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Archive for May, 2011

Pet allergies are a condition when an individual’s immune system overreacts when exposed to any breed of pets. The pets may include dog, cat, rats, mice and rabbits. Certain individuals that develop allergies from these animals have a reaction when they touch or are in the presence of these pets. The symptoms of pet allergies include itchy eyes, red eyes, breathing problems, sneezing, coughing, skin irritation or rashes and hay fever.

Allergies due to pets are caused by the gland in the animal skin that secretes protein, which causes allergic reaction in humans. The allergy triggering proteins secreted by the pets are called allergens. Allergens are present in secretions like saliva and urine of the pet. Dead skin cells of the animals that are shed can also cause allergy. The dead skins cells fall on the ground, furniture and wherever the pet sits and then starts floating in the air. When humans allergic to pets inhale air mixed with dead cells, a reaction occurs in the airways of the lungs making it difficult for them to breathe. The allergy reaction due to saliva is caused by the allergens that become air borne when the saliva dries out.

The severity of the reaction varies in each individual but if not treated or checked in time can lead to asthma.

People allergic to pets should ensure that they are not in contact with the pets and they do not keep pets at their home. In case this is not possible, it is very important to ensure the cleanliness of the house. Allergic people should not let the pets stay in their bedroom or places they spend more time at. Carpets, upholstered furniture, mats and rugs are the reservoirs of allergens. These should be avoided in the house as the allergens can stay in these for four to six weeks. Pets should be bathed every week to reduce the level of allergens on their body.

There is no permanent treatment of pet allergies. However, there are various medications available that can help control the symptoms. These include nasal sprays, eye drops and antihistamine pills or syrup. In case, the allergy creates asthma like symptoms, medication like bronchodilators and inhalers are given to relax the airways of the lungs.

Glandular therapy is based upon the use of animal glandular and organ substances to bolster the function of the human body’s corresponding organs and glands. Modern medicine replaces the thyroid gland with thyroid hormone, the adrenal gland with cortisone, the pancreas gland with insulin, and the ovaries with estrogen and progesterone. Until recently, however, the use of whole glandular extracts to revitalize glandular function has been largely relegated to “medicine of the past”.

“Live cell therapy” (in which animal glands could be either surgically implanted, or chopped and dissolved in a saline solution and injected into a patient) was first suggested in 1912. By the1940s, oral glandular extracts were in worldwide clinical use, and a considerable amount of research was in progress to support their use. In practice, they proved to be potent promoters of health.

Ignorance and Arrogance

With the development of antibiotics and the advent of “modern” medicine, researchers have since concentrated on developing pharmaceutical drugs that are more profitable to the drug companies. It seems that man, in his ignorance and arrogance (and greed), has decided that science can ascertain all aspects of nutritional physiology and extract the beneficial “active ingredient” from glandular substances.

We know from the side effects of our synthetic treatments that this is simply not true. In fact, the real power behind glandular therapy is far beyond the grasp of man’s wisdom. Not only are glandular extracts rich in gland specific nutrients, but their nucleotides impart critical information to their new host that is not available any other way!

Benefits of Glandular Therapy

Glands produce messenger proteins (hormones) that regulate bodily functions such as metabolism, immunity, growth and sexual development. The whole body suffers when they malfunction. Glandular and organ extracts are indicated when a patient’s endocrine system is under producing a specific hormone or when an organ is weakened or diseased, such as is often the case with cancer patients or individuals with suppressed immunity or thyroid insufficiency.

Glandular tissues are rich in nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, polypeptides, enzymes, and many other substances. Because it is “tissue specific”, glandular therapy can supply essential nutritional needs in a highly efficient manner. Glandulars can and should be an important component of a complete nutritional program.

Most Commonly Used Glandulars

Glandular tissue concentrates are once again being increasingly embraced by practitioners who are impressed with their lack of side effects and track record of success. They can be used to support any gland, organ, or tissue of the human body. Examples include:

Thyroid

The thyroid gland regulates metabolism by releasing iodine containing hormones that control energy production in all the body’s cells. Administration of thyroid extract helps cells eliminate cellular waste and speeds up their restorative functions. A healthy thyroid is an important prerequisite to a healthy immune system, good weight management, maintaining cellular energy levels and cardiovascular health.

Thyroid insufficiency is epidemic in America, especially among women. It is very often left untreated because doctors typically depend solely on blood tests for diagnosis. Unfortunately, thyroid blood panels alone are totally unreliable as a diagnostic tool because thyroid hormone output (i.e.- blood level) is only half the equation. Uptake at the cellular level may be impaired, leaving a person with normal blood tests and profound hypothyroid symptoms. To learn more about Hypothyroidism, google the article entitled, Hypothyroidism Type II: A ModernEpidemic

Thymus

The thymus is known as the master gland of immunity because it is largely responsible for the production and maturation (training) of immune cells and for regulating immune function. Thymic hormones help “program” immune cells to recognize tissues as either self or invader. Recognizing the enemy is the first and likely most important step in the immune response.

Orally administered calf thymus extracts have been found to be quite effective in restoring and enhancing immune function (1), with studies demonstrating broad-spectrum immune system enhancement.

Thymic factors are said to be immune modulators. Thymic extracts have been shown to normalize the ratio of T-helper cells to suppressor cells whether the ratio is low as in AIDS, chronic infections and cancer, or high as found with allergies and autoimmune diseases like psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. (2,3)

In other words, thymic factors appear to influence the immune response up or down as needed! Obviously, there is no more foundational a way to support our health than by supporting the thymus gland.

Thymus extracts may provide a solution to chronic viral infections and low immune function. Double blind studies with groups of children with a history of recurrent respiratory tract infections showed that orally administered thymus extracts were able to effectively eliminate infection. The treatment, over the course of a year, also significantly reduced the number of respiratory infections and significantly improved numerous immune parameters. (4)

Spleen

Pharmaceutical grade bovine spleen extracts are useful in the treatment of infectious conditions and as an immune-enhancing agent in cancer. Their benefits are attributed to small-molecular-weight proteins that stimulate macrophages in the liver, spleen, and lymph nodes.

The primary use of spleen extracts is after a splenectomy, or removal of the spleen. The removal of the spleen is associated with an increased risk for infection, particularly bacterial infection. Spleen extracts can be quite helpful in such cases. Spleen extracts are also useful in the treatment of low white blood cell counts and bacterial infections and as an adjunct to cancer therapy.

Adrenals

The adrenal glands are responsible for a wide variety of body functions, including stress management, water/electrolyte balance, inflammation regulation, and blood sugar control.

Adrenal tissue concentrates may help to support adrenal function and alleviate many of the health problems associated with overworked adrenal glands.

Liver

The liver is a vital organ that must process every nutrient, toxin, drug, and any other substance entering the body through the intestines, lungs or skin. In addition to its detoxification duties, the liver helps regulate blood sugar and plays a major role in the metabolism of hormones, carbohydrates, proteins and fats.

The liver aids digestion, stores vitamins, and secretes bile which is stored in the gallbladder and used to digest fats. Maintaining the health of this essential organ is the key to your overall quality of life.

Liver support formulas containing herbs and liver extract provide organ specific nutrients to promote detoxification pathways and encourage regeneration of liver tissue.

Pituitary

The pituitary gland is small and bean-shaped, located below the brain in the skull base very near the hypothalamus. Weighing less than one gram, the pituitary gland is often called the “Master Endocrine Gland” since it controls the secretion of hormones by other endocrine glands.

Health of the Cell is Key

For a tissue cell to repair or replace itself, it must have the raw materials necessary. Glandular therapy provides the raw materials to failing or weakened organs, glands, and tissues so that they can start the process of regeneration.

It all boils down to this: Happy cells make happy glands and organs, and happy glands and organs make happy people!

References:

1. Michael Murray, N.D., et. al, “Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine,” Prima Publishing, 2nd edition, 1998.

2. P. Cazzola, P. Mazzanti, and G. Bossi, ‘In Vivo Modulating Effect of a Calf Thymus Acid Lysate on Human T Lymphocyte Subsets and CD4+/CD8+ Ratio in the Course of Different Diseases,” Curr Ther Res 42 (1987):1011-7.

3. N.M. Kouttab, M. Prada, and P Cazzola,”Thymomodulin: Biological Properties and Clinical Applications,” Medical Oncology Tumor Pharmotherapy 6 (1989): 5-9.

4. A. Fiocchi et al., “A Double-Blind Clinical Trial for the Evaluation of the Therapeutic Effectiveness of a Calf Thymus Derivative (Thymomodulin) in Children with Recurrent Respiratory Infections,” Thymus 8 (1986): 831-9.

Ultrasound is a therapeutic modality that has been used by physical therapists since the 1940s. Ultrasound is applied using a round-headed wand or probe that is put in direct contact with the patient’s skin. Ultrasound gel is used on all surfaces of the head in order to reduce friction and assist in the transmission of the ultrasonic waves. Therapeutic ultrasound is in the frequency range of about 0.8-1.0 MHz.

The waves are generated by a piezoelectric effect caused by the vibration of crystals within the head of the wand/probe. The sound waves that pass through the skin cause a vibration of the local tissues. This vibration or cavitation can cause a deep heating locally though usually no sensation of heat will be felt by the patient. In situations where a heating effect is not desirable, such as a fresh injury with acute inflammation, the ultrasound can be pulsed rather than continuously transmitted.

Ultrasound can produce many effects other than just the potential heating effect. It has been shown to cause increases in tissue relaxation, local blood flow, and scar tissue breakdown. The effect of the increase in local blood flow can be used to help reduce local swelling and chronic inflammation, and, according to some studies, promote bone fracture healing. The intensity or power density of the ultrasound can be adjusted depending on the desired effect. A greater power density (measured in watt/cm2 is often used in cases where scar tissue breakdown is the goal.

Ultrasound can also be used to achieve phonophoresis. This is a non-invasive way of administering medications to tissues below the skin; perfect for patients who are uncomfortable with injections. With this technique, the ultrasonic energy forces the medication through the skin. Cortisone, used to reduce inflammation, is one of the more commonly used substances delivered in this way.

A typical ultrasound treatment will take from 3-5 minutes. In cases where scar tissue breakdown is the goal, this treatment time can be much longer. During the treatment the head of the ultrasound probe is kept in constant motion. If kept in constant motion, the patient should feel no discomfort at all. If the probe is held in one place for more than just a few seconds, a build up of the sound energy can result which can become uncomfortable. Interestingly, if there is even a very minor break in a bone in the area that is close to the surface, a sharp pain may be felt. This occurs as the sound waves get trapped between the two parts of the break and build up until becoming painful. In this way ultrasound can often be used as a fairly accurate tool for diagnosing minor fractures that may not be obvious on x-ray.

Some conditions treated with ultrasound include tendonitis (or tendinitis if you prefer), non-acute joint swelling, muscle spasm, and even Peyronie’s Disease (to break down the scar tissue). Contraindications of ultrasound include local malignancy, metal implants below the area being treated, local acute infection, vascular abnormalities, and directly on the abdomen of pregnant women. It is also contraindicated to apply ultrasound directly over active epiphyseal regions (growth plates) in children, over the spinal cord in the area of a laminectomy, or over the eyes, skull, or testes.

A 1200 calorie diabetic diet limits intake of carbohydrates, fats and proteins so that you get only 1200 calories per day and nothing more than that. You can use this diet to control blood sugar or to lose weight. You can take the help of a registered dietitian to plan your diet. While planning your diet always keep in mind that instead of large meals take small meals and increase number of meals, for example replace the regular three meal pattern (that is breakfast, lunch and dinner) with a six meal pattern by adding snacks between the meals. Always give preference to fresh food instead of refined and processed foods. Drink lots of water because it is calorie free and helps to flush away the toxins.

A 1200 calorie diet healthy breakfast will include one wheat bread with low fat butter or a cup of cereal with a boiled egg and one small fruit. For a lunch options are mixed salad, baked potato, and French bread pizza. You can also include some vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, cabbage etc. For a dinner choose grilled chicken or fish and pasta salad or mix vegetable salad with some dressing. To ensure the right quantities of these foods you can take the help of a dietitian.

To plan a 1200 calorie diet above food list is not compulsory and you can make variation of foods and also manage calorie intake. This can be done with the exchange system. The exchange food system provides information about food content from which you can easily estimate calories in any food. It also helps to maintain the balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats throughout the day. Before developing diet plans you must know your nutritional requirement in terms of calories, then select the food from exchange list and plan your daily meal according to your calorie requirement.

The exchange system contains six different lists of foods and food from each exchange group is well defined so that one serving of each food contains the same amount of carbohydrates, proteins, and fat. These groups are starch/bread, vegetables, fruit, milk, meat and fat. From each food list a certain number of exchange choices are allowed, but amount and type of these exchanges are based on a daily exercise, insulin injections, blood pressure and body weight. The food substitution can be done only within an exchange list but not between lists even if they have the same calorie count. In the exchange lists some foods are free; these foods contain less than 20 calories per serving.

In 1200 calorie diet you can include per day five exchanges of starch/bread exchange group, two exchanges of vegetable group, three exchanges of fruit group, two exchanges of milk group, four exchanges of meat and three exchanges of fat group. Each exchange of starch/bread group contains 80 calories. In vegetable exchange group each group contains 5 grams of proteins, 5 grams of carbohydrates and 2 grams of fiber. In fruit exchange group each exchange contains about 60 calories. For a diabetic 1200 calorie diet avoid artificially sweetened milk and include skim or very low-fat milk and milk substitutes. When you choose meat remove the fat before cooking. You can include high fat meat exchanges maximum three times a week. Include fat exchange in very small amount. In this calorie diet avoid saturated and Trans fatty acid instead of that choose polyunsaturated or monounsaturated fats.

Drink lots of water because it is calorie free and helps to flush away the toxins. Did you know that flavored carbonated water has no calories, sugar, body, sweetener, color or preservatives?
The taste is fantastic, extremely refreshing and gives diabetics a great drink without any carbohydrates. Read more about flavored carbonated water concentrate at carbonatedseltzerwater

As people strive to look more youthful, the popularity of anti-aging supplements continues to grow. While there are many excellent anti-aging supplement products on the market, there are also some that simply do not deliver what they promise.

Most anti-aging products are designed to retard the aging process by providing key nutrients that support youthful-looking skin. Other products focus on eliminating “free radicals” or toxins in the body. It is widely believed that detoxifying the body can lead to longer, more youthful life.

The available products include, but not limited to anti-aging skin creams, anti-wrinkle creams, botox, anti-oxidants, sirtuins, and cosmetics.

Proxeronine, derived from morinda citrifolia, is a vital biochemical agent that helps maintain strength, endurance, and immunity to aging. Morinda citrifolia is reported to contain up to 40 times more proxeronine than any other food.

Proxeronine is an enzyme discovered by Dr. Ralph Heinicke in the 1980s. He found that this essential chemical helps cells create energy and facilitates communications between cells. These processes help cellular growth and promotes general health. A lack of sufficient quantities of this enzyme generally results in longer lasting illnesses.

Anti-oxidant supplements help to detoxify the body by getting rid of what are known as “free radicals”. Free radicals can occur through normal metabolism, through reaction of the body’s immune system, and by environmental factors such as cigarette smoke, pollution, radiation, pesticides and other chemicals.

Antioxidants neutralize free radicals by donating one of their own electrons, ending the “electron-stealing” reaction. While the body does have mechanisms that can handle these toxins; antioxidants are especially useful in the event of excessive free radical production.

Vitamin supplements, including vitamins A, C and E are used to support general skin health. B-Complex vitamins can also be used to promote healthy hair, skin and nails. These essential vitamins can also be derived from a balanced diet.

In most cases, a combination of these anti-aging supplements and good dietary habits can go a long way in helping you maintain a youthful and healthy appearance. Learning more about the benefits and functions of anti-aging supplements will help you make wise decisions at purchase time.

There are many reasons why people would receive a colon cleanse. All of these relate to wanting to achieve a sense of well being and to help improve overall health. This is how people prolong their lives-by making healthy decisions like this.

The Process

Usually the at-home colon cleansing process involves one of a variety of actions. Among the most important ones include increasing the amount of fiber in the diet and drinking plenty of liquids.

During a colon cleansing fast individuals then may decide to take it a step further and cut out most meats, dairy products, and other fatty and rich foods. They might eliminate carbohydrates. This sometimes is done for a few days, or maybe a weak.

This is done in an effort to further clean out the system. However, this may not always be necessary when using certain herbal colon cleansing products.

In any case, as long as you are eating healthy, well-balanced meals your attempt to flush out your system will probably very successful. This will lead to a new you and help you achieve the level of health and fitness you have always wanted.

Benefits

Oftentimes people who have taken on the task of cleaning out their insides experience many benefits. For the long term they are not sick as often and do not even get as many colds-if at all.

They also may even experience weight loss at a faster pace. This is because a cleaner colon leads to better processing of nutrients that build up the metabolism. This leads to feeling as light as air and experiencing higher energy levels and prolonged stamina.

Having a cleaner colon can even lead to a more fulfilling sex life. That is an indirect result of the greater amount of energy that comes just from feeling clean on the inside.

It can even prevent the return of yeast infections, or it can treat this condition if you already have it. It also helps build up your immune system and provides greater resistance against any diseases.

This process can help you become more regular. Thus, you would better be able to evacuate your bowels more often. It will then prevent constipation, and you would less likely to have to suffer the pain of hemorrhoids if you have experienced them before.

Furthermore keeping your digestive system clean can also help prevent colon cancer, among other types of harmful diseases. It can also reduce or eliminate minor gastrointestinal problems such as gas and bloating and water retention.

Types of Treatments

Colon cleansing can come in very expensive packages, such as colonoscopy or colonic irrigation. However, the purpose of at-home digestive cleaning regimens is to make sure your condition does not reach this point.

Furthermore, you can take care of yourself better afterwards by making healthy lifestyle adjustments. For instance, when was the last time you exercised?

Regular exercise would help you immensely-just as much as eating right would do. Furthermore, if you stop smoking or cut down drastically on alcohol intake, that would also help you.