Archive for July, 2010

Hair Loss Prevention – Save your Hair Now!

Disease Prevention | Posted by admin
Jul 31 2010

Men, do you like to style your hair everyday? Do you use gels and creams and waxes to make it sleek and cool?

Women, do you use hairdryers or curling irons daily? Do you stretch your hair with braids or ponytails, and even overuse hair color?

Frequent abuse is one of the causes of hair loss. If we want to save our hair, this is the first step that we should be aware of. See if you are observing the following:

Avoid rubbing your hair too vigorously and styling your hair when its wet. This can cause it to stretch and break. Be careful in using permanent dyes or color on your hair. These chemicals usually cause hair damage.

Eat your vitamins! Our hair is composed of a protein called keratin. It is good to find a vitamin or food supplement that will nourish this type of protein. Also, take vitamins that have antioxidants. These fight free radicals that can damage healthy cells in our body including our hair.

Have a well-balanced diet. Eat foods that have high protein content such as Lean Meats, Peanuts and Almonds, Eggs, Legumes, Oatmeal, Whole Grain Bread and Cottage Cheese. Keeping yourself physically healthy will prevent you from taking medications that can cause hair loss.

Regular exercise and getting enough sleep naturally maintains overall health, as well as lowering stress in our lives. You may ask, are stress and hair loss related? Absolutely!

If you are currently in the middle of a problem, you may be stressed. If you are putting a very high demand of your physical and mental energy to perform higher and above your capacity, you may be stressed too. Usually, hair loss happens after the onset of a very stressful situation or event. Telogen Effluvium is the medical name given to hair loss induced stress.

When you realize that you are stressed, you must think of ways on how you can effectively manage it. One good technique is the art of disassociation. It is a kind of meditation you can do by imagining that the cause of your stress is moving farther and farther away from you. You can feel a sense of calmness and it will show in your face and in your actions. This is an important tool to allow your body to calm down and remove built-up stress.

Another tool to use in managing stress is to have a form of relaxation that you enjoy doing. For example, if you like reading or watching a good movie, then do these activities often to release stress. Engaging in sports is the best way that some people use to relax themselves. Pick out a fun activity that will suit you.

All of us want beautiful and healthy hair. Therefore, consciously caring for it should be a daily habit. It is better to be safe than sorry so dont take your hair for granted! It is sometimes unfortunate that we appreciate what we have when we already lost them. Take care of your hair before its too late.

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Discover the alternative asthma treatment. Is there such a thing?

Clinical Pharmacology | Posted by admin
Jul 28 2010

Discover the alternative asthma treatment. Is there such a thing?

Lets a have closer look at these pharmaceutical companies. Do they exist for our benefit or theirs?

Drug wars and alternative asthma treatment.

What did people do before the advent of global pharmaceutical companies? It’s amazing anyone survived at all. But survive they did. Now I’m not one who usually goes in for conspiracy theories, but I have to say there is something extremely fishy about the drug industry. Are they really researching and developing new drugs for our benefit or theirs?

What place do governments have in the drug market? Pharmaceutical companies actively work on new drugs to relieve the symptoms of illness, but what are they doing to actually cure them? I have a sneaky suspicion that they want to keep us all ill, keep us all drugged up to the eyeballs and keep us all coming back to buy more.

Would it be the billion dollar industry it is otherwise? If you have asthma, you buy the drugs and try not to add up how much it is costing you each and every month. Sadly, there is no alternative. Or is there? Are there really alternative asthma treatment? Your

doctor will obviously say no. But then again he’s part of the pharmaceutical company drug chain.

Alternative asthma treatment do exist. Almost every week new reports are being published from around the world saying, ‘hey, wait a minute, we might have something here’. I have read many, many stories of people who found out that there can be another way to manage asthma and even make it disappear.

You don’t need to be a genius or expert in the field either. With almost every home having an internet connection these days, you have all the information in the world at your fingertips. As you are reading this page now, I assume you’re looking for information.

That’s the best start you can get to break drug-asthma attack-drug-asthma attack chain. Read up on subjects like Buteyko method, acupuncture, chiropractic theory and homeopathy. These and many other alternative therapies for asthma have been used for thousands of years, who are we to say that they no longer have any use in today’s society?

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Help Advance The Next Generation Of Cancer Drugs

Leading Medication | Posted by admin
Jul 27 2010

You can be a part of something important. Researchers are looking for ordinary Americans to be on the front lines of public health in the U.S.

Recently, a group of cancer experts in partnership with the Coalition of Cancer Cooperative Groups (www.CancerTrialsHelp.org) identified 10 high-priority colorectal clinical studies that address important research opportunities and merit support for rapid completion. Combined, these 10 large studies will need to enroll more than 17,500 people. Nine trials will explore new colorectal cancer treatments and one is a large colo-rectal prevention trial designed to enroll healthy individuals.

Patients and caregivers interested in participating in these important trials can find information through www.CancerTrialsHelp.org. A convenient resource called QuickLink has been built on this Web site to help learn more about these major colorectal cancer clinical trials and to easily determine if you are eligible for enrollment.

“Clinical trials are not just a vital source of information, they can be of great value to the individuals who participate in them,” said Robert L. Comis, M.D., president of the Coalition of Cancer Cooperative Groups. “A common misperception that some patients receive placebo has prevented some people from participating in clinical trials.” Placebos (also called “sugar pills”) are rarely used in cancer clinical trials and are never used in place of treatment.

There are nearly 270 colorectal cancer studies currently available for patients in the U.S., out of over 4,500 cancer trials of all types. Now, QuickLink provides information on 10 of the largest colorectal trials currently available, along with links to patient support services.

TrialCheck offers a fast and easy way for people to find out if they may be eligible to participate in these and other trials. Search results are displayed by proximity to the user’s zip code, making it easy to find clinical trials close to home. TrialCheck is the most frequently updated searchable database of cancer clinical trials in the U.S.

Clinical trial participants stand to personally benefit as well. Patients who join cancer clinical trials are given the best available treatment or a new treatment that, based on early clinical data, could be an improvement over the current standard therapy. In addition, there are many trials available for prevention, screening and early detection of colorectal cancer or precancerous polyps.

Participants in clinical trials are vital in the fight against cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be almost 150,000 new cases of colorectal cancer diagnosed in the U.S. in 2006. Many of these patients may be eligible to participate in these clinical trials as part of their treatment, and are encouraged to learn more and talk to their doctor.

Cancer clinical trials are designed to improve upon “best available therapies” while protecting the rights and welfare of participants.

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Dangerous Drugs in the News

Medication Effects | Posted by admin
Jul 23 2010

A number of dangerous drugs have been in the news recently. These reports started to surface when Congress was having hearings about the painkiller, Vioxx. A Food and Drug Administration staff member testified in front of Congress that there are safety concerns about several medications. These medications are Accutane, Arava, Bextra, Celebrex, Crestor, Lotronex, Meridia, and Serevent.

When you put the problems in perspective, the number of problems related to these medications is incredibly small compared to the number of people who took the drugs. If five million people have taken the medication and one has had a serious side effect, thats one in a five million, or 0.00002%. The chances are not that great, but the chance is there.

The following is a quick summary of what the FDA believes are some of the concerns with these medications.

Accutane
This medication is very effective for severe acne. It is also well-known that Accutane causes serious birth defects. Because of this, the manufacturer has set guidelines for its dispensing. If the patient is female, she must have a negative pregnancy test EVERY month before the doctor writes the prescription. It then must be filled within seven days. The patient must also go back to the doctor every month for a new prescription. Women who take Accutane and are sexually active should two forms of birth control and not become pregnant for at least a month after stopping the medication.

The problems arise when women take Accutane from a friend or get it from another country. They are then not being monitored by a doctor and may not know the dangers of pregnancy.

Another topic surrounding Accutane is the reported increase in suicide rates. It has been stated that Accutane makes some patients feel depressed or irritable. This is where friends and family can step in and discuss these problems with the patient. If someone is feeling depressed or has thoughts of suicide while on Accutane, please tell them to let their doctor know right away.

Arava
Arava is used for treating severe rheumatoid arthritis. During the last several years, reports of serious lung or liver problems have arisen in patients taking this medication. Patients on Arava are required to get frequent liver function tests to detect any problems before they get serious. Virtually every time, liver failure occurs gradually over a long period of time. By testing frequently, these problems can be detected early and can be fixed. The signs of liver problems include: nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue, dark urine, pale stools, and yellowish eyes or skin.

The signs of lung problems include fever above 101, chills, sore throat, ear pain, cough, nose pain, or colored sputum. If you are taking Arava and have any of these symptoms, contact your doctor.

Celebrex
This medication is used primarily for mild to moderate pain. It works in the same way that Vioxx did before it was taken off the market. Experts are therefore concerned that Celebrex can lead to the same increased chance of stroke of other heart problems.

The cardiovascular risk is extremely low, but the risk is there. Because of this, those who have heart problems may want to avoid Celebrex. If you are currently taking Celebrex, contact your doctor about your concerns. Often times, regular anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen or naproxen work quite well.

Crestor
Crestor is in the drug class statins and is used to lower cholesterol. Some consumer advocates say it should be taken off the market because of the chance for kidney and liver problems. These problems are rare and the risk is minimized by using lower doses and by periodically checking kidney and liver function. Anyone taking Crestor should call their doctor if they experience muscle pain or weakness, nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue, dark urine, pain when urinating, pale stools, or yellow-looking eyes or skin. These are the signs of liver or kidney problems.

Lotronex
Lotronex is used for women with Irritable Bowel Syndrome who have frequent diarrhea and have failed to get better on other treatments. Reports have been in the news because about 0.1% of women who take Lotronex may get sever constipation. It can also cause ischemic colitis, caused by low blood flow to parts of the gut. This may occur in about 0.29% of women who take Lotronex more than six months. If you feel the risks outweigh the rewards, there are other medications for diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome that dont have these effects.

Meridia
Meridia is used for weight loss, but it can increase blood pressure and heart rate. There are reports of stroke and heart attack in patients taking Meridia, but these may not be caused by the drug. Since many overweight people already have high blood pressure or heart disease, it may not be he drug causing the problems. Patients taking Meridia should check their blood pressure and heart rate at least weekly and report any sustained increases to their physician.

Serevent
Serevent is a long acting bronchodilator used to prevent airway constriction in patients with asthma. It may lead to an increased risk of asthma worsening, especially when the medicine is not used properly. Serevent should not be used for emergency breathing difficulties. The fast acting inhaler, albuterol, should be used for these emergencies. Serevent should always be used with another inhaler that controls inflammation, such as an inhaled steroid.

Like winning the lottery or getting struck by lightning, rare side effects do occur, but your chances are slim of getting one. Realize that millions of people throughout the world take these medications. Some people are simply predisposed to certain problems. The news media loves to blow these stories out of proportion.

Every medication has potential side effects. Your doctor should know the possible side effects and can weigh the benefit of your medication against their risks. Be sure to ask any questions you have when a drug is prescribed by your doctor or dispensed by your pharmacist. Always follow the medication instructions and never share medications with anyone. If you are hesitant to take a certain drug, by all means, let your doctor know. There are a number of different medications that can also help you.

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Avoid Food/Beverages That Cause Acid Reflux, Change Your Lifestyle

Disease Prevention | Posted by admin
Jul 22 2010

Many people get hungry because they lack food. Children become malnourished if they are not given the right amount of food which contains the needed vitamins and minerals which in turn make the body strong and healthy.

The fact is, not all foods are healthy. The most popular unhealthy food is ‘junk foods’. Just as the word suggests, junk, which means it is like garbage. But many people are still patronizing these kinds of food.

People diagnosed with certain diseases often are given a list of foods to avoid. And this is true with the case of a person having acid reflux. Acid reflux or the GERD is a condition wherein stomach acids go back to the esophagus because of the improper functioning of the lower esophageal sphincter. If this condition is not treated, it will only get worse which can cause serious complications.

You can effectively tell if you have acid reflux if you experience symptoms like sour taste, burning sensation in the chest or upper abdomen and your throat’s back, excessive belching, breathing difficulties, tightness of throat, difficulty in swallowing food, and bad breath.

If you frequently experience these symptoms, then you probably have acid reflux. Visit your doctor to get an accurate diagnosis, so that you will know the severity of your condition.

There are certain beverages and foods which cause acid reflux, and this includes the following:

-chocolate
-coffee
-spearmint and peppermint
-alcoholic drinks
-fruit juices
-fatty foods and fried foods
-onions
-citrus fruits
-spicy foods
-products which are tomato-based
-caffeinated drinks

A change in your diet is the most effective way to deal with acid reflux. Although at first you may feel deprived of these foods, think of what will happen if you continue to eat or drink these beverages and foods.

Start your change in diet by keeping a record of your food intake. In this manner, you can tell which of the foods or beverages causes your acid reflux. So every time you experience that burning sensation, take note of what you’ve actually eaten. Once you have the list accomplished, put it somewhere where you can easily see it, like the refrigerator.

A lifestyle change may seem rather difficult. Your doctor can greatly help you in your transition. The very first thing that you should do is to set a goal, like for instance eating small meals, while avoiding those above-mentioned foods. Slowly quit smoking and drinking. Of course, you can’t expect an abrupt change.

Every time you feel any of the symptoms, you will be instantly reminded that you’re on the wrong path. Self-discipline is very much important to attain a successful lifestyle change.

While many people are taking antacids, others are finding it better to stick with the natural way. On the long run, antacids are not that good for your body, even to your stomach. It would be better to start changing your lifestyle, the sooner the better.

Besides, a healthy lifestyle doesn’t only prevent acid reflux but other diseases as well. You will gain more benefit in changing your life entirely, especially regarding food eating habits. Eat the right kinds of food at the right amount, and you’ll stay healthy. Prevent acid reflux, change

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Depression Treatment and Changing your Diet, Results could beat using

Clinical Pharmacology | Posted by admin
Jul 21 2010

Depression Treatment and Changing your Diet, Results could beat using drugs.

I had stated in a previous article how Yoga could work as a natural depression treatment based on my own experiences. To add to that information-being a very important limb of Yoga into itself- what you eat also has an effect on your mental health. Consequently, if youre interested in a drug-free treatment of depression, without the side-effects common to most depression medications, a crucial step will be to make some dietetic changes amongst other factors.

However, what should be the main priority, to avoid adding insult to injury when using depression medications, will ironically be avoiding their use considering the many side effects common to these anti-depression drugs. Effective as they may be for a while, its been noted that these substances have several side effects which may include nausea, fatigue, insomnia and some sexual dysfunctions. In some cases on mental side effects, mania has even been reported; so needless to say, a drug free depression treatment might be your best AND safest bet for your health.

Now, when in depression, most of us have the tendency to binge in an effort to mask our feelings or deaden the pain, some of us go as far as soliciting the use of alcohol, drugs or even sex for depression help. Yes, they may give some relief for a while, but when these mere distractions wear off, the symptoms of depression always do come back, and with a vengeance.

This considered, it will be safe to say the first step of a dietetic factor in regards to depression treatment could be refraining from food, at least for a while friends, really.

An observance of nature will show us that when animals are frightened or angered, they refrain from eating until after the passage of considerable time. It is true that under stressful circumstances many civilized people refrain from eating and find in truth that they lack the desire for food, but it is also too often that most will eat large meals under these circumstances, which will be mostly disease forming foods to start with, that as a consequence, complicates or altogether halts an already retarded ongoing digestion. This endless cycle leads to even more toxins and poisons in an already encumbered body.

So what are you saying Foras (thats my name by the way), I should fast or something? Well, if you can, that will be excellent. At least till your emotional balance returns, which will be the end result as the body is not taxed with the duties of digestion, assimilation and re-building. Your mind clears and all moroseness disappears and consequently, we tend to find the answers to the problems warranting a treatment for depression in the first place.

Now for many, I agree it might be asking for too much to fast during a stressful time based on old habits, but as an alternative, it will be advisable to steer clear of harmful mucus forming foods and partake of body healing ones: Fruits and Vegetables. A restricted diet of one kind of fruit can be considered a camouflaged fasts but you have to be knowledgeable of its season, how it was grown (organically or conventional) and even when to eat as body cleansing and building do occur at specific times of the day.

Now, not to get of the subject of depression treatment, these steps, be they a fast or a healthier diet, will ensure that the body is cleaner and well we all should know by now that a cleaner body equates to a cleaner mind. In fact Yoga sages (this obviously showing my vote of Yoga for anti-depression) suggest that certain foods, which they coin as rajasic (stimulating foods including Spices, alcohol, and animal products) foods have a negative stimulating effect on the nervous and endocrine systems, the two main ones that are related to mental health and consequently depression.

Based on their impeccable analysis of the human body, it may be safe to say these old Yoga Sages are completely right in suggesting we as humans-or at least those of us seeking the use of Yoga for depression treatment-should abstain from these foods for optimal success.

Is it a co-incidence that these same foods are the ones that have been shown to wreak havoc on our physical health? I think not folks.

This considered, instead of introducing chemical substances into your body in a quest for seeking depression treatment, from the facts above, it will be wise to first make a dietetic change, which again may include a short fast, at least to clear our minds first to tackle our problems, then eat the proper foods for nourishment and of course partake in some physical exercise (my choice being some Yoga) to obtain the inevitable feel-good results.

Depression is something we all may go through at some point, but thankfully relief and a successful treatment of it is not out of reach and this without harmful side-effects.

So empower yourself to a successful depression treatment targeting its root cause with drug-free methods of healing. On the subject of diet and depression treatment, I choose to remind you of this quote: Let your foods be your medicine and your medicine your foods (By Hippocrates the Father or Medicine)

May happiness be yours.

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Generic Drugs Or Brand-Name Originals – What to Choose?

Leading Medication | Posted by admin
Jul 19 2010

Before getting into the merits of the case, it is necessary to find out a little about generic drugs. When a pharmaceutical company brings out a drug, that company is the only one that may produce the drug in the same country for a fixed number of years.

When this time passes, other pharmaceutical companies can make the same drug and this is how we receive generic drugs. The original drugs are called brand-name drugs. The truth is that generic drugs are copies of brand-name drugs and have the same features: strength, dosage, effects, side effects. Its pharmacological effects are precisely the same as effects of brand-name medicines. Sildenafil citrate, commonly known as a brand-name medicine Viagra, is an excellent example of generic drug.

The feature of generic drugs that cause confusion in the poeple is their cost. Such drugs are usually definitely cheaper than brand-name originals. And it immediately rises the suspicion if they really are of the same effectiveness, quality and safety.

Price Factor

Generic medicine can be legally manufactured under the following circumstances

- where the patent of the company that produced original drug has expired,
- where the company that wants to produce generic drug proves that the patent of brand company will not be infringed or is invalid or unenforceable,
- if the brand-name drug is not patented, or
- in countries where the patent is not in force.

The main reason for the lower cost of generic medicine is that they are produced by smaller pharmaceutical companies which are not able to invest in research and development of own new drugs. The large pharmaceutical companies bringing a new medicine to the market invest huge money in the significant research and development. And this is often regarded to be a reason for the high cost of new medicine – the companies want to recover their costs before the patent expires. Manufacturers of generic drugs do not incur such high costs so they are able to charge considerably less than the brand company.

Effectiveness and safety

The US FDA standards require that generic drugs have to be as effective and safe as brand-name originals. The FDA has the same standards for all drug producing facilities, and many companies produce brand-name drugs as well as generic drugs. So the conclusion is that there is no truth in the reports that generic medicine are produced in poor-quality facilities or are of worse quality than brand-name originals. In fact, the FDA calculates that 50% of generic drug production belongs to brand-name companies.

Next common misbelief is that generic medicine need more time to work. The requirements of FDA guidelines are the same for both brand-name drugs and generic drugs: they have to work in the same way as well as in the same amount of time.

Physical Features

The US trademark laws do not permit generic drugs to look exactly like their brand-name originals. However, a generic drug must contain the same active ingredients to assure the same efficacy. There may be differences in flavors, colors, and certain other inactive ingredients as the generic drug has to respect the trademark laws.

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Crohn’s Disease – Symptoms and Treatment

Medication Effects | Posted by admin
Jul 15 2010

Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory disease of the digestive tract. The disease is also called granulomatous enteritis, colitis, regional enteritis, regional ileitis, ileitis, or terminal ileitis and it causes ulcerations of the small and large intestine. The disease can affect the digestive system anywhere from the mouth to the anus, but distinctively affects the terminal ileum as well as demarcated areas of large bowel. The disease is named after the American physician, Burrill Bernard Crohn (18841983), who described the disease in 1932.

Crohns Disease Symptoms

Crohn’s disease symptoms may include:

Chronic diarrhea & disrupted digestion: It becomes difficult for the patients in the acute phase of the disease to eat and/or digest food.
Painful and debilitating inflammation
Fistulas of the colon
Hemorrhoids
Lipid absorption problems
Anemia: Persistent rectal bleeding may lead to anemia.
Bruising of the shins.
Fever, pain and psychological damage in many cases
Crohn’s disease in children may cause delayed development and stunted growth.

Crohns Disease Treatment

Crohn’s disease treatment may include medication, surgery, dietary advice and Helminthic therapy (current research).

- Medication Treatment

Acute treatment: steroids are used in the initial stages. Long-term steroid therapy is discouraged because of their side effects. Corticosteroids like prednisone are traditionally used medications. The side effects of steroids may include insulin resistance and frank diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), glaucoma, osteoporosis, severe psychological issues etc.

Chronic treatment (Steroid-sparing): The treatment may include Salicylates – 5-ASA derivates – 5-aminosalicylic acid compounds such as sulfasalazine (Azulfidine, Salazopyrin), mesalamine (Pentasa, Asacol), olsalazine, and balsalazide. Immunomodulating drugs such as azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine and methotrexate are given mainly in moderate-to-severe cases. Infliximab (brand name Remicade) is given in patients with therapy-resistant or fistulating Crohn’s. Adalimumab (brand name Humira) has been used in patients who show allergic reaction to infliximab. The drugs like thalidomide are under study trials.

- Surgery

In the case of widespread intractable Crohn’s colitis, the colon and rectum (protocolectomy) are removed by the surgery ileostomy. Surgery is generally avoided, as this does not cure the disease. Crohns disease can recur at the site of the anastomosis or ileostomy.

- Dietary Advice

Crohns patients should avoid the following foods and liquids:

Dairy foods
High fiber foods should be avoided during flare-ups.
Hot spicy foods
Alcohol & caffeine
Foods containing saturated fats, found in meat and dairy products. However some fats such as in fish oil may actually be helpful.
Products containing corn or gluten, those made from wheat, oats, barley, or triticale
Foods, such as soy, eggs, peanuts, tomatoes
Gas-producing foods such as cabbage family vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and brussels sprouts), dried peas and lentils, onions and chives, peppers and carbonated drinks
Foods that may irritate the intestine (particularly the cabbage family vegetables)
Simple sugars
Dried fruits or high-sugar fruits, such as grapes, watermelon, or pineapple
Sorbitol (an artificial sweetener)

Beneficial Foods:

Fluids to keep the body hydrated and prevent constipation
Fruits may be protective
A high protein diet with lean meats

Advice:

Eat small frequent meals
Prebiotics such as psyllium may help in the healing process.
Probiotics may also be helpful in aiding recovery of the intestines.

- Helminthic Therapy

Recent studies have come up with a promising Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis treatment. Helminthic therapy is a new treatment that has shown impressive results in clinical trials. It argues that the absence of intestinal worms (due primarily to higher hygiene standards) from the human intestinal tract may cause the immune system that is not evolutionary adapted to this condition, to over-react causing inflammation and other negative effects, and that reintroducing helminths through ingesting eggs of a certain species (which is not dangerous to humans) can help down regulate and normalize immune responses.

Helminthic therapy like the fecal bacterio therapy induces a characteristic TH2 white cell response in the diseased areas which seems to be the key in achieving and maintaining remission, and may prove to be of key significance in further research.

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Delicious Ways to Reduce Cholesterol With Out Drugs

Clinical Pharmacology | Posted by admin
Jul 15 2010

Cholesterol is a wax-like substance that is present in the cell membranes of body tissues and is carried in the blood plasma. It is a sterol; a combination of alcohol and steroid and is also called atherosclerotic plaque. The body requires cholesterol in order to form and sustain cell membranes, help with the production of bile and aid the metabolism of fat soluble vitamins.

Over time, cholesterol builds up on the artery walls and this condition is known as atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis was thought to be an affliction of the elderly until the 1950’s when American pathologists were sent to Korea by the Pentagon to study the bodies of servicemen who died during the conflict. They autopsied around 2000 soldiers and found that approximately 75% had waxy, yellow deposits on the walls of their arteries; a shocking statistic considering the average age of the soldiers was 21. Their findings astonished the scientific community as it highlighted the onset of heart disease in the very young.

LDL and HDL Cholesterol

There are two different types of cholesterol; low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL). HDL is commonly known as ‘good’ cholesterol and LDL is recognised as ‘bad’ cholesterol. LDL has been markedly linked with heart disease, whereas HDL is thought to reduce the chance of a heart attack. It has been estimated that approximately 25% of Americans are at risk from heart disease due to atherosclerosis, and around 10% have such high levels that doctors are left no choice than to prescribe cholesterol reducing drugs.

Foods that Lower LDL Cholesterol

There are a number of foods which are believed to significantly lower LDL cholesterol. Fiber-rich foods are said to be particularly beneficial and will not only lower ‘bad’ cholesterol, but also help the bowel to function properly, lowering the risk of colon and bowel cancer. There are many other foods that can help the body fight back against these dangerous deposits.

  • Fiber-rich foods, particularly oat bran, barley and wheat bran. They can be eaten as a cereal for breakfast and sprinkled onto other foods. Pearl barley can be added to soups. Apples and pears also have considerable amounts of soluble fiber and should be enjoyed on a daily basis
  • Beans and pulses are high in fiber and low-fat. They also contain lecithin, a nutrient that lowers cholesterol. Try to incorporate kidney, fava, borlotti and other dried whole-foods into your diet; there are many different types of lentils and pulses that are delicious in soups and stews
  • Avocado contains prolific amounts of monounsaturated fat, which helps to reduce LDL cholesterol and has many other health benefits including anti-cancer properties
  • Raw carrots are rich in a fiber called pectin that is renowned for minimizing cholesterol. There are a number of fruits that also contain pectin, including; apples, citrus fruits, strawberries, raspberries and other red or black berries
  • Shitake mushrooms are widely used by the Japanese and include a compound called lentinan, which not only lowers cholesterol, but is also thought to be anti-cancerous and may help to boost the immune system
  • Garlic is a super food and is well known for its blood-thinning properties. It also contains a substance allicin which is thought to prevent the body retaining LDL cholesterol and research has shown that the equivalent of one clove per day can lessen ‘bad’ cholesterol by 10-15% in the majority of people
  • Root ginger has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries and has numerous health benefits. It can be added to stir-fry’s (using healthy sesame oil) and other vegetable dishes
  • Nuts are naturally high in omega-3 fatty acids and are known to significantly reduce blood cholesterol; walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts and almonds are especially beneficial
  • Sesame seeds are rich in phytosterols. These compounds are said to substantially lessen LDL cholesterol. Other foods containing phytosterols include; celery, lettuce, asparagus, spinach, tomatoes, ginger, squash and strawberries
  • Safflower, canola, soybean, and olive oil are monounsaturated and are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. Research indicates that they can decrease atherosclerotic plaque by up to 15% when eaten regularly
  • Salmon, tuna, sardines and mackerel contain considerable amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, which have many health benefits and are essential for brain and eye function
  • Prunes are a wonderful source of antioxidants and fiber, which is known to reduce LDL cholesterol
  • Alfalfa sprouts contain a substance called saponin, which is thought to obstruct and inhibit the formation of atherosclerotic plaque in the arteries

If you have high cholesterol or a family tendency towards atherosclerosis it is best to avoid processed and prepared foods, fried food, food containing animal fats or animal products, high-fat dairy products and food containing either saturated fat or trans fats. Research has revealed the key to lowering LDL cholesterol is a healthy, balanced diet that incorporates plenty of soluble fiber and at least five portions of fruit or vegetables a day. This combined with regular cardiovascular exercise should help keep the heart healthy and provide numerous other health benefits as well.

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Fibromyalgia – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Possibilities

Disease Prevention | Posted by admin
Jul 14 2010

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease giving painful points in muscles and joint areas, stiffness and problems of neurological art like fatigue, poor sleep quality and depressive feelings. The disease develops gradually and can affect great parts of the body. It is chronic, but may give better and worse periods. The disease can make a person nearly disabled, but can also be mild or almost disappear over time.

THE SYMPTOMS OF FIBROMYALGIA

By fibromyalgia there are tender points in muscles, tendons and ligaments around the body. The points are especially common around the joints. Tender areas in the mid parts of the muscles are fewer and with lighter pain. The points give a constant aching and a sharper pain by pressure. However, muscular work and exercise do not necessarily increase the pain. When the muscles are warmed up and exercised, the pain may disappear or decrease for some time.

The neck, shoulder area, hips, knee surroundings, jaw joint areas, head, face, and eye surroundings are especially often affected. When the neck and head area is affected, the pain often takes the form of a common headache.

Other symptoms of fibromyalgia are:

- Muscular stiffness, especially in the morning.
- Mental and physical fatigue.
- Poor quality of sleep. The deep part of the sleep is especially affected.
- Muscular tension.
- Dizziness.
- Anxious feelings.
- Depressive feelings.
- Disturbances in bowel function like diarrhoea, constipation, pain and bloating.
- Bladder irritability.
- Increased sensitivity to and irritability from sensorial stimuli, like light, sounds and touch.
- Dry mouth, eyes and skin.
- Pain during menstruation

The disease does not give any anatomical and tissue changes in the first place, but inactivity, tension and poor circulation may in the long run affect the body shape and give inflammatory reactions.

THE CAUSES AND MECHANISMS OF FIBROMYALGIA

The exact causes of fibromyalgia are not yet fully understood. An injury to the upper spinal region may trigger the disease. Bacterial and viral infections may also be an initial cause of the disease. Fibromyalgia sufferers often have a magnesium deficiency.

The initial causes seem to alter the production and secretion of transmitter substances in the brain and nervous system, especially serotonin, melatonin and substance P. Neurotransmitters carries signals from one nerve cell to another. Some signals from the central nervous system to the body may therefore be increased, and other decreased, producing the symptoms of the disease. The disturbed nerve signals then produce the following functional changes that give the symptoms of the disease:

- An increased activity in brain parts, giving anxiety and disturbing the deep sleep.
- A decreased activity in other brain parts, producing depressive symptoms.
- An increased muscular tension during sleep.
- An increased constriction in the blood vessels in the muscular and joint structures.
- Decreasing blood flow in the muscles and joint areas due to increased muscular tension and blood vessel constrictions.
- A decreased activity of glands producing saliva, sebum and tears.

LIFESTYLE MEASURES AND EXERCISE TO TREAT FIBROMYALGIA

It is difficult to find a treatment that completely cures the disease, but a skillful combination of lifestyle measures and sometimes also medical treatment can take away most symptoms.

The symptoms of fibromyalgia can make it difficult to attain an active lifestyle. Yet, to do work, sport activities and hobby activities will decrease the symptoms and the consequences of the disease.

Regular training will greatly decrease the symptoms of the disease. The training should engage all the muscles of the body and also include exercises that improve the condition.

A combination of muscle strength training as for example weight-lifting and condition training as jogging will be especially useful. Swimming exercises both the muscular strength and the condition at the same time, but the water should not be cold.

In the beginning, the training sessions should be short and easy, but they should be made longer and heavier as one gets used to training activities.

Relaxation techniques like autogenous training and meditation can help to normalize the function of the nervous system and increase the blood flow to the muscles.

Physical yoga can help to reduce stiffness, increase the blood flow and reduce anatomical defects in the joints and muscles.

The symptoms of fibromyalgia will often cause sufferers to believe that they manage less than they actually do. It may be useful for the sufferer from fibromyalgia to seek counselling to help him normalize his activity levels, or adopt a higher activity level compatible with his disease.

A healthy diet is important. The food should be as natural as possible, and include food sources like: Vegetables, fruit, full corn bread or cereals, nuts, almonds, fish, seafood, fouls and mushrooms.

You should avoid great amounts of fat meat, fat cheese or saturated fat from milk and red meat. You should also avoid great amounts of soy oil or corn oil. You should not use margarine and avoid food containing chemically altered fat. Great amounts of all the mentioned fat types tend to deteriorate the blood circulation and increase inflammatory reactions.

You should consume fish oil, olive oil, rape oil, canola oil, nut oil and sunflower oil, or food containing these type of fat like olives, nuts, sunflower seeds and fat fish, because the fat you then consume will decrease inflammatory reactions in the muscles and joint areas.

MEDICAL TREATMENT OF FIBROMYALGIA

Certain types of medication can be used to relieve the symptoms for a time, but should generally not be used permanently:

- Analgesics can reduce the pain in the tender points.
- Antidepressant can help to take away depressive feelings and improve the sleep.
- Muscle relaxant at bedtime can help to relax during sleep.

On the market you will also find alternative drugs to treat fibromyalgia, based on herbs, vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants. These drugs contain ingredients to give several useful effects:

- To repair nutritional deficiencies found by fibromyalgia
- To normalize the production of neurotransmitters and thereby improve the local blood circulation in muscles and joint surroundings.
- To improve sleep and relaxation in the muscles during sleep.
- To help for tiredness.
- To reduce pain by an analgesic effect.

Examples of ingredients found in such medicines are:

- Magnesium – To cure deficiency in the bodys magnesium level.
- 5-HTP – A serotonin precursor to help against serotonin deficiency and thereby improve local blood circulation.
- Melatonin – To improve sleep and relaxation during sleep.
- Rhodiola Rosea extract – To help against fatigue.
- Ginger Root – To treat pain and inflammation in muscles and joints.

Classical massage or other types of physical therapi, for example a couple of times each week, can also help to increase blood flow, reduce tension, reduce stiffness and thereby take away pain.

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