Showing posts with label Livestrong. Show all posts

Thursday, 4 June 2015

Reasons for Itching Under Skin

Reasons for Itching Under Skin Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/
AbleStock.com/Getty Images

Pruritus, or itchy skin, is most commonly caused by rashes or dry skin, according to MayoClinic.com. However, in some cases, the itching sensation occurs not on the surface of the skin, but under it. Pruritus under the skin typically does not respond well to topical treatments such as anti-itch creams and lotions. In these cases, there are typically underlying causes producing the itching sensations.

A healthy liver directs bile to the intestine, where it is used in the processing of food and elimination of waste. However, when the liver becomes diseased, the damage can cause bile to back up in the bloodstream. Bile contains salt compounds that are deposited beneath the surface of the skin. These salt compounds produce intense, chronic itching. According to Dr. James F. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," cirrhosis is one of the most common types of liver disease. Other liver disorders that can cause pruritus are bile duct paucity, which is characterized by too few bile ducts from the liver to the intestines, biliary atresia, a complete absence of bile ducts.

People with kidney failure are often prone to severe itching beneath the skin, according to the National Institutes of Health. Pruritus often worsens during or immediately after dialysis. This is because dialysis prevents the body from removing uremic toxins from the body. Itching may also be caused by elevated levels of the parathyroid hormone, which is common during kidney failure.

Itchy skin (pruritus)

Causes

By Mayo Clinic Staff

Possible causes of itchy skin include:

Dry skin. If you don't see a crop of bright, red bumps or some other dramatic change in the itchy area, dry skin (xerosis) is a likely cause. Dry skin usually results from environmental factors such as hot or cold weather with low humidity, long-term use of air conditioning or central heating, and washing or bathing too much.
Skin conditions and rashes. Many skin conditions itch, including eczema (dermatitis), psoriasis, scabies, lice, chickenpox and hives. The itching usually affects specific areas and is accompanied by other signs, such as red, irritated skin or bumps and blisters.
Internal diseases. These include liver disease, malabsorption of wheat (celiac disease), kidney failure, iron deficiency anemia, thyroid problems and cancers, including leukemia and lymphoma. The itching usually affects the whole body. The skin may look otherwise normal except for the repeatedly scratched areas.
Nerve disorders. Conditions that affect the nervous system — such as multiple sclerosis, diabetes mellitus, pinched nerves and shingles (herpes zoster) — can cause itching.
Irritation and allergic reactions. Wool, chemicals, soaps and other substances can irritate the skin and cause itching. Sometimes the substance, such as poison ivy or cosmetics, causes an allergic reaction. Food allergies also may cause skin to itch.
Drugs. Reactions to drugs, such as antibiotics, antifungal drugs or narcotic pain medications, can cause widespread rashes and itching.
Pregnancy. During pregnancy, some women experience itchy skin, especially on the abdomen, thighs, breasts and arms. Also, itchy skin conditions, such as dermatitis, can worsen during pregnancy.

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/itchy-skin/basics/causes/con-20028460

This post is on Healthwise

Wednesday, 1 April 2015

Does Caffeine Affect Cholesterol?

Researchers have noticed a link between caffeinated beverages and cholesterol levels for decades, especially to coffee drinking

This post is on Healthwise

Last Updated: Feb 27, 2014 | By JacobS

Coffee contains various chemicals such as
caffeine that take hours to wear off.
Photo CreditMedioimages/Photodisc/Photodisc/
Getty Images

Caffeine is a stimulant that acts on the central nervous system to temporarily increase alertness and ward off drowsiness. It's a vital part of coffee, certain sodas and energy drinks. For a long time, researchers have been interested in caffeine and its possible effects on various physiological phenomena, but its effect on cholesterol, if it has an effect, appears to be mild at best. Instead, it is another compound, terpene, which is a major ingredient of some caffeinated beverages, that appears to raise cholesterol.

Cholesterol is a type of fatty substance that plays a critical role in the production of bile acids, steroid hormones and vitamin D. It also is a major component of the flexible membrane that surrounds and protects every cell in your body. Cholesterol is not soluble within blood, so the liver must process and package it within molecules called lipoproteins — combinations of proteins and fats — for transportation throughout your body. Low-density lipoproteins, or LDL, transport cholesterol to its destination, but high levels can damage arteries and cause heart disease. High-density lipoproteins, or HDL, transport cholesterol back to the liver for excretion. For this reason, experts often call HDL a "good" cholesterol.

Researchers have noticed a link between caffeinated beverages and cholesterol levels for decades, especially to coffee drinking before 1975. A 1994 study published in the journal "Psychosomatic Medicine" by a group of researchers from the Duke University Medical Center suggested that the consumption of caffeinated beverages was associated with two risk factors for coronary heart disease: high LDL cholesterol levels and a high ratio of total cholesterol to HDL levels. LDL levels always are higher than HDL levels, but an exceptionally high ratio indicates that HDL cholesterol is far too low in comparison.

Caffeine itself might not be to blame for increased cholesterol levels. According to Michael J. Klag, the vice dean for clinical investigations at John Hopkins University School of Medicine, oils called terpenes might be the culprit. Klag and his colleagues noticed this trend in 2001 when they reviewed dozens of studies and discovered that the rise in cholesterol was almost a unanimous product of unfiltered coffee, which leaves both caffeine and terpenes after processing, rather than filtered coffee, which leaves only the caffeine. Another study pinned the blame on a specific type of terpene called cafestol that might hijack a receptor in the intestines that regulates cholesterol. The researchers from Baylor College of Medicine found that consuming five cups of unfiltered French press coffee a day, which amounts to 30 milligrams of cafestol, over a period of four weeks raised blood cholesterol by 6 percent to 8 percent. This suggests that cafestol and not caffeine causes the change in cholesterol.

Merely decaffeinating coffee is not enough to significantly influence cholesterol levels. Filtering coffee is the important factor. Fortunately, filtered coffee has become the norm throughout the United States, greatly reducing the consumption of the terpenes typically found in association with caffeine. However, researchers have not ruled out the possibility that filtered coffee might raise cholesterol by a very small amount, nor have they dismissed other caffeinated beverages such as soda on the same grounds.

http://www.livestrong.com/article/465578-does-caffeine-affect-cholesterol/

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Friday, 13 September 2013

What Are the Causes of Thyroid Problems?

Jul 11, 2010 | By
Charis Grey

The thyroid gland is located in the throat.

Photo Credit neck image by
DXfoto.com from Fotolia.com

Hormones that are created in the thyroid gland help regulate the rate at which the body burns fuel. Thyroid gland dysfunction can cause either overproduction or underproduction of thyroxine, triiodothyronine, or calcitonin, three hormones that the gland produces. An imbalance in thyroid hormones can result in a slowing or speeding of metabolism. Increases in thyroid hormone cause the heart rate to accelerate, with nervousness and insomnia frequently reported. Slowed heart rate and fatigue are often experienced in cases where thyroid hormone levels are decreased.

Autoimmune Disorders

Autoimmune disorders occur when your immune system mistakenly mounts an unwarranted defensive attack against something it has deemed to be a threat. In certain diseases, such as Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s disease, the healthy cells of the thyroid gland are targeted for attack by the immune system. Graves’ disease is the most common cause of abnormal elevations in thyroid hormone levels, also known as hyperthyroidism. The Merck Manuals says Graves’ disease occurs often in families, indicating a genetic source of the disease. Hashimoto’s disease, also known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, is another autoimmune disorder. But in this case, thyroid hormone levels are decreased by the actions of an antibody produced by the immune system.

Tumors

Benign and cancerous tumors can cause problems in the thyroid gland. The University of Maryland Medical Center says benign tumors such as adenomas can secrete large amounts of thyroid hormone that cause hyperthyroidism. Cancerous thyroid nodules are less common. They often manifest as painless lumps in the throat that can eventually cause vocal hoarseness and difficulty swallowing.

Too Much Iodine

The thyroid gland needs iodine in order to manufacture hormones. When you consume too much iodine, you can get hyperthyroidism. Merck lists expectorants and X-ray contrast agents as possible sources of excess iodine. Prescription drugs such as amiodarone, a heart medication, and lithium, used to treat bipolar disorder, can also contribute to hyperthyroidism. Anti-epilepsy drugs, antidepressants and interferon are also sometimes at fault in causing irregular thyroid hormone levels.

Pituitary Disorders

Disorders of the pituitary gland are an additional, but rare, cause of hyperthyroidism. The pituitary gland is the source of thyroid stimulating hormone, or TSH. Lab Tests Online says pituitary disorders can be caused by hereditary factors, trauma, tumors and numerous other influences.

References

http://www.livestrong.com/article/171245-what-are-the-causes-of-thyroid-problems/

How to Correct a Thyroid Imbalance

Aug 16, 2013 | By
Dia Dahl

Medication is the primary treatment for correcting thyroid imbalance.

Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

The thyroid gland regulates your metabolism and impacts every organ system. The gland is located inside the neck and is regulated by your pituitary gland, situated at the base of the brain. The two hormones produced out of the thyroid gland are referred to as T3, tri-iodothyronine, and T4, thyroxine. Too much or too little of these hormones has a significant impact on how you function daily. Thyroid disorders include overactive or underactive thyroid, nodules and parathyroidism. According to Columbia University Medical Center, thyroid disorders are common in the United States and impact over 20 million people in a given year.

Step 1

Get a physical exam and blood tests. Accurate diagnosis of the type of thyroid condition you may have is key to correcting an imbalance. Explain the symptoms you are experiencing to your physician. Different thyroid disorders have multiple symptoms including heat or cold intolerance, unexplained weight gain or loss and fatigue. The most effective measurement of thyroid hormone production is done by blood work to determine your thyroid stimulating hormone, or TSH, level. Additional tests may be required if other thyroid problems are suspected.

Step 2

Take prescribed medications as directed. The primary method for correcting thyroid imbalance is through hormone replacement or anti-thyroid medications. Hypothyroidism causes too little thyroid hormone production. In this event, medication to increase your thyroxine hormone is required. Hyperthyroidism is the opposite, and results in excessive thyroid hormone production. In this event, anti-thyroid medications are used to prevent your thyroid gland from producing too much hormone. For some, use of thyroid-related medications is lifelong after diagnosis. However, this is best determined by your physician at diagnosis and through yearly TSH testing.

Step 3

Eat a well-balanced diet with foods containing essential vitamins and minerals. The level of nutrients you consume on a daily basis impact thyroid balance. In addition to medical treatment, start making changes to your diet to include food sources of vitamins and minerals. Vitamins are essential for your body, but are not made naturally in your body. Consuming foods like green vegetables, colorful fruits, lean poultry or fish and whole grains supplies your body with vitamins A, C, D, E and K, as well as all of the B vitamins. Additionally, these foods supply your body with trace minerals like iron, copper, selenium and iodine. The vitamins and minerals from foods work together to supply energy, metabolism of fats and proteins and antioxidants for overall health.

Step 4

Exercise regularly to stimulate your appetite and maintain energy. According to the Hormone Foundation, getting regular exercise is an important component of maintaining thyroid health. Start gradually with walking for 20 minutes a day and work your way up to moderate cardiovascular activity. Jogging and biking are options in addition to taking aerobics classes at the gym. Exercise helps your body metabolize foods and is a good source of energy to fight the symptoms of thyroid imbalance.

Step 5

Get plenty of sleep. The value of adequate sleep for keeping all of your body systems refreshed, in addition to your thyroid, is immeasurable. Seven to eight hours of restful sleep per day is the average for good health; however, this is also based on individual factors specific to your lifestyle. In formulating a treatment plan for balancing your thyroid, talk to your physician about sleep requirements for your condition.

Tips and Warnings

Before taking vitamin and mineral supplements, consult your physician for safety.
A thyroidectomy is an option that may be recommended if medication and lifestyle changes do not provide adequate treatment for hyperthyroidism.

References

http://www.livestrong.com/article/346900-how-to-correct-a-thyroid-imbalance/

The Thyroid Friendly Diet

Aug 16, 2013 | By
Kelli Cooper

Cruciferous vegetables can interfere with thyroid function if you suffer from hypothyroidism. — Photo Credit Blue Jean Images/Digital Vision/Getty Images

Your thyroid gland produces a variety of hormones that influence many bodily processes, including metabolism. When you have hypothyroidism, your gland does not function effectively. The reduced amount of thyroid hormone can result in problems like weight gain, fatigue and digestive disturbances. While no official thyroid diet exists, health experts do make some general recommendations that might help. Ultimately, however, the most effective treatment entails taking synthetic thyroid hormone to compensate for the deficiency. Do not make any drastic changes to your diet without consulting with a physician.

Diet and Medication

If you want to eat a diet that will optimize thyroid function, you also want to consider interactions between foods and your thyroid medication, which offers the best chance for optimal thyroid function. Endocrinologist Todd B. Nippoldt, writing for Mayoclinic.com, cautions that certain foods can interfere with these medicines, making them less effective. He notes that soy, walnuts and cottonseed meal can interfere with thyroid medicines as can taking them in close proximity with high-fiber foods. As for this last point, ask your doctor for guidance as to when you can safely eat fiber-rich foods once you have taken your medicine.

Avoiding Goitrogens

Goitrogens are foods that can interfere with thyroid function in individuals that suffer from thyroid problems. If you do not have a thyroid problem, these foods will unlikely pose a problem. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends cutting back on these foods if you suffer from hypothyroidism; they include mustard greens, cassava, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, spinach, peanuts, turnips, linseed, Brussels sprouts, pine nuts, millet and soybeans.

Gluten and the Thyroid

The majority of people who have hypothyroidism suffer from Hashimoto's disease, a condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland. Dr. Datis Kharrazian, author, chiropractic physician and expert in nutrition and endocrinology, advises you to avoid gluten, the protein found in wheat, to improve thyroid function. He explains that many studies in various countries have found a link between these two conditions. While going gluten-free can have its challenges, knowledge of this food allergy has increased and you can now find many products geared toward people who cannot tolerate this substance. While most commonly associated with wheat, you will also find gluten in other grains such as barley, rye, bulgur, graham, kamut and semolina.

Allergies and Sensitivities

Since most cases of hypothyroidism stem from improper immune response, identifying if you have any food allergies or sensitivities can help. Eliminating problematic foods can reduce stress on your immune system. A food allergy or sensitivity might not always be so obvious, so you might consider working with a doctor who can test you for food allergies. Common allergens include soy, dairy, eggs, corn and yeast. Kharrazian also suggests an elimination diet, where you take out a particular food for a certain amount of time and add it back in. All the while you track the presence or absence of symptoms, both physical and mental. Your reactions can help determine if certain foods might be problematic for you. Your best results will stem from working with a health care professional experienced in elimination diets; this will ensure you do it properly and obtain the most accurate results.

Other Dietary Recommendations

The B-vitamins in particular might help with thyroid function, and UMMC advises you to eat foods rich in these nutrients. Examples include whole grains, sea vegetables, beans, peas, leafy greens, fish, low-fat dairy and lean meats. Antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables can reduce inflammation characteristic of autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto's disease. Kharrazian also recommends eating a diet that will promote better blood sugar; he notes that everyone has different energy needs and does not state that you should stick to a specific amount of carbohydrates. Generally, stick to fiber-rich carbohydrates over sugars and refined, white-flour foods.

References

Kelli Cooper

Kelli Cooper has been a writer since 2009, specializing in health and fitness. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Rutgers University and is a certified personal trainer with the American Council on Exercise.

http://www.livestrong.com/article/305551-the-thyroid-friendly-diet/

Thursday, 12 September 2013

The Thyroid Support Diet

Aug 16, 2013 | By
Colleen Meheen

Photo Credit Oppenheim Bernhard/
Digital Vision/Getty Images

The thyroid hormone has an effect on nearly all tissues of the body, where it increases cellular activity. The function of the thyroid is simply to regulate the body's metabolism. This important gland can become impaired, and thus create symptoms and challenges to health. Different diet modifications and additions can help support the health of the thyroid gland.

Function

The thyroid gland is a small gland that is part of the endocrine system, but is largely essential to health. Iodine, hydrogen, oxygen and all the amino acids are necessary for the body to complete the natural cycle of synthesis for the thyroid to remain healthy and function properly. The complete process will not occur unless the body has every component from your diet. Good nutrition is critical to support the function of the thyroid gland.

Effects

Hypothyroidism develops when the thyroid becomes under-active. Symptoms from an under-active thyroid gland or deficiency of hormones are chronic fatigue, slow growth or speech, depression, appetite loss, dry skin or other skin conditions, suggests the Mayo Clinic. A diet rich in healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish, along with ample servings of fruits and vegetables, can help reduce these symptoms, or prevent them from developing altogether.

Types

Foods that support a healthy thyroid gland are seaweeds, like lato, kelp, nori, gamet, dulse and balbalulang, organic yogurt, organic cow's milk and seafood, which have rich concentrations of iodine. Iodine is of crucial importance in the nutritional support of thyroid function, suggests WHFoods.com. Use organic dairy to avoid synthetic hormones that are in commercial, non-organic farms. Fish, such as salmon, tuna and sardines are rich in healthy omega-3 fatty acids that support heart health, and also are very beneficial to sustaining the health of the thyroid gland.

Considerations

Consider adding the supportive foods to your diet that aid in thyroid function, as well as eliminating specific foods that can hinder the optimal function of your thyroid. Cabbage, broccoli, kale, spinach, cauliflower, soy, peanuts, pine nuts, strawberries and millet are just a few food items that contain goitrogens, which are compounds that interfere with iodine absorption, and should be avoided by those suffering with an under-active thyroid, suggests the the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Prevention/Solution

Basic ways to prevent thyroid function that is either overactive or under-active is to balance your diet, and use a wide range of fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains and nuts. Factors which can cause thyroid problems -- and reduce the body's rate of burning calories -- can include: malnourishment because of nutrient deficiencies through poor diet habits; thyroid or pituitary exhaustion from excess stimulation by caffeine, sugar or other stimulants; and the presence of substances that inhibit the proper functioning of the thyroid, such as hard liquor.

References

Colleen Meheen

Colleen Meheen is a certified personal trainer through the ISSA, and has years of experience in the fields of holistic nutrition. Her passion for preventative wellness creates her active lifestyle up in the Rockies of Colorado. She has been the fashion editor for Lifestyle Media Group and an inspirational writer for Reign Media Group L.L.C.

http://www.livestrong.com/article/289659-the-thyroid-support-diet/

Friday, 5 April 2013

Leptin & Insulin Resistance

May 27, 2011 | By Angela Ogunjimi

Photo Credit Thinkstock/Comstock/Getty Images

As obesity and diabetes form twin epidemics in the United States, scientists are peeling back layers of understanding on the underlying mechanisms in both conditions. When leptin was discovered in the mid-1990s, it was heralded as an obesity fighter because it turns off your appetite and can cause you to burn more calories. The promises of leptin waned, however, and proved to work in far more complex ways than previously understood. Little did researchers know at the time that in the mid- to late 2000s leptin would emerge as a potential agent in preventing and treating insulin resistance, a condition that can lead to diabetes. Leptin works in the organ that produces insulin and may act as a remote control of the cells that release insulin.

Leptin

Leptin is a protein hormone that your fat cells release while you are sleeping. Leptin binds to receptors in your brain, and that process diminishes your appetite after you eat. That's why it's often called the "satisfaction" hormone. Leptin is also an energy regulator. It senses when you have too many stored calories and can make your body rev up its calorie-burning mechanisms. Much of the research surrounding leptin concerns the possibility of it contributing to new obesity treatments, but after being discovered in 1994, scientists have learned that leptin is far more complex.

Insulin Resistance

Your pancreas's beta cells secrete insulin -- a hormone -- in response to your eating. One of its major functions is to transport glucose from the foods you eat into your cells. Insulin resistance happens when cells, whether in muscles, tissue, fat or the liver, don't respond properly to insulin. As a result, glucose builds up in your bloodstream instead of going into your cells. This malfunction can wreak havoc on your organs, including your pancreas, which strives to keep up with your body's need for insulin. Over time, insulin resistance can become prediabetes and ultimately type 2 diabetes as blood sugar levels increase. Losing weight and getting more physical activity are the most important factors under your control to help reverse insulin resistance, but leptin therapy may also one day help.

Leptin and Insulin Secretion

Harvard University's Joslin Diabetes Center researchers say that in addition to the brain, leptin receptors are located throughout the body, including the pancreas. Through animal research, they learned that leptin plays a key role in modulating the cells that release insulin. Their research involved mice genetically programmed to have no leptin receptors in the pancreas. When these mice were fed high-fat diets, they naturally became obese and insulin resistant. The researchers determined that the combination of lack of pancreatic leptin, obesity and insulin resistance affected the growth and functioning of beta cells. This dysfunction led to poor blood sugar. More research should uncover precisely how leptin and insulin talk to each other in the pancreas and lead the way to drugs that can manipulate both proteins to treat diabetes.

Prevention Research

An earlier study by National Institutes of Health researchers showed that leptin therapy improved insulin responsiveness by decreasing the amount of blood sugar the livers of mice produced, and at the same time, it decreased their blood lipids and enhanced the burning off of fatty acids. Excess lipids, like triglycerides and cholesterol, are common in the Western diet and are thought to play a role in both obesity and the development of insulin resistance. High-fat feeding, says a University of Pittsburgh researcher, causes problems in the uptake of blood sugar, fatty acid metabolism and insulin signaling. In an experimental study with rats, John Joseph Dube determined that leptin therapy could indeed prevent some forms of insulin resistance.

References

http://www.livestrong.com/article/456824-leptin-insulin-resistance/

Saturday, 8 December 2012

Creatine & Renal Failure

Feb 21, 2011 | By Ruth Coleman, M.D.

Creatine is a substance that is mainly found in the muscles; it is stored for use when the muscles need energy. Made by the cells from three amino acids, it is ultimately changed to creatinine and sent to the kidneys, as creatinine is primarily excreted as part of the urine. In renal failure, the kidneys cannot perform all of their normal functions, and creatinine accumulates.

What Is Creatine?

The cells make creatine from the amino acids glycine, arginine and methionine. Primarily found in the muscle, some creatine is also found in the nervous tissue, according to Gerhard Meisenberg, Ph.D., of the department of biochemistry at Ross University School of Medicine. The muscle cells then use the enzyme creatine kinase to form creatine phosphate and also use this enzyme to go from creatine phosphate back to creatine.

Function of Creatine

The cells make creatine, then change it to creatine phosphate, which is broken down to creatinine. As explained in "Principles of Medical Biochemistry" by Gerhard Meisenberg, Ph.D., the phosphate in creatine phosphate is full of energy. When the muscles are resting, most of the creatine is in creatine phosphate but when the muscles contract, the cells use the creatine kinase enzyme to make the energy that they need, especially during the first few seconds of a contraction. The muscles release creatinine, which is carried to the kidneys and excreted in the urine.

Creatinine and Renal Failure

When the cells break down protein, one product the process creates is ammonia; and because ammonia is toxic, the liver changes it to urea, then sends urea to the kidneys to be excreted in the urine. The creatinine released by the muscles is sent to the kidneys. In patients with kidney failure, the kidneys do not excrete as they should, and urea as well as creatinine accumulate in the bloodstream, explains James McMillan, M.D., chief of nephrology at the V.A. Loma Linda Healthcare System in "The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals."

Creatinine and the Diagnosis of Renal Failure

There are several tests that a physician will order when renal failure is suspected, including a urinalysis, a check for levels of albumin, electrolytes, uric acid, BUN or blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine. The physician may also order imaging tests to check for any abnormal blood vessels, blockage, cysts, masses and size abnormalities. Since creatinine is broken down and released by the muscles, it reflects the amount of muscle a person has. Therefore, the normal value for an adult ranges from 0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL, writes Diana Nicoll, M.D., Ph.D., associate dean of the University of California at San Francisco in the "Pocket Guide to Diagnostic Tests."

http://www.livestrong.com/article/387239-creatine-renal-failure/

The Meaning of High Creatine Levels in Urine

Jun 26, 2011 | By Ruth Coleman

The muscles make creatine phosphate from creatine so they can use the phosphate to help make the energy that they need, but when they remove the phosphate, creatine phosphate changes to creatinine. Normally, the creatinine is sent to the kidneys. Thus, a high level of creatinine in the urine can mean abnormalities in the muscles or kidneys.

Creatine

The cells in the pancreas, kidneys and liver make creatine from the methionine, arginine and glycine amino acids. The cells in the muscle will then use creatine to make creatine phosphate, as explained in "Harper's Illustrated Biochemistry" by Victor Rodwell, Ph.D., Emeritus Professor of Biochemistry at Purdue University. When the muscles are at rest, creatine is primarily in the creatine phosphate form. When they need energy for muscle contraction, however, they take the phosphate in creatine phosphate and transfer it to ADP, or adenosine diphosphate, to make ATP.

Creatinine

ATP stands for adenosine triphosphate, the molecule which the cells use for energy. Thus, the muscle cells remove phosphate from creatine phosphate to make energy, creating a substance called creatinine. The creatinine will be released by the muscle cells and transported to the kidneys to be excreted from the body within the urine, explains Gerhard Meisenberg, Ph.D. of the Department of Biochemistry at Ross University School of Medicine, in "Principles of Medical Biochemistry."

Creatinine Levels in Urine

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the normal range of creatinine in a 24-hour urine sample is 500 to 2,000 mg a day. Since it is the breakdown of creatine which is sent to the kidneys, the lab is actually checking on the level of creatinine in the urine. A high urinary creatinine level can mean a problem in the muscles, since the muscle cells send the creatinine to the kidneys. It may also mean there is a problem in the kidneys; that is, the kidneys are unable to excrete the creatinine.

High Creatinine Urinary Levels

Rhabdomyolysis is the medical term to describe the destruction or breakdown of the skeletal muscle; it can cause a high creatinine level in the urine. It can happen from long-distance running, muscle trauma, electrical shock and as a result of some infections, per Elizabeth Corwin, Ph.D. of the Department of Physiology at Pennsylvania State University in the "Handbook of Pathophysiology." Kidney problems which can cause a high urinary creatinine level include kidney failure, glomerulonephritis and obstructions within the urinary tract. In glomerulonephritis, the capillary network of the kidneys is inflamed.

http://www.livestrong.com/article/479544-the-meaning-of-high-creatine-levels-in-urine/

Causes of Elevated Liver Enzymes

What Are the Causes of Having Elevated Liver Enzymes?
Mar 28, 2011 | By Jason Dority

Photo Credit Gary Gladstone/Creatas/Getty Images

Four primary liver enzymes can be elevated in the bloodstream, indicating possible damage to the liver. These include the transaminases AST and ALT, also known as aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase, respectively and the cholestatic liver enzymes alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyl transferase, or AP and GGT, respectively. The cause of elevated liver enzymes can be grouped into three categories -- cholestatic and hepatocellular liver injury and non-liver-damage related.

Bile Duct Injury

Injury or blockage of the bile ducts can impair the flow of bile -- a complex fluid that plays a role in fat digestion and waste removal -- through the ducts, a condition known as cholestasis. Collectively known as cholestatic liver injury or disease, this type of injury can elevate the liver enzymes GGT and AP. These enzymes leak out of the liver and into the bloodstream when bile flow is blocked and becomes backed up.

Many different conditions can injure the bile ducts leading to elevated liver enzymes. Inflammation of the liver due to fatty liver disease, or a build-up of fat in the liver, can damage the bile ducts as well as liver damage caused by primary biliary cirrhosis or primary sclerosing cholangitis. Cancer of the liver, gallstones and certain medications can also injury the bile ducts resulting in elevated liver enzymes.

Hepatocellular Liver Injury

Injury to the cells of the liver, known as hepatocellular liver injury, may cause elevated levels of the enzymes AST and ALT. This damage results in the leakage of AST and ALT into the bloodstream. Hepatocellular damage may be a result of many different conditions affecting the liver. Hepatitis or inflammation of the liver caused by a virus -- as in hepatitis C -- or drug or alcohol abuse can lead to the destruction of liver cells and elevated liver enzymes. Liver cell damage may also be caused by medications, liver tumors and genetic liver diseases such as hemochromatosis or Wilson's disease.

Non-liver Damage Elevations

The liver enzymes ALT and GGT are primarily found in the liver, but ALT and AP can also be found in high amounts in other organs. ALT is common in the kidneys, muscle and heart and AP can be found in the bones, intestines, kidneys and placenta. Therefore, elevated liver enzymes may not always indicated damage to the liver. Strenuous exercise or heart failure can temporarily elevate AST levels in the bloodstream. Other conditions that can raise liver enzyme levels that are not related to liver injury include celiac disease, hyperthyroidism and the muscle disease myopathy, according to an article in the March 2005 issue of "American Family Physician."

http://www.livestrong.com/article/282046-what-are-the-causes-of-having-elevated-liver-enzymes/

... Blood Test of Liver Enzymes

Can You Diagnose Liver Problems From a Blood Test of Liver Enzymes?

Dec 13, 2010 | By Stephen Christensen

Photo Credit Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images

Your liver is a metabolically active organ that detoxifies the foods you eat, breaks down and recycles aging red blood cells, processes glucose and manufactures cholesterol, hormones, clotting proteins and other important molecules. To perform its many tasks, the liver relies on an array of enzymes. When the liver is damaged, some of these enzymes leak into the bloodstream, where they can be measured.

Enzymes Aren't Specific

Specific liver injuries are associated with the release of particular enzymes. However, because these enzymes are present in all parts of the liver, and because some of these enzymes are also found in other organs, it is sometimes difficult to pinpoint the exact site or cause of injury from blood tests alone. According to the "Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy," laboratory tests must often be combined with imaging studies or even liver biopsy to confirm a diagnosis.

Types of Liver Injury

Because your liver lies at the crossroads of so many metabolic pathways, it is susceptible to a multitude of injuries. Toxic and infectious agents can acutely damage or even destroy its cells. Viruses or toxins can create a chronic state of inflammation within its tissues. Obstruction of blood flow or bile through its myriad vessels and ducts can generate congestion and provoke cellular damage. Depending on the extent and cause of these injuries, the liver will release different enzymes, in addition to other substances, in varying amounts.

Tests for Cellular Damage

Transaminases, also known as aminotransferases, are enzymes that participate in the production of amino acids, which are building blocks for proteins. Two specific transaminases, alanine transaminase, or ALT, and aspartate transaminase, or AST, are sensitive indicators of liver injury. ALT is more specific for liver injury than AST. Marked elevations of these enzymes, sometimes hundreds of times above normal values, can result from widespread destruction of liver cells. This can occur in acute viral hepatitis or toxic exposures. Lesser elevations of ALT and AST are often seen with chronic inflammatory states, such as chronic hepatitis C or alcoholic liver disease.

Tests for Liver Obstruction

Bilirubin, a pigment that results from the breakdown of red blood cells, is usually processed in the liver so it can be eliminated through the kidneys or the bowel. Two forms of bilirubin--conjugated and unconjugated--can be measured in the bloodstream. Unconjugated bilirubin levels rise when liver cellular injury impairs the normal processing of bilirubin. Conversely, elevations of conjugated bilirubin often indicate obstruction of the liver's bile drainage system. A more sensitive indicator of obstruction is an enzyme called alkaline phosphatase, but this enzyme is produced by several organs, including bone, so it isn't specific for liver injury. 5´-nucleotidase, yet another enzyme, is both a sensitive and specific indicator of liver obstructive disease.

Tests for Liver Synthetic Ability

The liver manufactures proteins that clot your blood and prevent hemorrhage in the event of injury. Measurement of clotting times helps to determine the liver's capacity for manufacturing these proteins. Increased clotting times can be ominous indicators of severe or advanced liver disease, such as alcoholic cirrhosis. Albumin, another protein produced by the liver, can be low in certain liver diseases, but albumin levels are affected by a variety of conditions unrelated to liver function.

Considerations

Liver enzymes must be assessed in the context of a person's overall health status. For example, transient, harmless elevations of liver enzymes may occur during mild viral illnesses or while taking a medication. The ambiguity of liver enzyme interpretation is emphasized in a 2006 article in "American Family Physician," which outlines six disease categories that can induce persistent transaminase elevations. Hence, diagnosis of a specific cause for abnormal liver enzyme levels requires in-depth evaluation.

References

"The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy, 18th Edition: Testing for Hepatic and Biliary Disorders"; Mark H. Beers, M.D., Editor-In-Chief; 2006
"American Family Physician"; Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease; Bayard M, et al.; 2006

http://www.livestrong.com/article/332779-can-you-diagnose-liver-problems-from-a-blood-test-of-liver-enzymes/

Restore Pancreas & Liver Function With Nutrients

How to Restore Pancreas & Liver Function With Nutrients

Jul 5, 2011 | By Harper Jones

The pancreas and liver are both vital organs. If your pancreas or liver ever stopped functioning properly, your life would be in danger. Taking care of both organs through diet, exercise and limited alcohol intake will promote both organs to maintain healthy functioning. If your liver or pancreas ever do stop functioning properly, certain nutrients can help restore healthy function. Consult with your doctor if you think your pancreas or liver do not function properly.

Step 1

Consult your doctor and a dietitian before you begin a diet to mitigate the symptoms of liver or pancreatic problems. Dietary recommendations may vary depending on your specific condition and the condition of your organ or organs, and malnutrition is common with pancreatic and liver issues. Since malnutrition can lead to a variety of serious problems, including death, working with your doctor is necessary to come up with a diet that works for you.

Step 2

Increase your consumption of carbohydrates and protein. Liver disease is a general term for a variety of diseases that cause impaired liver function. The liver is responsible for a variety of bodily functions, including protein synthesis, cholesterol production and carbohydrate storage. Common symptoms of liver disease include jaundice of the skin and eyes. Manipulating your diet to stimulate proper liver function may not treat your condition, but it could help promote healthy liver function. Increasing dietary carbohydrates and protein may promote liver function and will supply your body with an increased amount of vitamins and minerals. Consume about 1 g of protein per kilogram of body weight. Limit sodium intake and consume vitamin supplements, especially B-complex vitamins.

Step 3

Eat foods that contain folate, lycopene and healthy fat, such as olive oil. A variety of diseases and disorders can impair pancreas function. The pancreas secretes insulin, a hormone that plays an integral role in digestion. Eating sources of folate, lycopene and healthy fat can increase pancreatic function and prevent pancreatic cancer. Folate is found in leafy greens, breakfast cereals, noodles and beans. Lycopene is available in tomatoes, and olive oil is a healthy fat available in most supermarkets.

References

http://www.livestrong.com/article/485550-how-to-restore-pancreas-liver-function-with-nutrients

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Thursday, 4 June 2015

Liver Disease

Kidney Failure

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Cholesterol

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Friday, 13 September 2013

Autoimmune Disorders

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Too Much Iodine

Pituitary Disorders

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Avoiding Goitrogens

Gluten and the Thyroid

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Kelli Cooper

Thursday, 12 September 2013

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Colleen Meheen

Friday, 5 April 2013

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Saturday, 8 December 2012

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