Showing posts with label Diseases. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Diseases. Show all posts

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Rice Diet at Home


Diet, as a primary way to treat diseases has been used since 1939. The Rice Diet has helped in the prevention and treatment of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, hypertension, renal disease, and other illnesses. The rice diet can also be used to reduce weight. It also detoxifies the body by getting rid of excess water weight and toxins from food and environment.

The Rice Diet Program in Durham, North Carolina, was one of the first medical facilities in America to use diet as the primary way to treat diseases like obesity, diabetics and hypertension. Rice diet is primarily a vegetarian eating plan which features high-complex carbohydrates, low fat and low-sodium. People who follow rice diet program lose weight faster, safely, and effectively than any other people who follow other diet programs.

Phases in Rice Diet:

There are two phases in Rice Diet:

Rice Diet Phase I

The phase 1 program includes grains and fruits. Medical supervision is mandatory and hence it is recommended to do the same at medical centers rather than at home. The rice diet food list for phase 1 includes lean cut beef, cheese, eggs, lamb, pork, seafood, vegetables, oil, veal, tofu, nuts, and dairy.

Rice Diet Phase II

This phase includes vegetables, beans and other carbohydrates, in addition to grains and fruit. You can have fish once in a week. Meals can also be taken. Vegetarian eating habits are prescribed until you attain your goals. Non-fat dairy products, fish and lean meats can be used depending upon one’s physical condition. The rice diet food list for phase 2 includes fruits, dairy, vegetables and legumes, and starch (controlled).

Working

The Rice Diet limits salt and sodium-rich ingredients. Reduction in salt intake cause loses in water weight and you are less inclined to overeat. The main source of nutrition in rice diet is carbohydrates from fruits, vegetables, grains and beans. Saturated fats and sodium are limited. The Rice Diet Solution includes hundreds of tasty, filling, easy-to-prepare recipes.

Keep in mind that the end result of rice diet program purely depends on how well an individual follows the diet recommendations. Hence make sure that you follow it correctly.

Symptoms of Kidney Disease


The kidneys are bean shaped organs located in the lower abdomen. They are one of the vital organs in the body, playing an important role in the process of excretion. Kidneys help in removal of waste products, toxins and excess fluids out from the body. However, sometimes factors like infection, injury, diabetes, blood pressure, etc. affect the kidneys resulting in kidney diseases. Long lasting abnormalities in the kidneys lead to Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) which can be a dangerous condition. Polycystic kidney disease, kidney stone, kidney infection are the significant kidney diseases that are caused due to different reasons. The symptoms of all kidney diseases are more or less the same. What are the early symptoms of kidney disease? Let us take a look at it in detail.

Chronic Kidney Disease Symptoms

Unfortunately, the early symptoms of kidney disease are not easily observed and hence, a person may be unaware that he/she is suffering from kidney disease for a longer time. In some cases, chronic kidney disease for a longer period of time can lead to complete kidney failure; while some people are found to suffer from chronic kidney disease for lifetime which may not lead to kidney failure. However, the latter case can be rare. It is therefore, advisable to identify the signs and symptoms of kidney disease as early as possible to get the condition treated immediately. The following are kidney disease symptoms in women and men.

Kidney Disease Symptoms in Adults
  • Difficulty in urination
  • Pain during urination
  • Frequent/infrequent urination
  • Dark colored urine
  • Blood in urine
  • Swelling
  • Water retention (edema)
  • Lower abdominal pain
  • Lower back pain
  • Skin rash
  • Itchy skin
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Anemia
  • Shortness of breath
  • Loss of appetite
  • Metallic taste in mouth
  • Bad breath
  • Dizziness
  • Muscle cramping
  • Weight loss
  • Cold
Kidney Disease Symptoms in Children
  • Nighttime bedwetting
  • Difficulty in controlling urine
  • Frequent urination
  • Blood in urine
  • Pain or burning sensation during urination
  • Swelling or edema around the eyes, face, feet
  • Fever
  • Increase in blood pressure
Polycystic kidney disease symptoms include pain in the back, changes in urination, flank pain, kidney stones and recurring bladder or kidney infections. In severe cases, polycystic kidney disease can even result in complete renal or kidney failure. Kidney stone give rise to sharp and excruciating pain in the lower abdomen on one side. Sometimes, symptoms of kidney disease also include chills, nausea and vomiting which are difficult to relate to this condition. Therefore, one needs to know and recognize the above mentioned symptoms of kidney diseases. One should note that any changes or abnormalities in urination is a typical identifying kidney disease symptom.

Kidney Disease Treatment

If one observes any of the above mentioned kidney infection or kidney failure symptoms, he/she should consult the doctor immediately. Kidney disease symptoms in children and babies like changes in urination or changes in urine color are difficult to identify and hence, parents must keep a watch on other identifying symptoms. Kidney stone and kidney infection treatment involves use of medications. However, kidney stone, if larger in size, may require a surgical procedure. However, this condition is completely curable. On the other hand, complete kidney failure may require dialysis and/or transplantation. Sometimes, the affected kidney may also be removed. It is possible to live a long life with one kidney, however, the person needs to follow a strict diet. In either of the cases, the doctor may prescribe medications and diet for kidney disease to treat and prevent chronic kidney diseases.

Friday, July 30, 2010

Cut Fat, Lose Weight and Prevent Cancer


There's now yet another compelling reason to lose weight and cut consumption of unhealthy Omega-6 fats from vegetable sources. Research released from the Institute of Food Technologists indicates that as many as 1 in 3 cancer deaths could be prevented by reducing consumption of corn and vegetable oils and cutting calories.

It's important to understand that fat itself is not the enemy, as it's an essential nutrient required for normal cellular function. The problem arises when the balance of Omega-6 and Omega-3 fats are disproportional in our diet.

Humans have evolved with a 1:1 ratio of the two fat sources, yet our modern diet is closer to 20:1 in favor of Omega-6 fats. This causes a hormonal imbalance in the body which leads to inflammation, weight gain and increased risk of heart attack and many cancers. Monitoring Omega fat intake is an important first step which will assist with weight loss efforts and lead to reduced risk from many diseases.

Evolution Controls Our Diet

More than 750,000 people die from cancer annually, and the results from this study indicate that a quarter million lives could be spared with a concerted effort to control calories and Omega-6 fat consumption. Our genes are the product of thousands of years of evolution during times when Omega-3 fat sources such as fish and many nuts and seeds were plentiful. Every cell in our body relies on the critical Omega-3 components, EPA and DHA for replication and cell wall construction.

It's only been during the past half century that Omega-6 fats from corn and vegetable sources have become an ever increasing part of our diet, and have now distorted the natural evolutionary ratio we require for optimal health. Omega-6 fats are very stable, allowing food to sit on store shelves for extended periods, and are present in virtually all processed foods.

Lower Omega-6 Fats by Cutting Processed and Fast Foods

Omega-6 fats are present in virtually every processed food on store shelves, with up to 90% of fat calories in our diet coming from this health endangering source. Take a two step approach to reduce Omega-6 calories and improve the ratio with Omega-3 fats.

Eliminate or drastically reduce foods which are packed with Omega-6 fats, including all commercially baked products, fast foods and vegetable based cooking oils. Be especially mindful to cut any foods listing hydrogenated trans fats, as these increase the risk of heart disease by 25%.

Increase Omega-3 Fat Sources to Lower Inflammation

Replace Omega-6 laden foods with Omega-3 healthy options. The best Omega-3 source is fish, as it provides the perfect balance of DHA and EPA, the two primary Omega-3 fats. Fish Oil supplements are a good choice for people who don't enjoy fish.

Nuts and seeds also have smaller amounts of Omega-3 fats, with walnuts, flax and chia seeds rising to the top of the list. It's important to remember that food from any fat source still contains 9 calories per gram, so be careful when substituting and track your daily calories with nutritional software.

Research is beginning to uncover the hidden dangers in the unnatural processed foods which make up a large portion of the Western diet. We are continually reminded that the foods we eat have a direct and immediate impact on our future health and body weight.

Monitor your food choices carefully, paying close attention to the Omega fat ratios and switch to a reduced calorie lifestyle. You'll enjoy the healthy benefits of dramatically lowered risk of cancer and many illnesses while you naturally maintain a healthy weight.

Read More Expert Advice on Diet, Health and Nutrition, and Download your Free Weight Loss EBook!

John Phillip is a Health Researcher and Author who writes regularly on the cutting edge use of diet, lifestyle modifications and targeted supplementation to enhance and improve the quality and length of life. John is the author of 'Your Healthy Weight Loss Plan', a comprehensive EBook explaining how to use Diet, Exercise and Targeted Supplementation to achieve your Weight Loss goal. Visit My Optimal Health Resource to continue reading the latest health news updates, and to download your Free 48 page copy of 'Your Healthy Weight Loss Plan'.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Hair Loss Prevention Products-- What Kind Of Hair Loss Do You Have?


Hairloss is definitely a horrible disease that may affect about seventy percent within the total population 40 % males and thirty % females are struck with this disease. There are several forms of hair loss that can cause distress from the less severe and most treatable: like drastic fat loss, can cause hair loss. Hormonal fluctuations in the body like prednisone, in effect trigger post pregnancy baldness, which usually will re-grow following the event, has stopped.

You will find three kinds of Alopecia Areata, which are named according to their severity.

Alopecia Areata is mild patchy baldness on the scalp.
Alopecia Totalis is the loss of all scalp hair.
Alopecia Universalis is the loss of scalp and all human body hair's.

Researchers think that Alopecia Areata is definitely an autoimmune disease; which means that the body’s immune system acts as though the hair follicles are foreign and attacks them. White blood cells called T-lymphocytes attack the hair follicle which in turn causes the hair to quit growing and enter into the telogen (resting) phase, then about three months later, when the resting phase is finished the hair will then fallout. Only when T-lymphocytes stop assaulting the hair follicle will brand-new hair grow.

Treatments for Alopecia Areata

There is no cure for Alopecia Areata, there are only treatment plans, these treatments will have to be continued until the condition ceases, which in most cases happens within a very short period of time, with or without treatments. Treatments for Alopecia Areata are roughly put into two groups.

1) Patients with less than 50% hair loss

2) Patents with over 50% hair loss

Treatments for less than 50% hair loss

1. Cortocosteroids
2. Dithranol
3. Retin A - Tretinoin
4. Topical Minoxidil marketed as Regaine, Rogaine or Headway
5. Zinc

Treatments for above 50% hair loss

1. Systematic Cortisone
2. PUVA
3. Irritants
4. immuno-suppressive drugs

There's also natural hair loss prevention products that work some better yet then the above-mentioned Drug treatments. What you need to do seriously would be to visit a doctor that can advise you for the treatments currently available, and do a complete analysis as to the reasons your hair is shedding and what hair loss prevention product is the best for you.

1. Herbs like saw palmetto, pygeum, and nettle roots are natural DHT or dihydrotestosterone inhibitors. It indicates they are capable of stopping and halting the hair-follicle-killing DHT hormone. Whenever your follicles of hair get unclogged as a result of using these herbal treatments, your hair will begin growing again.

2. Ginko biloba is another famous herb that is effective in those that face hair loss. Ginko biloba works well at improving blood flow. With all the boosted blood flow, your hair roots will receive sufficient nourishment and as a direct result, healthy re-growth of the hair is triggered and promoted.

3. Green tea is undoubtedly an herbal drink that really needs no further introduction. Green tea known as the miracle tea that is able to cure or reduce multiple health problems. Green tea, in relation to treating alopecia condition, contains substances which have been designed for blocking 5-alpha-reductase, an enzyme accountable for the development of DHT hormone.

Monday, July 5, 2010

Fight Depression With Exercise



For good health and prevention of disease exercise is a habit that can cure a variety of physical ills. Now, there is growing evidence that exercise can also help people who suffer from depression. Just getting up and moving around seems to have a positive impact on mental health as well as physical health.

The symptoms of depression include loss of appetite, trouble sleeping and just an all around lack of interest in doing things that used to make you feel happy. The good news for people suffering from depression is that studies show that physical exercise can cause an uptick in feelings of well being and the alleviation of feelings of depression. Exercise will help increase your appetite because you're burning more calories and it can help you sleep better because you're burning off some excess energy.

In a 2000 study performed at Duke University Medical Center, 156 people with major depressive disorder (MDD) volunteered to participate in an experiment to test the effect of exercise on depression. After four months, all of the patients reported significant reductions in their depressive symptoms. Also, the results were the same regardless of what kind of exercise they did. Researchers demonstrated in this study that there is an inverse relation between exercise and depression. In plain English, that means that as exercise goes up feelings of depression go down.

Taken together with treatment by a mental health professional, medication is often prescribed to treat depression. To see how exercise compares with taking medication, one of the groups of volunteers did no exercise but instead took Zoloft during the study. The result was that the groups that exercised reported 22% fewer feelings of depression than the group that took medication alone. In addition, the groups that exercised avoided the unpleasant side effects like nausea and insomnia that are sometimes reported by people who take Zoloft.

There are so many benefits of regular exercise. Reductions in heart disease, diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis and stress are just a few. Now, we also know that feelings of depression can be significantly helped by getting up and getting moving. Try adding some exercise to your daily routine and you'll be healthier both physically and mentally.

What is Lung Cancer?


Cancer is a class of diseases characterized by out-of-control cell growth, and lung cancer occurs when this uncontrolled cell growth begins in one or both lungs. Rather than developing into healthy, normal lung tissue, these abnormal cells continue dividing and form lumps or masses of tissue called tumors. Tumors interfere with the main function of the lung, which is to provide the bloodstream with oxygen to be carried to the entire body. If a tumor stays in one spot and demonstrates limited growth, it is generally considered to be benign.

More dangerous, or malignant, tumors form when the cancer cells migrate to other parts of the body through the blood or lymph system. When a tumor successfully spreads to other parts of the body and grows, invading and destroying other healthy tissues, it is said to have metastasized. This process itself is called metastasis, and the result is a more serious condition that is very difficult to treat.

Lung cancer is called "primary" if the cancer originates in the lungs and "secondary" if it originates elsewhere in the body but has metastasized to the lungs. These two types are considered different cancers from diagnostic and treatment perspectives.

In 2007, about 15% of all cancer diagnoses and 29% of all cancer deaths were due to lung cancer. It is the number one cause of death from cancer every year and the second most diagnosed after breast and prostate cancers (for women and men, respectively). Lung cancer is usually found in older persons because it develops over a long period of time.