Friday, April 24, 2015

NEW SPINE TEST REVEALS WHAT X-RAYS AND MRIS CAN'T

http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com/index.aspx?EID=31804&dt=20150423

Apr 23 2015 : The Times of India (Mumbai)
NEW SPINE TEST REVEALS WHAT X-RAYS AND MRIS CAN'T


It is shocking to discover that in over 85% of cases, the cause of back pain goes undiagnosed, which leads to chronic pain. Most people proceed to use hot or cold bags, apply ointments or go to the doctor if nothing helps. Often, the doctor calls for an X-ray or MRI. Sometimes, the recommendation is surgery and a typical patient then goes for a second opinion.When the diagnosis is incomplete, treatment is also bound to be. The advanced Digital Spine Analysis (DSA) changes this.For instance, 45-year-old Nilesh Sawant was suffering from severe back pain and numbness in his hands and feet. The condition did not allow him to sit or walk beyond 15 minutes. Three spinal surgeries at L5-S1, C3-C4, C2-C3 to relieve the pressure on his spinal nerves hadn't helped. Dejected, Nilesh accepted that cervical, sciatica, back and leg pain would be a part of his life.Luckily , his surgeon pointed him to Qi Spine Clinic where he underwent a spine function test called DSA after which spine specialists prescribed treatment. Within 18 sessions, the pain, cramps, numbness in hands and feet disappeared. After treatment, he was back on his morning brisk walks and had an improved standing posture. In fact, thousands of people have benefited from this precision diagnosis and treatment.
Where: Qi Spine Centre clinics are located at Thane, Navi Mumbai, Santacruz, Marine Lines, Andheri, Ghatkopar, Kandivli and Pune.
Call: 08655 88 55 66 Timings: 8 am to 8pm.
http:www.qispine.com (*Procedures given are based on the expert's understanding of the said field)


Tuesday, April 14, 2015

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Thanks to: http://www.onegreenplanet.org/natural-health/how-to-take-care-of-your-thyroid-on-a-plant-based-diet/

Our thyroid is one of the most important parts of our endocrine system; this glands regulates everything from our mood, our weight, our body temperature, metabolism, and even digestion. The confusing part about understanding if you have a thyroid problem is also realizing that all of these health issues can be both a cause and effect on the thyroid. One of the most “testy” glands in the human body, it’s essential to our overall wellness and is constantly changing to adapt to our current state of health. It acts as a modulator but is also very susceptible to our actions and as a result, it can become out of balance quickly.

What Our Thyroids Do on a Day to Day Basis

Our thyroid is a butterfly-shaped glands that is found in the front of our throats right below our Adam’s apple (the larynx). It’s responsible for regulating our thyroid hormones on a day to day basis. But what do those hormones do? There are three thyroid hormones, two of which are commonly known as T3 and T4. The other is lesser known, yet still important and called calcitonin. These hormones control the body’s metabolic rate as well as contribute to heart function, digestive health, muscle control, bone maintenance, and even brain development and mood. The release of these hormones are completely controlled by the TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) that’s produced by the pituitary gland. They are utilized in the body to assist with energy and also affect how other hormones in the body work as well.

Possible Thyroid Problems

It’s estimated that 30 million people have a thyroid disorder of some kind. Many people suffer from underactive thyroid, known as hypothyroidism, while others suffer from overactive thyroid disorder, or hyperthyroidism. Both can be detrimental to one’s health and cause a host of other health issues to occur as a result. Hypoythyroidism is most common, especially in women. It can lead to weight gain, a slowed metabolism, low energy, depression, digestion upset, mood problems, joint pain, poor memory, muscle stiffness, headaches and more. It often leads to autoimmune disease disorders known as Hashimoto’s and Graves disease due to the way the thyroid affects all major parts of the body. Hypothyroidism can cause anxious-like energy, problem gaining weight, higher body temperatures, trouble sleeping, and overactive digestion.
The reasons for a thyroid disorder are hard to pinpoint since many things can cause an imbalance quickly. A poor diet, too much or too little exercise, consistent stress, trauma, a food allergy, lack of rest, metabolic disorders, other hormone disorders, medication and birth control pills, and so many other things can affect one’s thyroid. Many women in their early 20′s and 30′s begin to show thyroid problems, but it can occur at any age, even babies and young children.

Nutrients Needed for a Healthy Thyroid

One of the main nutrients needed for a well-functioning thyroid is iodine, yet too much can actually pose a problem and lead to hypothyroidism, therefore it’s crucial not to just assume that taking an iodine supplement will fix the issue. Other nutrients necessary for a healthy thyroid (and metabolism) are B vitamins, good clean sources of fat, substantial amino acids (protein), and a variety of fruits and vegetables that supply high-quality vitamins and minerals. Though many animal foods contain B vitamins and some even have good sources of fat, such as fish, eating these foods are not necessary to maintaining a healthy thyroid. In fact, though fish is a natural source of iodine, it’s also dangerously high in mercury, with more and more research being found everyday just how toxic fish is to our bodies. Mercury can cause not only problems to our thyroid, but also permanent neurological damange. And while foods like eggs and lean poultry supply B vitamins and are a better option than red meat, they are overall not the best source of nutrition for long-term health.

How to Take Care of Your Thyroid on a Plant-Based Diet

Eating a diet that supports your thyroid is completely possible to do without animal products. The key thing to remember is to stay away from processed foods as much as possible because remember: Whatever you put in your body is used as either fuel or has to be circulated through the organs to be detoxified because it’s a foreign agent to the body. This slows down all the body’s intended purposes, including producing thyroid hormones. Your body doesn’t recognize chemicals, additives, hormones, pesticides and excessive amounts of processed salts and sugars. It needs real food.
Here are some key nutrients to focus on and the best sources: 

Iodine

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One of the best sources of iodine in a plant-based diet are blue-green algaes and kelp, which is where fish obtain their omega’s and their iodine from. Spirulina is one type of blue green algae and supplies plentiful amount of iodine with 10 percent of your daily needs. In conjunction with a well-balanced diet, one would be able to get enough iodine without worrying about an overdose in this single nutrient. A teaspoon a day in a smoothie would be a perfect amount to add just enough. Plus, it’s also an incredible source of food-based iron which is needed for optimal metabolism. Raw, unrefined pink sea salt is another excellent source of natural iodine from the earth and also contains other alkaline minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and sodium your metabolism needs to function at its best. Too little quality sodium and too much refined sodium can lead to blood pressure problems, metabolic disorders, and also thyroid disorders. Skip iodized (highly refined) processed salts and use real salt from the earth instead. 

B Vitamins

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B vitamins assist with metabolism, energy levels, digestion, mood health, and thyroid health. They are found abundantly in plant-based foods. Some of the best sources are: avocados, greens, sweet potatoes, broccoli, bananas, figs, nuts, seeds, spirulina, coconut, whole grains, sprouted grain (flourless) breads, beans, legumes, and nutritional yeast. Be sure to take a vitamin B12 supplement, preferably a sublingual or liquid form that is absorbed immediately in the bloodstream. Lack of vitamin B12 can also cause thyroid problems, but a supplement ensures everyone gets enough.

Vitamin D

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Global Jet/Flickr
Vitamin D acts as a hormone in the body; it plays a part in your mood, digestive, bone, blood, heart, and thyroid health. A shortage of vitamin D can lead to bone loss, digestion problems, depression or just general sadness, and fatigue. It’s also directly linked to Hashimoto’s disease, one of the autoimmune disorders tied to hypothyroidism, but is not yet known to be a direct cause or just a side effect. Either way, everyone should be obtaining optimal vitamin D levels as much as possible. Don’t rely on fortified foods (or even milk) as your go-to source; these foods contain the form of vitamin D known as vitamin D2, not vitamin D3, the optimal form. Vitamin D3 is the easiest for your body to absorb and use efficiently. It comes from the sun, therefore the best way to get enough is to get 15 minutes of sunlight daily. If you live in a cloudy location or can’t get outside daily, do look into a supplement. Be sure to purchase vitamin D3 (not vitamin D2) and double check that it’s plant-based so you’re not taking in lanolin (sheep’s skin) or fish oil found in most vitamin D3 supplements.

 Selenium

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You may have heard of this mineral being good for your skin, hair, or being great for men’s health — and you’d be right! Selenium is great for your skin and hair, along with men’s prostate health, but it’s also crucial to a healthy metabolism and thyroid. It’s primarily found and stored in the thyroid gland where it’s used to assist with the enzymatic breakdown of the thyroid hormones so they can be used by their body. Because when you think about it, even if these hormones are being produced, if your body can’t use them efficiently they aren’t going to do you much good. Selenium also supports the immune system and with fertility in both men and women. The easiest way to get enough? Eat one Brazil nut a day; they have over 100 percent of your daily needs in just one nut. If you’re not a fan of the taste, just toss them in a smoothie; you’ll never taste them! Though seafood offers natural selenium too, no other food rivals that of Brazil nuts. As a bonus, it’s easy to digest and has 2 grams of fiber plus plenty of healthy fats your body also needs for a optimal thyroid function.

Good Fats

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If you’re all about a fat-free diet for too long it could lead to thyroid problems. One reason being that healthy fats, specifically good saturated fats (found in coconut, cashews and cacao) are all necessary for a healthy thyroid. They help prevent high blood sugar levels that can lead to insulin swings which can alter metabolic health, increase stress hormones, and lead to hypothyroidism as a result. Try your best to avoid animal products with cholesterol since these have consistently been linked to other health issues like heart disease. You can get plenty of good saturated fats in your diet from raw coconut meat or raw coconut products (butter, shreds, flour), along with nuts like cashews that have a higher amount of saturated fats than some other nuts. Just a few tablespoons of these fats a day is all you need to support your body long-term. Other healthy sources of good fats to include in your diet include: almonds, avocados, dark chocolate (choose at least 85 percent cacao or higher or raw cacao), seeds, walnuts, and pecans. Avoid vegetable oils and try to only use coconut oil or olive oil if you choose to use oil at all.

What to Avoid to Take Care of Your Thyroid

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Excess caffeine, processed food, added and refined sugar, alcohol, and unhealthy fats can all cause problems with the thyroid and prevent optimal absorption of thyroid hormones in the body. There is also a great deal of controversy surrounding soy and cruciferous veggies due to their effects on the thyroid. The reason for this is because these foods contain natural goitrogenic properties. Goitrogens are a substance that prevents the use of thyroid hormones in the body. Know that though these foods do contain goitrogens, their effects on thyroid health only pose a negative problem if a great deal of them are eaten consistently on a day to day basis. It’s always best not to consume too much of any food, including these.
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Rotate your greens in your green smoothies, eat different sources of protein without only relying on soy, and eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, and a variety of beans and legumes if you tolerate them well. A well-varied diet is a key part in taking care of your thyroid long-term. There is also not enough research out yet that proves soy and cruciferous vegetables (kale, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower) are substantially harmful in small to moderate amounts. Use your discretion with these foods; if they make you feel great, keep eating them but if you notice problems, be sure to eat other healthy plant-based options instead. 
Hopefully now you know what you need to thrive on a plant-based diet, not just for your thyroid but for long-term health too. Be sure you explore our Plant-Based Nutrition Guidewhich can answer more health questions you may have. All in all, eat more plants, real food, and get enough movement, sunlight and try to manage your stress daily. These are the best things you can do for your thyroid and overall health.
Lead Image Source: Jackie Sobon/Flickr

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

What to Do if Someone Develops a Stroke?

Identifying in time the symptoms of stroke and rushing to a hospital which can handle emergency is the key.....Alok 



What to Do if Someone Develops a Stroke?

Published By: 
Published In: Neurological Health
Published Date: 

Stroke is one of the commonest occurring a diseases. Someone in the world develops a stroke every 40 seconds. Therefore, it is essential for everyone to know how to recognize a stroke. Especially since now we have a medicine that improves the outcome of the stroke. But the administration of the medicine has to be within the first three hours since the onset of stroke. Therefore recognizing the syndrome and getting to a hospital within that time frame is essential.
Therefore a quicker response to stroke is essential for a better treatment and thereby a reduced morbidity and mortality.
Stroke happens when the brain is either not getting enough blood supply, or when there has been a bleeding inside the brain due to a ruptured blood vessel. The damage and the symptoms may be temporary and recover quickly, or they may be long term and develop and persist over a period of time.
Stroke may develop acutely or in a staggered pattern depending on whether it is developing secondary to a bleed, a thrombus or an emboli. The symptoms may affect the sensorium, the senses, the power or more delicate functions like speech and vision.
Warning Signs of Stroke: 
Few of the symptoms and warning signs that one can look for are:
  • Weakness of a side of the body, including arms, legs and face, more commonly known as paralysis.
  • The weakness may be associated with tingling, numbness or sensory loss in the affected area. In few cases these sensory symptoms may happen without a paralysis.
  • Speech and vision may be affected. The patient cannot talk properly, or may not at all understand what is being said to them. Similarly they may not be able to see on one side, more commonly the affected side.
  • Sometimes the patient has a good power, but they are not well coordinated. The balance of the patient might be lost.
  • Sometimes all that the patients may complain of vertigo. Therefore, it is important for the doctor to know the other associated features one may have noted along with the dizziness, to rule out associated conditions.
  • Headache may be an associated feature. It is more commonly a feature of bleeding (with or without vomiting and/or loss of consciousness).

What to Do if Someone Develops a Stroke?

  • Remember that a stroke, or brain attack is a medical emergency.
  • You need to make sure that you do not ignore the symptoms.
  • Many times the signs and symptoms are neglected and attributed to other associated disease like diabetes or hypertension, or more frequently, age.
  • Remember, this is an emergency and every minute you delay counts.
  • Take the patient to the hospital immediately.
  • Make sure you know the time when the symptoms started. The doctor needs to know that.
  • Call an ambulance and rush to the hospital.
  • If you have the means to travel, do no wait for the two way journey time.
  • Get to the closest health care centre as soon as possible instead of trying to rush to a more distant prominent centre.
Consult a neurologist

https://www.icliniq.com/health-articles/health-topics/neurological-health/what-to-do-if-someone-develops-a-stroke%3F