When is a Woman Most Fertile?

Normally, a woman is most fertile at or around her ovulation period that corresponds to Day 14 of a normal 28 days ovarian cycle. It is very important to know your fertile period for a number of reasons. First of all, if you are looking to get pregnant, here is your chance to conceive by frequent intercourse just before or soon after ovulation. On the other hand if you want to prevent pregnancy, avoiding physical intercourse for 5 days before and 3 days after ovulation is sufficient, without needing any other mode of contraception. This article will provide a more detailed discussion about when a woman is most fertile.

What factors are most important for fertility? Following factors determine the fertility in females that may help in accomplishing targeted goals.

1. Age and Fertility

Fertility decreases as a woman age. Previously it was believed that the female fertility decreases significantly after 35 years of age; however, latest research suggest that women are most fertile when they are between 19 to 26-year-old, after which fertility decreases significantly with each passing year. The statistical data indicated that by the time women reach 27 to 34, her chances of getting pregnant are 40% less than those who are under 26.

Consequently, a woman has only 30% chance of getting pregnant after 35 in any given cycle with even lesser chance if the male partner is 5 years or older (due to defects in the quality and quantity of sperms).

The following chart shows the chances of getting pregnant depending on the age. It's important to know that the chart serves only as a guide, which shows the average pregnancy rate for women in their best health condition.

when-is-a-woman-most-fertile.jpg

2. Ovulation and Fertility

Besides age, a woman is only fertile when she is ovulating. To learn more about your ovulation period, it is important to learn Fertility awareness - a concept that is helpful in planning your pregnancy naturally. Generally a woman is fertile for only 5 days during an entire 28 day ovarian cycle that corresponds to:

10th day of a 24- day ovarian cycle
14th day of a 28- day ovarian cycle
21st day of a 35- day ovarian cycle
The normal length of an ovarian cycle is anywhere between 24 to 35 days and generally ovulation precede menstrual cycle from 12 to 16 days. Planning your pregnancy demands a little knowledge about your ovarian cycle, since length of cycle vary among different women and even in the same women at different points of life.

The following methods are generally helpful in knowing more about your cycle and fertility period:

1. Calendar (Rhythm) method

Calendar method is simple and most practical in women who have regular menstrual cycles. You can track your cycle length on a calendar and calculate your estimated time of ovulation in order to determine most fertile period. Make sure to measure a few cycles to ascertain with precision. Your most fertile period is anywhere between 4-5 days before ovulation.

Although fairly helpful, this method is not very accurate due to variability of menstrual cycle length in women due to hormonal, dietary and lifestyle habits.

2. Standard days method (SDM)

This is one of the helpful natural methods for women who have regular cycles between 26 and 32 days. These women can use CycleBeads to keep the track of their cycles. For example, the cycle starts with red bead that denotes Day 1 of the cycle and if you continue counting each bead as one day, you will get to brown bead (that corresponds to Day 26) before the last bead (that denotes the last day of the cycle or Day 32). Once again, if your cycle length is variable, it is better to choose other methods for the estimation of fertile period.

3. Basal body temperature (BBT) method

Basal body temperature is another popular method that is used by a lot of women to ascertain their ovulation, marked by a rise of 1- 2 degrees due to luteinizing hormone (LH) surge. This method requires you to maintain a basal body temperature chart by taking the lowest temperature of the day. Just before ovulation, most women observe a slight drop in the body temperature due to hormonal influence that is followed by a rise of 1- 2 degrees a couple of days after ovulation. Increasing the frequency of intercourse during this period increases your chances of getting pregnant significantly.

4. Cervical mucus method (Billings method)

Monitoring of cervical mucus also helps in knowing about your ovulation. Most women can feel noticeable thinning of mucus that is stringy and clear. When ovulation time is not near, cervical mucus is generally thick and cloudy with very little amount of discharge.

5. Hormone monitoring

Ovulation predictor kits are commercially available that detect changes in the concentration of hormonal breakdown products secreted in urine. You can dip a test strip in your urine and then read the level. More specialized dip sticks give actual amounts of luteinizing hormone (LH) that is being produced by your body. By far, this is the most reliable and hassle free methods available today.

6. Combined (symptothermal) method

Since all above listed methods give a presumptive idea about the fertile period, researchers suggest that it is far more helpful if you combine three or more tests to increase the credibility and accuracy of findings. This method combines cervical mucus discharge changes, basal body temperature rise, estimation of hormone breakdown products in your blood and lastly physical changes that follow ovulation like weight gain, tenderness in breast, bloating and alteration in normal mood and behavior.

How to Improve Fertility

Some helpful tips that can improve your chances of getting pregnant are:

1. Fertility Massage

Massaging helps in improving blood supply to the uterine cavity and other parts of female reproductive system that helps in elimination of toxins and chemicals.

2. Yoga

Yoga and exercises promote natural health and well-being. Physical activity is needed by all the individuals to maintain optimal health and normal metabolism. Yoga and meditation are long known to promote fertility in females by adjusting hormonal secretion and release and also by increasing the blood flow to ovaries and all other parts of the reproductive system.


3. Foods and Herbs

Certain foods and herbs are helpful in improving female fertility by supplying essential nutrients for growth and development of egg. Foods rich in anti-oxidants promote fertility by decreasing age related wear and tea. Foods that can help improve fertility include: high fiber foods, whole grains, grass-fed meat, cold water fish and organic fruits& vegetables.

Moreover herbs like alfalfa, gingko biloba, Dong Quai, ginseng, primrose oil and saw palmetto are also helpful in stabilizing the hormonal production and release to maintain the integrity of female reproductive cycles. Make sure to take daily multi-vitamins but it is also suggested to consult a healthcare provider to avoid any drug reaction or toxicities of herbs.

Read More

Calories in a Grapefruit

Grape fruit is classified as a citrus fruit, and it is also related to the orange. Grapefruits have relatively low calories content. Typically eaten fresh and juiced or raw, grapefruits are known for their health benefits and nutritional value. Although grape fruits do not have a specific availability season (they are available throughout the year). The best time to get grape fruits is during growing seasons, which are winter to early spring.

How Many Calories in a Grapefruit

Grape fruits come in different sizes that range from four to six inches round. Some grape fruits are seedless while others have seeds. Grapefruits are also available in a variety of colors such as red, pink and white; the color name of the grape fruit describes the fruit’s flesh color.

The red and pink grape fruits are said to have higher calorie amounts than the white grapefruit. Naturally, larger fruits have more calories than the smaller ones. A cup of juice made from grapefruits will contain about 96 calories.


Health Benefits of Grapefruits

1. Boost immunity and fight inflammation

Since grapefruits are rich in Vitamin C, they support your immune system by reducing the cold symptoms or their severity. It also prevents damage by free radicals and also minimizes severity of inflammatory conditions such as stroke, rheumatoid arthritis, heart attack, asthma and osteoarthritis.

2. Fight tumors

Pink or red colored grapefruits have the carotenoid phytonutrient called lycopene, which contains anti-tumor properties that help fight oxygen free radicals. Such radicals are known to damage body cells.

3. Fight cancers

Grapefruit pulp contains glucarates which are compounds that help in fighting various cancers like lung, mouth, skin, colon, stomach and breast cancer. Grapefruits also contain limonoid, which are also phytonutrients that inhibit the formation of tumors by elevating glutathione S-transferase (detoxifying enzyme) formation. This enzyme triggers a reaction in your liver making the toxic compounds soluble in water for excretion.

4. Balance cholesterol

Grapefruits also help in the balancing of cholesterol in your body. They contain the soluble fiber known as pectin that is responsible for the reduction of triglycerides and “bad” cholesterol (LDL) without affecting any “good” cholesterol (HDL).

5. Reduce risk of kidneys stones

Reduce your risk of getting kidney stones by eating grapefruits. Taking about a half or a liter of juice made from grapefruits will increase the citric acid excretion and pH value of your urine that in turn reduces risk of getting calcium oxalate kidney stones.

6. Remove toxins

Eating grapefruits increases the activity and production of enzymes used for liver detoxification. These enzymes are responsible for the removal of toxins that cause cancer and toxic compounds from your body.

7. Repair damaged cells

Grapefruits also contain the flavonoid Naringenin that helps repair all damaged cells in the prostate cancer cells. It also eradicates all cell mutations that are potentially cancerous.

They are known to be rich in minerals and vitamins, and as time goes by, researchers discover more of its health benefits. What’s more, grapefruits are great for weight loss. They are used in weight loss diets globally, and research has shown that they are very effective in helping people dealing with weight issues to lose some of the extra weight.

Here is what to do with the grapefruit peels

Lastly, once you are through eating your grape fruits, do not be so quick to do away with the peels. Did you know that you can actually make extracts as well as essential oils using grapefruit peels? It has aromatherapy benefits, which are known to have calming effects for both children and adults. You can grate the peels then use them on salads and other foods as flavor.

Read More

Ginger Tea Benefits!!

Ginger is a light brown root with a distinctive taste and qualities that make it a much-coveted herb due to high levels of Vitamin C, magnesium and other minerals. Once made into tea, you can add peppermint, honey or lemon to mask the taste of the ginger. The benefits of ginger tea are well documented and include treatment and cures for some common conditions, but there are also some precautions to take.

Ginger Tea Benefits

1. Relieve nausea

One of the best-known benefits of ginger tea is its ability to combat nausea. Drinking a cup of ginger tea before traveling can help prevent the nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness. If you did not drink ginger tea before you became nauseous, drink a cup of ginger tea at the first sign of nausea to relieve the symptom.

2. Improve stomach performance

Ginger tea is very useful in improving digestion and increasing absorption of food. This benefit can also prevent belching and bloating after eating too much. In some people, ginger tea seems to have a positive impact on appetite.

3. Reduce inflammation

The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger tea are well known and make it an ideal home remedy for muscle and joint problems. In addition to drinking ginger tea, it may also be useful to use as a topical soak on inflamed joints and other body parts.

4. Fight respiratory problems

Ginger tea can help relieve congestion associated with the common cold. Try a cup of ginger tea for the respiratory symptoms associated with environmental allergies.

5. Improve blood circulation

The vitamins, minerals and amino acids in ginger tea can help restore and improve blood circulation that may help decrease the chance of cardiovascular problems. Ginger may prevent fat from depositing in the arteries helping to prevent heart attacks and stroke.

6. Relieve menstrual discomfort

Drinking ginger tea is not the only way you can benefit from this mixture. If you have cramping during your menstrual cycle, try soaking a towel in warm ginger tea and apply the towel to your lower abdomen. The effects of the ginger may help relieve the pain and relax the muscles. At the same time, drink a cup of ginger tea with honey.

7. Strengthen immunity

Ginger tea may help strengthen your immunity due to the high levels of antioxidants in ginger. Many people drink ginger tea to help prevent cancer.

8. Relieve stress

Ginger tea has calming properties that may help lower your stress and tension. This is thought to be due to a combination of the strong aroma and healing properties.

9. Increases fertility

Some people believe that ginger tea is an aphrodisiac that works to boost a man's fertility. Some studies show that regular intake of ginger may increase a man's sperm count and help with erectile dysfunction.

10. Other benefits

Several other potential benefits of ginger tea include:

Fights infection and bad breath
May slow down the growth of cancer cells
May help lower bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol
Helps to detoxify the liver
Contains powerful antioxidants that may reduce free radicals in the body
How to make ginger tea:


Ginger Tea Side Effects and Precautions

Although the positive benefits of ginger are well-documented, there are also some side effects and precautions that you should know about.

1. Side effects

Because of the known side effects of using ginger, it is always a good idea to consult a nutritionist who will look at your diet, life style and medications before recommending a healthy amount of ginger to take each day. Some of the side effects that can happen include:

Digestive problems. While drinking ginger tea can aid digestion, too much of the tea can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Too much ginger can lead to acidity and low blood sugar, so ginger tea should probably be avoided by diabetics.
Interaction with anesthesia. Some anesthetic agents used in surgery can react adversely with ginger resulting in bleeding and slowed healing. Most surgeons and anesthesiologists recommend deleting ginger from your diet for a week before any surgery.
Killing sleep. Ginger tea may prevent a good night's sleep. It is recommended that you drink ginger tea early in the day to avoid loss of sleep at night.

2. Precautions

There are several groups of people who should be aware of specific precautions when using ginger tea. These include:

Those with blood disorders. Ginger tea may inhibit blood coagulation. If you have hemophilia or if you are taking blood thinners, be sure to consult your healthcare provider BEFORE drinking ginger tea.
Those with hypertension. If you have hypertension and are taking medications for that disorder, consult your physician before using ginger since it can lower blood pressure to unsafe levels.
Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. The use of ginger tea in pregnant or lactating women is controversial. Some physicians recommend ginger tea for morning sickness but others are concerned about possible toxicity to unborn and children being breast-fed.
Those who have gallstones. Ginger tea tends to increase the production of bile in the body. Since bile can cause increased pain in someone suffering from gallstones, avoid using ginger if you know you have gallbladder disease.
3. Recommended daily intake

First, be aware that you CAN get too much of a good thing! The Food and Drug Administration recommends no more than 2 grams of ginger for every kilogram of body weight each day. For a 155-pound (70 kg) person, this would amount to a limit of 140 grams of ginger each day. This is almost 1/3 pound of ginger-an unlikely amount to use every day. However, even at lesser amounts side effects may show up.

Read More

Eating Lemon Peel!!

Lemon not only tastes delicious but it can also help stimulate good health. When applied topically, it can also do wonders for our skin and hair. Most of the time when focusing on the benefits of lemons, people tend to think of lemon juice, but lemon peel can be just as effective as it has some enzymes that help us live a healthier life.


The USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard References states that:

Every 100 grams of lemon peel has 134 milligrams of calcium.
The same amount has 160 milligrams of potassium.
The same amount contains 129 milligrams of vitamin C.
The same amount contains 10.6 grams of fiber.
Benefits of Eating Lemon Peel

The scientific name of the lemon peel is citrus limonum whether it is fresh or dried and this part of the lemon can be used for many medical, cooking and cosmetic purposes. Both consuming it and using it topically has helped those who suffer from scurvy, cholesterol, acne, heart issues and others. That is because it contains many essential vitamins, minerals and enzyme.

1. Decrease Cholesterol Level

Eating lemon peel can help decrease the body’s cholesterol level which in turn can promote better heart health. In addition, the potassium found in the peel can help maintain blood pressure levels. The peels are able to lower LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) because of the polyphenol flavonoids. In addition, the vitamins C and P help clear the blood vessels and by doing so reduce the risk of developing certain conditions such as diabetic heart disease, heart disease and high blood pressure.

2. Fight Cancer

We already mentioned that two of the nutrients in lemon peel are limonene and salvestrol Q40 and these two components both fight cancerous cells. In addition, the flavonoids that can be found in the peel can help counter cancerous cell division. Because of that, eating lemon peel is considered a preventive action against several types of cancers such as skin, colon and breast.

3. Improve Bone Health

In order to develop strong, healthy bones, we need to ingest a good quantity of calcium and lemon peel contains this in addition to vitamin C. because of this, eating lemon peel has shown to help prevent osteoarthritis, inflammatory polyarthritis, bone fractures, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis.

4. Boost Immunity and Digestion

Lemon peel contains essential nutrients including vitamin C which allow the body to resist infections as well as the subsequent ailments. Because of this, eating lemon peel is considered a good method for treating sore throat, flu, cold and similar infections. It can also help boost healthy digestion due to its dietary fiber that encourages healthy bowel movements.

5. Improve Oral Health

A deficiency in vitamin C can lead to several gum and dental problems such as gingivitis, bleeding gums and scurvy. Because lemon peel is rich in citric acid and vitamin C, it is able to prevent these and other related gum and dental problems.

6. Neutralize Free Radicals

Free radicals are unpaired electrons that occur in our body’s cells and they are responsible for certain health problems including autoimmune diseases, swelling, aging, heart issues and some types of cancer. Lemon peels contains vitamin C which can help neutralize these free radicals and therefore prevent those health concerns. Free radicals are also associated with blood vessel damage so vitamin C is also able to help maintain healthy blood circulation.

7. Improve Skin Condition

Free radicals play an important role in signs of aging and skin problems such as dark spots, acne, pigmentation and wrinkles. The citric acid and vitamin C in lemon peel help purify blood vessels as well as remove the impurities found in skin cells which in turn promotes healthy skin. In addition, the antioxidants in lemon peel detoxify the skin, making it great for pimples and acne. While there are topical options, consuming the peel is ideal.

One option for topical application is the following: cut the lemon into two to four pieces, squeezing the juices into a bowl. Cut up the lemon peel and mix it into the juice, storing the mixture somewhere cool and dry. Add an optional teaspoon of honey and apply it to your face. Leave it on for around 5 minutes before rinsing.

8. Boost Metabolism and Reduce Weight

One of the elements in lemon peel is pectin which has been shown to help in weight loss. This substance has some properties that will convert it into a jelly which prevents your body from absorbing excessive quantities of sugar, helping maintain your weight.

Cautions and Tips for Eating Lemon Peel


1. Wash Properly and Go Organic

You must wash lemon peel before eating it as pesticides or insecticides may have been used during the growing process. Lemons that have been shipped great distances may contain a wax coating that prevents damage but it can be made using animal, plant or insect based products. Therefore, it is best to opt for organically grown peels.

2. Be Aware Of Crystallization

Lemon peels contain a high amount of oxalates which are found in humans. When we have high concentrations of oxalates it can lead to problems which are associated with crystallization such as kidney or gallbladder stones. Therefore if you already suffer from these problems, avoid eating lemon peel.

Read More

Corona Light Calories!!

Corona beer is one of the world’s most popular beers. It is available in 150 countries and is Mexico’s best selling beer. Corona and Corona Light are often enjoyed with a wedge of lime. It makes a great addition to a Mexican meal and is a very popular summer drink. It has a light, fruity flavor without being overwhelmingly sweet. This also makes it a good choice for a chaser when drinking a bloody Mary.

Corona Light Calories

A traditional 12 oz. serving of Corona contains 148 calories and contains 4.6% alcohol. Corona Light has only 109 calories and is 4.5% alcohol. It usually ranks quite high on beer ranking lists, even if the lists are not focused on calories or dieting. Since Corona is such a popular beer, the lower calorie option offers a great alternative to those who love beer and want to keep their calorie consumption under control.

Beers that Don’t Make You Fat

Comparing various beers allows you to determine which option is best for dieting. Even similar beers have varied tastes, so if you know which are low in calories, you can sample different ones to determine which you prefer. In addition to comparing taste and overall calorie content, you can also compare calories per ounce of alcohol.

Below are listed some beers that don’t make you fat, which are great choices for weight watchers.

1. Aspen Edge

This beer contains 94 calories and is 4.1% alcohol. It contains 191.1 calories per ounce of alcohol. Aspen is the low carbohydrate option offered by Coors. Coors has a light beer, but this one is focused on carbohydrates. Some dieters prefer to count carbs and not worry as much about calories, which makes this a great option.

2. Beck’s Light





This beer contains 64 calories and is 3.8% alcohol. It contains 140.4 calories per ounce of alcohol. Beck’s is one of the more expensive basic beers. Since the alcohol content is higher than many light beers, you will likely drink less than you would if a beer has a lower content of alcohol. This also helps to reduce the overall calorie consumption.


3. Miller Genuine Draft 64







This beer contains 64 calories and contains 2.8% alcohol. It contains 190.5 calories per ounce of alcohol. It is one of the lower calorie beers, but contains far less alcohol than the other choices. Its claims to not taste like a light beer even though the calorie content is comparable to light beers, but most beer fans claim it is flavorless.



4. Michelob Ultra









This beer is 95 calories with 4.1% alcohol. It contains 193.1 calories per alcohol. This beer is low in carbs, but most beer drinkers rate it low on the taste scale. Dieters that are more focused on carbohydrates than they are on calories might enjoy this beer, but if your goal is to watch your weight in general and you enjoy the taste of beer, there are probably better options.



5. Miller Lite







This beer has 96 calories and is 4.2% alcohol. It contains 190.5 calories per ounce. Though more calories overall, the calorie to alcohol ratio in this beer is the same as Miller Genuine Draft 64. However, it has more carbohydrates than MGD 64.


6. Corona Light






This beer contains 109 calories and 4.5% alcohol. It has 201.9 calories per ounce of alcohol. Many beer drinkers report this is one of the best tasting light beers available. Corona is a Mexican beer with a light, slightly fruity flavor. It is not difficult to transition the original flavor into a lighter version. Most agree it tastes the most like the original version of its beer.


7. Natural Light






This beer is 95 calories and contains 4.2% alcohol. It contains 188.5 calories per ounce of alcohol. Most beer aficionados are not fans of the taste, but it is cheap and readily available, making it a popular choice.



8. Milwaukee’s Best Light

This beer contains 98 calories and is 4.5% alcohol. It contains 181.5 calories per ounce. It is known as an inexpensive beer that is readily available in most regions. It is a favorite among many beer drinkers because of its classic flavor and low calorie content.



9. Milwaukee’s Best Ice





This beer contains 144 calories and is 5.9% alcohol. It has 203.4 calories per ounce of alcohol. This beer is inexpensive and readily available in most areas. The calorie content is higher than many of the light beers on the list and the flavor is not necessarily a standout. Most people agree there are better options, but this will suffice if you are searching for a cheap beer with moderate calories.

Read More

Home Remedies for Gas Pain!!

Passing gas is a normal activity and is needed to ensure that the accumulation of gas gets vented out from the two extremities of the food passage. Gas pain can be caused by food allergies, swallowing too much air, high fiber foods and IBS. Fortunately, there are many home remedies to relieve gas pain.

Symptoms of Gas Pain

Symptoms

A full feeling in stomach
Swelling and tightness in abdomen
Sharp cramps in abdomen and shifting pain in abdomen
Sometimes a jabbing pain is experienced in abdomen
As the pain reduces when the gas passes through, the person feels normal enough to start routine activities.

When to see a doctor

If any of the following symptoms show up when you pass the gases, it is time to see a doctor without delay.

Unexplained weight loss
Vomiting or nausea
Fever
Chest pain
Recurrent, prolonged and/or severe in the abdominal area
Any pain that disturbs your normal activity even if it is for a short time
Blood in stools
Home Remedies for Gas Pain

1. Common home remedies

There are many common home remedies to ease the pain caused by gas troubles.

Try leg-to-chest exercise
Lie on the back and fold your legs so that they are up to your stomach and continue the movement of legs away from and towards your stomach at the rate of 6 to 10 movements during a minute. Continue this for 5 minutes at a time.

Use a heating pad
Use a heating pad for easing stomach pains. It might be necessary to protect your stomach from getting burnt. The heating may be set at the lowest setting acceptable for your skin

Drink hot teas
Drink soothing tea as a peppermint tea, ginger tea, fennel tea, or chamomile tea. This will relieve the discomfort that you are experiencing. Peppermints are the best in this respect since peppermint contains methanol, an anti-spasmodic medicine and relieves the gases quickly.

Chew fennel seeds
Chewing flannel seeds also reduces gas formation and reduced the pain as the flannel seeds reduce gases inside the stomach. One teas spoon should be enough at a time.

Drink apple cider vinegar
Two table spoons of apple cider vinegar mixed up with a cup of water and drank slowly will ease the pain.

Boil tangerine peels and bay leaves
Tangerine peels boiled in water for 5 minutes and sipped like tea will alleviate pain. The peels can also be eaten raw. This will work as digestive aid.

Bay leaves can also tried the same way as the Tangerine peals.

2. Dietary changes

The best results for easing the gas pain are to change the dietary habits. These help you in generating less gas and hence ease the pain quicker you get permanent relief from the gas pains.

Cut back on fatty or fried foods
Reducing fried foods reduces gas generation and hence the main reason of gas pains is reduced to a great extent.

Avoid gas-causing foods
Some foods cause more gasses to be generated than others. Hence ensure that your diet does not include such food at all. Some examples are beans, broccoli, onions, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, cauliflower, peaches, artichokes, pears, sugar-free candies, apples, prunes, chewing gum, bran cereals or muffins, whole-wheat bread, milk, sodas and other carbonated beverages, ice cream, ice milk.

Reduce dairy products
Eating less dairy product will ensure that your gas generation will be less and ease your pain due to gas. High pH food like buttermilk can be taken in sufficient quantities so that the reaction with bile will generate less gas.

Temporarily limit high-fiber foods
Food rich in fiber are known to increase gas in stomach. Reducing intake of such high fiber food will reduce gas to a great extent. Along with other life style changes you may be able to increase your high fiber food to its previous levels.

3. Lifestyle and habit changes

Eat smaller meals
Changing over to frequent but smaller meals reduces the amount of gas in stomach to a great extent.

Chew thoroughly
Chewing thoroughly increases the contact with food in the mouth and more quantity of the salivary enzymes are secreted during this process. Food gets broken down into starch of small molecules. This helps in reducing the generation of gas in stomach.

Check your dentures
With the process of breaking down starts with the chewing process, a healthy set of teeth will help you in getting the food digested with least generation of gas. Therefore the gas troubles are least when the set of teeth is healthy.

Quit smoking
Smoking can cause peptic ulcer and heartburn. Smoking can damage the liver and other portion of digestive system. When peptic ulcer is present the minor gas troubles seem very much magnified.

Exercise
When you exercise, the bowel movements increase. With passage of time, the increased bowel movements help you in getting the food digested with less gas and also remove the generated gas out of the system quickly. So along with a well-toned body you also get freedom from gas pains completely.

Calm your mind
A calm mind eases the pains caused by gas. When you are anxious, you tend to swallow lot of air through mouth and this will increase gases in your stomach.

4. OTC medications

Over the counter remedies can also be tried to ease the pain from gases. The remedies are,

Simethicone. Products such as Mylanta or Gelusil can also be used for this.
Activated charcoal. Activated charcoal can also be used but it may cause other problems like constipation, vomiting, nausea or diarrhea. When you use activated charcoal, do not be alarmed if your stool turns black. It is not a sign of ulcer in stomach.
Lactase supplements. Supplementary lactase can help when you are lactose intolerant.
Beano. Beano when added to vegetable helps in reducing gas generation in stomach. Eat Beano with your first bite. It is ineffective later.

Read More

Pain in Left Arm!!

Some people experience pain in left arm and immediately think it might be related to a heart problem. Although that is one possibility, there are other factors that can cause arm pain, whether it is unilateral (affects only one arm) or bilateral (affects both arms).

Pain in left arm can also be an acute or a chronic condition. Sudden or short lasting arm pain is said to be acute while one that persists for over three months is considered to be chronic. In some cases, pain just comes and goes, while in some people, pain may become progressive and debilitating.

Pain in left arm may be experience by anyone, but it is more common among women who are about forty years old. It may be a mild and dull type of pain, but in others it could be a sharp, shooting pain that can be severe. The pain may affect any part of the arm or the whole arm, from the fingertips to the shoulder.

Although home treatments sometimes relieve the pain, it is always best to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment, especially if the pain is severe or chronic in nature.

Causes of and Treatments of Pain in Left Arm

1. Heart Attack

A myocardial infarction or heart attack occurs when the heart muscles are deprived of oxygen supply due to poor circulation, resulting in the death of the heart muscle cells. This can be due to a blood clot in one of the coronary arteries (blood vessel in the heart) or a spasm or severe constriction of these arteries. A heart attack may occur during intense activity or at rest, and it may also be triggered by emotions. Symptoms of a heart attack include chest pain, which can radiate to the left arm, back, jaw or throat. The chest pain may be felt as a squeezing or heavy type of pain underneath the breastbone. It may also be accompanied by sweating, dizziness, nausea and vomiting. However, some people do not experience these symptoms and are said to suffer from a silent myocardial infarction.

Treatment of a heart attack should be done immediately, because it can be fatal. Emergency medical services (911) must be called so that blood circulation to the heart may be restored. Treatment includes the use of special medications to dissolve blood clots, improve heart function, relieve pain and prevent abnormal heart rhythms. Sometimes a surgical procedure called angioplasty may be done to widen the narrow or blocked arteries in the heart. But in cases where there is a severe, life threatening blockage of arteries, a heart bypass surgery may be done.

2. Angina

Angina pectoris (chest pain) or angina is a characteristic symptom of coronary artery disease, which is often described as a chest discomfort or a heavy sensation in the chest. It can be perceived as pressure, burning, aching, squeezing, fullness, or a painful sensation that is related to a reduction in blood flow and oxygen supply to the heart. Although often felt in the chest, the pain or discomfort may radiate to the upper abdomen (often mistaken for indigestion), the left shoulder, left arm, neck, jaw and back.

The treatment of angina involves a combination of special medications and lifestyle changes to improve blood circulation to the heart. Medications include those needed to control the amount of oxygen to the heart, like nitrates, beta-blockers, ranolazine and calcium channel blockers. In order to prevent blood clots formation, medications like antiplatelet medications are used. Lifestyle changes should include adapting a healthy diet, exercising regularly, stress reduction, and quitting smoking. However, in some people, angioplasty or coronary artery bypass surgery may be needed to prevent a possible heart attack.

3. Stress or Panic Attack

Sometimes too much stress can cause a panic attack that may feel like one is having a heart attack. This may include symptoms of sweating, palpitations, chest heaviness and pain in left arm, which could be mistaken for angina or heart attack. However, closer medical examination may show no evidence of heart problems but indicate more of a psychological issue.

Treatment for extreme stress and panic attacks includes managing stress with these techniques and principles:

Avoiding unnecessary stress
Altering stressful situations
Adapting to known stressors
Accepting the things you cannot change
Making time for relaxation and fun
Adapting a healthy lifestyle
Often enough, adapting a healthy lifestyle is the most effective and natural way of managing stress that leads to panic attacks. This involves eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, getting enough rest and sleep, and avoiding alcohol, cigarettes or drugs that can harm the body.

4. Physical Injuries and Overuse

Physical injuries or overuse of the body involving the left side can result in pain in left arm. These include:

Mastectomy (breast removal surgery). Women who have breast cancer and have undergone surgical removal of the left breast may experience left arm pain.
Left Brachial Plexus Injury. Injury to the nerve network that sends neural signals to your left shoulder and arm from the spine may be due to overstretching. Sometimes, these structures can get torn or severely injured, especially during contact sports. Although some of these injuries may heal on their own, surgery may be required for severe damage.
Broken Arm, Wrist or Hand. Injury to the arm, wrist or hand that results in fracture or other severe trauma will lead to pain in left arm that needs immediate medical attention.
Strains/Sprains. These common injuries often result from sports or other strenuous activities. A sprain occurs when ligaments are overstretched, while a strain occurs when muscles or tendons are torn. These are self-healing injuries, but you must rest the arm and avoid using it to prevent pain from becoming persistent or worse.
Rotator Cuff Injury. The shoulder is stabilized by a group of muscles called the rotator cuff. Injury to these muscles can cause severe shoulder and arm pain, which could become persistent. This must be treated immediately with pain medications and physical therapy.
Tendinitis. Inflammation of the tendons, which attach our muscles to the bone in the shoulder or arm may be caused by sudden injury or repetitious use of the body part. This condition, known as tendinitis, or tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, pitcher's shoulder, swimmer's shoulder, may cause pain in left arm, which should be treated with anti-inflammatory drugs and physical therapy.

5. Bad Circulation

Poor circulation in the arm may be due to many causes and can lead to pain. The most common ones include: constriction of blood vessels, which may be due to extremely cold temperatures, physical trauma, or disease, deficiency of essential nutrients, certain medications and substances, blood clot formation and improper sleeping position.

To prevent pain in left arm due to poor circulation, you must take good care of your health by following a balanced diet to avoid nutritional deficiency and taking nutritional supplements like gingko biloba and vitamin C to improve blood vessels function. It is also advisable to wear comfortable clothes and to protect yourself from cold temperatures. Avoid taking caffeine, alcohol, or nicotine, which can constrict blood vessels. Massaging the arm with warm olive oil before going to bed is a great way to promote good arm circulation, too. Finally, exercise will help improve blood circulation not only to the arm, but the whole body as well.

Poor arm circulation might be an indication of some underlying disease. It is best to visit a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

6. Improper Sleeping Posture

This often causes pinching of a nerve in the arm that may cause a sensation of numbness or pain in left arm. Try to adapt a better sleeping position that does not cause pressure on your hand or arm.


7. Medication Side Effects

Medications sometimes cause side effects, including pain in the extremities. If you suspect that your medication is causing this side effect, ask your doctor about substituting your drug for another if possible.


When to See a Doctor

Not all cases of pain in left arm are due to a heart problem such as a heart attack. It may be a simple case of poor posture when sleeping but it may also be a sign of another disease. However, you should see a doctor when your arm, shoulder or back is suddenly or severely painful, especially if it is accompanied by a feeling of fullness, pressure, or squeezing in the chest, which may signal a heart attack. Another urgent reason to see a doctor is after an injury, which causes an obvious deformity, bleeding or other injuries.

Schedule a medical appointment for less urgent causes like left arm pain that does not improve with home treatments done for several days, persistent or increasing swelling or pain, and other injuries that do not respond to usual care.

Read More

Heart Attacks and Symptoms!1

More than a million Americans have heart attacks each year. A heart attack, or myocardial infarction (MI), is permanent damage to the heart muscle. "Myo" means muscle, "cardial" refers to the heart, and "infarction" means death of tissue due to lack of blood supply.

What Happens During a Heart Attack?

The heart muscle requires a constant supply of oxygen-rich blood to nourish it. The coronary arteries provide the heart with this critical blood supply. If you have coronary artery disease, those arteries become narrow and blood cannot flow as well as they should. Fatty matter, calcium, proteins, and inflammatory cells build up within the arteries to form plaques of different sizes. The plaque deposits are hard on the outside and soft and mushy on the inside.

When the plaque is hard, the outer shell cracks (plaque rupture), platelets (disc-shaped particles in the blood that aid clotting) come to the area, and blood clots form around the plaque. If a blood clot totally blocks the artery, the heart muscle becomes "starved" for oxygen. Within a short time, death of heart muscle cells occurs, causing permanent damage. This is a heart attack.

While it is unusual, a heart attack can also be caused by a spasm of a coronary artery. During a coronary spasm, the coronary arteries restrict or spasm on and off, reducing blood supply to the heart muscle (ischemia). It may occur at rest, and can even occur in people without significant coronary artery disease.

Each coronary artery supplies blood to a region of heart muscle. The amount of damage to the heart muscle depends on the size of the area supplied by the blocked artery and the time between injury and treatment.

Healing of the heart muscle begins soon after a heart attack and takes about eight weeks. Just like a skin wound, the heart's wound heals and a scar will form in the damaged area. But, the new scar tissue does not contract. So, the heart's pumping ability is lessened after a heart attack. The amount of lost pumping ability depends on the size and location of the scar.


Heart Attack Symptoms

Symptoms of a heart attack include:

Discomfort, pressure, heaviness, or pain in the chest, arm, or below the breastbone
Discomfort radiating to the back, jaw, throat, or arm
Fullness, indigestion, or choking feeling (may feel like heartburn)
Sweating, nausea, vomiting, or dizziness
Extreme weakness, anxiety, or shortness of breath
Rapid or irregular heartbeats
During a heart attack, symptoms last 30 minutes or longer and are not relieved by rest or nitroglycerin under the tongue.

Some people have a heart attack without having any symptoms (a "silent" myocardial infarction). A silent MI can occur in anyone, but it is more common among people with diabetes

Read More

One Step""

Foolish people with all their other thoughts, have this one too: They are always getting ready to live, but never living.

Your success will start when you begin to pursue it. To reach your goal or to attain success, you don’t need to know all of the answers in advance. You just need to have a clear idea of what your goal is.

Don’t procrastinate when faced with difficult problems. Break your problems into parts, and handle one part at a time.

Develop tendencies toward taking action. You can make something happen right now. Divide your big plan into small steps and take that first step right away.

Everyone who ever got where they are had to begin where they were. Your big opportunity is where you are right now.

A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. Take it.

Read More