HEMORRHOIDS

Causes and Home Remedies

Hemorrhoids or piles are due to swelling or enlargement of the veins that supply the rectal outlet of the body. This painful condition is often complicated by localized inflammation and bleeding, and also thrombosis in many cases. People who suffer from constipation and other bowel disorders are more likely to develop hemorrhoids. Piles are also more common in pregnancy, and in conditions affecting the liver and upper bowel.

There are two types of hemorrhoids:

External hemorrhoids.

Internal hemorrhoids.

External hemorrhoids are more common, for they lie outside the anorectal junction.

Internal hemorrhoids are soft and dark colored, and usually irregular in shape. When very large, they may protrude through the anus. Straining at the stool may bring them down. This may be followed by strangulation of the hemorrhoids with severe pain.

These may be from:

Portal stasis

Pelvic diseases as frequent pregnancies, uterine displacement and new pelvic growth.

Habitual constipation especially of persons taking spicy foods and alcohol.

Hemorrhoids are the most common cause of the rectal bleeding. The blood is bright red and may be noted on the toilet paper, and also covering the surface of the stool or dripping into the toilet bowl after the stool is passed. However because cancer of the rectum may possibly also be present, a thorough examination should be done in all cases of hemorrhoids.

Small hemorrhoids that cause only slight bleeding may not require any treatment. The patient should take at least six to eight glasses of water a day. The diet should be rich in fruits and vegetables. He should avoid straining at stool. Itching of the anus may also be present.

HOME REMEDIES FOR HEMORRHOIDS

Apply Aloe Vera gel directly on the anus, it helps to relieve pain and soothes the burning sensation.

Another good home remedy for hemorrhoids is to apply witch hazel with a sterile cotton pad, 3 times daily to decrease the size of the swollen veins.

Soak 4 figs in water overnight. Next morning eat the figs along with the water empty stomach.

Similarly soak 4 figs in the morning and eat them in the evening. Repeat this for 4 weeks.

Boil a ripe banana in 1 cup milk and take 2-3 times a day. It is very helpful for natural

hemorrhoids treatment.

Drink about 100ml juice of radish in morning & evening.

Make a paste of white radish in milk and apply over inflamed piles to reduce swelling and pain.

Drink buttermilk after food. It is a very effective remedy.

Mix a glassful of buttermilk with 3 tsp of the juice of bitter melon (bitter gourd, Karela) and drink every morning for a month. Boil 20g of sesame seeds in 500 ml of water till it is reduced by 1/3rd and drink it. This is one of the best home remedies for hemorrhoids.

Take 1 Tbsp of the coriander juice (green leaves) and add 1 tsp of sugar added, 3 times daily.

Prepare a paste of cumin seeds powder with water and apply to anus to reduce pain.

Soak coriander seeds in water overnight and drink this solution next morning to cure piles. This will also stop passing of blood in the stools.

Bleeding hemorrhoids will stop if you take two teaspoonfuls of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water at every meal.

Soak a cotton ball in vinegar and dab on the affected areas as often as needed. Its

Astringent qualities will help shrink swollen blood vessels and also reduces itching and pain.

Mix a half ounce of heated lard with a dram (teaspoonful) of Calomel and apply as a salve on a piece of cotton. This has cured obstinate cases.

Take 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of cayenne in a glass of water to stop bleeding hemorrhoids. Take cayenne for several days until the hemorrhoids are gone, then once or twice a week for a good maintenance dose. This will clear up hemorrhoids and keep them from reoccurring. The cayenne helps the blood flow better.

Cranberries are supposed to be beneficial. Apply the extract of Echinacea to the affected area with clean cotton. This will help relieve itching and painful hemorrhoids. Studies done in Europe found that horse chestnut helped to increase blood flow, strengthen connective tissue, tighten up veins, and decrease redness and swelling. Avoid horse chestnut if you have liver or kidney disease or if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Iodine is very good in curing the piles. Mix 20 drops of potassium iodide in an ounce of oil and apply the solution to the affected area at bedtime.

Make a solution by mixing one ounce of lobelia extract, one ounce of Baptisia extract, and one ounce of zinc sulfate, with 13 ounces of water; shake well and use frequently. This is very effective home remedy for hemorrhoids.

Mix one teaspoonful of Flowers of Sulfur with one tablespoonful of Vaseline. Apply two or three times a day.

Make a paste of some cottonseeds and apply on piles for overnight.

Powder dried mango seeds. Take 2 grams twice daily for bleeding piles.

Eat jambul fruit (jamun) with salt every morning for three months. This is a permanent cure for bleeding piles.

Prepare a solution by adding equal amounts of juice of turnip leaves, spinach, watercress, and carrots.

Prepare a mixture by adding 1 tsp each of ginger juice, lime juice, and fresh mint juice, mixed with 1 Tbsp honey. One of the useful home remedies for hemorrhoids.

Soak about 50g of onion in water and add1 tsp of sugar. It should be eaten twice daily. The bleeding piles will be cured in a few weeks time.

Make a solution of a teaspoon of powdered Alum in a glass of water. Apply frequently.

Take 1 tbsp black cumin seeds (shah zeera), roast and mix with 1 tbsp of unroasted black cumin seeds and make a powder. Take 1/2 a tsp with a glass of water once a day. This is one of the home remedies for hemorrhoids treatment.

Take radish juice in the morning and night.

Start with 1/4 a cup and increase to 1/2 a cup gradually over a period of 1 month.

Do not sit for hours at a time, but take breaks:

Once every hour, get up and move around for at least five minutes. A doughnut-shaped cushion can make sitting more comfortable and ease hemorrhoid pressure and pain.

Sitting in warm water for about 10 minutes, 3-4 times a day can help with relief the pain of hemorrhoids.

A simple ice pack can be used to numb the area and is a natural type of hemorrhoids pain relief for those who wish to avoid painkillers.

Drink lots of water and take high amounts of fiber in the diet.

FISSURES

14 Soothing Solutions

The similarities between anal fissures and hemorrhoids are largely superficial. Hemorrhoids are generally swollen veins. In contrast, fissures are ulcers, or breaks in the skin, which just happen to occur in the same general area.

Fissures are very much like those painful tears that sometimes develop in the corners of your mouth, says J. Byron Gathright, Jr., M.D., chairman of the Department of Colon and Rectal Surgery at the Ochsner Clinic in New Orleans, Louisiana, and an associate professor of surgery at Tulane University. Both the oral and anal variety occur where skin meets delicate mucous membrane. In the anus, a common cause of such tears is the passing of a large, hard stool, says Dr. Gathright.

If you have fissures, you know that these little sores can make your life—or at least your sitting life—miserable. They burn, they sting, they often bleed. Below, the experts tell you how to get to the bottom of the problem as quickly as possible.

Ban hard stools with fiber and fluid.

The anal opening was never meant to accommodate large, hard stools. Generally a by-product of a Western diet lacking in fiber, rock-hard stools tug and tear at the anal canal, which can result in anal fissures as well as hemorrhoids.

The solution? Adapt yourself to a diet high in fiber and fluids that will produce soft bowel movements. Eating more fruit, vegetables, and whole grains, and drinking six to eight glasses of water a day is "the best remedy and preventive measure," you can use for anal fissures, says Dr. Gathright. Once your stool is soft and pliable, your anal fissures should begin to heal on their own.

Try the petroleum solution.

Eating more fiber will soften your stool, but you can also protect your anal canal by lubricating it before each bowel movement. A gob of petroleum jelly inserted about 1/2 inch into the rectum may help the stool pass without causing any further damage, says Edmund Leff, M.D., a proctologist in private practice in Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona.

Buff yourself with talcum.

Following each shower or bowel movement, brush yourself with baby powder. This will help keep the area dry, which can help to reduce friction throughout the day, says Marvin Schuster, M.D., chief of the Department of Digestive Diseases at Francis Scott Key Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland, and a professor of medicine and psychiatry at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

Watch out for diarrhea.

It may seem odd, but not only can hard, constipated stools worsen anal fissures—so too can diarrhea. Watery stools can soften the tissues around them, and they also contain acid that can burn the raw anal area and give you a form of "diaper rash" to add additional misery to your condition, says Dr. Schuster.

Keep your nails away.

Anal fissures may make you want to scratch. Fight the urge. Running sharp fingernails over your tender anus can tear at the already sore tissue, says Dr. Lawder.

Shed those excess pounds.

The more weight you carry, the more you're likely to sweat. Perspiration between the cheeks of your rump will only slow your fissures' healing, says Dr. Lawder.

Use a little dab.

Nonprescription topical creams containing hydrocortisone can be very helpful in reducing the inflammation that often comes with anal fissures, says Dr. Gathright.

Try a vitamin cream.

Particularly helpful for soothing pain and helping to heal fissures are those nonprescription ointments available at the drugstore containing vitamins A and D, says Dr. Schuster.

Jump into a hot tub.

Whether you fill your bathtub with hot water or slip into an outdoor hot tub, warm water will help to relax the muscles of the anal sphincter and so reduce much of the discomfort of fissures, says Dr. Leff.

Steer clear of certain foods.

While no food will cause fissures, some foods may provide excess irritation and discomfort to the anal canal as they pass through the bowels. Beware of hot, spicy foods and pickled foods, says Dr. Schuster.

Buy yourself a special pillow.

Sitting on anal fissures can be unpleasant, to say the least. You can help ease the pain by picking up one of a number of either doughnut-shaped or liquid-filled pillows available at many pharmacies and medical supply stores, says Dr. Lawder.

Wipe yourself oh-so-gently.

Rough toilet paper and overzealous wiping will impede healing of your fissures. So wipe gently and don't skimp when picking a brand of toilet paper. Be particularly choosy when it comes to color (you want only white) and scent (you don't want one). Perfumes and colorings can provide irritation to the already irritated area, says John O. Lawder, M.D., a family practitioner in Torrance, California, specializing in nutrition and preventive medicine. Dampen each wad of paper under the faucet before wiping to remove most of the scratchiness, says Dr. Lawder.

Treat yourself to the best.

The Rolls Royce of toilet paper isn't a toilet paper at all. Facial tissues coated with moisturizing lotion offer the least amount of friction to your fissure-plagued bottom, says Dr. Lawder.

Try liquid toilet tissue.

Rubbing dry toilet paper over a tender bottom can be a most unpleasant experience. But there is an alternative.

Dark Circles under Eyes

Causes and Home Remedies

Dark circles under the eyes tell us about the health of an individual. They are produced due to overstrain, after an illness or an allergy. They can also be the result of undernourishment. But these dark circles do not produce any harm to the body. So anybody with dark circles should not worry about them. In fact, sometimes they're not even an indication of physical problems.

Dark circles can be aggravated by fatigue, allergies, overexposure to the sun, menstruation or pregnancy. But they're usually hereditary; if your parents have them, there are more chances that you do, too have them.

Dark circles are the result of the engorged blood vessels under your eyes. Because the skin under eyes is thinner than skin anywhere else on body, therefore blood vessels there are more noticeable, especially in fair skinned persons. Usually, dark circles are caused by hyper pigmentation of melanin, the substance that gives color to the skin.


In western countries, the kidneys are related to the adrenal glands and with stress levels in life being so high; these glands are very often exhausted. When these glands are weakened, allergies are prevalent. Dark circles under the eyes are known to be a classic symptom of an allergy, together other signs including edema and fatigue.


Dark circles under eyes may also be due to aging which thins the skin around the eyes. Eight hours of sleep is essential. Do not leave cream on the skin around the eyes for long periods. Circles under the eyes can worsen in people who smoke or suffer from allergies.


HOME REMEDIES FOR DARK CIRCLES UNDER THE EYES

• 
  
  Apply a cold compress this will help to constrict blood vessels and turns tissue white, and dark circles will lighten.
• 
  Drink at least eight to ten glasses of water everyday.
• 
  Put slices of raw potatoes or cucumber by closing eyes over the eyelids for 15-20 minutes. Wash with warm water and apply a cream.
• 
  Take out the juice of the cucumber. Prepare a mixture of lemon juice, lanolin cream and cucumber juice and apply around the eye for 10-15 minutes.
• 
  Prepare a mixture by adding equal quantity of potato and cucumber juices. Dip a cotton swab in this mixture and put the cotton on eyelids and keep for 20 minutes. Wash your eyes with cold water.
• 
  Prepare a mixture of lemon and tomato juice (equal parts) and apply it on the black circles 2 times a day.
• 
  Make a paste of turmeric powder with pineapple juice for dark circles under the eyes.
  Apply crushed mint around the eye.
• 
  Another home remedy for dark circles under the eyes is - massage with almond oil under and around eyes at bedtime daily for 2 weeks. Almond helps to remove dark circles.
• 
  No cream should be left on the skin around the eyes for long periods.
  
  Rub the area with a powdered Vitamin E capsule and wash off with a mixture of honey and egg white.
• 
  Put hot and cold clothes alternatively under eyes for 10 minutes. Then apply some almond oil on the dark circles before going to bed.
• 
  The acupressure point for eyes is on the mount below the index finger of your palms. Pressing this mount may help.
• 
  Dip some carrot leave in hot water and leave for a few minutes. Drink the liquid 3 times a day before meals.
• 
  Dip cotton balls in rose water or cold water and keep under the eyes for 10 minutes.
• 
  Make a paste of 1 tsp. tomato juice, 1/2 tsp. lemon juice, a pinch of turmeric powder, and 1 tsp. of flour. Apply around eyes. Leave on for 10 minutes before washing. This is an effective home remedy for dark circle treatment.
• 
  Take some freezed parsley. Use the parsley cubes instead of eye creams to reduce the dark circles and puffiness. Parsley is packed with chlorophyll which helps fade darkness, while the ice cubes reduce the swelling.
• 
  Takes vasoline, put it on a metal spoon and freeze it for 15 minutes. Then apply it to the eyes for a few minutes.
• 
  Add some mint leaves, lemon juice, and sal t to tomato juice and drink.
• 
  Grate some cucumber and freeze in an ice tray. Massage frozen cucumber cubes onto eyes to reduce puffiness and dark circles.
• 
  Avoid excess of chocolates and try to take more fibres in the diet.
• 
  To prevent dark circles take 2 magnesium tablets per day, especially if you're taking calcium.
• 
  Use a sunscreen especially made for the face with a sun protection factor (SPF) to keep the sun's rays from darkening the skin under your eyes.
• Eat vagetables and fruits rich in vitamin A for the treatment of dark circles under eyes.

ACNE SCARS

Causes and Treatment

A general information all about the acne scars, effects of acne scars and its proper medication.

Macules and Scars:

Before I jump into the topic of scars, I need to clarify the difference between Macules and Scars. Macules may look like scars, but they are not scars in the sense that a permanent change has occurred. Macules are essentially the final stage of most inflamed acne lesions. They are normally flat, reddish spots that can remain for up to 8 months. But the difference between a Macule and a scar is that a Macule will end up disappearing completely whereas a scar will remain for years or indefinitely.

As for scars, this can also vary from person to person. With some individuals, scars may remain for a lifetime without change but with others, their skin will undergo a form of remodeling that will eventually diminish the scar.

Another factor that needs to be evaluated is the human element of scarring. People simply have different feelings about acne scars. Those who are distressed about their acne scars are much more likely to actively seek out treatment to moderate or remove the scar than those who are more indifferent about the scars.

Cause of Scars:

Let us first gain a better understanding of acne scars by first determining the cause of scars. A scar is a mark left in the skin by the healing of a wound or surgical incision in which the normal functional tissue (skin) is replaced by connective tissue (scar). In the case of acne, the lesion is caused by the body's inflammatory response to sebum, bacteria and dead cells that are trapped in the plugged sebaceous follicle.

When your skin tissue has suffered a lesion of some sorts, your body will attempt to heal the injured site. It does so by increasing the white blood cells in the area along with an array of inflammatory molecules whose function is to repair the damaged tissue and fight infection. In the end, the repair job can be messy, and the site of the lesion is now filled with fibrous scar tissue or eroded tissue. As for the inflammatory molecules and white blood cells, they can remain at the acne lesion for days and even weeks.

Take note of the fact that not everyone functions in the same way, and this holds true with our skin as well. Some people are simply more prone to scarring than others.

Treatment for scars:

Bear in mind that treating acne and treating acne scars are two completely different things. Treating your acne has nothing to do with treating an acne scar. Acne scars can indeed be treated, but it is important that an acne sufferer bring their acne condition under control first if they still suffer from moderate to severe acne.

Once your acne subsides, make an appointment with a dermatologist and discuss the methods (if applicable) of scar treatment(s) he/she recommend you undergo to treat your scars. Keep in mind that there are many methods with which you may treat your scars. These methods vary according to your scar type, size and location, type of skin, and of course, money $$$. All this should be discussed in great detail with your dermatologist.

Before undergoing scar treatment, ask yourself the following questions before having your dermatologist undergo the decided procedure(s) .: Are you willing to wait and see if the scars will subside on their own with time? Do your acne scars affect you emotionally and socially? Is your scarring substantial enough to warrant scar treatment? Can you afford the treatment or what treatment options can you afford?

Keep in mind, the objective of scar treatment is not to necessarily rid you of all indications of scars by completely restoring your skin. It very much depends on the severity of your scars, your skin type, your skins ability to regenerate, etc. Significant improvements can definitely be achieved, but complete restoration is often impossible.

DIABETES Care and Diet

Causes, Diet and Home Remedies

Healthy routine helps to minimize the risk of developing complications of diabetes. One can keep blood glucose levels normal by a healthy diet and maintaining physical fitness. Eating right, controlling your weight and exercising regularly will help you to control sugar level.

Excess consumption of alcohol is harmful as it may lower blood glucose levels and cause weight gain. Smoking is very harmful to diabetes patients, because it increases the risk of long-term complications. Foot care is important because diabetes can increase the risk of skin infections and ulcers on the feet. You must clean your feet daily and if a sore develop on your feet, consult the doctor promptly. Diabetes patients have an increased risk of high blood pressure, so regular monitoring is important.

Low-fat, vegetarian diets are ideal for diabetics. In most cases, diabetics can manage their disease much better with a food plan that gets most of its calories from complex carbohydrates while minimizing fats.

Diet for Diabetes :

With a near-vegetarian diet and exercise program, one can maintain their sugar levels with out taking any medications. Ideal diet program for a diabetic is a low fat vegetarian diet, reducing meats, high-fat dairy products, and oils. At the same time increasing grains, legumes, and vegetables.

• Have your meals at regular timings and limit your overall intake.

• Eat five servings of fruits and vegetables every day. Soluble fibers mainly found in fruits, vegetables and some seeds are good for diabetics. They reduce or slow down the absorption of glucose from the intestines.




• Diabetes patients should include leafy vegetables, vegetable soups and juices in their diet. Vegetables like tomato, cucumber, bitter gourd, carrot, cooked kidney beans, pumpkin, snake gourd, beans, cabbage, lady finger, brinjal, onion, spinach, inner part of banana stem, drum sticks etc. are good for diabetes. Fruits and fruit juices of apple, guava, lemon etc. are good. Avoid fruits like banana, mango, grapes, papaya, jack fruit etc. and vegetables like potato, tapioca, sweet potato etc. containing lot of carbohydrates.




• Eat more starches such as bread, cereal, and starchy vegetables. Aim for six servings a day or more.
  
  
• Eat sugars, sweets and fat and fat-fried items in moderation.
  It is better to avoid cakes, jaggery, honey, ghee, butter, cool drinks, biscuits, dried fruits like badam and excess use of oil while cooking.

Home Remedies

Some home remedies help to regulate the blood sugar level. You can try out some of these remedies which compliment along with the diet for diabetics and regular exercises to lower blood sugar levels and protect from diabetes related damages.

Have

• 1 litre of cinnamon water daily. Cinnamon contains a chemical to help utilize blood sugar naturally in your body. Add 3 table spoon of cinnamon to 1 litre of boiling water. Simmer for 20 minutes in a low flame, then strain the mixture.

• Fresh or dried bitter gourd (bitter melon) or 2 ounces of its juice every day. Bitter melon increases the insulin secreting cells in the pancreas and daily intake of juice reduces the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy.
  
  
• Wild (Black) cumin boiled in water regularly.


• Equal quantities of turmeric powder and dried gooseberry powder with honey or drink equal quantities of gooseberry juice and fresh turmeric juice in an empty stomach regularly.
  
  
• Regularly, the juice of crushed 'touch me not' with its roots.
  
  
• 
  
  First thing in the morning, have the juice of crushed fish-berry (amruth) soaked in water for a day.
  
  
• 
  
  Make coffee with powdered fried fenugreek and wheat, taken in equal quantities.
  
  
• 
  
  Garlic every day early in the morning in an empty stomach.
  
  
• 
  
  Tender curry leaves (fresh) twice a day.
  
  
• 
  
  Crush guava leaves, a handful and 3 grams of cumin together. Boil with one glass of water and make it half.
  
  
• 
  
  Drink 8 glass of water in the morning and walk for one hour.
  
  
• 
  
  The leaves of gymnema sylvestre (Gurmur- a climbing vine), a traditional Ayurvedic medicine for diabetics, significantly reduces the metabolic effects of sugar by preventing the intestines from absorbing the sugar molecules during the process of digestion. Add 3 quarters of gymnema powder to one glass of boiling water, strain and drink it warm twice a day, 1 hour before breakfast and 1 hour before dinner for best results. The leaves can also be ground and had. It has the property of blocking sugary taste and thus curbs the craving for sweet things.
  
  
  • Take 15 fresh mango leaves and boil them in 1 glass of water. Keep them overnight. Filter and drink the next morning.
    
  • As a part of diabetes home remedy treatment, grapefruit is considered most beneficial. Eat three grapefruits three times in a day.
    
  • Indian gooseberry, a rich source of vitamin C serves as the best home remedy for diabetes. Take 1 tbsp of gooseberry juice and mix it with a cup of bitter gourd juice. Consume the mixture daily for about 2 months.
    
  • Parslane seeds can be used effectively for treating diabetes. Consume a tsp of these seeds with half-cup water on a daily basis for about 3-4 months. It aids in enhancing the body’s insulin level.

• 1. Eat green vegetables, coriander, cucumber, cabbage, coconut, chenopodium album (bathu), creeper of pumpkin, cucumber, cabbage, bitter guard, carrot, tomato, lemon, radish, onion and ginger.

• 2. Eat fibre rich food like apple, figs, guava, lemon and orange. Grains rich in fibres are barley, oatmeal, maize, wheat flour, jowar, bajra, whole wheat, rice flakes, refined wheat flour (without husk) and puffed rice. Other sources of fibre are coriander seeds, cumin seeds, dry pepper and turmeric

• 3. Soak 90-100 seeds in 250 gms of water in the evening. Mash them in morning, sieve in a cloth and drink mixture regularly. Take daily for two months to cure diabetes.

• 
  4. Take juice of bilva and parijataka leaves in equal parts for natural remedy of diabetes. Take two teaspoons of it twice a day.

• 
  5. Eat grapefruits regularly for diabetes natural remedy.

• 
  6. Boil 3-4 fresh leaves of mango tree in the morning and drink. It is also very effecting in curing diabetes.

• 7. Take soyabean in your diet. It does not contain sugar and is a good source of energy for diabetes.

• 8. Do regular exercises to reduce the chances of developing coronary artery disease and also improves control over diabetes.

• 9. Avoid exertion and always try to stay free from tension.

• 10. Avoid sweets, chocolates, rice, banana, grapes, mangoes, dry fruits, oils, cakes and pastries.

• 
  11. Drink half-cup karela (bitter gourd) juice daily. It is an effective natural home remedy for diabetes.

• 12. Avoid drinking alcohol (including beer, gin, wines and whisky).

• 13. Lower your fat intake for obese diabetic patients. Do regular morning walk and exercises to reduce weight.

• 14. Avoid infections, burns and injuries as they develop ketosis in such stressful conditions.

ACIDITY - Dyspepsia, Heartburn

Acidity, Dyspepsia, Heartburn - Causes and Home Remedies

Acidity may be defined as sour or burning sensation in the chest, which is caused by regurgitation of the excessive acid secretion into the upper end of the esophagus.

It is advisable to chew the food properly and drink lot of water for proper digestion and absorption. Pregnant women suffer from heartburn as the uterus presses on the digestive tract as the fetus grows.

Normally the stomach secretes an acid, which is essential for the digestion. This acid helps in the breakdown of the food. When there is excessive secretion of this acid by the stomach it results in acidity. Its common symptoms are dyspepsia, heartburn and formation of the ulcers. It is more common in emotional and nervous individuals.

This is caused due to excessive secretion of hydrochloric acid, either from an increased quantity of the gastric juice or increased concentration of hydrochloric acid in it.

Other reason for this may be fermentation of organic acids such as lactic acid, acetic acid and butyric acid. Increased acidity with regurgitation causes some amount of oesophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus), which increases the sensitiveness. Acidity causes reflex increased secretion of alkaline saliva, which accumulates in the esophagus and is rushed into the mouth without any sensation of vomiting. This is commonly associated with duodenal ulcer.

Causes of hyperacidity are gastro duodenal (peptic) ulcer; reflex pylorospasm from any cause and sometimes-excessive smoking can also lead to severe acidity. The amount of free hydrochloric acid in the stomach does not gives the measure of the total acidity of gastric secretions i.e. amount of total chlorides indicates the better.

Most acidity problems occur after meals, when doing some heavy exercise and applying pressure in the intra-abdominal region or at night when lying down.

What is ACITITY?

The stomach normally secretes acid that is essential in the digestive process. This acid helps in breaking down the food during digestion. When there is excess production of acid by the gastric glands of the stomach, it results in the condition known as acidity. Dyspepsia, heartburn and the formation of ulcers are some of the symptoms. It is more common in highly emotional and nervous individuals.

Common Causes of Acidity

• Consumption of Alcohol
  
  
• Highly spicy foodstuffs
  
  
• Non-vegetarian diets
  
  
• Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID's)
  

Most acidity problems occur

1. After meals


2. When lifting weight or straining and applying pressure in the intra-abdominal area.
   
   
3. At night when lying down.

Ulcers also occur as a result of over secretion of acid.

Home Remedies for Acidity

Tip 1:

After all three meals, take a small piece of jaggery and keep it in your mouth and suck. Voilá no more acidity.

Tip 2:

Boil one cup of water. To this add 1 tsp of Aniseed (Saunf). Cover and leave overnight. Strain the water in the morning, add 1 tsp of honey. When this is taken 3 times a day it prevents acidity.

Tip 3:

To 1 ½ liters of water add 1 tsp Caraway seeds (shah jeera). Bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes. Sip while warm. Have the concoction 2-3 times a day for 5-6 days.

Tip 4:

Powder one clove and one cardamom; use the powder as a mouth freshener after every meal. No more acidity and no more bad breath.

Other home remedies for acidity:

• Drinking milk or eating milk products are helpful in relieving symptoms of acidity.
  
• Foods such as pickles, vinegar, fried foods, hot spicy foods, chocolate, pastries, and raw salad vegetables like onion, radish, cabbage, and peppers should be avoided.
  
• Clove also helps to relieve the symptoms of acidity. Suck one piece of clove slowly to relieve the symptoms. It also helps to reduce the onset of disease that arises due to acidity.
  
• A cup of vanilla ice cream or a glass of cold milk also helps to get relieve heartburn and acidity within minutes.
  
• Almonds are also a good source for relieving the heartburn and acidity. Eat several almonds when heartburn symptoms persist.
  
• Lemons also help to prevent heartburn. Cut a lemon into thin strips and dip in salt. Eat before meals to prevent heartburn.
  
• Take some mint leaves and chop these and then boil in a cup of water and sip slowly after meals. If a person drinks Fresh mint juice every day he will never experience acidity.
  
• Jaggery or gur taken after every meal also helps to reduce the acidity. Keep a piece of gur in the mouth and slowly suck it till acidity decreases.
  
• Eating bananas is also helpful in preventing the symptoms of acidity and heartburn. To prevent acidity it is advised to eat a banana daily.
  
• A mixture of 2 tsp of natural apple cider vinegar and 2 tsp raw honey in a glass of water before meals fights with acidity.
  
• Basil (tulsi) leaves helps to get relief from burning, nausea and gas. Chew some leaves of tulsi to decrease the acidity.
  
• Coconut water 4-5 times a day decreases the symptoms of the acidity and the heartburn.
  
• Harad (Terminalia chebula) if taken after every meal prevents the symptoms of the acidity.
  
• 1 tsp juice of chebulic myroblan mixed with 1 tsp of amla (Indian gooseberry) juice helps to prevent acidity and heartburn.
  
• Another very effective home remedy for acidity is - Boil one cup of water. To this add 1 tsp of Aniseed (Saunf). Cover and leave overnight. Strain the water in the morning, add 1 tsp of honey. When this is taken 3 times a day it prevents acidity.
  
• To 1 ½ liters of water add 1 tsp Caraway seeds (shah jeera). Bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes. Sip while warm. Take this liquid 2-3 times a day for 5-6 days. This is also very effective home remedy for acidity.
  
• Take a glass of water, add a pinch of baking soda and drink it. It gives immediate relief from acidity.
  
• Take a glass of warm water, add a pinch of hing (asafoetida) and have it every morning to prevent acidity.
  
• Eat a serving of cucumber or watermelon 4-5 times in a day to fight against acidity.
  
• Fennel helps to relieve abdominal pain, colon disorders, gas, and gastrointestinal tract spasms. It is an effective remedy for acidic stomach conditions (heartburn).
  
• Ginger is very useful for digestive disorders. It help to relieve indigestion from rich foods.
  
• Make a fine powder by adding equal amounts of ginger powder, black pepper, dried mint leaves, asafetida (hing), anise seeds, coriander seeds, cumin, fennel and common salt. Dosage: Take about 1 teaspoon of this powder with water, twice a day after meals.
  
• It is advised to eat 8-10 glass to water daily. Drinking water gives immediate relief to symptoms like wind, distended stomach and acidity.
  
• Chewing bubble-gum also disappears the acidity. This is an easy and best way to get rid of Acidity.
  
• For heartburn drink a teaspoon of vinegar. It is because there is not sufficient acid in our stomach to digest food properly, thus gasses come back up and burn our stomach.
  
• Calcium also helps to fight with the heartburn and acidity. Yoghurt or ice-cream gives immediate relief from acidity and heartburn.
  
• 1 tsp juice of chebulic myroblan mixed with 1 tsp of amla (Indian gooseberry) juice daily relieves acidity.
  
• Powder one clove and one cardamom; use the powder as a mouth freshener after every meal. No more acidity and no more bad breathe.
  
• After food maintain an upright posture to prevent the reflex and to prevent the symptoms of acidity.
  
• Sleep with your head and shoulder on a high pillow for elevation.
  
• Do not skip meals. Do not keep large gap between meals. This produces gas / wind.
  
• Eat dinner 2-3 hours before going to bed.
  
• Last but not the least stop smoking and cut down on alcohol.

THYROID GLAND Health

PROBLEMS and Home Remedies

Thyroid gland

is a small mass of tissue present on either side of the trachea or windpipe. It is a very important structure that helps in the metabolism of the body.

When the basal metabolism is below normal, a person tends to be slow in his movements. He feels cold more and may have marked dryness of the skin, along with constipation and a tendency to put on weight. His hair is dry, thin, and coarse and the skin appears dry, scaly and thickened. There may be puffiness in the face, especially around the eyes. The tongue is usually large, the pulse is slow and regular, and the patient often complains of vague pains in the back and stiffness in the joints.

Hypothyroidism:

It is a condition that results from the insufficient amount of thyroid hormone in the body. The trouble may also develop from pituitary deficiency, but is more likely due to some inborn error of the thyroid gland. The change usually comes gradually and involves the patient’s personality and also his ability to think.

Hypothyroidism is seen in both sexes, but is more common in women. Most of these are overweight and may complain of heavy flow during menstruation. The heart is often enlarged, and there is high level of cholesterol in the blood stream.

Hyperthyroidism :

It is also known as Grave’s disease or thyrotoxicosis. It is a serious condition of the body, arising from too much activity of the thyroid gland. The increased amounts of thyroid hormone produced by the overactive gland will then raise the metabolic rate of the body.

It is mainly present in the age group of 20 –30 years of age. It is more frequent in males but is more dangerous in females. Violent emotions, fear, anger and grief are thought to be exciting causes. Prolonged lactation, or diarrhea, excessive mental work is predisposing causes. Other important causes may include heredity, traumatism, physical strain, mental overwork, toxemias, and dysfunction of the internal glands especially the adrenals.

As a result of the tachycardia myocardial degeneration may result. The orbital adipose is increased; also an increase of blood and lymph in the orbit. The enlargement of thyroid is due to marked dilatation of its blood vessels, especially the arteries.

“A peculiar disease combining three characteristic conditions namely: protrusion of the eyeballs, enlargement of the thyroid gland and functional disturbances of the heart. The neurotic symptoms are the early to appear. The tremors, which are involuntary and fine, may number from 425 to 500 per minute.

Palpitation of the heart, which accompanies the tachycardia, is at first light but increases rapidly, usually brought on and always aggravated by mental excitement. The heart beat runs from 100 to 160. Symptoms of neurasthenia may be present. Great excitability, mental depression and melancholia are frequent symptoms.

Exophatalamus varies in different patients. Immobility of the upper lid, a white line is noticeable above and below the cornea and marked dryness of the membrane is the important eye symptoms. Abnormalities of the optic nerve are rare. Ulcers of the cornea may also occasionally occur. The arteries of the retina may pulsate with the heartbeat.

The skin symptoms are: slight rise of temperature, sometimes profuse sweating, urticaria, pruritis, in advanced cases edema, especially of the ankles, frequent flushing of the face, epistaxis, vomiting and purging.

A patient with this disease is usually nervous, weak, sensitive to heat, sweats frequently, is overactive and often underweight, inspite of an increased appetite. The patient eats healthy but continues to lose weight because of the higher rate of metabolism in the body.

HOME REMEDIES FOR

THYROID GLAND PROBLEMS

• 
  Kelp Sea Weed is an excellent antioxidant and contains iodine to assist thyroid function.

• L-Tyrosine is an amino acid that helps increases plasma levels, helps with weight loss and is a crucial building block of thyroid hormone.

• Spirulina is very useful for maintaning the over all health.

• Take Vitamin B Complex. It improves cellular oxygenation and energy, and helps with digestion, immune and thyroid function.

• Primrose Oil, is an essential fatty that is important for proper thyroid function.

• Bladderwrack is high in iodine, which is beneficial for hypothyroidism.

• Irish Moss nourishes the thyroid and is useful for thyroid gland problem.

• Agnus Castus supports the pituitary gland and helps balance estrogen, which is known to interfere with normal thyroid function.

• Black Cohosh helps balance estrogen levels and may be useful in thyroid conditions.

• Siberian Ginseng helps the adrenal and thymus glands, which help support thyroid health. This is very effective home remedy for thyroid gland.

• Black walnut is rich in organic iodine and manganese that nourishes and strengthens thyroid function.

• Mullein covers and protects tissues and reduces swelling in glands.

• Calcium, iron, zinc, copper, manganese, neodynium, terbium, thullium are minerals and trace elements necessary for the good functioning of important metabolic reactions in the thyroid.

• Take low calorie foods and it is important to cut down on cakes, biscuits, sweets and alcoholic drinks that are relatively high in calories, but low in nutrients.

• Increase your physical activity.

• Continue to be cheerful and enjoy your life.

• Eat foods rich in vitamin A, such as yellow vegetables, eggs, carrots, and dark green vegetables for thyroid gland cure.

• Iodine rich foods that nourish the thyroid are: fish and sea vegetables such as: arame, kelp, dulse, hijike, nori, wakame, and kombu. Seaweeds are very nourishing to the glands.

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

Symptoms, Causes and Home Remedies

Hypertension or high blood pressure, as it is more commonly known, is regarded as a silent killer. It is a disease of the modern age. The fast pace of life and the mental and physical pressures caused by the increasingly industrialised and metropolitan environments have a role to play in the rise in blood pressure. Blood pressure is measured with an instrument called sphygnomanometer in millimetres of mercury. The highest pressure reached during each heart beat is called systolic pressure, and the lowest between two beat is known as diastolic pressure. Most young adults have blood pressure around 120/80. It increases normally with age, even going upto 160/90.

Symptoms of high blood pressure

Pain at the back of the head and neck

The first symptom of hypertension may appear as a pain at the back of the head and neck on waking in the morning, which soon disappears.

Dizziness, Palpitations

Some of the other common symptoms are dizziness, palpitations, pain in the region of the heart, frequent urination, nervous tension, fatigue, and difficulty in breathing.

Causes of high blood pressure

Stress and faulty life style

The main causes of high blood pressure are stress and a faulty style of living. Smoking and an excessive intake of intoxicants, tea, coffee, and refined foods destroy the natural pace of life and prevent the expulsion of waste and poisonous matter from the body. Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) , obesity, and diabetes lead to hypertension.

Excessive intake of common salt, and high fat diet

Other causes of high blood pressure are an excessive intake of common table salt, and eating a high fat and low fibre diet.

Home remedies for

high blood pressure

High Blood Pressure treatment using Garlic

Garlic is regarded as an effective means of lowering blood pressure. It is said to reduce spasms of the small arteries. It also slows down the pulse rate and modifies the heart rhythm, besides relieving the symptoms of dizziness, numbness, shortness of breath, and the formation of gas within the digestive tract. It may be taken in the form of raw cloves or two to three capsules a day.

High Blood Pressure treatment using Indian Gooseberry

Indian gooseberry is another effective remedy for high blood pressure. A tablespoon each of fresh amla juice and honey mixed together should be taken every morning in this condition.

High Blood Pressure treatment using Lemon

Lemon is also regarded as a valuable food to control high blood pressure. It is a rich source of vitamin P which is found both in the juice and peel of the fruit. This vitamin is essential for preventing capillary fragility.

High Blood Pressure treatment using Grapefruit

Grapefruit is useful in preventing high blood pressure. The vitamin P content in the fruit is helpful in toning up the arteries.

High Blood Pressure treatment using Watermelon

Watermelon is another valuable safeguard against high blood pressure. A substance extracted from watermelon seeds is said to have a definite action in dilating the blood vessels, which results in lowering the blood pressure. The seeds, dried and roasted, should be taken in liberal quantities.

High Blood Pressure treatment using Rice

Rice has a low-fat, low-cholesterol, and low-salt content. It makes a perfect diet for those hypertensive persons who have been advised salt-restricted diets. Calcium in brown rice, in particular, soothes and relaxes the nervous system and helps relieve the symptoms of high blood pressure.

High Blood Pressure treatment using Potato

Potatoes, specially in boiled form, are a valuable food for lowering blood pressure. When boiled with their skin, they absorb very little salt. Thus they can form a useful addition to a salt-free diet recommended for patients with high blood pressure. Potatoes are rich in potassium but not in sodium salts. The magnesium present in the vegetable exercises beneficial effects in lowering blood pressure.

High Blood Pressure treatment using Parsley

Parsley is very useful in high blood pressure. It contains elements, which help maintain the blood vessels, particularly, the capillaries. It keeps the arterial system in a healthy condition. It may be taken as a beverage by simmering 20 gm of fresh parsley leaves gently in 250 ml of water for a few minutes. This may be drunk several times daily.

High Blood Pressure treatment using Rauwolfia

Among the herbs, rauwolfia is the best remedy for high blood pressure. Alkaloids of this drug, which have a direct effect on hypertension, have been isolated and are being widely used by practitioners of modem medicine, but they have certain unpleasant side-effects which the drug, taken in raw form, does not have. Practitioners of the Indian system of medicine have, therefore, preferred to use the root of the drug in a powdered from. Half a teaspoon of this drug, taken thrice a day, is very effective in hypertension.

High Blood Pressure treatment using Vegetable Juice

Raw vegetable juices, especially carrot and spinach juices, taken separately or in combination, are also beneficial in the treatment of high blood pressure. If taken in combination, 300 ml of carrot juice and 200 ml of spinach juice should be mixed to make 500 ml or half a litre of the juice, and taken daily. If taken separately, one glass should be taken twice daily, morning and evening.

High Blood Pressure treatment using Dietary Calcium and Potassium

Recent studies have revealed an important link between dietary calcium and potassium and hypertension. Researchers have found that people who take potassium-rich diets have a low incidence of hypertension even if they do not control their salt intake. They have also found that people with hypertension do not seem to get much calcium in the form of dairy products. These two essential nutrients seem to help the body secrete excess sodium and are involved in important functions which control the working of the vascular system. Potassium is found in abundance in fruits and vegetables, and calcium in dairy products.

High blood pressure diet

High Blood Pressure Diet

Persons with high blood pressure should always follow a well-balanced routine of a proper diet, exercise, and rest. Diet is of primary importance. Meat and eggs, more than any other food, cause the blood pressure to rise. The pressure can be lowered and blood clotting diminished by increasing the consumption of fruits, reducing protein intake, and sticking to a vegetarian diet. A natural diet consisting of fresh fruits and vegetables instead of a traditional diet, helps to get rid of the toxins from the body. Salt should be avoided; in any case, it should not exceed more than three grams or about half a teaspoon per day.

Other high blood pressure remedies

Other High Blood Pressure treatment

Persons suffering from hypertension must get at least eight hours of good sleep, because proper rest is a vital aspect of the treatment. Most important of all, the patient must avoid overstrain, worries, tension, anger, and haste. He or she must develop a calm and cheerful attitude and develop a contented frame of mind.

WEAKNESS

Causes and Home Remedies

Many diseases may cause general weakness. Anemia is the main cause of general weakness.

The patient complains of weakness, easy fatigue, and irritability. Other symptoms may include heartburn, flatulence, abdominal pains, soreness in the mouth, numbness and tingling in the extremities and palpitation of the heart.

The skin and mucous membranes are pale, the nails are brittle, and there are fissures or sores at the corners of the mouth.

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder affecting mainly girls or women, although boys or men can also suffer from it. It usually starts in the teenage years. On account of any mental depression or a fanciful idea (especially for reducing obesity), she takes less food than normal. The appetite gradually lessens.

Puberty, deaths in the family and other life stresses are all believed to be the main causes of anorexia. Self-induced weight loss includes fasting, low food intake, excessive exercise, diuretic medicines (medicines that make you urinate more) laxatives, diet pills or vomiting.

All the above causes can produce weakness.

HOME REMEDIES FOR WEAKNESS

• Take 1 Cup beetroot juice, 1 cup of apple juice, mixed with either sugar or honey once a day to prevent anemia.
  
• Take a ripe banana with 1 tbsp of honey 2 times a day for treatment of weakness.
  
• A mixture of apple and tomato juice also helps to fight against the weakness.
  
• Eating a lot of salad also helps to prevent anemia.
  
• Honey is very good for an anemic person because it helps increase the hemoglobin in the blood. It is rich in iron, copper and manganese. rtant for the absorption of iron. It is recommended to take two any citrus fruits daily.
  
• Beets are very important in the cure of anemia. Its juice contains potassium, phosphorus, calcium, sulphur, iodine, iron, copper, carbohydrates, protein, fat, and vitamins B1, B2, B6, C and P.
  
• Drink peppermint tea to increase appetite.
  
• Oranges stimulate the flow of digestive juices, thereby improving digestion and increasing appetite.
  
• The juice of sour grapes is another effective home remedy for anorexia. The juice of these grapes should be used in kneading the flour before preparing chapattis. Chapattis made in this manner should be eaten continuously for two to three weeks.
  
• About one teaspoon of the juice of lime should be mixed with an equal quantity of the juice of ginger. One gram of rock salt should be added to this mixture. It should then be placed in sunlight for three days. A teaspoon taken after each meal will tone up the digestive system and improve the appetite.
  
• Apples help in digestion by stimulating the flow of pepsin, a protein-digesting enzyme, in the stomach.
  
• Three or four cloves of raw garlic should be boiled in a cup of water. This soup can be reinforced with the juice of half a lemon and taken twice daily.
  
• About five grams of ginger should be ground and licked with a little salt once a day for the treatment of weakness.
  
• The application of an ice bag over the stomach for half an hour before meals, and a cool hipbath once or twice daily, will help in curing anorexia.
  
• An early morning sunbath, taken one day, should be alternated with an early morning cool air bath the next day.
  
• Supplements of vitamins and minerals should be taken to increase the appetite.
  
• Drink lots of water by adding some water or salt to it. This is an effective home remedy for weakness.
  
• Prepare a mixture by ading 1 Tbsp poppy seeds, 1 tsp edible gum, 1 tsp cardamom powder, 1/2 tsp nutmeg (jaiphal) powder, and2 tbs sugar, and grind to a powder. Take this powder every 2 hours.
  
• Prepare a mixture by adding 1/2 tsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp ginger juice, and 1/4 tsp pepper powder and drink it. This is an effective home remedy for weakness.
  
• Small, frequent feeds of energy-rich local foods familiar to the child should be given. A little vegetable oil can be added to foods such as millet or rice to increase the energy content.
  
• Take yogurt, buttermilk, mint, apple, pomegranate, papaya, banana, carrot, potato, etc.

PNEUMONIA (Nimonia)

Symptoms, Causes and Home Remedies

Pneumonia refers to the inflammation of the lungs.It is one of the most serious infectious diseases. The disease assumes alarming proportions if both the lungs are affected; this condition is called double pneumonia in common parlance.

Pneumonia symptoms

Cold in the head or throat, shivering fever

Most cases of pneumonia begin with a cold in the head or throat. The patient generally feels a chill, shivering fever, difficulty in breathing, and sharp pain in the chest. This may be followed by a cough with pinkish sputum, which may later become brownish. In young children, the disease may cause delirium and convulsions. The temperature may rise to 40.6 degree C and the pulse may go upto 150 beats per minute. A common complication of pneumonia is pleurisy.

Pneumonia causes

Germs and viruses

Pneumonia is caused by various types of germs such as streptococcus, staphylococcus, and pneumococcus. At times, certain viruses are also responsible for this disease.

Fungal infections and toxins in the body

Other causes are fungal infections, irritation by worms, inhaling foreign matter, irritant dust or noxious gases. The real cause of pneumonia, however, is a constitution weakened by the presence of toxins in the body, especially in the lungs and air passages. The accumulation of toxins is due to wrong feeding habits and a faulty lifestyle.

Home Remedies for

Pneumonia

Pneumonia treatment using Fenugreek (methi)

During the early acute stage of pneumonia, a tea made from fenugreek seeds will help the body to produce perspiration, dispel toxicity, and shorten the period of fever. Upto four cups of the tea can be taken daily. The quantity can be reduced as the condition improves. To improve the flavour of the tea, a few drops of lemon juice may be added. During this treatment, no other food or nourishment should be taken, as fasting and fenugreek will allow the body to correct these respiratory problems in a few days.

Pneumonia treatment using Garlic (lahsan)

Garlic is a marvellous remedy for pneumonia, if given in sufficient quantities. It brings down the temperature, as well as the pulse and respiration within forty-eight hours. A paste of garlic can also be applied externally on the chest with beneficial results as it is an irritant and rubefacient

Pneumonia treatment using Sesame Seeds (til)

Sesame seeds are valuable in pneumonia. An infusion of the seeds can be made by steeping 15 gm of seeds in 250 ml of water. This infusion, mixed with a tablespoon of linseed, a pinch of common salt, and a dessertspoon of honey, should be given in the treatment of this disease. This will help remove catarrhal matter and phlegm from the bronchial tubes.

Pneumonia treatment using Parsnip Juice (Mooli)

The juice of parsnip, a root vegetable botanically known as Pastinaca sativa, has been found beneficial in the treatment of pneumonia. The juice of the leaves and root of this plant possess high therapeutic value. The phosphorus and chlorine elements contained therein are of particular benefit to the lungs and the bronchial system, thus making the juice an excellent home remedy for pneumonia. The patient should take 250 ml of juice daily. It is however, essential that only the juice of the cultivated parsnip plant should be used for this purpose. The wild variety must not be used in juices as it contains some poisonous ingredients.

Pneumonia treatment using Other vegetable Juices

The juice of carrots, in combination either with spinach juice, or beet and cucumber juices, has also been found useful in pneumonia. In these combinations, 200 ml of spinach juice or 100 ml each of beet and cucumber juices should be mixed with 300 ml of carrot juice to prepare 500 ml or half a litre of combined juice.

Pneumonia treatment using Turpentine Oil

The pain of pneumonia can be relieved by rubbing oil of turpentine over the rib cage and wrapping warmed cotton wool over it.

Pneumonia diet

Raw fruit and vegetable juices diet

At the beginning of the treatment the patient should be kept on a diet of raw juices for five to ten days, depending on the severity of the disease. He should take a glass of fruit or vegetable juice diluted with warm water, every two or three hours. After a diet of raw juices, when the fever subsides, the patient should spent three or four days on an exclusive fresh fruit diet, taking three meals a day of juicy fruits.

Well-balanced diet of natural foods

Thereafter, he may gradually adopt a well-balanced diet of natural foods, with emphasis on fresh fruits and raw vegetables.

Other Pneumonia treatment

Warm-water enema

The patient should be given a warn-water enema daily to cleanse the bowels during the period of raw juice therapy and the all-fruit diet, and thereafter when necessary.

NEUROPATHY

Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Therapies, Diet & Cure

“Neuropathy” means “disease of nerve.”

The term “peripheral” means that the disease is occurring to nerve tissue outside the brain and spinal cord. This includes injury of nerves to muscles (motor nerves), nerves from the skin (sensory nerves), and/or nerves to the gut and other internal organs (autonomic nerves).

Peripheral neuropathy is a very broad topic that demands classification for purposes of diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment. An initial distinction may be made between focal and generalized peripheral neuropathies.

A focal neuropathy means only one or, at most, a few nerves are injured. Pain, numbness, and weakness are confined to a single limb or a small region of the trunk or head. Focal neuropathies are typically caused by compression or trauma. Carpal tunnel syndrome, a common syndrome characterized by nighttime numbness and tingling in the hand, is an example of a focal neuropathy. Compression of a major forearm nerve called the median nerve causes this syndrome.

Generalized neuropathies present as pain, numbness, tingling, and, sometimes, weakness that affect both sides of the body. The feet and toes are commonly affected early in the course of a generalized neuropathy. As discussed in the “Causes of Peripheral Neuropathy” section, generalized neuropathies are often associated with general medical problems. Generalized neuropathies are also called polyneuropathies. I will use these terms interchangeably in Neuropathy 101.

A physician may also classify a neuropathy as being predominantly “axonal” or “demyelinating.” These are technical terms that refer to the microscopic component of the nerve that is being damaged. All nerves that supply muscles and the skin are comprised of microscopic fibers that carry the (electrical) information along the nerve. You may understand this by thinking of all the individual wires inside the main cable that goes to your computer printer. Within these fibers are cores called axons; these are analogous to the copper inside the wires. Most axons are ensheathed in fatty tissue called myelin. Myelin is required for the rapid transmission of signals along the axons. Myelin is analogous to the rubber insulation around wires. Whether a neuropathy is axonal or demyelinating has implications for medical work-up and treatment options. Nerve conduction studies (NCS) are required to distinguish between these two types of neuropathies. Axonal neuropathies are more common than demyelinationg neuropathies. In order to simplify the subsequent discussion of peripheral neuropathy, I will not distinguish axonal from demyelinating neuropathies; the discussion will apply to both types.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Peripheral neuropathies present as pain, numbness, tingling, and, sometimes, weakness. The initial symptoms generally depend on the nature of the underlying damage to the nerve.

Tingling and Other Spontaneous Sensations

Odd spontaneous sensations are often the initial symptom of a peripheral neuropathy. Patients with polyneuropathies often describe the sensation that a thin layer or film is surrounding their toes or the soles of their feet. It may also feel as though something is stuck between the toes. A pins-and-needles sensation may also occur in the feet.

Pain

Pain from a peripheral neuropathy is called neuropathic pain. Burning sensations are very common. Aching or stabbing pain may also occur. Electric shock sensations may go up or down the legs and feet.

Altered Sensations

Tactile sensations are often altered in body regions affected by peripheral neuropathy. Commonly, this manifests as increased sensitivity to pressure. For example, when a patient with polyneuropathy steps on a small pebble, it may feel like a sharp piece of glass is cutting into the sole of their foot. Also, the feet may feel swollen or bound up. Even very light sensations, like bedsheets being drawn across the feet, may cause severe discomfort.

Numbness

Impaired sensation is a feature of almost all peripheral neuropathies. Patients may be unaware of these problems because pain in the affected body region overrides any appreciation of the numbness. Only when the physician applies light touches or a vibrating tuning fork or the sharp end of a pin to the skin does it become clear to everyone that sensation is impaired.

An unfortunate paradox of peripheral neuropathy is that the numbest areas of the body also tend to be the most painful.

Balance Problems

In moderate-to- severe polyneuropathies, balance may be affected. In these cases, sensory fibers that carry information about joint position to the brain have degenerated. This type of sensory information normally allows us to do such things as touch the tip of the nose with a fingertip with closed eyes. We are unconscious of this type of sensation from our limbs.

If a neuropathy leads to impairment of joint position in the legs, the person becomes more dependent on vision for balance. It is for this reason that neuropathy patients have the toughest time with balance when their vision is limited—when, for example, they are shampooing their hair in the shower or walking in the dark.

Weakness

Weakness may occur with any peripheral neuropathy. The region of weakness depends on the type of neuropathy. In polyneuropathies, weakness is usually worst at the ankles and toes.

Urinary, Sweating and Gastrointestinal Problems

Sometimes the nerves to blood vessels, gut, and bladder are diseased in a peripheral neuropathy. Autonomic neuropathy is a more specific name for this type of peripheral neuropathy.

When the nerve supply to blood vessels is diseased, the blood vessels cannot constrict in response to standing to maintain adequate blood pressure. Without this response, the blood pools in dependent body regions and the brain does not receive enough blood flow. This manifests as lightheadedness. The patient must sit or lie down for relief.

When the nerves to the bladder are affected, it may be difficult to fully empty the bladder.

When the nerves to the gut are affected, patients may have either constipation or, sometimes, diarrhea. Patients may feel full even after eating small food portions.

When the nerves to the sweat glands are affected, the pattern and frequency of sweating may be affected.

INCIDENCE & CAUSES

Causes of peripheral neuropathy include:

• Medical problems such as diabetes


• Genetic


• Nutritional deficiencies


• Toxins


• Compression/ trauma


• Infiltration by tumor

A few of these causes are discussed below. In about 30 percent of patients, a specific cause of neuropathy cannot be found—even after an exhaustive search. These neuropathies are called idiopathic. Probably, complex metabolic and genetic factors contribute to idiopathic neuropathies.

Medical Problems

Many different medical problems lead to peripheral neuropathies. It is therefore important that physicians take a careful medical history when assessing patients for neuropathy. Medical problems that may be associated with neuropathy include: 1) metabolic diseases such as diabetes mellitus; 2) autoimmune diseases such as lupus erthymatosis; 3) organ failure; 4) endocrine (hormonal) diseases such as hypothyroidism; 5) infections such as Lyme disease, HIV, and leprosy. (Until quite recently leprosy was the leading cause of polyneuropathy in the world.)

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is the most common polyneuropathy in the United States and the world. It is estimated that there are 15-20 million cases of diabetic polyneuropathy in the United States. Given the size of this problem, it is odd that more people do not know about it. Diabetic polyneuropathy contributes to the incidence of lower limb amputations in diabetic patients because diabetics are less likely to perceive a wound in their feet or legs.

An autoimmune disease is one in which the body’s immune system attacks body tissues. Neuropathies may occur in patients with multi-system autoimmune diseases such as lupus erythematosis in which the skin, joints, and kidneys may also be affected. Sometimes an autoimmune disease may be directed selectively against nerves. A dramatic example of this is Guillain-Barré syndrome. People who have direct experience with this type of polyneuropathy will never forget it. It is characterized by a very rapid decline in strength. Sometimes patients, though alert, become completely paralyzed and need a breathing machine. With intensive care, most patients make a good recovery. This disease has inspired more than one medical student into chosing a career in intensive care medicine or neurology!

Nutritional Deficiencies

Deficiencies of certain vitamins and minerals (including the B vitamins, vitamin E, and copper) can cause a peripheral neuropathy.

Alcoholic patients may become deficient in thiamine (a B vitamin) if they do not eat well. This deficiency is thought to contribute to alcoholic polyneuropathy.

In Western societies, B12 deficiency is the most common vitamin deficiency leading to neuropathy. When it is severe, patients may have very poor balance. Anemia is also a feature of B12 deficiency.

Genetic Neuropathies

Mutations in a number of genes (sections of DNA) may lead to a peripheral neuropathy. Sometimes, as many as 50 percent of family members have it. Sometimes only a single family member has it. Genetic neuropathies tend to present early in life and progress very slowly over time. There are certain clinical clues such as the appearance of the feet that would make a physician suspect a genetic neuropathy.

Currently there are no cures and only a few specific treatments for the genetic neuropathies. Genetic disease is a rapidly evolving part of medicine, and there is hope that better therapies are on the horizon.

Toxins

A wide array of industrial chemicals including solvents and heavy metals, including arsenic and lead, can cause neuropathy. Industrial workers who develop symptoms of a neuropathy should bring a list of their chemical exposures to their physicians.

In people who do not have significant occupational exposures to chemicals, the most likely culprit for causing a toxic neuropathy is a pharmaceutical drug. Certain chemotherapeutic drugs are notorious for causing peripheral neuropathies.

If the toxin can be identified and removed, the peripheral neuropathy typically stabilizes and then improves.

Idiopathic Peripheral Neuropathy

It is frustrating for both the patient and physician when a specific cause for a neuropathy cannot be found. Most idiopathic neuropathies progress over time, albeit very gradually. Usually sensory symptoms predominate over motor deficits (weakness). Over time, balance may be affected. Even after many years, however, many patients with idiopathic neuropathies usually do not have significant limb weakness.

HOW IS PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY DIAGNOSED?

As with any medical problem, the proper diagnosis of a peripheral neuropathy

requires that a physician take a history and perform a physical examination. The history must include a review of any currently prescribed medications because some medications can cause a peripheral neuropathy. The physician will also inquire about any relatives that may also have similar symptoms. If they do, there is an increased chance that the patient has a genetic peripheral neuropathy.

In cases in which the cause of the neuropathy is not obvious, bloodwork and potentially an analysis of urine is necessary to help make the specific neuropathy diagnosis.

The physician may also order electrodiagnostic testing. Nerve conduction studies (NCS) require electrical stimulation of the nerves. Responses are recorded on a machine. An electromyogram (EMG) may also be ordered. This test involves the placement of fine needle electrodes into muscles. With the needle inserted, the patient is asked to move the limb. The resulting electrical activity from the muscle is then amplified and displayed for the physician. These tests are very safe but uncomfortable. Some patients do not mind the test in the least; others run for the door after the first nerve is stimulated! It is very helpful for patients to be mentally prepared beforehand that the test involves electrical stimulation and needle placement. Oral pain relievers may be taken prior to the test and do not affect the test results.

WHAT TREATMENTS ARE AVAILABLE?

Treatment for peripheral neuropathy includes:

• Therapies to repair nerves


• Therapies for pain relief


• Therapies to improve function

Therapies to Repair Nerves

The best way to repair the nerves is to identify and treat the underlying disease process causing nerve injury.

Treatment of focal neuropathies may involve surgery to remove pressure on the nerve. Sometimes, as in the case of mild blunt trauma to the nerves, a “tincture of time” is all that is needed.

For polyneuropathies, the job of identifying the root cause of the neuropathy becomes important. To do this, your physician may order various laboratory tests. If the underlying disease can be identified and treated, the neuropathy usually stabilizes and symptoms may improve.

For example, the best way to treat a diabetic polyneuropathy is to optimize blood sugar levels. The best way to treat an alcoholic polyneuropathy is abstinence and proper nutrition. Autoimmune neuropathies may respond to steroids or intravenous immunoglobulin therapy.

When an underlying cause cannot be found (i.e., the idiopathic neuropathies) , the therapeutic options to heal the nerve are, unfortunately, limited. Studies of chemical factors and drugs that can directly regenerate nerve endings have been disappointing.

Therapies for Pain Relief

For all types of neuropathies, there are many options available to reduce pain and discomfort.

A number of drugs specifically target neuropathic pain. These medications generally affect the electrical and chemical activity of nerve fibers both in the peripheral and central nervous system. Some drugs suppress the rapid electrical discharges of nerves. Oral medications can target pain throughout the body. Unfortunately, these medications may also impair brain function, causing sleepiness or foggy thinking.

Even with aggressive management, persistent and bothersome neuropathic pain is a frequent problem. This is can be a source of tremendous frustration for neuropathy patients. Because relatives and loved ones are often not familiar with either neuropathy or neuropathic pain, patients feel additionally isolated. Pain is the most common impetus behind neuropathy patients seeking help from their physicians; it is the most common reason patients attend support groups. Without a doubt, there is an enormous need for more effective oral pain treatments that have fewer cognitive side effects.

For some patients, topical pain relieving medications are effective. These medications only have a local effect and do not get absorbed significantly into the bloodstream. Because of this, there are no cognitive side effects with these medications. The main options in this category are topical anesthetics (similar to the numbing medications given by dentists) and chili pepper extract (capsaicin). As one would imagine, the capsaicin creams cause burning sensations when applied. After repeated applications, however, neuropathic pain is mitigated. Topical medications tend to work best for neuropathies in which symptoms are restricted to small regions of the body (e.g., just the feet or toes).

An exercise program is often beneficial for alleviating chronic pain and for promoting general well being. For patients with polyneuropathy, exercises need to be chosen that limit the impact on the soles of the feet. Swimming is an excellent exercise. It is a terrific aerobic exercise that involves many muscle groups without putting much strain on the joints. Other options include bicycling. Other low impact exercises include Tai Chi and Yoga. It is recommended that you discuss an exercise program with your physician.

Other therapies aimed at pain relief include massage therapy, acupuncture, and electrical stimulation.

There are many other devices and nutritional supplements marketed to patients with neuropathic pain. A few have demonstrated benefit in clinical trials, but most of these devices and supplements are experimental. Before spending large amounts of money on any such treatment, I would recommend discussing it with your physician.

Therapies to Improve Function

If significant weakness is present, braces or splints may become necessary. In addition to helping mobility and function, these aids protect the full range of motion of joints. Without them, some neuropathies may result in joint contractures (very stiff joints).

In severe neuropathies, canes, walkers, or even wheelchairs may be necessary for patients to maintain mobility.

Neuropathy - Prevention & Curing Protocol

This Neuropathy Prevention and/or Curing Protocol is for people who are ready to take the full responsibility for their own health.

"The person who says it cannot be done should not interrupt the person doing it."
Chinese Proverb.

The protocol incorporates lifestyle change, and implements healthy diet, body cleansing, exercises and different traditional and natural therapies. Protocol contains links to other pages that give detail explanation for each part of this program. Please, follow the links, to fully understand all the words. Remember: There is always something that can be done! The first thing to do is to change your mood. If you are depressed, if you are unhappy, you can not be healthy.

Advice: start with the Laughing Cure

Laughing provides us with the natural inner massage, and through change of mood it can account for up to 30% of cure!

The Neuropathy Cause

To understand The Neuropathy Prevention and Curing Protocol, you should first get familiar with the Neuropathy Cause. Now, I assume that you know something about what is causing Neuropathy, so we can continue with the Neuropathy program.

Neuropathy Diet

Let's start with most simple part of this program: Neuropathy diet. When it comes to diet, it is very important to avoid eating Toxins and Foods that Kill. Please follow those links and learn what are The Toxins I am talking about and what are those " Foods that Kill". Now, important part of your diet should also be Water Cure. Please, become familiar with Water Cure. Your Diet should contain: Foods That Heal, Vegetable juices, Fats that Heal, Unrefined Sea Salt. Also, try to understand food tolerance. You can not find the right Neuropathy diet, unless you fully understand and learn about food tolerance.

Take some time to implement and learn all what you have read here, and then continue reading further.

Body Cleansing (Neuropathy)

Now, let's start with body cleansing. Body cleansing is extremely important part of every prevention and curing program. You are guessing: "Dietary changes you made are also a form of cleansing." But, most people need more then this, especially when it comes to liver health. Body Cleansing is even important for children. Our internal organs can hold a lot toxins, and sometimes, it is impossible to get those toxins out, without doing cleansing. Our liver can contain hundreds of intrahepatic stones. Those stones will block bile flow, and affect the bases of your health, your digestion. Another problem are parasites. You must learn as much as possible about parasites. And, don't forget also dental toxins.

Let start with cleansing program. You are suppose to do cleansing in this order:

1. Bowel cleanse with parasite cleanse

2. Dental cleanup (if you can afford it)

3. Kidney Cleanse and

4. Liver cleanse.

Body Cleansing for Adults:

1. Bowel cleanse and Parasite cleanse !

2. Dental cleanup - dental work may be one cofactor of your disease: amalgam, root canal, nickel crowns, cavitations (pocket inside jaw bone left after extraction of the wisdom and molar teeth )

3. Kidney cleanse

4. Liver cleanse and Gallbladder cleanse -liver flush!

Make sure you visit those pages and get more info. Dental cleanup can take many years. If you have a lot of dental metal, do not rush to replace it all at once. Bowel cleanse should be done at least once a year. Liver cleanse is a procedure that, for best results, should be repeated at least 6 - 10 times, every 2 or 3 weeks. Kidney cleanse is simple and cheap, many herbs can be used to cleanse kidneys. If you have no kidney stones, even Water Cure could be enough!

Body Cleansing for kids:

1. Parasites cleanse

2. Dental cleanup .. Kids older then 8 may need dental cleanup (amalgam) and liver cleanse:

3. Liver Cleanse - flush

Physical Activity (Neuropathy)

Physical Activity helps cleansing, it brings balance and relieves stress. Psycho-physical activities will help you balance your body and will help you relief accumulated stress. You will have to find a form of exercise that suit you. I will just give you a few examples:

Mini Trampoline jumping - rebounding!

Meditation

Walk or jog in the nature : Forest, Mountain , river / sea / lake side, beach ... fishing, photo-safari, rowing, riding, golf, ...

Tai Chi, Chi Gong, Meditation ...
Yoga - Hatha, Meditation, Chinese Yoga ...
Martial Arts: Karate, Judo, Kung Fu, Teakwood, Budokai, Uechi, Aikido ...
Dancing, Aerobics, Gymnastics, Stretching ...
Swimming in non-chlorinated water ! ( Best in minerals rich water - Ocean ! )
Weight lifting, ....

Do not exhaust yourself !

Do not exercise with full stomach ! (You may take a walk!)

Do not hurt yourself !

Sweating (Neuropathy)

Sweating is powerful way to cleanse your body from accumulated toxins.
examples:
- exercise with a lot of clothes

- Sauna

- drink warm tea in a hot room ...

- eat CAYENNE pepper! ...

It is known that some modern industrial toxins and pesticides can leave your body only through sweat glands!

Psychotherapy and Spiritual Therapy

Human body is not just this what we can se. There is more to it. To treat other level of us, to treat soul and to treat mind and unconscious parts of us, Hellinger's therapy is suggested.