Category: Health

Strange Signs that you’re Actually Really Unhealthy

Posted on by Rossel Dacio

Your body really does have your back. Whenever something isn’t right, your body will find a way to try and tell you. If you ignore these strange signs however then you may be putting yourself at risk. You may also find that you are not able to move past the symptoms you have without dealing with the underlying issue. If you need some help then take a look at these strange signs below.

strange signs of unhealthy bodyPhoto by Negative Space on Pexels

Your Legs are Swollen

If you have a lot of swelling in your lower legs and you have not been doing any kind of deadlifting exercises then you may be suffering from something called edema. It may be a sign that you have a thyroid issue or that you have a heart problem. On top of this, it’s also a sign that you have an issue with your kidneys. If you feel as though you are experiencing something like this then you need to have a chat with your healthcare provider. It’s vital to know that disorders like this can be kept under control if you undergo the right treatment, but this cannot be done if you do not see your doctor. If you have swollen legs combined with any back pain issues, then it is wise for you to contact a Chiropractor in Libertyville il specialist.

Long Ring Fingers

Did you know that your body can also give you information through your fingers? Studies have been done and they have shown that if you have a ring finger that is longer than your index then you could be at a much higher risk of diseases such as osteoarthritis. This is especially the case if you already have knee problems, so you need to keep this in mind if possible. Regular exercise can help you to maintain a very healthy weight and you may find that it can help you to push back against any potential issues as well. That being said, you need to talk to your doctor if possible. If you can do this then you will soon find that you can stop the issue from getting too bad.

Ice Craving

If you feel as though you enjoy the feeling of chewing ice or if you are craving ice then this could be because you have an iron deficiency. This causes you to start craving items that do not provide you with any kind of nutritional support. This includes ice in particular, but people often reach for non-food items too. Your doctor will usually advise you on the best course of treatment here, whether it is leafy greens or more red meat. You may need to consume more vitamins so that your body can better absorb the iron tablets that you have been given or the iron in your food, so keep that in mind. Of course, if you want to help yourself to be healthier then you should be talking with your doctor on a regular basis anyway, as they can help you with anything you might need to know.

EarFold Implant: A Better Option for Better Looking Ears

Posted on by Rossel Dacio

earfoldPhoto by Pandit Wiguna on Pexels

Prominent features can be a source of flattery. However, unflattering physical features can adversely affect one’s esteem or mental and emotional health. Thus, it is important to know the available treatments that help you address these concerns. In the case of prominent ears, an EarFold Implant offers a quick and practical solution for prominent ears. This ear correction treatment is becoming known as an alternative to traditional ear surgery. The question is, Is it the best option for you?

A Quick Look at EarFold Implant

EarFold is an implant that is used to tuck or pin prominent ears permanently. It is made from a biocompatible and highly elastic material called Nitinol, a nickel-titanium alloy. Nitinol is used for a variety of tools and devices in medicine and orthodontics particularly in stents, orthopedic implants, orthodontic braces and wires. The use of this material makes it less likely for rejection or irritation to occur as a reaction to the implant. As for the shape and appearance of the implant, it is coated in 2-carat gold to help it blend naturally with the skin. It is also designed to maintain its’ permanent curve shape once implanted.

earfold implantPhoto by 150harleyst.co.uk

Benefits of EarFold Implant Unfolded

Aesthetics. As mentioned, this implant is designed to keep its permanent curve and blend with the skin. This means that you don’t have to worry about a glaringly visible implant after the procedure is done. Another nice thing about this implant is that it has a Prefold system that gives you a preview of how your ears would look with the implants before going through the procedure. This allows you to work with your doctor in positioning the implants and getting the look that you really want. At the very least this will help you manage your expectations on the ear correction results. The benefit of this is you get less anxious about the results and more relaxed during the procedure.

Shorter Procedure and Faster Recovery. Traditional ear correction surgery like pinnaplasty or otoplasty usually takes around 40 minutes per ear or longer. As for EarFold Implants it only takes about 15 to 20 minutes per ear. That’s half the time it takes for traditional ear surgeries. Recovery is also quicker with only 2 to 3 days recovery period compared to a 1 to 2-week recovery period from traditional pinnaplasty.

Reduced Risks and Complications. Your doctor will discuss any risks or complications associated with the implants and the treatment before you undergo the procedure. One of the benefits of an EarFold implant is that it is routinely done under a local anesthetic which poses less risks compared to traditional procedures that involve a general anaesthetic. The implant also doesn’t involve stitches or long incisions which significantly reduces risk of infections and compications.

Reversible. Undergoing a cosmetic procedure like ear correction treatment is a major decision especially for treatments that are irreversible. The good thing about Earfold is that you have more control over your decision because of the Prefold System that gives you a preview of the results. Plus, the implant can still be removed in the future should you decide that you are not happy with it.

Where and How to Get your EarFold Implant

Your best option for an EarFold Implant is to have it done by a plastic surgeon experienced in otoplasty or a Facial Plastic & ENT Surgeon. These professionals can help ensure that you get the best care possible. You can find them in hospitals and specialty clinics like ENT?150 that offers a wide range of ENT treatments on site. All you have to do is set-up a consultation with a doctor to discuss the specifics of your condition and your ear correction treatment options.

Protruding or prominent ears are usually the result of genetic background or a medical issue. Regardless of its’ cause, these aesthetic concerns shouldn’t be taken lightly especially since they can be a source of mental and emotional stress. Remember that you’ve got options within your reach. There’s EarFold Implants for a quick and easy way to enhance anti-helical fold definition and traditional ear correction treatments that you can consider.

3 Hazardous Materials In Your Home

Posted on by Rossel Dacio

Home is a place where everyone wants and deserves to feel safe and secure. Unfortunately, there can be hazards in your home that you know know nothing about. These particular hazards can lurking right under your nose without you even knowing and they can also have serious consequences. That’s why it’s so important to be aware that these hazardous materials may be present, know how to test for them and what to do about them.

hazardous materialsPhoto by Insitedesigns on Pixabay

1. Asbestos

Asbestos was once thought to be an almost perfect material because of its versatility and resistance to heat and friction. However, it is now known as a dangerous carcinogen that can cause mesothelioma, a type of cancer that forms in the thin layers of abdomen, heart or lungs. Mesothelioma life expectancy is generally short.

Asbestos is most commonly found in older homes as it hasn’t been widely used since the 1980’s and you’re most likely to find it in the drywall, concrete or old floor tiles. The good thing about asbestos is that it won’t cause problems unless disturbed and released into the air, but if you’re thinking of removing the asbestos, it’s best to contact a professional for the asbestos removal cost as removing it isn’t always the cheapest option.

You can learn more about asbestos at Asbestos.Net.

2. Mold

Mold is caused when there is too much moisture in an area. Various types of leaks are a particularly bad culprit for causing mold in your home. So, it’s important to make sure your home has proper ventilation and doesn’t get too humid or damp and it’s important to watch for signs of any kind of leak, if should find a leak be sure to repair it as soon as possible and clean up the area well. Mold, while always unsightly and unpleasant, can also cause health problems. It can exacerbate allergies and asthma and it can even cause issues like severe headaches, diarrhea and cough. If you notice any of these symptoms or if you notice changes in the way you home feels, you may want to have it checked for mold.

3. Lead

Lead-based paint is another issue that is more common in older homes. If you want to be certain whether or not your home contains lead-based paint you’ll have to have it tested, but there are things you can do to make sure it doesn’t become a problem, even if you’re unsure. Much like asbestos, lead doesn’t become a problem unless it’s disturbed. As long as you don’t have any flaking paint or paint dust you shouldn’t have any issues.

Though these issues can cause problems, the good news is that these hazardous materials can be easily fixed. As long as you are diligent in the upkeep of your home, you should be good to go!

Preventing Colds and the Flu

Posted on by Rossel Dacio

While a cold or the flu can strike at any time of the year, most people fall victim to these viruses during the fall and winter months, with cases peaking between December and February. Any virus can cause serious health complications, but the flu is especially dangerous– especially for children, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems. Last year alone, almost 80,000 Americans died from flu-related complications, and over 900,000 were hospitalized. The good news is, there are ways to prevent colds and the flu viruses from infiltrating your immune system with the flu vaccination leading them all. Read on for some helpful tips to stay healthy, as well as information about why the flu shot could save your life.

colds and the fluPhoto by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

Wash your hands

According to the CDC, washing your hands with soap and water is the best way to prevent the spread of germs from person-to-person. If soap and water aren’t readily available, a hand sanitizer with 60% alcohol content is also acceptable.

Exercise

30 minutes of exercise, three to four times a week has been proven to have an immune-boosting effect when it comes to preventing illness. It increases blood flow and circulation and lowers stress, allowing the body to fight off infections more effectively.

Get enough sleep

Sleep deprivation weakens the immune system and puts you at risk for infections and viruses. While most people don’t meet the daily recommendation for sleep, allowing your body to rest so it can ward off illness should be a priority.

Hydrate

When your body is hydrated, immune responses are stronger, and you are better able to fight illness. Water is the best choice when it comes to hydration, but any non-caffeinated liquid will contribute to your daily recommendation of fluid intake.

Sanitize everything

Germs and bacteria can survive on surfaces outside of the human body for up to 7 days. By disinfecting surfaces with a wipe or spray, you’ll greatly reduce the spread of germs between family members, office mates or even your fellow gym-goers. Since germs can also embed themselves in fabric fibers, switch to disposable paper towels when someone in your household is sick.

De-stress

Stress has a tremendous negative impact on the human immune system. When you are stressed, your body releases a hormone called cortisol, which has been proven to stifle immunity. During periods of high stress, try meditation or deep breathing to reduce the “fight or flight” response that puts you at greater risk for illness.

Get a flu shot

The number one way to prevent the flu virus is by getting a flu vaccination. The CDC recommends a vaccine for everyone over six months or older. It has been proven to reduce the risk of contracting the flu by as much as 60%.

With the accessibility, safety, and effectiveness of flu shots today, no one should let misconceptions or expense stand in the way of protecting their health. There are a few commonly-asked questions about getting a flu shot to know before you get your vaccine.

Will a flu shot give me the flu?

A common myth about the flu shot is that it will make you sick. This is simply not true. The flu vaccination is formulated from either an inactive virus or a single-gene virus, neither of which transmit an active flu virus to the recipient.

Where can I get a flu shot?

It has never been more convenient to get a flu shot. They are not only offered in traditional settings, like a doctor’s office or urgent care, but also through many employers at little to no cost to employees. Colleges, supermarkets, and pharmacies have also started offering flu shots on-site to make it even easier for people of all ages to get vaccinated.

Will insurance pay for my flu shot?

If you have health insurance, either through an employer-provided plan, a health marketplace or government-subsidized plan, your flu shot will likely be covered at no cost to you. Likewise, if your employer holds a flu shot clinic, you may not have to pay anything to get vaccinated, since flu shots are considered preventative care and save companies millions of dollars a year in productivity lost when employees are off work from colds and the flu.

While there are many ways to prevent and treat colds and the flu, prevention is the best plan of attack. Don’t wait until flu season is in full swing– get your flu shot today to help ensure your good health all winter long.

Effects of Shilajit on blood pressure

Posted on by Rossel Dacio

Traditional Indian medicine is full of wonders. Plant-based healing agents and herbo-minerals are being used to heal a variety of diseases since ancient times. Shilajit is one of them, a unique herbo-mineral preparation used for millennia around Asia and Europe. It is extensively used in India, Tibet, and Nepal to this day. In India alone, shilajit was used as a laxative, diuretic, immune booster, anti-hypertensive, analgesic, bronchitis, and anemia. With milk, it was thought to help with diabetes, and with the Commiphora wightii herb, it helped accelerate wound and bone healing. It was also used as an aphrodisiac and was claimed to help with infertility for women.

Hypertension is a common condition affecting a considerable number of the US population. When not treated, it can lead to life-threatening events like heart attack and stroke. Shilajit is claimed to be useful against hypertension. In fact, some companies in Asia have proprietary drugs containing shilajit indicated for hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and maintenance of heart health. One other herbo preparations showed to have hypolipidemic effects in rats. Unfortunately, no scientific or clinical study specifically on the subject of hypertension is available. Does shilajit lower blood pressure or would shilajit increase blood pressure? Are there any shilajit benefits for blood pressure? In this article, we will piece together the many studies closely related to the subject to see if indeed, it there is a shed of truth to the claim. But first, a review!

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Known as the silent killer, high blood pressure is one of the leading conditions that increase the risk of stroke and heart attacks. According to a 2012 study, 1 out of 3 US citizens already have hypertension or at risk of developing it. In 2014 data, hypertension is said to be responsible for over 400,000 deaths in the US alone. What makes this condition dangerous is the lack of any visible signs and symptoms. You will only know you have it when you get your blood pressure checked.

Lifestyle factors contribute the most to its development. Unhealthy diets, sedentary lifestyle, vices, all contribute to the genesis of this disease. Hereditary factors also play a role.

When not known early on, it will slowly damage the heart and the blood vessels as more pressure is being exerted on the arterial walls. Atherosclerosis, hyperlipidemia, and excess blood sugar all contribute to increased blood pressure. Damage to kidneys, liver, and brain will likely result when not managed properly.

Shilajit

“Mountain Blood,” as the Burmese call, and “Mountain Sweat” for the Arabs, shilajit is a unique herbo-mineral exudate from high altitude rock crevices predominantly found in the Himalayan mountain ranges. It is made of decomposed plant materials and animal metabolites, taking centuries, even thousands of years form. It is revered for its many therapeutic qualities; its use spans many countries throughout Asia and Europe and has been used extensively by Ayurvedic healers to this day. It is mentioned in ancient pharmacology books like the Charaka Samhita, a testament to its importance towards traditional Indian healing. Fulvic acid, dibenzo alpha pyrones, humic substance, and over 80 nutrients and minerals make this healing compound unique and beneficial to the body.

Shilajit and High Blood Pressure

Only one study using Daphnias was made to understand how shilajit affects heart-rate and to serve as a preliminary look towards its effect in high blood pressure. In said study, Daphnia’s were used because they react well to cardioactive drugs and are transparent, so monitoring heart rate is relatively easy. Their results showed a lowering effect on heart rate in low shilajit concentrations, but higher concentrations increased heart rate considerably.. The specific action is not yet understood.

There are no clinical studies that help support the notion that shilajit can lower or increase high blood pressure. Although proprietary drugs like Abana which is well researched and is considered to have shilajit, indicated as a hypotensive supplement, it is uncertain how shilajit plays a role since it also contains a few other herbs all known to help lower blood pressure levels. There are no studies that support it as a blood thinner as well. However, a few studies with relevance to the condition have been carried out and prove instructive in understanding whether or not; shilajit proffer any benefits for high blood pressure. And, so this article will discuss those studies and attempt to piece together their results to get to a conclusion.

Can shilajit cause high blood pressure?

Researchers from the Department of Biochemistry, SMS Medical College, in Jaipur, India, in collaboration with the National Institute of Ayurveda studied the effects of shilajit on blood chemistry. Their research is instructive on the subject.

Thirty students participated in the study, with 20 given 2 grams shilajit per day for 45 days. The rest received a placebo pill. No discernible changes towards blood pressure, pulse rate, and body weight were observed. They also found that it did not alter hematological parameters even at a dose as high as 2 grams per day. However, they noted decreased lipid profiles, indicative of a hypolipidemic and cardio-protective effect which will be discussed later.

Shilajit and high Blood pressure: Is there a lowering effect?

A study comparing Simvastatin and shilajit to see how effective they were for hyperlipidemia is instructive. Albino rats were given hyperlipidemia inducing diets, with different groups receiving shilajit and Simvastatin. Both results showed a reduction in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. Simvastatin showed more efficacy in upping HDL levels and lowering LDL. It is unknown how these substances are lowered or the mechanism behind it. The researchers opined that it is possible shilajit’s humic acids may induce an antiatherogenic effect meaning it may reduce the risk of atherosclerosis. We will discuss later how these things are correlated.

Obesity and Hyperlipidemia

Another study involving shilajit and its effects on the lipid profile was conducted, but this time, with obese rats. The researchers found that a dose-dependent intake helped decreased the weight of the rats and improved lipid profiles, consistent with other studies.

Diabetes and Hypertension

Diabetes was induced in rats to see how shilajit affected blood glucose levels. Diabetes or elevated blood sugar increases the risk of developing hypertension. In all three doses, used (50, 100, and 200mg per day), a reduction in glucose levels was observed and consistent with the other studies, an improvement in lipid profile was duly noted.

Benefits of Shilajit For Blood Pressure

In all of these studies, one thing is certainly consistent. Shilajit may not decrease high blood pressure or increase it, but it does improve lipid profiles. This is important since elevated blood lipids may be correlated to the development of hypertension. Dyslipidemia is characterized by the elevation cholesterol, triglyceride, and other lipid components in the blood. Cholesterol attaches to the walls and the arteries forming plaque that stiffens and narrows it, and elevates blood pressure, and strains the heart to work harder. With LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides lowered, the risks of developing hypertension may be reduced.

The antioxidant activity of fulvic acid was also found to help maintain vitamin C and E at healthy levels in the blood which can prevent lipid peroxidation. It even increased the levels in the blood. Note: Only processed and purified shilajit contains powerful antioxidative properties.

The study on blood chemistry showed that shilajit does not increase or lower blood pressure, heart rate, and does not alter any blood components. This may suggest that shilajit may not increase blood pressure, nor lower it as well.

Obesity is closely linked to hypertension, as well. A person’s weight can harm the heart and the arteries. The result of the study suggests that shilajit may help weight reduction. Excess weight may increase the risk of developing hypertension, and dyslipidemia is heavily correlated in obesity.

Is Shilajit good for high blood pressure?

Until we have clinical studies supporting the use of shilajit to counter elevated blood pressure or hypertension, we can only deduce, for now at least, that it does not affect it. It has no lowering or increasing impact, and likely it has no effect if levels are normal.

However, it may be able to prevent or even control it by helping the body normalize blood lipid levels. No direct effect to hypertension can be seen but, shilajit may promote a healthy heart and arterial health by lowering lipid levels and improving HDL cholesterol. If these factors are normalized, the likelihood of hypertension and ultimately, stroke and cardiac disease will be lowered.

For now, further research is needed for a complete picture regarding shilajit’s effect against hypertension. Human clinical data is needed for this. And so, In conclusion:

  • No clinical study nor data suggest that shilajit may lower or increase high blood pressure.
  • Animal study and limited blood chemistry studies suggest that shilajit may help improve lipid profile by lowering total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol and improving HDL levels.