Archive for July, 2011
Cod liver oil helps improve eyesight
Ever wondered whether you could avoid a set of spectacles? Have you thought about getting rid of you glasses using laser eye surgery? Well, If you have, then I will have to stop you right there. While your sets of glasses are bad for you in the long run, laser surgery can cause permanent damage to your eyesight. Plus, laser surgery is not always permanent. After a few years the problem may appear again. But don’t worry, help is at hand. There are methods and natural ways to improve eyesight.
Eyes are one of the most sensitive and vulnerable organ of our body. Vision tends to face a risk from a whole set of problems, including irreversible ones like old age. It is always a wise decision to take proper case of your eyesight. Now while eye drops may be something that your doctor would recommend, there are certain exercises and methods to improve eyesight. The simplest exercise you can do is blink. Blinking you eyes does a lot of good for them. There is a reason why people blink; it is to keep the eyes lubricated. Dry eyes tend to cause blurred vision.
Taking breaks from your computer or laptop can help your eyes in a big way. Constant exposure to light can damage your eyes. There is a reason why we close our eyes and sleep and turn off the lights. In addition, when you sit for hours on your computer, yours eyes are focused in one place. Just like human beings, eyes need movement too.
Lastly, a healthy diet is the best way to maintain and improve eyesight. Food that is high in anti-oxidants is highly recommended. Food that is rich in zinc strengthens the retina, while vitamin B as it prevents drying of the eyes by maintaining iodine in the optical nerves. Vitamin A is probably the most important vitamin for the eyes. Found in carrots and cod liver oil, they slow down macular generation in the eyes and reduce the chances of cataract formation. Cod liver oil contains high levels of vitamin A and is recommended by all doctors. Cod liver oil capsules are available at all grocery stores.
Joint Pain | Causes, Symptoms, Home Remedies of Joint Pain
Joint pain is a common disorder experienced by millions in varying degrees and due to various causes. Both children and adults suffer from this problem either from any physical injury, some internal disorder or due to aging. Age related joint pains or Arthritis comes in various forms and features that start showing its symptoms from the age of 50 reaching the peak at 75. Such pains can pose great problems leading to general debility. People suffering from osteoarthritis type joint pains go through agonizing moments due to severe attacks of pains that last for hours.
Main joints like shoulders, knees, hands, back and hips are mostly affected by this condition arising from Arthritis reducing the free movement to a great extent. Painful elbows, fingers, ankles and heels are also experienced by some due to this.
Causes:
Many factors are responsible for this condition like:
1.
The reduction of the synovial fluids due to aging that reduces the lubrication of the joints allowing more friction between the joints and thus results in the pain.
2. Natural wear and tear of the joints and weakening of the cartilage due to aging leading to osteoarthritis.
3. Autoimmune disease like Rheumatoid arthritis.
4. Drop in the estrogen levels in women after menopause.
5. Unhealthy food habits and life style that leads to gout.
6. Sprain and dislocation due to physical injury
7. Bursitis
8. Leukemia and bone cancer.
Symptoms:
The symptoms of the joint pains vary a lot depending upon the locations and the causes behind them. General symptoms observed are as follows:
1. Swelling and inflammation of the joints that can arise due to arthritis or any physical injury.
2. Stiffness and tenderness in the joints.
3. Experiencing moderate or acute pain due to dislocation, fracture or arthritis.
4. Extreme difficulty in moving the joints.
5. Free movement gets impaired due to age related arthritis.
6. Experiencing difficulty in turning over in bed due to arthritis or spondylitis.
7. Patients suffering from osteoarthritis may experience creaking noise in the joints.
8. Fever, weight loss, fatigue, muscle aches along with the pain and inflammation of the joints is observed in case of Rheumatoid arthritis.
9. Joint pains in younger age may also result from bone tuberculosis, sickle cell anemia etc.
10. Localized severe joint pain and inflammation may be caused due to dislocation or sprain in the joints.
Remedies and Treatment:
This involves:
1. Dietary and life style changes.
2. Taking anti- inflammatory drugs.
3. Massaging the affected areas with eucalyptus oil, menthol and camphor.
4. Supplements of herb Devil’s Claw is highly effective in treating this condition.
5. Hot and cold compress.
6. Physical workouts
7. Surgical procedures in some cases.
For more useful information visit Arthritis Cures
Diet also plays an important role in the treatment of arthritis and joint pain. Improvement in the digestion and metabolism of the body is very important for the treatment. Heavy meals, meat and fish, sour fruits and fried foods should be avoided, as they are difficult to digest. Consumption of rice during nighttime should be avoided. Among fruits bananas are considered best as they provide strength to the joints and grease them. Carrot juice is highly beneficial as it strengthens the ligaments. Besides diet rest is also important for the patients suffering from arthritis and joint pain.
Allostasis and Addiction
The term addiction, in medical terminology means a psychiatric disorder manifested by unusual craving and compulsive indulgence of certain activities like drug addiction, alcohol addiction, gambling, video game, crime, money work addiction, overeating, nicotine or pornographic addiction. In fact there is no end of the list but since these substances or activities always brings negative impact on individual and social life; so they are specially earmarked. Addiction can also be described as a compulsive obsession and create excessive psychological dependence in addicts on their individual preference.
However, the term addiction is used commonly to mean psychological dependence and usually attached to drug or substance abuse problems. But it is also used for problems like compulsive overeating or alike; though medical communities do not recognize them as problems of addiction.
There are addictions that are not substance related; like gambling and computer addiction. In these sorts of cases addiction means a recurring compulsion felt by individual to engage in some particular activity without considering its harmful consequences.
Different forms of addiction
In United States, the term “addiction” is not used in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual Disorders (DSM -IV TR) instead it uses “substance dependence” for physical dependence, abuse of or withdrawal from any substances or drugs. The section Substance dependence states “…. When an individual persists in use of alcohol or other drugs despite problems related to use of the substance, substance dependence may be diagnosed. Compulsive and repetitive use may result in tolerance to the effect of the drug and withdrawal symptoms when use is reduced or stopped. These, along with substance abuse are considered substance use disorders……..” Terminology is divided between psychiatrists and physicians; as former call this problem or disease as psychological dependence or addiction and the later as physical or substance dependence.
Now there is trend to distinguish between physical dependence characterized by withdrawal symptoms and psychological dependence manifested by “compulsive, uncontrolled use” with no harm being suffered by user or any one. Clinically it is termed as “compulsive” but not necessarily addiction.
There is a lesser known factor called pseudo-addiction. This occurs when a patient seeks drugs after being treated with that for longer period. This reflects psychological dependence or addiction but sometime it may happen so that the patient might have been under treated as well. Such cases are numerous when patients are treated with opiates drugs to relieve them from pains. Treating them adequately tends to remove such dependence. More studies are required for the effectiveness or substitutes of addictive drugs like opiates.
Allostasis : What is it?
When a person is inclined to drug or substance addiction, he or she then appears to enter a new state called allostatic state departing from normal levels of change in ordinary condition. Allostasis is a process of maintaining stability while changing behavior and physiological features. Drug addiction causes harm to the addict’s brain and body due to pathological state caused by damage known as allostatic load. The result of allostatic load is a state of constant depression stemming from allostatic changes. This forces the drug abusers to seek drugs before their brain and body returns to normal allostatic levels; thus producing a constant state of stress. It is observed that the presence of circumstantial stressors induce acute drug seeking tendencies.
Allostasis is a new concept proposed by Sterling and Eyer in 1988. This is a process that establishes the stability in an emergency and occurs endogenously in our physiological system to maintain balance. The word allostasis and homeostasis derived from original Greek words; “homeo” means “same” and stasis means “stable”; so homeostasis means “remaining stable by staying the same”. So with the word allostasis; in Greek “allo” means “variable” and statis means “stable”; so allostasis means ” remaining stable by being variable”. Allostasis is a process to achieve stability through physiological or behavioral change and this can be done by altering HPA axis ( hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis) hormones, cytokines, autonomic nervous system or many other systems and they are generally short term.
The process of allostasis is fundamental and this helps organisms to adjust or adapt actively to predictable or unpredictable events of life. Allostatic loads refer to the cumulative cost; the allostasis body pays to regain stability. Allostatic overload may result in serious pathophysiology. There are two types of allostatic overloads proposed which result in response of followings:
Type – I: This is when allostatic overload is caused due to increased demand of energy exceeds the supply and that result in emergency life history stage. When perturbation passes normalcy restored decreasing allostatic load.
Type – II: Allostatic overloads occur when demand of energy increases with social conflict or any type of social dysfunction. In these cases the normalcy restored by secretion of glucocorticosteroids and activities of other allostasis mediators like CNS neurotransmitters, autonomic nervous system, inflammatory cytokines wax. However if allostatic loads remain chronically high then pathologies develop. It is something like this, if a dehydrated individual continue to be stressed despite being helped then he fails to reinstate the body function. This will result in wearing out of individual’s body. Though human body is adaptable but fails to bear allostatic overload for a very longer period without hazards.
The adaptogens may come in help to curb allostatic load. Adaptogens are herbal or pharmaceutical substance; they are non-toxic in regular doses and produce defensive response of nonspecific nature to stress. They restore normalcy in HPA axis. Adaptogens are new class of metabolic regulators for homeostatic and allostatic changes, toning down the hyperfunctioning systems activity or increasing hypofunctioning systems.
Allostasis and Drug Addictions
Drug addiction or substance dependence is a chronic disorder manifested by a compulsive tendency to take and seek drugs or substances to manage the levels of compulsion and desires brought on by allostatic overload. Continuous increase of intake raises the hedonic level and overtakes the individual by a negative emotional state when without them. Allostatic changes helps to identify the effects and causes of drug addiction in the neurobiological and neuroadaptive systems. The reward system of the brain in the event of drug addiction implicates some key elements of amygdale basal forebrain macrostructure. The change in stress and reward system of the brain appears to maintain stability in allostatic state in contradiction to homeostatic state; so this shows the development of susceptibility and recurrence of addiction. The allostatic state of longer abstinence is the most useful target for treating drug addiction through pharmacological and behavioral therapies. When dealing with recovery from addiction it’s important for the patient to be cognizant of the brain functions occurring and by being fully aware of how the component of allostasis relates to ones addiction.
Cholesterol Metabolism Factors Review
Cholesterol Metabolism Factors is produced by the company, Michael’s Naturopathic Programs, which currently sells a high number of natural dietary supplements. This product in particular is advertised to maintain healthy cholesterol levels, as well as promote healthy circulation. The manufacturer ensures that the formula consists of only high-grade simple ingredients.
IMPORTANT UPDATE: Watch this Doctor’s Free Presentation on How to Naturally and Safely Reverse Heart Disease and Lower Cholesterol. Click Here or Visit http://HealthTipsThatWork.com/Cholesterol
Many people now turn to natural supplements as a way to address various bodily issues and ailments.
We feel that natural is better, and is often much milder than medications. However, we also feel that it’s important to use high-quality formulas that contain proven ingredients. This is why we will take a closer look Cholesterol Metabolism Factors, in order to determine if the product is likely to work as advertised.
According to the company website, this supplement contains some of the following ingredients: Vitamin D, Vitamin B-6, Niacin, Magnesium, Lecithin, Choline, Inositol, Flaxseed Oil, Hawthorne Berry, Apple Pectin, TMG (Trimethylglycin), Guggul Gum, Cayenne Fruit, Ginger Root, Panthethine, Betaine Hydrochloride and Butcher’s Broom Root.
Furthermore, this ingredient is thought to reduce cholesterol levels, and there are several theories that support this claim. However, what is not yet certain is how significant Fiber may be when it comes to reducing cholesterol levels.
Another ingredient that may be found on the market that has been proven to reduce cholesterol is Plant Sterols. This natural ingredient is said to fool the digestive system into absorbing it, while allowing real cholesterol to be flushed out of the system.
IMPORTANT UPDATE: Watch this Doctor’s Free Presentation on How to Naturally and Safely Reverse Heart Disease and Lower Cholesterol. Visit http://HealthTipsThatWork.com/Cholesterol
Autism Is A Disability Not A Disorder
Autism does not have a permanent cure but it can be treated to ensure that the children who are affected by this autism can lead a normal life. There is occupational therapy and physical therapy to develop the individuals ability. Occupational therapy concentrates on improving their day to day works like wearing their shirt, bathing, combing their hair, tying a shoe lace etc. On the other hand physical therapy concentrates on using massage like therapies to improve the persons body movements. Other than this there are four other common methods of treating Autism, they are behavior modification, communication therapy, dietary modification and medications.
Behavior modification concentrates on making them good citizens by making their social skills and behavior polished. These include methods like sensory integration therapy and social stories to make these children understand how to behave in the public. Communication therapy includes making the individuals who are affected by this Autism to speak well or communicate through signs. The change of diet in the dietary modification is controversial as food is not found to a factor of Autism. There are some medications also that enable pacification of such Autistic children who sometimes go into an uncontrollable state. Again it is to be remembered that autism is a disability and not a disorder.
What Is Graves Disease?
What is Graves’ disease? It is a disorder of thyroid gland which is present in the neck. The thyroid gland produces a hormone referred to as thyroxine (thyroid hormone) which is necessary for proper functioning of the body. In Graves’ disease, the thyroid produces excess thyroxine. Several individuals who have been identified with it typically wonder how they developed this autoimmune thyroid disorder in the first place. The most important symptom is the protrusion or bulging eyes. Additionally called ophthalmopathy, it brings about sensitivity to light and irritation in the eye. Without proper treatment, this may additionally lead to vision loss or double vision. These signs and symptoms are found to be more aggressive in people who smoke than people who don’t.
What Is graves disease symptoms? Several people plagued by Graves’ disease develop symptoms underneath the skin, lumps in lower leg that are sometimes painless.
Other notable symptoms are weight loss, lopsided heart beat, lots of hair loss, fatigue, restiveness, worry, goiter and irritability. The disease, in many cases, is genetic and females are liable to be more affected than men folks.
The only means to actually grasp whether you have Graves’ disease is to go to your medical doctor and allow him to check your thyroid, looking for any so-called conditions. You will first undergo a straightforward blood test to determine the amount of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroxine in your body. Consider going through a radioactive iodine-uptake test to confirm. You will be given a little quantity of radioactive iodine, which will later be measured in your thyroid gland.
A high uptake of radioactive iodine suggests the presence of the issue while low uptake happens in other hyperthyroidism conditions.
It is necessary to get this disease treated as soon as doable. Otherwise, long run and grave complications of the eyes can concern. The eye muscles will stop to properly perform. Untreated Graves Disease can additionally come about from a pregnant lady to her unborn kid. There are many ways in which to deal with the disease. Look at all of these options with your medical doctor to determine which one is most excellent for your conditions. Take anti-thyroid medicines to hinder the production of active thyroid hormone. This is usually approved for 12 to 18 months. Go through iodine radiation treatment if the medicines don’t resolve the issue. This treatment, which is employed by about seventy % of all sufferers with hyperthyroidism, destroys all or part of the thyroid gland so it no longer produces the hormone.
Alternative treatments additionally involve avoiding meals that may make worse the disorder. These meals embody broccoli, sweet potatoes, almonds, and wheat. People affected with Graves disease are requested to stay away from caffeine, sugar, and artificial sweeteners when on another diet. A good quality diet would have whole grains, fresh vegetables, and proteins. Now that you’ve known what is graves disease, it is advisable to see your medical doctor if you sense any of its signs and symptoms.