Natural Anti-Histamines or Anti-Allergies

allergyasthma.wordpress.com

The most common symptoms of hay fever or allergies are itching, runny nose, sneezing and sore eyes.

Anti-allergy medications are available but with known side effects. To avoid adverse reaction, natural anti-histamines may be used, such as:

Nettle. It has anti-histamine that can be obtained from health food shops.

Ginkgo biloba is a great anti-allergy natural treatment as it can cease certain allergy-triggering chemicals.

Apart from its anti-histamine effect, Vitamin C has a substance that controls symptoms of hay fever.

Other topics of interest:
Acne Treatment: Is Overcleansing Good for the Skin?
The Importance of Dental Cleaning  
Can Green Tea Cause Hives?
Benefits of Green Tea
Eye Floaters

Acne Treatment: Is Overcleansing Good for the Skin?

Before, I thought that cleaning my face more than 3x a day would result in flawless skin. But my dermatologist explained to me that over-cleansing my face could cause acne.

Why?

Over-cleansing the face stimulates the sebaceous gland to produce more oil. He also advised not to use granulated cleanser as it can aggravate the condition.

Truly, too much of something is bad enough.

Other topics of interest:
Eye Floaters
Cataract Removal: The AcrySof IQ ReSTOR Way
Hair Loss Problem Would Soon be Over
Gumtect for Bleeding Gums
Vitamin D Prevents Osteoporosis

The Importance of Dental Cleaning

acdentalnj.com

I had my annual dental cleaning last Saturday. The cost of the procedure has increased from PHP 600 to PHP 700. Darn.

Dental cleaning is important for the general health. It can help fight against dental and medical problems, like gum disease, bone loss, and strokes, among others.

Dental cleaning procedure is also useful in screening for oral cancer. It can also help avoid losing your teeth as you grow older. And of course, it can prevent bad breath.

Anyway, I never fail to visit my orthodontist for my annual dental cleaning because I do not want to wear false teeth (dentures) when I grow old.

Although dental cleaning should be done twice a year, I can only afford to have it done once a year. However, because of the de-mineralization in my two molars, my orthodontist advised me to have my dental cleaning twice a year and undergo fluoridation. It is a process of applying fluoride gel over the teeth. It strengthens the teeth, thereby, avoiding building up of plaque.

Dental cleaning is painless and the smooth feeling is wonderful.

Other topics of interest:
Meditation as Analgesic
Eye Floaters
Cataract Removal: The AcrySof IQ ReSTOR Way
Insecticide Treated Bed to Fight Against Malaria
Hot Drinks for Flu

Can Green Tea Cause Hives?

medicinenet.com

As of this writing, I am enduring the itchiness brought by the hives, which usually disappear later in the day, on my legs and my back. I have already applied Katinco, a chinese ointment, to alleviate the itchy feeling. I am not sure how I got this but I postulate that it is caused by green tea that I have been drinking since the holidays.

I know that green tea is good for the body because of its high-level of antioxidants. That’s why I am taking two glasses of Lipton green tea each day. This routine started during the holidays. I didn’t have a problem with it until last week.

I suspect that green tea is the culprit of my hives as it is the latest “item” introduced to my diet. I have made my research on the web regarding green tea’s ability to cause hives. It turned out that some people have also experienced itchy bumps caused by drinking green tea.

I still have to verify my assumption with my dermatologist this week.

Other topics of interest:
Benefits of Green Tea
Prevent Breast Cancer: Fresh Mushroom Plus Green Tea
Meditation as Analgesic
Eye Floaters
Cataract Removal: The AcrySof IQ ReSTOR Way

Benefits of Green Tea

seedol.com

My dieting was temporarily cancelled for the last two weeks because of the holidays. I was tempted to eat food that I should not be devouring as it could hamper my health. But how can I resist its delectable taste, like lechon? So, in order to help my body get rid of the toxins incorporated in the “holiday food,” I bought green tea and drank one to two cups a day.

Green tea is no longer a stranger to health-conscious individuals as it offers numerous health benefits. Some of them are listed below:

Green tea lowers the LDL (bad cholesterol) level in the blood.
It boosts immune system.
It relieves body from stress and fatigue.
It enhances metabolism.
It eliminates the free radicals in the body system.

Although green tea can comes in different forms, experts recommend drinking “fresh” tea. Consuming instant teas will only provide little health compounds. Also, experts recommend letting the tea leaves to steep in the water for 4 to 5 minutes before sipping it.

As for me, I still continue to drink green tea every day though the holidays were over and parties just ended.

Other topics of interest:
Meditation as Analgesic
Mouthwash and Teeth
Flossing and Its Many Benefits
Gumtect for Bleeding Gums
Waist Trimmer: Will It Help Me Trim Down on Excess Fats?

Meditation as Analgesic

meditationtechnique.us

An hour of meditation for three days can give sufficient analgesic effect, according to a study. Meditation allows a person to reduce the tension and anxiety, thereby, lessening the pain in the body. It is like accepting and engaging with the pain rather than distancing yourself from the pain by taking pain killers.

After reading such, I have been trying to meditate but I always find myself falling asleep during the course. Sheesh.

Other topics of interest:
Eye Floaters
Cataract Removal: The AcrySof IQ ReSTOR Way
Insecticide Treated Bed to Fight Against Malaria
Hot Drinks for Flu
Flossing and Its Many Benefits

Eye Floaters

irishealth.com

I briefly mentioned in my previous blog post regarding the eye floaters of my mom. Eye floaters are specks in front of our eyes. Almost everyone experiences, at some point in time, occasional floaters while staring an object against a light background. The floaters can also be seen when we are feeling light-headed.

Generally, eye floaters are innocuous. Thus, there is nothing to be worried of when they appear. However, when these floaters become visible in every background and are accompanied by loss of vision, it could be an early symptom of retinal detachment, according to eye specialists. Therefore, visiting an ophthalmologist is recommended.

As for my mom’s eye floaters, her ophthalmologist considered them as harmless.

Other topics of interest:
Cataract Removal: The AcrySof IQ ReSTOR Way
Hair Loss Problem Would Soon be Over
Gumtect for Bleeding Gums
Vitamin D Prevents Osteoporosis
Fruits and Vegetables for Treating Different Diseases Like Prostate Cancer and Diabetes

Cataract Removal: The AcrySof IQ ReSTOR Way

stylerap7.lastjune.web.id

My mother has cataract in both eyes. This eye condition usually occurs in older patients. However, such eye problem may also affect younger patients.

A couple of weeks ago, my mother underwent eye check-up, not for her cataract, but for the floater she has been complaining for days. Her ophthalmologist advised her not to be concerned about the floater as it can simply go down, anytime. Plus, it is innocuous. But he recommended removal of her cataract as this eye condition worsens my mom’s visions.

The recommended procedure requires small incision in the affected eye to melt the clouded lens of the said eye. The surgeon will then replace the removed lens with AcrySof IQ ReSTOR lens.

That cataract removal procedure seems simple. But it is not easy on the pocket. Each lens cost PHP80k ($1800+). Then again, after putting a hole in my mom’s pocket, her ophthalmologist assured that she would get a clear vision and that she would no longer need to wear reading glasses.

In the meantime, my mother has to bear with wearing prescription eyeglasses while we are still trying to figure out where to get such a big amount. Ugh!

Other topics of interest:
Hair Loss Problem would Soon be Over
Gumtect for Bleeding Gums
Vitamin D Prevents Osteoporosis
Fruits and Vegetables for Treating Different Diseases Like Prostate Cancer and Diabetes
Lipid Metabolism and Its Associated Diseases

Insecticide Treated Bed to Fight Against Malaria

cdc.gov

Malaria is a medical condition that affects the liver and red blood cells. This condition is transmitted through Plasmodium-infected mosquitoes. Fever, headache and vomiting are some of the common symptoms of malaria. Just like dengue, malaria could be a life-threatening condition if left untreated.

UNICEF is one of the organizations that work against the spread of malaria. One of the effective solutions this organization recommends is insecticide treated bed. This type of bed costs $6 and could last up to 5 years.

If I’m not mistaken, Davao City government distributed tons of insecticide treated mosquito net to ward against the spread of malaria and dengue in remote areas of DC.

I scouted around for insecticide treated bed in every mall in DC but to no avail. Fortunately, we have “screens” installed in our house to prevent mosquitoes from entering our abode.

On another note, if you want to donate insecticide treated bed, you may visit www.unicef.org.

Other topics of interest:
Flossing and Its Many Benefits
Knee Pain Remedy: More Delicious Option
Ultima-C Sodium Ascorbate for Asthmatic
Dark Chocolates for Raising Good Cholesterol-- The HDL
Hot Drinks for Flu

Hot Drinks for Flu

Image source: wellsphere.com

I don’t usually sip hot drinks when I have flu. But, according to a new research conducted by Common Cold Centre of Cardiff University, drinking any hot drink alleviates the symptoms of sore throat and cough. The warm drink increases secretions, thereby, soothing an inflamed throat.

The researchers of that study also recommend quaffing of spicy foods and hot soups as they, too, can offer the same effect.

Good thing is that my body’s defense mechanism is strong enough to ward off flu virus.

Other topics of interest:
Hair Loss Problem would Soon be Over
A Glance at Sensitivity Testing
Flossing and Its Many Benefits
Knee Pain Remedy: More Delicious Option
Ultima-C Sodium Ascorbate for Asthmatic

Hair Loss Problem Would Soon be Over

hairlosspreventiontips.com

Hair loss problem among adult males would soon be rectified, according to a study. It would be possible by simply “manipulating” the gene, called APCDD1, which is involved in hair loss problem that arises in childhood.

According to researchers, a common mutation is needed to arrest a “signaling pathway,” which is used to control hair growth.

Still, many things are needed to be straighten out but it would surely change how hair loss problem is treated.

Source: Reader's Digest 

Other topics of interest:
Gumtect for Bleeding Gums
Vitamin D Prevents Osteoporosis
Fruits and Vegetables for Treating Different Diseases Like Prostate Cancer and Diabetes
Lipid Metabolism and Its Associated Diseases
Hormonal Imbalance Linked to Acne Problem

A Glance at Sensitivity Testing

Also known as drug resistance testing, susceptibility testing and C&S, sensitivity testing is a laboratory examination that determines whether a particular antimicrobial agent (antibiotic) is effective in putting an end to the growth of the bacteria or fungi which cause the infection. 

...Every time I perform sensitivity test, I feel like a scientist who wants to discover something.

Other topics of interest:
High LDL and Associated Risk
Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma-- Exams and Symptoms
Confirmatory Test for Diabetes
Urinalysis: TNTC Definition
PSA: Prostate Specific Antigen

High LDL and Associated Risk

I had my laboratory examination at Alexian Brothers (cheaper rates compared with other laboratory clinics and hospitals) for the following tests:

UE - urinalysis
FE - fecalysis
FBS - Fasting Blood Sugar (screening test for diabetes)
Creatinine - (kidney function test)
Serum Uric Acid
Lipid Profile:
HDL
LDL
Cholesterol
Triglycerides

The test results returned normal, except for my LDL or bad cholesterol. I am not sure how it turned out to be 2.92 mmol/l when the normal range for such test is from 0 to 2.50 mmol/l. I do exercise regularly (except for a busy week). I rarely eat meat. And I am far from being obese.

I just feel uneasy because LDL is considered a risk factor of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular problem runs in our family. Ugh!

I’m thinking of going back to swimming and playing tennis. These activities were cut off because of busyness. I’m also allocating budget for Herbalife Shake. I ceased from drinking it because of my limited budget.

The reason I submitted myself for these laboratory tests was my complaint of joint pain, ergo, a request for SUA. Fortunately, my uric acid is normal. That means, there is no need for me to halt from eating nuts.

Anyway, I will just try to eat a healthy balanced diet and minimize eating pizza.

Other topics of interest:
Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma-- Exams and Symptoms
Confirmatory Test for Diabetes
Urinalysis: TNTC Definition
PSA: Prostate Specific Antigen
The Truth About Your Kidneys

Health Benefits of Malunggay: Can It be Used to Impregnate Your Wife?

All parts of the Malunggay tree offer great health benefits,according to health experts. I do not utilize its roots, trunk and branches but I do plan to make a Malunggay soup as soon as the tree provides more leaves.

Do you have a problem bearing a child? Eating the leaves of Malunggay tree can help impregnate a woman. You can drink its juice or eat its cooked leaves. (You may read this article about how Senator Zubiri activated his fertility and impregnated his wife.)

As for me, I use the leaves of Malunggay for my chicken soup. I also employ it as a gauze to stop the wound from bleeding.

Although some medical doctors (like my cousin) do not believe Malunggay’s healing power and health benefits, there are people who can qualify such vegetable as a miracle food.

Other topics of interest:

Teeth Whitening Toothpaste is Not Advisable for Me
Mouthwash and Teeth
Dark Chocolates for Raising Good Cholesterol -- the HDL
What Doctors Want You to Know About
Eyesight Protection Tip #10: Spinach for Your Eyes

Teeth Whitening Toothpaste is not Advisable for Me

thebeautybrains.com

Here and there, teeth whitening toothpaste ads are everywhere. But my orthodontist does not recommend using toothpaste with teeth whitening solution. He told me to avoid using it because of its ability to  remove fluoride which increases risk of tooth decay.

Good thing is that my teeth do not need whitening treatment. Whew!

Other topics of Interest:
Mouthwash and Teeth
Dark Chocolates for Raising Good Cholesterol-- the HDL
What Doctors Want You to Know About 

Eyesight Protection Tip #10: Spinach for Your Eyes
Antioxidants Alert: Antioxidant and Radiation Therapy or Chemotherapy are Incompatible