HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

Cases of Victorian disease that causes bone deformities and seizures in kids soars 380% in hotspot

Published

2 months ago

July 20, 2024

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YOU might assume that diseases which reigned during the Victorian era would have been wiped out by modern medicine But a few have made a worrying resurgence in recent years, one of those being the bone-deforming disease rickets

A surge in rickets, which causes bone deformities in children, has been recorded in certain parts of the country…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

Think of Charles Dickens’ character Tiny Tim, whose crippled legs may have been caused by the condition, according to modern medics.

Though the disease was common in the past, it mostly disappeared in the western world during the early 20th century after foods like margarine and cereal were fortified with vitamin D.

Now, regions in the UK have reported a startling surge in rickets, with cases in spots such as East Kent increasing sharply over the last five years.

Rickets, once synonymous with poverty and poor diets in Victorian Britain, affects bone development in children, causing bone pain, stunted growth and soft, weak bones that can lead to deformities.

A lack of vitamin D – derived from sunlight and some foods – or calcium is the most common cause of the disease, though in rare cases children can be born with a genetic form of rickets.

Left untreated, the condition can also lead to an abnormally curved spine, dental defects and seizures.

East Kent Hospitals University NHS Trust – one of the largest in England – recorded 122 cases in 2019.

But by 2023, that figure had swelled to more than 580 – a 380 per cent increase – according to a Freedom of Information request.

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Figures released earlier this year show that 28,379 Brits were diagnosed with rickets between 2019 and 2023.

Poverty and malnutrition could be factors fuelling the rise in scurvy cases in East Kent, as some parts of Thanet are among the poorest in England – more than 20 per cent of its population make up the bottom 10 per cent of most deprived Brits, according to KentOnline.

Cases of Victorian disease that causes ‘sandpaper rash and killer complications’ surge 42% in a week – is your area affected

But the surge in cases might also be down to medics getting better at spotting the Victorian disease.

East Kent’s Chief Medical Officer Des Holden said: “We interpret that part of the increase is due to increased recognition and more accurate recording of rickets.

“Our neo-natal teams are robust in recommending vitamin D for babies at risk, including mothers who have low vitamin D.

“There is also increased awareness in our team to screen for vitamin D levels.

“For example, vitamin D screening is now included in our guidance for children with obesity as this group is at increased risk of vitamin D deficiency.

“Children with rickets may previously have been recorded as having vitamin D deficiency and treated appropriately, but we have improved recording in our coding systems that they meet criteria to diagnose rickets.”

NHS England figures show a sharp increase in hospital admissions for a vitamin D deficiency – from 31,576 admissions in 2013/14 to 188,114 last year – which can lead to the skeletal disorder if left untreated.

Sarah Calcutt, chief executive of City Harvest, a charity which wants to reduce food insecurity, said “There is a whole Dickensian list of diseases that come around because key food groups are missing from people’s diets.”

Vitamin D comes from exposing the skin to sunlight but is also found in foods such as oily fish, eggs and some cereals.

The vitamin is essential for the formation of strong and healthy bones in children. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

Any child who doesn’t get enough vitamin D or calcium – either through their diet, or from sunlight – can develop rickets.

But according to the NHS, it’s more common in children with dark skin, as they need more sunlight to get enough vitamin D, as well as children born prematurely or taking medication that interferes with vitamin D.

Previously, experts said the rising cost of living is likely to be behind the surge in rickets and scurvy – another Victorian era disease – as parents struggle to afford fruit and veg and are instead forced to buy cheaper junk food, which lacks vital vitamins and minerals.

PREVENTING RICKETS

Medway GP Dr Julian Spinks says people of all ages should follow the national guidance and take vitamin D supplements to avoid the entirely preventable condition.

“We thought we’d got rid of it. But it is now back,” he told KentOnline.

“There is a possibility if a pregnant woman is very deficient herself that the baby will be born with a relative lack of vitamin D.

“However in most cases it’s because they’re not actually getting enough vitamin D and the two main ways we get it in the UK are from sunlight – particularly from April to September – and from food.

“Definitely diet plays a part. If children are not eating things like oily fish or eggs or for example – breakfast cereals which are often supplemented with vitamin D – then this will have an effect.

“Whilst it’s a very small proportion of the population, it is worrying that this is making a comeback and it’s because it’s a very preventable condition.”

How to protect your child from rickets

YOU can help prevent rickets in your children by ensuring they:

Eat a healthy, balanced diet rich in vitamin D, with foods like oily fish, red meat, eggs yolks and fortified cereals and spreads
Spend time in the sun between March and September (wearing sun cream prevents vitamin D absorption from the sun, but you should still apply it before skin starts to burn)
Take vitamin D supplements

Babies up to a year old need 8.5 to 10 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin D a day, unless they are fed 500ml or more of infant formula a day.

Children from the age of one to four should be given a daily supplement containing 10mcg of vitamin D.

Adults – including pregnant and breastfeeding women – also need 10mcg of vitamin D a day, at least between October and March.

How do I know id my child has rickets

The signs and symptoms of rickets can include:

Pain – the bones affected by rickets can be sore and painful, so the child may be reluctant to walk or may tire easily; the child’s walk may look different (waddling)
Skeletal deformities – thickening of the ankles, wrists and knees, bowed legs, soft skull bones and, rarely, bending of the spine
Dental problems – including weak tooth enamel, delay in teeth coming through and increased risk of cavities
Poor growth and development – if the skeleton doesn’t grow and develop properly, the child will be shorter than average
Fragile bones – in severe cases, the bones become weaker and more prone to fractures

Source: NHS

For most children, rickets can be successfully treated by ensuring they eat foods that contain calcium and vitamin D, or by taking vitamin supplements.

Some families are eligible for free vitamin supplements from the government’s Healthy Start scheme.

The scheme can also support cash-strapped households with buying healthy food and milk.

For those who are more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under four, and are eligible, a benefit card is topped up every four weeks to help with the purchase of fresh food.

The card can also be used to collect Healthy Start vitamins for pregnant and breastfeeding mums, as well as vitamin drops for babies and young children up to four years old.

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HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

These Mistakes Rapidly Increase Uric Acid: Avoid Them Today

Published

7 hours ago

September 17, 2024

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Uric acid is a waste product that is naturally present in the blood, formed from the breakdown of purines, substances found in certain foods and produced by the body. Normally, uric acid is filtered out of the blood by the kidneys and excreted through urine. However, when uric acid levels become elevated, it can lead to various health issues, including joint pain and more severe conditions such as gout. Managing uric acid levels effectively is crucial for maintaining overall health…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

Understanding Uric Acid and Its Impact
Uric acid levels typically range from 3.5 to 7.2 mg/dL, though these values can vary between individuals. When the body produces excessive uric acid or the kidneys are unable to eliminate it efficiently, uric acid can accumulate in the bloodstream, leading to a condition known as hyperuricemia. This condition often results in symptoms like severe pain in the joints, particularly in the fingers and toes, redness in the soles of the feet, increased thirst, and sometimes even fever.

Common Dietary Mistakes Leading to Elevated Uric Acid Levels
Excessive Consumption of Oil and Spices: In many diets, especially in certain cuisines, oil and spices are used liberally. Excessive intake of these ingredients can contribute to higher uric acid levels. For instance, dishes that are deep-fried or heavily spiced can elevate uric acid, leading to health complications. Preserved foods, which are often high in additives and oils, can also contribute to increased uric acid levels.

High Protein Foods: Foods high in protein, such as legumes, are known to raise uric acid levels. While legumes are a valuable source of protein, overconsumption or improperly stored legumes (e.g., those left out at room temperature for extended periods) can exacerbate uric acid issues. It is crucial to store legumes properly, preferably in the refrigerator if they are not consumed immediately, to prevent a rapid increase in uric acid.

Consumption of Sour Foods: Certain sour foods, including amchur (dried mango powder), tamarind, raw tomatoes, and raw mango drinks, can increase uric acid levels. While these foods add flavor, they can exacerbate uric acid problems, particularly if consumed in large amounts. Opting for alternatives like lemon or amla (Indian gooseberry) can be beneficial, as these can help in reducing elevated uric acid levels.

Eating Outside Food: Many people enjoy eating out, but external food items such as kachoris, samosas, and non-vegetarian dishes often contain excessive amounts of oil and spices. These can lead to an increase in uric acid levels. Furthermore, non-vegetarian dishes often contain higher levels of purines, which can further contribute to elevated uric acid. Limiting the intake of such foods and focusing on homemade, balanced meals can help in managing uric acid levels. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

Lifestyle Changes to Manage Uric Acid Levels
Adopt a Physically Active Lifestyle: Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining overall health and managing uric acid levels. Incorporate activities such as walking, jogging, or other forms of exercise into your daily routine. Physical activity helps in maintaining a healthy weight and supports the effective elimination of uric acid from the body.

Balanced Diet: Include fiber-rich foods in your diet, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Opt for low-fat dairy products like yogurt and buttermilk, which can aid in managing uric acid levels. Eating balanced meals at regular intervals helps in maintaining metabolic stability and preventing excessive uric acid buildup.

Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is crucial. Water helps in flushing out excess uric acid through urine and prevents dehydration, which can worsen uric acid levels. Aim to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water daily.

Avoid Irregular Eating Patterns: Stick to a regular eating schedule and avoid overeating or skipping meals. Irregular eating habits can disrupt metabolic processes and contribute to increased uric acid levels.

Managing uric acid levels requires a combination of dietary awareness and lifestyle modifications. By avoiding common dietary mistakes, such as excessive consumption of high-protein foods, sour foods, and external food items, and adopting a healthy lifestyle, individuals can effectively control their uric acid levels and reduce the risk of associated health issues. Making these changes today can lead to long-term health benefits and improved quality of life.

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HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

4 Fruits To Eat To Make Blood Flow Very Well In Your Body

Published

7 hours ago

September 17, 2024

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These 4 Fruits to Improve Your Circulation Today!

The first step in ensuring that sufficient blood is able to circulate throughout your body is to ensure that your blood arteries are not blocked. As a direct consequence of this, the elasticity and suppleness of your blood vessels will be restored.

Because the blood arteries are going to be freed up, the blood flow is going to become more unrestricted. According to Healthline, the heart does not need to work particularly hard in order for blood to be pumped through the veins…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

The body can clean out its arteries by utilizing certain fruit components, which can be found in fruits. As a direct consequence of receiving this treatment, the blood vessels will not grow inflamed, brittle, or burst.

Both the unclogging and strengthening of blood vessels can be helped along by the use of specific minerals, nutrients that are present in plants (called phytonutrients), and proteolytic enzymes. The results of your hard work are presented in the following list.

Rutin is a type of bioflavonoid that can be found in citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruits, and tangerines. Taking these bioflavonoids regularly can assist in the strengthening of your blood vessels.

Rutin is frequently isolated by scientists and included into various dietary supplements. When peeling an orange, you should take care to remove only the outer layer of skin that is green or yellow. Consume the entire orange, including the white covering that sits on top of it. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

Rutin, which has medicinal properties that strengthen your blood vessels, can be tasted, despite the fact that the bitterness is highly medicinal and helpful to both your health and your health specifically.

If you haven’t done so already, peel the pineapple. There is something in the core of your pineapple that you should look for. This is a challenging part of the process to go through. There is a particular region of the pineapple that is particularly rich in bromelin. If you consume it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, it may help unclog your arteries and protect you from developing heart disease.

Another trace element that helps strengthen the blood arteries is copper, which can be found in bananas and avocados.

Copper is required in our diets in only trace amounts; yet, over consumption of this mineral can be detrimental to the health of our blood vessels.

Your delicate blood arteries will not burst into an aneurysm, and you will not have any internal bleeding as a result of this.

Getting your hands on an unripe pawpaw is the fourth possible course of action. Peel it and eat it in this form first thing in the morning when your stomach is empty. This dish has a significant amount of papain, which is an effective enzyme for cleaning out the arteries.

The proteolytic enzyme found in pawpaw contributes to the unclogging of blood vessels, which in turn improves the flow of blood to the organs in the body.

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HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

What typically Happens To Your Body if You Have Not Eaten For a While

Published

7 hours ago

September 17, 2024

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Not eaten for a week can have significant effect on your body. The body Will initially rely on glycogen store for energy, but after 24 to 48 hours, it begins to break down fat and muscle tissue for fuel.

1. Muscles loss: Since the body needs protein for a certain essential functions, prolonged fasting can lead to muscles breakdown as protein is used as alternative energy source…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

2. Energy depletion: Glycogen, the stored form of glucose in the liver and muscles, get depleted within the first 24 to 48 hours. The body starts using fat stores for energy through a process called ketosis.

3. Immune system and Suppression: A lack of nutrients over time can weaken the immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off infections.

4. Metal and emotional changes: As energy reserves deplete, metal clarity and mood can be affected, potentially leading to irritability, confusion or mood swings. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

5. Dehydration risk: Since food contains water, not eating can increase the risk of dehydration which can worsen the symptoms of weakness and fatigue.

6. Fatigue and weakness: Without food, blood sugar levels drop, leading to extreme fatigue, dizziness and difficult Concentrating.

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