Is Stress Turning You Into A Wired, Tired, Pot-Bellied Zombie?

We are no strangers to stress in today’s frenetic society – traffic jams, train delays, meetings, deadlines, unemployment, difficult relationships, demanding children, ageing parents, financial worries. Does it ever stop? Throw in a poor diet, sleep deprivation and insufficient downtime, and it’s only a matter of ‘when’ before you develop adrenal fatigue in some form.

What is adrenal fatigue?

Adrenal fatigue syndrome is a group of signs and symptoms that typically results from intense or prolonged stress, but it can also develop in response to acute or chronic illness. As the name suggests, the main symptom is fatigue, which is not relieved by sleep. There are, however, other associated complaints:

• Allergies

• Apathy

• Anxiety

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)

• Depression

• Frequent colds & flu

• Headaches

• Infertility

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBS)

• Inflammatory conditions

• Insomnia

• Irritability

• Low energy

• Low libido

• Menstrual difficulties

• Migraines

• Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

• Recurrent infections

• Skin complaints

• Sleep disorders

• Weakened immune system

• Weight problems

FACTS

The thing about adrenal fatigue is that its onset is insidious. You can function – initially at least, with no obvious sign of physical illness, yet it is always with an underlying general malaise. You just don’t feel right. Compromised adrenal function can often force you to rely on coffee, cola, chocolate and other stimulants to get going in the morning and keep you going throughout the day. These ‘props’, however, may help you to cope in the short-term, but the adrenal glands can be so over-stimulated that eventually they pack up – think of a pump running dry in a busy petrol station. This is known as ‘adrenal exhaustion’ whereby getting out of bed for more than a few hours can prove difficult.

Stress and your body: The science bit

The adrenal glands sit just above your kidneys and are responsible for all your responses to stress, whether physical, emotional or psychological. They produce adrenalin, cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) – collectively known as ‘stress hormones’.

Cortisol is the main stress hormone and production fluctuates over the course of a day in tandem with your natural circadian rhythm. Levels are usually at their lowest between midnight and 4 am, and they then gradually increase until around 8 am in time for you to wake up and start the day. After 8 am, cortisol levels start to decline incrementally throughout the day to help prepare you for sleep.

Cortisol can be both friend and foe. In ‘friend’ mode, it mobilises fat and carbohydrate for instant energy, it maintains steady blood-sugar levels while we sleep, and it helps us to wake up in the morning. In a nutshell, cortisol is the body’s Mr Motivator – it keeps you wide awake and on your toes, and it empowers you to be ultra-productive.

Still, you can have too much of a good thing, and when this friendly hormone is overproduced, it turns rogue and robs you of sleep, leaving you feeling tired but wired. Excess cortisol can also adversely affect:

• Ageing

• Bone and muscle tissue

• Cardiovascular function

• Glucose regulation

• Immune defence (reduced SIgA)

• Sleep

• Thyroid function

• Weight control

Cortisol output by your adrenal glands is one of the most reliable indicators of your adrenal function, and how well your body is coping with stress. DHEA, however, is another important stress hormone and responsible for a number of functions within the body, including immunity, energy production and protection from age-related degenerative conditions. Imbalanced DHEA has been associated with:

• Alzheimer’s disease

• Cancer

• Cardiovascular disease

• Depression

• Impaired immunity

• Insulin resistance

• Obesity

• Panic disorder

Do I need to get my stress hormones tested?

The NutriLife Adrenal Stress Questionnaire has been devised by Janine Fahri to be used as a preliminary guide to whether you have any stress hormone imbalances.

Grab a pen and tick all those statements that apply to you…

I often feel tired for no apparent reason

I have endured a lot of stress over an extended period of time

I frequently feel drained, run down and/or overwhelmed

I don’t wake refreshed even when I go to bed reasonably early

I suffer from insomnia or with sleep difficulties

I often wake up in the middle of the night and can’t get back to sleep

I need a coffee to ‘kick-start’ me in the morning

I regularly skip meals e.g. breakfast

I often crave sugary and/or salty foods

I usually feel my best after 6pm in the evening

I suffer from allergies e.g. food, pollen and/or chemicals

I carry excess weight, especially around my stomach

I frequently suffer from colds and flu

I can take a long time to recover from colds and flu

I have been trying to conceive a baby with no success

I often feel emotional, tearful or irritable

I am finding it increasingly more difficult to cope with stress

I have suffered with long-term illness

I am frequently low in mood, apathetic and/or fed up

If you ticked 3 or more statements, then it is highly recommended that you have your stress hormones tested.

How are stress hormone levels tested?

Your levels of the stress hormones – cortisol and DHEA – can be determined via a simple saliva test carried out in the comfort of your own home. See ‘What does the test actually involve?’ for full details. The ‘comprehensive’ version of this test also measures Secretory IgA, an antibody that plays a critical role in your body’s immune system.

Can I ask my doctor for this test?

Your doctor/GP can order a standard blood test for adrenal function, but unfortunately this doesn’t highlight anything more than the most severe cases of adrenal dysfunction, such as Addison’s disease or Cushing’s syndrome.

Conversely, the salivary adrenal stress test is a specialist laboratory test that provides a more representative assessment of your cortisol levels throughout the course of a day. Furthermore, there is substantial scientific evidence indicating that stress hormones are measured more accurately in saliva than by taking a blood sample, which is especially good news for those scared of needles.

What does the test actually involve?

Full instructions will be included with your test kit, but here’s a step-by-step guide to what taking the test involves. Firstly, upon receipt of your test kit, store the enclosed gel pack in your freezer until you are ready to return your samples to the laboratory. Decide on a day that will typically represent your stress levels, such as a working day. Collect a total of four samples (approximately half a teaspoon of saliva each time) at 4-5 hour intervals throughout the course of one day. For example:

Sample #1: 8am

Sample #2: 1pm

Sample #3: 6pm

Sample #4: 10pm

Once you have collected all your saliva samples, freeze the test tubes for at least 2 hours and keep them frozen until ready for dispatch. Put the samples in the mail bag provided, together with the pre-frozen gel pack, and return to the laboratory for analysis. It’s that simple!

Your test results are usually available within 2 weeks.

NB. Certain medications can influence the levels of stress hormones reported in this test. For example, any steroid-based nasal sprays, inhalers, or eye drops; Clomiphene; Cortisone cream or patches; Ketoconazole; Oral steroids (e.g. Prednisone) and Phenytoin. Please mention any existing medical condition or medication when ordering your test kit.

I have done the test and yes, my stress hormones are imbalanced – now what?

Let me give you the good news straight away – there is A LOT that can be done to help you re-balance your stress hormones. Actually, this is where nutritional therapy really comes into its own.

Learning HOW, WHAT and WHEN to eat makes a massive difference to the health of your adrenal glands, as well as your overall well-being. Furthermore, the right nutrition combined with lifestyle adjustments and specialist dietary supplements (e.g. glandular extracts, adaptogenic herbs and specific nutrients) can help to rebalance your adrenal health entirely. If you’re diligent, you should expect to feel an improvement in your symptoms in as little as a week and depending on the severity of your stress-hormone imbalance, your adrenal health could be fully optimised within 3-6 months.

http://www.kiki-health.co.uk/articles_Is_Stress_Turning_You_Into_A_Wired_Tired_Pot_Bellied_Zombie.asp?inf_contact_key=d81be5cfc50ae275efd79a23bd6fbe5a6ef8faa88c0c987abd6a68983cbf2964

10 Health Benefits of Turmeric

Turmeric, also known as curcuma longa, is a very common herb. Often referred to as the “Queen of Spices,” its main characteristics are a pepper-like aroma, sharp taste and golden colour. People across the globe use this herb in their cooking.

According to the Journal of the American Chemical Society, turmeric contains a wide range of antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-carcinogenic, anti-mutagenic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also loaded with many healthy nutrients such as protein, dietary fibre, niacin, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, sodium, potassium, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium and zinc. Due to all these factors, turmeric is often used to treat a wide variety of health problems.

Here are the top 10 health benefits of turmeric.

Prevents Cancer

Turmeric can help prevent prostate cancer, stop the growth of existing prostate cancer and even destroy cancer cells. Multiple researchers have found that the active components in turmeric  makes it one of the best protectors against radiation-induced tumours. It also has a preventive effect against tumour cells such as T-cell leukaemia, colon carcinomas and breast carcinomas.

Relieves Arthritis

The anti-inflammatory properties in turmeric are great for treating both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, turmeric’s antioxidant property destroys free radicals in the body that damage body cells. It has been found that those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis who consume turmeric on a regular basis experience much relief from the moderate to mild joint pains as well as joint inflammation.

Controls Diabetes

Turmeric can be used in the treatment of diabetes by helping to moderate insulin levels. It also improves glucose control and increases the effect of medications used to treat diabetes. Another significant benefit is turmeric’s effectiveness in helping reduce insulin resistance, which may prevent the onset of Type-2 diabetes. However, when combined with strong medications, turmeric can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). It is best to consult a healthcare professional before taking turmeric capsules.

Reduces Cholesterol Level

Research has proven that simply using turmeric as a food seasoning can reduce serum cholesterol levels. It is a known fact that high cholesterol can lead to other serious health problems. Maintaining a proper cholesterol level can prevent many cardiovascular diseases.

Immune Booster

Turmeric contains a substance known as lipopolysaccharide, which helps stimulate the body’s immune system. Its antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal agents also help strengthen the immune system. A strong immune system lessens the chance of suffering from colds, flu and coughs. If you do get a cold, a cough or the flu, you can feel better sooner by mixing one teaspoon of turmeric powder in a glass of warm milk and drinking it once daily.

Heals Wound

Turmeric is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent and can be used as an effective disinfectant. If you have a cut or burn, you can sprinkle turmeric powder on the affected area to speed up the healing process. Turmeric also helps repair damaged skin and may be used to treat psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions.

Weight Management

Turmeric powder can be very helpful in maintaining an ideal body weight. A component present in turmeric helps increase the flow of bile, an important component in the breakdown of dietary fat. Those who wish to lose weight or treat obesity and other associated diseases can benefit from having one teaspoon of turmeric powder with every meal.

Prevents Alzheimer’s Disease

Brain inflammation is suspected to be one of the leading causes of cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. Turmeric supports overall brain health by aiding in the removal of plaque build-up in the brain and improving the flow of oxygen. This can also prevent or slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

Improves Digestion

Many key components in turmeric stimulate the gallbladder to produce bile, which then improves digestion and reduces symptoms of bloating and gas. Also, turmeric is helpful in treating most forms of inflammatory bowel disease including ulcerative colitis. However it is important to bear in mind that people suffering from any kind of gallbladder disease should not take turmeric as a dietary supplement as it may worsen the condition. It is best to consume turmeric in raw form when suffering from a digestive problem.

Prevents Liver Disease

Turmeric is a kind of natural liver detoxifier. The liver detoxifies the blood through the production of enzymes and turmeric increases production of these vital enzymes. These vital enzymes break down and reduce toxins in the body. Turmeric also is believed to invigorate and improve blood circulation. All of these factors support good liver health.

Given the numerous health benefits of turmeric, adding this powerful herb to your diet is one of the best things you can do to improve the quality of your life. You can add turmeric in powder form to curries, stir fried dishes, smoothies, warm milk and even to spicy salad dressings. Turmeric can be taken in pill form also. However, turmeric should not be used by people with gallstones or bile obstruction.

http://www.top10homeremedies.com/kitchen-ingredients/10-health-benefits-of-turmeric.html

10 Health Benefits of Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera plant is considered to be a miracle plant because of its too many curative and healing health benefits. The leaf of Aloe Vera is filled with a gel containing vitamins like A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C and E, Folic Acid and Niacin. Minerals found in Aloe Vera plant juice are copper, iron, sodium, calcium, zinc, potassium, chromium, magnesium, manganese. All these nutrients have tremendous health benefits when used externally and internally.

Health experts consider Aloe Vera as the most impressive and versatile herb invented by nature. This herb is very safe to use and people from across the globe use this herb for treating various health conditions starting from minor burns to dangerous cancer.

Here are top 10 health benefits of Aloe Vera.

Immune Booster

Aloe Vera is full of anti-oxidants which are natural immune enhancers that help to deal with free radicals within the body. Free radicals are the unstable compounds which are bad for the health and contribute to the ageing process. Drinking Aloe Vera juice regularly gives the body a regular supply of anti-oxidants, which can boost and enhance the immune system.

Regulates Weight and Energy Level

Drinking Aloe Vera juice naturally allows the body to cleanse the digestive system. There are many food substances which can cause fatigue and exhaustion which you can solve by taking Aloe Vera juice. When consumed regularly, Aloe Vera juice also allows energy levels to increase and helps in maintaining a healthy body weight.

Cures Gum Diseases

Aloe Vera is extremely helpful for your mouth and gums due to its natural anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties. At the same time it contains vitamins and minerals which promote cell growth and healing of bleeding gums and mouth ulcers. When suffering from a gum disease, just sprinkle some Aloe Vera powder on your toothbrush before brushing and within few minutes you will feel much better. Regular consumption of Aloe Vera juice also helps in promoting strong and healthy teeth.

Ends Constipation

Aloe Vera plant juice has natural fibres which helps in digestion and improves the bowel movement. Aloe Vera juice can also be used in treating constipation. When constipated, take aloe Vera juice or gel in order to solve the problem of irritable bowel movement. Remember that after taking aloe Vera it takes about ten hours to get positive results.

Stabilizes Blood Sugar Level

Aloe Vera juice can lower blood sugar levels in people with Type 2 Diabetes by stabilizing blood sugar level and reducing triglycerides. For better results those who are diabetic must take Aloe Vera juice regularly for three months in order to experience a significant drop in fasting blood sugar levels. Also those who are diabetic suffering from peripheral neuropathy (hands and feet going numb) can also get huge benefits from Aloe Vera supplements.

Enhances Skin Health

Aloe Vera is one of the natural herbs used in skin care products as it soothes the skin, hydrates it, nourishes it and accelerates the regeneration of new skin tissue. By applying fresh Aloe Vera gel on your face you can enjoy well moisturised, glowing and flawless skin. At the same time Aloe Vera can help to get rid of sunburn skin and can be used to treat blisters, insect bites and any allergic reactions, minor burns, inflammations and more. Even those having sensitive skin can also use Aloe Vera without any problem.

Reduces Heart Attacks

By enhancing your blood quality, you can significant reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes in coming years. To improve the quality of your blood, you must start eating Aloe Vera. Regular consumption of Aloe Vera stops blood cells from clumping together, which is one of the main reasons behind strokes. When the flow of blood is proper, oxygen and nutrients can reach every last organ and cell in your body. Good amount of oxygen reduces the risk of heart attacks, strokes and high blood pressure.

Treats Acne

Aloe Vera gel is used in a number of different skin care products that facilitates to treat a wide variety of different skin problems including acne. Acne is a kind of very common skin problem in which the sebaceous glands become more active and inflamed. The anti-inflammatory properties present in Aloe Vera help to get rid of acne and pimples when the gel is applied on the affected skin are twice daily. You can use Aloe Vera skin care products to treat the scars and redness associated with acne.

Halts Inflammation

Using Aloe Vera externally can ease inflammation of joints, reducing arthritis pain. You can also drink Aloe Vera juice to reduce inflammation throughout the body. People who drink aloe Vera juice for two weeks typically begin to experience a significant reduction of inflammation and pain symptoms. With regular consumption of Aloe Vera juice and application of Aloe Vera gel on the affected skin area you can enjoy a pain free life.

Lowers High Cholesterol

Few research works also suggest that Aloe Vera gel can lower high cholesterol level. When used internally, the gel improves the quality of the blood and also lowers the high cholesterol level. Also taking Aloe Vera is far safer than using over the counter or prescribed medicines, which have extremely harmful negative side effects on the body. However those having high cholesterol levels should take Aloe Vera supplements only after consulting a doctor.

To conclude, due to the medicinal potential of Aloe Vera it is very essential to have this herb in your kitchen garden. Have this wonderful herb at home so that you can solve many health problems right at your home without the need of going to a doctor.

http://www.top10homeremedies.com/kitchen-ingredients/10-health-benefits-of-aloe-vera.html

9 Foods to Help You Lose Weight

Losing weight is a matter of simple maths. To drop pounds, you need to eat fewer calories than you burn. There’s no way around that. But what you eat can have an impact.

"Certain foods can help you shed body weight," says Heather Mangieri, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, "because they help you feel full longer and help curb cravings."

Some even kick up your metabolism. So consider this list when you go to the supermarket:

1. Beans

Cheap, filling, and versatile, beans are a great source of protein. Beans are also high in fibre and slow to digest. That helps you feel full longer, which may stop you from eating more.

2. Soup

Start a meal with a cup of soup and you may end up eating less. It does not matter if the soup is chunky or puréed, as long as its broth based. You want to keep the soup to 100 to 150 calories a serving. So skip the dollops of cream and butter.

3. Dark Chocolate

Want to enjoy chocolate between meals? Pick a square or two of dark over the milky version. In a Copenhagen study, chocolate lovers who were given dark chocolate ate 15% less pizza a few hours later than those who had eaten milk chocolate.

4. Puréed Vegetables

You can add more veggies to your diet, enjoy your "cheat" foods, and cut back on the calories you’re eating all at the same time. When Penn State researchers added puréed cauliflower and zucchini to mac and cheese, people seemed to like the dish just as much. But they ate 200 to 350 fewer calories. Those healthy vegetables added low-calorie bulk to the tasty dish.

5. Eggs and Sausage

A protein-rich breakfast may help you resist snack attacks throughout the day. In a study of a group of obese young women, those who started the day with 35 grams of protein -- that’s probably way more than you’re eating -- felt fuller right away. The women were given a 350-calorie breakfast that included eggs and a beef sausage patty. The effect of the high-protein breakfast seemed to last into the evening, when the women munched less on fatty, sugary goods than the women who had cereal for breakfast.

6. Nuts

For a healthy snack on the run, choose a small handful of almonds, peanuts, walnuts, or pecans. Research shows that when people munch on nuts they automatically eat less at later meals.

7. Apples

Skip the apple juice or the apple sauce and opt instead for a crunchy apple.  Research shows that whole fruit blunts appetite in a way that fruit juices and sauces don’t. One reason is that raw fruit contains more fibre. Plus, chewing sends signals to our brain that we have eaten something substantial. 

8. Yogurt

Whether you prefer Greek or traditional, yogurt can be good for your waistline. A Harvard study followed more than 120,000 people for a decade or longer. Yogurt, of all the foods that were tracked, was most closely linked to weight loss.

9. Grapefruit

Yes, grapefruit really can help you shed pounds, especially if you are at risk for diabetes. Researchers at the Scripps Clinic in San Diego found that when people ate half a grapefruit before each meal, they dropped an average of 3 1/2 pounds over 12 weeks. Drinking grapefruit juice had the same results. But be careful: You cannot have grapefruit or grapefruit juice if you are on certain medications, so check the label on all your prescriptions, or ask your pharmacist or doctor.

Shop Smart

Remember to load your shopping cart with lots of lean protein, fresh veggies, fruit, and whole grains, says food scientist Joy Dubost, PhD, RD. "The overall nutritional composition of your total diet remains the most important thing when it comes to lasting weight loss."

http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/9-foods-to-help-you-lose-weight?page=2

18 HOME REMEDIES FOR VARICOSE VEINS

HOME REMEDY TREATMENTS FOR DEALING

 WITH  VARICOSE VEINS

In addition to being unsightly, varicose veins can be quite painful. Follow the home remedies below to help postpone their development or ease any discomfort.

Check your family tree. This vascular problem runs in families, although the reason is unknown. Some experts believe there is a weakness in the gene that governs the development of the veins. This may lead to defects in the structure of valves and veins or, in some people, a decrease in the number of valves in the veins, causing the few that are there to get overloaded in their duties. If you do find a history of varicose veins in your family, the sooner you follow preventive home remedies the better.

Get moving. While exercise may not prevent varicose veins, doctors agree that physical activity can lessen the symptoms by improving circulation, which prevents blood from pooling. As working muscles in the lower limbs contract, they push blood through the veins, back to the heart.

To get your legs moving, almost any exercise that involves the legs will do, from aerobics to strengthening to spot-toning activities, say the experts. Ride a bike, take an aerobics class, go for a walk or a run, use the stair machine in the gym or climb the stairs at work during your lunch hour -- these are all good exercises for the legs. Spot-toning exercises, such as leg raises, that specifically build up the muscles in the buttocks, thighs, and lower legs are also recommended.

Eating a balanced diet and keeping your weight down can help ease the pain of varicose veins.

Lose weight. Not only does obesity tax just about every system in the body, but carrying around extra baggage makes most people less active, which means their leg muscles do less work. As a result, overweight people usually can't pump blood from their lower limbs back to the heart efficiently. In addition, an overweight person's blood vessels carry more blood than a thinner person's, so the strain is greater on the vessels themselves.

Eat a balanced diet. Besides helping you maintain proper weight, a balanced diet can give you nutrients that may actually help prevent varicose veins.

For example, protein and vitamin C are both components of collagen, part of the tissue in the veins and valves. If the collagen is in good shape, the tissues are likely to be more resilient.

A balanced diet that includes a wide variety of foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean sources of protein, is the best way to get the right amounts of valuable nutrients. However, while a healthy diet can strengthen your vascular system, it can't cure varicose veins.

Take a break from standing. When you're standing in one place, the blood in your leg veins must not only make a long uphill journey against the force of gravity, it has to do so without the pumping assistance that expanding-and-contracting leg muscles can provide. (It's a little like trying to get up a creek without a paddle!) As a result, the blood tends to pool in the lower legs, leading to the development of varicose veins.

If possible, take frequent breaks to walk around or, preferably, to sit with your feet up. And while you're standing in one spot, shift your weight from one leg to the other and/or occasionally get up on tiptoes; it will engage your leg muscles in the task of pushing blood up toward your heart.

Prop up your legs. Putting your feet up is good, but elevating them above the level of your heart is even better. It's a way to use gravity to help the blood move from your feet and ankles back to your heart. Doctors have been recommending elevation to relieve leg pain and swelling for centuries. As a matter of fact, Hippocrates in ancient Greece wrote of its benefits.

So lie down on a couch and prop your feet on the arm or put three or four pillows under them (or lie on the floor and rest your feet on the seat of a chair). Can't lie down? Sit on one chair and prop your feet on the back of another chair. When possible, try to elevate your legs for ten minutes once an hour.

But don't sit too long, either. Some experts theorize that even sitting for extended periods can contribute to varicose veins. Bent knees and hips, the thinking goes, complicate and slow the return of blood to your heart. So it's very important that on a long car or plane ride or during a day of sitting at the office (or at home, for that matter) you get up and stretch your legs once in a while. When you need a break, try this rejuvenator: Stand on your toes and flex the heel up and down ten times.

Don't be crossed. Sitting with your legs crossed can slow circulation to and from your lower legs.

Check your seat. The same can happen if you sit in a chair with a seat that is too deep for your leg length: The front edge of the chair digs into the back of your knees, compressing blood vessels and restricting blood flow. Get a chair that fits your body better, or, if that's not possible, scoot your backside away from the chair's back until the pressure on your legs is relieved.

Flex your feet. Contracting the muscles in your feet may help force blood upward and out of the veins. While seated -- and even while your legs are elevated -- try these three exercises to really get the blood pumping out of your feet and back to your heart:

The Ankle Pump: Flex your foot up and down as you would when you pump a piano pedal or gas pedal.

Ankle Circles: Rotate your feet clockwise and counter clockwise.

Heel Slips: With your knees bent, slide your heels back and forth.

Sleep with elevated feet. For those with chronic swelling in the lower legs, it may help put a few pillows under your feet while you are sleeping.

Lower your heels. Shoes with lower heels require your calf muscles to do more work -- a plus for better circulation -- than high-heeled shoes.

Wear tennis shoes. If your feet habitually swell, it may be worthwhile to wear tennis shoes or other lace-up shoes that can be opened up or loosened to alleviate the pressure and allow for freer circulation.

Loosen up. Your clothing, that is. Stay away from pants or other clothing that are tight at the waist or groin; they can act almost as tourniquets that restrict blood flow at these important circulation points.

Consider "stocking" up on support. Ask your pharmacist or doctor about special compression stockings designed to improve circulation in the legs. How do they work? They apply more pressure to the lower legs than to the thigh area. Since more pressure is exerted on the lower legs, blood is more readily pushed up toward the heart.

The stockings' compression on the legs is measured in millimetres of mercury (mm Hg), and ranges from 20 mm Hg for weaker support to 60 mm Hg for strong support. (In comparison, the support hose you can buy at any department store provide pressure of 14 to 17 mm Hg.) The stronger versions require a doctor's prescription. The lower-strength stockings are sometimes recommended for pregnant women.

Women often develop varicose veins during pregnancy; most subside after the baby is born.

These days, compression stockings come in a variety of styles -- below the knee, midthigh, full thigh, and waist high -- and an increasing variety of colours as well as different strengths. A possible downside: The stronger stockings have a tendency to feel hot. They can also be relatively expensive, although you should check with your insurer to see if any or all of their cost is covered.

The stockings are available in most pharmacy and medical-supply stores as well as through mail order and Web sites. It's important that the stockings fit properly, however, so you may want to ask your pharmacist for assistance with measuring.

Slip into spandex pants. Like non-prescription, store-bought support hose, pants made from this elastic material apply pressure to the legs and may help somewhat. Be sure, however, that they aren't so tight in the groin or waist that they cut into your skin and limit circulation.

Cover up the blues. If you've stopped wearing shorts or going to the beach because you're embarrassed about your varicose veins, make them "disappear." There are products specially made to cover the blue vein lines that make you want to take cover.

Available in a variety of shades to match your skin, the cream is applied by hand and blended. Leg Magic by Covermark Cosmetics is waterproof and even has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 16 to protect your legs from the sun's harmful rays. Wearing stockings over the cream won't make it fade or rub off, and you can even go for a swim without washing away all your cover.

While these types of products obviously won't fix the veins and relieve physical discomfort, they can make you feel better about the way your legs look.

Consider the effects of oestrogen. The hormone is generally believed to have a detrimental effect on the collagen and connective tissue of the veins. If you have varicose veins or have a strong family history of them and you are considering oral contraceptive or hormone replacement therapy, you may want to specifically ask about this potential side effect when you discuss the pros and cons of such therapy with your doctor. While oestrogen probably doesn't have a direct effect on varicose veins, the hormone can increase the risk of embolisms, or blood clots, which interfere with blood circulation.

Since genetics plays a large part in whether or not you get varicose veins, there's not a whole lot you can do to avoid them. But by following the home remedies in this article, you may be able to hold them off for a bit and ease some of the discomfort when they do appear.

 Pregnancy & Varicose Veins and Spider Veins: "Cousin" to                                            Varicose Veins

Pregnancy can lead to the development of varicose veins and spider veins. Surging hormones weaken collagen and connective tissues in the pelvis in preparation for giving birth. Unfortunately, as a side effect, the hormones may also weaken the collagen found in the veins and valves of the body. These weakened tissues have a more difficult time standing up to the increased blood volume that comes with carrying a baby. In addition, the weight of the foetus itself may play a role in the development of varicose veins in the legs by compressing the veins between the legs and heart. Elevating the legs whenever possible can be helpful, and compression stockings in the 20 to 30 mm Hg range may be prescribed by your doctor. The good news is that for many women, the swollen veins subside within a few months after the baby is born.

Eighty per cent of varicose-vein sufferers will also develop spider veins. And half of all spider-vein sufferers also have varicose veins. But unlike knotty and often uncomfortable varicose veins, spider veins are thin (they are no thicker than a thread or hair and do not bulge out), dilated blood vessels that form a web like pattern (hence the name) on the skin, most commonly on the legs, neck, and face. Except for their link to pregnancy and hormones (see "Advice for Moms-to-Be"), no one knows for sure why they crop up. Because the cause hasn't been pinpointed, the veins can't be prevented. But on the plus side, they rarely cause problems -- perhaps only a little itching now and again.  

http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/natural-medicine/home-remedies/home-remedies-for-varicose-veins1.htm

Dr. K: These 12 ‘superfoods’ offer many health benefits

A “Superfood” isn’t a technical term; it’s shorthand for foods that can improve your health and prevent disease. I don’t much like the term, since it implies that some foods have magical powers that will keep you healthy regardless of what else you eat or do. But there are foods that do appear to confer more health benefits than others.

Together with Dr. Michelle Hauser, nutrition educator and clinical fellow at Harvard Medical School, I’ve compiled a list of 12 “superfoods.” Try to incorporate them into your diet:

(1) Salmon is high in omega-3 fatty acids. These fats help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Try to eat salmon or another fatty fish twice a week.

(2) Blueberries contain powerful antioxidants, which can help lower your risk of many diseases. We single out blueberries, but eating a mixture of colourful berries is best.

(3) Broccoli. Any cruciferous vegetable — Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage or kale — is a worthy dietary addition. These vegetables contain potent disease-fighting compounds. Broccoli is also high in vitamin C, fibre, calcium and folate.

(4) Eggs. One egg contains 6 grams of protein, as well as lutein (good for vision) and choline (which helps preserve memory). For many years eggs had a bad reputation. That was because the yolk contains a lot of cholesterol. Most people can eat one egg a day without adverse health effects. (People with diabetes should probably eat no more than three or four eggs a week.)

(5) Greek yogurt. Yogurt is a great source of bone-strengthening calcium and vitamin D. Greek yogurt contains twice the protein of regular yogurt.

(6) Beans are an excellent source of folate, potassium, magnesium, iron, protein and fibre. If beans make you gassy, soak them before cooking, pour out the water they soaked in, and cook them in new water.

(7) Walnuts. Nuts are loaded with healthy fat. As we’ve discussed before, not all fat in the diet is bad for us. Too much saturated fat and trans fat is bad for us, but polyunsaturated and mono unsaturated fats are generally good for us. Walnuts are also high in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids and can quell inflammation. Other nuts also are healthy foods for the same reasons, but not quite as good as walnuts.

(8) Oatmeal is high in fibre and can help lower cholesterol levels. Choose steel-cut oatmeal, the least processed type.

(9) Olive oil is high in healthy fats that reduce cholesterol, prevent blood from clotting too easily and may even control blood sugar.

(10) All teas — black, white, green or oolong — are high in antioxidants. Drinking tea every day may help lower your risk of cancer, heart disease and dementia.

(11) Quinoa (“keen-wa”) is a seed that’s used like a grain. It’s high in protein, essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals. It’s also gluten-free.

(12) Dark chocolate helps control cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure. Choose chocolate containing at least 70 per cent cocoa.

http://www.reflector.com/look/dr-k/dr-k-these-12-8216superfoods8217-offer-many-health-benefits-2187019

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a mixture of abdominal symptoms for which there's no apparent cause.

Symptoms include constipation, diarrhoea, bloating and abdominal pain.

It's the most common condition seen by gastroenterologists, and some estimates suggest that as many as one in five adults in the UK have IBS at any one time.

The bowel and IBS

Your bowel, or gut, extends from your stomach to your anus. It is made up of the small intestine and the large intestine. Their job is to process food from the stomach.

Other names for IBS

Irritable colon.

Spastic colon.

Mucous colitis.

These names are misleading because IBS is not limited to the colon.

The small intestine absorbs nutrients from food and passes undigested food into the large intestine. In the large intestine, or colon, this waste product is processed into faeces.

The normal bowel moves food along the intestines through muscular contractions, known as propulsion. There are also areas of hold-up, known as segmentation.

This combination of propulsion and segmentation is called peristalsis. You are completely unaware of it when it is working normally.

The control of peristalsis is complex. The best way to regard IBS is as a loss of coordination of these muscular contractions.

In addition, there's evidence that people with irritable bowel syndrome have increased sensitivity within the gut to external stimuli, such as stress.

This means IBS is often the outcome of a complex interaction between psychological and physical factors.

A disorder of the digestive system can affect the gut anywhere from the mouth to the anus, which accounts for the diversity of symptoms seen in IBS.

What causes irritable bowel syndrome?

How common is IBS?

IBS is more common in women.

In the UK about 13 per cent of women and 5 per cent of men have IBS.

We don't know what causes IBS.

About half of people with IBS date the start of their symptoms to a major life event – such as change of house or job, or bereavement. This suggests that there may be a psychological trigger for IBS.

About 10 to 20 per cent of people will date the start of their symptoms to an acute gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach that causes vomiting and diarrhoea).

In the remainder of cases, the trigger factor remains unidentified.

Abnormalities in peristalsis can often be seen in close relatives of people with IBS, although without symptoms. This suggests a trigger sets off the condition in susceptible people.

Nerve-signalling chemicals, particularly serotonin, appear to have an important role.

What are the symptoms of IBS?

IBS and cancer

Although IBS can be a distressing condition, it never causes bowel cancer or bowel damage.

IBS symptoms can start at any age, but they are most common in late teenage years or early adulthood.

The four most common symptoms are:

constipation

abdominal pain

bloating that usually subsides overnight and returns the following day

diarrhoea

you may experience problems in only one part of the gut or in several, and symptoms can change over time

your symptoms will depend on which parts of the gut are involved.

Oesophagus (takes food from mouth to stomach)

A sensation like a golf ball in the throat between meals, but does not interfere with swallowing.

Heartburn – burning pain often felt behind the breastbone.

Painful swallowing (odynophagia), but without hold-up of food.

Sticking of food (dysphagia) – this requires investigation.

Stomach

Non-ulcer dyspepsia (symptoms suggestive of a stomach or duodenal ulcer, but which has not been confirmed on investigation).

Feeling full after small meals. This may reach the stage of not being able to finish a meal.

Abdominal bloating after meals.

Small bowel

Increased gurgling noises which may be loud enough to cause social embarrassment (borborygmi).

Severe abdominal bloating and generalised abdominal tenderness associated with bloating.

Large bowel

Right-sided abdominal pain, either low or tucked up under the right ribs. Does not always get better after passing a stool.

Pain tucked up under the left ribs (splenic flexure syndrome). When the pain is bad, it may enter the left armpit.

Variable and erratic bowel habits alternating from constipation to diarrhoea.

Flatulence (excess wind).

Increased gastro-colic reflex. This is an awakening of the childhood reflex where food in the stomach stimulates colonic activity, resulting in the need to pass a stool.

Severe, short stabbing pains in the rectum, called proctalgia fugax.

Feeling of incomplete emptying of bowels.

Loss of mucus from the rectum (back passage).

Other symptoms

Headaches.

In women, left-sided abdominal pain pain during sex.

Passing urine more often.

Fatigue and tiredness.

Sleep disturbance.

Loss of appetite.

Nausea.

Depressive symptoms in about a third of patients.

Anxiety and stress-related symptoms, which may interact with gut symptoms.

When should I see a doctor?

Because irritable bowel syndrome can mimic so many other intestinal disorders, you should see your doctor if you identify any of the following symptoms.

Difficulty in swallowing when food gets stuck.

Indigestion-type pain that wakes you up at night.

Abdominal bloating that does not get better overnight.

Significant and unexplained weight loss.

Bleeding from the back passage.

Chronic, painless diarrhoea.

This list is not comprehensive. If there are other symptoms, you should seek further advice.

In general, first-time symptoms of IBS in a person over the age of 40 should be assessed by a doctor.

How is irritable bowel syndrome diagnosed?

There is no single blood test, X-ray or scan that will diagnose IBS.

The diagnosis is often made on the basis that typical symptoms are present, particularly in younger people who have had at least six months of change in bowel habit, abdominal pain and bloating.

Symptoms, such as pain relieved by opening your bowels and those made worse by eating and passing mucus from the rectum, will help to confirm that you are suffering from IBS.

Blood tests may be taken to exclude other conditions, and occasionally further investigations are performed.

As people with IBS get older, more investigations are performed to ensure the diagnosis is correct – especially if there's:

unexplained weight loss

abdominal or rectal masses (unexplained lumps felt by your doctor in the tummy or back passage)

rectal bleeding

anaemia

a family history of bowel or ovarian cancer

being aged over 60 with a change in bowel habit lasting over 6 weeks.

These may include:

gastroscopy – examination of the oesophagus, stomach and small intestine with a camera on the end of a long thin tube (endoscope).

ultrasound

barium studies – a salt that shows up in X-rays of the stomach and intestines.

colonoscopy – examination of the large intestine with an endoscope.

Is there anything I can do to prevent IBS?

Since the cause of IBS is unknown, it's not possible to reliably prevent symptoms.

The following strategies can help your digestive system and so may improve the condition.

Drink lots of water, preferably two litres a day.

A high-fibre diet improves digestion. The amount of fibre must be increased gradually to allow the stomach to get used to it.

Avoid food or beverages that make the symptoms worse. Coffee and milk are frequent offenders.

It may be helpful to keep a diary in which you note down the foods that seem to upset your stomach.

Avoid strong spices and foods that give you wind.

Avoid large meals, but eat regularly.

Limit your alcohol intake.

What else can improve IBS?

Physical activity and exercise can improve digestion and reduce stress.

Heat treatment with hot packs, hot-water bottles or electric blankets may relieve stomach pain.

Try to reduce the amount of stress in your life. You might like to experiment with some of the different relaxation techniques, such as meditation.

Try to keep things in perspective: excessive worrying about digestive problems could lead to social and psychological problems.

http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/irritablecolon.htm

Diabetes in children

Type 1 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes in children: 90-95 per cent of under 16s with diabetes have this type.

It is caused by the inability of the pancreas to produce insulin.

Type 1 diabetes is classified as an autoimmune disease, meaning a condition in which the body's immune system 'attacks' one of the body's own tissues or organs.

In Type 1 diabetes it's the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas that are destroyed.

How common is it?

Childhood diabetes isn't common, but there are marked variations around the world:

in England and Wales 17 children per 100,000 develop diabetes each year

in Scotland the figure is 25 per 100,000

in Finland it's 43 per 100,000

in Japan it's 3 per 100,000.

The last 30 years has seen a threefold increase in the number of cases of childhood diabetes.

In Europe and America, Type 2 diabetes has been seen for the first time in young people. This is probably in part caused by the increasing trend towards obesity in our society.

But obesity doesn't explain the increase in the numbers of Type 1 diabetes in children - who make up the majority of new cases.

What causes childhood diabetes?

As with adults, the cause of childhood diabetes is not understood. It probably involves a combination of genes and environmental triggers.

The majority of children who develop Type 1 don't have a family history of diabetes.

What are the symptoms?

The main symptoms are the same as in adults. They tend to come on over a few weeks:

thirst

weight loss

tiredness

frequent urination.

Symptoms that are more typical for children include:

tummy pains

headaches

behaviour problems.

Sometimes diabetic acidosis occurs before diabetes is diagnosed, although this happens less often in the UK due to better awareness of the symptoms to look out for.

Doctors should consider the possibility of diabetes in any child who has an otherwise unexplained history of illness or tummy pains for a few weeks.

If diabetes is diagnosed, your child should be referred to the regional specialist in childhood diabetes.

How is diabetes treated in children?

The specialised nature of managing childhood diabetes means that most children are cared for by the hospital rather than by their GP.

Most children with diabetes need insulin treatment. If this is the case, your child will need an individual insulin routine, which will be planned with the diabetes team.

Most now use frequent daily dosage regimes of fast-acting insulin during the day and slow-acting insulin at night.

Very small children normally don't need an injection at night, but will need one as they grow older.

Increasing numbers of older children use continuous insulin pumps.

Often in the first year after diagnosis, your child may need only a small dose of insulin. This is referred to as 'the honeymoon period'.

As well as insulin treatment, good glucose control and avoidance of ‘hypos’ (low blood glucose attacks) is important. This is because many of the complications of diabetes increase with the length of time diabetes has been present.

What can parents do?

Children bring their own problems in relation to:

diet restrictions

activity levels

compliance with instructions.

Your family and your child's medical team can help you through difficult times.

Living with diabetes can put families under considerable strain, so access to backup support is crucial. This may be from your GP, the hospital team or social services.

Understanding all the different aspects of diabetes and its treatment requires patience, but will benefit your child and family life.

The diabetes team at the hospital can help you with the list below.

Learn how to administer insulin injections. Insulin is usually injected into the skin over the abdomen or the thighs.

Know the symptoms of low blood glucose and diabetic acidosis and what to do about them.

Make sure glucose is always available.

Measure blood glucose levels and teach your child how to do this as soon as they are old enough.

Teach your child how to self-administer insulin injections as soon as they are old enough - around the age of nine is typical.

See the doctor on a regular basis, and particularly if your child becomes ill for any reason - treatment is likely to need adjusting.

Inform the school and friends about the symptoms of low blood glucose and what to do about them.

Contact your local diabetes association for help and support.

Diet

Diet guidelines

Current recommendations for children with diabetes:

three main meals

two to three snacks

the whole family eats the same meals.

A trained dietician is usually one of the members of the hospital diabetes team.

It's important to give your child a healthy balanced diet that is high in fibre and carbohydrates.

A healthy diet is the same for everyone, whether or not they have diabetes.

How much your child should eat depends on age and weight. The dietician and parents should determine this together.

Sweets are no longer off limits because the 'diabetic diet' is now a relic of the past.

Once your child gets to know how her body responds to eating and taking insulin, sweets in moderation are possible - accompanied by the appropriate dose of insulin.

Physical activity

Physical activity is important for children with diabetes, who should try to exercise every day.

Physical activity lowers the blood sugar level, so if your child takes insulin, she may need to reduce the dose.

This is because a combination of too much insulin and exercise can lower the blood sugar level and lead to hypos. To counter this, your child should always carry sugar.

Physical activity also affects how much your child can eat. Before your child exercises or plays sport, give extra bread, juice or other carbohydrates.

In the long term

A child who develops diabetes will live with the condition longer than someone who develops diabetes in adulthood.

The longer diabetes is present, the higher the risk of long-term complications such as those affecting the eyes and kidneys.

These can start after puberty, but are usually a concern only in later life.

Regular check-ups for late-stage complications begin around the age of nine. From then on, this check-up is done every year.

http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/diabeteschildren.htm