Best home care for mild acne

Gentle cleansers and skin care. The best at-home treatment for mild acne is gentle cleansing and skin care. Never pick or squeeze pimples. Playing with or popping pimples, no matter how careful and clean you are, can cause scarring and nearly always makes bumps stay redder and bumpier longer.

Foods that can help lower cholesterol

The American Heart Association has developed diet guidelines to help lower cholesterol levels. It may be a challenge to read the nutritional contents on food packaging and on restaurant menus or to do the math, but the benefit will decrease the risk of heart attack and stroke.

• Limit total fat intake to less than 25% to 35% of your total calories each day.
• Limit saturated fat intake to less than 7% of total daily calories.
• Limit trans fat intake to less than 1% of total daily calories.
• The remaining fat should come from sources of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats such as unsalted nuts and seeds, fish (especially oily fish, such as salmon, trout, and herring, at least twice per week) and vegetable oils.
• Limit cholesterol intake to less than 300 mg per day, for most people. If you have coronary heart disease or your LDL cholesterol level is 100 mg/dL or greater, limit your cholesterol intake to less than 200 milligrams a day.

Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that affects blood sugar regulation. A person's immune system makes antibodies that destroy the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Without insulin, blood sugar increases and cannot be delivered to the muscles and brain where it is needed. Over time, high blood sugar can lead to a number of complications such as kidney, nerve, and eye damage, and cardiovascular disease. Moreover, cells are not receiving the glucose necessary for energy and normal function. As mentioned, type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, which means there is no cure for type 1 diabetes - yet. Because people with type 1 diabetes can no longer produce their own insulin, they must inject doses of insulin. They must match the amount of insulin they inject with their diet. Keeping blood sugar in a normal, healthy range (what doctors call "good glycemic control") is the key to preventing long-term complications.

Where does cholesterol come from?

The liver is responsible for managing the levels of LDL in the body. It manufactures and secretes LDL into the bloodstream. There are receptors on liver cells that can "monitor" and try to adjust the LDL levels. However, if there are fewer liver cells or if they do not function effectively, the LDL level may rise.
Diet and genetics both play a factor in a person's cholesterol levels. There may be a genetic predisposition for familial hypercholesterolemia (hyper=more = cholesterol + emia=blood) where the number of liver receptor cells is low and LDL levels rise causing the potential for atherosclerotic heart disease at a younger age.
In the diet, cholesterol comes from saturated fats that are found in meats, eggs, and dairy products. Excess intake can cause LDL levels in the blood to rise. Some vegetable oils made from coconut, palm, and cocoa are also high in saturated fats. 

Asthma

Asthma results from complex interactions between an individual's inherited genetic makeup and their interactions with the environment. The factors that cause a genetically predisposed individual to become asthmatic are poorly understood. The following are risk factors for asthma:

• Family history of allergic conditions
• Personal history of hay fever (allergic rhinitis)
• Viral respiratory illness, such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), during childhood
• Exposure to cigarette smoke
• Obesity
• Lower socioeconomic status

Hasta Mudra

Hasta Mudra

The body is made up of 5 elements – Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space. When these 5 elements are not in balance

we get various physical and psychological ailments. The energy from the body radiates out mainly through the tip of

the nose, lips, finger tips and toes. When the thumb gets in contact with the other fingers, energy is directed back to

vitalise various parts of our body. This is called as circuit bypass. Mudras and Bandas go hand in hand. Banda help

in locking in the energy and whereas mudras help in redirecting the energy.

In our puranas, we see our Gods and Goddesses expressing in different Mudra. Mudras are the expression of our

inner feeling. In the Tantra shastra Mudra is defined as the one which gives happiness. Mudras are part of Yoga and

it is also called as Yoga Mudra. Mudras done using hands are halled Hasta Mudra.

The 5 fingers represant 5 elements (tatvas):

Thumb: Fire

Index Finger: Air

Middle finger: Space

Ring Finger: Earth

Small finger: Water

Fire element is the important one and when fire element goes weak,Various ailments come to the body and death sets in when the fire element dies. Joining the fire element (thumb) with other elements (other fingers) vitalises the other elements also.

Abdominal pain facts

      Abdominal pain is pain that is felt in the part of the trunk below the ribs and above the pelvis.

• Abdominal pain comes from organs within the abdomen or organs adjacent to the abdomen.
• Abdominal pain is caused by inflammation, distention of an organ, or by loss of the blood supply to an organ. Abdominal pain in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may be caused by contraction of the intestinal muscles or hyper-sensitivity to normal intestinal activities.
• Symptoms associated with abdominal pain may include:
  • Bloating
  • Gas (flatus, farting)
  • Indigestion
  • Pain in the upper left or right; middle; or lower left or right abdomen
  • Constipation
  • GERD (gastro-esophageal reflux disease)
  • Heartburn
  • Chest pain
• The cause of abdominal pain is diagnosed on the basis of the characteristics of the pain, physical examination, and testing. Occasionally, surgery is necessary for diagnosis.
• The diagnosis of the cause of abdominal pain is challenging because the characteristics of the pain may be atypical, tests are not always abnormal, diseases causing pain may mimic each other, and the characteristics of the pain may change over time.

Mental health and mental illness facts

• Mental health is more than just being free of a mental illness. It is more of an optimal level of thinking, feeling, and relating to others.
• Mentally healthy individuals tend to have better medical health, productivity, and social relationships.
• Mental illness refers to all of the diagnosable mental disorders and is characterized by abnormalities in thinking, feelings, or behaviors.
• Some of the most common types of mental illness include anxiety, depressive, behavioral, and substance-abuse disorders.
• There is no single cause for mental illness. Rather, it is the result of a complex group of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors.
• While everyone experiences sadness, anxiety, irritability, and moodiness at times, moods, thoughts, behaviors, or use of substances that interfere with a person's ability to function well physically, socially, at work, school, or home are characteristics of mental illness.
• There is no one test that definitively indicates whether someone has a mental illness. Therefore, health-care practitioners diagnose a mental disorder by gathering comprehensive medical, family, and mental-health information.
• Talk therapy (psychotherapy) is usually considered the first line of care in helping a person with a mental illness. It is an important part of helping individuals with a mental disorder achieve the highest level of functioning possible.
• Psychotherapies that have been found to be effective in treating many mental disorders include family focused therapy, psycho-education, cognitive therapy, interpersonal therapy, and social rhythm therapy.
• Medications may play an important role in the treatment of a mental illness, particularly when the symptoms are severe or do not adequately respond to psychotherapy.
• A variety of factors can contribute to the prevention of mental-health disorders.
• Individuals with mental illness are at risk for a variety of challenges, but these risks can be greatly reduced with treatment, particularly when it is timely. 

Migraine headache facts

• Migraine headache is a result of specific changes within the brain. It causes severe head pain that is often accompanied by sensitivity to light, sound, or smells.
• Common symptoms of migraine are:
  • Eye pain
  • Sensitivity to light or sound
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Severe pain, usually on one side of the head that some individuals describe as "pounding"
• Other types of headaches can also cause severe pain, and not all headaches are migraines. For example, some people describe the pain of cluster headaches as the worst pain they have experienced.
• The exact cause of migraines is not known. Changes in neurotransmitter levels within the brain are thought to play a role.

Thyroid disorders

Thyroid disorders are conditions that affect the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck. The thyroid has important roles to regulate numerous metabolic processes throughout the body. Different types of thyroid disorders affect either its structure or function.
The thyroid gland is located below the Adam's apple wrapped around the trachea (windpipe). A thin area of tissue in the gland's middle, known as the isthmus, joins the two thyroid lobes on each side. The thyroid uses iodine to produce vital hormones. Thyroxine, also known as T4, is the primary hormone produced by the gland. After delivery via the bloodstream to the body's tissues, a small portion of the T4 released from the gland is converted to triiodothyronine (T3), which is the most active hormone.
The function of the thyroid gland is regulated by a feedback mechanism involving the brain. When thyroid hormone levels are low, the hypothalamus in the brain produces a hormone known as thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) that causes the pituitary gland (located at the base of the brain) to release thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). TSH stimulates the thyroid gland to release more T4.
Since the thyroid gland is controlled by the pituitary gland and hypothalamus, disorders of these tissues can also affect thyroid function and cause thyroid problems.

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism describes excessive production of thyroid hormone, a less common condition than hypothyroidism. Symptoms of hypothyroidism usually relate to increased metabolism. In mild cases, there may not be apparent symptoms. Symptoms and signs of hyperthyroidism can include:

• Tremor
• Nervousness
• Fast heart rate
• Fatigue
• Intolerance for heat
• Increase in bowel movements
• Increased sweating
• Concentration problems
• Unintentional weight loss

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism results from the thyroid gland producing an insufficient amount of thyroid hormone. It can develop from problems within the thyroid gland, pituitary gland, or hypothalamus. Symptoms of hypothyroidism can include:

• Fatigue
• Poor concentration or feeling mentally "foggy"
• Dry skin
• Constipation
• Feeling cold
• Fluid retention
• Muscle and joint aches
• Depression
• Prolonged or excessive menstrual bleeding in women

Kidney Disease of Diabetes Facts

• Symptoms of chronic kidney disease vary greatly and can include the need to urinate frequently, especially at night; swelling of the legs and puffiness around the eyes, high blood pressure, fatigue and weakness; loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting; itching and easy bruising; shortness of breath; headaches,sleep problems, restless legs syndrome; chest pain; bleeding; bone pain; and decreased interest in sex and erectile dysfunction.
• Treatment of diabetes includes control of blood glucose levels, high blood pressure, and diet; medications to treat edema and anemia, dialysis, or kidney transplant.
• Controlling blood glucose levels and blood pressure is the most effective way to prevent or delay kidney disease

Diabetes Foot Problems

 For people with diabetes, too much glucose in the blood can cause serious foot complications such as nerve damage, infection, ulcers and even amputation.

Peanut allergy symptoms and signs

The most important step in the diagnosis of peanut allergy is a detailed history. A good history may essentially make the diagnosis of a peanut allergy. Important factors for a suggestive history of peanut allergy include the following:

Timing of symptoms: The majority of reactions occur within 20 minutes, with nearly all reactions occurring within two hours of exposure to peanuts.
Types of peanut allergy symptoms: About 80% to 90% of reactions involve skin manifestations such as

• a rash, including hives,
• redness,
• itching.

Nevertheless, reactions can occur in the absence of a rash, and these reactions may be the most severe. Other common signs and symptoms involve the

• respiratory system (difficulty breathing, coughing, wheezing),
• gastrointestinal system (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea),
• cardiovascular system (increased heart rate, decreased blood pressure),
• neurological system (lightheadedness, passing out),
• even changes in behavior, especially in children.

Most common food allergies

 In adults, the most common foods that cause allergic reactions are shellfish, such as shrimp, crayfish, lobster, and crab; nuts from trees, such as walnuts; fish; eggs; and peanuts, a legume that is one of the chief foods that cause serious anaphylactic reactions. In highly allergic people, even minuscule amounts of a food allergen (for example, 1/44,000 of a peanut kernel) can evoke an allergic reaction. Less sensitive people, however, may be able to tolerate small amounts of a food to which they are allergic.

In children, the pattern is somewhat different from adults, and the most common foods that cause allergic reactions are eggs, milk, peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, soy, fish, and fruits, particularly tomatoes and strawberries. Children sometimes outgrow their allergies, but adults usually do not lose theirs. Also, children are more likely to outgrow allergies to cow's milk or soy formula than allergies to peanuts, fish, or shrimp. Adults and children tend to react to those foods they eat more often. For example, in Japan, allergy to rice, and in Scandinavia, allergy to codfish, is more common than elsewhere.

Food allergy symptoms and signs

       
The complex process of digestion affects the timing, location, and particular symptoms of an allergic reaction to food. All of the symptoms of food allergy occur within a few minutes to an hour of eating. A food allergy can initially be experienced as an itching in the mouth and difficulty swallowing and breathing. Then, during digestion of the food in the stomach and intestines, symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain can start. Incidentally, the gastrointestinal symptoms of food allergy are those that are most often confused with the symptoms of different types of food intolerance.
As mentioned previously, the allergens are absorbed and enter the bloodstream. When they reach the skin, allergens can induce hives or eczema, and when they reach the airways, they can cause asthma. As the allergens travel through the blood vessels, they can cause lightheadedness, weakness, and anaphylaxis, which is a sudden drop in blood pressure. Anaphylactic reactions are severe even when they start off with mild symptoms, such as a tingling in the mouth and throat or discomfort in the abdomen. They can be fatal if not treated quickly.

Eye allergy facts

• Most allergic eye conditions are more irritating than dangerous.
• Allergic or vernal keratoconjunctivitis may result in scarring of the cornea and visual problems.
• Itchy eyes are probably allergic eyes.
• Topical antihistamine/decongestant preparations are effective and safe for mildly itchy, red eyes.
• Patanol, a topical mast-cell stabilizer, is a safe, highly effective, long-acting treatment.
• Topical steroids should be used with caution and under the supervision of an ophthalmologist.
• If in doubt about an eye condition, seek medical advice sooner rather than later.

Blood Testing for Allergies

Blood tests are sometimes performed to find out what triggers an allergic reaction and are often used if a patient has a skin condition or is taking medications, such as antihistamines. Such medications can interfere with an allergy skin test, which is a common test used to identify allergy triggers, but in general do not interfere with allergy blood tests.
The radioallergosorbent test (RAST) and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test are two types of blood analyses that can be used to diagnose allergies. In both, a small amount of blood is taken from the allergy sufferer and analyzed for IgE antibodies (allergic antibodies) to specific antigens. High levels of these antibodies in the blood indicate an allergic reaction.
These blood tests may not be as effective as skin testing and tend to be more expensive, but can be useful in some situations.

Allergy Facts !

Allergy involves an exaggerated response of the immune system, often to common substances such as foods or pollen.

The immune system is a complex system that normally defends the body against foreign invaders, such as bacteria and viruses, while also surveying for conditions such as cancer and autoimmunity.

Allergens are substances that are foreign to the body and that cause an allergic reaction.

IgE is the allergic antibody.

Although many individuals outgrow allergies over time, allergies can also develop at any age, including during adulthood.

While the environment plays a role in the development of allergy, there is a greater risk of developing allergic conditions if a person has a family history of allergy, especially in parents or siblings.

Home remedies may help reduce or soothe gastritis symptoms

Foods that may stop H. pylori growth and soothes gastritis symptoms include:

• Teas (green and white in particular)
• Yogurt
• Peppermint
• Wheat bran
• Carrot juice
• Coconut water
• Green leafy vegetables
• Onions
• Garlic
• Apples
• Fresh fruits and berries
• Celery
• Cranberry juice
• Kale
• Broccoli
• Scallions
• Parsley
• Thyme
• Soybeans
• Soy foods
• Legumes (beans, peas, and lentils)

Gastritis prevention

If the underlying cause of gastritis is preventable, then gastritis can be prevented and people can get gastritis relief.

• If alcohol consumption, smoking causes an individual's gastritis, treatment and prevention is stopping the consumption or use of these products.
• Avoid situations where chemicals, radiation or some toxin ingestion could occur.
• It may be more difficult to prevent some infectious causes of gastritis, but proper hygiene, hand washing, and eating and drinking only adequately cleaned or treated foods and fluids are healthy ways to decrease your risk of getting gastritis from infectious agents

Complications of gastritis

The complications of gastritis may occur over time, especially if gastritis becomes chronic and the underlying causes are not treated. Complications of gastritis may include

• peptic ulcer,
• bleeding ulcers,
• anemia,
• gastric cancers,
• MALT lymphoma,
• gastric scarring and strictures with outlet obstruction,
• dehydration,
• renal problems, and
• even death.

Foods that aggravate gastritis symptoms

Foods and other substances that should be avoided to reduce or prevent gastritis symptoms include:

• Alcohol
• Spicy foods
• Fatty foods
• Fried foods

Moreover, anything that might be toxic or irritating to the stomach should also be avoided (for example cigarette smoking, acidic drinks like coffee, garlic powder, chili powder, peppers and tomato products).

Symptoms of gastritis

Gastritis often produces no symptoms and is diagnosed only when samples of the stomach mucosa are examined for other suspected diseases. However, when gastritis symptoms occur, the most common symptoms include the following:

• Abdominal pain (intermittent or constant burning, gripping or gnawing pain) often accompanied by nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Bloating
• Burping
• Belching

These last four symptoms come and go over time especially with chronic gastritis. Indigestion (dyspepsia) is another term that encompasses this cluster of symptoms.

Complications of abdominal Tuberculosis

Untreated TB of the intestine may lead to intestinal obstruction, fistula or even abscess and perforation with resultant peritonitis.

Treatment of abdominal Tuberculosis

Abdominal TB needs to be treated with at least 3-4 anti TB drugs for the initial 2 months and subsequently 2 anti TB drugs for at least 7-10 months.

The commonly used drugs during the initial 2 months therapy (intensification phase) are Isoniazid (INH), Rifampicin, Ethambutol and Pyrazinamide. During the next 7-10 months (continuation phase)  the drugs commonly used are INH and Rifampicin.

Occurence of abdominal tuberculosis

Ingestion of the tuberculosis germ by drinking unpasteurized milk of a cow infected with TB is one of the mechanisms of abdominal TB.

Abdominal TB can also occur by spread of the TB bacillus from the lungs to the intestines by the blood stream.

In 2/3 rd of children, there is predominant involvement of the digestive system. Involvement of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum) occurs in remaining of the patients. Involvement of only the lymph glands in the abdomen is rare.

Diagnosis of abdominal tuberculosis

Diagnosis can be confirmed by isolating the TB germ from the digestive system by either a biopsy or endoscopy. However, other supportive tests that may be done are the Mantoux test, Chest X-Ray, Abdominal X-Rays (with or without barium) and scans such as ultrasound and CT scan.

Signs and symptoms of abdominal tuberculosis

The most common symptoms are pain in the abdomen, loss of weight, anorexia, recurrent diarrhea, low grade fever, cough and distension of abdomen.

The doctor on examination may feel a lump, fluid in the abdomen or a doughy feel of the abdomen. Also there may be enlarged lymph glands elsewhere in the body

Yoga : Relief from most acute back pain

 Yoga poses that are recommended in alleviating backaches include –

• Adho Mukha Svanasana (The Downward Facing Dog Pose)
• Balasana (The Child’s Pose)
• Kapotasana (The Pigeon Pose)
• Trikonasana (The Triangle Pose)
• Marjariasana (The Cat and Cow Pose)
• Urdhva Mukha Svanasana (The Upward Facing Dog Pose)
• Bhujangasana (The Cobra Pose)

These poses should only be practiced under the guidance and supervision of a yoga teacher. It is also important for you to speak with a doctor before taking up any type of yoga.

Symptoms of Pulmonary Tuberculosis

People with latent TB have no symptoms, but they should still be treated. Symptoms of pulmonary TB include:

• coughing that continues for several days
• coughing up blood
• fever, including low-grade, consistent fever
• excessive sweating
• chest pain
• unexplained weight loss
• fatigue

Side effects - medications used to treat active tuberculosis

Many medications used to treat active tuberculosis have side effects that can make it difficult to eat well. With some drugs, you could:

• Lose your appetite
• Feel nauseated
• Vomit
• Experience abdominal cramping

Foods to avoid when you have active Tuberculosis

• Skip tobacco in all forms.
• Don't drink alcohol — it can add to the risk of liver damage from some of the drugs used to treat your TB.
• Limit coffee and other caffeinated drinks.
• Limit refined products, like sugar, white breads, and white rice.
• Avoid high-fat, high-cholesterol red meat and instead load up on leaner protein sources like poultry, beans, tofu, and fish.

Honey - for healing gastric ulcers

Honey It has been found that honey fights bacteria, hospitals and clinics sometimes apply it to burns and other open wounds.

For the same reason that it can help heal a skin ulcer, honey may help thwart H. pylori. Researchers from New Zealand tested honey made from the nectar of the Manuka flower on bacteria from biopsies of gastric ulcers and found that the honey inhibited bacterial growth.

Foods that trigger dyspepsia

 These foods may include fatty, fried and spicy foods; carbonated beverages; caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee and tea; alcohol; cocoa; chocolate; citrus fruits and juices; tomato products; and peppermint. These foods can increase stomach acid. Keep a track of foods that cause symptoms or dyspepsia and omit any food that causes discomfort. Also, foods that contain flavonoids, such as apples, celery, cranberries, and cranberry juice may inhibit the growth of Helicobacter pylori, the bacteria that is responsible for most stomach ulcers.

Good nutrition for tuberculosis

Leafy, dark-colored greens like kale and spinach, for their high iron and B-vitamin content

Plenty of whole grains, like whole wheat pastas, breads, and cereals

Antioxidant-rich, brightly-colored vegetables, such as carrots, peppers, and squash, and fruits,   like  tomatoes, blueberries, and cherries

Unsaturated fats like vegetable or olive oil, instead of butter