Overview

A vitamin is an organic compound required as a nutrient in tiny amounts by an organism. A compound is called a vitamin when it cannot be synthesized in sufficient quantities by an organism, and must be obtained from the diet. Thus, the term is conditional both on the circumstances and the particular organism. For example, ascorbic acid functions as vitamin C for some animals but not others, and vitamins D and K are required in the human diet only in certain circumstances.

Vitamins are classified by their biological and chemical activity, not their structure. Thus, each "vitamin" actually refers to a number of vitamer compounds, which form a set of distinct chemical compounds that show the biological activity of a particular vitamin. Such a set of chemicals are grouped under an alphabetized vitamin "generic descriptor" title, such as "vitamin A," which (for example) includes retinal, retinol, and many carotenoids. Vitamers are often inter-convertible in the body. The term vitamin does not include other essential nutrients such as dietary minerals, essential fatty acids, or essential amino acids, nor does it encompass the large number of other nutrients that promote health but are otherwise required less often.

Monday, March 16, 2009

Got Cold Feet?

And no, I am not talking about the British TV show or a runaway bride. Are your feet always cold? Is your skin cool, humid or extremely dry? Many people are experiencing the symptoms of cold feet on a daily basis, but they ignore it thinking that it is a minor complaint. This is a mistake. If your feet are always cold and the symptoms increase, you should take the advice of your podiatrist.

cold feet can be a symptom of many different diseases, in particular:

1. Diabetes

2. Hypothyroidism

3. Anemia

4. peripheral neuropathy

5. Coronary heart disease /aortic

6. peripheral arterial disease

7. Raynaud's phenomenon

8. Side effect of medication for blood pressure and cardiac arrythmias

9. Beginning Frostbite

10. Restless Legs Syndrome

11. Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

12. considerable stress

None of these diseases are small, and cold feet can be one of the first symptoms.

A closer look at the symptom of cold feet by your podiatrist may include:

1. non-invasive arterial testing

2. Neuropathy Screening

3. Blood work, including a rheumatoid panel, thyroid levels, and blood counts

More progress showings are sometimes justified and can be:

1. an arteriogram

2. Nerve conduction velocities

3. EKG or echocardiogram

The most common reason why your feet are cold from poor circulation. This is usually referred to as peripheral arterial disease or hardening of the arteries. Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is narrowing or blockage of arteries that results in poor blood flow to your feet. Clogged arteries in the legs and feet increase the risk for a heart attack or stroke. Plaque build-up in the legs are not always significant symptoms, so many people may lead to serious traffic problems and is not known. People who have symptoms such as cold feet, pain or cramps in the legs, often do not tell their doctos because they believe they are a natural part of aging or by any other cause.

One in every 20 Americans over the age of 50, arterial disease, and it is estimated that more than 8 million are diagnosed. Early recognition of traffic problems has been shown to limb and life, so if you have cold feet or any of the risk factors you should seek your podiatrist screening annually or more frequently if symptoms occur.

your podiatrist should be able to use your cold feet and send you on your way to warmer days, or at least to understand why you have cold feet.

If all screening tests are normal, and you can only genetically cold feet than the average. Wear socks to bed! Or you can deal with stress. Cold clammy skin can be explained by the release of the hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline, and is a sympathetic response to stress. Her body is to reassure you!

Summary: If you are not the impending marriage, or have not just one days of skiing, your cold feet are probably trying to tell you something! Listen to them!

 

Dr Marybeth Crane is a board certified podiatric foot and ankle surgeon with helpful tips to make your feet last a lifetime! For more foot and ankle health information and doctor-approved foot care products and a copy of her FREE BOOK!, visit her website or peruse her blog.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr_Marybeth_Crane

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