Antibiotics - Good or Bad? When To Take Them, When To Refrain And What To Do After We've Taken Them!

The odds that you've had one of those nasty winter or spring colds are pretty high. These are the colds that seem to drag on forever gradually turning into an upper respiratory infection. We feel awful, lack energy and usually as a last resort find ourselves in room filled with other people coughing and spluttering, waiting to see the doctor. Unfortunately, the doctor's usual response will be to put you on a course of antibiotics.

Don't get me wrong. I am not against the proper use of antibiotics. They have the potential to be lifesavers when used properly, but they are not a cure-all. Antibiotics are usually used to treat infections caused by bacteria, such as tuberculosis, salmonella, and some forms of meningitis. However, they do not work against other organisms such as viruses or certain fungi. It's important to bear this in mind if you think you have some sort of infection, because viruses usually cause many common illnesses, particularly of the upper respiratory tract such as the common cold and sore throats.

A virus is a microscopic organism that lives as a parasite in plants, animals, and bacteria and consists of a nucleic acid core within a protein sheath. Most people who have a head cold, runny nose, cough, muscle ache, sore throat and even a fever have a virus. Viruses usually cause illness for 7-14 days and the symptoms can be treated with non-prescription drugs like herbal decongestants, cold formulas and cough syrups. Antibiotics do not work against viruses, only against bacteria.

Bacteria are single-celled, often parasitic microorganisms without a distinct nuclei or organized cell structure. There are good and bad bacteria. Many types of bacteria do not cause illness and live harmlessly on, and in, the human body. The bad bacteria cause serious illnesses such as pneumonia, meningitis, dysentery and blood poisoning. These illnesses can be life threatening and can best be treated with antibiotics. If these bacteria become resistant, then it becomes very difficult, even impossible to treat them. Overuse of antibiotics can lead to bacteria becoming resistant to them so it's important to only take them when absolutely necessary.

HOW DO ANTIBIOTICS WORK?

The very first antibiotic, penicillin along with a family of related antibiotics (such as ampicillin, amoxicllin and benzylpenicillin) is still widely used to treat many common infections. Our healthy, strong immune systems, with their antibodies and special white blood cells, can usually kill harmful bacteria before they multiply enough to cause symptoms. And even when symptoms do occur, the body can often fight off the infection. Sometimes if the immune system is not strong it becomes overwhelmed by a bacterial infection and needs help to get rid of it. This is where antibiotics come in. Some antibiotics, such as the penicillin's, are 'bactericidal', meaning that they work by killing bacteria. They do this by interfering with the formation of the cell walls or cell contents of the bacteria. Other antibiotics are 'bacteriostatic', meaning that they work by stopping bacteria multiplying.

Unfortunately, the antibiotics do not differentiate between our good bacteria, especially in the gut, and destroy them all! This damage to the destruction of the "gut flora" can have very serious consequences. These beneficial bacteria perform crucial tasks, from boosting our immune system, aiding digestion, warding off allergies to assisting in the elimination of harmful toxins. These friendly bacteria include Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidus and Bulgaricus, supplements for which can be found in any health food store's refrigerated section. They protect us against pathogens such as Salmonella, yeast, cholera, and the bad E. coli. Once gone, these friendly bacteria are replaced by hostile bacteria such as Pseudomonas, Clostridium, and Klebsiella, and by Candida yeast, a powerful member of the fungi family.

SIDE EFFECTS OF ANTIBIOTICS

The most common side effects with antibiotic drugs are diarrhea, feeling sick and being sick. Fungal infections of the mouth, digestive tract and vagina can also occur with antibiotics because they destroy the protective 'good' bacteria in the body (which help prevent overgrowth of any one organism), as well as the 'bad' ones, responsible for the infection being treated.

Rare, but more serious side effects, include the formation of kidney stones, abnormal blood clotting, increased sensitivity to the sun, blood disorders, and deafness.

Sometimes, particularly in older people, antibiotic treatment can cause a type of colitis (inflamed bowel) leading to severe diarrhea. Penicillin's, cephalosporin's and erythromycin can all cause this problem but it is most common with clindamycin, an antibiotic usually reserved for serious infections. If you develop diarrhea while taking an antibiotic, immediately contact your doctor.

Some people are allergic to antibiotics, particularly penicillin, and can develop side effects such as a rash, swelling of the face and tongue, and difficulty breathing. Always tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have had an allergic reaction to an antibiotic; sometimes the reaction can be serious or even fatal. This is called an anaphylactic reaction. You should use an antibiotic with care if you have reduced liver or kidney function. It goes without saying if you are pregnant or breastfeeding tell your doctor before taking any prescription drugs including antibiotics.

HOW TO USE AN ANTIBIOTIC IF YOU HAVE TO TAKE THEM

Antibiotics are usually taken orally but also given by injection or applied to the affected part of the body. The drugs begin to tackle most infections within a few hours. It is vital to take the whole course of treatment to prevent recurrence of the infection. Sometimes bacteria become 'resistant' to an antibiotic you have been taking, meaning the drug will no longer work. Resistance tends to occur when the bacterial infection responsible for the symptoms is not completely cured, even if the symptoms have cleared up. Some of the residual bacteria, having been exposed to, but not killed by, the antibiotic are more likely to grow into an infection that can survive that particular antibiotic. This explains why finishing the course of antibiotics, even if you feel better, is important.

Certain antibiotics should not be taken with certain foods and drinks. Some antibiotics are best taken when there is no food in your stomach, usually an hour before meals or two hours after - make sure you follow the instructions on the dispensing label. Do not drink alcohol if you are taking metronidazole. Do not take tetracyclines with dairy products, as these can reduce the absorption of this type of antibiotic.

There are a number of important interactions between antibiotics and other medicines so it's important to tell which your doctor or pharmacist about any other medicines you are taking.

RESTORING BENEFICIAL BACTERIA

If for some reason you have had to go on a course of antibiotics, try to boost your natural immune system and follow this recovery plan:

- Stay away from sugar or artificial sweeteners. Use Stevia or Lo-Han instead.

- No mushrooms or cheese. No yeasty foods, like bread, rolls or beer.

- Eliminate fruits and fruit juices (except for tart apples).

- Cut down on grains. After two weeks introduce gluten-free whole grains like Auinoa, corn or millet.

- Don't drink coffee, tea, herb tea or coffee substitutes as they often harbor molds.

- Avoid supermarket salad dressings, vinegar, soy or Worcestershire sauce and horseradish.

- Drink anti-fungal teas like paud'arco, angelica root, bergamot, hyssop, chamomile and alfalfa.

- Eat unsweetened, plain yogurt or kefir that contain lactobacillus acidophilus, bifidus and bulgaricus.

- Use olive oil to cook with as a dressing on salads and vegetables.

- Drink organic, green vegetable juices.

- Use raw almond butter.

- Cook with garlic. It contains allicin, a natural anti-fungal chemical.

- Take grape seed extract in water last thing at night.

- Take an antioxidant supplement that includes vitamins E, A, and C (among others) zinc and selenium

For this dietary plan to be affective it should be continued for at least 4 to 6 weeks, however before beginning any dietary program always check with you doctor first. When coming off the plan you can try eating foods you have cut out, one at a time to see how they make you feel. If you get gas or bloating stop taking the food for another few weeks. Following this plan for the recommended amount of time will help boost your immune system and help you to stay healthy.

Save On Drugs Using The Information Supplied By Internet

Shopping at some online pharmacy is very easy, private and affordable. Become one of the millions, around the world, who are taking advantage of the Internet, and ordering their drugs offshore, at drastically reduced prices. Get these great savings for yourself! Join the increasing number of senior citizens and chronically ill who now get huge savings on their drugs.

This has been in the online pharmacy business for a long time and has a great reputation among their customers. Stay away from the online pharmacy email scams that you receive in your inbox daily and buy from a reputable online pharmacy service such as some trusted ones.

They guarantee on selling only proven and tested treatments, and offer 100% money back guarantee, supplies only top quality pills made from the highest quality ingredients, and produced by state of the art pharmaceutical manufacturers, under the strictest quality control standards, in compliance with WHO international guidelines.

Using these services you can forget about appointments with your personal doctor, annoying doctor visits, losing precious time and waiting rooms. In twenty first century the Internet space has taken the control of that personal care and makes it easier day by day. Working with DHL, FedEx, EMS and TNT most online shops ship their products in a discrete brown package that does not mention the contents of the shipment. Shipping, depending on your locale, take between 7-20 days, although delivery times are typically shorter.

Having in mind that other (big ones) offer more then 100 prescription medications at discount prices or cheap drugs (- 80%) in the following categories such as: Men's Health, Weight Loss, Pain Relief, Diabetes, Stop Smoking, Cholesterol, Anti Depressant, Allergy, Antibiotic, Anti fugal, Digestive, Hypertension, Osteoporosis and Women's Health. All products carry 100% guaranty. You will always get the highest quality, name-brand drugs and prescription products at savings that our potential clients deserve.

The Real Reasons Why Prescription Medicines are Expensive

Prescription medicines are expensive. The large pharmaceutical companies justify this by claiming their high prices pay for research. Is that really where most of the money we spend on drugs goes? Is it to fund research? I don't think so.

A big portion of the price we pay for our medications goes toward advertising. When I was growing up, prescription medications were not advertised. Direct to the consumer advertising only became legal 10 years ago. Prior to that, the medical doctor would recommend and prescribe medications based on a patient's needs.

Today the pharmaceutical companies are spending Billions of dollars advertising on TV and other media touting their products. Yes, the pharmaceutical companies are making recommendations for our medical condition with TV and magazine ads. They make these recommendations to us with out knowing a thing about us. The ad sells us on their products and since we can't buy them without a doctor's prescription, the ads close with this statement, "Ask you doctor about "whatever drug" they are pitching.

I don't know about you, but I don't think we should suggest to our doctor what medications we should take. That's why the doctor went to medical school; to diagnose and prescribe treatments for us. Diagnosing and recommending medications should not be the role of the pharmaceutical companies. If they stopped this outrageous spending on advertising our prescription costs could be a lot less. And we would most likely have a prescription more tailored to our medical need. Yes, the doctors are being influenced by these ads too.

Another big chunk of the money we spend on prescription drugs pays for the legal expenses of the pharmaceutical companies. They have lawyers that write a long list of "Disclaimers" in their ads. Do you think the pharmaceutical companies tell us all of the horrible things that can happen to us as a result of using their product (including death) because they are concerned about us and want to keep us safe? I don't think so. It's to protect them against lawsuits. Who do you think is paying these expensive lawyers? We are every time we fill a prescription.

I always smile when I read the "Information Sheet" that usually comes with every prescription. It lists the possible side effects and then states, "Your doctor believes the benefits from using this drug out weigh the risks." An ad agency wrote that and some lawyer approved or revised it.

The lawyer fees are only a part of the legal expenses we are paying for with our prescription dollars. What about the lawsuits these expert lawyers could not win? The money we spend on our prescriptions helps fund the multi-million judgments levied against the pharmaceutical companies.

Do you think the pharmaceutical companies are surprised when someone dies or becomes seriously ill, or even deformed as a result of using their product? I don't think so. The pharmaceutical companies know the risks. They actually hire actuaries to weigh the potential profit of a particular drug against the cost of lawsuits. It's all about the money.

I am not saying the pharmaceutical companies are evil or intentionally criminal. I'm not saying that they are not interested in providing products that will be beneficial to our health. I'm simply saying that the pharmaceutical companies are also in business to make a profit. It just seems to me they have their priorities out of whack.

I used to think that the FDA would prevent the distribution of drugs that could do us significant harm. I don't think that is the case anymore. I now believe the FDA has been too relaxed and easy going with the pharmaceutical companies. Remember, the pharmaceutical companies also hire lobbyists. Do you think the lobbyists attempt and maybe succeed in influencing the FDA? I think so.

Let me use Merck to illustrate what I mean. The dangers of using Vioxx were well known by the FDA prior to Vioxx being marketed to us. Internal documents were distributed stating the risks of using Vioxx. These dangers included, arrhythmia, blood clots, deep vein thrombosis, heart attacks, and strokes to name just a few.

Even with this information, the FDA allowed Merck to release Vioxx based on the performance of previously released so called miracle drugs.

Do you think Merck, with the help of lobbyists, influenced the FDA? Who do you think paid these lobbyists?

I am not against prescription drugs or the pharmaceutical companies. I just resent paying for their advertising and being told the high cost is needed to fund research. They made money before they were allowed to advertise directly to the consumer. Now they are spending billions of dollars trying to get us to convince our doctors what drugs we should be prescribed.

I also resent the way they determine whether or not to market a particular high risk drug. They use a "profit vs. legal expense" model instead of a "benefit vs. product risk" model. I resent being told, "Your doctor believes the benefits from using this drug out weigh the risks." What they really mean is, "We believe that the profit we make from this drug out weigh the risks to you." And that's the truth as I see it. Remember the pharmaceutical companies hire actuaries to weigh the potential profit of a particular drug against the cost of lawsuits.

How Effective is Lyprinol as an Anti-Inflammatory Agent?

When our bodies undergo biological, physical, or chemical injury, the process of inflammation is its normal reaction. Generally, it helps repair or regenearate the damaged cells and tissues. But in some cases, the inflammatory process overshoots and does more harm than good. This is where Lyprinol comes in.

Lyprinol is a stabilized marine extract made from a combination of the highly regarded Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and other lipid groups. Because of its impressive anti-inflammatory properties, several researches have been conducted to check its safety and efficacy. Lyprinol has passed these tests with flying colors.

What are some of the instances when excessive inflammatory responses become harmful? A common case is the condition osteoarthritis (also known as degenerative joint disease or degenerative arthritis) wherein low-grade inflammation is coupled with pain in the joints.

It affects the "wear and tear" joints of the hands, feet, knees, shoulders, back, hips, and elbows. Pain is experienced because the cartilage that is supposed to act as a cushion between the joints is worn and the condition is aggravated by several years of hard work and, at times, injury.

When a signal is received to initiate inflammation, one of the biomolecular mechanisms that take place is the conversion of arachidonic acid into inflammation-aiding substances. This process happens via two pathways: the cyclo-oxygenase (COX) pathway which results in the formation of thromboxanes and prostaglandins, and the 5-lipoxygenase (LOX) pathway which forms leukotrienes.

The latter's products (LTB 4, and its metabolites LTC 4, LTD 4, and LTE 4) are potent inflammation supporters. The anti-inflammatory drugs we use today are known to inhibit the cyclo-oxygenase pathway, thus leaving the 5-lipoxygenase pathway products free to actively support the inflammatory process.

When this happens, the LTB 4 metabolites thrive and may possibly give rise to damaging inflammation. They are powerful bronchoconstricting agents and could could even bring the patient into anaphylactic shock.

Because of this, scientists will stop at nothing to find a treatment which effectively inhibits the 5-lipoxygenase pathway. They then discovered Lyprinol, an extract from the New Zealand green-lipped mussels, which effectively and safely impedes the 5-lipoxygenase pathway.

When these harmful leukotrienes are inhibited with the stable Lyprinol, persistent and damaging inflammation is markedly reduced.

When compared with other products of the same nature, Lyprinol can boast of remarkable results:

In a study published in the journal, "Inflammopharmacology," Lyprinol was tested to be 100x more powerful than Max EPA; 125x more effective than green-lipped musel powder; 175x more powerful than salmon oil or evening primrose oil; and 200x more effective than flax oil in the treatment of joint inflammation relative to arthritis.

Histamine H2 Antagonists

Type of Drug
Anti-ulcer drugs

How The Drug Works

Histamine H2 antagonists reduce acid in the stomach by blocking one of the chemical transmitters (histamine) that is responsible for stimulating the production of stomach acid.

Uses

To treat and prevent recurrence of duodenal (first part of small intestine) ulcers.
To treat gastric (stomach) ulcers.
To prevent recurrence of gastric (stomach) ulcers (ranitidine only).
To treat hypersecretory (increased acid secretion) conditions (eg, Zollinger ­ Ellison syndrome)
To treat erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (reflux of stomach acid into the food pipe, which causes heartburn).
To treat (over-the-counter cimetidine, famotidine, and nizatidine only) or prevent (over-the-counter cimetidine, famotidine, and nizatidine only) heartburn, acid indigestion, or sour stomach.

Other Uses : Occasionally doctors may prescribe:

Cimetidine - To prevent stress-induced or peptic ulcers and certain types of respiratory complications (aspiration pneumonia) during anesthesia. It may be used to treat hyperparathyroidism (overactive parathyroid gland), indigestion, ringworm, herpes virus infections, chronic warts, chronic hives, allergic skin reactions, acetaminophen overdose, colorectal cancer, and abnormal hair growth in women.

Famotidine - To prevent stress-induced or peptic ulcers and certain types of respiratory conditions (aspiration pneumonia) during anesthesia. It may also be used to treat bleeding of the stomach or intestines.

Nizatidine - To treat peptic ulcers.

Ranitidine - To prevent stomach and intestinal damage associated with long-term nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug therapy (eg, ibuprofen), stress-induced or peptic ulcers, certain types of respiratory complications (aspiration pneumonia) during anesthesia, and to treat bleeding of the stomach or intestines.

Phenylketonuric Patients: Some of these products contain phenylalanine. Consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Pregnancy: There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Use only if clearly needed and the potential benefits to the mother outweigh the possible hazards to the fetus

Breastfeeding: Cimetidine, famotidine, nizatidine, and ranitidine appear in breast milk. Consult your doctor before you begin breastfeeding.

Children: Safety and effectiveness of nizatidine in children have not been established. Safety and effectiveness of famotidine in children under 1 year of age and of ranitidine in children under 1 month of age have not been established. Cimetidine use is not usually recommended in children less than 16 years of age. Over-the-counter cimetidine, famotidine, nizatidine, or ranitidine use is not recommended in children under 12 years of age.

Elderly: Safety and effectiveness are similar to younger patients. Elderly patients may have reduced kidney function. Smaller cimetidine doses may be prescribed.

Lab tests may be required to monitor therapy. Tests may include liver function tests.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or if you are planning to take any over-the-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements while taking histamine H2 antagonists. Doses of one or both drugs may need to be modified or a different drug may need to be prescribed. The following drugs and drug classes interact with histamine H2 antagonists:

Cimetidine only -
Aminoquinolones (eg, chloroquine)
Anticoagulants, oral (eg, warfarin)
Beta-blockers (eg, propranolol)
Benzodiazepines (except larazepam, oxazepam, temazepam)
Carbamazepine (eg, tegretol)
Carmustine (BiCNU)

Side Effects

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many histamine H2 antagonist users experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy, and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include.

Digestive Tract: Diarrhea; constipation; stomach pain.

Nervous System: Confusion; hallucinations; fatigue; dizziness; sleepiness; headache.

Other: Impotence; breast enlargement (males).

Guidelines for Use

Dosage is individualized. Take exactly as prescribed or as directed by the package label, Do not stop taking or change the dose, unless directed by your doctor. May be taken without regard to meals.

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised to do so by your doctor. If more than one dose is missed or it is necessary to establish a new dosage schedule, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

It may be necessary to make lifestyle changes to assist in the treatment and prevention of ulcers and other digestive problems. These changes may include stress-reduction programs, exercise, and dietary changes.

Notify your doctor if you experience diarrhea, dizziness, confusion, anxiety, depression, disorientation, agitation, or hallucinations.

Notify your doctor if you experience any symptoms that suggest a bleeding ulcer, such as black. tarry stools or "coffee-ground" vomit.

Antacids can be used at the same time to help control acid symptoms.

Stagger doses of antacids and cimetidine or ranitidine.

May cause dizziness or drowsiness. Use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness, coordination, or physical dexterity.

Over-the-counter products - Contact your doctor if you have trouble swallowing or persistent stomach pain. Do not take maximum daily dosage for more than 2 weeks continuously except under the advice and supervision of your doctor.

Famotidine suspension - Shake well before using, Do not freeze.

Discard unused suspension after 30 days.

Famotidine orally disintegrating tablets - Keep tablets in unopened package until time of use. Open tablet blister pack with dry hands and place tablet on tongue to dissolve and be swallowed with saliva. No water is needed for taking the tablet.

Pepcid Complete - Do not swallow tablets whole; chew completely before swallowing.

Ranitidine effervescent tablets or granules - Dissolve in 6 to 8 oz of water before drinking.

Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, become pregnant, are planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

Lab tests or exams may be required to monitor therapy. Be sure to keep appointments.

Store at room temperature in a tight container away from light.

Patient-Physician Communication

Most doctors are not disinterested in you, but they are busy-so busy that many patients complain that their doctor cannot or will not listen to them. This is a problem because according to the American Society of Internal Medicine, 80% of correct diagnoses depend on what you tell your doctor. In a study of 74 visits to seven doctors, researchers found that only 16 patients were allowed to explain the problem fully. In 70% of the visits, doctors interrupted their patients before they completed their first statement. 20 Usually the interruption occurred within 18 seconds. It was not surprising that a recent survey on public attitudes toward physicians indicated 42% of those surveyed were not satisfied with their doctors.

What was the major source of dissatisfaction? According to a recent survey the patients complained that doctors don't explain things clearly, speak too technically, aren't good listeners, are hard to reach, and are too rushed. Doctors also complain that patients aren't good at describing problems and don't listen well. Fortunately, medical schools are beginning to emphasize communication skills. Of the 126 US medical schools, 86% now have mandatory classes dealing with the doctor-patient relationship. More physicians seem to realize that good medicine means establishing good rapport with patients. A leading health newsletter recently acknowledged the importance of the doctor-patient relationship.

A partnership is emerging in which the patient participates more actively and the physician acts more like a consultant. The necessary ingredients in a successful physician-patient partnership are a prepared, assertive (not aggressive) patient and a sympathetic, caring physician.

Patients can do much to facilitate the development of a physician-patient partnership. Understanding the meaning of commonly used medical words, abbreviations, suffixes, and prefixes can enhance this communication. The following are some tips to ensure good communication:

When you see your physician about a problem, you should state the most important problem first. Doctors tend to believe that the first thing a patient says is most important.

You should be specific. If you have a headache, where does it hurt? How long does it last? How often does it occur?

You should know your family history. Because many illnesses run in families, you may be at higher risk for certain diseases. Before your first visit, you should contact your parents and close relatives to learn of their health problems, especially heart disease, cancer, stroke, arthritis, diabetes, alcoholism, and tuberculosis.

You need to list medications and treatments you are receiving, including over-the-counter drugs. You will also need to identify any allergies and drug reactions.

You should ask questions. You can bring a written list of questions but try to make them brief and specific. You should ask about anything that is unclear and repeat the answers in your own words.

Before leaving the doctor's office, you need to make certain you know the diagnosis or how to follow the recommended treatment. If drugs are prescribed, you should inquire about the possible contraindications (reason for not using a drug), side effects, and the possible substitution of generics.

When appropriate, ask your physician to write down instructions or recommend reading material for more information on a particular subject. Finally, inquire about the next steps in the treatment, if and when a return visit is required, and danger signs to look for and report back to your physician.

Second Opinions

Conditions involving elective surgery, chronic pain, and recurring illnesses often benefit from a second opinion. In many situations, a second opinion is appropriate and peace of mind is a sufficient reason for seeking it. A recent editorial in the Harvard Medical School Health Letter provides some helpful advice to the question, "When is a second opinion needed?" "As a general rule, patients should seek a second opinion whenever they are uncomfortable with the explanations offered by a physician, are not happy with the progress of recovery, question the proposed course of action, or simply feel the need for verification. In some cases, such as elective surgery, your health insurer may require a second or third opinion before authorizing payment for certain treatments.

If you decide to ask for a second opinion, common courtesy dictates that you discuss it with your physician. Your physician may suggest bringing in a consultant who will assess your situation and discuss it with you and your physician. You can also ask your physician for the name of someone to see separately.

A physician may feel that a second opinion is a waste of time or money. Regardless, your wish for more information should be respected. Reputable physicians do not feel threatened by another opinion; to the contrary, they may welcome another perspective on a difficult case. If your physician expresses displeasure for or resists your wish to have a second opinion, you may want to consider looking for another doctor.

Aloe Vera, The Wonder Plant

Nicknamed as the 'Wonder Plant' among herbal medicines, Aloe Vera has been used to heal cuts, burns and even eczema. It is also used to relieve common conditions like arthritis, asthma and heartburn, aside from its topical use. Aloe Vera is relatively easy to grow in tropical regions and many people have cultivated these plants to be used as their first aid for common skin conditions. Another popular use is its addition as an ingredient for scrubs and bath products like bath salts.
The fact that only a few people are allergic to it makes it one of the most popular ingredients in making skin care products. Having both antibiotic and antiseptic properties, Aloe Vera is effective in soothing skin irritations caused by cuts, burns, and eczema. Studies show that the healing time of severe burns were reduced when Aloe Vera is applied regularly to it.
Cosmetic companies add Aloe Vera to their products because of its excellent moisturizing properties due to the plant's extremely high water content. The gel can also be a good anti-aging agent if applied on a regular basis. It has 96% water content and the rest of the 4% contains active ingredients including amino acids, enzymes, vitamins and minerals. These properties of the plant makes it one of the popular ingredients used for natural skin care since it is cheaper to maintain and cultivate. The low cost of cultivating the plant makes it convenient for almost anyone to grow it in their homes. A lot of Aloe Vera gels are available from the stores, but only those that come from reputable manufacturers could come close to the same effectiveness of a freshly cut Aloe Vera plant.
Aloe Vera are also used to produce beverages. It is also commonly used as ingredients to yogurt in Japan. Whatever you consume, whether it'll be juice or the yogurt, just make sure that the Aloe Vera used was fresh since its active ingredients easily oxidizes.

Benefits of Inhaled Asthma Medicines

How can inhaled medicines help asthmatics? One important benefit is that they help you save money in the long run and keep you away from the hospital.
This is good news for asthmatics considering that the health-related costs of asthma are great. The disease results in less income due to less productivity from lost days at work.
In New South Wales, for example, asthma is one of the top ten reasons for visits to doctors and accounted for 55,000 emergency room visits to public hospitals. In Sweden, persons with asthma accounted for 23,000 hospital admissions, while in the United States, asthma is responsible for more than 460,000 hospitalizations and 1.8 million emergency department visits.
By relieving symptoms and preventing further attacks, inhaled medicines reduce the need for hospitalization and they allow patients to live normal, productive lives.
Bronchodilators are used to treat asthma flare-ups and acute attacks and help prevent exercise-induced asthma. They are often used only when you feel it is needed or when you have symptoms less than once or twice a week. In moderate or severe attacks, they can be used more often but no more than 3 or 4 times a day.
To treat moderate to severe persistent asthma, inhaled steroids are usually prescribed. Since they don't act immediately, they must be taken regularly every day. They won't prevent attacks if you take them only during flare-ups. When used daily, studies show that these controllers improve lung function, reduce symptoms, reduce the frequency and severity of attacks, and improve the quality of life.
Generally, inhaled medicines have fewer side effects than their oral counterparts. Common side effects include a fast heart beat, muscular shaking and nervousness. These side effects are transient and usually disappear with continued use. There is no need to stop your medicine.
Likewise, inhaled steroids have little side effects. The most common are mouth and throat irritation accompanied by coughing or an oral yeast infection (thrush). These can be eliminated by using a spacer (a large plastic cone attached to the inhaler) and by gargling with water after each use.
Keep a diary of your symptoms and any side effects you're experiencing. Show this to your doctor to get the most out of every consultation and follow the prescribed dose. Don't overuse your medicines. Your doctor can help you only if you take an active role in controlling asthma.
How do you fill up an asthma diary? Find out in the 8th part of our series. Don't miss it!
Since obesity is bad for asthmatics, keep your weight down to a healthy level. You can do this with the help of Zyroxin, a safe and natural supplement that will maximize your weight loss through its unique fat-burning ingredients.

Basic Information On Biopharmaceutical

The term 'biopharmaceutical' came into existence in the 1980s and to describe a class of therapeutic protein produced by modern biotechnological techniques, more specifically via genetic engineering or (in the case of monoclonal antibodies) by hybridoma technology. This usage equated the term 'biopharmaceutical' with 'therapeutic protein synthesized in engineered (nonnaturally occurring) biological systems'.

Biopharmaceuticals are medical drugs produced using biotechnology. These are actually proteins (including antibodies), nucleic acids (DNA, RNA or antisense oligonucleotides) used for therapeutic or in vivo diagnostic purposes, and are produced by means other than direct extraction from a native (non-engineered) biological source.

The first biopharmaceutical was recombinant human insulin (rHI, trade name Humulin), which was developed by Genentech and marketed by Eli Lilly and Company in 1982.

Advances in our understanding of the molecular principles underlining both health and disease has revealed the existence of many regulatory polypeptides of significant medical potential. The fact that such polypeptides are produced naturally within the body only in minute quantities initially precluded their large-scale medical application. The development in the 1970s of the twin techniques of genetic engineering and hybridoma technology marked the birth of the modern biotech era. These techniques facilitate the large-scale production of virtually any protein, and proteins of medical interest produced by these methodologies have been coined 'biopharmaceuticals'. More recent developments in biomedical research highlights the clinical potential of nucleic acid-based therapeutic agents. Gene therapy and anti-sense technology are likely to become a medical reality within a decade. The term 'biopharmaceutical' now also incorporates the polynucleotide sequences utilized for such purposes.

There are lots of potential in this area and pharmaceutical industries are tring to encash the intellect and new possibilities using biopharmaceutical in treatment of various diseases.

An Intro to Liposuction

Liposuction is a cosmetic surgery procedure which aids in the removal of small pockets of fatty tissue. Often, even if you stick to a vegetable and whole grains diet and strict exercise routine, you may find that your body still has some areas which you are just not able to rid of fat.
For these small areas, liposuction can be the perfect answer to sculpting the final touches for your body image.
Liposuction can be performed on most any place on the body which contains a stubborn pocket of fatty tissue which you have not been able to get rid of on your own or those areas that you simply cannot exercise away. Generally, it is performed on areas such as the abdomen, calves, ankles, hips, thighs, arms, and under the chin. Some of the impossible areas are the ankles, knees, and neck. You just can't exercise the ankles.
The best person to perform this procedure is a cosmetic surgeon who has been certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. While other physicians do liposuction, it is always best to use an experienced plastic surgeon to achieve the best results possible. To find an experienced Board Certified plastic surgeon in your area you can call your local hospital or call the American Board of Plastic Surgery directly or look at their site for a referral.
Before you schedule your consultation with a plastic surgeon, you should know a bit about the procedure and if it is right for you or not.
The ideal patient is a man or woman who is of average weight and who simply wants to remove small areas of fat which have not responded to your sweating and hard work. It is important to know that it is not designed for weight loss and is a procedure reserved for targeted fat removal only. Additionally, people who are younger, who have more elasticity to their skin, are better candidates than those who are older and lack this elasticity.
Liposuction can be performed in one area or many all in the same day. Sometimes it is also performed in conjunction to other cosmetic surgery procedures such as a tummy tuck or face lift.
The procedure is fairly straight forward. Typically, the fat to be removed is first injected with a solution to liquefy it for easier removal. Then your surgeon will make a tiny incision and insert a small hollow tube called a cannula. This cannula is moved around in the fatty area, and it is vacuumed out, weighed and disposed of. It's weighed to ensure even removal from both sides of the body.
The recovery time for the procedure is typically only a week or two, and then you can generally return to most aspects of your normal life. You should still hold off on rigorous exercise which generally needs a longer period of recovery time to be safe.
Soon after your liposuction has been performed, you will notice a difference in the shape of the area where you had it done. However, it will take a couple of months to see the final end results of the work. This time is needed to allow your body to heal and for fluid and swelling to leave the area.
You will be required to follow-up with your plastic surgeon once or twice in their office in order for them to be able to evaluate your results and healing progress. At this time you can talk to your surgeon about any concerns or questions you might have.

Laxatives - Glycerin

Laxatives promote bowel emptying. Nonprescription laxatives are frequently misued due to lack of understanding of normal bowel function. Restrict self ­ medication to short-term therapy of constipation. Chronic use of laxatives (particularly stimulants) may lead to dependence. Prior to laxative use, consider living habits affecting bowel function including disease state and drug history. Rational therapy and prevention of constipation include: Adequate fluid intake (4 to 6 glasses of water daily), proper dietary habits including sufficient bulk or roughage, responding to the urge to defecate and daily exercise.
Type of Drug Hyperosmolar laxatives.
How the Drug WorksGlycerin irritates the colon and draws water into the colon, stimulating bowel movements.
Uses
For short-term treatment of constipation. To treat constipation in infants and children. Frequent use of laxatives and inadequate fluid can cause an imbalance in fluid and electrolyte levels. Symptoms may include muscle cramps, muscle weakness or dizziness. Rectal bleeding or failure of the laxative to produce a bowel movement can indicate a more serious condition which requires medical attention.
Children: Physical manipulation of a glycerin suppository in infants will usually promote bowel movements. Because of this, side effects are usually minimal.
Side Effects
Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many patients experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depends on many factors including dose, duration of therapy and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include:
Circulatory System: Pounding of the chest (palpitations).
Other: Bowel cramping; stomach cramps; irritation of the rectal area; diarrhea; nausea; vomiting; weakness; dizziness; fainting; sweating; bloating; gas; excessive bowel activity.
Guidelines of Uses
Laxative use is only a temporary measure. Do not use longer than one week. Stop use of these products when normal bowel habits return. Prolonged frequent or excessive use may result in dependence or electrolyte imbalance.
Suppositories- Insert one suppository high in the rectum and retain 15 minutes. It does not need to produce laxative action.

Natural Treatments for Yeast Infections

Yeast infections can be a woman's worst enemy. The itching and discomfort make life unpleasant. What's worse is that it can become a chronic condition in which the woman finds relief from one yeast infection only to find herself with another flare-up a couple of weeks or even days later. But there's hope, and it is possible to find relief through understanding the cause for yeast infections and by utilizing natural remedies.

While candida albicans is a normal part of a body's intestinal flora, it doesn't always behave as it is supposed to. When candida is doing its job, it aids digestion and protects the body from more harmful bacteria. But when the immune system is low, the candida can multiply, overgrow and wreak havoc on the body-such as when it causes a candida yeast infection.

Studies show that three out four women experience yeast infections sometime during their lives. Causes of yeast infections include hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause, high-sugar diet, douching, diabetes, antibiotics, steroids, and birth control pills.

Symptoms of a candida yeast infection include severe itching and redness of the vagina area as well as a cottage cheese like vaginal discharge that may also have a foul odor. Additionally, women with yeast infections may experience burning, irritation and even pain when engaging in sexual intercourse.

While some women have success with prescription and over-the-counter yeast infection treatments, others prefer to deal with the condition in a more natural, holistic way. Below are some safe, alternative treatments or home remedies to help rid oneself of candida yeast infections:

--Take probiotics to build up the healthy bacteria in your body which will then prevent the overgrowth of the harmful bacteria. It is available in pill, liquid and vaginal suppository form and can benefit the health in ways other than healing a yeast infection.

--Consuming and/or applying to the vagina plain, sugar free yogurt is a good way to build-up the healthy bacteria in the body's system. When applying to the vagina, it provides a cooling relief to irritated skin and membranes.

--Inserting one clove of garlic into the vagina can also help to fight the candida overgrowth. The key is to attach a long piece of thread to the peeled garlic clove and then insert, leaving it in overnight.

--Utilizing boric acid suppositories in the vagina is another natural home remedy. As an antiseptic and anti-fungal substance, studies have shown it to be as effective as certain prescription drugs for curing yeast infections.

--Changing the diet has also proved to be beneficial for people suffering from chronic yeast infections. Since a high-sugar, high-yeast (high carb) diet feeds the candida yeast, it is wise to reduce or eliminate sugary and processed foods. Instead, focus on eating whole foods, particularly vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, and plenty of sugar-free yogurts to provide for the best possible nutrition to rid oneself of candidiasis.

Chinese Medicine

Chinese medicine is a philosophy of medicine partly based on the idea that an energy, called qi (pronounced "chee"), flows along pathways in the body called meridians. In this belief, if the flow of qi along these meridians is blocked or unbalanced, illness can occur. In China, doctors have practiced Chinese medicine for thousands of years, and it is gaining in popularity in many Western countries.

Causes of qi imbalance are thought to involve:

• External forces, such as wind, cold, or heat.
• Internal forces, such as emotions of joy, anger, or fear.
• Lifestyle factors, such as poor diet, too little sleep, or too much alcohol.

Another important concept in Chinese medicine is the philosophy of yin and yang. In this philosophy, all things, including the body, are composed of opposing forces called yin and yang. Health is said to depend on the balance of these forces. Chinese medicine focuses on maintaining the yin-yang balance to maintain health and prevent illness.

Chinese medicine doctors look at the balance of body, mind, and spirit to determine how to restore qi, the yin-yang balance, and good health.

What is Chinese medicine used for?

People use Chinese medicine to treat many illnesses from asthma and allergies to cancer and infertility. Chinese doctors may use several types of treatment to restore qi balance.

Chinese medicine therapies include:

• Acupuncture, which uses thin metal needles along the body's meridians.
• Acupressure, which uses the hands or fingers to apply direct pressure to points along the body's meridian.
• Chinese herbs, combinations of herbs, roots, powders, or animal substances to restore the yin-yang balance in the body.
• Cupping, which uses warm air in glass jars to create suction placed on areas of the body that need the qi stimulated.
• Diet. Yin and yang foods can restore the yin-yang balance in the body.
• Massage (tui na) on specific areas of the body or along the body's meridian.
• Moxibustion, which uses small amounts of heated plant fiber (moxa) on specific areas of the body.
• Qi gong, which uses exercise, breathing techniques, and meditation.

Is Chinese medicine safe?

Research in China and worldwide has shown Chinese medicine to be helpful for many types of illness. Because Chinese medicine differs from Western medical practice in diagnosis and treatment methods, it is difficult to apply Western scientific standards to it.

For example, in Western medical practice, any two people with a similar infection (such as an sinusitis) may be treated with a standard course of antibiotics. In Chinese medicine, each person might receive a different treatment for the same illness depending on the person's own qi and yin-yang balance.

The United States accredits schools in Chinese medicine, so a practitioner certified by an accredited school has had extensive training in Chinese medicine.

The National Institutes of Health, through its Office of Alternative Medicine (OAM) and other institutes, funds ongoing research of many complementary therapies to determine their benefits and risks. Acupuncture has been the most studied of Chinese medicine treatments and has become accepted as a therapy for certain conditions in the United States. Promising results have been found for the use of acupuncture in treating nausea and vomiting related to chemotherapy and postsurgery pain. Acupuncture also may be useful for other conditions such as addiction, stroke rehabilitation, headache, menstrual cramps, tennis elbow, osteoarthritis, low back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and asthma. ¹ In general, acupuncture is safe when done by a certified acupuncturist, but the treatment can be expensive and time-consuming.

Like conventional medications, Chinese herbal medications may also cause side effects, trigger allergic reactions, or interact with other prescription and nonprescription medications or herbs. Be sure to tell your health professional about any prescription, nonprescription, or other natural supplements you are taking before you take any Chinese therapies.

Always tell your doctor if you are using an alternative therapy or if you are thinking about combining an alternative therapy with your conventional medical treatment. It may not be safe to forgo your conventional medical treatment and rely only on an alternative therapy.

Naturopathic Medicine

What is naturopathic medicine?

Naturopathic medicine (or naturopathy) is based on the belief that the body can heal itself naturally. Naturopathic medicine attempts to improve health, prevent disease, and treat illness by promoting the use of organic foods and exercise; encouraging a healthy, balanced lifestyle; and applying concepts from other areas of complementary medicine (such as ayurveda, homeopathy, and herbal therapies).

Naturopathy was developed in the late 1800s in the United States. Today, a licensed naturopathic doctor (ND) attends a 4-year, graduate-level naturopathic medical school and studies the same basic sciences as a medical doctor (MD). However, the ND also studies alternative approaches to therapy, such as herbal medicine, acupuncture, and bodywork.

Most traditional naturopathic physicians (naturopaths) believe in natural therapies, such as nutritional and lifestyle counseling. They generally avoid prescribing medicines or performing surgery. However, some naturopaths prescribe herbal medicines, homeopathic dilutions, nutritional supplements, or perform minor surgeries. The disagreement over specific practice guidelines and licensing requirements in different states has led to some public confusion about the role of the naturopath.
What is naturopathy used for?

People use naturopathic medicine for promoting good health, preventing disease, and treating illness. Most naturopaths can treat earaches, allergies, and other common medical problems. Naturopathic medicine tries to find the underlying cause of the condition rather than focusing solely on treating symptoms. A properly trained naturopathic physician works with other health professionals, referring people to other practitioners for diagnosis or treatment when appropriate.
Is naturopathy safe?

Two of the biggest concerns about naturopathic medicine are the use of dietary fasting and a bias against immunization (vaccinations).
Talk with your medical doctor before fasting (not eating or drinking, or consuming only liquids for a period of time). Fasting can be dangerous, especially if you have a disease such as diabetes.
Some naturopaths do not believe that immunization is necessary. Before immunizations became available, childhood illnesses caused large numbers of deaths and long-term health problems and provided survivors with natural immunity. The benefits of immunization greatly outweigh the risks. 1

Always tell your doctor if you are using an alternative therapy or if you are thinking about combining an alternative therapy with your conventional medical treatment. It may not be safe to forgo your conventional medical treatment and rely only on an alternative therapy.

Naturopathy licensing varies from state to state. Not all states require naturopaths to be licensed. Also, not all naturopathic educational programs are the same. Some schools grant degrees that are not accepted by state licensing boards. In the United States, the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME) is the only agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to accredit naturopathic programs and colleges.

Before you choose a naturopath, find out whether the person graduated from an accredited college. Also check to see whether your state has licensing laws that govern the practice of NDs. If your state licenses NDs, ask your prospective ND whether he or she is licensed.