Red blood cells contain an iron containing chemical called hemoglobin. When RBCs grow old they are destroyed and the hemoglobin is released into the blood sans iron content. This new chemical is called bilirubin. The liver not only secretes bile to the intestines for fat digestion but it also removes toxins and wastes including bilirubin from the blood.

In the liver the bilirubin is conjugated and the resulting acid is secreted in bile juice. This conjugated bilirubin is excreted through feces. Obstruction of the bile ducts that release bile to the intestines, malfunctioning of the liver and release of excessive bilirubin into the blood which is beyond the liver’s eliminating capacity all lead to jaundice. Diseases like hemolytic anemia and liver affecting aliments of typhoid, malaria, yellow fever and tuberculosis may also cause this condition.

Neonatal jaundice is jaundice in newborn infants due to rise in bilirubin levels that occur in the first few days after birth. After birth destruction of the fetal RBCs occurs accompanied by their substitution by non fetal RBCs. The baby’s liver is overloaded and jaundice is caused.

Pathological jaundice comes with a health risk and is found in adults and children due to diseases, medications, blood incompatibilities, genetic syndromes, blood diseases, cirrhosis, hepatitis, bile duct blockages etc.

Physical examination may reveal masses in the abdomen that indicate metastatic cancer affecting the liver causing jaundice. Rock hard liver signals liver cancer and enlarged liver means cirrhosis. Blood tests that measure bilirubin also help diagnose jaundice.

Elevations of liver tests also can signify the disease. Ultrasonography using sound to check the abdominal organs can indicate gall stones/tumors obstructing the bile ducts. MRI scans, CT scans, endoscopic ultrasounds and liver biopsies can also reveal gall stones, tumors and liver ailments.

Taking just a few hours a day out of your week to exercise will reduce your stress levels and boost your mentality, however to do this you need energy and, after a long day at the office, this is sometimes none existent for many people.

Both men and women tend to differ when it comes to the types of exercise they would like to participate it. Women tend to like Yoga, walking and men tend to go for an intense workout at the gym. If you are a man who likes a good workout, make sure you are looking after your muscles i.e. take whey protein, so your muscles are repair after a workout.

Trying to fit your exercise in prior to work can be a good option; try walking to work instead of getting the train. Slip your trainers on and take your uber high-heeled work shoes in your bag instead of struggling in stilettos. Another option could be to take a longer lunch and do a little exercise then, many offices now have gyms and showers and will leave you heading back to the office in a fresh state of mind. Many gyms also offer early morning classes such as dance or spin classes. This is a great way to start the day and one that will boost your metabolism, which will in turn keep your heart rate high for the rest of the day.

As the evenings begin to get lighter it is easier to exercise after work, a simple jog or a walk with the dog is an easy way to burn those unwanted calories and will make you feel much better about indulging in a bigger meal or a late night treat!

If the weather is bad and you are simply too tired to head out to the gym there are other options. Fun games such as the Wii now come complete with various exercise programs. Such programs are a great way to get the whole family involved and because it’s a game it doesn’t feel like real exercise, whereas a trip to the gym can often feel lengthy and a little boring.

Visit www.hollandandbarrett.com/ today to check out whey protein, vitamin and mineral supplements.

A crucial role is played by these purines in human body since it is one of the most essential components of the nuclear DNA. Guanine and adenine, the 2 purines of human DNA, are twisted together using similar pyrimidine molecules called cytosine and thymine. These molecules serve as letters of genetic code which holds all the genetic information in the body. A critical role in the production of energy is played by purines, which also maintain chemical signaling inside the cells.

Foods contain purines. Some foods consist of higher levels of them, while others do not. Some of the seafoods like herring, mackerel, anchovies, scallops, sardines, etc. contain quite high purine levels. Organ meats like brains, kidneys and livers are richer purine sources. In addition to this, vegan foods like green vegetables, asparagus, mushrooms, dried peas, etc. also consist of high purine levels.

About Intolerance to Wheat:

There are a wide variety of food allergies and intolerance; and wheat intolerance is one of the most common forms of it. However, not all types of sensitivity to wheat would be the same. The health problems that arise from consumption of wheat could fall into three categories, so to say.

Celiac Disease:

Celiac disease is said to be an immunological disease which will affect the intestinal tract; and will make it sensitive to one particular protein that is present in wheat. It is a gluten protein called gliadin. It is said to have a lot of names that it can be referred to as – gluten allergy, gluten intolerance, and celiac sprue. Over a period of time, it could end up causing for a substantial amount of damage to the intestinal tract; and this can be treated using a gluten-free diet. The problem here is that this condition stays for life; and people will never ‘grow out of it’.

Wheat Allergy:

This is also another case of an immunological response to wheat. Unlike the case of celiac disease sufferers, people with a wheat allergy would be allergic to the different proteins that are found in cereal grains and wheat. In most cases, it will display symptoms affecting the gastrointestinal system. However, when it comes to the respiratory system, it could display symptoms similar to hay fever or asthma-like symptoms. Other symptoms would include dermatitis, rashes, hives, cough, itchy eyes, runny noses, etc. If a person suffering from a wheat allergy takes aspirin or exercises too much, it could bring on a condition called anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening condition. Some people with wheat allergies will be able to deal with other grains that contain gluten (barley, rye).

Wheat Intolerance:

When it comes to celiac disease, it is called ‘gluten intolerance’. However, when the term ‘wheat intolerance’ is used, it will refer to a non-allergic reaction to wheat. This would mean that wheat intolerance isn’t as violent as is the case with wheat allergies. However, it could be a lot tougher to diagnose a case of wheat intolerance; as the condition may sometimes manifest its symptoms only after a couple of days.

Though there doesn’t seem to be enough information about wheat intolerance doing the rounds; it still remains to be an autoimmune disease; and this one is known to affect completely different parts of the immune system, unlike the ones that get affected by a person who is allergic to ragweed or peanuts.

The surprising part is that most people go for years without realizing that some of these common health concerns can be resolved using easy steps that were avoidable to begin with (in most cases).

Chronic Fatigue – Java Culprit:

If you end up pounding two cups of coffee in the morning, hoping to chase that fatigue away, you might be doing your body and system a disfavor. The fatigue that’s been chased away won’t stay away for long. Caffeine is said to be capable of fighting away the drowsiness by building up a blockage that will prevent the production of adenosine, which is a sleep inducing compound found in the brain. However, if your body gets its doses of coffee only in the morning, it will not be able to provide for protection against the adenosine.

The best solution available would be have a cup of java early in the morning; and then space out your cups of coffee over the remainder of your waking hours. This would better equip you to keep sleep at bay.

Un-lady like Flatulence – Sugar Free Gum Culprit:

If you feel like your behind’s been whistling too much, you could blame your sugar free gum for the same. According to research, almost 56% of Americans have been found to be sensitive to a substance called sorbitol; which is an artificial sweetener which has been added to a number of sugar free snacks and candies. According to studies, the ingredient, sorbitol, is said to double the production of gas in a person’s body. This happens because the bacteria of our intestine will convert all sorbitol found into hydrogen gas.

You could try replacing your usual brand of gum with a product that is sorbitol free. If you stick to such products, you could be relieved from all that gas within as short a time as 72 hours.

Urinary Tract Infection – High Heels Culprit:

Stiletto heels aren’t your best friend, regardless of how badly you want them to be. Those heels, as pretty as they look, could be unkind to your bladder. Truth of the matter is that the stilettos would end up making your pelvis tilt a little more forward, while your upper back will curve out. This would mean that there will be extra pressure put on the lower back, and this would end up being bad for your sensory nerves of the spine. When the nerves in the lower back end up getting pinched, they might affect your bladder function; and this might hinder with the process of you completely emptying your bladder. This would mean some urine would get leftover; and this could be a breeding ground for bacteria.

As per experts, the simple solution lies in saving those heels only for occasions that demand them. While at work, keep your heels under the 2 inch radar. If you’re still struggling with those urinary tract infections that just don’t seem to go away; try and munch on some blueberries. These little gems are said to be loaded on tannins. These are plant compounds which would wrap around the bacteria, and not let them latch onto the walls of the bladder.

Normal aging does not cause Alzheimer disease. However, age is one of the risk factors for the disease. Individuals aged between 65 and 74 account for 5% of the total population suffering from Alzheimer’s. Nearly 50% of the individuals above the age of 85 develop Alzheimer disease.

Alzheimer disease has no known cure. Treatment can drastically improve quality of life. Support and affection are crucial for both the individual with Alzheimer’s and the caretaker.

Alzheimer disease may begin with partial memory loss and a confused state. It gradually leads to mental impairment that cannot be reversed. This hampers the individual’s ability to reason, learn, remember and imagine.

Memory loss is common for any individual. It is perfectly okay to forget the placement of your car keys and names of people. Alzheimer disease is, however, characterized by severe memory loss. Individuals with Alzheimer’s tend to:

• Repeat events
• Forgetting of appointments
• Misplacing of common objects
• Inability to recollect names of loved ones

Individuals having Alzheimer disease may find it difficult to balance a checkbook. This may gradually lead to problems with numbers. Individuals with Alzheimer’s may find it extremely challenging to find the correct words while expressing their thoughts or feelings. Conversations have an abrupt end. Gradually, the faculties of reading and writing are also hampered.

Such individuals lose their sense of date and time. Familiar surroundings may confuse them. Mundane, everyday situations, such as switching off the stove, become difficult and impossible. Activities that require elaborate planning and judgment cannot be easily performed. Individuals with Alzheimer’s have trouble making decisions.

Routine and familiar tasks take a backseat. Over a period of time, individuals fail to perform the simplest tasks.

Individuals with Alzheimer disease display the following:

• Mood swings
• Loss of trust
• Stubbornness
• Withdrawal from society
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Aggressive behavior

There is no predominant factor that causes Alzheimer disease. A combination of factors relating to genetics, environment, and lifestyle plays a role. More research is needed in the field of Alzheimer causes. However, the effects of Alzheimer’s on tissue of the brain are well known. Alzheimer disease damages brain cells, eventually leading to their death.

Balanitis is generally seen in men who are not circumcised. It is more likely to afflict individuals who have despicable personal hygiene. Smegma and discharge may result in the lack of aeration and irritation. This surrounds the glans penis, causing edema and inflammation. Phimosis and cellulitis are possible complications of balanitis. In some rare scenarios, meatal stenosis may occur with urinary retention. In a small percentage of cases, balanitis may lead to buried penis syndrome.

Balanitis is known to occur in 3-11% of the male population. Generally, balanitis does not cause mortality. However, certain complications may lead to morbidity.

African-Americans and Hispanics are more vulnerable to balanitis. Circumcision may play a huge role in preventing balanitis. Males of all age groups are equally susceptible to balanitis. Etiologies depend on age.

Individuals with balanitis complain about the following:

• Discharge from the penis
• Pain and discomfort during foreskin retraction’
• Lack of erection
• Discomfort during urination
• Inability to control the stream of urine
• Trouble inserting a Foley catheter
• Erythema of the glans penis
• Constant itching
• Fever and nausea (in exceptional cases)

The following are some of the physical examinations to ascertain the occurrence of balanitis:

• Edema and erythema of the foreskin and glans penis
• Frequent discharge
• Formation of ulcers and plaques
• Phimosis
• Urinary obstruction including meatal stenosis, distension of the bladder, and formation of a balloon of the foreskin during voiding
• Lymphadenopathy

Some of the most common causes of balanitis are listed below:

• A common cause among adults developing balanitis is diabetes.
• Poor hygiene
• Chemical agents such as petroleum jelly and soap
• Conditions such as heart ailments, cirrhosis, and nephrosis
• Certain drug allergies
• Obesity
• Bacteria and viruses may lead to balanitis
• Cancer of the penis
• Zoon balanitis: red lesions on the glans penis
• Reiter disease

The following are the general symptoms of balanitis:

• Soreness of the glans penis and foreskin
• Rash on the glans penis
• Discharge that smells foully
• Pain while retracting the foreskin

Patella Femoral Syndrome is more likely to occur in athletes, runners, cyclists, footballers, and skiers. In some cases, the condition can cause trauma during a blow to the kneecap. This causes tearing of a portion of the articular cartilage or bone.

Patella Femoral Syndrome causes pain in and around the knee.

Pain can worsen while engaging in the following activities:

• Walking and climbing stairs
• Climbing a hill can increase the pain
• Indulging in activities that cause a burden to the knee. Straightening the knee during these activities can drastically increase pain.
• Sports such as running can cause pain related to Patella Femoral Syndrome

Rest is a crucial factor while dealing with Patella Femoral Syndrome. Application of ice is also beneficial.

The following activities are recommended for those having Patella Femoral Syndrome:

• Indulging in exercises that have a low impact. These can cause muscle strengthening of the quadriceps, eventually reducing pain.
• Swimming and stationary bike riding can reduce pain arising out of the syndrome.
• Stretch the muscles of the hamstring and quadriceps. This can result in effective management of the pain.
• Wearing a brace for the knees helps greatly.
• Use shoes that have arch supports while walking or performing exercise.
• Consumption of pain relievers and drugs that are anti-inflammatory can alleviate pain.

Consult a doctor if the pain and swelling of the knee does not subside. Surgery and orthotics may be needed in extreme cases.

Symptoms of Patella Femoral Syndrome include discomfort in the knee. Running, climbing and jumping worsens the pain. Descending stairs and sitting for prolonged periods with the knee bent can aggravate the pain. Some individuals have reported a feeling of tightness and fullness in the region of the knee. Individuals sometimes ignore chronic symptoms. In such cases, the loss of strength of the quadriceps or thigh muscle causes the leg to ‘give out’. The muscle mass of the quadriceps may reduce. In addition, there might be little swelling of the knee.

A common cause of sciatic nerve pain is bulging or rupture of the disc in the spinal column. These nerves press against the nerve roots leading to the sciatic nerve. Sciatic nerve pain can also be caused by conditions affecting the spine. Spinal stenosis is one such condition, involving constriction of the spinal canal. Bone spurs involve tiny, bony growths forming near joints. Arthritis and compression of the nerve roots can also lead to sciatic nerve pain. In extremely rare scenarios, sciatic nerve pain can be caused by factors not involving the spine: such as pregnancy and tumors.

Symptoms of sciatic nerve pain involve pain that originates in the back and buttocks. It gradually moves downward to your legs and feet. There may be weakness, tingling sensation, and numbness of the leg.

Sitting and standing for long periods of time may worsen the symptoms. Exercises such as knee-to-chest cause the spine to flex. This may worsen the pain. When in pain, it is advisable to walk or lie down. These cause the spine to extend, relieving pain.

Sciatic nerve pain is diagnosed by a physical exam and a complete medical history. Medical practitioner will quiz you with regards to the symptoms. By getting answers to appropriate questions, a correct diagnosis can be made. X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging can be used effectively to diagnose sciatic nerve pain.

In most cases, sciatic nerve pain will improve with time. Symptoms will lessen gradually. Medicines and exercise are an integral part of the treatment.

Pain can also be alleviated by the following:

• Avoid sitting. Use it only as a substitute to standing
• Combine short walks with lying down. Gradually increase walking time.
• Consume acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen.
• Utilize a heating pad or a shower for fifteen to twenty minutes. The time can be extended to several hours. An ice pack also comes handy. Usage of these is not a sure way to eliminate pain.

Determining the cause of nerve irritation goes a long way in treating sciatic nerve pain. Doctors may recommend physical therapy, steroidal injections, and surgery.

Crystal meth is an informal way to refer to methamphetamine. It is also known as ‘crank’, ‘meth’, ‘ice’, and ‘speed’. Crystal meth comes in the form of a white powder. It may have bluish or yellowish tinge to it. Crystal meth has a close resemblance to glass and rock pieces. Meth addiction involves smoking of crystal meth. Crystal meth is a powerful stimulant. Crystal meth is produced by chemists in laboratories using readily-available ingredients. Meth addiction leads to violent behavior, and is a grave issue concerning public health. The younger generation has taken a liking to meth addiction.

Methamphetamine can be easily manufactured in the laboratory. The ingredients are readily available. The effects are similar when cocaine is ingested. However, some effects may last for long periods of time. Methamphetamine can be smoked, snorted, and injected. It causes a surge in the levels of dopamine in the brain. This causes a sense of euphoria. The brain becomes more alert. When ingested, methamphetamine causes an increase in blood pressure and pulse rate. This can affect the brain and the cardiovascular system. Crystal meth can be highly addictive. Meth addiction can lead to weight loss, irritability, and a sense of paranoia.

Use of amphetamine leads to its abuse. Meth addiction is a direct fallout. Meth addiction needs to be properly treated, if the individual wishes to lead a life that is productive.

Meth addiction has increased over the recent years. Initially meth addiction is harmless. Crystal meth abusers show increased energy and confidence levels. As the addiction progresses, the psychological state is drastically altered. Meth addiction can lead to paranoia, violence, sensitivity, impaired judgment, and repetitive behavior known as tweaking. Individuals tend to withdraw from social life. Meth addiction may cause nausea, skin disorders, and diseases transmitted sexually.

Meth addiction can be treated effectively. Detoxification is the most effective technique. During the detoxification procedure, all traces of crystal meth are eliminated from the body. Treatment should tackle the physical and psychological effects of meth addiction. Counseling is an integral part of any treatment program. Knowledge of meth addiction is also important.