"Health Articles"

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a very common condition, but in some ways it is still a mystery. There are many different theories about what causes the syndrome, and different doctors will give you different reasons for your illness – anything from stress to bad bacteria to food intolerance. And once you have been diagnosed, there is no set form of treatment – instead, sufferers tend to try two or three supplements or therapies to find a combination that works for them.
IBS is clearly a complicated issue, so here is a basic overview of the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of this disorder.
The symptoms
Although the symptoms of IBS vary from person to person, there are several symptoms which are typical of the illness. The most common symptom is either recurring diarrhea or recurring constipation (although some patients also have alternating diarrhea and constipation).
Additional symptoms can include stomach pain (sometimes relieved by a bowel movement), bloating, nausea and a lot of gas. These symptoms generally go away for a short time before returning again, as IBS can work in cycles. Sufferers may experience a few weeks or even a few months of good health before the symptoms come back.
Sufferers sometimes find that their symptoms begin after a bout of food poisoning or an operation. Others date their symptoms back to a very stressful period in their lives, and some patients can see no clear reason for why their symptoms began.
The diagnosis
There is no set test for IBS, and it is often called a diagnosis of ‘exclusion’. This means that a doctor may rule out other bowel and stomach complaints such as celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease before giving you a diagnosis of IBS.
Sometimes patients are given a colonoscopy, where a tiny camera is inserted into the intestines to look for abnormalities. In an IBS sufferer the colonoscopy won’t detect any physical signs of disease – IBS is often called a ‘functional’ disorder, because it seems to be caused by an alteration in the way the body functions rather than an identifiable cause such as inflammation.
However, this does not mean it is any less real than, say, inflammatory bowel disease, it just means that doctors haven’t come up with a proper test for it yet!
It is very important that you receive a diagnosis of IBS from a medical professional rather than self-diagnosing, as bowel symptoms can be present in many other health conditions.
The treatment
The first stage of treatment may involve any medications your doctor has given you to try. This could be an anti-spasmodic, which will relax the muscles in the gut walls, or perhaps a low dose of an anti-depressant, which can help to reduce the pain.
You may also be given one of the new drugs specifically developed for IBS – Lotronex for diarrhea sufferers and Zelnorm for constipation sufferers.
If the drugs do not help you then you could try using a fiber supplement such as Citrucel to add bulk to your stool – this can be helpful for both diarrhea and constipation. Also, there are other supplements such as Caltrate Plus which may be useful (Caltrate Plus contains calcium carbonate which can reduce diarrhea).
It may also be worth looking at your diet. A nutritionist can advise on ways to identify any particular food ‘triggers’ which may be setting off your symptoms, and also on whether you might have a food intolerance to something like gluten or lactose.
Finally, there are several alternative therapies which can be effective for IBS. Hypnotherapy has proved very effective, and a special form called gut-directed hypnotherapy has been developed just for digestive problems. Acupuncture may also be worth looking into.

Though Amantadine is prescribed for the treatment of influenza-A and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, it has been found useful in treating other complications as well. Amantadine (a generic drug, also available under brand name Symmetrel) has surpassed the expectations of medical fraternity.

Developed as a prescribed drug for the treatment of influenza-A in adults, Amantadine is also proving its weight in gold in treating other disorders as well. Amantadine is an anti-viral drug that can inhibit the replication of viruses in cells. It was approved by the FDA in 1966. The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease have long been treated by Amantadine. Of late, it has also been found useful in treating disorders like –

Bed-wetting (in children)
Some types of seizures
Dementia
Depression
Drug-induced tremors, also known as Parkinsonism
Traumatic head injury
Some viral diseases (other than influenza)
Problems due to brain injuries
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Fatigue related to MS
Cocaine withdrawal

According to unconfirmed reports, recently, amantadine was also used in China poultry farming in an effort to protect the birds against avian flu. The FDA has approved amantadine only for use in humans. Chickens in China have received an estimated 2.6 billion doses of amantadine. Avian flu strains in China and southeast Asia are resistant to amantadine, but strains circulating elsewhere seem to be sensitive. Amantadine might appear to be a wonder drug but is still not without its side effects.

Common adverse reactions include - dizziness, constipation, a purple or blue network pattern on the skin, difficulty urinating, insomnia, nervousness, nausea, vomiting, headache, irritability, upset stomach (should be taken with food or milk), blurred vision, swelling of the ankles and depression. If you are pregnant, or plan to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss the potential risks of this or any medication with your doctor. Use caution if over 60 years of age. The dosage should be adjusted accordingly.

Green tea is used by the Chinese as a traditional medicine to treat many ailments including acne and to improve general well-being. But does it provide an effective herbal alternative to modern medication?
The answer seems to be ‘Yes’.  There are only two herbal treatments that are known to be effective in treating acne and green tea is one of them.
In a recent study by Jennifer Gan-Wong, M.D. a green tea cream was trailed against a 4% benzoyl peroxide solution on people suffering with moderate to severe acne. The results from this research study showed that green tea was just as good in treating acne as the benzoyl peroxide.
But benzoyl peroxide dries out skin causing itching or allergic reactions. Unlike green tea that has the added advantages of natural anti-bacterial properties and antioxidants, particularly epigallocatechin gallate which is 200 times more powerful than vitamin E at fighting free radicals.
Green tea also helps to reduce inflammation, hormonal activity and aids in detoxification - which is all good news for acne sufferers.
Green tea extract is an extremely versatile herbal supplement - it can be administered topically, often being used in creams, taken as a in the form of a pill or incorporated into your diet and drunk as a tea.
This last method is very popular (Green Tea with Honeysuckle is often known as ‘Pimple Tea’ in many Chinatowns) when drunk after a meal it aids digestion and helps to detoxify your system, getting rid of the toxins that can cause acne. Tip: don’t drink it with sugar, this will neutralize the worthwhile effects of the tea.
It seems that taking green tea for acne is a win-win situation… It has many beneficial properties which promote good all-round health with little or no known side effects and for the price, it’s definitely a herbal treatment that’s worth trying.

Acne is the bane of existence for nearly 17 million people who suffer from some form of acne.
Acne is not only embarrassing but also causes psychosocial effects such as: anxiety, depression, inferiority, insecurity, frustration and self-consciousness.
Acne can be in the form of blackheads, whiteheads, pimples or cysts. Can be on the face, neck, shoulders, upper back or chest.
The different definitions of acne are:
Acne blemish: A flaw in the skin
Acne pimple: A small, prominent, inflamed elevation of the skin
Blackhead: A condition of the skin characterized by a black tip.
Whitehead: A condition of the skin characterized by a small, firm, whitish elevation of the skin
Cysts: When the clogged pore is swollen, infected and forms a bump it’s called a “cyst”
Those most susceptible are teenagers and adolescents but it also affects many adults. Although the exact cause of acne is still unknown… there are certain triggers that might possibly contribute to it such as bacteria, blocked pores, hormonal changes, excess oil and also genetics may play a large part in it.
One thing you can be sure of…contrary to popular belief, poor hygiene and food such as chocolate does not cause acne.
Severe cases of acne may cause pitted skin and scarring. If you have deep acne scars you may want to go for dermabrasion or dermaplaning to give your skin a smoother appearance. These can be used on small areas of the face.
There are a wide variety of products available for acne treatment anywhere from the mildest lotions to the severest prescriptive forms of treatment. A study comparing popular acne remedies recently discovered relatively inexpensive lotions are as effective as powerful prescription antibiotics.
You’ll find many pros and cons regarding all forms of treatment but few of the many treatments that have come about over the years have given any lasting effect. Some treatments have actually been very unhealthy and dangerous for the user.
One treatment - Accutane, may cause severe birth defects and also cause depression which has led the FDA to strengthen its restrictions on its use. These new restrictions require manufacturers of Accutane and its generic versions to keep track of the doctors who prescribe the drug, and also the pharmacies that sell the drug and the patients who use it.
Because it is a high-risk drug, Accutane should be reserved for cases of “severe recalcitrant nodular acne,” according to the product’s labeling. This type of acne is resistant to standard acne treatment, including oral antibiotics, and is characterized by many nodules or cysts–inflammatory lesions filled with pus and lodged deep within the skin. These lesions can cause pain, permanent scarring, and negative psychological effects.
More common side effects of Accutane include lip inflammation and drying of the skin and mucous membranes, skin peeling on eyelids and dry nasal passages.
FDA’s experts say it’s a balancing act. The value of Accutane is clear, but when it comes to even one report of death–whether it’s suicide, miscarriage, or some other cause–FDA must make choices that will best protect the public’s health.
One alternative to lotions, medications and peels for acne is called a blue light laser which looks like a sun lamp and pointed toward the acne-infested area for a little over 15 minutes. It’s warm but not uncomfortable and the eyes are protected from the light. The treatment is used twice a week for four weeks and costs slightly over $100. The light goes through the skin to kill bacteria.
Some pointers on skin care:
Cleansing the skin once in the morning and once before bedtime is really all you need to remove the dirt and dead skin cells that may clog the pores. Washing too often will dry the skin and cause irritation.
Squeezing the pimples does more harm than good causing more inflammation, redness and also leads to scarring.
When buying products such as cleansers, moisturizers, make-up, etc., make a habit of reading the labels and look for “oil free” or “non-comedogenic” on those you buy.
As you’ve probably experienced before…the sun is very good at drying up acne for a short time but it doesn’t last and will definitely lead to wrinkles. Make sure you have at least a 30 SPF sunscreen when in the sun
Although food does not cause acne, it’s still a good idea to maintain a proper diet to give your skin all the nutrients that it needs to help maintain its healthy glow.
Fresh vegetables and fruits are a must along with complex carbohydrates such as whole grains and rice. And the old standby of drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day will keep the skin hydrated. A good way to get all the fruits and vegetables you need is to buy a really good juicer and drink several glasses a day.
A good probiotic multivitamin and antioxidants such as Green Tea will go a long way to keeping your skin healthy looking.
In order to completely eliminate acne there is still considerable knowledge yet unknown about the skin and what goes on underneath.
But one thing you can be sure of…many phases of research on the skin and its problems are going on all the time and will eventually lead to a more effective treatment and possibly a complete cure.
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Acne is a non-lethal but very uncomfortable skin condition that mainly effects people aged between 12 and 24 but which can effect adults also. It is the most common skin affliction in the United States, it has strong psychological effects as it is highly visible and can cause permanent scarring.
Acne is most common among teenagers. It is caused when excess oil on the skin (which is ordinarily absorbed or let out of the pores) clogs the pores causing sores which are often called pimples, zits or spots. Teenagers often suffer from hormonal imbalance in the oil producing glands during puberty, this can cause too much oil to be produced leading to acne.
Unfortunately acne is most likely to occur on the face, where is very visible and often embarassing. However it also occurs on the neck, back, chest and shoulders.
It is not clear what combination of factors play role in developing acne and why some people never have it, while others seem “subscribed” to it. The main reason for acne is the increase in androgens (male sex hormones), which occurs naturally in both boys and girls during puberty. Pregnancy and contraception pills also affect hormones and can cause acne.
Hormones are not the only factor present in acne formation. Surpisingly, while not really inheritable, acne can be traced along hereditary lines. So a family history of acne can raise the chance of young people in that family contracting it at some point in their puberty. One good measure you can take to prevent acne is to ensure you keep clean. Uncleanliness can be a factor in acne development (although by no means is it the only factor). Humidity and pollution can lead to acne also by blocking pores.
On the other hand, there are many popular myths and delusions about what causes acne. Acne does not occur as a result of stress, or of eating chocolate and greasy food. Also, acne is not an infectious disease, i.e. it cannot be transmitted by touch or through a sexual intercourse (like Chlamydia ~ which is also a skin disease but is transmitted sexually).
There is no real way to prevent acne — if it’s going to form, it will. Generally all one can do is take steps to stem its development. A visit to a dermatologist is crucial, they can prescribe a solution (which may or may not involve medication).
There are a few rules for coping with acne, firstly it is crucial to keep your face and indeed any areas afflicted by acne clean. It is also important not to squeeze the pimples that form. It may seem like this removes them, but it does not remove the cause of the acne and in fact it leaves the lesions open to infection.
As already mentioned, hygiene is very important for keeping acne under control. When skin is dirty, this places an additional burden on the pores, thus making oil secretion even more difficult. Therefore, it is recommended always to use clean towels (preferably paper ones, since they cannot have been used by somebody else before you) to wipe one~s face. Also, often change your pillowcase, because it is another item that frequently comes into contact with the face.
Using specially designed cleaning lotions can help to remove oil, sweat and acne-producing bacteria from the face, just take care not to scrub your face too hard as this can irritate any pimples on your face and make the acne worse.

1) Jog : in one place for 3 minutes
2) Jumping jacks: 25 repeats
When landing, bend your knees slightly to reduce the impact on knee joints.
3) Crunches : 15 repeats
Lie flat on your back with your knees bent. Place your hands behind your head with elbows pointing outwards. Support your neck with your hands. Keep your neck in a straight line with your spine. Flex your waist to raise the upper torso from the mat. Lower yourself until the back of your shoulders touches the mat.
Muscle worked: rectus abdominis
4) Hip Bridges : 10 repeats
Lie on your back. With your hands at a 90 degree angle to the floor, lift your body off the floor to form a straight line, a sort of a bridge, from the shoulders to the knee. The position should resemble a table … your hands and legs as the legs of the table and your upper body to your knees as the surface. Hold this position for two seconds. Squeeze your gluteus (butt muscles) and then lower yourself.
Muscle worked: Lower back, hamstrings and gluteus.
5) Step – up’s : 1 minute
You will need a stepper for this.
Muscle worked: hamstrings, gluteus, quards.
6) Reverse crunches: 15 repeats
Lie on your back with your hands on your sides. Keep you knees bent. Bring your knees towards your head, till your hips come slightly off the floor. Hold this position for a second, and then lower your knees.
Muscle worked: lower abs and obliques.
7) Mountain climbers : 1 minute
Get your hands and knees and raise your knees like a starting block sprinter. Run in that position, supporting your upper body with the palms of your hands. Keep your back straight.
Muscle worked: triceps, deltoid muscle, gluteus, quards, hamstrings, calves.
8 ) Push – ups : 15 repeats
Muscle worked: triceps, deltoids, pectorals.
9) Squat thrusts: 1 minute
Stand straight. Now, drop to a crouch position. Immediately thrust your legs out straight behind on your toes, in push up position, now jump to pull legs back to the chest, in crouching position , then stand up straight,
Muscle worked: arms, legs, chest, and lower back.
Cool down by walking around, till your heart rate starts getting back to normal, stretch.
A minutes rest is needed in between exercise. Proper form is important. Do not hold breath. Sip water during the workout. This workout targets the whole body, improves cardiovascular efficiency and tones and strengthens the body.

Metabolism basically means the count of calories you burn per day. Repeatedly you have might read from the articles about accelerating the rate of metabolism. The most common reasons are consuming highly nutritious food and performing workouts. If your metabolism rate is slower, it shows you are burning less of calories. In order to increase the rate, you must follow the below tips:
1) Do not observe fasting because you burn too many calories at once, which is really harmful to your body. In this process your muscles turn weak and you face dehydration rather than minimizing the fat content.
2) Dine about 6-8 times a day by consuming nutritious items such as fruits and vegetables.
3) A heavy breakfast is a key factor in increasing the rate of metabolism. Since you are awake for the whole day, the rate of metabolism is fast.
4) There are many kinds of healthy fats available such as nuts, fish, olive oil, and flax oil. They can be the substitutes for processed carbs.
5) Consume less of sugar so that the insulin production is regulated and you will thus burn calories easily.
6) Eat about 1 gm of protein per pound because the excessive fat content will be drained away.
7) Remember that alcohol is uprightly harmful for the people planning to loose weight. It prevents fat burning and contains almost 100s of calories.
8 ) Green tea and water are the best forms of beverages that do not affect the metabolism process. So use them instead of tea, coffee and alcohol.
9) Night shifts are normally not advisable, but if you think they are unavoidable then follow the above-mentioned tips carefully.
10) In order to make your metabolism process effective use the Turbulence Training manual that provide you right instruction to perform workouts.
If your metabolism rate is slower, it shows you are burning less of calories. Remember the above points for a healthy life.