VARICOSE VEINS
A problem which can be extremely annoying is that of varicose veins. It is common in young people as well as older ones and is particularly aggravated by the problem of obesity in an individual. These unsightly veins occur, usually on legs and thighs and are a result of failure of blood to return to the heart normally, due to poor muscle tone. The heart pumps pure oxygenated blood to all parts of the body through arteries. Arteries end into capillaries and capillaries from veins.
The veins carry impure blood containing carbon dioxide back to the heart for purification (oxygenation) thus completing the circulation of blood. The return of impure blood to the heart from the feet, for example, is accompanied by contraction of muscles. The blood is pushed from capillaries into the veins and through the veins towards the heart each time a muscle contracts. The backward flow of blood is prevented by valves, in the veins. As the muscles relax, new blood through arteries flows into the capillaries, forced in because of the pumping of the heart. In varicose veins, the contraction of the muscles is so weak that blood is not forced out of them, it clots, closing off the veins, which becomes swollen and painful.
This condition is aggravated in an obese person in whom the deposits of fat exert pressure which partially closes the veins between the leg and the heart. The prevention of varicose veins, therefore, or the means of preventing them from becoming worse after they have started, is to build up the body to such an extent that strong muscle tone exists which can forcefully push the blood on towards the heart. It is also equally important to lose weight on a medically oriented weight loss programme to reduce the pressure of fatty deposits on capillary beds and veins to prevent them from closing off, and impairing proper circulation.
Proteins and almost every vitamin and mineral plays some role in maintaining the elasticity and contractibility of the muscles. The person who suffers from varicose veins, therefore, should immediately place himself on the Balanced-Nutrient Diet. At the first sign of a varicose vein, consult your doctor , for much can be done if proper treatment is instituted in time.
GOUT
Gout is a genetic disorder in which the body produces an excessive amount of uric acid, or the kidneys may simply be unable to eliminate uric acid. In either case, uric acid accumulating in the blood is deposited in joints and tissues in the “form of needle- like crystals causing swelling, inflammation and severe pain known as gouty arthritis. In chronic cases irregular swellings with pain and stiffness appear in the cartilage of ear, nose or eyelids. This is known as ‘tophaceous gout’ and swellings are known as ‘tophi’. In some cases palms of hands may show white streaks along the creases ( plasterer’s hand). The disease most commonly appears in middle age.
The joint commonly affected, initially, is the big toe. Later foot, ankle, knees, hands, wrists and elbows may be affected. Certain factors which are associated with the disease are : Overweight , trauma, alcohol, operation and certain diuretic drugs (thiazide group). Overweight commonly accompanies gouty arthritis. If you are overweight, reducing your body weight will reduce your tendency to develop gout. But don’t try to lose too much too fast. If weight loss is too rapid, an attack of gouting arthritis can be triggered by excessive burning of body fat ( releasing uric acid). So if you are predisposed to gout don’t try to lose more than one kilo a week. Weight loss is more permanent anyway if it is gradual rather than rapid.
In general, avoid foods which are high in purines, as uric acid is formed from purine. Foods to be avoided are :
‘Meat ’: Kidney, liver , brain.
‘Fish’ : Sardines.
‘Vegetables’ : beans, peas lentils and pulses.
‘Sauces ’ : anchovy sauce.
‘Soups ’: meat extracts.