Early Signs, Symptoms of Liver Disease | Home Remedies for Liver Disease

August 8, 2011 Early Signs of Liver Disease

Liver disease is a serious illness that requires immediate medical attention. The liver is responsible for many critical functions in the body, and in case the organ becomes diseased or injured, you may have to consult a physician as soon as possible. Liver damage can cause significant problems in the body, and this is known as hepatic disease. Since the liver is responsible for detoxifying blood, any damage to the liver can result in the accumulation of toxins in the body. This can, therefore, affect other organs in the body and ultimately lead to a rapid decline in the healthy functioning of the body.

It is important to recognize the early signs of liver disease in order to get treatment for the condition immediately. The first symptom of liver disease is usually jaundice, which is the yellowing of skin and the whites of the eyes. The color of urine also deepens and becomes a dark yellow in color. This is caused due to production of bilirubin. When the old venous blood is not processed properly, the toxins begin to accumulate, and it ultimately leads to the yellowing of skin. There may be some flu like symptoms that accompany the jaundice.

Some of the other early symptoms of liver disease include thirst, constipation, palpitations, abdominal discomfort and distention, urinary problems, nausea, edema, loose stools, fatigue, and cold hands and feet. Your digestion would also become disturbed. You may experience a severe drop in appetite, and eventually experience severe weight loss. The metabolism can also take a serious hit and the fats and proteins may not be metabolized properly. The lack of appetite could result in anemia. You may also experience nausea and vomiting. Heartburn can also result from the complex interaction between the bile acids, histamines and gastric juices.

The color of the stools will also change, and these may become lighter. Since the common causes of liver disease are viral transmission and alcohol abuse, other symptoms relating to these may also be experienced. There may be skin problems, headaches, tinnitus, dizziness, strokes, seizures, depression, redness of the eyes, tension, back pain, ticks and spasms, and loss of flexibility in the ligaments.

Home Remedies for Liver Disease

If you have been diagnosed with liver disease or fibrosis, there are certain things that you can do in order to improve the functioning of your liver. One of the best home remedies for liver disease is to prepare a diet plan that will help you control the damage. For natural treatment of liver disease, avoid consuming some beverages that contain caffeine and tannins. Perform yoga as well as breathing exercises in order to get rid of the toxins that are not being removed from the blood due to the damaged liver. Drink lots of water. This will soothe the heartburns and the bloating, and will also help the kidneys filter the blood and remove the toxins that were not removed by the liver, thus maintaining efficient functioning of the body.

Avoid consuming fried and fatty foods as the lack of bile being produced in the liver may interfere with the metabolism of the fats. Include some garlic in your diet as this can help in the healing of liver damage. Consume green vegetables and lots of fresh fruits, which are essential for the natural repair of the damaged liver tissues. You can also consume carrot juice every day to cleanse your liver. Carrot juice is rich in vitamin A and helps cleanse the liver completely of diseases.

Avoid consuming buffalo’s milk as that contains a lot of fats. Instead, consume pasteurized and skimmed milk obtained from goat or cow. You may have to fast at least one day in the week, but do this only after consultation with your doctor or your dietician. Also, the best diet for liver diseases is one that suits you specifically. Sit with a dietician and your doctor and plan a diet that takes into consideration your specific needs and requirements.

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Ascites Liver Disease, Failure | Causes of Ascites in Abdomen

August 9, 2011 Ascites Liver Disease

Ascites is associated with liver disease and cirrhosis. Though ascites could occur in any kind of liver diseases, the accumulation of this fluid occurs in the later stages of severe liver conditions. When ascites progresses and reaches an advanced stage, it could ultimately lead to accumulation of the fluid and edema in your legs, arms, and other parts of the body.

Ascites liver disease is very common in patients who have chronic liver complaints. Fibrosis of the liver is often present in those who have liver disease. As the liver begins to get scarred, you can get liver cirrhosis. In advanced stages of the liver disease, the abdominal cavity fills with a fluid known as ascites. This fluid can infect other organs and can cause bloating in the stomach. The inner lining of the cavity, due to the excessive amount of fluids, can fold over into the other organs in your body.

The folding in of the inner lining of the abdomen could put some pressure on the blood vessels inside your abdomen. As the veins are pressured, the blood vessels are not able to pass blood to different organs in your body such as spleen, stomach, liver, and intestines. The lack of blood flowing to these organs can cause a decline in their normal functioning.

This in turn produces a larger quantity of the abdominal fluids, which complicated the circulatory problems even further. One of the causes of ascites in abdomen is the lowering of a blood protein known as albumin. Albumin is a protein that is present in high quantities in the blood. This protein helps maintain the thickness as well as the volume of the blood.  However, when a person has liver cirrhosis, the amount of albumin in the blood is reduced, and there is a larger amount of fluids that accumulates in the abdomen.

There are specific signs and symptoms of ascites that can be ascertained through a physical evaluation as well as several blood tests. Ascites may be accompanied with jaundice since it is almost always caused due to liver diseases.

Ascites Liver Failure

Ascites liver failure is usually a very serious condition, and it is present in liver cancer or severe cases of liver cirrhosis. Portal hypertension ascites can cause a lot of different symptoms. The increased fluids in the abdomen could cause dilation of veins in the neck as well as the esophagus. The veins on the abdomen also become prominent and may begin to be seen outside the surface of the skin as well. The persistent formation of fluids in the abdomen also often leads to the enlargement of the spleen.

The treatment of ascites requires regular draining of the abdomen to remove this fluid from the body. Usually, when the cirrhosis of liver is not very severe, syringes may be used to remove the fluid from the distended abdomen. The doctor usually makes a physical examination to see which areas are palpable. Since the blood and the excessive fluids in the abdomen can cause a lot of pressure on the abdominal organs, it is important to repeatedly drain this fluid. The removal of this ascites through a syringe is known as paracentesis.

Ascites could also be caused due to other chronic conditions such as congestive heart failure, cancer, nephrosis, and tuberculosis. Diuretics may be used to remove the ascites from your body naturally without the use of syringes or other drainage equipment. However, sometimes diuretics do not help this condition, and therefore, you will require surgical removal of the fluids. In case, there is larger amount of fluid in the body, you would need regular sittings with your doctor for performing paracentesis.

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Treatment for Cholestasis - During Pregnancy | Causes of Cholestasis

August 10, 2011 Treatment for Cholestasis

Cholestasis can be described as a condition that many women experience in the late stages of the third trimester. In this condition, the flow of bile from the liver gets blocked because of different reasons. As a result you are likely to experience intense itchiness, especially on your hands and feet if you do suffer from this problem. Cholestasis can cause problems for you as well as your baby, which is why this condition can be quite dangerous and treatment for cholestasis becomes important. Your health care provider may recommend an early delivery if you are diagnosed with cholestasis.

Causes of Cholestasis

Up to 15% of all pregnant women around the world develop cholestasis. Though the exact causes of cholestasis are unknown, health experts believe that the condition is triggered off by pregnancy hormones. It is a well-known fact that pregnancy hormones can have an effect on the functioning of your gallbladder. At times, these hormones can slow down the flow of bile or even stop it completely. When the excess bile enters the bloodstream, it leads to cholestasis.

Symptoms of Cholestasis

One of the first signs of this condition is severe itching in the hands and legs. At times, the itchiness could be severe enough to disrupt your sleep. Given below are some of the other symptoms of cholestasis:

Urine that is darker in colorYellow tinge in the eyes and skinBowel movements that are lighter in color

Do inform your health care provider as soon as you notice any of the symptoms of cholestasis.

Treatment for cholestasis

The treatment for cholestasis has two goals; the first is to prevent any complications and the second is to relieve the itchiness.

In order to prevent any complications, you may be advised to undergo early labor, if you have completed 37 weeks. In case you haven’t crossed the 37th week, your doctor may ask you to go in for ultrasounds tests on a regular basis, to monitor your baby’s heartbeat and movement.

To increase the flow of bile and relieve the itching, your doctor can prescribe certain medicines, like ursodeoxycholic. Anti-itch lotions and creams containing corticosteroids are also very useful in regulating the itchiness. Soaking the affected areas in lukewarm water has also been known to reduce the itching.

Cholestasis of Pregnancy Treatment

Diagnosis of Cholestasis

In order to confirm the diagnosis of cholestasis during pregnancy, your health care provider will need to:

Ask you a few questions about your medical history and perhaps even your family historyPerform a detailed physical examConduct an ultrasound test to check the liver for any abnormalitiesTake a few blood samples and send them to a lab for testing

Once it is confirmed that you are suffering from cholestasis, you may need to go in for a non-stress test, so that the doctor can check how much your baby’s heartbeat increases with movement.

Cholestasis of Pregnancy Treatment

When checking for cholestasis of pregnancy treatment, your doctor may ask you to take a few prescription medicines as well as topical lotions or creams that contain corticosteroids. Alternately, you could also use simple home remedies to relieve the itchiness during pregnancy.

Cornstarch is an excellent home remedy for relieving itchiness caused by various conditions. Since there are no known serious side effects associated with this remedy, it is considered quite safe for use during pregnancy too. Fill up a bathtub with some cool water and add some cornstarch to it. Sit in the bathtub for around 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing your body off. This remedy reduces the itchiness, but will not address the underlying condition.

Alternately, you may also be asked to soak the affected parts in some plain lukewarm water for a while. In case you do develop cholestasis during pregnancy, your doctor will need to monitor your condition carefully. After the completion of 37 weeks, your doctor may also advise you to go through an early delivery, if the condition poses a threat to your baby.

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Diet, Healthy Foods for Fatty Liver Disease | Causes of Fatty Liver Disease

August 10, 2011 Diet for Fatty Liver Disease

Fat, when visible, is easy to take care of. If you notice your waist getting bigger or your legs and arms getting thicker, you can simply work out and get rid of the fat. However, your organs can have similar problems. A fatty liver, for instance, is a serious medical condition that can lead to severe damage to the liver. While some fat in the liver is normal, a fatty liver is one which has more than 10% fat by weight. In a lot of cases, this disease can cause serious complications and lead to liver failure.

A diet for fatty liver disease is extremely crucial to the effective treatment of this condition. If you are consuming more fat than what is recommended, it can eventually lead to fatty liver, so the first rule of planning a diet for fatty liver is to cut down on the amounts of fat that you consume. Healthy foods for liver disease can help in detoxifying the liver. Fatty liver is usually caused when the fats begin to get stored in the cells around the liver. The foods that you select for treatment of your fatty acid disease are usually very healthy for other diseases and disorders as well. Since good nutrition is ideal for the treatment of fatty liver disease, the foods that you consume for the treatment of this condition improves your overall health and well-being.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease diet should ideally be low in processed and refined foods. Try and avoid white breads, fats such as butter, concentrated sugars, drinks that contain syrups and added sugars, carbonated drinks, white rice and other starchy foods, foods with a high glycemic index, fried foods and other fast foods, foods with high cholesterol such as eggs, and foods that are high in salts and fats.

Some of the foods that you should include in your diet are whole grains and whole grain breads, cinnamon, skimmed milk instead of whole milk, unprocessed foods, beans, high protein foods such as white meats, fish and lean cuts, vegetables with high fiber content such as broccoli, and fruits that are low in sugars. When planning a diet for this condition, also remember that moderation is the key factor.

Treatment for Fatty Liver Disease

Fatty liver disease symptoms often go unnoticed. However, if you experience problems due to this condition, your doctor would have to sit down with you and put together a treatment plan. The causes of fatty liver disease usually determine the treatments of this condition. The first step towards the treatment for fatty liver disease is to work out a diet that is healthy for you. Cutting down on fats and including fresh, healthy and fiber rich foods can help you get a meal that is healthy for you and helps you treat this condition.

If you are overweight, you would need to lose some weight. You can start off with some simple exercises. Both aerobic and cardiovascular exercises can help you reach your fitness goals faster. You can also supplement your diet and your exercise regimen with the help of yoga.

A recent study has shown that drinking a glass of wine a day can help treat nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. However, if the liver damage has been caused due to alcohol consumption, alcohol should be avoided altogether.

Apart from these remedies, the doctor will also offer you medical treatments in order to address the problems. A controlled diet would still remain the focus of your treatment, so you may need to consult with a dietician to help you plan daily meals. If you have other medical condition such as hypertension or diabetes, you will need to get those conditions treated as well.

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Liver Disease and Alcohol Consumption | Common Causes of Liver Disease

August 10, 2011 Liver Disease and Alcohol Consumption

You are probably aware of the fact that drinking a lot of alcohol has an adverse effect on your health. But are you aware of the interrelation between liver disease and alcohol consumption? Liver disease and alcohol consumption are very closely related to each other. There are three types of liver disease that you can suffer from if your consumption of alcohol is more than what is recommended. These diseases include cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, and alcoholic hepatitis.

Fatty liver disease is the most commonly seen liver disease due to alcohol. It is caused by the excess accumulation of fat cells within the liver. In case you are suffering from this alcohol-induced disorder, your liver will get enlarged, because of which you will experience abdominal discomfort on the right side.

Alcoholic hepatitis could be described as acute inflammation in the liver. This condition leads to liver getting scarred as well as destruction of individual liver-cells. In case you are suffering from this problem, you are likely to notice symptoms like jaundice, fever, a tender liver and spider-veins on the skin.

Cirrhosis refers to the destruction of the normal liver tissues, leaving behind scarred tissues that do not function properly. This disease is accompanied by several serious symptoms and could also lead to liver cancer.

A liver disease from alcohol abuse usually occurs if you consume excess amounts of the harmful substance for years together. Any alcohol that you drink gets absorbed into your bloodstream, after passing through your stomach and your intestines. All the blood in your intestines and stomach goes through the liver, before it circulates through the rest of the body. Therefore, the blood that is in the liver has the highest concentration of alcohol, as compared to the rest of the body. The enzymes or chemicals present in the liver cells metabolize alcohol, by first breaking it down into different chemicals and then into water and carbon dioxide. They are then passed out from the lungs and in the urine. There is only so much alcohol that your liver can process in an hour. If you drink alcohol at a pace faster than what your liver can handle, it is only natural that the levels of alcohol in your blood stream will rise. In order to reduce the risk of any liver disease due to alcohol you need to make sure that you consume no more than one or two units in a day.

Common Causes of Liver Disease

Your liver is a very important organ, which is located on the upper-right side of your abdomen. It performs several important functions like:

Converting the nutrients absorbed from food into blood componentsDetoxifying the substances that may be harmful to the bodyEnabling the immune system to combat infectionsMaintaining the balance of hormonesMaking bile for digestionMetabolizing all the foods and beverages that are consumedProducing enzymes and proteinsRegulating the clotting of bloodRemoving bacteria from the bloodStoring vitamins and minerals

A liver disease could include any condition that damages your liver tissue or causes your liver to get inflamed, thereby affecting liver function adversely. Liver diseases can be categorized by their cause as well as the effect they have on the liver.

Causes of Liver Diseases

There are several different factors that could cause you to suffer from a liver disease. Some of the most common causes of liver diseases include:

Infections or injuries around the liverAlcohol abuseExcess exposure to toxic substances or drugsAutoimmune or genetic defectsCertain medical conditions

Symptoms of Liver Disease

The early symptoms of liver disease like loss of energy and weakness are fairly common. Therefore most liver diseases go undetected in the initial stages. However, as the disease progresses and gets more severe, the symptoms also become more evident. In fact, the symptoms of liver disease may be absent, till the condition reaches an advanced stage. Some of the most common symptoms of liver disease include:

Dark urine, often accompanied by light stoolsDiarrheaAppetite lossVomiting and NauseaAbdominal painPruritusSwelling in the abdominal areaUnexplained weight gain or weight lossJaundice or the skin and eyes turn yellow

Home Remedies for Liver Disease

There are several effective home and natural remedies that can help alleviate the symptoms caused by liver diseases. Given below are some of the most common natural and home remedies for liver disease:

Drinking the juice extracted from two raw oranges once each dayConsuming a mixture made from equal parts of spinach juice and carrot juiceHaving a mixture made from papaya seeds extract and a teaspoon of lime juice

These home remedies for liver disease do not really cure the disease, but can alleviate the discomfort. It is best to consult a doctor and get an approval, before using any of them.

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Primary Biliary Cirrhosis of the Liver - Treatment, Symptoms, Diet, Prognosis

August 10, 2011 Primary Biliary Cirrhosis of the Liver

Primary biliary cirrhosis of the liver refers to a disease that gradually destroys bile ducts present within the liver. Bile is very important to digest the fat as also it is required for the elimination of toxins, cholesterol and the dead red blood cells from the body. In case you are suffering from primary biliary cirrhosis, the bile ducts literally get destroyed, because of which harmful and toxic substances get collected in the liver. This could cause your liver tissue to get scarred irreversibly. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this condition, but you may be able to slow down the progress of the disease by going through primary biliary cirrhosis treatment as early as possible.

Primary biliary cirrhosis of the liver is quite a serious ailment on its own and as the liver damage worsens, you may develop a number of serious health problems, some of which include:

CirrhosisCognitive impairment or problems with concentration and memoryDeficiency of vitaminsEnlarged veinsLimited sclerodermaLiver cancerOsteoporosis or weakening of the bonesPortal hypertension or increase in pressure within the portal veinsRaynaud’s phenomenonRheumatoid arthritisThyroid disease

Though anyone can suffer from primary biliary cirrhosis of the liver, it is a lot more common in women, than in men. It has also been observed that this disease has the tendency to run in families. The common causes of a liver disease usually include excessive alcohol consumption, drug abuse, underlying medical conditions and so on. But the exact cause of primary biliary cirrhosis is still not clear. Health experts believe that it is an autoimmune disease, where your body begins to destroy its own cells, though environmental factors also play a part in it.

For several years now researchers have believed that primary biliary cirrhosis occurs due to infections caused by bacterial, viral and parasites. This could be because there have been many reports of women suffering from urinary tract infections caused by the Escherichia coli bacteria, prior to developing primary biliary cirrhosis. However, there are no conventional infections that have been persistently liked to the condition as yet.

Primary Biliary Cirrhosis Symptoms

Some people remain completely symptom-free for several years after developing primary biliary cirrhosis. However, it is more common for people to notice primary biliary cirrhosis symptoms right from the early stages of this condition. As the condition progresses, the symptoms become more severe. Given below are some of the early primary biliary cirrhosis symptoms:

Fatigue, weakness and extreme tirednessItchiness, mainly around the lower back, arms and legsDryness in the mouth and eyes

During the later stages, the destruction of the bile ducts usually leads to other signs and symptoms, such as:

Jaundice or yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyesHyperpigmentationEdema (swollen feet) and ascites (abdominal swelling)Deposits of cholesterolDigestive problems like steatorrhea and diarrheaPrimary Biliary Cirrhosis Diet

In case you are suffering from primary biliary cirrhosis, it is important for you to follow a healthy and highly nutritious diet, as your body needs all the nutrients that it can get. Therefore your primary biliary cirrhosis diet should include plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, cereals, seeds, legumes and other healthy foods. Some of the other dietary recommendations that can help the patient include:

Following ad low-sodium dietIncreasing the intake of Vitamin D and calciumEliminating alcohol from your dietAvoiding foods like raw shellfish or oysters

Primary Biliary Cirrhosis Prognosis

The levels of bilirubin in the body need to be taken into account for an accurate primary biliary cirrhosis prognosis. People suffering from this condition have a survival period of anywhere between a 1

Causes of Cirrhosis of the Liver | Diet for Cirrhosis of the Liver

August 10, 2011 Causes of Cirrhosis of the Liver

Liver cirrhosis is a condition in which the liver begins to deteriorate and ceases normal functioning. A chronic injury or disease could cause the liver to cease performing the functions that are critical to the health of a body. In this condition, the healthy liver tissue is replaced with scar tissue, leading to a blockage in the blood flow through the organ. This causes the liver to have the inability to control and prevent infections, make coagulating factors, process hormones and drugs, remove toxins from the blood, and produce bile, which is important for the absorption of fats.

Cirrhosis of liver is a common condition that may occur due to ageing. However, there are many other causes of this health condition as well. Heavy alcohol consumption is by far the most common cause of liver cirrhosis. Another common cause of this condition is chronic hepatitis. Obesity is becoming a common cause of the cirrhosis of liver. When combined with other factors, such as chronic alcohol abuse, obesity could cause more severe damage to the liver.

Some of the most common causes of cirrhosis of the liver include

Trauma to the liver: When there is a physical injury to the abdomen where the liver is located, it could cause scarring of the liver. The short-term damage to the organ may not have long lasting impact on the liver. It usually takes years of injuries to cause cirrhosis of the liver.Alcohol related cirrhosis: For those who have been consuming a lot of alcohol, cirrhosis of liver is a real threat. Social and occasional drinking may not cause cirrhosis; it is only persistent regular drinking that slowly damages the liver. For men and women, consuming 3 to 4 drinks on a daily basis can damage the liver completely and permanently.Chronic hepatitis C: This is a liver disease that is transmitted from one infected person to another through blood transmission. This disease causes inflammation in the liver and over a period of time it causes cirrhosis.Hepatitis B and D: Other infective conditions, hepatitis B and D are spread through sexual contact and through the transmission of infected blood. This is a viral infection that may be prevented by the use of vaccines.Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: This is a condition in which fat accumulates in the fat cells around the liver. This condition is associated with diabetes and obesity.Autoimmune hepatitis: This is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation and damage to your liver. This is a genetic condition, and females are more prone to developing it. The diagnosis of cirrhosis of the liver is usually caused when you have other symptoms related to autoimmune disorders.Diet for Cirrhosis of the Liver

The diet for cirrhosis of the liver is carefully planned to nourish the liver and nurse it back to health. Certain foods that are ideal for the treatment of this condition include fresh fruits and vegetables, which are low in simple carbohydrates and simple sugars.Fat soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, D, E, and K are ideal for your health. You should also avoid consuming refined foods, alcohol, and other high fat foods. Since people with liver cirrhosis are prone to ingestion and digestive problems, it is ideal if you could cut down the consumption of high fat foods.

The best foods for the liver are those that are high in vitamin A. Almost all treatments for cirrhosis are based on a good diet and repair of the damaged liver cells. In most cirrhosis cases, the liver is damaged beyond repair, so you would need to get a liver transplant. Since the production of bile is affected when your liver is damaged, you should avoid consuming fats at all.

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Treatments, Home Remedies for Cirrhosis of the Liver | Common Causes of Liver Disease

August 12, 2011 Treatments for Cirrhosis of the Liver

Cirrhosis is a condition in which the liver becomes severely scarred due to chronic injuries or illnesses. Once the scar tissue begins to replace the healthy liver tissue, it can lead to the disruption of the normal blood circulation and the flow of the blood to this vital digestive organ. A healthy liver has a lot of vital functions in the body. It synthesizes proteins, detoxifies blood, helps in digestion of fat, increases immunity, and helps synthesize hormones that can metabolize sugar so that it can be stored in the body.

Cirrhosis of the liver is a severe condition and is often irreversible. When you have severely scarred liver tissues, you would need a liver transplant. However, when the liver tissue is not severely scarred, there can be some effective treatments for cirrhosis of the liver. Treatment of the condition is dependent on the cause.The common causes of liver disease are excessive alcohol consumption, hepatitis infections, and injuries to the liver. Some of the recommendations that the doctor would give for treating liver disease include:

Avoiding alcohol completely.Consuming a low-salt diet that is rich in fresh foods and contains plenty of nutrients and fibers. This would help you prevent the formation of ascites fluid in the abdomen.Consuming lots of vitamin A and C, which helps in detoxifying the liver and repairing the damaged tissues.

The initial treatment of cirrhosis of liver usually includes the treatment of any complications that may cause further damage to the liver. When the liver is damaged, toxins can keep accumulating in the blood. As the blood passes through other organs in the body, these organs also begin to get diseased. To stop the blood from becoming toxic and affecting other organs, you may have to consume some medications. Some patients may also have to be hospitalized in order to have their blood filtered and cleaned. Surgery may also be needed, if the condition becomes potentially life threatening. It is important during this time to avoid consumption of alcohol. You should discuss the use of any medications you are consuming with your doctor. The doctor may give you some diuretic medicines to get rid of any fluid accumulation in your body.

Cures for Cirrhosis of the Liver

There are no certain cures for cirrhosis of the liver. Medical treatment is attempted to treat this condition and reverse the symptoms. Almost all treatments for cirrhosis of liver are based on relieving the symptoms and avoiding complications. A lot of anti-inflammatory medications and steroids are used to treat the damage and the scarring to the liver.

Home remedies for cirrhosis of the liver should only be attempted along with the medical treatments. If you are planning to use home remedies for your condition, always discuss this with your doctor first. Most doctors recommend consuming a healthy diet for cirrhosis of the liver. The diet is usually low in sodium and high in nutrients such as vitamin A and C. These vitamins help detoxify the liver and rejuvenate the damaged liver cells.

You would also need to have a low protein and low fat diet. Since the liver is responsible for the metabolism of fats in the body, it is important to limit the amount of fats you consume.Consumption of fats in your diet will cause indigestion and pain in the stomach. You may also experience regurgitation. If the symptoms of the condition are mild, the doctor would instruct you to consume lactulose every day. If the symptoms do not disappear with the diet and the lactulose, the doctor would reevaluate your medical treatment. If you experience clotting disorders, severe itching, brown spots on the skin, and indigestion, you may have to get a surgery.

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Symptoms of Liver Disease in Men, Women | Natural Treatment for Liver Disease

August 12, 2011 Symptoms of Liver Disease

A liver disease or hepatic disease can be described as any interruption in the liver function that leads to an illness. Since there are several important functions performed by the liver and therefore any disease or injury in the liver can cause a significant amount of damage to your body. Some liver diseases can be treated, but it is important that you start the treatment as early as possible. Therefore, you need to undergo a few tests as soon as the symptoms of liver disease become evident.

There are several different types of liver diseases that can affect you and the symptoms for each may vary. Symptoms of liver disease in men and women will differ to a very small extent. Given below are some of the common symptoms of liver disease in men and women:

Accumulation of fluid within the abdomen (ascites)Aches and pains in the musclesAlterations in levels of consciousness or mental stateAplastic anemiaDarkening in the color of urineDepressionDiarrhea, usually accompanied by light colored stoolsEdema, or swelling under the skinEncephalopathyEnlargement of the liver or the spleenHypoglycemiaIncrease in bleeding susceptibilityItchiness all overLoss of appetiteLow grade feverNausea and vomitingPain in the abdomen and the upper right area of the stomachReduction of sex drive or even complete loss of itTenderness in the liverUnease or feeling of illnessUnexplained weight gain or weight lossVaricose veinsYellow discoloration of the skin and the whites of the eyes (jaundice)

In case the symptoms of liver disease in women are noticed during pregnancy, it could be an indication of a serious problem, which needs to be treated by a doctor immediately.

Causes of Liver Disease

There are several different factors that could harm or damage the liver. Given below are some of the most common causes of liver disease

Abnormality in the flow of bloodCancer in the liverCirrhosisDrug abuse or the excessive use of medicinesExcessive consumption of alcoholHemochromatosisInfectious hepatitisNon-alcoholic fatty liver diseaseOveruse of dietary supplements or herbal supplementsProblems in the flow of bile

At times, you could also get a liver disease, in case you are exposed to harsh chemicals on a regular basis. These chemicals may be present in pesticides, herbicides, insecticides as well as household cleaners.

Natural Treatment for Liver Disease

There is a specific treatment plan to be followed for different types of liver diseases. In some diseases, you may have to take certain medication, whereas in others the maintenance of hydration may be the most important. There are certain types of liver diseases that also require surgical treatment. In most types of liver diseases, long term medical care is important, for controlling consequence of the disease. For those patients suffering from liver failure, a liver transplant may be considered as a final option.

There are several people who also opt for natural treatment for liver disease in combination with conventional treatment. This helps to speed up the recovery process. Given below are a few common home remedies for liver disease:

Prepare a drink by mixing 200 ml spinach juice and 300 ml carrot juice. Have this mixture once each dayGrind some black papaya seeds to a powder and store it carefully in a jar. Mix one tablespoon of this ground powder with 10 drops of lime juice  and have the infusion once or twice a day, for a month or soTake around 50 grams of white radish leaves, with their tender stems on and grind them to a liquid. Drink this juice every morning on an empty stomachAdd a pinch of rock salt to a glass of plain lemon water and drink it once a day, preferably in the morning

Your diet also plays an important role in the treatment of liver diseases. The best diet for liver disease is high in fresh foods, like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, cereals, seeds and nuts. Given below are some of the foods that you should eliminate from your diet, in case you are suffering from a liver disease:

AlcoholSpicesProcessed meatRefined foodsFried, oily, greasy or junk foodSweets and sugary items

A healthy diet for liver cirrhosis is incomplete without at least 8 to 10 glasses of water each day. Before you follow any kind of diet or take any medication, make sure that you consult a health care provider.

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Types of Liver Disease | Early Symptoms of Liver Disease | Diets for Liver Disease

August 12, 2011 Types of Liver Disease

Liver disease does not denote a single disease, but is an umbrella term that applies to a lot of different diseases that can affect the liver. There are a lot of diseases that can affect the normal functioning of the liver. Some of the most common symptoms of liver disease include jaundice, pain in the abdomen, and abnormal metabolism of fats.

Some of the most common types of liver disease include:

Amebic liver abscess: This is a condition caused by an organism known as Entamoeba histolytica. This is also the same single cell organism that causes amebiasis or amebic dysentery. As the organism enters the blood stream, it spreads to the other organs inside the body. This disease can be transmitted through contaminated feces and direct contact with infected person.Autoimmune hepatitis: This is a condition that is caused when the immune system begins to systematically destroy the cells in your liver. This causes significant scarring on the liver and restricts the liver from functioning normally.Biliary atresia: The liver ducts may often get blocked causing a blockage of the transmission of bile from the liver to the gallbladder. This is usually a congenital condition, which is present right from birth.Cirrhosis: This is one of the most serious forms of liver disease. The early symptoms of liver disease could include jaundice and metabolism problems. The scarring of the liver caused by this condition requires extensive treatment.Coccidioidomycosis - disseminated: This is a fungal infection that can spread to the liver through infected blood. This can also involve other organs along with the liver.Hepatitis D: This is a viral condition that is usually present in those who are also suffering from hepatitis B.Cholestasis: This is a condition that is usually drug-induced. In this condition, the production of bile slows down considerably and causes malfunctioning of the digestive processes.Hemochromatosis: Hemochromatosis is a liver disorder that is caused when the diet contains too much iron. When too much of this dietary iron is absorbed into the gastrointestinal tract, it can result in hemochromatosis.Hepatocellular carcinoma: This condition is the medical name for liver cancer.Alcohol-induced liver disease: One of the most common causes of liver disease is excessive alcohol consumption. When you consume too much of alcohol, regularly, you are in danger of destroying your liver cells.Diets for Liver Disease

There are a lot of diets for liver disease. Your doctor will recommend you a diet according to your specific symptoms and the cause of liver disease. Usually, a high protein diet is ideal for liver disease because proteins can help repair the damaged liver cells. However, in case of severe cirrhosis and fibrosis or hepatitis C, most doctors recommend avoiding proteins.

There are some natural remedies for liver disease, almost all of which are associated with improving the daily dietary intake. A lot of consumption of vitamins and minerals can help speed up the repair of your liver cells. For treating liver disease, medications are usually consumed along with a healthy diet.

Alcohol should be completely avoided when you have any kind of liver damage. Since alcohol is the cause of liver damage in the first place, even the smallest amounts should be avoided. The liver also produces enzymes that are required for the metabolism of fats. When the liver is unhealthy, or diseased, it cannot synthesize these vital enzymes, leading to the inability of the body to metabolize fats properly. This can cause a lot of digestive problems, nausea, vomiting, and dysentery. Avoiding fats in your diet and lowering sodium intake in your foods is helpful in the treatment of liver disease.

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Paranoid Schizophrenia Symptoms | Causes of Paranoid Schizophrenia

July 18, 2011 Paranoid Schizophrenia Symptoms

Schizophrenia is a mental illness that involves the individual losing touch with reality and with the world around him or her. The individual will suffer from delusions as a result of this with the condition being termed as psychosis. Paranoid schizophrenia is a type of schizophrenia where, as the name suggests, the individual will be paranoid about things around him or her. This is not a normal type of paranoia that someone would experience during stressful times. This type of paranoia is extreme and, as with the condition of schizophrenia, detached from reality. Paranoid schizophrenia symptoms are not as bad as other forms of schizophrenia. Through therapy, medication and family support an individual with paranoid schizophrenia symptoms may be able to lead a relatively normal life.

The most common paranoid schizophrenia symptoms are delusions, sudden unexplained anger possibly coupled with violence, paranoia that people might want to kill or hurt you and also hearing things that haven’t actually been said. This problem of hearing voices or noises is most disturbing to the individual as well as others around him or her. Suicidal tendencies tend to be common amongst people who suffer from paranoid schizophrenia. The causes of paranoid schizophrenia are rooted in genetic problems as this is a brain disorder. Development issues may contribute to the problem. There is also evidence to suggest that the environment in which the individual has been brought up plays a role in the development of this disease. Patients who have experienced some form of abuse in their life may be more vulnerable to this condition or to other mental conditions. The exact mechanics of this condition continue to be researched and understood.

The treatment for paranoid schizophrenia first begins with accurately diagnosing the condition. The diagnosis of the condition involves various medical tests and also a psychological evaluation of the patient. Often, the diagnosis is done over a period of time as the patient may not display all his or her symptoms during the first evaluation. There is no known cure for paranoid schizophrenia, but there are methods that can be used to control the condition completely. The treatment of paranoid schizophrenia is based on a number of different but connected aspects of the individual’s life. Therefore, one may even form a team of trusted individuals who are responsible for one’s care. This is because it is necessary that the medication consumed by the person suffering from schizophrenia is monitored. Patients themselves may not take their medication. The treatment of this condition is typically driven by anti-psychotic medications. Apart from this, various therapies may be included in the treatment such as family counseling and psychotherapy. Patients may also be given counseling sessions to help them feel relaxed and free from stress. Stressful situations have been known to contribute to the exacerbation of this condition.

The development of paranoid schizophrenia in children can be quite disturbing for the parents. It should be noted that children may display odd symptoms that are consistent with schizophrenia once in a while. This is not considered to be proof that the condition exists. Instead, a doctor who is examining the child must look for consistent symptoms of the problem to prove that it exists in the child. Therefore, a child may not be diagnosed for several months or even years until there is some consistency in the symptoms that have appeared. When this is established, the child may be put on a medication and therapy regime to help control the symptoms, thus effectively controlling the condition. Children may outgrow the condition over time which is why repeated diagnosis may be necessary as the child grows.

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Schizophrenia Tests | Early Signs of Schizophrenia | Treating Schizophrenia

July 18, 2011 Schizophrenia Tests

Schizophrenia is a mental disease that leads to the development of serious symptoms in the patient. An individual who is affected by this condition will experience some sort of detachment from reality. Schizophrenia is a condition that will be with the patient throughout his or her life, except in rare cases, where the condition is cured successfully. However, there are many different medications and therapies that can be used to help control the symptoms of the condition, thus allowing the individual to lead a relatively normal life. Schizophrenia is an extremely scary condition for the individual who suffers from it as well as for those who interact with the individual when he or she is displaying symptoms of the condition.

There are many different schizophrenia tests that can be performed to understand if the individual is suffering from the condition. The diagnosis of schizophrenia occurs over a period of time. The various schizophrenia tests include behavioral analysis, general health checks and, in some cases, a neurological study of the individual. As this condition is very complex, it requires the expertise of a trained mental health expert to properly diagnose the condition. A patient who displays early signs of schizophrenia may not be diagnosed with the condition for many weeks. This is because the individual has to display symptoms of the condition consistently before it is judged that he or she is suffering from schizophrenia. Schizophrenia tests may be inconclusive as well, which is why the experience of a trained mental health specialist is crucial. The diagnosis of schizophrenia depends on the observation of an individual. Online schizophrenia tests can be useful to give members of the family a guide as to whether they should suspect schizophrenia in an affected individual. However, these tests do not replace proper medical analysis and can only be used as a means to prompt further medical analysis.

There are many different types of schizophrenia that are classified based on the symptoms of the individual. Some common schizophrenia symptoms include detachment with reality, irrational fear, hearing voices in one’s head, avoidance of social situations and a lack of mental capacity to concentrate on normal tasks as a result of the various symptoms. The commonly diagnosed types of schizophrenia are disorganized schizophrenia, paranoid schizophrenia, catatonic schizophrenia and residual schizophrenia. Paranoid schizophrenia is the most common form of schizophrenia and involves the patient being permanently worried about his or her wellbeing. Such an individual might worry that his or her life is under threat from a friend or member of the family. Irrational fears will drive such an individual to avoid social contact or to react violently towards those who are perceived to be threatening. Catatonic schizophrenia on the other hand, involves many different involuntary movements on the part of the individual that he or she may not be able to control.

When it comes to treating schizophrenia, one must follow the advice of a trained doctor. Treatment options for this condition include medications, electric therapy and counseling based therapy. Counseling is important both for the patient as well as his or her family. Counseling has been proven to help reduce stress felt by the patient. Stress is a known trigger of schizophrenic episodes. The treatment of schizophrenia is something that may be successful. In some studies, treatment has been shown as successful in up to 20% of the cases. However, most people will live with the condition throughout their lives. Such individuals should continue with medication and other therapies to ensure that the condition is well controlled. This will enable the individuals to lead a virtually normal life.

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Causes - Signs and Symptoms of Schizophrenia Disorder | Treating Schizophrenia

July 18, 2011 Schizophrenia Causes and Symptoms

Schizophrenia is a very serious medical condition that makes it very hard for the sufferer to gauge and make defined distinctions between what is real and what isn’t. The condition will also cause a substantial barrier in preventing the individual from thinking clearly as well as being able to relate to other individuals. Depending on the level of severity, the condition could significantly impact an individual’s way of life and ability to lead any kind of normal existence. Schizophrenia is primarily a brain disorder and people suffering from the condition are known to have an altered perception of reality. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of schizophrenia include witnessing the affected individual speak in a very confusing way, hear and see things that may not even exist as well as cause some of them to believe that they are either being harmed, constantly watched or even threatened.

Studies have shown that about 1% of the total population of the world is known to suffer from the condition and that there are about 1 million sufferers in the United States of America alone. These same studies have also shown that men appear to be more at risk than women when it comes to developing the condition. The first signs and symptoms of schizophrenia in men tends to happen around the age of about 25, while women tend to develop it a little later

Fitness and Pregnancy | Safe Exercises During Pregnancy - Fitness Plan

July 18, 2011 Fitness and Pregnancy

Fitness and pregnancy should go hand in hand. If you are pregnant you may be wondering if it is safe to exercise or continue exercising during this period. Rest assured it is safe and advisable to exercise during pregnancy. Safe pregnancy exercises include walking, swimming, cycling, and yoga and so on. Before we continue to talk about the various safe exercises during pregnancy, let us take a look at fitness during pregnancy and the reason why it is considered important. Remember that exercising during pregnancy is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your baby. Your body will undergo many changes while pregnant and exercising is one way of helping the body to cope with these changes. Doctors now recommend that women exercise when pregnant as it benefits them in a number of ways.

Research has shown that women who do safe exercises during pregnancy have a shorter labor and delivery period than women who do not. Studies have also shown that babies that are born to women who practice safe exercises during pregnancy have stronger heart rates. These babies also have a lesser chance of becoming overweight themselves. Regular practice of safe exercises during pregnancy also helps the muscles to be stretched and lengthened. This helps the body to prepare for the pain of pregnancy and also for childbirth. Safe pregnancy exercises can help to improve your posture and alleviate some of the common discomforts of pregnancy such as fatigue and backache. These exercises also help to strengthen the muscles of the thigh, buttocks and back which are under a great deal of stress due to the growing size of the uterus. The practice of safe exercises during pregnancy also improves the supply of blood to the growing fetus.

Pregnancy Fitness Plan

Keep these points in mind while formulating your pregnancy fitness plan. Firstly, and most importantly, check with your doctor before starting any exercise routine. Do not attempt to try any new or strenuous exercise if you have not been exercising before your pregnancy. Walking is a good exercise to initiate when you are pregnant. Exercises should be practiced for about 30 minutes daily or on most days. It is generally not advised to practice any form of exercise if you have a pregnancy related condition such as a low placenta, bleeding, a weak cervix, a history of early labor or previous premature births, threatened or recurrent miscarriage. Begin by warming up and stretching for at least five minutes. Ensure you include at least 15 minutes of cardiovascular exercises, followed by aerobic exercises and end with slower stretching exercises.

Exercises to do while pregnant are indoor stationery cycling, swimming, low impact aerobics (these should be practiced under the guidance of a certified trainer), step or elliptical machines and brisk walking. These are considered the best exercises for pregnant women as they benefit the entire body and carry little risk of injury. These safe exercises during pregnancy can also be continued right till childbirth. Pregnant women can also exercise on a fitness ball as this type of exercise helps to tone up the abdominal muscles. Deep breathing exercises should be practiced by sitting on the exercise ball. The different forms of yoga help pregnant women as well. Yoga exercises will result in good physical and mental health which is also important during pregnancy. Pilates for pregnant women is also recommended as these exercises help the body to become strong and flexible, which once again helps the body to cope with the changes it is going through.

It is advisable to stop exercising during pregnancy if you feel discomfort at any time. Do not overexert yourself during this period.

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Bladder Control Problems - in Women, After Pregnancy | Natural Bladder Control Treatment

July 18, 2011 Bladder Control Problems

Bladder control problems are very common in women and research shows that every one in five women will suffer with them. However, most women are either embarrassed or ashamed to talk about them. Keep in mind that bladder control problems in women are experienced by a majority of women at some point in their lifetime. Learning about bladder control problems and their various symptoms can help women to identify the problem and take steps to treat it. Women should not shy away from talking about bladder control problems as these problems can be easily rectified. Read on to find out more about female bladder problems.

The most common bladder control problems in women are listed below:-

Urinary Incontinence: Urinary incontinence occurs when the pelvic muscles begin to weaken. These pelvic muscles comprise of the bladder muscle and the sphincter muscles which help to keep the urine in the urethra and prevent it from leaking involuntarily. Most women experience incontinence. Women can leak urine when they laugh, sneeze, cough or exercise. There are different types of urine incontinence. Urge incontinence occurs after a strong sudden urge to urinate. This can be due to nerve damage from diabetes, infection, a stroke and so on. Mixed incontinence is due to both urge and stress incontinence. Functional incontinence is due to mobility problems.Nerve Spasm: Nerves may sometimes get damaged due to accidents, radiation, surgery, or a herniated disc. This results in the nerves not sending correct messages to the brain and could also result in involuntary urination. This could cause a person to either urinate very often in small intervals or not urinate even though the bladder is full. The urine will then leak out as the person has not control over his/her bladder.Gall Bladder Problems: Gall bladder problems also contribute to bladder control problems in women. An infection in the gall bladder which is caused by gallstones will spread into the bladder and cause discomfort.Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): A urinary tract infection is caused by bacteria known as Escherichia coli. This bacterium infects the urinary tract. Symptoms of a UTI include skin pealing, itching, burning or pain during urination or foul smelling urine or vaginal area. UTI bladder infections in women affect women of all age groups. Symptoms should be recognized and diagnosed quickly so that treatment can be started.Interstitial Cystitis and Bladder Prolapse: These are two more reasons for the occurrence of bladder control problems. Bladder prolapse causes the bladder to lean into the vaginal wall or sag. Most women say that they feel a ball has been placed in the vaginal canal. Interstitial Cystitis occurs when a woman is suffering from stomach ulcers.Bladder Control Problems After Pregnancy: Women can also experience urinary incontinence during and after pregnancy. Childbirth can weaken the pelvic floor muscles which then cause an overactive bladder. This is why many women experience this incontinence after pregnancy.

Now that we know all about bladder control problems in women, let us look at the ways in which these problems can be treated and cured. Natural bladder control treatment includes practicing bladder control exercises. These exercises, also known as Kegel exercises can be practiced at any time during the day. It is advised to practice the exercises at least three times a day for best results. To practice these Kegel exercises you need to keep your abdominal, buttocks and thigh muscles relaxed and tighten the muscles of your pelvic floor. Hold the muscles and count to 10. Then relax the muscles while counting to 10. Do at least 10 of these exercises daily. Women who practice these exercises see results within 4-6 weeks.

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Causes, Types of Incontinence in Women - at Night, Treatment

July 19, 2011 Incontinence in Women

Urination and defecation are the two ways in which the body gets rid of waste products that are surplus to the requirement of the body. These waste products are also used to eliminate certain toxins and unwanted substances from the body. Incontinence refers to the condition where the body is unable to control the release of these waste products. In most cases, incontinence is used as a term to describe a lack of control of urination. Urine is held in the bladder by a sphincter muscle which is controllable. The same applies to the anus as well where the anal sphincter controls are affected whether an individual defecates or not. Incontinence refers to the situation where either or both of the sphincters fail to do their jobs.

Incontinence is something that is deeply embarrassing for the woman. Urinary incontinence occurs twice as often in women than it does in men. The reasons for this include the difference in the structure of the female urinary tract. Other reasons include pregnancy related problems and damage or temporary damage that occurs during child birth.

There are many different causes of incontinence in women. The most common causes of incontinence in women are childbirth, pregnancy, menopause, birth defects, strokes, nerve disorders and age related problems. It should be understood that urinary incontinence in women is a medical problem and not something that the woman must simply accept as a fact of life that is associated with aging. Therefore, medical help should be sought when it is found that the woman is suffering from this problem. Incontinence in elderly women is more common than in younger women although one must not accept this as a part of the ageing process.

For incontinence in women, treatment can be sought through different methods before one seeks a surgical option to cure the problem. Surgery should be the last option used after one has exhausted other options for incontinence in women treatment. The first thing that one can do, particularly for urinary incontinence, is to follow a timed schedule for urination. One should urinate regularly and maintain a record of how often this is occurring. It has been found in most cases that women tend to gradually regain control of their bladder through this method. Once this occurs, the timing between visits to the bathroom can be increased as the sphincter muscle becomes more cooperative to instructions.

Another way of dealing with urinary incontinence in women is through the use of kegel exercises. Kegel exercises are exercises used to strengthen the sphincter muscle and the bladder muscles. These exercises involve the voluntary contraction and release of the pelvic muscles. The key here is to ensure that one only targets the pelvic muscles and nothing else. By contracting other muscles, especially the stomach muscles, one might end up worsening the situation rather than helping with the condition. Kegel exercises can be performed for just five to ten minutes each day with the benefits being felt within weeks of beginning such a regime. These exercises should not be attempted while one is urinating, even if the urination is involuntary.

There is also a medical option for treating urinary incontinence in women. Medications can be used to help reduce the activity of an overactive bladder. An important thing to understand is that stress can also be a trigger for this problem. Medication is very often used as a treatment for stress incontinence. This tackles the underlying problem, which is stress, rather than the symptom of urinary problems. Once the person is in a more relaxed mode, the chances of her recovering from incontinence are higher.

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Natural Remedies for Menopause - Relief | Menopause and Hormones

July 19, 2011 Women Health - Menopause

During puberty, a girl’s body becomes capable of reproduction. This is because the process of menstruation begins. Menstruation indicates the beginning of a new menstrual cycle. During the cycle, the lining of the uterus sheds and passes out of the body. In the middle of every cycle, one of the ovaries releases a mature egg which passes into the uterus through the fallopian tubes.  When the woman engages in unprotected sex during this period, there is a chance that she may get pregnant. The fertilized egg will then travel to the uterus where it implants itself in the thickened lining. If implantation does not occur, the woman will undergo menstruation which initiates the start of the next cycle.

Menopause is the process by which the woman’s reproductive system stops functioning in this way. Ovulation will stop as will menstruation. The woman’s body will experience a lot of change as there is a strong effect between menopause and hormones. The question then arises: what age does menopause start. There is no definite answer for this question. However, it is usually accepted that the age between 40 and 50 is when the woman is most likely to go through menopause.

Many women experience hot flashes after menopause begins. There are other menopause symptoms such as mood swings and vaginal dryness that can affect the daily routine of the woman. Thus, she may seek natural remedies for menopause. The first thing to understand is that there is a direct relationship between the diet and menopause. Studies have shown that women can change or reduce their symptoms by following a healthy diet. The relationship between the diet and menopause is based on stimulating foods in general. Spicy foods and caffeine drinks tend to produce

Causes, Signs and Symptoms of Toxic Shock Syndrome - Diagnosis, Tampon

August 2, 2011 Women Health Issues - Toxic Shock Syndrome

Toxic shock syndrome is a rare medical condition that can afflict both men and women. In certain cases this could also develop into a life threatening situation in some cases. Toxic shock syndrome is known to affect the entire body of the individual as it is a systemic medical condition. One of the primary causes of toxic shock syndrome is the presence of two different types of bacteria that are known to produce toxins. There have been cases where women are affected by toxic shock syndrome on account of the use of tampons especially the superabsorbent variants. This can be overcome by the development of better quality tampons as well as educating women on the need to change tampons regularly during menstruation. Some of the other causes of toxic shock syndrome are minor and related to skin infections such as chicken pox.

Toxic shock syndrome diagnosis has also been done in some individuals after they have given birth or after any surgical procedure. There are certain cases where the condition has resulted from the extended use of nasal packing that is typically used for nosebleeds. The signs and symptoms of toxic shock syndrome are known to appear in an individual suddenly and without much of a warning and being a toxin this medical condition is known to directly affect the organs in the body. One of the major symptoms of toxic shock syndrome is a sudden or rapid decline in ones blood pressure which may be characterized with fainting or feeling lightheaded.

Some of the other signs and symptoms of toxic shock syndrome include developing a high fever, diarrhea, vomiting, organ failure and seizures. A person suffering from toxic shock syndrome would also experience confusion, severe body ache and weakness, bright red coloring of the mouth, vagina, throat or eyes, as also a rash like development on the soles of the feet or the palms. Typically the signs and symptoms of toxic shock syndrome tend to appear in an individual only 2-3 days after they are actually infected. The toxic shock syndrome diagnosis is done on the basis of these signs and symptoms as well as a thorough physical examination of the patient.

Toxic shock syndrome diagnosis may also include blood cultures, blood tests as well as an evaluation of the functioning of the liver as well as the kidneys. Toxic shock syndrome treatment includes immediate removal of any foreign materials which may be in the form of wound dressings, contraceptive devices, tampons and so on. The medical treatment for toxic shock syndrome will also include putting the individual on intravenous fluids which will be instrumental in stabilizing the blood pressure of the individual. Medication could also be used for this purpose. Toxic shock syndrome treatment may also include the administration of antibiotics intravenously which is required to fight the infection caused by the bacteria. In some serious cases toxic shock syndrome treatment may also include surgical intervention for the removal of the dead tissues or abscess or even a dialysis if the person develops kidney failure.

People who have recently undergone a surgical procedure or have a skin wound should also take special protection against the development of any possible infection by the staph or strep bacteria. The bacteria are known to be one of the major causes of toxic shock syndrome. Toxic shock syndrome on account of the use of super absorbent tampons tends to occur because the superabsorbent fibers that are present in such tampons are known to scratch the surface of the vaginal walls. This provides the bacteria and the consequent toxins with a path to enter into the bloodstream of the individual.

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Remedies for Yeast Infection in Women | Signs and Symptoms of Yeast Infection in Women

August 2, 2011 Women Health Issues - Yeast Infection in Women

Yeast is a kind of a fungus that is naturally found to exist on the human skin especially in areas where there is constant moisture such as ones mouth and the vagina. Remedies for yeast infection in women are not difficult to find once the cause of the condition is tapped. One of the main causes of yeast infection in women is the increase in the proportion of yeast or bacteria that is already present in the vagina of the woman. This fluctuation in the yeast levels in the vagina tends to occur on account of the consumption of certain antibiotics or immunosuppressive drugs and so on. Some of the other causes of yeast infection in women could also be a physical injury that may occur to the inner vagina on account of treatments such as chemotherapy.

Signs and Symptoms of Yeast Infection in Women

Signs and symptoms of yeast infection in women are also seen in those women who use vaginal hygiene sprays or douches, oral contraceptives or in those who have suppressed immune systems. Some of the typical signs and symptoms of yeast infections in women are, experiencing a burning sensation in the vagina, soreness, painful intercourse or even experiencing pain at the time of urination. Besides this some women will also have a smelly white discharge from the vagina which appears to be similar to cottage cheese. Besides the usual causes of vaginal yeast infection in women there are certain other factors that are known to further aggravate or result in yeast infections. These includes wearing damp, tight or poorly ventilated clothing, poor eating habits , exposure to humid or hot weather, being diabetic, injuries, allergic reactions, poor personal hygiene, sweating excessively and so on.

One of the best home remedies for yeast infection in women is to consume some plain yogurt. The good bacteria present in yogurt are known to immediately provide relief from vaginal yeast infection. One may also apply the yogurt externally to the vagina and allow it to remain for some time before washing it off with some cool water and then drying the area completely. A natural cure for vaginal yeast infection also involves grinding some garlic pods and then gently applying this paste to the skin around ones vagina. This is known to be an effective treatment for vaginal yeast infection in women on account of the antibacterial properties of garlic. Another one of the home remedies for yeast infection in women involves the application of some fresh honey to the affected area. Allow the honey to remain there for at least 20 minutes and thereafter wash it off with some warm water and dry the area thoroughly.

One of the most effective home remedies for vaginal yeast infection in women is to apply some diluted tea tree oil topically to ones vagina. Alternatively one may also drop a few drops of tea tree oil into a tampon and then insert this into the vagina at least twice a day for immediate relief. A natural cure for vaginal yeast infection in women also includes adding a cup of apple cider vinegar to ones bath water. One should ensure that they do not apply apple cider vinegar directly to the yeast infected area as this will sting. As part of the methods used for the prevention of yeast infections in women one should ensure that they do not remain in damp or wet clothing for too long.

It is necessary to change into dry and cotton made undergarments and clothes especially after activities swimming. These should not be very tight fitting and of synthetic material so as to allow the skin to breathe properly. Home remedies are most ideal for treating a vaginal infection during pregnancy so that one does not inadvertently harm the baby as well as the mother on account of the chemicals that may be present in the commercially available vaginal yeast infection medicinal products.

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Home Remedies for Amenorrhea | Causes of Amenorrhea in Young Women

August 2, 2011 Women Health Issues - Home Remedies for Amenorrhea

Amenorrhea is a medical term that is used to refer to a medical condition wherein there is an absence of the menstrual periods in women which could be either on a temporary or even on a permanent basis. Typically, Amenorrhea is further classified into primary and secondary Amenorrhea. Primary Amenorrhea is referred to a condition when a woman does not have her periods even by the age of 16. Secondary Amenorrhea on the other hand is said to occur when the women misses her periods for at least three consecutive menstrual cycles or for a period of six months whereas she was menstruating normally in the past. One of the causes of Amenorrhea in young women is stress.

Besides this other factors like environmental changes, illnesses, changes in the hormonal levels and so on are also responsible for the condition. Some of the other causes of Amenorrhea in young women and even women generally are disorders that may occur in any component of the regulatory cycle. This cycle involves the hypothalamus of the brain as well as the pituitary gland which gives the ovaries the hormonal signals. The causes of primary Amenorrhea in young women may also result from genetic conditions wherein all or just some of the internal organs did not develop sufficiently at the time of fetal development or they are developed but do not function properly. Other causes of Amenorrhea in young women are extreme weight loss, rigorous exercise; sever illness, emotional or physical stress.

In certain other cases hereditary is also known to cause the condition of amenorrhea. As part of the natural cures for Amenorrhea, the diet for Amenorrhea should be a sensible and balanced one. It should include plenty of vegetables and organic fruits and also provides the body with the required amounts of calories and nutrition. The diet for Amenorrhea should also comprise of healthy fats, whole grains and should have high protein content. One of the best natural home remedies for amenorrhea includes managing your stress levels. This will help in solving the hormonal imbalance in the system as well. You could also consume fresh cold water fish as a treatment for amenorrhea as it has high quantities of omega 3 fatty acids. These are known to be highly beneficial to the reproductive system of the woman as well as ones overall health.

Herbs such as angelica, sage, blue cohosh and so on are also very useful in stimulation menstruation in women. Lemon balm can also be used to treat amenorrhea as well as help with menstrual cramps that may result. Flax seed boiled in plain water and mixed with jaggery and clarified butter is another remedy that will help in the treatment of Amenorrhea. One of the natural cures for Amenorrhea is to prepare a paste of 8 almonds along with an egg yolk or a cup of milk. This should be further mixed with a teaspoon of honey and half a teaspoon of sesame powder. After mixing these ingredients well, one should then consume it.

Another useful home remedy for Amenorrhea is to boil a teaspoonful of saffron in some water and reduce it to almost one tablespoon. This should then be divided into three parts and consumed thrice a day for best results. Chamomile tea is also known to help in the treatment of amenorrhea. One could drink around 3 cups of the tea in order that the results be effective. Despite all these remedies some women would still have problems with menstruation. At such moments it would be necessary that you contact a medical professional to treat the condition.

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