Sepsis (Blood Infection) and Septic Shock

Sepsis (Blood Infection) and Septic Shock

Sepsis (Blood Infection) and Septic Shock

Sepsis is a serious medical condition caused by an overwhelming immune response to infection. 

Chemicals released into the blood to fight infection trigger widespread inflammation.

Inflammation may result in organ damage. Blood clotting during sepsis reduces blood flow to 

limbs and internal organs, depriving them of nutrients and oxygen. In severe cases, one or 

more organs fail. In the worst cases, infection leads to a life-threatening drop in blood pressure, 

called septic shock. This can quickly lead to the failure of several organs -- lungs, kidneys, and liver -- 

causing death.

Sepsis occurs in 1% to 2% of all hospitalizations in the U.S. It affects at least 750,000 people each year.

The term sepsis is often used interchangeably with septicemia, a serious, life-threatening infection 

that gets worse very quickly and is often fatal.

Sepsis Causes and Risk Factors

Bacterial infections are the most common cause of sepsis. However, sepsis can also be caused 

by other infections. The infection can begin anywhere bacteria or other infectious agents can 

enter the body. It can result from something as seemingly harmless as a scraped knee or nicked 

cuticle or from a more serious medical problem such as appendicitis, pneumonia, meningitis, or 

a urinary tract infection.

Sepsis may accompany infection of the bone, called osteomyelitis. In hospitalized patients, 

common sites of initial infection include IV lines, surgical incisions, urinary catheters, and bed sores.


Although anyone can get sepsis, certain groups of people are at greater risk. They include:

People whose immune systems are not functioning well due to illnesses such as HIV/AIDS or cancer 

or use of drugs that suppress the immune system, such as those to prevent rejection of

transplanted organs Very young babies
The elderly, particularly if they have other health problems
People who have recently been hospitalized and/or had invasive medical procedures
People with diabetes


Sepsis Symptoms

Because sepsis can begin in different parts of the body, it can have many different symptoms. 

Rapid breathing and a change in mental status, such as reduced alertness or confusion, 

may be the first signs that sepsis is starting. Other common symptoms include:

Fever and shaking chills or, alternatively, a very low body temperature
Decreased urination
Rapid pulse
Rapid breathing
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea


Sepsis Treatment

The first step to successful treatment for sepsis is quick diagnosis. If sepsis is suspected, 

the doctor will perform an exam and run tests to look for:

Bacteria in the blood or other body fluids
Source of the infection, using imaging technology such as X-ray, CT scan, or ultrasound
A high or low white blood cell count
A low platelet count
Low blood pressure
Too much acid in the blood (acidosis)
Altered kidney or liver function
Other tests of bodily fluids and radiologic tests, such as X-ray or CT scan, can help in diagnosing 

the cause of the infection. People diagnosed with severe sepsis are usually placed in the intensive 

care unit (ICU), where doctors try to stop the infection, keep vital organs functioning, and 

regulate blood pressure.


Sepsis treatment usually begins with:

Broad-spectrum antibiotics, which kill many types of bacteria
IV fluids to maintain blood pressure
Oxygen to maintain normal blood oxygen
Once the infectious agent is identified, the doctor can switch to a drug that targets that particular 

agent. Depending on the severity and effects of sepsis, other types of treatment, such as a 

breathing machine or kidney dialysis, may be needed. Sometimes surgery is necessary to 

drain or clean an infection.

Often doctors prescribe other treatments, including vasopressors 

(drugs that cause the blood vessels to narrow) to improve blood pressure.

Permanent organ damage can occur in people who survive sepsis. Death rates are 20% 

for sepsis and over 60% for septic shock.

Source: WebMd

Natural & Safe Method Of Removing Gallstones Without Surgery

6-Day Method by Dr Lai Chiu-Nan

Gallstones may not be everyone’s concern but may lead to cancer. We all have them (big or small, many or few). “Cancer is never a big concern. There are a lot of other problems leading to cancer. I came across some materials stating that people with cancer usually had stones,” said Dr Lee of China.

One symptom of gallstones is a feeling of bloatedness after a heavy meal as if you can’t digest the food. If it gets more serious, you feel pain in the liver area.”

Dr Lee offers the apple juice treatment which is good for those with a weak liver. Liver and gallbladder are closely linked.

1) Drink 1 glass (250ml) 100% apple juice 4 times a day for 5 days. 1 glass at breakfast, 1 glass at lunch, 1 glass at dinner & 1 glass before going to bed. It softens the gallstones. Eat normally.

2) On the 6th day, skip dinner. At 6pm, take a teaspoon of Epsom salt (magnesium sulphate) with a glass of warm water. At 8 PM, repeat the same for purging purpose. It helps to flush out all solid stuff. It also opens the gallbladder ducts. At 10 PM, drink half  glass of olive oil mixed with half  glass of lemon juice. The oil lubricates the stones to ease their passage. Lemon juice helps to extract the stones out from gallbladder ducts.

Source: Healthy world US

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Your Guide to Breastfeeding- 12 Superfoods for New Mom

Your Guide to Breastfeeding- 12 Superfoods for New Mom

Losing those pregnancy pounds might be at the front of your mind. But there’s something that's even more important for your body after your baby arrives -- eating foods that boost energy and give you 

stamina for being the best mom you can be.

Routinely eating nutrient-rich foods throughout the day will maximize the little energy you 

probably have as a new mom. If you’re nursing, the quality of your breast milk stays pretty 

much the same no matter what you choose to eat. But that's because when you aren't getting 

the needed nutrients from your diet, your body will provide them from your own stores. 

So making sure you’re getting all the nutrients you and your baby needs will benefit both of you.

Try to make these smart, nutrient-rich foods a regular part of your diet: Your body and your 

baby will thank you.

Salmon

There's no such thing as a perfect food. But salmon is pretty close when it comes to a nutritional 

powerhouse for new moms. Salmon, like other fatty fish, is loaded with a type of fat called 

DHA. DHA is crucial to the development of your baby's nervous system. All breast milk contains 

DHA, but levels of this essential nutrient are higher in the milk of women who get more DHA 

from their diets.

The DHA in salmon may also help your mood. Studies suggest it may play a role in preventing 

postpartum depression.

One caution: The FDA recommends that breastfeeding women, women who are pregnant, and 

women who might get pregnant limit to how much salmon they eat. The guidelines recommend 

an average of 12 oz, or the equivalent of two main servings, per week. The reason is to limit 

the amount mercury your new child is exposed to.

The mercury level in salmon is considered low. Some other fish, such as swordfish or mackerel, 

have a high content of mercury and should be avoided altogether. The 12 ounces are an average. 

Eating more in one week – such as having three servings instead of two -- won't hurt as long as 

you eat less the following week.



Low-Fat Dairy Products

Whether you prefer yogurt, milk, or cheese, dairy products are an important part of healthy 

breastfeeding. In addition to providing protein, B vitamins, and vitamin D, dairy products are 

one of the best sources of calcium. If you're breastfeeding, your milk is loaded with calcium to 

help your baby's bones develop, so it's important for you to eat enough calcium to meet 

your own needs. Try including at least three cups of dairy each day in your diet.

Lean Beef

Boost your energy as a new mom with iron-rich foods like lean beef. A deficiency of iron can

drain your energy levels, making it hard for you to keep up with the demands of a newborn baby.

Nursing moms need to eat extra protein and vitamin B-12. Lean beef is an excellent source 

for both of these nutrients.

Legumes

Iron-rich beans, particularly dark-colored ones like black beans and kidney beans, are a 

great breastfeeding food, especially for vegetarians. They’re a budget-friendly source of 

high quality, non-animal protein.

Blueberries

Breastfeeding moms should be sure to get two or more servings of fruit or juice each day. 

Antioxidant-rich blueberries are an excellent choice to help you meet your needs. 

These satisfying and yummy berries are filled with good-for-you vitamins and minerals 

and will give you a healthy dose of carbohydrates to keep your energy levels high.

Brown Rice

You might be tempted to drastically cut back on carbohydrates to help lose the baby weight.

Don’t. Losing weight too quickly may cause you to produce less milk and leave you feeling 

lethargic and sluggish. Incorporate healthy, whole-grain carbs like brown rice in your diet to 

keep your energy levels up. Foods like brown rice provide your body the calories it needs to 

produce the best quality milk for your baby.

Oranges

Portable and nutritious, oranges are a great food to boost energy for new moms. 

Oranges and other citrus fruits are excellent breastfeeding foods since nursing moms 

need more vitamin C than pregnant women. Can't find time to sit down to a snack? Sip on some 

orange juice as you go about your day -- you'll get the vitamin C benefit and can even opt for

 calcium-fortified varieties to get even more benefit from your beverage.

Eggs

Eggs are a versatile way to meet your daily protein needs. Scramble a couple of eggs for breakfast, 

toss a hard-boiled egg or two on your lunchtime salad, or have an omelet and salad for dinner. 

Opt for DHA-fortified eggs to increase the level of this essential fatty acid in your milk.

Whole-Wheat Bread

Folic acid is crucial to your baby's development in the early stages of pregnancy. 

But its importance doesn't end there. Folic acid is an important nutrient in your breast milk 

that your baby needs for good health, and it's crucial you eat enough for your own well-being too. 

Enriched whole-grain breads and pastas are fortified with this vital nutrient and also give you 

a healthy dose of fiber and iron.

Leafy Greens

Leafy green veggies like spinach, Swiss chard, and broccoli are filled with vitamin A, 

good for both you and your baby. The benefits don’t stop there. They're a good non-dairy source 

of dietary calcium and contain vitamin C and iron. Green veggies are also filled with 

heart-healthy antioxidants, are low in calories, and are tasty to boot.

Whole-Grain Cereal

After yet another sleepless night, one of the best foods to boost energy for new moms in 

the morning is a healthy breakfast of whole-grain cereal. Many cold cereals are available

that are fortified with essential vitamins and nutrients to help you meet your daily needs. 

Whip up a healthy hot breakfast by stirring blueberries and skim milk into a delicious serving of oatmeal.

Water

Breastfeeding moms are especially at risk for energy-draining dehydration. 

To keep your energy levels and milk production up, make sure you stay well hydrated. 

You can vary your options and meet some of your fluid requirements by drinking juice and

milk, but be careful when it comes to caffeinated drinks like coffee or tea. Keep your 

intake to no more than 2-3 cups a day or switch to decaffeinated varieties. 

Caffeine enters your breast milk and can cause your baby to become irritable and sleep poorly.

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Source: natural Health US

LOSE 4 POUNDS IN JUST 2DAY WITH HONEY AND LEMON

LOSE 4 POUNDS IN JUST 2DAY WITH HONEY AND LEMON

This is a very radical and hard diet that will help to get rid of 4 pounds in just two days.

During the two days of the diet you will not eat anything.The goal of the diet is to get rid of the 

excess fluid in the body that is retained from the intake of salty foods.

In the morning squeeze 15 lemons and mix the obtained juice with 3 liters of plain water and add 

50 g honey.If your lemonade is sour you can add a larger amount of honey.The lemonade should be 

drunk all day and it replaces all the meals during the day,breakfast,lunch and dinner.The next day 

prepare the same recipe again and drink it all day.


This drink is undoubtedly good for health because honey and lemon are great cleaners of the body.

The lemonade of honey and lemon can be used as a tonic for the facial skin,but people with sensitive 

skin should be careful because it can be allergic.During the diet a massage is recommended,because 

the large amount of citric acid along with massage can reduce cellulite.

It is recommended to keep the diet when you are at home during the weekend or holidays,because 

you will feel exhausted.Besides the lemonade you can drink green tea or water.Because it is a 

extremely hard diet,it should not be used more often than once a month.

We however recommend you to take gradually lose weight and not too fast-however this strategy is for those who wanna lose weight very fast- for an event or show.

Source; Natural health US

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HOW TO LOSE YOUR EXTRA WEIGHT NATURALLY 

Source: Charles E. Natural Health US

losing those extra weight makes you feel good , look beautiful , boost confidence and most importantly, improves your health . Therefore, try to focus and discipline yourself into achieving success-pls note that nothing comes easy, thus you have to compromise  all those extra foods, sweet/sugary foods and most importantly, fast foods.

Below are simple natural  remedies that will help you.

- Honey is the best method to lose weight. Drink at least 10 grams of honey with lukewarm water-first thing in the morning on empty stomach (add some lemon ) and eat breakfast after 45 minutes. This is one of the best home remedies for obesity. 

- Another proven home remedies for obesity is eating cabbage.

- Eat raw tomatoes early in the morning for a period of three months and see how it helps you to lose weight.

- Eat at least a 10-12 curry leaves for a period of four months.

- Add  three tsp of lemon juice in warm water; add some black pepper and honey. Do this for at least a period of four months.

- Drink tea made up of dandelion root. Drink this tea at least three times a day. This is one of the best home remedies for obesity. Similarly drinking green tea is also one of the best home remedies that helps you to get rid of those excessive fats and helps you  lose weight.

- Boil some pieces of ginger and add some slices of lemon into it. Drink it when it is lukewarm. This controls the habit of overeating and prevents obesity.

- Mint is also one of the best home remedies of obesity. Eat a paste made up of mint with meals.

- Drinking carrot juice on a regular basis also helps in treating obesity.

-Don't eat after 7.30 pm  in the night. Please make sure that you eat your evening meal before 7.30 pm in order for your system to have enough time to digest all that you have eaten that day. If you are hungry, try to drink tea (green tea and honey).

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Amazing 7 Tips to Prevent Uric Acid Disease/GOUT

Some of these tips can help prevent an increase in uric acid in the blood. These tips include changes in lifestyle and diet -and should be regularly and strictly adhered to, if not affected by gout or uric acid disease, relapse.

1. Lose Weight In Staged
If overweight, reduce gradually, because losing weight can help lower uric acid levels. But avoid excessively strict diet, follow a healthy diet here. Losing weight drastically with excessive dieting may precipitate an attack of gout. However, that’s great if accompanied with regular exercise.

2. Eat Foods Low Purine (Diet Low Purine)

Purine is an organic component that causes gout. These substances are needed in the body till normal limits are met.Restrict foods high in purines -
Organ meats such as liver, kidney, heart
Selected fish and shellfish
Meat & yeast extracts brewers and bakers yeast
Meat soups & stock cubes. Foods that can cause gout such as beans, mushrooms, cooked spinach, and mustard greens, goat meat, offal and lard (fat), shellfish, duck and turkey, salmon, mackerel, sardines, crab, shrimp , anchovy and some other fish, cream and ice cream, and sweet bread. Some foods containing purine content seen in the list below. It should be remembered that the sensitivity of a person to be exposed to uric acid after eating these foods will vary.

3. More White Water Consumption

Approximately 90% of gout is caused by the inability of the kidneys to remove uric acid from the body completely through urine. Water consumption is believed to improve the disposal of substances that are not useful as excessive uric acid from the body. Drink at least 6-8 glasses a day.

4. Expand Food Containing Calcium and High Antioxidant

Eating calcium-rich foods such as vegetables and fruits such as bananas, potatoes, avocados, milk and yogurt. Eating fruits rich in vitamin C, especially citrus and strawberry.

5. Avoid Alcohol and Soft Drink Consumption

Alcohol can lead to increased production of uric acid, while soft drink consumption may inhibit the absorption of calcium and calcium even throw in vain.

6. Limit your consumption of fried food

Fats and oils turn rancid at high temperatures such as in frying time. Moreover, if the used oil is oil that is used repeatedly. Rancid fats which can quickly destroy vitamin E and causes an increase in uric acid in the blood.

7. Increase Sexual Activity

These tips are more appropriate for those who have become husband and wife. Sexual activity, such as a kiss can make the body become more relaxed, so easy to boost the immune system. In addition, sexual intercourse can facilitate the production of urine so it can reduce the concentration of uric acid in the blood.

Discipline, Awareness and Healthy Habits.

Again the key here is discipline. You should also take the time to learn about the food you eat, and take note of foods that seem to trigger your gout. There is no set uric acid level that triggers gout attacks, each person has a different threshold so you should pay attention to how your body reacts. You should also form some healthy habits to reduce uric acid and prevent gout attacks.

If you are unsure about a part of your diet, consult your doctor about it. Even though there are a lot of resources online to help you, consulting with your doctor is still the best way to fine tune your diet and reduce uric acid levels.

Source: Health Living US
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AMAZING HEALTH BENEFITS OF SWEET POTATO  

Sweet potato nutrition facts

Sweet potato, not only is just sweet to your taste buds but also good for your cardiovascular health. This starchy root vegetable is rich source of flavonoid anti-oxidants, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber that are essential for optimal health.

Botanically, this starch-rich tuber belongs to the family of Convolvulaceae, and named botanically as Ipomoea batatas.

It is grown throughout the tropical and warm temperate regions. The crop requires just sufficient water and attention for their cultivation. The tuberous root features oblong/elongated shape with tapering ends and has smooth outer skin whose color ranges from red, purple, brown, and white, depending up on the variety.

Today, camote (SWEET POTATO) should be part of your diet even if you have more money to buy or prepare expensive dishes. Camote is the world’s healthiest food, this is according to statement of North Atlantic Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging. The (SWEET POTATO) is indeed healthy due to following reasons.

1) Superior fiber content
Sweet potatoes contain almost twice as much fiber as other types of potatoes. Contributing close to 7 grams of fiber per serving, they make an excellent starchy addition to any meal. The high fiber content gives them a "slow burning" quality. This basically means their caloric energy is used more slowly and efficiently than a low-fiber carbohydrate.

2) Good for diabetics. It helps stabilize blood sugar levels by increasing adiponectin, an important factor of insulin metabolism. It has moderate glycemic index of 50.

3) High in dietary fiber and low fat content. Good for the heart and tummy. Fibers help reduce bad cholesterol and ease bowel movement.

4) Deep colored yellow sweet potato contains lutein and beta carotene... antioxidants to prevent rapid aging and maintain good eyesight. Eat yellow camote instead of taking eye supplement.

5) Have lots of essential minerals and vitamins. Manganese, copper, potassium, iron, Vitamin – E, C, B6, B2, and A. It's like a combination of rice and vegetables in a single package. But eating camote repeatedly is boring, have an alternate or try to mix it with other healthy foods.

6) An effective detoxifying agent. It adsorbs heavy metals and take it out of the system. Metals such as lead, arsenic and mercury accumulate in our body due to consumption of commercially processed foods. They should be taken out before harming any tissues.

Other amazing health benefits of sweet potatoes are :

• Sweet potato is one of the average calorie starch foods (provide just 90 calories/100 g vs. 70 calories/100 g of potato). The tuber, however, contains no saturated fats or cholesterol and is rich source of dietary fiber, anti-oxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
• Its calorie content mainly comes from starch, a complex carbohydrate. Sweet potato has higher amylose to the amylopectin ratio than potato. Amylose raises the blood sugar levels slowly on comparison to simple sugars and therefore, recommended as a healthy food supplement even in diabetes.
• The tuber is an excellent source of flavonoid phenolic compounds such as beta-carotene and vitamin A (100 g tuber provides 14187 IU of vitamin A and 8509 µg of β-carotene). The value is one of the highest among the root-vegetables categories. These compounds are powerful natural antioxidants. Vitamin A is also required by the body to maintain integrity of healthy mucus membranes and skin. It is a vital nutrient for acuity of vision. Consumption of natural vegetables and fruits rich in flavonoids helps to protect from lung and oral cavity cancers.
• The total antioxidant strength of raw sweet potato measured in terms of oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) is 902 µmol TE/100 g.
• The tubers are packed with many essential vitamins such as pantothenic acid (vitamin B-5), pyridoxine(vitamin B-6), and thiamin (vitamin B-1), niacin, and riboflavin. These vitamins are essential in the sense that body requires them from external sources to replenish. These vitamins function as co-factors for various enzymes during metabolism.
• Sweet potato provides a good amount of vital minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, and potassium that are very essential for enzyme, protein, and carbohydrate metabolism.
• Sweet potato leaves are indeed more nutritious than the tuber itself. Weight per weight, 100 g of fresh leaves contain more iron, vitamin C, folates, vitamin K, and potassium but less sodium than the tuber.

Selection and storage

Sweet potatoes in a market.

Although sweet potato leaves are being eaten in some parts of the world, the root that is the toast of sweet potato lovers. In the store, buy fresh tubers with intact smooth skin and firm to woody consistency. Go for organic varieties for best taste and nutrition levels.

Avoid soft, flabby, or wilted roots. As in potatoes, sprouting would make them lose flavor and less desirable.

Wash them in clean running water to remove sand and soil. They should be stored in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated place.

Preparation and serving methods

To prepare, wash the root in cold water. It can be eaten raw with skin. However, for baking preparations, its skin may be peeled off before or after cooked.

Sweet potato pie! Photo courtesy: andycoan	Delicious sweet potato soup. Photo courtesy: exfordy

Here are some serving tips:

• Fresh sweet potatoes can be eaten raw.
• Baking in water with a pinch of salt would give rich taste to them. Peel the skin before eating.
• Camote, sweet potato known in the Latin world, is used extensively in the Mexican cuisine.
• Camote cue, where in the tuber deep-fried and caramelized with brown sugar, is a popular street food in the Philippines.
• It sweet flesh used in soups, curries, stews, and in confectionary to make cakes, pie...etc.
• The tuber also used to prepare different kinds of baby foods.
• Sweet potato chips are enjoyed as favorite snacks.

Safety profile

Sweet potatoes contain oxalic acid, a naturally occurring substance found in some vegetables that may crystallize as oxalate stones in the urinary tract in some people.

It is, therefore, individuals with known history of oxalate urinary tract stones may have to avoid eating them. Adequate intake of water is therefore advised to maintain normal urine output in these individuals to minimize stone risk. (Medical disclaimer).

What do you think? send in your comments and share this vital health tips with your friends and family members ..

Source: Healthy living US, Nutrition and you.

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