The number of deaths related to tuberculosis continues to rise each year. This might be because of the reemergence of the disease related to immunosuppressive illnesses, such as HIV. Or it may be related to the paucity of new tools which doctors have in order to combat the disease. It was 1891 since the last effective diagnostic tool for latent tuberculosis was developed. It was 1921 since the last vaccine for tuberculosis and 1967 since the last new first-line drug class for treatment of tuberculosis was developed.

The expanding epidemic of HIV and AIDS, as well as the overcrowding of cities, poor nutrition and hygiene and emergence of multi-drugs resistant bacteria, all contrive to increase the number of deaths from the disease that has been documented since 2400 B.C.

Doctors and scientists all over the world are conducting research into the bacteria which causes tuberculosis, mycobacteria tuberculosis. Research studies are being designed to answer important questions about both diagnosis and treatment and to find new approaches which are both safe and effective.

Continue reading " Research Into Tuberculosis "

The old adage “We Are What We Eat” holds truth in many different healthcare scenarios, not the least of which is when couples are attempting to become pregnant. It has almost become a clich in the news media that diet, exercise and lifestyle choices will affect everything from the health of your heart to health related issues or the development of cancer. The reality is that all of those things are true. When we feed our bodies the right vitamins, minerals and antioxidants cells are able to reproduce appropriately and the body has more optimal health.

Fertility is really no different. Interestingly farmers, ranchers and animal scientists know more about how nutrition affects the fertility in their cows and eggs then physicians and researchers know how it affects reproduction in humans.

Continue reading " Fertility Diets "

Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that are made up mostly of smooth muscle and fiber is connections. These types of tumors generally do not cause cancer or are not considered pre-cancerous. However, because they are dependent upon the hormone estrogen, any fibroid tumor found to be growing quickly or after menopause can signal a pre-cancerous state.

Uterine fibroids can be microscopic in size and cause absolutely no symptoms or become the size of a small basketball. As they grow larger the symptoms will disrupt the life of a woman and cause feelings of heaviness in the public region, urinary frequency, constipation, pain with sexual intercourse and heavy menstrual bleeding that often leads to anemia.

Physicians have several pharmaceutical options that are short-term alternatives in order to shrink fibroids before a more permanent surgical solution. These permanent solutions are usually endometrial ablation, uterine artery or uterine fibroids embolization, laser treatment and hysterectomy. However, most of these options do not retain the fertility for the woman or they cost a permanent loss of the uterus.

Continue reading " Natural Remedies for Fibroids "

HEADACHE? EAT FISH – Eat plenty of fish. Fish oil helps prevent headaches. So does ginger, which reduces inflammation and pain.

HAY FEVER?! EAT YOGURT – Eat lots of yogurt before pollen season. Also eat honey from your local area daily.

PREVENT STROKE DRINK TEA – Prevent build-up of fatty deposits on artery walls with regular doses of tea. (Green tea is great for immune system)!

INSOMNIA (CAN ‘T SLEEP?) HONEY – Use honey as a tranquilizer and sedative.

ASTHMA? EAT ONIONS – Eating onions helps ease constriction of bronchial tubes. (Years ago, people would place onion packs on the chest, helped respiratory ailments & made breathing better).

ARTHRITIS? EAT FISH – Salmon, tuna, mackerel and sardines actually prevent arthritis. (fish has omega oils)

UPSET STOMACH? BANANAS & GINGER – Bananas settles an upset stomach. Ginger will cure morning sickness and nausea.

BLADDER INFECTION? DRINK CRANBERRY JUICE – High-acid cranberry juice controls harmful bacteria.

BONE PROBLEMS? EAT PINEAPPLE – Bone fractures and osteoporosis can be prevented by manganese in pineapple.

Continue reading " Health Tidbits "

Natural skin care products may be the answer if you are concerned about the chemicals in most commercial cosmetic products. Some of these chemicals may be toxic enough to actually accelerate the aging process, which is the opposite of what you are trying to accomplish with your skin care. Even in these days of increased regulation and consumer watchdog groups, there are a number of new products introduced each year that still contain damaging chemicals.

Almost nine hundred toxic chemicals have been found in commercial cosmetic products by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. The Cancer Coalition has stated that cosmetic and personal care products pose a higher threat of cancer than even smoking cigarettes. Compounding the problem is the vast amount of incorrect information distributed by marketing departments to attract new customers.

Continue reading " An Insider’s Guide to Natural Skin Care "