Archive for: March, 2010

Allergies Type 1

Mar 27 2010 Published by admin under Allergy



Allergies Type 1 is also called contact allergy. It is is when food, mold, animal dander, pollen, or dust can cause an immediate allergy attack. Whey your body responds to the invasion, your body releases histamine from the irritated area such as the skin, nasal and bronchial areas.

A person with Allergies Type 1 is burdened with an overprotective immune system and is forever on guard against everyday things that don’t bother the rest of us. It might be a cute puppy, a patch of green grass, to something as simple as a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

The hypersensitivity allergic reaction to type 1 allergies can vary fjrom mild irritation to sudden death from anaphylactic shock. Any sympton that causes swelling of the toungh or difficulity in breathing requires imeadate treatment by a physicial.

Mild cases of Allergies Type 1 can be treated with common products such as Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Pantothenic Acid, Glucosamine, Antioxidants, Allergy Aid, and Quercitin.

Vitamin A is a known antioxidant and can assist the human body in the healing process. Vitamin A is stored in the liver and fat cells of the human body and can reach toxic levels. DO NOT take more than the recommended dosage of Vitamin A.

Up to one-third of older people can no longer absorb Vitamin B from their food. Vitamin B is needed to form red blood cells and keep nerves healthy.

Vitamin C is nature’s protective nutrient, essential for defending the body against pollution and infection and enhances the bodies immune system.

Beta Carotene protects the mucus membranes of the mouth, nose, throat and lungs. It also helps protect Vitamin C from oxidation, which enables it to perform at optimum efficiency.

Vitamin E protects the lung tissue from inhaled pollutants and aids in the functioning of the immune system.

Many find Pantothenic Acid to be very helpful against allergy symptoms. It is another form of nontoxic B vitamins. Pantothenic Acid is critical in the metabolism and synthesis of carbohydrates, proteins and fats.

Glucosamine is an anti-inflammatory and may give some relief from allergy symptoms.

Substances called antioxidants can neutralize free radical by pairing up or binding with the free radical elections thus inhibiting them from damaging cells in the human body.

Allergy Aid supplies 9 beneficial Herb’s to help provide temporary relief of respiratory allergies. The natural action of these specific Herb’s help to open bronchial tubes and ease breathing.

Quercitin is a well known flavonoid. Flavonoids are powerful antioxidants and can reduce inflammation boost the immune system and strengthen blood vessels and improve circulation. Quercitin is also known for its ability to block the release of histamines, thus reducing or preventing allergy symptoms.

Always consult your doctor before using this information.

This Article is nutritional in nature and is not to be construed as medical advice.

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Sickle Cell Anemia – What to Expect

Mar 26 2010 Published by admin under Anemia



Sickle cell anemia is an inherited disease of the red blood cells that affects people from African, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern countries. In the United States, about 1,000 babies are born with the disorder each year, and 1 in 12 African-Americans possess the sickle cell trait.

How it occurs: When a person is born with one sickle cell gene from each parent, they may have a deficiency in the production of normal hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. With more abnormal hemoglobin, the red blood cells change from being flexible and disk-shaped to curving into a jagged crescent that resembles a sickle. Normal red blood cells can travel easily through the bloodstream, but sickle-shaped cells clump together and clog the blood vessels, affecting the delivery of oxygen and threatening the tissue in the body’s organs.

Symptoms: Some symptoms of sickle cell anemia include:

o Hypoxia: The heart must work harder to pump anemic blood, causing a rapid heart rate, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and other complications. Hypoxia can lead not only to a risk of heart failure, but to more sickling of the blood because of further oxygen shortages.

o Jaundice: When red blood cells break down too rapidly, the liver cannot dispose of their waste products. The buildup in the bloodstream can cause skin, mucous membranes and the whites of the eyes to take on a yellowish tint. Permanent liver damage may occur.

o Pain crises: The common first sign of the disease in infants is hand-foot syndrome, causing pain and swelling in those organs. Pain can occur at all ages in the arms, legs, hips, shoulders, back, muscles, and joints, and can vary in frequency. Some episodes last a few hours while others can continue for weeks. Acute chest syndrome results in severe chest and abdominal pain as well as fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.

o Increased risk of infection: Damage to the spleen caused by a buildup of red blood cells can lower a person’s resistance to viral infections, respiratory infections such as pneumonia, and osteomyelitis, which affects the bones.

o Stunted growth and vision problems: Some children may be underweight, have short trunks, and a delay in reaching puberty. Sickle cells building up in the blood vessels to the eyes can lead to blindness.

Diagnosis and treatment: A blood test known as hemoglobin electrophoresis, performed on newborns in more than 40 US states, can detect sickle hemoglobin as well as the sickle cell trait.
No cure for sickle cell anemia has been found. Individuals rely on bed rest and painkillers for pain crises and fluids to prevent dehydration. Penicillin is given to young children to avoid infection. Blood transfusions can increase the number of normal red blood cells to prevent more serious complications. The anticancer drug hydroxyurea has alleviated pain crises and acute chest syndrome in some adults. Regular medical visits, a healthy diet, and moderate exercise can increase life expectancy and quality of life.

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Herbal Treatments to Relieve Insomnia

Mar 22 2010 Published by admin under Insomnia



Insomnia, is a disturbing health condition, which takes different forms. The condition may manifest itself as difficulty in falling asleep, restless sleeping, or waiting in the middle of the night for sleep to occur.

The more common causes of insomnia are caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, especially if a person consumes them in the evening. Tension and anxiety, menopause, lack of exercise, vitamin deficiencies, eating too late in the evening, certain drugs, and food allergies can also trigger insomnia.

Sleeping pills and sedatives may work out at the start, but afterward they interfere with sleep. To add, these drugs are also dangerous, habit-forming, and tend to upset the long-term balance of the body’s natural rhythm. It would be better to seek long-term solutions to reducing anxiety, such as by practicing biofeedback or meditation and getting more exercise during the day, though not right before bedtime. A number of herbal treatments to relieve insomnia have been formulated and discovered, and have known to be effective in alleviating this often debilitating condition

The herbal treatments to relieve insomnia can be categorized into the following categories: hypnotics, nervine relaxants, antispasmodics, nervine tonics and adaptogens. The herbs chosen for insomnia remedies are usually selected by herbalists based on their properties, their strength and at times, their taste. It is advisable to consult a certified herbalist or nutritionist regarding the use of herbs as alternatives to standard medication.

Hypnotics

Hypnotics are herbs that are used to ease a person to sleep. They are often strong nervine relaxants. Some of the most effective herbal relaxants are illegal because of their addictive potential. A perfect of these would be opium poppy. Hypnotic herbs given in low dosage however, can give a relaxing action on the mind and in the body. Some hypnotics with no addictive properties are the following:

California poppy Chamomile

Hops Linden

Motherwort Mugwort

Passionflower Pulsatilla

Skullcap Valerian

Vervain Wild Lettuce

Wood betony

Herbs for insomnia can calm nervous tension and relax muscles. To induce sleep, take herbs as a warm tea, or in tincture or capsule form, thirty minutes before bedtime. A common dosage is 1 cup of tea, 1/2-1 teaspoon of tincture, or two capsules.

The following herbs are generally recognized as effective sleep inducers and relaxants, and these are:

Valerian passionflower

California poppy hops

The following herbs are also considered much milder sedatives, and are well-suited for children and teenagers. They help calm an overly stimulated nervous system:

Chamomile catnip

Adaptogens

These herbal treatment types are designed to help in a way similar to nervine tonics but should only be advised to be used in the daytime to relieve stress because they may be too energizing at night, and may further sleeplessness. Among the examples of adaptogens are the following:

Korean Ginseng American ginseng

Siberian ginseng

Nervine tonics

Nervine tonics are often used when the insomnia is suspected to be associated with, or caused by nervous exhaustion. In cases of shock, stress or nervous debility however, these tonics strengthen and directly restore the tissues. Here are some examples of nervine tonics with a relaxing effect:

Chamomile Hyssop

Lavender Skullcap

Prime Herbal – http://primeherbal.com

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Natural Solutions to Battling Allergies

Mar 17 2010 Published by admin under Allergy



Many of us are plagued with allergies. Yet, many of our systems cannot handle the decongestants and antihistamines that are often prescribed that could make us feel better. For this reason many people are turning to natural solutions or remedies to help battle and help solve some of their allergy symptoms.

There are two types of allergies, Seasonal allergies and year round allergies.

Seasonal allergies affect around 40 million Americans each year. About 10 percent of this 40 million is affected by the pollen (which is produced from plants and weeds). Pollen can cause many symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms are: runny nose, sneezing and watery eyes. Yet, pollen can also cause people one’s sinus cavities to also become congested which can cause pain, pressure and headaches.

Year round allergies can be caused from common household matter such as dust, dust-mites, mold, mildew, certain chemicals (including perfumes and makeup). These types of allergies can cause the same symptoms as seasonal allergies, just on a longer basis.

Both seasonal allergy and year round allergy sufferers may be able to find relief in natural substances. Plus, some of the substances can be found in many of our own homes.

If you are an allergy sufferer and you are tired of taking real medications, maybe you will want to consider some of these natural remedies. But be warned, as with any real physician prescribed medication, you can find that you are allergic to the cure. If you also have any other health issues, you may want to discuss the use of any new treatment, including natural treatments with your physician and or pharmacist first.

* Drinking chamomile tea may help limit the amount of time you will suffer from a hay fever attack. By drinking it warm, it can also help open your nasal passages which in turn can help with the pain and pressure within them.

* Eucalyptus oil is also a great aid in helping to open your stuffed up nasal cavities.

* Lavender oil can be rubbed onto your temples to help lessen the pain of a headache. By inhaling the scent in also may open your sinus cavities. It is also known to help relax you, especially if you place a few drops of it in your bath water and onto your bed pillow at night.

* St. John’s Wort capsules are also known to help with sinus headaches.

* Drink plenty of water. This will help keep your body from producing as much histamine naturally which causes such symptoms as a runny nose, watery eyes and sneezing.

* Be sure to take between 400 to 800 mg. of magnesium a day. Magnesium will work as a natural antihistamine without all those side effects.

* Many natural nutritionists love butterbur extract for the symptoms of hay fever. Generally people will take up to three 150 mg. pills of this extract a day while their symptoms are at their worse.

Allergies are a part of many people’s lives. There isn’t much we can do about them except avoid the substances that causes the reactions the best way we can, and then find ways that can help us with the allergic reactions, without causing us further complications. One way in which many are battling their allergies and the symptoms that go along with their allergies are by using natural substances. Maybe some of these substances an also be beneficial to you.

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Home Remedies For Insomnia – Information All Insomnia Sufferers Should Know

Mar 16 2010 Published by admin under Insomnia



Insomnia can be caused by many varied reasons. However, figuring out the cause is important because the type of insomnia remedies that work best are entirely dependant on the reason behind the insomnia itself. Hence, one must have a fair idea about the underlying cause of the disease for proper treatment of insomnia.

Insomnia varies from person to person and so is the treatment. Sleep disorder or insomnia can be caused by many different things. For some people, it is a physical condition caused by hormonal or chemical imbalances. For others, insomnia is caused by emotional or mental issues. A particular treatment or a remedy which has yielded positive result to someone may not be beneficial for other.

At present, there are different ways to cure insomnia. Positive lifestyle changes like exercising regularly, having nutritious diet, reducing caffeine, alcohol intake and taking positive perspective towards life goes a long way in curing insomnia. In severe and chronic insomnia medical advice, counseling, psychotherapy may become necessary. In some chronic insomnia cases medications become necessary because often medications helps to restore balance in neurotransmitters a chemical whose imbalance cause depression leading to insomnia.

Another alternative is using Home remedies for insomnia. In the recent times, this method is gaining prominence because it has often proved to be quite helpful in curing insomnia. For insomnia treatment home remedies are safer because they have the least side effects and are inexpensive.

For insomnia remedies it is safer to follow the natural path because home remedies for insomnia often yields positive and fruitful results. Some commonly used home remedies are as follows:

Exercise regularly
Maintain a regular sleep schedule
Take warm bath before going to bed; it is relaxing and induces sleep
Limit caffeine intake
Excess consumption of alcohol should be avoided
A cup of warm milk with honey before bed often helps in getting sleep
Poppy seeds added to milk with adequate sugar helps to get a good night’s sleep
Yoga and meditation brings balance and harmony. It makes us calm and peaceful, which in due process helps us to fall asleep.
Controlled breathing induces sleep.

Some herbs like lavender oil, lemon verbena tea helps in curing insomnia. If the sleeping pillow is filled with peppermint, rosemary, rose leaves, lemon verbena and slept on throughout the night, it can help get you to fall asleep and prevent insomnia.

Sleep is vital for our life and if we fail to get adequate sleep both our professional and personal life get negatively affected. Our performance level drops and concentration diminishes. We become lethargetic and irritable. Insomnia shakes the very root of our overall well being. So insomnia should be curbed. Home remedies for insomnia can go a long way towards curing insomnia. But in severe insomnia medications, relaxation therapy and/or psychotherapy often needs to be applied.

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Anemia Part VI – How to Prevent and Treat Anemia With Supplements

Mar 11 2010 Published by admin under Anemia



It is hard to believe that America, a country with one of the highest standards of living in the world having over 20 million people with the disease of anemia caused by unhealthy diet, and nutritional deficiency with protein and fat intake 30% more than any other country in the world. Most people understand that anemia is caused by iron deficiency in the bloodstream but in reality anemia is characterized by deficiency in the hemoglobin of the red blood cells, diminishing the ability of the blood to transport oxygen to our cells and to remove carbon dioxide. In this article, we will discuss how to prevent and treat anemia with herbs.

1. DHEA

DHEA is the shortened name of dehydroepiandrosterone. It is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands that helps to reduce the level of cytokine inflammation which damages the forming of protein from red blood cells.

2. Spirulina

Spirulina is rich in iron, folic acid and vitamin B12 which are essential for people with anemia.

It also contains high amounts of vitamin C helping the absorption of iron and strengthening the immune system. Spirulina not only increases the oxygen level in the blood, it also helps to remove carbon dioxide from our cells that are vital for people with nutritional deficiency anemia.

3. Lactoferrin

Lactoferrin enhances iron absorption, and protects our body from the negative and oxidative effects of excess iron. It can decrease or eliminate the side effects of nausea and constipation caused by iron supplementation. It also has beneficial effects in regulating the immune system,and anti-inflammatory, antibacterial antiviral and antioxidant effects. Study shows that lactoferrin increases the absorption and utilization of iron, and would be useful in the prevention of iron deficiency anemia.

4. Bee pollen

Bee pollen contains high amounts of protein, B-complex vitamins and folic acid that are vital supplements for anemia patients. It also is believed to improve the digestive process and improve levels of hemoglobin in some anemic patients. It has been used in Chinese medicine for over thousands of years in treating many kinds of chronic illnesses as well as longevity.

5. Hydrochloric acid

For people with megaloblastic anemia due to deficiency of the intrinsic factor such as poor iron and supplement absorption, then intake of hydrochloric acid is necessary. Hydrochloric acid helps the stomach lining to absorb and transport protein to the tissues of the body.

I hope this information will help , if you need more information of the above subject please follow my series of the above subject at my home page at:

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