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What is Flatulence ?

Flatulence is a common problem that might be associated with a pathology or be simply related an inappropriate diet. Flatulence can be embarrassing, but it is a common problem and affects everyone at some point. Flatulence is often referred to as passing or breaking wind, and occurs when you need to expel the excess air that builds up in your body throughout the day.

The production of excessive gas by the digestive system has many causes, but the Green world abounds in herbs that can alleviate the discomfort of flatulence and rather than knowing all of the individual species, we can generalize about relevant actions for the various processes involved.

Flatulence Causes

Certain foods such as kidney beans and artichokes cause an overproduction of bacteria in the stomach, which can in turn lead to excessive flatulence. Food containing a lot of fibre such as baked beans and brown rice are also common causes of flatulence.

Types of Food Intolerance that Cause Flatulence

• Fructose intolerance: Prunes, pears, apples, bran and other well known laxatives contain Fructose. If you are Fructose intolerant you will experience intestinal distress: flatulence, abdominal bloating, diarrhea and other symptoms.
• Lactose intolerance – eating dairy products. This is a major cause of flatulence and associated symptoms and it affects -75% of all people.

More serious causes of Chronic flatulence can be digestive disorders such as gastroenteritis or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Flatulence Symptoms

Passing wind is normal, but the amount varies between individuals and depends on a number of factors including diet. Some people pass wind only a handful of times per day, others up to 40 times, while the average seems to be about 15. Symptoms of excessive (or embarrassing) flatulence include :-

• Passing wind often
• Belching
• Abdominal distension and discomfort
• Smelly flatus
• Loud flatus
• Rumblings in the lower abdomen.
• Bloating – This feels like your stomach is very full and may make you feel as if you need to belch. It is often caused by eating rich foods that take a long time to digest properly.

Other discomforts associated with flatulence :-

• Diarrhea.
• Constipation.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
• Anemia.

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Home Remedies To Cure Flatulence

It’s uncomfortable. It’s embarrassing. And there’s no way to prevent it Flatulence may be socially unacceptable, but it’s a natural by-product of digestion. The average person, in fact, passes gas eight to twenty times a day.

Even though you can’t stop gas entirely, there are ways to reduce its frequency. Here are some home treatment to cure excessive flatulence :-

1. Pour a cup of tea.

Herbal teas have been used for thousands of years to aid digestion. Natural healers often recommend mint, sage, or anise tea for digestive complaints, including gas. Helps to cure excessive flatulence.

2. Drink milk with caution.

It doesn’t bother everyone, but some people have trouble digesting a sugar {called lactose} in milk, cheese, and other dairy foods. This condition, called lactose intolerance, is a very common cause of gas. You may get some relief simply by cutting back on dairy foods. Many people, however, will have to give them up entirely. Another alternative is to take supplements containing lactase, an enzyme that helps people digest the lactose found in dairy foods.

3. Stick with the real thing.

Sugar may not be the best thing for your waistline, but it’s better than artificial sweetners when it comes to your digestion. Doctors have estimated that many people have trouble digesting artificial sweeteners used in sugar-free foods, such as candies and gum. In fact, the amount of artificial sweetners in just five sticks of gum may cause gas and diarrhea in some people.

4. Breathe slowly.

Many people routinely swallow large amounts of air, especially while eating. That extra air has to go somewhere – and out it goes, many times a day. To make sure that the air you breathe goes into your lungs and not into your stomach, doctors recommend breathing slowly through your nose rather than gulping air through your mouth. Chewing food more slowly and nOt chomping away at your gum also can reduce the amount of air that gets inside. Some experts suggest giving up carbonated drinks, as well, because all those bubbles may cause flatulence, too.

5. Experiment with your diet.

If you find yourself constantly battling flatulence, do some experimenting to find the cause. May be it’s not the salad, but the radishes that are causing problems. Perhaps it’s not the pasta and sauce, but the extra garlic you’ve added. By becoming a food sleuth, you’ll learn to eat strategically to avoid gas attacks.

6. Ease into fiber.

Even though dietary fiber is very good for your health, it can cause flatulence in people who aren’t yet used to it. If you’ve just begun adding more fruits, vegetables, and other high-fiber foods to your diet, do yourself a favor and make the additions slowly. If you give your body time to get used to this new substance, you’re less likely to have a problem with gas.

7. Eat sitting up.

When you’re having problems with gas, don’t take your meals while reclining on the couch. Reclining or slouching when you eat can put bends in the digestive tract that make it hard for gas to escape upward – so it goes out the other way. Sitting straight, on the other hand, allows gas in your stomach to exit in a less embarrassing way, through the mouth.

Prevention

Diet can be an important factor in helping to reduce flatulence. Rich foods or foods that are high in fibre can be difficult to digest and can result in excess can being produced inside the gut.

1. Sometimes flatulence can be helped by eating and chewing more slowly.
2. Don’t suddenly increase the amount of fibre in your diet.
3. Avoid eating foods that produce excess gas e.g. beans, cabbage cauliflower, brussels sprouts, broccoli, and peas.
4. Reduce milk consumption if lactose intolerance is a problem.

Useful References

• https://medlineplus.gov/gas.html
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3068547
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1378885/

What is fibromyalgia syndrome?

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a rheumatic disorder characterized by chronic achy muscular pain that has no obvious physical cause. It most commonly affects the lower back, the neck, the shoulders, the back of the head, the upper chest, and/ or the thighs, although any area or areas of the body may be involved. The pain is usually described as burning, throbbing, shooting, and stabbing. The pain: and stiffness is often greater in the morning than at other times of day, and it may be accompanied by chronic headaches, strange sensations in the skin, insomnia, irritable bowel syndrome, and temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ). Other symptoms often experienced by people with fibromyalgia include premenstrual syndrome, painful periods, anxiety, palpitations, memory impairment, irritable bladder, skin sensitivities, dry eyes and mouth, a need for frequent changes in eyeglass prescription, dizziness, and impaired coordination. Such activities as lifting and climbing stairs are often very difficult and painful. Depressionoften accompanies this disorder, and stress may trigger the development of problems similar to those associated with cardiovascular disease and adrenal gland disorders. Because the immune system is typically compromised in this disorder, opportunistic viral and bacterial infections are common as well.

The most distinctive feature of fibromyalgia, one that differentiates it from similar conditions, is the existence of certain “tender points” -eighteen specific spots where the muscles are abnormally tender to the touch. The eighteen points tend to cluster around the neck, shoulders, chest, knees, elbows region, and hips, and include the following :

• Around the lower vertebra of the neck.
• At the insertion of the second rib.
• Around the upper part of the thigh bone.
• In the middle of the knee joint.
• In muscles connected to the base of the skull.
• In muscles of the neck and upper back.
• In muscles of the mid-back.
• On the side of the elbow.
• In the upper and outer muscles of the buttocks.

There are 5 to 6 million people known to be suffering from FMS in the United States. However, the real number of cases is probably much higher, as this condition is often misdiagnosed. Fibromyalgia manifests itself in similar ways to chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), chemical sensitivities, rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic myofascial pain (shortened muscle fiber syndrome). As a result, it often takes a long time for a proper diagnosis to be made. In the past, FMS was known as fibrositis or fibromyositis, but both of these terms are now considered inappropriate because they imply inflammation of some sort (the suffixitis is medical terminology for “inflammation”) and inflammation does not exist in fibromyalgia.

Most people with fibromyalgia also have an associated sleep disorder known as alpha-EEG anomaly. In this disorder, the individual’s deep sleep periods are interrupted by bouts of waking-type brain activity, resulting in poor sleep. Some people with fibromyalgia are plagued by other sleep disorders as well, such as sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, bruxism, and sleep myoclonus (a sudden rapid con­traction of a muscle or a group of muscles during sleep or as one is falling asleep). Not surprisingly, given all these sleep difficulties, people with fibromyalgia often suffer from chronic fatigue that can range from mild to incapacitating. Other disorders common in people with fibromyalgia include the following:

• Chemical or food allergies.
• Dizziness and loss of balance.
• Extreme fatigue.
• Headaches.
• Irritable bowel syndrome (diarrhea or constipation, often alternating).
• Jaw pain.
• Memory loss and difficulty in concentrating.
• Menstrual pain.
• Sensitivity to bright lights or loud noises.
• Sensitivity to dairy products.
• Skin sensitivities.
• Stiffness in the morning and, often, when walking.

Fibromyalgia is much more common in females than in males, and most often begins in young adulthood. In most cases, symptoms come on gradually and slowly increase in intensity. They can be triggered (or made worse) by a number of different factors, including overexertion, stress, lack of exercise, anxiety, depression, lack of sleep, grief, trauma, extremes of temperature and or humidity, and infectious illness. In the majority of cases, symptoms are severe enough to interfere with normal daily activities; a significant number of people with fibromyalgia are actually disabled by the condition. The course of the disorder is unpredictable. Some cases clear up on their own, some become chronic, and some go through cycles of flare-ups alternating with periods of a parent remission.

Fibromyalgia Syndrome Causes

The cause or causes of fibromyalgia are not known, and there are no tests that can diagnose FMS with complete certainty. Some evidence points to a problem with the immune system; certain immunologic abnormalities are common among people with fibromyalgia. Their significance and relationship to the syndrome are not understood, however. A disturbance in brain chemistry may also be involved; many people who develop fibromyalgia have a history of clinical depression. Some research has found FMS is more likely to occur in people who have a history of sexual abuse, domestic violence, and eve alcoholism. Other possible causes that have been proposed include infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), the virus that causes infectious mononucleosis, or with the fungus Candida albicans; chronic mercury poisoning from amalgam dental fillings; anemia; parasites; hypoglycemia; and hypothyroidism. Some experts believe that fibromyalgia may be related to chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), which causes similar symptoms, except that in fibromyalgia, muscle pain predominates over fatigue, whereas in CFS, fatigue predominates over pain. FMS has even been misdiagnosed as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease.

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Home Remedies For Fibromyalgia Syndrome

1. Juices

Drink plenty of liquids to help flush out toxins. The best choices are steam-distilled water and herbal teas. Fresh vegetable juices supply necessary vitamins and minerals.

2. Ginger Powder

Put 4 to 6 ounces of ginger powder into a moderately hot bath. This will induce sweating and help remove toxins from the body. Drinking hot ginger tea will have the same effect.

3.White Willow Bark

White willow bark is good for relieving pain.

4. Herbal Tea

Teas brewed from burdock root, dandelion, and red clover promote healing by cleansing the bloodstream and enhancing immune function. Combine or alternate these herbal teas, and drink 4 to 6 cups daily.

5. Pomegranate

Include pomegranates and pomegranate juice in your diet. They have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties

6. Wheatgrass

Use wheatgrass retention enemas to detoxify the system. To make the enema, add 1 ounce of wheatgrass juice to 1 cup of warm water. If fresh wheatgrass is not available, powdered Sweet Wheat from Sweet Wheat, Inc. is a good substitute. Use this treatment every other day for two weeks.

10. Exercise

Maintain a regular program of moderate exercise. A daily walk followed by some gentle stretching exercises is good. If you have been sedentary before, start slowly and be careful not to overexert yourself; this can aggravate symptoms. Keep in mind that what you need is some amount of daily exercise, not a strenuous workout two or three times a week. Once your body is accustomed to regular exercise, symptoms are likely to improve. Moderate exercise and stretching help to keep muscles flexible and prevent joints from stiffening up.

Prevention tips for fibromyalgia syndrome

1. Avoid wheat and brewer’s yeast until your symptoms improve.
2. Do not eat meat, dairy products, or any other foods that are high in saturated fats. Saturated fats raise cholesterol levels and interfere with circulation. They also promote the inflammatory response and increase pain. Also avoid fried foods, processed foods, shellfish, dairy foods, and white flour products such as bread and pasta.
3. Some experts suggests that people with fibromyalgia should avoid salt free diet.
4. Be sure to give your body sufficient rest. Set aside at least eight hours for sleep each night.

Useful References

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3394355/
• https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1756-185X.2010.01567.x
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25839088

Alternate names :: Anasarca, Swelling

Edema is the accumulation of fluid in spaces between the cells in the soft tissue of the body. Any part of the body may develop edema. The swelling can be localized in the face, arms, and neck, or may involve the legs and ankles-a condition known as dependent edema. Periorbital edema is swelling around the eyes. Corneal stroma is edema of the cornea. Generalized edema is known as anasarca. Preeclampsia is a condition that occurs in approximately 5 percent of pregnant women, causing high blood pressure, fluid accumulation in the tissues, and albuminuria (protein in the urine).

Edema Symptoms

The main symptoms of edema are:-

• Abdominal bloating
• Swollen feet
• Swollen ankles
• Swollen arms or legs
• Water retention
• Generalized edema
• Ring tightness
• Puffiness

Edema Causes

The underlying causes of edema may be serious. Edema can indicate a much more profound illness, such as AIDS, cirrhosis of the liver, congestive heart failure, diabetes, or vena cava syndrome (narrowing of the vein that supplies blood from the upper body to the heart). More simply, edema can occur as the result of infection or prolonged bed rest. Fluid retention can also be caused by allergies.

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Home Remedies for Edema

1. Alfalfa is a good source of important minerals. It also contains chlorophyll, a potent detoxifier. Take 2,000 to 3,000 milligrams daily, in divided doses.
2. Rose hips contain bioflavonoids helpful in the treatment of edema.
3. For protein, eat eggs, broiled white fish, and broiled skinless chicken or turkey. Consume small amounts of buttermilk, cottage cheese, kefir, and low-fat yogurt.
4. Eat a diet that is high in fiber.
5. Horse chestnut has been shown to reduce post-surgical edema.
6. Hawthorn berries, horsetail, juniper, and uva ursi are diuretics. By increasing the output of urine, they help to counteract edema.
7. Exercise daily and take hot baths or saunas twice a week.
8. If you have swelling of the legs and feet, sit with your feet up as often as you can. Wear support hose for swelling in the legs.
9. Avoid alcohol, animal protein, beef, caffeine, chocolate, dairy products (except for those listed above), dried shell­fish, fried foods, gravies, olives, pickles, salt, soy sauce, tobacco, white flour, and white sugar.
10. Use kelp to supply needed minerals.

Useful References

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15675326
• https://medlineplus.gov/edema.html

What is dropsy ?

Dropsy, technically known as oedema, refers to the abnormal accumulation of fluids in the body. It causes a type of swelling called oedema. It is a typical ‘impurities’ disease caused by an accumulation of waste products in the blood. This swelling may be localized, as with ascites (the distended abdomen that develops in cases of liver disease and some types of cancer), or generalized, occurring throughout the body, as with progressive kidney failure. It is a feature of many diseases, specially those relating to heart and kidneys.

Dropsy Symptoms

In case of kidney disease, dropsy is first noticed beneath the eyes and face and is worse in the morning. In case of heart disease, the swelling tends to be worse in the evening and begins in the lower parts of the body such as the ankles. In liver disease, the swelling is in the legs and abdomen.

Dropsy Causes

The main cause of this disease is the obstruction to the free circulation of blood and lymph and consequent impaired elimination. The localized oedema with pain may be due to interference with the circulation. When it is associated with itching, allergy is likely to be the cause.

Hormonal factors can also produce oedema. This is evident from two examples of swelling that occurs during pregnancy and the pre menstrual phase of a woman’s monthly cycle. Other causes include heart failure, advanced kidney disease, malnutrition, and thyroid disorders.

The real cause of dropsy, however, is abnormal accumulation of morbid matter in the system. This accumulation is so great that the kidneys and liver become overloaded and unable to perform their purifying tasks properly. The stagnation of unhealthy fluid in the tissues can also be aggravated by the heart muscle being too weak to pump the blood with sufficient force through the veins and arteries to carry the necessary oxygen and nourishment to the cells of the vital organs. This can result in the poisoning of the whole system.

Home Remedies for Dropsy

1. Pineapple

Pineapple is one of the many home remedies found beneficial in the treatment of dropsy. It contains sufficient chlorine which stimulates the activity of the kidneys and helps remove much of the waste products from the body. It also relieves the body of a waterlogged condition.

2. Arjuna

Another effective remedy for dropsy is the use of the herb arjuna. This herb has been employed successfully by practitioners of the indigenous system of medicine in the treatment of this condition. Thirty grams of the thick bark can be mixed with 250 ml of milk to make a decoction, and taken every morning on an empty stomach.
Alternately, one or two grams of the powder of the bark can be added to a cup of milk with sufficient jaggery to sweeten it, and taken every morning un an empty stomach.

3. Indian Squill

Another remedy found valuable in dropsy is the herb Indian squill. It has diuretic properties and increases the secretion and discharge of urine. The bulb of the herb should be sliced and used in a small quantity of twenty to thirty grams.

4. Black Nightshade

Black nightshade has proved beneficial in the treatment of dropsy. It can be taken both in the form of a decoction or as a vegetable. The decoction can be made by boiling thirty grams of black nightshade in half a litre of water, till it is reduced by one-third. This can be taken twice daily. An extract of the leaves and stem, in doses of 6 – 8 ml can also be taken twice daily.

5. Lemon Water

Lemon water has also proved effective in the treatment of this condition. The whole belly should be covered with a large, absorbent towel, which has been dipped in strong lime water and then squeezed out.

Useful References

• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/oedema/
• https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/Fluid-retention-oedema

Down syndrome is a condition caused by the presence of extra genetic material in the cells of a developing embryo. The disorder-named for English physician John Langdon Down-occurs in approximately 1 in every 800 to 1,000 live births, and usually results in mental retardation and distinctive physical abnormalities.

The incidence of Down syndrome increases with the age of the parents, especially if the mothers are thirty-four or older. The risk is also higher for children of parents who have already given birth to a Down syndrome child.

Down Syndrome Causes

Down syndrome is usually caused by a phenomenon geneticists call non disjunction, in which an error in cell division produces three copies of a chromosome–in this case, chromosome 21-instead of the normal two. In trisomy 21, which accounts for 95 percent of Down syndrome cases, the extra chromosome is due to an error in chromo­some separation in the ovum before conception, although nondisjunction can also take place in the sperm. A small percentage of Down syndrome cases are linked to other kinds of chromosomal abnormalities, but all result in extra genetic material in some or all of the cells.

Down Syndrome Symptoms

Individuals with Down Syndrome may not experience all of the symptoms. Some of the common symptoms are: decreased muscle tone at birth, asymmetrical or odd-shaped skull, round head with flat area at the back of the head, small skull, slanting eyes, small mouth with protruding tongue (see tongue problems), broad short hands, single crease on the palm, retarded growth and development, delayed mental and social skills (mental retardation).

People with Down syndrome are especially prone to having congenital heart disease and are more susceptible than most people to developing acute leukemia, thyroid disorders, and respiratory and digestive problems. While females with Down syndrome may menstruate and be fertile, males are almost always infertile.

[ Read: Alternative approaches for Down Syndrome ]

Home Remedies To Cure Down Syndrome

1. Be patient when feeding a child with Down syndrome, and be sure to provide a balanced diet. Include fresh and whole foods that are rich in vegetable proteins, as well as foods that are high in magnesium, such as fresh green vegetables, figs, meat, fish and seafood, nuts and seeds, tofu, blacks trap molasses, apples, kelp, soybeans, cornmeal, rice, apricots, and brewer’s yeast. Reduce consumption of foods high in gluten, such as wheat, rye, barley, and oats. Avoid refined foods, sugars, dairy products, and alcohol.
2. Garlic helps eliminate toxins and strengthens the cardiovascular system.
3. The red blood cells of people with Down’s syndrome are unusual in ways that suggest either vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency. However, folic acid levels have been found to be normal in each of these studies, and only one study has found lower levels of vitamin B12 in Down’s syndrome as compared with healthy individuals. Intervention trials using either vitamin B12 or folic acid have not been done.
4. Provide plenty of exercise, including deep-breathing exercises, daily. This helps to oxygenate the brain.
5. Use liquid or spray forms of supplements for a child with Down syndrome.
6. Zinc plus Copper is needed for proper brain function.

Diagnosis of down syndrome

The diagnosis of Down Syndrome is based upon a combination of clinical presentation and genetic testing.

Useful References

• https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000997.htm
• https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/birthdefects/downsyndrome.html
• https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/down-syndrome
• https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00431-010-1253-0

What is diverticulitis?

Diverticulitis is a condition in which diverticula are perforated and become infected and inflamed. Diverticula are saclike pea or grape-sized protrusions in the intestinal wall. They typically form if an individual suffers from frequent constipation. Eating a low-fiber diet, as is typical in industrialized countries such as the United States, may contribute to the development of diverticulitis. Without sufficient fiber to soften and add bulk, stools are harder to pass. Greatly increased pressure is required to force small portions of hard, dry stool through the bowel. This rise in pressure can cause pouches to form at weak points in the wall of the colon. Once diverticula develop, they do not go away. The diverticula themselves cause no symptoms. Many people have diverticulosis (the potichlike protrusions) and never develop diverticulitis (the inflamed pouches). However, if tiny cuts in the pouches become infected or inflamed, the result can be severe, causing fever, chills, nausea, and pain.

Diverticulitis Symptoms

Diverticulitis can be either acute or chronic. Symptoms include cramping, bloating, tenderness on the left side of the abdomen that is relieved by passing gas or a bowel movement, constipation or diarrhea, nausea, and an almost continual need to eliminate. There may be blood in the stool. Peritonitis, an inflammation of the lining of the abdominal cavity, can develop if a diverticulum ruptures and intestinal contents flow into the abdomen.

Because the walls of the large intestine often weaken as a person ages, this is a condition affecting older rather than younger people. It usually strikes people between the ages of fifty and ninety. It affects millions of Americans, but many people do not even know they have the condition because they either experience no symptoms or accept their symptoms as simple indigestion.

Diverticulitis Causes

Exactly why is not known, but it is known that smoking and stress make symptoms worse. In fact, this is a classic example of a stress-related disorder. Poor eating habits compound the problem. A poor diet, a family history of the disease, gallbladder disease, obesity, and coronary artery disease all increase the chances of developing diverticulitis.

There are several diagnostic tests available to help diagnose diverticulitis. A barium enema is a procedure in which the colon is filled with liquid barium and x-rays are taken to reveal pouches in the colon wall, narrowing of the colon, or other abnormalities. With sigmoidoscopy, a thin, flexible lighted tube is inserted into the rectum to give the physician a closer look at the lower colon. If necessary, tissue samples can be removed for examination. To see into other parts of the colon, a colonoscopy must be performed. This is similar to a sigmoidoscopy, but allows a view of the entire colon.

Diverticulitis Treatment

Here are some herbs which helpful in the treatment of diverticulitis

1. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera promotes the healing of inflamed areas. It also helps to prevent constipation. Drink 1/2 cup of aloe vera juice three times daily. It can be mixed with a cup of herbal tea if you wish.

2. Bio-Rizin

Bio-Rizin from American Biologics is a licorice extract that improves glandular function and helps relieve allergy symptoms. Take 10 to 20 drops twice daily.

3. Alfalfa

Alfalfa is a good natural source of vitamin K and valuable minerals, which are often deficient in people with intestinal disorders. It also contains chlorophyll, which aids healing. Take 2,000 milligrams daily in capsule or extract form.

4. Cayenne and Chamomile

Other herbs beneficial for diverticulitis include cayenne (capsicum), chamomile, goldenseal, papaya, red clover, and yarrow extract or tea.
Caution: Do not use chamomile on an ongoing basis, as ragweed allergy may result. Avoid it completely if you are allergic to ragweed. Do not take goldenseal for more than one week at a time, and do not use it during pregnancy. If you have a history of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or glaucoma, use it only under a doctor’s supervision.

Diverticulitis Diet

1. Water

The key to controlling this disorder is to consume an adequate amount of fiber and lots of quality water. You need at least 30 grams of fiber each day. You may prefer to supplement your diet with a bulk product or a stool softener that contains methyl cellulose or psyllium, since these do not promote as much gas formation in the colon as other sources of fiber, especially wheat bran. Drink at least eight 8 ounce glasses of water daily. Herbal teas, broth, and live juices can account for some of the liquid needed. Liquid aids in keeping the pouch like areas clean of toxic wastes, preventing inflammation.

2. Green Leafy Vegetables

Eat plenty of green leafy vegetables. These are good sources of vitamin K. Obtaining this vitamin through diet is especially important for people with intestinal disorders.

3. Protein

Eat a low-carbohydrate diet with high levels of protein from vegetable sources and fish. Do not eat grains, seeds, or nuts, except for well-cooked brown rice. These foods are hard to digest, resulting in bloating and gas. Also eliminate dairy products, red meat, sugar products, fried foods, spices, and processed foods.

4. Garlic

Eat garlic for its healing and detoxifying properties.

5. Low-Fiber Diet

During an acute attack of diverticulitis, your health care provider may recommend a low-fiber diet temporarily. Once the inflammation clears, you may slowly switch back to a high-fiber diet.

Useful References

• https://medlineplus.gov/diverticulosisanddiverticulitis.html
• http://www.jgld.ro/2015/1/15.pdf
• https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/diverticulosis-diverticulitis

What is Cystitis ?

The term ‘Cystitis’ refers to ‘inflammation of the bladder’. It is a most common complaint in women. Escherichia coli infections are considered the primary culprit in cystitis. The female anatomy makes it more convenient for ie. coli bacteria, which normally inhabit the colon, to travel from the rectum to the vagina, up the urethra and into the bladder. This condition is rarely dangerous but it is generally a forerunner to more serious troubles. The reoccurrence of cystitis may in some cases be associated with kidney troubles.

The kidney and bladder are the, principal structures in the urinary system. The kidneys are situated on the back of the abdomen, one on each side of the spine at about the level of the lowest rib. The bladder is situated in the lower abdomen, in the pelvis. The body is relieved of the greater part of the waste matter, resulting from the complex working of the whole body’s vital processes by means of these two organs.

Cystitis Symptoms

Cystitis is characterized by symptoms which may cause great discomfort. The patient complains of frequency and burning on urination as well as an almost continual urge to void. There may be a feeling of pain in the pelvis and lower abdomen. The urine may become thick, dark and stingy. It may have an unpleasant smell and may contain blood or pus. The scalding sensation on passing urine indicates that the inflammation has spread to the urethra. Some pain in the lower back may also be felt in certain cases. In an acute stage there may be a rise in body temperature. In the chronic form of cystitis, the symptoms are similar but generally less severe and without a rise in temperature. The persistence of the chronic form of the disease indicates a process of deterioration, almost invariably due to wrong treatment of the acute form by suppressive drugs.

Cystitis Causes

Cystitis may result from infections in other parts adjacent to the bladder such as the kidneys, the urethra, and the vagina. Local irritation and inflammation of the bladder may be caused if urine is retained there for an unduly long time. It may also result from severe constipation.

Continual draining of pus and germs from an infected kidney may injure the epithelial lining of the bladder. Trouble may also arise from the presence of a stone in either bladder or kidney. Childbirth injuries and major surgical procedures within the pelvis bladder cannot hold the normal amount of urine. Germs may then find their way into the bladder and bring about chemical changes in the urine. Calcium or lime may thus be deposited in the wall of the bladder. Increasing the patient’s discomfort.

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Home Remedies for Cystitis

1. Cucumber Juice

Cucumber juice is one of the most useful home remedies in the treatment of cystitis. It is a very effective diuretic. A cup of this juice, mixed with one teaspoon of honey and a tablespoon of fresh lime juice, should be given three times daily.

2. Drumstick Flowers

Fresh juice of the flowers of drumstick is another effective remedy for cystitis. For better results, a teaspoon of the juice, mixed with half a glass of tender coconut water, should be given twice daily. It acts as a diuretic in the treatment of this disease.

3. Radish Leaves

The juice of radish leaves is valuable in cystitis. A cup of this juice should be given once daily, in the morning, for a fortnight

4. Lady’s Fingers

Fresh lady’s fingers are useful in cystitis. A decoction made of 100 gm of lady’s fingers and 200 ml of water should be taken twice daily in the treatment of this disease.

5. Spinach

A quantity of 100 ml of fresh spinach juice, taken with an equal quantity of tender coconut water twice a day, is considered beneficial in the treatment of cystitis. It acts as a very effective and safe diuretic due to the combined action of both nitrates and potassium.

6. Lemon

Lemon has proved valuable in cystitis. A teaspoon of lemon juice should be put in 180 ml of boiling water. It should then be allowed to cool and 60 ml of this water should be taken every two hours from 8 a.m. to 12 noon for the treatment of this condition. This eases the burning sensation and also stops bleeding in cystitis.

7. Barley

Half a glass each of barley gruel, mixed with buttermilk and the juice of half a lime, is an excellent diuretic. It is beneficial in the treatment of cystitis, and may be taken twice daily.

8. Sandalwood Oil

The oil of sandalwood is also considered valuable in this disease. This oil should be given in doses of five drops in the beginning and gradually increased to ten to thirty drops. The efficacy of this oil can be increased by the addition of one teaspoon of ajwain mixed in a glass of water, or ten grams of ginger mixed in a cup water.

Useful References

• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cystitis/
• https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/cystitis
• https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/cystitis

Synonyms :: cervical eversion, pseudoeversion secondary to DES adenosis

What is Cervical ectropion (cervical erosion)?

Cervical ectropion is common in teenagers and may be seen in pregnancy, and in women on oral contraceptives. Normally, the cervix looks pink and shiny. It has a hole in the middle, where the menstrual blood passes out from the uterus (womb) into the vagina. In some women, the area round the hole looks red and velvety instead of pink and shiny.

The columnar cells of ectropion are perfectly normal. They are not cancerous or pre-cancerous. In fact, they line the inside of the cervical hole in all women. So an ectropion simply means that the columnar cells are around the outside of the hole as well as inside it. It seems that cells on the cervix become columnar when there is a lot of the hormone oestrogen around. Therefore ectropion is most common in women on the contraceptive pill and during pregnancy.

Cervical Ectropion Causes

In teens it is common because the glandular epithelium has not fully receded under the chronic acidity of the vaginal fluids after menses start. In women whose mothers were exposed to diethylstilbesterol (DES) in utero, the glandular tissue stays on the outside of the cervix and even sometimes over onto the vagina as a developmental birth defect. Common causes includes :-

• Antibiotic therapy
• Immunosuppression, eg. steroid therapy or HIV infection
• Wearing tight nylon clothing
• Through intercourse, tampon insertion.
• Foreign objects in the vagina.

Cervical Ectropion Symptoms

• The most common clinical feature is vaginal or vulval itching.
• Vaginal discharge.
• Dysuria.
• Vulval oedema.

Treatment for Cervical ectropion

Cervical ectropion it can be treated by heat cautery or by freezing. After treatment, flat cells grow over to heal the area. This may be topical, with either vaginal pessaries or creams; or systemic, with oral fluconazole therapy. If symptoms are recurrent and not responding to treatment, it is important to outrule any underlying causes. It may be necessary in some cases to also assess and treat partners.

Treatment is not always successful, because columnar cells may grow again, especially if the woman is still on the pill. Of course, any woman who has bleeding after intercourse should see her doctor, to check that it is ectropion and not something more serious.

Useful References

• https://www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/resources/patient-information/gynaecology/Cervical-ectropion.pdf
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5562466/
• https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/tre.111

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful progressive condition caused by compression of a key nerve in the wrist. It occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand, becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist.

It’s only in the last few years that we’ve begun hearing a lot about carpal tunnel syndrome, a potentially serious condition in which the hands and wrists get tingly, numb, or sore. It’s not a new condition, exactly, but the things that cause it – long hours spent doing repetitive tasks, like typing on a keyboard or working a cash register ­ have become increasingly common in our ever more high-tech, hands-on world.

Carpal tunnel syndrome gets its name from a channel in the wrist called (what else?) the carpal tunnel. When you use your hands and wrists a lot, tissues lining the carpal tunnel may get inflamed and swollen. If they start to press on a nerve in the wrist, you may have pain, numbness, or other symptoms.

Experts estimate that millions of people around the world have carpal tunnel syndrome and the incidence is on the rise. People who make the same motions over and over again, like computer programmers, butchers, cashiers, and professional musicians, are those who have the highest risk of getting this painful condition. It can be serious because, once you get it, without proper treatment it may last a long time and prevent you from doing the things your job or daily life requires

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Causes

For most patients, the cause of their carpal tunnel syndrome is unknown. Any condition that exerts pressure on the median nerve at the wrist can cause carpal tunnel syndrome. Some common causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome are :-

• Arthritis, especially the rheumatoid type.
• Obesity.
• Hormonal changes associated with menopause.
• Repetitive and forceful grasping with the hands.
• Broken or dislocated bones in the wrist which produce swelling.
• Pregnancy.
• Diabetes.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms

The symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome often first appear as painful tingling in one or both hands during the night, frequently painful enough to disturb sleep. Accompanying this is a feeling of uselessness in the fingers, which are sometimes described as feeling swollen, even though little or no swelling is apparent. As symptoms increase, tingling may develop during the day, commonly in the thumb, index, and ring fingers. A decreased ability and power to squeeze things may follow. In advanced cases, the thenar muscle at the base of the thumb atrophies, and strength is lost.

If you suspect you have it, here’s a simple test :-

Hold the backs of your hands together in front of your body, with the fingers pointing down. Hold this position for about a minute. If your wrists begin to ache or you experience shooting pains in your hands or fingers, you should call your doctor right away.

Video

Home Remedies for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

There are ways both to prevent and treat the pain of carpal tunnel syndrome. Here are some home treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

1. Take a mini-break

Since carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by repetitive motions, it makes sense that giving your wrists a break from work will help prevent problems. Studies have shown, in fact, that simply taking “mini­breaks” from your usual job – by taking a few minutes to make phone calls, for example, or simply stretching your hands and wrists and wiggling your fingers -can relieve pain and protect the wrists from long-term harm.

2. Give your hands a shake

Many people with carpal tunnel syndrome have found that giving their hands and arms a quick shake will provide quick and effective temporary pain relief. Even dangling your arms for a few minutes can relieve painful pressure on the nerve.

3. Seek diversity

Just as taking a vacation can make you feel refreshed and relaxed, giving your hands a break from their usual tasks can have a similar effect. If you work on a computer all day, for example, you may not want to play the piano every night. Instead, look for activities that don’t put additional stress on your hands and wrists – like taking walks in the evening or going dancing a few nights a week.

4. Consider a splint

The hands and wrists simply weren’t designed for the constant pounding many of us give them every day. To provide additional support and protection, doctors often advise people with carpal tunnel pain to wear special splints that help stabilize the wrists and provide relief from pain. The splints, which are available in pharmacies, come on and off as easily as putting on a glove, and you can use them as often – or as rarely – as you feel is necessary. Some people don the splints only for tough jobs – when they’re typing a long report, for example – and then take them off.

5. Get a grip

Whether your hobby is cooking, carpentry, or working in the garden, having tools with the proper handles can dramatically reduce the strain on your wrists. Simply placing foam rubber over the handles of brooms or hammers can make them much easier to grip. You can even buy can openers and kitchen knives that have thicker handles, which will make tasks like opening cans, slicing, and chopping a lot comfortable. Try hot and cold. Many people with carpal tunnel pain get quick relief by putting ice in a washcloth and holding it on their wrists for fifteen or twenty minutes. Conversely, putting a heating pad on your wrist can quickly relax the muscles and help ease the pain.

6. Check your weight

Researchers aren’t sure why, but people who are overweight appear to have a higher risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome – possibly because fatty tissue can put additional strain on nerves and tendons in the wrists. Losing even small amounts of weight can help “open up” the carpal tunnel, reducing pain and helping prevent future problems.

7. Take some over-the-counter relief

When wrist pain is flaring, one of the best things you can do is take a few aspirin or ibuprofen. Often, these medications will quickly relieve pain as well as swelling.

Useful References

• https://medlineplus.gov/carpaltunnelsyndrome.html
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4727604/
• https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/carpal-tunnel-syndrome/

What is Bartholin gland cyst?

The Bartholin gland cyst is a tiny organ on each of the labia (vaginal lips), near the opening of the vagina. If the vagina were the face of a clock, these glands would be found at about 4 and 8 o’clock. Normally they are invisible.

Bartholin’s gland cysts and abscesses are commonly found in women of reproductive age, developing in approximately 2% of all women. The Bartholin gland cyst can grow from the size of a penny to larger than an orange, although most don’t get bigger than a golf ball. They can be tender.

A Bartholin gland cyst may form in the gland itself or in the duct draining the gland. A cyst normally does not cause pain, grows slowly, and may go away without treatment. It usually ranges in size from (1-3 cm) 0.4-1.2 in., although some may grow much larger. In order to heal, a Bartholin gland cyst usually must be drained.

Causes of Bartholin gland cyst

A Bartholin gland cyst may develop when the duct of one of the glands becomes swollen and blocked. Injury, irritation, or infection may cause a buildup of fluid and swelling that blocks the duct. A Bartholin’s gland cyst occurs if the duct becomes blocked for any reason, such as infection, injury, or chronic inflammation.

Symptoms of Bartholin gland cyst

Symptoms of an uninfected Bartholin’s gland cyst include a painless lump on one side of the vulva area (most common symptom) and redness or swelling in the vulva area. Common symptoms of an abscessed Bartholin gland includes

• Fever and chills.
• Increased swelling in the vulva area over a two- to four-day period.
• Discomfort during sexual intercourse.
• Pain that occurs with walking, sitting.
• Tenderness.

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Treatment and Cure of Bartholin Gland Cyst

Treatment for Bartholin gland cyst condition depends on the size of the cyst, whether it is painful, and whether the cyst is infected. Some common treatment for Bartholin gland cyst includes :-

1. Soaking of the genital area with warm towel compresses.
2. Use of a carbon dioxide laser to open the cyst and heat the cyst wall tissue so that the cyst cannot form a sac and reoccur.
3. Soaking of the genital area in a sitz bath.
4. Sometimes the cyst will go away if you put warm, moist cloths (compresses) on it or sit in warm baths. The moist heat can help unblock the opening so that the fluid can drain out. Nonprescription medicine such as aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen may help relieve the pain.
5. A cyst may become infected. It may form an abscess and become very painful. If a cyst is infected, your health care provider may drain it and prescribe an antibiotic.
6. Incision and drainage, followed by treatment with silver nitrate to burn the cyst wall so the cyst cannot form a sac and reoccur.
7. Sometimes the whole gland needs to be surgically removed, especially if the cyst often comes back. The Bartholin gland can be removed without damage to that area of the vaginal opening. You can have sexual intercourse without the gland.

How can be Bartholin gland cyst prevented ?

There are few ways to prevent the formation of Bartholin’s gland cysts or abscesses are :-

1. Avoid hard or deep rubbing in the area around the opening of the vagina.
2. Make sure you keep the area of the vagina clean with mild soap and warm water.
3. The practice of safe sex is recommended.
4. If you take long bike rides or ride horses a lot, try to protect your genital area by cushioning it with soft padding.

Useful References

• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Bartholins-cyst/
• https://obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1016/j.ijgo.2013.02.014
• https://www.aafp.org/afp/2003/0701/p135.html