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For many people, healthy bones fall into that category of things to deal with "when the time comes." In fact, we rarely even think about our bones-until we break one. Clearly, by waiting until orthopedic problems occur (usually in the later seasons of life), we severely limit our options for improvement.
We tend to think of our bones as unchanging because they are hard. However, bones do change in response to a number of things, such as exercise, nutritional status, and injury. Just like our other tissues, our bone tissue constantly renews and repairs itself.
Bone is made of a protein called collagen, which is arranged in a mesh or matrix. Minerals in our bodies, in the form of salts (such as calcium phosphate, magnesium, sodium, and potassium salts) are incorporated into the matrix and make it hard. Calcium is the major mineral in our bones, and bones serve as the body's calcium "reservoir." In fact, over 99 percent of the body's calcium is located in the skeleton and teeth.
The density of our bones is affected by age, heredity, sex hormones, physical activity, diet, lifestyle choices, and some medications. In women, 99 percent of total bone mineral content has been deposited by the time the early twenties hit. Bone density slowly builds until around age 30 at which point bone formation and bone breakdown are balanced. After menopause, however, bone loss exceeds bone formation leading to an overall decline in bone density. Men don't experience this decrease as early, but some men may show decreased bone density by age 50. By age 65 or 70, men and women lose bone mass at similar rates. Once bone is lost, it cannot be completely replaced.
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It is any parent's worst nightmare. This one devastating condition can bring so much fear and anxiety to parents around the world. It is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is the diagnosis for the sudden death of an infant under one year of age that remains unexplained after a complete investigation. It is the leading cause of death in infants between one month and one year of age. African American babies are at a higher risk than Caucasian babies, and more boys are victims than girls.
Some of the risk factors for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome are:
• Babies who sleep on the stomach rather than their back are more likely to die of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
• Mothers that smoke during pregnancy are three times more likely to have a baby die of it. Also, babies exposed to tobacco smoke have been shown to have a higher risk.
• Mothers who are under the age of 20 for their first pregnancy have a higher risk of their baby dying of it.
• Low birth weight or premature babies are at higher risk.
No one knows for sure what causes Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Some scientists believe that these babies are born with an abnormality in the brain stem that controls breathing and waking during sleep. The abnormalities could come from toxic substances during pregnancy, such as tobacco smoke. This can reduce the amount of oxygen the fetus receives. These scientists also believe that this abnormality alone is not enough to cause death. Other factors involved must trigger a death, such as respiratory infections and breathing excess carbon monoxide trapped in bedding when sleeping on their stomachs. A normal infant's brain would trigger the baby to wake and begin to cry, causing it's breathing pattern back to normal. A baby with a flawed brain stem, however, might lack this protective mechanism and succumb to this horrible condition.
What Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Is:
• The major cause of death in infants from one month to one year of age, with most deaths occurring between 2 and 4 months
• Silent and sudden - the infant seems healthy before death
• Unpredictable and unpreventable
• An infant death that leaves intense grief for parents and family
What Sudden Infant Death Is Not:
• Caused by vomiting and choking
• Caused by minor illnesses such as colds or infections
• Contagious
• Child abuse
• The cause of every unexpected death of an infant
8 Ways To Reduce The Risk:
1. Be sure you get early prenatal care, including frequent doctor visits and healthy nutrition. Don't use drugs or alcohol.
2. Use a firm mattress in the crib or bassinet. Do not put fluffy blankets, comforters, or sheep skin under or over the baby. Also no stuffed toys or pillows in the crib.
3. Always put your baby to sleep on his back.
4. Avoid too much heat in the baby's room. Adjust the temperature to what is comfortable for you, and don't overdress your baby at nighttime.
5. Take your baby to the doctor for scheduled well-baby visits and immunizations.
6. Never smoke around your baby or allow anyone else to smoke around your baby.
7. Breastfeed your baby, if possible, to get him off on a strong, healthy start.
8. Encourage your baby to have plenty of tummy time. This helps strengthen neck, arm, and shoulder muscles.
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Stronger Bones
For many people, healthy bones fall into that category of things to deal with "when the time comes." In fact, we rarely even think about our bones-until we break one. Clearly, by waiting until orthopedic problems occur (usually in the later seasons of life), we severely limit our options for improvement.
We tend to think of our bones as unchanging because they are hard. However, bones do change in response to a number of things, such as exercise, nutritional status, and injury. Just like our other tissues, our bone tissue constantly renews and repairs itself.
Bone is made of a protein called collagen, which is arranged in a mesh or matrix. Minerals in our bodies, in the form of salts (such as calcium phosphate, magnesium, sodium, and potassium salts) are incorporated into the matrix and make it hard. Calcium is the major mineral in our bones, and bones serve as the body's calcium "reservoir." In fact, over 99 percent of the body's calcium is located in the skeleton and teeth.
The density of our bones is affected by age, heredity, sex hormones, physical activity, diet, lifestyle choices, and some medications. In women, 99 percent of total bone mineral content has been deposited by the time the early twenties hit. Bone density slowly builds until around age 30 at which point bone formation and bone breakdown are balanced. After menopause, however, bone loss exceeds bone formation leading to an overall decline in bone density. Men don't experience this decrease as early, but some men may show decreased bone density by age 50. By age 65 or 70, men and women lose bone mass at similar rates. Once bone is lost, it cannot be completely replaced.
Labels: bone, bones, family, healthy, osteoporosis
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Breast Cancer Risk Raised by Hormone Replacement Therapy
Research on two continents has signaled more bad news for hormone replacement therapy, taken for at least five years, may make ovarian cancer more likely offering the strongest evidence yet that the drugs can raise the risk of breast cancer and are tied to a slightly higher risk of ovarian cancer. But doctors stressed that younger women who need the drugs to relieve serious symptoms of menopause should still consider taking them because new, lower-dose formulations are available and doctors now know to prescribe them for shorter periods of time.
The finding comes from Valerie Beral, M.D., and colleagues with the U.K. Million Women Study. They invited more than a million women living in Britain to take part in the study, starting in 1996. Dr Valerie Beral and colleagues at the Cancer Research UK Epidemiology Unit in Oxford, said their findings suggested that that as many as 1,000 extra women in Britain had died from ovarian cancer between 1991 and 2005 because they were using hormone replacement therapy.
Based on those findings, the researchers write that "since 1991, use of HRT has resulted in some 1,300 additional ovarian cancers and 1,000 additional deaths from the malignancy in the U.K." However, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine notes that short-term HRT use probably isn't harmful for women using HRT to ease menopause symptoms.
"The effect of HRT on ovarian cancer should not be viewed in isolation, especially since use of HRT also affects the risk of breast and endometrial cancer," Dr Beral's team wrote. "The total incidence of these three cancers in the study population is 63 percent higher in current users of HRT than never users," they added. "Thus when ovarian, endometrial and breast cancer are taken together, use of HRT results in a material increase in these common cancers."
Stopping hormone use may have stopped some cancers from growing and caused them to disappear, scientists speculate. Or it may have just slowed them down so that they will not appear until years later, said Ahmedin Jemal, a researcher with the American Cancer Society. Only time will tell which is true, he said.
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The finding comes from Valerie Beral, M.D., and colleagues with the U.K. Million Women Study. They invited more than a million women living in Britain to take part in the study, starting in 1996. Dr Valerie Beral and colleagues at the Cancer Research UK Epidemiology Unit in Oxford, said their findings suggested that that as many as 1,000 extra women in Britain had died from ovarian cancer between 1991 and 2005 because they were using hormone replacement therapy.
Based on those findings, the researchers write that "since 1991, use of HRT has resulted in some 1,300 additional ovarian cancers and 1,000 additional deaths from the malignancy in the U.K." However, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine notes that short-term HRT use probably isn't harmful for women using HRT to ease menopause symptoms.
"The effect of HRT on ovarian cancer should not be viewed in isolation, especially since use of HRT also affects the risk of breast and endometrial cancer," Dr Beral's team wrote. "The total incidence of these three cancers in the study population is 63 percent higher in current users of HRT than never users," they added. "Thus when ovarian, endometrial and breast cancer are taken together, use of HRT results in a material increase in these common cancers."
Stopping hormone use may have stopped some cancers from growing and caused them to disappear, scientists speculate. Or it may have just slowed them down so that they will not appear until years later, said Ahmedin Jemal, a researcher with the American Cancer Society. Only time will tell which is true, he said.
Labels: breast cancer, cancer, healthy, hormone, hrt, medical
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Preventing Cold and Flu Viruses
Cold and flu germs are inhaled with every breath we take. Even in the warm and sunny months of the year, these germs are taken in. So why do we continually get colds and flu? Our body's immune system works hard to try and fight off these unwanted cold and flu viruses.
When a person gets sick, they slow down and will more than likely stay home in hope that they will get better and be able to return to their daily activities soon.
Is it just bad luck that a person can get a cold or flu as many people think? Well, extensive research tells us differently. It has been proven that some things can be done to prevent cold and flu viruses. Becoming a willing host is not one of them.
For the immune system to become stronger, there are four key categories to consider: Sleep, nutrition, exercise and stress management.
If a person loses sleep their body is unable to repair and restore all of its functions, including the immune system. We all know this from first-hand experience: just a couple of poor nights sleep and before you know it, we find ourselves fighting off a sore throat or cold. This is what is known as being a willing host.
Foods can contribute significantly to better immune function. All the necessary anti-oxidants can be found in fresh fruits and vegetables. Chicken soup, garlic, green tea, mushrooms and cayenne pepper are all recommended for preventing and fighting off cold and flu viruses.
Several herbal supplements and naturopathic remedies stimulate immune system function. Ginseng and Echinacea have been found to be of benefit after being tested in several clinical trials. These products are very well known because they have a good reputation for working, and they are available in health food stores and pharmacies.
There are other nutritional products that can be beneficial in preventing cold and flu viruses. They are vitamins A, C, E, zinc, astragals, aloe vera and beta-glucan.
Junk foods and sugar should not be part of your diet if you are trying to prevent cold and flu viruses. Other harmful addictive substances and tobacco can damage the body's immune system.
Exercise is also a highly significant and well-known method of preventing colds and flu. People, who run often and participate regularly in any form of exercise, very rarely get any type of cold or flu virus.
Excessive levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, can be associated with some cancers, post-traumatic stress disorder, Type two diabetes, anxiety and depression. Health practitioners recommend natural stress management strategies as an important part of maximum health.
For the most part, it is the simple yet practical choices that we make which will determine whether one will come down with any type of cold or flu virus. A person cannot get more natural remedies for preventing any type of cold and flu viruses than, plenty of sleep, good diet, and the right amount of exercise and stress management. Not to mention that they are known to work, and there are no negative side effects.
Read more!
When a person gets sick, they slow down and will more than likely stay home in hope that they will get better and be able to return to their daily activities soon.
Is it just bad luck that a person can get a cold or flu as many people think? Well, extensive research tells us differently. It has been proven that some things can be done to prevent cold and flu viruses. Becoming a willing host is not one of them.
For the immune system to become stronger, there are four key categories to consider: Sleep, nutrition, exercise and stress management.
If a person loses sleep their body is unable to repair and restore all of its functions, including the immune system. We all know this from first-hand experience: just a couple of poor nights sleep and before you know it, we find ourselves fighting off a sore throat or cold. This is what is known as being a willing host.
Foods can contribute significantly to better immune function. All the necessary anti-oxidants can be found in fresh fruits and vegetables. Chicken soup, garlic, green tea, mushrooms and cayenne pepper are all recommended for preventing and fighting off cold and flu viruses.
Several herbal supplements and naturopathic remedies stimulate immune system function. Ginseng and Echinacea have been found to be of benefit after being tested in several clinical trials. These products are very well known because they have a good reputation for working, and they are available in health food stores and pharmacies.
There are other nutritional products that can be beneficial in preventing cold and flu viruses. They are vitamins A, C, E, zinc, astragals, aloe vera and beta-glucan.
Junk foods and sugar should not be part of your diet if you are trying to prevent cold and flu viruses. Other harmful addictive substances and tobacco can damage the body's immune system.
Exercise is also a highly significant and well-known method of preventing colds and flu. People, who run often and participate regularly in any form of exercise, very rarely get any type of cold or flu virus.
Excessive levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, can be associated with some cancers, post-traumatic stress disorder, Type two diabetes, anxiety and depression. Health practitioners recommend natural stress management strategies as an important part of maximum health.
For the most part, it is the simple yet practical choices that we make which will determine whether one will come down with any type of cold or flu virus. A person cannot get more natural remedies for preventing any type of cold and flu viruses than, plenty of sleep, good diet, and the right amount of exercise and stress management. Not to mention that they are known to work, and there are no negative side effects.
Read more!
SIDS: 8 Ways To Reduce The Risk Of This Silent Killer
It is any parent's worst nightmare. This one devastating condition can bring so much fear and anxiety to parents around the world. It is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is the diagnosis for the sudden death of an infant under one year of age that remains unexplained after a complete investigation. It is the leading cause of death in infants between one month and one year of age. African American babies are at a higher risk than Caucasian babies, and more boys are victims than girls.
Some of the risk factors for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome are:
• Babies who sleep on the stomach rather than their back are more likely to die of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
• Mothers that smoke during pregnancy are three times more likely to have a baby die of it. Also, babies exposed to tobacco smoke have been shown to have a higher risk.
• Mothers who are under the age of 20 for their first pregnancy have a higher risk of their baby dying of it.
• Low birth weight or premature babies are at higher risk.
No one knows for sure what causes Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Some scientists believe that these babies are born with an abnormality in the brain stem that controls breathing and waking during sleep. The abnormalities could come from toxic substances during pregnancy, such as tobacco smoke. This can reduce the amount of oxygen the fetus receives. These scientists also believe that this abnormality alone is not enough to cause death. Other factors involved must trigger a death, such as respiratory infections and breathing excess carbon monoxide trapped in bedding when sleeping on their stomachs. A normal infant's brain would trigger the baby to wake and begin to cry, causing it's breathing pattern back to normal. A baby with a flawed brain stem, however, might lack this protective mechanism and succumb to this horrible condition.
What Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Is:
• The major cause of death in infants from one month to one year of age, with most deaths occurring between 2 and 4 months
• Silent and sudden - the infant seems healthy before death
• Unpredictable and unpreventable
• An infant death that leaves intense grief for parents and family
What Sudden Infant Death Is Not:
• Caused by vomiting and choking
• Caused by minor illnesses such as colds or infections
• Contagious
• Child abuse
• The cause of every unexpected death of an infant
8 Ways To Reduce The Risk:
1. Be sure you get early prenatal care, including frequent doctor visits and healthy nutrition. Don't use drugs or alcohol.
2. Use a firm mattress in the crib or bassinet. Do not put fluffy blankets, comforters, or sheep skin under or over the baby. Also no stuffed toys or pillows in the crib.
3. Always put your baby to sleep on his back.
4. Avoid too much heat in the baby's room. Adjust the temperature to what is comfortable for you, and don't overdress your baby at nighttime.
5. Take your baby to the doctor for scheduled well-baby visits and immunizations.
6. Never smoke around your baby or allow anyone else to smoke around your baby.
7. Breastfeed your baby, if possible, to get him off on a strong, healthy start.
8. Encourage your baby to have plenty of tummy time. This helps strengthen neck, arm, and shoulder muscles.
Read more!
The Top 4 Medicinal Mushrooms for Long Term Health
The immune system is one of the most complex parts of the human body, protecting us from colds, flu and a host of other viral, parasitic and bacterial pathogens. Some experts go so far as to believe that the immune system is the entire body, that all body parts and systems work together synergistically to protect the whole organism. Most people are familiar with herbs such as Echinacea and Ginseng to strengthen the immune system, but we don't usually think about the proven power of medicinal mushrooms for long term immune health. In fact, until recently many in the West associated all mushrooms with poison!
Many mushrooms have therapeutic value and a vast amount of research shows how they profoundly affect the immune system, but the top four to power up your body's defenses are Reishi, Shiitake, Maitake, and Cordyceps.
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) mushroom is considered in Traditional Chinese Medicine to be one of the best tonics of the herbal kingdom. A tonic is defined as a herb that strengthens and enlivens either specific organs or the whole body. Reishi has strong anti-allergenic properties and inhibits inflammation by reducing the release of histamine, a major inflammatory compound. Reishi supports the immune system by regulating the level of antibodies known as immunoglobulins and increasing the immune system's destruction of tumor cells. It also reduces joint inflammation and protects and supports the heart, liver, stomach, lungs and kidneys.
Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) mushroom contains important cancer preventive properties. It also increases immune system activity against bacteria. Shiitake works by augmenting the levels of specific white blood cells, such as granulocytes and lymphocytes. Shiitake slows or prevents the rate of re-infection by herpes virus.
Maitake (Grifola frondosa) mushroom has a balancing effect on the immune system that makes it is particularly helpful for people suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome. Maitake has powerful anti-tumor and anti-cancer properties. It is a broad spectrum immune enhancer, increasing macrophage, cytotoxic T-cell, and Natural Killer cell activity.
Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis) mushroom is the great "strengthener" in Chinese medicine that supports the lungs, liver, and kidneys. Because it also enhances physical stamina and mental energy it is useful in cases of exhaustion and long term illnesses. Cordyceps has been shown to increase Natural Killer cell activity by up to 230%.
Western interest in medicinal mushrooms is exploding with clinical trials proceeding in numerous universities and research centers. And no wonder. Mushrooms, especially the top four described here, are effective, safe and relatively inexpensive compared to pharmaceutical alternatives. So don't forget the misunderstood mushroom - your immune system will thank you.
Read more!
Many mushrooms have therapeutic value and a vast amount of research shows how they profoundly affect the immune system, but the top four to power up your body's defenses are Reishi, Shiitake, Maitake, and Cordyceps.
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) mushroom is considered in Traditional Chinese Medicine to be one of the best tonics of the herbal kingdom. A tonic is defined as a herb that strengthens and enlivens either specific organs or the whole body. Reishi has strong anti-allergenic properties and inhibits inflammation by reducing the release of histamine, a major inflammatory compound. Reishi supports the immune system by regulating the level of antibodies known as immunoglobulins and increasing the immune system's destruction of tumor cells. It also reduces joint inflammation and protects and supports the heart, liver, stomach, lungs and kidneys.
Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) mushroom contains important cancer preventive properties. It also increases immune system activity against bacteria. Shiitake works by augmenting the levels of specific white blood cells, such as granulocytes and lymphocytes. Shiitake slows or prevents the rate of re-infection by herpes virus.
Maitake (Grifola frondosa) mushroom has a balancing effect on the immune system that makes it is particularly helpful for people suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome. Maitake has powerful anti-tumor and anti-cancer properties. It is a broad spectrum immune enhancer, increasing macrophage, cytotoxic T-cell, and Natural Killer cell activity.
Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis) mushroom is the great "strengthener" in Chinese medicine that supports the lungs, liver, and kidneys. Because it also enhances physical stamina and mental energy it is useful in cases of exhaustion and long term illnesses. Cordyceps has been shown to increase Natural Killer cell activity by up to 230%.
Western interest in medicinal mushrooms is exploding with clinical trials proceeding in numerous universities and research centers. And no wonder. Mushrooms, especially the top four described here, are effective, safe and relatively inexpensive compared to pharmaceutical alternatives. So don't forget the misunderstood mushroom - your immune system will thank you.
Read more!
Bad Breath Can be Treated and Prevented
From time to time, most adults suffer bad breath and the condition that causes bad breath is called Halitosis. In fact, statistics reveal that up to 25 per cent of adults suffer from halitosis. There are many reasons related to bad breath. Bad breath usually arises because of the breakdown of protein by bacteria in the mouth.
Most cases of bad breath are not serious and they usually relate to dental hygiene such as gum disease and periodontal diseases. After waking up, it is also common to have bad breath due to bacteria that is present in plaque (morning breath). The reason is that the mouth often dries out when we sleep and creates a fertile breeding ground for bacteria in plaque on the teeth and at the back of the tongue. As a result, the bacteria produces number of odors, including volatile sulphur compounds which are believed to be the main cause of bad breath.
Also, eating certain foods such as onion, garlic, pastrami and curries can also cause bad breath as the chemicals in the food enter the bloodstream but are breathed out through the mouth from the lungs. The elderly are also believed to suffer more from bad breath because of their reduced saliva production. Medications too contribute to bad breath as they can cause the mouth to be dry. These include antidepressants, diuretics and antihistamines. But according to medical studies, up to 10 per cent sufferers of halitosis may be due to a more serious underlying medical problem. The best way to ascertain if one has halitosis due to oral reasons is by going to dentist who will then use a halimeter to assess the condition. A specialised device designed to measure the volatile sulphur compounds, the halimeter measures the air that the patient blows into the machine through a straw-like tube. The machine then calibrates how much sulphur compound there is.
Most bad breath can be cured by having better oral and dental hygiene. In particular, it would be good to clean between the teeth with dental floss, wood sticks or an effective inter-dental brush. In fact, most people do not brush their teeth properly. On average, most people spend just 45 seconds brushing their teeth but in fact, they should take up to three minutes to cover all the tooth surfaces in their mouth. Many also do not realise that a toothbrush should be changed every three to four months.
Tongue cleaners are useful in removing the coat that build up on the surface of the tongue, possibly due to the mucus that drips down from the back of the nose. Cleaning the back of the tongue is also a good way to prevent bad breath. This can be done with a toothbrush. But those who feel discomfort when doing so may prefer to use a mouthwash. Other ways to prevent bad breath include drinking more fluids and rinse the mouth after eating milk products., fish and meat. More fresh and fibrous vegetables should also be consumed. Drinking excessive coffee should also be avoided.
Read more!
Most cases of bad breath are not serious and they usually relate to dental hygiene such as gum disease and periodontal diseases. After waking up, it is also common to have bad breath due to bacteria that is present in plaque (morning breath). The reason is that the mouth often dries out when we sleep and creates a fertile breeding ground for bacteria in plaque on the teeth and at the back of the tongue. As a result, the bacteria produces number of odors, including volatile sulphur compounds which are believed to be the main cause of bad breath.
Also, eating certain foods such as onion, garlic, pastrami and curries can also cause bad breath as the chemicals in the food enter the bloodstream but are breathed out through the mouth from the lungs. The elderly are also believed to suffer more from bad breath because of their reduced saliva production. Medications too contribute to bad breath as they can cause the mouth to be dry. These include antidepressants, diuretics and antihistamines. But according to medical studies, up to 10 per cent sufferers of halitosis may be due to a more serious underlying medical problem. The best way to ascertain if one has halitosis due to oral reasons is by going to dentist who will then use a halimeter to assess the condition. A specialised device designed to measure the volatile sulphur compounds, the halimeter measures the air that the patient blows into the machine through a straw-like tube. The machine then calibrates how much sulphur compound there is.
Most bad breath can be cured by having better oral and dental hygiene. In particular, it would be good to clean between the teeth with dental floss, wood sticks or an effective inter-dental brush. In fact, most people do not brush their teeth properly. On average, most people spend just 45 seconds brushing their teeth but in fact, they should take up to three minutes to cover all the tooth surfaces in their mouth. Many also do not realise that a toothbrush should be changed every three to four months.
Tongue cleaners are useful in removing the coat that build up on the surface of the tongue, possibly due to the mucus that drips down from the back of the nose. Cleaning the back of the tongue is also a good way to prevent bad breath. This can be done with a toothbrush. But those who feel discomfort when doing so may prefer to use a mouthwash. Other ways to prevent bad breath include drinking more fluids and rinse the mouth after eating milk products., fish and meat. More fresh and fibrous vegetables should also be consumed. Drinking excessive coffee should also be avoided.
Read more!
Asthma: A Preventable Condition Without A Cure
Asthma is a respiratory condition that, unfortunately, is becoming more common the world over. Today there are over 100 million sufferers world wide, and this figure is on the rise to the tune of 50% every decade.
Asthma can be defined as a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways, that is characterized by spasm of the bronchi (airway tubes)with inflammation and swelling of the mucous membranes leading to an over production of thick phlegm in the lung and airways.
This phlegm sets off a response within the body characterized by typical asthma symptoms such as chronic coughing (especially at night), wheezing, difficulty in breathing and the difficult expectoration of thick, sticky phlegm. If not treated immediately, breathing can be impeded to the point of respiratory failure.
There are certain factors that can predispose one to having asthma. A family history of asthma or some history of allergies, definitely increases your chances of having asthma.
If you were weaned and introduced to solid food at an early age (6 months or less)the chances of you having food allergies and possibly asthma as a consequence increases dramatically. This is due to an immature digestive system being asked to digest foods it is not capable of at that time.
This places a significant stress on the under developed immune system of the baby that can lead to allergies and asthma.
Another common food related factor are food additives such as food colorings and preservatives. These factors are especially problematic for an asthma sufferer as they are in virtually everything that we eat and drink. This places a cumulative daily stress on the already stressed immune system of the asthma sufferer.
Some other dietary factors worth considering are, excessive salt intake and its connection to asthma and asthma mortality rates and dairy products which are notorious for their ability to produce phlegm.
And then there are the obvious airborne environmental allergens that we are forced to contend with. Dust, dust mites, pollens, cockroach waste and pet hair as well as allergens like pesticides (to kill the cockroaches) cleaning chemicals, perfumes and fuels (gas, petrol) pollution (air, water). The list is endless.
And if that is not enough asthma can occur as a result of excessive exercise, cold temperature, sudden emotional upset and can also be a part of a viral infection, that can occur during the virus as well as post viral.
Treatment for asthma is based around a treatment program that attempts to lessen the symptoms medicinally, while simultaneously removing whatever allergy provoking substances are in the asthmatics environment.
Most people these days look to a combination of conventional medicine (puffers for example) and alternative/herbal medicine. The combination works especially well, with many traditional herbs such as Ephedra and Gingko Biloba having a long tradition of effectively treating asthma and respiratory disorders.
As far as removing asthma causing substances from the environment, this can be a difficult. The obvious methods revolve around adequate and appropriate cleaning. Appropriate cleaning would be cleaning that doesn't complicate things by introducing another toxic substance into the picture.
Some mould cleaners are known to irritate allergy and asthma sufferers, yet we need to remove the mould from the asthmatics environment.
Fortunately these days there are many products that have been created that take this into account. Always use hypo-allergenic cleaning products.
Dust must be removed. Regular vacuuming is a must. Preferably with a vacuum fitted with an air filter that will stop "micro dust" being put back into the air as you vacuum.
An air filtration system or at least a portable air filter would also help considerably.
Pets should never be allowed in the bedroom, and ideally not in the house, although many asthma sufferers are more likely to put up with their symptoms rather than cast out their pets.
Dietary measures that can help are as much as possible removing foods high in salt, preservatives, coloring, waxes and pesticides. Wherever possible, choose organically grown and processed foods.
If this is not practical, make a habit of gently washing your food before you eat it. A bit of a nuisance for sure, but it really doesn't take all that long and is easy enough to fit into your food preparation routine. And it can make a big difference to your over stressed immune system.
If you go to the bother of carrying out these changes you will be pleased to hear that you should experience a reduction in your asthma symptoms in as little as a month.
As far as what to eat or not eat when you have asthma, most research seems to be indicating that a "Vegan" diet (NO animal food products)is your best option as animal food products often have significant pesticide residues.
If this diet is too harsh and restrictive, and it will be for many, a general reduction of animal food products will help some. Your results will largely be determined by how bad your asthma is and how much of a vegan style diet you can live with. At the very least, you can reduce if not totally eliminate animal food products.
At this point in time there are more questions than answers when it comes to the causes of asthma. The biggest question is why are asthma rates doubling every 20 years?
It seems that as good as our current treatments for asthma are, we can increase their effectiveness dramatically if we practice some preventive care.
Perhaps we will never find a "cure" for asthma. As our world gets more and more complex in terms of the stress and strain we place on our bodies, the answer seems to move farther and farther away.
The most effective treatment for any disease is prevention. Knowing what we do about asthma and knowing the effect that environmental and emotional factors can have on our immune system, if we can begin to clean up our lives on all levels, this may be our best chance of finding the next best thing to a cure for asthma. Permanent prevention.
Read more!
Asthma can be defined as a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways, that is characterized by spasm of the bronchi (airway tubes)with inflammation and swelling of the mucous membranes leading to an over production of thick phlegm in the lung and airways.
This phlegm sets off a response within the body characterized by typical asthma symptoms such as chronic coughing (especially at night), wheezing, difficulty in breathing and the difficult expectoration of thick, sticky phlegm. If not treated immediately, breathing can be impeded to the point of respiratory failure.
There are certain factors that can predispose one to having asthma. A family history of asthma or some history of allergies, definitely increases your chances of having asthma.
If you were weaned and introduced to solid food at an early age (6 months or less)the chances of you having food allergies and possibly asthma as a consequence increases dramatically. This is due to an immature digestive system being asked to digest foods it is not capable of at that time.
This places a significant stress on the under developed immune system of the baby that can lead to allergies and asthma.
Another common food related factor are food additives such as food colorings and preservatives. These factors are especially problematic for an asthma sufferer as they are in virtually everything that we eat and drink. This places a cumulative daily stress on the already stressed immune system of the asthma sufferer.
Some other dietary factors worth considering are, excessive salt intake and its connection to asthma and asthma mortality rates and dairy products which are notorious for their ability to produce phlegm.
And then there are the obvious airborne environmental allergens that we are forced to contend with. Dust, dust mites, pollens, cockroach waste and pet hair as well as allergens like pesticides (to kill the cockroaches) cleaning chemicals, perfumes and fuels (gas, petrol) pollution (air, water). The list is endless.
And if that is not enough asthma can occur as a result of excessive exercise, cold temperature, sudden emotional upset and can also be a part of a viral infection, that can occur during the virus as well as post viral.
Treatment for asthma is based around a treatment program that attempts to lessen the symptoms medicinally, while simultaneously removing whatever allergy provoking substances are in the asthmatics environment.
Most people these days look to a combination of conventional medicine (puffers for example) and alternative/herbal medicine. The combination works especially well, with many traditional herbs such as Ephedra and Gingko Biloba having a long tradition of effectively treating asthma and respiratory disorders.
As far as removing asthma causing substances from the environment, this can be a difficult. The obvious methods revolve around adequate and appropriate cleaning. Appropriate cleaning would be cleaning that doesn't complicate things by introducing another toxic substance into the picture.
Some mould cleaners are known to irritate allergy and asthma sufferers, yet we need to remove the mould from the asthmatics environment.
Fortunately these days there are many products that have been created that take this into account. Always use hypo-allergenic cleaning products.
Dust must be removed. Regular vacuuming is a must. Preferably with a vacuum fitted with an air filter that will stop "micro dust" being put back into the air as you vacuum.
An air filtration system or at least a portable air filter would also help considerably.
Pets should never be allowed in the bedroom, and ideally not in the house, although many asthma sufferers are more likely to put up with their symptoms rather than cast out their pets.
Dietary measures that can help are as much as possible removing foods high in salt, preservatives, coloring, waxes and pesticides. Wherever possible, choose organically grown and processed foods.
If this is not practical, make a habit of gently washing your food before you eat it. A bit of a nuisance for sure, but it really doesn't take all that long and is easy enough to fit into your food preparation routine. And it can make a big difference to your over stressed immune system.
If you go to the bother of carrying out these changes you will be pleased to hear that you should experience a reduction in your asthma symptoms in as little as a month.
As far as what to eat or not eat when you have asthma, most research seems to be indicating that a "Vegan" diet (NO animal food products)is your best option as animal food products often have significant pesticide residues.
If this diet is too harsh and restrictive, and it will be for many, a general reduction of animal food products will help some. Your results will largely be determined by how bad your asthma is and how much of a vegan style diet you can live with. At the very least, you can reduce if not totally eliminate animal food products.
At this point in time there are more questions than answers when it comes to the causes of asthma. The biggest question is why are asthma rates doubling every 20 years?
It seems that as good as our current treatments for asthma are, we can increase their effectiveness dramatically if we practice some preventive care.
Perhaps we will never find a "cure" for asthma. As our world gets more and more complex in terms of the stress and strain we place on our bodies, the answer seems to move farther and farther away.
The most effective treatment for any disease is prevention. Knowing what we do about asthma and knowing the effect that environmental and emotional factors can have on our immune system, if we can begin to clean up our lives on all levels, this may be our best chance of finding the next best thing to a cure for asthma. Permanent prevention.
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