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Sun, September 7, 2008 12:40 pm By James Coolridge  Printer friendly version
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 Naturopathy is a complementary and alternative system of medicine that teaches a ” Way of Life”, a way closer to the nature. Nturopathy believes that the body has a natural potential to heal itself form any kind of disease and illness. It integrates the five most basic elements; namely Earth, Air, Fire, Water and the Sky, which our life is made of. This method of treatment, strengthens the body’s innate ability to heal and maintain itself. Naturopathy came in practice in the early nineteenth century in the Europe. However, the trend has largely become popular in the past few years worldwide.
Nature offers the best solution to any problem, hence the best available resources are optimally utilized in the Naturopathic system of medication. Naturopathy is an art that extensively advocates for Herbal Medicines, Homeopathy, Ayurveda, Yoga, Meditation and nutritional and lifestyle advice. It can be very useful for various unhealthy conditions such as; allergies, anxiety and depression, colds and flu, gastrointestinal and digestive disturbances, hormonal abnormalities such as menopausal symptoms, infections, respiratory conditions and various skin conditions.
The Naturopathic Doctors diagnose the entire medical history of the person and, takes in to consideration the lifestyle of the person and suggests the best healthcare option available. Naturopathy is also very much applicable to certain emergency situations such as, bites and stings, burns and sprains and strains that involve immediate first aid. Apart from medication, this system also recommends the Naturopathic Nutritions, which urges the consumption of whole and organic food as medicine, to fight diseases and health disorders from the root level.
The entire procedure revitalizes the body’s natural immune system to better respond to both internal and external stimulus. Naturopathy adopts a holistic approach in the process that solely focuses on the root cause of the illness and treats the disorder so as to bring in physical, mental and emotional wellness of the individual.
Naturopathy has already grown in to a systematic branch of medicine in various European , American and Asian countries. More and more focus is being given to this noble and efficient method of medication that does not involve costly surgery and expensive medicines. Naturopathy truly teaches a method to live a healthy, disease and anxiety free life in closer association with the nature. It has rediscovered the meaning of natural living in the modern and complex world, where diseases, pain and anxieties are a common observation. Adopt Naturopathy to get personal to the nature
Tags: treatment, medicine, Naturopathy
Sat, September 6, 2008 7:17 am By James Coolridge
 Smoking is a practice where a substance, most commonly tobacco, is burned and the smoke tasted or inhaled. This is primarily done as a form of recreational drug use, as combustion releases the active substances in drugs such as nicotine and makes them available for absorption through the lungs. Tobacco smoking is today by far the most popular form of smoking and is practiced by over one billion people in the majority of all human societies.
The effects of tobacco on health are significant, depending on the way the tobacco is used (smoked, snuffed or chewed) and the amount. Major health effects of smoking, the most common use of tobacco, include an increased risk in lung cancer and cardiovascular disease. A person’s increased risk of contracting disease is directly proportional to the length of time that a person continues to smoke as well as the amount smoked. However, if someone stops smoking, then these chances gradually decrease as the damage to their body is repaired.
Some diseases associated with smoking are
• Many forms of cancer, particularly lung cancer, cancer of the kidney, cancer of the larynx and head and neck, breast cancer, bladder, esophagus, pancreas, and stomach.
• Cardiovascular disease
• Respiratory ailments
• Birth defects of pregnant smokers’ offspring
• Cataracts that may cause blindness
• Cognitive dysfunction
• Impotence
There are two factors that will determine your success in quitting smoking for good. They are:
• Will - You must have the desire to give up your habit of smoking and create a strong will to avoid a smoking relapse.
• Mindset – You must learn about the effects of smoking, understand its consequences and face the fact that you need to stop smoking and follow, finish and maintain a quit smoking plan.
HOW TO QUIT SMOKINKG
• Cut back on cigarettes gradually. Ways to cut back gradually include: plan how many cigarettes you will smoke each day until your quit date, making the number you smoke smaller each day
• Believe in yourself. Believe that you can quit.
• Write down why you want to quit (the benefits of quitting)
• Talk with your doctor about quitting. Support and guidance from a physician is a proven way to better your chances to quit.
• Begin an exercise program. Exercise is simply incompatible with smoking.
• Find something to hold in your hand and mouth, to replace cigarettes.
Good luck in your efforts to quit smoking. It’s worth it!
Tags: Smoking, health hazards, quitting
Fri, September 5, 2008 6:52 am By James Coolridge
 Damage inflicted on the body as the direct or indirect result of an external force, with or without disruption of structural continuity is said to be an injury or wound. In other words it is the damage or harm caused to the structure or function of the body caused by an outside agent or force, which may be physical or chemical.
Injuries can be minor like a nick or major like bullet shot wounds, which may prove to be fatal. Burns, fractures, wounds, bites, toxic inhalation etc. are all common examples of injury.
Sprains and injuries are a normal part of life. If neglected might lead to infections and wounds may become septic. Hence, they should be treated immediately
HOME REMEDIES FOR SPRAINS
• Massage the area of sprain with mustard oil and then sprinkle some turmeric powder on it.
• Put 1 tablespoon of black coffee in a bandage and bandage the foot sprain.
Sprains usually occur because of excessive stretching or tearing of a ligament, which is one of those tough bands of elastic-like tissue attached to a joint.
Skin wounds or injuries, like cuts, abrasions, and punctures, are often marked by bleeding, swelling, pain, and if infected, by pus formation. Bacteria and foreign elements that penetrate the skin through the skin tear can cause infections and hamper the body’s capability to heal the wound.
REMEDIES FOR WOUNDS
A powerful natural antifungal and antibacterial remedy, grapefruit-seed extract can be used to reduce pain and promote the healing of skin wounds.
Application of old coconut oil (not fresh oil) heals wounds and burns quickly.
Ground or chewed and then applied to a wound, dandelion and chickweed leaves have been known to heal skin cuts and punctures.
Camphor (‘Kapur’ in Hindi) is powdered, pasted in ghee and applied over the affected area to relieve pain and inflammation.
Famous for its disinfecting properties, tree-tea oil applied three times day can help kill germs, dissolve pus, and heal skin wounds.
A most popular remedy to arrest bleeding in fresh wounds is to plug the site with some turmeric (haldi) powder. Quick lime can also be added to turmeric to hasten the effect.
Paste the leaves of Bael (Bel) leaves without adding water. Apply this on pus-oozing wounds to get relief.
Boil aloe leaves and take the fleshy part of the inside of the leaves to use as a poultice over wounds.
However before following any of the remedies you should consult your physician. And it mandatory to consult your doctor if the wounds are major, near joints or the groin, contains a foreign object, or is not healing promptly.
Tags: injury, remedies, wounds, Sprains
Thu, September 4, 2008 6:36 am By James Coolridge
Persons suffering from anorexia may refuse to eat and suffer from insomnia. In course of time, emaciation becomes severe.
 People with anorexia often deny having a problem; the truth is that anorexia is a serious and potentially deadly eating disorder. More importantly, it is also a psychological disorder. Anorexia is a condition that goes beyond out-of-control dieting. Fortunately, recovery is possible. With proper treatment and support, you or someone you care about can break anorexia’s self-destructive pattern and regain your health and happiness.
The key features of anorexia are:
• Refusal to sustain a minimally normal body weight
• Intense fear of gaining weight, despite being underweight
• Distorted view of one’s body or weight, or denial of the dangers of one’s low weight
Major risk factors for anorexia
• Body dissatisfaction
• Dieting
• Low self-esteem
• Perfectionism
• Childhood sexual abuse
• Family history of eating disorders
Symptoms
• Weight loss (achieved via restricting food or purging it): A person with anorexia will lose weight because, by definition, she refuses to maintain or achieve a body weight of 85% of the expected weight for her age and height.
• Interruption of the menstrual cycle.
• Bone loss (osteoporosis)
• Extra sensitivity to cold
• Bloated stomach after eating (since the stomach loses its ability to deal with a normal quantity of food at one sitting)
• Fine hair growth on the skin in response to the body’s need for warmth
• Yellowed skin
• Thinning hair
• Dizziness or fainting
• Brittle nails
• Constipation
• Dry skin
• Low blood pressure
• Dehydration
FEW HOME REMEDIES
o Eating about 2-3 fresh oranges daily increases appetite
o Garlic is considered the wonder drug that increases appetite
o Eating raw tomatoes is also effective
o Consume at least one apple on a daily basis.
o Take 1 cup water and boil 2-3 cloves in it. Strain and then add on the juice of ½ a lime to this and drink 2 times a day, for a week.
o Warm water enema and application of ice bags on the stomach.
You should always avoid taking excess of alcohol and refrain from smoking, as these are the agents that increase your chances of suffering from anorexia.
So to do away with this disorder, you should follow a good diet chart that includes every nutritious food and avoid taking unnecessary stress and tension. For, proper cleansing of your digestive tract is the only solution to free yourself from anorexia. Regular exercising also helps a great deal in curing anorexia.
Tags: symptoms, causes, remedies, Anorexia
Wed, September 3, 2008 5:38 am By James Coolridge
 When we think of Health it is being fit that comes to our mind. But, with the ever changing scenario, there is not one definition Of the word-fitness. Looking fit is now about being fit. Fitness Is meant to repair your body, whish is possible only when your Body is resting. So, one should not only exercise but also have The time to relax. And the importance of a good diet should Never be forgotten-which contributes 70 percent of any fitness Regime. Understand your body’s requirements-read books-and Eat accordingly; don’t miss on any vital nutrient.
AGING ATTACK
Aging is the natural biological rhythm of all multi-cellulars Organisms, living a long life on a wheelchair is something not Likely to excite anybody. Therefore, all of us want healthy, Youthful life! And to attain it all we need is a bit more care.
Skin and hair
Bad habits, unhealthy lifestyle and external factors are all Factors that contribute to early aging. What to do? Avoid them, Silly. Start your cleansing routine early in life. Regular cleansing, Moisturizing, protection from sun, pollution, air, and a regular Sleep pattern does wonders for all skin types. And after 35/40 Years, this routine becomes over more imperative to counter the Cumulative effects of the years; as the strength of the body Mechanism to nourish comes down.
Aging/graying of hair are triggered by genetic and environmental Factors. The first you can’t do about but you can postpone, rather Eliminate the effects of the latter.
Teeth Here are some rules of keeping the Pearlies younger than they are,
(a) brush two times a day, a mouth rinse after meals.
(b) cleansing-by a process of scaling and polishing-every six Months.
(c) Change your toothbrush at least once in three months.
Cavities, deposits, decay are the other toothy troubles that you must guard against.
Watch your diet
As you age, you need to be more careful of what you are eating
-if you want to hold on to your youth. Choose a diet rich in enzyme.
Bee stress free
A happy and relaxed person has a better chance of aging gracefully
Than once who isn’t. When we are stressed, the nervous system Secretes a chemical adrenaline. This causes stress in all parts of the Body.
Smoky factor
Smoking makes your real age eight years older. Not smoking lowers the risk of lung cancer automatically.
Be active
Even a small amount of exercise can make you nearly five to ten years younger than your chronological age. Walking for at least 30 minutes a day makes you fitter and therefore, younger.
Become a lifelong learner
People who remain intellectually involved throughout there lives are 2.5years younger than those who don’t.
Well, now you know, flooded with a vast array of health information as we are, choose the lifestyle that will feel the years Off you. And it’s never too late to start.
Tags: Diet, teeth, Fitness, aging, skin and hair, stress free, smoke, active
Tue, September 2, 2008 6:19 am By James Coolridge
 Constipation is defined as having a bowel movement fewer than three times per week. With constipation stools are usually hard, dry, small in size, and difficult to eliminate. Some people who are constipated find it painful to have a bowel movement and often experience straining, bloating, and the sensation of a full bowel.However, it means different things to different people. For some people, it simply means infrequent stools, while on the other hand for others, it means hard stools. The cause of each of these “types” of constipation probably is different.
Constipation is a symptom, not a disease. Almost everyone experiences constipation at some point in their life. Most constipation is temporary and not serious. It is produced due to indigestion .It is a common gastrointestinal condition
Common Causes of Constipation
• Inadequate water intake.
• Inadequate fiber in the diet.
• Medications.
• Irritable bowel syndrome.
• Problems with the colon and rectum.
• Problems with intestinal function
• Lack of exercise.
• Changes in life or routine such as pregnancy, older age, and travel.
• Abuse of laxatives.
Symptoms can include:
• Infrequent bowel movements and/or difficulty having bowel movements.
• Swollen abdomen or abdominal pain.
• Pain.
• Vomiting.
• Mouth ulcer
• Bad breath
• Nausea
• Headache
• Coated tongue
• Dullness on skin
HOME REMEDIES
• Carrot juice mixed with spinach juice gives immediate relief.
• 2-4 teaspoonfuls of castor oil
• Daily intake of guava empty stomach is also beneficial
• Drinking hot water with sour lime juice and half a teaspoon of salt
• Dates along with milk
• Half cup cabbage juice twice daily
• Add plenty of fruits, vegetables and salads in your diet
• Mix 2tsp of husk seed (isabgol) in half a cup of hot milk
• Ginger tea is also an effective measure
• Eat papaya before breakfast everyday
• A common Ayurvedic medicine Triphala Churna It is a powder made by grinding three kinds of herbs. A teaspoon of this powder taken with warm water or milk at the time going to bed is beneficial.
• The fruit of the bael(Aegle marmelos) is also an effective remedy
Now as you know all the causes, symtoms, and home remedies do not panic if you suffer from constipation. All the above remedies are effective but kindly consult your general physician before following any of them. You need to be a little cautious before following any of the above.
Tags: symptoms, causes, remedies, constipation
Mon, September 1, 2008 8:39 am By James Coolridge
 Although the eyes are small compared with most of the body’s other organs, their structure is incredibly complex. The eyes work together to perceive depth, enabling us to judge distance and the size of objects to help us move around them. Not only do the two eyes work together, they also work with the brain, muscles, and nerves to produce complicated visual images and messages. Your eyes are at work from the moment you wake up to the moment you close them to go to sleep. Most of us take our eyes for granted, never thinking of them as muscles or as organs needing special nutrients. The fact is that fit eyes not only need exercise, they need the proper eye-protecting nutrients.
Specific antioxidants have benefits for example, vitamin A protects against blindness, and vitamin C may play a role in preventing or alleviating glaucoma. Essential fatty acids appear to help the eye in a variety of ways, from alleviating symptoms of dry eye syndrome to guarding against macular damage.
FOLLOWING ARE A FEW EYE PROTECTING NUTRIENTS
• Vitamin A: carrots, sweet potatoes, butternut squash.
• Lutein and zeaxanthin: spinach, collard greens.
• Vitamin C: sweet peppers (red or green), strawberries, broccoli, oranges,.
• Bioflavonoids: citrus fruits, cherries, grapes, plums.
• Vitamin E: sunflower seeds, almonds, hazelnuts.
• Selenium: Brazil nuts, yeast, seafood.
• Zinc: oysters, hamburgers, wheat, nuts.
• Fatty acids: cold-water fish (salmon, mackerel, trout).
Water: Drinking adequate water each day helps all of your body, including your eyes. Filtered or distilled water is best, of course.
What may cause an eye disease?
Age- Age is the biggest risk factor in eye disease. As we get older the changes in our body also affect our eyes. Oxygen is essential for the human body, but it produces “free-radical which prevent the cells from regenerating and also damage the retina.
Most vitamins and minerals can help overcome these radicals.
Sunlight- Many studies show that prolonged periods of sunlight exposure of the eyes are a risk factor for the development of eye disease. Sunglasses might help you in this, but please note that these should always have UV protection and reduce sun exposure if possible.
Smoking- Smoking causes harm to the tissues of the eye as it also increases free radicals. This affects the body’s ability to absorb the necessary vitamins and minerals from food
Nutrition and nutritional supplements, such as vitamins play an important role in the health of our eyes. Making good food choices can help make sure your eyes stay healthy. One should eat plenty of green, leafy vegetables, two servings of fish per week, some nuts and some yellow or orange fruits and vegetables. Good nutrition is vital for both our general health and that of our eyes.
Tags: eyes; proper nutrition, causes of eye disease
Sun, August 31, 2008 8:31 am By James Coolridge
 The ears, nose and throat are closely connected, which is why they are often dealt with by the same medical expert. The science of dealing with problems of the ear, nose and throat is called otolaryngology; the practitioner is an otolaryngologist.
There are many different types of ear problems. For example, ear pain may be caused by infections of the tonsils, jaw or sinuses. Chronic infection, for example, glue ear, can cause hearing loss that can affect learning and lifestyle, and exposure to loud noise can also damage hearing.. Middle ear infection is also known as otitis media or glue ear.
What are the symptoms of middle ear infection?
The main symptom is an earache. It can be mild, or it can hurt a lot. Babies and young children may be fussy. They may have trouble sleeping and also have fever.
You may see thick, yellow fluid coming from their ears. This happens when the eardrum bursts and the fluid flows out. This is not serious and usually makes the pain go away. The eardrum usually heals on its own. They may have trouble hearing, but their hearing usually returns to normal after the fluid is gone. It may take weeks for the fluid to drain away.
Causes of ear infections
Outer ear infections can spread from general skin infections, or might just happen on your ear. They can be caused by:
• Viruses like herpes,
• Bacteria or
• Fungi, which causes thrush.
Inner ear infections are often caused by:
• Common cold, which spreads through the tube that connects your ears and nose
• Common childhood illnesses such as measles, or
• By getting water in your ear when you have a burst eardrum.
Natural Remedies for Ear Aches
Before antibiotics, parents used home remedies to treat the pain of ear infections.
• Drops of tea tree oil may be beneficial. This herbal treatment has mild anti-bacterial properties, but it may irritate the skin.
• Studies have reported that Otikon, an extract made of various plants, including garlic is an effective anesthetic in treating the pain associated with ear infections. Plants contained in Otikon may have side effects.
• Due to the high risk of burns, ear candles should not be used to remove wax from ears. There is no evidence to indicate that these candles are safe or effective for treatment.
• High fever, severe pain, or other signs of complications should warrant immediate attention by a medical professional.
• Using, ear dropper put 2-3 drops of basil(tulsi leaves) in the infected ear
• Onion juice also relieves ear infections and pain.
• Jetun(olive)oil few drops of olive oil can clear the obstruction in the Eustachian tube and the earwax can easily be moved out of the ear.
Most of the ear infections and aches can be prevented by keeping ears clean using ear buds and keeping the ears dry using soft cotton fabrics. However before following any of the above remedies the otolaryngologist should be consulted to avoid further infections.
Tags: symptoms, causes, remedies, ear infections
Sat, August 30, 2008 8:25 am By James Coolridge
 Every time you walk, settle into a chair, or hug your child, you’re using your bones, muscles, and joints. Without these important body parts, we wouldn’t be able to stand, walk, run, or even sit.
Since humans perform a lot of activity and movement, there is a need for the observance of bone and muscle health. Aging and over-activity are processes that can possibly weaken bones and muscles, but this can be prevented given the proper health habits.
Joints can be classified according to the types of movement they can do.
Hinge Joints: knees joints and elbows joints
Ball and Socket Joints: shoulders joints,
Pivot Joints: neck joints and hip joints and
Gliding Joints: finger joints.
Osteoporosis-a bone disorder
Osteoporosis, or porous bone, is a disease characterized by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue, leading to bone fragility and an increased risk of fractures of the hip, spine, and wrist. Men as well as women are affected by osteoporosis, a disease that can be prevented and treated. One out of every two women and one in four men over 50 can have an osteoporosis fracture. Osteoporosis can strike at any age.
Symptoms
• Back pain
• Loss of height and stooped posture.
• A curved upper back
• Broken bones (fractures) that might occur with a minor injury, especially in the hip, spine, and wrist.
• Compression fractures in the spine that may cause severe back pain. But sometimes these fractures cause only minor symptoms or no symptoms at all.
How to keep your bones healthy and slow down bone loss??
• Eat a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D
• Exercise
• Don’t drink in excess or smoke
Joint disorders is another name for Rheumatic conditions
Some of the symptoms of Joint disorders include:
• Joint pain
• Joint swelling
• Joint inflammation
• Joint irritation
• Joint deformity
Muscle disorders can cause weakness, pain or even paralysis. Muscles help our body move and work. W need to take extra care of our muscle health.
Some causes of muscle disorders are:
1. Injury or overuse, such as sprains or strains, cramps or tendinitis
2. Some cancers
3. Certain medicines
4. Diseases of nerves that affect muscles
5. Infections
6. Inflammation
7. Genetics, such as muscular dystrophy
The moment you feel any problem related to your muscles, bones and joints don’t prolong your treatment consult your orthopedic surgeon immediately.
Tags: symptoms, Osteoporosis, bones, muscles, joints, disorders
Fri, August 29, 2008 2:20 pm By James Coolridge
 Sunburn is a burn to living tissue such as skin produced by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, commonly from the sun’s rays.
Repeated sun exposure and suntans cause premature aging of the skin. Repeated sunburns increase the risk of skin cancer in the damaged area. Each blistering sunburn doubles the risk of developing malignant melanoma, which is the most serious type of skin cancer. Sunburn occurs because the body is unable to make enough melanin (protective pigment in the skin) to protect the skin.
Usual mild symptoms in humans and animals are red or reddish skin that is hot to the touch, general fatigue, and mild dizziness. An excess of UV-radiation can be life-threatening.
Symptoms of sunburn
• Scaling
• Pain
• Swelling
• Skin tenderness
• Blisters
• Fever
• Chills
• Shock
• Exfoliation
• Nausea or vomiting or both
Remedies for Sunburn
You can protect your skin by wearing sunscreen, hats and clothes that cover your body. Sunscreens absorb ultraviolet light, thus reducing the amount of UV light that reaches the skin.
1. The sun is most intense between 10am and 3pm so avoid exposure to sun during these hours.
2. Clouds don’t block UV radiation. To avoid getting burned on overcast days, wear sunscreen.
3. Wear UV filtering sunglasses to protect your eyes.
4. Use lip balm with sunscreen to protect lips from burning.
5. Use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Apply to the skin whenever you go outside or ride in the car, apply it to all exposed areas 30minutes before going outside.
6. Boil lettuce leaves for ten minutes, strain off and chill the water (cool, not cold) and apply it to burned skin. Some dermatologists also recommend this.
7. Eat lots of lean and high quality protein foods. Also include raw fruits to supply the vitamins and minerals needed.
8. To relief a sunburn pain apply over the affected area cool water compresses or fill a bathtub with cold water and dissolve one pound of baking soda or oatmeal in it. Soak in the bath for 30 minutes approximately, until you feel relieve.
Sunburns can be avoided by using sunscreens with the right amount of SPF that goes along with your skin. However before using any products or following any of the remedies one should consult his/her dermatologist.
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