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Sunday, September 29, 2024

What is metabolic acidosis and what are its symptoms

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Metabolic acidosis is a buildup of acid that occurs when the kidneys and lungs cannot maintain blood pH at proper levels.
What is metabolic acidosis and what are its symptoms
  • What is metabolic acidosis?
  • What are the symptoms of metabolic acidosis?
  • What causes metabolic acidosis?
  • Diet-related metabolic acidosis

Uncontrolled diabetes, kidney disease or excessive loss of bicarbonate are some of the causes of metabolic acidosis, a disease caused by a buildup of acid in the body.

Having rapid breathing or being tired are some of the most common symptoms of metabolic acidosis, but in severe cases it can be life-threatening.

WHAT IS METABOLIC ACIDOSIS?

Metabolic acidosis occurs when acid builds up in our body fluids and lowers blood pH.

The pH of the blood is a measure of its acidity and alkalinity and must be kept within very narrow margins, between 7.35 and 7.45, for our body to function properly. When there is metabolic acidosis, the pH of the blood is below 7.35.

Our kidneys and lungs help maintain pH at proper levels, removing excess acid through urine and regulating the amount of carbon dioxide in the blood. However, when the body either produces too much acid or the kidneys cannot eliminate it, metabolic acidosis occurs. Although it can affect anyone, it is more common in those with kidney failure or chronic kidney disease.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF METABOLIC ACIDOSIS?

The symptoms of metabolic acidosis can vary from person to person and in some cases, there may be none. When there are symptoms, these are the most common:

  • Shortness of breath.
  • Tachycardia (fast heartbeat) or irregular heartbeat.
  • Abdominal pain.
  • Tiredness.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Confusion, disorientation, or drowsiness.
  • Dizziness and nausea or vomiting.
  • Headache.
  • Breath with a sweet or fruity smell.

In severe cases, metabolic acidosis can cause symptoms such as shock or coma and become fatal.

WHAT CAUSES METABOLIC ACIDOSIS?

The main causes of metabolic acidosis are:

  • Untreated diabetes can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis. It occurs when blood sugar levels are too high due to lack of insulin, leading to excessive production of ketone bodies (a type of acid) in the liver, which can build up in the blood and cause a decrease in blood pH.
  • Taking too many laxatives, having severe diarrhea or kidney failure (among other causes) can cause the body to lose too much bicarbonate, causing what is known as hyperchloremic acidosis.
  • Having too much lactic acid (lactic acidosis), an organic acid that muscle cells and red blood cells produce as energy when there is not much oxygen in the body. High lactic acid levels can be due to a variety of factors such as liver failure, low blood sugar, alcohol use disorder, cancer, or strenuous exercise.
  • Renal tubular acidosis occurs when the kidneys are unable to remove excess acid from the body through urine and can be caused by various inherited or acquired disorders affecting the renal tubules, the structures responsible for the reabsorption and elimination of substances in the urine.

DIET-RELATED METABOLIC ACIDOSIS       

Diet-related metabolic acidosis is rare in healthy people with normal kidney function, as our body has systems to regulate the pH balance of the blood.

However, excessive consumption of acidic foods and deficient alkaline foods can contribute to metabolic acidosis, especially in people with chronic diseases such as kidney disease, uncontrolled diabetes or chronic lung disease.

  • Foods considered acidic are meats, dairy products, eggs, refined grains, alcohol, sugar, and processed foods.
  • Alkaline foods include fruits, vegetables, legumes, and some types of nuts and seeds.

The calima arrives: what it is and how to protect yourself from health risks

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It is advisable to take measures to reduce the risks associated with the arrival of the calima or yellow mist, which will invade us during the weekend.
The calima arrives what it is and how to protect yourself from health risks

Weather forecasts indicate that this weekend (from February 17 to 19) the calima will invade the Iberian Peninsula. Since last Wednesday it is already appreciated on the south coast and will be gaining ground driven by winds of 50-70 km / h.

WHAT IS CALIMA AND HOW LONG WILL IT LAST?

The calima is suspended dust that is blown by the wind from the Sahara Desert in the territory of Morocco and Algeria. This dust clouds the atmosphere and is usually accompanied by an increase in temperature.

The haze is made up of dust particles up to 10 microns in size (PM10). These particles, one by one, are invisible to the human eye, but together they appear as a yellowish haze and give the sky an orange color. When falling to the ground it is observed in the form of red dust on the pavement, terraces and balconies.

Weather forecasts ensure that the calima will spread from the south to the north of the Peninsula throughout Saturday and Sunday. The calima will probably remain until Wednesday, February 22 and will not leave “mud showers” because no precipitation is expected.

WHAT EFFECTS DOES CALIMA HAVE ON HEALTH?

Calima reduces the quality of the air we breathe and increases certain health risks, especially in children and people with respiratory diseases such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Exposure to high or prolonged concentrations can also affect healthy people.

Occasional exposure to haze can cause sneezing, itchy throat, mucus, headache, tiredness, chest discomfort and palpitations. It also increases the risk of respiratory infections.

According to the Ministry of Health of the Community of the Canary Islands, where episodes of haze are frequent, “suspended dust contributes to drying the respiratory tract and, in many cases, can cause an aggravation of conditions or symptoms related to respiratory diseases, which increase visits to emergency services and hospital admissions. “

CAN SYMPTOMS CAUSED BY HAZE BE PREVENTED?

Vulnerable people can protect themselves by wearing a surgical mask or FFP2.

On the other hand, it is advisable to stay well hydrated by drinking water and doing sports, if possible, indoors.

At home it is advisable to reduce the ventilation time to a minimum and keep the windows closed so that particles do not enter the interior. This is especially important in the bedroom.

IS CALIMA AN ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTANT?

The suspended dust that comes from deserts is an inevitable and natural phenomenon that has some positive aspect: it provides phosphorus and other mineral nutrients that act as fertilizer for the earth. In fact, the exuberance of the Amazon rainforest is due in part to the fertilizer dust that reaches it from the Sahara.

When falling on the sea, desert dust also favors the growth of plankton, formed by microorganisms that serve as food for countless marine species. Plankton also increases the consumption of carbon dioxide, which helps reduce the presence of this gas in the atmosphere where it is the main cause of climate change.

Pilates exercises on the wall: why they are fashionable and how to do them at home

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It is possible to make an effective Pilates without going to a studio or gym equipped with the machines of this method. Pilates exercises on the wall may be more accessible, but they strengthen you in a balanced way, without overloads or risks.
Pilates exercises on the wall why they are fashionable and how to do them at home

The Pilates method has 90 years of life and is extremely topical. The reason is surely that those who are interested and practice it get good results and spread the word. The latest trend in this discipline is Pilates on the wall.

Pilates exercises on the wall use body weight and wall resistance to tone muscles and improve flexibility. They are based on slow and controlled movements, which are accessible to people who are starting the method or who are looking for a type of training with low impact. Often, wall support offers safety in practice, and reduces or distributes the load that versions of the exercise must bear without that support. We tell you why it is fashionable and we propose a video with exercises to practice at home.

PILATES ON THE WALL: WHAT IT IS AND WHY IT’S FASHIONABLE

The main feature of the method is that it strengthens the whole body without resorting to weight machines and classic repetitive gym exercises. Instead, it uses a series of controlled and precise movements that tone the muscles harmoniously, improve body posture and increase flexibility.

The measure of how much force is exerted on the joints during an activity is known as impact. High-impact activities, such as running or jumping squats, can lead to joint pain or other injuries.

On the other hand, low-impact activities, such as pilates and especially exercises that are performed leaning on a wall do not put as much pressure on the body and are a great way to stay active without putting your joints at risk. Therefore, Pilates is an excellent choice for those with joint pain or other injuries that limit their mobility.

In the studios specialized in pilates they have very specific equipment, which is not found in gyms, such as the reformer, the wunda chair or the cadillac. But the Pilates method goes beyond these machines and you can apply its logic to practice at home with the only help of a wall.

FREE PILATES EXERCISES ON THE WALL

Here we propose other exercises to practice Pilates on the wall at home:

1. SEMI LUNGE SUPPORTED

  1. Get in front of the wall and rest the palm of your left hand on it.
  2. Take a step back with your left leg up to about 60 cm away and press with your palm against the wall.
  3. Bend your right knee and tilt your torso forward, until you feel a stretch in your left hamstring.
  4. Hold one or two breaths. Release and repeat 10 times changing legs.

2. SQUAT WITH WALL SUPPORT

  1. Stand with your back to the wall about 60 cm away. Put your back in contact with the wall.
  2. Slide slowly down the wall until your thighs are parallel to the floor.
  3. Hold this position for more than 20 seconds or as long as you can.
  4. Rest and repeat 12 times.

3. TOUCHING YOUR FEET

  1. Start sitting on the floor with your back against the wall and your legs stretched out in front of you.
  2. Open your legs to hip width.
  3. Tense your abdomen and press your lower back against the wall.
  4. Extend your left hand and touch your right toes.
  5. Then bring your right hand to your left foot.
  6. Alternate sides for 45 seconds or as long as you can.

4. BACK TWISTING

  1. Start sitting on the floor with your back against the wall and your legs stretched out in front of you.
  2. Open your legs to hip width.
  3. It tightens the abdomen. Turn your torso to the right and reach out your left hand to touch the ground on the other side of your right leg.
  4. Turn to the other side and reach out your right hand to touch the ground on the other side of your left leg.
  5. Alternate movements for 45 seconds or as long as you can.

7 BENEFITS OF PILATES ON THE WALL

The human body wasn’t designed to sit in front of a computer all day, yet most of us do. This can lead to weak core muscles and poor posture. The Pilates method is a great way to combat this by strengthening the deep abdominal muscles, which in turn improves posture.

The core is not limited to your abdominal muscles; It also includes the muscles of the back and sides, and the deep muscles. The wall provides additional stability for the spine, allowing you to focus on properly activating the deep abdominal muscles, something that can be difficult for a beginner to do when Pilates on the mat.

When done correctly, pilates on the wall can be an extremely effective workout that offers the same benefits as a traditional workout.

  1. Correct poor posture. One of the main benefits is that it helps correct poor posture by strengthening the muscles of the back, neck and core (which includes all the superficial and deep muscles of the abdomen). Poor posture can misalign various muscles or joints and discomfort can appear anywhere on the body.
  2. Less pain. If you improve your body posture, the stress on your back and the risk of pain will be reduced. Some specific pilates exercises on the wall can relieve tension in the back by stretching and massaging the muscles. Increased blood flow can help reduce pain and promote healing, if there are any problems.
  3. Pilates exercises on the wall strengthen the core. The stronger the core, the easier it is to have good posture. The core muscles play a crucial role in supporting the back, and pilates on the wall is an effective way to strengthen them. By strengthening the core, it improves posture, stability, and balance.
  4. Pilates increases flexibility and lengthens muscles. Unlike most forms of exercise that focus on building muscle, Pilates lengthens your muscles, giving you a slimmer and more elongated appearance. The wall can be used to deepen a stretch and improve flexibility by providing support and stability.
  5. Improves endurance and muscle strength. Endurance is an important quality, especially as we meet springs. It is the ability of muscles to work for long periods of time without getting tired, and is essential for everyday activities, such as carrying groceries or playing with children. Not only that, greater endurance translates into better performance in sports and other physical activities.
  6. Improves balance. Precise Pilates exercises produce a fine tuning of neuromuscular patterns, which is seen in better balance, coordination of movements and self-confidence. The exercises enhance body awareness or proprioception because during the practice the attention is directed inwards.
  7. It can help physical rehabilitation. Pilates is often used in physical rehabilitation programs due to its low-impact nature and ability to improve core strength, flexibility, and muscular endurance. The wall offers support and stability to people who are recovering from an injury or surgery. It can also be a great way to relax the body in some of the more challenging positions.

Lump in the wrist: why the ganglion or synovial cyst appears and its natural treatment

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A synovial cyst is a lump in the wrist filled with fluid that can be annoying and painful. We explain why it happens and how it is treated.
Lump in the wrist why the ganglion or synovial cyst appears and its natural treatment
  • Ganglion in the wrist or synovial cyst: what is it
  • Why do these lumps come out on the wrist?
  • What symptoms do synovial ganglions or cysts cause?
  • How to cure a ganglion or synovial cyst in the wrist?

A lump appearing on the wrist is quite common, especially among women between 20 and 50 years old (although it can appear in people of any age). It is a synovial cyst, a lump that, although it does not represent any risk, can be painful.

GANGLION IN THE WRIST OR SYNOVIAL CYST: WHAT IS IT

A synovial cyst (also called a ganglion) is a benign tumor filled with jelly-like fluid that appears in or around a joint.

It occurs three times more in women than in men and almost in 70% of cases it appears on the dorsal part of the wrist, although they can also come out on the hand (at the base of the fingers), ankle or foot. In fact, it is the most common tumor in the hand and wrist.

Normally these are hard lumps of between 1 and 3 centimeters that move when pressed, although they can also be soft. The substance inside is similar to synovial fluid (which lubricates joints to prevent bones from rubbing when moving) and is composed mainly of hyaluronic acid and proteins.

WHY DO THESE LUMPS COME OUT ON THE WRIST?

It is not known exactly why synovial cysts appear, but it is believed that a blow or the use of the joint itself (which causes repetitive microtrauma) may favor them. Repetitive injury to the capsular and ligamentous structures that support the joint would stimulate the production of hyaluronic acid, which builds up to produce the jelly-like substance inside the lump.

Gymnasts frequently suffer from these cysts, which supports the theory that repetitive trauma and stress on the joint would be responsible for their appearance. They are also more common in people with osteoarthritis.

WHAT SYMPTOMS DO SYNOVIAL GANGLIONS OR CYSTS CAUSE?

In most cases, synovial cysts do not cause any symptoms, beyond the lump that is seen and that some people may find unsightly.

For some people, however, these benign tumors can cause pain, trouble moving the joint, tenderness, or weakness, which increase with moving the wrist.

Carpal tunnel syndrome or trigger fingers may also be present if the cyst presses on the median nerve (the one that helps bend the wrist and fingers).

HOW TO CURE A GANGLION OR SYNOVIAL CYST IN THE WRIST?

Sometimes synovial cysts go away on their own without treatment. Others, however, may last for a long time.

If they do not cause discomfort, it is usually best to wait to see if they disappear on their own. If there is discomfort, these natural measures can help:

  • Avoiding repetitive motions or overexertion can help the lump shrink.
  • Compression bandages and wristbands help keep the wrist steady during rest and hold the lump.
  • Applying heat can help reduce the thickness of the fluid containing the cyst and facilitate its drainage into the lymphatic system.
  • Lightly massaging the area can also help drain fluid naturally.

Never try to remove the lump yourself by pricking it with a needle or other objects, as you will only get it infected.

If it’s very painful or affects your hand’s mobility, your doctor may consider aspirating the fluid with a needle or removing the lump by surgery. Keep in mind that synovial cysts are common to recur (they have a recurrence rate of about 15% to 20%) and that this is more likely with fluid aspiration than with surgery.

How to Take Baking Soda for Heartburn

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How to Take Baking Soda for Heartburn

Heartburn is a common discomfort that many people experience. It is characterized by a burning sensation in the chest or throat as a result of stomach acid flowing back up into the esophagus. Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a readily available remedy that can help to quickly neutralize stomach acid and relieve heartburn. Before you reach for this household item, it’s important to understand what baking soda is, how it works against heartburn, and the necessary precautions.

What is Baking Soda and How Does it Act on Heartburn?

Baking soda is a white crystalline powder that is naturally alkaline. Its chemical composition allows it to react with acids, which is why it’s commonly used in baking to help dough rise. This same property makes it effective for neutralizing the hydrochloric acid in the stomach that can splash into the esophagus and cause heartburn.

How to Take Baking Soda for Heartburn

To use baking soda for heartburn relief, you’ll want to dissolve a small amount in water and drink it. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:

  1. Measure the Baking Soda: Start with a half teaspoon of pure baking soda. It’s crucial not to overdo it, as too much can cause more harm than good.
  2. Dissolve in Water: Add the half teaspoon of baking soda to a glass of water. To ensure that the baking soda fully dissolves, stir the mixture well.
  3. Drink Slowly: Once the baking soda is dissolved, drink the mixture slowly to avoid any potential side effects like gas or diarrhea.
  4. Timing: Take the baking soda drink at least one hour after meals to prevent interfering with the normal digestive process.

Precautions and Contraindications of Bicarbonate

While baking soda can provide quick relief for heartburn, there are important precautions to follow:

  • Consult Your Doctor: If you’re on a sodium-restricted diet or have high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease, or are pregnant, it’s crucial to speak to your healthcare provider first.
  • Don’t Overuse: Baking soda contains a high amount of salt, which can lead to nausea, vomiting, and even serious complications if overused.
  • Check for Interactions: Sodium bicarbonate can interact with certain prescription drugs, potentially altering their efficacy.
  • Monitor Frequency: If you find yourself relying on baking soda for heartburn more than occasionally, consult a healthcare provider to address potential underlying conditions.

Baking soda can be a quick and easy fix for those sporadic episodes of heartburn. Nevertheless, it is not a long-term solution. Persistent heartburn may be a sign of a more significant issue such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which requires medical attention. Always use baking soda sparingly and under guidance, and never substitute it for professional medical advice.

How to Soften Stool in Minutes with Super Effective Natural Remedies

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Some factors associated with our lifestyle, such as diet or lack of exercise, can cause constipation and hard stools. In most cases, home remedies can help.
How to Soften Stool in Minutes with Super Effective Natural Remedies
  • Why can you have hard stools?
  • How to Soften Stool in Minutes with Natural Solutions

Stool should be soft so that it is easy to expel. However, they can occasionally be harsh for a variety of reasons, from a lack of hydration to a diet that doesn’t contain enough fruits and vegetables.

Hard stools are harder to pass and can cause discomfort and even pain when going to the bathroom. Faced with this problem, many people wonder how to soften the stool in minutes and the truth is that various natural remedies can help soften them in a short time.

WHY CAN YOU HAVE HARD STOOLS?

Hard, lumpy stools are a common symptom of constipation, which occurs when the movement of stool through the intestinal tract is slower than normal and stool builds up in the colon for longer than normal.

While the stool is in the colon, it absorbs its water, making it harder and drier. This makes them more difficult to expel and can cause pain or discomfort during their evacuation.

One of the main causes of constipation is following a low-fiber diet. Fiber (which is mainly present in fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains) increases the volume of feces and softens them, which facilitates their passage through the intestine.

Other causes of constipation and hard stools include lack of physical exercise (which decreases bowel activity and can lead to stool buildup in the colon), lack of hydration, use of some medications, hormonal changes (in pregnancy or menopause), and some diseases, such as irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes or hypothyroidism.

Ignoring the urge to go to the bathroom can also make the stool harder and harder to expel, as the colon will absorb more water and make it harder and drier.

HOW TO SOFTEN STOOL IN MINUTES WITH NATURAL SOLUTIONS

Drinking plenty of water (at least 8 glasses a day) and following a diet rich in fiber are two key factors to soften the stool and facilitate its passage through the intestine. In addition, there are several natural remedies to soften the stool, such as:

  • Olive oil has laxative properties and can act as a natural lubricant for stool and soften it. Its monounsaturated fatty acids can stimulate bowel movement and encourage bowel regularity. Try taking a tablespoon of olive oil on an empty stomach or before sleeping, but remember that it is a punctual remedy and you should not abuse it since, although it is very healthy, it provides many calories.
  • Castor oil is also a natural laxative that helps soften stool and stimulate bowel movement. You should not exceed the recommended dose because it can cause diarrhea and cramping.
  • Plums are rich in fiber and contain sorbitol, a substance that acts as a natural laxative by drawing water into the intestines. Drinking a glass of prune juice or eating some plums (fresh or dried) will help soften the stool and ease its passage through the colon, but you should keep in mind that an excess of sorbitol can cause diarrhea.
  • Flaxseeds contain mucilage, a type of soluble fiber that forms a gel in the intestine that helps soften stool and promote bowel regularity. Let the seeds soak overnight to take the mucilage gel along with the water the next morning.
  • Pure aloe vera gel or juice can help retain water and soften stool.

If you have hard stools or constipation often or if you notice pain, bleeding or any other unusual symptoms, you should see a health care professional.

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