Health and Diet Blog

Knut Holt asked:




Urinary tract infection, or UTI, is colonization of microorganisms in the urinary tract in such an amount and such a way that damages or symptoms are produced. When only the urethra and the bladder is affected, it is called lower urinary tract infection. When the ureters and the kidneys are affected, the name used is “upper urinary tract infection”.

WHAT CAUSES URINARY TRACT INFECTION

UTI is commonly caused by bacteria that also are present in the normal flora in and around body openings and in the digestive tract, as for example the bacterium Escherichia Coli. Most often the bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethral opening. Women more easily get urinary tract infection because they have a shorter urethra so that the bacteria have a shorter way to get into the bladder.

The diseases Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis are normally not called UTI, even though these infections often affect the urinary tract.

Defects in the urinary system can make a person susceptible for UTI, like strictures or valve-like structures in the urethra and defects causing reflux from the bladder up through the ureters. Physical damages in the urinary tract can also make it more easy for bacteria to colonize and make infections.

Use of catheters or other instruments in the urinary tract can introduce bacteria and also cause damages that give the bacteria an easy opportunity to infect.

THE SYMPTOMS OF URINARY TRACT INFECTION

UTI can occur acutely with very distinct symptoms. UTI can also develop slowly and chronically with only small symptoms for a long time.

The symptoms by lower UTI are:

- Itching during urination.

- Pain in the bladder region.

- Urge to urinate, even though there is little urine in the bladder.

- Need to urinate during nights.

- Fever, usually mild.

- Cloudy urine with a bad smell.

- Pus discharged from the urethra or blended with the urine.

- Sometimes blood in the urine.

By upper urinary tract infection the same symptoms often occur, and in addition these symptoms will be felt:

- Nausea and vomiting.

- Pain in the sides of the back and sides of the stomach, at the height of the kidneys, and often downwards towards the bladder region.

- Feeling of pressure in the stomach region.

- High fever with chills and shaking.

- Strong fatigue.

Symptoms of UTI must always be investigated, especially blood in the urine, since the cause can be a more serious disease.

COMPLICATIONS CAUSED BY URINARY TRACT INFECTION

By upper UTI, the infection can spread deep into the kidney tissues and destroy the structures that excrete urine. This process can gradually lead to kidney failure. The infection can cause growth of scar tissue in the urinary tract, for example in the urethra, that causes obstruction and problems with urination.

By men the infection can spread to the prostate and into the reproductive organs and destroy the function of the reproductive system.

When a pregnant woman suffers from UTI, the child tend to be born with a too low birth weight.

DIAGNOSIS OF URINARY TRACT INFECTION

UTI is diagnosed by a urine specimen. The specimen is analyzed for substances produces by the disease process, like nitrites, leukocytes or leukocyte esterase. One also performs urine culture to confirm the presence of the bacteria.

When children have been diagnosed with UTI, in is useful to perform urine flow studies and radiologic studies of the urinary tract afterwards to see if there is urine reflux up to the bladder or other abnormalities in the urinary tract. This is sometimes done also by adults if UTI often recur.

STANDARD TREATMENT OF URINARY TRACT INFECTION

Urinary tract infection is commonly treated with antibiotica, like: trimethoprim, cephalosporins, nitrofurantoin, or a fluoroquinolone (ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin).

Children that have been diagnosed with some urinary tract defect are often given long term treatment with small doses of antibiotics, but recent studies have thrown doubt upon the validity of this regime.

ALTERNATIVE TREATMENT OF URINARY TRACT INFECTION

Although standard treatment is usually effective, it does no always manage to beat down a chronic UTI. Treatment with low doses of antibiotics to prevent new outbreaks of UTI can give side effects and is neither always effective.

Alternative measures for treatment can therefore be useful in addition to the standard drugs, and the same alternatives can be useful to prevent new outbreaks of UTI.

Cranberry and blueberry can help against UTI by eliminating the bacteria causing UTI. These herbs can be taken as juice or as tea made from dried berries, and they are also found as concentrates in capsules.

The sugar type D-mannose also seems to help eliminating infectious bacteria from the urinary tract.

Cranberry, blueberry and D-mannose seem to help by sticking to the bacteria or to the inside lining of the urinary tract and make it difficult for the bacteria to adhere to the inside walls and infect the tissues. Instead the bacteria are flushed out by the urine.

Goldenseal root and Uva ursi also have effects against bacteria infecting the urinary tract.

Remedies that alter the PH of the urine to be more acidic or more alkaline also seem to counteract infectious bacteria. It seems that the bacteria thrive only in a very narrow Ph range. Mineral supplements that contain citrate alter the Ph in an alkaline direction, and can be used for this purpose. Cranberry seems to give a more acidic urine and helps also this way.

Some studies indicate that acupuncture can help to hinder new outbreak of urinary tract infection.

LIFESTYLE MEASURES TO PREVENT URINARY TRACT INFECTION

Many lifestyle measures can be used to prevent the outbreak of UTI and help to cure UTI.

- Wearing clothes that hinders the lower body to get cold is useful by many peoples experience.

- Drinking much water causes the infectious bacteria to be flushed out much easier.

- To urinate after intercourse and cleaning the urethral opening eliminates infectious bacteria transmitted by the sexual act before they can invade the urinary tract.

- Using condoms by anal intercourse can hinder infectious bacteria in the rectum to enter a mans urethra.

- After anal intercourse, vaginal intercourse should be avoided without a good wash first.

- Having a good intimate hygiene, and wiping from the front and backwards by toilet visits can hinder bacteria from entering the urinary tract.

- Warm sitting baths without soap that can irritate can ameliorate the pain during, UTI and may enhance the healing process.

james sameul asked:


What is diarrhea?

Diarrhea is loose, watery stools. A person with diarrhea typically passes stool more than three times a day. People with diarrhea may pass more than a quart of stool a day. Acute diarrhea is a common problem that usually lasts 1 or 2 days and goes away on its own without special treatment. Prolonged diarrhea persisting for more than 2 days may be a sign of a more serious problem and poses the risk of dehydration. Chronic diarrhea may be a feature of a chronic disease.

Diarrhea can cause dehydration, which means the body lacks enough fluid to function properly. Dehydration is particularly dangerous in children and older people, and it must be treated promptly to avoid serious health problems.

Causes of Diarrhea

Food — Most people have certain foods that may cause diarrhea. For hot pepper lovers (the chemical in it is called capaiscin), diarrhea often occurs the morning after. Many people are intolerant of milk and milk products so that even small amounts of the milk sugar lactose can cause diarrhea. Large amounts of fatty foods cause the same problem in other people. The obvious solution in all these instances is to avoid the offending agent.

Chemical Laxatives — Many people become dependent on laxatives early in life and use them on a daily basis. The names for the usual chemical stimulants are magnesium (Epsom salt), cascara (Nature’s Remedy), and phenolphthalein (Exlax, Correctol, Feen-A-Mint).

Magnesium can be inadvertently ingested in various over-the-counter preparations such as Maalox or Mylanta. Check labels! Sorbitol is an artificial sweetener that is used in sugar free gum and prepared foods such as jams and jellies. Sorbitol, too, is a laxative.

People in developing countries suffer most from infectious forms of diarrhea. Most infections pass through a fecal-oral route. This results from environmental causes such as poor sanitation, decreased access to clean water, and a poor understanding of transmission and treatment of disease. These are conditions that arise most frequently in the developing world, though they affect both rural and urban populations. Improvements in these areas result in a dramatic reduction of cases of infectious diarrhea, as shown in studies in numerous developing nations, such as India, Gambia, and elsewhere, where poor socioeconomic status affects a large percentage of the population. Traveler’s diarrhea is the result of exposure to such infectious agents when visiting countries where sanitation is inadequate.

Reye Syndrome: Diarrhea is a possible symptom of Reye syndrome in infants, especially when accompanied by fever, malaise, vomiting, upper respiratory symptoms, behavioral changes, tachypnea, and apneic episodes.5 Use of salicylates (i.e., aspirin) may be associated with the development of Reye syndrome in children or teens with influenza or chicken pox. Thus, a patient who has ingested a salicylate and is experiencing diarrhea along with these symptoms should be immediately referred.

Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea (AAD): Oral antibiotics often cause diarrhea, with an onset ranging from several hours after the first dose to two months after the last dose.6 The pharmacist should refer the patient with AAD, since the physician must make a choice whether to test for the presence of Clostridium difficile. The wisdom of continuing the causal antibiotic must also be considered as to the seriousness of the underlying infection for which it was prescribed.

Rai Shimizu asked:




Aphthous ulcers are what most people normally refer to as canker sores. They could develop in any soft areas inside the mouth, affecting the inside parts of the lips, on the tongue, and even further down into the throat. Canker sores are always averted, as they are unpleasant and distressing. Given that the main canker sore cause is yet unknown, the general public understand that they develop by reason of particular foods and poor dental care. Getting a canker sore would make you to look for an easy canker sore treatment to contain its symptoms.

Usually misunderstood as cold sores, canker sores are not brought about by the herpes virus. Furthermore, mouth ulcers are not transmissible and would clear up on their own without needed cure. The true cause of canker sores is still undefined. Some things such as stress, smoking, weakened immune system, and other existing health problems can be the cause. Being careless with your dental health may also increase your chances of a canker sore. Toothpastes which contain sodium laurel sulfate or SLS as an ingredient can also be a triggering agent. Limiting or completely eliminating the use of these artificial products might lower or stop your outbreaks or canker sores.

There is an easy canker sore treatment which could be done to avoid the next canker sore outbreaks. Eat healthy and balanced foods, and uphold a proper oral hygienics routine. Make sure to brush your teeth everyday, wash your mouth after eating and correctly floss your teeth to eliminate the occurrence of these distressing mouth ulcers in the future.

No doubt the most effective and easy canker sore treatment is to avoid these canker sores from emerging in the first place. With proper preventions against them, you would avert any unnecessary waste of time, expenses and certainly a lot of pain and discomfort.

Several all-natural mouth care products are sold in the market which may help in strengthening the oral care routine. There are established dental assets from the essential oils of almond, spearmint and peppermint hence verify to have them included at list of components of your oral care products.

Always to rinse your mouth after eating and floss correctly. Never try to force floss between teeth. Flossing is performed carefully and everyday. Eat healthy meals three time a day. Don’t consume too much sweets or junk foods. Those might give way to dental problems, that could cause in infections or mouth ulcers.

Know that bacteria doesn’t cause canker sores. Yet, these canker sores could give you severe pain and irritation. After having one experience, you might want to have an easy canker sore treatment to hinder them from returning.

Canker sores can occur anywhere in your mouth, therefore don’t be too alarmed discovering one on your tongue or throat. Think of chances such as mouth trauma or injury on that particular area, like accidental biting or recent dental works. And, try some lifestyle changes to decrease your stress levels and handle your hormone fluctuations as some of the easy canker sore treatment methods you may practice. In retrospect, maintaining a healthy diet, effective dental care practices and regular dental check-ups are the ultimate and easy canker sore treatment, wherever they may strike.

Eliminate pain and irritation from by canker sores through good prevention and oral hygiene. Get more information from OraMD and avert canker sores, bad breath, gingivitis and even gum disease.

Easy Canker Sore Treatment

Mary Waltraut asked:




When you want to lose weight, you know what to do – it’s called dieting. You know it, but you still look for a “shortcut”. I am sure you have noticed or may be even tried natural weight loss medications that claim to miraculously help individuals in shedding their unwanted pounds in a matter of weeks. It’s all great, but the effect doesn’t usually last, unless you change your eating habits.

I am not talking about completely staying away from all your favorite foods. Just try to learn about them and be careful of what you eat… and especially what you sip. For example: when every morning you are stuck with a double-cream and double-sugar, try to get out. Because, 12oz of your favorite double-double has 80 calories, 16 grams of carbs, and 15 grams of sugar. During the winter, remember that 12 oz of hot chocolate contain 190 calories, 35 grams of carbs, and 28 grams of sugar. And don’t even ask about the whipped cream. Because, when the barista suggests adding a little “fun” to your drink, remember, it’s more like adding a little fat to you. Most people say they add weight in winter, but the summer heat can be as dangerous: 12 oz of double chocolate chip frappuccino will ad to you 430 calories, 60 grams of carbs, and 49 grams of sugar! Do you know how long you need to spend on your Elliptical Trainer in order to get rid of 430 calories? 76 minutes!!! So, may be you need to fall in love with the iced café americano, as 12 oz of this drink will give you only 10 calories and 2 grams of carbs.

I know, it’s hard to change. But, there is something that can help. It is called Herbal Cleansing. For many years, these herbal treatments have been proven successful in helping individuals lose weight and enjoy good health. Natural weight loss supplements are safe and do not lead to serious side effects. Body cleansers help your body to get rid of years of toxic build up, and restore its ability to properly absorb vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. You will lose some weight and feel more energetic. And, this is exactly what you need to feel confident while signing up your GYM contract.

Here is the list of cleansing programs that help to reduce food cravings and improve digestion:



Colon Cleanse: Eliminates food residues and toxic build up. This results in better absorption of nutrients and better digestion leading to the regular bowl movements.

Liver Detox: Cleanses the liver of excessive fats and toxins.

Blood and Lymph Detox: Reduce food cravings, improve digestion, and help to balance blood sugar to assist with weight loss.

Candida Cleanse: Eliminates excessive yeast, improves digestion, and reduces sugar cravings.

Parasite Cleanse: Eliminates parasites, prevents infections, decreases sugar cravings, and elevates moods.



Without internal cleansing, weight loss can be difficult. When your digestive system is sluggish due to sugars and fats, metabolism slows down and your energy level drops. At this point, your digestive system is simply not strong enough to burn off stored fat through exercise, dieting, or through some fancy fat burners. Remember, after you finish your cleansing program, you’ll find yourself much more inclined to make healthier dietary and lifestyle choices.

Mary Waltraut is a founder of My Cleansing Program ™. Her knowledge is based upon her own experience with the cleansing products. Mary is happy to share a cleansing program that helped her to overcome health problems resulted by the rapid weight loss and the eating disorder. To read her story and to receive a free copy of her 6-month cleansing program schedule, please visit http://www.MyCleansingProgram.com

(c) Copyright – Mary Waltraut. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

Amanda Moore asked:


Set a bed time.  If you go to sleep at the same time every night your body will get used to the pattern and it will adjust more quickly giving you more quality sleep time.  Research shows that we get our deepest, best sleep from 10 pm until 6 am so if you want to feel rejuvenated the next day, those are the times to shoot for. Go black.  Our bodies are designed to sleep in the dark.  By making your room as dark as possible you’re triggering the brain that it’s time to sleep.  Get some blackout curtains and get a good night sleep. Go media lite.  Watching TV or listening to the radio – particularly anything that makes you really think, like the news – just gets your brain churning.  Better to turn off the TV early and just relax for a while before you hit the hay.  Definitely don’t leave the TV or radio on while you’re trying to sleep. Inspire your mind.  Spend about 30 minutes before bed reading something that inspires you.  This will get good vibes flowing through your brain and will help push out the stressful thoughts that might otherwise keep you awake. Make a list.  Many times what keeps us up at night is our brain wrestling with planning for the next day.  If you write down all your tasks before you go to bed you’re letting your brain know that you haven’t forgotten and it can relax a bit.  So keep a pen and paper by your bedside.  It’s also great for writing down those great ideas you get in the middle of the night, but if you’re like me you’ll wake up and they won’t make sense. Make your house like a mouse (quiet).  Noise is distracting to the brain and will keep it active which makes it harder to sleep well.  Make sure that all electrical devices are off, unplugged or on silent before you hit the sack and remind anyone else in the house that it’s sleep time so silence is appreciated. Skip the late night snack.  Not only can going to sleep on a full stomach give you bad dreams and potentially a stomach ache it can really do damage to your sleep patterns.  If your brain is focused on digesting rather than relaxing and repairing your body then it’s your sleep that will suffer.  So, don’t eat for at least 3 hours prior to bed time.  Also, lay off the juice before bed.  Nothing will keep you awake like a full bladder! Lay off the pills.  Sleeping pills may knock you out, but they don’t give you the kind of sleep you need in order to let your body do it’s job.  The point of sleep is to give the body time to relax and rejuvenate itself.  If you’ve drugged it to the point of stupor it never gets a chance to do that.  This is why, when you take sleeping pills, you often wake up with a ‘sleeping pill hangover’.  You rested but you didn’t really sleep. Freshen things up.  Opening (or just cracking in the cold months) a window allows cleaner, more oxygenated air into the room which helps your brain to function better.  So, rather than breathing that old stale air, let some fresh in. Work up a sweat.  Getting 60 minutes of exercise a day will not only help you sleep better, it’ll help you be healthier.  You don’t even have to do it all at once.  Break it up into manageable pieces and you’ll be surprised how quickly you can reach that number.