OSTEOPOROSIS. WHEN BONES BECOME FRAGILE.

Osteoporosis is a condition characterised by a loss of bone density, thereby causing bones to become fragile and fractured spontaneously or due to minimum traumas. 

SYMPTOMS

Unfortunately, no symptoms are displayed up until a bone fracture has taken place. A height reduction over the course of a year along with an increment in the curvature of the back can provide us with a clue that osteoporosis is present.

The symptoms are:

• Vertebral compression

• Pain

• Micro fractures

• Important fractures in the vertebrae, wrists, thighs and hips

AGE OF ONSET

It can emerge in children however, it is most commonly found in men and women adults over the age of fifty.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

• Do physical exercise.                                                             
• It has been shown that physical exercise, especially walking, is an important bone generator, therefore making it a key protector against osteoporosis.
• No smoking or drinking alcohol.
• Maintain a healthy diet that is also rich in calcium.

DIAGNOSIS

There is not a blood test that diagnoses osteoporosis and an X Ray will only do so in cases where the condition is in an advanced stage.

The diagnosis can only be made with a machine that measures bone density called densitometer.

This diagnosis is essential for post-menopausal women, people over the age of fifty and people with a prior family history of osteoporosis.

TREATMENT

The treatments depend entirely on the stage in which osteoporosis has been diagnosed.

These would be:

• Maintaining a healthy diet.

• Stop smoking and drinking alcohol.

• Walking everyday for an hour.

• Take Calcium and Vitamin D supplements.

• Use of hormonal treatments, especially for post-menopausal women.

OSTEOPOROSIS. CUANDO LOS HUESOS SE VUELVEN FRÁGILES.

La osteoporosis es una enfermedad que se caracteriza por una pérdida de materia ósea que hace que los huesos se vuelvan frágiles y que se fracturen espontáneamente o ante mínimos traumatismos.

SÍNTOMAS.

La osteoporosis no da síntomas hasta que la fractura del hueso desgraciadamente ha ocurrido. La disminución de la talla de una persona a lo largo del tiempo, unida a su vez a un aumento de la curvatura de la espalda nos pueden dar una idea de que la osteoporosis ya esta presente.

Los síntomas son:

• Aplastamiento vertebral

• Dolor

• Microfracturas

• Fracturas importantes de vértebras, muñeca, muslo y cadera

EDAD DE APARICIÓN

Se puede dar en niños,  aunque la edad de aparición de mayor frecuencia es a partir de los cincuenta años tanto en hombres como en mujeres.

MEDIDAS DE PREVENCIÓN

• Hacer ejercicio físico.
• Se ha demostrado que el ejercicio físico, fundamentalmente el caminar, es un gran generador de hueso y por lo tanto, factor de protección de la osteoporosis.

• No fumar y beber.

• Mantener una dieta saludable y rica en calcio.

DIAGNÓSTICO

No hay análisis de sangre que diagnostique la osteoporosis y una radiografía solamente lo haría en los casos en los que la enfermedad está ya en una etapa muy avanzada.

El diagnóstico solo se hace con un aparato llamado Densitómetro, que es el que mide la densidad de los huesos.

Este diagnóstico es imprescindible en mujeres post-menopáusicas, personas mayores de cincuenta años y personas con antecedentes familiares de osteoporosis.

TRATAMIENTO

Los tratamientos de la osteoporosis dependerán de la fase en la que se encuentre ésta.

Estos serían:

• Seguir una dieta saludable.

• Abandonar los hábitos de alcohol y tabaco.

• Caminar una hora diaria.

• Tomar suplementos de Calcio y Vitamina D.

• Utilización de tratamientos hormonales, sobre todo en las mujeres post-menopaúsicas.  

ONE APPLE A DAY, KEEPS THE DOCTOR AWAY.

Apples are considered to be one of the healthiest fruits that nature provides. Its properties confirm the saying: An apple a day, keeps the doctor away.

Properties:

1. Water

Its richness in water makes it a powerful ally in the fight against dehydration, which is so common in children and older people.

2. Fibre

The high content of soluble and insoluble fibre present within apples protects the body against cardiovascular diseases as it decreases the levels of bad cholesterol and increases the levels of good cholesterol.

3. Antioxidants

The amount of antioxidants present within their components, activates our immune system and increases our defences.

4. Pectin

The amount of pectin present within its components stabilises intestinal function, making it a useful tool for patients that are experiencing diarrhoea (baked) and constipation (raw and with skin).

5. Flavonoids

Apples are rich in a group of antioxidants named Flavonoids, which a number of studies have shown that it could intervene in the prevention of lung cancer.

 6. Phloridzin

This substance, which is only present in the skin and the pulp of apples, more so on the skin and the pulp, allows the glucose in the system to be absorbed at a much slower rate into the intestine, making it a perfect fruit for diabetics.

7. Potassium

It is a fruit that aids in the prevention of hypertension as it has a high level of potassium.

8. Fats

It is very healthy to eat after a large meal as it contributes in the digestion of fats.

9. Satiating

It is a satiating fruit, which helps us to control our appetite.

10. Vitamins

This fruit contains different types of vitamins (E, B and C) and minerals (Iron) making it perfect for pregnant women and to be eaten mid-morning or at whatever time of day.

11. Calorific Value
Apples have a low calorific value, making it a perfect fruit to eat as part of a weight loss diet.

UNA MANZANA AL DÍA, APARTA AL MÉDICO DE TU VIDA.

La manzana es considerada una de las frutas más saludables que nos da la naturaleza. El efecto de sus propiedades confirman el dicho: Una manzana al día, aparta al médico de tu vida.

Propiedades:

1. Agua

Su riqueza en agua, la hace ser una aliada en la lucha contra la deshidratación,  tan frecuente en niños y en personas mayores.

2. Fibra

Su alto contenido en fibra, tanto soluble como insoluble, disminuye los niveles de colesterol malo y aumenta los del colesterol bueno, protegiéndonos así contra las enfermedades cardiovasculares.

3. Antioxidantes

La capacidad antioxidante de sus componentes, nos activan nuestro sistema inmunitario aumentando nuestras defensas.

4. Pectina

La presencia de pectina en su composición estabiliza la función intestinal, pudiéndose usar tanto para la diarreas (asadas) como para el estreñimiento (crudas y con piel).

5. Flavonoides

Las manzanas son ricas en unos antioxidantes llamados flavonoides, que según múltiples estudios parece que intervendría en la prevención del cáncer de pulmón.

6. Floridzina

La presencia de esta sustancia, presente exclusivamente en la manzana, tanto en la piel como en la pulpa, aunque en mayor cantidad en la primera, hace que disminuya la absorción de la glucosa en el intestino, por lo que la hace excelente para los diabéticos.

7. Potasio

Por su alto contenido en potasio, es una fruta que ayuda en la prevención de la hipertensión arterial.

8. Grasas

Contribuye en la digestión de las grasas por lo que es muy saludable comerla después de hacer una comida copiosa.

9. Saciante

Es una fruta saciante, por lo que nos ayuda a controlar el apetito.

10. Vitaminas

Contiene diferentes tipos de vitaminas y minerales entre ellas las del grupo E, B, C y Hierro, lo que la hace perfecta para las embarazadas, tomada a media mañana o a cualquier hora del día.

11. Nivel Calórico

La manzana tiene un bajo nivel calórico, por lo que la hace perfecta en el seguimiento de un régimen de adelgazamiento.

Hígado graso. El hígado que brilla.

Llamado así por la imagen ecográfica que lo diagnóstica, es un acúmulo de grasa en el hígado. Lo padecen aproximadamente el 20% de europeos, norteamericanos, asiáticos y sudamericanos.

Una mujer u hombre de una edad media de cuarenta años, con un abdomen más o menos voluminoso, nos hace sospechar de esta patología; si además añadimos analíticas que nos muestren niveles elevados de colesterol y triglicéridos, transaminasas hepáticas en el límite normal o ligeramente elevadas, ya solo nos hace falta la ecografía que nos lo confirme. La biopsia o toma de una muestra del hígado nos demostrará si éste se está fibrosando o no, es decir pasando de graso a cirrótico o a cáncer. Afortunadamente esto solo ocurre en un porcentaje pequeño de casos.

Aunque la mayoría de hígados grasos son debidos a lo anteriormente señalado, hay un pequeño porcentaje debido a medicamentos o a factores genéticos.

La mayoría de los síntomas si los hay, pues a veces no se presentan, serían simplemente molestias a nivel del lado derecho del abdomen donde acaban las costillas.

Actualmente no existe tratamiento, solo dieta, ejercicio y control de los factores de riesgo como obesidad, colesterol, triglicéridos altos y diabetes si la hubiera.

Las últimas investigaciones publicadas en la famosa revista ‘The Journal of Pineal Research’ y realizadas por científicos españoles y estadounidenses, muestran la posibilidad de un nuevo tratamiento a través de la Melatonina, compuesto usado en trastornos del sueño, y que en animales han mostrado efectos positivos en la reducción del hígado graso. Otros caminos de investigación están abiertos.

Para finalizar solo decir que esta patología se esta presentando cada vez con más frecuencia en jóvenes y en niños debido a los malos hábitos alimenticios y a la falta de ejercicio.

La dieta saludable es la rica en fruta, verdura, legumbres, cereales, pasta pescado y poca carne, evitando en lo más posible las grasas trans y saturadas y sobre todo los azúcares simples.

El hígado graso debido al alcohol es capítulo a parte.

Dra J. Hurtado Martínez
Directora Médica de HealthSalus

Fatty Liver. The liver that glows.

This pathology acquired the nickname from the ultrasound image that produces and is used in its diagnosis. It refers to a build up of fat in the liver and approximately 20% of Europeans, North Americans, Asians and South Americans suffer from it.

A man or woman in their forties with an abdomen that is more or less voluminous, would be considered to be at risk of suffering from this pathology; if we also add medical tests that show elevated levels of cholesterol and triglycerides as well as borderline or slightly high levels of hepatic transaminases, we only need an ultrasound scan to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy or a sample of the liver will show whether or not the liver is in the fibrotic stage or not, or in other words, if the liver is advancing from fatty to cirrhotic or to cancer. Fortunately, this only takes place in a small percentage of cases.

Although the majority of cases are due to the reasons that have been explained above, there are a small percentage of cases that are due to medication or genetic factors.

The majority of symptoms if there were any present, as it is sometimes not the case, would simply be a discomfort on the right side of the abdomen where the ribs end.

No treatment exists presently, only diet, exercise and monitoring risk factors such as obesity, high triglycerides and diabetes if present.

The latest research published by the prestigious ‘Journal of Pineal Research’ and conducted by Spanish and American scientists, showed the possibility of a new treatment through melatonin, which is a compound used to treat sleeping disorders and that has shown positive effects in the reduction of fatty liver in animals.

Other paths of investigation are still open.

On a final note, I would like to say that this pathology is showing up more frequently in children and young people due to poor eating habits and a lack of exercise.

A healthy diet is one that is rich in fruit, vegetables, legumes, cereals, pasta, fish and a small amount of meat, avoiding saturated and trans fats and especially refined sugar.

Fatty liver that is due to alcohol is a completely different matter.

Dr J. Hurtado Martínez
Medical Director of HealthSalus

HEALTH NEWS.

OLIVE OIL. PREVENTING DIABETES DURING PREGNANCY.

A study conducted by researchers from the ‘Hospital Clínico San Carlos’ in Madrid, Spain and published in PloS One, have shown that if a pregnant woman consumes more than four tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and a handful of nuts per day, such as pistachios, the probability of developing diabetes during their pregnancy reduces by 30%. The study also showed that the dose of insulin was halved in the cases of pregnant women that we already suffering from diabetes.

Other benefits that were found were:

• A reduction of the number of urinary infections, which are so frequent during pregnancy.

• A reduction of perineal incidents in labour.

• An improvement of the postnatal period, for both the woman and the child.

The four tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil would be used as salad dressing, as part of the Mediterranean ‘Sofrito’ (made with tomatoes, peppers, garlic and onion) as part of salsas, etc.

The reason as to why pistachios were used within this study, as opposed to any other type of nuts, was because they have a shell. The fact that you have to take the shell off the nut before eating it, meant that the feeling of satiety reached the brain quicker in comparison to the other types of nuts that didn’t have any.

The study also showed that pregnant women that followed this diet did not gain any weight whilst those that ate foods rich in trans fats, i.e. snacks, did. 

To conclude, this study showed that all the ingredients that compose the Mediterranean diet contributed to improving everyone’s overall state of health but that of pregnant women in particular. The Mediterranean diet has a range of health benefits that make it a real gem, which including its richness in antioxidants and its incredible anti-inflammatory qualities amongst others.

NOTICIAS DE SALUD.

ACEITE DE OLIVA. PREVINIENDO LA DIABETES EN EL EMBARAZO.

El estudio llevado a cabo por un grupo de investigadores del Hospital Clínico San Carlos en Madrid, España y publicado en PloS One, han demostrado que si una mujer consume durante el embarazo, más de cuatro cucharadas de aceite de oliva extra virgen y un puñado de frutos secos diarios, como por ejemplo pistachos, reduciría un 30% la posibilidad de adquirir diabetes durante el embarazo. Además las embarazadas ya diabéticas y que utilizaban insulina, disminuían la mitad de la dosis de ésta.

Otros de los beneficios que encontraron fueron:

• Disminución de las infecciones urinarias, tan frecuentes en el embarazo.

• Disminución de los accidentes perineales en el parto.

• Mejora de la salud en el período postnatal, tanto para la madre como para el niño.

El aceite de oliva extra virgen se utilizaría como aderezo de ensaladas, en el sofrito mediterráneo (tomate, pimiento, ajo y cebolla), en salsas, etc.

Entre los frutos secos, se utilizaron los pistachos, porque al llevar cáscara estos y tener que quitársela para comerlos, la sensación de saciedad llegaba antes al cerebro que los frutos secos que no la llevasen.

En el estudio se comprobó también, que las embarazadas que seguían esta dieta no ganaban peso, en comparación a las que tomaban alimentos ricos en grasas trans contenidos en productos de snacks y otros tipos de comidas.

En resumen, este estudio demostró que los ingredientes que constituyen la dieta mediterránea contribuían a mejorar la salud en general y de las embarazadas en particular. El poder antiinflamatorio de esta dieta y su riqueza en antioxidantes la hacen ser una joya de la salud por sus innumerables efectos beneficiosos.

BIPOLAR DISORDER. FROM MANIA TO DEPRESSION AND FROM DEPRESSION TO MANIA. WARNING SYMPTOMS.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), this pathology is suffered by approximately 60 million people worldwide and consists of a mood disorder that can evolve from depression to mania and from mania to depression. It usually emerges in both men and women, from the age of 25 upwards.

MANIC STAGE.

The cases that begin with mania present the following symptoms:

• Extreme euphoria without an apparent cause, that can last anywhere from days to weeks.

• Verbiage or speech acceleration.

• Irritation of minimum stimuli.

• Insomnia with nocturnal hyperactivity.

• Starting jobs but never finishing them.

• Racing thoughts. They jump from one idea to the next without their being a connection in between them.

• Delirious or grandiose ideas. They believe themselves to be something they are not.

• Visual or auditory hallucinations.

• Extreme sociability. They talk to everybody with no limit, something that they had never done previously.

• Sexual disinhibitions, beginning multiple high-risk sexual relationships.

• Exorbitant spending, which could lead to theirs and their families’ bankruptcy.

• Tendency to consume drugs and alcohol.

The patient in this phase has to hospitalized urgently, and if does not taken place, then the patient will progress onto the second stage, depression.

DEPRESSIVE STAGE

These are the symptoms present when this pathology begins in the depressive stage or has evolved to it from the manic stage.

• Slowing of speech, movements and thoughts.

• Extreme tiredness, that makes them wish that they were constantly in bed.

• Changes in appetite and weight.

• Feelings of guilt, they feel as though they are a hindrance, that they always do everything wrong, that it is their fault that they are the way they are.

• They lose the desire to live.

• Tendency to suicide.

If the patient begins in this stage, they will end up evolving into mania. Urgent hospitalisation is required.

HYPOMANIA

This is a mild form of mania with more moderate symptoms that has to always be treated, although hospitalization is not needed.

Bipolar disorder is a chronic pathology that if diagnosed early and with treatment, could allow patients to live a normal life. Awareness of its symptoms will allow us to do so.