Vitamins

Oct 08, 2008 - In This Report

• Highlights
• Introduction
• Carotenoids
• Phytochemicals
• Healthy Foods
• Dietary Health Benefits
• Resources
• References

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M Highlights Cancer Growing evidence suggests that vitamins and micronutrients, especially from foods, may play important roles in the prevention or treatment of certain cancers:

• One study found that the risk of prostate cancer risk dropped as consumption of vegetables high in vitamin C, such as broccoli and bell peppers, rose.
• A diet high in cruciferous vegetables has been found to reduce the risk of kidney cancer; low consumption of cruciferous vegetables increases the risk.

On the other hand, high amounts of folic acid (a B vitamin) may be associated with colorectal cancer, and beta-carotene supplements are associated with increased lung cancer risk in smokers and people exposed to asbestos. Macular Degeneration In 2007, the National Eye Institute recommended that people with intermediate or advanced macular degeneration in one eye take a vitamin formula shown to reduce the risk of macular degeneration in the other eye by 25%. The formula contains vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and zinc. - 0 Comments

Diabetes

Oct 08, 2008 - Overview

• Signs and Symptoms
• Causes
• Risk Factors
• Diagnosis
• Preventive Care
• Treatment Approach
• Other Considerations
• Supporting Research

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M Diabetes is a chronic (long-term) condition marked by abnormally high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. People with diabetes either do not produce enough insulin -- a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life -- or cannot use the insulin that their bodies produce. As a result, glucose builds up in the bloodstream. - 0 Comments

Kidney stones

Oct 08, 2008 - In This Report

• Highlights
• Introduction
• Causes
• Risk Factors
• Symptoms
• Diagnosis
• Treatment
• Medications
• Other Treatments
• Complications
• Prevention
• Resources
• References

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M Highlights New Research:

• Patients who have the most common type of gastric bypass surgery, the Roux-en-Y, are at increased risk for kidney stones, beginning 6 months after surgery, according to a study published in 2006.

Causes of Kidney Stones:

• Calcium stones form when there is an imbalance in the urine substances that promote and block the formation of stones. Often, the cause of this imbalance is unknown.
• Having acidic urine or too much uric acid in the body leads to the formation of uric acid stones.
• Struvite stones are almost always caused by urinary tract infections due to bacteria that produce certain enzymes.
• Other stones, including cystine and xanthine stones, are usually due to genetic abnormalities.

Treatments:

• In about 85% of patients, the kidney stones are small enough that they pass through normal urination, usually within 2 - 3 days.
• Certain medications can prevent recurrence of stones in people who are at high risk.
• Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is a technique that uses sound waves (ultrasound) to break up simple stones in the kidney or upper urinary tract. The shock waves are delivered from outside the body.
• Surgery may be necessary if the stone or stones are too big to pass, and cannot be broken down through ESWL.
• A change of diet and increased drinking of fluids, especially water, will help prevent a recurrence.

Introduction Kidney stones are hard, solid rocks that form in the urinary tract. - 0 Comments

Sickle cell disease

Oct 08, 2008 - In This Report

• Highlights
• Introduction
• Risk Factors
• Symptoms
• Diagnosis
• Outlook
• Complications
• Treatment
• Prevention and Lifestyle Ch...
• Resources
• References

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M Highlights Screening for Sickle Cell Disease The United States Preventive Services Task Force’s 2007 guidelines recommend that all newborn infants be screened for sickle cell disease. (In the United States, most states require hospitals to perform this test.) Early detection of sickle cell disease ensures that babies will be given treatment to prevent infections. Sickle cell disease is an inherited condition. - 3 Comments

Prostate cancer

Oct 08, 2008 - Overview

• Signs and Symptoms
• Causes
• Risk Factors
• Diagnosis
• Preventive Care
• Treatment
• Other Considerations
• Supporting Research

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M Prostate cancer is a cancerous (malignant) tumor that originates in the prostate gland and can eventually spread to other organs, bones, and tissues. The prostate is a cluster of small glands located beneath the bladder that surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out through the penis. Its principle function is to manufacture fluid that constitutes a portion of the semen. - 0 Comments

Zinc

Oct 08, 2008 - Overview

• Overview
• Dietary Sources
• Available Forms
• How to Take It
• Precautions
• Possible Interactions
• Supporting Research

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M Overview Zinc is an essential trace mineral, so you get it through the foods you eat. Next to iron, zinc is the most common trace mineral in the body and is found in every cell. It has been used since ancient times to help heal wounds and plays an important role in the immune system, reproduction, growth, taste, vision, and smell, blood clotting, and proper insulin and thyroid function. - 0 Comments

Calcium

Oct 08, 2008 - Overview

• Overview
• Dietary Sources
• Available Forms
• How to Take It
• Precautions
• Possible Interactions
• Supporting Research

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M Overview Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body. It is essential for the development and maintenance of strong bones and teeth, the location of about 99% of the body's calcium. Calcium also helps the heart, nerves, muscles, and other body systems work properly. - 0 Comments