Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts

Monday, April 27, 2009

Swine influenza/Swine Flu virus - Symptoms, Causes, Vaccines, Affected areas, Treatment.


Swine influenza virus (referred to as SIV) refers to influenza cases that are caused by Orthomyxoviruses that are endemic to pig populations. SIV strains isolated to date have been classified either as Influenzavirus C or one of the various subtypes of the genus Influenzavirus A.

Swine flu, unlike bird flu, is able to pass from human to human contact.

Swine influenza is known to be caused by influenza A subtypes H1N1, H1N2, H3N1, H3N2 and H2N3.

In swine, three influenza A virus subtypes (H1N1, H3N2, and H1N2) are circulating throughout the world. In the United States, the H1N1 subtype was exclusively prevalent among swine populations before 1998; however, since late August 1998, H3N2 subtypes have been isolated from pigs. As of 2004, H3N2 virus isolates in US swine and turkey stocks were triple reassortants, containing genes from human (HA, NA, and PB1), swine (NS, NP, and M), and avian (PB2 and PA) lineages.


Signs and symptoms

Main symptoms of swine flu in humans.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have stated that the symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of other strains of human flu, including fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A few patients have reported that they also suffered from diarrhea and vomiting.


Causes

H5N1

Avian influenza virus H3N2 is endemic in pigs in China and has been detected in pigs in Vietnam, increasing fears of the emergence of new variant strains. Health experts say pigs can carry human influenza viruses, which can combine (i.e. exchange homologous genome sub-units by genetic reassortment) with H5N1, passing genes and mutating into a form which can pass easily among humans. H3N2 evolved from H2N2 by antigenic shift. In August 2004, researchers in China found H5N1 in pigs. Measured resistance to the standard antiviral drugs amantadine and rimantadine in H3N2 in humans has increased to 92% in 2005.

Chairul Nidom, a virologist at Airlangga University's tropical disease center in Surabaya, East Java, conducted an independent research; he tested the blood of 10 apparently healthy pigs housed near poultry farms in West Java where avian flu had broken out, Nature reported. Five of the pig samples contained the H5N1 virus. The Indonesian government has since found similar results in the same region. Additional tests of 150 pigs outside the area were negative.


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Saturday, April 25, 2009

Dandruff Treatment & Tips

Dandruff Symptoms

The scales from the scalp fall : When the hair is combed or brushed, or when the scalp is scratched, the scales from the scalp fall like snowflakes and settle on the eye brows, shoulders, and clothes. These scales sometimes appear as lumps or crusts on the scalp.

Itching is there and scalp may become red :Often there is itching as well and the scalp may become red from scratching
.


Dandruff Causes

Impairment of general health, wrong food intake, constipation
The main causes of dandruff are impairment of general health, development of a toxic condition mainly due to taking of wrong foods, constipation, and a low vitality due to infectious diseases.

Emotional tension, harsh shampoos, general exhaustion

Other factors contributing to this disorder are emotional tension, harsh shampoos, exposure to cold, and general exhaustion
.


Home Remedies for Dandruff

Dandruff treatment using Fenugreek Seeds

The use of fenugreek seeds is one of the most important remedies in the treatment of dandruff. Two tablespoons of these seeds should be soaked overnight in water and ground into a fine paste in the morning. This paste should be applied all over the scalp and left for half an hour. The hair should then be washed thoroughly with soap-nut (ritha) solution or acacia concinna.



Dandruff treatment using Lime

The use of a teaspoon of fresh lime juice for the last rinse, while washing the hair, is another useful remedy. This not only leaves the hair glowing but also removes stickiness and prevents dandruff.


Dandruff treatment using Green Gram Powder

A valuable prescription for removal of dandruff is the use of green gram powder. The hair should be washed twice a week with two tablespoons of this powder mixed with half a cup of curd.


Dandruff treatment using Beet

Beets have been found useful in dandruff. Both tops and roots should be boiled in water and this water should be massaged into the scalp with the finger tips every night. White beet is better for this purpose.


Dandruff treatment using Snake Gourd

The juice of snake gourd has been found beneficial in the prevention and treatment of dandruff. The juice should be rubbed over the scalp for this purpose.


Dandruff treatment using Other Remedies

Dandruff can be removed by massaging the hair for half an hour with curd which has been kept in the open for three days, or with a few drops of lime juice mixed with indian gooseberry juice every night, before going to bed. Another measure which helps to counteract dandruff is to dilute cider vinegar with an equal quantity of water and dab this on to the hair with cotton wool inbetween shampooing. Cider vinegar added to the final rinsing water after shampooing also helps to disperse dandruff.


Dietaries for Dandruff

All-fruit diet with three meala a day of juicy fruits

Diet plays an important role in the treatment of dandruff. To begin with, the patient should resort to an all-fruit diet for about five days and take three meals a day of juicy fruits.
Avoid citrus fruits, bananas, tinned fruits
Citrus fruits, bananas, dried, stewed, or tinned fruits should not be taken
.


Well-balanced diet

After the all-fruit diet, the patient can gradually adopt a well-balanced diet, with emphasis on raw foods, especially fresh fruits and vegetables. Further short periods of an all-fruit diet for three days or so may be necessary at monthly intervals till the skin's condition improves.

Avoid strong tea/coffee, pickles, refined and processed foods

Meats, sugar, white flour, strong tea or coffee, condiments, pickles, refined and processed foods should all be avoided.



Other Dandruff treatments

Keep hair and scalp clean to avoid accumulation of dead cells

The foremost consideration in the treatment of this disorder is to keep the hair and scalp clean so as to minimise the accumulation of dead cells.

Hair should be brushed daily to improve circulation


The hair should be brushed daily to improve the circulation and remove any flakiness. The most effective way to brush the hair is to bend forward from the waist with the head down towards the ground, and brush from the nape of the neck towards the top of the head. The scalp should also be thoroughly massaged everyday, using one's finger tips and working systematically over the head. This should be done just before or after brushing the hair. Like brushing, this stimulates the circulation, dislodges dirt and dandruff, and encourages hair growth. Exposure of the head to the rays of the sun is also a useful measure in the treatment of dandruff.



Warm-water enema

During the first five days of the treatment when the patient takes an all-fruit diet, a warm-water enema should be taken daily to cleanse the bowels. Simultaneously, an attempt should be made to keep the body in good health.


How to Cure Dandruff

Dandruff is due to the excessive shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp.
As it is normal for skin cells to die and flake off, a small amount of flaking is normal and in fact quite common.
Some people, however, either chronically or as a result of certain triggers,
experience an unusually large amount of flaking, which can also be accompanied by redness and irritation
.



Sunday, April 12, 2009

Stop hair loss : natural and herbal treatment to prevent hair fall for men and women,hair restoration and best products to buy to prevent hair loss


Hair Loss is one part of our life where men and women have always had equal share of difficulty.
Although women mostly suffer from from problems like hair fall,split ends, early greying of hair,short lenght but there are generally spared from a more horrifying truth that most men have to go through is Baldness.

Various remedies, both artificial and natural, have been researched upon and discovered in these many years for this gruesome menace which is haunting the human race.Though over the years herbal and natural treatment to hair fall has seen attracting more patients. the shift is well explained as in matters to skin and hair treatment Ayurveda and Homeopathy has proved to be more fruitful than Common medicinal sciences(read alopathy).

Hence various institutes have come up guarenting you with a complete cure for hair loss.
A few options are listed down below:


 

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Garden Vastu [ feng shui ] : garden directions, ideas, design, designs, position, plants, doors and colors.


A garden that is created with Vastu in mind can cover a micro or a macro area of the site. It can be in the front of the building or at the back of the building. It can be at the sides or it can be in the interiors, on the terraces or even in a little porch located in the building.

When we speak of a garden, we speak of nature and its primary elements udaka (water), agni (fire), akasha (space), vayu (air) and prithvi(earth) as well as its invisible, yet strong, interaction with the structure and the residents of the structure. Today's society is fast paced and there is continuous and ever increasing stress in every individual’s life. Getting into a garden that is designed on certain Vastu considerations is an excellent way of de-stressing, relaxing and getting back to balanced and calm thinking. A green area in terms of flower plants, lawn, trees and water and rocky areas are not only visually appealing to the residents but also can work in harmony with the residents giving them peace, pleasure and happiness. One of the classical treatises recommends a flower garden in the north when it says "Uttaradese tu Pushpavati".

The work on a garden begins by identifying the outermost boundary of the site and creating a depression on all the four sides. Flower and leafy plants and kusa or darbha grass can be put in the boundary. By creating a “plant” path inside a site all around, undesirable effects of negative zone that Vastu masters identify as paisacha are neutralized or minimized. A well-planned plant boundary on all sides of the site not only enhances the aesthetic beauty of the site but also significantly contributes to the disinfecting or elimination of any environmental pollution. Trees are better avoided at the four corners of the site. If a large area is available, adequate provision can be made for members of the family and their friends to comfortable sit and relax. An area in the front yard (and/or backyard) needs to be identified for the garden. The ground is prepared in such a way that the soil becomes soft and laid evenly, the soil smell is good and is free of worms, termites, rats, bones, shells, hair and dirt. All the hollow areas need to be filled up. The soil is made fertile by adequately dampening the area and spreading natural-fertilizer. Seeds of various kinds of plants are planted. Classical treatises indicate that a ground that is soft, evenly leveled, sweet smelling, not hollow underneath and contains large number of herbal plants, trees and creepers helps in bestowing comfort and overall well-being to the persons, even if they were to rest occasionally.

The planting of deep-rooted trees just opposite the main door is to be avoided. A well-planned garden can have herbal and flower plants, trees, lawn, rocks and water fountains. Climbers like money plants can be aesthetically located in Vastu accepted sectors of the garden but they need to be avoided on trees. A pathway from the front gate of the building to the main entrance can be created with herbal plants like basil and flower plants like jasmine on each side of the pathway. A tree or plant in the middle of the path or just opposite the doorway is to be avoided. The north of the garden can have a nice water pool or water fountain.

Rose plants can be planted in the southeast of the area. Avoid deep-rooted trees in the center of a site or of the garden. They are ideal in the south and west of the site so long as their roots do not disturb the foundations of the structure. Avoid trees growing above the height of the structure. Have the trees spaced out. Coconut, Bilva, Pomegranate, Lemon, Neem, Jackfruit and Banana are recommended in the residential gardens. Well laid out lawns are ideal in the north and northwest of an area. Milky trees in residential areas are to be avoided. Rocky areas in the garden can be in the south and west; herbal and flower plants in the north and east and lawn in the central areas, north and west.

Sitting areas can be in the south and west of the gardens facing north and east. A garden needs to have a focal point that is visually and otherwise comfortable to the residents. It can be a water fountain, fish aquarium, rocky landscaping, shikara or a pyramid, statue not depicting any form of violence, a small idol of your favorite deity, the Swastika, Om or anything pleasant that you adore and link to each time you see it in your garden.

Garden accessories are best kept in the northwest or southeast of the garden area. These sectors are also compatible for dog kennels. As a rule, one needs to keep the garden clean and neat making it a point to remove dry creepers, leaves, flowers, and overgrown shrubs. The lawns can be mowed regularly to create an environment for the normal flow of natural energies. A well made Vastu garden can often minimize or the imbalances of a structure.

Vastu provides clear and specific guidelines, which can be conveniently applied to create an amicable interface between nature and individuals that aid people in achieving peace and happiness.

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Best Sensitive All Natural Skin Care Treatment and Products For Women

Our skin shows what we are eating. All the toxins we got from loading up junk foods and oily dishes will be flushed out through pimples and breakouts. So you better watch you eat. Diet should be high in fiber and vitamins go for greens and other fruits and vegetables. Fish is a good source of Omega 3that is also good for the skin. Avoid process foods for they are packed with preservatives. 
Best Sensitive All Natural Skin Care Treatment and Products For Women drink water glass
Six to eight glasses is required for a glowing healthy skin. Choosesoup based dishes from the menu and avoid the oily and fried ones. Drink low-fat milk twice a day and limit your coffee consumption to two cups a day or totally skip it. Colas don't count in your water intake and refrain from drinking sugar-packed smoothies and other drinks. 

Check you lifestyle:

Are you a couch-potato? Do you love the outdoors? For our body and even for our skin, active lifestyle should be practiced. How can we say that we live an active lifestyle? And how is it beneficial for our skin? 
Best Sensitive All Natural Skin Care Treatment and Products For Women exercise daily
To live an active lifestyle, you must start exercise for at least 20-30 minutes a day. You can enroll for a fitness program, hit the gym or just walk with your hubby or your dog. Exercise pumps our heart well and promotes good blood circulation. Good blood circulation also paves way for healthier skin. Have you observed your pinkish glow after exercising? Sweating also flushes out toxins inside your body. 

We should also be conscious of getting up on our feet and running errands. Walk instead of taking the car for short distances. Go to your co-workers' work station rather than using the phone or worse, emailing them. Use the stairs instead of using the elevator if you just going to the next floor or when going down. View these activities as part of your daily exercise. 

Cleanse, Tone and Moisturize:
Best Sensitive All Natural Skin Care Treatment and Products For Women wash your face daily
These three simple steps work wonders for your skin. Everybody should follow these simple yet effective steps in skin care. Wash your face at least twice a day but also avoid washing too often since it will only lead to oiliness. Choose gentle and hypo-allergenic cleansers like Cetaphil and Dove. They wash away oil and dirt but not the natural moisture in your skin like most cleansers in the market. Pat-dry your skin after washing and never rub! This will only irritate your skin.  

After washing your skin, apply toner to neutralize the PH balance for skin. Toners also prepare your skin for moisturizer. Toners should be



oil-free and water based. Astringent should be used once a week since it is for exfoliation and too strong for everyday use. 

Use Moisturizer at least twice day. Some areas in our body should not be neglected like our hands and neck. These areas show early signs of aging and Botox and other laser treatments are not usually done in these areas. Like toners, choose an oil free facial moisturizer after toning. Apply in circular motion to passage your skin and promotes good circulation. Don't forget to apply moisturizer in you neck and in your cleavage area. 
http://hallosushant.blogspot.com/
You should start putting hand lotions in your kitchen and in your bag. Dishwashing soaps and detergents make our skin very dry. Rinse off and apply hand lotion right away. Putting them on site saves you from forgetting. Don't forget to later lotion in your hands when retouching your make-up during lunch dates. Apply lotion all over your body before bed since your skin rejuvenates while we are asleep
Best Sensitive All Natural Skin Care Treatment and Products For Women face care
Sunscreen should also be a part of your regimen now. Apply it everyday even if you are not going outdoors. The sun can still penetrate through your tinted car windows and can reach you while you drinking iced tea in your balcony. Sunscreens should have at least 15 SPF and more if you are surfing or going to the beach. 

Choose your products wisely:

When buying skin care products go for products that use natural and organic substances, chemicals in most products only harms your skin. Avoid products that have fragrances since most fragrances are synthetics and just made for marketing proposes. For the usual consumer it is hard to determine which chemicals to avoid. For starters check the labels and hide away from those that have many ingredients listed. As they say less is better. Those added components are just preservatives, colorants and preservatives. 
Best Sensitive All Natural Skin Care Treatment and Products For Women organic facial eden
Following the steps above will improve your skin tone. It takes a little perseverance and discipline to follow them but its all worth it.

How to Freeze Eggs, Leftover Wine, Spices, Apples, Zucchini, Squash, Milk, Nuts, Butter, Fresh Herbs, Tomatoes, Bananas & Celery.

Here are instructions for freezing some foods you may have never thought of freezing: 

Eggs
Mix the yolks and egg whites together, and pour into an ice cube tray. Two cubes are the equivalent of one large egg.

Milk
Store in its original container, but pour out enough milk to allow for expansion – approximately a cup per gallon of milk. Thaw in the refrigerator, and shake well before using.

Butter
Store in its original container. Thaw in the refrigerator to use.

Bananas
Freeze in peel. Then, simply thaw and peel to use in smoothies and breads. Note: the peel will turn black, but that won't effect the quality of the banana at all.

Celery
Wash and chop to desired size. Then, flash freeze on a tray, and transfer to a freezer bag or another air-tight container. To use: add the frozen celery directly to soups or other heated dishes.

Tomatoes
Wash thoroughly. Then, freeze whole and unpeeled on a tray. Transfer to freezer bags once fully frozen. 
**More About How to Freeze Tomatoes 1 (Below)

Fresh Herbs
Chop finely. Then, place in an ice cube tray along with a small amount of water. To use: simply drop frozen cubes directly into heated dishes.

Did You Know? Herbs aren't the only thing that you can freeze in an ice cube tray: More Clever Uses for Ice Cube Trays 2(Below)

Nuts
Freeze (either in shell or shelled) in a freezer bag or another air-tight container.

Zucchini and Other Squash
Wash and chop to desired size. Then, blanch for three minutes; allow to cool; and freeze in an air-tight container.

Apples
Freeze whole or chopped, peeled or unpeeled. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~

Freeze tomatoes when they're in season, and you'll never have to settle for those pricey, mealy orbs that they try to pass off as tomatoes during the winter. 

To Freeze:
Wash thoroughly. Then, freeze whole and unpeeled on a tray. Transfer to freezer bags once fully frozen.  http://hallosushant.blogspot.com/
OR
Wash and remove the ends of the tomatoes. Blanch; remove the skins; and freeze whole in bags. 
OR
Wash and remove the ends of the tomatoes. Then, blanch; chop and freeze in bags. 

Just choose the method that works best for you, and freeze away. 

Tips:
1. Frozen tomatoes should be used in cooked recipes only. Freezing changes the texture and makes them too soft for eating raw. 

2. Freeze some tomatoes whole and chop others to accommodate a variety of recipes. 


Clever Uses for Ice Cube Trays
~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~



Do you have a stack of ice cube trays sitting unused in a cabinet or drawer? Then, put them back to work with these clever ideas:

1. Store Baby Food
Homemade baby food is great for baby, and easy to store when you freeze it in an ice cube tray. Fill each compartment to the top with your pureed blends, and freeze. Then, take out the desired number of cubes at mealtime. http://hallosushant.blogspot.com/

Not sure how much baby should eat? 

Here's an easy guide: 
4-6 months = 2 cubes 
6-9 months = 4 cubes 
9-12 months= 6 cubes 

Note: These numbers are estimates based on store-bought food sizes. 
Always consult your doctor to determine how much your baby should be 
eating. 

2. Freeze Spices
Do you grow your own spices? Then, freeze some for use during the winter months. Fill the compartments of an ice cube tray with your spices and just a bit of water. Then, thaw a cube any time you need to season a dish. 

Note: If you'll be using your spices in a heated dish, there's no need to thaw. Just drop your cube directly into the pan, and proceed with your recipe. http://hallosushant.blogspot.com/ 

3. Freeze Leftover Eggs
Have a recipe that calls for egg yolks? Don't ditch those egg whites! Freeze them instead. They can be stored in an ice cube tray, and thawed when needed.

4. Make Popsicles
You don't need a fancy popsicle mold to make your own popsicles. Just fill an ice cube tray with juice, pudding or mashed fruit. Then, cover with foil, and poke a popsicle stick through the foil and into each compartment. 

5. Freeze Leftover Stock or Sauces
Have a bit of soup stock, tomato juice or sauce leftover after you've prepared a meal? Ice cube trays are the perfect way to store it. Just fill a tray with your leftovers, and freeze. Then, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag once they're completely frozen. 

How much liquid does a cube hold? One ice cube is generally the equivalent of one ounce or two Tablespoons. 

Here are some conversions to help you determine how many cubes you'll need to use in a recipe: 
2 cubes = 1/4 cup 
4 cubes = 1/2 cup 
6 cubes = 3/4 cup 
8 cubes =1 cup 

6. Freeze Leftover Wine
Having difficulty finishing off that bottle of wine? Then, pour the extra into an ice cube tray, and save it for use in a future recipe. Just pop the desired number of cubes into a pan, and heat; there's no need to thaw them out before use. 

7. Use as a Candy Mold
Want your homemade chocolates to look professionally made? Then, use an ice cube tray as a candy mold, and all of your confections will be uniform in size. 

8. Use as a Soap Mold
Designate an ice cube tray for craft use, and create melt-and-pour soaps that are the perfect size for a guest bathroom or gift giving. 


~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~


Lucky enough to have an apple tree or access to cheap apples? 
Here's how to freeze them for year-round use: 

Option 1: Wash the apples thoroughly. Then, freeze whole and unpeeled on a tray. Transfer to freezer bags once frozen. 

Option 2: Peel, core and slice apples to desired size. Then, freeze on a tray, and transfer to freezer bags once frozen. 

Option 3: Peel, core and slice apples to desired size. Then, sweeten with sugar and spices to use as pie filling. Freeze in pie plates. Then, transfer to freezer bags once frozen. To use: simply drop the frozen apples into a pie crust; cover them with dough and cook. 
(Note: you'll probably need to increase the bake time for your pies ) 

To Avoid Browning: Dip the apple slices in lemon juice, salt water or an ascorbic acid solution prior to freezing. You can also, pack them in sugar syrup, or blanche them for one and a half minutes to stop the enzyme action that causes browning. 

Tips: 
1. Frozen apples can be used to make apple butter, apple sauce, pies, cakes, baked apples and other baked dishes 

2. Since freezing changes the texture of apples, they are not as well suited for eating raw 

3. Some spices lose their potency when frozen, so you may find that it works best to add your pie spices just prior to baking 

4. Freeze some apples whole and chop others to accommodate a variety of recipes. 

By Erin Huffstetler, About.com 
From: www.frugalliving.about.com

Sunday, April 5, 2009

B vitamins may offer migraine relief By Stephen Daniells, 02-Apr-2009




Previous studies by GRC identified a gene, known as MTHFR (methylenetetrahydr ofolate reductase), which reportedly makes people susceptible to migraine attacks when there is a mutation or dysfunction in the gene (C677T).

The dysfunction leads to higher levels of the amino acid homocysteine, already linked to increased risk of stroke and other coronary diseases. 

"These results provided compelling evidence that lowering plasma homocysteine levels via folic acid  coupled with B6 and B12 vitamin supplementation improved health-related productivity and therefore quality of life for these patients," wrote the researchers, led by Professor Lyn Griffiths.

Migraine stats

About 12 - 15 per cent of people in the UK, (around nine million people), suffer from migraines, with twice as many women as men affected by the complaint.

The headaches are sometimes preceded by flashes of light, blind spots, tingling in the arms or legs, or anxiety. Suffers generally experience a pounding sensation in one side of the head and many undergo nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and noise. The symptoms are often severe and debilitating, lasting anywhere between four and 72 hours.

Study details

According to findings to be published in an upcoming issue of Pharmacogenetics and Genomics, the GRC scientists recruited 52 people diagnosed with migraine with aura. The participants were randomly assigned to receive either vitamin supplements providing a daily dose of 2mg of folic acid, 25mg vitamin B6, and 400 micrograms of B12, or placebo, for six months.

Results showed a reduction in homocysteine levels by 39 per cent, compared to baseline, and statistically significant compared to placebo 
Furthermore, the supplements were associated with a reduction in the prevalence of migraine disability from 60 per cent at the start of the study to 30 per cent after 6 months. No reduction was observed in the placebo group, said the researchers.

Reductions in the frequency of the headache and the severity of the pain were also observed in people in the B vitamin group, while no such changes were observed in the placebo group.

The influence of genes

When considering the genotypes of the participants, Prof Griffiths and her co-workers report that the benefits were associated with MTHFRC677T genotype. Furthermore, carriers of the C allele responded better to people with TT genotypes.

"We found that C allele carriers responded better to treatment compared to TT genotypes in terms of homocysteine and migraine reduction. This finding may be explained by the idea that TT genotypes are genetically slower homocysteine metabolisers, " said the researchers.

"That is, if all patients received the same vitamin dosage for the same period of time it would be expected that those with TT genotypes, having a reduced enzymatic rate, would metabolise less homocysteine over the treatment period compared to C allele carriers, thus resulting in a smaller reduction in homocysteine and consequent migraine symptoms. 

"Indeed, it may be that TT genotypes although having a higher risk of disease actually require a larger dosage of vitamins to exhibit the same effect as C alleles. Further clinical trials of much larger patient cohorts are required to test this hypothesis," they added.

Prof Griffiths added that such trials will be undertaken, with the aim of elucidating the best dosage of B vitamins for individuals based on their genetic profile – personalized nutrition.

"The success of our trial - supported by the Brain Foundation, Janssens and Blackmores - has shown that safe, inexpensive vitamin supplements can treat migraine patients," said Prof Griffiths. 

Previous studies had reported that B vitamins may benefit migraine sufferers with high-dose vitamin B2 (riboflavin) reported to help prevent migraines (European Journal of Neurology, 2004, Vol. 11, pp. 475-477).


Source: Pharmacogenetics and Genomics
In press "The effects of vitamin supplementation and MTHFR (C677T) genotype on homocysteine- lowering and migraine disability"
Authors: R. Lea, N. Colson, S. Quinlan, J. Macmillan, L. Griffiths

How to Get Rid of Chronic Gouty Arthritis


Are you experiencing stiffness or pain around your neck, back, and arms, and massages and plasters cannot relieve your pain at all? That's because it's not a simple stiffness that you think.

Even if you place hundreds of plasters or ask your massage expert, and even if you place a hot compress on your shoulder, you will have no satisfactory result at all.

Applying hot compress, plasters, or massage, should eliminate and relieve 'common' stiff shoulders and simple pains. If not, then you might have "Chronic Gouty Arthritis".

In chronic gouty arthritis, the place where you feel pain is not the area that has to be treated. It's a common mistake to assume that the problem is at the place that hurts! This symptom is commonly known as "referred pain". Referred pain is defined as pain that is felt not at its source but in another part of the body.

More importantly, identifying which part of the body is causing the pain can be very tricky. If you're suffering from this condition, it is advisable to visit your physician or shiatsu (acupressure) therapist. Shiatsu therapists can locate the area of the body causing the pain by means of "acupressure" . The source of pain is called the "trigger point". Now you may ask why the trigger point and the area of pain are in different location of the body. That's a good question.

If we stay in a position or attitude for a long period of time, the blood circulation will deteriorate and the surrounding muscles will be affected. Such condition will create stiffness. This stiffness or pain can be eradicated easily by massage or applying hot compress. When the pain is chronic, you can suspect it as chronic gouty arthritis.

But how those simple pains happened to become chronic gouty arthritis? Continuous signals or signs of pain sent to your brain will significantly increase, and your brain will memorize it as real pain. The brain will register the designated part of the muscle as PAIN and becomes a trigger point. That's how trigger point is created. If the pain continuously stimulates the area, the area will have a tendency to expand and increases the trigger point. Then, you will feel pains all over the body for the whole day.

It is really a pain created by the brain due to misinformation, just like an illusion out of wrong information and incorrect memory of the brain.

If the trigger points are left untreated, the muscle surrounding it may harden and even the bones will be deformed. There are cases where the arms cannot move at all.

In fact, all the pain is just an illusion. If treatment is neglected, it will create trigger points. It is very important to consult your physician for diagnosis before it gets worse.

## How Trigger Points Are Found

The illustration below shows the acupressure points. The attending physician will strongly press the points with their finger. If you feel pain somewhere in your body when a certain point is pressed, then you've found the trigger point.

On the trigger points, you can ask your physician to use anesthetic injection to reduce the stressed muscle and remove pains. This simple anesthetic injection will make the blood circulation smoother. Once the blood circulation is improved, the treated area will naturally get well, and will eventually heal. Is it so easy and simple? Yes, it is, when you know it.

Of course, there are times that one anesthetic injection is not enough to yield satisfactory result. Some patients may need one injection every week for about 3-4 weeks.

Another way of treatment is acupuncture (treatment with needles). Acupuncture has more than 4,000 years of history. There are patients who suffer from pains on the waist area, and the trigger points were under the arms.

Slow moving exercise like Tai Chi and acupuncture will help prevent chronic gouty arthritis. Good luck!

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About the Author:
Junji Takano is a Japanese health researcher involved in investigating the cause of various diseases since 1960. In 1968, he invented PYRO-ENERGEN, the first electromedicine device that eradicates viral diseases, cancer, and diseases of unknown cause effectively without side effects.
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Yeast Infection and Herbal Remedies


Two of the most common of these single celled fungus is oral thrush and in the vagina (vaginitis or yeast infection). Sometimes though, this fungus is difficult to pin point. It can manifest itself as other ailments such as acne, asthma, arthritis, chronic fatigue, rashes, dizziness, headaches, muscle soreness and pain. 

Antibiotics are a major factor in Candidiasis. They not only kill the bacteria that cause infection but, the bodies' natural defenses as well. 

Birth control pills, anti-inflammatory drugs, cortisone, yeast laden foods, diet high in sugar are all major culprits in upsetting the bodies' natural balance. When candida infects the vagina, it results in vaginitis characterized by large amounts of white cheesy discharge and intense itching and burning. When the infection is in the mouth, it appears as white soars on the tongue, gums and inside of the cheeks. Candida can appear in the form of athlete's foot, jock itch and diaper rash in babies. 

Poor co-ordination, muscle weakness, swollen or painful joints, mood swings, loss of libido, infertility, depression, and unexplained tiredness can all be signs of candida. It can cause digestive and hormonal disturbances. 

Systemic Candidiasis and Albicans is an overgrowth of candida throughout the body. In the most severe cases, it can found traveling through the bloodstream and invading every organ in the system. 

Candidiasis may affect both men and women, but is rarely transmitted sexually. Very often allergies to food are present in people with candida infection. The symptoms of food allergies and environmental sensitivities can also mimic those of candidiasis. 

Doctors often take a culture or examine vaginal discharge under a microscope because not all discharges are caused by relatively harmless yeast. Anything from a forgotten tampon to life-threatening pelvic inflammatory disease can cause similar symptoms: itching and an odd-smelling discharge. 

Other causes include gardnerella vaginalis, a bacterial infection; trichomonas, a parasitic infection; and chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. Get a professional diagnosis, if you have any doubts about your condition. 

Herbal Remedies for Treating Yeast

Black Walnut: has been shown to destroy Candida better than a commonly prescribed antifungal drug. 

Pau D'arco, an herbal remedy made from the bark of a South American jungle tree (species of Tabebuia, also known as palo de arco, lapacho, and taheebo) is often recommended for candidiasis. Pau D'arco contains an antibacterial and antifungal agent. This herb works well in tea or tincture form. 

Clove works for those when Pau D'arco does not. 

Chamomile tincture, (cold as a mouth rinse for thrush, daily) can be beneficial. 

Garlic: Those who worry about yeast in their system should consider eating raw Garlic every day; since it is a very effective antifungal agent, or use it in tincture form. This is a wonderful natural antibiotic and detoxifier which protects the body against infection by enhancing immune function. 

Grapefruit Seed Extract: for one week, has been shown to inhibit yeast growth. 

Oregon Grape Root: has been shown to inhibit Candida in various studies due to its potent ingredient, berberine. 

Aromatherapy Remedies

Aromatherapy can help speed recovery. Helpful, are essential oils of allspice, cloves, cinnamon, eucalyptus, geranium, lavender, patchouli, rosemary, tea tree, and thyme are all beneficial for this condition. 

Eucalyptus: fights bacterial and viral infections. This oil stimulates regeneration of tissue. It increases blood oxygen supplies allowing more oxygen as well as nutrients to be delivered to the cells throughout the body.

Lavender: boosts the immunity and helps destroy candida. 

Rosemary: helps fight infection, expels phlegm and assists in lymph drainage. 

Tea Tree: a cousin to eucalyptus, tea tree oil contains anti-candidal activity. Studies indicate that it may be useful in the topical treatment of superficial candida infections. 
 
Thyme: improves immunity by boosting the production of white blood cells. This oil is great for candida and yeast infectious disorders. 

Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac
Therapies for healing mind, body, spirit