Posts tagged ‘Inflammation’

The Great Cholesterol Lie by Dwight Lundell – What Makes This Book So Special?

Paul A. J. asked:




Until today, the belief is that cholesterol is the number one enemy of the heart.

It was believed that cholesterol provokes and was at the root of other heart related problems. Therefore, doctors’ first advice to their heart patients has always been to stay away from all foods that increase cholesterol in the blood; that is until “The Great Cholesterol Lie” by Dwight Lundell MD appeared and started to change this belief forever.

Dr. Lundell says that it is inflammation and not cholesterol that affects the cardiovascular system. Inflammation lies at the root cause of malfunctions in coronary health.

According to the book “The Great Cholesterol Lie” – inflammation is a defense mechanism that the human body activates when there is any type of infection present. During this time, just like a wise general would do under attack, the body draws on all its forces and directs them to fight the intruders that are causing the infection. When this happens, most of the body’s systems function at minimum capacity as extra energy is channeled into enabling the defense system to work at its optimum level.

Inflammation is caused when our white blood cells produce specific chemicals to fight intruders and it is this that causes swelling, redness and pain. Once the enemy (say harmful bacteria or a virus etc) is vanquished, the body returns to its normal function.

The problem, according to “The Great Cholesterol Lie”, is when the inflammation stays and doesn’t switch off. When this happens and your body becomes acidic because of a wrong diet and eating habits, it goes into a ‘chronic’ state of inflammation, and it is in this state that the defense system starts attacking itself. This causes the fatty plaque buildup that lines the cardiovascular system to become inflamed and break off causing a blood clot, which leads to a heart attack.

Two particular compounds have been identified – (1) an enzyme called MPO (myeloperoxidase) and (2) a protein called interleukin6 (IL6). Both these compounds are the direct byproduct of sustained inflammation in the body; while MPO is associated with increased risk of heart disease and heart attack; the IL6 is associated with fatalities of patients with heart problems. So closely related are these two compounds with heart problems that their percentage in the blood can predict/diagnose serious trouble with the heart.

This is where “The Great Cholesterol Lie” by Dwight Lundell MD offers advice which is worth its weight in gold. This book says you need to control inflammation if you want to control and reverse heart problems and you can do this by watching what you eat in the first place. Wrong eating habits produce acidity which is the main trigger for chronic inflammation of the body’s tissues.

In other words, just by eating right you would be able to reverse heart problems and more importantly, avoid heart attacks. It does make sense, doesn’t it? A heart attack is a common thing today in people over 40 years old; these are people who lead sedentary lives, almost invariably smoke and exist on fast food, and eat when they find the time.

“The Great Cholesterol Lie” says stop inflammation and heart problems can and will go by themselves if you follow simple protocols.

Isn’t that something worth listening to?

Taking Tramadol

Breathe Free; Breathe Life – Advair Diskus For Adults And Kids Alike

Soleranz asked:




For those who have asthma, or a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the daily wheezing and struggle to breathe, can take just about everything out of life.  There is the acute need of inhalers, and sometimes asthmatics as well as individuals suffering from chronic pulmonary ailments, have to take two controllers to get the better of their condition.  Advair Diskus is an inhaler that comes with an automatic loaded device to help such adults and children to breathe freely.

Mankind often takes so much for granted, but there are times when the simple act of breathing itself can be threatened.  It could be either some allergen that the body is responding to, or an underlying condition, but for those who face constant wheezing, the strife to simply breathe in freely can wear them out.  Asthmatics and individuals who suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD], adults and children alike, at times have to resort to two inhalers – a fast-acting one for emergencies, and another one that they take all the time.  

Advair Diskus [containing Flutacisone and Salmeterol] belongs to the latter category.  Fluticasone is a corticosteroid that prevents inflammation, while Salmeterol works by making the muscles in the airways and lungs relax, making breathing easy for the sufferers.  This medicine is used as a form of maintenance treatment in asthma for adults and children, while it is recommended only for adults who have COPD.  The dosage depends on who is being treated – an adult or a child.  It has to be inhaled twice daily.

If you experience an asthmatic attack, use a fast-acting inhaler; Advair cannot treat an asthma attack once it has begun.  Long-term usage of this medicine can help to build up resistance to asthma and reduce such symptoms, but this medicine is not meant for emergencies.

This comes in the form of a powder, accompanied by a special inhaler device that is fitted with specially measured packs of medicine, so that each time you open the device, a blister pack is loaded for inhalation.

The pulmonologist/pediatric pulmonologist should know before your treatment begins whether you have any known allergies, and whether you are allergic to Fluticasone or Salmeterol.  Also let your treating doctor know if you have any heart problem, hypertension, epilepsy, seizure disorder, diabetes, glaucoma, tuberculosis, osteoporosis, any infection, a weak immune system, any thyroid disorder, or a liver malfunction.

There are various medicines that interact with the medicines in Advair Diskus, some of which are:  anti-hypertensives, angina or other heart medications, NSAIDs, anti-diabetic medicines, anti-histamines for allergy, anti-anxiety drugs, diuretics, antipsychotic drugs, analgesics, antipyretics, other medicines to treat asthma/allergies, or bronchodilators for COPD.  Give a complete list of all the medicines – OTC as well as prescription – nutritional supplements and herbal products you take, so that your doctor can rule out which ones you should not be taking with Advair Diskus.  In fact, keep a list of all these medicines [including Advair] handy with you, and carry an identification card or wear a medical alert ID, so that medical personnel are alerted to the medicines you are taking and what you may require in case of an emergency.

This medicine may weaken your immune system, so avoid being near those who have any infection, but if you are exposed to chicken pox, or measles, contact your doctor at once, as these infections can be dangerous for those who are on steroids.  If you are already taking another steroid medicine while taking Advair, consult your doctor on how to taper it off, but if you suddenly discontinue the steroid on your own, you may suffer from unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.  There could be a risk of developing cataracts, glaucoma, or other eye problems, so you will require regular eye check-ups while taking this medication.

In case you feel the need to resort more than usual to your asthma medications, notify your doctor, for an increased need of such medicines could mean that your body is signaling to you that a serious asthmatic attack is heading your way.

In case you are allergic to Fluticasone, Salmeterol, or milk proteins, have severe COPD symptoms, or an attack of asthma then do not use Advair.  In case this medicine doesn’t help you, let the doctor know.  As Salmeterol is associated with increased risk of asthma-related deaths, it is imperative that you do not exceed the prescribed dose of this medicine.

The common, less serious side effects of Advair include:  headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stuffy nose with a cough/sore throat/sinus pain, or hoarseness of voice with a dry mouth/nose/throat.  An allergic reaction would include:  itching, rash, swelling in the face/mouth/lips/tongue, labored breathing, or tightness in the chest.  If any of these symptoms get worse, or you have any serious/unusual symptoms that include:  bronchospasm, rapid/irregular heartbeat, tremors, piercing chest-pain, cough with yellow/green phlegm, numbness/tingling sensation in the hands/feet, white patches/sores in the mouth or on the lips, vaginal odor/discharge, severe muscular pain/spasms/weakness, or sign of an infection that may include fever/chills/sore throat/earache/increased phlegm/persistent headache contact your doctor at once, and if you think you have overdosed on this medicine, get emergency medical help.

If it is a child in your family who is taking this medicine and you feel he/she is not growing normally, consult the pediatrician, for this medication can affect growth in the little ones.  Moreover, prolonged usage can also lead to osteoporosis, especially if you do not get enough vitamin D or calcium in your diet, if you smoke, don’t exercise, or have a family history of osteoporosis.  So, while you take the prescribed dose, also take a proper diet, exercise daily, and avoid smoking so that your breathing becomes easier.

Pregnant or lactating women or those planning to have a baby, must consult the doctor before taking this medicine.

Your doctor will be able to tell you more about how to use Advair Diskus, its side effects, interactions and precautions.

Store the medicine at room temperature, protecting it from heat, light and moisture; and keep it away from children as well as pets.



Carisoprodol Blog

Things to Know About Joint Pain Relief

Roger Cunningham asked:




With about 70 million people affected with joint pain in the U.S. alone, more and more sufferers are looking for effective means of achieving joint pain relief. Joint pain can be caused by many factors such as old age, hereditary conditions, diseases and neglect. Determining what causes your joint pain is essential because if the pain is not properly addressed, more importantly if a serious disease has brought about the pain, certain complications can arise. This will lead to more pain and discomfort for the sufferer.

There are many factors which can cause joint pain. Some of the less complicated conditions associated with pain of the joints include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. Osteoarthritis is the most common type and it occurs when the protective cartilage which covers the bones wears and tears away. This can then lead to the rubbing of the bones together. Because of the friction, pain and swelling is induced and it worsens when the cartilage is further damaged. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic joint condition which is less common than osteoarthritis. It is autoimmune in nature because the body’s immune function causes the joint to swell and causes inflammation that can eventually spread to the other tissues. The last one, which is gout, affects the knees, toes and wrists and has something to do with the uric acid deposit build-up. This can bring forth the formation of needle like crystals and can be very painful for the joints.

For basic joint pain relief NSAID also known as non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, glucosamine, chondroitin, and others are prescribed by doctors. For other treatment options, physical therapy, orthopedic bracing, changes in lifestyle, joint replacement surgery or arthroplasty are just some of the means used in helping sufferers to live and lead a quality life.

But some medications when in excess can bring forth many complications especially for the kidneys. Also, some people don’t get the relief they wanted from these drugs. Others dread the long term effect of synthetic drugs for their health and so, they resort to alternative and natural medications to manage joint pain.

For one, acupuncture has benefited millions of people all over the world. Acupuncture can work for other chronic pain diseases as well. It works by the principle of targeting body areas to release good body chemicals that can combat pain. Also, it has been suggested that acupuncture shuts off pain receptors in the body.

Vitamin c is also essential in pain management. Vitamin c protects the joints from more adverse effects brought about by the wear and tear subjected to the joints. It also plays an important role in the production of bone and cartilage.

If you would like to shift to the alternative means of achieving joint pain relief, be sure to consult your physician regarding your plans. Your physician can advice you if discontinuing certain medications can be detrimental for you. Also, you cannot be sure if taking medications and herbal supplements at the same time can result to chemical reactions that can be poisonous for you.

Taking Tramadol
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