Hair -- Herbal Remedies for Hair Loss

Herbal remedies are probably the best for curing hair loss and all other ailments, because these natural products do not have the harsh side effects that the synthetic drugs often produce. A number of herbal products for hair loss are available that effective counter hair loss symptoms.

Saw Palmetto or Serenoa Repens
Tinctures or extracts from this herb obstruct the receptors on cell membranes for dihydrotestosterone, the primary cause of androgenic alopecia in most patients. The formation of DHT is also prevented, by an action that is much similar to that of the FDA approved hair loss treatment medicine finasteride. Thus this product effectively promotes hair growth.

Nettle Root
This herbal remedy inhibits the enzymes 5-alpha reductase, the enzyme responsible for the production of DHT, and also aromatase, the enzyme that synthesizes estrogens.

Gotu Kola
Herbal products formulated from this herb promote hair growth, and strengthens collagen and the blood vessels. This herbal extract purifies the blood and improves the health of the skin and hair. It stimulates blood circulation throughout the brain and the scalp, and rejuvenates the hair follicles.

Pumpkin or Cucurbita Maxima
The oil extracted from the seeds of pumpkins contains the active ingredient delta-7-sterine that effectively competes with DHT and protects the prostate as well, apart from lowering levels of hair loss. However the clinical efficacy of this herbal product is still under medical investigation.

Eleutherococcus Senticosus or Siberian Ginseng
That is a mineral rich herb that helps lower stress and is beneficial for the kidneys and the adrenal glands. It is also helpful in restoring hair growth, especially in women.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Essential oil extracted from this herb is rich in antitoxiants, a time-tested herbal remedy that encourages hair growth. The oil also effectively combats dandruff – another vital cause of hair loss.

Black Cohosh (Acteae Racemosa)
This is a phytoestrogen herb that alleviates menopausal disorders in women, including the thinning of hair that result from a drop in the level of estrogens from the ovaries.

Dong Quai (Angelica Sinensis)
The remedial action of this herbal product is similar to that of black cohosh.

Licorice Extract
This herbal product helps prevent hair loss, but it is not advisable for use by pregnant women.

Horsetail or Equisetum Arvense
This herb is an excellent good source of silica, a mineral that keeps hair strong and gives it a shiny and sleek appearance. Herbal products formulated from horsetail are beneficial for the hair and scalp.

Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Hair -- Vitamins for Hair Loss

Human body, a machine that require energy to function. This source of energy is the food we take. The nutritious food provides required energy and is helpful for growth, repair of hair and reproduction too.

A balanced diet is necessary for supplying adequate amounts of nutrients, minerals and vitamins to the body .lack of a proper diet often results in hair loss. Hence, hair loss can be treated by intake of dietary supplements, like minerals and vitamins, especially the B Vitamins (B5, B6, and niacin), Biotin, Inositol and Folic Acid. It has been proved that ample intake of vitamins counters hair loss and promotes the growth of healthy and shiny hair.

Vitamins can help in treating hair loss in a number of ways:

• Vitamins obstruct the production of di-hydro testosterone or DHT – one of the principal causes that trigger hair loss.
• Vitamins revitalize damaged hair follicles and thereby promote hair growth.
• Vitamins nourish and heal the scalp.

A number of vitamin formulas have topical application, like shampoos or serums that are to be applied on the scalp. This provide a two-pronged approach to combating hair loss – both from inside the system and from outside the body. However, it should be borne in mind that there is no “quick-fix” method for curing hair loss troubles; all the products require sustained use for optimum results.

Vitamins and amino acids are the structural blocks of proteins and enzymes within the body. These substances become even more essential as our body is incapable of synthesizing it from other substances. A strand of hair is an extended protein chain constantly being added to at the root. Hair is not animate, and there is no option for an amino acid or protein to have any enduring effect on the hair health. Henceforth, the vitamins and minerals supplements can improve the health of new hair growth, though the benefit to existing hair is uncorroborated.

Vitamins for hair loss are formulated basically to help you to compensate the ignored potion of these vital vitamins in natural form. You can avail an assortment of hair vitamins products.

Some of the essential vitamins required for healthy hair are:

1. Vitamin A
2. Vitamin C
3. Vitamin E
4. Biotin
5. Inositol
6. Niacin (Vitamin B3)
7. Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5)
8. Vitamin B6
9. Vitamin B12

Vitamin E

This vitamin aids in improving uptake of oxygen, which leads to better health of the scalp and hair.

Biotin

Biotin is essential for healthy hair and skin and may be effective in preventing male pattern baldness. Brown rice, brewer’s yeast, sunflower seeds, green peas, soybeans, oats, lentils and walnuts are excellent sources of this vitamin. Supplements can also be used to counter excessive hair loss.

Other Vitamins:

Inositol is for healthful for hair.
Vitamin C helps in increasing the blood circulation in the scalp and ensuring that the hair follicles get adequate supply of nutrients.

B-Vitamins

Food items like beans, peas, cauliflower, soy beans, and eggs are sources of vitamin B, which is very important for the health of the scalp and hair. Vitamins B3 (niacin), B5 (also called pantothenic acid), and B6 (pyridoxine) should be taken as nutritional supplement for treating hair loss. Folic acid is a type of B vitamin (B9) that delays the onset of grey hair, and is useful in preventing hair loss.

Hair -- Effects of Ingrown Hair

Dead cells can accumulate at the site of the irritation and form papule which can also contain pus while the skin heals. While this process continues any hair in the area can get trapped under the formation and is prevented from exiting the skin properly. Ingrown hair is the result.

Effects

1. Constant tenderness
2. Trapped, ingrown hairs cause inflammation which result in the body forming papule - a small, raised, abnormality on the skin commonly known as a bump giving rise to the term 'razor bumps'
3. The body can also respond by producing a pustule - a blister on the skin containing pus
4. An infected pustule can become ruptured resulting in bleeding
5. Itching
6. Tingling
7. Pain - mild or severe
8. Hard, prominent, irregular scar tissue in the skin in chronic cases

Additional advice: If you carry out skin exfoliation regularly with a loofah or mesh sponge after waxing or shaving, you'll take off the thin layer of skin that's trapping the ingrown hairs and set them free.

Wet the loofah and squeeze to soften if preferred, then gently massage the skin, especially dry, rough areas. Do not use the loofah on broken skin. Some beauty advisors believe using a loofah once a week for skin exfoliation is enough to keep the area exfoliated. Exfoliating too much will dry the skin and leave it sensitive and susceptible to ingrown hair.

Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Hair -- Causes of Ingrown Hair

Ingrown hair is a common problem for men and women. Use this list to easily identify the causes and effects of ingrown hair.

Causes:

1. Skin suffering from lack of moisture
2. Stiff beard hair
3. Embedded oil in the hair follicles
4. Build up of dead skin cells in the pores and on the surface of the skin can cause ingrown hairs - some are more prone to this than others due to genetics
5. Coarse curly hair growing in a curved hair follicle
6. Improper shaving technique with a blade such as too close a shave
7. Hair removal methods such as shaving, waxing, tweezing, electrolysis, often irritate the hair follicle.

Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Pizza VS Calorie

Pizza doesn’t have to be the calorie-crammed meal we all tend to think of it as. It is possible to make healthier pizzas at home or even order more figure-friendly options in a restaurant and still enjoy it.

When eating out, choose pizzas with thin rather than thick bases and make sure your toppings include mainly vegetable and low-fat options e.g. grilled or Cajun chicken, mince, steak, avocado, light sprinkling of feta, spinach, ham, pineapple, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, banana, seafood, tuna, onion, sweet peppers or garlic. It is also possible to ask for a pizza without cheese.

Portions are important. Order a mixed side salad (with the dressing on the side) and eat half the pizza with the salad. The other half can be taken home in a doggy bag and eaten for lunch the next day.

Here are a few tips and ideas for making homemade pizzas with pizzazz at home:

• Make your own or buy ready-made pizza bases and spread generously with tomato-and-onion mix and fresh or dried herbs.
• Use a combination of any of the following ingredients – ham, pineapple, banana, chopped grilled chicken breast, grilled seafood (calamari), anchovies, garlic, mushrooms, asparagus, spinach, avocado, peppadews and sweet peppers or chilli.
• Avoid bacon, sausage, salami and mince (unless made with extra-lean beef mince or ostrich mince).
• Use half the usual amount of cheese or replace mozzarella and other yellow cheeses with a sprinkling of feta, Parmesan, mature cheddar, blue cheese, Danish feta or goat’s cheese. Very little of these more strongly flavoured cheeses is needed to achieve the same cheese flavour.
• Serve the pizza with a lovely mixed green salad, balsamic vinegar and olive oil.

When entertaining at home, homemade garlic pizza bread is a great snack for sundowners, around the braai or even when you're watching rugby. This is healthy and can be thrown together in five minutes:

• Pizza bases (large or mini) with a sprinkling of feta, spinach and garlic or a thin spreading of pesto.
• Garlic pizza breads made with pizza base with garlic and herbs
• Chilli pizza breads - sweet chilli sauce and finely chopped sweet red and yellow peppers sprinkled over plain pizza bases.

See: how to make the healthy salad

source: http://www.health24.com/

Green Tea -- A Cup of Good Health

When most of us think of green tea, we always think of the most well known benefits of drinking green tea, namely assisting the immune system in the prevention of colds during the winter months because of its high level of antioxidants.

This is, however, only one of the many benefits of drinking green tea. Recent research into green tea has shown its medicinal value and power in preventing disease, thus the reason the Japanese believed in its ability to prolong life

Another one of the possible benefits of drinking green tea is its potential as a cancer preventive. One of the main ingredients in green tea is catechin, and studies performed at the National Cancer Institute in Tokyo have shown that catechin use lowers the incidence of cancer by more than 50% if consumed in sufficient quantities. This is linked to both the catechin as well as the antioxidants that are found in green tea, and since the Japanese customarily drink at least two to three cups of green tea per day, and the cancer rate is lower in Japan, the link is established.

The benefits of drinking green tea also include its potential to restrict the excessive build up of the "bad" cholesterol. This function is also performed because of the catechin that is the main ingredient in green tea. Other benefits of drinking green tea include one or more of the following:

• Controlling high blood pressure
• Lowering blood pressure
• Suppressing aging
• Refreshing the body
• Deterring food poisoning
• Preventing and treating skin disease
• Preventing cavities
• Fighting viruses
• Acting as a bio-regulatory food

A better understanding of these health benefits can help a person make an informed choice. Incorporate more green tea into your diet and you may reap the same benefits!

A Cup of Hot Tea = A Cup of Good Health.

Tea Consumption Linked to Numerous Body Benefits. A hot cup of tea may do more than relax you. Research shows tea consumption may help prevent a wide range of ailments.

The latest medical research is finding potential healing powers in this ancient beverage. Recent research, for instance, suggests drinking tea may help prevent everything from cavities to Parkinson's disease. And some studies indicate it may even save lives.

The benefits of tea consumption may extend throughout the body, experts believe. Here is a partial list of conditions some research has shown may be prevented or improved by drinking tea:

Arthritis: Research suggests that older women who are tea drinkers are 60 percent less likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis than those who do not drink tea.

Bone Density: Drinking tea regularly for years may produce stronger bones. Those who drank tea on a regular basis for 10 or more years had higher-bone mineral density in their spines than those who had not.

Cancer: Green tea extracts were found to inhibit the growth of bladder cancer cells in the lab — while other studies suggest that drinking green tea protects against developing stomach and esophageal cancers.

• Sipping on a cup of hot tea may be a safeguard against cancer. Population studies have linked the consumption of tea with a reduction in risk for several types of cancer. Researchers speculate that the polyphenols in tea may inhibit certain mechanisms that promote cancer growth. Both green and black teas have been credited with cancer-inhibiting powers.

Flu: You may be able to boost your fight against the flu with black tea.
Your best defense against contracting the flu is to wash your hands often and get vaccinated against the influenza virus. Black tea may further bolster your efforts to stay healthy. In a recent study, people who gargled with a black tea extract solution twice per day showed a higher immunity to flu virus compared to the people who did not gargle with black tea.

Heart Disease: A recent study published in the journal Circulation found that drinking more than two cups of tea a day decreased the risk of death following a heart attack by 44 percent. Even less spirited tea drinkers were rewarded: Consuming just two cups a day decreased the risk of death by almost a third.
Tea is a rich source of the flavonoids quercetin, kaempferol, and myricetin, and research shows that high dietry intake of these compounds is associated with a reduced risk of fatal heart attacks. In one study, people who drank about a cup and a half of tea per day were almost 40% less likely to suffer a heart attack compared to tea abstainers.

High Blood Pressure: Tea lovers may be surprised to learn their beverage of choice touts yet another health benefit: blood pressure control. Drinking a half-cup of green or oolong tea per day reduced a person's risk of high blood pressure by almost 50% in a new study. People who drank at least two and a half cups per day reduced their risk even more. Their risk was reduced even if they had risk factors for high blood pressure, such as high sodium intake.

Parkinson's Disease: Tea consumption may be protective against developing this debilitating neurological disorder.

Oral Health: Rinsing with tea may prevent cavities and gum disease.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) -- A Common Problem for Some Women

Women Have UTI's More Often Than Men

Women tend to have urinary tract infections more often than men because bacteria can reach the bladder more easily in women. The urethra is shorter in women than in men, so bacteria have a shorter distance to travel.

The urethra is also located near the rectum in women. Bacteria from the rectum can easily travel up the urethra and cause infections.

Having sex may also cause urinary tract infections in women because bacteria can be pushed into the urethra. Using a diaphragm can lead to infections because diaphragms push against the urethra and make it harder to completely empty the bladder. The urine that stays in the bladder is more likely to grow bacteria and cause infections.

Many women suffer from frequent UTIs. Nearly 20 percent of women who have a UTI will have another, and 30 percent of those will have yet another. Of the last group, 80 percent will have recurrences.

Usually, the latest infection stems from a strain or type of bacteria that is different from the infection before it, indicating a separate infection. Even when several UTIs in a row are due to E. coli, slight differences in the bacteria indicate distinct infections.

Research has indicated that women who are "non-secretors" of certain blood group antigens may be more prone to recurrent UTIs because the cells lining the vagina and urethra may allow bacteria to attach more easily. Further research will show whether this association is sound and proves useful in identifying women at high risk for UTIs.

Infections in Pregnancy

Pregnant women seem no more prone to UTIs than other women. However, when a UTI does occur in a pregnant woman, it is more likely to travel to the kidneys. According to some reports, about 2 to 4 percent of pregnant women develop a urinary infection. Scientists think that hormonal changes and shifts in the position of the urinary tract during pregnancy make it easier for bacteria to travel up the ureters to the kidneys. For this reason, many doctors recommend periodic testing of urine during pregnancy.

Treatment

If your family doctor thinks you have a bladder infection, he or she will probably test a sample of your urine to find out if there are bacteria in it. Your doctor will then prescribe an antibiotic for you if you have an infection. Usually, symptoms of the infection go away 1 to 2 days after you start taking the medicine.

Your doctor may also suggest a medicine to numb your urinary tract and make you feel better while the antibiotic starts to work. The medicine colors your urine bright orange, so don't be alarmed by the color when you urinate.

What Should I do?

If you have urinary tract infections often, you can try some of the suggestions in the box below. Talk with your family doctor about what changes would be helpful for you.

Your doctor also may give you a low dose of medicine for several months or longer to prevent infections from coming back.

If having sex seems to cause your infections, your doctor may suggest that you take a single antibiotic pill after you have sex to prevent urinary tract infections.

Further Risk

Bladder infections can be painful. But today's medicines can keep them from becoming a serious threat to your health.

The kidneys can also be infected and this can be a more serious problem. Kidney infections usually require an antibiotic for a longer time and are sometimes treated in the hospital.

Tips on Preventing

• Drink plenty of water to flush out bacteria. Drinking cranberry juice may also help prevent urinary tract infections. However, if you're taking warfarin (brand name: Coumadin), check with your doctor before using cranberry juice to prevent urinary tract infections. Your doctor may need to adjust your warfarin dose or you may need to have more frequent blood tests.
• Don't hold your urine. Urinate when you feel like you need to.
• Wipe from front to back after bowel movements.
• Urinate after having sex to help wash away bacteria.
• Use enough lubrication during sex. Try using a small amount of lubricant (such as K-Y Jelly) before sex if you're a little dry.
• If you get urinary tract infections often, you may want to avoid using the diaphragm. Ask your doctor about other birth control choices.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) -- Treatment and Prevention

Treatment

UTIs are treated with antibacterial drugs. The choice of drug and length of treatment depend on the patient's history and the urine tests that identify the offending bacteria. The sensitivity test is especially useful in helping the doctor select the most effective drug. The drugs most often used to treat routine, uncomplicated UTIs are trimethoprim (Trimpex), trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra, Cotrim), amoxicillin (Amoxil, Trimox, Wymox), nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin, Furadantin), and ampicillin (Omnipen, Polycillin, Principen, Totacillin). A class of drugs called quinolones includes four drugs approved in recent years for treating UTI. These drugs include ofloxacin (Floxin), norfloxacin (Noroxin), ciprofloxacin (Cipro), and trovafloxin (Trovan).

Often, a UTI can be cured with 1 or 2 days of treatment if the infection is not complicated by an obstruction or other disorder. Still, many doctors ask their patients to take antibiotics for a week or two to ensure that the infection has been cured. Single-dose treatment is not recommended for some groups of patients, for example, those who have delayed treatment or have signs of a kidney infection, patients with diabetes or structural abnormalities, or men who have prostate infections. Longer treatment is also needed by patients with infections caused by Mycoplasma or Chlamydia, which are usually treated with tetracycline, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMZ), or doxycycline. A followup urinalysis helps to confirm that the urinary tract is infection-free. It is important to take the full course of treatment because symptoms may disappear before the infection is fully cleared.

Severely ill patients with kidney infections may be hospitalized until they can take fluids and needed drugs on their own. Kidney infections generally require several weeks of antibiotic treatment. Researchers at the University of Washington found that 2-week therapy with TMP/SMZ was as effective as 6 weeks of treatment with the same drug in women with kidney infections that did not involve an obstruction or nervous system disorder. In such cases, kidney infections rarely lead to kidney damage or kidney failure unless they go untreated.

Various drugs are available to relieve the pain of a UTI. A heating pad may also help. Most doctors suggest that drinking plenty of water helps cleanse the urinary tract of bacteria. During treatment, it is best to avoid coffee, alcohol, and spicy foods. And one of the best things a smoker can do for his or her bladder is to quit smoking. Smoking is the major known cause of bladder cancer.

Recurrent Infections in Women

Women who have had three UTIs are likely to continue having them. Four out of five such women get another within 18 months of the last UTI. Many women have them even more often. A woman who has frequent recurrences (three or more a year) can ask her doctor about one of the following treatment options:

• Take low doses of an antibiotic such as TMP/SMZ or nitrofurantoin daily for 6 months or longer. If taken at bedtime, the drug remains in the bladder longer and may be more effective. NIH-supported research at the University of Washington has shown this therapy to be effective without causing serious side effects.
• Take a single dose of an antibiotic after sexual intercourse.
• Take a short course (1 or 2 days) of antibiotics when symptoms appear.

Dipsticks that change color when an infection is present are now available without a prescription. The strips detect nitrite, which is formed when bacteria change nitrate in the urine to nitrite. The test can detect about 90 percent of UTIs when used with the first morning urine specimen and may be useful for women who have recurrent infections.

Doctors suggest some additional steps that a woman can take on her own to avoid an infection:

• Drink plenty of water every day.
• Urinate when you feel the need; don't resist the urge to urinate.
• Wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria around the anus from entering the vagina or urethra.
• Take showers instead of tub baths.
• Cleanse the genital area before sexual intercourse.
• Avoid using feminine hygiene sprays and scented douches, which may irritate the urethra.
• Some doctors suggest drinking cranberry juice.

Infections in Pregnancy

A pregnant woman who develops a UTI should be treated promptly to avoid premature delivery of her baby and other risks such as high blood pressure. Some antibiotics are not safe to take during pregnancy. In selecting the best treatments, doctors consider various factors such as the drug's effectiveness, the stage of pregnancy, the mother's health, and potential effects on the fetus.

Complicated Infections

Curing infections that stem from a urinary obstruction or other systemic disorders depends on finding and correcting the underlying problem, sometimes with surgery. If the root cause goes untreated, this group of patients is at risk of kidney damage. Also, such infections tend to arise from a wider range of bacteria, and sometimes from more than one type of bacteria at a time.

Infections in Men

UTIs in men are often a result of an obstruction—for example, a urinary stone or enlarged prostate—or from a medical procedure involving a catheter. The first step is to identify the infecting organism and the drugs to which it is sensitive. Usually, doctors recommend lengthier therapy in men than in women, in part to prevent infections of the prostate gland.

Prostate infections (chronic bacterial prostatitis) are harder to cure because antibiotics are unable to penetrate infected prostate tissue effectively. For this reason, men with prostatitis often need long-term treatment with a carefully selected antibiotic. UTIs in older men are frequently associated with acute bacterial prostatitis, which can have serious consequences if not treated urgently.

Prevention

The following measures can reduce the risk for bladder infections and other UTIs:

• Avoid products that may irritate the urethra (e.g., bubble bath, scented feminine products).
• Cleanse the genital area before sexual intercourse.
• Change soiled diapers in infants and toddlers promptly.
• Drink plenty of water to remove bacteria from the urinary tract.
• Do not routinely resist the urge to urinate.
• Take showers instead of baths.
• Urinate after sexual intercourse.
• Women and girls should wipe from front to back after voiding to prevent contaminating the urethra with bacteria from the anal area.

Vaccine to Prevent

In the future, scientists may develop a vaccine that can prevent UTIs from coming back. Researchers in different studies have found that children and women who tend to get UTIs repeatedly are likely to lack proteins called immunoglobulins, which fight infection. Children and women who do not get UTIs are more likely to have normal levels of immunoglobulins in their genital and urinary tracts.

Early tests indicate that a vaccine helps patients build up their own natural infection-fighting powers. The dead bacteria in the vaccine do not spread like an infection; instead, they prompt the body to produce antibodies that can later fight against live organisms. Researchers are testing injected and oral vaccines to see which works best. Another method being considered for women is to apply the vaccine directly as a suppository in the vagina.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) -- Who is at risk?

Some people are more prone to getting a UTI than others. Any abnormality of the urinary tract that obstructs the flow of urine (a kidney stone, for example) sets the stage for an infection. An enlarged prostate gland also can slow the flow of urine, thus raising the risk of infection.

A common source of infection is catheters, or tubes, placed in the urethra and bladder. A person who cannot void or who is unconscious or critically ill often needs a catheter that stays in place for a long time. Some people, especially the elderly or those with nervous system disorders who lose bladder control, may need a catheter for life. Bacteria on the catheter can infect the bladder, so hospital staff take special care to keep the catheter clean and remove it as soon as possible.

People with diabetes have a higher risk of a UTI because of changes in the immune system. Any other disorder that suppresses the immune system raises the risk of a urinary infection.

UTIs may occur in infants, both boys and girls, who are born with abnormalities of the urinary tract, which sometimes need to be corrected with surgery. UTIs are more rare in boys and young men. In adult women, though, the rate of UTIs gradually increases with age. Scientists are not sure why women have more urinary infections than men. One factor may be that a woman's urethra is short, allowing bacteria quick access to the bladder. Also, a woman's urethral opening is near sources of bacteria from the anus and vagina. For many women, sexual intercourse seems to trigger an infection, although the reasons for this linkage are unclear.

According to several studies, women who use a diaphragm are more likely to develop a UTI than women who use other forms of birth control. Recently, researchers found that women whose partners use a condom with spermicidal foam also tend to have growth of E. coli bacteria in the vagina.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common infection that usually occurs when bacteria enter the opening of the urethra and multiply in the urinary tract. The urinary tract includes the kidneys, the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder (ureters), bladder, and the tube that carries urine from the bladder (urethra). The special connection of the ureters at the bladder help prevent urine from backing up into the kidneys, and the flow of urine through the urethra helps to eliminate bacteria. Men, women, and children develop UTIs.

Types

Urinary tract infections usually develop first in the lower urinary tract (urethra, bladder) and, if not treated, progress to the upper urinary tract (ureters, kidneys).

• Bladder infection (cystitis) is by far the most common UTI.
• Infection of the urethra is called urethritis.
• Kidney infection (pyelonephritis) requires urgent treatment and can lead to reduced kidney function and possibly even death in untreated, severe cases.
  

Cause

Most urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria. Any part of your urinary tract can become infected. The urinary tract includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Bladder infections are the most common.

Normally, urine is sterile. It is usually free of bacteria, viruses, and fungi but does contain fluids, salts, and waste products. An infection occurs when tiny organisms, usually bacteria from the digestive tract, cling to the opening of the urethra and begin to multiply. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside the body. Most infections arise from one type of bacteria, Escherichia coli (E. coli), which normally lives in the colon.

In many cases, bacteria first travel to the urethra. When bacteria multiply, an infection can occur. An infection limited to the urethra is called urethritis. If bacteria move to the bladder and multiply, a bladder infection, called cystitis, results. If the infection is not treated promptly, bacteria may then travel further up the ureters to multiply and infect the kidneys. A kidney infection is called pyelonephritis.

Microorganisms called Chlamydia and Mycoplasma may also cause UTIs in both men and women, but these infections tend to remain limited to the urethra and reproductive system. Unlike E. coli, Chlamydia and Mycoplasma may be sexually transmitted, and infections require treatment of both partners.

The urinary system is structured in a way that helps ward off infection. The ureters and bladder normally prevent urine from backing up toward the kidneys, and the flow of urine from the bladder helps wash bacteria out of the body. In men, the prostate gland produces secretions that slow bacterial growth. In both sexes, immune defenses also prevent infection. But despite these safeguards, infections still occur.

Diagnosa

To find out whether you have a UTI, your doctor will test a sample of urine for pus and bacteria. You will be asked to give a "clean catch" urine sample by washing the genital area and collecting a "midstream" sample of urine in a sterile container. This method of collecting urine helps prevent bacteria around the genital area from getting into the sample and confusing the test results. Usually, the sample is sent to a laboratory, although some doctors' offices are equipped to do the testing.

In the urinalysis test, the urine is examined for white and red blood cells and bacteria. Then the bacteria are grown in a culture and tested against different antibiotics to see which drug best destroys the bacteria. This last step is called a sensitivity test.

Some microbes, like Chlamydia and Mycoplasma, can be detected only with special bacterial cultures. A doctor suspects one of these infections when a person has symptoms of a UTI and pus in the urine, but a standard culture fails to grow any bacteria.

When an infection does not clear up with treatment and is traced to the same strain of bacteria, the doctor may order some tests to determine if your system is normal. One of these tests is an intravenous pyelogram, which gives x-ray images of the bladder, kidneys, and ureters. An opaque dye visible on x-ray film is injected into a vein, and a series of x rays is taken. The film shows an outline of the urinary tract, revealing even small changes in the structure of the tract.

If you have recurrent infections, your doctor also may recommend an ultrasound exam, which gives pictures from the echo patterns of soundwaves bounced back from internal organs. Another useful test is cystoscopy. A cystoscope is an instrument made of a hollow tube with several lenses and a light source, which allows the doctor to see inside the bladder from the urethra.

Possible Signs of a Bladder Infection

Symptoms of UTI in young children include the following:

• Diarrhea
• Excessive crying that cannot be resolved by typical measures (e.g., feeding, holding)
• Loss of appetite
• Fever
• Nausea and vomiting

Older children may experience the following symptoms with UTI:

• Flank or lower back pain (with a kidney infection)
• Frequent urination
• Inability to produce more than a small amount of urine at a time
• Incontinence
• Pain in the abdomen or pelvic area
• Painful urination (dysuria)
• Urine that is cloudy or has an unusual smell

Symptoms of lower UTI (e.g., cystitis, urethritis) in adults include the following:

• Back pain
• Blood in the urine (hematuria)
• Cloudy dark or bloody urine
• Inability to urinate despite the urge
• Fever
• Feeling like you need to urinate more often than usual
• Feeling the urge to urinate but not being able to
• Urine that smells bad
• General discomfort (malaise)
• Painful urination, burning sensation when you urinate (dysuria)

Symptoms that indicate upper UTI (e.g., pyelonephritis) in adults include the following:

• Chills
• High fever
• Nausea
• Pain below the ribs
• Vomiting

Complications

Hormonal changes and shifts in the urinary tract during pregnancy increase the risk for kidney infection. Prenatal care includes regular urine testing because bacteria are often present without causing symptoms and UTI during pregnancy may result in complications (e.g., premature birth, high blood pressure) for the mother and fetus. Diseases that suppress the immune system (e.g., HIV) and debilitating diseases (e.g., cancer, sickle cell anemia) increase the risk for UTIs and complications.

Pregnancy -- Preconception Planning

Preconception planning — Make sure your body is ready for the demands of pregnancy.

If you've decided you're ready to get pregnant, you may already be emotionally committed to parenthood. But is your body prepared for the task ahead?

To help ensure a healthy pregnancy, schedule a preconception appointment with your doctor. Be ready to discuss the following subjects.

Birth control

If you've been taking birth control pills, your doctor may recommend a pill-free break before trying to conceive. This will allow your reproductive system to go through several normal cycles — which will make it easier to more accurately determine when ovulation occurred and establish an expected due date.

During the pill-free break, you may want to use condoms or another barrier method of contraception.

Immunities

Infections such as chickenpox (varicella) and German measles (rubella) can cause serious disease for your unborn baby. If you aren't immune to these infections, your doctor may recommend being vaccinated at least one month before you try to conceive.

Chronic conditions

If you have a chronic medical condition — such as diabetes, asthma or high blood pressure — you'll want to make sure it's under control before you conceive. Your doctor will explain any special care you may need during pregnancy as well.

Family history

Sometimes family history — either your history or your partner's — increases the risk of having a child with certain conditions or birth defects. If genetic disorders are a concern, your doctor may refer you to a genetic counselor for a preconception assessment.

Medications and supplements

Tell your doctor about any medications, herbs or supplements you're taking. He or she may recommend changing doses or stopping them completely before you conceive.

This is also the time to begin taking a prenatal vitamin. Make sure it includes folic acid — a B vitamin that helps prevent serious birth defects in early pregnancy. Before conception and during pregnancy, you'll need 1 milligram (1,000 micrograms) of folic acid a day.

Age

After age 35, the risk of fertility problems, miscarriage and certain chromosomal disorders increases. Some pregnancy-related problems, such as high blood pressure and gestational diabetes, are more common in older mothers as well. Discuss these risks with your doctor and develop a plan for avoiding complications.

Previous pregnancies

Your doctor will ask about previous pregnancies. Be sure to mention any complications you may have had, such as high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, preterm labor, premature birth or birth defects. Share any concerns or fears you may have about another pregnancy. Your doctor will help you identify the best ways to boost the chances of a healthy pregnancy.

Lifestyle

Healthy lifestyle choices can help give your baby the best start. Your doctor will discuss eating healthy foods, exercising regularly and keeping stress under control. It's also important to avoid alcohol and recreational drugs. If you smoke, ask your doctor about resources to help you quit.

Your partner

If possible, have your partner attend the preconception visit with you. He can answer questions about his family medical history and risk factors for infections or birth defects. Your partner's health and lifestyle are important because they can affect you and your baby.

Source: http://health.msn.com/

Chocolates -- Choosing the Healthiest Chocolates

Health Problems

While chocolate itself is fine to eat, there are some substances present in chocolate products that you should watch out for. Most chocolate products contain tremendous amounts of refined white sugar, which is harmful to health in many ways.

Chocolate may also contain pesticides. The EPA allows various levels of pesticide residue to be present in cocoa powder, and the FDA Total Diet Study found them in many chocolate products.

Many chocolates also contain the toxic metals cadminum and lead. "Significant levels" of these metals were found in 68% of the common chocolate products tested. There is no safe level for lead, and it is particularly harmful to children.

Healthy Chocolate Choices

Here are some guidelines for choosing the healthiest chocolates.

1. Choose chocolates with the least amount of refined white sugar or other sweetener. Dark "bittersweet" chocolates with a high percentage of cocoa solids (usually the label will state the exact percentage) have less sugar than semisweet or milk chocolate and also have the greatest health benefits. Keep in mind that flavor additions, such as dried fruits and candied ginger may also add sugar to the chocolate.
2. Choose chocolates sweetened with evaporated cane juice or barley malt. If the evaporated cane juice used is the unprocessed whole juice of the cane, it acts in the body like a whole food and doesn't give a sugar rush. Barley malt is also a slow-release sweetener, noted on the label as "grain-sweetened."
3. Choose organic chocolates. Certified organic chocolate ensures there are no harmful pesticide residues.
4. Make your own chocolates. It's easy to make many chocolate delights yourself, with the exact ingredients you want. Start with unsweetened cocoa powder or baking chocolate and be creative!
5. Choose quality over quantity. If you are going to eat chocolate, eat really good chocolate. Then, for maximum enjoyment, give the taste of the chocolate your full attention, eat it at a time when you are not famished or overly full, and allow the chocolate to melt in your mouth to make the experience last.

So go ahead and enjoy chocolate, in moderation, as part of an otherwise healthy diet.

Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Sugar -- Quite Simply, Your Body's Fuel.

Every year there is a new book spouting a new 'revolutionary' fat-busting diet. And more often than not, sugar is fingered as the culprit for weight gain.

Did you know that sugar is a natural carbohydrate, made of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen - nothing more, nothing less? Individual sugar molecules are called monosaccharides, which include sugars such as fructose found in fruit. When two sets of molecules link they form disaccharides such as sucrose (table sugar) and lactose (the sugar found in milk). And if this molecule becomes even more complex it forms starches and fiber. So in other words, the sugar on your cereal is exactly the same sugar found naturally in sugar beets, apples, carrots and other fruit and vegetables.

All types of carbohydrates break down to monosaccharides and, more specifically, glucose, in the body to create energy through a natural and well-regulated metabolic process. Glucose is what keeps your body running and is crucial to the proper functioning of your brain and nervous system.

We're all born with an instinctive love of sweet foods, which is nature's way of telling us that a food is nourishing, and high in the energy our bodies need.

Source: http://www.sugarfacts.co.za/

Top 10 -- Sources of Antioxidants

Antioxidants are magic food components. Research shows that these substances could help the body fight cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease by thwarting the action of harmful free radicals.But which foods are the real antioxidant bombs? Norwegian and US scientists recently compiled an extensive list. In terms of the highest antioxidant content per serving, the winners were:

1. Blackberries
5,75 millimoles per 100g serving

This wonderfully delectable summer fruit came out tops. Blackberries give an antioxidant kick of 5,75 millimoles per serving.

Blackberries are also fat-free, and a source of folic acid and vitamin C, so there's no holding back. Whip them into smoothies, make a wicked fruit coulis to serve with desserts, or simply have them fresh.

You can freeze blackberries and use them all year round. This can be done by coating the berries with a mixture of sugar and ascorbic acid (ask your pharmacist), but it is generally better to freeze lightly boiled berries to which sugar has been added.

2. Walnuts
3,72 millimoles per 100g serving

Nuts are great health foods – they're cholesterol-free, generally low in sodium and a great source of vitamins and minerals. But in terms of antioxidant content, walnuts seem to beat the rest of the nut family with 3,72 millimoles per serving.

Toss these nuts into salads, mix them into muesli, or include them in rice pudding or apple tart. Just make sure that you have no more than a handful of walnuts per day. If you're overweight, cut this amount to a handful no more than three times per week.

3. Strawberries
3,58 millimoles per 100g serving

Strawberries are sexy, fun and – best of all – so low in calories that you can eat as much as you like without giving your weight a second thought.

These fruits should also form part of your diet for another reason: they're packed with antioxidants and clock in at 3,58 millimoles of these health-boosting components per 100g serving.

There's no need to tell you that strawberries are a great addition to desserts, smoothies, salads, and even cocktails – just make sure you eat them as fresh as possible.

4. Artichokes, cooked
3,56 millimoles per 100g serving

The humble artichoke also made the top-10 list. Apart from the 3,56 millimole/100g antioxidant punch, artichokes are a good source of iron.

These veggies also help to reduce bowel upsets and help to let good bacteria flourish in your gut. Cook artichokes for 20 minutes with a slice or two of lemon, a bay leaf and salt. The leaves and the heart can then be eaten.

5. Cranberries
3,13 millimoles per 100g serving

The cranberry really is a super-food. Numerous studies have shown that the anti-inflammatory properties of this fruit can help to prevent and treat urinary tract, and possibly other, infections.

One reason why cranberries are so healthy, is because of their high antioxidant content (3,13 millimoles per 100g).

As cranberries are generally too tart to eat fresh, go for the canned varieties and use these in both sweet and savoury dishes.

6. Raspberries
2,87 millimoles per 100g serving

Raspberries have a long history of being used to treat conditions ranging from tonsillitis to stomach aches and also to strengthening the womb in pregnancy.

Now we know that these berries are not only a good source of antioxidants (2,87 millimoles per 100g serving), but are also high in vitamin C.

Ask your grocery store if they stock fresh or frozen raspberries, and use them in fruit salads, deserts or eat them with yoghurt for breakfast.

7. Blueberries
2,68 millimoles per 100g serving

Another berry, this time the blueberry, made the list. This only goes to show that berries really are super foods.

Apart from the high antioxidant content (2,68 millimoles per serving) there is also preliminary evidence that berries can thwart cholesterol and help prevent liver cancer.

Blueberries are not sour and can be eaten raw. This will preserve their vitamin C content.

8. Cloves, ground
2,64 millimoles per 100g serving

Who would have thought that cloves, a great addition to anything from chicken dishes to Christmas mince pies, could have magic health-boosting properties?

Well, this spice made the top 10 antioxidant list – and with good reason. It contains 2,64 millimoles of antioxidants per 100g serving.

While it's more difficult to get your daily antioxidant injection from this spice – simply because we generally use it in small quantities – you should still try to incorporate it in your diet.

9. Grape juice
2,56 millimoles per 100g serving

You already know that a daily glass of wine can kick-start your health. But plain old grape juice seems to be even better – at least when it comes to levels of antioxidants (2,56 millimoles per serving).

Research shows that red grape juice can improve cholesterol levels and inflammatory markers associated with heart disease. This action has been linked to the antioxidant content of the juice.

But be warned: grape juice has a high sugar content and can add quite a few calories to your diet. Don't drink more than one glass of juice, diluted with water, per day.

10. Cranberry juice
2,47 millimoles per 100g serving

As mentioned above, cranberries have strong anti-inflammatory effects and are particularly useful in preventing urinary tract infections.

As fresh, raw cranberries are too tart to eat, cranberry juice is the ideal way to tap the benefits of this fruit.

Try to drink a small glass of cranberry juice every day – especially if you're prone to urinary tract infections. Or combine cranberry juice with iced Rooibos tea for a refreshing summer drink.

Reference:
Halvorsen BL, Carlsen MH, Phillips KM, Bohn SK, Holte K, Jacobs DR Jr, Blomhoff R. Content of redox-active compounds (ie, antioxidants) in foods consumed in the United States. Am J Clin Nutr. 2006 Jul;84(1):95-135.

Source: www.health24.com

Cabbage -- The Soup Diet, Russian Authentic Cabbage Soup

The Cabbage Soup Diet's idea is pretty much the same as the Negative Calorie Diet. Some feel that, though the diet is effective in helping them lose weight, it's boring. Being a Russian, I habitually respect this dish and tend to disagree. Cabbage soup has been a staple in Russian cuisine for more than a thousand years. There were never any social barriers in cooking these soups - "Schi": all social groups cooked this dish using almost the same recipes (give or take the beef part). There are numerous regional and seasonal varieties, including those in accordance with the Russian Orthodox calendar requiring strictly vegetarian menus at least twice a week.

The cooking technique was always the same, using a very special Russian hearth. The cooking is done not on top but within the hearth, which has a brick arch above the hot surface and a special door closing the arch's insides. A fire was lighted only once during the day, but the thick brick walls kept the heat for up to 24 hours, so the pots inside were warm even a day after the cooking, allowing a cooking that resembles that of a crock pot. This technique is considered a healthy one because it allows minimal heating time and preserves the nutrients.

Below is a classic example of "Schi," called the "Full Schi," which means that it includes the full set of ingredients.

Russian Authentic Cabbage Soup

15 g carbohydrate in a 1.5 cup serving.

Ingredients:

1 1/2lb. beef
1 1/2lb. sauerkraut
3 oz dried mushrooms
1/2 c pickled mushrooms (optional)
1/2 carrot, shredded
1 potato, cubed
1 onion, chopped
1/2c celery root, chopped
1/2 c celery stalk and leaf, chopped
1 T dill herb
3 bay leaves
4 cloves garlic, diced
1 T sunflower oil
1 T heavy cream
1/2 c sour cream
8 peppercorns, whole
1 t dried marjoram

Instructions

Boil the beef with half of the onions, carrots and celery in 2 liters of water for 2 hours. After 1 hour, add salt to taste. Drain, then cut the beef into 1-inch cubes, reserving the broth.

In a large ovenproof bowl, pour 1 liter boiling water over the sauerkraut, add the oil and the hard cream. Cover the bowl and place it in the oven at medium heat for 30 minutes, or until the sauerkraut is soft.

Put the mushrooms and potatoes into a saucepan; add 2 cups cold water and boil until the mushrooms and potatoes are tender. Remove mushrooms and cut into thin strips. Mix all cooked ingredients with the broth. Add salt and boil for 20 minutes more. Set aside, cover with a thick cloth and let set for 20 minutes. If desired, add pickled mushrooms to each serving. Serve with beef, sour cream, garlic and fresh finely chopped dill.