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Supplements To Help You Cope With Urinary Incontinence
Posted On 26-02-2010 , 12:02 PM
 Urinary incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine which occurs when urine leaks out of the bladder and cannot be controlled. It is an extremely embarrassing problem for many, therefore, they fail to seek help. Experts estimate that more than 80% can overcome the problem.
Most cases of incontinence can be controlled or cured. It is not a disease, but a symptom of an underlying health problem or condition, such as weak muscles in the pelvic floor or an obstruction of the bladder outflow.
There are 5 basic types of urinary incontinence, which include:
1. Stress incontinence, which is a condition when small amounts of urine dribble out when you laugh, cough, sneeze, exercise, lift, squat or move in ways that puts additional stress on the bladder. Most of these events are associated with weak muscles in the pelvic floor.
2. Urge incontinence most often involves the loss of large amounts of urine with little warning. It occurs so quickly that there is not enough time to make it to the bathroom. Causes can be from Parkinson’s disease, stroke, bladder infection or kidney or bladder stones.
3. Overflow incontinence involves constant dribbling, or continuing to dribble for some time after you have passed urine. The urine overflows and spills out when you shift positions or stand up. You will feel the need to urinate again in a few minutes, but can not empty the bladder completely. Weak bladder muscles or a blocked urethra can cause this type of incontinence. It sometimes occurs following a bladder suspension operation or pelvic surgery. An enlarged prostate can contribute as well.
4. Reflex incontinence involves involuntary, spontaneous urination. There are no urges, no warnings and no rush to the bathroom. This lack of bladder control is caused by diabetes, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury and other serious medical conditions.
5. Functional incontinence strikes those who have normal bladder warnings and control but cannot reach the bathroom in time due to physical limitations.
Additionally, there is temporary incontinence, which can be caused by medication and/or the use of diuretics.
Many people with loss of bladder control simply have lost the muscle tone in their pelvic floor. The easiest way to tone and strengthen the pelvic floor is by doing the Kegel exercise. Here are the steps:
1. To locate the appropriate muscles; repeatedly stop your urine in midstream. The muscles you feel squeeze around your urethra and anus are the muscles you want to work on.
2. Practice squeezing and relaxing these muscles several times a day when urinating. Once you are familiar with them, practice when you are not urinating.
3. During this exercise, squeeze for three seconds, relax for three seconds. Repeat 10 to 15 times. Do three or 4 sessions each day.
The following natural supplements may also be helpful:
Magnesium plus Vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 helps to correct muscle weakness and improves bladder control, but - it increases the need for magnesium. Take 200 to 600 milligrams of magnesium, plus 25 to 100 milligrams of B6.
Vitamin C plus niacin have proven beneficial when taken in divided doses each day. Take 500 to 1,000 milligrams of vitamin C, plus up to 150 milligrams of niacin.
Vitamin E works with vitamin A to normalize bladder function. Take 600 IU of vitamin E daily.
Black cohosh may help strengthen the muscles in the pelvic floor. It has mild estrogen effects, meaning it acts like the female hormone estrogen. Commercial products are available at herb shops. Follow the packaging directions.
Cranberry juice is acidic and low in ash and is well known as having health benefits to the bladder. In addition, it helps deodorize urine. Those with urinary incontinence may want to introduce cranberry juice into their diets to reduce embarrassing odor.
Urinary incontinence is a nuisance, but it does not have to be. The combination of your doctor’s advice and simple home remedies can help you manage the problem and continue your normal daily activities.
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Natural Strategies For Gallbladder Disease And Gallstones
Posted On 12-02-2010 , 9:33 AM
 The gallbladder is a small organ directly under the liver which acts as a bile storage tank. The liver produces bile, and any excess amount is stored in the gallbladder. Bile consists of bile salts, cholesterol, lecithin and other substances.
The body uses bile to digest fat. If the bile becomes too concentrated, the cholesterol crystallizes, forming gallstones. They can also be formed of pure bile, or a mixture of bile, calcium and cholesterol.
Gallstones are rock hard structures that may be smaller than a grain of sand or as large as an egg. They can remain symptom-less, not causing any problems, or they may block the bile duct and the gallbladder may become irritated, infected and swollen.
When the gallbladder becomes inflamed the results are severe pain in the upper right abdomen or between the shoulder blades, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting and fever. This condition must be treated immediately. If left untreated, cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder) can be life threatening. If you experience these warning signs, seek medical attention immediately. You want to rule out the possibility of appendicitis or another serious condition.
If the bile duct becomes blocked by a gallstone the bile can back up in your system. Thus, causing the whites of your eyes and skin to turn yellow with jaundice and your urine to turn dark brown. Other symptoms include abdominal bloating, belching, gas, indigestion and intolerance of fatty foods.
Chronic gallbladder disease sometimes makes it necessary to surgically remove the gallbladder. But many can control or prevent the disease by making a few dietary changes and using nutritional supplements.
Dietary Changes:
1. Eat a diet high in fiber and low in cholesterol, fats and sugar.
2. A diet rich in monounsaturated fat and fiber can help prevent gallstones. Monounsaturated fats are found in natural foods such as nuts and avocados and the main component of tea seed oil and olive oil. Other sources include avocado oil, canola oil, corn oil, grape seed oil, macadamia nut oil, peanut oil, safflower oil, sesame oil and sunflower oil.
3. Switch to olive oil. Generally, gallbladder pain usually flares up after fatty meals. However, olive oil actually promotes the passage of gallstones.
4. Do not skip breakfast. Studies have shown that gallstones are more likely among those who skip breakfast. Additionally, eating 3 or 4 lighter meals spread out through the day is less stressful to the gallbladder.
5. Maintain your ideal weight, avoid crash diets and rapid weight loss programs, which can cause gallstones.
6. Avoid coffee. Coffee may increase your risk of developing gallbladder problems. Switch to herbal tea or a coffee substitute. Coffee substitutes can often be found at herb shops.
7. Increased levels of the hormone estrogen may increase cholesterol levels in bile and also decrease gallbladder movement, resulting in gallstone formation.
8. The lack of melatonin, a natural occurring hormone, could contribute to gallstones. Melatonin stops cholesterol secretion from the gallbladder and enhances the conversion of cholesterol to bile. Its antioxidant properties are capable of reducing oxidative stress to the gallbladder.
Nutritional Supplements:
Lecithin supplements help prevent gallstones and help control cholesterol buildup. It is sold in capsule and granule form at health food stores, follow packaging instructions.
A vitamin C deficiency can cause gallstones. Take 500 to 1,000 milligrams three times a day.
Vitamin E helps prevent fats from becoming rancid. Take 200 to 400 IU daily.
Milk thistle protects against gallstone formation, with powerful antioxidant properties. Look for the extract, (using standardized 70% to 80% silymarin content) found in capsules. Take 600 milligrams daily.
Dandelion is effective in cleansing the gallbladder and liver. It is rich in lecithin which helps control cholesterol. Capsules are available in health food stores. Follow packaging instructions. Another way to ingest dandelion is by steaming the greens and serving them, similar to spinach.
Psyllium helps lower cholesterol, reducing the risk of forming gallstones. Take 5 grams daily in divided doses.
Cinnamon assists the body in digesting high-fat treats; such as, cakes, cookies, ice cream, etc.. It is sold in capsule form at health food stores, follow packaging instructions.
Herbs that stimulate the flow of bile, which helps digest fats and may help to prevent gallstones, include goldenseal, lavender, peppermint and turmeric.
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Natural Fatigue Fighting Strategies And Supplements
Posted On 29-01-2010 , 10:36 AM
 Everyday energy zappers include lack of rest, lack of exercise, emotional stress and poor nutrition. Fatigue characterized by lack of energy only, can also be caused by boredom. Fatigue itself is not a disorder; it is a symptom.
Alcohol, drugs, caffeine products, smoking, stress and poor eating habits can all contribute to a lack of energy. If you find no physical reason for your lack of energy, then you should consider changing your lifestyle. Constant fatigue that persists for months may signify an undetected illness that requires medical evaluation.
Natural Fatigue Fighting Strategies
Six to eight hours of sleep is essential, but sleeping too much can tend to leave you groggy all day.
Exercise is as important as adequate sleep. Moderate, regular exercise actually gives you energy. A brisk ten minute walk boosts energy more effectively than eating a candy bar and the benefits last an hour longer.
Give yourself more time in the mornings, an extra 15 to 20 minutes before you start your day. It helps prevent starting off your day feeling rushed and tired.
Deep breathing exercise is one of the best ways to relax and energize at the same time. Inhale your breaths through your nose and exhale through your mouth. Taking a few deep breaths each hour promotes oxygenation of the blood and has a revitalizing effect.
Drinking green tea on a regular basis is good for alertness. It contains caffeine, but not nearly as much as coffee and is less acidic than coffee. Adding the health benefits of its ability to lower cholesterol and its possibility of an aid in fighting cancer.
Smoking adversely affects the delivery of oxygen to tissues. Even though nicotine is a mild stimulant, it limit’s the amount of oxygen the blood can process. The result is fatigue.
Limit your alcohol intake. Alcohol is a depressant and will calm you down, not stimulate you.
Dehydration can cause fatigue. If you know when you are going to be in the hot sun or physically active, drink plenty of water the day before.
Sleeping pills, high blood pressure medicines and cough and cold medicines are well known for their next day hangover effects. If you suspect a medication is robbing you of your energy, discuss it with your physician. Never stop taking prescription medication without your doctor’s approval.
Cascading water from a shower emits negative ions in the air, which surround the body. Negative ions are thought to make some people feel more energetic.
A proper diet is important. Avoid energy robbers; such as, alcohol, caffeine, fats, sugar, highly processed foods and white flour products. Eat less red meat and more white fish.
Helpful Supplements
Mild deficiencies of almost any dietary mineral or vitamin can be associated with a lack of energy. A daily multivitamin-mineral supplement is often advised.
Insufficient B complex results in fatigue. Take 100 milligrams 3 times daily.
Bee pollen often dramatically increases energy. Start with a few granules increasing to 2 teaspoons daily.
Vitamin C plus bioflavonoids increases energy levels. Take 3,000 to 8,000 milligrams daily in divided doses.
Calcium and magnesium are essential for the production of energy. Take up to 1,500 milligrams of calcium and 750 milligrams of magnesium per day.
Coenzyme Q10 helps fight fatigue. It maximizes the hearts pumping efficiency. Take 30 milligrams once or twice a day.
Potassium deficiency may lead to general lethargy. Take 99 milligrams once a day.
Siberian ginseng is highly respected as a natural energy tonic and supportive tonic for healthy adrenal hormones. Ginseng extract has also been evaluated for its ability to support vitamin absorption from the diet.
Gotu kola is one of the most well respected adaptogenic energy herbs in Indian medicine.
Effective herbs, taken in capsules or sipped as teas, include alfalfa, ashwaganda, bayberry, black cohosh, blessed thistle, cayenne, dandelion, fennel, ginger, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, gotu kola, guarana, licorice, red clover and yellow dock.
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Natural Remedies And Supplements For Dry Skin And Winter Itch
Posted On 17-01-2010 , 12:44 PM
 Dry skin is a very common condition which happens most often during the winter months. This is when the dry cold outside air and use of indoor heat robs your skin of its natural protective moisture faster than your body can replace it.
Symptoms of dry skin may include roughness, redness, scaling, chapping, cracks in the skin and itching. Sensitive skin may be more susceptible to itchy irritations that may blister and peel.
The following natural remedies and supplements may prove useful and prevent bouts of dry skin and winter itch. Moisture may be all you need.
Helpful Natural Remedies
The rule of thumb for dry skin is: Bathe less and use cooler water. Use warm water, not hot for bathing and cleansing your skin. Hot water flushes protective oils from your skin; just as it flushes grease from your dirty dishes.
The best treatment for dry skin is to replace the lost moisture and then protect the skin from losing more water by: taking a shower or bath, step out and apply lotion, cream or oil while your skin is still wet, sealing in the water. Then, pat dry.
If using bath oil, do not add to your bath water. Most of it goes down the drain anyway. And the residue will encourage a fall.
Avoid frequent bathing. Over washing washes away the layer of oil that normally acts like a sealant, sealing in moisture. Do not take saunas, steam baths or soak in hot tubs.
Do not use strong soaps and do not add bubble bath to the water. Soaps rob your skin of moisture by stripping off natural oils. Super-fatted soaps are less irritating. Super-fatted soaps have extra amounts of fatty substances, such as, cold cream, cocoa butter, coconut oil or lanolin.
Room humidifiers, vaporizers and houseplants can help counterbalance the drying effect of dry indoor heating or refrigeration by adding moisture to the air.
Protect your skin from extreme temperatures and strong winds. Wrap up well in cold weather.
Virtually any vegetable oil or hydrogenated oil can be used to combat dry skin and winter itch. They are safe, effective, inexpensive and pure skin lubricants. Although, they do tend to be greasy and may stain your clothes.
Using sunscreen in winter as well as summer slows evaporation and guards against the drying effect of ultraviolet rays.
An inexpensive good moisturizer is Crisco (solid). And it is great for that winter itch too. Rub on gently with your fingertips.
Avoid scratching. Scratching creates a vicious cycle resulting in more scratching and more irritation as well as possible infection.
Oatmeal baths can help sooth itchy skin. Use a commercial product following package directions.
Witch hazel is well known to have an excellent toning effect on the skin. Studies have shown its potential to support the skin while soothing common itchiness and irritation.
Helpful Supplements
Vitamin A is vital for healthy skin. Take 10,000 IU as beta carotene daily.
Vitamin B complex is an anti-stress vitamin which also helps maintain skin health. Take 50 milligrams three times a day.
Omega-3 fatty acids nourish the skin. Take one tablespoon oil daily.
Aloe vera gel is an age-old remedy for irritated skin. It relieves both itching and pain and is believed to speed healing.
Evening primrose oil promotes healing and helps prevent dryness. It can also be applied topically once a day to reduce redness.
Vitamin E oil supports skin health and helps maintain elasticity.
Zinc cream forms a protective layer when applied to the skin.
Helpful Herbal Essential Oils
Ginger provides a toning and tightening effect on the skin supporting healthy pores.
Lemon grass is known for its health promoting properties on the skin and its support of a clear complexion.
Mandarin is a soothing oil that helps retain moisture and nutrients, enhancing elasticity.
Rose geranium helps to maintain hormonal and fluid balance in the body.
Rosewood supports new cell growth which promotes skin rejuvenation.
Sandalwood is excellent for moisturizing and nourishing dry skin.
Herbal supplements that may have supportive and toning effects on the skin include aloe vera, basil, burdock, chamomile, chaparral, comfrey, gotu kola and horsetail.
Any symptoms that do not respond to home treatment in a week or two should be diagnosed by a dermatologist. It could mean a more serious skin problem.
Do you know of any great remedies for dry skin and winter itch?
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Helpful Supplements And Herbal Remedies For Indigestion
Posted On 28-12-2009 , 9:15 AM
 Indigestion, otherwise known as upset stomach, is a condition characterized by chronic or recurrent pain in the upper abdomen, upper abdomen fullness or feeling full earlier than expected when eating. It can be accompanied by bloating, belching, gas, nausea, heartburn and a burning sensation after eating.
Indigestion is defined as imperfect digestion and medically termed dyspepsia. It commonly results from eating too much or too fast; swallowing large amounts of air; inadequate chewing or chewing with the mouth open; emotionally upset; physically fatigued, eating when constipated and washing down needed enzymes for digestion by drinking liquids with meals.
Symptoms usually disappear after the stomach has been allowed to rest for a few hours and the cause of the irritation is avoided. Antacids make the symptoms subside, but by neutralizing stomach acid, they prevent efficient digestion. Antacids will also interfere with the absorption of nutrients and can interact with aspirin or prescribed medications. Their continual use may produce side effects including constipation, diarrhea, increased stomach acid secretion or kidney stones.
Hydrochloric acid is required for the breakdown and digestion of many foods. You can determine yourself if you need; or have to much, hydrochloric acid with this simple test.
Take one tablespoon of lemon juice OR apple cider vinegar. If your heartburn goes away, then you need more stomach acid. If your symptoms get worse, then you have to much hydrochloric acid.
Helpful supplements:
Vitamin A - in the form of beta-carotene, is helpful for the stomach inflammation of gastritis. Take up to 25,000 IU twice daily for 5 days.
B Complex - The B vitamins are essential for normal digestion. One comprehensive tablet daily plus 50 to 100 milligrams of B1, B6, niacinamide and pantothenic acid may benefit all types of digestive problems.
Calcium and magnesium - are natural antacids and are used in over the counter products. For after meal distress: one 10-grain tablet of calcium carbonate can be chewed OR 500 milligrams of magnesium gluconate may be taken with milk. Chronic indigestion and nausea may be symptoms of magnesium deficiency.
Acidophilus - can also be used for indigestion. Most often the shortage of the friendly bacteria is the cause of indigestion.
Sulfur - relieves symptoms of heartburn. Take 3,000 milligrams daily for one week.
Herbal remedies:
Many herbal remedies are well known for their tonic effect on the digestive system, helping to maintain digestive health and functioning.
Aloe vera juice - is good for heartburn and other gastrointestinal symptoms. Take 1/4 cup on an empty stomach in the morning and at bedtime.
Balm is well-known for its soothing properties to support digestion and the entire gastrointestinal tract.
Burdock stimulates digestive juices and bile secretion making it useful in treating digestion problems. It supports routine detoxification carried out by the body and supports the digestive system helping to lessen common wind, non-recurrent bloating, and support healthy bowel movements.
Chamomile has a soothing and tonic effect on many body systems, including the digestive and nervous systems and this makes it an excellent supportive supplement for digestive health.
Fennel is an herb that has been used since ancient times, and was traditionally used to prevent 'growling stomachs' during church services! Furthermore, fennel has been shown to assist with digestion in even the most delicate digestive systems, such as infants.
Ginger eases heartburn. Make a decoction by placing 2 teaspoons dried ginger root in 8 ounces of boiling water and let steep for 10 minutes, drink up to 2 cups per day. Modern research has investigated its effectiveness in supporting digestive juices and promoting healthy digestion.
Kelp - contains the chemical "alginic acid" which swells up on contact with water when taken orally. It forms a seal at the top of the stomach and for this reason is used in many over the counter heartburn preparations.
Licorice eases symptoms of heartburn. Take one 200 to 300 milligram DGL chewable tablet three times daily before meals.
Meadowsweet is a soothing remedy for the digestive system that helps to support the health of the stomach lining and digestive mucosa, also promoting healthy levels of stomach acid and digestive secretions. It has been researched extensively for its ability to support stomach health.
Mint helps to maintain the health of the muscles of the digestive tract as well as support the flow of natural digestive juices and bile, thereby assisting healthy digestion. Peppermint eases heartburn and relaxes the muscles involved in the digestive process. Drink up to 3 cups infusion daily OR take 2 to 3 capsules daily between meals.
In some cases, persistent indigestion may be a symptom of an underlying illness requiring treatment. If symptoms persist, see your doctor.
Do you have any suggestions for help with indigestion?
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