Parsteiner Blog

Archive for September, 2009

Guys, has this ever happened to you? You spent a great evening with your lady. You had a nice dinner & then you were getting hungry for “dessert”. You know what I mean. You were getting excited to spend some intimate time, but when it came time to perform your erection didn’t come out to play.

If it hasn’t happened yet, it will. Almost every man over 30 has had at least one time when they failed to get an erection when required. Erection problems are very common among adult men. Most of the time, it is just one of those things & doesn’t require treatment. However, sometimes it becomes a recurring problem that will not only destroy your self-esteem but could harm your relationship as well. That’s when immediate treatment is in order.

How do you know if you have a problem? Well, if you have a difficult time getting or keeping an erection 25% of the time then you have a situation on your hands. Commonly known as erectile dysfunction or impotence, this is the most common sexual problem in middle-aged men. Only 20% is psychological, about 33% is due to a physical issue, & the rest of the cases are a combination of the two.

The first thing that must be determined is the cause of the problem. Testing is done to see if the erectile issues are caused by physical problems, psychological problems, or both. Treatment varies. Alternatives include the pump, prescription medication such as Viagra or Cialis, & even surgery in some cases.

Each of the above remedies has its faults. Pumps are awkward to use, & prescriptions and surgery both have inherent risks involved with their use. However, modern medicine has discovered a safe approach to help men who have an issue with their erection quality.

This is called the penis extender device. Because the device holds the penis in a stetched position, the capacity of the erectile tissue becomes increased. This means more blood can be held in the penile chambers during erection. This allows for a harder, better quality erection.

Since the device adds permanent size as well, confidence is increased too. This means that you will not be thinking about whether or not you will get an erection when you need to. It will just happen naturally. So, the next time it’s time to please your lady you will not have to even think about your erection quality. It will be rock-hard & ready when you are.

If you use Levitra, Cialis, or Viagra, you may have heard about the possible effects they can have on your vision. Many people are unsure whether the vision problems these drugs cause is rumor or truth.

“Many patients come to me to learn more about vision problems associated with Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra, and tell the truth; yes, these drugs can cause serious vision problems,” says Dr. Stuart Lewis, an ophthalmologist in Denver, Colorado.

There is well-documented information about drugs like Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis and the side effects they can cause. These drugs work by inhibiting an enzyme in the body (PDE-5), and enhancing the effects of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is a chemical within the body that stimulates smooth muscle and enhances blood flow, resulting in the desired effects.

Unfortunately, these medications can also affect blood flow in arteries in other parts of the body, producing serious, unwanted side effects. For instance, in addition to inhibiting the enzyme PDE-5, Viagra-like medications can also inhibit the enzyme PDE-6. This other enzyme functions in the photoreceptors in the eyes; the result is light sensitivity or blue-tinged vision.

In addition to this vision-related side effect Levitra, Cialis, and Viagra can also cause other side effects, including:

The chemical preservative Thimerosal (which contains thiosalicylate and ethylmercury) is a light colored crystalline powder found in childhood vaccines, make up and personal care products. Other products that contain it are antitoxins, ophthalmic and otolaryngolic medications, topical and intramuscular steroid preparations and intradermal tests.

If Thimerosal is used in adults and children with autism it can produce undesired side effects. Such patients, as well as their families, need to consider alternative immunization methods and this is encouraged by physicians (also recommended that siblings of people with autism should take similar precautions). Needless to say, anybody who suffers from autism needs to avoid thimerosal and thiscan be found in make up, personal care products and medications like throat sprays and eye drops.

Common products in which this preservative is present (but not limited to) are:
Contact lens solutions, eye ointments, eye drops, antitoxins, antibiotic ointments, nose drops, soap free cleansers, cosmetics, eye moisturizers, make up removers, desensitization solutions and tuberculin testing.

The North American Contact Dermatitis Group states that, in the United States, a Thimerosal allergy is rated as the 5th most common allergen affecting people. Removing Thimerosal from everyday life is practically not possible but daily exposure can be reduced by using products without it.

In many cases a Thimerosal allergy occurs only on the skin and people with allergic reactions to it might develop a rash where an injection was performed. They can also develop extreme conjunctivitis if the preservative is used in contact lens solutions that they use.

People who seem to face higher risks to a thimerosal allergy are cooks, women and healthcare workers – increased thimerosal allergy reactions amongst such groups could be as a result of increased exposure. The preservative is present in many products and immunizations that they are required to use.

Other names that Thimerosal is known as are: Mercuochrome, Merthiolate, Merzonin, Sodium ethylmercurithiosalicylate, Mertorgan, Merfamin, Thiomersalan, Thiomersal, and Thiomersalate – it is by no means a comprehensive list of chemical names used for Thimerosal.

There may be no obvious side effects or allergic reactions to this preservative in people not allergic to it, but the question beckons – how does, or will exposure to this preservative, in their personal care products, immunizations and antibiotics eventually affect their bodies?

Many people suffer from food intolerance, and there are many foods that are rich in histamines that can cause food intolerance symptoms. These reactions can include digestive system problems that like spasms, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. Other symptoms can range from flatulence to headaches to skin rashes and even eczema.

Our bodies can’t digest some foods that have high histamine levels because our digestive system lacks the enzymes it needs to ensure we don’t suffer from these symptoms. Eating foods rich in histamines like pizza, fish, some vegetables, and some fruits can cause these often cumbersome food intolerance symptoms. Drinks like coffee, cocoa, wine, and beer also have high histamine levels.

Often people avoid these high histamine level foods to prevent reactions or symptoms, but there is hope. Our bodies need to replace the low levels of Diamine Oxidase or DAO and that is being done through a supplement now approved by the FDA – NDI. NDI is different than an antihistamine that simply blocks the problem. NDI replenishes our bodies with the DAO we need to help us tolerate foods that have high histamine levels.

Here’s a good list of foods that are high in histamines that cause food intolerance symptoms:

Fish like tuna, smoked fish, sardines, canned fish, and fish sauces Pizza and sauerkraut Wine and beer including sparkling wine or champagne Cheeses Processed and smoked meats like salami, ham, bratwurst, and bacon Vegetables like tomatoes, spinach, eggplant, avocados, mushrooms, canned vegetables, and salads that are commercially prepared Fruits include strawberries, bananas, papayas, kiwi, pineapple, tangerines, mango, grapefruit, and red prunes Condiments and sauces like ketchup, mustard, soy sauce, balsamic or red wine vinegar have high histamine levels Sunflower seeds, walnuts, walnuts, cashews, and peanuts Breads that are made with yeast

Freshly purchased foods that are stored in your refrigerator actually gain a higher histamine level through the maturation process. The freshness goes down and the histamine count goes up. While choosing fresh meat is wise, anytime a meat is processed, it gains a higher histamine count. Beyond high histamine counts, foods that go through the maturation process can also cause an increase in biogenic amines.

Fresh fish that you buy will also increase histamine levels because fresh fish spoils faster. Bacteria that develops in stored or refrigerated fish can also cause high histamine levels. Any fish that is smoked or marinated will only cause histamine levels to be higher.

Instead of avoiding these foods, replenish your DAO levels with the supplement NDI. You digestive tract, especially your lower intestine will benefit from the replenished results that NDI provides allowing you to consume foods that are high in histamine levels. You can avoid the sometimes severe food intolerance symptoms by ensuring your digestive system is full of the enzymes it needs to tolerate high histamine foods. Choose foods wisely and re-energize your digestive system to reap the benefits of a healthy diet full of the foods you enjoy.

INCREASED SPECIAL WHITE BLOOD CELLS IN INTESTINE IS THE EARLIES SIGN OF GLUTEN INTOLERANCE AND CELIAC DISEASE

Specialized white blood cells known as lymphocytes are present in the tips of the villi of small intestine. They are believed to be important in surveying the digestive tract for potential invaders or attacks from viruses, bacteria and parasites. In the context of leaky gut that can occur from eating gluten containing grains and flour, these lymphocytes can increase in numbers at the tips of the intestinal villi. This change is critical in the development of celiac disease (CD).

INCREASES IN INTESTINAL LYMPHOCYTES CAN BE SEEN UNDER THE MICROSCOPE BEFORE DAMAGE OF THE INTESTINE LINING IS SEEN

Though not specific for CD, increased lymphocytes in the tips of the villi, also known as increased intraepithelial lymphocytosis, is accepted as the earliest sign of gluten intolerance in the gut. This increase when significant is obvious to most pathologists reviewing biopsy slides from tissue obtained from the intestine during a scope examination. However, this may not be obvious without an objective count of the number lymphocytes in the tips of the intestinal villi.

HOW DO THE PATHOLOGISTS COUNT THE NUMBER OF LYMPHOCYTES IN THE INTESTINAL LINING AND WHAT IS NORMAL?

Most pathologists either report the number of IEL’s per 20 intestinal lining cells (enterocytes) or per 100 enterocytes. Generally there are only 1-4 lymphocytes in the tips of each villous where there are typically 20 intestinal cells. When the pathologist or a computerized counting microscope reports or counts the lymphocytes per 100 intestinal cells there are usually no more than 12-15 per 100 intestinal lining cells. In the past, 40 lymphocytes per 100 intestinal cells (or about 8 per villous tip) was considered the cut off for abnormal. More recently that number has been lowered to 30 lymphocytes per 100 intestinal or epithelial cells (about 6 per villous tip). There are some researchers who believe the number should be lowered to 25 per 100 (or about 5 per villous tip).

WHAT ARE CAUSES OF INCREASED WHITE BLOOD CELLS OR LYMPHOCYTES IN THE INTESTINE?

Celiac disease is the most common but infection from the ulcer causing bacterium Helicobacter pylori or the parasite giardia can be a cause as well as recent viral infection. Cow’s milk protein sensitivity and allergy is also a cause. Though not well established, it is believed that the number of lymphocytes in conditions other than Celiac disease or gluten intolerance may not be as high.

Inflammatory conditions in the esophagus, stomach, distal small bowel or colon may be associated with increased IEL’s in those areas but the number has not been well studied. There is a concern that some pathologists may falsely attribute increased duodenal lymphocytes to associated inflammation going on in either the esophagus or stomach. Increased lympnocytes have been noted in the gut above the duodenum (esophagus and stomach) and below the jejunum (ileum and colon) in both celiac and microscopic or collagenous colitis caused by gluten sensitivity.

WHAT IS CELIAC DISEASE?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease of gluten intolerance or sensitivity not a food allergy though many people mistakenly refer to it as gluten allergy or wheat allergy. Previously thought to be rare it is now known to be very common, affecting 1/100 worldwide.

Celiac Sprue, as CD is also commonly known, is definitively diagnosed by the combination positive results for specific blood antibodies for CD, either endomysial (EMA) or tissue transglutaminase (tTG); a characteristic small intestine biopsy; and response to a gluten-free diet (GFD). Classically, flattening of the intestinal villi, known as villous atrophy, has been the gold standard for diagnosis. Positive EMA or tTG tests without villous atrophy on biopsy but increased IEL’s is accepted as diagnostic in the context of response to GFD, especially when an individual is positive for one of the two predisposing genes, DQ2 or DQ8.

WHAT DID THIS RECENT STUDY FIND REGARDING THE NUMBERS OF LYMPHOCYTES IN THE DIGESTIVE LINING?

A recent study of biopsies of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum of 46 people without Celiac disease reached several conclusions. Though there may be a slight increase in lymphocytes in esophagitis and gastritis, the difference in lymphocyte numbers is not significantly different in normal biopsies of the esophagus and stomach. Though general ranges of duodenal lymphocytes found in active esophagitis (2-13, average 8.8), active gastritis with Helicobacter pylori infection (2-13, average 7.2) and chronic gastritis without H. pylori infection (4-20, average 10.2) was very similar to those with negative esophagus, stomach and duodenal biopsies (2-18, average 6.7) the average number of lymphocytes was slightly higher, though not statistically significant.

WHAT MIGHT THIS TELL US ABOUT LYMPHOCYTE NUMBERS IN THE INTESTINE?

In my opinion, I believe this study showed that the numbers of lymphocytes in people with normal biopsies, esophagitis and gastritis were significantly lower than those reported in people with Celiac disease (>30/100 ) and early gluten injury (20-25/100 enterocytes) but not meeting diagnostic criteria for Celiac disease. I believe this study is helpful because it argues against attributing more than 20-25 lymphocytes/ 100 enterocytes to other inflammatory processes in the esophagus or stomach. It also supports the findings of other studies that have found that >20-25 /100 as an early sign of gluten sensitivity.

WHAT ABOUT LYMPHOCYTE COUNTS LESS THAN 30 BUT 25 OR MORE?

In the context of elevated gliadin antibody levels I believe that intestinal lymphocyte counts in the villi of 25 or more likely indicates gluten sensitivity though it does not necessarliy mean Celiac disease. Strict criteria for diagnosing of this disease require a positive specific blood test such as endomysial antibody or tissue transglutaminase antibody and >30 IEL’s/100 enterocytes and evidence of villous atrophy on small intestinal biopsy.

WHAT SHOULD I TAKE FROM THIS?

If you have had an intestinal biopsy but were told you did not have signs of Celiac disease, I recommend you consider asking that biopsy be reviewed by another pathologist who has experience in Celiac disease and you ask them to provide you with the number of lymphocytes in the villi. If they provided the number and you find there were 30 or more then that is clearly abnormal and can be diagnostic of Celiac disease if you have a positive specific blood test such as the endomysial or tissue transglutaminase antibodies, especially if you carry either the DQ2 and/or the DQ8 genetics. If you have less than 30 lymphocytes per 100 enterocytes but 20 or more and have a gliadin antibody elevation I would recommend you get HLA DQ genetic testing and try a gluten free diet.

Though latex is a fun fashion material there are people who have acquired some certain sensitivity to it. Latex allergy is not unheard of. Latex, or rubber, is a natural product made from the milky sap of the rubber tree.

A person with latex allergy is someone who is very sensitive to substances found in natural latex and suffers an adverse reaction when in contact with the material. The thin, and stretchy latex rubber found in gloves, balloons and condoms contains high levels of this protein and is more allergic than other products made of rubber.

What causes latex allergy in people is unknown. But frequent exposure to latex for a long period of time could make the symptoms appear. The main source of latex allergy today is rubber gloves. Other products such as adhesive tape, bandages and most medical equipment also use latex.

Latex allergy symptoms

Latex allergy symptoms can start as mild and then progress to a severe allergic reaction. There are three stages of latex allergy reactions: