors who your child has been seen.
10. If you seek help from alternative medicine, make sure you are understood and understand, because most of the famous alternative practitioner came from non English speaking countries.

B. Joint parent child development support organization
1. Share your concerns with members
2. Find a place where you can talk quietly with member instead of raising your concern during meeting.
3. Raise your question in the general meeting
4. Share member experiences
5. Share your check list
6. No technical term and personal labelling
7. If you can find other sources, share with your members
8. Be supportive and do not make any judgement.

C. here are the suggested list of specialist team
We don't know that the list below are helpful to all parents, it has been used by other parent with high success rate in diagnosis. It is said that the list save parent time and prevent delay treatments to their children.
1. Development and behaviour pediatrician
2. Pediatric neuronologist
3. Children psychiatrist
4. Children psychologist
5. Speech and language pathologist
6. Occupational therapist
7. Physical therapist
8. Play therapist
9. Social worker


Back to the Childern Health - Development Disoder
Back to Medical advisor journals home page


For more information how to provide A Healthy Eating Guide
To Combat Autism with Delicious, Great Cooking Tips, Easy, Yet Yummy Recipes.
Click Here

Weekly Past Issue and Publication September, 03-2009

Children Health - Development Disorder - Definition and Types
I. Definition
A neurodevelopmental disorder is defined as an impairment of the growth and development of central nervous system, it effects the children's brain function in controlling emotion, learning ability and memory as well as social interaction. Today, one in six children is diagnosed with some forms of development and behaviour disorder. It is advised for parent to have their child diagnosed early, if they found that their child is withdrawing from social world, failing to learn the basic communication skill or struggle with emotional regulation, etc.. otherwise, a child may be at risk of becoming serious lifelong disability.


How to combat Your Child Autism Parent guide
Discover Vital Information About Autism & Check For Autistic Traits
- Get What Really Works.


II. Most common types of brain development disorder
1. Autism disorder
Autism is one most common form of brain development disorder and one in 166 child is diagnosed with some forms of autism. It is defined as medical condition in which a child has some of the following impairments
a) Speech
b) Social and communication skills
c) Limited interest
d) Repetitive behaviour

2. Asperger syndrome
Children with Asperger syndrome has no problem with speech development, but have very poor social and communication skills. they may talk a lot, but fail to focus and keep up with the subject. they also have a very narrow interest as they may talk about only one single subject for months or years. Some children with Asperger syndrome may also engage in repetitive behaviour such as flagging hand.

3. Pervasive Development disorder
Children who have developed some or mild forms of autism are considered to have pervasive development disorder. Although some symptoms or important signs of autism is missing, they are likely to diagnoses with autism or Asperger syndrome later in their life.

4. Rett Syndrome
Rett syndrome effects mostly girl, is defined as a condition of which children lose social and communication skills as well as purposely use of their hand. It may also accompany with symptoms of hand repetitive and seizures.

5. Childhood integrative disorder
Children with childhood integrative disorder may gradually lose their language, social communication and self help skills between the period of 2 -4 years old.

6. Sensory integration dysfunction
Sensory integration dysfunction is a condition of which a child fails to react to the information collected from the scene, caused by abnormal brain function in processing information. Typically, most children with sensory integration syndrome may be under sensitive in reaction to pain or noise or over sensitive in reaction to certain environments such as noise, bright light or often both.

7. Auditory processing disorder
Auditory processing disorder is defined as damaging of the neurological structures and pathways of sound perception, therefore children with this disorder are able to hear sounds but have trouble to interpret what they hear.

8. Expressive language disorder
This is defined as a condition of which the children have a limited vocabulary and difficulty in recalling words or expressing themselves by using complex sentences.

9. Speech apraxia
It is caused by the broken down of the inter-reaction between the brain in controlling the speech muscles during speech. Children with speech appraxia know what they want to say, but can not speak through their voice or their words are difficult to understand.

10. Attention deficit hyperactivity
ADHD is defined as psychological condition of which a child has a poor attention skill, impulsive behavior and hyper-activity, the symptoms may appear to be innocent but annoying nuisances to other children. It effects between 3-5% of children globally and most of them are diagnosed later in their childhood life.

11. Attention deficit disorder
unlike ADHD, children with attention deficit disorder are diagnosed only with symptoms of poor attention skill and impulsive behaviour. Although, the symptoms may appear only annoying to other children, it can inflict the learning ability of the children in the class.

12. Mental retardation
Metal retardation is considered as a generalized disorder. Children with mental retardation normally fail to adapt or adjust to another type of behaviour or situation. they also have a below average IQ ( 70 or lower) and difficulty in performing routine activity.

13. Hearing impairment
Hearing impairment is characterized as a child have a reduce of the ability to detect or understand sounds. Since the children can not hear well, it may interfere with normal progress of social and communication skills causing disruptive behaviour.

14. Seizure disorder (Epilepsy)
Since the normal function of neurons is to generate electrochemical impulses to act on other neurons, glands, and muscles to produce human thoughts, the damage or abnormal function of neurons in case of seizure disorder interfere with sensations, emotions, and behavior, resulting in delay or loss of social and communication skills.

15. Nonverbal learning disorder
The problems of the nonverbal learning disorder are not speech and memory, they may seem normal when they talk and understand what they hear, but in abstracted thinking such as non-verbal problem-solving, daily change of routine and social skills.

16. Traumatic brain injury
Traumatic brain injury normally caused by physical impacts such as car accident or lack of oxygen circulated in their body for a certain amount of time that damage certain area of the brain in controlling speech, thinking, behaviour and social skills.

17. Fragile X syndrome
Fragile X syndrome is defined as a genetic defect. Children with this syndrome have difficult to control the physical, intellectual, emotional and behavioural aspects in their daily activity as resulting of inherited cause of mental retardation.

18. Tuberous sclerosis
This another type of genetic disease, which causes tumor to be growth in the brain and other organ, leading to seizure, delay development, behaviour problem and sometimes mental retardation.

19. William syndrome
William syndrome is a genetic defect, caused by a deletion of about 26 genes from the long arm of chromosome. Children with William syndrome appear to have unusual language skill and eager for social interaction, but can also be mental retardation and heart problems.

20. Angelman syndrome
This is a condition caused by deletion or inactivation of genes on the maternally inherited chromosome 15. Children with this type of syndrome have severe mental retardation that effect their intellectual and interfere with normal development. the syndrome also accompanies with unexplained smiling and laughing.

21. Prader-Willi syndrome
Prader-Will syndrome is also another genetic defect caused missing or partial missing of the seven genes on chromosome 15. Children who was born with Prader-Willi syndrome have delay development and feeding difficulty in infancy and develop compulsive eating and food obsession after age one.

22. Phenylketonuria
Phenylketonuria is a genetically metabolic disorder caused by deficiency of phenylalanine hydroxylase, leading to accumulation of phenylalanine that converted into phenylpyruvate, the substance which interfere with development of the brain, causing severe brain damage, mental retardation if it is not controlled by a special diet in their early life.

23. Early-onset childhood bipolar disorder
It is also known as manic-depression. Chilgren who are diagnosed with this disorder have symptoms of frequent mood swing, alternate thinking and behaviour .

24. Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is characterised as a children life is disrupted by unwanted, unnecessary and repetitive thought, as well as an overwhelming need to do certain thing compulsively such as washing their hand many time a day, drinking a cup water before leaving home, etc.

25. Generalized anxiety disorder
It is a kind of anxiety disorder. Children with generalized anxiety disorder always worry about something, restlessness and fears without reason.

26. Selective mutism
Selective mutism is defined as another type of anxiety in which a child who is normally capable of speech is unable to speak or becomes silent in certain situations or in front of specific people.

27. Oppositional defiant disorder
Oppositional defiant disorder is defined as an ongoing pattern of uncooperative, disobedient, hostile and defiant behaviour toward parent and authority.

28. Pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder association with streptococcal infection ( PANDAS)
It is defined as a condition in which the immune system attack the child central nervous system, leading to behaviour, thinking and movement problems.

29. Reactive attachment disorder
Reactive attachment disorder is defined as a inappropriate social behaviour caused by severe early experiences of neglect, abuse of parent or caregivers between the ages of six months and three years.

30. Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is described as a mental disorder characterized by abnormalities in the perception or expression of reality caused by inability of a child to cope with the change in the internal or external environment, leading to hallucination and delusion.

For more information how to provide A Healthy Eating Guide
To Combat Autism with Delicious, Great Cooking Tips, Easy, Yet Yummy Recipes.
Click Here

Back to the top
Back Past weekly articles

Weekly Past Issue and Publication August, 27-2009

Endometriosis - Types Of Conventional Treatments, Side Effects and Risks

During the last stage of the menstrual cycle normally a layer of endometriosis lining in the inside of the uterus is expelled, known as menstruation blood but instead some of the endometriosis tissues growing somewhere in the body causing endometriosis. Endometriosis also reacts to hormonal signals of the monthly menstrual cycle by building up tissue, breaking it, and eliminating it through the menstrual period. In this article, we will discuss types of conventional treatments, side effects and risks.

A. The Pill
I. Definition
The Pill normally is prescribed by your doctor to reduce the heavy period blood for woman with or with out endometriosis as well as in treating of period pain, or contraceptive purpose ( 21 days on and 7 days off).

II. How it works
In endometriosis, the pill helps to
a) Reduce the period blood flow as resulting in lowering the risk of more developing of endometriosis.
b) Reduce the bleeding by thinning the endometrial lining.
c) Reduce the period pain by inhibiting the hormone prostaglandins hormones that cause the uterine muscles spasm.
d) Shrink the endometriosis and reduce the bleeding of into cysts and pelvic cavity because the Pill creates the pregnant-like state.
e) Suppress the estrogen that is needed to start a menstrual cycle.

III. Symptoms and Risks

1. Blood clots
All hormonal methods of birth control pose a threat to normal blood flow.The oral contraceptive combination pill is no exception, it increases the risk of of blood clots in your legs or on the lung caused by estrogen in the pill that makes your blood thicker in the veins.

2. Stroke
Woman who takes the oral contraceptive combination pill increases the risk of stroke caused by blockage of blood flow to the brain as resulting of high level of estrogen in the pill that reduces the oxygen transportation as the blood getting thicker.

3. Heart disease
Similar to the stroke, as our blood get thicker, our heart has to pump harder to provide oxygen for our body cells need causing hypertension. If our heart has to work that hard for a prolong period of time because of long term use of birth control pill, it will be damaged causing heart disease.

4. Skin pigment
Some woman may experience increasing of pigmentation of skin that shows up in patchy and light brown area caused by estrogen in the pill.

5. Mood swing
Some women may experience mood swing while taking the pill, it is caused by significant changes in your hormone levels affecting the chemicals that regulate mood such as level of estrogen and progesterone in the pill.

6. Infertility
Some women after coming off the birth control pill and hope to get pregnant, they may be disappointed. Not only the effects of birth control pill maybe needed sometime to wire off, our body may never be able to adjust causing lost of period permanently.

8. Increase the size of fibroids
Oral contraceptive combination pill contains estrogen that promote the growth of fibroids. If you have fibroids and you want take the oral contraceptive pill, you should talk to your doctor first.

VI. Side effects
a) Bleeding and spotting
Bleeding and spotting is normal for the first six months for women starting any oral contraceptive combination pill because our body needs time to adjust to the new medication.

b) Lost interest in sex
Women who take the contraceptive pill are in danger of permanently lost their interest in sex because the oral contraceptive pill inhibits testosterone, the hormone that drives sexual desire even aftyer if they stop the pill.

c) Chloasma or melasma
It caused by hormonal changes, as in pregnancy and intake of estrogen in the oral contraceptive pill.

d) Nutritional deficiency
Oral contraceptive pill causes vitamin and mineral imbalances or deficiencies. It depletes magnesium for healthy heart, coenzyme Q10 for healthy heart muscles, folic acid for preventing cervical abnormalities, vitamin B6, B2, B3, zinc, etc.

B. Progesterone agonist

I. Definition
This type of pill contains no estrogen also known as the progesterone-like pill or progestins, it helps to maintain milk production for breastfeeding mother and to thicken the cervical mucus, thereby preventing sperm from entering the uterus. This type of pill must be taken at a certain time every 24 hours for effectively.

II. Types of Progesterone medicines
a) Injecting medicine
Type of progesterone medication injected in the women body every three months, such as Depo Provera. It is good for women who want to have long term contraception, it may work well for some women but study shows that it causes bone loss and sometimes osteoporosis.

b) Implant medicine
The other type of progesterone like medicine such as Implanon is implanted into the fat of a non dominant arm and last about 3 years. It may not cause bone loss as Depo Provera, but it causes male like pattern such as excessive hair growth and deepening the voice.

c) Progesterone-like pills
i) Progesterone like pill in treating excessive menstruation
If a woman does not have progesterone irregularity, her doctor may prescribe this type of medicine for her. It helps to complete shredding of the endometrium and stops the abnormal bleeding. Besides all the good thing of this type of progesterone like pill, it also has it side effects, such as elevating level of cholesterol.
ii) Other types
Other types of progesterone like medicines, such as Provera, Duphaston, they helps to relieve of menstrual cramp with no long term serious side effects by creating the pregnancy-like state but their short term side effects including spotting and bleeding.

IV. Side effects
Most side effects are caused by high levels of progesterone for women taking the progesterone only pill, such as
1) Mood swings
2) Weight gain
3) Reduced libido
4) Fluid retention
5) Acne
6) Breast tenderness

V. Risks
1) Ectopic pregnancy
Women taking the progesterone only pill may increase the risk of pregnancy inside the fallopian tube and not in the uterus.
2) Progesterone only pill may increase the risk of pain in the lower abdomen, shortly after a missed or light period.
3) It also increases the risk of developing small, benign cysts in the ovary.

C. Oral contraceptive pills
I. Definition
The oral contraceptive combination pill is defined as one type of birth control pill containing both estrogen and progesterone that helps to control unwanted pregnancy and reducing symptoms of abdominal pain before, during or after menstrual cycle such as endometriosis, premenstrual symptoms etc.

II. How the pill works
The pill is taken 21 days on, 7 day off. In endometriosis
a) It will help to reduce the bleeding by thinning the endometrial lining and reducing the flow of the period blood that help to decreases the risk of retrograde menstruation in endometriosis.
b) It also helps to inhibit hormone prostaglandins that causes muscle spasm in the ovary reducing the menstrual cramps.
c) Since the pill reduces the bleeding of endometriosis, it lesson the risk of bleeding into cysts and pelvic cavity.
d) Shrinking the endometriosis by creating a continual pregnant-like state.

III. Symptoms and risks
a) Symptoms
i) Bleeding and spotting as our body needs time to adjust to the substance in the pill, Normally, the bleeding and spotting will end in six months.
ii) Acne and weigh gain caused by synthetic progesterone in the pill in some women.
b) Risks
i) Since the oral contraceptive combination pill contains estrogen, it may cause blood clots, stroke and heart disease
ii) Hypertension caused by thickening of blood in arteries.

D. GnRH agonists
I. Definition
GnRH is a hormone released by the hypothalamus which stimulates the pituitary to produce luteinising hormones (LH) and follicle that stimulate hormone (FSH) to drive a menstrual cycle.

II. Effectiveness of GnRH
Just likes progesterone-like agonists, GnRH ( gonadotrophin-releasing hormone) have been used in treating endometriosis for more than 20 years. They come in different forms: three-monthly injection, monthly injection, daily injection and nasal spray because of their chemical make up. GnRH are natural hormone blocking medicines, they help to stop the ovulation and create a temporary menopause state.
Study shows that GnRH are effective in reducing the symptoms and the size of endometrial implants but unfortunately, symptoms tend to return after stopping treatment in 4 months.

III. Side effects
a) Hot flush, dry vagina caused by temporary of menopause state.
b) Loss of libido caused by low level of estrogen and vagina dryness.
c) Loss of bone density caused by low level of estrogen and progesterone.
d) Nutritional deficiency caused by symptoms of menopause state as our body is no longer absorb magnesium and calcium effectively.

IV. Risks
1. Loss of bone density
Loss of bone density is normal for women taking the GnRH drug. Since it causes menopause state, it deplete the calcium in the body that is essential for building a healthy bone. It also distorts the ratio of magnesium and calcium.
2) Reducing sexual desire
Sexual libido may be caused by dry vagina, one of many symptoms of GnRH. It may also be caused by low level of estrogen that is essential for driving sexual desire.
3) Increase the risk of developing of ovarian cysts.

E. Prostaglandins Inhibitors
I. Definition
prostaglandins inhibitors are men made prostaglandins hormones that help to block the production of prostaglandins from our body during menstrual cycle. Since over production of certain types of prostaglandins hormones cause over contraction of uterine muscles resulting in menstrual cramps and blocking them are benefits for women with severe period pain.

II. How Prostaglandins Inhibitors work
a) Inhibiting the natural prostaglandins in the women menstrual cycle will reduce the over active uterine and ovarian muscles that cause the abdominal pain, if endometrial implants and adhesion in the wall of the ovary.
b) The medication can be brought without prescription, such as Aspirin, Ponstan, Nurofen, etc.
c) They also help to reduce the heavy period as uterine muscles now are being controlled by the effects of the medication.
d) They are more effective in treating symptoms of menstrual cycle if taking together with other oral contraceptive pills.
e) They sometime may also correct the prostaglandins imbalance for some women.

III. Risks
a) Most prostaglandins inhibitors only correct the symptoms while they are around. Symptoms of menstrual cycle will re appear when the medication is wire off.
b) Over taking porstaglandins inhibitor will severely damage the liver, causing variety of diseases.
c) The medication may cause gastro-intestine system problem, such as stomach pain, vomiting, nausea, constipation. Taking them with foods can reduce the above side effects.
d) Increase the risk of asthma, lupus and clotting disorders.
e) They may cause pelvic inflammatory diseases.

IV. Side effects
It is advised that prostaglandins inhibitors drugs should be taken with food to prevent any problem with the gastro-intestine system. Since prostaglandins inhibitors are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, they have below side effects if overdose.
1) Nausea
2) Vomiting
3) Stomach pain
4) Micro-bleeding and ulcers
5) Abdominal cramps

Since endometriosis is treatable and manageable by natural remedies and self help, if you have endometroisis, please look at the bright side.
I hope this information will help. If you need more information or insurance advice, please follow my article series of the above subject at my home page at: http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com

Weekly Past Issue and Publication August, 20-2009

Testosterone Deficiency: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention and Treatment

Testosterone is a male hormone. Besides promoting libido it has other important functions such as maintaining muscle mass and forming bone,and regulating heart muscle and cholesterol. It also helps to improve the oxygen levels throughout the body as well as controlling blood glucose and strengthening the immune system. As men age, the pituitary gland produces less free testosterone while more free testosterone is being converted to estrogen which results in many health problems. In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, prevention and treatment of testosterone deficiency.

I. Causes
1. Aging
As we mentioned in the previous articles, human aging is the biological and pathological processes that vary from person to person and that are controllable to some degree. Starting at age 40 levels of testosterone start to diminish. The levels of the by-product prolactin of testosterone of men increases, stimulating the production of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase that causes the conversion of testosterone to gihydro-testosterones DHT thus triggering low levels of testosterone.

2. DHEA deficiency
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a substance made by the adrenal gland. It is the precursor of the sex steroids estrogen and testosterone. DHEA has some male hormone effects and deficiency of DHEA contributes to fatigue, poor concentration and diminished overall body functions.

3. Zinc
Zinc is a natural aromatase enzyme inhibitor. It helps to block the conversion of testosterone into excess estrogen. Inadequate zinc levels block the pituitary gland from releasing lutein and follicle stimulation of hormone which stimulates the production of testosterone.

4. Aromatase
Aromatase is an enzyme of the cytochrome P450 superfamily, whose function is to aromatize androgen and produce estrogen. As men age they produce greater amounts of aromatase enzymes that cause the conversion of testosterone into estrogen resulting in male hormone deficiency.

5. Liver disease
Damage to liver causes extra estrogen and sex-hormone binding globulin resulting in lower levels of testosterone.

6. Frequent sexual activity
Normal sexual activity helps to improve the yang qi in the kidney according to Chinese herbalists (that is the reason why most kings in Chinese history have some sources of sexual dysfunction). Frequent sexual activity (more than once a day and every day) will cause the depletion of yang qi resulting in low levels of testosterone, sexual dysfunction and libido in the future days.

II. Symptoms
1. Decreased sexual function
As we mentioned in the last article, starting at age 40 levels of testosterone start to diminish. The levels of the by-product prolactin of testosterone of men increases, stimulating the production of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase that causes the conversion of testosterone to gihydro-testosterones DHT thus triggering low levels of testosterone resulting in sexual dysfunction.

2. Loss of bone density
The brain and bone are the important tissues that have the primary effect of testosterone is by way of aromatization to 17² estradiol in the bones. 17²-estradiol accelerates maturation of cartilage into bone, leading to closure of the epiphyses (a rounded end of a long bone) and conclusion of growth.

3. Loss of muscle mass
As men start aging or damage of pituitary gland, extra estrogen builds up in the body causing low levels of testosterone being produced resulting in loss of muscle mass. Testosterone effects can be classified as anabolic effects that include growth of muscle mass and strength, increased bone density and strength, and stimulation of height growth and bone maturation. Testosterone effects can also be classified by the age of usual occurrence.

4. Memory loss
Low levels of testosterone allows beta-amyloid, a toxic peptide to accumulate in certain regions of the brain causing memory loss.

5. Abdominal fat
Fat cells create aromatase enzymes that contribute to fat build up and low levels of testosterone which allows the forming of abdominal fat that produce more aromatase enzymes resulting in more formation of estrogen. It also causes insulin resistance by increasing fat around the stomach/waist area and fat mass.
There are more symptoms of low levels of testosterone such as timidity, feeling of weakness, and passive attitude.

III. Prevention and Treatment
a) With Foods
1. Oyster and crustaceans
Oyster and crustaceans contain high levels of magnesium and zinc that is a natural aromatase inhibitor playing a key role in regulating testosterone levels as well as improving circulation of blood to the penis vessels.

2. Cabbage
Cabbage contains vitaimn C, iron, calcium, and potassium. It not only helps in exhibiting the estradiol-restricting properties as other cruciferous vegetables, but its fiber also helps to control weight gain resulting in a decreased risk of estrogen binding.

3. Dark green leaf
Dark green leaf juice contains high amount of vitamin C and E, besides helping to reduce levels of cholesterol, high blood pressure and regulate blood glucose resulting in improved blood circulation to vital organs in our body. It also helps to fight the forming of free radicals and rejuvenates our cell and cleans up the clogged up receptor sites that helps to raise levels of testosterone.

4. Goat Meat
Goat meat contains high amounts of protein, iron, magnesium, and zinc. Iron specifically offers the added benefit of raising levels of oxygen in the blood that is essential for providing nutrition to cell needs. High protein and zinc are two nutrients that help to optimize free testosterone levels and muscle-building.

5. Egg
Egg contains zinc, iron, vitamin A, antioxidants, protein and testosterone. The antioxidants and testosterone present in egg have an effect in testosterone-boosting ratio of saturated fat to polyunsaturated . The high amounts of vitamins B5 and B6 in egg also helps to balance the hormone levels in our body and fight stress. Overloading with eggs may increase levels of cholesterol but eating one egg a day is ideal for vitalizing and regenerative effects in resulting more production of testosterone.

7. Blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries
Blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries contain vitamin P (bioflavonoid) that helps to promote health by strengthening capillaries, protecting blood vessels from clogging up, other connective tissues and muscle building in the body resulting in improved blood circulation and immune system in fighting the forming of free radicals.

8. Cold water fish
Besides plenty of omega 3, cold water fish is an excellent source of vitamin A and zinc that help the binding of sex hormones, specifically testosterone and estradiol.

b) With herbs
1. Sting nettle roots
Sting nettle root binds to sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) in place of testosterone resulting in a reduction of SHBG binding of free testosterone, therefore helping increase the levels of free testosterone. It also promotes healthy prostate gland that helps to stimulate the sexual desire.

2. Muira Pauma
Muira pauma is stems and roots of a ptychopetalum plant in South America. It has been used as an aphrodisiac, tonic and cure for muscle paralysis and strengthening the liver function that helps to cure the hormone imbalance in aging men. Study shows that muira pauma is a libido enhancer.

3. Yohimbe
Yohimbe contains the compound yohimbine that has been used as a major ingredient in several prescription drugs for impotence. Yohimbine helps impotence caused by poor circulation and emotional problems resulting in raising your testosterone levels and your libido.

4. Milk thistle
Milk thistle helps restore the liver function that helps to eliminate the surplus of estrogen and sex hormone binding globulin that allow the increasing of levels of free testosterone.

5. Saw palmetto
Saw palmetto help to promote prostate health and increase sexual stimulation. It also helps estrogen and estrogen receptor activity resulting in a healthy hormone balance, thus increasing sexual desire in men.

6. Maca
Maca is a vegetable root or tuber that grows in the high Andean plateaus of Peru at high altitudes. It helps our body to nourish the pituitary gland that help to increase the production of our own human hormones such as testosterone.

7. Tongkat ali
Tongkat ali has been shown to raise testosterone by stimulating the leydig cells of the testicles to produce more testosterone. Tangkat ali also helps in supporting erectile function and ejaculatory function as a direct consequence of increasing the size of male penis and sexual desire.

c) With Chinese herbs
1.Gou Zhen (Chinese pine pollen)
Gou zhen contains high amounts of amino acids, vitamins, trace-elements, enzymes, flavonoids, nucleic acid and unsaturated fatty acids that help to stimulate the activity of liver cells and regulate bile secretion and endocrine resulting in increased production of free testosterone that in turn promots men's libido.

2. Cordyceps
Cordyceps is one of the primary herbal substances used in tonic herbalism as an anti-aging agent and for the purposes of rejuvenation. It also helps to nourish and strengthen the kidneys and lungs and tonifies qi, relieves depression of liver qi as resulting of eliminating the surplus of estrogen and sex hormone binding globuline.

3. Ginseng
Ginseng in Chinese medicine is used as a pituitary strengthening herb. It also contains herbs that benefit the endocrine system which results in tonifiying the entire endocrine system and helping the release of human growth hormone (HGH).

4. Reishi
Reishi is a supreme protector that helps to strengthen the immune system, anti-forgoing stress, improves blood, and qi circulation and memory. Reshi also helps to protect the liver from toxins and protect the lungs from pollutants as a resulting of eliminating the surplus of estrogen and sex hormone binding globulin and helping the release of human growth hormone (HGH).

5. Tribulus terrestris
Tribulus terrestris is a sexual enhancer and testosterone stimulator that benefits the sexual functions of men resulting in increased sexual potency in men. Studies show that intake of tritbulus terrestris will help to increase the amounts of free testosterone in the body systems.

6. Horny Goat Weed
Horny goat weed contains a variety of flavonoids such as icariin that helps to relax the blood vessels leading to the penis, which allows them to expand resulting in stronger and harder erection. It also helps to treat low levels of testosterone and increased sexual desire at the same time.

d) With Nutritional Supplements
1. DHEA
1. DHEA
DHEA allows our body to create other hormones such as testosterone. Study shows that DHEA is a precursor to sex hormones. The deficiency of DHEA causes the deficiency of other sex hormones resulting in loss of bone density, increasing of body mass, hardening of blood vessels and low sex drive.

2. Chorella
Chlorella containing beta carotene and chlorophyll is a powerful antioxidant that helps to strengthen the immune system by blocking the formation of free radicals, improving oxygen levels for cell needs and nitric oxygen thus stimulating the enlarging of the penis through sexual desire.

3. Garlic
Garlic is one of nature's superfoods that helps lower levels of cholesterol, normalizes blood pressure and increases circulation of oxygen levels in bloodstream. Garlic is also a stimulant that helps to increase men's libido by promoting the production of sex hormone in the pituitary gland. Please consult with your doctor if you have any bleeding problems before taking garlic supplements.

4. Vitamin K
Vitamin K is needed for skin rejuvenation. The depleting of vitamin K in the skin membrane causes the skin to become inelastic and wrinkle as a result of low levels of testosterone in men due to aging. Restoring the deficiency of vitamin K indirectly promotes production of levels of testosterone.

5. Omega 3 and 6 fatty acid
Besides helping to lower levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides, and improving circulation of the levels of oxygen in bloodstream to cells, omega 3 and 6 fatty acid also helps to promote the restoration of any damage of heart tissues and hormone imbalance in aging men.

6. Nucleic acid
Nucleic acid besides promoting cell growth, boosting energy, smooth skin and keeping hair sleek, also helps to maintain the healthy levels of male sex hormone resulting in a normalizing desire of the sex drive.

7. Zinc and iron
Deficiency of zinc and iron causes the depletion of oxygen levels and poor circulation of the bloodstream as indirectly resulting in erectile dysfunction. Since zinc also promotes healthy prostate glands that increase the release of prostate fluids that help to stimulate the sexual desire by increasing the production of levels of free testosterone.

8. Potassium and magnesium
Potassium and magnesium help to inhibit the conversion of testosterone to estrogen resulting in more free testosterone that helps to normalize sexual desire.


e) With natural approaches
1. Cut down intake of saturated fat and trans fat
Our brain needs fat to function better, but unhealthy diet that is high in saturated fat and trans fat causes not only the build up of the abdominal area but also increases the risk of hormone imbalance by stimulating the binding of sex hormone binding globulin which clogs up testosterone receptor sites resulting in low levels of free testosterone and sexual desire. By reducing intake of above fats and replacing them by fish which contain high amounts of omega 3 and 6 will help to block the binding of SHBG, thus increasing the amount of free testosterone as well as libido.

2. Reduce intake of alcohol
Excessive drinking impairs the function of liver resulting in hormone imbalance as well as increasing the levels of estrogen in both men and women.

3. Stop smoking
Cigarette is a stimulant that not only increases heart beat but also causes the depletion of oxygen levels in the blood stream. It also increases binding of SHBG resulting in lowered levels of free testosterone.

4. Replace carbonated beverages with dark green juice
Carbonated beverages are absorbed more readily and it suppresses the testosterone production in men. Dark green juice contains a high amount of antioxidants, zinc, iron, vitamin C, etc. that not only helps to restore the damage of cells but also prevent the formation of free radicals. Dark green juice also reduces the binding of SHGB, nourishes the pituitary gland, thus increasing the production of free testosterone.

5. Moderate exercise
Walking 50 minutes a week will help to improve the circulation of oxygen levels in the bloodstream and increase the human growth hormone as well as helping to regulate the testosterone levels in the body.

6. Vitamins and minerals
Vitamins and minerals are equally important to our body, as well as maintaining sexual activity and vitality, and should come from whole foods and balanced diets.

7. Put on a happy face
Stress drains your body energy by causing the metabolism to fluctuate, thus changing your body normal physical and emotion functions resulting in fluctuation of testosterone production and hormone imbalance. .
Click Here to Read More

Weekly Past Issue and Publication August, 12-2009

Stroke-- Causes, Symptoms The Risk Factors,Types, Prevention and Treatment

Besides cancer and heart diseases, stroke is the third leading cause of death. Approximate 1/4 of all stroke victims die as a direct result of the stroke or it's complications. Stroke is caused by uncontrolled diet that is high in saturated and trans fats resulting in cholesterol build up in the arteries and high blood pressure. In other words, if cholesterol building up in the arteries is blocking the circulation of blood in any part of the body causing oxygen not to be delivered to the brain, resulting in some cells in the brain to die off and are unable reproduce, then we have stroke. Other strokes happen when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures causing the cells in your brain to be deprived of oxygen in your blood, they die and never come back.

I. Causes of Stroke
There are similar causes of stroke and heart diseases, but in stroke the result is more severe. Any delay of rescuing will result in death of the victim. Here are some causes of stroke:

1. Unhealthy diet
A diet high in saturated and trans fats causes bad cholesterol to build up in your blood vessels in the brain, blocking oxygen needed for the cells thus increasing the risk of stroke. Also unhealthy diet causes high blood pressure making your heart work harder to pump blood to your body in result of heart diseases. High blood pressure also causes the blood vessels in your brain to harden and thin, increasing the risk of stroke.

2. Smoking
Smoking not only has a devastating effect on the health of the smoker but also to anyone that inhales its toxic fumes. Cigarettes contain high levels of cadmium that causes the blood to clot activity of cells in result of blocking blood flow and damaging the blood vessels in the brain.

3. Excessive drinking
Moderate drinking is good for your heart, but excessive drinking can raise levels of some fats in your blood causing cholesterol to build up in the arteries and blood vessels in the brain resulting in increase of the risk of stroke.

4. Diabetes
People with diabetes tend to develop heart disease or have strokes at an earlier age than other people. Diabetes with unhealthy diet causes high blood glucose levels that damage nerves and blood vessels, leading to complications such as heart disease and stroke, the leading causes of death among people with diabetes.

5. Obesity - a body mass index of 30 or higher
Study shows that even after adjusting for other stroke risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, cardiac diseases, moderate alcohol consumption, and physical activity; obesity is still associated with a greatest risk of stroke in men and women.

6. Use of birth control pills
Birth control pills contain estrogen and one of two other hormones, lynestrenol or norethisterone that increase the risk of blood clotting, which can lead to ischemic stroke especially in woman who smoke and who are older than 35.

There are many other causes of stroke such as heart diseases that we have discussed lengthily in the heart diseases articles.

II. Symptoms of Stroke
Here are some symptoms of strokes:

1. Sudden trouble in standing
Sudden trouble in standing is an early symptom of stroke as a result of circulation of blood that carries oxygen to suddenly deplete caused by narrowing of arteries and high blood pressure.

2. Dizziness and loss of balance
The brain coordinates information from the eyes, the inner ear, and the body's sense to maintain balance. If the cells of that part of the brain get damaged in result of depleted oxygen will cause dizziness and loss of balance.

3. Sudden confusion
A sudden onset of confusion means that something is potentially going wrong with the brain. Almost all conditions that affect the brain are life-threatening. It might be caused by a tumor or low levels of oxygen in the cells of the cerebral cortex in your brain that affect your ability to think with your usual speed or clarity. It might also be caused by lowered blood sugar, as is the case of diabetes.

4. Having trouble speaking and understanding
Having trouble speaking and understanding occurs when the brain cells in the area of the broca, wernicke and angular ayrus in the left hemisphere area begin to die because they stop getting the oxygen and nutrients they need to function.

6. Sudden severe headaches
Headache is a condition of pain in the head, sometimes neck or upper back pain may also be interpreted as a headache. It ranks amongst the most common local pain complaints and may be frequent for many people but sudden severe headaches may be caused by an early symptom of heart disease as we mentioned in previous articles, by rupturing a brain vessel or depletion of oxygen in some parts of the brain.

7. Sudden trouble seeing
This may be an early indication of stroke when the oxygen in the blood supply to the part of the brain is suddenly interrupted or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, spilling blood into cells that control the vision area of the cerebral cortex in the brain.

III. The Risk Factors
1. Age
Human aging is the biological process that is unavoidable but controllable. Starting at age 40, the cells in our body begin this process causing the deterioration of some functions of our body. Most people of this age group already have some form of cholesterol building up in their arteries and high blood pressure resulting in an increased risk of stroke.

2. Heredity
People with a family history of stroke have a greater chance of stroke than those do not have such a family history.

3. Race
Because of frequent high blood pressure in African Americans, they have a significantly higher risk of stroke than their Caucasian counterparts.

4. High blood pressure
High blood pressure causes hardening and thinning of arterial walls and makes our heart work harder to pump blood throughout our body resulting in heart diseases as well as increasing the risk of stroke.

5. Smoking
Smokers may be exposed to toxic cadmium, causing high blood pressure and heart diseases as well as contributing to a higher risk of stroke.

6. Excessive alcohol consumption
Drinking one cup of wine for women and 2 cups of wine for men might help to increase the circulation of blood as well as providing more oxygen for cells. However, excessive drinking not only damages the normal function of liver but also raises high blood pressure, increasing the risk of stroke.

7. Diabetes
Diabetes with unhealthy diet causes high levels of glucose in the bloodstream. Diabetics have a greater risk of stroke, because high levels of glucose damage the arterial wall as well as clotting the arteries and blood vessels.

8. Gender
Males have a 20% greater risk of stroke than females.

IV. Types of Strokes
There are 2 types of strokes:

1. Ischemic stroke caused by a clot or other blockage within an artery leading to the brain.
2. Hemorrhagic stroke caused by the vessel in the brain rupturing in result of blood leaking into the brain.

1. Ischemic stroke
This is the most common type of stroke accounting for almost 80% of all strokes. The brain depends on its arteries to bring fresh blood from the heart and lungs. The blood carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain, and takes away carbon dioxide and cellular waste. If an artery is blocked then the brain cells may not receive enough oxygen. They then cannot make enough energy and will eventually stop working.
There are 2 types of Ischemic stroke

a)Thrombotic stroke.
If blood clots from the inside of the arteries of the brain, we have thrombic stroke.
Study shows that this type of stroke is responsible for almost 50% of all strokes. The most common problem is narrowing off the arteries in the neck or head. Thrombotic stroke are also sometimes referred to as large-artery strokes. The process leading to thrombotic stroke is complex and occurs over time. Thrombotic stroke might be caused by the arterial walls slowly thickening and hardening as a result of arteries being injured. Such injures signal the immune system to release white blood cells to the site causing stroke. Thrombotic stroke also occurs when the inner wall of arteries were injured in result of less nitric oxide being produced, causing the hardening of the arteries. If the blood clot then blocks the already narrowed artery and shuts off oxygen to part of the brain, we have a thrombotic stroke.

b) Embolic stroke
If blood clotted in other parts of the body's arteries subsequently entering the brain, we have embolic stroke. In this case the clot was formed somewhere other than in the brain itself.
The clot then travels the bloodstream until they become lodged and can not travel any further. This naturally restricts the flow of blood to the brain and results in embolic stroke. An embolic stroke occurs when a blood clot or other particle forms in a blood vessel away from your brain. It is usually caused by a dislodged blood clot that has traveled through the blood vessels until it becomes wedged in an artery. It is also caused by irregular beating in the heart's two upper chambers. This abnormal heart rhythm can lead to poor blood flow and the formation of a blood clot.


2. Hemorrhagic stroke
Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel bursts inside the brain, causing an increase of the fluid pressure on the brain and harms the brain by pressing it against the skull. Hemorrhagic stroke is associated with high blood pressure, which stresses the arterial walls until they break.
There are 2 types of hemorrhagic strokes:

a) Intracerebral hemorrhage:
Intracerebral hemorrhage is internal bleeding that can happen in any part of the brain. Blood may accumulate in the brain tissues itself, or in the space between the brain and the membranes covering it. Most commonly the problem arises in the small arterial inside the brain which have been diseased causing these tiny blood vessels to start to leak. Since the actual source of the bleeding is often small, it can take time for the blood to build up resulting in symptoms of an intracerebral hemorrhage and often increases over minutes or hours. People may not notice the problems associated with bleeding into the brain and ischemic strokes.

b) Subarachnoid hemorrhage
Hemorrhagic strokes that cause bleeding into the fluid filled spaces located deep in the brain are called subarachnoid hemorrhage. Subarachnoid hemorrhage may occur at any age but is most common from age 40 to 65. It is caused by the presence of blood within the subarachnoid space from some pathological processes a result of ruptured aneurysms and bleeding may stop spontaneously. Other causes include vascular malformation, tumors and infection.The most effective treatment is to proceed with microsurgical clipping of the lesion. This stroke causes paralysis of all limbs, unconsciousness and bleeding into the cerebellum produceing typical signs of in coordination with headache and stiffness of the neck.
Click here for more information

V. Prevention and Treatment
A. With Foods
1. Cold water fish
Cold water fish such as salmon and tuna contains high amounts of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids that can help to reduce the cholesterol clotting up in the arteries and blood vessels in the brain in result of lowering blood pressure and the risk of stroke.

2. Almonds
Almonds contain high amounts of vitamin E and other minerals that can help to reduce the levels of bad cholesterol and maintain healthy blood flow in the body.

3. Blueberries
Blueberries contain the highest antioxidant capacity because of their large anthocyanin concentration that helps to prevent heart disease and stroke by reducing the build up of bad cholesterol LDL.

4. Apples
Apples are loaded with brain-protecting quercetin. It also contains high amounts of antioxidants and chemicals that help to protect cells throughout the body, particularly the brain and the heart.

5. Apricots
Phytochemicals in apricots can help to protect the heart and eye as well prevent stroke. The beta carotene as we mentioned in a previous article can help to lower the level of bad cholesterol in the arteries, thus reducing the risk of heart diseases and stroke.

6. Carrot
(See Apricots)

7. Kiwi Fruit
Kiwi fruit contains high amounts of vitamin C, potassium, magnesium and antioxidants that are good for the heart and immune system as well as preventing stroke.

8. Rice bran
Rice bran contains high amounts of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids and nutritional dietary fiber that help to lower levels of cholesterol in the arteries and reduce the risk of stroke and heart diseases.

9. Oat bran
Oat bran is high in beta glucans that has proven effective in lowering the LDL as well as reducing the risk of stoke

B. With Nutritional Supplements
1. B-complex
Three B-vitamins: folate, B-6, and B-12 can lower homocysteine, an amino acid that is found naturally in the body and study shows that the higher the level of homocysteine in the blood, the higher the risk of stroke.

2. Beta-carotene
Beta-carotene is an antioxidant that may reduce oxidative stress to brain cells. Such stress occurs when highly volatile forms of oxygen damage cell structure. Study shows that beta- carotene helps to reduce the risk against cerebral infraction and stroke.

3. Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps to reduce arterial clotting.

4. Selenium
Selenium is a powerful agent that helps to keep tissues and arteries elastic. It also helps to reduce the stickiness of the blood and decreases the risk of clotting, in turn lowering the risk of heart attack and stroke. Selenium increases the ratio of HDL (good) cholesterol to LDL (bad) cholesterol.

5. Pycnogenol
Pycnogenol helps to keep collagen elastic and soften the blood platelets, making blood flow more efficiently.

6. Co enzyme Q-10
Co enzyme is a strong antioxidant that not only protects low density lipoprotein LDL against oxidants, but also helps for getting oxygen to the cells.

7. Lecithin
Lecithin is a fat-like substance called a phospholipid that helps to remove bad cholesterol and other lipids from the body. It also protects the arteries and organs from the build up of fatty tissue that can lead to stroke or heart attack.

8. Melatonin
Melatonin is a neurohormone produced in our body by the pineal gland. It is a powerful antioxidant that easily penetrates the blood-brain barrier and is used to treat thrombotic stroke.

9. Vitamin C
Vitamin C helps to strengthen the arterial wall, lowering the risk of heart diseases and stroke.

C. With Herbs
1.Ginkgo biloba
The herb is extracted from the leaves of the ginkgo biloba tree and was first used medicinally in China more than 4,000 years ago. Ginkgo biloba has the ability to increase the oxygen content to the brain and other bodily tissues, improving circulation of blood and improving cerebral tolerance to hypoxia. Study shows that taking Ginkgo and other blood thinner medications together may increase the risk of heart diseases and stroke. Be sure to consult with your doctor before taking ginkgo biloba.

2. Hawthorn
Hawthorn contains cardiotonic amines, polyphenols, and is a source of Vitamins C, B, and many other nutrients that help in relaxing and dilating arteries, increasing the flow of blood and oxygen to and from the heart and maintaining healthy blood pressure resulting in lowered risk of stroke.

3. Garlic
Garlic contains high amounts of antioxidants and elements that help to improve blood circulation. It is dangerous to take garlic extract together with blood thinner medications as we mentioned in a previous article.

4. Cayenne
Cayenne contains an active ingredient called capsaicin that has the abilities to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels as well as preventing heart diseases and stroke.

5. Blueberries
Blueberries are one of the richest food sources of natural antioxidants readily available, having more than twice the levels of other berries that helps to prevent heart disease, stroke and internal bleeding.

6. Pigweed
Pigweed is an excellent plant-source of calcium. It helps lower one-third of the risk of succumbing to heart attack. Personally, I believe these results also apply to ischemic strokes, because they are biologically so similar to heart attack.

7. Willow bark
Willow bark has been shown in several studies to reduce the risk of ischemic stroke by about 18 percent. Study shows that willow bark has the aspirin's ability to prevent heart attacks, and also shows a slight increase in risk of hemorrhagic stroke from taking willow bark daily but the increase was small and not statistically significant.

8. Ginger
This is another herb proven to have anti-clotting abilities and has the same function as garlic.

D. With Chinese Acupuncture and Herbs
1. Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the most popular treatment modality for stroke patients in China, used effectively on 85% of the stroke patients there. The recently acceptance of acupuncture by western medical practitioners allows one more effective method in curing diseases especially stroke. Study shows that acupuncture helps to facilitate nerve regeneration, decrease blood viscosity, as well as helping surviving nerve cells find new pathways, effectively bypassing damaged parts of the brain resulting in decreased risk of stroke.

2. Ginkgo biloba (bai guo ye).
Ginkgo biloba improves mental functioning as well as preventing blood cells from forming blood clots in the brain. Study shows that ginkgo improves blood circulation and lowers plasma cholesterol concentrations that help to lower the risk of stroke.

3. Gastrodia
Gastrodia was listed in the ancient Shennong Bencao Jing (ca. 100 A.D.) and was later classified by Tao Hong as a superior herb, meaning that it could be taken for a long time to protect health and prolong life, as well as for treating illnesses. Gastrodia is used by Chinese herbalist in treating stroke and chronic weaknesses of Qi that eventually blocks the flow of blood to the brain.

4. Cinnamon bark
True Cinnamon is one form of the common spice. As we discussed before, cinnamon helps to lower blood sugar by mimicking insulin, activating insulin receptors and working with insulin in the cells to reduce blood sugar by up to 20%. Also cinnamon has some antioxidant benefits that helps to find new pathways for surviving nerve cells after stroke.

5. Angelica
Angelica can help to warm up the chest-yang to remove obstruction of blood flow in the heart vessels as well as brain vessels.

6. Dragon's Blood
Dragon's Blood is used for increased power, purification, protection, consecration, and the development of strong ritual energy. It also helps to relieve pain in the heart due to blood stagnation and stimulate blood circulation to the brain resulting in decreased risk of stroke.

There are many other Chinese herbs that can help to prevent and treat stroke such as ginger root, mantis egg case, and tortoise plastron. Please consult with your doctor before taking any Chinese herb because some of these herbs may have side effects.

E. With Common Sense Approaches

1. A healthy Diet
Uncontrolled diet that is high in saturated fat and trans fat results in cholesterol building up in the arteries and blood vessels obstructing the flow of blood and damaging brain cells because of lack of oxygen causing stroke. If we can consume less of processed foods, fatty animal meats and avoid artificial chemicals and consume more healthy vegetables and fruits, we can reduce the risk of stroke.

2. Put on a happy face
Study shows that people with depression have an increased risk of stroke. Experts also found that people with elevated levels of depression will increase the risk of stroke by 73%.

3. Exercise
Regular moderate exercise will help to improve circulation of blood flow and lessen the risk of stroke that is caused by clogged blood vessels by 30% because regular walking helps to lower high blood pressure and increase levels of HDL.

4. Quit Smoking
Cigarettes contain toxic chemicals cadmium together with heavy metals that cause blood clotting in the arteries resulting in increased high blood pressure and risk of heart diseases as well as stroke.

5. Reduce intake of alcohol
Excessive drinking increases high blood pressure, thus increasing the likelihood of stroke.

I hope this information will help. If you need more information of the above subject, please visit my home page at:
Kyle J. Norton
http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com/
http://strokeorbrianattacks.blogspot.com/