Things to Consider When Buying a HEPA Vacuum Cleaner

The vacuum cleaner market in the USA is huge with over 2 billion dollars per year spent by consumers. Almost every household has a vacuum cleaner and many households have more than one. However, consumers need to give careful consideration to the kind of vacuum they buy, especially if they suffer from asthma or allergies. A vacuum with HEPA filtration will help remove allergens from the air and create a healthier environment for those in the household.

hepa air purifier

HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air and it is a particularly high level of air filtration. HEPA filtration has had longstanding use in the biomedical industry and (in conjunction with UV) helps to inhibit the spread of mold spores as well as airborne bacteria and viruses. It has also found practical uses in the aerospace, semiconductor, food, nuclear and pharmacological industries. HEPA filtration removes 99.97% of all particles in the air with a diameter of 0.3 microns or larger. In the case of a typical household this will include dust, pet dander, dust mite feces, pollens and other allergens. So a vacuum with HEPA filtration should exhaust much cleaner air than one without.

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However not all HEPA vacuum cleaners are created equal. Many vacuum cleaners advertise their HEPA filter feature but do little to ensure that the air sucked into the vacuum is passed through the filter. If a vacuum is not properly sealed it will allow leakage around the filter and/or leakage to the outside air prior to the filter. Some manufacturers, like Miele, provide a "sealed system" vacuum cleaner that ensures all of the air sucked into the machine is forced through the HEPA filter. This approach produces very high quality exhaust air from the vacuum. Tests have shown that sealed system vacuums typically produce better quality exhaust air than those that don't have a sealed system.

One can also find HEPA filtration in many vacuums certified as asthma and allergy friendly. For example, many of the Dyson vacuum cleaner models have certification from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (in conjunction with Allergy Standards Limited) launched the Asthma and Allergy Friendly Certification Program in 2006. The certification involves independent testing in accredited laboratories and ensures that the certified product is suitable for those with asthma or allergies. In the case of Dyson all the accredited vacuums use HEPA filtration.

Before buying a HEPA capable vacuum it is also important to check the longevity of the filter and the cost of replacing it. The lifespan of some filters can be extended via filter washing but only certain kinds of HEPA filters are washable. Many HEPA filters simply have to be replaced, often every 6 to 12 months depending on the amount of vacuuming. Also some HEPA filters can be pricey so it is a good idea to check the costs for the specific filter that fits your machine. You don't want to have to buy expensive filters frequently.

If you have pets you may wish to use a HEPA filter that comes with activated carbon. These are available for some vacuum models but not for others. Activated carbon is usually made from basic charcoal but it is extremely porous and has an incredibly large surface area that helps it trap odors. Filters with activated carbon leave the air smelling clean after vacuuming.

Things to Consider When Buying a HEPA Vacuum Cleaner

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Feline Liver Disease - Things You Need to Know

Feline liver disease usually occurs in cats that refuse to eat for 1 day or more. When a cat refused to eat, the body begins to collect fat or lipid cells in the liver, causing the liver to enlarge. This is why the disease is often referred to as feline fatty liver or the technical name, which is Hepatic Lipidosis (FHL).

In the majority of cats, there is usually some other type of underlying condition that exists. These conditions include diabetes mellitus, pancreatitis, hyperthyroidsim, urinary blockage and inflammatory bowel disease. Other causes of liver problems include neoplasia (abnormal cell growth such as a cancerous tumor) and bacterial infection.

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Another type of liver disease occurs when there is inflammation of the bile ducts. Bile is a substance that is manufactured by the liver and then transported to the gallbladder. If this substance doesn't transport properly, then a type of liver disease called Cholangiohepatitis.

One type of liver disease is triggered by an inherited abnormality where blood bypasses the liver and goes directly into the heart (Portosystemic Shunt). Since the liver cleanses the blood before it goes elsewhere, this problem can lead to ammonia build up and symptoms such as seizures, vomiting, drooling, diarrhea and circling.

Symptoms that often accompany liver problems include drooling, bad mouth odor, vomiting and diarrhea. You may even see signs of mental confusion.

Treatment of Feline Liver Disease

Treatment of a portosystemic shunt is done via surgery. Once the blood flow is directed properly, your cat should fully recover.

If the problem is fatty liver disease or Cholangiohepatitis, then the immediate treatment is to feed your cat via a tube that is inserted directly into the stomach. Your cat needs to be immediately hydrated, electrolyte balance restored so that the body is getting the food that it needs. After several days, 7 - 10, your veterinarian will reintroduce a normal diet that is high in protein. Your veterinarian will also seek to supplement the feeding with certain vitamins such as vitamin K and B.

Homeopathic remedies also have a unique role in restoring and preventing feline liver disease. Milk Thistle in particular has a long history of helping to restore liver health in both humans and cats. Other natural remedies that can be of help include Arctium lappa (Burdock, used as a blood purifier and system cleanser), Greater Celandine (supports liver health), Kalium mriaticum (system cleanser) and Natrium phosphate (benefits the liver and gallbladder).

Feline Liver Disease - Things You Need to Know

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FLD Patients Beware - Things You Shouldn't Eat When You Have A Fatty Liver

What are the things you shouldn't eat when you have a fatty liver? When you've been diagnosed with fatty liver disease (FLD), one of the first questions that pops into your mind is, "What foods can I now eat?" In most cases, you'll still be able to eat a lot of the same foods you're accustomed to, but you'll need to be more aware of how much you're eating and do what you can to reduce your fat intake.

It's generally recommended for fatty liver patients to not exceed 30% fat in their diet. Less is better. Although fatty liver is often asymptomatic and benign in its earliest stage (simple steatosis), it CAN kill you if it progresses to cirrhosis, non alcoholic steatohepatitis, or liver cancer. However, it can also easily be kept under control with the right diet and proper exercise.

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The liver is vital to the body as it performs over 200 functions including things like bile production, carbohydrate metabolism, fat metabolism, protein metabolism, maintaining blood sugar levels, filtering out toxins and impurities, and storing vitamins and minerals. Everything you ingest (both foods and medications) get processed by the liver so things like artificial sweeteners, preservatives, chemicals, pesticides, and hormones can all damage the liver in large quantities.

Here are some of the things you should try and avoid if you have a fatty liver:

Processed foods or those that have artificial ingredients (for example, sausages and hot dogs) High fat foods Saturated fats Alcoholic drinks High sugar fruit juices and energy drinks Dark meats such as pork and beef or meats that come from fatty areas such as ribs and wings White bread and white flour Margarine, mayonnaise, and high fat salad dressings Egg noodles, cake, candy, and other foods containing simple carbohydrates Milk and other dairy products (look for low-fat or non-fat alternatives) Egg yolks

Does this mean you can't ever eat the foods in the above list? No, not at all. If you have a cheeseburger on occasion, it's not going to kill you. However, everything on the above list should be eaten sparingly and your overall calories should be reduced (1200 to 1500 per day is recommended). If you suffer from FLD, your main dietary objective will be to reduce fat in your diet and focus on losing weight to reduce stress on your liver.

FLD Patients Beware - Things You Shouldn't Eat When You Have A Fatty Liver

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3 Things Damaging Your Liver and Keeping You Fat - Be Cautious Before it is Too Late

According to the dictionary, your liver is a large organ in the abdomen that secretes bile and this is perhaps the most that a common layman knows about this very vital organ. The function of the liver is to handle toxic waste and bodily metabolism and these are the major causes behind liver damage.

When the fat (from food items that you consume) gets trapped in your liver along with toxins, the normal functions of the liver get impaired and you start putting on weight as well. Thus to attain weight loss, you must detoxify your liver through a liver diet at least twice or thrice a year and this will also contribute a lot towards protection from liver damage and liver disease.

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# 1 - Obesity

Culprit number one behind liver damage is obesity, from the point of view of metabolism at least. Your liver starts absorbing and storing excess amounts of fat, more than its capacity, when you consume excess sugar and this leads to steatosis or fatty liver. When your liver cells start storing fat, precious resources are lost and this may lead to death in the long run.

# 2 - Alcohol

This is perhaps the greatest enemy of your liver and even if you drink moderate quantities of alcohol, it will surely lead to liver damage. If you are a regular and heavy drinker, it will only be a matter of time before you contract severe kinds of liver disease. And your weight loss will also go for a toss.

# 3 - Drugs

By drugs I refer to every kind of herbal oils, magic potions, herbal liver aid pills, homeopathic remedies, illegal drugs, smoking, caffeine as well as doctor prescribed drugs. However, there are of course exceptions, plenty of exceptions in fact.

3 Things Damaging Your Liver and Keeping You Fat - Be Cautious Before it is Too Late

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10 Healthy Liver Foods - Things You Can Eat That Protect Your Liver

Liver ailments are very common in developed countries and up to 30% of the population of those countries suffers from what is known as steatosis, or fatty liver, an underdiagnosed condition that causes rashes, tiredness, obesity, diabetes, puffy eyes...

But here are the top 10 healthy liver foods you can eat to get out of that group:

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Ginger - you can find fresh ginger, pickled ginger, and dried ginger. They are all a great addition, though some people dislike it's strong fresh. minty, and spicy flavor. Start with small amounts and find out what's perfect for you.

Turmeric - another liver protecting condiment, turmeric is often used in India and other countries to make things yellow. It has a very subtle taste and some people even claim it has no taste at all. A favorite of mine is adding turmeric to plain rice while it cooks.

Green Leafy Vegetables - every vegetable will protect your liver, but leafy vegetables have been shown to be especially protective. People who live in areas where leafy vegetables are consumed in larger amounts have less liver disease, while people who live in countries that consume few of these are plagued with fatty liver. As a rule of thumb, half your plate should be filled with greenies.

Fruit - fruit's fiber, vitamins and yet to be clearly understood enzymes help digestion and reduce the incoming toxic substances your liver has to deal with.

Vegetable and Fruit Juices - these combine the benefits of fruit, vegetables, and raw food (see next). Some people go on a one week or one month juice-only diet and have completely reversed serious liver disease. In fact, some people were diagnosed with untreatable terminal liver disease and have reversed it using this diet!

Raw Food - the heat used in cooking destroys the enzymes naturally found in food. These enzymes usually help digest the food and without them digestion hinders. One of the best ways to eat more raw food is eating fruit and juices.

Artichoke - look beyond its weird look, artichoke is one of the healthiest foods out there and can be delicious.

Whole Grains - the whole here is key. Whole grains have protein and, more importantly, fiber.

Soy Products - soy and its derivates (soy milk, tofu, tempeh...) have been shown to reduce inflammation and reverse and prevent cancer. Since what is going on in your liver is an inflammatory process which sometimes lead to cancer, soy will be a great addition to our diet.

Water - I'm not sure if this is a food or not. But it doesn't matter. Your cells, including your liver's, need this to work, so make sure you drink plenty.

Do Even More For Your Liver

Eating the right food is not the only thing you should be doing. The way you eat it, what you don't eat, some supplements, exercise, and even small periods of detoxing are key to protecting your health and reversing disease.

10 Healthy Liver Foods - Things You Can Eat That Protect Your Liver

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