October 25, 2006

Herbal Treatments for Hemorrhoids

Herbal treatments for hemorrhoids can be very effective alternative.  Hemorrhoids are a very distressing condition that involve the swelling of the veins of the anus and rectum. They are very similar to varicose veins whereby the veins lose their elasticity and swell and this results in the uncomfortable symptoms of hemorrhoids that may include itching, burning pain and bleeding.

In many cases herbal treatments for hemorrhoids will alleviate the symptoms, both taken internally and applied externally, however it is also necessary to address the cause of the condition. Some common factors that can contribute to hemorrhoids include sitting or standing for long periods, lifting heavy objects, dehydration, obesity and lack of exercise, but without a doubt the largest factor is constipation and straining during defecation. A poor intake of dietary fiber is often a major culprit that increases the risk of development of hemorrhoids.

The fact that no animal other than human beings has ever be known to exhibit hemorrhoids can be seen as a major indication that something is wrong with our diets and improving the diet can help this condition dramatically, however herbal treatments for hemorrhoids can often provide immediate relief as well as being effective for the long term treatment of this very distressing condition.

Herbal treatments of hemorrhoids include:

Pilewort - Piles are another name for hemorrhoids and this herb was named for its effectiveness for this condition. It tonifies the blood vessels and stops bleeding. Pilewort may be taken internally as a tea or alcohol-based tincture and it can also be applied externally as an ointment.

Witch hazel - this herb can help to ease the bleeding and swelling associated with hemorrhoids. It is applied externally as an ointment, or the liquid can be applied directly to the area with a sterile cotton pad. Use three times daily until relief is obtained.

Aloe Vera gel - the fresh pulp can be applied directly on the anus to provide pain relief and soothe any burning sensations.

Butcher's Broom - this herb has been used throughout history for the treatment of hemorrhoids and varicose veins. When looking for preparations of Butcher's Broom, try to find those that contain a minimum of 9-11% of ruscogenin content, which is the active ingredient. 100 mg should be taken three times daily.

Pine Bark and Grape Seed is an herbal treatment for hemorrhoids that contain proanthocyanins and anthocyanins which are substances that improve the structural integrity of the veins and in fact the entire circulatory system. It is also possible to obtain them through increasing consumption of berries such as blueberries, blackberries and strawberries as well as cherries.

Fiber along with other herbal treatments for hemorrhoids decrease  the risk of straining during bowel movements and increasing fiber intake may actually be a very effective simple measure that can go a long way towards improving hemorrhoids. Increasing fruit and vegetable intake is a must, however there are also a wide variety of fiber supplements available, such as those containing Psyllium husk or Slippery Elm Bark, that can soften the stools and reduce straining. It is also very important to ensure that water intake is increased when taking fiber supplements.

Herbal treatments for hemorrhoids can greatly assist in reducing the symptoms of hemorrhoids however in very severe cases surgical treatment may be required. In such instances the herbal treatments and dietary changes outlined can be used to prevent the problem from occurring again following surgery.

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October 22, 2007

About Adult Attention Deficit Disorder

Adult attention deficit disorder, or adult ADD, can be a very frustrating condition to have. Almost all of the initial research and focus for the attention deficit disorders was focused on children and adolescents, but adults are just as likely to have the condition as youths. The disorder normally makes itself apparent during childhood, with difficulties at school being one of the most common hallmarks of the condition, which helps to explain why so much focus has been on children with the disease. But children with attention deficit disorder grow up to be adults with attention deficit disorder.

Adult attention deficit disorder is essentially the same condition as the one children have. If you are an adult and you are having trouble focusing at work, difficulty listening to people in everyday conversations, find yourself interrupting people a lot, losing things frequently, are easily distracted from tasks, are easily frustrated or find yourself feeling over stimulated often, you may have adult attention deficit disorder.

Treatment for adult attention deficit disorder mirrors the treatments used for children with the condition. The first step you need to take if you suspect you may have an adult attention deficit condition is to of course see a doctor. There are a bunch of other disorders that can mimic an adult attention deficit condition, such as anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, depression, or bipolar disorder, and its important that these be ruled out before trying treatments.

Typically, most doctors today will begin your adult attention deficit disorder treatment by prescribing a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, or SSRI, such as Prozac, Zoloft, or Lexapro. SSRIs have been helpful for many in treating their adult attention deficit disorders. If you aren't getting any relief in your symptoms with an SSRI, you may be prescribed a stimulant, such as Ritalin, Adderall or Concerta. These should be taken with caution as they are addictive drugs, and should be avoided entirely if you have a history of substance abuse.

Most health professionals will agree that there are also a number of non-medication based steps you can take to alleviate some of your adult attention deficit disorder symptoms. Getting regular vigorous exercise has been shown to help a lot of people with adult attention deficit disorder. Also a diet high in lean protein is recommended. Keeping lists, writing notes, breaking large tasks down into smaller parts and taking other similar steps to counter your disorder will certainly help as well.

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October 9, 2007

Age Related Macular Degeneration

As we grow older we begin to feel the effects of aging. Sometimes we can see the effects as well. Age related macular degeneration is a condition that causes dark spots in your immediate vision. The result of the blind spots is kind of like the opposite of tunnel vision.

When you have tunnel vision you can only see what is directly in front of you. When you have age related macular degeneration you have a dark hole in the area immediately before you. Your peripheral vision is in tact but you have a significant area of empty dark space in your field of sight.

Age is not the only factor in developing this condition. Individuals who have age related macular degeneration have certain common traits in habits and lifestyles that can contribute to the development and progression of the sight disorder. Of course, the leading factor in age related macular degeneration is aging. The older you are the more likely you are to develop the eye problem.

The condition may also have some genetic components as well. Age related macular degeneration is more common in individuals who have relatives who developed the condition as well. Studies are still being conducted on the possibility of the condition being a hereditary trait.

Most people who suffer from the disorder have light eye color leading some researcher to believe that eye color is a contributing factor in the disease. It is important to note that the jury is still out on the connection between light eye color and age related macular degeneration.

Right now you might be thinking that if you are destined to get age related macular degeneration then there is just no stopping it. However, there are some other factors that seem to significantly contribute to you chances of developing the sight disorder. One of those is a lifestyle choice that wreaks havoc on our health.

Individuals who smoke are at greater risk for age related macular degeneration than their non-smoking counterparts. Smoking is an extremely addictive habit that is so very hard to quit. However, it is related to many health problems including this seemingly unrelated eyesight disease.

Other lifestyle habits can contribute to the condition as well. Inactivity and obesity are thought to be contributing factors to age related macular degeneration. Individuals who are inactive, who smoke and who do not follow a healthy diet commonly find themselves subject to illness. If you have a relative who has age related macular degeneration your eyes will thank you for taking care of your overall health.

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December 29, 2007

Do You have Alopecia?

Loss of hair is very upsetting when it's an extreme case. Both men and women can fall victim to Alopecia. It's very difficult for sufferers to keep their self confidence. There are four main categories of Alopecia with their individual degree of severity. Broadly speaking, the more hair loss there is, the less effect any treatment will have. The categories are Androgenetic Alopecia, Alopecia Areata, Alopecia Totalis and Alopecia Universalis.

The category most people will be familiar with is the Androgenetic Alopecia. The first signs in men are the receding hairline and the thinning at the crown. The result will be either partial or complete baldness. Women's hairlines are not affected but there is a general thinning of hair all over the head. Women do not suffer total baldness except in rare instances. The cause is thought to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors, and may be affected by hormones. A healthy low fat diet and aerobic exercise could help prevent it.

The second category involves loss of hair from certain areas of the body but most commonly the scalp. Alopecia Areata results in bald spots. It's caused by the body not recognizing the hair follicles and reacting to them as alien tissue. It might be hereditary and some researchers think that stress could be another reason. Sometimes, the hair will grow back but once the condition is well advanced, treatment will have little benefit.

The third category is somewhat more severe, resulting in total loss of head hair. The causes of Alopecia Totalis are less conclusive but may be the same as the causes associated with Areata. Again, stress may be a contributing factor.

Finally, there is the most severe condition of all, when all hair from the entire body is the result. Alopecia Universalis . The cause is thought to be the same as Areata and Totalis. This condition can strike at any age.

Quite a few celebrities have been sufferers over the years. John D. Rockefeller was one and used to wear a toupee. The basketball player Charlie Villanueva also has the condition. Duncan Goodhew, the British Olympic swimmer, thought that his hair free head gave him an aerodynamic edge. Recently, the British TV presenter Gail Porter has bravely come to terms with her condition. She has taken the decision to continue her career in the spotlight without recourse to wigs. It seems to cause less of a stir when it happens to a man, and Yul Brynner, Vin Diesal and Telly Savalas are bald men who are considered sexy.

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November 27, 2007

What are the Causes of Hair Loss in Women

Hair loss is an affliction commonly associated with males. However, millions of women suffer from the condition as well. The causes of hair loss in women differ from the causes of the male form of the problem. Women as young as fifteen years old have developed the problem of thinning hair. Finding the causes of hair loss in women is the first step to treating it.

Fifteen years of age is much younger than the average women who experience thinning hairlines. It is quite rare for the condition to occur before the lady enters her twenties. There are enough cases, though, to make finding the causes for hair loss in women a priority for many women of all ages.

What are some causes of hair loss in women? Some experts contend that the source for the condition is associated with the growth cycle. When the growth cycle is interrupted the ladies' tresses begin to thin out.

Our locks normally grow about one inch in the timeframe of two months. Each hair has a growth phase that lasts from two to six years. After the individual hair has spent its two to six year stay on the head it rests for awhile then falls out. A new one peeks out of the follicle in its place. The interruption of this cycle is linked as one of the causes for hair loss in women.

In some cases the cycle is interrupted. These individuals commonly have a genetic predisposition to losing locks. The causes for hair loss in women include a group of hormones. These hormones are called androgens and they interfere with the cycle of hair growth, rest and rebirth. The group of hormones is commonly found in males in large amounts and in females they are found in small amounts.

Even though the male hormones are part of the causes of hair loss in women the condition of female balding does not follow the same pattern of male baldness. There is some evidence that makes researchers conclude that there are other things at play as well. Other types of enzymes may also be part of the causes of hair loss in women.

Other possible causes for hair loss in women include medical conditions. Problems with thyroid disease and anemia can lead to a thinning scalp. Some medications can cause thinning hair as well. Until the causes for hair loss in women are found, a cure will remain elusive, too.

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February 19, 2008

Is it Possible to Overcome or Prevent Hypothyroidism? Part 1

It is a known fact that hypothyroidism is a condition that can be overcome. All you really need is information on what it is, its mode of operation, its causes and what to do in the eventuality that it occurs. Now, it is possible that you might have …

Source: HealthBuy.com

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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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