Causes Of Low BACK PAIN

Photo  by tonyhall 

Low back pain is a usual symptom among the modern civilized people.It affects mainly the middle-aged and young adults of both sexes.People who work on the chair without exercise and those who carry heavy loads regularly are prone to get this complaint.We can hardly find a person who has not suffered from back pain at least once in life.The causes of low back pain range from simple reasons like a muscular strain to cancer of the spine and hence backache should not be ignored.The pain is felt in a lumbar and sacral region and may radiate to nearby sites.

The following are some causes for a backache.

1) Backache due to diseases in the back.
2) Backache due to gynaecological problems.
3) Backache due to problems in other parts of the body.

1) A backache due to diseases in the back:--
                       
a) Injuries:-

     1) Compression fracture of the vertebral column.
     2) Rupture of intervertebral discs.
     3) Injuries to ligaments and muscles of the back.
     4) Lumbosacral strain.
     5) Intervertebral joint injuries.
     6) Fracture of processes of a vertebra.

b) A functional backache due to imbalance:-

     1) During pregnancy.
     2) Potbelly.
     3) Diseases of the hip joint.
     4) A curvature of the spine due to a congenital defect.
     5) Short leg on one side.

c) A backache due to inflammatory conditions:-

     1) Infection of the bone due to bacteria.
     2) Tuberculosis of the spine.
     3) Arthritis.
     4) Brucellosis.
     5) Lumbago or fibrositis.
     6) Inflammation of the muscles.
     7) Anchylosing spondylitis.

d) A backache due to degenerative diseases in the back.

     1) Osteoarthritis.
     2) Osteoporosis in old people.
     3) Degeneration of the intervertebral disc.

e) Tumour in the spine:--

     1) Primary tumor of the bones in the spine.
     2) Metastatic tumors from other sites like prostate, lungs, kidneys, intestine etc.

2) A backache due to gynecological problems:-

     a) After childbirth.
     b) After gynecological operations.
     c) Prolapse of the uterus.
     d) Pelvic inflammatory diseases.
     e) Cancerous lesions of the pelvic organs.
     f) Endometriosis.

3) A backache due to problems in other parts of the body.

     a) Renal stones.
     b) Ureteric stone.
     c) Cancer of prostate.
     d) Pancreatitis.
     e) Biliary stones.
     f) Peptic ulcer.
     g) Inflammations of pelvic organs.
     h) Occlusion of the aorta and iliac arteries.



Investigation of a case of a backache:-

1) Complete blood count.
2) Routine urine examination.
3) Ultrasonography of the abdomen and pelvis.
4) X-ray of the lumbar and sacral region.
5) MRI of the spine.
5) CT scan of abdomen and pelvic region.
6) Examination of rectum,prostate,genito urinary organs.

Treatment of a backache:-

1) Removing the cause for backache.
2) Symptomatic treatement.
2) Back exercises.
3) Traction.
3) Yoga.
5) Surgery.
7) Homoeopathy.

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Brief Idea About Piles (HEMORRHOIDS)

What is piles?

  

Dilatation of radicles of rectal veins within the anal canal is called piles.The medical term for piles is hemorrhoids.Compared to arteries veins are weak due to thin walls and hence any backpressure in the veins can make them tortuous.There are three rectal veins namely superior, middle and inferior rectal veins.Any obstructions or increase of pressure in these veins can predispose piles.

Depending on the situation there are two types of piles.

1) External piles:-

This type of piles is seen outside the anal opening and is covered by skin.It is black or brown in color.This type of piles is very painful due to rich nerve supply in this area.

2) Internal piles:-

It is inside the anal canal and internal to the anal orifice.It is covered by mucous membrane and is red or purple in color.These piles are painless.

Sometimes internal and external piles occur in the same individual.

Factors responsible for piles:--

1) This is a familial disease.

2) Piles is seen only in animals maintain an erect posture. This is due to congestion in the rectal veins due to the effect of gravity.

3) It is common in individuals having chronic constipation.Those who have a habit of visiting the toilet due to frequent urge for stool may develop piles in future.

4) Piles is common in those who take excess of chicken, prawns, spicy food ect.Those who take vegetables and fibrous food are rarely affected.

5) Some ladies get piles during pregnancy due to compression of rectal veins by the uterus.

6) Cancerous lesions in the rectum can obstruct blood flow and result in piles.

Signs and symptoms of piles:--

1) Pain:-

Pain is common in external piles which will be worse while straining at stool.

2) Bleeding:-

Bleeding comes in splashes while pressing for stool.Bleeding may be profuse in some cases.

3) Protruding mass:-

In external piles the swelling can be felt around the anal orifice.In case of internal piles initially it can not be felt.When the disease progresses the piles protrude during stool and will go inside automatically.When the condition becomes worse the protruded piles will not go back in to the anus.

4) In some cases there will be discharge of mucus with itching around the anal orifice. 

Complications of piles:--

1,Infection: The infection can spread to deep veins resulting in septicaemia.

2,Fibrosis: Here the piles become fibrosed with hardening of anal orifice.

3,Thrombosis: Here the blood inside the piles will form clots and can obstruct blood flow.

4,Gangrene: Here the tissues in the piles and nearby skin die due to lack of blood supply.

5,Suppuration: When the piles suppurate it can produce abscess with discharge of pus. 

Treatment of piles:--

Initially, it is treated on the basis of symptoms.Constipation should be treated.If there is anemia iron should be given.Homoeopathic medicines can give good results. If medicinal treatment is not giving any result the following can be tried.

1) The thrombosed external pile is excised under local anaesthesia.

2) Sclerosant injection therapy can reduce the size of piles.

3) Rubber band ligation around the neck of piles is useful in some cases.

4) Cryosurgery is very effective.

5) Anal dilatation can reduce constipation and pain.

6) Haemorrhoidectomy is the surgical removal of piles.

How to prevent piles?

1) Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.

2) Take fibrous food.

3) Avoid excess intake of meat, prawns, crabs ect.

4) Keep a regular timing for food.

6) Drink sufficient quantity of water.

7) Keep a regularity in bowel habits.

8) Take treatment for constipation.

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Benefits of WHEY PROTEIN

In recent years, the subject of whey protein has come up often in health discussions. Know what whey protein is, its possible benefits and side effects and more as you read on.

What is Whey Protein

Whey protein is actually a term used to describe a group of globular proteins that can be separated from whey. When cow’s milk is used to manufacture cheese, it also leads to the production of whey, which may or may not is discarded. It is a mixture of lactoglobulin, alpha-lactalbumin, and serum albumin.

Similar to a protein found in egg white, whey protein can also be irreversibly changed by heat. When made part of the pasteurization process, it becomes less bio-active. If not, whey protein naturally becomes bio-active which basically means it contains a high concentration of cysteine and consequently glutathione, an antioxidant that is essential to improved fitness and health.

Bio-active whey protein is an active source of protein but exposure to extreme heat can easily reduce the amount of cysteine in it without affecting its protein content and basic food value. Native whey protein

What Makes It Good for the Body

Because whey protein contains an inordinate amount of essential and non-essential acids, it frequently plays a prominent role in most low-carb and high-protein diets. Another reason for this is because of its low content of fats and of course, carbohydrates.

Why Pregnant Mothers Love Whey Protein

A number of OBs have advised their gravid patients to increase their intake of whey protein because it will provide the basic amount of amino acids needed by the growing infants inside their bodies. An increased intake of whey protein will naturally improve and speed up the development of the baby. Also, increased intake of whey protein will indirectly improve the immune system of the baby. In its growing stages, it is highly vulnerable to different types of illnesses. With the help of whey protein, it grows faster and better and more equipped to defend itself against any health complication.

Whey Protein for Bodybuilding Enthusiasts

For bodybuilders, muscle growth is everything and that’s why they love whey protein so much. Studies have satisfactorily proven that whey protein can lead to an acceleration of muscle development. This is welcomed news especially for bodybuilders who are only a few weeks away from the date of competition but is still in high need of muscle growth.

How it Helps Athletes Busy Recovering from Old Injuries

In this case, whey protein saves the day once more because it can be used to supplement diets of individuals who are suffering from compromised immune systems. Basically, it helps athletes heal faster and feel better.

A Weapon against Degenerative Diseases

Although you can’t truly say that any disease is less painful than the other if both have life-altering consequences, it is an inarguable fact however that degenerative diseases are one of the worst health complications to suffer from. These illnesses tend to subject people to a protracted form of suffering and with symptoms with increasing levels of severity. They commonly affect three systems in particular: the nervous system, the muscular system, and the skeletal system.

Although rarely curable, degenerative diseases can be treated with chemotherapy, surgical operations, and the proper diet. Whey protein is often a part of this diet because of its rehabilitative benefits especially when it comes to muscle growth. Cancer, diabetes, and AIDS have symptoms that cause muscle strength and growth to deteriorate – an undesirable effect that can be combated with increased intake of whey protein.

Where to Buy Whey Protein

Are you sufficiently convinced of the benefits of whey protein then? If so, you should be happy to know that you can avail of commercial whey protein product in most supermarkets and specialty food stores specializing in healthy food.

Ending with a Warning

Whey protein is good for the body – no doubt about it – but too much consumption of anything is never beneficial. Too much intake of whey protein can lead to unnecessary complications of your liver. And need we remind you that the liver is the next most important organ in the body? Lastly, lactose intolerant individuals must consume whey protein isolate rather than the normal variety as the former has less lactose content.

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Herbal Cancer Treatment - ALOE VERA

Aloe Vera - Photo  by oliver.savage 

Aloe is indigenous to Africa but it is being cultivated all over the world. The best well known and common species of aloe is of course aloe vera, but actually there over 300 other species of aloe. Aloe Vera has been used for treatments and as a remedy since ancient times. Aloe is mostly safe to use for humans both topically and orally and is reported to be non-toxic even when injected in high doses.

Aloe has been studied extensively in Japan, Russia and also in Madagascar. There is a lot of evidence that aloe is useful as a non-specific immune stimulator and immune modulator. Not only is aloe a potential adjuvant therapy for cancer, it is also valuable for patients who immune functions have been compromised by mainstream therapies.

In studies carried out in 1980 and 1981 at the Pasteur Institute in Madagascar, the researchers found out that mice given a hypodermic injection of unrefined Aloe vahombe extract were all safe against infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes, the bacteria Klebsiella pneumoniae, Yersinia pestis, Candida albicans fungus and Plasmodium berghei parasites. In 1988 it was found that aloe inhibited the metabolism of arachidonic acid. One product of this acid suppresses the activity of immune cells that are part of the body's surveillance against cells of the cancer.

An evaluation of antimetastatic properties of aloe[ usefulness in potentiating the effectiveness of chemotherapy was carried out by two Russian researchers. They found out from their research that aloe treatment contributed to a reduction of the mass of the tumor, metastasis frequency and metastatic foci at different stages of tumor progress without affecting major tumor growth, using three types of experimental tumors in rats and mice.

S.Y. Peng in another animal study found that acemannan increased sarcomabearing mice survival. Acemannan, in both highly purified and enriched forms, was administered intraperitoneally to mice to which murine sarcoma cells had been subcutaneously implanted. The invasive, highly malignant and rapidly growing sarcoma grew in 100% of implanted control animals. This resulted in in mortality in 20 to 46 days. About 40% of animals treated with acemannan at the time of implantation of the tumor cell (1.5 x 10(6) cells) survived.

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HEART RATE MONITORS

Heart Monitor - Photo   by       Nicola since 1972  (cc)

Heart rate monitors used to be exclusively operated by physicians and nurses alone but that was soon rectified with today’s multi-tasking generation. Every person seemed to want to know about everything that was related to them and that, of course, included monitoring their own heartbeats.

What is a Heart Monitor

Also known as a cardiac monitor, a heart monitor is a piece of electronic equipment that can be used to track or observe heart functions continuously. It allows people to place a numerical value on their healthiness based on their heart rate and have a target heart rate to work for. The more complex versions of the heart monitor allow physicians to see any signs of deterioration or improvement and make the necessary adjustments immediately.

Types of Heart Monitors

Today, heart monitors are produced by the millions and designed to cater specific types of individuals. Some heart monitors are primarily designed for weight loss programs while others are meant for the use of athletes or fitness programs. Some are wireless or come as a built-in feature of exercise equipment like a treadmill or an exercise bike. It can be strapped to your wrist or of considerable size. It may or may not emit any electromagnetic waves, depending on its purpose. A fetal heart monitor, for instance, must not produce any waves at all as this may affect the health of the baby.

Factors on Selecting the Best Heart Monitor for You

ECG-Accurate Monitors with Chest Straps – Heart monitors that come with chest straps are more often not the most accurate of heart monitors. The chest strap is strapped around your chest, a few centimeters below your breast. It contains a device that’s able to detect electrical activity of your heart and transmit it to the brain of the machine – just like an ECG. The results are shown on the display monitor, which most of the times is attached to your wrist like a watch. Others, however, prefer results to be transmitted through audio messages via earphones.

Upon choosing heart monitors with chest straps, you need to remember to keep the strap constantly connected to your body lest you want the heart monitor to produce inaccurate readings.

Lastly, the only alternative to buying heart monitors with chest straps are the ones that rely on pulses on your fingertips. These, however, do not provide readings as accurate as those with chest straps.

Heart Monitor Features – Basic and lower end models tend to display only your heart rate and maybe the elapsed exercise time as well. This, of course, does not provide sufficient information if you want to know exactly how much you need to improve before you can be qualified as a completely healthy individual. Higher end models will naturally offer a wider range of features – for a price. Examples of such features are – but not limited to – heart rate zone alarms, timers and number of calories burned. It may also allow users to set pre-programmed workouts along with a targeted heart rate.

Ease of Use – Lastly, you must purchase a heart rate monitor that you will have no problems of using. What good would a high-end heart monitor do if it takes you an hour to operate it? Are the numbers and words appearing in the heart rate monitor readable? Can it be used in no-light situations? Are buttons well-labeled and ergonomically positioned?

To Buy or Not to Buy a Heart Monitor

Heart monitors can be especially costly, more so if you are intent on purchasing higher-end models. If you have a limited budget, you should ask yourself whether or not you truly need to buy a heart monitor. You can, of course, purchase one of the lower-end models but low-quality heart monitors can lead to inaccurate results and that sort of defeats the purpose of buying one.

If you are intent on purchasing a heart monitor, you need to ask yourself another question: do you need to make a solo purchase or is it alright with you to use the heart monitor that comes as a built-in feature of a treadmill? Lastly, you should remember as well that you can always pay your doctor regular visits and have him monitor your heart rate for you.

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Discover the Natural Cure for NAIL FUNGUS

Nail Fungus / Toe Nail Fungus (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Potential side effects exist for many of the conventional prescription and over-the-counter medications available today.  As a result, many individuals are turning toward a more natural cure for their ailments.  One natural cure known to be effective is available for nail fungus.  This infection affects millions of people worldwide.

Nail fungus occurs in only two areas, which include the toenail and/or fingernail.  The most effective way to provide a natural cure for nail fungus is to keep the infected area clean.  Bacteria worsens if the area isn't thoroughly cleaned, which is particularly true with nail fungus.  Additionally, extra care should be taken to make sure that the area is both dry and cool.  This can be achieved by always drying the hands thoroughly or the feet after bathing or swimming.  Hands will stay cooler than feet, which is why anyone suffering from toenail fungus should strongly consider wearing cotton socks exclusively.  Cotton, itself, is a very breathable fabric and has the ability to absorb moisture and excess sweat.  These are all effective examples of a natural cure for nail fungus.

The kind of soap you are using can make all the difference in the world when it comes to finding a cure for nail fungus.  While regular soaps can do the job of keeping you clean, anti-bacterial soaps are specifically designed to fight germs and other forms of bacteria.  As a result, they're one of the easiest solutions for nail fungus.

Vinegar is a product most people have in the pantry, but did you know that it can be a cure for nail fungus?  All that's needed is a simple application to the infected site two or more times a day.  By doing this, many sufferers have reported great success and relief.  This is why vinegar is considered to be one of the best natural cures for nail fungus.

This article is to be used for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used as professional medical advice.  The information contained herein should not be used in place of, or in conjunction with, a doctor's recommendation.  Any individual who develops nail fungus, either in the fingernail or toenail area, should consult a licensed physician for proper diagnosis and inquiries regarding a natural cure for nail fungus.

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Traveling Alternative Roads: Other Options for HEALTH CARE

Health insurance can be expensive if you are not lucky enough to have it provided by your employer. Even shopping around for the best quotes may not be within your budget. Luckily there are alternatives to health insurance that you can take advantage of so that you and your family will be safe even if an emergency situation comes up. You can apply for the prescription discount card program, which is a low monthly cost and works at most of the of corporation drug stores that we all use. There are also programs that give you health care but are not considered “health insurance”.

Photo by Internet Archive Book Images

The prescription discount card is great for anyone who has regular prescriptions that need to be filled over a long period of time. The cost of prescriptions without insurance is high and always rising. If you cannot afford health insurance, there is no way that buying these full priced prescriptions will come without difficulty. You can enroll in a discount card program on the Internet or you can call around to try and find one locally. The reported savings for each person is estimated to be at least 50%, and some programs will enroll you for under $5 a month.

Health care programs are another popular alternative to expensive health insurance. BeniCard, for example, is a highly acclaimed health care program, and for a small monthly fee, you can have your immediate family covered. You will not be turned down because there is no limit to who is eligible, even if you have a pre-existing condition. It is not health insurance, but you will be able to save money on doctor visits, vision and hearing care, dental services, and prescription drugs. This is just one of the programs that can help you if you cannot get health insurance due to expense or because you have been turned down due to an illness.

No one should go without health care of some sort. Prescriptions are extremely costly without insurance, and if you or someone in your family has an emergency health situation, you could be left with a large debt for years. Insurance companies are hesitant to accept anyone with a pre-existing illness because it will definitely cost them plenty of money. For anyone who has been turned down for health insurance or simply cannot afford to pay a deductible, health care programs and prescription discounts are a low-cost alternative that could save you money.

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High Blood Pressure and Natural Cure of High BLOOD PRESSURE

Blood pressure is the pressure of blood in your artery. Blood pressure is deliberate in millimeters of mercury. Your blood pressure is recorded as two in order. For instance, 150/95 mmHg. This is thought as '150 over 95'.

High blood pressure is one of numerous 'risk factors' that can add to your chance of rising heart disease, a stroke, and other grave circumstances. As a law, the senior the blood pressure, the better the danger. Treatment includes a change in lifestyle risk factor where these can be better - losing heaviness if you are overweight, usual physical action, a fat diet, cutting rear if you swallow a lot of alcohol, stop smoking, and a short salt and caffeine intake. If wanted, medicine can lower blood pressure.

Risk Factor by High Blood Pressure

a. Hypertension.

b. High cholesterol blood height.

c. High triglyceride blood height.

d. Diabetes.

e. Kidney disease that involves kidney purpose.

Photo by Internet Archive Book Images

Causes of High Blood Pressure

Subsequent are the main cause of high blood pressure:

a. strain and eventful life style

b. smoke and consumption alcohol

c. extreme drinking of tea, coffee, and refined foods

d. harden of the artery

e. Diseases like fatness and diabetes

f. extreme eating of ordinary salt

g. High-fat diet

Symptoms of High Blood Pressure

Subsequent are the main symptoms of high blood pressure:

I. extreme sweeten

II. Red eyes

III. blazing feelings

IV. dizziness and faintness

V. sickness and sickness feelings

VI. ache at the reverse of the head and neck

VII. the ache in the county of the heart

Diet for High Blood Pressure

Alcohol

People with high blood pressure be supposed to not swallow alcohol. While study have established that low levels of alcohol consumption can have defensive belongings for the heart, and can perhaps decrease the danger of rising high blood pressure

Salt

In several people, eating too a lot salt can make high blood pressure greatly worse. In others, the matching salt eating may have no result. The difficulty is that no doctor or scientist can inform which the case is for a creature patient awaiting it is also tardy.

This joint with the information that also a lot salt is awful for the heart anyway of blood pressure rank, income that abridged sodium is a powerfully optional part of a fit diet.

Fats

Soaked fat, particularly trans fats, are bad for together the heart and blood vessels. Since the circulatory system is previously under a bundle of strain in the location of high blood pressure, additional tension can be shocking.

Treatment to Avoid High Blood Pressure

a. subsequent a fit eating pattern

b. achieve and maintain a fit weight

c. sinking salt and sodium in your diet

d. exercise and being lively frequently

e. boundary the use of alcohol

f. eliminate a smoke habit

Home Remedies to Get Relief from High Blood Pressure

a. Garlic is recognized as one of the majority effectual remedies in lower the blood pressure.

b. Press semi a lemon in 100-150 grams of water and drink it each two hours for instant release.

c. Watermelon is defending next to hypertension.

d. get one teaspoonful of fenugreek seeds morning and evening with an unfilled stomach for 20-25 days with water.

e. One or two pieces of garlic rolls in raisin lower blood pressure.

f. Take four foliage of Tulsi and two leaves of Neem with 3-4 teaspoonfuls of water, unfilled belly for 6-7 days.

g. Get new papayas every day on an unfilled stomach for a month frequently to reduce hypertension.

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Home Remedies For Yeast Infections That Are All Natural - NATURAL CURE

Candidiasis is a fungal infection commonly know as thrush or yeast infection. It affects mouth and throat areas, genitals, intestinal tracts, and urinary systems. Mild infections mostly cause irritating discomfort and are often treated at home using traditional natural cures, rather than stronger prescription medicines. Natural treatments for yeast infection fall into two categories; those which actually fight the fungus, and those which bring some relief to the symptoms.

Amongst home cures for yeast infections, caprylic acid is a simple anti-fungal solution that may be taken to fight infections in the digestive tract. A similar cure is citrus seed extracts, sometimes known as Citricidal.

Another liquid with anti-fungal properties, as well as antiviral and antibacterial qualities, is Oil of Oregano. It can be taken orally with a few drops placed under the tongue, for mouth and throat infections. It can also be applied topically to infected areas.

Ozone Therapy is a simple natural remedy that can kill parasites. Ozone therapy may be self administered, but a more powerful and effective treatment may be given by a doctor, so it's worth talking to your health advisor.

Hydrastis canadensis
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Goldenseal Tea (Hydrastis Canadensis) not only has anti-fungal properties, it encourages the growth of friendly bacteria due to the presence of berberine. It may be drunk as an ordinary tea, as well as be used for vaginal douching. Oregon Grape Root is another anti-fungal tea, but this is only applied as a vaginal douche.

Boric acid and hydrogen peroxide both kill vaginal yeast infections. Boric acid is supplied in capsules to be used as a suppository, hydrogen peroxide is used as a vaginal douche by mixing a teaspoon of 3% solution in a cup of water.

Yeast infections, even when mild, cause a lot of irritating discomfort, but there are plenty of traditional home medicine cures that can bring relief. Aloe vera gel can be placed on infected external areas, for both males and females, using a cotton ball. Aloe Vera Juice can be taken orally as well as used externally.

Calendula cream and flaxseed oil cream are both soothing agents that are useful for all yeast infection symptoms on external areas, such male and female private parts.

Slippery Elm Powder is mixed with a bit of water to make a paste that may be applied topically, it's effective for general skin irritation and penis yeast infections. Vitamin E oil can be applied for painful and burning infections on male and female genitalia, as well as being applied to itchy skin.

A solution particularly effective for a male yeast infection, but effective for women too, is a sitz bath. One kind of sitz bath is made by adding a few drops of tea tree oil to a hip-level tub of warm water.

Another well known therapy for yeast infections is yogurt. This can provide some soothing effect to infected areas, but it also leaves the treated zone in a condition that is inhospitable to the yeast infection, so it prevents its spreading and can eliminate small infections. 

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Nine Facts About FIBER

If you've been looking for a way towards a high octane diet, you'll find fiber to be exactly what you need.  Even though research has shown fiber to be powerful, many people aren't taking this nutrient seriously.

To help you fuel your health with fiber, here are 10 facts to help.

1.  Fiber fights diseases.  A diet high in fiber can help to prevent colon cancer and heart disease.  High

fiber helps the body to eliminate cholesterol by binding it in the digestive tract.  For thousands of years, fiber has been used to stop constipation.

2.  Fiber can actually help with overeating.  All high fiber foods will take longer to chew and digest, making you feel satisfied longer

3.  Most popular foods don't have enough fiber.  If you like the more popular foods, you probably need to increase your intake of fiber.

4.  Grains offer the most fiber.  Dietary fiber is actually plant matter that we cannot digest.  The best sources are whole grains and concentrated grain products.  

5.  Kids need fiber as well.  Children that are older than 2 years of age should consume a daily intake of fiber.  Kids are most receptive to fiber found in  fruits, vegetables, and even fortified breakfast cereals.  

6.  More fiber needs more water.  In order to keep fiber moving through your digestive tract, you'll need to consume a lot of water.  With your diet of fiber, you'll need eight or more glasses of water every day.

7.  Fiber cannot be cooked out.  When you cook your fruits and vegetables, don't worry about cooking

the fiber out, as it stays.  The fiber found in fruits and vegetables aren't just in the skin or in the peel.

8.  You can get enough fiber.  If you eat more than 50 grams of fiber in a day, you can get diarrhea and bloating, which can interfere with your body's absorption of other key minerals.

9.  Getting the right amount of fiber in your diet doesn't have to be hard.  Even though you may think so, getting the amount of fiber you need isn't very hard to do.  All you have to do is eat the right foods and you'll be well on your way to a fiber rich lifestyle.

As one of the key ingredients to healthy eating,  fiber is something you don't want to skip.  Fiber can

serve many different purposes, which were covered above.  If you aren't getting enough fiber in your 

diet - you should do something about now instead of waiting until it is too late.

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BITTER MELON - Benefits, Medicinal Properties

Bitter Melon is reported to help in the treatment of diabetes and psoriasis. It has also been reported that Bitter Melon may help in the treatment of HIV. Bitter Melon is the English name of Momordica charantia. Bitter Melon is also known by the names Karela and Balsam Pear. Bitter Melon grows in tropical areas, including parts of East Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and South America, where it is used as a food as well as a medicine. 

Bitter Melon
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

It is a green cucumber shaped fruit with gourd-like bumps all over it. It looks like an ugly, light green cucumber. The fruit should be firm, like a cucumber. And it tastes very bitter. Although the seeds, leaves, and vines of Bitter Melon have all been used, the fruit is the safest and most prevalent part of the plant used medicinally. The leaves and fruit have both been used occasionally to make teas and beer, or to season soups in the Western world. 

Bitter Melon was traditionally used for a dazzling array of conditions by people in tropical regions. Numerous infections, cancer, leukemia, and diabetes are among the most common conditions it was believed to improve. Bitter Melon is reported to help in the treatment of diabetes and psoriasis. It has also been thought that Bitter Melon may help in the treatment of HIV, but the evidence thus far is too

weak to even consider. The ripe fruit of Bitter Melon has been suggested to exhibit some remarkable anti-cancer effects, but there is absolutely no evidence that it can treat cancer. However, preliminary studies do appear to confirm that Bitter Melon may improve blood sugar control in people with adult-onset (type 2) diabetes. 

The blood lowering action of the fresh juice of the unripe Bitter Melon has been confirmed in scientific studies in animals and humans. At least three different groups of constituents in Bitter Melon have been reported to have hypoglycemic (blood sugar lowering) or other actions of potential benefit in diabetes mellitus. These include a mixture of steroidal saponins known as charantin, insulin-like peptides, and alkaloids. It is still unclear which of these is most effective or if all three work together. Nonetheless, Bitter Melon preparations have been shown to significantly improve glucose tolerance without increasing blood insulin levels, and to improve fasting blood glucose levels.

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Vitamins Used To Treat ACNE

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

What vitamins can be used to treat acne?

Due to the incredibly unhealthy diets that have become the norm in modern day America, it is no wonder that vitamin deficiencies are so rampant. Only about 10-20% of Americans consume the recommended amount of the important vitamins and minerals on a daily basis. This vitamin deficiency has led to many problems in the bodies of Americans, and obviously the skin, the largest organ of the body, is affected by this deficiency as well.

There are many vitamins that can all contribute to fighting and preventing the formation of acne on the skin. Different vitamins have different uses ranging from antioxidants (clearing the skin of harmful toxins) to antibacterial (fighting bacteria which can cause acne, helping to prevent it from forming) and more. This article will help to point out and explain which vitamins can be used to help against acne and what it is that they do.

The main vitamins that help to combat acne are Vitamin A, the B Vitamins, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Chromium and Zinc. Each of these vitamins helps to fight acne in a different way and when used in conjunction they can help greatly to reduce the affects of acne and even prevent its breakout altogether. If you decide to use these vitamins, most likely through form of supplements since trying to consume the right amounts through dieting can be difficult, it is extremely important to follow the dosage instructions and to never take too much of any vitamin. Taking too much of many vitamins can be toxic and can lead to illness and worse problems, so always be careful and patient.

Vitamins A and E are strong antioxidants and help to promote healthy skin. Zinc is also an antioxidant but more importantly it helps to regulate the production of oil in the oil glands. Chromium aids in reducing the infections in the skin which can prevent acne from spreading. The B Complex vitamins and Vitamin C are more like super-vitamins. Both of these have countless functions in maintaining a healthy body and involving these in your daily diet is only too important.

The main reason that each of these vitamins is so important is not only their assistance to fighting and preventing acne but also the simple fact that a deficiency in any single one of these vitamins can lead to acne breakouts. Because of this, the importance of consuming the correct amounts of these vitamins every day through either diet, which can be very difficult, or in supplement form is simply undeniable. By being knowledgeable of these vitamins and by attempting to meet the recommended amounts each day, a person can combat acne much more effectively and help to prevent it from occurring altogether.

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EXERCISE and Hypertension

A brief collage/ensemble on hypertension 

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

It seems as though many Americans are living a life that leads to high blood pressure or hypertension. As people age, the situation gets worse. Nearly half of all older Americans have hypertension. This disease makes people five times more prone to strokes, three times more likely to have a heart attack, and two to three times more likely to experience a heart failure.

The problem with this disease is that nearly one third of the folks who have hypertension do not know it because they never feel any direct pain. But overtime the force of that pressure damages the inside surface of your blood vessels.

However, according to experts, hypertension is not predestined. Reducing salt intake, adopting a desirable dietary pattern losing weight and exercising can all help prevent hypertension.

Obviously, quitting bad habits and eating a low fat diet will help, but the most significant part that you can do is to exercise. And just as exercise strengthens and improves limb muscles, it also enhances the health of the heart muscles.

Heart and Exercise

The exercise stimulates the development of new connections between the impaired and the nearly normal blood vessels, so people who exercise had a better blood supply to all the muscle tissue of the heart.

The human heart basically, supply blood to an area of the heart damaged in a “myocardial infarction.” A heart attack is a condition, in which, the myocardium or the heart muscle does not get enough oxygen and other nutrients and so it begins to die.

For this reason and after a series of careful considerations, some researchers have observed that exercise can stimulate the development of these life saving detours in the heart. One study further showed that moderate exercise several times a week is more effective in building up these auxiliary pathways than extremely vigorous exercise done twice as often.

Such information has led some people to think of exercise as a panacea for heart disorders, a fail-safe protection against hypertension or death. That is not so. Even marathon runners that have suffered hypertension, and exercise cannot overcome combination of other risk factor.

What Causes Hypertension?

Sometimes abnormalities of the kidney are responsible. There is also a study wherein the researchers identified more common contributing factors such as heredity, obesity, and lack of physical activity. And so, what can be done to lower blood pressure and avoid the risk of developing hypertension? Again, exercise seems to be just what the doctor might order.

If you think that is what he will do, then, try to contemplate on this list and find some ways how you can incorporate these things into your lifestyle and start to live a life free from the possibilities of developing hypertension. But before you start following the systematic instructions, it would be better to review them first before getting into action.

1. See your doctor

Check with your doctor before beginning an exercise program. If you make any significant changes in your level of physical activity — particularly if those changes could make large and sudden demands on your circulatory system — check with your doctors again.

2. Take it slow

Start at a low, comfortable level of exertion and progress gradually. The program is designed in two stages to allow for a progressive increase in activity.

3. Know your limit

Determine your safety limit for exertion. Use some clues such as sleep problems or fatigue the day after a workout to check on whether you are overdoing it. Once identified, stay within it. Over-exercising is both dangerous and unnecessary.

4. Exercise regularly 

You need to work out a minimum of three times a week and a maximum of five times a week to get the most benefit. Once you are in peak condition, a single workout a week can maintain the muscular benefits. However, cardiovascular fitness requires more frequent activity.

5. Exercise at a rate within your capacity

The optimum benefits for older exercisers are produced by exercise at 40% to 60% of capacity.

Indeed, weight loss through exercise is an excellent starting point if you wan tot prevent hypertension. Experts say that being overweight is linked to an increased risk of developing hypertension, and losing weight decreases the risk.

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ASTHMA Control: Tips on How to Cure your ASTHMA Naturally

With over 17 million people in the United States alone suffering from Asthma and consequently seeking some form of asthma control, this respiratory disease has proven to be a very debilitating hindrance to optimal health. Breathing is the very essence of life and for this disease to hinder its natural process, an effective Asthma control will be essential.

Asthma sufferers may not be able to breathe properly.
They use a spacer to inhale medicine.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Characterized by wheezing sounds, tightness in the chest, difficulties breathing and at times cough spells and sore throats, I had my first asthma attack as a kid and up until about 6 years ago had these attacks rather frequently. This made for many sleepless nights (why with reaching for my ventolin inhaler) and boring days locked in doors. This was simply because I didn’t have the cardio-vascular endurance to withstand play coupled with the added fear of allergic reactions to grass, dust or even a friendly pat on the back which could trigger an asthma attack at any time landing me right back in the bed for a week minimum.

This (with acne and lethargy) was my state of health for years till I started to take up Yoga, considering its mild, yet very effective abilities to exercise the body without any vigorous demands. I was introduced to Pranayama, the Sanskrit name for Breathing Exercises and was told of the benefits of such techniques as the Bellows Breath for asthma control and was also shown how such simpler Square breathing exercises

could be beneficial for curing and preventing asthma along with improving my overall health. 

The author of the Complete Illustrated Book of Yoga, Swami Vishnu Devananda attested to curing many patients with asthma symptoms by correcting their breathing habits and with the introduction of a proper diet and exercise. Based on my experiences, I will now provide you with similar and up to date information on the tried-and true techniques and methods of attaining successful and permanent asthma control techniques. 

The first step to keep in mind whenever you are breathing is to make the conscious effort to ensure that it is done deeply. This can only be attained initially by conscious efforts but, with time and practice it becomes a natural process, like it was always intended to be. 

To gain the most amount of air with minimal effort, ensure that when inhaling, you allow for the dome of the abdomen to have an outward curve.  Contrary to popular belief and instructions given by vocal coaches and even some doctors, do not raise the shoulders or stiffen the diaphragm when inhaling as this constricts the inflow of air for the lungs.

For a good illustration of natural breathing as described above, simply observe an infant.

You would notice a baby always breathes deeply from the abdomen although it is with a seemingly effortless approach. (I guess that is another reason why the great seers and prophets say “to learn from little children eh?”

A simple test to establish proper breathing habits will be the following exercises. When executing them, ensure that they are done on an empty stomach and in a place with plenty of fresh air. Also, make sure that you breathe through the nose as often as possible.

Asthma Control: Breathing Exercises to Use

1. Inhalation and Exhalation:

-Either laying flat on a bed or sitting erect commence to breathing deeply, using a stop-watch or metronome to keep track of the time. The desired ratio here is 1:2. Minimum time for inhalation should be 4 seconds gradually building up to 16. (With the time for exhalation now being 8 seconds gradually building up to 32) consciously perform this exhilarating exercise for several weeks. 

2. Inhalation-Retention-Exhalation

-When you are properly established in exercise #1 the next stage included is retention. In ancient yogic texts, the required ratio would be 1:4:2 (inhalation, retention and exhalation) The minimum schedule again for this exercise is 4 seconds, gradually building up to a maximum of 16 seconds (inhalation that is) Practice this for several days or weeks till you master it and it becomes second nature. 

Although, from the indications above, you’d notice that more emphasis is laid on proper breathing over diet as a step for a natural asthma control, do keep in mind that it is advised that you avoid Mucus-Forming foods such as Animal flesh and products, Most Grains, Junk and Processed Foods and even some so-called health-food products like Soy, Yeast, Bragg’s Liquid Aminos and Vinegar. 

Abstinence from the products above is a must and a fact that has been in effect in several programs aimed at correcting respiratory health such as the "Breath Retaining Program For Asthmatics" developed by the Russian, Dr. Buteyko. Within weeks of adhering to this advice, many chronic asthmatics have been able to give up the use of ventolin inhalers.

Replace these items with Fruits, Leafy and Root Vegetables and if desired less harmful whole grains like Brown rice, Quinoa, Amaranth and Millet occasionally.

Also make sure to combine your meals properly and not to consume liquids of any kinds while eating so as not to constrict proper movement of the visceral organs that lie underneath the all important diaphragm. In addition, make the effort to avoid the use of microwaves, conventionally grown produce and polluted tap water for your optimal health.

Asthma need not be a part of your life anymore; you too can effectively apply these natural asthma control methods with the steps outlined above. So empower yourself for a successful asthma control today with proper breathing and dietetic habits.

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