February 19, 2008

Medical Causes of Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is caused by varied causes. It could stem from a singular cause or a mixture of various causes such as complications arising from thyroid gland diseases, afflicted brain activities, exposure to medical treatments, and autoimmune disord…

Source: HealthBuy.com

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October 23, 2007

Acid Reflux in Babies

After weeks and weeks of crying after eating and spitting up constantly, my first child was diagnosed with acid reflux. The initial news was disconcerting. It was my first baby, and of course I did not want him to be in any pain or diagnosed with any sort of medical complication. Our pediatrician reassured us that acid reflux is quite a common condition among babies and with some treatment; he wouldn't even feel any of the side effects.

Acid reflux is when the contents of the stomach, including both acid and food, work back up into the esophagus sometimes causing pain and discomfort. Sometimes this causes vomiting or a burp that contains some of the acid and/or food. In babies, it is difficult to tell this is happening, 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. It is true that acid reflux is common in babies, as their muscle closing off the stomach from the esophagus is often not completely formed yet.

Treatment of acid reflux usually includes taking some medication. Often it is recommended to take some over the counter liquid medication, such as Mylanta. Of course, it will be in a very small dose through a dropper because of the child's size, but it generally is helpful in lessening the discomfort. If this does not seem to be enough to calm the acid reflux symptoms the doctor may recommend taking a prescription medication such a Prevacid or Zantac. These medications help to stop the production of acid in the stomach, and therefore there is less acid to work back up into the esophagus.

One year later, my first son had outgrown his acid reflux and was doing quite well. After the birth of my second son, I knew what symptoms to look for and brought some concerns to the pediatrician. He, too, was diagnosed with acid reflux. Both of my sons were treated with a combination of Mylanta and Prevacid, and both were not in any obvious pain or discomfort while being treated. Their sleep patterns regulated, they spit up much less, and their overall demeanor was much more pleasant. Each outgrew their acid reflux and are now happy and healthy with no side effects.

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December 15, 2007

The Infamous Atkins Diet

Oh the infamous Atkins diet, where did you go? There was a time in our not so distant past that this country was absolutely fixated with the Atkins diet. Since that time, carbohydrates have been the enemy. Breads and pastas everywhere cannot find good homes. Muffins and cookies have been left out in the cold. I won't even mention the cruel fate faced by the cupcakes. Why was this anti-carbohydrate diet so popular? More importantly, why was it so powerful? How did it change our nation and its eating philosophy forever?

Perhaps the Atkins diet appealed to so many dieters because it seemed simple. Many dieters prefer to have strict rules and regulations to guide them through weight loss. Meat is good. Carbs are bad. These mantras were heard all around our country. Restaurants saw dramatic changes in what their customers were ordering. Even bars felt the fad as diet coke and bicardi became a slogan and billboards promoting the diet-friendly cocktail sprung up over cities.

We have lived off of grains and carbohydrates for centuries. Why it did take us so long to realize that they are bad for us? I think that many people gravitated toward the Atkins diet because of its meaty foundation. Americans are meat lovers and we prove it every holiday. We have even invented holidays so that we could spend more time by the grill. Meat, meat, meat as an idea was simple and easy to remember.

The focus of meat in the Atkins diet was much easier to implement and more easily accepted than an anti-meat diet would have been. I cannot imagine a large cross-section of America easily letting go of their barbeque anytime soon. The Atkins diet did come under some scrutiny from those that thought it did not do enough to promote the eating of fruits and vegetables. Others believed that a strict no carbohydrate diet was too much for systems that were used to carbs and had been ingesting them all of their lives.

Whether you follow the Atkins diet or another kind of diet, the bottom line is that weight loss equals eating less and exercising more. Regardless of what you eat, you must eat less in order to shed pounds. Weight loss is all about numbers. You want to take in fewer calories and expend more. I do not believe that dieters, unless they have a specific food allergy or complication, have to give up any type of food in order to lose weight. Moderation is the key and determination is a must.

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October 17, 2007

Different Types Of Headaches

Headaches are often small problems to be taken care of, but you can't know that until you know why you are getting them. Even if you've never had a migraine, it doesn't mean you can't develop one. There are many different types of headaches that can strike at anytime, even if you have never had one like it before. Don't confuse these with a headache that knocks you for a loop out of nowhere, however, because those may require medical intervention. I'm referring to the type that comes slowly, and seem to slowly take over your head. The more you know about the different types of headaches there are, the smarter you will be about your pain.

When it comes to understanding the different types of headaches you may be getting, it is important for you to remember what was happening in the hours leading up to it. This can give you huge clues as to what is causing your headaches, and what you can do to prevent them in the future. You may be surprised to find that a simple bad habit is contributing to the pain in your head, and that different things cause different types of headaches.

If you have a migraine, you probably know it. Migraines are often accompanied by a host of symptoms that are very obvious. Many with this type of headache are often sick to their stomach, and become sensitive to sound and light. If you don't seem to have any of these symptoms with your headache, you should consider you have one of the other different types of headaches.

One common type of headache is the tension headache. This type of headache can be caused by stress, eyestrain from computer work or bad eye prescription, or from loud and constant noise. You may also be getting headaches from allergies or from sinus pressure. These are commonly focused in your face or forehead. The more you understand these different types of headaches, the better you can deal with them when they happen. Keep notes if it helps.

If you are having trouble deciphering between the different types of headaches, or have some that seem strange to you, you should talk with a doctor. At times, headaches can indicate a more serious medical problem, and it may be something that you should have taken care of as soon as possible. If in doubt, seek a medical opinion. While you may think it is a waste of time, remember that it's always best to be safe. If your gut tells you something is wrong, it is in your best interest to pay attention to that feeling.

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November 26, 2007

Headache Cures

If you experience headaches on a regular basis, you know the prevailing thought when one occurs is how to get rid of it. Headaches come in many forms and for many reasons. When you can pinpoint the cause for your headache, you have a better chance of finding the right headache cures to beat your problem.

Migraine headaches tend to the worst type of headache. These are often accompanied by upset stomach, and sensitivity to light and sound. Migraines can last for days on end, and a lot of common headache cures won't help. They may take the edge off the pain, but the migraine is still there. For headache cures relating to migraines, you can try over the counter migraine medications. These work well for some people, while others feel no effect. If you have tried these headache cures and they have failed, visit your doctor. You may be a good candidate for prescription migraine medication.

When your headache is not a migraine, you have to search for the source. Tension headaches are quite common, and can be felt not only in the head, but in the neck and shoulders as well. Headache cures for this type of headache range from medications to message. Staring at your computer all day can give you eyestrain. This eyestrain will then contribute to a pounding headache. You can take medications for this, or can try a more natural remedy to get rid of this type. Prevention is the best remedy available. Make sure you eye prescription is up to date, always wear your corrective lenses, and take a break from staring at your computer monitor at least every ten minutes.

For headaches of unknown origin, pain relievers often help. You can help eliminate sources of stress and bad habits like smoking or drinking. Natural headache cures often work better if you know the root of the problem. Rest is often a good one, along with cutting back on caffeine and sugar. Simple headache cures often will not help raging and reoccurring headaches that don't have an obvious cause. This is when you might want to see a doctor to discuss your pain. There are times when severe headaches (that are not migraines) can signify a medical problem.

If you have bleeding in your brain, or any other significant medical problem, headache cures will not help you. Your doctor must uncover the root of the problem. Sometimes headache cures do not come in a bottle, they come about when underlying medical issues or living habits are repaired.

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October 24, 2007

Diet Information

The Internet is chock full of diet information, and much of it is available with the click of a mouse. Many times, you can find valuable information that you can't find anywhere else. You have to be careful, however, because not all diet information you find online will be the best for you. Some sites offer diet information for a fee. Before you decide you'd rather have free information, consider why that site may be charging a fee to be a member. Quite often, these sites offer diet information that is from a qualified dietitian, or a doctor. This might be the very best information you can get.

Some diet information online is geared towards a certain problem. Many with diabetes or insulin resistance won't lose weight on plans that have helped other people. Some articles may be written to get you to try a new diet, and makes no mention of possible medical complications that may arise on that particular diet. Some online sites that offer diet information also offer help and inspiration. They will help tailor a diet plan that is the very best for your lifestyle, and may also have message boards you can use to find new information, and network with others who are also trying to lose weight. This kind of support may mean the difference between success and failure.

There may be many consequences you have to face if you find faulty diet information online. That is why it is always advisable to talk to your doctor if you feel the need to lose weight. Your doctor is not selling anything, and will therefore give you advice that will fit with your lifestyle, and will not harm you if you have medical conditions to consider. You can also find a dietitian to help you. They are often a great source of diet information. They can help you if you want to lose weight, or they can help if you simply want to eat better. They may have menu plans and advice that will benefit your entire family. They can also help you decide if you should take a daily vitamin, or if you can simply change your weekly menu to help with any deficiencies.

No matter where you get your diet information, use common sense. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. There is no real quick fix for being overweight, other than eating right and exercising. Take your time when you are sifting through diet information online, and make your health your number one priority.

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October 23, 2006

"Old Fashioned" Home Remedies That Work

Despite progress we always have those among us who believe the "old fashioned" home remedies or products are better. It has to be said that in some instances they are correct. Sadly, with each passing generation, some of this old fashioned wisdom disappears.

Progress is so contemporary and so closely a part of our daily lives that we sometimes fail to recognize that we, ourselves, may fail to recognize the benefits of old fashioned home remedies. Things that we would have considered very modern because we witnessed their creation only a few years ago may already be "old fashioned" to high school students.  In the medical world, treatment that might have been popular for a disease in 1986 may be completely outmoded in 2006. Even medical discoveries of the 1990's may be old fashioned today.

However, over the years, and for generation after generation, a great number of old fashioned home remedies for many illnesses have managed to stay alive. They have been passed down from elders to youngsters in each country throughout the world. Many of them are strikingly similar although they may have originated on separate continents among completely alien peoples.

This area of medicine is commonly called "folk medicine." Few people will have failed to have come into contact with this term at one time or another. Usually folk medicines are the "old fashioned home remedies, the cure that "Grandma used"; the wisdom of the oldster who remembers when "My old friend Betty would have died if they hadn't used that old remedy! Yes sir, even the doctor had to admit it worked."

Periodically there seems to be a revival in folk medicine. We appear to be now experiencing such a time as more people are becoming concerned, not only about the high cost of medicine, but also the increasing discoveries of side effects.

Basically most folk medicine is closely associated with herbs, food, oils, minerals and components found in any household. Techniques and methodology of folk medicine are especially adaptable to home use.  One such home remedy is raw apple cider vinegar and honey in water served as tea will decrease acid reflux.  Is this true?  Well my husband tried it.  He made this raw apple cider vinegar and honey tea every night and he said it definitely decreased the symptoms.  I'm I saying stop taking your medication, of course not but it worked for my husband.

It is not difficult to understand how many of these "old fashioned" home remedies and treatments originated and why they were popular. Among pioneers and peoples where doctors were few and far between, or nonexistent, medical aids were the products of experience and necessity. People used what they had at hand. Sometimes what they "had at hand" are still used by our most modern medical experts.

For instance, over two centuries ago an English woman herb doctor used a concoction of over twenty herbs to treat symptoms of dropsical. Dr William Withering of Shropshire in England became interested in her success and, after considerable research, concluded that the foxglove in her treatment was the answer to her success. Medicine, derived from foxglove, is still considered an excellent treatment.

Nature has given us many old fashioned home remedies, with little or no side effects. I am sure, with more research in this area, she would be more than willing to give up more of her healing remedies.

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