Alternative Therapies and Health News

According to recent studies conducted on Japanese men, consumers of soy isoflavones showed 50 percent reduced risk of being attacked by prostate cancer when compared to the non-consumers. The incidence of prostate cancer is found to be much lower in Asian than in the Western countries perhaps because Asian diets include more soy than the Western diets.

In studies conducted in mice, genistein, a chemical found in soy, slowed the growth of prostate cancer and also caused the prostate cancer cells to die. Genistein belongs to the family of isoflavone. Isoflavones are phytoestrogens that resembles estrogen in the body. The soy isoflavones are strong antioxidants and has shown to be protective against cancer in animal models. But, increased isoflavone intake is shown to enhance the risk of advanced prostate cancer.

According to Dr. Norie Kurahashi, M.D., of the National Cancer Center of Japan, “Consumption of isoflavones from traditional Japanese food throughout life may protect against the incidence of prostate cancer, but we cannot recommend the use of isoflavones from supplements for people who do not regularly consume these chemicals, because the relationship between isoflavones and the risk of advanced prostate cancer is not yet clear.”

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Smoking can sometimes benefit your health. Recent researches have shown a link between consumption of tobacco and reduced risk of Parkinson’s disease. This study reveals the neuroprotective potentials of tobacco leaves. The benefits are not just for smokers, but also for those people who consume tobacco by other means.

The risk of Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease is twice higher in non-smokers when compared to smokers. This is true not just in the case of cigarette smokers, but also in the case of tobacco consumers by other means. The benefits are not from the compounds generated by the combustion of tobacco, but from the constituents in the tobacco leaf itself.

The Tobacco Related Disease Research Program gives possible explanations for the protective effect of tobacco. Basal Ganglia which is the area of the brain affected by Parkinson’s disease, contains some nicotinic receptors. Depletion of Dopamine, a brain chemical in the basal ganglia, is seen in patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease. This depletion is caused mainly due to exposure to harmful chemicals. Nicotine from the tobacco stimulates the nicotinic receptors in the basal ganglia thus enhancing the release of dopamine.

According to researchers in Netherlands, higher consumption of coffee and alcohol also reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

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The risk of colorectal cancer, which is one of the most commonly occurring cancers, can be reduced by a simple change in your diet. Colorectal cancer is the cancer of the rectum and the large intestine (colon). In the United States, almost 120,000 people are diagnosed of colorectal cancer every year.

According to studies, diet containing red meat and animal fat in high amount can increase the risk of colorectal cancer. Apart from the fat that increases the risk, there are substances like heterocyclic amine found in heavily cooked meat that can cause cancer. 

According to recent studies, a combination of vitamin D and Calcium has the potential to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. Animal and human studies proved that, if the diet is rich in calcium and vitamin D products then the chances of suffering from colorectal cancer is very less.

Vitamin D is produced in the skin when exposed to sunlight and is activated in the liver and kidney. It is also found in food items like fish, eggs and dairy products. Vitamin D increases the absorption of calcium in the intestine. Thus, dairy products play a very significant role in the prevention of colorectal cancer.
 

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Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the eye. The eyes become red and itchy. This happens because of inflammation of conjunctiva, which is the thin membrane covering the front of the eye. Following are some home remedies to treat conjunctivitis.

• Apply warm compress on your eyes for 5 to 10 minutes for 3 to 4 times a day.
• Clean your eyes using a cotton ball dipped in sterile water.
• Juice of raw vegetables especially of carrot and spinach is effective in the treatment of conjunctivitis.
• Consume food items rich in vitamin A and B2 - milk, curd, butter, carrots, pumpkin, green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, almonds, citrus fruits, mangoes, and papaya.
• Make a cup of gooseberry juice and mix it with honey. Have it twice in a day.
• Wash your eye with coriander leaves crushed in water.
• Avoid excessive starchy and sugary food.
• Place a towel soaked in cold water over the eyes. Cover it with a piece of warm towel to retain the temperature. Keep it for one hour every night for a week.
• Do some eye exercises like moving your eyes from side to side, up and down, in circles clockwise and anticlockwise. Rotate your neck and then your shoulders clockwise and anticlockwise.
• Place moist chamomile tea-bag on your eyes for 10 minutes. Repeat it for every 3 hours.

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Studies conducted on animals reveal that chemicals present in grape seeds have the potential to ward off skin cancer caused by regular exposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun.

In a research conducted at the University of Alabama, Birmingham, some hairless mice were exposed to ultraviolet light. Of them, some were supplemented with grape seeds (GSP- grape seed proanthocyanidins) while the others were not. The tumors seen in GSP-supplemented mice were up to 78 percent smaller than those seen in the other group.

“It suggests that regular consumptions of GSPs as a dietary supplement may be beneficial for the prevention of skin cancers,” says Dr. Santosh K. Katiyar.

The skin and seeds of grapes are rich in proanthocyanidins, an antioxidant flavonoid that destroys free radicals. It is the grape seeds that have more concentration of flavonoids. It has chemopreventive potentials and so it can prevent skin cancer.

Exposure to sunlight is the reason behind most cases of skin cancers in the United States. Cancers are caused due to UV-induced oxidative stress. GSP acts as antioxidant and also inhibits suppression of the immune system caused by ultraviolet light.

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Hay fever has become a major health problem in Japan. The symptoms of hay fever usually start showing during the early summer. The symptoms of hay fever resemble that of common cold – running nose, itchy eyes, sneezing etc. it is common among people under the age of 24. It happens when people become allergic to pollen. The pollen is usually from the Japanese cedar tree.

With the genetically modified rice, any person suffering from hay fever can find relief simply by consuming a handful of rice.

Japanese researchers have made genetically modified rice. According to researchers, an edible vaccine that is produced in the rice prevents the immune response that triggers allergies.

 But, how the genetically modified rice will be received is a matter of doubt as the anti-GMO consumer group will not accept it. They do not consider that its safety has been proved. 

Researchers in Germany have found that bananas contain magnesium that can prevent hay fever attack. As a precaution, during the hay fever season, it is not advised to spend much time outdoors. It would be better to keep the windows also closed.

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Ear infection is a very common occurrence among children. Ear infection is usually referred to as “otitis”. Ortitis are of two types called otitis media and otitis externa. It is the otitis media that is most common among children. It is an infection in the middle part of the ear which is situated behind the ear drum.

Eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the nose and throat. When the Eustachian tube gets blocked due to cold or throat infection, the middle ear gets filled with fluid and causes infection.

The most common symptoms of ear infection in children are fever and pain in the ear. Children usually pull their ear when they have pain or itching sensation in the ear.

To prevent ear infection in your child,

1. Use ear plugs while swimming in pools, lakes or ponds, as the bacteria from these water bodies could infect your child’s ear.
2. Ask your child to use disposable tissues to blow his/her nose and also to cover their mouth while coughing. Dispose off the tissue paper after use; avoid reusing it.
3. Breast feeding reduces the chances of ear infection in children.
4. Do not bottle feed the child by making them lie down. Keep your baby’s head above the stomach level while bottle feeding.
5. Parents should avoid smoking in front of children. Smoke increases the chances of ear infection.

What can you do at home to treat ear infection?

1. Give your child some pain reliever before bed time. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications like Advil, Motrin and Aleve and acetaminophen such as Tylenol and Tempra will give your child instant relief from pain.
2. Do not give aspirin to anyone below the age of 20.
3. With proper rest and care at home, most of the ear infections get cured on its own. This method is called “observation point” where the child is saved from the inconveniences and side effects of antibiotics. He/she is now under the observation of the parents.
4. Use a heating pad or a warm wash cloth to apply heat to your child’s ear. This will give your child relief from pain.

If your child does not find relief or get cured of the infection, then consult a doctor.

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Certain breathing exercises can reduce the need to use rescue inhalers in asthma patients. Just 10 minutes before beginning to exercise take few puffs from your rescue inhaler.

• Sit upright and breathe slowly. Take full breaths. Avoid taking short breaths.
• Always breathe through your nose.
• Use your diaphragm muscles instead of your chest muscles to breathe. It will make breathing less tiresome. Breathing using diaphragm muscles is also called belly breathing.  Here is an easy way to practice belly breathing:
  Sit upright and rest the palm of your one hand on the belly and the other on the chest. Take deep breaths. If the hand on your belly is pushed forward, then you are using your diaphragm muscles. And if you are using your chest muscles, then the hand on your chest will move forward. Practice this several times in a day. This type of breathing will improve the strength of your diaphragm muscles.
• Practice few rounds of prolonged breathing. Breathe in for two counts and breathe out for four counts.

Light physical activities along with these breathing exercises will help asthma patients to increase the potential of their respiratory system. But it is advised to consult your doctor before starting an exercise program. 

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Make your own lip balm at home without adding any preservatives, artificial flavors, artificial colors or artificial sweeteners. Lip balm is usually a mixture of solid base and oil mostly in the ratio 1:2. But you can make your own changes as per your need and liking. First melt the base oil and then add the essential oil according to your choice. Adding vitamin oil will be good for your skin.

• Go to your nearest shop and get some beeswax, almond oil and shea butter. Mix beeswax and shea butter until the mixture looks clear. Add almond oil to the mixture and stir.
• Heat a quarter cup vegetable oil and quarter ounce beeswax until it melts. Add a teaspoon of glycerin. You can flavor it with peppermint flavoring oil.
• Mix beeswax, shea butter, mango butter and cocoa butter. Heat the mixture until it melts. Later add almond oil and flavoring.

Transfer these mixtures into containers. As the mixture gets set, your lip balm is ready. With these simple tips you need not visit any cosmetic shops or drug stores anymore to buy a lip balm. All you need to do is stir your creativity and taste for a while.

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According to studies based on a food frequency questionnaire, women whose 40 percentage of calorie intake is from fat, have about 15 percent more risks of having breast cancer than those women whose calorie intake from fat is only 20 percent.  This is true in the case of all types of fat like saturated, monosaturated and polyunsaturated). In laboratory animals, both saturated fats and polyunsaturated fats containing omega-6 fatty acids have shown to increase the growth of breast tumors.

“Other studies have also found these associations; the higher the fat intake, the higher your risk for breast cancer.” says Dr. Anne C. M. Thiebaut from the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland.

In a country like the United States where there are very high incidences of breast cancer, the fat makes up to 34% of their calorie intake. Dietary fat has also shown to increase the risk of breast tumor in laboratory animals. There are studies which have shown that consumption of olive oil reduces the risk of breast cancer. Fish oil also reduces the growth of tumors.

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For those who suffer from sinusitis, antibiotics have always been the first solution. According to studies by experts, sinus infections are caused by virus rather than bacteria. And so, the overuse of antibiotics will result in more drug resistant and virulent bacteria. It not only gives rise to resistant microbes, but also causes side-effects.

Chronic rhinosinusitis causes inflammation in the sinus passages and lasts for more than two weeks. Acute rhinosinusitis lasts for a longer time.

According to Dr. Don Leopold, chair of the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Department of Otolaryngology, there are no approved medicines that can cure sinus infections and no recommended treatment.

According to the national guidelines for the treatment of ear infections released by the American Academy of Pediatrics, only pain medication must be prescribed for children suffering from ear infection and antibiotics should be used only if the conditions persist.

Leopold also suggests an alternative treatment of saline flushing which is much cheaper than prescription medicine and which can be brought over the counter. He says, “It’s a very old remedy, but something I think we physicians have forgotten”. Even though the saline treatment is very effective in curing the symptoms of the infection, patients are not always willing to try them.

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Anemia is caused due to deficiency of iron, vitamin B12 or Folate. It results due to a decrease in the concentration of hemoglobin in the red blood cells. In the absence of hemoglobin, blood will not be able to carry oxygen to the different organs and tissues of the body.

• Eat apples without peeling off the skin.
• Have one cup of beetroot juice mixed with honey every day.
• Daily consume ripe banana with honey.
• Consume food items rich in iron content such as liver, green leafy vegetables, dry fruits, raisins, lentils and molasses.
• Drinking too much tea and coffee will decrease iron absorption.
• Vitamin C has to be taken along with iron to increase the absorption.
• Honey is a rich source of iron, copper and magnesium.
• Dandelion tea and nettle tea is a traditional cur for anemia. It is sweetened with honey and is a very rich source of honey.
• Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol.
• Do not smoke.
• Avoid food items rich in Oxalic acid as it interferes with the absorption of iron. Almonds, cashews, chocolate and spinach have high oxalic content.

Pregnant women need thrice the amount of iron required by a person in normal condition. Too much of iron can also be toxic. It can cause abdominal pain, digestive problems and even death.

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The power of honey in healing wounds was discovered and used ages ago. Its potentials have now been rediscovered by modern medical science.  Many studies have been conducted and reports have been published regarding the therapeutic value of honey. 

Two important factors that give honey its healing properties are its acidity or low pH that prevents bacterial growth, and its osmolarity, which is the tendency of honey to absorb water from the would as a result depriving the bacterial growth. The high sugar content in honey inhibits the growth of bacteria.

When honey gets diluted with the fluids from the wound, an enzyme is activated that produces hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide acts as an antiseptic. Honey also reduces inflammation, swelling, odor and pain in the wounds. Honey promotes the healing process without causing any tissue damage. It promotes epithelialisation of the wound.

In some honeys, the healing properties are more when compared to others. These types inhibit the growth of those bacteria that are sensitive to antibiotics, and also those like MRSA that are not.  Medihoney is the first pure, medical honey dressing, proven to work against MRSA. For best results, apply honey over cut, wounds and burns and cover it with a clean bandage.

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Lung cancer has become one of the significant causes of death in most of the countries. And the cancer patients are mostly tobacco smokers. For them, it is time take a sigh of relief as researchers have discovered an alternative treatment for lung cancer. They have discovered and also confirmed the chemopreventive effects of green tea. Green tea has proved to be of great help in the prevention and treatment of lung cancer.
 
Green tea (Camelia sinensis) is a solution for the prevention and cure of many degenerative diseases like cancer and cardiovascular diseases. But it is shown to be more effective in the treatment of lung cancer. It is found that in Japan and US, though the cigarette smoking rates are similar, the number of people suffering from lung cancer is lower in Japan due to higher rates of tea consumption.

The exact mechanism of the action of green tea in fighting cancer has not been understood, explained or elucidated properly. According to the present findings, the antioxidants, which are naturally present in green tea, neutralizes the harmful molecules in the body and protects against cancer.

 When compared to other varieties of tea, the green tea contains the highest percentage of polyphenols that act as antioxidants. Polyphenols help kill cancerous cells and stops its multiplication and growth. Its antioxidant properties are considered to be more effective than those of vitamin E or vitamin C. Green tea also fights with one of the key molecules which the tobacco relies upon to cause cancer.
 

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Recent studies have found that one-third of the patients suffering from DVT are office workers. Deep Vein Thrombosis or DVT is now popularly known as E-thrombosis as it is mostly found in those office workers who sit glued to their computers for long hours. It is mainly caused due to lack of movement. When people sit for a long time in one place, the legs become cramp and the blood circulation gets reduced.

DVT is the clotting of blood in a deep vein, especially in the lower leg, which, if not treated can cause death. These clots can reach the heart, lungs or brain and can cause breathlessness or stroke. The symptoms are pain, swelling, red coloration and dilated surface veins appearing on the skin. The pain and swelling will be experienced in the calf. It is considered to be a silent killer.

This was earlier common among air travelers and patients confined to bed. Because of its popularity among air travelers, it was known as economy class syndrome. Those who are prone to blood clots due to hereditary factors are at a higher risk of acquiring this disease.

You can avoid the risk of having DVT by following some simple steps in your office. Keep printer, fax or the electrical switches a little away from your desk so that you will be forced to move to get your work done. Have light music on the background so that you will tap your feet and prevent your lower leg from remaining immobile. It is often advised to take frequent breaks from your working hours as it also increases the quality of your work. Sitting cross legged or tucked up under your seat also helps.

“Taxi drivers should get out of their car every now and then and go for a walk and office workers should get up and move about every hour or so,” says Reg Lord, professor of surgery at the University of Western Sydney and a leading expert in thrombosis.

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Being caught in the rat race, the number of people suffering from anxiety disorders is increasing at a high rate. Too much stress and anxiety can adversely affect the mind and physique of an individual leading to serious disorders. Antidepressants and benzodiazepines are the conventional ways of treating anxiety. But because of its side effects, most health care professionals recommend the use of dietary supplements and other alternative remedies.

• Take frequent breaks in between working hours.
• Avoid drinking too many cups of coffee.
• Herbs like kava and valerian are helpful in alleviating stress. Kava has shown to cure anxiety associated with menopause and due to various medical conditions.
• L-theanine which is an amino acid found in green tea, is a non-sedating relaxant that stimulates the brain’s production of alpha waves. People who produce more alpha brain waves have less anxiety.
• It is recommended for anxiety disorder patients to drink fresh tea made from chamomile leaves several times in a day.
• Passion flower which is most often used for insomnia is also helpful in reducing the effects of stress and anxiety.
• Pulsatilla is a homeopathic remedy for hypersensitive people.
• 300mg extract of St John’s Wort is a commonly used medicine for depression and anxiety.
• Valerian helps in the treatment of insomnia, anxiety and stress related gastrointestinal problems. Take the herb half an hour before going to bed.
• Breathing exercises are an excellent way to combat anxiety.
• Reishi Mushroom is an excellent herb for insomnia, anxiety or nervousness.
• Aroma therapy is very effective in relieving anxiety. Orange blossom, rose and lavender have their calming effects. Lavender is most useful for relaxation.

Discover which of these methods are best suited for you and live your life free from tensions and pressures.

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Around 50 million people in the United States are suffering from some form of arthritis or the other. Arthritis affects the joints and the tissues that surround them. There are several forms of arthritis. Of them, the most known and most common are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and lupus.

Given are some simple ways to reduce the intensity of the symptoms of arthritis:

• Though some people get relief from heat, the numbness caused due to cold has also shown to provide relief from pain.
• Alternating between cold packs and heat pads can also give relief from pain and swelling.
• Heat can reduce the stiffness of joints. Soak a towel in hot water and place them on the affected joints. A hot bath or a dip in a warm pool can also provide heat to the joints.
• Try not to put on too much weight; maintain your ideal weight. It reduces the burden on your joints.
• Drink warm water with lime juice in empty stomach.
• Sun bathing for half an hour or so.
• Steam bathing also helps.
• Drink boiled water with ginger.
• Slice a raw potato and place them over the painful area overnight.
• If there is inflammation, place a small towel soaked in milk over the area.
• Drinking lemon juice is good for arthritis. It breaks up the calcified formations in the body.
• Boil 4-5 orange leaves and lemon leaves. Add honey and lemon juice to the liquid and consume before going to bed.
• Slice some potatoes without peeling off the skin. Place them in a glass of cold water overnight. Next morning, drink the water in empty stomach.
• Garlic boosts the immune system and helps reduce the pain of arthritis.
• Try out some hand and feet exercises that promote motion. Stretch and move your joints frequently to avoid stiffness.

We have not provided you with any complete cure for the ailment, but these are some ways to give you comfort and relief from the pain and other symptoms of arthritis.

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The low-carb Atkins diet is found out to be the most popular and most effective diet plans. It has shown to beat even the Zone and the Ornish diet plans. Women on the Atkins plan lost more weight than those on other low fat diet plans. Atkins followers lost about 10 pounds in 12 months; those on the Zone diet lost 3.5 and those on the Ornish lost 5 pounds.

What makes weight loss easier in Atkins is that, they opt for low-cab and high-fat diet. Atkins recognizes that the main problem with the Western eating habits is that, they have more of carbohydrates and sugar which is the main cause for obesity.

Because of fewer amounts of carbohydrates in our body, all the stored fat will have to be used up to get energy. Thus this diet helps in using up the stored body fat.  In low-carb diets, our body burns more calories than in a normal diet. And moreover, fat helps people feel fuller and hence helps losing weight easier. Protein also makes people feel less hungry. Thus low-carb diet reduces overeating problems. Another reason for Atkins being more effective is that women replaced water with soft drinks.

Apart from weight loss, there were other benefits shown in people who adopted Atkins diet. They had higher levels of HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol) and lower blood pressure than those on other diets. According to Harvard researchers, low-carb high-fat diet is more heart-healthy.

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Cord blood which is usually thrown away after childbirth can be used for bone marrow transplants in cancer patients. The cord blood is rich in stem cells and can be used to transplant the bone-marrow that helps people survive cancers and other diseases. The stem cells of those people who have undergone high dose of radiation and chemotherapy gets damaged. More than the bone marrow, it is the cord blood that can be transplanted easily into people who are not related. In addition, cord blood is more easily available than bone-marrow donor. 

Bone marrow is a spongy substance found in the centre of bones. It is rich in stem cells that produce white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. Thus it helps in increasing immunity and also prevents hemorrhage by helping the blood to clot.  In those people with damaged stem cells, the bone marrow with healthy stem cells is transplanted.  But the bone marrow must perfectly match between the donor and the receiver. For those patients who are unable to find a bone marrow match, the umbilical cord blood transplantation is an excellent alternative. The cord blood is rich in stem cells.

“Even if other treatments have produced no results, a bone marrow transplant may save the patient’s life,” said Dr. Patrick J. Stiff, director of the Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center and the Bone Marrow Transplant Program at Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Ill.

Survey shows that nation’s four million cord blood is thrown away annually. One of the main causes for this is the lack of awareness. And moreover, there are only very few hospitals that allow cord blood donation.

There should be more private and public cord blood banks to store cord blood. Unless there is a family member with cancer, people are advised not to store cord blood in private banks. And moreover, doctors are not sure if cord blood stored for a long time is useable.

This transplant can treat a number of disorders in young children and adults like tumors, inherited immune deficiency syndromes, hematopoietic malignancies, bone marrow failure syndromes and inherited metabolic diseases. 

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