Hyperbaric Medicine

           Hyperbaric medicine has its roots in treating divers who suffered from decompression sickness, otherwise known as the bends. Decompression sickness occurs when an individual’s body is under pressure, as the divers deep in the water. If the divers surface too quickly, their bodies are unable to adjust to the changes in pressure that can cause bubbles to form in the bloodstream.
            When people are in normal conditions, they experience normobaric pressure that naturally occurs in normal elevations. Some environments create a hyperbaric atmosphere with a great concentration in pressure. In the case of the divers, they experience excess pressure from the air above as well as the water on either side. The pressure increases the deeper the divers go.
Hyperbaric Chambers

             A hyperbaric chamber recreates the conditions that the divers experience when they are deep in the water. The pressure is gradually reduced so they can adjust to the new conditions in the environment. The device focuses on alleviating nitrogen in the bloodstream, replacing it with oxygen.
              While treating decompression sickness is an important function of the hyperbaric chamber, it can be used to treat some other conditions that occur in normobaric conditions as well. The pressurized air can include pure oxygen or other helpful gases in order to treat some medical conditions.
Conditions

People who suffer from any of the following conditions can benefit from using hyperbaric chambers:
• Diabetes
• Anemia
• Gangrene
• Mitochondrial dysfunction
• Pervasive developmental disorders

             The hyperbaric chamber offers help for people with anemia or diabetes. These medical problems interfere with the body’s ability to absorb oxygen effectively. When cells are deprived of oxygen, they fail to thrive. The chamber delivers oxygen that the blood cells require for proper functioning.
              Gangrene is a serious skin problem that derives from a bacterial infection, and in some cases, oxygen can help prevent the spread of the disease.
              Mitochondria are energy-producing elements that exist within all cells in the body. They function to convert nutrients into energy. This process requires oxygen and individuals who suffer from mitochondrial dysfunction experience problems with the cells’ ability to create energy, leading to a breakdown in the system. Flooding the cells with rich oxygen can help them function properly.
              Some suggest that the approach can be effective in the treatment of autism and related pervasive developmental disorders. There is no scientific data to back the claims, but cases of autism related to mitochondrial dysfunction may benefit from the approach. ABC News explores the subject of oxygen therapy and oxygen.
Hyperbaric Treatments

           The intense oxygen therapy is available in a couple different forms. Patients can visit a clinic for a session in the hyperbaric chamber or they can receive treatment in their homes. Portable hyperbaric chambers may be rented or purchased but they carry a hefty price tag.

             Another consideration is the price of shipping the chambers, which can be staggering. Those who want to have the oxygen treatments on a regular basis may benefit from purchasing one for between $6,000 and $10,000. Though costly, the price is about the same as two or three rentals.

Busting Diabetes Diet Myths

            There are a number of common misconceptions about diabetes diets. Some people say that consuming too much sugar contributes to diabetes. Others believe that their life is over and they will never be able to enjoy food again due to perceived strict diabetes dieting. Some people feel that there are too many food rules when it comes to setting a diabetes diet. While you do have to watch what you eat, the statements above fall within diabetes diet myth guidelines. Let’s debunk these diabetes diet myths right now.

1. Eating too much sugar contributes to diabetes. This statement is false. While this disease still has some mystery surrounding it, there are some common truths. For example, eating too much sugar does not cause diabetes. Rather, your body cannot properly turn the food you consume into energy in the right way. Your pancreas produces a hormone called insulin which helps the body convert the food you eat into glucose. Glucose is what fuels the body cells. When your pancreas does not make insulin or not enough of it, you can develop diabetes.

2. There are too many guidelines to follow in a diabetes eating plan. This statement is not entirely accurate. While you will have to plan your diet menus, you do have plenty of leeway in regards to what you eat. Each person is different so your food options will depend on the severity of your diabetes, physical fitness level, and the medications you are on. A nutritionist or dietician that specializes in diabetes can help. You will be amazed at the number of foods “allowed” on a diabetes diet.

3. Eating your favorite foods is a thing of the past. Again, you do not have to deprive yourself of your favorite foods for the sake of diabetes. Just change the way you make them. For instance, swap heavy cream and butter for margarine and low fat milk when making fettuccine Alfredo. Fry chicken in the oven using a light olive or canola oil instead of deep fat frying methods. You could even eat your favorite foods only in smaller portions or as a reward for sticking to a healthier diet plan.

4. Carbohydrates should be avoided because they adversely affect blood sugar levels. This statement is true up to a certain point. There are good and bad carbohydrates. The bad carbohydrates do not provide much nutritional value and include refined, processed foods with plenty of fat and sugar content. The good carbohydrates found in healthy diets with plenty of fibrous fruits, whole grains and vegetables are necessary for a stable diabetes diet. These good carbohydrates have the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other nutrients for the best nutrition possible.

5. If you take diabetes medication, you can eat whatever you want because it will take care of your health. The truth is medications are just one of many tools that must be used in conjunction with others to simply maintain your health. You cannot eat junk food while taking your diabetes medication and expect your health to be fine. You must choose a healthy diet along with exercise and your medication in order to maintain or even improve your quality of life. What you eat makes a big difference in your dosage of medications for diabetes.
              Having diabetes does not have to be a death knell on how you live your life. With a few lifestyle changes, you can still enjoy life, even cheating every once in a while on your diet. Diabetes myths don’t rule your life – you do.