Milk Thistle Tea

Swine Flu Effects And Treatments

2011-01-16T02:20:00.000-08:00

The swine flu is a devastating virus that attacks your respiratory tract, exactly the way that it does in pigs, causing similar symptoms in both humans and animals, often resulting in death.

The virus is quite unpredictable and can vary from one person to another in severity and symptoms. While 95 percent of those who become infected will simply feel as though they have the worst flu of their life a small percentage will experience some serious side effects.

So, who is most at risk for these negative outcomes? This is a question that is quite hard to answer because as soon as experts suggest that it is only a certain group of individuals who see the worst of the virus, their theory is proven false. That being said, it is safe to say that young children and individuals who have a weakened immune system seem to see the worse outcomes.

How the Swine Flu Causes Death

Death is primarily caused because it can turn into bacterial pneumonia quite quickly. When this happens, it will often worsen asthma or obstructive airway disease or it can ultimately result in organ failure because there is not enough oxygen being pumped through the blood. In approximately 30 percent of swine flu cases that result in death, respiratory failure results because of secondary bacterial infections.

While the seasonal flu usually remains in your respiratory tract, the swine flu burrows itself a little deeper and once it reaches your lungs, that's when the problems arise. This severe damage will rapidly result in respiratory distress which can be life-threatening. As a result of these infections, seizures will develop in some people as well.

What are the Treatment Options?

While the best way to avoid having to deal with swine flu effects is through vaccination, there luckily are some effective treatment options available. Relenza and Tamiflu are two antiviral agents being used to reduce swine flu symptoms. The important thing to know about these options though is that they have to be started within 48 hours of when you first start experiencing symptoms. This means that despite the fact that medical professionals will tell you not to run to the hospital as soon as you have a fever, you ultimately have to rely on instinct so you can start treatment in time.

Information and advice concerning a diabetic emergency.

2009-10-18T02:24:00.000-07:00

What would you do in the case of a diabetic emergency? Would you know the signs and symptoms

of someone in this condition? Do you know the proper first aid to administer to a person having complications to this medical problem?

If the answer is no, then take a minute to familiarize yourself with some very import information concerning diabetes in an effort to be forearmed should you find yourself in the midst of a diabetic emergency.

First, let's learn a little about this medical condition.

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas. This hormone assists the body in using the energy from food. Insulin takes sugar from the blood and then carries it into the cells to be used. When excess sugar remains in the blood and is not transferred to the cells, they must rely on fat for fuel. Since blood sugar is a major source of fuel used by the body, when it cannot be used it will build up in the blood. The blood sugar then overflows into the urine, passing through the body unused and discarded.

When this medical scenario occurs, a condition called diabetes develops. In short, diabetes is the name of the condition, which occurs when insulin is either ineffective or lacking in the body. Diabetes is not contagious and in most cases special diet and/or medication can control it.

There are two types of diabetes. Type I diabetes is referred to as juvenile-onset or insulin-dependent diabetes. This type of diabetes requires external insulin, which enables the sugar to enter the cells. Eternal insulin is necessary in this case, because the body is unable to produce the insulin the cells require. When a person with type I diabetes is deprived of external insulin they will become very ill.

The condition of low blood sugar is called hypoglycemia. This condition occurs in a diabetic for several reasons. Too much or too little insulin or delayed food, alcohol, exercise or any combination of these factors may cause hypoglycemia.

Here is a list of signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia and insulin reaction that would signify a diabetic emergency warranting first aid, offered by the American Diabetes Association

sudden onset

staggering, poor coordination

anger, bad temper

pale color

confusion, disorientation

sudden hunger

excessive sweating

trembling

eventual unconsciousness

The best course of action if all of the above symptoms were present, would be to administer sugar to the victim in a diabetic emergency.

If the victim is a known diabetic, their mental status is altered and the victim is conscious enough to swallow, give the individual in distress some form of food containing sugar. A soda, fruit juice, milk or any type of candy would be sufficient. If the victim¡¦s status does not improve within 15 minutes, you should transport them to the hospital for emergency medical care.

Type II diabetes is commonly known as adult-onset or non-insulin-dependent diabetes. Individuals with type II diabetes are often times overweight and are not dependent on external insulin to allow sugar into the cells. Should the insulin level become too low in a person with type II diabetes, the lack of sugar in the cells causes the cells to increase their sugar production. In turn the sugar in the blood rises to very high levels. This action then causes glucose to overflow into the urine, drawing fluid with it and resulting in dehydration.

The opposite reaction or diabetic emergency to hypoglycemia, is call hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemia occurs when a diabetic has too much sugar in their blood. There are several scenarios¡¦ that can cause this medical condition. Insufficient insulin, overeating, illness, inactivity or stress may promote hyperglycemia. Any combination of these factors could also cause a reaction in a diabetic.

Again, the American Diabetes Association offers this list of signs and symptoms warranting first aid in the case of a diabetic emergency involving hyperglycemia and diabetic coma.

gradual onset

drowsiness

extreme thirst

very frequent urination

flushed skin

vomiting

fruity breath odor

heavy breathing

eventual unconsciousness

Again, if the victim is conscious and able to swallow and you are unsure whether they are suffering from a high or low blood-sugar level administer a beverage or food containing sugar. If there is no improvement in the victim¡¦s condition within 15 minutes, transport them to the hospital for emergency medical attention.

In any case where the victim is or becomes unconscious get them to the hospital immediately. In all cases, seek medical attention following a diabetic episode and advise the victim¡¦s physician of the incident.

Diabetes is a serious medical condition contracted by millions of Americans. It can be controlled in many cases by changes in life-style. To learn more about diabetes, contact the American Diabetes Association or visit your local library or bookstore.

Milk thistle and your liver

2009-09-16T04:18:00.000-07:00

Milk thistle, also known as St. Mary Thistle and Lady's Thistle, is a proven liver protectant. The herb is native to the Mediterranean, but now grows more commonly in North America, especially California and the Eastern U.S. It likes wide-open spaces. Milk Thistle grows as a tall plant with large, white washed prickly leaves and reddish purple flowers. The white spots on the leaves are said to be the Virgin Mary's milk; hence, its alternate name. At one time it was thought it aided in production of breast milk, but that claim has not been proven and could have been rumor due to its mythical link to the Virgin Mary.

Milk Thistle is largely prescribed in Europe to treat a variety of liver conditions. Its benefits as a system cleanser, bile production stimulator, and remedy for Deathcap mushroom poisoning date back 2,000 years to the time of Pliny in Rome.

Poisons enter your body every day whenever you take medication, inhale fumes, or drink alcohol. The liver's job is to break these toxins down into less harmful substances so your body can flush them out naturally. The more toxins your liver encounters, the more damage it sustains, making it less effective at protecting your system from damage. Milk Thistle not only reverses some of this daily damage but it also prevents future harmful effects.

The active ingredient in Milk Thistle is silymarin. The herb acts on your liver in the following ways:

-It binds to the membrane and forms a protective shield, so toxins have a more difficult time getting through.

-Stimulates RNA synthesis, which helps stimulate cell regeneration. So, those toxins that do get through to the liver don't do as much harm because the liver rebuilds itself.

-It eats free radicals, those wayward molecules that roam throughout your body and cause harm to cells. In this sense, it acts as an antiioxidant.

-It benefits T-lymphocytes, which means it may strengthen immune function.

-It helps reduce cholesterol manufacturing in the liver.

-It may help to prevent gallstones, because it increases bile solubility.

-It helps repair skin conditions caused by liver damage.

The easiest, and most reliable, way to take Milk Thistle is to find a reputable herbal outlet and buy capsules of at least 140mg off the shelf. If you prefer to prepare the herb yourself, you have two options, both using the seeds of the plant:

Create a decoction of seeds by covering 40mg of seeds with 3 cups of cold water in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to boil, and simmer for 20-30 minutes. Strain, and drink about half a cup a day for infection.

Prepare a tincture by soaking 300mg of seeds in a glass jar covered with a quart of alcohol, such as vodka or rum. Shake the jar 1-2 minutes, then store in a cool, dark place for 10-14 days, shaking the jar every couple of days. When finished soaking, place a muslin bag inside a wine press and pour the mixture into the bag until all liquid has been captured. Slowly close the press, then store the mixture in a dark jar.

There are varying opinions on what the standard daily dosage of milk thistle should be, but it's usually suggested it be taken three times a day. Talk to your doctor or herbal therapist about the appropriate number of milligrams to take at one time. It may take up to two months for you to experience the effects of Milk Thistle, so be consistent with your use.

It is widely agreed that Milk Thistle is safe with few effects, although users may experience loose bowels in the first few days. This is because the herb stimulates the gall bladder, which can cause an irritated stomach. If you continue to have problems with your stomach after three days, stop taking Milk Thistle and consult your doctor.

Milk Thistle may lower blood glucose levels, so diabetics should talk to their doctors and possibly adjust other medications to accommodate a regimen of Milk Thistle.

Make sure you keep your Milk Thistle in a cool, dry place out of the way of direct sunlight. Don't store it in the bathroom, as heat and moisture may alter the way the herb works, rendering it ineffective.

Also, never take more than is recommended. As with any medication, taking more can actually cause you harm. And always talk to your doctor before you begin taking an herbal supplement, to make sure it does not interact with any other medication you are taking.

Stroke Prevention Advice

2009-05-11T04:56:00.000-07:00

Too many people write it off as a brief dizzy spell. But it could have been a mini-stroke, an early warning sign you are at risk for a paralyzing full-blown stroke, the third leading cause of death in North America. The latest statistics are frightening. Every 53 seconds, someone in the United States falls victim.

Mini-strokes stem from the same things that cause severe strokes -- a hardening of the arteries near or in the brain or clots that break loose and lodge in the brain. The most common indication is weakness or numbness on one side of the body. The reason most people ignore these warning signs is because they usually feel fine afterwards.

With stroke afflicting more than 600,000 Americans each year, there is no wonder why the medical community is accelerating the educational arm of its awareness campaign.

A mini-stroke could come in the form of a severe headache, temporary visual loss, mental confusion or a sudden lack of coordination, like dropping a cup of coffee. Any one of these symptoms is reason enough to go to the emergency room rather than to the bedroom for a rest, neurologists warn.

Most in danger have already celebrated their sixtieth birthday, have previously had a stroke, suffer from high blood pressure, are diabetic, smoke, or do not exercise on a regular basis. Latest figures show that women account for more than 60% of all stroke deaths.

There are new surgical and medical procedures aimed at preventing stroke in high-risk individuals. Typically, blood thinners are prescribed in addition to a change in diet and bad habits. Blood pressure control and heart medications

have also been successful.

In addition, doctors are now able to open the artery without making any incisions in the skull. A tiny catheter is inserted easily into an artery of the patient’s leg and snaked up until it reaches the brain’s blood vessels. A tiny balloon is then inflated that permanently holds open the artery.

A quick diagnosis in the emergency room can make a significant difference. The American Stroke Association will help you locate the best medical facility in your area for stroke diagnosis and care. Make sure the hospital offers a clot-dissolving drug called tissue-type Plasminogen Activator, or TPA. It must be administered within three hours of the first symptom. Be sure to let the attending physician know if you have high blood pressure

or are taking a blood thinner.

By far, prevention is the best cure. If you experience suddenly a severe headache, numbness or tingling in the face, or in one of your arms or legs, contact your emergency services straight away. Even if you experience unexpected blurred vision, or an inability to speak or understand speech, dial your emergency services. Watchful waiting will only make it more difficult to receive treatment designed to prevent permanent brain damage. Even if your symptoms are diagnosed as being something else that is non-threatening, at least you will be able to go back home and enjoy a peace of mind.

Help On How To Prevent Catching Swine Flu

2009-05-09T05:55:00.000-07:00

With many deaths recorded in Mexico, a new strain of swine flu virus is sweeping the globe. Several nations have suspect cases reported, from as far away as Hong Kong, Canada, Israel France and New Zealand.

Caused by type A influenza Swine flu, is a respiratory disease. Studies have shown that the swine flu, H1N1, is common throughout pig populations worldwide, with 25% of all animals displaying antibody evidence of having the disease. These are scary facts.

Swine flu viruses don't usually infect humans. The current swine flu, however, has a toxic mix of a gene segment from bird flu, a segment from human flu, plus two genes from pig flu. Pigs are well known as being the earth's most efficient 'mixing bowls'. The completely unknown virus is creating havoc, as humans have no immunity to it.

Swine flu can’t be contacted through eating pork products, however human-to-human infections are happening, without the victims having any contact with infected animals.

Here are a few simple precautions you need to take to provide effective self-protection against the threat of a global pandemic:

•Make sure you cover your nose and mouth if you sneeze or cough. Ensure you get rid of the tissue in the rubbish can after you use it. Keep a mask handy in case anyone sneezes or coughs around you.

One sneeze alone projects 100,000 droplets into the air at a speed of approximately 90 mph, settling on ATM and computer keypads, elevator buttons, door knobs, escalator railings and grocery trolley handles.

British researchers report that in a subway rail-station at rush hour, as high as 10 percent of all travellers can come in contact with the spray and residue from just one sneeze. That means as many as 150 commuters can be infected by one uncovered cough, or sneeze. The stream of air hurtling from a cough, moves at speeds that are close to 600 mph.

•Always wash your hands frequently, for up to 20 seconds, with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Always wash your hands thoroughly prior to eating and whenever possible do not eat with your hands.

It is estimated that around 80 percent of all infections are passed on by hands. If you aren't able to wash your hands, use hand-sanitizers which have 60% alcohol content. These are readily available in handy pocket size containers.

•Try to avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth and definitely avoid kissing on the cheeks.

Germs are spread more quickly through that method of transmission.

•Try to stay away from sick people. Isolation and keeping your distance are your most efficient protective measures.

•Stay home from work or school if you get sick and keep your contact with others limited, so as to not infect anyone else.

•Keep aware and recognize any abnormal symptoms. If you are in doubt, go and seek professional advice.

•Ensure you eat well, closely monitor your sleep habits and make sure you exercise regularly. Upgrade your vitamin C intake and ensure you practice good hygiene.

Swine flu can be treated. Though it is unaffected by two of the four drugs approved for treating flu, two new arrivals, Tamiflu and Relenza have proven to be successful.

Mexico has hundreds of industrial-scale pig facilities, known as 'confined animal feeding farms', where the hogs are packed in tight rows. Thousands of pigs are contained in indoor pens and grain-fed for the market. Breeding sows are baled-up in small metal crates where they spend most of their lives, either pregnant or nursing a new litter of piglets.

Up until now, Mexican hog workers, infected with swine flu, have rarely been the cause of infecting other humans, except for close family members.

Facts And Myths About Lowering Your Cholesterol Levels

2009-04-21T04:42:00.000-07:00

Have you had your cholesterol checked lately? Even if you are a healthy, active adult you should routinely have your cholesterol level monitored. A total cholesterol level of less than 200 mg/dl is considered desirable, while a level of 200 to 239 mg/dl is considered borderline high risk. A cholesterol level that is over 240 is considered high. If your cholesterol level is high, it is important that you lower it.

While most people already know that a high cholesterol level can contribute to a variety of health related problems, there are many myths surrounding cholesterol as well. Read on to learn about the facts and myths when it comes to lowering your cholesterol.

Myth: All cholesterol is bad.

Fact: When your cholesterol level is checked, your doctor compares the ratio of your low density lipoproteins (LDL cholesterol) to your high density lipoproteins (HDL). LDL is known as the “bad” cholesterol, while your HDL is considered to be “good” cholesterol. It is desirable to have a low LDL number and a high HDL number, thus giving you your total cholesterol number.

Myth: My high cholesterol is hereditary, so there’s nothing I can do about it.

Fact: Heredity does play a part in your cholesterol level, but you can lower it by changing your diet and starting an exercise regime. Your physician may also recommend a cholesterol-lowering statin drug.

Myth: I’ve been taking a cholesterol-lowering drug for a few months and my cholesterol level has dropped, so I can stop taking the medication now.

Fact: Your level may have dropped, but if you discontinue the medication your cholesterol level may rise again-- possibly very quickly! Always check with your physician before you make any changes to your medication dosage.

Myth: All I have to do is eat less fat and my cholesterol level will improve.

Fact: A healthy diet is important regardless of what your cholesterol level is. You should eat a high fiber, low fat diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Try to avoid fatty foods and all foods that containpartially hydrogenated oils. This will go a long way in helping you to improve your cholesterol level. But while reducing saturated fat intake is an important step in lowering your cholesterol, there are many other factors to consider. Are you sedentary? Do your parents have high cholesterol? In addition to making changes to your diet, you may need to become more physically active and take cholesterol-lowering medication.

Myth: Eggs and other dairy products are full of cholesterol so I can’t eat them.

Fact: Even if you have high cholesterol, you can enjoy most foods in moderation. If you like to start your day off with eggs, why not try a cholesterol free egg substitute such as Egg beaters? In addition, the dairy aisle of your grocery store is full of reduced fat and low fat products like cheese, yogurt and sour cream.

Myth: There are no foods that can directly lower my cholesterol.

Fact: Garlic has been shown to lower the liver’s cholesterol production. And whole grain oatmeal actually “sweeps” cholesterol out of the body. You may want to add these foods to your diet to see if they help.

Myth: Drinking alcohol is out of the question if I have high cholesterol.

Fact: Drinking in moderation can help to reduce stress and can help improve your cholesterol. Red wine in particular seems to provide heart-healthy benefits, but remember that moderation is key. Heavy binge drinking will not improve your cholesterol level!

Myth: My stress level doesn’t affect my cholesterol level at all.

Fact: Recent research has concluded that periods of high stress can detrimentally affect your cholesterol level. Take a deep breath and calm down and it may help.

Myth: Smoking won’t affect my cholesterol level.

Fact: Smoking decreases your good HDL level, thus putting you at risk for health problems. Even if your total cholesterol level is low, smoking is just plain bad for you!

Myth: My kids are young so they don’t have to worry about their cholesterol levels.

Fact: Children as young as 2 years old have been found to have high cholesterol levels. If there is family history of high cholesterol, your children’s cholesterol levels should be monitored as well.

Managing Migraine Headaches

2009-04-21T04:33:00.000-07:00

Anyone who has ever suffered from a migraine headache, knows how painful and stubborn they can be. Migraines are distinctive from other types of headaches by their symptoms, which can include severe pain, throbbing on one or both sides of the head, nausea, chills and sensitivity to light and sound. Migraines can last anywhere from hours to days, often with debilitating effects.

Although there is no magic cure for migraines, there are several things a migraine sufferer can do to help better manage their headaches and reduce their intensity. One key component is to avoid triggering a migraine. There are many triggers and everyone is different. You should become aware of what triggers you are sensitive to, so you can avoid them. Common migraine triggers are; lack of sleep, stress, caffeine, MSG, chocolate, cheese, and red wine. Sometimes, avoiding these triggers can decrease your occurrences of migraines or even eliminate them completely.

A useful idea is to keep a headache diary in order to determine any patterns in your migraines. A diary can also help you track what may be your specific migraine triggers. Write when your headache starts and record any factors that surround it such as if you are under stress or if you ate or drank anything in particular that could have been a trigger. This diary may be help you to eventually determine what is causing your headaches and thereby help you to reduce the frequency. If you see a doctor about your headaches, it’s a good idea to bring the diary with you. Although you may not see a pattern, your doctor might, thereby increasing your chances of receiving effective medical treatment for your migraines.

Stress reduction is another way to help prevent migraines. Regular exercise, 3-4 times a week can reduce tension and therefore reduce migraine occurrences. Any exercise that you enjoy can be helpful. Many people find swimming, yoga or running to be helpful. Try different exercises and see what works for you…or incorporate a variety of types of exercise into your life and see if that reduces the migraines.

Prevention is the best possible answer. Once you actually have a full blown migraine, they are notoriously difficult to get rid of. However, there are certain steps that can be taken that can provide some relief.

If possible, immediately lay down in a dark, silent room at the first sign of a migraine. Any light or sound can make your headache worse. Take a cool washcloth at put it on your forehead, the back of your neck, or any area that is painful. Try not to get up or do anything for as long as it takes for your migraine to go away. If you are exposed to lights or noise before your migraine is gone, its intensity can increase.

If you are not a regular coffee drinker, caffeine can be extremely successful in relieving migraines. The best source is a cup of black coffee without any sugar or sweetener in it. This only works if you do not consume caffeine (including soda) on a regular basis.

For some sufferers, over the counter medication, such as can be useful. Pain relievers such as aspirin or acetaminophen can sometimes be potent enough to help. Follow the directions carefully on the bottle of medicine. If it doesn’t help, then you probably need something stronger. Do not increase the dosage above what the directions suggest. When you speak to your doctor, be sure to mention any and all medications you have tried.

If over the counter medication doesn’t work, the next step is prescription drug therapy. There are several different types of medications for migraines and they work in a variety of ways. Some medicine works to prevent migraines. These drugs are most often recommended for individuals who are frequent migraine sufferers. Other medications are used after the onset of a migraine. The sooner you take the medicine, the more effective it will be. This is true for all migraine medications. If you wait, the medication may not be as effective or may take longer to relieve your symptoms.

Prescription migraine medication comes in a few forms, such as pills, nasal sprays and self injections. New drugs are constantly being developed for migraines, since it a common condition that many people suffer from. It is important to discuss your particular symptoms with your doctor in order to determine which, if any is the right medication for you. You may have to try a couple of different drugs before you find the right one for you. Also be sure to inform your doctor of any other medications you are taking because migraine medications should not be taken in conjunction with a variety of prescriptions.

Migraines can be quite immobilizing and have a seriously negative impact on your life. Any steps that can be taken to reduce the frequency or severity of a migraine, should be taken. As with any health situation, be sure to discuss your health concerns and history with your physician. Good luck!

Non-Toxic Treatment For Head Lice

2009-04-18T08:22:00.000-07:00

Head lice are present on even the cleanest scalps, and are a ubiquitous scourge of school age children. The first symptom is usually an intensely itching scalp. A later sign is the appearance of adult lice and their eggs, called nits.

Lice are spread through the sharing of combs and brushes, the exchanging of coats, sweaters, scarves and caps, and close contact, such as by sharing a bed during a sleepover.

Nits can live 3 weeks on bedding, upholstered furniture and in carpeting, as well as clothing or on the head. The very real prospect or re-infestation is present, and treatment options are few.

The classic approach is to use a medicated product such as Nix, or occasionally the more toxic Kwell shampoo, which is usually reserved for scabies. Both are linked to side affects from rashes, breathing problems, to permanent neurological deficits.

A nontoxic home rememdy, which doctors and nurses will tell you about-if you ask-is yours for the price of one jar of regular (not lowfat or fat free) mayonnaise. Besides the proven effectiveness to kill lice and their nits, this treatment has the added bonus of conditioning the hair!

Any family member with visible lice and nits should be treated. Since this has a beneficial result, it can also be used by all friends or family members. Additionally carpets and cloth sofas and chairs should be vacuumed thoroughly.

All bedding and clothing worn should be laundered in hot water. If there is a quantity of clothing in the laundry basket, treat this all as if it were infested. Special care should be taken with stuffed animals or other items children sleep with.

These should be placed in plastic bags, sealed and kept out of reach for three weeks. Three weeks is the magic number-the outside length of time nits can survive off the body.

Mayonnaise Treatment:

Liberally coat the dry hair with enough mayonnaise to leave a visible coating on the hair and scalp. Special care should be taken behind the ears and on the neck, as these are favorite spots for blood-sucking vermin. Leave on the hair 3 to 4 hours. Use of inexpensive shower caps are helpful but other plastic wrap can do in a pinch.

Shampooing and Rinsing

After a minimum of three hours, the lice and nits have been smothered. You may now shampoo the hair. As the mayonnaise is oily it may take two shampooings to get it all out. Lightly towel dry the hair.

Nits have a glue like paste that causes them to adhere to the hair shaft. In order to remove this glue you will need to rinse the washed hair with a solution of 1 part water to 1 part vinegar. If treating more than one person you may rinse the hair using a pitcher over a plastic basin and reuse the vinegar rinse.

Now it is time to comb the hair with a comb, preferrably a fine tooth one. Hence the name "with a fine tooth comb". Of course this should be a clean comb, otherwise you will risk re-infestation.

Spices Shield Against Skin Cancer

2009-04-17T06:40:00.000-07:00

Spices Save Your Skin

Skin cancers are the commonest cancers globally and by far the majority of these ubiquitous tumours are caused by excessive exposure to the sun.

The sun's ultraviolet rays (UVR) are those responsible for inducing several pre-malignant processes in the skin. Not only do they damage DNA directly but they also cause inflammation, excess free radical production and immunosuppression. These factors combine to form a tumourigenic cocktail that increases the risk for melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers.

In spite of their potentially damaging effects UVRs also provide crucial health benefits; therefore it is important that the human skin is exposed to the sun for limited periods of time. The most important of these benefits is UVB rays' involvement in the production of vitamin D from dehydrocholesterol in the deep layers of the skin.

There is also evidence that a lack of exposure to the sun's rays is a significant factor in the development of diseases such as multiple sclerosis and certain malignancies other than skin cancer.

It is worth noting that the human body does attempt to prevent the accumulation of radiation damage and does so by initiating repair mechanisms at relatively low levels of radiation exposure.

These processes involve both intrinsic and extrinsic (plant derived) antioxidants, enzymes and other protective plant based compounds and work in the following ways:

1. Activation of mechanisms that counter free radical damage and oxidative stress.

2. Acceleration of programmed cell death (apoptosis) of pre-cancerous cells.

3. Activation of DNA repair mechanisms at low levels of radiation exposure.

There is a dichotomy in relation to UVR. On the one hand, in order to sustain normal physiological processes, we need a certain amount of exposure to the sun. However, if we are exposed to excessive amounts of UVR and have inadequate protective biological processes, we increase our risk for several different types of skin cancer.

It seems obvious that, as humans have lived for eons with constant exposure to the sun, our bodies would have adapted protective strategies to counter the damaging effects of UVR while still obtaining the benefits thereof. We now know what some of these strategies are but, in order to understand how to enhance them, we need to take a look back over thousands of years at the vital role nutrient dense plant foods play in this regard.

Only a few thousand years ago our hunter-gatherer ancestors roamed, more or less naked, predominantly in the sun-drenched regions of the planet. Thanks to a more extensive ozone layer, they were probably exposed to slightly lower doses of UV radiation per unit time than we are today. However they undoubtedly spent long periods of time in the sun while they hunted and collected plant foods. They also had dark skins that gave them an extra measure (but by no means complete) of protection against excessive UVR exposure. There is evidence that they lived well into their sixties and were therefore subject to significant UVR exposure for several decades.

Protective phytonutrients

The key to our forefathers' success in countering UVR damage was their consumption of a diet rich in phytonutrients. Owing to their active lifestyle, hunter-gatherer communities consumed a high calorific diet. The difference between their high calorie diet and a contemporary high calorie diet is that the former consisted largely of richly flavoured (spicy), phytonutrient-dense plant foods while the modern diet is dominated by relatively bland nutrient deficient plant foods.

The nutritional characteristics of the plants that hunter-gatherers consumed were different to ours in that they had far higher phytonutrient/calorie ratios to the plants we eat today. Those that are available nowadays are generally energy dense plant foods with much lower phytonutrient/calorie ratios.

There are two reasons for this. Firstly, we eat many grain based foods that have very high carbohydrate levels and relatively low phytonutrient levels. Secondly, over the centuries, we have bred varieties of most of our grains, fruit and vegetables that are far bigger, sweeter and starchier than they were in their natural state.

Add to this modern chemical farming methods and we now have plant foods with very low phytonutrient/calorie ratios that consist primarily of water and carbohydrates. These provide far fewer protective compounds than they did several thousand years ago. This translates into reduced intake of phytonutrients that, in adequate amounts, could protect us against UVR and other carcinogenic environmental factors.

The only food categories that have more or less escaped the plant breeders' attentions are the spices. Spices are the plant foods closest to those that our ancestors ate. They have extremely high phytonutrient/calorie ratios and contain large concentrations of a wide variety of powerful antioxidants and other protective nutrients.

Recent scientific evidence has shown that several spices contain compounds that are very effective in countering UVR damage to the skin. These molecules possess the ability to act as direct and indirect antioxidants. They have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties and can activate genes that control lasting protective processes against UVR damage. Scientists working in this field have also noted that multiple antioxidant compounds (found in phytonutrient-rich plants) have a better protective effect than high doses of single antioxidant supplements.

Spices known to have specific protective effects against radiation damage are:

Turmeric contains the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, curcumin that has remarkable cancer fighting abilities against several cancers including melanomas.

Mustard contains sulphorafane, a non-antioxidant compound also found in cruciferous plants such as broccoli. Sulphorafane works by activating the body's intrinsic cellular defenses against UVR and has been shown counter skin malignancies when used both internally and topically.

Curcumin and sulphoraphane are only two of the spice-based compounds that are currently being studied as possible treatments for a range of skin and other cancers. However, as spices provide a wide array of antioxidant and other protective compounds, it is highly likely that there are many more of them that can help us contain skin cancers as they undoubtedly did for our hunter-gatherer ancestors.

A combination of selective plant breeding, modern agricultural methods and poor dietary habits means that, without an injection into our diets of a significant quantity and variety of phytonutrient-rich foods such as spices, it almost impossible to obtain the optimum quantities of protective plant compounds. Until we do so we will continue to see a rise in the incidence of skin cancers and other malignancies.

Prostate Cancer Alternative Herbal Treatments

2009-04-16T08:37:00.000-07:00

The prostate gland is a walnut-size organ that surrounds the urethra at the neck of the bladder. Some symptoms of prostate trouble are difficulty urinating and emptying the bladder, frequent urination, difficulty sleeping, backache, and feeling that an empty bladder is full. Risk factors for prostate cancer include smoking, family history and obesity.

Lycopene is a carotenoid that is good for the prostate. Researchers have found that Lycopene's antioxidant activity may aid in reversing the malignant process. A recent study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute ("Intake of Carotenoids and Retinol in Relation to Risk of Prostate Cancer") found that men who ate cooked tomato products were less likely to develop prostate cancer. Researchers found that men who consumed 10 or more servings of tomato-based foods a week were up to 45 percent less likely to develop prostate cancer.

Cooked tomato products offered protective benefits, but raw tomatoes and tomato juice were found to offer little or no protection. The cooking process breaks down the tomatoes' cell walls and releases more Lycopene. Other sources of Lycopene are pink grapefruits, watermelons, and guavas.

Saw Palmetto (Seronoa repens) has been effectively used as a therapeutic herbal treatment for the prostate. The hormone Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) contributes to the development of prostate disorders. Saw Palmetto inhibits the production of DHT, which reduces prostate enlargement and inflammation. It is available in health food stores and has no side effects.

Selenium is a mineral that is found in the prostate. Low levels of this mineral can cause prostate problems. This mineral can be taken as a supplement in tablet form combined with selenium rich foods, such as shellfish, garlic, chicken and grains.

Zinc is a mineral that is found in the prostate. Low levels of zinc can lead to prostate problems. A daily supplement of zinc can be combined with zinc-rich foods, such as lamb chops, clams, whole oatmeal, wheat germ, oysters, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds.

Studies have shown that a high-fat diet contributes to prostate problems. High cholesterol levels are bad for the prostate. Cholesterol accumulation in the blood in the prostate damages cells. Red meat, such as beef, should be avoided. The theory is that animal fat contains estrogens that lower testosterone levels and stimulate cell growth. High-fat dairy products and hydrogenated oils should be avoided. A low-fat diet that is high in soy products is recommended. Foods that are good for the prostate include fruits, vegetables, fish oils (omega-3 fatty acids), garlic, chicken, oysters, lamb chops, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and soy products (miso, tofu, tempeh). Drinking at least six to eight glasses of water a day helps prevent prostate problems.

Hydrotheraphy relieves prostate pain and pressure. Sit in a sitz bath, alternating hot and cold water. This bath stimulates blood circulation and tones the muscles. The rest of the body should be covered during this bath.

An informative book on treating prostrate problems naturally is "Dr. Earl Mindell's What You Should Know About Natural Health for Men."

Always consult a physician before proceeding with any remedy.

Botox-Killer Being Touted as Stretch Marks Treatment

2009-04-15T06:23:00.000-07:00

A new anti-ageing cream released in the United Kingdom is currently making waves, drawing in legions of loyal fans across the country. The new “miracle cream” has been touted as responsible for pushing back wrinkles and undoing the discoloration and unsightly ridges caused by stretch marks.

Nicknamed the “botox killer”, the anti-ageing, anti-wrinkling and anti-stretch marks cream is now being sold at an amazing pace in department stores across the UK. The tale of this new “botox killer” is quite simple, yet interesting. The American firm that made the cream was actually planning to market it solely as an anti-stretch marks cream that would reduce discoloration and degree of appearance of the stretch marks on the surface of the skin.

Of course, they wanted to test the cream first, and so they gave away small sample tubes to people. As the test tubes spread around the country, people thought that the cream was to be applied to the face as well.

The firm was surprised to get good feedback regarding the effectiveness of the cream in reducing wrinkles and fine lines around the face. Confessing that it was simply dumb luck that the product worked on the face as well, the company integrated “anti-wrinkling” to the product’s purported benefits.

Word spread around the country about the new “botox killer” and people soon began reserving their own sets of the cream when they saw the results.

Hoax or skin magic?

Though we would not want to sound too patronizing of a new product, it seems that the positive effects of this new product are indeed noteworthy. Aside from the usual throng of celebrities like Charlize Theron who flocked to buy the new anti-ageing cream, even common people like longtime makeup artists and production designers were convinced that there really was something to this new product.

These “small folk” knew what it was really like to look good, having been exposed to show business for a long time.

The premise for the new anti-ageing product was quite simple- apply the product no more than 3 times a day, and keep the area free from other substances or pollutants in the meantime. Three times a day translated roughly to about an application every 6-8 hours, which is a perfect routine even for working women.

There was no strict age range for this new product. Women aged 21 to 50 all used the same product the same number of times (though with differing periods of time) and got the same results.

As for those who used the new cream on the stretch marks themselves, results were doubly positive. It seems that sometimes, OTC or over the counter medications can really work wonders on the human skin.

But then again, products like these remain one in a million, and it still remains to be seen whether this product can be used by pregnant or lactating women who are the people who are most prone to stretch marks and who really, really need effective help at once.

A representative of the Cranley Clinic in London, Dr. Nick Lowe, stated that there was nothing special about the cream: “Looking at the list of ingredients, it really is a rehash of the classic ingredients of most moisturisers, like shea butter and almond oil, all of them well tried and tested to rehydrate the skin temporarily - but nothing that I can see would bring about a fundamental change in the appearance of the skin.”

Milk Thistle : Diet And Detox

2009-04-14T06:33:00.000-07:00

At this time of the year, when we’re stepping up the mileage and blowing out the cobwebs of a winter’s basetraining, it’s tempting to want to spring clean our insides too – to detox – perhaps with one of the many products or diet plans lining the shelves of your local chemist.

First up, forget about the products – most only deal with the symptoms, not the causes of toxic overload. Take all those ‘detox’ scrubs, beauty treatments and bath products, for example. All they are really doing is cleaning away toxins that have come out of the body via the lymphatic system, or those that have yet to work their way in.

Surface toxins do need to be cleared away, so a good scrub won’t hurt. But it’s no substitute for reducing your intake of toxins in the ﬁrst place – and then giving the liver the resources it needs to do its job and expel the bad stuff via your gut.

Liver works

There are two phases to liver function and you can help both with the right diet. Phase one of this process involves the conversion of toxins into less harmful, water-soluble substances through an array of chemical reactions involving enzymes.

To create these enzymes you need a good supply of minerals and nutrients, especially B vitamins and magnesium, which is where a diet of fresh fruit and vegetables, wholegrains, lean protein, pulses, nuts and seeds comes in.

Hydrogenated fats, such as the trans-fatty acids you ﬁnd in processed junk food, are your liver’s sworn enemy and it treats them as toxins, distracting it from dealing with the other nasties constantly bombarding your body. Worse still, many toxins are fat-soluble, so an over-worked liver will store the toxins in the fats around your body where they can cause further problems.

To help your liver out during the ﬁrst phase of its detoxing duties, your diet needs to contain a ready supply of anti-oxidants such as vitamins C, E and beta-carotene. These are crucial for absorbing ‘free-radicals’ – the byproducts created when your enzymes work on fat-soluble toxins. Left in the body, free-radicals are thought to produce carcinogenic substances.

Some of the toxins which are cleaned out or neutralised in phase one include alcohol, phenobarbital, dioxin, steroids, nicotine, carbon tetrachloride, sulfonamides, pesticides, and exhaust and paint fumes.

Some of the best foods for helping this ﬁrst phase are cabbage, broccoli, brussels sprouts, oranges, spinach, kale, caraway and dill. Milk thistle and artichoke are especially beneﬁcial to liver function, as are niacin, and vitamins B1 and C.

Next steps

Phase two of liver function continues the neutralising process, transforming toxins into water-soluble substances that can be excreted via urine from the kidneys or by bile through the gut.

A healthy liver will make almost a litre of bile a day, which is the main carrier of toxins into the gut. After the bile enters the gut it’s absorbed by ﬁbre and excreted. Not enough ﬁbre in your diet means the bile and its toxic load will be reabsorbed by the gut wall and must be reprocessed again – which is not good.

Some of the best foods to help out phase two are green tea, berries and green leafy veg, which all are good sources of healthy phytonutrients.

For the ﬁnal stage of the elimination process, add lemon juice to your diet to help bile production, and to get more water-soluble ﬁbre eat oats, beans, lentils, apples and pears.

Keep riding… and eating!

The good news is that exercise such as cycling is one of the best ways of getting rid of toxins stored in body fats. Stress and fasting can release these toxins as well, but neither are going to improve your health or ﬁtness.

Food advisor Christine Bailey especially advises against water-only fasting: “Not only will this leave you feeling tired and unable to ride, but it will probably result in muscle loss. It certainly won’t help your liver.”

Have A Happy Easter Holidays

2009-04-10T09:41:00.001-07:00

Many thanks to all my visitors who clicked on the advertisements on my blogs.It's helped to raise £50.00.
It will be donated to the NSPCC.

Have a Happy Easter and take care of yourselves.I will be away until Tuesday 14th April when the blog will be next updated.

Again Many Thanks
Ralph

Kidneys Stones in Children On the Rise

2009-04-09T08:54:00.000-07:00

Children dealing with the oftentimes excruciating pain of kidney stones are becoming increasingly more common in the United States. There have been some reports showing an increase of 500 percent over the past several years. The medical community believed for years that kidney stones mainly affected adults, but now even our children are experiencing the pain of the little stones that find themselves blocking urine flow.

Scientist aren’t really sure as to the definite cause of kidney stones, but they do have suggestions for ways to try and avoid them. Some doctors actually feel the rise in the number of children experiencing kidney stones may be a result of their high salt diets and lack of sufficient water consumption on a daily basis.

Dr. Uri Alon, director of the bone and mineral disorders clinic at Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City is currently researching whether better nutrition in children would prevent the increased number of cases of children with kidney stones, while also trying to determine if the increase in the number of cases of children with kidney stones is real and not just because of the growing awareness and advances in medical technology making it easier to be diagnosed. Dr. Alon notes that because most kidney stones in children are calcium-based, poor eating habits along with too little water being consumed daily by children could be putting them at risk. To keep kidneys flushed and help prevent the development of kidney stones, doctors say drinking plenty of water is the key. A child’s daily water intake really depends on their size, but for an average ten year old they should drink around four cups a day, in addition to whatever else they drink.

While there are several home remedies, such as olive oil mixed with lemon juice to help pass kidney stones easier, doctors recommend children who have already suffered a round with kidney stones drink fresh squeezed lemonade or some form of citrus juice, which may possibly prevent the formation of stones. Symptoms of kidney stones include oftentimes excruciating pain in their back or side, nausea and vomiting, and blood in the urine. Treatment depends on the size of the stone, usually detected through an ultrasound, but the majority of the time doctors recommend pain medication to help with the pain and a “wait and see” approach. Doctors like to have patients pass the stones on their own, but if the stone is too large they may use lithotripsy, or some way to break up the stone and make it easier to pass.

From 1994 to 2005, the North Shore Long-Island Jewish Medical Center reported a 500 percent increase in children kidney stones cases, during a study released in 2007 in the Journal of Urology. Some children may have underlying medical conditions, such as metabolic problems, causing kidney stones from too much calcium in their urine, according to Dr. Bary Duel, a Pediactric Urologist for Cedars Sinai-Medical Center. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends all children with kidney stones be tested for metabolic problems, because the condition could not only lead to kidney stones, but also slow their growth. Some children may have kidney abnormalities and genetic predisposition which makes their risks higher of kidney stones, but most have no real reason medical reason for higher risks.

Parents make sure your children are drinking plenty of water, it may save them from very excruciating pain caused from kidney stones. With our busy lives and more working family in the United States, many of us are resorting to quicker less healthy meals, such as processed luncheon meat, canned mac-n-cheese and spaghetti O’s, all of which are very salty and could be putting our children at risk for kidney stones. While doctors are researching possibilities for the rise in the number of cases of children with kidney stones, they recommend more water and less salty diets. Remember many fruits and vegetables are rich in water content for another resource of our daily water consumption.

Significant Anti-Cancer Effects Of Milk Thistle Demonstrated By Scientists

2009-04-08T08:08:00.000-07:00

Recently, scientists demonstrated the anti-cancer effects of silibinin, a major biologically active compound of milk thistle. Being widely used as a folk remedy for liver diseases, milk thistle is safe and well-tolerated, and it protects the liver from drug or alcohol-related injury. Silibinin is highly purified from milk thistle, with a defined chemical structure and molecular weight (C25H22O10, MW: 482.44).

The study was carried out by Dr. Ke-Qin Hu and his research team at the University of California, Irvine. Dr. Hu is a long¨Cterm and well-experienced research scientist and physician in the field of hepatology. He has published over 70 scientific articles in various medical professional journals. Many of his scientific research publications are focused on viral hepatitis B and C, cirrhosis, and liver cancer, all of which have significantly contributed to our better understanding of common liver diseases.

Dr. Hu and his colleagues' discovery of silibilin¡'s anti-liver cancer effects was published in the October 28 issue of the World Journal of Gastroenterology. The researchers found that silibilin can significantly reduce the growth of several human hepatoma cell lines. In addition, they demonstrated that silibinin mediates anti-liver cancer effects by reduced cancer cell proliferation and cell cycle progression; enhanced programmed death of cancer cells; and altered chromatin structure of the cancer cells.

Their research results indicate that silibinin can be used to prevent the development of liver cancer, one of the most common cancers worldwide. The results have also opened our minds to the possibility of testing other herbal supplements for possible treatment of human cancers.

In the Humble Artichoke, a Lesson in Patience

2009-04-07T07:55:00.000-07:00

Whenever I find bitterness in a vegetable, I suspect that there are beneficial ingredients hidden within. Artichokes, for instance — although they aren’t overly bitter, the flavor has a definite edge. No surprise, then, to learn that they are a rich source of silymarin, an antioxidant thought to be the active ingredient in milk thistle, traditionally used in many cultures to treat liver, gallbladder and digestive disorders. Artichokes also are a good source of magnesium, potassium and fiber, and they contain folate and the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, good for our eyes.

Best of all, artichokes are wonderful to eat and very low in calories. Yes, they require a little work — but it’s time well spent. Good news for those of you short on time: I’ll be using frozen artichoke hearts in some of this week’s recipes.

Steamed Artichokes With Vinaigrette Dipping Sauce

Some people think that eating an artichoke is a lot of work. I think it’s fun. My son and I sometimes make a meal of a large globe artichoke, the kind that can be as big as a baby’s head. I steam the artichoke and make up a dipping sauce or two, and we work at it until we get to the heart. Then I scrape away the chokes, and we divvy up the prize at the middle.

This is the simplest way to prepare artichokes — there’s hardly any trimming involved. The time is spent in the eating.

2 large or 4 medium artichokes

1 lemon, cut in half

Dipping sauce, below

1. Lay an artichoke on its side on a cutting board. Using a large, sharp knife, cut away the entire top quarter in one slice. Rub the top with the cut lemon. Cut off the stem at the bottom, so the artichoke will stand upright, and rub the bottom with lemon. Pull off the tough bottom leaves (bracts). Then, using scissors, cut away the thorny end of each remaining bract. Rub the edges with lemon.

2. Bring two inches of water to a boil in a steamer or pasta pot, and place the artichokes in the steaming basket. If they are too big to fit, place them directly in the water. Reduce the heat, cover and simmer 45 minutes or until a leaf easily pulls away. Remove from the heat. Serve hot or at room temperature with a sauce for dipping the leaves. When you reach the papery leaves that cover the chokes at the middle, cut them away along with the choke and discard. Divvy up the choke and enjoy.

Yogurt-Mayonnaise Vinaigrette

Traditionally steamed artichokes are served with drawn butter or with a mayonnaise. I use a vinaigrette-based sauce thickened with just a bit of mayonnaise and yogurt.

2 tablespoons white wine vinegar or sherry vinegar

Sea salt or kosher salt to taste

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 small garlic clove, minced or pureed

2 tablespoon Best Foods or Hellmann’s mayonnaise

2 tablespoons plain low-fat yogurt

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

Freshly ground pepper to taste

1. Whisk together the vinegar, salt, Dijon mustard and garlic. Whisk in the mayonnaise, yogurt and olive oil, and blend well. Taste, adjust salt, and add pepper. Use as a dip for artichokes or other vegetables.

Yield: 3/4 cup

Variation: Substitute 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice for 1 tablespoon of the vinegar.

Put a Stop to Your Hypertension

2009-04-06T07:02:00.000-07:00

Hypertension means high blood pressure. High blood pressure means that the heart is working harder to pump the blood the through the vessels, the force of the blood pushing against the blood vessel walls is what makes the heart pump harder. Anyone can have hypertension for years and never have a symptom or never even know.

The amount of blood the heart pumps and the amount of constriction to the blood flow in the arteries is how blood pressure is determined. If your blood pressure is normal is should read less than 120/80. Stage one of high blood pressure would read from 140 159/90 99. Stage 2 of high blood pressure would read 160 greater/100 greater. If your blood pressure is above normal you should consult a doctor to find ways that work for you to lower your blood pressure.

Some of things that contribute to high blood pressure are adrenal or thyroid disorders, genetics, stress, high sodium intake, being overweight, kidney disease, older age, drinking alcohol to frequently, lack of physical activity, and smoking. High blood pressure usually common among blacks, and if often develops earlier than white people. Potassium helps to balance the levels of salt in your body. Most people that have hypertension tend to be sensitive to salt. This means that if they intake sodium anymore than the minimal bodily need it is too much sodium for them and it increases their blood pressure.

There are types of hypertension, primary hypertension and secondary hypertension. Secondary hypertension is when the direct cause of raised blood pressure is identified. It tends to appear quickly and can cause blood pressure to become higher than it would with primary hypertension. Kidney disease is said to be the high cause. Tumors in the adrenal gland and certain heart defects can cause secondary hypertension. Medications like birth control, cold medications, decongestants, pain relievers, and illegal drugs can all be a cause as well.

Primary hypertension is when there is no evidence at all of what is causing the hypertension. It can gradually develop over many years and about 90 percent of all blood pressure cases are primary. Getting your blood pressure checked every two years is important to make sure that you have healthy blood pressure and that it is not gradually rising. If you don’t want to go to the doctor there is other ways of getting you blood pressure checked. You can buy the blood pressure machine in drugstores and there are health fairs. Some pharmacies may offer days where there is free blood pressure screening along with blood sugar levels and such.

There are some things that you can do at home to lower your blood pressure and keep it at a healthy level. Eating healthy foods is one, fruits, veggies, and whole grains are great. Decrease the amount of salt in your diet, 1,500 mg of salt is enough for one day. Keep your weight at a level that is healthy for your age and height. Even losing 5 pounds can lower blood pressure. Exercise regularly, about 30 minutes a day. Don’t smoke and limit alcohol limit to one or two days a day. Find some ways to relax and relieve stress. Deep breathing and getting plenty of sleep can help.

Some natural alternative approaches to lowering blood pressure would be to take herbal supplements. Cod liver oil, calcium, cocoa, and garlic are great for lowering blood pressure. To get the most of these natural remedies it is best to get them incorporated as foods in your meals but however, taking them as supplement pills works just as good. Alternative Health Supplements offers a few blood pressure lowering products that can help to lower your blood pressure and they are all natural and safe. One of these products is Hyperexol. It protects against plaque build up in arteries, improves proper blood flow through arteries and vessels, tones the heart, and supports normal healthy blood pressure.

How to Deal With Food Allergies

2009-04-05T09:31:00.000-07:00

Almost every human being suffers from allergies some time or the other. But among the most common types are food allergies, which cause negative immune system reactions when you ingest a particular food protein. Such food items range from peanuts to shrimps, but the basic rationale of reactions is the same.

Level of reaction can be anything between modest irritation to anaphylaxis, which has the whole body reacting to the allergen and even possibly causing death.

Again time duration of effects of food allergy can range from a few seconds to a few hours after consumption of the food containing the allergen.

In cases of minor impact of foods allergies you may face a minor tissue swelling or just an irritation. Even then, depending upon the gravity of swelling you may face obstruction in the air tract and resulting in disturbance in breathing.

At over ninety percent of all causes of allergic reactions, the most common food allergens have the bulk of the attention given to food allergies.

Food allergens are classified into eight materials, and individually they are common enough that a person having an allergic reaction to these food materials better stay away from them to avoid having to undergo treatment.

Milk, peanuts,eggs, soy ,wheat are some of the most common causes of food allergies. These are found in everyday food products that a person allergic to them will have to pay careful attention to what he or she is eating to avoid having an allergic reaction.

Seafood and shellfish are also quite common, though of course, it’s easier to spot these among the many food products out in everyday surroundings.

If you suspect that you are allergic to a particular food product, it would be advisable to seek professional help. Your physician will be able to guide you in this area, and recommend someone you can go to. They can conduct tests to see what kind of material you’re allergic to.

One simple testing method is the skin prick test to see if a person is allergic from the media being exposed below the skin. Another would be the blood test diagnosis for another type of allergen.

The final test type would be to have a blindfold test to see if the patient is allergic to the actual allergen or a placebo. This is usually conducted in the hospital setting where patients may be treated quickly if their reaction becomes severe.

Once a patient has been diagnosed with an allergic reaction to food products, several treatment options can be taken at this point.

There is no cure if you’re allergic to a certain food protein, and most doctors agree that injections or allergy shots don’t work for food allergies.

The surest method for treatment of food allergies is avoidance, and with this it is just a matter of knowing which foods affect you so as to avoid them.

For accidental consumptions, epinephrine is most suited to bring back the patient's system to normalcy.

Cause And Symptoms Of Nasal Allergy

2009-04-04T03:11:00.000-07:00

Nasal allergies are caused by inhaled substances. The lining of the nose reacts to these particles by swelling and increasing mucous production which results in a blocked, runny nose. Nasal allergies are very common in children, and appear to be getting more common all the time. In Chinese medicine, acupuncture is often used to treat allergies. However in the United States the most common treatment is over the counter products such as antihistamines and decongestants.

Nasal allergies are responsible for 3.8 million lost workdays and school days and every year. Many hay fever attacks (nasal rhinitis) are often misdiagnosed as a common cold. Taking aspirin and staying home for a few day does appear to alleviate the symptoms but it does nothing to correct the under lying cause since the common cold is not the problem.

Physicians do not know why some people are more sensitive to a specific substance than other people but they do know how the body reacts to allergies. Nasal allergies are Allergies Type 1, also called Contact Allergies. Some type of substance such as pollen, dust, dust mites, animal dander and mold spores come into contact with your nasal membranes which causes your hypersensitive immune system to kick in. Symptoms include swelling of the sinus membranes, increased mucous production, red and watery eyes. In sever cases you can also develop hives, shortness of breath, bronchial spasms and other symptoms.

The overproduction of the histamines by the immune system can cause the surrounding tissue to be damaged. Antihistamines and decongestants act to decrease the allergic reaction by controlling the chemicals released by the hyperactive immune system. Antihistamines can reduce swelling, thicken the mucus production but it may also slow the healing process. Six of the ten best-selling over-the-counter medications for nasal allergies are antihistamines and antihistamine-decongestants.

Treating the symptoms and not the cause of the problem is not the best course of action. Finding what causes your irritation and then avoiding it should be the first step. The second step should be the boosting of you immune systems ability to heal itself such as taking large dosages of vitamin C in amounts is one of your best means of defense against nasal allergies.

Common vitamins and over the counter products that can help you with your nasal allergies are Vitamin C, Eucalyptus oil, Vitamin E, Beta Carotene, Glucosamine, Quercitin.

Vitamin C is essential for defending the body against pollution and infection. It enhances the immune system and aids in growth and repair of bone and tissue. Take 1,000 to 5,000 mg daily.

Eucalyptus or olbas oil in boiling water and inhale the steam that is being generated. This treatment is also very good for any type of stuffy nose due to allergy problems. Both readily diffuse into the air and can provide benefits to nasal and bronchial areas.

Vitamin E protects the lung tissue from inhaled pollutants and aids in the functioning of the immune system.

Beta Carotene protects the mucus membranes of the mouth, nose, throat and lungs. It also helps protect Vitamin C from oxidation, which enables it to perform at optimum efficiency.

Glucosamine is an anti-inflammatory and may give some relief from bronchitis symptoms.

Quercitin is also known for its ability to block the release of histamines, thus reducing or preventing allergy symptoms. Take 500 mg twice daily.

Always consult your doctor before using this information.

Probiotics- Eating our Bugs?

2009-04-04T03:03:00.000-07:00

“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food,” the age-old adage by Hippocrates, is certainly not an obscure and loose dogma of early antiquity but the tenet of today.

The new generation’s relationship with food is a mess, with many youngsters accustomed to a processed, unbalanced diet. We have become reliant on ready-to-cook meals, takeaways and off-the-shelf snacks. With poor nutrition comes poor health, often debilitating at a personal level.
Although we know benefits of eating good food, many of us just don't do enough to make fundamental changes to our diet. Rather than eat more fruit and vegetables and a good balance of complex carbohydrate and protein-foods, we are increasingly turning to foods and drinks fortified with specific nutrients or 'good' bacteria –as a ‘magic fix’ for our unbalanced lives.

The healthy, human gut contains millions of beneficial bacteria. It’s a symbiotic relationship: Our intestines make a good habitat for the bacteria, and in return they help us digest our food, crowd out harmful bacteria (such as food-borne pathogens), strengthen the gut's immune response, and even manufacture certain nutrients, such as vitamins B12 and K. Antibiotics, chronic illness, or a diet high in sugar or processed foods can disrupt the natural flora of the intestinal tract and create health problems such as indigestion, constipation, yeast overgrowth, and lowered immune function.

With the growing interest in self-care and integrative medicine, recognition of the link between diet and health has never been stronger. As a result, the market for functional foods, or foods that promote health beyond providing basic nutrition, is flourishing. Within the functional foods movement is the small but rapidly expanding arena of probiotics – live microorganisms, which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host.

Probiotics beneficially affect an individual by improving intestinal microbial balance. Use of probiotic has been since time immemorial: from sauerkraut in Russia to cheese in Baghdad and vegetables buried in earthen pots by Native Americans, these foods have been prized since ancient times. However, we've lost our connection with these foods in modern days, so they often seem so foreign. After growing up with refrigeration and the fear of "germs", it seems "wrong" to leave things on the counter to sour. The smell and taste is different from what we're used to having.

The traditional sources for beneficial bacteria are fermented foods, which are made by culturing fresh foods like milk or vegetables with live bacteria (usually a lactobacillus). Almost every food culture features some sort of fermented food, such as miso, yogurt, kefir, fresh cheese, sauerkraut, etc. Traditionally, these foods would be eaten daily, in part, to keep the gut well-stocked with beneficial bacteria. In these foods and in probiotics supplements, the bacteria may have been present originally or added during preparation. Most often, they come from two groups of bacteria, Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium. Within each group, there are different species (for example, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidus), and within each species, different strains.

Probiotics help maintain and restore the delicate balance of both "good" and "bad" bacteria necessary for a healthy digestive system. Without that balance, harmful bacteria can multiply and take over, causing gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhoea or abdominal pain. Most of us have taken antibiotics and suffered side effects of diarrhea or intestinal pain and distress. This is because some antibiotics destroy both good and bad bacteria in the digestive tract, thereby upsetting the balance. Stress can affect some people in this same way, by reducing good bacteria, thereby allowing harmful bacteria to multiply and take over.

Probiotics bacteria can help relieve the symptoms of inflammatory bowel diseases, irritable bowel syndrome, colitis and alcoholic liver disease. The probiotics bacteria may help relieve constipation by improving intestinal mobility. Various forms of lactic acid bacteria added when manufacturing yogurt, acidophilus milk and fermented milk products such as kefir can help lessen the effects of lactose intolerance. This inability to digest the sugars that occur naturally in milk affects nearly 70 percent of the world's population.There is also evidence that probiotics may help to prevent certain kinds of allergies because they have a beneficial effect on mucous membranes. Although testing on humans is limited, preliminary evidence shows that probiotics can help boost the immune system.

Studies of the effect of probiotics consumption on cancer appear promising. Animal and in vitro studies indicate that probiotics bacteria may reduce colon cancer risk by reducing the incidence and number of tumors. Scientists have identified good bacteria already living in some humans that target and trap HIV and may protect against infection.

What we need to know about probiotics:

Is it better to get probiotics from foods or from supplement sources?

Foods are a better choice due to the synergistic effect between components of foods and probiotics cultures. The natural buffering of stomach acid by food also enhances the stability of consumed probiotics. Taking supplements, although convenient, has always posed the problem of long-term compliance, whereas incorporating foods containing probiotics into daily food choices can become a lifestyle habit.

Q: What level of probiotics consumption is needed to realize the desired benefits?

Many studies of probiotics bacteria on physiological effects such as diarrhea, lactose intolerance, and colon cancer biomarkers show an effect using a daily dose of 109 – 1010 organisms per day. This corresponds to an intake of about 3-1/2 cups of acidophilus milk or yogurt per day.

Q: How long does one need to take probiotics for the effects to last?

It is believed that most probiotics do not permanently adhere in the intestine, but exert their effects as they metabolize and grow during their passage through the intestine (colonization). Thus, daily consumption of these bacteria is probably the best way to maintain their effectiveness.

Q: What are some good food sources of probiotics?

Yogurt and milk to which probiotic bacteria have been added, such as acidophilus milk, and fermented milk products, We will probably see products such as probiotic-fortified energy bars, juices, cereals, and cheeses over the next few years as well.

Q: Do probiotics have side effects?

Generally speaking, no side effects to probiotics have been documented. And anecdotal evidence suggests that it's impossible to take too many probiotics. But remember the unspoken rule: all probiotics in moderation.

There’s nothing flashy or exciting about probiotics. Having good bacteria in your digestive system won’t make you look younger or thinner. But quite often its the little things like better digestion and regularity that can make a big difference in our day-to-day life. . Researchers believe that understanding of the specific immunomodulatory effects of probiotics may help in designing future probiotics for targeted purposes.However, to understand the real impact of probiotics on inflammatory variables, further studies have to be conducted over inflammatory processes and in individuals suffering from various types of inflammatory or autoimmune diseases.

Could That Pain Possibly Be Gout?

2009-04-01T09:12:00.000-07:00

It's not unusual for anyone to experience joint pain at any time in their life; overexerting yourself when physically active, not warming up properly before workout routines, and being overweight by even a few pounds can put undue stress on your joints and lead to discomfort or even pain. There is some persistent joint paint however that should be given extra consideration, as it may be a serious arthritic condition called gout. What is this disease, what causes it, and what can you do to fix it?

Gout is a disease in which there is a buildup of uric acid, formed into crystals, which get deposited in the cartilage of joints or tendons, and even surrounding tissue. This causes these areas of the body to become inflamed and swollen, as with other forms of arthritis. While gout can really occur in any joint of the body, it usually attacks the big toe first, followed by the ankle, heel, knee, wrist, elbows, and even the spine. It may seem even a bit laughable to think of an inflammation of the big toe as something that needs to be taken seriously, but in reality gout is a very painful disease. It is usually accompanied by a burning sensation, swelling, stiffness, and a warmness of the affected area. Typically the patient also has a low-grade fever that lasts longer than it should. Many who suffer from gout even in its most minor form find that any contact of the affected area, such as with an article of clothing, can be excruciating.

There are many causes of gout, from genetics to a previous injury of the affected area that has left it vulnerable to the disease. Diet is also a common factor; those who eat foods high in sodium or salt content are more prone to this condition, as sodium helps to form these uric acid crystals. Many who are diagnosed with this condition are counseled to change their diet immediately and cut out all processed and pre-packaged foods, as these are typically very high in sodium content. While some have previously felt that certain ethnic groups were predisposed to gout, it is now believed that their diet has no doubt played a much larger part in this than just genetics. Also, if the body's kidneys are not functioning properly, this means that the system is not dumping the uric acid the way it is supposed to be, causing it to back up into the bloodstream and form these crystals.

Why cherries seem to help the gout patient, no one seems to know and none of the big foundations are trying to find out. Grant money is available for drug research but not for food research. Cherries have been show to relieve the pain of gout sufferers. Cherries contain calcium phosphorus, Vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and Vitamin C. Why not give Cherries or Cherry juice as a treatment for your gout pain. It is certainly a more pleasant treatment without the undesirable side effect of drug therapy.

If you have painful spots on any of your joints at all, you would do well to speak to your doctor immediately. Gout can be treated effectively with changes in your diet, medication, and other means. There is no reason that you need to suffer with the pain and discomfort.

Beat Heartburn With Healthy Shopping

2009-03-30T07:39:00.000-07:00

Acid reflux is a malady that plagues many people, yet is surprisingly easy to cure with only a few health shop products. How often have you experienced a painful or burning sensation which rises from your chest, and spreads upwards into your esophagus? This is the fire of heartburn and it can be stopped dead in its tracks. Thankfully, it has very little to do with the heart itself - the pain is only located close to this vital organ, giving off the illusion of actual heart-burn. I have personally suffered from acid reflux for many years and today I offer you the solution to this problematic illness. Healthy shopping is the way towards a heartburn-free existence. Replace triggers (which I will mention later) and feel the difference, instantly.

Prescription medicine for acid reflux can usually cause nasty side effects. This is why we turn to health shop products, such as natural herbal tinctures and other balms, to cure us. All-natural ingredients such as apple cider vinegar have also been show to relieve acid reflux by naturalizing excess stomach acids. Use this information wisely. It can save you from the nasty side-effects of prescription medicines. It is important, however, to monitor your progress with your doctor, as unchecked acid reflux can cause serious, long-term damage to your throat, which has the potential to lead to cancer.

• Smoking: End your nasty habit
Other than generally being one of the worst possible ways to relax, smoking damages your body in hundreds of different ways, including being a major cause of heartburn. Surprised? Don’t be. Smoking loosens sphincter muscles, which allows stomach acid to climb towards the esophagus. Smoking dries out saliva, which is one of the body’s natural defenses against acid reflux. One of the number one causes of esophageal cancer is the combined threat of alcohol and smoking. So quit today, health shops offer many herbal remedies that make the quitting process a little easier.

• Curb your alcohol enthusiasm
Alongside smoking, drinking is another instant acid reflux trigger. When you have a relaxing sip of red wine after work you are doing more to increase your symptoms then you may at first realize. Drinking increases stomach acid, which is a bad thing by the way, ladies and gentleman. All prescription- and natural health store remedies are essentially meant to neutralize excess lactic and gastric acid. So why increase it manually? Lessen your drinking or stop it altogether.

• Lose weight, feel great
Have you packed on a few extra pounds since the jolly festive season? Guess what, the more overweight you are, the more likely you are to have acid reflux. Reaching your ideal body weight and maintaining a healthy lifestyle (which includes cutting out fatty foods) is the key component to eliminating acid reflux completely. Health shop products such as Hoodia Gordonii tablets can assist you with appetite control and acts as a natural weight loss supplement. Give your body the shape it deserves and eliminate acid reflux with exercise and a correct diet.

What have we learned from this? Acid reflux is caused by an unhealthy lifestyle and the worse you abuse your body with toxins such as cigarettes, alcohol and processed foods, the worse your heartburn will be. It is time to make a change. It is time to become a healthy shopper and stop heartburn in its tracks.

Fighting Multiple Sclerosis With Alternative Herbal Therapy Methods

2009-03-29T09:26:00.000-07:00

Some sufferers with multiple sclerosis decide to take responsibility for the management of their disease. There was a time when physicians might have frowned upon this, but now it is sometimes encouraged. People who take an active roll in their fight against ms may have better results purely on the physical and mental benefits it provides. It is better to know you are trying to do something instead of just waiting for the disease to take you over.

There were limited treatments for multiple sclerosis at one time because there was limited knowledge. Since more research has been done, some new things have come to light in the fight with on going ms treatments. There is beginning to be a base line of research where new products are being tested as well as ways to diagnose the disease. There is still much research, and trial studies that need to be performed including but not limited to the use of pharmaceuticals, alternative and herbal therapies. There have been breakthroughs which have shown certain similar results in the MS patient. One such thing is the deficiency of vitamin D. It still needs to be more understood, what if any roll, nutrition, genetics, geographical latitudes, and allergies play in this disease. Because of such research, there have been facts that might make ms sufferers resort to alternative methods of treatment besides medication. Some people can not deal with the side effects, and use any means possible to feel better.

Your treatment depends on available options that should be evaluated; therefore you need to be informed on treatments to help you manage your health. Complimentary and alternative medicine, CAM for short, consists of either complimenting or using a completely different way from the traditional medicinal ways now offered by physicians.

Alternative is the practice used instead of conventional medications. Some popular CAM therapies include; diets, dietary supplements, acupuncture, meditation, massage, and yoga. It is always wise to advise your physician of any complementary or alternative choices you make.

Herbs are often used in therapies for many people, alone or in addition of drugs used to prevent symptoms. Herbs can be dangerous, even toxic when the wrong amount or types taken are not complimentary to one another.

Some herbs that might be effective are; cranberry tablets for the prevention of urinary tract infections. Psyllium, which is approved by the FDA, is used for constipation and Valerin may help insomnia. St. Johns Wort has long been the treatment for depression. The strength and amounts of this herb taken to assure the prevention of its toxicity, if any, has not been established by the FDA. It also may interfere with antiviral medications, and the effect of oral contraceptives. Medications for heart disease, seizures, and certain cancers may be affected by herbs.

Certain herbs may interact with medications given to MS sufferers. You should always know what you are taking and the appropriate doses of herbs. Some have immune-stimulating properties that include alfalfa, astragalus, Echinacea, garlic and Ginseng, Chamomile, Asian and Siberian Ginseng, Goldenseal, Kava-Kava, stinging nettle, passionflower, sage, St. Johns Wort, and Valerian may be considered sedating herbs, and care should be cautioned while taking sedating prescriptions at the same time.

The intake of steroids while taking the herbs; aloe, bayberry, or Asian ginseng may worsen the side effects.

Some herbs that have been recommended by some herbalists for the treatment of ms include; chaparral, comfrey and yohimbe.

Some facts found while doing research on certain herbs are; Kava is known primarily as a relaxant, and has been used as a muscle relaxant. Echinacea is used as a blood purifier and antibiotic. Valerian is used alone or in conjunction with other herbs. It depresses the central nervous system similar to GABA (which occurs naturally in the brain) and inhibits nerve impulse transmission. Some people are stimulated with the use of Valerian, so should it cause insomnia, try hops, chamomile, passion flower, skullcap or avena which are herbs that relieve stress, anxiety and insomnia.

Valerian has many physiologic effects on the CNS, or central nervous system such as a depressant or stimulant to gastric, pulmonary and cardiovascular functions.

You should be evaluated metabolically before using herbs to see if they are suited to you as a complement or is of an antagonistic nature to your system. St. Johns Wort has also been used as an anti-depressant, and studies have shown that it may compliment some sufferers of depression and is an alternative to using prescribed drugs.

This is not a guide or how-to article for using herbal treatments. The exact amounts needed to help fight MS would need to be designed and discussed with your health manager. This article is only a fraction of the information available on herbs and MS. Hopefully; there will be follow-up articles as more results are known from clinical testing.

Coping With Parkinson's Disease

2009-03-28T09:43:00.000-07:00

Some years ago the famous American actor Michael J. Fox made headlines when he revealed that he was suffering from Parkinson's Disease. While many assume that this disease is one that affects only the elderly, Mr. Fox demonstrated personally how this condition can really affect anyone at any time, and he did quite a bit of good in bringing the disease to the attention of the general public.

Parkinson's Disease is also called shaking palsy. The cause is not known but it appears that when an imbalance of two substances in the brain, dopamine and acetylcholine, exist then the symptoms of this disease are present. These two substances are need to transmit messages between the nerve cells and the muscles throughout the body. When the amount of dopamine in the brain is somehow decreased the nerve signals in the brain become confused.

Dopamine assists with muscle control and without it the body has a hard time controlling its own movements. Those with this disease usually have severe trembling in the hands, arms, legs, the areas of their face, or may experience rigidity and stiffness of their limbs and they may also have problems with incontinence. Typically they also have a slowness of movement and problems with posture and balance. As the disease progresses the patient may have trouble walking, talking, and with other everyday tasks. Extreme cases of the disease may result in difficulty with chewing and swallowing, and even speaking.

Treating Parkinson's Disease

As of now there is no cure for the disease but there are many treatment options available. Medications can help with dopamine production by stimulating the nerves responsible for this. Other medications can help with the symptoms of Parkinson's Disease by stimulating the muscles so that rigidity is reduces. Other may help with tremor. In some cases there may be surgeries that one can undergo; electrodes can be implanted into the brain so that certain areas are stimulated.

Other Options

Parkinson's Disease can be very difficult for the patient; not being able to control one's movements can make even the smallest of tasks very difficult. However, understanding one's limitations is the first step toward coping and treating the disease. A patient may need to make accommodations around the house and the office. Installing rails in the bathroom can help. When swallowing becomes difficult it's time to slow down around mealtime and take your time. Smaller bites and liquid foods are advisable. Some employers will accommodate those with this disease by allowing them to use computers that respond to voice commands so that typing is no longer as necessary. Other adjustments can be made to one's place of employment as well; moving a desk or work space closer to the restroom and using the phone and email instead of needing to show up in person for conferences and meetings can help as well. These are small changes but can make a big difference for the one with this disabling disease.

It's good to let friends and family know if you have Parkinson's Disease so they can readily assist with chores, and talk to your doctor about getting assistance from visiting nurses and other help.

Manage Your Stress Levels

2009-03-27T07:59:00.000-07:00

Some of us are stressed out by the smallest of things while others never seem to be bothered by stress of any kind. We're all individuals and none of us handle stress the same. Luckily, stress management is a skill that can be learned by following a few simple rules.

Stress starts in the head, but it manisfests itself throut it's effects on the body. In point of fact, simply thinking of something that stresses you out can make your blood pressure rise, your heart rate increase, and your breathing quicken. High anxiety levels can sabotage the immune system making you more susceptible to diseases. A continual level of anxiousness can even result in a heart attack or stroke. So learning to manage stress is a skill that we all can use, because left alone it can cause harm to your body.

The process of controlling our anxiety levels is called stress Management. Stress management shows us how to take ownership of the things that make us apprehensive and frightful, and face up to them head on. In addition, stress management gives us a set of tools to help with the process.

But effective stress management is not necessarily simple. If it were, stress would not be a problem. And, truthfully, in some severe cases, prescription medicines may be required. But even in the severe instances, if you're willing to take time and put what you learn to use, stress management can still play a useful part in helping you to deal with stressful situations.

The first step in learning to handle stress is to identify what your stressors are. A stressor is whatever causes the "fight or flight" response in your nervous system. For example, a stressor that many people have is public speaking. A job interview is a big stressor for lots of us, especially if the job interview is a big one. Some people spend days and weeks locked up in their home because the simple act of walking out of their home is such a stressor for them. They key thing is that everyone has their own set of stressors that cause them anxiety and once you've identified yours, you can begin to work on eliminating them.

A second key to handling stress is sleep - that is, getting enough of it. In some ways the relationship between sleep and stress is the perfect example of a catch22 situation. Studies have proven that stress can cause difficulty in sleeping. Conversely, lack of sleep makes your more susceptible to stresses of all kinds. In addition, lack of sleep, or sleep deprivation, has been implicated in a host of diseases and disorders such as Alzheimers, depression, anxiety, memory loss, and so on.

The few controlled human studies on sleep and stress have indicated a possible alteration in the neuroendocrine stress system. The many tests on animals have shown that chronic sleep restriction gradually changes their neuroendocrine stress responses. In other words, the animals become more stressed and less able to deal with stressful situations in the real world.

Unfortunately, in our fast paced world, it can be hard for many of us to get a full night of restful sleep - even though a major part of a successful stress management program hinges on you managing somehow to get enough sleep. If you have trouble sleeping, you may have to get your physician or health care professional involved. But sleep is an unavoidable and fundamental prerequisite in learning to manage your stress.