Health Tips & Home Remadies for Good Health

2009-11-30T03:46:00.000-08:00

Right Food for a Pregnant Woman

Nutritious food is very necessary for a pregnant woman. A pregnant woman requires 80 thousand extra calories in order to give birth to a healthy child because around 300 additional calories are spent everyday during pregnancy, which is equal to the amount of calories present in a glassful of low fat milk, a bread slice, and an apple.
Calcium rich food should be taken during pregnancy. Calcium prevents high blood pressure in a pregnant woman. A woman should drink two to three glasses of low fat milk during pregnancy. She should take it before, during pregnancy and after delivery.
Cook rice or barley in milk instead of water to get sufficient amount of calcium. Eat calcium rich things, as during pregnancy 1000 mg of calcium is required everyday.
The pregnant woman should avoid constipation and therefore she should drink more water, as it is also beneficial for the child growing inside the womb. Drink at least eight glasses of water during the day. Drink water before and after meals. Skimmed milk or fruit juice is also beneficial.
A pregnant woman also requires iron during these days. She should take protein rich food, dry beans, green peas etc. Iron is difficult to add in the food but it is very important. Eat iron rich food as much as possible. Cook vegetables in iron pans and take, iron tablets etc.
Avoid fish, and meat during pregnancy, as it could be harmful for the child. Reduce tea and coffee or completely avoid it as it reduces the weight of the child and leads to several other problems.
Different types of meat contain bacteria called hysteria, which could be dangerous for the health of the child growing inside the womb.
Fat is useful only when it is prepared from pasteurized milk. The child growing inside the womb depends on the food intake of its mother. Do not eat such foods which will have an adverse affect on the child’s health in order to reduce the intake of carbohydrates. The child will not get sufficient nutrition. Eat green leafy vegetables and a variety of things during pregnancy to get all types of minerals and vitamins.
Anaemia during pregnancy:
The hemoglobin level reduces in the blood, and brings down the oxygen level in the body causing a lady to feel fatigued. In addition to this, she remains stressed, irritable, restless, emotional, angry, has dry skin, dry hair and loss of concentration. The main reason for anemia is the absence of sufficient nutritional elements in the food necessary for the formation of blood. Half a cup of rice has 0.5 mg of iron and one-cup of milk has 0.1 mg iron. Whereas a woman loses 28 mg iron everyday during menstruation.
Food during pregnancy:
A woman should choose pregnancy only when she is having good health. She should try to improve her digestive system. Take hot lemon water with honey, raw vegetables, especially carrot, cucumber, gourd, spinach, white gourd juice, vegetable juice, fruits, raisins, dry dates, vegetable soup. This improves the digestion process.
After conceiving food should be as follows:
Take lukewarm lemon water with honey or take a fruit or vegetable juice.
Take four to five almonds and 20 to 25 gm raisins, three to four dry dates along with milk and half a cup of fruit (apple, papaya and pear etc.) at 9 a.m
Take fruit juice or raw vegetable soup at noon.
Take lunch at 1.30 p.m, which should include chapatti made with whole wheat flour, salad, vegetable, curd (yoghurt), etc. Take salad in good quantity.
Take some fruit at 5 p.m or fruit juice or lukewarm lemon water with honey.
Take vegetable soup at 7.30 p.m.
Take lentils, vegetable, salad and one or two chapattis at 8 p.m or fruit and vegetable soup, and drink milk at bedtime. Take vegetable soup after a half hour of eating fruits.
Take something in between if hungry, like fruits, juice, etc.
Do not take tea or coffee, or take it only once daily.
A woman should not take food in excess but it should be rich in vitamins and minerals, and nutritious.
Daily routine during pregnancy:
The woman should be careful during pregnancy, as there are chances of miscarriage. She should take regular massage for hands and legs since laborious work is not possible.
A pregnant woman should always be happy and avoid tough work. She should avoid fast walking, lifting weight, standing for long hours, climbing up the stairs, jumping, cycling, dancing, swimming, etc. she can do some light household work.
To beget a healthy child:
The pregnant woman should take two oranges during afternoon from first to eighth month.
·She should take half to one-gram linseed vanshlochan powder at bedtime for the first three to four months once she is tested positive for pregnancy. This helps in begetting a healthy child and also helps her remain strong. It also avoids chances of miscarriage. The lady should eat vanshlochan as much as possible with sugar candy and coconut. It overcomes weakness during pregnancy and keeps the child healthy and disease free.
The pregnant woman should chew aniseed daily after meals during the pregnancy.
She should drink 60 gm fresh grape juice twice daily to make the child healthy and strong. The child will be beautiful and the mother will remain free of faints, giddiness, dental pain, cramps, swelling, acidity and constipation. She should take one myrobalan marmalade everyday to beget a healthy child. It also maintains good health of the mother.
Yogic cure:
Regular exercise is necessary after conceiving. It prevents miscarriage and also reduces labour pain.
Before pregnancy – Chakrasana, Paschimottasana, Yog Mudra, sputa Vajrasana, Shalabhasana, Dhanurasana, Hastpadotasana, Pavanmuktasana, Halasana, Sarvangasana, shalabhasana, Shavasana should be practiced to gain physical and mental health. Kapalbhati, Shitali, Nadi shodhan and Agnisar kriya should be practiced during this period.
After pregnancy – A pregnant woman can do exercise up to three to four months after conceiving, which include Paschimottasana, Ardhamatysendrasana, Vajrasana, Suptavajrasana, Hastpadotasana, Makarasana, Halasana for special benefit. Stop the practice of these asanas after three months and do light household work.

Simple exercise for better Breathing

2009-11-17T04:03:00.000-08:00

Proper Ayurvedic Respiration Can Cure Asthma
Proper ways of breathing can cure serious diseases like asthma. One
should pay attention to breathing along with practicing yoga asanas.
Some important exercises are being mentioned below, which are
helpful in controlling this disease.
1. Always sit straight. Whenever you stand, keep your back straight.
Fold your lips in the manner they are folded to blow whistle. Then
apply pressure and exhale. Count the breaths and slowly double the
capacity to stop the breath but do not do it forcibly. Do not stop
breath in between the process of inhaling and exhaling because
irregular breathing pattern should not be followed in case of asthma.
2. If you are unable to breath and the shoulders and neck muscles
become stiff then follow this technique. Bend the left ear downwards
so that it touches the left shoulder, repeat the same technique with
the right ear. Lift the shoulders in such a way that they touch both
the ears. Slowly bring down the shoulders as far as possible and
rotate them forward, backward, up and down in a circular motion.
Keep the pace of rotation fast at sometimes and slow at other times.
When the muscles get relaxed, the breathing also becomes normal
and stops the irregular respiration pattern, congestion in the chest,
and anxiety.
3. Lie down straight and keep a book on the stomach. Breath
through the diaphragm and see that the book moves upwards when
you exhale and comes down when you inhale. This exercise should
be done everyday for five minutes, it improves the health of the
lungs and strengthens the muscles. Gradually increase the duration
of the exercise and the weight on the stomach.
A simple exercise to expand the skeleton:
1. Spread the legs equal to the distance of the shoulders, take the
hands forwards and exhale, then spread the hands and take them on
either side of the body and then backwards. Keep the elbows on the
back and try to expand the skeleton and inhale slowly.
2. Spread the legs equal to the distance of the shoulders and stand
straight. Now lift both the hands upwards and try to contract the
body in the same position. Take slow and deep breaths in this
position. You should feel that the skeleton is moving above the
spine. Exhale while bringing down the hands and concentrate only
on exhaling.

Yogic Remedy for Obesity

2009-11-17T03:39:00.000-08:00

Yogic Remedy for Obesity

Obesity is one of the biggest health problems of the modern age. It is the main cause for many serious, incurable and fatal diseases. Blood pressure, heart problem, diabetes and other dangerous diseases are caused due to obesity. Our body weight gradually increases when focus is not given during childhood. Over time, this leads to obesity. It can be cured permanently with the intake of balanced food, proper life style and regular practice of yoga asanas. This will also cure the above-mentioned diseases, as well as many others. Regular practice of yoga asanas cure all types of disease. A few asanas very useful for overcoming obesity are given below:
Dwichakrikasana
Method:
1. Lie down straight on your back with your hands beside and below the hips. Stop the breath. Raise one leg, bending it at the knee, and then rotate it like you are riding a bicycle. Repeat this for 10 to 30 times as per your capacity. Similarly, repeat the exercise with your other leg. Rotate the legs without touching the ground. Make a circular shape with the legs.
2. When tired lie down in shavasana and rest for some time and repeat the exercise in the opposite direction, again resting when tired.
3. Inhale, and then repeat the exercise by rotating both the legs simultaneously in a circular motion, as done when you ride a bicycle. After, repeat this in the opposite direction continuously like a bicycle. 5 to 10 times according to your capacity.
Benefits:
1. This is the best exercise to reduce weight. Regular practice of this asana for 5 to 10 minutes sheds out unnecessary weight, and obesity can be reduced in a very short time.
2. It gives proper shape to the stomach. It activates the intestines. It cures constipation, dysentery, acidity etc.
3. In case of backache do the exercise with single leg, it is helpful for backache as well.
Padvritasana
Method:
1. Lie down straight on your back. Raise the right leg and make a circle by rotating the leg clockwise. In this way make 5 to 20 circles without touching the leg to the ground.
2. After rotating in one direction, rotate the leg in the opposite direction (anti-clockwise). Rest in shavasana when you become tired. Alternate between legs.
3. After doing this exercise with single legs, do it with both the legs simultaneously. Rotate the legs in as big a circle as you can. Rotate the legs clockwise and then again anti-clockwise.
Benefits:
1. This asana is also for reducing extra weight.
2. It reduces the fat accumulated in the hips, thighs and waist and gives proper shape to the stomach.
Ardha Halasana

Method:
This asana is like uttanapadasana - the only difference is that in uttanapadasana the legs are raised up to 30 degrees whereas in ardha halasana the legs are raised up to 90 degrees.
1. Lie down on your back. Keep the palms of your hands towards the floor; your legs should be straight and both the feet should be together.
2. Inhale and slowly raise the legs straight up to 90 degrees and remain in this position for some time. Do not bend the knees when you raise the legs.
3. While bringing down the legs, rest the legs on the floor without jerk. Rest for a while and repeat it again at least six times.
4. Those who have backache, should raise one leg at a time.
Benefits:
1. This asana is especially useful to reduce weight.
2. It makes the intestines flexible and healthy, increases the fire of the stomach and cures constipation, gas and obesity.
3. It is also beneficial in shifting of the navel, heart disease, stomachache and respiratory problems.
4. Raising one leg at a time is especially beneficial for backache problems.

CONSTIPATION

2008-11-25T01:33:00.000-08:00

Eating more fruits can also helps to prevent constipation such as prune pears, grapes, Orange juice & Papaya.
Ginger tea is a very good home remedy for constipation. It helps start bowel movement.
Another natural remedy for constipation is to add a little extra sugar or some honey to a glass of milk. Drink twice a day.
Take a high fibre diet. Soluble fiber, found in grains, legumes and fruits, is particularly effective. Oatmeal, rice, wheat germ, corn bran, prunes, raisins, apricots, figs and an apple a day are all good sources.
A person with constipation should try to avoid milk and milk products such as cheese. Both milk and cheese contain casein, an insoluble protein that tends to block up the intestinal tract.
Exercise also helps to get rid of constipation. Aerobic exercise such as walking, running and swimming is best.
Drink one liter of warm water and walk around for a few minutes immediately after waking up early in the morning. this is also very effective home remedy for constipation.
Mix lemon juice with warm water. Take it two to three times a day. It helps to relieve constipation.
One of the most important remedy is to cut short a bout of constipation is to sit in a bathtub of warm or hot water. It may take several immersions in the water to cure the problem, but it does work.
Take a glass of warm water to which the juice of 1/2 a lime and 1 tsp honey has been added. Drink daily in the morning.

KIDNEY STONES

2008-11-25T01:24:00.000-08:00

Patients with kidney stones should avoid taking too much milk because of its high calcium content.
For kidney stone treatment, drink lots of water and other fluids.
Limit the amount of calcium-rich foodsâ€"milk, cheese, butter, and other dairy foods.
Avoid oxalate rich foods such as beans, beets, blueberries, celery, chocolate, grapes, green peppers, parsley, spinach, strawberries, summer squash, and tea.
Eat vitamin A rich foods. Vitamin A is necessary to keep the lining of the urinary tract in shape and help discourage the formation of future stones. Foods high in vitamin A include apricots, broccoli, cantaloupes, pumpkins, winter squash, and beef liver.
Protein tends to increase the presence of uric acid, calcium, and phosphorus in the urine, which, in some people, leads to the formation of stones. Limit the quantity of proteins in your diet.
Reduce your consumption of table salt, pickled foods, and salty foods such as luncheon meat, snack chips, and processed cheese.
For kidney stone treatment, boil two figs in a cup of water. Drink this first thing in the morning for one month.
Mix 1 tspn of Holy basil leaves juice with 1 tspn of honey. Have this every morning for 5-6 months.
Eat 2-3 Apples a day.
Eat watermelon, either as such or had a juice. This is an effective home remedy for kidney stones.
Take 1 cup of juice made with radish leaves 2 times a day.
Drink 1 glass of fresh tomato juice first thing in the morning. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to this.
Take 3 long and thick lady fingers (slightly raw) Cut in thin long pieces and soak it in 2 litres of water overnight. In the morning, remove the ladyfingers and squeeze the juice into the same jar of water. Drink the entire water over 1 â€" 2 hours· Celery is a valuable food for those who are prone to getting stones in the kidneys or gall bladder.
The seeds of both sour and sweet pomegranates are useful medicine for kidney stones. Make a fine paste of a tablespoon of the seeds, take this along with a cup of horse gram (kulthi) soup to dissolve gravel in kidneys.
Watermelon contains the highest concentration of water amongst all fruits. It is also rich in potassium salts. Therefore it is very good food for kidney stones patients.
Eat a whole foods diet that contains leafy green vegetables, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and fish and poultry in small portions.
Mix 2 oz of olive oil and 2 oz of lemon juice, drink it straight down and follow with a large glass of water at the first sign of stone pain. This is also an effective home remedy for kidney stones.

Cough

2008-11-25T01:05:00.000-08:00

Prepare a mixture by adding 1,1½ teaspoon honey with 1,1½ teaspoon lemon juice. Take this every 12 hours. Honey relieves the itchiness by moisturizing the throat passage·
Take 0.5 pounds (250 gms) of sweet apples daily for a week to cure cough.
Soak almonds overnight and remove their skin. Make a paste of the soaked almonds with little butter and sugar. This is very useful for dry cough.
Mix 8 - 10 tablespoons of coconut milk with 1 tablespoon poppy seeds and 1 tablespoon of pure honey. Take this every night before going to bed.
Prepare a mixture by adding a teaspoonful of honey with a few drops of brandy. It helps to relieve cough.
Mix equal parts of limejuice and honey.
Combine a cup of grape juice and a teaspoon of honey. Mix well to prepare an effective natural cough remedy for coughing.
Mix 1 teaspoonful raw onion juice with 1 teaspoonful of honey. Keep it aside for 3 to 4 hours before drinking. This is an effective home remedy for cough.
Apply hot mustard pack on the chest. This brings down fever, eliminates toxins and speeds in recovery. If needed, repeat every other day for a week.
Deep breathe in front of an open window. This has multiple benefits. Exhaling vigorously rids the body of waste gases and deep inhalation saturates the lungs with oxygen.
Chop an onion finely, put it with a tablespoon of clear honey in a screw-top jar and leave overnight. In the morning, drinking a teaspoonful of the juice produced will give relief to cough.
Garlic-and-onion chicken soup is also an effective remedy for cough .
For cough treatment, drink hot tea with lemon and raspberry jam, drink as much as possible.
Drink hot milk with honey at bedtime for cough relief.
Slice 2 snow pears into small pieces. Add 3 bowls of water and boil until the water has reduced to 2 bowls. Strain and discard the pears, and add 30 grams of rice to the liquid. Boil again until rice is cooked. Drink the soup.
Peel 50 grams fresh ginger and cut into small slices. Boil the slices with 100 grams maltose in 2 glasses water for 30 minutes. Drink it hot, twice a day, in one day. This is also an effective home remedy for cough.
Boil 20 red dates with 60 grams maltose in enough water. Eat once a day.
Prepare a mixture of 5 fresh-pitted olives and rock sugar; steam them for half an hour. Eat the olives to help with chronic coughs.
Steam 2 unpeeled tangerines with 30 grams rock sugar to relieve coughs with a yellowish mucous discharge. Eat the tangerines at bedtime.
In one cup of warm milk, add a pinch of turmeric powder (Haldi) and drink twice a day.
In one cup of warm milk, add 2 teaspoon 3 strands of saffron (kesar) and drink twice a day.
For cough treatment, Mix half a teaspoon of tulsi juice with half a teaspoon with ginger juice. Add 1 teaspoon of honey. Take the above mixture 2-3 times a day till symptoms subside.
Take 1 cup of water and add 4-5 leaves of tulsi; a small piece of ginger (adrak) and 1 teaspoon of jaggery. Boil this mixture over slow heat till the quantity becomes half a cup. Drink this at least 2 times in a day.

Asthma

2008-11-25T00:44:00.001-08:00

Allergy caused by weather conditionsAsthma is caused by a variety of factors. It may be due to an allergy caused by weather conditions, food, drugs, perfumes, and other irritants. Allergies to dust are the most common.
Asthma Cures
Asthma treatment using HoneyHoney is one of the most common home remedies for asthma. It is said that if a jug of honey is held under the nose of an asthma patient and he inhales the air that comes into contact with it, he starts breathing easier and deeper.
Asthma treatment using FigsAmong fruits, figs have proved very valuable in asthma. They give comfort to the patient by draining off the phlegm.. Three or four dry figs should be cleaned thoroughly with warm water and soaked overnight.
Asthma treatment using LemonLemon is another fruit found beneficial in the treatment of asthma. The juice of one lemon, diluted in a glass of water and taken with meals, will bring good results.
Asthma treatment using Indian GooseberryIndian gooseberry has also proved valuable in asthma. Five grams of gooseberry mixed with one tablespoon of honey forms an effective medicinal tonic for the treatment of this disease. It should be taken every morning .
Asthma treatment using Bitter Gourd RootsThe roots of the bitter gourd plant have been used in folk medicine for asthma since ancient times. A teaspoon of the root paste, mixed with an equal amount of honey or juice of the tulsi leaves, given once every night for a month, acts as an excellent medicine for this disease.
Asthma treatment using Drumstick LeavesA soup prepared from drumstick leaves, and taken once daily, has been found beneficial in the treatment of asthma. This soup is prepared by adding a handful of leaves to 180ml of water and boiling it for five minutes. After being allowed to cool, a little salt, pepper, and lime juice may be added to this soup.
Asthma treatment using GingerA teaspoon of fresh ginger juice, mixed with a cup of fenugreek decoction and honey to taste, acts as an excellent expectorant in cases of asthma. The decoction of fenugreek can be made by mixing one tablespoon of fenugreek seeds in a cupful of water. This remedy should be taken once in the morning and once in the evening.
Asthma treatment using GarlicGarlic is another effective home remedy for asthma. Ten garlic cloves, boiled in 30 ml of milk, make an excellent medicine for the early stages of asthma. This mixture should he taken once daily by the patient. Steaming ginger tea with two minced garlic cloves in it, can also help to keep the problem under control, and should be taken in the morning and evening.
Asthma treatment using Bishop's WeedThe herb bishop's weed has been found valuable in asthma. Half a teaspoon of bishop's weed should be mixed in a glass of buttermilk and taken twice daily. It is an effective remedy for relieving difficult expectoration caused by dried-up phlegm. A hot poultice of the seeds should be used for dry fomentation to the chest twice daily. The. patient can also inhale steam twice a day from boiling water mixed with ajwain. It will dilate the bronchial passages.
Asthma treatment using SafflowerSafflower seeds are beneficial in the treatment of bronchial asthma. Half a teaspoon of powder of the dry seeds, mixed with a tablespoon of honey, can be taken once or twice a day in treating this disease. This acts as an expectorant and reduces the spasms by liquefying the tenacious sputum. An infusion of five grams of flowers mixed with one tablespoon of honey, taken once daily, is also useful in this disease.
Diet for Asthma
Carbohydrates, Fats and ProteinsThe patient should avoid common dietetic errors. Ideally, his diet should contain a limited quantity of carbohydrates, fats and proteins which are 'acid-forming' foods, and a liberal quantity of alkali-forming foods consisting of fresh fruits, green vegetables, sprouted seeds, and grains. The patient should avoid foods which tend to produce phlegm, such as rice, sugar, lentils, and curds. He should also avoid fried and other difficult to-digest foods, strong tea, coffee, alcoholic beverages, condiments pickles, sauces and all refined and processed foods.
Other Suggestions for Asthma
Fasting and exercisesThe patient should also follow the other laws of nature. Air, sun, and water are great healing agents. Regular fasting once a week, an occasional enema, breathing exercises, fresh air, a dry climate, light exercises, and correct posture go a long way in treating the disease.

Diabetics

2008-11-25T00:25:00.001-08:00

There are few natural ways by which Diabetics can be controlled and can be cured1. Keep a small pinch of Turmeric powder to a glass of drinking water at night and drink it morning after breakfast .As turmeric powder is one of the best antibiotic from nature it can control Blood sugar. Drinking twice In A day is more effective.2. Take two Ladies finger (Vendakaka) Vegetable,and cut and remove both ends , then make a small cut on the middle. put it in a glass of drinking water keep it and remove the ladies finger (Vendakka ) morning from water and drink that water before breakfast. Continuously if it use for 3 months you can see the miracle of controlling and curing of Diabetics and if you have Kidney stone problem it can be also cured.3. Take 2 grams of Cinnamon and eat it and drink little water daily after breakfast. and at night after supper. it can control the blood sugar.( it is a popular herbal and spice.4. Eat daily 10 fresh curry leaves ( Kariveppila or sweet neem) at every morning Can control and cure Diabetics also can even reduce obesity and digestive problems.

Detoxification

2008-11-25T00:22:00.000-08:00

Before you go to bed at night, take two cloves of fresh garlic and chop it and let it expose to the air for a few minutes ( not more than 5 mts) The chopping releases the enzyme alliance in the garlic. Gather the chopped garlic on a spoon and swallow it with water. The garlic will travel your entire digestive tract while you sleep and scavenge and neutralize all the toxins, carcinogens, harmful bacteria, fungi, viruses, foreign chemical before they can harm your healthy cells. Swallowing the chopped garlic will not give you garlic breath, as long as you don't chew it. You brush your teeth and rinse your mouth before you go to bed anyway. In the morning, drink a big glass of water. Your first bowel movement will have a strong garlic odor and you will know that the harmful stuff have been eliminated from your body. Try it, especially if you have had a bad eating day. Before practice any natural medicine it is advisable that wash your stomach by enema or take some Tamarind in warm water and drink it at night , it can be happen a loose motion, and your stomach will be clean.which will help you for a good treatment ( at least once in a Couple of week is best for maintain a good health.

Some Body facts

2008-11-21T02:51:00.000-08:00

Bones - The largest bones is the femur, or thigh bone which is 20 inches in a six-foot tall man. The smallest bone is the stirrup in the ear, which is one-ten th of an inch. Each had has 27 bones : eight in the wrist, five in the palm, and 14 in the fingers. A newborn baby has 300 bones, some of which fuse to form in the adult.

Blood - In a child, there are 60,000 miles of blood vessels. An adult has 100,000 miles of blood vessels. The blood circulates through the body 1,000 times a day.

Brain - A newborn baby has a brain that weights three ounces. The average brain of an adult weighs three pounds. The brains is the "mission control center" of the body, sending our messages at a rate of 240 miles per hour. The left side of the brain controls the right side of the body and the right side of the brain controls the left side of the body.

Cells - The cells are the body's building blocks. There are about 26 billion cells in an adult.

Eyes - Each eye weighs 1 1/4 ounces. The eyes are constantly in motion, even during sleep. Tears keep the eyes warm and are continually secreted through 12 ducts in the eye. Tears are normally secreted through two canals near the inner corner of the eyes.

Fluid - The body is two-thirds water. Blood is 83% water, muscles are 75% water, the brain 74% water, and the bones contain 22% water. In a single day, three pints of saliva are produced in the mouth.

Hair - Kids have about 75,000 hairs on their heads, which grow about 1/100 of an inch daily. Hairs of different colors grow at different rates. Dark hair grows faster than light-colored hair. No one known why. Each hair on the scalp grows about five inches a year. Eyelashes keep dust out of the eyes. Aneyelash lives about 150 days before it falls out and is replaced.

Muscles - There are over 650 muscles in the body, form the tiny ones that move the legs. The strongest muscle is the masseter muscle of the jaw. It takes at least 14 muscles to smile. The smallest in the body is located in the middle ear. Fingers have no muscles.

Nails - Nails are made up of hardened skin called kertain. Nails protect the ends of the fingers and toes. The half-moon at the root of the nail is called the lunule. Nails grow faster in summer than in winter. Fingernails grow fourtimes faster than toenails. Right - handed people's nails grow faster in their right hands. Left-handed people's nails grow faster on their left hand.

Nose - More than 2,500 gallons of air flow through the average adult's nose in a day. The nose can recognize up to 1,000 different smells. The nose is the air conditioning unit of the body. It cools or warms incoming air. It also filters the dirt and dust in the air.

Skin - The human body has six pounds of skin which is, on average, 1/20 of an inch thick. The two layers of skin are the epidermins and under it, the dermis. The skin is waterproof, it protects the body and helps to regulate body temperature. A substance called melanin colors the skin the more melanin, the darker the skin. A freckle is a dense concentration of melanin. A new layer of skin replaces the old layer approximately every 27 days, totalling about 1,000 new outer layers of skin a lifetime.

teeth - Humans have 20 primary Baby teeth and 32 permanent teeth. By age 13 most people have 28 teeth. By age 18 the four "wisdom" teeth have grown in for a total of 32 permanent teeth.

The Wonders of Blood

2008-11-15T02:55:00.000-08:00

The Wonders of Blood
You’re born with a little over a pint of it, by adulthood you’re up to
four or five quarts, and if at any point you suddenly shed more than a
third of your share, you must either get a transfusion or prepare to
meet your mortician.
Taste for Blood (October 21, 2008)

Human cultures have long recognized that blood is essential to lifeand have ascribed to it a vast array of magical powers andmetaphorical subroutines. Blood poultices and blood beverages weresaid to cure blindness, headaches, gout, goiter, worms and gray hair.The Bible mentions blood more than 400 times, William Shakespeareclose to 700. It’s “all in the blood,” your temperament, your fate. Areyou a blue-blooded Mesopotamian princess or a red-bloodedAmerican male?Yet to scientists who study blood, even the most extravagant bloodlore pales in comparison to the biochemical, evolutionary andengineering marvels of the genuine article.The fluid tissue we call blood not only feeds us and cleans us,delivering fresh oxygen and other nutrients to all 100 trillion cells ofthe body and flushing out carbon dioxide, ammonia and othermetabolic trash. It not only houses the immune system that defendsus against the world.Our blood is the foundation of our very existence as multicellularanimals, said Andrew Schafer, a professor at Weill Cornell MedicalCollege and the outgoing president of the American Society ofHematology. Blood is the one tissue that comes into contact withevery other tissue of the body, and it is through blood that ourdisparate parts communicate, through blood that our organscooperate. Without a circulatory system, there would be no internalcivilization, no means of ensuring orderly devotion to the commoncause that is us.“It’s an enormous communications network,” Dr. Schafer said — theoriginal cellphone system, if you will, 100 trillion users strong.Blood can also be thought of as a private ocean, a recapitulation ofwhat life was like for all the years we spent drifting as microscopic,single-celled organisms, “taking up nutrients from sea water andthen eliminating waste products back into sea water,” Dr. Schafersaid. Not only is blood mostly water, but the watery portion of blood,the plasma, has a concentration of salt and other ions that isremarkably similar to sea water.Of course, we can’t rely on wind and weather to keep our hiddenseas salubriously churned and aerated, so we have evolved an activerespirator and pumping mechanism, the lungs and heart. Our eightpints of blood circulate through the powerhouse duet maybe 60times an hour, absorbing recently inhaled oxygen from thehoneycombed fabric of the lungs and proceeding into the thicklymuscled heart, which then shoots the enriched fluid outward.Oxygen allocation is the task of the red blood cells, whichhematology researchers refer to with a mix of affection and awe.“Red cells have enormous capabilities,” said Stanley Schrier ofStanford University’s School of Medicine. They give up so much tomake room for their hemoglobin, the proteins that can latch ontooxygen and that give blood its brilliant grenadine sheen. Aloneamong body cells, red cells at maturity jettison their nucleus andDNA to accommodate their cargo.And oh how roughly they are treated. A red cell at rest looks like aplump bialy and measures about 8 microns, or .0003 inches, across.Yet to reach every far-flung, oxygen-hungry customer, the cells mustsqueeze through capillaries less than half their width, which theyaccomplish by squashing down into threads that then crawl in singlefile along the capillary wall, pulling themselves forward, Dr. Schriersaid, like tank treads gripping the road.Blood is also a genius, able to sustain two contradictory stateswithout going mad. To ceaselessly shuttle along the body’s 60,000miles of arteries, veins and capillaries, blood must be fluid, our trustysouvenir sea.Yet even though we constantly replace components of our blood,directing the aged and the battered to the spleen and liver — the“graveyards for blood cells,” Dr. Schafer said — and replenishingthem with fresh blood cells forged in the bone marrow, the turnovercycle is gradual and we can’t afford to lose everything in one biggush wrought by a predator’s gash. Blood, then, departs from seawater, or, for that matter, from breast milk, another prized bodyfluid, in one outstanding way: it is always poised to clot, to relinquishliquidity and assume solidity.In deciding whether to flow or clot, blood takes its cues from itssurroundings. As blood glides through the bulk of its tubularcircuitry, the comparatively heavy red cells are driven toward thecenter of the swirl, said James N. George, a hematologist at theUniversity of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, while two other,lighter characters are pushed out to the periphery: the white bloodcells that operate as immune warriors, and the platelets, tiny cellsthat have been called the Band-Aids of the body. Theirmarginalization is no accident. “They’re surveillance cells,” Dr.George said. “It’s almost like they’re scouting for trouble.”White blood cells look for signs of invasive microbes, while plateletsscan for leaks. As long as the platelets detect the Teflon-like surfaceof unbroken endothelium, the tissue with which blood vessels arelined, they keep moving.But even the tiniest cut or gap in the smooth vessel wall will exposesome of the fibrous strands beneath, and the platelets are primed toinstantly detect the imperfection. A passing platelet will stick to theraggedy strand and change shape, from round to octopoid, which inturn attracts other platelets, forming a little clump. “If the cut issmall, that’s all you need,” Dr. George said. If not, the next phase offlood control begins. Signals from the platelets arouse the blood’sclotting factors, free-floating proteins that can cross-link togetherinto bigger, better Band-Aids.“Platelets and clotting factors,” Dr. Schrier said. “It’s a marriagemade in heaven.”Up to a point. Just as our immune cells can go awry and beginattacking our own body tissue, so an overzealous clot response canhave dire consequences. Should a clot happen to cut off blood flow toa vital organ like the heart or brain, the only one playing the harpwill be you.

2008-11-03T02:34:00.000-08:00

Much is talked about Cholesterol and its control.
Foods That May Lower Your Cholesterol
Oats

When women in a University of Toronto study added oat bran to
an already heart-healthy diet, HDL-cholesterol levels—the
beneficial kind—climbed more than 11 percent.

Almonds

A 2005 Tufts University study found that substances in almondskins help prevent LDL cholesterol from being oxidized, a processthat can otherwise damage the lining of blood vessels andincrease cardiovascular risk.

Beansand lentils

In results reported in the Annals of Internal Medicine in 2005,LDL-cholesterol levels fell almost twice as far in volunteers on alow-fat diet who added beans and lentils (along with more wholegrains and vegetables) to the menu.

Blueberries

Blueberries contain a powerful antioxidant called pterostilbenethat may help lower LDL cholesterol, scientists at the AgriculturalResearch Service reported in 2004.

Barley

When volunteers in a 2004 USDA study added barley to thestandard American Heart Association diet, LDL-cholesterol levelsfell by up to 17 percent.

Avocados

The monounsaturated fats in avocados have been found to lowerbad LDLs and raise good HDLs, especially in people with mildlyelevated cholesterol.

Alcohol

Drinking a glass of wine with dinner—any alcoholic beverage, infact—has been shown to raise good-cholesterol levels and lowerthe risk of a heart attack. (Excessive drinking, however, raisesheart-disease danger.)

Human Body Facts

2008-10-23T04:05:00.000-07:00

The average human brain has about 100 billion nerve cells.
Nerve impulses to and from the brain travel as fast as 170 miles (274 km) per hour.
The thyroid cartilage is more commonly known as the adams apple.
The only jointless bone in your body is the hyoid bone in your throat
It's impossible to sneeze with your eyes open.
Your stomach needs to produce a new layer of mucus every two weeks or it would digest itself.
It takes the interaction of 72 different muscles to produce human speech.
The average life of a taste bud is 10 days.
The average cough comes out of your mouth at 60 miles (96.5 km) per hour.
Relative to size, the strongest muscle in the body is the tongue.
Human thigh bones are stronger than concrete.
When you sneeze, all your bodily functions stop even your heart.
Babies are born without knee caps. They don't appear until the child reaches 2-6 years of age.
Children grow faster in the springtime.
It takes the stomach an hour to break down cow milk.
Women blink nearly twice as much as men.
Blondes have more hair than dark-haired people do.
There are 10 human body parts that are only 3 letters long (eye hip arm leg ear toe jaw rib lip gum).
If you go blind in one eye you only lose about one fifth of your vision but all your sense of depth.
The average human head weighs about 8 pounds.
Our eyes are always the same size from birth, but our nose and ears never stop growing.
In the average lifetime, a person will walk the equivalent of 5 times around the equator.
An average human scalp has 100,000 hairs.
The length of the finger dictates how fast the fingernail grows. Therefore, the nail on your middle finger grows the fastest, and on average, your toenails grow twice as slow as your fingernails.
The average human blinks their eyes 6,205,000 times each year.
The entire length of all the eyelashes shed by a human in their life is over 98 feet (30 m).
Your skull is made up of 29 different bones.
Your ears and nose continue to grow throughout your entire life.
After you die, your body starts to dry out creating the illusion that your hair and nails are still growing after death.
Hair is made from the same substance as fingernails.
The average surface of the human intestine is 656 square feet (200 m).
A healthy adult can draw in about 200 to 300 cubic inches (3.3 to 4.9 liters) of air at a single breath, but at rest only about 5% of this volume is used.
The surface of the human skin is 6.5 square feet (2m). 15 million blood cells are destroyed in the human body every second.
The pancreas produces Insulin.
The most sensitive cluster of nerves is at the base of the spine.
The human body is comprised of 80% water.
The average human will shed 40 pounds of skin in a lifetime.
Every year about 98% of the atoms in your body are replaced.
The human heart creates enough pressure to squirt blood 30 feet (9 m).
You were born with 300 bones. When you get to be an adult, you have 206.
Human thighbones are stronger than concrete.
Every human spent about half an hour as a single cell.
There are 45 miles (72 km) of nerves in the skin of a human being.
The average human heart will beat 3,000 million times in its lifetime and pump 48 million gallons of blood.
Each square inch (2.5 cm) of human skin consists of 20 feet (6 m) of blood vessels.
During a 24-hour period, the average human will breathe 23,040 times.
Human blood travels 60,000 miles (96,540 km) per day on its journey through the body.

Regular Health Mistakes

2008-10-23T03:56:00.000-07:00

All of us make little health mistakes that cause damage to our bodies in the long run - simply because we are unaware we are doing something wrong. Here are some of the most common mistakes made by many of us.

Crossing our legs

Do you cross your legs at your knees when sitting? Although we may believe that this is the lady-like elegant way to sit, sitting this way cuts down circulation to your legs. If you don"t want varicose veins to mar the beauty of your legs and compromise your health, uncross your legs every time you realise you have one knee on top of the other. The best way to sit is to simply place both legs together on the floor, balancing your weight equally. If you feel like changing position, instead of crossing your legs, simply move both legs together to one side. As an alternative, you could also consider crossing your legs loosely at the ankles. This is a classically elegant way to sit, and is far better for your legs and your health than sitting with your legs crossed at your knees.

Not changing our toothbrush

How often do you change your toothbrush? Most of us wait until most of the bristles have either fallen off, or are in such bad shape that we"d be embarrassed to pull out our brush in public. However, since not many of us need to pull out our brush in public, we carry on with our frayed one until we lose it. Replace your toothbrush often. Damaged bristles can harm the enamel, and don"t massage your gums well. If you find brushing your teeth a pain like I do, but know you must do it, you might as well be doing it right. Imagine going through the annoyance of brushing your teeth twice a day only to find out that you"re damaging your enamel every time you clean your teeth. Also, use a brush with soft bristles unless your dentist has advised otherwise.

Eating out often

There are oils that are high in cholesterol, and oils that cause little harm and are better for your heart. However, no matter how light the oil is, it is never a good idea to eat too much of it. Avoid fried foods.Remember that in all probability your favourite Indian food restaurant throws a huge, HUGE chunk of butter in a tiny bowl of dal. Rita, who worked in the kitchen of a 5 star hotel, was shocked when she saw the cook chop a 500gm butter slab in half, and throw half into a Paneer Makhani dish. No wonder the customers left licking their fingers. And no wonder they felt so stuffed and heavy afterwards. Limit outdoor eating unless you know that you"re getting served light and healthy food.

Skipping breakfast

Never, ever skip breakfast. Remember, when you wake up in the morning it"s been around 10-12 hours since your last meal. Your body needs food now, more than at any other time. Eat a heavy breakfast. You will then be busy through the day, and the calories will get expended quickly. If you are trying to diet, eat a light dinner. Here are some more common health mistakes we make. Being informed and making a few changes can help make us feel a whole lot better.

High heels

High heels sure look great, but they're murder for your back. This however doesn't mean you should steer clear of stilettos. Wear them, but not when you know you will be walking around a lot. Wear them when going out for lunch or dinner - when the only walking you will be doing is to your car, to the table, and back. Avoid high heels when you are going somewhere on foot. If you are constantly tempted to wear your heels, take a good look at your flats. Is there something about them you dislike? Invest in a new pair of beautiful flats or shoes with a low heel. Buy something you love, that you will enjoy wearing. If possible, get a matching bag. You will then enjoy your flats as much as you do your heels.

Sleeping on a soft bed

You don't have to sleep on the floor be kind to your back, but do make sure you have a firm mattress. Although a mattress on springs is soft and lovely to sink into, it's bad for your back. If you already have an old bed with springs, you don't need to invest in a new one - simply get a thick wooden plank put over the springs, and place the mattress on the plank. Similarly, if your mattress is old and lumpy, throw it out and get a new one. Your neck and your back will thank you. The same rule applies to sofas. If you will be spending hours on a sofa, get a firm yet comfortable one. Sofas you completely sink into are not the best idea.

Pillows

No matter how comfortable sleeping with ten cushions is, have pity on your neck and resist. Sleep with one pillow, and make sure it is not too thick. If your pillow gets lumpy, discard it and go for a new one. Get a thin pillow if you sleep on your stomach, and something a little thicker if you sleep on your back, to give your neck adequate support

Not exercising

So all of us know we should exercise more, but many of us don't. This is a health mistake we consciously make! And why is that? Simply because we refuse to admit the damage we are causing to our bodies by not working out. A number of people only start working out once they've experienced a warning signal. Don't wait for a heart attack to strike before you decide to opt for a lifestyle change. Make the change now. You don't need to train for the marathon to be in top shape. Half an hour of brisk walking three to four times a week will make a world of difference to your health. You could then increase this to forty minutes, four times a week - and you're all set. If you haven't exercised for a week, you're making a mistake.

Finger nails to predict health

2008-10-01T04:01:00.000-07:00

Examining the Fingernails When Evaluating Presenting Symptoms in Elderly Patients
Introduction
Human fingernails, located on the dorsal aspect of the terminal 40% of the distal phalanx of each finger, are complex structures involving 3 different layers:

The nail plate (the nail). This is the keratinized structure, which grows throughout life;
The nail bed (ventral matrix, sterile matrix). This is the vascular bed that is responsible for nail growth and support. It lies protected between the lunula (the "half moon" seen through the nail) and the hyponychium (the posterior part of the nail bed epithelium); and
The eponychium (cuticle). The epidermal layer between the proximal nail fold and the dorsal aspect of the nail plate.

The primary purpose of the nail is protection. Abnormalities of the nail are often caused by skin disease and infection (most often fungal) but may also indicate more general medical conditions. This discussion does not address localized trauma or nail infections but offers examples of nail abnormalities that may occur with systemic disease.

Check to see whether the nails are normal by looking at the following (Figure 1):

Softness and flexibility of free edge;
Shape and color;
Quality of paronychial tissue; and
Growth rate (about 6 months from cuticle to free edge). Time of events can be estimated from location.

Figure 1. The normal nail.

Examining the Nails
Elderly people carry the last 6 months of their medical record on the approximately 10 square centimeters of keratin comprising the fingernails. Examining the fingernails can help the clinician detect a number of general and specific factors, including the following:

Overall vitality;
Inner emotional state;
Cerebral dominance;
Occupations and hobbies;
Medical history;
Nutritional status;
Cardiovascular function;
Rheumatic conditions; and
Dermatologic problems.

The patient's manicure can reveal state of health, nutritional status, past events, personality, occupation, and one's inner state. Systemic illness should show the nail changes in each of the nails on one hand. The thumb may reveal more extensive changes given its increased size.

It is useful to follow the following sequence when examining the nails:

Check the nail shape;
Examine the nail color;
Survey processes around the nails;
Compare hands; and
Note skin conditions.

It is critical to examine the nails in adequate light. Gently rotate the nail in the light so that the reflection highlights all aspects of the nail. Notice the lunula, the pale crescent moonlike coloration at the base of the nail. Leukonychia stria and a pointed tent-like lunula suggest an excessive manicure and pushing on the cuticle. Paronychias suggest stress and poor attention to hygiene. This can reflect depression, dementia, or psychiatric illness.

Nail Growth

Nail growth is continuous. It takes about 6 months for a fingernail in an elderly person to completely grow out. Cold temperature can slow growth rates but not to any clinically significant degree (pun intended). The middle finger nail grows the fastest, followed by the forefinger and ring finger. Aging slows the growth rate from approximately 3 months in childhood to 6 months in 70-year-olds. Nails in elderly people are also thicker than in younger people. Thin nails in a postmenopausal woman raise the possibility of metabolic bone disease. The nails of the dominant hand grow slightly more quickly than the nondominant nails, probably because minor trauma accelerates nail growth. Conversely, immobility slows the growth rate of fingernails. Understanding the growth rate is important because the time interval from a critical event can be estimated from the location of a nail lesion. For example, a white line appearing transversely halfway up the nail suggests an acute illness 3 months earlier. Regular observation will demonstrate its progression to the end of the nail edge.

Nail Polish

Distance from base and line of polish gives approximate date of application (nails grow 0.1 mm/day). Picking at polish reflects nervousness and agitation. Toenail polish suggests unusual flexibility or a friendly helper.

Observing the Nail Shape and Surface

Clubbed Fingernails

Clubbing involves a softening of the nail bed with the loss of normal Lovibond angle between the nail bed and the fold, an increase in the nail fold convexity, and a thickening of the end of the finger so it resembles a drumstick.
To determine whether nails are clubbed, have the patient place both forefinger nails together and look between them. If you can see a small diamond space between them (Schamroth's window) then the nails are not clubbed (Schamroth's sign) (Figure 2).

Figure 2. Schamroth's sign.

Causes of clubbing (not exhaustive) include the following (Figure 3):
Pulmonary and cardiovascular causes (80%)
Lung cancer, pulmonic abscess, interstitial pulmonary fibrosis, sarcoidosis, beryllium poisoning, pulmonary arteriovenous fistula, subacute bacterial endocarditis, infected arterial grafts, aortic aneurysm

Gastrointestinal causes (about 5%)
Inflammatory bowel disease, sprue, neoplasms (esophagus, liver, bowel)
Hyperthyroidism (about 1%)
Note: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease does not cause clubbing.

Figure 3. Example of clubbed fingernails.
Koilonychia
Koilonychia are spoon-shaped concave nails (Figures 4A, 4B). This occurs normally in children and usually resolves with aging. To determine whether a nail is spooned, perform the water drop test. Place a drop of water on the nail. If the drop does not slide off, then the nail is flattened from early spooning. An experienced clinician can look at the nail and perform a "mental" water drop test. Causes include the following:

Iron deficiency;
Diabetes mellitus;
Protein deficiency, especially in sulfur-containing amino acids (cysteine or methionine);
Exposure to petroleum-based solvSystemic lupu
Raynaud's disease.

Figure 4A. Spooned nail.

Figure 4B. Spooned nail.
In 1846, Joseph Honoré Simon Beau described transverse lines in the substance of the nail as signs of previous acute illness.. The lines look as if a little furrow had been plowed across the nail. Illnesses producing Beau's lines include the following:

Severe infection;
Myocardial infarction;
Hypotension, shock;
Hypocalcemia; and
Surgery.

Intermittent doses of immunosuppressive therapy or chemotherapy can also produce Beau's lines. Severe zinc deficiency has also been proposed as a cause of Beau's lines. By noting its location on the nail, the approximate date of the illness associated with it can be determined (Figures 5A, 5B). Moreover, the depth of the line provides a clue to the severity of the illness.

Figure 5A. The location of Beau's lines half way up the nail suggests illness 3 months ago.

Figure 5B. Two Beau's lines suggest illnesses about 2 months apart.

Thin Brittle Nails
Thin, brittle nails can indicate the following (Figure 6):

Metabolic bone disease (nail thinness is correlated with osteopenia);
Thyroid disorder;
Systemic amyloidosis (indicated by yellow waxy flaking); and
Severe malnutrition.

Figure 6. Note the thin nails in this woman with severe osteopenia.

Onychorrhexis is the presence of longitudinal striations or ridges (Figure 7). It can simply be a sign of advanced age but it can also occur with the following:

Rheumatoid arthritis;
Peripheral vascular disease;
Lichen planus; and
Darier's disease (striations are red/white).

Central ridges can be caused by:

Iron deficiency;
Folic acid deficiency; and
Protein deficiency.

Figure 7. Example of a central nail ridge.

Central Nail Canal (Median Nail Dystrophy)

When a central nail canal is present, the cuticle is usually normal (Figure 8A). Central nail canal is associated with:

Severe arterial disease ("Heller's fir tree deformity" -- a central canal with a fir tree appearance -- may occur with peripheral artery disease (Figure 8B);
Severe malnutrition; and
Repetitive trauma.

Figure 8A. Example of central nail canal.

Figure 8B. Central nail canal with Heller's fir tree deformity.

Nail Pitting

Nail pitting -- small punctate depressions -- are caused by nail matrix inflammation, which can be the result of:

Psoriasis (random appearance of pits) (Figure 9);
Alopecia areata (geometric rippled grid) (Figure 10);
Eczema; and
Lichen planus.

Figure 9. Indication of psoriasis.

Figure 10. Indication of alopecia areata.

Nail Beading
With nail beading, the beads seem to drip down the nail like wax (Figure 11). It is associated with endocrine conditions, including the following:

Diabetes mellitus;
Thyroid disorders;
Addison's disease; and
Vitamin B deficiency.

Figure 11. Nail beading.

Rough Nail Surface

When nails look sandpapered and dull, consider (Figure 12):

Autoimmune disease;
Psoriasis;
Chemical exposure; and
Lichen planus.

Figure 12. Example of a rough nail surface.

Nail Thickening

Slow nail growth produces thickness (Figure 13). In such cases, the following should be considered:

Onychomycosis;
Chronic eczema;
Peripheral vascular disease;
Yellow nail syndrome; and
Psoriasis.

Figure 13. Example of a nail thickening.

Onycholysis

Onycholysis is distal separation of the nail plate from the underlying nail bed (Figure 14). It is associated with the following:

Thyrotoxicosis;
Psoriasis;
Trauma;
Contact dermatitis;
Tetracycline;
Eczema;
Toxic exposures (solvents);
Blistering from autoimmune disease; and
Porphyria cutanea tarda (onycholysis and skin blistering from sun exposure).

Figure 14. Traumatic onycholysis (involving only 1 nail).

Severe Nail Curvature (Beaked Nails)

Curved or beaked nails are caused by resorption of distal digit (Figure 15). Consider the following:

Hyperparathyroidism
Renal failure
Psoriasis
Systemic sclerosis

Figure 15. Example of severe nail curvature.

Complete Nail Destruction

Complete local nail destruction can be caused by local mechanisms, including trauma and paronychia. Generalized conditions that might cause complete nail destruction include the following:

Toxic epidermal necrolysis;
Chemotherapy;
Bullous diseases; and
Vasculitis.

Observing Nail Color Abnormalities of the Lunula

If the lunula is absent, consider anemia or malnutrition (Figure 16). A pyramidal lunula might indicate excessive manicure or trauma (Figure 17). A pale blue lunula suggests diabetes mellitus. If the lunula has red discoloration, consider the following causes among others (Figure 18):

Cardiovascular disease;
Collagen vascular disease; and
Hematologic malignancy.

Figure 16. Absent lunula.

Figure 17. Pyramidal lunula.

Figure 18. Lunula with red discoloration.

Transverse White Lines (Mee's lines)

Any acute illness can produce transverse milky white lines. In addition, they might be caused by heavy metal toxicity (classically arsenic) or chemotherapy. The time of event may be determined from the location of the lines on nail (Figure 19).

Figure 19. Note the Mee's line approximately one third of the way up the nail, suggesting a significant illness 2 months previously.

Leukonychia Striae

Leukonychia striae are white splotches caused by minor trauma to the nail matrix (Figure 20). The timing can be determined by the location of the splotches on the nail.

Figure 20. Example of leukonychia striae. Note location of white splotches, which can indicate timing of the traumatic event.

Longitudinal Brown Lines

Longitudinal brown lines form because of increased melanin produced by nail matrix melanocytes (Figure 21). They are associated with:

Addison's disease;
Nevus at the nail base;
Breast cancer;
Melanoma (check for periungal pigmentation); and
Trauma.

Figure 21. Longitudinal brown lines.

Splinter Hemorrhages

Splinter hemorrhages are caused by hemorrhage of the distal capillary loop (Figure 22). Note the thickness of these areas. They are associated with the following:

Subacute bacterial endocarditis;
Systemic lupus erythematosus;
Trichinosis;
Pityriasis rubra pilaris;
Psoriasis; and
Renal failure.

Figure 22. Splinter hemorrhages tend to be fat.

Terry's Half and Half Nails

With Terry's half and half nails, the proximal portion is white (edema and anemia) and the distal portion is dark. These nails imply either renal or liver disease (Figures 23A, 23B).

Figure 23A. This example of Terry's half and half nails suggests liver disease (no brown lines).

Figure 23B. Half and half nails imply renal disease when there is a brown band at the junction of the erythema and the free edge. Image courtesy of www.dermnet.com Used with permission.

Generalized Discolorations of the Nail Plate

Nail discoloration is a useful method for identifying potential problems.

White Nails

White nails can be caused by anemia, edema, or vascular conditions (Figure 24). Consider the following:

Anemia;
Renal failure;
Cirrhosis;
Diabetes mellitus;
Chemotherapy; and
Hereditary (rare).

Figure 24. Example of white nails.

Pink or Red Nails

With pink or red nail discoloration, the following should be considered (Figure 25): Polycythemia (dark);
Systemic lupus erythematosus;
Carbon monoxide (cherry red);
Angioma; and
Malnutrition.

Figure 25. Example of pink and red nails.

Brown-Gray Nails

Brown-gray nails may suggest the following (Figure 26):

Cardiovascular disease;

Diabetes mellitus;
Vitamin B12 deficiency;
Breast cancer;
Malignant melanoma;
Lichen planus;
Syphilis; and
Topical agents, including hair dyes, solvents for false nails, varnish, and formaldehyde (among many others)

Figure 26. Example of brown-gray nails.

Yellow Nails

Yellow nails suggest the following (Figure 27):

Diabetes mellitus;
Amyloidosis;
Median/ulnar nerve injury;
Thermal injury; and
Jaundice.

Consider yellow nail syndrome if a patient has lymphedema and bronchiectasis.

Figure 27. Example of yellow nails. Image courtesy of www.dermnet.com Used with permission.

Green or Black Nails

Green or black nails indicate the following (Figure 28): Topical preparations, including chlorophyll derivations, methyl green, and silver nitrate (among others);
Chronic Pseudomonas spp infection; and
Trauma.

Figure 28. Example of black nails.

Processes Around the Nail

Paronychial Inflammation Paronychia is associated with separation of the seal between the proximal nail fold and the nail plate that provides entry for bacteria and leads to a localized infection of the paronychial tissues of the hands (Figure 29). Symptoms may include inflammation, swelling, and/or scaling.

Figure 29. Example chronic paronychial inflammation.

Periungal Telangeictasia Periungal telangeictasia is caused by dilated capillary loops and results in atrophy of the cuticle (Figure 30). It is strongly associated with collagen vascular disease, including the following:

Systemic lupus erythematosus;
Dermatomyositis (especially with Gotton's papules over knuckles); and
Scleroderma.

Figure 30. Example of periungal telangeictasia. Image courtesy of www.dermnet.com

Mucus Cyst A mucous or myxoid cyst is a collection of degenerative collagen that can cause swelling and ridging of the nail above the cyst, forming a "gutter" (Figure 31).

Figure 31. Example of a mucus cyst.

Cases
The following are examples of patients in whom examining the fingernails may help identify their conditions.

Slide 1. 78-year-old with multiple conditions.

Slide 2. 84-year-old man with a painful ankle.

Slide 3. 68-year-old man with esophageal cancer.

About Human bones

2008-01-08T03:08:00.000-08:00

The smallest bone in the human body is the stapes bone which is located in the ear.

There are 54 bones in your hands including the wrists.

The only bone fully grown at birth is located in the ear.

The human face is made up of 14 bones.

The chances of getting a cavity is higher if candy is eaten slowly throughout the day compared to eating it all at once and then brushing your teeth.

If an identical twin grows up without having a certain tooth, the other twin will most likely also grow up with that tooth missing.

Humans are born with 300 bones in their body, however when a person reaches adulthood they only have 206 bones. This occurs because many of them join together to make a single bone.

Gardening is said to be one of the best exercises for maintaining healthy bones.

Enamel is hardest substance in the human body.

Although the outsides of a bone are hard, they are generally light and soft inside. They are about 75% water.

Adult human bones account for 14% of the body's total weight.

In 2000 babies are born with a tooth that is already visible.

Fingernails grow nearly 4 times faster than toenails!

Your thigh bone is stronger than concrete.

The strongest bone in your body is the femur (thighbone), and it's hollow!

Spinal Stenosis

2008-01-06T23:54:00.000-08:00

Spinal Stenosis

A condition due to narrowing of the spinal cord causing nerve pinching which leads to persistent pain in the buttocks, limping, lack of feeling in the lower extremities, and decreased physical activity.

The Silent Epidemic

Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can often help relieve symptoms by restoring flexibility and strengthening back and abdominal muscles. This program may include:
Heat/cold therapy
Water therapy
Acupuncture
Traction
Dynamic lumbar stabilization program
Electrical stimulation
Assessment of musculoskeletal imbalances
Stretching exercises
Posture and body mechanics training
Medication
In the earlier stages of spinal stenosis, pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen can relieve mild symptoms.
Pain-blocking Injections
Inflammation of the spinal nerves and nerves roots can often be reduced through steroid or cortisone injections next to the spine, at the site of back pain. However, pain-blocking injections offer temporary relief and may need to be administered more than once a year, depending on the patient's needs.
Decompressive Surgery
Surgeons can alleviate abnormal pressure by decompressing the spinal canal, removing bone and ligaments around the narrowing. Decompressive surgery is usually recommended for patients with severe symptoms which haven't been relieved by other treatments.
In a procedure called a laminectomy, an incision is made in the patient's back to access the spinal canal. The canal is O-shaped, formed by the vertebrae in front and tissue (lamina) at the rear. Physicians surgically remove the lamina, changing the canal from an O to an open-ended U shape, which creates room in the canal and restores nomal blood flow to the nerves. The patient's back muscles cover and protect the open area of the canal.
Laminoplasty is a variation on cervical laminectomy (in the neck) used in some patients; it preserves movement (no lost range of motion from fusion), and does not require as much bone removal as a laminectomy.
Some patients may be candidates for a minimally invasive approach to spinal surgery.

Wear and tear on discs and joints can cause spinal instability as well as stenosis. In such cases, it may be necessary to brace the spine by fusing the backbones. Metal rods, hooks, wires, and screws are all strong, safe and effective fusion methods. Other patients may benefit from stabilization with bone implants specially designed for grafting. Both methods effectively brace the spine and lessen pain.

source :
Article: Multislice CT fluoroscopy-assisted cervical transforaminal injection of steroids: technical note

Sinus Headache

2008-01-06T23:50:00.000-08:00

sinus headache relief

home remedies for treatment of sinus headaches.

Dip a small towel in cold water, rinse, and apply to forehead. Once the towel gets warm, flip it to the other side, or dip it into cold water again.

Lying down, in a dark room, maybe getting a 1/2 hour of sleep,will always make you feel better.

Back
A decoction of half a teaspoon mustard seeds powder and three teaspoons water, if instilled in the nostrils, redresses migraine.

The juice of ripe grapes is an effective home remedy for a migraine.
For a sinus headache, eat a jalapeno pepper as soon as possible. Within minutes your sinuses will start to drain and the sinus headache will subside.

A peppermint steam inhalation provides quick relief for sinus headaches. Peppermint acts as a decongestant, and the combination of warm steam and the essential oil is doubly effective for opening up the sinuses.

Mix 1 teaspoon finely ground cinnamon (called dalchini in India) in 1 teaspoon water and apply on the forehead. It is very effective in headache due to exposure to cold air.

Make a paste from dry ginger with a little water or milk, apply to the forehead for sinus relief.

Grind 10-15 Basil leaves with 4 cloves and 1 teaspoon dried ginger into a paste and apply to forehead for sinus cure.

For a painful sinus headache, try a hot footbath along with a cold compress on the forehead

Dandruff cure

2007-12-29T03:11:00.000-08:00

Dandruff cure

aloe vera dandruff cure - with aloe vera gel . About 10-15 minutes before you wash your hair, rub a lot of aloe vera gel into your scalp. leave it on for 10 minutes, and shampoo your hair like you regularly do. if you do this everyday the dandruff will stay away.

Using lime juice to wash hair.

Soak 2 tablespoons fenugreek seeds in water overnight. In the morning grind into a fine paste. Apply all over scalp and leave for ½ an hour. Wash with mild shampoo.

Ingredients: Olive oil and almond oil

Instructions: Mix the olive oil with the almond oil. Leave it on about 5 min.s after it starts to burn. Rinse well to clear dandruff.

Massage your hair with warm coconut oil and apply the juice of 2 lemons, steam your hair and leave the oil on for about 2 hours. Shampoo with a mild shampoo. Repeat 2-3 times a week.

Boil a handful of neem leaves in 4 teacups of water. After cooling and filtering, use for rinsing hair.

Depression

2007-12-29T03:09:00.000-08:00

Depression

The incidence of depression has been growing at a phenomenal rate but the positive factor here is that people no longer fell stigmatized by acknowledging that they have a problem. The awareness has set in and once this hurdle is crossed, treating depression is possible.

The effects of depression can be traumatizing and the individual suffering from it feels emotionally, physically and even spiritually assaulted. It is an illness and one that has to be treated before it becomes too late.

Depression can break a weak willed person. When we talk of remedies for depression, you would like to deal with natural remedies and the purpose of this exercise is just to do that.

Depression can be caused by many factors both genetic and biological. Individuals may have a genetic makeup that makes them prone to depression or stressful events like the loss of a close one could also be a cause. In addition it is believed that it is also caused by biological factors. We have what are called neurotransmitters in your brains, which are responsible for sense of well being that we feel. Serotonin and other chemicals like dopamine, acetylcholine, norepinephrine largely act as an anti depressants and tranquilizers. Depletion in the levels of these neurotransmitters could lead to depression.

Anti depressants essentially enhance neuro transmission simultaneously increasing the levels of the neuro transmitters especially serotonin.. Medication coupled with natural remedies has been known to be very effective in curing depression.

Sensitive Teeth

2007-12-29T03:06:00.000-08:00

sensitive teeth

Sensitive teeth is usually caused by exposed dentin, the layer next to the enamel. A lot of things can cause dentin to be exposed. One most common is improper toothbrushing method.

Too much pressure applied during toothbrushing using a hard bristled toothbrush causes abrasion on the enamel layer, exposing the dentin layer beneath it.

Most common example of this is cervical abrasions, found in the "neck" portion of the tooth crown.

The tooth can also be bruised or abraded from dntal instrumentations, especially after a restorative procedure. Accidental biting on hard substances can also bruised the tooth. Another cause of tooth sensitivity is exposure of the root portion of the tooth due to gingival recession.

Pain from sensitive teeth is not always constant. It can come and go. Constant pain could be a sign of a more serious problem. It is important to discuss your symptoms with your dentist to determine the cause and proper treatment.

Depending on the diagnosis, your dentist may recommend one or more of the following treatments to relieve the symptoms of sensitive teeth:

A soft-bristle toothbrush.A special sensitive teeth toothpaste which can either block access to the nerve or make the nerve itself less sensitive.

A fluoride rinse or sensitive teeth gel, recommended by your dentist.

A sensitivity protection toothpaste usually takes several weeks to ease pain. Follow the instructions of your dental professional on the regular use of sensitivity protection toothpaste to keep pain from returning

Some sensitive teeth toothpaste or sensitive teeth gel can be used on your regular tooth brushing schedules

Bleeding Gums

2007-12-29T03:01:00.000-08:00

Treatment for Bleeding gums:
Gingivitis (pronounced "jin-ja-VI-tus"), is the inflammation, swelling, and bleeding of gum tissues.

Have you ever wondered when your gums bleed when you brush your teeth? It is a first sign of gingivitis.

The primary cause of gingivitis is the bacteria that coats your teeth, and if oral hygiene is poor, it forms a sticky white substance called plaque.

The bacteria here proliferates faster and produces toxins that irritates your gums, keeping them swollen and red.

When they are left untreated, they will destroy the tissues connecting the gums to the tooth, and eventually the tooth to the bones, causing a deep pocket and eventually attacks the bony structure. It has now progressed into what we call periodontitis which is an irreversible form of gum disease.

tips & home remedies for bleeding gums

With a pinch of salt soaked in a glass of lukewarm water, you now create a homemade saline solution. Use this to rinse in the morning and in the evening. This will help increase circulation in your gums and reduce the swelling.
No matter how well and how often you brush your teeth, you can't reach the areas between your teeth and below the gums. Make the habit of flossing. Floss comes in very handy. Keep one in your bag or at your office. After meal, floss it!

Yeast-Infection

2007-12-29T02:57:00.000-08:00

Yeast-Infection

Before looking at the home remedy for yeast infection, it is important to understand this infection. The fact is that most people are afraid of suffering from infections and end up complicating things further because of their fear and discomfort.

Some times they tend to overlook the symptoms as the develop hoping that a miracle will do away with the entire ailment. But this is not so? So, to begin at the very beginning – yeast infections primarily inflict women who are in the age group within which they can naturally bear a child

According to the medical statistics anywhere between 70% to 80% of this infection is caused by Candida albicans, which is a strain of yeast. This, as well as other strains of yeast naturally crop up in a woman's vagina, in miniscule amounts and are kept in control by Lactobacillus acidophilus, which is a bacterium that naturally arises in the vagina. However, a yeast infection only occurs when there is imbalance in the existence of these organisms.

This imbalance is caused due to varied reasons that include:

· Use and in-take of broad-spectrum antibiotics, as well as steroids and certain birth control pills that tend to destroy the required abovementioned bacteria.
· During pregnancy and prior to menstruation a woman goes through hormonal changes, which is also a contributing factor to yeast infection
· When the vagina is frequently exposed to semen the acidic balance of the vagina is affected causing the infection.
· Sometimes the very products one uses to keep the vagina clean can cause infections as the ingredients maybe extremely harsh
· Wearing tight jeans and other such clothing that does not give that area too much scope to breathe contributes to bringing about this infection.

Apart from the abovementioned causes, there are various others too. The important thing is to be aware of what causes yeast infections in order to prevent it from happening.

While most women rush out to pick up the quick-fix medications, the fact is the home remedies have a longer lasting effect, with no side effects. In fact, apart from curing, these remedies can be used daily to ensure that the infections do not occur.

Abdomen Pain

2007-12-29T02:52:00.000-08:00

Abdomen Pain

Abdominal pain is pain that you feel in the abdominal area (the area between your chest and groin), often referred to as the stomach region or belly. Even when you feel pain there, however, Abdomen pain may originate from somewhere else -- like your chest, pelvic region (the area just below the abdomen that houses the reproductive organs), or a generalized infection affecting many parts of your body (like the flu or strep throat). For abdomen pain, always consult with your doctor first.

Causes of pain of lower right abdomen are frequently appendicitis; pain of upper abdomen may be caused by stomach or duodenum diseases; pain at the rim of lower abdomen and lower back may be caused by kidney stones or ureter stones, pain of right rid may be caused by liver and gallbladder diseases; pain of left rid may be caused by spleen disease; Cramp at the rim of lower abdomen and inguen of women are usually caused by pre-menstruation symptoms. You doctor can diagnose & guide you best.

High Blood Pressure

2007-12-29T02:36:00.001-08:00

High Blood Pressure

The number of people suffering from hypertension is growing at an alarming rate and the culprits are the lifestyles that we lead and the kind of food that we eat. So what is this blood pressure that we keep referring to? The blood circulating in the body exerts a certain force on the walls of the arteries, veins and the heart chambers. If the force increases, then the blood pressure increases and high blood pressure can trigger the formation of plaque in the arteries (arteriosclerosis), which can later lead to heart attacks and strokes. So, high blood pressure needs to be controlled. Let us look at some of the natural remedies that may help to combat this condition.

Managing stress, which has become an everyday affair plays an important role in controlling high blood pressure. Breathing exercise like Pranayam, meditation and doing yoga have helped to combat high blood pressure. The benefits of regular exercise cannot be overlooked. It helps to lower blood pressure and decrease the resting heart rate, which is important for the health of the heart. In combination with other techniques, high blood pressure can be controlled.

Aromatherapy is now being associated as a remedy for high blood pressure. The oil of blue chamomile is said to be beneficial under stressful conditions when inhaled directly. A combination of lavender oil and olive or sunflower oil with blue chamomile massaged under the collarbone every night is said to afford relief from high blood pressure. Next to exercise, managing your diet is the next important step towards achieving control of blood pressure.
Consumption of adequate Sodium, potassium and magnesium help to lower blood pressure. The dietary ratio between sodium and potassium and sodium and magnesium has got to be narrowed. This can easily be done. Bananas, melons, grapefruit, oranges, cabbage and cauliflower and other fresh vegetables and fruits are rich in potassium Magnesium is present in nuts, rice, wheat germ, beans, soy and also in bananas. So go ahead and increase your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Supplementing with oral calcium will also help. Celery and celery oil helps in the dilation of the muscles that regulate blood pressure and is considered to be very beneficial. Celery juice in combination with carrot juice and water makes a nutritious and beneficial drink..

Cloves of garlic, which we use regularly in Indian cooking, helps to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels and increase circulation of blood. Garlic pills or powder help to make blood thinner but you have to be careful when it is combined with prescription drugs.

Ayurvedic treatment of high blood pressure is very common in the Indian set up. The treatment is highly individualized according to what is referred to as"dosha" or in more common parlance one's constitution. A diet low in salt and fat and herbs like Sankhapuspi and ashwagandha are supposed to be cardio protective and help in the strengthening of heart muscles. The bark of the Arjuna tree is said to induce a decrease in blood pressure and heart rate. Hawthorn leaves, flowers and berries are useful in combating mild high blood pressure by improving heart function and in treating irregular beating of the heart and angina. Dandelion is a popular home remedy which more or less acts as a diuretic and thus helping to lower high blood pressure. As there is no loss of potassium and as dandelion leaves are easy to attain, it does seem an easy remedy. Reishi, the Japanese mushroom reduces the amount of bad cholesterol and also helps to combat high blood pressure. Homeopathy is just as popular in India as Ayurveda or Allopathy.

Sound therapy and imagery are gaining in popularity as natural remedies for high blood pressure. It has been found that listening to relaxing music for about 20 to 30 minutes a day slows down the heart rate and lowers blood pressure. Just close your eyes, breathe slowly and deeply, lie down in a comfortable position and let your body absorb the sound energy. Use headphones and you will find that the music soothes you and helps you to relax. Imagery psychiatrists say when practiced for 3-5 minutes a couple of times a day does help to combat high blood pressure. Of course it involves visualization of the sense of coolness pervading every pore of your body and imagining it to enter your blood stream and sensing that your elevated blood pressure is being lowered. Reflexology has its share of helping to stablise blood pressure by focusing on foot reflexes. No one can deny the power of yogic postures. "Shavasana" and the Knee squeeze help in the circulation of blood , relieves tension and both in turn help to combat high blood pressure. Grandma's remedies especially in India still have a following. Equal amounts of melon seeds and khus khus ground into a powder are a favorite. A teaspoon early in the morning and late in the evening is effective. The juice of curry leaves mixed with water and limejuice has its own potency. It is said that coriander and fenugreek leaves also produce the same effect and as they are harmless it is worth the try. Grandma also says that honey, ginger juice and cumin powder is an excellent natural remedy for high blood pressure. Whatever remedy you choose, the bottom line is this ---changing your lifestyle, managing your stress and controlling your diet are all in your hands.

Backache or Back pain

2007-12-26T02:28:00.000-08:00

Backache is one of the most common ailments prevalent today. Sedentary living habits, hazardous work patterns and psychological conditions associated with emotional stress, which bring about spasm of the muscles, cause backaches. As the back bears the weight of the entire body, overweight persons feel the strain on the back when they have to carry an extra load.

Symptoms of Backache or Back pain

Pain in the middle of back or lower down
In most cases of backache, the pain is usually felt either in the middle of the back or lower down. It may spread to both sides of the waist and the hips. In a condition of acute pain, the patient is unable to move and is bedridden.
People suffer from cervical and lumbar spondylosis
About ninety per cent of backache patients suffer from what is called cervical and lumbar spondylosis. It is a degenerative disorder in which the different vertebrae adhere to each other through bony unions. As a result of this, the spine loses its flexibility.

Causes of Backache

Muscular tension, straining of the joints, poor posture
The main causes of backache and spondylosis are muscular tension, straining of the joints, poor posture, and incorrect nutrition resulting from dietetic errors and lack of exercise.
Kidney or prostate problems, female disorders, influenza
Acute or chronic illnesses like kidney or prostate problems, female disorders, Influenza, and arthritis, may also lead to backache.
Sitting for a long time, high heels
Other causes include stress and strain resulting from sitting for a long time, improper lifting of weights, high heels, and emotional problems which may cause painful muscle cramping.

Home Remedies for Backache
Backache treatment using Garlic
The most important home remedy for backache is the use of garlic. Two or three cloves should be taken every morning to get results. An oil prepared from garlic and rubbed on the back will give great relief. This oil is prepared by frying ten cloves of garlic in 60 ml of oil in a frying pan. Any of the oils which are used as rubefacients, such as mustard oil. sesame oil, and coconut oil can be used according to one's choice. They should be fried on a slow fire till they are brown. After the oil has cooled, it should be applied vigorously on the back, and allowed to remain there for three hours. The patient may, thereafter, take a warm-water bath. This treatment should be continu ed for at least fifteen days.
Backache treatment using Lemon
Lemon is another useful remedy for backache. The juice of one lemon should be mixed with common salt and taken by the patient twice daily. It will give relief.
Backache treatment using Chebulic Myroblan
The use of chebulic myroblan is beneficial in the treatment of backache. A small piece of this fruit should be eaten after meals. This will give quick relief.
Backache treatment using Vitamin C
Vitamin C has proved valuable in case of severe backaches. About 2,000 mg of this vitamin should be taken daily for treating this condition. Considerable improvement will be noticeable within two days.
Backache treatment using Potato
Raw potato is an ancient home remedy for backache, characterised by incapacitating pain in the lumbar region, especially in the lower part of the back. Application of raw potato in the fom of a poultice has been found very effective in this condition.

Dietaries for Backache

Salad of raw vegetables, plenty of fruits
The diet of those suffering from backache should consist of a salad of raw vegetables such as tomato, carrot, cabbage, cucumber, radish, lettuce, and, at least two steamed or lightly cooked vegetables such as cauliflower, cabbage, carrot, spinach, and plenty of fruits, except bananas. The patient should have four meals daily. Fruit and milk are advised for breakfast, steamed vegetables and wholewheat chapatis for lunch; fresh fruit or fruit juice in the evening; and a bowl of raw salad and sprouts during dinner.
Avoid fatty, spicy fried foods and processed foods
The patient should avoid fatty, spicy, and fried foods; curd, sweetmeats and sugar; condiments; and tea and coffee. Foods that have been processed for preservation have few nutrients and should also be eliminated from the diet.

Other Backache treatments for back pains

Avoid smoking and tobacco intake
Smoking or taking tobacco in any from should be given up completely.
Hot fomentation and alternate sponging
Hot fomentation, alternate sponging, or application of heat to the back will also give immediate relief.
Yogic asanas are also useful
Yogic asanas which are beneficial in the treatment of backache are bhujangasana, shalabhasana, halasana, uttanpadasana and shavasana.

FAQ about Nutrition

2007-12-23T21:48:00.000-08:00

Q: I want to lose 15 kilos by New Years Eve. Which is the most effective crash diet?

A: I do not encourage crash dieting. It does grate harm to the body. As a nutritionist, I would advice you to loose weight the right way – by right nutrition and regular, effective exercise. Consult a nutritionist for suggestions.

Q: What are the benefits of walking regularly?
A: The benefits of walking are plenty: Walking is a natural, healthy expression of human body. It is also the easiest, safest and most inexpensive form of exercise. It is the perfect exercise for weight loss since it is aerobic in nature. It improves both muscle tone and strength; de-stressing and can help with back pain, osteoporosis, respiratory problems, diabetes, arthritis, cardiac rehabilitation and a variety of other health problems.

Q: Could you suggest a healthy juice I can have as a mid- morning drink?

A: Here is an example: Energy shake: Ingredients: Handful parsley 4-6 carrots, greens removed Parsley sprig for garnish Methods: - mix all ingredients together in a blender with a few ice cubes. Add a drop of vanilla essence if needed. Serve chilled.

Q: Please suggest a list of foods that would help to build my familys immune systems. My daughter has very low immunity

A: Foods like apples, pears, beetroot, cabbage, carrots, garlic, honey, oily fish, papayas, mangoes, peppers, seaweed, seeds, spinach, sweet potatoes, tomatoes and watercress are great to boost the immune system.

Q: What are the health benefits of honey?

A: • A source of quick energy • Adds flavor to foods and beverages and improves shelf-life of baked goods. • Has anti-microbial properties • Helps in asthma • Relieves colds, coughs • Aids in digestion • Has wound – healing properties

Q: Could you give me a few tips that can improve my hair?

A: • Just like your body, your hair needs a balanced, nutritious diet to stay healthy. That's why this food plan contains a rainbow of FRUITS AND VEGETABLES that are loaded with vitamins antioxidants, whole grains for minerals, nuts and seeds for minerals and vitamins, and protein. • Water not only hydrates your body, but helps keep your hair silky and shiny. It includes eight to ten glasses of water every day. • Fibers from fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes are food for your body and your hair. • Cut down on caffeine. It includes herbal infusion which are caffeine free or green tea which contain 50% less caffeine.

Q: How can I get an intake of copper in my diet?

A: You could start drink water which is stored overnight in copper container. Green leafy vegetables, whole grains, fey fruits, egg, and chicken contain copper too.

Q: Can I go on the Atkins diet to lose weight fast?

A: It's dangerous diet with high fat and protein. It will do more harm than good. It is best to lose weight through right nutrition and effective exercise. Consult a nutritionist.

Q: which are the foods rich in iron?

A: The following foods contain a good amount of iron:- Onion Cherries Blackberries Spinach Dark green leafy vegetables Berries Parsley.

Q: Should I try cosmetic surgery to lose weight?

A: Unless do a lifestyle change in your diet, the weight you lose due to your cosmetic surgery is bound to come back. It is best to lose weight through right nutrition. Consult a nutritionist.

Home Remadies for Glowing Skin, Pimples, Block Spots

2007-12-23T21:43:00.000-08:00

For Glowing skin

A facemask of egg white and honey gently removes the tan from your face.
Mix oats with honey, yogurt and ground almonds. Apply this in your face, leave it for five minutes and wash with lukewarm water.
Cucumber is a natural cleanser. Mix cucumber juice with milk and use it instead of a cleanser.
Take 1/3-cup cocoa, three teaspoon of heavy cream, 1/3-cup ripe papaya, 1/4-cup honey and three teaspoons of oatmeal powder. Mix it all together. Apply on your face. After 10 minutes, wash your face with warm water. This is best for oily skin
For oily skin, apply a mixture of grapes , lemon and egg white. Leave it for 20 minutes and rinse with warm water. While lemon acts as a natural cleanser, grapes will soften your skin and egg whites will tighten it. Don't be alarmed if your skin tingles.
Cut the lemon and rub the wedge all over your face. Leave it for about 20 minutes, then rinse off with cold water. This will refresh your face. Avoid doing this if you have dry skin.
Mix honey, lemon and vegetable oil .This mixture is a good moisturiser for dry skin. Apply this mask for 10 minutes.
Apply the mixture of honey and milk on the face . This will make your skin glow.
Prepare a mask by mixing a slice of pumpkin with egg yolk and milk. Let this mask set on your face for 30 minutes for a glowing skin.
Mix half-a-cup honey to your bath water for soft and smooth skin.
For a soothing body pack, prepare a paste of mint leaves and almonds. Mix it with warm water and apply all over your body. Leave it till it dries and rinse with warm water.
Buttermilk dabbed on skin for 15 minutes will soak up oil from your skin without drying it.
Carrot juice applied daily fades blemishes.
For dark underarms and neck apply lemon juice mixed with cucumber juice and a pinch of turmeri c daily. Leave this on for 20 minutes.
For removing facial hair.. Apply a sticky paste of egg white blended with sugar and corn flour. When it dries, gently peel it off. Repeat this three to four times a week.
Thin apple slices rubbed onto oily skin will help in controlling oily shine.
For supple skin, apply a ripe smashed banana on your face for 20 minutes daily.
Cauliflower juice applied on warts regularly will make them fall.
For a fair skin, try this natural bleach. Mix orange peels (sun dried and powdered) with milk. Apply this paste for 25 minutes and wash off.
Mix half teaspoon dried curry leaf powder with multani mitti (fullers earth) and apply on the face. Wash it after it gets dry.
Apply the mixture of tomato juice and honey on the face and neck , wash it after 15 minutes.
Apply the mixture of carrot juice and basin. Leave it till it dries and wash the face.
Add two teaspoon of tomato juice with 4 teaspoon of curd and apply on the face.
Add a pinch of yeast with 2 teaspoon of cabbage juice and apply.
Mix 1 table spoon of barley powder with half teaspoon of lime juice and 1 teaspoon of honey. Apply it on the face and wash after 20 minutes.
Mix pineapple juice and carrot juice together and apply it on the face and wash it after 15 minutes.
Mix vinegar and rose water in equal quantities and apply.
Mix curd and cucumber juice and apply it on the face.
Apply the mixture of coconut water and thick pineapple juice.
Make a paste with 1/2 teaspoon of milk powder, 1/4 teaspoon of egg white and 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice and apply on the face.
For dry skin, Make a paste with egg yolk, olive oil and lemon juice. Apply it on the neck and face, wash it out after 10 minutes.
For oily skin, take a mixture of oatmeal and egg white and apply it on the neck and face
For glowing skin, use basin or green gram powder mixed with milk instead of soap
Apply the mixture of raw turmeric and cream of milk on the face and wash it after 20 minutes. It will make your skin fair.
Apply the mixture of honey, basin, cream of milk and olive oil as a face pack.
Apply the paste of fenugreek with milk on the face and let it dry. Wash off with luke warm water.
Make a paste of red sandal wood and apply it on the face every day for glowing skin.
Make a paste with red sandal powder and coconut milk and apply on the face for soft skin.

For Black Spots

Make a paste with mehndi and oil and apply on the face
Make a mixture of 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice and glycerin and apply it on the spots
Apply the paste of turmeric and curry leaves on the face and wash it after 15 minutes.
Apply a mixture of mehndi and turmeric. For a piece of turmeric, 2-3 leaves of mehndi are used
Grind dried
basil leaf, neem and mint (100 gm each). Add some turmeric powder and rose water to make it in a paste form and apply it on the spots.
Grind betel leaf and add a little coconut oil and apply it on the spots
Soak a chappathi in milk overnight . Make it into a paste and apply it on black heads. Repeat for several days
Make a paste of saffron and add some honey , apply it on the face to remove black spots.
To remove black spots... apply a paste of turmeric and basil.
To remove wrinkles on the face, apply a mixture of sandalwood powder, rosewater and glycerin. Wash with cold water after some time

For pimples

Apply a mixture of turmeric and neem on the face .
A mixture of crushed mint leaves and oats will reduce pimples. Leave this for 20 minutes and wash it with warm water.
Mix thick curd, turmeric and two drops of oil. Apply on the face.
Crush garlic and take the juice and apply it on the face daily to reduce pimples
Make a paste with sandal wood and turmeric and apply it on the face.

2007-12-21T20:43:00.000-08:00

What is Dyslexia??

Dyslexia (say: dis-lek-see-uh) is a learning problem some kids have with reading and writing. It can make words look jumbled. This makes it difficult for a kid to read and remember what was read.

So what's going on inside the person's brain? Well, it doesn't mean the person is dumb. In fact, some very smart people have had dyslexia. How smart? Well, some people say Albert Einstein was dyslexic.

The problem does occur in the brain, though. Sometimes the messages the brain is sending get jumbled up or confused. A kid who has dyslexia might get frustrated and find it hard to do schoolwork. But the good news is that dyslexia doesn't need to keep a kid down.

How to recognise dyslexia in children?

Reading and learning are the two things that determine the success of a child during his school career. First he learns to read. Then he reads to learn. Reading is therefore of paramount importance in the educational process.

Unfortunately poor reading skills, and therefore poor learning skills, have become a reality for an alarming number of children. The word "dyslexia" is often used to refer to reading problems, while the symptoms below indicate that a child has dyslexia and therefore needs help:

First of all, it is important to exclude a range of other reasons why a child is having great difficulty in learning to read and write. These include poor eyesight, hearing difficulties, absence from school through ill health, inadequate or very interrupted schooling or emotional stress at home.

Hearing problems are particularly important. Many young children suffer ear infections and for a minority this is followed by a condition called glue ear. This can significantly reduce a child's hearing ability for a time.

Researchers have found that if children suffer from this condition around the age of two (when they are acquiring spoken language very rapidly) or around five (when they are beginning to learn the skills needed for reading), they are more likely to experience difficulties in learning to read. If they are dyslexic, these difficulties will certainly compound the problem.

Once these reasons have been ruled out, most experts would agree that there are signs even before children start school which indicate that they might be dyslexic. However, young children develop at different rates and it is important to remember this and allow for normal variation.

It is useful to question whether there is a history of reading or spelling difficulties in the family, although a family history does not mean that every child in the family will have dyslexia.

Parents who are concerned should also be aware of other problems that may arise. Some dyslexic children have difficulties finding the appropriate words to express themselves and may be slow to process information. Many such children may become isolated socially and find friendships difficult.

Other children may have motor difficulties. If they are generally clumsy or bad at sport they are often teased and excluded from playground games. Bullying can then be a problem.
It's always worth remembering that suitable help from a young age may prevent children from falling behind.
Other pointers are included in the checklists below.
Experts disagree about which are the most important. However, the following are generally accepted as causes of concern.

Pre-school.
Does your child:
have a relatively short attention span?

find it hard to remember nursery rhymes and rhyming words, like 'cat' and 'hat'?

find it difficult to do 'odd one out' games with words?

show little interest in words and letters even if he or she enjoys stories?

mix up directional words like 'up' and 'down', 'in' and 'out'?

have difficulty putting objects into a sequence, such as coloured beads?

jumble up letters or whole words in speech, such as saying 'beddy tear' for 'teddy bear'?

have difficulties with physical skills like catching, throwing and kicking a ball, skipping, hopping, jumping and balancing?

At primary school.

Watch out for a child who:
is doing much less well than expected
has marked and persistent difficulties with reading and spelling
enjoys the content of stories and information read to him or her, but when attempting to read, over-uses the content to 'guess' at words
writes letters and/or numbers the wrong way round
takes a long time to complete any written work
leaves letters out of words or puts them in the wrong order
has difficulty remembering times tables or the alphabet, or putting things like the days of the week in order
needs to use fingers or written marks to do simple calculations when other children are easily able to do them in their heads
confuses left and right
appears careless and inattentive
has unusual difficulties in dressing or tying shoe-laces.
At secondary school.
Is he or she:
still reading unusually slowly or inaccurately?
still having marked difficulties with spelling and legible handwriting?
confusing places, times and dates?
needing to have instructions and telephone numbers, etc, repeated?
finding great difficulty in planning work and writing essays?
taking much longer than other pupils over written assignments?
having problems with note taking?
producing disappointing results in exams?
working inconsistently with marked 'on' and 'off' days?

Eyesight Weakness

2007-12-19T20:06:00.000-08:00

Eyesight Weakness

Eyesight Weakness is a common problem of the day. Even tender aged school going children may also be seen using spectacles due to weak eyes. Heat and Weakness of brain is a main cause of weak eyesight. Longover and closely watching of TV., continuous reading in a powerful light, digestive disorder, unbalanced eating and living habits and deficiency of vitamin A in food are also responsible for weak eyesight. In maturity, excessive worry and consumption of alcohol also produce weakness of eyes. For averting weakness of eyes caused due to suppressed Common Cold or surplus heat in brain practice of Jala Neti is highly beneficial. Many cases of weak eyesight especially in children and young persons have responded well to Magnetotherapy. Palming and Jala Neti etc. gives considerable benefit. Pure honey if available may be used as part of the diet and also as eye drop.

Prevention of Eyesight Weakness

It is important to avoid quickly oxidizing foods like starches and sugars and to treat for the predisposing factors as a strong preventive measure.
People suffering from this disorder should avoid the above factors that unnecessarily strain the eyes and should perform eye exercises to improve their eyesight.

Home Remedies for Eyesight Weakness

Mix equal quantities of fenugreek seeds (methi dana) powder along with Shikakai powder for washing hair. Wash frequently.
Mix seeds of cardamom along with 1 tablespoon honey. Eat every day.
Drink carrot juice twice daily.
Boil 2 tablespoons fenugreek leaves along with ½ cup moong dal and 10 small onions and eat regularly.
Using drops of eyebright herb are also beneficial for the eye conditions.
Eating spinach will help in preventing various eye problems as it contains carotenoid.
Washing the eyes with cold water will give relief from strain and will soothe the eyes.

Milk Allergies in Babies

2007-12-19T20:02:00.000-08:00

Causes and symptoms

Causes

Allergies are caused by the immune system's reaction to a particular food. Usually, a child will have had a prior exposure before IgE or specific histamines are produced.

Food intolerance is often put into the same category as food allergy, even though there may be an entirely different mechanism involved. In these cases, the digestive tract reacts to a specific part of the food; for example, the protein or the sugar in a specific food. The digestive system rebels, resulting in gas, bloating, upset stomach, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting. Many times, these responses are due to eating food contaminated with bacteria, rather than a true food allergy. In other cases, the child's reaction is due to an underlying digestive disorder such as irritable bowel syndrome, which is a chronic condition that is often triggered by specific types of food.

Gluten intolerance is not an allergy. It is a disease called celiac disease, or gluten-sensitive enteropathy. The body cannot process gluten found in wheat and other grains. Though the immune system is involved, celiac disease does not behave as a true allergy. Its treatment is like many food allergies, namely avoidance of the offending substance, which in this case is gluten.

Some children may lack a specific enzyme needed to metabolize certain foods. About 10 percent of all adults and older children have lactose intolerance. There are two forms of lactose intolerance: inherited and acquired. The inherited form (autosomal recessive) is extremely rare and severe. The acquired type is very common, and occurs in older children (not infants) and adults. It is distressing, but not life-threatening, and occurs with increased frequency in African Americans. Sometimes infants, as well as older children and adults, have a transient lactose deficiency after an episode of diarrhea.
Children with lactose intolerance have a lactase deficiency that keeps them from processing milk and milk products. These children can often drink milk that has had this enzyme introduced into the product. Some children can drink milk that has acidiphilus bacteria put into it. This bacteria breaks down the lactose, or milk sugar, in the milk so that the child can tolerate it. Some children with lactose intolerance cannot drink whole milk, but can eat cheese or drink low-fat buttermilk in small quantities. This is different from a true milk allergy where even a small amount of any dairy product will produce a reaction.

Some children may also be intolerant of food colorings, additives, and preservatives. Among these are yellow dye number 5, which can cause hives; and monosodium glutamate, which produces flushing, headaches, and chest pain. Sulfites, another additive, have been found to cause asthmatic reactions and even anaphylactoid reactions. Sulfites are preservatives used in wines, maraschino cherries, seafood, and soft drinks. They are sometimes put on fresh fruits and lettuce to maintain their fresh appearance, on red meats to prevent brown discoloration, and even in prepared deli foods like crab salad. Sulfites appear on food labels as sodium sulfite, sodium bisulfite, potassium bisulfite, sulfur dioxide, and potassium metabisulfite. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has banned the use of sulfites as a preservative for fruits and vegetables, but they are still in use in some foods.

Symptoms

Food allergies and sensitivities can produce a wide range of symptoms involving the skin, respiratory system, and nervous system. Children may have watery eyes, runny noses, and sneezing.

Skin rashes or hives can range from measles-like rashes to itchy welts. The rashes or welts can appear on a specific part of the body or can be widespread. Some children have swelling of the eyes, lips, and/or tongue.
Symptoms vary among children, even those who are sensitive to the same food. One child's specific reaction to an offending food does not mean that all children react the same. Nut allergies and shellfish, however, seem to be the most documented triggers for anaphylaxis. Nevertheless, anaphylaxis is not limited to those foods. IgE-mediated allergic reactions can progress to other allergic symptoms. For example, a child who has had hives is at risk for angioedema (swelling of the blood vessels) and anaphylaxis.

Symptoms also vary in intensity and by the amount eaten. One child may have a mild rash on the forearms when eating half a dozen strawberries. Another may be covered with a rash after eating only one. This variation is individualized and is a factor in the body's sensitivity to the target food.

Although the time between ingestion and symptoms is somewhat variable for allergic reactions (IgE-mediated), the vast majority occur within minutes. Nearly all occur within two hours. Reactions due to intolerances, like lactose, may occur somewhat later. Symptoms occurring days after a food is ingested are not likely related to the food.

Treatment

The only treatment for IgE-mediated reactions to foods is avoidance. These reactions, as well as intolerances, are not responsive to desensitization. An epi-pen should be kept in the home for all IgE mediated food allergies and all inadvertent reactions should be treated.
It is not unusual for children to crave the very foods to which they are allergic. When the child is placed on an elimination diet, often the body will rebel at not being given the foods that cause it to react and will produce cravings for those foods.
Children are known to outgrow milk allergies in most cases, but—for safety purposes—reintroduction in a medical setting is advised. Egg allergy disappearance is not as high as it is for milk allergy. Sensitivities to wheat and soy are also outgrown. Allergies to peanuts, shellfish, and other foods that can produce anaphylaxis usually remain with the child throughout life.

Prevention

If both parents have food allergies, precautions should be taken to minimize the risk of the child having a food allergy, too. Before birth and while breastfeeding, the mother can limit the baby's exposure to allergens by not bingeing on foods known to cause allergies. Breast-feeding delays the onset of allergies, but does not avoid them. The secretory IgA in breast milk fights infection but is not shown to avoid absorption of allergies.

Solid foods are slowly introduced at four to six months of age. The first solid foods should be those that have shown the potential for not producing an allergic reaction, such as fruits (except citrus fruits and berries), vegetables, and rice. Early introduction of highly allergenic foods may predispose a child to reactions, but this is controversial. It is recommended that parents avoid feeding the child highly allergenic foods until three years of age, if possible. The list of highly allergenic foods includes nuts, peanuts, fish, shellfish, and eggs. Whole cow's milk—not cow's milk formula—should be avoided during the first year. Having the child eat a variety of foods will also keep the child from too much exposure to any one particular food family.

CHILDHOOD VACCINE

2007-12-18T04:11:00.000-08:00

CHILDHOOD VACCINE

What is a vaccine?

A vaccine is a medicine that's given to help prevent a disease. Vaccines help the body produce antibodies. These antibodies protect against the disease.

Vaccines not only help keep your child healthy, they help all children by stamping out serious childhood diseases.

Are vaccines safe?

Vaccines are generally quite safe. The protection provided by vaccines far outweighs the very small risk of serious problems. Vaccines have made many serious childhood diseases rare today. Talk to your family doctor if you have any questions.

Do vaccines have side effects?

Some vaccines may cause mild temporary side effects such as fever, or soreness or a lump under the skin where the shot was given. Your family doctor will talk to you about possible side effects with certain vaccines.
Vaccinations usually start when your child is 2 months old and most are finished by the time he or she is 6 years old.

Are there any reasons child should not be vaccinated?

In some special situations, children shouldn't be vaccinated. For example, some vaccines shouldn't be given to children who have certain types of cancer or certain diseases, or who are taking drugs that lower the body's ability to resist infection. The MMR vaccine shouldn't be given to children who have a serious allergy to eggs.

If your child has had a serious reaction to the first shot in a series of shots, your family doctor will probably talk with you about the pros and cons of giving him or her the rest of the shots in the series.

What is the flu vaccine?

The flu vaccine is a shot. Your child can't get the flu from the vaccine because it contains viruses that are dead. This vaccine is given at the beginning of the flu season, usually in October or November. Because flu viruses change from year to year, it is very important for your child to get the shot each year so that he or she will be protected.

The flu vaccine is safe for children 6 months of age and older. If your child is between 6 and 23 months of age, it's especially important for him or her to get the flu vaccine each year. Children in this age group are more likely to have complications from the flu.

What is the DTaP vaccine?

The DTaP vaccine is 3 vaccines in 1 shot. It protects against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis. It's given as a series of 5 shots.

Diphtheria is a disease that attacks the throat and heart. It can lead to heart failure and death. Tetanus is also called "lockjaw." It can lead to severe muscle spasms and death.

Pertussis (also called "whooping cough") causes severe coughing that makes it hard to breathe, eat and drink. It can lead to pneumonia, convulsions, brain damage and death.

Having your child immunized when he or she is young (which means making sure he or she gets all of the DTaP shots) protects your child against these diseases for about 10 years. After this time, your child will need booster shots.
What is the Td vaccine?
The Td vaccine is used as a booster to the DTaP vaccine. It helps prevent tetanus and diphtheria. It's given when your child is 11 years old or older and every 10 years throughout life.

What is the IPV vaccine?

The IPV (inactivated poliovirus) vaccine helps prevent polio. It's given 4 times as a shot. It has replaced the older oral polio vaccine.

Polio can cause muscle pain and paralysis of one or both legs or arms. It may also paralyze the muscles used to breathe and swallow. It can lead to death.

What is the MMR vaccine?

The MMR vaccine protects against the measles, mumps and rubella. It's given as 2 shots.

Measles causes fever, rash, cough, runny nose and watery eyes. It can also cause ear infections and pneumonia. Measles can also lead to more serious problems, such as brain swelling and even death.

Mumps causes fever, headache and painful swelling of one or both of the major saliva glands. Mumps can lead to meningitis (infection of the coverings of the brain and spinal cord) and, very rarely, to brain swelling. Rarely, it can cause the testicles of boys or men to swell, which can make them unable to have children.

Rubella is also called the German measles. It causes slight fever, a rash and swelling of the glands in the neck. Rubella can also cause brain swelling or a problem with bleeding.

If a pregnant woman catches rubella, it can cause her to lose her baby or have a baby who is blind or deaf, or has trouble learning.

Some people have suggested that the MMR vaccine causes autism. However, good research has shown that there is no link between autism and childhood vaccinations.

What is the Hib vaccine?

The Hib vaccine helps prevent Haemophilus influenza type b, a leading cause of serious illness in children. It can lead to meningitis, pneumonia and a severe throat infection that can cause choking. The Hib vaccine is given as a series of 3 or 4 shots.

What is the varicella vaccine?

The varicella vaccine helps prevent chickenpox. It is given to children once after they are 12 months old or to older children if they have never had chickenpox or been vaccinated. Booster shots may be given if found necessary by further research.

What is the HBV vaccine?

The HBV vaccine helps prevent hepatitis B virus (HBV), an infection of the liver that can lead to liver cancer and death. The vaccine is given as a series of 3 shots. The HBV vaccine and Hib vaccine can also be given together in the same shot.
What is the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine?
The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) protects against a type of bacteria that is a common cause of ear infections. This bacteria can also cause more serious illnesses, such as meningitis and bacteremia (infection in the blood stream). Infants and toddlers are given 4 doses of the vaccine. The vaccine may also be used in older children who are at risk for pneumococcal infection.

What is the meningococcal conjugate vaccine?

The meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4) protects against 4 strains ("types") of bacterial meningitis caused by the bacteria N. meningitidis. Bacterial meningitis is an infection of the fluid around the brain and spinal cord. It is a serious illness that can cause high fever, headache, stiff neck and confusion. It can also cause more serious complications, such as brain damage, hearing loss or blindness.

Children should get the MCV4 vaccine at 11 to 12 years of age. Children older than 12 who have not received the vaccine should receive it before starting high school.

Source: Health magzine:Child Vaccine-2007

FOLLOW A HEART HEALTHY DIET

2007-12-14T01:51:00.000-08:00

FOLLOW A HEART HEALTHY DIET

1. Rise and dine. men who ate breakfast every day were 44 percent less likely to be overweight and 41 percent less likely to develop insulin resistance, both risk factors for heart disease.
2. Refill the bowl. two servings of whole-grain cereal (Cheerios count) a day can reduce a man's risk of dying of heart disease by nearly 20 percent.
3. Choose dark chocolate. Cocoa contains flavonoids that thin the blood and keep it from clotting (like it does just before you clutch your chest and expire). And at least a third of the fat in chocolate is oleic acid, which is the same healthy, monounsaturated fat found in olive oil. Dove dark chocolate bars retain as many flavonoids as possible.
4. Go fishing for tuna. Omega-3 fats in tuna help strengthen heart muscle, lower blood pressure, and prevent clotting - as well as reduce levels of potentially deadly inflammation in the body. Plus, tuna's high in protein. Research shows that consuming more protein may lower a man's risk of heart disease by nearly 26 percent.
5. Add ground flaxseed to your food. It's a natural source of omega-3s, for those who don't like fish.
6. Grill a steak. You may think it's bad for your heart, but you'd be wrong. Beef contains immunity-boosting selenium as well as homocysteine- lowering B vitamins. And up to 50 percent of the fat is the heart-healthy monounsaturated variety.
7. Eat grapefruit. One a day can reduce arterial narrowing by 46 percent, lower your bad-cholesterol level by more than 10 percent, and help drop your blood pressure by more than 5 points.
8. They really are good for your heart. Beans are a great source of homocysteine- lowering folate and cholesterol- lowering soluble fiber. Tulane University researchers found that people who ate four or more servings a week had a 22 percent lower risk of developing heart disease (and 75 percent fewer camping companions) than less-than-once- a-week bean eaters.
10. Order garlic bread. In addition to lowering cholesterol and helping to fight off infection, eating garlic may help limit damage to your heart after a heart attack or heart surgery. Researchers in India found that animals who were fed garlic regularly had more heart-protecting antioxidants in their blood than animals who weren't.
11. Order take-out. Lots of Chinese and Indian foods contain ginger or turmeric - spices packed with natural anti-inflammatories . "Anything that helps keep levels of inflammation low is good for your heart,".
12. Swap sugar for honey. honey has powerful antioxidant qualities that help combat cardiovascular disease, while sugar consumption can lower your levels of HDL cholesterol, potentially increasing your risk of heart-related disorders.
13. Don't let your tank hit empty. people who eat six or more small meals a day have 5 percent lower cholesterol levels than those who eat one or two large meals. That's enough to shrink your risk of heart disease by 10 to 20 percent.
of folic acid: asparagus, broccoli, and fortified cereal.
14. Decaffeinate. Drinks that contain caffeine increase blood pressure by nearly 4 points, on top of speeding up your heart rate by an average of 2 beats per minute. It's enoug h to push a borderline heart problem into the danger zone.
15. Scramble an egg. They're relatively low in saturated fat, and they're packed with betaine, a compound that helps lower homocysteine levels in the blood by as much as 75 percent. Eggs are one of the few good food sources of betaine.
16. Order a chef's salad. Leafy greens and egg yolks are both good sources of lutein, a phytochemical that carries heart-disease- fighting antioxidants to your cells and tissues.

17. Have the red licorice. A compound in licorice root has been shown to spike blood pressure - especially in men who eat a lot of black licorice. Fruit-flavored licorice, however, doesn't contain the compound.
18. Take the Concord . compounds in Concord grapes help slow the formation of artery-clogging LDL cholesterol. The grapes also lower blood pressure by an average of 6 points if you drink just 12 ounces of their juice a day.

19. Snack on pumpkin seeds. One ounce of seeds contains more than a third of your recommended intake of magnesium. According to Mildred Seeling, M.D., author of The Magnesium Factor, magnesium deficiencies have been linked to most risk factors for heart disease, including high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, and the increased buildup of plaque in the arteries.
20. Feast on potassium. Slice a banana on your cereal, then bake a sweet potato or cook up some spinach for dinner. All are loaded with potassium. Studies show that not getting your daily 3,500 milligrams of potassium can set you up for high blood pressure. Other good sources of potassium include raisins, tomatoes, and papayas.
21. Beat the heat with a handful of cold grapes. University of Connecticut researchers recently discovered that fresh grapes provide cholesterol- lowering, artery-clearing protection similar to that you get from drinking concentrated grape juice or wine.
22. Toss your salad with olive oil. Men whose diets include as much as 2 ounces of olive oil a day have an 82 percent lower risk of having a fatal first heart attack than men who consume little or none. Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats - known to hinder the oxidation of LDL cholesterol into its artery-clogging form.
23. Change your oil. Researchers in India found that men who replaced the corn and vegetable oils in their kitchens with sesame-seed oil lowered their blood pressure by more than 30 points in just 60 days, without making any other changes in their diets.
24. Double the tomato sauce. The lycopene in tomatoes prevents the harmful buildup of cholesterol on artery walls. So double up the sauce on your pizza and pasta.
25. Use the rotisserie. Foods cooked at high temperatures produce blood compounds called advanced glycation end products, which researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital say reduce cell elasticity and increase heartdisease risk. Three fixes: Steam your vegetables, add marinade to your meat before grilling to keep it moist, and cook foods longer at lower temperatures.
26. Snack on nuts. Harvard researchers found that men who replaced 127 calories of carbohydrates - that's about 14 Baked Lays potato chips - with 1 ounce of nuts decreased their risk of heart disease by 30 percent.
27. Have a fiber appetizer. Take a fiber supplement - Metamucil, for instance - 15 minutes before each meal. It'll help slow the digestion of highly processed starches and sweets. Diets high in foods that quickly raise your blood sugar may increase heart-disease risk.

EXERCISE REGULARLY

1. Run indoors on hazy days. Researchers in Finland found that exercising outside on hot, hazy days when air pollution is at its worst can cut the supply of oxygen in the blood, making it more likely to clot.
2. Take up rowing. A study in the European Journal of Applied Physiology found that, compared with running, rowing uses more muscle and causes your heart to pump more blood through the body, resulting in greater overall gains in cardiovascular fitness.
3. Climb. Yale researchers found that men with insulin resistance - a risk factor for diabetes and heart disease - who exercised on a stairclimber for 45 minutes 4 days a week improved their sensitivity to insulin by 43 percent in 6 weeks.
4. Play hard. Any regular vigorous physical activity reduces your risk of cardiovascular disease, even if performed for only 5 to 10 minutes at a time, says John Yarnell, Ph.D., of Queen's University of Belfast , who authored a study on the subject.
45. Push yourself. Harvard researchers found that men who perceived themselves to be working out vigorously were 28 percent less likely to develop heart disease than guys who felt they were slacking. An intense run should be at 75 to 85 percent of your maximum heart rate. (Calculate your MHR by subtracting your age from 220.)
6. Dive in the pool. U.K. researchers found that men who burn just 50 calories a day in strenuous activities like swimming and hiking are 62 percent less likely to die of heart disease than men who burn nearly seven times as many calories - 340 per day - during less active pursuits like walking and golfing.
.
7. Bike away the blues. Men who are suffering from depression are more than twice as likely to develop heart disease as guys who aren't depressed. So c'mon, get happy. In a trial of 150 men and women, Duke researchers found that after just 3 months of treatment, antidepressants and exercise were equally effective at relieving almost all symptoms of depression.
8. Take the stairs. People who walked an extra 4,000 to 5,000 steps each day lowered their blood pressure by an average of 11 points, according to a small study at the University of Tennessee .

LEAD A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

1. Watch a scary movie. Anything that causes your heart to race - slasher flicks, a good book, even being in love - also makes your heart stronger, according to researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center . Upsetting the rhythm once in a while is like hitting your heart's reset button, which helps it keep on ticking.
2. Join a group. Any group. According to research from the University of Chicago , lonely people have a harder time dealing with stress and are at greater risk of heart disease than people with a wide circle of friends.
3. Tell your wife to butt out. Or you may leave her - in a hearse. Researchers in Greece found that individuals who were exposed to cigarette smoke for just 30 minutes three times a week had a 26 percent greater risk of developing heart disease than people who rarely encountered secondhand smoke.
4. Check for carbon monoxide. Almost all large household appliances, including furnaces, water heaters, washers, dryers, and fireplaces, can leak carbon monoxide into your home. Large levels of the gas can kill you in hours, but long-term exposure to tiny amounts can be just as lethal, promoting the formation of blood clots and increasing the risk of heart disease. So make sure vents are clear and appliances are properly ventilated, and install a carbon monoxide detector near your bedroom.
5. Wash your hands. German researchers followed 570 people for an average of 3 years and found that those with the most antibodies (from fighting off infections) in their systems also had the most significant clogging in the arteries of their hearts, necks, and legs. Use liquid soap. Germs can live on bars.
6. Ditch the fad diet. University of Michigan researchers found that people whose weight fluctuated wildly - as it tends to do when you adopt the whack-job-diet- of-the-month - had weaker hearts and worse bloodflow than people who lost weight more slowly but kept it off for good.
7. Pee in the bushes. After studying 40 people with heart disease, researchers at Taiwan University in China found that the stress of having a full bladder increases heart rate by an average of 9 beats per minute and constricts the flow of blood by 19 percent. Either could be eno ugh to trigger a heart attack, says study author Tsai Chang-Her, M.D.
8. Meditate 20 minutes a day. According to Thomas Jefferson University researchers, this daily downtime may reduce your anxiety and depression by more than 25 percent. And that's important, since a University of Florida study found that patients with coronary artery disease who had the most mental stress were three times more likely to die during the period of the study than those with the least stress.
9. Touch her. Ten minutes of skin-to-skin contact (hand-holding, hugs) with your mate can help keep your blood pressure and pulse from spiking during stressful times, according to University of North Carolina researchers.
10. Stop at 2 cups. people who drank roughly 4 cups of coffee a day had 11 percent higher levels of heart-damaging homocysteine in their blood than non-coffee drinkers.
11. Stop snoring. Half of all people with sleep apnea - a condition that occurs when people quit breathing for up to a minute at a time while sleeping - also have high blood pressure, caused by unusually high levels of the hormone aldosterone. Beat the apnea and the BP drops, too. Your doctor can prescribe a SleepStrip, an at-home sleep-apnea test.
12. Pair up. Married men are less likely to die of heart disease than bachelors. Toronto-based researchers studied 100 men and women with mild high blood pressure and found that after 3 years of marriage, the happily married men had healthier hearts than their unmarried brothers. Just choose your bride wisely, or your heart will be broken and sick.
13. Have more sex. You might think all that grunting and sweating would increase your risk of a stroke, but University of Bristol researchers say the opposite is actually true. Not only are men who have sex at least twice a week less likely to have a stroke than men who have sex less often, but all that steamy exercise may also help reduce their heart-disease risk by up to a third, compared with guys who aren't getting any.
14. Make friends at work. Researchers at St. Johns University studied 70 New York City traffic cops and found that men with the most work friends also had the lowest heart rates and healthiest blood-pressure levels, even during times of stress.
15. Read a good book. Swiss researchers found that men who recited poetry for half an hour a day lowered their heart rates significantly, reducing their stress levels and possibly their heart-disease risk. You don't need to go all Emily Dickinson; just try reading aloud to your wife or kids instead. Or to yourself. (But not on the subway.)
16. Rub. Massage helps relieve stress and reduce levels of inflammation- triggering chemicals in the skin, says Maria Hernandez-Reif, Ph.D., of the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami .

KNOW YOUR BLOOD INDICATORS
1. Measure BP after exercise. Ask your doctor to measure your blood pressure after a cardiac stress test. "The numbers will be higher, but studies show they'll also be a better indicator of your overall health," says Kerry Stewart, M.D., of Johns Hopkins University .
2. Know what's in your arteries. Results of a highly sensitive C-reactive protein blood test, together with your cholesterol numbers, can help give doctors a more accurate picture of your heart-disease risk. And an apo B measurement may be a more reliable indicator of heart disease than LDL cholesterol, according to a recent review of studies comparing the two.
3. Use the free blood-pressure test (wisely). Most of the free blood-pressure- monitoring machines found in pharmacies aren't 100 percent accurate. According to a Canadian study, the machines can be off by an average of 8 points systolic and 4 points diastolic per reading. Check your BP three times, then average the readings.
4. Get your BP under 120/80. If your blood pressure is high (more than 140/90), knocking 20 points off the top number (systolic BP, the pressure when your heart is contracting) and 10 points off the bottom number (diastolic BP, the pressure when your heart is between beats) can cut your risk of dying of heart disease in half.
Remember: Your heart will benefit more from a few long-term health improvements than from a flurry of activity followed by a return to the dangerous norm.

BAD ODOR

2007-12-12T22:51:00.000-08:00

Bad odor can be very unpleasant

Bad odour can be very unpleasant. It is difficult to detect and describe an odour. Some areas of the skin, such as the armpits and genitals, are more likely to produce bad odour because the sweat glands in these areas are slightly different. These glands produce proteins and oily substances that bacteria feed on. Some substances have stronger odours than others, only small amounts have to be present to make someone detect them. The smell of body odour may also be influenced by diet. Certain foods contain chemicals that may be excreted in the skin, such as curry, garlic and other strong spices. Bad odours can do more than simply give people memories of images or sounds. This is because our nasal organ is in direct contact with the system where our memory and our emotions are centred. Each person has a different odour, just like each person has a different fingerprint. To prevent the odours on a farm the air can be washed by means of an absor bent, which removes components that cause odour problems.

Bad odor of a person is dependant upon multiple factors like gender, genetics, health, diet, medication and many more. A person's odour can be linked indirectly to a person's unique genes. The genes of the immune system determine the composition of bacteria on a person's skin. Bad odour is individualistic and differs from person to person. Infact, it is often used for identification of a person by dogs. People who have a condition known as hyperhidrosis tend to sweat excessively, and therefore, they are more likely to develop a strong bad odor. Bad odour may then become a problem, especially if hygiene is poor. Treatment is simple - have regular baths or showers at least once a day. After puberty, an antiperspirant and deodorant is useful to reduce sweating but this is rarely needed for younger children.
Prevention of Bad odour
Avoid closed sweaty shoes such as trainers and wear fresh cotton socks or bare feet in open sandals as often as possible.
Avoiding very spicy foods may help.
Use a deodorant with aluminium or zinc. Either of these metals should kill odour-causing bacteria. Extremely heavy sweaters should use an antiperspirant/deodorant containing aluminium chloride.
During the summer season one needs to take bath at least two to three times a day.
Avoid chain-smoking and heavy drinking.

Home Remedies for Bad odour

Apply an absorbent powder such as baby powder to your underarms after bathing.

Tea made from Fenugreek (methi) seeds is also beneficial in bad odour.

Til oil gargling is good for jaws, depth of voice and good taste for food. By doing this type of gargling one never gets cracked lips, bad odour, sore throat and toothache.

Parsley is a great food to neutralizer. It's leaves are rich in chlorophyll, nature's own deodoriser.

Drink Water throughout the day.
You can also used 10 drops of the essential oil in 30 mm of water and apply on the underarms

WRINKLES

2007-12-12T22:40:00.000-08:00

Wrinkles appear on the face in the old age. It is natural. This is produced due to ageing. Taking care of the skin in the young age can prevent premature ageing.

Wrinkles appear in the skin when it becomes thin and looses its elasticity. The appearance of some wrinkles is due to aging, and is the most common skin problem for women. One of the first signs of wrinkles normally appears around the eye. As the time passes it appears on the cheeks and lips.

There are many factors that can contribute in the development of wrinkles some of which are: diet and nutrition, muscle tone, pollution, habitual facial expressions, chemicals, stress, improper skin care, and lifestyle habits such as smoking.

The most important factor is exposure to the sun, which is the worst enemy of the skin, because it dries the skin and leads to the generation of free radicals that can damage skin cells. Researches show that 90% of what we think, as signs of age are actually signs of overexposure to sunlight. Furthermore, approximately 70% of sun damage comes from everyday activities, as driving and walking to and from your car.

The ultraviolet-A rays that cause this enormous damage are present all day long in all seasons. These ultraviolet-A rays wear away the elasticity of the skin, causing wrinkling.

HOME REMEDIES FOR WRINKLES

Cucumber juice can be effective in alleviating age spot skin problems.

Fresh Papaya juice can remove dead and rough skin, and apple and pineapple juices can help to diminish fine lines, wrinkles and cracked skin.

Regular facial is very necessary to control wrinkles.

Massage increases blood circulation, which results in tightening of the muscles and tissues, thereby, reducing the fleshiness of the skin and restoring a young look.

Apply lemon juice few times a day to reduce the blemishes and age spots

Prepare a paste of turmeric powder with sugarcane juice and apply to the face to remove wrinkles and to prevent skin ageing.

Cut a Green Thompson seedless grape in half and gently crush it on your face at wrinkles (lines). Leave it on for 20 minutes and rinse with warm water and let it dry in natural air. This is very effective home remedy for wrinkles and they will disappear shortly.

Rub the core of pineapple on the face for a few minutes and leave for 10-15 minutes. This is excellent for fine wrinkles.

Apply juice of green pineapples and apples the face daily and leave for 10-15 minutes. This is excellent for fine wrinkles and cracked skin.

Apply pure castor oil to prevent wrinkles

Applying a good quality cream with a firm pressure with the fleshy tips of fingers. Do not apply pressure around eyes. Continue massage for 15 minutes.

For wrinkle treatment wipe off the face with wet cotton.

For fast removal of wrinkles, massage with your all the fingers of both the hands rapidly with rapid circular motion.

For wrinkles on jaw, pinch the skin between your thumb and fingers. Pinching is also good if you have double chin.

Massage coconut oil into the skin where wrinkles appear before bed.

Leave metal spoons overnight in the freezer. In the morning when you first wake up, apply the backs of spoons under the eye to reduce under-eye wrinkles. This also helps wi th under-eye circles.

Eat a spoonful of shredded ginger with some honey every morning for wrinkle cure.

Mix two tablespoons vodka, a tablespoon fennel seeds, and 2 teaspoons honey, and let sit for three days. Strain out the fennel seeds and use as a toner on the face.

Remove wrinkles from the face by simmering 1/2-cup rosemary leaves in 2 cups of water for about 30 minutes. Add 1/2 cup of brandy and leave on for 10-15 minutes.

Strain and wipe onto skin every morning and evening to preserve a face free of lines Wash face thoroughly and pat dry. This is also very effective home remedy for wrinkles

Eat a balanced diet including fruits, vegetables, whole grain foods, seeds, nuts and legumes.

Drink plenty of fluid every day. This help to keep the skin hydrated and to flush away toxins.

Avoid alcohol, caffeine and cigarettes; they dry the skin encouraging the development of wrinkles. Also the smoking habit uses the lips muscles hundreds of times a day, which contributes wrinkling.

Always protect your skin from the sun applying a sunscreen

Prick 3 capsules of vitamin E and drain into small bowl. Add 2 tsps plain yogurt, 1/2 tsp honey and 1/2 tsp. lemon juice. Apply to face with cotton ball. Leave on skin for about 10 minutes. Rinse.

For wrinkle cure apply egg yolk once in a week for 10 minutes.

Prepare a mixture of honey, olive oil and cream. Apply it on the face. It gives very good results.

Eye Allergies

2007-12-12T22:34:00.000-08:00

Eye Allergies

Eye allergies can vary from mild irritation of the conjunctiva - the membrane that covers the eyeball and extends to the inside of the eyelids - to severe conjunctival inflammation with corneal scarring.

'Hay fever eyes'
Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis is the eye equivalent of hay fever and affects up to 25 per cent of the general population. The eyes become itchy, watery and red in the summer pollen season - usually from exposure to grass and tree pollen.

The eyes are very sticky with a stringy discharge

A more severe form of this disease seen in children is vernal conjunctivitis where the symptoms are more intense. The eyes are very sticky with a stringy discharge and pain occurs especially when opening the eyes on waking. The eyelid inner membranes swell with the conjunctiva developing a cobblestone appearance, corneal damage may even occur if the condition is left untreated.

Perennial allergic conjunctivitis tends to occur all year round with house dust mite and cat allergy. The symptoms are usually milder than those in seasonal allergic conjunctivitis.

'Eczema eyes'
Atopic keratoconjunctivitis although rare is the most severe manifestation of allergic eye disease occurring predominantly in adult males. It is the eye equivalent of severe eczema. This persistent condition results in constant itching, dry eyes, blurred vision and is associated with corneal swelling and scarring. Eyelid eczema and infection are common and lens cataracts may develop over time.

Contact lens allergy
Contact lens wearers may develop giant papillary conjunctivitis triggered by the constant local irritation of the contact lenses on the conjunctival surfaces. The lining of the upper eyelid is usually most affected. Disposable contact lenses may help settle symptoms but occasionally contact lens wearing has to be suspended.

Never use steroid eyedrops unless under the direct supervision of a doctor. Steroid eyedrops although very effective for treating eye allergies can lead to unwanted side effects such as glaucoma, cataract formation and encourage infections of the eye with resultant corneal scarring.

What treatment can you get?
The treatment for allergic conjunctivitis involves the regular use of eyedrops. Anti-allergy eyedrops such as sodium chromoglycate, nedocromil sodium, olopatidine and lodoxamide help treat mild seasonal disease. Anti-histamine solutions such as levocabastine work for mild to moderate disease.

The oral anti-histamines - cetirizine, loratadine, mizolastine and fexofenadine - also help, especially when there is associated nasal allergy. In more severe eye allergies corticosteroid eyedrops occasionally have to be used, but this should be for short periods only

Feel Weakness? Try this tips

2007-12-12T22:27:00.000-08:00

Feel Weakness? Try this tips

By drinking carrot juice helps to get good strength in body. Those who always remains then carrot's juice is good for them.

Weakness is relieved by eating 3-4 ripe banana's after meal.

By drinking a cup of milk, adding in it 1 tsp of honey gives relief from weakness.

Boil fig in milk, then eat that fig and drink that milk to get strength in the body and to increase the blood.

Eat dates, drink warm milk on it in which ghee is mixed to cure weakness caused due to getting hurt or loss of excessive blood from the wound.

Everyday in the morning and at night while sleeping take equal quantities of sugar and sonamukhi powder and eat it to cure weakness.

By eating white onion roasted in pure ghee cures weaknesses related to body, lungs and total loss of semen.

Body weakness is relieved by drinking Sweet lime juice.

Fry 5 peshi dates in ghee, have it along with rice and take half hour sleep to gain strength and weight relieving weakness.

Boil 1 dry fig, 5-10 almonds and sugar in milk and then drink this milk to purify the blood, to relieve heat of the body and to increase the weight.

Boil milk adding in it almonds, pistachio, cardamom, saffron and sugar. By drinking this milk you get more strength.

By preparing Magaj, Mohanthal or maisoor and eating it daily cures all types of weaknesses and gives strength.

By eating soaked gram daily in the morning after chewing it properly makes the body strong and well-nourished. This remedy is cheaper and unfailing than the costlier medicines.

Weakness caused after waking up from the sickness is cured by eating onion roasted in ghee along with sheera. This also helps to recover the strength again.

Prepare a edible vegetable of tender fenugreek leaves. By eating this vegetable blood gets improved thereby giving strength.

Make 200 gms of powder from dry dates, add 25 gms of dry ginger powder in it and fill this mixture in a glass bottle. From it boil 5-10 gm powder in 200 gms of milk, add sugar as required in it. By drinking this milk everyday in the morning gives strength.

VARICOSE VEINS

2007-12-10T22:13:00.000-08:00

As the blood returns to the heart it passes through special thin walled vessels called veins. Unlike the tough strong arteries, these vessels are easily distended. One can demonstrate by pressing the finger on a vein on the back of hand and watching it swell as the blood builds up behind it. Blood flowing from the head and upper chest flows downward toward the heart. On the other hand, blood coming from the lower extremities must flow upward. To make this possible nature has provided valves in the veins so that the blood can flow only toward the heart, never in the other direction.

In human beings there are two sets of veins. The deeper veins are located within the muscles where they are given good support. But the veins on the surface just under the skin have little support and are easily damaged. These surface veins are often subject to inflammation or phlebitis.

In some people the veins in the legs are weak and may swell easily. Varicose veins, seems to run in families. Anything that increases the pressure in the pelvis or abdomen may slow the flow of blood back to the heart from the lower extremities. One frequent cause of varicose veins is pregnancy; other is obesity. Anything that increases the pressure within the veins of the legs and thighs may weaken or break down the little valves, so that the veins become enlarged and the blood does not finds its way back to the heart as it should.

Varicose veins are ugly, and sometimes they are dangerous. A blood clot forming within a greatly dilated vein may break off and travel to the heart and lungs. This serious condition, known as pulmonary embolism, may actually cause death. Serious hemorrhage may occur if a large varicose vein is torn open or cut. Some people have actually bleed to death, not knowing what to do in such emergency. Steady pressure over the bleeding point will usually control the bleeding. But one should avoid such a danger by having the veins properly treated.

People with varicose veins first note swelling along the course of the veins, followed by muscle cramps and a tired feeling in the legs behind the knees. In some cases the skin over the lower part of the leg may break down, forming a large, ugly ulcer, which is often painful, especially when thrombophlebitis develops in the leg.

To avoid further trouble one should not wear any elastic bands around the legs. Varicose ulcers need special care. The patient should rest in bed, with the legs elevated so that the heel is higher than the knee. Keeping the leg elevated will reduce the swelling by helping the blood return to the heart.

HOME REMEDIES FOR VARICOSE VEINS

Elastic support stockings are recommended for the people suffering from varicose veins. Support stockings help your leg muscles push blood upward by concentrating pressure near the ankles.
Mix 12 drops each of cypress and geranium essential oils in four ounces of carrier oil such as almond, soy or sunflower. Gently apply the mixture to the legs by stroking upward, in the direction of the heart. Don't massage directly on the veins. This is very useful home remedy for varicose veins.
Massage oil of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) gently into an affected area. It may help stimulate circulation by causing capillaries to dilate.
Oils of cypress and chamomile (Matticaria recutita) may soothe swelling and inflammation and help relieve pain.
Add whole grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables, to your diet as often as possible. Eat plenty of blackberries and cherries. They are rich in compounds that may prevent varicose veins or lessen the dis comfort they cause.
Vitamin A In the form of beta-carotene, 25,000 IU for skin integrity and to speed varicose ulcer healing.

Vitamin C and Bioflavonoids 1,000 to 5,000 milligrams of vitamin C and 100 to 1,000 milligrams of bioflavonoids in divided daily doses to increase circulation, promote the healing of sores, and strengthen vein walls to prevent dilation.

Sugar, salt, alcohol, fried foods, processed and refined foods, animal protein, cheeses, and ice cream should be avoided.
Horse chestnut can be used both internally and as an external application for problems of venous circulation, including varicose veins.
Butcher's broom tons veins while reducing inflammation.
Gotu Kola strengthens blood vessels and improves peripheral circulation.
Ginkgo (Ginkgo Biloba) strengthens blood vessels and improves peripheral circulation.
Hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata) strengthens blood vessels and improves peripheral circulation.
For varicose vein natural treatment, take 3 parts of Hawthorn berries, 2 parts of Yarrow 2 parts, 3 parts of Horsechestnut, 1 part of ginger and 2 parts of prickly ash bark. Mix all the ingredients. 3 parts
Ginger 1 part. Use two teaspoonfuls of the mixture. Infuse for fifteen minutes. Drink three times daily. This is also very useful home remedy for varicose veins.
Take two buckets tall enough to submerge the legs up to the knees. Fill one bucket with enough comfortably hot water to cover the lower legs and the other bucket with the same amount of cold water. Add 2 tablespoons of Epsom salts per quart of water or you can add aromatherapy oil to the water. Soak your feet and legs in the hot water for about three minutes, and then immerse them in the cold water for about 30 seconds. Repeat three times, finishing with the cold soak. Perform this treatment once a day for at least one month.
Drink eight ounces of fresh berry or pineapple juice, alone or diluted with another fruit juice, once or twice a day.
One or two glasses daily of fresh fruit or vegetable juices- especially any combination of apple, beet, carrot, celery, citrus, parsley, or pineapple-and dietary supplements may be helpful in preventing and treating varicosities.
Lying flat on the floor and resting the legs on a chair seat or straight up against a wall for 2 minutes drains blood from swollen veins.
Elevating the feet higher than the hips with a recliner or ottoman, and raising the foot of the bed a few inches, helps blood flow back to the heart from the legs.
Practice morning walk briskly or finish your day with a swim or bike ride.
Apply a cloth saturated with apple cider vinegar on the varicose veins for 30 minutes twice a day. Follow this with a drink of 2 teaspoons of the vinegar in a glass of water.
Prepare a mixture by adding 2 cups of chopped calendula flowers, leaves, and stems into an equal amount of melted lard. Let the mixture stand for 24 hours. Reheat and strain. Coat this over your varicose veins and let it stand overnight.
Steep crushed, fresh violet leaves and flowers or marigold flowers in boiling water. Apply compresses of the liquid.
Eat a few fresh marigold petals every day. This treatment is believed to shrink varicosities and nourish the veins.
Prepare a poul tice of bruised cabbage leaves, rotten apples, chopped brown onions, or a half-and-half blend of cod liver oil and raw honey. Apply this overnight. This is believed to heal varicose sores.
Add three tablespoons of sugar to one pint of warm water and two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. Take two ounces of this mixture everyday
Rub your legs with full- strength vinegar. Mix two tablespoons of vinegar with honey and drink it.
Periods of rest with your feet a few inches above your heart level let gravity work in your favor, helping pooled blood drain from your legs.
Avoid high heels in favor of flat shoes.
Avoid standing for long periods of time. This will reduce pressure on the valves in the veins in your legs.
While standing, get on your tiptoes by lifting your heels off the floor. Do this twenty times, relax for a few minutes, and then repeat.
Jump rope to strengthen the leg muscles and blood vessels. Begin slowly to build up tolerance; jump one minute per session and slowly build up to 5 minutes.
Take a teaspoon of Cayenne pepper in a cup of hot water three times a day. This will stop the pain in your legs and reduce the varicose veins by making the blood flow better.
For varicose vein treatment, make a blend of half cod liver oil and half raw honey, bandage, and leave on overnight.
Alternating 2 minute icy-cold and very hot soaks (with 2 tablespoons of epsom salts per quart of water) for ten minutes daily will stimulate circulation.
For varicose vein natural treatment, drink 3 cups of white oak bark tea daily.
The herb marigold is valuable in varicose veins. A compress of this herb should be applied externally in the treatment of this disease.
Do not wear tight clothes because they restrict blood flow.

TOOTHACHE

2007-12-10T22:12:00.000-08:00

A toothache is any pain or soreness within or around a tooth, indicating inflammation and possible infection. Generally a toothache happens if tooth decay penetrated the pulp chamber or is very close to it, which contains the nerves and tiny blood vessels.

An improper diet favors the development of tooth disease and other maladies of the mouth. Food particles lodged in the area may provide a suitable place for the growth of bacteria, and these in turn produce a local acid reaction which then attacks the surface of the tooth.

Once the enamel has been eroded away the body of the tooth is more easily damaged. Eventually inflammation develops in the pulp chamber of the tooth, resulting in the pain of tooth. At first the tooth may be merely sensitive to hot and cold substances in the mouth, or perhaps to pressure from biting. Later, as an abscess forms at the base of the tooth, the pain becomes more severe. It may be sharp, throbbing, shooting, or constant.

Some of the important causes of toothache are:

Inflammation of the tooth pulp.
Erosion exposure of sensitive dentine
Involvement of peridental membrane
Involvement of the periosteum of the jaw, traumatic, septic infection after tooth extraction
Occasionally malposition of delayed eruption of a tooth or inflammation of the gum or the antrum.

HOME REMEDIES FOR TOOTHACHE

Add a half tea spoon of salt to a glass of warm water and rinse your mouth with this solution every few hours as needed. This is very useful home remedy for toothache.
For toothache treatment apply an ice bag to the side of the face where the pain is felt.
If there is food debris in the cavity of the tooth, gently remove, and apply a small wad of cotton containing oil of cloves to reduce the pain.
Prepare a paste by mixing oil of cloves with a small quantity of zinc oxide powder. Use this paste to fill the cavity in the aching tooth. This will prevent the food materials from accumulating in the cavity.
Peel and crush a clove of fresh garlic and mix it with peanut butter. Apply it to the aching tooth and keep it there for some time.
Add some limejuice to asafetida (hing) powder. Soak a piece of cotton and hold it on the tooth and gum.
Burn some turmeric (haldi) sticks, make a fine powder and use as toothpowder.
Chew a ginger piece slowly with the aching tooth/teeth to release its juice and leave there for half an hour. Repeat 2-3 times. This is also very useful home remedy for toothache.
Drink the juice of 2-3 star fruit twice a day to get relief from the tooth pain.
Boil 5 gram of peppermint and a pinch of salt in 1 cup of water. Drink it to relieve toothache and other pains.
Pour a few drops of Vanilla extract on the paining tooth.
For toothache treatment pour a few drops oil of oregano on the paining tooth or gum.
Mix together fresh peanuts, shelled and crushed, and onion, peeled and crushed, to form a fine paste. The paste is smeared on one side of something, like a piece of bread. This is placed inside the mouth, pressed against the sore tooth. This is left for a few hours, and nothing is drunk or eaten etc.
Chewing raw onion for three minutes is sufficient to kill all the germs in the mouth. Placing a small piece of o nion on the bad tooth or gum often relieves toothache.
Vitamin C, is useful in maintaining the health of the teeth and other bones of the body. It prevents decay and loosening of the teeth, dental caries, toothache, and bleeding of the gums
The juice of wheat grass acts as an excellent mouthwash for tooth decay and cures toothaches.
Prepare a paste of the bark of bay berry with vinegar. This paste, applied on the affected tooth, will relieve the toothache.
Apply a mixture of a pinch of pepper powder and a quarter teaspoon of common salt on the affected tooth. Its daily use prevents dental cavities, foul breath, bleeding from the gums, painful gums, and toothaches
It is important to restrict one's sugar intake, and to ensure that the diet includes plenty of raw vegetables and whole-wheat bread. Whole foods are ideal for the teeth. Fibreless refined foods allow particles to accumulate on the teeth in a sticky mass where they can do great harm.
Prepa re a paste by adding two teaspoons of activated charcoal powder with just enough water. Apply it to a piece of gauze and place the gauze on the tooth. Bite down.
Boil 5-6 cloves and 2- inch bark of a Margosa tree (Neem) in 1 cup of water. Strain and bottle. Store this in the fridge. Smear this decoction on the affected tooth.
A wad of cotton wool soaked in brandy can be squeezed against a cavity to numb the pain of toothache

THYROID GLAND PROBLEMS

2007-12-10T22:07:00.000-08:00

Thyroid gland is a small mass of tissue present on either side of the trachea or windpipe. It is a very important structure that helps in the metabolism of the body.

When the basal metabolism is below normal, a person tends to be slow in his movements. He feels cold more and may have marked dryness of the skin, along with constipation and a tendency to put on weight. His hair is dry, thin, and coarse and the skin appears dry, scaly and thickened. There may be puffiness in the face, especially around the eyes. The tongue is usually large, the pulse is slow and regular, and the patient often complains of vague pains in the back and stiffness in the joints.

Hypothyroidism: It is a condition that results from the insufficient amount of thyroid hormone in the body. The trouble may also develop from pituitary deficiency, but is more likely due to some inborn error of the thyroid gland. The change usually comes gradually and involves the patient's personality and also his ability to think.

Hypothyroidism is seen in both sexes, but is more common in women. Most of these are overweight and may complain of heavy flow during menstruation. The heart is often enlarged, and there is high level of cholesterol in the blood stream.

Hyperthyroidism : It is also known as Grave's disease or thyrotoxicosis. It is a serious condition of the body, arising from too much activity of the thyroid gland. The increased amounts of thyroid hormone produced by the overactive gland will then raise the metabolic rate of the body.

It is mainly present in the age group of 20 –30 years of age. It is more frequent in males but is more dangerous in females. Violent emotions, fear, anger and grief are thought to be exciting causes. Prolonged lactation, or diarrhea, excessive mental work is predisposing causes. Other important causes may include heredity, traumatism, physical strain, mental overwork, toxemias, and dysfunction of the internal glands especially the adrenals.

As a result of the tachycardia myocardial degeneration may result. The orbital adipose is increased; also an increase of blood and lymph in the orbit. The enlargement of thyroid is due to marked dilatation of its blood vessels, especially the arteries.

"A peculiar disease combining three characteristic conditions namely: protrusion of the eyeballs, enlargement of the thyroid gland and functional disturbances of the heart. The neurotic symptoms are the early to appear. The tremors, which are involuntary and fine, may number from 425 to 500 per minute.

Palpitation of the heart, which accompanies the tachycardia, is at first light but increases rapidly, usually brought on and always aggravated by mental excitement. The heart beat runs from 100 to 160. Symptoms of neurasthenia may be present. Great excitability, mental depression and melancholia are frequent symptoms.

Exophatalamus varies in different patients. Immobility of the upper lid, a white line is noticeable above and below the cornea and marked dryness of the membrane is the important eye symptoms. Abnormalities of the optic nerve are rare. Ulcers of the cornea may also occasionally occur. The arteries of the retina may pulsate with the heartbeat.

The skin symptoms are: slight rise of temperature, sometimes profuse sweating, urticaria, pruritis, in advanced cases edema, especially of the ankles, frequent flushing of the face, epistaxis, vomiting and purging.

A patient with this disease is usually nervous, weak, sensitive to heat, sweats frequently, is overactive and often underweight, inspite of an increased appetite. The patient eats healthy but continues to lose weight because of the higher rate of metabolism in the body.

HOME REMEDIES FOR THYROID GLAND PROBLEMS

Kelp Sea Weed is an excellent antioxidant and contains iodine to assist thyroid function.
L-Tyrosine is an amino acid that helps increases plasma levels, helps with weight loss and is a crucial building block of thyroid hormone.
Spirulina is very useful for maintaning the over all health.
Take Vitamin B Complex. It improves cellular oxygenation and energy, and helps with digestion, immune and thyroid function.
Primrose Oil, is an essential fatty that is important for proper thyroid function.
Bladderwrack is high in iodine, which is beneficial for hypothyroidism.
Irish Moss nourishes the thyroid and is useful for thyroid gland problem.
Agnus Castus supports the pituitary gland and helps balance estrogen, which is known to interfere with normal thyroid function.
Black Cohosh helps balance estrogen levels and may be useful in thyroid conditions.
Siberian Ginseng helps the adrenal and thymus glands, which help support thyr oid health. This is very effective home remedy for thyroid gland.
Black walnut is rich in organic iodine and manganese that nourishes and strengthens thyroid function.
Mullein covers and protects tissues and reduces swelling in glands.
Calcium, iron, zinc, copper, manganese, neodynium, terbium, thullium are minerals and trace elements necessary for the good functioning of important metabolic reactions in the thyroid.
Take low calorie foods and it is important to cut down on cakes, biscuits, sweets and alcoholic drinks that are relatively high in calories, but low in nutrients.
Increase your physical activity.
Continue to be cheerful and enjoy your life.
Eat foods rich in vitamin A, such as yellow vegetables, eggs, carrots, and dark green vegetables for thyroid gland cure.
Iodine rich foods that nourish the thyroid are: fish and sea vegetables such as: arame, kelp, dulse, hijike, nori, wakame, and kombu. Seawee ds are very nourishing to the glands.

Health Tips about Blood Pressure

2007-12-10T21:57:00.000-08:00

Garlic: Garlic is very effective in lowering blood pressure.Take 2-3 raw garlic cloves a day. It slows down the pulse rate and relieves the symptoms of dizziness , numbness and shortness of breath and formation of gas within the digestive system.

Indian Gooseberry: Indian gooseberry is also very effective in controlling high blood pressure.

Lemon: Lemon is also very effective food in controlling high blood pressure.It helps in maintaining capillary fragility .

Grapefruit: Grapefruit is useful in preventing high blood pressure .

Watermelon: Watermelon also safeguards against high blood pressure.The seeds of watermelon also can be dried and roasted and taken in liberal amounts.

Rice: Rice is low-fat, low-cholesterol and low-salt content is very good for people suffering from high B.P. who have been advised salt-restricted diet.Particularly brown rice having calcium soothes and relaxes the nervous system and helps relieve High B.P symptoms.

Potato: Boiled potatoes are very valuable in lowering high B.P. Boiled potatoes absorb very little salt and thus are very useful.Potatoes are rich in Potassium and not sodium salts and magnesium present in potato is also beneficial.

Parsley: Parsley is very useful in high blood pressure.It helps maintain the blood vessels .Parsley can be taken as a beverage by simmering 20gms of fresh parsley leaves gently in 250 ml of water for a few minutes.Drink this several times a day.

Vegetable Juice: Raw vegetable juices, especially carrot and spinach juices, taken separately or in combination, are also beneficial in the treatment of high B.P If taken in combination, 300 ml of carrot juice and 200 ml of spinach juice should be mixed to make 500 ml and taken daily.If taken separately, one glass should be taken twice daily, morning and evening.

Cut down on these: Cut down on salt, cholesterol, fat, tea, coffee and alcohol intake to keep a tab on high blood pressure.

Don't repress your feelings: Don't repress your feelings, talk about them to friends and exercise regularly.

HOME REMEDIES FOR TEETH WHITENING

2007-12-07T05:02:00.001-08:00

Smile is one of the first things people notice about you. Yellow or brown teeth are not the best first impression you want to make. Teeth can become discolored for a number of reasons, the most common being tobacco, coffee, tea, berries, and the natural accumulation of tartar over time.

Other reasons for discoloration of teeth may be internal reasons such as by aging, injury, excessive fluoride, and by certain illnesses and medicines. Discoloration is natural over time.

Tooth whitening can have fantastic affects on your appearance, as well as giving your self-esteem a big boost. Tooth whitening is safe, convenient, and can change the overall appearance of your smile in a matter of hours.

In the adult there are thirty-two permanent teeth. The first of these, which grow in below, begin to come through when a child is six or seven years old. These permanent teeth usually replace the deciduous teeth. By the time a person is twenty-five he should have all his teeth. By the time a person is twenty-five he should have all his teeth. The condition of his teeth will largely depend on his diet, and on the kind of care he has given the teeth during his growing years.

Some teeth seem to be defective from the start owing to hereditary factors.

A clean mouth contributes toward an attractive personality and a happy disposition. An unsanitary mouth usually arises from years of neglect.

HOME REMEDIES FOR TEETH WHITENING

Take some foil and fold it to form to your teeth. Take a little toothpaste and baking soda and mix together really well. Put some of the mixture into the foil and place on your teeth. Leave on for one-hour everyday. Brush teeth normally afterwards. This is an effective home remedy for teeth whitening.
Brush your teeth with wood ash. It is good teeth whitener.
Mash some strawberries in a bowl and use this to brush your teeth, just as you use toothpaste. It whitens really well
Every time you brush, add baking soda to your toothpaste. Within 14 days your teeth will become visibly whiter
Good nutritious diet is very effective in maintaining the dental health. Eating fresh crunchy veggies and fruits such as: carrots, broccoli, celery, apples, strawberries, and cucumbers can help whiten your teeth.
Each time after brushing your teeth just gargle with a small capsule of peroxide, concentrating it on your teeth (don't swallow), and rinse thoughroly with water.
Another home remedy for teeth whitening is - Take your wet toothbrush, put baking soda on it, then put a dab of lemon juice on it (the baking soda will begin to fizz) brush your teeth with it. Rinse with water
Rub the inside of an orange peel on the teeth.
Prepare a paste by adding equal parts lemon juice and salt and apply to yellowing spots.
Make a paste by grinding dried bay leaves and dried orange peels and adding a little water. Use as a teeth whitener.
Rubbing the bark of walnut tree brightens the teeth.
For tooth whitening, brush your teeth properly and eat the right food to keep your teeth healthy.
It is also wise to note that eating sweet snacks between meals affect teeth more than eating sweet snacks with meals.
Brush your outer and inner surfaces at 45-degree angle. On chewing surfaces, hold the brush flat and brush back and forth. On inside surfaces of front teeth, tilt brush vertically and use gentle up and won strokes with toe of the brush.
Do not brush after every meal. It will affect the enamel.
Avoid sticky sweets like toffee or hard candies like mints. Try to rinse your mouth quickly after you drink anything with strong color such as coffee and red wine.
Chew a piece of sugarless gum after you've had your coffee or tea. This is also an effective home remedy for teeth whitening.
Avoid smoking.
Teeth should be properly brushed at least twice a day to maintain good dental health.
Brushing should be done in the direction in which they are growing; the upper teeth should be brushed downward, and the lower teeth should be brushed from below, upward.
Use a sweeping motion, being sure that the bristles reach the crevices between the teeth, thus helping to remove any food particles that may have lodged there.
Add a drop of clove oil to the toothpaste and brush.

DIET FOR HEALTHY PREGNANCY

2007-12-07T05:00:00.001-08:00

Healthy food choices for a pregnant women includes nuts, seeds, whole grains, beans, fruits and vegetables. Vegetable oils and foods that contain partially hydrogenated fats are better to avoid.

Essential fatty acids that are classified into omega-3s and omega-6s are much necessary for both mother and child. Pregnancy needs fatty acids, particularly omega-3s like docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Some scientific studies proved that low levels of omega-3 fatty acids cause post-partum depression.

Pregnancy depletes folic acid and its deficiency can cause birth defects. Leafy greens, nuts, seeds and beans are rich in folic acid. Extracted oils from seeds such as corn, soybeans, cottonseed, rapeseed and safflower are often converted to partially hydrogenated fats and added to foods. These fats can deplete the body of omega-3 fatty acids. So pregnant women should avoid them.

Below are some important pregnancy food recommendations
Take plenty of complex and unrefined carbohydrates because they contain important B vitamins, trace minerals and fiber that are necessary for a healthy pregnancy
Appropriate quantities of green and yellow leafy vegetables are necessary for the growth of baby and health of the mother
Dairy products contain calcium and help in the development of baby's teeth and bones
Avoid taking excessive amounts of fat during pregnancy. It adds excess pounds, which are harder to lose after birth of your baby
Vitamin C in necessary for healthy pregnancy, bone growth and various metabolic processes. Take berries, citrus fruits, raw broccoli and cabbage as they are rich in Vitamin C
< font color="#0000ff">An ideal pregnancy diet includes 3-4 servings of protein and meat, 2-4 servings of fruit, 6-11 servings of grains, 4-6 servings of dairy products, and 6-8 glasses of water, milk, and juice
Many women have various questions on what types of food are safe to eat during pregnancy. However, it is easy to discuss on what are the foods to be avoided during pregnancy rather discussing on the foods that are safe to eat.

You have to avoid certain types of food during pregnancy, because they may cause harm to the mother and also the baby developing within her. Here is the list of foods to be avoided during pregnancy.
Deli and Processed Sandwich Meats
These meats might get contaminated with Listeria, which is a potentially deadly bacteria that can cause miscarriage or even a stillbirth. Though listeria is relatively harmless to many people, it can threaten the life of your unborn baby. Pregnant women are generally more susceptible to listeria due to their lowered immune system. Before you eat deli meats, be sure to cook them until they are steaming hot. It will help kill any bacteria that might be present in the meats.

Raw Meats
Like deli meats, raw meats should also be avoided, because they also carry bacteria that is harmful for both the mother and baby.
Certain Types of Fish
Generally most fish are healthy for a pregnant woman. However, there are certain types of fish that contain high levels of mercury, the element that is harmful for unborn baby's brain. Consuming too much mercury during pregnancy time can result in various developmental problems and also may cause brain damage. The types of fish containing highest levels of mercury are: swordfish, shark, tuna, king mackerel, sea bass and tilefish.
Raw Eggs
Like raw meat, raw eggs also carry bacteria, particularly salmonella. Raw eggs are in a number of products including few forms of Caesar dressing, ice cream and mayonnaise. If you are uncertain about something you are eating contains raw eggs or not, its better avoid it unless you can find out for sure whether it is harmful or not.
Unpasteurized Soft Cheeses
Some imported chesses also may carry life-threatening Listeria, if they are not pasteurized. The common types of cheese that can carry Listeria include - certain forms of Brie, Feta, Camembert, Gorgonzola and Mexican cheeses like queso. However, if these cheeses are pasteurized they should be safe to consume.
Unpasteurized Milk or Juices
Any type unpasteurized milk product or juice has the potential to carry Listeria and other bacteria that are harmful for the mother and the baby during pregnancy.

Apart from the above-mentioned foods, a pregnant woman should also avoid alcohol during pregnancy. Till now the researchers did not find any safe amount of alcohol that can be consumed during pregnancy. Consuming alcohol can cause numerous fetal abnormalities and birth defects as well as developmental problems. Most importantly alcohol consumption should be avoided during breastfeeding, as it can pass through the breast milk.

Children’s cough? Try honey

2007-12-07T04:58:00.000-08:00

As winter comes, your child may catch a cold , such as cough, quite often. But don't reach out for the cough syrup. Instead, try honey

Chicago: A teaspoon of honey before bed seems to calm children's coughs and help them sleep better, according to a new study that relied on parents' reports of their children's symptoms.

The folk remedy did better than cough medicine or no treatment in a three-way comparison. Honey may work by coating and soothing an irritated throat, the study authors said.

"Many families are going to relate to these findings and say that grandma was right," said lead author Dr. Ian Paul of Pennsylvania State University's College of Medicine.

The research appears in December's Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine Federal health advisers have recently warned that over-the-counter cough and cold medicines shouldn't be used in children younger than 6, and manufacturers are taking some products for babies off the market.

Three pediatricians who read the study said they would tell parents seeking alternative remedies to try honey. They noted that honey should not be given to children under age 1 because of a rare but serious risk of botulism.

For the study, researchers recruited 105 children with upper respiratory infections from a clinic in Pennsylvania. Parents were given a paper bag with a dosing device inside. Some were empty. Some contained an age-appropriate dose of honey-flavored cough medicine containing dextromethorphan. And some contained a similar dose of honey.

The parents were asked about their children's sleep and cough symptoms, once before the bedtime treatment and once after. They rated the symptoms on a seven-point scale.

All of the children got better, but honey consistently scored best in parents' rating of their children's cough symptoms.

"Give them a little time and they'll get better," said Pat Jackson Allen, a professor at Yale University School of Nursing.

The study was funded by a grant from the National Honey Board, an industry-funded agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The agency had no influence over the study design, data or results, Paul said.

Dealing with the Angry Child

2007-12-07T04:55:00.000-08:00

Dealing with the Angry Child

Handling children's anger can be puzzling, draining, and distressing for adults. In fact, one of the major problems in dealing with anger in children is the angry feelings that are often stirred up in us. It has been said that we as parents, teachers, counselors, and administrators need to remind ourselves that we were not always taught how to deal with anger as a fact of life during our own childhood. We were led to believe that to be angry was to be bad, and we were often made to feel guilty for expressing anger.

It will be easier to deal with children's anger if we get rid of this notion. Our goal is not to repress or destroy angry feelings in children--or in ourselves--but rather to accept the feelings and to help channel and direct them to constructive ends. Parents and teachers must allow children to feel all their feelings. Adult skills can then be directed toward showing children acceptable ways of expressing their feelings. Strong feelings cannot be denied, and angry outbursts should not always be viewed as a sign of serious problems; they should be recognized and treated with respect.
To respond effectively to overly aggressive behavior in children we need to have some ideas about what may have triggered an outburst. Anger may be a defense to avoid painful feelings; it may be associated with failure, low self-esteem, and feelings of isolation; or it may be related to anxiety about situations over which the child has no control.

Angry defiance may also be associated with feelings of dependency, and anger may be associated with sadness and depression. In childhood, anger and sadness are very close to one another, and it is important to remember that much of what an adult experiences as sadness is expressed by a child as anger.

Before we look at specific ways to manage aggressive and angry outbursts, several points should be highlighted:

We should distinguish between anger and aggression. Anger is a temporary emotional state caused by frustration; aggression is often an attempt to hurt a person or to destroy property.

Anger and aggression do not have to be dirty words. In other words, in looking at aggressive behavior in children, we must be careful to distinguish between behavior that indicates emotional problems and behavior that is normal.

In dealing with angry children, our actions should be motivated by the need to protect and to reach, not by a desire to punish. Parents and teachers should show a child that they accept his or her feelings, while suggesting other ways to express the feelings. An adult might say, for example, "Let me tell you what some children would do in a situation like this..." It is not enough to tell children what behaviors we find unacceptable. We must teach them acceptable ways of coping. Also, ways must be found to communicate what we expect of them. Contrary to popular opinion, punishment is not the most effective way to communicate to children what we expect of them.
Responding to the Angry Child
Some of the following suggestions for dealing with the angry child were taken from The Aggressive Child by Fritz Redl and David Wineman. They should be considered helpful ideas and not be seen as a "bag of tricks."

Catch the child being good. Tell the child what behaviors please you. Respond to positive efforts and reinforce good behavior. An observing and sensitive parent will find countless opportunities during the day to make such comments as "I like the way you come in for dinner without being reminded"; "I appreciate your hanging up your clothes even though you were in a hurry to get out to play"; "You were really patient while I was on the phone"; "I'm glad you shared your snack with your sister"; "I like the way you're able to think of others"; and "Thank you for telling the truth about what really happened." Similarly, teachers can positively reinforce good behavior with statements like "I know it was difficult for you to wait your turn, and I'm pleased that you could do it"; "Thanks for sitting in your seat quietly"; "You were thoughtful in offering to help Johnny with his spelling"; "You worked hard on that project, and I admire your effort." Deliberately ignore inappropriate behavior that can be tolerated. This doesn't mean that you should ignore the child, just the behavior. The "ignoring" has to be planned and consistent. Even though this behavior may be tolerated, the child must recognize that it is inappropriate. Provide physical outlets and other alternatives. It is important for children to have opportunities for physical exercise and movement, both at home and at school. Manipulate the surroundings. Aggressive behavior can be encouraged by placing children in tough, tempting situations. We should try to plan the surroundings so that certain things are less apt to happen. Stop a "problem" activity and substitute, temporarily, a more desirable one. Sometimes rules and regulations, as well as physical space, may be too confining. Use closeness and touching. Move physically closer to the child to curb his or her angry impulse. Young children are often calmed by having an adult come close by and express interest in the child's activities. Children naturally try to involve adults in what they are doing, and the adult is often annoyed at being bothered. Very young children (and children who are emotionally deprived) seem to need much more adult involvement in their interests. A child about to use a toy or tool in a destructive way is sometimes easily stopped by an adult who expresses interest in having it shown to him. An outburst from an older child struggling with a difficult reading selection can be prevented by a caring adult who moves near the child to say, "Show me which words are giving you trouble." Be ready to show affection. Sometimes all that is needed for any angry child to regain control is a sudden hug or other impulsive show of affection. Children with serious emotional problems, however, may have trouble accepting affection. Ease tension through humor. Kidding the child out of a temper tantrum or outburst offers the child an opportunity to "save face." However, it is important to distinguish between face-saving humor and sarcasm, teasing, or ridicule. Appeal directly to the child. Tell him or her how you feel and ask for consideration. For example, a parent or a teacher may gain a child's cooperation by saying, "I know that noise you're making doesn't usually bother me, but today I've got a headache, so could you find something else you'd enjoy doing?" Explain situations. Help the child understand the cause of a stressed situation. We often fail to realize how easily young children can begin to react properly once they understand the cause of their frustration. Use physical restraint. Occasionally a child may lose control so completely that he has to be physically restrained or removed from the scene to prevent him from hurting himself or others. This may also "save face" for the child. Physical restraint or removal from the scene should not be viewed by the child as punishment but as a means of saying, "You can't do that." In such situations, an adult cannot afford to lose his or her temper and unfriendly remarks by other children should not be tolerated. Encourage children to see their strengths as well as their weaknesses. Help them to see that they can reach their goals. Use promises and rewards. Promises of future pleasure can be used both to start and to stop behavior. This approach should not be compared with bribery. We must know what the child likes--what brings him pleasure--and we must deliver on our promises. Say "NO!" Limits should be clearly explained and enforced. Children should be free to function within those limits. Tell the child that you accept his or her angry feelings, but offer other suggestions for expressing them. Teach children to put their angry feelings into words, rather than fists. Build a positive self-image. Encourage children to see themselves as valued and valuable people. Use punishment cautiously. There is a fine line between punishment that is hostile toward a child and punishment that is educational. Model appropriate behavior. Parents and teachers should be aware of the powerful influence of their actions on a child's or group's behavior. Teach children to express themselves verbally. Talking helps a child have control and thus reduces acting out behavior. Encourage the child to say, for example, "I don't like your taking my pencil. I don't feel like sharing just now."
The Role of Discipline
Good discipline includes creating an atmosphere of quiet firmness, clarity, and conscientiousness, while using reasoning. Bad discipline involves punishment which is unduly harsh and inappropriate, and it is often associated with verbal ridicule and attacks on the child's integrity.

As one fourth-grade teacher put it: "One of the most important goals we strive for as parents, educators, and mental health professionals is to help children develop respect for themselves and others." While arriving at this goal takes years of patient practice, it is a vital process in which parents, teachers, and all caring adults can play a crucial and exciting role. In order to accomplish this, we must see children as worthy human beings and be sincere in dealing with them.
Adapted from "The Aggressive Child" by Luleen S. Anderson, PhD,

A Vital Information about a Vital Organ

2007-12-07T04:48:00.000-08:00

Dear colleagues, I am working in Blore Software City ... I wanted to share an incident of my life with you, hoping that it may be an eye opener to you so that you can live more years.

On 27th October afternoon, I had severe heart attack symptom and I was rushed to the hospital.
After reaching to the hospital, the doctors prescribed a test called angiogram. This test is basically to identify blood flow of heart arteries. When they finished the test they found a 94% block in the main artery, please see the image below with red circle.

At this point, I wanted to share my living style, which has caused this block in my heart arteries. Please see the below points of my life style, if any of these points are part of your life style then you are at risk, please change yourselves.

1. I was not doing any physical exercise for more than 10 years , not even walking 30 minutes a day for years .
2. My food timings are 11:00 AM Breakfast or no Breakfast, 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM Lunch and dinner at 11:00 PM to 12:00 AM.
3. Sleeping in very odd timings, going to bed between 12:00 AM and 3:00 AM. Waking up at between 9:00 AM and 10:30AM ....... Some times spending sleepless nights.
4. I used to eat heavily because of long gaps between lunch and dinner and I used to make sure that Non-Veg is available most of the time, there were times when I did survey on city hotels to find delicious Non-Veg dishes. I was never interested in vegetable and healthier food.
5. Above all I was chain smoker from years.
6. My father passed away due to heart problems, and the doctors say the heart problems are usually genetic.

Once they identified the major block they have done immediately a procedure called angioplasty along with 2 Stints, mean they will insert a foreign body into the heart arteries and open the blocked area of arteries. Please see the below image after the procedure.

I learnt from the doctors that 60% people will die before reaching the hospital, 20% people will die in the process of recovering from heart attack and only 20% will survive . In my case, I was very lucky to be part of the last 20%.

Doctors instructions:
1. Need to have physical exercise for minimum of 45 minutes daily.
2. Eat your food at perfect timings , like how you eat during your school days. Eat in small quantities more times and have lot of vegetables and boiled food, try to avoid fry items and oily food. Fish is good than other non-vegetarian food.
3. Sleep for 8 hours a day, this count should complete before sun rising .
4. Genetic problems, we cannot avoid but we can get away from it by having regular checkups.
5. Find a way to get relived from the stress (Yoga, Meditation,Talk with ur frnds etc).

So I urge you all to please avoid getting into this situation, it is in your hands to turn the situation up side down, by just planning / changing your life style, by following simple points above. Because life is wealth and GOD gives you life only once. I pray to GOD that no one should face this situation. If you find it's useful you can forward this mail to your friends and loved ones.....

Sleep: Balance is the mantra

2007-12-05T20:23:00.000-08:00

Sleep: Balance is the mantra

That not getting enough sleep is bad for health, is well known. But now doctors say that too much of sleep is also harmful

London: Getting too much or too little sleep could be harmful for health, suggests a new study conducted in Britain.

Jane Ferrie of the University College London Medical School here examined 10,308 participants between 35-55 years of age and found that a decrease in sleep duration among participants sleeping only for six, seven or eight hours was associated with a 110 percent excess risk of cardiovascular mortality.

However, an increase in sleep duration among those sleeping for seven or eight hours was associated with a 110 percent excess risk of non-cardiovascular mortality.

On an average, most adults need seven to eight hours of sleep each night to feel alert and well rested.

"In terms of prevention, our findings also indicate that consistently sleeping seven or eight hours per night is optimal for health," Ferrie was quoted as saying by the science portal EurekAlert.

The research is the first to show that both a decrease and an increase in sleep duration are associated with an elevated risk of mortality by cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular means, respectively.

WEAKNESS

2007-12-03T20:08:00.001-08:00

Many diseases may cause general weakness. Anemia is the main cause of general weakness.

The patient complains of weakness, easy fatigue, and irritability. Other symptoms may include heartburn, flatulence, abdominal pains, soreness in the mouth, numbness and tingling in the extremities and palpitation of the heart.

The skin and mucous membranes are pale, the nails are brittle, and there are fissures or sores at the corners of the mouth.

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder affecting mainly girls or women, although boys or men can also suffer from it. It usually starts in the teenage years. On account of any mental depression or a fanciful idea (especially for reducing obesity), she takes less food than normal. The appetite gradually lessens.

Puberty, deaths in the family and other life stresses are all believed to be the main causes of anorexia. Self-induced weight loss includes fasting, low food intake, excessive exercise, diuretic medicines (medicines that make you urinate more) laxatives, diet pills or vomiting.

All the above causes can produce weakness.

HOME REMEDIES FOR WEAKNESS
Take 1 Cup beetroot juice, 1 cup of apple juice, mixed with either sugar or honey once a day to prevent anemia.
Take a ripe banana with 1 tbsp of honey 2 times a day for treatment of weakness.
A mixture of apple and tomato juice also helps to fight against the weakness.
Eating a lot of salad also helps to prevent anemia.
Honey is very good for an anemic person because it helps increase the hemoglobin in the blood. It is rich in iron, copper and manganese. rtant for the absorption of iron. It is recommended to take two any citrus fruits daily.
Beets are very important in the cure of anemia. Its juice contains potassium, phosphorus, calcium, sulphur, iodine, iron, copper, carbohydrates, protein, fat, and vitamins B1, B2, B6, C and P.
Drink peppermint tea to increase appetite.
Oranges stimulate the flow of digestive juices, thereby improving digestion and increasing appetite.
The juice of sour grapes is another effective home remedy for anorexia. The juice of these grapes should be used in kneading the flour before preparing chapattis. Chapattis made in this manner should be eaten continuously for two to three weeks.
About one teaspoon of the juice of lime should be mixed with an equal quantity of the juice of ginger. One gram of rock salt should be added to this mixture. It should then be placed in sunlight for three days. A teaspoon taken after each meal will tone up the digestive system and improve the appetite.
Apples help in digestion by stimulating the flow of pepsin, a protein-digesting enzyme, in the stomach.
Three or four cloves of raw garlic should be boiled in a cup of water. This soup can be reinforced with the juice of half a lemon and taken twice daily.
About five grams of ginger should be ground and licked with a little salt once a day for the treatment of weakness.
The application of an ice bag over the stomach for half an hour before meals, and a cool hipbath once or twice daily, will help in curing anorexia.
An early morning sunbath, taken one day, should be alternated with an early morning cool air bath the next day.
Supplements of vitamins and minerals should be taken to increase the appetite.
Drink lots of water by adding some water or salt to it. This is an effective home remedy for weakness.
Prepare a mixture by ading 1 Tbsp poppy seeds, 1 tsp edible gum, 1 tsp cardamom powder, 1/2 tsp nutmeg (jaiphal) powder, and2 tbs sugar, and grind to a powder. Take this powder every 2 hours.
Prepare a mixture by adding 1/2 tsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp ginger juice, and 1/4 tsp pepper powder and drink it. This is an effective home remedy for weakness.
Small, frequent feeds of energy-rich local foods familiar to the child should be given. A little vegetable oil can be added to foods such as millet or rice to increase the energy content.
Take yogurt, buttermilk, mint, apple, pomegranate, papaya, banana, carrot, potato, etc.

EYE Care Tips

2007-11-29T01:22:00.000-08:00

With so many of us spending lots of time in front of the computer every day it comes to no surprise that research is showing a rise in visual problems. What can one do? First, it’s important to find out how you can protect your eyes through eye health exams and by making a few minor changes in your computer viewing habits.

Here are some helpful Eye Care Tips -

Positioning is everything

Correct positioning of your computer, keyboard and typing copy is essential. Your screen should be positioned about an arm’s length from your eyes and 20 degrees below eye level. Consider foot and wrist rests for added comfort.

Lighting can make all the difference

Room lighting should be diffuse, not direct, to reduce glare and reflections from your screen. Look into an internal or external glare screen and be sure to set your colour, contrast and brightness levels to suit you.

A little extra help for your glasses

Anti-reflective coatings on the lenses of your glasses can be applied by your optometrist to reduce discomfort and to ease reduced vision from bright and/or flickering light sources such as VDTs and fluorescent lights. And don’t forget, your doctor of optometry can talk to you about eyeglasses designed specifically for people who use computers a lot.

Take time out, our 20-20-20 rule
Step I :-

After every 20 minutes of looking into the computer screen, turn your
head and try to look at any object placed at least 20 feet away. This
changes the focal length of your eyes, a must-do for the tired eyes.

Step II :-

Try and blink your eyes for 20 times in succession, to moisten them.

Step III :-

Time permitting of course, one should walk 20 paces after every 20 minutes
of sitting in one particular posture. Helps blood circulation for the entire body.

It’s all in the blinking

Did you know that on average we blink 12 times per minute? But wait, did you know that when we’re on the computer we only blink 5 times per minute? That can add up to dry eyes. Relieve the discomfort by using artificial tear drops or gels and remember to blink!

Palming

Sit straight at your workstation and rub your palms against each other till you feel them warm. The warmth of your palms helps soothe and relax tired eyes. Then, lightly cup your eyes with your palms and relax for 60 seconds. Count the seconds in your mind. Repeat this exercise two to three times whenever your eyes feel tired, or as often as you want. While palming, you can either rest your elbows on your desk or keep away from the desk and cup your eyes. Both ways are fine.

Splash water on your face

During breaks, splash water on your face while closing your eyes. This has an overall relaxing effect and helps you feel refreshed.

Use tea bags

Keep two used tea bags in the refrigerator before you leave for work. Once you are home, place the tea bags on your eyes for a few minutes as you relax. This not only soothes tired eyes, but also reduces puffiness.

Eat healthy

Incorporate Vitamins A, C, and E on a daily basis; eat citrus fruits, green leafy veggies, tomatoes, spinach, poultry and dairy products. Pack a box of chopped carrots, cucumber and fresh fruits and munch in-between meals at the office.

Smoking turns men Bald

2007-11-28T01:47:00.000-08:00

Asian men should kick the butt if they don't want their
locks to fall off, for a new study has stated that smoking might be
the cause of age-related hair loss among them.

According to doctors in Taipei, the risk for the condition is largely
genetic, however some environmental factors may also play a role.

"Androgenetic Alopecia, a hereditary androgen-dependent disorder, is
characterized by progressive thinning of the scalp hair defined by
various patterns," the authors wrote as background information in the
article.

"It is the most common type of hair loss in men", they added.

A survey was conducted among 740 Taiwanese men of age 40 to 91
(average age 65) in 2005, where at an in-person interview, information
was gathered from the men regarding their smoking habits.

They were also asked about other risk factors for their hair loss and
if they were suffering from Alopecia, and if so, at what age they
began losing their hair.

Using clinical classifications, their degree of hair loss was
assessed, height and weight were measured and blood samples were taken
for analysis.

It was found that men increased their risk of hair loss with advancing
age, but still had lower risk than the average white men.

"After controlling for age and family history, statistically
significant positive associations were noted between moderate or
severe Androgenetic Alopecia and smoking status, current cigarette
smoking of 20 cigarettes or more per day and smoking intensity," the
authors wrote.

They noted that the relationship between the two could be caused by a
number of means. Smoking may destroy hair follicles, damage the
papilla that circulate blood and hormones to stimulate hair growth or
increase production of the hormone estrogen, which may counter the
effects of androgen.

PSORIASIS

2007-11-27T00:02:00.001-08:00

This is characterized by formation of erythematous papules or patches with clear margins and covered with white scales, in different parts of the body without any constitutional disturbances.

Psoriasis is more common among young adults of either sex and occasionally a family history is present. This has a seasonal prevalence often appearing in winter and clearing up in summer. The course in chronic, very obstinate and tends to recur after an apparent cure. It disappears without leaving scars or pigmentation. It is not infectious.

The epithelial layer of the skin is thickened and intercappilary processes and papillae are elongated, the horny layer is defective and there is cellular infiltration between the horny cells and blood vessels.

The disease usually starts as a tiny erthymatous papule with thin scales on the top, which may not be visible to the naked eye, but on scraping the surface, dry silver white scales are demonstrated. As more silvery or miraculous scales are heaped up, it gradually enlarges centrifugally may be forming one continuous sheet. The size varies from that of pea to several inches. May be many, of the size of raindrops and bigger rings. Coming together form convulated figures. These may be in only localized patches involving the extensors or the flexures of the body.

The localized patches are usually on the tip of the elbows, over the patella; sometimes the lumbosacral region, calves, forearm and the scalp. The flexures are involved, these being in the axillae, sub mammary folds, umbilicus genitocrural folds and the intergluteal clefts. Sometimes the disease is more generalized and may be associated with constitutional disturbances.

The nails are characteristically pitted or striated with thick masses of scales underneath. Slight itching may be present in some cases. General health is not impaired.

Recent studies have shown that psoriasis involves abnormality in the mechanism in which the skin grows and replaces itself. The abnormality is related to the metabolism of amino acids, the nature's basic building blocks for the reproduction of cell tissues. Heredity also plays a role in the development of psoriasis, as it tends to occur in families. The factors that aggravate and precipitate the outbreak of these diseases are physical and emotional stress, infections, and use of certain medicines for the treatment of other diseases.

HOME REMEDIES FOR PSORIASIS

Take less spicy and easily digestible food in this disorder. More fruits, vegetable, fruit juices etc are very valuable for this. Bitter gourd, curd, boiled vegetables pumpkin these are good for this disease. All animal fats, eggs, processed canned foods should be avoided.
Keep the bowels clean. Keep your towel, clothes separate and clean.
Apple cider vinegar (which apparently helps to re-establish the balance of the PH) -- put it on with a towel on your head for about 1/2 hour to an hour, then wash it out with an herbal shampoo for dry scalp that has natural oils (jojoba, olive, etc) and no sodium laurel sulfate. At night, rub aloe vera and jojoba oil into the scalp and sleep in it overnight to let it soak in. This is very useful home remedy for paoriasis.
Take cod liver oil, lecithin, linseed oil, vitamin E, and zinc to fasten the healing process.
For psoriasis treatment apply aloe vera gel, garlic oil, and comfrey and goldenseal tea.
Take chickweed, dandelion, red clover, redmond clay, and yellow dock for symptom relief.
Milk Thistle is a great system cleanser that works wonders for psoriasis.
Keep the skin hydrated. Apply emollients frequently, especially immediately after bathing while the skin is still wet.
Sunlight has always been a popular psoriasis home remedy.
Reducing stress in life can reduce the frequency and severity of outbreaks of psoriasis.
Put in the bowl the oak bark and walnut, and mix together. Throw 25 grams of this mixture in 1/4 liter of water and bring to a boil. Take out after one minute. Add 30 grams of ground clove and let boil for 30 minutes. Filter the mixture that you get. Apply the preparation while it is warm with a compress, and apply on the affected part for 30 minutes. For best results repeat this process 3 or 4 times per day. This is also very useful home remedy for paoriasis.
Cabbage leaves have been successfully used in the form of compresses in the treatment of psoriasis. They should be thoroughly washed in warm water and dried with a towel. The leaves should be flattened, softened and smoothed out by rolling them with a rolling pin after removing the thick veins. They should he warmed and then applied smoothly to the affected part in an overlapping manner. A pad of soft woolen cloth should be put over them. Then secure it with an elastic bandage.
Bitter gourd is a valuable home remedy for psoriasis. A cup of fresh juice of this vegetable, mixed with a teaspoon of limejuice, should be taken sip by sip, on an empty stomach daily for four to six months
The oil of avocado has been found beneficial in the treatment of this disease. It should be applied gently to the affected parts
The oil extracted from the outer shell of the cashew nut is acrid and rubefacient. It can be applied on the affected area to get good results.
The use of curd in the form of buttermilk has proved useful in psoriasis and the patient should drink it in liberal quantities. The application of buttermilk compresses over the affected parts will also be helpful in treating this condition
Lecithin is also considered a remarkable remedy for psoriasis. The patient may take six to nine lecithin capsules a day-two or three capsules before or after each meal. If taken in the form of granules, four tablespoonfuls may be taken daily for two months. The dosage may be reduced thereafter to two tablespoons

For psoriasis treatment a well-balanced diet consisting of seeds, nuts, grains, vegetables, and fruits should be taken.
Hot Epsom salts baths also prove valuable in psoriasis. After an Epsom salts bath, a little olive oil may be applied.

RINGWORM

2007-11-27T00:01:00.001-08:00

Ringworm most commonly occurs in children, and may be seen on the trunk, extremities, or scalp. It is highly contagious and easily spreads from one child to another. The skin appears red with a slightly raised border, and the lesions seem to continually expand.

Athlete's foot is a form of ringworm of the feet. It is particularly common in warmer climates, and in individuals whose feet are constantly wet because of excessive sweating. When the disease is present over a long period of time, the toenails may become thickened.

Ringworm infection occurs in the scalp, the body, the feet, and the nails. Ringworm of the scalp is common among children because of the lack of protective fatty acids in their scalp. The disease spreads on the skin and extends deeper into the hair roots, and also up along the hair. The affected hair becomes dull and breaks off near its root. This leaves bald spots on the scalp

Ringworm is an infectious disease. It spreads from the affected person the person who comes in contact. It can also spread through the articles used by the affected person.

HOME REMEDIES FOR RINGWORM

Apply on the entire infected area with nail polish, any kind works but preferably use clear.
Cut a lime and dip the inside part in salt and scrub the infected area (tingles a little) after that rinse the infected area with water.
Soak cotton ball with hydrogen peroxide (the brown bottle) and rub affected area vigorously. Apply Neosporin right after cleaning. Put a spoon in the freezer for about a day then put it to the spots.
Raw papaya is one of the most effective home remedies for ringworm. The slices of this fruit should be rubbed on the ringworm patches. A paste can also be prepared from dried papaya and can be applied on the affected areas.
Another home remedy for ringworm is mustard seeds. A paste should be prepared from these seeds and applied externally over the ringworm patches after thoroughly washing the skin with hot water.
The seeds of the herb butea are very effective in ringworm. A paste should be prepared of the seeds and mixed with a little limejuice. This paste should be applied externally over the skin affected by ringworm
The leaves of the cassia tree are useful in treating the irritation of the skin and in decreasing swellings and pains. The juice of these leaves or a paste made from them can be applied to ringworm patches with very good results
The leaves of holy basil (Tulsi) are also useful in ringworm treatment. The juice of these leaves should be extracted and applied over ringworm patches
Turmeric is very effective in the treatment of ringworm. The juice of raw turmeric should be applied externally to the parts of the skin affected by ringworm. Simultaneously, one teaspoon of turmeric juice mixed with an equal quantity of honey should be taken orally
Raw vegetable juices, especially carrot juice in addition with spinach juice, have proved very effective in the ringworm treatment.
The patient should take a well-balanced diet with emphasis on seeds, nuts, wholegrain cereals, raw or lightly cooked vegetables, and fresh fruits.
The patient should avoid tea, coffee, all condiments and highly flavored dishes, as well as sugar, white flour products, and tinned or bottled foods

Coconut oil may be applied to the parts with ringworm spots. It will make the skin soft.
Sunbathing is also beneficial and should be resorted to early in the morning, at the first light of dawn.
A light mudpack applied over the areas of the ringworm is also helpful. The pack should be applied for half an hour, twice daily and this is very useful home remedy for ringworm.
Fresh air is very necessary for the patient. He should drink plenty of water, and take bath twice daily.
Black walnut has a long tradition of being used for skin problems from ringworm to psoriasis. The hulls are rich in tannins and also contain a compound called juglone that has antimicrobial and antifungal activity. Therefore black walnut is also very helpful in eczema. this is also very useful home remedy for ringworm.
The skin, with the exception of the part affected with ringworm, should be vigorously rubbed with the palms of the hands before taking a bath.
Avoid sharing of personal items, such as hair care articles, towels and clothing

RHEUMATISM

2007-11-26T23:58:00.000-08:00

Rheumatism is an inflammatory condition that mainly affects the children and young people in their teens. It is considered to be an allergic condition that mainly attacks the connective tissues of the body, causing joint pains and St. Vitus' dance due to central nervous irritation and skin lesions. The most serious damage that this disease brings is the damage to the valves of the heart. Certain streptococcus germs present in the throat are sometimes responsible.

The important causes of Rheumatism are:

An infective lesion, especially tonsillitis.
Endemic and epidemic influences.
Hereditary influences.
It occurs mostly in cities of the temperate latitudes.
Age 15 to 35; sex, more frequently in men than in women, and worse in February, March and April.
Overcrowding, malnutrition, and dampness often play some part.
Small outbreaks of rheumatic fever may occur in army barracks.
It usually strikes first in childhood, around eight years of age. The child comes down with a sore throat or cold, followed by an attack of tonsillitis or perhaps scarlet fever. While the patient is recovering, his one or two larger joints become red, swollen, and tender to the touch. There is also soreness in the muscles and tendons, as well as lack of appetite and a feeling of weakness. Tender nodules may appear on the skin, particularly over the joints, such as the elbows. Bleeding from the nose is common in rheumatic fever.

Pains in the chest mean that the inflammation has reached the pericardium and the heart muscle. The child may develop pneumonia, pleurisy and even abdominal pain resembling acute appendicitis. The patient may become fidgety resembling St. Vitus dance. This is more common in girls but also occur in boys. Hand movements may be rapid, jerky, and irregular and the patient has a tendency to drop things from hands. There may be muscle weakness and even some difficulty in chewing and swallowing, particularly in young girls.

In some children the disease may be of a low grade. He is easily fatigued and may not gain weight, as he should. The pulse rate may be rapid and low-grade fever may be present continuing for long periods of time. The child may complain of growing pains. This means an aching pain in the muscles and joints, and in the heart.

Many cases of the disease have no specific lesions. In few cases the synovial membrane of the affected joints are swollen and have some fibrin upon three surfaces. The serous effusion about the joint has been found sterile with few exceptions, but contains fibrin and in most cases leukocytes. The sheets of the tendons may become inflamed, the cartilages eroded and occasionally pus may be found in the exudates. Serious complications such as pericarditis, endocarditis and myocarditis may be present

General symptoms such as malaise, angina, temperature, laryngitis etc are present. Swelling of the synovial membrane of the various joints, which are tender, red and sore are present. Pain is the most important symptoms, which may be migrating, from one joint to the, from one side of the body to the other.

Cardiac complications usually come suddenly and without warning. The increase of temperature, the palpitation, the dsypnoea, the soreness and pain may be slight. Endocarditis is present in 27 to 35 percent of cases and it comes during the first ten or twelve days of the disease. The disease weakens the muscular walls and dilates the ventricles, especially the left.

A profuse, sour smelling perspiration is also an important symptom. Erythema nodosum, urticaria haemorrhagica and ecchymoses may also occur. Subcutaneous nodules, which are small, painless, firm movable, usually attached to the fascia are also present. They usually appear about the fingers, wrists, patella, ankle and elbow. They are composed of round and spindle shaped cells. They change their place from one joint to the other.

Restlessness, insomnia, delirium, melancholia, convulsions, meningitis and coma may be present. Chorea both accompanies and follows the disease, especially in children.

The urine is scanty and dark red. Urates are deposited after the urine stands for a short time. The chlorides are decreased, sometimes absent.

HOME REMEDIES FOR RHEUMATISM

To get relief from pain and inflammation soak in a hot bath a little rosemary.
To reduce the soreness take willow and wintergreen.
Massage garlic oil, lobelia, or comfrey, hops, or horseradish tea into sore areas to get relief from pain and inflammation.
Take calcium, magnesium, and vitamins C and E to promote healing.
Take alfalfa, chaparral, and parsley in capsule form to reduce inflammation and cleanse the body of deposits.
Drink red raspberry tea to fasten the healing process.
To get relief take a tablespoon of fruit pectin in a small glass of cranberry juice every morning.
For rheumatism treatment, 0avoid sugar, white flour, macaroni, pie, cake, and sweet drinks from diet.
Prepare a drink by adding four raw finely sliced beets soaked in a quart of berry wine for one day. Drink one small glass before meals, three times a day.
Dissolve 4 teaspoons of blackstrap molasses in one quart of cranberry juice and drink one glass everyday.
Dissolve100 aspirins in a pint of rubbing alcohol to get relief from sore joints.
Take equal parts of Epsom salts, cream of tartar and ground rhubarb root, mixes, fills gelatin capsules, and takes one after each meal.
Take two parts pure olive oil and one part kerosene. Take a bath with this oil.
Add one-tablespoon cod liver oil to the juice of one orange, whip and drink before going to bed.
For cure for rheumatism, rub the aching joints with hot vinegar before going to bed.
Take 2 tablespoons mullein, 3 of granulated slippery elm bark, one of lobelia, 1-teaspoon cayenne. Mix thoroughly. Use boiling water to make paste. Spread on cloth and place on swollen joints.
Take two teaspoons apple cider vinegar and 2 teaspoons of honey. Dissolve in a small glass of warm water. Take once or twice a day to get relief.
Steep six ounces of sassafras root in fifth of whiskey for 24 hours. Take one tablespoon three times a day before meals.
Another very effective home remedy for rheumatism is - Steep 1-cup alfalfa seed in 1/2 gallon boiling water for 20 minutes. Strain, put in jar, and take small glassful three times a day.
Mix camphor, methyl salicylate. eucalyptus oil and menthol to make a rubbing mixture for aches and pains.
Mix fresh carrot juice with equal parts of lemon juice. Take one large spoonful everyday.
Drinking sarsaparilla tea is also good for joint pains.
Take one tablespoon of fresh limejuice in two tablespoons of water nights and mornings.
Prepare a mixture by adding 1 oz. of oil of wintergreen, 3 oz. chloroform, and 12 oz. of rubbing alcohol.
After heat treatment, rub down the sore sports with a mixture of 1/2 cup of wintergreen mixed with 1-1/2 cups camphor and soap liniment.
Mix equal parts of the following herbs: black cohosh, gentian root, angelica, Colombo, scull cap, valerian, rue and buckthorn bark, and take one heaping teaspoon in a cup of boiling water. Let steep, and drink three 1/2 cups per day.
Drink plenty of water to keep the body clean. Keep an optimistic outlook. Avoid depressive thoughts and nervous tension. A healthy body and mind resist diseases.
Sunshine, sunbaths, and deep breathing of fresh air are very important for rheumatism treatment.
Eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits, but exercise moderation when eating highly acid fruits.
Avoid cocktails, coffee, and tea. Drink plenty of fresh water instead. Select wholesome foods, eat slowly and chew thoroughly.
Moderation in eating, avoiding overweight, and thorough elimination are excellent prevention practices.
Good living habits, an optimistic attitude, avoiding tension, strain, and stress are good preventative practices.
Cooked apricots without sugar are very helpful in curing the affected joints.
Eating too much meat, which contains uric acid, is very bad for joints.
Avoid fat foods, fried foods, pork, uric acid, starches, sugar, sweets, carbonated drinks, salt, pepper, spices, hot sausage, hot peppers, pickled meats, alcohol and strong acid drinks. Use acid fruits moderately.
Get plenty of rest, have the right kind of posture mattress, cover with warm comfortable blankets, get plenty of fresh air and sunshine. Take deep breathing exercises and walk often for exercise and good health.
Cod liver oil is the best old time remedy for joints.
Take 3 wild cherry roots, 3 burdock roots, 3 Oregon grape roots, wash them, chops, covers with a gallon of water, simmers for 30 minutes, strains liquid into bottle and take a half glass every morning before breakfast. This is very effective home remedy for rheumatism.
A good rub is made from 2 oz. each of eucalyptus oil, oil of wintergreen, rubbing alcohol and witch hazel. Mix, shake, and rub on affected joints.
Drinking 2 tblspns of raw Potato juice before meals to get relief.
5-6 Walnuts can be eaten daily. Take care to chew the Walnuts really well.
Make a powder of Celery seeds (Ajwain). Add 1 tspn to a cup of hot water and drink before meals.
The juice of raw potato is regarded as excellent remedy fur rheumatism. One or two teaspoons of the juice, taken out by pressing mashed raw potatoes, should be taken before meals.
Wash thirty grams of the potato peelings and boil in half a litre of water till it is reduced to half. The decoction should then be strained and a glass of the same should be taken three or four times daily.
Bitter gourd is considered beneficial in the treatment of rheumatism. A cup of juice, extracted from the vegetable, should be mixed with a teaspoon of honey, and taken daily for treating this condition.
Celery is another effective remedy for rheumatism. A fluidextract of the seeds is more powerful than the raw vegetable.
Lemons are very effective in the treatment of rheumatism. The patient should take the juice of two or three lemons each day. This will bring good results
The herb rhubarb has been found valuable in rheumatism. The green stalks of this herb should be pounded with an equal quantity of sugar. A teaspoonful should be taken three or four times a day.
Take 3 oranges, 3 lemons, 3 grapefruit, 3 teaspoons cream of tartar, 1 tablespoon, and Epsom salt, 1-quart boiling water. Cut the fruit up and let stand in a large jar for 24 hours. Add cream of tartar, Epsom salt, and boiling water, then let stand for another 24 hours. Squeeze the mixture with your hands. Press through a coarse sieve. Take a wine glass full before each meal. This is very effective home remedy for rheumatism

MOLES

2007-11-26T23:57:00.000-08:00

Moles are small-pigmented tumors, consisting of clusters of nevus cells containing melanin, a pigment of the skin. Moles vary in color; some being yellow or brown and others are purple and black. They may be large or small, flat or raised, smooth, hairy, and some even have the appearance of warts. A few moles may be present at birth and are known as birthmarks. Occasionally a mole may become malignant, a condition known as melanoma, a particular dangerous form of skin cancer.

Ordinary moles are usually benign and the chance of their developing into malignant tumors is very less. But a special kind of mole called a junction nevus may appear like any other mole, and yet it can become highly malignant. Any mole that is growing rapidly and turning a darker color may be malignant and should be removed.

Generally malignant melanomas are more likely to develop in the legs. Moles that are constantly subjected to irritation as from belts or tight bands are always more likely to undergo malignant change. Such moles should be removed. As a rule, if there is hair growing out of the mole, it is not likely to be malignant.

People who have fair skin have greater effect of the sun on the skin. These individuals are more sensitive to sunburn as well as changes in moles, so it is very necessary for the use of protective sunscreen lotions. Moles may be pigmented or non-pigmented. If pigmented, color may vary from light tan to black. A mole that is blackish in color, and especially if elevated and rough in appearance, may be a melanoma.

HOME REMEDIES FOR MOLES

Prepare a paste of baking soda and castor oil. Soak some gauze in this mixture and tape this gauze over the mole. Leave the gauze on overnight. This will possibly remove moles over time.
The real cure (and prevention) for the moles is to eat enough foods that contain potassium or take apple cider vinegar that contain potassium.
Take a small piece of garlic; place it over the mole, scraping the flat side of the garlic that touches the mole so the juice can get onto it. Keep this for the whole day and night. Within two to three days, the mole will disappear.
Rub some iodine on the mole at night for two three days. This is an effective remedy for the moles.
Take some Ground drumstick pods and leaves and mix with fresh limejuice, and apply on pimples . This is also good for blackheads and dark spots.
Make a paste of roasted & powdered pomegranate skin with fresh lime juice and apply over acne, boils, pimple, blackheads and whiteheads.
Apply grated potatoes as poultice to treat skin blemishes, wrinkles, boils, pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, etc.
Take a piece of ripe (or raw) banana peel and apply the pulp side to the wart and cover with a band-aid. Remove it only when taking bath. Apply daily for many months. This is very effective home remedy for moles.
For old moles, chew some cashews and place it on the moles. Moles will disappear in 3-4 weeks.
Open the stem of a dandelion and rub on the warts 2-3 times daily until the wart disappears in 3-4 weeks.
Chop one raw onion and cover with salt and leave overnight. Apply the juice to the warts 2-3 times daily until warts disappear.
Apply the juice of cauliflower on the moles daily until it falls.
Apply a drop of grapefruit seed extract to the moles and cover with a band-aid, 2-3 times daily. This is also very effective home remedy for moles and your moles will disappear in 3-4 weeks.
Rub a slice of fresh pineapple or raw potato peelings or radish 2-3 times daily on your mole.
Apply the milky juice exuding from the stems of figs and leaves.
Put the contents of one 100 I.U. of natural vitamin E capsule on a band-aid and cover the mole. Moles will disappear soon.
Apply vitamin E on the wart, crush a clove of raw garlic and place it on the wart, and cover it with an adhesive bandage.
Soak a small piece of cotton in aloe gel and tape over the wart. Add more gel every three hours. Change cotton daily. The mole should begin to lighten in a few days and in a few weeks may disappear.
Rub the mole daily with a piece of white chalk.
Apply a drop of grape seed extract directly to the mole and cover with a Band-Aid; repeat twice daily. The mole will turn white and will disappear in about a week.
Another effective home remedy for moles is - Apply milkweed juice to the mole.
A tea made from purple coneflower (Echinacea), burdock root or red clover may help in the prevention of moles.
Take some green (not fully ripe) black walnuts and make a few incisions in the outer shell; rub the juice on the moles. There may be a slight stinging sensation or the area may turn brown, but this is only temporary. This is a very effective remedy for moles and moles will disappear within a few days.
Simply apply the purest honey on your mole, keep applying it morning and night until the mole disappears.
Soak your mole in warm water for 15-20 minutes and dry. Apply apple cider vinegar with a cotton ball and leave on for 10-15 minutes. Wash off with water and dry.
Dissolve an aspirin with a small drop of water and apply to the mole. Cover with a band-aid. Repeat twice daily.

PROSTATE GLAND

2007-11-26T03:08:00.001-08:00

The testis is composed of up to 900-coiled seminiferous tubules, each averaging more than 0.5 meter long, in which the sperm are formed. The sperm than empty in to the epididymitis, another coiled tube about 6 meters long. The epididymis leads into the vas deferens, which enlarges in to the ampulla of the vas deferens immediately before the vas enters the body of the prostate gland. A seminal vesicle, one located on each side of the prostate, empties into the prostatic end of the ampulla, and the contents from both the ampulla and the seminal vesicle pass into an ejaculatory duct leading through the body of the prostate gland to empty from the prostate gland into the ejaculatory duct. Finally the urethra is the last connecting link from the testis to the exterior.

The prostate gland secrets a thin, milky fluid that contains citrate ion, calcium, phosphate ion, a clotting enzyme, and a profibrinolysin. During emission, the capsule of the prostate gland contracts simultaneously with the contractions of the vas deferens so that the thin, milky fluid of the prostate glands adds further to the bulk of the semen. Slightly characteristic of the prostatic fluid may be quite important for successful fertilization of the ovum because the fluid of the vas deferens is relatively acidic owing to the presence of citric acid and metabolic end products of the sperm and consequently, helps to inhibit sperm fertility. The vaginal secretions of the female are acidic. Sperm do not become optimally motile until the pH of the surrounding fluids rises to about 6.5. Consequently, it is probable the prostatic fluid helps to neutralize the acidity of these other fluids after ejaculation and thus enhances the motility and fertility of the sperm.

The prostate gland remains relatively small throughout childhood and begins to grow at puberty under the stimulus of testosterone. This gland reaches an almost stationary size by the age of 20 years and remains at the size up to the age of 50 years. At that time in some men it begins to involutes, along with the decreased production of testosterone by the testes. A benign prostatic fibro adenoma frequently develops in the prostate in many older men and can cause urinary obstruction. This hypertrophy is not caused by testosterone.

Cancer of the prostate gland is a common cause of death, resulting in about 3% of all male deaths. Once cancer of the prostate gland does occur the cancerous cells are usually stimulated to more rapid growth by testosterone and are inhibited by removal of prostatic cancer that has already metastasized to almost all the bones of the body can be successfully treated for a few months to years by removal of the testes, by estrogen therapy, or by both. After this therapy the metastases usually diminish in size and the bones partially heal. This treatment does not stop the cancer but does slow it and sometimes greatly diminishes the severe bone pain.

HOME REMEDIES: PROSTATE GLAND

For prostatitis omega 3 fish oil tablets and green tea is very effective.
Saw palmetto helps relieve benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and promotes prostate health.
Take bee pollen and ginseng to give strength to the prostate and to increase endurance.
Take garlic and goldenseal to fight against prostate infection.
Take cayenne, ginger, queen of the meadow, and ura ursi as a preventative measure.
Take juniper berries and parsley together for a swollen prostate caused by water retention.
Take corn silk for pain during urination caused by prostate diseases.
Tomatoes are very good as a preventative measure for men, it helps to prevent the diseases of the prostate.
Pumpkin seeds are an effective home remedy for prostate gland problems.
Vegetable juices have been found beneficial in the treatment of prostate problems, including prostate enlargement. The juice of carrots, taken separately in a 500 ml quantity, or in combination with spinach juice, is especially valuable. In the case of combined juices, 200 ml of spinach juice should be mixed with 300 ml of carrot juice to prepare 500 ml or half a litre of combined juices. This is very effective home remedy for prostate gland.
Zinc has been found valuable in cases of prostate disorders. About thirty milligrams of zinc should be taken daily in the treatment of these diseases.
Vitamin E has proved to be very effective in the treatment of prostatic diseases. Good sources of Vitamin E are wholegrain products, green leafy vegetables, eggs, milk, and all raw or sprouted.
Heavy starches, sweet stimulants, and highly seasoned foods should be avoided because they cause direct irritation to the prostate gland and bladder.
The diet should also exclude spices, condiments, salt in excess, sauces, and meats, cheese, asparagus, watercress, greasy or fried foods, alcohol, tobacco, and too much of tea or coffee.
The patient should avoid hurried meals and must chew his food thoroughly and slowly. Water should be taken between meals and not at meal times.
Hot and cold applications are highly beneficial in the treatment of prostate disorders.
A wet girdle pack is another valuable remedy in the realm of hydrotherapy, which provides great relief in prostatitis and prostate enlargement.
The patient should avoid sexual excess, irregularities in eating and drinking, long periods of sitting, and vigorous exercise.
Lycopene it is a bioflavovoid extracted from tomato, it reduces dribbling or frequency. Is a powerful antioxidant that prevents prostate cancer.
Do not control the natural urge of passing urine. Urinate when you first get the urge.
Avoid alcohol, tobacco and coffee, especially after dinner. Avoid mental exertion at work place and at home.
Avoid drinking fluids from two hours before going to bed.
Avoid cold and cough medications that contain decongestants or antihistamines. These medications can increase BPH symptoms.
Avoid drinking excess amount of liquids. Distribute the intake of fluids throughout day.

PRICKLY HEAT

2007-11-25T00:58:00.000-08:00

Prickly heat or heat rash is an irritating eruption of the skin due to obstruction of the sweat glands over certain areas of the body. In this condition many tin pin-head-size swellings occur in the skin, accompanied by severe itching. The areas most involved are the chest, back, waistline, armpits, and groins. Infants and overweight persons often suffer from heat rash.

Prickly heat occurs most often in hot, humid conditions, but it can also be developed in cool weather if you are overdressed. The condition usually appears a few days to a few months after exposure to a hot, humid environment. It's most common in infants. Newborns are particularly vulnerable to prickly heat because their sweat ducts are not mature, which makes it easier for the beads of moisture to be trapped.

When a baby gets hot, sweat must evaporate off the skin in order to cool her body down. If you interfere with this process by covering the skin with lots of clothing, plastic pants or even heavy moisturizers, the sweat that needs to get out becomes trapped beneath the surfaceof the skin, resulting in an itchy rash.

Prickly heat usually starts around the neck. If it is bad, it can spread down onto the chest and back and up around the ears and face, but it seldom produces any discomfort for a baby.

Prickly heat is due the sweat glands becoming blocked when the weather is hot and humid. Dead skin cells and bacteria may block the sweat glands, leading to sweat being retained and building up on the skin leading to inflammation, which causes the rash.

HOME REMEDIES FOR PRICKLY HEAT

Try to avoid scratching, for this may introduce germs into the deeper layers of the skin.
For prickly heat treatment, wear cool, light clothing and abstain from alcoholic drinks.
Oatmeal baths twice a day may also relieve the itch.
Drink plenty of water during hot weather.
Keep the skin clean and avoid the use of harsh soaps.
Gently wash skin with soft gauze and lukewarm water and pat on a mixture of one part alcohol to three parts boiled water after cooled.
Make a compress by dipping a washcloth in a mixture of one teaspoon of baking soda per cup of cool water. Apply to the rash for five to ten minutes. Do this four or five times a day.
Avoid overdressing. Allow Skin to breathe. Avoid heavy moisturizers.
Dress your baby sensibly, preferably in layers that can be peeled away as conditions change and you'lllikely avoid the problem altogether.
Remove some clothing, take her into an air-conditioned room or sit her in a tub of tepid water.
Wear loose, lightweight clothing. Dust the affected area with cornstarch.
Avoid sweating by staying in a cool environment.
Apply paste of gram flour and then a cold-water bath after sometime. It will give relief.
Prepare a mixture by adding 1 teaspoon of sandalwood powder, 1-teaspoon coriander seeds (dhania) powder, 1 teaspoon nagarmusta (Cyperus scariosus) powder and rose/cold water to make paste. Mix them well and apply on the body. Leave it on for an hour and then take cold-water bath. This is an effective home remedy for prickly heat treatment.
The paste made of powdered bark of pipal tree and finely powdered brick is applied on the affected parts all over the body.
The powder of sandalwood dusted all over the body is effective in giving relief in prickly heat.
The paste made of the seeds of jambul and applied over the body is effective in treating prickly heat.
Persons suffering from prickly heat should avoid heavy garments and try to expose the affected area to air.
Dissolve Fuller's earth (Multani mitti) in water to make a thin paste. It should be smeared over the affected parts. When the paste dries, wash with cold water. This is an effective home remedy for prickly heat treatment.
Apply green henna ground in water on the affected skin.
Grind leaves of neem in water and apply on the affected skin.
Take a small piece of sandalwood and rub it into a paste on a stone with rose water. Mix a pinch of powdered alum to the paste and apply to the affected skin twice or thrice a week depending upon the condition of prickly heat.
Leave babies nappy off as often as possible for prickly heat cure.
Wear loose cotton clothing to encourage the evaporation of sweat and prevent further skin irritation.

HERBAL REMEDIES BOOST BRAIN POWER

2007-11-23T21:32:00.001-08:00

A combination of two ancient herbal remedies have been used for thousands of years in China to dramatically boost your brain power.

A small dose of ginseng can improve your memory. Ginkgo biloba has the same effect on your focus and concentration But you can combine the two for an even greater impact --with a combination of 60% ginseng and 40% ginkgo best.

Psychologist Andrew Scholey of the University of Northumbria tested 20 subjects on four separate days. Over the four days each subject received a different dose of the plant extracts, and one placebo.

After just one dose of ginkgo biloba, the volunteers had much faster reaction times in a simple math test requiring focused concentration. But the 60-40% combination gave the most powerful results of all

PREGNANCY

2007-11-23T21:31:00.000-08:00

Planning for a baby is a lovely experience for both parents. It is part of the real fulfillment of the marriage. These nine months of waiting should be a joyful time, a time of happy planning for the future family.

Pregnancy is the time when nature is doing a most remarkable job, and parents must do their part to keep the would be mother strong and healthy. Pregnancy is not something to be afraid of. Childbirth is far safer than in the old days.

What are the signs of pregnancy?
During pregnancy there is progressive anatomical and physiological changes not only confined to the genital organs but also to all systems of the body.

The first indication will be the missing of your monthly period. At the same time, you may feel unusually cheerful, and your breasts may begin to enlarge. Some women who are tense and nervous may have a slight feeling of nausea in the morning. Even a little vomiting at this early stage is not uncommon or serious. Nature is just making adjustment, and this will soon pass away.

If you miss your next period you should consult a doctor. Certain tests will give positive indication of the pregnancy. You should see your doctor at least once each month for the next four or five months, and after every two weeks until the delivery.

There is enormous growth of the uterus during pregnancy. The uterus, which in non-pregnant state weighs about 50 gm and measures about 7.5 cm in length, at term weighs 900-1000gm and measures 35 cm in length.

HOME REMEDIES FOR PREGNANCY

Eat frequently during the day (at least six small meals daily) that will help you avoid an empty stomach.
Low blood sugar aggravates the nausea, so you should try to keep a good level throughout the day, starting staring from the moment you wake up.
Instead of eating your foods, try to drink them, it's easier for your body to digest a milk shake or fruit shake instead of having to chew them.
Avoid foods and odors that make you feel nausea.
Drink plenty of carbonated beverages, without caffeine.
To relax, put a few drops of lavender oil in the bathtub and enjoy the immersion.
Taking ½ to 1 tsp of Wild yam root every day. This will help you deal your morning sickness. This is very useful home remedy for pregnancy.
Light exercise is very important during pregnancy, but you must not become too tired. Housework is beneficial, but avoid lifting heavy things.
You must choose those foods that will keep your baby well.
Your diet should be rich in minerals and vitamins. Milk and other dairy products will help to keep you in good condition. These foods provide calcium for the baby.
Iron is most essential element needed during pregnancy to prevent anemia. Foods rich in iron are eggs, whole wheat, wheat germ, bran, barley, oatmeal, cereals, and dried apricots.
Smoking and alcohol should be avoided during pregnancy.
Take your daily bath. A shower or a sponge bath is equally good.
Soak three or four powdered cloves in some water for 30 minutes. Strain and drink when nausea comes on. This is also very useful home remedy for pregnancy.
Drink a glass of limejuice with a little cardamom.
Ginger tea will get rid of nausea immediately. It has to be real ginger tea, not ginger flavored.
Honey in the tea can help a sore throat from vomiting. If tea is not available, ginger candy or other food-containing ginger (like Chinese ginger chicken) will help.
A teaspoon of cider vinegar in a cup of warm water helps to get rid of nausea.
Remain upright for an hour after eating; lying down can irritate the problem.
Sleep with pillows supporting your legs and back.
Protein is very important in preventing high blood pressure and ecclampsia; you need at least 80 grams of protein daily
Eating cucumbers help reduce blood pressure.
Juice of half a lemon or lime plus two teaspoons of cream of tartar in a half a cup of water once a day for three days, lowers your blood pressure, if needed, repeat after a break of two days.
Drink raw beet juice to balance the sodium/potassium ratio in your blood, about 4 ounces daily.
Avoid junk food, refined starches, sugar, coffee, tea and foods high in acidic content.
Take a short walk or try to sleep with the window open. When you are cooking, open windows to get rid of odors.

MORNING SICKNESS

2007-11-23T21:29:00.000-08:00

Vomiting is a symptom, which may be related to pregnancy or may be a manifestation of some medical, surgical, gynecological complications, which can occur at any time during pregnancy. Vomiting during pregnancy is common. It is mostly limited to the first trimester. It is more common in first pregnancy, with a tendency to recur again in subsequent pregnancies. It is more common in multiple pregnancies.

The vomiting is related to the pregnant state and depending upon the severity it is classified as:

Simple vomiting or pregnancy

Hyperemesis gravidarum or severe type.

The patient complains of nausea and occasional sickness on rising in the morning. Slight vomiting is common in early pregnancy (about 50%) that is considered as a symptom of pregnancy. It may occur at other times of the day. The vomitus is small and clear. It does not produce any impairment of health or restrict the normal activities of the women. The feature disappears with or without treatment by 12-14 th week of pregnancy.

Hyperemesis gravidarum is a severe type of vomiting of pregnancy, which has got harmful effect on the health of the mother and the growing fetus. I t can result in dehydration, acidosis, malnutrition and weight loss. This condition can be dangerous to the fetus if persists. The reason for Hiperemesis gravidarum has not been identified yet, but an association between high levels of the hormones estrogen and chronic gonadotropin ( HCG ) has been found. HCG is a hormone produced by the placenta that increases until the end of the first trimester.

Other possible problems related with abnormal o severe vomiting includes bile duct disease, drug toxicity, pancreatitis, low blood sugar, and problems with the thyroid and inflammatory bowel disorders.

HOME REMEDIES FOR MORNING SICKNESS

To avoid vomiting, try grasping your tongue with a piece of cloth and pulling gently but firmly.
For excess of vomiting , try limiting your diet to a single food, one that you know you can tolerate. Add one additional food per day as you can tolerate them.
Scent the air by preparing a mixture of three drops of lavender essential oil and one of peppermint in a diffuser or humidifier.
Place a cool lavender scented compress on your forehead and a warm lavender compress over your rib cage.
Dissolve wheat germ in warm milk, and take a few teaspoons every hour.
Dissolve 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and 1-tablespoon honey in cold water and take it before bed. This is very effective home remedy for morning sickness.
Drink red raspberry leaf, peppermint, and squaw vine or spearmint tea.
Prepare ginger tea by boiling some ginger root in water. Strain it and add honey to sweeten. Take this tea when you feel nausea.
Don't brush your teeth immediately after eating.
For morning sickness cure, lie completely still with your eyes closed.
Taking ½ to 1 tsp of Wild yam root every day will help you fight with the morning sickness.
Keep your meals small and to drink plenty of fluids. Smaller meals mean less in your stomach, and less to make you nauseated.
Have a snack such as yogurt, milk, bread, dry cereal, or a small sandwich before going to bed. Try eating during the night. This may prevent nausea in the morning.
Keep your feet up and your head slightly raised on a pillow when resting.
Take a short walk or try to sleep with the window open. When you are cooking, open windows to get rid of odors.
Do not eat fatty foods, which take longer to digest, particularly during pregnancy, when your stomach takes longer to empty. Also avoid rich, spicy, acidic, and fried foods, which can irritate your stomach and digestive system.
Take a few soda crackers or dry toast when getting up early in the morning. This is also very effective home remedy for morning sickness.
Increase vitamin B6 in your diet by eating whole grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes.
Acupressure wristbands or acupuncture may help. These bands can be found in drug, health food, and travel stores.
Chew your food thoroughly.
Do not keep your stomach completely empty. Carry fruit, cheese and/or crackers around with you to prevent nausea throughout the day.
Chewing gum also helps in reducing the morning sickness

MUSCLE CRAMPS

2007-11-23T21:27:00.000-08:00

Cramps do seem to have a special affinity for the calves, but other parts of your body are just as vulnerable. Your neck, back, thighs, and feet can also fall victim to these abnormal, agonizing muscle contractions. A whole host of factors have been linked to the onset of cramps. One common culprit is muscle fatigue. Cramps may also crop up when a muscle is overstretched or strained or takes a direct blow. Other potential triggers include mineral depletion, impaired circulation, and sudden changes in temperature. Although for the most part, it is not a serious health problem. But that does not mean that you should leave it alone, even if the pain would allow you to. Here are some tips that you can consider to adopt to relieve your pain effectively.

1. Increase Vitamin C Intake

Increasing yoru intake of vitamin -C can help keep your muscles from cramping. It is recommended to consume timed-release vitamin C capsules twice a day, 1,000 milligrams in the morning, and 1,000 milligrams at night. Bear in mind that some people may experience diarrhea when taking more than 1,200 milligrams of vitamin C a day.

2. Toe The Line On Pain

If your calf muscles are susceptible to recurring cramps, they are probably weak. You can build them up with simple strengthening exercises. It is recommended to perform toe raises. Simply rise up on your toes, hold for 5 seconds, then return your heels to the floor. Repeat 15 to 20 times, two to three times a day. To enhance the benefits of exercise, you may want to try holding dumbbells at your shoulders.

3. Try Sports Drinks

If you are low in sodium or potassium, you might be prone to cramping. The reason is that both minerals are electrolytes, which regulate muscle contractions. Sports drinks such as Gatorade can help replenish your supply of sodium and potassium. It is recommended diluting drink with a little water, so that your body absorbs it better.

4. Turn Up The Heat

For recurring cramps, it is recommended regular applications of moist heat to the affected muscle. Warm the muscle for 10 to 15 minutes, five or six times a day. Continue the applications every day until there is no trace of cramping.

5. Rub The Right Way

Massage the calf, arch, and toes with baby oil for 5 minutes, using a back-and-forth motion, across the length of the muscle. Rolling over the affected muscle from side to side with the palms of your hands can also help.

6. Fill Up With Fluids

Keeping yourself adequately hydrated can help prevent cramps. Be sure to top off your tank before and during any physical activity, especially if you are working up a sweat in hot weather. You should drink 8 to 12 ounces of fluid before you start exercising. Follow up with 4 to 8 ounces of fluid every 30 to 45 minutes while you are working out.

7. Counter The Contraction

You can gently relax a cramped muscle by guiding it through its normal range of motion. For a cramp in your calf, it is recommended to hold your calf with one hand while pulling your foot toward you with the other hand. The same instructions apply for a cramp in your foot, just place your hand in the arch of your foot instead of on your calf. In both cases hold the stretch until you feel the cramp release.

MENSTRUATION

2007-11-23T21:26:00.000-08:00

Regular monthly bleeding or menstruation occurs in all women from adolescence to the end of the menopausal change of life. Just before menstruation some women become nervous and irritable and suffer from depression, headaches, fullness in the breasts, and swelling in the lower extremities. This may be due to increased hormone activity from the adrenal glands during the latter part of the menstrual cycle, causing retention of sodium and water in the tissues.

Some mild discomfort is to be expected at the beginning of menstruation. If there is severe pain it might be due to some abnormality that should be corrected. Certain infections, such as syphilis, gonorrhea or tuberculosis may sometimes cause pelvic pain, which may be aggravated during menstruation. Abnormal positions of the uterus may also lead to menstrual pain or discomfort. Other causes for menstrual pain may be endometriosis and fibroids.

During menstruation there is an imbalance in hormones and brain activity, and it is thought that too much estrogen, uneven levels of progesterone and an inability to fight with hormone changes are main causes of premenstrual syndrome.

Some women also have a slight show of blood on the day of ovulation, midway between the regular menstrual periods. This is not abnormal. Malignant tumors of the uterus and cervix may also result in vaginal bleeding. Intermittent spotting may be due to cervical polyp, which is common in women over forty years of age. Endometriosis may also cause heavy or painful bleeding.

Amenorrhoea or stoppage of menstrual flow is natural during pregnancy and at the menopause, but abnormal at any other time. It denotes a debilitated and devitalized condition of the body. The main causes for this condition are anemia, worry, grief, fright, or other serious emotional disturbances; malformation of the womb; tuberculosis; displacement of the womb; and debility, especially after a serious illness.

Irregular periods can occur in several conditions like thyroid problems, obesity, iron deficiency, diabetes, drastic weight loss, excessive exercising or stress. Changing contraceptive pills, and low dose pills may also interfere with the normal menstrual pattern. Irregular periods can also delay in conceiving.

HOME REMEDIES FOR MENSTRUATION

Goldenseal with a very small amount of mistletoe is an effective remedy to reduce blood flow.
To relieve menstrual cramps quickly and easily, wrap a hot, wet towel around mid-section and lay in the fetal position.
Chamomile, parsley, safflower, and squaw vine is useful in cases of amenorrhoea.
Boil a teaspoon of saffron in a half cup of water until it reduces to a tablespoon. Divide into three portions and take three times during the day. This gives relief to cramps.
Make a paste of six or eight almonds and mix with a cup of milk, an egg yolk, a half-teaspoon sesame powder, and a teaspoon honey. Take a couple of times a day to relieve cramps.
Drink a glass of milk with a half-teaspoon cinnamon every night to relieve cramps.
Place a pinch of dried ground ginger in a cup of hot boiling water for a tea (no sugar), and let steep for 5 minutes. Drink this tea. It will give relief to the cramps.
Dissolve 2 aspirins, 1/2 tsp. of sugar and 1/2 tsp. of honey into 1/2 cup of water. Drink this solution if you are missing periods. This is very effective home remedy for menstruation and will lead to regular menstrual cycle.
Take a teaspoon ground dried mint leaf and a teaspoon of honey twice a day to relieve cramps.
Drink parsley, beet, carrot, and cucumber juices on a regular basis to relieve cramps.
Dissolve half-teaspoon sesame seeds in hot water. Drink this twice daily to relieve spasmodic pain.
Eat 5 raw adzuki beans (also called aduki, or azuki) will help to stop the heavy bleeding.
Boil 1 cup of black beans in 5 cups of water and drink the juice half cup before your 3 meals this will help regulate menstruation.
Mix half a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in a cup of hot water and leave for half an hour; then drink (eat the seeds as well). Do this every morning with an empty stomach. This will give strength to the uterus.
Most of the problems in women arise due to undue stress of life. Reducing stress may help resolve the disorder in some women.
Being either over- or underweight is a contributor to menstrual disorders. Women should make every effort to maintain a normal weight.
Agnus castus fruit, also known as chaste tree berry (Vitex), helps alleviate symptoms of PMS.
Black cohosh (Remidfemin) has been used for amenorrhea and symptoms of menopause.
Low-fat vegetarian diet during menstrual cycles leads to less pain and bloating and a shorter duration of premenstrual symptoms than those who ate meat.
Reducing caffeine, sugar, and alcohol intake during menstruation may be beneficial.
Massage lobelia extract into any area that is cramped. Drink a tea of red raspberry leaves to prevent and reduce the severity of menstrual cramps.
Drink a tea of comfrey leaves and alfalfa to lessen the pain of muscle cramps.
Drink 1 or 2 glasses of tomato juice, every day. It will give significant improvement in your flow, and fewer cramps in your next period. This is also very effective home remedy for menstruation.
Parsley is one of the most effective among the several home remedies in the treatment of menstrual disorders. It increases menstruation and assists in the regularization of the monthly periods.
The unripe papaya helps the contractions of the muscle fibres of the uterus and is very effective in maintaining a proper menstrual flow.
Put an entire Bengal gram plant in hot water. Take a bath to get relief from painful menstruation.
The herb Marigold, named after the Virgin Mary, is useful in alleviating any pain during menstruation and facilitating menstrual flow. One tablespoon of the herb should be taken twice daily for the treatment of these disorders.
The use of banana flower is one of the most effective home remedies in the treatment of menorrhagia or excessive menstruation. One banana flower should be cooked and eaten with one cup of curd.
Coriander seeds are also effective in the treatment of excessive menstruation. Six grams of these seeds should be boiled in half a litre of water. Boil the mixture till only half the water remains. Sugar candy should be added to it and the patient should drink it when it is still warm.
The juice of the fresh mango bark is another valuable remedy for heavy bleeding during menstruation. The juice can be taken along with white of an egg or some mucilage- a kind of vegetable glue obtained from a plant, and a small quantity of the kernel of a poppy.
The bark of the Ashoka tree is an effective remedy for excessive blood loss during the monthly period, which occurs due to uterine fibroids and other causes. About 90 gm of the bark should be boiled in 30 ml of milk and 360 ml of water till the total quantity is reduced to about 90 gm. This quantity should be given in one day, in two or three doses. The treatment should commence from the fourth day of the monthly period and should be continued till the bleeding is stopped. A fresh decoction should be made for use each day.
The herb Indian barberry is also useful in case of excessive bleeding. It should be given in doses of thirteen to twenty-five grams daily.
The herb rough chaff is also valuable in excessive menstruation. Prepare a solution by heating 15 gm of rough chaff in 250 ml of water and use for treating this condition.
The herb hermal is useful in regulating the menstrual periods. It is especially beneficial in painful and difficult menstruation. Two tablespoons of the seeds should be boiled in half a litre of water, till it is reduced by one - third. This mixture should be given in 15 to 30ml doses.
Hemp can be successfully used when menses do not start at the scheduled time. Five large heads of hemps should be boiled in half a litre of water till the water is reduced to half. It should then be strained and drunk before going to bed for two or three nights.

PARASITES

2007-11-23T21:20:00.000-08:00

Worms and other intestinal parasites are found in every part of the world. They are more common in tropical and sub tropical areas and are more common during the rainy season. Most of these worms and parasites enter in the human body either through the mouth or through the skin of the feet.

Round worms, are the giant worms present in the intestines that cause the disease known as ascariasis. It is found in almost all the countries. These worms are off-white in color, are long and thick and are most frequently seen in children. Eggs produced by them are passed in stools. When children play in the soil contaminated with the eggs, they are easily transferred to the mouth via dirty fingers, particularly by children living under unhygienic conditions.

Roundworm eggs may remain alive in the soil for many months. There is always greater danger of contamination where human wastes are used in fertilizing vegetables. Great care must be taken to be sure all foods are thoroughly cleansed and sterilized by cooking before being used.

When the round worm eggs reach the duodenum or small bowel they quickly hatch. The young worms borrow into the intestinal wall and then migrate to the liver and from there to the heart and lungs, producing bronchitis. Later they reach the small intestines again where they develop into mature worms causing nausea and vomiting, loss of weight, fever, nervousness, and irritability. Many patients complain of colicky pains and diarrhea. A mass of writhing worms in the intestines may produce complete obstruction of the bowel.

The adult worms may migrate through the intestinal walls and cause severe peritonitis. They may find their way into other areas, causing appendicitis, gall-bladder trouble, and liver disease. When the worms die, they cause toxic reactions, such as swelling of the face, loss of appetite and severe nervous symptoms.

HOOKWORM: It is a serious disease caused by small worms, which attach themselves to the walls of the intestines. Within the bowel they cause serious bleeding, and poison the patient as well. Hookworm infections are found mainly in warm, moist areas of the tropics, but are also found in some temperate zones.

It is most frequent in rural areas where the soil is loose and sandy where there are improper sanitary facilities. The tiny larval forms passed into the soil via stools enter the body through bare foot causing local itching and inflammation. Then they enter the smaller blood vessels and are carried to the lungs where they make their way to one of the bronchial tubes and then down into the small intestine and finally develop into adult worms. As the worms pass through the lungs they cause severe bronchitis.

Hookworms may live in the body for several years. They feed mainly on the blood. They produce a toxin, which increase the bleeding produced by the bite of the worm.

Patients with hookworm disease appear pale and are weak. They complain of dizziness, ringing in the ears, headache and are easily fatigued. The hair is dry, and the facial expressions dull and apathetic. In severe cases the heart is enlarged, and there may be swelling in all the tissues of the body. Shortness of breath occurs on slightest exertion. Nausea and vomiting are frequent. Children may develop mental retardation and growth is also impaired. Women and men may develop impotency.

PINWORMS: These are small white worms about a quarter of an inch in length. It is also limited to rural areas like other intestinal infections. Children are the most affected but adults may also suffer from this disease.

The adult worms live in the upper part of the colon, feeding on the intestinal contents. Mature female worms store eggs in there body and then migrate out through the colon and rectum to the skin where they lay eggs. These eggs bring on intense itching, causing the patient to scratch in the area around the rectum so that many of the eggs are picked up by the fingers under the nails. From there they are transferred to the mouth and are swallowed. They hatch in the stomach and then migrate down to the lower bowel and in this way the cycle continues.

Some people have slight infections of pinworms without any noticeable symptoms. But others complain of severe itching around the anal areas, a poor appetite, and loss of weight, bed-wetting, sleeplessness, and irritability, grinding of teeth, nausea, and vomiting and even appendicitis in some cases. Pinworms sometimes migrate into the vagina and cause intense itching and inflammation of the female genital tract.

TAPEWORM INFECTIONS : These vary in size. Some tapeworms are only a few inches long; others measure from ten to thirty feet or more in length. Cattle may develop the disease by grazing on grass contaminated with human wastes and thus pick up the eggs of these parasites. Human contract the disease by eating incompletely cooked meat from such animals.

The symptoms vary depending on how many worms are present in the bowel. Tapeworms are present for years without producing any symptoms. Some patients complain of hunger pain, which is sharp and stabbing but immediately relieved by eating. There may be some anemia, which is cured when worms are removed.

HOME REMEDIES FOR PARASITES

Dietary fibre may help to reduce the rate of Giardia lamblia by inducing mucous secretion and reducing the attachment of the trophozoites. Fibre may also prevent the growth of beneficial bacteria and provide an environment, which is harmful to bacteria.
Garlic has long been used traditionally to treat bacterial, viral and protozoal diseases.
Eat 1 cup of grated Carrot in the morning 1 hour before breakfast for 4-5 days for parasites treatment.
Mix 1 tblspn raw Papaya juice with1 tspn of honey, take this first thing in the morning. This should be followed by a glass of warm milk, to which 1 tspn of castor oil has been added. This treatment should be done for 2 days and is very effective home remedy for parasites.
Drink aloe Vera juice to eliminate worms.
Eat fresh garlic and pumpkin seeds to get rid of worms.
Take bistort, black walnut, cascara sagrada, chamomile, garlic, herbal pumpkin, male fern, papaya, primrose root, or taheebo to expel the worms.
Place a drop of black walnut extract on the tongue three times a day for several days as a preventative measure in children.
For naturally overcoming parasite, take 1/2 tsp of powdered fenugreek seeds (methi) with water for a few days.
Eat a few tomatoes in the morning empty stomach.
Eat cranberries or papayas frequently. Fasting on raw pineapples for three days kills tapeworm. Cranberries, papaya and fresh pineapple contain enzymes that are anti-parasitic.
Fry 5-10 seeds of bitter melon (Karela) in a little ghee. This is very effective home remedy for parasites. Take 2-3 times a day.
Use cloves with every meal. It will help kill the eggs from parasites in the intestinal tract.
Mix pumpkin seeds and onions with soymilk. It is a good remedy for worms.
Drink 2 tsp of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water to prevent worms.
Raw pineapples are good to kill tapeworms.
Thoroughly cook meats and fish. Do not eat raw or uncooked meats or fish.
Wash your hands before eating and after going to the bathroom, changing diapers, or handling pets.
Do not walk barefoot on warm, moist soil or while working in the garden.

Efect of Cold Water

2007-11-23T03:39:00.000-08:00

For those who like to drink cold water, this article is applicable to you. It is nice to have a cup of cold drink after a meal. However, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff that you have just consumed. It will slow down the digestion. Once this "sludge" reacts with the acid, it will break down and be absorbed by the intestine faster than the solid food. It will line the intestine. Very soon, this will turn into fats and lead to cancer. It is best to drink hot soup or warm water after a meal.
A serious note about heart attacks - You should know that not every heart attack symptom is going to be the left arm hurting. Be aware of intense pain in the jaw line.
You may never have the first chest pain during the course of a heart attack. Nausea and intense sweating are also common symptoms. 60% of people who have a heart attack while they are asleep do not wake up. Pain in the jaw can wake you from a sound sleep. Let's be careful and be aware. The more we know the better chance we could survive.
A cardiologist says if everyone who reads this message sends it to 10 people, you can be sure that we'll save at least one life. Read this & Send the link to a friend. It could save a life. So, please be a true friend and send this article to all your friends you care about.

MENOPAUSE

2007-11-21T22:12:00.001-08:00

The female reproductive time of life begins at adolescence in the early teens and continues until the end of the menopause in the mid or late forties. Most women during their reproductive period have a regular monthly cycle, usually occurring every four weeks except during pregnancy.

In the middle or late forties, many women suddenly become aware of increased nervous tension, menstrual disturbances, hot flashes, chilly feelings, excitability, easy fatigue, depression, crying spells, sleeplessness, palpitation, dizziness, headaches, numbness and tingling and other annoying symptoms. A woman experiencing these symptoms feel miserable through no fault of her own. This entire problem arises due to the non-production of the estrogen hormone from the ovaries.

This natural phenomenon in life starts many years before menopause symptoms actually begin to show. Hormone levels can fluctuate for several years before eventually becoming so low that the endometrium becomes thin and does not bleed. Normally the ovaries start to slow the production of hormones like estrogen, testosterone and progesterone.

Low estrogen levels may also lead to changes in collagen production, affecting hair, nails, skin and tendons. The skin may become dryer, thinner, less elastic; more prone to bruising and skin itching may occur.

Anything that interferes with the normal functions of the ovaries may bring on these problems. If the ovaries have to be removed by surgery because of some disease, the same thing will occur soon after the operation. Menopause is not a disease. It is a natural process in a woman's life. It depends on a woman how she views this time of her life. This can have a lot to do with how frequent and severe her symptoms are. If menopause is viewed, as the end of youth and sexuality, this time will be much more difficult than if it is viewed as the next, natural phase of life. With a proper diet, nutritional supplements, and exercise, most of the unpleasant side effects of menopause can be minimized, if not eliminated.

The average age of the natural menopause is 51 years, but can occur much earlier or later. Menopause occurring before the age of 45 is called early menopause and before the age of 40 is premature menopause. Perimenopause is the stage from the beginning of menopausal symptoms to the post menopause.

Post menopause is the time following the last period, and is usually defined as more than 12 months with no periods in someone with intact ovaries, or immediately following surgery if the ovaries have been removed.

HOME REMEDIES FOR MENOPAUSE

Drink 8 glasses of steam-distilled water daily.
Take 800 mg. of evening primrose oil, three times a day.
Vitamin E is also found to be effective in fighting the low levels of estrogen. Take 300 IU. of vitamin E a day.
Take 2 teaspoons of cohosh root tincture, 1 teaspoon of don quai root tincture, 1 teaspoon of sarsaparilla tincture, 1 teaspoon of licorice root tincture, 1 teaspoon of chaste tree tincture, 1-teaspoon ginseng root tincture. Mix all the ingredients and take 3 dropperfuls a day.
Take 1 ounce of almond oil, 2 drops of geranium essential oil, one capsule of 1,000 IU of Vitamin E. Mix all the ingredients and apply inside and outside the vagina twice a day to prevent dryness. This is an effective home remedy for menopause disorder .
Perform daily physical exercise, which reduces estrogen production and stress, and also reduces stagnation. It promotes a healthy circulatory system and activates the liver.
Learn to relax and reduce stress. Relaxation opens up blood vessels and relaxes different organs.
Perform cleansing and strengthening of the liver in order to eliminate estrogen more efficiently.
Avoid or minimize estrogen-containing foods or herbs. Foods that weaken the liver or kidneys should also be avoided.
The combination of Chinese Bitters (taken before breakfast) and Fem-Mate (taken at bedtime) is very helpful for alleviating hot flashes.
Any woman experiencing disturbing symptoms during menopause should supplement her daily diet with 1,000 units of natural vitamin D, 500 mg of magnesium, and obtain 2 gm of calcium daily, which can be supplied by one litre of milk.
Beet juice has been found very useful in menopausal disorders. It should be taken in small quantities of 60 to 90 ml at a time, thrice a day.
A teaspoon of the carrot seeds should be boiled in a glass of cow's milk for about ten minutes and taken daily as medicine in the natural treatment of menopause.
One teaspoon of the liquorice powder should be taken daily. It helps to combat with the deficiency of the estrogen and is very effective home remedy for menopause.
The herb Indian spikenard is another valuable remedy for certain disturbances due to menopause. It should be given in small doses of 2 gm daily
Diet during the menopause should comprise of seeds, nuts, grains, vegetables, and fruits, with emphasis on vitamin E-rich foods, raw and sprouted seeds and nuts, unpasturised high-quality milk, and homemade cottage cheese. An abundance of raw, organically grown fruits and vegetables should be included in the diet. Plenty of freshly made juices of fruits and vegetables in season should be added.
All processed, refined, and denatured foods should be avoided.
Avoid mental and emotional stresses and worries, especially worry about getting old; sufficient sleep and relaxation is essential.

Nasal congestion

2007-11-21T22:09:00.000-08:00

Most germs enter the body through the nose and throat. Germs are often carried into the body on tiny droplets of water when air is drawn into the lungs.

The inside of the nose is lined with a mucosal membrane that is lined with large number of blood vessels. Nasal congestion occurs when these blood vessels expand and cause the mucosal membrane to become swollen. Expansion of these blood vessels can result from inflammation that accompanies a food-allergic reaction.

Nasal congestion can lead to ear infection. There are many causes of the nasal congestion and can range from a mild annoyance to a life-threatening condition. The newborn infant is an obligate nose breather (must breathe through the nose). Nasal congestion in an infant in the first few months of life can interfere with nursing and cause life-threatening respiratory distress. Nasal congestion in older children and adolescents is often just an annoyance but can cause other difficulties.

Nasal congestion can interfere with the ears, hearing, and speech development. Significant congestion may interfere with sleep, cause snoring, and can be associated with episodes of not breathing during sleep). In most cases it results from the presence of some form of pollen or fungus in the air.

The single most common cause of food-allergic reactions and the number one cause of chronic nasal congestion in the absence of other health conditions is pasteurized dairy. Avoiding significant amounts of pasteurized milk, cheese, ice cream, cream cheese, and other concentrated sources of pasteurized dairy can completely resolve chronic nasal congestion for many people, even those who have suffered with nasal congestion for decades.

HOME REMEDIES FOR NASAL CONGESTION

Place a teaspoon of cardamom seeds on hot coals and let the child inhale the smoke.
Boil water and salt and put in a sterilized container. Wait until it is warm. Get an eyedropper and get some of the solution of boiled water and salt. Put a couple of drops in each nostril while your nose if facing the ceiling. Wait until you feel the salt water in your throat then blow your nose.
Place a handful of crushed carom seeds in a handkerchief. Tie off and place near the pillow.
Too high a diet in carbohydrates creates nasal congestion and asthma. Eat less sugar and carbohydrates; whole grains, vegetable and fish are the median balance foods.
Higher energy and weight loss occur through the increase of meats and the reductions of sugars, fruits and refined carbohydrates.
A warm bath or steam from the shower can help relieve nasal congestion.
Prepare a mixture by addiung 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon baking soda in 8 ounces of warm water. Use a nasal dropper to squirt water into the nose. Hold one nostril closed by applying light finger pressure while squirting the salt mixture into the other nostril. Let it drain. Repeat 2-3 times, then treat the other nostril. This is an effective home remedy for nasal congestion.
Hot liquids relieve nasal congestion, prevent dehydration, and soothe the uncomfortably inflamed membranes that line your nose and throat.
Mix a teaspoon of grated fresh horseradish with a little apple cider vinegar or honey, and eat it on toast. Inhale deeply as you grate the horseradish; the fumes alone will relieve your congestion.
For nasal congestion treatment, put two inches of apple cider vinegar in a pan and heat until it begins to steam. Inhale the vapor.
Both red and black pepper dilates blood vessels in the nose and stimulates secretions, which helps drain the sinuses, thus relieving the congestion.
Place a drop or two of either eucalyptus or peppermint essential oil on a cotton ball or handkerchief and hold near the nose while breathing deeply. This increases the airflow.
Try a nasal rinse by putting a few drops of grapefruit seed extract in 1/2 cup of warm water and inhaling it; repeat two or three times, especially before bed and when you get up in the morning.
Add 1 cup tomato juice, 1 tsp chopped fresh garlic, 1/2 tsp of hot sauce, 1 tsp lemon juice, and a pinch or two of celery salt for flavor. Heat ingredients and drink hot. This is also an effective home remedy for nasal congestion.
Drink plenty of fluids, more than usual. Water, fruit juice, teas, and carbonated drinks are recommended. Rest as much as possible.
For nasal congestion treatment, avoid exposure to as many allergens (such as pets, foods that cause allergic reaction, and dust) as possible.
Sleep with an extra pillow under your head. This will help relieve congested nasal passages.
A small dab of mentholated salve under your nose can open breathing passages and help restore the irritated skin at the base of the nose.
Boil some water and smell its vapor. The vapor will actually help open the nose

Knee Problem

2007-11-19T03:31:00.000-08:00

Knee problem? Your shoes may be the reason

Suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee? The kind of shoe you wear may be the reason, according to a new study.

The study, by researchers at Rush Medical College, shows that slippers, or flip-flops, and flat walking shoes put the least pressure on the knee, while shoes that restrict foot movement increase the risk of knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Findings of the study were presented at the annual scientific meeting of the American College of Rheumatology.

Knee OA is caused by cartilage breakdown in the knee joint. Obesity, age, injury or stress and family history can increase the risk of knee OA, reports Sciencedaily
.
There is abundant evidence that knee OA patients with abnormally high loading knees -- that is, high stress on the knee joint -- are at increased risk.

Researchers studied the effects of various types of footwear on 13 women and three men with knee OA.

Each participant underwent 'gait analysis' while barefoot and while wearing a clog, a stability shoe (designed to limit foot movement), a flat flexible walking shoe and flip-flops.

The researchers found that clogs and stability shoes were associated with significantly higher loading of the knees, while the walking shoes and flip-flops resulted in lower knee loads similar to those occurring when walking barefoot.

'These results highlight the importance of re-evaluating the design of modern-day shoes in terms of their effects on knee loads and knee OA,' said Najia Shakoor, an investigator in the study.
'Knee loads play an important role in the progression of knee osteoarthritis,' she explained.

'Results from this study suggest that shoes can significantly affect the amount of load on osteoarthritic knees -- with flat, flexible shoes providing the greatest degree of benefit in terms of knee loading.'

Vitiligo or Leucoderma or WHITE SKIN

2007-11-19T03:27:00.000-08:00

Vitiligo or Leucoderma is an acquired depigmentation of the skin, which is extremely common with a worldwide prevalence. Lecucoderma, also known as vitiligo, is a distressing skin condition.

The word Lecucoderma means ' white skin'. There is a gradual loss of pigment melanin from the skin layers which results in white patches. These patches look ugly, especially in persons with dark complexions. Lecucoderma can occur at any age in either in normal skin.

Leucoderma / Vitiligo conditions has considerable psycho-social importance. Genetic redisposition is present. No age is exempt. The disease frequently startsin children and young adults. Leucoderma is a fairly common disorder and it affects one per cent or more of the world's population. The incidence is a little higher in India. Lecucoderma is, however, more common in women than men. The most affected areas are the hands, the neck, the back and the wrist in that order.

Leucoderma, also known as vitiligo, is a distressing skin condition. The word literally means white skin. There is a gradual loss of pigment melanin from the skin layer which results in white patches. These patches look ugly, especially in persons with a dark complexion. The attraction in colour is the reason for huge sales of fairness creams. But the whiteness offered by skin disease - leucoderma - is often depressing for all the sufferers. As such it is hardly a disease of medical significance but more of a social stigma attached to it because of cosmetic reasons. The condition does not cause any organic harm. It , however, brings about great psychological tension to the patient who is more embarassed than the victim of any pain or discomfort. Patches can be caused because of a number of reasons, the most common among them being worms and calcium deficiency. These patches gradually increase in size & cause lot of psychological stress in the patient. It is an auto-immune condition and may have a genetic predisposition.

This disease is caused neither by any germs, nor is it due to bad blood. It is considered to be neither infectious nor contagious. It is present in the basal layer of the epidermis and the first layer of the dermis, i.e. melanin is present in two layers. It is, however, more common in women than men. The most affected areas are the hands, the neck, the back and the wrist in that order. Leucoderma does not cause any health problems - it is not contagious or dangerous at all. It is only a cosmetic problem.

Moreover, it is just as important to remember that every white patch is not leucoderma. Patches can be caused because of a number of reasons, the most common among them being worms and calcium deficiency. In majority of the cases, medical therapy only achieves stabilization of the vitiligo patch but fails to cause repigmentation. If a patient of leucoderma is found to be suffering from digestive disorders, they should be treated first. When leucoderma occurs without any preceding disease it is called vitiligo . Sometimes it follows burns and injuries.

Causes of Leucoderma

The comman causes of Leucoderma include the following:

The main causes of leucoderma are excessive mental worry.

Chronic or acute gastric disorder.

Impaired hepatic function such as jaundice, worms or other parasites in the alimentary canal.

Other precipitating factors have been identified as due to pressure of tight clothes or certain occupational hazards such as wearing certain rubber hand gloves Use of Bindi etc.

It is neurogenic in origin, a humeral substance originating from the nerve endings destroying the melanocytes.

Ayurveda maintains that leucoderma is caused by some morbidity of the liver which results in a deficiency of pitta.

Heredity is also a well-recognized causative factor.

Symptoms of Leucoderma

Some sign and symptoms related to Leucoderma are as follows:

The problems usually start with a small white spot, which later develops into patches.

Alopecia (Loss of hair).

Premature graying of hair.

The whiteness usually starts as a small discoloured white or pale or brown spot which spreads and becomes whiter day by day and becomes milky white in the course of time.

General weakness and lassitude.

Sensitivity to cold.

Hair on the spot will also become white.

In some cases, most of the skin of the body may be covered with white patches.

Treatment of Leucoderma

Here is list of the methods for treating Leucoderma:

In nature cure, the treatment of leudoderma consists of adoption of constitutional measures to cleanse the system of accumulated toxins.

Psoralen Photochemotherapy.

As far as possible avoid consuming citrus fruits, tamarind, fish, lobsters, crabs and prawns.

Applying Coloured Dyes, Silver Nitrate etc . Latest being permanent Colouring.

Topical Psoralen Photochemotherapy.

Autologous Melanocyte Transplants.

Allopathy - Commonest drug used is Psoralen , Melanocyl etc to be use locally followed by sun exposure.

In few cases oral Antioxidants are also being used.

Rheumatic Fever

2007-11-19T03:25:00.000-08:00

Rheumatic Fever

Rheumatic Fever is an inflammatory disease, which occurs as a delayed sequel to pharyngeal infection with streptococcal bacteria. It involves principally the heart, joints, central nervous system and skin. About half of the children who previously had rheumatic fever will develop it again with another streptococcal throat infection. Rheumatic fever follows streptococcal infections of the throat but not those of the skin (impetigo) or other areas of the body; the reasons are not known. Symptoms of rheumatic fever generally appear within five weeks after an untreated streptococcal (strep) throat infection.There's no cure for rheumatic fever. But it can be prevented by prompt and thorough treatment of a strep throat infection with antibiotics.When it seemed to disappear, people thought it had become a disease of the past. After its resurgence, we learned that rheumatic fever comes and goes in waves. It can cause serious illness wherever strep throat occurs.

Rheumatic fever is a serious inflammatory condition that can affect many parts of your body - heart, joints, nervous system and skin. Rather, it is an inflammatory reaction to the infection. Rheumatic fever can damage body tissues by causing them to swell, but its greatest danger lies in the damage it can do to your heart. More than half of the time, rheumatic fever leads to scarring of the heart's valves.

In fact, even in untreated cases, only a small percentage of people with strep throat develop rheumatic fever. Overcrowded living conditions seem to increase the risk of rheumatic fever, and heredity seems to play a part. In the United States, a child who has a streptococcal throat infection but is not treated has only a 0.4 to 1% chance of developing rheumatic fever. But it can be prevented by prompt and thorough treatment of a strep throat infection with antibiotics. In many cases, rheumatic fever may affect the heart valves (rheumatic carditis) and interfere with normal blood flow through the heart.Because of antibiotics, rheumatic fever is now rare in developed countries.

A rare but potentially life-threatening disease, rheumatic fever is a complication of untreated strep throat, by bacteria called Group A Streptococcus. The disease is twice as common in females as it is in males. Although rheumatic fever can occur at any age, it most frequently occurs in children between the ages of 6 and 15 years. Before antibiotic medicines became widely used, rheumatic fever was the single biggest cause of valve disease .Rheumatic fever is a condition that is a complication of untreated strep throat.However, the greatest danger from the disease is the damage it can do to the heart.In more than half of all cases, rheumatic fever scars the valves of the heart, forcing this vital organ to work harder to pump blood. In the United States, rheumatic fever rarely develops before age 4 or after age 18 and is much less common than in developing countries, probably because antibiotics are widely used to treat streptococcal infections at an early stage.

Causes of Rheumatic Fever

The common Causes of Rheumatic Fever :

Rheumatic fever primarily affects children between ages 6 and 15 and occurs approximately 20 days after strep throat or scarlet fever.

The rate of development of rheumatic fever in individuals with untreated strep infection is estimated to be 3%.

Streptococcal antigens, which are structurally similar to those in the heart, include hyaluronate in the bacterial capsule, cell wall polysaccharides (similar to glycoproteins in heart valves), and membrane antigens that share epitopes with the sarcolemma and smooth muscle.

The antibodies begin with the joints and often move on to the heart and surrounding tissues.

Persons who have suffered a case of rheumatic fever have a tendency to develop flare-ups with repeated strep infections.

One possible cause for this is the similarities between streptococcal antigens and heart valve proteins and heart muscle cells

RF only develops in children and adolescents following GABHS pharyngitis, and only infections of the pharynx initiate or reactivate RF.

If the antibodies attack your heart, they can cause your heart valves to swell, which can lead to scarring of the valve "doors."

Symptoms of Rheumatic Fever

Some are common Symptoms of Rheumatic Fever :

Joint pain, migratory arthritis - involving primarily knees, elbows, ankles, and wrists

Stomach pain or feeling less hungry.

Sore throat

weight loss

A raised, red rash on your chest, back, or stomach.

Joint swelling; redness or warmth

Small bumps under the skin over your elbows or knees (called nodules).

Abdominal pain

stomach pains

Fever

Joint pain

Headache

Treatment of Rheumatic Fever

Here is the list of the methods for treating Rheumatic Fever :

The management of acute rheumatic fever is geared towards the reduction of inflammation with anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin or corticosteroids.

Individuals with positive cultures for strep throat should also be treated with antibiotics.

Continue prednisone for 2-6 weeks depending on the severity of the carditis, and taper prednisone during the last week of therapy.

Another important cornerstone in treating rheumatic fever includes the continuous use of low dose antibiotics (such as penicillin, sulfadiazine, or erythromycin) to prevent recurrence.

Anti-inflammatory doses of aspirin may be associated with abnormal liver function tests and GI toxicity, and adjusting the aspirin dosage may be necessary.

To reduce inflammation of your heart or joints, your doctor may recommend specific doses of aspirin or an over-the-counter or prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication.

Treatment for rheumatic fever can involve several approaches, including antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications, bed rest and, in the most serious cases, surgical repair of damaged heart valves.

The length of bed rest will be determined by your child's physician, based on the severity of your child's disease and the involvement of the heart and joints. Bed rest may range from two to twelve weeks.

LEG PAINS

2007-11-19T03:23:00.000-08:00

Pain in legs, coming on after walking a moderate distance often arises from narrowing of the blood vessels leading to these areas. If the vessel becomes completely blocked, gangrene may result and the toes become dark and cold. This is most frequently seen in cases of uncontrolled diabetes.

People with varicose veins suffer from swelling of the veins, followed by muscle cramps and a tired feeling in the legs behind the knees. In some cases the skin over the lower part of the leg may break down, forming a large, ugly ulcer, which is often painful.

Leg cramps can occur due to running, walking, riding a bike, standing up, even sleeping. While every lower-leg injury has its specific biomechanical causes, all are rooted in tight calf muscles and relative weakness in the front leg muscles. This is very, very common in runners, since running tends to exercise the calf muscles more than those in the front

Anterior shin splints is defined as the pain in the front and outer edge of your legs. The main cause of shin splints is tight calf muscles and weak shin muscles, the injury may have been further aggravated by a variety of factors. Shin splints are very common among beginning runners.

Posterior shin splint may be defined as the pain on the inner side of your leg, right where the calf muscle meets the big shinbone. The cause of this may be straining of a muscle that gives some support to the arch of your foot

Achilles Tendinitis may be defined as the pain in the lower calf along the Achilles tendon, the cord connecting the heel to the calf muscle. The main cause of this may be extra pulling of the tendon, which causes a lot of pain in legs.

HOME REMEDIES FOR LEG PAINS
Grab your upper lip between your thumb and index finger, and squeeze for about 30 seconds to get relief.
Grab the cramping muscle tightly, pushing your fingertips deep into the cramp for about 10 to 15 seconds, then release. You can repeat as often as necessary to relieve the cramp.
After the cramp is gone, stretch out the muscle but begin slowly and without bouncing on it. To begin, sit down on the floor and extend the leg. Then reach out and gently pull your toes toward your knee.
Drinking a cup of water (about eight ounces) every 20 minutes before, during and after exercise will help keep your system from dehydrating. Dehydration helps to prevent cramping.
Boil 1-teaspoon saffron in 1/2 cup water. Let it reduce to become 1 tablespoon. Divide this solution into three portions and take with equal quantities of water, thrice daily for a couple of days. This is very effective home remedy for leg pains and will help to reduce the pain.
A diet high in natural fibres from fruits and vegetables, pulses, whole grains, calcium, magnesium and vitamin E rich foods also help in fighting against the joint pains.
Drink 1 cup of warm water mixed with limejuice and honey to reduce pain.
Avoid mental tensions that lead to stress. Lose weight, if necessary, to get close to your ideal weight. If you weigh less, there is less weight on your joints and less pain.
Take foods rich in calcium and protein. Exposure to sunlight for vitamin D is also good. Milk and milk products, ragi, drumstick leaves and drumstick are excellent sources of calcium and sprouted pulses and nuts are very good sources of protein for a vegetarian. Include these foods in the daily diet.
During the painful stages it is important for the patient to have one or two rest periods during the day.
Add one-tablespoon cod liver oil to the juice of one orange, whip and drink before sleeping.
One raw clove of garlic every day is very beneficial. This clove can be fried in ghee (clarified butter) or castor oil. Take for 2 months.
Drink 15 grams of fresh bathu juice daily with an empty stomach without adding any salt or sugar to it. This is very effective home remedy for leg pains .
Massage the affected area with any oil will to provide relief from the pain.
Drink a cup of papaya seed tea six or seven times daily for two or three weeks for relief from joint pain.
Heavy meals, meat and fish, sour fruits and fried foods should be avoided, as they are difficult to digest.
Consumption of rice during nighttime should be avoided. Among fruits bananas are considered best as they provide strength to the joints and grease them.
To get relief from a severe leg cramp in the calf muscle, flex your shin muscle (which opposes your calf muscle) by pulling your toes toward your knee.
To ease the leg pains and reduce inflammation, ice your shins immediately after running. Use either a store-bought cold pack or simply freeze a wet towel before going out on a run. Whatever you use, wrap the ice pack around your leg and keep it on for 10 or 15 minutes, keeping your foot elevated all the while.

LACTATION PROBLEMS

2007-11-19T03:22:00.001-08:00

Breast milk is the best food for a newborn; nothing comes even closer to provide all the nutrients that the baby will need later in life. Breast milk is much easier to digest then any formula in the market, at the same time it provides protection against infections, prevents future food allergies, helps the growth of healthy teeth, and most important it improves brain development.

Breast-feeding is the way that creates a bond of love between the mother and the child. Mother's milk is the best for the babies. A baby who feeds on mother's milk has fewer problems of stomach upsets, less diarrhea, and almost no constipation. He will also have less skin trouble

Breast-feeding not only benefits the child but also to the health of the mother. The pelvic organs will return to normal more quickly, and skin will glow. This is one of nature's ways to keep a woman young and beautiful.

Breast-feeding is much easier than other formulas and bottles.

Breast engorgement is a common problem that occurs in the feeding mothers in the first two or three weeks after delivery and is more annoying to women with poor skin elasticity. Engorgement is due to increase in the milk filling the breast together with blood and fluid retention in the same area.

Usually the breast feels full, hard, tight, tender, painful, and hot to the touch and a fever may develop, the baby may have a hard time to suck

Plugged duct is a problem that occurs when the baby does not empty the breast completely on each feeding, the milk remaining in the duct hardens and blocks the duct eventually plugging it. Tight bras can cause plugged ducts as well. If the breast feels sore it might be a sign of plugged ducts.
Feeding the child in the wrong position can crack nipples.

HOME REMEDIES: LACTATION PROBLEMS

Apply some tea bags on the sore nipples. It will help to reduce the pain of the sore nipples.
Keep your nipples dry and expose them to air whenever you can. You might try drying them with low heat from a hair dryer.
Applying a small amount of breast milk when you are done nursing, then letting it air-dry before covering yourself up might help.
Avoid using soap on your breasts. It can be very drying.
Prepare a solution of salt and water (1/4 teaspoon of salt per cup of water) and soak your nipples for 15 minutes or so between feeding. This is very effective home remedy for lactation problems.
Massage the lump on your breast firmly between and during feedings.
Sleep as much as possible. Vigorous arm movements may help loosen up the blockage.
Chaste tree increases flow of milk, by affecting pituitary's prolactin secretion.
Milk thistle promotes production of milk and decreases pesticide residues in breast and milk.
Soak one-half cup (regular) barley in three cups cold water overnight, or boil the barley and water for 25 minutes. Strain out barley. Store barley water in refrigerator or cool place until needed. Then heat a cup or two to boiling and add fennel seeds - one teaspoon per cup of barley water. Steep for no longer than 30 minutes. This combination not only increases the breast milk, but also eases after pains and improves the digestion of mother and baby.
Cumin helps increase milk production.
Chamomile help control inflamed breast.
Dandelion is very helpful and popular herb to treat mastitis.
If your breasts become swollen and painful, apply warm, moist packs two or three times a day.
If the nipples become sore, carefully sponge them with rubbing alcohol, and then rinse with clean water.
Change the position of child at each feeding. Rotate between various holds like the cradle, football, and laying down to find the most comfortable positions for yourself. Use pillows to bring the baby up to the height of your breast to reduce tugging and pulling on your nipple.
Eat alfalfa to stimulate the milk production or to increase the quantity of milk in the breasts.
Midwives have used goat's rue for hundreds of years to improve breast milk production by as much as 50%.
Take a handful of Confrey leaves and steam them for a few minutes wrapped in gauze and placed on the breast. This is also very effective home remedy for lactation problems.
Soak a towel in hot water and place it on the breast ten minutes before feeding.
Give your baby frequent feeds on both breast 10 to 15 minutes each.
Check your nipples every day, if you see dry milk on them or dark dots remove them with a cotton and warm water and feed your child as soon as possible from that breast.
Place the baby in different positions every time, this will ensure that all ducts are being used.
Elder is used to reduce swelling of breast infected with mastitis.
Take plenty of rest during day.
Drink large amount of fluids.
Gently keep some green cabbage leaves in your bra for 2 hours. This will relieve the engorgement of breast

Liver Care

2007-11-19T03:20:00.000-08:00

The liver is the largest single gland in the body. It is located on the right side of the abdomen under the lower ribs and just under the diaphragm which divides the chest from the abdomen. Liver performs a number of important functions in the body. When the liver is healthy it works very smoothly. But the liver can be affected by a number of serious disorders, such as virus infections, parasites, disburtances of the circulation, stone formation in the bile ducts, injuries due to poisonous substances, and various kinds of tumours.

Most of the foods we eat are stored in the liver, after having been digested and absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. The liver has another very important function, that of detoxifying or destroying many harmful poisons and even certain medicines that are taken into the body for other purposes. When the liver is sick these functions are impaired and soon the whole body suffers.

Not only does the liver store food materials, it also produces bile, a golden-yellowish liquid that is needed for the absorption of fat from the intestine. Another important substance produced in the liver is cholesterol, part of which passes into the bile. It may even form stones in the bile ducts and gall bladder under certain conditions. Another important component is prothrombin, which is needed for the clotting of the blood. Urea, an important component of the urine, is also produced in the liver. The production of all these substances may be changed under certain disease conditions.

Jaundice is a disease marked by a yellow discolouration in the skin or in the whites of the eye. This is due to excessive amount of bile in the blood stream. Hepatitis is an acute inflammation of the liver caused by some infectious or toxic agent. The skin may be discoloured and the whites of the eyes turn yellow. Various substances and organisms may be responsible for hepatitis, including germs, viruses, and toxic agents.

Another important disease of the liver is the cirrhosis of the liver. It is mostly associated with alcoholism. Poor nutrition may be responsible for this condition also. In some cases chronic poisoning with industrial fluids, such as carbon tetrachloride, may also play a part. In the early stages of the disease there may be frequent attacks of gas and indigestion, with occassional nausea and vomiting and with abdominal pain and weight loss.

Cancer may occur in almost any organ of the body. When it begins in the stomach or large bowel, the liver may soon be involved mainly because the blood flows toward the liver from all the digestive organs including the pancreas and gall bladder. This is known as metastatic carcinoma.

HOME REMEDIES FOR LIVER CARE
Papaya has been found beneficial in the treatment of cirrhosis of the liver, caused by alcoholism and malnutrition. Take a tablespoon of juice by grinding the seeds, mix with ten drops of fresh limejuice, and take it once or twice daily for about a month as a medicine for this disease.
The herb trailing eclipta, botanically known as eclipta Alba (Bhringaraj ), has proved invaluable in cirrhosis of the liver. Take the juice of all parts of this plant in doses of one teaspoon, mixed with one teaspoon of honey, three times daily.
Picrorhiza known as picrorhiza kurroa (Katuki) is a drug of choice in ayurveda for cirrhosis of the liver among adults. Mix a tablespoon of the powder with an equal quantity of honey, take this thrice daily.
The juice of carrots, in combination with spinach juice, has been found beneficial in the treatment of cirrhosis of the liver. Mix -200 ml of Spinach juice with 300 ml of carrot juice to prepare 500 ml or half a litre of combined juices. Similarly, 300 ml of carrot juice, combined with 100 ml each of cucumber and beet juices can be used effectively.

The patient must stop taking alcohol in any form.
Vegetables such as beets, squashes, bitter gourd, eggplant, tomatoes, carrots, radishes, and papaya are especially useful in this condition.
The patient should avoid all refined, processed, and canned foods; spices and condiments; strong tea and coffee; fried foods; all preparations cooked in ghee, oil, or butter; all meats; and all chemical additives in food. The use of salt should be limited.

Application of hot and cold compresses, for two to three minutes each, on the liver area are beneficial.
Daily morning exercises, which involve stretching and deep breathing, are also effective in preventing the liver. Stretching and deep breathing kind of exercises early in the morning provide the most benefit for anyone with sluggish liver.
Soak 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon of Bentonite clay in 1 cup of filtered water for 12 hours. Then add ½ to 1 tablespoon of psyllium husks or plantago seeds to the clay mixture and mix well. Drink and eat the whole cup of mixture immediately and then followed by 1 cup of warm water before bedtime. This is an effective home remedy for liver.
Drink at least 8 cups of warm water a day including 2 cups first thing in the morning.
Epsom salt may help in flushing out the stones from the gall bladder. Epsom salt dilates the bile duct.
One tablespoon each of Coptis and Curcuma can usually help to push out the stones or other blockages.
Take 2 tablespoons of GCG to crush the stone and wait for 1½ to 2 hours before taking 1 tablespoon each of Coptis and Curcuma again. The crushed stones appear to move easier and the pain is relieved. This is also an effective home remedy for liver.
Milk thistle is found useful in patients who have developed acute liver disease from drugs, environmental toxins or ethanol or mushroom poisoning.
A licorice root extract called glycyrrhizin has also shown good result as a possible remedy for chronic hepatitis C and liver cancer.

MALARIA

2007-11-19T03:19:00.001-08:00

Malaria is one of the most widespread diseases in the world. Hundreds of millions of people are affected by malaria, of which there are three main types: vivax, falciparum, and malariae.
When the female of this particular species bites a patient who has malaria, she draws up a small quantity of blood containing the parasites. These parasites then pass through several stages of development within the mosquito's body, and finally find their way to its salivary glands. About ten days after the mosquito has injected these parasites into a person's blood stream. Most of them are now within the bred blood cells of the victim.

Many of the parasites are destroyed by the defense system of the body, particularly by the white blood cells in the spleen, liver, and bone marrow. But enough of them survive to cause plenty of trouble.

During the acute attack of malaria, the patient complains of fever, weakness, headache, and chilling sensations. In more severe cases, the attack begins abruptly with shaking chills, fever, and sweating. Between the paroxysms, the patient usually feels miserable and runs a low-grade fever. The temperature may run to 104 0F., and the patient may complain of severe headache, and may manifest drowsiness, delirium, and confusion.

With this serious complication the patient suffers from jaundice, anemia, severe prostration, and shock.

HOME REMEDIES FOR MALARIA

Boil 1 glass of water with 1 tspn Cinnamon powder added to it. Drink this after adding a dash of pepper powder and honey to it.
Grapefruit is one of the most effective home remedies for malaria. It should be taken daily
The seeds of the fever nut plant are another effective remedy for malaria. About six grams of these seeds should be given with a cup of water two hours before the expected onset of the paroxysm of fever, and a second dose should be given one hour after the attack.
About two and a half freshly sprouted leaves of datura plant should be made into a pill by rubbing them with jaggery and administered two hours before the onset of the paroxysm.
Prepare an infusion by steeping 15 gm of chirayata in 250 ml of hot water with aromatics like cloves and cinnamon, should be given in doses of 15 to 30 ml. This is very useful home remedy for malaria.
About three grams of lime should be dissolved in about 60 ml of water and the juice of one lemon added to it. This water should be taken before the onset of the fever.
Alum should be roasted over a hot plate and powdered. Half a teaspoon should be taken about four hours before the expected attack and half a teaspoon every two hours after it. This will give relief.
For malaria treatment take an infusion of holy basil leaves.
The juice of about eleven grams of leaves of holy basil mixed with three grams of powder of black pepper can be taken beneficially in the cold stage of the malarial fever.
The best way to reduce temperature naturally during the course of the fever is by means of a cold pack, which can be applied to the whole body.
Malaria can be prevented by protection against mosquito bites, cleanliness of surrounding areas, and ensuring that there is no pool of stagnant water lying around.
Lie on a bed covered with a blanket, for 15 to 20 minutes. Drinking a hot liquid also helps.
Take 10 grams (one-tablespoon) raisins and 10 grams (one tablespoon) fresh ginger. Crush and put in 200-ml. water for one hour. Boil this decoction till the water reduces to 50 ml. Strain and drink while warm. This is also very useful home remedy for malaria.
Exposure to extreme cold or heat, exertion, exercise, mental stress, sexual activity and any other type of physical activity should be avoided until the patient regains strength.
The patient should be given plenty of fluids, fresh fruit juices, and a balanced diet.
Sleep under a mosquito net. Children's bed should especially be screened by nets.
Small amounts of whole grain bread or biscuits can be taken with milk. Heavy foods that are difficult to digest like fried foods, fast foods, meat, chicken, fish, and raw foods should be completely avoided.
The patient should plenty of rest.
For malaria treatment small quantities of cow milk can be taken two to three times a day
Khichadi is very good with spices like cumin seeds, coriander, turmeric, ginger and salt can be also be added to it.
Eggplant, bitter gourd and cooked radish and barley water is good.

2007-11-19T03:11:00.000-08:00

Do Not Drink Cold Water after a Meal

EFFECTS OF COLD WATER

For those who like to drink cold water, this article is applicable to you. It is nice to have a cup of cold drink after a meal. However, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff that you have just consumed. It will slow down the digestion. Once this "sludge" reacts with the acid, it will break down and be absorbed by the intestine faster than the solid food. It will line the intestine. Very soon, this will turn into fats and lead to cancer. It is best to drink hot soup or warm water after a meal.
A serious note about heart attacks - You should know that not every heart attack symptom is going to be the left arm hurting. Be aware of intense pain in the jaw line.
You may never have the first chest pain during the course of a heart attack. Nausea and intense sweating are also common symptoms. 60% of people who have a heart attack while they are asleep do not wake up. Pain in the jaw can wake you from a sound sleep. Let's be careful and be aware. The more we know the better chance we could survive.
A cardiologist says if everyone who reads this message sends it to 10 people, you can be sure that we'll save at least one life. Read this & Send the link to a friend. It could save a life. So, please be a true friend and send this article to all your friends you care about.

INDIGESTION

2007-11-14T03:54:00.000-08:00

Many people are suffered with bouts of indigestion. Indigestion occurs due to disordered stomach, which is often irritated by improper foods. Nervous problems are another common cause of gas and indigestion.

People with indigestion presents with a number of different symptoms such as nausea, heartburn, upper abdominal pain and flatulence or a sense of fullness in the abdomen after eating food. These symptoms often come on after eating too rapidly or not chewing properly.

Emotional upsets and severe mental strain are also common cause of gas and indigestion. Constipation may also interfere the normal process of digestion and often causes gas and abdominal pain.

Certain foods may cause trouble. Fried foods often cause gas and abdominal discomfort. Excessive smoking is another cause of trouble. many nervous individuals rapidly gulp down their food and swallow excessive amounts of air as well. Carbonated drinks release a lot of carbon dioxide gas which may produce a sense of fullness in the stomach.

Indigestion can be caused due to improper eating habits, eating a lot of fried foods, meat, sweets, heavy foods and overeating, eating incompatible food items, eating at irregular times, eating before the last meal is fully digested, eating very quickly or mixing too many foods in one meal, consuming too much tea, coffee and alcohol, smoking, staying up late, emotional disturbances (stress, grief, anxiety), taking drugs like antibiotics, painkillers and steroids.

HOME REMEDIES FOR INDIGESTION

Prepare a m ixture by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or cider vinegar in a cup of hot water and take it before a meal to prevent acid indigestion.
Add three drops of garlic oil to an half a cup of Soya oil and rub onto the stomach after food.
For indigestion treatment prepare a herbal tea of mint, raspberry, chamomile and blackberry.
Drink one cup of ginger tea after meals to promote a good digestion and for heartburn, nausea, etc.
Mix equal parts of baking soda and water in a glass.
Take 1 tsp each of mint juice, lemon juice, and honey. This is an effective home remedy for indigestion.
Peppermint is a good for indigestion. Those who are prone to heartburn may try peppermint tea. It will help indigestion with out causing heartburn.
Mix 2 pinches of rock salt and 1/2 tsp carom seeds (ajwain). Chew it and drink water for indigestion.
Mix lemon juice in warm water. Take this three times a day.This is also very effective home remedy for indigestion.
Chewing a small piece of fresh ginger with salt, five to ten minutes before meals stimulates digestion.
Take equal amounts of ginger powder, black pepper, dried mint leaves, asafetida (hing), anise seeds, coriander seeds, cumin, fennel and common salt. Make a powder by grinding in a blender. Take about 1 teaspoon of this powder with water, twice a day after meals.
Drinking buttermilk after a meal improves digestion. Roasted cumin seeds and a little salt in the buttermilk enhance its effectiveness.
Drinking water gives immediate relief to symptoms like wind, distended stomach and acidity.
For indigestion treatment, eat half a teaspoon of aniseed.
Prepare a mixture by adding 5-6 chopped basil (tulsi) leaves, 1/4 tsp sea salt, some black pepper in 3 Tbsp of curd, and eat it. Repeat this 4 times a day for one week for complete reconditioning of stomach.
Keep a fast to fight with indigestion for complete one day.
Eat boiled seasonal vegetables, fruits, fruit juices and lemon juice. Spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, fresh ginger, black pepper and asafetida also improves the digestion.
Physical exercise, according to the strength and energy of the patient, is beneficial.
Do not eat while moving or traveling in a car, watching television or reading.
Do not eat fast food or food that has been cooked in a microwave oven. Eating should not be too fast or too slow and the food should be properly chewed.
Sleeping during the day, especially after lunch is not recommended, as it produces indigestion.
The patient should not stay awake late at night and should be free from mental stress, anxiety, fear and grief.
Grapes also help to improve digestion.
Pineapple acts as a tonic and relieves much of the digestive disorders. Half a glass of pineapple juice should be taken after a meal in treating this condition.
The juice of a pomegranate mixed with a tablespoon of honey is valuable in indigestion accompanied by giddiness.
Carrot also helps to relieve of symptoms of indigestion.
Boil about 50 leaves of fenugreek (methi leaves) and fry in butter. This helps to relieve indigestion and other stomach disorders.
Mix a teaspoon of aniseed in a cup of boiling water and leaving it covered overnight. The clear fluid can then be decanted and taken with honey

JOINT AND MUSCLE PAINS

2007-11-14T03:29:00.000-08:00

The skeleton of our body has been provided with special joints or working surfaces where the bones come together. Flexible joints consist of special tissues such as cartilage, ligaments, tendons and capsule or covering for the joint. All these help to bind the bones together. But for real flexibility there must be sufficient lubricant to keep the joint movable and free from pain.

As a rule inflammation occurs most frequently in joints that are used a great deal, such as the fingers, knees, shoulders and spine. Most joint surfaces are smooth and hard, enabling them to carry heavy pressure when in use. The capsule protects the joint from injury and helps to hold the articulating bones in place.

Healthy cartilage is very elastic, able to recoil after any blow or pressure upon its surface. But when this useful substance degenerates there may be a rough grating sound when the joint is moved. Stiffness and pain may follow, particularly in the morning or after a period of rest. The joint may also begin to swell, as excess synovial fluid is poured out to help relieve the pain and heal the tender inflamed joint. All near by tissues, such as tendons, fascia, and muscles may also be involved.

The word arthritis means inflammation of the joints, but in early stages the whole body is usually involved. One or two joints may become completely deformed leaving the patient handicapped and somewhat weakened.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a serious disease that involves the joints but also the muscles, tendons, and other tissues of the body. Rheumatoid arthritis begins mildly with some swelling, pain and tenderness in the joints of the fingers, wrists, knees and feet. In this disease the joints on each side of the body are often involved at the same time. The joints feel unusually warm, and may appear red, and perhaps even contain some fluid.

Osteoarthritis is a chronic form of arthritis that may involve any joint but is more likely to occur in hardworking joints as the knees or fingers. The other causes of joint pain are: Joint injury, infections like viral infections, bacterial infections etc., joint strains, autoimmune diseases, and nervous system disorder.

Common symptoms of rheumatism are fever, immense pain & stiffness in affected muscles in case of chronic muscular rheumatism. Pain or tenderness in a joint which is aggravated by any movement or activity, such as walking, getting up from a chair, writing, typing, holding an object, throwing a ball, turning a key. Excruciating pain and stiffness in the joints in case of chronic articular rheumatism.

HOME REMEDIES FOR JOINT AND MUSCLE PAINS

Mix two teaspoons of lemon juice and a teaspoon of honey in a cup of warm water and take it twice daily. It is highly effective for the treatment of arthritis.
Take half teaspoon of turmeric powder with warm water twice a day. It is also beneficial in curing arthritis.
Application of hot packs and ice packs for 10 minutes also provides relief from joint pains.
Drinking alfalfa tea twice daily is also helps in the treatment of arthritis.
Drink some radish juice with sugar added to it to get rid of joint and muscle pains.
Soak Spiegel seeds in water, make a paste and apply it on the joints for immediate relief from pain.
Drink 15 grams of fresh bathu juice daily with an empty stomach without adding any salt or sugar to it.
Massage the affected area with any oil will to provide relief from the pain.
Drink a cup of papaya seed tea six or seven times daily for two or three weeks for relief from joint pain.
Eat porridge of 2 teaspoonfuls of winter cherry with ghee and molasses with an empty stomach for 15 days.
Improvement in the digestion and metabolism of the body is very important for the treatment.
Heavy meals, meat and fish, sour fruits and fried foods should be avoided, as they are difficult to digest.
Consumption of rice during nighttime should be avoided. Among fruits bananas are considered best as they provide strength to the joints and grease them.
Apple cider vinegar also helps to reduce the joint pains.
Take 1 teaspoon of turmeric juice in hot milk. It relieves of all pains in the body.
Prepare a mixture by adding 1/8-teaspoon turmeric, 3 cardamom pods (optional), 1/4-cup water. Simmer 5 to 7minutes, then add: 1 cup of milk, 2 tablespoons almond oil (cold pressed). Bring just to the boiling point (but do not boil). Add honey or maple syrup to taste. Sip slowly as a hot tea. This is an effective home remedy for joint and muscle pains.
Take Aloe Vera juice to get relief from the joint pains.
Aquatic herb Bog bean works as an anti-inflammatory, eating this herb or taking the herb in a supplement form can dramatically help in fighting against the arthritis.
Taking alfalfa tea twice a day makes a good cure.
Another very effective home remedy for joint and muscle pains is - Mix two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar and 2 teaspoons of honey in a small glass of warm water. Take it once or twice a day to get relief.
Rub the aching joints with hot vinegar to get some relief from pain.
Mix two parts pure olive oil and one part kerosene. It makes a wonderful ointment for the affected joints.
Add one-tablespoon cod liver oil to the juice of one orange, whip and drink before sleeping.
One raw clove of garlic every day is very beneficial. This clove can be fried in ghee (clarified butter) or castor oil. Take for 2 months.
Guggulu is very helpful in curing arthritis. Eat half a teaspoon twice a day after meals with warm water.
Drink carrot juice, cucumber juice, eat cooked vegetables and/or vegetable soups, and drink coconut water for a healthy body.
On an empty stomach eat 2-3 walnuts or some coconut. This is also an effective home remedy for joint and muscle pains.
Avoid mental tensions that lead to stress. Lose weight, if necessary, to get close to your ideal weight. If you weigh less, there is less weight on your joints and less pain

Jet Lag

2007-11-14T03:28:00.000-08:00

Jet Lag can mean: Fatigue, Disorientation, Lack of concentration and motivation, Broken sleep after travel, Dehydration, Discomfort of legs and feet. Jet lag is the curse of modern jet travel, resulting in decrease in working efficiency and holiday enjoyment, often for days after arrival.

The most important cause of jet lag is rapid change across world time zones. The time difference disturbs our body clock (circadian rhythm). This in turn affects body temperature, heartbeat, blood pressure and physiological patterns, leading to disorientation and mental and physical fatigue. It appears that the secretion of an amino-acid derivative hormone, Melatonin, influences the body's clock. Melatonin is manufactured in the brain during periods of darkness to promote sleep.

Sitting idle for long periods in flight causes discomfort and possible swelling of the legs and feet, and the dry atmosphere in airliner cabins can cause body dehydration. Altitude and pressure changes at each landing and takeoff also upset body systems, and although airliner cabins are pressurized, these changes are a significant cause of jet lag.

The effects of jet lag may be made worse by excessive eating and consumption of alcohol in flight, by loss of sleep, and also by being tired but these are not specifically causes of jet lag. Children under three don't seem to suffer jet lag badly, as they are more adaptive and less set in their ways. Adults who adjust readily to changes of routine also seem less susceptible to jet lag. Those who are slaves to a fixed daily routine are often the worst sufferers.

Most of the time, our body's clock corresponds to our daily schedule - which is why we wake up at the start of the day and go to sleep at the end. When we travel across time zones, however, all of a sudden our body's clock and the "external" clocks are out of order. When we fly from New Delhi to Los Angels, for example, the clock in our hotel may say it's 7 p.m., but our body thinks that it's midnight and time to be sleeping.

Jet lag usually is worse when you're traveling west to east, since you're 'losing' time due to the way the time zones are." So flying from Japan to New York may be even harder than the New York to Japan flight. Jet lag can make you tired and forgetful. It disturbs your sleep schedule, so you may have trouble falling asleep or wake up too early. In some cases, people who have jet lag feel irritable, lose their appetites, or even have digestive problems such as heartburn or indigestion.
Some of the common symptoms of jetlag includes Common symptoms of Jet lag include fatigue and general tiredness, Inability to sleep at night, Loss of concentration, headaches and general malaise.

HOME REMEDIES FOR JETLAG
To help your body prevent from jetlag, try to arrange your flights so that you land sometime in mid evening. That gives you enough time to unwind, eat a good meal and get to bed by 11:00 P.M
Maintain a consistent sleep pattern before the flight.
Airplane cabins are dry, and a lengthy trip can cause dehydration. Dehydration worsens jet lag, and alcohol consumption worsens dehydration. "Alcohol is one of the most potent dehydrators. So avoid taking alcohol while traveling in plane.
Try to sit on the side of the airplane that's exposed to the most amount of sunshine.
Three days before departure have a relatively high-protein breakfast and lunch and a supper high in complex carbohydrates to stimulate the body's daily cycle of activity and inactivity.
Drink lots of water on any flight - a generous cup of water every hour would be ideal.
Get a hot moist towel immediately start breathing through it - this brings wonderful warm moist air into your lungs and helps rehydrate that part of you as well.
Before taking your trip, take vitamins A, C, E, and the mineral selenium. This will help protect you against free radical damage caused by radiation during the flight.
Adjust your sleep routine to the new time zone before you leave home.
Take up to 8 mg of melatonin at bedtime at your destination. This is very useful for jetlag.
Before flight do not exhaust yourself or do not exercise with full stomach.
Getting extra sleep before traveling can help a long way toward helping you feel refreshed when you arrive.
It's not exactly easy to move around on the plane, but keeping active will help you stay energized and refreshed.
Spending sometime outdoors in the sunlight when you arrive at your new destination will help your body clock adjust more quickly to the change.

Peptic ulcer

2007-11-14T01:43:00.000-08:00

Peptic ulcer

A peptic ulcer refers to an eroded lesion in the inner lining of the stomach and the adjoining intestinal tract called the duodenum. The ulcer located in the stomach is known as a gastric ulcer, and that located in the duodenum is called a duodenal ulcer. Usually, both are grouped together and termed as peptic ulcer.

Peptic ulcer symptoms

Severr pain and discomfort in upper part

The symptoms of peptic ulcer are sharp and severe pain and discomfort in the upper part of the abdomen. Gastric ulcer pain usually occurs an hour after meals and rarely at night. Duodenal ulcer pain usually occurs between meals when the stomach is empty. The pain is relieved by food, especially milk. As the disease progresses, there is distension of the stomach due to excessive flatulence, mental tension, insomnia, and gradual weakening of the body. Blood may also be detected in the stool.

Peptic ulcer causes
Hyperacidity
A peptic ulcer is the result of hyperacidity, which is caused by an increase in the hydrochloric acid in the stomach. This strong acid, secreted by the cells lining the stomach, erodes the inner lining of the stomach. Dietetic indiscretion such as overeating, taking of heavy meals or highly spiced foods, coffee, alcohol, and smoking are the main factors contributing to this condition.

Food poisoning, infections, stress
Other causes are the ingestion of certain drugs, food poisoning, certain infections, gout, emotional disturbances, stress, and nervous tension.

Peptic Ulcer treatment using Banana
Banana is one of the most effective home remedies for the treatment of a peptic ulcer. This fruit is said to contain an unidentified compound, perhaps jokingly called vitamin U (against ulcers). Banana neutralises the over-acidity of the gastric juices and reduces the irritation of the ulcer by coating the lining of the stomach. Patients who are in an advanced state of the disease should take a diet consisting only of two bananas with a glass of milk, three or four times a day.

Peptic Ulcer treatment using Wood Apple
An infusion of the leaves of wood apple is another effective remedy for this disease. Fifteen grams of leaves should be soaked overnight in 250 ml of water. In the morning this water should be strained and taken as a drink. The pain and discomfort will be relieved when this treatment is continued for a few weeks. bael leaves are rich in tannins which reduce inflammation and help in the healing of ulcers. The bad fruit taken in the form of a beverage also has great healing properties on account of it<; mucilage content. This substance forms a coating on the stomach mucosa and thus helps in the healing of ulcers.

Peptic Ulcer treatment using Lime
Lime is valuable in peptic ulcers. The citric acid in this fruit, together with the mineral salts present in the juice, help in digestion.

Peptic Ulcer treatment using Cabbage
Cabbage is regarded as another useful home remedy for a peptic ulcer: 250 gm should be boiled in 500 ml of water till it is reduced to half; this water should be allowed to cool, and taken twice daily. The juice extracted from raw cabbage is also a valuable medicine for a peptic ulcer. However, as this juice is very strong, it should be taken in combination with carrot juice, in quantities of 125 ml each.

Peptic Ulcer treatment using Fenugreek Seeds
A tea made from fenugreek seeds is yet another useful remedy for peptic ulcers. The seeds, when moistened with water, are slightly mucilaginous. The tea helps in the healing of ulcers as the mild coating of mucilaginous material deposited by fenugreek, passes through the stomach and intestines, providing protective shell for the ulcers.

Peptic Ulcer treatment using Drumstick
The leaves of the kalyana murangal tree, which is a variety 'of drumstick found in South India, have also proved helpful in the healing of ulcers. Ten grams of the leaves of this tree should be ground into a paste, mixed with half a cup of yoghurt, and taken daily.

Peptic Ulcer treatment using Vegetable Juices
The juices of raw vegetables, particularly carrot and cabbage, are beneficial in the treatment of peptic ulcers. Carrot juice may be taken either alone or in combination with spinach, or beet and cucumber. The formula proportions in case of the first combination are 300ml of carrot juice and 200 ml of spinach juice; and in case of the second combination, 300 ml of carrot juice and 100 ml each of beet and cucumber juice to make 500 ml of juice.

Peptic Ulcer treatment using Almond Milk
Milk prepared from blanched almonds in a blender is very useful as a treatment for peptic ulcers. It binds the excess of acid in the stomach and supplies high quality protein.

Peptic Ulcer treatment using Goat's Milk
Goat's milk is also highly beneficial in the treatment of this disease. It actually helps to heal peptic ulcers. For better results, a glass of goat's milk should be taken in a raw state, three times daily.

Peptic ulcer diet
Milk, cream, butter fresh vegetables...
The diet of the patient suffering from a peptic ulcer should be so planned as to provide adequate nutrition, while affording rest to the disturbed organs, maintaining continuous neutralisation of the gastric acid, inhibiting the production of acid, and reducing mechanical and chemical irritation. Milk, cream, butter, fruits, fresh raw and boiled vegetables, natural foods, and natural vitamin supplements constitute the best diet.

Other Peptic ulcer treatment

Massage, deep breathing
A daily massage and deep breathing exercises also help. Above all, the patient must try to rid himself of worries and stay cheerful. He should also cultivate regularity in his habits- be it work, exercise, or rest.

Liver Damage

2007-11-14T01:29:00.000-08:00

The Main Causes of LIVER damage are:

1. Sleeping too late and waking up too late are main cause.

2. Not urinating in the morning.

3. Too much eating.

4. Skipping breakfast.

5. Consuming too much medication.

6. Consuming too much preservatives, additives, food coloring, and
artificial sweetener.

7. Consuming unhealthy cooking oil.. As much as possible reduce
cooking oil use when frying, which includes even the best cooking oils
like olive oil. Do not consume fried foods when you are tired, except
if the body is very fit.

8. Consuming raw (overly done) foods also add to the burden of liver.
Veggies should be eaten raw or cooked 3-5 parts. Fried veggies should
be finished in one sitting, do not store.

We should prevent this without necessarily spending more. We just have
to adopt a good daily lifestyle and eating habits. Maintaining good
eating habits and time condition are very important for our bodies to
absorb and get rid of unnecessary chemicals according to "schedule."
Because:

Evening at 9 - 11pm: is the time for eliminating unnecessary/ toxic
chemicals (detoxification) from the antibody system (lymph nodes).
This time duration should be spent by relaxing or listening to music.
If during this time a housewife is still in an unrelaxed state such as
washing the dishes or monitoring children doing their homework, this
will have a negative impact on health.

Evening at 11pm - 1am : is the detoxification process in the liver,
and ideally should be done in a deep sleep state.

Early morning 1 - 3am : detoxification process in the gall, also
ideally done in a deep sleep state.
Early morning 3 - 5am : detoxification in the lungs. Therefore there
will sometimes be a severe cough for cough sufferers during this time.
Since the detoxification process had reached the respiratory tract,
there is no need to take cough medicine so as not to interfere with
toxin removal process.
Morning 5 - 7am : detoxification in the colon, you should empty your bowel.

Morning 7 - 9am : absorption of nutrients in the small intestine, you
should be having breakfast at this time.Breakfast should be earlier,
before 6:30am, for those who are sick. Breakfast before 7:30am isvery
beneficial to those wanting to stay fit. Those who always skip
breakfast, they should change their habits, and it is still better to
eat breakfast late until 9 - 10am rather than no meal at all.

Sleeping so late and waking up too late will disrupt the process of
removing unnecessary chemicals. Aside from that, midnight to 4:00 am
is the time when the bone marrow produces blood. Therefore, have a
good sleep and don't sleep late.

Brain Damage

2007-11-14T01:28:00.000-08:00

The Main Causes of BRAIN Damage are:

1. No Breakfast
People who do not take breakfast are going to have a lower blood sugar level.
This leads to an insufficient supply of nutrients to the brain causing
brain degeneration.

2. Overeating
It causes hardening of the brain arteries, leading to a decrease in
mental power.

3. Smoking
It causes multiple brain shrinkage and may lead to Alzheimer disease.

4. High Sugar consumption
Too much sugar will interrupt the absorption of proteins and
nutrients causing malnutrition and may interfere with brain
development.

5. Air Pollution
The brain is the largest oxygen consumer in our body. Inhaling
polluted air decreases the supply of oxygen to the brain, bringing
about a decrease in brain efficiency.

6. Sleep Deprivation
Sleep allows our brain to rest. Long term deprivation from sleep will
accelerate the death of brain cells.

7. Head covered while sleeping
Sleeping with the head covered, increases the concentration of carbon
dioxide and decrease concentration of oxygen that may lead to brain
damaging effects.

8. Working your brain during illness
Working hard or studying with sickness may lead to a decrease in
effectiveness of the brain as well as damage the brain.

9. Lacking in stimulating thoughts
Thinking is the best way to train our brain, lacking in brain
stimulation thoughts may cause brain shrinkage.

10. Talking Rarely
Intellectual conversations will promote the efficiency of the brain

COLITIS TREATMENT & CURE

2007-11-12T03:52:00.000-08:00

Colitis more commonly known as irritable colon is a common disorder of the large bowel, producing discomfort and irregular bowel habits. Most patients suffering from an irritable colon are tense, anxious, and hurried. Many of them eat rapidly and at odd times.

Normally the colon is tend to store the waster material until most of the fluids have been removed. People who suffer from irritable colon do not have normal peristaltic or wave like movements in the large bowel, but rather irregular and erratic contractions, which are particularly seen on the left side.

It is a function of the colon to absorb fluid. Therefore if the stools remain to long in the colon without being passed, they become hard and dry. Feeling of fullness or bloating develop because gas is not absorbed or normally expelled. Because the bowel becomes irritated, excessive amounts of mucus are produced within the bowel, resulting in colitis. Some patients suffer from constipation, alternating with periods of loose stools. In still others persistent diarrhea may continue for years.

Chronic ulcerative colitis is a severe, prolonged inflammation of the colon or large bowel in which ulcers form in the walls of the colon, resulting in the passage of bloody stools mixed with mucus and pus.

Chronic ulcerative colitis usually appears in the lower part of the bowel and spreads upward. The disease seems to attack adults more frequently. The first sign is an increased urgency to move the bowel, followed by cramping pains in the abdomen and bloody mucus in the stool. As the condition become more worse the stools become more loose and watery.

The more severe cases often continue night and day with little relief. All this loss of blood and fluid from the bowel results in weakness, fever, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and anemia.

HOME REMEDIES FOR COLITIS TREATMENT & CURE

Eat a high quality diet in between the attacks. If a specific food causes trouble on multiple occasions, avoid it. But if it happens only once, retest. If you find that cabbage makes your symptoms worse, for example, don't avoid all leafy vegetables.
Fiber may be an important food source for colitis treatment. Apples are a very good source of fibre. But avoid fibre during the flare-ups.
People with ulcerative colitis should consider taking a daily multivitamin/mineral supplement that contains at least 400 micrograms of folate.
Emotional stress is the biggest challenge for colitis sufferers. To reduce stress plan a regular exercise program. Exercise will dissipate the effects of stress better than anything.
Inability to digest lactose, the sugar in milk, can be a factor in colitis . By avoiding all milk products, you may be able to reduce your symptoms.
Strict bed rest with plenty of fluids and a high protein diet are very important.
Foods should be attractively prepared and the patient encouraged to eat.
The diet should contain at least 2500 calories a day, given in three or four general meals.
Vitamin K can help to prevent hemorrhage from the bowel.
Avoid eating raw carrots, asparagus, zucchini, squash and other popular vegetables.
Marshmallow root is soothing and healing to inflamed mucous membranes.
Wild yam is known to reduce gastrointestinal upset and nerve pain, and is also considered to be a strong antispasmodic and is potentially anti-inflammatory.
Ginger has traditionally been recommended in Chinese medicine for abdominal bloating, coughing, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Cayenne is helpful for various conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, including stomachaches, cramping pains, and gas.
Many doctors suggest eliminating all sugar (including soft drinks and processed foods with added sugar) from the diets of those with ulcerative colitis.
Laughing provides us with the natural inner massage, and through change of mood it can account for up to 30% of cure.
Angelica nutritionally supports the digestive systems.
Mandrake works well for liver, gallbladder and all aspects of digestion.
Diarrh nourishes the spleen, pancreas, stomach and kidneys.
Peppermint calms the stomach, intestinal tract, and the nervous system. It comforts the stomach and nourishes the salivary glands to help with digestion.
Another potential natural remedy is to take oral butyrate itself. Butyrate is the byproduct of fermentation in a healthy gastric tract.