Category Archives: General health

How to make your own list of ‘Safe’ and ‘Avoid’ foods for GERD

I am sure that those among you who have been living with GERD know exactly what this disease is. But, for those, who are new to this condition and are experiencing some possible symptoms of it, a brief explanation may help in having a better understanding of the problem.

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GERD or Gastroesophageal Reflux disease is a fairly common gastrointestinal disorder caused by the flow of the stomach acid back into the esophagus. This may result in nausea, heartburn, sour eructations and vomiting.

This disease basically occurs when the “one way valve” located between the stomach and esophagus, which is meant for allowing food to enter into the stomach and for preventing it from getting back into the esophagus, becomes lax or weak.

Although the symptoms of this disease can be severe, most patients can control them with simple diet changes. Here’s a list of ‘Safe’ and ‘Avoid’ foods for you to begin with. Consider this as a broad guideline to arrive at your own lists after some trial and error.

Safe foods to add to your GERD diet:

Pineapple and Papaya:

Papaya contains Papain and pineapple contains Bromelain. Both these substances help enhance the breakdown of proteins in the stomach and provide relief from the symptoms of the disease.

Vegetables:

Baked potato, broccoli, carrots, cabbage, peas, lettuce and beans are safe vegetables that can be consumed in plenty by patients with GERD.

Meat products:

If you love meats, you can indulge in extra lean ground beef, white turkey meat and skinless chicken breast.

Beverages:

Drink plenty of water. This will help neutralize acid in the stomach and prevent heartburn. If you like fruit juices, opt for non-citrus ones.

Foods to Avoid:

  • Spicy food
  • Hot food
  • Citrus fruits
  • Mint and chocolates
  • Peppers and raw onions
  • Alcohol
  • Whole milk
  • Caffeinated and carbonated drinks
  • Fried meats

It may take time for you to learn exactly which foods among these can worsen or relieve your symptoms. Till then, you can start using drugs that reduce acid production. Most doctors advise patients to use Aciphex for this purpose. This drug contains Rabeprazole and is usually taken in a dose of 20 mg once a day. However, consulting your physician will let you know more about the exact dosage of Aciphex required for you.

Do you have difficulty in passing urine?

Nothing could bother Sam even when he crossed 60. He was really optimistic about everything in life. That is why he did not pay much attention when he started having problems in passing urine. He had mild pain while urinating, was unable to hold the urine for a long time, and even had some difficulty in starting the urine flow. He just ignored it. Little did he know that he suffered from a serious problem in his prostate gland! He woke up only when one day his urine flow was completely obstructed and he had to be rushed to a hospital. Such stories are not limited to Sam. Many people do ignore these symptoms not knowing they are signs of a disease called benign hyperplasia of the prostate or BHP.

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If you are also above 60 or nearing 60 and having such urinary complaints, wake up and pay attention to what this could mean!

BHP is caused by an enlargement of the prostate gland resulting in pressure on the urethra, causing difficulty in urination.

The herbs given below are highly beneficial for controlling the progress of this disease:

  • African plum: this herb has been traditionally used for urinary troubles. It helps in relieving several BHP symptoms including increased urination at night and improves urine flow.
  • Saw palmetto: this herb helps in controlling the progress of this disease by preventing a male hormone, testosterone, from being converted into dihydrotestosterone, which is responsible for the enlargement of the prostate.
  • Grass pollen: studies have proved that grass pollen relieves frequent night-time urination and helps in emptying the bladder completely.

Which medicines can help?

Most men with BHP are advised to use Avodart. It contains dutasteride which works by blocking the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone that is involved in the enlargement of the prostate.

The usual recommended dose of Avodart is 0.5 mg once daily. Men should discuss their symptoms with a physician and confirm the right dose for them, before they start using this drug.

Sam felt relieved only after his doctor passed a catheter for overcoming the obstruction to the urine flow. This was not easy because the gland was enlarged, and too big to pass the catheter smoothly. He was put on Avodart after discharge. Hopefully, you have realized the mistakes Sam did and will not follow his example.

4 Fun Activities to Help Dementia Patients

Dementia is a mental disorder that causes a decline in functioning of the brain and makes it difficult for an individual to comprehend, learn, remember and communicate. It affects the centers of a patient’s brain that deal with memory, attention, language and problem solving abilities. The diminishing abilities of the brain leave an individual helpless and unable to take care of him/her self.

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Activities That Can Help:

The first thing one should realize while dealing with dementia patients is that they are not disabled. They may be mentally slow, but they are not ill and they understand many things around them, and possibly much more than is realized. Hence, they need to be treated with a lot of love, respect and compassion. This is the first step towards helping them in the true sense.

Some of the activities that can help them recover are as follows:

  • Reminiscence: Allow them to flip through old family photographs and ask them about their experiences and what they remember doing in the photographs. But, don’t force them. If they feel like discussing it they will, or else just let them sit in silence while they absorb the memories from the photos from their past.
  • Help Them Enjoy What they Like: Almost all patients enjoy doing activities similar or related to what they have always enjoyed doing. For instance, if someone has always enjoyed cooking, it’s best to let them help you do odd jobs in the kitchen. This will actually thrill them and make them feel like they are being helpful and contributing to something.
  • Music Therapy: Whenever patients are feeling low, play their favorite music; as soothing music has proved helpful in calming down aggressive traits amongst patients with this disorder. It also helps lessen their fear of being abandoned or harmed. In case it is a peppy track and they enjoyed dancing, encourage them to dance.
  • Memory Games: Encourage them to play simple kiddy games like Carom, Crazy Eights, Monopoly, Chutes & Ladders, etc. Patients seem to be quite interested and interactive while playing these types of games.

Dealing with dementia patients takes a bit of effort and lots of patience to help them regain control over their lives. Doctors usually prescribe drugs like Namenda to treat this disorder. The combination of medicines like Namenda and proper care and stimulation will definitely help patients recover from this condition. Providing proper care for these individuals is very important as they need your help and are unable to express it.

8 Effective Tips for Dealing with Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic disorder that affects the digestive tract. It is causes inflammation, redness and ulcers (sores) in the inner walls of the intestine, colon and rectum. The exact cause for this condition is not known yet. It was widely believed that excessive stress and wrong dietary habits were the causes, but this is not true. Researchers state that it is an autoimmune disease, caused due to a weak immune system.

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Symptoms:

  • Persistent diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Loss of appetite
  • Blood in feces
  • Recurring fever
  • Fatigue

Tips to Deal with the Condition:

  • Drink plenty of water and fluids as this helps prevent dehydration and proves beneficial in the smooth functioning of the digestive system.
  • Consume food rich in soluble fiber as it is easy to digest. Consume lean meat, fish, cereals, fresh fruits and vegetables that are peeled, oat bran, soy, eggs, etc.
  • Avoid raw carrots, onions, asparagus, zucchini, broccoli, cabbage, corn, mushrooms, dried fruits, high fat meat, fruits with seeds, beans, caffeine and carbonated beverages, and products containing sorbitol.
  • Avoiding or restricting the intake of sugar is considered very helpful. Many doctors advise patients to eliminate soft drinks, processed foods with high sugar content, desserts, chocolates, ice cream, etc. from their diet.
  • Instead of eating 2 0r 3 large meals a day, it is better to opt for smaller and more frequent meals.
  • Maintain a food diary to keep a record of foods that can spell trouble. Once identified, it becomes easier to know what to avoid. It’s best to consult a doctor for a list of safe foods, and foods that should be avoided.
  • Taking calcium, vitamin D, folic acid and essential omega-3 fatty acid supplements can prove beneficial. However, the actual usage recommendation must come from the physician. Never take any medicine or supplements without consulting the doctor.
  • Perhaps the most important point when dealing with any health disorder is taking your prescribed medication on time. Physicians often prescribe drugs like Asacol to treat ulcerative colitis. It is important to take your scheduled dosage of Asacol or any other medication on time to recover quickly.

A better understanding of ulcerative colitis, and the tips given above, will prove helpful in dealing with the disorder. Making these dietary changes, along with the treatment prescribed by the medical practitioner, will help you treat this disorder and live a happy and healthy life.

What is the Difference between Asthma and COPD?

COPD or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is a lung disorder caused due to obstruction of the air passages. It does not refer to a single condition, but includes a group of lung diseases like emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Asthma is also a chronic respiratory disease and is characterized by difficulty in breathing. Since both of these are chronic disorders, the treatment aims at controlling the symptoms and reducing further damage.

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COPD Causes:

This condition is mainly caused due to long-term smoking, genetic factors and exposure to environmental irritants such as dust, pollen, chemicals, etc. Speaking of smoking, the chemicals in tobacco damage the lining of the airways in the lungs, thereby causing inflammation. People who are exposed to passive smoking are also equally vulnerable to developing this disorder.

Symptoms:

The symptoms of this condition worsen gradually and remain hidden until the lungs are damaged significantly. The occurrence of any symptoms indicates that the disease has already reached an advanced stage. The symptoms which do occur include:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Cough
  • Chest Infection
  • Tightness in the chest

ASTHMA Causes:

Unlike COPD, the actual cause for asthma is not known yet. Doctor aren’t sure yet, but they assume that environmental factors and genetics have a major role in developing this disorder. Some factors that considered as triggers include:

  • Allergens like dust, pollen, mold, dust mites, etc.
  • Common colds and other respiratory infections.
  • Breathing in extremely cold air.
  • A family history.

Symptoms:

The symptoms of asthma may vary. Some patients may experience mild symptoms while other suffer with severe problems. The common symptoms may include:

  • Breathing difficulty
  • Wheezing
  • Cough
  • Chest tightness

Treatment:

One of the main challenges in treating both these respiratory disorders is diagnosing them at an early stage. There’s no cure for these conditions, but there are several effective drugs to help control the symptoms and prevent further damage. Since shortness of breath is the most common problem in both conditions, physicians usually prescribe the use of inhaler devices like Symbicort to help ease the breathing. Inhalers like Symbicort work by relaxing the muscles in the airways and help to ease breathing.

The main difference between both these disorders lies in the causes and the triggers for the conditions. Identifying the cause makes it easier to prevent and control the symptoms of these conditions. Hope this brief info has helped you understand both these conditions.

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Many people think that peptic ulcers are very common; so they need not be taken seriously. Of course there is no logic in this. In fact, this is a very dangerous disease when not treated properly and can it even lead to some life threatening complications like perforation. People must take proper treatment for this disease and also follow some precautions to avoid such consequences.

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What is a Peptic Ulcer?

It is a condition that occurs because of a hole or a break in the inner lining of the stomach, the duodenum or the esophagus. It forms when the mucosa is corroded by the acidic juices secreted in the stomach.

The symptoms that should alarm people about this disease:

  • Pain that is worse on empty stomach and at night
  • Difficulty in swallowing
  • Regurgitation of food
  • Retching after eating
  • Weight loss
  • Loss of appetite
  • Vomiting of blood
  • Black stools

Precautions to be taken:

  • Reduce intake of spicy food
  • Avoid alcohol and caffeine
  • Avoid smoking
  • Avoid using pain killers like ibuprofen and aspirin
  • Avoid chewing lots of chewing gum
  • Eat frequent small meals

Foods to eat:

  • Food containing omega-3 fatty acids like salmon and tuna
  • Vegetables and fruits like carrots, cabbage juice, kiwifruit and apricots
  • Vitamin E rich foods like hazelnut, wheat germ and soybean oil
  • Chamomile tea
  • Low-fat yogurt
  • Fiber rich foods like fruits and oats

Medicines for peptic ulcers:

The symptoms and the complications caused by this disease can be easily controlled by using Nexium. The active component of this medication is Esomeprazole. It helps by decreasing the production of acid in the stomach, thereby preventing the corrosion of the stomach mucosa. It also helps to hasten the healing of the ulcer.

Dosage instructions:

Patients can use Nexium in a dose of 20 mg, once daily. They can contact a doctor to learn more regarding this drug.

Peptic ulcer is a serious illness, but is not difficult to manage. If patients take treatment with Nexium and follow the above-mentioned precautions, they can easily get rid of its symptoms and avoid the complications.

6 Tips to Deal with Migraine Headaches Naturally

Migraines are chronic headaches which involve excruciating pain. The throbbing headaches can last for hours and even days. The disorder is found to be more common in women as compared to men. There are many factors responsible of causing this condition. These include hormonal changes, changes in weather, stress, certain foods and beverages, change in sleeping patterns, and too much exertion.

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Tips to Manage Migraine Headaches:

  • Tip 1: A gentle massage can provide a lot of relief. Gently rub your fingers over the temple and the arteries near the ears. Also massage the neck and shoulder area. This improves blood circulation in these areas, and eases the tension in the muscles.
  • Tip 2: Get yourself at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night. Ensure that you maintain a regular sleeping time. For example, try and go to bed around the same time every day.
  • Tip 3: There are certain foods that should be avoided when trying to manage these annoying headaches. Some of the foods that should be avoided or restricted include chocolate, cheese, caffeine, nuts, soy beans, seeds, alcohol, etc. If possible, keep away from these foods for at least a month.
  • Tip 4: Try and avoid going to places where there is loud music or sounds, and bright lights. These factors are known to further aggravate the problem.
  • Tip 5: De-stressing the body is one of the most beneficial ways of coping with this disorder. Stress is considered to be amongst the main causes for the onset of this condition. Try techniques like yoga, meditation or progressive muscle relaxation as they work wonders for the mind and body.
  • Tip 6: Acupressure is one of the most common and widely used methods for dealing with this disorder. It stimulates the body’s own healing mechanism and helps reduce the frequency as well as intensity of attacks.

Treatment:

In case of severe and frequent attacks, it is important to seek advice from a physician. There are several prescription and OTC drugs available in the market for treating this condition. Physicians often prescribe drugs like Maxalt for treating migraine headaches. Maxalt helps treat the pain and the associated symptoms like sensitivity to sound and light. However, it will not prevent a headache or reduce the number of attacks. Also, Maxalt should only be used after consulting a doctor.

These are some effective tips for dealing with migraines. However, they are not meant to substitute for any treatment prescribed by the physician. When used in combination with medication prescribed by a doctor, these tips can prove beneficial in coping with the pain and discomfort caused due to migraine.

7 Simple Tips to Prevent Dry Eyes

What Causes Dry Eyes?

This condition is primarily caused due to a decrease in the production of tears. Tears are made up of water, fatty oils, proteins and anti-bacterial substances. These fluids work together to keep the surface of the eyes clear and moist. A decrease in tear production is caused due to a variety of factors. Some of these factors include:

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  • Aging
  • Exposure to dry air and ultraviolet rays from the sun
  • Exposure to environmental pollutants
  • Dry weather conditions
  • Hormonal changes
  • Lack of blinking
  • Prolonged use of contact lenses
  • Too much stress on the eyes
  • Medication such as antihistamines and antidepressants

Symptoms:

  • Constant itching in the eyes
  • Burning
  • Redness
  • Blurred vision
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Eye fatigue
  • Mucus in and around the eyes
  • Eye Fatigue
  • Constant discomfort in the eyes

Tips to Prevent Dry Eyes:

  • Protect the eyes from dust, wind, and heat. Wear proper eye gear before stepping out in such weather conditions.
  • Drink sufficient water to stay hydrated at all times. Also, eat a healthy diet, especially foods containing vitamins A, C, and E.
  • Get enough sleep and avoid stressing your eyes by staring at the television or computer screen. It is important to get at least 7 hours of sleep each day.
  • Blink several times while watching television or working on the computer. Also, take breaks in between such activities as it will help relieve stress on the eyes.
  • Use an air filter in the house to keep dust and other particulate matters away.
  • If possible, use a humidifier as it will help maintain moisture levels in the air, thus avoiding dry eyes.
  • In case you are experiencing dryness in the eyes, close them for 10 seconds to relieve fatigue.

Treatment:

Before starting treatment for dry eyes, the eye-care specialist will first diagnose the cause of the problem and then prescribe appropriate treatment, depending upon the cause. Artificial tear drops are amongst the most basic treatment for mild dryness. However, for severe and chronic conditions, the doctor may prescribe medicated eye drops like Restasis to relieve dryness and inflammation. Restasis is an immunosuppressive agent and works by increasing tear production in the eyes. However, these are prescription drops and should only be used after consulting an eye specialist.

The eyes are a very sensitive and delicate organ. Ignoring the symptoms or delaying treatment can lead to further complications. These simple self-care measures will help prevent dry eyes, but are not meant to substitute for the treatment prescribed by the doctor.

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Parkinson’s disease is a condition affecting the brain. It causes tremors and difficulty in movements, e.g. in walking and holding things. The most common symptom of this disease is dementia.

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What is dementia?

Dementia refers to a condition in which there is a loss of brain functions. Patients often develop this problem within a year after Parkinson’s disease is diagnosed. This form of dementia is called Parkinson’s dementia. It is believed to occur due to the malfunctioning of the neurotransmitters in the brain.

What are the stages of this problem?

Stage I:

In the early stages, the symptoms are mild, affecting only one side of the body. These symptoms cause inconvenience to patients, but are not fully disabling. Patients suffer from tremors in one limb, changes in posture, mild restriction of movements and abnormal facial expressions.

Stage II:

In this stage, both sides of the body are affected. There is some disability, with difficulty in maintaining a normal gait. Patients also suffer from rigidity of the limbs and slower body movements.

Stage III:

In this stage, patients suffer from imbalance while walking and standing. But, the patient is independent and has moderate generalized disability.

Stage IV:

This is the advanced stage, causing moderate disability, and instability while walking and standing. There is a marked change in the gait and the posture of the patient.

Stage V:

This is the fully developed stage of Parkinson’s disease. The patient is confined to a bed and shows severe loss of motor skills. There can also be incontinence of urine and stools, along with inability to speak properly.

Treament:

Dementia associated with Parkinson’s disease can be managed well by using Exelon. The main ingredient of Exelon is Rivastigmine. It works by preventing the breakdown of a chemical called acetylcholine.

How to use Exelon:

The recommended starting dose of Exelon is 1.5 mg twice daily. Patients should contact their doctor to know more about the dosage of this medicine.

Dementia is the worst symptom associated with Parkinson’s disease because of the way it restricts the functioning of the patient. Regular use of Exelon can help to control the loss of motor and cognitive functions occurring due to this problem.

6 Factors that can Cause Sudden Rise in Blood Pressure

A sudden increase in blood pressure levels is a cause for grave concern. It can also be an indication of other health disorders in the body. This sudden rise is experienced due to increased force exerted by blood on the walls of the blood vessels. Before discussing the causes for this condition, let’s take a look at some symptoms, although there may often be no symptoms at all!

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Symptoms:

  • Rapid increase in heartbeat
  • Profuse sweating
  • Shortness of breath
  • Dizziness
  • Fainting spells
  • Nose bleeds
  • Sleepiness
  • Blurred vision
  • Nausea
  • Feeling Lethargic

Causes for Sudden Rise in Blood Pressure:

  • Excess consumption of salt is one of the main reasons for elevated pressure levels. Salt contains sodium which is known to cause this condition.
  • Stress and anxiety are amongst the most common factors behind sudden rise in pressure. These conditions cause the release of certain hormones which make the heart pump faster, due to the constriction of blood vessels.
  • Momentary increase in blood pressure can be caused due to severe pain as a result of any injuries. Sudden pain increases one’s heart rate and cause momentary increase in pressure levels.
  • Obesity is another factor responsible for drastic increase in pressure levels. Since fat is clogging up the blood vessels, there is insufficient supply of blood to the heart. As a result, the heart needs to work extra in order to meet the requirement of blood to the body, thereby causing an increase in pressure.
  • Sudden rise in pressure can also be caused due to hormonal imbalances, drug interactions, and excess intake of caffeine.
  • Presence of any kidney disease is also a cause for this condition. High pressure is commonly observed in patients undergoing dialysis.


Treatment:
Hypertensive patients are prescribed medications and also healthy lifestyle changes, to keep blood pressure levels under control. Physicians often prescribe drugs like Micardis to treat it. Micardis belongs to the category of medicines known as angiotensin receptor blockers and functions by blocking the action of angiotensin, the chemical responsible for narrowing of blood vessels. By doing this, Micardis helps to widen the blood vessels, thus lowering blood pressure. However, patients should only use this medicine after consulting a physician.

Being aware of the factors that can cause this disorder will help avoid it. It is important to monitor pressure levels regularly, so that a sudden rise or drop can be identified and treated promptly. Timely diagnosis and medication will help control this devastating health disorder and prevent further complications.