Living With Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Coming to terms with any illness can be, at the best of times, overwhelming. When it involves your diet, it can seem impossible at first thought. What do you give up? What are you going to be able to stick with and will you even enjoy the whole eating experience again?

What Can Cause Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NSFLD)?

I was faced with this decision in April 2015. After months of not feeling well, I had earlier gone for a check-up, which included blood work and an ultrasound of my abdomen. Expecting to find either ulcers or gastric reflux, imagine my surprise when I was told that I have Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, or NAFLD for short.

Blissfully ignorant, I always thought that this sort of illness was reserved for those with a taste for alcoholic beverages. What an incredible awakening to find out that it can be caused by what I eat! Those seemingly innocent muffins, cakes, pies, cookies, and store-bought goodies that were the focus of my not-so-healthy diet were, in fact, slowly killing me. My liver had had enough and was in the throes of rebelling against the constant onslaught of sugars and fats. What tasted good was not good for me, and it was time for a drastic change, it was a time to choose health.

Signs and Symptoms of NAFLD

For me, the symptoms were subtle and slow in developing. Over time, however, it became more and more obvious that something was not quite right. I would feel nauseous when I ate anything. I would feel stuffed after eating just a small amount, and I would experience pain in my abdomen. Often, a dull, lingering ache would develop towards my right side. I experienced headaches, fatigue, upset stomach, and a general feeling of malaise. Also, it was nearly impossible to lose any weight at all, and any that I did lose would come right back.

Making Changes With Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

The first thing I did was to become educated about liver disease, the liver itself, and about how food effects my health. This was not to be a temporary thing. It needed to become a lifelong change, and I was very well aware that it would not always be an easy change to keep up with.

The first things to go were, of course, the “junk” foods: Baked goods in general, soda pop, most salad dressings, many store-bought and prepackaged foods, frozen dinners, gravies, sauces, full fat items of all kinds. It does seem like quite a lot, but in reality, it leaves all fresh vegetables, fruits, lean meats, and several methods of cooking these that eliminates the fats and sugars.

I stopped eating white bread and white flour products, as well as white sugar products. I use soy or almond milk instead of cow’s milk, and eat very little cheese or dairy products. I do not use hydrogenated fats. These are the fats that are solid at room temperature. Instead, I use extra-virgin olive oil or canola oil.

I also made the switch to less refined sugar, known as “raw” sugar. The chemicals used to whiten sugar and flour wreak havoc on a sick liver. Artificial sweeteners, coloring, flavors, all these had to go as well. Reading the nutritional panel has always been a habit of mine, but now I had to read the ingredients list also. Some seemingly innocent breads and cereals contain quite a bit of artificial ingredients, even those advertised as healthy additions to your diet.

I have learned that the best choices are most often the simplest ones, consisting of home cooked meals. This way, you are aware of what goes into the meal. Instead of fats, spices and herbs can be a wonderful source of flavor for food. It is important to buy these from a trusted source, and to watch out for the salt/sodium content.

Herbs, Spices, and Sea Salts Good for Liver

Personally, I have made the switch from iodized table salt to sea salt, experimenting with different varieties such as Himalayan pink. I have found that using these salts cuts down on the amount I need to use to get a good flavor. It is a sharper, cleaner, taste and I simply need to use less. Coincidentally, I have found the same to be true of sugar. Perhaps the whitening chemicals interfere with the more natural flavor of less refined products, but that is my own opinion.

My Journey Continues With NAFLD

One thing that I do know, is that my liver enzyme levels have dropped dramatically in the several months since I first began this journey. Two have gone from “high” to “normal,” and the third has dropped remarkably. The first leg of this journey has been won. The rest of it will be up to me, to stay on this path.

Interesting Facts about Bolivia – What you did not know about South American Country

Bolivia plays a vital role in the South American Country. As a matter of fact, more and more people are becoming interested in visiting it. If you are one of these individuals, there are interesting facts about Bolivia that you may use into a good use.

To date, there are around 10 million people residing in the said place. These are all in the midst of South America. The borders of it are simple to understand though. In the northwest, Peru may be found. As for the southwest, Chile is situated. In the south, Argentina is present. The southeast is made up of Paraguay while the north and east are landlocked with that of Brazil.

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The term Bolivia is coined because of a Spanish American war leader. His name is Simon Bolivar. It was officially given to the place in the year 1825.

There are like 30 official languages in Bolivia. This is not surprising considering the fact that it is made up of 36 native cultures. However, in order not to get lost – the main language being spoken in the place has always been Aymara, Quechua and as well as Spanish. These three are the common ones. As for their religion, almost 78% of it is Roman Catholic. With the demographics though, the parents are the most religious. The youth is a bit lenient when it comes to their faith. They are not really that secular.

There are so many Instagram worthy moments in the place for they own the most beautiful sanctuary for butterflies. But then, The Road of Death is also present in there. This is considered the most dangerous road there is. This is not shocking learning that only 30% of the roads found in Bolivia had been paved. These are only seen in the city.

Bolivia is also known for the Andes Mountains. This enables people in the place to survive even if they are like 10,000 feet above the air. Yes, this is as high as planes. Just imagine their living rooms having clouds going through. That is the altitude of the place.

Guinea pig is not just seen as a childhood pet in Bolivia. It is also served for dinner. This local delicacy is indeed unique. This suits well in Ecuador, Bolivia and Peru.

The place is known to be the origin of various kinds of food. This features types of chili peppers, peanut, yucca and bean. Potatoes are in 4,000 species.

On the whole planet, Bolivia is the top country which is given certification for its tropical forests. It is in the top 5 of exporters of tropical wood all over the whole world. Aside from this natural beauty, it also goes with a large number of organic agriculture on earth. Not a lot of people thought about this with Bolivia.

Needless to say, Bolivia is a relevant place in the whole planet. It is not only because it is an exporter of valuable goods such as Metal Ore, Petroleum Gas and Zinc, but also because of its contribution to the world.

Fun and Interesting Facts about Polar Bears

There is a wide range of information about polar bears. They are interesting because they have variations when it comes to what they eat, their weight, and their speed, among others. They are easily identified because of their black skin. Upon first look, it may look white. However, they are really transparent in nature. They are one of the largest carnivores that ever exist. They primarily eat meat and they also live on land. Whenever they are in the midst of hunting seals, they want to utilize sea ice as their very platform. The diet of the said mammal is made up of seals. They can weigh to a maximum of 680 kg, or 1500 lb. Usually, these are in the Artic.

There is a difference because female polar bears can only be half as that of males. This is how their weight can be. Polar bears would always be on the sea. There are scientists out there who said that there are like 20000 polar bears all over. These come with 42 teeth. There are some interesting facts about polar bears. Polar_Bear_-_Alaska_(cropped).jpg (563×565)

Polar bears come with a scientific name of ursus maritimus. They have the ability to be kept warm because of the blubber which is found under their skin. This is around 10 cm. Polar bears can smell keenly. They have a strong sense of it. They may even detect seals even if they are far away. This may be from around 1.6 km. Polar bears have the ability to reach a maximum of 40 kph. This may be for 25 mph. whenever they are found in land, they may be in a speed of 10 kph or 6 mph whenever it is in water. There was a time when the polar bear was utilized as a mascot. This was intended for 1998 Winter Olympics in Calgary in Canada.

Usually, bears are really tiny. They are most especially when they are just born. They can weigh for only a pound. If this is converted, this reaches 0.5 kg. Males on the other hand can reach a particular adult size as they grow for around 8 to 14 years. Females on the other hands can be on their full built as they reach 5 to 6 years old. This is a way to see their real image.

Contrary to common belief, they may also go for how many days even if they do not eat anything. They can survive even 10 days. Their metabolism of them may slow down though. This is how it is going to be until they stumble upon the next meal. They can also survive with the presence of fat reserves as they go on a diet. These bears are unlikely to hibernate. However, as for bears found in dens, they can just raise their cubs there without having a hard time at all. Mama bears are always situated there. As this occurs, they are surely not going to eat, defecate, or even drink.

Uncommon Types of Autism: Understanding Rett’s Disorder and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder

Autism falls under the Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) category in the DSM. There are five different PDDs: autistic disorder, Asperger’s Disorder, PDD-NOS, Rett’s Disorder and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder. Both Rett’s Disorder and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder are quite rare. Learn more about these two uncommon types of autism.

Rett’s Disorder

Rett’s Disorder, sometimes referred to as Rett Syndrome, almost exclusively affects females. The syndrome was named after Austrian physician Dr. Andreas Rett who first described the group of symptoms in 1966. Rett’s Disorder is characterized by a period of typical development until the child is between six and 18 months of age. At this point affected individuals then experience significant regression in development. It is not uncommon for children with Rett’s Disorder to lose their speech, the ability to walk, and the loss of most basic motor functioning.

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In addition to the physical effects of Rett’s Disorder, individuals with this syndrome also usually experience seizures, excessive teeth grinding, unusual patterns of sleep, and periods of irritability. There is no known cure for Rett’s Disorder and while some affected individuals die in childhood, many live on well into adulthood. Rett’s Disorder affects approximately 3.8 in every 10,000 females.

Childhood Disintegrative Disorder

Similar to Rett’s Disorder, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD) also starts off with a period of typical development. Unlike Rett’s Disorder, CDD affects many more males than females. A child with CDD usually experiences between two and four years of typical development before entering a regressive stage. Children affected by CDD can lose all of their language, toileting abilities, self-care skills, and interest in their environment. At this point the disorder can easily mimic classic autism.

Childhood Disintegrative Disorder is also called Heller’s Syndrome; Viennese educator Theodore Heller first detailed the disorder in 1908. At this point there is no known cause, nor cure, for Childhood Disintegrative Disorder. Many children with CDD see benefits through traditional therapies used for other autism spectrum disorders.

Rett’s Disorder and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder are quite uncommon. Due to their rarity, there is not much in the way of research being conducted when compared to the other autism spectrum disorders. Studies into Rett’s Disorder have been able to confirm that there is a mutation in the gene MECP2 located on the X chromosome. No such genetic link has been found in individuals with CDD. Research will continue in the hopes of bettering the lives of families affected by these two uncommon types of autism.

Where People of Putnam County Unites

United Way of Putnam County

“This is what our love is – a sacred pattern of unbroken unity sewn flawlessly invisible inside all other images, thoughts, smells, sounds.” This quote by Aberjhani of The River of Winged Dreams, is one that could describe how the United Way of Putnam County help each other shoulder to shoulder. Their effectiveness in helping their neighbors, and the rest of their citizens has built up their community with the big help of program assistance, resource development and administrative leadership. Do you feel this unity sewn into your own life?

This blog will fill you with information on how love within the Putnam County has advanced the common good for each of their citizen. Within this blog, we will bring you updates to keep you aware of the activities done in Putnam County as well as the upcoming events where the community participates. We will let you feel the love that abounds in this united community, because we know how much you long for it, wherever you may be.

Join us as we lend our hands to our neighbors, and discover more about how this can affect yourself, as well as those around you. Let’s keep the love moving here in United Way of Putnam County!