Monday, 26 April 2010

Yeast Infections - Their Symptoms and Relief

Yeast Infections - Their Symptoms and Relief by Pharmaceuticals, Natural Remedies and Diet
By Jeffrey Rossini

This article aims to describe some of the common symptoms that may point to a yeast infection being the cause. Cure by the use of pharmaceuticals will also be discussed. The use of natural remedies will be outlined. Finally an anti-yeast infection diet will be described.

Symptoms Of A Possible Yeast Infection.

Yeast infections can have many symptoms. Some of the common ones are listed here. Mouth ulcers, white spots on the throat, abdominal bloating, digestive problems, eczema, burning when urinating, itching of the genitals, 'jock itch', athletes foot, penile discharge, and vaginal discharge amongst others. Of course these symptoms could be attributed to many other health problems, so it is always advisable to seek advice from a suitable medical practitioner.

If a yeast infection is diagnosed it can be treated in different ways.

Pharmaceutical Ways To Treat A Yeast Infection

Diflucan: Fluconazole is a triazole antigungal medicine. It is also used to treat yeast infections. Diflucan is used to treat mainly infections caused by candida and Cryptococcus fungi. Common side effects include, nausea, dyspepsea, flatulence, dizziness, hypokalaemia, amongst others. Pregnant women should not take Diflucan.

Canestan Cream: Clotrimazole is used to treat fungal and yeast infections such as sweat rash, 'jock itch', athletes foot, and vaginal yeast infection. The most common side effects are itching and rash.

Nystatin Lozenge: is used to treat thrush in the mouth. The lozenges are to be slowly melted on the tongue. Common side effects are diarrhea and nausea.

There are more types of drugs and preparations such as sprays, creams, suppositories to help fight yeast infections. Generally speaking topical preparations have less side effects than those taken orally.

Natural Remedies To Treat A Yeast Infection

Arbor Vit: Thuja occidentalis can be used by women to calm itching in the vagina. When used by men can help control itching on the genitals

Cinnibar: Mercurius sulphuratus ruber can be used for women to treat whitish discharge and feeling of pressure in the vagina. When used by men can eases swelling of the penis and itching of corona glandis when secretion of pus is present.

Garlic: Allium sativum is one of the best natural antifungal and antibacterial herbs that there is. When eaten it helps protect against vaginal infections.

Goldenseal: Hydrastis canadensis is a yeast fighting herb.

Pau d'Arco: Tabebuia impetiginosa is a South American tree whose bark has been used to treat candida albicans for many years.

Purple Coneflower: Echinacea Augustifolia can be useful for easing symptoms of thrush (whitish coat of tongue) and accumulation of mucus in throat. It has also been shown to help with frequent urination with burning sensation.

Wild Indigo: Baptista Tinctoria can ease the burning feeling when urinating and eases abdominal distention.

A Friendly Diet

If you are susceptible to yeast infections there are some food and drink that you may be better off avoiding. This includes all refined sugars, fizzy drinks, many grains, beer, white flour products, fermented foods, and any food made using yeast.

However, you can still eat a very varied, nutritious diet. Things to include could be all fresh meats, eggs, fresh vegetables, garlic, nuts, seeds, oils, rice, oat bran. Drinking the recommended amount of water also helps to cleanse your body. Live yogurt has been shown to help fight this type of infections especially after a course of antibiotics.

It can be seen that there are many health issues associated with candida albicans infections. It may that the pharmaceutical approach is needed to originally get rid of the infection. However, for the person who suffers repeated bouts of yeast infection it can be seen that the changing of diet and including some natural supplements could reduce the repeated use of pharmaceuticals.

Jeffrey Rossini works in medicine. He has helped clients with body image and self esteem problems. He has now moved over to researching natural and holistic forms of treatment. Yet, Jeffrey still recognises the need for modern medicine. More information can be found at http://www.my-health-answer.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeffrey_Rossini

What causes hair loss in men?

Male Pattern Baldness (MPB) is a genetic trait. It’s called Androgenetic Alopecia. It’s inherited from your family. If the men in your family are showing a bald spot on the crown, it’s likely you will too.

This is an issue men have been dealing with for centuries. According to legend, Julius Caesar invented the laurel leaf wreath to cover his receding hairline.

Too bad Julius didn’t have access to Provillus in the days of the Roman Empire.

MPB results from genetic traits, and hormonal causes. Provillus can’t change your genetic history, but it can help with the hormonal causes.
DHT is the hormone involved in hair loss

DHT (dihydrotestostrone) is derived from androgen, a male hormone. As the androgen circulates through the bloodstream, it is converted to DHT by the enzyme, 5-alpha reductase. DHT tends to bind to hair follicle receptors,
causing the follicles to sprout thinner and thinner hairs until nothing regrows, and the follicles eventually wither away.
The life cycle of normal hair growth

Normally, hair has three phases of growth:

* Anagen – The growth phase, lasts for two to six years. Usually 90% of the hair is in growth phase.
* Catagen -- A transient phase lasting a few weeks. The hair becomes thinner and the follicle starts shrinking.
* Telogen – The thinned hairs fall off to make way for new hair. This lasts for two to four months.

When excess DHT is in the bloodstream, it shortens the Anagen, or growth phase, and causes premature shrinkage of the follicles. Because the DHT is bound to the follicle, often the hair will not re-grow normally.

Provillus helps block DHT from strangling your hair follicles.

Danger Of Breast Implants

Breast enlargement surgery has been done for many year now. However, being an invasive procedure it is not free from side effects or dangers.

3% suffer leakage within three years causing a deflated implant

Occasionally, breast implants may break or leak. The saline fill is salt water and will be absorbed by the body without ill effects. Older implants with silicone gel can leak also. If this occurs, one of two things may occur. If breakage of the implant shell that has a contracture scar around it, then it may not feel like anything has happed. If the shell breaks and there is not a contracture scar, then leakage into the surrounding tissue results in a sensation that the implant is deflating. The leaking gel may collect in the breast and a new scar may form around it. In other cases gel can migrate through the lymphatic system to another area of the body. Breaks may require a second operation and replacement of the leaking implant. If the gel has migrated it may not be possible to remove all of the silicone gel. This silicone gel is the what some say is related to the initiation of connective tissue disorders.

One study they reviewed showed that 63.6% of breast implants which had been in place for between one and 25 years had ruptured or were leaking. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/33450.stm)

For silicone gel and saline-filled implants, some causes of rupture or deflation include : damage by surgical instruments during surgery, overfilling or underfilling of the implant with saline solution (specific only to saline-filled breast implants), capsular contracture ,closed capsulotomy , stresses such as trauma or intense physical manipulation ,excessive compression during mammographic imaging, placement through umbilical incision ,site injury to the breast, normal aging of the implant ,unknown/unexplained reasons.

The Effect of the Thyroid Gland on Weight Control

By Jeffrey Rossini

The thyroid gland serves many functions. Weight gain has often been 'blamed' on a slow or sluggish thyroid. This article aims to describe the basic physiology, two of the many hormones and functions of these in relation to weight control, and ways in which an underactive (slow) thyroid gland can be helped by pharmaceuticals or natural remedies.

Basic physiology of the Thyroid.

The thyroid gland is situated below the Larynx and forward of the Trachea. It is composed of two lobes of connective tissue called the Isthmus. The thyroid is one of the largest endocrine glands. Being extremely vascular the thyroid gland appears redder than the surrounding tissue.

Thyroid Gland Functions.

The thyroid hormones include Triiodothyronine and Tetraiodothyronine (commonly called Thyroxine). The ratio of these hormones is 9:1, Tetraiodothyronine:Triiodothyronine.

Thyroid hormones affect most tissue in the human body. The bodys metabolism depends on an adequately functioning thyroid gland providing these thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones help in the metabolism of glucose, protein, and fats. In the same way as burning fuel in a fire, this metabolism leads to an increase in (body) temperature. An inadequate supply of these hormones causes the opposite effect of slowing the metabolism of glucose, protein, and fats effecting a decrease in body temperature.

Hyposecretion (low secretion) of the thyroid hormones has been shown to cause weight gain and apathy amongst other effects. So, it can be seen that some causes of the overweight can be attributed to 'slow' thyroid gland. Therefore the stimulation of the thyroid gland can effect weight loss.

Pharmaceuticals for the treatment of Hypothyroidism.

Levothyroxine: is the generic name for the synthetic form of thyroxine, a thyroid hormone replacement drug. This drug contains the synthetic form of Tetraiodothyronine. This drug replaces the lack of tetraiodothyronine rather than causing the thyroid gland to produce more. All drugs have some side effects. Side effects of Levothyroxine can include tremors, weight loss, alopecia, fever, fatigue, amongst others.

Liotrix: is the generic name for the synthetic form of the combination of Tetraiodothyronine and Triiodothyronine. This drug replaces the lack of these two hormones. Side effects of Liotrix can include fatigue, alopecia, increased blood pressure, dry skin, amongst others.

There are more drugs for the treatment of hypothyroidism.

Natural remedies for a healthy thyroid gland.

Bitters: is a group of herbs that has a stimulating effect on the body. Bitters have been shown in clinical trials to help with mild hypothyroidism.

Bladderwack: is an iodine rich seaweed. Iodine has been shown to help low thyroid hormone production.

Guglipid: is an extract from the Guggal tree. This extract can be useful when Triiodothyronine hormone is low. The guggal tree has been used for centuries for its health benefits.

Myrrh: is a tree resin. It has been shown to stimulate the thyroid.

Nori: is a seaweed. Nori has a high mineral content and contains Iodine. Iodine is essential for thyroid health.

Piper Longum: is the Indian Long Pepper. The pepper can help to increase thyroid hormone levels. It works by increasing the metabolic heat energy.

There are other natural remedies said to help thyroid function.

Overweight has many causes and Hypothyroidism is just one.

Jeffrey Rossini works in medicine. He has helped clients with body image and self esteem problems. More information can be found at http://www.my-health-answer.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeffrey_Rossini

Sunday, 25 April 2010

Breast Enhancement by Exercise, Diet and Implant Surgery

By Jeffrey Rossini

Basic physiology of the breasts:

Each adult female mammary gland consists of up to 20 lobes. These are covered by large amounts of adipose tissue (fat). It is this fat that gives the breast its shape and tone. The lobes of each mammary gland form a conical mass, with the nipple formed at the apex. The mammaries are held in place by 'Cooper's ligaments'. These ligaments extend from the pectoral muscles to the skin over the mammary glands to prevent sagging. Has women age these ligaments weaken and elongate. This is the main reason why usually womens breasts tend to sag when they get older.

Options for Breast Enhancement.

Exercise.

Although there is no one particular exercise that will improve the appearance of the breasts, any exercise that improves the tone of the pectoral muscles will help counteract a sagging bosom. However, it is always good advice to have a medical check up before embarking on a tough exercise regimen.

Dietary herbal supplementation.

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum). This herb has been shown to help the enlargement of the breasts.
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare). This herb is said to have an estrogenic effect on the breasts. Although this has been used for years, research is vague. Taking fennel can cause lower tolerance to sunlight.
Blessed Thistle (Cnicus benedictus). This is used in many breast enhancement products. However, it should be taken with care by people suffering gastrointestinal problems.

Breast implants

The cost of breast implants has gradually decreased in real terms over the past few years. Silicon breast implants have been banned for many years and have been superceded by saline (salt water) implants. Has with any invasive procedure this surgery can have serious side effects. These can range from the breast rejecting the implant to the implant itself leaking. However, there are many more side effects that should be considered and discussed with the surgeon.

It is clear that there is no easy route for the woman who wants to improve the appearance of her breasts. Careful consideration should be given to any of the options, considering costs and side effects.

Jeffrey Rossini works in medicine. He has helped clients with body image and self esteem problems. More information can be found at http://www.my-health-answer.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeffrey_Rossini
Menopause Physiological, Psychological Symptoms. Their Treatment by Natural Or Pharmaceutical Remedies
By Jeffrey Rossini

This article aims to identify the physical and psychological symptoms of the menopause and describe the use and possible side effects of regularly used pharmaceutical drugs to help in relief of these symptoms. Natural relief of symptoms will also be described. This article does not aim to describe all all of the physical or psychological characteristics of the menopause, these will be covered in a later article.

Physical Symptoms Of The Menopause.

The menopause usually affects women between the ages of 40-50 years. The menstrual cycle becomes irregular about 5-7 years before the onset of the menopause. Nearer the onset the number of cycles where ovulation does not occur increases. During the menopause the woman may experience dryness of the vagina. This can cause inflammation and an increased risk of infection. A decrease in libido is usually experienced, yet some women get an increase. Some women suffer from hypertension (high blood pressure). Hot flashes are common caused by an decrease in estrogen levels.

Psychological Symptoms Of The Menopause.

The psychological symptoms were, for many years, dismissed by many Doctors and Physicians. However, they have found to be real, usually connected to low estrogen levels. Symptoms can include irritability, fatigue, anxiety, and severe emotional disturbances. These can be treated and managed by the use of small amounts of estrogen

Treatment Of The Menopause By The Use Of Pharmaceutical Drugs.

HRT: Hormone replacement therapy.

Estrogen: Estrogen is used to treat 'hot flashes' (sometimes called 'hot flushes') in women who are experiencing menopause. Some brands of estrogen are also used to treat vaginal dryness, itching, or burning, or to prevent osteoporosis. However, women who need a medication only to treat vaginal dryness or only to prevent osteoporosis should consider a different treatment. Side effects of estrogen include increased risk of endometrial cancer, and vaginal bleeding amongst others.

Progestogen: Progestogen is used to regulate the effects of estrogen and are often prescribed together. In women with a uterus, the addition of a progestogen cyclically (for at least 10 days per 28-day cycle) reduces the additional risk of endometrial cancer; this additional risk is eliminated if a progestogen is given continuously. However, this should be weighed against the increased risk of breast cancer.

Oestrogen: Oestrogen is given systemically in the perimenopausal and postmenopausal period. Menopausal atrophic vaginitis may respond to a short course of a topical vaginal oestrogen preparation. Systemic therapy with an oestrogen or drugs with oestrogenic properties alleviates the symptoms of oestrogen deficiency such as vasomotor symptoms.

Tibolone: Tibolone given in the postmenopausal period also diminish postmenopausal osteoporosis. Tibolone combines oestrogenic and progestogenic effect and it is given continuously, without cyclical progestogen. Tibolone increases the risk of breast cancer.

Clonidine: Clonidine may be used to reduce vasomotor symptoms in women who cannot take an oestrogen, but clonidine may cause unacceptable side-effects.

Possible Side Effects Of Hormone Replacement Therapy

HRT increases the risk of venous thromboembolism, stroke, endometrial cancer ( which may be reduced by a progestogen), breast cancer, and ovarian cancer. Women who start combined HRT more than 10 years after menopause have an increased risk of heart disease. Women using combined or oestrogen-only HRT are at an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (commonly DVT) and of pulmonary embolism especially in the first year of use. An oestrogen may be given by mouth or it may be given by subcutaneous or transdermal administration (patch). In women who have a personal or family history of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, severe varicose veins, obesity, the use of HRT needs to be given careful consideration.

Like all drugs, HRT has side effects yet has helped many women through the 'change' (menopause).

Treatment Of The Menopause By The Use Of Natural Means.

Agnus Castus: Vitex agnus-castus. Clinical studies have shown that these berries work on the pituitary gland and help stabilise hormone fluctuations so helping menopausal symptoms..

Black Cohosh: Cimicifuga racemosa. The primary use of black cohosh extract is for alleviation of menopausal symptoms. It has been widely researched, especially in Europe, for its ability to alleviate the symptoms associated with menopause. While black cohosh is generally considered safe, people with liver disease or a family history of liver disease should consult their physician before taking black cohosh.

Damaiana: Turnerna diffusa. This shrub historically been used as an aphrodisiac and has been claimed to induce euphoria.

Dang Gui: Angelica sinensis. Dang gui acts as a phytoestrogen and has similar, but milder, effects of oestrogen. Dang gui also helps support the cardiovascular system, which can of help to menopausal women suffering hypertension (high blood pressure).

Soy: Soy contains natural plant estrogens called phytoestrogens. These are weaker than human estrogens However, studies show they behave similarly in the human body. In the body, phytoestrogens help balance a woman's estrogen level.

Vitamin E: Vitamin E is an antioxidant. Studies have been done that suggest it may help relieve hot flashes and postmenopausal vaginal dryness and it has been popular for that purpose ever since.

There are other natural remedies said to help women experiencing the menopause.

Jeffrey Rossini works in medicine. He has helped clients with body image and self esteem problems. More information can be found at http://www.my-health-answer.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeffrey_Rossini
Hemorrhoid Causes and Treatment by Natural and Pharmaceutical Remedies By Jeffrey Rossini.

This article aims to explain the basic physiology of the Colon, Rectum and Anus. The causes of hemorrhoids will be described. Treatment by pharmaceutical drugs and creams will be described. Natural relief from hemorrhoids has been used for many years and some of these will be described.

Basic Physiology Of The Colon, Rectum And Anus

The Colon: is basically a muscular hollow tube made up of seven parts. The Cecum follows on to the Ascending colon, this in turn goes to the Transverse colon, this in turn goes to the Descending colon. This then forms into the Sigmoid colon then the rectum and then the anal canal (anus).

Rectum: The rectum is a thick muscular tube that starts at the sigmoid colon and ends at the anal canal. The mucous lining of the rectum is basic Epithelium.

Anus: The anal canal is the last part of the digestive tract and is around 1 inch long. The anal canal begins at the rectum and ends at the anus. The anal canal has two bands of muscle the internal anal sphincter near the rectum, and the External anal sphincter at the anus.

Causes Of Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are caused by the swelling and inflammation of the hemorrhoidal veins. These veins supply the anal canal. However, the reasons for this swelling of the hemorrhoidal veins is not clear and somewhat anecdotel. Many theories have been made such has straining to have a bowel movement, constipation, and a low fibre diet. Pregnancy is one area where hemorrhoids are common. This is thought to caused by an increased blood flow to the hemorrhoidal veins supplying the anal canal.

Treatment Of Hemorrhoids By Pharmaceuticals

Hydrocortisone Supposiories: These are inserted into the anus (usually after a bowel movement) and relieve the inflammation. Hydrocortisone can cause many side effects, including thinning of the skin.

Proctosedyl: This is an ointment that is inserted into the anus with a perforated nozzle to enable the ointment to reach a large area. Proctosedyl contains hydrocortisone, a local anaesthetic Cinchocaine hydrochloride. Proctosedyl can have side effects including difficulty in breathing, difficulty swallowing, amongst others. There are many Ointments for hemorrhoids most treating the same symptoms of pain, bleeding and inflammation.

Hemorrhoids can, in severe cases, be treated by surgery. This article is not going to describe this.

The Treatment Of Hemorrhoids By Natural Means

Butchers Broom: Ruscus aculeatus helps decrease inflammation and strengthen blood vessels. It is usual o take it as a tea 3 times per day.

Dandelion: Taraxacum officinale when eating either the roots or young leaves acts as a mild laxative. This helps hemorrhoids because has shown earlier constipation may be a precursor to hemorrhoids.

Fluoride of Lime: Calcarea fluorica can be a remedy for bleeding hemorrhoids and skin cracks in the anus.

Ginkgo: Ginkgo biloba helps reduce inflammation and strengthen blood vessels. Ginkgo is usually taken in capsule form.

Horse Chestnut: Aesculus hippocastanum works primarily on the lower bowel and can help with hemorrhoids, pain, and bleeding.

Witch Hazel: Hamamelis virginiana is an astringent and can stop bleeding. This should be applied after each bowel movement, but should not be used internally.

Diet: It has been found that a high fibre diet can help hemorrhoids by reducing constipation and therefore straining for a bowel movement. Blackberries, Blueberries, and Cherries contain high levels of Proanthocyanidin and anthocyanidin and these have been found to help hemorrhoids heal and prevent future ones forming.

It would appear that having a well balanced diet containing whole grains, fruits, and vegetables will lower the chance of constipation, which may in turn reduce the chance of hemorrhoids.

Jeffrey Rossini works in medicine. He has helped clients with body image and self esteem problems. More information can be found at http://www.my-health-answer.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeffrey_Rossini

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