Health Dict for Body and Mind

Headache Problem and Pleasant Herbal Therapy

2011-10-26T12:09:00.000-07:00

Everybody has experienced headaches. As one of the most common ailments, it is estimated that over $500,000,000 is spent annually on headache medicine. Over-The-Counter drugs can easily take care of it. But if we often get headaches, it may be better idea to find some herbal remedies that can help us without taking much chemical based medicines.

Headache may be classified in to primary headaches, secondary headaches and cranial neuralgia, facial ache and other types. Primary headaches are not associated with any disease. They spring on their own. Examples of primary headaches are migraine, tension headaches and cluster headache. Secondary headache is caused due to some major disease or ailment such as brain tumors, meningitis, encephalitis, and hemorrhage in brain, strokes, caffeine withdrawal and discontinuation of analgesics.

The third type, cranial neuralgia or facial pain, is caused due to the inflammation of nerves in the head and upper neck. It is estimated that 90% of all headaches are tension headaches.

There are headache remedies from many traditional wisdom school of medicine including Ayurveda, Chinese Medicines, and Aromatherapy. All of them help you relief the pain by using natural ingredients. In many ways, we call them alternative treatments for mild headache. But if you have severe headache or migraine, these natural herbal therapies should be used as additional options besides conventional medicines. In short, integrative medicines seem to be better idea for severe headache and migraine.

Ayurveda suggests a couple common remedies for headaches. Soak a cloth in warm mustard oil and apply directly to your forehead to relieve the pain. Or you may try putting coriander seeds in boiling water and inhale the steam created by this mixture. This is often used to relieve sinus related headaches.

Traditional Chinese medicine offers ginger for headaches. You can eat a small piece of fresh ginger or make a ginger tea. This can prevent platelet aggregation and lessens the frequency of migraine attacks.

Try an aromatic remedy, if you want to make it more pleasant. There are several headache cures from the Aromatherapy school of medicine. For tension headaches, lavender will make you calm down and relax. You can message lavender oil directly into your temples or place a drop or two at the base of your nose. You may also want to try inhaling peppermint oil steam or take a bath with relaxing scents like chamomile. The idea is to soothe away your pain with pleasant smells.

There are many more herbal remedies for headaches. Apply a paste of sandalwood on forehead can cure headache or essential oils such wintergreen to the temples or neck all can provide relief.

Another recommended herbal remedy for tension headaches is Ginkgo Biloba. Ginkgo Biloba has great benefits when it comes to blood distribution. It improves the flow of blood to the brain. You can take capsule supplements or drink Ginkgo Biloba tea. This is also a good remedy for memory and concentration problems.

Above herbal remedies s are just samples of natural treatment for headaches you can try. Personally, these are so much pleasant than taking pills.

Caffeine Headache What Happen When You Withdraw

2011-10-25T00:00:00.000-07:00

A cup of espresso coffee every morning and afternoon, or may be after dinner used to be my routine. When I began to drop, this attempt made me a severe headaches together with other withdrawal symptoms. Stacey Sigmon, PhD Research Associate Professor of Psychiatry for the University of Vermont Advanced schooling of Medicine headed a study to figure out why these withdrawal symptoms occur and what you can do to combat them and why does caffeine withdrawal cause headaches.

Caffeine increased blood flow- About the most significant findings of the learning were that the blood flowing with the brain actually increased anytime caffeine was cut from the diet. This increase causes the pain inside head and until your blood begins to flow on a normal rate, or a great deal more caffeine is consumed, typically the headaches continue.

Caffeine lowered blood pressure- Other studies have realized that when caffeine is consumed, it increases a blood pressure. This is different than the increase in circulation of blood from the study in this article. When the caffeine is taken from the body, the blood pressure decreases during a quick rate and intimately related to causes the headaches. With the combination of the higher blow flow with a lowered blood pressure, the vessels in the head are affected and pain is a result.

Caffeine block pain - There's a natural enzyme in caffeine that acts in the form of pain blocker. This is particularly relevant in people consume large quantities of it routinely. Just as with any specific intoxicant or addictive drug, when it is taken off the system, there is pain with the withdrawal from it. In the event the withdrawal is over as well as body is back to be able to its normal state, the pain can be gone.

It is important that anyone who is responsible for trying to detoxify the caffeine using their system to check that packaging labels on most things they consume. There could be hidden caffeine that tend to make the addiction come back even when the body has been purged with the chemical. Anyone who really wants to be rid of the addiction to caffeine should understand that once it can be completely gone from the body cells, the headaches and various other withdrawal symptoms do vanish.

It is not so hard to cut the caffeine. I finally can do it. All matters are your determination. You may get annoyed, bad –tempered or even frustrated for a couple of days and that’s it. A tip is making a wish list. Write it down that you would not like to addict caffeine and try to achieve it as one of your goal.

Note 1: Caffeine itself also has many good points if you take it moderately.

Note 2: I still love coffee cake and I don’t think just a cup of late will be harmful. Not everybody will get caffeine headache for 3-4 cups daily. However, it does not mean that it will be good for your weight and teeth.

How to Know Just Headache or Migraine

2011-10-01T11:30:00.000-07:00

Headaches have a variety of causes. It does not have any single cause. Just as there are over 200 types of headache, there are many causes of the problem. So, how can we know that it is just Headache or Migraine?

If you have severe, throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head, and if it is often accompanied by nausea or hypersensitivity to light and noise, you may be having a migraine. Migraines tend to last anywhere from 4 hours to 3 days.

But, you don't have to have a migraine to have a bad headache. There is another type of headache called tension headaches, which feel like pressure is being applied to your head, especially around the back of the head and over the forehead. Cluster headaches are almost always on one side and are localized behind the eye, radiating to the forehead, temple, nose, cheek or upper gum, and can cause your eye to tear and your nose to drip.

If you have recurring headaches, whatever the kind, consult with your doctor as to how to treat them.

Women are about three times more likely to suffer from these headaches than men. A woman's migraine often relates with the sudden drop in estrogen levels that happens just before the period. There are many theories explain the cause of migraine, unfortunately, the exact cause of migraine is unknown. Migraineurs often attribute their attack to dietary triggers such as coffee, cheese, chocolate, citrus fruits, and red wine. They may be reacting to chemicals in these foods (such as tyramine and phenylethylamine in chocolate, octopamine in citrus fruits, and 5-hydroxytryptamine in tomatoes, bananas and pineapples).

Quick and easy suggestion when you have attacked are lying down in a dark room, drinking plenty of watery fluids, and keeping warm with blankets and hot water bottles. Anti-migraine drugs, self-hypnosis, and acupuncture are helpful.

Below are short lists of integrative medicines and alternative treatment for headache and migraine.

acupuncture or acupressure
biofeedback
chiropractic
aromatherapy, essential oils such as lavender, ginger, peppermint, and wintergreen that can provide relief by simply smelling them or applying them to the temples or neck
homeopathic remedies chosen specifically for the individual and his or her type of headache
hydrotherapy
massage to reduce stress and tension and relieve tight muscles in the neck and shoulders
relaxation techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, and relaxation to music
yoga

If the headaches are persistent or severe, you should seek medical advice, especially if a child has a sudden headache and it accompanied by a rash, vomiting, high temperature, or a stiff neck. Well, I have migraine, but hope you don’t.

What is Best Herb for Arthritis Treatment

2011-09-29T13:30:00.000-07:00

Arthritis is a kind of joint pains that lead to the chronic complications. It is the most common issue among people of particular age group, especially for the elderly. There are many different types of arthritis and the treatments vary on conditions. Today, herbal remedies are in trend and people turn to use it instead of conventional medication, think that it is safer and have fewer side effects.

Below are some herbs that are proved to be effective for Arthritis treatment.

Garlic- few pieces of garlic are to be boiled in mustard oil. It is very good for rubbing on aching joints.
Ginger - contains zingibain and other phytochemical compounds which quench inflammation. Ginger is also great for protecting the body cells from free-radical damage.
Ginkgo - not only improves circulation to damaged joints, but also contains a dozen different anti-inflammatory chemicals and seven natural anti-histamines.
Cayenne Pepper – With capsaisin, cayenne pepper is one of the finest hot spices that takes away the pain of inflammatory arthritis. Clinical trials have confirmed this plant's value in alleviating pain and discomfort from both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis.
Celery - celery seeds are known as joint cleanser, believing to help remove waste products and excess fluid from arthritic joints. Celery seed extracts provide the arthritis sufferer with some 25 anti-inflammatory substances, plus other plant chemicals that are natural diuretics.
Stinging Nettle - the Romans used to flay their ailing joints with nettles to reduce the associated pain. Stinging nettle contains natural anti-histamines and anti-inflammatories.
Turmeric - This herb is a first-rate anti-inflammatory ideal for the pain and swelling of arthritis. It also triggers better bile flow, improving digestive function which is often poor in arthritis sufferers.
Borage - This is highly prized by natural healers for its medicinal seeds. These contain GLA, a fatty-acid that the body requires to make an inflammation fighting and immune boosting chemical.
White Willow - It provides us with salicylic acid and has been used to relieve arthritic pain for over 2,500 years.
Dandelion root extracts - improve bowel movements and treat arthritis.
Oil and essential oil - lavender , eucalyptus oil , castor oil, coconut oil, birch oil, black paper oil, chamomile oil, Australian Emu oil, Rumatone gold oil, Narayana oil ( sesame oil) all help improve arthritic conditions.

Despite years of studies, no researchers or scientists can answer what is the best herb for Arthritis Treatment. There remains much traditional wisdom and herbs out there that the Westerner have not “approved”.

Why Ayurvedic Treatment is Best for Arthritis

2011-09-28T08:30:00.000-07:00

Arthritis is a particular form of joint disorder that involves inflammation of one or more joints. Besides allopathic and homeopathy treatment methods, Ayurvedic treatment for arthritis is getting popularity nationwide.

There are many different forms of arthritis. But the most common form, osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease) is a result of trauma to the joint, infection of the joint, or age. Other arthritis forms are rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and related autoimmune diseases. Septic arthritis is caused by joint infection.

According to Ayurveda, arthritis is defined as the Vata dosha (air issue) that cause the joint pains due to the excessive collection toxic or Amla in the body. This Amla is collected in the body due to the improper diet and other reasons. When the accumulation starts of Vata in joints, it starts causing pain in the joints and termed as the arthritis.

Arthritis treatment in Ayurveda perspectives focuses on the digestion of the amla and reduces the amount of vata (air) in body. Ayurveda offered us the treatment for arthritis as follows.

Simultaneously ayurvedic herbs also reduce the pain of the arthritis.
The first affective ayurvedic treatment for arthritis is fasting once or twice a day. It is very helpful in the digestion of body amla (toxin).
Massage on the affected joints with Antivatatailas such as Kethakeemooladi, Dhanwantharam, Karpasasathyadi oil reduces the vata volume and pain at a same time. It is really very effective ayurvedic treatment for sever back pain or other joint pains.
Intake bitter, hot and astringent food items
Avoid exposing your body in drizzle, cold and wind
Try to keep tour body warm by covering it.

Most important Ayurveda remedy for the arthritis is following the proper and nutritive diet. It is highly recommended for the people who suffer from arthritis that they need to avoid eating those foods that cause gas, acidity or constipation in body. It means avoid eating spicy foods, sweets and fried foods. Tea, coffee, yogurt is ok but take it in moderation.

If we look thoroughly Ayurvedic medicines, it is easily found the main concept is back to nature and it is about balancing your organ functions. But this is not enough and you need more alternative treatment, you may find herbal remedy for arthritis is interesting.

What Life Style and Home Remedy Do for Arthritis

2011-09-27T12:00:00.000-07:00

We often thought of arthritis- Osteoarthritis as the elderly’s disease. But the fact is this disease саn strike us at any age. In United States, estimated 10 million people already suffer the disease аnԁ nearly 34 million people are at risk of osteoporosis following low bone mass.

Arthritis caused by inflammation of one or more of your joints. The important symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and stiffness, which typically worsen with age. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are two most common types of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is usually caused by normal wear and tear potentially affecting 55 percent of Americans over 50, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder.

To prevent the arthritis we have to learn what cause it. To treat the disease, we certainly need a doctor. But if you do not want to reply only medications, or you would like to take fewer drugs, home remedies are simple way that can help arthritis pain as integrative treatments.

Food intake

There is no conclusive evidence to show that particular foods make rheumatoid arthritis symptoms flare up or decrease. Some studies indicate that eating the certain fish oils help reduce joint inflammation in people with rheumatoid arthritis. However, more scientific trials are needed to assess this possible benefit.

Weight loss

If you're obese, losing weight will reduce the stress on your weight-bearing joints. This may increase your mobility and limit future joint injury. The overweight will put more stresses on the joints, increasing joint pain, stiffness and inflammation.

Exercise

Regular exercise can help keep your joints flexible. Swimming or water aerobics is often a good choice because the buoyancy of the water reduces stress on weight-bearing joints. Regarding the temperture, there is no special suggestion for ideal water temperature in pools used for exercise. However, according to the Arthritis Foundation, pool temperatures between 83 and 88 F (28.3 and 31.1 C) are generally comfortable for water exercise. Don’t be afraid to exercise. Lack of exercise actually can make your joints even more painful and stiff. Ask your doctor what is the best for you.

Heat and cold

Heating pads or ice packs may help relieve arthritis pain.

Assistive devices

Using canes, walkers, raised toilet seats and other assistive devices can help protect your joints and improve your ability to perform daily tasks.

Body Movement

When you are watching TV or sitting at your desk, try to adjust your position frequently. You may periodically tilt your neck from side to side, change the position of your hands, bend and stretch your legs. Don’t stay still.

Changing some lifestyle, dietary and do regular light exercise can amazingly reduce pain and the percentage of being arthritis. However, there are more suggested treatments and tips for arthritis. We will talk about another alternative treatment – Ayurvedic treatment for arthritis in next post.

Why Natural Cholesterol Reduction Treatment Works!

2011-09-25T14:00:00.000-07:00

Cholesterol medications may not work for everyone. More important thing is, cholesterol medications may not really result in significant cholesterol level reduction and can lead to adverse side effects on liver and impotence. In this view, natural treatment is considered as a better option for cholesterol reduction.

Researches have shown that lowering cholesterol can be successfully accomplished using natural methods. Lowering cholesterol naturally proves to be better cholesterol treatment than synthetic, chemical-based medications.

Before jumping to the natural treatment, knowing some of the major causes of high blood cholesterol will give us a big picture of the relevance between cause and cure.

1. Obesity

2. Genetic factors

3. Stress and work tension

4. Diseases like kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes mellitus and also due to hypothyroidism.

5. Intake of high fat diet and junk foods

High blood cholesterol level is attributed to the diet as well as sedentary lifestyle. People in developed countries have high risk for high cholesterol and its health risks because they consume food high in fat and tend to have a sedentary lifestyle. Doctors recommend changing the diet from a high-fat diet to a low-fat diet so as to meet the normal cholesterol level. It was also found that diet and exercise should go together. That is, low-fat diet may not be enough to reduce cholesterol levels. Regular exercise is also a must.

A combination of diet and exercise cause significant improvement to the cholesterol levels of individuals with risk for heart diseases. Studies have shown that tremendous benefit could be reaped with dietary and lifestyle changes. It was found that the health benefits are due to the ability of a healthy diet and physical exercise to lower LDL levels and maintain the balance between the good and bad cholesterol. It only shows that natural ways to treat high cholesterol is more effective, but it requires more discipline and persistence. By engaging in exercise and making smart choices with one’s food intake, one does not need to need synthetic treatment methods.

Lecithin which is abundant in egg yolks, cereals, soya beans and unpasteurized milk, is a good idea for dietaryand natural treatment for lower cholesterol. Lecithin has a propensity to break up the extra cholesterol and enhance digestion as well as increase the bile production; which helps in reducing blood cholesterol.

Natural vitamin C is found to be very effective in the treatment of high cholesterol. Pectin from fruit and vegetables seems to help in fighting high cholesterol by flushing out the excess from the system. Two or three carrots a day is said to be beneficial in lowering high cholesterol. Strawberries, apples, spinach, potatoes and tomatoes are also useful in the treatment of high cholesterol.

Starting alternative treatments like home remedy and herbalremedy for examples are not difficult anymore. These optional remedies have been used more and more as integrative treatments that not only safe your pocket, but they are also likely to be non-toxin.

It’s Home, It’s Herb and It’s Hot Remedy for Reducing High Cholesterol

2011-09-24T11:00:00.000-07:00

Though cholesterol medications may have been developed as cholesterol treatment, the side effects make it an unlikely treatment and many people with high cholesterol are seeking for safer and more natural treatment to lower cholesterol as integrative medicines.

Cholesterol is linked with many health risks. An elevated level of cholesterol could lead to the development of atherosclerotic plaque, which has been responsible for heart diseases and stroke. Instead of using cholesterol medications that cause liver damage and impotence, high cholesterol can be treated by herbal remedies.

Some of the natural herbal remedies to treat high cholesterol are given below.

Eat garlic regularly. It is an effective remedy herbal cholesterol-lowering
Take a spoonful of honey is also good for lowering cholesterol
Take guggulu for natural cholesterol lowering
Take a teaspoon of oil seeds ishabgul twice a day. It will help in reducing blood cholesterol
Take fenugreek seeds regularly to control cholesterol level.
Take more foods richly in vitamin E like sunflower seeds, soyabean oils, butter, safflower and also the sprouted seeds and grains.
Drink a glass of water and add 1 teaspoon of methi powder in it for one month in an empty stomach.
Drink a mixture of one tea spoon of lime juice and one teaspoon of honey in one cup of hot water daily in the morning to lower your cholesterol naturally.
Drink a glass of water and add two tablespoons of dry seeds of coriander and allow it to boil properly. Allow it to cool and strain the decoction. Take this decoction two times a day for lowering of the cholesterol. It is also an effective natural remedy for the treatment of high cholesterol.
Drink onion juice to reduce the cholesterol, clean the blood and regulate the heart.

There are more suggestions about natural treatment. Above home and herbal remedies for high cholesterol treatment are just parts of natural treatments that I think will not be so difficult to follow. Well, don't forget to have the right dietary for reducing cholesterol level.

Bad Cholesterol for Health VS Tips to Reduce Cholesterol

2011-09-23T10:30:00.000-07:00

Cholesterol itself is not bad, it is actually essential for the body to function properly and to build cell membranes, vitamin D, hormones, and bile acids. Cholesterol becomes a topic when there is the presence of high levels of cholesterol in the blood or Hypercholesterolemia and people struggle to decrease cholesterol after eating their favorite junk foods.

Hypercholesterolemia is not a disease but a metabolic derangement that can be caused by many diseases, notably cardiovascular disease. It is closely related to the terms "hyperlipidemia" (elevated levels of lipids in the blood) and "hyperlipoproteinemia" (elevated levels of lipoproteins in the blood).

Too much cholesterol in the blood, or high cholesterol, can be severe. Some of the major symptoms of high blood cholesterol are excess fatigue and feel of uneasiness, pain and heaviness in the chest area, breathlessness and general fatigue. People with high cholesterol have a higher risk of heart disease.

Cholesterol can accumulate in the walls of the arteries (blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to other body parts). This buildup of cholesterol is called plaque (Plaka). With time, plaque can cause narrowing of the arteries. This is called atherosclerosis (ATH-er-oO - if Skleros), or hardening of the arteries.

Usually cholesterol is produced in the liver and it is one of the essential ingredients of our body. 20-30% of the cholesterol is obtained from the food we eat. Cholesterol or lipoproteins are classified into two types - “bad” LDL cholesterol (Low density lipoprotein ) and “good” HDL cholesterol (High density lipoprotein ) HDLs are transporters that carry excess cholesterol to the liver where it can be broken down. LDL is related with cholesterol deposits in blood vessels and it is also considered to be harmful. It may result into the problems like stroke, heart disease etc. whereas HDL helps to remove the cholesterol from the circulation and also reduces the risk of heart disease. High cholesterol can only usually be detected through a blood test. The ideal levels of HDL are over 40 mg/dL and for LDL, under 100 mg/dL.

There are many ways to reduce cholesterol, below are simple but workable tips.

1.Take low fat diet.

2.Do regular exercise in the morning

3.Avoid meat products.

4.Do not smoke and drink alcohol.

5.Loose weight if obese.

6.Include forage and fibrous foods in the diet.

7.Use sunflower or safflower oil for cooking.

8.Drink plenty of water.

9.Avoid ghee, butter, cream, white flour, sugar, cakes, pies, cookies, cheese and ice cream.

Higher cholesterol level from diabetes or high sugar blood treatment may require special treatment. But in most case, higher bad cholesterols are the result of the food intake and some social behavior. Above dietary for higher cholesterol is strongly recommended though some people with high cholresterol problems may choose a quick cholesterol treatment option. Actually, it is easier to take cholesterol medications and wait until cholesterol level drops. But how do you know which medications are the most effective cholesterol treatment option. Do we have other treatments for cholesterol problem?

Will herbal Remedies Work Better Medication Treatment for Diabetes

2011-09-21T10:00:00.000-07:00

While diabetes conventionalmedicines effectiveness is in question, herbal remedy has become popular as alternative treatment for high sugar blood or diabetes.

One supportive reason why herbal treatment becoming popular is that some herbal medicines are easily found in our backyards. Considering that diabetes are chronic disease and cannot be cured, that will be a considerable health care expense for controlling and managing your blood sugar. Using herbal treatments would cost a fraction of the price you have to pay for a medicine or drug. Also, most people resort to using natural or organic herbal remedies because they have fewer side effects than their over-the-counter cousins.

Below are frequently used herbs in diabetes.

Asian Ginseng: is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat diabetes. It has been shown to enhance the release of insulin from the pancreas and to increase the number of insulin receptors. It also has a direct blood sugar-lowering effect.

Banaba (Lagerstroemia speciosa) : processes the powerful compound corosolic acid and tannins, including lagerstroemin that lends itself to the treatment of diabetes. These ingredients are thought to stimulate glucose uptake and have insulin-like activity. The latter activity is thought to be secondary to activation of the insulin receptor tyrosine kinase or the inhibition of tyrosine phosphatase. It is a natural plant insulin.

Cinnamon : Cinnamon has insulin-like properties, which able to reduce blood glucose levels as well as triglycerides and cholesterol, all of which are important especially for type 2 diabetes patients.

Fenugreek : helps regulate blood sugar levels. Its seeds not only lower blood glucose but reduce insulin levels, total cholesterol and triglycerides, while increasing HDL (good cholesterol). Additionally, the soluble fiber content of fenugreek may play a role in aiding weight control. However, fenugreek should not be used by pregnant or nursing women.

Genera Sylvestre : also known as the "sugar destroyer". To treat diabetes, dried leaves are pounded together with Coriander fruit (Coriandrum sativum L.), juice is extracted and given orally. These remedy has been used in India for treating diabetes for about 2000 years.

Gymnema: improves the ability of insulin to lower blood sugar in both type I and type II diabetes and repair damage to insulin producing cells in the pancreas. This herb is also being used as weight loss products and blood sugar balancing formulas.

Olive leaf: acts as a hypotensive (lowers the blood sugar levels) and dilates the walls of blood vessels. Thereby increasing blood flow and circulation through the body and to vital organs. It has no side effects even when taken over a long period, so it is good for diabetics.

Pterocarpus marsupium : also known as Indian Kino demonstrates to decrease the glucose. It is absorption from the gastrointestinal tract, and improves insulin and pro-insulin levels. It is also effective in beta cell regeneration. No other drug or natural agent has been shown to generate this activity.

Herbal remedies for diabetes are one of alternative treatments and it has been proved its efficiency in many traditional medicines. Today we can use this natural treatment as part of integrative medicines but it is important anyway to talk with your doctor or health care provider before choosing any herbs for diabetes treatment. Though there are some scientific supports, you still need to know how to prepare and what the proper dose is.

Medical Treatment for Diabetes and Suspended Result

2011-09-20T08:22:00.000-07:00

More than 90% of all diabetes is type II or adult onset diabetes. At present, conventional medicines are used as main medical treatment for diabetes. However, it is likely that there are many side effects and the question of its effectiveness arises.

Diabetes occurs either when the pancreas stops producing insulin or the body is unable to use the insulin it produces. Both result in glucose, the body's fuel, not being absorbed by the cells. Insulin is needed to be present and working for this absorption to occur.

The onset of Type I is usually sudden and severe, frequently occur in children. That is why it is called juvenile onset diabetes. It is thought that a virus attacks the pancreas so that it can no longer produce insulin. Insulin is the only hormone in the body which can lower blood sugar. Its job is to carry sugar to the cells where it's used to make energy. (Note that kidney’s and red blood cells can take up glucose without the help of insulin.) The blood sugar rises because the body's cells are not absorbing glucose, and they begin to starve. As a result, the cells begin to use stored fat or triglycerides as their fuel. The breakdown of triglycerides as a result of being insulin resistant leads to elevated triglycerides and a condition known as dyslipidemia.

In Type I, blood sugar levels can swing wildly between Hyperglycaemia and Hypoglycaemia.

a) Hyperglycaemia - when there is an abnormally large amount of sugar in the blood

b) Hypoglycaemia - when there is an abnormally small amount of sugar in the blood.

Generally, type II diabetes risk is increased for those who are over 45 years of age although more children are being diagnosed at an earlier age. This type 2 or diabetes insipidus caused when the body produces normal amount of insulin but the target cells don't respond normally to the insulin. The onset of Type II Diabetes is usually gradual. Symptoms include weight loss, excessive thirst and hunger, weakness, and excessive urination.

Diabetes mellitus type II is the leading cause of kidney failure and blindness in the United States. The medical treatment for Type II Diabetes is usually an oral hypoglycemic agent such as Glucotrol which lowers the blood sugar but do not cure the disease. After many years of Type II Diabetes, the pancreas finally wears out, and the oral medications lose their effectiveness. It is also possible that multiple dose of conventional medicines that produce sustained blood levels of long-acting sulfonylureas may induce a refractoriness in responding pancreatic B cells. (Source: Basic & Clinical Pharmacology, Bertram G. Katzung, MD, PhD.)

One subsequent problem due to the damage done to the blood vessels by the diabetes is higher cholesterol level. But using cholesterol-lowering medications such as Lipitor, which belongs to a class of medications called HMG CoA Reductase Inhibitors, possibly damage liver.

With all of these medications causing liver damage to an already malfunctioning liver, I begin to wonder if we are on the right way for medical treatment. What if modern westernized medicine do not work for diabetes, can we find other alternative treatment that are safe, nontoxic, and definitely do not damage the liver.

Medical suggestion for type II diabetes treatment is commonly about dietary since diabetes is a chronic and progressive disease that is largely influenced by your food intake over time eventhough there are more reasons that may put you in the diabetes risk group. To treat diabetes, it is basically suggested to avoid coffee, salt, sugary and oily food but take low fat meals and a lot of fruits. Another recommend treatment for diabetes is herbal remedy. Herbal remedy is one of home remedies for diabetic. It aims at preventing the diabetic risk factors or reduces the adverse effect of diabetes.

Diabetes Hits 340 Million People in Next Twenty Years

2011-09-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

According to the World Health Organization, diabetes affects over 170 million people worldwide now and the figure is expected to double by the year 2030. If it is left untreated, diabetes can lead to blindness and joint problems, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease. In worst cases, you may lose circulation to the peripheral tissues, amputations may become necessary.

To prevent and treat diabetes properly, we have to know what cause diabete and type difference.

The leading causes of diabetes are

High Refined carbohydrate intake :

Too much glucose is being produced in the body or consumed by the patient. For example, sugar-filled soft drinks, white rice, white bread, cookies, pies, cakes, candies, processed food

Stress :

When the body is in a high stress state, it is constantly breaking down fat in order to produce enough energy in the blood to deal with a crisis. Long periods of stress can eventually lead to high blood sugar levels.

Other causes of diabetes are included

Obesity :

Obesity is a term that describes levels of body fat far above the norms for healthy living.

BMI (Body Mass Index) score = / > 30.0 You are technically obese.

BMI score > 40.0 You have a condition called extreme or morbid obesity

If you are obese and have consistently high blood glucose levels, you can develop type-2 diabete.

Age :

Type II diabetes risk is increased for those who are over 45 years of age although more children are being diagnosed at an earlier age.

Genetic factors :

Genetic studies using Admixture Linkage Analysis have found that NIDDM (diabetes type II) is genetically complex, involving multiple genes, and multiple gene-environment interactions.

Ethnic groups such a Native North Americans and Hispanic suggest suggests a genetic susceptibility to NIDDM that may have evolved as a survival mechanism when these populations historically experienced cycles of feast and famine. There may have been a selective advantage in having a genotype that conserved blood sugar during times of famine.

Age and genes are out of control fors for diabetes. But dietary and lifestyles is over our ability to get through it. More than 80% of success come from on your strong will and determination. Another 20% is about medical treatment which we will discuss about it in next articles.

Ayurveda and Dietary Answer for Hypertension

2011-09-11T11:07:00.000-07:00

Many people talk about alternative medicines for hypertension such as herbal remedies and Ayurvedic medicine and that is why we are here to see their perspectives toward high blood pressure. Let’s find out the alternative remedy from one of the important traditional medicines.

High blood pressure is known as Rakta Gata vata in Ayurveda. It can be caused by vitiation of any of the three doshas which are responsible for the circulation of blood. The following are the main precipitating factors for people with different doshas:-

1. Vata type of Hypertension - caused by extreme emotions such as worry, anxiety and stress.

2. Pitta type of Hypertension - caused by negative emotions such as hatred, jealousy and feeling for revenge.

3. Kapha type of Hypertension - caused by problems with the digestive system.

Sarpagandha is the drug of choice in high blood pressure. Not only is this drug used in Ayurvedic medicine, but it is also used in allopathic medicine in the treatment of high blood pressure. In addition, the following herbal preparations are prescribed depending on the doshic cause of high blood pressure:-

a. For Vataja High Blood Pressure, jatamansi and brahmi are prescribed.

b. For Pittaja High Blood Pressure, sarsarapilla and sandalwood are prescribed.

c. For Kaphaja High Blood Pressure, calamus, arjuna, shilajit, guggulu and berberis are prescribed.

Dietary Treatments for High Blood Pressure

A strict dietary regimen is important to seek early treatment from high blood pressure. The following points must be obeyed:-

1. Reduced or totally eliminated salt from the diet. Hot and spicy foods should also be avoided.

2. Use polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats instead of hydrogenated fats. These include oils of sesame, olive, flaxseed, mustard and groundnut. Ghee and butter made from cow's milk are beneficial. Avoid buffalo milk.

3. Indigestion should be taken care of by consuming a good amount of leafy vegetables containing high fibers.

4. Bitter gourd and drumsticks are advantageous vegetables for people suffering from high blood pressure. Avoid colocasia and take yellow pumpkin to help reduce blood pressure.

5. Bananas, oranges, guavas and apples are good and all kinds of dry fruits including nuts are good for health.

6. Avoid sweets and chocolates.

7. Red meats must be avoided. But white meats, especially fish are beneficial in lowering blood pressure.

I have to admit that I do not fully understand some technical words in Ayurveda but food restriction does make sense and all are alternative treatments for high blood pressure besides current medical line for me.

Overlooked Herbal Remedies for High Blood Pressure

2011-09-10T23:30:00.000-07:00

When we are prescribed a lot of medications, we often forget that alternative treatments like herbal remedy can also reduce high blood pressure. If we are open and do not focus only on the conventional medicines, we will find that there are many useful herbs, vitamins and minerals, which can be used in combination with each other by practitioners of homeopathy, reflexology, herbal medicine, acupuncture, Ayurvedic medicine. Step by step, we will begin with herbal medicine.

Herbal medicines have been used for hundreds of years in many countries like China, India and Thailand but the western medicine didn’t make full impact until the end of the 20th century. Some pharmaceuticals that are available to Western physicians have a long history of use as herbal remedies, such as opium, digitalis, quinine and aspirin (After treated with conventional medicines and your blood pressure is under control, your doctor may have you take a daily aspirin to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disorders.)

From many of herbal remedies, I pick up only 5 interesting herbs to treat hypertension.

Fenugreek (methi) seeds: This is one of the best home remedy for the treatment of high blood pressure. Patient may continue this drink for 2-3 months twice a day. You can take 1-2 tablespoon of methi seeds and boil in a glass of water. Strain and then take this mixture.

Hawthorn: It is another alternative high blood pressure treatment for the heart and blood vessels. It helps improve coronary artery blood flow and strengthening of the contractions of the heart muscle. It may mildly lower blood pressure in some people with high blood pressure by improving circulation to smaller vessels by lowering the resistance to blood flow in larger blood vessels. Anyway, Hawthorn is excellent anti-oxidant.

Khus khus (cus-cus grass): Take equal amount of khus khus and chor magaz (150 gm) and grind into fine powder. Take 1-2 tablespoon of this powder with water twice a day. Patient may take the first dose in an empty stomach.

Noni juice: It is used as an alternative high blood pressure treatment. It is called in many names, Nono in Tahiti, Indian Mulberry in India, Cheese fruit in Australia, Painkiller tree in the Caribbean. In traditional Hawaiian treatment for high blood pressure, noni juice was diluted with water and drunk before meals and resting periods.

Rauwolfia Serpentina : It was the first proven allopathic medicine for high blood pressure extracted from this herb. Rauwolfia Serpentina is extensively used in India for sleeplessness, anxiety, and high blood pressure.

What else we should know about alternative treatment. I trust you have heard Ayurvedic medicine more or less in previous articles. We will see Ayurveda conceptand treatment for hypertension in next chapter.

High Blood Pressure – Once in a Lifetime

2011-09-09T10:34:00.000-07:00

If you think you are very healthy and it is zero percent to have high blood pressure, you are wrong. Those who do not have high blood pressure at age 55 face a 90 percent chance of developing it during their lifetimes. This is not health myth. High blood pressure is a condition that most people have at some point in their lives. You can have high blood pressure (hypertension) for years without any symptoms.

High blood pressure is a common name for hypertension. It increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, which are the first- and third-leading causes of death among Americans. People having high blood pressure may not realize that they are suffering from this condition unless it happens very suddenly.

We will have a short note about types of High Blood Pressure before going to the treatment part.

There are lot many other hypertension types but most recognized are essential hypertension and malignant hypertension.

Essential hypertension –primary hypertension. This is the common condition found in most of the people who cross the middle age. This symptom can be tackled with the proper precautions. This High Blood Pressure occurs due to an increase in the systolic blood pressure of the heart and generally it is related with the advanced age.

Malignant hypertension – secondary hypertension. The attacks during this condition are very fatal and needs immediate medical attention. This occurs due to any disorders of any vital organs of the human body such as brain, liver, kidney are considered as most vital organs. Hormonal imbalance can also bring the condition called hypertension in some cases.

Medical blood pressure monitor or sphyg momanometer will let us know how healthy you are and which treatment is proper for you.

140/90 mm Hg or lower -If you are a healthy adult

130/80 mm Hg or lower -If you have chronic kidney disease, diabetes or coronary artery disease or are at high risk of coronary artery disease

120/80 mm Hg or lower -If your heart isn't pumping as well as it should (left ventricular dysfunction or heart failure) or you have severe chronic kidney disease

Some medications to treat high blood pressure are listed below. These should be prescribed by a doctor.

Thiazide diuretics, Beta blockers, Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, Angiotensin II receptor blockers, Calcium channel blockers, Renin inhibitors, Aliskiren (Tekturna), Alpha blockers, Alpha-beta blockers, Central-acting agents, Vasodilators.

There is no exact combination of medications to treat hypertension. Two or more blood pressure drugs often work better than one and your doctor may prescribe a combination of low-dose medications rather than larger doses of one single drug.

If you do not want to take a lot of drugs, the easy way to reduce blood pressure is to change your life style and attitude. Be positive thinking and eat healthier diet with less salt, quitting smoking, losing weight and exercising more. If you would like to get quicker result, you can consult with a doctor if herbal remedy and Ayurvedic medicine can do help or which one may interact your current drugs.

Milk Shake-Medical Food, Is It the Right Way For Alzheimer’s

2011-09-07T08:00:00.000-07:00

I have heard that medical food, like Axona, can treat Alzheimer’s. If it is true that a milkshake, not a drug, can treat Alzheimer’s, don’t you think it deserves to be National Milk.

Alzheimer's is thought to hinder the brain's ability to break down glucose and Axona is a prescription dietary supplement that claims to provide an alternative energy source that the brain can use instead of glucose.

According to Axona's website, medical food is intended for the dietary management of a specific disease or condition and a prescription medical food does not go through the same approval process as a traditional pharmaceutical product. The fact is the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn't approve medical foods, nor does it test medical foods for safety or effectiveness. So, that’s why Axona just strictly regulated by the FDA.

At present, there are just five FDA-approveddrugs to treat the symptoms of Alzheimer's, so it's a controversial alternative for Alzheimer's patients who have limited options when it comes to the question of the way to treat the disease.

Considering that medical foods are dietary supplements that help manage a disease or condition that causes nutritional deficiencies, the Alzheimer's Association, however, dispute the notion that Alzheimer's disease causes nutritional deficiencies and requires a medical food.

The manufacturer give further information about Axona that Accera has conducted all of the necessary safety and efficacy studies. A small study, funded by the manufacturers of the product, found that memory and cognition improved for people with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. In 2009, a study of Accera with a small group of patients who drank one Axona milkshake per day showed that they improved 1.9 points on a 70-point cognitive testing scale than patients who drank a placebo milkshake. Unfortunately, it lasted only 45 days as opposed to the 90-day goal.

That short fall makes some scientists think that this medical food is not worth to pay and more studies are needed to determine its safety and effectiveness.

"Getting extra fuel to the brain would provide an energy boost that could potentially lead to modest improvements," he said. "But it is very short-lived and does nothing to stop or treat the disease. I would think a low-fat frozen yogurt would achieve the same thing." said Dr. Rudolph Tanzi, a neurology professor at Harvard Medical School.

"This is just expensive coconut oil," said Dr. Roger Brumback, professor of neurology at the Creighton University School of Medicine. "It's another example of false hopes and an entrepreneur's financial gain in a disease that is clearly devastating to patients and families."

Kindly note that medical foods are given only under the supervision of a doctor. Until more is known, the Alzheimer's Association doesn't recommend the use of medical foods, including Axona, for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Delicious Herb Fighting Alzheimer’s

2011-09-05T10:20:00.000-07:00

It has been known that India has the world’s lowest rate of Alzheimer’s Disease. To understand their lifestyle and food intake may reveal the secret.

One of common food ingredients use in every house of Indian is turmeric, the golden spice which contains powerful antioxidant – curcumin. Indian people have used turmeric powder for hundreds of centuries not only in their everyday food but also in wedding ceremony and daily mask as it is claimed to clear acne and nourish skin either use it directly on the face or mixed together with milk.

There are estimates that people in India take about 2 grams of turmeric per day from the food intake and that provides roughly 100 mg of curcumin. Some scientists think that the regular ingestion of this spice help reduce rate of Alzheimer's disease in India. The prevalence of Alzheimer's among adults in India aged 70 to 79 is among the world's lowest. It is 4.4 times less than the rate in the United States.

Turmeric is being studied for its ability to help treat Alzheimer's disease but most of the studies so far have been on animals. Good news is there is a growing number of mainstream researchers see turmeric and curcumin as possible herb in preventing and fighting disease in humans. But until these compounds are tested in people there is no way to know their full potential.

Besides FDA’s approved drugs for Alzheimer’s, curcumin may be effective than many other drugs being tested as Alzheimer's treatments. Scientists found that curcumin was able to reduce deposits of beta-amyloid proteins in the brains of elderly lab mice that ate curcumin as part of their diets. Moreover, when the researchers added low doses of curcumin to human beta-amyloid proteins in a test tube, the compound kept the proteins from aggregating and blocked the formation of the amyloid fibers that make up Alzheimer's plaques. The study by UCLA and Veterans Affairs scientists, indicated that a rodent chow laced with curcumin slowed the accumulation in mouse brains of protein fragments known as beta amyloids which are focused as a key to the development of Alzheimer's.

This is likely to be too good to be true if we overlook the side effects of turmeric. It is not clear about the effect of high dose turmeric curcumin consumption for continuous use and scientists cannot fully attest that it will not interact with other medicines. According to American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, there is a possibility that the consumption of supplemental doses of turmeric can significantly increase oxalate levels in urine and lead to increasing risk of kidney stone formation. However, some researchers theorize that calcium can help prevent the formation of stones and drinking enough water can flush away those might cause kidney stone. Considering the fact that Indian food is always added yogurt or milk in recipe, this may be another traditional wisdom from Indian people

New researches and tests are on the way and we will see soon if Turmeric – Curcumin is the promising hope as we wish or not.

Reference:

BrainResearch Institute of UCLA

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

National Kidney & Urologic Diseases InformationClearinghouse (NKUDIC)

5 FDA’s Approved Drugs for Alzheimer’s

2011-09-03T11:55:00.000-07:00

After know astonished figures about Alzheimer’s, here is another information about the number of drugs used to treat Alzheimer’s. Unlike cancer or heart disease, there are currently only five FDA-approved drugs to care the symptoms of Alzheimer's.

These medications cannot cure Alzheimer's, but for some people, it may slow down the development of the disease for a period of time. Till now, no scientists can tell what medicine can improve the disease symptoms permanently.

After medical history check and lots of test about your memory, thinking, behavior and even brain scan, doctor will prescribe drugs according to the conditions and the stage of disease.

People with Alzheimer's disease don’t have enough of a chemical called acetylcholine -a chemical believed to be important for memory and thinking. As the disease progresses, the brain produces less and less acetylcholine.

Acetylcholine helps nerve signals to travel across the gaps (synapses) between nerve cells (neurones). All of the prescription medications currently approved to treat Alzheimer’s symptoms in mild-moderate stages are from a class of drugs called cholinesterase inhibitors. It can help to stop the level of acetylcholine in the brain from falling any further. Three common cholinesterase inhibitors are prescribed to treat symptoms related to memory, thinking, language, judgment and other thought processes, Donepezil (Aricept), Rivastigmine (Exelon), Galantamine (Razadyne).

If you have late-stage Alzheimer's disease, you may have been given a medicine called memantine. (Namenda®, Namenda XR®)This works in a different way to acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. Hence, the two Namenda is believed to work by regulating the activities of glutamate, another messenger chemical involved in learning and memory that, when produced in excessive amounts, may lead to brain cell death of drugs can be prescribed in combination. It may help to improve your thinking and memory and allow you to do more basic everyday activities such as eating and going to the bathroom without help for several more months.

Note :

A) Donepezil (Aricept) is the only cholinesterase inhibitor approved to treat all stages of Alzheimer’s disease, including moderate to severe. At present, Tacrine (Cognex) is rarely to be prescribed because it's associated with serious side effects like liver damage.

B) Common side effects of all prescriptions are included nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and increased frequency of bowel movements

A doctor may also prescribe medicines to help treat some of the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, such as anxiety, sleep disturbance or irritability and depression.

As seen, there is no final solution for Alzheimer’s. Many studies are under streamed line in order to get FDA approval. On the other hand, herbal remedies, dietary supplements and "medical foods" are alternative treatments that are claimed to delay or prevent Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders. This will be a false hope or promising hope, you will know only when you keep searching information.

Just Forgetful or Alzheimer’s

2011-09-02T11:05:00.000-07:00

Should we worry when we have trouble finding the right words to speak and always forget the place where just put the glass on? This may relate to Alzheimer’s because the first noticeable symptom of Alzheimer’s disease is forgetfulness.

However, this isn't always caused by dementia and may just be a sign of getting older or simply the stress of a busy life. But how can you make sure that you are not at risk, below figures can make you hesitate.

5.4 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease. This estimated number has doubled since 1980, and is expected to be as high as 16 million by 2050.

$130 billion is estimated total Medicare and Medicaid spending for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease is estimated in year 2011

Alzheimer’s disease is the 6th leading cause of death among American adults

Alzheimer’s disease is the 5th leading cause of death for adults aged 65 years and older.

Of the 750,000 people living with dementia in the UK, about 460,000 have Alzheimer's disease. Most people who develop the condition are over 65

Scientists don’t yet fully understand what causes Alzheimer’s disease, and why people develop Alzheimer's disease and dementia, but it's associated with a number of risk factors. These may include:

Ageing – Alzheimer's disease mainly affects older people
Genetics – you may be more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease if your parents or a close relative has it
A previous severe head injury
Lifestyle factors such as smoking or obesity
Diabetes
Raised blood pressure and raised blood cholesterol levels
Down's syndrome - People who have are also more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease as they get older.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia among older people. (Dementia is the loss of cognitive functioning—thinking, remembering, and reasoning—and behavioral abilities) You may also have problems making decisions and solving problems, or be unable to carry out your usual daily activities, such as driving, getting dressed or eating. The effects of dementia are different for each individual.

There is no cure for Alzheimer's disease at the moment, but there are treatments that can help to control your symptoms for a period of time.

Reference:

Alzheimer’s Disease Education & Referral (ADEAR) Center

Bupa, UK

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Integrative Medicine on the Road

2011-08-30T12:44:00.000-07:00

It is time to learn more about integrative medicine. What is integrative medicine and what it may come?

Clinicians and researchers are increasing using the term integrative medicine to refer to the complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) with conventional bio-medicine. However, combination medicine (CAM added to conventional) is not integrative. Integrative medicine represents a higher-order system of care that emphasizes wellness and healing of the entire person (bio-psycho-socio-spiritual dimensions) as primary goals, drawing on both conventional and CAM approaches in the context of a supportive and effective physician-patient relationship. In this view, health is an emergent property of the person as a complex living system. Thus, unlike bio-medical research that typically examines parts of health care and parts of the individual, one at a time, but not the complete system, integrative outcomes research advocates the study of the whole. The whole system includes the patient-provider relationship, multiple conventional and CAM treatments, and the philosophical context of care as the intervention.

Integrative medicine is a system of care that considers health (or disease) as an emergent property of the person in an environmental context, conceptualized as an intact, indivisible dynamic system. Integrative medicine is a complex dynamic, higher-order system of systems, conventional and CAM. As such, the life domains that medical care and medical outcomes research must address extend far beyond clinical laboratory test results or lesions in specific organs. - American Medical Association

However, most people still think of integrative medicines as combination of conventional Western medicine with safe, evidence-based complementary and alternative therapies to focus on the whole person to achieve optimal wellness where the patient also has a greater sense of personal control. What about you?

We have to acknowledge that health is not only the result of good medical care, but also of adequate housing, sanitation, and education. The government has to ensure us the right to access to medical care even all other resources fail, either by enacting or enforcing legislation designed to protect both the individual and the health care system. Then, the concept of integrative medicine encompasses may not be only the health of the individual, but also of society as a whole.

The overview of Integrative Medicine should be reviewed and discussed as long as we do not stop finding the answer for good health, effective means of diagnosis and treatment. Do you think so?

What is alternative medicine?

2011-08-27T08:13:00.000-07:00

Definition and explanation of alternative medicine can be a bit various but the main concept is here.

WHO - Complementary And Alternative Medicine (CAM)

“The term CAM often refers to a broad set of health-care practices that are not part of a country’s own tradition and are not integrated into the dominant health-care system. Other terms sometimes used to describe these health-care practices include ‘natural medicine’ , ’non-conventional medicine’ and ‘holistic medicine’.”

Hence, the definition of alternative medicine is subject to time and place. When time changes, the concept could change as well. For the East, Western medicine was once alternative medicine for them. In India, Ayuraveda is known for over 5000 years and it is not alternative medicine as it is legally accepted as primary treatment. Same like Chinese medical treatment.

Mayo Clinic Housecall has expressed understanding toward relationship between alternative medicine, conventional integrative medicine as below

“Because of the increasing popularity of complementary and alternative medicine — nearly 40 percent of U.S. adults report using it — doctors are learning more about these nonconventional approaches. When doctors use the term "alternative medicine," they're referring to practices not typically used in conventional Western medicine. Exactly what's considered alternative medicine changes constantly as more treatments undergo study and move into the mainstream. When an alternative medicine therapy is used in addition to — not instead of — conventional therapy, it's called complementary. And when you use a complementary therapy in addition to a conventional one, it's called integrative medicine.”

However, some say that alternative medicine can be used instead of conventional medicine, not only a choice. Remember that the definition can be difference in each country at certain time.

It is long story to explain all aspects of alternative medicine only in thi page.

But somethingwe all know is many people are turning to CAM because its doctrines can get along with their belief systems and their own personal values. Many researches have proved close relation between body and mind. And power of nature healing is what we are talking every day. Although CAM therapies are very diverse, most share common underlying philosophies. These include a belief in the interconnectedness of mind and body and respect for the innate mechanisms of healing.

To make it easier to understand, National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), has classified alternative medicine in 5 categories.

Whole medical systems
Mind-body
Biologically based practices
Manipulative and body-based practices
Energy medicine

It is certain there is no fault to look for the best for our health and you can know how to do that through these articles. Search more what is Integrative Medicine.

Best Medical Treatments & Remedies For Acne

2011-08-26T06:56:00.000-07:00

Follow me to see most workable prescription and OTC (over-the-counter) medicines for acne and pimples treatment.

Try step by step. The first two options are OCT and 3 to 5 must be prescribed.

1. Benzoyl Peroxide

This can dry up acne vulgaris. Very popular. Many brads available such as Brevoxyl and Benzac.

2. Salicylic Acid

Many people find it is also effective. Products containing salicylic acid include Propa pH and Stridex.

3. Topical Antibiotics

Medical practitioners often prescribe antibiotic creams, gels or lotions which are applied directly to the pimples as the first step for external use.

4. Oral Antibiotics

This treatment often helps acne scars to heal so it is more likely to be used where the acne is deep or is producing scarring.

Anyway, taking oral antibiotic can kill the healthy bacteria in the stomach and the result can be an overgrowth of candida, leading to yeast infections. To prevent it, you can buy probiotics from any health food store to repopulates the healthy bacteria. I would like to suggest that it is better to treat the candidiasis first, if you think that you already have an overgrowth of candida. You may surprisingly find that acne improves or even disappears when the yeast is under control.

Note : Candidiasis is not so likely to be a problem for teenagers, but is sometimes involved in adult acne.

5. Prescription Retinoids

Retinoids are related to vitamin A. For external use, as with antibiotics, you can get topical retinoids in the form of creams or gels which are applied directly to pimples (e.g.brand Retin-A, Differin, Tazorac). Retinoids can irritate the skin so in some cases the acne gets worse before it gets better.

There are also oral retinoids that you take internally, such as Accutane. These usually take several months to have an effect. Oral retinoids should only be taken under medical supervision because there can be side effects and overdose is dangerous. For pregnant women, taking retinoids can cause birth defects, so oral retinoids are more likely to be prescribed for men as a medical treatment for vulgaris.

To get best acne treatmentresult, it is highly recommended to integrate knowledge of all possible causes and reasons of the disease. Either traditional wisdom in alternative treatment like Chinese medical treatment, Ayurvedic Medicine or modern science as we call conventional treatment is purposed to fix acne problem and worth to learn. Next page will give you more ideas about what is alternative medicine, integrated medicine and conventional medicine.

New Understanding on Acne Rosacea

2011-08-22T11:33:00.000-07:00

Acne rosacea is often difficult to treat because it's viewed mainly as a skin problem to be treated symptomatically. But there is an alternative perspective of the disease according to traditional Chinese medicine theory.

Far from a skin problem, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) tried to explained acne rosacea or rosacea at the root level in different perception from the Western medical treatment. They describe rosacea as a condition related to Lung and Liver function disorder. The important balance between these two organ systems has been disrupted and not functioning together in harmony.

The real cause of rosacea generally was addressed in the picture of lung function disorder caused by liver function disorder. In view of traditional Chinese medicine, all skin problems are related to the lung as well as its partner organ the Large Intestine. Then, good results come from treating the root of the cause of this condition.

In TCM theory, the liver has a close energy relationship with the stomach—in other word, it controls the stomach. When Qi or stomach energy is excessive, the liver will bring it back into balance. A red nose is a clear symptom that there is excess stomach Qi and it has become dull, in turn causing rising heat in the body. This heat is particularly reflected on the face and the nose. The red and blotchy skin of acne rosacea is a signal of deeper imbalances that must be addressed for true healing to occur.

People who suffer from this type of acne rosacea will often get bad breath, constipation and heartburn. If this happens in women, the common symptoms are menstrual cycle disorder anger, or some kind of emotional disorder has impacted the way the liver works and now block liver energy from flowing freely.

Over centuries, the East people have addressed acne rosacea with the following natural treatment approaches in order to help the body unlock its own healing ability – vegetarian diet, herbs, and acupuncture.

To help achieve the best result, proper vegetarian diet during treatment is suggested. Specific foods for healing like bean sprouts and celery also help address the root cause of rosacea. Eat less make eat and take fish instead if vegetables are not possible. (For your own sake, please try) Another natural treatment comes from herbs - two classical herbal formulas, Lung Dang Xie Gan Wan and Huang Lien San Qing Pian. They are time-tested formulas used for this condition. Different herbal practitioners, however, may select different formulas—sometimes classical formulas, or sometimes a unique formula for your specific situation. The last remedy is acupuncture. It helps rebalance the affected organs and helps them to function in tune with each other.

I would like to encourage you all to explore new ways of acne care. We should know our body’s functions, not only the outer skin level but deep down to make sure that we will have the right treatments.

Acne position & Chinese treatment theory

2011-08-15T23:31:00.000-07:00

Acne is one of most common problem. Many people believe that acne is just a beauty problem. In fact acne is a chronic disease that needs to be treated properly. Typical antibiotic drug treatment e.g. vitamins A acid groups, Benzoylperoxide must be used continuously for a long time. Doctors will diagnose skin problem and prescribe according to the symptoms appear. But this does not solve the problem permanently. So, should we fix the problem where it origins? For the East, acne is not only skin problem but it indicate imbalance of health and un-functional organs. According to Chinese treatment theory which tries to understand the roots of problems deeper, below are health conditions we can predict from the acne position.

Acne on Forehead: Do you easily get irritated? Chinese traditional medical theory mentioned about acne on the forehead as “the fire on your heart” since people who have bad temper and stress usually have symptoms of mental uneasiness, insomnia and anxiety. Besides heart, if acne occurs on left side of forehead, it may relate with urinary system, digestive system, urinary bladder, and adrenal gland. If acne occurs on the right side of forehead, it may relate with digestive organs, stomach, and adrenal gland. Acne Tips:

In order to cool down the internal heat, we are suggested to have light outdoor exercises in the early morning for 20 to 30 minutes. The fresh air helps the body to recover from the hard work and reduce stress. Don’t worry about things too much and have quality sleep.

Acne between the eyebrows: This pimple can occur when you have late night meal or eat strong flavored food. The liver may get problem with lactose digestion. Acne Tips: change your eat habit at night, so your liver can take a rest. Have light exercise like walking, avoid alcohol and smoking.

Acne on ears and eye areas: It may relate to allergy or kidney problem. See if you drink alcohol regularly or eat meat in a high portion. Acne Tips: Some chemicals in shampoo or soap may irritate your skin and cause acne.

Acne on nose: You are getting problem with heart and genlbeprito-urinary system. In traditional Chinese theory, the Liver also has a close energy relationship with the Stomach and a red nose is a clear signal that there is excess Stomach Qi and it has stagnated, in turn causing a lot of heat to build up. Red pimple occurring on nose can also identify hypertension affected by hormones or menstruation period. Acne Tips: Less pungent foods and meat help.

Acne on cheek: Left cheek acne usually indicates the “fire on the liver”, which means some toxic elements in the liver. This group of people sometimes be depressed or easily irritated. Right cheek acne is related to the lung, which regulates our respiratory system. If acne pops up on higher area of cheek, it may relate to sinus and lung while the lower area may relate to gum and teeth. People with lung problem may cough, have sore throat or fluids in the throat. Acne Tips: have good sleep between 1AM-3AM. because it the best time for liver works and exercise during 7AM-9AM, the best time for lung work. Avoid wine, junk food , taro root, mango and seafood but eat more cooling foods such as gourds, winter melons, and green beans and less sugar. Be positive thinking and relax. Acne Tips: This kind of acne can also be caused by bad-quality cosmetics, smoking, allergy or chronic flu.

Acne on lip Area: Acne on above lip is telling us about heart problem and Genito-urinary system. Hormone imbalance and menstrual cycle disorder can reflect on acne below lips. Eating spicy and fried foods can cause the acne on lip area, so eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. Acne Tips: In the West, a doctor may suggest you to change your toothpaste.

Acne on chin area: This is a sign that we have an unbalanced endocrine system. Women tend to have this kind of acne before or during periods when endocrine system is specially active and estrogen hormone level is fluctuated. If it happens regularly, there may be problems with reproductive system. Acne in chin area still relates to stomach and small intestine caused by strong flavored food. Acne Tips: Periodic acne is not particularly harmful; anyway, constant acne on the chin may suggest an unhealthy diet and chemical exposure.

Acne is a skin disease that can lead to physical illness, so start new eat habit, relax, exercise and sleep well. You know all about these, just do it now.

Easy ways to prevent hair fall and get healthy hair growth

2011-08-13T07:00:00.000-07:00

Easy ways to prevent hair fall and get healthy hair growth

There are simple ways we can do to keep away from hair fall problem and get healthier hair – before spending money in vain, check these out.

Drink 8-10 glass of water everyday.
Use a mild shampoo regularly for clean and healthy scalp.
Aromathererapy alternative treatment - is also extremely effective. Apply mixed essential oils of thyme, cedar wood oil, lavender, and rosemary on the hair will help to stimulate hair growth.
Ayurveda Medicines alternative medical treatment - Bhingaraj oil or brahmi oil, amla and ashwagandha also promote hair growth, especially for thyroid hair loss.
Learn more about vitamins and how they function.

IRON is important for healthy hair. Limp and brittle hair indicates an iron deficiency. Women with iron deficiency status are at a risk of telogen hair loss. Good vegetarian sources of iron are iron-fortified cereals, soybeans, pumpkin seeds, white beans, lentils, and spinach. Clams, oysters, and organ meats top the list of good animal sources of iron

ZINC helps prevent hair loss and greying. Zinc is not necessary only for immune system, but also for cell division for the tissue of the hair, nails and skin. Overweight people tend to have zinc deficiency, which is inversely related to the body mass index. Thus if you are overweight and if your hair falls a lot, you may need to intake zinc containing foods e.g. wholegrain more.

COPPER stops falling hair. Studies discover that the copper content in the blood serum of people with hair loss is less than normal. Different types of alopecia (falling hair) are found to have a deficiency of this important element. Include small quantities of nuts, especially cashews and peanuts, seeds, whole milk and beans in your diet as these contain plenty amounts of copper.

EVENING PRIMROSE OIL is alternative therapy in correcting thyroid hair loss.

VITAMIN A and iodine food can help prevent baldness from thyroid dysfunction. Eat vegetables such as carrots or spinach, unrefined is better. Walnut, pumpkin seed, sea salt, cold-pressed seed oils such as flax are all good sources for vitamin A. Take turnips, cabbage, mustard, soy beans, peanuts, pine nuts and millet if there is a deficiency of iodine. But be careful. Excess Vitamin A can also cause hair loss.

VITAMIN B is essential for gloss, colour and thickness. Biotin, part of the vitamin B complex, helps with the skin condition of your scalp. Other B vitamins, like B6, are essential for good health and hair growth. A shortfall in VITAMIN B may cause dandruff, falling hair, loss of colour and could encourage grey hair.

VITAMIN C ensures the health of capillaries supplying blood to hair follicles. Good intake of veggies and fruits can improve your vitamin C score leading to higher iron absorption.

VITAMIN E encourages hair growth. Try wholemeal and wheatgerm, eggs and avoid refined flours. Eat avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil.

Not difficult, right? The main concept is about changing your eat behavior, use less chemical products and give yourself a chance to try alternative therapy besides drug or medical treatment. Certainly, some types of hair loss and baldness need professional advice from a doctor or dermatologist. But I think these are easy and not expensive way to stop hair fall. See new me in next 3 months!