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Monday, June 30, 2008

Diabetes and risk of cardio vascular diseases!!!

The cardiovascular system is one of the most important systems in the human body. It is comprised of the heart, blood and blood vessels. Blood is being pumped out from the heart and is the one responsible in delivering oxygen and other nutrients to all the parts of the body. It also cleans up our body by picking up the waste products on its way back to the heart so our body can get rid of them.
So what has diabetes got to do with the cardiovascular system? Since blood is part of the cardiovascular system, and diabetes is a condition in which the level of glucose in the blood is higher than normal, hence Diabetes and cardiovascular system diseases are closely related to each other.Some examples of the commonly diagnosed cardiovascular disease are coronary heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure and other heart conditions.
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Risk Factors
Diabetes is now considered as a major risk factor in cardiovascular diseases. Other factors that contribute to the possibility of acquiring cardiovascular diseases in diabetic patients include hypertension, smoking and hyperlipidemia.
- Hypertension. Hypertension in diabetes is considered a major contributor to the increase in mortality from cardiovascular diseases. Diabetic patients, especially those with Type 2, need to always have their blood pressure checked every visit to the doctor. Self-monitoring at home is also a must to maintain and control the rise of blood pressure. The American Diabetes Association recommends a target blood pressure of not more than 130/85 mm Hg to maintain a good level of blood pressure.
- Hyperglycemia. Intensive glycemic control may prove to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, although not directly. This can be more beneficial in controlling micro vascular complications, but still, assessing all risk factors and properly managing them is a big step in preventing occurrence of any cardiovascular diseases.
- Smoking. Smoking has been determined dangerous to our health. Studies show that smoking indeed increase risk of premature death and cardiovascular disease in diabetic patients.
Prevention
As the old saying goes, “prevention is better than cure.” There are many ways on how to prevent the increased possibility of cardiovascular events in diabetic patients. Several alterations or modifications to the risk factors can be done to still maintain healthy despite of diabetes.
The simplest step one can start with is to stop smoking. Diabetic or not, cessation of smoking will really prove beneficial to one’s overall health condition. Maintaining blood pressure to less than 130/85 or 130/80 mm Hg helps control the occurrence of hypertension. Having a body mass index (BMI) of less than 27 is also a must for diabetic patients to control their overall condition.
Some tests are also recommended to monitor and keep maintain key factors at a healthy level. These tests include annual urine test, retinal dilation examination, dental examinations, and biannual foot examination for sensation testing and measurement of pulses. Diabetes and cardiovascular diseases need proper attention and care. Regular visits to your health practitioner are recommended as they are the right people who know all about your condition. They keep all the records of their patients’ health history and can track improvements or otherwise. Proper medications and advice are also given by these professionals.
Diabetes is indeed a life-long condition that demands a lot of attention. There may be no hard and real cure for this disease, but it sure can be maintained and controlled by proper care and having thorough knowledge and understanding about the condition.

Some simple remedies you can try at home!!!!

1.HEARTBURN:Turmeric helps stimulate the flow of digestive juices, moving food along and preventing acid buildup.
2.HEADACHE:Ginger inhibits a substance that prevents the release of substances that make blood vessels dilate,thus providing relief from headache.
3.SORE THROAT:Thyme is strongly antiseptic and is a traditional remedy for respiratory infections.Drinking tea made from thyme provides relief from respiratory infections.
4.INSECT BITES AND STINGS:A drop of peppermint oil rubbed into the center of a bite or sting can bring quick, long-lasting relief.
5.TOOTHACHE:Rub a drop of oil of clove directly on an aching tooth. If you don't have oil of clove handy just chew a whole clove, pointed end down, placing it next to the tooth.
6.BODY ACHE:Boil one part sesame seeds with three parts water until the liquid is reduced by half. Cool the resulting brew, and apply it directly to the aching part of the body.
7.COMMON COLD AND FLU: Add sliced fresh ginger, 1 broken-up cinnamon stick, 1 teaspoon coriander seeds, 3 whole cloves, 1 lemon slice to 1 pint of water.Simmer for 15 minutes and strain. Then drink a hot cupful every 2 hours.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Some herbs for your sexual health!!!!

Below mentioned are some herbs and minerals which have shown to improve sexual health.
*Shilajeet:It increases the core energy responsible for sexual and spiritual power. The use of Shilajeet for renewing vitality.
*Garlic:It is one of the most remarkable home remedies in the treatment of sexual disorder. It is a natural and harmless aphrodisiac.
*Drumstick:It is very useful as a sexual tonic in the treatment of sexual disorder.
*Ginger:The juice extracted from ginger is a valuable aphrodisiac and beneficial in the treatment of sexual weakness.
*Ashwagandha(Withania somnifera): It is used as a tonic, aphrodisiac, rejuvenator, sedative and nervine tonic.
*Kapikachu(Mucuna Prureins):It has been used for centuries in Ayurveda to treat male infertility,loss of libido and to improve sexual performance.
*Salab Mishri(orchis Mascula):It has been traditionally used to treat sexual dysfunctions encountered in both men and women such as loss of libido or lack of interest in sex and infertility, premature ejaculation, low sperm counts and erectile dysfunction.
*Gokhshura(Tribulis Terrestris):Gokhshura has been used for centuries in Ayurveda to treat impotence, Venereal diseases and Sexual debility.
*Safed Musli/Shweta musli(Asparagus Adscendens): It has been traditionally used in Ayurveda as an aphrodisiac as well as to increase sperm count.
*Masha(Black gram):Masha has been traditionally used in Ayurveda to treat sexual debility,loss of libido and improve sexual performance.

Home remedies for Varicose Veins!!!

Varicose veins are enlarged veins that are swollen and raised above the surface of the skin. They can be dark purple or blue, and look twisted and bulging. Varicose veins are commonly found on the backs of the calves or on the inside of the leg. Tips for coping up with Varicose veins:-Do not wear tight clothes since they restrict flow of blood.
-At least once a day elevate your legs above the heart level for 20-30 minutes.
-If you at work are sitting on a desk all day, make sure you take breaks to walk around. Similarly if your work involves standing for long time,then take break to walk around or sit for some time.
-Do a daily routine of exercise like Walking, swimming,bicycling etc to promote good circulation. It is also very important to maintain a healthy weight.
-Elevate your feet at all moment at home while watching TV or sitting down to read.
-Avoid standing or sitting for long periods of time, crossing your legs, lifting heavy weights and putting any unnecessary pressure on your legs. -Eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of fish and fresh fruits and vegetables. The diet should also be low in fat and carbohydrates.The diet has to be high in fiber to prevent constipation and keep the bowels clean. Avoid as much as possible sugar, ice cream, fried foods, peanuts, junk foods, cheeses, tobacco, salt, alcohol, animal protein, and processed and refined foods.
Home remedies for combating Varicose veins:-Wearing compression stockings for Varicose Veins is often the first line of treatment at home.-Fill a tub with cold water and simulate walking in the tub.This will help improve blood circulation in the legs.
-After bathing apply Castor oil over the affected varicose veins and massage gently from top to bottom. -Eat as many blackberries and cherries as you can. They help to prevent varicose veins, and if you have them they help ease the symptoms. Including ginger, onions, garlic and pineapple in your diet is also beneficial.-Apply apple cider vinegar to the varicose veins night and morning.
-Apply a compress of Marigold herb over the varicose veins.The flowers of this plant can also be applied externally over the varicose ulcers.
-Alternate hot and cold bath is very helpful and should be taken daily.A hot Epsom salt bath is also very beneficial and should be taken twice in a week.Applying cold pack over the affected part also helps.

Home remedies for fungal infections!!!!

Simple fungal infections can be treated at home by these following home remedies:
*Lemongrass oil or lemon juice: Lemon is a natural antiseptic,and it can help start killing the fungus almost immediately.Application of Lemongrass oil usually causes the infected area to turn black just minutes after applying it, and this is an indication the fungus is starting to be killed.
*Tea Tree Oil is also a natural antiseptic, and it reportedly works wonderfully for killing nail fungus growth as well.
*Garlic is a well known, powerful antibiotic and antifungal herb that works amazingly well for a wide variety of fungal infections. Garlic can be used in oil form directly on the infected parts, or you can rub raw garlic on and around the infection too.
*Apple Cider Vinegar is possibly the oldest known herbal treatment for fungus problems. The apple cider vinegar also has exfoliating properties. It helps soften your skin and remove the dead skin cells, which allows the fungus to be reached and killed easier.

Saturday, June 14, 2008

Some home remedies for diabetes!!!!

If you are a Diabetic,besides regularly taking your medicines prescribed by your physicians,you can try these simple tips:*Wake up early in the morning and practice Kapaalbhati Pranayama for 3-5 minutes.It is known to stimulate your pancreas.*Take one teaspoon of powder made of equal quantity of cinnamon,dry ginger and fenugreek seeds early in the morning on empty stomach.This will not only help in controlling blood sugar but will also strenghten your heart and also control your blood pressure.*Eat 8-9 Neem leaves and and 6-7 Basil(Tulsi) leaves every day.*Drink one glass of cows milk everyday with one teaspoon of Turmeric powder.*Include Bitter gourd(Karela) in raw form in your diet everyday,either in form of juice or in your salad.*Make yoghurt(curd) by adding few basil leaves to cows milk and keep it overnight in a silver vessel.Have a cup of this yoghurt everyday.
*Eat atleast 2-3 Amla(Indian gooseberry) everyday.You can also drink its juice,prepared from fresh Amla.
*Jamun(Rose apples) are seasonal fruits and should be consumed in plenty when they are available.But do not throw away their seeds-instead dry them up in sun and make a powder out of it.You can take one teaspoon daily.

Importance of diet in Ayurveda!!!!

Diet restriction and modification helps a great deal in curing of Diseases.It also enhances the curing properties of drugs.Ayurveda prescribes various diets for various types of diseases. No1:For ushana(over heat) and Paitya(excess bile) conditions,the diet prescribed is old rice,green gram,red gram,raw plaintain fruit,snake gourd,bitter gourd,cucumber,beans,onions,garlic,ghee,milk,grapes.Avoid intake of brinjal,oily food,betel leaf,tobacco,alcohol,coffee,tea,meat and sour things. No2:For sleshma or disease with phlegm-have old rice,red gram,black gram,brinjal,bitter gourd,raddish,wheat,horse gram,cow's milk,butter milk,snake gourd and ghee can be taken. No3:For disease with Oedema-old rice,wheat,snake gourd,grapes,cow's milk,butter milk and bitter gourd can be taken N04:For all diseases excess oil,tobacco,alcohol,coffee,tea,meat,excess salt should be avoided.

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Detoxifying you kidneys!!!

The two Kidneys are part of the urinary system, the endocrine system and are two of the most important internal organs in the body. They are responsible for filtering the blood, regulating the urinary system and producing hormones. kidneys work extra hard to ensure our continued well-being. Every day, 2o percent of the blood pumped by the heart passes through our kidneys for cleansing purposes. Each of these kidney is composed of about a million tinier units called "nephrons". Inside these nephrons, a tiny blood vessel ("glomerulus") is intertwined with a tiny urine-collecting tube (tubule). As blood passes through these nephrons, a complex interaction occurs between the glomerulus and the tubule which results in the elimination of wastes in the blood. These waste materials then enter the urinary tract and end up being excreted in the urine.Besides this, the kidneys also perform the following functions:* Regulation of the composition of the blood.* Maintenance of the ideal concentrations of vital substances and ions in the blood.* Sustaining the proper volume of water in the body. * Eliminating toxic wastes from the body. * Maintaining the acid-base concentration of the blood.* Normalizing blood pressure. * Promoting the production of red blood cells. * Maintaining the ideal sodium,potassium,calcium level in the body.To avoid developing kidney troubles, it is therefore necessary to maintain a healthy lifestyle.One may start by considering the following tips:. Maintain a healthy blood pressure . Limit intake of foods which dramatically increase the blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Maintain alkaline pH of blood.. Have sufficient quantity of water to prevent dehydration. . Avoid adding too much salt to the diet. . Minimize stress.. Have a regular exercise routine. . Limit medications to those prescribed by your family physician. Kidney Detoxification program:Kidney detoxification program includes Water fasting which involves taking in large quantities of water for a specified period of time without food. Juicing (or juice fasting) is also an excellent way to cleanse and detoxify the kidneys. It is less severe than water fasting since it provides the body with the nutrients, minerals, enzymes and energy needed to support the various metabolic processes during the fast.Herbal detoxification plan for kidneys involves use of kidney beneficial herbs like Punarnava,Gokshura,Uva Ursi(Bearberry), ginger root,fresh parsley,wheatgrass powder,varun,dandelion root,burdock root, rakt Chandan,palaash,kaasni,etc.During this entire detoxification program,it is very important to maintain an alkaline pH of our entire body system.

Immune boosting properties of Echinacea

Echinacea is well known for its anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, analgesic, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, digestive and tonic properties. It is commonly recommended by herbalists as an agent to lessen the symptoms and duration at the onset of a cold or the flu ,as it been found to be effective in strengthening the immune system.Many studies show that echinacea prevents the formation of an enzyme called hyaluronidase, which destroys a natural barrier between healthy tissue and unwanted pathogenic organisms. Therefore, echinacea helps the body maintain its line of defense against unwanted invaders, especially viruses.Echinacea also appears to be useful for other common ailments such as sore throat, lymph node inflammation, stomach cramps, and urinary tract infections.It is widely used as a general blood purifier. Externally, it can be used for treatment of insect bites, burns, measles, skin ulcers, herpes sores, cold sores, and yeast infections in women.

weight loss through Yogasanas

To decrease weight and get rid of obesity three things must be kept in mind:
1.Controlling eating habits.
2.Regular exercise.
3.Avoiding the causes of weight gain.
Yoga can help you control your weight more effectively Many a times the glands are sluggish in our body. These sluggish glands are stimulated by yogaasana to increase their hormonal secretions. Especially the thyroid gland pays important role in our weight because it affects body metabolism..Yogasanas like Paschimottanasana, Bhujangasana, Sarvangasana, Halasana, Dhanurasana, Trikonasana, ArdhaMatsyendrasana,Pawanmukhtasana along with Suryanamaskar(Sun salutation) are very effective for weight reduction, also Pranayama especially kapaalbhaati pranayama is very useful. Paschimottanasana:
1. Sit on a mat with your legs stretched straight out in front of you.
2. Breathe OUT. Slowly bend forward, trying to touch your feet. Don't bend your knees.
3. If you feel a constriction while bending, straighten up slightly and then try and bend further forward.
4. Don't push yourself too hard. You may not be able to get very far if you are a beginner. Don't get impatient and push yourself too hard. You will only injure your muscles. Just bend forward as far as you can go.
5. It is important that you hold this pose. There is no point in just bouncing back and forth.
6. Exhale, while returning to normal position. Bhujangasana:
Take prone lying position, legs together, toes together, pointing outward, hands by the side of the body, fingers together palm facing upward and forehead resting on the
Fold hands at the elbows, place palms on the ground near each side of the shoulder, thumb should be under the armpit.
Bring chin forward and place it on the ground. Gaze in front.
Raise chin and turn head backward as much as possible. Maintain the posture for sometime. Then slowly bring your body on the ground, starting form upper part of the navel region, thorax shoulder, chin and lastly place the forehead on the ground. Sarvangasana:
1. Take supine position, hands straight by the side of the thighs, palm resting on the ground.
Slowly raise your legs together without bending at the knees by pressing your hands and stop at 30° angle.
After sometime raise your legs little more and stop at 60° angle.
Now slowly bring it at 90° angle.
Press the hands and bring your legs little towards head so that your buttock is raised up.
After that, support it from the palms of both the hands, place the elbows on the ground making broad base.
Raise the legs towards sky,raise the buttocks also,continue the support of your hands. Raise the legs towards sky till the legs, abdomen and chest form a straight line. Place the palms on your back for the support. Chin should be placed against the chest. Maintain the position and then return back to original position slowly.
Halasana:
Take supine position hands straight by the side of thighs, palm resting on the gorund.
Slowly raise your legs together without bending at knees by pressing your hands and stop at 30° angle.
After few seconds raise your legs further up to 60° angle and maintain.
Now slowly bring the legs at 90° angle.
Pressing both the hands bring the legs little towards the head.
Continue the bending of legs till toes touch the ground and then stretch your legs backward as far as possible.
Now place both the palms on the head making finger lock. Bring the elbows on the ground.
While returning back to the original position first release the finger-lock. Stretch the hands straight and place them on the ground by the side of the body.
Lower the waist and raise the legs from the ground. Slowly let the waist rest on the ground and stop bringing the legs at 90° angle.
Slowly come back to the original position. Dhanurasana:
Take prone lying position, legs together, hands straight by the side of the thighs, chin resting on the ground.
Fold the legs at the knees and bring them on the thighs. Knees must remain together.
Bring your hands backward and hold the toes of respective legs from the thumb and forefinger of the respective hands.
Raise your legs a little up and simultaneously raise your head and chest.
Holding the toes, pull the legs towards ears and bring the toes near the ear. Gaze in front.
While returning to this original position, loosen your hands, take legs backward, let the thighs touch the ground, leave the toes and ultimately bring the legs and hand to the first position. Trikonasana:
Stand erect with legs together, hands by the side of the thighs.
Make two or two and half feet distance between two legs and raise both the hands towards each side, so to make a parallel line with shoulder.
Slowly bending towards right side (lateral) touch the toe of the left leg with the forefinger and middle finger of the right hand adn raise the left hand towards sky. Gaze also should be up towards left hand.
After maintaning it for sometime, slowly return to the second position.
Now start bending slowly lateral towards left side and touch the toe of the right leg with left hand.Keep pointing towards sky. Gaze should be towards raised right hand.
While returning back to the original position bring down your raised hand, leave the toes and stand erect with legs together.
ArdhaMatsyendrasana:
Sit extending both the legs together in front, hands by the side, palms resting on the ground. Fingers should remain together pointing forward.
Fold the right leg at knee.Slowly set the right heel at the perineum.
Now folding the left leg, bringing it from above the right knee, place it by its side on the ground. The knee of the left leg should remain towards sky.
Now bring the right hand on the left side of the left knee. The left knee should remain at the left side of the right armpit.
Now straighten the right hand and hold the toe or ankle of the left leg.
Twisting the body to the left side, look backwards, place the left hand bringing it from the back on the right thigh. Gaze should be towards back.
While returning to the original position first release the hand from the thigh and turn head forward.
Now bring the back to normal position after loosening the right hand.
Bring the left leg in original position.
Now bring the right leg also original position.
Repeat it similarly from the other side by folding the left leg first.
Pawanmukhtasana:
Sit outstretched keeping both the knees together and the heel on floor
Keep the spine and the neck in the same line.
Put the palms of the hands on the floor along with the waist, keeping the fingers outstretched.
Apply pressure on the palm to maintain the balance of the trunk while the neck should lean backwards.
Now closing your eyes get conscious towards the breathing.
Finally get back to the primary position
CAUTION:Beginners should practice these yogasanas under supervision of an expert.

Sunday, June 8, 2008

Naturopathy for you

Naturopathy is a science which promotes the art of curing and preventing diseases by bringing about suitable changes in food and lifestyle.The five basic natural elements consisting of soil,water,air,fire and sunlight are used in different forms.The use of any chemical or formulated drugs is not practiced,hence naturopathy is referred as ‘drugless therapy’. Naturopathy is a popular alternative therapy,which upholds the basic principle that our body has the inbuilt ability to heal itself when provided with proper nutrition,exercise and environment.We are born with strong inbuilt resistance power,which if preserved carefully will not let the disease attack us. If we observe the way wild animals live,we realize they do not have any doctors to attend to them.They adhere to natural way of treatment when they are ill.The accumulation of harmful substances in our body is the major causeof illness.Wrong living and eating habits,irregular and sedentary lifestyle,addictions,pollution,stress, and use of harmful drugs are the major factors that adversely affect our immunity. Simple tips promoted in Naturopathy for good health:
*Follow a healty diet routine.Include lot of raw vegetables,fruits and salads in your daily diet.
*Drink lot of clean water.Adults should drink 8-12 glasses every day.Also drinking water while having food should be avoided.
*Increase intake of fresh and pollution free air.Brisk walking for about half an hour in the early morning helps store extra oxygen needed to remain fresh for full day.
*Practice Yoga,meditation and pranayam daily for atleast 10-15 minutes.

Are you at risk of developing cardiac disease??

If you are over forty years,suffering from Diabetes and or Hypertension,leading a sedentary life style,smoker,overweight or if Heart disease runs in your family,then you are at risk of developing Heart disease.If you feel that you may be at risk then you should consult a Cardiologist who will conduct Cardiac Risk Assessment-this is a group of tests and health factors that have been proven to indicate your chance of having a Coronary Heart Disease. The lipid profile is the most important blood test for risk assessment.The lipid profile measures cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL (“good” cholesterol), and LDL (“bad” cholesterol).Below are the desirable ranges for the components of the lipid profile:Cholesterol <200> 40 mg/dLLDL-cholesterol <100 mg/dLTriglycerides <150 mg/dLIf any or all of your results are significantly outside these ranges, your risk of a Heart Disease is increased. Another test useful in predicting Cardiac Risk is is serum homocysteine. Homocysteine is an amino acid that comes from the normal breakdown of proteins in the body and appears to be a better test than cholesterol for predicting heart disease, stroke, and reduced blood flow to the hands and feet.Higher the level of homocysteine,higher is the cardiac risk. There are other tests, non-invasive and invasive, which may be used in cardiac risk assessment. Non-invasive tests may include a stress test, CT scan, and echocardiogram. Invasive tests include an arteriogram and cardiac catheterization

Saturday, June 7, 2008

Milk thistle for your Liver

Milk thistle is a plant that is native to the Mediterranean region. It has been used for thousands of years as a remedy for a variety of ailments, especially liver problems. The active compound in Milk thistle is silymarin, a mixture of at least 4 closely related flavonolignans.Milk thistle is known to have protective effects on the liver and improve its function. It is typically used to treat liver cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis (liver inflammation), and gallbladder disorders.BENEFITS OF MILK THISTLE:Besides its use in treating liver cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis (liver inflammation), and gallbladder disorders,it is also used for:Lowering cholesterol levels.Reducing insulin resistance in people with type 2 diabetes who also have cirrhosisReducing the growth of cancer cells in breast, cervical, and prostate cancers.Milk thistle is also used in many products claiming to reduce the effects of a hangover.

Pumpkin seeds and your prostrate!!!!

Pumpkin is an herbaceous, monoecious, annual vine native to America, now cultivated worldwide in warm and temperate regions. Pumpkin Seeds contain iron, B vitamins, and trace minerals. The plant seeds are used medicinally to help improve bowel function by ridding the intestinal tract of parasites and worms. Pumpkin seeds are also a natural source of magnesium, phosphorus, selenium, zinc, vitamin A, and vitamin C. As a rich source of Zinc,they are highly recommended for Men's reproductive health.They also possess diuretic,anti inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties.
MEDICINAL USES:Pumpkin seeds are used for treating disorders of prostrate gland like Benign Prostrate Hyperplasia(BPH),Tape worm and Round worm infection,lowering LDL,dizzines,vascular disease,disorders of urinary system.

Medicinal use of Alfalfa

ALFALFA is nutritionally one of the most versatile herbs available in nature. It is a leguminous herb which grows up to 50 cms in height. It has rich green alternate leaves, purplish flowers and adapts itself to widely varying conditions of soil and climate.It is now widely cultivated in the temperate regions, the subtropics and higher altitudes in the tropics and through out India. Alfalfa is a valuable source of vitamins A, B, D, E and G. It also has some vitamin C and K. It contains rich quality and quantity and proper balance of minerals like calcium, magnesium and phosphorous, chlorine, sodium, potassium and silicon and also chorophyll.It posseses antibiotic,antipyretic, diuretic, appetite stimulant, hemostatic properties. MEDICINAL USES:The plant is taken internally for debility in convalescence or anaemia, haemorrhage, menopausal complaints, pre-menstrual tension, fibroids,etc.It is also used as a nutritive tonic to stimulate the appetite and promote weight gain.it is also valuable in the treatment of jaundice.It also posseses high anti-oxidant value.

Friday, June 6, 2008

Caring for your liver!!!

The liver is the most important Cleansing Organ of our body,removing Toxins,Impurities from our Body.An inefficient liver causes toxic overload leading to Liver damage,chronic inflammatory disorders,allergies,poor immunity,Chronic Fatigue Syndrome,etc.
Below mentioned are Tips for keeping your Liver Healthy:
*Avoid excess consumption of alcohol,Fats,caffeine,excessive spices,preserved,packaged food,excessive salted food.
*Follow this simple detox program atleast once a week:consume only apple juice and lemon juice mixed with olive oil.
*Kitchen Herbs useful for Liver are Curry Leaves,Ginger,Coriander,Garlic,Turmeric,Fennel seeds.
*Other useful herbs are Manjista,Bringaraja,Katuki,Milk thistle,Aloe vera,Bhumiamla,Guduchi.
*Regular intake of Herbal Diuretics like punarnava,Gokshura are very good for cleansing toxins in liver.
*Arogyavardini is an Ayurvedic Preparation that is very Beneficial to Liver.There are also other Licensed Herbal Medicines which serve as a good liver Tonic.
*Metadoxine is useful for those suffering from Fatty Liver,Alcoholic Liver Disease,etc.
*Hepatobiliary medicines containing L-Ornithine aspartate,silymarin,lecithin,Tricholine citrate,etc are very useful for liver.
*Drinking lot of water is beneficial as also Buttermilk seasoned with curry leaves,dry ginger,coriander.

Combating Osteoarthritis!!!

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative arthritis or degenerative joint disease is a condition in which there is a condition in which there is breakdown & eventual loss of cartilage.cartilage is a protien substance that serves as 'cushion' between bones of joints.
It may affect any joint in your body,including those in your fingers,hips,knees,lower back & feet.But initially it strikes only the large weight bearing joint of the body.
Types of Osteoarthritis:
-Primary Osteoarthritis:It is a chronic degenerative disorder related to aging.It is also related to hereditory conditions.
-Secondary Ostearthritis:It is caused by other factors like congenital disorders,Diabetes,Inflammatory diseases like gout,etc,Injury to joints,hormonal disorders,obesity,surgery.
Who are at risk?
-Normal ageing process
-Post- menopausal women
-Certain hereditary conditions
-Excessive body weight
-Joint injury
-Infections
-Over straining occupations
-Damp & cold weather
-Certain drug related side effects
-Nutritional deficiencies
-Altered immune system
Signs and Symptoms:
*Pain is chronic in nature,causing loss of mobility and stiffness..
*Discomfort in a joint during or before a change in weather.
*Stiffness in joints following long period of inactivity.
*Deformity of joints which occurs at advanced stage.
*Crackling noise can be heard when the affected joint is moved or touched.
*Pain while climbing staircase & while standing,sitting or walking for long time.
Diagnosis:
*It is usually done through X-RAY.
*Other methods are MRI & CT SCANS,ARTHROCENTESIS,ARTHRISCOPY OR ARTHROGRAPHY.
*To differentiate from other type of inflammatory arthritis,certain blood tests like CRP,test for RA factor & Uric Acid can be done.
Treatment:
*Conservative measures such as weight control,appropriate rest,regular exercise,use of mechanical support devices. applying local heat before and cold packs after exercise can help relieve pain and inflammation, healthy diet, choosing proper footwear.
*Supplements such as antioxidants, glucosamine, chondroitin sulphate, methly sulfonyl methane, ginger extract, selenium, vit B9, B12 and vit D.
*Certain proprietary Ayurvedic medicines, Alternative Therapies like Accupuncture and Magneto Therapy.
Topical Treatment:
*Anti inflammatory drugs are available for topical use.
*Creams and lotions containing capsaicin are effective.
*Severe pain in specific joints can be treated with local anaesthetic injections and glucocorticoids.
Surgical Procedures:
*Joint replacement surgery
*Arthroscopic lavage and debridement.
*Osteotomy
*Arthrodesis
*Low level laser therapy.

Role of Glucosamine in treating Osteoarthritis
Glucosamine is a natural substance found in the body, formed by combination of glucose and glutamine. It is primarily found in cartilage and plays a important role in its health and resilience. It helps in regeneration of cartilage by limiting the further degeneration and promoting tissue repair.
Glucosamine inhibits deterioration of cartilage and helps to maintain equilibrium between cartilage catabolic and anabolic process. It also has some anti inflammatory action.

Health benefits of Wheatgrass

Wheatgrass which is a natures gift to mankind offers many health benefits and is considered indispensable by many Naturopaths in naturopathy diets.
It consists of many beneficial nutrients some of which are
*Vitamins:A,B,C,E,etc
*Protiens and Amino acids including 9 Essential Amino acids
*Enzymes
*Minerals like Calcium,Iron,Sodium,Potassium,magnesium,zinc,selenium,etc
*Chlorophyll and Dietary Fiber.
Some of its benefits are
*Helps overcome Nutritional defeciency.
*Natural Antioxidant.
*Helps in blood purification and to balance Hemoglobin production.
*helps resolve constipation,acidity.
*Useful in Diabetes,High Blood Pressure and kidney Malfunction,Arthritis,Insomnia, Menstrual problems,Paralysis, Asthma, Etc.
*helps improve immunity.
*Benefits the body cells,glands and important organs like Liver,Lungs,Spleen,etc.
*very effective for weight loss.

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

About Ayurveda in brief!!!

Ayurveda- the science of long life,is the longest health tradition and a complete system of medicine and healing(including surgery) based on nature.The word Ayurveda is composed of Ayu-which means life and veda which means knowledge.Ayurveda has Holistic approach to Disease which occurs when the original form encounters change at psychological or physiological level. To regulate health in the living body,Ayurveda concised the panchabhootas-the five basic elements of nature,into tridoshas,namely vata,pitta and kapha.In diseased condition,the doshas manifest their particular symptoms denoting loss of natural rhythm or malfunction.The purpose of treatment of the disease is to bring the tridoshas in equilibrium ie back to their natural rhythm.This is acheived through Ayurvedic medicines which are made from wide range of various plant parts that are available in nature around us.These medicines are manufactured by extensive processes as prescribed by the ancient texts.Various clinical studies have now confirmed the effectiveness of Ayurvedic medicine and hence Ayurveda can no longer be called as pseudo-science.

principles of holistic healing!!!!

Holistic healing means taking an holistic approach when seeking treatment for imbalances and choosing to live a more balanced lifestyle.Physical illnesses are the symptoms of a greater imbalance that may or may not have a root cause in the physical.Holistic or "wholistic" healing addresses all parts of the individual, not just the physical aspect of a person where manifested illnesses are most apparent. Holistic Medicine has been used by millions of people around the world to:
*Heal chronic diseases (including serious chronic illnesses)
*Treat psychological disorders *Successfully treat childhood illnesses
*Treat acute illnesses
*Normalize weight
*Prevent disease
*Improve overall health and increase energy level
*Transform one's outlook upon life .
Well known Holistic healing therapies are Ayurveda,Yoga,Accupuncture,Accupressure,Magnet-therapy,Reiki,Aromatherapy,Hydrotherapy,Reflexology,Pranic healing,Herbal therapy,Massage therapy,etc.