Drug therapy Hyperlipidemias refer to the elevation of cholesterol and/or triglycerides in your blood. In some individuals, only the cholesterol or triglycerides are elevated, in others, both are elevated. Hence hyperlipidemia is used as a term to encompass all elevations of either cholesterol or triglycerides or both. Drugs for hypercholesterolemia Hypercholesterolemia refers to the elevation of cholesterol in your blood and is associated with the increase in your LDL which carries most of your cholesterol. Treatment for elevated cholesterol is recommended for any adult patient when your LDL cholesterol level remains greater than 4.9 mmol/L (190 mg/dL) or greater than 4.1 mmol/L (160 mg/dL) in the presence of two or more risk factors as mentioned in the preceding after a sufficient trial of at least 3 months of diet therapy alone. If there are clinical indications that you have been suffering from IHD, drug therapy will be started if your LDL cholesterol level is 3.4 mmol/L (130 mg/dL) or greater. There are three groups of drugs used to lower your LDL cholesterol. These are: -bile acid-binding resins -nicotinic acid -HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. The resins act by enhancing sterol excretion and indirectly increasing LDL receptor-mediated catabolism of circulating LDL. These drugs have been proven by clinical trials to be safe and effective; thus, they can be used for children who have been suffering from familial hypercholesterolemia, and for primary prevention of IHD in young adults.

Modifying Nutritional Components  The role of diet is very important in controlling hyperlipidemias. A large number of dietary factors may influence lipid levels. These include modification of nutritional components, consumption of specific foods, use of food additives and supplements, and major dietary approaches. 1.Decreasing total fat intake and replacing saturated and trans fats with polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats The following food items contain high saturated fats; therefore, they should be avoided or be taken in moderation: fatty beef, lamb, pork, poultry with skin, beef fat (tallow), lard and cream, butter, cheese, dairy products made from whole or reduced-fat (2 percent) milk, baked goods and fried foods, palm oil, kernel oil, and coconut oil. When you take a lot of foods rich in trans fats, your “good” cholesterol (HDL)  decreases while your “bad” cholesterol  (LDL)  increases. This will mean that the rate of deposition of cholesterol in your tissues will be faster than its elimination. When this happens, you are prone to develop diseases of the heart and the blood vessels—otherwise known as cardiovascular diseases—arising from atherosclerosis. To find out if the food that you are about to take in contains trans fats, look at the “Nutrition Facts” of the product.

You’ll be relieved to hear that most people who contract food poisoning do not need medical attention. Preventing dehydration It’s very important to rehydrate regularly as fluids and important electrolytes are easily lost through vomiting, sweating or diarrhea. Your body relies on fluids to flush out the toxins that are in your body. Therefore, drinking plenty of fresh water guarantees the quickest recovery time. Recommended Video:  Why is Water The Essence of life The most important electrolytes that are lost during vomiting, sweating or diarrhea are: · Sodium- Helps to regulate how much water is in the body and also transporting water throughout the body’s cells. Sodium is also a mineral responsible for many functions within the body including muscle function, maintaining blood pressure and brain function. · Chloride- Works in turn with hydrogen to help form stomach acids for breaking down food and absorbing important nutrients. Therefore, any nutrients from foods that you are able to eat, can be distributed throughout the body and aid in your overall recovery. · Potassium- Helps to regulate your heartbeat, control your central nervous system and contraction of muscles. Potassium is also important for breaking down carbohydrates and building proteins. The wonders of coconut water Coconut water is a great natural source of electrolytes, preferred over sugary, synthetic sports drinks like Gatorade or Powerade.

How food poisoning is diagnosed Cases of food poisoning are usually mild and only last a few days. If you attended a particular event and ate contaminated food, often you will hear of other friends of family members also being sick. This is usually enough for a self-diagnosis of food poisoning. If you do decide to present to a doctor, they are likely to make a diagnosis based on your symptoms, a physical examination, the recent history of food consumption or any travel overseas. In more serious strains of food poisoning such as listeria and hepatitis A, a doctor can take a sample of blood, stool culture or spinal fluid to diagnose. This will help to recognize known pathogens responsible for your symptoms. When to see a doctor -Because some types of food poisoning can be serious, it’s important to see a doctor if:· -Your symptoms last for longer than three to four days or vomiting that lasts continually for more than one day -If you have any blood in your stools -You have a temperature of over 101°F -Inability to swallow -If you have an irregular heartbeat or feel dizzy -Blurred vision Recommended Read:  Food Safety Education Necessary for Older Adults It’s important to seek medical attention immediately, as the aforementioned factors are a sign of further complications developing within the body.

When you have consumed food or drink that is contaminated, your body will try to dispel the toxins from your body. This is usually by way of vomiting or diarrhea. However, your symptoms and the severity in which you experience them differs from person to person. Some of the most common symptoms include: · Vomiting · Headaches · Abdominal pain and/or cramps · Dehydration · Muscle aches · Nausea · High temperature · Diarrhea There is no specific time frame in which you may first experience the above symptoms, as it depends on the type of food poisoning, and how well your immune system reacts.