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Showing posts with label alternative medicine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label alternative medicine. Show all posts

Friday, November 15, 2019

Humidifier soothes Dry eyes

Humidifier soothes dry eyes @healthbiztips
Humidifier soothes dry eyes

Humidifier for Dry eye Relief -- Healthbiztips


@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan -- health blog

Excessive screen time, dry climate, hot and cold temperature are notorious environmental culprits that can cause or exacerbate dry eyes as they hasten the rate at which tears evaporate from the surface of the eyes. This is why restoring moisture in the air proves beneficial to control the symptoms of dry eyes.

Humidifier is a device that intoduces moisture into the air. It comes in various sizes that can cater a small area or an entire household. Not to be confused with diffuser which is use on essential oil, although certain types can also serve as humidifier.

In todays modern society, the incorporation of humidifier in households and offices is a practical solution to ease the eye strain brought about by spending too much time checking one's phone or working on a computer. A humidifier sitting on a desk while you fixate on your laptop is soothing.

Generally, an individual involuntarily blinks about 15 to 20 times every minute as a protective mechanism to continually spread a thin film of tears on the surface of the cornea to keep it moist and lubricated, however, substantial amount of screen time significantly lessens this crucial reflex.

Living in arid areas, the onset of summer or winter, or staying in an airconditionsd room can leave the eye dried-up.   Cases such as these can gain relief through the utilization of a humidifier indoors.

Another wonderful health benefit of humidifier is the prevention of common cold and flu, as well as improvement of breathing difficulty in asthma. Furthermore, since humidifier boosts humidity, it can be use to manage dry skin, dry hair, chapped lips, dry cough, and sore throat.

Indeed, eye drop is usually what comes into mind as a first line of dry eye treatment, but it is equally worthwhile to consider the positive effect of humidifier to abate the impact created by the lack of moisture in the air we breath.

Tuesday, November 5, 2019

Ketogenic diet for Drug-resistant Epilepsy

Ketogenic diet for Drug-resistant Epilepsy | healthbiztips
Ketogenic diet for Drug-resistant Epilepsy | healthbiztips

Keto diet, an Alternative Option for Drug-resistant Seizure


@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan | health blog

Ketogenic diet has become an alternative treatment for epileptic people when conventional antiseizure medicine fail to prevent an episode, but how can such a dietary regimen alleviate a serious medical condition?

The utilization of ketogenic diet for drug-resistant epilepsy is predominantly utilized in children, although it is not recommended for adults.

The Epilepsy Foundation claimed that:
  • Over half of children who go on the diet have at least a 50% reduction in the number of their seizures.
  • Some children, usually 10-15%, even become seizure-free.

According to this agency, keto diet proves helpful in medical conditions such as:
  • infantile spasms
  • Rett syndrome
  • tuberous sclerosis complex
  • Dravet syndrome
  • Doose syndrome
  • GLUT-1 deficiency

Studies by Rogawski and colleagues sheds some light into this topic:


Although the exact mechanism of ketogenic diet's success in averting seizure episode is hard to point out, it is known that keto diet's fundamental principle of mimicking the state of starvation induced by fasting is a key factor. However, do note that this diet does not withhold food intake, Instead, it drastically cuts down the portion of carbohydrate a person eats and replaces this main energy source with fat.

Without enough glucose to break down from the scanty carbohydrate, the body switches to fat as it's fuel. Fat is broken down and the liver produces ketone to serve as energy source. At this state, the person is said to be under the state of ketosis in which these ketone bodies floods the bloodstream.

The presence of ketone bodies have several metabolic effects that greatly benefit epileptic people:
  • increase in the production of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter
  • decrease in the production of glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter
  • Increase production of adenosine, an inhibitory neurotransmitter
  • Increase in the mitochondrial biogenesis in the hippocampus
  • Increase in reduced gutathione (GSH)


Since each patient has varying medical case and history, it is worth knowing that keto diet is not effective for all people so make it a point to consult your health care provider before starting it.


Resources:

Rogawski, M. A., Löscher, W., & Rho, J. M. (2016). Mechanisms of Action of Antiseizure Drugs and the Ketogenic Diet. Cold Spring Harbor perspectives in medicine, 6(5), a022780. doi:10.1101/cshperspect.a022780

Epilepsy Foundation. Ketogenic Diet. https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/treating-seizures-and-epilepsy/dietary-therapies/ketogenic-diet

Thursday, July 11, 2019

Does Alkaline Water Treatment effectively Cures Cancer?

Does Alkaline Water Treatment effectively Cures Cancer | Healthbiztips
Does Alkaline Water Treatment effectively Cures Cancer | Healthbiztips
photo credit: mrjn Photography @_mrjn_esf @unsplash

Does Alkaline Water Treatment effectively Cures Cancer | Healthbiztips


@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan | health blog

The notion that drinking alkaline water efficiently kills cancer lies in the fact that cancer cells do not thrive in an alkaline environment. However, there is no scientific evidence that backs up this claim.

The effectiveness of alkaline water as an alternative natural treatment for cancer remains shrouded in controversy. While cancer cell can not thrive in a environment with high levels of alkalinity, so is the human body.

The normal blood pH level, which ranges from 7.35 - 7.45, is in fact alkaline. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, in which 7 is considered the neutral pH. pH level above 7 is alkaline, while ranges below 7 is acidic.

When blood pH level increase in alkalinity in which it's range exceeds 7.45, disruptions in the bodily processes occurs which can manifest as symptoms that includes nausea, vomiting, dizziness, muscle spasm, confusion, difficulty of breathing, and can progress to coma and even death.


What is alkaline water?

Unlike normal water which has a neutral pH, alkaline water has a pH range of 8 to 9. Even so, since the human body has an internal mechanism of keeping blood pH level within normal range, under normal condition, drinking alkaline water does not affect the pH of the blood.

You have to understand that keeping the blood pH level within normal range is critical to survival. Any deviation from the normal range can prove disruptive and deadly.


In conclusion, if you'd like to purchase alkaline water, it's relatively safe to drink, but not a proven effective treatment to heal cancer.

Monday, July 8, 2019

Extreme Yoga poses Injures Osteoporotic bone

Extreme Yoga poses Injures Osteoporotic bone | Healthbiztips
Extreme Yoga poses Injures Osteoporotic bone | Healthbiztips
photo credit: Form @theformfitness @unsplash

Is yoga an ideal exercise for people with osteoporosis? | Healthbiztips


@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan | health blog

While yoga, as a form of physical exercise, is a great way to improve mobility and strength in people with osteoporosis, research reveals that yoga poses that exerts great pressure on the spine can cause injury and fracture.

Individuals with osteoporosis have reduce bone density which makes their bones weak and vulnerable to pressure. Therefore, they should avoid physical activity that puts extreme pressure and stress on their bones.

Yoga is considered a low to medium intensity exercise which many people find appealing because of it's simplicity and incredible health benefits. It is undeniable that doing yoga does grant individuals with several health advantages such as increase joint mobility, improve muscle strength, and reduce weight.

It is worth knowing that yoga takes various forms. Yoga can incorporate meditation, breathing exercise, and physical poses in varying pacing and intensity. While there are strenuous poses, there are low impact yoga poses that does not compromise the spine which people with osteoarthritis can safely practice in general.

It is recommended that those afflicted with osteoporosis consult with their health care provider or physical therapist to create a suitable exercise regimen that is customized to their physical ability and health needs.

Osteoporosis causes the bone to become fragile so it is crucial to avoid too much exertion on it. It's not just extreme yoga poses that osteoporotic individual should be wary of. Any physical activity that puts intense weight, or flexes or extends the spine excessively can have serious repercussion.


Resource:

Mayo Clinic. "People with osteoporosis should avoid spinal poses in yoga, study says." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 21 February 2019. https://www.sciencedaily.com/

Saturday, June 29, 2019

Green Tea, a cheap Home Remedy for UTI

Green Tea, a cheap Home Remedy for UTI | Healthbiztips
Green Tea, a cheap Home Remedy for UTI | Healthbiztips

Green Tea, a cheap Home Remedy for UTI | Healthbiztips


@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan | Health blog

Green tea offers a promising home remedy for urinary tract infection because it has an antibacterial component in the form of polyphenols which effectively destroys disease causing microbes such Escherichia coli.

Brewed from the leaves of Camellia sinensis, green tea is a cheap and accessible alternative treatment for the infection of the urinary tract. It's catechin content not only eradicates disease causing germs, but also enhances the effect of antimicrobial medications.

When a person drinks brewed green tea, it's catechin content EGC is excreted through the urinary system where it exerts it's antimicrobial activity.

This adds up the amazing list of green tea's incredible health benefits. It really is a healthy beverage that's among the most famed globally for it's rich taste and marvelous advantages to the wellbeing.



What is urinary tract infection (UTI)?

Urinary tract infection is the infiltration and spread of pathogenic microorganism within the urinary system (urethra, ureter, urinary bladder, kidney).

Escherichia coli, the common gut bacteria is the most common culprit of UTI. Women are particularly more prone to develop UTI because of the proximity of their urethra to the urinary bladder.

Common signs and symptoms of urinary tract infection includes:

  • pain when urinating
  • frequency in urination
  • cloudy or foul smelling urine
  • nausea and vomiting




Resources:

Noormandi, A., & Dabaghzadeh, F. (2014). Effects of green tea on Escherichia coli as a uropathogen. Journal of traditional and complementary medicine, 5(1), 15–20. doi:10.1016/j.jtcme.2014.10.005

Reygaert, W., & Jusufi, I. (2013). Green tea as an effective antimicrobial for urinary tract infections caused by Escherichia coli. Frontiers in microbiology, 4, 162. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2013.00162

Friday, May 24, 2019

Natural Home Remedy for Sunburn

Natural Home Remedies for Sun Damaged skin | Healthbiztips


Beaches and summer brings about vision of sun-kissed skin which many Westerners desperately wants to achieve, while most Asians frantically try to avoid. It's a clash of beauty standards from the different sides of the globe. But, surely, beauty expectation varies per person right?

Whatever your preference is, we can all agree that a sunburnt skin is a bummer. It's painful and horrible.

If you want all-natural chemical-free remedies to heal and soothe your sunburn, then this health blog post if for you.

Did you know that sunburn is considered a first degree burn? Sun damage is one of the leading cause of premature skin aging.

Natural Home Remedy for Sunburn | Healthbiztips
Natural Home Remedy for Sunburn | Healthbiztips
photo credit: Chris Nguyen @cspek @unsplash

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan

How to treat sunburn naturally?

1. Fresh Aloe vera

Aloe vera is a potent anti-inflammatory that has a cooling effect on the skin which soothes the sunburnt area and helps relieve pain. Applying fresh aloe vera sap over your sunburn area is an effective and affordable home remedy to subside the redness and pain of sunburn.

Did you know that aloe vera is famed as the "Plant of Immortality" by the ancient Egyptians because of it's incredible healing property. Insect bite, wrinkles, age spots, burn, tooth decay, and high blood sugar are among the health problems in which aloe vera is used as a home remedy.

Aloe vera has thick fleshy pointed leaves that can grow to roughly 19 inches in length. The gel obtained from it's leaves contains antioxidants, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

You may realize that aloe vera is an active ingredient of a large scale of cosmetic and skincare products.

How to use aloe vera to treat sunburn?

  1. Pluck a fresh aloe vera stem then cleans it with water.
  2. Cut it into half lengthwise.
  3. Extract the fresh sap with a clean spoon.
  4. Apply the aloe vera gel on the sunburned area.
  5. Wait until it gets absorbed into your skin and completely dries.

You can store any unused aloe vera gel in a clean container and refrigerate it for up to 10 days,


2. Green Tea

Alright, make a cup of green tea, but don't drink it! Instead, we're gonna use it as an effective but low-priced home remedy to soothe your sunburn. Skip the sugar and milk, will you.

Green tea has anti-inflammatory property which helps reduce swelling and redness on the affected area. It is rich in antioxidant and active compounds to prevent premature signs of aging.

Research reveals that this superfood contains an antioxidant called EGCG which repairs DNA damage brought about by sun exposure. It also has antimicrobial property which prevents bacterial infection on the sunburned area.


How to use green tea to remedy sunburn?

  1. Brew 1 green tea bag in a cup of hot water for about 15 minutes.
  2. Let it cool to room temperature.
  3. Put it on the fridge to cool or add several ice cubes.
  4. Apply the green tea directly on your sunburned area.
  5. Let it absorb into your skin.


3. Oatmeal

Oatmeal is one of those typical whole grains that's sitting on a kitchen's cupboard. It's not just there to satisfy your appetite. In fact, we can use it to make an all-natural home remedy for sunburn. Ready?

Oatmeal is a natural remedy for itch, skin inflammation, and swelling.

How to make a soothing oatmeal bath to treat sunburn?

  1. Using a food processor, grind 1 cup all-natural organic oatmeal.
  2. You can also choose to do the grinding manually with a moral and pestle.
  3. Prepare your bath tub by filling it with water.
  4. Pour the finely grounded oatmeal on your water-filled tub.
  5. You can not processed to your bath. Soak your body for about 15 to 30 minutes.


How to make an oatmeal paste to soothe sunburn?
  1. Using a food processor, grind 1 tbsp all-natural organic oatmeal.
  2. You can also choose to do the grinding manually with a moral and pestle.
  3. Mix 1 tbsp finely grind oatmeal with water to create a paste.
  4. Apply the oatmeal paste over your sunburn area.
  5. Let it stay for 10 to 15 minutes before you rinse the it.


4. Baking soda

Baking soda isn't just for baking, it's also an ingenious home remedy for sunburn. It helps calm and soothe inflamed skin,

Let's bake your skin anew! (Did I said it right?)

Baking soda bath home remedy for sunburn
Bathing with soap can often cause irritation and pain on the sunburn area so let's take it easy and instead use baking soda. Baking soda is a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory.

  1. Fill your bath tub with water, then pour 1 cup baking soda.
  2. Stir with your arms.
  3. Soak your body for about 15 to 30 minutes.


Baking soda paste home remedy for sunburn

  1. Mix 1 tbsp baking soda with water until you make a paste.
  2. You can adjust the amount based on your needs.
  3. Apply the baking soda paste over your sunburn area.
  4. Let it stay for 5 to 15 minutes.
  5. Rinse with water.


As they say: "Prevention is better than cure."

How to prevent sunburn?

If you're living with sunburn every summer, you know you got to do something about it, right?

Summer doesn't have to equate sunburn. There are many ways to prevent this nasty superficial skin burn in which the most effective is to stay away from direct sunlight.

Sunscreen is your number one best friend against the sun if you prefer to stay outdoor despite it's blazing gaze.

Note however that even when you are wearing your sunscreen, you're still not supposed to parade your bare body under direct sunlight. Use hat and sunglasses for further sun protection.


Why do we get sunburn?

Sunlight contains invisible lights called ultraviolet rays that can damage your skin cells so you have to avoid direct exposure to sunlight especially when you're not wearing sun protection like enough clothing, hat, and sunscreen. Sun exposure can damage and age your skin.

Monday, April 8, 2019

7 Hydrotherapy Benefits - Healthbiztips

7 Hydrotherapy Benefits


Hydrotherapy is an alternative treatment that utilizes water to treat various health problems such as body pain and limitations of movement. This technique is proven safe and effective.

7 Hydrotherapy Benefits - Healthbiztips
7 Hydrotherapy Benefits - Healthbiztips
photo credit: @erdaest Erda Estremera @unsplash 
@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan

The use of water to heal bodily afflictions is an age-old knowledge that dates back to the ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman.

Hydrotherapy is also called "water cure".

Hydrotherapy usually involves the use of warm water with temperature range of 33 to 36 ºC, which can be combined with various form of exercises that can be individualized to meet the health needs of a person.

This alternative medicine is used to treat various health problems involving body pain and movement limitation like in the case of back pain, shoulder pain, osteoarthritis, rheumatic disease, and cerebral palsy. It's usually available in a hospital's physiotherapy department.

Hydrotherapy have several benefits to the body.


1. Pain relief
Chronic pain is a limitation that's a huge setback on people suffering from it. Instead of conventional pain relieve medication, the use of water to treat pain offers a natural and drug-free alternative to alleviate pain.


2. Less pressure on joints and back

Being in water relieves pressure on weight-bearing joints and reduces compression on the back bone which helps relieve joint pain and back pain. Since pain a great hindrance when performing physical activity, hydrotherapy can encourage a person to initiate physical movement.


3. Improves circulation

Being submerged in warm water dilates blood vessels which improves blood circulation. Hydrotherapy soothes the body, diminish muscle tension and body aches.


4. Builds muscle strength

In hydrotherapy, the use of water as a resistance to train against helps a person build muscle strength. Individuals with joint problems may find exercising in warm water more bearable than exercising on land.


5. Improves mobility

With the health benefit of alleviating pain, inflammation, and soreness, a person's range of motion can be enhanced by engaging in exercises customized for them. Through time, as they repeatedly engage in physical activity, range of motion of joints can be enhanced.


6. Improves balance

Individuals with movement limitations who find it difficult to do physical activity on land can benefit greatly from hydrotherapy because exerting effort in water is easier and less painful. This method is an effective and proven treatment to yield balance and movement coordination.


7. Reduces stress and anxiety

It can be really tough to deal with health problems when they're accompanied by stress. Hydrotherapy is beneficial to both the physical and mental well-being of an individual. It soothes and calms the nerves.