What Foods are Useful in Controlling Diabetes?

- Grapefruit


Grapefruit is an effective food for patients suffering with diabetes and if this fruit is taken more liberally, there would be much less diabetes. Person suffering from high blood glucose should take grapefruit thrice a day.


A person who does not have high blood glucose, but a tendency towards it, and wants to prevent it, should also eat the fruit thrice a day. Concurrently, consumption of sweets, starches and fats should be reduced. Diet should be rich in fruits, vegetables and juices. Two weeks of this grapefruit rich diet will drop sugar level in individuals not taking insulin. For patients who take insulin regularly, it takes longer.


- Soyabean


Soyabean is also beneficial in the treatment of diabetes. It contains very little amount of starch, but is rich in fat and protein. Its usefulness in diabetes is attributable not only to its richness in protein and its palatability, but also to its ability to cause a reduction in the percentage and the total quantity of urinary sugar in diabetes patients on the usual dietary restrictions.


- Tomato


Tomato with its low carbohydrates contents is a valuable food for diabetic patients and for those who want to reduce their body weight. It is also effective in controlling the percentage of sugar in the urine of diabetic patients.


- Jambul Fruit


The jambul fruit too possess anti-diabetic properties. The fruit, the seeds and fruits juice are all beneficial in treatment of diabetes. The jamboline contained in the seeds is believed to check the pathological conversion of starch into sugar in case of increase production of glucose. The seeds are dried and then powdered. This powder mixed with water, taken thrice daily reduces sugar in the urine and allays thirst.


In Ayurveda, the inner bark of the jambul tree is considered helpful in the treatment of diabetes. The bark is dried and then burnt to produce a white colored ash. This ash is pestled in the mortar, strained and bottled. The diabetic patients should be given about two grams of this ash in the morning on an empty stomach and two grams each in the afternoon and evening and hour after meals.


- Kidney or French bean


French bean should be eaten liberally to keep diabetes under control. A decoction prepared from the beans is a valuable natural remedy for diabetes. This decoction is prepared by boiling 60 grams of fresh kidney bean pods, after removing their seeds, in 4 liters of water on a slow fire for 3-4 hours. It is then strained through fine muslin cloth and allowed to stand for 6-8 hours.


One glass of this decoction every 2 hours during the day is recommended for diabetic patients. This treatment should be continued for 4-8 weeks along with the prescribed diet restrictions. The decoction must be made fresh every day, as it loses it medicinal properties after 24 hours.


Read information about Diabetes Herbal Treatment. Also find effective Herbal Remedies for Diabetes. Read about Diabetes Risk Factors.

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Diet for Chronic Pancreatitis - Prevent Inflammation of the Pancreas

Pancreatitis is a condition in which the pancreas, which produces enzymes and hormone insulin for digestion suffers from inflammation which reduces the capacity of pancreas to absorb nutrition from the food products and provide it to body. The condition can be either acute or chronic, and it can cause bleeding in the region close to the pancreas. Chronic pancreatitis can be caused by excess intake of alcohol and the predominant symptom of the condition is presence of oil in stool. It can cause severe medical conditions such as blockages in intestine, fluid collection in pancreas, diabetes, mal-absorption and malnutrition.
Surgeries and drug therapies is given for the treatment of pancreatitis and in severe cases it can be life threatening. It has been found that antioxidants help in getting rid of free radicals which are harmful cells. Sometimes chronic pancreatitis is caused by low antioxidant level in blood and Vitamin A, C, E, selenium and carotenoids are components which account for high antioxidants. Food products high in minerals and vitamins are ideal for chronic pancreatitis patients.
Food products to avoid for the prevention of chronic pancreatitis are
1. Food products which can cause allergies such as milk and dairy products should be eliminated from diet. Wheat contains gluten which can cause allergies. Soy, preservatives, corn and chemicals which are added to certain food products and it can cause allergies.
2. Do not take alcohol.
3. Reduce intake of meat and non vegetarian food.
4. Refined food such as bread, pastas and sugar should be avoided.
5. Reduce intake of trans-fatty acid which is found in cookies, cakes, onion rings, processed food, margarines and crackers.
6. Caffeinated drinks coffee, stimulants, tobacco and alcohol should be avoided.
Patients suffering from chronic pancreatitis should take a low fat diet and stay away from alcohol. One should take easy to digest food items to prevent severe abdominal conditions and if one has a high level of triglycerides; one should be extra cautions to avoid complications. Regular exercises and staying way from stress is helpful in recovering from medical illness.
Following items can be included in diet
1. Drink a good amount of water in the day.
2. One can take herbal drinks such as green tea, tea made from holy basil or holy basil extract can be taken.
3. Rhodiola(Rhodiola rosea), Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) and Indian Gooseberry (Emblica officinalis) should be taken every day as it is high in antioxidants. It is richest source of vitamin C. According to research on animals it has been found effective in treating pancreatitis.
4. Grape seed extract can be taken to improve antioxidants in body.
5. Ginger root (Zingiber officinale) is also high in antioxidant and it can be taken in green tea.
6. Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) and Cinnamon Chinese bark (Cinnamomum verum) are commonly used in various cuisine preparations and it is effective in treating pancreatitis.
7. Food high in iron and vitamin B should be taken such as green leafy vegetables and sea vegetables.
8. Food products such as blueberries, tomatoes, cherries should be taken.
9. Olive oil or vegetable oil should be taken for cooking.
10. One should eat small meals and frequent meals instead of taking heavy three meals diet.

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How to Tame Your Child's Fever

Many of us are familiar with this scenario; you get home from work, and you notice that your child isn't as playful as he normally is. In fact, he seems disinterested in everything going on around him. A couple of hours later, he is burning up, and you wonder whether you should rush him to hospital, for what is obviously fever.
What is Fever?
Fever is an abnormally high body temperature. The normal body temperature is about 37oC, though there can be slight variations of 36.5oC to 37.5oC throughout the day. You measure temperature by placing a thermometer in the mouth, armpit, or in the child's bottom. Rectal temperature is the most accurate measurement. If you are a parent, it's advisable to have a thermometer at home. You can get one at most chemists.
Though fever in itself is not a disease, it is often an indicator of underlying disease.
When one has a fever, the body feels hot. Older children who can talk may complain of feeling cold. They may also have headaches, have no appetite, and show general lack of interest in activities that normally interest them. Younger children may just be irritable and refuse to feed. The rectal temperature will be above 38oC.
Causes of Fever

• Bacterial infections, ear infections, pneumonia (chest infection), and meningitis
• Malaria
• Viral infections such as common cold, flu, diarrhea
• Tumors, and other conditions, though these are less common.
• Unlike what is widely believed, teething does not cause fever, but puts the child at risk of getting infections since they put just above anything in the mouth to relieve itching. A mild fever may indicate a slight inflammation or soreness of the gums.

When should you worry?
Not all fevers should get you rushing to the emergency room in the middle of the night. A low grade fever is not reason for excess worry, especially if your baby has no other symptoms. Most fevers caused by a viral infection clear in two or three days. Go to hospital if your child has high fever (above 39oC).
Fever above 42oC can harm the baby's brain, and require very quick action. Very high fever can also cause convulsions even if there is no infection

• As you rush your child to hospital, you can use the other methods to lower the fever, such as reducing the layers of his clothes, and sponge bathing him with tepid water.
• If he his listless and lethargic. The child is not their usual happy self, is irritable and unwilling to feed.
• Is unconscious.
• Has difficulty breathing or breathes fast
• Has seizures
• In under three months and has a fever
• Has a fever that persist beyond 2-3 days or one that does not improve or gets worse despite treatment.
• Has another underlying condition such as cancer and sickle cell disease.

One of the most common tests for fever is a complete blood count, which will identify the infection. Other tests will be guided by the symptoms, and may include x-rays and urine tests. The doctor will then advise you on the best treatment based on their findings.
Home remedies for Fever

• Taking off most of his clothes to help reduce the heat.
• Tepid sponging. Dip a towel in Luke warm water, wring it, and wipe the baby's body to cool them down.
• Give the child lots of fluid to avoid dehydration.

In addition, the doctor may prescribe some medicines - usually paracetamol, as syrups or suppositories for use whenever the child has a fever. These syrups can also be bought at a pharmacy or chemist. Do not use aspirin.
To keep fever at bay, prevent infection.
It is difficult to prevent fever in children. On fact, a fever is a sign that your child's immune system is active and fighting disease. However, it is possible to reduce infections through the following:

• Ensure that your child gets all immunizations as scheduled.
• Ensure proper hygiene including hand-washing
• Vitamin A supplementation every 6 months
• A good diet, adequate exercise and sleep will boost the immune system.

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How to Determine Your Fitness Level

If you haven't been exercising regularly, it's useful to determine your current level of health and fitness before you take off running (or walking). If you are under 35 and have no health problems that might interfere, you can begin an exercise program this minute. However, if you are over 35, have health problems, or have been sedentary for years, check in with your physician before beginning an exercise program. Your doctor will first applaud your new resolution. Then after you take a bow, he or she might want to perform a few tests, such as a blood-pressure check, and discuss any limitations you might have. After you've got the go-ahead, you can do some tests of your own to pinpoint where you need to focus your fitness efforts.

Determining Your Fitness Level

These are the four basic components you need to evaluate to determine your fitness level:

Cardiovascular (aerobic) fitness How effectively do your heart and lungs deliver blood and oxygen throughout your body? Do you have the stamina to do the activities you enjoy?

Muscle strength How strong are your muscles? How well will they protect your joints and bones and let you perform daily tasks as you age?

Flexibility How flexible are you? The range of motion of your joints decreases as you age, or when you become sedentary, and this eventually can limit everyday abilities such as bending or reaching. A regular stretching program can keep your muscles loose and your joints flexible.

Body composition What percentage of your weight is fat? Do you carry too much body fat compared to lean tissue? Does the amount of body fat interfere with your health, activities, or quality of life?
Fitness testing is useful both before beginning your personal exercise program and to evaluate your progress. When you see that you are inching closer to your fitness goals, you stay motivated. Repeat your fitness tests every two to three months to track fitness gains and increase your motivation.

Fitness Testing Information Online

There are tests that you can do in the privacy of your own home to evaluate these four elements of fitness. However, be aware that your results are only general indications of your fitness level. You might not be doing the test exactly right, or there might be errors in the calculation of results. Also, the online test might not take into account other variables, such as whether you're exercising with asthma, rehabilitating from a back injury, or doing physical work in your daily life. So, use the fitness tests, but take them as indicators, not gospel.

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Diabetes& Lasik

 Diabetic patients fear not a being a candidate for Lasik surgery. Being a diabetic entails having a history of taking very long to heal and sometimes not healing at all. Diabetes is when blood glucose levels are abnormally high and when the blood sugar level exceeds high levels or even drops down to lower levels a diabetic patient is at risk of dying, loosing their vision, loosing limbs etc. Diabetes has different types as in type one, type two and type two the higher the type the lower the severity of the illness. For a person with type one diabetes the body is completely unable to produce insulin and in type two diabetes patients the body produces insulin but the cells do not respond to it. Because the two types of diabetes is slightly different and usually developed with age and eating habits the symptoms for each go as follow

Type one diabetes:

• Blurry
• vision Excessive
• thirst Frequent urination
• Weight loss
• Hunger
• Fatigue

Type two diabetes:

• Blurred vision
• Amplified thirst
• Amplified urination
• Amplified appetite
• Fatigue

Most diabetics assume they are disqualified from being a Lasik candidates others never consider Lasik because of the horror stories. Truth is Los Angeles eye surgeons say being a diabetic does not automatically disqualify a patient from being a candidate for Lasik the answer is it might. For a person with diabetes it is extremely important to only speak to the most skilled Lasik doctor Los Angeles area has a great plenty of Lasik experts who will not fill your head with false hope, but inform you about the risk, statistics, and possibilities. The chances of a diabetic having complications from Lasik are 47%. 47% might not seem too steep for some because it is just not at 50% just yet. When that 47% is compared to that 7% chance of complication that a non-diabetic has than the risks begins to set in. when a diabetic undergoes Lasik it is important that the patient has always had, and will have control of their glucose levels because if the blood glucose levels are uncontrollable then this might cause for extremely blurry vision. In Beverly Hills Lasik Surgeons tell that one of the most important factors to know is that due to the diabetes the cornea will take more time to heal and there for the healing process is a bit different and there is more risk of the cornea growing abnormally and furthering the damage to the retina. This is why diabetics must go through extra testing and see more than one specialist to get the final answer on whether it is advised that they go through with Lasik.

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Facts About Headaches

What are the different types of headaches?

A headache is pain or discomfort in the head, scalp or neck. Headaches are not created equal. The severity, symptoms and causes vary. The different types include tension, migraine, cluster, organic, rebound and chronic daily headaches, as well as many others. Headaches can plague anyone and can stop the strongest and bravest in their tracks. Despite the toll headaches still take on millions of people, enormous progress has been made in treating them. New medications, combined with non-drug therapies, are preventing, stopping or managing some of the toughest headaches around.

Tension
Tension headaches are often related to stress, depression or anxiety. Approximately 90 percent of all headaches are classified as tension-type headache. The pain is typically generalized all over the head. There appears to be a slightly higher incidence of this type of headache among women, because more females than males seek treatment.

Cluster
There are an estimated one million cluster headache sufferers in the United States, of whom 10 percent are afflicted with chronic cluster. Cluster headaches are sharp, extremely painful headaches that tend to occur several times per day for months and then go away for a similar period of time.

Hormone (Menstrual Migraine)
Women suffer migraines three times more frequently than do men, and, menstrual migraines affect 70 percent of these women. They occur before, during or immediately after the period, or during ovulation. Menstrual migraines are primarily caused by estrogen, the female sex hormone that specifically regulates the menstrual cycle fluctuations throughout the cycle. When the levels of estrogen and progesterone change, women will be more vulnerable to headaches. Because oral contraceptives influence estrogen levels, women on birth control pills may experience more menstrual migraines.
Migraine
More than just a “bad headache,” a migraine is a legitimate biological disease affecting nearly 30 million Americans; one in every four United States households has a migraine sufferer. Migraine is more common than asthma, diabetes and coronary heart disease combined.

What are some ways to treat headaches?

Most people with headaches can feel better by making lifestyle changes, learning ways to relax, and occasionally by taking medications. There are two goals when treating any type of headache: prevent future attacks and abort or relieve current pain. Prevention includes taking prescribed medications, avoiding or minimizing the causes, and learning self-help measures, such as biofeedback or relaxation exercises. If your doctor suggests medications, you should realize that they may take several weeks to become effective and they can have side effects. Thus, you must be patient and cooperate with your health care provider to find the optimal treatment.

What is a migraine?

Although the exact cause is not known, many experts consider migraine to be an inherited condition where the brain and its seritonin-controlled blood vessels are involved. These headaches can often be triggered by many factors, including stress, certain foods, glaring lights, physical exercise and changes in hormone levels. Migraine headaches usually occur on one side of the head, have a pulsating or throbbing quality, are moderate to severe in intensity and are worsened by physical activity.

What are the symptoms of a migraine?

Migraine is a characterized by throbbing head pain, which usually begins on one side of the head, although the pain may spread to both sides. These types of headaches are often accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light and/or sound. The combination of disabling pain and associated symptoms often prevents sufferers from performing daily activities. Symptoms, incidence and severity vary by individual.

What causes migraines and what can be done to treat them?

While there are not definite answers to the causes of migraine, health care professionals are gaining an understanding of what happens when a migraine attack is in progress. Many things may trigger a migraine. Triggers are not the same for everyone and what causes a migraine in one person may relieve it in another. Triggers may include one or more of the following categories: diet, activity, environment, emotions, medications and hormones, irregular sleep cycles and skipping or delaying meals.

Migraine can be effectively managed. With the help of a healthcare provider, patients can identify and alleviate their symptoms with an appropriate treatment regime. Medications generally fall into two categories:

• Preventive - Taken on a daily basis, preventive medications can help reduce the number of attacks in patients who experience any disability from migraine.
• Abortive - Abortive therapy treats the symptoms of migraine after the attack begins. Many medications available to treat an acute attack must be taken as soon as the attack occurs, otherwise they may be less effective.

Health care providers have many options available for the treatment of migraine, so if the first treatment plan is not effective, the next plan probably will be. The chances are very good that migraine attacks can eventually be greatly reduced or even eliminated entirely.

Migraine headaches are misdiagnosed as frequently as they are diagnosed correctly. They are often confused with tension-type or sinus headaches. To aid in the diagnosis, keep a headache diary and record when the headache began and how long it lasted, possible triggers, the location and character of the pain, and what you did to make it stop.

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Exercises for osteoporosis

1. Standing tall

You can prevent or treat osteoporosis by doing simple exercises to strengthen your muscles and improve your posture and balance.

Correct standing posture is the foundation for balanced seated and walking posture. To practice a good standing posture:

•     Stand with your head, shoulders and buttocks against a wall, with your heels two to three inches from the wall.
•     Pull in your chin and tighten your abdomen and buttocks.
•     Press your back against the wall, leaving a small space behind the curve of your lower back.

2. Walking posture

 

Walking strengthens your legs and heart and improves your balance. To maintain proper walking posture:

•     Hold your head high.
•     Keep your back and neck as straight as possible.
•     Gently tighten your abdominal muscles.
•     Let your shoulders and arms move freely and naturally.

3. Wall arch

To stretch your shoulders and calves and tone your back and abdomen:

•     Stand facing the wall, arms at your sides, feet six inches apart and six inches from the wall.
•     While inhaling, tighten your abdominal muscles and stretch both arms up to touch the wall (1).
•     Exhale and lower both of your arms to the starting position.
•     While inhaling, reach up with your right arm to touch the wall and stretch down with your left arm (2).
•     Exhale and lower your right arm to the starting position.
•     Switch arms. While inhaling, reach up with your left arm to touch the wall and stretch down with your right arm (3).

Repeat each movement five times.

4.Chin tuck

To stretch your neck, as well as practice correct positions of your head and shoulders:

•     While seated, look straight ahead.
•     Pull your chin in toward your neck, but keep looking straight ahead; don't let your head bend forward.
•     Push your hands down on your thighs to help straighten your back.

Hold this position for a few seconds. You'll feel a stretch in the back of your neck. Repeat this exercise five times.
5. Shoulder blade squeeze

To stretch your chest and strengthen your upper back muscles:

•     With your feet flat on the floor, sit slightly forward in a sturdy chair, keeping your back and neck straight.
•     Look straight ahead and bend your arms at the elbows (1).
•     Gently move your elbows and shoulder blades back as far as you can and still be comfortable (2).
•     Hold the position for five seconds while breathing normally. Return your arms to the starting position. Repeat this exercise five to 10 times, depending on your ability.

6. Pelvic tilt

To strengthen your lower back and abdominal muscles:

•     Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor (1). Maintain a normal curve in your back; don't arch your back.
•     Tighten your abdominal muscles.
•     Tilt your pelvis up slightly without lifting your hips to flatten your back against the floor (2). Avoid using your leg and buttock muscles.

Hold the position for five seconds while breathing normally, and then relax. Repeat this exercise 10 times.

7. Back and shoulder stretch

To stretch your upper back and shoulders:

•     Lie on the floor. Bend your knees, tighten your abdominal muscles and stretch your arms above your head (1).
•     Keeping your arms straight, spread them out and lower them until they're level with your shoulders (2 and 3).

Hold the position for a few seconds while breathing normally. Then return your arms to the starting position. Repeat this exercise five to 10 times, depending on your ability.

8. Chest stretch

To flatten your upper back and stretch your chest:

•     With your feet flat on the floor, sit in a chair with your hands resting comfortably behind your neck (1).
•     Inhale while gently moving your elbows backward (2).

Hold the position for a few seconds, breathing normally, before returning to the starting position. Repeat five to 10 times, depending on your ability.

9. Sitting knee extension

To strengthen your thigh muscles:

•     Sit in a chair with your feet flat against the floor, your back straight and your hands on your thighs. Tighten your abdominal muscles and look straight ahead.
•     Slowly straighten one knee while lifting your heel a few inches from the floor. Don't slouch or round your back.

Hold this position for a few seconds while breathing normally. Relax and return to the starting position, and then switch to the other leg. Repeat five to 10 times with each leg, depending on your ability.

10. Calf stretch

To stretch your calf muscle, heel cord and the back of your thigh:

• Stand with your feet parallel, hip-width apart. Place your hands on the back of a chair for balance.
• Flatten your abdomen, straighten your back and shoulders and bend your knees slightly.
• Slide one foot backward, keeping it flat on the floor, until your back leg is straight.
• Lean your weight forward onto your bent front knee.

Hold this position for a few seconds while breathing normally. Repeat five times with each leg.

11. Upper back lift

To strengthen your back muscles:

• Lie facedown on the floor with a pillow under your abdomen and hips (1). Use a rolled hand towel to cushion your forehead, if you wish.
• Keep your arms resting at your sides as you tighten your abdominal muscles.
• Inhale and raise your head and chest a few inches from the floor (2). Keep your head in line with your neck and torso. Focus on keeping your shoulders down — don't let them shrug up toward your ears.

Hold for five seconds, breathing normally, before returning to the starting position. Rest for a few seconds. Repeat five to 10 times, depending on your ability.

12. Shoulder strengthening

To strengthen the muscle along the back of your shoulder, the muscle on the back of your upper arm (triceps) and your upper back muscles:

• Stand with your left leg in front of the right and your left hand on the back of a chair. Bend your front (left) knee while holding a 1- to 2-pound weight in your right hand (1).
• Move your right hand backward, straightening your arm behind you, and hold for a few seconds (2).
• Return to your starting position and repeat five to 10 times.
• Perform the exercise with the weight in your left hand and with your right knee bent. Repeat on this side five to 10 times.

If your doctor approves, you can gradually increase the weight's poundage, but don't exceed 5 pounds.

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