Month: May 2014

Menstrual pain 月经痛

Painful menstrual periods are marked by lower abdominal pain and cramps. A woman may feel sharp pains that come and go, or dull, aching pains. Painful menstrual periods may also cause back pain.

Painful menstruation is the leading cause of lost time from school and work among women in their teens and 20s. Although some pain during menstruation is normal, excessive pain is not.

There are two general types of dysmenorrhea:

  1. Primary dysmenorrhea refers to menstrual pain that occurs in otherwise healthy women. This type of pain is not related to any specific problems with the uterus or other pelvic organs.
  2. Secondary dysmenorrhea is a menstrual main that is attributed to some underlying disease of structural abnormality within or outside the uterus.

Activity of the hormone prostaglandin, produced in the uterus, is thought to be a factor in primary dysmenorrhea. This hormone causes contractions in the uterus and levels tend to be much higher in women with severe menstrual pain than in women who experience mild or no menstrual pain.

Possible causes

  • Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
  • Stress and anxiety;
  • Endometriosis; pelvic inflammatory disease; sexually transmitted diseases, fibroids, ovarian cysts and use of intrauterine devices.

Applied nutrition

Generally to ease pain and regulate hormonal release.

Menstrual bleeding 月经出血

Although it is a natural process, the symptoms can be reduced through a good diet, proper exercise and stress management.
The menstrual cycle is not the same for every woman. Optimally, menstrual flow occurs every 28 days and lasts about 4 days.

If one soaks a sanitary pad / tampon every hour for 6 consecutive hours, it is considered a very heavy period. A prolonged period lasts longer than 7 days.

Bleeding may be something to worry about if it occurs between periods, after intercourse, or if the prospect is over the age of 50, especially after menopause.

Possible causes

There are myriad possible causes including:

  • Anovulation (failure of ovaries to produce / release eggs);
  • Endometrial polyps / hyperplasia / cancer;
  • Uterine fibroids;
  • Abnormal thyroid or pituitary function;
  • Hormonal changes (e.g. menopause);
  • Pregnancy complications including miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy;
  • Ingestion of birth control pills or estrogens;
  • Use of certain drugs like steroids or blood thinners;
  • Use of an intrauterine device for birth control;
  • Recent trauma, surgery or other uterine procedure;
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease or other infection;
  • Stress, changes in diet or exercise routine, recent weight changes, travel or illness.

Applied nutrition

The main flow of thought is to compensate for the loss of nutrients through the blood and to balance hormonal release.

Menopause 经绝期

Menopause is the transition in a woman’s life when the ovaries stop releasing eggs, menstrual activity decreases and eventually ceases, and the body decreases the production of the female hormone oestrogen and progesterone. This natural process usually occurs in women between the ages of 38 to 58, though good health would push the time later. Poor diet, stress and inactivity may increase the symptoms of menopause.

The menopausal years may also increase the risk of developing osteoporosis. Calcium and magnesium supplementation may be of assistance before and during menopause in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.

Recent studies suggest that the increased consumption of soy-based foods may be of assistance for women in their menopausal years.

Possible signs and symptoms

Fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, nervousness, hot flushes and sleeplessness.

Applied nutrition

 

Memory loss 失忆

One reason many people suffer memory loss is due to a prolonged, insufficient supply of necessary nutrients to the brain. With age, poor circulation to the brain can also result in symptoms of poor memory, lack of concentration confusion, lack of energy and fatigue. Occasional memory lapses are normally, however, with a balanced healthy diet and lifestyle, our memories should remain active well into our nineties.

Possible signs and symptoms

Loss of memory; fatigue; lack of concentration; frequently misplacing objects; having difficulty performing a series of actions (such as cooking); unable to respond effectively to problems at home or work; changes in behaviour.

Applied nutrition

 

Kidney stones 肾结石

Kidney stones are the accumulation of solid masses of mineral salts that consists of a collection of tiny crystals. Human urine is often concentrated with uric acid, phosphates and calcium oxalate that may form the stones. Kidney stones may not produce symptoms until they begin to move down the ureter, causing pain.

Possible signs and symptoms

Pain radiating from the upper back to the lower abdomen and groin; profuse sweating; frequent urination; pus and blood in the urine; odorous or cloudy urine; occasional chills and fever; painful urination.

Applied nutrition

Insomnia 失眠

The term insomnia refers to an inability to fall asleep or to remain asleep for an adequate length of time. This may cause chronic fatigue that affects one’s life and work.

Chronic insomnia is often a symptom of a serious underlying medical disorder. Half of all insomnia cases can be attributed to stress, depression and psychological disorder.

A lack of the nutrients calcium and magnesium can also contribute to insomnia. Systemic disorders involving the brain, digestive system, endocrine system, heart, liver, lungs and pancreas may affect sleep, as can poor nutritional habits and eating too close to bedtime.

Sleeping pills should not be used too often as the body can become dependent on the medicine and eventually, abusers of sleeping medication can find it very difficult to stop taking the tablets. Sleeping medication can leave users feeling drowsy and lethargic in the morning.

Applied nutrition

Infertility 不育

Over the past 30 years, fertility problems have increased dramatically. At least 1 in 3 couples planning a baby will have trouble conceiving to some extent, and more and more couples are turning to fertility treatments for help.

There is now a great deal of scientific knowledge about the use of nutritional supplements and their beneficial effects on both male and female fertility. These supplements can be very effective in re-balancing one’s hormones, as well as improving one’s overall health, which is vital for successful conception and raising the family afterwards.

Scientific research has shown that certain vitamins and minerals can increase the chances of becoming and staying pregnant. Supplements are necessary because even the best diet in practice will not contain all the nutrients one needs for the best chance of conceiving.
In order to maximise your chances of conceiving, it is very important that you and your partner are in optimal health. By eliminating nutritional deficiencies and improving sperm production and mobility, the chances of getting pregnant are drastically increased.

Applied nutrition

Supplement Benefit Suggested Dosage

Erectile Dysfunction 勃起功能障碍

An erection problem is the persistent inability to get or maintain an erection that is firm enough for a man to have sexual intercourse. While during intercourse, the erection may be lost before ejaculation.

Possible causes

An erection requires the interaction of the brain, nerves, hormones and blood vessels. Anything that interferes with the normal process can become a problem.

Common causes include:

  • diseases and conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart or thyroid conditions, poor circulations, low testosterone, depression, spinal cord injury, nerve damage or neurological disorders;
  • certain drugs such as blood pressure medication (especially beta blockers), heart medication, some peptic ulcer medications, sleeping pills and antidepressants; nicotine, alcohol or cocaine;
  • unrealistic sexual expectations which make sex resemble work instead of pleasure;
  • poor communications with the partner; stress, fear, anxiety or anger;
  • a “vicious cycle” of doubt, failure or negative communication that reinforces the erectile problem.

Applied nutrition

Supplement Benefit Suggested Dosage

High blood pressure 高血压

Blood pressure is the force applied against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood through the body. The pressure is determined by the force of the heart, the amount of blood pumped and the size and resistance of the arteries. The force (blood pressure) may be higher when arteries are blocked by atherosclerosis, when blood is thicker (e.g. less water content or higher salt content) or when there are abnormal hormone levels.

What do blood pressure number indicate?

Diastolic Systolic  Pulse pressure
Normal range 60-80 100-130 35-45

Blood pressure readings are given in two numbers. The top number is the maximum pressure your heart exerts while beating (systolic pressure), and the bottom number is the amount of pressure in your arteries between beats (diastolic pressure). The numeric difference between your systolic and diastolic blood pressure is called your pulse pressure. For example, if your resting blood pressure is 120/80 millimetres of mercury (mm Hg), your pulse pressure is 40 — which is considered a normal and healthy pulse pressure.

The pulse pressure may be abnormal even if the absolute blood pressure readings are within the ‘normal’ range.

  • If the pulse pressure is below 40, it may indicate low heart power and/or very viscous blood (which is typical for diabetes patients)
  • If the pulse pressure is above 40, it may indicate constricted arteries and atherosclerosis.

Possible signs and symptoms

Usually, no symptoms are present. Occasionally, there may be a mild headache. If, under high blood pressure, the headache is severe or symptoms below are experienced, please advise visiting the doctor immediately:。 Other symptoms include: fatigue, confusion, vision changes, crushing chest pain, heart failure, blood in urine, nosebleed, irregular heartbeat or buzzing in the ears.

Applied nutrition

Please refer to the section: applied nutrition for heart disease.

Supplement Benefit Suggested Dosage

Hepatitis 肝炎

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, usually caused by a viral infection. The liver is responsible for filtering harmful substances such as dead cells, toxins, fats and excess hormones from the bloodstream. If the liver becomes inflamed, tender and enlarged, it becomes unable to function normally.

Alcoholic liver disease usually occurs years after excessive drinking. The longer the duration of alcohol abuse, the greater the probability of developing liver disease.

Malnutrition develops as a result of the empty calories from alcohol, reduced appetite and malabsorption. Malnutrition contributes to liver disease.

Changes start within the liver as inflammation (hepatitis) progresses to fatty liver and cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is the final phase of alcoholic liver disease. Serious complications are associated with advanced-stage disease such as alcoholic encephalipathy (damage to brain tissue) and portal hypertension (high blood pressure within the liver)

Possible signs and symptoms

Fever, weakness, nausea, vomiting, headache, loss of appetite, muscle aches, joint pains, drowsiness, dark urine, abdominal discomfort and jaundice.

Applied nutrition

Supplement Benefit Suggested Dosage
Protein Essential amino acids help repair body tissues 1 scoop,
3x daily
Milk thistle This liver tonic aids regeneration and protects the liver against free radical damage. It stimulates the growth of new liver cells and assists in rebuilding damaged areas and improves liver function 1 tab,
2x daily
Calcium + magnesium Essential for blood-clotting, a problem for people with liver disease 3 tabs,
3x daily
Vitamin C + bioflavonoids Studies show quick improvement with high doses 5 tabs,
3x daily
Selenium E A potent antioxidant 3 tabs,
2x daily