Nattumarunnu (നാട്ടുമരുന്ന്): April 2013

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Stomach Gas-Home Remedies

Gas can sometimes be uncomfortable and inconvenient too. It is possible to get rid of stomach gas with the help of some home remedies.
Changing your diet and the way you eat can be great for the prevention of gas. Chew your food more slowly and thoroughly and avoid eating too fast. If you do not chew your food properly and eat too fast, it will result in accumulation of gas, as you tend to swallow a lot of air when you eat fast.

By changing your diet, you can do a great deal toward reducing your pain from digestive problems. Many foods contain bacteria that are actually good for your intestine and will help it work more efficiently. You also need to watch the food you eat as some foods cause a lot of gas. Avoid foods that may cause indigestion. Foods such as cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, and beans cause gas, so avoid, or minimize these in your diet. Avoid consuming foods such as dairy products, soda content drinks, beer, and other food products that cause stomach gas.

1. Garlic
The most significant home remedy for gas is garlic soup. Garlic helps to increase digestion and reduces formation of intestinal gas. Grind together little garlic with black pepper, coriander seeds, and little water. Then boil it and take in two divided doses.

2. Yoghurt
Add yogurt in your daily diet. Yogurt contains beneficial bacteria that aid digestion. Make a habit of eating yogurt, sour cream, and other fermented dairy products.

3. Ginger
Ginger root is good medicine for many discomforts including intestinal gas. Ginger root contains digestive enzymes and stimulates saliva production. Eating ginger pieces with salt throughout the day will keep you away from gas problems. Alternatively mix ginger powder with a pinch of rock salt and a pinch of asafoetida and a cup of water and drink it. Drink ginger tea after meals, it will promote proper digestion.

4. Coconut water
Drinking coconut water is very effective for intestinal gas problems.

5. Parsley
The parsley herb helps to aid digestion, expel gas, and freshen breath. Make parsley tea as a home remedy for stomach gas, or chew a few parsley leaves after a meal.

6. Celery
Celery seeds may help reduce intestinal gas and hence, alleviate a nervous stomach. Chewing some celery seeds would help in releasing the blocked gas for getting relief from stomach bloating.

7. Ginger & garlic
Ginger and garlic combination is very effective for gas problems. Take 3 cloves of garlic and some pieces of ginger in the morning in an empty stomach.

8. Tomato
Daily intake of tomato salad with your food is very helpful to get rid of gas. If you eat tomato with black salt then it will be more effective.

9. Peppermint
Peppermint is used to aid in digestion and soothe an upset stomach. It helps expel gas from the digestive system.

10. Cinnamon
Boil powered cinnamon in a glass of water. Take this while it is warm at least half an hour before your meal. This will help prevent the intestinal gas formation.

11. Basil
Eating basil leaf paste with water is very helpful for gas and indigestion problems.

12. Ginger & Lemon
After your meals, chew up some pieces of ginger that is soaked in lemon juice to cure stomach gas.

13. Fennel oil
If you experience gas pain then you can massage some fennel oil on your belly to relieve the gas pain.

14. Relax
Stress is one of the major causes of gas formation. So, try to relax and take your mind off tension.

15. Exercise
It is possible to stimulate the passage of gas through the digestive tract by maintaining a regular exercise program in the form of walking, jogging, and aerobics. If the stomach gas problem is severe, perform chest-to-knee stretches to drive out painful gas. Yoga is also very helpful in relieving and controlling stomach gas problems.

16. Turmeric leaves
Drinking Chopped turmeric leaves with a cup of milk is one of the effective home remedies for gas..

17. Guava Leaves
Another simple and easy home remedy for gas is : Boil Guava leaves in water, strain and drink the water.

18. Potato
Potato juice is excellent remedy for stomach gas. Drink half a cup of it, an hour before meals. This can be done thrice a day.

19. Baking Soda
For instant relief from stomach gas trouble drink baking soda with water. Take 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda (not baking powder) and stir it in 1 glass of water. This is one of the conventional home remedies for gas and it is widely used as an effective antacid.

20. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has many health benefits, it is use as an effective home remedy for many health conditions. It is also an instant relief home remedies for gas.
Take a glass of warm water, mix 2 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and let it cool. Consume it when it comes to room temperature.

21. Asafoetida ( hing in hindi )
Can also be used as a home remedy for gas trouble. Take a glass of warm water add a pinch of asafoetida in it. Mix well and drink it.
Brandy for gas relief : Mix two tsp. of brandy to a glass of warm water and drink it before going to bed.

22. Dill oil
Dill oil is extracted from seeds, leaves and stem of a Dill plant which is a herb. Its has got properties that brings it among the home remedies for gas.
Take one tsp. of honey and add a drop of Dill oil to it. Consume it after every meal. This provide relief from gas trouble. Please note Dill oil is not recommended for pregnant women.

23. Charcoal
Charcoal tablets are good home remedies for gas. Taking one charcoal tablet before and after meal is really helpful in subsiding gas and acidity. Charcoal attracts the excess gas from the intestine.

All these home remedies for gas trouble will bring out better results if following lifestyle alterations are maintained:

Avoid physical inactivity. Incorporate exercise in daily routine in order to avoid stomach gas trouble.
Avoid dairy and poultry products like eggs and milk
Don't eat food hastily, chew your food properly. Chewing helps the food to breakdown and digest fast.
Sip your drinks directly from the glass and avoid using straw. Drinking with straw make you swallow more air
Don't go to sleep immediately after eating.

Skipping Breakfast leads to Obesity

Skipping Breakfast May Lead to Obesity

Researchers at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health have found further evidence to support the importance of encouraging young people to eat breakfast regularly. They found that kids who ate breakfast on a regular basis were less likely than their peers to be overweight.

The study examined the association between breakfast frequency and five-year body weight change in more than 2,200 adolescents, and the results indicate that daily breakfast eaters consumed a healthier diet and were more physically active than breakfast skippers during adolescence.

Five years later, the daily breakfast eaters also tended to gain less weight and have lower body mass index levels an indicator of obesity risk compared with those who had skipped breakfast as adolescents.

Over the past two decades, rates of obesity have doubled in children and nearly tripled in adolescents. Fifty-seven percent of adolescent females and 33 percent of males frequently use unhealthy weight-control behaviors, and it is estimated that between 12 and 24 percent of children and adolescents regularly skip breakfast.

This percentage of breakfast skippers, while alarming, has been found to increase with age, the researchers said.

“Although adolescents may think that skipping breakfast seems like a good way to save on calories, findings suggest the opposite,” said Dianne Neumark-Sztainer, Ph.D., principal investigator of Project EAT.

“Eating a healthy breakfast may help adolescents avoid overeating later in the day and disrupt unhealthy eating patterns, such as not eating early in the day and eating a lot late in the evening.”

Weight Loss Tips
Your body weight is a balancing act, and calories are part of that equation. Fad diets may promise you that counting carbs or eating a mountain of grapefruit will make the pounds drop off. But when it comes to weight loss, it’s calories that count. Weight loss comes down to burning more calories that you take in. You can do that by reducing extra calories from food and beverages and increasing calories burned through physical activity.

Once you understand that equation, you’re ready to set your weight-loss goals and make a plan for reaching them. Remember, you don’t have to do it alone. Talk to your doctor, family and friends for support. Also, plan smart: Anticipate how you’ll handle situations that challenge your resolve and the inevitable minor setbacks.

If you have serious health problems because of your weight, your doctor may suggest weight-loss surgery or medications for you. In this case, you and your doctor will need to thoroughly discuss the potential benefits and the possible risks.

But don’t forget the bottom line: The key to successful weight loss is a commitment to making permanent changes in your diet and exercise habits.

Healthy weight loss involves exercise and a healthy diet that contains less saturated fat and fewer calories. See more tips on the next few pages for shedding those extra pounds.
Cardiovascular exercise (such as jogging, walking or biking) five or six days a week is a great way to burn calories. Try to exercise for at least 30 minutes, or break it up into three 10-minute sessions over the course of the day.
In addition to cardio, incorporate weightlifting into your workout routine. The muscles you build will help you burn calories even when you aren’t active.
When it comes to food, keep in mind that if you have been eating high-fat foods like burgers and fries, it may take a few weeks for your body to stop fat cravings.
So what should you eat? Vegetables like spinach, broccoli, salad greens, tomatoes and peppers are low in calories and can help control food cravings.
Fruit, especially grapefruit, has also been shown to aid weight loss. Aim for at least three servings of fruit each day.
If you have a sweet tooth, fruit can also be a substitute for some of your desserts. You’ll get more nutrients and less fat.
Replace white bread with whole grain. Likewise, eat brown rice instead of white.
When eating meat, go for the leaner options such as chicken breast, salmon, turkey and egg whites. You’ll also reduce calories and fat by grilling or broiling your food.
Olive oil is one of the healthier cooking oils if you prepare meals at home. The best bet is to switch to a cooking spray to reduce more fat and calories.
Be aware of portion sizes: four stacked dice equals 1-ounce portion of cheese. Poker chips are another game piece that can help you quickly identify 1 tablespoon of butter, dressing or mayonnaise.
Don’t skip breakfast! Eating several small meals throughout the day, including breakfast, helps your metabolism. The fruit and cereal above is a healthy, high-fiber option.
Another good tip is to eat slower. Take smaller bites or try replacing your fork on your plate after each bite. This allows time for your stomach to feel full, and you will likely eat less calories as a result.
Be sure to drink more water when trying to lose weight. Sometimes dehydration may feel like hunger, and the water will help you feel full longer.
By avoiding sodas, you can also cut several hundred calories from your diet each day.
If you are still having trouble with your eating habits, keep a food journal of everything you eat so that you can pay more attention to what you are consuming.
Invest in some low-fat cookbooks so you can eat healthier at home.
Unintentional weight loss occurs in many diseases and conditions, including some very serious diseases such as cancer, AIDS, and a variety of other diseases.

Home Remedy For Knee Pain & Swelling

Home remedies/Alternative treatments to treat knee pain

A number of home remedies have the ability to dramatically reduce or even eliminate knee pain that is caused by a number of factors. Some of the most popular home remedies are briefly discussed below.
1. RICE
RICE stands for Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. This simple treatment can provide relief to most types of knee pain
Studies have shown that steam baths have the ability to reduce knee pain by improving the blood circulation around the knees, thereby reducing inflammation. A slight massaging of the knee, while in the steam bath, can help make this remedy all the more effective

2. Herbal Pack
Several herbal remedies such as dried ginger, wintergreen, Devil’s claw, Cat’s claw and a few other herbs have also been very effective at reducing or even eliminating pain in the knees

3. Bishop's weed
A great and simple remedy that almost anyone can try is by mixing a powdered form of Bishop’s weed seeds into a glass of warm water that is then ingested

4. Wheat Paste
You can also try another innovative home remedy that will require you to create a paste using the following ingredients. Castor, wheat, turmeric and Goat’s milk. If you can’t find any goat’s milk, just use some clarified butter instead. This paste does wonders when it is applied on the area of the knee that is generating the pain

5.Massaging
Another simple home remedy simply involves the light massaging of the knee area, with some easily available oils like coconut oil, mustard oil or even olive oil. Just be sure to warm up the oil a little bit and also use it about three times in a day, to get adequate relief

6. YOGA
Some very specific yoga exercises and certain physiotherapy type exercises can also go a long way in helping you reduce or even eliminate knee pain. More of that is discussed just a little bit later

Natural Home practices for Knee Swelling

Rest and protect an injured or sore area. Stop, change, or take a break from any activity that may be causing your pain or soreness. When resting, place a small pillow under your knee.
Ice will reduce pain and swelling. Apply ice or cold packs immediately to prevent or minimize swelling. Apply the ice or cold pack for 10 to 20 minutes, 3 or more times a day.
For the first 48 hours after an injury, avoid things that might increase swelling, such as hot showers, hot tubs, hot packs, or alcoholic beverages.
After 48 to 72 hours, if swelling is gone, apply heat and begin gentle exercise with the aid of moist heat to help restore and maintain flexibility. Some experts recommend alternating between heat and cold treatments.
Compression, or wrapping the injured or sore area with an elastic bandage (such as an Ace wrap), will help decrease swelling.
Don't wrap it too tightly, since this can cause more swelling below the affected area. Loosen the bandage if it gets too tight. Signs that the bandage is too tight include numbness, tingling, increased pain, coolness, or swelling in the area below the bandage.
Don't expect the bandage to protect or stabilize a knee injury.
Talk to your doctor if you think you need to use a wrap for longer than 48 to 72 hours. A more serious problem may be present.
Elevate the injured or sore area on pillows while applying ice and anytime you are sitting or lying down. Try to keep the area at or above the level of your heart to help minimize swelling.
Reduce stress on your sore knee (until you can get advice from your doctor):
Use a cane or crutch in the hand opposite your painful knee.
Use two crutches, keeping weight off the leg with the sore knee. You can get canes or crutches from most pharmacies. Crutches are recommended if a cane causes you to walk with a limp.
Gently massage or rub the area to relieve pain and encourage blood flow. Do not massage the injured area if it causes pain.
Try the following exercises to maintain flexibility:
Hamstring stretch
Knee-to-chest exercise
Avoid high-impact exercise, such as running, skiing, snowboarding, or playing tennis, until your knee is no longer painful or swollen.
Do not smoke. Smoking slows healing because it decreases blood supply and delays tissue repair.

Other Natural Remedies

Swelling of the knee can be an uncomfortable and painful experience that may affect your ability to move freely and comfortably. Many people that suffer from inflammation are now turning to natural remedies as an alternative to pharmaceutical anti-inflammatory medications which often have unwanted side-effects.

Homeopathic ingredients such as Magnesium phosphoricum and Matricaria recutita both have powerful anti-inflammatory properties and both are renowned for their soothing effect on aching muscles and stiff joints.

Arnica is also a well known ingredient that helps promote the healing of connective tissue, cartilage and bones while Dulcamara is another excellent anti-inflammatory often used in the treatment of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.

The ingredients Bryonia and Berberis are also excellent when trying to relieve inflamed joints. In addition, the homeopathic ingredient Rhus tox can be used to relieve pain and stiffness, and works well to heal fibrous tissue, markedly joints, tendons, and sheaths.

Foods to Help Reduce Knee Swelling

Following a healthy diet will promote overall strength, health and vitality in the body to avoid many of the causes of knee swelling such as obesity, and certain foods can even help reduce existing swelling.

Strawberries, blueberries and raspberries – 3 berries rich in vitamin C – help promote collagen, a key component to cartilage and bone, which can help prevent wear and tear on the joints that can lead to pain and swelling. Vitamin C is also provides great antioxidant benefits that can reduce osteoarthritis inflammation and swelling. Other foods rich in vitamin C include broccoli, red peppers, citrus fruits, cabbage, cauliflower, and spinach.
Foods rich in vitamin B may help reduce joint inflammation and pain, including lean meat, fish, eggs, soybeans, whole grain cereals, and lentils.
Women concerned with osteoporosis should choose foods high in vitamin D to protect their joints, including fortified dairy products and fish.
Avoid processed foods whenever possible – they generally are high in sodium, which increases swelling.
Omega-3 fats have been shown to reduce inflammation and pain. Salmon, flax seed, and walnuts are great sources of this essential fatty acid.

How to Prevent and Reduce Knee Swelling

If you have knee swelling or soreness that lasts longer than 48 hours, or is accompanied by intense pain or a fever, then you should seek medical attention where a proper diagnosis can be made and any underlying conditions ruled out.

Avoid putting weight on the sore, swollen knee as much as possible until the swelling has gone down.

Use a cold compress. Wrap some crushed ice in a cloth and keep it on your knee for 20 minutes on to help reduce swelling. Repeat this every 2-4 hours, and when using the compress, be sure to keep your knee elevated using pillows.

If you suffer from arthritis in the knee, then it is important to keep up with stretching and toning exercises. These exercises can help to warm and stretch the muscles and are especially useful after long periods of rest.

Regular exercise to improve muscle tone and fitness can be very beneficial. Remember not to push yourself too hard if you are unfit. Choose a gentle exercise that won’t cause pain such as yoga or swimming.

If you are over-weight then now is a great time to consider losing weight naturally. Excess weight places extra pressure on all the joints and muscles, especially those in the knees and ankles.
Massage is a great alternative treatment to complement other treatments for knee swelling, as therapeutic touch helps release endorphins and other pain-relieving chemicals, plus supports healthy circulation to promote