The health benefits of a diet high in fiber include lower cholesterol, decreased risk of heart disease and even reduced risk for certain cancers. A diet high in fiber also reduces the symptoms of constipation, hemorrhoids and irritable bowel syndrome.
Fiber is found in plant-based foods and can be either soluble or insoluble. Soluble fiber (found in oat bran, barley and many fruits and vegetables) dissolves in water and can be absorbed into the blood stream. Because it is absorbed into the blood stream, soluble fiber can lower LDL or “bad” cholesterol by as much as 7 percent. Soluble fiber also helps to stabilize blood sugar. Insoluble dietary fiber (found primarily in wheat bran and legumes) helps to promote bowel regularity and digestive health.
Unfortunately, fiber intake in the United States averages less than 15 grams/person/day. This is much less than the recommended intake of 21-25 grams/day for women and 30-38 grams/day for men. Foods rich in fiber include raspberries, lentils, black beans, pinto beans, green peas and oats. Be wary of whole wheat bread as the processing of the bread eliminates most of the fiber. Cereals can be a good source of fiber; however, you need to learn to read the labels and avoid the excessive amounts of sugar that are added to many cereals.
Dr. Catherine Stallworth, Integrative Medicine Specialist at Nashville Medical Group and Medical Director of Life Therapies Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit at Baptist Hospital
Aging often increases urge to go
I am writing about the same problem that is affecting two people. I’m a 58-year-old female, the other person is a 75-year-old male acquaintance. We both drink water all day and go to the restroom an average of four to five times. The problem is at night. We are up six-plus times with a full bladder — about every hour or so, which is leaving us both very unrested and extremely dehydrated by morning. Neither of us are diabetic; I'm only slightly overweight (20 pounds), he’s at normal weight. The only medication I'm taking is an acid reducer for acid reflux at bedtime; I don’t think he's taking any meds.
Waking up to urinate at night, or nocturia, is a common problem among older adults. In general, we tend to make more urine at night, because we’re lying down and the blood flow to the kidney is better. As we get older, our bladders lose some of their stretch, or compliance, which means that they may hold less urine and/or start to feel full quicker. This (along with other issues associated with aging, such as benign enlargement of the prostate in men or relaxation of the pelvic muscles in women) is why older people often have to wake up to use the restroom at night. A urologist can recommend medical or behavioral treatments to help lessen or resolve this problem.
Medical Advice Disclaimer: Doctors’ responses — based only on information from reader-submitted questions and not from physical examinations — are for educational purposes and should not be considered to govern your medical situation. If you believe this column includes information related to a condition you, a family member or someone under your care or guardianship is encountering, contact your physician or a qualified health-care provider for direct consultation.
2011年11月9日星期三
Dr. John analyzes some home remedies that actually work
When it comes to home remedies we all have one or two that seem to work. Most of us have also tried ones recommended to us that didn't do anything.
To sort out which ones will help you, the AARP just came out with a list of 10 home remedies that have some scientific proof that they actually work as advertised.
The first one is honey. It's not just a sweetener, but can also help keep a cough under control.
Recent studies have found that honey can suppress coughs in children at the same rate or maybe even slightly better than over the counter cough preparations containing dextromethorphan.
Other studies have shown that honey might work the same in adults, but probably not as well as it does in children. The next time a cough hits, try a teaspoon or two of honey to get it under control. Do not give honey to children less than 1 year old.
Next is liquid dish soap. This type of soap is formulated to get rid of grease and oil. Poison ivy and poison oak act on your skin by depositing an oily chemical which can be hard to clean off. Liquid dish soap can help get that itchy, rash causing oil off, preventing it from spreading.
Then the AARP looked at tart cherry juice. We are not talking about Bing or black cherry juice, but their less-sweet cousin. This juice has anti-inflammatory properties which can help with muscle soreness after exercise, arthritis and gout.
One study found that taking a tablespoon of tart cherry juice concentrate twice a day for four months cut the frequency of gout attacks in half, and one third of those of those taking the juice remained gout attack free.
Baby shampoo can also help in more ways than most think. It can be used to treat eyelids that have become red, itchy and crusty. This condition, known as blepharitis, comes about because of bacteria that gets into the edge of the eyelid. Baby shampoo, diluted with an equal amount of water and gently rubbed along closed eyelid and eyelashes for one minute twice a day, can help get the eyelid back to feeling better.
Witch hazel is a natural anti-inflammatory and has also been used to tighten the skin. It's also one of the main ingredients in hemorrhoid pads. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it can relieve mild itching and irritation from hemorrhoids. You can use it by moistening a pad and applying that to inflamed hemorrhoidal tissue.
Most of us have ginger in our houses to use as a spice. Ginger can also be used to get nausea or motion sickness under control. Studies have shown that 1 gram of ginger just before surgery can reduce nausea and vomiting afterwards. Just make sure your surgeon knows you are doing this. Small amounts of fresh or powdered ginger works better than taking a larger dose.
For motion sickness purposes, one to two pieces of crystallized ginger should help get that under control. Too much can cause an upset stomach, so don't take more than 2 grams at a time.
Water, something most of us take for granted, might help keep you from getting a cold this winter. A 2005 study found that participants who gargled with tap water had fewer respiratory infections than those that didn't gargle during a cold and flu season.
If you've ever gotten a canker sore, you know just how miserable they can make you feel. Milk of magnesia dabbed on the mouth sore can give you some temporary relief. It won't heal the sore, but it will allow you to eat and drink without as much pain. One expert recommends you dab the canker sore first with a mixture of half water, half hydrogen peroxide, then apply the milk of magnesia.
Most women also realize that cranberry juice seems to help keep bladder infections at bay. This juice won't treat infections that are already present, but does seem to keep them from coming on in the first place. Experts recommend a 500mg dose twice a day, with the precaution that if you are already on a blood thinner, like warfarin (Coumadin), Plavix or aspirin, you need to be careful. Cranberry juice and pills can also thin your blood and combining that with these medicines can lead to bleeding.
Perhaps the strangest home remedy is the "off label" use for Vicks VapoRub. Menthol rubs are frequently used to help someone who's sick with a cold or upper respiratory infection breathe easier. But it can also help get rid of toenail fungus. A small study found that 15 of 18 participants that applied Vicks VapoRub once a day to the affected toenails either had a partial or complete elimination of the fungus. Cleaning the nail with a white vinegar soaked cotton ball before applying the menthol rub might help.
The next time you're looking around your pantry, take a look at some of the things you already have on hand that could help keep you and your family healthy.
To sort out which ones will help you, the AARP just came out with a list of 10 home remedies that have some scientific proof that they actually work as advertised.
The first one is honey. It's not just a sweetener, but can also help keep a cough under control.
Recent studies have found that honey can suppress coughs in children at the same rate or maybe even slightly better than over the counter cough preparations containing dextromethorphan.
Other studies have shown that honey might work the same in adults, but probably not as well as it does in children. The next time a cough hits, try a teaspoon or two of honey to get it under control. Do not give honey to children less than 1 year old.
Next is liquid dish soap. This type of soap is formulated to get rid of grease and oil. Poison ivy and poison oak act on your skin by depositing an oily chemical which can be hard to clean off. Liquid dish soap can help get that itchy, rash causing oil off, preventing it from spreading.
Then the AARP looked at tart cherry juice. We are not talking about Bing or black cherry juice, but their less-sweet cousin. This juice has anti-inflammatory properties which can help with muscle soreness after exercise, arthritis and gout.
One study found that taking a tablespoon of tart cherry juice concentrate twice a day for four months cut the frequency of gout attacks in half, and one third of those of those taking the juice remained gout attack free.
Baby shampoo can also help in more ways than most think. It can be used to treat eyelids that have become red, itchy and crusty. This condition, known as blepharitis, comes about because of bacteria that gets into the edge of the eyelid. Baby shampoo, diluted with an equal amount of water and gently rubbed along closed eyelid and eyelashes for one minute twice a day, can help get the eyelid back to feeling better.
Witch hazel is a natural anti-inflammatory and has also been used to tighten the skin. It's also one of the main ingredients in hemorrhoid pads. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it can relieve mild itching and irritation from hemorrhoids. You can use it by moistening a pad and applying that to inflamed hemorrhoidal tissue.
Most of us have ginger in our houses to use as a spice. Ginger can also be used to get nausea or motion sickness under control. Studies have shown that 1 gram of ginger just before surgery can reduce nausea and vomiting afterwards. Just make sure your surgeon knows you are doing this. Small amounts of fresh or powdered ginger works better than taking a larger dose.
For motion sickness purposes, one to two pieces of crystallized ginger should help get that under control. Too much can cause an upset stomach, so don't take more than 2 grams at a time.
Water, something most of us take for granted, might help keep you from getting a cold this winter. A 2005 study found that participants who gargled with tap water had fewer respiratory infections than those that didn't gargle during a cold and flu season.
If you've ever gotten a canker sore, you know just how miserable they can make you feel. Milk of magnesia dabbed on the mouth sore can give you some temporary relief. It won't heal the sore, but it will allow you to eat and drink without as much pain. One expert recommends you dab the canker sore first with a mixture of half water, half hydrogen peroxide, then apply the milk of magnesia.
Most women also realize that cranberry juice seems to help keep bladder infections at bay. This juice won't treat infections that are already present, but does seem to keep them from coming on in the first place. Experts recommend a 500mg dose twice a day, with the precaution that if you are already on a blood thinner, like warfarin (Coumadin), Plavix or aspirin, you need to be careful. Cranberry juice and pills can also thin your blood and combining that with these medicines can lead to bleeding.
Perhaps the strangest home remedy is the "off label" use for Vicks VapoRub. Menthol rubs are frequently used to help someone who's sick with a cold or upper respiratory infection breathe easier. But it can also help get rid of toenail fungus. A small study found that 15 of 18 participants that applied Vicks VapoRub once a day to the affected toenails either had a partial or complete elimination of the fungus. Cleaning the nail with a white vinegar soaked cotton ball before applying the menthol rub might help.
The next time you're looking around your pantry, take a look at some of the things you already have on hand that could help keep you and your family healthy.
2011年7月13日星期三
Informative Website on Hemorrhoids and Hemorrhoid Treatment Launched
–HemorrhoidTreatment.info is the newest website where people can find all the information they need to know about hemorrhoids and hemorrhoid treatment. One of the most effective ways to deal with hemorrhoids is to add more fiber to one’s diet, especially adding fruits, vegetables, and water as these promote easier bowel movements which will provide relief from hemorrhoids. Another piece of advice is to drink less alcoholic drinks and drinks with caffeine. Hemorrhoids and its symptoms - discomfort, itching, and swelling are all easily treatable through natural means. Washing with anti-bacterial soaps will definitely help maintain good hygiene and lessen the irritation of hemorrhoids; additionally, a soft pad with aloe vera gel can soothe any discomfort.
Aloe vera is a natural extract that has anti-bacterial and disinfectant properties and it is also useful for healing severe skin burns. People with hemorrhoid problems are also known to have issues with their circulation and this makes it a lot tougher for the body to heal quickly. The body will heal itself faster if the right conditions are present. Herbal supplements like horse chestnut and butcher’s broom along with hot cayenne pepper are known to promote good circulation in the body and this winning combination is currently employed by a number of naturopathy experts.
People can visit hemorrhoidtreatment.info to find information conveniently organized into various categories such as Hemorrhoids 101, treatments, cures, tips, and videos. The portal also has a built-in search function which visitors can use to find the exact information they are looking for. It is recommended that people seek medical advice if the provided natural ways of healing do not work. However, people are encouraged to give this a try since most cases of hemorrhoids can be treated using these natural methods.
Aloe vera is a natural extract that has anti-bacterial and disinfectant properties and it is also useful for healing severe skin burns. People with hemorrhoid problems are also known to have issues with their circulation and this makes it a lot tougher for the body to heal quickly. The body will heal itself faster if the right conditions are present. Herbal supplements like horse chestnut and butcher’s broom along with hot cayenne pepper are known to promote good circulation in the body and this winning combination is currently employed by a number of naturopathy experts.
People can visit hemorrhoidtreatment.info to find information conveniently organized into various categories such as Hemorrhoids 101, treatments, cures, tips, and videos. The portal also has a built-in search function which visitors can use to find the exact information they are looking for. It is recommended that people seek medical advice if the provided natural ways of healing do not work. However, people are encouraged to give this a try since most cases of hemorrhoids can be treated using these natural methods.
2011年4月19日星期二
Health Canada evaluates safety of benzocaine products, link to rare blood condition
Health Canada says it is continuing to evaluate the safety of benzocaine products in light of reports of adverse reactions linked to the pain reliever.
It's also reminding parents and caregivers about health risks associated with use of the topical products, including a rare but potentially serious blood condition known as methomoglobinemia.
The products are used to relieve pain from sore throats, teething, toothache, canker sores, irritation of the mouth and gums, burns, insect bites, itching and hemorrhoids.
They are also used during surgical and dental procedures to numb the mouth and throat.
Health Canada says topical benzocaine products are available over-the-counter in a variety of formulations, including sprays, gels, liquids and creams.
The agency says it first issued an advisory about the risk of methomoglobinemia, or MetHb, in November 2006, and has since received seven reports of serious adverse reactions linked to topical benzocaine — including four reports of MetHb.
MetHb reduces the ability of red blood cells to deliver oxygen throughout the body, Health Canada said.
"Signs and symptoms of MetHb include pale, grey- or blue-coloured skin, lips, or nail beds; shortness of breath; fatigue; confusion; headache; lightheadedness; nausea; and change in heart rate," the agency said in a statement Tuesday.
"These symptoms can appear within minutes or one to two hours after benzocaine use, and can occur after the first or several uses. In rare severe cases, MetHb can progress to stupor, coma and possibly death."
Other reported side-effects associated with topical benzocaine products include breathing or swallowing difficulties, a swollen tongue or mouth, irregular heartbeat, malaise, body twitching, hypersensitivity, burning, redness, itching, rash and irritation at the site of administration.
Anyone experiencing symptoms is advised to seek medical attention, Health Canada said.
It's also reminding parents and caregivers about health risks associated with use of the topical products, including a rare but potentially serious blood condition known as methomoglobinemia.
The products are used to relieve pain from sore throats, teething, toothache, canker sores, irritation of the mouth and gums, burns, insect bites, itching and hemorrhoids.
They are also used during surgical and dental procedures to numb the mouth and throat.
Health Canada says topical benzocaine products are available over-the-counter in a variety of formulations, including sprays, gels, liquids and creams.
The agency says it first issued an advisory about the risk of methomoglobinemia, or MetHb, in November 2006, and has since received seven reports of serious adverse reactions linked to topical benzocaine — including four reports of MetHb.
MetHb reduces the ability of red blood cells to deliver oxygen throughout the body, Health Canada said.
"Signs and symptoms of MetHb include pale, grey- or blue-coloured skin, lips, or nail beds; shortness of breath; fatigue; confusion; headache; lightheadedness; nausea; and change in heart rate," the agency said in a statement Tuesday.
"These symptoms can appear within minutes or one to two hours after benzocaine use, and can occur after the first or several uses. In rare severe cases, MetHb can progress to stupor, coma and possibly death."
Other reported side-effects associated with topical benzocaine products include breathing or swallowing difficulties, a swollen tongue or mouth, irregular heartbeat, malaise, body twitching, hypersensitivity, burning, redness, itching, rash and irritation at the site of administration.
Anyone experiencing symptoms is advised to seek medical attention, Health Canada said.
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