Terms

Cardiomyopathy:
Muscles making up the walls of the heart becomes diseased due to intercellular chemical change. There are several types of cardiomyopathy disorders. Nutritional cardiomyopathy occur because of vitamin B₁ deficiency or heavy drinking of alcohol. Symptoms vary, but one should notes swollen hands and feet.

Anemia:
Conditions where normal red blood cells and hemoglobin counts are below normal. Two examples are B₁₂ deficiency anemia and Folic acid deficiency anemia. The production of red blood cells start in the bone marrow. Vitamin B₁₂ and Folic acid are essential for this process. The lack of these vitamins caused a decrease in RBC production and defective RBC.

The symptoms for Vitamin B₁₂ and Folic acid deficiency are the same as other types of anemia which include fatigue, paleness, shortness of breath, heart fluttering. The skin turns yellow with mouth and tongue sores. Vitamin B₁₂ deficiency anemia is especially serious since it is important for the proper functioning of the nervous system. Signs to watch for are tingling of extremities, unable to walk or keeping proper balance, memory loss, confusion and depression.

Osteomalacia:
Vitamin D deficiency caused the weakening and softening of the bones.

Cystic Fibrosis:
An hereditary disease that caused the pancreas to cease the production of digestive juices and enzymes essential for the break down of food during digestion. Therefore, necessary vitamins, minerals and lipid goes right through the intestinal tract without proper absorption (malabsorption).

Jaundice:
A condition that caused the skin and whites of the eye to turn yellow. The yellow pigment is due to excess Bilirubin (the waste product of the RBC breakdown by the liver) in the blood stream. It is usually occured during liver diseases. 

Cirrhosis of the Liver:
The liver slowly deteriorates gradually, changes its internal structures and becomes less able to maintain proper vital functions. A few of the causes are alcoholism, malnutrition, hepatitis, parasites, and toxic chemicals.

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