Generally understood as a harmful element for health, cholesterol is a lipid that is necessary for the proper functioning of the body. Cholesterol is involved in the formation of cell membranes and is also essential in various body mechanisms. Discover through this article the information on cholesterol often ignored.
If you tend to think that cholesterol comes exclusively from food, you should know that 80% of the cholesterol in your body is produced by your liver. Only 20% comes from food. Therefore, an excess or a lack of cholesterol can be the result of a dysfunction in the production of cholesterol by the liver, or a problem in the regulation of cholesterol by the liver. The liver must maintain a normal level of cholesterol in the blood for the body to function normally. It adjusts its production as needed. After a cholesterol-rich diet, the liver reduces its production. A dysfunction in this natural regulatory system can lead to deficiencies or excesses. Unbalanced external inputs are the most common cause of excess cholesterol today. The liver then has difficulty regulating the level of cholesterol in the blood, especially if it is very high. This leads to a build-up of cholesterol in the blood.
In addition to the fact that cholesterol provides the cell membrane with flexibility and permeability for a better entry or exit of the necessary nutrients, it also allows good communication between cells. It is essential for a good digestion of food. It facilitates the absorption of fats from food by the digestive system.
Cholesterol is the key element in the production of certain hormones in the body such as progesterone, oestrogen, testosterone, cortisol, aldosterone, etc. It is also the main component of the body’s immune system.
It is cholesterol that produces vitamin D, which is essential for strong bones, for certain autoimmune diseases, fatigue, vascular problems, etc. It is also involved in the manufacture of coenzyme Q10, necessary for the production of energy in the body.
Fats such as cholesterol are not soluble in the blood. They have to be transported by proteins called lipoproteins. So there is only one cholesterol, but three types of lipoproteins:
– Low Density Lipoproteins also called LDL, with a light density and often referred to as bad cholesterol. They take the cholesterol produced by the liver to travel through the body. During this journey, cholesterol is deposited in the arteries, and this is what can lead to blockage.
– Very Low Density Lipoproteins or VLDLs are very low density.
– High Density Lipoproteins or HDL, which are high density and considered the good cholesterol. Their function is to recover the cholesterol deposited in the vessels to bring it back to the liver. The normal level of HDL cholesterol is 0.4 to 0.65 g/L or 1.0 to 1.65 mmol/L in men, and 0.5 to 0.8 g/L or 1.3 to 2.0 mmol/L in women.
Do you have a headache, pains all over and a dry throat? You probably have the flu. Influenza is a disease that spreads very quickly. It attacks the respiratory tract and lasts one to two weeks. It is especially important that young children, older adults, pregnant women or people with illnesses that affect their respiratory or immune systems consult a doctor quickly. The flu virus affects many people, especially in the winter months. It is essential that you recognize symptoms quickly so that you can treat the flu easily.
The flu is often mistaken for a minor cold. Although the flu shares many symptoms with the latter, flu symptoms are usually more severe and appear more quickly. These tips will not only help you feel better sooner, but also help prevent the spread of this highly contagious virus to others around you. Fatigue and a high fever are the first signs of the flu. Then come muscle aches and runny nose. Keep in mind that a fever is common in the early stages of the flu, but not everyone who gets sick will have a fever.
Influenza makes people feel uncomfortable and uncomfortable because it clogs the airways. Follow these tips for a quick recovery. Good hygiene is always important even if you are sick. Wash your hands frequently to avoid spreading the virus. Try rubbing your hands for about 20 seconds with soap and water before rinsing them off. Cough and sneeze with your arm rather than your hands, or direct them into a disposable tissue. Influenza is highly contagious and is easily spread through the air if you cough or sneeze. Buy essential items, such as tissues, as well as medications prescribed by your doctor such as pain relievers, decongestants, and cough suppressants.
Food is a source of energy so eat healthy to strengthen your immune system. Although you can lose your appetite when you’re sick, eating small meals rich in fruits and vegetables will help give your body the strength it needs to fight the virus. Drink plenty of fluids as well, especially water, tea and drinks that are low in sugar and electrolytes. Avoid alcohol and caffeine and choose thyme or echinacea infusions. The best way to recover quickly from the flu is to get some rest. Get plenty of rest to replenish your energy.
Sometimes the articular cartilage is subject to abnormal wear and tear from friction caused by movement. This causes an inflammatory disease with more or less acute pain depending on the severity of the case. The current treatment only targets the symptoms and pain with analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They are generally used for long-term treatment, which may cause further pain. Also, it is more common to use natural products that are also able to relieve symptoms. Essential oils are very effective if the necessary precautions are taken:
Ginger is very effective when transformed into essential oil against osteoarthritis, because it contains many virtues. It has anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving properties, in addition to being an antioxidant, which can relieve joint and muscle pain. The oil inhibits the action of the cells responsible for inflammation, which is safe even if used for prolonged periods of time. It also has toning and relaxing properties, ideal for combating the fatigue that chronic pain can cause. It can be used locally on a small area, diluted 20 percent in a vegetable oil. In any case, it is preferable to refrain from using them on pregnant women and children.
Among the essential oils against osteoarthritis, the essential oil of wintergreen is quite powerful as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic. It gives the same result as aspirin, because it has a high concentration of the active molecule of the latter. It is a heating and calming oil, providing a hypotensive action on the body, which makes it very effective during a crisis. It is used in cutaneous application on a very localized area when it is diluted at 25 percent in a vegetable oil. For an application on a larger surface, such as in massage, a maximum concentration of 5 percent is recommended. It is not permitted for pregnant or breastfeeding women, nor for those allergic to aspirin.
Lemon eucalyptus also provides essential oils against osteoarthritis thanks to its very active anti-rheumatic and anti-inflammatory properties. It has calming and relaxing virtues, which allow it to fight against stress, while soothing pain. It has a very fast action in case of acute pain, and a local application is more than sufficient. For this, a massage is very effective by diluting it at 10 or 20 percent in a vegetable oil. It is possible to use it in diffusion, in the bath with a dispersant, or orally with honey. One can associate several essential oils so that the treatment is faster, and acts durably, granting more comfort.
The scleral lens is a contact lens that covers the cornea without touching it. It is a solution adapted to certain ocular pathologies such as keratoconus, but also in certain cases of ocular dryness or corneal grafting.
The ocular prosthesis is made to measure, in synthetic resin. Each prosthesis is therefore specially and personally manufactured for each patient, so that the new eye conforms with the whole face, both from an aesthetic and medical point of view. The lens is shaped from the dimensions of the eye cavity so that the prosthesis follows the lines and identity of the healthy eye: iris colour, veining and dimensions are thus replicated identically. The adaptation of the prosthesis is therefore highly visible through a custom-made contact lens. The look is once again harmonious and the eyes look natural, unobtrusive and highly mobile. Thanks to this fitting, the person regains his or her face and undeniable optical and prosthetic comfort.
First of all, the word “scleral” comes from sclera. The sclera is nothing more than the hard, white outer membrane that surrounds our eye and is embedded in the cornea. Thanks to their large diameter, scleral lenses do not rest on the cornea of the eye, but on the white of the eye, which is the sclera. This technique reduces stress because the white of the eye is more resistant and less delicate. If the eyeball is still healthy or in any case functional, this type of lens prevents light from entering the cavity. Scleral lenses are used, among other things, to correct different and irregular corneas or those suffering from dystrophy, to treat acute keratoconus, to relieve dryness of the eye or after a corneal transplant. In addition to cases of traumatic corneas, this type of lens is also recommended for the divergent or convergent blind eye and cases of aniridia.
To select the right lens, the contactologist performs precise and personalized measurements. Several tests are programmed. First, the specialist uses a trial lens, taking into account the flattest meridian to define the base curve. The lens is rectified or replaced as the tests and evaluations progress, so that it has the appropriate apical elevation and diameter. Unlike conventional lenses, scleral contact lenses have better apical and limbal clearance, with the benefit of relieving the cornea of possible stress. This arrangement gives better oxygen permeability and takes into account the topography of the cornea. Finally, the lens finally undergoes resistance and tolerance tests: it must have the strength of a rigid contact lens, while being flexible and comfortable. For the fitting of the prosthesis, an average of four appointments are required, during which measurements are taken for the moulding, the various tints and colours of the eye as well as the vascularisation of the white of the eye are taken, and the necessary adjustments and checks are made to achieve perfect synchronisation between the two eyes. It is possible to produce a provisional cast before the final prosthesis is available. In the end, the definitive lenses are delivered custom-made, respecting the colours and reflections of the eye. The skirt of the lens will be embedded in three points to facilitate the natural flow of tears. In addition, the wearer will receive advice on handling and care. Finally, it should be noted that these steps are taken in collaboration with the ophthalmologist.
Fortunately, technology today makes it possible to produce prostheses adapted to patients of all ages. This, while ensuring that the eye receives oxygen properly. The new generations of lenses also take into account each person’s tolerance, so that the prosthesis is completely personalised and can therefore be made available to as many people as possible, subject to prior testing. Apart from swimming and water sports in general, the lens can easily be worn by sportsmen and women. Finally, in terms of daily care, the gestures and products are simple and within everyone’s reach, so that everyone can easily clean their pair of lenses and store them without any problem. In short, if the lens is adapted to the eye, used with maximum hygiene and good care, it is easy to wear and retains all its optical and aesthetic quality. It is recommended to renew the lenses at least every two years.