Iron-deficiency anaemia. When we are left without Iron.

This is the most frequent type of anaemia in the world, due to deficiency or when no absorption has taken place. This precious mineral aids in the production of haemoglobin and in the transportation of oxygen to all body tissues.

A simple blood test will give a diagnostic.

The most frequent symptoms are:

• Tiredness.
• Pale skin.
• Intolerance to exercise or to minimum effort.
• Hair loss.
• Nail fragility.
• Rhagades or fissures on the skin around the mouth.
• Tachycardia in extreme cases.
• Etc. 

It should always be taken into account that chronic anaemia can sometimes produce organismal adaptation and hardly produces any symptoms.

I want to highlight that an important symptom that sometimes goes unnoticed and would have a diagnostic of Iron-deficiency anaemia, is a disproportionate yearning to eat ice, without being in a hot climate, with it even taking place in room or cold temperatures. This phenomenon is called ‘Pica’, and sometimes it is not just reduced to a yearning of eating ice but also to wanting to eat soil, wood, inorganic objects, etc. It is sometimes diagnosed as a psychological disorder however; the levels of minerals in the blood should always be studied including Iron and it should always be taken into account, especially in children.

In the majority of cases, patients that tend to suffer from this pathology are:

• Women with abundant menstruations or with gynaecological problems whereby abundant losses of blood are produced.
• Pregnant and lactating women, as they require a larger quantity of this mineral.
• Patients with gastric problems, which makes absorption more difficult.
• Intestinal parasites have to also be taken into account fundamentally in children.
• A lack of adequate food can also lead to Iron deficiency.

The treatment for Iron-deficiency anaemia is Iron in the form of capsules, syrups, etc. These treatments have to have a minimum duration of three months in order to sufficiently fill Iron deposits, and a minimum of dose of maintenance would be necessary in a lot of cases especially those of women that have continuous blood losses.

The diet would consist in foods that are rich in iron such as:

• Meats such as beef.
• Vegetables such as watercress, swiss chard, spinach, etc.
• Nuts such as almonds, pistachios, etc.
• Legumes such as lentils, chickpeas, peas, broad beans, etc

And never forget that when taking iron as a treatment or foods that are rich in it if it is not accompanied by vitamin C, it will not be absorbed.

Therefore orange juice, grapefruit, lemon, strawberries or stews where there is tomato, peppers, broccoli, etc. should always accompany Iron.

Let us remember that a simple blood count would easily detect Iron-deficiency Anaemia and that by it being accessible to everybody, it would allow people to experience a better life.

Dr. J. Hurtado Martínez

Medical Director of HealthSalus 

When the Heart loses its rhythm. Atrial Fibrillation.

When one of the greatest marathon runners from the 2012 London Olympics could barely move on the morning after the race, alarm bells started to ring. A simple check of his pulse, which was fast and irregular, was the key. An electrocardiogram was conclusive: Atrial Fibrillation.

Atrial Fibrillation is the most frequent type of arrhythmia, consistent with irregular and fast heartbeats, and with a variable durability of less than 48h or Paroxystic AF, to permanent if it is maintained for a long period of time.

Its most severe consequences can be a stroke, as thrombi are displaced from the heart to the brain through the rapid heartbeat, which could cause cardiac insufficiency, which is also very dangerous.

In United Kingdom, more than a million people suffer from this illness, with the same approximate number of people suffering from it in Spain, and according to the latest figures posted by the World Health Organisation (WHO) its expected that more than 30 million people will be affected in USA and Europe in 2050.

Causes of Atrial Fibrillation.

• Patients that have previous valve, coronary and congenital heart pathologies, etc.
• High blood pressure.
• Diabetes.
• Untreated Hyperthyroidism.
• Pulmonary illnesses.
• An excessive intake of alcohol or energy drinks.
• It could also happen without having any previous medical history.

Eventhough it is most frequently common in people over the age of 60, younger adults are beginning to suffer from it as well.

The most common symptoms are:

• Palpitations.
• Feeling of suffocation.
• Dizziness.
• Pain the chest.
• Extreme tiredness or no symptoms are shown. 

The first option would be to take antiarrhythmics as treatment, sometimes accompanied by anticoagulants to prevent the risk of forming thrombi. The latest treatments for arterial fibrillation, such as radiofrequency ablation, cryoablation or surgery, have changed the life expectancy and quality of life of patients that have been able to have access to them.

Lastly, I will say that something as simple as knowing how take the radial pulse or over the wrist, can save a life. Let us learn how to do so!!.

Dr. J. Hurtado Martínez
Medical Director of HealthSalus

Apendicetomía via Endoscópica.

Muy fácil.
En buenas manos no hay que temer.

Appendectomy via Endoscopic Surgery

Very easy.
There is no need to be afraid when in good hands.
 

Turmeric. The golden spice.

It is said that the softness and shine of hair from the population of India, Pakistan, Peru, Iran, etc. is due to turmeric as it used as a condiment in their meals.

Turmeric is one the biggest known antioxidants. It is a powder extracted from the root of the plant, which proceeds from South Asia and it is used as a condiment in famous Indian and Pakistani dishes such as curry, in the preparation of mustard and as colouring in a diverse range of products. The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, and scientific research has shown an interest in it.

Properties of turmeric that have been studied and highlighted:

• It acts as an anti-inflammatory in arthritis, traumas, etc.
• It is used for its healing properties, and due to its action on the skin it would also act in pathologies such as Eczemas, Psoriasis, Rosacea, Vitiligo, etc.
• As an anti-carcinogenic, continuous studies conducted in Indian and Pakistani populations show that turmeric is always present in their foods, noting a lower number of incidences of cancer in these populations in comparison with others that were studied.
• Because of the increment in biliary secretion, it would aid digestion and it seems that acting in the growth of intestinal flora would activate the immune system.
• As an anti-inflammatory, in addition to providing soothing relief from arthritis, it would also do so for asthma and bronchopulmonary diseases.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in United Kingdom, declared in April 2015, that there is scientific evidence which show that turmeric decreases levels of LDL or ‘bad cholesterol’ protecting the body from arteriosclerosis and its consequences, cardiovascular diseases, and when added to pepper, it would also protect the body against metabolic syndrome or from resistance to insulin, decreasing the development of diabetes, fatty liver, etc.

Studies conducted by the University of Stanford and the University of California in Los Angeles (USA) among others, have observed that populations that use turmeric, present less occurrences of degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s chorea. These studies are a turning point in the advancement of the newest treatments to treat these illnesses.

Although the studies that have been conducted are geared towards discovering many more properties possessed by turmeric, using turmeric of the best quality and in the kitchen will always help to maintain good health.

Dr. J. Hurtado Martínez

Medical Director of HealthSalus

High Cholesterol. The enemy of the arteries.

Cholesterol is a substance that is necessary for our organism to guarantee that it functions properly, but it can be harmful when it surpasses normal levels.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) conducted in 2011, the biggest study about cholesterol, and showed that a large population from Germany, USA, England, Japan, Jordan, Mexico and Thailand did not know that high cholesterol could be treated with medication. With 78% of the population in Thailand not being diagnosed and 53% of suffers in Japan being diagnosed but not treated. As well as finding that 47% of the Spanish population did not know whether they had high cholesterol or not and finding that Bulgaria was one of the countries in Eastern Europe to have the highest number of people with cholesterol. The figures were found to be similar in Latin America.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) this is a health disaster of a global scale, as the main consequences of high cholesterol are cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks, strokes, ischemic pathology in the legs, etc.

The recommended levels of cholesterol are below 200 mg or below 3 miliosmoles, keeping in mind the two segments which make up the total result which are HDL Cholesterol named ‘good cholesterol’ which helps to cleanse the arteries, and LDL Cholesterol named ‘bad cholesterol’ which obstructs them.

How can we lower it?

Having a healthy diet and undertaking regular exercise in accordance to your age, etc.

The following guidelines should be followed when conducting a healthy diet that aids in lowering the levels of cholesterol:

Avoid saturated fats such as, butter, sausages, palm oil, trans fats such as industrial pastries, ready-made meals, etc.

Eating healthy fats such as those found in fish, olive oil, and eating fruit and vegetables would also help to decrease levels of cholesterol.

Pasta and whole grains, such as porridge, would carry cholesterol making it easier to eliminate it while foods that have been fortified with derivatives from the ‘plant sterol’, have shown to decrease up to 20% the level of LDL cholesterol or ‘bad cholesterol’.

Eating a handful of nuts such as walnuts, almonds, etc. daily can also decrease levels of cholesterol by 5% and eating legumes such as white beans, chickpeas, lentils, etc. would also aid in doing so.

Experts recommend ingesting dairy skimmed products in order to decrease another source of cholesterol.

Physical Exercise

It has been shown that walking for an hour at a brisk pace increases the levels of good cholesterol making it beneficial for cardiovascular health.

Treatment

Statins have revolutionised the world of treatments for high cholesterol, which added to having a healthy diet, helps to reduce the large number of deaths in men and women and most importantly in ages where they are in at the peak of life.

Dr. J. Hurtado Martínez
Medical Director of HealthSalus

Multiple Sclerosis. The open door to hope.

Dedicated to Manolo

Manuel, Manolo to his friends, born in Madrid, Spain, was 19 years old with a desire to live, however, on that day when he was preparing to go work, he felt slightly dizzy, as if he had been drinking without having done so, he had never felt like that before, added to the tingling in his fingers and a perception that he was seeing double, he felt nervous, however thinking that it was temporary he did not mention it to his parents…

He was called at the time to serve his country, as it was years ago in Spain, and there his symptoms were heighten, his physical weakness kept him exhausted but he had to stay strong; it was the military parade, his parents would be there proud of him, their only child and he could not let them down… When it finished, he collapsed.

His long story began there… medical visits… hospitals… good times and bad times… Along the way Manolo found Rina, his true love, they married, had Paula their daughter, and until now, they keep fighting together.

Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune degenerative disease that affects the central nervous system and approximately 2.500.000 people in the world, with 600.000 in Europe, 49.000 in Spain and 100.000 in the United Kingdom. It is found in young people between the ages of 20 and 30, most frequently in women and with outbreaks of a shorter or longer duration…

The most common symptoms are:

• Numbness and loss of feeling in hands, feet, back, etc.
• Muscle Spasms.
• Difficulty walking.
• Double vision.
• Depression.
• Difficulty Speaking.
• Etc. 

An MRI Scan is the primary test to complete a diagnostic, and in terms of treatment, there is none currently available to cure this illness but there are some available that treat its symptoms and prevent relapses… But there is hope:

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in USA, has granted the status of Breakthrough Therapy Designation to the drug Ocrelizumab, which acts by progressively slowing the illness.

It will be launched shortly and according to professor Alan Thompson, chair of the International Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Alliance, it will be an important milestone and a step forward towards treating the disease.

On the other hand, studies conducted by the university of Queen Mary in London and the Barts Health NHS Trust in United Kingdom, and published by the journal, ‘Multiple Sclerosis’ are geared towards discovering how external factors can affect people that are already genetically predisposed to it.

These studies conducted in the East of London, have been able to prove that people from different ethnicities have developed Multiple Sclerosis in London more than natives that reside in their countries of origin. These studies have opened a new field of research and will aid in the prevention of this illness.

And to Manolo, a special dedication.

Keep being strong and smile like you always do, you possess the greatest gift possible, the love of life and most importantly, a family that loves you. Never forget what I told you, science is there, and one day you will not only walk… you will run!!

Dr. J. Hurtado Martínez

Medical Director of HealthSalus

Red Alert!… Deep Vein thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis is considered to be a serious illness due to the pulmonary embolism that can incur. Considered to be a hospital emergency, it causes more deaths in Europe that AIDS, car accidents and breast and prostate cancer combined.

Deep vein thrombosis happens when a thrombus is produced in the deep vessels of the legs either due to an injury or due to an increase in the thickness of the blood. When the thrombus moves to the lung, it causes a pulmonary embolism, which would be less likely to happen if it is treated early.

The main symptoms are, sudden pain and inflammation in the calf and if the thrombus moves to the lung, acute respiratory failure or shortness of breath without an apparent reason.

People that are more susceptible to suffering from it are:

• Bed-ridden patients.
• Patients that have recently undergone an operation or that have bone fractures.
• Cancer patients.
• Pregnant women.
• Women that take contraceptive pills.
• People that suffer from varicose veins.

Other causes that can trigger a deep vein thrombosis and a pulmonary embolism are:

• Long airplane trips.
• Thrombotic diseases.
• Etc. 

Preventive measures

• Maintain a healthy life.
• People that are bed ridden – use antithrombotic medications such as heparin.
• People that suffer from varicose veins – use compression stockings.
• People that take contraceptive pills or replacement therapy due to menopause or ovarian surgery – Use contraceptives that have low levels of oestrogen or that only have progesterone, and if there is a family or personal history of issues with its use, then not take them.
• Pregnant women – Monitor legs during the pregnancy and in postpartum.
• In long airplane trips:

1. Move frequently.
2. Keep hydrated.
3. Don’t wear tight clothing (especially at the waist and legs).

The main method of diagnostic is an ultrasound.

Chronic treatment consists of anticoagulants, mainly orally and with continuous monitoring, although the latest medications on the market have improved dramatically the quality of life of patients.

We hope that governments would facilitate them to everyone that needs them.

Dr. J. Hurtado Martínez
Medical Director of HealthSalus

Es asar carne a la barbacoa perjudicial para la salud?

Los investigadores creen que cocinar carne a una temperatura alta crea carcinógenos que causan cáncer.

Aunque no hay suficientes pruebas que indiquen que esto es así, el Instituto Americano de Investigaciones sobre el Cáncer sugiere que se practiquen ciertas medidas de seguridad cuando se cocina al aire libre.

1. Sin grasa:

Quitar la grasa de la carne para reducir llamaradas y carbonización.

Cocine la carne en el centro de la barbacoa y asegúrese de que es volteada frecuentemente.

2. Porciones:

Cortar la carne en porciones pequeñas para reducir el tiempo necesitado para cocinarla.

3. Marinar:

Estudios sugieren que marinar la carne antes de asarla a la barbacoa podría reducir la formación de compuestos cancerígenos, llamados HCAS.

4. Pre cocinar:

Reduce el tiempo que la carne esta expuesta a las llamas cocinándola parcialmente primero en el microondas, horno o en el hornillo, esto ayudará a mantener la carne libre de bacterias.

5. Verde:

Asar vegetales y frutas a la barbacoa no produce HCAS.

Dietas altas en alimentos vegetales son asociadas con un riesgo más bajo de desarrollar cáncer.

Feliz Barbacoa!

https://www.statnews.com/2016/05/27/cancer-risk-grill/

Pomegranate, fruit of youth.

Originated in Asia and now extended throughout the world, the pomegranate is one of the fruits that have the greatest number of unknown properties eventhough recent studies are bringing them to light.

Joint studies conducted by the Universities of Murcia (Spain), Porto (Portugal) and Massachusetts (USA) show that only 250ml of juice contains 2.000 antioxidants, out of the 5.000 to 6.000 that are needed daily, and from which now only 3.000 are ingested due to the deficiency present in fruits, vegetables and other foods.

The amount of antioxidants that pomegranates possess exceed 3 times over those in green tea, acting as stimulants in the production of collagen and elastin, which are the greatest regenerators of the skin.

The large quantity of a number of Acids present in pomegranates, named Omega 5, which act similarly to Omega 3 and 6, decrease the levels of cholesterol and arteriosclerosis, improving blood flow and in turn, prevent heart attacks and cerebrovascular accidents.

It would also improve sexual dysfunction in men due the increase in the flexibility of the vessels located in the pelvic area.

Pomegranates are a potent diuretic due to the high levels of potassium present, and therefore contribute to the monitoring of hypertension.

It encourages the elimination of Uric Acid, as it prevents its accumulation and therefore preventing the development of gout.

It has a high level of Vit. C, B6 and E, which would boost the body’s immune system.

Due to its vast quantity of fibre and its low amount of calories, it is recommended in weight loss diets, and due to its astringent effect, it aids problems of diahorrheas and gas.

Numbers of studies and investigations are geared towards demonstrating that the pomegranate has a protective effect over prostate, colon, lung and breast cancer, as well as aiding in the prevention of degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Parkinson’s, Memory Loss, etc.

A glass of fresh pomegranate juice accompanied by a plate of legumes, such as lentils or a plate of vegetables such as spinach, etc. would aid in the absorption of Iron by the body due to its high content of Vit.C and would in turn aid in the prevention and treatment of anaemia.

And it is also a pleasure to have as a refreshing drink.

Dr. J. Hurtado Martínez

Medical Director of HealthSalus