Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Home Remedies For Treating Liver Disease
Home Remedies For Treating Liver Disease
What Is Liver Disease?
Any disturbances in liver function that can lead to an illness of a person is known as liver disease. The liver is the organ responsible for a number of critical functions in the body. When they get injured or diseased it will affect the proper functioning of the body. Liver disease is otherwise known as hepatic disease. The liver plays an important role in the metabolism of sugar, fat and iron. It produces bile which helps in fat digestion. It is also involved in protein production and the production of blood clotting factors. Symptoms of liver diseases include fatigue, weakness, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, yellow discoloration of the skin known as Jaundice etc. It requires more than 75% of the liver tissues to be damaged to affect the function of the liver. The liver can easily regenerate the damaged cells but if more and 75% of the cells are lost, it may not be able to meet the needs of the body. Some liver problems can be treated with home remedies. Some may require medication and liver failure may require liver transplant.
Home Remedies to Treat Liver Disease
1. Milk Thistle
This herb is effective for a wide variety of liver diseases. There are evidences suggesting that this remedy is beneficial for viral hepatitis, cirrhosis, alcoholic hepatitis, the toxicity caused by chemicals, mushrooms etc.
• Take 900 milligrams of this remedy twice a day at mealtimes.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
This remedy helps to detoxify the liver. If taken before meals, it will help in metabolizing fat easily
• Mix one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in one glass of water
• Add one teaspoon of honey to this mix
• Drink this mixture three times a day to cleanse the liver
4. Amla or Indian Gooseberry
This is one of the richest sources of vitamin C and it helps to keep the liver function at optimal level. Studies have proved that amla has liver-protective functions.
• You can eat 4-5 raw amlas a day
• Instead you can use them in salads or grate them and eat with curd and salt.
5. Licorice
This is an excellent remedy for non-alcoholic fatty liver conditions. This remedy is used in siddha preparations to cure liver ailments.
• Powder the licorice root
• Make a tea by pouring boiling water into the powder
• Keep it for a few minutes and strain the liquid
• Consume this tea once or twice a day.
6. Turmeric
Turmeric has antiseptic properties and also acts as an antioxidant. They can improve the liver health considerably. The antiviral action of turmeric prevents the multiplication of viruses causing hepatitis B and C
• Include turmeric in your cooking
• You can mix ½ tsp turmeric with milk and drink it every day
• You can take half teaspoon turmeric mixed with 1 teaspoonful of honey everyday.
7. Flax Seeds
The liver removes the hormones which are circulating in the blood. This causes strain for the liver. The phytoconstituents in flax seeds prevents the hormones from circulating in the blood and reduces the strain on the liver.
• Use whole or crushed flax seeds on your toast or salads.
• You can also use them along with your cereals.
8. Papaya Fruit
Papaya fruit is an effective remedy for liver cirrhosis. This is one of the safest natural remedy for liver disease.
• Add half teaspoon of lemon juice to two teaspoons of papaya juice and consume it every day
• Take this mixture for three-four weeks to completely cure the problem.
9. Spinach and Carrot Juice
This home remedy is also effective for liver cirrhosis
• Mix half glass of spinach juice and half glass of carrot juice
• Drink this natural juice every day for at least for three hours
10. Avoid Alcohol
• If you want to keep your liver healthy avoid taking alcohol. Alcohol puts strain on the liver.
11. Avocados and Walnuts
If you want to protect your liver from diseases include avocados and walnuts in your diet.
• The glutathione present in avocados and walnut cleanses the toxins deposited in the liver
12. Apples and Leafy Vegetables
Leafy vegetables stimulate the flow of bile and pectin present in the apple remove toxins from the digestive tract. This will help to protect the liver.
13. Drink Fluoride Free Water
Drink plenty of fluoride free water. Water helps to cleanse your system.
• Drink 10-12 glass of water daily to keep your liver healthy and free from toxins.
14. Exercise
Regular exercise stimulates the proper digestion of food and the elimination of fat from the body. Exercise increases sweating which helps to remove the toxins through the skin. This relieves the strain on the liver.
• At least 40 minutes of exercise for 5 days of the week is necessary to get the benefits.
15. Green Tea
This is an excellent remedy for liver problems. Green tea contains high amount of catechins which supports the liver functions.
• Drink 3-4 cups of green tea every day to get relief from liver disease and to protect your liver.
Apart from these remedies, avoid the use of cigarettes and the excess use of iron supplements, if you want to protect your liver from diseases.
Are you suffering from any kind of liver diseases? Are you looking for the home remedies to clear the toxins from the liver which are affecting the functioning of this organ? If you feel that your liver diseases is not a severe problem which requires immediate medical attention, you can opt for any of the above given home remedies. Not all home remedies work similarly for everyone, so by trial and error find out which one is effective for you.
Monday, September 2, 2013
natural foods to clean colon
[10 Foods To CleanseColon]
Colon is the last and most important part of the #digestive system. It extracts the water and salt from solid wastes. To have a healthy digestive system then colon cleansing is very important. It also prevent colon cancer.
Here we list the top 10 foods to cleanse the Colon
1. #Lemon : Citrus fruits are very effective in cleansing the colon, especially a lemon. Drinking a glass of lemon juice in the morning helps to cleanse and detox the body.
2. #Spinach : Spinach helps to protect the digestive tract from ailments and can cleanse the colon.
3. #Green #Tea : Green Tea is enriched with lot of health benefits. It will be good if we drink green tea to detox the liver.
4. #Legumes : Kidney beans and Lentils are good to cleanse the colon and promotes healthy digestive system.
5. #Whole #Grains : Grains are low in calories and cholesterol.You must include grains in your diet to cleanse the colon. Due to their high fiber content, it is also good for digestion.
6. #Avocado : The Omega-3 oils in the Avocado helps to cleanse the colon. The Omega-3 oils acts as a lubricant to the intestine walls and removes all the toxins and waste food particles.
7. #Fish : The Omega-3 fatty acids and oils in the fish helps to cleanse the system and also improves digestion.
8. #Garlic : Garlic is an herb which has lot of health benefits. It is also one of the foods for cleansing the colon.
9. #Fruit Juice : Fruit Juices are rich in fiber which helps in cleansing salts that detoxifies the system. So include fruit juices in your diet chart.
10. #Broccoli Sprouts : Broccoli Sprouts detoxifies the colon and keeps it clean. It also cleanse the liver and promotes healthy digestion.
Consuming sprouts is like eating live vegetable food. Think for yourself, how nutrient-dense a growing food could be…
Consuming sprouts is like eating live vegetable food. Think for yourself, how nutrient-dense a growing food could be…
It is said that sprouts ‘represent the miracle of birth’. They are in the true sense, super foods. They are alkaline, whole, pure, and natural foods. It is inexcusable that though aware of their miraculous effects, we do not take full advantage of them. We scour departmental and organic stores, looking for health foods and recipes, but forget to eat ordinary sprouts on daily basis – considering them a poor cousin of high-fashion health foods.
Sprouts are the cheapest and most convenient source of complete nourishment. They are food for long-term health and wellness. If consumed judiciously and chosen over other foods, they can prevent diseases and lifestyle-related ailments. Sprouting a seed enables it to produce an enormously enhanced bundle of nutrients.
A sprout is at the transitional stage between seed and plant. It is, to put it simply, a baby plant. These are essentially pre-digested foods as the seeds’ own enzymes do most of the work. The nutritional changes that occur during sprouting primarily happen because complex compounds get broken down into simpler forms. This, added to development of some essential nutrients, constituents, and breakdown of anti-nutrients, makes the whole phenomenon of sprouting possible. Metabolic activity in dormant seeds is initiated as soon as they are hydrated during soaking.
Sprouted seeds acquire natural increased digestibility and nutrients as compared to unsprouted seeds. They provide us with all the essential minerals and vitamins, and must ideally form a part of our daily diets.
The sprouting process:
On sprouting, grains, legumes, and seeds turn into super foods. They then become an extremely sound source of protein, fiber, and vitamin B.
All edible grains, legumes, and seeds can be sprouted. The following are generally used for sprouting:
Grains: Wheat (wheat grass is the sprouted form of wheat. It must be juiced. Soak hard wheat grains for 12 hours and then grow in soil. It will be ready in 12 days’ time), maize, ragi, barley, bajra.
Seeds: Alfalfa seeds (sensitive to heat, ready in seven days), sesame seeds, radish seeds, fenugreek seeds (bitter in taste. To be mixed with milder sprouts to tone it down, ready in 9 days’ time), coriander seeds, pumpkin seeds, and musk melon seeds, groundnut.
Legumes: Green gram, Bengal gram, chickpea, kidney beans, dried peas.
Oats: (oat groats) to be used -- ready in 3 to 4 days), buckwheat, quinoas are foods which are lesser known as sprouts, but are at the same time, highly nutritious. They should be sprouted and consumed if readily available.
Alfalfa is called the ‘father of all foods’ or the ‘king of sprouts’. It is highly rich in minerals like manganese and is also a rich source of vitamins A, B, C, E, and K. It also contains all the essential amino acids. Alfalfa contains most of the essential amino acids and has a higher concentration of calcium than milk. The lesser explored sesame seed sprouts are also said to be great source nutrients. They too, contain most of the essential amino acids and are high in vitamin E and vitamin B complex, apart from other nutrients.
The sprouting process
Firstly, one has to ensure that the seeds, legumes or grains will easily sprout. (For instance, soyabeans are said to become sour and do not sprout too well; and wheat has to be grown in soil). The seeds should be thoroughly washed and then soaked in fresh water overnight. The time span of soaking is mostly 12 hours, though it depends on the size of the seeds. Next morning the seeds should be rinsed and the water drained off. Soaking turns the seed soft and laden with water. They eventually germinate and become sprouts in two to three days’ time, depending upon the temperature and humidity. One should not soak the seeds for a longer period than required, as the seeds may rot and ferment. After they sprout, they should be stored in a refrigerator.
Nutritional Benefits:
The ISS (International Speciality Supply, USA) is a company that supplies sprouts to many countries. It describes in detail, the nutrient changes which occur during the process of sprouting. On sprouting, there is a tremendous increase in nutrients as compared to the dried embryo. The vitamins, minerals and protein content substantially increase with a simultaneous decrease in caloric and carbohydrate content. Pulses and seeds show a very low water content. This, however, tends to increase tenfold when converted into sprouts. The ISS elaborates that sprouted green gram (mung beans) have an 8.3 percent increase of water content over dried beans. Hence the nutritional value of sprouted and dried mung beans can be compared by multiplying the analyzed nutrients of sprouted mung beans by the factor of 8.3. Based on this criterion, the changes found in sprouted mung beans when compared with the figures for the beans in the dried state are as follows:
Energy content - calories Decrease 15 percent
Total carbohydrate content Decrease 15 percent
Protein availability Increase 30 percent
Calcium content Increase 34 percent
Potassium content Increase 80 percent
Sodium content Increase 690 percent
Iron content Increase 40 percent
Phosphorous content Increase 56 percent
Vitamin A content Increase 285 percent
Thiamine or Vitamin B1 content Increase 208 percent
Riboflavin or Vitamin B2 content Increase 515 percent
Niacin or Vitamin B3 content Increase 256 percent
Ascorbic acid or Vitamin C content An infinite increase
The increase in protein availability is of great significance. It is a valuable indicator of the enhanced nutritional value of a food when sprouted. The amazing fact is that sprouts are a food -- very easily available to all sections of society, and yet the biggest storehouse of all nutrients. The reduction in carbohydrate content indicates molecules being broken down during sprouting to allow absorption of atmospheric nitrogen and re-formation of amino-acids. The resultant protein is the most easily digestible of all proteins available in foods.
Grains, legumes are nowhere even near to be considered a source of vitamin C. However, when sprouted, they reveal significant quantities of this vitamin. The infinite increase in Vitamin C or ascorbic acid derives from their absorption of atmospheric elements during growth.
Sprouts supply food in a pre-digested form -- food, which has already been acted upon by enzymes and simplified. During sprouting, much of the starch is broken down into simple sugars such as glucose and sucrose by the action of the enzyme ‘amylase’. Proteins are converted into amino acids and amides. Fats and oils are converted into simpler fatty acids by the action of the enzyme lipase. Also, during sprouting there is s reduction in the gas producing quality of beans. Mainly oligosaccharides have been held responsible for gas formation. As the process of germination ends and sprouting begins, the content of oligosaccharides is reduced by 90 percent. The content of fiber and water increases tremendously, which is a boon for a healthy digestive system.
Sprouts are a good source of chlorophyll, said to have anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. They are highly beneficial foods for losing weight too. They keep one full for a long time and also prevent over-eating as one feels satisfied on consuming just a handful.
Sprouts are an extremely inexpensive method of obtaining a concentration of protein, vitamins, minerals and enzymes. Eating sprouts is the safest and best way of getting the advantage of complete nutrition.
Cooking with Sprouts:
Sprouts could be eaten in various ways, other than just the standard salads that we generally know of. They could be used in the following ways:
To make hummus to be used as dips, for sandwich fillings (sprouted chickpea is best suited for this).
To make healthy vegetables and curries.
To be crushed lightly and added to pancakes, or used as a filling for pancakes.
To prepare a variety of stir fries.
To cook and serve with rice.
To be added to yoghurts.
To be juiced up (wheat grass is a sprout).
To be dried and turned into malt. This is called malted flour. It is especially given to babies in the form of porridge as it is easily digestible and has a high nutrient density. Ragi malt (Red millet malt) is very commonly prepared in southern India. It’s highly rich in calcium and iron, and is relished by all age groups. The dry ragi sprouts are roasted with wheat, green mung dal, and almonds, and are then ground and cooked with milk and sugar. Malted multigrain flours are also readily available. They can be had as porridge, they can be mixed in flour, or can be added to various food preparations.
Consuming sprouts is like eating live vegetable food. Think for yourself, how nutrient-dense a growing food could be…
It is said that sprouts ‘represent the miracle of birth’. They are in the true sense, super foods. They are alkaline, whole, pure, and natural foods. It is inexcusable that though aware of their miraculous effects, we do not take full advantage of them. We scour departmental and organic stores, looking for health foods and recipes, but forget to eat ordinary sprouts on daily basis – considering them a poor cousin of high-fashion health foods.
Sprouts are the cheapest and most convenient source of complete nourishment. They are food for long-term health and wellness. If consumed judiciously and chosen over other foods, they can prevent diseases and lifestyle-related ailments. Sprouting a seed enables it to produce an enormously enhanced bundle of nutrients.
A sprout is at the transitional stage between seed and plant. It is, to put it simply, a baby plant. These are essentially pre-digested foods as the seeds’ own enzymes do most of the work. The nutritional changes that occur during sprouting primarily happen because complex compounds get broken down into simpler forms. This, added to development of some essential nutrients, constituents, and breakdown of anti-nutrients, makes the whole phenomenon of sprouting possible. Metabolic activity in dormant seeds is initiated as soon as they are hydrated during soaking.
Sprouted seeds acquire natural increased digestibility and nutrients as compared to unsprouted seeds. They provide us with all the essential minerals and vitamins, and must ideally form a part of our daily diets.
The sprouting process:
On sprouting, grains, legumes, and seeds turn into super foods. They then become an extremely sound source of protein, fiber, and vitamin B.
All edible grains, legumes, and seeds can be sprouted. The following are generally used for sprouting:
Grains: Wheat (wheat grass is the sprouted form of wheat. It must be juiced. Soak hard wheat grains for 12 hours and then grow in soil. It will be ready in 12 days’ time), maize, ragi, barley, bajra.
Seeds: Alfalfa seeds (sensitive to heat, ready in seven days), sesame seeds, radish seeds, fenugreek seeds (bitter in taste. To be mixed with milder sprouts to tone it down, ready in 9 days’ time), coriander seeds, pumpkin seeds, and musk melon seeds, groundnut.
Legumes: Green gram, Bengal gram, chickpea, kidney beans, dried peas.
Oats: (oat groats) to be used -- ready in 3 to 4 days), buckwheat, quinoas are foods which are lesser known as sprouts, but are at the same time, highly nutritious. They should be sprouted and consumed if readily available.
Alfalfa is called the ‘father of all foods’ or the ‘king of sprouts’. It is highly rich in minerals like manganese and is also a rich source of vitamins A, B, C, E, and K. It also contains all the essential amino acids. Alfalfa contains most of the essential amino acids and has a higher concentration of calcium than milk. The lesser explored sesame seed sprouts are also said to be great source nutrients. They too, contain most of the essential amino acids and are high in vitamin E and vitamin B complex, apart from other nutrients.
The sprouting process
Firstly, one has to ensure that the seeds, legumes or grains will easily sprout. (For instance, soyabeans are said to become sour and do not sprout too well; and wheat has to be grown in soil). The seeds should be thoroughly washed and then soaked in fresh water overnight. The time span of soaking is mostly 12 hours, though it depends on the size of the seeds. Next morning the seeds should be rinsed and the water drained off. Soaking turns the seed soft and laden with water. They eventually germinate and become sprouts in two to three days’ time, depending upon the temperature and humidity. One should not soak the seeds for a longer period than required, as the seeds may rot and ferment. After they sprout, they should be stored in a refrigerator.
Nutritional Benefits:
The ISS (International Speciality Supply, USA) is a company that supplies sprouts to many countries. It describes in detail, the nutrient changes which occur during the process of sprouting. On sprouting, there is a tremendous increase in nutrients as compared to the dried embryo. The vitamins, minerals and protein content substantially increase with a simultaneous decrease in caloric and carbohydrate content. Pulses and seeds show a very low water content. This, however, tends to increase tenfold when converted into sprouts. The ISS elaborates that sprouted green gram (mung beans) have an 8.3 percent increase of water content over dried beans. Hence the nutritional value of sprouted and dried mung beans can be compared by multiplying the analyzed nutrients of sprouted mung beans by the factor of 8.3. Based on this criterion, the changes found in sprouted mung beans when compared with the figures for the beans in the dried state are as follows:
Energy content - calories Decrease 15 percent
Total carbohydrate content Decrease 15 percent
Protein availability Increase 30 percent
Calcium content Increase 34 percent
Potassium content Increase 80 percent
Sodium content Increase 690 percent
Iron content Increase 40 percent
Phosphorous content Increase 56 percent
Vitamin A content Increase 285 percent
Thiamine or Vitamin B1 content Increase 208 percent
Riboflavin or Vitamin B2 content Increase 515 percent
Niacin or Vitamin B3 content Increase 256 percent
Ascorbic acid or Vitamin C content An infinite increase
The increase in protein availability is of great significance. It is a valuable indicator of the enhanced nutritional value of a food when sprouted. The amazing fact is that sprouts are a food -- very easily available to all sections of society, and yet the biggest storehouse of all nutrients. The reduction in carbohydrate content indicates molecules being broken down during sprouting to allow absorption of atmospheric nitrogen and re-formation of amino-acids. The resultant protein is the most easily digestible of all proteins available in foods.
Grains, legumes are nowhere even near to be considered a source of vitamin C. However, when sprouted, they reveal significant quantities of this vitamin. The infinite increase in Vitamin C or ascorbic acid derives from their absorption of atmospheric elements during growth.
Sprouts supply food in a pre-digested form -- food, which has already been acted upon by enzymes and simplified. During sprouting, much of the starch is broken down into simple sugars such as glucose and sucrose by the action of the enzyme ‘amylase’. Proteins are converted into amino acids and amides. Fats and oils are converted into simpler fatty acids by the action of the enzyme lipase. Also, during sprouting there is s reduction in the gas producing quality of beans. Mainly oligosaccharides have been held responsible for gas formation. As the process of germination ends and sprouting begins, the content of oligosaccharides is reduced by 90 percent. The content of fiber and water increases tremendously, which is a boon for a healthy digestive system.
Sprouts are a good source of chlorophyll, said to have anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. They are highly beneficial foods for losing weight too. They keep one full for a long time and also prevent over-eating as one feels satisfied on consuming just a handful.
Sprouts are an extremely inexpensive method of obtaining a concentration of protein, vitamins, minerals and enzymes. Eating sprouts is the safest and best way of getting the advantage of complete nutrition.
Cooking with Sprouts:
Sprouts could be eaten in various ways, other than just the standard salads that we generally know of. They could be used in the following ways:
To make hummus to be used as dips, for sandwich fillings (sprouted chickpea is best suited for this).
To make healthy vegetables and curries.
To be crushed lightly and added to pancakes, or used as a filling for pancakes.
To prepare a variety of stir fries.
To cook and serve with rice.
To be added to yoghurts.
To be juiced up (wheat grass is a sprout).
To be dried and turned into malt. This is called malted flour. It is especially given to babies in the form of porridge as it is easily digestible and has a high nutrient density. Ragi malt (Red millet malt) is very commonly prepared in southern India. It’s highly rich in calcium and iron, and is relished by all age groups. The dry ragi sprouts are roasted with wheat, green mung dal, and almonds, and are then ground and cooked with milk and sugar. Malted multigrain flours are also readily available. They can be had as porridge, they can be mixed in flour, or can be added to various food preparations.
Thursday, August 29, 2013
back aches
Home Remedies That Will Help You To Fight Backaches
Backache is one of the most common problems that an average adult faces in his or her life. Although people of all ages can catch backache, it is most commonly seen among adults between the age group of 35 and 55 years. According to reports, nearly 80 percent of the Americans will experience lower back ache at least one time in their life time. There are quite a lot of people living with mild to moderate backache and take it as part of their life. But, if you are suffering from mild or moderate or even severe backache for a considerable period of time continuously, then it is advised that you meet a doctor or a physician to diagnose the problem and to take necessary treatments for the problems before it worsens. It is not a serious problem as other major health issues, but it can cause a lot of pain and make you feel really uncomfortable.
What Is Backache?
Backache is a medical condition where you feel stiffness or hold in your lower back area and this result in mild to severe pain and discomfort. It is not a serious medical condition, but if you have chronic or continuous discomfort or pain in your lower back, then it is advised that you get it treated by a physician or a doctor. Lumbago is the medical term for backache and it is defined to be mild or severe pain or discomfort in the lower areas of your back. You might experience sudden or severe backache known as acute backache or chronic backache that is mild to moderate pain in the lower area of your back for a considerable period of time, say two to three months. Lumbago is often seen to occur commonly in younger people who work in places where physical involvement is always needed. But, it can also be caught up by people in their retirement age. There are also chances for people to catch backaches if they are not used to lifting heavy objects.
What Are The Causes Of Backaches?
It is not possible to identify the exact cause of backache in a majority of the people suffering from this medical condition. The lumbago or lower backache can happen from different ways, either from a fall or due to lifting heavy objects or even due to wrong sitting postures. Experts believe that backaches occur depending on the way the bones, muscles and ligaments work together in the lower back area of human bodies.
The aches in the lower back area of humans can be linked to
• Ligaments around spine and discs
• Discs between the vertebrae
• Lower back muscles
• Pelvic internal organs and abdomen
• Spinal cord and its nerves
• Skin around the lumbar area
• Deformation of the natural spine curve
• Damages to skeletons due to infection or tumor
• Brittle bones
Some of the other causes of backaches are:
• Over stretching during exercises
• Sitting for long hours
• Driving for longer periods of time without a break
• Pushing , pulling and lifting heavy things improperly
• Overuse of the muscles due to rigorous workouts or repetitive movements
• Standing for longer periods
• Bending for longer periods
Risk Factors That Trigger Backaches
There are a lot of factors that are responsible for causing stiffness and muscle pull in the lower area of your back. Some of the risk factors that increase in the development of backaches in humans are:
• Stressful job that requires a lot of physical work
• Mentally stressful jobs
• Depression and anxiety
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Overweight and obesity
• Gender as backaches found to be more common in females than in men
• Excessive smoking
• Strenuous exercise not done in a proper way
• Being pregnant
• Trying different sexual positions you are not comfortable with
• Long use of medications that are known to weaken bones
Signs and Symptoms of Backaches
A sign is something that a doctor finds out in a patient and a symptom is one that the patient feels and informs the doctor so that he can judge what the patient’s problem is. The main symptom for backaches is of course pain in the lower back area and sometimes pain that travels all the way to your buttocks, thighs and legs. In most of the cases, the signs and symptoms for backaches clear away after a few days. But, if you any of the following signs or symptoms is there with you for a considerable period of time along with your back pain, then it is advised that you meet a doctor.
• Sudden weight loss
• Swelling at the back
• Fever and headache
• Persistent back pain
• Sleeplessness at nights due to severe back pain
• Pain down to the thighs and legs
• Peeing unintentionally
• Pain from your back to your toes
• Numbness around genitals, or buttocks or anus
• Limitations in bending forward or leaning back
• Joint pains
• Neck pain and stiffness
• Injury or blow to your lower back
Diagnosis of Backaches
Most of the causes of backaches are the normal causes which do not need any medical attention or visit to the physician. Backaches would die off all by itself or can be treated with over the counter pain killers and proper self care. But, it is advised that you meet a physician or a medical practitioner if you are not able to fight the backache and if the backache never seems to subside despite taking over the counter pain killers. The doctor will carry out the necessary examination and ask you a few questions to diagnose the problem and to suggest necessary treatments to get rid of your back aches. If your backache is mild or severe, then the doctor would suggest you to carry out a lot of home remedies to get rid of the back ache and to prevent the occurrence of backaches.
Home Remedies for Backaches
Exercise
One of the best ways to prevent and reduce the backache you are suffering is to exercise. Swimming, walking and jogging will strengthen your muscles that will support your back. Some of the common exercises that you can do to strength your back muscles are:
• Wall sliding exercise
• Leg raising exercises
• Bottom lifts
Learn Correct Standing Posture
Many people do not know the correct posture of standing and this can also cause an effect on your back. It is ideal to practice correct standing posture which is standing upright with head facing forward and the back has to be kept straight. It is also important for the legs and the feet to be perfectly straight when you are standing.
Sitting Posture
Nowadays, there are a lot of people who spend hours and hours sitting together in front of the computers and TV screens.
• It is important for these people to maintain a proper sitting posture to avoid back aches.
• It is important for you to sit upright and also to provide support to your back while sitting.
• Your hips and the knees should be in level and the feet should be flat on the ground.
Sleeping Posture
A correct sleeping posture will help you to prevent backaches when you get up in the morning and is considered to be one among the many home remedies for backaches.
Make sure that you use a mattress that is hard enough to support your body.
• The mattress should be able to provide proper support to your spine and back area and also must support your buttocks and shoulders.
• If the mattress is soft, place a hard board on the top of the bed and under the mattress to get firm back support.
• Support your head with a pillow that does not force your neck to a steep angle.
Ice the Back Area
It would be ideal for you to apply an ice pack to the area where you suffer pain within 24 hours of feeling the back. This will make sure that there is no inflammation caused due to the injury to your back and prevent the nerves from carrying the pain signals to the brain. Place ice cubes in a plastic bag and apply it on the area of the skin covered with a thin towel. Leave the pack for 20 minutes and then take it off for 30 minutes and again place it for another 20 minutes. This will help in reducing inflammation and pain.
Hot Bath
If you are suffering from backache for two to three days, then it would be ideal for you to soak your entire body in a tub of hot water for about 20 to 30 minutes. This will help in improving the elasticity of the muscles in your body and reduce the stiffness in your lower back area.
Increase Sleep
Stress and strain and lack of sleep are some of the main causes of mild to moderate backaches. It would be better for you to get sufficient rest at nights in order to relax your back muscles. One best way to reduce back spasms is to lie with your side on the bed, with knees loosened and also place a pillow between your legs. If you like to lie on your back, then you can place pillows under your knees to reduce your back ache.
Relaxation and Yoga
Muscles in your body, especially in your back area tend to tighten up when you are in a lot of emotional stress and strain. The only way to get rid of this problem is to practice yoga and relaxation techniques. Meditation, deep breathing exercises and mild yoga for your lower back is one of the perfect home remedies for backaches.
Massage the Back Area
A simple and soft massage on the affected area of your back will do the trick for you. If you have an accommodating spouse or friend or partner at home, then you can ask them to slowly knead your back muscles. This will surely provide you with relief from mild backaches.
Reduce Overweight
If you are obese or overweight, then you are easy prey for backaches. It is important for you to cut down on oily and processed foods and concentrate on more intakes of fruits and vegetables to reduce your weight. Once you reduce your weight, you will find that your backache also has gone.
Lifting Tips
Most of the people suffer from backaches due to improper lifting of objects. Make sure that you give more stress on your knees and legs when you are lifting and do not try to lift weights by stressing your back. Also, make sure that you lift the weights very close to your body to prevent it from hurting your back area.
Moving Things
It is important for you to remember this simple technique while moving heavy objects. Make sure that you only push things to the desired position and never indulge in pulling things to its position as this will put a lot of stress on your back.
Wearing Right Shoes
Shoes play an important role in providing comfort not only to your feet but also your back. Flat and thin soled shoes are prone to increase back pain. Always buy shoes that offer arch support and have soft or rubber material under the heels so that the sole absorbs the shock when you walk or run.
Eating Garlic
Consuming two or three cloves of garlic on empty stomach is considered to be the best home remedies for backaches. You can also use garlic to massage the back areas where you feel stiffer. Increasing the quantity of garlic in your foods will also help in preventing mild backaches.
Herbal Oil Massage
One of the best home remedies for back aches is to massage your back with herbal oils. Any herbal oil like coconut oil or eucalyptus oil or almond oil can be used. You need to first warm the oil and then use it to massage your back areas where you feel stress or strain. Make sure that you massage the area gently. This will help the muscles to relax and you can get good relief from our backache.
Best Home Remedies For Morning Sickness
Best Home Remedies For Morning Sickness
What Is Morning Sickness?
In medical terms, the nausea and vomiting during pregnancy is known as morning sickness. “Morning Sickness” is one of the first signs of pregnancy and it not only occurs in the morning. It can happen any time during the day, but in some women the vomiting sensation is worse in the morning hours. The symptom is reduced over the course of the day. The intensity of nausea and vomiting will be different in each pregnant woman. Half of the pregnant women experience both nausea and vomiting during the early stages of pregnancy. One quarter may suffer from nausea alone.
How Long It Last?
In most of the pregnant women the nausea starts around the 6th week of pregnancy, but in some women it can start as early as 4th week. It gets worse for the next one month. Most of the women having morning sickness will get complete relief within the 14th week of pregnancy. For some women it will take another one month or so to ease up the problem. The condition may return at any stage of the pregnancy. In some women morning sickness may persist throughout the pregnancy period.
Does It Need Medical Attention?
Morning sickness is considered as a common problem which lasts only for a few weeks or months. The problem is that even the mild nausea makes you feel tired and if the problem is there throughout the day the woman gets exhausted. If the problem is not very severe you can try some home remedies for morning sickness. In some rare cases morning sickness can become lead to a severe condition called hyperemesis gravidarum. The woman has to be hospitalized and treated with intravenous fluids and medications in such cases.
What Are The Symptoms?
• Feeling of nausea and vomiting, especially in the early morning
• You pass less amount of urine
• Unable to keep down the liquids you drink
• Feeling dizzy when you stand up
• Increased heart beats
The Causes of Morning Sickness
The exact reasons for the nausea and vomiting during pregnancy are not known. The physical changes occurring in the body of the pregnant woman are considered to be the possible reason for the sickness.
• One of the prime suspects in causing nausea is the human chorionic gonadotropin. It has been found that nausea is at the peak when the level of this hormone is at the maximum.
• In women carrying multiple children, the level of human chorionic gonadotropin is more and they experience higher level of nausea and vomiting.
Another major cause for the morning sickness is estrogen hormone.
• The level of estrogen is more during early pregnancy, which corresponds with the occurrence of the symptom.
• Some researchers think that estrogen hormone increases the sense of smell and sensitivity to various odors during pregnancy. Some odors can trigger the nausea and vomiting.
• According to some researchers, the gastrointestinal tract of some of the women are more sensitive to the changes happening during the early stages of pregnancy and hence the symptoms.
In some women the morning sickness may be due to the increased stress during pregnancy.
Are Some Women More Prone To Morning Sickness?
If you are a woman belonging to any of the following groups you are more likely to experience morning sickness.
• If you are carrying twins or multiples, the higher level of hormones can cause the sickness
• If you suffered from morning sickness in the first pregnancy
• If you had nausea and vomiting while using birth control pills
• If you are a person with motion sickness
• If you have a family history of the problem. If your mother or sisters experienced the morning sickness during their pregnancy period
• If you have a migraine headache history
• One study found that 50% of the women carrying a girl had severe nausea and vomiting
Will Morning Sickness Affect The Baby In Anyway?
Mild or moderate morning sickness in the first trimester does not threaten the well-being of the baby. It is not a problem even if you fail to gain weight during the first trimester. You should however keep your body hydrated and should be able to hold some food down. If you are suffering from severe nausea and vomiting you may not be getting sufficient nutrients, you may need to take prenatal vitamins. Prolonged vomiting has a greater risk of premature birth and low birth weight.
Available Treatments
There are different treatments available which will help to alleviate the symptoms of morning sickness. This includes acupressure, hypnotherapy, reflexology, acupuncture etc.
• Acupressure- Pressing the particular points in the body helps to reduce nausea. This point lies in your wrist and there are acupressure wrist bands available without any prescription. The effectiveness of this method is not proven. According to the researchers this band only has a placebo effect.
• Hypnotherapy has been found effective in vomiting caused by anxiety, fear and stress. There is no evidence to prove that hypnotherapy can reduce morning sickness. However some women find relief from the problem through hypnosis.
• Acupuncture- this is another method which claims to help in treating morning sickness. This method works for some women and the effectiveness is not proven. You have to approach an acupuncture therapist to do the treatment. The stimulation using needles can cause skin irritation in some people.
• Reflexology – this treatment should be done by a registered and experienced practitioner. Your symptoms may worsen if the reflexology is not done in the proper way. Moreover this treatment is costly and is not covered by insurance policies.
Home Remedies for Morning Sickness
Though there is no permanent cure available for morning sickness, some home remedies help you to overcome the unpleasant feeling. Some of the important home remedies for morning sickness is discussed below.
Avoiding Large Meals
Large meals are difficult to digest and there are chances of throwing up. It is easy to keep down small meals. So, it is better to opt for small, frequent meals .Eat at least 5-6 times a day rather than having three large meals.
Do Not Leave the Stomach Empty
Empty stomach can trigger morning sickness. When your stomach is empty the acids in the stomach has nothing to digest and this will bring on the nausea feeling.
• Nibble some snacks you like, when you get up in the morning before you get out of your bed.
• You can consume some in the middle of the night if you feel nauseated.
• Get out of the bed only 20-30 minutes after you take the snacks. This will reduce the intensity of morning sickness.
Carefully Choose the Food
If you have morning sickness tries to avoid foods that are difficult to digest. It is better to opt for low fat foods which have more carbohydrates and proteins in it. Complex carbohydrates like bread, pasta, potatoes are easier to digest and give a soothing effect. Avoid spicy or acidic foods and fried foods which will irritate the digestive tract and makes you throw up.
Do Not Lie Down As Soon As You Finish Eating
Avoid lying down immediately after having your meal. Do not especially lie on your left side. Lying down will slow down the digestion process and trigger nausea.
Avoid Smelly Foods
Some women do not like a particular food smell when they are pregnant and it will trigger vomiting on them.
• Avoid foods which have a smell that triggers nausea.
• Eat foods which are appealing to you. Do not consider whether it is a balanced diet or not. This is extremely important if you are having severe morning sickness.
Eat Food at Room Temperature
Hot food items have a stronger aroma and this may trigger the nausea and vomiting. Hence try to eat food which are cold or at room temperature to avoid your sufferings.
Ginger Tea
Consuming ginger tea is one easy way to soothe the stomach. Ginger tea is very effective in reducing morning sickness as well as motion sickness. Sip some ginger tea when you feel that you are nauseated.
Herbal Tea
There are different types of herbal tea which will reduce the problem of morning sickness. Tea made with lemon, chamomile and peppermint are usually used for this purpose. You will have to find out which one works better for you. If you suffer from heartburn avoid using peppermint tea.
Fennel Seeds
Fennel seeds help to reduce the vomiting sensation. Chew on some fennel seeds when you feel queasy. Always keep some near your bedside, if you are suffering from morning sickness.
Drinking Water
Another home remedy for morning sickness is drinking water every one hour.
• You can drink water even when you get up at night to visit the bathroom. This will reduce the concentration of stomach acids and also helps you hydrated.
• When the concentration of the acids in the stomach gets reduced, you will get to relive from the nauseous feeling.
• Your urine should be clear. If your urine is dark, you are not getting enough water.
Lemon
Women with morning sickness can either sniff the smell of sliced lemon or they can take some lemon juice with water to prevent nausea. You can also use ginger ale, without fizz. Most of the sour drinks help you to keep down.
Brush Your Teeth
Always brush your teeth after meals and after vomiting. This will remove the distaste from the mouth and also keep away the tendency to vomit.
Avoiding Triggers Other than Food
There are many non-food factors which may trigger the nausea and vomiting in pregnant women. The smell of certain perfumes, flowers, stuffy rooms, car rides and certain visual stimuli, all these can trigger nausea. Moving away from the stimuli is the best option to avoid vomiting.
Try Liquid Diet
When the morning sickness is at its worst, try having lsiquid diet which will ease your stomach. Try to get the essential nutrients from juices, soups and other drinks.
Breathe Fresh Air
If you are living in unpolluted areas you can open your windows to allow fresh air to come inside the room while you are at home or at your work place. Fresh air can make you feel better. Avoid the smell of cooking foods and cigarette smoke.
Walking
Getting mild exercises help to reduce the symptoms of morning sickness. Walking improves digestion and helps in the proper circulation of blood as well.
Stay Away From Molds and Chemicals
The smell of mold and the strong smell of chemicals can cause nausea. Keep away from petrol, diesel, ammonia, exhaust fumes etc.
Avoid Sudden Movements of the Body
Care should be taken to avoid sudden jerky movements of the body like when you get out of the bed. Sit on the bed for a few minutes and then slowly get down. This will help to prevent the nausea feeling.
Frozen-Fruit Bar
Continuous vomiting can remove the sugar from your body. When you chew on the fruit bar, you will be replacing the sugar needed by the body. The flavor of the fruit bar will also suppress nausea.
Take Rest
When you are tired, nausea gets worse. So take rest and relax whenever you can. Indulge in activities which will help you to forget about the discomfort, like talking to your friends, watching TV, etc.
Yoga and Meditation
If stress is the reason for your morning sickness you can try techniques like deep breathing, meditation, yoga or any relaxation exercises to reduce stress. When your stress is reduced your symptoms will automatically subside.
What If The Symptoms Get Worse?
If the symptoms get worse and if you are not able to drink or eat anything including liquid foods and water, you might be having hyperemesis gravidarum. See your doctor for medical assistance as your body will get deprived of the essential nutrients.
Are you a pregnant woman suffering from the uncomfortable symptoms of morning sickness? Are you looking for home remedies that are effective and cheap? Then you can try some of the home remedies given above to find changes in your “sickness” condition
The Best Home Remedies For Eczema Scars
The Best Home Remedies For Eczema Scars
What Is Eczema?
Eczema is a skin condition in which the skin of a person becomes dry, itchy, cracked and reddened. This chronic condition affects both males and females and mainly affects children. It is also known as atopic eczema or atopic dermatitis. About 30 % of the skin diseases diagnosed will be eczema. Atopic eczema means inherited eczema. It can occur in any part of the body and it is a long term disease. The intensity of the disease increases at some stages in the life and it needs intense treatment. Eczema can be triggered as an allergic response to various substances and situations.
The Causes Of Eczema
Eczema is commonly found in people with a history of atopic diseases such as asthma, hay fever and other allergies. Usually 90 % of the patients develop the condition before reaching 5 years of age. The rashes begin on face, scalp, hands and feet. In adults the rashes are seen inside the knees and elbows, neck, hands and feet. Though the exact cause or the eczema attack is not known, it can flare up when exposed to certain triggers like
• Allergens- this includes pet hair, dander, pollen, mold, foods such as eggs, nuts, dairy products, wheat, shellfish etc. These allergens also trigger asthma and hay fever.
• Skin Irritants- perfumes, household chemicals, harsh soaps, alcohol containing skin- products, tight clothing, wool are the main skin irritants.
• Climatic Conditions- excess heat and low or high humidity triggers eczema. The dry skin conditions during winter also triggers the flare-up.
• Water- hot baths and hard water trigger eczema.
• Cold Or Flu- infections of the body triggers eczema
• Stress- when the stress increases the dryness of the skin and itching increases.
• Foods –certain foods cause allergic reactions in sensitive people. The food items which may cause allergy includes cow’s milk, eggs, nuts, soya, wheat etc.
• Hormones – there are reports that eczema symptoms in women worsen during the menstrual cycle. About 30 % of the women have flare ups in the days preceding the periods. About 50% of the women with eczema experiences worse eczema symptoms when they are pregnant. This shows that the hormonal changes affect the symptoms of eczema.
The Symptoms
When the person is having eczema and there is no flare up the symptoms are as follows
• The skin feels dry
• Some areas of the skin appear cracked
• The skin in particular areas becomes itchy and may appear as raw if scratching is uncontrollable
• The itching increases at night
• Thickened areas of the skin due to scratching
• Some areas of the skin become red and inflamed
• Some of the inflamed areas of the skin develop blisters and starts oozing liquid
• The skin develops red, brown or gray colored patches
• There will be bumps appearing on the skin
When the patients have a flare up of the eczema, the above symptoms will be there and some new symptoms also appear. The symptoms that are developed during flare-up includes
• The skin becomes extremely itchy
• The itching and scratching makes the skin appear redder, raw and more sensitive
• The skin becomes more scaly and drier
• The affected areas become hotter
• Skin develop blisters
• The raised bumps will become more prominent and may leak fluids
• Bacterial infection o0f the affected areas occurs
How Does Eczema Affect Your Life?
Eczema is a frustrating condition and causes stress.
• In people with severe eczema the daily life will be challenging and very uncomfortable.
• The intense itch cause loss of sleep and keep the children off from attending school and the adults from work.
• The person will not want to mingle with others as they are embarrassed about the skin condition.
• They won’t be able to enjoy the pool or sports activities as chemicals in the water and sweating can trigger flare-ups.
Eczema puts the person in a vicious circle. The diseases start with unpleasant itching and the scratching cause the itch to worsen. The patient will scratch more causing the skin to bleed. The life becomes really challenging for the affected people. The diseases result in scars which make people embarrassed about their condition. There are home remedies for eczema scars which will help to remove the scars.
Goals Of Managing Eczema
You need to make smart choices and follow good routines to manage eczema effectively. The main goal of managing eczema includes
• Maintaining healthy skin
• Avoiding flares of the symptoms
• Relieving the symptoms quickly when the flares occur
Managing Eczema
Good skin care is the most important thing needed to manage eczema. Some things which help to manage eczema includes
• Regular Bathing- this helps to keep the skin hydrated and removes the crusts of the inflamed skin. It also removes the germs and dirt from the affected area. Do not use harsh soaps while bathing. Do not scrub or wipe the water aggressively.
• Use Moisturizers- moisturizing using natural items to reduce dry skin. This is one of the best ways to keep eczema under control. Hydrating the skin reduces itching and irritation.
• Cotton Dress- using cotton dress reduces itching
• Cut Your Nails- this will do less damage to the skin when you scratch the skin
• Keep Hydrated- drink at least 8 glasses of water to keep your skin hydrated.
• Temperature Changes -Avoid sudden changes in temperature and humidity.
Treatments And Medications For Eczema
The treatment to be provided for eczema depends on the severity of the condition. For minor conditions home remedies for eczema scars are helpful. There are various topical creams available for treating mild eczema condition. Severe eczema results in scars which are difficult to remove. It may require strong –cortisone products to treat severe eczema conditions.
Home Remedies For Eczema Scars
There are many home treatments which will provide you relief from the itch and pain associated with eczema. They also help to reduce the unsightly scars. Here are 12 effective home remedies for getting rid of eczema scars.
Oatmeal Bath
Oatmeal bath is very effective in reducing the scars of eczema quickly. Take 1-2 cups of ground oatmeal add to warm bathing water. Use this water to soak your body for 20- 30 minutes. Pat dry the skin, after 30 minutes. Use this remedy two- three times a day for better results.
Honey
This remedy has excellent ability to remove all types of scars. The antiseptic and anti-bacterial properties to help you reduce any skin problems. Wash the area with rashes and apply honey directly on the rashes. You can also make a body scrub using honey and sugar and scrub the affected areas of the skin. Rinse off the honey or the scrub after 20-30 minutes with cold or warm water. Repeat the treatment daily to heal the scars of eczema.
Shea Butter
Shea butter contains vitamin A and vitamin E. These vitamins help to maintain the health of the skin. This remedy moisturizes skin and rejuvenates the skin when applied on the affected areas. This will make the scars to vanish. For getting quick results apply the remedy at least twice a day. You can also use Shea butter along with lemon juice. Mix 2 parts of Shea butter with one part fresh lemon juice and apply this paste on the affected areas. You can leave it on the skin overnight.
Aloe Vera
Take the gel from the fresh leaves of aloe Vera and apply it on the scars. This will reduce the dark scars of eczema. You can alternatively use it with vitamin E oil. Apply the remedy on the skin and leave it overnight. Next day morning use warm water to wash it off. Apply this remedy regularly to make the scars vanish.
Lemon
Lemon juice has acidic properties and kills the bacteria that will infect the skin. They also act as bleach and lighten the color of the scars. The vitamin C present in the lemon juice will help the skin to produce new cells. You can use lemon juice for the treatment of scars in different ways. You can either apply the fresh juice directly on the skin or you can mix the juice with sugar and use it for exfoliating the skin. This will remove the dead scar cells. Drinking water with lemon juice added to it helps to remove the toxins from your body. This makes healing of scars faster.
Apple Cider Vinegar
The antifungal and antibacterial properties of this home remedy help to prevent the flare up of eczema and also help to reduce the scars. Mix two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar and two teaspoons of honey in one glass of water and drink it thrice a day. This home remedy will increase the immunity of the body and helps in reducing inflammation and scarring. You can also apply apple cider vinegar on the affected areas by diluting it with 1 part water the dryness and itchiness of the scars can be reduced by this method.
Fish Oil
If you want to minimize the scars caused by eczema, you should regularly take fish oil capsules. The fish oil contains omega 3 fatty acids which help to reduce inflammations in the body. This helps to reduce the eczema scars. It is necessary to take a daily dose of 1200 milligrams three times a day to fade away the scars left by eczema attack. You can also consume foods enriched with fish oil to treat the scars.
Olive Oil
This is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent and it reduces the inflammations caused by eczema. It softens the skin and reduces the skin color. It is necessary that you use extra virgin olive oil to get the proper result from the remedy. Apply the extra virgin oil directly on the scars. Leave it on the skin for a few minutes. Wipe away the oil using lukewarm water.
Coconut Oil
The virgin coconut oil has antiseptic properties and it also moisturizes the skin. Rub virgin coconut oil on the affected areas many times a day. This is one of the most effective home remedies for eczema scars.
Nutmeg Powder
Add water to powdered nutmeg and make it a paste applies the paste to the affected skin. Repeat the treatment regularly to lighten the skin.
Vitamin E Oil
Break open Vitamin E capsules and apply the oil contained in them on the affected skin. Avoid synthetic vitamin E. Read the labels of the capsule before buying it. You can also make a paste of vitamin E rich nuts like almonds and walnuts and apply it on the calloused skin. This remedy helps in itch reduction and removal of inflammation. The oil present in the nuts softens the skin and the granules exfoliate the skin removing the dead scar cells.
Cocoa Butter
This natural remedy helps to restore the damaged skin and get rid of the scars. Use pure cocoa butter and avoid beauty products containing the cocoa butter. The other ingredients in the product may aggravate your eczema. The cocoa butter moisturizes the skin when applied daily on the scars.
Baking Soda
Make a smooth paste of baking soda with water apply it on the affected skin and gently massage for two minutes. Rinse of the mix with lukewarm water. You will find an instant reduction in the redness and inflammation around the scars.
Sea Salt Bath
Take a bath with water having sea salts added to it. This offers the perfect cure for eczema scars. Soak yourself in salt water for at least 20 minutes. Salt helps to heal the cracks in the skin and will help to remove the infections and inflammations. Regular use of this remedy will remove the dirt scars from your body.
Apart from these home remedies, take measures to prevent the flare up by changing your diet, soaps and detergents and the clothes you wear. Apply Vaseline on the affected areas after the bath this will prevent dryness of the skin.
Are you worried about the dirty scars caused by eczema on your body? Are you on the lookout for best home remedies to treat the scars? Then, try the above said remedies and find the difference it makes to your skin.
Saturday, July 6, 2013
NATURECURE TREATMENT AND REMEDY FOR CONSTIPATION
CONSTIPATION
Root Cause of Most Diseases
DR.RAJESHKUMAR.S,
Senior Naturopath
Constipation means bowel movements that are infrequent or hard to pass. Constipation is a common cause of painful defecation. Severe constipation includes obstipation (failure to pass stools or gas) and fecal impaction, which can progress to bowel obstruction and become life-threatening. Constipation is a symptom with many causes. These causes are of two types: obstructed defecation and colonic slow transit (or hypo mobility).
Constipation occurs when bowel movements become difficult or less frequent. The normal length of time between bowel movements ranges widely from person to person. Some people have bowel movements three times a day; others, only one or two times a week. Going longer than three days without a bowel movement is too long. After three days, the stool or feces become harder and more difficult to pass.
Causes
What Causes Constipation?
Constipation is usually caused by a disorder of bowel function rather than a structural problem. Common causes of constipation include:
• Inadequate water intake
• Inadequate fiber in the diet
• A disruption of regular diet or routine; traveling
• Inadequate activity or exercise or immobility
• Eating large amounts of dairy products
• Stress
• Resisting the urge to have a bowel movement, which is sometimes the result of pain from hemorrhoids
• Overuse of laxatives (stool softeners) which, over time, weaken the bowel muscles
• Hypothyroidism
• Neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis
• Antacid medicines containing calcium or aluminum
• Medicines (especially strong pain medicines, such as narcotics, antidepressants, or iron pills)
• Depression
• Eating disorders
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Pregnancy
• Colon cancer
In some cases, lack of good nerve and muscle function in the bowel may also be a cause of constipation.
The causes of constipation can be divided into congenital, primary, and secondary. The most common cause is primary and not life threatening. In the elderly, causes include: insufficient dietary fiber intake, inadequate fluid intake, and decreased physical activity, side effects of medications, hypothyroidism, and obstruction by colorectal cancer.
Constipation with no known organic cause, i.e. no medical explanation, exhibits gender differences in prevalence females are more often affected than males.
Nature Cure Treatment:
• Mud pack to abdomen or cold compress.
• Cold hip bath
• Abdomen pack every night.
• Gastro-hepatic pack 2 to 3 times in a Week.
• Enema initially and then tapering it off as diet and exercise show their effects.
• Fasting initially for 2 to 3 days, then fruits and raw vegetable diet for a few days. High fiber cooked diet to be introduced gradually.
• To aid in digestion, drink a Warm glass of water with lemon juice in the morning.
• Castor Oil Pack once a Week.
• Colon hydrotherapy - three sessions once in a year.
• Laghushankprakshalan - yogic kriya.
Acupressure
Acupressure is a traditional healing practice that involves the application of finger pressure to specific acupuncture points on the body.
A point that is often recommended by acupuncturists for constipation is Large Intestine 4. Although it hasn't been studied for constipation, it is a simple home remedy that may work for some people. The point is at the highest spot of the muscle between the thumb and index finger when they are brought close together. Caution: do not use this point if you are pregnant.
With your thumb or middle finger at a 90 degree angle to the skin, apply gradually increasing pressure. Hold for three minutes. The pressure should not be painful or uncomfortable.
Remedies:
A great home remedy to cure constipation is agar wood leaves. The leaves can be made into a tea that completely flushes your body of toxins (such as mercury). One of the advantages of this flush is it also eliminates any constipation 100% naturally.
Prunes and figs can be added to breakfast or eaten as a snack.
Another option is to sprinkle one teaspoon of ground flaxseeds over any meal. They can be found in packages at the health food store or some grocery stores. They have a mild, nutty taste.
Fiber supplements are also available, the most popular being psyllium husk supplements such as Metamucil. Add fiber to your diet gradually to avoid bloating and gas. Also, be sure to drink enough water otherwise fiber can have the opposite effect and be constipating.
Fluids
Making sure you drink enough fluids such as water may help some people with constipation. Fluids make bowel movements softer and easier to pass.
• Castor oil has a compound that when digested stimulates the small and large intestines. Swallow one to two teaspoons quickly on an empty stomach and give it eight hours to work its magic. Tastes nasty but it works!
• Prunes are one of the oldest home remedies for constipation. High in fiber, prunes also contain a compound called dihydroxyphenyl isatin, which kicks the colon into action.
• Raisins are also high in fiber as well as tartaric acid, which have a laxative effect.
• Triphala churna which consists of fruits of 3 trees, the Indian gooseberry, Belleric myrobalan and Chebulic myrobalan, is a laxative and helps to regulate digestion and elimination. It is available as a powder, can be mixed with honey or ghee, and should be taken twice a day.
• Fennel and licorice tea help to relieve constipation.
• Soak raisins and prunes overnight and drink the juice. It will provide a mild eliminative effect.
• Before going to bed take isabgol with a glass of hot water or tea.
• Drinking milk boiled with some turmeric and figs can help relieve constipation.
• If you are severely constipated, drinking milk with two teaspoons of castor oil can help.
• Guava when eaten with seeds and bael fruit helps to tone the intestines and add roughage to the diet to give relief from constipation. Fruits like banana, prunes, pears, grapes, and papaya can also help.
• Mix lemon juice with a glass of warm water and drink 2-3 times a day.
Things that shouldn’t be forced:
Relax and don’t wait:
• Never force a bowel movement. You can give yourself hemorrhoids or anal fissures that eventually narrow the anal opening, causing constipation.
• Never ignore nature’s call. If you do, you’re asking for a case of constipation.
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