Nausea

Nausea is a sensation of unease and discomfort in the upper stomach,leaving the feeling of draining energy and wanting to vomit. Nausea is not a sickness but rather a symptom of several conditions which many does not related to the stomach.

Causes

• B vitamin deficiency
• Lack of food
• Malnutrition
• Food poisoning
• Infection
• Stress
• Digestive disturbances
• Migraines
• Anorexia
• Pregnancy
• Gall bladder disease
• Medication
• Travel sickness

Action plan

• Plain wholemeal toast or dry crackers to help settle the stomach
• Miso soup to helps neutralize stomach acid
• Pumpkin seed to reduce nausea
• Drink ginger tea or hot water with ginger slice
• Avoid travel sickness by eating papaya or whole grains before setting off 
• Avoid alcohol, spicy and fatty food before travel to prevent travel sickness

Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is defined as a cluster of any 3 condition which includes the increase of blood pressure, a high blood glucose level, excess of body fat around the waist and abnormal cholesterol level. The combination of all these conditions will lead to the higher risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes.


Symptoms

• Triglycerides                  >= 1.7 mmol/l
• HDL-C  

          Men                                 < 1.0 mmol / l

          Women                            < 1.3 mmol / l

• Blood pressure(mm Hg) >= 130 / >=85
• Fasting glucose               >= 6.1 mmol / l
• Waist Circumference

          Men                                  >90cm

          Women                             >80cm

Causes

• Lack of  physical activity (sedentary lifestyle)
• Excessive intake of carbohydrate
• Smoking
• Ageing
• Insulin resistance
• Excess blood clotting
• Hormone changes
• Increase level of blood substances that are sign of body inflammation
• Excess weight around middle and upper parts of body

Action plan

• Increase fibre intake for lowering the insulin and blood sugar level.
• Take garlic for protecting the cardio-vascular system.
• Consume more deep sea fish which contain omega-3 essential fat to protect heart and improve cell response to insulin.
• Avoid high sugary and refined carbohydrate food which will increase the insulin level such as soft drinks, biscuit, cake, pastries, chocolate, sweets, white rice, white bread, crisps and potatoes.
• Lower the salt intake to control the blood pressure level.
• Restrict the intake of tea, coffee and caffeinated soft drinks as caffeine will indirectly raises blood sugar levels and therefore insulin.

Lactose Intolerance

Individual that are lactose intolerant will be unable to digest the milk sugar lactose. Digestion of lactose requires the enzyme lactase, which is produced by the cells lining the small intestine. The lactase will break down lactose into two simpler form of sugar called glucose and galactose to be absorbed  into the blood stream. Lactose intolerance usually results in unpleasant digestive symptoms when products containing lactose are eaten.


Symptoms

• Diarrhea
• Bloating
• flatulence
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea

Causes

• Genetics
• Damage of digestive tract due to coeliac disease, gastroenteritis or colitis,infection, surgery and injuries

Action plan

• Add plenty of non-dairy calcium-rich food to diet such as broccoli, soy milk, tofu,oat and soya yoghurt
• Eat magnesium rich food to ensure correct uptake of calcium such as white beans, dark green leafies, pumpkin seeds, brown rice, and seaweed
• Check labels carefully, dairy products and lactose are found in many products.
• Eat milk products that are easier for people with lactose intolerance to digest, such as yogurt and hard cheese
• Take a tablet that contains the lactase enzyme when eat foods that contain lactose

Kidney Stones

Kidney stone is formed by the collection of waste product from the blood which crystallize in the kidney. After a kidney stone has formed, the body will try to pass it out of the body in urine.Small stones may be passed out painlessly in the urine and may even go undetected. However, it can cause terrible pain in the abdomen when blocking part of the urinary system.


Symptoms

• Intense pain in the back or side of  abdomen which last for minutes or hours
• Restless and unable to lie still
• Nausea 
• Blood in urine
• Cloudy or smelly urine
• Burning sensation when urinate 
• Fever
• Frequent urination 
• Pain during urination

Causes

• Poor diet
• Family history
• Hyperthyroid
• Urinary tract blockage
• Chronic bowel inflammation
• Calcium oxalate build-up
• Too much coffee
• Over refined diet
• Too much meat
• High sodium intake
• Lack of dietary fibre

Action plan

• Increasing fluid intake of citrate-rich foods ( lemonade and orange juice)
• Maintain a calcium (Ca) intake of 800 mg per day
• Limiting sodium intake to less than 2000 mg per day
• Limiting vitamin C intake to less than 1000 mg per day
• Limiting animal protein intake
• Limiting consumption of foods high in oxalate (such as spinach, strawberries, nuts, rhubarb, wheat germ, dark chocolate, cocoa, brewed tea)

Impotence

Also refer as erectile dysfunction is when a man lack of desire for sex or an inability to maintain an erection either partially and/or fully.Erection problems are common in adult men. Almost all men sometimes have trouble getting or keeping an erection.In many cases, the problem goes away with little or no treatment. In other cases, it can be an ongoing problem. If a man have trouble getting or keeping an erection more than 25% of the time, it is a problem.

Causes

• Diseases including diabetes, hypertension, heart or thyroid conditions, poor blood flow, depression, or nervous system disorders (Parkinson's disease)
• Stress,anxiety, fear, or anger
• Medication such as blood pressure or heart medications, peptic ulcer medications, sleeping pills, and antidepressants
• Smoking, alcohol or cocaine use
• Lack of communication with partner
• Hormonal imbalance (low level of testosterone )
• B vitamin deficiency
• Nerve damage from prostate surgery
• Overweight

Action plan

• Eat celery, banana, garlic, cinnamon, ginger,beetroot and avocados to promote the health of reproductive organ.
• Reduce the intake of coffee,white processed food, and tinned food.
• Cut down on smoking, alcohol, and illegal drug use.
• Get plenty of rest and take time to relax.
• Exercise and eat a healthy diet to keep good blood circulation.
• Use safe sex practices to prevent HIV and STD.
• Talk openly to your partner about sex and your relationship. 

Haemorrhoids

Haemorrhoids or piles are swollen blood vessels of the rectum. The haemorrhoidal veins are located in the lowest area of the rectum and the anus. Sometimes they are swollen bluish, reddish or purple, often large,inflamed veins and capillaries sticking out of the rectum.Haemorrhoids are classified into two general categories which are internal and external.The internal haemorrhoids is lie far enough inside the rectum that hardly see or feel them. Whist the external haemorrhoids is lie within the anus and are often uncomfortable.


Symptoms

• Anal itching
• Pain or lump near the anus
• Red bleeding from the anus
• Tenderness or pain during pass motion

Causes

• Straining on the toilet
• Bad eating habits
• Lack of fibre
• Too much sugar
• Too much coffee
• Too much alcohol
• Laxative use
• Constipation
• Lack of exercise

Action plan

• Eat plenty of fibre to provide bulk in diet by including lots of fruits,vegetables, and nuts
• Avoid straining in toilet
• Consider fibre supplements
• Drink plenty of water and fruit juice to avoid dehydration
• Keep a regular bowel habit and go to the toilet when needed and don't try to hold it in
• Maintain regular exercise to promote bowel movement

Gallbladder Removal

The gallbladder collect bile from the liver. The function of the gallbladder is to concentrate the bile and to secrete it into the digestive tract when food is eaten to aid the digestion of fats.Once the gallbladder is removed, a continuous trickle of unconcentrated bile from the liver goes directly into the small intestine.So, difficulties with the fat digestion are common.Bile also acts as a natural laxative so changes in bowel habits may also result after surgery causing bloating and abdominal discomfort. This may due to the constant secretion of bile into the intestines or from post- surgical adhesions or intra-abdominal scars.


Action plan

• Increase fibre intake such as whole grains and pulses to remove toxins and excess cholesterol from the body and to keep the bowels health.
• Increase fruits and vegetables intake which packed with nutrient for healthy liver function.
• Beetroot which is great for the liver.
• Avoid saturated fats from margarines, fatty meals and dairy products.
• Avoid alcohol, caffeine, sugar and refined carbohydrates which put extra strain on the liver and irritate the digestive tract.
• Eat small meals and snacks to avoid extra strain on the liver and digestive system.