Lactose is the main sugar present in milk and other dairy products. The enzyme lactase, found in the small intestine, is responsible for the breakdown of lactose into simpler substances until it is used by the body. Infants have an abundant lactase enzyme because they depend on milk for nourishment. Still, lactose intolerant patients cannot […]
Are you experiencing undesired weight loss? Do you want to meet body weight requirements as an athlete? Increasing calories can fix this for you! Weight loss can be attributed to low food intake, an unbalanced diet, and intense exercise. A person having a BMI below 18 is considered underweight. To gain weight, the calorie intake
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Iron is an essential mineral that ensures good health. Iron plays role in DNA synthesis and is the key component of red blood cells, which are responsible for oxygen transport and resistance to infections.1 Iron is a mineral that combines with protein to form haemoglobin, the main part of red blood cells and transports oxygen
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Minerals are micronutrients necessary for many reactions occurring in the body. They are essential for effective functioning of the immune system, growth, brain development, important reactions, and many other functions.1 Fifteen major minerals are required for the proper functioning of the body. Calcium Calcium is one of the most important minerals in the body. It
Osteoporosis is a condition that affects the bones in our body as we age. Osteoporosis is a Latin word meaning “porous bones.” Small spaces inside a healthy bone increase osteoporosis, leading to loss of bone strength and density.1 Osteoporosis occurs at old age and approximately 53 million people are either suffering from osteoporosis or are
Ostomy is a surgical procedure that creates an opening in the abdominal wall created for waste removal.1 It helps aid in the treatment of digestive tract and urinary tract diseases. An ostomy can be permanent or temporary.2 Permanent: Used when an organ from the digestive tract is removed. Temporary: Used when an organ in the
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The pancreas is located deep in the abdomen behind the stomach. It is often referred to as a “hidden organ.” It is around 6–8 inches long in an average adult. The organ contains thin tubes that join to form an opening in the small intestine. The pancreas produces pancreatic juice and certain enzymes necessary for
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Peptic ulcers are the sores that develop inside the stomach, esophagus or small intestine and are caused by Helicobacter pylori infection, alcohol use, and some medications.1 Non-ulcer dyspepsia: Also called functional dyspepsia, non-ulcer dyspepsia is a painful feeling in the upper abdomen due to an unknown cause.2 Gastroscopy or endoscopy tests show no apparent signs
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Sodium is an essential mineral that performs vital functions in the body. Sodium plays a major role in fluid balance in the body.1 Sodium balance is necessary because excess sodium leads to extra water retention in the body, which may be problematic for those with high blood pressure and heart disease. In such patients, sodium
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A clear liquid diet is a special diet that consists of clear fluids such as broth, plant gelatin, and water that are easily absorbed, leaving no undigested residues in the intestine. Your physician may prescribe you a clear liquid diet before certain medical procedures(1) such as a colonoscopy study, or in certain GI tract diseases
