Lymphangioleiomyomatosis -
That's easy for you to say!
Acid Reflux... now this is a problem for so many.. obviously check that your weight is under control so to take the pressure off your stomach. It is worth considering a thyroid check if ones stomach acid is consistently low. First I will list some foods to avoid if you have reflux, then I will suggest some remedies. AVOID- milk/dairy, greasy & spicy foods, protein ie steak, pork, salmon sardines. Raw veggies & salad produce, fruits- pineapple, oranges, apples and tomatoes. Very hot or cold drinks, alcohol and all caffeinated drinks. On the upside higher pH foods are of benefit. There is a simple diet called BRAT if you suffer an attack of reflux. It suggests 4 good foods 1- BANANA 2- RICE 3- APPLESAUCE 4- TOAST .... there are many other beneficial foods, crackers, oatmeal, weak tea, flat soda, broth, boiled potatoes, melon, fennel. Ginger & Aloe Vera can stop the symptoms of reflux. Chicken and fish are a good source of protein to prevent reflux. If you prefer to supplement, here is a list of some useful supplements...coriander, holy basil, Aloe Vera , liquorice, fennel, glutamine, papaya, garlic, ginger.... little tip... baking soda in water can ease reflux
Understanding Blood Tests:
Haemoglobin:
Raised= this means there is increased red cell production to compensate for chronically low oxygen in the blood. This is often caused by lung disease. Other causes are dehydration and bone marrow disorders.
Low= anaemia - could be through blood loss or liver damage or iron deficiency.
HCT measures the amount of space or volume the red blood cells take up in the blood. Raised = dehydration & low availability of oxygen because of chronic lung disease or sleep apnea.
Low= anemia
RBC - red blood cells - carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body they also carry carbon dioxide back to the lungs to be exhaled.
Raised = there's a chance that the the tiny blood vessels may block up, making it difficult for the red cells to transport oxygen.
Low = anaemia - the body may not be getting the oxygen it needs could be lack of iron, folic acid Vit B12, over hydration, bleeding or bone marrow disorders.
MCV - mean corpuscular volume - the size of red blood cells.
Raised = deficient in vitamin B12 or folate.
Low = anaemia - iron deficiency.
MCH - mean corpuscular hemoglobin - the average amount of haemoglobin in a red blood cell . Along with MCV and MCHC, MCH results help diagnose the type of anaemia.
MCHC - mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration - the average concentration of hemoglobin in red blood cells
Raised = spherocytes, too much haemoglobin in red cells or it could be a B12 or folic acid deficiency.
Low = chronic blood loss or iron deficiency.
RDW - red cell distribution width - shows if cells are evenly sized or a different shape to normal They should be uniform - raised = greater variation in size & shape than normal can be because of iron or B12 issues.
White cell count - the immune system.
Raised = recent infection, inflammation, trauma, stress or when taking certain medications.
Low = vitamin deficiency such as folate or B12. Can be an indication of liver disease, or immune system diseases.
Neutrophils - white blood cells that fight infection. If the level is low, you are vulnerable to infection.
Raised = after a bacterial infection, recent exercise or sudden kidney failure. Low = deficiency in B12 or folic acid or severe bacterial infection & some autoimmune diseases.
Lymphocytes - white blood cells that fight bacterial and viral infections.
They are T cells, B cells, and killer cells.
Raised = after recent infection, particularly flu also autoimmune disorders & some cancers.
Low= a common cold.
Monocytes - these are white blood cells. They remove pathogens and dead and damaged cells from the blood. Inflammation in the body is caused by monocyte activity.
Raised = chronic inflammatory diseases, chronic infection, parasitic infection or cushing's disease.
Low = autoimmune disorders like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Also effected by drugs that affect bone marrow such as chemo.
Eosinophils- white blood cells - they remove parasitic infections & regulate inflammation. Raised = when inflammatory response is more than necessary to control the problem such as in asthma & allergic responses. Also elevated during parasitic & fungal infection. Also indicated in autoimmune diseases & skin disorders.
Low = no cause for concern - but it can be caused by steroid use.
Basophils these are white blood cells they protect from bacteria & parasites. Raised = inflammatory conditions like Crohn's, ulcerative colitis & dermatitis, recent infection and hormone imbalance - ie. thyroid problems.
Low = stress pregnancy or steroid use.
Clotting:
Platelets -are clotting cells, the smallest blood cells.
They swell when bleeding occurs, causing a clot, stemming the bleed. Raised = risk of blood clots in vessels low risk of easy bruising & uncontrolled bleeding.
MPV - mean platelet volume - average size of platelet - new platelets are larger than old ones. Raised = increased production of platelets in the bone marrow.
C-RP hs - this is C- reactive protein - it is an inflammatory marker.
This test is used to detect low levels of inflammation, thought to damage blood vessels. This damage can lead to heart attack & stroke. Raised = risk of cardiovascular disease.
Urea - a waste product of digested protein - carried in blood to the kidneys where urea is filtered & excreted in urine.
This tests kidney function.
Raised =dehydration or high protein consumption or kidneys not functioning correctly.
Low = low protein diet, excess hydration, malnutrition or liver failure.
Creatinine - a waste molecule from muscle metabolism -it indicates levels of waste in the body. It is an accurate marker of kidney function.
Raised = too much animal protein supplements or vigorous exercise, but can also indicate kidney malfunction.
Low = low protein diet, reduced muscle mass, normal kidney function.
GFR - glomerular filtration rate - tests kidney function by estimating blood flow through the kidneys via tiny filters responsible for waste removal. Inefficiency causes impairment of the function of the kidneys. Raised = or normal means good kidney function.
Low = means the kidneys are not working as good. can be used to gauge the severity of kidney disease.
NLP - alkaline phosphatase - enzyme found in the liver & bones.
Raised = bone or liver disease - check against liver function test to identify if the problem is in the liver or in the bones.
ALT - alanine transferase - an enzyme produced by the liver - identifies liver damage caused by drugs or viruses like hepatitis.
A small amount is normal.
Raised = inflamed liver.
CK- creatine kinase - a muscle enzyme. - it indicates muscle damage & muscle death. Higher in people with more muscle mass. rises rapidly after muscle trauma and subsides as muscle repairs.
Continued rise in levels indicates the muscle is not being repaired.
gamma GT- a liver enzyme -along with ALP identifies between bone & liver diseases.
Raised = liver and bile duct disease.
Bilirubin- a product of haemoglobin breakdown. It is removed via the liver, then stored & concentrated in the gallbladder where it is excreted into the bowel. Raised = whites of eyes go yellow - a sign of jaundice, as liver cannot remove enough of the bilirubin from the blood. Indicates liver damage or blocked bile duct or Gilbert's syndrome.
Total protein -sum of albumin and globulin.
Abnormal levels mean malnutrition or possibly a liver or kidney disorder.
Albumin - made in the liver - stops blood leaking out of the blood vessels.
It helps carry some medications and other substances through the blood & is vital for tissue growth and healing. Raised = means dehydration.
Low = liver disease or a marker for chronic ill health, malnutrition & inflammatory conditions. It also occurs in kidney conditions like diabetes & nephrotic syndrome.
Globulin - a protein made by the liver - immune system - combine with haemoglobin & some transport metals like iron and fight infection.
Uric acid is waste from digestion of proteins. Raised = means excess uric acid crystals are deposited in the tissues & joints causing conditions like gout.
Hba1c measures glucose levels in the blood. It is a long-term measurement signifying 2 to 3 months period & is used to diagnose type 2 diabetes.
Iron -
Raised = iron overload syndrome - an inherited condition where the body stores too much iron. Or it can be through over supplementing. Also possibly indicates a liver condition.
Low = anaemia or gastrointestinal blood loss or any other blood loss.
TIBC - total iron binding capacity - the amount of iron that can be carried through the blood.
Raised = iron deficiency. Low = iron overload syndrome.
Ferritin - a protein -it's stored in the cells for later use.
Raised = iron overload syndrome or any kind of liver damage also a marker of infection & inflammation.
Triglycerides a type of fat or lipid that circulates in the blood. Excess calories turn to triglycerides which are then stored in the cells as fat. Triglycerides release when the body needs energy.
Raised = risk of peripheral vascular disease of the arms legs and organs below the stomach. also microvascular diseases affecting the tiny blood vessels around the heart.
Cholesterol - essential body fat made in the liver. Raised means risk of heart disease - it should be below 5 mmol per litre.
HDL can cause raised total cholesterol when accounting for LDL. but high HDL is protective against heart disease.
HDL- high density lipoprotein - it removes cholesterol from the blood. It transports it to the liver where it is broken down into bile and removed from the body.
It is known as good cholesterol.
Raised = protection against heart disease. Low = means risk of heart attack.
LDL - low density lipoprotein - carries cholesterol triglycerides & fats to various tissues in the body. it is bad cholesterol. It causes fatty deposits in the arteries leading to atherosclerosis and heart disease.
Total HDL ratio- this ratio should be as low as possible. It's more indicative of healthy cholesterol than a total cholesterol result alone.
Magnesium - a mineral needed for proper muscle , nerve and enzyme function. Helps make and use energy. Aids the transit of electrolytes like potassium in and out of the cells. The kidneys remove excess magnesium from the body.
Raised =kidney problems or over supplementing. Low = poor nutrition.
TSH thyroid stimulating hormone - made in the pituitary gland - it stimulates the thyroid gland to produce the thyroid hormones - thyroxine T4 and triodothyronine T3.
Raised = underactive thyroid.
Low = overactive thyroid. May be seen in primary pituitary failure.
FT4 thyroxine - carries proteins in the blood. Most carry bound proteins - this test measures the free or "unbound" T4 circulating in the blood.
Raised = overactive thyroid.
Low = underactive thyroid.
FT3 - most are bound to the proteins in blood the test will measure free or unbound proteins.
FSH- follicle stimulating hormone - made in the pituitary gland - involved in egg production in women & sperm production in men.
LH- luteinizing hormone - made in the pituitary gland. Responsible for fertility. It governs the menstrual cycle. In men, it stimulates the production of testosterone.
Oestradiol- a female steroid hormone made in the ovaries and testes of men. It's part of the female reproductive system - responsible for growth of breast tissue and bone density. Oestrogen levels decline with age.
Raised = acne, constipation, loss of sex drive, depression, increased risk of endocrine and breast cancer.
Low = menapause, osteoporosis, fatigue and depression.
B12 - actively make red blood cells which carry oxygen around the body 70% of B12 is bound to carrier proteins in the blood. This measures the level of unbound or active B12 available for your cells.
Raised = blood or liver disorders or over supplementation.
Low = anaemia -can indicate lack of energy and fatigue. Prolonged deficiency causes nerve damage. Can be an indication of pernicious anaemia - an autoimmune disease which stops the absorption of vitamin B12. Also seen in people with inflammatory conditions.
Folate - a water soluble vitamin plays a role in DNA replication and protection .It is important for making red blood cells.
Low levels = anaemia can be implicated in raised homocysteine levels.
Vitamin D - actually a hormone not a vitamin.
It is activated by the sun on our skin. It is vital for bone strength helps intestines absorb calcium. It plays a vital role in immune system function as well as many chronic diseases and mental health .
Auto immune diseases arise when the lymphocytes attack the bodys own cells. This occurs in conditions like psoriasis, type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis and IBD.
There are triggers to the disease like self reacting antibodies, infections, hormones and leaky gut.
Immune activity takes place within lymph nodes - Phagocytosis.
White blood cells swallow a potentially harmful pathogen or foreign body, breaking it down into small harmless bits.
If it cant be broken down the invader or heavy metal is stored in the lymph node. This prevents its transportation around the body.
What is inflammation?
It is an immune response to damage or disease.
Firstly neutrophils appear followed by granulocytes. Both cells release chemicals prostoglandins and hystamine. This ensures the continuation of the inflammatory response.
Capillaries heat up and dilate and become permeable, allowing blood flow to increase which facilitates bodily repair.
More fluid leaks from the capillaries to dilute the toxins. The tissue swells due to the concentration of fluid. This fluid serves to contain the damage or pathogen. Clotting factor is released which turns this fluid to a gel. This increases the pathogen containment action. Pain may be caused because of pressure on the nerves due to swelling.
Two types of white blood cells carry out phagocytosis, these are called
macrophanges and neutrophils.
mucous membranes contribute to non-specific immunity.
The mucous membranes act like a barrier. Debris, pathogens and particles adhere to the sticky mucous.
The body creates a fever to heat the mucous which liquifys and the pathogen is excreted by the body.
Estrogens are responsible for promoting female sexual characteristics, maturation of ovarian follicles, they contribute to the structure of the skin, the structure of blood vessels and make a contribution to bone strength.
They also play a negative role in many cancers like breast cancer and are an aggrevating factor in the condition I am beating, called lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM)
This is for the ladies... let’s chat P.M.S....ok bad news first, you need to eliminate alcohol and tobacco and trans fats that may be consumed in baked goods and fast foods. You should reduce the amount of red meat and eat beans for protein. Eat Calcium rich foods like leafy greens, almonds and dairy. Consume coconut and olive oil. Increasing your intake of vitamin B1 , B6 & B2 demonstrates a 25-35% reduction in symptoms. SUPPLEMENTS- calcium reduces symptoms ... magnesium reduces migraines, bloating, breast tenderness and fluid retention... Omega3 fa reduces inflammation....chaste tree reduces breast tenderness, irritability & headaches... evening primrose oil, St. John’s wort excellent for improving mood swings and dandelion tincture will reduce fluid retention
There is much confusion and apprehension around the Traditional Chinese Medicine of vacuum cupping, based mainly on the unsightly appearance of the distinctive round bruise marks. It may look brutal, but the magic of this therapy is in the bruising. These bruises are fresh blood platelets and growth factor, generating healing by moving the flow of blood, unblocking vital chi energy too. So what exactly is happening under the skin? Under the skin are 1000’s of capillaries. Their job is to trade oxygen nutrients for waste products, but they are vulnerable to stress. The result is they stiffen, calcify & die, creating a build up of hard tissue and poor circulation. Conditions like fatigue, pain, brain fog, & stiffness can be attributed to poor circulation. Often this damage may be invisible, cannot be detected by xray or blood tests yet the physical symptoms are very real to the sufferer. Cupping is a simple remedy. It breaks down the poor tissue. It is not a means of masking symptoms, but a permanent solution. The bruising is the stimulation of the bodys self repair mechanism as the body rebuilds fresh capillaries. Cupping is one of the very few modalities that successfully breaks down tissue damage.