4 Things that Happen When You Feel Headache

The Trigger: Improper Breathing
Holding your breath is smart only when plunging under water. Do it during intense activity, like strength training or a sudden spurt of running, and you're likely to give yourself a head splitter. A piece of the puzzle: Straining your core can temporarily and rapidly push your blood pressure up and cause headaches, explains Douglas McKeag, MD, director of the IU Center for Sports Medicine at the Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis.
Let it out. "No matter what exercise you're doing, if you must grunt to get through it, you need to focus on your breathing or take the intensity down," says Michael Esco, PhD, assistant professor of exercise science at Auburn University at Montgomery, Alabama. Maximize the flow of oxygen to your muscles during strength-training by exhaling when you lift and inhaling when you lower the weight. "To find an appropriate amount of weight, which is what you can comfortably lift for up to 15 reps, start with higher reps, lower pounds," Dr. McKeag says. "The heavier the weight, the more likely you'll want to hold your breath."
The Trigger: Sudden Sprinting
One minute you're cooling your heels at your company's softball game; the next you're hightailing it around the bases without so much as a stretch. You may not connect the dots between your afternoon cardio burst and the throbbing that sneaks up at dinner, but skipping your warm-up may be partially to blame for your pain. Easing into your workout with low to moderate intensity helps your body adjust to the increased blood flow that comes from exercise, and that may reduce your chances of getting a headache. (There has also been some speculation that people who warm up properly have lower blood levels of nitric oxide, a chemical in the brain linked to migraines, than those who don't. The chemical may prompt blood vessels to dilate quickly, which can bring on pain.)
Monitor your heart rate. The best 10- to 15-minute warm-up is the exercise you're about to do, just taken down a notch. If you're jogging, begin by walking and slowly build up to jogging, increasing your heart rate gradually every five minutes. With strength training, start with lighter weights and move on to heavier ones. "This slowly raises your heart rate and gives your blood vessels time to react to the increased demand for blood flow," Dr. McKeag says.
The Trigger: Your Food Choices
Charging up with a pre-workout banana or smoothie is a healthy idea for many of us. "But people who are prone to migraines often find that the amino acid tyramine, which is sometimes found in soy, citrus fruits, bananas, yogurt, and nuts, can prompt a headache," Dr. Diamond says. (The naturally occurring amino acid is thought to play a role in the constricting and dilating of blood vessels in the brain.)
Fuel up with fluids. Thirty minutes to an hour before getting your sweat on, have a 100- to 250-calorie snack. Since for some people liquids can be more easily absorbed before a workout, Kaley Todd, RD, a nutritionist in San Francisco, suggests loading up with an 8- to 12-ounce fruit shake made with rice protein powder. "It will provide carbs, protein, and vitamins to help fuel your muscles and assist with recovery." Try blending one cup of berries (or mango or kiwi), a half cup of nonfat milk, one scoop of rice protein powder, a spoonful of honey (optional), and one cup of ice. If you're not into drinking your boost, top some whole wheat crackers with low-fat ricotta cheese, 100 percent fruit spread, or hummus. "All these snacks will deliver the energy you need without tyramine," Todd says.
The Trigger: Dehydration
If you have ever forgotten your water bottle on a steamy run, you know that dehydration can easily spark a headache. Why that happens isn't entirely clear, but experts suspect that too little H2O may lower the pressure inside arteries that supply blood to the lining around the brain, called the meninges. "That dip seems to stimulate pain," says neurologist Alexander Mauskop, MD, director of the New York Headache Center.
Know your water weight. An hour before hitting the gym (or bike path or yoga studio), drink at least 8 ounces of water. If you exercise for at least 30 to 45 minutes, down another 8 ounces halfway through your workout, Esco suggests. And when it's hot, say above 90 degrees, and humid, consider taking your workout indoors with the AC on, or wait until the evening, when it's cooler. How to tell for sure that you've replaced enough of the fluid you lost through sweat? Weigh yourself pre- and post-workout, and keep drinking until the scales even out.
The Trigger: Weak Muscles
Running, aerobics, and power walking can sometimes jostle the brain and set off throbbing, especially if your neck muscles are underconditioned. "When worked beyond their capabilities, weaker muscles can spasm," Esco explains, "and that spasm can trigger headache pain."
Focus on your form. This type of ache usually strikes newer exercisers who are still building muscle strength and stability. Targeted neck exercises are key to maintaining proper form, which can help eliminate the jarring of your head and ease pressure on the muscles that stabilize it, Dr. Mauskop says. Try this one, courtesy of Gwen Lawrence, a sports yoga instructor in Westchester, New York: Lie facedown, hands by your sides, palms facing up; lift your head and feet off the ground a few inches and hold for five to 10 breaths, keeping your neck straight and staring down at the mat (locust pose). Do this 3 to 10 times, depending on your fitness level.
The Trigger: Poor Posture
Crunches are supposed to focus on your abs, but incorrect form can shift the stress to your neck, setting off a chain reaction of pain that can eventually morph into a headache. Some experts estimate that up to 75 percent of all tension headaches arise from muscle strain in the neck due to problems with posture. "I see improper technique a lot at the gym, and one of the biggest issues is the way people do crunches," Esco says. "Exercisers tend to cross their arms over their chest, which can severely strain head and neck muscles." If you're unaccustomed to crunches, it's better to place only your fingertips lightly behind your neck and keep your elbows out, in line with your ears. "People also often jut their head forward instead of keeping them parallel to the floor when doing push-ups," he says. Weight machines can be a headache hazard too, especially the lateral shoulder raise, chest press, and seated rowing machines. "People frequently drop their head forward, causing neck strain. They need to keep their neck and back straight," Esco says.
Go "om." Researchers at the University of Rajasthan in Jaipur, India, found that just three months of yoga can reduce the frequency and overall intensity of migraines by half or more. Notes Lawrence, "The skills you build with yoga translate to better form during other exercises as well and will give you more support, and therefore stability, in your neck and skull. The end result is fewer headaches." For added protection, she suggests doing this shoulder roll daily to help keep your spine and neck aligned: In a seated position, arms still and back straight, inhale as you raise your shoulders to your ears. Then exhale as you move your shoulder blades toward your spine, then downward. Do 5 to 10 times (feel free to reverse the movement). If you're headache prone, avoid doing resistance exercises like overhead presses, pull-ups, and pull-downs behind your head. Instead, do them in front, keeping a neutral spine.

What type of allergy do you have?

If the mere thought of spring makes your eyes itch, your nose run, and your chest tighten, join the club. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, up to 50 million Americans are plagued by seasonal allergies every year. But don't run out to the corner drugstore to stockpile tissues, eyedrops, and nasal spray just yet. We found the best traditional and natural remedies to tackle your worst symptoms, plus super easy-to-follow tips from the experts on how to allergy-proof your home. And that's nothing to sneeze at.
Outdoor allergies are triggered by pollen from grass, weeds, and trees, as well as from mold (surprise, it's not just in your bathroom and basement). The three pollen-heavy seasons are mid to late spring (tree pollen), late spring to summer (grass pollen) and late summer (weed pollen, predominantly ragweed). However, these can vary depending on which area of the country you live in, explains Bruce Dobozin, MD, coauthor of Allergies: The Complete Guide to Diagnosis, Treatment, and Daily Management (Plume, 1999). Mold tends to rear its head in the spring, summer and, especially, the fall. Pet dander has the dubious honor of causing both outdoor and indoor allergies year-round.
Indoor allergies are caused by dust mites, mold, cockroaches, and pet dander. Seasonal changes can increase their severity.
Food allergies occur when the immune system has an abnormal response to a particular food. The most common triggers are milk, soy, wheat, seafood, nuts, and eggs. Unfortunately, there's no cure for food allergies -- you just have to be careful to avoid the individual foods and products that contain the allergens.

Effect of Perimenopause on Jogging

Perimenopause is the phase a woman's body typically goes through before menopause. Symptoms may vary and can occur over a number of years, including menstrual irregularity, bone loss and mood changes. With regular exercise, such as aerobic activity like jogging, you can diminish the effects of perimenopause and promote greater health, vitality and general well-being.
Perimenopause and Menopause
Although related, perimenopause and menopause are different phases a woman's body goes through as she ages. Perimenopause is the precursor to menopause, and symptoms typically occur between ages 40 and 50 but may begin much earlier. A woman can experience perimenopause symptoms for a number of years as her body gradually shifts from regular menstruation cycles to infertility, or menopause, according to MayoClinic.com. You have not reached menopause until you've gone at least 12 consecutive months without a menstrual cycle.
Significant changes with menopause that can lead to health problems such as bone and muscle loss, and many of these changes begin during perimenopause due to the gradual decline of estrogen. However, a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise such as jogging can help relieve premenopausal symptoms and prevent health problems typically associated with the onset of menopause.
Aerobic Exercise
Any type of weight-bearing exercise helps build muscle and bone mass and a well-rounded and regular fitness, including aerobic exercise such as jogging, can help reduce many of the other symptoms associated with perimenopause, such as weight gain, moodiness and anxiety. It's important for everyone to incorporate a variety of exercises into their workout routines, but it's especially crucial for women going through perimenopause to include daily aerobic exercise activity such as jogging in their daily schedules. Regular jogging may even help eliminate some perimenopause symptoms, and the National Institute of Aging recommends exercising aerobically at least three times a week.
Bone Loss and Jogging
Jogging can strengthen bones and muscles, which can prevent related injuries and diseases. Bone loss is a major concern for women with perimenopause because there's a direct correlation between estrogen decline and the development of osteoporosis, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Lack of estrogen in the body causes bones to deteriorate much faster than they are able to rebuild, says the clinic. Simultaneously, people over the age of 40 tend to naturally lose bone and muscle mass, according to MayoClinic.com However, weight-bearing exercise such as jogging can considerably improve both bone and muscle strength and health, regardless of your age.
Mood and Jogging
Regular exercise such as jogging can help with other symptoms associated with perimenopause, such as anxiety and depression. Aerobic exercise including jogging provides both psychological and physical benefits and can help improve mood and general health, according to MayoClinic.com. When you jog, your body naturally releases "feel-good" chemicals in the brain such as endorphins, which help to elevate mood and balance mood fluctuations. At the same time, immune system chemicals are reduced that are known to increase depression, says the MayoClinic.com website. Further, jogging can also promote psychological and emotional well-being because it gives women a way to cope with stress and helps them gain more self-confidence.

What are the health benefits of cytidine diphosphate choline?

Cytidine diphosphate choline, also known as citicoline, is a brain chemical that occurs naturally in the human body. In supplement form, the compound has a wide array of medicinal properties that have been confirmed in scientific studies. Most of these health benefits relate to cognition and brain function. Consult with your doctor before embarking on a regimen of self-treatment with cytidine diphosphate choline or any other health supplement.
Hastens Stroke Recovery
In an attempt to determine what, if any, effect supplementation of oral citicoline has on recovery in patients with acute ischemic stroke, a team of Spanish and U.S. doctors undertook a sweeping analysis of data from previous clinical studies. Researchers evaluated data covering 1,372 stroke patients, 789 of whom had received citicoline and 583 who'd been given placebo. In findings published in the November 2002 issue of "Stroke," researchers concluded that treatment with oral citicoline within the first 24 hours after the stroke's onset significantly increases the probability of complete recovery within three months.
Helps Reverse Memory Decline
Psychology researchers at three U.S. universities reviewed experimental evaluations of several compounds marketed as memory-enhancing supplements. Such supplements included citicoline as well as phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylcholine, piracetam, vinpocetine, acetyl-L-carnitine and antioxidants, most notably vitamin E. Although studies on citicoline were limited, researchers reported that one study showed citicoline supplementation produced a sharp improvement in story recall among a study group of normally aging adults who had scored lower than their peers in baseline testing. Researchers published their findings in the November 2003 issue of "Nutrition."
Improves Vision in Patients With Optic Neuropathy
A team of Italian researchers studied the effects of citicoline supplementation on the vision of patients who had been diagnosed with non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy, NION. Researchers assembled a group of 26 patients who were at least six months beyond the initial onset of NION. Researchers divided the study group into two age-similar groups, and all patients underwent baseline testing before the experiment began. One such group of 14 patients was given 1,600 mg of citicoline for 60 days, followed by a wash-out period of 120 days. The other group of 12 patients received no treatment. At the conclusion of the 180 days, the patients receiving citicoline showed improved visual acuity, while those in the control group showed no improvement at all. Researchers reported their findings in a 2008 issue of the "European Journal of Neurology."
Eases Effects of Traumatic Brain Injury
Neurosurgical researchers at Louisiana State University and the University of Wisconsin conducted an animal study to see what, if any, neuroprotective effects that citicoline had in the aftermath of traumatic brain injury. Researchers induced traumatic brain injury in a group of anesthetized laboratory rats. Test animals received intraperitoneal injections of citicoline at doses ranging from 50 to 400 mg per kg of each animal's weight. Although animals receiving doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg showed little, if any, improvement, those getting 400 mg/kg showed significantly decreased brain edema and blood-brain barrier breakdown, secondary injury effects commonly seen after traumatic brain injury. In an article in the March 2000 issue of "Journal of Neurosurgery," researchers concluded that citicoline is an effective neuroprotective agent against some of the secondary injuries after traumatic brain injury.

Cancer Benefits of Gravioloa

Graviola is a tropical fruit-bearing tree native to the Amazon, South America, Southeast Asia and Africa; some of its more common names include custard apple, soursop, guanábana and Brazilian paw paw. Graviola has been used by indigenous peoples in traditional medicine as an astringent, to treat infections and to get rid of parasites for generations. More recent therapeutic claims for graviola include cancer treatment; proponents of graviola encourage the use of the plant as a herbal remedy that kills cancer cells and arrests the growth of aggressive cancerous tumors. However no human trials exist to support this hypothesis at present.
Research
According to Nicholas Oberlies, Ph.D., associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry at the University of North Carolina Greensboro, the leaves, stem, bark and seeds of graviola contain a group of chemicals known as annonaceous acetogenins. These chemicals have demonstrated the ability to curb the growth of normal cancer cells as well as cancer cells that have developed resistance to chemotherapy treatment, known as multi-drug-resistant cancer cells.
Claims
The annonaceous acetogenins present in graviola appear to starve normal cancer cells as well as multi-drug-resistant cancer cell of glucose, according to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Extracts from the plant also appear able to block the access of the cancer cells to adenosine triphosphate, or ATP, the molecule that all cells use to store energy. Therefore graviola may have some effectiveness in the treatment of virulent cancers that no longer respond to chemotherapy medication.
Controversy
Though research into graviola and cancer is definitely promising, to date there are no human trials to support any of these claims. According to Dr. Andrew Weil, M.D., the evidence that graviola kills cancer cells only exists in vitro -- that is to say, in test tubes in laboratories -- and not in people with cancer. Until clinical trials definitively prove the value of graviola to cancer patients, the utility of graviola as a cancer treatment remains a nice idea.
Final Word
The annonaceous acetogenins that graviola contains may help cancer patients, particularly those whose cancers have developed resistance to chemotherapy drugs. However, solid evidence from well designed human trials must occur before graviola can be recommended as a cancer fighting agent. Speak to your doctor or health care practitioner before you supplement graviola if you have cancer.

What to do when you suffer digestion problems?

Many people have long term digestion problems. Digestion problems are inconvenient and can be painful. Long-term digestion problems begin with common physical symptoms like bloating and heartburn. If these symptoms persist without treatment, it may lead to more serious long term digestion difficulties.

Poor Digestion Equals Serious Illness

Typical symptoms of poor digestion are gas, fullness and nausea. Sluggish digestive function reduces the number of enzymes in the stomach available to break food down.  Since the number of enzymes is lower than needed to metabolize food, the body sends enzymes from the immune system to the stomach, leaving the immune system more vulnerable to germs. Over time, without treatment, symptoms of poor digestion can turn into diseases like arthritis and cancer.

Unknown food allergens can affect digestion. One particular illness that is caused by food allergens is called leaky gut syndrome. Leaky gut syndrome occurs when the lining of the intestine loses its ability to block out large molecules. This causes fluid from the intestines to spread throughout the body. Once the fluid is in the blood, it becomes toxic to the body, causing the immune system to attack. Luckily, leaky gut syndrome is a long-term digestion problem that can be avoided.

There are many possible causes to poor digestion. Sleeping below the recommended number of hours each night is a potential reason for a slow metabolism. Adequate rest and relaxation is required for the body to heal itself. Without the time to heal itself, the body's immune system becomes weak and vulnerable.

Eating habits contribute to digestive health as well. Eating healthy is one of the main habits that help people with sluggish digestion. Healthy eating includes consuming mostly water-rich vegetables, fruits and protein from lean meat or vegetarian sources. Replacing processed, sugar-filled foods with whole grain complex carbohydrates promotes good digestive health as well.

Food combining is a concept based on the type of digestive enzymes that digest each food item. These enzymes are acidic or alkaline and they affect the pH balance of the stomach. Eating foods that are acidic with those that are alkaline neutralizes the digestive enzymes in the stomach. This stops digestive function. Food combining has basic rules. The main rule is that food which requires an alkaline environment to be digested should not be combined with food that requires an acidic environment to be digested. In general, acidic foods are animal proteins and alkaline foods are starches, sugars, and fats. Neutral foods are most water-rich vegetables and vegetarian proteins. After learning which foods are acidic, alkaline, or neutral, the process of food combining is pretty simple.  Acidic foods and neutral foods can be eaten together.  Alkaline foods and neutral foods can be eaten together. Fruit is considered a different type of food and should not be combined with any other foods.

Long term digestive problems are prevalent throughout the United States. Even though advertisements of high fat, processed foods propagate society, keeping simple and healthy eating habits can be the deciding factor between temporary bloating and heartburn and a long term digestive disorder.

How to improve your child's digestion?

When stomach upset occurs in small children it can be very unpleasant for both children and parents alike. Sometimes a sore tummy can be symptomatic of a cold or allergies, and you either have to wait it out or, in the case of allergies, consult your health care practitioner. There are times, however, when pain, bloating, belching, or flatulence are the results of poor digestion brought on by poor eating habits.

Proper digestion is important not only to prevent stomach upset, but to create an environment for optimal absorption of vitamins and minerals. Absorption is an important factor in the digestive process. The digestive system performs three critical functions that maintain overall health in the body: digestion, absorption and excretion of waste. When one function is compromised, it adversely affects the other. If the body cannot digest it cannot absorb; if it cannot absorb it cannot excrete. Since childhood is a time of rapid growth, it is essential that the digestive system be able to do everything in which Nature intended.

The best way to prevent stomach upsets in small children is to teach good eating habits from a very young age. These easy to implement eating tips will set the stage for a life-time of good eating habits and help avert uncomfortable tummy aches and pains.

Encourage Children to Chew, Chew, Chew

The digestive process begins in the mouth with the act of chewing. How long a child chews his food can determine how easily the food is digested in the stomach. Throughout the digestive system, different sections secrete different enzymes which help with the proper breakdown of food. The enzyme amylase is released through the salivary glands in the mouth when we chew. Amylase is an essential enzyme in the breakdown of starchy foods into smaller, more absorbable units. Unfortunately, busy little children often gulp down their food, missing this important step of the digestive process which will result in large food particles entering the stomach. When this occurs, a child is more susceptible to experiencing indigestion symptoms. Encourage your children to chew their food well, ideally until each mouthful reaches a paste-like consistency before it is swallowed. With very young children, make a game of it: parents, sing a line of your little one’s favorite song as he chews a biteful, when you reach the end, tell the child to swallow.  

Avoid Processed Foods

Foods high in salt, sugar and saturated fat are harder to digest than whole, natural foods. Well balanced meals with plenty of fibre-rich foods such as fresh fruit, vegetables and whole grains, will move easily through the digestive system because the body is equipped to break down these foods into digestible units. Refined foods, however, upset the natural balance of digestion, often by requiring more enzymes, more hydrochloric acid, more bile, more insulin and more energy to digest, absorb and excrete. This not only exhausts the body and can contribute to future health problems, it also puts incredible strain on the digestive system, resulting in possible pain and discomfort. 

Eat first, Play later

Children should be taught to eat sitting down at a table without toys or distractions, including television and electronic gadgets. This way a child will pay closer attention to his body signals and stop eating before he feels overly full. Overeating will often produce symptoms of indigestion because the digestive system is now required to work harder to breakdown more food. This puts undue stress on the digestive process and creates uncomfortable feelings of fullness, bloating, gas and even pain. Teaching children to pay attention to their food and their bodies will discourage mindless eating and overeating. Engage in pleasant conversation during mealtimes to keep your children stay interested enough to keep still at the table, but conscience enough to be wary of their own body signals.

Drink Less With Meals

The stomach produces two components necessary for the digestive process: hydrochloric acid (HCI) and the enzyme pepsin. Hydrochloric acid stimulates the churning process that will turn food particles in the stomach into a liquid called chyme before it enters the small intestines and becomes absorbed into the bloodstream. Pepsin is an enzyme necessary for the breakdown of proteins. Drinking large quantities of water, or other liquids, while we eat can dilute both of these stomach juices and compromise the digestive process. Low levels of hydrochloric acid can cause stomach aches in small children as the stomach struggles to churn.  Large particles of protein also struggle to become absorbed into the bloodstream causing discomfort to a small child.  Encourage children to take small sips of liquids with their meals for optimal digestion.

Healthy Minds, Healthy Stomachs

Often referred to the body’s second brain, the enteric nervous system manages every aspect of digestion, from the esophagus to the stomach, intestines and colon. Like the central nervous system, the enteric nervous system also contains a complex network of neural circuitry, neurotransmitters and proteins, governed by our emotions. It is no surprise that there is a direct relationship between emotional stress and physical distress. When we are feeling sad, anxious or excited, our digestion system is unable to effectively digest, absorb and excrete, which can lead to abdominal discomfort.  Children, like adults, can also feel stress, thereby compromising their digestive system. When we help children deal with their emotions in a positive manner, we not only help their psychological state of mind, we create an environment for optimal digestion.

Exercise Does a Tummy Good

Food, exercise and digestion are closely related. Accelerating our breathing and heart rate, helps our intestinal muscles contract which assists in quick, fluid and efficient bowel movements. Infrequent bowel movements, can lead to stomach upset in young children. Besides the many other physiological and emotional benefits of exercise, children need to participate in active play every day to aid the digestive process. Run, skip, jump or dance, do whatever it takes to get the kids off the couch for at least a few minutes, several times a day.

Good Habits Start Young

We carry many of our childhood habits into adulthood. Teaching children good eating habits will not only help impede upset tummies, it will also set them on the path to a healthier lifestyle. Any prolonged abdominal pain or discomfort in your children, however, should be brought to the attention of your health care practitioner. What may appear to be a bad case of indigestion could be the symptom of a more serious health concern. Trust your instinct and do what is best for your individual child.

8 Tips to Heal Child Constipation

There’s a lot of confusion about what “regular” means.  That’s because different specialists will cite different norms for what is considered normal or healthy when it comes to children’s bowel movements. And although you may hear that famous quote that “everybody’s different” it is still not normal or healthy for children to be going to the bathroom less than once a day. If this happens frequently your child is suffering from constipation.

However it is not just frequency that needs to be considered when evaluating constipation. The consistency and ease or pain with which a child passes stools also factors in. If stools are very hard and are painful to pass, they indicate constipation.

Is it Really a Problem?

Constipation is more than just uncomfortable, it also leads to health problems. Because fecal matter is the “waste” that is created from the breakdown of food, it should leave the body in a reasonable amount of time. Less than 24 hours is considered reasonable, although with children it can be as little as 8-12 hours. If waste lingers in the body for too long, it can create an unhealthy environment in which purification and fermentation take place. 

Some Causes of constipation:

• Dehydration
• Low-fiber and low-nutrient diet
• Food Allergies
• Unhealthy colon
• Inactivity

What to do?

As a parent, if you notice constipation it is important to take action right away.  Waiting for the problem to clear up on its own will only aggravate the situation.  In order to solve the problem of constipation you must look at both factors that support healthy bowel movements as well as supporting the mechanical functioning of the bowels. The following are the top recommendations to remedy the issue in children.

Water

Although we all know we are supposed to drink more water sometimes to is difficult to get kids to drink as much as they should.  Water helps to keep stools soft so that they are passed easily. Without adequate water stools become hard and can be painful to eliminate.

Fiber

Fiber is another element that is key to healthy stools. Both insoluble and soluble fiber are important to healthy stool formation. Ensure your children are eating ample amounts of whole grains as well as fruits and vegetables such as apples, pears, carrots and greens.

If your child is a picky eater consider making fruit smoothies to get in ample fiber every morning. Lunches can include whole grain bread or crackers and dinners should always include at least 2 high fiber vegetables. And always ensure that adequate water is considered when increasing fiber otherwise constipation issues could get worse.

Probiotics

These good bacteria help to ensure that proper stools are formed. Good bacteria help to prepare stools to be eliminated by working on the last stages of digestion. Give your child a dose of probiotics regularly to protect the health of their colon.

EFAs

These essential fats are key to keeping your child’s colon lubricated. A well lubricated colon will function properly and therefore will allow for proper peristalsis – the rhythmic muscular contractions that help to move waste through the digestive canal.

Remove Food Allergies

Food allergies are often connected to constipation. It is important to remove all offensive foods from your child’s diet. You may want to try an elimination diet to uncover which foods your child is sensitive to.

Exercise

Exercise is an often overlooked factor in the problem of constipation. Exercise will help to get all the bodies fluids and channels moving, including the elimination canal. Any aerobic activity, particularly rebounding or jumping will do the trick.

Abdominal Massage

With small children abdominal massage can be a handy tool. Gently massage the area of the abdomen – moving in a clockwise direction – to help stimulate the bowels. This in combination with the above techniques can be very effective. 

How to protect your kids from diarrhea

At some point in your young child’s life they will probably develop diarrhea. This protective mechanism results from their body’s attempt to expel a pathogen or substance that has caused them irritation or an upset of sorts. Diarrhea can range from being a minor irritation to being a life-threatening condition. It all depends on how long it lasts and how much water the body loses.

As a parent it is important to gauge the seriousness of the diarrhea and to react accordingly. If your child’s issue with diarrhea is prolonged or extreme – meaning that they are on the verge of dehydration – consult your doctor immediately. If the diarrhea has just begun or is not extreme, it is wise to attempt some time-proven strategies.

Strategies to Implement:

Eliminate offender

If a substance such as a food allergen or a bad food has caused your child’s diarrhea, it is important to identify and remove that food from your child’s diet as soon as possible. Eliminating the offender may not stop the diarrhea immediately but it would certainly help the body to return to balance faster.

If diarrhea is a fairly regular occurrence keeping an ongoing food diary can help to pinpoint the culprit.

Stay hydrated

Diarrhea by virtue of its definition is a watery stool. Therefore with every episode, more and more water is being lost from the body. The danger with this is that it can lead to dehydration, which is a very serious concern.

In order to avoid this potentially fatal consequence, ensure your child stays hydrated by offering a continuous supply of fluids. If drinking water becomes arduous, consider offering soup or smoothies or vegetable juices.

Commercial sports drinks are unnecessary and often unhealthy due to their high sugar content and artificial coloring. Instead to boost electrolyte content you can add a ¼ teaspoon of salt and 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of sugar to water to create your own homemade version.

Foods to Help Bind

Certain foods have been used throughout the millennia to help “plug” or hinder the intestinal tract from eliminating too quickly. In some cases these same foods can be constipating for very sensitive individuals.  Foods that can help to slow down diarrhea include bananas, brown rice and apples or applesauce. Toast, potatoes and pasta can also help if your child doesn’t like any of the above.

If you are still breastfeeding your baby or child continue to do so as the protective elements in breast milk will help to support recovery from the pathogenic attack. If you are feeding using a combination of breast milk and formula, increase the amount of breast milk and decrease the amount of formula given during this time.

It is also wise to avoid dairy and apple juice during times of diarrhea as they can contribute to intestinal upset.

Probiotics

Probiotics are essential for healthy bowel function. Whenever diarrhea occurs it indicates that our bowels are not in a healthy state. Adding high-dose multi-spectrum probiotics through supplements can help to alleviate diarrhea that is caused by a pathogenic bacteria that has entered the body. A good example of this is what is known as traveler’s diarrhea.

Certain foods have probiotics in them, however these foods will not be therapeutic enough or fast enough to remedy the problem. Quality brand probiotics will often have a children’s formula that you can administer to your child. 

By following these protective strategies you can help ensure that your child recovers as quickly as possible from an episode of diarrhea.

Respiratory Allergies and Food Intake

Respiratory allergies and food intake can be related. Actually, any food can cause a food allergy in any given individual. However, there are only a few foods that account for 90% of allergic reactions to food. Those foods include, milk, eggs, peanuts, nuts from trees, fish, shellfish, soya and wheat. Food alergies are far more serious than the seasonal allergies that afflict so many of us. Knowing what a food allergy are and how to treat the symptoms of an attack is essential for anyone who care for children.

Testing for Food Related Breathing Difficulties

Food allergies occur when the immune system produces antibodies to a food allergen because the body thinks the substance is dangerous and unsafe. Histamine is then released in the person's system and the following respiratory symptoms can occur: tightness in the throat, hoarse voice, coughing, and wheezing. The most serious reaction is called anaphylaxis. This sudden response to a food allergen includes several respiratory reactions occurring at once. Breathing tubes can narrow and the tongue can swell making breathing very difficult. If one suspects a food allergy, the only way to know for sure is to have allergy tests performed by an allergy doctor.

A diagnosis of food allergies begins with an examination by a doctor. The doctor will inquire if food allergies run in the family, as many studies show that food allergies may be hereditary. The doctor may also require the patient to keep a detailed log of all foods eaten and the reactions to those foods.

From there, the doctor may try an elimination diet. This diet lasts for 10 to 14 days. Foods that are suspect for allergies are eliminated from the diet. If symptoms disappear, then there is a good chance that there is an allergy to that food. If the symptoms reappear after the food is reintroduced then the results are even more definitive.

The Oral Food Allergy Challenge is another test that looks for correlations between respiratory allergies and food intake. This test requires the patient to eat increasing amounts of a suspect food and a non-suspect food. If there are reactions to only the suspect foods, then the doctor will usually diagnose a food allergy.

Many, however, choose allergy testing. This test requires a number of allergens to be introduced to the body by pricking the skin with a push pin type instrument with the allergen on the tip. If the skin reacts with a raised and itchy spot, then the patient is allergic to that allergen. This test is generally safe, but severe and dangerous reactions can occur if the patient is extremely allergic to the allergen. This test can also produce false positives.

A blood test can also be done to determine whether or not a person is allergic to some foods. The ELISA, or enzyme linked immunosorbent assay test, determines if immunoglobulin E antibodies are being produced to particular allergens. The blood is collected and then sent to a lab and tested to see how it reacts to certain food. If immunoglobulin E, is high, then the test is positive for that particular food. The ELISA test is considered to be the most accurate of all tests.

Food allergies can be uncomfortable and sometimes life threatening. Testing for food allergies can give a patient the knowledge he or she needs to determine a course of treatment.

How to avoid cat allergies?

Cats are furry, fluffy and so cute. But what do you do if your cat makes you sick? Well, common sense would dictate that if something makes you sick, you should stay away from it. But people don't always use their common sense when it comes to their pets. An estimated 6 million Americans are allergic to cats. Symptoms of a cat allergy include coughing, wheezing, hives or rash on the face and chest, runny or stuffy nose, and red, itchy eyes. There may also be redness in the area where a cat bites, scratches, or licks you. A cat's fur is not the source of the allergy. The allergens are a result of the proteins in the cat's saliva, urine, and in the dander, which are the dry skin flakes that the cat sheds. No one wants to give up a beloved pet, so luckily there are things you can do so that you and your cat can live together.
Minimize Cat Dander

If you have a cat, diligence and perseverance is required in order for the amount of dander in the home to be minimized. Regular cleaning is the key. The following cleaning and cat care tips should significantly cut down on amount of allergens in the home and help reduce cat danger allergies.

Wipe down smooth surfaces regularly.
Vacuum frequently and use a vacuum with a HEPA filter. These filters drastically cut down the amount of dust, pollens and cat dander blown out into the air from the vacuum.
Restrict your cat's access to certain areas of the home. There should be "allergy free" zones such as bedrooms.
Rooms with hardwood floors will contain fewer allergens, and these floors can be cleaned very easily.
Train cats not to climb or rest on upholstered furniture.
Brush your cat regularly. This will keep loose fur from getting in the air. It is also a good idea to let someone who is not allergic to do the brushing outside.
Clean the litter box thoroughly and frequently. Proteins from urine are found here.
Keep your cat's skin healthy. Feed quality foods, and if your cat's skin appears dry, consult with your vet about feeding the cat a supplement.
Install HEPA filters in your air returns. These filter our more cat allergens than the regular kind.
Bathe your cat once a month. Most cats do not like water, but it still may be advantageous to bathe the cat. A bath will remove dander from the cat's skin and fur. Be sure to use a shampoo specially formulated for cats.
Wash your cat's bedding. Use water with a temperature of at least 140 degrees.
A vapor steam cleaner is recommended for cleaning surfaces in the home. It is chemical free and steam kills bacteria on contact.
To filter out allergens from the air, use an air purifier at least 4 hours per day.
Wash your hands after petting the cat or handling its toys.
In many cases, cats are more than just pets. They are companions and friends. With a little work, having a cat in the home with an allergic person can work. The cat and the cat owner are sure to think it's worth the extra effort.

The Food Allergies these Days

Unusual food allergies are popping up everywhere these days. While food allergies appear to be on the rise, it is quite possible that they have always been this prevalent and are being detected far more accurately now than they once were. In particular, there is more known about symptoms of unusual food allergies.

Unusual Food Allergies

There is a rise in the detection and identification of allergies to very common foods. One example of these is the rise in wheat, or more specifically, gluten allergies. The symptoms of this, as with other strange food allergies, are varied and can be extreme. These symptoms can include chronic indigestion, acid reflux, eczema, edema, skin rashes, insomnia, headaches, and inability to feel full. Other symptoms that people rarely recognize as being related to food allergies are behavioral in nature.

There are many children that are misdiagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), or even Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), when in fact they are suffering from an allergic reaction to food. Once the food culprit is identified and removed from the child's diet, family and teachers often report that it is like being around a completely different child. These reactions can occur from ingesting things such as dairy milk, sugar, honeydew melon, yeast, or even pineapple. Although it appears on the surface that such items could be easily avoided, that is not necessarily the case. Upon reading the nutritional information labels on packaged foods, many parents are surprised to find out just how many items contain these allergens. Meat allergies prove to be incredibly complex. Some have noticed that while the meat itself may not be causing the problem, one of the many additives that are used with meat is to blame.

When cutting a specific item out of the diet, it is necessary to make sure that it is completely excluded in order for all of the symptoms of allergic reaction to disappear. Being allergic to dairy means cutting out all dairy products, even cheese and yogurt. Some rare food allergies may require a highly specialized diet in order to properly control them. Strange food allergies can prove to be a lifestyle changing condition. Food allergies do not go away or lessen with time in most cases, though some children can "outgrow" certain food allergies. In fact, adult food allergies may even become worse over the course of a lifetime.

At one time, it was extremely uncommon for someone to be severely allergic to particular foods. What was once considered strange food allergies are no longer viewed as being out of the ordinary at all. Having a peanut allergy was, for a long time, almost unheard of. Many schools have now opted to be peanut-free zones because of the rising number of children that are severely allergic to peanuts and peanut products. Foods that are processed in the same facilities with peanuts may provide just enough of the allergen to set off a very serious reaction, one that could even result in death. Peanuts are not the only items getting this reaction; they are merely popular examples. What is behind the rise in food allergies is unclear. One thing that is very clear is that everyone needs to have a heightened awareness about the growing problem and how it can affect each individual person.

How to deal with child food sensitivity?

In any discussion of common childhood food allergies, peanuts are sure spring to mind as the worst offender. However, kid food allergies can include a whole array of things such as milk, soy, tree nuts, eggs, shellfish, even strawberries. While experts advise us to expose children to a wide range of healthy foods to expand their palates and even prevent allergies, there is always the chance of an unexpected and adverse reaction, especially today when so many children suffer from nut allergies, gluten allergies, dairy or milk allergies and citrus allergies.

 How is an Allergy Different than a Sensitivity

The good news, according to The Journal of the American Medical Association, is that only 8% of kids have true food allergies. So how is an allergy different than a sensitivity? A true allergic reaction involves a response from the immune system and happens within a few minutes to an hour of eating a particular food. In extreme cases, even touching or smelling the food can cause a reaction.

The immune system perceives the food as harmful and launches an attack by releasing histamine, almost like the body’s own little chemical weapon.   Histamine causes inflammation, which then causes symptoms like itching, hives, wheezing, and in the worst case scenario, anaphylaxis, causing the airway to restrict.  Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening. If your child has trouble breathing for any reason, you should seek immediate medical attention.

Difference Between Food Sensitivity and Food Allergy

A food sensitivity or food intolerance, on the other hand, may be more difficult to diagnose. Some parents might assume that any adverse reaction to food can be ascribed to kid food allergies. But if your child complains of a tummy ache a few hours after eating a banana split, it’s not time to start throwing out the bananas and milk. It’s probably not an allergic reaction. It’s more likely a one-time occurrence and nothing to worry about.

However, when a person consistently has an unpleasant reaction to the same food, it may  be a food sensitivity or intolerance.  The reaction doesn’t involve the child's immune system, but more often manifests itself as nausea, acid reflux, diarrhea or just plain feeling unwell. Common food sensitivities are dairy, gluten and preservatives or additives.

What to Do If Your Child's Food Sensitivity is Consistent

If you suspect your child is having a negative reaction to any sort of food, it’s important to talk to a doctor. While some parents find it helpful to test the allergy by eliminating certain foods, The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network does not recommend removing a food from your child’s diet without first seeking medical advice.

The only way to know for sure whether your son or daughter is suffering from common childhood food allergies, a food sensitivity or something else is to consult with your child’s pediatrician. Your pediatrician can also help you find an pediatric allergy specialist if it is warranted. They will help you with specific tests and tools to figure out exactly what is bothering your child and why.

Thankfully, parents, caregivers and teachers are becoming much more aware of kid food allergies and can work together to manage them successfully.

Interconnection of Probiotics and Children's Heart

For most of the twentieth century, antibiotics were hailed as innovative wonder drugs that would save humanity from bacterial diseases and infections. In the twenty-first century, something equally powerful has been discovered that can affect the human body: probiotics.

Probiotics are live bacteria, like lactic acid bacteria or bifidobacteria, that live in our stomachs and can give great health benefits when they are present in sufficient numbers. Probiotics can be obtained through foods like yogurt, buttermilk, and sauerkraut. Though it seems like the health benefits of probiotics should affect mainly our stomachs and digestive tracts, researchers have found that probiotics actually have a much more widespread effect on the body. The relationship between probiotics and heart disease in children, for example, has recently come to light.
Children Who Receive More Antibiotics Need Probiotic Replacement

Probiotics can have a myriad of health benefits, starting in the stomach and radiating outwards. They aid in the digestion of both lactose and carbohydrates, helping the body to use them more effectively. Probiotics also help the body to manufacture B vitamins, improving memory and heart function. They stimulate the immune system to fight off infections, as well as maintaining the yeast balance in the body, preventing other infections. Some doctors have even begun encouraging parents to give their children doses of probiotics when they first experience cold or flu symptoms so that the probiotics can bolster the immune system to fight off the infection before it becomes widespread.

Doctors will also sometimes recommend probiotics after a course of antibiotics, because these powerful drugs often act to kill all bacteria in the body without making distinctions between those causing infections and those helping our bodies run smoothly. Probiotic foods and supplements work to replace these friendly bacteria.

Studies have recently confirmed that probiotics have even more beneficial effects on the body. In 2008, researchers found that probiotics have general anti-inflammatory properties. They help to reduce C-reactive protein levels, which are an indicator of autoimmune diseases. But they are also becoming more recognized as a risk factor for coronary heart disease, so increasing probiotics could help prevent heart disease. The helpful microorganisms can lower cholesterol levels by breaking it down in the gut and preventing it from entering the bloodstream. These tiny organisms can do much more than just regulate the digestive system—they can regulate the body as a whole.

Children at risk of developing heart disease may also benefit from probiotics. Supplementing a healthy diet with sources of probiotics may help prevent heart disease from becoming a problem later. These links between probiotics and decreased heart disease in children are even more evidence that diet and exercise are the best way to bolster the body against infection and diseases.

Growing up with antibiotics, many of us learned that bacteria always caused infection and disease. Probiotics, though, contradict this old-fashioned idea. These bacteria aid the body in digestion, stopping disease and inflammation, and preventing heart disease. They are a powerful tool to help us keep out bodies functioning smoothly.

Common Genetic Diseases that Affect Women

According to studies involving genetics and life expectancy for women, heart disease is among the most common genetic diseases in the world and the number 1 killer of women. Diabetes is the second leading killer, and both diseases are known for affecting men and women of all races. However, you are in far worse shape if genetically passed diseases are present in your family's medical history. Ensuring that all of your family's known illnesses are within your family medical history records will help out when it comes time for testing.

Common Genetic Diseases that Affect Women

Heart disease affects millions of women around the world, and when it comes to genetics and life expectancy for women, heart disease causes more deaths than any other genetic disease that affects women of age. Diabetes is a risk for everyone, especially those who may lead a risky lifestyle including a diet full of starches and sugars or someone settled in their happy, sedentary lifestyle with the unfortunate luck of winning the genetic mutation lottery. In other words, with heart disease and diabetes around, no one is safe. Both genetic diseases affect women and men of all ethnic backgrounds. Fortunately, both of these diseases respond well to lifestyle changes and medications. If you have a family history of heart disease or diabetes, it is essential to consult with a physician about diet, exercise, and other precautions that will improve your odds of beating these killers.

Sickle cell anemia is a genetic disease that is prone to affect African American women but also affects those of Hispanic descent. It is a blood disorder that affects 1 in every 500 African Americans and 1 in every 2000 (or so) Hispanics. Sickle cell anemia is caused by a genetically inherited mutation of the gene that is responsible for the hemoglobin that carries oxygen derived from the lungs to other tissues and organs within the body..

Genetics and life expectancy for women shows that cystic fibrosis is also one of the leading genetic diseases that affect women. Although cystic fibrosis starts at birth, some people are able to live for very long periods of time without succumbing to death. Unfortunately, this disease is also known to cause repeated lung infections in young children, which can be fatal. Cystic fibrosis is mostly diagnosed at birth, but sometimes symptoms such as the production of dense mucous and other sinus-like symptoms don't manifest until a child is older. Eventually, disability from this disease will occur and will lead to death.

Overall, the genetics and life expectancy for women studies have shown that whatever genetic diseases have been present in your family's past are first in line to show up in your family's future. Studying your family's medical history is the first step towards anticipating genetic disease and increasing the chances of living a long, healthy life.

What is Dementia and What are Dementia Problems

Researchers at the Institute of Public Health at the University of Cambridge have come up with a sobering conclusion: aging adults with dementia problems survive an average of four to six years after onset. Women are believed to live a bit longer than men. Caring for aging adults with dementia problems may not seem the easiest task, but, with a bit of help and know–how, there is still hope for a normal life.

Dementia Care

Dementia is a severe condition, but there is treatment that helps the patient run a normal life. Senior dementia causes mood and personality changes, which can make the patient difficult and hard to coexist with. For that reason, anti psychotic medication is normally used to treat dementia.

Aging adults with dementia problems are emotionally vulnerable and have a tendency to neglect the daily activities that seem natural to a healthy person. Helping them to accomplish everyday tasks such as washing, eating or getting dressed must be performed with attention and delicacy. Do not treat their dementia like a disgusting condition that is ruining your own life, although it is normal to feel this way sometimes. Try and put yourself in the ill person's shoes. Imagine their confusion, fear, and anxiety. Try and take time to relax and center yourself before caring for someone with dementia. Once you are calm, you will project a sense of security to the patient.

One of the greatest demetia challenges is bathing. Dementia sufferers or not, people consider washing habits to personal and very private activities. Respect that when it comes to helping an elderly person clean up his or her body, and you won't risk getting into a quarrel or hurting them.

You need to draw on all your reserves to offer your support in keeping an old person with dementia comfortable and healthy. Caring for an elderly parent or relative taxes physical, mental, and emotional limits in a way that few other activities can. Be sure to prepare yourself before attempting this important and compassionate task.

Here are some ideas:

• Be supportive, affectionate and always ready to distract your elder
• Treat people with dementia with respect and dignity
• Work with your elders' sense of purpose: give them things to do if they feel like helping out or having an activity of their own
• The sooner dementia is detected, the better the treatment options. Explain this to your loved one and convince him or her to take proper medication
• Limit the number of frustrating situations
• Mind your own health as well
• Do not hesitate to contact a specialist if things are getting out of hand. He will further instruct you how to treat dementia.

Why do we feel axious?

Common Factors 
Anxiety is a "state of uneasiness and apprehension." It can further be explained as excessive worry about events, situations and the future. Everyone has anxious feelings at one time or another, but those who suffer from anxiety on a daily basis are diagnosed with GAD, or Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
Reasons Women Suffer From Anxiety
GAD sufferers worry constantly about work, family, school, health issues and money. They often ask themselves, "why do I feel anxious?" and have no good answer. Daily life is a constant cycle of fear. People with GAD have feelings of anxiety that interfere with their thinking, social lives, work and school. Approximately 4 million of Americans experience GAD during the course of a year. Feelings of anxiety usually manifest themselves in childhood or early adolescence. They can, however, begin in adulthood. Women are twice as likely to suffer from anxiety as men.
Common Symptoms of Anxiety:

• Worry and tension that is unreasonable
• Unrealistic views of problems
• Feeling restless or on edge
• Often have a feeling of irritability

Physical Symptoms of Anxiety:

• Tense muscles
• Headaches
• Sweating
• Nausea
• Frequent visits to the bathroom
• Feeling tired
• Trembling
• Sleep problems

There are many reasons women suffer from anxiety. First, genetics may play a role. Research now supports the assumption that anxiety issues are hereditary and passed down through families. Second, a woman's brain chemistry may be predisposed to anxiety because of misfiring neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters move information from nerve cell to nerve cell. If they are out of balance, messages cannot reach the brain. This causes the brain to alter its reactions to events and situations, thus resulting in anxiety. Third, environmental factors such as a death in the family, changing jobs, trauma, and changing schools can all cause anxiety.

Is There Treatment for Anxiety?

Treatment for anxiety includes ruling out any physical illnesses. If nothing is found physically wrong, then cognitive behavioral therapy performed by a mental health professional that specializes in anxiety disorders is recommended. Cognitive behavior therapy believes if you can change the way you think about a present situation, then you can change the emotions associated with that situation.

The more severe symptoms of anxiety can be treated with the family of medications known as benzodiazepines. Known as tranquilizers, these medications leave one feeling calm and relaxed. Xanex, Librium, Valium and Ativan are some of the more common benzodiazepines. Often antidepressants such as Paxil, Prozac or Zoloft are prescribed for long-term treatment.

Is There a Cure for Anxiety?

Unfortunately there is no cure, but certain precautions can be taken to prevent anxiety or control the symptoms. Diet plays a large role in prevention. Excluding caffeine and chocolate from the diet is recommended. Daily exercise and eating a healthy, well-balanced diet is advised. However, stress management is just as important as diet and exercise. Last, getting help if you need it after a trauma or extremely stressful event is imperative.

The symptoms of anxiety can range from mild to debilitating. There is no cure, but there are steps you can take to control and even prevent anxiety. Medications, therapy, diet and exercise can allow one to master and even conquer anxiety.

How to Treat Cold Naturally?

Chicken Soup May Be the Answer

Having a cold is miserable. No one likes suffering what seems to be a yearly winter ritual as the latest cold bug makes the rounds. Until someone finds a cure from the common cold, we're stuck with stuffy noses and chest-rattling coughs. Fortunately, natural cold treatment is often as effective as over the counter medications, and surprisingly, grandma had it right in a lot of ways.

Natural Ways to Care for a Cold

The age old cold cure, chicken soup isn't that far off the mark. Mom's steamy bowl of warm broth, meat, and vegetables is actually a great way to help reduce the symptoms of a cold. A steaming bowl of soup helps to loosen mucous and clear out nasal passages. The warm liquid soothes an irritated throat and can reduce inflammation. Best of all, the nutrients commonly found in a good chicken soup include antioxidants, protein, and minerals that can help strengthen your body as it fights off a cold virus.

Of course, chicken soup can't really cure a cold. Sadly, there isn't anything yet known to humankind that can do that. However, there are plenty of ways to reduce cold symptoms and make a cold victim more comfortable.

If congestion is an issue, moist heat is the best treatment. A hot shower or a steaming cup of tea will loosen mucous and ease inflamed bronchial tubes.
Coughing can be eased with a spoonful of honey. This is a good treatment for young children over 1 year of age that shouldn't take cold medicine.
Use a cool mist humidifier, especially at night, to ease coughing and congestion.
Treat a sore throat by gargling with a cup of warm water with 1 teaspoon of salt dissolved in it 2 to 3 times a day.
Vitamin C can't cure or prevent a cold, but studies show it may shorten the duration of a cold, so try taking a supplement and eating foods high in vitamin C.
In general, your body will combat any sickness more effectively if it is healthy before the infection. Perhaps the best defense against a cold is to eat a wide variety of healthy foods that are mostly plant based. Regular exercise will also result in a strong cardio-vascular system which means a respiratory infection may be less severe. It goes without saying that plenty of hand washing will help prevent colds and protect others if you are infected.

Hydration is essential to combating colds or most other illnesses. Although regular fluid intake is important in general, it can be a vital element in combating a cold. Aim for eight 10 ounce glasses of fluid each day. Water is the best fluid for the body, but juice, sports drinks and herbal tea are also good choices in moderation. Avoid drinks like cola and coffee that are high in caffeine because they will hamper your ability to rest and act as a diuretic that will make you have to go to the bathroom more often and can lead to dehydration. Of course, grandma's chicken soup is not only a great fluid for treating colds, but a great way to lift your spirits too.

Online Cold Medicine Tips

It's easy to reach for cold medicine when you aren't feeling well, and, generally speaking, there isn't any reason why a healthy adult shouldn't. However, there are some medicines that should only be used for a short time and others that are not appropriate for certain people.

Cold Medicine 101

There has been a lot of press about cold medicine over the past few years. Some doctors have come out saying that cold medicine is not only unhelpful, it can even be harmful. However, the majority of medical professionals still feel that the right medications can be helpful in treating cold symptoms.

In general, problems with cold medicines come in two areas: accidental overdose and previous health conditions. Many people choose combination cold medicines because they are convenient and treat a wide array of symptoms. However, combinations medicines can be dangerous because people often don't realize what drugs the medicines contain and may double dose themselves by taking more than one type of medicine.

Another common problem associated with cold medicines occurs when a person has a previous medical condition and takes a cold medication that aggravates that condition. People with asthma, certain allergies, high blood pressure, heart disease or who are pregnant or take certain prescription medications should be especially careful when taking cold medicines. If you suffer from any pre-existing medical condition, ask your doctor for a list of safe medications.

In general, the following tips can help in the proper use of over the counter cold medicines. If you have any doubts about whether or not a medication is right for you, consult your doctor or a pharmacist.

Treat only the symptoms that are present. If you have congestion but no cough, don't take a combination runny nose/cough medicine.
Carefully follow the dosage instructions on a medication and know what is in it.
People with asthma should avoid medications that contain antihistamines because they thicken mucous secretions and can cause difficulty breathing.
People with uncontrolled high blood pressure should avoid decongestants or take medications designed specifically for those with high blood pressure.
Nasal sprays can actually increase congestion if used for more than three consecutive days. Non-medicated saline sprays are a good alternative.
Many doctors feel cough medicines are ineffective and should be avoided. If you have a serious cough, contact your doctor for a medical opinion.
Cold Medicine for Kids

In 2007, the FDA released a statement recommending that cold medicines not be used in children under the age of 6. The age has recently been reduced to 4, but it's best to consult a pediatrician before administering cold medicine to young children. As with adults, many of the problems with children's cold medicine arose because of combination medicines. Parents often didn't realize that a cold medicine contained a fever reducer like acetaminophen or ibuprofen and gave their children a second dose of those medicines. These overdoses resulted in dangerous medical complications and even deaths. While it is tempting to give cold medicine to an uncomfortable child, you should always consult a pediatrician first. Often, a doctor will okay the use of medication but may have specific guidelines or suggestions for your child.

Flue and the Flue shots

 With all the controversy over flu shots and other vaccines, many moms are asking, "who should get flu shots?" The answer is, almost everybody. Flu shots are an important safety measure for entire communities. Although there are some exceptions, just about everyone should get an annual flu vaccine.

Flu Shots Save Lives

Although the flu may not seem very worrisome, it is the sixth leading cause of death in American adults. While there are plenty of diseases that seem more deadly, there is no other potentially lethal virus that the average person in the developed world is more likely to be exposed to than influenza A or B. The truth is, influenza kills about 36,000 people a year and causes another 114,000 to be hospitalized. While skipping an annual flu shot may not be much of a risk for a healthy adult, it puts more vulnerable people around her at risk should she contract influenza.

A flu shot is not just a personal protection. Ideally, flu shots administered to healthy people protect the most vulnerable citizens in the community that can’t be vaccinated. By keeping the majority of the population flu-free, those who are more likely to be severely affected by the flu are less likely to get it.

Flu shots are 70-90% effective in granting immunity to influenza. The actual rate of immunity varies from year to year because the influenza virus is constantly mutating and doctors and scientists must make an educated guess of what strains to include in yearly vaccines. This is why it is important to get a flu shot every year instead of just once or twice in a lifetime.

Who Should Get a Flu Shot?

• Flu shots are recommended for the vast majority of the general populous. The CDC designates the following people as candidates for a yearly flu vaccine.
• Healthy children 6 months old or older.
• Adults, including those over age 65.
• Pregnant women
• People with medical conditions including asthma, heart disease, chronic lung disease, kidney disease, and weakened immune systems including those with HIV or AIDS.

Who Shouldn't Get a Flu Shot?

There is a limited population of people that should not get a flu shot. Because these people can't get vaccinated, it's even more essential that those who can do. That way, those who aren't protected have less risk of getting the flu. People who shouldn't get a flu shot include:

• People with allergies to eggs.
• People who have had a severe reactions to a flu shot in the past.
• People who developed Guillian-Barré syndrome within 6 months of getting a flu shot.
• Children under 6 months of age.
• People experiencing an illness accompanied by fever should wait until their symptoms are resolved before getting a flu shot.
• Ultimately, flu shots are not just important for personal health, but for the health of everyone around us. We have a responsibility to get vaccinated if we are able in order to protect those people around us who can't get a flu shot. Make an annual flu shot a fall ritual to keep you and your family healthy.