Thursday, December 27, 2007

Crohn's Disease Cure - Know Your Treatment

The number of people waiting for a Crohn's disease cure seems to be growing each year. This debilitating condition can cause a number of symptoms that range from diarrhea and cramps to fistulas and bleeding. While researchers continue to work to find a cure, it's important to know what kind of treatment is available.

The reason why there is no Crohn's disease cure yet is because scientists haven't been able to pinpoint its cause or triggers. The condition seems to be most prevalent in the cities, particularly in western countries. The most popular theory is that something environmental triggers the attacks but speculation is high as to whether it is a virus, allergen or bacteria. What makes the disease even harder to assess is the fact that it affects each person differently. Some people just get a few flare-ups once in a while. For others, the disease can change their entire life.

In the absence of a Crohn's disease cure, it is important that patients take the right kind of treatment, depending on the severity of their attacks. This usually involves a combination of dietary changes and medication. The primary objective of these treatments is to treat the symptoms and to ensure that the patient is in remission for as long as possible. This is the only way until a Crohn's disease cure is found.

Since there is no Crohn's disease cure, people who suffer from this condition need to meet with a doctor to find out which course of treatment will suit them best. First the doctor will prescribe traditional medication to deal with the diarrhea and cramps. If your symptoms are mild, your doctor will probably give you Loperamide or Sulfasalazine.

If these don't help alleviate the symptoms, your doctor will probably start you on something a little stronger. If fistulas have formed you will be put on a course of antibiotics. Unfortunately, studies have shown that 50% of fistulas return after the course of antibiotics is stopped.

The stronger medications often come with side effects- corticosteroids, for example are orally administered to deal with inflammation. However they have been known to cause osteoporosis, infections and high blood pressure. Budesonide does not have any immediate side effects though it could have effects in the long run. For this reason, doctors will not keep you on Budesonide for very long.

If these medicines don't have any affect on your symptoms, then your doctor will give you a tumor necrosis factor antagonist. This is usually something like Infliximab. Adalimumab is used for people who react adversely to Infliximab. In severe cases, these will be given via injection or intravenously. Patients will have to meet with their doctor every six months and take lab tests every two months. During very bad flare-ups, patients are usually hospitalized and given supplemental nutrition intravenously.

In some cases, even the strongest medication won't work and surgery is the only option. The damaged part of the digestive tract is removed and while this does bring some relief, the disease tends to flare up in other areas. This can be discouraging to hear but the good news is that new medical breakthroughs are being made even today. It won't be long before there is a Crohn's disease cure.

Author Resource: To discover unusual secrets about how to reduce your Crohn's disease symptoms, please go to: http://www.crohnsdiseasefree.com/blog/

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Natural Cure For IBS

Irritable bowel syndrome is a disorder that is characterized by cramping and abdominal pain, and which does usually cause a great deal of discomfort and distress, it is typically not able to permanently harm the intestines and is not considered as being a major physical threat. Irritable bowel syndrome is a group of symptoms you have had for at least 12 weeks in the last 12 months. It always involves abdominal pain or discomfort along with two of the following three characteristics:

. Pain or discomfort relieved by defecation.

. Change in the frequency of bowel movements.

. Change in the appearance of stools.

You are definitely going to want to find a proper method of treatment for your irritable bowel syndrome so that you can find relief as soon as possible, and you basically have two options here – conventional treatment such as prescription medications, and alternative or natural treatments such as herbs and natural supplements.

If you are interested in finding an irritable bowel syndrome natural cure that is going to help relieve your symptoms and the best is to make a change in your diet. Although it sounds incredibly simple, by including certain foods in your diet and staying away from others, you will be able to make a huge difference in terms of your overall condition and will notice improvements in your condition almost immediately. One of the most commonly used irritable bowel syndrome natural cures is peppermint oil, which has shown to be incredibly effective in terms of treating digestive problems, including irritable bowel syndrome. Another very commonly used irritable bowel syndrome natural cures is partially hydrolyzed guar gum, which is a water-soluble fiber that is effective at reducing constipation and diarrhea. It also appears to be able to increase the amount of beneficial bacteria, which in turn helps to clean the intestines and reduce the symptoms associated with your condition.

Studies have found that probiotics may be helpful for people with irritable bowel syndrome. For example, a fairly large study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology examined the use of three different doses of Bifidobacterium infantis or a placebo in 362 women with irritable bowel syndrome. After four weeks, the B. infantis dose of 1 x 10(8) c.f.u. was found to be more effective than a placebo at reducing abdominal pain, bloating, bowel dysfunction, incomplete evacuation, straining, and gas. There are many different probiotic strains, and some may be more effective for irritable bowel syndrome. Another study compared lactobacillus salivarius, bifidobacterium infantis, or a placebo in 77 people with irritable bowel syndrome. Only people who took B. infantis had a greater reduction in abdominal pain, bloating, and bowel movement difficulty.

If you are interested in learning more about the different irritable bowel syndrome natural cures that are available, then the best idea is to get hooked up with a nutritionist. A nutritionist is a health specialist who focuses exclusively on food and nutrition science, and who may consider your medical history and use laboratory tests and physical examination findings in order to determine how to best improve your health. Irritable bowel syndrome can definitely become a serious problem if left untreated but if you take the proper steps and maintain as generally healthy a lifestyle as possible, then you should be able to significantly relieve your symptoms and get back to living a regular life once again. Just remember to continue to work closely with your doctor and nutritionist even after your symptoms have begun to subside, so you can prevent the condition from reoccurring in the future.

Author Resource: Roger Thompson advises consumers on jobs in the health care, hospital and medical sectors for portal http://www.idohealthcare.com/

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Tuesday, December 25, 2007

What Is The Truth About Leukemia, And What Can It Mean To Me?

Leukemia hits about 10 times more children than adults. The ACS or American Cancer Society calculates that this year, approximately 30 thousand new cases of leukemia of 2 thousand children and about 27 thousand adults in the U.S. will be diagnosed.

Leukemia, a type of cancer, starts in the inner, soft portion of your blood-forming cell bones, known as bone marrows. This happens when excessive growth of white blood cells is present in your blood, referred to as leukocytes.

Under normal conditions, the blood-forming or hematopoietic cells in your bone marrow produce leukocytes in order to protect your body from infection caused by bacteria and viruses.

However, when some of the leukocytes are broken and stay in their immature state, they turn out to be poor fighters of infection that excessively multiply and never die as should be the case.

Leukemic cells then build up and decrease the manufacturing of oxygen-carrying eythrocytes (red blood cells), normal leukocytes and platelets (blood clotting cells)If left untreated, then the excess leukemic cells overpower your bone marrow and enter your bloodstream, eventually invading other body parts like the spleen, lymph nodes, liver as well as the central nervous system consisting of the spinal cord and brain.

Leukemia symptoms

In children, due to defect of white blood cells that fight infection, they can experience intensified infections and fever episodes.

Other common leukemia symptoms include:

1. Bleed and bruise very easily, going through recurrent nosebleeds or bleed unusually long after going thru minor cuts.

2. Aching joints or inside the bones, sometimes bringing about a limp

3. Swollen or inflamed lymph nodes

4. Poor appetite

5. Abnormal tired feeling

6. Become anemic and experience shortness of breath during playing.

Forms of leukemia

Leukemia and leukemia symptoms can be either chronic or acute and myelogenous or lymphocytic.

In acute leukemia, the abnormally produced blood cells generally are blasts which remained immature thus can not anymore perform their normal tasks. The blasts rapidly increase so the disease quickly worsens.

In chronic leukemia, a few blast cells can be present but generally these are more mature or developed cells that can perform some normal tasks.

These cells appear to be mature but not entirely normal, because these live much longer and result to certain types of white blood cells accumulation. The blasts increases not as rapidly as in acute leukemia, therefore worsens gradually.

Myelogenous and Lymphocytic leukemia refers to the 2 different types of cells where leukemia began. Lymphocytic leukemia grow from lymphocytes and Myelogenous leukemia grow from monocyte white blood cells or granulocyte white blood cells.

Treatment

There are 2 stages of luekemia treatment namely induction therapy and maintenance therapy. The main focus in induction therapy is to lessen leukemic cells and induce a remission.

Remission is the stage whereby the cancer already is responding well to treatment or it is under control.

Remission may be either complete or partial. When the cancer is within complete remission all symptoms and signs of the cancer disappears. Partial remission means the cancer has shrunk but did not disappear completely.

Remissions may last from several number of weeks to years. Complete remissions can go on for years and can be confirmed cures.

The second stage of leukemia treatment happens after an individual suffering from leukemia goes totally into remission. This stage aims to kill remaining cancer cells and extend the remission period for as prolonged as possible.

1. Chemotherapy uses drugs in order to kill leukemia cancer cells.

2. Radiation therapy employs x-rays or other forms of high-energy rays in order to shrink tumors and kill leukemia cancer cells.

3. Bone marrow transplant is a procedure wherein the patient's affected bone marrow is changed with a healthy marrow.

Note that most cancers may be prevented or avoided by making changes in your diet or lifestyle which can lessen risk factors. In leukemia, unfortunately no risk factors are known; therefore it is difficult to prevent it.

Author Resource: Now there is a gallery of powerful information yours for the taking. Decide now to improve your health, reduce stress and impove the quality of your life. Click here: Leukemia Symptoms

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Monday, December 24, 2007

The Goji Juice Scam: Fact or Fiction?

The very words "goji juice scam" could be interpreted one at two different ways. One scam could be looked upon relating to the quality of the advertised goji juice. As an example, one advertisement that did not mention the Himalayan goji berries could be seen as a goji juice scam as only the Himalayan berries have a nutritional profile close to a dozen different ingredients.

While there is at least one known scam that deprives consumers of a good quality goji juice, there is another scam just as dangerous. The second scam involves the nature of the information with regards to one of the minerals in the goji juice. This second scam leaves out all the valuable information about the mineral called selenium.

Selenium is a fantastic mineral lacking in today's diet. The selenium mineral is known to help lower on man's risk of prostate cancer. By drinking goji juice on a regular basis, researchers have linked selenium's cancer fighting abilities to the action of certain enzymes. This mineral helps in the production of those enzymes, thus giving the body the capacity to ward off cancer risks. Currently, present time researchers have found that a consistent regular consumption of at least 70 micrograms of selenium on a daily basis will help fight off and prevent cancer from occurring.

Such information about selenium should not be viewed as a goji scam. However, if certain advertisers of that same information tried to encourage the daily intake of more than 70 micrograms of selenium, then that could be viewed as a possible goji juice scam. The reason for this is because it is possible for a person to consume too much selenium.

If a person was to consume a quantity far above 100 micrograms per day, then it is possible that the excess amount of selenium could cause nausea, rashes, bad breath, weakness, and dizziness and cold symptoms. Furthermore, consuming more than 60 micrograms of selenium on a daily basis could be bad for pregnant women because a high intake of selenium has appeared to be linked to birth complications.

The consumption of goji juice is different between the man and women. A man who wants to avoid prostate cancer needs a slightly different diet that woman who is carrying a child. That very fact ought to be included in any literature about selenium. As well, that fact should also be mentioned in any advertisement for goji juice or on its packaging. Any failure to highlight these facts might be seen as a goji juice scam.

Author Resource: Kerry Ng is a successful Webmaster and publisher of The Goji Blog. For more great helpful information about Goji visit The Goji Blog

Article From Mister Article

IBS In Pregnancy

Irritable bowel syndrome is a health disorder, one that is characterized most commonly by cramping, bloating, constipation and diarrhea. Most cases of irritable bowel syndrome are quite mild and can be controlled with proper diet, stress management, and often there is a need for prescribed medications as well.

While most women with IBS have long suspected that hormones (chemical substances created by the body that control numerous bodily functions) have an impact on their IBS symptoms, research has recently shown just how dramatic and wide-ranging this link is. Women have a higher prevalence of IBS than men in the first place, which may actually be due to sex-related differences in brain responses to visceral (body) and psychological (mind) stressors, as well as hormonal influences. Women with IBS have more severe symptoms and need more medications than men. Small-bowel transit, gastric emptying, and colonic transit times are all significantly different for women (even women without IBS) than for men. and hormones are believed to play a large role here. There are also estrogen receptors in the stomach and small intestine, which react to changing levels of hormones.

Irritable bowel syndrome in pregnancy is quite common, and although the condition does not affect a woman`s chances of getting pregnant, during pregnancy the symptoms of the disorder are often heightened incredibly. The hormonal changes that a woman experiences throughout her pregnancy, especially if she had irritable bowel syndrome beforehand, vary from one trimester to another. During the first trimester, most women actually do not even feel any of the hormonal effects on their body because they are too busy coping with morning sickness, and usually at this point in most cases the irritable bowel syndrome will all but disappear. Then as the second trimester rolls around, hormonal changes begin to become more apparent and symptoms of the disorder will continue due to these hormonal changes.

Finally, in the third trimester, the symptoms continue and usually even increase, and the most noticeable symptom is constipation with most women. This is because pregnancy in general causes the levels of progesterone in the body to rise and in turn the muscles begin to relax. This causes the digestive system to slow down and not only that but as well the lack of exercise and proper diet are also major contributing factors in most cases here. Irritable bowel syndrome in pregnancy can obviously be quite troublesome, and so it is important to learn about the different methods of treatment that are available to help relieve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome in pregnancy. Participating in regular and safe pregnancy exercises and drinking plenty of water are both ideal ways of relieving irritable bowel syndrome in pregnancy.

You should also take soluble fiber supplements, make sure that you get sufficient sleep, and there are even some medications that you can take if your symptoms are particularly severe. Diclectin is available, which helps with morning sickness, and there is also Bentyl which prevents muscle spasms in the stomach and bladder and which also helps to relax them. The best idea is to get in to see your doctor as soon as you possibly can so that they can assess your specific condition and determine what particular method of treatment is going to be best suited to you and your condition.

Author Resource: Roger Thompson advises consumers on jobs in the health care, hospital and medical sectors for portal http://www.idohealthcare.com/

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Friday, December 21, 2007

Moving On After Breast Cancer

Breast cancer affects everyone in different ways and depending on the severity of each case, the recovery period varies greatly.

Breast cancer is a life-threatening disease and some very good work is being done to raise awareness and explore preventative measures. Unfortunately, there is still a downside.

This is the fact that these two words "breast cancer" strike fear into the hearts of most women. We all know that it is these dreaded words that sets the alarm bells ringing. The psychological aspect of this means that when a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer her stress levels skyrocket, putting an extra load on the body when she can cope with it the least.

It is of course her attitude towards these words that could be the greatest influence in her recovery.

Having survived breast cancer myself, I feel that some of the healing process is in part how you view the disease itself. As anyone who's read any of my previous articles will know, I did make considerable lifestyle changes to facilitate recovery. I'm also convinced that a big part of the process was down to the attitude I adopted towards cancer.

I had great faith in my surgeon and after the operation when he told me he had removed the cancer I believed him; totally. However, I also understood that the surgeon had done his part, now it was down to me to make sure the cancer didn't come back.

During the recuperation period there is plenty of time to think. It was during this time, that I was able to work out what I think was the cause of my breast cancer. It is a good time to find a strategy for post-breast cancer lifestyle. I had several challenges on a personal level; self-confidence being one of the issues. So I bought several books on the subject that were a real help in getting me back on track.

I've never liked the word remission, because it always seems to me that when someone says they are in remission, it is as if they expect the cancer to come back. The Law of attraction states that you will attract what you think about the most. If you spend your time expecting the cancer to come back, the odds are pretty good that it will. Of course I have absolutely no medical qualifications, and I don't profess to know the answers, I can only say what has worked for me.

I've always believed that stress caused my breast cancer, and part of the changes I've made to ensure the cancer didn't return was to eliminate as much stress from my life as I could.

For my part, I felt the best thing was to move on as soon as possible. So after a few mammograms and checkups that put me in the clear, I cut all ties with the breast cancer episode and got on with my life. I don't think about it very often, and I'm inclined to treat it as just another surgical procedure. It was a necessary procedure such as my appendectomy, but by not giving it too much credence, it means my breast cancer remains low on my list of things to think about.

Overcoming breast cancer is not easy, but advances in medical science help surgeons work miracles. Then it's down to the individual to decide what part their attitude can play in effecting a lasting cure.

My last piece of advice would have to be, set your self up to enjoy life. You know what they say, this isn't a dress rehearsal. This is it the real thing. Enjoy it now.

Author Resource: Trish is a Life Coach specializing in health wellness and relationships. She has a very informative and authorative site on how to become Fit For Life.

Visit her site now.
http://www.wellbeing-information.com/

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Sunday, December 16, 2007

Tips for a Multiple Sclerosis Diet

A good Multiple Sclerosis diet is believed to help control and possibly eliminate many of the symptoms that come along with the disease. This can help slow the progression of the disease. While you should check with a doctor for specific suggestions or guidelines, there are some basic tips to a good MS diet.

A key factor in a healthy multiple sclerosis diet is to eliminate all gluten. In general, you should avoid eating anything with flour, but you can check package ingredients if you are unsure of their content. Many diets besides the MS diet do not allow gluten, so this is now easily found on many packages. Avoiding wheats, barley, oats, or rye is another way to cut gluten.

For a successful diet you should also limit or avoid animal fats, including dairy products and margarine. Olive oil, sunflower oil, and safflower oil are suitable alternatives for cooking or salads. For good digestion, you should try to avoid fried foods in general.

Avoid highly saturated fats in your diet. White meat skinless chicken, seafood, and fish are the best meat choices. Make sure to always completely remove any fat. Try to replace the saturated fats you cut out with unsaturated fats.

Anyone, but especially those on a Multiple Sclerosis diet, should try to completely eliminate refined sugar. There are many healthier alternatives. Honey, fructose, or natural unsweetened fruit or vegetable juices would be ideal for a person on this diet.

Obviously, any foods you are allergic to should be cut from your diet. If you are unsure of allergies, try consulting a doctor or allergy specialist. You may also try eliminating all of the most common problem foods from your diet, and after two weeks bring them back one at a time. If you have a bad reaction to any food, then you should probably eliminate it from your multiple sclerosis diet.

You should increase the amount of fresh vegetables and fruits in your MS diet. Try to always eat freshly cooked food when you must cook it. This will increase the amount of vitamins and minerals your body absorbs. This will help to make up for some of the nutrients you lose by cutting certain things from your diet. Vitamin supplements may also be beneficial or even necessary for your Multiple Sclerosis, but you should consult a doctor to make sure you take the right vitamins.

Always drink lots of water. It is very easy for a person with Multiple Sclerosis to become dehydrated, so make sure to drink at least 8 large glasses of water every day. As strange as it sounds, this may help to improve the incontinence that many people with MS suffer from.

These tips for improving your Multiple Sclerosis diet are intended to help you control many common problems such as fatigue, incontinence, and constipation. Adjusting your diet may also help to avoid making other problems worse. Many of these tips are included in other diets, and even people without special dietary needs may benefit from following these suggestions.

(C) CG Groth Inc 2007

Author Resource: The "Daycare Diva", Christine G. Groth, is the creator of "The Guide to Instant Daycare Profits". To learn more about this step-by-step program and to sign-up for her FREE "How to Start a Daycare" tips and articles, visit http://www.expertsatdaycare.com/

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Saturday, December 15, 2007

Difference Between Pleural and Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Does a chill of fright hover on you when the very thought of Mesothelioma cancer comes to your mind? Mesothelioma is definitely a dangerous disease whose last word is death. It is quite obvious that you will be worried at the very thought of it.

Among the different types of Mesothelioma, the Pleural and the Peritoneal Mesothelioma hit the common list. Among them again the Pleural type of Mesothelioma cancer is the most widely spread. Around eighty percent patients suffering from Mesothelioma actually are patients of Pleural Mesothelioma.

It is nearly ten percent of the patient population coming under Peritoneal Mesothelioma. The risk factors in both these types of Mesothelioma re more or less the same. Till date no definite cure has been put forward by the Medical Science to heal these patients. There are treatments that can only be supportive for resistance.

Basic criteria of difference

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural Mesothelioma is related to the pleura region of the body. Peritoneal Mesothelioma is associated with the peritoneum of the body. Let use define both the cases in simpler terms that would become easier for all of us to understand and correlate.

Pleura is that part of the body where the Mesothelium tissue form a borderline around the lungs. When asbestos dust or fibers come in contact with this part, the lining slowly gets disrupted and starts dividing abruptly in a number of cells. This is nothing but the breaking out of cancer in that region. Fluid is deposited in the lungs cavity that worsens the condition of the patient. Gradually the fluid deposits take the shape of tumors that can be removed through surgical method. But even the surgery can heal the patient for the time being though the cancer cells still remain in the body to cause further damage.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Peritoneal Mesothelioma is related to the stomach or the abdomen. The passage of asbestos into the body is mainly through your nose by the process of inhalation. Thus the asbestos coming in contact with the peritoneum of the abdominal cavity is an indirect process. The asbestos gets deposited to this region from the lungs cavity is the lymph nodes. Even in this type of cancer, the patient's life is fully at risk. Tumors are also formed around the abdominal cavity. Both radiation therapy and chemotherapy help the patients to resist the sufferings to a certain level. All these patients also lose the last hope of life.

Author Resource: Find more Mesothelioma and Asbestos info online.

For Credit repair related articles: http://www.credit-repair-fyi.info/

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Monday, December 10, 2007

Is Colloidal Silver A Treatment For Bronchitis?

What is Bronchitis?

Bronchitis is defined as an inflammation of the bronchi. Bronchi are airways in the respiratory tract that bring air into the lungs. This inflammation is typically caused by viruses or bacteria, but it may also be caused by inhaled irritants, such as cigarette smoke or harmful chemicals.

Most cases of bronchitis cases involve a viral pathogen. The inflammation is usually the result of the mucus lining of the airways becoming swollen due to irritation. Anyone may contract bronchitis, but people with weak immune systems, such as children and the elderly, are particularly vulnerable.

What are the Symptoms?

Coughing up phlegm or spit, difficulty breathing, and wheezing are all common bronchitis symptoms. Patients typically seek treatment for bronchitis once the coughing becomes uncomfortable or painful. If the inflammation is particularly severe, fatigue, fever, or chest pains may arise. In rare cases, gastrointestinal bronchitis symptoms may arise.

How can you Prevent Bronchitis?

A vaccine for a Haemophilus influenza, which commonly causes bronchitis, was developed in 1985. However, since the vaccine only boosts immunity for six months, it is typically only administered to those most at risk.

Anyone who wants to limit their risk of bronchitis should stop or not start smoking. Even secondhand smoke may lead to bronchitis. Workers who are often exposed to dust or irritating chemicals should wear a dusk mask to prevent inhalation. Everyone who wants to decrease their risk should also limit their exposure to air and traffic pollution.

How is Bronchitis Treated?

There is no medical cure for bronchitis. Typically doctors will treat the symptoms to alleviate the pain and discomfort, and wait from the body to naturally correct the inflammation. Far too often, doctors will prescribe antibiotics. However, for the large majority of cases of bronchitis, this is inadvisable.

Most bronchitis cases are the result of a virus, and antibiotics are only designed to treat bacterial infections. Many doctors are aware that antibiotics are ineffective for bronchitis, but prescribe them anyway because they feel pressured by the patient to treat something besides the symptoms.

A study from 2002 titled "Azithromycin for acute bronchitis" published in the medical journal "The Lancet" referred to this pressure from patients, concluding that "Many patients with acute bronchitis require their physicians to 'do something.' "And that it should not include the "defensive use of ineffective antibiotics."

Immunologists have long warned that over prescription of antibiotics will only lead to stronger and more resistant bacterial strains. Unnecessary prescription of any medicine can be harmful, and patients who take antibiotics may suffer side effects such as vomiting, headache, and rash.

Since the immune system is the best (and in most cases, the only) way to fight the infection that causes bronchitis, patients might benefit from taking supplements that support and boost the immune system.

Many have claimed good results with taking colloidal silver for bronchitis. Colloidal silver can be taken orally or through a nebulizer.

If you would like to take colloidal silver for the treatment of bronchitis, it may be interesting to note that some patients have reported the best results with true colloidal silver versus inferior products that are mostly ionic solutions.

Author Resource: Wyatt McKinney is committed to sharing information about the benefits of true colloidal silver as well as uses of colloidal silver by visiting his website http://www.colloidsforlife.com/ and http://www.colloidsforlife.com/Mesosilver_colloidal_silver.html

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Saturday, December 8, 2007

Is Prescription Medication For Acid Reflux The Answer?

For many acid reflux sufferers a visit to the doctors results in a prescription medication for acid reflux to treat the symptoms, however little is usually offered in the way of preventing or treating the underlying cause of why acid reflux developed in the first place.

Acid reflux medication can be very effective in dealing with symptoms however, it is usually only prescribed in short course of 4 –8 weeks. Unless the cause of the acid reflux is addressed it’s likely that there will be many more trips to the doctor in the future for a repeat prescription. Is this something you want to have to do over and over again as you go through life?

There are many people who have an aversion to taking any type of medication. Some won’t bother with a painkiller when they have a headache, and would rather let it go away on its own. Others fear what medications can do to their bodies in the long run and rarely think it is a good idea to take anything. For others, cost is an issue – repeat prescriptions can start to get rather costly. If the thought of being reliant on medication to control your acid reflux concerns you then you’ll have to find an alternative way of dealing with the issue.

If you really want to avoid taking prescription medication for acid reflux, making some simple lifestyle changes can successfully address the underlying cause of your condition. You may find it beneficial to take medication to get your reflux under control initially, especially if there is damage to the delicate esophagus lining, but implementing lifestyle changes at the same time means that you’re targeting the cause immediately.

If you are overweight, you should try to lose the excess weight. The extra weight can weigh heavily on your stomach and esophagus, especially when lying down. This can place excess pressure on the muscle at the top of the stomach (lower esophageal sphincter) that holds your stomach contents in, leaving it weakened and unable to close properly.

Plus, if you’re a smoker, you should aim to stop or at the very least cut down significantly as smoking also acts to weaken the lower esophageal sphincter muscle.

Diet also plays an important role when controlling acid reflux symptoms naturally. There are a number of common trigger foods that can bring on symptoms in most acid reflux sufferers including:

Alcohol
Chocolate
Fatty or fried foods
Spicy or rich foods
Fatty red meats
Tomatoes and tomato based sauces
Onion and garlic

When and how much you eat can also have an impact on your acid reflux symptoms and can be just as important as what you eat. Rather than having 3 large meals a day aim for 5 – 6 smaller meals and don’t rush your food. By eating smaller meals more frequently and chewing food thoroughly, you reduce the risk of developing acid reflux symptoms.

Eating your evening meal earlier can also help you avoid acid reflux or heartburn symptoms when you get into bed at night. Try to eat at least 3 hours before you go to bed to allow your food time to digest and leave your stomach.

Sleeping with the upper part of your torso elevated allows gravity to do its job and keep acid in your stomach where it belongs. Try this by either propping up your bed head with some bricks (making sure it’s sturdy) or through pillows – either purpose bought acid reflux pillows or by stacking ordinary pillows. Sleeping on your left-hand side can also help to reduce the risk of nighttime acid reflux.

These simple lifestyle steps can help you keep acid reflux at bay, however it’s important never to stop taking prescription medication for acid reflux without first consulting your physician.

Author Resource: Grab your free copy of Kathryn Whittaker's brand new Acid Reflux & GERD Newsletter here http://www.naturally-stop-acid-reflux.com/?source=is which is overflowing with easy to implement methods to help you combat Acid Reflux and GERD.

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Friday, December 7, 2007

Common Causes of Lower and Upper Back Pain

Lower back pain, as well as middle back pain and upper back pain, can be caused by several factors, which can be either chronic or acute. Acute back pain is usually related to a recent occurrence, and chronic back pain is one that has been present for an extended amount of time.

To determine what type of back pain you have, the first thing to ask yourself is how long the pain has been occurring. This will answer the question as to whether you suffer from acute or chronic back pain, which will then aid you in developing a back pain treatment.

Lower back pain factors

Two common causes for lower back pain are muscle imbalance and trauma, such as an injury. An imbalance in muscles means that muscles which are used frequently become weak, while unused muscles stay strong. This causes sharp back pain and discomfort until a balance is established once again. Trauma in muscles comes from overuse and overextension, resulting in pain and injury. Pain and poor movement can be a result of unused or overused muscles.
Poor posture has been known as a direct link to chronic back pain. This is caused from misalignments of the spine and pelvis. It causes increased stress on the muscles, joints, and the ligaments. Stretched out, weak, and stressed muscles cannot give adequate support to the spine in order to achieve good posture. There is a scientifically designed product, called The Turtle, which relieves back pain by allowing body pressure to create the correct curvature. When placed behind your lower back area, The Turtle relieves back pain and naturally gives you gives good posture.

Upper back pain causes

Typical causes of upper back pain are pulled muscles, arthritis, or disc related problems. Upper back pain is similar to lower back pain, except for the ways in which it affects your ability to function. Lower back pain tends to be a steady and underlying pain, while upper back pain and neck pain make it difficult to move around. With upper back pain, performing simple tasks, such as getting dressed and driving a car, become uncomfortable. The neck and upper back regions are very complex in joint interaction and can make daily activities very painful.
Scoliosis is a source of back pain that is caused by an improper curvature of spine, and it is usually developed early in life. It may be hereditary or caused by bone abnormality. As you grow older, back pain commonly increases, and surgery may be required. Using The Turtle would be beneficial and effective in relieving this type of back pain as well, however, bracing the back has been common for treatment.

Spondylolisthesis, Herniated Disc, Piriformis Syndrome, and Spinal Stenosis are conditions that cause sciatica, which sends pain down the back of your leg from your lower back. This commonly means that something is putting a pressure on the sciatic nerve. The degree of severity varies and should be diagnosed and treated by your doctor.
Other more common causes of upper back pain and lower back pain are very easily controlled. Not getting enough exercise can cause your muscles to become weak and result in chronic back pain. Yoga has been known to offer back pain relief when performed regularly. Also an unhealthy diet can contribute to having back and neck pains.

Taking charge of your back pain

Regardless of the source of back pain, be it upper or lower and chronic or acute, it is important to note that life does not have to include back pain. Pills are not able to relieve pressure from a nerve or make a difference in the curve of your lower back. However, unique and effective back treatment devices, such as The Turtle, can. Using The Turtle can help achieve a postural balance that not only relieves back pain, but can even prevent and cure the imbalance, letting the sufferer get back to performing activities that they love and allowing them to once again enjoy life.

Author Resource: David Gervase is an expert in health and wellness supplements and products. For more information relieving back pain with the Turtle, please visit www.USATurtle.com.

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