Natural asthma treatment versus conventional medical science:

The medicines for asthma often involves the use of an inhaler and/or a nebulizer, which can bring instant relief of asthma symptoms. What if the medicine causes unwanted side effects?  Those who are allergic to asthma medicines find themselves in a predicament. There are a number of reportedly effective natural asthma remedies. Of course, since the FDA does not endorse these, it may take more time to be accepted by the general public. The point is, that you do have choices if you are willing to try them.

As a overall statement, Mother Nature has provided a cure for every disease known to mankind. Sometimes, humans underestimate the force of Mother Nature and proportionately overestimate their capacity to intervene. It is true that modern science has achieved the capacity for miraculous results.

However, it is still far behind the breathtaking power of nature. One of the most popular natural remedies is homeopathy. This can be given over many years without any fear of having any harmful reactions. There are also a number of herbs that can be used as an alternative asthma treatment. However, their ability will be proportionate to the capability of the person who specializes in herbal medicines.

Hypnosis and acupuncture are also viable natural treatments. Though they cannot be labelled strictly as natural asthma remedies, they can provide natural long-term relief to both children and adults. The only thing that one must consider in this case of trying out a hypnotherapy session is the certification of the hypnotist. You will find hypnosis listed under natural cure for asthma  and many find it a good alternative. The success of this method of treatment depends upon the therapist and the patient’s state of mind.

Some find acupuncture a very effective method to treat asthma. This medical care involves stimulating of internal chemical reaction with the application of needles at particular nerve points. There is acupuncture, which involves needles to stimulate chemical reactions within the body to correct the existing imbalances. Many people reported that acupuncture is extremely helpful. One should be very careful however regarding the sterilization of the needles.

A possible option is to to carry your own set with you, which can be thrown away after each session. For those who are squeamish about the use of needles, one can choose the use of acupressure, which acts on the same concept; however, instead of needles (puncturing of the skin) it uses pressure. This form of treatment is considered much safer than acupuncture.

Another supposedly effective alternative remedy for asthma is yoga.  Yoga is an ancient science originating from India, whereby one does some particular exercises (the positions of which are called asanas) by which the problems inside the body and mind can be cured. Some people find it highly effective, while the strange body positions that the yoga involves horrify some people. It depends upon you if you would like to choose this type of any other natural cure for asthma.

How do you choose the right alternative asthma treatment for you? Before making up your mind, it would be good if you do your own research and judge for yourself. The best method to find out what could be the best choice for you is by asking friends and relatives. Another good manner of gathering accurate information is the utilization of the internet. Do some research and find out the merits and demerits of all the alternative remedies for asthma that you are interested in.

One vital thing is to ensure is that none of the methods of treatment have any adverse effects that could act detrimentally against your asthma instead of alleviating symptoms.  It would be better if you consult a doctor before you embark on any ‘unconventional course of action’ with the proposed natural asthma remedy. Most family doctors have a good and up-to-date knowledge of the best available options.

The author, Gregory De Villiers, writes on a variety of health and wellness topics. Visit
http://www.free-asthma-remedies.com for more information on asthma treatment and alternative asthma remedies.

Article Source

For more natural asthma remedies click here

Mother says, “A Noni a day, will keep the doctor away.”

Hi, my name is John, and I want to let you know the truth about Noni - also known in the world of plants as morinda citrifolia. I am qualified to share Noni with you, not only because I am a youthful looking, handsome, and sexy guy, but also because I have a Noni plant growing in my back yard.

Yes, right here behind my house in the Philippines, and many of my neighbor’s yards have noni plants also. The black volcanic soil here is excellent for growing the noni plants. My wife went outside this afternoon and picked a small basket of fresh Noni fruit for me for later today. Lucky me!!!

When I drink the noni fruit juice, I like to mix it with a little pineapple juice and 7-Up to make the taste easier to swallow. The seeds are very spicy - like hot peppers — and burn my tongue when I suck on them to get loose the flesh of the fruit.

Was I surprised … The very first time I ate some of the fresh Noni fruit and drank the juice it had an immediate effect on my health. The very next day, I noticed that my back pains had vanished - gone away - and stayed away, as long as I consumed Noni fruit and juice every day. I have had lower back pains for over 40 years. Chiropractors helped, but the pain still did not go away.

Guess what - the cravings I had always had for snacks, junk foods, and sweets disappeared the very next day after taking Noni. I was definitely eating too much and gaining weight. After using Noni, my weight loss problems are gone.

I know - this is all only anecdotal evidence, and not based on any scientific study involving my use of Noni - but I am convinced of the benefits of using Noni. For me - it helps tremendously in making me feel better. It has cleared up a lot of medical and health problems that previously were dogging me.

This all started about 20 years ago. The noni fruit that I have eaten for many years has helped me feel healthier, look younger, lose weight, given me youthful skin, with fewer aches and pains of old age. You might call me a “health nut” because of all the health information I am constantly digesting about alternative medicine, vitamins, supplements, minerals, antioxidants, folk medicine, herbals, and so forth.

My body is over 60 years old, but most folks think I am in my late 40’s. My youthful looks are likely due to the various herbs, vitamins, and supplements, including noni, that I take every day. I have been a serious “health nut” for about 20+ years now.

My studies, research, and use of herbal products have convinced me of the tremendous health value and benefits of herbs in my diet. I have seen my own health and well being improved, sometimes slowly, but always surely. Try Noni yourself - you will see positive changes in your body.

A physician trained at Johns Hopkins studied the affects of Noni on 25,000 Noni juice drinkers and found very positive effects for 29 health conditions in their lives. What can Noni do for you?

Try it for yourself, and see the changes in your body. Imagine feeling good again, looking younger, smoother and softer skin, improved digestion, fewer aches and pains, feeling healthier, lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and sugar levels, strengthen your body’s natural ability to fight tumors, viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections, having more energy, feeling more alert, more energetic, and more balanced. What more could you ask for!

Research studies suggest that the compounds found in Noni may work at the cellular level in the human body to help abnormally functioning cells resume normal function and help normal cells maintain regular function.

There are several theories that may explain why Noni works so very beneficially in the body. Some believe it is a selection of polysaccharides, giving Noni fruit its beneficial effects. Other theories, based on research study findings, suggest that Noni promotes the production of nitric oxide in the body, which has been shown to strengthen the body’s natural ability to fight tumors, viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections.

A more popular explanation is called the “xeronine system” developed by the forerunner in Noni research, Dr. Ralph Heinicke Ph.D. who teamed up with Dr. Neil Solomon, a medical doctor. The Heinicke-Solomon Theory explains Noni’s wide range of effectiveness in the human body.

The ancient Aryan physicians of India especially valued Noni fruit because it protected the skin from becoming dry and cracked from the sun. My investigation of the published scientific literature on Morinda citrifolia yielded more than 100 articles pertaining to this medicinal Noni plant.

After I started taking Noni, I found that I was more alert, more energetic, more balanced, my skin was glowing more than I could ever recall, my hunger for junk foods was gone, and my digestion was greatly improved. I attributed the benefits of noni to the interaction of the known components along with the unknown components, which perhaps work synergistically with all the other nutrients to give me optimum health.

Researchers have reported that significant reductions in total cholesterol and triglycerides were seen in smokers who drank a product containing juice from the fruit of the noni tree every day for a month.

Here where I live in the Philippines, and elsewhere, natives use Noni for digestive problems such as diarrhea, intestinal worms, nausea, food poisoning; respiratory problems such as congestive cough, dry cough, tuberculosis, cholera, infant chest colds and sore throat; cardiovascular problems, hypertension; inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, abscesses, mastitis, gout and other inflammatory joint conditions.

It is a noted analgesic or pain reliever. One of the most common uses of noni has been in the area of skin conditions, being utilized for wounds, ulcers, abscesses, ring worm, boils, cellulitis, swellings, scalp conditions, including lice, and sores. It has been used in the treatment of tumors and broken bones, jaundice and other forms of liver disease, as well as treating asthma and dysentery, hypercholesterolemia, menstrual cramps, gastric ulcers and diabetes.

About The Author: John is the owner of http://www.Noni-Morinda-Citrifolia.com, the Number One source for Noni Information. John and his family live in the Philippines. Please visit his Website and feel free to email any questions to him at elcantorio@gmail.com

MORE IMMUNE SYSTEM BOOSTERS

Ahh, summertime is here, and it is time for a vacation. It’s time for you and your family, (or just you yourself), to get out there, explore someplace new, visit family and friends, or just go to the beach. So, of course, you pack your necessary clothes, toothbrush, comb, hair dryer, etc., you have everything, right?

How about your weight loss exercise program?

What about your local gym that you go to?

Or the fitness devices you have at home?

Can you use your vacation as a fitness vacation, also?

Did you pack your discipline, too? Because you’ll need it when you go to all of those restaurants you’ll be going to.

Well, if you forgot to pack those (which most people do when they go on vacation), don’t worry, I am here to help you with all of those questions while you are on vacation.

While vacation is for having fun, you should NEVER lose sight of the big picture. And that is to lose weight, stay in shape, changing your lifestyle, etc.

I can hear the excuse train coming already…

“It’s too hard to work out while I’m on vacation.”

“How will I ever eat right when we go out to eat at restaurants the whole time?”

“Where will I work out at?”

Etc. etc. etc.

Always an excuse, right?

First of all, yes, it will probably be more difficult to stay on your fitness regimen while you are on vacation.

I’ll give you that.

But that’s all I will give you.

You can and MUST get it done…many people do it, including myself…so, it can be done.

Inconvenient?…maybe. Impossible?…Not even close.

There are people in this world who do the most amazing things to survive day in and day out…so before you start complaining that thinking ahead and planning how you will stay fit on your vacation is sooooo hard…just realize that people are always doing bigger and better things.

Now that that’s out of the way…let’s get into the “how” you will manage to stay fit on vacation.

Let me show you how, it’s really not that hard.

Ok, sample scenario…

You and your family are driving to the beach, staying at a nearby hotel for a few days.

Sounds like a basic family vacation, right?

Let’s see what you can do…

1. Stop by a grocery store (there are some by the beach too, you know) and stock up on fruits, vegetables, other assorted healthy snacks (low-fat yogurt, granola, raisins, etc.) to keep in your hotel room as snacks.

2. Also, you can buy bottled water, healthy juices (NOT the ones loaded with added sugar), teas, etc.

3. Most hotels have a small refrigerator (or…just go to the local Walgreen’s and buy a styrofoam cooler to put all of your stuff in). You just have to get ice from your hotel (and change it every day or so).

4. When you do go to restaurants (and there are usually a TON of them wherever you go on vacation)…pick a restaurant that offers a lot of lean meats, fruits, and vegetables.

5. If you need to, eat just enough to tide you over for when you get back to your hotel room…then you can eat from your healthy snacks.

6. Share a healthy chicken, turkey, or fish dish with a member of your family.

7. Stay FAR AWAY from onion rings, french fries, mozzarella sticks, etc.

8. Most hotels have a gym…use it…they also have carpeted floors…use them for doing pushups and other body-weight exercises (more to come on that in the future).

9. Take a brisk walk on the beach in the morning and night…there’s nothing much better than watching a sunrise and sunset while you are exercising.

10. Or, just do this little routine………brisk walk for 2 minutes, do 10 pushups, then 15 jumping jacks, then sprint for 15 seconds….rest for 2 minutes and repeat.

There you go…….I just gave you 10 things you can do to stay fit while on vacation…what other things can you do?

Nothing short of hundreds…maybe thousands.

But it’s about that time.

Let that marinate in your brain for a while…then stop on over to http://www.fitnesswithchris.com for some of the best health and fitness tips you can possibly find. As you should know by now, I’m always here to help you achieve your health and fitness goals. Don’t be afraid to ask me for help, it’s time you turn yourself into the person you’ve always wanted to be.

I’ll talk to you soon.

Chris C.

About The Author: Chris Callegari, founder of http://www.fitnesswithchris.com is unleashing his real-world exercise, fitness, nutrition, and healthy eating tips to the world, to help support lifestyle changes for any and everyone.

Once you open a magazine you are doomed to pay attention to the icons that are portrayed in every position imaginable. Advertisements, with models showing off a totally white, happy, illustrious, bright smile, jump out the glossy pages making people think twice of their last attempt to smile and show their teeth to another person or to themselves in front of the bathroom mirror.

So, in case you cover your mouth each time someone says something funny that makes you laugh, perhaps it is time to do something about this uncomfortable situation. It is not a real solution to hide your teeth because you are not proud of their current color. You should do something about it, but only if your dentist advises you so.

If you belong to this group of people thinking that their smile is not white enough, given the fact that your dentist has finished any procedure your teeth needed to be straight and healthy, the first step you need to do is to follow a dental hygiene plan as your doctor recommends and sticking with it.

Brushing your teeth twice a day is a must and you should always remember to use the appropriate toothpaste type and a toothbrush that makes you feel comfortable and does not hurt your gums when you are brushing them.

Next, if you still believe that your teeth are not white enough do not run to the nearest dentist clinic to request the next available appointment so as to perform a whitening procedure. This is advised, because the images you are bombarded with daily are not always true.

Thus, you should initially get over the fact that models, actresses, singers and TV hosts appear having perfectly white smiles. Most of them, according to experts, have gone through tremendously difficult and painful procedures in order to attain such a result, exactly because they have to sell their image and follow the generally accepted rules of showbiz.

Your dentist should be the first one you should turn to and request his or her expert opinion. Ask for the pros and cons of every possible procedure available today and of course allow a day or two after you collect all the necessary information before you decide to go ahead and perform a whitening plan.

Finally, you should know that all the toothpastes that have the whitening label on, can actually get rid off teeth stains but do not bleach your teeth. For more thorough whitening process, you should consider buying a brand that offers over the counter dental strips and follow their instructions until the end of the period recommended for use.

If for instance the brand you buy recommends you to use the strips for 14 days, do not stop the procedure because two days have gone by and you are not yet able to see the results.

It usually takes a full application period before you can whiteness any difference on your teeth’s coloring. Stick with the whitening plan of your choice and do not forget to continue performing your brushing every day and night so you can avoid much greater problems than teeth coloring in the future.

Whitening your teeth has recently become a matter of extreme importance for a great number of people. It is true that a beautiful smile can travel a long way and it is comforting to know that it is not unattainable.

Some dentist advice their clients to go ahead and perform an effective, but usually costly, plan, while others believe that some methods that have not yet been adequately tested can have really dangerous results and people should follow simple techniques, like for instance, to avoid some practices such as smoking.

The truth, for most people, lies somewhere in between. A whiter smile can be attained, but any method should be followed with great caution and after the interested individual obtains all the necessary information from a variety of sources.

About The Author: Jonathon Hardcastle writes articles for http://allaboutourhealth.net/ - In addition, Jonathon also writes articles for http://yournutritionsource.net/ and http://wonderfulworldoffood.com/

Maximum Teeth Whitening (MTW)

Maximum Teeth Whitening (MTW™) delivers the exact same professional tooth whitening system (ingredients and methodology) dentists use for their patients who want the convenience and affordability of at home teeth whitening.

Unlike many tooth whiteners on the market, Maximum Teeth Whitening only requires 15-30 minutes for an application rather than hours by most other at home teeth whitening kits.

Maximum Teeth Whitening has a higher percentage of active teeth whitening ingredients than most other products and is ph optimized to maximize the tooth whitening process.

Maximum whitening – Minimum Time . Reduced number of applications. More whitening power means less time, effort and number of applications which makes MTW™ more convenient and less expensive as well. One tooth whitening kit will give you a dramatically whiter smile that your friends will definitely notice!

Your new bright smile will last up to a year, less if you are a coffee drinker or smoke - then just a touch-up once and a while brings back the beautiful whiteness that has made you so proud of your teeth.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE
Teeth Whitening Products and Dental Supplies

Acid reflux, also known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is technically defined as chronic symptoms or mucosal damage produced by the abnormal reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus. This is commonly due to transient or permanent changes in the barrier between the esophagus and the stomach.

Symptoms of heartburn in adults is the major symptom of acid reflux, characterized by a burning discomfort behind the breastbone. Some of the symptoms of acid reflux in adults include difficulty swallowing and chronic throat and chest pain. Some people may have only one of those symptoms.

Atypical symptoms of acid reflux include burning sensation at the base of the throat, cough, hoarseness, changes of the voice, chronic ear ache, or sinusitis.

Complications of acid reflux include stricture formation, Barrett’s esophagus, esophageal ulcers and possibly even esophageal cancer.

Occasional heartburn is common but does not necessarily mean one has acid reflux. Patients that have heartburn symptoms more than once a week are at risk of developing acid reflux. The presence of a hiatal hernia is a risk factor for development of acid reflux.

Symptoms of acid reflux may be difficult to detect in infants and children. Symptoms may vary from typical adult symptoms. Acid Reflux in children may cause repeated vomiting, effortless spitting up, coughing, and other respiratory problems.

Inconsolable crying, failure to gain adequate weight, refusing food and bad breath are also common. Children may have one symptom or many. No single symptom is universally present in all children suffering from acid reflux.

Babies’ immature digestive systems are usually the cause, and most infants stop having acid reflux by the time they reach their first birthday. Some children don’t outgrow acid reflux and continue to have it into their teen years.

Children that have had heartburn that doesn’t seem to go away, or any other symptoms of acid reflux for a while, should talk to their parents and visit their doctor.

Certain foods promote acid reflux. They include but are not limited to: Coffee, alcohol, calcium supplements, and excessive amounts of Vitamin C supplements are stimulants of gastric acid secretion. Taking these before bedtime especially can promote acid reflux in the evening. Calcium containing antacids is a good example of this.

Foods high in fats and smoking reduce lower esophageal sphincter competence, so avoiding these tends to help, as well. Fat also delays emptying of the stomach.

Having more but smaller meals also reduces the risk of acid reflux. Why? Because there is less food in the stomach at any one time.

Disclaimer The information presented here should not be interpreted as medical advice. If you or someone you know suffers from acid reflux, please seek professional medical advice for the latest treatment options.

About The Author: This article is Copyright © 2006, Heather Colman. Permission is granted to reprint this article as long as no changes are made, and this entire resource box is included. Find more acid reflux resources at: http://www.acid-reflux-press.info

GHS Health-Zymes
It’s A Natural Fact . . . Your Body’s Digestion Is Highly Enzyme Dependent! Did You Know That . . . Enzymes are the energy used to rebuild your cells, tissues, glands, muscles, nerves, and bones. Enzymes assist in the storing of nutrients and glucose in your liver and muscles for future energy use. Without enzymes, life could not exist, especially in human beings. A lack of enzymes will create illness, lower resistance, cause stresses of all types, and create physiological environments within your body that can lead to a shortened life span. By supplementing what you eat with GHS Health-Zymes™, you can stop, or at least slow down, this abnormal and pathological aging process.

A major benefit of being a fulltime employee at an American corporation is the security of health coverage. Medical costs along with the cost of health insurance have skyrocketed in the past 60 years.

Under these circumstances, insurance coverage provided by employers, who enjoy tax benefits for giving health benefits to their workers, has helped foster loyalty and reduced the financial stress of thousands of American employees, many of whom would not be able to afford health insurance if purchased privately.

Just how expensive those skyrocketing insurance costs really are becomes painfully obvious when someone loses a job. The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA), requires insurance companies to continue to make their plans available to former employees who have left a group policy due to unemployment.

However, when you sign up for COBRA, you suddenly find yourself paying much more for your health coverage than what you were paying at the time you were employed. The financial burden can be unbearable, as at the same time you have probably lost your primary source of income. The national average cost per family for COBRA is in excess of $500 a month. For a relatively healthy person who rarely visits a doctor, the cost of COBRA may seem unacceptably high.

However, thousands of people who have opted not to continue with their health insurance because of its costs have come to regret the choice. In fact, every 30 seconds someone in the United States files for bankruptcy following a major medical emergency. The vast majority found themselves seriously sick or injured without health insurance coverage.

Fortunately, an inexpensive alternative to COBRA exists that can fill in the gaps between jobs. Temporary low-cost health insurance typically has a much higher deductible than COBRA, but also very affordable rates. It’s possible to receive coverage in a matter of days, if not hours.

Who generally purchases short-term temporary health insurance? The list includes people who have left a company for another job or were laid off, students wh are about to graduate from college and need a plan to cover them after they leave school and before the enter the workforce, spouses waiting for coverage from a wife or husband, young adults who are coming off parents’ health plans as a dependent, employees who are now working part time or as temporary workers, and other people who are waiting for permanent health insurance to commence.

While the affordable prices are attractive, it’s important to remember that temporary low-cost health insurance is considered a “stop gap” for individuals who are between jobs that normally provide complete healthcare benefits. These policies are not designed as a long-term solution.

Who Qualifies? Everyone who is young and healthy probably qualifies for temporary low-cost health insurance. Those that likely may not qualify include someone who has a pre-existing condition, is over the age of 65, or who has been rejected for insurance before. Pre-existing conditions are generally defined as any condition or symptom which you had during the 3-year period prior to the start of coverage.

Generally, the holder of a temporary low-cost health insurance policy should plan on having the policy a year or less. Some policies do last 2 years, and rarely last for 3 years or longer. Many policies allow people to renew after the policy has run its course, but usually customers are limited to renewing a policy only once.

Temporary low-cost health insurance policies apply on a per-illness or per-injury basis. You will likely be required to pay a deductible, with your insurance company paying some portion of the next $5,000 in healthcare expenses, before 100 percent coverage takes effect. Plan maximums are typically $1 million to $2 million. Healthcare expenses ranging from emergency services to surgery, prescription drugs to hospital care are typically covered by the policies.

If you do have a pre-existing condition, it’s unlikely you will qualify for temporary health insurance. But it’s still too financially risky to function without some kind of insurance coverage. Your best option may be to apply for a low-income health insurance plan. Medicare, a health insurance program of the federal government, covers senior citizens aged 65 and over, as well as the disabled of any age. Medicaid is usually available for pregnant women, depending on a woman’s income and family size.

Greg Roy is a business owner, writer, and father. Find out more about the benefits of health insurance at http://health.insurance-deal-s.com
 

Infertility issues are stressful enough for couples to deal with and can create any number of emotional reactions. During treatment, couples are given the opportunity to realise their ambitions for conception yet, financially, it can present a huge burden on their resources. Infertility insurance should be strongly considered and in most cases can ease this financial burden.

Infertility Insurance - The Options

These can vary from country to country. Essentially, insurance in this area works like any other type of insurance depending on the type of procedures involved. You pay a monthly premium and are entitled to claim a percentage of the cost of the treatment.

However, because infertility is such a complex and at times, drawn out ordeal, the cost of treatment can amount to exhorbitant levels not to mention the uncertainty of success and it is for this reason insurance companies have been loathe to offer infertility coverage.

The good news though, particularly in the United States, is there is a shift towards making infertility insurance mandatory under typical health coverage schemes as has been already applied in some states.

Eligibility - Sorting Out The Confusion

If you are reading this and are planning to have your first child in the next couple of years then it may be a good time to look at the pros and cons of infertility insurance. Why? Well, there is certain criteria that needs to be met. Many couples have been left with huge financial committments because they investigated insurance only after infertility was established. So who is eligible?

Couples who haven’t been able to conceive for a certain period of time and who in most cases are under the age of 40 will be in a good position to qualify for insurance. Remember though, if infertility has already been established and treatment has commenced then it’s highly unlikely that coverage will be available.

Requirements made vary from insurer to insurer so make sure you check several options. If you have been an insurance policy holder for a certain period of time then again, you may be strongly considered for infertility coverage. There may be several grey areas regarding eligibility so be forthright and inquisitive when doing your due diligence.

There are several options available to propective policy holders who qualify but the main three categories include standard, refund and financing programs. Standard coverage involves a monthly premium and covers you up to a designated dollar amount. This is usually the most affordable type of infertility insurance.

Refund programs require treatment payments up front but in the event of unsuccessful procedures, then you are entitled to be refunded a portion of your initial outlay and this amount can vary significantly. Financing is a little more complex and if considering this option, then you need to discuss it with your clinic of choice.

One more thing… infertility insurance is an “umbrella” that encompasses any number of treatments. Be clear on exactly what you are being covered for. Avoid any nasty surprises following the completion of treatment by knowing exactly what your plan covers.

Dean Caporella is a professional broadcaster. Read the latest infertility news and reviews including infertility insurance and related information at:http://www.infertilityline.com

Click here for
Natural Remedies for Infertility

If you or someone you know has a family member with dementia, then you know what a difficult, debilitating disorder it is. Dementia is a disorder of the nervous system that affects the ability to reason, speak, remember, and move. In some cases, this condition grows worse over time and cannot be cured. Other types can be treated and reversed.

What are the causes of dementia?

The most common causes of dementia are diseases such as the following:

(1) Alzheimer disease - A loss of nerve cells in the brain affects memory and other mental functions. This disease is progressive, and the exact cause is unknown. Ten percent of Americans over the age of 65 have Alzheimer, and the percentage increases to nearly half for those 85 and older.

(2) Parkinson disease - This disorder affects physical movement, and symptoms include tremors, speech impairment, and a shuffling gait. In later stages, some people develop dementia.

(3) Lewy body dementia - This form of dementia occurs when abnormal round structures, called Lewy bodies, develop in the cells of the midbrain. This condition shares characteristics of both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson disease.

(4) Vascular dementia - This form of dementia occurs when arteries to the brain become narrow or blocked. This type often occurs after a stroke. The symptoms may appear abruptly or progress slowly over time. Vascular dementia may be prevented by treating the underlying diseases, such as high blood pressure.

(5) Huntington disease - This hereditary disorder begins with mild personality changes, but in later stages it can develop into dementia.

Other conditions can cause dementia or dementia-like symptoms, including severe nutritional deficiencies, emotional problems, infections of the brain such as meningitis, reactions to some medications, and metabolic abnormalities such as decreased thyroid function or hypoglycemia, a lack of sufficient sugar in the bloodstream. Some are reversible with treatment.

Can you prevent dementia?

You can prevent some forms of dementia, such as dementia due to a vitamin B-1 deficiency, by ensuring that you eat a nutritious, balanced diet. You may also be able to prevent vascular dementia by taking good care of your heart with the help of your physician. And if you are diabetic, controlling your diabetes is critical. In many cases, though, there is no sure-fire way to prevent dementia.

A recent study at the Mayo clinic indicates that people who do not have psychiatric problems but who score very high on a personality test’s pessimism scale have a 30 percent increased risk of developing dementia several decades later.

The same holds true for those people who score very high on the depression scale of personality test. For people who score high in both anxiety and pessimism, the risk of developing dementia later in life rises to 40 percent or more. So developing a positive attitude and getting help if you suffer from depression may be helpful.

Doctors also recommend keeping your mind sharp by reading, writing stories, playing games, or starting a new hobby. Staying connected with friends and family also helps stimulate your memory and mental processes.

How to cope with dementia?

If you are providing care for someone with dementia, it is important to honor and recognize your own feelings of frustration and helplessness. However, when you feel frustrated, it is also important that you learn to express that feeling appropriately and ask for help when you need it. You must also take care of yourself and make time for yourself. Seek outside support to help you through the process.

Even if you are not the primary caregiver for someone with dementia, trying to communicate with them can still be a frustrating experience. Patients with dementia understand what you say in the context of their own world. Trying to convince them that their world is incorrect or “not real” can make matters worse. Instead, it helps to remain calm and be sensitive to what they perceive to be reality.

For more information, click the following link:
http://www.softdental.com/about_services.html
SoftDental (website: http://www.softdental.com ) is Houston’s Premier Laser, Family, and Cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Minh Nguyen is one of the America’s Top Dentists.

Natural Remedies to Boost Memory,
Improve Mental Clarity and Concentration