Health Biodevicepartnering: September 2008

Monday, September 29, 2008

Fasting for Natural Rejuvenation of Health

Fasting refers to completely refraining from eating food for a specific period or for a specific health problem. It derives its meaning from the English word "Feastan" which means to be strict regarding which food to eat and which to avoid. Many diseases can be treated by just observing fast. The practice of observing fast is one of the oldest customs. People from different religions such as Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, Muslims and many more religions observe their own periods of fasts. Saints from the medieval age have also laid a great stress on the observance of fasts. In the whole era of medical history this method has been considered as the most dependable methods of curing. Many ancient physicians such as Hippocrates, and even medical practitioners, from modern times are advocating it.

Accumulation of toxins and wastes in the body is one of the principal causes of all diseases which are a result of poor eating habits. In modern age people usually follow a sedentary lifestyle with lack of exercise and overeating. As a result the digestive system becomes weak and various poisonous substances get clogged up into the system. To successfully treat a disease it is necessary to give a proper rest to the digestive system and allow it to work normally by eating right type of food at the right time, and even fasting under special circumstances. By depriving the body of food for a certain period of time all the organs of elimination such as bowels, kidneys are given the opportunity to expel the waste substances. Thus Fasting is one of the methods of cleaning up and a dependable and a quick method of cure. It also leads to proper blood formation and regeneration of various tissues and cells within the body.

The most effective and best method of fasting is the intake of juice. Previously water fasting was observed but many modern day medical researchers and doctors have advocated the need for fruit and vegetable juice as during this period uric acid and other inorganic acids are thrown out of the body and the sugar present in juices strengthens the heart is one of the natural forms of Glucose. Raw fruit and vegetable juices are extremely useful in regularizing the body processes as they contain minerals, enzymes and vitamins. Fresh fruits and vegetable should be used for preparing juices as they are more beneficial over canned and frozen juices.

The process of fasting should be commenced only after completely emptying the bowels by enema, so that the patient is not troubled by gas or decomposed matter remaining in the body. Every alternate day enemas should be administered. The patient should be provided fresh air and drink, lukewarm water when thirsty. But while observing fast a lot of energy is wasted in the process of eliminating the poisonous and waste material from the body.

The patient should therefore follow a complete mental relaxation and physical rest as much as possible. No straining physical work should be done and only exercises such as walking can be undertaken. Sometimes the patient may suffer from a state of insomnia but this can be avoided by taking warm tub baths or by drinking one or two glasses of hot water. After breaking the fast, immediately one should not overeat but to eat slowly and chew properly and have a proper and limited diet. This also has a soothing and rejuvenating effect on the physical and mental nervous system. Thus we can conclude that fasting is a natural way to cure diseases without the use of medicines.

posted by Healthy Life @ 3:11 AM

Monday, September 22, 2008

Importance and Functions of Amino acid

A Dutch chemist by the name of G J Mulder described a certain organic material as “unquestionably the most important of all known substances” in the organic kingdom. He made this discovery in 1838. The chief phenomena of life are produced through its means. This complex nitrogen bearing substance was called protein. Protein is now a group name signifying the principal nitrogenous constituents of the protoplasm of all plant and animal tissues.
There are several varieties of proteins. Each type contains a specific number of “building blocks” known as amino-acids. Before their absorption by the body, all proteins must first be broken down into amino-acids. When we eat food all the essential nutrients and amino-acids do not immediately diffuse into all the different tissues. A series of biochemical reaction takes place in the digestive tract which collects these proteins, breaks them down, and utilizes them as and when needed. If the normal digestive process is disturbed it causes incomplete protein digestion resulting in gas, bloating etc.

For the normal functioning of the body about 22 amino-acids are needed. If the body has enough nitrogen source it can produce many amino-acids but it cannot produce certain other in sufficient amount to meet its needs. The amino-acids that the body is not able to synthesis in adequate amounts are called essential because they must be supplied by diet in proper proportions and amounts to meet the requirements for the growth and maintenance of tissues. Non-essential amino-acids are those that the body can synthesis in adequate amounts to meet its need in the total amount of nitrogen supplied by protein is adequate.

Histidine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Tryptophan, and Valine are the 9 essential amino-acids.

Alanine, Argenine, Asparagine, Aspartic acid, Cysteine, Cystine, Glutamic acid, Glutamine, Glycine, Hydroxyproline, Proline, Serine and Tyrosine are the non-essential or dispensible amino-acids.

The requirement for the daily need of amino-acids depends upon age, sex, and physiological conditions of an individual.

Amino-acids have gone through a variety of research in the recent times and this has created new opportunities for dramatic treatments and cure of different problems by their judicious use. Various essential amino-acids are discussed below:

Histidine: This amino-acid helps the growth and repair of tissues. It produces normal supply of blood and glycogen in the liver. The main sources of histidine are all root and green leafy vegetables.

Isoleucine: This amino-acid is essential for maintaining the balance of nitrogen which is vital for the body functioning. Its main sources are sunflower seeds, all nuts, except cashew nuts, avacodas and olives.

Leucine: The functions and sources of leucine are similar to isoleucine as it is a component of isoleucine with similar chemical composition but with a different arrangement.

Lysine: This amino-acid along with Vitamin C, Zinc and Vitamin A helps in eliminating virus infections. The female reproductive cycle is also influenced by lysine. A person may suffer from headache, dizziness, anemia due to inadequate lysine in the diet. Its main sources are all kinds of nuts, seeds, vegetables and sub-acid fruits.

Methionine: This is a vital compound which assimilates fats and dissolves cholesterol. Normal weight and proper nitrogen balance of the body can be maintained by this amino-acid. Rich sources of methionine are hazel-nut, brazil-nut and other nuts, cauliflower, cabbage, pineapples and apples.

Phenylalanine: This is necessary to the production of hormone adrenaline, to the production of thyroid secretion, and the skin and hair pigment melanin. It is also useful in weight control. Its main sources are carrots, seeds, nuts, tomatoes and parsley.

Threonine: Cows milk is the major source of this amino acid. It is necessary for the basic development of the child and proper functioning of the brain. Its main sources are green vegetables, nuts, seeds and carrots.

Tryptophan: This amino acid is necessary for digestive juices, optic system and blood clothing. It quitens the nervous system and induces sleep. Major sources of this amino acid are vegetables, nuts and seeds.

Valine: This is an essential body growth factor particularly the ovaries and mammary glands. Valine prevents the disorders of the digestive and nervous system. Its major sources are vegetables, apples and almonds.

Thus we can say that amino acids are the major components of diet, and are vital and essential for the growth, development and regulation of various body processes.

posted by Healthy Life @ 3:11 AM

Monday, September 15, 2008

Ways to Reduce Your Stress

Stress is the silent killer. Stress is your body’s natural response to stimulus. An increase in your stress will cause your body to increase the adrenaline output in your body, your heart pumps faster and sends more blood through your body, and your breathing rate is also increased. Prolonged stress is very detrimental to your overall health and mental well being. Prolonged stress leads to heart disease, obesity, and insomnia. Studies show that 54% of Americans are concerned about the stress that they have in their lives. A large number of children, teenagers, and college students report an increase in their stress over the past five years. Stress is a daily part of everyone’s life, there isn’t a way to eliminate all stress causing elements from our lives. There are ways to help to counteract the harmful amounts of daily stress. Here are a few suggestions.

Exercise - Studies have shown that people that exercise at least three times a week are far happier and have less stress in their lives. Good cardiovascular exercise will allow the body to produce chemicals that help in the reduction of stress your body. Exercise also helps people to better manage their weight, which is another major cause of stress in people’s lives.

Healthy Diet – Avoiding fatty foods will allow your body to function better. Stressfully eating fatty foods increases the sugar in your blood stream which will increase the already high levels of stress causing agents. A balanced diet will decrease the stressful elements in your body, provide yourself with energy to deal with stress related problems that you face, and help your body to maintain a healthy living pattern. Something that is very simple to add to a stress reducing diet is a good multivitamin. Multivitamins include many B vitamins. Numerous studies have shown that B vitamins lower stress levels. Many people, especially women, find it hard to maintain a sufficient level of B vitamins in their system. A multivitamin is a quick and cost effective solution that will provide your body with the vitamins and minerals that it requires.

Adequate Sleep – Lack of sleep is a leading cause of stress in people’s lives. Not being able to sleep causes a vicious stress cycle. Too much stress causes insomnia and other sleep disorders. Those sleep disorders don’t allow you to gain the adequate rest to lower stress levels, thus causing an increase in stress. That increase in stress then increase the intensity of the sleep disorders. Adequate sleep provides large amounts of stress relief in people’s lives. There are many sleep techniques to research and use, if you have problems sleeping. Yet, it is important, if you are unable to resolve your sleeping issues on your own, to seek medical advice. Sleep disorders can be indicators of serious illnesses.

Limit Intake of Stimulants - Limit your intake of sugar, caffeine, or other stimulants. When your body experiences stress it releases adrenaline into your system. Stimulants will only increase the stress levels in your body.

Stress cannot be avoided in daily life, but it can be managed. A change in diet, increase in exercise, getting some sleep, and adding a good multivitamin can do wonders to lower stress levels.

posted by Healthy Life @ 3:11 AM

Monday, September 8, 2008

Living with Adult Asthma

As we all know, asthma is a condition that is hitting the respiratory tract and it knows no age barrier. Many children get asthma attacks when they are young but they soon outgrow of the condition as they grow up. However, there are also people who become victim to adult asthma, having to suffer with the condition all their lives. Some kids out grow asthma conditions and live a natural life through teenage and mid adulthood. But the threat comes back in a later stage as adult asthma which can bring forth many problems, specially if the individual suffers from other subsequent conditions such as high blood pressure etc.

Known as a chronic disorder of the respiratory tract, asthma can be quite a difficult condition to live with. Adult asthma triggers can vary from individual to individual and it is also dependant on the individual's age.

General cold and flu and all other viral respiratory diseases are among the top culprits that trigger asthma in grownups. Additionally, airborne allergens such as smoke, pollen from flowers and dust arouse adult asthma for most people. In order to prevent any asthma attacks, it is advised that older people get an flu vaccination every year and an anti-pneumonia vaccination every 5 years. (These timeline are applicable for older people over 65 years of age)

The funny thing about adult asthma is that it functions with entirely different rules than what was there is the childhood. A simple episode of depression or anxiety can cause asthma in grownups without any other trigger being present. In addition to that, some medicines used for other diseases can trigger asthma as well; therefore, sick people ought to be very careful in using medications. It is always better to report your asthmatic condition to doctors before using any other medication.

However, it is a recognized fact that doctors frequently find it difficult to deal with patients suffering from adult asthma conditions, although the patient gives the proper account of the history of his/her condition. The plain cause is that it is not always simple to diagnose the condition at one go because the symptoms may be associated to other conditions or disorders. Therefore, when prescribing medicines for older people, additional precausion is taken by the doctors.

Some common conditions that can contribute to or trigger adult asthma condition include: chronic bronchitis, rhino-sinusitis, tuberculosis and cardio diseases such as heart attacks, heart failures and strokes.

posted by Healthy Life @ 3:11 AM

Monday, September 1, 2008

What is a sitz bath?

The purpose of taking a sitz bath is to relieve pressure on your hemroids. This is done by relaxing your anal sphincter muscle. The warm water draws blood to the anal area which shrinks and relaxes those swollen veins that are often painful to touch. By shrinking these external hemroids the pressure lessens on them, which in turn eases the throbbing that is the cause of so much pain.

You should sit in at least 6 inches of warm water for It is generally recommended that you take a sitz bath about three times a day when flare ups occur.

Why Should you take a Sitz Bath?

Sitz Baths will not cure your hemroids but it is important to take them for various reasons.

* They shrink your swollen tissues and they relieve pain quickly and effectively.

* You can take them in the privacy of your own home.

* They're hygienic and are important for keeping this often painful area clean.

* They are perfectly safe as they do not require any salts to be effective.

* It is not necessary to buy any specialized equipment to take them.

* You can use a use a bathtub, or if you can't, you can buy a sitz basin to place over your toilet seat. These are fairly cheap to buy. You do not need to go to the doctors and get a prescription.

* They're easy to use, just sit in warm water for 15-25 minutes and relax.

Should I add anything to the water?

That's up to you but it is not necessary. Just use clean water. You can add Epsom salt, baking soda, or essential oils such as lavender or juniper. This is entirely up to you. The clean water sitz bath is just as effective.

You should not add soap, vinegar, bath salts or even bubble bath to your sitz bath water as they can be very irritating to your hemroids.

Above all relax when taking your sitz bath. I usually read a book.

Applying Ointments.

Once you have finished relaxing in your sitz bath. Use some ointment to further sooth the area. Apply petroleum jelly, zinc oxide cream, or an over-the-counter hemroid cream.

posted by Healthy Life @ 3:11 AM

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