The metabolism is all the chemical reactions that occur in the body to sustain life. In the process heat is generated as energy is expended. A measure of the amount of heat generated over time is a direct indication of the energy expenditure and this is known as the metabolic rate. The process of energy production requires nutrients like glucose which are then converted into energy molecule known as ATP (adenosine triphosphate).

These molecules are broken down by the mitochondria in the cell to yield energy that powers the various life-sustaining functions of the cell and the body as a whole. Oxygen and various enzymes are also required for the energy production. The entire process is regulated by various hormones and fluctuates according to the energy demands of any given situation. Simply this means that a person who is sleeping requires less energy than a person that is running.

continue reading Slow Metabolism (Low Metabolic Rate)

The thyroid gland is a double-lobed gland that lies just below and in front of the voice box. It resembles a fatty mass and can extend to the upper part of the chest cavity. An abnormally enlarged thyroid gland is known as a goiter and is often an indication of a diseased state. This rather unassuming gland has several important functions, of which controlling the body’s metabolic rate is its primary function.

continue reading Overactive Thyroid Gland (Hyperthyroidism, Thyrotoxicosis)

The body has an efficient mechanism for stopping blood loss when bleeding arises. This mechanism has several phases to first reduce the degree of bleeding, temporarily plug the point of the blood loss, further seal the area for the long term and then expedite healing of the affected blood vessel to restore its integrity. The entire process is carefully coordinated by the body to ensure that the sequence of events will stop the blood loss as rapidly as possible. In some instances where there is a severe injury with excessive blood loss, these mechanisms are ineffective and medical attention is necessary.  This is usually when the tear or rupture of the blood vessel is so severe that physical measures are needed to preserve life until medical attention can be sought. At other times, a person with bleeding disorder may find that even a minor cut can lead to excessive blood loss.

continue reading Excessive Bleeding – Different Types of Bleeding Disorders

There are several processes that ensure that blood loss is stopped when a blood vessel is torn or ruptured. A platelet plug quickly reduces and even stops the blood loss and is then further secured by a blood clot which is more long lasting measure. In order for the body to carry out these functions, it needs a number of different chemicals and components in the blood to first form the platelet plug and then the blood clot. One of the important components involved in this process is von Willebrand factor (vWF). Unlike clotting factors, von Willebrand factor is not an enzyme and does not activate successive clotting factors in the coagulation process. Nevertheless it plays an integral role in blood coagulation by acting as a carrier for certain clotting factors and allowing different components to bind together to form a clot.

continue reading von Willebrand Disease (Bleeding Disorder)

There are several micronutrients which are required in small amounts to sustain life. These include a host of vitamins and minerals, each of which play important roles in various biochemical processes. One of these substances is vitamin K. A deficiency or total lack of vitamin K can have a number of effects on the human body, the most notable of which is a disturbance in the blood clotting process which is essential to prevent blood loss.

continue reading Vitamin K Source Food, Deficiency Symptoms, Toxicity Side Effects