Healthy Lifestyle Guide

Archive for December, 2011

Dosage

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, so its safety and efficacy can not be demonstrated. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. It is possible that these doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Adults (18 years and older)

There is no proven safe dose or effective use of abuta. We used 1-2 grams of powdered bark abuta in tablets or capsules twice a day. Also used a 4:1 tincture of abuta, in doses of 2-4 ml per day. Read the rest of this entry »

History

Abuta grows in the Amazon basin and other humid tropical areas of the world. It is known as “herb of midwives” in South America and is used to treat female variety of ailments. In some parts of the world is used to reduce fever abuta, inflammation and pain. In the United States it is used primarily for minor ailments of the reproductive system such as menstrual cramps.

Abuta can function as an emmenagogue (menstrual flow stimulant). However, there are no human clinical trials to determine safety and effectiveness abuta plant in the menstrual cycle. Further research is needed before a recommendation. Read the rest of this entry »

Treatment

When endocarditis is caused by a bacterial infection is usually treated with two to six weeks of antibiotics, including penicillins, cephalosporins, gentamicin (Garamycin, Gentamar, G-Myticin) or vancomycin (Vancocin). The type of antibiotic and length of treatment depend on the results of blood cultures.

In most cases, the antibiotics were administered intravenously (into a vein), while you are hospitalized. However, highly motivated patients with Streptococcus viridans endocarditis and stable cardiac function can be treated at home.

In patients with these conditions, the infected heart valve surgery should be replaced by:
- important enough damage to the mitral or aortic valves that may cause reflux of blood through the arteries (valvular insufficiency) with heart failure Read the rest of this entry »

Incoming search terms for the article:

• endocarditis

Duration

The symptoms of acute endocarditis usually begin suddenly and quickly worsen. It is an infection that may develop excessively in a few days. Subacute endocarditis develops more slowly and milder symptoms may be present for weeks or months before the disease is suspected.

Prevention

If you have more risk of endocarditis due to a damaged heart valve or other medical problem, tell your doctor or dentist. To prevent endocarditis, your doctor or dentist may prescribe antibiotics before any dental or medical intervention in which bacteria may enter the bloodstream. Antibiotics are usually prescribed for patients with artificial valves, people who have had endocarditis in the past and people with other high-risk conditions. People with mitral valve prolapse and several other minor illnesses may not need antibiotics. Read the rest of this entry »

Symptoms

The symptoms of acute endocarditis include:
- high fever
- chest pain
- shortness of breath
- cough
- rupture of small blood vessels (hemorrhage) on the palms and soles

If damage to the heart causes severe shock, the patient may suffer from a sudden collapse, having to have a rapid pulse, pale cold skin.

The symptoms of subacute endocarditis include:
- fever (102.9 degrees Fahrenheit below (39.5 degrees Celsius)).
- chills
- night sweats Read the rest of this entry »

Incoming search terms for the article:

• SYMPTOMS OF endocarditis
• bacterial endocarditis skin
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• Causes of Cyanosis
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Endocarditis, also called infectious endocarditis is an infection and inflammation of the membrane and valves inside the heart chambers, called the endocardium. Endocarditis occurs when infectious organisms such as bacteria or fungi, enter the bloodstream and lodge in the heart.

In most cases, these organisms are streptococci, staphylococci or species of bacteria that normally live in the surface regions of the body. Infectious organisms enter the bloodstream through a break in the skin caused by a problem or injury to the skin, dental or medical intervention, or a cut in the skin, especially among people who use drugs into the veins.

Depending on the aggressiveness (virulence) of the infectious agent, the heart damage caused by endocarditis can be rapid and severe (acute endocarditis) or slower and less dramatic (subacute endocarditis). Read the rest of this entry »

Estimates by the Alzheimer’s Research & Prevention Foundation suggest that 30% of dementia related incidents are preventable, meaning that following the tenets of a healthy and happy lifestyle are becoming more important than ever. Prevention of cognitive disorders such as dementia should be emphasised wherever possible in order to improve the quality of life for sufferers.

Effective methods of preventing dementia include a healthy diet, sufficient exercise, adequate mental stimulation and an active social life. Following such advice can be done regardless of age, particularly by those in assisted living programs or care homes.

Diet

Diets aimed at preventing the onset of dementia mainly revolve around foods that reduce inflammation through reduction in weight, inflammatory foods and elevating blood sugar, whilst also increasing hermetic responses and significantly improving gut flora. Omega 3 and balanced vitamin and mineral levels are also key to reducing inflammation in the body, and therefore another core aspect of dementia prevention.

Mediterranean diets are a good example of an anti-inflammatory diet, eliminating processed food and promoting an abundance of vegetable and fish consumption. However, the Mediterranean diet should be modified slightly in order to combat dementia. Remove grains as a source of carbohydrate, add an additional probiotic supplement/fermented food and make sure to add cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower, cabbage or broccoli.

Exercise

The human body has a truly remarkable ability to build muscle and strength, meaning exercise has no age limit. This was demonstrated by Dr Wayne L. Westcott, whose work involved strength training with elderly people who, prior to participating, were not able to walk without some kind of assistance. Of course, a proper strength training plan should be approved by a doctor first.

Daily aerobic activity is every bit as important and should be a more attainable form of exercise for the elderly.  Simple exercises such as walking can help to strengthen blood vessels and the heart, and ought to be performed 5 times a week minimum for at least 30-45 minutes. If this is particularly strenuous then the individual should instead exercise for as long as feel comfortable.

Mental Stimulation

As the saying goes, ‘use it or lose it’. Challenging the brain can really help prevent the onset of dementia. Simple ways of keeping the brain fresh and healthy include performing tasks with the weaker hand, playing puzzle games, or even reading a new author.

Social Activity

With civilization being the result of people converging and working together to build something greater than themselves, social qualities are crucial to our everyday being. Whilst current technology tends to isolate individuals, this can be remedied by planning social occasions in case they do not occur spontaneously and without planning. Make a habit of visiting a loved one every week, call friends and arrange outings. This can not only improve quality of life, but also improves cognition and brain function – two excellent ways of preventing dementia.

Incoming search terms for the article:

• estimates by the alzheimer’s research & prevention foundation suggest that 30% of dementia related incidents are preventable meaning that following the tenets of a healthy and happy lifestyle are becoming more important than ever prevention of cogniti