October 24, 2006

Acid Reflux in Infants

Acid reflux in infants is one of the most common ailments among newborns and small children.  I am a big proponent of alternative treatment for acid reflux but when it comes to infants this may not be the right choice.  Both of our children were diagnosed with the condition, and it of course was hard news to hear the first time. 

Your brain immediately goes into parent mode because you don’t want your child to have any pain or discomfort.  You most certainly don’t want to hear that your child or children are diagnosed with a condition.  However, our pediatrician reassured us that acid reflux in infants is quite a common condition among babies and with some treatment the condition would improve and eventually subside.


Acid reflux in infants is a condition where the contents of the stomach, including both acid and food, work back up into the esophagus sometimes causing pain and discomfort.  One of the things you can try is try the infant's formula.  Back in the day there wasn't that many choices.  Carnation Good Start with comfort protein was new formula on the market but it didn't work for my baby.  We also tried Prosobee.  Hyland's Indigestion formula worked well. 

It is a medical fact that acid reflux in infants is common, mainly because their muscle closing off the stomach from the esophagus is often not completely formed yet and allows for acid and food to back up quite often, mostly after eating. 

In babies, it is difficult to tell they have acid reflux, as it is quite common for babies to spit up.  If a child spits up or vomits often, and it is accompanied by crying, arching of the back or poor sleeping habits then the child most often is diagnosed with acid reflux. 

Acid reflux in infants is usually treated with some medication.  Pediatricians often prescribe acid reducers such as Prevacid or Zantac, which reduce the production of acid in the stomach.  Since acid reflux in infants is so common, these now come in water soluble forms which can either be mixed with their formula or breast milk, or it also dissolves almost immediately after hitting the mouth of an infant.  This makes giving this medication much easier, and it is effective almost immediately.

Our children were treated with Prevacid as well as taking over the counter Mylanta.  This is also commonly used to treat acid reflux in infants because it immediately soothes the esophagus and stomach lining, reducing the burning sensation and discomfort.  By the time they reached one year of age, neither was taking medication for their acid reflux and are now normal healthy toddlers.  There were absolutely no ill side effects from taking the medication prescribed, and our lives were almost immediately improved during treatment.  The medication helped them to sleep better, spit up less and be more comfortable, leading to a much happier babyhood.

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February 19, 2008

Are There Alternative Therapies For Curing Hypothyroidism

In recent times, there has been so much focus on the effect of alternative remedies in treating ailments generally. Some even make claims that orthodox medicine cannot make. This has of course led to most people looking for alternative medicines and …

Source: HealthBuy.com

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October 30, 2006

Chamomile Flower Calms the Mind and Stomach

The chamomile flower has been used as a therapeutic herb to treat various ailments of the human body for centuries. Its medicinal properties, ranging from being a relaxing agent to an anti-inflammatory balm, have been noted since time immemorial. The white flower can be used in teas, baths, foods and medicines, while the oil tincture has been blended in massage oils, compresses, and various cosmetics.

Chamomile is a cheaper, less expensive way to treat minor ailments of the stomach, and can be beneficial for both the lungs and other internal organs. Homeopathic remedies are becoming increasingly popular amongst the general population in both the US and Europe, and the chamomile flower is being heralded as a  “gentler” alternative to strong over-the-counter drugs or prescription medicines. And unlike other drugs that carry warning labels, there are little known side effects resulting from people ever having taken chamomile. 

In addition to benefiting the body, chamomile can also help ease the mind. Whether taken as a tea infusion or in a bath, the chamomile flower has been known to help rid sleeplessness and anxiety, pre-menstrual symptoms, and mood changes resulting from withdrawal from addictions, such as smoking. Gentle on the skin and scalp, it can be used to treat wet and dry eczema in face washes and creams, and added to shampoo as a brightening agent for blond hair.

Though the USDA has been careful to approve homeopathic remedies in place of more traditional synthetic drugs, people are taking a greater interest in what the small white flower has to offer. Scientists are discovering its multi-faceted uses as anti-fungal and antiseptic, and in treatments of gastro-intestinal disorders, such as stomach ulcers. More and more, the chamomile flower is earning a well-deserved reputation as being a “miracle” plant that is a cheaper, more natural remedy for common health problems.

Therapeutic herbs, such as chamomile, are no longer relegated to specialist health food stores. Available in the Roman and German varieties, the chamomile flower is a highly prized commodity in Europe and elsewhere abroad. With its distinct smell and flavour, people are noting its broadly beneficial properties and are pushing for greater stocks in retailers across the US.

The English and the Egyptians have been noted to use the chamomile flower for its medicinal properties, and it is refreshing that modern drug companies are now manufacturing the chamomile flower for mass consumption.  If chamomile continues to gain pace as a wonder drug, along with other natural medicines, it may not be too far into the future before synthetic drugs become a thing of the past.

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November 1, 2007

Chamomile Flower Calms the Mind and Stomach

The chamomile flower has been used as a therapeutic herb to treat various ailments of the human body for centuries. Its medicinal properties, ranging from being a relaxing agent to an anti-inflammatory balm, have been noted since time immemorial. The white flower can be used in teas, baths, foods and medicines, while the oil tincture has been blended in massage oils, compresses, and various cosmetics.

Chamomile is a cheaper, less expensive way to treat minor ailments of the stomach, and can be beneficial for both the lungs and other internal organs. Homeopathic remedies are becoming increasingly popular amongst the general population in both the US and Europe, and the chamomile flower is being heralded as a "gentler" alternative to strong over-the-counter drugs or prescription medicines. And unlike other drugs that carry warning labels, there are little known side effects resulting from people ever having taken chamomile.

In addition to benefiting the body, chamomile can also help ease the mind. Whether taken as a tea infusion or in a bath, the chamomile flower has been known to help rid sleeplessness and anxiety, pre-menstrual symptoms, and mood changes resulting from withdrawal from addictions, such as smoking. Gentle on the skin and scalp, it can be used to treat wet and dry eczema in face washes and creams, and added to shampoo as a brightening agent for blond hair.

Though the USDA has been careful to approve homeopathic remedies in place of more traditional synthetic drugs, people are taking a greater interest in what the small white flower has to offer. Scientists are discovering its multi-faceted uses as anti-fungal and antiseptic, and in treatments of gastro-intestinal disorders, such as stomach ulcers. More and more, the chamomile flower is earning a well-deserved reputation as being a "miracle" plant that is a cheaper, more natural remedy for common health problems.

Therapeutic herbs, such as chamomile, are no longer relegated to specialist health food stores. Available in the Roman and German varieties, the chamomile flower is a highly prized commodity in Europe and elsewhere abroad. With its distinct smell and flavour, people are noting its broadly beneficial properties and are pushing for greater stocks in retailers across the US.

The English and the Egyptians have been noted to use the chamomile flower for its medicinal properties, and it is refreshing that modern drug companies are now manufacturing the chamomile flower for mass consumption. If chamomile continues to gain pace as a wonder drug, along with other natural medicines, it may not be too far into the future before synthetic drugs become a thing of the past.

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April 2, 2008

Alternative Herbal Medicine is Not a Sham

I've had a pretty weak immune system ever since I was a kid, so I've had more than my fair share of illnesses over the years. I've never gone through a single year without getting several bad colds, the flu, or even worse. As a result of my poor health, I've become very familiar with both over-the-counter and prescription medications. I never gave my medications a second thought until I read a published report that said these drugs might be doing more harm than good in some cases. That's when I decided to look into alternative herbal medicine.

One advantage of alternative herbal medicine is that it's all natural and chemical-free. This means that there's zero chance of becoming addicted to the medication, which is definitely not the case with prescription drugs. Another advantage is that alternative herbal natural cures medicine is often much cheaper than the products put out by major pharmaceutical companies. With prescription costs rising all over the country (prompting thousands of people to cross the border to Canada to buy their medications), this low cost makes alternative herbal medicine even more attractive. A third reason that someone might choose alternative herbal medicine is because of allergies. For example, I am allergic to acetaminophen, which is a common pain reliever and fever reducer in over-the-counter medications, so I need to find a different way to treat those problems.

When I tell people that I prefer natural cures, I am often met with puzzled looks. The most common question I get is if I'm taking alternative herbal medicine because of religious reasons. While it's true that some people might be doing so, that's not the case for me. I would just rather treat my illnesses as naturally as possible rather than infusing my body with all kinds of chemicals that may turn out to be harmful in some way.

The second most common question I get is whether or not alternative herbal medicine actually works. I was genuinely surprised by the number of people that apparently think alternative herbal medicine is just a sham. Of course I haven't tried all the products out there, but the ones I've used have worked wonderfully well for me. I have used alternative herbal medicine to successfully treat colds, the flu, headaches, digestive disorders, and even a mild case of arthritis.

I'm by no means saying that alternative herbal medicine will work equally well for everyone and for every type of health problem out there. But there's no harm in at least giving these products a chance. So if you're looking for a different way to treat common ailments, then I suggest checking out alternative herbal medicine right now.

Some of the best herbal products on the market today are Herbal Teas. Also Products for Herbal Weight Loss, Herbal Remedies for Depression and even Herbal Remedies for Acne. One of the most recent cures available now are Herbal Remedies for Menopause.

As you can see, Herbal Remedies are here to stay. Try then, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

I wish you well and hope you find a Herbal Remedy that's right for you

For more information on Herbal Remedies and Alternative Herbal Medicine, try visiting Herbal Remedies4u.com, where you can quickly and easily find tips,advice and resources on the benefits of Herbal Remedies and find out Are Herbal Remedies Right For You

Zandra Jones, RN BBA is a health advisor and owner of Alternative Herbal Treatment

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December 28, 2007

Kidney Stone Cure

If you've ever had kidney stones you know the gut wrenching pain that comes with the territory. If you've had one kidney stone, you have a forty to fifty percent chance of a second kidney stone showing up later. Kidney stones are one of the most common and painful urinary tract ailments. Your chances of getting a kidney stone are higher if you are a male. Knowing this, you may ask yourself is there a natural kidney stone cure I make use of to participate in my healing?

The cure is prevention. Ninety percent of all kidney stones are due to dehydration. Because of this fact, the best and most common kidney stone cure is drinking plenty of water. To prevent kidney stones, you need to drink at least enough water to produce two quarts of urine in twenty-four hours. Cranberry juice however, is an ineffectual kidney stone cure. Cranberry juice does prevent a urinary tract infection but it is a fallacy that it also prevents kidney stones. Lemonade however, in addition with water is an excellent kidney stone cure. The citric acid in the lemonade inhibits kidney stone formation. Thus the drink is good for a kidney stone cure. Drinking two glasses of lemonade a day along with regular water intake reduces the risk of a subsequent kidney stone infection to about 5 percent.

One of the minerals that kidney stones are made up of is calcium oxalate. If you have an excess of this mineral in your urine, you may want to avoid foods that have calcium oxalate as a kidney stone cure. Foods that contain calcium oxalate are: beets, chocolate, strawberries, rhubarb, wheat bran, coffee, cola, nuts, spinach, and tea. You may also be advised to steer clear of foods with vitamin D and antacids with a calcium base.

Because the stones are made up of calcium oxalate and other minerals from a person's diet, patients in the past were counseled to refrain from dairy products as a kidney stone cure. New research suggests however, that a diet rich in foods with high calcium content such as cheese and milk may actually prevent kidney stones. Supplemental calcium pills conversely, help very little in a kidney stone cure and may even cause harm due to the fact that they increase the odds that a kidney stone will take root.

Another problem that causes kidney stones is overly acidic urine. Hence of if this is true in your case, you may be counseled to eliminate or cut back on your meat, poultry and fish consumption. These foods have a tendency to increase the acid levels in urine. There are some studies that show a vegetarian diet can act as a kidney stone cure.

Not all of these suggestions may be for you; however some of them may be quite helpful in your quest for a kidney stone cure.

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March 21, 2008

Different Herbs for Anxiety Treatment

 

Anxiety disorders are a common problem, affecting approximately 20 million adults and children in America. Anxiety is a common emotion consisting of uncertainty and worry faced by many, whilst anxiety disorders are when such fears are experienced irrationally. There are many treatments available, ranging from medication to therapy and alternative treatments. One treatment is through using natural herbal supplements.

herbhandbook Natural herbs are less costly than medication, and consist of herbs, vitamins and botanicals. They can be taken individually, or with other supplements, but it is best to first consult your doctor before deciding on natural herbs as a treatment for anxiety disorders. They also have the advantage of having no side effects, as compared to medications which can result in side effects such as nausea. Below are some common herbs used in anxiety disorders treatment.

1. Passion Flower
This is a natural plant that is used to treat anxiety, amongst other ailments. Its has unique calming properties, and can also reduce body tremors from fear. It promotes better sleep, and can act as a painkiller. It also contains anti depressants, and is used for high blood pressure and epilepsy.

2. Lavender
This is a more popular alternative than the passion flower, and is also known for its calming properties. It is also one of the more effective treatments for panic attacks, and is a tonic for the nervous system.

3. Lemon Balm
This is used to calm the digestive and nervous system, and also reduces blood pressure. It is uncertain if used alone, lemon balm is effective for treating anxiety attacks. It is usually taken with Valerian, Chamomile or Passion flower.

4. Kava
It is an effective tranquilizer, and whilst it is not an addictive substance, research suggests that it may be linked to liver problems.

5. Valerian
This is another natural plant used for treating anxiety. It also promotes better sleep, allowing for the body to rest and recuperate.

6. Chamomile
Chamomile flower leaves are used to make tea, and is a natural alternative for treating anxiety. It also reduces fever, encourages sleep and enhances the body's metabolism.

7. Dandelion
The roots and leaves are used to treat the body's internal systems, and through it, provide relief for some of the symptoms of anxiety. It is commonly used in salads and tea, and can also be used as a substitute for coffee.

There are many natural treatments available, and herbs have been used for treating illnesses for centuries. However, do keep in mind that it is not a quick fix, and can only alleviate the symptoms of anxiety attacks. It is advisable to seek out behavioral or cognitive therapy so as to eliminate the root of the problem causing anxiety attacks.

Greg Frost is an authority figure in the Anxiety Treatment field and director of http://www.AttackAnxiety.org, a company that provides a variety of Anxiety Attacks information to assist people in treatment.

Different Herbs for Anxiety Treatment

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