Ayurveda - Ayurhelp.com

Types of Vayu

noreply@blogger.com (Dr.Savitha Suri) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 06:21:00 +0000

According to the texts of ayurveda vata dosha even though located in intestines it moves through all organs and tissues of body . According to its functions and locations vata dosha is subdivided into 5 more types. They are

. Pranavayu, - moves from external environment into body through sense organs and orifices present in upper part of body. It helps in inspiration, gulping food, hearing sounds and receiving external stimulus etc.
Udana vayu – Does the opposite of praanavayu – expiration, reflex actions, speech etc. Both prana vayu and udana vayu are located in upper part of body (mainly throat).
Vyana vayu – It helps in movement of blood from heart to other parts of body through arteries and movement of food from stomach to intestines and absorption of it. It is located in center of body.
Samana vayu – It is spread all over body and helps to bring back blood to heart through veins, It helps in digestion .
Apana vayu – It is located in pelvic area (urinary bladder, groin, testicles,etc) and helps in discharge of urine, feces, flatus, semen, fetus, menstrual blood etc. It cleanses the body and keeps the vata in balance.

Healthy bones

noreply@blogger.com (Dr.Savitha Suri) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:20:00 +0000

According to ayurveda persons who have healthy bones and skeletal system are known as "asthi sarapurusha". These persons will have strong bones, teeth and nails. They will be very strong, active and enthusiastic.
Minerals like Calcium, phosphorous, magnesium along with protein and collagen help to build bones. Vitamin D is needed to make bones strong. Hormonal imbalances, increased intake of proteins, salt and stimulants interrupt bone building. Stress and prescription drugs also disrupt the process of bone building. Deficiency of these nutrients leads to osteoporosis, inflammation of joints (arthritis) and painful joints. Dificiency of vitamin D leads to painful joints, stiff neck, hairloss and bone loss.

Exposing skin to sunrays makes vitamin D available to body. Oysters, cottage cheese and eggs contain small amount of vitamin D.
Vitamin C encourages collagen production. Hence adequate intake of citrus food helps to supplement Vitamin C .
Cereals, legumes, Leafy greens and yellow, orange, and red vegetables supply good amounts of calcium.
Dry fruits, Nuts , seeds (sunflower, black sesame and pumpkin seeds) and their oils are abundant with vitamins and minerals as well as healthy essential fatty acids such as omega-3-and-6 .
Regular exercise helps to build strong bones and reduce calcium loss. It makes joints stronger and healthy.
Stress reducing techniques like yoga and meditation help to reduce calcium depletion.
Avoid excess intake of coffee, tea, cola etc.
Try to maintain normal weight and avoid getting overweight

Sanskrit synonyms for Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa)

noreply@blogger.com (Dr.Savitha Suri) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 11:29:00 +0000

Punarnava or Boerhavia diffusa is eulogized by ayurveda acharyas by different names owing to its medicinal properties.
It is called as Punarnava (Punar + nava). Punar means – once again, nava means - becoming new. This plant rejuvenates liver and detoxifies it. It clears the lungs and reduces cough, asthma etc. It rejuvenates male reproductive system and acts as an aphrodisiac. This increases libido, erection and quality and quantity of semen. It is used in Vajikarana preparations. It detoxifies skin and clears it of infections. This plant cleanses the kidneys and helps to get rid of renal calculi (kidney stones). Thus the plant punarnava acts on all important organ systems and rejuvenate them, giving a new life . Hence the name punarnava.
Shothagni is another synonym for Boerhavia diffusa . Shotha means inflammation. The plant which acts as an enemy of inflammation is shothagni. This plant is known to reduce inflammation in arthritis and joint pain. It is widely used in inflammation of liver, kidney and joints.

Healing Herbs for Erectile Dysfunction

noreply@blogger.com (Dr.Savitha Suri) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 07:01:00 +0000

A few weeks ago we talked about nutrients that could help increase sex drive and increase the likelihood of a longer lasting erection. I’d like to add to that discussion by adding a few popular herbs that are known to have the same effects.

Ashwagandha (or, Indian Winter Cherry) – The roots of this Indian shrub are used in Ayurvedic medicine and offers numerous health benefits, including anti-stress, rejuvenation, anti-inflammation. It’s also traditionally used as to enhance sexual performance.

Gingko – There’s a lot of research right now being poured into the herb gingko bilboa and all its miraculous healing properties. Gingko improves blood flow throughout the body and can increase the amount of blood that gets sent to the penis, especially at the time of an erection. Be careful not to take too much Gingko, though, especially if you also take aspirin – gingko is a blood thinner and could cause bleeding if taken in excess.

Ginseng – Ginseng is a popular herb used in Chinese medicine and in tea. Studies have shown that it helps men with erectile dysfunction perform sexually.

Maca – This is a root-like vegetable from the Andes Mountains and is used to increase energy, vitality, fertility, and sexual virility.

Yohimbe – This is not actually an herb, but is actually an extract that comes from the bark of the African yohimbe tree. If your ED has possible psychological causes, then yohimbe might be a good option for you. Yohimbe may cause a few side effects, so speak to you doctor before you try this herb, especially if you have high blood pressure.

Epimediurn – Also known as horny goat weed, this herb has been used for centuries in Chinese medicine and will raise low testosterone and thyroid levels.All of these herbs can be purchased and used on their own and many can be found in herbal supplements that are marketed to increase your sex drive, sexual performance, and sexual pleasure.

About the Author
Looking to improve your sex life - spice things up a bit? Have a couple of kinks to work out and need some practical advice? Youll find it here at http://www.vsuisrr.org.

Tribulus terrestris- ayurveda synonyms

noreply@blogger.com (Dr.Savitha Suri) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 07:01:00 +0000

Tribulus terrestris is used to boost libido and sexual performance. It is widely used in China and India.Tribulus enhances testosteron level, boosts libido and helps in Erectile dysfunction.This herb is used as vajikara (aphrodesiac) in ayurvedic preparations.It is found useful in conditions like kidney stones, piles and cystitis. Ayurveda acharyas have coined numerous names based on its physical appearence. Few of them have been given here.

Gokshura- As it hurts the animals which help in farming

shwadamshtra- Has sharp teeth like structures (like canines of dogs)

Sadukantaka - Its thorns are sweet to taste.

trikantaka - Has three thorns

chanadhruma- Has leaves like chickpea plant

Ikshugandhika - has fragrance like sugarcane

Sugary facts about sugarcane

noreply@blogger.com (Dr.Savitha Suri) — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 11:08:00 +0000

• The juiciest and sweetest sugarcane is the tropical green sugar cane.
• It strengthens stomach, kidneys, heart, eyes, brain and sex organs.
• The sugarcane can be used as simple energizer and protein supplement in infectious fevers.
• It acts as an instant energizer and supplies body with instant glucose.
• Sugarcane is rich in iron and carbohydrate.
• Sugarcane juice mixed with lemon and ginger juice helps in easy flow of urine
• Pure sugarcane juice which is devoid of micro organisms is very beneficial in jaundice.
• Chewing sugarcane and sucking its juice help to strengthen the teeth and gums.
• People who are under weight are benefited by this

Ayurveda definition of Vajikarana Therapy.

noreply@blogger.com (Dr.Savitha Suri) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 07:53:00 +0000

Vajikaranamanvichhet satatam vishayee puman |
Tushtihi pushtirapatyam cha gunavattatra samshritam |
Apatyasantaanakaram yatsadhyaha sampraharshanam ||

Vaajeevatibalo yena yaatyaapratihatoanganaha |
Bhavatyatipriyaha sthreenam yena yenopachiyate |
Tadvaajikaranam taddi dehasyaujaskaram param ||

According to ayurveda texts - men who are very active in sex are at a greater risk of losing energy and nutrients. Loss of energy and nutrients may lead to erectile dysfunction, low libido and poor semen quality and quantity. (Low sperm count and motility). These men need preparations which can replenish the lost nutrients. Such preparations which increase hardness, duration of hard erection, libido, sexual energy and semen of excellent quality are called vajikarana preparations. The treatment method is called as “vajikarana therapy”.

“Vajikarana Therapy” increases sexual energy and strength like a horse. The person who undergoes vajikarana therapy becomes dearer to women as he performs like a strong horse. His energy never gets reduced even with repeated sexual acts. He will be able to produce healthy sperms which will help in procreation of healthy offspring. Vajikarana therapy also boosts general health and strength.

What happens when testes are exposed to heat ?

noreply@blogger.com (Dr.Savitha Suri) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 08:45:00 +0000

The testes are two glandular organs, which produce sperms and semen. They are suspended in the scrotum by the spermatic cords. Testes are suspended outside the abdominal cavity in the scrotum because the internal body temperature is too high for the sperms to survive. The normal temperature in the scrotum is 2-3°F below normal body temperature. Prolonged or repeated exposure to heat damages sperm count and sperm motility. In all quality of semen gets affected due to heat.

According to ayurveda the constitution of testes is explained as " Maamsa asruk kapha medaha prasaadaadwavrushanaha" which means The two testes are made up of muscles, blood , fat and their derivatives .Kapha is dominant dosha of testes. Kapha dosha helps in production of healthy sperms with good motility. Increased heat reduces kapha . Reduction in kapha affects the production of healthy sperms. Because of this, it has been advised by Ayurveda acharyas to avoid exposure of testes to heat. It has been recommended to wear cold loose cloth over groin and testes during steam bath and wash testes with cold water after a long hot water bath. This process help to protect the dominant dosha (kapha) of testes and help in normal production of sperms.

For this reason stay away from wearing tight briefs, tight pants and avoid hot tubs and saunas to improve sperm count and sperm motility

Honey - A beauty treatment at home

noreply@blogger.com (Dr.Savitha Suri) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 11:11:00 +0000

Ayurvedic texts describe medicinal properties of honey as follows .

“Vaatalam guru sheetam cha raktapittakaphapaham |
Sandhatru cchedanam ruksham kashayam madhuram madhu ||”

Honey aggravates vata. But alleviates pitta, rakta and kapha. According to ayurveda principles acne and pimples are caused by vitiation of rakta, pitta and kapha. As honey balances vitiated rakta, pitta and kapha, its external application helps to reduce acne and pimples. In the above verse it has been said that honey is an excellent promoter of healing process (sandhatru).Inflamed acne and pimples get healed very quickly when honey is applied externally. Its antimicrobial properties help to accelerate healing process.

As honey exhibits astringent (kashayam) properties its external application helps to tighten the pores created by acne and pimple. Its heaviness (guru) and cold (sheeta) properties help to increase the moisture level of skin. This helps to prevent wrinkles. Honey helps to increase moistness of dry skin.

Honey has another excellent property of drying extra oil secretion. It scrapes the excess oil secretion without stripping the natural oil of skin. Persons with Oily skin can take advantage of this quality of honey.

Honey face pack: Apply two tea spoons of honey all over face and neck and leave it for 20 minutes. Wash this off with cold water. This increases glow and fairness of skin.

Ati Krishatva Dosha ( What happens when body fat reduces below normal level? )

noreply@blogger.com (Dr.Savitha Suri) — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 11:17:00 +0000

Ati Krishatva Dosha ( What happens when body fat reduces below normal level? )

According to ayurveda a person who has very low body fat or less medho dhatu experiances the following problems

1. His body immunity reduces. He is susceptible to infections.
2. He experiances erectile dysfunction.
3. The quality and quantity of semen reduces.
4. His libido decreases
5. The quantity of semen reduces
6. He feels diificult to breath.
7. He suffers from piles, pleeha vriddhi (enlargement of spleen) and grahani roga (IBS)

Self care for arthritis

noreply@blogger.com (Dr.Savitha Suri) — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 06:05:00 +0000

1. In arthritis Gentle exercises like walking , yoga are helpful. Stop any exercise if joints are inflamed and painful.
2. A healthy diet which do not cause indigestion and constipation are advised. Foods which cause obesity should be avoided.
3. Weight should be controlled well.
4. Apply heat compresses to relax muscles and ease pain
5. Reduce stress by practising yoga and meditation

Increase libido with Nature’s gift

noreply@blogger.com (Dr.Savitha Suri) — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 08:01:00 +0000

The following natural herbs are used as aphrodisiacs in ayurveda

Safed Musli (Asparagus Adscendens):- Known as Shweta musali in ayurveda , is used to increase shukra (semen). It helps to increase sperm count and sperm motility.

Urad: (Black Gram) – Ayurveda mentions it as Masha and is used to increase sexual energy , sexual stamina and libido. Masha is recommended for persons who suffer from Erectile dysfunction..

Gokshura ( Tribulus Terrestris) – This plant is widely used in ayurveda to help people suffering from low testosterone levels, Erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation and low libido
Kapi kacchu: ( Mucuna Pruriens)- Strongly recommended in ayurvedic texts for low libido, low sperm count, low sperm motility and erectile dysfunction

Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) – Used in ayurveda to rejuvenate male reproductive system, calm mind and as an aphrodisiac.

Drum Stick, garlic, ginger: A best home remedy for sexual disorders

Rakta saara purusha

noreply@blogger.com (Dr.Savitha Suri) — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 07:17:00 +0000

"Karnaakshi mukha jihva naasaushtta paada
tala nakha lalaata mehanam snigdha rakta varnam
srimad Bhraajishnu rakta saraanaam ,saa saarata sukham......"

The person who has completely formed rakta dhatu exhibits the following characters

His/her ears,eyes, face, tongue, nose, lips, palms, soles, nails, forehead, genital organ look brightly red and glistening. He or she will be attractive.

These persons do not tolerate heat, stress or strain.

Anti wrinkle Face packs

noreply@blogger.com (Dr.Savitha Suri) — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 11:22:00 +0000

1. Cut 10 - 15 green seedless grapes and blend them in mixer. Apply this blended pulp on face. place more of this pulp on places where you have more wrinkles. Wash it off with cold water after 20 minutes. Apply moisturiser immediately after pat drying the face

2. Grate half carrot and blend it in a mixer without adding water. Squeez it to get juice. Add 2 tea spoon of honey and 1/4 tea spoon green gram powder to it and apply on face as face pack. Wash it off with cold water

3. Add a tea spoon of honey and a tea spoon of rose water to riped mashed banana and use it as face pack.

4. Mashed apple acts as an excellent face pack to prevent formation of wrinkles.

5. Rub a tea spoon of milk cream into a tea spoon of egg white. This mixture when applied as face mask acts as an excellent moisturiser and also prevents wrinkles.

6. Apply a mixture of honey and corn flour on face and neck. Wash it off after 20 minutes

Symptoms Of Low Testosterone:

noreply@blogger.com (Dr.Savitha Suri) — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 08:14:00 +0000

By the time you finish reading this, you should have a good idea about the symptoms of low testosterone and be provided with further resources where you can learn more about how to address your condition.

The symptoms can range from small, barely perceptible changes in attitude to overwhelming and sometimes devastating shifts in desire and habit.Some of the most noticeable effects of a drop in testosterone are decreased libido and weaker erections (for men), but not all the symptoms of low testosterone are related to sexuality.

In addition to changes in sex drive and endurance, other common symptoms include:
a lack of energy
reduced interest in once-favorite activities
decreased athletic performance
frequent mood swings

The cumulative result of the many symptoms can lead to a major personality shift. The symptoms of low testosterone can combine to transform a once vibrant, active, energetic person with a very positive outlook on life into a weak, tired, and highly irritable individual.

Testosterone is a hormone that controls a variety of physical processes in both men and women. When this important component of the human body disappears, it is difficult for the body to carry out many important functions like mood regulation, sexual arousal, and the creation of new muscle tissue.

The disruption of these crucial biological processes makes it difficult for the afflicted person to function as efficiently as he or she once did.

For example, because testosterone is an important part of building new muscles, a person who has suffered a drop in this crucial hormone will be likely to experience unprecedented physical weakness.

Body composition may also change as muscles diminish and bodily fat increases.
These are two common symptoms of low testosterone and for every other biological process that relies on testosterone, there are similar problems that arise when the hormone becomes unavailable.

Most people who suffer from decreased testosterone levels are men over the age of forty, but there are also large numbers of women and younger men who suffer every day from the symptoms of low testosterone without realizing that their mood swings, apathy towards sex, or general lack of energy are related to a drop in the level of testosterone in their bodies.

The Food and Drug Administration estimates that between four and five million American men suffer from testosterone deficiency, but a majority of these men don't seek treatment, in part because few people know enough about the symptoms of low testosterone to recognize them when they appear.

Experts believe that only between ten and fifteen percent of these men are likely to seek treatment to combat the symptoms of their waning testosterone levels.

To further complicate matters, a drop in testosterone is often misdiagnosed as psychological depression, as these two problems share a number of symptoms. Many sufferers never visit a medical professional to find relief, but even of those who do look to doctors for help, not all of them get the aid they need.

In some cases, a patient who seeks help for the symptoms of low testosterone will be told that his or her sudden difficulties are a normal part of the aging process, and to some extent this is true.

Testosterone levels naturally begin to go down as soon as an adult man reaches about 30 years of age; at that point, this vital hormone decreases about 2% per year thereafter.

However, the aging process affects different people in different ways, and some men and women experience a much more rapid and uncomfortable drop in testosterone than others do. When this happens, the symptoms of low testosterone can be so intense that they verge on unbearable.

Learning about the symptoms of low testosterone can help you determine if your own aging experience is par for the course, or is worthy of medical attention.If you suspect you may have low testosterone levels, let your doctor know what you are experiencing. A blood test to measure your levels of this hormone can be done to find out a more definitive answer.

http://www.testosterone-booster-guide.com/Testosterone_Replacement_Therapy.html
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dan_Ho
http://EzineArticles.com/?Symptoms-Of-Low-Testosterone:-Discover-What-Happens-When-Testosterone-Drops&id=155856

Acne home remedies

noreply@blogger.com (Dr.Savitha Suri) — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 09:26:00 +0000

Mix 2 spoons of lemon juice and 2 spoons of rose water and apply it on places where acne errupt. Wash it off after 45 mnutes.

Eat raw radish, carrot and cucmbers daily.

Drink plenty of water.

Drink a glass of warm water mixed with 1/2 spoon lemon juice and two spoons of honey. This detoxifies body and prevents acne

Cook oatmeal and apply on face for fifteen minutes, then wash it off.

Apply apple sedar vinegar on face to cleanse the skin.

Boil tulasi leaves in 1/4 cup of water and dip 2-3 tea bags. Apply this to face with a cotton ball.

Boil lettuce leaves in water and wash your face with this water.

Mix cooked oat meal, curd and apply it on face.

Apply a face pack of sandal wood powder, neem and fuller earth.

U.S. Labs Using Outdated Genital Herpes Tests, Produce False Positives, Report Says

noreply@blogger.com (Dr.Savitha Suri) — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 01:34:00 +0000

U.S. Labs Using Outdated Genital Herpes Tests, Produce False Positives, Report Says
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/29974.php
Many laboratories in the US are using outdated blood tests that often produce false-positive results to detect genital herpes, according to a report published in the August issue of the... American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Reuters Health reports. Zane Brown and Rhoda Ashley Morrow of the University of Washington School of Medicine examined data obtained through the test proficiency program of the College of American Pathologists. CAP sent to 172 laboratories a blood sample that was positive for
antibodies of herpes simplex virus type 1, the form of herpes that causes common cold sores, and negative for herpes simplex virus type 2, which causes genital herpes. Nearly all of the labs correctly detected HSV-1 antibodies in the sample, but more than half of the labs inaccurately reported that the sample was positive for HSV-2 antibodies.

According to the report, only blood tests based on a protein called glycoprotein G are proven to be effective in distinguishing and identifying antibodies to the herpes viruses. Of the 94 of labs that identified which type of test they used, all 44 sites using a glycoprotein G-based test accurately reported the sample did not contain HSV-2 antibodies. Labs using other types of tests showed false-positive rates between 14% and 88% for HSV-2, the report says. The authors recommend that labs use only the approved, accurate glycoprotein G-based blood tests to screen for type-specific herpes in order to reduce the spread of the virus. About one-third of U.S. adults have genital herpes, but only about 10% are aware they are infected, according to Brown (Rauscher, Reuters Health, 8/29).

Few myths about hair care

noreply@blogger.com (Dr.Savitha Suri) — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 11:21:00 +0000

Myth 1 - Blow drying increases hair volume

Real fact - The high heat from blow drying damages hair shaft. The hair becomes dry and brittle. The hair should be allowed to dry naturally and hairstyles can be made when the hair is partially dry.This increases hair volume.

Myth 2 - As age advanaces the color treatment should be stronger.

Real fact- As age advances the hair growth slows down.The hair shaft becomes thin as age advances. Hence any treatment for ageing hair or grey hair should be mild and has to be finished in little time. The chemical should not be allowed to stay on hair for a long time.

Myth 3 - Dandruff does not cause hairloss
Real fact - A fungus called malazzesia globosa causes Dandruff.It is found floating in air. This fungus causes scaling of scalp skin and hairloss.

Low Sperm Count May Be Associated With Prenatal Testosterone Excess

noreply@blogger.com (Dr.Savitha Suri) — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 06:57:00 +0000

Low Sperm Count May Be Associated With Prenatal Testosterone Excess

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080923082158.htm

ScienceDaily (Sep. 26, 2008) — Exposure to an excess of sexual steroids, like testosterone, during fetal development may be a potential risk factor for low sperm count and motility, according to a new study.

"The majority of disorders affecting sperm count in humans are originated during fetal life," said Professor Sergio Recabarren of the University of Concepcion in Chillan, Chile and lead author of the study. "A developing fetus is very vulnerable to its environment, and when that environment is exposed to excess sexual steroids, it may have a significant deleterious effect on a male offspring's fertility."

Home remedies using buttermilk:

noreply@blogger.com (Dr.Savitha Suri) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 06:31:00 +0000

1.Mix a pinch of salt, ½ tea spoon ginger juice and crushed cumin seeds to a glass of butter milk. This relieves acidity, constipation and symptoms of piles.

2.Add a pinch of salt, a tea spoon of sugar to a glass of butter milk diluted with water. This acts as a very good rehydrating formula in diarrhea and dehydration. It supplies energy instantaneously and reduces frequency of stools.

3.It is a healthy drink for people who suffer from obesity, ibs and piles

4.Massage a mixture of butter milk and salt on pores caused by acne and pimples. Then wash it off with warm water and rinse once again with cold water. This helps to reduce the pores.

5.Regular consumption of butter milk strengthens the digestive system and keeps it free from infections.

what ayurveda says about tender coconut water (narikelodaka)?

noreply@blogger.com (Dr.Savitha Suri) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 10:19:00 +0000

The following properties of coconut water are mentioned in ayurvedic texts

1. It is sweet in taste and increases moistness of skin.
2. It acts as a body coolant.
3. Coconut water is a very good aphrodesiac and increases sexual energy and desire. It increases quality and quantity of semen and very helpful to persons who suffer from ED.
4. It is easily digested and instantly energizes body
5. It quenches thirst .
6. It normalises aggravated vata and pitta.
7. It cleanses body and bladder
8. It acts a good appetizer.

The following tips will help you manage gout more effectively:

noreply@blogger.com (Dr.Savitha Suri) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 09:10:00 +0000

The following tips will help you manage gout more effectively:
http://www.recoverymedicine.com/gout_wellness_tips.htm

Avoid purine-rich foods. Purines are found in many animal products with the exception of eggs. Organ meats (liver, heart, kidneys, sweetbreads), herring, mackerel, anchovies and trout are particularly rich sources. Broths and gravies are also to be avoided. (Beans and peas contain a moderate amount of purine and should be limited to 1-2 servings per day).

*Although a peanut is technically considered a legume, its purine content is low (less than 50 mg per 100 grams) compared to other more common legumes such as lentils, peas & beans which has 50 - 150 mg purine per 100 grams

Control your weight but avoid crash diets and rapid weight loss which can give rise to acute flare-ups.

Increase your fluid intake. Drinking plenty of fluids helps to dilute uric acid in the urine. This helps prevent the formation of kidney stones made from uric acid. Drink 2 to 3 litres (8 to 12 cups) of fluid each day. Water, herbal teas, vegetable juice, milk, unsweetened fruit juices and soup all contribute to your daily fluid intake.

Limit alcohol and caffeine. Alcohol contains purines and also interferes with the body's excretion of uric acid. Beer is particularly bad as it is rich in purines. Heavy drinking also increases body weight and blood triglycerides, two factors also implicated in the development of gout. Speak to your doctor about the use of alcohol. Moderate, drinking (one drink a day) is unlikely to increase your risk of a gout attack.

Consider vitamin B12. If you take the medication colchicine for gout, consider taking a vitamin B12 supplement, since this drug impairs the body's ability to absorb B12. Vitamin B12 is found exclusively in animal foods such as meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products. With the exception of eggs and dairy produce, these foods should be limited due to their purine content. Fortified soy and rice beverages also contain B12.

Consume black cherries. Recent studies have suggested that intake of black cherries may benefit people suffering from gout (the gout preventative qualities of cherries seem to be the result of plant compounds found in cherries called anthocyanins).

Add hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds and flax seeds to your diet; these foods contain health promoting omega 3 fatty acids, to reduce joint inflammation. Increase your intake of fresh fruit and vegetables; cut down on foods rich in hydrogenated oils (trans fats) and animal fats (arachidonic acid), particularly fatty meats (beef, pork) and high-fat dairy products.

Celery seeds are a traditional food-based remedy that has been observed to help halt gout flare-ups

Consult your doctor / healthcare professional about new food-based non-drug supplements formulated to help improve quality of life* such as Recovery with Nutricol®. Recovery® has been developed to improve circulation to tissues, speed repair and slow or halt tissue damage.

Veggies may halve cancer risk

noreply@blogger.com (Dr.Savitha Suri) — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 06:14:00 +0000

http://www.health24.com/news/Prostate/1-941,41878.asp
Men may be able to halve their risk of aggressive prostate cancer by adding large amounts of broccoli and cauliflower to their menu. However, the overall risk of prostate cancer was not changed.

In a study of nearly 30 000 men, Dr Richard B. Hayes of the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland and colleagues found that men who ate more than a serving of either vegetable each week had roughly half the risk of developing advanced-stage prostate cancer - that had spread beyond the prostate gland - compared with their peers who ate these vegetables less than once a month.

A number of studies have linked high fruit and vegetable diets with lower prostate cancer risk, but these results have been mixed.

Few investigators have looked at advanced disease, Hayes and his team note in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

Men who ate veggies had lower risk

Hayes and his colleagues looked at 29 361 men who were being followed as part of the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial.

During more than four years of follow-up, 1 338 of the men developed prostate cancer.

While there was no overall link between fruit and vegetable intake and prostate cancer risk, men who ate the most veggies had a 49 percent lower risk of being diagnosed with prostate cancer that had advanced to stage III or IV (on a scale of I to IV), the researchers found.

Most of the effect appeared to be due to cruciferous vegetables, which include Brussels sprouts, cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower; larger amounts of any vegetables in this family cut risk by 40 percent.

Broccoli and cauliflower appeared to have the biggest impact. Men who ate broccoli more than once a week had a 45 percent lower risk of advanced prostate cancer than those who ate the vegetable less than once a month, while eating cauliflower this often cut risk by 52 percent.

Veggies reduced risk of aggressive disease

There was also a tendency toward reduced risk of aggressive disease among men who ate raw or cooked spinach at least twice weekly, compared to those who ate the vegetable less than once a month.

Cruciferous vegetables are rich in glucosinolates, note Hayes and his team, which can produce other chemicals with anti-carcinogenic effects. The vegetables also are powerful antioxidants.

If it is ultimately found that these vegetables directly lower the risk of aggressive prostate cancer, "a possible means to reduce the burden of this disease may be primary prevention through increased consumption of broccoli, cauliflower, and possibly spinach," they conclude. – (Reuters Health)

Marijuana smoking damages sperm

noreply@blogger.com (Dr.Savitha Suri) — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 04:19:00 +0000

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/4482.php
Men who smoke marijuana frequently damage their fertility in several different ways, research suggests.

Scientists at Buffalo University found regular smokers had significantly less seminal fluid, and a lower sperm count.

Their sperm were also more likely to swim too fast too early, leading to burn-out before they reach the egg.

Lead researcher Dr Lani Burkman said: 'The bottom line is, the active ingredients in marijuana are doing something to sperm.'

Marijuana contains several chemicals known to have an impact on human physiology, including THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).

The researchers believe that THC may disrupt the way sperm swim, or it may block mechanisms designed to weed out malfunctioning sperm.

Herbs, Lifestyle Changes May Reduce Symptoms of Enlarged Prostate

noreply@blogger.com (Dr.Savitha Suri) — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 07:36:00 +0000

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/15689.php

Symptoms of an enlarged prostate - known medically as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) - can range from a weak, slow urinary stream, to hesitancy and straining to urinate, to an inability to empty the bladder completely, to more serious complications including recurrent urinary tract infections and kidney damage.

If a man lives long enough, he will almost certainly experience some degree of BPH. Although 50%-60% of men with this condition may never develop any symptoms, BPH can make life miserable. The November issue of the Harvard Men's Health Watch examines the safety and effectiveness of several herbs commonly used to reduce BPH symptoms and offers practical lifestyle tips that can ease living with this prostate problem.

Among herbal remedies, saw palmetto seems to be the most promising. One large analysis of studies done on this herb found that saw palmetto reduced nighttime urination by 25% and other bothersome complaints by 28% when compared to a placebo. Side effects reported were mild and did not differ significantly from problems that the men attributed to the placebos.

The November issue also offers a few simple adjustments that can reduce the bother of BPH:

-- Reduce your consumption of fluids, particularly after dinner.

-- Limit your use of alcohol and caffeine, and avoid them after about 3 p.m.; both increase urine flow.

-- Avoid medications that stimulate muscles in the bladder neck and prostate, as well as medications that weaken bladder contractions.

-- Never pass up a chance to use the bathroom, even if your bladder does not feel full.