What are the Alprazolam Withdrawal Side Effects You Must Know and How to Alleviate Them?

Alprazolam is a most frequently prescribed medicine for patients diagnosed with anxiety and panic disorders. It decreases anxiety by increasing GABA in the brain. As this neurotransmitter increases, it calms and soothes your troubled mind. The result will be a very pleasant feeling. 

Because of that side effect, a lot of people are using it in excess. Hence, it’s classified as a Schedule 4 medication. It means that alprazolam can be abused. 

Alprazolam is effective. However, if it’s used for so long or in excess, it could create dependence. Upon cessation, it can cause withdrawal symptoms. 

How alprazolam changes your mind? 

As mentioned earlier, it increases GABA activity in the brain, resulting in experiencing a calm mind from having an excited or anxious mind. 

When your brain responds to the increased level of such neurotransmitter, it lowers the amount of GABA available in the brain. 

The result will give you the feeling that you need to take a larger dose of this drug to have the same effects. Now, if you try to stop taking it altogether, you’ll experience withdrawal side effects. 

Once you have adjusted to a prolonged usage of this drug, your GABA levels in the brain would also reduce. GABA minimizes your anxiety and negative feelings. With less of it and no medication, you’ll go through uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. 

What are the symptoms of alprazolam withdrawal? 

This drug works fast but with a shorter life. That said, when you quit, the withdrawal side effects will be felt quickly. Within 12 hours, you’ll feel the symptoms, which usually peak within three to four days. 

The following are some of the most common alprazolam withdrawal side effects: 

• Anxiety
• Hallucination 
• Insomnia
• Moodiness
• Tremors
• Convulsion
• Nausea 

Among these side effects, the most serious is a convulsion, which can be life-threatening. 

How to fight withdrawal side effects of alprazolam? 

If you have been addicted to this drug, the only best way to break it is a medically monitored period of withdrawal. Although it can take several months, it’s safer than having a cold turkey detox. 

How much dosage is reduced will actually depend on the length of your addiction. Of course, the longer you’ve been dependent on it, the slower reduction will be. Individual dosage should come from your doctor, who’s familiar with your medical history. 

One of the benefits of a slow tapering down of alprazolam withdrawal side effects is that it enables your brain to adjust to the decreasing dosage of the drug. As a result, it stimulates your brain to produce more GABA. 

The GABA insufficiency actually causes the withdrawal symptoms. As your brain keeps up with the tapering, it can alleviate the symptoms. 

Tapering yourself very slowly can avoid experiencing severe alprazolam withdrawal side effects. Most of those who followed this routine reported having minimal discomfort. 

You’ll also now if you need to continue to use this drug. 

Why cold turkey isn't the answer to fighting against alprazolam withdrawal side effects? 

It can be harsh and uncomfortable. A lot of those who followed it could not resist the effects resulting in them going back to taking this drug and abuse it. 

You should never go cold turkey without the supervision of a medical doctor. Withdrawal from this drug can be fatally dangerous. 

Traditional Medicine vs. Modern Medicine - Which One is Better?

Traditional medicine vs. modern medicine: which one is better? Modern medicine has been around for decades. Although it has provided incredible effects, the traditional way of healing has been assisting individuals with their diseases and ailments for thousands of years. 

But choosing whether to pursue a traditional approach or modern method of healing in dealing with health conditions is just a personal decision. 

If you’re still wondering about which one to choose, you should only decide after having a solid understanding of the differences between the two healing methods. 

What is a traditional medicine? 

It’s one of the oldest healing methods. 

China practices it for thousands of years. The traditional healing has grown a lot as several practitioners made use of plants, animals and mineral substances found in their own region to treat diseases and illnesses. 

Traditional medicine is non-invasive. It’s a natural way to address the malfunctions in the body. 

What is modern medicine? 

It’s been around for more than 100 years. But it has already eradicated crippling and deadly diseases, like whooping cough, smallpox, and several others. 

Unlike traditional medicine, modern medicine is based entirely on a scientific approach. It heals by creating synthesized drugs in treating disease. 

This healing approach involves invasive surgical procedures in addressing several conditions. 

Which is better? 

The implementation of science isn’t perfect. Some modern medicines come with adverse side effects. 

For example, surgical procedures don’t work in every case. During the 1980s, some people started to drift away from embracing modern medicine to traditional medicine. 

Even if some of us are still focusing on either modern or traditional medicine, no one can’t deny the fact that we’re in a world of blended medicine. 

It’s an approach that uses both conventional and modern healing methods in treating different illnesses. 

For several years, modern doctors censured traditional practitioners and vice versa. But both sides are going toward a blended medical environment. 

What are some of the traditional medicines in the Philippines approved by the DOH? 

1. Cassia alata

Popularly known as akapulko or bayabas-bayabasan, it’s a ringworm bush in English. As the name suggests, it’s used to cure ringworms and some fungal skin infections. 

2. Momordica charantia

It’s also known as bitter gourd, bitter melon or ampalaya. The DOH approved this traditional medicine for the treatment of a non-insulin dependent type of diabetes. 

3. Vitex negundo 

You know it as lagundi. In English, it’s called 5-leaved chaste tree and. Its primary role as a traditional medicine is to relieve coughs and asthma. 

4. Blumea balsamifera

In English, it’s called Blumea camphora. In the Philippines, this traditional medicine is known as sambong that assists in the elimination of urinary stones. 

5. Clinopodium douglasii 

It’s known as peppermint or yerba buena. This traditional medicine is used to treat body aches and pain. You can take it internally or use it externally by pounding its leaves and apply on the afflicted area directly. 

How to handle medicinal plants to be used as a traditional medicine? 

Purchasing herbs grown organically, i.e. sans pesticides is ideal. You should harvest them on a sunny morning. Don’t pick their leaves, fruits or nuts after rain. 

Before you harvest medicinal plants, it’s best to allow their leaves, flowers, and nuts to mature first. The reason for this is that there are less therapeutic substances that you can find on young parts. 

Conclusion 

If you’re considering traditional medicine, you should think balance. You should take your health from both the traditional and medicine sides of drugs as it’s the best option for your health. 

Listeria Infection - The Cause and How to Prevent It?

Listeria infection is a type of disease caused by Listeria monocytogenes. 

For the past few years, the bacterium has caused hundreds of food product recalls, hospital visits and deaths. 

In the Philippines, Listeria infections cause thousands of illnesses and hundreds of deaths every year. 

What are the causes of Listeria infection? 

Typically, eating contaminated foods can cause it. The bacterium lives in soil and water. Thus, it’s possible that vegetables can be contaminated by this harmful organism when they’re grown in contaminated soil. 

Consuming meat products contaminated with Listeria can cause this infection to occur. 

Even if the meat products come from animals that don’t show symptoms of this disease, you can still get infected. That’s particularly true if the meat isn't well-cooked. 

You can also get infected when you eat food made from unpasteurized milk. 

What are the symptoms of Listeria infection? 

When you consume a contaminated food, the bacterium travels to your gastrointestinal and the blood stream. The bacteria that cause this disease can infect cells. 

Your nervous system is the favourite place that Listeria invades. It can grow there causing meningitis or encephalitis. 

Listeria monocytogenes tricks your body by hiding in your cells. Thus, it can easily travel from one cell to another without having to leave its intracellular environment. 

As a result of that, it makes it difficult for your immune system to attack the infection. 

The bacteria carry potent toxins that they can release and cause significant harm to your body. 

But if you’re healthy, the infection can cause undesirable symptoms, like fever, chills, vomiting and upset stomach. 

However, if you have weak immune system, listeria infection can be very dangerous. In early 2016, there was an outbreak of Listeria infection that affected mostly adults ages 81 and above. 

This infection is dangerous to pregnant women because they have special proteins in their body that can assist the bacteria to cross the placental barrier, which protects the baby from germs found in the mother’s blood. 

When you’re infected with Listeria monocytogenes while you’re pregnant, the infection can cause miscarriage, stillbirth or premature delivery. This infection is also life-threatening for the newborn. 

How to prevent Listeria infection? 

The best way to prevent it is to prepare your food carefully. To avoid the bacteria, you must only eat well-cooked meat. 

You should refrigerate cooked foods immediately or at least within two hours of preparing it. 

To minimise the risk of drinking contaminated milk, you should only consume dairy products made from pasteurised milk. 

Also, you must also consume meat that’s cooked at a factory within two weeks. The meat can be contaminated after cooking. 

When handling your food, you must wash your hands with warm soapy water. Most importantly, don’t use the same knife when cutting vegetables after you cut uncooked meat. It’s also the same with cutting board. 

Listeria monocytogenes can grow in your refrigerator. Thus, you should be cautious when storing foods that might be contaminated. 

Before eating fruits and vegetables, you must wash them first with cold, running water. Then, sanitize the areas where you prepare the food and throw away any leftovers four days after they’re prepared. If you need to reheat leftovers, you must heat it to 74 Celsius. 

Image Source: Listeria Infection

What Gallbladder Infection Diet You Must Follow?

A gallbladder infection can be quite tricky to treat. Your doctor may recommend a specific gallbladder infection diet so your condition won’t get worse to the point that your physician will advise the removal of this organ. 

When you’re recovering from this type of condition, there’s a specific gallbladder infection diet to follow. Essentially, this diet requires you to avoid high-fat foods. 

So, it’s not necessarily a fat-free diet. 

What to avoid when you have gallbladder infection? 

• High-fat foods must be avoided. These would include the following: 
• Fried foods, like potato chips and French fries
• Meats like bacon, sausage, ribs and other high fat meats
• Dairy products, such as cream sour cream ice cream and whole milk
• Pizza
• Meat gravies
• Chocolate 
• Palm, coconut oil, and other oils
• Chicken or turkey skin

If you have your gallbladder removed, you may need to avoid high-fiber foods at first and introduce them slowly into your diet. 

It’s also advisable that you avoid spicy foods as they can cause GI symptoms. 

What gallbladder infection diet you can try? 

This particular type of diet doesn't cure the infection. Rather, it’s useful in alleviating the symptoms. The following foods can do wonders to your gallbladder. 

• Beets
• Cucumbers
• Green beans
• Okra
• Avocados
• Vinegars
• Garlic and onions
• Tomatoes
• Shallots
• Cold water fish 
• Grapes
• Apples, papaya, pears
• Vegetables juices

Should you avoid eggs? 

When you’re on a gallbladder infection diet, you should eat eggs in moderation. That is, you must only eat one egg per week. Not more than that. Bear in mind that eggs are high in calories, cholesterol and fat. 

But they’re a good source of protein, which is known to boost brain function. When you do eat eggs, try to eat just the egg white and don’t fry it. 

Sweets and desserts must also be avoided. The reason for this is that commercially processed sweets are rich in refined sugar. They can increase the risk of developing gallbladder stones and diseases. 

When there’s extra sugar in your body, your body needs more insulin. But it’ll store it as fats. 

It’s also vital that you avoid commercial baked goods, ice cream, cookies, and puddings, as well as chocolates as they’re high in calories and fat. 

If you really want to eat ice cream, choose sherbet or pudding that’s made with skim milk. Opt for nonfat frozen yogurt, gelatin, vanilla wafers, sorbet, fruit juice and gingersnaps. You must also avoid whipped cream that’s high in fat. 

Gallbladder infection can be a serious condition. If you suspect that you have this condition, you should consult your doctor immediately. The diet presented here can help in combating against the symptoms of this infection. But you must remember that no diet can cure this disease. 

Natural therapies can provide your body with the building blocks in helping heal itself. 

Western medicine can be a great tool for emergencies. But it doesn't offer a forensic look at what has led to the state in the first place. 

But natural therapies are not one size fits all model. However, to prevent any infections, you must opt to eat a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. As much as possible, consume raw or steamed green veggies and healthy fats. 

How about you? What gallbladder infection diet do you follow? Please share your diet with us in the comments below. 

How to Treat Dutch Elm Disease?

Dutch elm disease is categorized as a vascular wilt disease. After infecting a tree, its growth will rapidly decline within a few weeks of infection. The most commonly affected elm trees are American and European elms through the elm bark beetles or fungi transmitted through root grafts. 

This disease is aggressive that it can always cause fatal result to the host tree. 

But the rate of movement of the disease will depend on the tree size, location and time of infection in the tree. It also varies with the defensive response of the affected tree, as well as climatic conditions. 

It was in 1961 when the fungus that caused this disease was first introduced in Minnesota. The history of Dutch elm disease was recorded by David W. French, a plant pathologist. 

Today, Dutch elm disease is found in every county in Minnesota. But there are still one million elms remaining in this state. If properly cared for, elms can survive for many years despite the infection. 

What are the symptoms of Dutch Elm Disease? 

One of the symptoms that you’ll notice if your tree is infected with this disease is flagging. The tree will also show signs of yellowing and browning. When you look at its sapwood, you’ll find brown or purple discoloration under its bark. 

Treatment 

Dutch elm disease should be treated proactively. It means that treatment must be applied immediately before the disease presents some symptoms in the tree. The reason for this is that the disease can spread quickly that any treatment may no longer be useful. 

Experts recommend injection of its trunk with a fungicide as a proactive treatment. However, if the disease is already present, prune flagging of the branches must be immediately performed. Strip those barks from the branch that show flagging symptoms. 

Clear the wood by cutting the branch up to 10 feet beyond the discolored or wilted area. 

You must dispose the infected wood properly or debark it completely. 

All tools used in the removal of the infected branches must be disinfected properly using a bleach solution. 

It’s also necessary that you trench between infected and non-infected elm trees to slow the spread of Dutch elm disease. 

When is the best time to treat Dutch elm disease? 

Experts recommend application of fungicide before the beetle flight. The best treatment response is when there’s still less than 15 percent of the tree is affected. During dry condition, watering the tree will enhance uptake of the injection. 

But the best seasons for injection are spring and fall. The soil must have adequate moisture with high humidity. 

After Treatment 

The elm tree will recover from being infected with Dutch elm disease will depend on the severity of illness at the time of treatment and the extent of pruning. Fungicide is best used as a proactive treatment. That is before signs of infection show up. 

When you use pruning and other treatment techniques, up to 60 percent of infected trees could recover. 

To make the long story short, you must treat those trees infected with Dutch elm disease before they get even infected.

Mindful Meditation May Be Effective in Alleviating Chronic Pain

Opioid pain medications can cause serious side effects or risks of addiction, overdose, and death. Thus, the FDA recommends that these drugs must carry a warning label about these grave dangers. The agency also encourages doctors to explore alternative ways to alleviate pain, like mindful meditation. s

In a study published in the National Institutes of Health, it’s shown that mindful meditation if paired with cognitive behavioral therapy, could work better. The positive results could last longer than standard treatment. 

In the said study, the lead author said the mind plays a vital role in the management of chronic pain. Participants were asked to focus on changing how they think about their pain. They were also required to participate in specific activities that people could do to manage their condition. 

How meditation and yoga can help? 

Meditation and Yoga can assist individuals in changing their awareness of their pain and becoming more accepting about the pain. These mindfulness activities will help people in focusing their energies on finding other methods to accept their pain and manage it constructively. 

However, even though individuals can practice meditation and yoga, they must still follow the usual care as recommended by their doctors, like medications, massage therapy, and exercise. 

Participants who used mindfulness and CBD experienced to have greater improvement in their function. 

With mindful meditation, you’re teaching your mind to be curious about the pain’s intensity and let go of the thoughts that the pain is awful. It also teaches you to avoid having goals and expectations. It’s quite beneficial because if you expect that a particular medication can ease your pain, and it doesn’t, your mind will go into a solution mode resulting in you thinking thoughts that medications don’t ever work at all. 

What the mindful meditation does is that it allows you to engage with the pain as it is. Instead of fulfilling a particular goal, you’re learning to relate to the pain and think about it differently. 

Experts call this strategy as a learning mindset, instead of having an achievement-oriented mindset. Mindfulness lets you think that nothing requires fixing. In the mindfulness study, it showed that just being aware of that pain may be considered as healing, rather than just thinking about it. 

Mindful meditation allows you to have an accurate perception of pain. At first, you may think that your pain is constant throughout the day. Then, when you examine your pain, you’ll realize that it hits you several times a day. By realizing it, you’re lifting your frustration and anxiety. 

The benefits of mindful meditation could last a full year. And this reality isn't common among treatments for this type of pain. 

Scientific trials have shown that mindfulness meditation is extremely beneficial in relieving anxiety, depression, and irritability, in addition to alleviating chronic pain and chronic back pain. 

Apart from relieving pain, mindful meditation is also proven to be beneficial for the improvement of memory. It has also shown to enhance physical stamina. In other words, those who regularly meditate are more contented with their lives than those who don’t practice it.

Vitamin D Didn't Relieve Knee Osteoarthritis Pain

Previous studies have shown that intake of vitamin D supplement may reduce the pain associated with fibromyalgia, knee osteoarthritis, and other chronic conditions. However, in a recent study published in JAMA, the said vitamin didn't relieve pain. It didn't even show that it could stop cartilage loss in those patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis. 

Osteoarthritis, per se, is a progressive disease. Currently, there’s no treatment available that can stop cartilage loss. Most patients would opt for knee replacements. This joint disorder is a very common disease, and it affects more than 250 million people in the world. 

In a study conducted in Australia and Tasmania, researchers gathered more than 400 people to participate in the controlled research. These individuals have knee OA and with low levels of vitamin D. 

The participants were divided into two groups. The first group received vitamin D supplement, and the other group got a placebo. Over the course of the study, which lasted two years, the supplements showed to increase the vitamin D blood levels who took it but they didn't reduce knee pain.

The MRI results of the participants didn't show significant differences in their cartilage. Thus, when the researchers compared vitamin D supplement with that of placebo, they didn't see significant differences in the patients’ knee pain score. The findings could not support the intake of vitamin D supplements for the purpose of preventing tibia cartilage loss while improving WOMAC knee pain for patients with knee osteoarthritis. 

What is the role of vitamin D in the body? 

This type of vitamin is useful in controlling calcium and phosphate levels in the body. It’s also vital in the formation of stronger bones and teeth. Furthermore, it modulates cell growth while it enhances neuromuscular function and strengthens the immune system. It also reduces inflammation. 

A scarcity of this vitamin will cause body pain, especially in the pelvic, rib cage, and lumbar regions. 

While vitamin D didn’t prove to be effective in relieving osteoarthritis pain, you should still continue taking vitamin D, if recommended by your doctor. Bear in mind that it’s a vital nutrient that your body needs. 

It’s also necessary that you engage in a regular exercise to strengthen your muscles. It is especially beneficial if you’re overweight. The extra weight the you have may go through your knee. One of the best exercises that you can perform is aquatic exercise. 

With proper exercise, you can control your weight. It will prevent putting a tremendous amount of pressure, strain and stress on your hips and knees. When you shed pounds, it will be easier for you to achieve success while undergoing physical therapy. For you to lose weight, you should eat a balanced diet and perform as much exercise as you can. 

Instead of reaching to a pain reliever, try thermotherapy. It’s an effective osteoarthritis treatment that utilizes heat or cold. With heat, it increases circulation in the joint while it relaxes muscles. Cold, on the other hand, can numb the pain as it cools down your nerve impulses, thereby, decreasing swelling. 

There are other natural ways to relieve osteoarthritis pain. Talk to your doctor about them. 

How to Cure Sore Eyes - The Natural Ways

There are many ways on how to cure sore eyes. But before you find one, make sure that you’ve understood this medical condition. 

Sore eye, per se, is a broad term that describes a wide range of possible sensations. In this condition, your eyes will feel tired or heavy as if there’s a foreign object in them. 

One of the most common causes of it is conjunctivitis. But it can also be caused by too much exposure to the sun, allergies, eye fatigue, and wearing of contact lenses. 

Diagnosing Before Finding Ways on How to Cure Sore Eyes

To make sure that your condition is indeed a sore eye, you have to see your eye care provider. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and inquire about your lifestyle, eye problems, and diet. 

An eye examination may be conducted to investigate your eyes’ internal and external structures. It will also help in rolling out possible causes. 

Natural Cures for Sore Eyes 

One of the effective cures for sore eyes is cold compress. It can help you get an instant relief. In this method, you will need to soak a clean cloth in ice cold water. Then, place it over your affected eye. Do it as often as you can. 

• Another cold compress method that you can try is chamomile tea bag. 
• Put it in the fridge for half an hour. 
• Then, place the chilled tea bag over the affected eye. 
• Allow it to sit there for 20 minutes. For fast recovery, do it up to four times a day. 

Green tea, too, is an effective way to cure sore eyes. It can relieve itchy eyes while it soothes your eyes through its anti-inflammatory properties. To use it as a cure for sore eyes:

• Boil green tea bags in a cup of distilled water. 
• Allow them to cool first. 
• Then, flush your eyes with this tea until the symptoms of this eye condition subside. 

How about cucumber? 

This, too, can be one of the best ways on how to cure sore eyes. Cucumber contains anti-irritation properties that can effectively reduce inflammation, swelling, and irritation associated with this eye condition. 

Before you place slices of cucumber over the affected eye, refrigerate it first. Wait for at least half an hour. Then, take out the cucumber and place it over your eyes. Allow it to stay there for 10 minutes. 

Other natural cures for sore eyes

Cold milk is also a good alternative. Use a cotton ball and soak it in a glass of cold milk. Rub it around the eyes. You may also use it as a compress to get an instant cooling effect. 

If you can get your hands on pure rosewater, then that’d be better as it can also be used as an effective home remedy for your itchy, reddish eyes. It’s simply cooling and it can help in clearing your eyes. You may also use it as an eye drop for an instant natural relief. 

Although these natural cures for sore eyes are effective, every case is different. Talk to your doctor about the best natural treatment for your condition.

Image Source: Sore Eyes

The Ongoing Battle Against Zika Virus - Is it Time for the Catholic Church to Change Its Position About Abortion and Birth Control?

The CBCP defends Pope Francis on his stance about birth control on Zika virus issue. In a statement released by the CBCP, Archbishop Socrates Villegas said that the Holy Father was clear about the evil of abortion. 

He and other bishops reiterate the Church teachings that, even if the child in the womb is afflicted with deformity, it’s still not moral to end the human life. For them, no one has the right to judge as to who lives or die. 

Villegas’ statement was posted on the official website of the CBCP. 

But with the ongoing crisis to control zika virus, is it time for the pope to bless birth control and abortion? 

Criticizing the coolest Pope isn't easy. Even those who aren't Catholics listen when he speaks. But it’s hard to ignore the Church’s opinion about artificial contraception. Pope Francis still insists that abortion and birth control are going against the natural laws of God, i.e. to go and multiply. 

But scolding birth control is said to be an archaic man-made mandate that orders women to over populate the planet. Before birth control became popular, women were non-stop in giving birth to their babies. You could see sickly and emaciated kids going around living in tiny living spaces. Some women did abort their pregnancies to spare their unborn children from a life of poverty. Those mothers who couldn’t control their depression, they committed suicide. 

Still, the Catholic Church considered birth control as unlawful. 

But modern Catholics of today no longer believe that each sperm is sacred. They’re aware of the Church’s teachings about birth control but they just prefer to plug their ears. 

Now, the rise of the Zika virus is threatening almost everyone. Even if the Catholic Church will switch side, the fight against the virus is still a long way to go. According to the WHO, this mosquito-transmitted virus issue will be a long and complex road. 

The virus itself is tricky and tenacious. It’s very difficult for it to catch and be contained. Dengue and chikungunya outbreaks gave us lessons that stopping this virus is going to be a long journey. 

Currently, Brazil is the center where Zika outbreak is ongoing. The virus is suspected to cause a spike in microcephaly. It’s congenital condition that causes the newborn child to have a small head. The virus also hampers the child’s brain development. 

Although Brazil is the hardest-hit country, there are several cases have been reported in 28 countries in the Americas and Caribbean. 

Several countries have already launched a massive operation to eliminate stagnant water where mosquitoes breed. 

Unlike the dengue virus, there’s no vaccine against Zika virus. There’s also no cure to it. The spread of the virus is said to be explosive. It infects up to four million people in the world. 

Is it a sexually transmitted virus? 

The US CDC is still investigating as to whether or not Zika virus is a sexually transmitted disease. Currently, there’s no proof yet whether women can transmit the virus to their sex partners. However, the CDC is conducting more studies to better understand the issue.