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Vitamins

Vitamin D4

Vitamin D4 (Also known as: 22,23-Dihydroergocalciferol (Vitamin D2 without the 22,23 double bond)

Vitamin D4 is an ineffective form of Vitamin D. It forms dihydrotachysterol, or Dht (not to be confused with DHT, the hormone treatment).

Vitamin D4 is a form of the D Vitamin group, categorized as fat-soluble secosteroids. The two most commonly used forms of vitamin D for humans are D2 (ergocalciferol) and D3 (cholecalciferol). Vitamin D is found in food and produced by the body after exposure to sunlight (or ultraviolet B light), in the form of D3; it can also be taken in pill form as a supplement.

Vitamin D Group

While categorized as vitamins, the vitamin D group actually circulates the body as a hormone after being synthesized in the kidneys. Technically, despite the name, vitamin D is not a “vitamin” at all and targets close to 10% of the human genome within the body (200 genes). Vitamin D is ingested via supplement or diet, or produced naturally by the skin’s exposure to the sun and ultraviolet B rays.

After being carried from the bloodstream to the liver, vitamin D converts into prohormone calcidiol, and then into the biologically active form of vitamin D, calcitriol. Calcitrol is known to have properties that help boost the immune system, and locally acts as a cytokine. At this point, the vitamin is being circulated as a hormone. The calcitrol in the bloodstream helps to regulate phosphate and calcium, and promotes healthy bone growth.

Deficiency in the D vitamins can lead to brittle bones, poorly formed bones, or weak bones, especially in children who suffer the deficiency during formative years. Rickets, osteomalacia and osteoporosis are diseases known to afflict individuals who are deficient in vitamin D.

Forms of Vitamin D

There are five known forms of Vitamin D: D1 (ergocalciferol with lumisterol), D2 (ergocalciferol with ergosterol), D3 (cholecalciferol), D4 (22-dihydroergocalciferol), and D5 (sitocalciferol). Both D2 and D3 were discovered in the 1930s.

All the forms of Vitamin D chemically contain steroids in which one of the bonds in the steroid rings is broken, called secosteroids. Most of the differences between forms result from slight changes in chemical structure; the only difference between D2 and D3 is that of a single versus double bond in the side chains.

For nutrition purposes and medical use in human beings, the forms of Vitamin D in D2 and D3 are the most widely used, with D3 gaining a critical perception as the more potent of the two in recent years. Vitamin D4 is an active metabolite of Vitamin D2.

Production

Vitamin D3 can be produced by humans in their skin photochemically from 7-dehydrocholesterol, which is produced in large quantities by vertebrates. Sunlight is necessary for vertebrates to produce vitamin D3; some studies have shown deficiencies in animals whose habitat has little light, such as mole rats. (The study also showed, however, that the mole rat was less susceptible to aging and maintained healthy vascular function).

Some animals without direct skin exposure to the sun, such as birds, Vitamin D3 is produced by the skin’s natural oils and secreted onto the fur or feathers.

It should be noted that vitamin D2, though available, is not naturally produced by vertebrates. While plants, fungus, and invertebrates produce D2 after exposure to ultraviolet light, little is known about the biological reason behind it.

Sources

The three sources of Vitamin D are skin production via exposure to sunlight, through dietary foods, and via supplement.

The best source of Vitamin D is safe, regular exposure to sunlight. Doctors recommend exposing the face and hands to direct sunlight at 10 minutes at a time at least once a day to boost Vitamin D production. Through regular sun exposure (10-15 minutes a day), humans can make their own Vitamin D in the form of D3. People should use caution, however, as sunscreen blocks the production of Vitamin D (since the skin does not get direct exposure to ultraviolet B light).
Vitamin D4 Remedies
Sun exposure can cause skin care and other issues, so moderation is key. Exposure to sunlight for 20-30 minutes is estimated to result int he production of approximately 10,000 IU of vitamin D, although this will vary based on location, heritage, and other factors. Sunlight is the easiest method to acquire vitamin D; by contrast, a person would have to drink roughly 25 glasses of 8oz milk to get the same 10,000 IU of vitamin D.

Producing Vitamin D4

The ability for a person to produce vitamin D depends greatly on age, height, weight, geographic location, and genetic background. Those with darker skin will need much longer exposure to generate the same amount of the vitamin; for reasons still largely unknown, persons with darker skin have more difficulty making vitamin D.

For this reason, a supplement via diet or oral pill may be helpful. Those living in regions that experience limited sunlight throughout the year may also need to take an alternate approach. It can be difficult for people to produce enough Vitamin D, but it is a fat soluble vitamin, and caution should be taken not to overdose.

Availability

Many cereals, margarine, bread, pastries, milk are fortified with Vitamin D, especially in the United States and Canada. Natural sources of Vitamin D can also be found in oily fish (such as catfish, salmon, tuna, mackerel), eggs, mushrooms, and cod liver oil.

Supplements of Vitamin D are readily available, although individuals should consult with a medical provider to select the correct dosage and type that best suits their needs.

Active metabolites may be required for those with kidney or liver problems; these more active derivatives of Vitamin D are more easily absorbed into the body.

Uses

The vitamin D group is often used to promote healthy bone growth, healthy teeth, prevent osteoporosis and other degenerative bone diseases, prevention of rickets, and lately as a possible prevention for cancer.

Recent studies have also shown potential for vitamin D as a potential treatment for high blood pressure, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, diabetes mellitus, and rheumatoid arthritis. Vitamin D stimulates bone growth and helps to establish a healthy mineral metabolism. The use of vitamin D for the treatment of cardiovascular disease has also grown in popularity within the past few decades.

Vitamin D4 is often used for the treatment of postoperative tetany in its chronic, latent, and acute forms. Tetany is a condition which involves the involuntary contraction of muscles due to complications with the body’s ability to absorb calcium, which vitamin D facilitates. Consequently, it is also used to treat idiopathic tetany and hypoparathyroidism.

Recent Studies

Recent studies have shown promise for vitamin D as a treatment for cancer due to the ability of vitamin D, when in the form of an active metabolite, to stimulate the growth of white blood cells, the building blocks of the body’s immune system. In 2006, a study found a correlation between cancer and patient’s vitamin D levels.

The study suggested adding an additional 1,000 IU of vitamin D per day could significantly reduce the risk of cancer in individuals, particularly breast cancer, colon cancer, and ovarian cancer. However, a conflicting study conducted by the National Cancer Institute found no link between a cancer patient’s mortality rate and their intake of vitamin D. Ongoing research is being performed to better determine what, if any, use vitamin D can have for cancer treatment.

There have also been conflicting studies on the link between vitamin D and mortality.

Pharmacology and Mechanism of Action

Vitamin D4, or dihydroergocalciferol, effectively synthesizes in the kidneys after passing into the bloodstream and then the liver. It is a more active metabolite of the more mainstream versions of vitamin D. Due to the increased metabolic activity, D4 is often effective in elevating serum calcium due to its ability to stimulate the calcium absorption of the intestines. D4 can also help mobilize bone calcium and functioning renal tissue if parathyroid hormone is absent.

For this reason, D4 in the form of dihydrotachysterol, a synthetic analogue of viamin D, has been a form of treatment for hypocalcemia (a condition where the blood lacks calcium) and hypoparathyroidism (which results from a deficiency of parathyroid hormone in the body). Dihydrotachysterol is converted to an active metabolite in the liver in the form of 25-hydroxydihydrotachysterol.

After the 25-hydroxydihydrotachysterol is hydroxylated, it binds to the receptor (which has DNA binding and hormone binding domains) of the vitamin D. This results in an suppression of synthesis for type I collagen as well as an expression of osteocalcin; both are due to the bound form of the receptor of vitamin D serving as a transcription controller for bone matrix proteins.

Subsequently, this helps to stimulate the calcium absorption as described above. Interestingly, several research studies have shown that many (if not all) cells in the body are equipped with vitamin D receptors.

Potential Overdose and Toxicity

Categorized as fat soluble, Vitamin D is stored in the body, so excess is not flushed out in urine as with water soluble vitamins. As a result, individuals should be very careful to supplement the correct amount of vitamin D into their diets. Hypercalcima, an excess of calcium, can occur when there is an excess of vitamin D in the body. Hypercalcima due to vitamin D can cause kidney pain and kidney stones and result in an over-calcification of bones, heart, soft tissues, and kidneys.

The nomenclature for an excess of vitamin used by the medical community is hypervitaminosis D. The recommended intake of vitamin D daily is 400IU; for an overdose to occur, significantly more vitamin D would have to be ingested.

Overdoses have been recorded at 77,000 IU per day, with 10,000 being the maximum recommended dose. Symptoms of hypervitaminosis include fatigue, dehydration, vomiting, decreased appetite, and irritability. Toxicity is not likely unless specific other medical conditions are present; it is not common.

http://science.jrank.org/pages/44204/vitamin-D.html

http://www.vivo.colostate.edu/hbooks/pathphys/endocrine/otherendo/vitamind.html

http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/vitamind.asp

Vitamins

Tocotrienol

Vitamin E is a vitamin that contains antioxidant properties and is fat soluble. There are eight different formers in which it exists, and two groups under which they fall. Vitamin E may exist in tocopherol and tocotrienol forms, and both of these groups contain alpha, beta, gamma and delta variants.

The most active form found within humans is alpha-tocopherol, which is why that the daily allowance recommendations and dosing are usually under these measurements, or they may instead be measured in International Units, which is what may be used by supplement or food labels. Supplements for vitamin E may be found in synthetic or natural forms, the natural form of which is always prefixed by a acirc Synthetic variants should be prefixed.

Health Benefits

It is often proposed that vitamin E can be used to either treat or prevent a wide variety of different health conditions, and this is mostly based on the fact that it contains antioxidant properties. However, other than treating the rare occurrence of vitamin E deficiency, there is currently no medicinal use of vitamin E supplementation to be clearly proven to treat conditions outside of the daily allowance that is recommended. However, there is currently ongoing research to determine whether it can be beneficial to other diseases, especially in heart disease and cancer.
Tocotrienol Uses
Recently, medical officials have had concerns about whether or not it was safe to take vitamin E supplements, especially in high doses.

This is because it has been proposed that high dosages of vitamin E supplementation has resulted in a higher risk of bleeding, especially in patients who require taking agents to thin their blood, such as aspirin, heparin or warfarin, or in patients who are deficient in the essential vitamin K.

There is also evidence that has recently come to light that regularly taking in a high amount of vitamin E supplements is potentially capable of increasing the risk of death from acirc all causes though the increase is supposedly small.

However, another study showed that women who regularly took vitamin E did not experience any effect on their mortality. Overall, caution is warranted.

Synonyms

The following is a list of different synonyms that refer to vitamin E, and most of them are specific to certain variants of it, such as tocotrienol.

  • All rac-alpha-tocopherol
  • Alpha-tocopherol
  • Alpha tocopherol acetate
  • Alpha tocopheryl acetate
  • Alpha tocotrienol
  • Antisterility vitamin
  • Beta tocopherol
  • Beta tocotrienol
  • D-alpha-tocopherol
  • D-alpha-tocopheryl
  • D-alpha-tocopheryl acetate
  • D-alpha-tocopheryl succinate
  • D-beta-tocopherol
  • D-delta-tocopherol
  • Delta-tocopherol
  • Delta-tocotrienol
  • D-gamma-tocopherol
  • Dl-alpha-tocopherol
  • Dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate
  • Dl-tocopherol
  • D-tocopherol
  • D-tocopheryl acetate
  • Dl-tocopherol
  • Gamma-tocopherol
  • Gamma-tocotrienol
  • Mixed tocopherols
  • RRR-alpha-tocopherol
  • Spondyvit
  • Tocopherol
  • Tocotrienol
  • Tocotrienol concentrate
  • Tocopheryl succinate
  • Evidence

The section below is a list of different studies of vitamin E based, which are either based on scientific theories or tradition.

Caution is warranted due to the fact that some of the methods have not been thoroughly tested yet in humans, so there may not be proof of the safety or effectiveness of these uses. Evaluate options with a qualified provider of healthcare, especially with the conditions that are potential very serious ones.

Vitamin E deficiency

It is rare for a person to experience vitamin E deficiency, and it is usually only found in people who have a diminished ability to absorb fat through the gut, which is usually due to cystic fibrosis, Crohns disease or have had surgery, people who are malnourished, people who are undergoing low fat diets, people who have a specific genetic condition, such as ataxia and vitamin E deficiency or abetalipoprotinemia, infants who were born prematurely and are low in weight, and infants that are taking formulas that are not fortified.

For these cases, it is acceptable to use vitamin E supplementation for therapy as it has been proven to effectively treat these conditions. Vitamin E supplementation has been proven to effectively halt the progression of future complications due to the deficiency of vitamin E. A physician and a nutritionist should both be involved with diagnosing such a condition and involved with managing the course of treatment for this condition.

Cancer Treatment

There is currently a lack of scientific evidence that is reliable and that of which states that vitamin E supplementation is useful, beneficial or effective as a treatment for any specific kind of cancer whatsoever. People who are currently undergoing radiation or chemotherapy treatment are highly recommended to take precautions when considering vitamin E, because it has been proposed that people who take in too high a dosage of an antioxidant can actually experience an effect that effectively reduces the anti-cancer treatments when undergoing these kinds of therapies.

However, this is still currently an area of controversy with several other studies producing a number of variable results. It is also believed that an unusually high dosage of vitamin E supplementation has a tendency to cause some level of harm to patients suffering the effects of cancer.
Benefits of Tocotrienol
Any patient who is interested in taking a high dosage of any kind of antioxidant, especially that of vitamin E supplementation, during the course of their radiation or chemotherapy is highly recommended to consult their radiation oncologist or their medical oncologist before making any kind of decision with regards to this new kind of therapy.

Uses Based upon Theory or Tradition

The section below is a list of different uses of vitamin E based, which are either based on scientific theories or tradition. Caution is warranted due to the fact that some of the methods have not been thoroughly tested yet in humans, so there may not be proof of the safety or effectiveness of these uses. Evaluate options with a qualified provider of healthcare, especially with the conditions that are potential very serious ones.

  • Abortifacient
  • Acne
  • Aging, or the prevention thereof
  • Aging skin
  • Air pollution, or the protection thereof
  • Allergies
  • Amiodarone pulmonary toxicity, or the prevention thereof
  • Bee stings
  • Benign prostatic hypertrophy
  • Beta-thalassemia
  • Blood disorders, especially porphyria
  • Breast inflammation and pain, or mastitis
  • Brochopulmonary dysplasia, which is present in prematurely born infants
  • Bursitis
  • Cardiomyopathy
  • Celiac disease
  • Chemotherapy extravasation
  • Chorea, which is a hereditary, progressive and chronic condition
  • Congestive heart failure
  • Crohns disease
  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Dermatitis
  • Diaper rash
  • Digestive enzyme (pancreatic) insufficiency
  • Doxorubicin hair loss, or the prevention thereof
  • Duchenne muscular dystrophy
  • Dyspraxia
  • Energy enhancement
  • Exercise recovery
  • Frostbite
  • Gastric ulcer
  • Granuloma annulare, or topical vitamin E
  • Hair loss
  • Heart attack
  • Heart transplant rejection, or the prevention thereof
  • Hereditary spherocytosis
  • Huntingtons disease
  • Hypertension
  • Impaired tolerance to glucose
  • Impotence
  • Leg cramps
  • Liver disease, that of which is not directly related to alcohol
  • Lung cancer, or the prevention thereof
  • Male fertility
  • Menopausal symptoms
  • Menstrual disorders
  • Miscarriage
  • Mucositis
  • Muscle strength
  • Myotonic dystrophy
  • Neuromuscular disorders
  • Nitrate tolerance
  • Oral leukoplakia
  • Pain related to labor and childbirth
  • Pancreatitis, the chronic variety
  • Peptic ulcers
  • Physical endurance
  • Poor posture
  • Post-operative recovery, or the prevention of post-angioplasty restenosis
  • Pre-exclampsia, or the prevention thereof, which is when high blood pressure occurs during pregnancy
  • Radiation induced fibrosis
  • Reperfusion injury, or the protection thereof, during surgery for the heart
  • Restless leg syndrome
  • Sickle cell disease
  • Skeletal muscle damage
  • Skin damage that is responsible by the sun
  • Skin disorders
  • Sperm motility
  • Sunburn
  • Thrombophlebitis, or inflammation of the veins
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • Dosing

The doses are indicated below are based solely on traditional use, scientific research, expert opinion or publications. There may be several instances of supplements and herbs that have not yet been thoroughly tested, meaning that the safety and effectiveness have yet to be tested to the fullest extent. Therefore, not all of the doses below will apply to every product. As a result, it is important to always read product labels and it is recommended to discuss dosages with a physician before beginning therapy.

Dietary Sources of vitamin E

There are numerous kinds of food that have vitamin E in them, though storing and cooking is known to destroy some of the vitamins that are otherwise found in the foods. These foods include green leafy vegetables (including spinach), eggs, fruit, fortified cereals, nuts, meat, nut oils, vegetables (including safflower, corn, soybean, cottonseed and sunflower), poultry, wheat germ oil, olive oil and whole grains.

Adults (over 18 years old)

Because there are different biological activities available for the many different forms of vitamin E, all of the recommended dietary allowances that are listed for vitamin E are calculated in Alpha Tocopherol Equivalents. They are also translated into International Units, which is the measurement that most labels on food and supplements use to measure. For conversion purposes, a milligram of Alpha Tocopheral Equivalent is equal to 1.5 International Units.

The recommended daily allowance of vitamin E for anybody over the age of 14, whether male or female, is 15 milligrams Alpha Tocopherol Equivalents on a daily basis, which amounts to 22.5 International Units per day. Women of any age who are also pregnant should take in 15 milligrams Alpha Tocopherol Equivalents of vitamin E on a daily basis, which amounts to 22.5 International Units per day.

Women who are breastfeeding and of any age should obtain 19 milligrams Alpha Tocopherol Equivalents of vitamin E on a daily basis, which amounts to 28.5 International Units.

Children (under 18 years old)

There is currently no recommended daily allowance for vitamin E with regards to infants, though there is a recommended Adequate Intake for infants that are healthy, are breastfeeding and are between the ages of newborn and six months old, and this allowance is 4 milligrams Alpha Tocopherol Equivalents on a daily basis, which amounts to six International Units per day.

For infants in between the ages of seven months to a year, the recommended daily allowance of vitamin E is seven milligrams Alpha Tocopherol Equivalents on a daily basis, which amounts to 10.5 International Units per day. Children between the ages of one and three years are recommended to take six milligrams Alpha Tocopherol Equivalents of vitamin E on a daily basis, which amounts to nine International Units per day.

Children between the ages of four and eight years are recommended to take seven milligrams Alpha Tocopherol Equivalents of vitamin E on a daily basis, which amounts to 10.5 International Units per day. Children between the ages of nine and 13 years are recommended to take eleven milligrams Alpha Tocopherol Equivalents of vitamin E on a daily basis, which amounts to 16.5 International Units per day.

Children over the age of fourteen years are recommended to take 15 milligrams Alpha Tocopherol Equivalents of vitamin E on a daily basis, which amounts to 22.5 International Units per day. Pregnant women of any age are recommended to take 15 milligrams Alpha Tocopherol Equivalents of vitamin E on a daily basis, which amounts to 22.5 International Units per day.

Breastfeeding women of any age are recommended to take 19 milligrams Alpha Tocopherol Equivalents of vitamin E on a daily basis, which amounts to 28.5 International Units per day.

Safety

The United States Food and Drug Administration does not take the initiative in strictly regulating the usage of supplements or herbs. There is no guarantee present for the safety, purity or strength of the products, and the effects of each product may vary. To guarantee safety, it is important to carefully read the labels on the products.

For those who have a medical condition or are currently taking other supplements, drugs or herbs, it is essential to first speak with a qualified provider of healthcare before taking on any new kinds of therapy. If any side effects should occur, immediately consult a provider of healthcare.

Allergies

There have been reported instances of skin reactions, such as eczema and contact dermatitis in association with the usage of topical preparations of vitamin E, including deodorants with the vitamin in them or certain ointments. It is suggested that those who have either a known or suspected hypersensitivity to any kind of vitamin E should not use these products.

Side effects and warnings

There is also evidence that has recently come to light that regularly taking in a high amount of vitamin E supplements is potentially capable of increasing the risk of death from all causes though the increase is supposedly small. However, another study showed that women who regularly took vitamin E did not experience any effect on their mortality.

Conclusions about this are often criticized by experts of the field because these results are generally based on recalculations, making them meta-analyses, of the results of studies from the past, which have had a mix in the level of quality, with a mixture of different results, and they often took place with people who had chronic illnesses.

Nonetheless, this is currently the only and best available evidence of science at this time, and it should therefore be recommended that chronically making use of vitamin E should be done so with caution, and it should also be recommended that taking vitamin E at high doses is to be avoided. However, it is very uncommon for instances of acute vitamin E overdose to occur.

Length of Dosage

When taking vitamin E supplements for a short period of time, it is mostly considered safe to do so, provided the dosage only goes up as far as is the recommended tolerable UL, or upper intake level. It is possible, however, for vitamin E to be somewhat unsafe if a person exceeds this tolerable upper intake level when taking vitamin E supplements orally. The recommended daily allowance that of which is naturally obtained by way of food consumption has been officially considered to be beneficial and safe.

There have been reported instances of skin reactions, such as eczema and contact dermatitis in association with the usage of topical preparations of vitamin E, including deodorants with the vitamin in them or certain ointments. It is suggested that those who have either a known or suspected hypersensitivity to any kind of vitamin E should not use these products.

In some rare cases, there have been reports in studies that have associated vitamin E supplementation with instances of symptoms similar to that of influenza, especially when taking vitamin E at high doses, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, as well as abdominal pain. There is also the potentially increased risk of developing necrotizing enterocolitis when taking a high dosage of vitamin E supplements.

Potential Health Problems

Also in rare cases, there have been reports in studies that have associated vitamin E supplementation with instances of diminished functions of the kidney and with gonadal dysfunction.

Recently, medical officials have had concerns about whether or not it was safe to take vitamin E supplements, especially in high doses. This is because it has been proposed that high dosages of vitamin E supplementation has resulted in a higher risk of bleeding, especially in patients who require taking agents to thin their blood, such as aspirin, heparin or warfarin, or in patients who are deficient in the essential vitamin K.

The bleeding may occur due to platelet aggregation being inhibited and due to factors of the vitamin K dependent antagonism, especially in those who are deficient in the vitamin K. Patients studied who also took vitamin E saw a small increase in gum bleeding and in the rate of hemorrhagic, or bleeding, stroke. This is especially true in patients with aspirin in their treatment course.

Increased Bleeding

The increased risk of bleeding has been noticed in animals that also make use of warfarin. Other studies outside of this, however, have not yet shown any increase of any greater incidence of bleeding due to vitamin E dosages. There has been bleeding noticed in patients who were repeatedly provided large doses of synthetic vitamin E, or all rac alpha tocopherol, in the intravenous variety.

Any patient who is known to have a bleeding disorder or is taking a drug that is shown may increase the chances of bleeding are advised to proceed taking vitamin E with caution. It may be necessary to adjust the dosage to tailor the need of a patient.

In rare instances, it has been reported in studies for vitamin E that the supplementation thereof has been linked to fatigue, dizziness, weakness, fatigue or blurred vision, especially when it is provided in unusually high dosages.

Retinitis Pigmentosa

Patients who suffer from retinitis pigmentosa are warned not to take oral vitamin E because, not only does it seem to not have an effect on slowing down visual decline but, it may be linked towards the loss of visual activity occurring at a much more rapid rate, though the results and the validity of the finding have both been questioned.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

There are many kinds of prenatal vitamins available that have traces of vitamin E in them. It may be preferable to obtain natural forms of the vitamin E as opposed to taking in synthetic forms.

It is not recommended to use vitamin E beyond what is recommended as listed above the recommended daily allowance as provided for women who are otherwise healthy and pregnant. There is currently not enough evidence to conclude either way whether or not it is safe to take a higher level of injected, topical or oral vitamin E throughout the duration of pregnancy or breastfeeding, so it is therefore not recommended to do so.

If any pregnant or breastfeeding woman is interested in taking any kind of extra dosage of vitamin E supplementation for any reason are highly recommended to consult a physician before taking any vitamins.

Herbs

Wormwood

Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)

The benefits of the Wormwood have long been documented and has several benefits and remedies known to man. The following is an in depth look at the constitution and value of the herb and the most beneficial ways to make use of it.

History & Origin

The herb known as Wormwood comes from the plant family of Compositae, genus Artemisia and the specific species absinthium. The genus Artemisia contains over 180 species, making Wormwood quite the herb to be reckoned with out of all other species classification.

It is naturally grows in the more temperate clime zones such as Europe, North Africa and Asia, however more recently it is being grown in North America due to a higher demand (mainly due to the growing interest of holistic medicine).
How to Use Wormwood
The name Wormwood has several origins and is mostly referred to for its bitter taste. The Romans referred to it as “Absinthium” that is derived from the Latin word “absinthial” roughly translated to “bitter”. It’s not exactly sure where the word Wormwood was directly derived, however it has been speculated that it may come from the Anglo-saxon word “wermode” that comes to be translated as “waremode” or also “mind preserver”.

Greek Influence

The Greeks, thinking the bitter quality of Wormwood to be undrinkable, called it “absinthion” and yet they honored the goddess Artemisia (Goddess of the Hunt) with a form of the concentrated substance. It was most typically used over 3500 years ago to help in the expulsion of intestinal worms–hence the name WORMwood.

The highly noted Greek physician Hippocrates would prescribe it to women for the menstrual pains and to combat common occurrence of anemia, jaundice and rheumatism.

As far back as the 16th century, Wormwood has been used for many classic remedies, including the ailments it remedies today. However, the remedies it was meant to help with back in the 16th century may be something scoffed at or frowned upon in today’s modern medicine world.

Wormwood was thought to counteract most of the poisonous effects of hemlock and toadstools. If ever bitten by a sea dragon, Wormwood was a source of comfort to the victim. However, it is still used as a common remedy to help heal open wounds.

Mexican Influence

In Mexican culture, it was customary during their festival to honor the Goddess of Salt to have the women wear head garlands entwined with Wormwood while they ceremoniously danced together.

An old folklore that is sometimes still practiced, is to mix Wormwood with marjoram, thyme, virgin honey and vinegar before you go to bed on St. Luke’s Day and anoint yourself with it to dream of your true partner “that is to be”. It will only work, however if you repeat the following chant three times:

“St. Luke, St. Luke, be kind to me,
In dreams let me my true-love see.”

Wormwood was also intentionally used in large scale brewery’s instead of hops, before the FDA deemed it “unsafe” for consumption, because it resisted putrefaction.

Potential Early Health Issues

Pregnant women should not take wormwood as it is a uterine stimulant & could cause complications including abortion. Children should not be given wormwood, which also means nursing mothers should not take it.

During the prohibition, about the same time that Wormwood was being used in brewery, it has been said that the key ingredient, absinthin, was known to cause brain damage and even death, which resulted in it being banned in the 20th century–this was later found to be a myth (although large amounts of distilled absinthe can cause severe side effects) and wild conspiracy thought of by the Prohibitionists and the wine industry.

Popular Variations & Common Uses:

Besides being a common ingredient for brewing beer and distilling alcohol, Wormwood has most famously lent it’s uses to the French spirit Absinthe, but because of the extremely dangerous oil absinthol that the it contains it has been banned in most countries (including the U.S.). The oil absinthol and the active ingredient thujone has been proven to contribute to nerve depression, severe mental impairment and even the loss of all reproductive function if used over a long period of time.

Wormwood flavoring can also be found in the German drink Vermouth and is also commonly used in the flavoring of food today, however it is used in much smaller quantities and is ever hardly concentrated.
An alternative use for Wormwood comes in the form of commercial and residential landscaping. The towering three to four foot herb is a favored filling technique for professional landscapers and the yellow blooms that the herb produces in the summer time is a bonus when looking for that extra pop of color.

General Benefits

In terms of general benefits of the herb Wormwood, it has been proven to help with many things, however it is mainly used in the holistic aspect of medicinal use. It is most commonly consumed either as a hot tea or a tincture to be taken before meals and is favorably used for:

  • Stimulating the digestive tract and gallbladder function
  • Effective trigger of producing excessive amounts of bile which aids in the function of the gallbladder
  • Typically mixed with peppermint and/or caraway (in a tea) to aid in the calming of heartburn and IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
  • Expelling of intestinal worms
  • Stimulate feminine menstruation.
  • Stimulates cerebral hemispheres and directly stimulates the cortex cerebri which may aid in nervous diseases like neurasthenia
  • Common muscle relaxant
  • May help to quicken the process of childbirth and help with the expulsion of the afterbirth (it is not recommended however due to the toxicity of the herb)
  • Known to treat anxieties by being used a mild sedative
  • Stimulates poor circulation and aids in the relief of painful rheumatic joints by using the leaves a compress
  • Stimulates/remedies a poor appetite

Wormwood has become a highly popularized herb that is commonly used in the prominent and ever growing field of holistic medicine. Like mainly organic herbs, Wormwood has been known to help in the overall general function and cleanliness of many internal organs.

Legal status & potential side effects:

While Wormwood is openly bought and sold at markets both online and off, it is the active ingredients and natural oils that the herb contains that make it a potential dangerous product.

The key ingredient Thujone, which is a chemical similar to that of tetratetrahydocannibinol or THC that is active ingredient in the illegal substance marijuana, has been found to be unsafe by the FDA because of Section 801A in the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act of 1972 that bans the specific additive of thujone in any food product (alcohol being included).

This is mainly the reason the illegal status of the alcohol Absinthe that is still banned in the United States as well as many European countries (excluding the United Kingdom, Spain, Portugal, Andorra, Sweden, Denmark and the Austro-Hungarian Empire).

Is it All Hype?

However, the overall hype of Absinthe is characterized as being overplayed and over exaggerated. The psychoactive abilities of the alcohol are not as bad as previously thought and the addictive allegations (mainly due to the presence of the active ingredient Thujone that is present in the controlled substance marijuana) are far fetched and false.
Benefits of Wormwood
As long as the consumer who purchases the herb is only intending to use it for personal use and not for whole sale profit of the concentrated, distilled substance that is Absinthe, then the issues of legality are moot.

The complete list of ingredients found in the herb Wormwood are as follows:

(absinthol, azulene,s glycosides, flavonoids, thujyl, thujone, sesquiterpene lactones)

Because Wormwood contains such active and controversial ingredients, the potential side effects are subject to the individual. These side effects include:

  • Diarrhea (from the excessive production of bile and the secretion of the intestines, meaning to empty the bowels quickly)
    moderate to heavy sedation
  • It should not be taken over a longer period of time than four weeks or larger amounts in a single period because it can cause nausea, vomiting, insomnia, restlessness, vertigo, tremors and seizures.
  • It may be habit forming due to the active ingredients found in it and should not be taken over long periods of time
  • Those with pre-existing ulcers or gastritis conditions should not consume wormwood due to the irritable properties it contains which may exacerbate these conditions excessive use of the herb may result in nerve damage

As with any new health regiment, you should always consult a health care physician before proceeding with any introduction of a new or medicinal substance; it is best to consult a professional who has extensive knowledge or experience with medicinal herbs. If any adverse effects due occur after consuming Wormwood, the consumer should stop consumption immediately and consult a health care professional.

Typical Dosage/Usage & Preparation:

As stated above, Wormwood should not be taken for more than four weeks at a time and only the recommended dosage should be taken to avoid adverse side effects.

Wormwood can be consumed many different ways, but the most typical and effective way to get results is by drinking it in a tea or consuming it by tincture.

To Compose an Herbal Infusion of Wormwood Tea:

  • Take a 1/2 a full teaspoon (also 2.5 to 5 grams) worth of crushed herb
  • Add to 1 cup (also 250 ml) of boiling water
  • Let steep in boiling water for ten to fifteen minutes
  • (optional) Steep with peppermint or caraway or any other masking herb to the mix to help conceal the bitter flavor of the boiled Wormwood and also to achieve a more poignant form of health benefits (i.e. IBS, heartburn, etc.)
  • A total of three cups (750ml) of Wormwood tea may be consumed daily and should not exceed use longer than four weeks.

To effectively add a tincture:

  • Form a concentrated/distilled extract of the herb Wormwood
  • Add 10-20 drops of extract (1/8 teaspoon) to a 250 ml glass of water
  • Take at least ten to fifteen minutes before each meal (this is meant to help with stimulating a poor appetite)

Important: Do not exceed use of extract longer than four weeks and take no more than three times a day and take no more than one 250ml glass of diluted tincture before each meal.

The consumption of Wormwood by smoking has no effect what so ever and should not be used regularly as a sedative.

Product Cost & Market

Wormwood can be found both offline and online and is mostly commonly sold by noted herbalists or natural food shops in bulk. By buying in bulk, you have a better chance for saving per bundle. Also, concentrated tinctures can be purchased online or in food stores as well.

The going cost for bulk Wormwood, whether they be organic, dried, or mixed ranges from about $4 to $10 dollars and is most commonly sold in concentrated tinctures. Most are infused with pleasing flavors such as walnut or peppermint to mask the bitterness.

It may also be found in capsulated forms at any store that contains a generic vitamin aisle.
Wormwood is fairly inexpensive and can even be grown in a simple herb garden for an enthusiast and it is the best way to access fresh Wormwood during its optimal growing season which is mid-summer, specifically June to August when the herb is picked and dried.

To Grow Wormwood:

As with almost any herb, a shady area is idyllic. All seeds, roots should be sown by mid autumn (to achieve optimal ripeness of the seeds) and placed at least two feet apart to allow natural expansion of growth. Nothing else is required in caring for this herb, as it naturally grows wild in most parts of the U.S anyway and is meant to be a withstanding plant, most commonly used in professional landscaping.

Keep free of weeds and expect an explosion of growth to come mid May or early June.

Each plant should be gathered, and separated in July or August and dried in the traditional form of drying flowers by hanging from a clothesline or any suspended wire that has access to fresh air and sun.

To Process:

Before drying effectively, the upper green portion of the flower should be separated from the lower parts of the stems which will be discarded and eliminate any insect eaten or discolored leaves. Loosely bundle in groups of six that match in both size and length (this is important when packing the groups of stalks together) and fan out to allow the air to get to each individual stalk.

Hang on any wire or line with access to air on a day with plenty of sun and warmth, however hang in half shade so as not to tinder the leaves. If dried in direct sunlight, the aromatic properties of the Wormwood (which is the most prized part of collecting Wormwood) will be lost.

Proper Temperature

It is a general rule that all aromatic herbs should be dried in a temperate setting that does not exceed 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

If there is no available sun to dry the herb, use a covered shed or greenhouse that is properly ventilated to expel the moist, warm air. To substitute the warmth of the sun, a anthracite or coke stove may be used to heat the room, but take caution to keep all windows open for proper ventilation.

Finishing the Process

If the leaves are still crisp the stalks are not fully dried, hang over a stove, with enough distance between stove and herb to avoid it catching on fire, and they will quickly dry.

After the drying process is complete, it is crucial to store the dried herbs, (equal in length and size) in air tight boxes to avoid the absorption of moisture from the air (typically the herb is capable of absorbing back 12% of the moisture, ruining the batch).

From then you may enjoy you’re fresh Wormwood and either crush it down to make for tea or process further to use the extract in a tincture.

Overview

While the Greeks and Romans believed it a bitter substance that would aid only if one was bitten by a sea dragon, consumed a poisonous mushroom or seeking for your one true love, Wormwood is a fantastic herb that can be used to aid in several areas of health related issues. Mostly drunk in the form of a peppermint or caraway tea, it can help aid in digestion, clear the intestinal tract, aid in the relief of IBS, help prevent liver dysfunction, gallbladder function and as a mild sedative.

The herb contains the ingredients thujone and absinthol and should be taken with precaution. The use of Wormwood should not extend longer than the duration of four weeks and and no more than three cups of Wormwood tea should be consumed at one time.

Find an Expert

As always, it’s best to consult a health care professional or someone who has expert knowledge in the consumption of herbs as a means of holistic medicine. As with several herbs, Wormwood may have adverse side effects, such as diarrhea, nerve damage (with excessive use) and moderate to heavy sedation. If any of these side effects persist, you should stop consumption of the herb immediately.

Though most commonly associated with the French spirit, Absinthe (due to its active ingredient of absinthol) , Wormwood was most traditionally used in brewery’s instead of hops until the FDA deemed the presence of such ingredients like thujone to be ‘unsafe’ for public consumption.

It is available for whole sale purchase at most health food stores in the form of capsules and concentrated tinctures. It is also simple to grow Wormwood and is best harvested in May or June; early summer.

Conditions

Chicken Pox

Chicken pox, also referred to as Varicell disease, is classified as an infectious disease that particularly strikes children. However, chicken pox can affect persons of various ages and often does. Statistics indicate that over four million individuals in the United States alone are diagnosed with chicken pox annually and the incidence for chicken pox in many other countries remains much higher.

Symptoms

The hallmark symptoms of chicken pox include an itchy rash, fever, and headache. The rash tends to look like blisters and can most usually be found on the face, trunk, and sometimes the scalp. However, the rash can also spread to other areas of the body, including the eyes and mouth. Sore throat, chills, and profuse sweating may also accompany chicken pox. While many of these symptoms subside within ten days, serious complications resulting in hospitalization and even death can occur.

Complications

One of the most common complications of chicken pox is skin infection. The rash is extremely uncomfortable, causing itching and pain. Young children are especially prone to scratching, which can cause breaks in the skin. This allows a portal for microbes and other infectious disease. Once the chicken pox virus enters the body, it remains there and can also give rise to shingles later in life. One complication of chicken pox called Reye’s syndrome can easily be avoided by not administering aspirin to those with chicken pox.
Natural Chicken Pox Remedies
Dehydration can also become a concern with chicken pox, especially if the child has blisters in his or her mouth. Ensuring adequate fluid intake can prevent dehydration.

Adults suffering from chicken pox are at an elevated risk for both pneumonia and encephalitis. In rare cases, permanent neurological impairments have been known to occur. Other than Rye Syndrome, liver damage is possible. However, the inflammation is usually short term and will gradually go away.

Transmission

Chicken pox or Varicella disease is transmitted from person to person. Vaccination, avoiding contact with respiratory secretions, and limiting exposure to those lacking sufficient immunity can reduce the transmission of chicken pox. Immunity to the disease is permanent once exposed via vaccination or infection.

Prognosis

As previously mentioned, chicken pox can cause a variety of complications. Scarring is likely with chicken pox and will depend on the severity of the virus. Refraining from scratching and allowing the scabs to fall off can help reduce scarring.

Children usually make a full recovery from the disease and the majority of complications are most prevalent in adults. Chicken pox remains dormant in the body and symptoms can resurface at anytime in life.

This most often occurs later in life and/or when the immune system is lacking. The most common recurring complication of chicken pox is shingles. Shingles is characterized by severe pain and a rash that eventually develops into small blisters filled with fluid. Unlike chicken pox, the symptoms can last a month or more. During an outbreak of shingles, the individual can transmit the virus to others.

Causes and Prevention

Chicken pox is caused by the Varicella Zoster virus of the Herpes family. While there is no cure for this disease, it can often be prevented with vaccination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that children between the ages of twelve months and twelve years should have the vaccination in two doses, three months apart.

Children over the age of twelve should have two vaccinations within a couple weeks apart. Adults of high risk, such as the elderly and the immune compromised are also candidates for the Varicella vaccination.

However, those that have previously contracted chicken pox or have had shingles do not need vaccinated. Chicken pox infections can still occur despite vaccination. However, those who contract the disease after vaccination will typically have a shorter, milder duration of chicken pox.

Risks Associated with Vaccination

As with any other vaccination, there are some risks to the Varicella vaccination and it is not recommended for all persons. Pregnant women, patients undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy, those who may be allergic to the vaccine, seriously ill individuals, and anyone who has received a blood transfusion or blood products within the few previous months are not good candidates for vaccination. Persons suffering from mild illnesses can still have the vaccination though. Complications can easily be avoided by discussing the previous medical history with the physician.

Side Effects

Side effects of the Varicella vaccination are typically quite mild and may not occur in all individuals. The most common side effect noted is redness, swelling, and inflammation at the injection site. This is only temporary and typically goes away within a few days. Other side effects include fever, rash and/or bumps following the vaccination and occur in less than five percent of vaccination recipients. In some rare cases, chicken pox has been transmitted from the vaccinated individual to others.

Infection with the virus has occurred in only a small number of those that have been vaccinated. Serious side effects that are even less common include allergic reaction, encephalitis, seizures, and pneumonia. However, there is no evidence to indicate whether or not these reported incidents were actually caused by the chicken pox vaccination. The benefits of the vaccine outweigh the possible risks.

Risk Factors for Varicella Disease

Those most at risk for contracting chicken pox include those without sufficient immunity. This includes persons who have not been immunized and who have not had the disease. Infants, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems and/or certain medical conditions are also at high risk for the Varicella virus. Coming into contact with persons suffering from chicken pox significantly increases the chance for these individuals to contract the disease.

Certain geographical populations are also more prone to chicken pox outbreaks due to lack of herd immunity. For this reason, unvaccinated travelers are also considered high risk for contracting chicken pox. Another important risk factor is receiving an organ transplant. Transplant recipients are at high risk for developing not only chicken pox if not previously exposed, but developing shingles.

Diagnosis

Chicken pox can be diagnosed via a blood test. However, this is not usually necessary. Signs and symptoms alone are often sufficient enough to diagnose this disease. It is important that the child or afflicted individual be diagnosed by a licensed health care worker to rule out other conditions or illnesses.

Shingles may also be quite easy to diagnose clinically but a test known as the immunofluorescence assay test is a quick and convenient diagnostic tool most commonly used to detect Varicella when shingles is suspected.

Treatment

The treatment for Varicella disease is mainly symptomatic. Reducing pain, fever, and promoting comfort are all considerations. Over the counter pain reliever/fever reducers with the exception of aspirin and aspirin products are typically administered as needed. Acetaminophen, the main ingredient in Tylenol and other pain relievers is most commonly given. A physician may also prescribe topical ointments to relieve itching and/or antibiotic creams to prevent infection. Keeping the skin clean and intact is an important concern, especially in children.
Chicken Pox Treatment
Although there are anti viral drugs available, these are usually reserved for certain individuals. Antiviral drugs are mainly prescribed for adults and those at high risk for developing severe complications associated with chicken pox, those with weakened immune defenses and patients suffering from shingles.

Acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famcyclovir are generally the antiviral drug of choice for the Varicella virus.

Alternative Treatments

Some treatments for chicken pox are non pharmaceutical; these also are used to promote comfort and manage symptoms.

These treatments can consist of herbal supplements, plant extract, and vitamins. Since these products are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, it is recommended that a physician be consulted before attempting these alternative treatments for chicken pox.

Vitamins

Vitamins believed to be beneficial to those suffering from chicken pox include vitamin B-12, vitamin A with beta carotene, and vitamins D, E, and K. Advocates of this natural remedy for chicken pox note the properties of vitamin A and beta carotene to the skin and in fending off viral infections.

B-12 vitamins provide relief by helping the individual to feel better. Although many B-12 vitamins are available over the counter, injections of this vitamin can be provided by a physician. The remaining vitamins D, E, and K assist in the absorption of vitamin B-12 and A, as well as many other nutritional supplements.

Precautions should be taken, especially with children before providing vitamin supplements for treatment. Overdose of vitamins can have adverse health effects, leading to temporary or permanent disability and/or death.

Herbal Remedies

Most herbal remedies for chicken pox are topical mixtures that are safe for most children and adults. One of the most common herbal remedies is to create a mixture of rosemary, comfrey, and chickweed to soothe the skin. The convection is slightly warmed and applied to the skin using a clean cloth. To avoid rupturing of the blisters during the application process, the mixture should be blotted onto the skin gently. The herbs are applied as needed to soothe the itching, pain, and burning caused by blisters.

Lotions and Gels

There are a variety of lotions and gels over the counter and by prescription that may be used to treat chicken pox. Aloe Vera, Calamine lotions, Oatmeal pastes, and similar concoctions are used topically to promote comfort. Some may even be used in bath water or directly from plants, especially extracts such as aloe. Products similar to the Calamine lotions typically have antimicrobial properties to help prevent infection and reduce itching and inflammation of the skin.

Treatment Costs

The cost of treatment for chicken pox will vary depending on the methods implemented. Lotions and gels can typically be purchased from major retailers for under $10, while others can be safely and effectively made at home. Some herbal products may have to be purchased at specialty stores and costs will vary.

Risks Associated with Alternative Treatments

Alternative treatments for chicken pox can provide relief of symptoms but is not recommended for everyone. Overdose, allergic reaction, and/or infection can result. Those with specific plant allergies, small children and infants, those with a compromised immune system should not undergo these treatments without first consulting their primary caregiver/physician.

Other Considerations

Chicken pox is caused by a virus, as with any other viral illness, it must run its course. There is no cure for chicken pox. Treatment should revolve around promoting comfort, and preventing complications such as dehydration and infection. Drinking fluids, getting plenty of rest, and avoiding skin abrasion are crucial to those with chicken pox.

If symptoms do not improve within ten days, a physician should be consulted. Immediate medical attention may be required for fever over 104 F, when dehydration is suspected, changes in mental status, or if the symptoms become progressively worse. To help prevent the spread of the disease, exposure to infected persons should be limited.

Conditions

Hyperacidity and Heartburn

Hyperacidity occurs when the stomach releases a higher than normal amount of hydrochloric acid during the process of digestion. Hyperacidity also refers to the stomach simply containing an excess of acid.

The term heartburn refers to a sensation that can be described as feeling like burning and is felt in the chest area behind the breastbone. Though the pain will usually be felt in the chest, it may also radiate out towards the neck and throat area.

Stomach Acid

Heartburn may be experienced when there is a regurgitation of stomach acid (gastric acid). It also commonly occurs as a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease. The term acid reflux is often used interchangeably with heartburn. However, acid reflux is the action of the stomach acid leaking into the esophagus while heartburn is the associated sensation.
Heartburn Remedies
While most individuals experience infrequent and minor cases of heartburn, there is a severe condition known as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) that affects some with symptoms far more often. This condition involves intense and frequent acid reflux and can lead to many potential health complications.

Alternative names

Hyperacidity is alternatively referred to as acid dyspepsia or Amalpitta.

Heartburn is alternatively referred to as acid indigestion or pyrosis.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms associated with hyperacidity and reflux are:

  • The sensation of heartburn occurring after eating. Pain may last for a few minutes or up to several hours.
  • A pain in the chest area that can get worse when lying down or bending over.
  • A painful burning sensation occurring in the throat. Can be accompanied by an acidic taste in the mouth or the sensation of a sour or bitter liquid in the back of the throat.
  • A sore throat or feeling of hoarseness.
  • Feeling like something is caught in the esophagus or throat area.

In the more severe cases of GERD, symptoms may include:

  • Belching
  • Bloating
  • Blood in stool or vomit
  • Dysphagia the condition of having a narrowed esophagus, can lead to individuals feeling as though food has not gone down properly when eating or has become stuck in the throat
  • Frequent and long lasting occurrences of hiccups
  • Nausea
  • Unexplained loss of weight
  • Wheezing accompanied by a scratchy or sore throat

*Please contact your doctor should you experience symptoms of GERD or experience heartburn more than twice per week.

Causes

Hyperacidity occurs as a result of several different causes. The most common of these are ulcers in the lining of the stomach, GERD, cancer of the stomach, or a diet that is high in spicy foods.

Acid reflux, and the resulting heartburn, is typically caused by a condition of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES.) This sphincter is found in-between the esophagus and the stomach. The role of the LES is to prevent acid that is present in the stomach (due to normal digestive processes) from leaking into the esophagus.

The LES will regularly open during eating so that food can pass into the stomach area for digestion or to allow for belching as needed. When the LES becomes underactive or fails to provide the necessary seal due to poorly timed opening or improper closing, reflux can occur. Problems with the LES can occur due to overeating, which leads to an overfull stomach with too much food. Being overweight or pregnant also puts pressure on the stomach and can lead to the same problems.

Additionally, the LES can become relaxed, causing it to malfunction, as a result of diet or lifestyle.

Risk factors

Risk factors for acid reflux and heartburn are sometimes not a direct result of lifestyle and behavior, such as in the case of a medical condition. However, most of the time these risk factors can be controlled by making changes to ones habits or diet.

Some behaviors that are known to trigger occurrences of reflux and heartburn include:

  • Being overweight. Body fat can put pressure on the stomach which may lead to a malfunctioning LES (lower esophageal sphincter.)
  • Eating too much during meals, being overstuffed.
  • Lying down flat or bending over within 2 hours after eating.
  • Eating meals or snacks right before going to sleep.
  • Smoke can act as a stimulant in the production of gastric acid. Also, smoking may weaken the LES which causes it to relax.
  • Taking certain medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, muscle relaxers or medication to treat blood pressure

Some of the foods and beverages that are known to increase the risks of having heartburn are:

  • Tomatoes and tomato-based products
  • Citrus fruit and juices (Examples: orange juice, lemons, lemonade, grapefruit juice, cranberry juice)
  • Garlic and onions
  • Chocolate
  • Dairy products (Examples: milk, ice cream, sour cream, yogurt)
  • Coffee (and other caffeinated products)
  • Some carbonated beverages
  • Alcohol (Examples: liquor, red wine, beer)
  • Peppermint
  • Dishes made with high levels of fats and oils or are fried
  • Dishes prepared using spicy ingredients

Having occasional heartburn is not usually a cause for concern. 30% of the U.S. population will experience infrequent moderate episodes that do not require medical attention. Frequent heartburn occurring more than twice a week for an extended period may indicate a serious medical condition or can develop into one.

Heartburn occurs daily for approximately 10% of the U.S. population. A doctor should be contacted if heartburn occurs over twice a week for a continuous two weeks or longer.

Prevention tips

1) Keep an eye on portion sizes. Eating until stuffed puts pressure on the stomach. A very large meal will stc6ay in the stomach fc6or longer and increc6ase the chances of reflux. Reduce the size of meal portions so that you are feeling satisfied after eating rather than full.

2) Take the time to eat slowly. Slowing down can keep you from overeating.

3) Don’t eat meals and snacks within two hours of going to sleep. Eating several hours before bedtime will allow your stomach to digest properly and empty prior to lying down. This will also give time for the acid produced during digestion to decrease again.

4) Know which foods trigger heartburn and avoid them. A food diary can help to track the foods that will cause heartburn. Staying away from these foods can reduce the occurrences of heartburn. Each person is different and some food items can be triggers for some people and not others.

5) Be careful when eating out. Stay away from foods with high fat content, a low fat option is always better. Also, restaurant portion sizes are typically very large. Decide in advance to take half the meal home to avoid overeating.

6) Lose weight. Symptoms of heartburn can be reduced by shedding some pounds, which reduces some of the pressure on the stomach.

7) Avoid tight fitting clothes. Clothing that is too tight around the stomach area may put pressure on the stomach and the LES (lower esophageal sphincter.)

8.) Quit smoking. Smoke can cause or worsen the symptoms of heartburn.

9) Don’t drink alcohol. Or just keep a watch on alcohol consumption. Some alcoholic beverages trigger heartburn more frequently (such as red wine.)

10) Do not exercise within two hours of eating a meal. A full stomach combined with the movement and strain of exercise can lead to acid reflux and heartburn.

11) Increase your water consumption. Keep the body hydrated and avoid carbonated and caffeinated beverages to assist the body with digestion.

Test and Diagnosis Considerations

Frequently occurring heartburn could indicate a medical problem and a doctor should be contacted. Doctors may run diagnostic tests to determine the nature of the heartburn or to see if it is a reflection of a more serious concern.

Upper Endoscopy Procedure where a thin and flexible tube called an endoscope is inserted into the throat. Doctor can then examine the upper lining of the gastrointestinal tract (includes the esophagus, stomach and part of the small intestine.)

This procedure can provide more accurate results than x-rays because it gets a much closer view of the lining. From an endoscopy, a doctor can diagnose inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, ulcers, hernias, growths, obstructions, precancerous conditions or cancer.

Bernstein Test

Bernstein Test (or an acid perfusion test) Procedure where the doctor will attempt to reproduce symptoms related to heartburn in order to determine if acid from the stomach is the cause of the heart burn. A nasogastric (NG) tube will be inserted into the esophagus through the nose.

A solution similar to stomach acid will then be passed into the esophagus to determine if the heartburn sensation has been reproduced followed by a saline solution. From these tests, a doctor may be able to determine if the esophagus is irritated, if acid reflux is the cause of heartburn, or if additional testing will be necessary.

Esophageal Manometry Procedure

Esophageal Manometry Procedure performed to determine if the esophagus properly contracts. The doctor will pass a pressure-sensitive tube through the esophagus (through mouth or nose) and into the stomach. Pressure on the tube after swallowing can be measured to determine the effectiveness of the esophagus contractions. This is usually conducted prior to a surgery on the esophagus being considered.

PH Tests & Xrays

PH Test Procedure performed to measure the amount of the stomach acid present or backed up into the esophagus. A thin plastic tube will be inserted into the esophagus through the nose and is left in place for 24 hours. Regular activities should be continued for the day in order to get the most accurate acid measurements.

Barium X-Rays (or barium swallow) X-rays taken after ingestion of a liquid containing barium. The doctor can see the flow of the barium into the digestive tract to spot ulcers, hernias, or other abnormalities.

Treatment Options

There are many courses of action one may take to relieve the symptoms of hyperacidity and heartburn. Beyond simple prevent, there are home remedies, medicines, and surgeries that can help affected individuals.

Herbal & Home Remedies

Living enzymes in food are said to help with digestion and can help with or eliminate acid reflux. A diet high in organic, fresh, and raw fruits and vegetables will add living enzymes to the stomach and can lead to improvement of heartburn symptoms.
Herbal Heartburn Treatment
Some other remedies that may offer natural heartburn relief:

  • Ginger root can be added to teas
  • Anti-inflammatory herbs can help to repair tissue in esophagus that been damaged
  • Anti-anxiety herbs such as slippery elm root bark powder

Stress and anxiety are known to aggravate acid reflux and heartburn symptoms. Finding methods to deal with normal anxiety and stress naturally can help to lessen symptoms. Some examples of natural ways to reduce anxiety and stress include aromatherapy, massage, meditative relaxing techniques or gentle exercise.

Pharmaceutical Remedies

For many individuals with lesser to moderate symptoms of heartburn, a combined strategy of avoiding triggers and using over-the-counter medicines can be an effective means for controlling heartburn and acid reflux.

There are many over-the-counter medicines on the market that can neutralize stomach acid or otherwise reduce heartburn. Some of these include:

  • Foaming agents (such as Gaviscon) work to prevent reflux by coating the lining of the stomach
  • Antacids (such as Alka-Seltzer, Maalox, Rolaids, Riopan Pepto-Bismol, and Mylanta) can rapidly bring relief of symptoms by neutralizing the acid in the stomach
  • H2 Blockers (such as Tagamet HB, Zantac 75, Axid AR or Pepcid AC) will reduce the levels of acid being produced in the stomach

These medicines are easily accessible and affordable. However, there can be risks and side effects associated with long term use of these medications. Diarrhea, stomach cramping, headaches, nausea and constipation may occur with frequent use. Individuals taking antacids should ensure they are being taken according to instructions provided by their doctor or listed on the packaging.

Prescription Strength

When over-the-counter medicines are not providing relief, a doctor may prescribe medication for more severe cases. Those who experience very frequent occurrences of heartburn, experience hyperacidity, or individuals with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) will benefit the most from the prescription medications that are taken once daily and work for 24 hours.

Proton pump inhibitors (such as Prilosec, Nexium, Protonix, and Prevacid) will reduce the amount of acid produced more effectively and for a more extended period of time than H2 blockers and also work to repair damage to the esophagus.

Prokinetics or Promotility agents (such as Reglan) can force the stomach to empty itself quicker, thus assisting the pressure on the LES and reducing acid reflux. They will stimulate stomach muscles to move food further along the gastrointestinal tract.

Side Effects

Side effects and risks associated with these types of prescription medications vary. Effects that should be reported to a doctor when taking proton pump inhibitors include confusion, tightness in the chest, fever, irregular heart beat and fatigue. High doses of prokinetics or promotility agents may reduce the absorption of other important medications and can cause effects such as drowsiness, diarrhea, restlessness, movement problems and issues with kidney functions in older adults.

Surgery

For some individuals, medications may not provide enough relief of symptoms. For these cases or where the symptoms seem to negatively interfere with ones life, individuals may undergo surgery that may assist in offering relief of GERD and heartburn symptoms. Doctors may also recommend surgery when the LES fails to work properly or when esophageal cancer has developed from chronic GERD. If not properly treated, long term cases of reflux can cause serious issues or complications.

Laparoscopic Surgery- A procedure which is minimally invasive and utilizes a thin instrument attached to a tiny video camera and light source. The video transmits images to a monitor and this helps to avoid the need for larger incisions. This procedure will create an artificial valve in the stomach. The top portions of the stomach will be wrapped around the LES through an incision in the abdomen or chest area using a lighted tube. The new valve can strengthen the LES and prevent future episodes of acid reflux.

Individuals who meet certain criteria would be considered the candidates most likely to benefit from this surgery.

  • No previous abdominal surgery
  • Most often experience symptoms when lying down
  • No history of bleeding disorder and no other major medical issues
  • Not pregnant

Benefits of Surgery

The benefits to this surgery include a short hospital stay and fast recovery/return to normal activities. There is less risk of infections and surgical complications due to the small incision that is used. This type of surgery is typically less expensive than more traditional and invasive surgeries. Surgery as treatment for GERD and heartburn symptoms would be considered a last resort.

Over 90% of those who undergo this surgery will be cured of their symptoms but there is no long term evidence to conclusively state that this cure will be permanent. Surgery as a method of treatment for reflux is debated in the medical world and many still believe medications are better long term solutions.

Those patients who are not a candidate for this type of laparoscopic surgery may require more invasive procedures to treat GERD. This may include laparotomy (which involves cutting open the abdomen) or thoracotomy (which involves cutting open the chest.)

Conditions

ENT Disorders

Common problems of the ears, nose, and throat

ENT disorder, or ENT syndrome, is a very broad description of a number of different ailments. It refers to any problems or disorders with a person’s ears, nose, or throat. Chances are, if someone has chronic problems in this area, they have been or will be referred to an ear nose and throat specialist called an otolaryngologist.
Ear, Nose, and Throat Problems
Causes of these disorders depend on exactly which disorder it is, but is usually a fungal, viral, or bacterial infection of some sort. Environment seems to also play a part. Things such as smoking and excessive drinking, can increase the risk of having chronic problems in this area.

Ear

The ear, as most people know, is the organ responsible for hearing. It also plays a part in maintaining balance. Ignoring problems in the ear can lead to more serious problems – hearing loss, for example – and should not be taken lightly. It is important to seek medical attention if any of the following symptoms last for a day or more:

  • Pain
  • Difficulty hearing
  • Discharge from the ear
  • Ringing or buzzing sound
  • loss of balance

The ear mainly consists of the outer ear, ear canal, eardrum, middle and inner ear, and eustachian tube. The outer ear and the ear canal are the passageway to the middle and inner ear, which has semi-circular canals positioned on the top of it that help maintain a sense of balance. The eardrum is the thin membrane that receives and transmits sound waves through the ear, and the eustachian tube runs from the middle ear to the nasal cavity. This helps to equalize air pressure which is important to the health of the ear.

A full physical exam is usually required when going to a physician for any ear problems. Though many ear disorders may have the same symptoms, a physician will ask questions, and look inside the ear with an otoscope, which is a special flashlight made for looking into the ear. Either the ear canal or eardrum being swollen or red indicates a problem.

Additional Tests

A pneumatic otoscope is equipped to blow small puffs of air towards the eardrum. If there is an infection present, the buildup of fluids will prevent the eardrum from moving. In a case where the eardrum is blocked from view, either by earwax or some other obstruction, an ear curette is used to remove the obstruction.

Other possible tests include hearing tests, lab tests, and a tympanometry. During this procedure, a tool called a tympanometer is inserted into the ear canal to measure the eardrum’s response to minute changes in air pressure. The results from this test could indicate the source of the problem.

Otitis media (middle ear infection)

This is the most common ear problem that affects young children, though adults are not immune to it. This happens when the eustachian tube becomes inflamed from something such as a common cold, sinus infection, or allergies. This results in fluid building up in the middle ear. This can cause an infection by either a virus or bacteria. An infection of this nature can cause the eardrum to become inflamed, which may result in a build up of pus or fluid behind the eardrum.

A feeling of blockage or pressure may be felt in the infected ear along with pain and fever. Hearing may also be muffled. Since a small baby is unable to tell a parent what is wrong, it may tug on its ear during an ear infection.

Treatment

The recommended treatment for a middle ear infection is usually antibiotics and a mild over the counter pain reliever. An antihistamine or pain relieving ear drops are also prescribed in certain cases. If the ear does not drain on its own, a myringotomy may be performed.

During this procedure, a small incision is made in the eardrum to allow the built up fluids to drain. The eardrum will then usually heal itself in a couple of weeks. If the eardrum ruptures on its own and doesn’t drain properly, though, the fluid may get trapped in the middle ear and cause frequent and chronic ear infection.

Swimmer’s ear (otitis externa)

Commonly known as swimmer’s ear, an infection of the outer ear canal, happens when water gets trapped here. A fungus or bacteria may then grow in the ear canal. This kind of infection does not just infect swimmers. A person cleaning their ear improperly with a cotton swab can also get swimmer’s ear.

The affected ear may feel blocked and may be accompanied by pain, itching, and a foul-smelling discharge. In some cases, partial hearing loss is reported, but this is only temporary.

An over the counter pain medication is recommended to help pain associated with swimmer’s ear. A doctor will also prescribe antifungal or antibacterial ear drops, and steroid drugs.

Tinnitus

Tinnitus is a condition in which a person often hears noises in their ears. These may sound like a ringing, buzzing, roaring or clicking. Any number of ear problems could attribute to these noises, such as constantly being around loud noises, certain medications, trauma, alcoholism, or high blood pressure. Damaged nerve endings or the bones in the inner ear stiffening can be to blame. Many times, tinnitus is a symptom of an underlying condition, but is usually not serious.

A physician will perform a series of tests in this situation to find the source of the problem. A check for earwax buildup and possibly a complete hearing test will be performed. In cases that no immediate cause can be found, a set of x-rays may be ordered.

Nose

Not only is the nose the organ responsible for our sense of smell, it is also the main entry way for air to get into our lungs. The inside of the nose is divided by the septum, which is comprised of bone and cartilage; on both sides of this, near the middle of the nasal cavity, are a number of small bones called conchae.

These are covered with mucous membranes, which continually produce mucous that helps warm, moisturize, and cleanse the incoming air. The membrane is also covered with hairlike filaments called cilia, which help cleanse the air we breath in. Linked to the nasal cavity are the sinuses – air pockets in the face and skull which are also covered with mucous membranes.

Most problems in the nasal cavity start out with a stuffy nose. This can usually be cleared up with over the counter medications such as decongestants or antihistamines. Often times, a stuffy nose will be caused by a cold or allergies. If the nasal passages continue to be stuffed, there is sinus pain, or bleeding has continues for more than twenty minutes, a trip to the doctor should be seriously considered.

Additional Testing

A doctor may order x-rays or a CT scan of the sinuses to detect a problem in this area. These can show fluid build up in the sinuses or a thickening of the mucous membranes associated with sinusitis. A nasal swab test may also be used to diagnose various strains of influenza or other infections.

An allergy skin test can be used to detect any allergies that may be causing trouble in the nasal passages. During this test, a physician will introduce a suspected allergen just under the skin. Watching for any reaction will determine if a person is allergic to that particular allergen. These are usually done on the forearm or back.

Nosebleeds

Most nosebleeds aren’t considered serious and are usually caused by some sort of trauma. They can originate in the front or the back of the nose.
ENT Disorders
Nosebleeds from the front of the nose are the most common and are usually caused by such things as nose-picking or inhaling irritable substances. Blood will flow out the nostrils. More times than not, they can be taken care of at home.

Stopping the Blood Flow

To stop the flow of blood, pinching the nose and keeping the head elevated above the heart works in most cases. A cold compress or ice pack may also be applied, but the nose should never be picked or blown when it is bleeding. If the bleeding does not stop within twenty minutes or if the nose may have been broken, medical attention is necessary.

If a nosebleed originates in the back, blood will flow down the back of the nose and throat. This is more serious and requires immediate medical attention.

Some people will experience frequent nosebleeds, which may require a physician’s care. A blood vessel in the nose may be cauterized, or a nasal balloon catheter may be inserted to put pressure on the vessel.

Sinusitis

An infection in the sinuses is referred to as sinusitis. Most of the time, sinusitis starts with a cold or allergies, which cause an increase in mucous production. Sometimes, these may also cause the mucous membranes to swell and cause the mucous to build up and get trapped in the sinuses. Many times this lets bacteria grow in the sinuses.

Pain is often a symptoms of sinusitis. It can be felt in the cheeks, forehead, or upper jaw. Green or yellow foul-smelling discharge, fever, and sore throat also often accompany a sinus infection. This can usually be taken care of at home with over the counter medicines, however if the infection lasts for more than a couple weeks or keeps coming back, a doctor’s care is needed.

Antibiotics and a nasal decongestant are usually the course of action taken by a physician for sinusitis. In more serious or reoccurring cases, a nasal endoscopy may be performed. This involves a doctor inserting a thin, flexible tube with a fiber optic light on it into the nasal passages to see inside the sinuses. Frequent sinus infections can be caused by immune deficiency or a structural abnormality such as a deviated septum.

Postnasal Drip

When mucous is felt dripping down the throat from the back of the nose, it is referred to as postnasal drip. This condition happens when there is an excessive production of mucous – usually caused by infections, allergies, irritation, or a structural abnormality.

If an infection is found, antibiotics are prescribed. If the cause of postnasal drip is due to allergies, antihistamines, decongestants, or immunotherapy may clear it up. Surgery may be required to fix a structural abnormality.

Throat

The throat is responsible for getting air into the lungs, food into the stomach, and speech. It starts at the back of the nasal cavity, down to the trachea and esophagus. When food passes down the throat, a small flap called the epiglottis closes over the windpipe to prevent food from becoming lodged in an airway.

An infection in any part of the throat can cause a sore throat. This is one of the most common ailments and usually can be taken care of at home. At times, an antibiotic is required to clear up an infection and rarely, surgery. Smoking and excessive alcohol use can irritate the sensitive throat tissues and cause chronic sore throats.

Testing for Infection

To test for throat infections, a doctor may do something called a rapid strep test. The back of the throat is swabbed and tested for the streptococcus bacteria. This usually takes less than a half hour. If nothing is found with the rapid strep test, a throat culture may be ordered. These results may take a few days, but can detect infections and are fairly accurate.

A doctor may perform a laryngoscopy. During this procedure, a light and tiny mirror are used to inspect the back of the throat. Another version of a laryngoscopy involves a flexible tube with a tiny light and camera to inspect the back of the throat.

Pharyngitis (sore throat)

Soreness in the throat, the constant urge to swallow, and difficulty swallowing are signs of a sore throat. Nine times out of ten, sore throats are caused by viruses. Warm salt water gargles, fluid intake, throat lozenges, and rest are is the recommended treatment to clear it up. If the sore throat is accompanied by fever, swollen lymph glands, or stomach ache, it could be more than a simple sore throat. A physician should be called.

At times it can be caused by a bacteria called streptococcus. Strep throat is reported in 10% of Americans per year. Along with pain in the throat, it may be accompanied by fever, headache, and muscle or joint pain. In this case, an antibiotic is needed and may be prescribed along with a mild pain killer.

Tonsillitis

Located on each side of the throat, the tonsils are thought to have no real purpose after the age of five. When the tonsils become inflamed and infected, this is called tonsillitis.

Tonsillitis is characterized by a sore throat, fever, chills, painful swelling of the lymph glands and difficulty swallowing. Head, ear, and muscle aches are also reported.

If the infection is bacterial, an antibiotic is needed, but treatment for tonsillitis is just like any other sore throat – painkillers, rest, and fluids. In some rare instances, if chronic infections are found in the tonsils, surgery may be performed to remove them. It is thought that removing the tonsils entirely may be less expensive than repeated treatment of chronic sore throats.

Laryngitis

The larynx is the upper part of the trachea responsible for speech. commonly referred to as the voice box, it contains the vocal cords. Laryngitis is when the vocal cords become inflamed. It may accompany another local infection or an infection in the upper respiratory system.

Hoarseness or total loss of the voice are the main symptoms of laryngitis. Pain, tickling, or swelling in the throat are other common symptoms along with a cough and fever.

Most instances of laryngitis can be treated at home by resting the voice and throat lozenges. If the infection is bacterial, it will require an antibiotic. If the hoarseness lasts more than two weeks or it becomes difficult to breath, medical attention in required.

Natural remedies

It is always best to consult a physician before trying any natural or herbal remedy for any ailment. For many though, they work and they work well. As with any medical problem, there are a few natural remedies for ear, nose, and throat disorders.

Yogurt

When taking a prescription antibiotic, eating yogurt may help prevent ear, nose, and throat infections from coming back again and again. It contains live bacteria that helps the human body by helping the infection fighting bacteria in our bodies.

Garlic

Garlic contains something called allicin and can be used as a natural antibiotic. It does not kill the helpful bacteria in our bodies that we need to naturally fight infection like prescription antibiotics do. Sucking on a slice of garlic for about 15 minutes will help ease a throat infection. The odor free garlic capsules now commonly sold in stores will not work for this. The allicin is what causes the strong “garlicky” smell, and the allicin is what gives garlic many of its medicinal qualities.

Kelp

Though it tastes quite nasty, a tea made from powdered kelp can coat the throat and kill the streptococcus bacteria that causes strep throat.

Lemon and Honey

A sore throat can be eased by drinking a mixture of honey and lemon. Tea with honey and lemon added may also help.

Conditions

Coronary Heart Disease

One of the main reasons for deaths worldwide and the single leading cause of death (1 in 5) and illness in the US is coronary heart disease (CHD). Also referred to as coronary artery disease (CAD) and ischemic heart disease (IHD), approximately 14 million women and men are impacted by coronary heart disease in America. Costing about $156 billion annually, coronary heart disease is one of the most costly types of cardiovascular conditions in the US.

Causes

In general, coronary heart disease develops over time and occurs when the arteries or major blood vessels, which supply the heart with blood, become diseased or damaged. This is often the result of plaques or fatty deposits, which have built-up in the walls of the arteries.
Coronary Heart Disease Treatment
The hardening of the arteries or atherosclerosis is the condition which causes coronary heart disease and this occurs when the arteries become narrow, restricting the flow of blood, resulting in chest pain or angina.

In addition, if the arteries are blocked because of plaque, it may cause a heart attack or sudden cardiac arrest.

Overall, if the heart does not received sufficient blood, which is rich in oxygen and nutrients, then you have a high chance of getting coronary heart disease.

Risk factors

There are several risk factors, which may contribute to coronary heart disease. However, some common ones may include:

  • Diabetes and persistent kidney disease
  • Hypertension or high blood pressure
  • Diet high in fat
  • Age, especially for men in their 40s and women who have reached menopause
  • Family genes or hereditary, in that if someone in your family has had coronary heart disease before age 55, your chances of being affected by this disease increases
  • High or abnormal cholesterol levels, which results if your bad cholesterol or low density lipoproteins (LDLs) are high and your good cholesterol, or high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) are low
  • Smoking and excessive tobacco use, including smoking cigarettes, pipes and cigars as well as chewing tobacco
  • Lack of exercise and physical activity
  • Obesity and being overweight
  • Excessive use of alcohol
  • Emotional stress

Symptoms

Often called the silent killer, coronary heart disease symptoms may occur quickly, sharply, and unexpectedly and may be destructive, as in a cardiac arrest or a heart attack. Some symptoms include feelings of discomfort especially during exercise or increased activity when your heart has an increased demand for nutrients and oxygen in the blood. However, if the arteries are blocked, the flow is decreased and they may trigger a cardiac arrest or extreme discomfort.

Sometimes symptoms may not occur even though you have coronary heart disease and in many cases, apart from having an electrocardiogram (ECG) test done, it would not be discovered that you have a heart problem. This condition is called silent ischemia when half or more of your arteries are blocked without showing any symptoms.

Other common symptoms for coronary artery disease occur because the heart is unable to pump enough blood in order to meet the demands of your body. These may include

  • Tightness in the chest and chest pains, which is one of the most common symptoms
  • Heart palpitations
  • Shortness of breath resulting from strenuous activity or exercise
  • Pain in the neck, arm, back, stomach or jaw in particular on the left side of the body, which may occur during rest or strenuous exercise
  • Feeling weak or fatigued during rest or exertion
  • Heartbeat that is irregular
  • Feeling dizzy, faint or lightheaded

While you may not have all of the symptoms, you may experience a few. However, paying close attention and seeking timely medical help if the symptoms are persistent is important since they may lead to serious complications.

Complications

Some complications include a heart attack, which usually damages your heart muscles due to little or no blood flowing to the heart. The damage is often irreversible; however, with quick treatment it may be reduced. Some persons who have a heart attack may show symptoms such as spells of blackout, sweating excessively without an explanation, frequent chest pains, shortness of breath and pain in the jaws with exertion or during rest.

If you have experienced a heart attack before, you may develop heart failure. With heart failure, the heart is too weak to pump the flow of blood required for your heart to function properly.

Another complication arising from the symptoms of coronary heart disease is angina or chest pains which is usually experienced during strenuous activity such as exercise. In addition, you may experience arrhythmia or abnormal heartbeats resulting from damage to the tissues of the heart due to limited blood flow. The possibility of unexpected or sudden death may also arise from coronary artery disease.

Prevention and Diagnosis Considerations

In general, people usually seek to have tests done and to get a diagnosis for coronary heart disease if they exhibit some of the symptoms or complications such as a heart attack, an unexpected cardiac arrest or angina.

However, many of the symptoms that lead to heart disease might be caused by other conditions that are not related to the heart. Therefore, the process of diagnosis begins with getting information on your medical history, including symptoms, general and specific health issues and any medications that you are taking currently.

In order to determine whether you are having a heart attack or any other type of condition that may be life threatening, the doctor may order a few tests, before making a diagnosis. These may include a physical examination, an ECG, a blood test and other imaging tests such as an x-ray or Computerized Tomography (CT) scan.

Testing

Some of the most common diagnostic tests, which are used include:

Blood Test to check your blood chemical makeup, the blood cells as well as if there are any leakages from heart muscles that may be damaged. This may indicate that there has been a heart attack.

Electrocardiogram (ECG) is used to measure the electrical signals in your heart and helps to detect heart problems, including a previous or current heart attack, ischemia, and strain on the heart because of high blood pressure and rhythm disorders. The ECG helps to give indications as to the significant causes of the coronary heart symptoms.

With the ECG, electrodes are attached to your chest, arms and legs as you lie down on a table. The test is easy and takes just a few minutes to be completed. In some cases, another test, called Holter monitoring, is used with the ECG. This requires you to wear a portable monitor for 24 hours to test any abnormalities that may exist in your heart.

Echocardiogram

Echocardiogram is a stress test, which uses sound waves on the heart walls and valves to produce images of the heart as it beats. It checks to see if all parts of your heart are helping with pumping the blood flow. This helps to identify any form of coronary disease or if some parts of the heart are weak or have been damaged by a heart attack. With echocardiography, the test may involve the patient exercising on a treadmill or a drug may be administered.

EBCT

CT scan and Electron Bean CT (EBCT) Scan use technology, which helps your doctor to see whether there are any plaques or calcium rich fatty deposits in your arteries. It also helps to detect blockages in your arteries up to 20%, which may be overlooked in other tests. The EBCT scans are most helpful in screening young people who may have many risk factors for heart disease and generally, minor blockages may be treated with medication and some lifestyle changes.

Coronary Angiogram or Coronary Catheterization

Coronary Angiogram or Coronary Catheterization is a surgery, which uses a catheter, a long, thin, flexible tube, filled with an iodine dye, which is injected intravenously into your arteries.

The catheter is often threaded through the opening of your arteries from a blood vessel usually in your leg or arm or groin. The arteries are made visible on an x-ray screen and images of the arteries are taken and recorded for further review. The images may show the size of the arteries and any blockages that may be occurring.
herbal treatment for coronary heart disease
The coronary angiogram is one of the most accurate tests, which are used to determine the type of treatment you will require for your heart condition.

Possible treatments may include a heart bypass surgery, an angioplasty, stent placement or medications.

The diagnosis test using the coronary angiogram is usually a one-day invasive surgery at a hospital or a special catheterization lab and the complication risks are extremely limited especially with an experienced doctor.

CT Angiography and MRA’s

CT angiography is another method used to perform the coronary angiogram, which is non-invasive.

Magnetic Resonance Angiogram (MRA) is combined with an injected dye, which is used to detect if the arteries are narrow or blocked. However, the results are not as effective as with the coronary angiogram.

Nuclear Scan

Nuclear Scan is often used as a stress test and involves the injection of a small dose of radioactive tracer such as thallium into a vein. With the help of a special camera, the amount of blood flow reaching the areas of the heart muscles is identified.

You will be required to do two tests, one with stress or exercise on a treadmill and the other when you are at rest. If you are unable to exercise, you will be given a drug, such as Adenocard, Persantine or Dobutrex to help stress your heart on a temporary basis. The nuclear scan is a non-invasive and very accurate test, and is often very expensive.

Stress Tests

Stress Tests are used to determine when coronary heart disease symptoms occur, whether during exertion or at rest. It may involve walking on a treadmill or riding a stationary bike during an ECG. In cases where you are unable to exercise, a drug may be used to stimulate your heart.

Treatment options

The treatment for coronary heart disease involves home, pharmaceutical and medical applications. Following your doctor directions is very important to reducing or preventing this disease as well as other related ones such as hypertension and diabetes.

Home remedies or treatments

Most of the control for treatment lies in the hands of the individual with heart problems. With changes to your lifestyle, you are able to help prevent or slow the progression of the disease. These changes include

Eating a diet that is heart-healthy, which should include fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fish and reduce your fat intake.

  • Maintaining a healthy weight by exercising on a regular basis or 30 to 60 minutes for 3 to 5 days weekly.
  • Controlling high blood pressure and diabetes by taking measurements and getting the appropriate treatment.
  • Quitting smoking so that you may reduce your risk for heart disease after 3 years of quitting.
  • Keeping your cholesterol in check with acceptable levels of LDL.
  • Managing your stress or reducing it by using muscle relaxation and deep breathing techniques.

Pharmaceutical treatment

There are many drugs, which are used for treating coronary heart disease. Aspirin is a popular medication and taking a low-dose type daily may help to reduce your risk of a heart attack and the possibility of a clot forming. However, always consult your doctor before taking this medication as some people may experience side effects such as bleeding problems or ulcers. You doctor may also recommend a blood thinner.

Beta Blockers help to slow your heart rate and your blood pressure by decreasing your heart demand for oxygen. However, asthma patients should avoid this treatment as it may trigger an asthma attack. Statins are drugs, which are used to reduce the amounts of lipids such as cholesterol and fats in your blood.

They also help to slow or prevent the succession of heart disease and the repeat of heart attacks. Other medications may include calcium channel blockers, nitroglycerin, cholesterol-modifying drugs and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. Some side effects from the calcium blockers may include constipation and leg swelling.

Medical Treatment

The medical treatment for coronary heart disease may involve some invasive procedures and more complicated measures such as surgery, which may have some risks such as a stroke, heart attack or even death.

Some invasive procedures include coronary angioplasty, which provides both therapeutic and diagnostic treatment and involves a tube, which is inserted in your artery. Another method is using a stent to keep the blocked arteries open so that the blood can flow freely.

It is a small coil-like tube, which is placed over an inflated balloon at the blocked area. Other invasive treatments include brachytherapy, which uses radiation to clear the blocked arteries, and atherectomy helps to cut away the plaque build-up in small areas or self-contained parts of an artery.

Other Options

However, when medication and invasive procedures fail to help the person with coronary heart disease or if the disease is severe, then surgery is often recommended. If several coronary arteries are blocked or if the major left artery is significantly blocked, a coronary artery bypass operation is usually performed. With this operation, you are connected to a bypass pump machine while the heart is stopped briefly. In rare cases, the operation is done without using a bypass pump.

Other surgical treatments include minimally invasive coronary bypass, usually for your front or right coronary arteries. Some patients who are unable to have either a bypass surgery or angioplasty, the transmyocardial laser revascularization (TMR) procedure is offered. This surgery, which may be done by itself or with a bypass surgery, uses a laser catheter to make several holes in your heart™s muscle so that new vessels will grow into the diseased heart muscles.

Stem Cells

A relatively new treatment option uses stem cell; however, this is not approved by the US FDA and is done on a limited basis in a few countries. It involves screening by stem cell cardiologists and the cells are taken, isolated, multiplied and injected into one or more of coronary arteries. This procedure is similar to the standard angioplasty or minimal invasive heart surgery.

Conditions

Frequent Urination

Frequent Urination Condition

Frequent urination simply means urinating more often than usual. Its a symptom rather than a condition. Most people empty their bladders between four and eight times a day; frequent urination is therefore defined as voiding urine more often than eight times a day with the implication that this increased rate is not strictly volitional.

Frequent urination does not always signify an underlying health problem.

You may be drinking too much fluid, or possibly you need to modify your food and beverage intake: alcohol, caffeinated beverages such as coffee and tea and even some foods such as celery, watermelon and parsley are natural diuretics increasing the amount of urine you would normally excrete.

Female Urinary System.

Underlying Problems

But frequent urination is often a sign of an underlying medical pathology, most often a urinary tract infection or cystitis (an inflammation of the bladder) that can affect either sex although it most common in women.

Frequent urination can also be the first symptom of diabetes, both type 1 and type 2, as the body mobilizes the urinary system to rid itself of excess glucose.

Frequent urination is linked to prostate problems in men and to pregnancy and pelvic inflammatory disease in women. The symptom is also a common side effect of obesity and abdominal radiation treatments.Frequent Urination Symptoms

Even when frequent urination is not connected to an underlying pathology, it can be a disruptive and embarrassing condition. When you have to go, you have to go no matter what else is happening around you.

When frequent urination forces major changes in lifestyle habits or is accompanied by fever, pain, nausea and vomiting, increased or decreased appetite, genital discharge or changes in the appearance of the urine itself, it’s time to consult a physician about the condition.

Alternative Names

There are several different conditions which are closely associated with frequent urination:

Urgent Urination, Urinary Urgency

A sudden, compelling need to urinate linked to a burning sensation or pain, often a sign of an underlying urinary tract infection.

Urge Incontinence, Urinary Incontinence, Overactive Bladder Syndrome

A sudden, irresistible need to urinate due to bladder spasms. Symptoms include urinary frequency, urinary urgency, and sometimes leaking urine before you can get to a toilet.

Stress Incontinence

Involuntary urination that occurs during an activity such as coughing, sneezing or laughing, generally caused by an underlying anatomic weakness to the bladder.

Nocturia

Frequent urination at night involving waking up several times to use the toilet.

Polyuria

The production of excessive volumes of urine for an adult, over 2.5 liters in 24 hours.

Depending on the underlying cause of your urinary frequency, you may experience some of these symptoms as well.

Physiology

Urination is the process by which urine is eliminated from the body, a function which in healthy humans is partly under voluntary control.

Cellular metabolism generates nitrogenous waste products that must be eliminated from the bloodstream. These wastes are filtered out of the bloodstream by the kidneys. There are two kidneys in the body, each made up of microscopic structures called nephrons that act as filtering units removing most of the water, salt and waste from the blood that passes through them.

The resulting liquid waste product called urine is transported through anatomic structures called ureters to the bladder where it is stored. The anatomical structure of the ureters and bladder do not allow urine to back up towards the kidneys under most circumstances.

Bladder Muscles

The bladder has two sets of muscles controlling its opening. Only the external sphincter is under voluntary control. Both the internal sphincter and the smooth muscle in the wall of the bladder are under the control of the parasympathetic nervous system. As your bladder fills with urine, the smooth muscle stretches by means of small contractile waves to accommodate the extra volume of urine. When urination occurs, the bladder’s outer layer of muscle (called the detrusor) contracts to help push out urine.

Urine is excreted from the bladder through the urethra, a process called urination. The average adult bladder can hold between 300 and 500 cc of urine. Urine is sterile when it is excreted from the body: it contains fluid, salts and waste products, but it is free of bacteria, viruses and other pathogenic organisms.

Causes of Frequent Urination

Overactive Bladder

Overactive bladder is a condition associated with a sudden, irresistible urge to urinate, resulting from involuntary contractions of the musculature of the bladder wall.

Overactive bladder is particularly common among middle-aged and older adults, and some medical experts estimate that one out of ever 11 adults in the United States suffers from some form of it. Untreated overactive bladder can lead to an increased incidence of urinary tract infections and skin infections from the corrosive effects of urine on the delicate skin of the urogenital area. But treatment success rates are high: with behavioral modification techniques and medication, 80% of people are able to bring their symptoms under control.

Overactive bladder can be brought on by abnormalities of the nervous system such as spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, strokes, Parkinson’s disease and diabetic neuropathy; by urinary tract infections; and by blockages to the urinary system such as those caused by kidney stones or an enlarged prostate. But in many cases, there is no underlying pathogenic cause to overactive bladder.

Medical History

Medical history plays an important role in diagnosis: urinary frequency, urinary urgency, stress incontinence and urinating more than three times a night are all suggestive of overactive bladder. A pelvic exam for women (to rule out pelvic inflammatory disease) and a prostate exam for men (to check for enlargement) are generally indicated. Ultrasonic measurement of the post-void residual (the amount of urine left in the bladder after urination) can further help determine whether symptoms are due to muscle spasms or some other cause.

If underlying pathology is ruled out then treatment for overactive bladder focuses on:

Improving the Tone of the Surrounding Pelvic Muscles

Doing Kegel exercises (also called pelvic floor exercises) for five minutes, two to three times a day, can markedly decrease incontinence in both women and men. Occasionally Kegel exercises are used in conjunction with biofeedback and electrical stimulation of the floor of the pelvis.

Behavioral Modification

Behavioral techniques called bladder training can teach you to resist the urge to urinate, gradually increasing the interval between trips to the toilet.

Peeing in public.

Medications

Several medications that block the effects of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine have proven successful in the treatment of overactive bladder. They share common side effects including dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, and in the elderly, confusion.

  • Oxybutynin (Ditropan): Oxybutynin suppresses spasms in the smooth muscles of the bladder wall. Additionally it relaxes the detrusor.
  • Tolterodine (Detrol, Detrol LA): Tolterodine suppresses spasms in the smooth muscles of the bladder wall. It does not cause the mouth to dry out as much as Oxybutynin.
  • Solifenacin (VESIcare). Similar to Tolterodine, but with a longer half-life.
  • Tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine (Tofranil) and doxepin (Sinequan, Adapin) have also been used to treat overactive bladder with some success. Their mechanism of action is not clear.

Natural Treatments

If you are suffering from the symptoms of overactive bladder, there are a number of remedies you can try at home without seeking medical attention. Regulate your fluid intake. If you smoke, stop. Consider eliminating coffee, tea and other caffeinated beverages and foods: caffeine is a known diuretic.
treating frequent urination
Foods such as chocolate, spicy cuisines, alcohol and carbonated drinks can also irritate the bladder. If you are even a few pounds overweight, consider going on a diet: middle-aged people tend to put on weight in their abdomen, and all that extra avoirdupois exerts extra pressure on your bladder.

Constipation, similarly, also exerts extra pressure on your bladder so consider increasing the amount of fiber in your diet if you suffer from it.

Some naturopathic doctors believe that overactive bladder is linked to food sensitivities, particularly to wheat and dairy products.

These foods, it’s speculated, cause a systemic inflammation that manifests, among other things, as an inflamed bladder. By cutting out one food group for a period of time and observing how your symptoms respond, you can pinpoint the dietary culprit.

Mineral Supplements

A number of botanicals and mineral supplements have also been used to treat overactive bladder with some success.

Pumpkin

Native Americans have used pumpkin seeds for centuries to improve bladder and prostate health. Pumpkin is also one of the few natural remedies to be tested in clinical trials: in one six-week study of postmenopausal women suffering from overactive bladder, almost 60% of participants showed marked improvement.

Magnesium

Clinical trials have also proven the efficacy of magnesium, particularly among patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease. It thought to control smooth muscle spasms.

Saw Palmetto

Palmetto is commonly used throughout Europe to treat the symptoms of benign enlarged prostate. Its precise mechanism of action is unclear but it has anti-inflammatory properties and is known to reduce the activity of enzymes linked to prostate problems. Clinical studies have proved that it reduces urinary frequency. But palmetto has some mild estrogenic effects; for that reason, women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking birth control pills or undergoing hormone therapy should avoid it.

Stress Incontinence

Stress incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine due to a sudden pressure on the abdominal muscles secondary to physical activities like coughing, sneezing or laughing.

While its symptoms and many non-invasive treatments are similar to those for overactive bladder, its underlying cause is quite different: it due to a weakening of the pelvic musculature which in men can occur following a prostatectomy and among women is a common aftermath to childbirth among women (exacerbated when estrogen levels decrease in the week before menstruation or following menopause.)

In addition to the treatments described under overactive bladder above, one non-surgical treatment that sometimes used for women suffering from stress incontinence is the insertion of a small ring-shaped medical device called a pessary into the vagina. The pessary reduces stress incontinence by compressing the urethra against the symphysis pubis bone. If a woman uses this treatment option, she must be carefully monitored by her physician to reduce the chance of contracting a vaginal or urinary tract infection.

Surgical treatment is only considered if other non-invasive treatments have failed and the exact anatomical site of the pelvic muscle weakness is known.

Nocturia

Nocturia is the medical term for frequent urination at night. It can be a symptomatic of a systemic disease process such as a kidney or bladder infection, diabetes or sleep apnea; in men, it is often the first sign of prostate enlargement. But even when its causes are relatively benign, nocturia can still be a difficult condition to live with because it interferes with sleep.

Interventions to try at home include minimizing all fluid intake but particularly caffeine and alcohol for at least three hours before bedtime, taking medications that have a diuretic effect earlier in the day, and avoiding strenuous exercise and potentially stressful interactions before sleep. You should see your physician if nighttime urination is accompanied by fever, pain or discomfort, or if your urinary frequency is not affected at all when you cut down on fluids before bedtime.

Medical History and Testing

Since nocturia is frequently a symptom of an underlying systemic pathology, when you visit your physician, he or she will try to rule these out by taking a thorough patient history, performing a physical exam, and ordering diagnostic tests such as urinalysis, urine culture, blood sugar and BUN/creatinine clearance.

Nocturia can be a symptom of benign prostate enlargement, urinary tract infection, kidney failure, congestive heart failure, obstructive sleep apnea or diabetes.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)

Urinary tract infections are the second most common type of infection, resulting in 8.3 million visits to doctors offices every year. UTIs are named differently according to the primary site of infection:

  • Urethritis is an infection of the urethra
  • Cystitis is an infection of the bladder
  • Pyelonephritis is a kidney infection

In addition to urinary symptoms like urinary frequency and urinary urgency, UTI symptoms can include low-grade fever, abdominal or back pain, and urine that appears cloudy and has an unusual or foul odor. With more serious infections that spread to the kidneys, symptoms may include a fever over 101 degrees Fahrenheit with chills and night sweats, nausea and vomiting and more severe pain in the abdomen or lower back or referred to the flank.

In a significant number of cases, UTIs are asymptomatic. Indeed among the elderly for whom UTIs are a huge concern, the only symptoms may be confusion, combativeness or other changes in mentation.

UTIs occur when bacteria contaminate the urethra opening and begin to multiply. The most common contaminant is Escherichia coli (E. coli), a bacteria which typically lives in the intestines and the most common source of infection in active individuals is fecal contamination following bowel movements. But any abnormality in the urinary tract that obstructs the free flow of urine a kidney stone, for example, or an external catheter can set the stage for infection.

Higher Risk Categories

Women are more prone to UTIs than men, possibly because their urethras are shorter and closer to the anus. Medical experts estimate that half of all women will experience a UTI at least once in their lifetime, and most of them more than once. Factors that increase a woman™s susceptibility to UTIs include sexual activity (because intercourse can irritate the urethra,) use of the diaphragm as a birth control device, and aging since the decrease in estrogen following menopause leads to more fragile urogenital tissues.

If the UTI involves mild discomfort but no fever, you can try to manage it at home. Your goal will be to flush the offending microorganisms by drinking lots and lots of water. Avoid drinking caffeinated beverages such as coffee and tea, alcohol and carbonated beverages as these will irritate your bladder. Since an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, for the future remember to wipe from front to back after a bowel movement (rather than the other way around), to urinate as soon as possible after sexual intercourse and (for women) to avoid potentially irritating feminine hygiene products.

Cranberry Juice

For more than a century, cranberry juice has been used as a natural remedy for UTIs. Cranberries contain substances called proanthocyanins which seem to prevent bacteria from sticking to the walls of the urinary tract. Don’t use the highly sweetened cranberry juice you find in supermarkets for this purpose. Instead use unsweetened cranberry juice or cranberry extract tablets available from health food stores.

If you are running even a low-grade fever or your UTI is causing you significant discomfort, then you should opt to see a physician for treatment.

Definitive diagnosis will be made on the basis of a urinalysis done on a clean, mid-stream catch specimen of urine. Blood, pus and/or bacteria will be present in a urinalysis that’s positive for a UTI. Occasionally a urine culture may also be ordered to test for specific strains of bacterial infection. Other tests your physician may order if he or she thinks your infection may be more serious include blood cultures and a CBC.

Treatment Options

The first line of treatment for a simple UTI is antibiotics. Commonly used antibiotics include Amoxicillin (Amoxil, Trimox), Ciprofloxacin (Cipro), and Sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (Bactrim). Symptoms often respond to treatment within 24 hours, but it is important to complete the antibiotic regimen even if symptoms have disappeared otherwise the implicated bacteria may develop a resistance to that antibiotic.

Your doctor may also prescribe medication called Phenazopyridine hydrochloride (Pyridium) to control the burning sensation you experience upon urination. One side effect of Pyridium is that it turns your urine bright blue!

If your UTI has made you extremely sick or you are incapacitated in some way that makes your doctor think you will be unable to adhere to the antibiotic protocol (as sometimes happens with elderly patients), your doctor may recommend hospitalization so that antibiotics and fluids can be administered intravenously

References:

Conditions

Insomnia

Insomnia, often referred to as a sleeping difficulty, restlessness or sleeplessness, is a sleep disorder. Insomnia happens when a person has one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Trouble falling asleep, no matter how tired a person is
  • Falls asleep but wakes up often
  • Feels like he or she has not slept during the night
  • Feels tired during the daytime
  • Has unexplained bouts or fatigue
  • Has a loss of concentration
  • Experiences headaches; mild or severe
  • Feels irritable or edgy
  • Lacks motivation

According to statistics, approximately 30 million Americans experience insomnia. Approximately 51% of Americans experience insomnia because of stress or anxiety. (2008. Insomnia Statistics..these numbers might surprise you.)
Treating Insomnia Naturally
Sometimes, there is no explanation as to why people get insomnia. Insomnia can occur in anyones life at any time. Sometimes, there are specific causes for insomnia. More than often, there are causes, but some people cannot figure out why they have insomnia.

Ultimately, there are ways to find out why insomnia has occurred, and there are ways to deal with this sleep disorder and cure it. Also, there are methods one can use to make sure the insomnia does not return.

Risk Factors

Certain factors can be risks and cause a person to acquire a sleep order like insomnia. Certain types of medications, various environmental aspects, physical or emotional issues, vital events in life that can cause additional stress and other risk factors can bring on insomnia.

Medications that can cause insomnia are:

  • Blood pressure pills
  • Antidepressants
  • Cold and allergy medications
  • Asthma medications

Various Environmental Aspects:

  • Noisy places or work environments
  • Bright lighting, too much sun, some fluorescent lighting
  • Tremendous changes in temperatures: cold or hot

Physical or emotional issues:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Physical aches and pains
  • Diabetes: fluctuations in glucose levels

Vital Events in Life that can additional extra Stress:

Diversity with work such aslosing a job, starting a new job, getting a promotion, losing pay, or anything else that happens with work that can add extra stress to a persons life

Changes at home with the family like divorce, separation, death, accidents, disabilities, relocating, and other family related happenings that affect how a person feels

As stated earlier, there is not always a logical explanation as to why a person gets insomnia. A person could be excited about something new in his or her life, or a person could be looking forward to an upcoming event and insomnia occurs pursuant to being excited or anxious about these events.

Test and diagnosis considerations:

When a person believes he or she has insomnia, a doctor can confirm this sleep disorder with a few basic exams and evaluations:

  • A physical exam
  • Review the patients medical history
  • Evaluate a patients sleep patterns

Most doctors will ask a patient to keep a written record of sleep patterns for one to two weeks. This sleep pattern documentation is often referred to as a sleep diary. In this diary, a person will keep track of how he or she sleeps each time sleep is attempted, and he or she will keep a record of how he or she feels each day.

Sometimes, the patient might be asked if it is okay for the doctor to speak with his or her sleep mate, so that the doctor can get a better idea of what is happening with the patients sleep patterns and life.

Generally, doctors will advise a patient to try medically related options used as cures & remedies for insomnia, but a person is more than welcome to try herbal and home remedies if he or she wants to.

Different cultures use other methods when seeking cures & remedies for insomnia. Some of the cures & remedies for insomnia might be the same or quite similar and some of the methods used to cure insomnia might be a lot different. Each culture will try its own remedy to cure insomnia and there are many great options available to sufferers of insomnia nowadays.

Common Treatment Options

Herbal and Home Remedies

Chamomile

Chamomile tea is often used to help a person to fall asleep naturally and sleep all night. Chamomile is not only for bedtime. A person can drink this tea during the daytime, too, and the tea helps a person to relax. Chamomile tea is inexpensive and does not have any side effects.

Melatonin

Melatonin is a medication that a person can purchase without having a prescription. Melatonin is a natural sleep aid and is taken at least one to two hours before a persons scheduled bedtime. This medication is not addictive and is used by many people to help them get a good nights sleep, continuously. Melatonin costs approximately $12.00 per bottle. Since this natural medication is non-addictive, there are no known side effects with this medication.

Melatonin is a natural component that the body creates. Melatonin levels are affected by artificial lighting in rooms during the daytime. When a person sleeps at night, melatonin levels will normally remain at the levels they are supposed to. For those who sleep during the daytime because they work at night, melatonin levels will be irregular.

Melatonin is normally created by the body during the hours between 2 A.M. and 4 A.M. When people grow older, the body does not produce as much melatonin as it did when they were young children.

Pill Form

The pill form of melatonin has been proven to be very effective in assisting people with sleeping. Some people might feel a bit groggy the next morning. As with any medication, it is always a good idea to text the new medicine out and be cautious when operating any machinery and when driving an automobile, for the first few days. Even if a person does not feel groggy the next morning, he or she should keep in mind that some medications might affect the reflexes.

Statistics show that feeling groggy or have less control over reflexes is not seen in people who take melatonin. However; each person is different and some medications can do the opposite to people than what the medication says it will. For instance, some people might take a medication that has been invented to help a person sleep, and it might give them more energy instead.

These reactions to medications, herbs, and other sleep aids are rare.

Pharmaceutical

Ambien is a popular name for a sleep aid that is a non-narcotic medication. This pharmaceutical medication has been invented to help a person fall asleep and to remain sleeping all through the night. People should be cautious while driving and while operating any machinery when they are using this medication as a cure or remedy for insomnia.

When a person uses Ambien, it should be taken at least one hour before a planned bedtime, and a person should plan on sleeping at least 8 hours. Also, a person should try not to head out of the house for a little while after waking up. This medication needs to have time to process through the body and will last for 8-10 hours. When a person has depression, Ambien can cause the depression to be worse.

Ambien has a few side effects that can occur:

  • Sleepwalking
  • Trouble with memory
  • Slight change in personality: A person can become aggressive or more ambitious
  • Disorientation
  • Irritability
  • Hallucinations

Some allergic reactions that can occur are:

  • Breathing troubles
  • Tongue swelling
  • Throat swelling

These side effects are rare but can be fatal. Whenever a person reacts to a medicine that does not feel right, it is highly recommended that he or she seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Mild side effects are:

  • Morning grogginess
  • Feeling dizzy
  • Mild headaches
  • Diarrhea

These side effects are rare and occur with short term use of this medication. Ambien is usually only prescribed for 7-10 days, to begin with, and then it can be used longer if necessary. Even though it is in a non-narcotic remedy, it can be addictive. Any medication can be addictive, even if it is made from natural components. Ambien costs approximately $170.00 for 30-10 mg tablets.

When it comes to pharmaceutical cures & remedies for insomnia, there is a wide selection to choose from nowadays. Somabien, Ambitropin, SomnaSlumber, Lunexor, Ambiplex, RestAid, AmbeSleep, Ambiatol, Sleep Aid Oil, and Sleep MD are the top ten pharmaceutical sleep aids listed as being effective with helping people to sleep better. The price range for these ten medications is around $16.00-80.00.

Surgeries

Sometimes, people will need surgery for medical conditions that are causing them pain, which is causing them insomnia. Also, a lot of people suffer from insomnia after having surgery. As mentioned here, there is a wide variety of options, pharmaceutical, herbal, non-addictive and psychological methods that can be used as cures & remedies for insomnia.
Insomnia Remedies
If a person has a disorder like restless leg syndrome, he or she might need to have surgery for a condition, and doctors generally offer sleeping pills and/or pain pills to patients after surgeries.

If a person wants to use non-addictive methods so that he or she does not become addicted to sleeping pills or pain pills, he or she can try some of these methods or seek therapy and ask a doctor about other alternatives.

Other Methods of Treatment

Valerian is a widely known medication that other cultures have used and have found effective in aiding with sleep. Valerian can be used in traditional environments as well. This treatment is considered to be an herbal supplement.

It is advised that a person asks his or her doctor before using this remedy for insomnia. A doctor that has specialized in herbal medicine is more suitable to consult with.

Some other names used for Valerian are Valeriana officinalis, radix valerianae, Indian valerian, red valerian, and vandal root.

Valerian has not been evaluated by the FDA. This herbal medication has been used to treat a variety of disorders or medical conditions.

People who suffer from insomnia, anxiety, headaches and abdominal pain, menopause and other medical or emotional conditions have used Valerian and have seen improvements as a result.

Some side effects when taking Valerian for a long period of time are:

  • Headaches
  • Hyper activity
  • Agitation
  • Sleeplessness
  • Pupils dilating
  • Heartbeats becoming irregular or other problems with the heart

As with all medications, it is good to ask a doctor before using new medications, especially if a person is already taken prescription drugs or using any other form of herbals cures & remedies for insomnia or other conditions. The average price for Valerian is approximately $22.00.

Additional Remedy Options

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a very popular psychological remedy that has been used to treat insomnia. Studies show that it has been very effective for people who have had emotional upsets that are the underlying reason for the insomnia. This treatment is usually one of the first ones that doctors suggest to patients as a treatment for insomnia.

Many people balk at the idea of going to therapy. People want quick fixes for insomnia, but cognitive behavioral therapy has proven itself over the years and people who tried it did begin to sleep better and form healthier sleep patterns.

Medicine and science have both tried to adapt a program that involved cognitive behavioral therapy and a medication as cures & remedies for insomnia, but there are no statistics that will show how well the combination works. There are statistics, though, that prove that long term cognitive behavioral therapy has been effective and lasts indefinitely.

Choosing the Right Option

Sometimes the quick fixes are not always the best choice. The quick fixes will work right then and there, but a person cannot take some medications forever, and when a person does use a quick fix medication, natural herb or other remedy for insomnia, and they stop taking it or doing that treatment, often times, the insomnia returns again.

Cognitive behavioral therapy could take a little longer to work, but it is a therapy and treatment that will work for a long period of time.

Prevention tips:

  • Always strive to improve sleep habits and create healthy habits for sleeping
  • Avoid napping on the bed or in other areas where you sleep at bedtime: napping on a sofa or in a lounger is better, as the bed is for bedtime
  • Obtain a regular schedule for sleeping and stick with it
  • Try to get up at the same time each day, even on days off
  • Improve the environment of the home or office: oil burners with relaxing scents, new paint on walls, and so forth
  • Keep a diary or write poems
  • Make the bedroom as comfortable and quiet as possible and alleviate light from entering the bedroom
  • Keep the home at 68-70 degrees while sleeping: 60 degrees is good, too. People sleep a lot better when it is cooler and it is healthier.
  • After attempting sleep for a half an hour or so, get up and walk around or watch some TV for a bit and try to sleep again
  • During enough water or other clear liquids during the daytime, do not drink or eat after 7 P.M., and try exercising for at least 30 minutes per day, but not too close to bedtime, as energy breeds energy
  • Eat healthier meals and on a regular schedule
  • Talk about problems or write about them when they arise

When people have insomnia, it can be mild or chronic, lasting a short time or for a long period of time. It is recommended that a person consult with a doctor to get confirmation for his or her insomnia diagnosis and before trying any medications or herbal and home remedies to cure insomnia. A doctor might prescribe other remedies for insomnia, too, like surgery or cognitive behavioral therapy.

Some medications should not be used for long periods of time, whether they are non-prescription or prescription, especially if they do not seem to help the sleep disorder, or if they only work once in a while. No one needs to suffer with insomnia and not find a cure or remedy, as there are a variety of options for everyone and something will work. Each person is different, so what works for one might not work for another.

Treatment Options

Insomnia can be treated with a variety of herbal medicines, prescription medicines, therapy or other alternatives, and insomnia can be prevented. No matter what is happening in life or why insomnia occurs, there are several options and tools for people to treat this sleep disorder and to overcome it.

Conditions

Angina

Angina, also known as Angina Pectoris which means squeezing of the chest in Latin, is a symptom of ischemic heart disease. The chest discomfort, pressure and pain are caused by the coronary arteries delivering an inadequate amount of oxygen-rich blood to the heart. The two main causes of angina are artherosclerotic plaque buildup and coronary artery spasm. If left untreated, angina can result in total blockage of the arteries and cause a heart attack.

The risk of heart disease and heart attack increases with the number of risk factors you have and their severity. Some heart disease risk factors can develop within the first ten years of life. Risk factors include hypertension, coronary artery disease, high blood fats or cholesterol, family history of premature ischemic heart disease, smoking, high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes. Angina occurs more frequently in men than in women. The most frequent cause of angina is coronary artery disease. The risk factors you cannot control are family history, age and gender.

Four Different Types of Angina.

Stable Angina

Stable angina is chest pain or discomfort that usually occurs with stress or physical activity. It begins slowly and intensifies before going away but reoccurs with additional activity or stress. The pain usually lasts from one to 15 minutes and is relieved with medication or rest. The frequency and severity of the pain does not change much.

Symptoms of Stable Angina include pain that occurs behind or slightly to the left of the breastbone and a feeling of tightness, pressure, squeezing or crushing pain in the chest. Stable Angina can be treated with medication, angioplasty or stenting. Medications require no recovery time and are much less expensive than angioplasty and stenting.

People who take only medications to relieve their angina may not have quick chest pain relief, but if you choose to take medications to treat your angina, it’s important that you take them exactly as your doctor instructs you so that you get the maximum benefit from your medications.

Angioplasty and stenting may have earlier and better symptom relief, such as reduced chest pain but research has shown the chest pain relief was about the same between those who have angioplasty and stenting and those who only take medication after five years.

Unstable Angina

Unstable angina is chest pain that occurs suddenly and gets increasingly worse. It is the most serious form of angina and requires immediate medical attention. The chest pain lasts longer than 15 – 20 minutes, may occur along with a drop in blood pressure or significant shortness of breath, occurs without cause and responds poorly to nitroglycerin.

Calcium channel blockers are extremely effective in preventing the coronary spasms of variant angina. These drugs, along with nitrates, are the most common treatment. If you have unstable angina, you most likely will be admitted to the hospital and given medicines, including heparin, aspirin and other antiplatelet medicines.

Unstable angina requires close monitoring and testing. If you are at high risk for heart attack and chest pain continues after the above treatment, your doctor may decide to perform coronary catheterization and plan for possible angioplasty and stent placement to prevent a heart attack.

Variant Angina

Prinzmetal’s or variant angina is caused by spasm of one of the coronary arteries. It is usually the result of severe coronary atherosclerosis in at least one major vessel. The spasm normally occurs very close to the blockage. It mostly occurs spontaneously and unlike typical angina, it nearly always occurs when a person is at rest. It doesn’t occur with physical exertion or emotional stress.

Attacks can be very painful and usually occur between midnight and eight a.m. Treatment helps to control chest pain and prevent a heart attack. Nitroglycerin is frequently used to relieve an episode of pain. Nitrates, beta -blockers or calcium channel blockers may also be prescribed.
angina symptoms
The medication dosage can be gradually reduced after six to 12 months of treatment. In some cases surgery is used when blockages exist along with spasm.

Microvascular Angina

Microvascular angina is caused by inadequate blood flow through the tiny cardiac blood vessels. Microvascular angina symptoms include chest pain or discomfort, a crushing or burning sensation in the chest, and pain or numbness in the arms, shoulders or jaw.

Microvascular angina usually occurs during routine daily activities and times of mental stress. It may be more severe or last longer than other types of angina pain. Symptoms include shortness of breath, sleep problems, fatigue, and lack of energy.

Treatment for microvascular angina includes nitroglycerin, calcium channel blockers or beta blockers and lifestyle changes. Since microvascular angina is not caused by significant arterial blockages, it is harder to recognize and diagnose.

Diagnosis

Laboratory tests can help the physician identify angina and conditions that may contribute to its development.

Urinalysis may reveal underlying conditions such as diabetes mellitus or renal disease, both of which are associated with atherosclerosis.

A chest x-ray may show an enlarged heart or other signs of possible heart failure.

Blood tests may show elevated CPK (creatine phosphokinase) level. When heart tissue dies it causes the enzyme CPK to be released into the blood. Blood tests to check for inflammation, high cholesterol and glucose levels are also used to diagnose angina. Stress tests are commonly used to evaluate coronary artery disease.

EKG

During a stress test an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is taken before, during and after exercise on a treadmill or stationary bicycle. Patients who are at risk for a coronary event with exercise are given a drug to increase the heart rate instead of exercising on the treadmill. A normal ECG could indicate a patient’s chest pain is caused by something other than a blocked coronary artery.

A coronary angiogram consists of injecting contrast material into the bloodstream and taking x-rays of the coronary arteries. This enables the physician to see malformations, blockages, and stenosis in the vessels. In variant angina, spasm of an artery may be induced during angiography and would help confirm a diagnosis of that form of angina.

Echocardiography is a procedure used to evaluate the valves, function, and size of the heart. This diagnostic test uses soundwaves to take a detailed picture of the heart. A nuclear heart scan shows the level of blood flow to the heart by providing moving pictures of the blood flowing through the heart and arteries.

Medication Side Effects

All medications used to treat angina have similar side effects which should be reported to your physician immediately if they worsen or persist. They include headache, dizziness, flushing and restlessness. Blurred vision, dry mouth, nausea, pale skin or rapid heartbeat are serious side effects that should be reported immediately.

If the medication is working you will experience headaches which can be treated with aspirin or non aspirin pain relieve unless they become severe. Rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness or trouble breathing are signs of an allergic reaction to the medication and require immediate attention.

Natural Herbs can help control angina symptoms. The following herbs are the most commonly used to relieve the symptoms of angina.

Garlic

Garlic contains substances that discourage platelets from sticking together and helps prevent blood clots. It also lowers total cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing HDL, the good cholesterol. Include one clove of garlic in your daily diet or take 10 milligrams per day.

Ginkgo

Ginkgo’s antioxidant properties neutralize harmful molecules called free radicals. It increases blood supply to the extremities and makes heart cells more efficient. It keeps platelets from sticking together and has a tonic effect on blood vessels. Take 40 to 80 milligrams of capsules three times per day.

Hawthorne

This traditional European herb used in treating heart disease dilates coronary arteries, which increases blood supply to the heart. Hawthorne improves oxygenation and energy metabolism and helps decrease lactic acid which is the waste product of exertion that causes heart muscle pain.

Hawthorne contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help strengthen artery walls and reduce cholesterol. Take 100 to 250 milligrams three times per day or drink one cup of tea three times per day. The tea can be made by simmering one teaspoon of dried berries or steeping one teaspoon of leaves and flowers in a cup of hot water for ten to 15 minutes.

Coleus

Coleus keeps platelets from sticking together, relaxes arterial muscles, and improves heart function. Take 50 milligrams two or three time per day. Use coleus carefully if you take blood pressure medication or if your blood pressure is already low. Coleus may also increase the effects of antihistamine drugs.

Khella

This herb improves exercise tolerance and normalizes heart rhythms in patients with angina. It also help to dilate coronary arteries. Take 250 to 300 milligrams per day. Reduce the dosage if you experience nausea, dizziness or decreased appetite.

Ginger

This aromatic herb works best if eaten fresh and on an empty stomach. It lowers cholesterol and keeps platelets from sticking together. Take 250 milligrams per day. At higher doses, ginger may cause upset stomach.

Lifestyle changes can also help to relieve and control the symptoms of angina. If heavy meals trigger angina then avoid large meals and rich foods that leave you feeling stuffed. Try to avoid situations that make you upset or stressed if that is what triggers your angina. Eating a healthy diet is also important and can help to prevent or reduce high blood pressure and cholesterol. Quitting smoking along with avoiding alcoholic beverages will also help to control angina and reduce the frequency of symptoms.

Heart Attack

Angina does increase your risk of a heart attack. It’s very important that you know how and when to seek medical attention. An emergency action plan is important and will improve the chances of surviving cardiac arrest.

The plan should include making sure you as well as your family members know the location of the nearest hospital that offers 24-hour emergency heart care. Make sure you know the signs and symptoms of a heart attack, how to reach emergency medical services in your community and how to use aspirin and nitroglycerin when needed.

If your chest pain becomes severe, lasts longer than a few minutes, or is not relieved by rest or medicine seek immediate medical care. It can be difficult to tell the difference between unstable angina and a heart attack. Both are emergency situations, so you should call for an ambulance right away.

Prognosis

A diagnosis of angina at least gives you some warning that you have coronary artery disease. Undiagnosed angina can lead to a heart attack or sudden cardiac death. If you are at high risk for a heart attack, you need to find out early so that you can get the best treatment right away. Getting the appropriate treatment combined with lifestyle changes can result in living a normal, full and healthy life.