Wednesday, May 6, 2009
5 Types Of Headaches
Types Of Headaches
1. Simple headache - Hammering, buzzing, pulsing in the head. Causes:stress, sensitivity to weather or changes in atmospheric pressure, high blood pressure, fever or lack of oxygen.
2. Tension headache - Dull, oppressive pain occurring in the temples. Begins at the back of the head and neck or in the forehead and spreads throughout the head. Causes:muscular tension or bad posture.
3. Cluster headache - Piercing, burning pain, which occurs on one side of the head and always in the same place. Cause:unknown.
4. Migraine - Pains is usually on one side of the head only. Often accompanied by nausea, vomiting and vision problems. Causes:hereditary factors or circulatory disturbances in the brain. 5. Combination headache - Dull oppressive pain that usually begins in the morning and reoccurs between migraine attacks. Cause:unknown.
Some cases of migraines are preceded by the presence of certain warning signs, including sensations of flashing lights or zigzag lines. The appearance of these ominous warning signs, called an aura, foreshadows the occurrence of a migraine. The actual headache usually occurs within 20 minutes of the warning signs on the opposite side of the head. Although the aura is usually characterized by visul stimuli, sometimes it can take the form of other sensations, such as the detection of odor, lingual difficulties, disorientation, tingling, or numbness.
A Helpful Headache Remedy
Run yourself this warm bath to alleviate tension and relax blood vessels. Combine the following essentials oils with an emulsifier (cream or honey): 3 drops of chamomile, 3 drops of lavender and 3 drops of rosemary. Add the mixture to the bathwater.
What You Can Do: Headaches can be alleviated by cold compresses, bath, acupressure and relaxation techniques. You should minimize your exposure to external stimuli, exercise in fresh air and abstain from smoking and alcohol.
Relaxation and avoidance of stimuli Create a soothing environment, free of such external stimuli as light and noise. Ventilate the room; a fan will help circulate the air (but don't let it blow directly on you). Close the windows and draw the blinds. Turn off the radio and TV and unplug the phone. If the area still noisy, put cotton balls or ear plugs in your ears. Consciously try to relax, preferably with the aid of a relaxation technique, such as yoga.
Help from acupressure Use your thumb and index finger to press against the bridge of your nose at the corners of your eyes. Or, rub the center of the fleshy webbing between your index and thumb.
Herbal remedies Speak with a nutritionist or doctor about taking herbal supplements to prevent headaches. It is thought that kava kava can relieve tension headaches, and feverfew and gingo biloba are often recommended to prevent migraines.
Extra Tip
This time-tested home remedy can provide quick headache relief. Put a few drops of fresh lemon juice into a cup of black coffee and drink it in small sips. Warning:This is not for people with sensitive stomachs!
Poultices for Pain
Cold compress moisten a cloth with cold water, put 2 drops of peppermint oil on it and apply it to the painful area for about 15 min.
Potato poultice Cut 2 large, unpeeled potatoes into quarters and boil until tender. Mash them and press out the excess moisture. Wrap the warm mixture in a cloth; place it on the back of the neck for about 15 min.
Horseradish poultice Add a small amount of water to finely grated horseradish. Wrap it in a cloth; apply it to the neck for not more than 5 min. This will stimulate the skin, which helps extinguish headache pain. If your skin is sensitive, spread cream over your neck before applying the poultice.
HOW TO MANAGE ARTHRITIS?
Arthritis refers to more than 100 different conditions that cause pain, swelling, and limited movement in joints and connective tissue throughout the body. It is usually chronic-once you contrast arthritis, it last a lifetime. Fortunately, you can control your symptons.
It is often considered a disease of the elderly, but there are many types of arthritis that actually strike all age groups: In fact, two-thirds of people with arthritis are under age 65. For nearly 3 million Americans, including children, the pain, stiffness, and swelling of arthritis limits daily activities such as walking, dressing, and bathing. No other health problem limits movement among people in the United States more than arthritis.
HELP FOR ACHING JOINTS
Fortunately, there are a number of ways to make living with artritis much more bearable. The typical three-stage therapy consists of medication (to relieve inflammation and pain), rest (to heal injured tissue), and exercise (to build up strength). A proper diet as part of your treatment can also help you get through your day more comfortably.
EAT TO EASE INFLAMMATION
Doctors find that losing weight lessens pain and improves mobility-for a number of reasons. Shedding pounds by eating a diet low in saturated fat takes stress off of joints and reduces the body's production of prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that contribute to inflammation. In one study, people who stopped eating problem foods such as full-fat dairy products and high-fat meats saw dramatic improvement in arthritis symptoms within one month. In fact, some nutrition experts advocate battling arthritis with a vegetarian diet, which is naturally low in saturated fat. If you don't want to give up meat, at least try to eat cold-water fish such as salmon and tuna two or three times a week; these fish provide omega-3 fatty acids, which also reduce production of inflammation-causing prostaglandins in the body. For herbal relief, consider taking evening primrose oil; it contains another type of fatty acid, gamma linolenic acid, which helps fight inflammation
Arthritis-Fighting Foods
Brocoli
Citrus fruits
Fatty fish: halibut, salmon, and tuna
Low-and nonfat dairy products
Whole grains
A DIET TO FIGHT ARTHRITIS
The pain and stiffness of arthritis come on gradually and are often at their worst in the morning or after activity, but don't ignore persistent symptoms. It's important to see a doctor who can recommend the best treatment for your particular type of arthritis. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout are among the most common arthritic afflictions, and each may respond to certain nutritional measures.
Osteoartritis This most common form of arthritis is caused by wear and tear on cartilage, the shock-absorbing material between the joints. Vitamin C appears to protect joints from damage cused by free radicals-unstable molecules in the body that can cause inflammation-and may help generate collagen, which enhances the body's ability to repair cartilage damage. To get enough vitamin C, eat citrus fruits, strawberries, peppers, and brocoli. Other nutrients that produce collagen include vitamins A (found in liver and Cheddar cheese), B6 (wheat germ and white-meat turkey and chicken), and E (sunflower seeds and almonds), along with copper (whole grains and seafood) and zinc (red meat, oysters, and pumpkin seeds). Though some researchers question their safety and effectiveness, supplements of glucosamine and chondroitin, two cartilage-building compounds, have been shown in certain studies to relieve pain with few side effects.
Rheumatoid Arthritis This more serious form of the disease occurs when the immune system attacks the body, causing swelling of the membrane that lines the joints and eventually eating away the joints' cartilage. Omega-3 fatty acids in cold-water fish such as salmon, tuna, halibut, and sardines may prove particularly helpful in reducing stiffness and tenderness and improving overall joint function. Gamma linolenic acid, an oil derived from evening primrose and horage seeds, also helps fight painful inflamation.
Gout One of the best remedies for this form of arthritis is to drink lots of water. Gout is characterized by excess amounts of uric acid, a by-product of the kidneys. When the kidneys are unable to properly excrete uric acid, it builds up in the body and may crystallize around joints, causing pain and swelling. Water dilutes uric acid bloodstream and helps flush it out of the body. Cherries contain compounds called flavonoids that may also lower levels of uric acid.
FOODS TO AVOID
For some arthritis sufferers, wheat, corn, and nuts cause flare-ups of symptoms. The same goes for the nightshade family, which includes tomatoes, potatoes, bell peppers, and eggplant. All contain tiny amounts of solanine, a chemical that is poisonous in large that even such a small amount of it may cause inflamamation.
HOW TO AVOID OUR SKIN FROM CANCER?
Save Your Skin
Beware of the sun! warns that anyone who has enjoyed even short periods of sunbathing should see a doctor regularly. If you are one of those people who spends a great deal of time in the sun, or spent time in the sun, should see a dermatologist once or twice a year. It's serious stuff, absolutely, especially now, summer are on the way.
According to the American Cancer Society, there are three types of skin cancer. Basal or Aquamous cell cancers are considered to be less serious than Melanoma, the most severe and deadly form. About 1 million American learn that they have skin cancer.
Skin cancers occurs when the epidermis, or outer layer of skin, grows abnormal cells uncontrollably. The most common froms are easily treated, but a third type, melanoma, is extremely virulent and can be fatal. Fortunately, all skin cancers are easy to detect.
Treatment
Standard treatment for basal cell carcinoma, the benign form of skin cancer, is removal of the tumor through surgery or freezing. When dealt with early, these tumors rarely pose a problem once removed.
Conventional treatments for these skin conditions typically deal with the problem once it has emerged. The solutions consists mainly of medicated topical creams and ointments to clear the infected area. However, these may produce side effects, given that the medications often contain antibiotics, steroids, and hormones. Further, since they do not address the cause of the problem, their effects are usually temporary. Natural solutions, on the other hand, are simple. They do not produce side effects, but rather focus on prevention so that individuals may lessen their susceptibility to the problem.
Other foods on the front lines of the cancer war:
Soy Products Soybeans, tofu, miso, tempeh, and soy milk contain cancer-fighting compounds known as phytochemicals, as do many fruits, vegetables, and other plant foods.
Whole Grains Bread, cereal, and side dishes made from whole oats, wheat, and rice contain folic, fiber, and the antioxidant mineral selenium, all of which are known to help ward off cancer. Research suggests that selenium, also found in Brazil nuts and garlic, may specifically protest against skin cancer.
Fish Many types of oily, cold-water fish, such as mackerel, salmon, and tuna, feature the antioxidant powers of selenium and are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which may reduce your general cancer risk.
Flaxseed Oil Made from the brown seeds of the flax plant, flaxseed oil is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Adding its nutty, buttery taste to salads or sprinkling it on food may specifically help reduce the risk of skin cancer.
HELPFUL SUPPLEMENTS
Although a balanced diet of vegetables, fruits, grains, and nuts provides a wealth of antioxidant protection, supplements may be necessary to ensure that you get adequate amounts. Following are some supplement suggestions:
- ECGC: Epigallocatechin-gallate is a powerful antioxidant that some researchers believe may be the most potent cancer-fighting compound yet discovered. The main dietary source is green tea, but it is available in capsules and tablets. Suggested daily dose: Two 250-mg. pills.
- Selenium: This antioxidant works with vitamin E to protect cells. It's available in most plant foods, but amounts vary widely depending on selenium content of soil. Suggested daily dose:100-200 mcg.
- Vitamin E: Suggested daily dose: 100 IU.
- Fish oil capsules: These provide omega-3 fatty acids. Suggested daily dose: 3,000 mg.
CAUTION
It's very important to examine your skin often for any irregularities, which may be signs of a precancerous skin condition. Ask a friend or spouse to check areas that you can't see. If you notice any moles that look different on one side than another, have irregular edges or color, or are larger than the diameter of a pencil eraser (6 mm.), see a dermatologist or your doctor right away.
How To Reduce Risk Of Stroke
Nearly 160,000 people fall victim to fatal strokes each year, making these episodes the third-leading cause of death in the United States after hearts disease and cancer. A third of all strokes take place in just 10 percent of the population, among those who have a set of five risk factors: high blood pressure, elevated blood cholesterol, abnormal glucose tolerance (a sign of of diabetes)' smoking, and left ventricular hypertrophy, a heart abnormality. A checkup with your doctor can help determine which if any of these might be a problem for you. The good news is that many of these risk factors are within your power to control. Your best weapon, then, is prevention: You can lower your risk of stroke with healthy lifestyle measures that include giving up smoking, being physically active (perhaps taking a daily walk), and following a well-chosen diet, one that is designed to keep your blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight at healthy levels.
Stroke-Fighting Foods
Bell and chili peppers
Fish: salmon, tuna, trout, swordfish, and mackerel
Fruits: bananas, cantaloupe, cranberries, and mangoes
Leafy greens: romaine lettuce, kale, and Swiss chard
Legumes, nuts, and seeds
Onions and garlic
Whole grains
Strike Out Stroke
One of the first steps in reducing your stroke risk is to eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, which offer proven stroke protection: They are naturally low in fat, so they don't contribute to fatty blockages that can impede or weaken arteries and cause them to rupture. Plant foods are extremely high in fiber, which carries fats and excess cholesterol out of the blood. They are rich sources of potassium and magnesium, which help control high blood pressure. And fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants, such as vitamin C, that protect cells from damage. Vitamin E, another antioxidant, also reduces the "stickiness" of blood cells, which makes them less likely to clump together and clog arteries. In one study, people who ate about 9 servings of these foods per day were up to 30 percent less likely to fall victim to strokes than people who ate less produce.
A Concentrated Effort
Because stroke is so common and so serious, researchers have looked closely into how diet can lower risk. Many of the nutrients and properties they've identified as important are concentrated in fruits and vegetables. Certain types of fish and various grains and seed also contain special substances that can help control blood pressure and reduce blood's tendency to form clots. Here's what you get in specific categories of food:
Grains, Nuts, and Seeds Oats, oat bran, and other grains contain soluble fiber to guard against fat buildup that can weaken arteries and increase their chances of rupturing. Sunflower and pumpkin seeds, almonds, and peanuts (including nut butters) are good sources of vitamin E, a nutrient that helps fight the formation of blood clots.
Fruits and Vegetables Bananas, mangoes, green beans, and potatoes contain healthy amounts of potassium, a mineral that keeps blood pressure from climbing. Leafy greens like Swiss chard and kale also provide magnesium, which helps maintain safe blood pressure levels. They also contain a lot of vitamin E. Chili peppers contain antioxidants that can prevent stroke-including blood clots.
Cold-Water Fish Scientists attribute the low rates of heart disease and stroke found among native Greenland men to the high amounts of cold-water fish they consume. Fatty fish like salmon, tuna, sardines, and swordfish are rich in omega-3s, essential fatty acids that can lower bad LDL cholesterol and lessen the tendency of blood cells to stick together.
Onions and GarlicThese and other members of the allium family, such as leeks, containsulfur compounds that thin the blood and help keep blood pressure down. Research also suggests that they can lower high cholesterol levels.
Red Wine and Black TeaSubstances called flavonoids, found in red wine and black tea, appear to protect arteries from damage and help blood resist clotting. Because large amounts of alcohol can have the opposite effect, increasing risk of stroke and other problems. Red grape juice may be a good alternative to wine. If caffeine is a concern for you, choose decaffeinated varieties of tea.
Foods To Avoid
Salty, fried, and full-fat foods contribute to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and elevated stroke risk. Marbled red meats, cuts rimmed in fat, and poultry with skin also raise risk due to their high cholesterol and saturated fat content. Tropical oils, such as coconut, palm, and palm kernel, are also saturated fats to be avoided. Use heart-healthy olive or canola oil when possible.
How To Brighten Your Mood
You've been through a hard day at work, your children are driving you to distraction, you've had a tiff with your spouse, you're just tired-all these kinds of situations can take the wind out of your sails and temporarily bring you down. In moments like these, your first instinct may be to reach into your refrigerator or pantry for comfort. If you do, remember sugar-and fat laden "treats" like doughnuts and cookies will only deflate you later: There are a multitude of great-tasting foods that are equally as delicious and comforting yet still provide you with the nutrients you need every day. Some of these foods may even help lift you up out of your mood.
EAT TO CHEER UP
Food can be a day-brighter simply because we enjoy it. In fact, researchers are increasingly recognizing that pleasure plays a large role in governing appetite and guiding food choices. Eating foods that you enjoy provides a sense of "treating" or "rewarding" yourself-just what you need when life is wearing you down. On a more practical level, pausing from a busy or difficult day to ahve a nutritious bite to eat can simply provide you with a much-needed break. Nutritionists have come to agree that even less healthful indulgences like potato chips or chocolate can occasionally be allowed into your diet as long as they're eaten sparingly. The key is to eat a balanced and varied diet and to pay attention to when your mood tends to flag. If you notice that your spirits fall at certain times of day, plan meals and snacks accordingly, and try to eat a variety of foods so that the body maintains a proper balance of the chemicals that can influence mood. Some good mood-boosting choices include complex and carbohydrates like whole-wheat toast or a light pasta salad, and complete proteins, found in a glass of milk or half a turkey sandwich.
Mood-Brightening Foods
- Beans, lentils, peas
- Breads:whole-grain toast, bagel, and wheat cereal
- Fish:tuna, herring, mackerel, trout, and shrimp
- Pasta such as linguini
- Peanut butter abd sunflower seeds
- Sweets, eaten sparingly
- Yogurt
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