Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids or polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are essential fatty acids that play an important role in brain function and normal growth and development. Heart disease can be kept at bay with omega-3 fatty acids. Deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids results in heart problems, dry skin, poor retention and fatigue. Omega-3 fatty acids supplements are said to reduce the risk for chronic heart disease, cancer and arthritis. Omega 3 Fatty Acids help in tackling pain and inflamation and also treating depression and bipolar disease. Salmon, tuna, mackerel and oils such as flaxseed oil and fish oil are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Insulin resistance
Insulin resistance or Metabolic syndrome is a condition where the body's insulin is not properly utilized. This condition also called Syndrome X is often called impaired fasting glucose (IFG) or Pre-diabetes. In an attempt to compensate the insulin resistance, the body produces extra insulin that leads directly or indirectly to the metabolic abnormalities.
Causes for Syndrome X
Obesity metabolic syndrome: A large waistline or abdominal obesity, which generally is 40 inches or more for men and 35 inches or more for women.
Physical inactivity: Metabolic syndrome is associated with sedentary lifestyles like adipose tissue, reduced HDL cholesterol, increased triglycerides (fat found in blood), blood pressure and glucose in the genetically susceptible.
Aging: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome increases with age.
Diabetes Mellitus: Metabolic syndrome is found in large majority of patients with Type-2 diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT).
Coronary Heart Disease: Patients with coronary heart disease are at higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome.
Tackling Metabolic Resistance
Physical activity for at least 30 to 60 minutes a day is generally recommended. Losing weight is imperative to dealing with metabolic syndrome. Follow a healthy diet. Insulin resistance is increased by smoking cigarettes. part from weight loss and exercise, few drugs are also prescribed to reduce the LDL cholesterol levels. Drugs prescribed for this kind of treatment include statin, a fibrate drug or a combination of a statin with either niacin or a fibrate.
SPECT
SPECT or Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography is a diagnostic tool that that uses gamma camera to collect gamma rays that are emitted from the patient. Radioactive isotope is adminstered to the patient either as injection or inhalation or ingested liquid. SPECT imaging helps acquire multiple images from multiple angles. The gamma camera is rotated around the patient. Dual-headed cameras can help in accelerating the test. Often triple-headed cameras are also used. SPECT is particularly useful in imaging of tumors, bones, thyroid and infections. Cardial imaging and brain imaging provide critical information about localized functions. MPI (Myocardial perfusion imaging) is an important cardiac stress test. SPECT images allow diagnosis of ischemic heart disease. This test is comparable to stress echocardiography. SPECT imaging of the brain aids in distinguishing Alzheimer's disease from other vascular dementias. Nearly 30 or more images are taken of the specific body area that is being viewed. SPECT scanning is time consuming.
Bibliography / Reference
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