Health and Diet Blog

Heather Colman asked:




Amoxicillin is a type of penicillin antibiotic. It is a moderate beta-lactam antibiotic, used for the treatment of bacterial infections. It is absorbed easily and hence preferred by the doctors. However, Amoxicillin can be broken down by beta-lactamase producing bacteria and can be given with clavulanic acid. It is available as a product of GlaxoSmithKline under the brand name, Amoxil.

Amoxicillin inhibits the synthesis of bacterial cell walls. The formula is referred to as co-amoxiclav (a name approved by the United Kingdom). However, it is commonly known by its proprietary names, Augmentin and Clamoxyl.

It is usually prescribed to women, children under the age of 8, and people allergic to tetracycline and it can be taken on an empty stomach. Amoxicillin is usually available in form of pills, which can be taken for several weeks.

Who should avoid amoxicillin?

Any patients, with the following complications, should not take Amoxicillin.

* If you have previously suffered from allergic reactions to any type of penicillin or to a cephalosporin, always let your doctor know about such allergies.

* Inform your doctor, if there are any problems related to kidney or infectious mononucleosis. If you take amoxicillin in presence of such disorders there is a big risk of adverse side effects.

* Diabetes patients should be aware of the fact, that amoxicillin can lead to false positive results of the glucose urine tests.

* Amoxicillin belongs to the FDA pregnancy category B drugs. So, if you are pregnant, or planning to conceive, or get pregnant while taking amoxicillin, then it is suggested, that you consult your doctor immediately.

* Amoxicillin passes on to breast milk, therefore it may cause yeast infection, diarrhea, or allergic reactions to the nursing infant, though no serious harm has ever been reported. If you are lactating it is important to seek your doctors’ advice before taking amoxicillin.

Some possible side effects

It is advised that medical attention be sought instantly, should any of the following symptoms occur while taking amoxicillin. The consequences of ignoring these side effects could be serious.

* Allergic reactions that result in shortness of breath, closing of the throat, hives, swelling of lips, face, or tongue, rashes on the skin or fainting.

* Seizures

* Severe diarrhea

* Abdominal cramps

* Unexpected bleeding or bruising

Some less debilitating side affects can also result from amoxicillin such as mild nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, or abdominal pain, yeast infection in the form of white patches on the tongue, vaginal yeast infection, causing itching or vaginal discharge, sore mouth or tongue.

Of course, other side effects are also possible. So if you detect any unusual symptom after taking amoxicillin, talk to your doctor without any delay.

Disclaimer – The information presented here should not be interpreted as or substituted for medical advice. Please talk to your doctor for more information about amoxicillin.

Sharon Hopkins asked:




Irritable bowel syndrome – As the name suggests affects your bowel which is also your large intestine. It is an important part of your digestive system which makes and stores stool. This condition is associated with many symptoms due to which it is termed as syndrome. You may be shocked or surprised by the number of people who are affected by this kind of a problem. IBS cannot be termed as a disease but a functional disorder related to the bowel. Intestinal diseases like ulcerative colitis and Cohn’s disease can damage your intestine but IBS does not harm your intestine through inflammation or any other methods. The key to control this syndrome is to have a healthy and stress free lifestyle. This syndrome puts you through lot of pain and discomfort.

Some common reasons which cause this syndrome are large meals, bloated colon, specific medicines and food. Stress may not be directly related to IBS but if you are suffering from IBS, stress can surely aggravate the situation. It is known that during menstrual periods chances of IBS increases due to change in hormonal pattern. Common symptoms which pinpoint towards IBS are bloated stomach, abdominal pain with cramps, diarrhea, constipation, excess gas/ flatulence, mucus in the stool.

Food becomes an important part when affected by IBS. There is no one food which triggers this problem. Any food which is high in fat, insoluble fiber (which cannot be dissolved in water like fruits, vegetables, whole grains and cereals and caffeine (in any form like carbonated beverages, tea, coffee and even decaf) can cause this problem. Soluble fibers on the other hand are our saviors. They can get through problems like diarrhea and constipation. An increased fiber diet really helps you beat this problem. But excess of anything can be trouble. Other than helping you out from this mess it may push you further into it. There are no specific treatments which can cure IBS problem but by using preventive measure we can relieve the symptoms. A change in ones lifestyle can make a huge difference to fight this condition. Some dietary changes, changes in medicines as well as counter attacking stress-related problem make a lot of difference.

Home Remedies for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Instead of having one large meal, eat small meals which will not add too much stress on your digestive system.

Another method of treating this syndrome is by the use of hypnotherapy. It is one of the drug-free solutions to combat this problem.

Avoid stress by doing some relaxing activities like reading, chatting up with your friends, listening to music and many more.

In dietary changes avoid all the fatty foods like French fries, cheese, ice-cream, chocolate, alcohol and many more.

You can include soluble fiber in your diet such as rice, pasta and noodles, oatmeal, barley, fresh white bread, turnips, sweet potatoes, avocados, papayas and many more.

Drink enough fluids to remain hydrated as well as to have smooth bowel movements.

Avoid gas generating vegetables like beans, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and onions.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

Jim Kesel asked:


There are more than 45 million people in the USA alone that suffer from heartburn at least once a week. Every day you see an add for acid reflux and heartburn medicines on your television. Almost all the information is about treating the symptoms of heartburn after you have already developed the problem. However you very seldom see any information about the prevention of heartburn.

It is surprising that most people do not even consider taking the necessary steps to prevent heartburn. About 90 percent of all heartburn and acid reflux is preventable. Remember it is far easier to prevent heartburn than to cure it. Why suffer the pain and discomfort of this disorder when you do not have to. In addition you may increase your risk of related heartburn illnesses like Gastoresophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) or even cancer.

Not everyone will get heartburn or acid reflux disease. Genetics does play a role in determining who is at risk. If you look into your family background and see several relatives with heartburn related problems then you can assume that you are at increased risk for getting this disorder. In addition if you are on the heavy side, eat large meals to the point of discomfort, take in large amounts of caffiene or frequently eat spicy foods then your risk is further increased. Living in a stressful environment is also considered a factor in developing heartburn related conditions.

The first and probably the easiest method of reducing your heartburn risk is to change how and when you eat your meals. You need to become a grazer , that is to eat several smaller meats each day. You should eat these meals at about the same time each day as well. Never eat until you feel full, but just enough as to not feel hungry, To do this effectively you must become more aware of your body and what it is telling you. In addition try to eat in a stress free environment. This may not be totally possible but if you can eat away from point cause of stress such as your place of work you will be more relaxed. Remember no spicy foods and cut back on your coffee or tea intake. Caffeine free coffee is a good alternative.

Stop or greatly reduce your use of alcohol and intake of acidic liquids. This will have an immediate effect of reducing your risk of getting heartburn and acid reflux disease. If you are a smoker you have another reason beside cancer to quit . This is probably the toughest change in your life style that you will undertake. Stopping the use of nicotine, caffeine and alcohol are the big three in preventing heartburn before it starts.

If you have the opportunity, a short period of exercise prior to eating will also reduce your heartburn risk. This can be in the form of walking up or down several flights of stars or walking several block to where you are going to eat your meal. This will reduce your appetite and stress. It is never a good idea to exercise after you have eaten. You should wait at least 2 hours if you are going to do an intense workout. Also whenever possible you should wear loose fitting clothing as this will reduce the pressure and discomfort associated with heartburn.

Most people who have pre-heartburn symptoms will have trouble getting a good nights sleep. Acid reflux and heartburn symptoms are usually to blame. Not getting enough sleep will increase your stress and thus your risk as well. A couple of things that you can do to prevent these symptoms is to first not eat for at least four hour prior to laying down. In addition you can prevent the acid reflux that is associated with heartburn by raising the head of the bed. This can be easily done with books, bricks and/or wooden blocks. You only need to raise it 2 to 3 inches to keep acid from flowing upward to your esophagus. The use of a firm pillow or a wedge pillow will also help in preventing acid reflux.

Another important step in preventing heartburn is to talk to your family physician. Specifically ask him or her what medications are putting you at risk for heartburn. Aspirin related pain relievers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications are especially hard on the stomach and can increase your heartburn risk. Ask your doctor for alternatives that do not cause indigestion. In addition you should ask him or her what over the counter antacids they recommend.

Preventing heartburn is always more preferable to curing it. Design a plan for changing your lifestyle and stick to it. It will require discipline and help from family and friends. Make sure they know what your goals are and ask them to help and support you in your endeavor to be heartburn free.

Joe Goertz asked:




Beekeeping is an ancient activity. There is evidence from rock paintings that suggests beekeeping was happening as early as 13.000 BC. The ancient Egyptians were excellent beekeepers, as were the Greeks.

Honey is produced as food by the honeybees to sustain them during the winter months. The bees take nectar from flowers, take it to the hive, and, by concentrating it, make honey. It is stored within the hive on structures called combs.

The flavour, aroma and colour of honey differ depending on the flowers from which the bee removed the nectar. Climate, humidity and altitude also have an affect on the characteristics of honey. Clear honey has a weak flavour and aroma. Dark honey is rich in proteins and minerals. Common flavours of honey include orange blossom, tupelo, buckwheat, clover, blackberry, and blueberry. In Australia, the most common honey comes from eucalyptus trees, such as red gum, yellow gum and stringybark. Other countries are also noted for their honey, including Tasmanian leatherwood honey, Greek wild thyme honey, and French lavender and acacia honey.

There are three forms of honey, liquid, partially crystallized and granulated. Honey can be used as a food, preservative, or medicine. As a food, honey is rich in fructose, sucrose and glucose, making it a natural source of energy. Its antioxidant properties make it ideal as a preservative in foods, including meat, poultry and pastry. For about 4,000 years, honey has been used as a medicine. The ancient Egyptians used it for the treatment of wounds. Today it is also used to treat burns and skin ulcers. As a dressing on wounds, it provides a moist healing environment. Honey rapidly clears infection and reduces inflammation. Honey kills bacteria and prevents yeast infections because neither can survive in its low moisture content. Thus wounds are protected from infections and they heal quicker, making skin grafting unnecessary.

Honey diluted with water has been used to treat sore throats and coughs, inflammations, some eye diseases, athlete’s foot and fungal diseases, upset stomachs, constipation and diarrhea, cardiovascular disease and cancer. It is also effective against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, such as salmonella, and H. pylori, which cause stomach ulcers.

Honey is used extensively in the cosmetics industry in moisturizers, lotions, facial creams and bath and shower products. It is an anti-irritant, making it suitable for sensitive-skin and baby products. Honey is a natural humectant, which means it both attracts and retains moisture. Many hair care products include honey in their basic ingredients.

There are some downsides to honey. Commercially processed honey is filtered and contains few allergens. Raw honey, on the other hand, retains a greater amount of pollens and may cause a reaction in people who are allergic to pollen. The reactions are usually small, but severe reactions, although rare, have occurred.

There are also several types of honey which are toxic to humans. Bees can produce “Mad Honey” from rhododendrons, mountain laurels and azalea flowers. The nectar of these plants sometimes contains grayanotoxin, which is poisonous to humans but harmless to bees. Toxic honey also results when bees gather honeydew produced by vine hopper insects feeding on the tutu plant in New Zealand. This introduces poisonous tutin into the honey and as little as one teaspoon of this can produce severe effects or death in humans. To reduce the risk of tutin poisoning, New Zealand beekeepers are required to closely monitor tutu, vine hopper, and foraging conditions within three kilometers of their bee hives.

In addition, honey isn’t for everybody. It contains Clostridium botulinum spores which cause botulism. While adults and children can safely digest the spores without harm, babies under one year of age cannot. They are susceptible to infant botulism, because their gastrointestinal tracts are not fully working.