Health and Diet Blog

Nicole Cutler, L.Ac. asked:




Most people don’t think twice about their morning cup of coffee; it’s a normal part of their daily routine. But if you’re battling a liver disease, you’ve probably found yourself questioning whether coffee consumption is a wise choice. Many people with Hepatitis C have likely been given a laundry list of foods and drinks to avoid due to the potentially negative effect they might have on an already weakened liver. This could mean that the number of cups of coffee they drink each day has lessened over time. However, researchers have been studying the effects of coffee on a compromised liver for a while and, while the preliminary results indicate that coffee consumption has more positive effects than negative ones, the evidence is truly inconclusive about whether someone with Hepatitis C should or should not avoid this stimulating beverage.

Study results show a noticeable decrease in the extent of liver damage in those people who consume coffee regularly, including lower enzyme levels, less severe liver damage and a reduced risk of developing type-2 diabetes. Based on these results, it appears that the progression of liver damage is directly affected, in a positive manner, by coffee consumption.

It’s important not to misinterpret these study results; they certainly don’t insinuate that you should rush out and drink ten cups of coffee a day to try and protect your liver. That simply won’t work. Keep in mind that very few people drink their coffee black. Most people add heaping amounts of sugar or artificial sweeteners to their daily cup of joe, and this poses its own set of health risks.

The bottom line is that coffee drinkers who have Hepatitis C can breathe a sigh of relief – they need not abandon their favorite morning beverage due to their condition. However, as with many things in life, moderation is the key when it comes to coffee consumption while battling a liver disease.

To earn more about the benefits of coffee drinking with Hepatitis C, visit: hepatitis-central.com/mt/archives/2008/11/coffee_drinkers.html.

Jon Dakins asked:




Rawhide dog toys are very popular. Found in pet stores, grocery stores, and even dollar stores, they would seem like a safe bet. But that is not the case. As the saying goes, caveat emptor (buyer beware).

Rawhide treats offer many benefits. They are relatively cheap, dogs enjoy them, and they help with overall teeth and gum health. Multiple shapes and sizes are available, so the right type can be found for any dog, toy breeds and large working dogs alike. Because of these benefits – and the relatively low number of cases where dogs have been injured – many owners often give rawhide treats to their dogs.

If you choose to give your dogs rawhide treats, you should keep in mind that there are health risks. Rawhide is dried out animal hides, typically cow, horse, or bull hide. The material is cleaned up and processed into the chunks sold as rawhide chew toys. The processing includes two industrial steps, the first being to clean off the membranes, meat, fat, muscle, etc. from the skin. The second step is to clean off the hairs on the outside. According to Dusti Summerbird-Lockey this process typically involves the use of chemical solutions, with cocktails that include Ash-Lye or Lime and then a cleaning with a bleach solution.

In addition to the chemicals themselves, another issue that emerges with rawhide treats, especially when related chewable items like pig ears and beef jerky treats are included, are bacterial infections that can be picked up from handling the items. In 1999, the FDA released a warning to consumers regarding a medical problem occurring in Canada where humans had been showing signs of illness attributed to handling these items. The FDA cautioned that “These products may pose a risk of bacterial infection such as Salmonella infantis which can cause flu-like symptoms (e.g., nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea) in normally healthy people, but may cause far more serious – even life-threatening injury in immune-compromised patients.” Arsenic based preservatives are used by some manufacturers, though it is not legal to use for rawhide made within the U.S.

Assuming that the treat itself does not have any toxic chemical or bacterial traces, is it safe? Not necessarily. Rawhide treats pose a choking hazard and the risk of intestinal problems. When chewed the rawhide becomes wet and slippery, allowing the dog to gulp down more than he can swallow or digest. That creates choking risks as well as problems with GI blockage if the piece makes its way to the dog’s digestive track. GI distress is also reported both due to digestion difficulties as well as bacteria.

If you choose to give your dog rawhide treats, do so carefully. Make sure to buy products made in the US and to carefully monitor your dog’s chewing. Do not let him swallow large chunks of rawhide. Supervision of his chew time can increase his safety, but there are plenty of other toys that are just as fun and much safer, such as Kong chew toys that can be stuffed with flavorful treats even better than rawhide.

peterhutch asked:




The five major ways by which the colon can be cleansed can be named as follows, Colon Hydrotherapy which is also know as colonic irrigations, Enemas, Herbal supplements, Laxatives, Oxygen-based Cleansers

The acai berry and colon cleanse diet have both been a hot commodity to many dieters. The high antioxidant content in the acai gives you a boost of energy to the body and helps the body burn unnecessary fats. The colon cleanser removes hardened fecal matter and harmful bacteria.

There are various medicines that help your colon properly dispose of your body wastes, just like Bowtrol. Bowtrol is an herbal colon cleanser that is used to clean your colon; medicines like these can be called laxatives. Bowtrol is made up of all natural ingredients that are not harmful in the body unless you use it improperly.

Herbal colon cleansing products main purpose is to re-absorbs the water and nutrients into people’s bodies and also gets rid of the toxic wastes by means of standard bowel actions. Whilst the bowel is impacted, a number of problems show up for instance ulcerative colitis, hemorrhoids, constipation as well as colon cancer.

One of the things that allows the colon to do its job of eliminating waste is good bacteria.  These bacteria feed on certain things inside the body and they have created mutual working relationship with the colon.  Some supplements introduce more of these “good bacteria” into the colon. 

Typically, you should do the Master Cleanse for at least 10 days to get full benefits. As a form of modified fast, the 10 days will give your body plenty of time to detoxify itself while it’s taking a rest from all of the digestive work that’s required when you are eating regular food. For these 10 days, the lemonade and maple syrup drink should provide some nutritional support to your fast and that can certainly help make sure you stick to it.

The benefits of a hydro colonic cleanse are well known, but man they are a pain in the butt to receive. In fact most people consider them downright embarrassing. After all who wants to have a hose shoved up their butt and then have liquid pumped in it to perform the cleansing? Definitely not the majority of people. The good news is that there are much easier and less embarrassing ways to perform a colonic cleanse without having to visit a specialist office, have something shoved up your butt, and a liquid pumped inside of you.

There exist a large number of herbal supplements that are useful in colon cleansing. However, it is important to be aware of product that purport to be herbal but are otherwise. A large number of manufacturers know “herbal” sells and are labeling everything as herbal. Herbal supplements are either administered orally or introduced into the colon through the anus through enema. In enema water mixed with herbal supplements is introduced into the colon using an enema kit.

Janie Knetzer asked:




If you’re a dog owner, no doubt your dog is part of the family. As your dog gets older, he or she may have needs that were not present when younger. Old dog care is an important part of your dog’s life as he or she approaches the senior years.

Different breeds of dogs age at different rates, and oftentimes, those who are “mutts” are in general hardier than purebred breeds. However, no matter the breed, at some point, a dog is going to exhibit signs of aging, and you have to be ready for this so that your beloved pet can receive the care required for an older dog.

Just like human medicine, veterinary medicine has made great strides in geriatric care, so that our pets can live longer than they ever have before. With a little bit of effort, you can provide your old dog care suitable for your faithful companion, so that he or she has a comfortable and pleasant old age.

The Aging Process

Some signs you may notice that show Fido is showing his age may include: sleeping more; eating less; being startled by noises, bright lights, or lots of activity; not coming immediately when you call (may indicate hearing loss or physical difficulties such as arthritis); a duller coat; skin with less elasticity; eyes that are not as bright or may be clouded (including the possibility of cataracts); or loss of bladder or bowel control in a dog that was previously well housetrained.

Keeping Your Senior Dog Comfy

You can provide proper old dog care so that your senior dog remains comfortable in his or her old age.

First, most dogs know, for example, that they should not be having accidents in the house. Therefore, make sure that you are soothing and comforting if your geriatric dog should happen to have an accident in the house. This is not a time to punish, because the dog is already going to feel that he or she did something very wrong. Instead, provide a comfortable spot for your old dog to lie on that’s easily washable, such as a bed or comfortable rug. That way, if an accident happens, it’s easily cleaned up. If your dog must stay out of places, such as a favorite room, where accidents simply can’t happen, use a baby gate to keep him out of that particular spot.

Second, old dog care should include regular veterinary visits to make sure your dog is up on his or her shots, and that everything is being done to make sure he or she remains healthy. One of the most important things you can do for your dog is to make sure that his or her teeth are clean and healthy. Get your dog’s teeth cleaned on a regular basis if necessary. Not only does an unhealthy mouth cause things like gingivitis, soreness, or tooth loss, but it can actually also cause other systemic problems like heart problems and arthritis.

Third, make sure you provide the proper diet for your dog. Your veterinarian can give you proper foods that are more appropriate for older digestive systems, as well as for dogs with such problems as kidney failure, heart failure, or for those who have trouble chewing.

Fourth, make sure your dog stays safe. As hearing and eyesight fail, and as coordination becomes less trustworthy, your pet may have trouble with things like stairs, and can actually fall and injure himself. Strategically placed baby gates by stairs can help ensure that your dog doesn’t take a tumble.

Fifth and finally, make sure you provide lots and lots of love to your aging pet as part of your old dog care. Remember that your pet is the same loving dog he or she always has been, with just a little more gray hair and a little less agility. Shower him or her with lots of attention just as you always have, so that he or she still feels like part of the family.

Tim J. asked:




Constant heartburn is a painful feeling in your chest. Commonly, this burning could last for hours. Many people especially pregnancy woman will experience this condition and many of them believe that this is the most terrible part of pregnancy. There are many heartburn treatments ;however, most of them can only temporarily stop the symptoms. After  a while, it will return. That’s why so many people out there still have to live with heartburn.

Constant heartburn is commonly caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. It could occur several times a week. Some patients have to wake up at night because of the pain.This is because acid in your stomach flows back into esophagus. By using conventional drugs for treatment, there are many side effects you could get. Sometimes, it can also make your condition worsen. The holistic method to cure heartburn is to know the cause and cure it.

The pain can be healed by changing your lifestyle. This may include smoking, alcohol consumption, heavy meal, eating too fat, and eating then go to bed immediately. Other triggers are coffee, carbonated beverage, chocolate and many more. Triggers for each people are different. You could start by avoiding these triggers and see if your condition is caused by any trigger. For example, if you’re smoking, you could reduce it and see if your condition gets better.

Another option to heal constant heartburn is by learning from the experienced who has already cured it. This way  you won’t have to go through the wrong path and see the pain coming back again after some time.

Kathryn Whittaker asked:




Heartburn acid reflux symptoms aren’t the only reason to exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight, but they can be an important motivator. As you develop new habits and maintain the weight loss, you’ll find that the exercises you include as part of your lifestyle for improving your acid reflux symptoms leave you feeling energized and positive.

Exercising releases endorphins in the body, which are hormones that lift your mood and give you an emotional boost. But that’s not all, endorphins aid digestion and reduce the sensation of pain (they act like a natural pain killer), meaning that exercise can directly effect the reduction of acid reflux symptoms.

However, it’s important to note that not every exercise is suitable for acid reflux sufferers. When deciding on which exercises to introduce it’s wise to choose low impact exercises to avoid stimulating reflux. The timing of when you carry out your exercises is also important, as strenuous activity too soon after eating can encourage reflux.

The most appropriate exercises are those that allow your body to remain upright, as opposed to reclined. For example, avoid weight lifting exercises that require you to lie on your back as this creates an increased risk of acid reflux as opposed to bicep curls performed either sitting or standing.

If you enjoy cycling but find leaning over the handlebars and rough terrain bring on acid reflux, try the stationary bikes in the gym or get one for at home. Alternatively, stick to the streets and avoid the off road courses. The same theory applies for any sort of exercise that includes a lot of up and down movement, including running.

Before exercising start getting into the habit of having a light meal beforehand and wait at least an hour before getting started. Choose foods that are low in fats and proteins, sticking instead to mainly carbohydrate based meals as this can help avoid discomfort as you work out.

Don’t forget to stay well hydrated during exercise. This is especially important for acid reflux sufferers. Sufficient levels of hydration helps to neutralize acids in the stomach as you exercise and will keep the esophagus washed clean should you experience a small amount of reflux. If you want something a little different on occasion, try watering down non-carbonated sports drinks to add a bit of flavor to your hydration.

Speak to your doctor to help choose the right exercises and timing for you. You will likely receive recommendations for toning, stretching, aerobics, and rest. Take each of these elements seriously and follow the suggested activities carefully. Keep in mind that everybody has their own reaction to different foods and activities, so what may work for someone else may not work for you.

With that in mind, don’t let acid reflux keep you from exercising. Always remind yourself of the importance of exercise to keeping your weight down, your body healthy, and your GERD symptoms under control. Should you be unsuccessful with one kind of exercise be prepared to try another until you find ones you are happy with and get you the results you are after.

If you can’t seem to find an exercise that will agree with you yet, you may wish to speak to your doctor about taking over-the-counter antacids before you exercise, to avoid the risk of exercise-induced acid reflux symptoms. This may be the help you need to get your weight down to a point where you don’t need antacids anymore when increasing your activity level.

The more you maintain a healthy weight, exercise level and acid reflux friendly diet, the more you should find your heartburn, acid reflux and GERD symptoms decrease.

Raj Kumar asked:


The Truth about Bloating Medicine

Of course, bloating medicine is a special concoction of medicines that were created to help treat symptoms of bloating in sufferers. Those who suffer from bloating deal with temporary or chronic stomach pain, feelings of fullness, gassiness, diarrhea, and a general feeling of discomfort. Some of these symptoms can be very embarrassing when experienced in a public place. Unfortunately, bloating sufferers can’t control when they will experience their symptoms, but taking some form of bloating medicine can certainly reduce the amount of time you have to deal with the symptoms.

Bloating Medicine and Its Forms

Bloating medicine comes in several forms. It can be taken in liquid form for fast relief. It can be taken in pill form for when the symptoms aren’t severe but annoying. It can be taken as a chewable, which is the least favorite of forms, or it can be taken in a liquid gel form, which is the best of the best. Taking bloating medicine in a liquid gel form is like taking the liquid bloating medicine without the nasty, chalky taste of the chewable.

For those that suffer severe bloating, it is recommended that you take your bloating medicine in liquid form. This treats the most uncomfortable of the symptoms fast, and can coat the stomach relieving the bloating altogether. For the fortunate ones that only deal with the occasional bloating episode, taking your bloating medicine in pill form can work just fine.

Prescription vs. Over the Counter Bloating Medicine

If your case of bloating is something you are running for the doctor for, then it is probably a good idea to seek treatment through your doctor for your bloating symptoms. In some cases, bloating can be a sign that there is something more serious going on gastronomically. You doctor can do the necessary testing to determine whether you are a candidate for the stronger bloating medicines that you can only get from the pharmacy. If you bloating is an occasional occurrence due to eating spicy foods, then you are definitely not in the running for candidacy of the stronger bloating medicine. If your bloating is caused by what you ate at last night’s junk food binge, you should just stick with the over the counter liquid or chewable form of bloating medicine.

No matter which category of bloating suffering you fall under, bloating medicine is your knight in plastic armor! Whether you choose your knight to be a strong prescription or an over the counter remedy, you can’t do better than what is currently being offered on the market now. Do some research and find the bloating medicine that is right for you and your specific case. Bloating doesn’t have to hold you back. When you have the proper bloating medicine, you can charge full speed ahead!

Related Articles:

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Bloating Treatment

Watson Fru N asked:




Given that there are quite a number of ways to get rid of external hemorrhoids, how do you know which one works best? Which one works the fastest? What are the possible side effects? What about alternative remedies? Here are some of the top solutions:

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Suppositories is one of the leading treatments used today. This treatment allows for delivery of moisture and lubrication to the hemorrhoid which helps for the next bowel movement.

Over the counter creams and ointments are one of the most recommended external hemorrhoid treatments. But, these are only topical and temporary solution. This method helps to calm and alleviate the inflamed blood vessels to the outer rectal area so that it does not bulge out so much.

Capsules that regulate the blood pressure in the system are another common recommended treatment. These capsules restrict vein tissue so that the hemorrhoid is less exposed however this method may have side effects.

Surgery is one of the most extreme external hemorrhoid treatments. However, with this solution there is the possibility for further complications and for other side effects to emerge.

A bewildering and staggering hemorrhoid treatment that is being introduced with an overwhelming demand is the Natural hemorrhoid treatment. The reason for its high demand has been in part because of its much less invasive nature, much less costly and for the complete privacy in which one can treat this often embarrassing condition.

All the methods that have been mentioned carry with them their pro’s and con’s. And, each should also be assessed on a case by case basis and what can or cannot be tolerated.

An important and significant point that is worth mentioning is the ever increasing interest and pursuit for alternative and natural hemorrhoid treatments. Many say that the demand has been due to its “back-to-basics” homeopathic nature, the safe use and faster results that many experience within a few days.

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Tom alter asked:




The open sores which appear in the mouth are called as mouth ulcers. They are white or yellow in color, and are generally accompanied with a sharp pain, which is felt most when the person is eating. The pain is quite acute when salty or spicy food passes over the ulcer. Mouth ulcers can occur anywhere in the mouth – on the inner surface of the cheeks, lips, tongue, palate and at the base of the gums.

Mouth ulcers are caused due to vitiation of the pitta dosha. The condition is called as Mukha Paaka in Sanskrit. There are several factors that can cause it. Some of them are as follows:-

1 Wrong diet

2 Digestive problems such as constipation

3 Hormonal imbalances, especially during puberty in girls

4 Anemia

5 Constant stress

6 Hereditary factors

7 Infection of the herpes simplex virus

8 Irritation by some chemicals, tobacco and alcohol

(1) Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Mouth Ulcers

1. Banyan (Ficus religiosa)

A decoction of the bark of the banyan tree reduces the pain caused by mouth ulcers.

2. Chebulic Myrobalan (Terminalia chebula)

The chebulic myrobalan is a component of the Triphala choorna, of which the amalaki is also an essential component. Its bark helps in reducing the pain of the ulcers. It also helps in correcting the constipation problems which causes ulcers.

3. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum)

Fenugreek leaves help in the treatment of mouth ulcers. An infusion of these leaves is used for gargling. Fenugreek is a strong agent on the ulcers. Hence it is used as a remedy for recurrent ulcers.

4. Henna (Lawsonium alba)

Henna is a cooling herb. It can provide a soothing effect on the ulcers. It is used with water for gargling.

5. Indian Gooseberry (Emblica officinalis)

The Indian gooseberry or amalaki has a dual effect on ulcers. Used as a gargling solution, it can relax the pain of the ulcers. Secondly it can deal with constipation, which is generally one of the important factors causing ulcers in the mouth.

6. Kattha (Acacia catechu)

Kattha is an extract of the Acacia catechu plant, known commonly in the west as the catechu plant. This has astringent properties. It has a special place in Ayurvedic medicine in oral treatment. It is used in many forms for the treatment of ulcers.

7. Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Licorice is used for several oral and dental problems. It is a component of several toothpaste brands. Its stem and leaves cleanse the mouth effectively. Apart from controlling the sores, it can refresh the mouth and cleanse the teeth.

8. Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Turmeric is also a cooling agent. It helps in relieving mouth ulcers. It is mixed in water and the suspension is used for gargling.

(2) Dietary Treatments for Mouth Ulcers

Digestive problems are the leading causes for mouth ulcers. If an oral ulcer occurs suddenly, then it could be due to excessive heat generated in the body due to consuming hot food.

1. When ulcers occur in the mouth, hot and spicy food must be stopped immediately. These will aggravate the pains of the ulcers. Caffeine and tea must also be stopped.

2. Consuming more greens in the diet helps to be ever-protected from ulcers. Greens also provide the necessary fiber for the movement of bowels. This prevents constipation.

3. It is advisable to stop fatty food – especially that which contains oils – till the time the ulcers have healed.

4. Papaya is a very good fruit to be consumed when you have mouth ulcers. It soothes the mouth ulcers and helps in their quick recovery. Yam is also beneficial for mouth ulcer problems.

(3) Ayurvedic Treatments for Mouth Ulcers

Ayurveda prescribes the Irimedadi tailam for local application over the mouth ulcers. It gives relief from the pains and assists in speedy recovery. Instead of Irimedadi tailam, camphor powder can also be applied on the ulcers.

(4) Home Remedies for Mouth Ulcers

1. Grind the leaves of the Indian plum (jambula). Exude their paste in water and gargle with this water. It will give immediate relief from the pains of the mouth ulcers.

2. Gargling with the water of the adulsa (Justicia adhadota) also brings about an immediate relief from the mouth ulcer pains.

3. Mix the peel of a lemon with white catechu. Grind them into a very fine paste. Apply this directly on the ulcer. The ulcer will get treated almost immediately.

4. Take two to three leaves of the guava tree and some catechu. Chomp them together. This will cure even the most persistent of ulcers within a few days.

5. Mix some catechu in water till it gets a pasty consistency. Apply this paste on the ulcers.

6. Mix a ripe banana in curds that have been prepared from cow’s milk. Eat this as a dessert.

It will bring about a permanent solution to the oral ulcer problems.

Amarendra Singh asked:




Are you people aware with Hemorrhoids. Basically Hemorrhoid is a physical disease develops due to uncontrolled growth of varicose veins. Now these days there are a number of peoples who are suffering from hemorrhoids. ‘Piles’ is the common name given to Hemorrhoids.

In Hemorrhoid treatment there is a special type of bathe for patient. He has to sit in a tub of warm water. Another kind of hemorrhoid treatment is freezing them. This is called cryotherapy.

Non-Surgical Methods for the Hemorrhoids Treatment

Ligation : To carry out this treatment a rubber band is tied around the Hemorrhoids affected (enlarged) vein. This restricts the blood flow, shrinks the Hemroids and makes them disappear after some time.

Coagulation : This method of treatment involves the removal of affected tissues with the help of a laser or scalpel.

Scleotherapy : For this, certain chemicals are injected in an effort to obtain relief from Hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids Treatment Divided into Various Groups-

Hemroids Home Remedy -Mainly paying attention on relieving the symptoms of Irritation or itching linked with hemroids, providing only temporary hemroid relief. These treatments are cheaper, effective and easy to use.

Hemorrhoids Herbal Remedy- Herbal treatments are very popular. These treatments have a propensity for hemroid relief and may be more costly to buy. Herbal hemroids treatments can be quite dangerous if used incorrectly.

Medical Hemroids Treatments-These treatments are useful when the pain or discomfort is just too much. These stronger types of hemorrhoids treatments used for the temporary relief of hemroid pain and discomfort. This type of hemroids treatment is generally much more expensive.

Hemorrhoidectomy -

These treatments are useful when everything else fails. But there is a risk in these type of treatments. Hemorrhoidectomy for external hemroids is the only surgery option for external hemroids.