Healthy Living

When a diagnosis of OCD or obsessive-compulsive disorder is made, the typical or conventional form of treatment consists of a combination of psychotherapy and antidepressant medications. The most common types of antidepressant medications used are SSRIs or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

SSRIs increase the level of serotonin within the brain that is thought to be the neurotransmitter or brain chemical that are responsible for affecting our moods. However, there are many uncomfortable side effects that some patients experience while taking these medications which have lead many to seek alternative forms of treatment for their obsessive- compulsive disorder.

Using the St. John’s Wort Herbal Supplement for OCD

There have been numerous research studies done on the effects and benefits that some herbal supplements have when taken for mental disorders such as depression and anxiety disorders including OCD.
While some of these herbal supplements have proven to be beneficial for some patients, caution should be taken when trying any form of dietary or herbal supplement as some have been known to cause serious side effects in some individuals – particularly when taken in combination with other medications.
The most common and popular herbal supplement that has proven effective in some patients who suffer from anxiety disorders and depression is “St. John’s wort”. St John’s wort is commonly prescribed in Germany for patients who suffer from mild to moderate depression.
St. John’s wort has been known to have beneficial effects that are very similar to some of the prescription SSRI medications – particularly “fluoxetine” or “Prozac”. St. John’s wort is the only herbal supplement that has been tested in clinical trials, however, no herbal supplements – including St. John’s wort – have been approved by the “FDA” or “Food and Drug Administration” for the treatment of OCD or any other mental illness.
St. John’s wort has shown positive effects in some patients with OCD that are similar to the effects of the commonly prescribed SSRIs that are given to raise the serotonin level in patients with OCD. However, many individuals have experienced serious side effects including serotonin syndrome when taking St. John’s wort as it has the potential to cause the level of serotonin to become dangerously high. Read More ...

Kidneys play a very important role in the functioning of the human body. They form a part of the urinary system. Apart from kidneys, organs like the ureters, bladder, and the urethra form a part of the urinary system too. In the human body, we find kidneys on both sides of the middle back, and below the diaphragm. The main function of kidneys is to filter the waste products from the body.

They eliminate toxins from the body. Apart from that, they assist in maintaining concentration of electrolytes, regulating blood pressure, and blood cells production. Two main include bacterial pyelonephritis and glomerulonephritis. Various kinds of treatment are important to get rid of these diseases.

The urine drained from the kidneys pass into the ureters that connect kidneys with the bladder. Bladder drains the urine out of the body through urethra. Kidney is included in urinary tract infections (UTIs). Kidney infection treatment includes the following: Read More ...

Many of us find it an increasing battle trying to find ways to curb our cravings for sweets and other junk foods, however there are some simple steps which may help. Imagination has long been renowned as a powerful tool in achieving any goal, including weight loss. Perhaps we have even heard or read about people using their powers of imagination to visualize themselves looking slim and fit, which is instrumental in helping them to maintain a weight loss programme. This technique is employed by professional athletes to help improve their performance in sporting events.
We too can employ the same techniques to diminish cravings for certain foods, and it is so simple and easy to do.
How we begin:
The next time that we have a craving for food which we know will be detrimental to the success of our diet, we should find a quiet place where we can be alone to gather our thoughts. We should sit silently with our eyes closed and take slow, deep breaths. This will help relax and calm us in preparation for our imagination exercise.
The next step is to bring to mind the image of the food which we are craving. We must clearly imagine what the food looks like. Is the food in a bowl, a plate or take away container? Is it hot or cold, spicy or sweet and how does it smell? We should imagine leaning closely over the food and absorbing the aroma, savoring and deeply inhaling the smells.
Now we should imagine lifting a morsel of this food to our mouth and taking a small taste. Really think about the taste, and enjoy and savor this memory as if we are actually eating the food at this moment. Next we imagine indulging in a much bigger bite, chewing slowly to release the flavor into our mouths. Finally once chewing is complete, imagine swallowing, before indulging in another hearty bite.
We should imagine keeping going, morsel by morsel, until we feel that we have had enough. By sitting back for a few minutes and imagining how sustained and happily full we feel, we will have the same feeling of contentment that we accomplish when we really have just enjoyed a serving of delicious food.
How did that make us feel? If we fully mentally commit to this experience, we will be surprised to notice that we are able to curb our cravings and will no longer feel the desire to eat this food. We will achieve the same feeling of satisfaction that we would have if we had actually eaten the food.
We should be aware of the fact that this exercise will not be successful if we are actually hungry at the time we try to do it. If we are physically hungry, we should eat a small snack such as a small salad before attempting this exercise. We will achieve a more successful outcome if our stomach is already satisfied. This exercise is geared to help with emotional cravings and to satisfy our mind more than other issues.

As temperatures heat up across the country and we find ourselves in a heatwave, it’s more important than ever to stay cool and beat the heat. Here are five tips you can use to make sure you and your family stay safe during the hottest days of summer.
Dress the part – Wear light clothing that breathes easy. Most experts advise on wearing cotton. There are new clothing products on the market that help to keep you cool and wick moisture away. Check out your local sporting goods store. Wearing light colored clothing helps to reflect the sun away. Stay away from dark color clothes which could make you warmer.
Take it slow – It is recommended that on really hot days that you limit your physical activity outdoors. Especially during the hottest times of the day. If you normally exercise outdoors, it’s wise on these hot days to move that to either early morning or very late in the evening. If you have to be outside, slow down and take your time.
Stay hydrated – Keep a bottle of water with you on those really hot days. You are going to lose a lot of water through sweating when temperatures rise. As we’ve mentioned in previous articles, freeze a bottle of water then keep it with you during the day. The ice will slowly melt leaving you ice cold water to enjoy.
Stay inside – If your house has air conditioning stay inside to keep cool. If you don’t have an air conditioner head out for the day, go to the mall, a movie, or you public library.
Eat less – Many of us accustomed to eating healthy already eat smaller more frequent meals during the day. During the hottest days of the year spread your meals out and eat less but more frequently. If you eat too much and then get hot you run the risk of getting sick, and then possibly dehydrating from being sick.
Heat related injuries happen when the body can no longer keep itself cool On really hot and humid days the body can really struggle to keep cool. The humidity will make it harder for the body to stay cool because sweat doesn’t evaporate as quickly. Certain groups of people are also more at risk to heat related injuries such as the elderly, children, infants, and those with chronic illnesses. Be a good neighbor and check in on your neighbors during these hot days to make sure they are coping well.
According to the Red Cross there are three categories of heat-related illness.
Learn to recognize the signs of heat-related illness.
Heat Cramps – Heat cramps happen due to a loss of fluids and a loss of electrolytes. Symptoms of heat cramps involve muscle cramping and aching. This is an early sign that the body is having a hard time coping with the heat.
Heat Exhaustion – Happens during strenuous exercise or other activities in hot and humid conditions. Symptoms are: pale or flushed skin, excessive sweating, headache, nausea, weakness, and exhaustion.
Heat Stroke – Heat strokes are life threatening. A person suffering from heat stroke no longer has the ability to keep themselves cool. The bodies mechanisms that regulate temperature have shut down and are no longer functioning. Signs of heat stroke are changes in consciousness, dry skin, vomiting, and high body temperature.

When it comes to discussing the causes and natural treatment for Halitosis, there are a few essential matters to consider. Halitosis is a medical term that refers to bad breath. This could be an embarrassing problem and may lead to some social problems. The following are the major causes that lead to the development of this issue:

• Eating certain foods, such as onions and garlic.
• Fasting and hunger for an extended period of time.
• Tooth decay
• Gum diseases, such as periodontitis.
• Poor oral hygiene
• Smoking, as it may cause periodontitis.
• Unusual dryness of the mouth, which is called xerostomia. This can usually happen during sleep. Moreover, there are certain medications, which can cause dry mouth as well. And these drugs include high blood pressure, antihistaminics, and Parkinson’s disease medications.

In addition to the above-mentioned factors, there are some other causes as well. Other reasons include respiratory infections, tonsillitis, sinusitis, and gastro-oesophageal reflux.

With that being said, let’s now focus on the natural treatment for Halitosis: Read More ...

When it comes to discussing psoriasis causes and treatment, there are a few crucial aspects that should be taken into consideration. Although the exact cause of psoriasis is not known, a recent research study has demonstrated that psoriasis is caused by a response in the immune system. Scientists are of the view that T cells cause inflammation in the skin, which ultimately leads to the excessive skin cell growth. T cells are a type of white blood cell that provides the body protection against infection and disease.

It is often believed that psoriasis is inherited in a number of people. While the reason is still unknown, about one-third of the people suffering from psoriasis have it in their family history. The risk of getting this disease multiplies if one parent has it. The risk is even higher if both parents are suffering from psoriasis.

The intensity of the problem can worsen and improve over time. For a number of people, it comes and goes. Following are the important causes of this disease: Read More ...

A good night’s sleep is important. Dealing with insomnia can be quite frustrating. Lack of adequate sleep can lead to weight gain, reduced immunity and increase your chances of diabetes and heart conditions. Before you try OTC medication, consider using the following natural cures for insomnia.

1. Eat Appropriate Foods

Eat a banana, a slice of turkey or chicken before bedtime. Such foods are packed with an amino acid known as tryptophan, used in the manufacture of serotonin. Serotonin is a brain chemical that induces sleep. Carbohydrates are good for helping tryptophan penetrate the brain. That said take a glass of warm milk with a cookie or a spoonful of honey before getting into bed. Avoid consuming heavy meals immediately before bedtime. Spicy or sugary foods such as chocolates should be avoided at all costs.

2. Create a Sleep-friendly Environment

Create a mood of tranquility around your bedroom. Get rid of any clutter and piles of unfolded laundry that will disorient you emotionally and make it harder to fall asleep. Your bedroom should be like a sanctuary. Make it a habit of wearing pajamas before getting into bed. Read More ...

Turmeric Powder Purchases

When purchasing turmeric, constantly would rather buy organic turmeric as it doesn’t possess additives. In the event you enjoy mustard, you must enjoy turmeric. Similarly, the turmeric powder you get in your store is actually a spice. Plenty of turmeric for just a bit cash!

Turmeric root is ground to make powder, which can be really a regular spice, especially in curries. The colour of turmeric fluctuates considerably and it is vital that you decide on the powder that is appropriate. Onion and garlic are additionally a choice that is wonderful. Turmeric is a root that is found in vegetable markets nevertheless it’s also reachable powder kind to use as an ingredient in elegance solutions.

The Great, the Bad and Turmeric Powder

Although turmeric is oftentimes used by pregnant ladies, it’s important to consult a doctor before doing this as turmeric may be uterine stimulant. In its normal state, turmeric is readily absorbed by the body. Turmeric is an excellent healing agent. Turmeric features more than 300 anti-oxidants, producing a healer that is powerful that is turmeric. Read More ...

Rosacea is a common skin disorder that many people all over the world have. Finding an acne rosacea cure is being worked on, but in the meantime there are some treatments available that can help alleviate some of the symptoms. Common symptoms include pink or red patches on the face, small red bumps, visible broken blood vessels, pink or irritated eyes, and red cysts. Sometimes, it simply appears as though you have a sunburn.

There is no acne rosacea cure and it is considered to be a chronic skin disease. However, it doesn’t always flare up and people who suffer from it might go through periods when it isn’t visible. Some people do not have noticeable outbreaks either and might be fine without treatment. Read More ...