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OSTEOPOROSIS

Osteoporosis is a disorder of bone where reduced Bone Mineral Density makes the bones fragile

Osteoporosis is a silent disease that causes thinning and weakening of bones

There is decrease in Bone Mineral Density making the bones weak and brittle

Risk Factors of Osteoporosis

  • AGE  and SEX – as age advances chances of osteoporosis increases, Bone Mineral density reached its peak at around 30 yrs of age. Then after certain years it gradually starts depleting due to depleting levels of Growth hormone and later more pronounced after 48 in women and after 60 in men, its attributed to depletion of oestrogen in females and depletion of testosterone in males. its more common and severe in females as oestrogen depletion in females affects more compared to effect of testosterone depletion in males.
  • Genetics and Familial Predesposition
  • Habitat  – in region or lifestyle with lesser exposure to sunlight.
  • Vitamin D deficiency
  • Parathyroid Dysfunctions
  • Thyroid Dysfunctions
  • Kidney diseases
  • Diabetes Mellitus
  • Acromegaly
  • Certain rheumatological conditions
  • Parkinson’s Disease
  • Sedentary lifestyle lack of exercise and physical activity
  • Excessive tobacco smoking
  • High Protein diet
  • High intake of phosphoric acid, usually its through areated soft drinks
  • Prolonged increased exposure to Cadmium.
  • Malabsorption and Malnutrition

Pathophysiology of Osteoporosis

(this part is under construction)

Bone constitutes major portion of Human Skeleton

There Are Over 206 bones in skeleton primarily it consists 270 bones at birth later they fuse together during development

Bones Differs in various size shapes and structures

Bones not only performs the functions of protection protection and support to the body but also helps in storage of minerals lipids and nutritients

Tissue that constitute bone are of two types that gives strength and rigidity to bones viz:

  1. Cortical bone – Cortical Bone forms the outer layer of most of the bones. It is stiffest and hardest. It helps in supporting and protecting the soft tissues of body and gives shape to the body. It Consists of Osteons that in turn consists of Haversion Canal that allows the blood vessels and nerves to travel through them.
  2. Cancellous Bone – It occur at the end of the Long Bones. It is less stiff and weaker compered to the Cortical Bone. They Consists of Red Bone Marrow that produce Blood Cells

The Bone tissue exibits following type of cells:

  • Osteoblast
  • Osteoclast
  • Osteocyte

They help in Synthesization, Bone Resorption as well as Maintainence and repair of bones

Osteoporosis most commonly occurs due to the imbalance in bone resorption and bone formation and insufficient mass

Low Bone Density occurs when osteoclast degrads bone matrix faster than osteoblasts.

Role of Parathyroid Gland in Calcium Metabolism and Osteoporosis

•Hyperparathyroidism-Hyperparathyroidism can be defined as a condition when one or more of the parathyroid glands become hyperactivie and increases in size.
This leads to increased PTH levels in blood
Parathyroid Hormone Vitamin D and Calcium Metabolism 
•Parathyroid hormone is secreted by parathyroid glands.
•PTH along with vit D helps in regulation of calcium level in human body.
•PTH is secreted through negative feedback mechanism of the body when the serum calcium levels are decreased.
•Vit D regulates intestinal absorption of calcium.
•Calcitrol the active form of vit D regulates calcium metabolism.
•Vit D3 is produced from 7-dehydrocholestrol when the skin is exposed to Ultraviolet rays
•Vit D3(Cholecalciferol) is then carried to liver via blood where it undergoes two hydroxylation process.
•First it goes under hydroxylation in liver forming Calcidol 25(OH) and then in kidneys forming Calcidol(1,25 dihyrdroxy vit D).
•The decreased serum calcium level stimulates PTH secretion.
•As Bones are the major store house of calcium,the secreted PTH corrects calcium level by mobilizing calcium from bone through destruction of bones by osteoclasts.
•This leads to osteoporosis where there is weakening of bone decreasing it’s density.

Signs and Symptoms of Osteoporosis

  • Osteoporosis itself may stay silent and show no symptom untill bone becomes weak and break down.
  • Acute and chronic pain in bones and muscles.
  • May precipitate or trigger osteoarthritis
  • Deformities and anomalies to carry out normal daily activities.
  • Stooped posture, loss of height, collapse (loss of consciousness).
  • Fractures are most dangerous aspect of osteoporosis. Fractures most commonly occurs in spine, hip, rib, shoulder, wrist.

Diagnosis of Osteoporosis

The normal Bone Density is within +/-1 SD(+1 or-1)(Standard Deviation) in young adults.

The Score Between -1 and -2.5 is indication of low bone mass.

The score of -2.5 or lower indicates osteoporosis.

  • X rays to an extent helps in detecting reduced Bone Mass also in detecting the complications of osteoporosis like fractures.
  • CT Scan and MRI helps in detecting complications of reduced bone mass, preosteoporosis or follow up examination.
  • Dual Energy X ray Absorptiometry(DEXA) is mostly used for evaluating Bone Mineral Density and its grading for diagnosis of Osteoporosis.
  • Quantitave Ultrasound is a non-invasive method of estimating bone density and risk of bone fracture.
  • Certain Biomarkers are also useful in detecting bone degradation.

Homoeopathic Medicines for Osteoporosis

  • CALCAREA PHOSPHORICA 

    It affects the nutrition of bones and glands indicated in it Homoeopathic form when bones becomes soft brittle and thin, promotes ossification of bones in non union of fractures, pain and burning along the sutures, shifting pain, malassimilation.

  • CALCAREA CARBONICA

    Improper assimilation of calcium gives rise to defective nutrition of bones glands and skin. Swelling of the joints especially knee weakness and trembling of limbs.

  • SYMPHYTUM OFFICINALE 

    injuries to cartilage, periosteum, comminuted fractures, non union of fractures, deficient callus, arthralgia of knees, carries of vertebrae.

  • RUTA GRAVEOLENS 

    Sore tendons, injured or bruised bones, formation of deposit or nodes in periosteum and tendons, ill effects of bruise, fractured bones, brittle paralytic rigidity of injured or affected part.

  • FLOURICUM ACIDUM

    This remedy should be thought of when osteoporosis secondary to some chronic metabolic digestive or autommune condition or post chronic debilitating deep seated  infections  produces slow deeply destructive effects carries of long bones ulceration varicose veins bedsores calcareous degeneration tissues are puffy indurated and fistulus.

  • Ammonium Muriaticum 

    A good remedy to combat secondary effects and complications of osteoporosis especially those due to nerve compression due to degenerative changes of spine as a complication of osteoporosis. Patient has tension and tightness as if muscles or tendons are too short neuralgic pain in stumpsof amputed limbs sciatica pain in heels.

 

VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY HYPOVITAMINOSIS D

HOMEOPATHIC PATENT MEDICINES – Your Life Is At Stake – Are They Actually Homoeopathic!

Homoeopathic Patent Medicines – Homoeopathy for NAME-SAKE!

Homoeopathic Patent Medicines – Over the Counter – So Called Homoeopathic Medicines.

Are they actually Homoeopathic?

Are you being cheated in name of Homoeopathy?

There are lots of controversies related to So Called “Homoeopathic Patent Medicines” available over the counter in pharmacies.

And no one wants to dare to raise their voice against it as most of these are owned by major manufacturers having good contacts with central councils and no one wants to mess with them!

There are many flaws in the homoeopathic patent medicines that are available in market and about the rules and regulations governing them and without any doubt this need to be corrected in system as soon as possible, as its affecting the credibility of Homoeopathy  as  whole and its our resposibility to act and regularise certain things.

There are 5 Gross Irregularities that I have noticed in OTC Homoeopathic patent Medicines are:

1)Many of these medicines mention the effect/indications of each of the used drug seperately on the labels, where as its being administered in combination, and when more than substances are combined the new combination may not retain individual properties of original components. So only effects of newly prepared combination as a whole should be allowed to be mentioned on label.

2) Indications/effects should be strictly scrutinised before letting them mentioning it on their Label. Though generalising of medicine as per disease is against certain laws of organon but still “Genus Epidemicus” section does provide liberty on this aspect to some extent.

But the claimed effects should be confirmed by not only as per Homoeopathic Drug Proving Principles under high vigilance but also double blind placebo controlled trials with most modern techniques as they are not giving classical or constitutional approach in their combination disease specific medicines and is based only on theraputic model, which can easily be checked by modern techiniques.

3) The dosing which they mention on their labels should be strictly banned as  almost all of these medicines mention a fixed dose pattern without time-frame in a generalised manner for all . Organon strictly mentions that one cannot generalise the dosages as its too dangerous and should only be administered as per the susceptibility of an each individual also its a well known fact that organon strictly warns unnecessary repetition of doses in same potency one the effect has started.

4)Label of “Homoeopathic Medicine” should not be allowed if the indications are not based on same cures same principle, as its not the substance thats being used makes it homoeopathic in nature its the way its administered on a diseases condition determines wether  its Homoeopathic or Unhomoeopathic in its mode of action. There are many substances that are being used in common in Ayurveda  Homoeopathy and other systems of medicines but application and indication is different as in Homoeopathy we administer as per “LIKE CURES LIKE” or “Same Cures Same” principle where as most of other system use “Opposite Cures”.

Let me give you an example that if homoeopathy used X substance for cure of  diarrhoea then the other system will use  that substance X for cure of cobstipation.

Organon clearly mentions that when a substance is administered first it shows a primary action which is due to material dosw of that substance that act directly on the body and then come secondary response that is the body’s reaction towards that direct primary medicinal action, which we all know as response to stimulus, So in homoeopathy we rely on response to stimulus and not the primary action of the drug substance that is the stimulus, so in homoeopathy we just stimulate the organism as a whole and wait for its reaction towards that stimulus unlike other systems where they simply keep stimulating and stimulatimg by repeating ever increasing material doses whereas we just administer initial few doses untill we find satisfactorily that the organism is being stimulated sufficiently then we stop dosing it further as it will only create medicinal aggravation or even dangerous – the killers aggravation which under certain condition is fatal.

So its important wether the mentioned indication is homoeopathic in nature or unhomoeopathic and wether the indicated dosing are corresponding to laws of organon or not, otherwise they can simply mention to consult physician for dosing of those medicines.

5)Most of these medicines mention “No Side Effects” on their label,  Now this fact is not commonly known that if Homoeopathy if not taken as per principles of homoeopathic it can produces severe aggravations which might deteriorate patient’s condition and in some cases patient may even die, this type of aggravations are well known in Homoeopathic community as “Killers aggravation”. And by mention such dosing and with other irregularities most of these medicines are not homoeopathic medicines at all!

Considering all above facts most of the so called Patent Homoeopathic Medicines alvailable in market are not at all homoeopathic!

Setbacks:

  • The consumers are being cheated
  • Their life is at stake
  • Goodwill of homoeopathy is perishing

All these are gross irregularities not only on the part of Manufacturers but also the Governing body and the lax rules and ruglations governing them.

Its causing lots of critisicism about homoeopathy globally and homoeopathy has started losing its credibility because of all such issue this wonderful system of gentle medicine needs to be preserved properly and its in our hands.

Its time for all of us to come forward not only the physicians and consumers but also governing body and manufacturers to find a proper solution to this mess and lay down stringent laws not only as per Homoeopathic pharmacopia but also keeping into effect the bare homoeopathic laws as mentioned in homoeopathic organon of medicine. Though many of those need to be ammended but still the basic essence and priciple can never be Violated or Amennded  to proudly call our self HOMOEOPATHS And That Law Is “LIKE CURES LIKE”.

“SIMILIA SIMILIBUS CURENTUR”

THE KILLER’s AGGRAVATION -Homoeopathic Medicines Can Kill You!

OBESITY

Obesity has reached at pandemic levels and has become a subject of concern as it is directly related to many diseases.

As obesity is directly associated with many diseases, so it needs to be studied properly in all its dimensions so as to prevent it, treat it and also to understand all the underlying factors related.

Diagnostic Measurements and Evaluation Methods for Level of Obesity

To measure fat ratio in our body there are many highly technical ways but clinically feasible and practical are the following 3 ways which are widely used.

  1. BMI – Body Mass Index, where the body weight is related with height BMI=Body Mass/ (Body Height)². It is measured as kg/m². BMI of 18.5 to 25kg/m² is considered to be normal, below 18.5kg/m² underweight, 27-30kg/m² overweight, above 30kg/m² Obese. In general a subject having BMI above  27kg/m² and below 18.5 kg/m² is considered to be at health risk.
  2. Various Circumferences of body and their relation and ratio with each other, especially waist to hip circumference ratio. Distribution of fat also determines the risk factor as it is observed that central or visceral obesity where fat accumulates in belly around abdominal organs and on trunk is observed to have more health risk compared to diffused subcutaneous fat accumulation.
  3. Skin Fold Measurement is also one of the ways to measure fat proportion. This method which gives us better idea about subcutaneous fats. Skinfold measurement when taken along with the other two above mentioned methods gives us a better comparative ratios and evaluation of body fat measurements.

Risk Factors of Obesity

Not only genetics but also environment plays a major role e.g. Its observed that Asian shifting to USA (the obesity capital of world), ratio wise more tend to become obese compared to their counterparts in their country.

Few of the risk factors are mentioned below

  • Genetics and familial predesposition
  • Enviroment and staple food of the region
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Irregular sleep pattern
  • lrregular meal pattern
  • Low protein intake
  • High carbohydrate and sugar intake
  • Certain Metabolic Disorders
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Diabetes Mellitus
  • PCOS polycystic ovarian disease
  • Certain Medications
  • Certain Psychiatric Eating Disorders
  • Bigorexia/muscle dysmorphia
  • Body Dismorphic Disorder
  • Anorexia Nervosa
  • Orthoxia nervosa
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Night Eating Syndrome
  • Certain injuries deformities and disabilities that makes patient immobile which causes weight gain.

Pathophysiology of Obesity

To simplyfy the understanding of causation of obesity; which otherwise is too complicated to comprehend with a single article; I have explained it in a broader sense and summarised its essense as follows:

“Obesity is the disease of low energy utilisation compared to intake!”

“When the intake of energy exceeds its utilisation, it then get converted into triglycerides and is stored in adipose tissues causing obesity”

There are many factors that are responsible for obesity but the recent research has come up with an interesting mind boggling study of one of such factor that is the molecule Leptin.

Leptin and Ghrelin with other endocrinal molecules controls Appetite and Satiety centers through hypothalamus. Is a complex Hypothalamo-pitutary-endocrinal axis that is inovolved in the mechanism.

Of all the other various factors, Leptin needs a special reference and attention when it comes to obesity. As Leptin not only controls Apetite but also controls Thermogenesis and other Catabolic processes.

Role of Leptin in Apetite Control

Adipocytes communicate with satiety centers present in hypothalamus by secreting a polypeptide called Leptin. The levels of Leptin are determined by the amount of fat stores in the body. Leptin interacts with the hypothalamus by attaching to Leptin receptors.

When Lateral Hypothalamus(LH) is stimulated it increases appetite and vice a versa.

When Venteromedial Hypothalamus(VMH) is stimulated it creates satiety and vice a versa.

Level of Leptin and its relation with certain appetite controling molecules through Stimulation or inhibition of LH and VMH is as follows:

  • Inversely proportional to a powerful appetite stimulators like Neuropeptide Y(NPY) and Agouti Related Peptide(AgRP). Resultant Stimulating LH and Inhibiting VMH
  • Directly proportional to powerful appetite inhibitors like Glucagon Like Peptide-1(GLP-1), Pro-opiomelanocortin(POMT) and Cocaine and Amphetamine Regulated Transcript(CART). Resultant Stimulating VMH and inhibiting LH

Role of Leptin in Catabolic Processes.

Leptin receptor stimulation increases

  • Energy expenditure
  • Physical activity
  • Thermogenesis(heat production)

Role of leptin in Energy Expenditure, Physical Activity and Thermogenesis

  • Stimulation of leptin receptors in hypothalamus stimulates secretion of Norepinephrine from sympathetic nerve endings in adipose tissue.
  • This stimulates β3-adrenergic receptors expressed by fat cells which results into hydrolysis of fatty acids.
  • This results into release of energy which is dissipated in the form of heat.

Also there are other catabolic effects of leptin which are mediated through Hypothalamo-Pitutary axis which goes through the channel of endocrinal system by stimulating endocrinal glands.

Deletion or SNP of Leptin producing gene causes leptin deficiency resulting into extreme obesity.

Complications and Diseases Associated with Obesity

Obesity complicates almost all the diseases and precipitates many life threatening chronic diseases.

Few of them which needs special reference are

  • Hypertension
  • Diabetes Mellitus
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Gout
  • Lumbar spondylodis
  • Sciatica
  • Meralgia Paraesthetica
  • Artherosclerosis
  • Hypertriglyceridemia
  • Hypercholestrolemia
  • Low HDL
  • Cardiomegaly
  • Congestive Cardiac Failure
  • Ischemic Heart Diseases
  • Deep Vein Thrombosis
  • Pulmonary Embolism
  • Fatty Liver
  • Cholelithiasis
  • Hypoventilation syndrome
  • PCOS
  • Infertility
  • Erectile Dysfunction
  • Hypogonadism
  • Burried male genitals
  • Depression
  • Certain Cancers

HOMEOPATHIC MEDICNES AND MANAGEMENT FOR OBESITY

To Lose Weight in obese patient who wants to reduce weight it is necessary to rule out all the pathological factors which may be responsible for obesity and if any found then first the underlying abnormalities needs to be treated first.

Each case preferably needs to be individualised properly as per homoeopathic principles for medicine selection, to yield best results of homoeopathic medicines.

Though , there are some generally used common homoeopathic medicines to lose weight which I have simplified to select by providing basic guidelines which are hard to fail in most of the cases,

  1. Phytolacca Berry well proven homoeopathic medicine for weightloss in general.
  2. Fucus Vesiculosus compliments well to phytolacca berry and when both given intermittently during weightloss treatment works wonders.
  3. Calcarea Carbonica Generalised obesity, for fair, fat and flabby women especially in their forties, mentally and physically sluggish , well suited to women with thyroid disorders.
  4. Thuja Occidentalis obesity due to excessive hunger and abnormally high appetite.
  5. Ignetia Amara obesity in females due to depressing emotion and PCOS.
  6. Thyroidinum obesity due to thyroid disorder
  7. Sepia obesity in female do to Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
  8. Iodium obesity due to disorder in thyroid glands
  9. Bromium obesity due to disorder in thyroid gland
  10.  Nux Vomica for weight gain due to sedentary lifestyle, irregular dietary habbits, irregular routine, lack of sleep, typical central obesity.

Weight Management

  • To lose weight a person needs to keep strict control on his diet and need to do exercise on regular basis along with medicines for faster and better results.
  • One needs to keep check that he doesnt lose muscle mass in the process
  • I recomend to completely stop sugar and jaggery
  • Oil and Ghee not more than 1-2 tsp throughout the day
  • Increase protien intake as per intensity of workout
  • Increase fiber intake in form of salads and fruits that are not too sweet
  • 4-5 small meals throughout the day
  • Ample of water throughout the day
  • 1 hour yoga or brisk walk
  • Intense workout under professional guidance for those wants to achieve subnormal so called ripoed and defined body.
  • Atleast 7 hours of continious sleep at a stretch is recomended.

BPH BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA

BPH or Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia is a disease of males. It is a non-malignant(non-cancerous) enlargement of prostate glands.

Anatomical and Physiological basics of Prostate Gland

Prostate is an exocrine gland about the size of walnut and weight about 7-14gms with median of 11gms it lies below urinary bladder surrounding the urethra with its glandular duct opening in prostatic part of urethra.

It is partly Glandular and partly Muscular. The Glanduloalveolar part produces alkaline prostatic fluid and the Muscular part helps to ejaculate this fluid into prostatic part of Urethra to mix it with sprems produced by testes and form the semen.

Externally it seems to be divided into 4 lobes

  • Anterior lobe or isthemus,
  • Posterior lobe
  • Right and left Lateral lobes
  • Median lobe or middle lobe

The cut section of prostate doesnt show distribution as that of lobe pattern as seen externaly also the morphological distribution is different at different age so in pathology its divided into zones rather than studying in lobes.

  • Peripheral Zone
  • Central Zone
  • Transition Zone
  • Anterior Fibromuscular zone

Pathophysiology of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia BPH

As the men age the production of Aromatase and 5 alpha reductase increases.

Both Aromatase and 5 alpha reductase converts Androgens(male hormones) into Oestrogen and Dihydroxytesterone. Which results into reduced levels of testosterone and increased levels of Dihydroxytesterone and Oestrogen. Oestrogen stimulates growth of prostatic cells and Dihydroxytesterone a powerful anabolic hormone synergestically aids in to the action of oestrogen in growth of prostatic cells.

In which not only the stromal cells but also glandular cells undergo hyperpalsia. Although stromal hyperplasia is more predominant than the glandular, contadicting this the lateral and median lobe that have more glandular tissue and they are seen to enlarge more compared to anterior which has comparatively lesser glandular tissue.

BPH is closely associated with malignancy and its usually found in transition zone.

Risk Factors for Benign prostatic Hypertrophy BPH

  • Aging
  • Genetic and Familial predesposition
  • Smoking and alcohol
  • Sedentary and Stressful lifestyle
  • Obesity and Metabolic syndrome
  • Diabetes and hypertention
  • Abuse or frequent use of Anabolic hormones and aphrodisiac drugs.

Symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy BPH

  • Patient typically presents with symptoms of lower urinary tract symptoms like
  • Stangury.
  • Slow and feeble stream of urine.
  • Frequent Urge to urinate.
  • Retention of urine.
  • Urge to urinate soon after passing it once
  • Post void terminal dribbling of urine
  • Intermittent stream of urine
  • Sensation as if some urine is left back, which he ineffectually tries to clear it up.
  • Involuntary passing of urine.
  • Nocturnal Enuresis.
  • Lack of confidence to hold urine on urge to pass
  • May show complications like urinary bladder stones, freqient urinary tract infections which may potentially damage bladder spincter or kidney, retention of urine.
  • Bleeding in urination or per rectum is a sign of severity and needs urgent intervention to rule out the cause and need proper eveluation for presence of malignancy

Diagnosis of Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy BPH

  • Per rectal examination to check any enlargement in size by palpating prostate per rectum.
  • Sonography shows enlarged glands and size shape and echotexture are to some extent helpful indicator of malignancy
  • PSA test -Prostate Specific Antigen if elevated it indicates probablilty of malignancy though not specific but many its most of the times elevated in patient with malignancy but it is not specific to it as patients without malignancy also many times shows elevated levels but in maligmamt cases its much more frequent.
  • PSA should not be done few days after sonography as its observed that PSA levels tend to alter after sonography.
  • Biopsy to rule out malignancy in cases where the USG report shows unusually enlarged prostate or abnormal shape or echotexture or changes in surrounding tissues or elevated PSA levels or in patients with unusual symptoms.
  • CT scan may be required in severe cases with complications and or doubt of malignancy.

Homoeopathic Medicines for Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy BPH

  • Sabal Serrulata
  • Chimaphilla
  • Conium Maculatum
  • Phytolacca Decandra
  • Kalium Muriaticum
  • Ustillago
  • Baryta Carbonica
  • Baryta Muriaticum
  • Calcarea Fluorica

VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY HYPOVITAMINOSIS D

Vitamin D Deficiency is also called as Hypovitaminosis D and is very common form of nutritional deficiency and it is closely associated with calcium level in blood as it plays a major role in calcium regulation in body.

Vitamin D also called Cholecalciferol is a Fat Soluble Vitamin produced naturally in skin where a precursor 7-Dehydrocholestrol is converted into Pre- Cholecalciferol through conrotatory pathway when exposed to Ultra Violet B (UV-B) rays present in sunrays having wavelenght between 290nm-315nm causing electrocyclic reaction with optimal synthesis between 295nm-300nm when exposed for several minutes to form an equilibrium.

This Pre-cholecalciferol finally undergoes (1,7) antarafacial sigmatropic rearrangement to finally isomerize into cholecalciferol, which an inactive form of Vitamin D.

Cholecalciferol further undergoes Hydroxylation in Liver whith help of 25-Hydroxylase in Hepatocytes and is converted to 25-Hydroxycholecalciferol(Calcifediol) which is an inactive form.

Calcifediol further undergoes Hydroxylation in kidney with help of 1-α-Hydroxylase to form (1,25)dihydroxycholecalciferol(Calcitriol) which is an active form of Vitamin D. Parathyroid hormone tightly regulates amount of active Vitamin D circulating in blood by controlled activation of 1-α-hydroxylase.

Vitamin D Deficiency is usually caused due to

  • Insufficient exposure to Ultra Violet B radiation from Sun. Person with  dark skin colour are more prone to its deficiency as melanin pigment absorbs UVB and doesnt let it penetrate in skin sufficient enough to activation Vitamin D synthesis. also use of sunscreen peeparations doesnt let sufficient penetration of UVB. Also time and period of exposure, altitude, longitude presence of clouds type of clothing worn by person etc determines its amount of absorption and penetration in skin.
  • Insufficient dietary in take of Vitamin D.
  • Cholecalciferol(Vitamin D) is converted into 25-Hydroxycholecalciferol in liver. In certain liver diseases this step of metabolism is disturbed and vitamin D is not converted into 25-Hydroxycholecalciferol(Calcifediol).
  • 25-Hydroxycholecalciferol(Calcifediol) is further converted into active form that is 1,25-Dihydroxycholecalciferol(Calcitriol) in kidney, certain kidney disease hampers this conversion.

Vitamin D deficiency Symptoms

Vitamin D Deficiency shows not only shows symptoms of its deficiency but also symptoms of calcium deficiency in most cases.

  • Osteomalacia
  • Osteoporosis
  • Triggers Osteoarthritis
  • Rickets
  • Periodontitis
  • Paraesthesia
  • Myalgia
  • Tetany
  • Pre-eclampsia
  • Light-Headedness
  • Depression

Vitamin D Deficiency Diagnosis 

Vitamin D Deficiency is diagnosed by measuring level of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol in blood.

Normal level of Vitamin D in blood should range between 30-100ng/ml below this upto 20ng is considered as insufficiency and level below 20 ng is considered as Vitamin D Deficiency.

Sources of Vitamin D

  • Exposure of Skin to Sunlight
  • Fish
  • Eggs
  • Mushrooms
  • Fortified Milk and other food products like oats bread Fortified with Vitamin D.
  • Suppliments are available in both oral and injectible forms.

Excess intake of Vitamin D causes Nausea, Vomitting, Constipation , Confussion, Weakness, Kidney stones(urolithiasis).

Also read following related articles

CALCIUM DEFICIENCY

OSTEOPOROSIS

RICKETS

CALCIUM DEFICIENCY

Calcium Deficiency as commonly used  is an ambiguous and misleading term as it may refer to two conditions Dietary Insufficiency without evident Hyopcalcaemia or Hypocalcaemia without Dietary Insufficiency of Calcium both have different Causes and Implications.

Hypocalceamia means reduced calcium level in blood serum below average range of 8.8-10.7 mg/dl.

Calcium is very essential element in human body and is required for maintaining proper anatomical structure and physiological functions in human body, at cellular level of almost all tissue/ organ.

Serum Calcium levels are not indicative of general chornic calcium deficiency/insufficiency, as per body’s requirements,  as  Blood Serum Calcium levels are very tightly maintained in human body within a narrow range. If there is dietary insufficiency then it may not reflect in Blood Serum Levels as the body comprimises Bone Mineral Density to maintain normal Blood Serum Calcium levels as it is more important so as to maintain proper function of other organs and cells especially heart and nerves and other cellular processes as any disturbance in this due to low blood serum calcium level may cause severe acute life threatenig conditions.

Regular intake of calcium is necessary for proper functioning of the body, If there is dietary insufficiency of calcium then the body starts consuming it from bones to maintain normal Blood Serum Calcium level, this depletes the Bone Mineral Density which if prolonged may result into conditions like

  • Osteomalacia
  • Osteoporosis
  • May trigger or contribute to Osteoarthritis.
  • Rickets with pigeon chest open sutures and fontanalles and other anomalies in growing children.

Hypocalcaemia is a severe acute condition usually caused due to deficient calcium metabolism which is regulated by Parathyroid hormone , vitaminD and also healthy functioning of organs like liver and kidney are required for proper calcium metabolism.

Symptoms of Hyopcalceamia

Positive Bathmotropic Effect

As calcium blocks sodium channel which maintains the threshold level of depolarisation of nerve and muscle So, decreased level of calcium will decrease the threshold level for depolarisation which will result in to Positive Bathmotive Effect

Petechea

Recurrent Petechial Heamorrhages which if persists, it tends to overlace and merge with each other appearing like purpura , it appears espescially on weight bearing and dependent parts.

Paraesthesia

Tingling and numb sensation on face especially in perioral region and in limbs on extremities like fingers spreading to hands and toes spreading to feet

Myalgia

Muscular pain especially in lower limbs, its may also accompany paraesthesia.

Tetany

Painful and violent muscular cramps and contractions generalised or may be redtricted to carpopedal region.Positive Trousseau’s  and or Chvostek’s sign for Latent Tetany

Cardiac Symptoms

  • Decreased Chronotropic and Inotropic effect that is reduced heart rate and Myocardial Cantractibility.
  • Which causes decreased cardiac output.
  • ECG shows associated changes like intermittent QT prolongation, typical Ventricular Tachycardia.

Causes

  • Hypoparathyroidism
  • Low Vit D
  • Low dietary intake of calcium
  • Other pathological conditions like kidney or pancrease disease etc.

Homoeopathic Medicines for Calcium Deficiency or Hypocalcaemia

  • Calcarea Carbonica
  • Calcarea Phosphorica
  • Calcarea Fluorica
  • Silicea
  • Magnesia Carbonica
  • Magnesia Muriaticum
  • Magnesia Phosphorica
  • Zincum Metallicum
  • Natrum Mur
  • Natrum Phos
  • Kalium phos

RICKETS

VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY HYPOVITAMINOSIS D

 

OSTEOPOROSIS

CANCER

Cancer

Cancer is a disorder caused due to accumulation of mutations in genome. Usually these mutatuions are at more than one Locus. Typically genes which are responsible for controlled growth, maturation and differentiation of the cell are affected. This causes irregular and uncontrolled growth and multiplication of the cells, where most of the cells do not mature properly and also they lack differentiation.

Such cells starts growing abnormally and starts infilterating adjecent tissues and later starts migrating to other sites through lymphatics and blood vessels and infiltrates tissues at other site in body this is phenomenon called Metastasis.

As these cells are abnormal in growth and maturation majority of the cells of same tissue have abnormally different character due to which the tissue starts functioning abnormally and can not retain its normal structure as well.

This genetic anomaly can be a germ line defect or can be acquired due to life style or enviromental insults on the genome.

Most common known causes of cancer are

Tobacco

Its a well established fact that tobacco in any form causes cancer, almost 20% of cancer patient have tabocco as cause of cancer.

Ionising Radiations

Patient usually gets exposed to ionising radiations when he is subjected to radiological investigations for medical purpose or in region with high radioactivity due to previous contamination of the region with ionising radiation producing source or high intensity wireless communication system emitting radiations.

Non Ionising radiations

Exposure to heat of sun and its Ultra Violet radiations on regular basis for prolonged period of time, this type of exposure usually causes skin cancers like melanoma.

Obesity

Cancer show strong association with obesity in its incedence and progression.

Faulty Diet high salt diet causes Gastric cancers. similarly too spice and oily diet more of processed food and maida are also associated with malignancies of gastro-intestinal system.

Infections

Certain virus causes cancer in humans like Human papiloma virus, Hepatitis B virus, Hepatitis C virus, Epstein-Barr Virus, Human T cell Leukemia virus.

Certain bacterias like Helicobacter Pylori are strongly associated with Gastric Carcinoma.

Sedentary life style

It is found that person having sedentary lifestyle with lack of exercise have shown inceased incidence and progression of cancer and vice a versa regular exercise reduces chances of cancer and in those who are affected shows regression or slowing down of progression of cancer

Pollution

Now a days with industralisation air water earth food everything is polluted or adulterated with carcinogens beyond our human body’s capability to tolerate or adapt which has caused increase in incidence of cancer especially in industrailsed areas.

Exposure to benzene or other carcinogens.

Types Of Cancers Based On Cell Type

Carcinoma

Cancer derived basically from Epithelial Cells which line the inner and oter linning of organs and they originate from endoderm, ectoderm and mesoderm

They are further divided into

  • Adenocarcinoma

    Carcinoma in which microscopic features like cytology, tissue architecture, molecular products corresponds to Glandular cells and tissue pattern

  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma

    This type of Carcinoma microscopically shows cellular differentiating features resembling to squamous epithelium.

  • Adenosquamous Carcinoma

    This type of Carcinoma shows mixed pattern of Adenocarcinoma and Squamous cell carcinoma where each of the type comprises atleast 10% of tumour volume.

  • Undifferentiated or Anaplastic Carcinoma

    These types are high grade carcinomas where there is gross lack of cytological or histological differentiation compared to other differentiated carcinomas  this includes many Pseudo Sarcomatous subtypes like  Sarcomatoid Carcinoma, Spindle-Cell Carcinoma, Giant-Cell Carcinoma, Pleomorphic Carcinoma. Many a times Carcinoma and true Sarocoma co-exist e.g. Carcinosarcoma and Pulmonary Blastoma.

  • Small-Cell Carcinoma

    They are smaller in sizeand have less of cytoplasm with component of polygonal or spindle shape cells.

  • Large-Cell Carcinoma

    These types of carcinomas shows excess of cytoplasm filled – Large Monotonous round or polygonal cells.

  • Carcinoma of Unknown Primary(CUP)

    Where the lesion has transformed cells whose origin and developmental lineage is unknown but they show some typical cellular Histological and Molecular character of Epithelial Cells.

  • Carcinoma in Situ

    Epithelial cells not cancerous but significantly abnormal  to fall in transition phase but not exactly Carcinoma.

Sarcoma

Cancer derived from Non Heamatopoeitic Messenchymal Cells that is Messenchymal Cells which are outside bone marrow

Lymphoma 

Cancer originating from Heamotopoeitic cells that arise from bone marrow and mature in Lymphnodes.

Leukemia

Cancer originating from Heamotopoeitic cells that arise from bone marrow and mature in Blood.

Blastoma

Cancer derived from precursor or intermediate cells forms and embryonic tissue.

Germinoma

Cancer derived from Pluripotent cells mostly present in Testes and Ovaries.

Genetics of Cancer

We can broadly divided genes involved in cancer in two types of sets viz

  • Oncogene Genes – Genes Responsible for Growth Maturation and Division of cells
  • Tumour Supressor Genes – Genes that inihibit the growth of cells

Any mutation in the above class of genes which alters their activity may result into transformation of normal cell into malignant cancerous cell. Typically such cells shows many mutations at various Loci.

HOMEOPATHY – FAQ

Homeopathy – FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions on Homeopathy and Homeopathic Treatment.

Homeopathy and Homeopathic treatment related questions that are frequently asked by patients and laymen are being answered in and explained in this article.

1) What is Homeopathy?

Homeopathy is coined from “Homoeos” which means “Similars” and “Pathies” which means “Sufferings”. Homeopathy is based on principle of “Similia Similibus Curentur” which mean “Same Cures Same”.

The Discovery Of Homeopathy and the Principle “Similia Similibus Curentur”.

It was discovered and developed by Master Samuel Christain Fredrich Hahnemann. Discovered just 350years ago making it the youngest system of medicine. It was while hahnemann was translating Cullen’s Materia Medica. Hahnemann found that juice of Cinchonna bark cures malaria and if Cinchonna bark juice is given to the healthy individuals they produce malaria like symptoms. This for Hahnemann was, like what was falling of apple, to newton on his head. Hahnemann then tried and tested many different naturally occuring substances on healthy individuals. He then systematically noted symptoms. He further refined it with grading of their degree of intensity and the rate of occurance. Hahnemann then observed that if a person in disease is administered a substance based on the similiraty of symptoms of disease along with its grading then the disease gets cured.

Reference in ancient history of Homeopathic principle

Hahnemann then worked to systematise data and its application, to further discover about this well known principle thats been used since ancient times. Since thousands of years  sanskrit has the saying that “Vishasya Vishanam Aushadam” which means “Poison is the Medicine for Poison” and “Unshanam Unshnena Sheetalam” meaning “Heat helps to reduce heat”. During ancient times, kings like Mithridates and Chandragupta Maurya used to consume poison in a very small quantity on regular basis. This gave them resistance towards that substance, sabotaging the poisoning conspiracy by their enemies.

His research found other deeper aspects and gave a wider view to this ancient knowledge, that is, if any person in disease is administered with any substance that is having capacity to produce, in healthy subject, symptoms similar to that of the diseased subject then the diseased subject can be cured of the disease with that particular substance.

The Mode of Administration of Homeopathic medicines

Unlike other systems of medicine, rather than giving heavy dose of medicinal substance and relying on primary action of that material drug itself, in Homeopathy we take the benefit of body’s responses to that stimulus of the drug which we call secondary response which is body’s response towards stimulus.

In Homeopathy, we administer substance in very minute doses, sufficient enough to stimulate body processes in response to this stimulus, and then without interfereing with any further dosing with the same or any other medicines, we wait till the body continues to produce and complete sequence of good restorative processes. Only after this the next dose is administered of same or other medicine if required. In Homeopathy, sometimes only one single dose is suffieient to cure many severe disease conditions.

Principle of Trinity – Mind, Body and Soul an insepersble whole.

Homeopathy is regarded as the only system that has in depth view and understanding of subtle naunces of body’s responses towords various minutest stimulus in all its dimensions, that is mind, body and soul making a unity, which is working as a whole.

Individualised Treatment

In homeopathy, person in disease is treated after proper individualisation. This recent concept of reqiurement, importance and realisation of  need for individualised medicine in Allopathic system was incepted first in Homeopathic system of medicine that too 350 years ago. Since its origin, in homeopathy, each and every patient is individualised first only after that specific remedy is administered.

Hahnemann did one of its kind work, that compiled and organised such an extensive information of the effects of various substances on healthy humans, with relation to its benefits on diseased individuals when given on principle of similars in nanogram proportions or nano particles. He is considered as Father of Homoeopathy. Hahnemann himself initially was MD Allopathic doctor and till date he is well regarded, in the field of modern pharmacology, for his one of its kind contribution. The contribution of extensive work of human provings of number of substances, with grading of symptoms and compiling such an extensive information.

2) What is difference between Homeopathy Ayurveda and Allopathy?

Both Ayurveda and Homeopathy use naturally occuring substances in their medicines but the principle of administering the same substance is absolute opposite. Where as allopathy mostly uses artificially prepared chemicals.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy is based on principle of “Same Cures Same“ and all the Homeopathic remedies are strictly administered as per this principle only, in all the disease condition. Where as in Ayurveda their medicines are mostly based on “Opposite Cures Opposite”.

In Homeopathy, we use only one remedy at a time, in minimal dose required to stimulate the latent body processes and vital force, without harming body with harmful effects of large material doses of medicinal substances. Where as in Ayurveda compared to Homeopathy they administer large material doses of medicinal substances and depend on direct primary effects of that material dose.

In Homeopathy, we believe that disease is caused due to disturbance in “Vital Force”- the Autocratic, Automatic, Dynamic and Intelligent forces encoded and embeded in our each and every cell. These forces interact with each other to form a self-protective self-preserving dynamic larger form called Vital Force.

Any external inimical insults on it, that are sufficient enough to derange the Vital Force of the body causes disease. And diseases are classified as per their miasms that is the type of disturbance produced by such inimical forces in our Vital Force. In Homeopathy these disturbances of Vital Force are broadly categorised into thre major types viz Psora, Syphillis and Psychosis and there are other overlaping types.

Ayurveda

Ayurveda believes in three basic humours of the body Vaata, Pitta and Cough and disturbance in this causes disease.

Allopathy

Allopathy is term coined by non other than the founder of Homeopathy Dr Hahneman. He termed it because the medicines administered are either on basis of opposite cures or no relevance at all in most cases. Allopaths believe that disturbances in physiology  are due to excesses, deficiencies and infections which can be easily restored by adding or subtracting chemically prepared analogues of enzymes, hormones, mediators, antibiotics and other various chemicals in large doses. Knowing not, that it only further spoils the fine equilibrium and harmonious interplay of body’s physiology. Ignoring the fact that there are inumerable other factors also involved which no mathematics  or microsocpy can find out. They completely rely on chemically prepared material doses to act, rather than to wait for body’s secondary response to stimulus of substance administered. Even though they know the fact that for each and every stimulus body has response and is usually opposite to action of stimulus. So initially patient finds relief but later it aggravates when medicine is withdrawn and withdrawal symptoms sets in.

3) Is Homeopathy slow in action?

Its a myth that Homeopathy is slow in action. Most of the cases visiting to homeopaths are chronic cases. The complaints they present with are years of failed experimentations of allopathic doctors. In such old chronic cases, we do take time. But in acute cases most of the times Homeopathy is faster than allopathy. If compared to Allopathy, Homeopathy cures man in disease from the root and completely annihilates the disease. So its the fastest and the best, as allopathy is not even able to reach the goal, that is to cure.

4) Does Homeopathic medicines cause side effects?

Homeopathic medicines if taken in accordance with Homeopathic principles as mentioned in organon of medicine under consultation of qualified and experienced Homeopathic doctor, then it doesnt have any side effects. But if not taken as per principles, it may cause severe aggravations and eventually killing the patient. As the medicine that’s administered is bases on principle of similar sufferings cures. Such aggravations in homeopathy are termed as KILLER’s AGGRAVATION.

5) Does Homeopathic medicines have steroids?

None of the Homeopathic medicines have steroids.

And even if someone wants to cheat patients with mixing steroids, then its not possible. The reason behind it is, homeopathic medicines are given in very minute doses, which are not repeated frequently, so mixing doesnt make sense.

Though this topic crop up now and then, its only because of conducting nonspecific tests on homeopathic samples. There are certain non specific tests for steroids which also turn false positive in the presence of Lactose or Alcohol due to its non specific character. So for testing steroids in homeopathic medicines only highly specific test should be carried out to avoid false alarm of false positive due to presence of lactose and alcohol.

6) Are Homeopathic medicines harmful if taken for longer period of time?

Homeopathic medicines, if taken under consultation of homoeopathic physician as per principles of homeopathic organon of medicine untill required, then it doesnt harm at all. Regardless of how long its been taken, it simply cant harm, if its taken as per principles, it will only benefit.

7) Does homeopathic medicine cause weight gain as side effect?

Homeopathic medicines doesnt have any side effects. Provided its taken in accordance with homoeopathic principles as mentioned in organon of medicine.

8) Does homeopathic medicine cross react with allopathic medicine if taken together?

Homeopathic medicines will not cause any harmful side effects if taken with allopathic medicines. But most of the allopathic medicines will suppress the effects and benefits of homeopathic medicines, if taken along with. So if u are under homeopathic or allopathic treatment and want to start other along with, then its advisable to inform both of your physician allopathic and homeopathic about it.

9) Do we have to be on strict diet if we are under homeopathic treatment?

There is a proverb in Ayurveda “If your diet is proper then you wont require medicines and if your diet is not proper then no medicine will work”. So same applies in all system of medicines wether ayurvedic or allopathic or homeopathic. One needs to take proper care of diet as it will decide your health status. So we give disease specific diet plans, just like any other system of medicine. But in specific for those on homeopathic medicines we strictly tell not to consume anything that has stimulating or sedative effects like coffee, canabis, opium, tobacco, also camphor as they antidote homeopathic medicines.

10) Do we need to stop coffee while on homeopathic treatment?

Coffee is general antidote to most of the Homeopathic medicines. Anything that has stimulating or depressing effect on nerves, antidotes Homeopathic medicinal action. It also breaks down the chain of sequence of processes that were set into action after the very first dose of medicine. Thus bringing down the whole proces; that was built up during all these days of the course of treatment; to a halt.

11) Do we need to stop onion and garlic while on homeopathic treatment?

Its advisable not to consume onion and garlic just few minutes before or after taking the dose of medicine. Garlic and onion once heated can be consumed during homeopathic treatment.

12) Do we need to stay away from strong odours and fragrances while under homeopathic treatment?

Its advisable to stay away from very strong odours and fragrances. Strong Odours and Fragrances might alter medicinal effect to some extent. If they are not too strong so as to irritate then it doesnt have much impact. It also depends which type of substance is emitting the odour if its of strong harmful chemicals it does impact the treatment.

13) Does Homeopathy has treatment for all the conditions?

Homoeopathy is a complete system of medicine in itself and has treatment for almost all the conditions except few surgical emergencies.

14) Is it safe to take homeopathic medicines over the counter?

No, its not at all safe to take over the counter homeopathic medicines. Most of Over The Counter  Homeopathic Medicines are Patents with combination of various homoeopathic medicinal substances. Now mixing multiple medicine in one is against homeopathic principles. Homeopathy principle strictly states only one medicine should be administered at a time. Not only this but also the indication and dosing mentioned on the packing is completely against homeopathic principles. Its unbelievable, how these combination patent medinines are out in market with homeopathic label where as they are all absolutely un-homeopathic.

Even if you are not going for such patent combination and opting for single medicine, its dangerous if you are not under proper guidance of a qualified Homeopath. Self medication with Homeopathic medicines, may cause killers aggravation. As already mentioned that killers aggravations are experienced with homeopathic medicines if medicine selection and dosing is not in accordance to Homeopathic principles.

15) How much interval needs to be given between medicines and meals?

Its advisable to give atleast 10-15 minutes interval if time permits for better results.

16) Homeopathic medicines needs to be taken before or after the meals?

It can be taken any time, but its generally observed it gives best result on empty stomach.

17) Why all homeopathic medicines look alike?

We use sacchrum lactis(sugar of milk), alcohol or water as base or vehicle for preparation of all medicines so they all look similar.

18) Why homeopathic medicines are sweet?

Homeopathic medicines are dispensed by mixing it with sugar of milk to make it palatable so it tastes sweet.

19) Does homepoathic medicines cause diabetes?

No, homeopathic medicines doesnt cause diabetes. The dose of sugar of milk pills is too small and each dose is too low in calories to cause any harm.

20) Is it ok to take homeopathic sweet pills for diabetic patients?

The dose of sugar of milk pills is too small. Each dose is too low in calories to cause any harm to diabetes patient and also patient can opt for non sugar based alternative of the same medicine, if patient is too concerned about it psychologically or condition demands it.

21) Does homeopathic medicine work?

Homeopathy is the second most acclaimed system of medicine after allopathy globally, results speaks for itself!

22) Is Homeopathy unscientific?

Homeopathic system of medicine is the most scientific way of interacting with body’s self defence mechanisms. Only homeopatic system works on body’s response to stimulus. Unlike other systems which work on primary effect of large material doses of medicines.

Vaccines are the examples of how homoeopathy works via body and not by the primary effect of the stimulus!

23) Is homeopathy unproven?

Homeopathy has clinically proven itself since centuries. It has proven itself so well that even after large scale efforts by allopaths to malalign this wonderful system of medicine which has became threat to their pharma companies now, are finding it difficult to do so and instead its growing with enormous rate. It has become second most acclaimed system of medicine after allopathy.

24) Are homeopathic medicines efficacious?

Frequently such question are encountered as a result of widespread false propoganda against homeopathy by proponants of orthodox system of medicines and pharma companies of contemporary orthodox Allopathic system of medicines. The fact is clinically the efficacy of homoeopathic medicines is unquestionable. Results got on the patients in the so-called incurable conditions speaks for itself. More and more new research Conducted By IIT MUMBAI and other prestigious institutes world wide suggests that homeopathic medicines are too advanced to understand its mode of action in contemporary laboratory set up. So many new hi tech advanced experiment are being conducted which concludes that there are nanomedicinal attributes to medicines. Researchers find the mode of action is unimaginably wonderful with requirements of more sophisticated equipments to understand it even further.

25) Who discovered homeopathy?

Homeopathy was discovered by an allopathic physician Dr Samuel Christain Fredrich Hahneman.

26) In which country Homeopathy originated?

Homeopathic originated in Germany. Homeopathy has flourished more systematically and scientifically in India compared to any other country.

27) Is homeopathy a witchcraft or Pseudoscience?

Homeopathy is based on scientific principles. Homeopathy is a well regareded system of healthcare since centuries. A practitioner of homeopathy in most of the countries which are developed and organised has homeopathy as a speciality subject for post graduate. After completing medical graduation or if taken as undergraduate course its a specialised stream of 66months or 102 months full time course in a teaching hospital to be taken only after basic formal 10+2 education in science stream. One needs to crack competitive exams to secure a seat like in India where the course is at par and equivalent to MBBS course of bachelor in medicine.

28) Are homeopaths quacks?

Homeopathy is based on scientific principles. Homeopathy is a well regareded system of healthcare since centuries. A practitioner of homeopathy in most of the countries which are developed and organised has homeopathy as a speciality subject for post graduate after completing medical graduation or its a specialised stream of 66months or 102 months full time course in a teaching hospital to be taken only after basic formal 10+2 education in science stream. One needs to crack competitive exams to secure a seat like in India where the course is at par and equivalent to MBBS course of bachelor in medicine and has a Common Entrance Test.

29) Homeopathic medicines contain only alcohol?

Most of the Homeopathic medicines are made by potentising them in medium of alcohol. Alcohol acts only as a vehicle to transfer medicinal properties within the organism. Most of the times, this alcohol based preparation of medicinal substance is mixed in pills made up of Sacchrum actis(Sugar of Milk), to make it palatable and easy to administer. Many homeopathic medicinal preparations are in base of water or Sugar of Milk(Sachrum Lactis), instead of alcohol as medium or base or vehicle.

So, though the medium can be of alcohol water or Sacchrum Lactis (Sugar of Milk) but the main medicinal ingredient used are different in each medicine.

30) Does homoeopathic medicines contain non vegetarian products?

Some of the Homeopathic Medicines are prepared from substances procured from animal kingdom. The proportion in Homeopathic medicines of such substance is inheritantly very negligible.

31) What are homeopathic medicines made up of?

Homeopathic medicines are made up from all naturally occuring substances from plant, animals, minerals, energy sources, heathy and pathological secretions of human body, viruses and bacterias etc.

32) What are the sources of homeopathic medicines?

Sources of homeopathic medicines are classified as follows

Plant Kingdom – Various parts of plants or whole plant is used. eg: Aconitum Napelus, Nux Vomica.

Mineral Kingdom – Naturally occuring minerals are used. eg: Calcarea Carbonica, Natrum Muriaticum

Animal Kingdom– Parts or whole organism is used. eg: Lachesis – poison of surukuku snake, Apis Melifica – poison of bee sting.

Sarcodes – Healthy secretions of Human Body. eg: Thyroidinum, Adrenalinum

Nosodes – Diseased secretions and disease causing agents are potentised and used in high potencies. eg: Tuberculinum, Medhorinum, Syphillinum, Pyrogenum.

Imponderabilia – Medicines prepared witb help of Energy sources like Radiations, Sunlight, light of moon, electro magnetic waves etc. eg: Luna, X-ray.

33) Are vaccines and homeopathic medicines one and the same?

Vaccines are based on Homeopathic principles. Although, Homeopathy is much broader feild and principle of vaccine can be said a smaller subset of homeopathic principles.

34) Does homeopathic medicine cause dental carries?

No, Homeopathic Medicines doesnt cause dental carries.

35) Does homeopathic medicine cause hyperacidity and digestive disturbances?Can patient develop somnolence( sleepy feeling) due homeopathic treatment?

No, Homeopathic treatment will never cause somnolence.

36) Does Homeopathic medicines cause weight gain?

No, Homeopathic medicines doesn’t cause weight gain as side effect. Untill such medicines are selected and dosages are purposefully designed with an intention to gain weight in an underweight person.

37) Why there are initial aggravation in condition after taking homeopathic medicines?

There can be initial increase in complaints after taking homeopathic medicines. Such aggravations are called homeopathic aggravations. Homeopathic aggravations are generally considered favourable untill they are not severe and prolonged. Homeopathic aggravations are not experienced in every conditions and also not in every case in conditions where it is observed.

Homeopathic aggravations are more commonly found in immune mediated complaints like allergies and autoimmune diseases sometimes in otjer functional disorders as well. sometimes while treating cirrent condition old symptoms that were suppressed do resurface and its a favourable condition and has good prognosis and in homeopathy it is considered as old suppressed disease condition being removed from within outwards.

Homeopathic aggravations are caused due the the principle of similars on which homeopathy is based where medicinal substance is administered with similar attributes with disease which also stimulates the body’s immune response which causes sich various aggravations, just like a person suffers from fever after vaccination.

HOMEOPATHY- MIASMS, DISEASES AND VACCINES

After every disease the immune profile of the body changes so does the genetics and epigenome.

After every infection or vaccine there is change in our immune profile as our body learns to produce new type of antibodies driven against those infective microbes which are results of change in genetic profile which now has been encoded for memory to fight new microbes which earlier it didnt had ability to do so!

So, now not only the genetics has changed but also the whole epigenome has changed now, as there are new antibodies in circulation influencing the environment and interaction of the whole genome, hence changing the whole constitution of the person!

Homeopathic philosophy says every single infection or vaccination leaves behind a layer in the body, we call it the miasmatic layer or the miasmatic background in the constitution changing the whole constitution of the person altogether!

So, now the  person is not the same, vaccines and infections and diseases changes the constitution of the person.

This changes are deep seated as certain gene and epigenome has changed affecting the whole environment of the whole genome altogether with subsequent changes in constitution of the person and again subsequently over the time these changes on constitution and physiology as whole does have influence on appearance, psychology and behavioural aspect of an individual as well. There are many influencers on psychology and behavioural aspects of  a person other than this but certain deep seated general or particular physical and behavioural aspects are peculiar to certain miasmatic changes in constitution and a good homeopathic physician based on centuries knowleged on these aspect of human science in homeopathic literature and his own skills and experience can judge only by appearance behaviour and psychoanalysis of a person wether that person ever had tuberculosis or syphillis or other disease in past! Which he could confirm with help of lab investigations now! Isn’t it interesting, the knowledege of getting a clue of the disease history of a person just with help of appearance, psychology and behaviour!

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUERRIES REGARDING HOMEOPATHY AND HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT YOU CAN ASK Dr DEEPAN P SHAH IN COMMENTS SECTION BELOW AND IT WILL BE ANSWERED AND EXPLAINED SOON.

IRON DEFICIENCY HYPOFERREMIA SIDEROPAENIA

Iron Defciency also called Sideropaenia or Hypoferremia means lack of supply of sufficient quantity of iron required for various eventual physiological needs of human bady, it is one of the most common form of nutritional deficiency.

It is more common in females compared to males. More than 50% of Indian women suffer from iron deficiency. Severe form of iron deficiencies also causes deaths not only in under-developed countries(350 per million) but also in developed countries like USA(8 per million). Its prevalence in European nations is surprisingly low.

On an average there is 4-5 gms of total iron in human body of which approximately 2.5gms is in RBC and almost 2 gms in bone-marrow liver and spleen. Where liver is primary physiologic source of iron reserves in body. Around 3-4 mg of iron in body circulates through plasma which is bound to transferrin as free iron is toxic to body. Also Reticulo-Endothelial system hoards and recycles iron from ageing RBC, macrophages store iron from engulfed RBC and is stored in form of hemosiderin they create in times of excessive RBC destruction and increased requirement of iron which gradually they reabsorb and destroy one requirement is normalised.

Within cells iron that been designated for cellular processes is stored in myoglobin and in cytochromes for energy producing redox reactions these type of designated iron amount is around 400gm in whole body.

Iron deficiency first relfects in iron reserves, reduced reserves usually doesent show any symptoms initially in most of the cases. As more than 60% of iron is in form of heamoglobin within RBC the very first sign iron deficiency will be seen as anaemia, this type of anaemia is called iron deficiency anaemia. and its usually its found that people with iron deficiency die of organ failure due to lack of oxygen carrying capacity of RBC that will be well before cells runs out of iron for intracellular processes like electron transport.

For production of new RBC humans use 20mg of iron/day most of which is salvaged and recycled from old RBC

Basic Role of Iron in Human Body

  • Iron is Present in all the cells.
  • Especially in Red Blood Cell where its a key component of Heamoglobin molecule.
  • Required for transportation of Oxygen from lungs to all tissues and its cells.
  • In the form of Cytochromes it helps electron transfer within the cells.
  • Facilitating Oxygen Enzyme Reaction in various tissues

Iron Absorption

Iron is absorbed in form of Heme protein or in Ferrous Fe²+ form  in duodenum by special molecules present in entrocytes of duodenal lining.

Fe³+ is first converted to Fe²+ with the help of 2 enzymes:

  1. Ferric Reductase Enzyme  present on erythrocyte brushed border and
  2. Duodenal Cytochrome B(Dcytb)

Then Divalent Metal Transporter 1(DMT1) transports this extracellular iron through the cell’s plasma membrane into the Entrocyte.

Its then either stored in enterocytes as ferritin or cell can release it into body by transfering it through basolateral end of enterocytes of small intestine with help of only known iron exporter in mamals called Ferroportin with help of a Ferroxidase called Hephaestin that converts Fe²+ to Fe³+.

Hepcidin is a hormone that post-transitionally inhibits ferroportin which acts as negative feedback in iron level balance

Body uses all these factor to increase or decrease the iron level in body by increasing or decreasing the production of these enzymes and hormone.

Rate of Absorption of Iron is dependent on following factors

  • Total Iron stores
  • Rate of RBC production by Bone Marrow
  • Concentration of Heamoglobin in RBC
  • Oxygen Content of Blood
  • any chronic inflamatory process or infection in body reduces iron absorption to deprive bacteria from iron
  • Hepcidin level

Absorption of iron if taken orally from dietary source or in form of salts as in suppliments is significantly low and also its highly variable, Body can absorb only 5-35% of total ingested dietary iron and it depends on type of iron source and other circumstances. Best absorbed form of iron in which it get absorbed by 20-15% is heme iron and it usually comes in animal products and in few plant products, most of the iron from digested food or suppliment is absorbed in body  from deudenum a part of small intestine.

Human Body steadily lose iron on daily basis through stools, sweating, shedding dead cells of skin and intestinal mucosa, minor blood from intestinal linning , in females menstrual bleeding etc. on an average normal physiologic loss of iron in male is 1 mg/day and in females it is 1.5-2mg/day who has regular menstrual function and regular healthy physiology.

Recommended Dietary Allowances for Iron

AgeMaleFemalePregnancyLactation
0-6months0.27mg0.27mg
7-12 months11mg11mg
1-3 years7mg7mg
4-8 years10mg10mg
9-13 years8mg8mg27mg10mg
14-18 years11mg15mg27mg9mg
19-50years8mg18mg
50 years above8mg8mg

Causes of Iron Deficiency

Blood loss due to

  • Excessive menstrual bleeding
  • Bleeding through ulcers benign and malignant tumours heamorrhoids.

Insufficient dietary intake of iron compared to physiological needs as mentioned in RDA table above

Improper absorption of iron due to

  • Vitamin B12 or Vit C or co-enzyme deficiencies
  • Intestinal disease
  • In patients who have surgically removed part of stomach or intestine.
  • Excess of Calcium Zinc and Manganese

Iron Deficiency Symptoms

  • Pallor – patient look pale and anaemic
  • Weakness
  • Dullness
  • Dizziness
  • Irritable
  • Lethargic
  • Tiredness
  • Frequent headaches
  • Breathlessness – dyspnoea on exertion
  • Lack of concerntration
  • Child’s growth slows down and milestones walking talking dentition etc delayed mental and behavioral problems.

Diagnosis of iron deficiency

Iron deficinecy will result into reduction in following parameters on blood test:

  • Red blood cells quantity, size and colour
  • Heamoglobin level
  • Hematocrit
  • Ferritin
  • Serrum iron
  • Transferrin

Additional test may be required to rule out other causative factors like USG, endoscopy, to rule out bleeding tumours or ulcers, hormonal essay for women with menorrhagia, etc.

Dietary Sources of Iron

Nonvegetarian has best source of iron especially in

  • Red meat
  • Shell fish
  • Liver
  • Egg yolk
  • Turkey

Vegetarian sources rich in iron

  • Spinach
  • Brocolli
  • Peas
  • Chick Peas
  • Beans
  • Lentils
  • Tofu
  • Amla
  • Quinoa
  • Almond
  • Cashewnuts
  • Flax seeds
  • Sesame seeds

Iron requires Vitamin C and Vit B12 for its absorption. Amla and Spinach have blend of both iron and vitamin C, so they are regarded as good source of iron since ages in ayurveda.

When iron deficiency is chronic and severe pt may require oral or injectable iron suppliments and in cases with severe iron deficiency anaemia  blood transfussion or RBC transfussion may be required.

Homoeopathic Medicines for Iron Deficiency

  • Cinchonna Officinalis
  • Ferrum Metallicum
  • Ferrum Phos
  • Bio Combination No1

Any underlying causes needs to be ruled out and treated, especially menorrhagia in females.

MENORRHAGIA

H7N4 TYPE BIRD FLU First Ever Human Case in China

H7N4 Infection first ever human case reported in  Changzhou of Jiangsu Province of China

A 68 year old women is the first ever reported human to be infected with H7N4 virus, she showed first symptom of flu on 25th December christmas day of 2017 and was admited in hospital on 1st January 2018 was discharged on 22nd January 2018 and the case was confirmed of H7N4 viris infection and reported to health authorities on 14th February Valentines Day  of 2018. She was reportedly in contact with live poultry before she started developing symptoms.

There was a minor reported epidemic in birds and poultry back in 1997 but there was never a record of this H7N4 infecting any human till date.

H7N4 virus is subtype of Influenza A virus of orthomyxoviridae family or in laymen terms called bird flu virus family. Influenza A virus are negative – sense, single stranded,  segmented RNA Viruses. These virus occasionally causes epidemics in wild aquatic birds and then when they come in contact with domestic birds and poultry they infect them and eventualy the infection may pass to humans. Its very rare for these virus to reach humans but whenever they infect humans the consequences are severe and in epidemic and pandemic scale.

Following are known subtypes of Influenza A virus that can infect humans and are listed as per number of known pandemic human deaths.

  • H1N1- Spanish Flu(1918) or Swine Flu recently
  • H2N2- Asian Flu(1950)
  • H3N2 – Hong kong Flu(1968) and 2018
  • H5N1- Avian Flu-Global influenza pandemic (mid-2000) – with fatality rate of 50% it becomes the most falat virus of all know Influenza virus that infect humans it also causes diarrhoea.
  • H1N2- currently endemic in pigs and humans.
  • H7N7
  • H7N2
  • H9N2
  • H7N3
  • H5N2
  • H10N7
  • H7N4 – bird flu – one case reported in China in 2018 which completely recovered

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