Categories
Ailmemts & Remedies

Nail Problems

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Nails protect both the fingertips and toes, are extremely helpful when peeling off price tags, and are often considered a sign of beauty. They can even provide clues about your overall health and any underlying diseases. Good nutrition is the key to nail vitality.

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Toenails often serve as barometers of our health; they are diagnostic tools providing the initial signal of the presence or onset of systemic diseases. For example, the pitting of nails and increased nail thickness can be manifestations of psoriasis. Concavity—nails that are rounded inward instead of outward—can foretell iron deficiency anemia. Some nail problems can be conservatively treated with topical or oral medications while others require partial or total removal of the nail. Any discoloration or infection on or about the nail should be evaluated by a podiatric physician.

Symptoms
Dry, brittle nails that split and grow slowly could be caused by nutritional deficiencies.
Thick, yellowed nails (often the toenails) may be harboring a fungus. Debris collecting under the nail may cause it to peel away from the nail bed below.
Changes in nail color, shape, or texture may indicate an underlying illness.

What It Is
Composed mainly of a fibrous protein called keratin, nails are one of the body’s strongest tissues. But they can grow slower than normal, become weakened, or break for a number of reasons. One of the most common problems is a fungal infection: As many as one in 25 people has this ornery, unsightly nail disorder.

When to Call Your Doctor
Nail irregularities may signal a more serious medical disorder. For example, white streaks running the length of the nail may indicate heart disease, a bluish tint under the nails (rather than a healthy pink) could be a sign of asthma or emphysema. Yelloish nail is a sign of Joundice.Whitish nail is the sign of anemia.
Reminder: If you have a medical condition, talk to your doctor before taking supplements.


People with diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, or other circulatory disorders must avoid any form of self treatment and seek podiatric medical care as soon as possible.


What Causes It

Nutrition plays a key role in nail growth and appearance. An insufficient intake of the B vitamins, for example, can produce ridges in the nail, and a lack of calcium can cause dryness and brittleness. And too little vitamin C or folic acid may be partially responsible for the development of hangnails. In addition, nails can change color when the blood doesn’t get enough oxygen because of an underlying illness (such as asthma). Also,exposure to chemicals can dry them out, making them weak and brittle.

How Supplements Can Help
Various supplements can be used as general nail strengtheners. About eight weeks of therapy may be required to notice results. Biotin and other B vitamins, taken together with an amino acid complex and vitamins C and E, have a synergistic effect that helps the body build keratin and other proteins that it needs to make nails strong. A mixed amino acid complex also contains sulfur, which is necessary for nail growth.

What Else You Can Do to keep you nail healthy.

1.Don’t trim cuticles. They protect nails from fungi and bacteria.

2.Wear gloves if you’re doing household chores or if you’re using any type of chemical. Apply petroleum jelly to nails after your hands have been in water.

3.Keep nails short. Long nails break easily. Soak nails before trimming to prevent splitting and peeling.

4.A daily cup of tea made from oat straw, horsetail, or nettle may improve nail health. These herbs are rich

5.If you suspect an infection due to an ingrown toenail, immerse the foot in a warm salt water soak, or a basin of soapy water, then apply an antiseptic and bandage the area.

6.Prevention for toe nail infection which is very common.

7.Proper hygiene and regular inspection of the feet and toes are the first lines of defense against fungal nails.
8.Clean and dry feet resist disease.

9.Washing the feet with soap and water, remembering to dry thoroughly, is the best way to prevent an infection.
10.Shower shoes should be worn when possible in public areas.

11.Shoes, socks, or hosiery should be changed more than once daily.

12.Toenails should be clipped straight across so that the nail does not extend beyond the tip of the toe.
13Wear shoes that fit well and are made of materials that breathe.

14.Avoid wearing excessively tight hosiery, which promote moisture.

15.Socks made of synthetic fiber tend to “wick” away moisture faster than cotton or wool socks.
16.Disinfect instruments used to cut nails.

17.Disinfect home pedicure tools.

18.Don’t apply polish to nails suspected of infection—those that are red, discolored, or swollen, for example.

19.If you suspect an infection on any nail, immerse the your finger or foot in a warm salt water soak, or a basin of soapy water, then apply an antiseptic and bandage the area.

HOME REMEDY: Apply pure mastered oil on toe nails and bally button daily 30 minutes before bath and get rid of any kind of nail infection.

Learn more about nail diseases and disorders.

Help taken from:Your Guide to Vitamins, Minerals, and Herbs and www.apma.org

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Categories
Ailmemts & Remedies

Skin Allergy

An allergy can refer to several kinds of immune reactions including Type I hypersensitivity in which a person’s body is hypersensitised and develops IgE type antibodies to typical proteins. When a person is hypersensitised, these substances are
known as allergens. The word allergy derives from the Greek words allos meaning “other” and ergon meaning “work”. Type I hypersensitivity is characterised by excessive activation of mast cells and basophils by immunoglobulin E resulting in a systemic inflammatory response that can result in symptoms as benign as a runny nose, to life-threatening anaphylactic shock and death.

Allergy is a very common disorder and more than 50 million Americans suffer from allergic diseases. Allergies are the 6th leading cause of chronic disease in the United States, costing the health care system $18 billion annually.Hyposensitization is a form of immunotherapy where the patient is gradually vaccinated against progressively larger doses of the allergen in question. This can either reduce the severity or eliminate hypersensitivity altogether. It relies on the progressive skewing of IgG (“the blocking antibody”) production, as opposed to the excessive IgE production seen in hypersensitivity type I cases. Delivery can occur via allergy injection, or sublingual immunotherapy, allergy drops taken under the tongue. Though not commonly offered in the U.S., sublingual immunotherapy is gaining attention internationally.

A second form of immunotherapy involves the intravenous injection of monoclonal anti-IgE antibodies. These bind to free and B-cell IgE signalling such sources for destruction. They do not bind to IgE already bound to the Fc receptor on basophils and
mast cells as this would stimulate the allergic inflammatory response. The first agent in this class is omalizumab.An experimental treatment form, enzyme potentiated desensitization, has been tried with some success but is not in widespread use. EPD uses dilutions of allergen and an enzyme, beta-glucuronidase, to which T-regulatory lymphocytes respond by favouring desensitization, or down-regulation, rather than sensitization. EPD is also under development for the treatment of autoimmune diseases.

More than 20% of Americans suffer from the oh-so-lovely symptoms of allergies. You know what they are: itchy, watery eyes, sore throats, sneezing, just to name a few. Those who are affected deeply also experience headaches and low-grade fevers. (This is their body’s way of trying to fight the attack.)

The Truth:
Allergies are genetic. This means if your parents had allergies, you have a higher chance of getting them too.

The Bad and the Good News
Over the counter drugs have side affects, as do prescription medicines. Before you get to the point of: ?I don?t care I just want to get my nose to stop running!? check out these natural methods to lessen the symptoms of allergies.

Close those Windows!

The weather is nice and open windows let you enjoy the cool breeze. Unfortunately, the nice breeze brings pollens and molds, which are often allergy culprits. During peak pollen season, drive with your car windows closed.

Spring Clean
Since allergy season tends to be during spring and fall, take the time to thoroughly clean your home at least twice a year.Be sure to dust off those bookshelves and clean your air conditioning and heating vents. When not in use, they are well-loved resting places for dust and mold.

Bring Home Spiders
Spider Plants, that is. These plants are incredible – they are able to absorb many of the toxins in your home. They are also very easy to take care of. And for those of us who may forget to water a plant here and there, take heart: spider plants are very forgiving and low maintenance.

Wash that Pollen Out of Your Hair

Mitzi Gaynor may have needed to wash a man out of her hair – to no avail. Luckily, washing pollen out is much easier.

Consider taking showers at night to get rid of your daily pollen collection. Pets (and children!) can be pollen carriers too, so be sure to suds them up!

Keep Your Immune System Up
Restful sleep and eating whole foods will be the boost your body needs to stay strong. Supplements and daily vitamins are necessary to keep your immune system running top-notch. If your body?s running at its best, it will be able to combat those pollens, molds, and spores much easier.

Categories
News on Health & Science

Obesity triggers early puberty

Childhood obesity is contributing to a worrying new global phenomenon — a sharp increase in the number of girls reaching puberty by nine years of age. Researchers from the University of Michigan Health System have found that girls who are obese at the age of three are more likely to hit puberty around their ninth birthday.

The study, published in the American journal Pediatrics on Monday, tracked 354 girls from when they were two years old till they were 12. Nearly half (168) of them showed signs of puberty by nine years — a majority of such girls were either obese or overweight at 36 months.

Researchers said that for every extra point on the girls’ body-mass index scores at 36 months, the chances of early earlier puberty increased by 44%.

This finding follows a University of Bristol study in 2000 which showed that one in every six girls reached puberty before the age of eight.

Precocious puberty is fast becoming common among girls — a trend that, doctors say, entails health and social problems. Studies have shown that children who face precocious puberty are more prone to psychiatric disorders like depression and anxiety and are often humiliated and bullied by their classmates.

They are more likely to start drinking and have sex at an earlier age, risking teenaged pregnancy. They also have higher rates of obesity and breast cancer as adults.

Source:The Times Of India

Categories
Yoga

The Sun Salutation (Yoga Exercise)

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The Sun Salutation or the Surya Namaskaar limbers up the whole body in preparation of the Asanas. Each position stretchs the body in a different way alternately expanding and contracting the chest to regulate the breathing . If practiced daily it will bring great flexibility to your spine and joints and trim your waist .

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Description of the asana
1. Stand erect with feet together and palms in the prayer position in front of your chest. Make sure your weight is evently distrubuted. Exhale.
2. Inhaling, stretch your arms forward, then up and back over your head and bend back slowly from the waist.
3. Exhaling, fold forward, and press your palms down, fingertips in line with toes-bend your knees if necessary.
4. Inhaling bring the left (or right ) leg back and place the knee on the floor. Arch back and look up, lifting your chin.
5.Retaining the breath, bring the other leg back and support your weight on hands and toes. Keep your head and body in line and look at the floor between your hands.
6. Exhaling, lower your knees, then your chest and then your forehead, keeping your hips up and your toes curled under.
7. Inhaling, lower your hips, point your toes and bend back. Keep legs together and shoulders down. Look up and back.
8. Exhaling, curl your toes under, raise your hips and pivot into an inverted “V” shape. Try to push your heels and head down and keep your shoulders back.
9. Inhaling, step forward and place the left (or right ) foot between your hands. Rest the other knee on the floor and look up, as in position.
10 Exhaling, bring the other leg forward and bend down from the waist, keeping your palms as in position 3.
11. Inhaling, stretch your arms forward, then up and back over your head and bend back slowly from the waist, as in position2.
12.Exhaling, gently come back to an upright position and bring your arms down by your sides.

Source:/www.allayurveda.com

Categories
Herbs & Plants

BRAHMI – THE MIRACLE BRAIN FOOD!

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Family Name : SCROPHULARIACEAE

Botanical Name : BACOPA MONNIERA

Common Name : HERPESTIS MONNIERIA, THYME LEAVED GRATIOLA, BRAHMI

Part Used : WHOLE PLANT

Habitat : Grows in Marshy places and cultivated South India.

Description: Brahmi or Bacopa monnieri is a perennial, creeping herb whose habitat includes wetlands and muddy shores. Common names include Water Hyssop and brahmi (note: brahmi is also the Ayurvedic name given to Centella asiatica and other herbs).

CLICK TO SEE THE PICTURES….>…...(001)…..(01)...(1)………….(2)………..(3)..

The leaves of this plant are succulent and relatively thick. Leaves are oblanceolate and are arranged oppositely on the stem. The flowers are small and white, with four or five petals. Its ability to grow in water makes it a popular aquarium plant. It can even grow in slightly brackish conditions. Propagation is often achieved through cuttings.

It commonly grows in marshy areas throughout India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, China, Taiwan, and is also found in Florida and other southern states of USA where it can be grown in damp conditions by the pond or bog garden.

Famed in Ayurvedic medicine, brahmi has antioxidant properties. It has been reported to reduce oxidation of fats in the blood stream, which is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.

It has been used for centuries to help benefit epilepsy, memory capacity, increase concentration, and reduce stress-induced anxiety. It is listed as a nootropic, a drug that enhances cognitive ability.

In India, this plant has also been used traditionally to consecrate new born babies in the belief that it will open the gateway of intelligence. Recent studies suggest bacopa may improve intellectual activity

Brahmi is rapidly becoming one of the most sought-after herbs in Australia today, and for good reason! Brahmi is also know as bacopa monniera; also known as bacopa.

Brahmi or Bacopa, is a succulent creeper found throughout India. It is the foremost brain tonic herb of the Ayurvedic healing system used primarily as a nerve tonic, to treat insomnia and nervous tension. Brahmi contains saponins which have been shown to strengthen the nervous system, and decrease insomnia.

Brahmi also has marked hypotensive and diuretic properties and is known as an effective “brain food” as it nourishes the brain and improves intelligence and memory. It is traditionally used as an Ayurvedic rejuvenative or rasayana which helps to decrease the signs of aging, particularly in the mind as it increases mental clarity and brain functioning.

Brahmi is especially suitable for students as it enhances the minds ability to learn and to focus. It has an interesting ability to be able to calm the mind while at the same time to invigorate the thinking capacity in a centered, peaceful way. Brahmi may be useful for people who want to improve mental function and concentration particularly under pressure or in stressful conditions. Brahmi has become especially popular with students and others who need to maintain performance at work or home and has also been recommended for people from middle age on who find their memory is not always as sharp as they would like it to be.

Uses: It is Diuretic, Cardiac, Nervine and Tonic. It is reported to improve intellect, treatment of asthma, hoarseness, insanity, epilepsy. It is a potent nervous tonic and is anti anxiety agent. It is considered good for heart.

TRADITIONAL USES OF BRAHMI
Often taken for fevers and also used for contusions, boils, sprains and fractures. In India the plant is used for all sorts of skin problems- eczema, psoriasis, abscess, ulcerations- it is said to stimulate the growth of skin, hair and nails. Indian Pennywort is also used for chronic rheumatism often as an ointment. In Pakistan, Brahmi is a home remedy for skin problems, rheumatism, piles, inflammations swellings, fever, dysentery, children’s bowel complaints, mental weakness and to improve memory.

Many traditions have employed plants, not only for healing, but also to help us function to our highest potential. An outstanding herb in this category comes from the Ayurvedic, or Indian traditional herbal medicine. Bacopa monniera, also known as Brahmi or Bacopa, is a succulent creeper found throughout India. It is the foremost brain tonic herb of the Ayurvedic healing system.

FROM THE AYURVEDIC TRADITION
Ayurvedic Medicine – practiced in India for over 5,000 years and means “the science of life”. It is a comprehensive form of medicine that combines natural therapies with a highly personalised approach to disease treatment. It places an equal emphasis on body, mind and spirit and strives to restore the innate harmony of the individual.

FOR CLARITY OF THOUGHT
Naturally, a herb with such potential has attracted a lot of interest. Numerous scientific studies conducted by the Central Drug Institute of India CDRI (equivalent to the CSIRO in Australia) have shown Brahmi to improve learning ability retention and enhance results. Results of these studies were presented to the world community at the International Brain Research conferences during 1986-1996. One study for example found that the subjects taking Brahmi took 6 days to learn a specific task whilst the control group (who did not take Brahmi) took a full 10 days to learn the same task. Extensive clinical trials have so far demonstrated no adverse side effects.

Other studies have confirmed that Brahmi has a calming effect for stress and has become the herb of choice for attention deficit disorder A.D.D. in hyperactive children. The calming effect does not interfere with normal physical activities. The active constituents in Brahmi are the all important steroidal saponins known as Bacoside A and B.

Therefore, whilst benefits of this herb on learning and mental performance are of prime importance, Brahmi may also help to relieve the stress of a learning or study environment.

For best results – Adults take 3g (3000mg) once or twice daily continuously and you can expect to see improvements within 4 weeks.

Click to learn more about Brahmi

Source: www.alternativehealth.com & http://www.ayurveda-herbal-remedy.com/indian-herbs/bacopa-monniera.html

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