The Protein Requirements in a Dialysis Patient

In the United States alone, there are about 26 million people who have chronic kidney disease with further risk for others to also develop it in near future. This data is much worse for the developing countries. This disease is quite serious in nature and should be diagnosed and treated at its earliest stage in order to avoid grave consequences. The kidneys manage the waste filtration in the human body and eventually eliminate the harmful waste products that are present in the body. When the kidneys are chronically diseased and are near failure, it is important that they are transplanted or undergo the procedure of dialysis in order to reduce the stress on the failing kidneys. High risk factors of kidney failure is in patients who suffer from diabetes, hypertension or have a family history of kidney disease. These people are typically of the African-American, Pacific Islander, Hispanic or the Native American lineage.

Chronic kidney disease is further categorized in to several stages in order to provide the exact mode of treatment accordingly. The early stages of this disease do not need to have drastic changes in the lifestyle and physician intervention. However, the more chronic stages need to have more restrictions as well as better control on a person’s lifestyle and eating habits. A nutritionist helps such patients plan their diets accordingly.

Protein is an essential component in one’s life and needs to be present in their diets in almost all the stages of life. Improper restrictions on the protein intake can actually be harmful for the body. Kidney conditions generally needs to have a lower protein intake but such patients tend to face a lot of difficulty as they crave for foods which are high in protein.

When the body consumes proteins, it is changed into amino acids which are transformed in to the amino acids, enzymes or hormones that are needed by the body. Sleep, digestion, ovulation and other such processes need these hormones for their proper execution. The waste that is left behind is filtered by the kidneys. Kidneys are so powerful that they can filter approximately 18 gallons of blood every hour. That is why, these organs are able to filter 60% of the body’s fluid.

When a kidney is damaged or undergoes disease/infection, it is unable to filter the waste that is produced due to the breakdown of protein. The Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) shows the progress of this disease. GFR is acceptable at Stage 1 which however, signifies that the kidneys are not working properly and that there is something wrong with them due to the variation in protein found in the urine. Dialysis is not done until stage V is achieved.

When the disease progresses to Stage V, the patients would have to undergo lifelong dialysis treatment unless they undergo a kidney transplant. Sometimes though, patients cannot be prepared for transplants due to some limiting factors such as some medical condition or other complication. The GFR is the fifth stage of disease is less than 15 which shows that the kidneys are running at about less than 10% of their total capacity.

Stage V patient and its diet:

A reduced protein diet is indicated for patients who are in Stage I to Stage IV of the kidney disease. Initially the protein reduction doesn’t seem to be a major change as it is decreased from 14-18% to 10%. Even in a vegan, there is about 10-12% protein so patients generally find it easy to comply with this change. However, it is important that a physician is consulted before bringing about such a huge change in their diet so that unwanted complications are avoided.

In Stage V, there is direct chronic renal failure so the protein restriction is not important as these patients have to undergo dialysis regularly and therefore, need good nutrition. Moreover, enhanced amount of protein is needed so that the body is stronger. Sodium, potassium and phosphorus are therefore restricted. The fluid intake should also be reduced. Therefore, the dialysis patient has to undergo a limited dietary intake in order to avoid complications.

The procedure of dialysis involves the use of a machine to filter the waste from the blood. It therefore does the functions of the failing kidneys. This process normally takes some hours and has to be done thrice a week for effectiveness. That is why, the patients’ diet is carefully monitored so that they have enough calories to keep their muscles in shape and have a healthy body. The protein is therefore needed from high amino acid sources like eggs, dairy products and meat. Some other high protein foods are not recommended in this case as they do not have all the important amino acids that are needed such as beans, nuts and butter. That is why eggs and meat are preferred by the dieticians. Protein supplements can also be utilized as an important element of the diet so as to maintain a steady amount of protein into the system. About 25% of the daily requirement needs to be made up of protein in such patients. However, those protein foods that are high in phosphorous would need to be restricted such as organ meats, sardines, chocolate, dried beans, bran cereals and brown rice. An early sign of phosphorous is extremely itchy skin which denotes excessive phosphorous content inside the blood.

Using supplements for extra protein source:

For someone who has last stage renal failure, it is important that the protein amount should be doubled. However, these patients would still face exhaustion, lack of appetite and nausea due to which consuming nutrients gets difficult. That is why protein supplements are very useful in this case. They come in different forms which are as follows:

Powder form: Protein supplements, in the form of powders come in different types: egg, soy, rice and whey. Whey powder enhances the immunity and helps the muscles be in proper shape. However, because whey is derived from milk, therefore, some people might not be able to take it.

Shakes: Protein shakes are also a good source of proteins and are available in different varieties such as those for the diabetics, etc.

Shots: Supplement shots are also available which are in a smaller serving quantity as compared to the shake but have the same protein and nutritional benefits.

Snacks: Especially formulated bars and puddings are available which are a good protein source. Those with more sugar content should be avoided as excessive sugar degrades the immunity.

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Protein requirements in an HIV patient

HIV – also known as Human Immunodeficiency Virus is a critical virus that causes AIDS, a deadly syndrome in which the body destroys its own immune system, making it vulnerable to a lot of other diseases. This results in the normal ordinary infections becoming dangerous to the human body as the immune system fails to detect and counteract them, thereby making them quite life threatening. About 75% of people who get infected with this virus do not exhibit any signs or symptoms for about more than 10 years. That is why there are lesser indications which alert patients at the early disease stage which ends up making them ignorant about the early signs and symptoms. Abnormal pap smears, pelvic diseases and chronic, persistent yeast infections are some alert signs. That is why; every person who is active sexually should get themselves tested for these early signs and symptoms and keep a check of their disease status.

Once a person finds out that they are HIV positive, then they should not take it as a death sentence, rather incorporate those changes that are needed in order to fully live life. It is also important that once a person becomes HIV positive, they should change their attitude and practice towards sex. They should be aware that they cant donate blood and should inform their doctors/dentists when they go for any treatment. Treatment in the form of medication should be taken so that the symptomatic treatment can be done to prevent long term damage. However, other than treatment, changing one’s diet is also an important element of managing this condition. Dietary guidelines should be consulted with the physician or nutritionist so that the changes are done as per a person’s nutritional requirement.

Nutritional aggression compared to the dietary needs:

Many medicines have evolved for the management of HIV disease which not only combat the battle but also give a better quality of life to the infected patients. Better nutrition and diet supplements also tend to improve the management of this disease. This fact is also supported by a study conducted by John Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health. Nutritionals boosts also tend to improve and steady a regular health status and keep the health stable enough to prevent the complications of this disease. These elements include:

Increased calories
Hydration
Protein

Increased calories:

Increased calories can give you the enhanced energy that you need. In an HIV patient, these extra calories tend to give you the extra energy for your life. Moreover, calories from healthy diets also give minerals and vitamins to the body. It is also important that the majority of these supplements should be consumes from natural sources rather than the synthetic ones.

Hydration:

Everybody needs to keep their body hydrated as water makes up more than 70% of the human body. The body should therefore be kept well hydrated so that not only the fluid is maintained, but also the electrolyte balance of the body is maintained. The electrolytes are used to keep the body functions intact and in case of an imbalance in the electrolyte concentration, the signals in the body get crossed and cause problems such as heart beat irregularities, etc. Too little fluid in the body also tends to cause dehydration in the body. Dehydration results in very serious consequences in HIV patients. Fluids are used to transport different micronutrients and medicines throughout the body. If a body is dehydrated, it would not be able to transport or break down the medicine in the body. About six to ten glasses of fluids should be consumed everyday in the form of milk, juices or plain water. It is also recommended that sodas, coffee or alcohols are avoided so that they do not cause dehydration.

Protein:

A very essential role is played by protein to provide the functioning of every cell in the human body. Proteins also tend to build and strengthen the immunity, increase the muscle mass and improve the overall health of the human body. In HIV patients, it is important that the proteins are consumed in the form of supplements such as Profect by Protica and other such brands, so as to maintain a stable and steady supply of proteins in the body. Moreover, while consuming proteins, it is important that the body is well hydrated because proteins also tend to cause dehydration.

It is suggested by doctors that other than the protein supplements, an HIV infected person should consume about 20 grams of proteins in every meal, thereby having high protein foods. During meals, high protein snacks can be consumed such as powders, protein shakes or bars. These protein snacks and supplements should be used according to their set guidelines so that the immunity of an HIV patient remains at its optimum condition.

Protein bars provide about 5 to 10 grams of proteins and few sugars. The sugar content of a protein bar should be regularly checked as excessive sugars also tend to deplete the immune system. Protein shakes and powder provide instant protein to the body and do not contain any negative ingredients.

Liquid supplement protein shots are a good suggestion to take if they are taken under proper guidelines i.e. being high in protein content and low in sugars. This makes them easily absorbable by the human body.

Whey proteins are also a good supplementary option for HIV positive patients. Firstly, this whey protein helps to provide the best protein source to the human body along with the intake of other dietary elements such as fats, carbs and vitamins. These proteins also help to boost the immune system. Those patients who are lactose intolerant should avoid using whey protein concentrate and prefer using whey protein isolate as it has lesser lactose while giving the same amount benefits.

Whey protein isolates are 90% proteins and other than boosting the immunity, these also tend to provide the optimum level of amino acids needed by the body. Protein is broken down into amino acids which are then used to create the amino acids not found in the body along with other elements such as enzymes and hormones. The body also produces its own amino acids but isn’t able to produce 8 particular ones. These essential amino acids, not produced by the body are then taken from foods and supplements.

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Changes brought about by Aging and how to combat them

Aging is the phenomenon in which the body undergoes a lot of physical changes. These physical changes lead to different problems in the human body which are inflicted upon a person’s health, psychology and lifestyle. However, it is quite understood that because aging is bound to happen, one should prepare for it before hand.

The changes that are brought about by aging are quite variable. The change in lifestyle, for instance, decreases the social interactions of a person. This can be due to physical changes in the body resulting in feeling of fatigue or due to some disease. Common problems faced by old people include bone pain, joint pain, back pain, etc. Diseases common to this age include cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal disease and gastric diseases. That is why; many old people get irritable as they are not really prepared for all this and psychologically miss their charismatic youth.

The purpose of this article is to guide you about the changes that happen while aging and how one can slow them. There are two main components that you should adopt while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. These are proper diet and exercise. It is important that a balance should be kept while consuming food. Saturated fats are the cause of cardiac problems which include high blood pressure, heart attacks, angina, etc. So, these should be strictly avoided. Meanwhile mono and polyunsaturated fats should be consumed which are not that harmful. Similarly, complex carbohydrates which are included in whole grains and vegetables should be consumed rather than simple carbohydrates so that they are absorbed properly and does not harm the glucose level of body. The third element, i.e. proteins is quite important as they are an essential part of the human cells, form the lean muscle and strengthen the immune system of the body. The proportion of these elements in the diet varies from person to person so it is best recommended that one should consume them according to the dietician’s instructions.

Exercise is an important aspect of one’s life as it causes many changes in the body which regulates one’s health. For instance, exercising builds up the muscle mass, rejuvenates the cardiac system and makes waste elimination easier. It also reduces obesity which is a common risk factor for many diseases. At least, half an hour of exercise should be done daily in order to re-vitalize the body.

Other than exercise and diet, one should regularly take vitamins and other minerals in the form of food or supplements so that the body’s needs are met. Different vitamins can be taken via vegetables and fruits. Important vitamins such as Vitamin D are essential to keep the bones strong. Vitamin C and E strengthen the immune system while Vitamin B complex are a group of vitamins that form some vital enzymes. Therefore, supplements of multivitamin should be taken daily to boost the system. Also, regular visits to the doctor should be made to monitor the health. After all, prevention is better than cure!

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Assembling A First Aid Kit For Babies

Seeing a baby under go an emergency situation can possibly be one of the worst things one can ever witness. Parents and child care workers should both be highly concerned regarding the safety of a baby and this is one thing that would give them sleepless nights. However, one should be in control and anticipate and prepare themselves for the worst situations ever, so that when it occurs, they can handle it well. The basic thing to know while anticipating emergencies for babies is the tools involved in preparing a comprehensive kit for the first aid of babies. You would feel greatly relieved once you know that you have the right tools to control the emergency situation.

A lot of people are now well equipped with first aid kits at their homes, workplaces or schools. So generally, one has an idea about what goes into the first aid kit. However, the first aid kit for babies has general as well as some particular equipment that is quite important and pertain specifically to the care of babies. A lot of stores which sell first aid kits are also now equipped with specialized kits for babies. These stores sell a variety of first aid kits which are either pre-packaged or you can even customize it as per your need.

A baby’s first aid kit should be present in your baby’s diaper bag, in your vehicle as well as in your home. You might feel over prepared but it comes in really handy when you are in need and have the kit available with you. A baby’s first aid kit should always have its pediatrician’s phone number, pharmacy’s as well as poison control center’s phone numbers in it. It should also have the health insurance information that is quite important.

Other important elements of baby’s first aid kits include oral and rectal thermometers. The most accurate reading is attained by the rectal thermometer. However, quite nonetheless, the oral thermometer should also be kept in the kit as it is used mostly with older children. Moreover, the kit should have pain killers and fever relieving syrups which should be as per the baby’s dosage requirements. Small bandages, alcohol/anti septic for wound cleaning, anti bacterial wipes, sunscreen, Ipecac syrup and any other medicines that your child regularly takes should also be a part of the first aid kit.

This is a general list of the requirements that are an important part of the baby’s first aid kit. In that way, you can have good quality equipment at a lower rate as well as the convenience of including all the important things in the kit which are specific to your child’s needs. This would not only keep you prepared for the unexpected, but also bring you comfort in knowing that your child is safe and can be comforted in case it is injured or un well.

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Side Effects of taking Casein Protein

Casein is a protein that is generally found in dairy products such as milk, cheese, yoghurt and butter. This protein is also taken as a supplement by those who want to build their muscles via protein supplement intake. Therefore, casein is not only a part of the dairy or some non dairy products, but is also an essential component for those who go on protein diets in order to build their muscles. This protein, when taken naturally, is not as harmful but it does have few side effects which are as follows:

Allergic reactions:

Some people tend to be allergic to casein and there by, show different reactions to it. Immediate reactions, also known as anaphylactic reactions, occur commonly in these people. Some people might also exhibit delayed reactions. Allergic reactions to casein can be manifested by rashes, fever, hives, wheals, erythema, sneezing and even difficulty in breathing. People who are allergic to casein should therefore avoid all the dairy products and even those non dairy products which tend to contain casein.

Gastrointestinal disturbance:

People who are unable to digest casein or take too much of it face severe gastrointestinal disturbance. The symptoms of this varies from bloating to nausea, vomiting or even diarrhea. Proper management of this condition should be done and casein should again be avoided in these people as they are unable to tolerate any kind of casein intake.

Food cravings:

Casein intake generally causes food cravings in people and tends to increase their appetite. This phenomenon is proved by a study conducted in which it was found that when casein is digested, it breaks down into an opiate product which is similar to morphine. The resultant effect of that opiate compound is that it causes hunger pangs and a craving for that product consumed. For instance, after the consumption of cheese, one might feel hunger pangs and craving for more cheese which is not psychological, but rather related to the opiate released from the casein present in cheese.

The above mentioned side effects of casein should not be over looked and taken care of while consuming dairy products and supplements.

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Differences between the ALCAT test, RAST test, and MRT

There are various tests which are used to identify food allergies and sensitivities. These tests include:
ALCAT - Antigen Leukocyte Cellular Antibody Test: The ALCAT was first created by the American Medical Testing Labs. This test is being marketed as a test for screening adverse reactions which are particular to certain food additives, preservatives, colors or the food items in general. This test gauges the reactions shown towards food intolerance. However, it fails to give clinically effective results. A lot of researches conducted about this test deem it to be unreliable for screening and diagnosing food allergies. Moreover, it can also lead to false diagnosis, misinterpreted results and wrong therapeutic measures. This test is performed by a Coulter counter in which the white blood cells in the blood sample are counted before and after the food intake. The data is then analyzed by using computer which prints histograms which are then converted into final test results.
RAST – Known as Radioallergosorbent Test, RAST is quite well known for its use to identify food allergies. It is also an alternative to the skin test in order to identify the causative agent behind the allergy. The benefits of the RAST are that it has good reproducibility and tends to measure the full range of the measuring curve. Another benefit of this test is that normally, the patients do not have to stop their anti histamine therapy unlike the skin test. Moreover, this test can also be done in the presence of skin allergic symptoms. Therefore, this test has relatively more benefits as compared to the skin test. This test was created by Pharmacia Diagnostics in 1974 and was also marketed by them. This radioimmunoassay tends to clearly indentify the IgE allergens that are present in the blood stream.
MRT – Mediator Release Testing is also one of the tests that are used to identify the causes of food allergies. This test tends to calculate the chemical mediators that are released from the white blood cells as a response to the allergic antigen in the food. Presence of these chemical mediators in the blood indicates strong signs of food allergy to that particular agent. The results shown by this test are in a gradient from mild to very high, thereby indicating the type of allergic reaction exhibited by the body towards that particular food. Problems such as migraine, rashes, throat infections, vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, cramps and constipation are easily identified under the food allergy by using this test. The agent behind the allergy can then be identified by using proper history and patient monitoring.

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What are Food Sensitivities?

Humans are very different from each other which is why, they normally differ in all aspects of life. One tends to see a lot of variety in the aspects related to humans. Food, for instance, is a good example in this scenario. A particular food which is well digested by one person might not be that stomach friendly with the other. There are varieties of abnormal responses that one can exhibit towards food. These are: Food sensitivity, Food intolerance and Food allergy. Despite the fact that these terms seem to be inter related, these are quite different practically. These terms differ on the basis of their causative agent, duration and the appearance of signs and symptoms.
Food sensitivity: Food sensitivity refers to the sensitivity exhibited by a person towards some particular foods. The reason behind this complexity is quite confusing and cannot be easily studied. That is why, proper and timely response is not made and delayed symptoms are presented by the patient. In short, these food sensitivities can be due to the toxic response of people towards food and can be further divided into: Food intolerance and Food allergy.
Food intolerance: This is a food sensitivity that is non allergenic in nature. It is a delayed reaction to particular food items such as some food additives, beverages or dairy items. Because of the absence of the Ig E antibody, this reaction cannot be deemed as an allergy. The symptoms exhibited by the patient can be either in the form of gastric disturbances such as nausea, diarrhea or constipation. It may also be exhibited in the form of skin reactions such as rashes, etc. General reactions such as stomach cramps can also be exhibited by the patients.
Food allergy:
Food allergy is a severe response to particular food that is exhibited by the immune system of the body. it is quite different from other food sensitivities such as food intolerance. In this response, the IgE mediator is present in the blood stream which is triggered by the allergic food material. The reaction to this particular food item is quite quick and can even be dangerous. The symptoms are dermatitis – skin reaction such as rashes and eczema, vomiting, diarrhea, cramps, nausea or constipation – gastrointestinal reactions and cough, breathlessness and asthma – respiratory reactions. The responses of the individuals vary from being very mild to extremely severe. These allergies are resolved via anti allergic medications or by using the desensitization technique.

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The Side Effects of Muscle-building protein powder

Muscle building protein powder is a protein supplement that is taken in the form of powder. These powders are generally consumed by athletes and those people who want to build their muscle mass. This powder is consumed by mixing it with milk or water, consuming it in the form of milk shake or juice. It is normally taken before or after exercising with the perception that it makes muscles and repairs damaged muscle tissues. However, using proteins on a long term basis in order to increase muscle mass can be detrimental to the one’s health. This can be exhibited in the form of the following effects:
1. Kidney stones: Excessive protein intake in the form of supplements is not too healthy for the kidneys. The excessive protein content not only puts the pressure of the kidney’s vessels for further filtration, but it also increases the chances of having kidney stones. These stones can be painful in nature and can decrease the functioning of the kidneys to a great extent. Moreover, the larger stones have to be removed via surgery.
2. Weak bones: Consuming a lot of protein in the diet can increase the acidity of the blood which is indicated by a low pH level of the blood. This acidic nature tends to weaken bones by de-mineralizing them easily. This loss of minerals from the bones can lead to internally weak bones which are more prone to fracture and injuries. It also proceeds the bones from being osteopenic and osteoporotic. Such weakened bones are quite difficult to revert back to normal and can lead to numerous other problems such as back pain, fractures and debilitation.
3. Ketosis: Ketosis is a condition that occurs in the body if one consumes too much of protein and practically no carbohydrates in their diet. This results in the utilization of fat by the body in order to gain energy. This happens because no carbohydrate is available for the body to gain energy from. This condition not only puts extra pressure onto the kidneys and the liver, but also changes the metabolic patterns that the body is used to.
Above mentioned are some of the side effects that too much muscle building proteins can have on the body. Therefore, one should optimize their usage of natural products and stop being dependent upon artificial substitutes which are unhealthy in the long term.

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The Side effects of Whey Protein Isolate Supplement

Whey protein isolate are protein supplements that are used by those individuals who are interested in gaining body mass and increase their muscles. This protein also prevents one from diseases such as high blood pressure and cancer. Whey protein is taken as a supplement by many who want to gaining muscle strength. However, whey protein can have certain side effects that are now being known to others. These side effects are as follows:

1. Allergy: Some people who are lactose intolerant cannot take dairy products as they have lactose in them. Whey protein is also extracted from milk which is why, it cannot be taken by lactose intolerant people. However, if a lactose intolerant person intakes whey protein, then he or she would suffer from immediate allergic reactions that start from rashes and go on to be as serious as an anaphylactic shock. These allergic reactions are relieved on taking the anti histamines or the gradual suppression of the signs and symptoms as the quantity of this compound decreases from the body.
2. Kidney dysfunction: Even though it has not been proved scientifically, it is generally believed that whey protein affects the kidney function. The protein affects the filtration which is done by the kidneys to a certain level. This limits the kidney function. However, this is only possible if very huge quantities of whey protein are being consumed. The kidneys are not affected if the intake is normal. It is also implied that consumption of whey protein over a long time period can also result in suppressed kidney function.
3. Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis is a condition in which the calcium and vitamin D are being lost from the bones, leaving them weak and prone to fracture. It is said that the intake of whey protein in high quantity tends to create an imbalance in the mineral content of the bones, leading to a decrease in bone density and causing osteoporosis. This cause too is not scientifically proven but rather, it is assumed when high quantities of this protein are being consumed over a long time period.

The above mentioned side effects of whey protein make it unhealthy for use by people. However, care should be taken not to over use this protein or take it for a long time period. This can protect one from the side effects of this protein.

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