“Foods that Help to Improve Grades – Part 1/2” plus 3 more nursing article(s): NursingCrib.com Updates

Foods that Help to Improve Grades – Part 1/2
Alopecia
Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy
Kwashiorkor

Foods that Help to Improve Grades – Part 1/2

Posted: 07 Nov 2010 04:49 PM PST

Foods that Helps Improve Grades

Been having trouble concentrating during classroom lectures? Or can't stop yawning in the middle of your professor's or reviewer's lecture? Are you the one who want to achieve that higher than average grade? If mediocre academic accomplishment is not part of your vocabulary and if you want to pass that board examination or big test with flying colors then this article is for you!

The brain is one of the most important body organs that affect the activities of daily living. It is used for memorization, coordinating physical movements through stimulation of other body systems, cognitive and emotional functioning. Imagine how busy your brain is! And during that big test you want to use the most of it but there are times that it slows down. I know that there are times where you simply can't concentrate anymore and just want to bump that head into the wall. But here's the thing, your brain needs proper nourishment for it to function well. A plant without proper sunlight and water won't yield so as your brain. Food intake is an essential factor that keeps brain functioning effectively. According to research and studies, the following foods can help boost brain memory, concentration and function.

Egg yolk for the brain…

An egg yolk contains choline, a fat-like Vitamin B, which is a building block of brain cells that helps improve the memory. Choline is also a precursor of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Acetylcholine plays a role in muscle control and memory of a person. Thus, eating eggs boosts an individual's alertness, memory and concentration.

Feed the brain with FATS!

Healthy fats are important for increasing a brain's function. Omega 3 fatty acids found in fish (sardines and salmon) reduce brain cell inflammation that generates memory decline. All brain cell membranes need to refresh themselves with a new supply of healthy fatty acids. Three servings of fish in a week contribute to an optimal brain function.

Sweet treats for wits…

Mood is one factor that makes a person develop concentration in a lecture, thereby, increasing learning. Chocolates are known for boosting endorphin production. Endorphins improve focus and concentration of a person while enhancing the mood. Dark chocolates are rich in flavonoids that boost blood supply to the brain that improves cognitive skills. Milk chocolate has been known for enhancing visual and verbal memory.

Load the body with antioxidants

Citrus and colorful fruits contain Vitamins A, C and E which are rich in antioxidant that destroys the free radicals in the body. Free radicals, when present in the body, damage the cells and tissue. These vitamins also improve brain power and help recall information quickly.

Go nuts!!

Peanuts, cashews, almonds, walnuts and hazelnuts contains vitamin B6, Omega 3 fatty acid, folate and Vitamin E that improves learning and memory as well as boosting brain power and improving one's mood.

Iron sharpens brain…

Sharpen memory and cognitive function by supplying the brain with oxygen through the consumption of iron-rich foods such as red meats, liver and green leafy vegetables.

Sweet Potatoes (Kamote)

Sweet potatoes nourish the brain by supplying it with Vitamin B6 (helps in transmission of impulses), carbohydrates (fuel source of the brain) and antioxidant (destroys the free radicals that damages cells and tissues in the body).

Be alert with yogurt

Tryptophan is an amino acid that is found in protein-rich foods that makes a person sleepy. Yogurt is a good source of protein that has been proven to be low in tryptophan. Also yogurt contains tyrosine that serves as the precursor for some neurotransmitter. Thus, yogurt not only increases memory but also makes a person alert.

images from eat-less-calories.com, slowtrav.com, misseja.com, tippinthescales.wordpress.com, wdexpo.org

Alopecia

Posted: 07 Nov 2010 01:00 PM PST

Alopecia or hair loss may be idiopathic (alopecia areata), male pattern, physiologic, due to hair pulling (trichotillomania) or due to scarring from other skin or sytstemic disorders.

Physiologic alopecia may associated with hormonal changes such as childbirth, nutritional factors, or toxin exposure.

Also, chemotherapuetic agents cause some degree of alopecia. This is dependent on the drug dose, half-life of the drug and duration of therapy. Usually, alopecia begins 2 weeks after administration of chemotherapy. Hair regrowth takes about 3 to 5 months after the treatment.

Clinical Manifestations:

Patterned, patchy or diffuse hair loss
Inflammation and scarring with some types

Medical Management:

Determine the underlying cause and treat it based on its etiology.
Minoxidil may cause fine hair regrowth in male pattern baldness and alopecia areata. Finasteride, which is an oral agent, can be used by males only with good results..
Various methods of hair replacement can be done. This includes surgical grafting of hair follicles, hair weaving or use of hair pieces.

Nursing Management:

Explain that alopecia areata and physiologic hair loss are usually only temporary and self-limiting.
For alopecia due to chemotherapy, assure the client that the hair will eventually grow back a few months after the treatment.
Encourage the client to verbalize his/her fears and body-image concerns regarding alopecia, especially if the client is a teenager or a young adult.
For females, encourage them to change their hairstyle or to wear head pieces or beautiful head scarfs until their hair grows back.
Counsel male patients on the slow and limited effects of minoxidil and stress that when treatment is stopped, the effects are reversed.
Encourage to eat a well-balanced diet, especially rich in protein and iron to promote hair growth.
Promote hair growth by encouraging them to be gentle with their remaining hair and to always keep their scalp and hair clean.Photo credits: www.world-pharmacy-directory.com

Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy

Posted: 07 Nov 2010 11:00 AM PST

It is also called enlarged prostate. In approximately one half of men 50 years and older, the prostate gland enlarges, extending upward into the bladder and obstructing the outflow of urine by encroaching on the vesical orifice. One of four men who reaches 80 years of age will require treatment for BPH.

Pathophysiology and Etiology:

The process of aging and the presence of circulating androgens are required for the development of BPH.
The prostatic tissue forms nodules as enlargement occurs.
The normally thin and fibrous outer capsule of the prostate becomes spongy and thick as enlargement progresses.
The prostatic urethra becomes compressed and narrowed, requiring the bladder musculature to work harder to empty urine.
Effects of prolonged obstruction cause trabeculation of the bladder wall, decreasing its elasticity.

Clinical Manifestations:

In early or gradual prostatic enlargement, there may be no symptoms because the bladder musculature can initially compensate for increased urethral resistance.
Obstructive symptoms include:

urinary hesitancy

diminution in size and force of urinary stream

terminal dribbling

sensation of incomplete emptying of the bladder

urinary retention

Irritative voiding symptoms include:

Urgency

Frequency

Nocturia

Diagnostic Evaluation:

Rectal examination would reveal smooth, firm, symmetric enlargement of the prostate
Urinalysis to rule out hematuria and infection
Serum creatinine and BUN to evaluate renal function
Serum PSA to rule out cancer, but may also be elevated in BPH
Optional diagnostic studies for further evaluation include:

Urodynamics to measure peak urine flow rate, voiding time and volume, and status of the bladder’s ability to effectively contract

Measurement of post-voidal residual urine by ultrasound or catheterization

Cystourethroscopy to inspect urethra and bladder and to evaluate prostatic size

Complications:

acute urinary retention
involuntary bladder contractions
bladder diverticula
cystolithiasis
vesicoureteral reflux
gross hematuria and UTI

Management:

Patients with mild symptoms are follow-up annually as BPH does not necessarily worsen in all men.
Pharmacologic treatment:

Alpha-adrenergic blockers to relax the smooth muscle of bladder base and prostate to facilitate voiding

Finasteride has an anti-androgen effect on prostatic cells by reversing or preventing hyperplasia

Surgery such as transurethral incision of the prostate or open prostatectomy, usually by suprapubic approach
Newer approaches include laser surgery, transurethral electrovaporization, transurethral needle ablation, and thermotherapy

Photo credits: www.healthguide.howstuffworks.com

Nursing Management:

Provide privacy and time for the patient to void.
Assist with catheter introduction

Monitor intake and output.

Monitor patency of catheter

Administer medications as ordered and educate patient about its side and adverse effects.
Assess for and teach patient to report hematuria and signs of infection.
Explain the possible complications of BPH and to report this at once.
Advise patient to avoid drugs that impair voiding such as OTC cold medications containing sympathomimetics like phenylpropanolamine.
Encourage compliance to follow-up check ups.

Kwashiorkor

Posted: 07 Nov 2010 09:00 AM PST

Kwashiorkor is a form of malnutrition that occurs when there is not enough protein in the diet. It is usually an acute form of childhood protein-energy malnutrition. The presence of edema caused by poor nutrition defines kwashiorkor.

Kwashiorkor is most common in areas where there is famine, limited food supply and low levels of education. This disease is more common in very poor countries. It often occurs during a drought, other natural disasters or during political turbulence. These conditions are responsible for scarcity of food, which leads to malnutrition.

Symptoms:

Changes in skin pigment
Decreased muscle mass
Diarrhea
Failure to gain weight and grow
Fatigue
Changes in color and texture of hair
Increased and more severe infections due to damaged immune system
Irritability
Protruding abdomen
Lethargy or apathy
Loss of muscle mass
Rash
Swelling or edema

Diagnostic Evaluation:

The physical examination may show an enlarged liver or hepatomegaly and generalized swelling.

Other tests may include:

Arterial blood gas
BUN
Complete blood count (CBC)
Creatinine clearance
Serum creatinine
Serum potassium
Total protein levels
Urinalysis
Coma
Permanent mental and physical disability
Shock

Possible Complications:

Coma
Permanent mental and physical disability
Shock

Management:

Getting more calories and protein will correct this form of malnutrition, if treatment is started early enough. However, children who have condition will never reach their full potential for height and growth.
Treatment depends on the severity of the condition. Patients who are in shock need immediate treatment to restore blood volume and maintain blood pressure.
Calories are given first in the form of complex carbohydrates, simple sugars, and fats. Proteins are started after other sources of calories have already provided energy. Vitamin and mineral supplements are essential.
Since the patient has not taken in adequate food for a long period of time, eating can cause problems, especially if high caloric foods are given simultaneously. Food must be reintroduced slowly. Carbohydrates are given first to supply energy, followed by protein foods.
Many malnourished children will develop lactose intolerance. They need to be given supplements with the enzyme lactase, so that they can tolerate milk products.

As kwashiorkor is a nutrition problem, make sure that the diet is composed of 40-50% carbohydrates, 25-35% protein and 20-30% fat.

Photo credits: www.nlm.nih.gov