There are three different forms of the K vitamin. The first variant of the K vitamin is vitamin K1, also known as phylloquinone. This is the form of the K vitamin that is found in types of plant foods. Vitamin K found in plant foods. The second form of the K vitamin is the vitamin K2, or menaquinone. This type of the K vitamin is formed by friendly bacteria in the intestines. Thirdly, there is vitamin K3 which is also known as menadione and is actually an artificial form of the K vitamin. All three of these types of K vitamin end up in the liver where it is used to create the blood clotting substances.

The best natural sources of the K vitamin are green leafy vegetables, such as spinach. However, because the friendly bacteria in the intestine makes one of the forms of the K vitamin it is extremely rare for a person to have a deficiency of the K vitamin and so K vitamin supplements are not needed by the majority of people.

Apart from the main function of helping blood to clot, the K vitamin, specifically the Vitamin K1, has an important part to play in the bone building process. This K vitamin is required to retain the calcium in the bones and redistribute it to where it is needed.

Although a K vitamin deficiency is relatively rare there are certain groups of people who may suffer from it. Newborn babies may not have enough of the K vitamin as they have insufficient bacteria in their intestines to produce it. The majority of newborn babies in developed countries are therefore given a K vitamin injection to tide them over until the natural process takes over. That is the only time that a K vitamin supplement will be taken by most people throughout their lives. However, an extended course of antibiotics may lead to a K vitamin deficiency due to the fact that the antibiotics kill the intestinal bacteria as well as the ones that they are being taken to cure. Again, a K vitamin supplement may be given if the course of antibiotics has to continue for a long period of time.

This information about Vitamin K I got from my friend, who is working in a company handling Medical Transcription, Medical Billing, and Electronic Medical Records. 

If you are looking for a simple though effective gestational diabetes recipe then you should check out a wonderful recipe that involves cooking the Spanish omelet. It requires a few things to prepare Spanish omelet and is very easy to cook it. It is very effective and controls the level of sugar in blood. To start with, it pays to understand exactly what ingredients are required to create this excellent gestational diabetes recipe.

The Ingredients Of Gestational Diabetes Recipe

You can start of by peeling and slicing five potatoes and have on hand a tablespoon of olive oil or even vegetable cooking spray. You will also need half a medium sized onion that should be minced and you can also make use of a small sliced zucchini. Add to these ingredients, half cup of green and red peppers as well as five medium sized mushrooms. You need three eggs that need to be beaten and you will also need five egg whites that also must be beaten. Finally, you need pepper as well as garlic salt,  some herbs and three ounces of mozzarella cheese (part skim and shredded) and a tablespoon of Parmesan cheese will round off all the necessary ingredients that are required to create a Spanish omelet.

The procedure for this gestational diabetes recipe is preheating an oven to about 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Potatoes can be cooked separately until they become soft. Then you need to add oil to a non-stick pan which should be heated up until the pan becomes medium hot. Now, you are ready to add onions which need to be sauté till they turn brown. Add some vegetables and sauté till everything becomes tender though these should not  turn brown.

The next step in this gestational diabetes recipe is to take a bowl (medium sized) and add eggs that must then be beaten very slightly along with egg whites, garlic salt, pepper and the mozzarella cheese. Once you get the right mix you can then add this mixture to the vegetables thatare already cooked.

You can then add some oil to a ten inch pan and put the potatoes and egg mix into this pan and add some Parmesan cheese and then you can bake the omelet till it becomes firm and the top of the omelet turns brown. This is all that it takes to create an appetizsng Spanish omelet from a very simple but fun gestational diabetes recipe.

Diabetics must be very careful about what they eat and also what they do not eat. The level of blood sugar can be managed by having a sensible diabetes diet. Such a diet can help ensure that you eat the right foods and in the right quantities while also staying away from foods that can worsen your condition.

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Not quite.

Let me start by mentioning that by pollution, most people mean heavy metals and PCBs. It’s bad enough that you have to avoid fish products because of possible contamination. But now supplements as well? Well you shouldn’t worry. I’m going to show you the exact qualities to look for in all your food products to make sure you’re staying as safe as possible.

To avoid these, you need a product that undergoes through a triple phase molecular distillation purification process to maximize purity.

You want to make sure the oils of any supplement are distilled in a pristine, controlled vacuum environment which insures contaminant removal above and beyond traditional purification methods.

Your product must also surpass all national and international standards for environmental pollutants. This means dioxins, PCB’s, pesticides and heavy metals – and of course mercury.

Some might say this is overkill. So should you ignore those people and be worried about contaminents?

Definitely.

A Canadian study showed samples of analyzed commercial fish oil had detectable amounts of PCBs and pesticides.

Notice the study involved “commercial grade fish oil.”

This same grade is found in drugstores, your local grocery or health store, and anywhere you shop. It’s cheap and can be horrible for your health. Previously, I bought all my supplements where I’d find myself shopping anyway – but not anymore. The risk is too substantial.

Contrast this with pharmaceutical grade fish oil which may have many health benefits:

1. Vascular health increased.

2. Lowered risk of cardiovascular disease.

3. Lowered symptoms of rhuematoid arthritis.

4. Blood thinning.

Regular old fish oil just doesn’t compare. Not with the amount of pollution these days.

So only stick to pharmaceutical grade fish oil – that’s what I do every day.

If you have arthritis and you are looking to control pain without drugs, then the first thing you need to do is to  reduce your weight or maintain a normal weight. If you are overweight, weight loss will be the most important thing you can do to improve the level of pain, stiffness and mobility.

A small amount of weight loss can make a significant difference. The best measure of weight in relation to height and general body health is the Body Mass Index (BMI). The normal range is 20-25 and 26-30 is considered overweight and over 31 obese.

Extra weight puts additional stress on weight bearing joints such as knees and hips, and increases the level of pain. It also increases the risk of arthritis. It is not always easy to lose weight if you have arthritis.

If your weight remains constant on a particular diet plan, then you are consuming just the right amount of calories to provide for the needs of the body. If you are gaining weight, then you are taking more than your body needs and the extra calories are stored as fat.

To lose weight you need to consume less than your body requires. This way the extra calories needed is obtained from the breakdown of fats stored in the body. Exercise will help you burn fats. It is not as effective as a specific diet plan but will help. It should be incorporated into the whole weight loss plan.

The heavier you are, the more calories you will burn during exercise. Exercise will keep the joints supple, reduce stiffness and tone up supporting muscles. It also makes you feel healthier and energised.

When exercising, you are moving synovial fluids around the joint. This is beneficial because it improves nutrition to the joint.

To assess your progress, evaluate the level of pain, stiffness and mobility before your diet and exercise plan, then make assessments at intervals.

Dr. Phil Hariram

Arthritis Guide.

Chondroitin is a carbohydrate compound and is present in cartilage. It gives the cartilage elasticity. Articular surface of joints are protected by cartilage (articular cartilage) and this cartilage is a tough smooth gristle that reduces friction and protects the underlying bone from wear. Damage and wear of the cartilage is seen on an x-ray as loss of joint space. Cartilage contains both glucosamine and chondroitin.

The rationale for the use of chondroitin and glucosamine as treatment of arthritis is that these two drugs, according to some, will improve the health of affected articular cartilage. Both chondroitin and glucosamine are manufactured by the body.

Chondroitin is considered a dietary supplement and as such the manufacture is not regulated. The quality of products available will vary.

It is available as chondriotin sulphate, obtained from cows’ cartilage. Make sure you purchase a recognised brand from a reputable company and check the label for ingredients. If you are not sure, ask, or consult your doctor. Do not discontinue your on going medication.

According to studies, patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis had relief on par with NSAIDs such as ibuprofen. Trials, however, are inconclusive and a large placebo controlled trial will one day throw light on whether this drug should be an acceptable arthritis treatment.

There are no serious side effects. Reported side effects are increased intestinal gas and loose stools. It should not be given to children or taken by women considering pregnancy or who are pregnant. It may potentiate the effects of anti-coagulants.

If you are taking this drug or considering taking it in future, make your assessment on its effeciacy after three month. If you feel it is doing you some good, continue.

Dr. Phil Hariram,

Arthritis Guide.

Apart from gout, diet does not have a significant direct impact on arthritis. Diets, vitamins and supplements will not cure your arthritis but altering your diet to maintain or attain the right weight is an important step to reduce the burden of arthritis.

For weight loss, dietary change and the amount you consume is important. Your diet must contain basic nutrients such as minerals and vitamins. Poor diet will impact on your general health and subsequently on your arthritis.

To help your arthritis, ensure your diet is balanced and varied and incorporates vitamins, minerals, anti-oxidants and other essential nutrients. Reduce animal fats and eat more fish. Take plenty of fruit and vegetables.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fats found in fish oil has been shown to be beneficial in inflammatory arthritis. It is also useful in gout but it has high quantity of purines which in broken down in the body to produce urates and therefore should be avoided in gout.

A balanced and varied diet with more fish, fruit and vegetables is beneficial in all forms of arthritis. Nutritional supplements are available over the counter and are usually costly. Most of the ingredients are present in a balanced diet.

Your weight is important. So what should your weight be? You should use the Body Mass Index (BMI) as a guide to assess whether your weight is acceptable or not. To find out your BMI, first measure your height in metres,(i.e. say 2metres) then multiply it by itself (2×2=4). Check your weight in kilograms (say 80Kg). Now divide your weight in Kg by the first figure (80 divided by 4 =20). That is your Body Mass Index (20). Recommended BMI for most people is between 20 and 25. For your arthritis aim to be within this range if you can.

From childhood I have been told that calcium is good for my bones. Lack of calcium may lead to osteoporosis especially in arthritic patients. Vitamin D is also important for bone formation. The commonest source of calcium is in milk. If you are on skimmed milk as part of your low fat and calorie controlled diet be assured that skimmed milk has more calcium in it that full fat milk. Daily recommended intake of calcium in under 60s is 1000mg and over 60s -1500mg.

During the summer your body manufactures vitamin D through the sunlight on your skin and you do not need to worry about Vitamin D intake. You, therefore, need to be more vigilant in winter. Older arthritic patients may need supplements.

In case of gout, you should be careful with certain foods. Foods high in purines such as meat and fish should be consumed with care. Avoid or reduce alcohol.

Fish liver oil contains both omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin D. it is a useful supplement but care should be taken in women thinking of starting a family or already pregnant. It also contain Vitamin A and is not recommended in pregnancy because of potential harm to the foetus. Avoid fish liver oil or vitamin A supplements. It is better to take pure fish oil (high in omega-3 but has no Vitamin A) rather than fish liver oil.

Dr. Phil Hariram
Arthritis Guide.

Image by ElvisHuang via Flickr

According to Deidre Murphy and Jennifer Walsh, two Obstetricians from Dublin, even small changes in Body Mass Index (BMI) between pregnancies can affect health. Mothers who put on or lose a lot of weight between pregnancies are putting themselves and their babies at risk.

A two unit increase in BMI doubles the risk of having a large baby, high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia. Larger increase adds to this risk and there is a greater risk of stillbirth and other complications.

Losing weight, on the other hand, increases the risk of having premature babies or low birth weight babies.

Their message is clear. Maintain a healthy weight before, during and after pregnancy and remain at the same weight before the next pregnancy.

Dr. Walsh said, “Women of reproductive age are bombarded with messages about diet, weight and body image. There is growing concern on the one hand about an epidemic of obesity, and on the other about a culture that promotes ’size zero’ as desirable, irrespective of a woman’s natural build.

Pregnancy is one of the most nutritionally demanding periods of a woman’s life, with an adequate supply of nutrients essential to support foetal well-being and growth.

With at least half of all pregnancies unplanned, women need to be aware of the implications of their weight for pregnancy, birth and the health of their babies.”

Their review cited the Swedish Study of 207,534 women between 1992 and 2001 and assessed the link between BMI changes and the impact on the pregnancy and the mother’s health.

Tam Fry, member of the National Obesity Forum said, “I think these doctors are absolutely right.”
He said that being overweight is also associated with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. This can result if difficulty in conceiving.

Women should be aiming for a normal weight before they have their second child.

Dr. Phil Hariram.
Diet and Pregnancy.

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My son, in his teens, did not have acne but I noticed that when he went  off on Ice Hockey weekends, he always returned very spotty. At home his diet was controlled but when away he had lots of junk foods.

I always suspected that that there is a strong relationship between diet and acne. A recent study suggested just that.
Acne is a common skin lesion affecting people of all ages: 79 to 95% adolescents have acne, 40 to 54% aged 25 and older, 12% women and 3% men in middle age.

The cause of acne is still not clearly known but on the basis of global figures, showing higher level of acne in the West, it is likely that high carbohydrate consumption may be a factor. High carbohydrate intake results in high levels of Insulin (Hyperinsulinemia). Exports feel that hyperinsulinemia plays a part in acne because of the association with available androgen and growth factor.

In a  12 week study,  Dr.Robyn. N. Smith and colleagues, from RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia, gave 43 male adult acne patients, aged between 15 and 25, a randomised  low glycemic load diet (25% energy from protein and 45% from low glycemic index carbohydrates) and a control diet rich in carbohydrate dense foods without consideration of the glycemic index.
The results published in the July issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed the low glycemic diet was associated with a significant reduction in total acne compared with the normal diet.
This is the first randomised controlled trial to examine the influence the effects of glycemic load has on acne.

“Although we could not isolate the effect of the low glycemic load diet from that of weight loss, the findings support the hypothesis of a relationship between acne and high insulin levels and acne.” Dr. Smith’s team said.

Low glycemic load foods are rich in complex carbohydrates and releases sugar into the blood stream slowly. This reduces the peak level of insulin. This hormone regulates blood sugar levels but it also affects sex and growth hormones.

Glycemic Index is a value obtained by monitoring blood sugar after eating the food.

Low Glycemic Index: 55 and lower.

Medium Glycemic Index: 56 to 69.

High Glycemic Index: 70 +

Low GI Foods.

All-bran (UK) 30
Oat bran 50
Rolled Oats 51
Whole Wheat 49
Special K (UK) 54
Natural Muesli 40
Porridge 58
Soya and Linseed 36
Wholegrain Pumpernickel 46
Heavy Mixed Grain 45
Frozen Green Peas 39
Frozen Sweet Corn 47
Tomatoes 15
Raw Carrots 16
Broccoli 10
Boiled Carrots 41
Cauliflower 15
Cabbage 10
Mushrooms 10
Lettuce 10
Green Beans 15
Red Peppers 10
Onions 10
Chillies 10

High Glycemic Index Foods.

Watermelon 80
Dates 103
Instant White Rice 87
Glutinous Rice 86
Short Grain White Rice 83
Tapioca 70
Scones 92
Pretzels 83 Rice Cakes 87
Fresh Mashed Potatoes 73
French Fries 75
Donuts 76
Instant Mashed Potatoes 80

So if you want to knock spots off your teenage child or yourself, reject white bread, burgers, potatoes and french fries and embrace cereals and beans.

Dr. Phil Hariram.

Acne Treatment.

Image via Wikipedia

Obesity increases the risk of morbidity and mortality. The Body Mass Index (BMI) measures your weight in relation to your height and is the benchmark that dictates whether you are obese.

A person with a BMI of over 30 is obese and anyone with a BMI of over 40 is very obese. You should aim to maintain your BMI between 18.5 and 25.

Extra weight around your waist increases the risk of acid reflux. An apple shaped person will gain weight around the waistline. The extra weight will put pressure on the abdomen. This increases the intra-abdominal pressure and can force gastric contents back up into the esophagus.

A study of women on HRT showed that women with a BMI of over 35 was significantly more likely to develop acid reflux than someone with a BMI of 18-20.

The bottom line is. If you have acid reflux symptoms and you are obese, then losing weight is a good form of acid reflux treatment. You will be amazed how a small weight loss can make a significant improvement on acid reflux.

Dr. Phil Hariram.

The current screening program for bowel cancer is only available to individuals in the age group 60-69. Although the average age of diagnosis is 70, bowel cancer can develop in the younger age group. This screening test picks up cancer early and improves long term survival.

Now a urine test designed to enable people to find out if they are at risk of developing the disease is being tested. This means that if the test highlights a greater risk of developing bowel cancer, you can alter your diet and lifestyle to minimise the risk and continue regular monitoring.

The test looks for abnormal strands of DNA coming from damaged bowel cells. Apparently this genetic material called DNA adducts are found in the body at the start of the cancer. If trials on this test proves to be great success, it will be an important tool in the fight against this devastating cancer.

To prevent the development of bowel cancer, your best advice is to avoid obesity, and stick to a special diet. There are several trials at present to determine the link between diet and cancer. Having regular exercise and avoiding significant weight gain are two important ways to reduce the risk of cancer.

Dr. Phil Hariram