Friday, July 1, 2011

Co Q10 - Drug Interactions

for example cilazapril (Monopril), captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), cilazapril (Monopril) are medications used to lower blood pressure. Co Q10 has found low blood pressure, so it can interact and increase the effects of these drugs.e.g. atenolol (Tenormin), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), propranolol (Inderal)
Beta blockers are drugs that can lower blood pressure. Co Q10 has found low blood pressure, so it can interact and increase the effects of these drugs.e.g. nifedipine (Procardia, Adalat), Verapamil (Calan, Isoptin)
Blockers are drugs that can lower blood pressure. Co Q10 has found low blood pressure, so it can interact and increase the effects of these drugs.e.g. HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE (HydroDIURIL, Esidrix, Oretic), furosemide (Lasix)
Diuretics may lower blood pressure. Co Q10 has found low blood pressure, so it can interact and increase the effects of these drugs.Co - A reductase inhibitors HMG / Statin Drugs: e warfarin (Coumadin).
Co Q10 has a chemical structure similar to vitamin K, vitamin involved in the capacity of the blood to coagulate. Co Q10 may dispose of the effects of drugs such as warfarin or heparin.e.g anticoagulation. carbidopa-levidopa (Atamet, Sinemet, Parcopa)
Co Q10 may increase the effects of la dopamine, so it can interact with drugs that increase la dopamine. These drugs are often used to treat depression and Parkinson's disease. Sources

Griffith, h. Winter. Complete prescription Guide and the 2006 edition of the medicines sold without a prescription. New York: Perigree, 2005.

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Thursday, June 30, 2011

Massage with hot stones

Hot stone massage is a classical variant of massage therapy. Flat and smooth heated stones are placed on key body points. The massage therapist may also contain stones and use them to certain areas of the body massage.

The use of hot stones for healing goes back to antiquity, but he is not before massage therapist Arizona Mary Nelson brought his technique of massage with hot stones, called LaStone therapy, hot stone massage using captured on that.

Nelson leads workshops to train other massage therapists in LaStone. LaStone continues to be popular, massage therapists and Spa have also developed their own versions of massage with hot stones, with smooth, heated stones.

Warm stones are generally in basalt, a type of rock that is rich in iron, so that they retain heat. River rocks are usually used because they are so smooth - they have been smoothed over time by the river current.

The stones are immersed in water and heated in an electric heating device, up to what they are in a certain range of temperature. The stones can be placed at specific points on the back, in the Palm of the hand, or between the toes.

The heat warms and relaxes the muscles, which allows the therapist apply pressure more profound, if desired.

The heat of hot stones improves circulation and calms the nervous system.

Some massage stones place of therapists on points which are considered centres of energy of the body to rebalance the body and mind.

Many people find heat hot stones to be comforting and get it for relaxation.

Hot stone massage is adapted to the people who tend to feel chilly or cold feet. It is also suitable for people who have the muscle tension, but prefer a light massage. Heat relaxes muscles, allowing the therapist to work the muscles without using deep pressure.

People also get massage with hot stones for a variety of health conditions:

Pain and back pain
Poor circulation
Osteoarthritis pain and arthritis
Stress, anxiety and tension
Insomnia
Depression

Warm stones are never crude. They are always smooth and flat. Hot stone used on the back are the size of a large egg, only flat.

The stones are heated in an electric furnace provides a reading of the temperature or has an adjustable thermostat control.

The massage therapist still holds the stone before first touch your body, which ensures that the temperature is not too hot. Everyone, however, has their own range of comfort. Don't forget to take the floor if the stones are too hot for you.

Cool marble stones are sometimes used in processing, especially if there is inflammation.

The massage therapist often begins by the application of oil to the body, which allows hot stones glide gently along the muscles. You're lying face down, and massage often then uses the hot stone back massage.

After the hot stones have relaxed muscles, massage can suppress the stones and use his hands to massage directly the skin.

Hot stones can then be placed back on the body and left for a short period of time.

You are then prompted to turn your back. The massage therapist may place small hot stones between your toes or in the Palm of your hand and repeats the sequence.

A typical hot stone massage is between 60 and 90 minutes long and varies between $50 and $190.

Massage is deprecated for some people: people with injuries eruption, or open the disease, infectious skin
Immediately after surgery
Immediately after chemotherapy or radiotherapy, in less than recommended by your doctor
Persons subject to the formation of blood clots. There is a risk of dislodged clots of blood. If you have heart disease, check with your doctor before having a massage
Pregnant women should check with their doctor first if they are planning to get a massage. Massage for pregnant women must be performed by massage therapists who are certified in pregnancy massage.

Massage should not be directly above the bruises, inflamed skin, non-healed injuries, tumors, abdominal hernia or zones of recent fractures.

Do not eat a heavy meal before the massage
If this is your first visit to the clinic or a spa, to arrive at least 10 minutes in advance to complete necessary forms. Otherwise, arrive 5 minutes early so that you can have a few minutes to rest and relax before the massage.

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Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Chromium Picolinate toxicity

Chromium is a mineral that require human trace. It is found in small amounts in foods such as the yeast of beer, liver of calf, whole grains, meats and cheeses.

In 1959, chrome has been identified as an element that allows insulin hormone function properly.

Since then, chromium has been studied for diabetes and has become a popular dietary supplement. It is widely available in natural food, pharmacy stores and online.

Chromium also believed to help the body process carbohydrates and fats. It is marketed as an aid to the loss of weight for indicated and a (muscle building) ergogenic aid for bodybuilders and athletes. A form particularly, picolinate, chromium is popular because it is one of the most easily absorbed forms. In 1995, a study led by Diane Stearns, Ph.d., at Dartmouth College caused controversy on the safety of the chromium picolinate.

Researchers have added high concentrations of chromium picolinate chloride, chromium or chromium nicotinate hamster cells in culture and concluded that chromium picolinate could only damage the genetic material of hamster cells.

Since then, other studies of laboratory animals and cell cultures suggested chromium picolinate causes oxidative stress and damage to DNA.

Critics say that scientists have used unrealistic doses and that administration of cells in test tubes chrome is not the same thing as taking chromium supplements orally.

No adverse effects were regularly and frequently reported with use of chromium in the short term in human studies. For this reason, the Institute of medicine has not set an upper limit recommended for chrome.

In 2004, the Institute of medicine reviewed the security information on chrome for a monograph of prototype and found that chromium picolinate is safe when used in a manner consistent with the clinical data published up to 1.6 milligrams of chromium picolinate per day or 200 micrograms of chromium per day for three to six months).

There is very little information, however, the safety of use in the long term of chromium. There are reports of clinical cases few of undesirable side effects after taking supplements of chromium picolinate.

For example, a report published in The Annals of Pharmacotherapy journal described the case of a woman aged 33, who developed a kidney failure, damage to the liver and anaemia after 1 200 to 2 400 micrograms of chromium picolinate (approximately six to 12 times the recommended daily allowance) for five months to lose weight.

The woman has been actively treated with antipsychotic medications, so it is difficult to say if it was chromium, the combination of chromium with the drug, or another medical problem has a predisposition to such a reaction.

In a separate report of the case, a 24-year-old man who had taken a supplement containing chromium picolinate for two weeks during his training sessions developed acute renal failure. Although chromium picolinate was the suspected cause, it is important to note that there were other ingredients in the supplement that may have been responsible.

There are some concerns that chromium picolinate may affect levels of neurotransmitters (substances in the body that transmit nerve impulses). This can potentially be a concern for people with diseases such as depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

Chromium Picolinate may have an additive effect if combined with diabetes cause of drugs and blood glucose levels dip too low. This is why it is important to talk to your doctor before taking any form of chrome, if you also take medication for diabetes.

Supplements of chromium taken with drugs that prevent the formation of prostaglandins (hormone-like substances), such as ibuprofen, indomethacin, naproxen, and aspirin can increase the absorption of chromium in the body.

The safety of chromium picolinate in pregnant women or nursing mothers has not been established. Although there is no human data, administered to pregnant mice chromium picolinate proved to cause skeletal malformations in fetal development.

Since chromium in high doses picolinate supplements appear to provide little if any health benefit while possibly carrying some risks, it is my opinion that high doses of chromium picolinate should be avoided, at least until there are more cogent evidence of benefits, or more evidence about the side effects.

If you are currently in chromium picolinate supplements and any new symptoms, including the following, call your doctor: unexplained bruises bleeding nose skin rash or blisters Urinate less than normal feel very tired loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting headache dizziness, sleep disorders more:

Sources:

Bailey MM, Boohaker JG, Sawyer RD, Behling I, JF, Jernigan JJ, Hood RD, Vincent JB Rasco. "The exposure of mice to chromium picolinate pregnant causes skeletal anomalies in their offspring." Birth defects research, part B, development and Reproductive Toxicology. 77.3 (2006): 244-249.

Cerulli J, Grabe DW, Gauthier I, M, McGoldrick MD Malone. "Toxicity of chromium picolinate." The annals of pharmacotherapy. 32.4 (1998): 428-431.

Larry Coryell VH, Stearns DM. "Molecular analysis of hprt mutations induced by chromium picolinate in CHO AA8 cells." Research of mutation. 610 1-2 (2006): 114-123.

Vincent JB. The potential value and toxicity of chromium picolinate as a nutritional supplement, weight loss and muscle development officer officer. Sports medicine. 33.3 (2003): 213-230.

Wani S, Weskamp C, Miss Marple J, l. Spry "acute tubular necrosis associated with dietary supplements containing the chromium picolinate." The annals of pharmacotherapy. 40.3 (2006): 563-566.

Young PC, Turiansky GW, Bonner MW, Benson PM "acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis chromium picolinate-induced.". Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 41.5 (1999): 820-823.


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Ginkgo

Alternate names: Southern maidenhair, Kew tree, Japanese Silver Apricot tree

Ginkgo is one of the oldest living tree species. The extract of ginkgo leaves is used in medicine in North America, where it is one of the most popular medicinal herbs and many other countries around the world. In traditional Chinese medicine, the ginkgo tree seeds are used.

To improve mental function
Alzheimer's disease
Age-related memory loss
Macular degeneration
Sexual dysfunction
To improve blood circulation

It is believed that the Ginkgo leaves contain compounds that thin of blood and help improve muscle tone in the walls of blood vessels. This can increase blood flow.

Constituents in leaves of ginkgo may affect blood clotting, extracts of ginkgo leaves should not be used by people with bleeding disorders. Epilepsy (or any person with a history of seizures) should avoid Ginkgo, because it can increase the frequency of seizures.

Products of Ginkgo leaves can affect blood glucose levels, for people with diabetes should only be used under the supervision of a health professional.

The safety of ginkgo in pregnant women or nursing mothers and children is not known.

Side effects of ginkgo leaves include excessive bleeding. Rarely, seizures have been reported in people using the leaf of ginkgo or seeds. Other side effects include digestive problems, headaches, allergic skin reaction or muscle weakness.

People should ne consume fresh ginkgo seeds. Roast ginkgo seeds can cause diarrhea, nausea, indigestion, vomiting, or allergic skin reaction. Side effects of ginkgo seeds fresh or more than 10 roasted seeds ginkgo include death, seizures, loss of consciousness and difficulty breathing.

Ginkgo may increase the effect of blood thinners (antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs), such as clopidogrel, ticlopidine (Ticlid), warfarin (Coumadin), heparin and aspirin, which can cause uncontrolled bleeding or hemorrhage. Some herbs, such as la danshen, Devil's claw, Siberian Ginseng, garlic, ginger, horse chestnut, the papain, red clover, and saw palmetto, can also increase the risk of bleeding if combined with ginkgo.

Ginkgo was found to interfere with the metabolism of drugs processed by an enzyme called cyp3A4. Ask your doctor to check if you take drugs of this type.

Ginkgo may increase the risk of seizure if combined with other medications or herbs that do the same, such as antidepressants, bupropion (Zyban Wellbutrin), certain antibiotics such as penicillin and cephalosporins, corticosteroids, fentanyl (Duragesic) Actiq, theophylline, methylphenidate (e.g. Concerta, Ritalin), drugs that suppress the immune system, such as azathioprine and cyclosporine, Borage, evening primrose and absinthe.

Ginkgo should not be used with the drug cyclosporine (used to suppress the immune system), because it has been found to reduce the effect of this drug. Theoretically, ginkgo may have the same effect with other immunosuppressive drugs.

Ginkgo may interact with insulin and other drugs for diabetes, such as metformin (Glucophage), glyburide (Glynase), glimepiride (Amaryl) and glipizide (Glucotrol XL). It should not be used with medication to prevent seizures.

There were a few cases of arterial hypertension in people taking diuretics ginkgo and thiazide, such as chlorothiazide, chlorthalidone and hydrochlorothiazide, metolazone polythiazide.


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Tuesday, June 28, 2011

What is Ayurveda?

Also known as: Ayurvedic medicine
Ayurveda is the traditional medicine of the India, whose origin more than 5,000 years ago. Ayurveda focuses on restoring balance in the body through diet, mode of life, exercise and cleansing of the body and on the health of the mind, body and spirit.
In North America, Ayurveda is regarded as a form of alternative medicine. As traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurveda is a medical system, which means that it is based on the theories of health and disease and methods of prevention and treatment of health conditions.

Over the last decade, Ayurveda is growing in popularity in North America, thanks in part to the work of Deepak Chopra, M.D., a physician that combines Western medicine Ayurveda.

In 2004, the National Center for Health Statistics and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCAAM) published the results of a survey of 31 000 people in the United States. Four - tenths of one percent of respondents had used Ayurveda in the past. One tenth of one percent of respondents had used Ayurveda in the last year.

An initial assessment with an Ayurvedic practitioner may last an hour or more. The practitioner will ask questions on your health, diet and lifestyle. He or she will listen to your pulse. Unlike medicine, pulse 12 different points are assessed in Ayurveda.

The Ayurvedic practitioner also examines the language; his appearance is expected to provide clues on the areas of the body which has more balance. There are also the appearance of the skin, lips, nails and eyes.
After the evaluation, the practitioner will determine unique balance of the individual doshas, or metabolic types. A dosha is usually predominant and can be unbalanced, usually due to poor diet and unhealthy habits.
The practitioner also determines your prakuti, also called your constitution or essential nature. From there, the practitioner may create an individualized, treatment plan which includes often diet, exercise, herbs, yoga, meditation and massage. The treatment plan is usually on the balance between a particular dosha.
According to Ayurveda, everything is made up of five elements: air, water, fire, Earth and space. These elements combine to form the three doshas vata, kapha and pitta types or metabolic. In Ayurveda, doshas explain some of our individual differences.

The vata dosha is a combination of space and air. He is responsible for the body such as respiration, cell division and circulation processes and control movement. Vata body areas are the large intestine, basin, bone, skin, ears and thighs. People with vata as their main dosha would be quick-thinking, thin and fast and are sensitive to anxiety, dry skin and constipation.

The kapha dosha represents the elements of water and Earth. Kapha is supposed to be responsible for the resistance, immunity and growth. Kapha body areas are the chest, lungs and the cerebrospinal fluid. People with kapha as their main dosha appear to be calm, have a solid body frame and are likely to be of diabetes, obesity, sinus congestion and gallbladder problems.

The pitta dosha combines fire and water. It is thought to control hormones and digestive system. Pitta body areas are small intestines, stomach, sweat glands, skin, blood and eyes. People with pitta as their main dosha are viewed as having a fiery, oily skin personality and are vulnerable to heart disease, ulcers of stomach, inflammation, arthritis and stomach heartburn.

Dosha imbalance is intended to interrupt the natural flow of prana, or vital energy. Disturbed energy flow is then thought to impair digestion and allow the build up of wastes from the body, or ama, which compromises more energy and digestion.

Power supply: Recommendations are individualized to the individual dosha and season. Foods can balance or cause imbalance for each dosha. See a list of foods thought to establish a balance between each dosha.
Cleansing and detoxification: this can be done through fasting, enemas, feeding and care of the body.
Phytotherapy: herbal Ayurvedic examples are triphala, ashwaghanda, gotu kola, guggul and boswellia.
Yoga Meditation.

Exercise: Individualized for the constitution of a person
Massage: Medicated herbal oils are often used.In India, there are many undergraduate and graduate colleges for Ayurveda, where training can be up to five years of studies.

Outside of the India, some people who have been trained in another profession of health (e.g. doctor, nurse, doctor of naturopathy) study Ayurveda before or after their training. Other practitioners to attend only Ayurvedic College.

There is currently no national standard for the certification of training or licenses Ayurvedic practitioners to the United States or the Canada.
Due to its growing popularity, Ayurvedic, particularly to the spas and salons, are more performed by persons who have not received formal training in Ayurveda. This is why if you are interested in consultation with Ayurvedic doctor, it is important to seek a qualified of Ayurvedic practitioner and learn more about his training.

According to NCAAM, in 2004, 14 of 70 Ayurvedic medicines tested were found to contain lead, mercury and arsenic to potentially harmful levels. All products have been manufactured in South Asia.
The same year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have received 12 reports of lead poisoning associated with the use of herbal Ayurvedic products.

There is a lack of research on the effectiveness, safety, side effects and possible drug interactions of herbal Ayurvedic products. Although some research have been made, there are generally problems with the design of the studies. In North America, the use of practices traditional Ayurvedic, such as vomiting, enemas and cleaning of blood, is seen as highly controversial and the safety of these practices is unknown.
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Monday, June 27, 2011

Natural treatments for eczema

Also known as: Atopic Eczema, atopic dermatitis, childhood eczema

Eczema is a chronic skin disorder characterized by itching skin rash, which can be red, scaly, dry and leathery. There may be skin blisters, oozing and crusting.

Eczema usually occurs for the first time in infants, with rash typically occurring on the cheeks, elbows or knees. Eczema, although often less of a problem in adulthood, can persist, especially if a person is exposed to allergens or chemical irritants or is under tension. In adults, eczema is typically located on the inner elbow or behind the knee.

People with eczema often have members of the family with asthma, hay fever, or eczema cold.

Probiotics, or "good" bacteria are living microbial organisms naturally found in the digestive tract. They are considered as remove potentially harmful bacteria growth, influence the immune function and strengthen the protective barrier of the digestive tract.

Studies indicate that infants at high risk for allergic conditions such as eczema have different types and the number of bacteria in their gut than other babies, and probiotics supplements taken by children and pregnant women can reduce eczema occurrence in children.

A large, long-term study considered whether the use of a probiotic supplement or a placebo might affect the incidence of eczema in infants. Researchers randomized 1223 pregnant women with babies to high risk use a probiotic supplement or a placebo for 2 to 4 weeks before delivering.

From birth, babies received probiotics same as their mother had more galacto-oligosaccharides (called a "prebiotic" because it has been shown to help several strains of beneficial bacteria flourish) for 6 months. After 2 years, probiotics were much more effective than placebo in preventing eczema.

In addition to the use of probiotics to prevent eczema, probiotics have also been explored as a treatment for infants and children who already have an eczema. Some studies have shown that probiotics reduce eczema symptoms only in infants and children who are sensitized to food allergens.

Researchers are testing different strains of bacteria to see if a particular strain is more efficient for eczema. One of the most commonly used probiotic strains used in the studies of eczema is Lactobacillus GG. Other used strains are Lactobacillus fermentum VRI-033 CCP, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus reuteri and Bifidobacteria lactis. Galacto-oligosaccharides as Prebiotics has also been used.

See a qualified health professional before using probiotics. Children with immune deficiencies should not take probiotics except as the supervision of the practitioner. Read more information on probiotics, Acidophilus and other probiotics.

The gels and creams made from Chamomile herbal extracts, of liquorice and Witch Hazel have been explored to reduce the symptoms of eczema. Here are the results of some of the preliminary studies. A double-blind study compared a gel of licorice 1% and 2% from placebo to Eczema gel. After two weeks, licorice gels both 1% and 2% were more effective than placebo gel, and 2% gel was more effective to reduce the redness, swelling, and itching that 1% gel. A comparative study cream Chamomile 0.5% hydrocortisone cream or a placebo. After two weeks, camomile cream was more effective than hydrocortisone cream, but it was not significantly more effective that placebo cream. This study was not double-blind, it cannot be used as evidence that Chamomile cream is effective in eczema. In a German double-blind study, 72 people with moderately severe eczema has used a cream of placebo containing extract Witch-Hazel, cream 0.5% hydrocortisone or single cream 14 days. Hydrocortisone was more effective than Witch Hazel. Witch Hazel was not significantly more effective that placebo cream. Consult a qualified practitioner before using all topical herbal applications. Some grasses, such as Chamomile, are known to cause allergic contact dermatitis. Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) acids, such as evening primrose oil and Borage Oil, are a type of essential fatty acids. GLA has shown that the correct gaps in skin lipids that can trigger inflammation, that is why it is thought to help with eczema. However, recent, well-designed clinical studies with GLA have found generally that it helps with eczema.

For example, a double blind study examined the use of Borage Oil (500 mg per day) or placebo in 160 adults with moderate eczema. After 24 weeks, overall effectiveness was not significantly better with compared with placebo Borage Oil.

More:


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Sunday, June 26, 2011

Foods to avoid a Detox Diet

A detox diet is a targeted diet, in the short term to promote the Elimination of unwanted chemicals and food agency and environmental toxins. Although detox diets vary, here is a list of food often avoided.

Eggs and dairy products

Eggs and dairy products are avoided, including:

cheesecottage cheesesour creamyogurt and kefirbutterice cream and frozen yogurt

Wheat

Wheat and wheat products such as pasta and bread.

Sweeteners

refined white sugarany sugarany sugarhigh-Brown corn fructose syrupevaporated cane sweeteners juiceartificial

Gluten

All grains containing gluten, including wheat, barley, rye, spelt, triticale, kamut, couscous, bran and farina

Soy

tofusoy milksoy yogurtsoy saucesoy powdertempeh protein

Coffee, and caffeinated drinks

This list of foods to avoid is continued on the next page


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