Benefits and sources of vitamin b-12
Vitamin B-12, or cobalamin, is a member of the vitamin B complex family. It is essential for the growth of red blood cells and maintenance of the nervous system. It is found naturally in meat, eggs and dairy products and if those items are included in your diet, there is little risk of having a vitamin b-12 deficiency. Many researchers believe that B-12 is also in soybeans and soy food products but the form of the vitamin is such that it cannot be absorbed by humans. Those on a strict vegan diet are most at risk for a B-12 deficiency.
Vitamin B-12 is also necessary for the quick propagation of DNA during cell division. Within bone marrow, this is extremely important, as this is where red blood cells are manufactured in the body. If a B-12 deficiency develops, a condition known as anemia occurs. This is where abnormal blood cells form, called megaloblasts and can be debilitating and if left untreated lead to stomach cancer. Symptoms of anemia can include excess fatigue, pallor, breathlessness and lowered resistance to infection and menstrual disorders in women. Anemia can also be caused by a folic acid or iron deficiency, so a blood work up by a qualified doctor would be necessary to determine the exact cause.
Generally when a deficiency occurs it is due to an absorption problem rather than a lack of B-12 in the diet. Absorption of B-12 is dependant on calcium through a process known as the intrinsic factor. Glycoprotein, a secretion from the cells of the stomach lining begins the process and when combined with calcium in the small intestine is absorbed into intestinal walls. Many people who are unable to produce this intrinsic factor on their own require injections of B-12 to avoid anemia.
Small amounts of B-12 are stored in the liver and excreted in the bile where it is then reabsorbed. This process is known as enterohepatic circulation and the amounts can vary among individuals. Those dieting or those who eat the vegan lifestyle may only have this type of B-12 in their system.
It can take up to twenty years for a deficiency disease to manifest itself in some individuals if the deficiency is due to changing diets. If the problem is due to absorption problems, the symptoms can manifest in as little as three years.
Although many plants do have a form of B-12, the only guaranteed sources of the vitamin are eggs, dairy products and meats. Research has shown that many B-12 supplement products in tablet form can possibly increase the chances of deficiency as they cannot be absorbed readily and leaves the user with a false sense that they are getting enough.
A half pint of milk, two eggs or two slices of cheese can insure enough B-12 in a vegetarian’s diet. Meat eaters rarely have a problem with B-12 unless they have absorption problems. Vegans, who are at the highest risk of deficiency, should be sure to consume adequate amounts of B-12 fortified soy products, cereals and yeast extracts such as nutritional yeast.
Yogurt, while a dairy product, is not recommended unless it is fortified as the vitamin B-12 is destroyed during the fermentation process.
Vitamin B-12, along with the other vitamins in the B complex is a vitamin that no one can live with out. It is important to read product levels and make sure you are including the whole B vitamin family into your diet.
Written by Kat Yares - © 2002 Pagewise
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Doctors warn of poisoning from hand gels
Doctors warn of poisoning from hand gels
BOSTON (Reuters) - At least two people have become intoxicated by drinking hand-sanitizing gels, a potentially deadly habit, doctors reported on Wednesday.
A prison inmate and a hospitalized alcoholic both were treated for poisoning from the gels, which contain alcohol -- but not the same kind as found in beverages.
Evidently people misunderstand the labels that show the gels, foams and liquids contain alcohol, the doctors said in separate letters to The New England Journal of Medicine. Cases of people drinking the hand gels because of their alcohol content have not previously been reported in major medical journals.
"The Maryland Poison Center was called about a 49-year-old, usually calm prison inmate who was described as being 'red-eyed,' 'loony,' 'combative,' and 'intoxicated, lecturing everyone about life'," Dr. Suzanne Doyon of the Maryland Poison Center and Dr. Christopher Welsh of the University of Maryland School of Medicine wrote in one letter.
"Other inmates and staff reported seeing this prisoner drinking from a gallon container of Purell hand sanitizer over the course of the evening. "
In the second case, a 43-year-old man with alcoholism was treated for mysterious chest pains and other symptoms.
"Before those results were obtained, the patient was seen in the bathroom drinking the alcohol-based hand wash from its dispenser," Dr. Ashkan Emadi and Dr. LeAnn Coberly of the University of Cincinnati wrote.
"When asked why he ingested the hand cleaner, he pointed to the label, which read, 'Active ingredient 63 percent v/v isopropyl alcohol.' He explained that this percentage is higher than that in vodka," they added.
It only takes a small amount of isopropanol to kill, by depressing the heart and central nervous system, they wrote.
They suggest that makers of the hand gels change the labeling.
Reuters HealthThursday, February 1, 2007
By Gene Emery
BOSTON (Reuters) - At least two people have become intoxicated by drinking hand-sanitizing gels, a potentially deadly habit, doctors reported on Wednesday.
A prison inmate and a hospitalized alcoholic both were treated for poisoning from the gels, which contain alcohol -- but not the same kind as found in beverages.
Evidently people misunderstand the labels that show the gels, foams and liquids contain alcohol, the doctors said in separate letters to The New England Journal of Medicine. Cases of people drinking the hand gels because of their alcohol content have not previously been reported in major medical journals.
"The Maryland Poison Center was called about a 49-year-old, usually calm prison inmate who was described as being 'red-eyed,' 'loony,' 'combative,' and 'intoxicated, lecturing everyone about life'," Dr. Suzanne Doyon of the Maryland Poison Center and Dr. Christopher Welsh of the University of Maryland School of Medicine wrote in one letter.
"Other inmates and staff reported seeing this prisoner drinking from a gallon container of Purell hand sanitizer over the course of the evening. "
In the second case, a 43-year-old man with alcoholism was treated for mysterious chest pains and other symptoms.
"Before those results were obtained, the patient was seen in the bathroom drinking the alcohol-based hand wash from its dispenser," Dr. Ashkan Emadi and Dr. LeAnn Coberly of the University of Cincinnati wrote.
"When asked why he ingested the hand cleaner, he pointed to the label, which read, 'Active ingredient 63 percent v/v isopropyl alcohol.' He explained that this percentage is higher than that in vodka," they added.
It only takes a small amount of isopropanol to kill, by depressing the heart and central nervous system, they wrote.
They suggest that makers of the hand gels change the labeling.
Reuters HealthThursday, February 1, 2007
By Gene Emery
How to quit smoking: tips and help
How to quit smoking: tips and help
Despite the well-known health risks related to smoking, quitting can be very difficult for most individuals. Read on for tips and advice concerning how to quit smoking.
Cigarette smoking is a dangerously addictive habit. The health hazards related to cigarette smoking are numerous and include the increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and cancer. Despite the well-known health risks related to smoking, quitting can be very difficult for most individuals. Read on for tips and advice concerning how to quit smoking.
The first step in quitting smoking is making a firm commitment. If you want to succeed at kicking the tobacco habit you need to set a date to stop and stick to it. Decide why you want to stop. Make a list of all the reasons you should quit. Making a list may seem unnecessary, but if you are caught in the throes of withdrawal symptoms, looking at your list may help to renew a potentially faltering commitment.
On your chosen quitting date throw away all your cigarettes, ashtrays, lighters, and any other smoking related paraphernalia. Clean your bedding, clothing, house, and your car to get rid of the tobacco smell. Be sure to shower and wash your hair as well. The smell of cigarette smoke lingers in furniture and clothing so you may need to do a thorough cleaning job and leave your windows open for as long as possible to let fresh air in.
Notify your friends, associates, and family of your intent to quit. Ask them to support you by not smoking around you, putting their cigarettes away in your presence, and not offering you cigarettes. To reduce temptation, do not allow others to smoke in your home or car.
Do not smoke at all, not even one cigarette. It will be much harder for you to quit if you allow yourself to cheat here and there. Try to find other activities to engage in to distract yourself from wanting to smoke. Talk to a friend, take a walk, read a good book, go jogging, or get busy with an interesting new activity.
Consider nicotine replacement therapy. Nicotine is a highly addictive drug found in tobacco. Smokers must overcome both physical and psychological dependence on nicotine in order to successfully quit smoking. There are many products on the market that deliver a small amount of nicotine to help reduce the urge to smoke. Nicotine replacement products are available over the counter in the form of patches, gums, and lozenges. Nicotine replacement nasal sprays and inhalers require a prescription. A medication called Bupropion, also available only by prescription, can be helpful when quitting smoking as well. Some individuals should not use nicotine replacement products because of certain medical conditions. It is wise to check with your doctor first.
There are withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting smoking, which can include weight gain and depression. Eat healthy and exercise to help combat weight gain. Remember your goal and do not allow gaining a few extra pounds to distract you from it. Remember, continuing to smoke is far more dangerous to your health than gaining a little weight.
Try some different ways of improving your mood and relieving tension such as exercise, meditation, deep breathing, and prayer. Check your local library, bookstore, or newspaper to find listings for stress-management classes and support groups.
For more advice and help for quitting smoking talk to your doctor. He or she should be able to refer you to organizations that provide information, support, and counseling for individuals trying to kick the cigarette habit. Your local hospital or department of health can also provide valuable resources.
Most of all, when quitting smoking, it is important to remember you are only human. If you have a relapse and smoke a cigarette do not waste time berating yourself. Instead, quit again. Never give up!
Written by Nicole Madison - © 2002 Pagewise
Despite the well-known health risks related to smoking, quitting can be very difficult for most individuals. Read on for tips and advice concerning how to quit smoking.
Cigarette smoking is a dangerously addictive habit. The health hazards related to cigarette smoking are numerous and include the increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and cancer. Despite the well-known health risks related to smoking, quitting can be very difficult for most individuals. Read on for tips and advice concerning how to quit smoking.
The first step in quitting smoking is making a firm commitment. If you want to succeed at kicking the tobacco habit you need to set a date to stop and stick to it. Decide why you want to stop. Make a list of all the reasons you should quit. Making a list may seem unnecessary, but if you are caught in the throes of withdrawal symptoms, looking at your list may help to renew a potentially faltering commitment.
On your chosen quitting date throw away all your cigarettes, ashtrays, lighters, and any other smoking related paraphernalia. Clean your bedding, clothing, house, and your car to get rid of the tobacco smell. Be sure to shower and wash your hair as well. The smell of cigarette smoke lingers in furniture and clothing so you may need to do a thorough cleaning job and leave your windows open for as long as possible to let fresh air in.
Notify your friends, associates, and family of your intent to quit. Ask them to support you by not smoking around you, putting their cigarettes away in your presence, and not offering you cigarettes. To reduce temptation, do not allow others to smoke in your home or car.
Do not smoke at all, not even one cigarette. It will be much harder for you to quit if you allow yourself to cheat here and there. Try to find other activities to engage in to distract yourself from wanting to smoke. Talk to a friend, take a walk, read a good book, go jogging, or get busy with an interesting new activity.
Consider nicotine replacement therapy. Nicotine is a highly addictive drug found in tobacco. Smokers must overcome both physical and psychological dependence on nicotine in order to successfully quit smoking. There are many products on the market that deliver a small amount of nicotine to help reduce the urge to smoke. Nicotine replacement products are available over the counter in the form of patches, gums, and lozenges. Nicotine replacement nasal sprays and inhalers require a prescription. A medication called Bupropion, also available only by prescription, can be helpful when quitting smoking as well. Some individuals should not use nicotine replacement products because of certain medical conditions. It is wise to check with your doctor first.
There are withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting smoking, which can include weight gain and depression. Eat healthy and exercise to help combat weight gain. Remember your goal and do not allow gaining a few extra pounds to distract you from it. Remember, continuing to smoke is far more dangerous to your health than gaining a little weight.
Try some different ways of improving your mood and relieving tension such as exercise, meditation, deep breathing, and prayer. Check your local library, bookstore, or newspaper to find listings for stress-management classes and support groups.
For more advice and help for quitting smoking talk to your doctor. He or she should be able to refer you to organizations that provide information, support, and counseling for individuals trying to kick the cigarette habit. Your local hospital or department of health can also provide valuable resources.
Most of all, when quitting smoking, it is important to remember you are only human. If you have a relapse and smoke a cigarette do not waste time berating yourself. Instead, quit again. Never give up!
Written by Nicole Madison - © 2002 Pagewise
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