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Gastroesophageal reflux also known as acid reflux or heartburn is a condition in which the contents of the stomach flow back into esophagus causing the lower part of the esophagus to become inflamed and painful and the condition in which this occures is known as reflux esophagitis.

Those who are usually affected by gastroesophageal reflux are those that are obese or have  a hiatal hernia or scleroderma and in pregnancy.

The exact cause is the disfunction of the the lower esophageal sphincter, the lower esophageal sphincter opens and let the stomach acid contents to reflux.  If you are eating very large meals, lying down within two to three hours of eating, and taking certain drugs including diazepam, meperidine, theophylline, morphine, prostaglandins, calcium channel blockers, nitrate heart medications, and anticholinergic and adrenergic drugs you are susceptible of developing gastroesophageal reflux. Alcohol, nicotine and caffeine aggravate the acid reflux.

Symptoms

One of the symptoms in acid reflux is heartburn, others are: painful swallowing, cramping, excessive salivation, coughing, shortness of breath, sore throat. Those symptoms are relieved when you adopt a n orthostatic position. You may also have a bitter taste in your mouth and can lead to reflux esophagitis, esophageal ulcer and Barrett’s syndrome which can further develop esophageal cancer.

Diagnostic

A gastroen
terologist will perform some tests  x-rays and barium examination, esophagoscopy, biopsy examination, manometry of the esophagus, the Bernstein test which deals with the level of acidity in the esophagus. Esophagus has an important role in moving the food down in the stomach with the aid of  muscle contractions, at the lower end there is a specialized muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter that is tight until the food is above it, then it relaxes to let pass the food and fluids.

This way acids, enzymes and other substances from the stomach do not come up in the esophagus to damage the tissue. It is important to drink milk until the esophagus has healed and you have no more acid reflux. There are some easy to make recipes that may be used during the period of recovery. Proton inhibitors drugs only mask the symptoms, so what I truly recommend are natural and healthy recipes. Acid reflux can be healed with herbs, meditation, exercise and diet, health store items.

Not chewing food properly and eating wrong foods determine the condition known as: gastro esophageal reflux disease. In this condition the esophagus is damaged and the lower esophageal sphincter is weakened, the first thing to do in the healing of the gastro esophageal reflux disease is to cure the esophagus.

The best solution is to continue treatment even if the symptoms are relieved, so as the condition will not return.

Menopause is the physiological cessation of menstrual cycles associated with advancing age in women. Menopause is defined as absence of menstrual periods for 12 months. The menopausal transition starts with varying menstrual cycle length and ends with the final menstrual period. Perimenopause means “around the time of menopause.” It is not officially a medical term, but is sometimes used to explain certain aspects of the menopause transition in lay terms. Many women experience a variety of symptoms as a result of the hormonal changes associated with the transition through menopause. Postmenopause is the entire period of time that comes after the last menstrual period. The menopause is sometimes referred to as change of life or climacteric.

The condition also exists in some of the other species that experience such cycles, such as rhesus monkeys  and some cetaceans. Menopause is a natural biological process, not a medical illness. Several generations ago, few women lived beyond menopause. Today, you may spend as much as half of your life after menopause. Menopause affects every woman differently. Your only symptom may be your period stopping. You may have other symptoms, too. Many symptoms at this time of life are because of you Menopause is a natural process that happens to every woman as she grows older, and is not a medical problem, disease or illness.  

Some women may have a hard time because of the changes in hormone levels during menopause. Premature menopause (or premature ovarian failure) is defined as menopause occurring before the age of 40; it occurs in 1% of women. Other causes of premature menopause include autoimmune disorders, thyroid disease, and diabetes mellitus.  Menopause experiences are different among individual women, and also among women in different cultures and in different parts of the world.  There are many possible signs of menopause and each woman feels them differently. Most women hav
e no or few menopausal symptoms while some women have many moderate or severe symptoms include is weight gain; hot flashes; insomnia; night sweats; vaginal dryness; joint pain; fatigue and urinary tract infections.

Causes of Menopause

1.Perimenopause.

2.Postmenopause.
 
Symptoms of Menopause

1.Weight gain.

2.Hot flashes.

3.Insomnia

4.Night sweats.

5.Vaginal dryness.

6.Joint pain.

7.Fatigue.

Treatment of Menopause

Take estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) or hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which is a combination of estrogen and progesterone, should be an individualized choice. There are three (3) types of replacement therapy:1. Estrogen alone via a pill (Premarin, Ogen, Estrace or ethinyl estradiol), a cream (Premarin or Dienestrol), a vaginal pill (Vagifem), or as a transdermal or skin patch (Estraderm or Estracomb). 2. Cyclical therapy: Estrogen taken daily via a pill or via a patch and a separate progesterone pill (such as Provera) for a certain number of days per month. 3. Continuous therapy: Estrogen plus low dose progesterone in one or two pills taken every day.

Estrogen vaginal tablets and creams are generally prescribed nightly for 2 weeks, and then reduced to twice per week as a long-term “maintenance therapy.” Phytoestrogens are found in soy products (e.g., tofu, tempeh, miso, soybean milk, and meat substitutes and soy powders for adding to foods or to smoothies), in linseed (flaxseed) products, and to a lesser extent, in fruits, vegetables, cereals, and seeds. Concentrated plant estrogens in tablet form have not been shown to be effective. Regular exercise also has benefits for other parts of the body, high blood pressure, and diabetes, as well as gives you more energy and better sleep. Herbal medicine has much to offer women in the treatment of symptoms associated with menopause.

Sinus headache is a headache that occurs because your sinuses are congested with mucus. Sinus headache is caused by inflammation of sinus tissue, either due to bacterial infection or allergic reactions. Sinus headaches can be the result of a sinus infection or allergies. Sinus headache pain is due to swelling in the sinus cavities. Sinus headache is one of the many kinds of headaches which is often associated with sinusitis or an inflamed sinus. An inflamed sinus blocked the nasal passage which triggers the pain in your head. Usually, sinus headache pain is due to swelling in the sinus cavities around the nose and eyes. Often caused by allergies or infections, sinus headaches may be accompanied by fever, a stuffy nose, or toothaches. Leaning forward or lying down may increase sinus headache pain. Sinus headaches cause a dull, deep, or severe pain in the front of your head and face.  Bending down or leaning over generally makes the pain worse, as does cold and damp weather. Sinus headaches are often worse in the morning, and better by afternoon. Vascular headaches are often mistaken for sinus headaches. Most sinus problems happen when the patient has had a cold or a sore throat. Some occur after a dental infection. Sometimes hay fever or irritation from dust or smoke causes swelling.

They are caused by an inflammation in the passages behind the cheeks, nose, and eyes. A sinus headache is usually being triggered by something you ate in conjunction with an active sinus infection. Migraine can also cause head pain and nasal drainage and be triggered by changes in the weather or season. The pain in a sinus headache is usually localized around the eyes, and you may actually feel some tenderness. Some symptoms of a sinus headache include pain or pressure in the forehead or around the eyes and cheek(s), tender skin and tender bones over and under the eyes. With a s
inus headache, you will often deal with post nasal drip, which is a collection of mucus in the back of your throat when you’re lying on your back. You may also be congested. These symptoms are also typical of migraine. However, a sinus infection will last considerably longer, and if it becomes worse you may feel generally sick and even have a fever (with migraine you may feel like you have a fever, but you usually don’t). Fatigue is common. Stooping down, jarring your head (including with exercise, such as jogging or aerobics), or blowing your nose may make your headache feel worse.

Sinus headache can be problematic the condition is wholly treatable. The treatment of headaches with prophylactic medication begins with low doses. The use of nasal vasoconstrictors and pain pill medicine can be used. Sometimes anticonvulsants such as Tegretol, Depakote, and Dilantin are given for headache treatment. When the condition has been cleared then the treatment for sinus headache pain can begun. Trigger points should be at the top of the list during any examination for headaches and eye pain. When healthcare practitioners have had adequate training and experience, trigger points are easy to locate and treat. The major prescription drugs that are used for headache treatment are beta blockers like Tenormin and Lopressor. Calcium channel blockers such as Cardizem, Dilacor, and Procardia are also used. Doctors may also prescribe antidepressants like Elavil and Zoloft. You can use Serotonin Antagonists like Sansert. Tylenol and Panadol are known as Acetaminophen drugs. Taking an over the counter medication, such as Sudafed, can help with this aliment. Motrin and Advil belong to the group of drugs that are known as Ibuprofen.Sprinkle cayenne pepper on your food. Adding that quick, hot spice to some scrambled eggs in the morning could help that morning pressure with sinusitis.

Arthritis is a disease that causes pain and loss of movement of the joints. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in people over the age of 55. Arthritis affects the movements you rely on for everyday activities.  Arthritis refers to a group of more than 100 rheumatic diseases and other conditions that can cause pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints. There are many forms of arthritis, each of which has a different cause. Inflammatory arthritis is characterized by inflammation of tissues associated with joints. Connective tissue diseases, crystal deposition diseases, infectious arthritis, and spondyloarthropathies are examples of inflammatory arthritis.  Rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis are autoimmune diseases in which the body is attacking itself. Septic arthritis is caused by joint infection. Gouty arthritis is caused by deposition of uric acid crystals in the joint that results in subsequent inflammation. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is traditionally considered a chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack the joints. It is a disabling and painful inflammatory condition, which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. Arthritis sufferers include men and women, children and adults.

RA is a systemic disease, often affecting extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and muscles. Psoriatic arthritis (or arthropathic psoriasis) is a type of inflammatory arthritis that affects around 20% of people suffering from the chronic skin condition psoriasis. It occurs more commonly in patients with tissue type HLA-B27. Treatment of psoriatic arthritis is similar to that of rheumatoid arthritis. More than 80% of patients with psoriatic arthritis will have psoriatic nail lesions characterised by pitting of the nails, or more extremely, loss of the nail itself (onycholysis). Psoriatic arthritis is said to be a seronegative spondyloarthropathy. Degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis) is a ubiquitous joint disease characterized pathologically by deterioration of cartilage lining the joints and new bone formation beneath the cartilage. The disease is very common in older persons and is thought to be inherent in the aging process.Degenerative joint disease is marked by a progressive stiffness, loss of function, and destruction of the larger, weight-bearing joints of the body.

Nonarticular rheumatism is a
group of diseases, also called soft-tissue rheumatisms, that includes tendonitis, bursitis, tenosynovitis, and fibrositis. Septic arthritis is the invasion of the joint space by an infectious agent. The usual etiology is bacterial, but viral, mycobacterial, and fungal arthritis occur occasionally. Bacteria are either carried by the bloodstream from an infectious focus elsewhere, introduced by a skin lesion. For bacterial infection, Pseudomonas aeruginosa has been found to infect joints, for example in children who have sustained a puncture wound. This bacteria also causes endocarditis. Septic arthritis should be suspected when one joint (monoarthritis) is affected and the patient is febrile. Gout is a painful condition that occurs when the body cannot eliminate a natural substance called uric acid. The excess uric acid forms needle-like crystals in the joints that cause swelling and severe pain. Gout most often affects the big toe, knee and wrist joints. Gout is a form of arthritis (an inflammation of the joints). Symptoms of arthritis include pain and limited function of joints. Inflammation of the joints from arthritis is characterized by joint stiffness, swelling, redness, and warmth. Tenderness of the inflamed joint can be present.
 
Arthritis Treatment and Prevention Tips

1.Treatment options is depending on the type of arthritis and include physical and occupational therapy, and medications (symptomatic or targeted at the disease process causing the arthritis).

2.Arthroplasty (joint replacement surgery) may be required in eroding forms of arthritis.

3.In conventional treatment, painkillers, such as paracetamol, are essential. Anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, can help with episodes of more severe pain. 

4.In recent years a new type of NSAID treatment, called Cox-2 inhibitors, has been launched. These were initially claimed to be less harmful to the stomach and many patients have found that they provided good pain relief for their arthritis. 

5.Physiotherapy relieves pain and strengthens muscles around the damaged joint, helping the joint to work better.

6.Regular exercise is beneficial for the same reasons and, once pain is under control, easy to do.

7.Hip and knee replacements are common and usually involve a short hospital visit.

8.Disease-modifying drugs that slow disease progression are available for people with rheumatoid arthritis.

Multiple Sclerosis(MS)also known as disseminated sclerosis or encephalomyelitis disseminata is a chronic, inflammatory, demyelinating disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS). Multiple sclerosis affects neurons, the cells of the brain and spinal cord that carry information, create thought and perception, and allow the brain to control the body. Surrounding and protecting some of these neurons is a fatty layer known as the myelin sheath, which helps neurons carry electrical signals. MS causes gradual destruction of myelin (demyelination) and transection of neuron axons in patches throughout the brain and spinal cord. The name multiple sclerosis refers to the multiple scars (or scleroses) on the myelin sheaths. This scarring causes symptoms which vary widely depending upon which signals are interrupted. Multiple sclerosis (MS) usually affects woman more than men. The disorder most commonly begins between ages 20 and 40, but can strike at any age. People with a family history of MS and those who live in a geographical area with a higher incidence rate for MS have a higher risk of the disease.

Multiple sclerosis affects an estimated 300,000 people in the United States and probably more than 1 million people around the world — including twice as many women as men. Most people experience their first signs or symptoms between ages 20 and 40. MS can cause a variety of symptoms, including is changes in sensation, visual problems, muscle weakness, depression, difficulties with coordination and speech, severe fatigue, cognitive impairment, problems with balance, overheating, and pain. Multiple sclerosis may take several different forms, with new symptoms occurring either in discrete attacks or slowly accruing over time. Between attacks, symptoms may resolve completely, but permanent neurologic problems often persist, especially as the disease advances. MS will cause impaired mobility and disability in more severe cases.

Causes of Multiple Sclerosis

1.Autoimmune disease.

2.Genetic component.

3.Damage to the Blood-Brain-Barrier.

4.Biochemical events in utero.

5.Allergic reaction

6.Diet and vitamin deficiencies

Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis

1.Double Vision

2.Muscle weakness.

3.Depression.

4.Difficulties with coordination and speech.

5.Overheating.

6.Pain.

Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis

Several types of therapy have proven to be helpful. Different therapies are used for patients experiencing acute attacks, for patients who have the relapsing-remitting subtype. Interferon medications derived from human cytokines which help regulate the immune system. Physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and support groups can help improve the person’s outlook, reduce depression, maximize function, and improve coping skills. Lioresal (Baclofen), tizanidine (Zanaflex), or a benzodiazepine may be used to reduce muscle spasticity. Steroids are given to decrease the severity of attacks when they occur. These shut the immune system down to stop cells from causing inflammation. Mitixantrone medication is effective, but is limited by cardiac toxicity. Interferon beta-1b (Betaseron) and interferon beta-1a (Avonex, Rebif) are genetically engineered copies of proteins that occur naturally in your body. They help fight viral infection and regulate your immune system. Glatiramer (Copaxone)  medication is an alternative to beta interferons if you have relapsing remitting MS. Doctors believe that glatiramer works by blocking your immune system’s attack on myelin.

In todays age you wouldn’t be too shocked to see a penis enhancement coming in a patch like form.  With all the other patches out there like nicotine patches and many others,  This shouldnt be too much of a surprise.  Is it true that a patch could really do the trick and enhance your penis and make you feel young again?  The answer is it will work.  Depending on what type of person you are,  Patches might be better for you.  With all the brands like Vigrx, Prosolution and vimax coming out with there brand of patches.  Which one is the best choice for you?  Well before you make a decision find out how a patch works (read below) I found this site called hughs reviews and it was the best and most accurate website that doesn’t beat around the bush when it comes to the male reproductive system –

The penis patch is probably the easiest penis enlargement solution for the busy man of today. A simple patch applied to the skin, this product contains a blend of herbal substances, which are slowly pumped into the circulatory system through the skin.

The patch stays hidden under clothing and can be worn safely when you wor
k out at the gym, work in the office or shop at the mall. The best place for it is the hip or in the area located one or two inches above the pubic zone. The patch is water resistant enough to be worn in the shower, but customers should avoid submerging it in water.

Like all other penis enlargement products, the patch is focusing on stimulating the development of the spongy tissue that makes up the penis. This would allow the penis to trap more blood in the Corpora Cavernosa during erection and, ultimately, to grow bigger. The combination of herbal substances will also help customers increase their sexual stamina, produce more semen (which translates into longer orgasms) and gain improved control over ejaculation.

Another benefit is the fact that a bigger penis and more satisfying sex life lead to increased confidence and a new outlook on life. Friends will be surprised to see a new attitude emerging as the penis grows in size, while your partner will certainly be happier with the new you.

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Vasectomy Reversal Surgery calls for a high degree of expertise and experience to be really effective. Drs. Marks and Burrows of the International Center for Vasectomy Reversal achieve the highest success rates using the formal multi-layer technique using 10-0 or 11-0 suture in their fully accredited microsurgical operating suite.

In the Vasectomy Reversal Surgery, the scarred ends are micro-surgically removed and the fluid from the testicular side of the vas is analyzed. The color, the consistency, the volume of the fluid, and presence or absence of sperm to ascertain where the fluid is healthy and the sperm are normal, intact and/or moving. Once that is determined, they reconnect both ends of the vas deferens at that location.

The team of doctors at ICVR most the patients undergo Vasectomy Reversal Surgery using “conscious sedation.” Small amounts of intravenous sedatives and relaxing medications are administered throughout the procedure to keep you happy, relaxed and comfortable. This is used in combination with both short and long-acting local anesthetics, their vast experience has taught them keeps their patients calm and virtually pain-free throughout the surgery and after surgery. It also enables them to avoid the post-operative grogginess and other risks related to general anesthesia. Another advantage of conscious sedation is that you save the expense of a much deeper general anesthesia which requires the services of an anesthesiologist and that the surgery is performed in a hospital operating room.

Throughout the surgery and afte
r the reversal they monitor heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, oxygen level and degree of sedation to ensure your safety. Drs. Marks and Burrows’ focus is to always ensure the comfort and safety of their patients. At ICVR, they provide the same level of surgical and post-surgical care as a fully accredited operating room in a hospital.

Recovery after Vasectomy Reversal Surgery is relatively easy, and uneventful. They have developed post-operative care routines, which, if followed, ensure a smooth, pain-free and successful recovery. A cozy outpatient setting, the most friendly and compassionate staff, a fully-accredited medical/surgical program, state-of-the-art microscope, microsurgical instruments and sutures, highly trained and experienced nursing and support staff and two of the most skilled and experienced microsurgeons in the world – all these elements define and support their core philosophy – Vasectomy Reversal Surgery success through supreme skill and safety.

A Vasectomy Reversal Surgery experience that is unsurpassed at dadsagain.com!

Learn More:

This Article is Originally Published here: Vasectomy Reversal Surgery

Vasectomy Reversal – Fully accredited, full-time dedicated vasectomy reversal Center in the world with a Federally certified andrology lab and cryobank.

About author:

Ben Padnos is an Internet Enterpreneur based in Manhattan Beach, California and enjoys writing on various subjects. You can reach him at DONE! SEO Services.

After Reading,  Check out www.hughs-reviews.com before you buy ANY enhancement product.  Make sure it works first!!!

So I was browsing the net and came across some Topical Erection Oils that I was fascinated with. I checked in with Hughs Reviews for further information. The first thing I wanted to know was how these oils / lotions work? Your suppose to put them on your penis minutes before a sexual encounter. So heres how it works. New transdermal technologies have made it possible to encapsulate active, herbal ingredients into an oil that you can apply right to the source of the action — so they take effect immediately. You just massage a little oil onto your penis, and let the games begin. Too good to be true? Nope. Transdermal oils really do work, and their application as an erection and sexual stamina enhancer is like a match made in heaven. Here’s how it works: ideally, the oil is silky, condom-compatible (aka: water based), and non-greasy. It provides naturally occurring nutrients and herbal extracts directly to the male organ via a breakthrough method – known as the transdermal method, or in some products like VigRX Oil™ and many others on this website, the German Transdermal Delivery system. This is the latest scientific development in beneficial nutrient absorption through the skin, so the naturally-derived therapeutic ingredients, botanical extracts, vitamin complexes and antioxidants go straight into the tissues of the penis – fast, targeted specifically, and immediately effective. Good-quality oils in this category should produce greater penile firmness, an increase in penile tissue engorgement, a longer-lasting erection, and a far reduced occurrence of premature ejaculation. So how are these oils different from an oral tablet for male enhancement? Enhancement oils are designed to penetrate the deepest layers of the penile tissue and testicles instantaneously, and give noticeable results
within 30 – 90 seconds. Because the absorption is direct to the genitals using the transdermal method, 95% of the beneficial ingredients are absorbed, compared to approx 5 to 10% with an herbal capsule or tablet. The other benefit: it lets you be ready for anything! The last-minute nature of this product means you can use it right when you need it with nothing else to remember or take. Male enhancement oils are part of the next generation of sexual products, and are revolutionizing the industry with their effectiveness. Although commonly referred to as oils, many of these products are water-based. If you are going to be using your “oil” with condoms, make sure the formula you select is water based as oil based formulas reduce the effectiveness of latex. If you are unsure which products are safe with condoms, we suggest you try any oils found on Hugh’s Site (found at the bottom). The ingredients vary widely by manufacturer, but may include variety of natural herbal remedies, vitamins, amino acids and flavoring. One of the main ingredients in assisting with the sexual boost is L-Argynine, an amino acid which converts to nitric oxide, a fundamental building block to the cycle of orgasm in men. Two other good indicators of quality are the method of manufacture and the longevity of the maker, that is, how long they’ve been in business. Since oils are one of the easiest and most fun products to test, the best way to learn about them is just by trying them. For all-around effectiveness and quality control, we like VigRX Oil™, made by the same company as the most popular male oral supplement available, VigRX pills. The criteria for a good oil are all met by VigRX Oil™, and the company offers a full money back guarantee that we’ve tested and verified. In my Opinion these 3 are the best oils to get
1 – Maxoderm 2 – VigRX Oil 3 – Vivaxa
All of the above work and are great. Go to Hugh to get more info before you buy! Get all the information on Penis pills, patches, extenders, and topical oils!

Since the publication of a book called ‘Beat Chronic Fatigue The Natural Way’, many people are turning to the natural substance omega 3, and in particular pure ethyl EPA, to help treat the debilitating condition known as chronic fatigue syndrome.

What is chronic fatigue syndrome ?

We all get tired. Many of us have felt depressed at times. But the mysterious chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is not like the normal ups and downs we experience in everyday life. The early sign of this illness is a strong and noticeable fatigue that comes on suddenly and often comes and goes – sometimes, it never stops. You sometimes feel too tired to do normal activities or are easily exhausted with no apparent reason. Unlike the mind fog of a serious hangover, to which researchers have compared CFS, the profound weakness of CFS does not go away with a few good nights of sleep. Instead, it slyly steals your energy and vigour over months and sometimes years.

Who gets chronic fatigue syndrome?

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) affects both men and women, and its incidence cuts across wide strata of age as well as racial and socio-economic groups. It was first described in the 1930s; CFS received a flurry of publicity in the mid-1980s when the syndrome was erroneously associated with the Epstein-Barr virus. In the early to mid-1990s it was being described as ‘yuppie flu’.

Symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome

• muscle aches and pains, especially after physical exertion
• feeling depressed and emotional
• poor sleep, difficulty getting off to sleep, frequent wakings, and not feeling refreshed after sleep
• nausea and loss of appetite
• a recurrent sore throat, feeling of enlarged glands in the neck which come and go
• running a slightly high temperature for no apparent reason
• feeling of faintness and dizziness

Omega 3 fish oil EPA and chronic Fatigue syndrome

The most recent study that has been performed was published in the journal Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica. In the study, doctors from London found that in the brains of people with chronic fatigue syndrome there are high levels of two key chemicals, choline and creatine.

Choline is important for controlling fat levels in brain cells while creatine provides energy.

The doctors said the findings suggested CFS patients had abnormal phospholipid metabolisms. Phospholipids are special types of fats which are an essential component of cells. They are protected by certain types of fatty acids.

The London doctors believed fatty acid supplements could help to restore the chemical imbalance in the brain and alleviate the symptoms of CFS. EPA, which is found in omega 3 fish oil supplements, may be particularly useful.

The leader of the study said: “This study suggests that if patients with CFS take a high-EPA fatty acid supplement, then this should have a beneficial action on the chemical imbalances in the brain which we have identified.”

Since this study was published further advances have been made, and the findings released by a leading professor in the United Kingdom state clearly that he considers Chronic Fatigue Syndrome to be a genuine physical illness. The professor describes how he came to conclude that CFS could be successfully treated by supplementation with essential fatty acids, specifically ultra-pure EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and virgin evening primrose oil.

The professor describes the changes in the immune system seen with CFS, as a reduction in natural killer cell activity and a shift from TH1 cell activity toward increased TH2 cell activity, known as a type 2 immune response. He believes that this is best explained by the presence of a pre-existing, long-term, viral infection to which the immune system is reacting.
Using MRI scanning to carry out neurospectroscopy examinations of people with CFS, in order to obtain information about the chemistry of the living brain, the professor demonstrated a clear difference between the brains of people with CFS and ‘normal’ volunteers; the results indicated a very significant change in the turnover of fatty acids in the cell membranes of CFS sufferers.

Essential fatty acids – linoleic acid (omega-6) and alpha linolenic acid (omega-3) – are known as such because they must be acquired from food and cannot be manufactured by the body. The professor explains how viruses can cause the symptoms of CFS by inhibiting a crucial enzyme in the chains that convert these essential fatty acids into other fatty acids required by the body, including GLA (gamma-linolenic acid), EPA and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). This leads to a deficiency in these fatty acids. He believes the resulting lack of EFAs in the body leads to many of the symptoms familiar to CFS sufferers, including tiredness, poor immune response and painful joints.

The professor concluded by saying that by giving patients large amounts of GLA and EPA the effects of the virus can be circumvented and how CFS patients taking high-dose supplements reported improvements in symptoms within 12 weeks. Crucially, the supplement should be DHA-free, which means that the majority of fish oil supplements, which contain both EPA and DHA, are not suitable. The Professor also strongly believes that the type of DHA found in most fish oil supplements inhibits some of the beneficial actions of EPA.

Conclusion

Since both these sets of findings were released, more and more people are turning to high grade ethyl EPA fish oil to help with this debilitating condition. Whether this will lead to a mainstream treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome, and whether it will work for all sufferers, remains to be seen. However, a large majority of people who are trying this as a form of treatment are reporting some very interesting and very good results.

Its become a mantra. Fat is bad.

At least, thats what almost all the diet gurus say.

But did you know that when we cut too much fat from our diets, we may be eliminating the very element we need to absorb the vitamins and nutrients that keep us healthy.

Thats because certain vitamins, especially in fruits and vegetables, are fat-soluble. In other words, your body cant absorb nutrients unless enough fat is present.

So if youre constantly eliminating the fat from your diet to cut calories or to follow the latest warnings, you may be getting far less healthful effects from your salads, other vegetables and fruits.

In studies released in 2004 and again this year by Ohio State University, researchers found that the absorption of carotenoids from yellow, orange, and red vegetables is better when you eat them with some fat. Carotenoids are believed to have cancer-fighting properties.

Here is a partial list of some fat-soluble compounds that may be absorbed better if you eat them with fat:

1. Beta Carotene. This can be found in foods such as cantaloupe and carrots.

The researchers suggest eating salads with full-fat rather than low-fat or no-fat dressings. So if you put carrots in your salad, full-fat dressing may help you to absorb the nutrients.

But with so many people unable to stay on strict low-fat or veggie diets, why not choose something that tastes a little better? For example, something that people in Pittsburgh once called a Boston cooler.

You cut a cantaloupe in half (leave the rind on), clean the seeds out of the middle, and put a scoop of chocolate or vanilla ice cream in the hollow of the half-melon.

Then place the half-melon in a bowl so it doesnt fall over when you try to eat it. You eat the ice cream and the melon with a spoon.

Its about 250 calories, but its a great snack or dessert. You get to indulge with ice cream, but still get some good nutrients from the cantaloupe.

Its also filling. So you shouldnt be as hungry as when you just nibble on a salad.

And the best part is that the fat in the ice cream may enhance your bodys ability to absorb the fat-soluble compounds from the cantaloupe. (Although no one knows for sure at the moment.)

2. Lycopene. This is the red carotenoid found in watermelon, tomatoes and pink grapefruit.

Its also a potential cancer fighter. Researchers have shown that our bodies absorb the lycopene in tomatoes more efficiently as sauce, juice or ketchup.

Here again, rather than always eating salads with full-fat dressing, why not try cheese ravioli with tomato sauce? Its a tasty, satisfying dinner.

And you may be enhancing your absorption of the lycopene in the tomato sauce with the cheese in the ravioli.

3. Vitamin E. This can be found in broccoli, mangoes, peanuts and spinach.

Some research suggests that vitamin E can help your heart and possibly prevent blood clots. But the results arent conclusive yet.

However, a recent German study with rats showed that eating trans fats actually slowed the absorption of vitamin E when compared to other types of fats. So this may get tricky.

4. Lutein. This antioxidant can be found in dark green, leafy vegetables like spinach and also in egg yolks.

Lutein is supposed to help your skin and your eyes, particularly in reducing the risk of macular degeneration.

I find it interesting that were allowed to eat eggs again when the food police vilified eggs for so many years – particularly egg yolks.

Have we also gone too far in vilifying fat?

So before you completely cut the fat from your diet, think about the nutrients you may be missing.

Now Im not saying we should eat only high-fat foods.

But while its not healthy to go to extremes with high fat, it seems as though its not healthy to go to extremes with low fat, either.

Maybe it isnt only the fat thats making us fat, but also the number of calories we consume. Some moderation in both areas just might do the trick.

And I believe people are more likely to lose weight if they like the foods they eat.

So talk to your doctor about whether you really need to cut so much fat from your diet. Or is it healthy to have a little ice cream or ravioli once in a while?

His answer might surprise you.

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