Archive for the 'Health' Category
June 23rd, 2010 -- Posted in Health |
Hard and difficult to pass bowl movements are caused by diet, medications and daily liquid intake. When this happens you may be tempted to over the counter stool softener remedies, but they can contain harsh ingredients that can be rough on your system. Before going to the drug store, try using a natural method as an alternative to stool softeners found at a drug store.
Change in your diet can be the best natural stool softener. Drink plenty of water. Drinking about eight 8-oz. glasses of water per day will not only keep your body hydrated but also help you with constipation and hard stools. Be sure to eat plenty of fiber rich foods such as wheat bran, whole grains dried fruits, apples and prunes. Many doctors recommend having a daily fiber intake of 25-35 grams. Yogurt will also help your regularity and help get you system back on track.
Many recommend Bekunis Nature’s Gentle Senna Laxative Tea. It contains all natural ingredients and has a great taste it is made up of senna root and leaves. One thing that is great about this formula is that it is gentle on your body but provides overnight relief. By the next morning you will have pain free elimination.
Mineral oil is another common natural remedy. It lubricates the stool for a smoother passage. It can be taken at bedtime and by the next morning it will take effect. Long term usage of mineral oil is not recommended because it is know to cause vitamin deficiencies.
Aloe Vera is another recommended natural stool softener. It contains anthroquinone and glycosides, which stimulate bowel movement contraction and is actually the active ingredient in many synthetic laxatives. Drinking a ¾ cup of it twice a day, in 10 hour increments will help bring relief.
Exercise is one other thing that will really help. Just briskly walking for about 30 minutes can help regulate your bowl movements.
By trying some natural remedies, you may be able to avoid the harsh components of many over the counter treatments. If you are unsure or you systems progressively get worse, be sure to check with your doctor.
June 19th, 2010 -- Posted in Health, Sleep |
More and more people are complaining of extreme tiredness that almost grinds their lives to an almost halt. Chronic tiredness is a serious condition that most people ignore or take is as a way of life they have to put up with day in day out. Although the cases of constant tiredness report same symptoms, there are many causes of constant tiredness ranging from drugs, lifestyle, work and domestic stress among other tiring activities.
Tiredness may seem simple and harmless at first, many people ignore the damages that can be caused by tiredness may manifest to become serious problems like fatigue and exhaustion. If you start noticing a recurring trend of tiredness, take necessary measures to get rid of tiredness the soonest you can to avoid further complications that may have adverse effects on your health, lifestyle and relationships at work and home.
Here are three things you can take to reduce and eventually get rid of tiredness that is not as a result of diseases.
Avoid caffeine from smoking and coffee if you can. Although a cup of coffee may make you alert, energetic and focused, this only lasts for a few hours at most and after that the feeling gets worse than it was before. When caffeine fix wears out, your energy levels will flop.
Take water continuously throughout the day, water should not be reserved for meal times. Most cases of constant tiredness are partly caused by dehydration. Get sufficient sleep at night to let the body recuperate lost energy. Science tells us that a normal adult body requires 7 hours of sleep to function properly. It is also beneficial to have a sleep pattern and let your body adapt to it, going to bed at a particular time and waking up on the same times of the morning.
June 3rd, 2010 -- Posted in Featured, Health |
It has been made abundantly clear from the message of government agencies, medical boards, and even smokers themselves that the act of smoking is very dangerous to your health. If you haven’t gotten the message by now, chances are you’ve been living in a cave for a few years. Most people think of smoking in personal terms. That means they consider the effects of how it affects their own body. In many ways, this is totally understandable since smoking is an individual act that people decide whether or not to do themselves. However, more and more evidence is highlighting the distinct fact that smoking affects many more people than the smoker themselves. The presence of deadly second hand smoke and its own deadly effects means that other people should be considered when picking up that cigarette. It’s one thing to harm yourself, but when you are affecting the innocent people around you, a change in behaviour might be in order. continue reading »
June 3rd, 2010 -- Posted in Featured, Health |
When it comes to talking about health care or symptoms or disease, often times, we are not all speaking about the same things. In other words, where someone might talk about wellness as a way of living up to their highest potential in life, another person might be talking about preventative measures to ward off heart disease, cancer or diabetes. These are vastly different end points, so how can they be so easily confused? Well, that topic alone could take pages and pages to cover – in fact, books have been written on similar topics. continue reading »
May 31st, 2010 -- Posted in Health |
Lots of people nowadays are more and more concerned with their cholesterol levels and lowering their triglycerides. Studies have shown that lowering triglycerides will also lower your chances of getting a heart attack or stroke. You may be wondering what triglycerides are and how you can control them. Triglycerides are fatty deposits that are stored throughout your body. When you have an excess amount of triglycerides in your body, they will then start to accumulate and build up in your blood stream as well.
These excess fatty triglycerides in your blood can cause your blood to start to thicken and can cause serious problems with your heart and can even cause blood clots that can lead to strokes. You can lower your triglycerides by eating good foods that won’t turn into glucose and add to your triglyceride levels. Eat good foods that are low in carbohydrates to keep your glucose levels down. Eating less sugar and eating less bread, and products with flour in them can help in reducing your triglycerides levels.
There are some great vitamin supplements you can take that will help you control and lower your triglyceride level. These are fish oil pills and omega 3 oils. Trans fats and hydrogenated fats are bad for you and will raise your triglyceride level as hydrogenated fats have actually had hydrogen gas pumped into the oils to give it a creamy substance. Good fats that come naturally in meat and eggs are good for your system and your body burns them to give you the energy you need on a daily basis.
You’ll want to get your triglyceride level checked and then follow a good diet consisting of healthy foods that are low in trans fats and cholesterol. Fish oils pill supplements can be very helpful as well as getting on a good low carbohydrate diet.
May 26th, 2010 -- Posted in Health |
Heath and wellness is an important aspects of human life, therefore it must be taken seriously, especially for somebody that is prone to falling sick all the time. Colon cleansing is regarded as the most potent way of achieving total cleanse of the body for your body to be healthy and sickness free. continue reading »
May 20th, 2010 -- Posted in Health |
Bleeding hemorrhoids is a condition that effects millions every year. Unfortunately, along with the hemorrhoids themselves can come other symptoms that include pain, itching, swelling and overall discomfort. There are two different types of bleeding hemorrhoids: internal and external. Internal bleeding hemorrhoids are veins on the wall of the anal canal that are swollen. Normally, internal bleeding hemorrhoids are small in size. They can however, be larger. The larger veins may sag and bulge from the anus. One danger that is associated with bulging bleeding hemorrhoids (or even non bleeding ones) is that they can get squeezed and have their blood supply cut off by the anal muscles. When this happens, the pain is very intense and immediate medical attention is required. Both internal and external bleeding hemorrhoids will produce bright red blood streaks on the toilet paper when wiping. There may also be blood in the toiled after a bowel movement and this may also cause bright red blood streaks on the surface of the stool. External hemorrhoids may bleed and the blood may pool and cause hard and painful lumps called clotted or thrombosed hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids and bleeding hemorrhoids are caused by pressure on the veins in the rectal and pelvic areas. Being overweight or straining from constipation to move stool causes the veins to stretch and swell. Also, pregnancy can cause hemorrhoids, especially in the last months because of the pressure that is put on the pelvic area. Ultimately, vaginal childbirth may also cause the condition due to pushing and straining when delivering the baby. Treating bleeding hemorrhoids is usually done at home using non prescription creams to aid in itch relief and pain relievers that don’t include aspirin such as Tylenol. Aspirin usage can thin blood and cause more bleeding. Warm sitz baths are also helpful in reducing swelling, pain and itching symptoms. Also, the heat from the water causes the blood to rush to the heated area which aids in circulation and subsequently speeds healing. One note on the at home treatment of bleeding hemorrhoids is that it’s very important to be sure the blood is coming from hemorrhoids before attempting to treat yourself. Bleeding from the rectal area can be a sign of something much more serious and should be diagnosed immediately. If you are sure of the blood supply and it is hemorrhoids, treating at home for 5-7 days may begin however, if symptoms don’t seem to improve, it may be necessary to contact your physician for a definitive diagnosis and further treatment options.
May 20th, 2010 -- Posted in Health |
Plantar Fasciitis, a common cause of heal pain, consists of painful inflammation throughout the plantar fancia: the thick connective tissue that supports the arch of the foot, and connects the heal bone to the toes. Plantar fascitis causes excruciating pain with every step, and as the foot limbers, the pain usually decreases, but may return after extensive standing or repeated rising from a seated position. Pain is usually felt in the center of the heal, and bending the foot is done with difficulty. Plantar fasciitis is common in people who are overweight, pregnant women, runners, and those who wear shoes with inadequate support. Plantar fasciitis is treatable and should be treated early on to avoid serious complications that may hinder regular activities. Prolonging treatment may raise the risk for developing extensive foot, knee, back and hip problems that can alter regular walking motion. Most people recover within a few months with conservative treatments. Treatments include medications, therapies, and home remedies. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Motrin, Advil, and Aleve, are used to ease inflammation and pain, but do not treat the underlying problem. Corticosteroids are applied over the painful area using either a painless electric current or injections. Multiple injections are not recommended because it can weaken the plantar fascia and shrink the fat surrounding the heal bone. Common therapy treatment is physical therapy. Physical therapists typically instruct patients in exercises that stretch the plantar fascia, Achilles tendon, and lower leg muscles to help stabilize the ankle and heel. Another therapy is night splints. A physician may recommend wearing a splint while you sleep. The splint is fitted to the calf and foot while you sleep. Also, it holds the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia in a stretched or lengthened position over night, thus the stretch is more effective. Orthotics is another treatment, custom-fitted or store bought arch supports, to help evenly distribute the pressure to your feet. Other solutions to this nasty medical condition include getting the proper footwear that can help foster a healing environment for the affected foot area. This essentially means that getting the right pair of shoes for plantar fasciitis is essential if you want to recover from this condition as quickly as possible, as getting the best pair of shoes for plantar fasciitis can hasten your road to recovery by several orders of magnitude. This means an exponential rate of growth in recovery time, and this is why you need to get out there and find a pair of shoes that can be right for your particular condition.
May 17th, 2010 -- Posted in Health |
The Biggest Loser show is one of the biggest audience winning programs on TV. Americans have enthusiastically welcomed these dieting competitors into their homes for nearly a decade now, cheering the contestants on as they strive to get healthy.
Many people can relate to the contestants on the show because obesity is such a widespread (no pun intended) problem. If you’re one of the countless people fighting the battle of the bulge, you need the same kind of help the competitors get on the Biggest Loser and now you can, with Biggest Loser DVDs and books.
Biggest Loser DVDs
If you’re just getting started on your weight loss program, The Biggest Loser 30-Day Jump Start DVD is a great way to get going. Filled with short, effective workout plans, a helpful cookbook, and tips from trainer Bob Harper, this DVD gives your fitness program a kick start. You’ll be losing weight and subtracting inches from your waistline before you know it.
You might want to take Jillian Michaels up on her challenge with The Biggest Loser: Last Chance Workout DVD. She’ll have your heart pounding with intense routines that work your upper and lower body, burning fat and sculpting muscles.
Another good choice is the Jillian Michaels: Yoga Meltdown DVD. This Biggest Loser trainer takes you through a complete 30-minute workout unlike any other yoga routine you’ve ever experienced. It’s a combination of hard-core yoga poses and Jillian’s own dynamic training methods that will have you dropping pounds before you know it.
Biggest Loser Books
Learn inspirational tips and secrets from trainers and contestants in The Biggest Loser Success Secrets: The Wisdom, Motivation, and Inspiration to Lose Weight–and Keep It Off! This motivational book will help keep your determination high as you move towards your own fitness goals.
Biggest Loser Family Cookbook: Budget-Friendly Meals Your Whole Family Will Love helps you plan healthy, affordable meals even the kids will love. Chef Devin Alexander will guide you through creating easy, nutritious recipes for entrees to desserts, proving that eating healthy can be budget wise and delicious.
If you’ve made the decision to get fit and stay fit, get some help with books and DVDs from your friends at the Biggest Loser. Your body will thank you.
May 16th, 2010 -- Posted in Health |
If you have ever been afflicted with gout, you know that it can be very painful and will likely limit your movement. Unless you are able to detect the condition at its early stages, a gout attack can be a painful wake-up call in dealing what is a more complex, but treatable problem. If you understand the cause of gout, then you realize that to effectively treat it, will include the use of both medication, lifestyle changes and some common home remedies for gout. Unfortunately, too many people experience a gout attack before consulting a doctor. When this happens, foremost on the minds of patients is to get the pain to subside.
When your blood system is unusually high in uric acid, crystallized urates are deposited in joints usually found in lower extremities. The large toe, for example is a common area where these crystals are formed. The crystals will result in inflammation of the joints, pain and possibly redness coloration.
If you are experiencing symptoms of gout or have suffered at least one attack, it is best to consult a doctor to determine if your uric acid is too high, and what form of treatment is required to manage its level. However, if you have never experienced gout, listed below are a few tips on relieving you of the pain. Please note that the list below only helps address the immediate symptoms of gout thus it is temporary and not a cure for gout. Nothing replaces gout preventive treatment which may include medical treatment as well as nutritional or dietary programs.
Medical Relief for Gout – pain associated with gout comes largely from the inflamed joint. To relieve you of the pain and immobility, doctors can prescribe drugs that will reduce the swelling and pain. These drugs are classed under:
- Non-Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID)
- Colchicine
- Steroids
Drugs that fall under the three categories may cause side effects on an individual thus it is best to consult a physician prior to taking any of the above.
Practical Relief for Gout – there are a few practical steps that you can take to relieve pain caused by gout. Any home remedies for gout would fall under this category.
- Raise the affected joint to reduce pressure and decrease fluid flow to the affected area further worsening any swelling;
- Avoid taking any food high in purine;
- Avoid any form of alcohol, especially beer;
- Take cherry or lemon juice
- Keep weight off of the affected area and immobilize the joint if necessary.
Again, while there are ways to relieve the symptoms of gout, it is best to approach the treatment of gout systemically with a long term view of totally eliminating the chances of any recurrence. Consult a doctor for an optimum solution.
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