Category Archive : Health

Colon Cleanse

Best Colon Cleanse Diets That Work

Anyone who wishes to go through colon cleansing definitely wants the best colon cleanse method to ensure attainment of health objectives.

Realistically, one must accept the fact that colon cleanse methods have varied efficiency for different people. There are approaches that are too restraining and too hard which makes it hard to comply and complete. There are diets that are hard to implement and which can only be vanquished by the highly motivated individuals.

Despite so many approaches, the basic colon cleanse detoxification diet is still the best colon cleanse approach.

What is a basic colon cleanse detoxification diet?

The diet is not too strict because there many options to choose from thus making it easier to adhere to. It is therefore not surprising to see more individuals making it through the detoxification period because of these reasons.

The basic food is hastened with an increase in fiber content to elevate level of efficiency of digestion, absorption and integration in this diet plan.

1. For breakfast and until noon, eat only fruits. These foods are easy on the stomach and for digestion too. It will improve colon health because of the fibers and water content. It is best served in juice form which enhances its nutritional value while reducing the body’s craving for more food.

2. Proteins should not be eaten along with carbohydrates during meals. The gastric juices can make these two neutralize each other when eaten together. Rich sources of protein from vegetarian diet are legumes and beans. Beets, potatoes, carrots, turnips and other root crops are among the good sources of carbohydrates especially when eaten raw.

3. Raw veggies served as a salad with vinaigrette constitute one of the best lunch during detoxification process. Supper must be taken about 3 hours before bedtime and must be made up of cooked vegetables.

4. Staying hydrated during colon cleansing is important. The volume of water intake should be ideally about 50 percent of the body weight expressed in ounces. This means that a person weighing about 150 pounds must drink approximately 75 ounces of fluids from combined sources.

This is the best colon cleanse method because colon cleanse and detoxification diet is an uncomplicated diet scheme. What can be better than a diet that can revitalize and hasten body resistance and defenses.

How To Colon Cleanse When One Feels The Need

The people of this generation takes a 360 degrees turn when it comes to going natural for health and treatments.

The decision to turn away from western and use of chemical drugs is felt while natural healing methods are taking its place. One of this is colon cleansing that removes the unwanted chemicals and other unhealthy substances along the inbtestines.

Said process is believed to usher many health benefits which is why many are interested to learn how to colon cleanse.

There are two ways by which colon cleansing or colon therapy, as it is medically called, can be done. One is the driving water through the rectum and the second entails the oral ingestion of an agent that will achieve the same purpose.

*The procedure called colonic irrigation or colon hydrotherapy is a pre-surgical process administered in a hospital before a scheduled surgery. An example is the enema; the use of colonic machine is more complicated but better. The use of the latter removes the discomfort and smell. The colon hygienist or therapist may vary the pressures and temperatures to pump up water in the colon until the process is finished.

*Colonic cleansing by way of oral administration of certain products or concoctions can be done by taking laxatives, certain herbal teas, enzymes, anti-parasitic capsules, or other preparations. Colon cleansing is a procedure that is never condoned by medical practitioners unless before surgery because of its unlikely effects on health. It is recommended that such should be done with great care or under the guidance of doctors.

*If colonic cleansing is essential because of constipation or to boost the health of the colon, there are natural healthy solutions that are worth considering. If one is interested to know how to colon cleanse naturally, these include: consuming a fiber-rich diet, drinking adequate amount of water and getting a regular exercise.

The health benefit of colon cleansing is vague.

The information available are causing a division among people. If one is not fully convinced of either of the two factions, but feels the need for colon cleansing, go for what is acceptable to both; go natural.

There are natural ways on how to colon cleanse naturally and safely, go for it.

At Home Colon Cleanse And Rest

There are several ways by which accumulated toxins in the colon can be flushed out in the process of colon detoxification.

Some are quite uncomplicated and can be ideal or suitable home colon cleanse methods. Familiarity with the manner of administration makes it easy to do the procedure on a regular basis without much cost involved.

It also allows continuing health benefits from improved food digestion, absorption and assimilation.

How are home colon cleanse methods done in order to keep the colon functioning normally?

1. Water therapy, fasting and by eating fruits and vegetables with lots of fibers are the most natural ways to do colon cleansing. All colon cleansing processes need water to hasten it. The expulsion of unwanted wastes and impurities are done in the presence of water. Fasting, on the other hand, provides the digestive system a time to rest from years of churning and absorbing; a truly deserved one. Once eating is resumed, it is best to include large quantities of a wide variety of fruits and vegetables that contain fibers. Such kind of diet will naturally drive the gut muscles towards expulsion of its contents.

2. If the natural solutions are rather inconvenient, there are many colon cleanse products that can be bought to aid digestion. One can go as natural as anyone wants because many of these products have natural ingredients. Some products may contain 40 herbs which makes it effective; these formulations are rich and hard to copy in a home recipe. These products are convenient to use being efficient and effective. In picking out the one product that one wants to use, there are colon cleanse reviews to base one’s opinion and decision.

3. Enema is something that can be done at home. There are several types that either use water, coffee, and clay which must be learned. Many dislike it for the fuss and discomforts. The process is rendered useless in upper gut being effective in cleaning the lower colon only.

The best way to detoxify the intestines by far is by home colon cleanse.

There are choices one can make whether it is all natural or commercial products with natural ingredients. What matters is that the colon is given the rest and cleaning needed to stay fit and healthy.

COPD

What Is COPD – Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Overview

COPD is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in the United States.

In the year 2009, somewhere around thirteen million individuals who were above 18 years old developed COPD. The total cost of managing COPD in 2010 was around forty-nine billion dollars, as stated by the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute.

But what is COPD and how does it happen?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD for short, is a complex of lung disorders caused by the accumulation of inflammatory mucus in the respiratory tract. The structural changes in the lungs cause an individual to breathe laboriously.

COPD is comprised of chronic bronchitis and emphysema, each of which is the usual end result of cigarette use.

While some people look at asthma as part of the disease, others look at it as a distinct respiratory illness because of its reversibility.

With that being said, what is COPD in general?

As previously stated, COPD is a complex of two conditions – chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

In chronic bronchitis, the bronchial tubes that carry air to the lungs become inflamed, resulting in excessive mucous secretion, cough, and difficulty of breathing. This condition is frequently the result of repeated infections in the lower respiratory tract.

On the other hand, emphysema is a condition in which the elastic recoil of the air sacs (found in the lungs) is compromised. Eventually, these sacs collapse, resulting to shortness of breath. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema have different pathophysiologies. These two conditions are termed together as COPD because they usually develop concurrently.

What is COPD’s most frequent causes?

Most cases of COPD are typically the result of being constantly exposed to noxious stimuli such as cigarette smoke.

Here are some of the other causes of COPD: air pollution, occupational exposure to dusts and chemical fumes, allergies, genetic factors, and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.

COPD is not only a leading cause of death in the U.S., it is also a major cause of death worldwide.

Currently, COPD remains incurable and no medication has been found yet to reverse the gradual deterioration of the lungs.

However, one should not give up hope because even though there is no way to reverse the condition, many symptomatic treatments are available.

COPD Diagnosis – Identifying The Presence Of COPD

According to CDC, approximately 45 million people aged 18 and above smoke cigarettes in the United States.

With these numbers, it is not shocking to learn that when it comes to the leading causes of death and illness in the U.S., COPD is included in the list.

Approximately 25 million people in the U.S. are diagnosed with COPD every year.

What is worse, of the 45 million people who have COPD, no more than 50 percent is diagnosed.

COPD diagnosis is particularly encouraged in individuals who have been suffering from three months of productive coughing for two straight years.

Remember that COPD is a type of progressive disease that has no definite cure. Early COPD diagnosis must be done to help stop the disease from progressing and provide the individual with treatments that will help alleviate the symptoms.

To confirm the presence of COPD, the doctors will usually order the following: pulmonary function tests (PFT), arterial blood gases (ABGs), chest x-ray, and alpha1-antitrypsin assay.

• Pulmonary function tests (PFTs), also known as lung function tests, are a group of tests that assess the ability of the lungs to work properly. It evaluates if an individual can breathe without any difficulty. Spirometry is the most commonly ordered PFT and the main instrument used in this kind of testing is the spirometer.

• While PFTs evaluate a person’s capacity to breathe air in and out of the lungs, ABGs measure the lungs’ capacity to carry oxygen into the blood and eliminate carbon dioxide from the blood. ABGs give doctors a snapshot of your lung’s overall health and functioning.

• Chest x-ray only reveals positive results in severe cases; hence, it must be performed in the initial evaluation to rule out other kinds of lung diseases. Chest x-ray results in patients with COPD usually show hyperinflated lungs with flattened diaphragm.

• COPD diagnosis using alpha1-antitrypsin assay is usually carried out in people who are showing signs of the genetic condition called alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency. Alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT) is a type of protein that protects the alveolar tissues from a harmful substance called neutrophil elastase.

The procedures discussed are very critical in confirming the presence of COPD.

Complete COPD diagnosis must be done so the healthcare team can design a treatment plan that would help in slowing down the disease.

The Four Stages Of COPD

The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) defines chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as a type respiratory disease characterized by airflow obstruction that is not fully reversible.

Noxious stimuli such as tobacco smoke, chemical fumes, and industrial dust bring about a series of inflammatory responses within the lungs, leading to airway obstruction.

In order to determine the severity of airflow obstruction within the lungs, the doctors will usually order a series of tests known as pulmonary function tests (PFTs). Also called lung function tests, this type of diagnostic exam determines if a person can breathe air in and out of the lungs effectively.

Simply put, PFTs describe a person’s “lung function”.

To measure lung function, a type of PFT called “spirometry” is performed.

A small equipment known as the “spirometer” is utilized so as to obtain the FEV1, or forced expiratory volume in “one” second. FEV1 is a test result that shows the amount of air that can be exhaled forcibly by an individual.

Spirometry is the primary standard in the assessment and management of COPD. The presenting symptoms and spirometry results are normally evaluated in order to determine which of the four stages of COPD the patient belongs.

The following are the four stages of COPD in brief detail:

• In Stage I COPD, or mild COPD, there is already mild airflow limitation in the lungs but the person may not notice the declining performance of the lungs yet. The FEV1 value ranges between 80 and 100 percent and the person may be negative or positive for COPD symptoms such as coughing and mucus secretion.

• In Stage II COPD, or moderate COPD, symptoms of airflow obstruction worsen and become slightly apparent. Shortness of breath when exerting effort occurs, accompanied by cough with sputum production. The FEV1 is typically no less than 50 percent and no greater than 80 percent.

• In Stage III COPD, or severe COPD, the patient starts to experience exacerbations. The person now starts to cough up lots of mucus and becomes easily fatigued even with very minor movements. The lung function FEV1 ranges between 30 and 49 percent, and the patient’s overall way of life is damaged.

• In Stage IV COPD, or very severe COPD, COPD exacerbations become very life-threatening. The patient may now suffer from edema in the lower legs and become cyanotic during flare-ups. The FEV1 could either be less than 30 percent, or less than 50 percent accompanied by chronic respiratory failure.

The four stages of COPD spell out the seriousness of the condition. The stages of COPD serve as a reference for doctors in their endeavor to design a treatment strategy that perfectly matches each individual’s needs.

The Less Common Causes Of COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD is a progressive lung disease characterized by a decrease in lung function.

COPD, which is considered as one of the world’s most prevalent health conditions, is an illness that is expected to trouble more people in the future.

Tobacco smoke is the leading risk factor for the development of COPD, and is said to be the cause of affliction in eighty to ninety percent of all patients.

But smoking is not the only risk factor for the development of the disease, as there are other causes of COPD which most people may find quite uncommon. The following are some of the less frequent causes of COPD.

• Occupational hazards – Studies have shown that around one-third of the cases of COPD in individuals who have never smoked can be linked to occupational exposures. Research show that even non-smoking individuals who work in industries that involve rubber, plastic, textile, leather, and food are prone to develop COPD.

• Air pollution – According to some studies conducted in Denmark, chronic exposure to contaminated air can place a person at risk of developing COPD. Some people may not know it, but long-term exposure to air pollution from vehicle emissions can have very bad effects on the lungs.

• Infection – Infection of the lower respiratory tract can cause COPD. Studies have found that people with lower respiratory tract infection are more vulnerable to developing the illness. When bacteria such as Haemophilus influenza and Chlamydia pneumonia enter the lungs, an inflammatory response is triggered and COPD occurs.

• Genetics – Another one of the less common causes of COPD is alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency, a hereditary condition caused by the body’s defective production of the protein called alpha1-antitrypsin. Alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT) is a kind of protein that inhibits neutrophil elastase from damaging the elastin tissues of the alveoli. A person who is suffering from alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency is at risk of developing emphysema later in life.

Apart from tobacco smoke, some other causes of COPD are occupational hazards, air pollution, infection, and alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency.

Keep in mind that there are many things that can cause COPD to develop.

And while the smoking habit remains to be the leading cause of COPD, individuals can acquire the condition due to various causes, such as those mentioned above.

Treatment For COPD: What Can Be Done To Treat COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD has always been in the top five causes of mortality and morbidity in the United States.

At present, COPD is at fourth place, although it is expected to go up a notch by the year 2020.

But despite being a serious health problem all across the world, COPD remains to have no permanent remedy.

No drugs have been proven effective in reversing the structural damage in the lungs despite serious efforts by medical experts to create one that does. Fortunately, there are many things that can be done to slow up the disease progress and make life more comfortable for patients.

Here are some of the most common treatment modalities for COPD.

• Quitting smoking is one of the best ways to prevent the exacerbation of COPD. It is an established truth that smoking tobacco is mainly responsible for the development of COPD. And although cigarette smoking is hard to give up, your healthcare providers can assist you in planning strategies and finding products that can make smoking cessation an easier task.

• Another way to treat the symptoms of COPD is to use bronchodilators. Bronchodilators relax the respiratory muscles and open the airways, making breathing a lot better. Some of the most commonly used bronchodilators are Atrovent (ipratropium), Ventolin (albuterol), Brethine (terbutaline), Alupent (metaproterenol), and Combivent (ipratropium + albuterol) And although these medications cannot undo the damage, they make breathing more comfortable.

• In the presence of infection, antimicrobial agents are given. Streptococcus pneumonia, Haemophilus influenza, Moraxella catarrhalis, and Chlamydia pneumonia are the most common organisms that affect the lower respiratory tract. The physician will prescribe various antibiotics based on the kind of bacteria that infected the lungs.

• When there is acute exacerbation, corticosteroids are usually prescribed to be taken orally, intravenously, or via inhalation method. Examples of commonly used steroids by COPD patients are Deltasone (prednisone/hydrocortisone), Beclovent (beclomethasone), Azmacort (triamcinolone acetonide), AeroBid (flunisolide), and Flovent (fluticasone).

• Another way to treat COPD is to give supplemental oxygen. The dosage, frequency, and duration of oxygen administration will depend on the severity of the disease. Oxygen helps individuals to carry out their daily activities and sleep comfortably at night.

• Pulmonary rehabilitation is another treatment option for patients with COPD. Pulmonary rehabilitation is a clinical program that aims to help people handle breathlessness and cope with the disease symptoms in general.

COPD is a respiratory disease that has no cure yet. But COPD patients should not give up hope because there are many things that can be done to make life more comfortable.

Heart Rate

Do You Have A Healthy Heart Rate?

Heart rate is defined as the number of heart beats per minute.

The normal heart rate of an adult at rest is 60 to 100 beats per minute (bpm), as most reference books would tell you. Having said that, it is logical to think that a heart rate that goes within 60-100 bpm is a healthy heart rate and should cause no worry to an individual.

But what if you’re an athlete and you have a heart rate of 50 beats per minute? Are you going to think of it as a healthy heart rate?

There are certain situations or conditions that influence a person’s heart beat, such as age, exercise and fitness level.

A heart rate of 120-180 bpm, for example, is regarded as a healthy heart rate in babies. But for a 5-year old preschooler, a healthy heart rate falls within 80-120 bpm. Due to the expected changes in the heart muscle tissues as it ages, the elderly people tend to have a lower heart rate.

As you may have noticed, 60-100 bpm may not necessarily mean the same healthy heart rate range for people who belong in a different age group.

During the course of exercise, a person’s heart rate goes faster.

Any type of workout will demand the muscles to move. The muscles would need more oxygen as a consequence of the increased movement. This increased demand for oxygen makes the heart pump faster so it can supply the muscle tissues with adequate amounts of oxygen-rich blood.

Therefore, a heart rate of 120 bpm during exercise can be considered as a healthy heart rate.

If an individual works out regularly, his heart becomes a lot stronger and this makes it capable of pumping much more blood to the rest of the body with fewer beats per minute. Because of this increased strength, the heart becomes capable of sustaining intense work outs even at a much slower rate. It is for this reason that well-trained athletes who have a low heart rate of 40 to 70 bpm are still considered healthy.

So do you think you have a healthy heart rate? For as long as the body is getting all the blood supply that it needs, any heart rate that falls below or above the normal range (60-100 bpm), can be considered a healthy heart rate.

Exactly What Is Normal Heart Rate?

Most people say that their hearts beat faster when they are in love.

Alright, obviously that’s because the word heart is almost synonymous with love. That’s the tender, amorous aspect of the heart. But medically speaking, has anyone ever wondered, “What is the normal heart rate?”

Heart rate is referred to as the number of heart beats for each minute.

The simplest way to determine your heart rate is by locating your pulse. The pulse reveals the rate of a person’s heart beat. Hence, a healthy pulse rate means a healthy heart rate.

Two of the most familiar areas to assess your pulse arte are one, over the wrist area, the side immediately under the thumb and two, on the side of the neck where you can find the carotid artery.

To obtain the heart rate, count the number of beats for one whole minute as soon as you feel your pulse.

The normal resting heart rate for adults is 60 to 100 beats per minute (bpm). Alright, that’s what long-standing education affirms. Yet the question, “What is normal heart rate?” is in truth an extremely tough question to respond to since heart rate is impacted by a multitude of factors.

Most books would say that 60-100 bpm is the normal heart rate.

However, this range may not be the normal range for others, as with the well-trained athletes who can have as low as 40 bpm and infants who can have as high as 180 bpm. Moreover, it is not strange for any asleep adult to have a heart rate of about 50-90 bpm. When an adult is having some intense training, on the contrary, it is not strange to have a heart rate more than 100 bpm.

With that being said, accurately what is normal heart rate?

Heart rate is absolutely not like a lab value which has a “set value”.

As mentioned earlier, heart rate is affected by countless factors such as age, weight, physical activity, caffeine, alcohol, medications and the list is endless. An adult who is 25 years old is regarded as normal if his heart rate goes within 60-100 bpm. However, you cannot rely on an 85-year old senior to have the exact same rate because as a consequence of the normal aging process, older people are anticipated to have a lower heart rate, usually 50-70 bpm.

Directly back to the main question: “What is normal heart rate?” Check with your doctor regarding this.

Heart Rate Calculator – Get The Best Out Of Cardio Using The Karnoven Formula

Cardiovascular exercises or cardio are workouts that move the large muscles and increase the heart rate.

Jogging, swimming, cycling and dancing are just some examples. Bear in mind that simple, short workouts are by any means better than no exercise at all.

Now, once you’re used to working out, the next question is, how intense should your exercise be?

A heart rate calculator is used by most exercisers, particularly athletes to check the intensity of their exercise.

A heart rate calculator uses the Karnoven formula, which calculates a person’s exercise heart rate and helps estimate the right target heart rate zone. Developed by a Scandinavian physiologist, this formula uses the number known as heart rate reserve.

To get a person’s heart rate reserve, subtract the resting heart rate from the maximum heart rate. Resting heart rate (RHR), as the name implies, is the heart rate of a person while at rest. On the other hand, Max HR is the fastest rate the heart can beat for one minute.

Most experts suggest that you keep your heart rate at around 60 to 85 percent of your maximum heart rate (Max HR). If you need to compute for the Max HR, use the formula 220 minus age (220 minus age) multiplied by sixty or eighty-five percent.

If you are 30 years old, for example, subtract 30 from 220, which would give you a Max HR of 190. Then you would multiply this number by either sixty or eighty-five percent to obtain the 60 and 85 percent of your Max HR, which would give you 114 or 162. This means that 116 bpm and 162 bpm is the 60 percent and 85 percent of your Max HR, respectively.

The lower number (sixty-percent) should be used initially to compute for the target heart rate prior to starting any exercise. This is particularly true for novice exercisers. The lower number is used to avoid physical harm during exercise. Karnoven method of target heart rate is done by finding the difference between resting heart rate and maximum heart rate multiplied to sixty percent; then, add the result to resting heart rate.

So, if you’re 30 years old and has a RHR of 65, this formula would give you a THR of 140 bpm. Subsequently, as you progress with your workout regimen, you might like to use the higher number ( eighty-five percent) to compute for your THR. Again, using the Karnoven method, this would give you a THR of 171 bpm. Having at least 140 bpm until 171 bpm will give you the best health benefits during cardio workouts.

Almost all exercisers gain plenty of benefits from a heart rate calculator. Online heart rate calculators that can be used to compute for a person’s THR are all around the place.

Understanding the rationale behind the Karnoven heart rate calculator, however, can guide a person on his overall cardio workout experience.

Vitamin B12

Reaping The Benefits Of Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is an unusual vitamin because of its size, origin and the complicated process of absorption.

These are the factors that may serve as precursors for vitamin deficiency and complications.

It is critical that deficiency is avoided because the benefits of vitamin B12 in human physiology can be compromised. While it is a water-soluble vitamin that can easily be excreted through the urine, a certain fraction of it is stored in the liver, kidney and other tissues in the body. It is a vitamin that plays critical role in many metabolic reactions in the human body.

 

1. Having erythrocytes or red blood cells which are developing normally is one of the many benefits of vitamin B12. Hence, anemia results or the reduction in the number of red blood cells which also diminish the oxygen carrying potential of the blood playing an important role in cellular processes.

 

2. To generate energy, there is a need for oxygen so that carbohydrates, fats and glucose can be transformed and processed by metabolism to release energy. Thus, vitamin B12 has been associated with boosting of energy or fatigue and lethargy in the body when there is deficiency.

 

3. The development of neurons or nerve cells is another of the important benefits of vitamin B12. A deficiency often manifests itself in the development of neuronal dysfunction with symptoms similar to senile dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Vitamin B12 and a healthy nervous system also prevent depression, stress, and brain atrophy or degeneration.

 

4. The benefits of vitamin B12 also include the prevention of many dreadful afflictions. Among the benefit is the better control on the levels of cholesterol that is so intricately connected to many other diseases like diabetic neuropathy,tinnitus, hypertension, heart diseases and multiple sclerosis.

 

5. Interestingly, it is also essential to keep skin, hair, and nails healthy. This is because vitamin B12 can make regeneration and oxygenation possible.

Recently, weight loss is also being related to vitamin B12. There are certainly no scientific basis to think that these could be among the benefits of vitamin B12 yet many weight loss centers are already into it.

For the time being, it will be important to focus on maintaining a healthy level of the vitamin because deficiency is a real risk.

It is a such a rare gift because it not only cheap, it is also poses very little risks.

What is Vitamin B12 All About

Are you having problems remembering?

When this comes with symptoms like numbness in the extremities, strong heart palpitations, sore tongue and depression, most likely need of vitamin B12. You might wondering what is vitamin B12 and what does it have to do with these symptoms?

What is vitamin B12 or cobalamin is that it is a water soluble vitamin which plays significant function in the formation of red blood cells (RBC), in the development and normal functions of neuron (nerve cells) and in the cycling of protein for proper growth and regeneration of cells.

Furthemore, it is essential in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and DNA (deoxyribose nucleic acid) synthesis and energy production. These mean that if there will be deficiency in B12, an individual would likely suffer from anemia, specifically pernicious anemia where the RBC appears larger than usual, irregular in shape and could not effectively transport oxygen (O2).

This may also mean that the myelin sheath, surrounds neurons in the spinal cord and brain, will not be properly formed.

Muscle cells may possibly not grow or regenerate appropriately as amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, happen to unavailable with vitamin B12 deficiency. The process of movement of carbohydrates and fats are compromised also while affecting the overall metabolism as well generation of energy. For people wanting to know the answer to what is vitamin B12, you would not want to live with it to know.

What is vitamin B12 and what makes it rather unique is its source? Plants and animals do not have the capacity to produce it. They are only created by certain bacteria and algae but conversions in form may take place in the human body. There is no need to overdose, however, because in humans this is stored for over 20 years. With certain stomach conditions that allow minimal absorption of the vitamin and vegetarian diet, however, conscious efforts to take vitamin B12 following a regime is in order.

Great sources of vitamin B12 are food cooked from food from animal like snapper and calf’s liver. Great sources are sea plants, algae, yeasts, and fermented plant foods like tempeh, miso, or tofu from plants.

However, for this vitamin, plant sources are unreliable.

The Complex Process Of Vitamin B12 Absorption

Eating is a pleasurable experience as human is endowed with taste buds that give distinction to flavors.

Technically speaking, feeding is a process that provides cells the building blocks as well as other raw materials to maintain optimum growth, metabolism and processes. This is why, eating is not all about gratification. Certain nutrients need to be taken up in the right amounts to make them beneficial to human bodies.

Vitamin B12 absorption is a clear problem.

It is one of those hard to hard to find nutrients. This is because the digestive conditions are not always up to par so that the vitamin is not absorbed as it should be. The outcome is deficiency due to the failed vitamin B12 absorption and not because of dietary inadequacy.

Dietary insufficiency is not the only reason which causes vitamin B12 deficiency. It could also be due to physiological reasons. For vitamin B12 absorption to take place in the small intestine there are several processes that need to happen without hitches and these are:

1. While Vitamin B12 is released from the proteins from food in the stomach, it fuses with R-proteins to create a complex called B12-R complex.

2. Meanwhile, intrinsic factors (IF) which are protein in nature are produced by the stomach cells called parietal cells stimulated by the gastric acids and the food itself.

3. By the time the proteases (enzymes that act on proteins) degrade the B12-R complex, it will free the B12 that will coalesce next with the IF thus forming the B12-IF complex. For vitamin B12 absorption to occur, the complex needs to travel to the farthest portion of the small intestine, the ileum.

Henceforth, there is the prerequisite for normal gastric and intestinal conditions to be present so that vitamin B12 absorption can occur. A decrease in the acidity of the stomach due to certain, ailments, indiscriminate uptake of antacids, infections or aging can lead to failure to form the B12-R complex. The ability to form the second complex, B12IF is also important because the receptors in the ileum only distinguishes this complex for the absorption to take place.

Therefore, what ensures vitamin B12 absorption is an undamaged and healthy stomach, small intestine and pancreas.

Diagnosis Of Vitamin B12 Deficiency

There are physical manifestations that can make us infer on the condition of vitamin B12 deficiency such as anemia, poor memory, depression, and fatigue to name a few.

What makes easy diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency difficult is having nonspecific signs and symptoms. This means that in order to accurately diagnose vitamin B12 deficiency as a disease, the signs and symptoms must first be ascertained to be related to its deficiency and not to another ailment.

Diagnostic tests validate vitamin B12 deficiency. Yet, most are still not certain. Hence, a battery of tests is usually done like:

1. Babinski reflex is observed only among infants that should be lost when the brain develops in a year. If the reflex persist beyond said time, it could signify nerve path damage.

2. Complete Blood Count or CBC and Reticulocyte Count can generate a lot of information about blood conditions. The status of blood formation in the bone marrow can signify activity and such can be ascertained using the Reticulate Count.

3. Homocysteine test and Methylmalonic Acid (MMA) Tests can be used to check to see why vitamin B12 levels are low; these substances in the blood increases as the level of vitamin B12 decreases.

4. Serum Vitamin B12 level and serum folate levels can assess e levels of anemia and vitamin B12 .

5. Serum LDH (Lactate Dehydrogenase) Test determines the concentration of blood LDH to indicate anemia of vitamin B-12 deficiency, Megaloblastic anemia and Pernicious anemia.

6. The Schilling test is used to determine whether the body absorbs vitamin B12 normally.

*Stage I –Find out if the body has the ability to take in vitamin B12 normally. Out of range results indicate a possibility of deficiency, so the patient moves to Stage II.

*Stage II –The condition in the stomach is assessed by the administration of a radioactive along with intrinsic factor to check if the intrinsic factor in the stomach is being synthesized to absorb vitamin B12 well. Should the results be unfavorable, the patient moves to Stage III.

*Stage III –This is administered to find out if infection is causing the Vitamin B12 deficiency so infection is treated first with 2 weeks of antibiotics.

*Stage IV: -This stage’s goal is to make certain if pancreatic enzymes is related to the deficiency.

Should all the tests confirm the condition of vitamin B12 deficiency, it is important to see a physician right away to prevent complications.

Vitamin B12 Side Effects Are Uncommon But Real Possibilities

Vitamin B12 is unusually a big molecule, scarce and involves a rather difficult absorption mechanism.

Its rarity is particularly related to the fact that it can only be biosynthetically produced by select bacteria and algae. Only very few foods may be regarded as excellent sources, hence vitamin B12 side effects are remote to happen by diet alone. Supplements are more possible reasons for ingesting higher than normal dosages of vitamin B12. People who take as much as 1000 mcg do not lead to untoward effects unless there is an allergy.

It is common to see adverse reactions or vitamin B12 side effects if it gets into the system of a person with allergy to it. These allergic reactionsor vitamin B12 side effects are often observed when the vitamin is given as an injection. It worth mentioning though that as of this writing, the cause of the vitamin B12 allergy is still not certain whether it is the preservative used in the injection solution or the vitamin itself. Sensitivity to cobalt or cobalamin are also possibilities. During such instances, signs and symptoms include rashes, hives, diarrhea, chest pains, panic attacks, anxiety, and heart palpitations among others.

Predisposal to certain medical conditions or dug interactions can also lead to vitamin B12 side effects. The compicating medical and physiological conditions are discussed below:

 

1.Blindness can be a repercussion if an individual is already afflicted with Leber’s Disease which is a hereditary eye disease. Taking vitamin B12 can seriously injure the optic nerves.

 

2.Vitamin B12 deficiency may precipitate megaloblastic anemia or a type of anemia where the red blood cells are abnormally large. Such signs and symptoms are generally easy to treat but may also be difficult at times. If there is something to watch out for, it is the sudden appearance of vitamin B12 side effects especially after administration of B12 injections. If a therapy needs to be administrered, it is highly recommended that professional help be sought first.

 

3.High concentrations of vitamin B12 may unmask a disease called polycythemia vera. This blood condition is manifested by showing high-density of red blood cells.

 

4.Drug interactions can happen between vitamin B12 and the drugs used to treat certain diseases such as Metformin for diabetes; cimetidine, omeprazole and lansoprazole for peptic ulcer and gastroesophageal reflux; and chloramphenicol for certain bacterial infections.

The common consequence is the poor absorption of vitamin B12 when it is combined with the abovementioned medications. The rule is really simple concerning the prevention of any untoward vitamin B12 side effects; consult a doctor before taking any new drug.

 

Cranberry Juice Benefits

What Are The Cranberry Juice Benefits?

Cranberry juice comes from small berries known as cranberries.

Natural fruit juices, including cranberry juice, can provide you with a lot of health advantages when you follow the quantity of juice that you should drink every day.

Following is the list of the top cranberry juice benefits that you may reap:

1. Cranberry juice aids in preventing urinary tract infection or UTI. One study indicates that this natural juice ensures that E. coli bacteria cannot initiate infection. This is due to the anthocyanidins, which are flavonoids, contained in cranberry juice.

2. Cranberry juice benefits are aplenty and one of these I preventing cancer development with phytochemicals and antioxidant.

3. Cranberry juice is miraculous as it can dissolve kidney stones. The fruit also boasts quinic acid which is known for its power in preventing kidney stone development.

4. Herpes simplex virus can also be avoided when you regularly drink cranberry juice. Based on studies, this fruit has phytonutrients that can stop the virus from penetrating the system.

We are finished looking into various cranberry juice benefits, so let us also check the things that avoid individuals from drinking this fruit juice.

The acidity of this fruit juice is higher than that of soft drinks, so your teeth could suffer if you choose to drink it frequently. So, choose the unsweetened juice or add water to it so that it’s not concentrated anymore.

Despite the many cranberry juice benefits, a lot of people have reservations about drinking this fruit juice. This fruit juice doesn’t tastes so good, that’s why many people repulse on the idea. Cranberry juice can be drunk with corn syrup or by a capsule which contains cranberry extracts.

Ensuring that you remain healthy is up to you, so you have to take charge of your life by preferring natural and healthy foods.

Drink fruit juices and water and avoid consuming unhealthy beverages such as soft drinks and alcoholic beverages. Add more vegetables in your diet, especially the green leafy ones. Not only that, it is advised that you exercise on a regular basis so that you will stay active. You have to stay in shape to ensure that your outlook in life remains positive. Diseases will not visit you too often if you have a healthy way of living.

If you are a healthy person, it can be equated to a satisfied and happy individual.

Stay Healthy, Drink Pure Cranberry Juice Everyday

Who doesn’t want to live a healthy life, one that is not plagued by illnesses?

Nearly everyone is responding affirmatively now. When you love to find the secret to remaining healthy, you are required to comply with some guidelines. Let’s face it, we can’t achieve a thing if we want to play by our rules alone.

Following are the techniques that you should comply so that your health cannot be questioned:

 

*Eat right. Select vegetables that are brightly-colored because these have been found to offer more vitamins and minerals. Include fruits in your diet as these contain nourishing substances that you need.

 

 

*Take in fruit and vegetable drinks. Drinks are aplenty and are intended to ensure that we don’t get dehydrated, however, extra care is needed because some contain artificial flavorings that could harm us. Choose only natural juices, those that come from vegetables and fruits. You can make beverages out of the vegetables and fruits you can buy in the local supermarkets. Moreover, it’s okay to consume wines as long as it’s not excessive.

 

 

*Sleep well. Everyone needs to sleep and if you do this, you have to make sure that your body is well-rested. You should ensure that you get to sleep for eight hours, no more no less. Do not forget that you have to abide by what experts say about your health.

 

 

*Do some regular exercises. You can say that you follow the rules about sleeping for eight hours, ingesting vegetables and fruits and drinking nutrient-filled drinks, however, you cannot say that you are one lucky healthy person because you know that you are not. The missing puzzle piece happens to be exercise. It needs to be emphasize that exercise should be done frequently for it to have an effect on the body.

 

 

*Supplement with vitamins and minerals. When you evaluate yourself and believe that what you are doing is still not enough, it’s time to take the right minerals and vitamins. For a food supplement that offer various plus points on your health, pure cranberry juice is the answer.

By opting for pure cranberry juice, your body may get a lot of nutrients that it needs to keep moving and these include potassium, calcium and vitamin C.

If you cannot withstand the taste of cranberry juice since it’s acidic, your next choice should be pure cranberry juice in powder form.

Shed Extra Pounds By Following Cranberry Juice Diet

Most of us want to see positive results immediately just like in losing weight.

Weight loss plans are abundant, which could cause confusion among consumers in selecting a healthy diet that’s right for them. Losing weight can take a toll on our body and a lot of individuals have encountered health issues when they follow the wrong weight loss plan.

So, it is important that you decide wisely so that you will not be obliged to face health problems caused by following wrong diet plans.

Cranberry juice diet is a type of detoxification diet that is aimed at flushing out toxins from the body. Dieters who are encountering difficulties to lose weight should try this unique diet. This is a diet that is preferred by many celebrities who feel that they need to lose some pounds so that they look perfect at the red carpet.

Individuals from all walks of life are seeing the advantages offered by this diet and they think that they can show their sexier selves to the people with the aid of this reducing diet.

What are the important points that we should know about cranberry juice diet?

Keep in mind that this diet involves unsweetened cranberry juice and water and many alternative medicine practitioners back this reducing diet plan. In addition to that, solid foods should be avoided if you want to see the results very soon.

Proponents cite studies which indicate that this juice can detoxify our body with contaminants. This depicts that our body will not be affected by unwanted toxins. But, other studies reveal surprising details as these question the claimed efficacy of this fruit juice in the detoxification process.

In the end, what we should remember is that the addition of this fruit juice in our healthy diet can offer us many good things in life.

In reality, pure cranberry juice is a simple weight loss plan to follow. Allow cranberry juice to be one of the healthier beverages in your reducing diet. Another reminder concerns the tendency of people not to care too much about their health and the right food items to be included in your every meal.

Test your body’s ability to withstand a diet with cranberry juice for a few days, then recheck it to know whether you are making progress.

Why Cranberry Juice Cocktail Is Preferred By Many

Cranberry juice is not that popular because it’s acidic, even though they know of the health benefits that this can offer.

Luckily, an ingenious individual experiments with cranberry juice by mixing it in spirits and other fruits, then cranberry juice cocktail is introduced. The combination of this juice and other beverages has different types and it’s you who should choose which taste you prefer.

To be able to choose which of the many types of cranberry juice cocktail that you are going to love, you have to check out the available recipes that act as your guide.

*One recipe for cranberry juice cocktail includes cranberries, sugar, water and oranges as ingredients. It’s easy to prepare because all you have to do is to cook the cranberries and oranges with water and strain the juice and add sugar.

One other recipe for cocktail is a combination of spiced rum, Van Gogh Wild Apple Vodka, cranberry juice and simple syrup. All ingredients should be poured in a shaker with ice where these will be blended properly. Ensure that the resulting cocktail don’t have unwanted ingredients and it should be put in a martini glass.

*On the other hand, Cape Codder requires vodka and cranberry juice and lime wedge as an addition. Put the cranberry juice and the vodka in a highball glass which contains ice and stir the mixture well. The finishing step is to place drops of lime into the drink and the wedge is placed in the lid to act as garnish.

These are only some of the recipes for cranberry juice cocktail that you can try.

What’s so good is that not all cocktails with cranberry juice contains spirits. With this type of beverage, you can enjoy the health benefits of cranberry juice without enduring its sharp taste, which does not appeal to many people. If you are into making a cocktail as your own by adding more ingredients, there is a possibility that you can make cranberry juice to become a world-renowned beverage.

If you want to go to a bar to bond with friends, you don’t have to worry about drinking wines and other alcoholic beverages because there are cocktails offered by bartenders that offer many health benefits including cranberry juice cocktail.

Drinking alcoholic beverages is not bad for your health if you know the limit of how much your body needs.

Sciatic Nerve Pain

Is There A Need To Be Anxious About Causes Of Sciatic Nerve Pain?

In many cases of sciatica, the causes of sciatic nerve pain are actually simple irritations of the nerve and something that one need not be anxious about.

However, individuals who are suspecting it need to be diagnosed to make sure that the problem is a minor.

Sciatic nerve pain is a set of ache symptoms. The pain normally goes away in 80 to 90 percent of the cases. However, the there are still cases which are severe which need more complicated medical treatments.

Sciatic nerves arise from five spinal nerves in the lumbar area that extends to the hips, buttocks and down the legs.

Hence injuries, irritations or compressions that happen to the sciatic nerve can greatly damage te controls in most of the muscles in the lower back and also to the lower appendages. The spine and nerves that are affected by medical conditions can be the reason why sciatica or pain is happening.

1. The stuffed or herniated disc in the spine is one of the most common causes ofsciatic nerve pain. This can press against adjacent nerve roots. Hyaluronic acid can also irritate the disc which can lead to muscle weakness of the lower exremities, tingling sensation and an inflammation that can lead to numbness.

2. The narrowing of the lumbar spinal canal can cause lumbar spinal stenosis. This causes the compression of the nerves in that area that connect to the rest of the nerves branching to the lower part of the body.

3. Sciatic nerve pain can be caused by Pirirformis syndrom which is caused by too much sitting, falls and accidents. A muscle that comes from the lower spine which connects to each thighbone or femur, this is the pririformis. Whenever the muscles go into spasms and apply pressure on the sciatic nerve, sciatic nerve pain is felt .

4. Bone spurs or bony growths caused by arthritis, tumors, or accident or injury that is caused by an accident can be the reason of the compression and pinching of the nerves. Spondylolisthesis is a degenerative disease which can also cause the pinch in the sciatic nerve.

Maybe the causes of sciatic nerve pain are not that harsh. Still, the best thing to do when pain is felt is to go to the doctor, especially if symptoms such as bowel or bladder incontinence happens.

Diagnosis And Treatment For Sciatic Nerve Pain

Sciatic nerve pain is a pretty common discomfort that many people feel at one time or another in their lifetime.

Most cases are also something that do not cause any alarm being transient. There is only a 10 percent probability that is triggered by some severe medical issues. Despite the slim risk, the possibility that it can be lumbar spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, or isthmic spondylolisthesis, makes it alarming.

This underscores the value of getting a medical checkup before any treatment for sciatic nerve pain for relief.

Basically, any circumstance that triggers the irritation of the sciatic nerve can stimulate pain. One will feel less anxious if the source of pain is known by having a medical consultation. Getting a medical history, physical exam and certain validating tests are usually undertaken confirm suspicions.

To confirm findings the following tests are done: MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan to check the inflamed nerves and tightening, EMG study (electromyography) of the leg muscles find out conditions; and a CT (computerized axial tomography) scan to assess the vertebral disc using an image.

In 90 percent of the cases, the pain is attributed to the compression of the nerve and swelling on the nerve root. Thus, the treatment for sciatic nerve pain is focused on relieving these pain factors. The methods of management of the sciatic nerve pain are:

1. Medical treatments that involve administration of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), oral steroids, or epidural steroid injections. These help in the management of pain and in relieving the swelling.

2. When all remedies have failed, surgical procedures like microdiscectomy or lumbar laminectomy, are considered for severe cases of sciatic nerve pain. Surgery is the only option of choice when the pain is terrible, the cause can be surgically corrected and the discomfort are beyond what pain relievers can do.

3. Manual treatments include the hot-cold therapy, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, exercises, and traction. Medical treatments, physical therapy and alternative complementary medicine (CAM) can be combined in managing pain. Acupuncture/acupressure, chiropractic treatments, osteopathic and massage therapy are the popular CAM practices these days.

Cllinical diagnosis by a specialist is the ideal way to determine what treatment for sciatic nerve pain is best. One must stay conscious that there is always that 10 percent risks no matter what.

Better Pain Management With Exercise For Sciatic Nerve Pain

Sciatica is a lower back pain related to the pinching or compression of the nerves.

Exercise is actually a treatment that is better than bed rest though that may be hard to accept as truth. However, the exercise for sciatic nerve pain must be tailored to the particular source of nerve trouble. Inactivity is the bigger enemy as it weakens the back muscles. Also, circulation and cell nourishment leads to healthy discs with exercise.

Sciatica exercises have two major goals: to get immediate relief from pain and to strengthen the back to prevent future episodes with recurring pain. These were made by experts who are qualified such as physical therapists, chiropractors, physiatrists or Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) physicians, certified athletic trainers, or other spine specialists.

The classic exercise for sciatic nerve pain make use of the following routine:

1 Hamstring stretching is needed since the sciatica is pain in the lower back to the legs. Hamstrings are those muscles located in the back of the thigh. When the hamstrings are tightened, the tension in the low back is increased that triggers extreme sciatic pain.

2. Strengthening the core muscle means focusing on the abdominal and back muscles to provide increased support for the back. The areas of tightness are targeted by stretching exercises to relax and improve its flexibility. Enhanced outcomes will be seen if the gentle strengthening and stretching exercises are done regularly.

3. Aerobic excercises such as walking is best if general conditioning is wanted. This exercise is low impact and is fine for low back that gives all the benefits that an aerobic workout can get. Gradually progressing the distance at a brisk pace daily is advised.

4. Based on specific diagnosis, special exercises are made to cater to the needs of the patients. Customized exercises are designed in consideration of the exact nerve troubles.

Continue doing the exercise for sciatic nerve pain management because this is a great natural treatment for sciatica. Remember that it needs to be done correctly because it will be useless if not; so help from professionals is best.

A good diet and healthy lifestyle is great combination for such in the natural management of sciatic pain.

Safe And Natural Cure For Sciatic Nerve Pain

Living in pain should not be an option with sciatica because there are many remedies available these days.

Individuals suffering from it can take over-the-counter NSAId or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, epidural injection, surgery and oral steroids. Today, the best treatments for chronic sciatica are not really medicines or surgery.

These days, the most sought cure for sciatic nerve pain are natural therapies, exercises as well as complementary alternative medicine.

For more effective pain management, treatments are combined by pain relief professionals. Sciatica patients can use hot-cold compresses and especially designed exercises. Chiropractic, acupuncture and massage therapy are among the most widely endorsed and preferred alternative healing solution to get relief.

1. If enhanced consequences are wanted, mix high-velocity and low velocity chiropractic. To improve spinal column alignment, high-velocity manipulations are aimed at spinal adjustments. The low-velocity mobilization, on the other hand, is used to move and stretch the muscles and joints to increase the range of motion in the said areas. Do not let untrained self-proclaimed therapists do such sensitive task; professional chiropractors and physical therapists are the only right people who can do these safely.

2. Acupuncture is a traditional art and medicine discovered in China over 3000 years ago. Its practice to relieve back pain has been approved by the US FDA and the National Institutes of Health. This alternative medicine os anchored on the belief that a healthy body is maintained by a harmony and an undisturbed flow of the vital energy or life force called chi or qi. This chi or qi flows in certain pathways. When obstructions block the pathways, balance is lost and health is compromised. Bringing back the lost harmony can be achieved by piecing the skin with needles or applying pressure on certain points of the body through acupuncture or acupressure respectively.

3. Massage therapy is acknowledged to be among the inexpensive and risk-free pain management cure for sciatic nerve pain today. Massage enhances blood circulation, promotes easing of muscle and encourages the brain to release endorphin. Among its other benefits based on researches on massage and back pain are: pain management in the lower back, suppression of anxiety and depression and enhancement of sleep.

Are you struggling with sciatic nerve pain? Rather than take medicines, do you know that cure for sciatic nerve pain can be derived from an alternative medicine? Why not get more information from your pain management doctor?

Watching Out For Sciatic Nerve Pain Symptoms

Lower back pain or sciatica is actually common and, really, it is not a big deal because about 80 to 90 percent of these will fade after resting or a mild medication.

However, there is still a slight chance that healing cannot be attained due to complications. The sciatic nerve pain symptoms can be serious like the signs of neuropathy or nerve degeneration which is why these symptoms must never be ignored.

Sciatica refers to a set of symptoms that are felt when the sciatic nerves are compressed or irritated.

The sciatic nerves branch out from any of the five spinal nerve roots which are found in the lumbar and sacral areas in the lower back. The compression can happen for several reasons. Due to the vertebrae being pushed outward because of bulging or herniated, the nerves are pressed and this happens as the spinal disc bulge or becomes herniated. Pain from the lower back that leads to the buttocks and lower extremities. When the piriformis muscle located at the back of the thighs or femur goes through spasm, there is pain associated with the piriformis syndrome. Severe cases can lead to tumors and spina steosis.

The pain from lower back down can be accompanied by light to severe tingling, burning sensation and numbness to one side of the leg or hip. The ache can be more painful when one walks or stands, sitting too long, and moving all of a sudden such as sneezing, laughing and coughing. If the sciatic nerve pain symptoms are accompanied by bladder and bowel incontinence, blood in the urine, inflammation in the lower back and fever, immediate medical attention is needed.

Other symptoms that are very alarming and requires immediate checkup are rapid losing of weight and a persisting pain for over four weeks that wouldn’t go. If there has been an accident or fall that puts you in extreme pain to the point that you feel weakness, numbness and burning pain, you need to see a doctor.

Even if most cases are not worrisome, there are also c sciatic nerve pain symptoms when the pain will just chronically persist. Further, sufferers need to be educated with the manifestations so that they will know what to do in case of some severe symptoms.

Back Acne

The Three Main Causes Of Chest, And Back Acne

Chest and back acne, just like facial acne, are the result of the over activity of the sebaceous glands, or more commonly known as the oil glands.

Acne vulgaris, or simply just acne, usually affects people who are in their second to third decades of life.

Studies have found out that individuals with facial acne are more vulnerable to develop chest and back acne. While it’s important to know what can treat such skin breakouts, it’s also interesting to learn what causes such a condition.

The development of facial, chest, and back acne is frequently attributed to three things – hormones, clogged pores, and bacteria.

Teenagers are particularly affected by acne due to the hormonal stimulation of the sebaceous glands, causing them to be overactive. Sebum, which is a type of oil that blocks the escape of water from the skin, is produced in huge proportions when stimulated by puberty hormones. Testosterone, which is a hormone strongly associated in males, is regarded as the primary trigger in the formation of acne. Although usually viewed as a male hormone, testosterone is also produced in females, which is why girls are also prone to develop the same skin condition.

The skin cells that line the sebaceous glands, or oil glands, make larger quantities of keratin compared to other types of skin cells. Large numbers of keratin cells and sebum can form a thick layer which can clog the skin pores. Clogged pores can possibly create a buildup of oil in the deeper skin layers, leading to acne.

Bacterial skin infection stimulates the production of enzymes that are to blame for destroying the fatty acids responsible for the secretion of sebum. Because these bacteria prevent the sebum from escaping the skin, inflammation and pus formation occur. This kind of acne is called cystic acne, which is a more serious kind of skin condition.

As discussed earlier, facial, chest, and back acne usually affects people who are in their second to third decades of life. In many cases, mild cases of acne can be treated with simple home remedies and over-the-counter medications. Moderate and severe cases of acne, however, might require more serious interventions.

Women who want to look like a million dollar in a backless dress will practically find it embarrassing to wear one if her back is speckled with acne.

If it’s your dream to have a flawless back, however, it would help if you know the causes of back acne because then you can find ways to prevent them before they even start to breakout.

Back Acne Treatment Options For A Flawless Back

A woman who wishes to be dressed to kill for a party might dismiss the idea of going backless because of back acne. These acnes are not just unattractive, they also bring about feelings of low self-esteem.

Fortunately, eliminating back acne is usually not a challenge because there are a huge number of acne-fighting products that can effectively reduce those unpleasant body marks.

Some nutrients have been proven to play a role in back acne treatment and control. The nutrients being pertained to are the following: Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine), Zinc, Selenium, and Chromium. Eat foods that are rich in these nutrients to improve your overall skin condition.

Nowadays, the market is saturated with all kinds of soaps, creams, and sprays that you can think of.

Some of the most well-known brands that offer products with special formulation against body acne or back acne are Proactive, Neutrogena, and Clinique. A large number of their products has Vitamin E, which is a potent antioxidant that helps speed up the healing process of scars.

After careful evaluation of back acne by the doctor, medications in various forms may be prescribed.

Some drugs may need to be applied topically, while some others may need to be taken orally. Topical retinoids (Retin A, Differin), topical antimicrobials (Benzoyl peroxide), topical antibiotics (Benzamycin, Benzaclin, Cleocin-T), and systemic, oral antibiotics (Bactrim, Accutane) are just some of the most frequently ordered back acne treatment medications by doctors.

Be sure to know the possible adverse effects of these medications before taking them.

For back acnes that do not respond well to vitamin supplements and medications, undergoing minor procedures could be the solution to your problem. Laser resurfacing and dermabrasion are two of the most common back acne treatment options available today. These procedures basically work by getting rid of dead skin layers and flattening scar tissues.

Whatever treatment is given, simple lifestyle modifications in hygiene, diet, rest, and stress coping can definitely help in preventing back acne.

Natural Remedies For Back Acne – Simple Tips For Clearer Skin

Natural remedies for back acne are safer because they help treat the blemishes without the harmful effects of chemicals often found in most skin care products. Here are a couple of easy-to-follow natural remedies for back acne that are worth a try.

> Be sure to observe proper hygiene. Take a bath regularly and use a soap that is specifically made for acne-prone skin.

> Do not reach for your back to scratch the affected areas. Scratching can cause inflammation and worsen the problem.

> Be sure to drink no less than eight glasses of water per day to purify the body.

> As much as possible, wear loose clothes that are made of cotton to allow your skin breathe.

> If your hair is long and keeps reaching your back, make it a point to keep it clean by regular shampooing. It would be best if you just create a hair-up do so that oil and dirt will not clog the skin pores of your back.

> Change beddings and pillow cases every after a couple of days because oil and dirt can collect on these materials.

> Eat a nutritious, well-balanced diet that contains a lot of fruits and vegetables.

> As much as possible, avoid using oil-based lotions and creams on your back.

> Modify poor elimination patterns because some research show that failure to pass stools regularly can play a role in acne formation.

Treating back acne should not cost you a top dollar because there are a number of natural remedies for back acne that are just as effective. Sometimes, simple lifestyle changes are all that’s needed in order to have a spotless back that you can readily flaunt.

Nutritional Back Acne Cures: What You Eat Will Affect How Your Skin Looks

Back acne can be especially frustrating when a woman wants to attend a party wearing a hot backless outfit, or needs to wear a swimsuit for a swimming party at the beach.

While mainstream dermatology opposes some claims that diet can influence the development of acne, some recent studies have shown that what we eat, indeed, can have an impact on skin health.

Hence, healthy diet plays a crucial role in any natural solution to acne formation. Listed below are some basic tips on nutritional back acne cures that can potentially help you wear that backless dress or two-piece swimsuit with confidence.

> When it comes to back acne cures, nothing compares to all-natural, all-organic diet. Clean up your diet now before things get worse. Avoid preserved, artificially-flavored, ready-to-eat food products like the plague. Since the skin is the largest organ of the body, it is just but reasonable to think that it needs good nutrition to be healthy and blemish-free.

> Lower your consumption of fatty foods, especially those that contain Trans fatty acid just like margarine. Your skin can also get contaminated with saturated fats, much in the same way that your heart can get congested with insoluble fats.

> Drink at least eight glasses or two liters of water each day. To prevent exacerbation, drink water instead of high-sugar drinks or caffeinated beverages.

> In addition to fats, sugar, and dairy, another nutrient that has been shown to play a role in the development of acne is iodine. With that said, you have to minimize your intake table salt or any food item that has too much of it.

> Choose fresh fruits for your in-between meals snack. Powerful antioxidants found in fresh fruits include Vitamins A, C, and E.

> To lessen the risk of bacterial infection, increase your consumption of garlic and onions and supplement it with lecithin granules or capsules as well as Zinc.

One can easily do away with back acne with these easy-to-follow nutritional back acne cures. If you feel that certain foods might be the reason for your skin breakouts, try to remove them in your diet and see if they will clear up after a week or two.

Some Of The Best Back Acne Wash Products Available Today

Finding the best back acne wash, or acne body wash for that matter, can be quite a struggle because of the too many choices available in the market.

Back acne, otherwise known as “bacne”, is a kind of skin disorder can be equally frustrating as facial acne. For one, a woman who wants to look gorgeous on a party may find it particularly hard to be dressed in a backless outfit. What is more, an exciting summer party to the beach can be easily ruined because wearing a swimsuit can expose a back that is full of blemishes.

Using acne-fighting ointments and creams can be hard on the pocket. Just imagine how much cream or ointment you’ll be needing in order to treat your whole back every day for several weeks. The good news is, the multi-million dollar skin care industry came to the rescue and offered customers with body washes that are on the cheap.

The best back acne wash that you’ve been searching hard for may just happen to be one of the following:

Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash, Neutrogena Acne Stress Body Wash, Murad Acne Body Wash, Phisoderm Anti-Blemish Body Wash, ACnefree Sport 3-in-1 Body Wash, Proactiv Solution Deep Cleansing Wash, Oxy Hydrating Body Wash, Zapzyt Acne Wash Treatment For Face And Body, Dermalogica Clearing Skin Wash, and Acne Body Wash.

Back acne wash products that has salicylic acid usually get positive feedbacks from customers. And while products that contain benzyl peroxide have long been known to effectively fight facial acne, salicylic-containing products seem to treat body acne more efficiently.

Acnes are ugly, no matter where they may be located. Sure, when they’re on your face, dabbing on some really good foundation can already hide the zits. But then, things can be difficult if the blemishes are on your back. Aside from wedding dresses, backless outfits are every woman’s dream. If back acnes are stopping you from flaunting your back, check out the back acne wash products suggested above.

Who knows, after just a few days, you can already afford to have your back exposed in an elegant backless dress.

 

Juicing For Health

Get Into The Habit Of Juicing For Health

Fruits and vegetable are among the most nutritious foods in the planet.

There are people like the vegans and the vegetarians who chiefly consume vegetables and fruits only.

Kids need vegetables and fruits just like adults but very few like to eat these. Adults need them to maintain a good health in the face of many stressors and free-radicals.

To improve intake, tolerance and to motivate inclusion of more veggies and fruits in the daily diet, juicing for health is a good strategy.

Why is juicing said to be healthy when fruits and vegetables can just be eaten plain to derive the same nutrition?

Juicing entails the degradation of the fruits and vegetables into a very fine, liquid form. The digestion is made simpler, thus, fast tracking the processes of absorption and assimilation. Digestion takes very little time; there is a meaningful cut from a few hours to only 15 minutes. Enzymes are not used up in the process saving them for another use.

These help in the speedy distribution of the nutrients and enzymes.

Meeting the required RDAs and volume of nutrition from fruits and vegetables are easily attainable being liquid in form. The indigestible fibers are removed while the trapped nutrients in fibers are released by juicing for health.

Juicing

For instance, eating carrots allows assimilation of about one-percent vitamin A beta carotene compared to one-hundred percent when juiced.

Juicing also helps in detoxification particularly of the blood.

Who needs to have their fruits and veggies juiced?

Juicing for health can be an effective methods to motivate children to consume their vegetables and fruits, as well as older patients with weak digestion and absorption. Fruits and vegetables can be juiced to help the kids and elderly satisfy their nutritional needs for the day. The process will make them invisible in the plate but not in the diet. The flavor can be enhanced by using healthy additions like fresh orange juice and honey. Even adults can benefit from juicing by increasing the quantity of the consumption because these are in liquid form.

Almost everyone can benefit from juicing as a healthy approach to eating. One gets to enjoy with their families the nutritional benefits and the enticing flavors from the free recipes which one can avail of for free from the internet.

Juicing for health works to a great number of people there is no doubt it will be beneficial for you.

How To Get Started With Juicing Books And Gadgets

Juicing is this age’s innovation to access and maximize the benefits of fruits and vegetables to improve cellular nutrition and health. To get on with juicing, one would need a good juicing machine and a few useful juicing books.

Juicing fruits and vegetables can provide many benefits for good health so that it is a healthy practice acknowledge in this generation. Anyone can just start juicing anyway it’s done because the benefits are still there to be enjoyed. It does not also matter if a juicing machine is used or something else. Gadgets can actually make a difference in terms of the quality and quantity of extracts one can make using a good machine. Great gadgets can ideally transform any fruit or vegetable into a healthy drink of great benefits.

Juicing with guidance from juicing books is not only healthy but with wisdom which is productive especially if individual is suffering from some complicated medical conditions. Anyone can use the internet to gather information, tips and recipes if there is an interest to know more about juicing. Juicing books are credible, as a book, it contains information that are validated and has been subjected to trials. It is not just a compilation of what one can read in the different websites which frequently are just picked from some materials.

When there is a specific purpose that is being advanced, the mixing of the right ingredients is really critical. Fruits and vegetables with low glycemic index are of course important for diabetics. Yet, because diabetic are also susceptible to developing hypertension, kidney failure, eyesight deterioration, heart disease and high cholesterol, it will be best to choose the ingredients well.

One way to make sure that consumers will not be conned to buying books and gadgets that will not serve their purpose, is to refer to juicing books reviews and reviews for juicing machines. These reviews share opinions about existing and leading products that can sway people in making choices with a basis. The features and the price can say whether it is a good buy or not.

One need not buy anything without comparing features first. A healthy experience can only be expected with juicing guided by juicing books and juicing machines.

Use Colored Recipes For Juicing

Juicing is an important approach to increasing the nutritional value of many fruits and vegetable as these are concentrated.

Using raw ingredients ensures that the enzymes, the phytonutrients and the other ingredients remain potent and active and functional. Everyone who wants to be healthy especially the very sick people and the conscious weightwatchers, there is juicing that can bring health benefits. Juicing, despite its many benefits, sometimes yield extracts that are hard to swallow. Having recipes for juicing can help one generate mixtures that have visual and taste appeal.

Having recipes for juicing fruits and vegetables helps in ensuring that one is making the right mix. Beets and brocollis do not go together because their oxalic acid and calcium can’t be combined. The juice is a homogenized mixture that contains a balance in nutrients. A variety of nutrients is warranted by using a recipe that brings in an assortment of ingredients. Using fruits and vegetables in different colors guarantees that a variety of nutrients are in a balanced and merry mix.

For instance, one can group together fruits and vegetables based on color. A mixture of ingredients in a profusion of colors warrants a variety of nutrients. Having less colors can indicate nutrient deficiency because the other nutrients are not being included as it should be. This can be bad if what is being overdosed is oil-soluble vitamins like vitamins A, E, D and K. A healthy mix should contain reds like tomatoes, watermelon and pink grapefruit; reds/purples like cranberries, blueberries , plums, cherries; orange like tangerines, mangos, cantaloupes, sweet potatoes; orange/yellow like lemons, papaya, pineapple; yellow/green like yellow corn, greens, kiwi, green like Brussel sprouts, cabbage and broccoli; and White/Green like garlic, onions, leeks, celery, asparagus and mushrooms.

Though it is important to include greens always in the juice, it is important to inject colors for flavor and nutrition. Make sure that the recipes for juicing you will go for have a variety of colored ingredients.

Are you not juicing yet?

Juicing Machines Can Make A Difference

Juicing is now an acknowledged method of processing raw fruits and vegetables important in concentrating their nutritional value.

Many kind of diseases, including cancer, were shown to be healed by juicing raw fruits and vegetables. Highly nutritious juices can be extracted by using good juicing machines; thus picking a good one is important.

If a juice extractor is to be bought and it is your first machine, it will be important to be familiar with the basic types and features.

There are three basic types –triturating, masticating, and centrifugal machines – which buyers must be aware of. The categories depend on the method of extracting and separating the juice from the pulp. The best possible kind of juice is expected to be extracted with the use of juicers that are low-temperature and low-speed.

Juicers that are called triturating juice extractors can make the best quality juice. There are two gears running very slow side by side as it functions like a masticating juicer. Compared to single gear masticating juicers, more juice is extracted as the fruits or vegetables pass through the two gears and while the juice is squeezed. It can also produce a higher yield with less oxidation. These superior juicing machines are the best when it comes to producing thin and leafy green juices. Green Power Juicer and the Super Angel 3500 are among the most popular in this genre.

Masticating juice extractors operate more slowly and squeeze more juice extracts than centrifugal juicers. It uses a single gear and keeps the nutritional quality higher too. Because the speed of operation is slow, the operation does not generate enough heat so that the quality of the juice is kept high. This help keep the antioxidants and enzymes active and potent. Being low speed juicing machines, the machines produce very little noise. Some brands with good reviews are Hurom HU-100 Slow Juicer, the Omega 8005 juicer and the Omega VRT330.

Centrifugal Juice extractors are the noisiest but fastest juicers in the market. These cost least among the three types. Jack LaLanne Power Juicer and Breville Juice Fountain Elite are the two popular brands.

The Norwalk and K&K juicer are the other options and the very best juicing machines for cancer patients. Reviews will keep you updated with fast-changing technologies through reviews.

Have a healthy life by juicing!

Taking A Second Look At The Benefits Of Juicing

Which comes first, the juicing machine or juicing?

With the benefits of juicing to improve health and the way it is done so conveniently with a juicing gadget, one may can be curious about which triggered what.

Has juicing benefits been discovered along with cell nutrition? It provides a convenient, fast, and efficient way to provide any one with a high level of nutrition that works.

How does juicing advances cell nutrition and health?

1. The liquefaction of fruits and vegetables accomplished by juicing makes the food easily absorbed without much effort. This process leads to immediate bioavailability and assimilation of nutrients in less time. This is particularly useful for those who need help digesting their food like very young kids, very old people, and those whose health condition are compromised.

2. Juicing can actually increase the quantity of fruits and vegetables consumed by an individual, which means more phytonutrients and digestible fibers. The babies, the elderly and those with medical conditions are the ones who can benefit from these benefits. Deficiencies in nutrition often experienced by dieters and weightwatchers due to poor diet can be addressed by the benefits of juicing.

3. Many studies have revealed that eating raw foods is very healthy. These foods can be easier to tolerate, consume, and absorb with juicing.

4. Learning to combine and complement vegetables and fruits leads to more nutritious and colorful concoctions. It takes lesser effort to extract goodness from several fruits and veggies when these are juiced together.

5. There are nutrients bound in fibers which are hard to consume without juicing like chlorophyll. Chlorophyll plays an important role in keeping the blood healthy. The blood is renewed like it just got an infusion of healthy whole blood. That is a big boost if a person has blood medical problems.

6. Healthy and normal functions of cells and organs with the benefit of liver detoxification. Vegetables can alkalize the body and enhance the functions of the heart, brain and digestive functions; slow down the process of aging; relieve arthritis, and boost immune protection against diseases.

Why not revisit healthy benefits of juicing? If you want these benefits, maybe it is time to do it yourself.

Causes Of Toothache

Common Causes Of Toothache That Can Be Avoided

Toothache could sometimes be really severe that may hinder with your activities. With that, it is essential for us to take note of the different causes of toothache and knowways to prevent it.

Let us take a glimpse on the major causes of toothache.

1. Tooth Decay. This is the most prominent cause of toothaches. Tooth decay takes place when the enamel and minerals that our tooth have would be dissolved due to the acidic environment of the mouth. Acids formed by bacteria that are found inside the mouth because they naturally survive in the sugar and starch left within. When the inner portion of the tooth and the enamel start to be decay, the individual may experience some sort of pain in the area.

2. Tooth Abscess. When the individual has poor oral health, it causes of toothache later on. This can also be a result from any gum disease. When a tooth and its root are attacked by bacteria, and the bone tissue too gets inflamed and infected, it would result to severe pain. Aside from severe pain, abscess is as well accompanied with pus with dead tissues, bacteria, and white blood cells.

3. Broken Tooth. If the person has broken or cracked tooth, he may as well experience a painful sensation. Broken or cracked usually occurs when the person is involved in accidents, trauma, and injuries. Once your tooth is cracked, the microbes gain easy access which allow them to penetrate the inner layer and injure the soft tissues, thus infection occurs.

4. Gum Diseases. Our gums are among the soft tissues that can be easily infected by several microbes in our mouth. Gums diseases don’t manifest any symptoms in the initial phase, but later the person could have experience severe pain especially if the infection is spreading already in the area. Severe sharp pain will be experienced by the person if the infection already affects the soft tissues and the bone tissues. One manifestation of severe infection if the gum abscess. Gum disease with blood and pus are as well one of the causes of toothache.

Toothaches may also be experienced if the person has some underlying condition such as sinus infection, cold infection, damaged filling, outbreak of teeth, repetitive teeth motions, myocardial infarction, angina, and heart diseases, etc.

Accurate BMI Calculator

Is An Accurate BMI Calculator Precise?

The need for a universal standard to gauge healthy weight was felt by doctors, dieticians, researchers and even by government agencies.

The implementation of the BMI guidelines by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in June 1998 replaced what was once used insurance tables to define the healthy weight.

With the wide usage of BMI, there is one logical question to ask: What is an accurate BMI calculator?

The BMI is determined by dividing the weight in pounds by the height in inches squared. Then the quotient is multiplied by a conversion factor which is 703. For instance, a person who is 5 feet 5 inches (65 inches) tall who weighs 150 pounds will have the following BMI calculation: 150÷(65)2 X 703 = 24.96. Usually, a BMI of 23 to 25 give men a good feel about their weight and for women it is somewhere between 20 to 22.

If one wants a longer life , work towards a BMI between 17 to 22.

Factors like age, gender or muscle mass, however, do not function in the formula used by accurate BMI calculator.

Simply, fat mass and lean body mass cannot be distinguished. Consequently, normal BMIs may look normal for aging people with less muscle and abnormally high for athletes who have lots of developed muscles.

It is not just about having fats that triggers disorders, health problems is also about where these fats are deposited. Fats landing on waists cause bigger health complications rather than landing on the hips.

BMI or Body Mass Index is a parameter that is used to indicate the health of a person based on this value correlating the height and weight of a person. It is used as a screening tool for weight categories but not as a diagnostic tool for disorders and diseases. Thus, the possible health conditions that one may be predisposed to can be assessed but not their diagnosis.

The BMI can be made more useful if other parameters can be determined too such as body fats, diet and exercise patterns, symptoms of the disorder and family history.

It is hard to say if an accurate BMI calculator can ever be precise on its own. Waist circumference seem to serve as a better parameter of body fat better by medical professionals.


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