Don't be discouraged by the title, it's a positive review of all the bee products. Yet it's still bewildering to have such an abundant amount of positive, anecdotal evidence and numerous in vitro/in vivo studies validating their benefits.
Jury’s out on honey’s health benefits, but buzz grows!
Aromatherapy Benefits of Essential Oil Diffusion
Diffusion is an effective way to disperse essential oils into the air. Once released into the air, an oil's specific aroma can be used to create a desired atmosphere, like the fresh and invigorating aroma of Citrus paradisi, which can also be a mood boost. In addition, the beneficial properties of the oil are released into the air and inhaled, similar to the pathway essential oils take in nature when plants release them into the air.
For more information about the aromatherapy benefits of essential oil diffusion, check out ACHS President Dorene Petersen's article, "Aromatherapy Benefits of Essential Oil Diffusion", on Perfume Pharmer.
In her article, Dorene shares two aromatherapy essential oil blends for diffusion, a Respiratory System Formula and Inhalation Formula. The ingredients for the Inhalation Formula include eucalyptus Eucalyptus globulus oil and peppermint Mentha piperita var. vulgaris oil. Download the specific quantities and blending directions from the Perfume Pharmer. Be sure to leave a comment and let us know how the blend works for you!
For more information about the aromatherapy benefits of essential oil diffusion, check out ACHS President Dorene Petersen's article, "Aromatherapy Benefits of Essential Oil Diffusion", on Perfume Pharmer.
In her article, Dorene shares two aromatherapy essential oil blends for diffusion, a Respiratory System Formula and Inhalation Formula. The ingredients for the Inhalation Formula include eucalyptus Eucalyptus globulus oil and peppermint Mentha piperita var. vulgaris oil. Download the specific quantities and blending directions from the Perfume Pharmer. Be sure to leave a comment and let us know how the blend works for you!
Earth Hour 2011: Reaffirm Your Commitment to the Preservation of the Planet
Earth Hour 2011 takes place at 8:30 pm (local time) on Saturday, March 26, 2011. For one hour, participants worldwide will switch off their lights, a sign of their commitment to climate action and year-round preservation initiatives.Earth Hour is organized by the World Wildlife Federation and has about 5 million supporters worldwide. We hope you're one of them. Earth Hour helps raise awareness of sustainability and conservation issues important to you and your community, like water and the World Water Day initiative, which helps raise awareness about the importance of access to fresh, clean water.
But we can do more. Earth Hour is a start! It's about raising awareness and working together!
As part of the American College of Healthcare Sciences' mission to provide leadership in holistic health education through comprehensive professional online and on-campus education and high quality natural products, we're committed to sustainable practices and principles (the ACHS Apothecary Shoppe College Store is Oregon Tilth Certified Organic), and work to preserve and share knowledge in natural medicine (free natural health and organic gardening downloads).
Here's a link to more information about our commitment to sustainability at ACHS.
What's your commitment to Earth Hour beyond the hour?
You can start by signing the Earth Hour pledge here. Local Earth Hour events are listed on the Earth Hour website here. Then tell us about your commitment beyond the hour ... will you start a tree-planting initiative? Pledge to conserve energy in your home and business? Switch to soy-based inks? Opt to ride your bike to work a few days per week or take local transportation? Help raise awareness about access to clean water worldwide? Lead a workshop in your community about growing organic herbs, fruits, and veggies? Let us know so we can share it with our network!
How to deal with potential Radioactive exposure
For readers wondering what they might do if one day they hear a radioactive cloud is likely to be wandering over the UK the article below by Azlan White, kindly emailed to me by White Dove healing Arts Ltd, will give you plenty of seaweed to digest and much else besides. Show it to your GP?
RADIATION DETOX & PREVENTION by Azlan White on Sunday, March 13, 2011 at 8:39pm-
Information from www.radiationdetox.com Here's some of the information we do know from the only book in the world on the topic. Keep this information in the back of your mind as it may one day help save you or someone you know.
Most people are aware taking potassium iodide (KI) or potassium iodate (KIO3) tablets will help block your thyroid gland from absorbing radioactive iodine should there ever be a dirty bomb explosion or nuclear power plant mishap such as the Three Mile Island incident. In 1999, another such accident happened in Tokaimura, Japan where several individuals died from radiation exposure in a fuel processing facility. What people don't recognize is that potassium iodide or iodate tablets only protect the thyroid gland and do not provide protection from any other radiation exposure, so taking them should not give you a false sense of security.
It's important to detox your body after radioactive exposure! One question is, what do you do if KI or KIO3 tablets aren't available during an emergency? Interestingly enough, according to research by Ken Miller, health physicist at the Hershey Medical Center, he found that an adult could get a blocking dose of stable iodine by painting 8 ml of a 2 percent tincture of Iodine on the abdomen or forearm approximately 2 hours prior to I-131 contamination. Potassium iodine tablets are best, but if they're not available this is the next best thing.
An entirely different problem arises after you've been exposed to radioactive contamination because now you have to get rid of any radioactive particles you may have ingested through the air you breathed, water you drank, or food you ate. Some people suggest Epson salt, Clorox or clay baths to remove any residues on your skin and to leach out any heavy metals you may have absorbed, but the big worry is internal contamination.
To gain some insights into what to do, we have to turn to the story of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki.At the time of the atomic bombing, Tatsuichiro Akizuki, M.D. was Director of the Department of Internal Medicine at St. Francis's Hospital in Nagasaki and he fed his staff and patients a strict diet of brown rice, miso and tamari soy soup, wakame, kombu and other seaweed, Hokkaido pumpkin, and sea salt. He also prohibited the consumption of sugar and sweets since they suppress the immune system.By imposing this diet on his staff and patients, no one succumbed to radiation poisoning whereas the occupants of hospitals located much further away from the blast incident suffered severe radiation fatalities.
Much of this positive result has to do with the fact that the sea vegetables contain substances that bind radioactive particles and escort them out of the body. This is why seaweed sales usually skyrocket after radiation disasters, and why various seaweeds and algae are typically used to treat radiation victims. In Chernobyl, for instance, spirulina was used to help save many children from radiation poisoning. By taking 5 grams of spirulina a day for 45 days, the Institute of Radiation Medicine in Minsk even proved that children on this protocol experienced enhanced immune systems, T-cell counts and reduced radioactivity. Israeli scientists have since treated Chernobyl children with doses of natural beta carotene from Dunaliella algae and proved that it helped normalize their blood chemistry.
Chlorella algae, a known immune system builder and heavy metal detoxifier, has also shown radioprotective effects. Because they bind heavy metals, algae should therefore be consumed after exposure to any type of radioactive contamination.In 1968 a group of Canadian researchers at McGill University of Montreal, headed by Dr. Stanley Skoryna, actually set out to devise a method to counteract the effects of nuclear fallout. The key finding from their studies was that sea vegetables contained a polysaccharide substance, called sodium alginate, which selectively bound radioactive strontium and eliminated it from the body.Sodium alginate is found in many seaweeds, especially kelp, and since that time the Russians have been seriously researching the use of their own kelps from Vladivlostok, from which they have isolated the polysaccharide U-Fucoidan, which is another radioactive detoxifier.
MISO! - miso soup was so effective in helping prevent radiation sickness, the Japanese have also done research identifying the presence of an active ingredient called zybicolin, discovered in 1972, which acts as a binding agent to also detoxify and eliminate radioactive elements (such as strontium) and other pollutants from the body.
The kelps and algaes aren't the only natural foods with radio-detoxifying effects. In terms of fluids to drink, BLACK AND GREEN TEA have shown "radioprotective effects" whether consumed either before or after exposure to radiation. This anti-radiation effect was observed in several Japanese studies, and studies from China also suggest that the ingredients in tea are radioactive antagonists.
In short, after any sort of radioactive exposure you want to be eating seaweeds and algaes along with almost any type of commercial heavy metal chelating formula to bind radioactive particles and help escort them out of the body. Whether you're worried about depleted uranium, plutonium or other isotopes, this is the wise thing to do which can possibly help, and certainly won't hurt.
Many nutritional supplements have been developed for the purpose of detoxifying heavy metals, most of which contain the algaes and plant fibers and other binding substances.Basically, an anti-radiation diet should focus on the following foods:· Miso soup· Spirulina, chlorella and the algaes (kelp, etc.)· Brassica vegetables and high beta carotene vegetables· Beans and lentils· Potassium, calcium and mineral rich foods· High nucleotide content foods to assist in cellular repair including spirulina, chlorella, algae, yeast, sardines, liver, anchovies and mackerel· Cod liver oil and olive oil· Avoid sugars and sweets and wheat· A good multivitamin/multimineral supplement
Yet another benefit of the sea vegetables rarely discussed is their high mineral content, which is a bonus in the case of radioactive exposure. Consuming natural iodine, such as in the seaweeds, helps prevent the uptake of iodine-131 while ironinhibits the absorption of plutonium-238 and plutonium-239. Vitamin B-12inhibits cobalt-60 uptake (used in nuclear medicine), zinc inhibits zinc-65 uptake andsulfur is preventative for sulfur-35 (a product of nuclear reactors) incorporation by the body. Since nuclear workers are potentially exposed to radioactive sulfur, this means that workers in the atomic power industry need a higher content of sulfur in their diet. MSMsupplements provide a source of dietary sulfur, but thiol supplements such as cysteine, lipoic acid and glutathione serve double-duty in this area because they help detoxify the body and attack all sorts of other health problems as well.
The immune system is usually hit hard after radiation exposure, and a number of steps can be taken to help prevent opportunistic infections after a radioactive incident.
Though the full dimensions of the protective mechanism is still unknown, Siberian ginseng is one form of ginseng that exerts a definite radioprotective effect and has been demonstrated to lessen the side effects of radiation. It was widely distributed by the Soviet Union to those exposed Chernobyl radiation and is commonly used to help cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy.
Consuming Reishi mushrooms is another proven way to bolster your immune system after radiation exposure and helps reduce the damage from radiation. It's been used to decrease radiation sickness in animals and help them recover faster after potentially deadly exposure. Panax ginseng has prevented hemorrhaging after radiation exposure, prevents bone marrow death and stimulates blood cell formation, so it's another supplement to add to one's protocol.
In short, yeasts, beta glucans, bee pollen and various forms of ginseng have all been shown to bolster the immune system after radiation incidents.
In terms of radiation burns, aloe vera has a proven ability to treat serious radiation burns and offers other radioprotective effects, and can easily be grown in your house.
The amino acid L-Glutamine can be used to help repair the intestine in case of the gastrointestinal syndrome usually suffered due to radiation exposure, and a variety of substances can help rebuild blood cells to prevent hematopoietic syndrome. Those particular foods include beet juice, liver extract, spleen extract, and shark alkyglycerols.
Most oncologists don't know that shark liver oil, with alkyglycerols, can help platelet counts rebound in days.
Depleted uranium is currently in the journalistic spotlight because US weapons are made from this material, and after being fired leave a legacy of depleted uranium dust in the environment, which anyone can absorb.Because the kidneys are usually the first organs to show chemical damage upon uranium exposure, military manuals suggest doses or infusions of sodium bicarbonate to help alkalinize the urine if this happens. This makes the uranyl ion less kidney-toxic and promotes excretion of the nontoxic uranium carbonate complex. In areas contaminated by depleted uranium dusts, it therefore makes sense to switch todrinking slightly alkaline water and to favor a non-acidic diet to assist in this detoxification. Any of the heavy metal detoxifiers, such as miso soup, chlorella, spirulina and seaweeds, are also commonsense warranted.
Another thing you can do is use homeopathics for radiation exposure. People commonly argue over whether homeopathics work or not, but if you assume the position that they produce no results whatsoever then you must also assume that they certainly won't hurt you, which means the only loss from using them is a few dollars. Frankly, there are countless cases and double-blind studies where homeopathic tinctures do provoke physical healing effects in the body. Therefore they are a viable adjunct treatment option. One homeopathic, in particular, is URANIUM NITRICUM (nitrate of uranium) which homeopaths suggest should be used in cases of depleted uranium exposure or uranium poisoning. Not just soldiers or civilians exposed to battlefield dusts, but uranium miners and radiation workers may find it quite useful.
While we've discussed just a few of the many supplements and protocols you can use to help detox the body of the lingering results of radioactive contamination, including the residues of depleted uranium, the last thing that might be of interest is that there is a plant that is a natural geiger counter. The spiderwort plant is so sensitive to changes in radiation levels (its petals change color upon exposure) that it's often used as a natural radiation detector (dosimeter), just as they use canaries in mines as detectors of poisonous gas. Some people like knowing that they have an ongoing monitoring system for radiation in the environment, and this is just another tip available in "How to Neutralize the Harmful Effects of Radiation or Radioactive Exposure."
RADIATION DETOX & PREVENTION by Azlan White on Sunday, March 13, 2011 at 8:39pm-
Information from www.radiationdetox.com Here's some of the information we do know from the only book in the world on the topic. Keep this information in the back of your mind as it may one day help save you or someone you know.
Most people are aware taking potassium iodide (KI) or potassium iodate (KIO3) tablets will help block your thyroid gland from absorbing radioactive iodine should there ever be a dirty bomb explosion or nuclear power plant mishap such as the Three Mile Island incident. In 1999, another such accident happened in Tokaimura, Japan where several individuals died from radiation exposure in a fuel processing facility. What people don't recognize is that potassium iodide or iodate tablets only protect the thyroid gland and do not provide protection from any other radiation exposure, so taking them should not give you a false sense of security.
It's important to detox your body after radioactive exposure! One question is, what do you do if KI or KIO3 tablets aren't available during an emergency? Interestingly enough, according to research by Ken Miller, health physicist at the Hershey Medical Center, he found that an adult could get a blocking dose of stable iodine by painting 8 ml of a 2 percent tincture of Iodine on the abdomen or forearm approximately 2 hours prior to I-131 contamination. Potassium iodine tablets are best, but if they're not available this is the next best thing.
An entirely different problem arises after you've been exposed to radioactive contamination because now you have to get rid of any radioactive particles you may have ingested through the air you breathed, water you drank, or food you ate. Some people suggest Epson salt, Clorox or clay baths to remove any residues on your skin and to leach out any heavy metals you may have absorbed, but the big worry is internal contamination.
To gain some insights into what to do, we have to turn to the story of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki.At the time of the atomic bombing, Tatsuichiro Akizuki, M.D. was Director of the Department of Internal Medicine at St. Francis's Hospital in Nagasaki and he fed his staff and patients a strict diet of brown rice, miso and tamari soy soup, wakame, kombu and other seaweed, Hokkaido pumpkin, and sea salt. He also prohibited the consumption of sugar and sweets since they suppress the immune system.By imposing this diet on his staff and patients, no one succumbed to radiation poisoning whereas the occupants of hospitals located much further away from the blast incident suffered severe radiation fatalities.
Much of this positive result has to do with the fact that the sea vegetables contain substances that bind radioactive particles and escort them out of the body. This is why seaweed sales usually skyrocket after radiation disasters, and why various seaweeds and algae are typically used to treat radiation victims. In Chernobyl, for instance, spirulina was used to help save many children from radiation poisoning. By taking 5 grams of spirulina a day for 45 days, the Institute of Radiation Medicine in Minsk even proved that children on this protocol experienced enhanced immune systems, T-cell counts and reduced radioactivity. Israeli scientists have since treated Chernobyl children with doses of natural beta carotene from Dunaliella algae and proved that it helped normalize their blood chemistry.
Chlorella algae, a known immune system builder and heavy metal detoxifier, has also shown radioprotective effects. Because they bind heavy metals, algae should therefore be consumed after exposure to any type of radioactive contamination.In 1968 a group of Canadian researchers at McGill University of Montreal, headed by Dr. Stanley Skoryna, actually set out to devise a method to counteract the effects of nuclear fallout. The key finding from their studies was that sea vegetables contained a polysaccharide substance, called sodium alginate, which selectively bound radioactive strontium and eliminated it from the body.Sodium alginate is found in many seaweeds, especially kelp, and since that time the Russians have been seriously researching the use of their own kelps from Vladivlostok, from which they have isolated the polysaccharide U-Fucoidan, which is another radioactive detoxifier.
MISO! - miso soup was so effective in helping prevent radiation sickness, the Japanese have also done research identifying the presence of an active ingredient called zybicolin, discovered in 1972, which acts as a binding agent to also detoxify and eliminate radioactive elements (such as strontium) and other pollutants from the body.
The kelps and algaes aren't the only natural foods with radio-detoxifying effects. In terms of fluids to drink, BLACK AND GREEN TEA have shown "radioprotective effects" whether consumed either before or after exposure to radiation. This anti-radiation effect was observed in several Japanese studies, and studies from China also suggest that the ingredients in tea are radioactive antagonists.
In short, after any sort of radioactive exposure you want to be eating seaweeds and algaes along with almost any type of commercial heavy metal chelating formula to bind radioactive particles and help escort them out of the body. Whether you're worried about depleted uranium, plutonium or other isotopes, this is the wise thing to do which can possibly help, and certainly won't hurt.
Many nutritional supplements have been developed for the purpose of detoxifying heavy metals, most of which contain the algaes and plant fibers and other binding substances.Basically, an anti-radiation diet should focus on the following foods:· Miso soup· Spirulina, chlorella and the algaes (kelp, etc.)· Brassica vegetables and high beta carotene vegetables· Beans and lentils· Potassium, calcium and mineral rich foods· High nucleotide content foods to assist in cellular repair including spirulina, chlorella, algae, yeast, sardines, liver, anchovies and mackerel· Cod liver oil and olive oil· Avoid sugars and sweets and wheat· A good multivitamin/multimineral supplement
Yet another benefit of the sea vegetables rarely discussed is their high mineral content, which is a bonus in the case of radioactive exposure. Consuming natural iodine, such as in the seaweeds, helps prevent the uptake of iodine-131 while ironinhibits the absorption of plutonium-238 and plutonium-239. Vitamin B-12inhibits cobalt-60 uptake (used in nuclear medicine), zinc inhibits zinc-65 uptake andsulfur is preventative for sulfur-35 (a product of nuclear reactors) incorporation by the body. Since nuclear workers are potentially exposed to radioactive sulfur, this means that workers in the atomic power industry need a higher content of sulfur in their diet. MSMsupplements provide a source of dietary sulfur, but thiol supplements such as cysteine, lipoic acid and glutathione serve double-duty in this area because they help detoxify the body and attack all sorts of other health problems as well.
The immune system is usually hit hard after radiation exposure, and a number of steps can be taken to help prevent opportunistic infections after a radioactive incident.
Though the full dimensions of the protective mechanism is still unknown, Siberian ginseng is one form of ginseng that exerts a definite radioprotective effect and has been demonstrated to lessen the side effects of radiation. It was widely distributed by the Soviet Union to those exposed Chernobyl radiation and is commonly used to help cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy.
Consuming Reishi mushrooms is another proven way to bolster your immune system after radiation exposure and helps reduce the damage from radiation. It's been used to decrease radiation sickness in animals and help them recover faster after potentially deadly exposure. Panax ginseng has prevented hemorrhaging after radiation exposure, prevents bone marrow death and stimulates blood cell formation, so it's another supplement to add to one's protocol.
In short, yeasts, beta glucans, bee pollen and various forms of ginseng have all been shown to bolster the immune system after radiation incidents.
In terms of radiation burns, aloe vera has a proven ability to treat serious radiation burns and offers other radioprotective effects, and can easily be grown in your house.
The amino acid L-Glutamine can be used to help repair the intestine in case of the gastrointestinal syndrome usually suffered due to radiation exposure, and a variety of substances can help rebuild blood cells to prevent hematopoietic syndrome. Those particular foods include beet juice, liver extract, spleen extract, and shark alkyglycerols.
Most oncologists don't know that shark liver oil, with alkyglycerols, can help platelet counts rebound in days.
Depleted uranium is currently in the journalistic spotlight because US weapons are made from this material, and after being fired leave a legacy of depleted uranium dust in the environment, which anyone can absorb.Because the kidneys are usually the first organs to show chemical damage upon uranium exposure, military manuals suggest doses or infusions of sodium bicarbonate to help alkalinize the urine if this happens. This makes the uranyl ion less kidney-toxic and promotes excretion of the nontoxic uranium carbonate complex. In areas contaminated by depleted uranium dusts, it therefore makes sense to switch todrinking slightly alkaline water and to favor a non-acidic diet to assist in this detoxification. Any of the heavy metal detoxifiers, such as miso soup, chlorella, spirulina and seaweeds, are also commonsense warranted.
Another thing you can do is use homeopathics for radiation exposure. People commonly argue over whether homeopathics work or not, but if you assume the position that they produce no results whatsoever then you must also assume that they certainly won't hurt you, which means the only loss from using them is a few dollars. Frankly, there are countless cases and double-blind studies where homeopathic tinctures do provoke physical healing effects in the body. Therefore they are a viable adjunct treatment option. One homeopathic, in particular, is URANIUM NITRICUM (nitrate of uranium) which homeopaths suggest should be used in cases of depleted uranium exposure or uranium poisoning. Not just soldiers or civilians exposed to battlefield dusts, but uranium miners and radiation workers may find it quite useful.
While we've discussed just a few of the many supplements and protocols you can use to help detox the body of the lingering results of radioactive contamination, including the residues of depleted uranium, the last thing that might be of interest is that there is a plant that is a natural geiger counter. The spiderwort plant is so sensitive to changes in radiation levels (its petals change color upon exposure) that it's often used as a natural radiation detector (dosimeter), just as they use canaries in mines as detectors of poisonous gas. Some people like knowing that they have an ongoing monitoring system for radiation in the environment, and this is just another tip available in "How to Neutralize the Harmful Effects of Radiation or Radioactive Exposure."
Grapefruit Seed Extract Q & A
Grapefruit seed extract (GSE) is an item commonly available in health food stores and a commonly held perception is that the product is “natural.” However, as it turns out, the “natural” designation may be inaccurate. The study “Identification of Benzethonium Chloride in Commercial Grapefruit Seed Extracts” (Takeoka, Dao, Wong, Lundin, Mahoney, 2001) states “the composition of commercial GSE is not defined, and its methods of production are proprietary and not specified,”[1] which leaves some question about its safety for internal use.
Several studies have found part of the “proprietary” ingredients include potentially harmful preservatives. In fact, to our knowledge, no authenticated GSE has been found to be free of preservatives; therefore, it is unclear if tested GSE has been found effective because of the effects of preservative ingredients, such as benzethonium chloride, methylparaben, and triclosan.
Each of these ingredients—benzethonium chloride, methylparaben, and triclosan— has a profile on the Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database and we encourage you to conduct some personal research into their potential effects on the body. (Skin Deep is a personal care safety guide compiled by researchers at the nonprofit Environmental Working Group.)
For example, the Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database links benzethonium chloride with potential cancer risks and moderate risk for neurotoxicity and organ system toxicity[2]. Similarly, methylparaben and triclosan have both been linked to cancer, as well as endocrine disruption[3] and potential skin, eye, and lung irritation[4].
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) triclosan fact sheet lists triclosan as an antimicrobial pesticide used commercially, industrially, residentially, and as a materials preservative included in items like hand soaps, toothpastes, adhesives, fabrics, and carpeting[5].
However, triclosan is a potential endocrine disruptor in humans. A 2006 study (Veldhoen et al.), “investigated whether exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of the bactericidal agent, triclosan, induces changes in the thyroid hormone-mediated process of metamorphosis of the North American bullfrog,” and found low levels of exposure to triclosan disrupted thyroid hormone-associated gene expression, potentially altering “the rate of thyroid hormone-mediated postembryonic anuran development”[6].
In addition, triclosan has been found to inhibit photosynthesis in diatom algae, a major group of algae that contributes much of the photosynthetic activity necessary for a healthy ecosystem.[7] Through photosynthesis, diatom produce food and oxygen for other organisms, contributing “an estimated 80 percent of the oxygen in our atmosphere, making them essential to life on earth” (Beyond Pesticides, 2010)[8]. This of special concern when you consider triclosan may remain in the environment for 30 or more years[9].
Read the full-length article "Health Benefits of Grapefruit Seed Extract: Follow Up Q & A" from the March 2011 edition of ACHS' The Reporter online here.
References
[1] Takeoka, G., Dao, L., Wong, R., Lundin, R., Mahoney, N. (2001). Identification of Benzethonium Chloride in Commercial Grapefruit Seed Extracts. J. Agric. Food Chem. 49, 3316-3320.
[2] Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database. (2011). BENZETHONIUM CHLORIDE. Retrieved from http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/ingredient.php?ingred06=700675
[3] Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database. (2011). METHYLPARABEN. Retrieved from http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/ingredient.php?ingred06=703937
[4] Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database. (2011). TRICLOSAN. Retrieved from
http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/ingredient.php?ingred06=706623
[5] Environmental Protection Agency. (2011, February 16). Triclosan Facts. Retrieved from http://www.epa.gov/oppsrrd1/REDs/factsheets/triclosan_fs.htm
[6] Veldhoen, N., Skirrow, R., Osachoff, H., Wigmore, H., Clapson, D., Gunderson, M., et al. (2006). The bactericidal agent triclosan modulates thyroid hormone-associated gene expression and disrupts postembryonic anuran development. Aquatic Toxicology 80(3,1), 217-227. Abstract obtained from http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6T4G-4M0S2Y9-1/2/1607f34b5f4663b9c487f0481cab2162
[7] Ricart, M., Guasch, H., Alberch, M., et al. (2010). Triclosan persistence through wastewater treatment plants and its potential toxic effects on river biofilms. Aquat. Toxicol. 100 (4): 346–53. Abstract retrieved fromhttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6T4G-50X2N91-1&_user=10&_coverDate=11%2F15%2F2010&_rdoc=1&_fmt=high&_orig=search&_origin=search&_sort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=414efe7118e37abee086f61c1531b2be&searchtype=a
[8] Beyond Pesticides Daily News Blog. (2010, November 15). Triclosan in Waterways Harmful to Important Microorganisms. Retrieved from http://www.beyondpesticides.org/dailynewsblog/?p=4523
[9] Singer, H., Muller, S., Tixier, C., Pillonel, L. (2002). Triclosan: occurrence and fate of a widely used biocide in the aquatic environment: field measurements in wastewater treatment plants, surface waters, and lake sediments. Environ Sci Technol 1;36(23):4998-5004. Abstract retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12523412
Several studies have found part of the “proprietary” ingredients include potentially harmful preservatives. In fact, to our knowledge, no authenticated GSE has been found to be free of preservatives; therefore, it is unclear if tested GSE has been found effective because of the effects of preservative ingredients, such as benzethonium chloride, methylparaben, and triclosan.
Each of these ingredients—benzethonium chloride, methylparaben, and triclosan— has a profile on the Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database and we encourage you to conduct some personal research into their potential effects on the body. (Skin Deep is a personal care safety guide compiled by researchers at the nonprofit Environmental Working Group.)
For example, the Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database links benzethonium chloride with potential cancer risks and moderate risk for neurotoxicity and organ system toxicity[2]. Similarly, methylparaben and triclosan have both been linked to cancer, as well as endocrine disruption[3] and potential skin, eye, and lung irritation[4].
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) triclosan fact sheet lists triclosan as an antimicrobial pesticide used commercially, industrially, residentially, and as a materials preservative included in items like hand soaps, toothpastes, adhesives, fabrics, and carpeting[5].
However, triclosan is a potential endocrine disruptor in humans. A 2006 study (Veldhoen et al.), “investigated whether exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of the bactericidal agent, triclosan, induces changes in the thyroid hormone-mediated process of metamorphosis of the North American bullfrog,” and found low levels of exposure to triclosan disrupted thyroid hormone-associated gene expression, potentially altering “the rate of thyroid hormone-mediated postembryonic anuran development”[6].
In addition, triclosan has been found to inhibit photosynthesis in diatom algae, a major group of algae that contributes much of the photosynthetic activity necessary for a healthy ecosystem.[7] Through photosynthesis, diatom produce food and oxygen for other organisms, contributing “an estimated 80 percent of the oxygen in our atmosphere, making them essential to life on earth” (Beyond Pesticides, 2010)[8]. This of special concern when you consider triclosan may remain in the environment for 30 or more years[9].
Read the full-length article "Health Benefits of Grapefruit Seed Extract: Follow Up Q & A" from the March 2011 edition of ACHS' The Reporter online here.
References
[1] Takeoka, G., Dao, L., Wong, R., Lundin, R., Mahoney, N. (2001). Identification of Benzethonium Chloride in Commercial Grapefruit Seed Extracts. J. Agric. Food Chem. 49, 3316-3320.
[2] Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database. (2011). BENZETHONIUM CHLORIDE. Retrieved from http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/ingredient.php?ingred06=700675
[3] Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database. (2011). METHYLPARABEN. Retrieved from http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/ingredient.php?ingred06=703937
[4] Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database. (2011). TRICLOSAN. Retrieved from
http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/ingredient.php?ingred06=706623
[5] Environmental Protection Agency. (2011, February 16). Triclosan Facts. Retrieved from http://www.epa.gov/oppsrrd1/REDs/factsheets/triclosan_fs.htm
[6] Veldhoen, N., Skirrow, R., Osachoff, H., Wigmore, H., Clapson, D., Gunderson, M., et al. (2006). The bactericidal agent triclosan modulates thyroid hormone-associated gene expression and disrupts postembryonic anuran development. Aquatic Toxicology 80(3,1), 217-227. Abstract obtained from http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6T4G-4M0S2Y9-1/2/1607f34b5f4663b9c487f0481cab2162
[7] Ricart, M., Guasch, H., Alberch, M., et al. (2010). Triclosan persistence through wastewater treatment plants and its potential toxic effects on river biofilms. Aquat. Toxicol. 100 (4): 346–53. Abstract retrieved fromhttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6T4G-50X2N91-1&_user=10&_coverDate=11%2F15%2F2010&_rdoc=1&_fmt=high&_orig=search&_origin=search&_sort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=414efe7118e37abee086f61c1531b2be&searchtype=a
[8] Beyond Pesticides Daily News Blog. (2010, November 15). Triclosan in Waterways Harmful to Important Microorganisms. Retrieved from http://www.beyondpesticides.org/dailynewsblog/?p=4523
[9] Singer, H., Muller, S., Tixier, C., Pillonel, L. (2002). Triclosan: occurrence and fate of a widely used biocide in the aquatic environment: field measurements in wastewater treatment plants, surface waters, and lake sediments. Environ Sci Technol 1;36(23):4998-5004. Abstract retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12523412
How to Use Propolis for Arthritis
It's to be noted that another effective method I've used and thousands of others for hundreds of years is bee venom therapy. Thank you Charles Mraz and the American Apitherapy Society for teaching me!
How to Use Propolis for Arthritis
Overview
Propolis is a type of resin that bees use to construct and strengthen their hive. This versatile substance has also been used for centuries as a treatment for inflammation, pain and compromised immunity. These effects are a result of the combination of resin and plants the bees use to make propolis. Propolis is generally regarded as safe to use and its anti-inflammatory effects can help reduce the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. Speak with your doctor before using any remedy for pain and inflammation.
Step 1
Discuss your intentions of using propolis with your physician. Although it is considered relatively safe to use, propolis may cause a reaction in people who are allergic to bees or pollen. It's also unlikely that propolis will cause an interaction with any medications you are currently using, but you still should discuss using this supplement with your doctor.
Step 2
Apply a topical cream that contains propolis extract, available at your local health food store. Use the cream as directed by the manufacturer to help reduce the inflammation caused by arthritis. A 2007 article published in the "Journal of Venom and Animal Toxins" explains that propolis is an inexpensive yet effective topical treatment for both acute and chronic inflammatory processes such as arthritis. Propolis is particularly useful for treating these conditions when they occur in the joints between bones, where arthritis often appears.
How to Use Propolis for Arthritis
Livestrong, 2/3/2011
How to Use Propolis for Arthritis
Propolis is a type of resin that bees use to construct and strengthen their hive. This versatile substance has also been used for centuries as a treatment for inflammation, pain and compromised immunity. These effects are a result of the combination of resin and plants the bees use to make propolis. Propolis is generally regarded as safe to use and its anti-inflammatory effects can help reduce the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. Speak with your doctor before using any remedy for pain and inflammation.
Step 1
Discuss your intentions of using propolis with your physician. Although it is considered relatively safe to use, propolis may cause a reaction in people who are allergic to bees or pollen. It's also unlikely that propolis will cause an interaction with any medications you are currently using, but you still should discuss using this supplement with your doctor.
Step 2
Apply a topical cream that contains propolis extract, available at your local health food store. Use the cream as directed by the manufacturer to help reduce the inflammation caused by arthritis. A 2007 article published in the "Journal of Venom and Animal Toxins" explains that propolis is an inexpensive yet effective topical treatment for both acute and chronic inflammatory processes such as arthritis. Propolis is particularly useful for treating these conditions when they occur in the joints between bones, where arthritis often appears.
Step 3
Take a propolis supplement in capsule or extract form according to directions. Propolis supplements are available at your local health food store and can help reduce your arthritis inflammation. According to MedlinePlus, an exact dosage of propolis currently does not exist, however, for most uses the website Puritan recommends that you take 500mg once or twice a day. Take the supplement with a full glass of water and with food because it can cause slight nausea if taken on an empty stomach.
Step 4
Recognize that even if you don't have an allergy to bees or pollen, you may still experience some mild side effects when using propolis. In rare cases, propolis in topical form may cause skin irritation and itching. Additionally, using propolis cream can cause some people to develop psoriasis or eczema. If you have any of these conditions when using propolis, stop using the cream and speak with your doctor about alternative approaches.
References
- MedlinePlus: Propolis
- Drugs.com: Propolis
- Puritan: Propolis
- "Journal of Venom and Animal Toxins": Propolis: A Review of it's Anti-Inflammatory and Healing Actions
Different Types of Construction Tools and Their Utilities
The tools and equipments used for construction purposes are known as construction tools. Some of the best equipments are used by the corporate companies for constructing buildings. These tools are essential for the quick completion of projects. Several excellent tools are available today which is vital for constructing buildings.
Essential Construction Tools
Though there are several apparatus which aid in constructing buildings some of the most essential tools are as follows:
- Crane: Used mainly for deconstructing buildings, crane is one of the most important equipments which are used widely. Cranes are also used to lift resources from one place to another easily. These machines are categorized as heavy construction tools. There are different types of cranes used for various purposes.
- Crawler: Also known as a bulldozer, the crawler is a tractor with a dozer blade. It is used for constructing large buildings.
- Loaders: Loaders are used for constructing buildings and roads. Loaders are also known as front loaders, scoop loader, front end loader, bucket loader and so forth. Loaders use buckets to move resources to different places. The different materials transported by the loaders include sand, gravel, wood chips, dirt and so forth.
- Forklift: Forklift is one of most handy constructive tools that are used for lifting heavy equipments. The forklifts are available in different capacities and sizes. It is mainly used for moving heavy equipments in warehouses and manufacturing units.
- Excavator: The excavators are constructive tools used for various purposes like digging holes, fountains, handing materials, demolishing buildings, digging trenches, heavy lifting and so froth. This heavy building equipment is also known as the digger with a cab installed on a pivot and has a bucket as well as an articulated arm.
- Road roller: Constructive tools also include road rollers or roller compacter which is used to compact concrete, dirt, gravel and asphalt. The road roller is used mainly for constructing roads and other construction purposes.
- Concrete mixers: Widely used equipment is the concrete mixer which is used to prepare concrete mixture by mixing cement, sand, gravel and water. Earlier this homogenous mixture was prepared manually but now with the help of this apparatus, concrete mixer can be made quickly and easily. The mixer contains a rotating drum which mixes the concrete.
- Scrapers: A scraper is multifaceted equipment that is used for various purposes and is quite efficient for digging, excavating and hauling.
- Backhoe: Backhoe is used for demolition purposes and for digging holes. It is an apparatus that is used in most of the construction sites.
- Sand screeners: The sand screeners are quite essential to sieve the sand and segregate it from dirt and other foreign objects. There are many types of sand screener including vibratory screening machines supplied by the construction tools manufacturers in the online portals.
In addition to the above tools and apparatus, there are many other types of equipment which are essential in any building construction site such as saws, nail gun, tool belt and so forth. The use of these construction tools is imperative for better and faster completion of building projects.
Menopause
Menopause
Definition
Menopause is the permanent end of menstruation and fertility, defined as occurring 12 months after your last menstrual period.
Menopause is a natural biological process, not a medical illness. Even so, the physical and emotional symptoms of menopause can disrupt your sleep, sap your energy and — at least indirectly — trigger feelings of sadness and loss. Menopause can definitively impact a woman's life.
Hormonal changes cause the physical symptoms of menopause, but mistaken beliefs about the menopausal transition are partly to blame for the emotional ones. First, menopause doesn't mean the end is near — you've still got as much as half your life to go. Second, menopause will not snuff out your femininity and sexuality, but can disrupt a female, specially if she is not prepared to manage it. In fact, you may be one of the many women who find it liberating to stop worrying about pregnancy and periods.
Most important, even though menopause is not an illness, you shouldn't hesitate to get treatment if you're having severe symptoms. Many treatments are available, from lifestyle adjustments to hormone therapy.
Symptoms
Technically, you don't actually "hit" menopause until it's been one year since your final menstrual period. In the United States, that happens about age 51, on average.
The signs and symptoms of menopause, however, often appear long before the one-year anniversary of your final period. This period is called PERIMENOPAUSE. They include:
■Irregular periods
■Decreased fertility
■Vaginal dryness
■Hot flashes
■Sleep disturbances
■Mood swings
■Increased abdominal fat
■Thinning hair
■Loss of breast fullness
When to see a doctor
It's important to see your doctor during the years leading up to menopause (perimenopause) and the years after menopause (postmenopause) for preventive health care as well as care of medical conditions that may occur with aging.
If you've skipped a period but aren't sure you've started menopause, you may want to see your doctor to determine whether you're pregnant. He or she may take a medical history, do a pelvic examination and, if appropriate, order a pregnancy test.
Always seek medical advice if you have bleeding from your vagina after menopause, as this may be a sign of a serious medical problem. You should not have any bleeding after menopause.
Causes
■Natural decline of reproductive hormones. As you approach your late 30s, your ovaries start making less estrogen and progesterone, the hormones that regulate menstruation. During this time, fewer potential eggs are ripening in your ovaries each month, and ovulation is less predictable. Also, the post-ovulation surge in progesterone — the hormone that prepares your body for pregnancy — becomes less dramatic. Your fertility declines, partially due to these hormonal effects.
These changes become more pronounced in your 40s. Your menstrual periods may become longer or shorter, heavier or lighter, and more or less frequent, until eventually, your ovaries stop producing eggs, and you have no more periods. It's possible, but very unusual, to menstruate every month right up to your last period. More likely, you'll experience some irregularity in your periods, some will be long some will be short. Sometimes you will even miss period or periods.
■Hysterectomy. A hysterectomy that removes your uterus, but not your ovaries, usually doesn't cause menopause. Although you no longer have periods, your ovaries still release eggs and produce estrogen and progesterone. But an operation that removes both your uterus and your ovaries (total hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy) does cause menopause, without any transitional phase. Your periods stop immediately, and you're likely to have hot flashes and other menopausal signs and symptoms.
■Chemotherapy and radiation therapy. These cancer therapies can induce menopause, causing symptoms such as hot flashes during the course of treatment or within three to six months.
■Primary ovarian insufficiency. Approximately 1 percent of women experience menopause before age 40. Menopause may result from primary ovarian insufficiency — when your ovaries fail to produce normal levels of reproductive hormones — stemming from genetic factors or autoimmune disease, but often no cause for primary ovarian insufficiency can be found.
Stages of menopause
Because the menopausal transition occurs over months and years, menopause is commonly divided into these stages:
■Perimenopause. This is the time you begin experiencing menopausal signs and symptoms, even though you still menstruate. Your hormone levels rise and fall unevenly, and you may have hot flashes and other symptoms. Perimenopause may last four to five years or longer. During this time, it's still possible to get pregnant, but it's quite unlikely.
■Postmenopause. Once 12 months have passed since your last period, you've reached menopause. Your ovaries produce much less estrogen and no progesterone, and they don't release eggs. The years that follow are called postmenopause.
Complications
Several chronic medical conditions can develop after menopause:
■Cardiovascular disease. When your estrogen levels decline, your risk of cardiovascular disease increases. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women as well as in men. Yet you can do a great deal to reduce your risk of heart disease. These risk-reduction steps include stopping smoking, reducing high blood pressure, getting regular aerobic exercise, and eating a diet low in saturated fats and plentiful in whole grains, fruits and vegetables.
■Osteoporosis. During the first few years after menopause, you may lose bone density at a rapid rate, increasing your risk of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis causes bones to become brittle and weak, leading to an increased risk of fractures. Postmenopausal women are especially susceptible to fractures of the hip, wrist and spine. That's why it's important during this time to get adequate calcium and vitamin D — about 1,200 to 1,500 milligrams of calcium and 800 international units of vitamin D daily. It's also important to exercise regularly. Strength training and weight-bearing activities, such as walking and jogging, are especially beneficial in keeping your bones strong.
■Urinary incontinence. As the tissues of your vagina and urethra lose their elasticity, you may experience a frequent, sudden, strong urge to urinate, followed by an involuntary loss of urine (urge incontinence), or the loss of urine with coughing, laughing or lifting (stress incontinence).
■Weight gain. Many women gain weight during the menopausal transition. You may need to eat less — perhaps as many as 200 to 400 fewer calories a day — and exercise more, just to maintain your current weight.
Tests and diagnosis
The signs and symptoms of menopause are enough to tell most women they have begun going through the menopausal transition. If you have concerns about irregular periods or hot flashes, talk with your doctor. In some cases further evaluation may be recommended.
Under certain circumstances, your doctor may check your level of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estrogen (estradiol) with a blood test. As menopause occurs, FSH levels increase and estradiol levels decrease. Your doctor may also recommend a blood test to determine your level of thyroid-stimulating hormone, because hypothyroidism can cause symptoms similar to those of menopause.
Treatments and drugs
Menopause itself requires no medical treatment. Instead, treatments focus on relieving your signs and symptoms and on preventing or lessening chronic conditions that may occur with aging. Treatments include:
■Hormone therapy. Estrogen therapy remains, by far, the most effective treatment option for relieving menopausal hot flashes. Depending on your personal and family medical history, your doctor may recommend estrogen in the lowest dose needed to provide symptom relief for you. These come with their own side effects and risks such as blood clots, increased risk of heart disease and stroke, etc.
■Low-dose antidepressants. Venlafaxine (Effexor), an antidepressant related to the class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), has been shown to decrease menopausal hot flashes. Other SSRIs can be helpful, including fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), paroxetine (Paxil, others), citalopram (Celexa) and sertraline (Zoloft).
■Gabapentin (Neurontin). This drug is approved to treat seizures, but it also has been shown to significantly reduce hot flashes.
■Clonidine (Catapres, others). Clonidine, a pill or patch typically used to treat high blood pressure, may significantly reduce the frequency of hot flashes, but unpleasant side effects are common.
■Bisphosphonates. Doctors may recommend these nonhormonal medications, which include alendronate (Fosamax), risedronate (Actonel) and ibandronate (Boniva), to prevent or treat osteoporosis. These medications effectively reduce both bone loss and your risk of fractures and have replaced estrogen as the main treatment for osteoporosis in women.
■Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs). SERMs are a group of drugs that includes raloxifene (Evista). Raloxifene mimics estrogen's beneficial effects on bone density in postmenopausal women, without some of the risks associated with estrogen.
■Vaginal estrogen. To relieve vaginal dryness, estrogen can be administered locally using a vaginal tablet, ring or cream. This treatment releases just a small amount of estrogen, which is absorbed by the vaginal tissue. It can help relieve vaginal dryness, discomfort with intercourse and some urinary symptoms.
Before deciding on any form of treatment, talk with your doctor about your options and the risks and benefits involved with each.
Lifestyle and home remedies
Fortunately, many of the signs and symptoms associated with menopause are temporary. Take these steps to help reduce or prevent their effects:
■Cool hot flashes. Get regular exercise, dress in layers and try to pinpoint what triggers your hot flashes. For many women, triggers may include hot beverages, spicy foods, alcohol, hot weather and even a warm room.
■Decrease vaginal discomfort. Use over-the-counter water-based vaginal lubricants (Astroglide, K-Y) or moisturizers (Replens, Vagisil). Staying sexually active also helps.
■Optimize your sleep. Avoid caffeine and plan to exercise during the day, although not right before bedtime. Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, guided imagery and progressive muscle relaxation, can be very helpful. You can find a number of books and tapes on different relaxation exercises. If hot flashes disturb your sleep, you may need to find a way to manage them before you can get adequate rest.
■Strengthen your pelvic floor. Pelvic floor muscle exercises, called Kegel exercises, can improve some forms of urinary incontinence.
■Eat well. Eat a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains and that limits saturated fats, oils and sugars. Aim for 1,200 to 1,500 milligrams of calcium and 800 international units of vitamin D a day. Ask your doctor about supplements to help you meet these requirements, if necessary.
■Don't smoke. Smoking increases your risk of heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, cancer and a range of other health problems. It may also increase hot flashes and bring on earlier menopause. It's never too late to benefit from stopping smoking.
■Exercise regularly. Get at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity on most days to protect against cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and other conditions associated with aging. More vigorous exercise for longer periods may provide further benefit and is particularly important if you're trying to lose weight. Exercise can also help reduce stress.
■Try yoga. Preliminary studies show that yoga — an exercise regimen that involves controlled breathing, posing and meditation — may be effective in decreasing the number of hot flashes in perimenopausal women. Yoga classes are often offered at health clubs or through community education programs. Sign up for a class to learn how to perform yoga postures and breathing correctly.
■Schedule regular checkups. Talk with your doctor about how often you should have mammograms, Pap tests, lipid level (cholesterol and triglyceride) testing and other screening tests.
Alternative medicine
Many approaches have been promoted as aids in managing the symptoms of menopause, but not all of them have scientific evidence to back up the claims. Below are some complementary and alternative treatments that have been or are being studied:
■Phytoestrogens. These estrogens occur naturally in certain foods. There are two main types of phytoestrogens — isoflavones and lignans. Isoflavones are found in soybeans, chickpeas and other legumes. Lignans occur in flaxseed, whole grains and some fruits and vegetables. Whether the estrogens in these foods can relieve hot flashes and other menopausal signs and symptoms remains to be seen. Most studies have found them ineffective. Isoflavones have some weak estrogen-like effects, so there's some concern about cancer risk. If you've had breast cancer, talk to your doctor before supplementing your diet with isoflavone pills.
■Vitamin E. This vitamin occasionally provides relief from mild hot flashes for some women. However, scientific studies haven't proved its overall benefit in relieving hot flashes, and taking more than 400 international units of vitamin E supplements daily may not be safe.
■Black cohosh. Black cohosh has been used widely in Europe for treating hot flashes and has been popular among women with menopausal symptoms in the United States. While its safety record has been good, there's no longer much reason to believe that it is effective for menopausal symptom relief.
You may have heard of — or even tried — other dietary supplements, such as dong quai, licorice, chasteberry, evening primrose oil and wild yam (natural progesterone cream). Although some might swear by these remedies, scientific evidence of their safety and effectiveness is lacking.
Be sure to consult your doctor before taking any herbal treatments or dietary supplements for signs and symptoms of menopause. Herbal products can interfere or interact with other medications you may be taking.
You can buy a very good ebook that addresses menopause at this address:
http://www.medicaldocs.net/index.php?option=com_hikashop&view=product&layout=show&Itemid=8
Definition
Menopause is the permanent end of menstruation and fertility, defined as occurring 12 months after your last menstrual period.
Menopause is a natural biological process, not a medical illness. Even so, the physical and emotional symptoms of menopause can disrupt your sleep, sap your energy and — at least indirectly — trigger feelings of sadness and loss. Menopause can definitively impact a woman's life.
Hormonal changes cause the physical symptoms of menopause, but mistaken beliefs about the menopausal transition are partly to blame for the emotional ones. First, menopause doesn't mean the end is near — you've still got as much as half your life to go. Second, menopause will not snuff out your femininity and sexuality, but can disrupt a female, specially if she is not prepared to manage it. In fact, you may be one of the many women who find it liberating to stop worrying about pregnancy and periods.
Most important, even though menopause is not an illness, you shouldn't hesitate to get treatment if you're having severe symptoms. Many treatments are available, from lifestyle adjustments to hormone therapy.
Symptoms
Technically, you don't actually "hit" menopause until it's been one year since your final menstrual period. In the United States, that happens about age 51, on average.
The signs and symptoms of menopause, however, often appear long before the one-year anniversary of your final period. This period is called PERIMENOPAUSE. They include:
■Irregular periods
■Decreased fertility
■Vaginal dryness
■Hot flashes
■Sleep disturbances
■Mood swings
■Increased abdominal fat
■Thinning hair
■Loss of breast fullness
When to see a doctor
It's important to see your doctor during the years leading up to menopause (perimenopause) and the years after menopause (postmenopause) for preventive health care as well as care of medical conditions that may occur with aging.
If you've skipped a period but aren't sure you've started menopause, you may want to see your doctor to determine whether you're pregnant. He or she may take a medical history, do a pelvic examination and, if appropriate, order a pregnancy test.
Always seek medical advice if you have bleeding from your vagina after menopause, as this may be a sign of a serious medical problem. You should not have any bleeding after menopause.
Causes
■Natural decline of reproductive hormones. As you approach your late 30s, your ovaries start making less estrogen and progesterone, the hormones that regulate menstruation. During this time, fewer potential eggs are ripening in your ovaries each month, and ovulation is less predictable. Also, the post-ovulation surge in progesterone — the hormone that prepares your body for pregnancy — becomes less dramatic. Your fertility declines, partially due to these hormonal effects.
These changes become more pronounced in your 40s. Your menstrual periods may become longer or shorter, heavier or lighter, and more or less frequent, until eventually, your ovaries stop producing eggs, and you have no more periods. It's possible, but very unusual, to menstruate every month right up to your last period. More likely, you'll experience some irregularity in your periods, some will be long some will be short. Sometimes you will even miss period or periods.
■Hysterectomy. A hysterectomy that removes your uterus, but not your ovaries, usually doesn't cause menopause. Although you no longer have periods, your ovaries still release eggs and produce estrogen and progesterone. But an operation that removes both your uterus and your ovaries (total hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy) does cause menopause, without any transitional phase. Your periods stop immediately, and you're likely to have hot flashes and other menopausal signs and symptoms.
■Chemotherapy and radiation therapy. These cancer therapies can induce menopause, causing symptoms such as hot flashes during the course of treatment or within three to six months.
■Primary ovarian insufficiency. Approximately 1 percent of women experience menopause before age 40. Menopause may result from primary ovarian insufficiency — when your ovaries fail to produce normal levels of reproductive hormones — stemming from genetic factors or autoimmune disease, but often no cause for primary ovarian insufficiency can be found.
Stages of menopause
Because the menopausal transition occurs over months and years, menopause is commonly divided into these stages:
■Perimenopause. This is the time you begin experiencing menopausal signs and symptoms, even though you still menstruate. Your hormone levels rise and fall unevenly, and you may have hot flashes and other symptoms. Perimenopause may last four to five years or longer. During this time, it's still possible to get pregnant, but it's quite unlikely.
■Postmenopause. Once 12 months have passed since your last period, you've reached menopause. Your ovaries produce much less estrogen and no progesterone, and they don't release eggs. The years that follow are called postmenopause.
Complications
Several chronic medical conditions can develop after menopause:
■Cardiovascular disease. When your estrogen levels decline, your risk of cardiovascular disease increases. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women as well as in men. Yet you can do a great deal to reduce your risk of heart disease. These risk-reduction steps include stopping smoking, reducing high blood pressure, getting regular aerobic exercise, and eating a diet low in saturated fats and plentiful in whole grains, fruits and vegetables.
■Osteoporosis. During the first few years after menopause, you may lose bone density at a rapid rate, increasing your risk of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis causes bones to become brittle and weak, leading to an increased risk of fractures. Postmenopausal women are especially susceptible to fractures of the hip, wrist and spine. That's why it's important during this time to get adequate calcium and vitamin D — about 1,200 to 1,500 milligrams of calcium and 800 international units of vitamin D daily. It's also important to exercise regularly. Strength training and weight-bearing activities, such as walking and jogging, are especially beneficial in keeping your bones strong.
■Urinary incontinence. As the tissues of your vagina and urethra lose their elasticity, you may experience a frequent, sudden, strong urge to urinate, followed by an involuntary loss of urine (urge incontinence), or the loss of urine with coughing, laughing or lifting (stress incontinence).
■Weight gain. Many women gain weight during the menopausal transition. You may need to eat less — perhaps as many as 200 to 400 fewer calories a day — and exercise more, just to maintain your current weight.
Tests and diagnosis
The signs and symptoms of menopause are enough to tell most women they have begun going through the menopausal transition. If you have concerns about irregular periods or hot flashes, talk with your doctor. In some cases further evaluation may be recommended.
Under certain circumstances, your doctor may check your level of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estrogen (estradiol) with a blood test. As menopause occurs, FSH levels increase and estradiol levels decrease. Your doctor may also recommend a blood test to determine your level of thyroid-stimulating hormone, because hypothyroidism can cause symptoms similar to those of menopause.
Treatments and drugs
Menopause itself requires no medical treatment. Instead, treatments focus on relieving your signs and symptoms and on preventing or lessening chronic conditions that may occur with aging. Treatments include:
■Hormone therapy. Estrogen therapy remains, by far, the most effective treatment option for relieving menopausal hot flashes. Depending on your personal and family medical history, your doctor may recommend estrogen in the lowest dose needed to provide symptom relief for you. These come with their own side effects and risks such as blood clots, increased risk of heart disease and stroke, etc.
■Low-dose antidepressants. Venlafaxine (Effexor), an antidepressant related to the class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), has been shown to decrease menopausal hot flashes. Other SSRIs can be helpful, including fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), paroxetine (Paxil, others), citalopram (Celexa) and sertraline (Zoloft).
■Gabapentin (Neurontin). This drug is approved to treat seizures, but it also has been shown to significantly reduce hot flashes.
■Clonidine (Catapres, others). Clonidine, a pill or patch typically used to treat high blood pressure, may significantly reduce the frequency of hot flashes, but unpleasant side effects are common.
■Bisphosphonates. Doctors may recommend these nonhormonal medications, which include alendronate (Fosamax), risedronate (Actonel) and ibandronate (Boniva), to prevent or treat osteoporosis. These medications effectively reduce both bone loss and your risk of fractures and have replaced estrogen as the main treatment for osteoporosis in women.
■Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs). SERMs are a group of drugs that includes raloxifene (Evista). Raloxifene mimics estrogen's beneficial effects on bone density in postmenopausal women, without some of the risks associated with estrogen.
■Vaginal estrogen. To relieve vaginal dryness, estrogen can be administered locally using a vaginal tablet, ring or cream. This treatment releases just a small amount of estrogen, which is absorbed by the vaginal tissue. It can help relieve vaginal dryness, discomfort with intercourse and some urinary symptoms.
Before deciding on any form of treatment, talk with your doctor about your options and the risks and benefits involved with each.
Lifestyle and home remedies
Fortunately, many of the signs and symptoms associated with menopause are temporary. Take these steps to help reduce or prevent their effects:
■Cool hot flashes. Get regular exercise, dress in layers and try to pinpoint what triggers your hot flashes. For many women, triggers may include hot beverages, spicy foods, alcohol, hot weather and even a warm room.
■Decrease vaginal discomfort. Use over-the-counter water-based vaginal lubricants (Astroglide, K-Y) or moisturizers (Replens, Vagisil). Staying sexually active also helps.
■Optimize your sleep. Avoid caffeine and plan to exercise during the day, although not right before bedtime. Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, guided imagery and progressive muscle relaxation, can be very helpful. You can find a number of books and tapes on different relaxation exercises. If hot flashes disturb your sleep, you may need to find a way to manage them before you can get adequate rest.
■Strengthen your pelvic floor. Pelvic floor muscle exercises, called Kegel exercises, can improve some forms of urinary incontinence.
■Eat well. Eat a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains and that limits saturated fats, oils and sugars. Aim for 1,200 to 1,500 milligrams of calcium and 800 international units of vitamin D a day. Ask your doctor about supplements to help you meet these requirements, if necessary.
■Don't smoke. Smoking increases your risk of heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, cancer and a range of other health problems. It may also increase hot flashes and bring on earlier menopause. It's never too late to benefit from stopping smoking.
■Exercise regularly. Get at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity on most days to protect against cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and other conditions associated with aging. More vigorous exercise for longer periods may provide further benefit and is particularly important if you're trying to lose weight. Exercise can also help reduce stress.
■Try yoga. Preliminary studies show that yoga — an exercise regimen that involves controlled breathing, posing and meditation — may be effective in decreasing the number of hot flashes in perimenopausal women. Yoga classes are often offered at health clubs or through community education programs. Sign up for a class to learn how to perform yoga postures and breathing correctly.
■Schedule regular checkups. Talk with your doctor about how often you should have mammograms, Pap tests, lipid level (cholesterol and triglyceride) testing and other screening tests.
Alternative medicine
Many approaches have been promoted as aids in managing the symptoms of menopause, but not all of them have scientific evidence to back up the claims. Below are some complementary and alternative treatments that have been or are being studied:
■Phytoestrogens. These estrogens occur naturally in certain foods. There are two main types of phytoestrogens — isoflavones and lignans. Isoflavones are found in soybeans, chickpeas and other legumes. Lignans occur in flaxseed, whole grains and some fruits and vegetables. Whether the estrogens in these foods can relieve hot flashes and other menopausal signs and symptoms remains to be seen. Most studies have found them ineffective. Isoflavones have some weak estrogen-like effects, so there's some concern about cancer risk. If you've had breast cancer, talk to your doctor before supplementing your diet with isoflavone pills.
■Vitamin E. This vitamin occasionally provides relief from mild hot flashes for some women. However, scientific studies haven't proved its overall benefit in relieving hot flashes, and taking more than 400 international units of vitamin E supplements daily may not be safe.
■Black cohosh. Black cohosh has been used widely in Europe for treating hot flashes and has been popular among women with menopausal symptoms in the United States. While its safety record has been good, there's no longer much reason to believe that it is effective for menopausal symptom relief.
You may have heard of — or even tried — other dietary supplements, such as dong quai, licorice, chasteberry, evening primrose oil and wild yam (natural progesterone cream). Although some might swear by these remedies, scientific evidence of their safety and effectiveness is lacking.
Be sure to consult your doctor before taking any herbal treatments or dietary supplements for signs and symptoms of menopause. Herbal products can interfere or interact with other medications you may be taking.
You can buy a very good ebook that addresses menopause at this address:
http://www.medicaldocs.net/index.php?option=com_hikashop&view=product&layout=show&Itemid=8
Essential Oil Profile: Grapefruit Essential Oil a Fresh and Tangy Aroma
Grapefruit essential oil Citrus paradisi is a hybrid brought about by cultivation of C. maxima and C. sinensis.The essential oil, pressed or distilled from the fresh peel of the fruit, is a yellowish to pale-green oil with a fresh, bright, and tangy aroma. It feels thin and watery. Like many citrus oils, grapefruit will deteriorate quickly if exposed to moisture, air, or light and should be used within six months.
Traditionally, grapefruit essential oils has been used for its antibacterial, antidepressant, antiseptic, astringent, digestive, and stimulant properties. In perfumery, it blends well with bergamot, black pepper, cardamom, ginger, geranium, lavender, and rosemary.
Note, grapefruit's photosensitive effect is a current topic of research. Until there is definitive clinical testing, avoid citrus oils if there is a chance of being exposed to the sun after an aromatherapy treatment. A skin patch test is also recommended as the oil may cause skin irritation.
Winter Pick Me Up Blend
Grapefruit Citrus paradisi oil: 6-drops
Bergamot Citrus aurantium var. bergamia oil: 6-drops
Lime Citrus aurantifolia oil: 6-drops
Ginger Zingiber officinale oil: 4-drops
Sandalwood Santalum album oil: 2-drops
Blend all the oils and use in a diffuser or atomizer. It can also be added to the bath water; add 5-6-drops maximum.
This information is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent disease. You should always consult with your primary care physician before making any significant changes to your health and wellness routine.
Honey a Natural Support for Wound Healing
There's nothing like fresh honey!Perhaps most widely used as a natural culinary sweetener, honey also has many traditional uses as a health support, including its ability to coat sore throats, as an energizing pick me up, and as a soothing digestive aid.
How many of us think to use it on our wounds, though? You may want to add it to your medicine cabinet as a natural, cost effective support for wound healing!
Research suggests the natural acidity of unprocessed honey may be low enough to help prevent bacterial growth. In addition, honey absorbs water, which drys out the moisture bacteria rely on. Further studies suggest it may be an especially effective support for burns.
References
[1] Al-Waili NS.(2003). Topical application of natural honey, beeswax and olive oil mixture for atopic dermatitis or psoriasis: partially controlled, single-blinded study. Complement Ther Med. 11(4):226-34. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15022655
[2] Eischen, N. (February/March 1999). The Benefits of Honey: A Remedy for Sore Throats, Wound Care and More. Mother Earth News. [Online] Retrieved from http://www.motherearthnews.com/Natural-Health/1999-02-01/Honey-Benefits.aspx
[3] Nasir, et al. (2010). Antibacterial properties of tualang honey and its effect in burn wound management: a comparative study. BMC Complement Altern Med. 10: 31. Published online 2010 June 24. doi: 10.1186/1472-6882-10-31. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2908556/?tool=pubmed
[4] Waikato Honey Research Unit. (2009, September 3). What's special about Active Manuka Honey? The University of Waikato. Retrieved from http://bio.waikato.ac.nz/honey/special.shtml
This information is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent disease. In an emergency, one should always call 911 or visit their primary care physician immediately.
Help Us Build a List of Favorite Colorful and Nutritious Foods for National Nutrition Month
March is National Nutrition Month and the theme is "Eat Right with Color!" An easy way to start improving your nutrition is to include a variety of color on your plate, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy.The American Dietetic Association further suggests Americans "take time during National Nutrition Month to look at their eating patterns and begin to make the small improvements that, over time, add up to significant health benefits."We asked our ACHS Facebook fans to help us build a list of favorite colorful and nutritious foods. If you're looking for some new ideas and to add some variety to your diet, our fans suggest: yellow sweet peppers, kale, cabbage, broccoli, red tomatoes, red (orange) lentils, bell peppers, lemons, blueberries, purple potatoes, onions, garlic, spinach, collard greens, parsnips, turnips, beets, carrots, and rutabaga.
> See the complete list on ACHS Facebook and add your favorites!
Meet Althea Smith, ACHS Certificate in Aromatherapy Grad
“You are the change you’ve always wanted,” says Althea Smith, ACHS Certificate in Aromatherapy graduate and owner of Theapeutic Massage Therapy.“It’s important to be aware of your family history,” Althea says. “When there is awareness of family history, you can make wise health choices, such as being aware of changes in your body, reducing stress, exercising regularly, eating properly, and choosing complementary alternative medicine.”
Althea credits her childhood with the early inspiration to pursue a career in wellness. As a young girl growing up in Detroit, Michigan, her “getaway” was the local recreation center where she would swim, play basketball, and take advantage of the planned activities. This instilled in her a sincere enjoyment of physical fitness and proper nutrition.
As an adult, Althea still enjoys physical fitness and sharing information about the benefits of proper nutrition. In addition to massage and aromatherapy, Theapeutic Massage Therapy offers a weekly walking group called Talk and Tennies and the facility’s reading area is stocked with health and wellness books for clients to enjoy.
“My family health history has diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension,” Althea says. “Since I know I am predisposed to these illnesses, I follow a healthy lifestyle of exercising regularly and watching my food intake.”
Althea was attracted to the online curriculum ACHS offers because she believes there are several benefits to integrating use of essential oils with her massage practice.
“It has changed my business,” Althea says. “I use essential oils for tight muscles, relaxation and cold congestion, and clients are asking to purchase different kinds of blends.”
> Read the full-length article in the March 2011 edition of the ACHS monthly holistic health eNewsletter, The Reporter, online here.
Honey Vs Sugar
Honey Vs Sugar
A debate well-defined and clear to understand. This website is filled with lots of good tips, facts, information and recipes on using honey. Well worth the visit... certainly evident for the bees!
Help ACHS Raise Donations for New Zealand Earthquake Relief Efforts
Reportedly the worst natural disaster in New Zealand in 80 years, the death toll from the Tuesday February 22 earthquake in Christchurch has risen to about 75 with an estimated 300 missing and hundreds more left without fresh water. New Zealand Prime Minister John Key has declared a national state of emergency.
American College of Healthcare Sciences (ACHS) has strong ties to the New Zealand community. A New Zealand native and ACHS President Dorene Petersen originally founded ACHS in 1976 as the extramural department of an on-campus naturopathic college in Auckland, New Zealand. Dorene opened our U.S. office in 1991 and was joined by daughters Erika Yigzaw, Chief Institutional Officer, and Kate Harmon, Director of Marketing. Though the college has proudly called the U.S. home for more than 20 years, our history is firmly rooted in New Zealand’s traditions and shared knowledge of natural medicine. As such, our U.S. family pledges continual support to the relief and well-being of our New Zealand family.
It is with deep sympathies for the victims, their friends and families, and those tirelessly working on the ground to re-establish safe and healthy conditions that we ask for your support. Current relief efforts are working to supply basic human needs, focused on search and rescue, emergency shelters, and securing safe drinking water. Help us provide some ease and comfort for those devastated by the earthquake.
We understand there are several organizations out there soliciting your funds and attention, and that not all are reputable. To ensure your donations make it directly into the hands of the people who need it most, we recommend the following organizations, which we have personally verified with contacts on the ground in New Zealand:
All donations help. On behalf of ACHS, our friends and family in New Zealand, we thank you for your contribution, care, and compassion. Note, donations made to countries outside of the U.S., including Canada, Mexico, and Israel, are generally not tax deductible. To make donations, KEA New Zealand suggests:
For more information about disaster relief in New Zealand, visit:
American College of Healthcare Sciences (ACHS) has strong ties to the New Zealand community. A New Zealand native and ACHS President Dorene Petersen originally founded ACHS in 1976 as the extramural department of an on-campus naturopathic college in Auckland, New Zealand. Dorene opened our U.S. office in 1991 and was joined by daughters Erika Yigzaw, Chief Institutional Officer, and Kate Harmon, Director of Marketing. Though the college has proudly called the U.S. home for more than 20 years, our history is firmly rooted in New Zealand’s traditions and shared knowledge of natural medicine. As such, our U.S. family pledges continual support to the relief and well-being of our New Zealand family.
It is with deep sympathies for the victims, their friends and families, and those tirelessly working on the ground to re-establish safe and healthy conditions that we ask for your support. Current relief efforts are working to supply basic human needs, focused on search and rescue, emergency shelters, and securing safe drinking water. Help us provide some ease and comfort for those devastated by the earthquake.
We understand there are several organizations out there soliciting your funds and attention, and that not all are reputable. To ensure your donations make it directly into the hands of the people who need it most, we recommend the following organizations, which we have personally verified with contacts on the ground in New Zealand:
All donations help. On behalf of ACHS, our friends and family in New Zealand, we thank you for your contribution, care, and compassion. Note, donations made to countries outside of the U.S., including Canada, Mexico, and Israel, are generally not tax deductible. To make donations, KEA New Zealand suggests:
- For tax deductible donations in the U.S.: ANZA, Variety International-The Children's Charity, and Seattle Christchurch Sister City Association: Donate at any Wells Fargo Bank: Account is: Seattle Christchurch Earthquake Relief: Account number is: 7267350473 or alternatively mail your check to: Seattle Christchurch Sister City Association (SCSCA), PO Box 51059, Seattle WA 98115
- To make donations from within New Zealand: The Downunder Social Club of Calgary requests donation funds go through the New Zealand Red Cross
For more information about disaster relief in New Zealand, visit:
