My Sweet Health

Benefits of Quitting

2010-08-05T00:06:00.000-07:00

Almost everyone knows that smoking is bad for you but do you know all the benefits of quitting smoking? For the vast majority of smokers, quitting is the best thing they can do to improve the length and quality of life. People who quit smoking immediately begin to reduce their chances of developing heart disease, cancer, respiratory problems or infections.
Former smokers also live longer than those who continue to smoke. For example, those who quit before the age of 50 have more chance not to die within the next 15 years than those that continue to smoke. Women who stop smoking before pregnancy or early in their pregnancy reduce their chances of having a baby of low birth weight. The quitting of smoking may also reduce the possibility of stillbirth and early infant death, and improves the health of women.

Does every smoker have to quit smoking?

The benefits of quitting smoking for health are the same for all types of smokers, men or women, young and old. Even those who have developed problems related to smoking, such as heart disease, may benefit. For example, compared to smokers, people who quit smoking after a heart attack reduces by 50 percent their chances of having another attack. They also reduce by 50 percent their risk of dying prematurely.

What are the other benefits of quitting smoking?

Although reducing your chances of premature death and disease is important, it is not the only benefits of quitting.

• Think about the money you save by not having to buy tobacco, lighters, ashtrays, matches, etc..

• Your costs for cleaning clothes, carpets, furniture may fall.

• The resale value of your car and your house can go up.

• Your clothes may last longer (no chance of accidentally burning a hole in them ).

• Your premiums for life insurance and home insurance may decrease.

• Your sense of taste and smell improve. You will enjoy your food more.

• You will look and feel younger. Smoking causes wrinkles and the appearance of premature aging.

• You have more energy to do things you like.

• More yellow teeth or fingers.

•You'll be proud of your ability to overcome something so difficult. Many smokers remember the exact day they quit because it is a source of great pride.

• Cigarettes do not control your life. You give a good example for children and other smokers.

• No need to worry about which restaurant you go to or if you can smoke in a particular location.

• More looks of disapproval or feelings of guilt. More nagging from people asking when you will stop smoking.

The message is clear. It is never too late to quit smoking. The sooner you stop the better, quit smoking, even after smoking for many years, will bring many important advantages ..

Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

2010-08-04T23:46:00.000-07:00

In all likelihood, you have a bottle of white apple cider vinegar in the kitchen. Most likely, you’ve also heard of all the health benefits of this vinegar. It is used to marinate meat, poultry and fish. Almost all the salads contain apple cider vinegar. The apple cider vinegar that contains all the health benefits is not white vinegar, but quite the opposite. It is organic and unfiltered vinegar. If you look at it, you’ll realize that it has a little substance, like a spider web floating. This means is that, the apple cider vinegar is of good quality with all the nutrients. Surely there must be a very healthy thing in using apple cider vinegar as the father of medicine, Hippocrates, used this vinegar around 400 a. C. for Health.

The apple cider vinegar is made from fresh ripe apples that are fermented and undergo a rigorous process. The vinegar contains many vitamins, beta carotene, pectin and vital minerals such as potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, chlorine, sulfur, iron and fluorine. Pectin in the vinegar is a fiber that helps reduce bad cholesterol and helps regulate blood pressure. This vinegar helps extract calcium from fruits, vegetables and meat, which helps in the process of maintaining strong bones. Potassium deficiency causes a variety of ailments including hair loss, fingers brittle nails, brittle teeth, sinusitis… All these ailments can be avoided with the intake of apple cider vinegar. The potassium in this vinegar also helps in eliminating body toxins. Beta-carotene helps in the fight against damage caused by free radicals, helping to maintain firmer skin and a youthful appearance. It is also good for those who want to lose weight because it helps break down fat which helps in natural weight reduction.

This vinegar contains malic acid, which is very useful in fighting fungal and bacterial infections. This acid dissolves uric acid deposits that form around joints, helping relieve joint pains.

It is also useful in diseases such as constipation, headaches, arthritis, weakness in bones, indigestion, high cholesterol, diarrhea, eczema, eye pain, chronic fatigue, mild food poisoning, hair loss, blood pressure high, obesity, along with a host of many other ailments.

We drink every morning a mixture of two tablespoons apple cider vinegar and honey in a glass of water, this helps to eliminate constipation, which is a major cause of many diseases. Constipation is also often the cause of headaches, which leads to bad humor. After the constipation problem is solved, all other symptoms disappear immediately, making you more fresh and active all day. It also improves skin texture, leaving it radiant and glowing naturally.

Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism

2010-08-04T23:41:00.000-07:00

The thyroid gland is only six cm and weighs about 20 grams, but it regulates many important functions of the body. It is located at the base of the neck; the small butterfly-shaped gland can cause a lot of trouble if an imbalance occurs. Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism symptoms that cause a real impact on everyday life, but most people are often unaware that they suffer.

It is estimated that 200 million people around the world have a thyroid dysfunction….

The thyroid gland is only 6 cm and weighs about 20 grams, but it regulates many important functions of the body. It is located at the base of the neck; the small butterfly-shaped gland can cause a lot of trouble if an imbalance occurs. Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism symptoms that cause a real impact on everyday life, but most people are often unaware that they suffer.

Achieve balance

Different glands in the body regulate interacting with each other. Pituitary gland at the base of the brain, regulates the thyroid produces a hormone called TSH. This stimulates production of thyroid hormones and provides a balance. Thus, if the thyroid produces too little hormone levels, the pituitary releases more TSH simply, and vice versa.

Thyroid

The thyroid produces two hormones: triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). It plays a vital role and controls the heart rate, digestion, body temperature, weight, reproductive and nervous. With iodine found in water and food, the hormones T3 and T4 can perform their functions.

When the thyroid gland fails to meet the needs of the body and produces an adequate amount of non-hormone, hypothyroidism or conversely hyperthyroidism has settled.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is caused by too little thyroid hormone secretion, this has the effect of stimulating pituitary to produce more TSH. This problem affects more women who willingly are five times more likely to see. The risk of developing hypothyroidism increases with age.

• Symptoms

- Fatigue constant;

- Slowing the heart beats;

- Extreme sensitivity to cold;

- Constipation

- Affection of memory;

- Weight gain;

- Hair loss;

- Dry skin;

- Muscle cramps;

- Carpal tunnel syndrome;

- Depression;

- Goiter (increased thyroid gland).

• Cases

At the beginning of last century, many people suffering from hypothyroidism, because too low iodine was present in their bodies. After table salt is now iodized, this question has disappeared in industrialized countries. Now Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is most often responsible. This chronic autoimmune disease can be diagnosed by a blood test. She said more readily after a pregnancy or the arrival of menopause. High levels of TPO antibodies (autoantibodies that inhibit thyroid function normally) can confirm the diagnosis.

Surgery or treatment for hyperthyroidism or thyroid cancer, for instance, can also lead to hypothyroidism, permanent or not. When touching the base of the neck, the doctor can isolate a nodule or find that the thyroid is significantly increased if there presence of goiter. An ultrasound or a biopsy complement the results obtained from the blood.

• Treatment

There is no cure for hypothyroidism, but it can easily be controlled by taking daily hormone therapy. This treatment must be followed for life.

This disease usually benign, however, should not be taken lightly, because if left untreated, symptoms may worsen.

Hyperthyroidism

This disease is much rarer than hypothyroidism, affects ten women for one man, and is usually between the ages of 20 and 40 years. A blood test can detect an excess hormones T3 and T4 and low TSH. The presence of TPO antibodies and anti-TSH receptor also confirm the presence of hyperthyroidism.

• Symptoms:

- Weakness;

- Accelerated throb of the heart

- Weight loss without loss of appetite;

- Insomnia;

- Diarrhea;

- Excessive sweating;

- Sensation of heat;

- Nervousness

- Muscle weakness:

- Bulging eyes;

- Goiter (increased thyroid gland).

• Causes

Graves disease and autoimmune disease are the leading cause of hyperthyroidism. The antibodies cause a significant increase in thyroid function and different symptoms.

Thyroiditis can also cause hyperthyroidism, but it is a very timely issue that falls into place fairly quickly.

If nodules trigger an overstimulation of the thyroid gland, palpating the neck, the doctor can isolate them or find that the thyroid is significantly increased if there is presence of goiter. An ultrasound or biopsy results complement the blood.
In rare cases, hyperthyroidism is caused by taking certain medications.

• Treatments

Antithyroid drugs are generally sufficient to balance the thyroid, but some people need to undergo ablation of their thyroid, or receive treatment using radioactive iodine. Contrary to hypothyroidism, medication is often necessary for a certain period of time.

If you develop some symptoms, it is important to tell your doctor to check your levels of T3 and T4 and the presence or absence of TPO antibodies.

Acid Reflux

2010-08-04T23:29:00.000-07:00

Acid reflux occurs when gastric juices containing acid travel back from the stomach into the esophagus (the tube through which we swallow). In some people, this happens regularly. The question then becomes gastroesophageal reflux disease, or RGO.
The food in the stomach is partially digested by stomach acid and enzymes. Normally, the muscles of the stomach push the partially digested acidic content in the small intestine for further digestion. In the case of reflux; acid content of the stomach travels backwards to get into the esophagus, causing inflammation and lesions.

Risk Factors

Factors that contribute to acid reflux include fatty foods, cigarettes, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, obesity, pregnancy and slowing gastric emptying. In the case of obesity, pregnancy, pressure on the abdomen (belly), squeezing the contents of the stomach into the esophagus increases.

Also, some people have a stomach that empties slowly into the intestine. A stomach which is full of food becomes prone to reflux, especially when the person is lying down.

Symptoms
The symptoms of acid reflux include heartburn (a burning feeling from the stomach or lower chest and up towards the neck), regurgitation (food or liquid that goes in the mouth), chest pain, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), hoarseness, dental disease and asthma.

Treatment

Medications are commonly used to treat acid reflux. Inhibitors of proton pump and H2 receptor antagonists are used to reduce the production of acid in the stomach. As for prokinetic agents, they increase the pressure of lower esophageal sphincter and improve gastric emptying.

In addition, antacids are often used to treat acid-related symptoms such as heartburn or digestive problems. They work by neutralizing acid in the stomach. However, we do not usually recommend for treating frequent heartburn suffered by people with RGO.

Hemorrhoids

2010-08-04T23:24:00.000-07:00

Hemorrhoids result from increased pressure in the veins of the anus. The pressure causes the swelling and expansion of the veins, making them painful, particularly when you are sitting. The most common cause is straining during defecation. But constipation, sitting for long periods of time and anal infections also contribute to the development of this problem. In some cases, may be caused by other diseases such as liver cirrhosis.
Varicose veins are swollen and painful in lower portion of the rectum or anus.

Causes and Risk Factors

This condition is very common, especially during pregnancy and after childbirth.

Hemorrhoids result from increased pressure in the veins of the anus. The pressure causes the swelling and expansion of the veins, making them painful, particularly when you are sitting. The most common cause is straining during defecation. But constipation, sitting for long periods of time and anal infections also contribute to the development of this problem. In some cases, may be caused by other diseases such as liver cirrhosis.

Internal hemorrhoids occur just inside the anus, at the beginning of the rectum, while occurring outside the anal opening and may hang outside the anus.

Symptoms

Symptoms of hemorrhoids include:

• Anal itching

• Anal pain, especially while sitting

• Bright red blood on toilet paper in the Lee or bowl

• Pain during bowel movements

• One or more hard tender lumps near the anus

Signs and tests

Often, a doctor can diagnose hemorrhoids simply by examining the rectal area. If necessary, you can perform the following tests to help diagnose the problem:

• Stool guaiac (shows the presence of blood)

• Sigmoidoscopy

• Anoscopy

Treatment

The counter corticosteroid creams can help reduce pain and swelling. Hemorrhoid creams containing lidocaine can reduce pain and witch hazel. it is applied with cotton swabs and relieves itching. Other steps you can take to avoid anal itching include:

• Wear cotton underwear

• Avoid toilet tissue with perfumes or dyes

• Avoid scratching hemorrhoids

Sitz baths in warm water for 10-15 minutes, can help the person feel better. Also, stool softeners help reduce straining and constipation.

For cases that do not respond to home treatments, a surgeon or gastroenterologist can apply heat treatment, called infrared coagulation, to shrink internal hemorrhoids. This may help avoid surgery. The surgery can be done to treat hemorrhoids includes rubber band ligation or surgical hemorrhoidectomy. These procedures are generally used for patients who have not responded to other therapy with severe pain or bleeding.

Expectations(prognosis)

Most treatments are effective, but to prevent the recurrence of the problem, the person should consume a diet rich in fiber fibrarica and drink plenty of fluids.

Complications

The blood in the enlarged veins may form clots and tissue surrounding the hemorrhoids can die. Hemorrhoids with clots generally require surgical removal.

Bleeding may also be severe. Iron deficiency anemia can be the product of a prolonged loss of blood. However, it is unusual Significant bleeding hemorrhoids.

Situations requiring medical assistance

Call your health care provider if hemorrhoid symptoms do not improve with home treatment or if rectal bleeding occurs. It is possible that the doctor is interested in finding other more serious causes of bleeding, especially if the patient never bled from hemorrhoids before.

Prevention

Avoid straining during defecation. You can help prevent hemorrhoids by preventing constipation. Drink plenty of fluids, at least eight glasses a day, like eating a diet rich in fiber from fruits, vegetables and whole grains. You can think of fiber supplements.

Healthy Benefits of Garlic

2010-07-30T05:44:00.000-07:00

Healthy Benefits of Garlic

Since time immemorial, long before it was used as a culinary spice, garlic has been used as a traditional medicine with great benefits. Modern studies have proven that this wonderful food contains vitamins A, B and C, potassium, iron, sodium, phosphorus and sulfur. But what helps shape our health?

Know more about their properties:

-Antibiotic and antimicrobial: Garlic acts on fungi and bacteria by preventing their proliferation and acting against infection.

-Antihypertensive: Garlic improves circulation by dilating blood vessels, increasing blood flow and relaxing the circulatory system.

It protects the respiratory system. Its antiseptic and expectorant help prevent and cure bronchitis, asthma and allergies.

Improves immune system.

-Detox: Help to purify the body of toxic substances.

-Antidepressant: With increasing energy and vitality greatly improves the quality of life.

Reduce the level of bad cholesterol "and increases the level of good cholesterol."

Protects the digestive system: For its anti-diarrheal and digestive action.

There is no excuse to stop using this powerful food, but remember that we enjoy eating it raw properties. We know that strong taste can be unpleasant, but a teaspoon of minced garlic in soups or salads can help prevent many problems health.

The erection problems are closely related to health..

2010-07-30T01:02:00.000-07:00

One in two men has already met with erection problems, is a nuisance in close relationship with his health and he has every incentive to treat, according to experts.

According to a poll (made with 954 men, quota method), 49% of men have suffered from erection problems, 6% often, 15% occasionally, 28 % rarely. The older you get the more we suffer 38% of those under age 50 are affected, and 77% of those over 65 years. Half of more than 65 years suffer regularly, and only 10% of those under age 50.

Almost all of the men surveyed believe that the erection is necessary for the balance of rights and self-confidence (93%) essential to the harmony of the couple (92%) and feature a good health (87%).

Erectile dysfunction caused "significant suffering for individuals," noted Professor Peter Costa, chief of Urology-Anthology, at a press conference organized by the Bayer laboratory.

It feels more a man, he has performance anxiety, fears of not being able to couple" and treat the symptom "allows him to regain his confidence," he said, but not only

Quoting studies, he notes that "older people with sexual activity live longer and better." Erectile disorders can also alert on the arrival of diseases that decrease blood flow in the penis, such as hypertension, diabetes, depression, prostate disease...

According to a 2003 study, "when there is fertile ground, the erectile dysfunction comes three years before the first heart attack," he said.

Because they suffer from erectile dysfunction, many men tend to interrupt their treatment against hypertension, depression or diabetes ... Where a significant risk to their health.

Three vasodilators, which promote blood flow into the penis by blocking the enzyme PDE-5, are in the market for erectile dysfunction: Viagra No 1 (molecule Sildenafil, launched in 1998) and Cialis (tadalafil, 2003 ) and Levitra (Vardenafil, 2003) whose market share in Europe is 15%.

Their impact is more or less rapidly and lasts longer or shorter. Side effects - headaches, rashes, or nausea, dizziness ... - Are roughly similar. Prescription, they are not reimbursed. We find substitutes on the Internet, without warranty of composition and quality.

Bayer announced on this occasion the halving of the manufacturer's price excluding tax its Levitra that patient often cut in half to ease the bill. The retail price of a tablet to take before each sexual encounter to date varies from 8-15 euros.

Besides medicines, treatments include injection of a substance dilating blood vessels in the penis, the use of a pump that blood flow into the penis, reconstructive surgery, or prosthesis.