Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS, is also known as irritable or spastic colon, and there is no real understanding of why it exists, although it seems to occur when the muscles that line the walls of the intestines and the colon, go into spasm. The muscles contract for no apparent reason, causing pain and diarrhea alternating with constipation. Other symptoms include a cramping pain in the abdomen, swelling, general malaise and lethargy, back pain, and often, excessive wind. Symptoms can subside and even disappear for long periods of time, but many sufferers continue to experience symptoms recurrently throughout their lives. It is a chronic, irritating, and uncomfortable condition, but it is not life-threatening and the symptoms can be reduced in many cases by proper treatment.
It is estimated that about 30 percent of people in the West has suffered from IBS at some stage, and 13 percent of those do so regularly.
IBS appears to be brought on and exacerbated by anxiety, stress, and nervous problems. Symptoms often appear worse during menstruation. Other causal factors include food intolerance.
Orthodox medical treatment has been largely unsuccessful in the treatment of IBS. Antispasmodic drugs are often recommended but in many cases they are ineffective. The best way of controlling the condition is by reducing and learning to cope with stress, and by eating a diet that does not exacerbate the condition.
Treatment
Diet and Nutrition Research shows that eating more fiber, in the form of oats, dried beans, peas, fresh fruit and vegetables, can greatly reduce the symptoms of IBS, but improvement may take months rather than weeks. Also, bear in mind that wheat bran, often prescribed as the standard treatment for IBS, can actually make the condition worse for some sufferers. Eat plenty of natural, unsweetened live yogurt or take daily supplements of Lactobacillus acidophilus to boost the levels of healthy bacteria in the digestive system.
Different food combinations can cause IBS symptoms in different individuals: keep a detailed record of everything you eat and drink, and of all bowel movements and their consistency.
Consult a qualified practitioner/therapist for:
Counseling and Hypnotherapy Both have been shown to be very effective in reducing the symptoms. Hypnotherapy has a particularly good record.
Massage, Relaxation Techniques (Including Yoga, Meditation, and Biofeedback) All these therapies are beneficial. Herbal Medicine A soothing tea of camomile, peppermint, and fennel is recommended. Herbalists may prescribe cramp bark, golden seal, wild yam, and licorice.
Aromatherapy
Essential oils of peppermint or sassafras help relaxation and reduce painful spasms.
Acupuncture This can be beneficial in helping to relieve IBS.
Read out for herbal medicines. Check out herbal supplements and skin disorders
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robin_Brain
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Friday, January 11, 2008
Health Benefits Of Baking Soda
When I met my long lost friend at a health seminar recently, I could not help but notice his weird glances at my hair when we were briefly greeting each other. His glances were discomforting. It was as if he was saying, "Is that a toupee you are wearing?"
The story goes back to our college days. Years in college majoring in the same subject and going to the same classes together had made him notice the poor health condition of my hair and scalp. To my close friends, I was a perfect candidate for a future toupee wearer.
I used to have a lot of sebum discharge -- and dandruff would be falling like December snow. I had no choice but to shampoo my hair twice a day every single day. Right after shower the scalp would feel good and healthy. But it did not take long before it began to itch again.
On top of that there was another problem. My hair was also thinning. I was losing a lot of hair everyday -- something that should not be happening for someone so young.
So when that old friend of mine gave a look of disbelief to see there was still a lot of hair on top of my head after all these years, it somehow made me proud -- but I kept my cool.
A Health Care Tip
After years of repeating the same mistake of washing my hair with chemical-loaded shampoos, it finally dawned on me that it was the chemicals that were to blame for triggering dandruff and sebum discharge on my scalp.
Nowadays I have a better alternative. I no longer use shampoo. I would pour instead a canister of baking soda solution on top of my head letting the liquid flow down to other parts of the body. Then I would take my shower.
Showering has never been the same ever since. Nowadays I feel so fresh after a shower. No more sticky or oily deposit on the skin. The phrase that goes -- as clean as a whistle -- has begun to gather meaning.
You see I have sensitive skin. My skin reacts quickly to certain chemicals. It interprets the chemicals as dangerous bacteria. Consequently the skin would produce its defense substance just underneath the skin near that place.
If this substance exists in a large quantity it could pose a health problem. It could cause itchiness. Worse than that, it could attack my skin from underneath causing eczema. For years the substance has successfully ruined the follicles of my hair causing hair loss.
But that does not happen any more.
The baking soda solution that I pour onto my head neutralizes this substance. The solution has also a secondary task. It dissolves away chemical deposits left on my body by decades of prolonged use of shampoo and soap.
The result is a scalp that is healthy and a body that is clean. There is no more dandruff and no more unpleasant body odor. What makes me especially glad is that my hair remains where it should -- on my scalp.
More Health Benefits
If you have tasted saline solution then you are able make baking soda solution. Simply mix baking soda with enough filtered water so the mixture would taste like saline solution.
When my eye hurts, I would use the solution as eye drops. When my daughter had earwax problem I used it as earwax remover. It also works wonders for your digestion system. Baking soda is known to be an effective antacid that remedies indigestion and heartburn.
I always have some ready in a spray bottle. When my youngest daughter developed heat rash I sprayed some on the rash -- to see it diminished in matter of minutes. At one time she developed diaper rash so I sprayed the solution onto the rash before putting on her diaper. The next time we changed her diaper, the rash had disappeared almost completely.
Recently one family member developed a cavity at night. A mouth rinse with baking soda solution quieted the pain -- enough to send her sleeping like a baby without painkillers. For a healthy mouth, rinse always with the solution. It cures bad breath and neutralizes the acid produced by bacteria feeding on food particles in your mouth.
When one of my children developed eczema the doctor prescribed a type of steroid cream. The cream reduced the itchiness for several hours but it did not solve the problem. The cream had to be continually applied twice a day everyday. Otherwise the spot would become itchy and uncomfortable again.
Knowing the dangers of steroid, I tried experimenting with other alternatives. Things changed for the better when I tried spraying the eczema with baking soda solution. Now she does not have eczema anymore. Nor does she need any steroid cream.
The list of health benefits of baking soda goes on and on. Give baking soda a try. I think you are going to appreciate it.
A Sidek exercises his left brain by teaching mathematics in the university. He does research in many subjects including health, spirituality and the mind.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=A_Sidek
The story goes back to our college days. Years in college majoring in the same subject and going to the same classes together had made him notice the poor health condition of my hair and scalp. To my close friends, I was a perfect candidate for a future toupee wearer.
I used to have a lot of sebum discharge -- and dandruff would be falling like December snow. I had no choice but to shampoo my hair twice a day every single day. Right after shower the scalp would feel good and healthy. But it did not take long before it began to itch again.
On top of that there was another problem. My hair was also thinning. I was losing a lot of hair everyday -- something that should not be happening for someone so young.
So when that old friend of mine gave a look of disbelief to see there was still a lot of hair on top of my head after all these years, it somehow made me proud -- but I kept my cool.
A Health Care Tip
After years of repeating the same mistake of washing my hair with chemical-loaded shampoos, it finally dawned on me that it was the chemicals that were to blame for triggering dandruff and sebum discharge on my scalp.
Nowadays I have a better alternative. I no longer use shampoo. I would pour instead a canister of baking soda solution on top of my head letting the liquid flow down to other parts of the body. Then I would take my shower.
Showering has never been the same ever since. Nowadays I feel so fresh after a shower. No more sticky or oily deposit on the skin. The phrase that goes -- as clean as a whistle -- has begun to gather meaning.
You see I have sensitive skin. My skin reacts quickly to certain chemicals. It interprets the chemicals as dangerous bacteria. Consequently the skin would produce its defense substance just underneath the skin near that place.
If this substance exists in a large quantity it could pose a health problem. It could cause itchiness. Worse than that, it could attack my skin from underneath causing eczema. For years the substance has successfully ruined the follicles of my hair causing hair loss.
But that does not happen any more.
The baking soda solution that I pour onto my head neutralizes this substance. The solution has also a secondary task. It dissolves away chemical deposits left on my body by decades of prolonged use of shampoo and soap.
The result is a scalp that is healthy and a body that is clean. There is no more dandruff and no more unpleasant body odor. What makes me especially glad is that my hair remains where it should -- on my scalp.
More Health Benefits
If you have tasted saline solution then you are able make baking soda solution. Simply mix baking soda with enough filtered water so the mixture would taste like saline solution.
When my eye hurts, I would use the solution as eye drops. When my daughter had earwax problem I used it as earwax remover. It also works wonders for your digestion system. Baking soda is known to be an effective antacid that remedies indigestion and heartburn.
I always have some ready in a spray bottle. When my youngest daughter developed heat rash I sprayed some on the rash -- to see it diminished in matter of minutes. At one time she developed diaper rash so I sprayed the solution onto the rash before putting on her diaper. The next time we changed her diaper, the rash had disappeared almost completely.
Recently one family member developed a cavity at night. A mouth rinse with baking soda solution quieted the pain -- enough to send her sleeping like a baby without painkillers. For a healthy mouth, rinse always with the solution. It cures bad breath and neutralizes the acid produced by bacteria feeding on food particles in your mouth.
When one of my children developed eczema the doctor prescribed a type of steroid cream. The cream reduced the itchiness for several hours but it did not solve the problem. The cream had to be continually applied twice a day everyday. Otherwise the spot would become itchy and uncomfortable again.
Knowing the dangers of steroid, I tried experimenting with other alternatives. Things changed for the better when I tried spraying the eczema with baking soda solution. Now she does not have eczema anymore. Nor does she need any steroid cream.
The list of health benefits of baking soda goes on and on. Give baking soda a try. I think you are going to appreciate it.
A Sidek exercises his left brain by teaching mathematics in the university. He does research in many subjects including health, spirituality and the mind.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=A_Sidek
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Ganoderma - A Miraculous Herb
Ganoderma Lucidum, commonly known as Ganoderma, is one those miraculous herbs which the East (especially China) has gifted to the world. Ganoderma, a red colored mushroom, is a kind of herb that has exceptional qualities, which makes it the "Miraculous King of Herbs". It is mostly found in China, Japan and Korea where it grows on dead tree trunks and logs. It grows in dense forest with high humidity and very dim light. This made it very rare and expensive. However, with the recent advancements in technology, Ganoderma can now be grown on small scale almost anywhere, thereby making it readily available. This wonderful herb was first found by Chinese people thousands of years ago. And since then it is being used against many diseases and disorders. The best thing is that, being a natural product, it is totally harmless and has no side-effects.
Ganoderma has many names in the eastern part of the world. It is known as "Lingzhi" in China, "Reishi" in Japan, and "Youngzhi" in Korea. The benefits of this mushroom are tremendous which were first documented 2000 years back.
Now let us see what this wonderful herb can do. It is quite versatile: it has anti-oxidant properties. It also acts as an antifungal and antiviral. People suffering from diabetes, heart disorders, high blood pressure and kidney problems can benefit hugely from it. Apart from all this, it also refreshes your sleep and promotes a positive mood. Those having a weak immune system can also use the exceptional qualities of this herb. But the major field where it can prove to be a blessing is Cancer treatment.
Though researches are going on, it promises to be a healthier alternative to chemotherapy. Ganoderma contains around 200 valuable elements like organic Geranium, polysaccharides, adenosine etc. these are the elements which give Ganoderma its miraculous qualities.
A pill is not always the solution. Sometimes an herb can do what a pill cannot. With tremendous benefits, Ganoderma will soon be the talk of the town. If you want to get rid of your common health problems, then try Ganoderma once. It will surely not disappoint you.
Terry Dunn is webmaster of Ganoderma-online.com a free resource site that explains how Ganoderma can help you today. For more information on how Ganoderma can help you, visit us today.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Terry_Dunn
Ganoderma has many names in the eastern part of the world. It is known as "Lingzhi" in China, "Reishi" in Japan, and "Youngzhi" in Korea. The benefits of this mushroom are tremendous which were first documented 2000 years back.
Now let us see what this wonderful herb can do. It is quite versatile: it has anti-oxidant properties. It also acts as an antifungal and antiviral. People suffering from diabetes, heart disorders, high blood pressure and kidney problems can benefit hugely from it. Apart from all this, it also refreshes your sleep and promotes a positive mood. Those having a weak immune system can also use the exceptional qualities of this herb. But the major field where it can prove to be a blessing is Cancer treatment.
Though researches are going on, it promises to be a healthier alternative to chemotherapy. Ganoderma contains around 200 valuable elements like organic Geranium, polysaccharides, adenosine etc. these are the elements which give Ganoderma its miraculous qualities.
A pill is not always the solution. Sometimes an herb can do what a pill cannot. With tremendous benefits, Ganoderma will soon be the talk of the town. If you want to get rid of your common health problems, then try Ganoderma once. It will surely not disappoint you.
Terry Dunn is webmaster of Ganoderma-online.com a free resource site that explains how Ganoderma can help you today. For more information on how Ganoderma can help you, visit us today.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Terry_Dunn
Herbal Medicines For Raynaud's Disease And Chilblains
Raynaud's Disease (or syndrome)
This is an uncommon condition caused by nervous spasm in the small arteries, especially of the fingers, resulting in their going cold, white, and often numb. It most often affects young women.
Treatment
Keep affected parts well-covered in cold weather and avoid drinking coffee and smoking since both constrict blood vessels.
Diet And Nutrition Eat iron-rich food and cut out tea, which inhibits iron absorption.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Cinnamon twigs and angelica are recommended.
Consult a qualified practitioner/therapist for:
Homeopathy Arsenicum alb. 6c, Pulsatilla 6c, and Carbo veg. 6c can be helpful.
Chilblains
Chilblains are caused by exposure of extremities such as fingers, ears, nose, and, especially, feet and toes to cold and damp, causing the skin to become tender, painful, and intensely itchy. People with sensitive skin or poor circulation are most vulnerable, especially those who smoke (nicotine reduces circulation in the skin).
Treatment
Herbal Medicine Rub in calendula (marigold) ointment if the skin is broken.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Herbs said to help are cinnamon twigs, red sage, ginger, and angelica.
Naruropathy Stimulate circulation by putting affected feet or hands first into warm water for half a minute and then into cold water. Repeat for about 15 minutes. Spread a paste of honey and glycerin mixed with egg white and flour on the affected part, bandage, and leave for 24 hours.
Diet and Nutrition Take extra vitamin C, E, and B complex, and also increase your calcium intake.
Consult a qualified practitioner/therapist for:
Homeopathy Tamus 6c ointment, Rhus tox. 6c, Agaricus 6c, Petroleum 6c, and Carbo veg. 6c may be recommended.
Read out for herbal medicines. Check out herbal supplements and skin disorders
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robin_Brain
This is an uncommon condition caused by nervous spasm in the small arteries, especially of the fingers, resulting in their going cold, white, and often numb. It most often affects young women.
Treatment
Keep affected parts well-covered in cold weather and avoid drinking coffee and smoking since both constrict blood vessels.
Diet And Nutrition Eat iron-rich food and cut out tea, which inhibits iron absorption.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Cinnamon twigs and angelica are recommended.
Consult a qualified practitioner/therapist for:
Homeopathy Arsenicum alb. 6c, Pulsatilla 6c, and Carbo veg. 6c can be helpful.
Chilblains
Chilblains are caused by exposure of extremities such as fingers, ears, nose, and, especially, feet and toes to cold and damp, causing the skin to become tender, painful, and intensely itchy. People with sensitive skin or poor circulation are most vulnerable, especially those who smoke (nicotine reduces circulation in the skin).
Treatment
Herbal Medicine Rub in calendula (marigold) ointment if the skin is broken.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Herbs said to help are cinnamon twigs, red sage, ginger, and angelica.
Naruropathy Stimulate circulation by putting affected feet or hands first into warm water for half a minute and then into cold water. Repeat for about 15 minutes. Spread a paste of honey and glycerin mixed with egg white and flour on the affected part, bandage, and leave for 24 hours.
Diet and Nutrition Take extra vitamin C, E, and B complex, and also increase your calcium intake.
Consult a qualified practitioner/therapist for:
Homeopathy Tamus 6c ointment, Rhus tox. 6c, Agaricus 6c, Petroleum 6c, and Carbo veg. 6c may be recommended.
Read out for herbal medicines. Check out herbal supplements and skin disorders
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robin_Brain
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