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Home Remedies For Thrush In Adults

June 19, 2011 by rfcamat 1 Comment

Oral thrush
Oral thrush

All of us at one point or the other come across thrush, a yeast infection which mostly causes white lesions in the inner cheek and tongue making it difficult to eat, drink and sometimes even swallow. They are painful and often bleed if accidentally hit while brushing teeth. However, sometimes the infection can also occur near and over the genitals creating itchy and sore spots.

Mostly children and elderly fall victim to thrush because of their weak immune systems but even seemingly healthy adults can experience the problem every now and then.

Weak immunity main cause

Thrush is caused by yeast called Candida, which is always present in our bodies but is controlled by our immune system. Candida is found in intestines, stomach, throat, mouth and genitals. Whenever the immunity goes weak, there is an increased chance of Candida multiplying and resulting in yeast infection.

The infection, though mostly confined to the cheeks and tongue, can spread to the back of your throat, gums and tonsils if not checked on time. In fact, the yeast infection can also originate on skin of the genitals resulting in itching, burning and soreness.

Metabolic disorders like diabetes and diseases including AIDS and cancer as well as stress can compromise the immunity thus putting some individuals at greater risk of thrush than others. Use of irritants like some soaps and hormonal fluctuations can also result in spread of the infection. Moreover, indiscriminate use of antibiotics ends up killing the beneficial bacteria which can inhibit the growth of yeast infection.

However, quite contrary to popular perception, it’s easy to control thrush without the use of medications. Our body naturally controls thrush with the help of good bacteria and a healthy immune system so there’s a need  to strengthen our defenses up and deal with thrush naturally.

Using medications like anti-fungal creams can treat thrush but can’t prevent its recurrence. For that, you need to support your immune system by having a healthy diet and lifestyle. There are also home remedies for thrush that you can use to deal with current infection. Thus don’t limit yourself on spending on medications which may cause side effects besides burning a hole in your pocket and head towards your kitchen for a soothing solution.

Treat the thrush with natural remedies

There are various home remedies for thrush which can be relied on to treat the infection. For the lesions in mouth, use apple cider vinegar with some salt in water. It can work as a great mouthwash. Garlic and onions can be added to your regular meals because they not only enhance the flavor but also have great anti-fungal properties. If you are in a hurry, just put some cloves in the mouth instead of waiting till the meal time.

Grapefruit is a great anti-fungal food item. The seed extract of grapefruit is very popular treatment for oral thrush. Using the mix of distilled water and grapefruit extract to swab the mouth can help deal with thrush.

Yogurt is considered a probiotic because it contains good bacterias for your tummy but the same bacteria can also help in dealing with thrush. The cool texture also provides relief in case of irritation in oral lesions.  Salt water and baking soda solution are other very reliable home remedies.

Maintaining good oral hygiene including brushing of teeth twice and flossing once in a day can do wonders to your defenses against thrush.

If you or any elderly person in your family wears dentures, ensure daily cleaning of the mouth and dentures. Put the dentures in prescribed cleaner overnight and rinse them before putting them on. Putting off thrush is not difficult as you think provided you are determined to take the preventive steps.

 

Filed Under: Alternative Medicine, Health, Medicine

Side Effects of Magnesium Supplements

June 18, 2011 by rfcamat Leave a Comment

Nowadays, loads of supplements are found in the market. Most of them are over the counter so doctor’s prescription is not required This is not a good scenario since many supplements like magnesium supplements are not safe to take at all times because they can cause side effects to our body if we take them wrongly. Magnesium supplements can cause dangerous side effects to our body if we over dose in taking them.  This is the reason why it is highly recommended that a doctor’s guidance is needed when we take mineral supplements like magnesium. In this article we are going to learn the functions of magnesium in the body and the possible side effects of taking magnesium supplements.

Magnesium is the  8th most abundant mineral on Earth and 4th in the  human body. It is  estimated that an average human body has 25 milligrams of magnesium and most of it are found in the bones. It is considered as a crucial mineral in the body for it plays a vital role in maintaining homeostasis or physiological balance. It participates in several chemical reactions needed for normal functioning of the body. It affects the musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal and immune system of the body.

In the musculoskeletal system, magnesium helps in the  contraction and relaxation of muscles and in the absorption of calcium used in bone development. When there is low amount of magnesium in the body, there will be muscle weakness because the muscles cannot contract properly. At the same time, there will be bone fragility for calcium cannot be absorbed properly in the absence of magnesium. On the other hand, if the body’s magnesium level shoot up abnormally, by taking magnesium supplements for example,  there will be muscle cramps, muscle spasm, and too much bone deposition.

Neurologically, magnesium affects the mental state of a person if the level of it is too high. It  can cause seizure and personality changes if its level is low.

Magnesium also participates in excitation and contraction of the heart. It maintains the smooth regular heart beat by combating any systemic stress.  Thus, if the level is too high it will cause decreased  blood pressure and irregular heart beat. If the level is low, it may cause cardiac spasm.

Magnesium helps in the relaxation of the respiratory system. When magnesium is low, definitely a person will experience breathing difficulty.

Magnesium also boosts the immune system of a person. If there is magnesium deficiency, a person will have a weak immune system and will be at high risk of being infected.

If a person has kidney disease and taking diuretics, it is not recommended for him to take magnesium supplement because it will be difficult for him to excrete excess amount of magnesium leading to  dangerous increased in magnesium concentration in the body.

Moreover, when a person is having heart problems, he must consult his physician first before taking magnesium supplement because it can cause irregular heart beat, cardiac weakness, and dangerous decrease in blood pressure.

Knowing the various side effects of taking magnesium supplements, we need to be cautious in taking them by following the right dosage prescribed by our doctor. Too much magnesium in our body may lead dizziness, flushing, muscle paralysis, troubled breathing, blurred vision, drowsiness and even coma or death.  It is recommended to take not more than 350 mg of magnesium supplement per day. To avoid magnesium deficiency, we should eat foods reach in magnesium such as green leafy vegetables, nuts, fish and meat. If we eat these foods regularly, we may not need to take iron supplements to avoid side effects.[ad#afterpost]

Filed Under: Health, Medicine, Transferred post

Nicotine Withdrawal Duration

June 16, 2011 by rfcamat Leave a Comment

N-I-C-O-T-I-N-E. However  I spell it, this is the same thing my mother has been obsessed with all these years. She has been in a continual struggle to beat the addiction and I wonder when she will be able to finally conquer it. Each time I see her smoking, there is only one thing that comes across my mind—she is digging her own grave.

I have tried putting myself in her shoes and looking for answers to my questions as to how long it will take for her to overcome the plight and how she can completely unhook herself from the deadly bondage. Here is what I have come up with:

Duration of Nicotine Withdrawal

Nicotine withdrawal duration depends on the individual; some endure a gradual and slow process while some only take a short period of time. The primary reason nicotine withdrawal is important is not the severity but rather the continuance. Numerous studies have shown that the average duration of nicotine withdrawal is about three weeks and that a significant percentage of smokers (40%), have withdrawal symptoms that last longer than the withdrawal span itself. It is the chronic and painstaking discomfort that impedes smoking cessation. Furthermore, many smokers who are still in irritable and anxious phase after three weeks believe this is how they will determine themselves without cigarettes. Faced with such tendency, it is apparent why many smokers would relapse. Studies earlier conducted that focused on the severity of withdrawal symptoms did not find that withdrawal could preempt cessation. The evidence thus supports the presumption that the duration of withdrawal is important.

Nicotine Withdrawal Stages

  • Pre-contemplation– This is considered to be the initial stage when someone is not yet serious in his decision to quit smoking.
  • Immediate Stage- The effects of nicotine withdrawal impact the smoker immediately. There have been reports that the signs of nicotine withdrawal appear as quickly as 30 minutes after the last cigarette was finished. The body’s physical reaction, for smokers who never fail to smoke a pack of cigarettes each day, includes feelings of anxiety after three hours without nicotine.
  • Three to Five Days-The exact nature of withdrawal symptoms vary on a person and the number of cigarette sticks smoked per day. Smoking and nicotine withdrawal symptoms reach a pinnacle at three to five days for most smokers. Physical symptoms at this stage may include cramps, nausea and headaches during the day, trouble sleeping at night and tension. Most people also feel being irritable and impatient. In extreme cases, the former smokers may go through panic attacks and temperamental episodes.
  • Two Weeks– The National Institute of Health showed some reports that after a week of avoiding smoking, addiction symptoms dwindle. Harvard’s Simon estimates that the major effects of nicotine withdrawal dissipate approximately two weeks after halting the smoking habit. Minor problems with depression are the most prevalent remaining withdrawal symptoms, along with anxiety and nicotine cravings.
  • Long Term– Depressive feelings, for instance, are magnified when people stop smoking.  This withdrawal risk will last for about six months from the time the person stops. The condition may be so severe that family members and friends may even encourage the smoker to start again to relieve the withdrawal condition.

I can only imagine how tedious it is for my mother to kick the deadly habit. However, if she does not do something to change her life, then only the worse has to be expected. Smoking in my opinion is the only vice that does not give any person any health benefits.

References

1. US Department of Health and Human Services. The health consequences of smoking: nicotine addiction. A report of the Surgeon General, 1988. Rockville, Maryland: Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control, Office on Smoking and Health, 1988. (DHHS Publication No (CDC) 88-8406.)

2. American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, fourth edition. Washington: American Psychiatric Association, 1994.

3. Shadel WG, Shiffman S, Niaura R, et al. Current models of nicotine dependence: what is known and what is needed to advance understanding of tobacco etiology among youth. Drug Alcohol Depend 2000;59:S59-S62[Medline].

4. Shoaib M. Is dopamine important in nicotine dependence? J Physiol 1998;92:229-233.

 

Filed Under: Health, Medicine Tagged With: cigarette, nicotine, nicotine withdrawal, smoking

Herbal Remedies for Gout

June 16, 2011 by rfcamat Leave a Comment

Gout
Gout complicated by ruptured tophi (exudate tested positive for uric acid crystals)

Gout is a debilitating condition caused by inflammation of certain areas of the body due to the accumulation of uric acid. It results in swelling, sensitivity, and intense pain, making even minor movements excruciating. High levels of uric acid in the blood (hyperuricemia) eventually accumulate as crystals (tophi) in body areas. This induces an immune response, resulting in inflammation which usually occurs in joints and tendons in close contact with blood vessels. Particularly common is the accumulation of tophi at joint of the big toe (metatarsal-phalangeal joint). Gout is an acute condition that reoccurs frequently depending on the uric acid levels in a person’s body.

The presence of gout limits mobility. It also causes intense pain and suffering to the patient. Gout pain manifests itself during periods of low body temperature, like during nighttime, making sleeping difficult.

Treatment of gout usually involves alleviating the pain on the affected joint, or preventing serum uric acid levels in the blood from becoming too high. Serum uric acid levels are increased by seafood, alcoholic drinks, meat and fructose rich food. These foods should be avoided to prevent raising the level of uric acid in blood. However, there are some foods that can help prevent gout as well as alleviate the pain associated with it.

Consumption of foods rich in vitamin C has been known to prevent the increase in serum uric acid blood levels.  Tomatoes, citrus fruits, berries, and leafy vegetables all contain high vitamin C levels that can help improve gout symptoms.

Cherries have long been known as a remedy for gout. Eating cherries or drinking cherry juice 2-3 times a day can reduce blood uric acid content and also reduce inflammation. Cherries and berries are rich in anthocyanins, preventing bone connective tissue from being eroded by tophi.

To flush out uric acid from the body, several herbs may be used in combination. Celery seed, parsley, and birch tree leaves can effectively remove uric acid from the body when taken together or separately. Celery seed can be taken three times a day, each dose consisting of two teaspoons celery seed extract in a cup of warm water. Stinging nettle is also an effective herb in removing uric acid from the body. It can stimulate the body to excrete uric acid when taken in 250 mg daily doses. Additionally, it can be applied on the surface of the area affected with gout, to minimize pain and inflammation.

Pine bark and grape tree extracts can help in alleviating pain from attacks of gout. Devil’s claw can also reduce pain at the same time reducing serum acid and cholesterol levels in the blood. Turmeric can likewise be used to treat gout pain and inflammation.

The medicinal herbs mentioned above have certain compounds, which when taken in large doses, or if mixed with certain chemicals, could do more harm than good. Children and pregnant women should not take herbal medicines unless specifically prescribed by an expert or a doctor. Several drugs can also cause complications when taken with some herbal medicines, particularly colchicine.

Gout is a particularly painful and inconvenient condition. It prevents one from enjoying a full lifestyle and also makes nights particularly unbearable. Prevention of uric acid to reduce accumulation in joints is the first step to avoid having gout. Avoiding and minimizing intake of uric acid rich food can go a long way in preventing attacks of gout. Relieving pain and preventing more attacks are the objectives when gout does occur.  Herbs, fruits, and vegetables can help with treating gout, but great care must always be exercised when using alternative medicine, especially in combination with prescribed drugs. Living with gout can be difficult but with the proper precautions and with knowledge of potential remedies, it can be made easier.

References

  • Choi, H.K. (2010). A prescription for lifestyle change in patients with hyperuricemia and gout. Curr Opin Rheumatology
  • Terkeltaub, R. (2010). Update on gout: new therapeutic strategies and options. Nat Rev Rheumatology

Filed Under: Alternative Medicine, Health, Medicine Tagged With: arthritis, gout, herbal remedies

Herbal Remedies for Warts

June 16, 2011 by rfcamat Leave a Comment

Warts are dermal or skin structures that are manifestations of viral infections particularly of the human papillomavirus. Warts may look like skin protuberances, small crown like blisters or skin extensions that may occur singly or in groups. Lines of the skin avoid warts, not running through them but breaking off and resuming in another area. Warts may last for several weeks, but may frequently occur throughout a person’s life. Boosting one’s immune system could help prevent viral infections and prevent frequent wart outbreaks.

Wart removal can be done because of pain, chafing or aesthetic considerations. It should also be done when located in sensitive areas like near the eyes, mouth, anus and the genitals. There are numerous remedies that can remove warts:

Aloe vera can be used to remove warts. Application of several drops of aloe vera gel over the area every morning and evening may remove warts after a couple of days. Scraping off the fleshy white portion of the aloe vera plant and applying it to the warts would also work.

Potato extracts applied three times a day for several days can remove warts. Potato extract is made from squeezing the juice out of grated or crushed potatoes. Potato peelings can also be rubbed on the warts.

Citrus fruits are also effective in removing warts. Their peel can be used to scrape off, or soak warts for several days. Their acidic juice rich in vitamin C can kill off the HPV virus present in the area. Calamansi, oranges, and lemon fruits are highly effective wart removal agents.

Banana peel can be used by applying a piece over the warts and securing with tape or bandage. It can be changed daily, or every morning and evening.

Garlic is another great herbal remedy for warts. A garlic section can be applied overnight to an area with warts. It would lead to the blistering, which would remove the warts upon drying. Alternatively, obtaining the juice from garlic cloves and applying a cotton wad soaked from it over the wart area would also work.

Milkweed juice can also be applied to warts for effective relief.

Unripe black walnut juice is a highly effective wart herbal remedy. The juice can be obtained by slicing open a portion of the shell and squeezing the juice over the wart.

Radishes can also be used to remove warts. A thin slice can be used to cover the warts.

Grape seed extract is a remedy not only for warts but for other infections as well.

Dandelion sap is also an effective home remedy for warts.

A tincture derived from Thuja, containing thujanone can be used to remove warts. Simply apply a drop of this potent substance on the wart.

Papaya latex can be applied to warts for removal within a week.

Guava leaves, chewed and then applied to wart areas may hasten their removal. The same method could be done using cashew nuts. Rubbing the masticated plant parts into the warts would improve their removal.

Cabbage is a very effective herbal remedy. Simply cover or wrap a piece of cabbage over the area, for couple of minutes twice a day and wait for the wart to disappear after few days.

Castor oil can be applied to warts to facilitate their removal by either rubbing, soaking or puncturing the wart using a toothpick tipped with castor oil.

These are only among the numerous herbal remedies for warts.  Choosing what to use is determined on availability of the plant/herb, allergic reactions, and personal preference. Wart removal can be easily achieved by either using these remedies singly or trying a combination of them. However, warts can and do come back, so to prevent that, proper nutrition, rest, and exercise should be done to boost one’s immune system.

Reference

  • Sterling, J. C.; Handfield-Jones, S.; Hudson, P. M. (2001). Guidelines for the management of cutaneous warts. British Journal of Dermatology. British Association of Dermatologists.

Filed Under: Alternative Medicine, Health, Medicine Tagged With: fungal infection, home remedies, warts

The Pros and Cons of Genetic Testing

June 15, 2011 by rfcamat Leave a Comment

Genetic testing is a boon for mankind but there is a need to exercise restraint and prevent its misuse.

DNA_animation
DNA animation (Wikimedia Image)

How come you have the same beaming smile as that of your mother or the same passion for music as that of your father? It’s amazing how we are so much like our blood relatives. The reason is the presence of genes that all our family members, old and new, share. However, despite this commonality every one of us is genetically unique with a genetic pattern which may resemble that of our relatives but is not exactly the same.

There are around 20,000 to 25,000 genes which define the strengths and weaknesses of our bodies. An alteration in their normal functioning can lead to various complications like putting us at risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes or birth defect. Genetic testing can predict these risk factors and help us take precautions but there are several side effects that also come along. The mapping of total human genetic structure has also paved the way for targeted medicinal use. It can be found out which medicines will get the best results depending on your genetic makeup. Read on to know more.

Pros of genetic testing

Medical science is making progress at a fast pace that there are now several genetic tests available to help you know about your body as well as about your yet-to-be born child. In fact, prenatal genetic testing is increasingly being recommended by doctors to avoid several birth disorders including thalassemia, haemophilia, and mental and physical retardation. Carrier testing of parents and screening of fetus and newborns is becoming increasingly common. However, prenatal genetic testing can also pose risks like miscarriages.

Besides detecting medical conditions, genetic testing is also turning out to be beneficial in forensic science. For instance, identification of criminals by putting a hair strand or blood found on the crime scene through genetic testing.

Genealogical genetic testing can also be done to find links between you and another person even if there is a difference of several generations.

Pros of genetic testing even extend to those at risk of several diseases, like cancer, heart disease and diabetes, to take precautions and delay the onset of these diseases. While cancer is known to be result of a gene mutation, heart disease and diabetes run in families for generations. If a person knows that he carries a gene for a certain disease, he will then take the necessary precautions to prevent or delay the development for such disease. For example, he can change his diet and lifestyle habits to delay or even prevent the development of the disease.

Genetic testing is particularly important in the emerging field of personalized medicine. You will be given the right treatment based on your genetic makeup. In this case, you and other patients may receive different drug and dosage for a particular illness.

Cons of Genetic Testing

While physical risks associated with genetic testing are not very significant, there are ethical, financial, and psychological issues that do get highlighted every now and then. It’s essential that those going for testing are given genetic counseling to prepare them for the outcomes.  There are also risks of genetic discrimination since insurance companies and employers can avoid offering services or jobs to those at risk of certain diseases. Thus, it’s essential that information from genetic testing is kept confidential at all costs to protect individuals from any kind of genetic discrimination.

Another addition in the list of cons of genetic testing is commercialization. With the high price of genetic testing, many cannot afford to avail the services of testing centers. In fact, genetic testing in some firms is overpriced but these firms are enjoying the profits they make every day. Genetic testing should be affordable to everyone whatever their economic conditions are.[ad#afterpost]

Filed Under: Genetics, Medicine

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