Saturday, June 30, 2007

Vitamin E: Why It Is Important

Vitamin E Vitamin E is a very important vitamin to humans. This vitamin is fat soluble, which means that it can be stored by the body. There are actually eight different forms of vitamin E, and each form has it's own activity in the body. The most common form of this vitamin is called Alpha-tocopherol.

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Fatty Acid Deficiency and Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic Fibrosis is a disease that results in excess mucus being trapped in the lungs. It is most often associated with a deficiency of essential fatty acids. Consuming more, often in the form of fish oils, is a great way to get relieve from the symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis.

David P. Katz wrote an article called Seriously Ill Cystic Fibrosis (Nutrition, Vol. 12, No. 5, 1996) that states those individuals who are not unable to absorb fats and various nutrients need to increase their consumption of essential fatty acids. Most people who have been diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis have an essential Omega 6 fatty acid deficiency. Consuming enough fish oil can help reduce the inflammation experienced.

There have been many studies involved to establish the link between the need for fish oil supplements to control Cystic Fibrosis. In almost every study it was found that taking such a supplement did help the patients. A article written by Lawrence and T. Sorrell (Lancent, Vol. 342, August 21, 1993) explains the research they did regarding the effects of fish oil supplements on patients with Cystic Fibrosis. Half of the patients received a fish oil capsule with 2.7g of EPA. The other half of the patients got a placebo of an olive oil capsule. This was done daily for a six week period of time. Those who took the EPA ended up with less mucus in their lungs, they were able to breath easier, and they felt better.

Due to the positive effects that essential fatty acids have for those with Cystic Fibrosis, it is a good idea for them to consider adding such supplements to their daily diet. This can be in the form of fish oil supplements and Vitamin E because of the antioxidant properties.

The research has shown that essential fatty acid deficiencies can be linked to Cystic Fibrosis so make sure you take the necessary daily value to protect yourself from such ailments. Take fish oil supplements and increase the amount of fish and walnuts. You consume.

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Monday, June 04, 2007

women with cystic fibrosis

To determine the prevalence of urinary incontinence in female patients (aged 15 years) attending a cystic fibrosis centre, in whom stress UI could be common, as chronic coughing and sputum production are frequent symptoms associated with progressive lung disease in these patients.

Patients and methods An anonymous questionnaire was completed by 176 women with cystic fibrosis (mean age 24.6 years, sd 5.8) during routine assessments as outpatients.

In all, 72 patients (41%) were classified as never incontinent; occasional UI was reported in 61 women (35%). Regular UI, occurring twice or more a month for at least two consecutive months in the last year, was reported in 43 patients (24%). Regular UI was associated with increasing age and a lower mean ( sd) forced expiratory volume/s (of that predicted) than in women with no urinary symptoms, at 26.9 (6.5) years and 53.5 (23.5)%, and 23.1 (5.4) years and 65.5 (23.2)%, respectively (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). All incontinent women recorded stress UI; coughing, laughing and physical activity were associated with UI in 92%, 33% and 21% of the patients, respectively.

Stress UI is a common symptom in women with cystic fibrosis. As urine loss can be under-reported to the healthcare providers, women should be asked about incontinence as part of their routine follow-up. Pelvic floor muscle exercises are effective in treating stress UI and should be considered for those with women with cystic fibrosis and regular UI.

Friday, June 01, 2007

Liver Disease In Cystic Fibrosis

The median age of the population with cystic fibrosis (CF) has increased worldwide, which has led to the suggestion that the prevalence of liver disease would increase. The aim of this study was to evaluate the natural history of CF-associated liver disease over a 15-year period in a well-controlled population of patients with CF.
During the years 1976 through 1993, 124 patients were followed up by yearly liver function tests (LFTs). Fifteen patients were followed up with liver biopsies throughout the whole study period. More than 50% of the patients had pathological LFTs in infancy, later being normalized. Approximately 25% of children 4 years of age or older had biochemical markers of liver disease during the study period. In about 10% of the patients, cirrhosis or advanced fibrosis was confirmed at biopsy and 4% of patients had cirrhosis with clinical liver disease. Severe liver disease developed mainly during prepuberty and puberty. Of the 15 patients prospectively followed up with liver biopsies, only 3 had progressive fibrosis.
No specific risk factor was identified, but deficiency of essential fatty acids was found more often in patients with marked steatosis (P < .05).
No patient developed clinical liver disease in adulthood and the histological changes in the liver biopsies were usually not progressive.
Liver disease was no more frequent at the end of the study period although the median age of the patient population had increased. Modern treatment might positively influence liver disease because it seemed less common, less progressive, and less serious than previously reported.