Health and Diet Blog

Dr. Jonny Bowden, Ph.d., Cns asked:




Lately it seems I can’t pick up a health magazine without reading about the benefits of coconut. Coconut oil is everywhere. And it’s about time. I gave coconut and coconut oil a “star” in the new book, “The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth,” meaning even among that stellar group of foods it’s a standout.

How did this formally forbidden food (it contains a fair amount of saturated fat) redeem its reputation and become the latest darling of the superfood set?

Coconut actually contains a very healthy form of fat called medium-chain triglycerides (MCT). Although MCTs are indeed a form of saturated fat, they have some very unique properties. For example, MCTs are very digestible, which makes them ideal for people with digestive problems such as ulcerative colitis or irritable bowel syndrome.

MCTs also have antiviral and antimicrobal properties. Specifically, coconut and coconut oil contain a fatty acid called lauric acid, which has been found to be quite effective in fighting a number of bacteria. This makes coconut and coconut oil very effective for supporting the immune system.

Coconut has a reputation for fat burning, which, truth be told, is probably a bit exaggerated. There have been research studies showing that people who regularly incorporate coconut oil in their diets lose weight, but some of the studies suggest you have to eat practically 40 percent of your calories from MCTs to get the effect. But many people find that smaller amounts of MCTs, from coconut or from supplements, are very effective, if for no other reason than they help keep you full and thus less likely to overeat.

The other thing about coconut is that it’s incredibly stable. You can heat it to high temperatures and it doesn’t break down its chemical composition and create trans fats or other undesirable compounds.

As far as the supposed “dangers” of coconut fat, it’s worth pointing out that research has shown that populations such as the Polynesian Puka Puka and Tokelau islanders, who consume a very large percentage of their calories from coconut and coconut oil, have vanishingly low levels of heart disease.

And better still, not only is coconut amazingly healthy, but it is beyond delicious.

Coconut oil is now available in health food stores everywhere, but make sure to get a 100% cold-pressed organic brand. My favorite: Barlean’s.

Krystyna Pritschmann asked:




There was a time, not too long back, when it was not considered macho for men to be using skin care products. However, in modern times, it is quite acceptable by men as well as women to be using skin care products because men are equally aware about their skin requirements. Nowadays there is a plethora of beauty skin care products available for both men and women and for all possible skin types, soft, sensitive, rough, dry and even hypoallergenic products. So you will have no difficulty in finding a beauty skin care product which will suit your skin type, whether you are male or female and whatever your skin type may be.

What Kind Of Skin Type Do You Have?

If you do not know what type of skin type you have, you should find out. If your skin feels constantly oily, even a little while after you have washed it, you will know that you have oily skin and so you do not want to use a beauty skin care product which is oil based. If you do, you might just break out with pimples or acne. You will require something which will reduce the oiliness of your skin. On the other hand, if you have a dry skin, you will need a beauty skin care product which will replenish the moisture in your skin and help keep it supple and soft. If you have normal skin you should use a beauty skin care product for normal skin. There are also beauty skin care products which have herbs in them or those which are fragrance free for sensitive skins.

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Seek Help

If you are still confused as to what skin type you have you can check out at your nearest department store or supermarket which has a cosmetic counter. Most people manning these counters or sections know about beauty skin care products and they usually have a wide range of products to choose from. They can guide you after checking your skin type. Most beauty skin care products of good quality are not cheap, so you don’t want to buy something which will not suit your skin type. Alternatively, you can even check out at any beauty or skin care salon that you visit – the staff there will be able to help explain what your skin type is and what health and beauty skin care product you should use.

A Dermatologist Can Guide You

In case you have already been through the above steps are still not satisfied with the results, it would be best to seek the advice of a beauty skin care specialist, a dermatologist who is a medical expert. If you have never been to one then ask your doctor to refer you to one. It is worth spending the money on a dermatologist who will guide you as to your skin type and the best health beauty skin care product which will be ideal for your skin. Beauty may not just be skin deep, but it pays in the long run to take care of your skin and use a good beauty skin care product.

Juliet Cohen asked:




Edema formerly known as dropsy or hydropsy, is the increase of interstitial fluid in any organ swelling. Swollen feet and legs, referred to medically as edema. Edema can be caused by a serious condition of the kidney, heart, liver or blood vessels. The most likely explanation for edema is a constrictive wet or dry suit cuff. Prolonged or repeated exposure to a tight wet suit cuff can produce swelling at the end of the extremity, which in this case is the hand. Foot edema is a condition in which the body collects an abnormal amount of fluid in the tissues, which causes swelling and puffiness of the organ.

The extra water retention is caused by standing for overly lengthy, menstruation, pregnancy, hormone levels, obesity, old age, wound, and much. Swollen legs may be a signal of eye bankruptcy, kidney bankruptcy, or liver bankruptcy. In these conditions, there is overly more fluid in the system. Certain medications may too induce foot edema include a group of blood force lowering drugs called calcium line blockers (such as nifedipine, amlodipine, diltiazem, felodipine, and verapamil. Antidepressants, including MAO inhibitors (such as phenelzine and tranylcypromine) and tricyclics (such as nortriptyline, desipramine, and amitriptyline.

The better manner to cut stage and foot swelling is to promote your legs above the degree of the eye, which puts negligible force on knees, thighs and lower backwards. Elevate your legs above your eye while lying downward. Exercise helps pump fluid from your legs backwards to your eye. Wear support stockings. Try to come a low-salt diet, which may cut graceful retention and swelling. Avoid sitting or standing without moving for prolonged periods of moment. When flying, extend your legs frequently and have upward to walk when potential. When driving, stopover to extend and walk every minute or then.

Foot Edema Treatment and Prevention Tips

1. Eat cooked rice daily.

2. Exercise your legs helps pump fluid from your legs back to your heart.

3. Wear support stockings (sold at most drug and medical supply stores).

4. Try to follow a low-salt diet, which may reduce fluid retention and swelling

5. Avoid wearing restrictive clothing or garters around your thighs.

6. Put cucumbers strips on the foot, put potato slices on the cucumbers and bandage.

Bella Mclaine asked:


Abdominal pain can be termed as stomach ache or belly ache. Due to many organs originating from stomach to groin are linked in this abdominal region. And any organ in your midsection can cause pain, including your appendix, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, and intestines. Abdomen pain can be acute pain or chronic pain. People of any age can complain of abdominal pain. If you are unable to detect the symptoms and causes then it is advisable to consult doctor for the betterment of your health.

There could be various factors that can cause abdominal pain. Pay proper attention along with reasonable care to cure abdominal pain so as to avoid other health problems. The symptoms of abdominal pain include cramping, gastric problem, swelling, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation problems.

Below mentioned is the list of symptoms that is directly or indirectly co-related to the causes of abdominal pain:

- Chronic abdominal pain in the upper right quadrant, along with throat problem and feeling extremely exhausted.

- Know whether abdominal pain is mild and severe or persistent and feeble.

- You abdomen part in your stomach may turn stiff or tender to touch.

- Is there any elimination of blood while vomiting (or coughing), or at times in stool. You can define in general as diarrhea problem.

- If you are a pregnant lady or about to be pregnant then they may need to face abdominal pain or pelvic pain problem which could turn out to be a serious situation such as Ectopic Pregnancy or Miscarriage.

- On the other hand in Pelvic inflammatory disease a woman may feel dreary, persistent pain in the lower abdomen along with vaginal discharge and fever.

- Sometimes you may notice sudden acute pain that onset in the back near the ribs which moves down toward the groin.

- You may feel the pain in the lower abdomen while urinating; often the burning sensation with dark and yellow discharge is noticed. In case of women, they may feel pain during ***********.

- You may also feel the bloating sensation after eating or drinking dairy products. It can be defined as Milk Intolerance or Lactose Intolerance.

- Are you undergoing the diarrhea problem, muscle strain, nausea or vomiting.

- Women may have persistent pain in the lower abdomen along with a vaginal discharge.

- The feeling of discomfort or mild pain acts as lower abdominal pain symptoms along with a burning sensation at the time of *********.

- Complains of heartburn with a pressure in the upper abdomen also you will come across.

Thus, knowing all these abdominal pain symptoms will guide you to nourish your health in the better way. Medications are an important part of relieving symptoms. Consult your doctor if running from any of the symptoms so that he can diagnose and treat you in the best possible way.

Darrell Miller asked:




Bromelain consists of two enzymes that digest proteins, otherwise known as proteases or proteolytic enzymes. These enzymes are obtained from different parts of the plant, one from the stem and the other from the fruit. It also includes protease inhibitors, acid phosphatase, peroxidase and calcium.

First used as a supplement in 1959, bromelain is particularly popular in Germany, where a lot of the recent research has been carried out. Because the stem enzyme is in the greatest amount, eating pineapple will not give a great deal of bromelain, and you will have to take the supplement which is extracted from the stem in order to get the greatest benefits.

Bromelain has several therapeutic effects on the body, and is a good aid to digestion. The enzyme can boost the digestive processes and so reduce the incidence of problems such as heartburn, acid reflux and any other condition caused by the incomplete digestion of foods. It does this by breaking down proteins so they are more easily digested.

In fact its potency is sometimes measured in GDUs (Gelatin Digesting Units), gelatin being a common protein that is easily used for the measurement of bromelain activity. It is also measured in MCU (Milk Clotting Units), since bromelain can also be used to clot milk, and a standardized dose should contain 2 MCU per milligram. The dosage to use depends a great deal on the condition being treated, but a good general average for digestive problems is 500 mg three times daily.

Bromelain works best at an optimum pH of 4.5 – 5.5 and can therefore help to balance the pH in its environment. It is extremely important to the immune system that the pH of the body is balanced and controlled to within certain limits, and bromelain can help to achieve that. In helping to reduce the excessive acidity caused by poor digestion, a balanced pH of the stomach is also maintained, helping to reduce the feeling of nausea, common with some digestive defects. The overall result of bromelain supplement is to help to maintain a better digestive system and ease the discomfort of many people for whom a meal is frequently not the pleasure it should be.

Bromelain is also an anti-inflammatory, and used for temporary relief of the inflammation caused by surgical procedures, arthritis and various injuries and forms of disease It is commonly used for the treatment of sports injuries and also immediately after surgery to reduce the risk of inflammation. It appears to have an inhibiting effect of the production of pro-inflammatory metabolites in the body, although the mechanism by which it works is not yet fully understood.

In fact many of the therapeutic benefits of bromelain have been show to be only partially due to its proteolytic activity, and it is now believed that there are also as yet unidentified non-protein factors present in bromelain that contribute to these forms of health benefit. The biochemistry of bromelain has yet to be fully characterized.

Notwithstanding that, the substance has been recommended for the treatment of a wide range of connected conditions, such as gout, arthritis, hemorrhoids, ulcerative colitis, autoimmune disorders, hay fever and sinusitis. It is particularly useful where there is pain, where tissues have become swollen and when tissue repair is needed. It appears to inhibit pain-inducing prostaglandins and is also believed in some way to induce the biochemical production of other prostaglandins that have an anti-inflammatory effect.

All of this knowledge has come as a result of studies carried out on the biochemical activity of bromelain, but have not yet been proved and is indicative of the lack of biochemical knowledge on this substance and the chemicals it contains. What have been demonstrated, however, are its effects on platelets and blood clots in arteries.

It appears to do this by the inhibition of the formation of high levels of fibrinogen from which clots are made, and also inhibits the aggregation of blood platelets and their ability to stick to the endothelial cells of blood vessels, particularly the arteries. The fibrin that is produced from fibrinogen not only promotes blood clotting but is also associated wit the retention of fluid. It is a protein, and the proteolytic effect of bromelain also breaks this down.

Bromelain therefore works in a number ways to reduce fluid retention, prevent blood clotting and inhibit the aggregation of blood platelets on artery walls. The measurable effect of this is the thinning of the blood that such activity promotes. It is logical that if fibrin contributes to the viscosity of blood, then its destruction will result in thinner blood, and hence lower blood pressure.

It is also used in the treatment of burns, where it helps to remove the dead skin that can delay recovery after third degree burns. It also appears to promote the absorption of many antibiotics, which again helps in recovery.

Bromelain is relatively safe to use with few side effects, although, curiously, among the side effects are some conditions it is also used to treat. Among these are nausea and allergic reactions, along with diarrhea and excessive menstrual flow. One of its successes has been in the control of menstrual pain.

Bromelain has been proposed for cancer therapy, its potential use being recommended due to its effect of the adhesion of cells, its regulation of the immune function and its effect on the immunosuppressive cytokine TGF-beta that is involved in several types of cancer and their metastasis (spread to other parts of the body). However, a lot more work is needed on this for definite conclusions to be drawn.

On a more practical note, the effect of bromelain on proteins is put to use as a steak tenderizer. If the product is sprinkled in powdered form onto meat, and then forked into the tissue, the enzymes will break down the protein of the meat and make it tender when cooked. However, don’t overdo it or you will end up eating a meaty mush more akin to a soft meatloaf than a good steak!

All in all, bromelain is a useful supplement for many medical conditions, and does to food in your stomach what it does to steak on the plate. It is generally used in supplement form because the active enzyme is not in a high enough concentration in the fruit itself, but in the stem from which it is extracted after the fruit has been harvested. It is also easier to standardize a supplement than a fruit.

peterhutch asked:




A skin ulcer is where an area of skin has broken down and you can see the underlying tissue. Most skin ulcers occur on the lower legs or feet. The skin normally heals quickly if it is cut. However, in some people with diabetes the skin on the feet does not heal so well and is prone to develop an ulcer. This can be even after a mild injury such as stepping on a small stone in your bare feet.

Types of Foot Ulcer

Venous ulcers are located below the knee and are primarily found on the inner part of the leg, just above the ankle.

The borders of a venous ulcer are usually irregularly shaped and the surrounding skin is often discolored and swollen. It may even feel warm or hot.

The skin may appear shiny and tight, depending on the amount of edema (swelling). The skin may also have brown or purple discoloration about the lower leg, known as “stasis skin changes.”

Neurotrophic (diabetic)

Neurotrophic ulcers are usually located at increased pressure points on the bottom of the feet. However, neurotrophic ulcers related to trauma can occur anywhere on the foot. They occur primarily in people with diabetes although they can affect anyone who has an impaired sensation of the feet.

Diabetes can cause damage to the nerve and vascular supply in the feet and legs. Patients with neuropathy have reduced or no sensation and, therefore, might be unaware of any trauma to their feet caused by ill-fitting footwear or an object in their shoes, such as a piece of glass, a stone or a drawing pin.

Continued walking on an injured foot will damage it further and minor lesions can become more serious. A simple examination of the feet, feeling inside the shoes before wearing them and not walking barefoot can help to prevent minor injuries. Many of the patients attending the diabetes clinic are older and some cannot see, feel or reach their feet, which means that they are often unaware of any injuries

Diabetic foot ulcers are caused by neuropathic (nerve) and vascular (blood vessel) complications of the disease.

Nerve damage due to diabetes causes altered or complete loss of feeling in the foot and/or leg. This is known as peripheral neuropathy. Pressure from shoes, cuts, bruises, or any injury to the foot may go unnoticed. The loss of protective sensation stops the patient from being warned that the skin is being injured and may result in skin loss, blisters and ulcers.

Treatment options for all ulcers may include:

Antibiotics, if an infection is present

Anti-platelet or anti-clotting medications to prevent a blood clot

Topical wound care therapies

Compression garments

As a rule, the better the control of your diabetes, the less likely you are to develop complications such as foot ulcers. Also, where appropriate, treatment of high blood pressure, high cholesterol level, and reducing any other risk factors will reduce your risk of diabetes complications. In particular, you are strongly advised to stop smoking if you smoke.

Our feet keep us balanced and carry our weight. In a lifetime they walk as much as going five times around the earth. We should look after our feet before any of these problems creep in. Some of the serious foot problems may need the attention of a doctor. So, prevention is always better than cure.

Dr John Anne asked:




Colon, also known as large intestine, is responsible for extracting water from feces. Colon or large intestine is subdivided into four sections, namely, ascending colon, descending colon, sigmoid colon and transverse colon. Colon cleansing is crucially important to our system. Colon needs to be cleaned properly in order to eliminate bodily wastages. This article sheds light on the necessity of colon cleansing, different risks associated with dirty colon and overview of natural colon cleansing.

The Reason to Cleanse Colon

Our daily diet is full of saturated fat and refined carbohydrate. The excess amount of fat actually makes the feces sticker. Different scientific studies confirmed that increased saturated fat in the diet along with reduced fiber may actually heighten the risk of colon cancer. The extra fat sticking on the wall of the colon may contribute to increasing risk. The refined carbohydrate may also worsen the condition as well. When we take refined carbohydrate in our diet, we actually accumulate substances that are not fully digested and protein precipitates can be left behind to make the colon wall harden.

It is true that even if we take a great care of our health, it does not necessarily mean that we can eliminate fully all of our bodily wastages from our body. Certainly if we care about cleansing our system, especially colon, we may lessen various risks of developing many serious health hazards. A good natural colon cleansing program offers cleansing our bodily wastages at optimum level.

Risk of Dirty Colon

If feces are left behind the colon, it is certainly bad for our health. But of course it is good for bacterial infection. If prolonged infection caused by bacteria persists, it may lead to colon lining. Apart from that, bacterial infection can cause bowel cancer.

Cleanse colon to promote health

Cleansing of colon means detoxification of body. Herbs rich with dietary fibers are particularly beneficial promoting regulated bowel movement. Psyllium functions as natural colon cleansing. It is rich with water-soluble, gel-reducing fiber. In practice, there are two types of dietary fibers, one is soluble and the other one is insoluble. Both of these fibers are helpful in regulating bowel movement. Psyllium is derived from the husks of flaxen psyllium seeds. It is useful in treating various digestive complications such as diarrhea, colitis, constipation and diverticular disorders. It has been widely used in different types of natural colon cleansing program effectively.

Apart from that, Triphala is also used in treating digestive problems and is an integral part of many types of natural colon cleansing program. Most prevalently our regular diets are low in fiber content. These foods have a propensity to decelerate intestinal transmit time ensuing in unbalanced bowel movements. These foods take time to travel to intestine, frequently following in constipation. However, dietary fiber coming under natural colon cleansing program helps in softening and bulking stools. The bulking of stool promotes detoxification from toxic substances within colon as it soaks the attached toxic substances from the intestinal wall.

Benefits of Natural Colon Cleansing Products

The purpose of colon cleansing is to detoxify the system internally in such a fashion that body may contain only a reduced level of toxic substances and bacteria in the body. Human feces consist of different toxic substances and risky bacteria that may cause infection in the blood stream, if normal bowel movements do not take place in a regular fashion.

It may lead to such complications that even become fatal in time. Natural colon cleansing products promote gentle removal of feces as well as of undigested substances concentrated on the bowel wall. It is not a mandatory requirement that you use colon cleansing products that claim to have natural ingredients in it; rather you have the flexibility to use different products that actually promote natural colon cleansing. You may use prune juice, bale fruit, corn syrup, psyllium seed, pears and grape juice to cleanse your colon naturally.

Dr John Anne asked:




Ayurveda is perhaps the oldest system of health care in the world and originates from the Indian subcontinent. Ayurveda is based on scientific principles of diagnosis and treatment. It differs from conventional medicine in the basic principles of investigation and assigning causes to processes rather than specific areas of physiology.

Ayurveda has been a vogue since 5000 years ago. Our Vedas have been repeated references to the efficacy of Ayurveda as a science of healthy life. The western world is now realizing the value of Ayurveda in treating Chronic diseases like Arthritis, Paralysis, Stroke, Neurological disorders etc. Even WHO has given high rating for Ayurveda system.

It differs from conventional medicine in the basic principles of investigation and assigning causes to processes rather than specific areas of physiology. The increasing awareness of herbal medicines in Western markets such as USA, UK, Canada and Japan and the technological advancements in biotech industry were two major reasons which compelled us to offer a platform like this.

Here are some Important Herbs and their Uses:

Ashwagandha ( Withania Somnifera), ( Winter Cherry): Traditionally, Ashwagandha has been used in many ways–as a sedative, a diuretic, a rejuvenating tonic, an anti-inflammatory agent, and as an “adaptogen” (endurance enhancer). Many Western herbalists refer to this herb as “Ayurvedic ginseng” because of its reputation for increasing energy, strength, and stamina, and for its ability to relieve stress. It is especially beneficial in stress related disorders such as arthritis, hypertension, diabetes, general debility, etc. It has also shown impressive results when used as stimulants for the immune system.

Amla ( Emblica officinalis), ( Indian Goosebery): Amla contains the highest amount of Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid), Phyllembin, Phyllemblic acid, Gallic acid, Ellagic acid in natural form and Cytokin like substance identified as Zeatin, Zriboside, Z nucleotide, Tannins 30%. It is one of the strongest rejuvenatives in Indian pharmacopoeia. It contains 30 times the amount of Vitamin C found in oranges. Its antibacterial, carminative, hypoglycemic, stomachic, Hypotensive and astringent action prevents infection, helps in healing of ulcers, treatment of jaundice, dyspepsia and cough and controls hyperacidity. Alma is a good Cardio Tonic and its mild stimulant action on heart helps to control blood pressure. The use of Indian Gooseberry enhances the antidiabetic action of Karela. Phyllanthus Emblica is a very good hair tonic.

Brahmi (Bacopa Monniera): Aside from increasing intellectual and cognitive function, Brahmi induces a sense of calm and peace in its users. It is unique in its ability to invigorate mental processes whilst reducing the effects of stress and nervous anxiety. This makes Brahmi extremely applicable in highly stressful work or study environments where clarity of thought is as important as being able to work under pressure. Many people have the intelligence to perform to strict standards, but lack the composure and self-confidence to reach them. Additionally, Brahmi helps soothe the restlessness and distraction that nervousness causes. Brahmi is ideal for students and workers faced with this problem.

Shallaki ( Boswellia Serrata): Today its major use is as an anti-inflammatory agent for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, low back pain, myositis, fibrositis, and osteoarthritis. Experimental and clinical usage of boswella indicates it has none of the side effects on blood pressure, heart rate of the gastric irritation and ulcers associated with many anti-inflammatory and antiarthritic drugs. It is now an approved herbal medicine in India for use against osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, soft tissue rheumatism, low back pain, myositis and fibrositis. In the United States,physicians are giving boswella high marks for effectiveness. Dr. E. W. McDonagh, a Kansas City physician, has reported success among some 350 patients suffering from a variety of advanced muscular and skeletal conditions for which other treatments had failed to help.

Karela ( Bitter Gourd), ( Bitter Melon), ( Momordica charantia) : Bitter Melon, also known as Karela, Momordica Charantia or Bitter Gourd is a herb that helps regulate blood sugar levels and keeps body functions operating normally. It contains Gurmarin, a polypeptide considered to be similar to bovine insulin, which has been shown in experimental studies to achieve a positive sugar regulating effect by suppressing the neural response to sweet taste stimuli. Karela’s principle constituents are lectins, charantin and momordicine. The fruits have long been used in India as a folk remedy for diabetes mellitus. Lectins from the bitter gourd have shown significant antilipolytic and lipogenic activities.

Shilajit (Asphaltum) : This is Shilajit, one of Ayurvedas most potent and unique rejuvenatives. The ancient medical literature attributes many health benefits to Shilajit known as “conqueror of mountains and destroyer of weakness.” It has been said that there is hardly any curable disease which cannot be assisted with the aid of Shilajit. Shilajit has been used historically for general physical strengthening, anti-aging, blood sugar stabilization, libido, injury healing, urinary tract rejuvenation, enhanced brain functioning potency, bone healing, kidney rejuvenation, immune system Strengthening, arthritis, hypertension, obesity and many other application for numerous conditions.

Garlic ( Lasuna), ( Allium sativum): The platelet and hypolipidemic activities of Lasuna ensures smooth coronary function. Garlic is regarded as one of the most effective remedies to lower blood pressure. The pressure and tension are reduced because it has the power to ease the spasm of the small arteries. It also slows the pulse and modifies the heart rhythm, besides relieving the symptoms of dizziness, shortness of breath and the formation of gas within the digestive track. It has an antiseptic effect and is an excellent remedy for infectious diseases and inflammations of the stomach and intestine. Human population studies show that eating garlic regularly reduces the risk of esophageal, stomach, and colon cancer. This is partly due to garlic’s ability to reduce the formation of carcinogenic compounds.

Triphala: Triphala, a cornerstone of ayurvedic medicine, is a composite herbal preparation containing equal proportions of the fruits of three myrobalans, Emblica officinalis, Terminalia chebula and Terminalia bellirica. When consumed for a long period, it helps reduce excess weight. It promotes good colon health and acts as a laxative without causing cramps or irritation. It gently stimulates the intestinal walls and restores tone to the colon, thus helping in the elimination process, providing a colon cleansing effect. When consumed for a long period, it helps reduce excess weight. It promotes good colon health and acts as a laxative without causing cramps or irritation. It gently stimulates the intestinal walls and restores tone to the colon, thus helping in the elimination process, providing a colon cleansing effect.

Guggulu: ( Bedellium), ( COMMIPHORA MUKUL): Studies show that a 14-27% of LDL cholesterol and 22-30% of triglycerides levels were reduced when guggul was given to men and women with high cholesterol for 12 weeks with no change in diet or exercise. Research with laboratory animals suggests guggul may help enhance thyroid function. Since the thyroid gland produces hormones that are needed to regulate metabolism, it can help in weight loss. Studies show guggul may change thyroid hormone metabolism, increase levels of circulating T3, or triiodothyroxine, a thyroxine metabolite known to raise overall metabolism, which in turn increases fat burning. Since guggul supports atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), which may impede blood flow to and from the penis, guggul may possibly be the treatment for impotence many men are looking for.

Tulsi ( Holy Basil), ( Tulasi): Tulsi has antioxidant properties, and helps boost the body’s ability to fight off damaging free radicals, which have been linked to disease and aging. It is an adaptogen that helps the body fight the effects of ongoing stress and also balances the mind, nerves and emotions. Tulsi maintains the health of the throat chest and lungs. In fact, it helps protect the entire respiratory tract. It is an anti-inflammatory. A herb that promotes optimum respiratory support. Tulasi has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, expectorant properties and is useful in respiratory tract infections. It helps during respiratory stress.

Neem (AZADIRACHTA INDICA): Neem effectively kills the bacteria that cause Acne and studies prove that Neem will reduce inflammation, even the inflammation produced by Acne. In the case of eczema clinical studies demonstrate that even the application of weaker Neem leaf extracts effectively cured acute conditions of eczema, what to speak of the fresh cold pressed oil with its high concentration of active ingredients.Modern clinical studies have identified a number of compounds in the Neem tree that effectively regulate immune system functions. Whether drinking a simple cup of tea out of the leaves or taking extracts of the Neem leaf, Neem significantly and consistently reduced insulin requirements for nonkeytonic, insulin fast, and insulin sensitive forms of Diabetes.The pain, inflammation, and swelling of the joints in arthritis can be greatly reduced by different compounds in Neem

Arjuna (TERMINALIA ARJUNA): Arjun improves cardiac muscle function and pumpingactions of the heart. Scientific studies have shown Arjun to be very effectivewhen used regularly over a period of time for the treatment of angina, coronary artery disease, heart failure, edema, and possibly hypercholesterolemia. Studies have also shown Arjun to have positive effects in the treatment of gonorrhea. Externally, this herb has been used to treat acne, blemishes, wounds, dysentery, and diarrhea.

OSHAOptics asked:




Bloodborne Pathogens means pathogenic microorganisms that may be present in human blood and can cause disease in humans. These pathogens include, but are not limited to, hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This article will address HBV exclusively.

 

Hepatitis B is a potentially serious form of liver inflammation due to infection by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). It occurs in both rapidly developing (acute) and long-lasting (chronic) forms, and is one of the commonest chronic infectious diseases worldwide.

 

The Hepatitis B vaccine is administered intramuscularly in three doses usually given on a schedule of 0, 1, and 6 months, but there can be flexibility in this schedule. More than 95 percent of children and adolescents and more than 90 percent of young, healthy adults develop adequate immunity following the recommended three doses. Persons who respond to the vaccine are protected from both acute hepatitis B infections as well as chronic infection.

 

OSHA mandates employers make available the hepatitis B vaccine and vaccination series to all employees who have occupational exposure, and post-exposure evaluation and follow-up to all employees who have had an exposure incident. OSHA further requires employers are to ensure that all medical evaluations and procedures including the hepatitis B vaccine and vaccination series and post-exposure evaluation and follow-up, including prophylaxis are:

 

1. Made available at no cost to the employee

 

2. Made available to the employee at a reasonable time and place

 

3. Performed by or under the supervision of a licensed physician or by or under the supervision of another licensed healthcare professional

 

Following a report of an exposure incident, OSHA mandates that the employer shall make immediately available to the exposed employee a confidential medical evaluation and follow-up, including at least the following elements:

 

1. Documentation of the route(s) of exposure

 

2. The circumstances under which the exposure incident occurred

 

3. Identification and documentation of the source individual, unless the employer can establish that identification is infeasible or prohibited by state or local law

 

Hepatitis B Post-Vaccination Titer Notes:

 

All healthcare workers should have serologic testing 1–2 months following the final dose of the hepatitis B vaccine series.

 

If adequate anti-HBs is present (>10mIU/mL), nothing more needs to be done. An anti-HBs serologic test result of >10mIU/mL indicates immunity. Periodic testing or boosting is not needed. If the post-vaccination test result is less than 10mIU/mL, the vaccine series should be repeated and testing done 1–2 months after the second series.

 

Hepatitis B Vaccine Notes:

 

· Brand Names: Engerix-B, Recombivax HB

 

· The hepatitis B vaccine has been available since 1982.

 

· The hepatitis B vaccine causes the body to produce protective levels of hepatitis B antibodies which will protect against infection from hepatitis B virus.

 

· The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends hepatitis B vaccination for everyone 18 years of age and younger, and for adults over 18 years of age who are at risk for HBV infection.

 

· There is no known cure for hepatitis B. Thus, prevention is the best option to dealing with this disease. Currently, the only Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved medicines for treatment of hepatitis B are Interferon Alpha and Lamivudine.

 

o   Interferon Alpha is usually used only for persons whose liver enzyme tests are abnormal.

 

o   The FDA recently approved Lamivudine in December 1998 for the treatment of chronic    hepatitis.

 

For more information on Bloodborne Pathogens & OSHA feel free to email OSHA Optics, LLC at:

 

Compliance@OSHAOptics.com

 

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Monish asked:




Why Detoxification? The common toxicity symptoms consist of headache, fatigue, aches and pains, mucus trouble, digestive problems, most important is allergy and other sensitivity to environmental agents like chemicals, perfumes and synthetics. People who normally experience these and other on the list might get benefit from diet changes or evasion of the drug or agent that might be influencing the symptom. It becomes very vital to distinguish allergic symptoms from those of toxicity to decide the suitable medical care. The diet and body detox program here is quite same as to the allergy plan and is normally useful in lessening allergic symptoms. Fasting can be very helpful for the people with allergies. Of course, there might be delicate characteristics of toxicity, which distinguish it from other health concerns. Many general keen and chronic illnesses might be lessen by a program of detoxification or cleansing, as they are essentially made by short – and long-term best congestive patterns. People with addictions to any thing might get benefit from a body detoxification program, even if it is only the provisional avoidance of the addictive agent or agents. Withdrawal symptoms, which usually happen with various drugs, comprising sugar, caffeine, and over-the-counter medication, we precipitated by detoxifying the body.. Many of the poisons (toxins), which we consume or make are stored in the full of fat tissues. Obesity is about always related with toxicity. When we lose weight, we lessen our fat in turn and thereby our toxic load. However, during weight loss we let go more toxins, and thus require protection through higher intake of water, fiber, and the antioxidant nutrients, like vitamins C, E, and beta-carotene, selenium, and zinc. With exercise we could as well turn fat into muscle (not literally) and assist further body cleansing detoxification. Almost every one of us requires total body detoxification, cleanse them, and rest their body functions at times. Cleansing or detoxification is one way of the trilogy of nutritional action; the other is building, or toning, and balance, or upholding. With a regular, objective diet, devoid of excesses, we would need less rigorous detoxification. However, when we eat a congesting diet higher in fats, meats, dairy products, refined foods, and other chemicals, detoxification program becomes more and more necessary. Who needs to detoxify and when is completely based in part on every body’s lifestyle and needs.