December 18th, 2005
In today’s image conscious society, physical appearance is more important than ever to a woman’s self-esteem. Imagine the heartache caused when a woman notices her hair thinning? It is estimated that over 25 million women experience thinning hair in the United States. Many are genetically predisposed to the condition. Most wonder if there are any natural remedies to help or prevent their female hair loss.
Several vitamins have been found to be very effective in supporting female hair health. Of course, many factors may contribute to female hair loss but proper nutrition can help prevent further thinning and more loss.
Vitamin A has been found to support the healthy development of tissues and cells in the body and also supports healthy hair. This important vitamin promotes healthy hair follicles by keeping the root of the hair lubricated. Vitamin A can be found in green vegetables, particularly the leafy ones, red, orange and yellow vegetables, liver and eggs. Many good multivitamins contain the recommended daily allowance of vitamin A, so don’t take additional supplements without a physician’s supervision. Overdoses of vitamin A can be dangerous.
A healthy scalp is also essential to healthy hair. Vitamin E supports a healthy scalp by helping to increase the oxygen supplied through the blood. Americans rarely suffer from a vitamin E deficiency, but increasing one’s intake of green leafy vegetables, fortified grains and cereals and nuts can help ensure that this important nutrient is adequate. Vitamin E supplements are also available for this matter.
The B vitamins are also important for hair health. Regulating the amount of iron in the blood, these vitamins also help oxygen flow through the lungs to the tissues. Of course, a B vitamin deficiency would damage the hair and scalp by limiting the amount of oxygen that these tissues receive. B vitamins are available as supplements and in several foods, including proteins and soybeans, cereals, nuts and wheat germ.
If a proper nutrition that involves essential vitamins and minerals helps in hair loss prevention and a good healthy scalp, then paying extra attention to the food and supplements that you eat is well worth the time and effort!
Collected from the internet.
December 18th, 2005
Albumin
This protein is produced by the liver. Low levels can indicate liver disease and kidney disease due to reduced production and loss of albumin in the urine.
Alkaline Phosphatase
This enzyme is produced by bone and liver cells. High levels are seen in some bone disorders and liver disorders like obstructive jaundice, gall stones and space occupying lesions. Levels up to three times are seen in children within the age group when they are rapidly gaining height.
Alpha fetoprotein
High levels are seen in patients with cancer of the liver and teratomas affecting the ovary and testis. However, not all cancer of the liver will have high levels. High levels are also seen in normal pregnant women. Levels which are much higher than that expected for the period of pregnancy may suggest foetal abnormalities.
Bilirubin Total
High blood levels will lead to jaundice (yellowness of the eyes and skin) and is associated with liver disease, haemolytic anaemias and hereditary disorders.
Blood grouping
ABO and Rhesus are the two commonly used method of typing the blood. Under the ABO system, the blood can be A, B, AB or O. The percentage of the different ABO groups in the population is approximately A(23%), B(23%), AB(5%) and O(49%). Rhesus grouping is reported as positive or negative. Rhesus grouping becomes important when a Rhesus Negative woman becomes pregnant with a Rhesus Positive baby. But with modern medical treatment, this is not a problem provided the diagnosis is made early. Blood grouping is important when a person requires a blood transfusion. There is no such thing as a bad blood group.
Calcium
Calcium is necessary for strong bones and teeth, normal clotting of blood and muscle contraction. Low levels are due to poor dietary intake and a number of medical conditions.
Casts
Casts are formed in the kidney tubules from protein filtered from the blood. They are present in larger numbers in kidney disorders associated with protein in the urine. A few casts may be seen in urine of normal people especially after exercise.
Cholesterol(Total)
High blood cholesterol is due to excessive intake of cholesterol rich food and increased synthesis by the liver. High blood cholesterol leads to increased deposition in the blood vessel wall resulting in narrowing and subsequently blockage/atherosclerosis. Blood levels above 200mg/dl or 5.2 mmol/l is associated with increased risk of atherosclerosis and this risk rises with increasing levels.
Creatinine
Blood creatinine level depends on the balance between the production and the excretion. Creatinine is produced by creatine breakdown(muscle). It is influenced by the muscle mass of a person but not by dietary factors. High levels are seen in kidney diseases.
Crystals
The urine contains many substances in solution and depending on the reaction of the urine, they can become insoluble and form crystals. If crystals are present in large amounts and for prolonged periods, stone formation may occur.
Electrolytes (Sodium,Potassium,Chloride)
Blood levels of the electrolytes depends on the balance between intake and production. Abnormal values are usually seen in patients with kidney disorders. Medication for hypertension and heart diseases can affect the electrolyte levels.
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
Blood is made up of cellular component and the liquid component called plasma. If blood is left to stand , the cellular component will sediment and the amount it settles in 1 hour is the ESR. Many factors can influence the ESR. In general, the higher the ESR, the higher the chance of a chronic disease. Investigations are then needed to find the disease.
T4
This hormone is produced by the thyroid gland and regulates the metabolic processes of the body. High levels are seen in the disease hyperthyroidism. Symptoms include weight loss, tremor of hands, anxiety and increased sweating. Hypothyroidism (low levels) is due to reduced production by the gland and results in slowing down of metabolism with mental dullness, physical slowness and weight gain. The gland can be enlarged due to cysts or cancer and the level of free T4 may or may not be affected.
Glucose (Blood)
Glucose levels above the normal range indicate the presence of diabetes mellitus. An additional test called the Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT) is needed to confirm the diagnosis and to access the severity.
Glucose (Urine)
Glucose in the urine is commonly seen in patients with diabetes mellitus and the benign condition called renal glycosuria.
Haemoglobin, Red Blood Cells (RBC) and Packed Cell Volume (PCV)
Haemoglobin , the red pigment in the red blood cells is essential for the transport of oxygen to the tissue. If the levels is below the normal range, the person is anaemic, looks pale and tires easily. Severe anaemia can lead to heart failure. Anaemia can be due to a) decresed production of normal red blood cells b) lack of essential nutrients like iron c) hereditary disorders like thalassemia. Additional tests may be needed to confirm this.
HDL Cholesterol
This is the good cholesterol as it helps to remove cholesterol from the cells and transport it to the liver for excretion. High levels of HDL are associated with low risk of atherosclerosis and are seen in women before menopause, persons who exercise regularly and non-smokers.
Hepatitis B Surface Antibody (Anti-HBs)
A person who recovers completely from a hepatitis B infection or had a successful hepatitis B immunization will have Anti-HBs. The level of Anti-HBs will decrease with time. Those who acquire the Anti-HBS through immunization will require a booster dose if the level falls below 100 mIU/ml.
