Category: Natural Therapies

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Iron-Deficiency Anemia

Iron-Deficiency Anemia

Anemia tends to come in two forms- pernicious anaemia and iron deficiency. If you gave pernicious anaemia , it is owning to  a lack of intrinsic factor needed to absorb vitamin B12, which is needed for the production of red blood cell in the body. A number of disorder can create B12 malabsorption, including gastritis, Crohn’s disease and coeliac disease. Smoking also inhibits absorption of iron. If you have been diagnosed as suffering from anemia the nromal procedure is to take a large amount of iron- but it is very important to make sure the co factors, which are vitamin B12, folic acid and vitamin C, are taken at the same time to optimize absorption.

Anemia, the condition often associated with iron deficiency, was first recorded 3,500 years ago. Iron is a component of the red blood cells and the muscles, assisting in the transportation of oxygen throughout the body. Women lose twice as much iron as men, and are more likely to be deficient, particularly during child bearing years. Drinking coffee within an hour of a meal can reduce iron absorption by up to 80 %

Iron is an essential mineral nutrient. It is a component of hemoglobin in red blood cells and returns waste carbon dioxide from  the cells to the lungs. The myoglobin in red muscle tissues transports oxygen into the tissues for energy storage. Iron is also a component of certain metabolic enzymes. Iron in the body that is not used is stored in the spleen, bone marrow, and liver. Today, more than 500 million people around suffer from anemia.

Iron absorption occurs in the proximal duodenum, with the amount of iron absorbed being dependent on the sufficiency of iron stores.

  • Necessary for production of hemoglobin and certain enzymes
  • necessary for immune activity
  • required to supply oxygen to the cells
  • required by the liver
  • protects against some free radicals

Deficiency symptoms

  • anemia, growth problems, some forms of deafness, pallor, breathlessness, tiredness and reduced bone density

Special notes:Common illness in children and benefits of herbal medicine

  • Toxicity is rare, but excess iron can cause constipation. Children are at higher risk of iron poisoning and it is recommended that you keep all supplements out of their reach
  • Ferric iron will destroy vitamin E
  • Consuming caffeine drinks with, or within an hour of, a meal can inhibit absorption by up to 80%
  • Only about 8% of iron taken orally will actually be absorbed  by the bloodstream.
  • Copper, cobalt, manganese, and vitamin C, are required  for iron to be used by the body, and should be taken at the same time.
  • Women with heavy menstrual periods will require iron supplements, as may pregnant and lactating women.

Increased levels of iron may be required by infants, children , athletes or vegetarians.  Iron supplements can be prescribed by your physicians if necessary.  The best form is ferrous iron or organic iron, and they are available in a wide variety off doses – usually up to 300 mg .

Individuals suffering from iron overload not only experience cellular damage from adverse redox chemistry of free iron, but also are at enhanced risk of infection. Iron overload may result from mutations in iron metabolism genes, such as in hereditary hemochromatosis. Alternatively, iron overload may be secondary to refractory anemias or caused by chronic transfusions.

Iron supplement can interfere with antibiotics and other medication. Be sure to tell your doctor about any supplements

 Cautions:

Avoid high doses supplements containing iron alone, unless they have been prescribed by your doctor. Some people suffer from hemochromatosis., an inherited disease which  causes them to absorb too much iron, and most don not even know they have it. Early symptoms include fatigue and aching joints.

A supplement containing iron alone could also mask a cause of anemia, such as bleeding ulcer, and prevent your doctor from making and early, life saving diagnosis.

Iron is best absorbed when taken on empty stomach. However, if iron upsets your stomach, have it with meals, preferably with a small amount of meat and a food or drink rich in vitamin C, such a broccoli to help boost the amount of iron your body absorb.

Good sources: liver, kidney, chicken, cocoa powder, beans, dark chocolate, shelfis, nuts, pulses, red meat, eggs yolks, molasses. Dark chocolate should only be eaten occasionally, but it does have the benefit of providing iron. Vegetarians can get adequate amounts of iron from beans and peas, tomatoes, spinach, leafy green vegetable, dried fruits, such as apricot, raisins and prunes, soak them  for a few minutes  in a warm water  to reduce the sugar content. Drain before serving. Brewers’s yeast, kelp and wheat bran are also good sources. Most breakfast cereals contain added iron.

Did you know?  If tomatoes or other acidic food are cooked in a cast iron pot, a healthy amount of iron leaches out of the cookware into the food.

REMINDER! If you have a medical condition, consult your doctor before taking supplements.

Madelena

nutrition and weight management

herbal medicine

MLD therapiest and reflexotherapy

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Benefits of Vitamin B2 riboflavin

Benefits of Vitamin B2 riboflavin

 

Cracked lips and mouth corners; a swollen, red tongue; eyes burning, itching, or tearing from extra blood vessels in the cornea; and a scaly, greasy dermatitis in skin folds.

Stress increases our need for riboflavin, vitamin B2, and during periods of emotional or physical pressure, you will need to insure that you increase your intake. Like  the other B vitamins, riboflavin is water soluble and easily antagonised by substance such as caffeine, alcohol, estrogen and in this case, Zinc.

Riboflavin plays a vital role in the production of thyroid hormone, which speed up metabolism and helps to ensure a steady supply of energy, also aids the body in producing  infection-fighting immune cells; it works in conjunction with iron to manufacture red blood cells, which transport oxygen to all the cells in the body. In addition,  riboflavin produces substance that asists antioxidants, such as Vitamin E, in protecting cells against damage form the naturally occurring, highly reactive molecules known as free radicals. It is essential for tissues maintenance and repair- the body use extra essential amounts to speed the healing of wounds after surgery, buns and other injuries.

The vitamin is also necessary to mantain the function of the eyes, and may be important for healthy nerves as well. In combination with other B vitamins, including vitamin B6 and niacin, it may help against a broad range of nerve  of nerve and other ailments, including Alzheimer disease, epilepsy and multiple sclerosis, as well as anxiety, stress and even fatigue.

! B2 is necesary for healthy skin, hair, and nails, but too much alcohol and coffee will destroy this vitamin!

Dosage 50 mg is adequate, although your practitioner may recommend higher doses for therapeutic purposes. The best supplements are those that contain all of the B vitamins.

Facts:

Vitamin B2, riboflavin is far more stable than thiamine, although it can be destroyed by excess zinc, antibiotics, estrogen, caffeine, and alcohol. Sunlight can also destroy riboflavin, which is why milk cartons are made from opaques materials.

  • Aids growths
  • promotes skin, hair and nail health
  • necessary for metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates
  • necessary for reproduction
  • activates vitamin B6
  • convert carbohydrates to energy
  • reduces the frequency and severity of migraines
  • Riboflavin has proved valuable in treating skin disorder including rosacea, which causes facial flushing and skin pustules in many adults.

Deficiency symptoms

Sore mouth, lips and tongue, insomnia, photosensitivity, bloodshot, gritty eyes, scale red skin on the sides of the nose. Stress increases your need for riboflavin.

Good sources. Milk, yogurt,   liver, fish, eggs, meat, leafy green vegetables, yeast, fish, wholegrains, avocados, mushrooms.

Therapeutic uses: Some anemias, cataracts, vision problems ( in particular eye fatigue) acne rosacea and other skin problems, carpal tunnel syndrome.

Special notes: riboflavin is not toxic at any known level. However, some minor symptoms of excessive riboflavin include mild numbness and itching and burning sensation

Like thiamine, riboflavin requires other B vitamins to work most effectively.

A well balanced diet is especially important for the elderly, many of whom are deficient in riboflavin and other B vitamins.

Cautions

Reminder! If you have a medical or psychiatric condition, consult your doctor before taking supplements.

Madelena

nutrition and weight management

herbal medicine

MLD therapiest

 

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Causes and symptoms of Acne

Causes and symptoms of Acne

Although most people associate acne with the troublesome teenage years, it can erupt at any age. Fortunately, there are a variety of ways to control outbreaks- no matter how old are you when they occur.

Symptoms

  • hard red bumps or pus-filled lesions on the skin
  • red, inflamed skin with fluid filled lumps or cyst

What it is

Spots and other skin eruptions are the hallmarks of acne, a sometimes chronic condition of the face, back, chest, neck, shoulders and other area of the body. The most common form ( acne vulgaris) encompasses blackheads, whiteheads and raised red blemishes with semisolid centre. In severe cases ( cystic acne), cluster of painful, fluid filled cyst or firm, painless lumps appear beneath the skin surface; both can lead to unsightly permanent pitting and scarring. For teenagers especially, acne can be embarrassing and emotionally condition.

What causes it

Acne occurs when sebaceous glands at the base of the hair follicles of the skin secrete too much sebum, this thick, oily substance is normally released from the pores to keep the skin lubricated and healthy. If the sebum backs up, it can form hard plugs, or comedos, that block the pores and cause spots. Should one of these oil plugs rupture beneath the skin’s surface, a localised bacterial infection can develop.

Hormonal imbalances can lead to an overproduction of sebum- a common problem during adolescence, especially in boys. In women, menstrual periods or pregnancy can also create acne-producing hormonal disturbance. Other acne triggers include emotional stress; the friction or rubbing of clothing against the skin; and certain medication, particularly steroids, contraceptive or drugs that affect hormone levels. Heredity may play a role as well.

How supplements can help

Most people will benefit from trying the supplements. It often takes three to four weeks, or longer, to notice results.

Vitamin B6 may be useful for acne aggravated by menstrual cycles or the menopause. Vitamin C, vitamin E and selenium promote a healthy immune system, helping to keep acne-causing bacteria in check. Taken with any or all of these vitamins, Zinc enhances immune function, reduce inflammation, and promotes healthy hormone levels. Long term use of zinc, inhibits copper absorption, so it should be taken with that mineral.

The herbal approach

The dietary factor is related to the state of the body’s ability to metabolise fats and carbohydrates

The herbal approach aims at supporting the metabolism of these food  and at helping lymphatic drainage and body elimination. Dietarily, the intake of fats, sugars and carbohydrates must be reduces, while more fruit and vegetables be eaten.

Chasteberry is traditionally used to help with the treatment of menstruation-related acne. Other herbal remedies that are traditionally used for the treatment of acne include burdock, yellow dock, red clover are especially useful, lymphatic like Echinacea and Pokeweed Root and hepatics alike Blue Flag and Dandelion should also be considered

What else you can do

  • wash daily, using a natural soap and water
  • eat a balanced diet; avoid foods you may feel may act as acne triggers
  • choose natural cosmetic based on Aloe Vera, Neem oil, Lavander and Tea Tree essential oil, avoid coconut oil (can clog the pores)
  • avoid squeezing spots, rub the face; it increases inflammation and can cause scarring
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Signs of toxic overload

Signs of toxic overload

Answer the following questions as truthfully as you can.
The aim of a detox programme are to reduce the workload of the digestive system, allowing it to perform more efficiently, and to stimulate the parts of your body that are responsible for cleansing and elimination.
The food detox programme improves the digestive system and immunity, increases the actions of the liver and kidneys, the main organ of detoxification.

However  to get the most out of detoxing you need to look after your mind as well as your body. Well being depends on maintaining a balance between your emotional, mental, spiritual and physical health, and if this balance is upset it disrupts your body’s harmony and leads to ill health.

Assess your toxic load

1) Do you feel tired when you wake up in the morning even though you have had enough sleep?
2 ) Do you drink more than 3 cups of coffees, tea or caffeinated fizzy drinks such as cola day?
3) Do you suffer from skin rashes, spot around the mouth or eczema?
4) Do you suffer from bloating after meals?
5) Do you have an alcoholic drink most days?
6) Do you smoke or libe with smokers?
7) Do you live or work in a city?
8) Do you rarely eat fresh fruit or vegetables?
9) Do you eat read meat more than twice a week?
10) Do you eat fried food and junk foods?
11) Do you suffer from constant colds, hay fever or allergies?
12. Do you have mood swings?
13) Do you crave certain foods such as sweets and bread?
14) Do you skip meals, especially breakfast?
15) Do you put weight easily?
16) Do you find difficult co concentrate?
17) Do you often have irregular bowel movement ( constipation or diarrhoea)?
18) Do your joint or muscle sometimes ache?
19) Do you feel tired and lethargic most of the time?
20) Do you suffer from fungal infections such as thrush, athlete’s foot or ringworm?

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Common illness in children and benefits of herbal medicine

Common illness in children and benefits of herbal medicine:

Children’s illness, even in western medicine  is widely accepted principle that the child should be sparingly prescribed drugs and the only specific medicine in mild dosage should be used. However, even these drugs would carry their own risk factors. Antibiotics if given from an early age, weaken the body of the child. Alternatively, herbal medicine is a very good option for children, to build up their immunity and resistance against disease and make them stronger, without side effects.

Many children’s illness can be resolved using gentle herbal remedies, however when symptoms persist or worsen, parents should take their child to see a doctor. Otherwise for the usual children’s problems, herbal medicine are a great solution.

Natural Health Remedies for Children, Common illness in children and benefits of herbal medicine, nutrition, herbal medicine

Benefits of herbal medicine for children: 

  • strengthen the child’s constitution and help to build a strong immune system
  • Gentle source of treatment
  • Some herbs like Echincea, Astragalus and Garlic have been tested in laboratories and have been proven beneficial to the immune system
  • Maintain physical and emotional child’s balance
  • Last but not least, plants and herbs can help the child to become more aware of the natural healing power of plants

Common illness in children and benefits of herbal medicine:

  • Colic ( spasm in the intestines) is the most common in the first three months of a child’s life
  • Sleeplessness, this can be a result of irritability, anger, hunger, dirty nappy, colic over excitement and illness. In older children it may be due to irregular bedtimes, being hot or cold, over-tiredness, nose, stress or anxiety, food allergy, too much caffeine from cola drinks, too much sugar, problems with tonsils and adenoids
  • Teething problems: during this period of change, the child will often be irritable and will have a greater likelihood of suffering digestive or nervous problems. Symptoms: irritable, angry, fussy and have inflamed and sore gums, sometimes fever dry mouth
  • Nappy rash occurs when skin is irritated. Symptoms: itchy skin, restlessness, blisters around the nappy area
  • Fever occurs when the body is fighting an infection, the immune system has been weakened, it also occurs when a child is suffering from stress or anxiety and can occur during teething. Symptoms: pale face, restlessness, thirst, shivering, fever with pounding pulse, dry and hot skin, a burning pain in the limbs etc.
  • Glue ear
  • Sore throats and coughs
  • Minor cuts and scrapes
  • Chickenpox
  • When the body are not able to eliminate the body waste products, toxins through the lungs, kidneys or liver, the body expels them through the skin.  Avoid petroleum based products and scented baby products and do not use detergents or fabric softeners to wash the baby’s clothes. Diet also can be the cause.
  • Headlice
  • Measles and mumps

 

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Herbal medicine, natural therapies

Herbal medicine is used to treat the whole person.

Herbal remedies create balance in the body, enabling the body’s self healing abilities, so that the body an fight and reject the illness, therefore allowing good health to prevail.  Herbs can also be used to help to prevent illness and promote good health.

They are therefore synergistically holistic. Herbal medicine do not simply reduce the pain of an illness; they work on the mind, body and spirit of the client.

After taking herbal remedies, the client will have a greater feeling of personal well being. The aim is to heal the underlying cause of the illness, therefore enhancing the body’s natural self healing abilities.  Modern drug often relieve the symptoms of the client’s illness rather the overall problems. It is known that treatment or suppression of symptoms will not rid the body of the disease itself. . This should lead to increased vitality, longevity and optimal well being.

Herbal medicine consist of more than one active compound. This is why they are essentially different to pharmaceuticals. Herbal medicine work holistically. They treat the whole body. Some people say that the herbal medicine do not work as quickly as drugs and so are not as effective. They couldn’t be more wrong: herbal remedies often do not produce quick relief, what they do produce is a more longer lasting cure.

An example would be in western medicine, doctors often prescribe synthetic diuretics to patients who have trouble passing urine, as these drugs increase the flow of urine. However, this drug also seriously reduce the patient’s potassium level. The counteract this, the doctor has to prescribe a potassium supplement. In comparison, a herbalist would use dandelion leaves, which are a potent diuretic, but also contain potassium to naturally replace that which is lost.

Herbal medicines taken in normal therapeutic doses are safe and produce minimal risk. However, as a herbalist we need to be careful when suggesting herbs for children, pregnant an nursing woman, the old and the critically ill.

The benefit of herbal medicine is that most of them are gentle in action, and most not produce any toxic side effects when used over a long time.

 

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Women’s health

Women’s health. Plant based medicine play an important role in the lives of  many women.

This is because herbal remedies fulfil a woman’s desire to deal with her health problems in a more sensitive manner, with minimal side effects.

When we get symptoms, our body’s usually trying to tell us that something wrong is happening with us. Therefore, we start to take medication, which suppresses the symptoms without treating the underlying cause. Herbal medicine, the natural approach, on the other hand works, on all our body’s system to bring our body back into balance, relieving the symptoms, but also treating the root of the problem. This is because diet, herbal and other natural treatment restore homeostasis the perfect balance to the body, so that everything begins to work as it should.  It may take a bit of effort at first to adjust the diet and lifestyle, but the benefits will be worth it. No matter how old you are, the sooner you start to make positive changes, the sooner you acquire the welfare, now and in the long term.

  • Menstrual Cycle (regulating your cycle);
  • Anaemia
  • Fluid retention, dizziness, tiredness,
  • Breast problems
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS),
  • Ovarian cysts
  • Premenstrual syndrome ( PMS), period pain, lack of period,  heavy periods,
  • Fibroids, endometriosis
  • Stretch marks, cellulite, varicose vein
  • Preventing cancer of the womb
  • Vaginal infections, thrush ( yeast infections)
  • Infertility (herbal medicine may help induce fertility in some cases)
  • Painful sex
  • Pregnancy,  pregnancy diabetes, breastfeeding, antenatal depression
  • Menopause (a natural menopause),
  • Backache, constipation, bleeding gums, cramps, indigestion,
  • Insomnia, morning sickness, pelvic pain, haemorrhoids,  hair loss, memory loss and poor concentration.

 

 

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