BLOOD TEST PREDICTS SOME RISK OF HEART FAILURE

Two blood markers are strongly linked with the development of heart failure in individuals with mild to severe kidney disease, according to a study appearing in an upcoming issue of the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (JASN). Elevations in these markers may indicate subclinical cardiovascular changes that subsequently contribute to the development of heart failure.

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at increased risk of developing heart failure and other cardiovascular diseases. Nisha Bansal, MD, MAS (University of Washington) Amanda Anderson, PhD, MPH (University of Pennsylvania), and their colleagues conducted a study to see if certain blood tests might help identify patients at especially high risk. These tests -- which measure proteins called high-sensitivity troponin T (hsTnT) and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) -- strongly predict heart failure in the general population, but their predictive utility in patients with CKD is unknown. The researchers studied 3483 patients with CKD in the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) Study who were recruited from June 2003 to August 2008 and were free of heart failure when they enrolled. Patients were followed for a median of nearly 6 years.

Compared with participants with the lowest levels of hsTnT at the start of the study, those with the highest hsTnT levels had a nearly 5-fold higher risk of developing heart failure. Those with the highest NT-proBNP levels had a nearly 10-fold higher risk of developing heart failure compared with those with the lowest levels.

"This research is important in that it may advance the application of widely available cardiac biomarkers to identify CKD patients at the highest risk of developing heart failure, the most common cardiovascular complication in this patient population," said Dr. Bansal. "These findings suggest that hsTnT and NT-proBNP may represent distinct biological pathways that likely involve subclinical changes in the structure and function of the heart," said Dr. Anderson.

BARIATRIC SURGERY MAY WORSEN DEPRESSION FOR SOME

Most obese people feel better after weight-loss surgery but unfortunately, this is not true for some, says a study.

Symptoms of depression worsened for many patients when the levels of depression in patients were measured six to 12 months after they have had bariatric surgery, the findings showed.

For the study, the researchers set out to investigate if depressive symptoms increase markedly or not at all, after post-surgery.

The study involved 107 patients with extreme obesity.

Consistent with previous research, the researchers observed that most people who had undergone this procedure were in much better spirits.

However, in some cases negative mood changes started to creep in between six and 12 months after the operation, with 3.7 percent of patients reporting that they felt discernibly more depressed 12 months post-surgery.

Between six and 12 months after the operation, however, even more patients (13.1 percent) reported increases in depressive symptoms.

These changes went hand-in-hand with significantly lower levels of self-esteem and social functioning.

“The majority of patients whose mood had worsened discernibly experienced these mood changes between six and 12 months post-surgery, suggesting this may be a critical period for early detection and intervention, as needed,” explained Valentina Ivezaj from Yale University School of Medicine in the US.

“The increases in symptoms of depression are also notable given that they were associated with other difficulties including lower self-esteem and social functioning,” Carlos Grilo from Yale University School of Medicine in the US added.

The study appeared in the journal Obesity Surgery.

Poison Ivy Backyard Remedy and then some

My dear friend's Husband wrote me an email yesterday .... plagued with an annual whipping of Poison Ivy. It's like an unwelcome visitor from a mean old bully from school, they just obnoxiously arrive, with a sense of entitlement and expectation. At first you think, well maybe it's be different this year .... maybe they have changed and become more compassionate. .....but it just gets worse and worse. Pretty soon you just want to choke them.

So, for anyone out there, my invisible voyeurs, here is my response. Keep in mind the myriad remedies that books and herbalists avail .... not to mention the wealth of medicine that our green world offers ..... I cannot possibly list all of the plentiful options. I list the simplest, most easily attainable remedies that I know WORK.

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"Hi! Oh bummer - poison Ivy, no fun.

Well, if it were me, I would probably make up a strong batch of Mugwort vinegar for it. It's my most reliable PI remedy. Not the kind that has to steep for six weeks, (you obviously don't have six weeks to wait!) but a brew of sorts. You could use the silvery Artemisia in your yard if you can't find regular mugwort.

I would roughly chop it; a good 8 oz cup of it; and put it in a pot (enamel, glass or stainless) with an equal amount of apple cider vinegar. Warm it over low heat for about 10 minutes, keeping it gently steamy like hot tea. Then cover it and let infuse for another 10 or 20 minutes. Don't strain it. Put the whole thing in a jar and refrigerate it like that. Shaking it before applying is good. You can apply it as often as needed with cotton. You can pour some into an extra bottle to take with you. It will last a while so don't worry about it going bad.

Some helpful additions are:

Peppermint or Chamomile (tea bags work O.K. if you have those on hand)

Clay - like the facial clay - you can get french green clay at your local health food market

Goldenseal powder - last resort as it is endangered and extremely expensive - but a sure fire relief for intense itching and PI that is oozing or blistering. You can add this to your solution or just sprinkle it on as is. Beware the gorgeous yellow color that stains! Oregon Grape root is an optional substitute.

Colloidal silver - not found in your back yard, unfortunately - but a bottle of this clear aqueous liquid is great not just because it helps, but because it's invisible - in case you have a business meeting or something where you can't show up painted yellow :) You can also add this to your Artemisia vinegar. "

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What is your favorite Poison Ivy cure???

SOME RICE BASED FOOD FOR PEOPLE WITH CELIAC DISEASE CONTAIN RELEVANT AMOUNT OF ARSENIC

Rice is one of the few cereal grains consumed by people with celiac disease, as it does not contain gluten. However, it can have high concentrations of a toxic substance -- arsenic -- as revealed by the analyses of flour, cakes, bread, pasta and other foods made with rice, conducted by researchers from the Miguel Hernández University of Elche, Spain. The European Union is working to establish the maximum quantities of arsenic in these products.

Celiac disease affects almost 1% of the population of the western world, a group which cannot tolerate gluten and is thus obliged to consume products without it, such as rice. But this grain, depending on its origin, can also contain worrying levels of arsenic, a toxic and carcinogenic substance.

For the majority of consumers this does not pose any problem because they do not eat much rice every day, but this is not the case for celiac disease sufferers. Researchers from the Miguel Hernández University of Elche (UMH) have analysed the presence of arsenic in flour, bread, sweets, pastas, beers and milk made with rice and intended for this particular group of the population.

The results of the analyses, presented in the journal 'Food Additives & Contaminants', warn that some of these products contain "important contents" of total arsenic (As-t, up to 120 µg/kg) and inorganic arsenic (As-i, up to 85.8 µg/kg). Total arsenic is the sum of the organic arsenic, which is combined with carbon, and inorganic arsenic, which reacts with other elements such as oxygen, chlorine and sulphur, and is more harmful.

With these figures the As-t and As-i contents only of rice used as a main ingredient -- leaving aside the other components of the food products -- were estimated and were found to be as high as 235 and 198 µg/kg, respectively..

Moreover, the daily intake of inorganic arsenic by celiac disease sufferers -- a consequence of their consumption of rice products -- was calculated as between 0.45 and 0.46 µg/kg (micrograms per kilogram of body weight) for women and men weighing 58 and 75 kg respectively. And, in the case of children (up to the age of five), these figures are even higher, ranging between 0.61 and 0.78 µg/kg, according to another study published in the 'Journal of Food Science'.

A panel of experts from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) of the EU established in 2009 that there is evidence to suggest that an intake range of 0.3 -- 8.0 µg/kg of body weight per day entails a risk of developing lung, skin or bladder cancer. The estimated intakes in the two studies therefore vary within this range.

As Ángel Carbonell, co-author of the studies, explains: "These figures show that we cannot exclude a risk to the health of people who consume these kinds of products," although he recognises an important point: "The European Union has not yet established legal limits for the maximum content of arsenic in rice and rice-based foods, though it is currently working on this."

Lack of legislation

The researchers' recommendation is clear: "What is needed is for health agencies to legislate to limit the levels of arsenic that cannot be exceeded in rice-based foods intended for consumers who suffer from celiac disease." Until now, celiac disease was diagnosed predominantly in children, but in recent years the profile has changed and one in every five people with the disease is over 65 years old.

Currently, every EU country is taking samples of these products, analysing them and conveying the results to the EFSA to draw up a database broad enough to be able to make decisions. The Spanish Agency for Consumer Affairs, Food Safety and Nutrition (AECOSAN) has recently sent the Spanish report, put together in collaboration with the researchers responsible for this study..

Another important recommendation they make is to include quality information on labels: "The inorganic arsenic content in every food product should be indicated, and the variety of rice used and its provenance should be identified clearly, because some are more recommended than others," affirms Sandra Munera, one of the authors.

Arsenic is naturally present in Earth's crust, but in some regions its abundance is greater than in others, and its concentration also increases with the use of pesticides. The substance then spreads through water to rice, one of the few plants that is cultivated when flooded.

One of the 'cleanest' types of rice is from the Doñana National Park, as the use of pesticides has not been permitted here and arsenic is not naturally present in large quantities. On the other hand, in countries like India and Bangladesh, where waters are contaminated with inorganic arsenic and rice constitutes a staple food for the population, the result is currently one of the largest mass poisonings in history.

Some Home Remedy Suggestions To Help Reduce Nerve Pain

Today's post from jbbardot.com (see link below) is a useful and informative article about what many call alternative treatments for neuropathic pain but are really more supplements, designed to help reduce the impact of the symptoms. It's important to realise that none of these treatments will work on their own. The key words are 'help to reduce'. Any successful treatment for nerve pain symptoms has to be based on a holistic view of your problems. The treatments mentioned here will probably help in combination with lifestyle changes, regular medication and mental adjustments but you need to explore the options to find what works best for you. Furthermore, they all need time to work (if they're going to work at all), so buying one pot and giving up after two weeks will not help you except by helping to empty your wallet. You need to do your research and find out what's best for your own situation and that, in combination with a good discussion with your doctor. Unfortunately, there are no miracle cures for nerve pain but there are hundreds of choices as to how you can best relieve your own pain. The suggestions mentioned below represent just some of the options you have.
 

Soothe Diabetic Foot Pain And Peripheral Neuropathy With Effective Home Remedies and Alternative Treatments 
Posted by JB Bardot 2017

Peripheral or diabetic neuropathy affects 60-70 percent of all diabetics with stabbing, burning pain in the hands, feet and especially the toes, according to DiabeticLiving.com. Additionally, many non-diabetics are affected with painful neuropathies of no known cause. Initially experienced as numbness, and tingling of the affected parts, neuropathies often develop into feelings of having hot or icy needles stabbing sensitive flesh. Pharmaceutical medicines may or may not help manage pain, and often produce unwanted side effects. Fortunately, there is a more natural, multi-disciplinary approach to pain management using a variety of home remedies, herbs, supplements, homeopathic remedies, and lifestyle adjustments.

Herbs, supplements and homeopathic remedies

• Topical applications of cayenne pepper mixed with olive or coconut oil relieves neuropathy pain for some people. Capsicum, the active ingredient in cayenne, may feel hot to the skin initially; however, it binds to the body’s pain receptors, fooling the neural pathways and lessening pain over a period of time.

• Omega 3 fatty acids in the form of fish oil supplements provide healthy fats that soothe nerves, helping to relieve pain and inflammation from peripheral neuropathy. Omega 3 fatty acids are also found in flax seeds and oil, borage oil and Evening primrose oil.

• Homeopathic remedies are effective at providing relief from peripheral neuropathies for many people. Remedies such as Plumbum Met, Phosphoric Acid, Phosphorous, Zincum Met, Pulsatilla, Graphites, Lachesis, Gelsemium, Baryta Carb, Causticum, Zincum Phos, Agaricus, Mercurius, Sulphur, Cuprum Met, and Rhus Tox. This list is not exhaustive. Consult a homeopath for the correct remedy based on your individual case.

• Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) reduce stress hormones which can be the cause of some neuropathies. Treatment eventually leads to the reduction of inflammation and pain.

• Lecithin, a fat emulsifier, will reduce diabetic neuropathy pain by working to protect the liver and pancreas from the effects of eating oils high in trans fats and hydrogenated fats. Lecithin is found naturally in the body and is important in the production and transmission of energy. The myelin sheaths that cover nerves are made primarily from lecithin. Most lecithin is made from eggs or soy and it’s important to use a product that’s organic and labeled non-GMO.

• High doses of the B vitamin, Inositol added to one’s diet has been shown to reduce pain and the frequency of peripheral neuropathies. Additionally, increase doses of vitamin B-complex — especially B-6 and B-12 — to help calm and repair damaged nerves and provide pain relief.

• Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) works to regenerate nerves damaged by diabetes and other causes. ALA is a sulfur-containing compound found naturally in the body. Some studies suggest that this antioxidant may actually improve circulation, enhance the action of insulin and reduce oxidative stress, thus preventing neuropathies.

• Keep your body alkaline by drinking a pH drink from 1 to 3 times daily. Mix 2 Tbs. fresh lime or lemon juice with 1/2 tsp. baking soda. Allow all foaming and fizzing to go flat. Add 10 – 12 oz. water and drink all at once.

• Manage pain and frequency of attacks by keeping glucose levels stable, suggests pain specialist Dr. Robert Gerwin, of Johns Hopkins University. There are a number of ways to maintain blood sugar. Eat foods lower on the glycemic index scale and avoid those whose numbers are high. Take a daily supplement consisting of cinnamon and chromium to lower glucose levels and help prevent diabetic neuropathies.

Lifestyle adjustments

• Wear well-fitting shoes, with large toe boxes.

• Protect hands and feet in winter with warm socks, gloves and shoes that keep feet dry.

• Sit with legs uncrossed to encourage good circulation.

• Stop smoking cigarettes. Smoking causes the blood vessels to constrict, worsening circulation and aggravating neuropathy pain.

http://www.jbbardot.com/home-remedies-and-alternative-treatments-for-diabetic-foot-pain-and-peripheral-neuropathy-2/

Some Good Advice About Neuropathy

Today's post from kiich.sharedby.co (see link below) is very useful and well-written information about neuropathy from a physical therapist, responding to discussions with one of his patients. His advice is spot on and the information he provides can be understood by everybody (in contrast to many neuropathy information sites). From someone new to neuropathy, to experienced patients who have suffered for years, a few minutes reading this will not be time wasted.

Are you suffering from peripheral neuropathy?
By Bob Cairo Special to the Coastal Point Date Published: March 20, 2015

A few weeks ago, a patient told me he wanted me to write an article about diabetic neuropathy. As I was thinking about it, it occurred to me that there are so many kinds of peripheral neuropathy that I wanted to make sure I help all of you who are struggling with it or might be soon.

It’s complicated, it’s painful and it can change your life in dramatic ways. Are you experiencing sharp or stabbing pain in your knees and ankles? Do your calves ache or are your feet numb? Do your legs feel like they are on fire?

Pain in our lower extremities is a very common issue, especially as we age. But, if you haven’t taken a fall, twisted a knee or done something that would easily identify exactly what’s causing your problem, you may be suffering from peripheral neuropathy. Understanding what it is and what you need to do if you or a loved one is diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy could have a lifelong impact on mobility and quality of life.

We all understand that our nervous system controls the proper function of every system in our bodies. The peripheral nervous system involves the nerves that lead from our brain and spinal cord to the rest of our body. When one of these nerves becomes diseased or damaged from a trauma or even repetitive stress, it’s called peripheral neuropathy.

Some 2 to 3 million Americans are struggling with a type of peripheral neuropathy. This is a problem that doesn’t discriminate in gender or age, but it’s particularly common in people older than 55. If you are a diabetic and you aren’t doing all that you should to control it, you are a high-risk candidate.

Because there are so many potential problems, I’m going to focus on the lower extremities, because that is one of the most common areas of impact.

It’s tricky to diagnose peripheral neuropathy, because there are so many potential causes, and doctors will tell you that not all the causes are known. We know that more than 50 percent of diabetics experience at least one type of neuropathy, and feet and legs are one of the biggest areas of impact.

We also know that some viruses and bacteria will attack the nerves. We know that alcoholism, vitamin deficiencies, traumas, some autoimmune diseases, infections and even tumors, whether benign or malignant, can be among the many potential causes.

People who are afflicted with a peripheral neuropathy in their lower extremities often talk about burning and sharp or stabbing pain. In many cases, there’s a tingling sensation. Sometimes, numbness and tingling comes on gradually in the feet and will spread to the legs.

Many people talk about the terrible discomfort associated with a simple touch, and some people lose feeling all together. Others lose coordination and start having a problem with falling, as a result. Muscle weakness is another potential symptom.

If you start to experience pain, weakness, tingling or any of the symptoms we were just talking about in your legs, knees, calves, ankles or feet, see a doctor immediately. Waiting to get help can be a terrible, costly decision, because the sooner you are diagnosed and treatment begins, the better your chances of getting those symptoms under control and stopping any additional damage occurring.

It’s a good idea to prepare for your doctor’s appointment by remembering to bring a list of all your medications with you and include any vitamins and supplements you might be taking.

It often helps to write down your symptoms and make sure you include any problems you might be experiencing. A problem that might seem unrelated to a symptom you are experiencing could actually be directly related. I’m sure you’ve heard this before, but it’s always better to write down your questions and leave some blank space to write down information your doctor is giving you as it happens. It can be so hard to remember everything that is said later on.

I also suggest you bring someone with you. There’s something to that old saying that two heads are better than one. You might miss something that is said, and having a second listener can be very helpful to keep all that information straight.

You can expect that your doctor will conduct a thorough examination and will likely perform some tests to determine the cause of your problem. If it’s peripheral neuropathy, your doctor may refer you to a neurologist. Your doctor will be looking to determine the cause of your neuropathy, the type of nerve problems and what damage has already taken place.

Clearly, the type of treatment you receive depends on the problem that’s causing the neuropathy. In some cases, medications may help.

For problems such as muscle weakness, you will likely be sent to a physical therapist to help you expand your range of motion and build muscle strength. Your doctor may also ask your physical therapist to work with you on building an exercise program to help with pain management and, in the case of diabetes, to help control your blood sugar.

If you are diabetic, make sure you are checking your feet regularly for any signs of trouble and regularly monitor your blood glucose levels. Don’t be surprised if your doctor makes other recommendations about your diet and suggests some actions you take at home to manage your peripheral neuropathy.

One final thought: If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy, make it your job to learn everything you can about your particular condition. It’s important to be an active participant in your care plan. You want to be armed with the information you need to make informed decisions about your treatment as you work with your care team of professionals to get the best possible outcome.

Bob Cairo is a licensed physical therapist at Tidewater Physical Therapy. He can be reached by calling (302) 537-7260. 

http://kiich.sharedby.co/de4d996b4c7488eb/?web=9dbef0&dst=http%3A//www.coastalpoint.com/content/are_you_suffering_peripheral_neuropathy_03_20_2015