symptoms of anemia http://www.artwoo.com Returned search results for symptoms of anemia Copyright 2008 Sat, 22 Nov 2008 03:18:38 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/rss/symptoms+of+anemia Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Pernicious Anemia http://www.artwoo.com/article/vitamin-b12-deficiency-pernicious-anemia http://www.artwoo.com/article/vitamin-b12-deficiency-pernicious-anemia#comments Mon, 07 Aug 2006 22:27:05 +0000 pernicious anemiavitamin b12 shotsmacrocytic anemiab12 vitaminintrinsic factorbabinski reflexb12 deficiency http://www.artwoo.com/article/vitamin-b12-deficiency-pernicious-anemia vitamin B12 shots because of a condition called . What is this, how is it different from other anemia, and what are the symptoms?

Pernicious anemia is a deficiency of the . Vitamins do not provide nutrition to the body on their own, rather they work with food or other elements in the body such as bacterias and enzymes to help the body work properly. Their absorption is also affected by other substances in the body, some that are already there, and some that people may ingest. In order to absorb vitamin B12, the body uses a substance called , which is produced by the stomach. Some people's bodies either do not produce intrinsic factor at all, or they do not produce enough to effectively process vitamin B12 taken through food sources (like milk) or oral supplements. Older people may suffer from pernicious anemia even if they did not have it earlier in life, because as we age, our bodies produce less intrinsic factor. Also, more women than men suffer from it. People with pernicious anemia have to receive B12 by injection, because this form does not require combination with intrinsic factor to be absorbed by the body. People can also suffer from unrelated to intrinsic factor problems, and this is called . It can be caused by poor diet, alcoholism, or metabolic disorders.

Symptoms of pernicious anemia include fatigue, diarrhea, rapid heart rate, and shortness of breath. While these symptoms fit a large range of maladies, people with pernicious anemia may also exhibit the . When you stroke the bottom of the foot, the big toe flexes up and the other toes fan out. It is a reflex present in newborns and usually disappears by the age of 2, as the nervous system matures. When the reflex exists in older people, it can be a sign of nerve damage. It can be inherited, and is rarely diagnosed until age 30. All anemia is characterized by lower than normal numbers of red blood cells. There are several different types of anemia with different causes. Common anemias you may be familiar with are anemia caused by iron deficiency, and sickle cell anemia, where red blood cells are sickle, or crescent moon shaped and can stick together, causing fatigue and other symptoms. In pernicious anemia, patients have a low red blood cell count, but the red blood cells they do have are abnormally large, and their white blood cells have abnormally large nuclei. Further tests for antibodies against intrinsic factor can be performed to make a diagnosis of pernicious anemia. Linda Polansky writes about Vitamin A, Best health vitamins http://www.buyvitaminsmart.com/ ]]> What Exactly Is Anemia? http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-exactly-is-anemia http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-exactly-is-anemia#comments Tue, 15 Aug 2006 12:27:12 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-exactly-is-anemia IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA

Healthy bodies have adequate amounts of hemoglobin, the red blood cells that carry oxygen to cells. They also have an appropriate number of red blood cells. Anemia results when either there is too little hemoglobin circulating or there are too few red blood cells themselves. Due to the expansion of blood volume that takes place during a normal pregnancy, pregnant women are frequently found to be anemic. About 90% of the anemias occurring during pregnancy are due to iron-deficiency.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

When anemia exists, carbon dioxide accumulates in the blood giving rise to the symptoms of anemia.

* dizziness *pale mucous membranes * always tired * breathlessness * palpitation and maybe a rapid pulse * poor appetite

DIAGNOSIS

A complete blood count will separate the red cells and give a read-out for hemoglobin and hematocrit. The normal lab range for non-pregnant women is 12-16 g/dl and for the pregnant woman, 10-14 g/dl. The current standard definition for anemia is a hemoglobin below 11 g/dl. Pregnant women commonly have a decrease in their hemoglobin of about 10% due to the blood volume expansion.

CAUSES

Some causes of iron deficiency anemia:

* blood loss from profuse menstrual flow * inadequate intake of iron, copper, folic acid, and B vitamins * loss due to fetal intake * hemorrhage * insecticides * drugs that destroy Vitamin E * excess Vitamin K in pregnant women may cause anemia in fetus * chronic use of laxatives * malabsorbtion diseases - sprue, celiac * cooking with large amounts of water * eating large amounts of canned food

TREATMENTS

Prevention is important because many cases of iron deficiency anemia can be avoided through good nutrition and life style. For most types of anemia, supplementation of a ferrous product and/or folic acid will be given during the maternity period and postpartum as well as dietary guidance for ingestion of iron rich foods. In sever cases, blood transfusion may be necessary. Treatment includes injections of Vitamin B12 and a very nutritious diet along with desiccated liver and supplementation with a B complex vitamin. Because folic acid can mask the effects of pernicious anemia, supplementation of this nutrient needs to be kept very small. Yvonne Lapp Cryns is the owner of Midwives .net - http://www.midwives.net Yvonne is the co-founder of Nursing Programs Online at http://www.nursingprogramsonline.com and a contributor to The Compleat Mother Magazine at http://www.compleatmother.com . ]]> Hidden Danger...Who Else With Rheumatoid Arthritis Has Anemia? http://www.artwoo.com/article/hidden-dangerwho-else-with-rheumatoid-arthritis-has-anemia http://www.artwoo.com/article/hidden-dangerwho-else-with-rheumatoid-arthritis-has-anemia#comments Sat, 13 Sep 2008 04:36:27 +0000 iron deficiency anemiaerythrocyte sedimentation ratered blood cellsc reactive proteinanemia of chronic diseasesystemic autoimmune diseaseanti inflammatory drugs http://www.artwoo.com/article/hidden-dangerwho-else-with-rheumatoid-arthritis-has-anemia
Because it is a systemic condition, it affects more than joints. Like other inflammatory conditions, RA causes anemia. The anemia is not the result of bleeding (although some patients treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can develop gastrointestinal bleeding), or deficiency of vitamin B12, folate, or iron.

This type of anemia is called the (ACD).

Patients with RA who develop anemia are more likely to have more severe joint disease, worse quality of life indicators, and more severe disease.

As mentioned earlier, while some patients with RA can develop an as a result of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug therapy and subsequent gastrointestinal blood loss, most anemia (60%) associated with RA is due to ACD.

While it is difficult sometimes to differentiate iron deficiency anemia from ACD, there are laboratory characteristics that separate them. The key differentiating feature is that iron deficiency anemia is due to an absolute lack of iron. ACD is not due to iron deficiency- there's plenty of iron available; ACD is due to an inability to unlock the iron that is available.

Another complicating problem is that some patients with RA have both types of anemia.

ACD is due to systemic inflammation. The severity of ACD can be predicted by the amount of elevation of laboratory markers of inflammation such as the ("sed rate") and the C- reactive protein (CRP).

In RA, many chemical mediators of inflammations, called cytokines, are overproduced. These cytokines inhibit the ability of iron stores to be used.

These inflammatory cytokines affect the production of at different levels.

One inflammatory cytokine, interleukin-6 (IL-6) adversely affects iron utilization by causing increased production of hepcidin. Hepcidin is an inflammatory protein that prevents release of iron from cells called macrophages. It also reduces absorption of iron from the small intestine.

Other cytokines such as interferon-y and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) block the production of erythropoietin, a hormone that is critically needed for the production of red blood cells. In addition, TNF and interleukin-1 (IL-1) prevent the maturation of red blood cells.

The net effect is a marked reduction of iron available to make red cells.

Studies on anemia in rheumatoid arthritis have produced interesting data. Patients with ACD have more severe disease. If patients have a good response to RA treatment, the anemia improves at the same time. Some data exists that treatment of the ACD will also help improve the symptoms of RA.

The association of inflammatory mediators with the development of ACD indicates that anemia should be monitored during the course of therapy in patients with RA.

Newer biologic agents such as tocilizumab which block the effects of interleukin-6 may help with the resolution of ACD. Preliminary pilot data has shown that blockade of IL-6 in RA patients helps improve quality of life and improves fatigue coincident with the resolution of anemia.Nathan Wei, MD FACP FACR is a rheumatologist and Director of the Arthritis and Osteoporosis Center of Maryland. He is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. For more info: Arthritis Treatment]]> Hidden Danger...Who Else With Rheumatoid Arthritis Has Anemia? http://www.artwoo.com/article/hidden-dangerwho-else-with-rheumatoid-arthritis-has-anemia http://www.artwoo.com/article/hidden-dangerwho-else-with-rheumatoid-arthritis-has-anemia#comments Fri, 14 Dec 2007 02:35:01 +0000 iron deficiency anemiaerythrocyte sedimentation ratered blood cellsc reactive proteinanemia of chronic diseasesystemic autoimmune diseaseanti inflammatory drugs http://www.artwoo.com/article/hidden-dangerwho-else-with-rheumatoid-arthritis-has-anemia
Because it is a systemic condition, it affects more than joints. Like other inflammatory conditions, RA causes anemia. The anemia is not the result of bleeding (although some patients treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can develop gastrointestinal bleeding), or deficiency of vitamin B12, folate, or iron.

This type of anemia is called the (ACD).

Patients with RA who develop anemia are more likely to have more severe joint disease, worse quality of life indicators, and more severe disease.

As mentioned earlier, while m some patients with RA can develop an as a result of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug therapy and subsequent gastrointestinal blood loss, most anemia (60%) associated with RA is due to ACD.

While it is difficult sometimes to differentiate iron deficiency anemia from ACD, there are laboratory characteristics that separate them. The key differentiating feature is that iron deficiency anemia is due to an absolute lack of iron. ACD is not due to iron deficiency- there's plenty of iron available; ACD is due to an inability to unlock the iron that is available.

Another complicating problem is that some patients with RA have both types of anemia.

ACD is due to systemic inflammation. The severity of ACD can be predicted by the amount of elevation of laboratory markers of inflammation such as the ("sed rate") and the C- reactive protein (CRP).

In RA, many chemical mediators of inflammations, called cytokines, are overproduced. These cytokines inhibit the ability of iron stores to be used.

These inflammatory cytokines affect the production of at different levels.

One inflammatory cytokine, interleukin-6 (IL-6) adversely affects iron utilization by causing increased production of hepcidin. Hepcidin is an inflammatory protein that prevents release of iron from cells called macrophages. It also reduces absorption of iron from the small intestine.

Other cytokines such as interferon-y and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) block the production of erythropoietin, a hormone that is critically needed for the production of red blood cells. In addition, TNF and interleukin-1 (IL-1) prevent the maturation of red blood cells.

The net effect is a marked reduction of iron available to make red cells.

Studies on anemia in rheumatoid arthritis have produced interesting data. Patients with ACD have more severe disease. If patients have a good response to RA treatment, the anemia improves at the same time. Some data exists that treatment of the ACD will also help improve the symptoms of RA.

The association of inflammatory mediators with the development of ACD indicates that anemia should be monitored during the course of therapy in patients with RA.

Newer biologic agents such as tocilizumab which block the effects of interleukin-6 may help with the resolution of ACD. Preliminary pilot data has shown that blockade of IL-6 in RA patients helps improve quality of life and improves fatigue coincident with the resolution of anemia. Nathan Wei, MD FACP FACR is a rheumatologist and Director of the Arthritis and Osteoporosis Center of Maryland. He is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. For more info: http://www.arthritis-treatment-and-relief.com/arthritis-treatment.html ]]> We All Need These Vitamins - Vitamin B12 And Folacin http://www.artwoo.com/article/we-all-need-these-vitamins-vitamin-b12-and-folacin http://www.artwoo.com/article/we-all-need-these-vitamins-vitamin-b12-and-folacin#comments Mon, 10 Jul 2006 22:27:10 +0000 vitamin b12 deficiencycellsfolacindeficiency anemiaanemia fatiguenerve impulsesnerve system http://www.artwoo.com/article/we-all-need-these-vitamins-vitamin-b12-and-folacin folacin for our health has become more obvious. Perhaps you have heard that folacin is important during pregnancy. Deficiency can cause severe damages to the fetus. In the USA and other countries one has added synthetic folacin to prevent damages to the fetus.

Also B12 is of importance as both vitamins are interacting to have an effect. Both vitamins have great importance even in other cases. The risk of developing dementia are for example bigger if you suffer from a deficiency of one of these vitamins.

Vitamin B12 and folacin are important for every cell of the body. B12 and folacin interact in vital functions of all . For example they are necessary for the cells to divide and grow in a normal way. That is why they are of great importance for the growing foetus.

The first symptoms of deficiency can also come from the cells that divide too fast, for example blood cells and the cells of mucous membrane. The symptoms will result in a type of anemia often combined with a read tongue and shear mucous membranes in the mouth.

Both vitamins are also necessary for the to function well, for the nerve cells and for the signal substances that transmit the . If not treated this kind of deficiency can cause permanent damages of the nerves.

A deficiency may occur as a result of an inability to absorb B12 from food and in strict vegetarians who do not consume any animal foods. As a general rule, most individuals who develop a have an underlying stomach or intestinal disorder that limits the absorption of vitamin B12. Sometimes the only symptom of these intestinal disorder is subtly reduced cognitive function resulting from early B12 deficiency. Anemia and dementia follow later.

Characteristic signs, symptoms and health problems associated with B12 deficiency include anemia, fatigue, weakness, constipation, loss of appetite and weight loss.

Deficiency can also lead to neurological changes such as numbness and tingling in the hands and feet. Additional symptoms of B12 deficiency are difficulty in maintaining balance, depression, confusion, dementia, poor memory and soreness of the mouth or tongue.

Many of these symptoms are very general and can result from a variety of medical conditions other than vitamin B12 deficiency. It is important to have a physician evaluate these symptoms so that appropriate medical care can be given. Keith George always writes about valuable news andamp; reviews. A related resource is http://the-vitamin-b12.info/ Further information can be found at http://the-technichal.info/?p=12 ]]> Always Tired -- It Could Be Iron-Deficient Anemia http://www.artwoo.com/article/always-tired-it-could-be-iron-deficient-anemia http://www.artwoo.com/article/always-tired-it-could-be-iron-deficient-anemia#comments Tue, 26 Sep 2006 10:27:03 +0000 iron deficiency anemiairon deficient anemiacrohn s diseasefeeling tired all the timechronic tirednessulcerative colitisceliac disease http://www.artwoo.com/article/always-tired-it-could-be-iron-deficient-anemia feeling tired all the time is just a normal part of modern life. Fortunately, this isn't so.

There are many causes of . Sometimes it's obvious, like not getting enough sleep, but other times it can be due to an underlying health issue. Chronic tiredness can be a frustrating condition. There usually isn't a simple solution to it and any medical tests are likely to come back 'normal'.

In this article I'm going to explore iron-deficient anemia, how it can cause chronic tiredness and who is most at risk.

Other symptoms of iron-deficient anemia include:

You feel particularly tired after exercising You may have a malabsorption problem (Crohn's disease, , ) which can cause internal bleeding and anemia You are more prone to catching colds, infections and the flu You may often feel cold and look pale or generally unwell

Anemia occurs when your blood doesn't have enough hemoglobin. Hemoglobin helps red blood cells carry oxygen from your lungs to all parts of your body. is the most common type of anemia. It happens when you don't have enough iron in your body. You need iron to make hemoglobin.

It's possible to be iron deficient without having anemia. Iron deficiency develops gradually and occurs when the dietary iron intake does not meet the daily need for iron. Initially the storage form of iron becomes depleted, while the blood hemoglobin level (a marker of iron status) remains normal. People who are iron deficient have no iron stores to mobilize if the body requires more iron.

How does iron deficiency progress to iron deficient anemia? is an advanced stage of iron depletion. It occurs when storage sites of iron are deficient and blood levels of iron cannot meet daily needs. Blood hemoglobin levels are now below normal.

Who is most at risk for iron deficiency and iron-deficient anemia?

Women of childbearing age. This is due to 2 main reasons. Firstly, they loose blood each month with menstruation. Secondly, they are the group most likely to diet and unfortunately protein and meat are commonly reduced in the erroneous belief that they are fattening.

Pregnant women -- the growing baby uses the mother's iron stores.

Infants and toddlers -- especially if they are fussy eaters

Athletes -- due to the increased needs for oxygen.

People who lose abnormal amounts of blood (heavy menstruation, people with gastro-intestinal bleeding)

People with kidney disease -- people with kidney failure, especially those being treated with dialysis, are at high risk for developing iron deficiency anemia because their kidneys cannot create enough erythropoietin, a hormone needed to make red blood cells. Both iron and erythropoietin can be lost during kidney dialysis.

People who have a low intake of dietary iron (fussy eaters, vegetarians)

People with malabsorption and digestive problems who can't absorb the iron that they eat. Most iron is absorbed in the small intestines. Gastrointestinal disorders that result in inflammation of the small intestine may result in diarrhea, poor absorption of dietary iron and iron depletion.

People who have deficiencies of vitamin A. This nutrient helps mobilize iron from its storage sites, so a deficiency of vitamin A limits the body's ability to use stored iron. This results in an "apparent" iron deficiency because hemoglobin levels are low even though the body can maintain normal amounts of stored iron.

Please note: The information in this article is not intended to take the place of a personal relationship with a qualified health practitioner nor is it intended as medical advice. Alison Cassar is a naturopathic practitioner and nutritionist and runs a busy clinic in Sydney, Australia. Her website and e-book http://whydoifeeltired.com/explores the many causes of tiredness as well as solutions and prevention. ]]> 7 Major Symptoms Of Colon Cancer Demystified http://www.artwoo.com/article/7-major-symptoms-of-colon-cancer-demystified http://www.artwoo.com/article/7-major-symptoms-of-colon-cancer-demystified#comments Fri, 31 Aug 2007 21:14:59 +0000 symptoms of colon cancerstages of colon cancercolon cancer symptomstumorcolon tubedefecatingblood in the stool http://www.artwoo.com/article/7-major-symptoms-of-colon-cancer-demystified symptoms of colon cancer are not necessarily present in the initial stage of the problem. Most of the times they do not appear or are hard to detect until the problem reach to an advanced stage.

However, it is always better to know about those which can be detected. Mentioned below are some known symptoms of colon cancer. In case if any of the mentioned symptoms is present for more than a week, do seek advice of your physician about the screening for colon cancer.

Change in Bowel Habits

in the bowel brings an observed change in the habits like . With the growth of tumor, you may feel the need of defecating less often and the large size of tumor will lead to constipation.

The only way to know this is to get regular screening done instead of waiting for the symptoms to appear on the surface.

Thinned Stool

The presence of tumor causes obstruction and with the growth of obstruction there is reduction in the space around. In case the tumor is present at the side of the passage, it may result into the narrowing of the stool.

Cramping or Bloating in the Stomach

Another symptom in the list of is bloating or cramping in the stomach. Boating may be due to a bowel obstruction while cramping may be the result of constipation or diarrhea. In the advanced , tumor perforating i.e. poking through near the wall of the bowel, can lead to extreme abdominal cramping.



There may be blood in the stool which is due to the bleeding of the tumor. Nevertheless, if the tumor is present in the right colon, it is very much possible that the blood will dry up before the faeces are removed from the body. But if it is towards the left or in the rectum, it may remain fresh and thus will appear bright red.

Inexplicable Weight Loss

If you are losing weight without making any deliberate efforts, it is really something to ponder over. Often one has weight loss due to the fact that something wrong is going in the body. However, in colorectal cancer, unexplained loss in weight is one of the colon cancer symptoms and it indicates that the bowel is being blocked at some place, along the passage, by a tumor.

Exhaustion and Feelings of Fatigue

You are having proper sleep but still feel exhausted. There may be more than one reason and work load may not be the obvious one. The first possibility is that it may be due to anemia which takes place if the red blood cells are not able to carry sufficient oxygen as much they are required to. Consequently, you might feel exhausted. But it may also be due to tumors. Tumors can also be the cause of anemia.

Feel Like to Defecate but Not

You may feel like to go for defecation but you do not. This kind of sensation in the body may take place due to a tumor growing in the end of the colon or rectum.

The best option is to have screening for colon cancer on regular basis instead of depending on appearance of colon cancer symptoms. Are You Ready For a Toxic-Free Colon? You are about to know what your colon must know about colon cleansers and colon cleaning. Discover the truth by visiting http://www.coloncleansingonline.com, a popular website that offers straightforward facts and advices on the best colon cleansing methods. ]]> When is Fatigue a Problem? http://www.artwoo.com/article/when-is-fatigue-a-problem http://www.artwoo.com/article/when-is-fatigue-a-problem#comments Thu, 09 Oct 2008 11:29:23 +0000 iron deficiency anemiablood glucose levelsblood sugar testfeeling of hopelessnesssymptoms of depressionaching musclesthyroid disease http://www.artwoo.com/article/when-is-fatigue-a-problem
There are many reasons for fatigue such as overwork, too many personal demands, the inability to say no, the inability to manage one's time efficiently, and the stress that accompanies all of these. However fatigue can be a symptom of a more serious health problem that requires medical attention.

Some health problems, which cause fatigue, are:

depression, diabetes, hepatitis, iron-deficiency anemia, and sleep deprivation.

Depression is often mis-diagnosed. Also, people often try to hide or deny depression due to shame. Depression is characterized by a , the inability to follow your usual routine, being hyperemotional, tired upon awakening and overwhelmed by tiredness. Depression may be caused by grief, relationship problems, financial problems or many other problems. People with should not hesitate to seek medical help, as there are many medications available.

Fatigue is a red flag for diabetes but is also accompanied by other symptoms such as more frequent urination, thirst and changes in vision. Physicians can detect diabetes through a . Glucose levels are normal between 70 and 120 mg of glucose per 100 ml of blood. Glucose levels in excess of 300 indicate extreme risk. Although fourteen million Americans have Type II diabetes, fifty percent of them are not aware of this.

Hepatitis also causes fatigue. It is accompanied by loss of appetite, and joints, and fever. Hepatitis is often mistaken for flu and while the other symptoms disappear, the fatigue continues.

Iron-deficiency anemia patients are usually pale and often report a craving to chew on ice. Iron-deficiency anemia is easily diagnosed by a simple blood test and easily cured by ingesting daily iron supplements. Iron-deficiency anemia is far more common in women than in men due to the female menstrual cycle.

Sleep deprivation often occurs in people who work rotating shifts. Our bodies have a circadian rhythm with certain times the best for certain activities. Sleep time between 9:00 PM and 9:00 AM is most advantageous for most people. The body needs sleep and will be less efficient if denied proper sleep.

The thyroid gland regulates the body's metabolic system and muscle strength. If the thyroid produces too little hormone, a person has hypothyroidism. Too much hormone production results in hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism is the most common of the two and many people are unaware that they have it. Women, especially those over forty years of age, are much more likely to have hypothyroidism than men. A blood test which measures thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) will immediately identify thyroid problems even if no symptoms are present.

Sleep deprivation, particularly if due to rotating shifts, can often be solved by installing room darkening drapes, reducing noise factors, and arranging for at least seven hours of sleep.

The other medical problems require testing and diagnosis by a health care provider. All are curable by medication.Alcohol Abuse Addiction Drug Addiction Recovery]]> Do You Know The Symptoms Of Rheumatoid Arthritis http://www.artwoo.com/article/do-you-know-the-symptoms-of-rheumatoid-arthritis http://www.artwoo.com/article/do-you-know-the-symptoms-of-rheumatoid-arthritis#comments Sun, 17 Dec 2006 18:27:10 +0000 rheumatoid arthritisautoimmune diseasejointschronic inflammationbody tissuesmorning stiffnesspainful disease http://www.artwoo.com/article/do-you-know-the-symptoms-of-rheumatoid-arthritis rheumatoid arthritis?

A friend of mine was complaining of how her had gotten worse over the last couple of months. I began to ask her if she was having any other problems. She started giving details of other ailments she was experiencing.

I asked her "Do you think you could possibly have rheumatoid arthritis?" Looking at me like I was from outer space!

She immediately responded with a look of shock.

We had a lively conversation as we began to try and figure out the common symptoms for rheumatoid arthritis. I explained to my friend that I had recently researched rheumatoid arthritis and had learned quite a few facts, particularly some of the common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

I explained that I had learned that rheumatoid arthritis is an that causes of the , tissues around the joints and organs in the body. An autoimmune disease is an illness which occurs when the are mistakenly attacked by its own immune system. Rheumatoid arthritis can cause joint destruction and functional disability. It is an extremely . It can strike children, teens and adults.

There are several common symptoms for rheumatoid arthritis.

The most common symptom is pain and stiffness of the joints. Normally first thing in the morning or after you have been resting is when the stiffness is more severe.

Another common symptom for rheumatoid arthritis is inflammation. This causes swelling in and around the joints.

Other common symptoms for rheumatoid arthritis are called extra-articular symptoms, or simply symptoms outside of the joints. These symptoms can include small nodules that develop over the elbow and forearms, anemia and tiredness, generally feeling poorly, weight loss, fever and muscle aches and pains. In a not so common symptom of rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation can develop in other parts of the body such as the heart, blood vessels, lungs or eyes.

After talking with my friend about the common symptoms for rheumatoid arthritis she looked a little concerned.

"What is the matter?" I asked.

She told me that she has had several of the symptoms that I mentioned. The afternoon wasn't over yet before she did the right thing and made an appointment with her medical doctor to discuss the possibility of her having rheumatoid arthritis.

If you think you may have rheumatoid arthritis it is important to see you doctor as soon as possible.

Common symptoms for rheumatoid arthritis are easy to detect and it is the early and aggressive treatment of rheumatoid arthritis can help you live a full and active lifestyle. For more important information on arthritis be sure to visit http://arthritis-life.com where you will find information and resources on arthritis such as arthritis relief, arthrits treatments, and other articles that you can view at http://www.arthritis-life.com ]]> Symptoms Of Multiple Myeloma! http://www.artwoo.com/article/symptoms-of-multiple-myeloma http://www.artwoo.com/article/symptoms-of-multiple-myeloma#comments Tue, 04 Jul 2006 12:27:05 +0000 myeloma cellsplasma cellsmultiple myelomaabnormal proteinsbone marrowexperience signsexcessive thirst http://www.artwoo.com/article/symptoms-of-multiple-myeloma Multiple myeloma is a cancer of your . Plasma cells are a type of white blood cell present in your -- the soft, blood-producing tissue that fills in the center of most of your bones. The exact cause of multiple myeloma isn't known.

Although multiple myeloma may not cause symptoms early in the disease, it's likely that you'll experience symptoms as the disease progresses.

Signs and symptoms of the disease can vary from person to person. One of the most common symptoms, however, is bone pain. A common sign is the presence of , which can be produced by , in your blood or urine. These proteins which are antibodies or parts of antibodies -- are called monoclonal, or M, proteins.

Often discovered during a routine exam, monoclonal proteins may indicate multiple myeloma, but also can indicate other conditions.

Common potential sign of multiple myeloma is a high level of calcium in your blood. This can occur when calcium from affected bones dissolves into your blood. As a result, you may and symptoms such as:

and urination Constipation Nausea Loss of appetite Mental confusion

Plasma cells usually make up less than 5 percent of the cells in your bone marrow. But if you have multiple myeloma, a group of abnormal plasma cells (myeloma cells) multiplies, raising the percentage of plasma cells to more than 10 percent of the cells in your bone marrow. The result can be erosion of your bones. The disease also interferes with the function of your bone marrow and immune system, which can lead to anemia and infection. Multiple myeloma may also cause problems with your kidneys.

We urge you to gather more information on myeloma so that you can easily recognize the signs if you do encounter such a situation. Knowing the symptoms early can save a life! Be it your life, or a life of your loved ones. Find out more about Myeloma today! Multiple Myeloma is the most common Cancer of the Plasma Cells. More Info at http://www.eask.info ]]> Just Great, My Dog Has Worms, Now What? http://www.artwoo.com/article/just-great-my-dog-has-worms-now-what http://www.artwoo.com/article/just-great-my-dog-has-worms-now-what#comments Wed, 28 Nov 2007 20:15:00 +0000 types of roundwormstapeworm symptomsoral medicationwormswormhookwormstapeworms http://www.artwoo.com/article/just-great-my-dog-has-worms-now-what worms" rel="tag">Worms. Even worse, you may actually see the Worms coming out of your dog or in their stool, if they have Roundworms or . Trust me when I say that that can be a nearly traumatic experience. Also disturbing, some of these Worms can even be transmitted from your dog to you, which is called zoonosis. These include Roundworms and , so you should take extra precautions and follow your veterinarians advice to the letter, if you dog has one of these parasites.

Each type of wormy parasite requires a different treatment or medication, and will display different symptoms. Every dog owner should at least have a working knowledge about the warning signs of a Worm infestation and the treatments involved. Here are the five types of Worms that may infect your dog.

1. Roundworms - There are two and they are the most common Worm infestation in dogs. The symptoms of Roundworms include: pot-belly appearance, diarrhea, vomiting, dull coat and weight loss. You may even see this type of Worm in your dogs vomit or feces. They look like pieces of spaghetti up to 6 inches long or longer. This type of Worm is usually treated with , with follow-up fecal screenings. This is one of the types of Worms that can be transferred to humans, but good hygiene will usually eliminate this threat.

2. Hookworms - Hookworms can not be seen with the naked eye, so they are usually diagnosed by your Vet with a test. The symptoms of Hookworms include: bloody stool, anemia, weight loss, pale gums, diarrhea and low energy level. This parasite is usually treated with oral medication, follow-up fecal screenings, and in the worst case, a blood transfusion. This is the other type of Worm that can be transmitted to humans. Good hygiene and cleaning up after your infected dog can prevent a human infection.

3. Tapeworms - Common include abdominal pain, nervousness, severe itching around the anus, vomiting and weight loss. You may also see this Worm in your dogs feces. The broken sections, which may still be moving, will give the dogs stool a rice like appearance. Tapeworms must usually be treated with a prescription oral or injection dewormer medication. Over-the-counter dewormer medication is usually not strong enough to clear this kind of Worm infestation.

4. Whipworms - This Worm can not be seen by the naked eye, and must be diagnosed through testing. Symptoms of a Whipworm infestation include anemia, weight loss, flatulence, diarrhea with blood or mucus in the stool and lack of energy. These Worms can be difficult to treat with over-the-counter medication, but there are very effective prescription treatments.

5. Heartworms - Although easily preventable, untreated Heartworm infections are potential fatal. The symptoms usually do not show up until the last stage of the disease, and include pot-belly, coughing, lack of energy and dull coat. Because symptoms do not appear until its too late, it is best to use a over-the-counter preventative medication to stop these Worms before they endanger your pets health.

Having a Wormy dog can be an unpleasant experience, but in almost all cases there is an effective treatment available to help your favorite dog live a healthy and Worm free life. Go to http://www.Dewormed.com to learn more about dog Worms types and treatments. If you think you have the stomach for it, go to http://www.dewormed.com/page.cfm/id/14861 to see pictures of Worms in dogs. ]]> Crohn's Disease The Basics http://www.artwoo.com/article/crohns-disease-the-basics http://www.artwoo.com/article/crohns-disease-the-basics#comments Fri, 12 Jan 2007 12:27:29 +0000 crohns diseasecrohn s diseasechronic inflammationulcerative colitisirritable bowel syndromediarrheacolonoscopy http://www.artwoo.com/article/crohns-disease-the-basics chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.



Although Crohn's disease can affect any area of the GI tract, from the mouth to the anus it most commonly affects the ileum or the lowest part of the small intestine.

The chronic inflammation can cause pain and can cause the intestines to empty quickly and frequently resulting in . This disease can be quite painful and at times debilitating and even more concerning is the fact that Crohn's can also lead to life-threatening complications.



, , and Crohn's disease all have very similar symptoms making the diagnosis of these diseases difficult at best.



Signs and symptoms of Crohn's can range from mild to severe symptoms and may develop gradually or appear suddenly, and without warning. Abdominal pain, often in the lower right area, and diarrhea are the most common symptoms of Crohn's disease.



Other symptoms can include weight loss, rectal bleeding, cramping, diarrhea, bloating, gas, skin lesions, joint pain and fever. Rectal bleeding is a serious issue and can be persistent, leading to anemia. The severity of symptoms varies from person to person.

Crohn's disease is diagnosed usually after your physician has ruled out other diseases. In order to diagnose CD, your physician may order blood tests to look for a low red cell count which may indicate anemia, an increased white blood cell count which indicates an infection, and a high sedimentation rate indicates inflammation.



A is one of the commonly utilized tests for diagnosing Crohn's disease. With this exam, your physician will insert a thin, flexible, lighted tube with an attached camera into your rectum.



This exam allows your physician direct visualization of your entire colon. It also allows your physician to take a biopsy, in which a small tissue sample is taken from the colon and studied further.



Your physician may also order a barium enema. This diagnostic test allows your doctor to evaluate your large intestine with the use of an X-ray.



Another exam is known as a flexible sigmoidoscopy. It is often used in conjunction with a barium enema. In this procedure, your doctor inserts a slender, flexible, lighted tube into the rectum to examine the sigmoid, the last 2 feet of your colon. Both of these tests can be uncomfortable and are not as reliable as a colonoscopy but fortunately are over fairly quickly.



Although there is currently no specific medication designed just for the treatment of Crohn's disease most treatment options focus on treating the symptoms of CD.



If you are suffering with an infection or abscess, medication specific to those conditions are generally ordered. Besides medications, other treatments include nutritional supplements, surgery, or a combination of these options. Treatment goals focus on reducing inflammation, pain, diarrhea and rectal bleeding.



Even though there is currently no known cure, this often difficult to manage disease can be improved by working with your physician to design a treatment plan just for you. For more important information on stomach pain be sure to visit http://a-stomach-pain.com where you will find advice and tips on common stomach pain causes such as Crohn's disease, constipation, and other articles that you can view at http://www.a-stomach-pain.com ]]> Restoring Your Iron Balance With Supplements And Dieting http://www.artwoo.com/article/restoring-your-iron-balance-with-supplements-and-dieting http://www.artwoo.com/article/restoring-your-iron-balance-with-supplements-and-dieting#comments Tue, 05 Feb 2008 06:20:01 +0000 iron deficiency anemialeafy greensmeal choiceschronic fatigueproper dietiron levelsiron deficiency http://www.artwoo.com/article/restoring-your-iron-balance-with-supplements-and-dieting proper diet and the right supplements, you can be back on your way to restoring your and energy!

Iron is just one of the minerals found in hemoglobin. Hemoglobin carries oxygen through the bloodstream, therefore carrying it throughout the body. Without the right amount of hemoglobin in our system, we can start to feel the effects. Some of us might have constant digestive problems, headaches and built up stress.

Not everyone who is low in iron has anemia but most iron deficient people have what is called anemia. Iron is needed to create the energy our body lives in. Without this, we will most likely feel tired, falsely being compared to .

is common among women. Pregnant women, especially in their third trimester, are very likely to become iron deficient. Pregnant women who are either in or entering their third trimester should be more concerned on how much iron is needed making sure it is enough for two!

Being deficient in iron is not the end of the world for most people. It takes a little patience and commitment to restore your iron balance. Some of the most important procedures to restoring your are taking the right supplements and looking closer at your .

Iron can be found in a lot of the foods that we eat. The most effective way is to consume foods in which the iron is absorbable. Some of these foods are poultry, fish and meats. Other foods not including "meat" are , certain sources of fruit and some sources found in alcohol.

There is another way to get the right amount of iron we need. Iron is found in a lot of supplements and is a partial ingredient to any multi vitamin. Today there are almost too many supplements to choose from.

When targeting a specific area of nutrition, you should carefully look for supplements that will boost what you are missing. In this case, you want to look for something that contains a high source of iron.

One thing I want to stress is too much iron can cause digestive problems. Some of the side effects of having too much iron are; abdominal pain, your stool being dark in color, almost black, constipation and diarrhea with traces of blood in it.

There are a few possibilities in which we can absorb too much iron. If we eat too much meat day after day iron will build up and serious constipation occurs. While certain nutrients are great in abundance, consuming too much iron is not recommended.

Another way to have too much iron in our systems is the misuse of related supplements. As with any supplement, take only as directed. Iron is not a mineral that we can just double up on, unlike other vitamins like vitamin c when we feel a cold coming on. Too much of a good thing does not always work out for the better!

We need the right amount of iron daily. Too little and we might be fatigued and too much can lead to digestive pains and constipation. If you are still unsure of the symptoms of anemia or a less severe case of iron deficiency, please consult your doctor. Steven Johnson is committed to helping people maintain healthy and effective lifestyles. For more information on any other health supplements please visit his website Alternative Health Supplements. http://www.alternative-health-supplements.com/vitamin-b-complex.html ]]> Other Types Of Anemia http://www.artwoo.com/article/other-types-of-anemia http://www.artwoo.com/article/other-types-of-anemia#comments Tue, 15 Aug 2006 12:27:13 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/article/other-types-of-anemia The most common type of anemia is iron deficiency that results when there is too little hemoglobin in the system or there are too few blood cells.

Here are some other types of anemia that are less common.

HOOK WORM INFECTION

Hook worm infection is found in women who go barefoot in tropical areas. The hookworm enters their body through their bare feet and finds its way to the intestines. Wearing shoes would prevent this problem. Treatment includes an anti-parasitic as well as an oral iron source taken for 5 months.

FOLIC ACID DEFICIENCY

Approximately 26% of pregnancies are complicated by a lack of folic acid. Folic acid is needed in order for the body to make normal red blood cells in bone marrow. Adequate amounts of folic acid can be obtained by eating a diet that contains liver and other organ meats as well as green vegetables or supplementation may be from 0.5 mg to 5 mg daily.

Recent research has concluded that a deficiency in folic acid can cause neural tube defects in babies. The Centers for Disease Control recommend that all women who have previously given birth to a baby with spina bifida take 4 mg of folate daily before and during pregnancy. That is an extremely high dose, available only with prescription. The U.S. Public Health Service recommends that all women of childbearing age increase their folate level to 0.4 mg per day.

MEGALOBLASTIC ANEMIA

This is a severe form of folic acid deficiency which may occur when the hemoglobin falls below 7 g/dl. Usually these women will fail to respond to iron supplementation prior to being diagnosed with this problem. A positive response is usually seen shortly after treatment with 5 mg of folic acid 5 times per day until 6 weeks postpartum. Midwives Daphne Singingtree and Althea Seaver suggest 4 mg folic acid and 0.5 mcg vit. B12. PERNICIOUS ANEMIA

A severe form of anemia caused by a deficiency of vitamin B12. The number of red blood cells decreases with this disease due to a failure of the bone marrow to produce them. It is thought that it is inherited and comes about due to an inability of the stomach to secrete a substance that is necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12. It is most often found in people over the age of 30. Symptoms might include weakness and gastrointentestinal problems, a yellow hue to the skin, sore tongue and tingling in the extremities, nerve deterioration, diarrhea and loss of appetite may occur. It can be fatal.

SICKLE CELL DISEASE

Sickle cell disease is most commonly found among people from tropical Africa or the West Indies. It is an inherited trait. The red blood cells take on a sickle shape and clump together to prevent adequate circulation. During the last trimester of pregnancy the woman may experience severe iron deficiency and have jaundice, hematuria, bone pain and possibly a pulmonary thromboembolism. Treatment may include high doses of folic acid and a blood transfusion if her Hgb is below 7. Wounds may not heal well and the fetus is at risk of hypoxia during labor.

THALASSEMIA MAJOR OR MINOR

Women from the Mediterranean areea and South East Asia are the most likely candidates for this problem which is inherited. It occurs despite adequate iron in the blood. Treatment includes supplementation with folic acid and possibly blood transfusions. The baby may suffer from hemolytic anemia and hydrops. If the mother has Thalassemia major she will be more likely to develop pre-eclampsia, have a low birth weight baby, fetal distress and fetal wastage. Thalassemia minor does not respond to iron therapy but causes no systemic problems. It needs to be differentiated from iron deficiency anemia as excess iron intake can occur that is harmful.

Treatment includes injections of Vitamin B12 and a very nutritious diet along with desiccated liver and supplementation with a B complex vitamin. Because folic acid can mask the effects of pernicious anemia, supplementation of this nutrient needs to be kept very small. Yvonne Lapp Cryns is the owner of Midwives .net - http://www.midwives.net Yvonne is the co-founder of Nursing Programs Online at http://www.nursingprogramsonline.com and a contributor to The Compleat Mother Magazine at http://www.compleatmother.com . ]]> Hormones and Anemia Are Two Overlooked Causes of Hair Loss in Women http://www.artwoo.com/article/hormones-and-anemia-are-two-overlooked-causes-of-hair-loss-in-women http://www.artwoo.com/article/hormones-and-anemia-are-two-overlooked-causes-of-hair-loss-in-women#comments Mon, 25 Aug 2008 14:36:26 +0000 iron deficiency anemiared blood cellsmenopausal stagepre menopausalmenopausal womenferritin leveliron supplements http://www.artwoo.com/article/hormones-and-anemia-are-two-overlooked-causes-of-hair-loss-in-women
People often have the wrong notion that a balding woman must have used some strong hair chemical that destroyed the texture of her hair and eventually caused the hair loss. But this is far from the truth. It is, therefore, important for women to realize that losing a head full of hair is beyond their control.

The Tragedy of Hair Loss Caused by Anemia

There is a certain type of hair loss which is caused by anemia. Anemia is a condition where the human body does not have enough (often caused by iron deficiency). Many women suffer from anemia at varying degrees and they can become candidates to temporary hair loss. Lack of iron is definite when the is under 40ng/ml.

In a certain study in 1995-1998, there were 153 subjects who were diagnosed with telogen effluvium and about 72% of these women who were on their pre- were found to be iron deficient. This study further proved that iron deficiency is the most common cause telogen effluvium among post-.

Aside from telogen effluvium, women who have can also suffer from shedding and thinning of hair. The hair loss can be gradual as it can stretch over a few months or even years.

Hair loss due to anemia can still be reversed; meaning, if the patient would consult a medical professional's help and take , hair may be regained. The process is quite simple but it could also take time--first, the iron supplement will replace the depleted iron. The patient must also make sure to take sufficient dosage of iron each time so that negative iron imbalance would not occur. Once the iron levels return to normal, it is also possible that hair would slowly grow back.


The Role of Estrogen in Hair Loss

During a woman's pregnancy, estrogen tends to be highly concentrated and the result is thick and healthy hair--but this is only during pregnancy. Right after pregnancy, the estrogen levels have to return to normal and this is when the excess hair would have to fall out. This is called the resting phase or telogen. Hair that goes on a resting phase will fall out for a period of 3-4 months. Some women may think that they are already experiencing hair loss but they are not.

This scenario can also be true for women who have stopped taking contraceptive pills. The problem only begins when hair fails to grow for those who have lost it after pregnancy or taking birth control pills. Problematic hair loss happens when more than a hundred strands of hair are lost daily. The loss of hair and estrogen might not be serious cases but these two could cause permanent hair loss if the hair follicles become damaged in the process. Only a doctor will be able to point out the right course of action in these cases.

Losing hair and losing confidence are two, inseparable realities of life.

This is why a woman must do all that she can to put a stop to hair loss before it becomes permanent.The author of this article is Benedict Yossarian. For human hair wigs and hair pieces advice Benedict recommends Wig Trendz and for hair loss treatments Benedict recommends www.londonhairclinic.co.uk]]> Supplement Your Diet With Vitamin B12 http://www.artwoo.com/article/supplement-your-diet-with-vitamin-b12 http://www.artwoo.com/article/supplement-your-diet-with-vitamin-b12#comments Wed, 26 Jul 2006 08:27:09 +0000 vitamin b12 deficiencyanemicvegetarianscobalamindietsdisdainred blood cells http://www.artwoo.com/article/supplement-your-diet-with-vitamin-b12
Shortage of blood means erythrocytes or will not be produced in the correct quantity.

The anomaly can be rectified with . Specifically, diets containing large amount of Vitamin B12 ().

Studies show that some cases of Vitamin B12 condition can lead to permanent brain damage.

The good news however, is vitamin B12 is present in almost all varieties of foods.

So long as you eat meat regularly, even just once a week, you are getting vitamin B12 in your diet.

Eggs, cheese, and dairy products are other examples of foods that contain this essential nutrient.

For , fortified cereals and soy products offer plenty of vitamin B12.

But tarry a while, experts say the class of people most susceptible to low level of vitamin B12 intake are vegetarians. The reason?

These people do not eat any kind of animal products. And some, apart from their of animal products, do not eat fortified grains or cereals.

It is highly recommended that vegetarians should take vitamin B12 supplements regularly to compensate for its absence in their diets.

Don't be among those who live under the illusion that certain vegetables have vitamin B12. The fact is only one plant has been proven to have a form of vitamin B12 that can be utilized by humans.

That plant is a Chinese herb known as Dang Guy. And it is not available in appreciable quantity everywhere.

So most vegetarians don't really have any option than to take supplements.

The decision to change your diet to that of a vegetarian is not one only you can make. It's a good idea to talk it over with your physician.

If you've been a vegetarian for sometime and haven't had a medical check up and a blood test, then it's about time you go in for one as soon as possible, even if you are feeling fine.

This is because can take years to develop, and by the time you start to experience the anemia symptoms, you might already be in danger of permanent brain damage.

People, who due to surgery have had parts of their stomach removed are also very susceptible to deficiency of vitamin B12. The parietal cells in your stomach (the same one that produces the acid which aids digestion) also produces a glycoprotein called andquot;intrinsic factorandquot;. This andquot;factorandquot; must be present in the body for vitamin B12 to be absorbed.

In the absence of the intrinsic factor, you will require diets that contain a large quantity of vitamin B12 to avoid anemia.

People in this situation should also take vitamin B12 rich foods like liver for instance, to get the right amount of the nutrient.

If these suggestions don't appeal to you, then you can take vitamin B12 injections. By Jenny Riley http://www.sweet-weight-loss.com ]]> Mesothelioma - The Silent Assiassin http://www.artwoo.com/article/mesothelioma-the-silent-assiassin http://www.artwoo.com/article/mesothelioma-the-silent-assiassin#comments Mon, 25 Jun 2007 01:20:01 +0000 peritoneal mesotheliomapleural mesotheliomaasbestos exposuremesotheliumchest pain shortness of breathhospice carelung collapse http://www.artwoo.com/article/mesothelioma-the-silent-assiassin asbestos exposure. In fact, over 90% of all cases result from this cause. This statistic scares to many people because of asbestos' presence in the insulation of so many buildings. Malignant cells appear in a protective lining covering the body's internal organs known as the . Mesothelioma can be divided into three known forms: pleural, peritoneal, and pericardial. Contrary to what most people believe, there is no known cause and effect relationship between smoking and mesothelioma. Unfortunately, however, the lifetime risk of mesothelioma for those subjected to heavy asbestos exposure is thought to be as high as one in ten

- Mesothelioma symptoms might not show up until several decades after exposure. These symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, and swelling of the abdomen. Other symptoms that are specific to may include fever, weight loss, anemia, bowel obstruction, and blood clotting abnormalities.



- If the cancer metastasized, the patient may experience various symptoms including difficulty in swallowing and swelling of the face and neck.

- has its own pathology-specific symptoms including hoarseness, coughing and wheezing, tumors, and .

Of course, the foregoing symptoms are common to many different conditions, so there is no need to panic if you have them. Simply see your doctor and have a biopsy done.

Mesothelioma progresses 4 distinct stages.

Stage 1: The cancer is localized and the malignant mass can be surgically removed.

Stage 2: The cancer has metastasized beyond the lining of the chest cavity.



Stage 3: Metastis to the chest wall, the heart, and the diaphragm.

Stage 4: Mesothelioma spreads throughout the body.

Stages 2,3, and 4 are almost always terminal. In these cases treatment focuses on pain reduction. is strongly recommended for patients in these advanced stages, because hospice care is focused on pain reduction rather than life extension, two goals which are frequently in opposition to each other. "Lung Cancer and Mesothelioma" at http://mesotheliomainfo4u2.blogspot.com offers readers complete information about pleural mesothelioma, abdominal mesothelioma, and lung cancer (see alsohttp://mesotheliomainfo4u2.blogspot.com/2007/03/mesothelioma-asbestos-a= ssasin.html). ]]> What Exactly Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome? http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-exactly-is-irritable-bowel-syndrome http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-exactly-is-irritable-bowel-syndrome#comments Sat, 01 Mar 2008 13:30:01 +0000 irritable bowel syndromesymptoms of irritable bowel syndromenervous stomachibs symptomssources of stressunexplained weight lossphysical obstruction http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-exactly-is-irritable-bowel-syndrome Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS as is it commonly called is a very common disorder that affects at least 15% of the general population. This disease is sometimes called spastic colitis, , spastic colon or mucous colitis. Irritable bowel syndrome should not be mistaken for other diseases of the bowel such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.

Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional disorder which means that there is an abnormality in the functioning of the bowels but no structural abnormalities are present.

What causes IBS?

seem to occur as a result of an abnormality of communication between the muscles of the bowel and the nervous system. This may result in the bowel becoming more sensitive or "irritated". The muscles which are located in the bowel wall may contract either too weakly or too forcefully, too rapidly or too slowly at certain times. There is no in the bowel, yet a patient may experience cramps or a functional blockage.

What role does stress play in IBS?

Stress does not cause IBS. It is not a psychiatric or a psychological disorder. However, one contributor to IBS is emotional stress. When a person becomes nervous or anxious, he or she may experience diarrhea or nausea. It may be impossible to control stress's effect on our intestines, but if we are able to reduce the in our daily lives, then this may help to reduce or alleviate the symptoms of IBS.

Is this IBS or something else?

You must have a comprehensive physical examination and medical history by a physician or a specialized colon and rectal surgeon in order to eliminate more serious disorders. You may have to have certain tests such as stool tests, blood tests, perhaps a colonoscopy and x-ray studies done. Fever, rectal bleeding, anemia, and are not and need to be assessed by your physician.

How is IBS treated?

If the patient understands that IBS is not a life-threatening or a serious condition, this may help to relieve stress and anxiety which are often contributors to IBS. Different techniques can be incorporated to reduce stress such as biofeedback, behavioral therapy, relaxation or even pain management techniques may all help to relieve IBS symptoms is certain individuals. The patient may wish to make use of a journal or diary to help identify certain factors or foods that may cause symptoms of IBS.

When can I expect relief of symptoms?

Relieving symptoms of IBS is often a very slow process. It may take as long as six months and sometimes longer to see any noticeable improvement of symptoms. It is extremely important for one to have patience when dealing with IBS.

Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome can be greatly reduced or even eliminated with the proper diet and even with the use of appropriate medications. Irritable bowel syndrome does not lead to bleeding, cancer or inflammatory bowel diseases.

I hope this article answers your question of what exactly is irritable bowel syndrome? Article written by Jessica Bradbury, she has a site dedicated to bottom line information on IBS at http://www.ibs-information.com ]]> Lets Treat Anemia Now http://www.artwoo.com/article/lets-treat-anemia-now http://www.artwoo.com/article/lets-treat-anemia-now#comments Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:43:19 +0000 green leafy vegetablesblack grapesiron manganesemaintaining good healthrapid heartbeatripe bananagreen vegetables http://www.artwoo.com/article/lets-treat-anemia-now rapid heartbeat, indigestion, restlessness, insomnia and many more. Therefore, this situation must be overcome as soon as possible.

The best thing is that the cure and control of anaemia is not difficult and one can take care of it even at home. Taking bath in cold water for two times a day is very effective in controlling anaemia. Keeping regularity in exercises and performing yoga like asanas, shavasanas are very helpful in and proper blood circulation.

A wonderful home remedy for anaemia is daily intake of mix juice of beetroot and apple in equal quantities along with sugar or honey. In fact, beetroot must be included in the regular diet of an anaemic patient as it has rich content of iron. that are rich in folic acid, iron and vitamin B12 are highly recommended, such as spinach, lettuce, celery, and broccoli.

Intake of fresh and ensures a sure relief from the problem of anaemia, and it is in any way preferred more than medicines. Amongst fruits, apple is recommended after each meal for its rich iron content. Figs and citrus fruits like lemons, oranges etc are very helpful when eaten in large quantity. , strawberries, onions, carrots, tomatoes, plums and raisins are very effective in healing anaemia. with honey has been considered very useful in providing energy, and should be generally taken twice a day. In fact, honey taken in any form is ideal for anaemic patient because of its high content of iron, manganese and copper. Soya beans and almonds are also effective in anaemic condition, as these also help in synthesis of haemoglobin due to its iron content. All healthy and iron rich foods are effective in combating anaemia. Pulses, whole grain cereals, dry dates and nuts are also amongst the recommended food for the home remedies for anaemia.

You may also want to try these treatments:

• Boil water in a small pot and add parsley leaves. Drink several times daily to make you feel better.

• Eat lots of apples every day for more energy. You can cook the apples or eat them fresh.

• Mash 1 banana and mix with 1 tablespoon of honey, eat daily.

• Drink tomato juice.

• Eat a lot of lettuce to treat anemia; add lettuce to your salad or sandwich.

• Drink white cabbage juice daily to help you feel better and get more energy.

• Drink beetroot juice mixed with apple juice and honey to treat anemia.

• Eat spinach daily to make you stronger and help you fight the anemia naturally.

• Mix egg yolk with honey and eat one teaspoon every morning.

• Eat many almonds.

The home remedies might take longer duration to cure the problem of anaemia, but is sure to cure it from root and is beneficial in the long run.The author is the owner of www.homeremediesguru.com. For more information about Home Remedies for Anemia visit www.homeremediesguru.com/cure/anemia.aspx.]]> Mental Health And Vitamin B12 Go Hand In Hand http://www.artwoo.com/article/mental-health-and-vitamin-b12-go-hand-in-hand http://www.artwoo.com/article/mental-health-and-vitamin-b12-go-hand-in-hand#comments Tue, 01 May 2007 08:24:59 +0000 vitamin b12low serotonin levelsneurotransmitter in the brainpernicious anemiavitaminb12depressionneuropsychiatric symptoms http://www.artwoo.com/article/mental-health-and-vitamin-b12-go-hand-in-hand vitamin B12 deficiencies could contribute to a wide array of mental health problems like , demyelinating myelopathy and dementia or Alzheimer's.

Norepinephrine is an essential neurotransmitter for maintaining a positive mood, and those who are deficient in B12 have shown to be more prone to depression and other . Diseases such as and dementia, which are most common in the elderly, have also been linked to B12 deficiencies. A book by Syd Baumel called "A Shot in Time Saves Mind" discusses the possibility that patients suffering depression often have difficulty absorbing B12 without showing signs of pernicious anemia. For more info see /" >http://www.omegaflaxseedoil.com/benefits/vitaminb12/

S-adenosylmethionine is what most people know to be called Serotonin, and is an important . B12 is detrimental to the manufacture of serotonin, so therefore has a very large role in the maintaining of both emotional and mental health.

It is a fairly common fact that those who suffer from depression have a problem with serotonin. Without adequate serotonin levels a person will have trouble with controlling their emotions, moodiness, sexual arousal, body temperature, skin problems, insomnia and headaches. No matter how hard someone with tries to lift their mood, the poor communication between the cells will prevent it from being possible. As soon as these symptoms are noticed, a supplement should be introduced in the diet.

Vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiencies can both contribute to the onset of serious depression. Many studies have been conducted that have proven supplementing B12 and folic acid simultaneously in depression patients along with a good dietary intake will elevate moods dramatically. It is for this reason vitamin B12 and folic acid are considered to be anti-depressant vitamins.

Mental health is detrimental to leading a happy life, and neurotransmitters being produced at the right levels are a huge part of that. In order to make the neurotransmitters, the brain must have adequate B12, which has to come from your dietary intake. Eat healthy foods high in vitamin B and definitely consider taking a good B supplement that has all the B vitamins and folate. You can also find more information at http://www.omegaflaxseedoil.com/benefits/flaxseedoil/amino_Acids_Found_In_F= lax_Seed.html on essential amino acids and http://www.omegaflaxseedoil.com/benefits/flaxseedoil/benefits_Of_Flax_Seed_= For_Stress.html on vitamin b12. ]]>