Functions of Liver
More than 500 vital functions have been identified with the liver. The functions include:
- Detoxification.
- Protein synthesis.
- Production of biochemicals that are necessary for digestion.
- Glycogen storage.
- Decomposition of red blood cells.
- Plasma protein synthesis.
- Hormone production.
- Production of bile for digestion.
- Production of certain proteins for blood plasma.
- Production of cholesterol and special proteins that help to carry fats through the body.
- Conversion of excess glucose into glycogen for storage.
- Regulation of blood levels of amino acids.
- These amino acids form the building blocks of proteins.
- Processing of hemoglobin – the liver stores iron.
- Conversion of poisonous ammonia to urea.
- Clearing the blood of drugs and other poisonous substances.
- Regulating blood clotting.
- Resisting infections by producing immune factors.
- Removing bacteria from the bloodstream.
- Liver breaks down harmful substances which are excreted into the bile or blood.
- Bile by-products enter the intestine and ultimately leave the body in the feces.

Scope and Causes of the Liver Cancer
- Liver cancer is the third most common cancer in the world.
- Liver cancer will kill almost all patients who have it.
- It is known to kill almost within a year.
- About three-quarters of the cases of liver cancer are found in Southeast Asia (China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea, and Japan).
- Liver cancer is also very common in sub-Saharan Africa (Mozambique and South Africa).
- Usually it is due to the prevalence of hepatitis B infection, which is the most common cause of this cancer worldwide.
- The reasons can also be due to rising obesity and diabetes rates.
- People who are prone to chronic hepatitis C which is another infection of the liver, causes liver cancer.
- l-carnitine deficiency is a risk factor for liver cancer
- Japan being member of International Cancer Genome Consortium is leading efforts to map liver cancer’s complete genome.

How the Body is affected?
- Other organs are affected when the liver is not able to filter out the toxins as effectively.
- Person is affected to have a lot of fatigue due to these toxins.
- Liver disease can also cause the abdomen to protrude outward.
- This condition occurs because the liver can become inflamed and enlarged.
- A person may develop anemia or large bruises on their body upon liver effecting on the body.
- A person with liver disease may also notice that they have more body fluid retention, swelling, body aches and even excessive itching.

Liver disease can also cause a person to have:
- Yellow or white tongue
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Age spots
- Acne
- Headaches
- A weak immune system

Diseases that affect liver and body are:
- Hepatitis caused by inflammation of liver.
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is a spectrum in disease associated with obesity.
- Cirrhosis is the formation of fibrous tissue in the liver from replacing dead liver cells.
- Haemochromatosis is a hereditary disease caused by the accumulation of iron in the body.
- Cancer of the liver are malignant tumors that grow on the surface or inside the liver and is often referred to cancer that has spread to the liver that has originated in other organs.
- Glycogen storage disease type II is caused due to the build-up of glycogen causes progressive muscle weakness (myopathy) throughout the body.
- Some pediatric liver diseases like biliary atresia, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, alagille syndrome, progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis.

Causes:
Many women experience headaches during pregnancy, especially in the first and third trimesters. The hormonal changes that affect estrogen levels, along with an increase in blood volume and circulation are the most likely causes.
Headaches during pregnancy are probably caused by hormones and changes in how blood circulates. If you have given to caffeine, it can also make the head pounds. Other possible reasons include fatigue, nasal congestion, high blood pressure, stress and hunger. Headaches can also be caused by excessive sun exposure and dehydration.
Migraines are different. Some women who experience migraines often find they have fewer problems with them during pregnancy. Others find that these painful episodes becoming more frequent and intense when they are pregnant.

Causes of more frequent headaches during pregnancy include:
- Stress, Fatigue
- Low blood sugar
- Dehydration
- Sleep disorders
- Sinus congestion
- Removal of caffeine

Treatment:
Most headache medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen are not recommended for pregnant women. Paracetamol, however, is considered safe for occasional use.
There are few things that can also be tried to cure the headache:

- A cold towel
Apply a warm compress around the eyes and nose for sinus headaches and a cold compress on the base of the neck for tension headaches.
- Treat the cold
Cod and stuffy nose can give you a headache. Try to ease the pain with a steam inhalation with one or two drops of peppermint oil added.
- Beat the heat
Sun exposure, use an umbrella or dupatta to cover the head andd sunglasses to protect the eyes from glare. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated too.
- Eat little and often
Blood sugar is a common cause of headache. Try eating small, frequent meals. If you are moving, keep some snacks (cookies, fruit, and whole wheat crackers) in the bag.
- Get a massage
Treat yourself and o for a professional massage and shampoo. Massage works especially well for tension headaches, which are based in the muscles of the neck, shoulders and back. If using essential oils, tell the provider you are pregnant. Some essential oils are best avoided during pregnancy.
- Undergo testing
Sometimes pregnancy can affect the eyes, causing headaches. A trip to the ophthalmologist can help.
- Alternative treatments
Experts believe that therapy color green calm of mind and is particularly effective for stress headaches. You can also try yoga and breathing exercises as Anulom viloma eliminate stress.

Some doctors approve taking acetaminophen (Tylenol), but should not take any pain reliever for headache pain, including herbal products, without first consulting a health professional.

While most headaches during pregnancy are harmless, others can be a sign of a more serious problem. In the second or third trimester, headaches may be a sign of preeclampsia, a serious condition that includes high blood pressure.

If you have a migraine for the first time during pregnancy, or if you have a headache that feels unlike any you’ve experienced before, call your healthcare provider to make sure it is not a sign of more serious problems.

Causes:
Several things can lead to painful leg cramps during pregnancy.
For starters, the muscles that withstand the increasing weight of your baby, and probably feel the tension. Growth of the uterus (womb) is also putting pressure on the main vein in your legs. This, combined with the effects of progesterone, a hormone of pregnancy, affects the blood flow and therefore, the muscle tone in the legs.

Leg cramps may also be happening because they lack certain nutrients and salts such as calcium or magnesium. You can have low levels of these circulating in the blood because your baby is getting what it needs from supplies and leaving your body short of these nutrients.However, it is unclear whether taking supplements such as calcium or magnesium salts, helps prevent cramps.

Tips and Treatment:
Person must try these tips to fend off leg cramps:
- Avoid standing or sitting with legs crossed for long periods of time.
- Stretch the calf muscles regularly during the day and several times before going to bed.
- Rotate the ankles and toes when you sit, eat dinner or watch television.
- Take a walk every day, unless the doctor has advised not to exercise.
- Avoid getting too tired. Lie on the left side to improve circulation to and from the legs.
- Stay hydrated during the day by drinking fluids regularly.
- Try a warm bath before bedtime to relax the muscles.

There are lot of home remedies that can also help to cure the problem:
- Soak your feet in warm water every day before going to bed. This helps to relax the calf muscles and prevent cramps and swelling in the evening. Add the mint to the water and soak your feet in reliving the pain instantly. If your feet swell during the day, then you must use a compression of hot water and a towel or a hot water bottle on the feet to soothe muscles. Sitting for the day and complete their tasks in this way or take a short nap to make sure your body some rest.
- Taking a magnesium supplement in addition to a prenatal vitamin may help some women avoid leg cramps. Well, having leg cramps is a sign that you need more calcium, and calcium supplements. Although it is certainly important to get enough calcium, there is no good evidence that taking calcium supplements help prevent leg cramps during pregnancy.

If you have a cramp, immediately stretch the calf muscles: Straighten the leg, heel first and slightly flexible toes toward the shins. It may hurt at first, but will relieve the spasm and pain will gradually disappear. A doctor can also be called for help if the signs continue to persist for long time.

- Golden rod is used for healing wounds and bruises. The application of golden rod on bruises or wounds treats them effectively and the application is also helpful in reducing rashes and irritations persisting on the skin.
- Golden rod acts as an anti inflammatory agent and helps to relieve the inflammations caused due to problems like arthritis, cystitis, and urethritis. Usually golden rod is used in combination with Echinacea to treat the problems like cystitis and nephritis.
- Many skin related problems can be treated with the help of golden rod. Eczema, acne, cuts, burns, dermatitis, and gout or any other skin problem is easily treated by golden rod plant.
- Golden rod plant has diuretic properties. As a diuretic golden rod plant helps to stimulate the urination process in a person resulting in the elimination or removal or numerous health problems.
- Many respiratory problems are treated using golden rod plant. The problems related to upper respiratory system like over existence of mucus and postnasal drips are effectively treated by golden rod. It is an effective medicine for cold, flu and laryngitis.
- It is very beneficial for kidney problems like kidney stones and many other problems which can severely damage the kidneys.
- The bioflavonoids present in the golden rod plant are beneficial for the proper functioning of various veins and capillaries present in the human body. It strengthens the fragile capillaries and is useful for veins which are varicose.
- Golden rod plant has properties which act like an anti fungal agent, therefore, preventing any types of fungal infections from affecting the body.
- Cancer and tumors can be treated with the help of golden rod plant as it has some properties of an anti tumor agent. It is mainly effective for treating prostate tumors.
- Flatulence and other digestive disorders can be treated well by golden rod plant. It also helps in stimulating the appetite of a person and helps get relief from cramps, diarrhea and colic.
- Sore throat can be treated by taking medication through golden rod plant. Any infection related to the throat or mouth is treated by golden rod.
- Golden rod plant is very effective on problems like cicatrization of ulcers and amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea. Mainly the infusion of golden rod plant is used for treating these problems and the same infusion may be used for treating patients suffering from diphtheria.
- Dental problems like bleeding gums, tooth ache and many others can be treated effectively with the use of golden rod plant.
- Internal bleeding, menstrual problems in women can be relieved by golden rod. The intake of tea containing golden rod is very beneficial for treating menstrual related problems like irregular periods and menstrual cramps.
- Diabetic patients can use golden rod to maintain the blood sugar level and the production of insulin from the pancreas. As it is a diuretic therefore it also washes out extra sugar from the urine also.
- Golden rod plant also contains components which provide energy to the body and hence treat the fatigue feeling and chronic exhaustion in a person.

A person suffering from Hepatitis B or C should do:
- Check Hepatitis B or C status.
- Promote vaccinations.
- Be careful so that no one is accidentally exposed to blood.
- Discard materials used during injury.
- Wash hands.
- Avoid unprotected sex.
- Hepatitis status of spouse or sexual partner should be checked.
- Individuals who are at higher risk should be vaccinated.
- Monitor your liver functioning regularly.

A person suffering from Hepatitis B or C should not do:
- Don not share chewing gums, toothbrush, razor, needle or anything that comes in contact with blood.
- Do not share syringe.
- Do not donate blood, plasma, tissues, sperm.
- Do not panic and fear the worst.
- Do nor chew food before giving it to babies.
- Do not neglect follow up.
- do not try unproven therapies.

CAUSES OF GLANDULAR FEVER
- Epstein-Barr VIRUS.
- Spread through saliva.
- Spread through kissing.
- Eating and drinking from the same utensils.

SYMPTOMS OF GLANDULAR FEVER
- Sore throat.
- Fever.
- Uneasiness and Tiredness.
- Pain in the muscles.
- Headache.
- Swelling in lymph nodes.
- This fever can finally lead to jaundice.
- Sometimes, red rashes occur.
- Fatigue.

WHAT ARE RISKS OF GLANDULAR FEVER?
Sometimes, glandular fever can become complicated. If not taken and considered seriously, it can lead to following diseases:
- Jaundice
- Hepatitis
- Anemia
- Pneumonia
- Inflammation of brain.
- Tender spleen.
- Inflammation of heart muscle.

PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF GLANDULAR FEVER
Symptoms are checked and blood and throat tests are done. Glandular fever takes at least two to three weeks to go. There is no specific treatment for glandular fever. Since it is a viral infection, no specific medicines are prescribed. Doctors can give pain killers to relieve pain. One should do the following:
- Drink lot of fluids.
- Avoid alcohol.
- Take a lot of rest.
- Wait for at least 8 weeks before going for any physical activity.
- Maintain proper hygiene.
- Do not share same containers of drinks and food.
- Avoid fatty foods.
- Foods easy to digest should be taken.
- Foods rich in Vitamin C should be taken.

Increased amounts of potassium is found in urine whenever the tissues are losing potassium. It is may be because of the breakdown of cellular proteins. Any condition that gives rise to acidosis is liable to cause cellular depletion of potassium. Patients who are given diuretics to increase the output of sodium and water in the urine, an important side effect is an increase in potassium excretion.
In a healthy person, the feces contain very small amounts of potassium. The digestive juices contain large amounts but this is normally reabsorbed in the gut.

FUNCTIONS OF POTASSIUM IN THE BODY

- Potassium is an alkalizing agent.
- Potassium maintains a proper acid-alkaline balance in the blood and tissues.
- Potassium prevents hyper-acidity.
- Potassium is essential for muscle contraction and therefore it is important for the proper functioning of the heart.
- Potassium promotes the secretion of hormones and helps the kidneys in detoxification of blood.
- Potassium prevents female hormonal disorders by stimulating the hormone production.
- Potassium helps in proper functioning of the nervous system.
- Potassium helps to overcome fatigue.
- Potassium also assists in reducing blood pressure.

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS OF POTASSIUM

- Deficiency may occur during gastro-intestinal disturbances accompanied by severe vomiting and diarrhea.
- Deficiency may occur during diabetic acidosis.
- Deficiency may occur during potassium-losing nephritis.
- Deficiency may occur during steroid therapy and that of similar drugs.
- Deficiency may occur during mental and physical stress.
- Deficiency of potassium causes body tiredness, palpitations of heart, cloudiness of mind, nervous shaking and excessive perspiration of hands and feet, sensitivity of the nerves to cold. It may also lead to slow healing of ulcers and fractures.

FOOD SOURCES RICH IN POTASSIUM

- Pulses such as green gram, cow peas, red gram, black gram.
- Vegetables like lotus stems, sword beans.
- Other good sources are legumes, leafy vegetables, and fruits such as bael, sweet limes, peaches, and apricots.
- Excessive use of alcohol, coffee, sugar, and diuretics can lead to depletion of potassium.

HEALING PROPERTIES OF POTASSIUM

Potassium deficiency should be corrected by increased dietary intake or supplementation with potassium salts.
- Low Blood Sugar: The use of potassium has been found beneficial in the treatment of low blood sugar. An intake of sugar and potassium chloride brings an immediate relief.
- Muscle Abnormalities: The symptoms of muscle abnormalities when 10g of potassium chloride is given. Studies show that severe potassium deficiency results in muscles becoming weak, soft or partially paralyzed.
- Sciatica: Increasing potassium intake can help to alleviate discomfort from leg cramps and sciatica. This is due to the role of potassium in nerve function.

Leukemia in children

Leukemia affects children too, and the number of child leukemia cases keeps increasing.
There are two types of leukemia – acute leukemia – a cancer that develops and evolves very fast and it affects all the white blood cells, and chronic leukemia – it develops slower and healthy white blood cells can still be found. More than 95% of the child leukemia cases are acute leukemia.
Signs and Symptoms of Childhood Leukemia
- Infection : A child with leukemia may develop an infection that doesn’t respond to antibiotics, have a high fever, and become very sick.
- Easy bleeding or bruising : A child with leukemia may bruise easily or have increased bleeding from small cuts and nosebleeds.
- Bone pain : This is due to accumulation of the leukemia cells underneath the covering of the surface of the bone or inside the joint.
- Swelling of the abdomen : Leukemia often causes enlargement of the liver and spleen.
- Swollen lymph nodes : Swelling of lymph nodes inside the chest or abdomen may also occur. These are sometimes detected only by imaging tests, such as CT or MRI scans.
- Enlargement of the thymus : Enlargement of the thymus or of lymph nodes inside the chest can compress the nearby trachea (windpipe). This can lead to coughing, shortness of breath, or even suffocation.
- Headache, seizures, vomiting: Leukemia cells can spread outside the bone marrow. This is called “extramedullary spread.” It may involve the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), the testicles, ovaries, kidneys, lungs, heart, intestines, or other organs.

Cancer is a broad term that encompasses over one hundred different types of cancer. Although each type has its own set of characteristics, there are some cancer symptoms that occur in many types of cancer. It is important to note that some types of cancer do not present any symptoms until they are in advanced stages. This is why cancer screening and risk assessment are vital for cancer prevention and early detection.

Cancer gives most people no symptoms or signs that exclusively indicate the disease. Unfortunately, every complaint or symptom of cancer can be explained by a harmless condition as well. Some common symptoms that may occur with cancer are as follows:
- Persistent cough or blood-tinged saliva.
- Persistent Fatigue : It is usually more common when the cancer is advanced, but still occurs in the early stages of some cancers. Anemia is commonly the culprit — a condition that is associated with many types of cancer, especially types affecting the bowel.
- Weight loss : Losing 10 pounds or more unintentionally definitely warrants a visit to the doctor. This type of weight loss can occur with or without loss of appetite.
- Pain : It is not an early symptom of cancer, except in some cancer types like those that spread to the bone. Pain generally occurs when cancer spreads and begins to affect other organs and nerves.
- Bowel Changes : If you experience constipation, diarrhea, blood in the stools, gas, thinner stools, or just a general overall change in bowel habits, see your doctor.
- Chronic Cough : A persistent, new cough or a cough that won’t go away or becomes worse needs to be evaluated by a doctor.