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Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Greens For Health
Over the past 60 years, tones of synthetic chemicals, pesticides, toxins and industrial waste have been continuously dumped into our environment resulting in a very wide spread pollution. Researches done across the globe have found new links between pollution and diseases on a daily basis. The challenge is to find ways to protect our health in such a toxic world.
Green foods are some examples of the earth's rich bounty of nutritional powerhouses. Green foods are key components of a healthy diet. Only recently, scientists have begun to discover that green foods provide essential vitamins, minerals, fiber and phytochemicals that are important for good health. Green foods are also loaded with enzymes, key vitamins, amino acids, minerals, chlorophyll and essential fatty acids which are easily assimilated by our bodies.
Green foods are some examples of the earth's rich bounty of nutritional powerhouses. Green foods are key components of a healthy diet. Only recently, scientists have begun to discover that green foods provide essential vitamins, minerals, fiber and phytochemicals that are important for good health. Green foods are also loaded with enzymes, key vitamins, amino acids, minerals, chlorophyll and essential fatty acids which are easily assimilated by our bodies.
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Online Nursing Schools and Nursing Jobs
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Monday, January 16, 2006
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Sunday, January 15, 2006
Probiotics: Man Alive! Live Microorganisms May Be The Secret To Good Health.
Better Nutrition, Dec, 2005 by Kimberly J. Retzlaff
Ever notice the phrase on a cup of yogurt: "Contains live active cultures"? While this statement may worry the squeamish, it shouldn't. These single-celled bacteria happen to be an effective means of ensuring digestive health, and they may have more far-reaching benefits.
In this day of antibacterial everything, it's hard to imagine bacteria being beneficial. However, certain bacteria--including the yogurt-dwelling L. acidophilus--are, in fact, good. They belong to a group of healthy, live microorganisms called probiotics.
Don't let their long scientific names scare you because they can make even the most science savvy tongue-tied. When reading labels, it is the probiotics' category name that comes first, and then the species name follows. In our yogurt example, Lactobacillus is the genus or category--abbreviated L.--and acidophilus is the species.
Research on each of these main categories has shown that certain strains can relieve digestive ailments such as diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and lactose intolerance. Other studies suggest that probiotics may be able to boost immunity, prevent colon cancer and lower cholesterol. Here's the scoop.
You want to: Improve digestion and heart health
Continue article
Advertisement
Reach for: Lactobacillus acidophilus
What the research says: L. acidophilus got a thorough research review in the February 2001 issue of the Journal of Dairy Science. Conclusion? Taken daily, this probiotic seems to help people who are lactose-intolerant digest dairy foods.
L. acidophilus has also shown promise for protecting heart health. Researchers at the National Taiwan University have found that some probiotics, including L. acidophilus, can lower total cholesterol levels in animals.
You want to: Boost your immunity
Reach for: Lactobacillus casei
What the research says: Taking L. casei supplements may improve disease defenses, even in the face of malnutrition, according to an Argentinean animal study that showed L. casei improved immunity and the response to a respiratory infection. These results were published in the June 2005 Journal of Nutrition.
However, L. casei may not be effective for preventing diarrhea if you're healthy. A report by David Pereg, MD, and researchers at the Sapir Medical Center in Kfar-Sava, Israel, showed a "nonsignificant" effect against diarrhea in healthy men who consumed L. casei.
Yet despite these results (published in the March 2005 issue of the American Journal of Infection Control), Pereg still touts the gains of probiotic supplementation. "Probiotics have many other potential benefits besides preventing infections," he says. "They may lower cholesterol, improve bowel function, etc. We believe that it may be beneficial to add probiotics to the diet."
You want to: Reduce IBS symptoms
Reach for: Lactobacillus rhamnosus
What the research says: As Pereg suggests, the benefits of probiotics go beyond preventing infections. Specifically, Finnish researchers just reported that a combination of probiotic strains--including L. rhamnosus GG, L. rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium breve and Propionibacterium freudenreichii-reduced IBS symptoms by 42 percent. For details, see the September 2005 issue of the journal Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics.
You want to: Relieve digestive disorders such as diarrhea
Reach for: Saccharomyces boulardii
What the research says: In January 2005, Turkish research found that S. boulardii reduced the severity and duration of diarrhea in children. These results appeared in 2005 in the Swedish journal Acta Paediatrica. In September 2005, another study showed that S. boulardii is "moderately effective" in preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhea, as reported in Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics.
You want to: Strengthen gastrointestinal (GI) immunity
Reach for: Bifidobacterium bifidum
What the research says: The elderly are particularly susceptible to GI infections because the amount of natural microbes in the body decreases with age. However, a combination of B. bifidum, B. lactis and an inulin-based prebiotic (a starch that promotes the growth of probiotics) increased the size and diversity of elderly patients' protective intestinal flora or microorganisms, according to researchers at the University of Dundee in the United Kingdom. Their research was published in January 2005 in Clinical Infectious Diseases.
You want to: Promote good colon health
Reach for: Bifidobacterium lactis
What the research says: A combination of B. lactis and prebiotics may also help prevent colon cancer. Richard Le Leu, PhD, and his team at Flinders University of South Australia found that B. lactis plus a resistant starch called Hi-maize reduced DNA damage in animal colon cancer. The research was reported in the May 2005 Journal of Nutrition. Le Leu explains: "If cells become damaged or mutated in the large bowel of humans, then a diet [containing these substances] may be helpful in removing these cells."
at the counter
While an abundance of evidence indicates that probiotics can help with everything from mild GI issues to cancer prevention, it is up to you and your health care providers to determine the wisest ways to incorporate these healthy little guys into your diet. Probiotics are available in several forms--through the active cultures found in yogurt, kefir and other dairy products, as well as in capsules, pills and freeze-dried powders. New technology in Europe even allows probiotics to be added to fruit juices. The quality of the probiotic product is probably more important than the form.
Using the information above, you can determine which probiotic may help improve, strengthen or relieve the condition you're interested in. Then, decide on a form that works with your lifestyle.
STONYFIELD FARM LOW-FAT YOGURT SMOOTHIE contains six probiotic bacteria plus the prebiotic inulin.
ENZYMEDICA PRO-BIO contains eight species of bacteria that naturally occur in the intestinal tract.
CULTURELLE from CONAGRA FUNCTIONAL FOODS maintains overgrowth of harmful bacteria and survives in stomach acid and bile by using Lactobacillus.
UAS LABS DDS-PLUS is free of dairy products, soy and preservatives. These capsules contain Bifidobacterium longum and L. acidophilus.
AMERICAN HEALTH POTENT ACIDOPHILOS SUPPLEMENT WITH PECTIN contains a freeze-dried mix that includes L. acidophilus.
WAKUNAGA KYO-DOPHILUS specifically uses unique human strains of L. acidophilus that adapt to the intestinal tract.
LIFEWAY FOODS POMEGRANATE, KEFIR contains 10 probiotic bacteria strains.
[ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED]
COPYRIGHT 2005 PRIMEDIA Intertec, a PRIMEDIA Company
Ever notice the phrase on a cup of yogurt: "Contains live active cultures"? While this statement may worry the squeamish, it shouldn't. These single-celled bacteria happen to be an effective means of ensuring digestive health, and they may have more far-reaching benefits.
In this day of antibacterial everything, it's hard to imagine bacteria being beneficial. However, certain bacteria--including the yogurt-dwelling L. acidophilus--are, in fact, good. They belong to a group of healthy, live microorganisms called probiotics.
Don't let their long scientific names scare you because they can make even the most science savvy tongue-tied. When reading labels, it is the probiotics' category name that comes first, and then the species name follows. In our yogurt example, Lactobacillus is the genus or category--abbreviated L.--and acidophilus is the species.
Research on each of these main categories has shown that certain strains can relieve digestive ailments such as diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and lactose intolerance. Other studies suggest that probiotics may be able to boost immunity, prevent colon cancer and lower cholesterol. Here's the scoop.
You want to: Improve digestion and heart health
Continue article
Advertisement
Reach for: Lactobacillus acidophilus
What the research says: L. acidophilus got a thorough research review in the February 2001 issue of the Journal of Dairy Science. Conclusion? Taken daily, this probiotic seems to help people who are lactose-intolerant digest dairy foods.
L. acidophilus has also shown promise for protecting heart health. Researchers at the National Taiwan University have found that some probiotics, including L. acidophilus, can lower total cholesterol levels in animals.
You want to: Boost your immunity
Reach for: Lactobacillus casei
What the research says: Taking L. casei supplements may improve disease defenses, even in the face of malnutrition, according to an Argentinean animal study that showed L. casei improved immunity and the response to a respiratory infection. These results were published in the June 2005 Journal of Nutrition.
However, L. casei may not be effective for preventing diarrhea if you're healthy. A report by David Pereg, MD, and researchers at the Sapir Medical Center in Kfar-Sava, Israel, showed a "nonsignificant" effect against diarrhea in healthy men who consumed L. casei.
Yet despite these results (published in the March 2005 issue of the American Journal of Infection Control), Pereg still touts the gains of probiotic supplementation. "Probiotics have many other potential benefits besides preventing infections," he says. "They may lower cholesterol, improve bowel function, etc. We believe that it may be beneficial to add probiotics to the diet."
You want to: Reduce IBS symptoms
Reach for: Lactobacillus rhamnosus
What the research says: As Pereg suggests, the benefits of probiotics go beyond preventing infections. Specifically, Finnish researchers just reported that a combination of probiotic strains--including L. rhamnosus GG, L. rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium breve and Propionibacterium freudenreichii-reduced IBS symptoms by 42 percent. For details, see the September 2005 issue of the journal Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics.
You want to: Relieve digestive disorders such as diarrhea
Reach for: Saccharomyces boulardii
What the research says: In January 2005, Turkish research found that S. boulardii reduced the severity and duration of diarrhea in children. These results appeared in 2005 in the Swedish journal Acta Paediatrica. In September 2005, another study showed that S. boulardii is "moderately effective" in preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhea, as reported in Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics.
You want to: Strengthen gastrointestinal (GI) immunity
Reach for: Bifidobacterium bifidum
What the research says: The elderly are particularly susceptible to GI infections because the amount of natural microbes in the body decreases with age. However, a combination of B. bifidum, B. lactis and an inulin-based prebiotic (a starch that promotes the growth of probiotics) increased the size and diversity of elderly patients' protective intestinal flora or microorganisms, according to researchers at the University of Dundee in the United Kingdom. Their research was published in January 2005 in Clinical Infectious Diseases.
You want to: Promote good colon health
Reach for: Bifidobacterium lactis
What the research says: A combination of B. lactis and prebiotics may also help prevent colon cancer. Richard Le Leu, PhD, and his team at Flinders University of South Australia found that B. lactis plus a resistant starch called Hi-maize reduced DNA damage in animal colon cancer. The research was reported in the May 2005 Journal of Nutrition. Le Leu explains: "If cells become damaged or mutated in the large bowel of humans, then a diet [containing these substances] may be helpful in removing these cells."
at the counter
While an abundance of evidence indicates that probiotics can help with everything from mild GI issues to cancer prevention, it is up to you and your health care providers to determine the wisest ways to incorporate these healthy little guys into your diet. Probiotics are available in several forms--through the active cultures found in yogurt, kefir and other dairy products, as well as in capsules, pills and freeze-dried powders. New technology in Europe even allows probiotics to be added to fruit juices. The quality of the probiotic product is probably more important than the form.
Using the information above, you can determine which probiotic may help improve, strengthen or relieve the condition you're interested in. Then, decide on a form that works with your lifestyle.
STONYFIELD FARM LOW-FAT YOGURT SMOOTHIE contains six probiotic bacteria plus the prebiotic inulin.
ENZYMEDICA PRO-BIO contains eight species of bacteria that naturally occur in the intestinal tract.
CULTURELLE from CONAGRA FUNCTIONAL FOODS maintains overgrowth of harmful bacteria and survives in stomach acid and bile by using Lactobacillus.
UAS LABS DDS-PLUS is free of dairy products, soy and preservatives. These capsules contain Bifidobacterium longum and L. acidophilus.
AMERICAN HEALTH POTENT ACIDOPHILOS SUPPLEMENT WITH PECTIN contains a freeze-dried mix that includes L. acidophilus.
WAKUNAGA KYO-DOPHILUS specifically uses unique human strains of L. acidophilus that adapt to the intestinal tract.
LIFEWAY FOODS POMEGRANATE, KEFIR contains 10 probiotic bacteria strains.
[ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED]
COPYRIGHT 2005 PRIMEDIA Intertec, a PRIMEDIA Company
Vitamins and Timing
Better Nutrition, June, 2005
MYTH: It doesn't matter when you take your vitamins as long as you take them.
TRUTH: For maximum absorption, it's best to wash vitamins down with a full meal. Our bodies are designed to absorb nutrients from food, and taking a vitamin pill when eating allows supplement absorption to take place.
MYTH: It doesn't matter when you take your vitamins as long as you take them.
TRUTH: For maximum absorption, it's best to wash vitamins down with a full meal. Our bodies are designed to absorb nutrients from food, and taking a vitamin pill when eating allows supplement absorption to take place.
Self-Medication at Its Finest?
by Bruce Hay
Here's the story of a friend who tempted the gods in preparation for a good-deal cross-country. My friend had arranged an all-JO flight back east for the Easter holiday, after an at-sea workup. During work-ups, he got a head cold that kept him from flying. If he couldn't make the flyoff from the boat detachment, he couldn't make the cross-country.
We repeatedly are told during flight training and physiology briefs, that we are not to self-medicate, even for a headache--no aspirin, no decongestants, no nothing. Every training-command safety stand-down includes a story of a student blowing his sinuses or eardrums while trying to hack it. Aviators almost become numb from the endless stories of pain, suffering and downtime. You would think savvy fleet aviators would be the last group of folks to tempt fate and fly while on medication, especially medication not prescribed by the flight doctor. Well, that would make for a boring Approach article, wouldn't it?
A few days before the flyoff, my friend decided to take matters into his own hands. He supplemented the medications the flight surgeon had given him with a collection of sundry, witch-doctor tricks, If you've ever read the label on a bottle of Sudafed, you know it says to take a dose every four to six hours. Well, my friend started taking his medications every four hours. Since nothing adverse happened, he decided every three-and-a-half hours would be OK.
As he went around the squadron, he complained of difficulty sleeping, excessive perspiration, and increased heart rate. If you aren't familiar with the Physician's Desk Reference, I'll bring you up to speed. Those symptoms are classic of Sudafed overdosage.
Just hours before the flyoff, my friend went to the flight surgeon after taking a couple of hits of Afrin--you know, "just in case." He nearly blew out his eardrums trying to valsalva for the doc, but he did it. As an added measure, after the visit to medical and before the brief, he put a little Vicks VapoRub under each nostril. Sounds like a train wreck waiting to happen, doesn't it?
Everyone snickered during the brief, but no one intervened. Once airborne, the flight got in formation, with all four of the Squadron jets desperately trying to remain VMC, despite the forming thunderclouds. Each new wave of weather changes was met with another climb and an increase in cabin altitude. Of course, my friend met each climb with trepidation: He knew he d have to pass through all the pressure changes on the way down. Before descent, he took a couple Of hits of Afrin, but still he developed a minor ear block on the approach into Whidbey.
The next morning was more of the same--more Sudafed and Afrin. The first leg was into Grand Fordks AFB, then on to NAS Willow Grove. The descent was relatively painless but the fun started on the takeoff after the gas-and-go. The air-conditioning turbine seized and cabin pressure rapidly spiked to ambient: about 20,000 feet. After limping back to Grand Forks to troubleshoot, my friend was in pain--not intolerable but pain, nonetheless.
The next day, the crew limped the ,jet back to Whidbey. They flew two legs, and the highest they could go without cabin pressurization was 10,000 feet. Each ascent and descent was another sinus-crushing event.
You may think this story ends with a six-month down time and sinus surgery, but, fortunately, for my friend, he didn't do any permanent damage. He was down for two weeks, mostly of his own will, by not seeing the flight surgeon until he fully had recovered.
There is one good outcome to this story, my friend no longer self-medicates. He was fortunate, but you might not be.
With friends like yours, you are going to need more friends because the others appear to be near suicidal. Why in heaven's name would they risk their lives by overdosing on a medication that can cause irregular heart rhythm and sometimes death? Compound that problem with a situation that overpressurizes an infected sinus or ear cavity. When changes in cabin pressure try to shove disease-causing bacteria into the circulation that connects to their small brain, you definitely have a good chance of needing another end.
--Capt. Nick Webster is the staff flight surgeon at the Naval Safety Center.
P.S., I'm not flying with your friend.
LCdr. Hay flies with VAQ-139.
COPYRIGHT 2003 U.S. Naval Safety Center
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group
Here's the story of a friend who tempted the gods in preparation for a good-deal cross-country. My friend had arranged an all-JO flight back east for the Easter holiday, after an at-sea workup. During work-ups, he got a head cold that kept him from flying. If he couldn't make the flyoff from the boat detachment, he couldn't make the cross-country.
We repeatedly are told during flight training and physiology briefs, that we are not to self-medicate, even for a headache--no aspirin, no decongestants, no nothing. Every training-command safety stand-down includes a story of a student blowing his sinuses or eardrums while trying to hack it. Aviators almost become numb from the endless stories of pain, suffering and downtime. You would think savvy fleet aviators would be the last group of folks to tempt fate and fly while on medication, especially medication not prescribed by the flight doctor. Well, that would make for a boring Approach article, wouldn't it?
A few days before the flyoff, my friend decided to take matters into his own hands. He supplemented the medications the flight surgeon had given him with a collection of sundry, witch-doctor tricks, If you've ever read the label on a bottle of Sudafed, you know it says to take a dose every four to six hours. Well, my friend started taking his medications every four hours. Since nothing adverse happened, he decided every three-and-a-half hours would be OK.
As he went around the squadron, he complained of difficulty sleeping, excessive perspiration, and increased heart rate. If you aren't familiar with the Physician's Desk Reference, I'll bring you up to speed. Those symptoms are classic of Sudafed overdosage.
Just hours before the flyoff, my friend went to the flight surgeon after taking a couple of hits of Afrin--you know, "just in case." He nearly blew out his eardrums trying to valsalva for the doc, but he did it. As an added measure, after the visit to medical and before the brief, he put a little Vicks VapoRub under each nostril. Sounds like a train wreck waiting to happen, doesn't it?
Everyone snickered during the brief, but no one intervened. Once airborne, the flight got in formation, with all four of the Squadron jets desperately trying to remain VMC, despite the forming thunderclouds. Each new wave of weather changes was met with another climb and an increase in cabin altitude. Of course, my friend met each climb with trepidation: He knew he d have to pass through all the pressure changes on the way down. Before descent, he took a couple Of hits of Afrin, but still he developed a minor ear block on the approach into Whidbey.
The next morning was more of the same--more Sudafed and Afrin. The first leg was into Grand Fordks AFB, then on to NAS Willow Grove. The descent was relatively painless but the fun started on the takeoff after the gas-and-go. The air-conditioning turbine seized and cabin pressure rapidly spiked to ambient: about 20,000 feet. After limping back to Grand Forks to troubleshoot, my friend was in pain--not intolerable but pain, nonetheless.
The next day, the crew limped the ,jet back to Whidbey. They flew two legs, and the highest they could go without cabin pressurization was 10,000 feet. Each ascent and descent was another sinus-crushing event.
You may think this story ends with a six-month down time and sinus surgery, but, fortunately, for my friend, he didn't do any permanent damage. He was down for two weeks, mostly of his own will, by not seeing the flight surgeon until he fully had recovered.
There is one good outcome to this story, my friend no longer self-medicates. He was fortunate, but you might not be.
With friends like yours, you are going to need more friends because the others appear to be near suicidal. Why in heaven's name would they risk their lives by overdosing on a medication that can cause irregular heart rhythm and sometimes death? Compound that problem with a situation that overpressurizes an infected sinus or ear cavity. When changes in cabin pressure try to shove disease-causing bacteria into the circulation that connects to their small brain, you definitely have a good chance of needing another end.
--Capt. Nick Webster is the staff flight surgeon at the Naval Safety Center.
P.S., I'm not flying with your friend.
LCdr. Hay flies with VAQ-139.
COPYRIGHT 2003 U.S. Naval Safety Center
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group
Drug Safety Information on "Fen-Phen" from Center for Drug Evaluation, FDA
1. What is "fen-phen"?
Fen-phen refers to the use in combination of fenfluramine and phentermine. Phentermine has also been used in combination with dexfenfluramine ("dexfen-phen"). Fenfluramine ("fen") and phentermine ("phen") are prescription medications that have been approved by the FDA for many years as appetite suppressants for the short-term (a few weeks) management of obesity. Phentermine was approved in 1959 and fenfluramine in 1973. Dexfenfluramine (Redux) was approved in 1996 for use as an appetite suppressant in the management of obesity. Recently, some physicians have prescribed fenfluramine or dexfenfluramine in combination with phentermine, often for extended periods of time, for use in weight loss programs. Use of drugs in ways other than described in the FDA-approved label is called "off-label use." In the case of fen-phen and dexfen-phen, no studies were presented to the FDA to demonstrate either the effectiveness or safety of the drugs taken in combination.
2. What is the difference between fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine?
Fenfluramine (Pondimin) contains dexfenfluramine and levofenfluramine. Levofenfluramine may have some activities not directly related to appetite suppression. Dexfenfluramine (Redux) contains only dexfenfluramine.
3. What is the new evidence that prompted withdrawal of fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine?
On July 8, 1997, the Mayo Clinic reported 24 patients developed heart valve disease after taking fen-phen. In five patients who underwent valve replacement surgery, the diseased valves were found to have distinctive features similar to those seen in carcinoid syndrome. The cluster of unusual cases of valve disease in fen-phen users suggested that there might be an association between fen-phen use and valve disease.
On July 8, FDA issued a Public Health Advisory that described the Mayo findings. The Mayo findings were reported in the August 28 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, along with an FDA letter to the editor describing additional cases. FDA has received over 100 reports (including the original 24 Mayo cases) of heart valve disease associated mainly with fen-phen. There were also reports of cases of heart valve disease in patients taking only fenfluramine or dexfenfluramine. No cases meeting FDA's definition of a case were reported in patients taking phentermine alone.
Within the past several weeks, additional information received by the FDA has raised more concern. Most of the cases previously brought to the FDA's attention were in patients who had symptoms of heart disease. Recently, FDA has received reports from five physicians who had performed heart studies (echocardiograms) on patients who had received fen-phen or dexfen-phen and did not have symptoms of heart disease. Of 291 asymptomatic patients screened, about 30 percent had abnormal valve findings, primarily aortic regurgitation. Based on these data, the manufacturers have agreed to withdraw the products from the market and FDA has recommended that patients stop taking the drugs.
4. Why isn't phentermine being withdrawn from the market?
At the present time, no cases of heart valve disease meeting FDA's case definition have been reported with phentermine alone. Analysis of the data points to an association of heart valve disease with fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine.
5. Why wasn't this problem discovered earlier?
The type of valve disease that FDA believes may be associated with fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine is an extremely unusual type of drug reaction. Because valve disease is not usually associated with drug use, it is not normally screened for in human clinical testing of drugs. Since valvular heart disease is not screened for in clinical trials, it would usually not be detected unless patients developed symptoms. No cases were detected in 500 patients followed for one year in a clinical trial of dexfenfluramine. Furthermore, asymptomatic heart valve disease (heart valve disease without symptoms) would not likely be detected in patients taking the drugs as part of a weight loss program. The number of patients who have been reported to have symptoms of heart valve disease associated with recent exposure to the drugs has been very small, compared to the number of recent prescriptions, although there may be a delay in the development of symptoms. And even in symptomatic patients, the link between the symptoms and drug use may not be obvious because such a reaction is not common. These factors may explain why this problem was not discovered earlier.
During the last few years, there has been a marked increase in amount and duration of use of fenfluramine, as it became widely prescribed as part of the fen-phen regimen..
In 1992, articles were published about study results suggesting that the combined use of phentermine and fenfluramine would result in significant weight loss when used over an extended period of time. The results of these studies were not reviewed by FDA, and the conclusion about long-term use of the combination of drugs has not received FDA approval. The increased magnitude and duration of use probably led to an increase in the number of cases of symptomatic heart valve disease, which may have contributed to the recent recognition of this association.
With respect to dexfenfluramine (Redux), which was approved on April 29, 1996, the labeling states that safety has not been shown for longer than one year of use. This reflects the length of the study upon which dexfenfluramine was approved. It was a one-year European study of 1,000 subjects, half of whom were treated with dexfenfluramine. The study population was 80 percent women with an average age of 41. Heart disease was not noted in the study. A follow-up study directed toward uncovering heart disease after termination of the study was not performed because there was no reason to believe at that time that the heart was affected. In addition, dexfenfluramine had been marketed in Europe for over a decade without detection of an association between dexfenfluramine and heart valve problems. FDA is currently trying to obtain such follow-up.
6. What is valvular heart disease?
The heart contains four major valves that regulate the flow of blood through the heart and to the lungs and general circulation. Disease may cause excessive tightness (stenosis) or leakiness (regurgitation) of the valves. In the case of valve disease associated with fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine, leakiness is the problem. Valvular damage may ultimately produce severe heart and/or lung disease.
7. What is the relationship of fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine to heart disease?
Patients who have taken those drugs may have changes in their heart valves that cause leakiness and backflow of blood. If this is severe, the heart has to work harder. This may cause problems in heart function. However, the full medical implications of this relationship, especially in the asymptomatic patients, is not fully understood.
8. What are the signs and symptoms of valvular heart disease?
The patient may have no symptoms. The physician may hear a new heart murmur (abnormal sound as the blood flows over a valve), or the changes may be detected with a painless, non-invasive special heart test called an echocardiogram. An echocardiogram is usually performed by a cardiologist. If the disease is severe, the patient may experience such symptoms as shortness of breath, excessive tiredness, chest pain, fainting, and swelling of the legs (edema).
9. Is the valve disease reversible?
It is not known at this time. One report has been submitted to FDA in which the valve disease appeared to improve. However, we encourage those people who have taken fenfluramine or dexfenfluramine to contact their physician and discuss the appropriate follow-up, even after stopping their medicine. The full medical implications of these findings are not known at this time, especially as they relate to the asymptomatic valvular changes. The FDA and other government agencies, the manufacturers, and medical researchers will aggressively follow this concern and keep patients and health care providers informed of what is learned about the natural history of the valvular disease caused by these medications.
10. How is valvular disease treated?
It depends on the degree of damage. Medications may help the heart function. If the damage is severe, the valves may have to be replaced surgically.
11. Should I stop taking fen-phen, fenfluramine or dexfenfluramine right now?
Yes, this is the FDA's recommendation. Although we believe these drugs can be stopped at once for most persons, you should consult your physician about whether he/she advises you to taper the dosage over, for example, a 1 to 2 week period. The manufacturers of these drugs are withdrawing fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine from the marketplace, effective September 15, as the concerns about the effects of these drugs on heart valves continue to grow. The drugs will no longer be available in pharmacies. Though the potential long-term medical implications are not known at this time as there are still a number of unanswered questions, the FDA and the manufacturers believe it is in the best interest of the patients that they stop taking these medications. Please be aware that at present this recommendation does not apply to phentermine taken alone.
12. Should I get an echocardiogram if I've been taking fenfluramine or dexfenfluramine?
You should consult your physician about having an echocardiogram. Your physician's recommendation will depend upon your symptoms, if any, his or her examination of you and your history of exposure to these drugs.
13. Does "herbal fen-phen" have the same problem?
Herbal fen-phen is a product that does not contain fenfluramine, dexfenfluramine, or phentermine. Products called "herbal fen-phen" often contain a combination of ephedra (an ephedrine containing herb) and caffeine, but may also contain other herbal ingredients. FDA has not reviewed these herbal products for safety or efficacy. Ephedrine is pharmacologically different from fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine.
14. Can selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants such as Prozac, Zoloft, Luvox and Paxil be substituted for fenfluramine in the phen/fen combination?
FDA has not reviewed the safety or efficacy of such combinations and has not approved their use. These drugs are active in serotonin metabolism but have somewhat different activity than fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine. No currently available weight-loss drugs have been studied adequately in combinations to permit a recommendation by FDA for combined use.
15. I have heard the FDA recently denied a citizen petition that sought to suspend the approval of Redux (dexfenfluramine). Why did the FDA deny that request?
The citizen petition did not contain any additional medical information that was not already known. The FDA had taken appropriate actions based on the knowledge at that time. Since that time, more information has been obtained that raised enough additional concerns to warrant withdrawal of Redux from the market.
16. Is this just a disease of women?
Though the majority of cases of which FDA is aware are women, there is no reason at present to believe that men are not also at risk. Most of the use of these products is in women, so what we have seen to date could be only a reflection of the usage patterns of the products. FDA advises that both male and female patients consult their health care professionals.
Fen-phen refers to the use in combination of fenfluramine and phentermine. Phentermine has also been used in combination with dexfenfluramine ("dexfen-phen"). Fenfluramine ("fen") and phentermine ("phen") are prescription medications that have been approved by the FDA for many years as appetite suppressants for the short-term (a few weeks) management of obesity. Phentermine was approved in 1959 and fenfluramine in 1973. Dexfenfluramine (Redux) was approved in 1996 for use as an appetite suppressant in the management of obesity. Recently, some physicians have prescribed fenfluramine or dexfenfluramine in combination with phentermine, often for extended periods of time, for use in weight loss programs. Use of drugs in ways other than described in the FDA-approved label is called "off-label use." In the case of fen-phen and dexfen-phen, no studies were presented to the FDA to demonstrate either the effectiveness or safety of the drugs taken in combination.
2. What is the difference between fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine?
Fenfluramine (Pondimin) contains dexfenfluramine and levofenfluramine. Levofenfluramine may have some activities not directly related to appetite suppression. Dexfenfluramine (Redux) contains only dexfenfluramine.
3. What is the new evidence that prompted withdrawal of fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine?
On July 8, 1997, the Mayo Clinic reported 24 patients developed heart valve disease after taking fen-phen. In five patients who underwent valve replacement surgery, the diseased valves were found to have distinctive features similar to those seen in carcinoid syndrome. The cluster of unusual cases of valve disease in fen-phen users suggested that there might be an association between fen-phen use and valve disease.
On July 8, FDA issued a Public Health Advisory that described the Mayo findings. The Mayo findings were reported in the August 28 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, along with an FDA letter to the editor describing additional cases. FDA has received over 100 reports (including the original 24 Mayo cases) of heart valve disease associated mainly with fen-phen. There were also reports of cases of heart valve disease in patients taking only fenfluramine or dexfenfluramine. No cases meeting FDA's definition of a case were reported in patients taking phentermine alone.
Within the past several weeks, additional information received by the FDA has raised more concern. Most of the cases previously brought to the FDA's attention were in patients who had symptoms of heart disease. Recently, FDA has received reports from five physicians who had performed heart studies (echocardiograms) on patients who had received fen-phen or dexfen-phen and did not have symptoms of heart disease. Of 291 asymptomatic patients screened, about 30 percent had abnormal valve findings, primarily aortic regurgitation. Based on these data, the manufacturers have agreed to withdraw the products from the market and FDA has recommended that patients stop taking the drugs.
4. Why isn't phentermine being withdrawn from the market?
At the present time, no cases of heart valve disease meeting FDA's case definition have been reported with phentermine alone. Analysis of the data points to an association of heart valve disease with fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine.
5. Why wasn't this problem discovered earlier?
The type of valve disease that FDA believes may be associated with fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine is an extremely unusual type of drug reaction. Because valve disease is not usually associated with drug use, it is not normally screened for in human clinical testing of drugs. Since valvular heart disease is not screened for in clinical trials, it would usually not be detected unless patients developed symptoms. No cases were detected in 500 patients followed for one year in a clinical trial of dexfenfluramine. Furthermore, asymptomatic heart valve disease (heart valve disease without symptoms) would not likely be detected in patients taking the drugs as part of a weight loss program. The number of patients who have been reported to have symptoms of heart valve disease associated with recent exposure to the drugs has been very small, compared to the number of recent prescriptions, although there may be a delay in the development of symptoms. And even in symptomatic patients, the link between the symptoms and drug use may not be obvious because such a reaction is not common. These factors may explain why this problem was not discovered earlier.
During the last few years, there has been a marked increase in amount and duration of use of fenfluramine, as it became widely prescribed as part of the fen-phen regimen..
In 1992, articles were published about study results suggesting that the combined use of phentermine and fenfluramine would result in significant weight loss when used over an extended period of time. The results of these studies were not reviewed by FDA, and the conclusion about long-term use of the combination of drugs has not received FDA approval. The increased magnitude and duration of use probably led to an increase in the number of cases of symptomatic heart valve disease, which may have contributed to the recent recognition of this association.
With respect to dexfenfluramine (Redux), which was approved on April 29, 1996, the labeling states that safety has not been shown for longer than one year of use. This reflects the length of the study upon which dexfenfluramine was approved. It was a one-year European study of 1,000 subjects, half of whom were treated with dexfenfluramine. The study population was 80 percent women with an average age of 41. Heart disease was not noted in the study. A follow-up study directed toward uncovering heart disease after termination of the study was not performed because there was no reason to believe at that time that the heart was affected. In addition, dexfenfluramine had been marketed in Europe for over a decade without detection of an association between dexfenfluramine and heart valve problems. FDA is currently trying to obtain such follow-up.
6. What is valvular heart disease?
The heart contains four major valves that regulate the flow of blood through the heart and to the lungs and general circulation. Disease may cause excessive tightness (stenosis) or leakiness (regurgitation) of the valves. In the case of valve disease associated with fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine, leakiness is the problem. Valvular damage may ultimately produce severe heart and/or lung disease.
7. What is the relationship of fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine to heart disease?
Patients who have taken those drugs may have changes in their heart valves that cause leakiness and backflow of blood. If this is severe, the heart has to work harder. This may cause problems in heart function. However, the full medical implications of this relationship, especially in the asymptomatic patients, is not fully understood.
8. What are the signs and symptoms of valvular heart disease?
The patient may have no symptoms. The physician may hear a new heart murmur (abnormal sound as the blood flows over a valve), or the changes may be detected with a painless, non-invasive special heart test called an echocardiogram. An echocardiogram is usually performed by a cardiologist. If the disease is severe, the patient may experience such symptoms as shortness of breath, excessive tiredness, chest pain, fainting, and swelling of the legs (edema).
9. Is the valve disease reversible?
It is not known at this time. One report has been submitted to FDA in which the valve disease appeared to improve. However, we encourage those people who have taken fenfluramine or dexfenfluramine to contact their physician and discuss the appropriate follow-up, even after stopping their medicine. The full medical implications of these findings are not known at this time, especially as they relate to the asymptomatic valvular changes. The FDA and other government agencies, the manufacturers, and medical researchers will aggressively follow this concern and keep patients and health care providers informed of what is learned about the natural history of the valvular disease caused by these medications.
10. How is valvular disease treated?
It depends on the degree of damage. Medications may help the heart function. If the damage is severe, the valves may have to be replaced surgically.
11. Should I stop taking fen-phen, fenfluramine or dexfenfluramine right now?
Yes, this is the FDA's recommendation. Although we believe these drugs can be stopped at once for most persons, you should consult your physician about whether he/she advises you to taper the dosage over, for example, a 1 to 2 week period. The manufacturers of these drugs are withdrawing fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine from the marketplace, effective September 15, as the concerns about the effects of these drugs on heart valves continue to grow. The drugs will no longer be available in pharmacies. Though the potential long-term medical implications are not known at this time as there are still a number of unanswered questions, the FDA and the manufacturers believe it is in the best interest of the patients that they stop taking these medications. Please be aware that at present this recommendation does not apply to phentermine taken alone.
12. Should I get an echocardiogram if I've been taking fenfluramine or dexfenfluramine?
You should consult your physician about having an echocardiogram. Your physician's recommendation will depend upon your symptoms, if any, his or her examination of you and your history of exposure to these drugs.
13. Does "herbal fen-phen" have the same problem?
Herbal fen-phen is a product that does not contain fenfluramine, dexfenfluramine, or phentermine. Products called "herbal fen-phen" often contain a combination of ephedra (an ephedrine containing herb) and caffeine, but may also contain other herbal ingredients. FDA has not reviewed these herbal products for safety or efficacy. Ephedrine is pharmacologically different from fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine.
14. Can selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants such as Prozac, Zoloft, Luvox and Paxil be substituted for fenfluramine in the phen/fen combination?
FDA has not reviewed the safety or efficacy of such combinations and has not approved their use. These drugs are active in serotonin metabolism but have somewhat different activity than fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine. No currently available weight-loss drugs have been studied adequately in combinations to permit a recommendation by FDA for combined use.
15. I have heard the FDA recently denied a citizen petition that sought to suspend the approval of Redux (dexfenfluramine). Why did the FDA deny that request?
The citizen petition did not contain any additional medical information that was not already known. The FDA had taken appropriate actions based on the knowledge at that time. Since that time, more information has been obtained that raised enough additional concerns to warrant withdrawal of Redux from the market.
16. Is this just a disease of women?
Though the majority of cases of which FDA is aware are women, there is no reason at present to believe that men are not also at risk. Most of the use of these products is in women, so what we have seen to date could be only a reflection of the usage patterns of the products. FDA advises that both male and female patients consult their health care professionals.
Saturday, January 14, 2006
Have fun with your meal planning in 2006!
Food, it does the body good. It is the fuel that improves performance.
Most clients always want to talk about food and meal preparation. The problem is they never want to prepare.
Most of them look at preparation as ordering from a menu in a restaurant or at the drive-thru.
Take a deep breath. Relax. Let me open up a whole new world called meal planning.
If you are even remotely serious about your health and fitness, then you must make good choices about what you are putting in your mouth.
I am a firm believer in not restricting my clients or my readers so severely they loathe the thought of sitting down for a meal. I am of the mindset you can still eat what you enjoy and be fit. You may have to learn to eat a few new things, however.
I don't want to overwhelm you in one sitting. So, let's begin the New Year with my top 7 "Hip-Bits" for improving the fuel you are putting into your "tank."
7) Lets begin with sweets.
I actually have a friend who eats dessert first. She orders a dessert first at a restaurant. Now, according to her she does this to control the amount she eats. When she goes out, she focuses on what dessert she wants, then orders and eats it first.usually about half of it. Hey, works for her.
I like part of this strategy. I think you should have certain sweets you crave or are your "targeted sweets." Then you can pick certain nights to have them. This way you
know you will get that favorite cookie, ice cream or piece of pie. If you are trying to lose weight you are going to need to be a little picky about what sweets you eat and how often you are eating them.
Have "dessert night or nights." You could even plan at the beginning of the week what dessert will be on which night. This will give you a sense of control and allow you to indulge your sweet tooth at the same time.
6) Eat slowly.
This is one I really need to work on. In the past I would be done with my meal before my wife finished saying grace...just kidding. I did eat fast though.
You will eat more if you eat fast. Your brain will not "decide" it is full until you have inhaled everything on your plate.Enjoy the experience. Have a conversation with someone at the table. Savor the food and the moment.Set a time limit. You have to eat for 20-25 minutes, for example. Try this, it works!
5) Plan your next meal after you are done eating.
First of all, you are full.You are most likely in the kitchen and can take a survey of what you could potentially eat.
Now, you may have already planned your next meal, but maybe you want to tweak it based on what you just ate.If you ate too much or decided to go with the cookie at lunch, you will need to adjust the next meal anyway.
4) Figure out the difference between being hungry and wanting to eat.
If you eat every 3-4 hours throughout the day, you won't be "starving" all the time.
You will realize you are fueling the body, that you are diligently working out and this food is feeding your muscles, brain and nervous system.
3) Three meals and 3 snacks a day.
That is, Breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a snack in between. If you stay up and "play" on the computer late at night, a light snack that is "protein laden" is o.k.
Stick with the protein and carbohydrate ratio you will see in the next "Hip-Bit."
Planning your next day's meals after your last meal of the day is fun. I recommend writing them down, but you can at least get an idea in your head.
2) 2.5 to 1 carbohydrate to protein ratio. (2.5 grams of carbohydrates for every 1 gram of protein).
For example, a meal would have 25-30 grams of carbs and 10 grams of protein.
Proteins are basically meat, fish and nuts. Carbohydrates are basically breads, pastas, fruits and vegetables.If you are exercising on a daily basis, your muscles will need fuel in the form of protein and carbohydrates.Don't be afraid of the carbs; they will help with recuperation and your energy needs.
1) Change your mindset about eating.
Food is fuel for the body, it makes it go-just like gas for a car.
If you put in the wrong type of fuel or don't put in enough fuel, your body will not operate properly.Look at food as the fuel to help you reach your fitness goals. Feed it well.
Bonus: Drink plenty of water.Your entire body is made of water. It is a great fuel for the body.Water helps you eliminate wastes from the body.Water will help with your energy levels by keeping you hydrated.
If you exercise daily, I recommend drinking 0.5 to 1 ounce of water for every pound of bodyweight.Eating can be pleasurable. Just give it a little thought.
Have fun with your meal planning in 2006!
John B. Perry, P.T., C.S.C.S. is a fitness and biomechanics enhancement expert. He writes a weekly newsletter, writes e-books and articles, produces fitness videos and performs seminars and teleseminars on Health, Wealth and Fitness. He can be found at http://www.hiptobefit.com and you can contact him at info@hiptobefit.com.
Most clients always want to talk about food and meal preparation. The problem is they never want to prepare.
Most of them look at preparation as ordering from a menu in a restaurant or at the drive-thru.
Take a deep breath. Relax. Let me open up a whole new world called meal planning.
If you are even remotely serious about your health and fitness, then you must make good choices about what you are putting in your mouth.
I am a firm believer in not restricting my clients or my readers so severely they loathe the thought of sitting down for a meal. I am of the mindset you can still eat what you enjoy and be fit. You may have to learn to eat a few new things, however.
I don't want to overwhelm you in one sitting. So, let's begin the New Year with my top 7 "Hip-Bits" for improving the fuel you are putting into your "tank."
7) Lets begin with sweets.
I actually have a friend who eats dessert first. She orders a dessert first at a restaurant. Now, according to her she does this to control the amount she eats. When she goes out, she focuses on what dessert she wants, then orders and eats it first.usually about half of it. Hey, works for her.
I like part of this strategy. I think you should have certain sweets you crave or are your "targeted sweets." Then you can pick certain nights to have them. This way you
know you will get that favorite cookie, ice cream or piece of pie. If you are trying to lose weight you are going to need to be a little picky about what sweets you eat and how often you are eating them.
Have "dessert night or nights." You could even plan at the beginning of the week what dessert will be on which night. This will give you a sense of control and allow you to indulge your sweet tooth at the same time.
6) Eat slowly.
This is one I really need to work on. In the past I would be done with my meal before my wife finished saying grace...just kidding. I did eat fast though.
You will eat more if you eat fast. Your brain will not "decide" it is full until you have inhaled everything on your plate.Enjoy the experience. Have a conversation with someone at the table. Savor the food and the moment.Set a time limit. You have to eat for 20-25 minutes, for example. Try this, it works!
5) Plan your next meal after you are done eating.
First of all, you are full.You are most likely in the kitchen and can take a survey of what you could potentially eat.
Now, you may have already planned your next meal, but maybe you want to tweak it based on what you just ate.If you ate too much or decided to go with the cookie at lunch, you will need to adjust the next meal anyway.
4) Figure out the difference between being hungry and wanting to eat.
If you eat every 3-4 hours throughout the day, you won't be "starving" all the time.
You will realize you are fueling the body, that you are diligently working out and this food is feeding your muscles, brain and nervous system.
3) Three meals and 3 snacks a day.
That is, Breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a snack in between. If you stay up and "play" on the computer late at night, a light snack that is "protein laden" is o.k.
Stick with the protein and carbohydrate ratio you will see in the next "Hip-Bit."
Planning your next day's meals after your last meal of the day is fun. I recommend writing them down, but you can at least get an idea in your head.
2) 2.5 to 1 carbohydrate to protein ratio. (2.5 grams of carbohydrates for every 1 gram of protein).
For example, a meal would have 25-30 grams of carbs and 10 grams of protein.
Proteins are basically meat, fish and nuts. Carbohydrates are basically breads, pastas, fruits and vegetables.If you are exercising on a daily basis, your muscles will need fuel in the form of protein and carbohydrates.Don't be afraid of the carbs; they will help with recuperation and your energy needs.
1) Change your mindset about eating.
Food is fuel for the body, it makes it go-just like gas for a car.
If you put in the wrong type of fuel or don't put in enough fuel, your body will not operate properly.Look at food as the fuel to help you reach your fitness goals. Feed it well.
Bonus: Drink plenty of water.Your entire body is made of water. It is a great fuel for the body.Water helps you eliminate wastes from the body.Water will help with your energy levels by keeping you hydrated.
If you exercise daily, I recommend drinking 0.5 to 1 ounce of water for every pound of bodyweight.Eating can be pleasurable. Just give it a little thought.
Have fun with your meal planning in 2006!
John B. Perry, P.T., C.S.C.S. is a fitness and biomechanics enhancement expert. He writes a weekly newsletter, writes e-books and articles, produces fitness videos and performs seminars and teleseminars on Health, Wealth and Fitness. He can be found at http://www.hiptobefit.com and you can contact him at info@hiptobefit.com.
Friday, January 13, 2006
Remedies for Sinusitis
by: Viojieley Gurrobat
There are number of factors that cause sinusitis. The most common occurs when a cold causes swelling and congestion on the lining of the nose. Sinusitis may begin as a viral infection but within a few days it can develop into a bacterial infection. In many sinusitis patients, there may be one or more preexisting condition that adds to the problem. These include allergies, nasal polyps and nasal septum. These conditions cause the narrowing of the nasal passages and blockage the sinus openings. That is why some people undergo operations to improve their chronic sinus infections.
Despite the fact that most sinusitis sufferers receive no benefit from antibiotics, most doctors still prescribe them. Most doctors also recommend decongestants although they can cause insomnia and nervousness. Long term use can also cause dependency to the drug. The side effects of nasal sprays cannot also be overlooked. It can cause high blood pressure, mood swings, acne, peptic ulcers glaucoma and weight gain. Although surgery can be the last resort to severe sinusitis there is still no guarantee that it will be successful, it could even make matters worse.
For these reasons, some people have turned to the healing wonders of natural medicines. Goldenseal and olive extracts are effective in fighting bacterial and fungal infections. Vitamin C is also well known for its ability to strengthen the immune system and lessen allergic reactions. Zinc also shortens the duration of a cold by killing the cold virus, thus, reducing the risk of sinusitis.
There are also natural ways you can take to overcome the problem of sinusitis. First, as much as possible avoid inhaling traffic fumes, cigarette smokes and chemicals at home or at work. Second, exercise regularly. Even walking for thirty minutes three to four times a week can be very effective. Third, avoid foods such as eggs, wheat, fatty foods, pastries, sugar, chocolate and any food that contains food additives. Fourth, eat more fruits and vegetable, fish, hot chicken and salads. Fifth, drink two to three liters of water a day. Keep in mind that water helps in keeping the body clean. Lastly, when suffering from colds, inhalation is a tested way of relieving blocked sinuses.
Understand that a well-balanced diet and lifestyle can help prevent sinusitis. Over-the-counter medications can decrease the annoying symptoms of sinusitis. But if sinusitis symptoms continue, it is better to seek the help of a physician.
About The Author
Viojieley Gurrobat loves readings books in her spare time. She writes stories and poems about anything under the sun. For comments and suggestions kindly visit http://www.sinusinfectionproblems.com.
There are number of factors that cause sinusitis. The most common occurs when a cold causes swelling and congestion on the lining of the nose. Sinusitis may begin as a viral infection but within a few days it can develop into a bacterial infection. In many sinusitis patients, there may be one or more preexisting condition that adds to the problem. These include allergies, nasal polyps and nasal septum. These conditions cause the narrowing of the nasal passages and blockage the sinus openings. That is why some people undergo operations to improve their chronic sinus infections.
Despite the fact that most sinusitis sufferers receive no benefit from antibiotics, most doctors still prescribe them. Most doctors also recommend decongestants although they can cause insomnia and nervousness. Long term use can also cause dependency to the drug. The side effects of nasal sprays cannot also be overlooked. It can cause high blood pressure, mood swings, acne, peptic ulcers glaucoma and weight gain. Although surgery can be the last resort to severe sinusitis there is still no guarantee that it will be successful, it could even make matters worse.
For these reasons, some people have turned to the healing wonders of natural medicines. Goldenseal and olive extracts are effective in fighting bacterial and fungal infections. Vitamin C is also well known for its ability to strengthen the immune system and lessen allergic reactions. Zinc also shortens the duration of a cold by killing the cold virus, thus, reducing the risk of sinusitis.
There are also natural ways you can take to overcome the problem of sinusitis. First, as much as possible avoid inhaling traffic fumes, cigarette smokes and chemicals at home or at work. Second, exercise regularly. Even walking for thirty minutes three to four times a week can be very effective. Third, avoid foods such as eggs, wheat, fatty foods, pastries, sugar, chocolate and any food that contains food additives. Fourth, eat more fruits and vegetable, fish, hot chicken and salads. Fifth, drink two to three liters of water a day. Keep in mind that water helps in keeping the body clean. Lastly, when suffering from colds, inhalation is a tested way of relieving blocked sinuses.
Understand that a well-balanced diet and lifestyle can help prevent sinusitis. Over-the-counter medications can decrease the annoying symptoms of sinusitis. But if sinusitis symptoms continue, it is better to seek the help of a physician.
About The Author
Viojieley Gurrobat loves readings books in her spare time. She writes stories and poems about anything under the sun. For comments and suggestions kindly visit http://www.sinusinfectionproblems.com.
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