‘Water’

Acute Diarrhea

Saturday, July 24th, 2010

Can be defined as diarrhea that lasts more than 4 weeks, 4 is also called gastroenteritis. Almost always considered contagious, although they are only contagious diarrhea of infectious origin. Often, what you do is reassure the patient, make sure you get adequate amounts of fluid, and wait to see your progress. In more severe cases, or where it is important to find the cause of the disease, will require a stool culture.
The most common organisms found within these crops are Campylobacter (an organism of animal origin), Salmonella (also animal), cryptosporidiosis (animal) and Giardia lamblia (lives in drinking water). The decomposing food is associated with Salmonella infections. Shigella (which causes dysentery) is less common and usually human origin. Cholera is rare in Western countries. It is more common in travelers and is usually related to contaminated water: the ultimate source is probably sea water.
Escherichia coli is probably a very common cause of diarrhea, especially in travelers, but it can be difficult to detect with current technology. The types of E. coli vary from region to region and from country to country. Viruses, particularly rotavirus, are common in children (viral diarrhea misdiagnosed, most often by non-medical practice). Norwalk virus is rare.
Rotting food, or toxins or poisons can cause diarrhea. These toxins are the Staphylococcus (often found in dairy products that have been in contact with any infected wound of the people involved in its preparation), and Bacillus cereus (eg rice in Chinese restaurants).

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Diarrhea | No Comments »

Essential Nutrients

Tuesday, January 5th, 2010

Essential NutrientsWATER

Essential component for life and abundant in most foods. Water is absorbed in the intestine and then transported by the blood to other organs. Can be found in the body as part of the intracellular cell protoplasm and extracellular, and interstitial fluid, lymph, and as part of blood plasma.

FUNCTIONS

  • Transportation of nutrients and waste products
  • Regulation of body temperature
  • Solvent substances
  • Structural component of cells

Water is excreted through urine, feces, skin and lungs. The balance between loss and gain of water should be neutral because a positive balance of ending a picture of water retention and a negative a picture of dehydration.

(more…)

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Essential Nutrients, Nutrition | No Comments »