Only men have prostate glands and they are situated underneath the bladder.
This tiny gland is about the same size as a large walnut and is comprised of two separate lobes with a layer of tissue on the outside. Some would argue that the prostate should not be called a gland, but an organ.
As men become older, the prostate gland often increases in size. During puberty it is a normal part of our growth cycle for the prostate to double in size.
When men reach the age of 25, or so, the prostate gland starts a second stage of growth. The gland continues to grow for many years and is the reason that it might become too enlarged, at some point.
The problem is that the layer of tissue that covers the prostate does not grow at the same time. The result can be the prostate pressing against the urethra like a clamp. As a result, the bladder walls begin to become thicker and irritated. This is what leads to frequent urination. Read more...
You might have heard the term free radical before, but few people know what they actually are. When a single molecule that resides within a cell in our body is left with an unpaired electron, after it has split, a free radical is formed.
When this happens it loses it’s stability and tries to regain it from the molecule next to it by taking it’s electron. After this occurs, both molecules are considered free radicals and a chain reaction is started.
The cell that is being compromised loses it’s stability and ends up dying. The tissue also becomes damaged.
As nasty as it sounds, free radicals are not always something to be concerned about. They can be created by the body to encourage healthy metabolism or fight off an infection. When the body is healthy free radicals pose no problem at all. They become a danger when the immune system has been compromised or is in a state of weakness. Read more...
When the eye becomes inflamed it is usually a response to trauma, an infection (bacterial or viral), surgery, allergic reaction or irritants found in our environment.
Most of the time, eye inflammation is no cause for concern but it is still important to make sure that you keep the duration and severity of the inflammation to a minimum.
If these things are left to drag out they can end up causing scarring in the eye. Even a tiny amount of scar tissue in the eye can cause permanent problems with your sight.
You should be very careful to avoid using prescription or OTC (Over The Counter) eye drops too much. Using them for too long can result in a rebound effect where you eyes actually become dependent on the eye drops.
If you wear contact lens then you should also be wary. Make sure that you practice good hygiene with your contacts by washing your hands before getting them near your eyes. Try to take your contacts out when you can, and do not sleep with them in. Read more...
Facial wrinkles are no fun at all, for most people. They appear on our forehead and at the edges of our mouth as we grow older; they are also known as ‘laugh lines’.
These telltale signs of aging can be stopped or reduced with modern methods. One of the common ways to deal with sagging skin on the face is to have a face lift.
This is not a permanent answer because eventually the lines will reappear and another face lift will have to be performed.
Face lifts can be a really bad idea because the tissues in the face are traumatized during this controversial procedure. The plastic surgeon can also perform a procedure called a botox injection. This, like a face lift, is a temporary solution and has another major drawback.
These injections contain one of the most deadly biochemicals known to man! The muscles in the face become partially paralyzed by the dangerous injections. If you choose to go the route of a face lift or botox injection then be sure that you have researched the subject thoroughly. Read more...
When we take food into our bodies everything must be broken down into nutrients and vitamins that can be used by our system. The process of digestion starts in our mouth as we chew and the saliva begins to break down the food. Next, it goes into the stomach where an acid is released that further breaks down the food.
This acid is essential to our digestive process and normally the levels of it are carefully controlled by mechanisms in the stomach and proximal intestine.
Sometimes, these mechanisms do not work correctly and excess stomach acid is a result. This condition is known as either acidity or APD. There are many things that can result from excess stomach acid.
These include, but are not limited to: Heartburn, acid reflux, dyspepsia (a feeling of indigestion or bloating), non-ulcer dyspepsia, duodenal ulcer, peptic ulcer or a gastric ulcer.
Some of these medical conditions are much worse than others but all of them can really be inconvenient. Ulcers can be life threatening if they are let go for a long time. Read more...
You and I both know that the eyes are responsible for giving us the gift of sight and are very important. They are extremely sensitive organs and really do not have much protection.
Maybe as we evolve further a bulletproof shield will cover them but for now we are stuck with the eyelid, eyebrow and tears for protection. I strongly doubt we will ever have bulletproof eyes but it was worth a shot at humor. Maybe you needed a good laugh or are thinking right now ‘Wow! This guy is lame.’. No matter.
Many things can cause our eyes to become irritated. Wind, bright lights, environmental toxins, seasonal allergies and environmental pollutants can all cause our eyes to suffer. The result is often red eyes, straining eyes, eye inflammation, itchiness or dry eyes.
Medical conditions, such as diabetes, can cause eye problems to develop without warning. In the case of diabetes, glaucoma is often the unwanted result. Infections can also cause problems with the eyes such as with conjunctivitis and episcleritis. This one might blow your mind. Eye problems can be caused by STD’s (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) like herpes and genital warts. This only occurs when the eye contacts the area of infection. Read more...
Many people suffer with phobias but the most common is a fear of heights. This is known as one of two things, altophobia or acrophobia.
This is not just a basic fear of heights but an incredibly distressing situation for many people.
Many situations can set off the trigger including: climbing stairs, driving alongside a cliff, riding an escalator, going inside a tall building or standing on a ladder.
It is important to know if you have a normal fear of heights or altophobia.
Some of the symptoms that should alert you include: rapid heartbeat, panic attack, trouble catching your breath and sweating profusely.
If you are, in fact, dealing with a fear of heights then it can wreak havoc in your life. It goes without being said that you need to face your fears and reclaim your life! Read more...
A woman’s uterus is usually lined with a tissue that is called the endometrium. In some cases, this tissue actually moves around and implants itself somewhere else in the pelvis.
This endometrial tissue is supposed to be found in one of 3 areas: The ovaries, fallopian tubes or anywhere lining the pelvis.
When PMS occurs this endometrium becomes thicker so that it can be ready to conceive a baby. Hormones in the blood encourage this to happen.
If a baby is not conceived then the hormones in the blood become lower and the endometrium detaches from the uterus wall. It is then shed through the vagina in the process of menstruation.
Women who are experiencing endometriosis experience the same process with the exception of this extra tissue reacting the same way to the hormones in the blood. This misplaced tissue all breaks down the same way but becomes trapped in the body because it is unable to make it’s exit through the vagina. This is very problematic and can lead to pain and inflammation. If left unchecked, it can also lead to both cysts and scar tissue. Read more...
Epilepsy is a fairly common medical condition, which affects the victim neurologically, and results in seizures. This is not just a one time event. Seizures can occur at any time and without warning. An epileptic seizure occurs when the brain is experiencing electrical difficulty. This is triggered by certain cells and neurons sending out the wrong signals. There is a big difference between a one time seizure and epilepsy.
A seizure is not epilepsy but, a result of epilepsy, or a symptom. If you, or a person you know, has had a seizure this does not necessarily mean that epilepsy is the cause. A head injury can trigger a one time seizure. In this example, the person would not be diagnosed with epilepsy and can go on living their life normally. It is still important to receive a thorough medical evaluation anytime that one has a seizure.
The brief surge of electrical activity, in the brain, can last anywhere from moments to several minutes. The symptoms of a seizure can range from loss of consciousness to convulsions. Seizures are classified in a way that is based on the symptoms that appear and which areas of the brain that are affected. Read more...
In modern society, more people than ever are suffering from both mental and physical exhaustion. When a person becomes exhausted they can become terribly frightened. Worrying, set backs, pressure and responsibilities building up become scary because they have lost the ability to cope well.
Sure fire symptoms of physical and mental exhaustion are feeling completely worn out and tired. It goes without being said that these symptoms can affect all areas of your life. Work suffers and relationships are not the same as energy levels drop off a cliff.
Ignoring the symptoms of exhaustion can lead to major problems in your life. You can become burned out, stressed, depressed and your immune system will struggle to keep up. If you let it go further it can end up causing you to be more vulnerable to become sick or picking up an infection. The cycle never ends.
There is something very important that you must understand. Most people do not realize this but exhaustion is caused by emotional or physical problems in your life. It is important that you step back and examine your lifestyle to see where things have gone wrong. Read more...
There have been debates about which is better of the two when someone is trying to lose weight. Butter or margarine, which one is the healthy option?
Both of them have advantages; this comparison may help you decide which one is the best choice for you.
Mankind has been making butter in one form or another for thousands of years. It was originally made from the milk of water buffalo or camels. Today it’s made from cow’s milk but the process is exactly the same as it’s been for over six millennia.
One of the reasons why some people say to stay away from butter is that it contains saturated fat. Saturated fat raises the bad form of cholesterol, known as LDL cholesterol, as well as raising the total blood cholesterol levels.
What most people don’t understand, however, is that the cholesterol in the food you eat has little to no effect on the blood cholesterol levels of most people. Read more...
Diabetes is a complex metabolic disorder that causes damage to the body systems and organs through an increase the blood sugar level that is well above normal. This increase in blood sugar can be the result of two different types of diabetes.
In type 1 diabetes the pancreas shuts down and no longer produces insulin while in type 2 diabetes influence continues to be produced but the body becomes resistant and can no longer use it.
The changes to an individual’s health happen over years and can sometimes be attributed to the aging process as well. Unfortunately, kidney damage, heart damage and stroke happen at a time when an individual is already facing a decline in eyesight, memory, hearing and energy levels that accompany the process of aging.
Diabetes will also have an effect on the eyesight, heart disease, kidney disease and peripheral vascular disease. The effect of diabetes begins with the changes that normally occur with aging and end with the devastation that leaves an individual debilitated at the end of their life. Read more...
Chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer are running rampant these days. Some experts believe this is because so many people are overweight, and carrying extra pounds can increase your chances of developing these and other chronic conditions.
To reduce the likelihood of developing a weight-related disease, many people are trying to shed extra pounds.
People trying to lose weight are constantly looking for foods they can enjoy but that are also good for them. If they can find something to eat that will aid in their weight-loss efforts they think that’s even better. To that end, some experts say you should eat more beans. But why are beans good for losing weight?
Part of the reason beans are good for helping a person lose weight is that beans are comparable with meat as far as calories are concerned. They also provide needed protein the same way meat will. The difference, however, is that beans contain much more fiber and water content than meat and this helps you to feel fuller faster. If you feel full, you’ll be less likely to overeat and you won’t feel like you’re missing anything. Read more...
The human body is an amazing complex organism that has the ability to take in simple nutrients and water and turn them into muscle, bone and organ systems which take care of a significant number of bodily functions.
During the metabolism of these nutrients the body also produces waste products which are left behind in the blood and the bowel.
Between the gastrointestinal system, the urinary tract system and the lungs and skin the body is able to excrete all the waste it produces to maintain function and repair itself.
Most adults will eliminate approximately 1 1/2 quarts of urine each day. The actual amount will depend upon several different factors, not the least of which is how much fluid a person consumes and how much fluid loss through sweat.
Certain types of medications can also affect the amount of urine which is excreted through the urinary tract system. This urine contains a specific type of waste that is filtered from the blood, called urea. Urea is produced when foods that contain protein are broken down in the body. Read more...
Sinus congestion and infections are common throughout the year and nearly everyone will have them at one point or another. Some people experience them so often the condition is considered chronic. Most people choose to treat chronic sinus infections with traditional methods, but some choose holistic treatments. What is the difference and is one better than the other?
If you’ve ever had a sinus infection, you know the symptoms: headache, facial pain and heaviness, low grade fever, fatigue, or stuffy ears. You may feel like your head weighs a ton and you’re miserable. You also want to find relief so you can get back to your life and feel better.
Doctors will often prescribe an antihistamine or decongestant if you see them for a sinus infection. These medications will help keep your sinus passages open; they also allow the congestion to drain.
Some people use over-the-counter decongestant nasal sprays, but using them for more than three days at a time can lead your sinuses to become dependent upon the spray to remain open. The possibility of becoming “addicted” to these sprays is so great that it would be best to talk with your doctor or nurse about using them at all. Read more...
It was just a few decades ago when medical researchers discovered the benefits of omega 3 fatty acids. Based on a study of the Alaskan Inuits, scientists realized the reason why these people had a low occurrence of heart disease and high cholesterol despite consuming large amount of fatty fish was due to the presence of these omega 3 fatty acids in the fish.
Main Benefits of Omega 3 Fatty Acids
These omega 3 fatty acids are part of the polyunsaturated fatty acid group which help increase the “good” cholesterol levels in the blood while lowering your triglycerides. Many studies have also shown that these omegas lower hypertensive blood pressure readings as well as serve as an agent to prevent blood clots, a problem in heart disease and stroke patients.
The latest information about omega 3 fatty acids show they can also delay or even lower your chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease. This disease often shows a build-up of a certain protein in the brain and the omega 3 fatty acids, particularly one called DHA, keeps those protein levels low. Researchers are working harder than ever to discover what other benefits these omegas have on your health.
Where to Get Omega 3 Fatty Acids Read more...
Transcendental meditation was introduced in 1955 in India. It is a form of mantra meditation where the person practicing it repeats words, syllables, sounds or groups of words. The goal is to “create transformation” in the person’s life.
Started by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, transcendental meditation is considered to be the most easily recognizable and widely practiced method of meditation. The technique can be completed in as little as 20 minutes, twice a day. During the 1960s and 1970s this method of meditation became very popular with as many as a million people learning to practice it.
Many people still practice transcendental meditation on a daily basis because they enjoy the benefits. They claim the mind and body learn to relax and rest. People practicing it also find stress and fatigue being released naturally rather than depending upon medicines to help them relax. They also say they have more energy, clarity of thought, and enjoy life more than before they began practicing it. Read more...
Acid Indigestion: Warm a cup of milk and steep four or five eucalyptus leaves in it. Drink this to ease discomfort
Aqua Vitae: Considered and excellent elixir of health for hundreds of years, this liqueur may be prepared and taken once a day, like a vitamin. To a liter of brandy add five or six bay leaves, a teaspoon of cardamom seed, a teaspoon of clove, two teaspoons each of angelica, chamomile, lemon rind, fennel seed, licorice, nutmeg, cinnamon, several slices of ginger root (to your taste), and a handful of juniper berries along with sugar or honey to sweeten. This may be warmed to incorporate the herbs, or left in a sunny window, then strained after about a month.
Athlete’s Foot: Besides keeping your feet dry and powdered with Orrin root, try a vinegar rinse (one cup water, one teaspoon cider vinegar) to which one tablespoon thyme and red clover have been added. Soak for 15 minutes.
Bee/Wasp Stings: A drop each of tincture or myrrh or onion juice will help draw out the poison Read more...
