Genital Herpes Facts You should know

Genital Herpes: A Hidden Epidemic

Genital herpes may not be deadly, but it can be physically painful and emotionally debilitating. Those who have it may suffer from painful sores as well as feelings of shame, regret, isolation, and undesirability.

"We, as a society, don't do well with STDs," says Terri Warren, R.N., owner of the Westover Heights Clinic in Portland, Ore., specializing in the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases. "When people have a lifelong STD, they feel dirty, damaged, and unapproachable. Most people have a dramatic drop in self-esteem."

Curtis Phinney of Rockville, Md., was devastated when he first discovered he had genital herpes. "I was very interested in finding a new successful long-term monogamous relationship," says Phinney, who had been divorced before he became infected. "I was having difficulty as it was. With herpes I thought it would be impossible. I thought I was unlovable, untouchable, undesirable."

Genital herpes is on the rise. Since the late 1970s, the number of Americans infected with the virus has increased 30 percent to about 45 million, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Genital herpes infects more than 1 of 5 adolescents and adults, the CDC says. It is more common in blacks than in whites, and more likely to infect women than men. Compared to 20 years ago, it's about five times more common in 12- to 19-year-old whites and twice as common in adults ages 20 to 29.

The scary part is that most people with genital herpes don't know they have it, and are unaware they may be spreading it to others, says Warren. Many have no symptoms or mistake their symptoms for something else, such as jock itch, insect bites, hemorrhoids, yeast infections, razor burn, or allergies to laundry detergent.

Of even greater concern is growing evidence that people with genital herpes are at greater risk of getting HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) if they have unprotected sex with someone infected with HIV. And HIV-infected people who are also infected with genital herpes may have more frequent and severe outbreaks and their episodes may be more difficult to treat.

In the past, genital herpes was diagnosed solely by visual inspection and laboratory culture of an active sore. Herpes may now be diagnosed with a blood test, even when no symptoms are apparent or after sores have healed. And while there is no cure for herpes, antiviral drugs have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration that greatly reduce the frequency of outbreaks and shorten their duration and severity.

What is Genital Herpes?

Genital herpes, a sexually transmitted disease (STD), is an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). HSV is in the same family of viruses that causes chickenpox, shingles and mononucleosis. There are two types of HSV: HSV-1, which infects 80 percent of the U.S. population, usually appears on the lips in cold sores; HSV-2 is usually found in the genital area. However, if a person with HSV-1 oral herpes (cold sores) performs oral sex, it is possible for the partner to get HSV-1 genital herpes. And HSV-2 can infect the mouth through oral sex.

HSV can cause sores, or lesions, to appear in and around the vaginal area and within the cervix in women, and on the penis and scrotum in men. Both males and females may also get lesions in the urinary tract, around the anal opening, on the buttocks or thighs, and sometimes on other parts of the body.

The First Episode

Symptoms of genital herpes can vary in appearance and intensity. Some people have no symptoms or such mild symptoms that they don't suspect they have an infection. For others, the first episode of herpes (primary infection) can cause one or more very painful lesions to erupt on the skin.

For many people, this primary infection may be more severe and have more generalized symptoms than recurrent episodes. During a first episode, the lesions may be accompanied by flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache and muscle aches. Some people experience painful or difficult urination and swollen glands in the groin area. Women may also have a vaginal discharge.

Genital herpes lesions usually appear within two to 10 days after being exposed to the virus, and can last from two to four weeks. First to appear are small red bumps, which develop into blisters. Then the blisters become open sores, which later dry up, crust over, and heal without leaving a scar. Sometimes a second crop of lesions appears.

Once HSV infects a person, the virus travels through the nerves and settles at the base of the spine. During this inactive phase, the virus is dormant. But it may wake up later, travel along the nerve paths to the surface of the skin, and cause another outbreak of lesions. This recurrence of HSV usually causes lesions to appear around the same area of the first outbreak. (See "Harboring Herpesvirus" at right.)

Some people have only one or two recurrences in a lifetime, while others have them frequently. "The recurrence rate is far lower in HSV-1 than HSV-2," says Rhoda Ashley, Ph.D., director of the University of Washington's diagnostic virology laboratory at the Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center in Seattle.

Most people diagnosed with HSV-2 affecting the genital area typically have four or five symptomatic recurrences the first year. After the first year, most people have fewer and milder recurrences, lasting a week or less. Many people get warning signals of a recurrence, known as prodrome. With prodrome, there may be a tingling or itching in the genital area, or pain in the buttocks, down the legs, or in the lower back. Sometimes these symptoms go away and no lesions appear.

Phinney's outbreaks were so frequent that they made him irritable, he says. "I would get an outbreak, and as that outbreak was fading over a week or so, suddenly a new one would crop up. As a result, I was really only 'clear' for as little as one week a month."

Researchers don't know why recurrences happen, or why their frequency and severity vary. Some people report that recurrences are triggered by stress, illness, poor nutrition, menstruation, and friction in the genital area, such as that caused by vigorous sex. However, many of these supposed triggers have no scientific basis, says Ashley. "You can't say stress is a trigger. It's like the chicken and the egg. Which came first--the herpes or the stress?" Nevertheless, for many people, trying to avoid their triggers seems to work for them, says Ashley.

Stress is a "huge factor" in triggering outbreaks for Pat Adams of Washington, D.C. Adams has had genital herpes for about 20 years. "Anything I can do to calm myself down during a stressful period and take better care of myself can help," says Adams. She finds that a good diet and exercise help her to keep the virus in check. For natural Homeopathic Relief to attack Herpes Symptoms click here

Asymptomatic Shedding

In many instances, people with genital herpes know the virus is active because they have symptoms, such as lesions. But this isn't always the case.

The herpes virus can become active without causing symptoms. During these times, small amounts of the virus are present on the skin, often at the place of first infection. This reactivation without symptoms, known as "asymptomatic shedding," may also occur in rectal tissue or in fluids from the penis and vagina.

"Even if you're asymptomatic, you can transmit the virus," says Stanka Kukich, M.D., a medical team leader in the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. In fact, studies have shown that most people get HSV from sexual contact during times of asymptomatic viral shedding.

Researchers have found that people with HSV-2 genital herpes tend to have more shedding than those with HSV-1. In addition, people with new infections are more likely to shed the virus than those with an infection more than a year old. Those with frequent recurrences may also shed the virus more often, but this is still an area being studied.

Transmission and Prevention

Genital herpes is spread only through direct skin-to-skin contact or mucous membrane contact. It can be transmitted through penile-vaginal intercourse, anal intercourse, oral-genital sex, and other sexual body-to-body contact.

To reduce the risk of transmitting genital herpes, people who have the virus should avoid sexual contact from the time they first feel any symptoms until their lesions are completely healed. During times when there are no symptoms, using latex male condoms for genital-to-genital contact reduces the risk of transmission, according to the American Social Health Association. But condoms are only effective if they cover or prevent contact with the area of the body that has a lesion or active virus.

In one study of more than 400 monogamous couples in which one partner had genital herpes and the other didn't, condoms were found to offer significant protection against HSV-2 infection in women, says study leader Anna Wald, M.D., medical director of the virology research clinic at the University of Washington in Seattle. Since women shed the virus from a wide genital area, condoms may be less protective for men than for women, says Wald, whose study was published in the June 27, 2001, issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. However, more studies are needed to address how well condoms work for men, she says.

Lambskin or other natural membrane condoms should not be used for disease protection because the naturally occurring pores in the material are large enough to allow some viruses to pass through. The FDA recommends latex condoms or polyurethane condoms for those sensitive to latex.

Partners can be infected with different strains of herpes, but are highly unlikely to reinfect each other, says Ashley. Even if they did, each person's symptoms are unlikely to change. "You're not going to be suddenly having twice the attacks because you have [your partner's] strain too."

The virus is not transmitted through the air, nor are there any documented cases of a person getting genital herpes from an inanimate object such as a toilet seat or hot tub. "Herpes doesn't do well in chlorinated water," says Ashley. "The virus can be present in a hot tub, but it won't be active." The virus doesn't survive well in the environment, even on a wet towel, says Ashley. However, she advises to avoid sharing razors, especially with someone who has an active cold sore. The virus can be transmitted from the razor to the skin. Other viruses, such as hepatitis C, also can be transmitted by sharing razors.

Spreading herpes from one part of your body to another (autoinoculation) is possible, but unusual. To be safe, wash your hands with soap if you touch a herpes sore.

Treatment

Although there is no cure for genital herpes, there are medications that significantly reduce the frequency and duration of outbreaks and have few side effects in most people.

In 1985, the FDA approved Zovirax (acyclovir), the first genital herpes drug, which is now available in a generic form. More recently, the FDA approved two other drugs to treat genital herpes: Famvir (famciclovir) and Valtrex (valacyclovir).

All three of these oral antiviral drugs can be taken either episodically--when a person has an outbreak or feels one coming on, or suppressively--daily to help prevent the recurrence of outbreaks. Acyclovir and valacyclovir are also FDA-approved to treat an initial episode of genital herpes to help heal the lesions and to lessen the pain.

When taken episodically at the first sign of a tingling or itching sensation, an antiviral drug may prevent an outbreak altogether. "Once an outbreak occurs, if the treatment is started soon enough, the drugs can lessen the severity and shorten the healing time," says the FDA's Kukich. When taken suppressively, the drugs don't always prevent outbreaks, but help them to occur less frequently.

All three of the drugs work by interfering with DNA synthesis to prevent the virus from reproducing, says Kukich. Famciclovir and valacyclovir, which are better absorbed by the body, can be taken less often than acyclovir. For natural Homeopathic Relief to attack Herpes Symptoms click here

Diagnosing Genital Herpes

Herpes can be detected by a viral culture of a lesion, if one is present, or a blood test. Ashley recommends both methods.

With a viral culture, a doctor swabs a lesion to pick up cells, puts the swab in a special solution, and sends it to a lab for growing and analyzing.

Although a doctor may recognize a herpes lesion by examining it, a viral culture will confirm the presence and type of HSV, says Ashley. Once they know whether they have HSV-1 or HSV-2, people have a better idea of how often they will have recurrences.

But viral cultures do have their drawbacks. If the lesion has started to heal (usually 48 hours after its appearance), the swab may not pick up enough virus and the culture result will be a "false negative." (False positives in cultures are rare.)

A blood (serology) test can be used to confirm a negative culture. It can also be used to diagnose herpes in a person who has no symptoms, who has genital irritation but isn't sure it's herpes, or who has a sexual partner with herpes and wants to find out if he or she has already become infected.

"Diagnosing whether someone has herpes or not is quickly done by a serology test because once you've become infected, an immune-competent [healthy] individual will develop antibodies to the herpes that is infecting them," says Thomas Simms, a biologist in the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health.

Herpes antibodies will usually show up in the blood several weeks after a person first becomes infected. Some blood tests can determine the type of herpes infection, but cannot indicate whether the herpes is oral or genital. So people without symptoms may not know for certain if their herpes is oral or genital.

There are currently two FDA-cleared blood tests that accurately determine if a person is infected with HSV-1 or HSV-2, the HerpeSelect ELISA Kits and the HerpeSelect Immunoblot Kit made by Focus Technologies of Herndon, Va.

Another blood test is the Western Blot. Although not 100 percent accurate, the Western Blot is considered the "gold standard" of blood tests and is used to determine the accuracy of other herpes blood tests that are developed. The University of Washington is the premier institution for performing and interpreting the test. 

Many older FDA-cleared blood tests for herpes are still on the market, and many labs use these tests because they are widely available and inexpensive. Although they may be labeled type-specific (can determine whether the infection is HSV-1 or HSV-2), they are not reliable, says Simms.

But it's difficult for people to make sure they are getting one of the newer, accurate tests, says Wald. Doctors and even lab workers may not know what test they're using. "The patient needs to ask, but it's a very tall order. It will take a significant amount of work on their part and phone calls to the lab themselves."

This is where a herpes support group can help, says Adams, who facilitates a group called HELP of Washington. "We keep a list of doctors who are up to speed, knowledgeable, and know what the right tests are." For natural Homeopathic Relief to attack Herpes Symptoms click here

The Emotional Impact

For many people, the social and emotional distress of having herpes is far worse than the physical symptoms of the disease, especially upon first discovering they have been infected.

Adams knows this well. After some marital difficulties and a separation, Adams and her husband reunited. But their tenuous relationship was further strained when he brought genital herpes back to the marriage. "It hurt our chances of getting back together," says Adams. The relationship ended in divorce.

The doctor who diagnosed Adams wasn't very understanding, she says. "I really felt betrayed on all counts." Adams found understanding and information from the herpes support group that she now helps facilitate. "It always hurts to see someone feel so worthless and angry at the world," she says. "We see people who say 'I haven't told anyone. I haven't dated in five years.' This virus has taken over their whole life. We let them see that we're OK. We all lead normal, happy lives."

Adams, who used to have painful outbreaks every month, now has them rarely. She keeps an antiviral drug in her medicine chest just in case, but hardly ever has to use it. "I'm a firm believer that attitude is all-important. If you're upset about it and you think about it all the time, you're going to have outbreaks. Once you realize this isn't going to kill you, at that point you feel stronger and your whole immune system gets stronger."

"The hardest thing about having genital herpes is having to tell someone," says Adams. Like many people with herpes, Adams believes it's important to tell a new partner about the disease before having sexual relations.

"People should have a right to make an informed decision," says STD clinic owner Warren. "The consequences of not telling are not only possibly infecting a person with a disease that they don't want, but the question of trust comes up. What else haven't you told them about yourself? Our experience indicates that far more people accept sexual partners with herpes than reject them."

The first time Phinney told someone, it didn't go well. He hadn't had the virus long and he was very distraught. "I transferred some of my anxiety about herpes to that person," he says. After learning more about herpes and accepting his condition, Phinney was more at ease with telling. "I don't think the words or the setting are very important. I think the single most important thing was being well-educated and comfortable with my own condition."

When Phinney told Karen, now his wife, he still faced several fears--"The fear of infecting someone else and also facing the possibility that someone I was interested in and wanted to be in a long-term monogamous relationship with would reject me."

But Karen was very accepting and willing to put things in perspective, says Phinney. "She came with me to support group meetings. She told us [the group] that she had decided that I was the person she wanted to spend the rest of her life with and although she didn't want to get herpes ... it wasn't something that was an insurmountable block to establishing a relationship."

Phinney was on suppressive antiviral therapy when he met Karen and he continues to stay on it. He has not had an outbreak in over a year. In the couple's six years together, there is no evidence that Karen has been infected. "We're operating on the presumption that by keeping my outbreaks in check, we're reducing the probability of my infecting her."

Phinney's presumption is the subject of ongoing studies. Researchers have found that daily doses of antiviral herpes drugs reduce asymptomatic shedding, but whether this suppressive therapy can help prevent transmission is not yet known.

Another area of long-time study is a herpes vaccine. No vaccine has been shown to be effective in human studies, but researchers continue to work toward that end.

In the meantime, learning about the disease and talking openly with a partner can help people with herpes take control of their lives. "Once they understand it and recognize it, control is a lot easier," says Ashley. "Over time, it becomes a nuisance rather than a mind-altering and life-changing event."

---

 

Herpes and Newborns

A mother with genital herpes can easily deliver a healthy baby. And most can have a normal vaginal delivery. Less than 0.1 percent of infants born in the United States each year get infected with genital herpes during birth, according to the American Social Health Association.

A mother who was infected with herpes prior to getting pregnant passes herpes antibodies on to her fetus, protecting it from becoming infected with the virus. After birth, as the baby develops its own immune system, it loses these antibodies.

The danger period is late in pregnancy. The greatest chance of delivering a baby infected with herpes occurs in women who first become infected with genital herpes in the last trimester, says Zane Brown, M.D., professor of obstetrics at the University of Washington in Seattle. "The mother doesn't have time to build up antibodies."

For newborns infected with herpes, the consequences are devastating. "More than 40 percent die or have severe brain damage," says Brown.

Brown recommends a cesarean section if the primary infection is in the latter half of the pregnancy, or if the mother with long-standing genital herpes has any symptoms of genital herpes at the time of labor. He also recommends that all expectant mothers get a type-specific blood test for herpes in the first trimester of pregnancy. If negative for both HSV-1 and HSV-2, her partner should be tested. If the partner has herpes, sexual contact that could put the mother at risk of acquiring genital herpes should be avoided in the last trimester of pregnancy.

For several months after birth, infants are at risk for getting herpes. People with oral herpes (cold sores) should avoid kissing the baby. Wearing a mask over the cold sore when around the baby is recommended.

If a baby is infected with herpes, early treatment is critical. The FDA has approved the drug acyclovir in injectable form to treat infants with herpes.

Diabetes and Hair Loss

Diabetes and Hair Loss: Don’t Lose Your hair Because of Diabetes. Quite often, significant hair loss can alert an individual to the possibility of the development of diabetes. If an individual is losing hair in larger than normal quantities, and the loss does not appear to be common pattern hair loss, evaluation by a medical professional would be warranted. The reason is this: diabetes is a disease that is hormonal related, and this imbalance can often be seen first in loss of hair. The links between [tag-tec]hair loss and diabetes[/tag-tec] are as follows:

1. Diabetes causes poor blood circulation. Poor blood circulation can affect the ability of hair follicles to operate normally. Under normal conditions, hair grows for 2-6 years; then it goes into a period of dormancy, and eventually it dies and falls out as a new strand is produced in the follicle to push it out. When blood circulation is poor, the follicle is not producing a new strand as normal, the old strand dies and falls out, and there is no replacement hair. Further, strands tend to die and fall out more quickly when blood circulation to the head area is poor. Therefore, more hair falls out and is not replaced, creating much thinner hair.

2. Diabetics are more susceptible to skin conditions, and skin conditions on the scalp can cause hair loss. Both bacterial and fungal infections of the scalp can interrupt the normal growth process of hair.

3. The medication often prescribed and taken for diabetes can interrupt the normal cycle of hair growth. More often, this is reversed as the body adjusts to the medication, but anyone beginning medications should be aware of this.

4. Diabetes causes both physiological and psychological stress and anxiety. Stress and anxiety are direct factors in hair loss. Dehydration is a factor as well. When coupled with stress, it can be a killer for hair.If you have hair loss related to diabetes, here are some helpful suggestions: a. Wait to see if the condition will right itself once you have been on your medication for some time. This may take a few or more months. b. Keep your body hydrated. Eight glasses (8 0z. each) should be consumed daily, no matter what other liquids you consume. c. Exercise regularly. Exercise increases blood circulation, and your head will be a recipient of that increased circulation. Your follicles will love you for it. d. Try Yoga or some other form of relaxation to relieve stress and anxiety. Diabetes is a significant diagnosis and a life-changing illness. Follow your physician’s instructions carefully and continue to do those things that you know are good for your general health. Hair health is affected by all that you do and consume. For more information visit: Diabetes and Hair Loss

Hair Loss and what you can do about it

Hair Loss Help : How Much Can I Lose and Still Be Me?

Hair loss sufferers wake up in the morning and check their pillows for amounts of hair that have fallen out. Hair loss sufferers check their combs and brushes after every use and try to count the number of hairs contained therein. Hair loss sufferers put on their glasses and check the number of hairs in the shower or sink after each wash. Hair loss sufferers grow anxious, nervous, and scared. How much will go today, and how soon will I begin to look bald to others? They worry about the impressions they will make on bosses, future bosses, friends, co-workers, and even strangers who see them in public places. What a horrible way to live!If hair loss is beginning to be a daily worry for you, do something about it! Check with your physician to ensure that there is not some physiological cause which can be remedied. Some diseases have hair loss as early symptoms, and certainly you want to know if you are diabetic and suffering from Lupus. Bacterial and fungal infections can cause hair loss, and can certainly be cured. Worry, anxiety, stress, and major life traumas can cause it. Surgery can cause it. Pregnancy can cause it. All of these are either temporary or controllable, and that should bring you relief.If, however, you are among the millions of adults who are simply the products of your heredity and/or hormones, you must look in other directions. 1. First and foremost, take care of your body with good diet and exercise. These things affect hair health and can slow down the loss of your hair. 2. Find ways to reduce stress and anxiety. Exercise, Yoga, meditation, etc. are good activities for this. 3. Take care how you treat your hair. Do not pull at it, comb or brush it harshly, or use harsh shampoos. Reduce use of colorants and other harsh chemicals. Try to manipulate your hair as little as possible. Reduce the use of blow dryers and curling irons. 4. Investigate and experiment with the wide variety of products available to reduce hair loss. The earlier in life you begin this investigation and experimentation, the better your results will be. Products like Provillus, for example, should be used with the first signs of more than normal hair loss. 5. Try natural remedies, such as Saw Palmetto(primarily for men), essential oils and herb solutions. These are available at health/nutrition retailers or on many Internet sites. Again, you will have to experiment to find what works best for you. Every body is unique and will respond differently to different treatments.Whatever the level of your hair loss, if it bothers you, you owe it to your own peace of mind and well-being to explore your options. Do it early on and find what is right for you. For more information visit: Hair Loss Help

How Does Diabetes Effect Dental Health?

Diabetes is a major contributor to gum disease, which in turn leads to tooth decay if action is not taken early. Diabetes makes it difficult for the mouth's immune system to function properly, and the mouth becomes a prime breeding ground for germs. Conversely, it is believed that gum disease will make diabetes harder to control. This is because the germs that cause gum disease also produce a substance that changes how the cells process carbohydrate. Some researches also indicate that the bacteria responsible for gum diseases increases blood glucose levels as well as insulin resistance in the body.

Diabetics who do not properly manage their blood glucose level are at an increased risk of developing dental problems. If your sugar levels are all over the place, you will not produce enough saliva, and the amount of sugar in your mouth will also increase. The resulting condition of your dry mouth can lead to ulcers, infections, and tooth decay. Monitoring and maintaining the proper blood glucose levels for your body is important, especially to prevent oral problems.

Because people with diabetes generally have poor blood circulation, they may not feel any pain or discomfort until their dental problems are at an advanced stage. As such, the diabetic should examine their mouths and look for any of the following:

• Tender or swollen gums
• Bleeding whenever brushing or flossing teeth
• Pus oozing from gums
• Teeth that seem to be longer than normal or seem to be moving away from each other
• For denture wearers, look out for loosely fitting pieces or dentures that no longer fit the way they used to

Diabetics who are not in control of their sugar level will find that, over time, they will get severe toothaches. This happens because the blood flow to the gums is reduced.  The ramifications to toothaches are obvious - you will not be able to chew properly due to pain. If you cannot chew, you may be tempted to skip meals or not eat a well balanced meal.

If you notice any of these signs you need to see your dentist immediately. Like everyone else, the person living with diabetes must visit their dentists at least twice per year.

Whether or not you have diabetes you should develop good dental care habits. This means brushing and flossing daily.  Use a soft-bristled brush so that you reduce the chance of irritating your gums. Ideally, you should try to brush at least twice per day and once being before going to bed. Make sure to brush your gums and tongue as well. To make sure that your toothbrush is in good condition, change it every three months. Flossing once a day is also vital to good dental health. Always rinse thoroughly after flossing to remove food particles from between the teeth.

Gum disease is a large issue for many individuals but is easily preventable with proper oral hygiene. Developing and maintaining a good dental care plan is especially important to the person living with diabetes. Otherwise, tooth decay and loss can become just one more issue the diabetic has to struggle with. To avoid joining the ranks of the ninety percent of adult Americans with gum disease, the diabetic must be vigilant in taking care of their teeth and gums.

To learn more go to Diabetes Association and at Juvenile Diabetes

A Look At Controlling Diabetes

Diabetes, if not properly controlled, can result in a number of other serious health issues.  Unfortunately, if a diabetic doesn't control his disease, the damage is irreversible and there's no quick way to go back in time. Controlling diabetes means, first of all, learning all you can about the disease. Being a diabetic does not mean that life can no longer be enjoyed; it just means that you need to play a bigger role in maintaining your own health.

Controlling diabetes demands a change in lifestyle habits. Primarily, the diabetic must practice eating a healthy diet suitable for a diabetic, exercise regularly, and take their medication as prescribed by their health-care practitioner. One of the biggest changes someone with diabetes must face concerns the food they eat. You must now plan each meal carefully, looking at serving sizes, type of food, and cooking methods.  The diabetic should eat a well-balanced diet consisting of foods from the main food groups:

• Starch / carbohydrates
• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Meat / fish
• Dairy - yogurt and milk

Routines are important to the diabetic. He or she needs to ensure that meals are eaten and medication taken to keep sugar levels normal. In addition to eating and taking medication at the same time each day, the diabetic must learn what quantities of the various foods they should have at each meal. The calories needed for each person will vary depending on age, general health, and whether or not the individual is active.

Exercise

Keeping fit and exercising has been proven to play a role in controlling blood sugar levels and the overall health of the diabetic. In addition, if you are overweight, a dangerous state for the diabetic, exercise will help you shed pounds, thus reducing the risks posed by the diseases.

Other lifestyle changes

Other lifestyle changes necessary to maintain good health include controlling your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. In addition, reducing your stress will lead to a healthier you. If you smoke, it is advisable that you stop smoking as it increases the risk of complications from the disease. The diabetic should also have their eyes checked at least annually because of other health issues arising from the condition. Foot care is also important as poor blood circulation frequently leads to amputations. However, if you pay attention to changes and minor cuts, you can save yourself lots of heartache.

Controlling diabetes means knowing what the disease is and how to treat it effectively. The best sources of information include support groups where you can share and learn from others with diabetes and their caregivers. These groups also provide an outlet for discussing the emotional roller-coaster ride people with diabetes face. With knowledge, you will be better able to understand why you need to eat a certain way and why exercise is important in controlling the disease, instead of having diabetes control you. Get help to monitor your glucose levels if you find the task unpleasant, although with time you will find it little more than a necessary annoyance.

To learn more go to Diabetes Drugs and at Juvenile Diabetes

Does The History Of Herbal Medicine Prove It Is Effective?

The history of herbal medicine literally goes back to the beginning of civilization. and although it is really impossible to know exactly when herbal medicine history first began, archaeological remains from early civilizations have revealed that plants were used in burials as well as in various other types of rituals.

In comparison, modern medicine only started around 300 years ago, from around the end of the industrial revolution, prior to that Herbal medicine was the only form of medicine known to man., and it was considered as being an integral part of the overall development of civilization. Herbs have been used by all cultures throughout history, and much of the medicinal use of plants seems to have been developed through observations of wild animals and as well by trial and error.

How To describe Herbal Medicine?

As there are many varied civilizations around the world so there are many different types of natural medicine that use herbs as a part of their practice, and herbal medicine is considered as being a type of approach that uses plant or plant-derived preparations in order to treat, prevent or cure various different health conditions and ailments.

This has changed, today, herbal medicine is considered as being a complementary type of therapy, one which uses plants or plant extracts in order to treat illness. There are also many well-established medicines that come from plants, for instance morphine, which comes from poppies, aspirin and willow bark and which is used quite commonly in the modern day.

It is recommended that before you take any herbal medicine yourself, you should be aware of the herbal medicine history and as well you should make a consultation to see an herbalist. This first consultation will typically take around an hour to complete, and during this time they will ask you various questions about your health, including your medical and family history, lifestyle and emotional state.

Understanding The Importance of Herbal Medicine History

Understanding the importance behind herbal medicine history, namely that by understanding the history you will be able to make better use of the various different herbs that are available at your disposal. Herbs offer a variety of benefits that you can use to add to your life, and so you should definitely incorporate them as much as possible.

By studying the history of herbal medicine along with the relevant uses you will be in a better position to discuss with professional naturopaths and herbalists what herbs are best suited for your requirements. With more and more modern research being carried out on herbal medicines, there is a realization of their complimentary nature. Herbal medicines are now becoming recognized by modern medicine as a valuable adjunct to the overall healing process.

Basics of the Perricone Diet

The focus of the Perricone diet i.e. the diet plan set by renowned dermatologist Dr. Nicholas Perricone is on looking younger and increasing longevity rather than on bringing about weight loss. These are a host of benefits that such diet plan provides. Here are the commonly observed gains reaped by resorting to the diet plan-

 

• Decreasing of inflammation in all organ systems of the body.
• Improving body metabolism.
• Improving the heart condition and making it resistant to diseases.
• Improving bone density.
• Bringing about a rejuvenation of the immune system.
• Decreasing the risk of cancer.
• Helping in repairing the skin.
• Helping to bring weight loss.

These are significant health benefits indeed and these account for the popularity of the diet plan the world over. People following it have been acclaiming the Perricone diet plan and have been recommending it to others too.

 

The Perricone diet plan basics

 

The Perricone diet is set based on Dr. Nicholas Perricone’s Inflammation Theory of Aging that points out that the food that is eaten by us leads to inflammations being caused and it is this inflammation that leads to aging. Just as in case of other fad diets there is a ‘villain’ in case of Perricone diet too. The ‘villain’ or ‘culprit’ that is to be dealt with/combated by the Perricone diet is inflammation.

 

Inflammations or the swellings are the causative factors of wrinkles, acne and other skin problems. These are the causes of a number of other medical problems too. The root cause of the inflammations or swellings lies in taking in the wrong foods. It is the bad or wrong choices of foods that are directly responsible for the wrinkles, degenerative diseases etc. as also of the hastening of the aging process.

 

According to Dr. Nicholas Perricone, by adhering to the diet schedule as set by him- following his diet and regimen of supplements and lotions the process of aging can actually be reversed. The Perricone diet assures to make anyone look younger within a time period of even just three days.

 

It must be remembered that the Perricone diet is a costly diet and requires strict adherence. The diet classifies inflammatory foods as the ones that include high carbohydrate and high glycerin items. Bread, pasta and sugar or sugar containing foods are some common inflammatory foods. As per the diet plan such foods ought to be totally excluded from the diet for a continuous period of 28 days and in their place anti inflammatory food items like salmon, avocado, berries etc. are to be taken in. This will ensure better health and will benefit the skin too. So, a healthier and more attractive body and skin is what is achieved by having recourse to the Perricone diet.

 

Some Perricone diet suggestions seem sensible and rest on accepted scientific bases while others may seem not explanatory enough. However, though the diet is unproven to a large extent yet its benefits being apparent qualifies it as a worthy diet plan to follow.  

 

Foods That Help Indigestion: Making Healthy Choices

Our lifestyles seem to have taken on an ever increasing pace of activity, we all seem to be working harder and longer hours, rushing our meals absorbing the stresses of the world and are therefore suffering from heartburn and indigestion in far greater numbers..

Though there are many different potential causes of indigestion.  The main culprit responsible for most cases of indigestion is our frantic lifestyle and behavioral choices.  These factors are ones that can be controlled and changed—that is, once they have been identified.

By identifying foods that help to relieve  indigestion, as well as those foods that cause indigestion, you will be able to make healthier choices that will lead us to prevention of the on set of heartburn.

Which Foods Help Indigestion?

There are certain foods that help indigestion.  Eating these foods can not only help indigestion, but they can also prevent it before it occurs.  Dairy products, such as milk and yogurt, are known for being foods that help indigestion.  Mixing honey in your milk can also prevent symptoms of indigestion.

Neutral Foods

Some foods are neutral in terms of indigestion—they don’t contribute to it, but they don’t protect against it either.  Examples of such foods include: apples, bananas, broccoli, carrots, peas, skinless chicken, extra-lean ground beef, London Broil, low-fat soy cheese, feta or goat cheese, fat-free sour cream, corn bread, pretzels, graham crackers, rice cakes, multi-grain or white bread, baked potato chips, licorice, and jelly beans.

Foods That Promote Indigestion

While there are some foods that help indigestion, there are also other foods that only contribute to it.  Knowing which foods cause indigestion is perhaps even more important than knowing which foods help indigestion, because being aware of the foods that contribute to it means that it will be easier for you to avoid them or replace them with more suitable foods.

Here is a list of foods that are known to contribute towards producing indigestion.

It is important to avoid coffee, tea, sodas, and other caffeinated or carbonated drinks.  Additionally, citrus fruits and juices are known to cause indigestion due to their acidity.  Alcohol, tobacco, chocolate, peppermint, pickled foods, tomatoes, tomato-related products, and all fried or fatty foods can be linked to indigestion.

Though these foods are the most common culprits of indigestion, everyone is different and thus might have a different food that triggers indigestion within them. Listen to what your body is telling you—if you experience symptoms of indigestion after eating a certain food, then you should avoid that food in the future.

No More Excuses

Modern lifestyle makes it too easy to indulge in the wrong foods, but knowing what role different foods play in your diet can be eye opening for most of us.  For those who have ignored the health consequences of their poor food choices, knowing about foods that help indigestion and foods that cause indigestion means that they have no more excuses to live an unhealthy life and therefore suffering from the pains of heartburn.

When Should You Have An Eye Care Exams

Being your windows to the world it is important to keep your eyes in good condition. Remember your eyes are subject to wear and tear be it from the ultra violet rays of the sun, pollution and dust in the air, transmittable diseases or stress from looking at a computer screen all day.

We all regularly go to our family doctors for a physical exam to check how our overall health is.  The minority take their health for granted. Why is it then that many of us exclude our eye sight from the annual checkup? To guarantee healthy and normal vision, an annual visit to your eye doctor for your eye care exam is important.

Our brain receives sensory information from our eyes giving us a clear picture of our surrounds. Therefore keeping them in optimum shape will ensure proper signals being received by the brain insuring consequential action and reactions. If your vision is deteriorating your life performance will be affected.

We recommend that eye care exams should start from a very early age, that is even babies of 2-6 months should have their eyes checked to correct any abnormalities, while children entering primary school and again when entering secondary school should also have eye care exams which will detect any vision problems allowing corrective action to be taken to rectify the problem.

Unfortunately, as we age it becomes more important to have an eye care exam performed yearly, so that every time you visit your eye doctor they can evaluate any changes in your vision condition and help you correct any difficulties that you may have with your sight. Early diagnosis of problems will decrease the chance of severe damage to our sight.

It is proven that Elderly citizens are more susceptible to vision loss, they should be aware that the probability of having vision disorders increases with age, even though you might not be experiencing any problem, therefore you should visit your eye doctor regularly for an eye care exam.

Eye care exams are painless and informative methods for the assessment of your eyes. The eye doctors will test your visual acuity, (the clarity of your vision). During the eye care exam, the doctor will also check the muscles of the eyes, eye pressure, fluid circulation, retina and general condition of your eyes.. The routine eye examination is not painful or uncomfortable.

Doctors Who Do Eye Care Exams

Ophthalmologists are doctor’s who specialize in the comprehensive care of the eyes and visual system in the prevention of eye disease injury. They are medically trained specialists who can deliver total eye care exams, primary, secondary and tertiary care services and diagnose general diseases of the eyes.

Whereas the Optometrist is the health care professional who provides only primary care services. The services included are the comprehensive eye health and vision examinations: treatment and diagnosis of the vision disorders and eye diseases; the detection of general health problems; they prescribe the glasses, contact lenses, vision therapy, low vision rehabilitation and medications.

How Often Should You Have A Regular Eye Care Exam?

If you are having difficulties with your eyes, pain or visual disturbances or any other problem in the eyes, you should immediately make an appointment to see an eye doctor. However, if you are in good health and no known ailments, no vision problems, you can have an eye exam every two to four years provided your age is below forty.  However, for people with diabetes, you need frequent eye examinations to maintain good eye health.

The old adage "prevention is better than a cure”, so make sure you are aware of your vision and if you note any deterioration get on down and have an eye care exam.

Why Do People Ignore the Signs of Depression?

Today statistics claim that about one in four adult Americans has some form of depression or another.  However one in four adults do not see a doctor to treat the Symptoms of Depression .  Far too many ignore the symptoms and the signs and unfortunately in some cases this can lead to tragic consequences.  Why is it then that so many ignore even the most obvious signs of depression when help is just a doctor's appointment away?Ignoring the signs of depression may be because of the reasons that we mentioned above so lets explore that a little bit further. 

Gender Stigma

Even in our modern, enlightened times men are still sometimes expected to be a particular way when it comes to emotions.  They are often told to "buck up" and that it's just not very masculine to worry about your emotions and feelings.  This means that many men ignore the Symptoms of Depression because they're afraid of what other men might think.  If they are having a hard time coping with feelings of sadness, guilt, low self-esteem, a lack of confidence, and fear, they are usually prone to just swallow these feelings and ignore them.  Unfortunately these signs of depression can become very severe and interfere with a man's performance at work, his relationships at home, and with every other part of his life. 

Social Stigma

Men and women may assume that if they admit to any signs of depression then they will face social stigma from those around them.  This stigma might include anyone at work that comes into contact with their insurance information or friends and family that may hear about their treatment.  They may mistakenly assume that depression is a form of weakness or a character flaw, and if they think this way they often reason that others will think this way as well.  They may have been raised in a home where signs of depression in others were mocked and ridiculed, or were told that psychiatrists were all "quacks" and that anyone that was depressed simply needed to snap out of it.

Afraid of Treatment

Some also ignore the signs of depression for the same reason they ignore the signs of other healthy problems - they're afraid of what the doctor will tell them.  If they ignore the problem, then the problem just doesn't exist, or so they tell themselves.Groups of people sharing their childhood history as a therapy option sometimes scares people suffering with depression away from thinking they have the disease.

Whatever the reasons, it's never a good idea to ignore the signs of depression.  If left unchecked depression can lead to even more serious problems with one's physical health and personal relationships.  Some have even lost their jobs because of the unchecked symptoms.Signs of depression that you are seeing consistently should be taken to a doctor to get the care you need.

 

DepressionKnowledge.Com is a new website that has been created for you to give you all of the best and free information on all aspects of Depression. If you go to the website today, you will get a FREE EBOOK ON DEPRESSION just for stopping by. Visit DepressionKnowledge.Com today to get your FREE EBOOK on DEPRESSION!

Is Vitamin Deficiency A Cause For Temporary Hair Loss?

We all need a diet rich in vitamins, minerals and trace elements to provide us with a balanced diet for good health.

For those whose hair lines are receding the search goes on to find the cure. What they might not understand is that in most cases, it is completely normal for hair to fall out.  Permanent hair loss, or pattern baldness, occurs when genetics prevent new hair from growing sufficiently to replace the ones that fall out.

It must be recognized that there are other cases when hair loss can be a sign of a serious medical problem.  This condition is known as temporary hair loss, because genes did not predetermine the loss of hair.  A major cause of temporary hair loss is vitamin deficiency.

Are There Vitamins That Prevent Hair Loss?

Vitamins are extremely important to maintaining a healthy head of hair.  Hair loss could be caused by a deficiency of one or several vitamins in any of these nutrients.  Fortunately, all that is necessary to reverse the temporary hair loss is following a helthy diet!

For example, vitamin A promotes the healthy growth of both cells and tissue in various parts of the body, including the cells in the scalp and hair.  A deficiency in vitamin A can lead to hair loss and dandruff, especially if the deficiency occurs for an extended period of time.  We recommend that you get the vitamin A you need by consuming lots of leafy vegetables, colorful fruits, liver, eggs, and fish oil.

If you are suffering from anyone of three vitamin B deficiencies, (more specifically folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12) are important to the creation of red blood cells and hemoglobin.  The hemoglobin transports oxygen to various body tissues, including the hair cells.  A deficiency in vitamin B may cause hair loss due to the resulting reduced blood and oxygen supply to the hair.  We suggest you eat plenty of chicken, fish, whole grains, beets, and orange juice to strengthen your intake of vitamin B.

Also being deficient in biotin could cause hair loss.  Though deficiency in biotin is rare, it has been observed in some cases.  Biotin is found in select foods, it is also produced in the intestines by good bacteria.  Most people who eat a healthy diet would never experience hair loss as a result of deficiency in this vitamin.  However, if this does occur, vitamin supplements can be taken.

Is There Anything Else You Should Know?

The following vitamins and minerals are important to the growth and maintenance of hair.  These vitamins and minerals include zinc, iron, vitamin C, and copper.  If you do not receive an adequate amount of these vitamins, make sure to look for food sources rich in these vitamins and minerals or begin taking supplements.

Is It Really Thatt Easy!

If you are suffering from hair loss, you are no doubt willing to go to any extent to find a cure. For some, it’s as easy as making changes to their diet.  Wouldn’t it be great if everyone could simply change their eating habits to get the results they want to see?  

As modern medicine continues in research and development, it is not to hard to conceive that some of the hair loss treatments available today do actually work in stimulating re-growth of the hair follicles where once there was none. No individual is the same and each may react differently to different treatments therefore, it may require you to try different treatments before finding the one that works for you.

Looking For Information On Hair Loss?

Modern medicine is progressing at warp speed and intensive research is being carried out in the area of hair loss. Herewith we include some basic information on hair loss as a starting point for someone who is seeking assistance in this important personal matter.

Alopecia is The official term for hair loss and it can mean either the total or partial loss of hair. If your are suffering from hair loss you need proper hair loss information before you can accurately start treating your hair loss. There are several considerations that hair loss information will give you which you should use to determine the severity of your hair loss and also help you to understand what treatment options are available to you.

What To Consider

There is a lot of information on hair loss and first you need to determine what type of hair loss you have. Hair loss can develop gradually and it may also be patchy or it may occur all over the body. Every day nearly one hundred hair are shed from the healthy human head. An average human scalp will contain about a hundred thousand hairs. Hair will survive for about four and a half years while growing at about half an inch each month. Then in the fifth year the hair will fall out to be replaced by a new one within six months. The genetic form of hair loss results when the body fails to produce sufficient new hairs whilst being accompanied by excessive hair loss.

As people age they tend to lose the same amount of hair thickness and volume be they men or women. Men are more likely to have inherited pattern baldness then women. By the time they turn thirty about 25% of men will start to go bald and about two-thirds of men will be either completely bald or have balding patterns by the time they turn sixty. The typical pattern baldness will have a receding hairline along with thinning around the crown. If men do not have testosterone as a result of a genetic abnormality or castration then they will not develop pattern baldness since the pattern baldness needs testosterone.

Other Causes

Before assuming you have the common kinds of hair loss if is important to consider other causes of hair loss. While baldness is not typically a result of any single factor it can be related to aging, heredity and testosterone levels. Other possible causes of hair loss include hormonal changes, a serious illness, medications, excessive shampooing or blow-drying, emotional or physical stress, nervous habits, burn or parasites such as ringworm.

Other Things To Consider

Another important part of hair loss information is to determine when you need to visit your doctor. You should visit your doctor under several conditions. First is you have an atypical balding pattern. Also if you are losing hair rapidly or at an early age. If your hair loss is accompanied by any pain or itching. If you have red, scaly or otherwise abnormal skin on your scalp. If there are other acne, facial hair or menstrual irregularities. If you have bald spots on other areas of your body such as the beard or eyebrows.

Will your doctor be able to help you? If you are suffering baldness as a result of another ailment, your doctor will no doubt be able to provide you with medication to overcome these ailments and as a result you may experience hair re-growth.

If your doctor cannot diagnose any ailment that might be contributing to your hair loss he or she will probably refer you to a hair clinic for further treatment.

Bad Breath Causes and Cures- What They Don't Tell You

Eliminate Bad Breath

Bad breath (halitosis) is a common for many people and can be rather embarrassing.  Bad breath can be a big turn off for those around you and if it is a condition that you suffer from long term you may notice that people may stand back from you when talking to you.

There are many causes of bad breath with some being chronic conditions and others being short term causes. In this article we will discuss the causes of bad breath as well as the cures.

Causes of Bad Breath
One of the very common but reasonably short term causes of bad breath is eating foods that cause bad breath with the main food being garlic.  Garlic will even carry on causing bad breath for a while even after there is no trace of the garlic left in the mouth.  This is because the active ingredients are absorbed into the blood stream and are then expelled by the lungs as you breathe.

Brushing and flossing can disguise the smell a little but as long as the odour continues to be expelled as you breathe there will still be a certain amount of bad breath.  The good thing with ‘garlic breath’ is that it will fade of and your breath will return to normal usually within a few hours.

Smoking is another substance that will cause bad breath by both the taste left in the mouth as well as the expelled odour from the lungs. Smoking also affects oral hygiene and encourages gum disease which can also be a big contributing factor to bad breath.  The obvious and only way to stop bad breath caused by smoking is to give up smoking.

The most common cause of chronic bad breath is usually plaque build up which can cause small pockets to appear between the teeth and gums.  These pockets then fill up with food particles and bacteria.  Normal brushing and even flossing will not be able to clean these pockets completely and it needs to be done by a dental hygienist.

One of the main causes of bad breath is dry mouth.  Dry mouth can be caused by allergies and can also be caused by some medications such as asthma and bronchitis inhalers.  These medications can have an impact on your saliva production and actually a reduction in the amount saliva produced.  This causes your mouth to become dry and as a result there is less oxygen present which makes ideal conditions for bacteria to thrive.  The build up of bacteria in the mouth and on the tongue is what causes the bad breath. 

Another cause of bad breath is post-nasal drip which can be as a result of an allergy.  Post-nasal drip is caused by excessive mucus being produced by the sinuses which is a common reaction to allergy.  This mucus is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria growth and the bacteria will feed off this condition which will result in bad breath.  This cause will usually be accompanied by a bad taste in your mouth.

The final cause of bad breath is a possible allergy to certain foods. Food intolerance can have many different symptoms and one common symptom is the production of excess gas in the stomach.  This gas can often reflux back up and settle in the mouth causing bad breath.

In some cases bad breath can be caused by a more serious underlying condition so if the usual bad breath remedies don’t get rid of the problem then you may need to visit your doctor.

Cures for Bad Breath
There are many cures and remedies for bad breath but to get the best result it is best to try and identify the cause of the bad breath.  By attacking the cause will give you the best results.

Here are some cures that you can try for bad breath:

The first thing to do is make sure you have a good oral hygiene routine.  Brush your teeth and tongue twice a day and floss once a day. Research has shown that people that floss do have better breath than people who don’t floss.  Flossing will help to remove trapped food particles and prevent them from becoming a breeding ground for bacteria.

If you have dry mouth you may be able to get an artificial saliva substitute from your dentist.  If you have an allergy that is causing your dry mouth then it would pay to try to identify your allergen and work on avoiding that allergen.

Visit a dental hygienist regularly for a professional clean.  You should have this done every six months to make sure of no plaque build up between teeth.

Minimize the food supply for bacteria. The anaerobic bacteria that cause bad breath feed on protein rich foods. Vegetarians who eat less protein foods have much less problems with bad breath.

Using mouthwashes too often can not always be that good for you as they contain chemicals, however you can use a mouthwash of baking soda dissolved in water daily without any risk.  This is a natural remedy and is very safe to use daily and can help to keep the tongue clean and free from bacteria.  Squeezed lemon into water can also be used daily as a gargle and will prevent bad breath from reoccurring.

Adding yoghurt to your diet on a regular basis, preferably daily, can help to cure bad breath and prevent it reoccurring.  Yoghurt contains good bacteria and has a very good overall benefit for your health.

Foods rich in zinc can also help to keep bacteria under control and prevent bad breath.

All of these remedies are very good so if you have no luck with them there could be another cause that you will need to see your doctor to get diagnosed so that you can take the necessary steps to heal yourself and heal your bad breath.

Alternatively, you can learn how to identify the causes of bad breath with our Free Bad Breath Report at http://www.BadBreathKiller.com. Learn how you can get rid of bad breath today and unleash your fresh smelling breath within you!

Dummies Guide To Bad Breath Causes and Cures

Bad Breath

Bad breath (halitosis) is a common for many people and can be rather embarrassing.  Bad breath can be a big turn off for those around you and if it is a condition that you suffer from long term you may notice that people may stand back from you when talking to you.

There are many causes of bad breath with some being chronic conditions and others being short term causes. In this article we will discuss the causes of bad breath as well as the cures.

Causes of Bad Breath
One of the very common but reasonably short term causes of bad breath is eating foods that cause bad breath with the main food being garlic.  Garlic will even carry on causing bad breath for a while even after there is no trace of the garlic left in the mouth.  This is because the active ingredients are absorbed into the blood stream and are then expelled by the lungs as you breathe.

Brushing and flossing can disguise the smell a little but as long as the odour continues to be expelled as you breathe there will still be a certain amount of bad breath.  The good thing with ‘garlic breath’ is that it will fade of and your breath will return to normal usually within a few hours.

Smoking is another substance that will cause bad breath by both the taste left in the mouth as well as the expelled odour from the lungs. Smoking also affects oral hygiene and encourages gum disease which can also be a big contributing factor to bad breath.  The obvious and only way to stop bad breath caused by smoking is to give up smoking.

The most common cause of chronic bad breath is usually plaque build up which can cause small pockets to appear between the teeth and gums.  These pockets then fill up with food particles and bacteria.  Normal brushing and even flossing will not be able to clean these pockets completely and it needs to be done by a dental hygienist.

One of the main causes of bad breath is dry mouth.  Dry mouth can be caused by allergies and can also be caused by some medications such as asthma and bronchitis inhalers.  These medications can have an impact on your saliva production and actually a reduction in the amount saliva produced.  This causes your mouth to become dry and as a result there is less oxygen present which makes ideal conditions for bacteria to thrive.  The build up of bacteria in the mouth and on the tongue is what causes the bad breath. 

Another cause of bad breath is post-nasal drip which can be as a result of an allergy.  Post-nasal drip is caused by excessive mucus being produced by the sinuses which is a common reaction to allergy.  This mucus is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria growth and the bacteria will feed off this condition which will result in bad breath.  This cause will usually be accompanied by a bad taste in your mouth.

The final cause of bad breath is a possible allergy to certain foods. Food intolerance can have many different symptoms and one common symptom is the production of excess gas in the stomach.  This gas can often reflux back up and settle in the mouth causing bad breath.

In some cases bad breath can be caused by a more serious underlying condition so if the usual bad breath remedies don’t get rid of the problem then you may need to visit your doctor.

Cures for Bad Breath
There are many cures and remedies for bad breath but to get the best result it is best to try and identify the cause of the bad breath.  By attacking the cause will give you the best results.

Here are some cures that you can try for bad breath:

The first thing to do is make sure you have a good oral hygiene routine.  Brush your teeth and tongue twice a day and floss once a day. Research has shown that people that floss do have better breath than people who don’t floss.  Flossing will help to remove trapped food particles and prevent them from becoming a breeding ground for bacteria.

If you have dry mouth you may be able to get an artificial saliva substitute from your dentist.  If you have an allergy that is causing your dry mouth then it would pay to try to identify your allergen and work on avoiding that allergen.

Visit a dental hygienist regularly for a professional clean.  You should have this done every six months to make sure of no plaque build up between teeth.

Minimize the food supply for bacteria. The bacteria that cause bad breath thrive on protein rich foods. Vegetarians who eat less protein foods have much less problems with bad breath.

Using mouthwashes too often can not always be that good for you as they contain chemicals, however you can use a mouthwash of baking soda dissolved in water daily without any risk.  This is a natural remedy and is very safe to use daily and can help to keep the tongue clean and free from bacteria.  Squeezed lemon into water can also be used daily as a gargle and will prevent bad breath from reoccurring.

Adding yoghurt to your diet on a regular basis, preferably daily, can help to cure bad breath and prevent it reoccurring.  Yoghurt contains good bacteria and has a very good overall benefit for your health.

Foods rich in zinc can also help to keep bacteria under control and prevent bad breath.

All of these remedies are very good so if you have no luck with them there could be another cause that you will need to see your doctor to get diagnosed so that you can take the necessary steps to heal yourself and heal your bad breath.

Can Medicinal Herbs Work As An Alternative To Mainline Medicine?

Why is it that modern medicine and more importantly the pharmaceutical industry have long desired to refute the claimed benefits of consuming medicinal herbs, however, there are those who believe that the healing power of herbs live on. May it be recognized that contradicting many research studies is the fact that many herbs are used in the manufacture of today’s medicine, thereby cementing the notion that medicinal herbs can be useful in protecting and curing some illnesses.

In the past testing of a medicinal herb was based on patients use to record its effects. In a simplistic wayIf the result was positive as well as repeatable, the herb was prescribed for the particular illness for which id had been used. On the other hand, if the results were singular and its effect could not be repeated, its use was discontinued and put on a list of worthless theories.

When reflecting upon these findings, many herbalists believe that requirements of the test may have been slanted. As with some conventional medicine, medicinal herbs  do not have the same effect on every patient and they believe the test groupings may have been too small to accurately depict the benefit of the medicinal herb.

It is well known that in most cases the taking of a medicinal herb usually shows no sign of ill effects, however, there are some natural herbs that can cause problems in humans. Therefore, as with modern medicine, any medicinal herb should be taken with caution and only in prescribed dosages given by a trained herbalist.

Herbs Have Generations Of History On Their Side

It is believed that the Chinese were the first to use any medicinal herb for treating illnesses. In fact there are medical journals that date back around 5000 years listing various known herbal medications, it has also been discovered that ancient Greece and Egypt counted the medicinal herb as an important part of health care, thousands of yeards ago. Many of the herbs they used are still being used by naturalists around the world and many are also marketed for the specific ailments for which they have been used back then.

It is regrettable that the use of medicinal herbs has been a cause of concern for many medical professionals due to the lack of control over their use in over the counter products sold in many drug stores and health stores. Owing to the lack of control in the manufacturing process of these herbal medicines, the claim is that mixing certain herbs and other natural products may cause side effects of which the consumer is unaware..

Let us take as an example, of one of the medicinal herbs used today, is red clover, which grows wild in many parts of the country. It is claimed to have healing tendencies for skin ailments such as eczema and psoriasis as well as chronic degenerative diseases and dry cough. Unfortunately, there is little information concerning the proper dosage and application of the clover to achieve the most benefits. Irrespective of the innumerable documented successful  treatments of cases of eczema, psoriasis etc modern medicine still refuses to recognize that medicinal herbs do have healing qualities preferring to promote the products of large pharmaceutical companies instead.

Are Genital Warts An STD?

Genital warts are the most common STD. If you have it you’re not alone. There are many other males going through the same thing you’re going through. Male genital warts are not only very stressful for the sufferer but they are ugly, which further increases the levels of stress. They are highly infectious and can be transmitted to other sexual partners by mere contact of the skin.

For those already suffering from male genital warts, consider yourself fortunate, treatment is available and will make living with them a little more bearable. The first thing to do is to consult your doctor about your problem. Don’t be embarrassed, the thing to keep in mind is that, for your own peace of mind, get your self treated. But more importantly think of the sexual health of all your future partners. If you need another reason to seek treatment, remember this,if left untreated, male genital warts can cause more serious problems, such as cancer. So make sure you get treated as soon as possible by visiting your doctor.

How Is Genital Warts Spread?

Genital warts are  highly contagious even in the early stages, when they are not visible to the naked eye. That’s what’s so important to learn. You may not even know you have it and be spreading it around infecting others, who may infect others again.  Male genital warts can be spread from direct physical contact with the skin. You would need a microscope to see them. However, they may be there just the same and they can be contagious.

What is the best way to prevent spreading male genital warts? The use of a condom each and every time you have sex. However, even condoms may not prevent the spread of the disease. That’s why it’s so important to get male genital warts treated, if you are sexually active and you do feel that you have them.

If you note changes that may indicate you have male genital warts, it’s imperative that you get checked out by your doctor right away. He or she will be the one to determine if you do in fact have the disease. If you do, there are treatment options. You can have the warts burned off with a laser, or they can be frozen off by using liquid nitrogen. Either of these procedures may leave scarring, however slight, but they are great ways to get rid of the genital warts. There are also creams and other treatments that still may be available from the major drug companies that can help you. You should ask your doctor about these because, while they may not work for everyone, they may work for you.

It is important to keep in mind that you’re not alone. Male genital warts affects many men. And it can lead to cancer if not treated effectively. So if your intuition tells you that  you may have contacted male genital warts, don’t waste another minute. Get yourself checked out so that you can get rid of this unsightly and embarrassing sexually transmitted disease once and for all.

What exactly is Reiki

Reiki energy works in concert with all other forms of therapy. It is a wonderful complement to other treatments. Reiki has become very popular and is now practiced around the world, although not usually in the traditional form Takata taught. Reiki practitioners usually seek this level of training when they are interested in increasing the power and scope of their Reiki practice. They have been attuned to Reiki Levels I and II, they have used Reiki extensively, and they wish to attain true mastery of the uses of Reiki energy, usually they learn also reading many Reiki Books and have an extense use of Reiki Stones.

Reiki distance treatments are learned advanced techniques for transferring Reiki energy to a distant time or location. Although we do not understand either the energy or how it works, there is considerable evidence that Reiki is able to travel independent of time or distance to deliver healing. Reiki is an amazingly simple technique to learn. It does not take years of practice, it is simply passed on through a series of attunements from a qualified Reiki Master/Teacher to the student. Reiki is a system for channeling that energy to someone for the purpose of healing. Usui in the late 1800's.

Reiki accomplishes this by providing the recipient enough energy to step above (metaphorically) to see all that and have the courage to let go. This usually does not happen consciously as a result of Reiki, but sometimes it does happen that Reiki gives the recipient the conscious awareness of the pattern and recognizing where it came from. Reiki Mastership programs are conducted only upon request by Reiki Practitioner who feels that they are ready for more responsibility and growth. And to be a master of their own destiny. Reiki directs healing to the areas of the person that will most benefit from it. It has been known to alleviate symptoms to such an extent that it initiates and helps to sustain periods of complete symptom remission.

Reiki helps to reinstate and balance out the flow of the life energy at all levels. When the life energy flows correctly, it is much easier to take up the task of living life as we would desire to. Reiki heals on all levels-Spiritual, mental, physical and emotional (as well as other levels of which we are unaware consciously). Utilizing this unique system, the practitioner and recipient are healed simultaneously. Reiki Level III will teach you to heal on the spiritual level, and I will use another attunement to confer the Reiki energy, and complete a detoxification process.If you achieve this level, you will be taught how to initiate others into Reiki using the attunement process.

Reiki has a somewhat unique history. The many books on Reiki give similar histories of Reiki, and these are summarized below. Reiki also works on plants, animals, and even some machines. Over time it can enhance intuition, meditation and personal spiritual evolution. Reiki has gone on from strength to strength now being practiced worldwide.

Why does pregnancy cause low back pain?

Lower back pain can be a terrible halt in day-to-day events for a pregnant woman. If you have ever seen a pregnant woman you will have noticed her often rubbing her painful back. Along with rubbing her belly, which stands out more than ever before, putting a hand to her sore back is a natural motion while pregnant. The obvious cause of lower back pain is the biomechanical stress being placed on the mother by the added weight of her baby. As the baby gains weight, the mother is pulled forward.

The back is more likely to hurt during pregnancy due to the extra weight?

There are numerous reasons for increased lower back pain during pregnancy. First, the body produces hormones in different amounts than usual during pregnancy. One of the major hormones the body makes is called relaxin. Yes, it really is called that. It is the hormone that helps the ligaments and pelvic joints to ease up and allow the baby to get through the birth canal. But it doesn’t just relax things at the end of the pregnancy, but relaxes them throughout the pregnancy resulting in the funny waddle that pregnant women tend to do when they walk.

Also, with the uterus getting bigger, it changes the womans balance. She has to be more careful when she exercises, even when walking, and get used to balancing differently. While she goes about her usual day, the ligaments holding her uterus are relaxing and pulling on her spine and muscles. These muscles are not designed to carry the extra weight of the uterus, so the spine and back muscles help with the weight. Hence, lower back pain during pregnancy! Getting moderate exercise while pregnant can help protect her from lower back muscle pain and make her more comfortable overall. Pelvic tilts, a standard exercise suggested during pregnancy, helps eliminate lower back pain, whether done while standing or while on all fours.

The woman can also avoid lower back pain while pregnant by having good posture. Obviously, having the bowling ball or watermelon out front changes her balance, but she can still stand up straight, with her shoulders back. It’s fine to have her belly protruding out in front while she smiles and walks with pride!

If she already has a child or two, she must be extra vigilant about not picking them up using her back. She should not bend at her waist , but use her legs to lift herself down and back up instead. Same thing goes for when she picks things up off the floor (if she can not get someone else to do it), she should squat to reach them and use her legs to get back up. This will preserve her back and protect her from lower back pain during pregnancy.

Are There Advantages In Yoga For Pregnant Women

There are many reasons to take a yoga class, but the main one for most Americans is to find relaxation and improve health -- not just muscular, but cardiovascular and mental health as well. Yoga for pregnant women can make all the difference in the mother's mindset. When combating fatigue, weight gain, tenderness, swelling, mood swings, cravings, constipation, leg cramps and headaches, yoga practice can be the only respite.

Pregnant women practice yoga for physical benefits. For instance, yoga practice can teach techniques that will be helpful during labor, such as breathing and relieving tension around the cervix and birth canal. Additionally, prenatal physicians recommend combining a light cardiovascular exercise (like walking) with a relaxing, muscle-toning exercise (like yoga) to maintain your physique, in spite of the intense cravings and normal weight gain associated with pregnancy.

Other pregnant women practice yoga for mental benefits. For one, it can be a great support to meet other women going through the same thing you are. Also, there is much emphasis on focusing on the moment and deriving happiness from each and every day, which can be vital when your hormones are out of whack. Yoga has been known to stimulate beta-endorphins, which also brings comfort and a sense of relief.

During the first trimester, standing poses help circulation, strengthen legs and increase energy. Avoid bikram yoga classes that heat up the room or any kind of back/belly/inverted positions. In the second and third trimesters, yoga for your pregnancy will include more sitting positions and breathing techniques.

To find prenatal yoga classes, check Yoga.com. If you're looking for yoga videos you can do at home, here are some suggestions. "Yoga Zone: Postures For Pregnancy" is a good start for beginners. "Yoga Journal's Prenatal Yoga with Shiva Rea" gives you yoga for each trimester in short 15 minute segments with a guided relaxation / meditation part to help insomnia or depression. "Dr. Christine Anderson's Dynamic Prenatal Yoga" is highly recommended, with a more spiritual focus that encompasses baby bonding, energy flow, meditation, poses and 90 minutes of total preparation for the months to come. Explanations are given for beginners and modifications are discussed for seasoned yoga pros. Another great video focusing equally on movement, breath and relaxation is "Prenatal Yoga: A Complete Home Practice for a Healthy Mother and Baby," which was selected as an Editor's Pick by Fit Pregnancy magazine in 2006. On the "Yoga Journal and Lamaze present: Yoga for Your Pregnancy" DVD, prospective moms can find: part 1 featuring energizing and strengthening, part 2 featuring relaxing and rejuvenating, as well as Pranayama breathing techniques, a guided meditation segment, birthing room techniques and postnatal workout. "Tantric Yoga For Blissful Pregnancy" combines more authentic yoga practices with pregnancy-safe poses.

Perhaps more than any other form of exercise, Yoga has been around the longest. Originating in India, this popular form of exercise has been practiced around the world. Why? The physical portion of the workout is very low-impact and can be performed by anyone of any age. The same cannot be said of kick boxing classes or Jazzercise. But there is more to Yoga than just working out the body. It is also a lifestyle that can bring clarity to the mind through spiritual exercises of meditation and concentration. Are you ready to begin your path to a healthy body and mind? Click here to find out more: Yoga Clothes and at Laughing Yoga also at Yoga Sandals

How To Detect And Cure Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis?

It is widely understood that arthritis, inflammation of bone joints, is normally associated with an illness affecting people over the age of 50. Therefore it will come as a massive surprise to parents when their children are diagnosed with it. Even more surprising is the fact that approximately 300,000 children in the United States alone have some form of arthritis, and that we the public are totally unaware of this fact.

Infact, Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is the most common type of arthritis affecting around 60,000 children. Unfortunately, doctors are not yet certain as to what causes juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, however, there are indications that it is associated with  the autoimmune system, where white blood cells are unable to differentiate between normal and foreign cells. Although being dissimilar to the adult form of rheumatoid arthritis It is imperative that all parents be educated about this debilitating childrens disease..

What are the Symptoms

As you have no doubt experienced, it is quite normal for kids to complain off and on about having sore joints and it is usually put down to growing pains. However, it may actually be more. If your child develops a limp and continually complains of sore joints  associated with rashes and spikes in temperature, like fits of fever, this may indicate that juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is present. Under these conditions it is important to get him/her into the doctors surgery asap. The quicker a diagnosis is made the less damage will occur to cartilage and the joints affected by juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

Diagnosis Of the Ailment

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is easily diagnosed, there are a wide array of tests, available some of the more regular Diagnostic tools including blood tests, X-rays, and complete physical examinations are necessary. Other tests for other diseases known to be linked to juvenile rheumatoid arthritis may be performed, it is also likely that a referral to an orthopedic surgeon will be made to take samples of joint fluid for testing and further analysis. A diagnosis usually takes a number of days, upon receipt of the results of these tests, the pediatrician or doctor will work together with the orthopedic surgeon and any other medical professionals to develop a strategy to cure the child of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

Fortunately It Is Easily Treatable

In complete contrast to the adult variety which does not have any known cure, the good news for both the child suffering from juvenile rheumatoid arthritis along with the parents is that this form of the disease is easy to treat. Doctors can prescribe medication to help with the swelling and inflammation of the joints along with a referral to a physical therapist. Who design and implement a set of exercises to improve the arthritis and improve muscle stamina and joint flexibility. Regular exercise is vitally important to ensure that the child is protected against further arthritis by protecting bones and joints. Treatment actually serves two purposes:
1. to protect and repair the joints from damage , and
2. reducing or eliminating the inflammation and pain.

Unfortunately the  nature of the disease makes a child's life miserable. This disease can harm their social skills and make them irritable while hindering their physical development. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is unsettling for parents, and is likely to necessitate major changes in lifestyle to insure that their child’s overall health is ensured and wont be harmed by the disease.

Finding A Natural Cure For Irritable Bowel Syndrome

What is irritable bowel syndrome?

Are you experiencing stomach cramping and incredible pain, then you are likely to be suffering from irritable bowel syndrome. It usually causes a great deal of discomfort and distress, luckily it does not normally damage to system irreparably and can be quickly brought under control  with the use of irritable bowel syndrome nutural cures.

If you are experiencing irritable bowel syndrome you will definitely be looking for a speedy long term solution to this disorder.. You basically have two options available – conventional treatment such as prescription medications, and alternative or natural treatments such as is provided by herbs and natural supplements.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Natural Cure

When you decide to go down the road of natural cures the first thing is that you will be asked to change your diet as this simple step will give you immediate relief for the discomfort. 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.

Results show that Peppermint Oil is one of the most commonly used irritable bowel syndrome natural cures, it has shown to be incredibly effective in terms of treating digestive problems, including irritable bowel syndrome.

Hydrolyzed guar gum, is another very commonly used irritable bowel syndrome natural cure as this is a fiber that is water-soluble and has also proven to be effective at reducing constipation and diarrhea. Another positive benefit is that it 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.

If you are keen to learn more about the different irritable bowel syndrome natural cures that are available, we recommend that you get hooked up with a herbal nutritionist. The herbal nutritionist  is a health specialist who focuses exclusively on food and nutrition science, he or she will probably consider your medical history and use laboratory tests and physical examination findings before  determining how to best improve your over all health.

Luckily, finding an irritable bowel syndrome natural cure is quite easy and the recommended changes in diet should be implemented straight away. Leaving your irritable bowel syndrome untreated can cause you other complications in the long run if not treated. By following the set procedure you will relieve your symptoms and get back to living a regular life once again.

Of course, it is important to remember to continue to work closely with your doctor and herbal nutritionist even after your symptoms have begun to subside, so you can prevent the condition from reoccurring in the future.

As they say “You are what you eat”, this combined with the stresses of modern life are the primary causes of irritable bowel syndrome. Listen to your body it will tell you when oyu’ve got it right and when you’ve got it wrong, and with a few simple changes we can eradicate this condition and live healthy lives.

What are the Symptoms of Postpartum Depression

There has been much debate over the subject of Postpartum Depression these days, no small part of which are comments made by some that not only can this condition be treated by "vitamins and exercise" but by the fact that some even debate whether the condition actually exists in the first place.  If you're a new mom and think that you are experiencing postpartum depression but are afraid of talking to anyone because of what they might say, please keep reading.

The first thing to remember about any case of depression is that there are new facts being learned about it every single day.  The more scientists are able to understand about how the body and the brain work together, the more accurate they are in medical diagnoses.  Many doctors agree that postpartum depression does exist and is the result of a wide combination of factors.  A new mother is facing a surge of female hormones that often trigger emotional episodes, including depression.  Many of her body's systems are also maladjusted, and this includes some of the chemicals in the brain that regulate mood.  On top of all of these things, postpartum depression may also be caused or aggravated by her lack of sleep from having to get up and take care of the baby several times during the night.A New mom's health and emotions can really be beated up when there is a combination of these two factors!

It's thought that some cases of Postpartum Depression are more likely to strike women who are already prone to depression or who have had this condition even before becoming pregnant.  This seems like a logical conclusion; if a woman has a tendency to be overweight before becoming pregnant it's likely that she will have a more difficult time taking off the weight after pregnancy.Therefore, its like you have a condition before your pregnancy and so after your pregnancy you probably will have this problem again which is similar to how postpartum depression works.

Physical factors are not the only ones that have a role in bringing on postpartum depression but also emotions factors can play a significant role.Motherhood is shown to women as a constant state of happiness full of laughter and a love but then reality can hit a young mom with a crying baby at 2 in the morning.  This disappointment can reach the point of depression.  Or some who experience postpartum depression have expected the child to solve problems in their life, such as bringing them closer to their spouse, or making up for a lack of self-esteem, and so on.  When these things don't happen just automatically with the arrival of the baby, the mother feels angry, guilty, let down, and so on.  This too can progress to the point of postpartum depression. 

Doctors today are becoming more responsive to the condition and are more aware and alert to what it means and what may legitimately cause it.Your Doctor is the best reourse for information on how to get through the stages of postpartum depression.

DepressionKnowledge.Com is a new website that has been created for you to give you all of the best and free information on all aspects of Depression. If you go to the website today, you will get a FREE EBOOK ON DEPRESSION just for stopping by. Visit DepressionKnowledge.Com today to get your FREE EBOOK on DEPRESSION!

 

Heed The Warnings: Protect Your Skin From The Sun

Although there are several types of ultraviolet rays, two are of particular importance when discussing skin health. The first is UVB rays which are stopped at the level of the skin and the second being UVA rays which penetrate deeply into the various layers of the skin.

For over a decade we have heard endless warnings concerning the harmful rays of the sun and the development of skin cancer. In reality most individuals do not heed this warning; which is why skin cancer has in recent years become the most prevalent type of cancer in America.

One myth that seems to persist is the belief that you are safe from skin cancer if you do not allow your skin to burn. This simply is not true or is at least not the whole story. Basal cell and squamous cell cancers are related to excessive sun exposure (ie. tanning) where as melanomas are caused by sun burns.

The fact is the sun's UV rays cause considerable damage to the skin and in turn extreme aging. The radiation of the sun's rays causes the breakdown of the collagen and elastin which are proteins that is responsible for the structure of the skin. At the same time these rays disable our ability to repair the damage. This is all accomplished by the formation of free radicals, which attack not only the protein but also the skin cells DNA. This destroying of DNA is what leads to skin cancer.

The sun greatly affects the health and appearance of our skin on many levels; whether it is wrinkles, age spots, sagging, broken blood vessels or cancer, prevention is the key. This is extremely important as more than 80% of the damage to our skin actually occurs before we are twenty years of age. Although it takes several years of damage to our skin to cause wrinkles, the point of no return will be long past when your wrinkles start appearing. The sun damage we inflict on our skin is not detectable until the final results appear.

With the plethora of skin care products available there really is no excuse for negligence. Many of the products that many of us are already using are available with built in sunscreens; everything from make-up to moisturizers. These are not specialty items they are available everywhere and at every price range, it is just a matter of reading the labels. The advantage of these types of products is that you are protecting yourself at all times because many of us do not think about sunscreen unless we are heading to the beach or some other out door adventure. Remember that just because there are clouds in the sky does not mean that the radiation rays of the sun are not getting through, the sun is there everyday regardless of the forecast.

To answer all your skin care questions and concerns visit: Skin Care Products|Treatments|Facts