Urticaria – Causes, Symptoms, Prevention and Treatment

January 19, 2009 by  
Filed under Diseases And Conditions

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peterhutch asked:


Urticaria also called nettle-rash or hives or wheals in a common language, simply means itching with rash and mainly effects the neck, arms, legs and trunk of the children. Medically, urticaria may be defined as skin eruption , which is allergic in origin and is characterized by profound itching, red circular or irregularly shaped eruptions on any part of the body.

Urticaria also called nettle-rash or hives or wheals in a common language, simply means itching with rash and mainly effects the neck, arms, legs and trunk of the children. Urticaria is an allergic reaction pattern of the skin, characterized by eruption of wheals or hives, which are itchy, transient, reddish and edematous swelling of the skin and mucosal surfaces that spread by peripheral extension and assume bizzare patterns on the skin. Wheals are caused by release of histamine and other chemical mediators which are released by mast cells which accumulate in the dermis of the skin as a response to some immunological or non immunological allergic response in the body.

Symptoms

Raised red and white patches appear on the skin. They are accompanied by burning,intense itching, and stinging. Rubbing and scratching usually aggravate the condition. The outbreak of urticaria is sudden and the disease may affect any part or the entire body. The eruptions may be as small as pin heads or as large as a rupee. The eruption may fade in a few minutes or an hour in one place, but may appear in another.

Causes

Urticaria pigmentosa is one of several forms of mastocytosis, which is caused by excessive numbers of inflammatory cells (mast cells) in the skin. Other forms include solitary mastocytoma (a single lesion) and systemic mastocytosis (involvement in organs other than the skin).

Urticaria pigmentosa is most often seen in children, but it can occur in adults as well.

A viral infection such as a cold or ‘flu can trigger an urticarial rash in some people. (You ‘react’ to the virus.) A mild viral infection which causes few other symptoms is probably a common trigger of an urticarial rash that develops without an apparent cause.

Skin contact with ’sensitizers’ causes a local area of urticaria in some people. For example, chemicals, latex, cosmetics, plants, ointments, nettle stings, etc.

Prevention tips

Try not to overheat.

Cool the affected area with a fan, cold flannel, ice pack or soothing moisturising lotion.

Avoid aspirin and codeine.

Treatment

The main treatment for urticaria is with anti-histamines. These are usually given in oral forms and may need to be given in large or frequent doses to control the symptoms. Short courses of corticosteroids may be needed. If the symptoms are severe, epinephrine shots can be used for immediate, but temporary, relief.

If the cause of the urticaria is known or suspected, such as a food or medication, avoidance of this trigger may resolve the symptoms. In cases of chronic idiopathic urticaria, triggers such as acute infections of any kind (such as the common cold), stress, and use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (aspirin and ibuprofen, for example), may flare the symptoms.



Should you be Worried About Drinking Tea During your Pregnancy?

January 19, 2009 by  
Filed under Health

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Being pregnant is a wonderful thing, though you most likely have to watch your diet and what you drink. If you are an ardent tea lover, you would have to find an alternative beverage or one that is safe for you and your baby. Don’t worry now. You’re not the first mother-to-be who has worried about this. Many have found alternatives which are safe for them and their unborn child!

Tea is the second most widely consumed beverage in the world after water. With 5 out of 6 North Americans drinking tea and the English who average drinking 3.5 to 4.0 cups of tea a day, alternatives to an every day tea had to be found. And since half of the world’s population drinks tea, that didn’t leave much choice to the tea companies! Also, as an expectant mother, you would want to make sure that you still got the medicinal benefits of tea although you are carrying a precious little one.

Here are some of the most common questions answered:

What teas, if any, can I drink during these 9 months?

Your best bet would be Rooibos tea. This is because it contains no caffeine right from the point when it’s harvested. Since caffeine is something which you need to keep an eye on during this special time, rooibos tea is your best bet. It is known to be safe for both pregnant, lactating women, and children of all ages.

Decaffeinated teas are also available on the market.

Is it safe for me to drink herbal teas during these 9 months? And how can I tell which herbal teas are safe for me to drink?

Usually, pregnant women carefully avoid caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and unnecessary medications but think that drinking herbal teas is okay. It’s not. Herbal teas can be harmful, especially if you drink too much of them. Most of the ingredients in herbal teas are safe, but some are not. Herbs are drugs and thus can be as potent as some medications. Also, only a few of the herbs used for herbal teas have been studied on pregnant women. Hence, it is not 100% sure which of these herbs are safe and which are not.

There are no U.S. regulations which specifically address herbal teas. Most of the herbs the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers safe for food use are presumed safe for teas as well. For example, teas made from ginger, lime blossom, peppermint, roasted barley, rose hips, and thyme are probably safe to drink occasionally in small amounts while you’re pregnant or nursing. (Check with your doctor beforehand.) However, drinking excessive amounts of any teas can cause health problems for you and your developing baby.

Which teas are not safe?

Many of the herbs used for teas, when taken in large or medicinal amounts, can potentially stimulate the uterus and induce miscarriage. These include anise, catnip, chamomile, comfrey, ephedra (also known as ma huang in traditional Chinese

medicine), European mistletoe, hibiscus, horehound, Labrador, lemongrass, licorice root, mugwort, pennyroyal, raspberry leaf, rosemary, sage, sassafras, stinging nettle leaf, vetiver, and yarrow.

Although some midwives use raspberry leaf (also known as red raspberry leaf) to aid delivery, its effectiveness hasn’t been proven. In any case, it should be used only under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Avoid the rest of the herbs in this list during pregnancy and lactation.

Note: You can still eat food that contains herbs like rosemary and sage, because the amounts used in food are generally much smaller than those used in tea and not as potent (the brewing process for making tea concentrates the chemicals of the herbs). As usual, check with your doctor beforehand.

Among other reasons to avoid certain herbs used in teas:

Coca (also known as mate de coca) contains small amounts of cocaine.

Comfrey, kava root, skullcap, valerian, and woodruff may damage your liver.

Lobelia contains nicotine.

Mate (or yerba mate) can contain as much caffeine as coffee.

None of these herbs should be taken while you’re pregnant or nursing.

What about the herbal teas that are marketed for pregnant women?

The same cautions apply to teas that are said to be safe for pregnant women, which are sold in supermarkets and health food stores. While the makers of pregnancy teas promote their products as healthy for expectant moms, no clinical studies support these claims and the safety of the ingredients are not regulated.

Pregnancy teas usually include ingredients such as alfalfa, fennel seed, lemongrass leaf, lemon verbena, nettle leaf, rosehips, and strawberry leaf. Not all of these are safe to take during pregnancy. For example, nettle leaf (also known as stinging nettle leaf), which stimulates the uterus and can cause miscarriage, and fennel (including the fruit, seed, and oil) should not be used in tea during pregnancy and lactation due to its potential estrogen-like effects.

Once again, check with your doctor before you think about drinking a tea, even one that is said to be safe for pregnant women. You never can be too careful!

How can I choose a safe herbal tea?

If you enjoy herbal teas, check the packaging labels and steer clear of unsafe or unfamiliar ingredients. Your doctor may be able to recommend certain teas which you could drink. Do not mix your own herbs to create a herbal tea which you think is safe. Once again, we warn you to NOT mix your own herbs.

Disclaimer: Information on this site is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or dietitian. Information and statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Testosterone Part VIII – Testosterone Deficiency & Alzheimer's Disease With Other Health Conditions

January 15, 2009 by  
Filed under Men's Health

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Kyle J. Norton asked:


I. Introduction

Testosterone deficiency

Testosterone is a male hormone. Besides promoting libido, it has other important functions such as maintaining muscle mass and forming bone, and regulating heart muscle and cholesterol. It also helps to improve the oxygen levels throughout the body as well as controlling blood glucose and strengthening the immune system. Starting at age 40, levels of testosterone start to diminish. The levels of the by-product prolactin of testosterone of men increases, stimulating the production of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase that causes the conversion of testosterone to gihydro-testosterones DHT thus triggering low levels of testosterone.

Alzheimer’s Disease.

Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder named for German physician Alois Alzheimer. Alzheimer’s destroys brain cells, causing problems with memory, thinking and behavior severe enough to affect work, lifelong hobbies or social life. Alzheimer’s gets worse over time, and it is fatal.

II. Causes

Older men with lower levels of free, or unbound, testosterone circulating in their bloodstreams could be at higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD) than their peers. In fact, testosterone deficiency causes the accumulation of beta-amyloid, a toxic peptide in certain region in aging brain. Study show that testosterone decreases secretion of harmful beta- amyloid and increases secretion of sbeta APP alpha as result of neuroproductive effect.

III. Symptoms

1. Memory failure.

2. Loss of ability to concentrate.

3. Reduced intellectual agility.

4. Passive attitude.

5. Poor or decreased judgment.

6. Problems with abstract thinking.

7. Moodiness and emotionality.

8. Inner unrest.

9. Loss of initiative.

10. Reduce interest in surrounding.

11. Hypochondria.

III. Prevention and treatment

Men suffered Alzheimer disease because of testosterone deficiency are likely also have conditions of heart disease, aging, high blood pressure, high levels of cholesterol, weakened immune system and liver malfunction.We will try to give reader as much information and hope that these will help in preventing and treating Alzheimer disease.

The first thing that will help is to detoxify your body with intake of dark green leaf juice or chorella.

1. Raw dark green leaf juice

The fresh raw dark green leaf juices are vitally important in the nutritional treatment of testosterone deficiency and Alzheimer disease. Raw dark green leaf juice contains high amounts of vitamin C, bioflavonoids, carotenoids, living plant enzymes to aid digestion & vitamin K resulting in cleansing of liver toxins as well as strengthening the immune system, helping to detoxification your body in resulting of reversing the progressing of aging and other form of diseases.

2. Chorella

Chlorella containing beta carotene,chlorophyll and other many nutritional supplements is a powerful antioxidant that help to strengthen the immune system by blocking the formation of free radicals, improving oxygen levels for cell needs and nitric oxygen stimulating the enlarge of ***** through sexual desire and detoxifying your liver as well as entire body.

A. Condition: Alzheimer’s disease caused by testosterone deficiency only

Besides using raw dark green leaf juice or chlorella to detoxify or rejuvenate your body, here are some natural remedies will help to provide protein, the essential element for a stronger brain, increasing oxygen levels in your bloodstream in nourishing your brain’ s cells and increasing the levels of testosterone to stop the progressing of the accumulation of beta-amyloid, a toxic peptide in certain regions in an aging brain.

a) Essential proteini) Intake of soy product and whole grainSoybeans and legumes contains isoflavones and is a unique source of phytochemicals It directly inhibits the growth of different types of cancer cells and provide plenty of protein for brain cell needs. Study shows that isoflavones were found to markedly inhibit prostate tumors in mice implanted with prostate cancer cells. Try adding soy or rice milk to your morning cereal or oatmeal.

ii) Cold water fishBesides plenty of omega 3, cold water fish is an excellent source of vitamin A and zinc that help the binding of *** hormones, specifically testosterone and estradiol.

iii) Lean meatLean meat contains high amounts of protein, iron, magnesium, and zinc. Iron specifically offers the added benefit of raising levels of oxygen in the blood that is essential for providing nutrition to cell needs. High protein and zinc are two nutrients that help to optimize free testosterone levels and muscle-building.

iv) Nuts and seeds

Nuts and seeds contain high amounts of unsaturated fat and vitamin E. Unsaturated fat helps to prevent clots of arteries and lower cholesterol levels.

b) Increase levels of testosterone

i) Oyster and crustaceansOyster and crustaceans contain high levels of magnesium and zinc that is a natural aromatase inhibitor playing a key role in regulating testosterone levels as well as improving circulation of blood to the ***** vessels.

ii) AvocadoAvocado contains high amounts of folic acid, which helps metabolize proteins. The vitamin B6 in avocado helps to stimulate the growth of testosterone.

iii) Saw palmetto

Saw palmetto not only helps to balance the natural hormone production but also helps to boost testosterone in men as well as estrogen in women if needed by our body resulting in a healthy, normal *** drive.

iv)Cinnamon Bark

The sweet and spicy taste of cinnamon bark is considered to have a very hot energy. In Chinese medicine, cinnamon bark increases the Yang energy and sexual vitality.

v) Sting nettle roots

Sting nettle rootsSting nettle root binds to *** hormone binding globulin (SHBG) in place of testosterone resulting in a reduction of SHBG binding of free testosterone, therefore helping increase the levels of free testosterone. It also promotes healthy prostate gland that helps to stimulate the sexual desire.

vi) Muira Pauma

Muira pauma is stems and roots of a ptychopetalum plant in South America. It has been used as an aphrodisiac, tonic and cure for muscle paralysis and strengthening the liver function that helps to cure the hormone imbalance in aging men. Study shows that muira pauma is a libido enhancer.

vii) Cordyceps

Cordyceps is one of the primary herbal substances used in tonic herbalism as an anti-aging agent and for the purposes of rejuvenation. It also helps to nourish and strengthen the kidneys and lungs and tonifies qi, relieves depression of liver qi as resulting of eliminating the surplus of estrogen and *** hormone binding globuline.

viii) Ginseng

Ginseng in Chinese medicine is used as a pituitary strengthening herb. It also contains herbs that benefit the endocrine system which results in tonifiying the entire endocrine system and helping the release of human growth hormone (HGH).

ix) DHEA

DHEA allows our body to create other hormones such as testosterone. Study shows that DHEA is a precursor to *** hormones. The deficiency of DHEA causes the deficiency of other *** hormones resulting in loss of bone density, increasing of body mass, hardening of blood vessels and low *** drive.

c) Increase levels of oxygen and blood circulation for brain cell needs

i) Onion and GarlicGarlic and onions contain high amounts of sulfur compounds that not only help to improve circulation of blood but also help to keep your platelets from clumping together.

ii) TaurineTaurine is an amino acid tha
t acts as an antioxidant helping to fortify cardiac contraction and enhance the outflow of blood.

iii) MagnesiumMagnesium helps to improve blood circulation by permitting the muscles in the arterial wall to rest.

iv) Ginkgo bilobaUnlike aspirin, Ginkgo biloba will not cause upset stomach and internal bleeding. Also, Ginkgo biloba can improve blood circulation. Be sure not to take Ginkgo seeds because they are toxic and can cause seizures.

v) TansyTansy is used to help heart palpitations and also helps to improve blood circulation and oxygen for brain cell needs.

iv) Zinc and iron

Zinc and iron together help to increase oxygen levels, produce of more red blood cells as well as aiding the circulation of bloodstream.Be sure to talk to your doctor before taking any above recommendations.

B. Condition:

Alzheimer’s disease caused by testosterone deficiency with other conditions such as high levels of cholesterol.Besides the natural remedies in (A) these additional natural remedies will help to lower the levels of cholesterol.

i) Apple

Study shows that eating 2 apples a day will help to drop your cholesterol level by 16%. Apples contain rich flavonoids and pectins which form a gel in the stomach that keeps fats from being absorbed.

ii) Kiwi

This super food kiwi is high in vitamins A, C, and K that help to lower your cholesterol levels. It also offers high quantities of calcium, magnesium, potassium and fiber that are the main vitamins in helping to reduce cholesterol levels. We will discuss more of vitamin supplements and cholesterol in part III of this series.

iii) Magnesium

Magnesium deficiency increases the danger of heart disease and stroke as we mentioned in the previous article. Study shows that adding this mineral to your diet could lower your cholesterol level by 33%.

iv) Lutein

Study shows that people that have alot of lutein in their blood stream see no increase in the thickness of their carotid arteries. That means LDL cholesterol have not oxidized causing formation of dangerous plaque at their arteries wall leading to heart attacks and lowering cholesterol levels.

v) Hawk thorn berry

Hawk thorn berry contains bioflavonoia that help in increasing the blood to the blood muscles, therefore it helps to prevent and reduce blood vessel degeneration. Daily consumptions of hawk thorn berry can enhance circulation and treat valvula insufficiency, irregular pulse and abnormal acid levels in the blood. Study shows that hawk thorn berry bioflavonoia also helps inlowering LDL cholesterol levels and triglycerides while raising HDL cholesterol levels.

C) Condition:

Alzheimer’s disease caused by testosterone deficiency with other conditions such as high blood pressure.Besides the natural remedies in (A) these addition natural remedies will help to lower blood pressure.

i) Coenzyme Q10

CoQ10 significantly reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressure. There is also a reduction in HbA1C, a marker for long-term glycemic control.

ii) Folic acid

Folate is a vitamin B that is necessary for the formation of red blood cells. It may help to lower high blood pressure in some people, possibly by reducing elevated homocysteine levels.

iii) Celery

If you are asking advice from your doctor about high blood pressure, chances are he will tell you to take 4 stalks of celery daily. Study shows that celery contains a chemical called limonene that acts as a mild tranquilizer that can lower levels of stress hormones in your blood. This allows your blood vessels to expand, giving your blood more room and reducing pressure.

iv) Red tea

Red tea has flavonoids, which have been proven effective in treating assorted skin and circulation problems.

D) Condition:

Alzheimer’s disease caused by testosterone deficiency with other conditions such as heart diseases.

Besides chorella, onions and garlic, nuts and seeds that has been mentioned above.

i) Vegetables and fruits.

Vegetable and fruits contain high amounts vitamins A, E, C and B. Vitamin E, the antioxidants beta carotene and vitamin C help to strengthen your small blood vessels and thins your blood so it can flow smoothly in result of lowering the risk of heart disease and strokes. Plums, tomatoes, and watercress are the best choices.

ii)Flax seeds

Flax seeds contain high amounts of alpha-linoenic acid that helps to lower high blood pressure and the risk of stroke. Eating too much flax seeds will cause gas to build up if you are not used to it.

iii) Mistletoe

Mistletoe can stimulate the heartbeat and increase cardiac output. It can help to relieve heart strain, stimulate circulation, and lower blood pressure. Do not overdose and eat mistletoe berriea, because it is toxic.

iv) L-Arginine

L-Arginine helps to increase the production of nitric oxide in our body, this has an anti-angina and anti-stress effect upon the arteries enabling the muscles in the arterial walls to relax. L-Arginine also helps to prevent the build up of plaque on the arterial walls. L- Arginne taken either orally or intravenously has been found to prevent and reverse atherosclerosis, improving the functional status of heart failure and increasing blood flow in heart disease patients.

v) Taurine

Taurine is an amino acid that acts as an antioxidant helping to fortify cardiac contraction and enhance the outflow of blood from the heart. Intake of taurine will reduce the risk of congestive heart failure and arteriosclerosis

vi) Nu zhen zi (privet fruit):

Nu zhen zi is the ying kidney and liver tonic that is the significant immune enhancement agent. Nu zhen zi also helps ying deficiency such as dizziness, floater, weak knee and enhancing heart blood.

vii) Mao yao (myzzh)

Mao yao contain elements that help to break up stagnation of blood resulting in improved blood circulation in our body.

E) Condition: Alzheimer’s disease caused by testosterone deficiency with other conditions such as chronic diseasesChorella and dark green leaf juice will help to ease the chronic condition by aiding the rebuilding of muscle tissues, joints, eliminating the forming of free radicals, boosting your energy, and repairing the DNA damage caused by free radical build-up in our body and many others.

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