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Rabu, 10 Maret 2010
Kamis, 04 Maret 2010
5 medication-free strategies to help prevent heart disease
You can prevent heart disease by following a heart-healthy lifestyle. Here are five strategies to help you protect your heart.
By Mayo Clinic staff
Heart disease may be the leading cause of death for both men and women, but that doesn't mean you have to accept it as your fate. Although you lack the power to change some risk factors — such as family history or age — there are some key heart disease prevention steps you can take.
Take steps to avoid heart disease — don't smoke, get regular exercise and eat healthy foods. Avoid heart problems in the future by adopting a healthy lifestyle today. Here are five heart disease prevention tips to get you started.
1. Don't smoke or use tobacco products
Smoking or using other tobacco products is one of the most significant risk factors for developing heart disease. When it comes to heart disease prevention, no amount of smoking is safe. Smokeless tobacco and low-tar and low-nicotine cigarettes also are risky, as is exposure to secondhand smoke.
Tobacco smoke contains more than 4,800 chemicals. Many of these can damage your heart and blood vessels, making them more vulnerable to narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis). Atherosclerosis can ultimately lead to a heart attack.
In addition, the nicotine in cigarette smoke makes your heart work harder by narrowing your blood vessels and increasing your heart rate and blood pressure. Carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke replaces some of the oxygen in your blood. This increases your blood pressure by forcing your heart to work harder to supply enough oxygen. Even so-called "social smoking" — only smoking while at a bar or restaurant with friends — is dangerous and increases the risk of heart disease.
Women who smoke and take birth control pills are at greater risk of having a heart attack or stroke than are those who don't do either. Worse, this risk increases with age, especially over 35.
The good news, though, is that when you quit smoking, your risk of heart disease drops dramatically within just one year. And no matter how long or how much you smoked, you'll start reaping rewards as soon as you quit.
2. Get active
Regularly participating in moderately vigorous physical activity can reduce your risk of fatal heart disease. And when you combine physical activity with other lifestyle measures, such as maintaining a healthy weight, the payoff is even greater.
Physical activity helps you control your weight and can reduce your chances of developing other conditions that may put a strain on your heart, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. It also reduces stress, which may also be a factor in heart disease.
Guidelines recommend that you get at least 30 to 60 minutes of moderately intense physical activity most days of the week. However, even shorter amounts of exercise offer heart benefits, so if you can't meet those guidelines, don't give up. You can even break up your workout time into 10-minute sessions and still get the same benefits.
And remember that things like gardening, housekeeping, taking the stairs and walking the dog all count toward your total. You don't have to exercise strenuously to achieve benefits, but you can see bigger benefits by increasing the intensity, duration and frequency of your workouts.
3. Eat a heart-healthy diet
Eating a special diet called the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan also can help protect your heart. Following the DASH diet means eating foods that are low in fat, cholesterol and salt. The diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products that can help protect your heart. Legumes, low-fat sources of protein and certain types of fish also can reduce your risk of heart disease.
Limiting certain fats you eat also is important. Of the types of fat — saturated, polyunsaturated, monounsaturated and trans fat — saturated fat and trans fat increase the risk of coronary artery disease by raising blood cholesterol levels. Major sources of saturated fat include beef, butter, cheese, milk, and coconut and palm oils. There's growing evidence that trans fat may be worse than saturated fat because unlike saturated fat, it both raises your low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or "bad," cholesterol, and lowers your high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or "good," cholesterol. Sources of trans fat include some deep-fried fast foods, bakery products, packaged snack foods, margarines and crackers. Look at the label for the term "partially hydrogenated" to avoid trans fat.
Heart-healthy eating isn't all about cutting back, though. Most people, for instance, need to add more fruits and vegetables to their diet — with a goal of five to 10 servings a day. Eating that many fruits and vegetables can not only help prevent heart disease but also may help prevent cancer.
Omega-3 fatty acids, a type of polyunsaturated fat, may decrease your risk of heart attack, protect against irregular heartbeats and lower blood pressure. Some fish are a good natural source of omega-3s. However, pregnant women and women of childbearing age should avoid shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish because they contain levels of mercury high enough to pose a danger to a developing fetus. But for most others, the health benefits of fish outweigh any risks associated with mercury. Omega-3s are present in smaller amounts in flaxseed oil, walnut oil, soybean oil and canola oil, and they can also be found in supplements.
Following a heart-healthy diet also means drinking alcohol only in moderation — no more than two drinks a day for men, one a day for women. At that moderate level, alcohol can have a protective effect on your heart. Above that, it becomes a health hazard.
source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
By Mayo Clinic staff
Heart disease may be the leading cause of death for both men and women, but that doesn't mean you have to accept it as your fate. Although you lack the power to change some risk factors — such as family history or age — there are some key heart disease prevention steps you can take.
Take steps to avoid heart disease — don't smoke, get regular exercise and eat healthy foods. Avoid heart problems in the future by adopting a healthy lifestyle today. Here are five heart disease prevention tips to get you started.
1. Don't smoke or use tobacco products
Smoking or using other tobacco products is one of the most significant risk factors for developing heart disease. When it comes to heart disease prevention, no amount of smoking is safe. Smokeless tobacco and low-tar and low-nicotine cigarettes also are risky, as is exposure to secondhand smoke.
Tobacco smoke contains more than 4,800 chemicals. Many of these can damage your heart and blood vessels, making them more vulnerable to narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis). Atherosclerosis can ultimately lead to a heart attack.
In addition, the nicotine in cigarette smoke makes your heart work harder by narrowing your blood vessels and increasing your heart rate and blood pressure. Carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke replaces some of the oxygen in your blood. This increases your blood pressure by forcing your heart to work harder to supply enough oxygen. Even so-called "social smoking" — only smoking while at a bar or restaurant with friends — is dangerous and increases the risk of heart disease.
Women who smoke and take birth control pills are at greater risk of having a heart attack or stroke than are those who don't do either. Worse, this risk increases with age, especially over 35.
The good news, though, is that when you quit smoking, your risk of heart disease drops dramatically within just one year. And no matter how long or how much you smoked, you'll start reaping rewards as soon as you quit.
2. Get active
Regularly participating in moderately vigorous physical activity can reduce your risk of fatal heart disease. And when you combine physical activity with other lifestyle measures, such as maintaining a healthy weight, the payoff is even greater.
Physical activity helps you control your weight and can reduce your chances of developing other conditions that may put a strain on your heart, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. It also reduces stress, which may also be a factor in heart disease.
Guidelines recommend that you get at least 30 to 60 minutes of moderately intense physical activity most days of the week. However, even shorter amounts of exercise offer heart benefits, so if you can't meet those guidelines, don't give up. You can even break up your workout time into 10-minute sessions and still get the same benefits.
And remember that things like gardening, housekeeping, taking the stairs and walking the dog all count toward your total. You don't have to exercise strenuously to achieve benefits, but you can see bigger benefits by increasing the intensity, duration and frequency of your workouts.
3. Eat a heart-healthy diet
Eating a special diet called the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan also can help protect your heart. Following the DASH diet means eating foods that are low in fat, cholesterol and salt. The diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products that can help protect your heart. Legumes, low-fat sources of protein and certain types of fish also can reduce your risk of heart disease.
Limiting certain fats you eat also is important. Of the types of fat — saturated, polyunsaturated, monounsaturated and trans fat — saturated fat and trans fat increase the risk of coronary artery disease by raising blood cholesterol levels. Major sources of saturated fat include beef, butter, cheese, milk, and coconut and palm oils. There's growing evidence that trans fat may be worse than saturated fat because unlike saturated fat, it both raises your low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or "bad," cholesterol, and lowers your high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or "good," cholesterol. Sources of trans fat include some deep-fried fast foods, bakery products, packaged snack foods, margarines and crackers. Look at the label for the term "partially hydrogenated" to avoid trans fat.
Heart-healthy eating isn't all about cutting back, though. Most people, for instance, need to add more fruits and vegetables to their diet — with a goal of five to 10 servings a day. Eating that many fruits and vegetables can not only help prevent heart disease but also may help prevent cancer.
Omega-3 fatty acids, a type of polyunsaturated fat, may decrease your risk of heart attack, protect against irregular heartbeats and lower blood pressure. Some fish are a good natural source of omega-3s. However, pregnant women and women of childbearing age should avoid shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish because they contain levels of mercury high enough to pose a danger to a developing fetus. But for most others, the health benefits of fish outweigh any risks associated with mercury. Omega-3s are present in smaller amounts in flaxseed oil, walnut oil, soybean oil and canola oil, and they can also be found in supplements.
Following a heart-healthy diet also means drinking alcohol only in moderation — no more than two drinks a day for men, one a day for women. At that moderate level, alcohol can have a protective effect on your heart. Above that, it becomes a health hazard.
source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
We Could Keep Our Hearts Healthy Through Exercise
It has been proven through research that an "exercised" heart is a healthy heart. This is because when a muscle is exercised it retains its normal tone and flexibility and does not atrophy due to inactivity.
Although the heart is only as big as your closed fist, it is composed of muscles too and is the center of the cardiovascular system which supplies the lifeblood of all cells and tissues in the
body.
Imagine, if the main source of your "lifeblood" is decaying and atrophied, then consequently, the supply will dwindle and imminent death will occur.
Here are specific reasons why we can achieve a healthy heart through exercise:
1. * Exercise causes the heart to pump vigorously therefore increasing cardiac muscle contraction and lengthening. This action would decrease the probability of developing noncontractile fibrous tissues. These noncontractile fibrous tissues are indications of myocardial infarction (MI) or heart attack, which should be avoided at all costs.
The cardiac muscles should always maintain their flexibility and contractility to be able to function well.
2. * Bad lipids (fats) like cholesterol, triglycerides and Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) are "flushed" out of the blood vessels because of the increased blood circulation caused by the exercise. Instead of these bad lipids being deposited in the arteries and blood vessels, they are converted into energy and burned out of the system.
3. * Exercise speeds up metabolism and increases oxygen delivery to the different tissues and cells in the body. This is because, as a person exercises respiration is also increased.
4. * One significant cause of coronary heart disease (CHD) and other heart ailments is obesity. Exercise will reduce this risk. Exercise reduces the concentration of stored fat (triglycerides) and some carbohydrates from the adipose tissues which will then decrease the weight of the person.
5. * Exercise also enhances fibrinolytic activity (activity that prevents blood clots) and therefore decreases the risk of emboli or blood clot formation in the heart and in the brain.
source: http://www.associatedcontent.com
Although the heart is only as big as your closed fist, it is composed of muscles too and is the center of the cardiovascular system which supplies the lifeblood of all cells and tissues in the
body.
Imagine, if the main source of your "lifeblood" is decaying and atrophied, then consequently, the supply will dwindle and imminent death will occur.
Here are specific reasons why we can achieve a healthy heart through exercise:
1. * Exercise causes the heart to pump vigorously therefore increasing cardiac muscle contraction and lengthening. This action would decrease the probability of developing noncontractile fibrous tissues. These noncontractile fibrous tissues are indications of myocardial infarction (MI) or heart attack, which should be avoided at all costs.
The cardiac muscles should always maintain their flexibility and contractility to be able to function well.
2. * Bad lipids (fats) like cholesterol, triglycerides and Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) are "flushed" out of the blood vessels because of the increased blood circulation caused by the exercise. Instead of these bad lipids being deposited in the arteries and blood vessels, they are converted into energy and burned out of the system.
3. * Exercise speeds up metabolism and increases oxygen delivery to the different tissues and cells in the body. This is because, as a person exercises respiration is also increased.
4. * One significant cause of coronary heart disease (CHD) and other heart ailments is obesity. Exercise will reduce this risk. Exercise reduces the concentration of stored fat (triglycerides) and some carbohydrates from the adipose tissues which will then decrease the weight of the person.
5. * Exercise also enhances fibrinolytic activity (activity that prevents blood clots) and therefore decreases the risk of emboli or blood clot formation in the heart and in the brain.
source: http://www.associatedcontent.com
How to Keep Our Heart Healthy When Drinking Coffee
Coffee drinking is now being linked to development of heart diseases. Many studies were conducted to prove the relation of coffee intake and heart diseases. According to the Harvard Women's Health Watch, drinking coffee moderately does not pose health risks to the coffee drinker. The debate on the effects of the caffeine content in coffee to development of heart diseases is still under scrutiny. No studies have directly given evidence that coffee especially the caffeinated coffees contribute to risk of heart disease. On the other hand, drinking coffee has deemed helpful for some because of its health benefits. Studies show that drinking coffee can:
* reduces the risks of Type 2 Diabetes
* minimize the development of gallstones because coffees are natural diuretics
* improve cognitive function
* Provide stamina and endurance in performing daily activities with long duration.
Experts advice that while no proofs has been submitted to directly prove the relationship of coffee drinking and development of heart disease, we have to drink coffee in moderation everyday because we do not have any idea what dangers can happen if we take too much. We all know that too much of something is not good. Coffee contains caffeine which is a mild and addictive stimulant. When taken in excess, the caffeine stimulates cardiovascular effects such as increased heart rate, occasional irregular heartbeats and mild palpitations. Take note, these stimulants are addictive so we may not notice that we have been drinking too much of it until such time that we start to feel uncomfortable due to the side effects.
Yet there are available blends of coffees in the market that has healthy benefits. These are not the pure coffee loaded with caffeine but rather the less caffeinated coffees with the blend of natural herbs or spices. Natural herbs are good for our body because it poses less harmful side effects. The uses of herbs date back to the ancient traditional Chinese medicine and, no doubt herbs have healthy and healing properties. Some herbs blended to coffees that are good for the body are Ganoderma herbs, Ginger, Ginko Biloba, and many more. These traditional herbs have healthy benefits like lowering blood sugar, lowering blood pressure and provide protection from developing heart diseases.
We love offering great coffee recipes for you on our blog Coffee Talk Chick Join us and enjoy this new enjoyable journey in combining coffee and improving our health at the same time.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Henry_Laker
Solving the Diet-Cancer Mystery
Scientific studies provide clues
If you have an interest in the link between diet and cancer, it helps to
understand how we have come to learn what we know today, and how to
interpret what we’ll learn in the future.
Over the years, researchers have conducted thousands of studies of many
different types. It’s not the latest or most talked-about study that matters,
but what all of the research collectively indicates. WCRF UK’s advice is
always based on the research as a whole, never on one single study, so
the public can be confident in our message.
In preparing the landmark WCRF/AICR Second Expert Report,
Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity, and the Prevention of Cancer: a Global
Perspective, which was published in November 2007, thousands of leading
research studies from many different sources were evaluated in detail by
a group of independent international researchers, who made up our expert
Panel.
This brochure explains the different kinds of scientific investigation they
examined and notes the strengths and weaknesses of each type. It will
give you a better understanding of the range of research included in
the Second Expert Report and how the Panel went about preparing the
most comprehensive scientific assessment of the diet-cancer link ever
undertaken.
The diet-cancer mystery
It sounds like a simple question: can what we eat influence our risk
of cancer? In fact, finding the answer is a complex puzzle worthy of
Sherlock Holmes.
Do you eat exactly the same thing every day? Probably not. Most people’s
diets are complex, and they change over weeks, months and years. To
pinpoint associations between diet and cancer, researchers must analyse
this mass of information to isolate the specific effects of individual foods,
or their constituents such as nutrients, vitamins and minerals, as well as
combinations of foods – dietary patterns.
Each scientific study provides another clue to the evolving mystery of how
diet affects cancer. But as with any good mystery, some clues hold more
weight than others. Cancer is a complex disease and no single piece of
research can give us all the answers. The ‘body of evidence’ formed by
many studies together must be considered as a whole as we investigate
the diet-cancer connection.
Each kind of study has its pluses and minuses. Let’s consider the
following: epidemiological studies, laboratory studies and controlled trials.
for more click here; www.wcrf-uk.org
If you have an interest in the link between diet and cancer, it helps to
understand how we have come to learn what we know today, and how to
interpret what we’ll learn in the future.
Over the years, researchers have conducted thousands of studies of many
different types. It’s not the latest or most talked-about study that matters,
but what all of the research collectively indicates. WCRF UK’s advice is
always based on the research as a whole, never on one single study, so
the public can be confident in our message.
In preparing the landmark WCRF/AICR Second Expert Report,
Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity, and the Prevention of Cancer: a Global
Perspective, which was published in November 2007, thousands of leading
research studies from many different sources were evaluated in detail by
a group of independent international researchers, who made up our expert
Panel.
This brochure explains the different kinds of scientific investigation they
examined and notes the strengths and weaknesses of each type. It will
give you a better understanding of the range of research included in
the Second Expert Report and how the Panel went about preparing the
most comprehensive scientific assessment of the diet-cancer link ever
undertaken.
The diet-cancer mystery
It sounds like a simple question: can what we eat influence our risk
of cancer? In fact, finding the answer is a complex puzzle worthy of
Sherlock Holmes.
Do you eat exactly the same thing every day? Probably not. Most people’s
diets are complex, and they change over weeks, months and years. To
pinpoint associations between diet and cancer, researchers must analyse
this mass of information to isolate the specific effects of individual foods,
or their constituents such as nutrients, vitamins and minerals, as well as
combinations of foods – dietary patterns.
Each scientific study provides another clue to the evolving mystery of how
diet affects cancer. But as with any good mystery, some clues hold more
weight than others. Cancer is a complex disease and no single piece of
research can give us all the answers. The ‘body of evidence’ formed by
many studies together must be considered as a whole as we investigate
the diet-cancer connection.
Each kind of study has its pluses and minuses. Let’s consider the
following: epidemiological studies, laboratory studies and controlled trials.
for more click here; www.wcrf-uk.org
12 HERBS FOR DIABETES
There are great number of evidence suggesting that the use carefully chosen herbal remedies and dietary supplements can help to prevent diabetes and to keep it under control in those people who have already developed it. Herbal remedies, dietary supplements, and correct life style changes, all together in combination may reduce or eliminate the need for medication in diabetics. It also helps in preventing some of the tissue and organ damage associated with uncontrolled blood sugar levels.
Diabetes has been treated with plant medicines. Those herbs that are most effective are relatively non-toxic.
Hence, the common herbs used in diabetes are as follow.
(1) INDIAN KINO, MALABAR KINO
The tree (Pterocarpus massupium) is the source of the Kino of the European pharmacopeas. This herb has a long history of use in India as a treatment for diabetes. It has actually been used to regenerate functional pancreatic beta cells. No other drug or natural agent has been shown to generate this activity. The flavonoid, epicatechin, extracted from the bark of this plant has been shown to prevent alloxan –induced beta cell damage in rats.
(2) GYMNEMA SYLVESTRE (Gurmar, Cherukurinja)
Gymnema helps the pancreas to produce Insulin in Type 2 diabetes. It also improves the ability of insulin to lower blood sugar in both Type I and Type 2 diabetes. It decreases cravings for sweet. Some people use to take near about 500 mg per day of gymnema extract.
(3) BLUEBERRY LEAVE
Leave of the Blue berry are commonly used by the folk since many years, for the treatment of diabetes. It is most active ingredients is myrtillin (an anthocyanoside). Its single dose produces beneficial effects lasting several weeks. Blueberry leaves also increases capillary integrity, inhibit free-radical damage and improve the tone of the vascular system. It can be also in the treatment of eye disease chiefly diabetic retinopathy.
(4) ASIAN GINSENG
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.
(5) GINKGO BILOBA
Ginkgo biloba extract may prove useful for prevention and treatment of early stage diabetic neuropathy.
(6) BILBERRY
It lowers the risk of diabetic complications such as diabetic cataracts and retinopathy.
(7) STEVIA
It does not show direct anti diabetic effect, but its use as a sweetener could reduce the intake of sugars in diabetic patients.
(8) CINNAMON
Cinnamon is derived from the bark of a tree of the laurel family. In addition to spicing up foods; it also relieves stomach gas, eases nausea, and treat the loss of appetite. More than a decade ago, the researchers have discovered that Cinnamon makes fat cells more responsive to insulin. Cinnamon increases the conversion of glucose to energy by twenty times. It also blocks the formation of dangerous free radicals. Reduction in the free radical activity, helps to slow down the progression of diabetic complications.
(9) FENUGREEK
Fenugreek, when taken internally, reduces blood sugar, increases lactation and enhances wound healing. Fenugreek is cultivated throughout the Mediterranean region. The fenugreek plant produces seeds that have long history of use for various remedies, such as treating loss of appetite, digestive problems and inflammation of the skin. The fenugreek seeds are rich in fibres is mainly responsible for the herbs blood sugar lowering effect. The seeds also contains and active compound called trigonelline which acts as a blood-sugar lowering agent.
(10) INDIAN GOOSEBERRY
It is also known as Amla. Amala is very rich in Vitamin C. It has near about 20 times the vitamin C content of grapefruit and 15 times that of lemon. In dried amla (pieces or powdered) vitamins are retained and protected due to the natural antioxidant properties of the fruit. One teaspoon of Amla juice is mixed with a cup of bitter gourd juice and is used for diabetic patients. It is because amla contains the properties due to which it stimulates the Pancreas which secrete insulin for reducing blood sugar. Amla seeds or dried Amla are equally useful for controlling diabetes. Amla also serves several other functions such as it produces cooling effect and reduces body heat. It also inhibit phlegm and bile. It also increases the production of semen and thus helps in urinary and gynaecological problems. Amla is also good for lungs problems. It also reduces body fat, improves hair texture and eye health.
(11) ISPAGHULA
It can be used safely in diabetics because the sweetening agents used in it are, Aspartame and saccharin. It can be taken in the form of seeds or in the form of husk. It can be used during pregnancy and breast-feeding because ispaghula husk is not absorbed by the body. But them also doctor’s advice is necessary. It can be used in vegetarians because it does not contain any animal by-products. Ispaghula is also used to relieve constipation and are known to be as bulk forming to be as bulk-forming laxatives. This is to be used with care by individuals with diabetes. In case of diabetics, it controls blood sugar by inhibiting the excessive absorption of sugar from the instestines.
(12) MANGO LEAVES
The mango enjoys a unique status among the fruits. It is also known as the King of Asiatic Fruits. It is considered as a valuable item for both diet and a house hold remedy. But in addition it also possesses medicinal properties. Its leaves are of the utmost importance in diabetics. Mango tree has tender leaves which helps in lowering the blood glucose level in diabetics. The fresh leaves of mango are soaked in water for an overnight. Then they are squeezed well in the water before filtering them in the morning. Thus, this prepared infused water is taken every morning to control early diabetes. If patients don’t want to prepared infusion, then the leaves can be dried in shade, powdered and preserved. Half a teaspoonful of this powder is to be taken twice a day that is in the morning and evening.
The mango is of high value in diarrhoea heart stroke, gastrointestinal disorders, etc. The fruit is grown widely in China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Philippines. In Vedas, mango is praised as a heavenly fruit. The mango is used as food in all stage of its development. Green or unripe mango contains large amount of starch. It disappears completely when the fruit is fully ripe. Green mango is a rich source of pectin. Unripe mango is sour in taste.
source: http://www.diabetesmellitus-information.com
Diabetes has been treated with plant medicines. Those herbs that are most effective are relatively non-toxic.
Hence, the common herbs used in diabetes are as follow.
(1) INDIAN KINO, MALABAR KINO
The tree (Pterocarpus massupium) is the source of the Kino of the European pharmacopeas. This herb has a long history of use in India as a treatment for diabetes. It has actually been used to regenerate functional pancreatic beta cells. No other drug or natural agent has been shown to generate this activity. The flavonoid, epicatechin, extracted from the bark of this plant has been shown to prevent alloxan –induced beta cell damage in rats.
(2) GYMNEMA SYLVESTRE (Gurmar, Cherukurinja)
Gymnema helps the pancreas to produce Insulin in Type 2 diabetes. It also improves the ability of insulin to lower blood sugar in both Type I and Type 2 diabetes. It decreases cravings for sweet. Some people use to take near about 500 mg per day of gymnema extract.
(3) BLUEBERRY LEAVE
Leave of the Blue berry are commonly used by the folk since many years, for the treatment of diabetes. It is most active ingredients is myrtillin (an anthocyanoside). Its single dose produces beneficial effects lasting several weeks. Blueberry leaves also increases capillary integrity, inhibit free-radical damage and improve the tone of the vascular system. It can be also in the treatment of eye disease chiefly diabetic retinopathy.
(4) ASIAN GINSENG
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.
(5) GINKGO BILOBA
Ginkgo biloba extract may prove useful for prevention and treatment of early stage diabetic neuropathy.
(6) BILBERRY
It lowers the risk of diabetic complications such as diabetic cataracts and retinopathy.
(7) STEVIA
It does not show direct anti diabetic effect, but its use as a sweetener could reduce the intake of sugars in diabetic patients.
(8) CINNAMON
Cinnamon is derived from the bark of a tree of the laurel family. In addition to spicing up foods; it also relieves stomach gas, eases nausea, and treat the loss of appetite. More than a decade ago, the researchers have discovered that Cinnamon makes fat cells more responsive to insulin. Cinnamon increases the conversion of glucose to energy by twenty times. It also blocks the formation of dangerous free radicals. Reduction in the free radical activity, helps to slow down the progression of diabetic complications.
(9) FENUGREEK
Fenugreek, when taken internally, reduces blood sugar, increases lactation and enhances wound healing. Fenugreek is cultivated throughout the Mediterranean region. The fenugreek plant produces seeds that have long history of use for various remedies, such as treating loss of appetite, digestive problems and inflammation of the skin. The fenugreek seeds are rich in fibres is mainly responsible for the herbs blood sugar lowering effect. The seeds also contains and active compound called trigonelline which acts as a blood-sugar lowering agent.
(10) INDIAN GOOSEBERRY
It is also known as Amla. Amala is very rich in Vitamin C. It has near about 20 times the vitamin C content of grapefruit and 15 times that of lemon. In dried amla (pieces or powdered) vitamins are retained and protected due to the natural antioxidant properties of the fruit. One teaspoon of Amla juice is mixed with a cup of bitter gourd juice and is used for diabetic patients. It is because amla contains the properties due to which it stimulates the Pancreas which secrete insulin for reducing blood sugar. Amla seeds or dried Amla are equally useful for controlling diabetes. Amla also serves several other functions such as it produces cooling effect and reduces body heat. It also inhibit phlegm and bile. It also increases the production of semen and thus helps in urinary and gynaecological problems. Amla is also good for lungs problems. It also reduces body fat, improves hair texture and eye health.
(11) ISPAGHULA
It can be used safely in diabetics because the sweetening agents used in it are, Aspartame and saccharin. It can be taken in the form of seeds or in the form of husk. It can be used during pregnancy and breast-feeding because ispaghula husk is not absorbed by the body. But them also doctor’s advice is necessary. It can be used in vegetarians because it does not contain any animal by-products. Ispaghula is also used to relieve constipation and are known to be as bulk forming to be as bulk-forming laxatives. This is to be used with care by individuals with diabetes. In case of diabetics, it controls blood sugar by inhibiting the excessive absorption of sugar from the instestines.
(12) MANGO LEAVES
The mango enjoys a unique status among the fruits. It is also known as the King of Asiatic Fruits. It is considered as a valuable item for both diet and a house hold remedy. But in addition it also possesses medicinal properties. Its leaves are of the utmost importance in diabetics. Mango tree has tender leaves which helps in lowering the blood glucose level in diabetics. The fresh leaves of mango are soaked in water for an overnight. Then they are squeezed well in the water before filtering them in the morning. Thus, this prepared infused water is taken every morning to control early diabetes. If patients don’t want to prepared infusion, then the leaves can be dried in shade, powdered and preserved. Half a teaspoonful of this powder is to be taken twice a day that is in the morning and evening.
The mango is of high value in diarrhoea heart stroke, gastrointestinal disorders, etc. The fruit is grown widely in China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Philippines. In Vedas, mango is praised as a heavenly fruit. The mango is used as food in all stage of its development. Green or unripe mango contains large amount of starch. It disappears completely when the fruit is fully ripe. Green mango is a rich source of pectin. Unripe mango is sour in taste.
source: http://www.diabetesmellitus-information.com
Herbs for Diabetes
ince antiquity, diabetes has been treated with plant medicines. Recent scientific investigation has confirmed the efficacy of many of these preparations, some of which are remarkably effective. Only those herbs that appear most effective, are relatively non-toxic and have substantial documentation of efficacy are covered here.
Pterocarpus marsupium (Indian Kino, Malabar Kino, Pitasara, Venga)
The tree is the source of the Kino of the European pharmacopeas. The gum-resin looks like dried blood (Dragon's blood), much used in Indian medicine. This herb has a long history of use in India as a treatment for diabetes. The flavonoid, (-)-epicatechin, extracted from the bark of this plant has been shown to prevent alloxan-induced beta cell damage in rats.
Both epicatechin and a crude alcohol extract of Pterocarpus marsupium have actually been shown to regenerate functional pancreatic beta cells. No other drug or natural agent has been shown to generate this activity.
Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia)
Bitter melon, also known as balsam pear, is a tropical vegetable widely cultivated in Asia, Africa and South America, and has been used extensively in folk medicine as a remedy for diabetes. The blood sugar lowering action of the fresh juice or extract of the unripe fruit has been clearly established in both experimental and clinical studies.
Bitter melon is composed of several compounds with confirmed anti-diabetic properties. Charantin, extracted by alcohol, is a hypoglycaemic agent composed of mixed steroids that is more potent than the drug tolbutamide which is often used in the treatment of diabetes. Momordica also contains an insulin-like polypeptide, polypeptide-P, which lowers blood sugar levels when injected subcutaneously into type 1 diabetic patients. The oral administration of 50-60 ml of the juice has shown good results in clinical trials.
Excessively high doses of bitter melon juice can cause abdominal pain and diarrhea. Small children or anyone with hypoglycemia should not take bitter melon, since this herb could theoretically trigger or worsen low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia. Furthermore, diabetics taking hypoglycemic drugs (such as chlorpropamide, glyburide, or phenformin) or insulin should use bitter melon with caution, as it may potentiate the effectiveness of the drugs, leading to severe hypoglycemia.
Gymnema Sylvestre (Gurmar, Meshasringi, Cherukurinja)
Gymnema assists the pancreas in the production of insulin in Type 2 diabetes. Gymnema also improves the ability of insulin to lower blood sugar in both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. It decreases cravings for sweet. This herb can be an excellent substitute for oral blood sugar-lowering drugs in Type 2 diabetes. Some people take 500 mg per day of gymnema extract.
Onion and Garlic ( Allium cepa and Allium sativum)
Onion and garlic have significant blood sugar lowering action. The principal active ingredients are believed to be allyl propyl disulphide (APDS) and diallyl disulphide oxide (allicin), although other constitutents such as flavonoids may play a role as well.
Experimental and clinical evidence suggests that APDS lowers glucose levels by competing with insulin for insulin-inactivating sites in the liver. This results in an increase of free insulin. APDS administered in doses of 125 mg/ kg to fasting humans was found to cause a marked fall in blood glucose levels and an increase in serum insulin. Allicin doses of 100 mg/kg produced a similar effect.
Onion extract was found to reduce blood sugar levels during oral and intravenous glucose tolerance. The effect improved as the dosage was increased; however, beneficial effects were observed even for low levels that used in the diet (eg., 25 to 200 grams). The effects were similar in both raw and boiled onion extracts. Onions affect the hepatic metabolism of glucose and/or increases the release of insulin, and/or prevent insulin's destruction.
The additional benefit of the use of garlic and onions are their beneficial cardiovascular effects. They are found to lower lipid levels, inhibit platelet aggregation and are antihypertensive. So, liberal use of onion and garlic are recommended for diabetic patients.
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)
Experimental and clinical studies have demonstrated the antidiabetic properties of fenugreek seeds. The active ingredient responsible for the antidiabetic properties of fenugreek is in the defatted portion of the seed that contains the alkaloid trogonelline, nicotinic acid and coumarin.
Blueberry leaves (Vaccinium myrtillus)
A decoction of the leaves of the blueberry has a long history of folk use in the treatment of diabetes. The compound myrtillin (an anthocyanoside) is apparently the most active ingredient. Upon injection it is somewhat weaker than insulin, but is less toxic, even at 50 times the 1 g per day therapeutic dose. A single dose can produce beneficial effects lasting several weeks.
Blueberry anthocyanosides also increase capillary integrity, inhibit free-radical damage and improve the tone of the vascular system. In Europe, it is used as an anti-haemorrhagic agent in the treatment of eye diseases including diabetic retinopathy.
Asian Ginseng
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.
A recent study found that 200 mg of ginseng extract per day improved blood sugar control as well as energy levels in Type 2 diabetes (NIDDM).
Bilberry
Bilberry may lower the risk of some diabetic complications, such as diabetic cataracts and retinopathy.
Stevia
Stevia has been used traditionally to treat diabetes. Early reports suggested that stevia might have beneficial effects on glucose tolerance (and therefore potentially help with diabetes), although not all reports have confirmed this. Even if stevia did not have direct antidiabetic effects, its use as a sweetener could reduce intake of sugars in such patients.
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba extract may prove useful for prevention and treatment of early-stage diabetic neuropathy.
Cinnamon - Triples insulin's efficiency
Barberry - One of the mildest and best liver tonics known.
Dosage: tincture, 10-30 drops; standard decoction or 3-9 g.
Herbal Combinations
For all pancreatic problems:
1 part uva ursi
1 part goldenseal
1 part elecampane
2 parts dandelion root
2 parts cedar berries
1 part fennel part ginger
source: http://www.holisticonline.com
Pterocarpus marsupium (Indian Kino, Malabar Kino, Pitasara, Venga)
The tree is the source of the Kino of the European pharmacopeas. The gum-resin looks like dried blood (Dragon's blood), much used in Indian medicine. This herb has a long history of use in India as a treatment for diabetes. The flavonoid, (-)-epicatechin, extracted from the bark of this plant has been shown to prevent alloxan-induced beta cell damage in rats.
Both epicatechin and a crude alcohol extract of Pterocarpus marsupium have actually been shown to regenerate functional pancreatic beta cells. No other drug or natural agent has been shown to generate this activity.
Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia)
Bitter melon, also known as balsam pear, is a tropical vegetable widely cultivated in Asia, Africa and South America, and has been used extensively in folk medicine as a remedy for diabetes. The blood sugar lowering action of the fresh juice or extract of the unripe fruit has been clearly established in both experimental and clinical studies.
Bitter melon is composed of several compounds with confirmed anti-diabetic properties. Charantin, extracted by alcohol, is a hypoglycaemic agent composed of mixed steroids that is more potent than the drug tolbutamide which is often used in the treatment of diabetes. Momordica also contains an insulin-like polypeptide, polypeptide-P, which lowers blood sugar levels when injected subcutaneously into type 1 diabetic patients. The oral administration of 50-60 ml of the juice has shown good results in clinical trials.
Excessively high doses of bitter melon juice can cause abdominal pain and diarrhea. Small children or anyone with hypoglycemia should not take bitter melon, since this herb could theoretically trigger or worsen low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia. Furthermore, diabetics taking hypoglycemic drugs (such as chlorpropamide, glyburide, or phenformin) or insulin should use bitter melon with caution, as it may potentiate the effectiveness of the drugs, leading to severe hypoglycemia.
Gymnema Sylvestre (Gurmar, Meshasringi, Cherukurinja)
Gymnema assists the pancreas in the production of insulin in Type 2 diabetes. Gymnema also improves the ability of insulin to lower blood sugar in both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. It decreases cravings for sweet. This herb can be an excellent substitute for oral blood sugar-lowering drugs in Type 2 diabetes. Some people take 500 mg per day of gymnema extract.
Onion and Garlic ( Allium cepa and Allium sativum)
Onion and garlic have significant blood sugar lowering action. The principal active ingredients are believed to be allyl propyl disulphide (APDS) and diallyl disulphide oxide (allicin), although other constitutents such as flavonoids may play a role as well.
Experimental and clinical evidence suggests that APDS lowers glucose levels by competing with insulin for insulin-inactivating sites in the liver. This results in an increase of free insulin. APDS administered in doses of 125 mg/ kg to fasting humans was found to cause a marked fall in blood glucose levels and an increase in serum insulin. Allicin doses of 100 mg/kg produced a similar effect.
Onion extract was found to reduce blood sugar levels during oral and intravenous glucose tolerance. The effect improved as the dosage was increased; however, beneficial effects were observed even for low levels that used in the diet (eg., 25 to 200 grams). The effects were similar in both raw and boiled onion extracts. Onions affect the hepatic metabolism of glucose and/or increases the release of insulin, and/or prevent insulin's destruction.
The additional benefit of the use of garlic and onions are their beneficial cardiovascular effects. They are found to lower lipid levels, inhibit platelet aggregation and are antihypertensive. So, liberal use of onion and garlic are recommended for diabetic patients.
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)
Experimental and clinical studies have demonstrated the antidiabetic properties of fenugreek seeds. The active ingredient responsible for the antidiabetic properties of fenugreek is in the defatted portion of the seed that contains the alkaloid trogonelline, nicotinic acid and coumarin.
Blueberry leaves (Vaccinium myrtillus)
A decoction of the leaves of the blueberry has a long history of folk use in the treatment of diabetes. The compound myrtillin (an anthocyanoside) is apparently the most active ingredient. Upon injection it is somewhat weaker than insulin, but is less toxic, even at 50 times the 1 g per day therapeutic dose. A single dose can produce beneficial effects lasting several weeks.
Blueberry anthocyanosides also increase capillary integrity, inhibit free-radical damage and improve the tone of the vascular system. In Europe, it is used as an anti-haemorrhagic agent in the treatment of eye diseases including diabetic retinopathy.
Asian Ginseng
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.
A recent study found that 200 mg of ginseng extract per day improved blood sugar control as well as energy levels in Type 2 diabetes (NIDDM).
Bilberry
Bilberry may lower the risk of some diabetic complications, such as diabetic cataracts and retinopathy.
Stevia
Stevia has been used traditionally to treat diabetes. Early reports suggested that stevia might have beneficial effects on glucose tolerance (and therefore potentially help with diabetes), although not all reports have confirmed this. Even if stevia did not have direct antidiabetic effects, its use as a sweetener could reduce intake of sugars in such patients.
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba extract may prove useful for prevention and treatment of early-stage diabetic neuropathy.
Cinnamon - Triples insulin's efficiency
Barberry - One of the mildest and best liver tonics known.
Dosage: tincture, 10-30 drops; standard decoction or 3-9 g.
Herbal Combinations
For all pancreatic problems:
1 part uva ursi
1 part goldenseal
1 part elecampane
2 parts dandelion root
2 parts cedar berries
1 part fennel part ginger
source: http://www.holisticonline.com
Simple Ways to Live a Healthy Lifestyle
You hear a lot about living a healthy lifestyle, but what does that mean? In general, a healthy person doesn't smoke, is at a healthy weight, eats healthy and exercises. Sounds simple, doesn't it?
The trick to healthy living is making small changes...taking more steps, adding fruit to your cereal, having an extra glass of water...these are just a few ways you can start living healthy without drastic changes.
Exercise
One of the biggest problems in America today is lack of activity. We know it's good for us but avoid it like the plague either because we're used to being sedentary or afraid that exercise has to be vigorous to be worth our time. The truth is, movement is movement and the more you do, the healthier you'll be. Even moderate activities like chores, gardening and walking can make a difference.
Just adding a little movement to your life can:
* Reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes
* Improve joint stability
* Increase and improve range of movement
* Help maintain flexibility as you age
* Maintain bone mass
* Prevent osteoporosis and fractures
* Improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression
* Enhance self esteem
* Improve memory in elderly people
* Reduce stress
So, even if you opt for small changes and a more modest weight loss, you can see the benefits are still pretty good. One study has found that just a 10% weight reduction helped obese patients reduce blood pressure, cholesterol and increase longevity.
Simple Ways to Move Your Body
You can start the process of weight loss now by adding a little more activity to your life. If you're not ready for a structured program, start small. Every little bit counts and it all adds up to burning more calories.
* Turn off the TV. Once a week, turn off the TV and do something a little more physical with your family. Play games, take a walk...almost anything will be more active than sitting on the couch.
* Walk more. Look for small ways to walk more. When you get the mail, take a walk around the block, take the dog for an extra outing each day or walk on your treadmill for 5 minutes before getting ready for work.
* Do some chores. Shoveling snow, working in the garden, raking leaves, sweeping the floor...these kinds of activities may not be 'vigorous' exercise, but they can keep you moving while getting your house in order.
* Pace while you talk. When you're on the phone, pace around or even do some cleaning while gabbing. This is a great way to stay moving while doing something you enjoy.
* Be aware. Make a list of all the physical activities you do on a typical day. If you find that the bulk of your time is spent sitting, make another list of all the ways you could move more--getting up each hour to stretch or walk, walk the stairs at work, etc.
Learn about more ways to fit in exercise.
Eating Well
Eating a healthy diet is another part of the healthy lifestyle. Not only can a clean diet help with weight management, it can also improve your health and quality of life as you get older. You can use the new Food Guide Pyramid to determine how many calories you need and what food groups you should focus on or, if you're looking for smaller changes, you can use these tips for simple ways to change how you eat:
* Eat more fruit. Add it to your cereal, your salads or even your dinners
* Sneak in more veggies. Add them wherever you can--a tomato on your sandwich, peppers on your pizza, or extra veggies in your pasta sauce. Keep pre-cut or canned/frozen veggies ready for quick snacks.
* Switch your salad dressing. If you eat full-fat dressing, switch to something lighter and you'll automatically eat less calories.
* Eat low-fat or fat-free dairy. Switching to skim milk or fat free yogurt is another simple way to eat less calories without having to change too much in your diet.
* Make some substitutes. Look through your cabinets or fridge and pick 3 foods you eat every day. Write down the nutritional content and, the next time you're at the store, find lower-calorie substitutes for just those 3 items.
Find more ideas for healthy foods with this Healthy Foods Grocery List.
Creating a healthy lifestyle doesn't have to mean drastic changes. In fact, drastic changes almost always lead to failure. Making small changes in how you live each day can lead to big rewards, so figure out what you can to be healthy today.
source: http://exercise.about.com
The trick to healthy living is making small changes...taking more steps, adding fruit to your cereal, having an extra glass of water...these are just a few ways you can start living healthy without drastic changes.
Exercise
One of the biggest problems in America today is lack of activity. We know it's good for us but avoid it like the plague either because we're used to being sedentary or afraid that exercise has to be vigorous to be worth our time. The truth is, movement is movement and the more you do, the healthier you'll be. Even moderate activities like chores, gardening and walking can make a difference.
Just adding a little movement to your life can:
* Reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes
* Improve joint stability
* Increase and improve range of movement
* Help maintain flexibility as you age
* Maintain bone mass
* Prevent osteoporosis and fractures
* Improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression
* Enhance self esteem
* Improve memory in elderly people
* Reduce stress
So, even if you opt for small changes and a more modest weight loss, you can see the benefits are still pretty good. One study has found that just a 10% weight reduction helped obese patients reduce blood pressure, cholesterol and increase longevity.
Simple Ways to Move Your Body
You can start the process of weight loss now by adding a little more activity to your life. If you're not ready for a structured program, start small. Every little bit counts and it all adds up to burning more calories.
* Turn off the TV. Once a week, turn off the TV and do something a little more physical with your family. Play games, take a walk...almost anything will be more active than sitting on the couch.
* Walk more. Look for small ways to walk more. When you get the mail, take a walk around the block, take the dog for an extra outing each day or walk on your treadmill for 5 minutes before getting ready for work.
* Do some chores. Shoveling snow, working in the garden, raking leaves, sweeping the floor...these kinds of activities may not be 'vigorous' exercise, but they can keep you moving while getting your house in order.
* Pace while you talk. When you're on the phone, pace around or even do some cleaning while gabbing. This is a great way to stay moving while doing something you enjoy.
* Be aware. Make a list of all the physical activities you do on a typical day. If you find that the bulk of your time is spent sitting, make another list of all the ways you could move more--getting up each hour to stretch or walk, walk the stairs at work, etc.
Learn about more ways to fit in exercise.
Eating Well
Eating a healthy diet is another part of the healthy lifestyle. Not only can a clean diet help with weight management, it can also improve your health and quality of life as you get older. You can use the new Food Guide Pyramid to determine how many calories you need and what food groups you should focus on or, if you're looking for smaller changes, you can use these tips for simple ways to change how you eat:
* Eat more fruit. Add it to your cereal, your salads or even your dinners
* Sneak in more veggies. Add them wherever you can--a tomato on your sandwich, peppers on your pizza, or extra veggies in your pasta sauce. Keep pre-cut or canned/frozen veggies ready for quick snacks.
* Switch your salad dressing. If you eat full-fat dressing, switch to something lighter and you'll automatically eat less calories.
* Eat low-fat or fat-free dairy. Switching to skim milk or fat free yogurt is another simple way to eat less calories without having to change too much in your diet.
* Make some substitutes. Look through your cabinets or fridge and pick 3 foods you eat every day. Write down the nutritional content and, the next time you're at the store, find lower-calorie substitutes for just those 3 items.
Find more ideas for healthy foods with this Healthy Foods Grocery List.
Creating a healthy lifestyle doesn't have to mean drastic changes. In fact, drastic changes almost always lead to failure. Making small changes in how you live each day can lead to big rewards, so figure out what you can to be healthy today.
source: http://exercise.about.com
Jumat, 26 Februari 2010
Hemorrhoids Home Treatment - 3 Ways to Prevent and Cure Hemorrhoids
There are few diseases that are more embarrassing than hemorrhoids. The pain, the smell, and the ick: but it doesn't have to be that way.
Hemorrhoids come because of strain on the blood vessels around the anus. This can happen during pregnancy, heavy lifting, during a time of constipation, or it can be a chronic condition.
For most sufferers, and we are told that nearly 50% of the adult population will get hemorrhoids at some time, hemorrhoids will come and go without major symptoms. For others it is not so easy - perhaps they will not treat the hemorrhoids soon enough and they will become serious - pain, bleeding, and anal leakage. Embarrassment enters in and the suffering becomes not only physical but emotional. The sufferer may feel he cannot properly clean himself and avoid company.
Always seek medical advice, but here are some tips for you. Practice these early and nip hemorrhoids in the bud.
If you are having trouble cleaning yourself, use Witch Hazel and pour a little on your toilet paper. This will not only help clean but Witch Hazel is an astringent which means it will help shrink the hemorrhoids. Witch Hazel is available for a couple of bucks at almost all pharmacy's.
Sitz Baths - get some Epsom Salts and dissolve 2 cups in a shallow bath of warm water (there are also attachments for your toilet). Sit in the water with your knees up to your chest so that your buttocks open and allow the water to soothe the hemorrhoids. Soak 10 to 20 minutes several times a day.
Increase fiber in your diet. This means vegetables and fruits - there is no better source. Begin by adding a red apple a day. There is not a truer saying than "an apple a day keeps the doctor away." Apples are a great source not only of fiber but also of the kinds of nutrients that will reinforce the blood vessels all over your body. The fiber will soften the stools, the nutrition will strengthen the vessels around the anus.
Remember to keep the area dry and clean and get that fiber up. Civilization has brought on many medical conditions in our lives and hemorrhoids is just one. Adding fiber and nutrients back into your diet goes a long way toward prevention of this painful, depressing condition. Seek your doctor's advice but effective home treatment of hemorrhoids is possible and is done all the time.
Get hemorrhoids out of your life with effective hemorrhoids home treatment. Take action at the earliest symptoms and avoid the pain and embarrassment that hemorrhoid sufferers endure. Visit http://www.NaturalHemorrhoidTreatment.org for more tips and information to cure your hemorrhoids.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Renee_Pullman
Hemorrhoids come because of strain on the blood vessels around the anus. This can happen during pregnancy, heavy lifting, during a time of constipation, or it can be a chronic condition.
For most sufferers, and we are told that nearly 50% of the adult population will get hemorrhoids at some time, hemorrhoids will come and go without major symptoms. For others it is not so easy - perhaps they will not treat the hemorrhoids soon enough and they will become serious - pain, bleeding, and anal leakage. Embarrassment enters in and the suffering becomes not only physical but emotional. The sufferer may feel he cannot properly clean himself and avoid company.
Always seek medical advice, but here are some tips for you. Practice these early and nip hemorrhoids in the bud.
If you are having trouble cleaning yourself, use Witch Hazel and pour a little on your toilet paper. This will not only help clean but Witch Hazel is an astringent which means it will help shrink the hemorrhoids. Witch Hazel is available for a couple of bucks at almost all pharmacy's.
Sitz Baths - get some Epsom Salts and dissolve 2 cups in a shallow bath of warm water (there are also attachments for your toilet). Sit in the water with your knees up to your chest so that your buttocks open and allow the water to soothe the hemorrhoids. Soak 10 to 20 minutes several times a day.
Increase fiber in your diet. This means vegetables and fruits - there is no better source. Begin by adding a red apple a day. There is not a truer saying than "an apple a day keeps the doctor away." Apples are a great source not only of fiber but also of the kinds of nutrients that will reinforce the blood vessels all over your body. The fiber will soften the stools, the nutrition will strengthen the vessels around the anus.
Remember to keep the area dry and clean and get that fiber up. Civilization has brought on many medical conditions in our lives and hemorrhoids is just one. Adding fiber and nutrients back into your diet goes a long way toward prevention of this painful, depressing condition. Seek your doctor's advice but effective home treatment of hemorrhoids is possible and is done all the time.
Get hemorrhoids out of your life with effective hemorrhoids home treatment. Take action at the earliest symptoms and avoid the pain and embarrassment that hemorrhoid sufferers endure. Visit http://www.NaturalHemorrhoidTreatment.org for more tips and information to cure your hemorrhoids.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Renee_Pullman
When Good Bugs Go Bad
By Robert Lee Lawrence
When Good Bugs Go Bad
Small bowel overgrowth (SBO) is a condition of the small intestine that allows too many bacteria, typically Lactobacillus, to develop and thrive. "So what", you ask? Well the "so what" is that Lactobacillus bacteria are not welcome in that area. They compete with the host (that would be you) for food and the bacteria typically win the fight. Remember that bully in grade school who would always swipe your PB&J from you? You got pretty hungry by the end of the day didn't you? It's like that with SBO because if the bacteria eat your lunch repeatedly you run the risk of malnutrition and a host of unpleasant symptoms.
The small intestine is where the digestion and absorption of your food occurs. Digestion breaks down your meals into the basic carbohydrate, fat and protein macronutrients that a healthy body needs to function at optimum efficiency. As food moves from the early part of the small intestine (duodenum) thru the middle (jejunum) and latter parts of the small intestine (ileum), the bacteria increase from relatively small numbers until they reach their highest levels in the large intestine, the colon. In the small intestine, enzymes, acids, hormones and other chemicals manufactured by the body are added to the food mixture (now called chyme) and are there to help digestion and absorption. The presence of these digestive juices, especially the acid, is why only a few bacteria would be expected to be found in a healthy small intestine.
The colon is where all the unusable material from your food is collected and where the bacteria are most numerous. The water content of this material is about ¾ of the total mass. Of the remaining ¼, approximately 30% is bacteria by weight. The bacteria would include the lactobacillus and other probiotic species as well as approximately 400 other species. The weight of all the bacteria in the gut is about 15 pounds. The large intestine is where the bacteria belong.
The beneficial effects of this large biomass on human health cannot be underestimated. The bacteria promote a cleaning of the intestinal cells, manufacture some vitamins like riboflavin, thiamine, B-12, and, perhaps most importantly, produce vitamin K, which is important in blood clotting and bone formation. Short chain fatty acids (used as a fuel for colonic cells) are also produced. The downside of all this bacterial activity is the amount of toxic waste produced while the bacteria work for us. If the toxins build up, it definitely would qualify as a Superfund site.
In a normally healthy gut, when intestinal cells are functioning in an optimal fashion, the cells are able to absorb the bacterial toxins and neutralize them directly or pass them on to other sites in the body for detoxification. We get sick when the cells and body can no longer neutralize the poisons such as when pathogenic bacteria are present in overwhelming numbers (Montezuma's Revenge) or when the normal ratio of "good versus bad" bacteria is altered (dysbiosis). If the toxins accumulate without control, and the acid/base balance in the colon is significantly altered and disrupted, serious diseases like cancer can result.
We see a decrease in the numbers of the good bacteria, and the development of dysbiosis, in those cases where there is an overuse of antibiotics, antacids, NSAIDs, poor diet, lack of proper nutrition, stress, or in association with hidden food allergies. When colonic dysbiosis occurs, the symptoms you see would include the typical non-specific bloating, gas, diarrhea (sometimes constipation), nausea, and general malaise. There are instances in gut ecology where, because of changes in the intestinal environment, bacterial populations, especially the probiotic Lactobacillus, can migrate into the small intestine. Environmental changes in the gut can happen because of aging when gastric acid production is in decline. As the stomach acid reduces more Lactobacillus survive the journey thru the stomach and into the upper gut and it is easier for them to thrive there. The elderly are more prone to SBO than a younger population and, as a result, develop more issues with nutritional deficiencies. Environmental changes can also happen in cases of pancreatic insufficiency with diseases like pancreatitis or liver diseases like hepatitis. Diabetes, cirrhosis of the liver, Crohn's Disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, intestinal surgeries and Scleroderma are also suspected of contributing to SBO.
When SBO occurs, the symptoms would include the typical non-specific findings of bloating, gas, diarrhea, nausea, and general malaise. Sound familiar? The symptoms are pretty much the same as you would see in colonic dysbiosis and even in Irritable Bowel Syndrome or a Candida overgrowth. In addition, severe cases of SBO can lead indirectly to malnutrition by decreasing the intestine's ability to digest fats and, ultimately, proteins and carbohydrates. With severe, chronic SBO we also see weight loss, B-12 deficiency induced anemia, bone softening, and impaired night vision as the body fails to absorb vitamins because of the diarrhea. In fact chronic diarrhea is considered to be the hallmark of SBO. A recent study in the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology show SBO to be the causative factor of chronic diarrhea in up to 67% of reported cases. In another study in the same journal 48% of cases were diagnosed with SBO. A separate study showed that up to 83% of patients diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome had SBO instead. SBO is definitely good bugs gone bad.
So how do you know if you have SBO? How is it diagnosed? More importantly, if you have it what do you do about it? If you have the symptoms described above and these symptoms have persisted for more than several weeks you should see a physician who is familiar with functional testing. As its name implies, functional testing refers to lab testing that helps determine the function and interplay of a total organ system rather than an isolated portion of that system. Functional tests ask the question "Why"! Traditional testing asks "What"! When you ask "what" is wrong, it only allows for symptom management. If you ask "why" it's wrong, it allows for the complete management of the cause of the symptoms.
There are several types of functional tests important in SBO. One invasive procedure cultures a bacterial sample taken directly from the contents of the duodenum. Stool microbiology offered by some labs identifies an overgrowth of bacteria by direct observation of the bacteria cultured from a stool sample. There is also a breath test that identifies, indirectly, the metabolic waste of the bacteria. Lastly, your doctor can order an evaluation of your urine collected first thing in the morning. This test looks directly at the waste products given off by the bacteria. If SBO is present, several of these waste products will be elevated.
Once diagnosed, your physician can then determine the next steps to take. You certainly don't want to take Lactobacillus containing probiotic supplements until the overgrowth is controlled. You're simply feeding the fire if you do. In some severe cases, antibiotics may be necessary to control SBO. In less severe cases the natural compound approach may be best. This could include various bactericidal herbs like Oregano, Goldenseal, and Garlic. Adding digestive aids like proteolytics, pancreatic enzymes as well as Betaine HCl may be of benefit. Changing your diet to exclude Lacto-fermented and "aged" foods temporarily as well as reducing high glycemic carbohydrates would be advised. It would be important to resolve the underlying cause for the overgrowth if possible. If the condition that allowed the overgrowth to occur in the first place is not considered then the above dietary changes will only offer temporary relief. After the overgrowth is reduced to normal and the causative factors are controlled, it's OK, and advisable, to return the fermented foods and probiotics back into your diet.
So while you may not have heard a lot about SBO, it does mask itself as several other conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Candida, contributes to the symptom picture in many other conditions, and its proper control can certainly make your life a lot easier.
Robert L. Lawrence, MEd, DC, DACBN
Dr. Lawrence maintains a nutrition practice in Lake Worth, Florida. He also serves on the Scientific Advisory Board of Garden of Life whole food supplements. A former instructor at the National University of Health Sciences, he has also served as a consultant in Functional Medicine and Diagnostic Laboratory Testing. Dr. Lawrence has completed an extensive post-doctoral course of study on "Applying Functional Medicine in Clinical Practice" through The Institute of Functional Medicine. He holds degrees in Science Education, Chiropractic Medicine, Clinical Nutrition and is a Diplomate of the American Clinical Board of Nutrition.
http://foundationsclinic.com
drrobertlawrence@yahoo.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_Lee_Lawrence
When Good Bugs Go Bad
Small bowel overgrowth (SBO) is a condition of the small intestine that allows too many bacteria, typically Lactobacillus, to develop and thrive. "So what", you ask? Well the "so what" is that Lactobacillus bacteria are not welcome in that area. They compete with the host (that would be you) for food and the bacteria typically win the fight. Remember that bully in grade school who would always swipe your PB&J from you? You got pretty hungry by the end of the day didn't you? It's like that with SBO because if the bacteria eat your lunch repeatedly you run the risk of malnutrition and a host of unpleasant symptoms.
The small intestine is where the digestion and absorption of your food occurs. Digestion breaks down your meals into the basic carbohydrate, fat and protein macronutrients that a healthy body needs to function at optimum efficiency. As food moves from the early part of the small intestine (duodenum) thru the middle (jejunum) and latter parts of the small intestine (ileum), the bacteria increase from relatively small numbers until they reach their highest levels in the large intestine, the colon. In the small intestine, enzymes, acids, hormones and other chemicals manufactured by the body are added to the food mixture (now called chyme) and are there to help digestion and absorption. The presence of these digestive juices, especially the acid, is why only a few bacteria would be expected to be found in a healthy small intestine.
The colon is where all the unusable material from your food is collected and where the bacteria are most numerous. The water content of this material is about ¾ of the total mass. Of the remaining ¼, approximately 30% is bacteria by weight. The bacteria would include the lactobacillus and other probiotic species as well as approximately 400 other species. The weight of all the bacteria in the gut is about 15 pounds. The large intestine is where the bacteria belong.
The beneficial effects of this large biomass on human health cannot be underestimated. The bacteria promote a cleaning of the intestinal cells, manufacture some vitamins like riboflavin, thiamine, B-12, and, perhaps most importantly, produce vitamin K, which is important in blood clotting and bone formation. Short chain fatty acids (used as a fuel for colonic cells) are also produced. The downside of all this bacterial activity is the amount of toxic waste produced while the bacteria work for us. If the toxins build up, it definitely would qualify as a Superfund site.
In a normally healthy gut, when intestinal cells are functioning in an optimal fashion, the cells are able to absorb the bacterial toxins and neutralize them directly or pass them on to other sites in the body for detoxification. We get sick when the cells and body can no longer neutralize the poisons such as when pathogenic bacteria are present in overwhelming numbers (Montezuma's Revenge) or when the normal ratio of "good versus bad" bacteria is altered (dysbiosis). If the toxins accumulate without control, and the acid/base balance in the colon is significantly altered and disrupted, serious diseases like cancer can result.
We see a decrease in the numbers of the good bacteria, and the development of dysbiosis, in those cases where there is an overuse of antibiotics, antacids, NSAIDs, poor diet, lack of proper nutrition, stress, or in association with hidden food allergies. When colonic dysbiosis occurs, the symptoms you see would include the typical non-specific bloating, gas, diarrhea (sometimes constipation), nausea, and general malaise. There are instances in gut ecology where, because of changes in the intestinal environment, bacterial populations, especially the probiotic Lactobacillus, can migrate into the small intestine. Environmental changes in the gut can happen because of aging when gastric acid production is in decline. As the stomach acid reduces more Lactobacillus survive the journey thru the stomach and into the upper gut and it is easier for them to thrive there. The elderly are more prone to SBO than a younger population and, as a result, develop more issues with nutritional deficiencies. Environmental changes can also happen in cases of pancreatic insufficiency with diseases like pancreatitis or liver diseases like hepatitis. Diabetes, cirrhosis of the liver, Crohn's Disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, intestinal surgeries and Scleroderma are also suspected of contributing to SBO.
When SBO occurs, the symptoms would include the typical non-specific findings of bloating, gas, diarrhea, nausea, and general malaise. Sound familiar? The symptoms are pretty much the same as you would see in colonic dysbiosis and even in Irritable Bowel Syndrome or a Candida overgrowth. In addition, severe cases of SBO can lead indirectly to malnutrition by decreasing the intestine's ability to digest fats and, ultimately, proteins and carbohydrates. With severe, chronic SBO we also see weight loss, B-12 deficiency induced anemia, bone softening, and impaired night vision as the body fails to absorb vitamins because of the diarrhea. In fact chronic diarrhea is considered to be the hallmark of SBO. A recent study in the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology show SBO to be the causative factor of chronic diarrhea in up to 67% of reported cases. In another study in the same journal 48% of cases were diagnosed with SBO. A separate study showed that up to 83% of patients diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome had SBO instead. SBO is definitely good bugs gone bad.
So how do you know if you have SBO? How is it diagnosed? More importantly, if you have it what do you do about it? If you have the symptoms described above and these symptoms have persisted for more than several weeks you should see a physician who is familiar with functional testing. As its name implies, functional testing refers to lab testing that helps determine the function and interplay of a total organ system rather than an isolated portion of that system. Functional tests ask the question "Why"! Traditional testing asks "What"! When you ask "what" is wrong, it only allows for symptom management. If you ask "why" it's wrong, it allows for the complete management of the cause of the symptoms.
There are several types of functional tests important in SBO. One invasive procedure cultures a bacterial sample taken directly from the contents of the duodenum. Stool microbiology offered by some labs identifies an overgrowth of bacteria by direct observation of the bacteria cultured from a stool sample. There is also a breath test that identifies, indirectly, the metabolic waste of the bacteria. Lastly, your doctor can order an evaluation of your urine collected first thing in the morning. This test looks directly at the waste products given off by the bacteria. If SBO is present, several of these waste products will be elevated.
Once diagnosed, your physician can then determine the next steps to take. You certainly don't want to take Lactobacillus containing probiotic supplements until the overgrowth is controlled. You're simply feeding the fire if you do. In some severe cases, antibiotics may be necessary to control SBO. In less severe cases the natural compound approach may be best. This could include various bactericidal herbs like Oregano, Goldenseal, and Garlic. Adding digestive aids like proteolytics, pancreatic enzymes as well as Betaine HCl may be of benefit. Changing your diet to exclude Lacto-fermented and "aged" foods temporarily as well as reducing high glycemic carbohydrates would be advised. It would be important to resolve the underlying cause for the overgrowth if possible. If the condition that allowed the overgrowth to occur in the first place is not considered then the above dietary changes will only offer temporary relief. After the overgrowth is reduced to normal and the causative factors are controlled, it's OK, and advisable, to return the fermented foods and probiotics back into your diet.
So while you may not have heard a lot about SBO, it does mask itself as several other conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Candida, contributes to the symptom picture in many other conditions, and its proper control can certainly make your life a lot easier.
Robert L. Lawrence, MEd, DC, DACBN
Dr. Lawrence maintains a nutrition practice in Lake Worth, Florida. He also serves on the Scientific Advisory Board of Garden of Life whole food supplements. A former instructor at the National University of Health Sciences, he has also served as a consultant in Functional Medicine and Diagnostic Laboratory Testing. Dr. Lawrence has completed an extensive post-doctoral course of study on "Applying Functional Medicine in Clinical Practice" through The Institute of Functional Medicine. He holds degrees in Science Education, Chiropractic Medicine, Clinical Nutrition and is a Diplomate of the American Clinical Board of Nutrition.
http://foundationsclinic.com
drrobertlawrence@yahoo.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_Lee_Lawrence
Facts About Gallbladder Disease
by: By Eric Bakker ND
Gallbladder disease is one of the leading causes of problems with digestion that result in hospital admissions. Did you know that around 10% of the population (on average) in most Western countries has gallstones? Most of these are "silent" but about 4% of patients with stones develop symptoms each year. For about half of them, the symptoms reoccur within 12 months. More men than women suffer from acute gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis), whereas more women than men experience gallstones (men have more kidney stones), and married women with children have more gallstones than unmarried women. The term "gallbladder disease" is in one sense a misnomer, for it is the liver, bile ducts and gallbladder that form the system that enables your body to digest fats and all are likely to participate in gallbladder problems.
I have always said that doctors generally see health problems as conditions with symptoms requiring drugs, whereas surgeons see health problems as conditions requiring the knife, and when a patient is admitted with abdominal discomfort surgeons are often keen to remove the gall bladder as it is believed that it 'serves very little purpose' and that the patient can "live comfortably without it". This is a ridiculous and very untrue notion however, and I want you to think twice about having your gallbladder removed, because over half of people I have seen who had their gallbladder removed still had the same digestive problem they started with in the first place unresolved, yet now without their gallbladder. Once it is out that is it, it does serve a purpose like every organ you were born with and having your gallbladder removed will affect your health to some degree. For some patients, the removal of their gallbladder had a major consequence on their health down the track. For others, it was a minor consequence.
A surgeon I once spoke to many years ago mentioned that the gallbladder operation was one frequently performed in larger hospitals by the younger surgeon to "bring them up to speed" in the operating room. He said that it was a relatively easy operation lasting from thirty to forty minutes enabling them to gain surgical experience before they move onto "bigger and better things" as far as abdominal surgery is concerned. I can't help wondering if all the gallbladder operations performed are really that necessary, because they are so quick to take it out these days. The apprentice mechanic will first be introduced to the engine by learning to replace the spark plugs before he is allowed to work deeper into the engine. If the plugs were removed, carefully cleaned and then replaced they generally last a long time. But then again, today more than half the stuff we buy is made in China and it is "chucked" as soon as it is even slightly defective!
What is the gallbladder's function?
Your gall bladder's main function is to collect and concentrate bile produced by the liver that the body uses to digest fats. Think of bile a bit like you would dishwashing liquid. Have you ever tried to wash dishes with fat or grease on them in water without dishwashing liquid? Not really effective is it? Not at least until you squirt a little dishwashing liquid into the warm water then they are clean in no time. Your gallbladder makes plenty of its own type of "degreasing liquid" called bile. Bile becomes up to twelve times more concentrated in the gallbladder (and hence much more effective) than it was in your liver. Think about this, with your gallbladder gone, your liver now has to produce, store and secrete bile. It can do this but not as effectively as it can without that little purse called the gallbladder hanging by its side.
The liver makes between 600 - 900 mls of bile each day, and what is not sent during meals to the duodenum (beginning of your small bowel) directly via the liver's main duct to emulsify fat, it is diverted through a smaller duct (branching off the main liver duct) to the gallbladder for storage until required. When fat in a meal reaches the duodenum (where most of the food you eat is digested and absorbed), hormones enter the circulation and along with nerve signals, stimulate the gallbladder to contract. This contraction, assisted by the small intestine's contractions, induces the gallbladder's small round muscle and the stored bile is propelled into the duodenum where it mixes with food from your stomach and pancreatic juices from the pancreas by way of the pancreatic duct. If you eat a fairly fatty meal (fish and chips for example) your gallbladder can empty completely within one hour. It is this combination of bile and fats that can make one feel "queasy" at times after a fatty meal.
Bile itself is made up of water, salts, fatty acids, lecithin, cholesterol, bilirubin, and mucus and has two main functions. The first function is to help in the absorption and digestion of fats, and the second to eliminate certain waste products from the body, especially excess cholesterol and the haemoglobin from worn out red blood cells, which have an average lifespan of 3 months.
In particular, the bile
(1) increases the solubility of fat-soluble vitamins, fats and cholesterol to assist in their absorption,
(2) stimulates secretion of water by the colon to help move its contents along,
(3) is a medium for excretion of bilirubin (the chief bile pigment) as a waste product of destroyed red blood cells, other waste products, medical drugs and their degradation products, and other toxins.
Bile salts are in fact re-absorbed into the small intestine, and re-secreted into the bile after extraction by the liver. All bile salts in the body re-circulate some 10 to 12 times a day by means of this so- called enterohepatic circulation. In each circulation small amounts of bile salts enter the colon where bacteria break them down for excretion with the feces.
Who is the greatest at risk of gallstones?
oFemale gender: women outnumber men at least 2:1.
oFamily history
oForty or more years of age
o3 children or more
oDiet: low calorie, low cholesterol, low fat. (especially a diet like this after a diet high in fat)
oDiet: previously high in refined carbs, alcohol, chocolate, chips, etc.
oSmoking
oHigh cholesterol history
oConstipation history
oRapid weight loss
oObesity
oFood allergy history
oDehydration due to not enough water
oLiver problems like cirrhosis or past hepatitis infection
oSensitive to penicillin antibiotics
Signs and symptoms of gallbladder problems
I have seen many women in the clinic who have for years on and off never felt quite well in terms of their digestion. Many have experienced a low grade ill feeling, a digestive discomfort which was put down to indigestion, constipation or diarrhoea or even a "grumbling appendix". They go on for years and years with digestive symptoms and never realise that they may be related to a gallbladder problem. That's because they are so inter-related with other digestive symptoms and too easy for their doctor to say: "You are fine; there is nothing to worry about". Constipation is one of the most commonly missed complaints, and so is farting. Don't be embarrassed here, we all fart, some men (and plenty of smallish children) enjoy boasting about it but women do it too and are generally totally embarrassed. Flatus is most common in bed when you first lie down, during the night or when you get up. This is because your bowel changes its position and gas more easily escapes through the anus with the large intestine in a horizontal rather than in a vertical position. Don't laugh, but do you sometimes feel fat, frumpy and farty and at times "sicky" after eating a fatty meal like fish and chips or chocolate? Does your partner joke about how much you "let off"? Then you may very well have a gallbladder issue.
The Four F's
Have you heard about the four f's? We learn when we study medicine that women who are "fat, fertile, forty and flatulent" are often the gallbladder girls. They are much more prone to having gallstones or a sluggish liver and gallbladder. The following list provided here may be related to gallbladder but please bear in mind that it could also be something else. The first four symptoms mentioned are the most indicative of gallbladder issues. It is not necessary to have all or many symptoms to have gallbladder problems but the more you have from this list, the more confirmation you have that your gallbladder is involved. Please note that it is still advisable to consult your GP for an accurate diagnosis.
Signs and symptoms of impending gallbladder problems
(If you answered yes to the first four (with an asterisk) go to your health-care professional for a more accurate diagnosis.)
o Pain or tenderness under the rib cage on the right side, could be central too*
o Pain between shoulder blades, central but could be under the shoulder blades*
o Stools light or chalky colored*
o Indigestion after eating, especially fatty or greasy foods*
o History of gallstones or gallbladder removal in your family
o Weight gain after recent digestive troubles or after gallbladder removal
o Frequent use of antacids
o Nausea
o Dizziness
o Bloating
o Farting
o Burping or belching up gas easily after meals
o Feeling of fullness or food not digesting
o Diarrhea (or alternating from soft to firm)
o Constipation (or simply skipping a day here or there)
o Headache over eyes, especially right
o Bitter fluid comes up after eating, could be a slight reflux and very subtle
o Frequent use of laxatives
Being big is actually in itself a big risk factor in gallbladder problems, and women with a BMI (body mass index) of 30 or greater are more than double at risk than women who have a BMI of 25 or less. Although a decrease in weight reduces the risk of gallstone formation, there is a 15 to 25 percent increase in gallstone formation during or immediately following weight loss! I have seen this with several patients over the years; they have lost weight and are proud of if only to experience digestive problems and then a bad bout of pain within twelve to eighteen months after the weight loss. A major heart study in America discovered that women with Type 2 Diabetes were almost twice as likely (41.8 percent versus 23.1 percent) that non diabetics to have gallstones, and the risk was highest amongst the 30 to 59yr old group.
I always ask a person these standard questions when they come in with a (suspected) gallbladder dysfunction - "Did you loose weight recently, say in the past two years?" "Have you been on a fat free diet lately?" "What kind of foods/drinks do you like to habitually have?" By asking the right questions, you would be surprised how many will actually tell you what is wrong with them, and their answers can point right to the heart of the problem.
In my observation, the main factors leading to gallbladder attacks and dysfunction are obesity (and rapid weight loss (for example1 pound a week); "fat-free" diets are especially bad. Poor dietary habits - especially too many fatty and fried foods, alcohol, too much dairy food like cheeses and full cream milk, refined sugars and starches, high protein foods (in excess), food allergies, parasites, long-term use of birth control pills, and a sedentary (couch potato) lifestyle. The Atkins diet craze caused a lot of gallbladder problems, for example. Once these factors are operating, bile produced in the liver and flowing through the biliary ducts into the gallbladder becomes too thick, the bile ducts may then become obstructed, gravel and stones may form (90% of all gallstones are cholesterol), and the whole biliary system may become clogged. Other causative factors include insufficient water consumption, a weak immune system (increases likelihood of infection in the gallbladder), as well as diabetes and various liver diseases.
Prevention of gallbladder problems lies in controlling obesity, diet and adequate intake of consuming water, and the use of appropriate physical exercise. Louise Hay, an interesting lady who wrote the famous book "Heal Your Life" way back in 1976 with regard to how emotions can trigger physical problems, mentions that anger, aggressiveness, and bitterness can result in gallbladder problems. Keeping the immune system strong and the liver and small intestine healthy is very important too. Let's look now at some non-medical alternatives once gallbladder problems are evident, and also how to prevent this problem in the first instance.
Food allergies
Often finding and eliminating food allergies can stop frequent attacks of gallbladder pain and prevent unnecessary surgical removal. In one study, avoidance of allergens relieved symptoms in 100% of 69 patients with symptomatic gallstones or post-cholecystectomy (after the operation) syndrome (uncontrolled trial commented on by Dr. Alan Gaby, USA). I'm not convinced just testing for antibodies in terms of food allergies is the way to go, try also: muscle testing, you may know somebody who does do electro-dermal testing. Either way, try going on an elimination or allergy diet, it may be the answer to your problems.
For recurring gallbladder pain - suspect food allergies in just about 100% of patients. On average I find that they are reactive to 4 or 5 foods, and according to Dr. Jonathon Wright, one of America's most experienced natural medicine doctors, egg is generally always one of the prime food allergens involved. There are over 800,000 cholecystectomies (gallbladder operations) performed in USA per annum, they cost $5,000 US to perform. If you do the math here, effective preventative natural medicine treatment could spare 4 billion US dollars with gallbladder conditions alone. I can imagine how many of the operations are performed needlessly in NZ each year, and it is truely amazing how many people I have seen who have their gallbladder out only to find that it did not fix up the problem they originally went to the doctor for in the first place.
Other medical methods of handling gallstones in the gallbladder include attempts to fragment them with sonic shock waves (lithotripsy). Of course there are other times when surgery may become necessary, such as in perforation of the gallbladder (often from gangrene) or where for example non-benign tumours and cancers are present. All this is what I call "crisis medicine," so common in the orthodox medical procedures used in the hospital system. Does it not make sense to prevent a gallbladder condition in the first place rather than waiting for disaster to strike and then to take action?
How is your back? See your Chiropractor; you may have mid-thoracic vertebral subluxations. If you have back issues, your fourth thoracic vertebrae may a bit "dodgey", you could be looking at a subluxations which means a slight dislocation (misalignment) or biomechanical malfunctioning of the vertebrae (the bones of the spine). These disturbances may irritate nerve roots and the blood vessels which branch off from the spinal cord between each of the vertebrae, and if this is what is happening around the middle of your back it could be affecting your gallbladder.
Gallbladder removed? - take bile salts
I always recommend that a patient who has had their gallbladder removed take bile salts (digestive enzymes) because fats & oils are not properly digested and absorbed by these folk. I always give bile salts when I give them fish-oil, or Vitamin A. Digestive enzymes are essential for those who have had their gallbladder removed, they will feel a lot better for taking them regularly. Their digestion will improve, their bowels will work better and they will feel less full and bloated. For patients who do not improve their diet following surgical removal of the gallbladder the removal leaves the person with an increased risk of colon cancer. Although fast relief of some symptoms can follow this surgery, the relief is often short-lived and the basic causes are still present. If you have lost your gallbladder, the regular use of bile salts at the start of meals can help substantially, including better processing of the fat-soluble essential nutrients such as essential fatty acids and vitamins A, D, E, and K. Probably the best way to tell if you are using enough bile salts is to monitor the colour of the stool. If the colour is lighter than the normal brown colour, or is even a light beige or yellow, this implies insufficient bile flow; with it's under absorption of essential nutrients, and a need for more bile salts. Such a need for more bile salts will be greater after a meal with greater amounts of fats and oils. Talk to your Naturopath more here, he or she can recommend a product which should work well. I generally find that the digestive enzymes prescribed by your Naturopath to be stronger and much more effective than the retail (health-food shop) products. That is why they are classified as "practitioner-only" products.
Useful herbal supplements with liver & gallbladder complaints: Swedish bitters, milk thistle, chamomile, peppermint, greater celandine, gymnema, gravel root, dandelion leaf & root, chicory, rhubarb, burdock, cramp bark, ginger root, fennel, and turmeric.
Homeopathic medicine: one of the most specific homeopathic medicines is Chelidonium 30C, and I recommend this remedy for patients who complain of right-sided pains radiating through the back, pains radiating to the right shoulder blade region. It is mainly thought of as a liver remedy, but I find it fantastic for gallbladder disorders as well.
Diet
Eliminate refined sugar and other refined carbohydrates, because it is these foods which in particular increases the cholesterol saturation of bile. Gallbladder problems don't generally happen in under developed countries, they are a phenomenon of the Western developed world. We call these sorts of health problems the "diseases of modern civilisation". You will find that our Western diet is the highly refined one, most people eat foods from the supermarket and our diets are the ones high in the refined sugars, starches and flours.
Foods and drinks to strictly avoid One of the worst beverages to drink with gallbladder issues is coffee whether decaffeinated or not, it aggravates symptoms by causing the gallbladder to contract along with sugar. So, sugar and coffee is not a good idea! I also tell patients to avoid chocolate, deep fried foods and saturated animal fats in general. Most tell me that they cannot tolerate these foods anyway, so listen to your body and avoid what makes you feel unwell or sick.
Gallbladder foods which have a particular favourable effect include beetroot, Brussels sprouts, fennel, sauerkraut, parsley, artichokes, pears, granny smith apples and the bitter foods such as rocket, endive, chicory, and capers.
Consume a little olive oil daily One way to prevent build-up of gallstones is to eat some oil, particularly extra virgin olive oil, daily; this encourages the gallbladder to contract and to daily "sand dump" its contents into the small intestine, preventing sludge from accumulating and forming gallstones.
Treatments
Warm castor oil packs. All you need is 200ml castor oil (try the chemist or supermarket), and old saucepan, an old cloth, and an old towel. Just warm the old cloth in the pot of oil until it is quite warm, squeeze it out and apply it over the region of the gallbladder - central a little to the right just near where your ribcage finishes. Cover with the old towel, place a hot water bottle on top for added warmth and lie down for fifteen to twenty minutes, then rub the area for 2 minutes with an ice cube in a cloth-repeat 3 times once daily for a week can sometimes dislodge gallstones, and is especially a powerful treatment if used in conjunction with the flush and dietary approach. Careful with castor oil, it can stain.
Liver and gallbladder flush: there are many different gallbladder and liver flushes that will work if you have had recurrent gallbladder problems and your diet has been typically Kiwi. You really need to work in with your health-care professional like your naturopath here. I have guided many patients through this procedure the past twenty years and have never experienced a problem, and to be honest have very rarely found somebody with a "gallstone too big to pass" as some may fear.
For a gallbladder "attack" try these recipes
Here are a couple of tips to try with acute pain, if the pain doesn't subside, seek medical opinion.
o Drink 1 tbsp of apple cider in a glass of apple juice (warmed). This should relieve the pain quickly.
o In a small glass add ¼ tsp turmeric, ¼ tsp cumin, and ½ tsp Manuka honey - top with boiling water, stir to dissolve and mix together, drink when warm. Take: 3 times a day.
o Citrus tea: have 3 glasses daily of tea made by boiling for 20 minutes in water the rind of a grapefruit.
Recommendations stopping future gallbladder attacks
1. Each morning, drink a "gallbladder attack flush"; 300mls Apple juice (or dilute with water), 3 cloves of raw finely chopped garlic, 1-2 inches of raw finely chopped ginger root, mix well in blender. This drink helps soften sludge and helps prepare your gallbladder to dump rubbish.
2.Liver & gallbladder flush. One simple flush is to drink 3 Tbs of extra-virgin olive oil with the juice of a lemon before retiring and on awakening for at least 3 days, or until no more stones pass. I have other flushes but tend to use them in a consultation with the patient only. This is one procedure in my opinion you are best not to do yourself at home without any guidance, but get the advice from a qualified Naturopath, preferably one with experience in this area.
3.Eat a well balanced diet of 50% raw or partially steamed foods and fresh juices, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts/seeds. This low saturated fat, high fiber diet is a must for healing gallbladder disorders. Flaxseed and olive oil are great additions to your diet for repair and prevention of gallstones. Bitter foods (see below) are a great addition, and will help prevent a build up in future. The two top foods to consume? - Lemon juice and olive oil.
4.Increased your intake of Vitamin C can help with gallbladder ailments. Replenish your vitamin C stores by eating plenty of vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables on a daily basis. Good sources include capsicums (red/green/yellow), berries, lemons, and broccoli/green leafy veg. I recommend a high grade Vitamin C powder daily for the prevention and maintenance of many conditions in the body.
5.Herbal detoxification products may be helpful in stopping and reversing a gallbladder attack. I suggest using formulas that use organic, whole herbs. There are some excellent products available, just ask your herbalist or naturopath.
3 tips for after the gallstones have passed
o Dr. Dick Versendaal, a Chiropractor from America recommends his "carotid-umbilicus technique". For the best results, it is to used every 15 minutes for 1-3 hours as follows (it's easier if someone else does it on you than you try to do it yourself ): using the index finger, apply a steady pressure into the belly button for 5 minutes, such as to depress the belly button 1-1 ½ inches (but avoiding pain). Do this once a day for up to 12 weeks after the stones are passed, it will help your gallbladder a lot.
o Firm rubbing for at least 30 seconds1-2 times a day of the neuro-lymphatic reflexes (these points may feel quite tender if you have gallbladder issues) between ribs 3 and 4, and ribs 4 and 5, just to each side of the breastbone, and between ribs 5 and 6 just under the nipple of the right breast can be quite helpful.
o Also softly holding (not pressing or rubbing) for at least one minute the neurovascular reflexes at the anterior fontanel (front of head the baby's soft spot near crown of head- locate at tip of middle finger when the wrist crease of either hand is placed on the eye brows and the middle finger extended onto the midline of the skull) and at the hairline on the forehead directly above the outer corner of each eye. Look for the "tender spots", you will find them.
For more information about Eric Bakker ND please visit http://www.naturopath.co.nz
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eric_Bakker_ND
Gallbladder disease is one of the leading causes of problems with digestion that result in hospital admissions. Did you know that around 10% of the population (on average) in most Western countries has gallstones? Most of these are "silent" but about 4% of patients with stones develop symptoms each year. For about half of them, the symptoms reoccur within 12 months. More men than women suffer from acute gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis), whereas more women than men experience gallstones (men have more kidney stones), and married women with children have more gallstones than unmarried women. The term "gallbladder disease" is in one sense a misnomer, for it is the liver, bile ducts and gallbladder that form the system that enables your body to digest fats and all are likely to participate in gallbladder problems.
I have always said that doctors generally see health problems as conditions with symptoms requiring drugs, whereas surgeons see health problems as conditions requiring the knife, and when a patient is admitted with abdominal discomfort surgeons are often keen to remove the gall bladder as it is believed that it 'serves very little purpose' and that the patient can "live comfortably without it". This is a ridiculous and very untrue notion however, and I want you to think twice about having your gallbladder removed, because over half of people I have seen who had their gallbladder removed still had the same digestive problem they started with in the first place unresolved, yet now without their gallbladder. Once it is out that is it, it does serve a purpose like every organ you were born with and having your gallbladder removed will affect your health to some degree. For some patients, the removal of their gallbladder had a major consequence on their health down the track. For others, it was a minor consequence.
A surgeon I once spoke to many years ago mentioned that the gallbladder operation was one frequently performed in larger hospitals by the younger surgeon to "bring them up to speed" in the operating room. He said that it was a relatively easy operation lasting from thirty to forty minutes enabling them to gain surgical experience before they move onto "bigger and better things" as far as abdominal surgery is concerned. I can't help wondering if all the gallbladder operations performed are really that necessary, because they are so quick to take it out these days. The apprentice mechanic will first be introduced to the engine by learning to replace the spark plugs before he is allowed to work deeper into the engine. If the plugs were removed, carefully cleaned and then replaced they generally last a long time. But then again, today more than half the stuff we buy is made in China and it is "chucked" as soon as it is even slightly defective!
What is the gallbladder's function?
Your gall bladder's main function is to collect and concentrate bile produced by the liver that the body uses to digest fats. Think of bile a bit like you would dishwashing liquid. Have you ever tried to wash dishes with fat or grease on them in water without dishwashing liquid? Not really effective is it? Not at least until you squirt a little dishwashing liquid into the warm water then they are clean in no time. Your gallbladder makes plenty of its own type of "degreasing liquid" called bile. Bile becomes up to twelve times more concentrated in the gallbladder (and hence much more effective) than it was in your liver. Think about this, with your gallbladder gone, your liver now has to produce, store and secrete bile. It can do this but not as effectively as it can without that little purse called the gallbladder hanging by its side.
The liver makes between 600 - 900 mls of bile each day, and what is not sent during meals to the duodenum (beginning of your small bowel) directly via the liver's main duct to emulsify fat, it is diverted through a smaller duct (branching off the main liver duct) to the gallbladder for storage until required. When fat in a meal reaches the duodenum (where most of the food you eat is digested and absorbed), hormones enter the circulation and along with nerve signals, stimulate the gallbladder to contract. This contraction, assisted by the small intestine's contractions, induces the gallbladder's small round muscle and the stored bile is propelled into the duodenum where it mixes with food from your stomach and pancreatic juices from the pancreas by way of the pancreatic duct. If you eat a fairly fatty meal (fish and chips for example) your gallbladder can empty completely within one hour. It is this combination of bile and fats that can make one feel "queasy" at times after a fatty meal.
Bile itself is made up of water, salts, fatty acids, lecithin, cholesterol, bilirubin, and mucus and has two main functions. The first function is to help in the absorption and digestion of fats, and the second to eliminate certain waste products from the body, especially excess cholesterol and the haemoglobin from worn out red blood cells, which have an average lifespan of 3 months.
In particular, the bile
(1) increases the solubility of fat-soluble vitamins, fats and cholesterol to assist in their absorption,
(2) stimulates secretion of water by the colon to help move its contents along,
(3) is a medium for excretion of bilirubin (the chief bile pigment) as a waste product of destroyed red blood cells, other waste products, medical drugs and their degradation products, and other toxins.
Bile salts are in fact re-absorbed into the small intestine, and re-secreted into the bile after extraction by the liver. All bile salts in the body re-circulate some 10 to 12 times a day by means of this so- called enterohepatic circulation. In each circulation small amounts of bile salts enter the colon where bacteria break them down for excretion with the feces.
Who is the greatest at risk of gallstones?
oFemale gender: women outnumber men at least 2:1.
oFamily history
oForty or more years of age
o3 children or more
oDiet: low calorie, low cholesterol, low fat. (especially a diet like this after a diet high in fat)
oDiet: previously high in refined carbs, alcohol, chocolate, chips, etc.
oSmoking
oHigh cholesterol history
oConstipation history
oRapid weight loss
oObesity
oFood allergy history
oDehydration due to not enough water
oLiver problems like cirrhosis or past hepatitis infection
oSensitive to penicillin antibiotics
Signs and symptoms of gallbladder problems
I have seen many women in the clinic who have for years on and off never felt quite well in terms of their digestion. Many have experienced a low grade ill feeling, a digestive discomfort which was put down to indigestion, constipation or diarrhoea or even a "grumbling appendix". They go on for years and years with digestive symptoms and never realise that they may be related to a gallbladder problem. That's because they are so inter-related with other digestive symptoms and too easy for their doctor to say: "You are fine; there is nothing to worry about". Constipation is one of the most commonly missed complaints, and so is farting. Don't be embarrassed here, we all fart, some men (and plenty of smallish children) enjoy boasting about it but women do it too and are generally totally embarrassed. Flatus is most common in bed when you first lie down, during the night or when you get up. This is because your bowel changes its position and gas more easily escapes through the anus with the large intestine in a horizontal rather than in a vertical position. Don't laugh, but do you sometimes feel fat, frumpy and farty and at times "sicky" after eating a fatty meal like fish and chips or chocolate? Does your partner joke about how much you "let off"? Then you may very well have a gallbladder issue.
The Four F's
Have you heard about the four f's? We learn when we study medicine that women who are "fat, fertile, forty and flatulent" are often the gallbladder girls. They are much more prone to having gallstones or a sluggish liver and gallbladder. The following list provided here may be related to gallbladder but please bear in mind that it could also be something else. The first four symptoms mentioned are the most indicative of gallbladder issues. It is not necessary to have all or many symptoms to have gallbladder problems but the more you have from this list, the more confirmation you have that your gallbladder is involved. Please note that it is still advisable to consult your GP for an accurate diagnosis.
Signs and symptoms of impending gallbladder problems
(If you answered yes to the first four (with an asterisk) go to your health-care professional for a more accurate diagnosis.)
o Pain or tenderness under the rib cage on the right side, could be central too*
o Pain between shoulder blades, central but could be under the shoulder blades*
o Stools light or chalky colored*
o Indigestion after eating, especially fatty or greasy foods*
o History of gallstones or gallbladder removal in your family
o Weight gain after recent digestive troubles or after gallbladder removal
o Frequent use of antacids
o Nausea
o Dizziness
o Bloating
o Farting
o Burping or belching up gas easily after meals
o Feeling of fullness or food not digesting
o Diarrhea (or alternating from soft to firm)
o Constipation (or simply skipping a day here or there)
o Headache over eyes, especially right
o Bitter fluid comes up after eating, could be a slight reflux and very subtle
o Frequent use of laxatives
Being big is actually in itself a big risk factor in gallbladder problems, and women with a BMI (body mass index) of 30 or greater are more than double at risk than women who have a BMI of 25 or less. Although a decrease in weight reduces the risk of gallstone formation, there is a 15 to 25 percent increase in gallstone formation during or immediately following weight loss! I have seen this with several patients over the years; they have lost weight and are proud of if only to experience digestive problems and then a bad bout of pain within twelve to eighteen months after the weight loss. A major heart study in America discovered that women with Type 2 Diabetes were almost twice as likely (41.8 percent versus 23.1 percent) that non diabetics to have gallstones, and the risk was highest amongst the 30 to 59yr old group.
I always ask a person these standard questions when they come in with a (suspected) gallbladder dysfunction - "Did you loose weight recently, say in the past two years?" "Have you been on a fat free diet lately?" "What kind of foods/drinks do you like to habitually have?" By asking the right questions, you would be surprised how many will actually tell you what is wrong with them, and their answers can point right to the heart of the problem.
In my observation, the main factors leading to gallbladder attacks and dysfunction are obesity (and rapid weight loss (for example1 pound a week); "fat-free" diets are especially bad. Poor dietary habits - especially too many fatty and fried foods, alcohol, too much dairy food like cheeses and full cream milk, refined sugars and starches, high protein foods (in excess), food allergies, parasites, long-term use of birth control pills, and a sedentary (couch potato) lifestyle. The Atkins diet craze caused a lot of gallbladder problems, for example. Once these factors are operating, bile produced in the liver and flowing through the biliary ducts into the gallbladder becomes too thick, the bile ducts may then become obstructed, gravel and stones may form (90% of all gallstones are cholesterol), and the whole biliary system may become clogged. Other causative factors include insufficient water consumption, a weak immune system (increases likelihood of infection in the gallbladder), as well as diabetes and various liver diseases.
Prevention of gallbladder problems lies in controlling obesity, diet and adequate intake of consuming water, and the use of appropriate physical exercise. Louise Hay, an interesting lady who wrote the famous book "Heal Your Life" way back in 1976 with regard to how emotions can trigger physical problems, mentions that anger, aggressiveness, and bitterness can result in gallbladder problems. Keeping the immune system strong and the liver and small intestine healthy is very important too. Let's look now at some non-medical alternatives once gallbladder problems are evident, and also how to prevent this problem in the first instance.
Food allergies
Often finding and eliminating food allergies can stop frequent attacks of gallbladder pain and prevent unnecessary surgical removal. In one study, avoidance of allergens relieved symptoms in 100% of 69 patients with symptomatic gallstones or post-cholecystectomy (after the operation) syndrome (uncontrolled trial commented on by Dr. Alan Gaby, USA). I'm not convinced just testing for antibodies in terms of food allergies is the way to go, try also: muscle testing, you may know somebody who does do electro-dermal testing. Either way, try going on an elimination or allergy diet, it may be the answer to your problems.
For recurring gallbladder pain - suspect food allergies in just about 100% of patients. On average I find that they are reactive to 4 or 5 foods, and according to Dr. Jonathon Wright, one of America's most experienced natural medicine doctors, egg is generally always one of the prime food allergens involved. There are over 800,000 cholecystectomies (gallbladder operations) performed in USA per annum, they cost $5,000 US to perform. If you do the math here, effective preventative natural medicine treatment could spare 4 billion US dollars with gallbladder conditions alone. I can imagine how many of the operations are performed needlessly in NZ each year, and it is truely amazing how many people I have seen who have their gallbladder out only to find that it did not fix up the problem they originally went to the doctor for in the first place.
Other medical methods of handling gallstones in the gallbladder include attempts to fragment them with sonic shock waves (lithotripsy). Of course there are other times when surgery may become necessary, such as in perforation of the gallbladder (often from gangrene) or where for example non-benign tumours and cancers are present. All this is what I call "crisis medicine," so common in the orthodox medical procedures used in the hospital system. Does it not make sense to prevent a gallbladder condition in the first place rather than waiting for disaster to strike and then to take action?
How is your back? See your Chiropractor; you may have mid-thoracic vertebral subluxations. If you have back issues, your fourth thoracic vertebrae may a bit "dodgey", you could be looking at a subluxations which means a slight dislocation (misalignment) or biomechanical malfunctioning of the vertebrae (the bones of the spine). These disturbances may irritate nerve roots and the blood vessels which branch off from the spinal cord between each of the vertebrae, and if this is what is happening around the middle of your back it could be affecting your gallbladder.
Gallbladder removed? - take bile salts
I always recommend that a patient who has had their gallbladder removed take bile salts (digestive enzymes) because fats & oils are not properly digested and absorbed by these folk. I always give bile salts when I give them fish-oil, or Vitamin A. Digestive enzymes are essential for those who have had their gallbladder removed, they will feel a lot better for taking them regularly. Their digestion will improve, their bowels will work better and they will feel less full and bloated. For patients who do not improve their diet following surgical removal of the gallbladder the removal leaves the person with an increased risk of colon cancer. Although fast relief of some symptoms can follow this surgery, the relief is often short-lived and the basic causes are still present. If you have lost your gallbladder, the regular use of bile salts at the start of meals can help substantially, including better processing of the fat-soluble essential nutrients such as essential fatty acids and vitamins A, D, E, and K. Probably the best way to tell if you are using enough bile salts is to monitor the colour of the stool. If the colour is lighter than the normal brown colour, or is even a light beige or yellow, this implies insufficient bile flow; with it's under absorption of essential nutrients, and a need for more bile salts. Such a need for more bile salts will be greater after a meal with greater amounts of fats and oils. Talk to your Naturopath more here, he or she can recommend a product which should work well. I generally find that the digestive enzymes prescribed by your Naturopath to be stronger and much more effective than the retail (health-food shop) products. That is why they are classified as "practitioner-only" products.
Useful herbal supplements with liver & gallbladder complaints: Swedish bitters, milk thistle, chamomile, peppermint, greater celandine, gymnema, gravel root, dandelion leaf & root, chicory, rhubarb, burdock, cramp bark, ginger root, fennel, and turmeric.
Homeopathic medicine: one of the most specific homeopathic medicines is Chelidonium 30C, and I recommend this remedy for patients who complain of right-sided pains radiating through the back, pains radiating to the right shoulder blade region. It is mainly thought of as a liver remedy, but I find it fantastic for gallbladder disorders as well.
Diet
Eliminate refined sugar and other refined carbohydrates, because it is these foods which in particular increases the cholesterol saturation of bile. Gallbladder problems don't generally happen in under developed countries, they are a phenomenon of the Western developed world. We call these sorts of health problems the "diseases of modern civilisation". You will find that our Western diet is the highly refined one, most people eat foods from the supermarket and our diets are the ones high in the refined sugars, starches and flours.
Foods and drinks to strictly avoid One of the worst beverages to drink with gallbladder issues is coffee whether decaffeinated or not, it aggravates symptoms by causing the gallbladder to contract along with sugar. So, sugar and coffee is not a good idea! I also tell patients to avoid chocolate, deep fried foods and saturated animal fats in general. Most tell me that they cannot tolerate these foods anyway, so listen to your body and avoid what makes you feel unwell or sick.
Gallbladder foods which have a particular favourable effect include beetroot, Brussels sprouts, fennel, sauerkraut, parsley, artichokes, pears, granny smith apples and the bitter foods such as rocket, endive, chicory, and capers.
Consume a little olive oil daily One way to prevent build-up of gallstones is to eat some oil, particularly extra virgin olive oil, daily; this encourages the gallbladder to contract and to daily "sand dump" its contents into the small intestine, preventing sludge from accumulating and forming gallstones.
Treatments
Warm castor oil packs. All you need is 200ml castor oil (try the chemist or supermarket), and old saucepan, an old cloth, and an old towel. Just warm the old cloth in the pot of oil until it is quite warm, squeeze it out and apply it over the region of the gallbladder - central a little to the right just near where your ribcage finishes. Cover with the old towel, place a hot water bottle on top for added warmth and lie down for fifteen to twenty minutes, then rub the area for 2 minutes with an ice cube in a cloth-repeat 3 times once daily for a week can sometimes dislodge gallstones, and is especially a powerful treatment if used in conjunction with the flush and dietary approach. Careful with castor oil, it can stain.
Liver and gallbladder flush: there are many different gallbladder and liver flushes that will work if you have had recurrent gallbladder problems and your diet has been typically Kiwi. You really need to work in with your health-care professional like your naturopath here. I have guided many patients through this procedure the past twenty years and have never experienced a problem, and to be honest have very rarely found somebody with a "gallstone too big to pass" as some may fear.
For a gallbladder "attack" try these recipes
Here are a couple of tips to try with acute pain, if the pain doesn't subside, seek medical opinion.
o Drink 1 tbsp of apple cider in a glass of apple juice (warmed). This should relieve the pain quickly.
o In a small glass add ¼ tsp turmeric, ¼ tsp cumin, and ½ tsp Manuka honey - top with boiling water, stir to dissolve and mix together, drink when warm. Take: 3 times a day.
o Citrus tea: have 3 glasses daily of tea made by boiling for 20 minutes in water the rind of a grapefruit.
Recommendations stopping future gallbladder attacks
1. Each morning, drink a "gallbladder attack flush"; 300mls Apple juice (or dilute with water), 3 cloves of raw finely chopped garlic, 1-2 inches of raw finely chopped ginger root, mix well in blender. This drink helps soften sludge and helps prepare your gallbladder to dump rubbish.
2.Liver & gallbladder flush. One simple flush is to drink 3 Tbs of extra-virgin olive oil with the juice of a lemon before retiring and on awakening for at least 3 days, or until no more stones pass. I have other flushes but tend to use them in a consultation with the patient only. This is one procedure in my opinion you are best not to do yourself at home without any guidance, but get the advice from a qualified Naturopath, preferably one with experience in this area.
3.Eat a well balanced diet of 50% raw or partially steamed foods and fresh juices, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts/seeds. This low saturated fat, high fiber diet is a must for healing gallbladder disorders. Flaxseed and olive oil are great additions to your diet for repair and prevention of gallstones. Bitter foods (see below) are a great addition, and will help prevent a build up in future. The two top foods to consume? - Lemon juice and olive oil.
4.Increased your intake of Vitamin C can help with gallbladder ailments. Replenish your vitamin C stores by eating plenty of vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables on a daily basis. Good sources include capsicums (red/green/yellow), berries, lemons, and broccoli/green leafy veg. I recommend a high grade Vitamin C powder daily for the prevention and maintenance of many conditions in the body.
5.Herbal detoxification products may be helpful in stopping and reversing a gallbladder attack. I suggest using formulas that use organic, whole herbs. There are some excellent products available, just ask your herbalist or naturopath.
3 tips for after the gallstones have passed
o Dr. Dick Versendaal, a Chiropractor from America recommends his "carotid-umbilicus technique". For the best results, it is to used every 15 minutes for 1-3 hours as follows (it's easier if someone else does it on you than you try to do it yourself ): using the index finger, apply a steady pressure into the belly button for 5 minutes, such as to depress the belly button 1-1 ½ inches (but avoiding pain). Do this once a day for up to 12 weeks after the stones are passed, it will help your gallbladder a lot.
o Firm rubbing for at least 30 seconds1-2 times a day of the neuro-lymphatic reflexes (these points may feel quite tender if you have gallbladder issues) between ribs 3 and 4, and ribs 4 and 5, just to each side of the breastbone, and between ribs 5 and 6 just under the nipple of the right breast can be quite helpful.
o Also softly holding (not pressing or rubbing) for at least one minute the neurovascular reflexes at the anterior fontanel (front of head the baby's soft spot near crown of head- locate at tip of middle finger when the wrist crease of either hand is placed on the eye brows and the middle finger extended onto the midline of the skull) and at the hairline on the forehead directly above the outer corner of each eye. Look for the "tender spots", you will find them.
For more information about Eric Bakker ND please visit http://www.naturopath.co.nz
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eric_Bakker_ND
How Fungus Spreads and How to Treat It
Everyone has ten fingers where fungus may infect, but more than ten reasons to get rid of fingernail fungus. Nail fungus make your nails jagged and brittle, and you will lost confidence with embarrassing appearance of nail fungus. Do you know the reason how fingernail fungus spreads and what you can do to eliminate it.
If you left untreated, the longer you wait, nail fungus can spread out to other hand or toes of body. this may get serious health risks. Most of people do not know how to deal with this.many people just let it spread and develop simply. Actually it is not difficult to remove fingernail fungus. To protect yourself, try to know the facts and the fiction on fungus.
Most people thing that fingernail fungus is the result of poor hygiene and this poor hygiene encouraged the spread of the disease. which let sufferers an undeserved social stigma. The truth is that you can not remove fungus by washing, scrubbing or using any kind of cleansing regimen. The reason that you gotten started because bacterial infections may from others who has skin and nail problems. You may think use soap to eliminate fingernail fungus. However, this does not works. To eliminate fingernail fungus, you need to kick your immune system into high gear.
Another common reason is that you will catch fingernail fungus by going to a communal area where bare feet are exposed, such as public swimming poor, public shower, school gymnasium, or a locker room where fungus may attack your nails. You may think avoiding there area will help you to eliminate this problem. However, this is not true. Because nail fungus is not highly contagious between people. You can find fungus everywhere including floating in water, lodged in soil, even in the air. Many healthy people are exposed to different kind of fungus every day.
Always keep your nails clean and dry. Never allow moisture to remain under the nails. Do not pick at the skin around the nails, and wash your hands frequently. This will keep germs from breeding in and around the nail. Visit a reputable manicurist who uses sterilized instruments. Do not apply nail polish or artificial nails. All of these affords will help to cure it. Also, some treatments such as Claripro nail fungus treatment can give you a big help in just a few weeks!
More information related with Health Special Problem, please go to Health Treatment and Reviews
by: By Cherry Rivers
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cherry_Rivers
If you left untreated, the longer you wait, nail fungus can spread out to other hand or toes of body. this may get serious health risks. Most of people do not know how to deal with this.many people just let it spread and develop simply. Actually it is not difficult to remove fingernail fungus. To protect yourself, try to know the facts and the fiction on fungus.
Most people thing that fingernail fungus is the result of poor hygiene and this poor hygiene encouraged the spread of the disease. which let sufferers an undeserved social stigma. The truth is that you can not remove fungus by washing, scrubbing or using any kind of cleansing regimen. The reason that you gotten started because bacterial infections may from others who has skin and nail problems. You may think use soap to eliminate fingernail fungus. However, this does not works. To eliminate fingernail fungus, you need to kick your immune system into high gear.
Another common reason is that you will catch fingernail fungus by going to a communal area where bare feet are exposed, such as public swimming poor, public shower, school gymnasium, or a locker room where fungus may attack your nails. You may think avoiding there area will help you to eliminate this problem. However, this is not true. Because nail fungus is not highly contagious between people. You can find fungus everywhere including floating in water, lodged in soil, even in the air. Many healthy people are exposed to different kind of fungus every day.
Always keep your nails clean and dry. Never allow moisture to remain under the nails. Do not pick at the skin around the nails, and wash your hands frequently. This will keep germs from breeding in and around the nail. Visit a reputable manicurist who uses sterilized instruments. Do not apply nail polish or artificial nails. All of these affords will help to cure it. Also, some treatments such as Claripro nail fungus treatment can give you a big help in just a few weeks!
More information related with Health Special Problem, please go to Health Treatment and Reviews
by: By Cherry Rivers
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cherry_Rivers
Top Options For Hemorrhoids Treatments
If you have hemorrhoids then you will probably be thinking how to locate the top treatment of hemorrhoids which will work effective for you. Well, as a way to look at this the most crucial thing that you first need to sort out is what is causing your hemorrhoids to begin with. To begin this you need to go to a physician in case you observe one of the signs or symptoms connected with the condition. Neglecting the matter often leads onto further medical problems which can be more serious.
Therefore, in order to find the correct treatment you might want to know exactly what the reason is. In many cases this may be something as simple as constipation and straining when you are on the toilet. The simplest way to sort this out is usually to ensure that you receive adequate fiber into your own diet to assist you with your digestive system.
Also you can consider a laxative however, this will only sort the issue out in the short term and the issue might re-appear unless you are willing to invest in adjusting your eating habits to include enough fiber. Its also recommended to make sure that you are also obtaining plenty of essential fluids as this will assist to soften the stool and also ease its passing.
Generally men and women will also get hemorrhoids or piles solely just because that they do not sit down in the right position on the toilet and stay there for prolonged periods of time. This may also be related to difficulty with constipation if you do take a while on the toilet. It is important that you let the process occur normally and that you sit in the right position that does not place a strain on your rectal region.
There is also other fixative methods that one could take on if the problem becomes more difficult. The aim of these is always to minimize the blood supply to the piles that can cause them to shrink away as well as disappear. Such a task can include such things as placing elastic bands around the piles or a type of coagulation treatment that scars the tissue using heat or even a laser is often recommended.
Last of all, you can even be willing to try a surgical procedure to sort the condition if practically nothing else seems to work properly. This is the simplest way to handle large internal piles that are really creating a problem for you due to pain and comfort.
These are the various main treatments that you might consider.
Do you want to know how 72% of men and women got instant relief from their unbearable pain of thrombosed hemorrhoids in less than two weeks? Click here now to get the best solution that has surprised people constantly and have given them their life back.
by: By Randy Glynn Hutchings
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Randy_Glynn_Hutchings
Therefore, in order to find the correct treatment you might want to know exactly what the reason is. In many cases this may be something as simple as constipation and straining when you are on the toilet. The simplest way to sort this out is usually to ensure that you receive adequate fiber into your own diet to assist you with your digestive system.
Also you can consider a laxative however, this will only sort the issue out in the short term and the issue might re-appear unless you are willing to invest in adjusting your eating habits to include enough fiber. Its also recommended to make sure that you are also obtaining plenty of essential fluids as this will assist to soften the stool and also ease its passing.
Generally men and women will also get hemorrhoids or piles solely just because that they do not sit down in the right position on the toilet and stay there for prolonged periods of time. This may also be related to difficulty with constipation if you do take a while on the toilet. It is important that you let the process occur normally and that you sit in the right position that does not place a strain on your rectal region.
There is also other fixative methods that one could take on if the problem becomes more difficult. The aim of these is always to minimize the blood supply to the piles that can cause them to shrink away as well as disappear. Such a task can include such things as placing elastic bands around the piles or a type of coagulation treatment that scars the tissue using heat or even a laser is often recommended.
Last of all, you can even be willing to try a surgical procedure to sort the condition if practically nothing else seems to work properly. This is the simplest way to handle large internal piles that are really creating a problem for you due to pain and comfort.
These are the various main treatments that you might consider.
Do you want to know how 72% of men and women got instant relief from their unbearable pain of thrombosed hemorrhoids in less than two weeks? Click here now to get the best solution that has surprised people constantly and have given them their life back.
by: By Randy Glynn Hutchings
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Randy_Glynn_Hutchings
Acupuncture and Phlegm in the Lungs
In Chinese Medicine, each organ of the body has a corresponding
It's common this time of year for people to get sick with phlegm in their lungs. Chinese Medicine uses acupuncture, herbs, food therapy, and other treatments (like Gua Sha and Cupping) to knock the phlegm out, and help accelerate recovery. Having a chest cold is no picnic, as it can linger on for weeks if not treated properly.
element. The Five Elements are Water, Wood, Fire, Earth, and Metal. The lungs are associated with the Metal element. The Metal element is also associated with the color white and the spicy (or acrid) flavor. Many foods that benefit the lungs are white and/or spicy!
At the onset of a cold, a typical strategy would be to sweat it out. There are many Chinese herbs that are effective at causing this sweat, but if you can't get to an herbalist, you may be able to find foods in your kitchen that will get the job done.
When you first feel like you're getting sick, try this home remedy:
Add 3 slices of fresh ginger, 2 cloves of garlic, and 3 green onions (scallions) to a small pot of water and boil for 10-15 minutes. Pour off the liquid and stir in a small spoonful of miso paste. You may sprinkle with ground pepper if you'd like. Drink it warm, bundle up, and rest.
You may also find this spicy broth helpful if you feel phlegm in your chest.
You can also make it a point to include pears in your diet. They are very nourishing to the lungs, not to mention tasty!
What Not to Eat
Many foods can aggravate phlegm conditions. Some foods you may want to avoid when you have phlegm include: Orange Juice, heavy/greasy/fried foods, ice cream, sugar (that includes high fructose corn syrup, agave nectar, evaporated cane juice, etc), milk, processed foods, candy, etc.
When we are feeling sick, it is especially important to treat the body well. That means cutting the "junk food" out of our diets, and taking time to rest.
Antibiotics and Collateral Damage
Some people may take antibiotics to clear out their lungs, especially if the phlegm is infected. This is one of the most common treatments in the United States for this condition. The antibiotics may help clear up the phlegm, but they tend to come with a drawback.
Our relationship with bacteria is very complex and dynamic. Some bacteria are "bad" and harmful to us. For example, the bacteria that turns phlegm green are typically unwelcome. On the other side, though, are the "good" bacteria. These bacteria live in our intestines, symbiotically. They help us break down our food, produce vitamins, and take up space so "bad" bacteria can not flourish. When we take antibiotics, though, bacteria system wide is killed, which means that the "bad" bacteria in the lungs gets taken out, but there is also collateral damage to the "good" bacteria in the intestines. This can lead to digestive problems, low energy, and more "bad" bacteria taking over in the intestines after the phlegm is resolved.
It is because of all this collateral damage, that any time you finish taking antibiotics, you should supplement your "good" bacteria. This means taking a good quality probiotic supplement, and eating more foods that naturally promote or contain "good" bacteria, such as Yogurt, Keifer, miso, kim chee, etc.
Herbs and Acupuncture
Antibiotics are powerful, but their power is also a drawback. Overuse of antibiotics has been blamed for the creation of "super-bugs" that are very strong and dangerous, since they evolve to be resistant to antibiotic treatment. This is a relatively recent phenomenon, due to our increasing reliance on antibiotics as a sort of cure-all. It then becomes a race to make stronger antibiotics faster than the bacteria can evolve.
Chinese Herbs and Acupuncture have been in use for thousands of years, and have no history of causing "super-bugs" to develop. Chinese Medicine is a safe, gentle, and effective treatment for common cold and phlegm, with very few side effects. Many people have turned to Chinese Medicine as their first option when getting sick.
No matter what strategy you use to treat your phlegm, the sooner you address it the better. Timing is key for a quick recovery! If we take care of these problems as soon as they develop, they are resolved more quickly, and the sooner you can get back to your healthy, happy, phlegm-free life.
Author's Bio
Jeremy Cornish, LAc. is a Licensed Acupuncturist, and NCCAOM certified Herbologist. He is located in Naperville, IL, where he also teaches Qi Gong classes.
For more information or to contact: http://www.onecirclewellness.com
It's common this time of year for people to get sick with phlegm in their lungs. Chinese Medicine uses acupuncture, herbs, food therapy, and other treatments (like Gua Sha and Cupping) to knock the phlegm out, and help accelerate recovery. Having a chest cold is no picnic, as it can linger on for weeks if not treated properly.
element. The Five Elements are Water, Wood, Fire, Earth, and Metal. The lungs are associated with the Metal element. The Metal element is also associated with the color white and the spicy (or acrid) flavor. Many foods that benefit the lungs are white and/or spicy!
At the onset of a cold, a typical strategy would be to sweat it out. There are many Chinese herbs that are effective at causing this sweat, but if you can't get to an herbalist, you may be able to find foods in your kitchen that will get the job done.
When you first feel like you're getting sick, try this home remedy:
Add 3 slices of fresh ginger, 2 cloves of garlic, and 3 green onions (scallions) to a small pot of water and boil for 10-15 minutes. Pour off the liquid and stir in a small spoonful of miso paste. You may sprinkle with ground pepper if you'd like. Drink it warm, bundle up, and rest.
You may also find this spicy broth helpful if you feel phlegm in your chest.
You can also make it a point to include pears in your diet. They are very nourishing to the lungs, not to mention tasty!
What Not to Eat
Many foods can aggravate phlegm conditions. Some foods you may want to avoid when you have phlegm include: Orange Juice, heavy/greasy/fried foods, ice cream, sugar (that includes high fructose corn syrup, agave nectar, evaporated cane juice, etc), milk, processed foods, candy, etc.
When we are feeling sick, it is especially important to treat the body well. That means cutting the "junk food" out of our diets, and taking time to rest.
Antibiotics and Collateral Damage
Some people may take antibiotics to clear out their lungs, especially if the phlegm is infected. This is one of the most common treatments in the United States for this condition. The antibiotics may help clear up the phlegm, but they tend to come with a drawback.
Our relationship with bacteria is very complex and dynamic. Some bacteria are "bad" and harmful to us. For example, the bacteria that turns phlegm green are typically unwelcome. On the other side, though, are the "good" bacteria. These bacteria live in our intestines, symbiotically. They help us break down our food, produce vitamins, and take up space so "bad" bacteria can not flourish. When we take antibiotics, though, bacteria system wide is killed, which means that the "bad" bacteria in the lungs gets taken out, but there is also collateral damage to the "good" bacteria in the intestines. This can lead to digestive problems, low energy, and more "bad" bacteria taking over in the intestines after the phlegm is resolved.
It is because of all this collateral damage, that any time you finish taking antibiotics, you should supplement your "good" bacteria. This means taking a good quality probiotic supplement, and eating more foods that naturally promote or contain "good" bacteria, such as Yogurt, Keifer, miso, kim chee, etc.
Herbs and Acupuncture
Antibiotics are powerful, but their power is also a drawback. Overuse of antibiotics has been blamed for the creation of "super-bugs" that are very strong and dangerous, since they evolve to be resistant to antibiotic treatment. This is a relatively recent phenomenon, due to our increasing reliance on antibiotics as a sort of cure-all. It then becomes a race to make stronger antibiotics faster than the bacteria can evolve.
Chinese Herbs and Acupuncture have been in use for thousands of years, and have no history of causing "super-bugs" to develop. Chinese Medicine is a safe, gentle, and effective treatment for common cold and phlegm, with very few side effects. Many people have turned to Chinese Medicine as their first option when getting sick.
No matter what strategy you use to treat your phlegm, the sooner you address it the better. Timing is key for a quick recovery! If we take care of these problems as soon as they develop, they are resolved more quickly, and the sooner you can get back to your healthy, happy, phlegm-free life.
Author's Bio
Jeremy Cornish, LAc. is a Licensed Acupuncturist, and NCCAOM certified Herbologist. He is located in Naperville, IL, where he also teaches Qi Gong classes.
For more information or to contact: http://www.onecirclewellness.com
A Permanent Cure For Acid Reflux - Effective, Drug Free Treatment For Permanent Heartburn Relief
Which heartburn sufferer doesn't dream about the possibility of getting permanent relief from their distress? But, for millions of sufferers, a permanent cure for acid reflux, the cause of their problem, is simply that, a dream. Now, that could be a thing of the past because, read on and you will be delighted to find out that your dream could become a reality.
Imagine what it would be like to live a life completely free from the pain and distress that heartburn causes. Wouldn't you be prepared to try any reasonable course of action to get that permanent cure for acid reflux and make your heartburn a thing of the past? Well, if you adopt an open mind and are willing to take an alternative view of your problem, there is absolutely no reason why you cannot make your dream come true. This is no flight of fancy. In fact the treatment that will bring about this permanent heartburn relief is based on pure common sense.
Traditional medication such as antacids, alginates, H2 Blockers and Proton Pump Inhibitors all have one crucial failing, they only deal with the symptoms of your condition. You will certainly get relief from the pain but this relief is only temporary, because you are simply "masking" the symptoms of heartburn and not dealing with the underlying causes. Stop taking the medication and back will come your heartburn. So what is the alternative treatment that promises permanent relief from heartburn and the answer to our prayers?
Firstly you need to establish what causes your acid reflux to occur. If you do not know what causes it, how can you possibly cure it. Diet and lifestyle are major factors but there are numerous other possible causes, both physical and psychological. By establishing what factors trigger acid reflux and eliminating, avoiding or treating them, will create an extremely effective means to prevent your problem occurring again. If you should require some additional support, you have a wide range of totally natural remedies to choose from, that can also target the specific causes of your condition. That permanent cure is now in your grasp.
What you are actually doing is stimulating your body's own defences into action to combat the problem. This targeted approach will achieve a much more effective, long-term result that conventional medication will never do. Furthermore, as this treatment is completely natural and drug free, you will not suffer any of the well known, potentially serious side effects, that is a major concern with drug based medication.
So what about that permanent cure for acid reflux? If you can see the benefits of taking this totally natural, targeted approach to solving your problem, then you should investigate the astonishing success that the revolutionary new, "Heartburn No More" holistic program of treatment has achieved. By following the step by step guidance that this program offers, thousands of former sufferers are now living totally heartburn free lives.
Now you can make that dream come true.
All conventional treatments for acid reflux and heartburn are temporary because they treat the symptoms and not the root cause of the problem. So, if you want to successfully and permanently rid yourself of your heartburn then you must address all the factors that contribute to the problem i.e. you must treat it holistically.
A revolutionary new program does exactly that and in 5 unique steps shows you how to permanently cure your acid reflux.
Discover the only way to achieve permanent heartburn relief and lasting freedom from all your digestive disorders by visiting http://naturalremediesforheartburn.com/permanent-cure/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Rees
Imagine what it would be like to live a life completely free from the pain and distress that heartburn causes. Wouldn't you be prepared to try any reasonable course of action to get that permanent cure for acid reflux and make your heartburn a thing of the past? Well, if you adopt an open mind and are willing to take an alternative view of your problem, there is absolutely no reason why you cannot make your dream come true. This is no flight of fancy. In fact the treatment that will bring about this permanent heartburn relief is based on pure common sense.
Traditional medication such as antacids, alginates, H2 Blockers and Proton Pump Inhibitors all have one crucial failing, they only deal with the symptoms of your condition. You will certainly get relief from the pain but this relief is only temporary, because you are simply "masking" the symptoms of heartburn and not dealing with the underlying causes. Stop taking the medication and back will come your heartburn. So what is the alternative treatment that promises permanent relief from heartburn and the answer to our prayers?
Firstly you need to establish what causes your acid reflux to occur. If you do not know what causes it, how can you possibly cure it. Diet and lifestyle are major factors but there are numerous other possible causes, both physical and psychological. By establishing what factors trigger acid reflux and eliminating, avoiding or treating them, will create an extremely effective means to prevent your problem occurring again. If you should require some additional support, you have a wide range of totally natural remedies to choose from, that can also target the specific causes of your condition. That permanent cure is now in your grasp.
What you are actually doing is stimulating your body's own defences into action to combat the problem. This targeted approach will achieve a much more effective, long-term result that conventional medication will never do. Furthermore, as this treatment is completely natural and drug free, you will not suffer any of the well known, potentially serious side effects, that is a major concern with drug based medication.
So what about that permanent cure for acid reflux? If you can see the benefits of taking this totally natural, targeted approach to solving your problem, then you should investigate the astonishing success that the revolutionary new, "Heartburn No More" holistic program of treatment has achieved. By following the step by step guidance that this program offers, thousands of former sufferers are now living totally heartburn free lives.
Now you can make that dream come true.
All conventional treatments for acid reflux and heartburn are temporary because they treat the symptoms and not the root cause of the problem. So, if you want to successfully and permanently rid yourself of your heartburn then you must address all the factors that contribute to the problem i.e. you must treat it holistically.
A revolutionary new program does exactly that and in 5 unique steps shows you how to permanently cure your acid reflux.
Discover the only way to achieve permanent heartburn relief and lasting freedom from all your digestive disorders by visiting http://naturalremediesforheartburn.com/permanent-cure/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Rees
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