Numerous women report that menopause comes along with gastrointestinal distress causing uncomfortable symptoms such as indigestion, flatulence and sudden bloating. Not only are these annoying and embarrassing, they can also be quite painful.

During menopause, gastrointestinal bloating is caused when air fills the abdomen, creating a full feeling. Even though your stomach remains the same size, your pants probably feel tighter and your waistline just seems to keep expanding. Excess intestinal gas is produced by bacteria in the intestines. Sugar located foods often contribute to the growth of this bacterium.

Poor digestion, a lack of lactose - an enzyme that breaks down food and liquids, can cause gastrointestinal distress as well. Gas distress can also be rampant during menopause due to lack of estrogen. Medical studies have suggested that a menopausal woman’s diet can be to blame - particularly too many high sugar foods including fruit, and certain vegetables such as cauliflower, onion and broccoli that create even more bacteria in already inflamed intestines.

Of course your hormones might also be the trigger for bloating. For example, progesterone in the right doses has a calming effect, but in too high doses can cause bloating and breast tenderness. A form of estrogen called Estradiol, on the other hand, is sometimes prescribed as a relief for bloating.

People who eat too much protein at once can cause bloating because the stomach can’t digest it all. Enzymes that help digestion such as Beano aid in the consumption of products such as soy that can have numerous positive effects for menopausal women.

Herbs can be used to restore balance in menopause. You need to be clear on what stage of menopause you are in. Different hormone levels vary significantly from peri-menopause to menopause and post-menopause, and of course your doctor needs to help you with these decisions.

For bloating as well as headaches and breast tenderness, an herbal tea that provides minerals in a dissolved form can help. Minerals help your body handle waste loads as well as provide a good source of calcium. You can use a combination of raspberry, dandelion, lemon balm, nettles, and green oat straw tea. Drink one cup of tea per day. Don quai can increase the effectiveness of estrogen released from fat tissue and help soothe menopausal discomfort as well.

The information in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice.

There is an array of prescribed arthritis medications which doctors can provide to treat rheumatoid arthritis. While these arthritis medications may not provide a cure for, they can bring pain relief, alleviate symptoms, and even slow down the development of rheumatoid arthritis.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can reduce pain and assist with inflammation. These drugs may be used as an arthritis medicine and can be purchased over the counter and via. (Most everyone is familiar with aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium.) The only negative issue with these arthritis medications is they can lead to stomach problems, such as indigestion and bleeding. They can also raise blood pressure in a person and make them prone to fluid retention.

COX-2 inhibitors are a kind of Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs which result in less issues with the stomach. This class of arthritis medication works by suppressing an enzyme called cyclooxygenase which is involved in inflammation. However, fluid retention and raised blood pressure are side effects of COX-2 inhibitors. Reports are also coming in that those who take this class of drug may be at higher risk of a stroke or heart attack.

Corticosteroids are arthritis medications which are able to lessen pain and reduce inflammation. They can also slow down the damage to joints brought on by rheumatoid arthritis. In fact, many arthritis patients who take corticosteroids have claimed that they feel substantially improved. However, after a period of time the effectiveness of corticosteroids may wear off. There is also the possibility of suffering significant side effects such as diabetes, weight gain, and decreased bone density, after continued use of corticosteroids.

It is crucial to see a doctor at the earliest signs of rheumatoid arthritis. While modern medicine has not been able to provide a cure for arthritis, they are making strides in pain relief and reducing the pace of rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. Immunosuppressants can be used as an arthritis medication to help control the immune system. Without such treatment, the immune system in rheumatoid arthritis patients is out of balance and it is not in control. TNF blockers are sometimes given in tandem with an immunosuppressant. TNF blockers serve to block the protein which inflames the joints. People who use TNF blockers have reported that pain was lower and stiffness alleviated.

Those diagnosed promptly with rheumatoid arthritis can be prescribed arthritis medications referred to as disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. These drugs slow down the development of rheumatoid arthritis. So, if the arthritis is caught early, a good deal of damage to the joints can be avoided.

The History And Uses of Bilberry

Bilberry has been used most commonly for centuries as a food, with the English traditionally eating bilberries with a rich cream. Large amounts of bilberries were imported annually from Holland, Germany and Scandinavia for use by pastry cooks and restaurant keepers to make jams, liqueurs, wines, and desserts up until World War II. Bilberry’s use is not only limited to food, as the juice of bilberry yields a clear, dark blue or purplish dye that has often been used to color wool in England. Over the years, the bilberry fruit has gained recognition for its medicinal properties. Decoctions of the leaves and bark of the root have been used for a topical application to treat mouth and throat ulcers. Syrups have also been made from a mixture of the berries and honey to treat intestinal issues. Additionally, the berries are very rich in vitamin C, with their astringent action explaining their historical use for diarrhea and dysentery. Many believe that the berries contain a pigment that can kill many strains of bacteria. Bilberry fruit and tea that are dried have been used to treat nausea as well as indigestion. Along with the above, other traditional applications of bilberry include inflammation of the mucous membranes in the mouth and throat, eyestrain or fatigue, and as a circulatory tonic. The leaves and berries have also been used for a homeopathic treatment of diabetes. One of the main reasons that bilberry’s medicinal value came to attention in the Western world was because of its legendary ability to improve the nighttime vision of the British Royal Air force pilots during World War II. After consuming bilberry, it was found that they experienced improved visual acuity, making it easier to carry our nighttime bombing raids. It was also found that their eyes could adjust to darkness quicker and their vision was able to better correct after the effects of prolonged glare. In the proceeding years, scientific research found that bilberry offered a wide range of benefits for both vision and other vascular disorders. French studies found that bilberry supplementation significantly enhanced the ability to adjust for glare and darkness. Bilberry can help to prevent compromised vision for anyone who is susceptible to eyestrain. In the last few decades, more studies have confirmed the medicinal value of bilberry for a variety of eye disorders. Bilberry is routinely used by European medical practitioners for patients with cataracts, venous insufficiency, visual disorders, peptic ulcers, capillary fragility, and even dysmenorrheal. Finally, bilberry has a great effect on the activity of many enzymes that participate in inflammatory responses. Those who bruise easily or have trouble with capillary weakness can benefit from the anthocyanidin content of bilberry. These anthocyanidins offer many actions including: stimulating the production of collagen; protecting existing collagen stores in the connective tissue; preventing the formation and release of inflammatory compounds including histamine, prostaglandins, and leukotrines; preventing certain enzyme reactions that occur as a result of inflammatory conditions; and scavenging for free radicals to reduce cellular damage from oxidizing agents.

Your resource to helping you lose weight and become healthy

1) Since you wish to lose weight, your target = BMR - 500 kcal Work out your BMR basal metabolic rate - this is to define how many calories your body will require per day. By having too many calories you will simply put on weight, having less than you require will help you to lose weight. Body weight (lb) x 15 + (moderate activity [mins/pday] x 3.5) as you want to lose weight then your target = BMR-500 kcal.

2) Fruit for breakfast - Try eating fruit for breakfast! Fresh fruit - apples, grapefruit, strawberries, cherries, oranges, kiwi, melon, and grapes all count. In fact, any fruit works - and there are so many to choose from. Eating fruit for breakfast will get you on the road to having a healthier body right away. Fruit in its raw form is full of vitamins and minerals and will give you lots of energy and also it is low in calories.

3) Eat slowly - When we eat slowly, the process of chewing and mixing foods in our mouth with saliva is the first step in digestion. The more we chew our foods, the less work is needed to digest them. For people who are constantly experiencing bloating, stomach pain or heartburn after eating, they are eating too fast and are causing indigestion. The other benefit of eating slowly is to prevent over eating. By eating slowing, we allow the stomach to signal the brain when we have eaten enough before we have eaten too much. For people who want to eat less, eating slowly is most effective.

4) Regular exercise - For the best results, add exercise to your plan. Regular exercise not only expends energy as you’re doing it, but can also lead to increases in your basal metabolic rate, so you’ll burn more Calories even at rest. High-intensity exercises burn the most Calories, but don’t select exercises solely on their fat-burning potential. Instead, pick exercises (i.e. sports activities) that you enjoy, and want to incorporate into your daily routine.

5) Portion size - You can lose weight and still eat your favorite foods! Just decrease your portion sizes by half. For example, if you are used to eating a whole baguette or sub sandwich at lunch, just eat half and supplement your meal with raw veggies on the side and finish of with some fresh fruit. Then wait to see if you’re still hungry. If you pause after eating the first half and allow yourself a few minutes to feel satiated, you just may find you’re too full to eat the other half anyway.

6) Natural foods - natural foods are so much better than processed foods as they contain more goodness in the way of vitamins and minerals, they are lower in fat and do not contain any hidden harmful additives such as preservatives and pesticides. A lot of processed foods contain a lot of hidden sugars which will make you put on weight.

7) Indulgence - Don’t feel guilty about giving yourself a treat from time to time, just make sure you keep an eye on the quantity and frequency of it. If you deny yourself any treats then you are more likely to relapse into your old unhealthy ways.

Watch out for sugary drinks - many fruit drinks contain hidden added sugars. Juices, pop, cream %26 sugar in your coffee or tea all add up. Opt for drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day. In addition to providing hydration to your body, it will also help you feel full.

9) Keep a journal - Keeping a food journal helps you pin point your eating pattern and will enable you to easily modify it. If possible, have your Registered Dietitian review your journal.

10) Do not skip meals - Eating small frequent meals help to balance your calorie intake throughout the day and also keeps your blood sugar level balanced. Instead of eating 3 big meals, try to eat 5 - 6 smaller meals throughout the day. If you cut back and miss too many meals your body will go into a starvation mode and subsequently hang onto its fat stores.

Ease the Discomfort of Heartburn and Indigestion Let’s Get Heartburn and Indigestion Under Control.

Have you ever jumped up in the night, awakened by a sudden and nauseous burning sensation in the center of your tummy? Maybe you indulged in some overly spicy chili, or overdid it on those late-night leftovers. Heartburn and indigestion can be very cruel.

These hasty heartburn and indigestion solutions will alleviate your fiery stomach and help you get back to sleep!

Initially what you’ll want to do when you’re awakened by heartburn and indigestion pain is to get out of bed and stand up. This helps keep the acid at bay while you go and get a full glass of cool water.

Slowly drink the glass of water, and then proceed to mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda, and half a glass of water. Be careful though, if you have high blood pressure or are pregnant, this can bring on water retention or increase your blood pressure. This will help relieve your heartburn and indigestion.

Particular foods can affect nighttime heartburn and indigestion. These foods like soda pop or beverages with caffeine (not too good before bed anyway!), alcohol, garlic, chocolate (sorry!), citrus fruits, tomatoes and tomato-based products are high on the list. Avoiding this mode of food can help alleviate your heartburn and indigestion, if you regularly find yourself awakened with that excruciating burning!

Eating a banana every day operates similar to an antacid to soothe heartburn. If you’re already stricken with indigestion, eating pineapple or papaya (or drinking the juice) can help mend your stomach as expected.

If you think others would benefit from reading this article, pass it on to them.

How does this one sound? Some people also claim that eating a teaspoon of mustard (yuck!) can work without delay. If you like mustard go for it.

Keep away from eating, at least two hours prior to laying down for bed. Those late night refreshments can attack your stomach all night and prevent you from falling into a deep, restful sleep. Sleeping on your left side or at a somewhat upright angle can keep acid down where it belongs. This will decrease your chances of getting heartburn and indigestion.

Another way to help yourself from heartburn and indigestion is to eat small, frequent meals and chew your food slowly and thoroughly. Allow two or three hours to digest before going to bed or lying down

If you are awakened by heartburn on a regular basis or the pain is severe, or if you have heartburn with vomiting, you’ll want to consult your doctor immediately as it may be a sign of a more serious condition such as an ulcer. Above all, avoid spicy, fatty and caffeine-containing foods before bed, and you should be able to drift off to sleep easily.

Acidophilus in Yogurt is a Core Element to Clear the Yeasty!

Home cures have been used for centuries to treat ailments, from indigestion, insomnia, allergic reactions to yeast infection. They are inexpensive, widely available, gentle in their action and surprisingly effective. Possibly, you have been eating and drinking a lot of yogurt without an idea that there is a wonderful ingredient in it that prevents any form of yeast disaster, called acidophilus. The women who discovered yogurt conspiracy demonstrated the powerful healing of yogurt by emphasizing that acidophilus is the core element that cures yeast infections. Acidophilus being the best weapon to fight yeast fungi produces hydrogen peroxide and this is the reason why It is ideal above and beyond the fact that yogurt is easily available, cheap and affordable prices. Yeast infections could make you suffer a great deal or have fought a merciless battle with the Candida albican and only ending up failing. But may be you are also the kind that is disgusted by the smell of yogurt from a mile away without realizing what you are missing you swell with pride as the significant others enter and leave the kitchen door with a packet of yogurt. It will not be long before those yeast fungi start ripping your fresh angrily and this time if you will be lucky to trace any pot of unsweetened yogurt in your kitchen, no one will tell you to swallow your pride to allow the acidophilus take over. The very first thing you need to do is to be sure of your agony. This you can only find out from your doctor. So all you have to do is to get up, then trace your path to the hospital and then show your doctor what lies beneath your underpants. Let him examine you and he will come up, with the exact problem and if this happens to be yeast infection then you have choice to make. You could either take prescribed drugs from the doctor, you could opt for over the counter drugs and home remedies. This is where the yogurt yeast infection remedy lies and it contains acidophilus. What matters, a lot is for you to find away to get this acidophilus into your body whichever way you do it. Nevertheless, this will depend on how severe your yeast infection is, if it is not very serious, and therefore clear by medical prescriptions alone, then you should probably get into the habit of eating or drinking yogurt often and the acidophilus will find its way to where you need it. But if you have severe signs then you should apply yogurt, to the agonizing parts. place the yogurt in plastic tampon applicators and freeze them, and the insert them even if they are really cold, they are actually soothing in contrast to the fire of the Candida albicans. Another way is accessing disposable gloves and then filling the fingers with yogurt, then freezing them to make her yogurt tampons. The most important thing to do is to apply the yogurt well on the affected areas and the acidophilus will do the correct job.

Natural Cure for Diarrhea, Constipation and Indigestion
by Nick Mutt

Diarrhea, constipation and indigestion are the common problems that you see in your daily life. It is always better to treat such problems through natural cures. Natural cures are safe, inexpensive and heal the disturbing eliminates of the body from the root.

This article will discuss the beneficial effects of aromatherapy in treating stomach problems like vomiting, diarrhea, constipation and indigestion. Due to change in climate, water and diet, upset stomachs often occur. Aromatherapy can help you to get relief from stomach related problems like vomiting, diarrhea, constipation and indigestion.

Diarrhea

Add six drops of lavender and three drops of neroli oil to 4 fl oz (100 ml) of a carrier oil. Very gently rub into the lower abdomen and solar plexus area. You can also try adding the above oils to a bath to ease stomach cramps.

Constipation

These oils can help you in getting relief from constipation:

Rosemary

Juniper

Black pepper

Fennel

Add 12 drops of oil to 4 fl oz (100 ml) of carrier oil and massage it into your abdomen. Or add twenty drops to your bath and soak in it for 15 minutes.

Indigestion

This is a horrible acid feeling in your stomach often experienced after a rich or heavy meal. Peppermint oil is a great remedy for digestive problems.

Add 12 drops of peppermint oil to 4 fl oz (100 ml) of carrier oil and gently massage it into your stomach and solar plexus. Also dab a little of the blend under your nose so you can inhale it. If you wish, you can follow the treatment with a cup of mint tea.

Vomiting

Add four drops of lemon, four drops of fennel and four drops of peppermint to 4 fl oz (100 ml) of a carrier oil. Massage into the abdomen and solar plexus as needed.

Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health professional before embarking on any health program.

There is nothing wrong with going out and having a couple of beers with the boys or girls once in awhile or having a quite night at home, have a drink with your wife or husband and enjoy the monument together. It is the constant drinking or heavy drinking which your body is unable to handle. So what really does happen to the body?

The action of alcohol on the stomach is extremely dangerous that it becomes unable to produce the natural digestive fluid in sufficient quantity and also fails to absorb the food, which it may imperfectly digest. A condition marked by the sense of nausea emptiness, an alcoholic will always face prostration and distention. This results in a loathing for food and is teased with a craving for more drink. Thus there is engendered a permanent disorder which is called dyspepsia. The disastrous forms of confirmed indigestion originate by this practice.

The organic deteriorations caused by the continued use of alcohol are often of a fatal character. The organ that most frequently undergoes structural changes from alcohol is the liver. Normally, the liver has the capacity to hold active substances in its cellular parts. In instances of poisoning by various poisonous compounds, we analyze liver as if it were the central depot of the foreign matter. It is practically the same in respect to alcohol. The liver of an alcoholic is never free from the influence of alcohol and it is too often saturated with it. The minute membranous or capsular structure of the liver gets affected, preventing proper dialysis and free secretion. The liver becomes large due to the dilatation of its vessels, the surcharge of fluid matter and the thickening of tissue. This follows contraction of membrane and shrinking of the whole organ in its cellular parts. Then the lower part of the alcoholic becomes dropsically owing to the obstruction offered to the returning blood by the veins. The structure of the liver may be charged with fatty cells and undergo what is technically designated ‘fatty liver’.

The Kidneys also suffer due to the excessive consumption of alcohol. The vessels of Kidneys lose elasticity and power of contraction. The minute structures in them go through fatty modification. Albumin from the blood easily passes through their membranes. This results in the body losing its power as if it were being run out of blood gradually.

Alcohol relaxes the vessels of the lungs easily as they are most exposed to the fluctuations of heat and cold. When subjected to the effects of a rapid variation in atmospheric temperature, they get readily congested. During severe winter seasons, the suddenly fatal congestions of lungs easily affects an alcoholic.

Consumption of alcohol greatly affects the heart. The qualities of the membranous structures, which cover and line the heart changes and are thickened, become cartilaginous or calcareous. Then the valves lose their suppleness and what is termed valvular disorder becomes permanent. The structure of the coats of the great blood vessel leading from the heart share in the same changes of structure so that the vessel loses its elasticity and its power to feed the heart by the recoil from its distention, after the heart, by its stroke, has filled it with blood.

Again, the muscular structure of the heart fails owing to degenerative changes in its tissue. Fatty cells replace the elements of the muscular fibre or, if not so replaced, are themselves transferred into a modified muscular texture in which the power of contraction is greatly reduced.

Those who suffer from these organic deteriorations of the central and governing organ of the circulation of the blood learn the fact so insidiously; it hardly breaks upon them until the mischief is far advanced. They are conscious of a central failure of power from slight causes such as overexertion, trouble, broken rest or too long abstinence from food. They feel what they call a ’sinking’ but they know that wine or some other stimulant will at once relieve the sensation. Thus they seek to relieve it until at last they discover that the remedy fails. The jaded, overworked, faithful heart will bear no more. It has run its course and the governor of the blood streams broken. The current either overflows into the tissues gradually damming up the courses or under some slight shock or excess of motion ceases wholly at the center.

As you can see the fatal affects that are caused by excess drinking. The abuse of the body will only lead to a much shorter life on earth.

Herbalism-Herbal Remedies

Since children have a higher metabolic rate, and good underlying energy in most cases, herbs which stimulate the circulation are generally to be avoided. Herbal teas are one of the most suitable forms of treatment. With stronger preparations such as infusions and decoctions, it is sensible to work on the principle of reaching an adult dose at age 16; hence, a child of 8 will be given half the dose, and at 4 only quarter the adult dose. This can be achieved either by reducing the amount of herb used in the preparation per given amount of water, or by reducing the amount of the preparation given to the child.Some of the most suitable remedies to give as teas to children are: Catmint(Nepeta cataria): For nasal congestion and catarrh, repeated colds or blocked ears; of special benefit if there is a tendency to get feverish and restless with a respiratory infection or catarrh. Both this and Peppermint(Mentha piperita) have a slight underlying bitterness, which indicates their usefulness too in picking up the appetite after a feverish illness.Chamomile(Chamomilla recutita): For most digestive upsets, from stomach pains to indigestion, the effects of over eating, flatulence and diarrhoea. As a mild relaxant, it is a valuable remedy for calming children who get irritable and cross when they are ill, or who find it difficult to get to sleep. Do not make a tea of Chamomile too strong, in the hope of knocking the child out at night, as it can have the opposite effect at an overdose level and make them more stimulated, or irritable! Elderflower(Sambucus nigra): This is the best temperature regulator in feverish illnesses; give a hot tea when the child’s temperature is too high and it will induce sweating, so cooling the system, It is very helpful in feverish colds and flu, and will help to relieve catarrh as well.Lemon Balm(Melissa officinalis): This is a wonderful herb for gently aiding relaxation, at the same time acting as a digestive and nervous tonic. It is very helpful in convalescence, and makes a refreshing cold drink in summer; make a tea, ideally from the fresh leaves, and after infusing for a few minutes strain and keep in the refrigerator. It will keep for 2-3 days, and a slice or two of lemon can be added for extra flavour and additional benefit. Lime Blossom(Tilia europaea): For tension headaches, mild digestive upsets and colds/flu with aching in the limbs. A tea of Lime Blossom at night can induce a calm and restful sleep.Peppermint (Mentha piperita): This is one of the best remedies for trapped wind, nausea and indigestion from rich or heavy foods, Another area where Peppermint is excellent is in the early stages of a cold, with fluctuating temperatures and nasal congestion.Many of these teas may be blended together(although Chamomile and Peppermint seem to be better kept apart) for extra benefit, and can be used, suitably diluted, for infants- sometimes it is best to add 5 ml(1 tsp) to a bottle of their normal juice or water. Actually preparing your own infusions can become part of the healing process. Picking herbs can be fun for children too.A posy of fresh, sweet-smelling herbs was called a tussie-mussie or nosegay in Elizabethan times and was used to ward off foul odours and potential germs.

Clear Up Acne - Remove Acne Completely

The key factor behind acne formation is the male sex hormone androgen which is present in both male and female body. An enhanced amount of androgen activates and induces the amount of sebum secretion as well. And acne is the direct impact of augmented sebum of body oil which clogs up the skin pores in combination with dead skin cells, giving rise to comedones. Presence of skin-dwelling bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes play a vital part in entering and proliferating within the affected skin pores, raising the probability of inflammation. There might be several other sub-factors which play an important role in aggravating the above conditions. Anyone interested to clear up acne successfully must get aware of them. Wrong cleansing approach, insufficient water intake, indigestion, and irregular bowel clearance are some of these important factors which influence acne flare up. Medicine and Other Remedial Approaches• Acne medication, as mentioned earlier, depends to a large extent on the degree of complexity of acne one is bearing. Simpler over-the-counter medications like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or resorcinol are usually followed to clear up acne pimples if they are in mild form. They are available in its generic form or as lotions, creams, and in other forms which are applied topically on the affected area. The results might not show up overnight, even side effects are also possible to appear. However one is advised to ignore these and continue the medications with patience in order to experience the best outcome.• Birth control pills, surprisingly, are found to be a proven way of significantly solving women’s acne problems. Combination pills (one kind of birth control pills) are usually taken in order to suppress the secretion of excessive secretion of androgen, thereby reducing the discharge of sebum or body oil and minimizing the risk of acne eruption.• OTC medication is certainly not suggestible for moderate to severe cases. A physician’s guidance is a must in such cases where the acne is critically inflamed or persisting in spite of the preventive methods and primary OTC medications. Dermatologists generally imply antibiotics, retinoids and in some cases mild steroids or surgical methodologies in order to get rid of stubborn acne problems. In certain cases surgical approaches like surgical incision, chemical peels, light therapy, laser treatment, dermabrasion, and microdermabrasion are followed to clear up acne quickly and more effectively than anything else.