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What is the Difference between Omega 6 VS Omega 3?
A lot of commercials in the television nowadays promote foods that are high in omega 3. Basing from this constant public awareness of products that are rich in omega 3, the public (even those who do not have background in nutrition) can conclude that omega 3 is good for the health. How about omega 6? Is it good for the health also? What is the difference between omega 6 VS omega 3?
Before comparing both, it is best to describe first what is omega 3 and omega 6. Both omega 3 and omega 6 are essential unsaturated fatty acids. They are called “essential” fatty acids because they are needed by the body for normal metabolism but the problem is, the body could not produce both thus they should be taken from other sources such as from the foods that we eat. Both of them are unsaturated because they have at least one double bond in their fatty acid chain.
The difference between omega 3 and omega 6 can be divided into three. First is the difference in chemical makeup of both fatty acids. Second is their effect on one’s health and last is their source. It should be noted that these two fatty acids are good type of fats but like other nutrients or minerals, too much can be dangerous to the health. That is the reason why physician’s advice should be sought prior to taking any foods supplements that are high in omega 3 or omega 6.
Chemical Makeup:
Omega 3 fatty acids have a final carbon-carbon double bond in the n-3 position which is the third bond from the methyl end. There are three important types of omega 3 fatty acids and these are alpha linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). On the other hand, omega 6 fatty acids have a final carbon-carbon double bond in the n-6 position which is the sixth bond from the methyl end. There are two important type of omega 6 fatty acids and these two are linoleic acid (commonly found in plants) and arachidonic acid (commonly found in meats).
Effect on the Body
Omega 3 is primarily known to be good for the heart. It actually has capability to protect the heart from cardiovascular diseases or injuries (such as myocardial infarction). It also has a mild hypertensive effect. There were studies conducted that provide good results when it comes to the benefit of omega 3 such as in the March 2007 issue of the journal “Atherosclerosis”, it concluded that those who took omega 3 have good blood flow in the heart and the thickness of their carotid artery improved. A research done by the American Heart Association also revealed that omega 3 decrease one’s risk for arrhythmia lowers triglyceride blood levels and lowers the built up rate of atherosclerotic plaque.
In addition, omega 3 fatty acids have beneficial effects on the brain and can reduce the rate of cancer cases. Studies show that omega 3 can affect the learning process and can alter the mood. This can actually help regulate the mood of people who are imprisoned thus reducing violence in the prison cell. Omega 3 also has some anti cancer effect particularly in colon, breast, and prostate. It can slow down the growth of prostate tumor, slow histopathological progression and increase the survival rate.
On the other hand, omega 6 has the opposite effect with omega 3. There are some who tag omega 6 as the “bad” type of fatty acid while omega 3 is the “good” type. However, it should again be noted that taking less amount of omega 6 that what is recommended can be detrimental to one’s health. There should be balance in everything. Omega 6 is known to cause inflammation whereas omega 3 reduces inflammation. Inflammation can cause a decrease in blood flow which is not good for the body. Also, omega 6 fatty acids have the capability to regulate hormones that increases cell proliferation and blood clotting.
Source
Good source of omega 3 fatty acids are as follows: catfish, turkey, tuna, sardines, salmon, swordfish, greenshell, orange roughy, shark, king mackerel, egg, giant tiger prawn and lean red meat. When buying meat products, make sure that the meat came from a vegetarian animal so that the omega 3 content in the meats is high.
On the other hand, omega 6 can be found naturally in the human diet. There is no need to put any effort in finding good sources of omega six. Some of the good sources of omega 6 are nuts, seeds and vegetable oils which are found in snack foods such as cookies, crackers and sweets.
It has been said that omega 3 reduces inflammation while omega 6 promotes inflammation. If there is balance between the two, the body can sure maximize the beneficial effect of both. That is why dietary balance of both is well recommended. Imbalance can actually result to auto immune diseases, coronary diseases, asthma, cancer and neuro-degenerative diseases which are thought to stem from inflammation (high omega 6 and low omega 3).
What are the Side Effects of HCTZ?
We consider drugs and medications to be very useful in treating or curing diseases and maintaining optimum level of health. However, these substances should always be taken under the supervision of a professional or a registered health worker such as doctors in order to attain its therapeutic effects for the body. Once these drugs are taken illegally and inaccurately or inappropriately by our system, they can cause harm and danger to health, which can even lead to death. Because of these, drugs should never be taken lightly and should never be administered without the prescription of the physicians. These are some of the reasons why we must be cautious and aware of the different facts and details pertaining to these pharmacologic substances. One particular drug that needs complete accuracy during administration is HCTZ. But what is the meaning of HCTZ and what are the different side effects of HCTZ.
What is HCTZ?
What is HCTZ? HCTZ is actually an abbreviated form of a name of a drug. This drug is called hydrochlorothiazide and it is considered a prescription medication. This medication is a water pill that is used in the treatment of hypertension and fluid retention in the body. These are usually the results of different ailments such as liver cirrhosis, congestive heart failure and kidney failure. However, if this drug is taken wrongly, it can also cause different negative side effects for the body. So what are the common HCTZ side effects?
There are actually a number of side effects that can possibly occur in taking HCTZ. However, in general most of these side effects are considered to be minor as they tend to go away once the body has already adjusted with the medication. Some of these minor side effects include lightheadedness (especially when standing or sitting up), loss of appetite, dizziness, constipation and diarrhea, nausea and the presence of blurry vision. Although these are expected to subside after a few hours of taking the drug, these can also worsen in some cases. Once this happens, it is already necessary to seek immediate help from the doctor.
Discovering the Serious Side Effects of HCTZ
If there are minor side effects, there can also be possible serious reactions to the body in taking HCTZ. In case serious side effects are experienced, it is already vital to seek for immediate emergency medical assistance. Some of the potential hazards in taking this drug include mental and mood changes, muscle cramping, muscle aches, darkening of the urine color, decrease in urine frequency, abnormal or rapid heartbeat (tachycardia), extreme nausea and increase thirst drive. Other symptoms can also include joint aches, redness and swelling of the joints particularly on the largest toe, peeling and blistering of the skin, convulsions, extreme dizziness, shortness of breath and as well as abnormal bleeding and or bruising. Other side effects that also need immediate attention are weakness, fatigue, yellowing of the skin or the eyes (jaundice), presence of tingling and or numbing, chills, fever and the appearance of sore throat.
Different Allergic Reactions of the Body from HCTZ Use
Aside from the harmful side effects of the drug in the system, HCTZ can also possibly cause allergic reactions to the body. Once these reactions are noticed, it is also crucial to get immediate help from the doctor. Some of the common allergic reactions of the body from HCTZ include the swelling of the tongue, mouth, lips, and the face, tightening of the chest, presence of severe itching, skin rashes, difficulty on breathing and the development of hives.
Additional Precautions in Using HCTZ
In taking HCTZ, it is a must to be cautious of its possible side effects. It is ideal to consult a doctor first before using this type of medication. This is the reason why it is classified as a prescription drug in order for it not to be used easily by anyone. It is also important to open up all medical histories and allergies of the body in order for the physician to assess whether HCTZ is safe to use. Some of the diseases that contradict the use of this drug are asthma, gout, and allergies to sulfa drugs. Diabetes and liver or kidney problems should also be disclosed to the doctor. People with any of these ailments are required to undergo tests and screening examinations in order to evaluate whether the drug can be used by the body. An overdose of this medication is also considered a top priority in medical emergencies. Some of the initial symptoms of HCTZ overdose are drying of the mouth, weakness, nausea, muscle ache and thirst. Most of these symptoms will appear soon after taking the medication.
These are just some of the common and possible side effects of the drug HCTZ to the body. As we can see, this particular drug is not similar to a common cold or cough remedy. HCTZ requires complete guidance from doctors in order for it to work properly for the body and not against it.
What Foods are Good for Your Hair?
Most of us think that regular washing of hair with shampoos, conditioners and other hair products is enough in order to make hair beautiful. However, hair washing is not enough in order to provide our hair with the needed vitamins and nutrients. This is the reason why the inclusion of healthy foods in the diet can also work beneficially for the maintenance of the hair. But what foods are good for your hair?
Learning More about Hair Health
Hair is considered a very useful part of our body. Aside from its function of protecting the skin, the hair is also valuable with its different aesthetic purposes. This is the reason why a lot of us, even men, spend a huge sum of money just to provide all the nourishment and pampering our hair needs. Nevertheless, becoming expensive in taking care of the hair is actually not necessary since we can provide all the essential vitamins just by eating the right kind of foods. There are actually several types of foods that we can eat in order to provide our hair the needed nutrients. Below are some of the recommended foods for keeping the hair not just healthy but as well as beautiful.
Hair is considered a very useful part of our body. Aside from its function of protecting the skin, the hair is also valuable with its different aesthetic purposes. This is the reason why a lot of us, even men, spend a huge sum of money just to provide all the nourishment and pampering our hair needs. Nevertheless, becoming expensive in taking care of the hair is actually not necessary since we can provide all the essential vitamins just by eating the right kind of foods. There are actually several types of foods that we can eat in order to provide our hair the needed nutrients. Below are some of the recommended foods for keeping the hair not just healthy but as well as beautiful.
Foods for the Hair
• Salmon – Salmon is a type of fish that is used in many different recipes. Aside from being very delicious, salmon is also healthy and loaded with omega 3 fatty acids. These fatty acids are considered essential in health since it is rich in high quality protein and is also filled with vitamin B12 and iron. According to dietician and spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association, Andrea Giancoli, MPH, RD, omega 3 fatty acids are needed in order to provide the needed support for our scalp health. A deficiency of these essential fatty acids can cause dryness in the scalp and can also cause a very dull look. However, if we are vegetarians, we can substitute salmon with at least 1 to 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed in the daily diet since this plant-based food also contain high in omega-3 fats.
• Salmon – Salmon is a type of fish that is used in many different recipes. Aside from being very delicious, salmon is also healthy and loaded with omega 3 fatty acids. These fatty acids are considered essential in health since it is rich in high quality protein and is also filled with vitamin B12 and iron. According to dietician and spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association, Andrea Giancoli, MPH, RD, omega 3 fatty acids are needed in order to provide the needed support for our scalp health. A deficiency of these essential fatty acids can cause dryness in the scalp and can also cause a very dull look. However, if we are vegetarians, we can substitute salmon with at least 1 to 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed in the daily diet since this plant-based food also contain high in omega-3 fats.
• Dark Green Vegetables – We all know that eating dark green vegetables can be very beneficial for our health. However, these nutritious greens can also be useful in providing our hair its needed vitamins. Some of these vegetables include spinach broccoli and Swiss chard. These vegetables are rich in vitamins A and C, which are essential vitamins that aid the body in the production of sebum. Sebum is the oily substance that is secreted by the hair follicles that acts as the body’s natural conditioner. Aside from these vitamins, dark green vegetables are also rich in minerals like calcium and iron.
• Beans – Some of us think that beans are only good for producing gas in our digestive tract; however, this nutritious food can also be useful in keeping the hair healthy and beautiful. Legumes, kidney beans and lentils are some of the examples of beans that can be beneficial for our hair. Aside from being a good source of protein that helps in hair growth promotion, these beans are also rich in iron, zinc and biotin. A deficiency of these elements can result to the brittleness of hair. Because of this, the inclusion of at least three cups of lentils a week in the diet can be effective in keeping the hair healthy and naturally attractive.
• Nuts – Nuts are also very essential in providing the hair its required vitamins. Nuts can also enhance the hair’s shine making it look beautiful. Brazilian nuts, to be exact, contain selenium, which is an important mineral for improving the health of the scalp. Walnuts, on the other hand, contain alpha-linolenic acid, which is a type of omega 3 fatty acid that can aid in conditioning the hair. Nuts like cashews, pecans and almonds are also good sources of zinc. A deficiency of zinc in the body can result to hair shedding, which is why nuts are very important in the diet to keep the hair naturally healthy.
• Poultry – Adding poultry such as chicken and turkeys in the diet can provide high quality protein to the body that provides us with healthy hair. Low protein can cause growth problems and can cause brittleness in the hair. Profound protein deficiency is also being associated with the loss of hair color. Iron in poultry also has high degree of bioavailability, which means the body can easily absorb its benefits.
• Eggs – Another good thing about chickens is that they are also capable of producing eggs. These eggs are also very helpful in keeping the hair healthy and strong. It contains vitamin B12, which is an essential beauty nutrient.
• Whole Grains – whole grains are also very good for the hair. Whole wheat bread and fortified whole grain breakfast cereals can be used for a healthy dose of zinc, iron and B vitamins as well. Aside from these, eating whole grain snacks can be very heavy and can provide our body hours of energy.
• Oysters – oysters are also considered useful in maintaining hair health. Although most of us associate oysters as an aphrodisiac, oysters can also be a good source of hair vitamins. It can help boost the quality of the hair with the help of zinc, which is an antioxidant. However, if oysters do not appeal us, then we can substitute this seafood with beef and or lamb, where zinc is also available.
• Oysters – oysters are also considered useful in maintaining hair health. Although most of us associate oysters as an aphrodisiac, oysters can also be a good source of hair vitamins. It can help boost the quality of the hair with the help of zinc, which is an antioxidant. However, if oysters do not appeal us, then we can substitute this seafood with beef and or lamb, where zinc is also available.
• Low-fat Dairy Products – Low fat dairy products like skim milk and yogurt are considered rich in calcium, calcium is another type of mineral that is useful in maintain good hair growth. These dairy products also contain whey and casein, which are two good sources of high quality protein.
• Carrots – Carrots is another example of vegetables that can be good for the hair. As we all know, carrots are good sources of vitamin A. Vitamin a is not only good for the eyes but are also good for the health of hair. This keeps the hair shiny, well conditioned and resilient. Because of this, including carrots in the diet is always advisable.
These are just some of the healthy foods that can provide us countless benefits for our hair. Adding these delicious and nutritious edibles in the diet can definitely assure us of the nutrients that our hair needs.
Does Constipation Cause Weight Gain?
Weight gain can happen in many different ways. There are actually a lot of factors that can affect our weight. Most of these factors are related to physical and emotional conditions. Aside from these, our lifestyle can also affect the rate of our weight gain or loss. A sedentary lifestyle that consists of no exercise and lack of sleep can be associated with weight gain. Health problems such as hypothyroidism, polycystic ovarian syndrome and imbalances in the blood sugar can also trigger rapid and unusual gain in weight. In addition to these, emotional problems or conditions such as stress and depression can likewise be considered a major factor. However, there are also other causes of weight gain that we may find very unusual. One of these is due to constipation. But is it really true that constipation is related to weight gain? Does constipation cause weight gain?
Identifying the Relationship between Weight Gain and Constipation
What is constipation? Constipation is defined as a type of condition where there is difficulty in emptying the bowel. If the number of bowel movements in a week is less than three, then this is also considered constipation. When a person is constipated, the stool in the bowel becomes hard since all the water in the fecal matter is already absorbed by the colon. Because of this, defecating can be very difficult and painful for some people. Although constipation is considered an abnormal condition of the colon or the bowel, it is still considered normal for most people to experience occasional constipation. However, recurring constipation is already unusual and should be immediately assessed by a physician. This can be possibly caused by other health problems, which can also lead to weight gain. Nevertheless, the relationship between weight gain and constipation is still debated up to now despite links that show the connection between the two conditions. Below are some of the justifications that help support the link that associates constipation with weight gain.
Experts say that when a person is constipated, the body will have a hard time in eliminating waste or the accumulated fecal matter. Because of this, the metabolism of the body is said to be affected. This causes a decrease in metabolism, which can result to weight gain. Another reason that helps support the link is the simple fact that waste products or materials can directly add extra weight to the body. This is because the digested food that we ate cannot pass normally through the colon but instead gets blocked in the intestine causing additional weight to the body. Aside from this, constipation can also promote water retention in the body. This can also contribute to the cause of our weight gain. These are some of the facts that back up the idea of the relationship between constipation and weight gain.
Causes of Constipation and Weight Gain
Just like what is discussed above, constipation and the weight gain effect of it can be due to several factors. Constipation can be a result from dehydration or the lack of fluids in the body. This condition can cause the fecal matter to harden, which can be very difficult to expel despite the peristaltic movements provided by the large intestine. Other factors that can lead to constipation are the intake of certain medications and other physical or health conditions like intestinal problems, IBS or irritable bowel syndrome, lack of physical activities and the sudden change in lifestyle. The intake of certain foods can also be associated with this kind of bowel problem as well as the insufficiency of fiber in the diet.
It is very important for us to determine or identify the main cause of our constipation. This is one of the effective ways for us to help treat this kind of condition. If in case it is triggered by any medical problem or complication, it is important to treat the main cause in order to prevent the constipation from worsening. However, changes in the diet and lifestyle is already enough and proven effective to help relieve constipation.
Effective Ways to Help Relieve Constipation and Prevent Weight Gain
If there are a number of causes that can lead to constipation, there are also several ways that we can do in order to prevent or treat it. Constipation and weight gain can be prevented by resorting to lifestyle modification such as doing regular exercises, drinking a lot of fluids or increasing daily fluid intake, including fiber rich foods in the diet and avoiding sedentary activities. Overeating must also be avoided to prevent weight gain and problems in the processes of the colon. The consumption of high caffeine can also trigger constipation and must be minimizes as soon as possible. We can also rely of colon cleansing procedures that can help empty the colon, which is a good remedy for constipation. Nevertheless, the use of laxatives and other stool softening agents must be minimized or used as prescribed only by the physician since this can eventually worsen the situation in the long run. This can cause the body to depend so much on these pharmacologic agents that any break in the regular intake of these drugs can already cause problems in the colon. This is the reason why it is always better to adapt the natural remedies in relieving constipation in order for the body not to become overly dependent in combating constipation.
What Type of Headache do I have?
Headaches are considered to be common problems experienced by many people these days. However, despite their commonness, headaches must always be handled seriously and should never be taken for granted since it can be a symptom or a result of an underlying medical cause or problem, which can be more serious or complicated. Aside from this, headaches are also classified into different types. Most of us think that all headaches are similar to each other; nevertheless, these conditions show different characteristics and are also effects of different factors. So what type of head ache do I have?
Different Types of Headaches
These days, millions of people worldwide suffer from headaches every day. What is even more unfortunate is that most of these conditions are misdiagnosed and are treated inaccurately and improperly. Most of us usually confuse one headache symptom to the symptom of another type of headache. This is the reason why it is very important for us to distinguish the different kinds of headaches in order for us to assess our conditions properly and provide appropriate management to our current health situation. Below are some of the common types of headaches.
• Migraine – Migraine is a type of headache that affects roughly 28 million Americans. Women are experience these types of headaches three times more often than men do. Migraine is described as the throbbing of pain on one side of the head. However, approximately 40% of people who suffer migraine experience pain on both sides. Migraines are considered to be extremely painful. It can last up to 72 hours once it is left untreated. Migraine differs from other types of headaches because it includes sensitivity to light and sound and can also cause episodes of nausea and vomiting.
Migraine can be triggered by a lot of factors. Some of these include the high intake of caffeine, MSG or monosodium glutamate, aspartame (artificial sweetener), nitrates found in most processed foods, red wine, high humidity, changes in barometric pressure, medications like birth control pills, skipping meals, menstrual periods and the lack of sleep. Other risk factors of migraine include head trauma, obesity, snoring, stress and excessive caffeine use.
If suffering from migraine, allodynia must be observed. This is a type of condition where there is a sudden shift in the mood that is exhibited by becoming unusually intolerable of things that are normally found comfortable. Rebound headaches are also possible, which is a result from the chronic use of pain medications in treating migraine. There are a number of things that can be used in order to treat migraine; this includes triptans, beta blockers or calcium channel blockers, biofeedback, botox, antiepileptic drugs and tricyclic antidepressants.
• Cluster Headaches – Cluster headaches is another type of headache but is considered the least common of all. 90% of sufferers of cluster headaches are male. This type of headache can last for weeks or even months and can be followed by a remission period. The remission period is expected to last for several months or even years. Cluster headaches occur only always on one side of the head, which never switch sides. This type of headache is divided into two forms, the episodic and the chronic pattern. The latter is considered the common among the two and can occur up to 8 times in one day. The former is random and is usually triggered only after a stressful event. The cluster headache is known as the “suicide headache” because of its intensity and severe pain. People with this kind of headache are also often agitated and restless.
There are also some triggering factors that can lead to cluster headaches. These factors include heavy smoking and alcohol drinking. This can also cause eye tearing on the side of the head pain, eye redness, runny nose, drooping of the eyelid, nasal congestion and decreasing pupil. Just like migraine, cluster headaches can also be treated with calcium channel blockers. Sumatriptans are also being used as an injectable or nasal spray and oxygen therapy is likewise reliable as well as steroid for transitional treatment.
• Tension Headaches – this type of headache is related to the tightening of the muscles at the back of the neck or the scalp. This is characterized as mild to moderate in nature and can affect both sides of the head and is considered the most common type of headaches for American adults. This type of headache is similar to the sensation of having a tight band wrapped around the head. However, this headache is not sensitive to light and sound instead it is triggered by stress, fatigue, anger or anxiety. Once this headache is experienced frequently, it is important to consult the doctor to immediately determine the underlying cause.
Tension headaches are usually treated with over the counter pain relievers like ibuprofen such as Advil, Nuprin and Motrin. Naproxen sodium like Aleve and Flanax can also be utilized according to the National Headache Foundation. Some anti depressant medications can even be used as well as the biofeedback technique.
• Sinus Headache – Sinus headache is another type of headache that is accompanied by facial pain specifically above the cheeks and under the eyelids. Children with this kind of headache also show signs of tooth pain. Sinus headache is usually triggered by allergies, which is why if this kind of headache is being experienced frequently, then allergy testing or allergy shots is already recommended. This type of headache can also be accompanied by fever as well as the presence or the production of green or yellowish nasal discharges. This can be indicative of an infection. If it is, then the sinus headache can be treated with antibiotics in order to treat the bacterial infection first, which will eventually help remove the head pain. Nasal steroids and nasal sprays are also used with nasal saline spray. Nevertheless is the head ache is mild and short term, OTC analgesic drugs can be used as treatment such as acetaminophen in order to cure or relive the pain.
These are the different types of headaches that we should all be aware of so as to provide proper and immediate management or treatment to the condition.
Can you Get your Period Twice in One Month?
The menstrual cycle is a normal process that happens in a woman’s reproductive system. This cycle is defined as a series of changes that a woman’s body undergoes as it prepares for a possible pregnancy. This cycle includes the thickening of the lining in the uterus (endometrium) that enables it to hold a fertilized egg. This, however, happens only once a month or once in every 28 days. Nevertheless, if there isn’t any fertilized egg to start a pregnancy, then the lining of the uterus will eventually shed off. This is the reason why women are able to experience their monthly menstrual bleeding, which is otherwise known as menstruation or the menstrual period. This cycle or menstruation usually begins during the early years of puberty or in the early teens up to the average age of 50. The end of the menstrual period is called the menopause. Unfortunately, there are also a lot of problems that can occur from this particular cycle. Some women are said to experience two menstrual periods in just one month. But is this even possible? Can you get your period twice in one month?
The Menstrual Cycle
The entire cycle is normally 28 days in duration. This is measured from the first day of the menstrual bleeding (day 1) to the 1st day of the next menstrual bleeding or cycle. However, the standard 28 day cycle actually only occurs to approximately 15% of all menstruating women. Below are some of the other facts about the menstrual cycle.
• The menstrual cycle in teenagers or adolescents usually starts long (as long as 45 days) however, as years pass by, this duration tends to shorten.
• It is in between the ages 25 to 35 wherein the menstrual cycle of most women is regular lasting between 21 to 35 days.
• As women reach the age of 40 to 42, most of them will experience short and irregular cycles. This will then be followed by 8 to 10 years of long and unpredictable cycles until it reaches menopause.
• It is in between the ages 25 to 35 wherein the menstrual cycle of most women is regular lasting between 21 to 35 days.
• As women reach the age of 40 to 42, most of them will experience short and irregular cycles. This will then be followed by 8 to 10 years of long and unpredictable cycles until it reaches menopause.
Three Stages or Phases of the Menstrual Cycle
There are actually three phases or stages in the woman’s menstrual cycle. These stages are usually triggered by the changes in the hormones of women. The first part of the menstrual cycle starts with the shedding of the endometrium or the thickened lining of the uterus. This is the menstrual bleeding from the vagina. This period usually last from 4 to 6 days; however, most of the blood loss occurs during the first three days. This is also the period where symptoms like cramping at the pelvis, legs and back portions are experienced. Cramps can range from mild to very severe. This cramping is the result from the contraction of the uterus that helps in shedding the endometrium.
• Follicular Phase – The first phase is called the follicular phase. During this stage of the cycle, the egg follicle on the ovary gets ready to release an egg. Usually, only one egg is released in one cycle. This process can be short or it can also be long, which greatly affects the length of the entire cycle. In addition to this, the uterus will also start to grow a new endometrium to prepare for any pregnancy. As we can see, the last 5 days of the follicular phase in addition to the ovulation day are the fertile window of the cycle. This is when the woman will most likely to become pregnant when there is no use of any birth control.
• Luteal Phase – the Luteal phase proceeds the follicular phase. This stage is also called the premenstrual phase of the cycle. This stage starts on the ovulation day or the day when the egg is released from the egg follicle of the ovary. This can happen any time between the 7th to the 22nd day of the normal cycle of menstruation. During ovulation, some women can experience less than a day of red spotting or even lover pelvic pain or discomfort, which is medically known as mittelschmerz. However, these are considered expected and normal signs or indications of ovulation. Once the egg is fertilized by a sperm, it will then start to implant to the endometrium and can be the start of pregnancy. However, if the egg is not fertilized or does not implant, then the endometrium will now begin to break down. The luteal phase usually last from 13 to 15 days from the ovulation to the start of menstrual bleeding of a new cycle. It is during the premenstrual period where most women can experience different symptoms. Some women can become tense, irritated, annoyed, angry and even emotional during this period. Some can also feel nauseated or dizzy and can also experience headaches, constipation and/or diarrhea.
• Menstrual Period – the third stage is considered the menstrual bleeding period or the period of endometrium shedding.
>Possibility of Two Menstrual Periods in One Month
As what have been discussed earlier, the duration of an entire menstrual cycle last for approximately 28 days. This means that a cycle usually takes place once in every month. This also implies that menstrual bleeding is only expected to happen once month. However, it is still possible for women to have their menstrual bleeding twice in one month. This can occur when the first menstruation occurs early in the month and the start of the next menstruation happens at the end of the same month. Let us say that the menstrual period of a woman started exactly on July 1; then we could clearly see that it is possible for the next cycle or menstrual bleeding to happen on the last days of the same month, maybe on July 28, 29 or even 30. Because of this, it is possible for women to have 2 menstrual periods in the same month. However, if the bleeding already happens frequently in one month (3 or more), then this could already indicate a problem with the reproductive system of the woman. This condition is medically known as metrorrhagia or the occurrence of frequent menstrual period. This can be caused by a lot of factors such as diseases and even ovarian cysts. This is why it is very important to immediately consult the doctor or the attending OB-GYNE of The patient in order for fast and proper interventions to be handed.
How Long does Suboxone Block Opiates?
In taking drugs, we must be very careful and knowledgeable of what we are using for our body. Although most drugs are invented in order to provide therapeutic effects to our health, these drugs are also possible of causing harm and hazardous reactions to the system. Aside from this, all medications have specific time durations when it comes to their effects or their potency in the body. This is another drug characteristic that we must know or understand so as to prevent any adverse reactions that could possibly cause complications. One particular drug that needs careful handling during administration is called Suboxone. But what is Suboxone and how long does Suboxone block opiates?
What is Suboxone?
Suboxone is considered as the first narcotic drug that is available for prescription from a doctor’s office for the use in the treatment of opioid dependence according to the Drug Addition Treatment Act of 2000. One of the Primary ingredients of Suboxone is Buprenorphine, which is actually a partial opioid agonist. However, the opioid effects, reactions and withdrawal symptoms from the Buprenorphine are somewhat lesser in comparison to the other opioid agonists such as methadones, morphine, hydrocodone, heroin, codeine and oxycodone.
Suboxone is a type of drug that is taken at a sublingual route or in tablet form that is placed under the tongue for absorption. This medication if known to aid in the suppression of the opioid withdrawal symptoms and as well as decrease the cravings and use of illicit opioid. This can also help overcome opioid dependence under correct supervision. This drug comes in 2 mg or 8 mg sizes of sublingual tablets.
Aside from the Buprenorphine, Suboxone also contains naloxone. Naloxone is a substance that can block the effects of medicines and other drugs such as methadone, heroin and morphine. This is also combined in order to prevent people from injecting Suboxone, which can lead to the improper use of the medication. The injection of naloxone can also cause withdrawal symptoms. This type of drug is the most common type of medication prescribed to the patients during the maintenance phase of the treatment. Because of the Suboxone’s lower potential overdose and abuse unlike the methadone, doctors are able to prescribe home supplies of this drug in certain circumstances.
Suboxone in Blocking Opiates
Suboxone is manufactured by and a registered trademark of the Reckitt Benckiser Pharmaceuticals. This drug has a half life of 37 hours and can be excreted from the body through the urine. This means that after 37 hours of using the drug, the amount in the body will be reduced in half. After 74 hours, this will then be reduced by another 50%, which means the total amount of drug left will only be ¼ or 25 from the original or initial amount. After 111 hours from the drug intake, the amount will only be 1/8 in the blood and will eventually lower down to 1/16 after 148 hours in the system. This trend will go on until the drug will be completely removed from the bloodstream.
With this rate of half life in the body, the drug in the system is expected to be a little more than 1/32 after only 1 week. This is when the drug will no longer be effective. The effectiveness of the drug will also depend on the amount of the substance in the bloodstream. In other words, after 37 hours, the effectiveness of the drug is now only 50% since it the drug amount if already reduced in half. This will then become 25% effective after another 37 hours, which cuts down the drug amount to ¼. So after a week of taking the medication, the drug is now approximately considered only 4% effective, which is already recognized as cleared from the system.
This rate also indicates how long Suboxone can block opiates in the body. After 74 hours, it is possible that the body will start getting high once again. Suboxone is colored orange andis usually lemone-lime in flavor. One part of this is naloxone for every four parts of buprenorphine. The tablet is also hexagon in shape and is also small in size.
In taking this drug, it is always important to seek the doctor’s recommendation in order to prevent certain untoward reactions in the body. Although this medication requires a prescription, taking this drug requires full responsibility from the user. Any improper intake or administration of this substance can be enough to cause serious complications in our system. Now that we are aware of the uses and functions of the Suboxone, we should become more mindful of the possible negative reactions of this particular substance. These are some of the things that we should always remember when it comes to using Suboxone as one of our prescribed pharmacologic interventions against certain withdrawal symptoms in the body.
5 Proven Tricks to Help You Quit Smoking for Good
Quitting smoking is tough, but getting to the point where you're ready to quit is half the battle. According to government estimates, about 70% of current U.S. adult smokers want to kick the habit—but smoking is a hard habit to kick.
Comprehensive dental work gave Sharmil Hassan the motivation to quit successfully. "On my last visit to my parents in South Africa, I decided to have some dental work done while on vacation there," says Hassan. "I wanted my teeth to remain as white as I could possibly get them, so I had the dentist give me a rather long and thorough—and painful—ultrasonic cleaning."
Changing up your routine can also help keep cravings at bay. "I knew that not smoking while driving would be my hardest obstacle in kicking the habit, so I would carry a bottle of water with me in the car," says Stacey Massaglia, 34, of Mount Juliet, Tenn. "I would drink the water as I drove."
Research shows that support systems—like behavioral therapy or counseling—are effective ways to supplement nicotine-replacement products or non-nicotine medications. And support from family and friendsis crucial. Spread the word that you're quitting and consider asking other smokers in the family to join you.
You might also find support by seeking out group meetings or classes near you. One Nicotine Anonymous member told Health.com that he attended sessions for nearly eight months while he tried to quit. "It was challenging each week admitting I was still smoking, but I was always accepted, always understood," he says. "The experience and encouragement of other members helped bring to me a new willingness to let go of nicotine. Using the tools of this program I was finally able to recover a life without nicotine. It’s a gift I never take for granted."
Comprehensive dental work gave Sharmil Hassan the motivation to quit successfully. "On my last visit to my parents in South Africa, I decided to have some dental work done while on vacation there," says Hassan. "I wanted my teeth to remain as white as I could possibly get them, so I had the dentist give me a rather long and thorough—and painful—ultrasonic cleaning."
Changing up your routine can also help keep cravings at bay. "I knew that not smoking while driving would be my hardest obstacle in kicking the habit, so I would carry a bottle of water with me in the car," says Stacey Massaglia, 34, of Mount Juliet, Tenn. "I would drink the water as I drove."
Research shows that support systems—like behavioral therapy or counseling—are effective ways to supplement nicotine-replacement products or non-nicotine medications. And support from family and friendsis crucial. Spread the word that you're quitting and consider asking other smokers in the family to join you.
You might also find support by seeking out group meetings or classes near you. One Nicotine Anonymous member told Health.com that he attended sessions for nearly eight months while he tried to quit. "It was challenging each week admitting I was still smoking, but I was always accepted, always understood," he says. "The experience and encouragement of other members helped bring to me a new willingness to let go of nicotine. Using the tools of this program I was finally able to recover a life without nicotine. It’s a gift I never take for granted."
Congratulations! You are taking a big step. You are ready to quit today. It's exciting. But it can also be scary. If you're not quite ready yet, but you think you will be soon, see the section Thinking About Quitting?
If you've been planning to quit, you may already know that when you stop smoking, you may not feel so great at first. Some people feel grouchy and have headaches or cravings. The good news is that these things are at their worst in the first 2 to 3 weeks after you quit, although they can last longer. And there are things that can help.
If you decided to quit today but haven't planned ahead, don't worry. Here are some things to consider to help you succeed:
Use medicine
Using nicotine replacement products and/or medicine doubles your chances of quitting.1 When you quit smoking, your body craves the nicotine that it was used to getting when you smoked. But the nicotine isn't the harmful part of smoking or chewing. It's all the other things in tobacco that are bad for you, such as tar and carbon monoxide. Nicotine from medicine is absorbed so slowly and at such low levels that it is rarely addictive.
- Nicotine replacement products can help with cravings and withdrawal.
- Other medicines that can help are bupropion (Zyban) and varenicline (Chantix).
Get support
Support can help you through the stress of losing this part of your life. Friends and family can provide shoulders to lean on, and they can encourage you to stay smoke-free. They can help distract you when you want to smoke, and they can understand when you're a bit grouchy.
People who use telephone, group, or one-on-one counseling are much more likely to stop smoking. Counselors can help you with practical ideas about how to avoid common mistakes. Counselors can help you succeed. Here are some ways to get support:
- National tobacco quitline: 1-800-QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669)
- Counseling from a doctor, nurse, or therapist
- Stop-smoking programs, such as the American Lung Association's Freedom from Smoking program (www.lungusa.com) or QuitNet (www.quitnet.com). In these programs you can:
- Get help deciding which medicines may be right for you. (QuitNet)
- Use message boards, live chat, and e-mail to talk with counselors and people who have also quit.
- Sign up for daily e-mail messages. (QuitNet)
Make a plan
If you quit today but haven't planned ahead, now is a good time to plan your quit strategy. Think of problems or barriers you have faced. And think of ways to reward yourself for reaching specific milestones. Use this form to write out your personal action plan 
.
.For more information, see the Planning Your Strategy to Quit section of this topic.
Know your reason
You are taking an important step to improve your life. Make sure that you know your reasons for quitting smoking. The most common reason to quit is to live longer. It's a gift you can give yourself and your family.
Shape Up For Summer With The Biggest Loser's Cara Castronuova
To lose up to 12 pounds in 4 weeks, do Cara's workout and follow her simple diet plan: Aim to eat around 1,300 calories per day (roughly 350 calories each for breakfast and lunch, 300 calories for dinner, plus three 100-calorie snacks), making sure to munch on something every three hours to stay satisfied and curb cravings. Fill up with complex carbs(think: whole grains), fruit, veggies, and lean protein. Keep an eye on your portion sizes. Also, be sure to drink at least eight large glasses of water or seltzer per day, adding a squeeze of lemon or lime juice or a splash of cranberry juice for refreshing flavor.
Cara's shape-up-for-summer meal plan
(Here are some options for each meal of the day)
Breakfast:
• One serving steel-cut oatmeal topped with small sliced banana, a sprinkling of berries, and a drizzle of honey or dash of raw sugar on top. Add 3 scrambled egg whites cooked with a cooking spray and broccoli or spinach.
• Two slices high-fiber whole-wheat toast, each with an egg on top. Add a grapefruit or an orange.
• A low-calorie yogurt (under 120 calories per serving), plus one serving of high-fiber cereal with one cup skim milk or soymilk.
Lunch:
• A large salad of mixed greens, broccoli, cucumbers, tomatoes, and string beans; add 3 ounces of grilled or steamed chicken on top. In place of salad dressing, squeeze a lemon or lime over the salad and lightly salt and pepper. Add a slice of whole-wheat toast and a small banana.
• A 4-ounce serving of white steamed fish with steamed veggies on the side. Add a serving of quinoa and a small banana.
• A two-egg omelet made with spinach and broccoli. Add a serving of brown rice and a small banana.
Morning and afternoon snack:
• Low-fat yogurt topped with mixed berries.
• String cheese with a few whole grain crackers or a slice of light whole-wheat toast.
• 10 almonds and a small apple.
• A few slices of low-sodium turkey or chicken breast, plus celery or carrot sticks.
• A cup of grapes with a serving of low-fat cheese
Dinner options:
• 5 ounces steamed white fish with a large plate of steamed veggies.
• 5 ounces steamed chicken with a large plate of steamed veggies.
• 5 ounces lean pork with a large plate of steamed veggies.
Evening snack options:
• A cup of fresh veggies or celery/carrot sticks dipped in a half-serving of low-calorie Ranch salad dressing (40 calories or less).
• A handful of almonds.
• A piece of string cheese.
• A low-fat yogurt.
Cara's shape-up-for-summer meal plan
(Here are some options for each meal of the day)
Breakfast:
• One serving steel-cut oatmeal topped with small sliced banana, a sprinkling of berries, and a drizzle of honey or dash of raw sugar on top. Add 3 scrambled egg whites cooked with a cooking spray and broccoli or spinach.
• Two slices high-fiber whole-wheat toast, each with an egg on top. Add a grapefruit or an orange.
• A low-calorie yogurt (under 120 calories per serving), plus one serving of high-fiber cereal with one cup skim milk or soymilk.
Lunch:
• A large salad of mixed greens, broccoli, cucumbers, tomatoes, and string beans; add 3 ounces of grilled or steamed chicken on top. In place of salad dressing, squeeze a lemon or lime over the salad and lightly salt and pepper. Add a slice of whole-wheat toast and a small banana.
• A 4-ounce serving of white steamed fish with steamed veggies on the side. Add a serving of quinoa and a small banana.
• A two-egg omelet made with spinach and broccoli. Add a serving of brown rice and a small banana.
Morning and afternoon snack:
• Low-fat yogurt topped with mixed berries.
• String cheese with a few whole grain crackers or a slice of light whole-wheat toast.
• 10 almonds and a small apple.
• A few slices of low-sodium turkey or chicken breast, plus celery or carrot sticks.
• A cup of grapes with a serving of low-fat cheese
Dinner options:
• 5 ounces steamed white fish with a large plate of steamed veggies.
• 5 ounces steamed chicken with a large plate of steamed veggies.
• 5 ounces lean pork with a large plate of steamed veggies.
Evening snack options:
• A cup of fresh veggies or celery/carrot sticks dipped in a half-serving of low-calorie Ranch salad dressing (40 calories or less).
• A handful of almonds.
• A piece of string cheese.
• A low-fat yogurt.
Natural Blood Pressure Reducers
Constant maintenance of proper blood pressure is definitely not an easy task to do. These days, a lot of people suffer and even die due to the abnormally high pressure of blood in the blood stream. High blood pressure nowadays actually affects many adults and most of them are not even aware of it. A person is considered hypertensive (individual with high blood pressure) when two or more consecutive readings of blood pressure is above 140/90 mmHg. Experiencing this kind of condition or disease is very difficult for us to handle. Aside from the risks it can cause our health, treating high blood pressure is also very expensive due to the various types of medications needed in order to maintain normal blood pressure readings. Fortunately, there are already different types of natural blood pressure reducers that we can use. But what are the examples of these and how can we use them?
Natural Blood Pressure Reducing Methods or Products
There actually a lot of things that we can use in order to effectively reduce our blood pressure within the normal limits. Doing these effective methods can help not only in saving money but as well as in preventing the condition from worsening. Below are some of the things that we can do or use in order to help reduce high blood pressure as fast and as easily as possible.
• Change in Lifestyle – Lifestyle is considered one of the major things that can affect our health big time. Our action and our routine can actually reflect the status of our health. By modifying our lifestyle into something healthier, we can also make sure that our blood pressure will be maintained within the normal range. This change in lifestyle includes losing weight, exercising and removing all the vices in life like smoking and drinking. Becoming more active in our daily routine can help burn fats and reduce cholesterol in the body. These things can actually promote hypertension, which can be very dangerous to our health. Aside from these things, adapting a healthier lifestyle can also help reduce stress from our body. Stress is also a factor that can lead to the increase of blood pressure. According to the American Society of Hypertension, doses of soothing or relaxing music for half an hour every day can help lower down the blood pressure. Other relaxation techniques such as yoga and transcendental meditation can also be useful in lowering down the pressure of the blood. Acquiring sufficient sleep at night (at least 6 to 8 hours) can also help reduce stress thus causing the risks of hypertension to reduce.
• Reduction of Salty Food Intake – Sodium or salt is already proven by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition as a main factor in causing the increase of blood pressure in the body. Because of this, it is important to reduce the intake of salt and other foods that are high in sodium content in order to prevent the possibility of hypertension.
• Addition of Potassium in the Diet – Potassium is a type of mineral that is useful for the contraction of the different muscles in our body. Aside from this, potassium us also effective in reducing blood pressure. This is the reason why including potassium rich foods like banana, spinach, beet greens, lentils, soybeans and tomato sauce in the diet can be effective in preventing hypertension. Aside from these foods, potatoes are also known to be good sources of potassium. Potatoes also contain a specific blood pressure lowering compound known as kukoamines. Although these can also be seen in tomatoes, kukoamines are greatly acquired from potatoes.
• Increase of Magnesium Intake – Magnesium is also another type of mineral that can be helpful in controlling the blood pressure. Increasing this mineral in the diet can help in reducing the risks of stroke and pre-eclampsia, which are different health conditions that are associated with high blood pressure. Some of the foods that are rich in magnesium include brown rice, spinach, milk, almonds and hazelnuts.
• Increase of Calcium in the Diet – Just like potassium and magnesium, calcium is also a mineral that is effective in lowering down the blood pressure. Calcium can be seen in foods like cheese, yogurt, Chinese cabbage and broccoli.
• Stevia (Sweet herb) – This particular herb is also known to lower high blood pressure. However, this is only available as a dietary supplement in the US. This herb is great for the diet since it contains no calories and carbohydrates.
• Adding Omega 3 Fatty Acids in the Diet – Alpha Linolenic Acid or ALA is a type of Omega 3 fatty acid that is found in foods like walnuts, flaxseeds, soybeans and canola oils. This is a great substance in reducing the blood pressure in our body. Aside from this, other types of omega 3 fatty acids in the name of docosahexaenoic acid or DHA and Eicosapentaenoic Acid of EPA are also helpful in controlling the blood pressure. These fatty acids are usually seen in cold water fish sources such as salmon, tuna, herring and mackerel.
• Vitamin E and Garlic Supplements – Vitamin E is also an effective vitamin in lowering down the blood pressure. Other vitamins that are considered essential for the maintenance of blood pressure are vitamins C, B5, B6 and as well as folic acid. Garlic is a spice that is also proven to control the pressure of the blood within the normal limits. This is the reason why garlic is now being made as supplement that can help in blood pressure reduction.
• Dark Chocolates – Dark Chocolates are also effective foods that can lower down the pressure of blood in the body. We all think that chocolates are just for desserts; however, eating DARK chocolates can actually help control the blood pressure and prevent hypertension. This is due to its component called flavanol, which is an effective substance against hypertension.
These are just some of the natural blood pressure reducers that we can use or have in order to help reduce the risk of hypertension. Aside from this, we can also save a lot of money from buying all the necessary medications for blood pressure maintenance.
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