Sodium and potassium are two major electrolytes.  Potassium is the major intracellular cation. Total body potassium content is approximately 50 mEq per kilogram body weight.  Potassium assists in muscle contraction and in maintaining fluid and electroltyte balance in body cells.  Potassium is also important in sending nerve impulses as well as releasing energy from protein, fat, [...]

The Zone Diet is a weight loss regime designed by Dr. Barry Sears.  Zone Diet was popularized through the book “Enter the Zone” in 1995, which was written by Dr. Sears.  In Zone diet, it is suggested that the individual should obtain energy from Carbohydrate, Protein, and Fat in the ratio of 40:30:30 respectively at [...]

Ideal body weight (IDW)/desirable body weight (DBW) are terms used by the insurance companies to describe weights that are associated with least mortality. Ideal body weight (IDW)/desirable body weight (DBW) can be calculated by using: BROCA’S INDEX: IBW FOR ADULT MALES = Height in Centimeters minus 100 IBW FOR ADULT FEMALES = (Height in Centimeters minus 100) minus [...]

Esophagitis usually occurs in the lower esophagus as a result of irritating effect of acidic gastric reflux on the esophageal mucosa.  The common symptom is heartburn (burning epigastric substernal pain).  Other symptoms are regurgitation and dysphagia. Types of Esophagitis: Acute Esophagitis: Caused by ingestion of an irritating agent, viral inflammation, or incubation of Ryle’s tube. Chronic Esophagitis: It [...]

Pernicious anemia is a macrocytic (larger than normal RBC) and megaloblastic (immature, abnormal RBC progenitors in the bone marrow) anemia.  Pernicious anemia is caused by a deficiency of vitamin B12 (Cobalamin).  Generally, vitamin B12 deficiency occurs due to lack of Intrinsic Factor –IF.  Intrinsic Factor is a glycoprotein in the gastric juice that is necessary [...]

Cirrhosis is the final stage of liver injury and degeneration.  It occurs in 15 % of heavy drinkers.  Other causes of liver cirrhosis are drug or chemical poisoning, hepatitis B virus, cystic fibrosis, etc.  Cirrhosis is characterized by liver necrosis meaning the normal liver tissue is gradually destroyed and replaced by inactive fibrous connective tissue [...]

Food that we eat is classified as follows on the basis of its cariogenicity activity: Cariogenic foods: These are foods that contain fermentable carbohydrates, which in contact with micro-organisms in the mouth can cause a drop in salivary pH to 5.5 or less and stimulate caries process.  Examples are foods rich in simple carbohydrates. NOTE:  When [...]

Gingivitis means inflammation of the gums. It is manifested as change in color, enlargement, bleeding, puffiness, and ulceration. CAUSES FOR GINGIVITIS: The most common cause is the accumulation of TARTAR (Calculus), the scaly yellowish or brownish hard chalk-like substance that forms at the gum margins around the teeth. This tartar irritates and pushes the gums away from [...]