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News on Health & Science

Very Low Calorie Diets (VLCD)

Although Very Low Calorie Diets (VLCD) taken during drastic dieting can show some positive effect for short-term weight-loss, they are not satisfactory for long-term maintenance of body weight. In most cases, it becomes impossible to remain on VLCDs for long, so people tend to binge thus putting on weight or suffer from side-effects. Common complaints include fatigue, headaches, constipation, nausea and irritability……...click & see

On a more serious note are   Inflammation of intestine and pancreas, low BP, cardiac arrhythmias, kidney stones and if prolonged for a longer period can lead to death. Those with clinical complications like diabetes, cardiac ailments or metabolic disorders, should remember to avoid VLCDs as the consequences may be detrimental and aggravate their problems.

Source:The Telegraph (Kolkata,India)

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Ailmemts & Remedies

Corn

What are corns?
Corns are annoying and sometimes painful thickenings that form in the skin in areas that are being pressed on by underlying bones. They occur on parts of the feet and sometimes the fingers. Corns can be painful to walk on even when they are small. Common locations are:

* On the sole, over the metatarsal arch (the “ball” of the foot);

* On the outside of the fifth (pinky) toe, where it rubs against the shoe; and

* Between the 4th and 5th toes. Unlike other corns which are firm and flesh-colored, corns between the toes are often whitish and messy; they are sometimes called “soft corns.”

It’s usually hard to know where finger corns come from since they often don’t appear at sites of obvious pressure.

click & see

How can corns be prevented?
Generally speaking, corns are a disease of civilization. If we didn’t wear shoes, we wouldn’t have them. Potential preventive measures therefore include:

1. Moving to Tahiti to stroll on the sand in your bare tootsies! This is a pleasant approach, as long as you never have to go back home and walk in shoes again.
2. For the incurably civilized, wearing comfortable shoes is useful. The idea is to avoid having footgear press on the outside of the 5th toe, or pressing the 4th and 5th toes together.
3. Another approach is to pad the potentially affected area. You can buy many sorts of padding at the drugstore:

* Cushions to put between the toes;
* Foam or moleskin pads to put over the places where corns form;
* Foam pads with holes in the center (like doughnuts or bagels), which redistribute pressure around the corn instead of right over it; and
* Cushioned insoles to pad your feet and alleviate mechanical pressure.

How can corns be treated?
You can buy many types of medicated products to chemically pare down the thickened, dead skin overlying the corn. These products are share the same active ingredient –salicylic acid.

Salicylic acid is a keratolytic, which means it dissolves the protein (keratin) that makes up most of both your corn and the thick layer of dead skin which often tops it. Used once a day as indicated on the package directions, these products are gentle and safe. Salicylic acid treatments are available in different forms including:

* Applicators
* Drops
* Pads
* Plasters

All of these treatment will turn the top of the skin white and allow you to trim or peel away dead tissue, making the corn protrude and hurt less.

It generally is recommended that salicylic acid not be used in diabetics or when there is poor circulation (because of concern about how normally the skin can heal); however, in practice, salicylic acid is withheld only when there are clear signs of ongoing inflammation of the skin.

When should you seek professional treatment for corns?
If the corn bothers you and doesn’t respond to salicylic acid and trimming, you might consider seeing a physician or podiatrist who can physically pare corns with scalpels. (It’s better not to do this yourself, especially if you’re elderly or diabetic.) Podiatrists also can measure and fit you with orthotic devices to redistribute your weight on your feet while you walk so that pressure from the foot bones doesn’t focus on your corns. (Off-the-shelf cushioned insoles are one-size-fits-all and may not be effective.)

Surgery for corns is rarely necessary. There is never a point to cutting out a corn. The pressure that caused it to form in the first place will just make it come back. When necessary, surgery for corns involves shaving the underlying bone that is pressing on the skin to reduce the pressure.

This link may show some natural remedy for corns.

Source:www.medicinenet.com

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News on Health & Science

Smoking Again After Lung Cancer Surgery

What does it take to get smokers to give up the habit? For some, not even lung cancer surgery does the trick.

In a study of lung cancer patients, researchers found that almost half started smoking again within a year after surgery — most within two months of the operation.

”Given the risks of continued smoking,” the authors write in Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention, ”one might assume that most lung cancer patients who smoke at the time of their diagnosis would immediately quit.”

But the power of cigarettes, they found, proved too great, even though smoking has been shown in cancer patients to contribute to secondary tumors following surgery and to a higher overall mortality rate. To say nothing of the fact that smoking is considered responsible for 90 percent of lung cancer cases in the first place, said the authors, who were led by Mark S. Walker, a psychologist at the Washington University School of Medicine.

The study looked at 154 patients who had early-stage surgery to treat non-small-cell lung cancer. All had given up smoking before the surgery. Researchers followed their progress over the next year to see if they had fallen off the wagon.

Those patients who waited until the last minute before surgery to quit were more likely to relapse. So were those patients who reported stronger cravings for cigarettes before their operation, as well as those who earned less money.

For some reason, those with more education also seemed somewhat more likely to go back to smoking. ”The finding is at odds with most previous research,” Dr. Walker said in an e-mail message. And in any case, he said, it was not one of the stronger predictors.

Source:The New York Times

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Healthy Tips

Beneficial uses of some Herbs & Spices

There are too many herbs & spices to give a full list of all their benefits (already many of them and their uses & benefits in details, separately mentioned in my blog).

Some of them are the more common ones used for cooking and easily available in the supermarket (or to grow yourself) are mentioned in short, below.

“Herbs”
___________

Basil .… the classic accompaniment to all tomato dishes. It is also a natural tranquilliser and a tonic to calm the nervous system. May aid digestion and ease stomach cramps. Basil tea may relieve nausea.

Bay leaf – is used to stimulate and aid digestion.

Chives ….. help to enliven dishes with a delicate onion taste. Chives can stimulate the appetite and aid digestion.

Coriander .…..fresh leaves can be eaten as a tonic for the stomach and heart. The seeds and leaves are used for treating urinary tract infections.

Dill – has proved itself to be effective in the relief of gripes and flatulence (gripe water).

Fennel ... fresh leaves have a mild aniseed flavour and are used, along with the seeds; to aid digestion, prevent excessive wind, insomnia, nausea and vomiting.

Feverfew .…. although not commonly used in cooking, I included this one as it makes a good alternative to pills to combat a headache. Eat 3-5 fresh leaves every day between slices of bread to reduce the frequency of migraines and to aid restful sleep. Do not eat raw leaves as they can produce mouth ulcers

Mint ……. used mainly in cooking, mint also aids digestion and hot mint tea can help at the start of a cold.

Parsley .…… a widely used herb for garnishing, it contains vitamin C and iron. Fresh parsley leaves also make a good breath freshener when chewed after eating garlic.

Rosemary ……. used extensively throughout the Mediterranean, it is said to act as a stimulant to both the nervous and circulatory systems, and may help to soothe the digestive system, relieving indigestion and flatulence. Drinking a weak infusion may also help to relieve a nervous headache, neuralgia and colds. Rosemary also makes a good antiseptic gargle.

Sage .….aids in the digestion of rich or heavy foods (hence its affinity with goose and venison). Sage tea can also be used for indigestion, anxiety, excessive sweating and as a gargle to ease a sore throat.

Thyme....has strong medicinal qualities. Take as a tea for a digestive tonic and a cure for hangovers. Sweeten the infusion with honey for convulsive coughs, colds and sore throats. Apply diluted thyme oil as a massage for headaches and use the essential oil in a burner as an antiseptic room freshener. It may also relieve insomnia, poor circulation and muscular pain.

“Spices”
__________

Black pepper ….. Stimulates digestion, eases flatulence, relieves constipation and improves circulation.

Caraway seeds…. said to relieve flatulence, colic and bronchitis. They also stimulate the appetite, can be used to ease menstrual pain and increase milk flow in nursing mothers.

Cardamom ….. is an excellent digestive tonic and is also used to treat some kidney disorders. The seeds contain oils, including borneol, camphor and pinene. Chewing on them directly release these components and gives a comforting, but not to fiery, warmth that eases indigestion, flatulence and colic. It can also be used in the treatment of colds coughs and bronchitis.

Cayenne pepper …..a spice claimed to act as a tonic to the digestive and circulatory systems. It can be used to treat indigestion and has been found to be helpful in the treatment of chilblains.

Chillies ……chilli peppers are a fruit and they provide three times more vitamin C than oranges. Moderate amounts of fresh or dried chillies will induce the body to sweat – a cooling mechanism which could explain the popularity of chillies in hot climates. The heat comes from a component called capsaicin, which is concentrated in the white ribs and seeds. Capsaicin can relive nerve pain and is used in a medicinally prescribed cream to ease the pain of shingles. Herbalists advocate the consumption of chillies to warm the body, improve circulation and stimulate the metabolism. Do not use if suffering from conditions that cause abnormal facial flushing.

Cinnamon ……. research indicates that cinnamon can inhibit the growth of certain bacteria, including E. coli (NOT mutant strain) when added to foods. It has been used by herbalists as an anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral substance for many years. It can treat stomach upsets and vomiting, reduce cold and   flu symptoms. Adding a dash to a honey and lemon drink can aid a sore throat. It is also an anti-spasmodic and thus ideal to ease menstrual cramps if taken as cinnamon tea.

Cloves ..….. the oil, applied directly, has long been used to ease toothache (or try clamping a whole clove between your teeth). It is also an effective insect repellent.

Coriander seeds  help to stimulate the digestive system. It has also been prescribed in the treatment of diarrhoea, cystitis and other urinary tract infections.

Cumin seeds“ in the past these seeds have been used to cure flatulence and colic.

Fenugreek “ is high in ingredients that soothe and heal. Freshly ground fenugreek can be used in cooking or as an infusion (1oz seeds to 1 pint of boiling water) to ease inflammatory conditions of the stomach and intestines. Alternatively they can be sprouted and the green parts eaten when 2-3 inches high (together with the seeds). It should not be used during pregnancy.

Ginger  aids digestion, circulation and is a popular remedy for nausea, especially travel and morning sickness. It is also used to protect against respiratory and digestive infections and to ease flatulence and griping pains. It can also be chewed to relieve toothache. At the first sign of a cold or ˜flu, hot ginger tea may help to clear a blocked nose and stimulate the liver to remove toxins from the bloodstream, (1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger, juice of half a lemon and 1 teaspoon of honey, topped up with boiling water). Ginger’s warming effects have also been held to reduce rheumatic aches and pains.

Horseradish“ when eaten with rich meat or oily fish is an aid to digestion. Taken as an infusion (1oz fresh root, 1/2 oz crushed mustard seeds in 1 pint of boiling water. Take 2-3 tablespoons 2-3 times a day) will increase urinary flow and can disperse excess fluid to reduce water retention.

Juniper berries   since they have antiseptic properties, these berries have been used to treat infections of the urinary tract. They are a kidney irritant so do not use if suffering from any type of kidney infection or disease. They will also cause the uterus to contract so do not use during pregnancy.

Mustard seeds   the black seeds are hotter than the white. Hot water poured onto crushed seeds and used as a footbath is said to ward off  flu and relieve headaches.

Nutmeg   and mace (the outer covering) both contain myristicin, a substance that can cause drowsiness, (warm milk and grated nutmeg at bedtime will promote sleep). When taken in moderation they may alleviate nausea, vomiting, flatulence and diarrhoea, but taken in large quantities they become toxic.

Saffron    one of the most expensive spices in the world, saffron is used to treat a variety of ailments. It is said to relieve menstrual pain (and problems), depression, chronic diarrhoea and neuralgic pain.

Turmeric   contains compounds that herbalists use to treat and prevent conditions of the liver such as hepatitis, cirrhosis and jaundice. It calms the digestive system and stimulates the gall bladder to release bile (aiding the breakdown of fats). Added to beans and pulses it can help to reduce gas and bloating. Curcumin, an active component, is thought to have anti-tumour effects, and a recent study suggests that curcumin causes breast cancer cells to self-destruct. (University of Miami School of Medicine).

Source:   herbsandspices.htm

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Ailmemts & Remedies

Cuts and Scrapes

Though often just an annoyance, these everyday injuries can become serious, especially if they are neglected. Basic hygiene, prompt first aid, and some of nature’s own remedies can help prevent infections and speed healing.

Symptoms
Narrow slices through the skin that usually bleed.
Superficial skin abrasions that show redness or some bleeding.
Punctures or holes that may penetrate deep into the skin..….click & see

When to Call Your Doctor
If a cut or scrape is dirty and can’t be cleaned at home.
If the cut will not close.
If blood spurts out or bleeding can’t be stopped.
If signs of infection appear (pus in a cut or scrape, red streaks spreading from the injury, or an unusual discharge or fever).
If you get a dirty cut or scrape or any puncture wound and haven’t had (or can’t recall) a tetanus shot for 10 years.
Reminder: If you have a medical condition, talk to your doctor before taking supplements.

What It Is
Cuts and scrapes are injuries that break the outer protective layer of skin. A cut occurs when the skin is pierced or sliced; a scrape, when the skin is visibly abraded or roughed up.

What Causes It
A cut results from an encounter with a sharp implement, such as a knife, a razor blade, the edge of a piece of paper, or a jagged piece of glass or metal. When the skin is penetrated by an instrument with a sharp point such as a pin, nail, or pencil point, however, it causes a puncture wound. And a scrape occurs when the skin is literally rubbed away by a rough surface such as pebbles or a concrete pavement.

How Supplements Can Help
Many topical supplements can ease or relieve pain, promote healing, prevent infection, and reduce the risk of scarring. They should be used only for minor cuts and scrapes. Gaping wounds that won’t close or injuries that become infected require medical attention.

What Else You Can Do
Stop any bleeding by applying steady pressure to the wound for a few minutes with a clean tissue or cloth. If the injury is a puncture wound, let it bleed for several minutes first to help flush out any embedded germs.
Thoroughly clean the skin around the cut or scrape. Bandage the wound, especially if it’s in an area likely to get dirty, such as a finger or knee. Antibiotics are not necessary unless signs of infection appear.
To help clean and disinfect a wound, add a few drops of tea tree oil to a bowl of water. Soak a clean cloth in the mixture and use it to swab the injury. Or, hold the wound under running water for several minutes. Don’t use hydrogen peroxide; it can damage the outer skin layer and slow healing.
An aloe vera plant is easily grown on a windowsill and makes an invaluable first-aid lotion for minor skin injuries. Break off one of the plumper leaves, slice it open lengthwise, and scrape or squeeze out the clear gel.

Supplement Recommendations

Lavender Oil
Aloe Vera Gel
Vitamin A
Vitamin C
Tea Tree Oil
Echinacea
Calendula
Bromelain

Lavender Oil
Dosage: Apply 1 or 2 drops of oil to wound after cleansing.
Comments: Dab directly on any superficial wound.
Warnings: Do not take internally.

Aloe Vera Gel
Dosage: Apply gel liberally to wound 3 or 4 times a day.
Comments: Use fresh aloe leaf or store-bought gel.
Warnings: In rare cases, some people develop a mild allergic skin reaction to aloe; if this happens, simply discontinue use.

Vitamin A
Dosage: 50,000 IU twice a day for 5 days.
Comments: Women who are pregnant or considering pregnancy should not exceed 5,000 IU a day.
Warnings: When taken together with isotretinoin or other acne drugs, may cause high blood levels of vitamin A, increasing the chance of side effects.

Vitamin C
Dosage: 1,000 mg 3 times a day for 5 days.
Comments: Reduce dose if diarrhea develops.
Warnings: Don’t take more than 500 mg a day if you have kidney stones, kidney disease, or hemochromatosis, a genetic tendency to store excess iron (vitamin C enhances iron absorption). Also, vitamin C can distort the accuracy of medical tests for diabetes, colon cancer, and hemoglobin levels, so let your doctor know if you’re taking it.

Tea Tree Oil
Dosage: Apply 1 or 2 drops of oil to wound after cleansing.
Comments: Can be used in place of lavender oil.
Warnings: Consult your doctor before applying to deep, open wounds. For topical use only; do not ingest, as tea tree oil can be toxic.

Echinacea
Dosage: Add 3 drops tincture to 1 tsp. water; apply to wound.
Comments: A substitute for tea tree oil. In addition, drink 1 cup of echinacea-goldenseal tea 3 times a day until wound heals.
Warnings: If you’re taking antibiotics or other drugs for an infection, use echinacea as an addition to, not as a replacement for, those medications. Echinacea can overstimulate the immune system and may worsen symptoms of lupus, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other autoimmune disorders. It may also be counterproductive in progressive infections such as tuberculosis. People who are allergic to flowers in the daisy family may also be sensitive to echinacea. If you develop a skin rash or have trouble breathing, call your doctor right away.

Calendula
Dosage: Apply cream to wound 3 times a day in place of aloe.
Comments: Goldenseal cream or a combination of calendula and goldenseal is also effective; available at health-food stores.
Warnings: People who are allergic to flowers in the daisy family may also be sensitive to calendula.

Bromelain
Dosage: 500 mg 3 times a day on an empty stomach, for 5 days.
Comments: Should provide 6,000 GDU or 9,000 MCU daily.
Warnings: Do not take bromelain if you have an ulcer.

CLICK & SEE  :Cuts and scrapes: First aid

Disclaimer: This information is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advise or help. It is always best to consult with a Physician about serious health concerns. This information is in no way intended to diagnose or prescribe remedies.This is purely for educational purpose.

Source:Your Guide to Vitamins, Minerals, and Herbs

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